CHICAGO (July 12, 2023) — Chicago firefighter, NHRA Funny Car team owner and driver, Chris King, has one race under his belt in 2023 and he is ready to get his Howards Cams/Competition Products Dodge Charger Funny Car back on track at the Dodge Mile-High Nationals, July 14-16. King shook off the cobwebs at the Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by PEAK Performance at the end of May, narrowly missing one of the quickest fields in NHRA history. It was his first national event since 2021 and King is looking to improve on that effort at Bandimere Speedway, the track where he made his professional debut.
 
“Bandimere is where it all started for me,” said King, who qualified No. 14 at the 2021 national event. “I want to make some more memories here. Our team got back in the shop after Chicago and my crew chief Terry Totten put a lot of time into this Funny Car. We got some help from Ron Capps’ crew chief Dean Antonelli and I can’t thank him enough. I love this sport because it really is like a big family. We want to be out here competing and there are guys like Guido who are willing to help make that happen.”

Funny Car driver and team owner Chris King ready for NHRA Mile High Nationals

 
King raced three races in 2021 and took 2022 off to build his program and look for a road map to success on the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series. This season the fireman and professional driver has targeted five NHRA national events including Chicago and Denver with the addition of Topeka (KS), Indianapolis (IN) and St. Louis (MO) to his slate of races. The goal is to qualify and build up data for an enhanced schedule in 2024.
 
“You need to be out here as much as possible to get data and also to show a sponsor what you can do for them,” said King. “We have some great partners and we talk with other companies every week. Our goal is to find partners that want to help an aggressive young team get to the next level. Our focus is on delivering on the track and off the track.”
 
A perfect example of outside of the box marketing and promotion activities King has brought to the sport include an event he organized in advance of the Chicago race in May. King took several NHRA drivers through the paces at the Robert Quinn Fire Academy today. He was joined by Pro Stock standout Camrie Caruso as well as Pro Mod drivers Lyle Barnett, JR Gray, Jerico Balduf and Mike Thielen for an afternoon of firefighting skill tests and challenges. The group was outfitted in full fire protection gear including air tanks which added just over 35 pounds to each driver plus a variety of firefighting tools before they took on the challenging “up and over” drill which included five flights of stairs up a run across the top of the training facility and then five flights of stairs down to the main floor. The group paused for a photo with the famed Chicago skyline in the background before continuing with more drills.
 
“The Chicago firehouse tour and skills day was something I always dreamed of doing,” said King. “We are going to continue to look for opportunities like that but right now we need to focus on this Howards Cams/Competition Products Dodge Charger Funny Car. I really think we can get this care competitive and win some rounds. Funny Car has never been tougher but there is also the opportunity for a single car team to succeed. That hasn’t always been the case.”
 
King’s race car also has a unique look thanks to the son of Funny Car world champion Jack Beckman. The car debuted in Chicago and King was thrilled with the reception the design by young artist and designer Jason Beckman received.
 
“I it was so cool to see people going nuts over Jason’s Funny Car,” said King. “I saw some of his work and thought it would be cool to get some designs from him. My sponsors and I loved the design that is on the race car so we couldn’t wait to show it off. I am looking forward to making a lot of passes with this design.”
 
The Howards Cams/Competition Products Dodge Charger Funny Car and King will get their first chance to make passes in Denver on Friday afternoon when qualifying for the Dodge Mile-High Nationals get underway. There will be two more qualifying sessions on Saturday with final eliminations for the 16 quickest Funny Cars commencing at 11 a.m. on Sunday. The race will be televised nationally on FOX Sunday evening.

The Elk Grove, CA native rolls to 30th career World of Outlaws winATTICA, OH (July 11, 2023) – Another day, another moment of Kyle Larson showing he’s already one of the best to ever drive a Sprint Car.Through more than three decades of competition, no driver had been able to top back-to-back Ohio Logistics Brad Doty Classics presented by Racing Optics. Nobody by the name of Kinser, Swindell, Blaney, or any of the other legendary figures of the sport could achieve the feat.On Tuesday night at Attica Raceway Park, a legend in the making changed that fact.Kyle Larson started second, took the lead on lap one and never looked back. The Elk Grove, CA native put together a perfect drive at the Ohio oval – leading all 40 laps on his way to his second consecutive and third overall win in the prestigious event. The victory was worth $15,000. Combine that with his Huset’s High Bank Nationals prelim triumph three weeks ago, and “Yung Money” has banked $35,000 in his two World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint car wins this year.Larson’s fourth overall Series victory at Attica gave him sole possession of the second most all-time – only one away from matching Donny Schatz’ record tally of five. He’s also only one away from matching Schatz in total Brad Doty Classic wins. The 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion added to his astounding recent résumé at Attica with his fifth trip to Victory Lane in the last six starts.“I can’t believe nobody has gone back-to-back in the long history of this race, so that’s pretty special for sure,” Larson said. “Paul (Silva) definitely has the tune up for Attica. We’re always really fast when we come here nobody what series we’re in.”After marching his way from fourth to second in the Toyota Racing Dash presented by DAC Pet Products, Larson lined up outside the front row for the 40-lap Feature. The high line proved to be advantageous when the green lights came on as he powered around James McFadden for the lead. With the Ohio dirt sometimes creating dusty track conditions, Larson knew getting ahead early would be important.“Being good all throughout the night really helps at Attica because it’s hard to see when you’re out there,” Larson explained. “Thankfully for me I got the lead and you can at least see for about eight laps and then you catch traffic and it’s really tough.”An early restart with two laps complete allowed Sheldon Haudenschild to rip the cushion by McFadden into second. Once Haudenschild secured the runner-up spot, a race-long game of cat and mouse ensued.Haudenschild refused to let Larson escape, but Larson refused to let Haudenschild get too close. Each time a restart happened Larson would pull away slightly but Haudenschild kept him within his sights. Whenever the duo entered traffic, Haudenschild would close in before Larson cleared a slower car to add some cushion.Even though he appeared to work through traffic pretty well, Larson still found navigating it to be highly challenging.“I was making mistakes in (Turns) 3 and 4 because I would catch traffic or start to see them, and I’d slow down and try to drive easier,” Larson said. “Then I wouldn’t get my wheel spin when I needed and get swallowed up in the cushion. I wasn’t sure where Sheldon was behind me, but I figured he’d having a hard time seeing as well. When I got to the back bumper of traffic, that was really tough. The cushion in (Turns) 1 and 2 was really tall right in the center, taller than it typically is. And then on exit there was nothing, and you couldn’t see it. They were blowing across the bottom, and all the dust would end up at the top of the racetrack.”As the laps dwindled Larson made a slight mistake here and there but nothing detrimental. One final strong restart with nine laps to go sealed the deal as he cruised away to his 30th career World of Outlaws victory.“Things just worked out again,” Larson said. “But you have to have a great car to put yourself in position all night long. Thanks again to Paul.”Sheldon Haudenschild hung on for second to record his best Brad Doty Classic finish and also his fifth top five at Attica in Series competition. The result marked the Stenhouse Jr.-Marshall Racing driver’s second consecutive podium. While he was pleased with he and the team’s speed, he was left feeling hungry after coming so close to a win in one of his home state’s premier races.“We’ll keep working for sure. We want to win Doty’s race bad,” Haudenschild said. “My car was great there, and I kept Larson honest that whole time until the last restart really. I just got tight on the cushion…. It’s way more fun when you’re up here on the podium, so we’ll just keep working.”Arising from a chaotic battle to complete the top three was Carson Macedo. Like Haudenschild, Macedo’s effort was a second straight result on the podium. The Jason Johnson Racing driver continues to climb back into the championship fight after struggling slightly in the first weeks following his scary Knoxville crash.“I talked to (team members) Philip (Dietz), Clyde (Knipp), Nate (Repetz), and I feel like they did an incredible job,” Macedo said. “We did a pretty good job. It was a dog fight the whole race.”Donny Schatz and David Gravel rounded out the top five. Gravel’s top five while Brad Sweet finished 15th elevated Gravel into the points lead for the third time this season. His advantage sits at eight markers over Sweet. Macedo is 26 points behind Sweet.A 19th to sixth effort gave Zeb Wise the KSE Racing Hard Charger Award aboard the Rudeen Racing #26.For the ninth time in his career, Kyle Larson claimed the Simpson Performance Products QuickTime Award.CASE No.1 Engine Oil Heat One was topped by Larson (37th Heat Race win of career). Gill Construction Heats Two through Four went to Sheldon Haudenschild (90th of career), Shane Stewart (173rd of career), and James McFadden (41st of career).The Smith Titanium Brake Systems “Break of the Race” was given to Kerry Madsen. After charging from ninth in his Heat Race to fifth to transfer, mechanical issues ended his night early in the Feature.UP NEXT: The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars roll to Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, OH where the historic half-mile will host a pair of major money race nights. On Friday, July 14 The Knight Before will take place at “The Big E” with a $20,000 payday on the line. The next night brings the 40th running of the Kings Royal where the winner will claim a massive $175,000 award. For tickets, CLICK HERE.If you can’t make it to the track, catch all of the action live on DIRTVision.RESULTS:NOS Energy Drink Feature (40 Laps): 1. 57-Kyle Larson[2]; 2. 17-Sheldon Haudenschild[3]; 3. 41-Carson Macedo[5]; 4. 15-Donny Schatz[14]; 5. 2-David Gravel[8]; 6. 26-Zeb Wise[19]; 7. 18-Giovanni Scelzi[4]; 8. 83-James McFadden[1]; 9. 1S-Logan Schuchart[21]; 10. 71-Shane Stewart[6]; 11. 29-Cole Macedo[17]; 12. 7BC-Tyler Courtney[9]; 13. 9P-Parker Price Miller[7]; 14. 83JR-Michael Kofoid[11]; 15. 49-Brad Sweet[13]; 16. 5-Spencer Bayston[12]; 17. 55X-Daryn Pittman[15]; 18. 3J-Trey Jacobs[10]; 19. 9-Kasey Kahne[20]; 20. (DNF) 35-Stuart Brubaker[23]; 21. (DNF) 22-Brandon Spithaler[22]; 22. (DNF) 99-Skylar Gee[16]; 23. (DNF) 1A-Jacob Allen[25]; 24. (DNF) 3Z-Brock Zearfoss[24]; 25. (DNF) 55-Kerry Madsen[18]

DAVENPORT, Iowa (July 11, 2023) – Jonathan Davenport raced to victory in Tuesday night’s 40-lap Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series event sponsored by C&J Trucking and HD Equipment at Davenport Speedway. It was Davenport’s first career win the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds oval. Devin Moran made it close at the end cutting an over three second deficit to within 0.680 seconds at the finish. Ricky Thornton Jr. the current Big River Steel Chase for the Championship presented by ARP leader was third followed by Hudson O’Neal and Brian Shirley, who earned the Todd Steel Building Hard Charger of the Race coming from 16th to round out the top five. Davenport, who led 35 of the 40 laps earned his 70th career win in the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series which ranks third all-time in series history. A close call with 6 laps remaining would allow Moran to close the gap when Davenport slipped off the track in turn four. “When in doubt throttle out is what my crew chief told me last week. I had used all the lip up down here in four that you could, and I used a little bit too much that lap. I knew if I hit the brake pedal, I was going to turn right, and it would be even worse, so I just kept my foot in it. The thing about this team is we are never going to give up. We are continuously working. That’s how this sport goes somebody hits on a set-up and things start going their way. Ricky’s [Thornton] done an awesome job and Hudson [O’Neal] as well, every now and then we will stumble onto something and hopefully its in the right direction.” Moran, who started on the pole and led laps 6-10 was second at the line – falling one spot short of a perfect night at Davenport. “I just needed to get in front of him [Davenport] at the start of the race. I probably should have slid him into one and then I tried in three and four and got into him a little bit. They did a really good job I guess I wasn’t the kryptonite tonight. The car finally cleaned up some and we could start really making some speed. I thought he was going to smoke the wall. I saw his whole left side up in the air. Thanks to my crew for giving me such as great race car.” Thornton will maintain his series points lead heading into the next event at Tri-City Speedway on Friday night. “After the last couple of nights, I was just hoping not to get a flat. A third-place is awesome. I thought the track was going to stay faster longer than it really did with about five to go I thought I was going to have a shot around the bottom. We are happy with third it was a good points night for us. The tire choice was huge tonight. I am glad they came out and worked the track. I looked at and I thought wrong about the tires.” The winner’s Lance and Darla Landers, Double L Motorsports, Longhorn Chassis is powered by a Cornett Racing Engine and is sponsored by Nutrien Ag Solutions, Dyna Gro Seed, Lucas Oil Products, Bilstein Shocks, VP Fuels, Mark Martin Automotive, Mega Plumbing of the Carolinas, ASC Warranty, and Midwest Sheet Metal. Completing the top ten were Garrett Alberson, Tim McCreadie, Brandon Overton, Drake Troutman, and Max Blair. Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Race Summary Lucas Oil Late Models Presented by C & J Trucking / HD EquipmentTuesday, July 11, 2023Davenport Speedway – Davenport, IA Allstar Performance Time TrialsFast Time Group A: Devin Moran / 13.330 seconds (overall)Fast Time Group B: Jonathan Davenport / 13.572 seconds  Penske Shocks Heat Race #1 Finish (8 Laps, Top 4 Transfer): 1. 99-Devin Moran[1]; 2. 1T-Tyler Erb[4]; 3. 11-Spencer Hughes[3]; 4. 16-Tyler Bruening[2]; 5. 99JR-Frank Heckenast Jr[6]; 6. 99B-Boom Briggs[7]; 7. 99L-Jeff Larson[8]; 8. (DNS) 7-Ross Robinson Summit Racing Products Heat Race #2 Finish (8 Laps, Top 4 Transfer): 1. 20RT-Ricky Thornton Jr[1]; 2. 58-Garrett Alberson[3]; 3. 18D-Daulton Wilson[2]; 4. 174-Ethen Dotson[5]; 5. 39-Tim McCreadie[6]; 6. 25-Chad Simpson[4]; 7. 91-Mike Guldenpfennig[8]; 8. 17-Tim Simpson[7] Simpson Race Products Heat Race #3 (8 Laps, Top 4 Transfer): 1. 49-Jonathan Davenport[1]; 2. 32C-Chris Simpson[5]; 3. 111B-Max Blair[4]; 4. 51-Matt Furman[7]; 5. 19R-Ryan Gustin[2]; 6. 29-Spencer Diercks[3]; 7. 42-Johnathan Huston[8]; 8. 15J-Justin Duty[6] AP1 Insurance Heat Race #4 (8 Laps, Top 4 Transfer): 1. 7T-Drake Troutman[3]; 2. 1H-Hudson O’Neal[5]; 3. 76-Brandon Overton[1]; 4. 3S-Brian Shirley[7]; 5. 22-Daniel Hilsabeck[4]; 6. 46-Earl Pearson Jr[6]; 7. 10-Garrett Smith[2]; 8. 78S-Steve Stultz[8] Fast Shafts B-Main Race #1 (10 Laps, Top 6 Transfer): 1. 99JR-Frank Heckenast Jr[1]; 2. 39-Tim McCreadie[3]; 3. 19R-Ryan Gustin[2]; 4. 29-Spencer Diercks[6]; 5. 46-Earl Pearson Jr[8]; 6. 15J-Justin Duty[14]; 7. 99B-Boom Briggs[5]; 8. 99L-Jeff Larson[9]; 9. 17-Tim Simpson[13]; 10. 10-Garrett Smith[12]; 11. 22-Daniel Hilsabeck[4]; 12. 42-Johnathan Huston[10]; 13. 91-Mike Guldenpfennig[11]; 14. 78S-Steve Stultz[16]; 15. 7-Ross Robinson[15]; 16. (DNS) 25-Chad Simpson Lucas Oil Late Models Presented by C & J Trucking / HD Equipment Feature Finish (40 Laps):

