No. 2 Cadillac V-Series.R finishes fourth after early setback in the Qatar 1812 Km

LUSAIL, Qatar (March 2, 2024) – Following a setback at the start of the season-opening FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) season, the No. 2 Cadillac V-Series.R team recovered to finish fourth Saturday in the Qatar Airways Qatar 1812 Km. Deft driving, quick pit stops, and solid strategy contributed to the hybrid Cadillac beginning its second WEC season with a pocketful of positives, including knowledge that its LMDh platform will be a consistent contender in the highly competitive class over the eight-race calendar.

The No. 2 Cadillac V-Series.R, which finished ahead of the Toyota and Ferrari entries that combined to win the seven races in 2023, topped the time sheet in one of the three free practices and was the lone Hypercar entry in the top four of each session leading into qualifications. “We worked hard in the offseason and there were a lot of gains on both the GM side and the Chip Ganassi Racing team,” said Mark Stielow, GM director of motorsports engineering competition. “It’s our second year together and already we can see a cohesive team effort. It’s not the result we hope for, but the car is showing promise, good speed and I’m looking forward to the rest of the season. I think we have a good package.” The No. 2 Cadillac V-Series.R qualified fifth and placed fourth at Sebring International Raceway in its 2023 WEC debut race. Alex Lynn, Earl Bamber and Sebastien Bourdais maximized opportunities against 18 Hypercar competitors and 18 LMGTE entries throughout the 10-hour race on the 5.148-kilometer (3.37-mile), 16-turn Lusail International Circuit after contact in Turn 1 of Lap 1 dropped the No. 2 Cadillac V-Series.R from its starting spot of seventh to 15th. The incident necessitated a nose assembly change on the Lap 33 first pit stop. Lynn was able to pick up the pace in his next stint, matching the lead pack in lap times, despite a damaged wing assembly that was swapped out on the ensuing service stop on Lap 67. Lynn kept the Cadillac in the top five as the sun faded over the peninsula, with Bourdais then getting four fresh Michelins and full energy replacement on Lap 269. The four-time IndyCar champion made the final service stop on Lap 302 and closed out the 335-lap race under the bright lights.

The No. 6 Porsche, which qualified fifth, won the race briefly slowed by a single full-course yellow. Lynn recorded a lap of 1:40.103 – the fastest for the No. 2 Cadillac V-Series.R for the event — in the 10-minute Hyperpole qualifying session for 10 cars that transferred from the 12-minute first stage of qualifying. The next race is April 21 at the Imola Circuit in Italy in the WEC’s first visit since 2011 by its precursor – the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup. Bourdais and Anthony Davidson won the six-hour race, and Bourdais holds the 4.909 km circuit LMP1 race lap record of 1:33.112. What the Cadillac Racing drivers are sayingSebastien Bourdais: “We found ourselves in a hole at the beginning and we played the long game. That was really the plan going into the race. We stuck to the plan and soon we saw that guys were getting away from the 10-stint strategy. And we said if we can stick with it then that could be a really good result, and that’s exactly what happened. Really happy for the team and I had a lot of fun in the car. It’s a cool place to drive and a fun race. (Up next for Bourdais is IMSA race at Sebring): “We have a couple of overdos, so hopefully we can finally put some strong points on the board and get the team the result it deserves.” Alex Lynn: “The start was chaotic. We knew we had good pace in the car this weekend. Considering first race of the year and the way the race started, I think we’ll definitely take the result. It’s our best since Le Mans last year, so pretty good way to start the season.” Earl Bamber: “To start the season here with a fourth place is sort of where we kicked off last season. I think it gives us great momentum. The team did an amazing job and on the strategy they did a solid job to pull us all the way back up. If you would have said at the beginning of the day that we would get a fourth place, I think we would have taken that comfortably. It’s something that we can build on going to Imola and Spa and the rest of the season.”

LUSAIL, Qatar (March 2, 2024) – TF Sport left the season-opening event for the FIA World Endurance Championship with both its Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.Rs combining to score points in what will be an extremely tough and deep LMGT3 class throughout the season.The trio of Corvette factory driver Daniel Juncadella plus teammates Sébastien Baud and Hiroshi Koizumi teamed to finish 10th at the close of the Qatar Airways Qatar 1812 Km in the No. 82 Corvette Z06 GT3.R. It was the first race for TF Sport under the Corvette Racing banner, the first race for the trio and the first start as WEC full-season competitors for each of the three drivers. They earned two championship points for their efforts.Koizumi began the race from 11th – after just missing Friday’s Hyperpole session – and had the worst of the traffic among all the TF Sport drivers. He handed over to Baud after a little more than 90 minutes of running. The youngest of the TF Sport driver lineup – at 23 years of age – was immediately on pace with laps that rivaled his more experienced factory teammates. Juncadella had his first laps in WEC competition after three-and-a-half hours and ran 10th to stay in a points-paying position before the driver rotation began cycling through again into dusk. Koizumi drove two stints with his best pace of the race to keep the No. 82 in the points before his drive time was complete. Both Baud and Juncadella recorded solid stints during intense competition in the middle of the 18-car field. That included the pole-sitting No. 81 Corvette of Tom Van Rompuy, Rui Andrade and factory driver Charlie Eastwood, which retired with an electrical issue after 177 laps.  Van Rompuy led from pole position in the No. 81 Corvette Z06 GT3.R for the first 20 minutes before settling in for a solid double-stint to open the race. Each lap provided new data and more experience for the TF Sport team as it continued to learn about the Corvette in race conditions. Teammate Rui Andrade remained in the top-10 just ahead of the 2.5-hour mark when he spun harmlessly but lost time to the pack of GT3 cars we was pursuing. Shortly thereafter, the TF Sport team got its first in-race experience of troubleshooting the Corvette when it had to replace the electronic shifter and lost seven laps in the process. The Corvette ran well when it returned to the track in the hands of Eastwood before the team discovered an issue with an electrical harness, which ended up being a terminal issue. The trio still left Qatar with one championship point due to Van Rompuy’s pole run Friday. The next race for TF Sport in the FIA World Endurance Championship is the Six Hours of Imola on Sunday, April 21. The team will travel to the Italian circuit for testing next week as development of the Corvette Z06 GT3.R continues.

DANI JUNCADELLA, NO. 82 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “I’m not entirely disappointed about the weekend. When we look back, there were zero issues, no reliability issues and no setbacks. We ran a very smooth program. Unfortunately we need to look into improving a little bit the balance for Hiroshi. He struggled in the beginning, and that made our race difficult. There were penalties and some drive-throughs… little things that we need to avoid in the future, but I’m sure we can. All in all it’s a positive start for TF Sport with the Corvette Z06 GT3.R. There is a long way to go in this championship.”

CHARLIE EASTWOOD, NO. 81 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “After the dream start to our WEC campaign with Tom getting pole in the brand new Corvette Z06 GT3.R, unfortunately today didn’t go as planned. We had a great start to the race. Unfortunately after ending up a few laps down, we thought it best – as we’re still new to this brand new car – to make a test out of the race itself. As we came in for a stop after my first stint, we realized that we had a problem with an electrical harness and had to retire the car. It was such a high yesterday, but unfortunately it wasn’t the result we hoped for today. Imola is just around the corner, and I know we will come back strong.”

CONCORD, NC (March 1, 2024) – Nearly 20 years of Micro Sprint experience for TJ Smith has led him to one of the biggest opportunities of his career in 2024.

The 33-year-old from Fresno, CA, will pilot the Mounce/Stout Motorsports, Spike/Stanton No. 14S with support from Jeff Taylor of Rockwell Security and Rick Young of RAMS Racing on the Xtreme Outlaw Midget Series presented by Toyota for his first season following a national Midget tour.

“I can’t say enough about how much gratitude I have to do something like this,” Smith said. “Being a low-budget racer all my life and just racing when I can and where I can, hopping from car-to-car – it’s finally starting to work out that we’re getting more rides and getting to run with these quality teams. It’s awesome to be able to do something like this.”

Smith has evolved into one of the veterans of the Micro Sprint circuit on the West Coast over the past decade, amassing hundreds of Feature wins and several California track and series championships. Most notably, Smith scored the biggest win of his career in taking the checkered in the Outlaw Non-Wing A-Main at the 2023 Tulsa Shootout.

He becomes the fourth driver in the Mounce/Stout lineup on the trail of the Xtreme Outlaw Midget Series in 2024, joining teammates Ashton Torgerson, Jayden Clay and Tyler Edwardsfor the entire 30-race schedule. Armed with the expertise, leadership and resources of team co-owners Jay Mounce and Gavin Stout, Smith is eager to tackle his first national tour.

“I think we have a really good group of guys,” Smith said. “Jay Mounce, obviously, and his crew at Mounce/Stout [Motorsports], being able to run out of their stable – I think they have a lot of knowledge. It just so happened that we all got along really good; everyone clicked really well.”

Smith will also receive support from Taylor and Young during his rookie Midget campaign. Taylor, owner and founder of Kansas City-based Rockwell Security, has been a supporter of up-and-coming talents in motorsports for several years, most notably backing the careers of Logan Seavey, Justin Grant, Ryan Bernal, Nick Hoffman, Zach Daum and various others in their rise to dirt track racing’s upper echelons.

Smith, Mounce and Taylor/Young’s first collaborative effort came at the Chili Bowl Nationals in January, which had been a long time coming.

“Jeff and I have talked about putting something together for probably the last three or four years now,” Smith said. “This year, everything kinda lined up. He put me in touch with Jay and Jay put me in touch back-and-forth with Jeff and we all kinda met in the middle and decided to make something happen.”

Though his Chili Bowl did not get going with the start he was hoping for on Monday night of the weeklong event, Smith was able to rebound on Saturday, appearing in five total lower mains before falling short of a transfer in a G-Main.

His comeback efforts did not go unnoticed, however. Smith’s resilient attributes have stuck with his supporters throughout his career, including Taylor.

“TJ just always stood out,” Taylor said. “Work ethic, salt-of-the-Earth kind of guy, hard racer, a clean racer. I know when he shows up, he’s there to win. That’s what we like to do, and that’s why we picked him to do that.”

While his opportunities to race Midgets outside of Tulsa have generally been sparse, Smith became more involved than ever last year, making four starts with the USAC Western States Midgets. In only his second start, Smith put the flagship Six8 Motorsports No. 68 in Victory Lane at Antioch Speedway, leading flag-to-flag for his first career Midget win – a statement to the Midget world and a sign of his potential.

“We held [Jake] Andreotti off for the last two or three laps; I just had to hit my marks and make sure I knew what I was doing,” Smith said. “Everyone was excited, and we had a lot of congratulations from a lot of people around, so it felt good to know that we were capable of running with those guys.”

Smith’s rookie season aboard the Xtreme Outlaw Midget Series presented by Toyota begins with the season opener at the Southern Illinois Center in Du Quoin, IL – Friday-Saturday, March 15-16.

Tickets for the event will be available at the gate. If you can’t be there to watch in person, stream every lap live on DIRTVision.

Key stakeholder in Sprint Car racing’s hierarchy joins World of Outlaws organizationCONCORD, NC (March 1, 2024) – World Racing Group has finalized the acquisition of the American Sprint Car Series (ASCS) from series founder Emmett Hahn. This is the latest in World Racing Group’s continued efforts and investment to help grow and strengthen Sprint Car racing.

With a goal to protect the future of the sport for drivers and tracks alike, especially for regional events and tracks, the premier 360 Sprint Car series, and its regions, are now under the same roof as series like the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series, World of Outlaws CASE Construction Equipment Late Model Series, Xtreme Outlaw Midget Series presented by Toyota and Super DIRTcar Series.

“The ASCS is vitally important to Sprint Car racing, creating opportunities for tracks to have a big show while giving drivers a chance to compete and develop in regional and national events,” World Racing Group CEO Brian Carter said. “Emmett and his family have created something special, and we all agree how important it is to ensure the success of the ASCS in the larger scope of the sport. At World Racing Group, we have built the infrastructure needed to be in the unique position take on the ASCS as it exists and work with its tracks and competitors to solidify its future.”

The ASCS was founded in 1992 by Hahn with the same mission World Racing Group has today: promoting and growing the sport of Sprint Car racing at all levels for drivers and teams, as well as the tracks and communities they are part of.

“I have known Brian and his World Racing Group team for many years, and I know this is the right fit to take what we’ve built over the past 30-plus years and move it forward in conjunction with the tracks and drivers. They have been the backbone of our national series and regional tours, and I know that World Racing Group is the right home for the ASCS,” said Hahn, a member of the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame. “The ASCS is in great hands for the next several generations of promoters and drivers.”

The first official season was a combination of regional races in 1992. Garry Lee Maier, of Dodge City, KS was the inaugural champion. Then, the series went national in 1993 with I-30 Speedway in Little Rock, AR hosting the first event — won by Mike Ward, of Memphis, TN. John Hunt, of Tulsa, OK, won the Series’ first national championship.

Regional racing is still an important element of ASCS with currently 12 regions, covering 14 states – spanning from Montana to Alabama. Under World Racing Group, those regions will continue to provide opportunities for their tracks and local stars to flourish.

More than 1,300 drivers have competed with ASCS since its inception, including national stars like Jason Johnson, Daryn Pittman, Jason Sides, Tim Crawley, Shane Stewart, Aaron Reutzel, Wayne Johnson, Sam Hafertepe Jr., and Blake Hahn.

The Series continues to be a breeding ground for the next biggest names in Sprint Car racing, such as Jason Martin, of Liberal, KS, who went from ASCS Rookie of the Year in 2022 to Series champion last year.

