CONCORD, N.C. (Sept. 17, 2021) – Brittany Force with the Monster Energy Top Fuel dragster and John Force with the PEAK Antifreeze and Coolant Chevrolet Camaro SS Funny Car are the provisional No. 1 qualifiers Friday night at the DeWalt NHRA Carolina Nationals at zMAX Dragway. Robert Hight with the Automobile Club of Southern California Chevy rounded out a successful night of qualifying landing in the No. 2 spot. Chasing her eighth straight No. 1 qualifying position, Brittany Force piloted her Monster Energy dragster to a stellar 3.662-second pass at 331.85 mph to easily take over the Top Fuel No. 1 position. The impressive run wasn’t without its drama, the black and green hot rod suffered an engine explosion at the end of the run. “It always feels good to come out first run of the weekend like that. Well, I guess it’s debatable, we blew up and that costs a lot but we’re currently No. 1 and right now it’s about getting as many bonus points as we can,” Force said. “David Grubnic, he said we want to do what we did last weekend in Reading. He told me the number he was shooting for and we actually stepped up. To be able to run a 3.66 like that, that’s what we did all last weekend, so pretty impressive for this Monster Energy / Flav-R-Pac team.” Points leader John Force handled his PEAK Chevy to a 3.860-second pass at 332.18 mph as the final pair of Funny Cars for the night, bumping the blue and red Auto Club Chevy of Robert Hight into the No. 2 position. “It was a good way to start the weekend. We’re just trying to stay in the game, this PEAK Chevy team. Going low qualifier but we got the perk to follow everybody, see what everyone could do, see what Jimmy Prock could do,” Force said. “I give credit to the guys that run these hot rods. We’re just body and shoes. Daniel Hood, Tim Fabrisi and Joe Barlam, they give me a race car and we go right down the race track. I’m really excited about that. I’d like to at least be in the hunt and I’m in the hunt.” Hight and the Auto Club Camaro kept up their consistency Friday night when they went 3.878-seconds at 330.07 mph. The Jimmy Prock and Chris Cunningham tuned Chevy are looking for their fifth win at the Carolina Nationals along with a resurgence in the points. “That was a good run, we wanted more and we can see that there’s more out there. You know we picked up some extra qualifying points and we put a good number on the board,” Hight said. “We’ve got two more tomorrow and we’ll get after it. Jimmy Prock and Chris Cunningham, they’ll get us set up and then have us going rounds on race way Qualifying at the DeWalt NHRA Carolina Nationals continues Saturday with sessions at 2:30 and 6:15 p.m. Eliminations are slated for Sunday at 10:30 a.m. Television coverage begins with a qualifying show Sunday at 10 a.m. ET on FOX Sports 1 (FS1). Eliminations will be on FOX Broadcasting Network beginning at 4 p.m. ET.

The Lake Elmo, MN driver is riding a career high with the World of Outlaws this season. 

CONCORD, NC – September 17, 2021 – Change. That’s one word to describe Brent Larson’s 2021 season with the World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Model Series. 

This year, the Lake Elmo, MN driver, made two adjustments leading to his best season with the Series. And with four races remaining – including the Oct. 1 event at Cherokee Speedway, Oct. 2 event at Senoia Raceway and then the NGK NTK World Finals at the Dirt Track at Charlotte (Nov. 4-6) – he still has goals to do better.

One of those critical changes was switching to a Rocket Chassis after driving a Longhorn and Barry Wright Race Car last season. Driving a Rocket has allowed him to ask fellow Rocket teams on tour for advice while on the road.  

“I think our chassis switch has helped, having had some guys to work with that have the same brand of chassis I do,” Larson said. “I really didn’t have that the last years I ran the tour; I was like the only Longhorn for a while, then we had a Barry (Wright) car at the end of last year, and even then, my results got better.  

“The big thing is having some other racers and teams I can bounce things off of on the road with the Rocket Chassis.”

Another change that’s helped Larson this season is who’s working on that Rocket Chassis. Earlier this year, he hired Donnie Birdwell as his crew chief. It’s a change Larson stated has been beneficial. 

“[Birdwell’s] been a consistent, stable, non-dramatic guy I can count on and help utilize to put fires out instead of him causing fires too,” Larson said. 

Those two adjustments have made it easier to adapt on the road. In Larson’s fourth season with the World of Outlaws, he’s seen tracks multiple times allowing him to hit the ground running.  

“We’ve seen some of these tracks now three or four times, which still isn’t that many compared to any of those tracks up in PA or South Carolina, and you’re racing against guys who race there every week,” Larson said. “Getting the experience on more of the tracks and tires and developing a notebook has been helpful.” 

Changes aren’t only impacting Larson on the road but also at home. Earlier this season, his son Matthew started his racing career near the family’s Minnesota dwelling. It’s given Larson a new perspective on the racing world. 

“It has been rewarding, and I’ve had a lot of fun doing this,” Larson said. “I’ve had a lot of fun coaching him and having him listen to my input and seeing him improve at a really quick rate has been fun and rewarding.

“It’s a different aspect, and maybe it gives me a little glimpse or look at what things may look like someday when I get out from behind the wheel.”

As the season starts to wind down for the Lake Elmo, MN driver, he knows time is running out to pick up his first World of Outlaws win. He’s hoping to finish the year on a good note, even if it means missing out on a trip to Victory Lane. Currently, he sits eighth in points – his previous best was 9th in 2019 – with eight top-10s and two top-fives – the most he’s collected in a year.

“Honestly, I missed a chunk of my goals I had set for myself this year,” Larson said. “I’m glad we’re going to Senoia [Raceway]; I really like that track. Cherokee is kind of hit or miss for me, and the same with Charlotte. 

“I’m not setting super huge goals for the rest of the year; I’d like to get myself another top-five at Senoia at least and maybe have a good run at the rest of the two.”

Even if he doesn’t grab that top five finish at Senoia, he’s still building toward 2022.  

His changes this year propelled him to the best season of his career—a path that could take Larson to new heights if he continues in the same direction.

Larson and the World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Models are back in action on Friday, Oct. 1, for the Mike Duvall Memorial at Cherokee Speedway in Gaffney, SC. 

Richard Childress Racing at Bristol Motor Speedway… In 179 NASCAR Cup Series starts at the concrete Bristol Motor Speedway, Richard Childress Racing has scored nine wins, 35 top-five, and 71 top-10 finishes. The Welcome N.C. organization has also found success in the NASCAR Xfinity Series at the Tennessee short track, capturing nine wins, 37 top-five and 62 top-10 finishes. Catch the Action… The NASCAR Xfinity Series’ at Bristol Motor Speedway will be televised live Friday, September 17, beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBCSN and will be broadcast live on the Performance Radio Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.  The NASCAR Cup Series’ Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway will be televised live Saturday, September 18, beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBCSN and will be broadcast live on the Performance Radio Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

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Austin Dillon and the No. 3 Bass Pro Shops/TRACKER Off Road Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE at Bristol Motor Speedway… In 14 NASCAR Cup Series starts at Bristol Motor Speedway, Dillon has one top-five and three top-10 finishes, including a career-best fourth-place finish in August 2016. He is a former winner in the NASCAR Xfinity Series at the track (August 2016). Winner, Winner… Dillon has won at Bristol Motor Speedway on both the paved and dirt configurations. In addition to winning a NASCAR Xfinity Series race at the track in August 2016 (paved), Dillon was among the first drivers to compete on the track’s dirt surface earlier this season. He won two features and a heat race in dominating fashion in a 604 Crate Late Model for Corey Hedgecock Racing. About Tracker Off Road… Dillon’s No. 3 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE prominently features TRACKER ATVs, a game-changing new line of all-terrain vehicles and side-by-sides offering breakthrough performance, service and value in the off-road industry. TRACKER OFF ROAD was born out of a powerhouse partnership formed between Bass Pro Shops and TRACKER founder Johnny Morris and Textron Specialized Vehicles, bringing together the undisputed world leader in boating with a global leader in innovation and technology.  About Bass Pro Shops… Bass Pro Shops is North America’s premier outdoor and conservation company. Founded in 1972 when avid young angler Johnny Morris began selling tackle out of his father’s liquor store in Springfield, Missouri, today the company provides customers with unmatched offerings spanning premier destination retail, outdoor equipment manufacturing, world-class resort destinations and more. In 2017 Bass Pro Shops acquired Cabela’s to create a “best-of-the-best” experience with superior products, dynamic locations and outstanding customer service. Bass Pro Shops also operates White River Marine Group, offering an unsurpassed collection of industry-leading boat brands, and Big Cedar Lodge, America’s Premier Wilderness Resort. Under the visionary conservation leadership of Johnny Morris, Bass Pro Shops is a national leader in protecting habitat and introducing families to the outdoors and has been named by Forbes as “one of America’s Best Employers.” Bass Pro Shops has a long relationship with NASCAR, dating back to 1998. For more information, visit http://www.basspro.com/. AUSTIN DILLON QUOTES:What are your thoughts on Bristol Motor Speedway?“Anything can happen at Bristol Motor Speedway. It’s a short track and you can get caught up in things fast. Our goal as a team is to be consistent and to try and win.”  What’s going to be your top priority for the Bristol race weekend? Just finishing or going for a win?“I think you’ve got to keep going for wins. Darlington and Richmond were both good races for us, but we have just as much potential at Bristol. We had a solid run here back in May, and I really think this team has the capability to back that up.”

Tyler Reddick and the No. 8 Food City/Childress Vineyards Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE at Bristol Motor Speedway… Reddick has two previous NASCAR Cup Series starts at Bristol Motor Speedway, earning his best finish of fourth at the track last year. Reddick also has five NASCAR Xfinity Series starts at the 0.533-mile track, collecting one top-five and four top-10 finishes there. Winner, Winner… Reddick’s accolades at Bristol Motor Speedway include one win in five NASCAR Xfinity Series starts. NASCAR Playoffs… Last week, Reddick survived an eventful race at Richmond Raceway with a 14th place finish. He’s still well in contention for a spot in the Round of 12 heading into this weekend’s cutoff race in the NASCAR Playoffs.  About Food City… Headquartered in Abingdon, Virginia, K-VA-T Food Stores (Food City’s parent company) operates 134 retail supermarkets throughout southeast Kentucky, southwest Virginia, east Tennessee, Chattanooga and north Georgia, including 109 pharmacies and 108 fuel/convenience stores. The company also owns and operates their own 1.2 million square-foot distribution center in Abingdon, VA. Food City offers a wide variety of services and conveniences, including in-store bakery/delis, floral boutiques, full-service meat and seafood departments with in-house butchers, locally grown produce, full service pharmacies, fuel centers, GoCart curbside pick-up, and home delivery. The Food City name is also synonymous with NASCAR racing through their title sponsorship of two of the sport’s most popular events, the Food City 500 and Food City 300 at Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, TN. Food City is Bristol Motor Speedway’s longest running sponsor and the second longest in NASCAR.Learn more by visiting FoodCity.com About Childress Vineyards… Childress Vineyards is a premier winery located at the southern gateway of the Yadkin Valley in Lexington, North Carolina. Owned by Richard Childress, NASCAR team owner and Hall of Fame member, Childress Vineyards has been producing award-winning wines with the expertise of Winemaker Mark Frizsolowski. Open daily for tours, tastings, and lunch in the Bistro. Information about Childress Vineyards can be found on Facebook at facebook.com/childresswines/, on Twitter at @ChildressWines and on Instagram at Instagram.com/childresswines. TYLER REDDICK QUOTE: How do you view the points now? Is it any different from how you looked at it in the last race of the regular season? “Oh no. Not at all. As we saw with Darlington and Richmond, so much can happen. The pressure is on not just us, it’s on everybody. Now a different kind of pressure is on. The pressure of not screwing it up is upon you. And it’s very easy to let that get to you more so than being in the hole. Wherever you’re at, I feel like it’s just important to have the same mindset, whether you’re in the hole or whether your plus 30 or minus 30, the same things need to happen. It’s just about running a clean race and getting the most out of your day. Without practice, and throwing darts at a board without even looking at it and hoping you’re going to get a bullseye. Nine times out of 10, it’s not going to work; especially in the Cup Series. So, to win these races, being consistent and being close to the front all day and hitting on all the details are important. And I don’t think running fifth and winning, there’s a bit difference in how you approach those things. It’s just a matter of did you do your homework perfectly, where all the little details add up. Was there a difference? Was there not? I don’t feel like we’re in a must win situation. We had a little bit of a stumble, a trip-up, if you will. But thankfully, our team is ready for the challenge on Saturday night.”

Myatt Snider and the No. 2 Crosley Brands Chevrolet Camaro at Bristol Motor Speedway… Snider has two career NASCAR Xfinity Series starts at Bristol Motor Speedway, recording a fifth-place finish for Richard Childress Racing in June 2020. The 26-year-old has also competed in one NASCAR Truck Series race at the World’s Fastest Half Mile.  About Crosley Brands… For over 30 years, Crosley Brands has been a leader in the nostalgic electronics category. From their beginning in the premium incentive industry, Crosley Brands developed their own exclusive product lines and built solid relationships with some of the most well-known catalogers and retailers in the business. Today, Crosley Brands is known for two brands – Crosley Radio and Crosley Furniture. At the front lines of the Vinyl Revolution, Crosley Radio seeks to bring new life to a classic medium, with its revolutionary line of turntables to its new series of high-fidelity units. Building on a legacy of entrepreneurship, Crosley Furniture delivers quality products at competitive prices, without sacrificing style. From the patio to the kitchen, bath, entryway and beyond, Crosley Furniture offers over 1,800 indoor and outdoor furniture items in a variety of categories and designs. For more information, please visit www.crosleybrands.com.  MYATT SNIDER QUOTE:There is one race left in the regular season for the NASCAR Xfinity Series. What do you hope to accomplish in Bristol to carry over to Vegas in Round 1 of the Playoffs? “The main thing is to have a good, solid finish. I’m confident our Crosley Brands team has prepared a fast Chevrolet Camaro and we are going to give it everything we have as a team to finish the regular season on a high note. Every week when we show up to the track, our goal is to compete for the win, but if it’s not in the cards for that day, we need to get the best finish possible. If we do that on Friday night, our team will have a lot of momentum heading into Las Vegas. It’s always a blast racing under the lights at Bristol. I’m excited for the fast-paced action on the high banks and to be back at another short track.”