Race Statistics Entrants: 32Terminal Maintenance & Construction Pole Sitter: Devin Moran         Lap Leaders: Jonathan Davenport (Laps 1-5); Devin Moran (Laps 6-12); Jonathan Davenport (Laps 13-40)Wieland Feature Winner: Jonathan DavenportArizona Sport Shirts Crown Jewel Cup Feature Winner: n/aBrandon Ford TV Challenge Feature Winner: n/aMargin of Victory: 0.680 secondsGorsuch Performance Solutions Cautions: Tyler Erb (Lap 12) Fast Time Provisional: n/aSeries Emergency Provisionals: n/aTrack Provisional: n/aBig River Steel Podium Top 3: Jonathan Davenport, Devin Moran, Ricky Thornton, Jr.Penske Shocks Top 5: Jonathan Davenport, Devin Moran, Ricky Thornton, Jr., Hudson O’Neal, Brian ShirleyTodd Steel Buildings Hard Charger of the Race: Brian Shirley (Advanced 11 Positions)Wilwood Brakes Lucky 7th Place Feature: Tim McCreadieDeatherage Opticians Lucky 13th Place Feature: Daulton WilsonEarnhardt Technologies Most Laps Led: Jonathan Davenport (34 Laps)Sunoco Race for Gas Highest Finisher: Ricky Thornton, Jr.Midwest Sheet Metal Spoiler Challenge Point Leader: Ricky Thornton, Jr.O’Reilly Auto Parts Rookie of the Race: Max BlairEtchberger Trucking Fastest Lap of the Race: Jonathan Davenport (Lap 9 – 14.014 seconds)MD3 Tough Break of the Race: Tyler BrueningOuterwears Crew Chief of the Race: Cory Fostvedt (Jonathan Davenport)ARP Engine Builder of the Race: Cornett Racing EnginesMiller Welders Chassis Builder of the Race: Longhorn ChassisDirt Draft Fastest in Hot Laps: Hudson O’Neal (13.470 seconds)Time of Race: 12 minutes 36 seconds The Big River Steel Chase for the Championship Presented by ARP Point Standings:

(7/10/23 – Ben Deatherage) Sacramento, CA … The exciting 950-horsepower NARC 410 Sprint Cars will make their lone appearance of the season at Ocean Speedway this Saturday, July 15th for the extremely popular and lucrative Howard Kaeding Classic.  The 13th annual running of this prestigous event at the quarter-mile clay oval will payout a $40,000-plus purse with $6,900 going to the winner of the 30-lap headliner.

The race pays homage to Howard Kaeding, the patriarch of the legendary Kaeding racing family. Kaeding was victorious in 136 main events at the now-defunct San Jose Speedway, which is the record on the win list. He would win track titles at San Jose in 1973 and 1974 and boasted an incredible streak of seventeen consecutive wins, all while starting in the rear of the field.

“This is a great event that has been building some steam over the last couple of years,” commented Howard Kaeding’s grandson and event organizer, Bud, who drives the family-owned BK Racing number 69 sprint car. “The race itself is a good time, but the After Party on Friday night is a lot of fun too with all the help and hard work from the people at High Five Pizza.”  

The event features multiple sponsors and contributors to enhance the purse.

Companion divisions include the IMCA Modifieds, Hobby Stocks, and WMR Midgets. 

The track will open the weekend with a Friday night bout featuring the Ocean 360 Sprints, IMCA Northern SportMods, Hobby Stocks, and WMR Midgets.  

Once all the racing has concluded on Friday, there will be an after-party fully catered by the High Five Pizza Company. On Saturday at noon, the annual Howard Kaeding Luncheon will take place in the large tent in the pit area.  Both events benefit the NARC Benevolent Fund and will feature live music for entertainment. A suggested donation of a minimum of $20.00 would be appreciated for each function.

Who To Watch

Current NARC 410 Sprint Car Series point leader Corey Day of Clovis is looking to win his first career Howard Kaeding Classic. Day won the Pombo-Sargent Classic last year and hopes to earn his ninth victory on the campaign with the tour. 

Surprisingly, two-time defending NARC series champion Dominic Scelzi is also looking for his first Howard Kaeding Classic triumph. The Fresno racer’s lone Ocean Speedway win with NARC was in 2019 also at the Pombo-Sargent event. 

Justin Sanders has amassed three total NARC wins at Ocean, including last year’s Howard Kaeding Classic. Amazingly the Aromas ace has 50 career wins at the facility, including one this year in a 360 sprint car. His two other NARC wins at Watsonville were in 2016 and 2018. 

Justyn Cox returns to Ocean Speedway for the first time in a 410 c.i. powered car since 2016. The Roseville pilot has a fifth-place finish for his lone top five finish at the facility. 

Bud Kaeding has accumulated five NARC victories at Watsonville, including the 2014 and 2019 Howard Kaeding Classic. The third-generation Campbell star, and 2017 NARC champ, is the most recent 360 Sprint Car winner at Ocean entering the weekend. The 2021 360 track champion also scored additional wins in 2006, 2009, and 2010. 

Of all of Shane Golobic’s NARC wins, four have been captured at Watsonville, including two in 2017. Also grabbing triumphs in 2008 and 2016, the Fremont driver has yet to win a Howard Kaeding Classic. Could this be the year for the 2012 and 2014 Ocean track champion? 

Chase Johnson is coming off an electrifying performance at Petaluma Speedway, where he emerged victorious. Despite not winning a NARC show at Ocean, he does have a pair of thirds, earning those in 2016 and 2018.

Benicia regular Billy Aton has a lot of laps around the Watsonville bullring, including winning a wingless title in 2009. Aton managed to post a sixth-place finish in July of 2021 for his best run with the NARC series at the facility. 

Other drivers to note are Oakley teenager Dylan Bloomfield who will be making his NARC Ocean debut, as will Hanford’s Gauge Garcia. Tucson, Arizona, native Nick Parker, DJ Netto from Hanford, and Kaleb Montgomery from Templeton will return. Many more competitors are also expected to attend what no doubt will be a thriller of an event! 

Fan & Competitor Info

Ocean Speedway is located on the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds at 2601 E Lake Avenue in Watsonville. The Pit Gates will open at noon on Saturday, Front Gates at 2:30 PM, and Racing kicking off at 5:00.  

 The NARC 410 Sprint Series is the leading 410 Sprint Car tour west of the Rocky Mountains. Since 1960, they have enthralled countless thousands of fans at tracks up and down the Pacific Coast. For more information, visit their website at www.narc410.com or social media pages.    

The Howard Kaeding Classic will NOT be broadcast on Floracing.com

Former Howard Kaeding Classic Winners:
2011- Evan Suggs
2012- Jonathan Allard
2013- Jonathan Allard (2)
2014- Bud Kaeding
2015- Kyle Hirst
2016- Kyle Hirst (2)
2017- Buddy Kofoid
2018- Kyle Hirst (3)
2019- Bud Kaeding (2)
2020- Kyle Hirst (4)
2021- Sean Becker
2022- Justin Sanders

NARC 410 SPRINT CAR SERIES 
CHAMPIONSHIP POINT STANDINGS
(AFTER 16 EVENTS IN 21-RACE SERIES – 7/10/23)

1. Corey Day, Clovis – 2110
2. Dominic Scelzi, Fresno – 2054
3. Justin Sanders, Aromas – 2053
4. Justyn Cox, Roseville – 2046
5. Bud Kaeding, Campbell – 2022
6. Dylan Bloomfield, Oakley – 1972
7. Chase Johnson, Penngrove – 1903
8. Billy Aton, Benicia – 1900
9. Nick Parker, Tucson, AZ (R) – 1896
10. Tanner Holmes, Central Point, OR – 1483
11. Joel Myers Jr., Sebastopol – 1465
12. Cole Macedo, Hanford – 1354
13. DJ Netto, Hanford – 1321
14. Shane Golobic, Fremont – 1238
15. Burt Foland Jr. (R) – 1104
16. Colby Copeland, Roseville – 1072
17. Joey Ancona, Concord (R) – 892
18. Kaleb Montgomery, Templeton (R) – 876
19. Karl Hoffmans, Australia – 816
20. Andy Caruana, Australia – 799

Upcoming Events:
August 26th – Stockton Dirt Track – Champions Classic
September 30th – Kings Speedway (Hanford) – Morrie Williams Twin-20’s Memorial

OCALA, FL, (July 11, 2023) — Josh Hart has lived his personal and professional life with passion and drive following the belief that “Anything’s Possible.” This weekend the independent Top Fuel team owner and driver from Ocala, Florida, will bring his R+L Carriers Top Fuel team to Bandimere Speedway for the NHRA Dodge Mile-High Nationals looking to become just the sixth Top Fuel driver to sweep the Western Swing. The grueling three races in three weekends stretch does not intimidate Hart but rather he is leaning into the challenge with hyper-focus and intensity. Josh Hart and R+L Carriers Top Fuel dragster, photo by Gary Nastase/Auto Imagery“I think the key to success is being prepared and keeping a positive attitude,” said Hart, who raced to the final round of the Gerber Collision & Glass NHRA Nationals in Chicago. “This R+L Carriers Top Fuel team has been putting the pieces together to make a run for the championship and these summer months are where you can really make a move. I raced at Denver, Seattle and Sonoma for the first time in my career last year and now with more information and experience I feel really good coming back this year.” Last year in Denver Hart qualified No. 9 and upset No. 8 qualifier Doug Kalitta in the first round before outrunning Brittany Force in the quarterfinals. In the semifinals Hart’s first Mile-High Nationals ended in a close race against Shawn Langdon. Competing for the first time on the mountain Hart was quick on the tree and his R+L Carriers Top Fuel dragster made consistently quick runs all day on race day. “I was proud of our efforts last year at Bandimere,” said Hart. “There were a lot of unknowns and I think we really rose to the occasion. We are an independent team and thanks to the support from our sponsors and team co-owner Chris Armstrong we are investing in our team to compete at the highest level. The competition is very tough, but I love the challenge. I have overcome a lot of hurdles to get here and this Western Swing is a great equalizer.” Following Denver the tour will immediately head to Seattle and then Sonoma. Those two national events are swapping positions from the 2022 schedule. For Hart and the R+L Carriers team the new line-up will not have an affect on their gameplan. Last year was their first full season attending every NHRA national event and halfway through their second full-time season the team is making strong improvements. They have more round wins in fewer races and they have fewer first round losses coming into this weekend’s Mile-High Nationals. “We are making progress for sure but this whole team wants to get back into the winner’s circle,” said Hart. “We got a great start to the season winning the Pep Boys Allstar Callout at the Gatornationals and then we got close in Chicago, but I feel like we could get on a roll any time. This would be a great race to get the first win of the season. I love Dodge and to win the final Dodge Mile High Nationals would be cool.” Hart and the rest of the Top Fuel class will have four qualifying runs beginning with two on Friday and two more on Saturday. The quickest 16 Top Fuel dragsters will battle it out on Sunday in front of a national television audience on FOX.

MOORESVILLE, NC (July 11, 2023) — Last year rookie Pro Stock driver Camrie Caruso was in full learning mode in her first appearance at famed Bandimere Speedway. The first-year driver was halfway through a season that would see her enter the Countdown in the Top Ten and ultimately clinch the 2022 NHRA Rookie of the Year honors. This year Caruso and the Tequila Comisario Chevrolet Camaro return to the NHRA Mile-High Nationals with a national event win to her credit as well as a second No. 1 qualifier and a new team, KB Titan Racing. The 25-year-old from Mooresville, North Carolina, will be looking to capture the final Wally trophy presented to the Mile-High Nationals Pro Stock winner.

“I am excited to get back to Bandimere Speedway,” said Caruso. “Last year the whole season was a whirlwind. Every track was a new experience and I loved every minute of it. I learned a ton and this season I feel a lot more confident. I am looking forward to really getting after it at the Mile-High Nationals.”

Camrie Caruso and Tequila Comisario Chevrolet Camaro, photo by Innovative Creation Exports

During the 2022 season Caruso, a third-generation drag racer, was leading her rookie team as both the driver and team owner along with family support from her father, mother and grandparents. The responsibilities gave the young professional a mountain of experience but now as part of the newly formed KB Titan Racing organization Caruso can focus solely on driving and sponsor relations.

“Last year was a lot for me but I was learning so much on the driving and the team operations sides. I love being part of KB Titan Racing because we have a great organization and I have awesome teammates,” said Caruso. “I have seen my driving take a huge step forward and our marketing partnerships are really taking off with Powerbuilt Tools, Big Jeff Audio, Hubsaver and of course Tequila Comisario.”

Prior to the Mile-High Nationals Caruso will spend Wednesday evening at Bevy’s Liquor World promoting the event and her relationship with Tequila Comisario. She will be signing bottles as well as autographs for fans who stop by Bevy’s between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Caruso’s Tequila Comisario Chevrolet Camaro will also be on display. Promotional events and fan experiences have been the key to Caruso’s rise as a budding star of the NHRA.

“We have been trying to do more events to spend time with the fans and being able to have tequila tasting events or bottle signing events with Tequila Comisario has been great,” said Caruso. “We are looking to line up more events later this season. I am looking forward to the event on Wednesday because it will give us a chance to get some fans excited for the race and introduce them to Tequila Comisario.”

This year Caruso has made major strides winning her first race at the NHRA Arizona Nationals in March followed by a dominant qualifying performance at the NHRA Winternationals that saw the young driver secure her second career No. 1 qualifier. Caruso raced to the semifinals at Pomona and the quarterfinals at Bristol. Her Tequila Comisario Chevrolet has started race day in the top half of the field every race except for two national events.