A more than 40-race tour across 10 states will make up ASCS’ 2024 national championship season. Of those includes the prestigious $20,000-to-win 360 Knoxville Nationals at Knoxville Raceway, Aug. 1-3.

The 2024 ASCS national championship season will commence at RPM Speedway, March 15-16, marking the Series’ inaugural event under the World Racing Group banner.

To watch every national American Sprint Car Series race live, visit DIRTVision.com or download the DIRTVision App.

The Thriller sits fourth in the Series standings after a career-best performance at Volusia Speedway ParkSUMMERTOWN, TN (March 1, 2024) -Exceeding expectations in the first two months of the season has been a weight off Cade Dillard’s shoulders as he looks to keep the success going with the World of Outlaws CASE Construction Equipment Late Models.The Robeline, LA driver started 2024 with a bang – winning at Vado Speedway Park and finishing outside the top-10 only once during five nights at Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals.Historically, Dillard has struggled at Volusia Speedway Park, only having one top five and two top-10 finishes in 32 starts at “The World’s Fastest Half Mile.” But he’s flipped the script this year, starting the 2024 World of Outlaws season with two top 10s at the track during Sunshine Nationals and then his four straight top 10s during DIRTcar Nationals.With that performance, Dillard sits fourth in World of Outlaws CASE Late Models points – 42 points back from Series leader Bobby Pierce – and is now excited for what’s to come.“Everything has started off really good, honestly,” Dillard said. “We were really strong at Vado, getting a win out there. Volusia has never been a track that I was really good at, or ever had speed at and struggled. I felt like we would leave Florida way behind in points, but we had really good racing in January and February. Got a couple of podiums, had great speed, and got to lead some laps in the finale, which was cool. All in all, I’m excited for how this year is going to go because of the start we’ve had. Getting to leave Florida with good points feels better than digging myself out of a hole to start.”Piloting his first full season in a Longhorn Chassis, Dillard said he feels fortunate to have been able to work closely with the Longhorn team to build up his program and understand more about setting up his car for races.“I’ve been fortunate enough over the years to be able to race as much as I have,” Dillard said. “There’s always something to learn each day and that’s what makes you get better at it, so more than anything, I got better with how I setup the car. Got a lot of testing in the winter. Longhorn has been really beneficial, and I’ve just learned a whole lot more of that aspect of things with the technology and setups that I’ve devoted a lot more time in that. I believe it’s made myself better and I hope that time is showing.”Up next on the World of Outlaws tour is the Series’ debut at Thunderhill Raceway in Summertown, TN, March 22-23. It’ll also be a new track for the 15-year veteran, who begins his prep by watching past videos and studying his notes from similar tracks to put himself in the ballpark of where he wants the #97 to be on race day.“Naturally, I watch videos of races from the facility,” Dillard said. “I see what it relates to the tracks that I have visited as a starting point, then I rely on the people that go there, and they get me in the ballpark of where I need to be or think about. It’s a pretty quick turnaround from Hot Laps to Qualifying, so you want to have yourself in the ballpark with information about chatting with those that have been there. For the most part, I relate it to where I’ve been and check my notes to see where I can get closer.”Dillard straps in for the World of Outlaws CASE Late Models’ inaugural Summertown Showdown at Thunderhill Raceway, March 22-23. Tickets for the event can be purchased at the track. For more information, visit worldofoutlaws.com/latemodels/schedule.If you can’t make it to the track, you can watch every World of Outlaws CASE Construction Equipment Late Model race live on DIRTVision.

The World of Outlaws CASE Construction Equipment Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including: CASE Construction Equipment (Official Construction Equipment), DIRTVision (Official Live Broadcast Partner), Hoosier Racing Tire (Official Tire), iRacing (Official Online Racing Game), Racing Electronics (Official Radio Supplier), Simpson Performance Products (Preferred Safety Gear Partner), SIS Insurance (Official Insurance Provider), Toyota (Official Vehicle), and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel). Contingency sponsors include: Arizona Sport Shirts/Gotta Race, ARP (Automotive Racing Products), Cometic Gasket, COMP Cams, Evolve Transporters, Fox Factory (Hard Charger Award), MD3, MSD, Penske Racing Shocks, Quarter Master, Swift Springs, and Wieland Metal Services (Exclusive Racing Aluminum); along with manufacturer sponsors, including, Behrent’s Performance Warehouse, Bilstein, Capital Race Cars, Dirt King Simulators, FAST 1 Speed Shop, FIREBULL, Gorsuch Performance, Integra Shocks, Intercomp, Reliable Painting, Rocket Chassis, and Sea Foam.Founded in 1978, the World of Outlaws®, based in Concord, NC, is the premier national touring series for dirt track racing in North America, featuring the most powerful cars on dirt, the World of Outlaws NOS® Energy Drink Sprint Car Series and the World of Outlaws Late Model Series. Annually, the two series race nearly 140 times at tracks across the United States and Canada. CBS Sports Network is the official broadcast partner of the World of Outlaws. DIRTVision® also broadcasts World of Outlaws events over the Internet to fans around the world. Learn more about the World of Outlaws.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (March 1, 2024) – Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, is excited to confirm that Motion Pro will return as the series’ Official Tool for the 2024 season.  Motion Pro produces some of the most versatile, unique, and durable products in the powersports industry. Its extensive range of professional-grade cables, tools, and controls are simple to use, yet durable enough to withstand the harshest conditions, whether you’re tuning up for the next race or maintaining your ride for endless adventures.  Founded in 1984 by International Six Day Trial (ISDT) gold medalist Chris Carter, Motion Pro’s competition bonafides have only expanded over the years with its extensive support of racing all across the globe, from the grassroots level to its highest levels.  Motion Pro has been an active participant in Progressive American Flat Track for decades, sponsoring countless teams and riders over the years. That tradition continues with its return as an official partner of Progressive American Flat Track after previously serving in the same capacity in 2017, ’18, ’19, ’20, and ‘21.   “At Motion Pro, we are dirt track enthusiasts to the core,” said Carter, owner of Motion Pro Inc. “We have been supporting dirt track efforts throughout our company’s 40-year history and are proud to support another year of flat track through Progressive American Flat Track.”   For more information, visit https://www.motionpro.com.  The 2024 Progressive American Flat Track season will open with the Royal Enfield Short Track at DAYTONA on Thursday, March 7 and Friday, March 8. Visit  https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/daytona-short-track-i-and-ii-86845 to take advantage of the Multi-Day Discount and save $10 by purchasing tickets for both rounds at once.  For more information on Progressive AFT visit https://www.americanflattrack.com.

For the second year in a row, The Greatest Show on Dirt is set to visit Florida alongside Bike WeekBARBERVILLE, FL (March 1, 2024) – Three weeks off was plenty. The Greatest Show on Dirt is ready to get 2024 rolling again.The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars invade Barberville, FL’s Volusia Speedway Park next week for a Sunday-Monday (March 3-4) showdown. It’s a collision of the four-wheel and two-wheel worlds with Florida’s famed Bike Week taking place at nearby Daytona Beach while the four-wheeled 410 Sprint Cars rip around Volusia.The two nights will mark visits 61 and 62 to “The World’s Fastest Half Mile” for The Greatest Show on Dirt. Volusia kicked off the 2024 World of Outlaws season with the Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals two weeks ago, and those four nights of racing helped set the stage for the coming action.The Bike Week Jamboree will ignite a stretch of 18 consecutive weekends of World of Outlaws racing with many weekday races scattered through the calendar during the stretch.BUY TWO-DAY VOLUSIA TICKET PACKAGE HEREBUY SUNDAY VOLUSIA TICKETS HEREBUY MONDAY VOLUSIA TICKETS HEREWATCH LIVE ON DIRTVisionLet’s look at the top stories to watch:OPENING STATEMENT: Plenty of eyes were on David Gravel to see how he’d begin the 2024 season with many looking at him as the championship favorite. And Gravel delivered.The Watertown, CT driver didn’t finish worse than sixth in the opening four races at Volusia. On the second night of DIRTcar Nationals he escorted the Big Game Motorsports #2 to Victory Lane. Gravel’s efforts earned him a third Big Gator championship and the Series points lead.Numbers say Gravel should continue his early season roll as the Series returns to the Barberville, FL oval. In his last 20 Volusia Sprint Car starts, Gravel owns five wins, nine podiums, 16 top fives, and a 3.95 average finish. He’s currently tied with Daryn Pittman and Steve Kinser for the third most World of Outlaws victories at the facility, and one more would give him sole possession of that spot. A two-night sweep could equal him with Brad Sweet for the second most.SOPHOMORE SURGE: A year ago, Volusia left Giovanni Scelzi and KCP Racing scratching their heads. Fast forward 12 months, and the orange #18 kicked off 2024 by being one of the fastest cars circling “The World’s Fastest Half Mile.”Scelzi’s first four races of 2023 consisted of a best result of 11th with a 17.25 average finish. The start of 2024 told an entirely different story with a trio of fourth-place runs and an average finish of 4.75 through four Features. He also made the Toyota Racing Dash every night.The success slotted Scelzi second in points heading back to Volusia. The Fresno, CA native has never led the World of Outlaws standings in his career, but two more effective outings on the coming Florida trip could elevate him to the top. He’s currently 10 markers behind Gravel.COMING IN HOT: Heading into the Bike Week Jamboree Sheldon Haudenschild owns the title of most recent World of Outlaws winner. The 30-year-old wheeled the Stenhouse Jr.-Marshall Racing #17 to a thrilling $20,000 triumph to conclude DIRTcar Nationals.Haudenschild’s victory came on the heels of three nights of struggles to start his eighth season on tour. With those woes behind them, Haudenschild looks to build even more momentum as he returns to what’s been one of his best tracks.Volusia is now home to three of Haudenschild’s 35 career checkered flags including his first back in 2018. A win on Sunday would make him the sixth driver to top back-to-back Volusia World of Outlaws races and own at least four Series wins there.ON THE MOVE: Two members of the World of Outlaws roster put on a show nearly every night when Feature time arrived at Volusia during DIRTcar Nationals.Donny Schatz and Logan Schuchart each passed a combined 29 cars across the four main events. Their nightly charges were both highlighted by a plus-12 effort. Schuchart climbed from 18th to sixth on night two. Schatz did the same the following evening. Each of those outings earned them a KSE Hard Charger Award.The duo will no doubt be looking to start closer to the front during the coming Volusia visit and add to their résumés at the facility. Schatz owns a whopping total of 23 Volusia Sprint Car victories while Schuchart boasts a trio.BOUNCING BACK: There’s no denying the DIRTcar Nationals didn’t yield the results Carson Macedo and Jason Johnson Racing hoped for. Over the four nights Macedo averaged a 14th place result with a best run of 12th.But there’s reason for optimism in the JJR camp. First, Macedo proved the #41 has the speed to move forward despite their issues. The Lemoore, CA native collected a pair of Hard Chargers by driving from 25th to 14th the first night and 23rd to 14th the final night. Second, Macedo’s career is full of Volusia success, suggesting he’s bound to escape the slump. Prior to DIRTcar Nationals, he recorded nine consecutive top 10 finishes at the half mile, including a win during Bike Week last year.The troubles in February dug Macedo an early hole, but every World of Outlaws campaign is long and full of ups and downs. There’s no doubt that this championship caliber crew can turn things around in a big way at Volusia.TURNING HEADS: Landon Crawley wasted no time making his presence felt at Volusia during DIRTcar Nationals. The 16-year-old made his Series debut with a bang by setting Simpson Quick Time before locking into the Toyota Racing Dash. The Benton, AR native wasn’t done yet as he secured the pole of the Feature two nights later by topping the Dash. A bit of inexperience hindered him in the main event each night as he slid down the running order, but the talented teenager proved he belongs on the World of Outlaws tour. He’ll return to Volusia aboard the Sides Motorsports #7S looking to make even more noise during Bike Week.THIS WEEKEND AT A GLANCEWHEN AND WHERESunday-Monday, March 3-4 at Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville, FLON THE INTERNETWorld of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series X – @WorldofOutlaws Instagram – @WoOSprint Facebook – Facebook.com/WorldofOutlawsSprintCarSeries YouTube – Youtube.com/WorldofOutlaws DIRTVision – DIRTVision.com – Platinum annual FAST PASS for $299 or monthly FAST PASS for $39/monthCURRENT CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS (4/86 Races):1. David Gravel – Big Game Motorsports #2 (572 PTS)2. Giovanni Scelzi – KCP Racing #18 (-10 PTS)3. Brad Sweet – Kasey Kahne Racing #49 (-10 PTS)4. Tyler Courtney – Clauson Marshall Racing #7BC (-14 PTS)5. Rico Abreu – Rico Abreu Racing #24 (-20 PTS)6. Donny Schatz – Tony Stewart/Curb Agajanian Racing #15 (-20 PTS)7. Logan Schuchart – Shark Racing #1S (-32 PTS)8. Anthony Macri – Macri Motorsports #39M (-42 PTS)9. Brent Marks – Murray-Marks Motorsports #19 (-48 PTS)10. Brian Brown – Brian Brown Racing #21 (-58 PTS)NOS ENERGY DRINK FEATURE WINNERS (4 Drivers):1 Win – Brad Sweet, David Gravel, Tyler Courtney, Sheldon HaudenschildFEATURE LAPS LED (7 Drivers):25 Laps – Brad Sweet, David Gravel24 Laps – Rico Abreu13 Laps – Anthony Macri10 Laps – Giovanni Scelzi7 Laps – Sheldon Haudenschild1 Lap – Rico AbreuSIMPSON PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS QUICK TIME AWARDS (3 Drivers):2 Quick Times – Brent Marks1 Quick Time – Landon Crawley, Brian BrownHEAT RACE WINNERS (10 Drivers):3 Heat Wins – Rico Abreu2 Heat Wins – Giovanni Scelzi, Tyler Courtney, David Gravel, Brent Marks1 Heat Win – Corey Day, Justin Peck, Brian Brown, Sheldon Haudenschild, Buddy KofoidTOYOTA DASH APPEARANCES (15 Drivers):4 Dashes – David Gravel, Giovanni Scelzi, Rico Abreu3 Dashes – Tyler Courtney, Brent Marks, Brian Brown2 Dashes – Landon Crawley, Brad Sweet1 Dash – Anthony Macri, Buddy Kofoid, Bill Balog, Sheldon Haudenschild, Justin Peck, Zeb Wise, Corey DayMICROLITE LAST CHANCE SHOWDOWN WINS (4 Drivers):1 LCS – Austin McCarl, Bill Balog, Corey Day, Kasey KahneKSE HARD CHARGER AWARDS (4 Drivers):2 Hard Chargers – Carson Macedo1 Hard Charger – Logan Schuchart, Donny SchatzPODIUM FINISHES (7 Drivers):3 Podiums – Brad Sweet2 Podiums – David Gravel, Tyler Courtney, Rico Abreu1 Podium – Justin Peck, Sheldon Haudenschild, Anthony MacriTOP 10 FINISHES (17 Drivers):4 Top 10s – David Gravel, Donny Schatz, Gio Scelzi, Tyler Courtney3 Top 10s – Anthony Macri, Brad Sweet, Logan Schuchart, Rico Abreu2 Top 10s – Brent Marks, Brian Brown, Buddy Kofoid1 Top 10 – Bill Balog, Justin Peck, Kasey Kahne, Sam Hafertepe Jr., Sheldon Haudenschild, Zeb Wise2024 WORLD OF OUTLAWS SPRINT CAR SCHEDULE & WINNERS:No. / Day, Date / Track / Location / Winner (Total Wins)1. Wed, Feb 7 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Brad Sweet (1)2. Thurs, Feb 8/ Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / David Gravel (1)3. Fri, Feb 9 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Tyler Courtney (1)4. Sat, Feb 10 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Sheldon Haudenschild (1)For the full 2024 World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car schedule, CLICK HERE.