KNOXVILLE, IA (September 16, 2021) – Tyler Erb took the lead early on in Thursday Night’s 25-lap preliminary night at Knoxville Raceway and went on to win his fifth Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series event of the season. Tonight, kicked off three nights of racing culminated by the $50,000 to win Lucas Oil Late Model Knoxville Nationals presented by Brandt Professional Agriculture finale on Saturday Night. Jonathan Davenport and Kyle Larson chased Erb across the finish line. Ricky Weiss led the first lap but came home in fourth followed by overall fast qualifier, Kyle Strickler. Once Erb took the lead from Weiss he held a comfortable advantage over the field until a stretch of caution flags in the last nine laps kept the competition close. A restart with two laps to go saw Erb hold off both Davenport and Larson for his 14th career Lucas Oil victory. In Lucas Oil Victory Lane for the second time in his career at Knoxville, Erb set himself up for a good starting spot in Saturday Night’s big finale. “Yes, three years ago I won my first national race here. It was like the greatest thing that had ever happened to me. Then two years ago we ran second on a Thursday night. To win tonight it’s awesome. Racing is so up-and-down. You think you’ve got it figured out and last week wasn’t good for us. Those two guys [Davenport and Larson] are at the top of their game. What a lot of people don’t see from the outside in our day and age, are the ways these cars are; if your car is bad, you are bad. We were really good at I-80 with this same tire rule and same dirt.” Davenport, coming off a win in the 50th World 100 at Eldora Speedway, challenged Erb to finish line. “We just weren’t that good really. It’s hard to get your angles here. We have to be a little bit better. We were a whole lot better than we normally are here. This is one of my favorite places. We are still learning. We are going to keep our heads up and keep trying. My crew gave me a great car. I didn’t really give them much feedback because I don’t feel comfortable here yet.” The last time Larson raced at Knoxville was in August when he won the Knoxville Sprint Car Nationals. In a late model for the first time at Knoxville he finished in third. “I got up against the wall too many times. Those caution flags hurt us. We had some good momentum going on the outside. I am not sure even if the race had more laps, we could have gotten up there even further. I was trying some sprint car lines there for a while and with this being the first time racing here in a late model we learned a lot for sure.”  The winner’s Best Performance Motorsports, Rocket Chassis is powered by a Clements Racing Engine and sponsored by M&W Transport, Roberts Bee Company, First Class Septic, Posi Flow, Go Lithium, Midwest Sheet Metal, Bazell Race Fuels, KBC Graphics, and Keyser Manufacturing. Completing the top ten were Tim McCreadie, Earl Pearson Jr., Tyler Bruening, Chad Simpson, and Brandon Sheppard. Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Race Summary 17th Lucas Oil Late Model Knoxville Nationals presented by BRANDT Professional Agriculture – Night 1Thursday, September 16th, 2021Knoxville Raceway – Knoxville, IA Allstar Performance Time TrialsFast Time Group A: Kyle Strickler / 17.878 seconds (overall)Fast Time Group B: Kyle Larson / 18.041 seconds Penske Race Shocks Heat Race #1 Finish (12 Laps, Top 3 Transfer): 1. 18J-Chase Junghans[2]; 2. 59-Garrett Alberson[1]; 3. 8-Kyle Strickler[6]; 4. 19R-Ryan Gustin[4]; 5. 20-Jimmy Owens[7]; 6. 04-Tad Pospisil[5]; 7. 29D-Spencer Diercks[3]; 8. 25F-Jason Feger[8] Summit Racing Equipment Heat Race #2 Finish (12 Laps, Top 3 Transfer): 1. 39-Tim McCreadie[6]; 2. 16-Tyler Bruening[5]; 3. 157-Mike Marlar[4]; 4. 66-Kyle Bronson[3]; 5. 21M-Luke Merfeld[2]; 6. 30-Todd Cooney[1]; 7. 6H-Al Humphrey[8]; 8. 10-Junior Coover[7]Simpson Race Products Heat Race #3 Finish (12 Laps, Top 3 Transfer): 1. 7W-Ricky Weiss[5]; 2. 1C-Chad Simpson[4]; 3. 1S-Brandon Sheppard[3]; 4. 20RT-Ricky Thornton Jr[6]; 5. 1X-Aaron Marrant[2]; 6. 21B-Rich Bell[7]; 7. 33-Nick Marolf[1]; 8. 22H-Daniel Hilsabeck[8] Ohlins Shocks Heat Race #4 Finish (12 Laps, Top 3 Transfer): 1. 1T-Tyler Erb[4]; 2. 6-Kyle Larson[6]; 3. 56JR-Tony Jackson Jr[2]; 4. 41-Jeremiah Hurst[3]; 5. 32S-Chris Simpson[5]; 6. 93-Mason Oberkramer[1]; 7. 51-Matt Furman[7]; 8. 14M-Reid Millard[8] Fast Shafts Heat Race #5 Finish (12 Laps, Top 3 Transfer): 1. 71-Hudson O’Neal[1]; 2. 46-Earl Pearson Jr[6]; 3. 11H-Spencer Hughes[4]; 4. 98-Jason Rauen[2]; 5. 36-Logan Martin[5]; 6. 80-Allan Hopp[7]; 7. 10K-Shawn Kirwin[8]; 8. 18-Shannon Babb[3]Lucas Oil Heat Race #6 Finish (12 Laps, Top 3 Transfer): 1. 14-Josh Richards[2]; 2. 99JR-Frank Heckenast Jr[4]; 3. 49-Jonathan Davenport[5]; 4. 25-Shane Clanton[3]; 5. 45-Kyle Hammer[6]; 6. 48-Tim Lance[1]; 7. 22M-Charlie McKenna[7]; 8. (DNS) 53-Andrew Kosiski LINE-X B-Main #1 Finish (15 Laps, Top 3 Transfer): 1. 20RT-Ricky Thornton Jr[1]; 2. 66-Kyle Bronson[4]; 3. 04-Tad Pospisil[2]; 4. 20-Jimmy Owens[8]; 5. 19R-Ryan Gustin[3]; 6. 21M-Luke Merfeld[5]; 7. 25F-Jason Feger[13]; 8. 1X-Aaron Marrant[6]; 9. 29D-Spencer Diercks[10]; 10. 21B-Rich Bell[9]; 11. 6H-Al Humphrey[11]; 12. 22H-Daniel Hilsabeck[15]; 13. 10-Junior Coover[14]; 14. 30-Todd Cooney[7]; 15. 33-Nick Marolf[12] UNOH B-Main #2 Finish (15 Laps, Top 3 Transfer): 1. 25-Shane Clanton[5]; 2. 36-Logan Martin[3]; 3. 32S-Chris Simpson[2]; 4. 41-Jeremiah Hurst[4]; 5. 45-Kyle Hammer[1]; 6. 93-Mason Oberkramer[7]; 7. 98-Jason Rauen[6]; 8. 80-Allan Hopp[9]; 9. 22M-Charlie McKenna[12]; 10. 10K-Shawn Kirwin[11]; 11. 14M-Reid Millard[13]; 12. 51-Matt Furman[10]; 13. 48-Tim Lance[8]; 14. (DNS) 18-Shannon Babb; 15. (DNS) 53-Andrew Kosiski

Lucas Oil Late Model Knoxville Nationals Night 1 Feature Finish (25 Laps):

Race StatisticsEntrants: 48Lap Leaders: Ricky Weiss (Lap 1); Tyler Erb (Laps 2-25)Wrisco Feature Winner: Tyler ErbArizona Sport Shirts CJC – Presented by DirtOnDirt Feature Winner: n/aBrandon Ford TV Challenge Feature Winner: Tyler ErbMargin of Victory: 0.712 secondsStop Tech Brakes Cautions: Chris Simpson (Lap 16); Mike Marlar (Lap 19); Hudson O’Neal, Logan Martin (Lap 23)Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Provisionals: n/aSeries Emergency Provisionals: n/aBig River Steel Podium Top 3: Tyler Erb, Jonathan Davenport, Kyle LarsonPenske Shocks Top 5: Tyler Erb, Jonathan Davenport, Kyle Larson, Ricky Weiss, Kyle StricklerOptima Batteries Hard Charger of the Race: Kyle Bronson (Advanced 9 Positions)Midwest Sheet Metal Spoiler Challenge Point Leader: Tim McCreadieHot Rod Processing Most Laps Led: Tyler Erb (24 Laps)Sunoco Race for Gas Highest Finisher: Tyler ErbEibach Springs Rookie of the Race: Ricky Thornton Jr.Dirty Girl Racewear Fastest Lap of the Race: Tyler Erb (Lap 2 – 19.842 seconds)Fast Shafts Tough Break of the Race: Hudson O’NealOuterwears Crew Chief of the Race: Randall Edwards (Tyler Erb)ARP Engine Builder of the Race: Clements Race EnginesMiller Welders Chassis Builder of the Race: Rocket ChassisDirt Draft Fastest in Hot Laps: Kyle Larson (18.186 seconds)Time of Race: 29 minutes 17 seconds

NASCAR CUP SERIES BASS PRO SHOPS NIGHT RACE BRISTOL MOTOR SPEEDWAY TEAM CHEVY PRESS CONF. TRANSCRIPT SEPTEMBER 16, 2021
ALEX BOWMAN, NO. 48 ALLY CAMARO ZL1 1LE, Teleconference Transcript Highlights: HOW MUCH ARE YOU PAYING ATTENTION TO WHAT OTHER DRIVERS DO AND HOW MUCH WILL THEIR STRATEGY DICTATE YOURS?“I think, in the situation we’re in, there are so many moving parts and pieces, and guys really close to us, that if you try to keep track of all that, you’re just going to dial yourself out and be worried about things you don’t need to be worried about. We just have to go execute and have the best day we can. There are a lot of guys that are really good at Bristol. I know we’re going to have to have a really good night and score a lot of points and not beat ourselves, which has been a struggle for us at Bristol, particularly. But I’m looking forward to it. I’m looking forward to the challenge. It’s a really fun race track. We’re always really fast there. We don’t have the results to show that in the last year or so, but we’ve always had speed. Last year we were really good in the Stages and had a tire come apart. So, we’ve just got to go execute and be the best we can be.”
YOU GOT YOUR RACING BEGINNINGS ON THE WEST COAST IN ARIZONA AND CALIFORNIA. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO SEE THAT THE CLASH IS MOVING TO THE L.A. COLISEUM THIS YEAR? WHAT DO YOU AND THE OTHER DRIVERS THINK OF THAT AND OTHER CHANGES TO THE 2022 SCHEDULE?“I can’t really speak much for the other drivers. From my side of things, I think it’s really cool. I ran that first E-Series race at Bowman Gray Stadium ten years ago, or whatever it was, and I remember going into that like oh, this isn’t even going to be a race, and so on, and it was just another race track. The atmosphere was amazing. The racing was great. The cars were fine on such a small race track. There are plenty of short tracks around the country that are quarter miles that people race on every Saturday night. So, I’m looking forward to that. I think it’s going to be really cool. The atmosphere I’m sure, is going to be amazing. That’s really what makes an event like that is the atmosphere. Hopefully, we absolutely slam that place full of people and put on a great event.”
WITH THE SUCCESS YOU’VE HAD THIS YEAR ON SHORT TRACKS, HOW MUCH CONFIDENCE DOES THAT GIVE YOU HEADING TO BRISTOL AND KNOWING WHAT’S ON THE LINE?“I definitely always have confidence going to Bristol. I really have confidence going anywhere, especially this year with Hendrick Motorsports. We’ve been fast everywhere. I’m confident but, definitely not comfortable, by any means in the point situation we’re in. So, we’ve just got to go have a good day. We have all the parts and pieces and tools we need to make that happen. We’ve just got to go do it.”
ON THE 2022 SCHEDULE OVERALL“I’m excited, like I said, about going to L.A. I think that’s going to be really neat. I’ve got some friends over at Gateway. It’s really cool to see all their hard work rewarded with a Cup Series event. They’ve worked really hard on that place. It’s really cool to see them have that success. Hopefully that’s another great event for us, and it’s going to be a lot of fun.”
WITH EVERYTHING THAT HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS HAS ACCOMPLISHED DURING THE REGULAR SEASON, HOW MUCH OF A SENSE OF URGENCY IS THERE WITH THE NO. 48 TEAM AS A WHOLE?“I don’t think there’s a sense of urgency. I don’t think we expected to be in this situation. I’m pretty frustrated with myself after Darlington to put ourselves in this spot. We know we need to go execute and go have a good day. We know it’s not going to be easy by any means. But we also know that if something goes wrong and we don’t make it to the next round, there are still more opportunities for us to win races this year. There are plenty of opportunities for us to still end up with a good points spot. We’ve just got to go execute each and every week. Consistency has been our hard spot over the last couple of years with this race team. We’ve got to get that figured out. But it’s been a great year and we’re going to do all we can to get all four Hendrick cars as far as we can in the Playoffs.”
AND ON THE NOTE OF CONSISTENCY, THESE LAST FIVE OR SIX RACES HAVE NOT BEEN VERY STRONG FOR YOU. BUT HOW DO YOU JUST FOCUS ON THE RACE AHEAD?“Yeah, it’s definitely difficult. But at the same time, I think a lot of it was things not of our doing. At the Indy Road Course, we had a flat tire on the last re-start. At Michigan, we got some damage. We just had some days that got away from us with things outside of our control. So, just need to go execute. Darlington, I’m really frustrated with myself still. That was a day that if we would have just gone and executed, we wouldn’t be remotely in this situation this week. So, when you start the Playoffs with a 26th place finish, it’s not very good and we just have to go make up for it this weekend.”
IF THE POST-SEASON DREAM DOES END THIS WEEKEND, WHAT’S THE BIGGEST POSITIVE TAKEAWAY YOU’LL HAVE IN YOUR FIRST SEASON REPRESENTING THE NO. 48 BRANDING? AND WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED ABOUT YOURSELF AS BOTH A DRIVER AND A PERSON?“It’s been a lot of fun working with Ally. I think that’s the biggest thing is just how great it is to work with everybody on their team. It’s been amazing to have a partner that has your back the way that Ally does. Obviously, winning three races this year and getting them their first point wins, their first trip to the Playoffs, it’s been really great. I feel like we have as good of a shot as anybody at transferring this week. And if we don’t, we can still finish fifth in points. We’ve just got to go have really good end to the year. We did that last year and ended up sixth in points, so high expectations for the rest of the year, but it’s going to be a lot of fun.”
WHAT DO YOU SAY TO PEOPLE WHO CLAIM THIS PACKAGE PUTS LESS EMPHASIS ON A DRIVER’S SKILL AND MORE ON RANDOM LUCK?“Well, the good news with that is we’re on the low downforce package this week at Bristol. So, lowdown force, high horsepower, I think passing is definitely tough just on the shape of the race track. But that’s just part of it. As far as the high downforce stuff goes, it’s just another race car. It’s another package. Everybody’s got the same thing. You’ve still got to drive it. So, I don’t think anybody can say it’s random luck by any means.”