“My Tequila Comisario Chevrolet Camaro has been running really week in qualifying and I think we can make some good runs in Denver,” said Caruso. “I feel really comfortable in the car and the key is just getting everything to line up on race day like we were able to do in Arizona. This is the last Denver race and Pro Stock isn’t competing at Seattle and Sonoma so I want to leave Denver with some positive momentum going into the back part of the regular season.”

Caruso and the Pro Stock class will have two qualifying runs on Friday at 3:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. and on Saturday they will hit the track at 2:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. The quickest 16 Pro Stock race cars will face off in eliminations at noon MT on Sunday. The race will be broadcast nationally on FOX.
 

PLAINVIEW, NY (July 11, 2023) — With the Top Fuel points leader Justin Ashley and the Phillips Connect Toyota Top Fuel dragster are in a strong position to make a run at sweeping the historic Western Swing. Ashley, the 2020 NHRA Rookie of the Year, has raced to three consecutive final rounds heading into the Mile-High Nationals at historic Bandimere Speedway and has also collected the past two Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge specialty race victories. His lone loss in the month of June was the final round of the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals at Norwalk. The standout driver and team owner has a category leading four wins and four Mission Challenge victories to his credit this season as the NHRA Camping World Series heads to the three race in three weekends Denver, Seattle and Sonoma stretch. Justin Ashley and Phillips Connect Toyota Top Fuel dragster, photo credit Gary Nastase/Auto Imagery  “We have had a strong start the season, but that’s all in the past and our focus is on the Western Swing,” said Ashley, a nine-time Top Fuel national event winner. “This three-race stretch is one of the most critical portions of the NHRA regular season. The competition in Top Fuel is tougher now than ever before and teams are really hitting their stride. You’ll see a lot of close racing at three great locations with passionate and excited fans.”     The last time a Top Fuel team swept the swing was 2009 when Ashley’s technology and development teammate Antron Brown won Denver, Seattle, and Sonoma. Only five Top Fuel drivers have swept the three-race gauntlet and two of them will be battling Ashley this season when Brown and Tony Schumacher look to become the first two-time Swing sweepers.   “The common denominator with drivers who have swept the swing is the outstanding teams they have had behind them,” said Ashley. “This is the ultimate team sport, and I am grateful for the opportunity to work with our Phillips Connect Toyota Racing team. The leadership of Dustin Davis, Mike Green and Tommy DeLago is second-to-none and our partnership with the Maynard family has created a renewed sense of growth and stability.”   This will be Ashley’s second visit to Bandimere Speedway as a Top Fuel competitor. Last year in his Denver debut he qualified No. 2 and raced to the semifinals before losing to eventual Mile-High Nationals winner Leah Pruett. It was a strong first effort on the mountain for the young driver and team owner.   “Racing on the mountain at Bandimere Speedway unique,” said Ashley, “The facility is beautiful, and the setting is so nice it’s in a category of its own. I am sad to see such a great track go away. But I am very grateful for all the Bandimere family has done to support the NHRA community. Racing in high altitude is tricky so anything can happen. The sold-out crowd is going to be in for a fun weekend.”   The first race of the 2023 Western Swing will also be the final NHRA national event at Bandimere Speedway. After 65 years of operation the Bandimere family announced they would be selling the property and possibly looking at other locations in the Denver area. Ashley recognizes that their contribution to the sport helped create a marketing and competitive environment for him to pursue his dream.   “We have national and global marketing partners that participate in NHRA drag racing because of the events that the Bandimere family has promoted and created over the past 60 years,” said Ashley. “From KATO Fastening Systems to Toyota to Phillips Connect, Mac Tools, Lucas Oil, Strutmasters and so many more, these companies get tremendous value and exposure from participating with our team at events like this. Our sport is growing so fast and our TV ratings on FOX are climbing because we get to race at some of the best facilities in the country in front of tens of thousands of fans. I want to thank the Bandimere for their support.”   With fan engagement at an all-time high for Ashley the driver of the Phillips Connect Toyota Top Fuel dragster will have another busy weekend. He will be racing for his category leading fifth Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge title which will include a fan autograph session on Saturday at the Mission Food display in the pits. He will also be signing autographs for fans in the Top Eliminator Club and will be participating in the pre-race festivities. The team will have four qualifying runs over Saturday and Sunday looking to position themselves as high as possible in the 16-car elimination bracket on Sunday.   “I love weekends like this where you have four qualifying runs, the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge and lots of fan interaction,” said Ashley. “It keeps me in a really focused mindset and I think your energy stays up all weekend. There is nothing better than making a good run and coming back to the Phillips Connect Toyota pit area and seeing all our hospitality guests and fans at the ropes super excited.”   The final Mile-High Nationals will begin qualifying on Friday, July 14 with two qualifying sessions, 4:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. followed by two sessions on Saturday, July 15, at 3:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. with final eliminations beginning on Sunday, July 16, at 11 a.m. MDT. The race will be televised nationally on FOX.

Hubsaver Joins Camrie Caruso for Mile High Nationals MOORESVILLE, NC (July 11, 2023) — Heading into the NHRA Mile-High Nationals 2022 NHRA Rookie of the Year Camrie Caruso has added Hubsaver to the marketing group on the Tequila Comisario Chevrolet Camaro. Hubsaver, offers a wide variety of products to protect trailer bearings and provide added safety for work or pleasure. Hubsaver branding and logo will with featured on Caruso’s Tequila Comisario Chevrolet Camaro throughout the NHRA Mile-High Nationals. “I am thrilled Hubsaver is coming on board with us for the Mile-High Nationals,” said Caruso, who has strong business relationships in the trailer industry. “We travel all over the country so we understand the need and importance of taking every precaution possible to keep your load safe. Hubsaver gives you peace of mind knowing that when you hit the road, whether it’s for work or pleasure, you won’t be stranded due to a hub bearing failure.”   Hubsaver has a national group of distributors, and their variety of products can be purchased at www.thehubsaver.com. The Hubsaver attaches between the bearing and compression washer providing an added layer of protection from losing a hub. The Hub Saver is not intended to substitute regular bearing maintenance and wheel inspections.  If a driver experiences a bearing failure this part will keep them from losing a hub and allow them to safely exit the road to make repairs.  Hubsaver is easy to install, durable and still allows for proper lube to the bearing.     “After talking with Camrie we knew this was a good first step for our marketing program,” said Lee Blackwell, Hubsaver, Director of Sales and Marketing. “She has an extensive understanding of our product and the trailer industry plus she is a rising star in the NHRA. We are looking forward to seeing how we can grow this relationship moving forward.”   Caruso and the Tequila Comisario Chevrolet Camaro will be on track starting this Friday, July 14, for the NHRA Mile-High Nationals with two qualifying sessions.

(7/10/23 – Ben Deatherage) Sacramento, CA … The exciting 950-horsepower NARC 410 Sprint Cars will make their lone appearance of the season at Ocean Speedway this Saturday, July 15th for the extremely popular and lucrative Howard Kaeding Classic.  The 13th annual running of this prestigous event at the quarter-mile clay oval will payout a $40,000-plus purse with $6,900 going to the winner of the 30-lap headliner.

The race pays homage to Howard Kaeding, the patriarch of the legendary Kaeding racing family. Kaeding was victorious in 136 main events at the now-defunct San Jose Speedway, which is the record on the win list. He would win track titles at San Jose in 1973 and 1974 and boasted an incredible streak of seventeen consecutive wins, all while starting in the rear of the field.

“This is a great event that has been building some steam over the last couple of years,” commented Howard Kaeding’s grandson and event organizer, Bud, who drives the family-owned BK Racing number 69 sprint car. “The race itself is a good time, but the After Party on Friday night is a lot of fun too with all the help and hard work from the people at High Five Pizza.”  

The event features multiple sponsors and contributors to enhance the purse.

Companion divisions include the IMCA Modifieds, Hobby Stocks, and WMR Midgets. 

The track will open the weekend with a Friday night bout featuring the Ocean 360 Sprints, IMCA Northern SportMods, Hobby Stocks, and WMR Midgets.  

Once all the racing has concluded on Friday, there will be an after-party fully catered by the High Five Pizza Company. On Saturday at noon, the annual Howard Kaeding Luncheon will take place in the large tent in the pit area.  Both events benefit the NARC Benevolent Fund and will feature live music for entertainment. A suggested donation of a minimum of $20.00 would be appreciated for each function.

Who To Watch

Current NARC 410 Sprint Car Series point leader Corey Day of Clovis is looking to win his first career Howard Kaeding Classic. Day won the Pombo-Sargent Classic last year and hopes to earn his ninth victory on the campaign with the tour. 

Surprisingly, two-time defending NARC series champion Dominic Scelzi is also looking for his first Howard Kaeding Classic triumph. The Fresno racer’s lone Ocean Speedway win with NARC was in 2019 also at the Pombo-Sargent event. 

Justin Sanders has amassed three total NARC wins at Ocean, including last year’s Howard Kaeding Classic. Amazingly the Aromas ace has 50 career wins at the facility, including one this year in a 360 sprint car. His two other NARC wins at Watsonville were in 2016 and 2018. 

Justyn Cox returns to Ocean Speedway for the first time in a 410 c.i. powered car since 2016. The Roseville pilot has a fifth-place finish for his lone top five finish at the facility. 

Bud Kaeding has accumulated five NARC victories at Watsonville, including the 2014 and 2019 Howard Kaeding Classic. The third-generation Campbell star, and 2017 NARC champ, is the most recent 360 Sprint Car winner at Ocean entering the weekend. The 2021 360 track champion also scored additional wins in 2006, 2009, and 2010. 

Of all of Shane Golobic’s NARC wins, four have been captured at Watsonville, including two in 2017. Also grabbing triumphs in 2008 and 2016, the Fremont driver has yet to win a Howard Kaeding Classic. Could this be the year for the 2012 and 2014 Ocean track champion? 

Chase Johnson is coming off an electrifying performance at Petaluma Speedway, where he emerged victorious. Despite not winning a NARC show at Ocean, he does have a pair of thirds, earning those in 2016 and 2018.

Benicia regular Billy Aton has a lot of laps around the Watsonville bullring, including winning a wingless title in 2009. Aton managed to post a sixth-place finish in July of 2021 for his best run with the NARC series at the facility. 

Other drivers to note are Oakley teenager Dylan Bloomfield who will be making his NARC Ocean debut, as will Hanford’s Gauge Garcia. Tucson, Arizona, native Nick Parker, DJ Netto from Hanford, and Kaleb Montgomery from Templeton will return. Many more competitors are also expected to attend what no doubt will be a thriller of an event! 

Fan & Competitor Info

Ocean Speedway is located on the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds at 2601 E Lake Avenue in Watsonville. The Pit Gates will open at noon on Saturday, Front Gates at 2:30 PM, and Racing kicking off at 5:00.  

 The NARC 410 Sprint Series is the leading 410 Sprint Car tour west of the Rocky Mountains. Since 1960, they have enthralled countless thousands of fans at tracks up and down the Pacific Coast. For more information, visit their website at www.narc410.com or social media pages.    

The Howard Kaeding Classic will NOT be broadcast on Floracing.com

Former Howard Kaeding Classic Winners:
2011- Evan Suggs
2012- Jonathan Allard
2013- Jonathan Allard (2)
2014- Bud Kaeding
2015- Kyle Hirst
2016- Kyle Hirst (2)
2017- Buddy Kofoid
2018- Kyle Hirst (3)
2019- Bud Kaeding (2)
2020- Kyle Hirst (4)
2021- Sean Becker
2022- Justin Sanders

NARC 410 SPRINT CAR SERIES 
CHAMPIONSHIP POINT STANDINGS
(AFTER 16 EVENTS IN 21-RACE SERIES – 7/10/23)

1. Corey Day, Clovis – 2110
2. Dominic Scelzi, Fresno – 2054
3. Justin Sanders, Aromas – 2053
4. Justyn Cox, Roseville – 2046
5. Bud Kaeding, Campbell – 2022
6. Dylan Bloomfield, Oakley – 1972
7. Chase Johnson, Penngrove – 1903
8. Billy Aton, Benicia – 1900
9. Nick Parker, Tucson, AZ (R) – 1896
10. Tanner Holmes, Central Point, OR – 1483
11. Joel Myers Jr., Sebastopol – 1465
12. Cole Macedo, Hanford – 1354
13. DJ Netto, Hanford – 1321
14. Shane Golobic, Fremont – 1238
15. Burt Foland Jr. (R) – 1104
16. Colby Copeland, Roseville – 1072
17. Joey Ancona, Concord (R) – 892
18. Kaleb Montgomery, Templeton (R) – 876
19. Karl Hoffmans, Australia – 816
20. Andy Caruana, Australia – 799

Upcoming Events:
August 26th – Stockton Dirt Track – Champions Classic
September 30th – Kings Speedway (Hanford) – Morrie Williams Twin-20’s Memorial

Inside Line Promotions – PETALUMA, Calif. (July 10, 2023) – Dominic Scelzi was in contention to win his third straight NARC 410 Sprint Car Series race at Petaluma Speedway last Saturday when disaster struck.

Scelzi led the first 18 laps of the Salute to Baylands Raceway Park feature before falling to second. Soon after, a lapped car appeared to lose steering and drove down the track directly in front of Scelzi, who was unable to avoid contact.

“I don’t know how I didn’t flip,” he said. “There was a lot of damage. It twisted the arm to no return, ripped the shock in half, messed up the rear axle, ripped off the Jacob’s Ladder.”

It was a disappointing end to a night that began very promising as Scelzi qualified fifth quickest. He then won a heat race and the dash to garner the pole position for the 30-lap A Main.

“I felt I was setting a decent pace in the feature,” he said. “I was just trying not to get myself in a bad predicament behind lapped cars. I knew the bottom was dominant. I felt I had a maneuverable and good race car. A lot of times at that track not taking yourself out of it is half the battle.

“I wasn’t exerting myself. The lapped cars were tough because they’d slip up off the bottom so I had to go around them. Chase (Johnson) was good and he was on the bottom. When he got by me I felt I’d need a couple of laps to get to him to race him. We were in traffic so I felt good about the situation until we were involved in that incident.”

Scelzi was unable to return to the track following the contact and he was credited with a 14^th-place result.

He plans on venturing to Ocean Speedway in Watsonville, Calif., this Friday and Saturday during the 13 ^th annual Howard Kaeding Classic. Friday is a 360ci winged sprint car show and Saturday features a NARC 410 Sprint Car Series race.