Corvette becomes first manufacturer with poles in three FIA WEC GT classes  · First pole for new Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R in initial race with TF Sport· Tom Van Rompuy fastest LMGT3 qualifier in first FIA WEC start· Fifth pole position for Corvette brand in FIA WEC competition· No. 81 TF Sport Corvette Z06 GT3.R to start first, No. 82 TF Sport Corvette to start 11th LUSAIL, Qatar (March 1, 2024) – Chevrolet’s new Corvette Z06 GT3.R secured its first pole position Friday as Tom Van Rompuy set the fastest time in the LMGT3 Hyperpole session for TF Sport ahead of the FIA World Endurance Championship’s Qatar Airways Qatar 1812 Km.Van Rompuy, driving the No. 81 Corvette Z06 GT3.R, set a time of 1:54.372 (105.944 mph) around Lusail International Circuit to take the pole in his first career FIA WEC event. His time in the Corvette, which he will share with Charlie Eastwood and Rui Andrade, was 0.807 seconds clear of the second-fastest time in class. In addition to the first pole for the Corvette Z06 GT3.R, Friday’s achievement also marked the Corvette brand’s fifth pole position in WEC competition. It also is the first manufacturer to qualify on pole position in the series’ three GT classes. The result also gave TF Sport its 10th pole in WEC competition and first since the Six Hours of Spa in May of 2023.  The Qatar 1812 Km is the first race for the TF Sport/Corvette two-car alliance. The No. 82 Corvette of Hiroshi Koizumi, Sébastien Baud and Daniel Juncadella just missed the GT3 Hyperpole field and will start Saturday’s race 11th in class. Friday’s session marked the first time – outside of the 24 Hours of Le Mans – that WEC used a Hyperpole session to set the grid for both the Hypercar and LMGT3 classes. The top-10 cars from the first round of qualifying advanced to the 10-minute Hyperpole. The Qatar Airways Qatar 1812 Km is scheduled for 11 a.m. Arabian Standard Time / 3 a.m. Eastern Time on Saturday, March 2.  MotorTrend will provide both live television coverage in the U.S., as will MAX, MotorTrend Plus and the FIA WEC TV app on streaming devices.

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

TOM VAN ROMPUY, NO. 81 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “It’s a good thing this is on the screens because I otherwise I wouldn’t believe it! It’s my first qualifying session in WEC. We’ve worked really hard this week to improve the car and improve ourselves. The team did a mega job, as did the guys at Corvette and Pratt Miller. In the end, we made it all work so this is a team effort. I could put a really good lap together, and I’m really amazed with this result.”More on key to taking pole position: “It was (important) really looking after the warmup of the tires. The first lap was really slow and then I was building up. I got another GT car ahead of me on the third lap so I had to back off again to go again. So I had two laps to do it and made it work to put it all together. So I’m very happy.”Where is the team in managing what will be a long race: “The team has done a really great job. We have a strong package to compete. Obviously it’s a different thing than qualifying – race pace, managing the double-stinting and the other things. But I think we’re quite up to that. It’s exciting to see how it will work out tomorrow in the race.”

CHRISTIE BAGNE, CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R PROGRAM MANAGER: “We couldn’t be happier for Tom, the No. 81 Corvette team and all of TF Sport. Taking pole position in the first WEC race for the Corvette Z06 GT3.R is a great accomplishment for the team, Chevrolet, Pratt Miller and everyone at Corvette Customer Support with a tremendous collaborative effort making this possible. We look forward to an exciting race tomorrow for both TF Sport Corvettes.”

CHARLIE EASTWOOD, NO. 81 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R:“The collaboration that we have within the team during the first race is something I’ve never experienced. The mix between GM and Pratt Miller integrating into TF Sport, and also all of the drivers never meeting each other before last week and how we’ve all merged together, the pace of it is just incredible. In terms of helping my teammates, I’m trying to give them as much past experience as possible, even little things like full-course yellows, safety car procedures and things that are second-nature for myself now are very different from other championships in which they may have driven. My goal is always with the Silver and Bronze drivers is to reduce the capacity of thinking so they can focus more on driving. If I can give them any information so they don’t have to come on the radio and ask questions, that just gives them more of their capacity to focus on driving fast.“I’m very hopeful for the race. With so many pit stops in a 10-hour event and with the pace that we’ve shown throughout all of the lineup, I don’t think there are many in a much better spot. It’s a big points event, and I’m for sure sitting here going for the win. To be honest, I don’t think it’s being unrealistic. If the team does what they do every year and all the drivers nail their stints – no track limit warnings, no drive-throughs and no mistakes – I feel like we can make a real difference in the race. We’ve been here a long time, and we don’t have long to wait to see where we finally are.”

DANI JUNCADELLA, NO. 82 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “I feel like everything has been smooth so far. We’ve done a lot of miles with zero issues, zero setbacks, no reliability issues and that’s really encouraging for a brand new car and a team that is still learning the car. It’s all been really cool so far. My teammates have been great. Seb, I know, is a very fast kid. With Hiroshi, I had low expectations to be fair and he has been way, way above where I expected. So that gives me a lot of encouragement for the race. He came here, didn’t know the track or the car and was immediately on pace.”

RUI ANDRADE, NO. 81 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “We’ve tried a lot of things, which is important considering this is the team’s first race with the Corvette. I think we are definitely in a strong window, and I’m really happy. We did take some steps that didn’t work out so well in practice, but now we are back in a quite comfortable spot. The biggest steps have been learning what we can get from the setup and what we can’t. There’s no point in chasing something that you aren’t going to get. We’ve found a good compromise and the car is strong. This is normal as you test and you do laps with a new car, so I’m pretty happy with what we have going into the race.”

SÉBASTIEN BAUD, NO. 82 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “I’m very happy going into the race. This is a very nice car and a very nice team. Everything is enjoyable. This week gave me a chance to learn the Corvette, learn the team and work with Dani and Hiro, who are both very fast. There is a good feeling now for the first race, which is very long. The car in practice has been good, we have no issues and the drivers have not made mistakes. We will look at the results from qualifying and then tomorrow stay focused in the race. It is very important to be careful around the Hypercars; it is my first race for me, for Hiro and for Dani with those cars in this championship. But we should stay focused on our own race. It’s important to stay calm, make no mistakes, no track limits… if we can finish in the top-five, this will be a good result for our first race together in this championship.”

TOM FERRIER, TF SPORT TEAM OWNER: “This an absolute dream start with Corvette. I’m not sure going into Hyperpole that we might be on pole. We weren’t thinking that far ahead! All credit to Tom, and the guys on the team did a great job. The race will be very long tomorrow, and that’s been our focus all week. It’s been a really busy winter trying to get everything ready. We had some testing at Dubai that wasn’t so successful with some weather; believe it or not we got rained off for two days so that cramped our preparation a little bit. It’s been a lot of hard work in a very short amount of time. We’ll see where we are, and hopefully we’ve got the ingredients to have a strong result.”

First pole for new Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R in initial race with TF Sport· Tom Van Rompuy fastest LMGT3 qualifier in first FIA WEC start· Fourth pole position for Corvette brand in FIA WEC competition· No. 81 TF Sport Corvette Z06 GT3.R to start first, No. 82 TF Sport Corvette to start 11th

TOM VAN ROMPUY, NO. 81 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R – LMGT3 POLE-WINER: “It’s a good thing this is on the screens because I otherwise I wouldn’t believe it! It’s my first qualifying session in WEC. We’ve worked really hard this week to improve the car and improve ourselves. The team did a mega job, as did the guys at Corvette and Pratt Miller. In the end, we made it all work so this is a team effort. I could put a really good lap together, and I’m really amazed with this result.”

CHRISTIE BAGNE, CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R PROGRAM MANAGER:“We couldn’t be happier for Tom, the No. 81 Corvette team and all of TF Sport. Taking pole position in the first WEC race for the Corvette Z06 GT3.R is a great accomplishment for the team, Chevrolet, Pratt Miller and everyone at Corvette Customer Support with a tremendous collaborative effort making this possible. We look forward to anexciting race tomorrow for both TF Sport Corvettes.”

MUSKOGEE, OK (Feb. 29, 2024) – The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series returns to Oklahoma for its debut at Thunderbird Speedway on Friday, March 29. While The Greatest Show on Dirt is no stranger to the “Sooner State,” Thunderbird will be a brand new stop for the Series, leveling the playing field for its elite roster of drivers. Carson Macedo, of Lemoore, CA, is the last World of Outlaws driver to win in Oklahoma, having won at Lawton Speedway in 2021. The Jason Johnson Racing driver has finished third in points the last three years and will be on the hunt for early season wins as he searches for his first World of Outlaws championship.The Thunderbird Showdown will also mark the first time since 2022 that the track has hosted a national Sprint Car event. The last was an American Sprint Car Series (ASCS) race in 2022, won by Texas-native Sam Hafertepe Jr. EVENT INFO Location: Muskogee, OK Date: Friday, March 29 To Win: $12,000 Times: 2pm – Pit Gates Open 5pm – Grandstand Gates Open 6:30pm – Hot Laps/Qualifying -Racing to follow Tickets ($5 off with advanced purchase): WorldofOutlaws.com/tix How to watch: If you can’t make it to the track, you can watch every lap live on DIRTVision.