CHEVROLET AT CHARLOTTE  What: DeWalt NHRA Carolina NationalsWhen: Friday, Sept. 17-Sunday, Sept. 19Where: zMAX Dragway in Concord, North CarolinaTV: FOX will telecast eliminations live at 2 p.m. ET Sunday, Sept. 19                                                                                                    Chevrolet looks to keep up momentum in Round 2 of CountdownTeam Chevy either first or second in three pro categories heading to Charlotte

DETROIT (Sept. 16, 2021) – Much like he has done throughout his march to 97 career Pro Stock victories, Greg Anderson takes a “one race at a time” approach to the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Countdown to the Championship.
Next in line for the driver of the HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro SS – and 12 other Team Chevy title contenders in three professional categories — is the DeWalt NHRA Carolina Nationals at zMAX Dragway in Concord, North Carolina. Anderson enters the second event of the Countdown as the most recent Pro Stock race winner and points leader.
“I go to every single race trying to win that race. If I keep that mindset, that’s going to add up to be a championship,” said Anderson, who is taking aim at his fifth title and first since 2010. “I don’t go to a race hoping that I make more points than my toughest competitors. That’s not a win to me. I don’t try to count the points, I count the wins. I’m going there with one goal in mind and that’s to win the race and that’s going to add to my grand point total.”
One win will break a tie with Warren Johnson for the most all time in Pro Stock and second only to John Force’s 154 career Funny Car victories.
“I’m going to my home track of Charlotte and we’re going to have a ton of fans out here, and all the Hendrick Automotive Group will be there. I can’t think of a better place to break the record,” said Anderson, who will be inducted into the North Carolina Motorsports Hall of Fame on Oct. 8. “Yes, the championship is the grand plan but there are a few more immediate goals on my list and that is to win the race.”
John Force enters the weekend as the Funny Car points leader in the PEAK Antifreeze & Coolant Chevrolet Camaro SS after a runner-up finish Sept. 12 in Reading, Pennsylvania. Teammate Robert Hight, a six-time winner at the track, is fifth in the Automobile Club of Southern California Camaro SS.
“We’re having a good season. We’re running well. Danny Hood and Tim Fabrisi have this PEAK Chevy just right, everyone is doing their job, I’m just hanging in there, trying to keep up,” said Force, who was the No. 1 qualifier and won the four-wide event at zMAX Dragway in May. “It’s the Countdown now, it’s time to fight. I’m loving it. I live for this.”
Record-setting Top Fuel star Brittany Force will aim for her second victory of the season, which would vault the driver of the Monster Energy Chevrolet dragster into first place, and her eighth consecutive No. 1 qualifier honor. Force is only 12 points behind front-runner Steve Torrence.
FOX will telecast eliminations live at 2 p.m. ET Sunday, Sept. 19. 
CHEVROLET FROM THE COCKPIT
TOP FUEL:

BRITTANY FORCE, JOHN FORCE RACING, MONSTER ENERGY CHEVROLET DRAGSTER (Second in standings): “This Monster Energy team is heading to race two of the Countdown and we plan to capitalize on our hard work from last weekend. We are in the hunt for this championship and are currently sitting two in points. We plan to keep chipping away, gaining bonus points where we can and winning at zMAX to take over the lead.”
FUNNY CAR:
JOHN FORCE, JOHN FORCE RACING, PEAK ANTIFREEZE AND COOLANT CHEVROLET CAMARO SS (Points leader): “I always love coming to zMAX, it’s a beautiful track and we get to race here twice a year. The four-wide is great, it’s a spectacle, the fans love it. But then, we get to come back in the Countdown, when everything is on the line and the fans get to see competition at its highest level. We’ll put on a show, so fans better be ready.”
ROBERT HIGHT, JOHN FORCE RACING, AUTO CLUB OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CHEVROLET CAMARO SS (Fifth in standings): “We know what we need to do to get this thing done. This Auto Club team can do it. I have all the confidence in Jimmy Prock, Chris Cunningham and my entire team. We’re getting some consistency, which is what we need. Now we just need to keep it going, pick up points where we can, be aggressive and go after wins. We’ve had a lot of luck in Charlotte, hopefully that continues. We need to make good runs, clean runs, but we can’t be safe either. Jimmy and Chris, they’ll have this Chevy just right. I just need to do my job too.”
PRO STOCK:
GREG ANDERSON, KB RACING, HENDRICKCARS.COM CHEVROLET CAMARO SS (Points leader): “Racing at Charlotte, we have all our family, employees and their families, friends here, so it means a lot to win here. And with HendrickCars.com on the side of the car we’re going to have about 150 of their employees out there on Sunday. I want to make the whole Hendrick Automotive Group proud having their name on the side of the race car. There’s a lot of the line here. Yes, the championship is the grand plan but there are a few more immediate goals on my list and that is to win the race.”
DALLAS GLENN, KB RACING, RAD TORQUE SYSTEMS CAMARO SS (Fourth in standings; winner of spring race at zMAX Dragway): “This is the part of the year where everything really gets cookin’ but after racing with Jason and Greg all these years, I know the Countdown to the Championship is definitely a marathon in a way and not a sprint. You just have to remain consistent during these final races and you should put yourself in a good spot to win the championship by Pomona. Coming back to Charlotte in the fall is a different feeling knowing I was the winner at the end of Sunday last time we raced here. I’d like to think the RAD Torque/KB Racing has the upper hand coming into this weekend, for sure.”
KYLE KORETSKY, KB RACING, LUCAS OIL CHEVROLET CAMARO SS (Fifth in standings): “Hometown track, Maple Grove. I had tons of support with family and friends. No. 1 qualifier Friday night was great, but we struggled Saturday in qualifying and got bumped back to No. 5. Still a good weekend; qualified top half. I know the Countdown is on, but I try not to think about it. I just go to every race, every round and do the best that I can do and try to win as many rounds as I can because every point counts. We wanted to have a better outcome at Maple Grove, but going into Charlotte I’m confident I’ll have a car that can win the race.” 
TROY COUGHLIN JR., ELITE MOTORSPORTS, JEGS.COM/ELITEMOTORSPORTS CHEVROLET CAMARO SS (Sixth in standings): “This race weekend feels a little bigger than normal. zMAX already makes a race feel more important because it’s such a massive stadium and the stands are always packed. Now there’s 10 very good race teams all fighting for one prize, so the excitement is growing every single round. The best way I can show my thanks to everyone who is a part of putting me in this position is to win races, so that’s our goal every single weekend. Charlotte will be no different.”

CONCORD, N.C. (Sept. 16, 2021) – Robert Hight and his Automobile Club of Southern California Chevrolet Camaro SS team are sitting fifth in the points standings heading into the DeWalt NHRA Carolina Nationals at zMAX Dragway. Just the second race of seven in the NHRA Countdown to the Championship, Hight, who is only 50 points back from the lead, knows a standout performance in North Carolina will put the Auto Club team in prime position for championship contention. With two victories in the 2021 NHRA Camping World Series, the SpringNationals in Houston and Sonoma Raceway’s NHRA Sonoma Nationals, two runner-up finishes at the season opening Gatornationals and the New England Nationals, and a No. 1 qualifier at the Las Vegas Four-Wide event, Hight and the Auto Club team left the most recent event at Maple Grove Raceway having shifted from sixth to fifth after a No. 2 qualifying position and semifinal finish. “We know what we need to do to get this thing done. This Auto Club team can do it. I have all the confidence in Jimmy Prock, Chris Cunningham and my entire team,” Hight said. “We’re getting some consistency, which is what we need. Now we just need to keep it going, pick up points where we can, be aggressive and go after wins.” Hight has won more races at zMAX Dragway than any other Funny Car driver (6). Four of his wins have come at the Carolina Nationals (2009, 2013, 2017 and 2019). His 2019 win marked the 50th win of his career. He is the track record holder for speed at 333.91 mph set in April 2017. This weekend, Hight will be trying to extend to four the number of consecutive seasons in which he has won a Countdown race, the longest active streak in Funny Car. Hight also leads the Funny Car category in Countdown wins with 12. “There’s no time to try and figure things out anymore, it’s time to get after it. This Auto Club team knows that,” Hight said. “We’ve had a lot of luck in Charlotte, hopefully that continues. We need to make good runs, clean runs, but we can’t be safe either. Jimmy and Chris, they’ll have this Chevy just right. I just need to do my job too.” Qualifying at the DeWalt NHRA Carolina Nationals begins Friday with the first session at 7:15 p.m. and continues Saturday with sessions at 2:30 and 6:15 p.m. Eliminations are slated for Sunday at 10:30 a.m. Television coverage begins with a qualifying show Sunday at 10 a.m. ET on FOX Sports 1 (FS1). Eliminations will be on FOX Broadcasting Network beginning at 4 p.m. ET.