“Our goal from the beginning of the year has been to race for wins,” he said. “The goal for this weekend is to have a problem-free weekend. If that means we’re a 10^th-place car I’ll take that with a smile. We’ve been fast all year, but the last six weeks we have faced some bad luck. Hopefully we can have a smooth weekend and if we do I think we’ll be in contention to win a race or two.”

QUICK RESULTS –

July 8 – Petaluma Speedway in Petaluma, Calif. – Qualifying: 5; Heat race: 1 (1); Dash: 1 (1); Feature: 14 (1).

SEASON STATS –

24 races, 5 wins, 15 top fives, 17 top 10s, 21 top 15s, 23 top 20s

UP NEXT –

Friday and Saturday at Ocean Speedway in Watsonville, Calif., for the 13 ^th annual Howard Kaeding Classic with the NARC 410 Sprint Car Series

MEDIA LINKS –

Website: http://www.GaryScelziMotorsports.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DominicScelzi41

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Scelzi41

A trio of big money “Buckeye State” battles highlight the weekATTICA, OH (July 10, 2023) – The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars’ “Summer of Money” hits a lucrative stretch this week.Three races. Three big paydays. And securing a spot in Sprint Car history on the line.First up is the Ohio Logistics Brad Doty Classic presented by Racing Optics on Tuesday, July 11 at Ohio’s Attica Raceway Park. The night salutes a man who has contributed so much to the sport and continues to do so today. Behind the wheel, Doty was one of the most promising talents in the 1980s before an injury ended his career prematurely. In the 35 years that have followed, the Apple Creek, OH native has found many avenues to remain an impactful figure. Tuesday’s winner will leave Attica with $15,000.After “The Doty,” it’s a two-hour drive southwest where Eldora Speedway awaits. On Friday, July 14, “The Big E” welcomes The Greatest Show on Dirt for The Knight Before which awards $20,000 to the victor. Then, the next night, the historic half-mile hosts the 40th Kings Royal as the Crown Jewel of Sprint Car racing completes another decade of existence. The King who sits atop the throne on Saturday will take $175,000 back to their palace.BUY ELDORA TICKETSTickets for the Brad Doty Classic will be available at the track on race day.Let’s look at some of the week’s top storylines:BACK-TO-BACK BDC?: The Brad Doty Classic has been contested for over three decades, but no driver has been able to claim the event twice in a row.Kyle Larson could be the first. “Yung Money” won the Classic last year and in his last five Sprint Car starts at Attica, Larson owns four victories including a trio with the World of Outlaws.Larson’s three Attica wins are enough to tie him for the second most in Series history through 22 visits, and he’ll chase the elusive back-to-back Brad Doty Classic accomplishment on Tuesday.ATTICA EXPERTS: Aside from Larson, a handful of other drivers have proven to be potent when they roll in the Attica pit area.Donny Schatz stands out the most among the group. Back in May, the Fargo, ND native collected his fifth Attica victory with the World of Outlaws – the most of all-time. Of Schatz’s four Brad Doty Classic wins, two (2016 & 2018) have been at Attica.David Gravel rolled to the 2017 Brad Doty Classic win. A 2021 Attica World of Outlaws win also made him one of six drivers to have multiple Series victories at the 1/3-mile.Spencer Bayston made his first trip to Victory Lane with the World of Outlaws at the 2021 Brad Doty Classic. The pilot of the CJB Motorsports #5 has also topped a pair of All-Star Circuit of Champions (ASCoC) races there.Attica also features a stout crop of locals that will look to upset the World of Outlaws. Drivers such as Craig Mintz, Travis Philo, and Zeth Sabo all call “The Buckeye State” home and have won at the northern Ohio oval already this season.CAST OF KINGS: Throughout the first 39 editions of the Kings Royal, 21 different drivers have claimed the crown. Unsurprisingly, “The King” himself – Steve Kinser – has donned the crown most often with seven titles to his credit. This week’s roster is expected to have eight former kings in competition.King Donny: Among active drivers, Donny Schatz holds the most Kings Royal victories with five on his stout résumé. The driver of the Tony Stewart/Curb Agajanian Racing #15 first wore the crown in 2007. A trio of Schatz’s wins came in back-to-back-to-back fashion (2016-2018), making him the only driver to claim two in a row and three in a row. Schatz will look to close within one of Kinser’s record tally this week.King Brent: The most recent addition to the list of Kings is Brent Marks. The Myerstown, PA native topped the 39th running last year as a part of his massive week that also included driving to Victory Lane in the return of the Historical Big One. Marks’ triumph made him the second Pennsylvanian to win a Kings Royal, and this year he’ll attempt to become the first from “The Keystone State” to win multiple.King Tyler: The one and only win of Tyler Courtney’s World of Outlaws career remains one of two Kings Royals completed in 2021. “Sunshine” wheeled the Clauson-Marshall Racing #7BC to victory during the daytime Feature and a healthy $175,000 payday. The Eldora ace returns this week with hopes of another six-digit paycheck.King Kyle: After Courtney’s win during the daylight, it was Kyle Larson claiming the nighttime Kings Royal in 2021 for his first victory in the prestigious Crown Jewel. The former NASCAR Cup Series champion intends to be back behind the wheel of the Silva Motorsports #57 looking to become the ninth driver with multiple Kings Royal wins. King Brad: Two-time Kings Royal winner – Brad Sweet – will be looking to become the fifth driver to ever claim at least a trio of crowns. Back in 2013, “The Big Cat” earned his second career Series win in the 30th Kings Royal. Six years later, Sweet was the first to sit atop the throne when the winner’s share was upped to its current total of $175,000.King Shane: Bixby, OK’s Shane Stewart will be back for his first Kings Royal attempt since 2019. The 2015 winner has emerged from retirement to pilot Bernie Stuebgen’s Indy Race Parts #71 this week.King Kerry: After multiple close calls, Kerry Madsen finally broke through for an elusive Kings Royal triumph in 2014. “The Mad Man” will return this week aboard the Vermeer Motorsports #55 in search of a second crown.King Daryn: Making his 26th Kings Royal appearance will be 2008 winner – Daryn Pittman. The 2013 World of Outlaws champion has partnered with Alex Bowman Racing with hopes of qualifying for his 22nd Kings Royal main event.CROWN CHASING: There are still many elite level Sprint Car talents pursuing their first Kings Royal title. And plenty will be in attendance this week hoping 2023 will be the year of their coronation.David Gravel stands out among the favorites to claim his first Kings Royal. It’s the lone event of Sprint Car racing’s “Triple Crown” (Knoxville Nationals, Kings Royal, National Open) that Gravel is yet to top. In 14 attempts, Gravel’s best outing is a 2014 podium. If Gravel can pull it off, he’ll become the first driver with six-digit paydays at three different racetracks.Logan Schuchart picked up his fourth career World of Outlaws win at Eldora this year. But the Shark Racing pilot is still chasing a Kings Royal. Schuchart narrowly missed out in 2019 when he charged from 12th to the lead and led 15 laps before slipping to second on a restart and finishing runner-up.Carson Macedo is a two-time World of Outlaws winner at Eldora, topping a pair of shows during 2021 Kings Royal week, but he wasn’t able to capture the crown that season. The Lemoore, CA native has come close to a Kings Royal title recently with podiums in his last two attempts.Sheldon Haudenschild is a three-time Kings Royal top five finisher looking for his first win to join his father – Jac Haudenschild (three-time winner) – on the list of Kings. The Wooster, OH native owns one Eldora triumph with the World of Outlaws – topping a race in May of 2021.STACKED FIELD: On top of the many former Kings Royal winners and favorites to add their name to the list, many more talented drivers will be invading Eldora.The remainder of the full-time group of World of Outlaws including Spencer Bayston, James McFadden, Gio Scelzi, and more will all be potential threats.Rico Abreu has won two of the last three World of Outlaws races at Eldora. The St. Helena, CA native is also a three-time ASCoC winner at Eldora.Some of the PA Posse’s top talent including the likes of Anthony Macri and Danny Dietrich will make their way one state west.And many more strong names from all over the country such as Zeb Wise, Buddy Kofoid, Brian Brown, Hunter Schuerenberg, Aaron Reutzel, Sam Hafertepe Jr., Justin Peck, Cory Eliason, and many more plan to vie for the crown.If you can’t make it to the track, catch all three races live on DIRTVision.THIS WEEKEND AT A GLANCEWHEN AND WHERETuesday, July 11 at Attica Raceway Park in Attica, OHFriday-Saturday, July 14-15 at Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, OHON THE INTERNETWorld of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series Twitter – @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 (37/80 Races):1. 49 – Brad Sweet (4990PTS) 3. 2 – David Gravel (-12PTS) 3. 41 – Carson Macedo (-50PTS) 4. 1S – Logan Schuchart (-202PTS) 5. 15 – Donny Schatz (-264PTS) 6. 17 – Sheldon Haudenschild (-264PTS) 7. 18 – Gio Scelzi (-290PTS) 8. 5 – Spencer Bayston (-368PTS) 9. 3Z – Brock Zearfoss (-614PTS) 10. 1A – Jacob Allen (-658PTS)NOS ENERGY DRINK FEATURE WINNERS (13 Drivers):8 wins – David Gravel (Big Game Motorsports #2)6 wins – Brad Sweet (Kasey Kahne Racing #49)4 wins – James McFadden (Roth Motorsports #83), Carson Macedo (Jason Johnson Racing #41)3 wins – Rico Abreu (Rico Abreu Racing #24)2 wins – Donny Schatz (Tony Stewart/Curb Agajanian Racing #15), Sheldon Haudenschild (Stenhouse Jr.-Marshall Racing #17), Logan Schuchart (Shark Racing #1S)1 win – Buddy Kofoid (CMS Racing #11), Brady Bacon (TKH Motorsports #21), Anthony Macri (Macri Motorsports #39), Brian Brown (Brian Brown Racing #21), Gio Scelzi (KCP Racing #18), Kyle Larson (Silva Motorsports #57)FEATURE LAPS LED (18 Drivers):177 laps – Brad Sweet157 laps – Carson Macedo149 laps – David Gravel144 laps – Rico Abreu133 laps – James McFadden93 laps – Buddy Kofoid80 laps – Logan Schuchart70 laps – Sheldon Haudenschild56 laps – Donny Schatz43 laps – Brent Marks39 laps – Gio Scelzi24 laps – Brian Brown23 laps – Spencer Bayston11 laps – Anthony Macri10 laps – Cory Eliason7 laps – Kyle Larson3 laps – Brady Bacon1 lap – Austin McCarlSIMPSON PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS QUICKTIME AWARDS (13 Drivers):11 QuickTimes – Carson Macedo7 QuickTimes – David Gravel4 QuickTimes – Logan Schuchart2 QuickTimes – Anthony Macri, Rico Abreu, Sheldon Haudenschild, Bill Balog1 QuickTime – Brian Brown, Donny Schatz, Buddy Kofoid, Gio Scelzi, James McFadden, Jacob AllenHEAT RACE WINNERS (32 Drivers):22 Heat Wins – Carson Macedo20 Heat Wins – David Gravel9 Heat Wins – Buddy Kofoid, Donny Schatz7 Heat Wins – Brad Sweet, Gio Scelzi6 Heat Wins – Sheldon Haudenschild, Logan Schuchart5 Heat Wins – Rico Abreu, Jacob Allen4 Heat Wins – Brent Marks, James McFadden, Spencer Bayston3 Heat Wins – Anthony Macri, Brian Brown, Bill Balog2 Heat Wins – Parker Price-Miller, Justin Peck, Brock Zearfoss, Noah Gass1 Heat Win – Danny Dietrich, Freddie Rahmer, Cory Eliason, Tim Kaeding, Mark Dobmeier, Kasey Kahne, Austin McCarl, Lachlan McHugh, Kerry Madsen, Ryan Timms, Tim Estenson, Sam Hafertepe Jr.TOYOTA DASH APPEARANCES (36 Drivers):27 Dashes – Carson Macedo, David Gravel22 Dashes – Brad Sweet18 Dashes – Logan Schuchart15 Dashes – Donny Schatz14 Dashes – Gio Scelzi12 Dashes – Sheldon Haudenschild, Rico Abreu10 Dashes – James McFadden, Spencer Bayston9 Dashes – Buddy Kofoid8 Dashes – Jacob Allen6 Dashes – Brent Marks, Brock Zearfoss5 Dashes – Anthony Macri4 Dashes – Brian Brown3 Dashes – Justin Peck, Danny Dietrich, Cory Eliason, Robbie Price2 Dashes – Parker Price-Miller, Tyler Courtney, Garet Williamson, Austin McCarl, Kasey Kahne, Bill Balog1 Dash – Freddie Rahmer, Devon Borden, Aaron Reutzel, Brady Bacon, Chad Trout, Dylan Norris, Cap Henry, Stuart Brubaker, Kyle Larson, Sam Hafertepe Jr.MICROLITE LAST CHANCE SHOWDOWN WINS (26 Drivers):4 LCS Wins – Sheldon Haudenschild2 LCS Wins – Robbie Price, Parker Price-Miller, Noah Gass1 LCS Win – Brock Zearfoss, Gio Scelzi, Hunter Schuerenberg, James McFadden, Wayne Johnson, Ryan Timms, Ayrton Gennetten, Spencer Bayston, Logan Schuchart, Kraig Kinser, Freddie Rahmer, Henry Malcuit, Cole Macedo, Tim Estenson, Aaron Reutzel, Kerry Madsen, Sye Lynch, Cory Eliason, Donny Schatz, Tyler Courtney, Rico Abreu, Jacob AllenKSE HARD CHARGER AWARDS (26 Drivers):4 Hard Chargers – Sheldon Haudenschild3 Hard Chargers – Tyler Courtney, Brad Sweet2 Hard Chargers – Brock Zearfoss, James McFadden, Donny Schatz, Logan Schuchart1 Hard Charger – Gio Scelzi, Robbie Price, David Gravel, Justin Peck, Blake Hahn, Buddy Kofoid, Joe B. Miller, Kyle Larson, Hunter Schuerenberg, Kyle Moody, Freddie Rahmer, Skylar Gee, Cole Duncan, Austin Pierce, Brenham Crouch, Tim Kaeding, Spencer Bayston, Jacob Allen, Caden EnglehartPODIUM FINISHES (22 Drivers):20 Podiums – David Gravel16 Podiums – Brad Sweet11 Podiums – Carson Macedo9 Podiums – Rico Abreu7 Podiums – Donny Schatz, Logan Schuchart6 Podiums – Buddy Kofoid, Sheldon Haudenschild5 Podiums – James McFadden3 Podiums – Brent Marks, Brian Brown, Kyle Larson, Jacob Allen, Spencer Bayston1 Podium – Danny Dietrich, Kasey Kahne, Devon Borden, Parker Price-Miller, Brady Bacon, Anthony Macri, Garet Williamson, Gio ScelziTOP 10 FINISHES (45 Drivers):33 Top 10s – Carson Macedo, Brad Sweet, David Gravel29 Top 10s – Logan Schuchart25 Top 10s – Gio Scelzi, Spencer Bayston24 Top 10s – Sheldon Haudenschild20 Top 10s – James McFadden19 Top 10s – Donny Schatz16 Top 10s – Rico Abreu15 Top 10s – Buddy Kofoid14 Top 10s – Jacob Allen8 Top 10s – Justin Peck7 Top 10s – Tyler Courtney6 Top 10s – Brent Marks, Brian Brown, Cory Eliason5 Top 10s – Kasey Kahne4 Top 10s – Danny Dietrich, Brock Zearfoss, Kyle Larson3 Top 10s – Anthony Macri, Bill Balog2 Top 10s – Aaron Reutzel, Blake Hahn, Brady Bacon, Parker Price-Miller, Robbie Price1 Top 10 – Zeb Wise, Devon Borden, Sam Hafertepe Jr., Joe B. Miller, Hunter Schuerenberg, Brandon Rahmer, Chad Trout, Lance Dewease, Cap Henry, Cole Macedo, Stuart Brubaker, Skylar Gee, Cole Duncan, Austin McCarl, Garet Williamson, Tim Kaeding, Chase Randall2023 WORLD OF OUTLAWS SPRINT CAR SCHEDULE & WINNERS:No. / Day, Date / Track / Location / Winner (Total Wins)1. Fri, Feb 10 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / David Gravel (1)2. Fri, Feb 10 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / David Gravel (2)3. Sat, Feb 11* / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / James McFadden (1)4. Sun, March 5 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Carson Macedo (1)5. Mon, March 6 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / David Gravel (3)6. Sat, March 18 / Lincoln Speedway / Abbottstown, PA / Rico Abreu (1)7. Fri, March 24 / Talladega Short Track / Eastaboga, AL / Buddy Kofoid (1)8. Sat, March 25 / Magnolia Motor Speedway / Columbus, MS / Brad Sweet (1)9. Fri, March 31 / Devil’s Bowl Speedway / Mesquite, TX / Brad Sweet (2)10. Sat, April 1 / Devil’s Bowl Speedway / Mesquite, TX / James McFadden (2)11. Fri, April 7 / U.S. 36 Raceway / Osborn, MO / Sheldon Haudenschild (1)12. Sat, April 8 / 81 Speedway / Wichita, KS / Rico Abreu (2)13. Fri, April 14 / Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 / Pevely, MO / Brad Sweet (3)14. Fri, April 28 / Tri-City Speedway / Granite City, IL / David Gravel (4)15. Sat, April 29 / Tri-State Speedway / Haubstadt, IN / Brady Bacon (1)16. Fri, May 5 / Eldora Speedway / Rossburg, OH / Logan Schuchart (1)17. Sat, May 6 / Eldora Speedway / Rossburg, OH / Rico Abreu (3)18. Wed, May 10 / Lincoln Speedway / Abbottstown, PA / Anthony Macri (1)19. Fri, May 12 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA / Brad Sweet (4)20. Fri, May 19 / Attica Raceway Park / Attica, OH / Donny Schatz (1)21. Sat, May 20 / Sharon Speedway / Hartford, OH / Donny Schatz (2)22. Fri, May 26 / Atomic Speedway / Chillicothe, OH / Brad Sweet (5)23. Sat, May 27 / Atomic Speedway / Chillicothe, OH / Carson Macedo (2)24. Mon, May 29 / Lawrenceburg Speedway / Lawrenceburg, IN / James McFadden (3)25. Fri, June 2 / River Cities Speedway / Grand Forks, ND / David Gravel (5)26. Sat, June 3 / Ogilvie Raceway / Ogilvie, MN / Carson Macedo (3)27. Fri, June 9 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA / Brian Brown (1)28. Sat, June 10 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA / David Gravel (6)29. Fri, June 16 / Beaver Dam Raceway / Beaver Dam, WI / Gio Scelzi (1)30. Sat, June 17 / Beaver Dam Raceway / Beaver Dam, WI / Sheldon Haudenschild (2)31. Wed, June 21 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD / Kyle Larson (1)32. Thurs, June 22 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD / James McFadden (4)33. Fri, June 23 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD / Logan Schuchart (2)34. Sat, June 24 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD / David Gravel (7)35. Fri, June 30 / Cedar Lake Speedway / New Richmond, WI / Brad Sweet (6)36. Sat, July 1 / Cedar Lake Speedway / New Richmond, WI / David Gravel (8)37. Sat, July 8 / Wilmot Raceway / Wilmot, WI / Carson Macedo (4)

