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April 4, 2024 ARP Trish

PASSION AND PROFESSIONALISM: Continuing the Legacy of Jason JohnsonJason Johnson Racing has established itself as one of the sport’s premier teams and continues to uphold Johnson’s standards.OSBORN, MO (April 4, 2024) – Jason Johnson was determined to carve out a path in Sprint Car Racing. Every step of the way in his career he displayed dedication to the sport. Eventually, he worked his way to the opportunity to start his own team. Powered by passion and founded on principles of professionalism, Jason Johnson Racing was born in 2010.The team continues to operate based on the foundation Johnson laid as they’ve become one of the sport’s powerhouses with Philip and Brooke Dietz in ownership and Carson Macedo driving. And this Saturday at Arrowhead Speedway, they’ll look to honor Johnson by topping the Jason Johnson Classic.With Johnson holding his team to a high standard, success came right away. The 2010 American Sprint Car Series (ASCS) championship belonged to Johnson. The JJR #41 took a total of 19 trips to Victory Lane during its debut season.For almost the entire time Johnson raced, his cousin – Philip Dietz – was right alongside him on the mechanical side. There were times early in Johnson’s career when Dietz slept on the floor to have the opportunity to join his cousin at the racetrack. Even though Dietz was with Kasey Kahne Racing when JJR came to life, he recalls how Johnson designed his team for success.“He set the bar pretty high years ago,” Dietz said. “In his early days, he worked for some pretty reputable teams, one being Steve Kinser Racing. How they ran their team and everything they did during that time; Jason took notes of it all. When that opportunity came to start up his own team, he applied a lot of those same things. He was obviously very particular about the cleanliness of all the gear and having everything look nice and professional to represent our sponsors the best way possible. And on top of that, there was a lot of effort that went into performance and never being content with settling for anything other than being a contender.”The team philosophy led to continued success for Johnson throughout the team’s early years. He reeled off three consecutive ASCS championships from 2012 through 2014. And then Johnson decided to take the step to the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars in 2015. An injury at Placerville disrupted Johnson’s first season, but in March of 2016 he tasted redemption when he scored JJR’s first World of Outlaws win as a team at none other than Placerville. Later that year, Johnson summited Sprint Car Racing’s mountaintop with a thrilling Knoxville Nationals win and delivered five words that’ll echo forever, “Shit, I wanted to win!”Johnson went on to tally two more wins in 2016 and added another six over the next year and a half before his tragic passing in June of 2018. But that night would not signal the end of Jason Johnson Racing. His family wouldn’t allow it. They wanted to keep Johnson’s legacy going on the racetrack just how he would’ve preferred. His wife – Bobbi – continued to field the car as they hired Carson Macedo to finish out 2018. Right off the bat, Macedo took the #41 to Victory Lane at Knoxville Raceway in his 360 Nationals Preliminary Night.“I could see it right away in 2018 when I came and drove for Philip and Bobbi, who at the time was the owner of the team,” Macedo recalled. “It was clear cut. They were just professional. Phil was just on top of his game. You could tell their car was just sound every time in hit the racetrack. Phil’s attention to detail was extraordinary. It was just a mold I fit into so easily.”Throughout the entire existence of JJR, the team has prioritized representing their sponsors in the best way possible. Mesilla Valley Transportation has been a longtime supporter, and Royal Jones – company CEO – has found it incredibly easy to work with them and been impressed by their professionalism and dedication.