RACE #29 – BRISTOL MOTOR SPEEDWAYThe opening round of the NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) Playoffs concludes with the third consecutive race on a short track. The .533-mile Bristol Motor Speedway will host the Bass Pro Shops Night Race on Saturday, September 18. Following races at the 1-mile Darlington Raceway and .75-mile Richmond Raceway, the 500-lap, 266.5-mile race under the lights on Bristol Motor Speedway’s high-banked concrete oval will determine the 12 drivers who advance to the next round. 
NASCAR Cup Series Regular Season Champion, Kyle Larson, is one of three drivers who has already secured a spot in the Round of 12. Larson, driver of the No. 5 Valvoline Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE, charged from the rear of the field to finish sixth at Richmond. 
A look at Team Chevy in the NASCAR Cup Series title hunt:
Kyle Larson, No. 5 Valvoline Camaro ZL1 1LE – 1st in Standings (Playoff Rank: 3rd) Victories: 5 (field-high)Top-Fives: 15; Top-10’s: 20; Laps Led: 1,730Average Finish: 9.3Stage Wins: 13At Bristol (12 career NCS starts): Top-Fives: 2; Top-10’s: 7; Poles: 1; Average Finish: 14.417Of Note: The NCS Regular Season Champion drove from the rear of the field to finish sixth at Richmond, securing place in the next round of the Playoffs.
Chase Elliott, No. 9 Hooters Camaro ZL1 1LE – 7th in Standings (2072 points)Victories: 2Top-Fives: 12; Top-10’s: 17; Laps Led: 395; Average Finish: 11.5Stage Wins: 3At Bristol (10 career NCS starts): Top-Fives: 3; Top-10’s: 5; Poles: 1Average Finish: 12.100 (series-best); Average Running Position: 9.892 (series-best)Of Note: The 2021 NCS season marks Elliott’s sixth consecutive year of being part of the Playoff field. Six of his 13 career NCS wins have come in the Playoffs.
Kurt Busch, No. 1 Monster Energy Camaro ZL1 1LE – 12th in Standings (2053 Points)Victories: 1Top-Fives: 4; Top-10’s: 10; Laps Led: 192; Average Finish: 16.4Stage Wins: 3At Bristol (40 career NCS starts): Wins: 6; Top-Fives: 12; Top-10’s: 21 (most of active drivers); Poles: 1Of Note: This is Busch’s 15th NCS post-season appearance, tying career Chevrolet driver Jimmie Johnson and two others for most. Busch’s first NCS victory came at Bristol in 2002. 
Alex Bowman, No. 48 Ally Camaro ZL1 1LE –13th in Standings (2053 points)Victories: 3Top-Fives: 6; Top-10’s 13; Pole Wins: 1; Laps Led: 151; Average Finish: 14.5At Bristol (10 career NCS starts): Top-Fives: 1; Top-10’s: 2Of Note: The 2021 NCS season marks Bowman’s fourth-career Playoffs appearance. Bowman has raced his way into the Round of 12 for the last three years. 
Tyler Reddick, No. 8 Richard Childress Racing Camaro ZL1 1LE – 14th in Standings (2048 Points)Top-Fives: 2; Top-10’s: 13; Pole Wins: 1; Laps Led: 26; Average Finish: 14.8Stage Wins: 3At Bristol (2 career NCS starts): Top-Fives: 1; Top-10’s: 1Of Note: The 2021 NCS season marks Reddick’s first Playoff appearance. Reddick won the fall 2019 NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Bristol. 
William Byron, No. 24 Axalta Camaro ZL1 1LE – 15th in Standings (2035 points)Victories: 1 Top-Fives: 9; Top-10’s: 16; Pole Wins: 2; Laps Led: 276; Average Finish: 14.0Stage Wins: 3At Bristol (6 career NCS starts): Top-10’s: 1 Of Note: The 2021 NCS season marks Byron’s third-career Playoffs appearance. 
GRAGSON TAKES HOT HAND INTO REGULAR-SEASON FINALENoah Gragson won the NASCAR Xfinity Series race for the second consecutive week in the No. 9 JR Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro SS. The Food City 300 at Bristol Motor Speedway on Friday, September 17, is the final race in the series’ regular season. AJ Allmendinger – who has captured 3 NXS wins, 15 top-five’s and 16 top-10’s thus far this season – continues to sit atop the Driver Standings. Chevrolet, with 11 NXS wins, remains first in the Manufacturer Standings. 
CREED GOES BACK-TO-BACK IN ROUND OF 10The third race of the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) Playoffs Round of 10 will be contested Thursday, September 16, at Bristol Motor Speedway. Reigning champion Sheldon Creed has won both races in the series’ opening Playoff round in his Chevrolet Silverado – most recently at Darlington to sweep at the track this season. The 200-lap race under the lights at Bristol serves as the Round of 10 elimination race, determining the eight drivers that will move onto the next round in quest for the coveted NCWTS championship title. 
RECAPPING CHEVROLET’S WIN STREAKS AT BRISTOLThe Bristol 500 Night Race is the 121st on the Bristol Motor Speedway concrete oval since 1961. Chevrolet leads all manufacturers with 45 victories. Charlie Glotzbach recorded Chevrolet’s first win at Bristol and the first for the Monte Carlo on July 11, 1971, which started a run of seven consecutive victories at the track for the Bowtie Brand. He still holds the track race record of 101.074 mph set in the ’71 race. Chevrolet won nine of the 10 NCS races between 1983 and 1987, which included four each by Darrell Waltrip and Dale Earnhardt and one by Terry Labonte. The other win in the span was by Rusty Wallace in GM brand Pontiac.
CHEVROLET SITS ATOP MANUFACTURER STANDINGSChevrolet remains the leader in the NASCAR Cup Series Manufacturer Standings in pursuit of its 40th title. Team Chevy has recorded field highs of 13 victories, 124 top-10 finishes, 2,996 laps led and 25 stage wins through 28 races. The Bowtie Brand has already surpassed its totals for wins (9), top-10 finishes (120), laps led (2,399) and stage wins (21) from the 36-race 2020 season.
ON THE WAY TO THE GREENWith no practice or qualifying for the 400-lap race, the starting lineup is determined by NASCAR’s metrics system that was introduced to the series last year and incorporates results from both individual races and season-long results. Team Chevy’s Top-20 starters:4th     Chase Elliott, No. 9 Hooters Camaro ZL1 1LE 5th     Kyle Larson, No. 5 Valvoline Camaro ZL1 1LE 11th   Alex Bowman, No. 48 Ally Camaro ZL1 1LE 13th   Tyler Reddick, No. 8 Richard Childress Racing Camaro ZL1 1LE14th   William Byron, No. 24 Axalta Camaro ZL1 1LE15th   Kurt Busch, No. 1 Monster Energy Camaro ZL1 1LE 17th   Ross Chastain, No. 42 Moose Fraternity Camaro ZL1 1LE18th   Austin Dillon, No. 3 Bass Pro Shops/Tracker Off Road Camaro ZL1 1LE
BOWTIE BULLETS·       Chevrolet leads all manufacturers with 124 top-10 finishes and 2,996 laps led of 6,793 total this season.·       In addition to its 45 wins, Chevrolet has amassed 211 top-five and 440 top-10 finishes at Bristol Motor Speedway.·       Kurt Busch is tied for most starts at Bristol among active drivers with 40.·       Busch has led 17 races at Bristol for a total of 1,095 laps.4·       Busch will be making his 749th NCS start. ·       Hendrick Motorsports continues to lead the Owner Standings.·       Kyle Larson paces all drivers with 1,730 laps led.·       Tyler Reddick is second among drivers with 99.46% of laps completed (6,756 of 6,793).·       Ross Chastain overcame two pit road penalties to finish seventh at Richmond – highest among non-Playoff drivers.·       Five Team Chevy drivers have combined for 25 stage wins – three more than in 36 races in 2020: Chase Elliott (Daytona RC, Michigan, Daytona2); William Byron (Homestead, Pocono2, Road America); Tyler Reddick (Road America, Indianapolis road course x2); Kurt Busch (Nashville Superspeedway, Pocono1, Atlanta2); Kyle Larson (Las Vegas, Atlanta x2, Kansas, Dover x2, Charlotte x3, Sonoma x2, Nashville, Darlington2).
TUNE INNBCSN will telecast the 500-lap NASCAR Cup Series Bass Pro Shops Night Race at 7:30 p.m. ET, Saturday, Sept. 18. Live coverage is also on PRN and Sirius XM NASCAR Radio Channel 90. NBCSN will also telecast the 300-lap NASCAR Xfinity Series Food City 300 at 7:30 p.m. ET Friday, Sept. 17. FS1 will telecast the 200-lap NASCAR Camping World Truck Series UNOH 200 presented by Ohio Logistics at 9 p.m. ET, Thursday, Sept. 16, from Bristol Motor Speedway.
QUOTABLE QUOTESKYLE LARSON, NO. 5 VALVOLINE CAMARO ZL1 1LE – 1st IN STANDINGSLARSON ON ATMOSPHERE FOR BRISTOL NIGHT RACE: “Bristol is cool all the time, but the night race, to me, has a little bit more meaning than the spring race because of the atmosphere around it. The lights, the crowd, the energy is just up for the night race. It makes me excited, and it makes me want to win there even more.”
CLIFF DANIELS, CREW CHIEF, NO. 5 VALVOLINE CAMARO ZL1 1LEDANIELS ON THE MINDSET BEING LOCKED INTO THE NEXT ROUND OF THE PLAYOFFS: “Our goal is to go to Bristol and win, of course, especially since we are locked into the next round. But being locked in really doesn’t change our mindset – we just need to execute a good race. It allows us the opportunity to go after stage wins and the race win possibly with a different strategy, but I don’t know what a crazy ‘Hail Mary’ would look like at Bristol, so I don’t think we would do that.”
CHASE ELLIOTT, NO. 9 HOOTERS CAMARO ZL1 1LE – 7th IN STANDINGSELLIOTT ON RETURNING TO BRISTOL’S CONCRETE CONFIGURATION: “It’s a little different, for sure. It seems like (Bristol) did a really good job of how they put the dirt down and took it back up to where the track surface doesn’t really look any different. I anticipate everybody will adapt pretty quickly. The Bristol night race is always one of my favorite races of the year. It’s a great environment. To me, it’s one of the coolest events on our schedule. It will be an exciting weekend. I am glad it’s in the playoffs and we get to go up there and enjoy a Saturday night in eastern Tennessee.”
ELLIOTT ON BRISTOL BEING A CUTOFF RACE: “A cutoff race at Bristol is perfect. It’s a great event. Like I said, it’s one of my favorite races of the year and, honestly, I feel like it is one of the most exciting events of the year. It’s one that has been that way for a long time on our schedule. I think that’s a great place for a cutoff, and I am glad it’s in the playoffs.”
ALAN GUSTAFSON, CREW CHIEF, NO. 9 HOOTERS CAMARO ZL1 1LE GUSTAFSON ON THE HIGH-PRESSURED PLAYOFF FORMAT: “It’s tough; that’s one of the hardest things about it. It’s a long time; just under a third of the season. A lot can happen, and you can have the best-laid plans and something happens that puts you in a tough spot. You just have to maximize your opportunities and your moments to try to get ahead. When it gets really tough is when you have a bad week to start a round, then you’re behind. You’re trying to reach and make too much happen. (We’re) just trying to stay ahead, execute, maximize points and keep ourselves on the front side of it. That takes a lot of the pressure off.”
ALEX BOWMAN, NO. 48 ALLY CAMARO ZL1 1LE – 13th IN STANDINGSBOWMAN ON HOW THE TEAM IS STRATEGIZING FOR BRISTOL: “I think we need to maximize stage points and hopefully that has us in a good spot at the end of the day. I don’t think we are in a must win situation by any means, but when you are racing Kurt (Busch) and Kyle (Busch) and guys that are so good at Bristol it is going to be tough. We are going to go do everything we can to win the race and hopefully make it happen. I don’t think we are going to put ourselves in a situation where we either win or run 30th. We are just going to go maximize the day and do the best we can.”  GREG IVES, CREW CHIEF, NO. 48 ALLY CAMARO ZL1 1LE IVES ON PREPARING FOR THE CUTOFF RACE AT BRISTOL: “I have been in playoff situations plenty of times to know … you take all of your pennies out and figure out how many points you have. You divide them all up and if you do this and add that and you get this many stage points and finish here, you end up transferring on. Honestly, my thought is that if you go out there and execute, have good pit stops, don’t have any loose wheels, vibrations, great restarts, and keep your car clean, you are probably going to transfer on. That’s our goal and I haven’t been quiet about it either, it all comes down to executing the races and finishing where we should.”  IVES ON THE NO. 48 TEAM’S HISTORY AT BRISTOL: “I would say we have performed decent there – capable of top-10s. We haven’t been in the situation where I felt like we could win the race. Alex talks about it a lot, we kind of just focus on trying to get his driving style to match up with the setup I have underneath the car and being able to repeat that. Last time there, we were running between third and seventh most of the day and we had a left-rear tire come unbalanced. We had to pit, went two laps down and never got it back. That’s kind of what I am talking about, is whether we have a top-three car or a top-10 car, it doesn’t matter if you run into issues that you can’t overcome. Adversity is all about overcoming it and Bristol is definitely going to have plenty of opportunities to try and overcome.”  WILLIAM BYRON, NO. 24 AXALTA CAMARO ZL1 1LE – 15th IN STANDINGSBYRON ON HEADING TO BRISTOL UNDER THE PLAYOFF CUTLINE: “Obviously, we’re not in an ideal situation heading to Bristol but we’re by no means out of it. Just because we’re below the cutline doesn’t mean we need to try anything crazy, either. That’s when people put themselves in bad situations, I feel like. We just need to go to Bristol and execute on all levels as a team. We know we have the speed in our cars to run well at Bristol; we just need to focus on running our race. We’ll be aware of what’s going on around us, but we can only control our race and that’s what we’re going to focus on. We need to maximize our points and be around at the end of the night to capitalize.”
RUDY FUGLE, CREW CHIEF, NO. 24 AXALTA CAMARO ZL1 1LE FUGLE ON THE STRATEGY GOING TO BRISTOL: “Every week we try to go win and this race is no different. We put in the same amount of effort every week. There are always going to be some tracks that you have a better chance at winning at than others, but we feel like Bristol is one of those that is high up on our list. We think we can go in there, reach the top five hopefully by the end of stage one and continue to race in the top five all night long before seeing what happens at the end of it. There’s probably a couple scenarios where if we get a lot of stage points and a few people have issues – which statistically happens at the Bristol night race – that we could point our way in with a top-five night. But there’s no easier way to lock in than to win and there’s no better place to do it than the Bristol night race. We want to end the night driving up into victory lane and celebrating.”
FUGLE ON HOW EASILY THINGS CAN CHANGE THROUGHOUT A RACE: “No one knows better than us that anything can happen in a race, especially something out of your control. We had that happen at Darlington when a lug nut got wedged down in the wheel and broke a valve stem, ending our night early. These races – you can lose them faster than you can win them. All we can do is get those stage points early on and put more pressure on those guys in front of us. They may think they’re in a safe situation and can run 10th all night, but if we can put pressure on them to step it up, that’s when mistakes happen and we can be there to capitalize.”
DANIEL SUAREZ, NO. 99 COCA-COLA CAMARO ZL1 1LE – 24th IN STANDINGSWHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR PAINT SCHEME?“Oh my gosh, it is fantastic. Coca-Cola and Trackhouse Racing did a great job with it. I’m very honored to drive it and appreciate Coca-Cola recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month.”WHAT DO YOU REMEMBER ABOUT YOUR FOURTH-PLACE FINISH ON THE BRISTOL DIRT IN MARCH? “To be honest, I had no idea what I was doing. But we were having fun that day. Everyone at Trackhouse Racing did an amazing job getting me ready and I just raced the best I could.”
WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR SATURDAY NIGHT? “Just a few spots better this time. I want to win!”
ERIK JONES, NO. 43 US AIR FORCE TUSKEGEE AIRMEN CAMARO ZL1 1LE – 26th IN STANDINGSWHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE SUCCESSFUL AT BRISTOL MOTOR SPEEDWAY? “Bristol Motor Speedway is tough. You are hustling the car nonstop. It is really the only place that we get to go where you are just all out for the whole race. A lot of places, you kind of have to manage your car. At Bristol, you are really going with all you’ve got from the start. Just being able to run both lanes; being able to make the bottom work in the PJ-1 and be able to move up as the race goes on. Getting in that upper groove, you can make a lot of speed up there and that’s really just as important. You have to have a good car in both lanes. That’s probably the toughest part, having that balance.”
COREY LAJOIE, NO. 7 SCHLUTER SYSTEMS CAMARO ZL1 1LE – 29th IN STANDINGS“The Bristol night race is one of my all-time favorites! We look to rebound after a tough day in Richmond to have a run, which we know we’re certainly capable of. Schluter has been a great partner of mine since I started in the Cup Series. I’m excited to see that scheme pop under the lights at the last great coliseum. The last time we were at Bristol, it was covered in dirt. I’m happy it’s back to its original state & looking forward to the challenge of 500 grueling laps in the Schluter Systems Chevy Camaro.” 

CHARLOTTE, NC (September 16, 2021) — Six races remain in the 2021 NHRA Countdown and this weekend’s DeWalt NHRA Carolina Nationals at zMax Dragway will be nine-time Funny Car finalist Alexis DeJoria’s chance to close the gap on the points leader. The Bandero Premium Tequila ROKiT Toyota Camry Funny Car team closed out the 2020 season on a strong run and recreating that successful run is doable for this experienced team. This season DeJoria’s Funny Car has posted some of the quickest times in qualifying and has raced to the final round at the Mile-High Nationals in Denver as well as five semifinals.