The Drive for a Ninth V6 Era NTT INDYCAR SERIES Manufacturers Championship Starts in St. Petersburg Chevrolet looks to achieve its ninth NTT INDYCAR SERIES Manufacturers Championship in the V6 2.2-liter twin turbo direct injected era since 2012, starting at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg March 9-10, 2024.2024 marks Chevrolet’s 13th consecutive season as a V6 engine supplier in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.The 2024 NTT INDYCAR SERIES schedule sees new challenges and returning favorites, including the addition of the $1 Million Challenge at The Thermal Club early in the season, as well as the Milwaukee Mile Labor Day weekend. Additionally, Laguna Seca shifts to April, while Nashville will conclude the season in late September on the oval at Nashville Superspeedway. The Bowtie brand aims to defend and add to 12 Indianapolis 500 victories at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, including five in the 2.2-liter V6 twin turbo direct injected era since 2012.St. Petersburg will be Chevrolet’s 200th V6 era race for since returning to the series in 2012.Team Chevy looks to add to 111 total wins, 127 earned NTT P1 pole awards (with 132 total pole awards), and 308 podiums in the V6 era since 2012.Chevrolet achieved five wins, six earned pole awards, 24 podium finishes, and led 1,233 of the 2,258 laps during the 2023 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season. DETROIT (February 29, 2024) – Chevrolet enters the 2024 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season defending their eighth Manufacturers Cup of the 2.2-liter twin turbo direct injected era, amassing 111 total wins, seven driver championships, five Indianapolis 500 victories, 127 earned NTT P1 Pole Awards and 308 podium finishes since 2012. Entering St. Petersburg as the season-opening event for the 2024 season, Chevrolet will take to the track for the 200th time in the V6 era at the upcoming Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg in St. Petersburg, Fla. The 2023 season saw Chevrolet sweeping the ovals in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, including victories at Texas Motor Speedway, the prestigious 107th Indianapolis 500, both events at Iowa Speedway’s doubleheader by Team Penske’s Josef Newgarden. Scott McLaughlin, Newgarden’s teammate at Team Penske, also claimed victory at Barber Motorsports Park for the Bowtie brand. Additionally, Chevrolet drivers and teams finished on the podium 24 times last year, bringing the total podium finishes for the Bowtie brand to 308 in the V6 era since 2012. Team Chevy drivers and teams also led the NTT INDYCAR SERIES field to the green flag six times in 2023, including earning the NTT P1 Pole Award at Texas (Felix Rosenqvist), Iowa 1 and 2 (Will Power), Nashville (Scott McLaughlin), World Wide Technology Raceway (Scott McLaughlin) and Laguna Seca (Felix Rosenqvist). Looking ahead to the 2024 season, Chevrolet will pace the NTT INDYCAR SERIES field to the green flag this year in 10 events at six tracks starting with the Sonsio Grand Prix on Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s Road Course. The Bowtie brand will then pace the historic 108th Running of the Indianapolis 500 before heading north for the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix, then on to Road America. Chevrolet will also pace the doubleheader at Iowa Speedway, World Wide Technology Raceway, and the return doubleheader at Milwaukee Mile. “Each year, the NTT INDYCAR SERIES grid gets more and more competitive, but our Chevrolet engineers, drivers, and teams worked hard in the off-season in preparation for St. Petersburg and the 2024 season,” said Jim Campbell, U.S. Vice President of Performance and Motorsports at Chevrolet. “Kicking off on the streets of St. Petersburg, we’re excited to carry momentum from both the 2023 Manufacturers Award as well as capturing the coveted and prestigious Indianapolis 500 victory and sweeping ovals last season. St. Petersburg has been good to Chevrolet since 2012, and we’re looking forward to potentially notching a ninth victory on the challenging street course.” The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg kicks off with Practice 1 on Friday, March 8 at 2:45 p.m. ET. Practice 2 starts Saturday at 9:35 a.m. ET, with qualifying following at 2 p.m. ET. A final warm-up will rev up race day Sunday at 9:10 a.m. ET. All practice and qualifying will be live on Peacock, INDYCAR Radio, and SiriusXM Channel 160. The 100-lap, 180-mile race on Sunday, July 2 will take the green flag at noon ET live on NBC.

Team PenskeAfter sweeping all ovals in 2023 and claiming victory at Barber Motorsports Park, Team Penske returns with their powerful lineup of Josef Newgarden, Scott McLaughlin, and Will Power at the dawn of a new year. Additionally, their lead strategist, engineer, and crew chief pairings remain unchanged heading into 2024 as they look to continue their strength in the new season. Last year saw Newgarden, driver of the No. 2 Team Penske Chevrolet capture wins on the ovals at Texas, Iowa, and the famed 107th Running of the Indianapolis 500, as well as McLaughlin claiming his fourth career victory at Barber to add a fourth-career victory in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES (St. Petersburg 2022, Mid-Ohio 2022, Portland 2022, Barber 2023). With the addition of two ovals, Milwaukee Mile and Nashville Superspeedway, to the circuit schedule in 2024, Power returns to Milwaukee after navigating his way to victory in 2014 with Team Penske and Chevrolet. He heads into the new season hungry to return to victory lane. Josef Newgarden, No. 2 Team Penske Chevrolet:Strategist: Tim CindricEngineer: Luke MasonCrew Chief: Chad Gordon Scott McLaughlin, No. 3 Team Penske Chevrolet:Strategist: Kyle MoyerEngineer: Ben BretzmanCrew Chief: Matt Jonsson Will Power, No. 12 Team Penske Chevrolet:Strategist: Ron RuzewskiEngineer: Dave FaustinoCrew Chief: Trevor Lacasse Ed Carpenter RacingThe trio of Ed Carpenter Racing drivers look ahead to 2024 with anticipation, seeing the addition of Christian Rasmussen to the lineup along with RInus VeeKay and team owner/driver Ed Carpenter. Rasmussen, the 2023 INDY NXT champion, joins the team in the No. 20 Chevrolet, splitting the entry with Carpenter and competing on all road and street courses, as well as a third entry in the 108th Running of the Indianapolis 500. Carpenter will once again take on all ovals this year, while VeeKay continues to compete in the No. 21 Chevrolet with the team full-time. Shifting to a leadership role within the team, VeeKay continued to gain valuable seat time under his belt in 2023 and has his eyes set on 2024 with anticipation. Christian Rasmussen, No. 20 Chevrolet (road and street courses, Indianapolis 500):Strategist: Tim BroylesEngineer: Peter CraikCrew Chief: Jimmie Johnson Ed Carpenter, No. 20 Chevrolet (ovals):Strategist: Tim BroylesEngineer: Peter CraikCrew Chief: Jimmie Johnson Rinus VeeKay, No. 21 Chevrolet:Strategist: Brent “Woody” HarveyEngineer: Matt BarnesCrew Chief: Austin Shepherd Arrow McLarenPoised for success in 2024, Arrow McLaren solidified their three-car lineup with both Pato O’Ward and Alexander Rossi continuing in their respective No. 5 and No. 7 Chevrolet seats, as well as the addition of young gun David Malukas in the No. 6 Chevrolet. Despite his anticipation, Malukas will sit out the first few events of the 2024 season recovering from a hand injury sustained in an off-track incident. A replacement for Malukas is to be announced by Arrow McLaren. Shifting sights towards the month of May, Kyle Larson will join Arrow McLaren in his and Chevrolet’s quest for “the double.” Competing in the 108th Running of the Indianapolis 500, his first, as well as NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway to complete the “Hendrick 1100” with HendrickCars.com on board in partnership, the motorsport phenom has already shown promise and prowess behind the open wheel in testing. With one NTT P1 Pole Award and 10 podium finishes in 2023, O’Ward leading the team with seven, the team looks to victory lane with prospect and expectation. Pato O’Ward, No. 5 Chevrolet:Strategist: Nick SnyderEngineer: Will AndersenCrew Chief: Chris Nash David Malukas, No. 6 Chevrolet:Strategist: Robert GueEngineer: Blair PerschbacherCrew Chief: Nick Kaminski Note: Malukas will not start the season in the No. 6, currently recovering from an off-track incident that resulted in a hand injury.  Alexander Rossi, No. 7 Chevrolet:Strategist: Ron RuzewskiEngineer: David FaustinoCrew Chief: Trevor Lacasse AJ Foyt RacingThe legendary and historic organization of AJ Foyt Racing sees the return of Santino Ferrucci in the No. 14 Chevrolet to their two-car lineup in 2024, after finishing third at the Indianapolis 500 in 2023 along with their strong qualifying effort for the famed event. Joining Ferrucci in 2024, Sting Ray Robb will pilot the No. 41 Chevrolet entering his second year in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. A Road to Indy ladder graduate, Robb is also the 2020 USF Pro Champion and finished second in the INDY NXT championship in 2022.  Bolstered by a technical alliance with Team Penske, AJ Foyt Racing heads into the upcoming season with renewed energy and determination. Santino Ferrucci, No. 14 Chevrolet:Strategist: Larry FoytEngineer: James SchnabelCrew Chief: Didier Francesia Sting Ray Robb, No. 41 Chevrolet:Strategist: Craig BrooksEngineer: Michael ArmbresterCrew Chief: Nick Cooper Juncos Hollinger RacingWith two top-five finishes in 2023, Juncos-Hollinger Racing heads to St. Petersburg with the return of Argentinian Agustin Canapino, competing for his second full season in both open wheel and in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES in the No. 78 Chevrolet. Joining Canapino in Juncos-Hollinger Racing’s two-car lineup, Formula 1 and open wheel ace Romain Grosjean will drive the No. 77 Chevrolet.   Romain Grosjean, No. 77 Chevrolet:Strategist: Dave O’NeillEngineer: Steven BarkerCrew Chief: Adam Farrer Agustin Canapino, No. 78 Chevrolet:Strategist: Ricardo JuncosEngineer: Allen McDonaldCrew Chief: Michael Witson

2024 Chevrolet by the Numbers:199: NTT INDYCAR SERIES races as V6 engine supplier since 2012 return to INDYCAR. 111: Wins in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES since 2012. 127: Earned poles since 2012. Chevrolet holds 132 pole awards in total, with five recorded based on points for weather.8: Manufacturer Championships since 2012. 7: Driver/entrant champions since 2012. 12: Indianapolis 500 victories by Chevrolet at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.5: Indianapolis 500 wins by Chevrolet since 2012 in the V6 2.2-liter twin turbo direct injected era.26: Wins by Will Power since 2012 – all with Chevrolet power – most of any driver with the same manufacturer. 9: Wins from the pole by Will Power with Chevrolet power since 2012, most by any driver. 46: Pole starts by Will Power since 2012 in a Chevrolet-powered car, most of any driver.*Will Power’s career total of 70 poles makes him the all-time pole winner in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. Of Note:Team Penske Chevrolet driver Will Power is first on the all-time list with 68 poles. Mario Andretti (67) is second, and A.J. Foyt is third (53).Will Power is fifth on the all-time Indy car victory list with 41 wins. Two-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion Josef Newgarden was the first driver to win the $1M PeopleReady Force for Good Challenge grand prize after the first driver to win on an oval, street course, and road course in 2022.Chevrolet has recorded eight NTT INDYCAR SERIES Manufacturer Championships since returning in 2012.Chevrolet has recorded 13 NTT INDYCAR SERIES driver championships, including seven since 2012. Chevrolet recorded 18 wins as V8 engine manufacturer in Indy Racing League from 2002-05. Chevrolet earned six consecutive CART Manufacturers’ Cup championships from 1988-93.

CONCORD, NC (Feb. 29, 2024) – Trevor Cline’s roots will grow beyond Millbridge Speedway in 2024 as the Micro Sprint champion is set to join the Xtreme Outlaw Midget Series presented by Toyota full-time.

The 16-year-old, from Mooresville, NC, will trade in his Micro experience and take the family-owned Bellwood Auto Body, Spike/Stanton #55 on the road with the Xtreme Outlaw Series in his first venture on a national Midget tour.

“We’ve learned a lot through Millbridge and racing with all the guys; a lot of the national Midget guys run there all time,” Cline said. “I’ve already been able to race a bunch of them, and I know what to expect going into the year.”

Cline, along with his father and brother, make up one of the few teams coming from the East Coast to race at the national level this year, which was a big factor in their decision to chase the Xtreme Outlaw Series schedule.

“I feel like that the best option was to go with the Xtreme [Outlaw Series], just for how many races they run, all the two-day shows, and it makes it worth our time with how far we’ve got to drive,” Cline said.

He’s raced at Millbridge, in Salisbury, NC – where the Series ran its inaugural event in 2022 – for eight seasons, competing in several of the track’s weekly divisions before his climb to the top of the 600cc Non-Wing Micro Sprint ranks.

Cline logged one of the best seasons of his career at Millbridge in 2023, collecting two wins and the most top-fives and top-10 finishes of any driver en route to his second Millbridge Micro Sprint championship. He’ll take that accolade with him when the Series visits the track for the third annual DIAEDGE Double Down Showdown – Tuesday-Wednesday, May 21-22 – aiming for his first career Midget win.

“Millbridge is pretty early on in the season; I think that’ll be our best shot,” Cline said. “I’ve got more laps there than probably anybody there in a Micro. I’ve ran almost all the Midget races we’ve ran there.”

Cline made his Midget debut with the Xtreme Outlaw Series last year inside the Southern Illinois Center, counting for two of his 11 total starts with the Series. His best finish was an eighth-place run on two occasions – first at Paragon Speedway in Indiana and again two weeks later at Highland Speedway in Illinois. He’s got higher goals for his second season in the Midget but is keeping it realistic for his first year on a national tour.

“Obviously, everybody wants to get out there and win, but [it’s] our first year, and I don’t have many races in a Midget,” Cline said. “I think we’ll be pretty good just with all my experience coming up from the Micro ranks. I don’t think we’re gonna go out there and win a national championship, but I think we can compete for wins, [good finishes], and hopefully be pretty good.”

Cline begins his first venture on the Xtreme Outlaw Midget Series presented by Toyota with the season opener – March 15-16 at the Southern Illinois Center in Du Quoin, IL. Tickets for both days will be available at the gate. If you can’t make it to the track, stream every lap live on DIRTVision.