“It was easy from the start when I first met Jason,” Jones said. “He walked in my office. I’d never met him. He gave me a proposal to sponsor him for the next year. I got to know him that way. He was just so sincere, so honest, and just down to earth and always trying to do the right thing. I couldn’t help but take a liking to him, so we sponsored him the next couple years in ASCS until he moved onto the Outlaws. “When he was going to go to the Outlaws, he brought me sheets of what he thought it was going to cost and how he was going to do things. It was like, ‘Wow, these are quite the proposals. You could be working for me getting me business.’ This guy had it all down to a science. He was just so amazing in how he looked at it. You could just tell he was going to be successful.”When 2018 came to a close, Macedo had already inked a deal to drive for Kyle Larson Racing with the World of Outlaws in 2019. That opened the door for JJR to bring David Gravel aboard for the next two years. Gravel pieced together a strong pair of seasons that saw him bag 19 Series wins including the 2019 Knoxville Nationals.“They’re a great family,” Gravel said. “I love Jason’s parents. They’re really good people. Phil’s a good guy. Bobbi is a hard-working person. They built something from really nothing. They didn’t have much, and they’ve kind of built a little empire over there and it’s still going today. I definitely had two great years of racing over there.”Gravel’s departure for Big Game Motorsports presented the opportunity for Macedo to rejoin the team, and it’s been a wildly successful reunion. The Lemoore, CA native collected 11 checkered flags in 2021 and repeated the feat in 2022. He added another seven wins in 2023 and put together his third consecutive third place finish in the standings. Overall, Jason Johnson Racing now sits at 60 World of Outlaws victories, and Macedo is responsible for half.The time with JJR continues to be a dream come true for Macedo who grew up with one goal in mind – becoming a World of Outlaws driver.“I’m with a team that has really good, faithful people behind it,” Macedo said. “Philip is a great guy. He’s a good person. He’s a loyal person. I see the same thing in all the sponsors and partners that are part of the team. It just makes me happy. It makes me thankful for what I have every day. I just couldn’t be more appreciative to be a part of JJR, a team that has a lot of history behind it because of what Jason started.”What Jason started continues to live on. Led by Dietz, the current version of JJR continues to carry the spirit of Johnson by upholding his standards and competing at the highest level. And they have no plans of slowing down as they chase Johnson’s goal of bringing a World of Outlaws title to his race team.“It’s very important to us to carry on the JJR legacy and represent the team no different than how Jason would want it done,” Dietz said. “Our goal in 2015, when we first signed up with the Outlaws, was to run top 10. We knew that it was going to be a challenging year, and we were faced with so many different things between the engines and wing package. “As time went on, we kept bumping our goals up more and more. I think the following year we were hoping to at least win three or five races, which we accomplished. Nowadays, if we don’t win at least five races a year we’re kind of disappointed. It’s pretty amazing that we hit 60 wins the other weekend. It’s very special to me to keep this team up front, keep it competitive. Hopefully, we can continue that on for many years and win many more races.”Macedo and the team continue their championship pursuit this weekend at Osborn, MO’s US 36 Raceway on April 5 before the Jason Johnson Classic at Colcord, OK’s Arrowhead Speedway on April 6. For tickets, CLICK HERE.If you can’t make it to the track, catch every lap live on DIRTVision.