“There is no doubt our Funny Car can run with anyone,” said DeJoria. “This Bandero ROKiT Toyota Camry gives me a lot of confidence when it rolls up to the starting line. We have been talking about it for a couple races, but we just need to make some of our own luck. There are six races left in the playoffs and that is plenty of time to start getting wins and moving up in the points.”

This weekend will be DeJoria’s seventh appearance at the Carolina Nationals. In two of her previous three races at the track located in the heart of NASCAR country she advanced to the semifinals. In 2014 she scored her second career No. 1 qualifier at the Bruton Smith owned racetrack. From 2013-2017 she started as the No. 5 qualifier twice as well as No. 4 and No. 1 qualifier once each.

“This is a quick and fast track,” said DeJoria. “We were the No. 2 qualifier at the four-wide nationals earlier this season and raced to the final quad. Del (Worsham) and Nicky (Boninfante) are doing a great job with the tune up and I know it is just a matter of time until we get our first win of the season.”

Looking ahead to the DeWalt NHRA Carolina Nationals DeJoria is sitting No. 8 in the Funny Car standings. The five-time Funny Car national event winner is five rounds out of first place with the addition of a handful of qualifying bonus points which the team regularly collects. Three solid qualifying runs combined with round wins against some Countdown contending Funny Cars on Sunday would easily move DeJoria and the Bandero Tequila ROKiT team well into the top four or five with five races left in the playoffs. Last season over the last four races she qualified No. 5 or better at every race and raced to the semifinals at three of those races.

“We have a stretch of races at tracks where I have had success in the past and that gives any driver confidence,” said DeJoria. “This team has been working together all season with one common goal to get that Funny Car championship. We are in a position to do just that and we need to dig deep and stay focused.”

Qualifying for the DeWalt NHRA Carolina Nationals begins with one session under the lights at 7:15 p.m. on Friday night with two more qualifying sessions on Saturday afternoon. Eliminations will begin on Sunday at 10:30 a.m. ET with the race being broadcast nationally on Fox.

CONCORD, N.C. (Sept. 16, 2021) – Brittany Force and her Monster Energy team are heading into race two of seven in the NRHA Countdown to the Champion, the DeWalt NHRA Carolina Nationals at zMAX Dragway outside of Charlotte, N.C., just 12 points out of the championship points lead with the momentum and performance to overtake the top spot. Brittany Force and the Monster Energy team are going for her eighth straight No. 1 start, one shy of Gary Beck’s Top Fuel record of nine straight starts over the 1982 and 1983 seasons. If she tallies that eighth consecutive, she also will break a tie with her dad for the John Force Racing team lead. John qualified No. 1 at seven straight events – the last six races of 1994 and the first race in 1995. The Monster Energy team has a total of nine No. 1 qualifying positions along with one win. After qualifying No. 1 at Heartland Motorsports Park in Topeka, Kan., Brittany Force went onto share a historic winners circle with legendary father John Force. It was the first time in NHRA history that a parent-child duo had won together in the pro categories. “This Monster Energy team is heading to race two of the Countdown and we plan to capitalize on our hard work from last weekend,” Force said. “We are in the hunt for this championship and are currently sitting 2 in points. We plan to keep chipping away, gaining bonus points where we can and winning at zMAX to take over the lead.” Force is one of only two women (with Erica Enders) to have won a pro race at zMAX and is trying to become the first woman to win both events. In 2016, Force won the 4Wide and was runner-up to Steve Torrence at the Carolina Nationals in 2018. The Bellagio of Drag Racing, as zMAX is fondly known, is one of four tracks at which she has qualified No. 1 three times (with Las Vegas, Topeka and Reading). She has qualified No. 1, posted quick time and top speed of the event at the last five races and has had the fastest speed in 10 of the season’s 14 events. Qualifying at the DeWalt NHRA Carolina Nationals begins Friday with the first session at 7:15 p.m. and continues Saturday with sessions at 2:30 and 6:15 p.m. Eliminations are slated for Sunday at 10:30 a.m. Television coverage begins with a qualifying show Sunday at 10 a.m. ET on FOX Sports 1 (FS1). Eliminations will be on FOX Broadcasting Network beginning at 4 p.m. ET.

CONCORD, N.C. (Sept. 16, 2021) – John Force and PEAK Antifreeze and Coolant Chevrolet Camaro SS team are entering this weekend’s DeWalt NHRA Carolina Nationals at zMAX Dragway leading the Funny Car points standings by five with only six races left in the Countdown to the Championship, NHRA’s playoffs. Force and his Daniel Hood and Tim Fabrisi led PEAK Antifreeze team have been part of the Championship conversation since they returned to competition in 2021 after taking the 2020 season off. With five final round appearances that included three wins (Charlotte Four-Wide, New England Nationals and sharing the winners circle with daughter Brittany in Topeka at Heartland Motorsports Park) and two No. 1 qualifying positions (Charlotte Four-Wide and the U.S. Nationals), Force will be trying to win four races in a season for the 14th time in his career while tightening his hold on the Championship points lead. “We’re having a good season. We’re running well. Danny Hood and Tim Fabrisi have this PEAK Chevy just right, everyone is doing their job, I’m just hanging in there, trying to keep up,” Force said. “It’s the Countdown now, it’s time to fight. I’m loving it. I live for this.” The NHRA Carolina Nationals will be the 277th time Force has started a race as the points leader. He has three wins at zMAX Dragway and won the most recent race at the track, the Four-Wide Nationals in May after which he gave his trophy to track owner Bruton Smith, with whom he has a long personal relationship. Force has one win at the Carolina Nationals in 2016 when he beat last week’s winner, Tommy Johnson Jr., in the final. Just outside of Charlotte, zMAX is one of three tracks to have honored John by naming a grandstand after him (along with Norwalk and Pomona). “I always love coming to zMAX, it’s a beautiful track and we get to race here twice a year. The four-wide is great, it’s a spectacle, the fans love it,” Force said. “But then, we get to comeback in the Countdown, when everything is on the line and the fans get to see competition at its highest level. We’ll put on a show, so fans better be ready.” Qualifying at the DeWalt NHRA Carolina Nationals begins Friday with the first session at 7:15 p.m. and continues Saturday with sessions at 2:30 and 6:15 p.m. Eliminations are slated for Sunday at 10:30 a.m. Television coverage begins with a qualifying show Sunday at 10 a.m. ET on FOX Sports 1 (FS1). Eliminations will be on FOX Broadcasting Network beginning at 4 p.m. ET.

CHEVROLET RACING IN NTT INDYCAR SERIES FIRESTONE GRAND PRIX OF MONTEREY WEATHERTECH RACEWAY LAGUNA SECA MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA SEPT. 17-19 RACE 15 OF 2021 NTT INDYCAR SERIES SEASON Team Chevy heads to penultimate race in thick of title chaseEvery point at Laguna Seca counts for Pato O’Ward, Josef Newgarden  DETROIT (Sept. 15, 2021) – The focus will be on three drivers, including two powered by Chevrolet’s V-6 engine, as the tight NTT INDYCAR SERIES championship chase heads into its penultimate event this weekend at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Pato O’Ward, driver of the No. 5 Arrow McLaren SP Chevrolet, is 25 points out of first place following the crash-marred event Sept. 12 at Portland, Oregon, while two-time Series champion Josef Newgarden, competing in the No. 2 Hitachi Team Penske Chevrolet, trails front-runner Alex Palou by 34 points. A maximum 54 points are available in the Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey on Sept. 19 and the finale Sept. 26 on the temporary street circuit in Long Beach, California. Basically, the title is up for grabs. Two 45-minute practice sessions, qualifications and a 30-minute race day warm-up precede the 90-lap contest on the 2.238-mile, 11-turn road course that features a 300-foot elevation change and the famous “Corkscrew” in Turns 8 and 8A. The NTT INDYCAR SERIES returned to the venue in 2019 after a 14-year absence. The event was not contested in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. O’Ward, 21, a two-time winner and three-time pole sitter this season, will make his first NTT INDYCAR SERIES start at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. He recorded one victory in five Indy Pro 2000 races in 2015-16 at the track. “We are up against some great competitors for the championship, but we will come back the next two races and fight down to the last lap in Long Beach,” he said. “No pressure.” Newgarden is the most seasoned of the title contenders, winning the championship in 2017 and ’19 and finishing a close second in the truncated 2020 season. He’s seeking to become the 13th three-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion. “Going into Laguna Seca 34 points out of the lead is definitely doable. We are in the fight for the championship and that’s all we can ask,” said Newgarden, who qualified fourth and finished eighth in the 2019 race at Laguna Seca. “We have to hit on all cylinders these next two weeks and I’m confident in this team to be at a championship level.” Scott McLaughlin’s ninth-place finish at Portland – his second consecutive top 10 and fifth of the season — gave the driver of the No. 3 PPG Team Penske Chevrolet the inside track to the INDYCAR Rookie of the Year award.  Callum Ilott, who made his NTT INDYCAR SERIES debut at Portland in the No. 77 Juncos Hollinger Racing Chevrolet, will remain behind the wheel for the final two races. Ilott, 22, of the United Kingdom, was the 2020 Formula 2 championship runner-up and is a Ferrari Formula One test driver. “We have all been working hard together over the past few weeks to build our program, so it feels great to carry this relationship as a team for the rest of the season,” team co-owner Ricardo Juncos said. NBC will telecast the 90-lap Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey at 3 p.m. ET Sunday, Sept. 19. Practice sessions and qualifications will stream on Peacock Premium. The race, qualifications and practice will also be broadcast live on INDYCAR Radio Network affiliates, Sirius 211, XM 205, Indycar.com, and on the INDYCAR Mobile app powered by NTT DATA.Team Chevy will be represented by:A.J. Foyt EnterprisesDalton Kellett, No. 4 K-Line Insulators AJ Foyt RacingSebastien Bourdais, No. 14 ROKiT AJ Foyt RacingArrow McLaren SPPato O’Ward, No. 5 Arrow McLaren SPFelix Rosenqvist, No. 7 Vuse Arrow McLaren SPCarlinMax Chilton, No. 59 CarlinEd Carpenter RacingConor Daly, No. 20 U.S. Air ForceRinus VeeKay, No. 21 Sonax/AutogeekJuncos Hollinger RacingCallum Ilott, No. 77 Juncos Hollinger RacingTeam PenskeJosef Newgarden, No. 2 Hitachi Team PenskeScott McLaughlin, No. 3 PPG Team PenskeWill Power, No. 12 Verizon 5G Team PenskeSimon Pagenaud, No. 22 Menards Team PenskeChevrolet IndyCar V6 Year-By-Year Results since 20122021 ­– 6 wins, 7 poles in 14 racesWins – Pato O’Ward (Texas2, Detroit2); Rinus VeeKay (Indy RC1); Josef Newgarden (Mid-Ohio, St. Louis); Will Power (Indy RC2). Pole – Pato O’Ward (Barber Motorsports Park, Detroit1, Indy RC2); Josef Newgarden (Detroit2, Road America, Mid-Ohio); Will Power (St. Louis).2020 – 7 wins, 11 poles in 14 racesWins – Simon Pagenaud (Iowa1); Josef Newgarden (Iowa2, St. Louis2, Indy RC2, St. Petersburg); Will Power (Mid-Ohio1, Indy RC3, St. Petersburg). Poles – Josef Newgarden (Texas, Road America1, Iowa2), Will Power (Indianapolis road course, St. Louis1, Mid-Ohio1, Indy RC3; St. Petersburg), Pato O’Ward (Road America2), Conor Daly (Iowa1), Rinus VeeKay (Indy road course October)2019 – 9 wins, 9 poles in 17 racesDriver/owner championship (Josef Newgarden/Roger Penske); Indianapolis 500 win (Simon Pagenaud)2018 – 6 wins, 9 poles in 17 racesIndianapolis 500 win (Will Power)2017 – 10 wins, 11 poles in 17 racesEngine Manufacturer Championship; driver/owner titles (Josef Newgarden/Roger Penske)2016 – 14 wins, 13 poles in 16 racesEngine Manufacturer Championship; driver/owner titles (Simon Pagenaud/Roger Penske)2015 – 10 wins, 16 poles in 16 racesEngine Manufacturer Championship; driver/owner titles (Scott Dixon/Chip Ganassi);Indianapolis 500 win (Juan Pablo Montoya). First manufacturer to capture all titles since Chevrolet returned to INDYCAR in 20122014 – 12 wins, 14 poles in 18 racesEngine Manufacturer Championship; driver/owner titles (Will Power/Roger Penske)2013 – 10 wins, 11 poles in 19 racesEngine Manufacturer Championship; Indianapolis 500 win (Tony Kanaan)2012 – 11 wins, 10 poles in 15 racesEngine Manufacturer Championship; driver/owner titles (Ryan Hunter-Reay/Michael Andretti)Total – 95 wins, 106 earned poles in 163 races

September 15, 2021

Matt DiBenedetto and the No. 21 Reese/Draw-Tite Ford team are headed into the 61^st annual Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway hoping to steal some of the thunder from the Cup Series Playoff contenders.

Throughout his career, DiBenedetto, who is 18^th in the points standings, has had some of his best runs on the high-banked concrete half-mile oval in the Tennessee foothills.

His best run there came in 2019, before he took over the iconic Wood Brothers Ford. He finished a close second after leading 93 laps late in the race.

The Wood Brothers also have had success at Bristol, with a win in 2001 along with nine other top-10 finishes and a total of 26 top-10s. Their most recent top-10 came in 2019 when the now-retired Paul Menard finished sixth.
 
“I’m hoping for some redemption after coming so close there before,” DiBenedetto said, adding that he’s proud to be representing his sponsors for Saturday night’s 500-lapper under the lights. “I’m excited for Reese/Draw-Tite, this is one of my favorite races of the year.”

There will be no practice or qualifying prior to the start of Saturday night’s race. DiBenedetto will line up his No. 21 Mustang in 19^th place for the drop of the green flag.
 
The starting order was set based on results from Richmond Raceway, with the 16 Playoff drivers starting ahead of all others.
 