 
MOORESVILLE, NC (July 10, 2023) — Leading up to the NHRA Mile-High Nationals at Bandimere Speedway, 2022 NHRA Rookie of the Year Camrie Caruso’s primary sponsor Tequila Comisario will be hosting a free fan event at Bevy’s Liquor World (5869 S Alkire Street, Littleton, CO 80127) on Wednesday from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. to promote their involvement with the rising star of the NHRA. The event will feature the Tequila Comisario Chevrolet Camaro race car that Caruso will be racing, July 14-16, during the NHRA national event as well as a bottling signing opportunity. Caruso will also have free hero cards to sign and hand out to fans in attendance.

 
“I am super excited to get to Bevy’s Liquor World and meet some Tequila Comisario customers and fans,” said Caruso. “Having our race car on display makes it even better since I am hoping to get people excited about coming out to the race and trying Tequila Comisario. The design on my race car looks amazing and I am looking forward to seeing a ton of fans before we get to the racetrack for the race on Friday.”
 
Tequila Comisario is an ultra-premium award-winning tequila. Since its release Tequila Comisario has become the most awarded brand in the entire Tequila category. Tequila Comisario is estate grown, in the unique appellation of the Highlands of Jalisco, with a unique terroir giving it a slightly more fruit forward profile, yet keeping in balance the peppery, earthy spiciness of the 100% Blue Weber Agave, along with subtle, complex note from its barrel aging programs. In addition to their relationship with Caruso they have been involved in NHRA sponsoring Pro Mod competitors.
“Our two year marketing relationship with Camrie has been great for Tequila Comisario,” said Fran Vivenio, Vice President/National Sales Manager Stellar Spirits & Wine. “The exposure and brand awareness from her success on FOX and FS1 provides a great boost to Tequila Comisario. She is also an amazing ambassador at the track and off-site appearances like Bevy’s Liquor World.”
Caruso and the Pro Stock class will have two qualifying runs on Friday, July 14, at 3:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. and on Saturday they will hit the track at 2:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. The quickest 16 Pro Stock race cars will face off in eliminations at noon MT on Sunday. The race will be broadcast nationally on FOX.
 

 

CONCORD, NC – July 10, 2023– Temperatures across the country aren’t the only thing going up this summer. 

From July to Labor Day weekend, the World of Outlaws CASE Construction Equipment Late Model Series will see some of its biggest payouts of the year for eight straight events – totaling over $1 million in combined purses during the “Summer of Money” span. 

Those eight events will pay at least $15,000 to win for their main event – two paying $50,000 to win – and at least $1,200 to start. First up will be the doubleheader weekend at Ponderosa Speedway, July 14, and Brownstown Speedway, July 15 – each paying $15,000 to win. 

Three events during the “Summer of Money” will boast a more than $200,000 purse with two of them at nearly $300,000. The two biggest are the Prairie Dirt Classic at Fairbury Speedway, July 28-29, and USA Nationals at Cedar Lake Speedway, Aug. 3-5 – both paying $50,000 to win and $3,000 to start. And like last year, the Prairie Dirt Classic will also pay $500 for every lap led, allowing one driver to do what Brandon Sheppard did and walk away with a $100,000 payday. 

Joining the more than $200,000 purse club is the My Place Hotels Quad Cities 150 at Davenport Speedway, Aug. 24-26, paying $30,000-to-win for its Saturday finale. 

In between the Prairie Dirt Classic and USA Nationals is the $15,000-to-win growing marquee event at Boone Speedway – the Hawkeye 50 on Monday, Aug. 1. After Davenport, the Series will venture to Mississippi Thunder Speedway (Aug. 31-Sept. 1) and Deer Creek Speedway (Sept. 2), which will each feature a $20,000-to-win main event. 

The start money continues to impress at each event with Boone paying $1,200 to start, Deer Creek and Mississippi Thunder’s finale paying $1,600 to start, and Davenport’s finale paying $2,500 to start. 

That money helps teams big and small like Germfree Labs Rookie of the Year contender Todd Cooney, who’s enduring the grind of the World of Outlaws CASE Late Models season for the first time. 

“For a team like us that’s been struggling most of the year, we have a lot of learning to do,” Cooney said. “So, it takes a lot of money to get the parts we need. There’s a lot of trial and error. You’re trying this and trying that. So, we’ve got a lot of money going out every week to try and get better. So, extra money coming in helps a lot.” 

Shane Clanton, the 2015 Series champion, of Zebulon, GA, agreed with Cooney’s thoughts, knowing how important that money through the field is to help teams get to each event. 

“It feels good,” Clanton said. “It helps us get up and down the road… [When] they add a little bit throughout the whole field that’s good for everybody.” 

He’s also eyeing the big paydays too as he’s yet to win either crown jewel. 

“I want to get PDC and Cedar Lake both,” Clanton said. “I’ve been close at both of them and just haven’t gotten the checkered flag yet. So, hopefully, we get the chance this year to be competitive and get it.” 

Both Cedar Lake and Fairbury have two of the toughest fields dirt Late Model drivers will see in 2023. Sheppard, of New Berlin, IL, is the only full-time World of Outlaws competitor who’s won both. 

The World of Outlaws CASE Late Models kick off the “Summer of Money” on Friday, July 14, at Ponderosa Speedway in Junction City, KY, before heading to Brownstown Speedway in Brownstown, IN, on Saturday, July 15. 

UPCOMING SCHEDULE: 
July 14 – Ponderosa Speedway – $15,000 to win 

July 15 – Brownstown Speedway – $15,000 to win 

July 28 – Fairbury Speedway – $5,000 to win (Prelim Features) 
July 29 – Fairbury Speedway – $50,000 to win (Plus lap money) 

Aug. 1 – Boone Speedway – $15,000 to win 

Aug. 3 – Cedar Lake Speedway – $6,000 to win 

Aug. 4 – Cedar Lake Speedway – $6,000 to win 

Aug. 5 – Cedar Lake Speedway – $50,000 to win  

Aug. 24 – Davenport Speedway – $10,000 to win 

Aug. 25 – Davenport Speedway – $10,000 to win 

Aug. 26 – Davenport Speedway – $30,000 to win 

Aug. 31 – Mississippi Thunder Speedway – $10,000 to win 

Sept. 1 – Mississippi Thunder Speedway – $20,000 to win 

Sept. 2 – Deer Creek Speedway – $20,000 to win 

If you can’t make it to the tracks, you can watch every World of Outlaws CASE Construction Equipment Late Model race live on DIRTVision.  

This will be a sentimental weekend for Funny Car veteran Cruz Pedregon at what will be the final NHRA race at Denver’s Bandimere Raceway. Cruz has called it his “favorite track” and it’s the place where he’s set numerous ET records and had multiple wins. The team has been working on the Snap-on^® “Makers and Fixers” Dodge^® SRT^® Hellcat^® to get it ready for what is sure to be a memorable curtain call for this high-altitude raceway.

“The way we plan to say ‘farewell’ to the wonderful Bandimere family and Thunder Mountain is by having the Snap-on Dodge tuned and ready for these mile-high conditions,” Cruz says. “We’ve been working on tune-ups we believe will be a winning swan song for this legendary favorite track of mine.”

Cruz’s Funny Car will sport a Snap-on franchise paint scheme to honor the many franchisees of the team’s primary sponsor. Before races, Cruz rides along with franchisees in NHRA cities to visit shops and professionals who love being ‘makers and fixers,’ talking tools and racing. The ‘Own It’ paint scheme is a reminder that the Snap-on franchise opportunity is a way to own your own business, and it’s a ‘thank you’ tribute to current and future Snap-on franchisees.

The weekend will be one to remember for Snap-on Nitro Franchisee Walter Hayes as well. He drove Cruz on his first Denver ride-along with a franchisee, so it’s only fitting he will be around for this final area visit to shops with Cruz. Walter was an auto mechanic in his early career and has had his Snap-on franchise for 26 years. In his free time, he’s a competitive, medal-winning bodybuilder. Walter’s been friends with Cruz for a long time and has done a lot with the racing program here at Bandimere where he’s learned he just can’t say enough good things about the Bandimere family. 

Before Denver, Cruz’s “Makers and Fixers” Dodge Funny Car headed south to Atlanta for a special appearance at sponsor Snap-on’s SkillsUSA booth. It was “the largest gathering of America’s future skilled workforce,” where around 15,000 attendees had the opportunity to have an up-close look at a Nitro Funny Car. If you’re a future maker and fixer like the SkillsUSA students or a seasoned pro, be sure to check out “Makers and Fixers” on Instagram and share your stories at makersandfixers.com.