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1 MONTH ALERT: World of Outlaws Return to Eldora For May Doubleheader

April 4, 2024 ARP Trish

ROSSBURG, OH (April 4, 2024) – Legends will collide when the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series returns to Eldora Speedway for the #LetsRaceTwo doubleheader, May 3-4.

The best Sprint Car drivers in the country will gather in Ohio for the Series’ first of two weekend stops at the iconic “Big E.”

Both nights post $12,000 to win top prizes, along with key championship points for Series contenders. Of the top current championship contenders, five have picked up wins at Eldora in the last three years – Carson Macedo, David Gravel, Donny Schatz, Logan Schuchart and Ohio’s Sheldon Haudenschild.The World of Outlaws will return to Eldora for the marquee Kings Royal weekend, July 19-20.

EVENT INFO:
Date – Friday-Saturday, May 3-4
Location – Rossburg, OH
Track Record – 12.599 sec. by David Gravel on Sept. 23, 2020

Times (CT) –
1:30PM Ticket Sales Begin (Main Gate, Turn 4, Pit Gate)
2PM Spectator Gates Open
6PM Hot Laps/Qualifying
-Racing to followTickets – Available at WorldofOutlaws.com.
How to Watch – If you can’t make it to the track, you can watch every lap live on DIRTVision.Last Race Video Recap (May 6, 2023 – #LetsRaceTwo) –
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6-Xt-Yq7LEPrevious World of Outlaws winners at Eldora –
2023 – Logan Schuchart on May 5, Rico Abreu on May 6, Carson Macedo on July 14, Donny Schatz on July 15, Rico Abreu on Sept. 22
2022 –David Gravel on July 13, Brent Marks on July 14, David Gravel on July 15 (Day), Brent Marks on July 15 (Night), Rico Abreu on Sept. 23
2021 – Brent Marks on May 8 (Day), Sheldon Haudenschild on May 8, Carson Macedo on July 14, Tyler Courtney on July 17 (Day), Kyle Larson on July 17, Carson Macedo on July 18, Logan Schuchart on Sept. 24
2019 – Donny Schatz on May 10, Donny Schatz on July 17, Brad Sweet on July 18, Donny Schatz on July 19, Brad Sweet on July 20, Logan Schuchart on Sept. 27
2018 – Donny Schatz on May 11, Donny Schatz on May 12, Shane Stewart on July 12, Donny Schatz on July 13, Donny Schatz on July 14, Brent Marks on Sept. 21, Christopher Bell on October 14
2017 – Logan Schuchart on May 12, Donny Schatz on May 13, Kerry Madsen on July 13, Christopher Bell on July 14, Donny Schatz on May 15, Tim Shaffer on Sept. 22
2016 – Kerry Madsen on May 6, Kerry Madsen on May 7, David Gravel on July 14, Daryn Pittman on July 15, Donny Schatz on July 16, Shane Stewart on Sept. 23
2015 – Donny Schatz on May 8, Donny Schatz on May 9, Shane Stewart on July 17, Shane Stewart on July 18, Greg Wilson on Sept. 25
2014 – Shane Stewart on May 2, David Gravel on May 3, Sammy Swindell on July 11, Kerry Madsen on July 12, Joey Saldana on Sept. 19
2013 – Kerry Madsen on May 3, Daryn Pittman on May 4, Kerry Madsen on July 12, Brad Sweet on July 13
2012 – Chad Kemenah on May 4, Sammy Swindell on May 5, Joey Saldana on July 13, Sammy Swindell on July 14
2011 – Joey Saldana on May 8, Tim Shaffer on July 15, Tyler Walker on July 16, Joey Saldana on Sept. 23
2010 – Joey Saldana on May 8, Paul McMahan on May 9, Joey Saldana on July 16, Steve Kinser on July 17, Jac Haudenschild on Sept. 24
2009 – Donny Schatz on May 9, Terry McCarl on July 17, Donny Schatz on July 18, Jason Sides on Sept. 25
2008 – Craig Dollansky on April 11, Donny Schatz on May 31, Joey Saldana on July 11, Daryn Pittman on July 13, Joey Saldana on Sept. 19
2007 – Jason Meyers on April 13, Paul McMahan on June 2, Steve Kinser on July 13, Donny Schatz on July 14, Joey Saldana on Sept. 21
2006 – Sammy Swindell on April 7, Sammy Swindell on April 8, Craig Dollansky on June 3, Craig Dollansky on July 14, Joey Saldana on July 15, Joey Saldana on Aug. 4