The green flag is set to fly just after 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time with Stage breaks at Laps 125 and 250.
 
NBCSN will carry the live TV broadcast.
 

Wood Brothers Racing

Wood Brothers Racing was formedin 1950 in Stuart, Va., by Hall of Famer Glen Wood. Wood Brothers Racing is the oldest active team and one of the winningest teams in NASCAR history. Since its founding, the team won 99 races (including at least one race in every decade for the last seven decades) and 120 poles in NASCAR’s top-tier series. Fielding only Ford products for its entire history, the WoodBrothers own the longest association of any motorsports team with a single manufacturer. Glen’s brother, Leonard, is known for inventing the modern pit stop. The team currently runs the Ford Mustang driven by Matt DiBenedetto in the famous No. 21 racer.

The Greatest Show on Dirt Concludes West Coast Swing on Saturday NightHANFORD, CA – September 15, 2021 – The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series is set for its final appearance in California this year.In light of Placerville Speedway’s 49er Gold Rush Classic being postponed to 2022 due to ongoing fires, a new marquee event has stepped up to conclude the west coast swing for The Greatest Show on Dirt.Hanford’s Keller Auto Speedway will take the date on Saturday, September 18 with the second annual Tom Tarlton Classic offering a $21,000-to-win purse.HANFORD TICKETS (Sat)Some of the top storylines to follow:HOME GAME IN HANFORD: For Carson Macedo, the Tom Tarlton Classic isn’t just another high-paying race, it’s an event that hits close to home with more meaning than most. The 25-year-old Lemoore, CA native is the great-nephew of Tom Tarlton and cousin to Tommy Tarlton, two men that have been instrumental in the meteoric rise of Carson’s career.Along with the family aspect, Macedo is the defending winner of the inaugural Tom Tarlton Classic held in 2020. That weekend, he drove the Tarlton owned #21 and banked $21,000 by World of Outlaws points leader Brad Sweet, Knoxville Nationals champion Kyle Larson, west coast superstar Dominic Scelzi, and former World of Outlaws champion Daryn Pittman.Growing up in Lemoore, Macedo lives less than 15 minutes away from the Hanford, CA facility. He’s competed in three World of Outlaws shows at Keller Auto Speedway with a career-best finish of 8th in 2019. He’ll visit the 3/8th-mile on Saturday with Jason Johnson Racing for the first time, as he continues a stellar debut season with the Rocky Mount, MO team. They enter the weekend third in the championship chase with eight victories this year.EAST COAST, BEST COAST: A pair of east coasters ruled the roost in California last weekend as the Gold Cup Race of Champions returned to Chico’s Silver Dollar Speedway. Watertown’s David Gravel became the first Connecticut native to win a World of Outlaws show at the track, and Hanover’s Logan Schuchart earned the first Gold Cup title for a Pennsylvanian since Stevie Smith did it in 1993.Both east coasters are the two most recent winners in Hanford too, with Schuchart scoring in 2017 and Gravel striking in 2019. The Shark Racing #1S will be looking to make it back-to-back wins for the first time this year, while the Big Game Motorsports #2 is trying to join Sweet in the double-digit win group.CONSISTENCY WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS: Brad Sweet’s march to a third consecutive World of Outlaws championship has been fueled by the unrivaled consistency of the veteran 35-year-old. Through 65 Features, Sweet is the only driver without a DNF and thus the only driver to complete all 2,195 laps.Sweet’s Kasey Kahne Racing, NAPA Auto Parts #49 team leads the way in six major statistical categories including Feature Wins (16), Laps Led (310), Podiums (32), Top-Fives (44), Top-10s (56), and Average Finish (4.82).The Grass Valley, CA native goes to Hanford this weekend trying to make it 10 World of Outlaws wins in his home state. He’s won at Calistoga, Silver Dollar, Ocean, Bakersfield, Stockton, and Placerville, but still chases a Keller Auto Speedway victory. His career-best at the 3/8th-mile entering the Tom Tarlton Classic is a second-place finish to Shane Stewart in 2015.CALI STANDOUTS: Per usual, the California locals showed up and showed out when The Greatest Show on Dirt ended a two-year absence last weekend in Chico. Among the most notable performances were Colby Copeland and Tanner Carrick, who each contended for wins in the 67th Gold Cup Race of Champions.On Friday, Roseville, CA’s Colby Copeland earned the pole position in the Laramie #16A and paced the field for 13 laps. He traded sliders and went wheel-to-wheel with Sweet & Haudenschild before eventually finishing a career-best second to Gravel. On Saturday, Lincoln, CA’s Tanner Carrick impressed the nation with his near-upset before it came to a heartbreaking end. The 19-year-old was going toe-to-toe with Schuchart & Sweet before a loose tail tank sent him to the work area after leading 16 laps.Other gassers that stood out last weekend include young guns like Blake Carrick and Ryan Robinson, along with seasoned veterans such as Dominic Scelzi and Kyle Hirst.POINT BATTLES: With 12 races remaining in 2021, the closest battle within the top-10 is the war for fourth between Donny Schatz and Sheldon Haudenschild, separated by 44 points. Haudenschild’s eight wins and 293 laps led far outweigh Schatz’s three scores and 201 laps, but the 10-time champion has been far more consistent with 37 top-fives to Sheldons’s 32.The Tony Stewart/Curb-Agajanian Racing #15 and Stenhouse Jr. / Marshall Racing #17 are battling for $55,000 and $50,000, respectively, in point fund money.Gravel’s 140-point deficit to Sweet for the championship is the most-watched battle, but there are still others worth following. Macedo is only 48 points back of Gravel for the second spot, which features a $40,000 difference from $100,000 to $60,000 for third. Schuchart is only 56 points behind Haudenschild for a top-five bid, which is not out of the question with 12 races remaining.DOLLA, DOLLA BILLS: Saturday’s $21,000-to-win show in Hanford marks the 11th race this season paying more than $20K. Incredibly enough, those 11 races have seen 10 different winners take the loot with Kyle Larson being the only repeat victor.$25,000 at Bristol – David Gravel (4/25) $30,000 at Huset’s – Aaron Reutzel (6/22) $50,000 at Jackson – Logan Schuchart (6/27) $175,000 at Eldora – Tyler Courtney (7/17) $175,000 at Eldora – Kyle Larson (7/17) $25,000 at Lernerville – Brad Sweet (7/20) $20,000 at Williams Grove – Brent Marks (7/24) $176,000 at Knoxville – Kyle Larson (8/14) $25,000 at Skagit – Carson Macedo (9/5)This Week at a Glance – When and WhereSaturday, September 18 at Keller Auto Speedway in Hanford, CAOn the Internet World 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/monthAround the Turn: After Hanford, the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series will begin the cross-country drive with Ohio’s Eldora Speedway and Pennsylvania’s Lernerville Speedway on the calendar next weekend.NOS ENERGY DRINK FEATURE WINNERS (14 Drivers): 16 wins – Brad Sweet, Kasey Kahne Racing w/ Mike Curb #49 9 wins – David Gravel, Big Game Motorsports #2 8 wins – Sheldon Haudenschild, Stenhouse Jr. Marshall Racing #17 8 wins – Carson Macedo, Jason Johnson Racing #41 5 wins – Logan Schuchart, Shark Racing #1S 4 wins – Aaron Reutzel, Roth Motorsports #83 3 wins – Kyle Larson, Silva Motorsports #57 3 wins – Donny Schatz, Tony Stewart/Curb-Agajanian Racing #15 2 wins – Kerry Madsen, Tony Stewart/Curb-Agajanian Racing #14 2 wins – Brent Marks, Brent Marks Racing #19 2 wins – James McFadden, Kasey Kahne Racing w/ Mike Curb #9 1 win – Dave Blaney, Dave Blaney #10 1 win – Spencer Bayston, Sam McGhee Motorsports #11 1 win – Tyler Courtney, Clauson-Marshall Racing #7BCFEATURE LAPS LED (29 Drivers): 310 laps – Brad Sweet 293 laps – Sheldon Haudenschild 260 laps – Carson Macedo 229 laps – David Gravel 222 laps – Logan Schuchart 201 laps – Donny Schatz 188 laps – Aaron Reutzel 72 laps – Kyle Larson 66 laps – James McFadden 63 laps – Kerry Madsen 57 laps – Tyler Courtney 33 laps – Spencer Bayston 29 laps – Giovanni Scelzi 27 laps – Brent Marks, Sam Hafertepe Jr. 16 laps – Tanner Carrick 13 laps – Wayne Johnson, Colby Copeland 11 laps – Sye Lynch 10 laps – Jacob Allen, Brock Zearfoss, Parker Price-Miller 9 laps – Kasey Kahne, Austin McCarl 3 laps – Ian Madsen 1 lap – Kraig Kinser, Brandon Spithaler, Dave Blaney, Brian BrownSLICK WOODY’S QUICKTIME AWARDS (22 Drivers): 14 QuickTimes – David Gravel 7 QuickTimes – Sheldon Haudenschild, Logan Schuchart 5 QuickTimes – Brad Sweet 4 QuickTimes – Kerry Madsen 3 QuickTimes – Carson Macedo, Aaron Reutzel 2 QuickTimes – James McFadden, Donny Schatz, Kasey Kahne, Cory Eliason, Giovanni Scelzi, Parker Price-Miller, Sam Hafertepe Jr. 1 QuickTime – Kraig Kinser, Jacob Allen, Danny Dietrich, Anthony Macri, Brian Brown, Brock Zearfoss, Rico Abreu, Sye LynchDRYDENE HEAT RACE WINNERS (41 Drivers) 28 Heat Wins – David Gravel 26 Heat Wins – Carson Macedo 19 Heat Wins – Donny Schatz 16 Heat Wins – Brad Sweet, Sheldon Haudenschild, Aaron Reutzel 14 Heat Wins – Logan Schuchart 11 Heat Wins – James McFadden 7 Heat Wins – Brian Brown 5 Heat Wins – Kraig Kinser, Kerry Madsen 4 Heat Wins – Brock Zearfoss, Giovanni Scelzi, Tyler Courtney 3 Heat Wins – Kasey Kahne, Jason Sides, Wayne Johnson, Ian Madsen, Anthony Macri, Sam Hafertepe Jr. 2 Heat Wins – Jacob Allen, Kyle Larson, DJ Netto, Parker Price-Miller 1 Heat Win –  Danny Dietrich, Hunter Schuerenberg, Lance Dewease, Brandon Spithaler, Tim Kaeding, Jack Dover, Scotty Thiel, Paul McMahan, Daryn Pittman, Justin Peck, Jac Haudenschild, Sye Lynch, Chad Trout, TJ Stutts, Brent Marks, Ryan Robinson, Blake CarrickPODIUM FINISHES (28 Drivers): 32 Podiums – Brad Sweet 22 Podiums – Carson Macedo 21 Podiums –David Gravel 20 Podiums – David Gravel, Donny Schatz, Sheldon Haudenschild 15 Podiums – Logan Schuchart 10 Podiums – James McFadden, Aaron Reutzel 6 Podiums – Kerry Madsen, Brent Marks 5 Podiums – Giovanni Scelzi 3 Podiums – Brian Brown, Lance Dewease, Kyle Larson 2 Podiums – Kraig Kinser, Cory Eliason, Anthony Macri, Danny Dietrich, Tyler Courtney 1 Podium – Jacob Allen, Justin Peck, Brian Brown, Anthony Macri, Dave Blaney, Spencer Bayston, Daryn Pittman, Paulie Colagiovanni, Austin McCarl, Colby Copeland, Sam Hafertepe Jr.2021 World of Outlaws Sprint Car Schedule & WinnersNo. / Day, Date / Track / Location / Winner (Total Wins) 1. Fri, Feb. 5 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Brad Sweet (1) 2. Sun, Feb. 7 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Logan Schuchart (1) 3. Fri, March 5 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Carson Macedo (1) 4. Sat, March 6 / East Bay Raceway Park / Tampa, FL / Aaron Reutzel (1) 5. Fri, March 12 / Magnolia Motor Speedway / Columbus, MS / Sheldon Haudenschild (1) 6. Sat, March 13 / The Rev / Monroe, LA / David Gravel (1) 7. Fri, March 19 / Cotton Bowl Speedway / Paige, TX / Sheldon Haudenschild (2) 8. Sat, March 20 / Cotton Bowl Speedway / Paige, TX / Brad Sweet (2) 9. Sat, March 27 / Lake Ozark Speedway / Eldon, MO / Brad Sweet (3) 10. Fri, April 2 / I-55 Raceway / Pevely, MO / Brad Sweet (4) 11. Sat, April 3 / I-55 Raceway / Pevely, MO / Brad Sweet (5) 12. Fri, April 9 / Kokomo Speedway / Kokomo, IN / James McFadden (1) 13. Sat, April 10 / Tri-State Speedway / Haubstadt, IN / Carson Macedo (2) 14. Fri, April 22 / Bristol Motor Speedway / Bristol, TN / David Gravel (2) 15. Sun, April 24 / Bristol Motor Speedway / Bristol, TN / David Gravel (3) 16. Thur, April 29 / Jacksonville Speedway / Jacksonville, IL / Brad Sweet (6) 17. Fri, April 30 / I-70 Motorsports Park / Odessa, MO / Brad Sweet (7) 18. Sat, May 1 / I-70 Motorsports Park / Odessa, MO / Brad Sweet (8) 19. Sat, May 8 / Eldora Speedway / Rossburg, OH / Brent Marks (1) 20. Sat, May 8 / Eldora Speedway / Rossburg, OH / Sheldon Haudenschild (3) 21. Wed, May 12 / Lincoln Speedway / Abbottstown, PA / Brad Sweet (9) 22. Fri, May 14 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA / Carson Macedo (3) 23. Sat, May 15 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA / Aaron Reutzel (2) 24. Tues, May 18 / Bridgeport Speedway / Swedesboro, NJ / Logan Schuchart (2) 25. Fri, May 21 / Attica Raceway Park / Attica, OH / David Gravel (4) 26. Sat, May 22 / Sharon Speedway / Hartford, OH / Dave Blaney (1) 27. Mon, May 31 / Lawrenceburg Speedway / Lawrenceburg, IN / Kyle Larson (1) 28. Sat, June 5 / Granite City Speedway /Sauk Rapids, MN / David Gravel (5) 29. Fri, June 11 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA / Carson Macedo (4) 30. Sat, June 12 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA / Carson Macedo (5) 31. Thur, June 17 / 34 Raceway / West Burlington, IA / Brad Sweet (10) 32. Fri, June 18 / Dubuque Fairgrounds Speedway / Dubuque, IA / Donny Schatz (1) 33. Sat, June 19 / Beaver Dam Raceway / Beaver Dam, WI / Sheldon Haudenschild (4) 34. Mon, June 21 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD / David Gravel (6) 35. Tues, June 22 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD / Aaron Reutzel (3) 36. Thur, June 24 / Jackson Motorplex / Jackson, MN / Kerry Madsen (1) 37. Fri, June 25 / Jackson Motorplex / Jackson, MN / Kerry Madsen (2) 38. Sat, June 27 / Jackson Motorplex / Jackson, MN / Logan Schuchart (3) 39. Fri, July 2 / Cedar Lake Speedway / New Richmond, WI / Brad Sweet (11) 40. Sat, July 3 / Cedar Lake Speedway / New Richmond, WI / Brad Sweet (12) 41. Sat, July 10 / Wilmot Raceway / Wilmot, WI / Brad Sweet (13) 42. Tues, July 13 / Attica Raceway Park / Attica, OH / Spencer Bayston (1) 43. Wed, July 14 / Eldora Speedway / Rossburg, OH / Carson Macedo (6) 44. Sat, July 17 / Eldora Speedway / Rossburg, OH / Tyler Courtney (1) 45. Sat, July 17 / Eldora Speedway / Rossburg, OH / Kyle Larson (2) 46. Sun, July 18 / Eldora Speedway / Rossburg, OH / Carson Macedo (7) 47. Tues, July 20 / Lernerville Speedway / Sarver, PA / Brad Sweet (14) 48. Fri, July 23 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA / Sheldon Haudenschild (5) 49. Sat, July 24 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA / Brent Marks (2) 50. Fri, July 30 / Ransomville Speedway / Ransomville, NY / Aaron Reutzel (4) 51. Sat, July 31 / Weedsport Speedway / Weedsport, NY / David Gravel (7) 52. Fri, August 6 / I-55 Raceway / Pevely, MO / Sheldon Haudenschild (6) 53. Sat, August 7 / I-55 Raceway / Pevely, MO / Sheldon Haudenschild (7) 54. Wed, August 11 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA / David Gravel (NP) 55. Thur, August 12 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA / Brian Brown (NP) 56. Fri, August 13 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA / Rico Abreu (NP) 57. Sat, August 14 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA / Kyle Larson (3) 58. Sat, August 21 / Red River Valley Speedway / Fargo, ND / Donny Schatz (2) 59. Sun, August 22 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD / David Gravel (8) 60. Wed, August 25 / River Cities Speedway / Grand Forks, ND / Brad Sweet (15) 61. Fri, August 27 / I-80 Speedway / Greenwood, NE / Donny Schatz (3) 62. Sun, August 29 / Black Hills Speedway / Rapid City, SD / Sheldon Haudenschild (8) 63. Fri, September 3 / Skagit Speedway / Alger, WA / James McFadden (2) 64. Sat, September 4 / Skagit Speedway / Alger, WA / Brad Sweet (16) 65. Sun, September 5 / Skagit Speedway / Alger, WA / Carson Macedo (8) 66. Mon, September 6 / Grays Harbor Raceway / Elma, WA / Logan Schuchart (4) 67. Fri, September 10 / Silver Dollar Speedway / Chico, CA / David Gravel (9) 68. Sat, September 11 / Silver Dollar Speedway / Chico, CA / Logan Schuchart (5)