Byron, Chevrolet Takes Victory in Rain-Shortened Race at Atlanta Team Chevy Sweeps Podium

·       The win is Byron’s series-leading fourth NASCAR Cup Series win of the 2023 season; his second career NCS win at Atlanta Motor Speedway; and his eighth career win in NASCAR’s premier series.  ·       The victory extended Chevrolet’s series-leading NASCAR Cup Series win record at Atlanta Motor Speedway to 44 all-time victories at the 1.54-mile Georgia oval.  ·       Chevrolet has now won eight of the past nine superspeedway-style races in NASCAR’s top series – recorded by six drivers from four different Chevrolet teams.  ·       The victory marked Chevrolet’s series-leading 12th NASCAR Cup Series victory this season.  ·       The winningest manufacturer in NASCAR Cup Series history, Chevrolet now sits at 845 all-time wins in NASCAR’s premier series.  ·       Team Chevy drivers swept the podium in the NASCAR Cup Series Quaker State 400 at Atlanta Motor Speedway – recorded by drivers from three different Chevrolet teams. This marks the fifth podium sweep for Chevrolet in NASCAR’s premier series this season.  TOP TEAM CHEVY UNOFFICIAL TOP-10 RESULTS:POS.   DRIVER1st      William Byron, No. 24 Axalta Camaro ZL12nd     Daniel Suarez, No. 99 Quaker State Camaro ZL13rd      AJ Allmendinger, No. 16 Farmsmart Camaro ZL15th      Kyle Busch, No. 8 Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen Camaro ZL18th      Justin Haley, No. 31 LeafFilter Gutter Protection Camaro ZL110th    Ricky Stenhouse Jr., No. 47 Kroger / Slim Jim Camaro ZL1  TOP-FIVE UNOFFICIAL RESULTS: POS.  DRIVER1.        William Byron (Chevrolet)2.        Daniel Suarez (Chevrolet)3.        AJ Allmendinger (Chevrolet)4.        Michael McDowell (Ford)5.        Kyle Busch (Chevrolet)

HAMPTON, Ga. (July 8, 2023) – Team Chevy’s William Byron added onto an already career season by picking up the victory in the rain-shortened NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) Quaker State 400 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The trip to victory lane marked Byron’s series-leading fourth win of the season – already doubling his 2022 win count with 19 points-paying races in the books.   The victory didn’t come easy for the 25-year-old North Carolina native. Starting the race from the 18th-position, Byron quickly maneuvered his No. 24 Axalta Camaro ZL1 to the lead portion of the pack – taking a top-five finish in Stage One. But a safety violation on pit road during the stage break pit stop forced Byron to start Stage Two from the rear of the field. Problems continued for the team after being involved in the race’s third caution – with a spin and flat tire putting the team one lap down.  With the threat of weather looming, Crew Chief Rudy Fugle opted for track position – forgoing pit road under the stage break to give Byron the third position for the start of the final stage. Racing against the rain, Byron made a move past fellow Team Chevy driver AJ Allmendinger on lap 167 and maintained the top position until the seventh caution of the day flew on lap 178. With Byron at the top of the leaderboard, rain began to fall, ultimately forcing the race under red flag conditions until the race was made official – with Byron and the No. 24 Axalta Camaro ZL1 team delivering Chevrolet its series-leading 12th victory of the season in NASCAR’s premier series.  A powerhouse group of six Team Chevy drivers claimed top-10 finishes in the series’ second appearance of the season at the 1.54-mile Georgia venue. Trackhouse Racing’s Daniel Suarez took the runner-up position, with Kaulig Racing’s AJ Allmendinger in the third position to give Chevrolet its fifth podium sweep of the 2023 NCS season. Richard Childress Racing’s Kyle Busch drove his Camaro ZL1 to a fifth-place finish, Kaulig Racing’s Justin Haley came home in the eighth-position and JTG Daugherty Racing’s Ricky Stenhouse Jr. rounded out the top-10.  The 2023 NCS season continues at New Hampshire Motor Speedway with the Crayon 301 on Sunday, July 16, at 2:30 p.m. ET. Live coverage can be found on the USA Network, PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

TEAM CHEVY POST-RACE QUOTES: William Byron, No. 24 Axalta Camaro ZL1Finished: Race Winner I don’t even know where to start with your day. You said it was so much fun early on and then the penalty on pit road and the spin – how did you guys come back and make this happen? “Yeah, just team work. Honestly I don’t completely understand this one. It’s a really good feeling. I’ve never had a rain victory like this. Thank you to Hendrick Motorsports, Axalta, Chevrolet. It’s cool – we went through so much throughout the night; spinning through the infield. Destroyed the bottom of the car dragging it around the apron trying to stay on the lead lap. At that point, you just don’t have the grip, so I was real edgy back in traffic. But Rudy (Fugle, crew chief) made a good call to pit there and then stay out. Once we got towards the front, it was OK. We could honestly make the right decisions. Got the lead from AJ (Allmendinger) and just was able to manage the run. Just a crazy night.” The guys in the booth were saying some of the most amazing racing they have seen. Behind the wheel, how was the racing tonight? “Yeah, it was awesome. I think that’s all you can ask for on a superspeedway. We want handling to matter. We want to be able to drive the thing. I feel like the first stage was really fun. I was able to make some moves on the bottom. You’d lift in every corner, so it’s different than a 550 old-style race – it’s more packed up, but handling still matters and guys can make aggressive moves. I was certainly edgy back in traffic, but like I said, Rudy made a good call and we got up towards the front. Sometimes that’s what it takes. Just thankful for the whole team and just staying in it. We were a lap down and it could have been over.” Austin Dillon, No. 3 Dow Salutes Veterans Camaro ZL1Finished: 21st“Really struggled all weekend with the handling of our Dow Salutes Veterans Chevy. Hate it for Dow and Team Rubicon. The car looked amazing. We made some adjustments. Just needed all the laps to get the car to the front.” Kyle Larson, No. 5 HendrickCars.com Camaro ZL1Sidelined by damage sustained in an accident in Stage One. Finished: 36thWe saw the spin – what happened and then what ultimately took you out of contention?“Yeah, on the spin – I haven’t seen a replay, but I think I was just late and slow to protect the top, and the No. 43 (Erik Jones) must have been just really close to me and got me loose. I spun and got the flat. And then I thought we were going to get lucky enough to just be able to drive right to my pit stall and change the tire. We changed the right-rear and didn’t get the right-front changed. And then that exploded on the apron and I had to lose a lap for the damage. Just had a little bit of a tire rub still and ultimately it just ended up giving out and I got into the wall. Hate that I made the mistake there to put us in this position, but I was having fun up until the spin. I thought I was doing a decent job – finishing second in the stage. Just wish I could have got to the end. Most of the time I feel like it’s other peoples’ fault why I DNF, but tonight it was my fault. Little bit of a bummer.” Kyle Busch, No. 8 Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen Camaro ZL1Finished: 5thHow dicey has it been out there tonight? “Yeah, it’s been really dicey. A lot of things kind of been going on – a lot of lanes, a lot of options, which has been pretty good. It’s all about momentum obviously. You break momentum or have something happen, it knocks you back or slows you down, you get blown over by four or five guys. So it’s all about just minimizing your mistakes and minimize those that can get by you while you’re trying to make moves. Definitely a different game, but overall, just really happy with the No. 8 Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen Camaro. We’ve adjusted on it every pit stop today. We stayed out on that set of tires and it felt really good. Wish we could have continued. I felt like we had more than fifth.” AJ Allmendinger, No. 16 Farmsmart Camaro ZL1Finished: 3rd“At the end of the day, I am proud of everyone at Kaulig Racing. We brought a really, really good Nutrien Ag Solutions FARMSMART Chevy. We didn’t quite have the speed, but it really handled well and I could maneuver it like it needed to. We didn’t have enough speed to lead, but it was a lot of fun to drive. I’m proud walking away from this one. We had a good points day, top-five finish, our best finish of year. We rebounded after the disappointment last week and we moved on to the next one.” Justin Haley, No. 31 LeafFilter Gutter Protection Camaro ZL1Finished: 8th “Atlanta continues to be a really strong track for this Kaulig Racing team. We fired off super loose, but Trent (Owens) made some great adjustments that got us back where we needed to be for the start of the second stage. It was a lot of fun running second there for a while and racing in the top five. We knew the weather was moving in, and we thought we might have a good strategy there. Unfortunately, it ended just a little too soon, but overall it was a good day for Kaulig Racing.” Noah Gragson, No. 42 Sunseeker Resorts Camaro ZL1Finished: 33rd “We started out really tight and Luke Lambert and the No. 42 Sunseeker Resort team really took some pretty big swings at the handling. We were making our way up there and were top-10 at one point. The car just came out from underneath me in Turn 3 and it bent the toe pretty good. The guys did a great job by getting it to where I could drive it and make speed, but our day was done after that. We could have probably picked up a few more spots if the race went the duration because it was getting wild.” Erik Jones, No. 43 Allegiant Camaro ZL1Finished: 11th“It was an up and down day for our Allegiant Chevy; we could have been a bit farther up with some of the stuff that we did, but for the most part we made our bed set up wise last night. So, it was a good day. The car is getting faster each week, and hopefully we keep going that way. I think today was overall a good day.” Daniel Suarez, No. 99 Quaker State Camaro ZL1Finished: 2nd “I feel like I have mixed feelings, but overall, very proud of my No. 99 Quaker State Chevy team. It’s been a little bit rough lately because we’ve had the speed, but we haven’t had the results, so this feels good.” Ty Gibbs had trouble, so this is probably a good points day for you.. “Yeah, it’s a shame – you never want your competition to have trouble and feel happy about it. But it is what it is. We’ve had trouble the last few weeks, as well. I’m just trying to take one race at a time and let it play out. We had the speed today, once again, and we showed that.” 

WILLIAM BYRON, NO. 24 AXALTA CAMARO ZL1 – Race Win Press Conference Transcript THE MODERATOR: We are now joined by our race winner today, William Byron. We’ll go straight to questions from the media. Q. I asked Rudy, Rudy had a good idea of the damage to the car when you spun. What were you thinking when you spun, and did the car feel any differently at that point?WILLIAM BYRON: Yeah, when I spun, I was like, well, here we go, we’re flying through the infield. I was kind of looking towards the right side of the car just thinking about, okay, can I let it roll and not lock the tires up on the asphalt to try to keep them up, but then I saw the wall was coming quick. I kind of let go of the brake for a minute and then locked it down, and I knew at that point I was probably going to have flats, and when I tried to get spun around it was really hard to get spun around, so I knew probably a right-side tire was flat, and it was the right rear. I was trying to catch up, and as you do that, everything gets torn up, so it destroyed some of the floor and the crush panel and everything. It was not good because this car really relies on all that, so it was not good at that moment, but lost a lap, changed tires, and then at that point the conversation with Rudy was just about, okay, we’re probably going to have to make some pretty big adjustments here because the car is not going to drive good. It was pretty balanced before that point. Thought we were one of the better cars, just a little bit free back in traffic after the penalty, but we were making good time. So we made a lot of adjustments. We changed a lot of things, rounds in all four corners and probably air pressure, too, and got it to where it was competitive. It was competitive for 15 laps, and then I was just kind of on pins and needles after that. I would make some mistakes because either I’d put myself in some bad positions aero wise and lose grip or just not trust the car. I knew when we got out front, we were in the probably lower teens, like 12th, 13th running and we were doing okay, but I knew when we got out front we’d have more air on the car and be okay. Then it was just about playing the air game with my spotter Brandon and trying to manage all that. Q. We knew weather from the start of the night was probably going to come into play at some point. From the outside looking in, that was a very chaotic, entertaining race. Behind the wheel as you get closer to halfway and then you get past halfway, how chaotic is it for you to keep constantly getting weather updates, and are you on the edge of your seat, so to speak, is the next call going to be we’re doing? What are you going through?WILLIAM BYRON: I honestly don’t get too excited. I feel like for me, I’ve never had a rain win, so I was like, sure enough, with me leading, this isn’t going to happen like this. So I’m like, just thinking about what lane I’m going to choose. I think as soon as the caution came out, I asked what lane are we going to choose because I didn’t even want to think about the possibility of rain and coming down pit road. All that was secondary to me. I was just thinking about, okay, how can we control the race so when the next caution comes out for rain we’re in a good spot. So I started thinking about that, and then my spotter and Rudy as well — Brandon and Rudy were talking about, okay, it’s starting to rain around the track, and I started to get some drops on the windshield. I was like, okay, we’re probably going to get some drops and then it’s going to stall, and then we’re going to go back again. I just kept thinking that way, and then even when I got out of the car I kept thinking that way, and eventually when we got over there I knew it was official. Then you start to feel better about it.Yeah, it takes a long time. For me I’m just trying to stay locked in the race. Q. Is Jeff going to make you sit in the calendar and count up 3,000 races?WILLIAM BYRON: As long as they’ll have me I’ll keep going. Hopefully I can get to 3,000. Seems like a lot of races. Yeah, I don’t know how many years that is, but I’m willing to do it as long as I can. I love what I do, and hopefully keep doing it. I just like to race. Feel like I’m just this year starting to just kind of understand the flow of everything, and it’s starting to click. It’s been a good year, but like someone told me in a meet and greet today, they’re like, how many races are in a year, and I was like, 38 and a couple exhibition, and we’re on 19. I was like, well, we still have half a season to go. Everything we’ve done to this point is great, but if we suck from here on out, it’s not going to be fun, so hopefully we just keep on going. Q. The last three races we really only saw two-wide racing, attempts to get the third lane going and never could get it running. Tonight we saw that the dominant lane to be in. Were you surprised by that? Did that catch you off guard how well that third lane worked?WILLIAM BYRON: Yeah, it had to get cleaned off. It was definitely grayer up there, but you can count on Reddick to clean it off. He goes there right away, which is amazing. I think he kind of cleaned off the entry, then it started cleaning it off, center off got a little bit cleaner, a little bit cleaner. I think handling was just a big enough issue — if handling wasn’t an issue, you’re still going to see two wide because the car has so much drag that you can run the bottom two lanes and not ever get a run on the outside. The fact that handling and how much we were lifting made it a three-wide race, and really it was just about trying to find clean air, which was what made your car handle better. Q. I’m kind of surprised you’re six years in and you’re still trying to find your rhythm. It’s not like you’re a rookie anymore.WILLIAM BYRON: Yeah, I just think I haven’t raced a lot in my career, so getting a later start, I think every race is a learning experience. Obviously I’m comfortable with a lot of things, but if I go and race something else, I’m very comfortable, but these are the best guys, and it takes every little detail. I think still inching up on those things, still getting better. There’s a lot — I thought tonight there was a lot of things I could have done better, pit road speed, decisions. I think there’s still a lot of things you can improve. But we’re on the right track. Q. Getting a win this late in the season, what kind of confidence does that give you going into New Hampshire, going into Pocono? New Hampshire you’re still looking for your first top 10.WILLIAM BYRON: Yeah, New Hampshire is tough for us. It was great all the way until I got to the Cup Series, and I thought, I’m really good at this track, and then I got against all the Cup guys, and I’m like, no, I’m not very good here. I got a truck win early, and I think that kind of helped make me overconfident that I was really good there, and I think just inching up on little details here and there, and I thought we had a really good sim session at Loudon last week. I think we’re confident going in there. I’m sure the 19 is going to be fast. I think there’s going to be a few other guys that were good at Gateway, the 11. I think it’s going to be tough, but yeah, that’s certainly one we circled on the calendar. We’ve done a lot of sim work for it. Hopefully all that stuff pays off and we show up fast. Q. (No microphone.)WILLIAM BYRON: A little bit, yeah. I think it’s probably the closest thing we’ve had lately. I would say that, maybe a little bit at Nashville and then obviously Phoenix, but that was way back.I think a lot has changed since Phoenix, but I feel good about our car. If the sim is close, I think we did a lot of good things. Q. What was your thought process after the infield spin condition of the car, the rain coming? How did you pull off a win, or how did you keep composure with all that?WILLIAM BYRON: Yeah, I mean, first it starts with just the basics, just getting to pit road, not tearing up the car even worse. I think I went a little bit fast at first to try to get caught up, and then tore up some stuff, so then I took it easy around the apron. When I got to pit road I realized they were taking a lot of stuff out of the right side of the car that had been torn up, so I thought, man, it’s probably pretty hurt if they’re trying to peel off parts of the car to clearance it. It was. I think the car was damaged for sure. But we were able to change the balance enough to where it got manageable, and like I said, we were able to get the balance to where we could drive it, and we just weren’t the most aggressive out there, but we could make some moves. Q. When you look back on this race, say a week from now, a month from now, down the road, what do you think you’re going to remember the most about it?WILLIAM BYRON: Just the perseverance by the team. I think it’s easy to give up, kind of pack it in. Just be like, okay, we’re a lap down. But we’ll try to get the Lucky Dog, try to have a solid finish. But we kept working on the car. We got aggressive with the changes to try to make the car have a better balance and then got aggressive with the strategy, too. I think it’s — I could tell in Rudy’s tone, he never gave up and he was constantly pumping me up saying the car is fine, just go drive the heck out of it and see what happens. Some of that motivation was great, and then I get in the corner and it would be loose, and I’m like, still not quite there. But it was okay. I think that we worked together really well. Q. We had Jeff in here earlier, and he had talked about this kind of multiyear narrative about trying to get you to come out of your shell or just showing us something, whatever that something is. I’m curious, what has the process been like with Jeff and really all the marketing people at Hendrick, and what are they trying to pull out of you exactly?WILLIAM BYRON: I don’t know. I’m pretty reserved. I’m introverted. But I think just being more comfortable around the racetrack in my environment. I think being with the team is what drives me. When I get up every day, it’s about how can I get better as a race car driver. I try to focus on that goal. I’m sure a lot of guys have that same goal, but for me, yeah, it’s what I think about. It’s what drove me to get into this sport. That’s really what I follow is just my desire to be a better driver.I think they recognize that. My work ethic and the things that I want to do to get better. Just try to be comfortable with that, and I’ve surrounded myself with people that believe in that and want to nurture that and help support it. I think Rudy and I have a good process during the week, and I think Jeff and I have a great relationship, so it’s just about trying to win more races, and then yeah, be excited and be happy that those moments happen, but for me, it’s all about kind of the process and the work. Q. Speaking of winning races, you’re the defending winner of the Slinger Nationals. You’re headed back there on Monday. What’s so cool about that event and why is it on the radar? How do you feel about your chances?WILLIAM BYRON: Yeah, I feel good about it. So a little bit pissed off at the last race that I ran a super, got moved and finished second. Yeah, excited to get back in those cars. I think the Slinger Nationals is going to be really competitive this year. I think Erik is running well. He’s got his stuff good. Chase is going to be up there, Matt. Then the whole cast of characters up there. Yeah, there’s a lot of local guys that are fast, too, and I think the thing I learned last year is just to try to keep my heart rate in check. It’s easy to get worn out there. Hopefully I don’t fall out of the seat and I can do a good job for the team. I’m excited. I haven’t ran a super late model in a few months. It’s kind of been a couple months of just personal stuff and none of the races really lined up for me to run. But yeah, I’m looking forward to it. It’s going to be a busy week, but it’ll be fun. Q. I want to say you’re 21 points ahead of Truex now in the regular season. How much have you been looking at these points every week just to see about the regular season title?WILLIAM BYRON: Yeah, I mean, we definitely look at it. There’s no doubt about it. I look at Racing Reference and look at all the top 5s, top 10s, all that stuff. Yeah, I think Truex has been running really well. It’s just a matter of us performing well. I feel like if we can perform at a high level, we put ourselves in position to run up front and get stage points. Yeah, it’s a long — we’ve still got, what, six, seven races until the playoffs, and we’ve just got to keep inching up on it. We can’t have any major bad weeks. This looked like it was going to be a bad week, and we overcame it. It’s a good lesson to learn, but I think we’re coming up on two tough tracks that we’ve got to really hone in on with Pocono and Loudon. I know that the 19 is going to be fast there and all the JGR cars, so we’ve got to keep it up. Q. What is it about Rudy and his personality that is good for you, that works for you?WILLIAM BYRON: Yeah, I think he’s just no-nonsense. It’s just facts and it’s what can we do to go faster. I don’t have to worry about him — he just shoots me straight. He just talks about what we need to do better, and I feel like that works really well for me because I’m honestly similar. I think we’re similar in some ways on a professional side, and then on a personal side we keep up with each other, but we’re not hanging out getting beers. But we certainly have grown closer on that side, but I think in a professional sense, we just work really well.