2005 – Sammy Swindell on April 8, Steve Kinser on April 9, Sammy Swindell on June 4, Steve Kinser on July 15, Steve Kinser on July 16, Jac Haudenschild on Aug. 5
2004 – Steve Kinser on April 9, Steve Kinser on April 10, Danny Lasoski on June 5, Dale Blaney on July 16, Jason Sides on July 17, Sammy Swindell on Aug. 6
2003 – Donny Schatz on April 18, Sammy Swindell on April 19, Steve Kinser on May 31, Steve Kinser on July 18, Steve Kinser on July 19, Jason Meyers on Aug. 8
2002 – Craig Dollansky on April 13, Steve Kinser on June 1, Daryn Pittman on July 19, Joey Saldana on July 20, Steve Kinser on Aug. 2
2001 – Stevie Smith on April 13, Mark Kinser on April 14, Andy Hillenburg on June 2, Andy Hillenburg on July 20, Mark Kinser on July 21, Steve Kinser on Aug. 3
2000 – Steve Kinser on April 22, Mark Kinser on June 3, Johnny Herrera on July 13, Sammy Swindell in July 14, Dale Blaney on July 15, Tim Shaffer on Aug. 4
1999 – Steve Kinser on April 2, Tim Shaffer on June 5, Mark Kinser on July 15, Greg Hodnett on July 16, Sammy Swindell on July 17, Stevie Smith on Aug. 6
1998 – Joey Saldana on April 10, Sammy Swindell on April 11, Sammy Swindell on June 13, Jac Haudenschild on July 17, Jac Haudenschild on July 18, Jac Haudenschild on Aug. 7
1997 – Sammy Swindell on April 4, Dave Blaney on June 14, Dave Blaney on July 18, Steve Kinser on July 19, Sammy Swindell on Aug. 8
1996 – Sammy Swindell on April 5, Steve Kinser on June 15, Mark Kinser on July 19, Johnny Herrera on July 20, Mark Kinser on Aug. 9
1995 – Dave Blaney on April 14, Jac Haudenschild on April 15, Steve Kinser on June 10, Dave Blaney on Aug. 11
1994 – Jeff Swindell on April 16, Kenny Jacobs on April 17, Kenny Jacobs on June 11, Dave Blaney on Aug. 12
1993 – Dave Blaney on Dave Blaney on April 17, April 18, Dave Blaney on June 11, Steve Kinser on June 12, Dave Blaney on Aug. 13
1992 – Sammy Swindell on April 12
1991 – Doug Wolfgang on April 20, Steve Kinser on June 7, Sammy Swindell on June 8
1990 – Steve Kinser on April 21, Steve Kinser on April 22, Rickey Hood on June 8, Steve Kinser on June 9
1989 – Lee Brewer on April 22, Jeff Swindell on April 23, Bobby Davis, Jr. on June 9, Doug Wolfgang on June 10, Doug Wolfgang on Aug. 4, Doug Wolfgang on Aug. 5
1988 – Sammy Swindell on April 9, Doug Wolfgang on April 10, Jac Haudenschild on Aug. 26, Steve Kinser on Aug. 27
1987 – Steve Kinser on April 12, Dave Blaney on Aug. 7, Steve Kinser on Aug. 8
1986 – Sammy Swindell on Aug. 7, Kenny Jacobs on Aug. 8, Bobby Allen on Aug. 9
1985 – Doug Wolfgang on April 13, Doug Wolfgang on April 14, Sammy Swindell on Aug. 8, Jac Haudenschild on Aug. 9, Doug Wolfgang on Aug. 10
1984 – Sammy Swindell on April 7, Ron Shuman on April 8
1983 – Steve Kinser on May 21, Brad Doty on May 22
1982 – Danny Smith on May 8, Sammy Swindell on May 9, Doug Wolfgang on June 12, Jac Haudenschild on Aug. 4, Ronnie Daniels on Aug. 5, Rick Ferkel on Aug. 6, Sammy Swindell on Aug. 7, Steve Kinser on Oct. 17
1981 – Sammy Swindell on May 16, Sammy Swindell on Aug. 6, Doug Wolfgang on Aug. 7, Doug Wolfgang on Aug. 8, Sammy Swindell on Oct. 17, Steve Kinser on Oct. 18
1980 – Sammy Swindell on April 13, Steve Kinser on May 3, Steve Kinser on May 4, Steve Kinser on May 24, Steve Kinser on July 5, Doug Wolfgang on Aug. 7, Sammy Swindell on Aug.8, Steve Kinser on Aug. 9, Doug Wolfgang on Aug. 30, Doug Wolfgang on Aug. 31, Steve Kinser on Oct. 19
1979 – Ron Shuman on April 15, Dub May on May 27, Steve Kinser on July 3, Sammy Swindell on July 14, Steve Kinser on Aug. 2, Steve Kinser on Aug. 3, Steve Kinser on Aug. 4, Doug Wolfgang on Sept. 1, Shane Carson on Oct. 21
1978 – Bobby Allen on April 16, Rick Ferkel on April 30, Steve Kinser on May 21, Rick Ferkel on July 3, Randy Ford on Aug. 3, Rick Ferkel on Aug. 4, Rick Ferkel on Aug. 5, Steve Kinser on Sept. 3, Shane Carson on Oct. 29