NHRA^® Team Report

NHRA Nationals – Charlotte

Pre-Race Report

After qualifying in the #1 spot for the first time since 2015 and sitting firmly at #7 in the Countdown standings, the mission for Cruz Pedregon and team this weekend goes beyond the goal to win another race in Charlotte. Cruz and his sponsor Snap-on will use the new Socket to Breast Cancer car design to support breast cancer awareness raising funds for The Pink Fund^® in the U.S. and Kelly Shires Foundation in Canada. Both organizations help breast cancer patients in their time of need, including Cruz’s sister Dora who is a cancer survivor.

“Dora is doing well today and was grateful for the guidance and information she received from The Pink Fund when she was facing treatment,” says Cruz. “We’re out here to win a race, but the real win is for individuals undergoing breast cancer treatment who see the paint scheme on the Snap-on^® Dodge^® and go to theThePinkFund.org or KellyShiresFoundation.org to find out how these organizations can help them. For so many, both organizations help with a financial safety net that covers non-medical expenses like transportation, housing, utilities, and insurance during breast cancer treatment. Snap-on franchisees and their customers have raised more than a half million dollars for the work done by The Pink Fund and Kelly Shires Foundation, and we’re proud to be a part of it.”

“Snap-on’s partnership with The Pink Fund has helped us to accomplish two things. First, due to our logo on Cruz Pedregon’s car, attendees in person or on TV have an opportunity to learn about our mission to provide real help now and one less worry to breast cancer patients nationwide.  Secondly, with the help of Snap-on, we have provided more than $5 million dollars in direct financial assistance to patient’s creditors for housing, transportation, utilities, and insurance. And, this fiscal year ending June 30, 2022, we are on target to provide $1 million in financial aid,” says Molly MacDonald, founder and CEO of The Pink Fund. “Additionally, due to Covid-19 and the large number of people who have lost their jobs, The Pink Fund has expanded its eligibility to include spouses or domestic partners of patients whose income may have been affected by Covid-19 to apply for help when their spouse or partner is in active treatment for breast cancer.” Molly has traditionally been a part of the unveiling of The Pink Fund paint scheme on Cruz’s Snap-on Dodge but will be watching it along with other fans on FOX and through Cruz’s social media posts.

Prior to the race, Snap-on created a diecast of the Socket to Breast Cancer paint scheme as a part of its breast cancer awareness campaign. The new design on the El Conquistador body features the Snap-on Socket to Breast Cancer logo on the hood, three main colors pearl white, dark titanium, and pink, with The Pink Fund and Kelly Shires Foundation logos on the wing. The diecasts and tools made in the three colors of the design will be sold by Snap-on Franchisees across the United States and Canada to raise funds for each organization. For more information on these organizations, check out ThePinkFund.org and KellyShiresFoundation.org.

Follow Cruz and Snap-on on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

To see the latest Cruz news, like his Facebook page, where you can also check out his Vlog “Kickin’ It With The Cruzer.” Follow Cruz on Twitter and Instagram. 

NASCAR CUP SERIES BASS PRO SHOPS NIGHT RACE BRISTOL MOTOR SPEEDWAY TEAM CHEVY PRESS CONF. TRANSCRIPT SEPTEMBER 15, 2021 WILLIAM BYRON, NO. 24 AXALTA CAMARO ZL1 1LE, Teleconference Transcript Highlights: HOW DO YOU LOOK AT THIS BRISTOL? DO YOU HAVE TO DO ANYTHING DIFFERENT THAN YOU WOULD DO AT ANY OTHER BRISTOL RACE?“I don’t think so. Bristol is always tough. I feel like you’ve just got to score as many points as possible. There is obviously a lot of opportunity with that with the Stages and the race being as long as it is. I feel like we’ll kind of know where we stack up by the end of things and have a lot of time to make a difference. So, I’m looking forward to it. It’s one of those places that fortunately, starting position is not a huge deal. We’re starting kind of upward of mid-pack, and I think we can make ground from there. So, we’ll just try to get as many points as possible in the Stages and try to win the race.” THE LAST COUPLE OF WEEKS A LOT OF DRIVERS HAVE SAID THEY THINK THEY CAN DO WELL AT BRISTOL, EVEN IF THEY HAVEN’T DONE WELL BEFORE. IT SEEMS LIKE EVERY DRIVER MENTIONS BRISTOL IN THIS ROUND. WHY DO YOU THINK THAT IS?“Well, I think it’s just the most opportunity of this round. There’s the most opportunity for mistakes and the biggest opportunity for success. It’s a really tough track. There’s not much difference between the good cars and the bad ones. It’s a very tough place to get around and I feel like you can really make a difference. I would say it’s just the most unpredictable race of the round, probably.” YOU SPENT TIME AT THE NEXT GEN TEST LAST WEEK. WITH THE 2022 SCHEDULE BEING ANNOUNCED TODAY, IS THERE ANY PART OF YOU THAT’S SAYING MAN, STOP DISTRACTING ME. I HAVE BRISTOL TO WORRY ABOUT?“Yeah, I kind of take all that stuff in and put it in a different compartment, or box, for next year. Definitely next year is going to be its own beast. I’m sure it’s going to be a busy off-season with testing. We’re going to have a lot of time in that car. So, I’m not really worried about the car too much because I know that things are going to evolve a lot by the time we get to the Coliseum and Daytona. So, I think I’m kind of keeping it in the back of my mind just for planning purposes and what I want to do next year in terms of travel and things like that. But as far as racing goes, I’m not thinking about that car at all. I’m really not thinking about how it’s going to handle or what it’s going to feel like because I know it’s going to change drastically by the time we get to Daytona.” IS THERE ANY CALMNESS OR LESS NERVOUSNESS GOING INTO THIS ONE?“Yeah, that’s a fair question. I know that my team is solid. I know that we’re doing all the right things. I think it’s been a tough two-race stretch for us, but we’ve had speed consistently. So, I feel like the intangible qualities, the good qualities that are really important are there. It’s just a matter of executing the races and putting ourselves in position to advance. We’ve had a really good year in a lot of ways. Yeah, we’re hungry for more. We know what we want to accomplish. There is no real distraction in terms of the team. We know we’re all kind of set in stone and just working hard.” SINCE YOU CAME INTO CUP, THERE HAS BEEN A CHANGE TO THE SCHEDULE IN EVERY YEAR BUT ONE. DO YOU THINK THERE’S ALWAYS GOING TO BE SOME SORT OF CHANGE AND THAT IT’S NO BIG DEAL?“Yeah, I think it’s no big deal for me. I feel like next year is probably the most clean slate that I’ve had as a driver in the Cup Series. A lot of the drivers I’ve raced against have been in the low downforce package and had new set-ups and cars for a few more years than I have. And so, I feel like yeah, next year is kind of a clean slate. It’s a new car. Our learning curve is all going to be the same. It’s just going to be a matter of how quickly you learn and adapt for next year. So, I’m kind of excited for that, in a way; but also, excited for this year because I feel like we have really, really good cars that we have an opportunity to capitalize on that. So, it’s a little bit of both. Excitement for next year, but not done and not unexcited for this year because I feel like we’ve got a really good chance to win a lot of races still.” WHAT HELPS YOU PREPARE FOR A WEEKEND LIKE THIS? WHAT KIND OF EXPERIENCE DO YOU GO ON?“Definitely past experience. But I’ve never been in this situation minus maybe being…. I guess I was, going into Kansas in my first year in the Playoffs. So, I rely a little bit on past experience, but it’s a lot different than last year. Last year I think, I was right on the cutline and just had to have a solid race and unfortunately, we got caught up with a lapped car there and ended our day. But yeah, I think this year going in, just try to be aggressive and I feel like we’ll have the car this weekend. So, we just have to perform and execute a good race and let other guys have whatever happens to them. All we can do is kind of focus on trying to win the race and I feel like we’re doing a good job preparing for it.” WITH ALL THE SUCCESS HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS HAS HAD THIS YEAR, WHAT IS THE SENSE OF URGENCY KNOWING THAT TWO DRIVERS COULD POTENTIALLY FALL OUT OF THE CHAMPIONSHIP HUNT INCLUDING YOURSELF?“The same as normal. We try to show up with the best race car and the best preparation every week. So, it’s not any different. Everyone is obviously kind of out for their own good this weekend because it’s an elimination race. So that’s how it works. I feel like we’re doing a good job preparing on the No. 24 team and I feel like we’ll have a fast race car and just do our jobs.” GOING INTO THIS ELIMINATION RACE AS THE LEADER OF THE NO. 24 TEAM, DO YOU TELL YOUR TEAM ANYTHING DIFFERENTLY THIS WEEK? DO YOU HAVE ANY TALKS TO TRY TO PUMP THEM UP, AS IF YOU NEED THAT?“No, I don’t think we do. I think it’s going to be a race this weekend to see what we’re made of. Regardless of the outcome, we’re going to learn a lot about ourselves and our abilities and ability to handle adversity. We’ve had the most adversity the last two weeks that we could possibly want. So, I think we’re prepared for it. We’ve been through this, and we know what we’re doing. So, just go out there and do the best job we can and try to win.” WITH THE 2022 SCHEDULE BEING RELEASED TODAY, INCLUDING TWO NEW VENUES LIKE THE L.A. COLISEUM AND GATEWAY, WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON GOING TO THOSE TWO TRACKS AND IN STARTING OFF IN AN UNCONVENTIONAL CIRCUIT LIKE LOS ANGELES?“A lot of question marks. I feel like by that time we’ll have a lot better idea of what the car is going to handle like on a shorter track like that. I’m excited for it. I think it’s a great opportunity to have a good fan base and good energy around the first race of the season. I’m thankful that I’m in the Clash and all those things and look forward to the challenge of it. It would be awesome to win it in front of that crowd and in that environment would be really cool.” GIVEN THE UPS AND DOWNS YOU’VE EXPERIENCED THIS YEAR, BOTH ON AND OFF THE TRACK, WHAT ARE SOME OF THE THINGS YOU’VE BEEN DOING TO KEEP AS OPTIMISTIC AS POSSIBLE?“Just trying to stay focused and keep a little bit of variety throughout the week. I enjoy playing golf with my buddies and my family. I enjoy doing various things around town. So yeah, I just try to keep it pretty relaxed throughout the week.” HAVING BEEN WITH HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS SINCE 2018, WHAT ARE SOME OF THE TRAITS OF THE HENDRICK WAYS THAT HAVE FOUND THEIR WAYS INTO YOUR LIFE BOTH AS A RACE CAR DRIVER AND AS A PERSON?“I love the culture at Hendrick Motorsports. I feel like we have a really good culture. We’re honest with each other and are motivated and have a lot of unbelievable resources from Mr Henrdick and Jeff Gordon and Jeff Andrews. I really enjoy being there and I love racing their cars. It’s a lot of fun this year. We’ve had a lot of fun but definitely want to accomplish a lot more.”