In 84 NASCAR Cup Series starts at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Richard Childress Racing boasts 12 top-five and 28 top-10 finishes. In 2023, Kyle Busch led RCR with a third-place finish in the fall event at the Nevada oval. Richard Childress Racing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series at Las Vegas Motor Speedway… RCR has five wins at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, most recently by Austin Hill in March 2023. Other drivers to win in Xfinity Series competition for the Welcome, N.C., based organization include Kevin Harvick (2004), Jeff Burton (2007), Austin Dillon (2015) and Tyler Reddick (2019). RCR has racked up four poles in the Xfinity Series at Las Vegas Motor Speedway with drivers Kevin Harvick (2007), Ty Dillon (2014), A. Dillon (2015) and Myatt Snider (2020). BIG POWER to Start 2024… ECR Engines has enjoyed a strong start to the 2024 NASCAR season. The company powered Daniel Suarez to victory one week ago at Atlanta Motor Speedway. ECR has dominated the start to the Xfinity Series season winning both races, both poles and leading 76.81% of the total possible laps.  Catch the Action on Saturday… The NASCAR Xfinity Series The LiUNA! at Las Vegas Motor Speedway will be televised live on Saturday, March 2, beginning at 5 p.m. ET on FS1. The race will be broadcast live on the Performance Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.  Follow Sunday’s Action at Las Vegas… The NASCAR Cup Series Las Vegas 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway will be televised live on Sunday, March 4, beginning at 3:30 p.m. ET on FOX. The race will be broadcast live on the Performance Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

Austin Dillon and the No. 3 BetMGM Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway… In 17 NASCAR Cup Series starts at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Austin Dillon has two top-five and three top-10 finishes, including a best performance of fourth in 2020. Dillon has completed 99.6% of all the laps run at the 1.5-mile oval.  Former Winner… Dillon is a two-time winner at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The 2013 NASCAR Xfinity Series Champion went to Victory Lane in Xfinity Series competition at the track in March 2015, leading 183 of the scheduled 200 laps. Dillon also has a NASCAR Truck Series win at the track in September 2010.   About BetMGM… BetMGM is a market-leading sports betting and gaming entertainment company, pioneering the online gaming industry. Born out of a partnership between MGM Resorts International and Entain Group, BetMGM has exclusive access to all of MGM’s U.S. land-based and online sports betting, major tournament poker, and online gaming businesses. Utilizing Entain’s U.S.-licensed, state-of-the-art technology, BetMGM offers sports betting and online gaming via market-leading brands, including BetMGM, Borgata Casino, Party Casino, and Party Poker. Founded in 2018, BetMGM is headquartered in New Jersey. Always Bet Responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Meet Dillon… On Saturday, March 2 from 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. local time, Dillon and his RCR teammate Kyle Busch are scheduled to participate in an autograph session on behalf of BetMGM at the Mandalay Bay Sportsbook.  AUSTIN DILLON QUOTES:What are your thoughts on Las Vegas Motor Speedway?“I can’t wait to get to Las Vegas Motor Speedway. It’s one of my favorite racetracks. It’s big, fast, bumpy, and it has a lot of lines that you can choose. It’s going to be a great race weekend for everyone coming to check us out. We’re on a mission on the No. 3 team to turn our luck around and Las Vegas is the perfect place to do that.”  How has racing on 1.5-mile tracks with the Next Gen car 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 seems to put on a good show, and you find certain times and tracks that race really competitively. The restarts are really pretty wild.”

Kyle Busch and the No. 8 BetMGM Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway…  Kyle Busch made his first NASCAR Cup Series start at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on March 7, 2004, and since then, he has gone on to achieve much success at his home track. In 2009, Busch won from the pole position, the only driver in track history to accomplish the feat. The Las Vegas native has racked up 12 top-five and 15 top-10 finishes, including five top-five results in the last six Las Vegas races (dating back to 2021). Busch also has secured two pole positions (2008 and 2009) at the 1.5-mile track. An Impressive Track Record… Busch owns numerous Cup Series records at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.He is the youngest race winner (23 years, 9 months, and 27 days) and owns the most top-five (12) and top-10 finishes (15). He is also tied for most poles (two) among active drivers entering this weekend’s race. Leading the Points… Busch leads the NASCAR Cup Series driver standings by one point ahead of second-place William Byron. This is the first time the driver of the BetMGM Chevrolet has led the standings since winning the Cup championship at Homestead in 2019 (145 races).  Just how close was the finish in Atlanta? Busch finished third in a thrilling three-wide photo finish battle for the win one week ago at Atlanta Motor Speedway, a scant .007 seconds behind the race winner, marking the closest final margin between first and third in NASCAR Cup Series history.  About BetMGM… BetMGM is a market-leading sports betting and gaming entertainment company, pioneering the online gaming industry. Born out of a partnership between MGM Resorts International and Entain Group, BetMGM has exclusive access to all of MGM’s U.S. land-based and online sports betting, major tournament poker, and online gaming businesses. Utilizing Entain’s U.S.-licensed, state-of-the-art technology, BetMGM offers sports betting and online gaming via market-leading brands, including BetMGM, Borgata Casino, Party Casino, and Party Poker. Founded in 2018, BetMGM is headquartered in New Jersey. Always Bet Responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Meet The Drivers… Busch and teammate Austin Dillon are scheduled to meet with fans at the Mandalay Bay Sportsbook on behalf of BetMGM on Saturday, March 2. The appearance will be from 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. local time and is limited to the first 100 fans who receive a wristband. KYLE BUSCH QUOTES:What do you see as the role of sports betting in sports?“It’s huge. I think there’s a huge market for it. I grew up in Las Vegas, obviously, and a lot of betting and gambling happens there. It feels like I’m the natural fit for that. Thanks to BetMGM for being associated with a Vegas cat like me. It’s a huge market. A lot more states are coming up with releasing the regulations and allowing sports betting to happen in their states. I feel like that’s only a good thing for the industry, just having that chance.” What’s your responsibility as an athlete in all that?“Well, I mean, obviously, I feel like for us, keeping the integrity of the sport. You’re not going to do anything that hurts the things that you’re supposed to do behind the wheel and also just making sure you deliver the message of safe betting as well.”  What do you remember of your first NASCAR Cup Series win at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in 2009 and what did that victory in front of the home crowd mean to you? “It was huge and such a cool deal. That to me felt like my Daytona 500. I’ve had some big wins. I’ve won Indy. I’ve won the Southern 500. I’ve won the Coke 600, All-Star Race, all that stuff. But the Vegas win, it was just such a relief and such a monumental win for me because I remember I grew up right down the street watching that place be built.”  Is there less pressure when you go back to Las Vegas Motor Speedway?“Because I’ve won there, yes, there’s less pressure, but I’ve never backed it up. You still want to win there every time you go, being the hometown. I think I have four or five third-place finishes there in the last six or seven races. We’re right there, we just don’t get it.”

Jesse Love and the No. 2 Whelen Chevrolet Camaro SS at Las Vegas Motor Speedway… Jesse Love will make his inaugural start at Las Vegas Motor Speedway this Saturday. The 19-year-old has attended races at the 1.5-mile oval in person, but Friday’s practice will mark his first laps on the Nevada surface.  Two for Two… With securing pole positions at both Daytona International Speedway and Atlanta Motor Speedway, Love is the first driver in NASCAR Xfinity Series history to win consecutive poles in their first two starts in the series.  Did You Know? Continuing to add to his resume, Love is the first driver to win Stage One in each of the first two races in a Xfinity Series season.  Lap Leader… Love has led over 60% of laps competed through the first two Xfinity Series races. The Menlo Park, California native has paced the field for a total of 191 laps – 34 at Daytona International Speedway and 157 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Love is also the first driver of 2024 to surpass 100 laps led across NASCAR’s top-three series.  About Whelen Engineering… Whelen Engineering is a family-owned company with a pioneering spirit and a passion to protect the lives of those who protect and serve others. The company mission is to provide industry-defining safety solutions around the world, while creating a community of problem-solvers who are inspired to push boundaries and continue our legacy of delivering ground-breaking innovation. As a global leader in the emergency warning industry, Whelen has been trusted to perform since 1952, when George Whelen III invented the first rotating aviation beacon. Whelen now encompasses two state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Connecticut and New Hampshire with over 750,000 square feet of engineering and manufacturing space and the largest design staff in the industry. Every part of every Whelen product is proudly designed and manufactured in America. We embrace quality as our foundation, we celebrate innovative engineering in every product we produce. JESSE LOVE QUOTE:What are your thoughts heading into Las Vegas Motor Speedway and your first mile-and-a-half race in the Xfinity Series? “I feel like I know more of what to do and what not to do on an intermediate track than I did on a superspeedway. I have confidence heading to Las Vegas Motor Speedway in the fact that I personally have laps at a mile-and-a-half track in an ARCA car and our Whelen Chevrolet should be fast once again. There is a little bit of an unknown in going to a mile-and-a-half for the first time specifically in a Xfinity car, but that’s a more positive than negative unknown. Our No. 2 team has come out of the gate strong and while we wanted the win last week in Atlanta, we can take that strong run and build off of it.”

Austin Hill and the No. 21 Bennett Transportation and Logistics Chevrolet Camaro SS at Las Vegas Motor Speedway… Austin Hill has made five career NASCAR Xfinity Series starts at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, earning one win and three top-10 finishes. In eight NASCAR Truck Series starts at the Nevada speedway, Hill has led a total of 80 laps and captured two wins (fall 2019, fall 2020), four top-five, and six top-10 results. Undefeated in 2024… With back-to-back wins at Daytona International Speedway and Atlanta Motor Speedway, Hill remains undefeated in 2024 and holds the lead in the driver championship point standings.   Did You Know? Hill is the fourth driver in Xfinity Series history to win the first two races of season, joining Dale Earnhardt (1986), Chad Little (1995), and Tony Stewart (2008). If Hill is able to capture the checkered flag on Saturday, the 29-year-old will become the first driver in Xfinity Series history to win the first three races of a season.  Defending Race Winner… Hill enters Saturday’s race as the defending Xfinity Series race winner at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Last March, the Winston, Georgia native started from the ninth position and drove forward to claim the Stage 2 victory. Running in second place with 10 laps to go, Hill consistently chased then leader Chandler Smith to make a late-race pass and secure the victory. This marked Hill’s second win in the first three races of the 2023 season.  About Bennett Family of Companies… McDonough-Ga. based Bennett Family of Companies is a woman-owned, Women’s Enterprise Business Council (WBENC) certified, diversified transportation and logistics company. Through its 14 affiliated operating companies, the Bennett Family of Companies delivers integrated transportation and supply chain management solutions worldwide. Bennett has 4,625 drivers/owner-operators, over 1,000 employees and 600 agents located across the United States. For more information, visit www.bennettig.com. Meet Hill… On Saturday, March 2 at 11:00 a.m. local time, Hill is scheduled to visit the South Point Casino booth in the Las Vegas Motor Speedway Fan Zone to sign autographs and greet fans. Immediately following, on Saturday, March 2 at 11:20 a.m. local time, Hill will sign autographs at the RCR Merchandise Trailer located in the Fan Zone at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Stop by to meet the eight-time Xfinity Series winner and purchase new gear. AUSTIN HILL QUOTE:Talk about returning to Las Vegas Motor Speedway as the defending race winner. “I’ve always had good fortune at and have loved going to Las Vegas Motor Speedway. I had success there during my Truck Series career and now I’ve won a Xfinity Series race as well. Statistically, I have run well there throughout my career. I expect big things when we hit the track. Our Bennett Transportation & Logistics Chevrolet should be capable of running up front and the No. 21 team hopefully will have a shot at the win. These first three races to start this season are our cup of tea. We won all three last season, have two already this year, and our goal is to keep the momentum going.”

Sent on behalf of JMC Motorsports DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (February 29, 2024) – JMC Motorsports is excited to announce the return of Jarod Vanderkooi as pilot and Fairway Ford Ohio as title sponsor to battle for the Mission SuperTwins championship aboard an Indian FTR750 during the 2024 Progressive American Flat Track season. ‘24 marks the fourth consecutive season Vanderkooi and team owner Jay Maloney have worked in unison, starting as rider and crew chief 2021. During that span, the duo has secured a total of ten premier-class podium finishes, including nine top twos, highlighted by Vanderkooi’s maiden victory and Progressive Triple Crown triumph at the end of the ‘22 season. Canfield Ohio-based Fairway Ford Ohio came aboard as title sponsor in Maloney’s return to team owner a year ago. The team came out swinging in 2023, scoring a runner-up result during the season-opening doubleheader, before ultimately securing 15 top tens en route to a seventh-place Grand National Championship ranking. Building on that experience, the ambition is to achieve even greater success in ‘24. Jay Maloney, Team Owner: “JMC Motorsports is looking to significantly up our results from last year. We had a few results that showed where we belong, but it felt like the majority of the year we battled through bad luck and flat-out bad results, and we plan to put behind us. Back with Jarod and the Fairway Ford family, there’s no reason we shouldn’t be fighting for the top step of the podium with regularity this season. “We had an outpouring of support from the Progressive AFT community to support our 2024 efforts. Floyd Tapp, a long-time supporter of Jarod, helped tremendously in pushing those efforts forward. For that, we’re very appreciative, and plan to take full advantage of the opportunity before us.” Jarod Vanderkooi, #20: “Going into the 2024 season honestly the best word to use is, grateful. This will be my fourth year working with Jay. Last year we branched out under our own tent, and we learned so much that will set us up to be that much stronger and hungrier than ever before.  “I can’t thank Bob and Robbie Davis at Fairway Ford enough for coming back on board in a big way, and I’d also like to say a big thank you to Floyd Tapp Racing and everyone from the racing community that chipped in to support our effort. The people in my corner never quit, and for that I’m thankful. Their generosity and support are the only reason we’re able to do what we love. I feel like I have a lot to prove this year, and I’m ready to get it going.” Bob and Robbie Davis, Owners of Fairway Ford Ohio: “We are thrilled to once again stand behind Jarod Vanderkooi and JMC Motorsports as their title sponsor for a second consecutive season. Jarod is not only an incredibly talented racer, but also a local Ohioan, making our support for him and his team even more special. We have been supporting Jarod since his early days in racing and watching his growth and success has been truly inspiring. “Jarod has exceptional skill and unwavering determination. We’re proud to support such a talented and dedicated rider.” In addition to Fairway Ford Ohio, JMC Motorsports is supported by Floyd Tapp Racing, Ben Evans Racing, Arai, 4SR, Klotz Synthetic Lubricants, Avila Racing, Level 10 Transmissions, Vortex, Rekluse Clutches, Motion Pro, Goon Glass, and Lowery Racing.