Feger wins Week 4 points championship by 20 over Winger

HAUBSTADT, IN (July 9, 2023) – Speeding out of Turns 1-2 and down the backstretch with the lead, Shannon Babb was only a half-lap away from a record seventh DIRTcar Summer Nationals win Sunday at Tri-State Speedway. And then, crash.

As Babb entered in on the high side of Turn 3, two lapped cars got into each other, sending the 23NZ of Mick Quin washing up the track, directly in front of a full-speed Babb coming to collect the checkered flag. Instead, Babb collected with Quin between Turns 3-4, roughly 50 yards from the finish line.

Right on Babb’s heels getting into Turn 3 was Dylan Thompson – the veteran racer from Paducah, KY – who entered the corner a full lane lower than Babb. As Babb collided with Quin on the top, Thompson sailed it through the middle groove, right underneath the wreck and took the lead out of Turn 4.

The flagman waved the checkered flag in the air as Thompson sped across the finish line to steal the win, completing the last-lap, last-corner pass in dramatic fashion and score his first career Hell Tour victory.

“Coming out of Turn 2 on the last lap, coming down the backstretch, I watched it happen,” Thompson said. “I stood on that damn thing and turned it to the bottom. I looked over and thought, ‘Well, I see the lapped car, I do not see Shannon, and I see the checkered flag.’

“Then they said [over driver radio communication] ‘99 to scales and droop check,’ and I thought, ‘We literally just won.’ It’s still not sinking in, really.”

Babb’s perspective further detailed the situation and how fast it all went down in front of him.

“As soon as we entered Turn 3, I saw the two get together,” Babb said. “There’s just no way I can get down and avoid it. The big opening closed-up really quick. I got on the brakes really hard to keep from getting into [Quin] and had to come to a dead stop.”

Though Babb led most of the 40-lap main event, Thompson led the one and only lap that truly mattered. He said he didn’t expect to be there at the end when the green flag dropped but was glad it worked out how it did.

“I told my guys when we pulled on the track, I said, ‘I just want to finish.’ That was my goal,” Thompson said.

“We finished first.”

Despite the big contact coming to the checkers, Babb was able to gather it back in and take home a runner-up finish. He took the lead from the outside pole in the opening laps and was soon met with heavy pressure from Rusty Schlenk, who took the lead from him on Lap 17 with a big slide job through Turns 1-2.

Babb stayed with it, however, and retook the lead with a slide job of his own on Lap 29.

“I had confidence I could pass [Schlenk] back; my car was really good,” Babb said. “I just started driving harder. I was only doing about three-quarters. Once he got by me, I just turned the week up and ran a little harder.”

Thompson had been stalking both of them from the third position throughout the battle and made the pass on Schlenk to get into position behind Babb on Lap 30. Coming to the white flag, Thompson was only a single car length back, and was there to capitalize on Babb’s misfortune to get the win in the end.

Further back in the field, Jason Feger had advanced to the seventh spot from ninth on the grid, finishing right behind Ashton Winger in the running order. Feger came into the night up 22 points on Winger in the hunt for the Week 4 points championship and retained the advantage at the checkered flag, earning him another $10,000 points fund check after capturing the Week 2 title earlier this season.

UP NEXT

The Summer Nationals Late Models take Monday and Tuesday off before returning to action in the final week of the 38th annual Hell Tour on Wednesday, July 12 at Shadyhill Speedway in Medaryville, IN. Tickets will be on sale at the gate; streaming available at DIRTVision.com.

ABBREVIATED RESULTS (view full results)

Feature (40 Laps): 1. 99-Dylan Thompson[8]; 2. 18-Shannon Babb[2]; 3. 31AUS-Kye Blight[3]; 4. 91-Rusty Schlenk[5]; 5. 4G-Bob Gardner[6]; 6. 12-Ashton Winger[4]; 7. 25-Jason Feger[9]; 8. 15-Clayton Stuckey[12]; 9. 22-Skyller Lewis[1]; 10. 1-BJ Robinson[14]; 11. 44-Blaze Burwell[13]; 12. 38-Thomas Hunziker[17]; 13. 17-Lee Williams[21]; 14. 23NZ-Mick Quin[16]; 15. 15T-Cliff Tooley[23]; 16. 27M-Rodney Melvin[11]; 17. 4D-Doug Tye[20]; 18. 17W-Greg Williams[10]; 19. 7-Steven Reinacher[19]; 20. 4-Jason Suhre[7]; 21. 11-Robby Moore[18]; 22. 18M-Jimmy Miller[15]; 23. 78S-Steve Stultz[24]; 24. 16-Brandon Tibaldi[22]

Lamont Wins Tri-State Summit Modified Feature for Second-Straight Year

When it comes to the DIRTcar Summit Racing Equipment Modified Nationals at Tri-State Speedway, no driver has had the field covered more recently than Mark Lamont.

Lamont, 39, of Crossville, IL, won his first career Summit Modified Feature last year at Tri-State, defeating Tyler Nicely in a dogfight. Fast forward one year to Sunday night, and he did it again – this time, in more dominant fashion, leading all 25 circuits around the 1/4-mile to bag his second career series victory at Tri-State in consecutive years.

Like last year, Nicely was right on Lamont’s tail yet again Sunday. A late restart posed a green-white-checkered finish to the field, which Lamont aced and held off pressure from Nicely behind him to secure the win.

“I never saw [Nicely], but I saw Lucas [Lee] a couple restarts earlier,” Lamont said. “I was kinda just cruising, and then my flag guy said to get on it.”

UP NEXT

The Summit Modifieds take Monday and Tuesday off before returning to action in the final week of the 38th annual Hell Tour on Wednesday, July 12 at Shadyhill Speedway in Medaryville, IN. Tickets will be on sale at the gate; streaming available at DIRTVision.com.

ABBREVIATED RESULTS (view full results)

Feature (25 Laps): 1. 7-Mark Lamont[2]; 2. 25-Tyler Nicely[3]; 3. 12L-Lucas Lee[4]; 4. 81C-Christopher Cole[6]; 5. 10Y-Trent Young[1]; 6. 1S-Brian Shaw[8]; 7. 47-Cyle Forgy[12]; 8. 55-Justin Jones[13]; 9. 91K-Cody Kibby[15]; 10. 5S-Owen Steinkoenig[9]; 11. 82-Dalton Lane[7]; 12. 27-Beau DeYoung[21]; 13. 13-Charlie Mefford[17]; 14. 69L-Josh Lemke[14]; 15. 66-Michael Fox[5]; 16. 37-Everett Bradham[18]; 17. 1H-Ben Harmon[16]; 18. 8K-Levi Kissinger[19]; 19. 81-Mark Cole[11]; 20. 1A-Steve Meyer Jr[10]; 21. 50-Tyler Weiss[20]; 22. I99-Mikey Kopka[

Defending DIRTcar Sportsman Champion three-for-three in West Region

PORT COLBORNE, ONT. (JULY 9, 2023) – Cody McPherson continues to make a statement in hopes to repeat as DIRTcar Sportsman champion for 2023.  It took two late race, green, white, checkers to pass race long leader Billy Bleich to win his third West Region Series event out of three starts.

In what look to be a non-stop event with Bleich going wire to wire, a yellow on lap 29 for a spun car in turn two changed the entire outlook of the event.

The restart put McPherson’s familiar #7 alongside Bleich and when the green lights shined, he stayed alongside his rival going into turn one.  “I needed that restart, this was Billy’s race.  I tried everything to get by him but he was so good down in that low lane,” McPherson commented on the event’s unfolding, “When the restart happened I was going to roll the middle and try to maybe pinch him a bit.  It worked.”

With McPherson out-front and looking to receive the checkers, a multi-car incident occurred in turn one.  Yellow lights were on again which made for another green, white, checker.  “Yea, didn’t want to see that second yellow.  You just don’t know if he could do the same I did to him,” he said with some concern, “I tried to get a good jump and it seemed to work. The car took off.”

The win extended his lead slightly over Brett Senek who came home in third.  In the runner-up slot was Merrittville tough luck finisher in James Michael Friesen.  He too used those last two restarts to move himself from fifth to second at the finish.

“I was really just locked in the middle of the field for so many laps.  I was trying to make the top work but the bottom was so good,” Friesen summed up, “The restarts I was able to make some moves and get a bit lucky to grab second.  We will take it.”

For Senek, It was a bit of a late race charge just like the week prior at Merrittville and this time it resulted in a podium finish.  “The restarts helped me also.  I was kind of settled in and was going to take what I could get,” Senek quipped, “On the restarts I found a lane to get a couple of cars.  That helped some in points, I’m behind Cody be we do have a shot.”

Bleich took fourth at the finish, not the result he wanted.  Chad Chevalier came from his tenth place to grab fifth at the end.  The next five was made up of Taylor Vanderzanden, Nelson Mason, Curtis Friesem, who also receives a free Hoosier Tire, Justin Sharp and Kyle Richner.

Taking the heat wins were McPherson, James Friesen and Jay Mallory.  A total of 24 cars made up the pit log.

DIRTcar Sportsman West Region 30 – Cody McPherson ($1,250), James Michael Friesen, Brett Senek, Bill Bleich Jr., Chad Chevalier, Taylor Vanderzanden, Nelson Mason, Curtis Friesen, Justin Sharp, Kyle Richner, Phil Vigneri III, Matteo Panunte, Rob Pietz, Jay Mallory, Terry Smith, Tom Princiotta, Matt Sharpe, Nathan Peattie, Tyler Pulchalski, Jeff Panunte, Adam Leslie, Chris Hawkins, Doug Walsh Jr.