Mike Coughlin wants big finish at his last national event of 2021

CONCORD, N.C. (Sept. 15) — With the first of six Countdown to the Championship races in the books, Pro Stock driver Troy Coughlin Jr. suddenly finds himself in the middle of the 2021 title chase. Having already moved up to sixth place overall, just 15 points out of third, Coughlin wants to continue his climb at this weekend’s 13th annual Dewalt NHRA Carolina Nationals at majestic zMax Dragway.  “This race weekend feels a little bigger than normal,” Coughlin said. “I mean, zMax already makes a race feel more important because it’s such a massive stadium and the stands are always packed. Now there’s 10 very good race teams all fighting for one prize, so the excitement is growing every single round.” Adding to thrill of the weekend is the fact Troy Jr. will be racing alongside his three-time champion uncle Mike Coughlin, who will be contesting his last national event of the season in the JEGS.com Top Dragster.

“Uncle Mike is so much fun to hang out with,” Troy Jr. said. “Plus, he’s one of the best drag racers I’ve ever been around. The guy is a machine. When I see how cool and calm he is behind the wheel, it reminds me to stay on course and be as steady as I can for my team. The more consistent a driver can be, the better results you’ll have overall because the crew can more accurately tune the car to the driver.” Both Coughlins have every right to dream about a big weekend in Dixie. Troy Jr. reached the final round the last time he was at this facility in the spring, and he’s been a contender all year, qualifying in the top half of the field and going rounds almost everywhere.

“It’s my crew chief (Mark Ingersoll) and the guys that wrench on this JEGS.comElite Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro (crewmen Kelly Murphy, Steven Hurley, Eric Luzinski, and Kyle Bates) that make it all happen,” Troy Jr. said. “They’re such incredibly hard workers, not just at the track but every day of the year, doing whatever they need to do to make us better. “I say it a lot because it’s true: I’m the luckiest kid at the track. I’m on a championship-winning team. The guys at Elite Performance make incredible horsepower. My teammates are all so professional and helpful. Most of all, I get to represent the family business all around the country. It’s a dream deal for me. “The best way I can show my thanks to everyone who is a part of putting me in this position is to win races, so that’s our goal every single weekend. Charlotte will be no different.”

Although a fourth championship is probably out of reach for Mike this year, his desire to win is as keen as ever. “Charlotte will be our final national event of the season so it would be great to get out of there with a victory,” said Mike, who has scored 14 national event victories in the past. “I can’t think of a single reason why it won’t be a big weekend. The dragster is running perfectly and I’ve done a lot of things to sharpen up my driving so we’re about as ready as we can be. I know we’re all looking forward to having some fun down there. “My crew chief, Greg Cody, and the guys, Tony Collier, Justin Beaver and Ryan Micke, never let me down. If we can take care of business this weekend and then get to the St. Louis double-header a few weeks from now and go as many rounds as possible, then we’ll be able to enjoy the off season a bit more. It all starts here.”

BATAVIA, Ohio (September 14, 2021) – The 17th Lucas Oil Late Model Knoxville Nationals presented by BRANDT Professional Agriculture kicks off on Thursday at Knoxville Raceway in Knoxville, IA after a one-year hiatus due to COVID-19.  This Thursday – Saturday, September 16th – 18th, the most elite dirt late model drivers from around the nation will come together on one of motorsport’s biggest stages. As one of the most prestigious events in our sport, there will be over $290,000 in purse money paid out over the course of the three-day, Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series event. The activities on Thursday and Friday, September 16th-17th will feature a complete program of: Hot Laps, Allstar Performance Time Trials, Heat Races, B-Mains, and a 25-lap, $7,000-to-win main event. Drivers will earn points in each of the two preliminary nights that will determine the line-ups for Saturday night’s finale. Saturday night’s program will include Hot Laps, B-Mains, and the 100-lap, $50,000-to-win main event for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series. The Malvern Bank Super Late Models will serve as a support division on Saturday, September 18th. Numerous off-track activities will take place surrounding the three-day event, including a midway with a variety of merchandise and food vendors, along with giveaways. The Hall of Fame Auction will take place at the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame & Museum, behind turn two, on Saturday at 11:30 AM. There will be a Dirt Racing Outreach service in the Bill Rinehart Show Barn outside turn four at 1:45 PM, with an autograph session to follow at 3:00 PM, on Saturday.  Twelve different drivers have stood on the prestigious Knoxville Late Model Nationals Victory Lane stage. The inaugural (2004) event winner Brian Birkhofer, Scott Bloomquist, Mike Marlar, and most recently, Jimmy Owens, have each won the marquee event twice.  This half-mile speed-plant is located within the Marion County Fairgrounds, in the heart of Knoxville, Iowa, just a short drive from Des Moines. Three-day ticket packages and single-night tickets are available at www.knoxvilleraceway.com or by calling the ticket office at 641-842-5431. All three nights will be broadcast on MAVTVPLUS.com. The September 18th finale will also air live on MAVTV Motorsports Network at 9:

Inside Line Promotions – CHICO, Calif. (Sept. 14, 2021) – Dominic Scelzi earned a pair of top-five results during 360ci winged sprint car competition and a seventh-place showing with the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series last week at Silver Dollar Speedway, which hosted the Gold Cup Race of Champions.

Scelzi competed at the quarter-mile oval during four straight nights beginning Wednesday with the first of two 360 sprint car shows. He set quick time during qualifying before advancing from fourth to third place in a heat race. That lined him up on the inside of the fourth row for the main event.

“We qualified good and ran good in the heat,” he said. “In the main event we were trying to change some stuff to get us better when the track is rough like that. We ended up hitting a hole and went off the track. We weren’t able to recover so I pulled off.”

Scelzi was credited with a 20^th-place result. However, he was able to use Thursday’s program as a mulligan.

“We rebounded decent,” he said. “We were third quick in qualifying and won the heat race. In the feature we started seventh and got to second. We tried to pass for the lead, but we fell back to third and then a caution came out. We got back to second twice, but yellows negated the pass each time. Late in the race I found the rubber and was right on first and second. We had a yellow with two laps to go and I had burned my tires off so we fell back to fifth.”

The fifth-place result was the 40^th top five of the season for Scelzi and it locked him into the 360 A Main on Saturday.

In the meantime, Scelzi raced with the World of Outlaws on Friday. He timed in 21^st quickest and placed fifth in a heat race to advance into the main event.

“We started off really bad in qualifying and weren’t much better in the heat race, but we made it through,” he said. “Then we were phenomenal in the feature. We changed some stuff with the balance and I felt really good. I felt like we were a top-five car so that was super good.”

Scelzi hustled from 17^th to seventh to garner his first top 10 of the season with the World of Outlaws.

The event finale on Saturday featured another stellar run in 360 competition as Scelzi maneuvered from seventh to second in the main event.

“Our car was really good and the race track was outstanding,” he said. “I knew we had the best car and I felt I did everything right. You can’t scrub speed or get over the cushion. You can’t burn your tires off. We ran the leader down in traffic and the yellow came out when I felt it was going to be where the race was won or lost. We only had about five laps to go. I did everything I could to get by him. We slid him for the lead on the last corner and just wasn’t able to clear him.”

The night also showcased Scelzi making the World of Outlaws main event. He qualified 10^th quickest, placed third in a heat race and ended the night 15^th in the feature after battling for a top 10 for most of the race.

“We qualified good and were pretty good in the heat race,” he said. “I felt we’d be really good in the main event. I felt like the cards were aligning. They reworked the track and we felt it’d go back to what it was. It stayed fast for 25 laps. We were too tight and I burned my tires off. Once the track went away I was floundering. I had used up my tires and we were just hanging on.”

Next up for Scelzi is the Tom Tarlton Classic this Saturday at Keller Auto Speedway in Hanford, Calif.

QUICK RESULTS –

Sept. 8 – Silver Dollar Speedway in Chico, Calif. – Qualifying: 1; Heat race: 3 (4); Feature: 20 (7).

Sept. 9 – Silver Dollar Speedway in Chico, Calif. – Qualifying: 3; Heat race: 1 (2); Feature: 5 (7).

Sept. 10 – Silver Dollar Speedway in Chico, Calif. – Qualifying: 21; Heat race: 5 (6); Feature: 7 (17).

Sept. 11 – Silver Dollar Speedway in Chico, Calif. (410 sprint car) – Qualifying: 10; Heat race: 3 (3); Feature: 15 (10).

Sept. 11 – Silver Dollar Speedway in Chico, Calif. (360 sprint car) – Feature: 2 (7).

SEASON STATS –

55 races, 18 wins, 41 top fives, 47 top 10s, 51 top 15s, 52 top 20s

UP NEXT –

Saturday at Keller Auto Speedway in Hanford, Calif., for the Tom Tarlton Classic with the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series

$10,000 to-win, $1,000-to-start, plus a NAPA Super DIRT Week starting position and thousands in bonuses all on the line at Land of Legends Raceway this Saturday, Sept. 18

CANANDAIGUA, NY – For the third time, Land of Legends Raceway will honor the life and legacy of Gerald Haers with the Gerald Haers Memorial (Sept. 18); a 100-lap Super DIRTcar Series Feature. But for the first time, the race will be a points-paying Super DIRTcar Series Feature, raising the stakes and prizes. 

The winner will claim $10,000, potentially thousands in lap money, extra bonuses, and a guaranteed start at the 49th NAPA Super DIRT Week (Oct. 6-10) which pays $50,000 to the winner and a minimum of $1,500. 

Here are the top storylines to follow:

PAST WINNERS 

Two editions of the Gerald Haers Memorial have been run the last two years, including a fanless 2020 event in which saw 2021 Super DIRTcar Series rookie of the year contender Chris Hile, from Syracuse, NY, come away with the win. However, that event didn’t count as a Super DIRTcar Series win. He’ll be hungry to return to Victory Lane again this year to officially earn his first career Series win and solidify his chances at the rookie of the year title.

In 2019, it was Erick Rudolph in the Victory Lane in the inaugural Gerald Haers Memorial. Rudolph, driver the #25R from Ransomville, NY, is currently seventh in Super DIRTcar Series points, still looking to claim his first Series win of the year.

POINTS PICTURE  

With Hoosier Racing Tire Weekly Championship bonus points added into the Series points standings, the run-up to the NGK NTK World Finals at The Dirt Track at Charlotte (Nov. 4-6) is much more clear. Seven-time Series champion Matt Sheppard, who is also the current Series points leader and a multi-time Land of Legends track champion, will look to put some extra distance between himself and Billy Decker in the points standings – currently a 117 difference between them.

Decker, also a multi-time Series champion, has quietly put together a solid year, working his #91 Gypsum Racing machine up to second in the championship points order. He’s found some consistency recently, earning two top-fives in a row, bringing him to four top-fives and seven top-10s in a row.

Don’t count out Batman, too. Australia’s Peter Britten is having one of his strongest Super DIRTcar Series seasons of his career. Britten picked up his second-career Series win at Land of Legends Raceway earlier this year. With that victory, he’s a favorite going into the Gerald Haers Memorial.

FORMAT

Drivers will draw a random number as normal. That number sets your position in the 20-lap Heat Races. The groups are determined by the finishing order of the DIRTcar Big Block Hoosier Racing Tire Weekly Championship points finish. The pill draw still determined your starting position but not your group. 

The top-six drivers in each Heat Race will qualify for the 100-lap Feature. The top-three will go to the redraw, meaning the redraw will consist of nine drivers rather than the traditional 12. The non-transfers from the Heats will go to the Last Chance Showdowns where three drivers will make the Feature from each. 

BONUSES

Every single lap in the 100-lap Feature has been sold as a bonus for the driver who leads the lap totaling over $5,000. Plus, the payout for taking the green flag is a whopping $1,000 and each Heat Race pays $500 to the winner. There is also a great list of bonuses for all drivers. 

Special Awards:

Pole Position: $300

Halfway Leader: $300

Hard Charger: $300

Hard Luck Award: $300

Longest Tow: $200

Sportsmanship Award: $200

Lucky Dog Award: $200

First Flat Tire: $200

Best Appearing Car Award: $200

Fastest Feature Lap: $150

Move of the Race: $150

Worst Redraw: $150 & one free Hoosier Racing Tire

Most Laps Led: $100

Most improved from 2020: $100

Hometown Finisher: $100

3rd place in each Heat Race: $100

Ageless Wonder: $50

Young Star: $50

A $2,000-to-win 4-lap Dash for Cash will include the top two finishers in each Heat Race. Even the DIRTcar Sportsman Modified Series Central Region drivers will have a $1,000-to-win Dash for Cash of their own. 

NAPA SUPER DIRT WEEK QUALIFIER

Every Super DIRTcar Series race that pays $10,000 or more to the winner comes with a guaranteed start in the Billy Whittaker Cars 200 at NAPA Super DIRT Week (Oct. 6-10). 

So far, Stewart Friesen, Demetrios Drellos, Matt Sheppard, Max McLaughlin, Chris Hile, and Andy Bachetti have received guaranteed starter status for Racing’s Biggest Party. 

If a driver wins the Gerald Haers Memorial and they already have a spot in the Billy Whittaker Cars 200, the guarantee is awarded to the next driver in the running order without one.