The exciting driver credits his childhood on dirt bikes for shaping him as a driver

BARBERVILLE, FL (February 29, 2024) – Not often do dirt bike roots lead to Sprint Car stardom. But Sheldon Haudenschild is accustomed to reaching uncommon feats.

Before he became one of the most thrilling gassers in a Sprint Car, Haudenschild embraced a different dirt discipline – dirt bike racing. He first hopped in a go kart to begin his racing experience, but the nearby dirt bikes caught his eye.

“I actually started racing go karts when I was real young, probably four or five years old,” Haudenschild recalled. “The go kart track was right beside the dirt bike track when I was a kid, and I kind of just found myself always going over to watch the dirt bikes. Pretty much from then on, I had a dirt bike. I started racing those when I was five. It’s pretty much all I did from five to 16 years old. We raced dirt bikes my whole childhood and pretty much every single weekend.”

Haudenschild has the opportunity to blend the past with the present this weekend. Before the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars invade Volusia Speedway Park (Barberville, FL) on March 3-4, AMA Supercross makes a trip to Daytona International Speedway on March 2.

The Wooster, OH native enjoys the chance to revisit his roots by taking in the sport’s top level as a fan. Dirt bikes shaped him as a driver. They’re a big part of the reason why Haudenschild has gained his reputation as fearless behind the wheel of a Sprint Car.

“For me I think a dirt bike teaches you way more than what go kart racing, or even Micro or Midget racing would,” Haudenschild explained. “And a lot converts over. A dirt bike track is like no other. I don’t think people quite realize how rough they are, how many lines there are, and how long the tracks really are. I think, for me, it gives me a whole different mentality when racing a Sprint Car than what a lot of these other guys have. A dirt bike is just gnarly. Nothing really compares to it.”

Not only did dirt bikes build Haudenschild as a driver, but they also equipped him with a sense of financial responsibility. With his dad – Jac Haudenschild – still building his own historic Sprint Car career during Sheldon’s younger years, Jac couldn’t always be at the dirt bike track with him. So, Jac would supply him a budget. These lessons proved to be vital later when Sheldon began his own Sprint Car operation.

“Racing dirt bikes probably taught me more of money management and things like that,” Haudenschild said. “My dad would send me racing on the weekends with buddies and hand me $500 bucks as a 14-year-old and make me manage that money and figure out how to make it last over the weekend. I think that’s a lot of what people don’t realize that kind of converted over to me being able to start a team when I was young and manage that at a young age and get into the sport a little different way.”

Skills provided through dirt bike racing, combined with lessons learned from his Hall of Fame father, paved the path for a smooth transition to Sprint Cars when the time came. Haudenschild might’ve focused on racing dirt bikes as a kid, but he still watched and learned plenty from Jac.

“Still to this day I’d say I’ve watched more Sprint Car races than I’ve raced,” Haudenschild said. “Kind of being able to grow up watching Sprint Cars and also grow up racing dirt bikes was kind of a perfect combination. I don’t think the transition was easy by any means. I just think a dirt bike toughens you up in different ways than growing up racing with a cage… Just growing up racing gnarly racetracks as a little kid and never complaining about it. It could be pouring down rain, mud races, it didn’t matter.”

Haudenschild’s Sprint Car career is a testament to his dirt bike talents translating when he made the switch. He’s always been known for being unafraid to venture anywhere on the racetrack no matter how on edge or rough. It’s led to him supplying some of the sport’s most mind-blowing moments including a charge from 16th to the win last year at Skagit. And most recently a thrilling victory at Volusia in early February to cap DIRTcar Nationals – making him the most recent winner heading into the World of Outlaws Bike Week Jamboree.

But before he gets back to competing with the nation’s best Sprint Car drivers, he’ll return to his two-wheel roots on Saturday at Daytona. 

“These last couple years when we’ve paired up with Bike Week is awesome,” Haudenschild said. “I’ve still got some buddies that will be racing at Daytona and working on bikes, mechanics and what not. So that’s pretty cool for me to get to go there, see a couple friends, and hang out a little bit. It’s kind of cool. Right now, I’m 30 years old, and there’s a couple dudes out there that I grew up racing with every weekend that are still racing and making them 450 main events every week. It’s cool to see them be able to do it for a living and then getting there this weekend and watching them.”

For tickets to the Bike Week Jamboree, CLICK HERE.

Every April fans across the world celebrate the birthday of Ford’s original pony car on Global Mustang Day. This year, that milestone 60th birthday falls on a Wednesday, so NMRA’s kicking off the celebration early with Mustang Day Presented by NC Stangs and Speedology at the NMRA/NMCA All-Star Nationals held at Rockingham Dragway in Rockingham, NC, on Saturday, April 13th. While Mustang Day is specifically on Saturday the entire NMRA/NMCA event runs April 11-14, 2024. NMRA racers join forces with their NMCA counterparts in mid-April at Rockingham Dragway in Rockingham, NC, for the NMRA/NMCA All-Star Nationals Presented by Sipple’s Speed & Performance, where the Mustang Day celebration will take place atop the famed Top of the Rock above the drag strip and around the facility. In addition to joining the UPR Products Car Show celebrating Mustang Day, enthusiasts are welcome to join in on the racing action in Mustang True Street presented by Circle D Specialties or other classes that might fit their cars. The first 500 Mustang Day participants (show or race) will each receive a collectible Mustang 60 Years license plate, lanyard and credential. Additionally, attendees can enjoy the Top of the Rock Fan Party, flame-throwing jet dragsters, the world’s largest BIGFOOT monster truck, and more.

TEAM CHEVY ADVANCELas Vegas Motor Speedway Las Vegas, Nevada March 1-3, 2024

CHEVROLET CARRIES UNDEFEATED RECORD OUT WESTChevrolet continues to live up to its title as the winningest manufacturer in NASCAR history with a record-setting start to the 2024 season. The Bowtie brand has been the only manufacturer to earn a trip to victory lane across NASCAR’s three national series with back-to-back weekend sweeps at Daytona International Speedway and Atlanta Motor Speedway.  Courtesy of wins by William Byron, Austin Hill and Nick Sanchez – Chevrolet swept the season-opening weekend at Daytona International Speedway for the second time in history. The Bowtie brand first accomplished that feat in 2018, with this season’s sweep making Chevrolet the only manufacturer to sweep the series’ season-opening weekend more than once. Chevrolet backed that performance up with yet another sweep at Atlanta Motor Speedway – marking the first time in NASCAR history that a sweep streak by a manufacturer has lasted through the second weekend of the season.  The NASCAR Cup Series (NCS), NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (NCTS) will make the trek out west to Las Vegas Motor Speedway this weekend for the third-straight tripleheader of the season. Looking to remain undefeated, Chevrolet has fared well at the 1.5-mile Nevada oval in recent years – returning to the track with wins in all three series last season: ·       NCS: William Byron (March 2023) and Kyle Larson (Oct. 2023)·       NXS: Austin Hill (March 2023)·       NCTS: Kyle Busch (March 2023)

…AND THE STREAK CARRIES ONVictories by Team Chevy’s AJ Allmendinger and Sam Mayer at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course in October 2023 ultimately marked the start of an impressive run for the Bowtie brand in the NASCAR national ranks. Dating back to the ROVAL race weekend last season, Chevrolet has since recorded at least one victory in NASCAR’s three national series each points-paying race weekend – further demonstrating the strength in the Chevrolet camp across the NASCAR national ranks. Those victories include:

Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course (Oct. 7-8, 2023): AJ Allmendinger (NCS) and Sam Mayer (NXS)Las Vegas Motor Speedway (Oct. 15, 2023): Kyle Larson (NCS)Homestead-Miami Speedway (Oct. 21, 2023): Sam Mayer (NXS) and Carson Hocevar (NCTS)Martinsville Speedway (Oct. 28, 2023): Justin Allgaier (NXS)Phoenix Raceway (Nov. 3-5, 2023): Ross Chastain (NCS) and Christian Eckes (NCTS)Daytona International Speedway (Feb. 16-19, 2024): William Byron (NCS), Austin Hill (NXS), Nick Sanchez (NCTS) Atlanta Motor Speedway (Feb. 24-25, 2024): Daniel Suarez (NCS), Austin Hill (NXS), Kyle Busch (NCTS)

NEXT GEN IN NEVADANASCAR’s premier series made its first appearance at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in March 1998, with Sunday’s Pennzoil 400 presented by Jiffy Lube marking the series’ 33rd appearance at the 1.5-mile Nevada oval. Career Chevrolet driver Jeff Gordon delivered the Bowtie brand its first NASCAR Cup Series win at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in March 2001, and the manufacturer has since collected 12 all-time victories at the track.   Since the Next Gen vehicles were introduced to the series at the beginning of the 2022 season, the Camaro ZL1 has earned victories in three of the series’ four events – recorded by Alex Bowman (March 2022), William Byron (March 2023) and Kyle Larson (Oct. 2023). Two of those victories were supported by a podium sweep by the Bowtie brand – with Bowman leading fellow Team Chevy drivers Larson (second) and Ross Chastain (third) in March 2022; and Byron leading his Hendrick Motorsports teammates Larson (second) and Bowman (third) in March 2023.

Alex BowmanNo. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Camaro ZL1 March 6, 2022

William ByronNo. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Camaro ZL1 March 5, 2023

Kyle Larson No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Camaro ZL1 October 15, 2023

CHEVROLET IN THE NASCAR XFINITY SERIES AT LAS VEGASIn the NASCAR Xfinity Series’ 33-race history at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Chevrolet leads the series with a winning percentage over 50 percent – heading into the weekend with 17 victories at the 1.5-mile Nevada oval.  The NXS’ debut at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in March 1997 saw Chevrolet atop the leaderboard in both qualifying and the race – both courtesy of Jeff Green in the No. 8 Chevrolet for team owner Gary Bechtel. In recent years, drivers from three different Chevrolet teams have recorded a combined four wins in the series’ past six races at the track – most recently one year ago by Richard Childress Racing’s Austin Hill and the No. 21 Camaro SS team.

HILL AIMS FOR RECORD WEEKENDTeam Chevy’s Austin Hill is off to dominant start in 2024 – making back-to-back trips to victory lane in the series’ first two races of the season. The 29-year-old Winston, Georgia, native will have the opportunity to make history in the series this weekend. A victory in Saturday’s ‘The LiUNA!’ race at the 1.5-mile Nevada oval would make Hill the first driver in series’ history to win the first three races in a season. Hill is no stranger to victory lane at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, with the Team Chevy driver returning as the series’ defending winner of the track’s spring event. Hill also owns two victories in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series at Las Vegas Motor Speedway – recorded in Sept. 2019 and Sept. 2020.

CHEVROLET IN THE NASCAR CRAFTSMAN TRUCK SERIES AT LAS VEGASThe Truck Series was the first of NASCAR’s three national series to compete at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, with Jack Sprague driving the No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Silverado to the win in the series’ inaugural event (Nov. 1996). In the series’ last appearance at the 1.5-mile Nevada oval (March 2023), Kyle Busch took Chevrolet to a double-digit win count at the track – driving his No. 51 Kyle Busch Motorsports (KBM) Silverado RST to the manufacturer’s 10th NCTS victory at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

REIGNING ROWDYBorn and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada, Las Vegas Motor Speedway holds a special place in Kyle Busch’s storied NASCAR career. The “hometown hero” made his first career NASCAR Cup Series start at his home track in March 2004 while competing in select races with Hendrick Motorsports that season. Busch has since made 25 NCS starts at the 1.5-mile Nevada oval – collecting one win (2009), two poles and a series-leading 12 top-five and 15 top-10 finishes.  The 38-year-old Nevada native has recorded victories in all three NASCAR national series at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. In addition to his one win in NASCAR’s top division at the Nevada oval, Busch has also tallied two NASCAR Xfinity Series wins (2016 and 2019) and four NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series wins (2018, 2019, 2020, 2023) at the track.  Busch’s most recent trip to victory lane at Las Vegas Motor Speedway came one year ago in the NCTS – leading a race-high 84 laps and pulling away to a nearly five-second lead to take the checkered-flag. The victory came in Busch’s first start with KBM following the organization’s manufacturer switch to Chevrolet at the beginning of the 2023 season. The Team Chevy driver is heading to his home track as the series’ most recent winner this season after capturing his series-leading 65th NCTS victory at Atlanta Motor Speedway last weekend.

BOWTIE BULLETS:·       Chevrolet is the only manufacturer to win across all three NASCAR national series this season – the first time in NASCAR history that a sweep streak by a manufacturer has lasted through the second weekend of the season. ·       Chevrolet has the opportunity to extend its sweep record even further this weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway – returning to the track with wins in all three series last season: NASCAR Cup Series: William Byron (March 2023) and Kyle Larson (Oct. 2023)NASCAR Xfinity Series: Austin Hill (March 2023)NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series: Kyle Busch (March 2023) ·       Active Chevrolet drivers with a NASCAR Cup Series win at Las Vegas Motor Speedway:  Kyle Larson – two wins (March 2021, Oct. 2023)William Byron – one win (March 2023) Alex Bowman – one win (March 2022)Kyle Busch – one win (March 2009) ·       In 32 NASCAR Cup Series races held at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Chevrolet has recorded 12 victories. Hendrick Motorsports leads the series in wins at the track with nine, recorded among five drivers: Jeff Gordon (2001), Jimmie Johnson (2005, 2006, 2007, 2010), Kyle Larson (2021, 2023), Alex Bowman (2022), William Byron (2023).  ·       Since the debut of the Next Gen vehicles in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2022, Chevrolet has won three of the series’ four races at Las Vegas Motor Speedway – recorded by Alex Bowman (March 2022), William Byron (March 2023) and Kyle Larson (Oct. 2023).  ·       With its victories at Atlanta Motor Speedway last weekend, Chevrolet continues the streak of earning at least one win in the NASCAR national ranks each race weekend since the Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course events in October 2023. ·       With its 42 NASCAR Cup Series Manufacturer Championships, 33 NASCAR Cup Series Driver Championships, and 853 all-time NASCAR Cup Series wins, Chevrolet continues to hold the title as the winningest brand in NASCAR Cup Series history.