NASCAR CUP SERIES ATLANTA MOTOR SPEEDWAY QUAKER STATE 400 TEAM CHEVY POST-RACE NOTES & QUOTES JULY 9, 2023    Team Chevy Sweeps Podium

·       The win is Byron’s series-leading fourth NASCAR Cup Series win of the 2023 season; his second career NCS win at Atlanta Motor Speedway; and his eighth career win in NASCAR’s premier series.  ·       The victory extended Chevrolet’s series-leading NASCAR Cup Series win record at Atlanta Motor Speedway to 44 all-time victories at the 1.54-mile Georgia oval.  ·       Chevrolet has now won eight of the past nine superspeedway-style races in NASCAR’s top series – recorded by six drivers from four different Chevrolet teams.  ·       The victory marked Chevrolet’s series-leading 12th NASCAR Cup Series victory this season.  ·       The winningest manufacturer in NASCAR Cup Series history, Chevrolet now sits at 845 all-time wins in NASCAR’s premier series.  ·       Team Chevy drivers swept the podium in the NASCAR Cup Series Quaker State 400 at Atlanta Motor Speedway – recorded by drivers from three different Chevrolet teams. This marks the fifth podium sweep for Chevrolet in NASCAR’s premier series this season.  TOP TEAM CHEVY UNOFFICIAL TOP-10 RESULTS:POS.   DRIVER1st      William Byron, No. 24 Axalta Camaro ZL12nd     Daniel Suarez, No. 99 Quaker State Camaro ZL13rd      AJ Allmendinger, No. 16 Farmsmart Camaro ZL15th      Kyle Busch, No. 8 Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen Camaro ZL18th      Justin Haley, No. 31 LeafFilter Gutter Protection Camaro ZL110th    Ricky Stenhouse Jr., No. 47 Kroger / Slim Jim Camaro ZL1  TOP-FIVE UNOFFICIAL RESULTS: POS.  DRIVER1.        William Byron (Chevrolet)2.        Daniel Suarez (Chevrolet)3.        AJ Allmendinger (Chevrolet)4.        Michael McDowell (Ford)5.        Kyle Busch (Chevrolet)  The 2023 NASCAR Cup Series season continues at New Hampshire Motor Speedway with the Crayon 301 on Sunday, July 16, at 2:30 p.m. ET. Live coverage can be found on the USA Network, PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

TEAM CHEVY POST-RACE QUOTES: William Byron, No. 24 Axalta Camaro ZL1Finished: Race Winner I don’t even know where to start with your day. You said it was so much fun early on and then the penalty on pit road and the spin – how did you guys come back and make this happen? “Yeah, just team work. Honestly I don’t completely understand this one. It’s a really good feeling. I’ve never had a rain victory like this. Thank you to Hendrick Motorsports, Axalta, Chevrolet. It’s cool – we went through so much throughout the night; spinning through the infield. Destroyed the bottom of the car dragging it around the apron trying to stay on the lead lap. At that point, you just don’t have the grip, so I was real edgy back in traffic. But Rudy (Fugle, crew chief) made a good call to pit there and then stay out. Once we got towards the front, it was OK. We could honestly make the right decisions. Got the lead from AJ (Allmendinger) and just was able to manage the run. Just a crazy night.” The guys in the booth were saying some of the most amazing racing they have seen. Behind the wheel, how was the racing tonight? “Yeah, it was awesome. I think that’s all you can ask for on a superspeedway. We want handling to matter. We want to be able to drive the thing. I feel like the first stage was really fun. I was able to make some moves on the bottom. You’d lift in every corner, so it’s different than a 550 old-style race – it’s more packed up, but handling still matters and guys can make aggressive moves. I was certainly edgy back in traffic, but like I said, Rudy made a good call and we got up towards the front. Sometimes that’s what it takes. Just thankful for the whole team and just staying in it. We were a lap down and it could have been over.” Austin Dillon, No. 3 Dow Salutes Veterans Camaro ZL1Finished: 21st“Really struggled all weekend with the handling of our Dow Salutes Veterans Chevy. Hate it for Dow and Team Rubicon. The car looked amazing. We made some adjustments. Just needed all the laps to get the car to the front.” Kyle Larson, No. 5 HendrickCars.com Camaro ZL1Sidelined by damage sustained in an accident in Stage One. Finished: 36thWe saw the spin – what happened and then what ultimately took you out of contention?“Yeah, on the spin – I haven’t seen a replay, but I think I was just late and slow to protect the top, and the No. 43 (Erik Jones) must have been just really close to me and got me loose. I spun and got the flat. And then I thought we were going to get lucky enough to just be able to drive right to my pit stall and change the tire. We changed the right-rear and didn’t get the right-front changed. And then that exploded on the apron and I had to lose a lap for the damage. Just had a little bit of a tire rub still and ultimately it just ended up giving out and I got into the wall. Hate that I made the mistake there to put us in this position, but I was having fun up until the spin. I thought I was doing a decent job – finishing second in the stage. Just wish I could have got to the end. Most of the time I feel like it’s other peoples’ fault why I DNF, but tonight it was my fault. Little bit of a bummer.” Kyle Busch, No. 8 Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen Camaro ZL1Finished: 5thHow dicey has it been out there tonight? “Yeah, it’s been really dicey. A lot of things kind of been going on – a lot of lanes, a lot of options, which has been pretty good. It’s all about momentum obviously. You break momentum or have something happen, it knocks you back or slows you down, you get blown over by four or five guys. So it’s all about just minimizing your mistakes and minimize those that can get by you while you’re trying to make moves. Definitely a different game, but overall, just really happy with the No. 8 Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen Camaro. We’ve adjusted on it every pit stop today. We stayed out on that set of tires and it felt really good. Wish we could have continued. I felt like we had more than fifth.” Justin Haley, No. 31 LeafFilter Gutter Protection Camaro ZL1Finished: 8th “Atlanta continues to be a really strong track for this Kaulig Racing team. We fired off super loose, but Trent (Owens) made some great adjustments that got us back where we needed to be for the start of the second stage. It was a lot of fun running second there for a while and racing in the top five. We knew the weather was moving in, and we thought we might have a good strategy there. Unfortunately, it ended just a little too soon, but overall it was a good day for Kaulig Racing.” Erik Jones, No. 43 Allegiant Camaro ZL1Finished: 11th“It was an up and down day for our Allegiant Chevy; we could have been a bit farther up with some of the stuff that we did, but for the most part we made our bed set up wise last night. So, it was a good day. The car is getting faster each week, and hopefully we keep going that way. I think today was overall a good day.” Daniel Suarez, No. 99 Quaker State Camaro ZL1Finished: 2nd “I feel like I have mixed feelings, but overall, very proud of my No. 99 Quaker State Chevy team. It’s been a little bit rough lately because we’ve had the speed, but we haven’t had the results, so this feels good.” Ty Gibbs had trouble, so this is probably a good points day for you..  “Yeah, it’s a shame – you never want your competition to have trouble and feel happy about it. But it is what it is. We’ve had trouble the last few weeks, as well. I’m just trying to take one race at a time and let it play out. We had the speed today, once again, and we showed that.” 

July 9, 2023 — BOWMANVILLE, Ont., Canada

• Meyer Shank Racing duo of Colin Braun and Tom Blomqvist claim their second IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship win of 2023
• Filipe Albuquerque and Ricky Taylor bring  Wayne Taylor Racing with Andretti Autosport Acura home secon
• Brake issue blunts Gradient Racing run in GTD

Playing their energy management strategy to perfection, Meyer Shank Racing led an Acura 1-2 sweep of today’s IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship race at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, with Wayne Taylor Racing with Andretti Autosport finishing second for Acura. 

In GTD, Katherine Legge and Sheena Monk appeared headed for their second consecutive top-five result – and third of the season – in their Acura NSX GT3 Evo22, until a late-race brake issue dropped the pair to an unrepresentative 11th-place finish.

Acura ARX-06 GTP
In the premier GTP division for hybrid prototypes, Blomqvist and Braun had their #60 MSR Acura ARX-06 at the front of the field for the majority of the two-hour, 40-minute contest, despite a flurry of incidents and late-race caution flags turned the race into a contest of pit stop strategies.

Stretching their final run for an impressive 78 minutes, MSR held on for the victory; with the sister WTRAndretti Acura of Ricky Taylor and Filipe Albuquerque coming home second.

The victory is the second of the season for Acura, both 1-2 results, with the previous win coming at the season-opening Rolex 24 at Daytona.  In scoring their first overall win today at CTMP, the Meyer Shank organization became the first GTP team to win multiple WeatherTech Championship races in 2023 in the new hybrid prototype era.

Today’s victory moves Braun and Blomqvist to sixth in the championship after six of nine races; while Albuquerque and Taylor are third in the standings, just 29 points out of first.

Acura NSX GT3 Evo22 GTD
In the production-based GTD category, Gradient Racing saw their chance for a podium finish evaporate when Katherine Legge was forced to make an unscheduled late-race pit stop to repair a left-rear brake caliper. 

Prior to issue, Sheena Monk had made up seven positions during her opening stint, pitting from seventh in GTD; while Legge took advantage of the team’s off-sequence pit strategy to take over the class lead with just over an hour remaining.  Despite losing seven laps to complete the brake repair, Legge resumed to garner an 11th-place finish for the team, which enabled the pair to move up to sixth in the GTD championship standings after six of 11 rounds.

Canadian Tire Motorsport Park Acura Race Results

• 1st GTP – #60 Tom Blomqvist and Colin Braun; Meyer Shank Racing Acura ARX-06
• 2nd GTP – #10 Filipe Albuquerque and Ricky Taylor; Wayne Taylor Racing with Andretti Autosport Acura ARX-06
• 11th GTD –  #66 Katherine Legge and Sheena Monk; Gradient Racing Acura NSX GT3 Evo22

Quotes
Colin Braun (#60 Meyer Shank Racing Acura ARX-06): Race winner with co-driver Tom Blomqvist: “It was tough. The other guys were good on fuel, so for me it was just about getting a good restart and building a gap and then going into fuel save mode. I was surprised with the great pace the Acura had on the fuel save. Then, once we got through the traffic, I knew I could probably pull a gap and we did. I’m just super proud of everyone here with Meyer Shank Racing, Acura, and HPD. Everyone did a great job. You know, obviously, we’ve been close [to another victory]. We’ve had good pace all year. So, great is it converted to a win and we definitely had to work for it this week.”

Filipe Albuquerque (#10 Wayne Taylor Racing with Andretti Autosport Acura ARX-06) finished second with co-driver Ricky Taylor: “What a crazy race!” We started really well with Ricky [Taylor] putting pressure and pulling a big gap on everybody. Then I got in the car and was actually feeling good, just saving the tires and controlling the position. At one point with the strategy, the safety car went out when we just pitted. So, it’s like ‘perfect’ and by then we thought it’s going to be an easy win. But then it was so chaotic with so many yellows. It turned out that the Meyer Shank car got to the end. It’s so hard to pass around here and whoever was in front were going to pull away. We’re happy with P2 today. It’s a start, we’ve been having a rough season with amazing pace. Congrats to HPD for the pace and the car we had today. So, let’s continue with this momentum.” 

Katherine Legge (#66 Gradient Racing Acura NSX GT3 Evo22) 11th in GTD with co-driver Sheena Monk: “It looked like we had a very promising race going for us.  I think we had the car for a top-five finish, at the very least, but then we had the long stop to repair a brake caliper.  It’s unfortunate.  At least we were able to return to the race once the problem was fixed and salvage a finish and some championship points.  All our thoughts right now are with [team owner] Andris Laivins as he deals with a serious illness in his family.”

Lee Niffenegger (principal engineer, Honda Performance Development) on today’s Acura 1-2 result at CTMP:  “Today turned into a race with two possible strategies, but we had both options covered [with Meyer Shank Racing and Wayne Taylor with Andretti Autosport], and it turned into a fantastic 1-2 for Acura and HPD.  We’re really proud of both our teams and everyone at HPD today.  We fought back after some less-than-desirable results recently, and now we’re in the thick of the championship with three [GTP] races to go.  It’s ‘Game on!'”

Fast Facts

• This is the seventh prototype victory for Acura Motorsports at CTMP, in both IMSA and American Le Mans Series championship competition.
• Acura’s first win at what was then called Mosport Park came in 2008, when David Brabham and Scott Sharp took their Highcroft Racing Acura ARX-01b to the LMP2 class victory. 

Next

The GT classes of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship GTD PRO and GTD, travel to Connecticut’s Lime Rock Park for the FCP Euro Northeast Grand Prix Presented by Liqui Moly, July 20-22.  The full IMSA field next runs August 4-6 for the IMSA SportsCar Weekend at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin.

Acura Motorsports social media content and video links can be found on:

• Instagram        (www.instagram.com/hondaracing_hpd)
• TikTok             (www.tiktok.com/hondaracing_hpd)
• Twitter             (www.twitter.com/HondaRacing_Hpd)
• Facebook        (www.facebook.com/HondaRacingHPD)
• YouTube         (https://www.youtube.com/HondaRacingHPDTV)

BATAVIA, Ohio (July 9, 2023) – The stars of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series are ready for a mid-week showdown at Davenport, Iowa’s 1/4-mile bulling. The annual Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series stop at Davenport Speedway presented C & J Trucking / HD Equipment will be a complete program of Dirt Draft Hot Laps, Allstar Performance Time Trials, Heat Races, B-Mains, and a 40-lap, $10,000-to-win A-Main. The IMCA Late Models and IMCA Modifieds are also on the racing card for Tuesday, July 11. The pit gate will open at 2:00PM with the general admission gate opening at 5:00PM. On track action will begin at 6:30PM. All times are Central Time. In 2022, Hudson O’Neal narrowly held off Brandon Overton in a thrilling battle at Davenport that saw four different lead changes during the 40-lapper. O’Neal took the lead for good on lap 34 and beat Overton to the line by just .589 seconds. Mike Marlar, like O’Neal and Overton, led during the race but finished in third followed by Jimmy Owens and Spencer Hughes. Davenport Speedway is located on the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds at 2815 West Locust Street in Davenport, Iowa. Tickets to the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series event presented by presented C & J Trucking / HD Equipment can be purchased at the gate on race day. For more information about Davenport Speedway, visit www.davenportiaspeedway.com.  Ricky Thornton Jr. leads the Big River Steel Chase for the Championship presented by ARP to Davenport Speedway – with a 175-point advantage over Hudson O’Neal. Brandon Overton is third, followed by Tim McCreadie and Jonathan Davenport.  For the latest news, results, championship standings and more about the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, please visit www.lucasdirt.com. Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Purse: 1. $10,000, 2. $5,500, 3. $3,500, 4. $2,700, 5. $2,500, 6. $2,300, 7. $2,200, 8. $2,100, 9. $2,050, 10. $2,000, 11. $1,600, 12. $1,400, 13. $1,200, 14. $1,000, 15. $950, 16. $925, 17. $900, 18. $875, 19. $850, 20. $825, 21. $800, 22. $800, 23. $800, 24. $800 = Total $48,575 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Tire Rule:Left Rear/Fronts – Hoosier (90) NLMT2, (90) NLMT3Right Rear – Hoosier (92) NLMT3, (92) NLMT4 *Must use the same set of 4 tires for Time Trials and Heat Races