Manufacturer Points Standings Chevrolet: 80 Toyota: 66 (-14)Ford: 63 (-17)

Manufacturer Points Standings Chevrolet: 80Toyota: 70 (-10)Ford: 53 (-27)

Manufacturer Points Standings Chevrolet: 80Toyota: 69 (-11)Ford: 65 (-15)

TUNE-IN:NASCAR Cup Series Pennzoil 400 presented by Jiffy LubeSunday, March 3, at 3:30 p.m. ET(FOX, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90) NASCAR Xfinity SeriesThe LiUNA! Saturday, March 2, at 5 p.m. ET(FS1, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90) NASCAR Craftsman Truck SeriesVictoria’s Voice Foundation 200 presented by Westgate ResortsFriday, March 1, at 9 p.m. ET(FS1, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90)

QUOTABLE QUOTES:ROSS CHASTAIN, NO. 1 KUBOTA CAMARO ZL1How much are you looking forward to racing at Las Vegas?“We’ve obviously had strong cars for the first two races of the season and Daniel has too. Trackhouse as a whole has had good start to the season with Daniel’s win last week at Atlanta. This weekend is the first mile-and-a-half we’re going to, so we’ll get to see how much our off-season work is going to pay off for us. I enjoy racing at Vegas, and we’ve had some strong runs there in the Cup car with Trackhouse and obviously I’ve won there in the Xfinity Series.” AUSTIN DILLON, NO. 3 BETMGM CAMARO ZL1What are your thoughts on Las Vegas Motor Speedway?“I can’t wait to get to Las Vegas Motor Speedway. It’s one of my favorite racetracks. It’s big, fast, bumpy, and it has a lot of lines that you can choose. It’s going to be a great race weekend for everyone coming to check us out. We’re on a mission on the No. 3 team to turn our luck around and Las Vegas is the perfect place to do that.” How has racing on 1.5-mile tracks with the Next Gen car 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 competitively. The restarts are really pretty wild.” COREY LAJOIE, NO. 7 USANA CAMARO ZL1LaJoie on the start of the 2024 season: “I think it’s super-important to start the year out strong, especially to get through the west-coast swing in as good of a points position as possible. Jeff Dickerson’s favorite thing to say is ‘get out ahead of it early.’ We want to try and build ourselves a little bit of a points cushion between our team and the guys who might catch you throughout the course of the year. If you start the year strong, like we have, and we continue that, it’s going to be tough for some of those guys to catch us. I’m always excited to go to Las Vegas. I’ve had some really good runs there the last couple years. That’s going to be a true barometer of where we stack up as a team with downforce and horsepower. I think we have a lot of the tools we need to bring a really good USANA Chevrolet Camaro to the race track this weekend. I’m excited to go out there and see how we stack up at the first true intermediate track of the season.”  Are you relieved to get Daytona and Atlanta out of the way? Those two tracks are variables and now you can focus on the bulk of the season.“You’re much less in control of your own destiny at those places. You are, but you aren’t. Someone else’s mistake can take you out of the race. No different than Vegas, with the crazy restarts, but I feel like you’re in control of your destiny a little bit more at Vegas than the first two. The angst is the same no matter what racetrack you go to. You want to perform and you want to do the best you can for your partners, team and fans. I don’t know if I’m excited or happy to get those two out of the way, I just know there are 34 more race where we need to try and make a notch in the win column.” Are you a fan of mile-and-a-half racing?“Those tracks have become one of the strengths of our team, which is a little surprising because I’m more of a short-track guy at heart. We’ve had some really good runs at Vegas and Charlotte and some other places like that. Ryan Sparks has a pretty good knack for setting a car up at mile-and-a-halves so hopefully we’ll see that this weekend, as well.” KYLE BUSCH, NO. 8 BETMGM CAMARO ZL1What do you remember of your first Cup win at Las Vegas in 2009 and what did that victory mean to you? Being in front of the home crowd, what did that mean to you?“It was huge and such a cool deal. That to me felt like my Daytona 500. I’ve had some big wins. I’ve won Indy. I’ve won the Southern 500. I’ve won the Coke 600, All-Star Race, all that stuff. But the Vegas win, it was just like such a relief, such a monumental win for me because I remember I grew up right down the street watching that place be built.” Is there less pressure when you go back to Vegas?“Because I’ve won there, yes, there’s less pressure, but I’ve never backed it up. You still want to win there every time you go, being the hometown. I think I have four or five third-place finishes there in the last six or seven races, whatever the hell it is. We’re right there, we just don’t get it.” DEREK KRAUS, NO. 16 WESTERN STATES FLOORING CAMARO ZL1“I’m really excited to make my first Cup Series start with Kaulig Racing, the team that I also made my Xfinity Series debut with! I’m thankful to Matt Kaulig and Chris Rice for believing in me, as well as Western States Flooring, a partner that has supported me throughout my career. I can’t wait to get to work with Travis Mack’s group and see what we can do in Las Vegas.” DANIEL HEMRIC, NO. 31 SOUTH POINT HOTEL AND CASINO CAMARO ZL1“I’ve said for many years that Las Vegas feels like a second home now. It’s really special to have South Point Hotel Casino and Spa back on the Cup car after a five-year hiatus in the series. They have done so much for me in my career since 2017, so returning to the top level of racing with them feels like having family at the racetrack. Las Vegas is a track that has always been a good one for me. I think this No. 31 team is excited for our first, true mile-and-a-half event to show the work that we’ve put in throughout the off-season. I’m looking forward to seeing where we shake out once we unload and hopefully having a solid weekend. ALEX BOWMAN, NO. 48 ALLY CAMARO ZL1Bowman on racing at Las Vegas Motor Speedway:“I’m excited for this weekend at Las Vegas (Motor Speedway). I went to the simulator this morning trying to get dialed in. There are places we are starting to get pretty consistently good at and (Las) Vegas (Motor Speedway) is one of them. We scored a podium finish last spring (2023) and then I did crash there last fall (2023), but hopefully I won’t do that again. It would be awesome to get the No. 48 team and Ally another win there (Las Vegas Motor Speedway). I look forward to going back and to get back to where we should be running. Getting back to victory lane, winning races, making the playoffs and going to contend for a Championship is really this year’s goal.” BLAKE HARRIS, CREW CHIEF, NO. 48 ALLY CAMARO ZL1Harris on racing at Las Vegas Motor Speedway: “We had a couple really fast cars there (Las Vegas Motor Speedway) last year. Obviously being a part of the Hendrick Motorsports 1-2-3 finish in the spring (2023) was great. We had a fast car again in the fall and got ourselves in the top-10 before we wrecked. I expect to go back there (Las Vegas Motor Speedway) with speed. It’s a good track historically for Hendrick Motorsports and we hope to kick-off our intermediates the right way.” ZANE SMITH, NO. 71 FOCUSED HEALTH CAMARO ZL1Are you excited to get back and race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway?“I’m very eager to get back to Las Vegas and race there. I classify Las Vegas as my home track so it is always a special weekend. Especially because this will be my first start in the Cup Series at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, so it is bittersweet. I always dreamed of racing in the Cup Series at that track.” How did you feel leaving Atlanta and what are you looking to capitalize on this weekend in Las Vegas?“I was disappointed with how our race ended on Sunday at Atlanta. My City of Refuge Chevy Camaro was super-fast and unfortunately, I made some contact with the wall. This No. 71 Spire Motorsports team is special and I know we will have another fast Focused Health Chevy Camaro this weekend in Las Vegas. I’m looking forward to getting on the track and seeing what this team can accomplish together.” CARSON HOCEVAR, NO. 77 PREMIER SECURITY CAMARO ZL1“I feel good heading to Vegas, excited to start working on our mile 1/2 package in our No. 77 Premier Security Chevy. I’m even more excited to see where we stack up with all our off season work and preparation and have a solid smooth day after what happened at Daytona and then Atlanta. Wrong place wrong time sometimes but hey that’s racing, and we have another chance this next week to finish better!” DANIEL SUAREZ, NO. 99 FREEWAY INSURANCE CAMARO ZL1What does the Atlanta victory mean to you?“We have done a lot of work on this race team to make it better and to keep moving forward. This is just the beginning of something amazing that we are going to go through together. I am so happy for all my Amigos at Freeway Insurance who have been with us for so long. That victory was a group effort. Our partners at Chevrolet, all of our sponsors and all of the people at Trackhouse Racing.” Are you ready to relax now that you have a victory and likely secured a playoff spot?“No way. Atlanta will be the first of many victories. This makes us want to keep working and win more. I have always said I don’t want to just get in the playoffs. We want to win and advance in the playoffs.” What are your thoughts on Las Vegas?“I hope practice and qualifying go better than last year. We had an issue and crashed, but on race day our backup car was pretty quick. I was very proud of my guys. That wreck Saturday put us back and we had to get the backup car ready with no laps of practice. They stayed late Saturday night and came in early on race day. The car didn’t feel like a backup and if we had another 100 miles we would have finished even better than 16th. We passed many cars coming from the back a few times.” What did you do in the offseason to make Daniel Suarez stronger?“Well, I did a lot of work with my crew chief Matt Swiderski and the rest of the engineers in the simulator and analyzing myself what can I be better at. This is not just ‘we changed the crew chief’ that’s the solution. No, it has to be way more than that and I think we all need to change a few things here and there. Myself, crew chief, engineering department, pit crew department. With these changes, I believe we’ll be in a different place this year.” What will it take for Trackhouse to break through?“There are a lot of young teams like Trackhouse that are getting stronger every year. I truly believe that this year Trackhouse is really going to be stronger than last year. I can’t wait to see that reflected on track and hopefully we can give them a run for the money.”

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)                2024 STATISTICS:                                                                                                    Wins: 2Poles: 0Laps Led: 117Top-five finishes: 5Top-10 finishes: 8Stage wins: 1·       Chase Elliott: 1 (Daytona)  CHEVROLET IN NASCAR CUMULATIVE STATISTICS:Total Chevrolet race wins: 853 (1949 to date)Poles won to date: 743Laps led to date: 249,292Top-five finishes to date: 4,303Top-10 finishes to date: 8,869                                                                                                          Total NASCAR Cup Wins by Corporation, 1949 to Date:                    General Motors: 1,187           Chevrolet: 853           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

ominic Scelzi Set for Season Opener in Family Car This Weekend in Texas With ASCS Elite Outlaw Sprints

Inside Line Promotions – WAYNESVILLE, Ga. (Feb. 28, 2024) – Dominic Scelzi is opening the season in his family-owned No. 41 sprint car this weekend in Texas.

Scelzi will venture to Hunt County Raceway in Greenville on Friday and to Kennedale Speedway Park in Kennedale on Saturday with the ASCS Elite Outlaw Sprints. It will mark his debut at both dirt tracks.

“We’re really excited to head to a couple of new tracks and return to the Midwest,” he said. “I always enjoy racing in that part of the country. It’s been a while so it’ll be great to see some familiar faces from that region as we compete in the Midwest throughout the next couple of months.”

Scelzi last competed in The Lone Star State in 2020 when he raced at four different tracks in May and June. He picked up a podium, two top fives and three top-six outings during the four races.

“We were last there during COVID when everything was shut down in California,” he said. “I remember we had some good runs at the different tracks in Texas. I think it was our first time visiting most tracks so hopefully we can have similar success this weekend.”

Scelzi drove for Roth Motorsports last weekend during a High Limit Racing event hosted by Golden Isles Speedway. He kicked off the Deuces Wild show on Thursday when he qualified 20 ^th quickest, advanced from seventh to sixth in a heat race and maneuvered from 17 ^th to 13 ^th in the A Main. The four positions gained were the third most.

The weekend concluded on Saturday with Scelzi improving his qualifying run, going 12 ^th quickest. He again picked up a position in a heat race, this time finishing fourth. The night wrapped up with a 14^th-place result in the main event.

“Qualifying is so crucial and it set us behind each night,” he said. “We were able to make some progress in the heat race both nights as well as the in the feature on Thursday, but the overall results of the weekend weren’t what we hoped for. It was definitely a learning weekend at a new track. Thanks to Dennis and Teresa Roth, Todd and Brent Ventura, and Toyota for having me run the first four High Limit shows with Roth Motorsports.”

QUICK RESULTS –

Feb. 22 – Golden Isles Speedway in Waynesville, Ga. – Qualifying: 20; Heat race: 6 (7); Feature: 13 (17).

Feb. 24 – Golden Isles Speedway in Waynesville, Ga. – Qualifying: 12; Heat race: 4 (5); Feature: 14 (13).

SEASON STATS –

4 races, 0 wins, 0 top fives, 0 top 10s, 4 top 15s, 4 top 20s

UP NEXT –

Friday at Hunt County Raceway in Greenville, Texas, and Saturday at Kennedale Speedway Park in Kennedale, Texas, with the ASCS Elite Outlaw Sprints

CONCORD, NC (Feb. 28, 2024) – A full national midget series has been absent from Brayton Lynch’s schedule for almost six years. But 2024 is his comeback season, and he’s bringing his grandfather, famed Midget crew chief and car owner Rusty Kunz, with him on the trail of the Xtreme Outlaw Midget Series presented by Toyota.

Lynch, 24, of Springfield, IL, will pilot the Rexroad Racing, Bullet/Toyota No. 1K at all 30 Series events in 2024 with help on the wrenches from Kunz – the multi-time Chili Bowl Nationals winning crew chief and brother of Keith Kunz Motorsports co-owner, Keith Kunz.

The two have been away from full-time national Midget series competition since 2018. So, what brings them back?

“I’m coming back because Brayton wants to race,” Rusty said. “He’s a young guy and doesn’t get many opportunities.

“He’s got the opportunity, and I figured if he gets the opportunity, I might as well come and do it with him.”

Lynch made his Series debut last year, recording two top-10 finishes in four starts with a best finish of seventh at Red Hill Raceway, where he won a Heat Race during the program. He’s also been a Chili Bowl Nationals entrant every year from his rookie debut in 2017, keeping his grandfather’s legacy going every January.

“I put a lot of pressure on myself just to keep his reputation upheld, even though I probably don’t even have to,” Lynch said. “It’s special. It was different growing up with him as my mechanic and everybody wishing they were in my car.”

Since the 1970s, Rusty has been carving his own legacy as both a car owner and crew chief, collecting a long list of accomplishments in the national Midget ranks that includes wins with Page Jones, Kevin Doty, Johnny Parsons, Jason Leffler, Jerry Coons Jr. and, most recently, the late Bryan Clauson.

Lynch spent many years around the racetrack watching Rusty manage his cars and drivers, learning the intricacies of the sport with which he continues to shape his own career.

“You just kinda learn from them, and I’ve watched and helped out when I was younger and growing up, so I was able to kinda visualize and see what [Rusty] does, what they do, [hear] their feedback and stuff,” Lynch said. “Just learning how to give [Rusty] feedback, really.”

In his first year back on the road, the 73-year-old Kunz has some goals set with his grandson as they enter their 10th season of racing together – all in the name of improving. While Lynch still hunts for his first Feature win on the national circuit, Rusty said it’s the fundamentals they’re looking for – qualifying for every Feature, completing every lap, and posting top-five and top-10 finishes.

“I’d like to see him advance,” Rusty said. “The better he gets, who knows what happens. But he can’t get any better if we don’t go racing.”

Lynch and Kunz kick off their 2024 Xtreme Outlaw Midget Series presented by Toyota campaign with the season opener inside the Southern Illinois Center in Du Quoin, IL – Friday-Saturday, March 15-16.

Tickets for the two-day event will be on sale at the gate. If you can’t be there to watch in person, stream every lap live on DIRTVision.

(2/27/24 – Ben Deatherage) … With a brand new season for the NARC 410 Sprint Car Series is right around the corner, it’s incredible to think of all the potential drivers that could win the King of the West title, let alone a feature event during the 2024 campaign. With 26 nights of exciting action taking place at so many different racetracks along the Pacific Coast, things are definitely up for grabs. Below is a look at where success and some upsets could come from with the regulars and frequent visitors to the NARC tour.

THE REGULARS

The first category we will explore is the drivers slated to compete regularly with the NARC 410 Sprint Car Seriesin 2024. Justin Sanders, from Aromas, hit the jackpot on the final night of the Jim Raper Memorial Super Dirt Cup, at Alger, Washington’s Skagit Speedway, by winning over $80,000 for Mittry Motorsports #2X last June, as well as winning the overall Morrie Williams Memorial at Kings Speedway in mid-October. Undoubtedly, all the success he achieved in Australia the previous winter, coupled with several trips to the Midwest, made him a force to reckon with in 2023 and this coming season.  To date, he has scored 15 NARC wins.

Returning behind the wheel of the Bates-Hamilton Racing #42X, Justyn Cox from Roseville will also be a front-runner in the championship battle. Cox scored a massive triumph at Tulare’s Dennis Roth Classic with $18,000+ in winnings in April and eventually was crowned the Sprint Car Challenge Tour 360 title winner. Undoubtedly, he’s looking to add a NARC 410 Sprint Car Series crown to his trophy case come the Tribute To Gary Patterson at Stockton in November.

Campbell’s Bud Kaeding knows what it takes to achieve a championship with the NARC Series. The 2017 title winner once again finished in the top five in the final standings, and nearly collected a win at Petaluma Speedway during the May visit. It seems all it will take for Kaeding is to win once, and then the victory machine will be hitting on all eight-cylinders again.  He has 21 NARC wins to his credit.

Speaking of Petaluma, race fans are still talking about the amazing Salute To Baylands victory that Chase Johnson scored in July. The Penngrove pilot may have only won once last year with NARC, but he managed to accumulate some wins with and without the wing and in both 360 and 410 powerplants. Johnson no doubt will have a diverse 2024 schedule, which also includes Midgets on the calendar.

Once more driving the Dave and Debbie Vertullo #83V, Dylan Bloomfield proved he can hang with the NARC ranks for an entire season. The Oakley driver managed a pair of Top 5 feature finishes and finally had a breakthrough victory in 360 competition on the preliminary night of the Fall Nationals at Silver Dollar Speedway. Could that translate into a David Tarter Memorial or Mini Gold Cup win this season when the tour visits Chico?  Don’t bet against it.

Billy Aton will be another familiar face to see when the NARC group hits the road. Aton is excited about NARC’s return to Santa Maria Speedway in 2024. What makes that track special is that it is the site of his lone NARC triumph in 2021. The Benicia driver and his team are a great group to have around with their infectious smiles and “no quit” attitude despite 2023 starting so rough for them in the spring.

After being named the NARC Rookie of the Year at last year’s championship celebration, Nick Parker is looking to build on that accolade. The Tucson, Arizona native, now residing in Chico, has a full year of NARC racing under his belt, making the rounds of the multiple tracks on the NARC campaign.  That experience has culminated in a detailed notebook of improvements and nuances needed for success. That should spell improved performance for his team that should result in top finishes.

Jarrett Soares will return to the NARC 410 Series when the engines fire up on March 9th. Returning to full-time series competition for the first time since 2016, the Gilroy gasser will be a delightful addition to the cast of characters tearing up the clay. Last year, Soares scored a pair of Non-Wing 360 Sprint victories at Antioch Speedway and traveled across the state of California as well as into the Pacific Northwest.

THE ROOKS

We’ve talked about some of the regulars, but a unique twist to the NARC 2024 campaign will be the youth movement by drivers who are still cutting their teeth in Sprint Cars and some with just a handful of starts in a 410. The battle for the Rookie of the Year award will be a barnburner from March to November.

Dominic Gorden got some 410 racing under his belt late last year. Under the tutelage of crew chief Richard Brown, the Clovis teenager scored a trio of 360 triumphs, twice at Ocean and once at Marysville, as well as collecting the Western Sprint Tour title. Gorden didn’t have much of a quiet offseason as he won six Caged Clone races at the Chowchilla Barn Burner and got the big payday at Nevada’s Reno Livestock Events Center in February during the High Desert Hustle.  He promises to be a top ten fixture.

Lemoore driver Gauge Garcia spent last year splitting driving duties between the Tarlton Motorsports #21X and the Keller Motorsports #2K. Garcia had a pair of 360 wins in 2023, including the Cotton Classic in October at Kings and a thriller of a win at Tulare in May.  His best NARC finish was a third at the Morrie Williams Memorial race.  Garcia plans to chase the rookie title aboard the Keller Motorsports ride.

Fresno’s Caeden Steele is another individual to watch closely. Steele had some great battles with Bud Kaeding at Ocean Speedway on Friday nights in the Ocean Sprints 360 ranks, including posting a win in late August. Something noteworthy is in late July, he was able to record a sixth-place result at Skagit Speedway against a stacked field of 410 competitors with a 360 in between the frame rails.

Another addition to the series will be Chico-based team of Michael Ing.  The 22-year driver has five-years of experience in both 360’s and a limited amount of time in 410’s and will be driving a family owned and operated team with David Ing on the wrenches.

THE SPOILERS

The last topic to cover is the many potential spoilers that will enter the battle during the NARC 410 Sprint Car Series. What makes NARC such an incredibly tough series is that anyone can win on any given night.

Despite not running full-time with NARC in 2024, Dominic Scelzi will still be a force to reckon with. The two-time series champion has already logged many laps, filling in for James McFadden with the High Limit Series. This move reunited him with the Roth Motorsports team. Whether it’s in Washington, Oregon, or California, the Fresno driver is sure to be upfront.  He will be racing around the country and plans to return to California in May for the balance of the NARC season.  Scelzi has 22 NARC victories on his resume’.

2023 saw one of the biggest comeback stories in Sprint Car racing. After shattering his collarbone at the Trophy Cup in October 2022, D.J. Netto returned and won. In his first race in March of 2023, he bested the ASCS-Southwest Region competition at Central Arizona Raceway. The Hanford pilot finally returned to NARC victory lane when he scored his seventh career NARC victory at the Morrie Williams Memorial at the end of the second Twin-20 main event.

Carson Macedo won the NARC title in 2015, but one thing he did not do is something his younger brother Cole Macedo managed to accomplish in June, win a NARC feature. The younger Macedo took care of business at Willamette Speedway in Lebanon, Oregon, and was the only driver to beat eventual tour champion Corey Day during the Fastest Four Days Of Motorsports. Macedo also has spent some time in Florida and Georgia racing the Kevin Newton #16TH with the High Limit Series.  He is a threat to win on any given night.

With two trips to Silver Dollar Speedway, the 2022 SDS track champion Shane Golobic is one driver to not discount. The Matt Wood Racing #17W team has got Chico ¼-mile on lock and has won eight races in the last two seasons. Finishing sixth on the final night of the Gold Cup Race of Champions, the Fremont native wowed the crowd at Ocean Speedway when he finally won the Howard Kaeding Classic at Watsonville in July. He had ten victories between 410, 360, and Midget competition.  He has 15 career NARC wins.

Whether it was in the Larry Antaya #16A or the Jim and Annette Van Lare #5V, Colby Copeland was always a contender for a victory. The Roseville racer won with the Van Lare’s at Placerville Speedway at the Dave Bradway Jr. Memorial mere days after his car owner lost his father.  This made for a very powerful post race interview in victory lane. Copeland would back that up with another emotional victory lane visit at the Van Lare’s home track at Petaluma when they bested the SCCT on the adobe 3/8-mile oval.

Making a healthy number of NARC starts last year was Tanner Carrick. From Lincoln, Carrick won the first Sprint Car race in California in 2023 when he won the Sherm and Loree Toller Memorial at Marysville. He would get additional 360 wins at Ocean and Placerville. Carrick is notable for already achieving a win in 2024 by winning the Monday prelim at the Chili Bowl Midget Nationals in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on January 8^th, which makes him the first Midget feature winner in the United States for this year.  He is looking for his first career NARC win.

2005 NARC champion Sean Becker can be expected to make some appearances throughout the upcoming season. Now calling Roseville home, Becker had his best run with NARC on July 8th when he finished fourth at Petaluma. He closed the year out with an electric 360 win at Marysville with a win on Paul Hawes Memorial Sprint Spooktacular in late October.

Last year, Andy Forsberg would collect his 200th career victory when he won the Tribute to Al Hinds at Placerville on April 15th. Three more additional wins, all at Marysville in 360 action, would add to the Auburn veterans total. Come the Mini Gold Cup and the David Tarter Memorial at Chico, he should be fun to watch. He was fourth on May 28th, his lone 410 top five of the campaign, and five total top tens at Chico for the four-time Silver Dollar Speedway track champ.

Even though he spent much of the summer helping his son Cole in Kage Karts, Willie Croft was still fun to watch in his limited appearances with the NARC 410 Series. Croft, who resides in Colfax, posted two top-five finishes in eight 410 starts.  This included a pair of runner-up finishes, getting one on May 28th at Silver Dollar and another at Skagit on July 22nd.

Whether in California or his native Pacific Northwest, Trey Starks is always on the prowl for a win. Nearly capturing the prelude to the Dennis Roth Classic while racing for Scelzi Motorsports in April, he was also a contender at Grays Harbor Raceway’s Timber Cup and the Dirt Cup. The two-time and defending Skagit Speedway track titlist from Puyallup, Washington, is looking to be the first Washington native to win the prestigious Dirt Cup since Seth Bergman did it in 2018.

Tanner Holmes will be a fun driver to watch as he comes off a stint with the Shark Racing #1T after the Knoxville Nationals.  This earned him a significant cram session in the final few months of 2023. Undoubtedly, he gained some valuable experience taking on the World Of Outlaws, expanding his knowledge of some new tracks and fierce competition that bettered his driving abilities. The Jacksonville, Oregon racer enjoyed a great Dirt Cup last year and posted several strong showings with the NARC series in the springtime.

One of the Cinderella stories of 2023 was Michael Faccinto during the Dave Bradway Jr. Memorial at Placerville. Faccinto, from Hanford, set quick time, collected a large amount of money with all the bonuses and contingencies, and almost pulled off a massive upset finishing second.  The team which he drove for, which claimed the Placerville 360 championship, was the Friends & Family #X1 owned by Alan Bradway, Dave’s brother, and Steve Tuccelli.

Those are just a few of the interesting scenarios and stories taking place on the NARC tour this season.  When you mix it all together, it promises to be a very entertaining season of open wheel racing on the left coast.  So pick your favorite driver and team and we will see you at the NARC races.