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Motorcraft/Quick Lane Team Headed To A Happy Place

April 4, 2024 ARP Trish

April 4, 2024

Harrison Burton and the No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane team are headed this weekend to Martinsville Speedway, a track that is special in many ways to the Wood family and others on the crew as well.

Some of the best seats overlooking the paper-clip-shaped half-mile oval are in the Glenn Wood Tower, named for the founder of the No. 21 team who made his Cup Series debut as a driver at Martinsville in 1953. The team, which has its roots in nearby Stuart, Va., has been a fixture at the speedway in the years since that May 17 race in which Wood drove a 1953 Lincoln to a 30th-place finish and earned $25 for his efforts.

Sunday’s Cook Out 400 will be the Woods’ 126th Cup start at Martinsville and it will be the fifth Cup race there for Burton, whose family is from nearby South Boston, Va.

Martinsville is also special to crew chief Jeremy Bullins, who grew up 40 miles south of the track in Walnut Cove, N.C., and attended many a race at Martinsville in his younger days.

“Martinsville is my favorite track on the circuit,” Bullins said. “I’d race there every week if it was up to me.

“I love how technical you have to be and how close together we will race for 400 laps.”

Bullins is looking to build on last fall’s race at Martinsville, where Burton scored the second of the two top-15 finishes he’s posted there.

“We got a top-15 with Harrison last fall and look forward to building on that and hopefully putting together a great run with our Motorcraft Ford,” Bullins said. “It’s a great weekend for the Wood Brothers family being so close to home, and it will be nice to have so many of them at the track with us this week.”

Practice for the Cook Out 400 is set for Saturday at 4:35 p.m. Eastern Time to be followed by qualifying at 5:20. FOX Sports 2 will provide the TV coverage.

Sunday’s 400-lap race is scheduled to get the green flag just after 3 p.m. with Stage breaks at Laps 80 and 180.

FOX Sports 1 will carry the broadcast.

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TEAM CHEVY ADVANCE: MARTINSVILLE SPEEDWAY

April 4, 2024 ARP Trish

Ridgeway, VirginiaApril 5-7, 2024

CLOCKING-IN AT MARTINSVILLEAll three NASCAR national series will convene this weekend at one of the most historic short-tracks in NASCAR history: Martinsville Speedway. Famously known as the “Paperclip”, the .526-mile Virginia venue is the only track on the series’ schedule to have hosted NASCAR’s premier series since its inception in 1949. This weekend will mark the first of two tripleheader race weekends at Martinsville Speedway this season, with the NASCAR Cup Series (NCS), NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (NCTS) returning to the Virginia short-track in November for the final playoff elimination race to set the 2024 Championship Four across all three series.

The 2021 NCS Champion is one of five active Team Chevy drivers that have claimed a coveted grandfather clock in their racing careers, with Larson’s Hendrick Motorsports’ teammates William Byron (April 2022), Alex Bowman (Oct. 2021) and Chase Elliott (Nov. 2020) each earning a victory, as well as Kyle Busch with two triumphs (April 2016, Oct. 2017).

The Bowtie brand leads the series’ active manufacturers with seven NXS wins at the .526-mile Virginia venue. JR Motorsports’ Justin Allgaier is the series’ most recent winner at the track after claiming his first grandfather clock and a spot in the NXS Championship Four in the Oct. 2023 event. JR Motorsports is credited with Chevrolet’s last three NXS wins at Martinsville Speedway, with Josh Berry and Noah Gragson driving the organization to a season sweep at the track in 2021.

Kvapil Set for NXS DebutA notable entry for Saturday’s 250-lap event includes Carson Kvapil, who will be making his first career NXS start behind the wheel of the No. 88 JR Motorsports Camaro SS. Carrying the Chevy Truck Season livery for his series’ debut, the 20-year-old Mooresville, North Carolina, native has already made his mark in the short-track world. Kvapil is a two-time champion in the zMAX CARS Tour Late Model Stock Car Division – both titles earned with JR Motorsports’ late model program. The young Team Chevy driver has previously competed twice at Martinsville Speedway in the Late Model division – earning back-to-back podium finishes (2022 – second; 2023 – third).

In the series’ 46-race history at Martinsville Speedway, Chevrolet has recorded 17 victories. Mike Skinner piloted the No. 3 Richard Childress Racing Silverado to the Bowtie brand’s first NCTS victory at the “Paperclip” in Sept. 1996, with the manufacturer going on to make it three-straight with wins by Rich Bickle (1997) and Jay Sauter (1998). Most recently, it was Team Chevy’s William Byron that took the No. 7 Spire Motorsports Silverado to the victory in the series’ April 2022 event, with the driver going on to return to victory lane in the NASCAR Cup Series two days later with Hendrick Motorsports. A victory in Friday’s 200-lap event would tie the series’ current win record by a manufacturer – currently held by Toyota with 18 victories.

HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS’ ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION CONTINUES AT MARTINSVILLEAt the heart of Hendrick Motorsports’ 40th anniversary celebration lies Martinsville Speedway. On April 29, 1984, Hendrick Motorsports became a first-time winner in NASCAR’s top division when Geoff Bodine drove the organization’s No. 5 Chevrolet to victory lane at Martinsville Speedway. Now, 40 years later, Hendrick Motorsports will return to the site of its first win as the winningest organization in NASCAR Cup Series’ history. From Hendrick Motorsports’ first NCS win at Martinsville Speedway in 1984, to its most recent NCS win at Circuit of The Americas two weeks ago – all of the organization’s victories in the NASCAR national ranks have been in partnership with Chevrolet. Hendrick Motorsports has been the flag-bearer team in Chevrolet’s racing efforts in NASCAR. The organization owns 304 of Chevrolet’s 855 all-time NCS wins (36%) and 14 of Chevrolet’s 33 NCS Driver Championships (42%) – making it the winningest manufacturer and team partnership in series’ history. Chevrolet and Hendrick Motorsports also hold titles as the winningest manufacturer and organization in series’ history at Martinsville Speedway. Leading its manufacturer competitors with 60 all-time NCS victories at Martinsville Speedway, 28 of those triumphs have come in partnership with Hendrick Motorsports – a series’ record of the most wins earned by one team at a single track. Nine different drivers have contributed to Hendrick Motorsports’ winning record at Martinsville Speedway, including all four drivers in the organization’s current lineup: Chase Elliott (one win – 2020), Alex Bowman (one win – 2021), William Byron (one win – 2022) and Kyle Larson (one win – 2023).

BOWTIE BULLETS:·       Chevrolet will pace the field in the tripleheader race weekend at Martinsville Speedway. The Silverado RST will lead the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in Friday’s Long John Silver’s 200; the Camaro SS will lead the NASCAR Xfinity Series in Saturday’s Dude Wipes 250; and the Camaro ZL1 will lead the NASCAR Cup Series in Sunday’s Cook Out 400.
·       With 18 races complete across NASCAR’s three national series this season, Chevrolet has a winning percentage of 61% with 11 victories (NASCAR Cup Series – four wins; NASCAR Xfinity Series – two wins; NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series – four wins).
·       Active Chevrolet drivers with a NASCAR Cup Series win at Martinsville Speedway:      Kyle Busch – two wins (2016 & 2017)Kyle Larson – one win (2023)William Byron – one win (2022)Chase Elliott – one win (2020)
·       In 150 NASCAR Cup Series races at Martinsville Speedway, Chevrolet has recorded 60 victories and 56 pole wins – both of which are series-leading records.
·       In the past eight points-paying races on tracks measuring less than one-mile, Larson has tallied finishes no worse than sixth in five of those events – most recently one week ago at Richmond Raceway with a third-place finish.
·       Within the first three points-paying races of the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series races season, each Chevrolet organization had already recorded at least one top-10 finish.
·       With its 42 NASCAR Cup Series Manufacturer Championships, 33 NASCAR Cup Series Driver Championships, and 855 all-time NASCAR Cup Series wins, Chevrolet continues to hold the title as the winningest brand in NASCAR Cup Series history.

TUNE-IN:NASCAR Cup Series Cook Out 400Sunday, April 7, at 3 p.m. ET(FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90) NASCAR Xfinity SeriesDUDE Wipes 250Saturday, April 6, at 7:30 pm. ET(FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90) NASCAR Craftsman Truck SeriesLong John Silver’s 200Friday, April 5, at 7:30 p.m. ET(FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90)

QUOTABLE QUOTES:ROSS CHASTAIN, NO. 1 WORLDWIDE EXPRESS CAMARO ZL1Do you think your name will always be associated with Martinsville because of the hail melon move?“Absolutely. The goal now is to add a clock to our trophy case to offset it so it’s not just about the hail melon, but I am very proud of it.”
How big is qualifying at Martinsville?“It’s big. I can attest that I went from the leader trying to lap me and pushing my back bumper to get by me, to lapping him later on when I had track position and he didn’t. It’s pretty cool how track position plays such a role there.”
Where does the grandfather clock rank on your wish list?“It’s high. I have a tendency to be on time, so if I remember – I don’t even know if you have to wind those things or if they’re battery powered – maybe that will help me be a minute early to some things (laughs). It might help with my time management skills.”

AUSTIN DILLON, NO. 3 BASS PRO SHOPS CAMARO ZL1“Martinsville Speedway has been a good track for our No. 3 Bass Pro Shops/TRACKER Off Road Chevrolet team over the years. It’s a fun little paperclip and I love having a “home” race because a lot of family and friends are able to come out and support us. It’s going to be important to be aggressive for 500 laps when the time calls for it. Hoping we can get a good starting position and have a clean day on pit road.”

COREY LAJOIE, NO. 7 GAINBRIDGE CAMARO ZL1“Looking forward to rebounding at the paperclip. It’s always good going somewhere you’ve been to Victory Lane in the past. There is much more potential in this 7 team than what the past several weeks’ results have shown, so we’ll go execute like we know we’re capable of and get some points back.”

KYLE BUSCH, NO. 8 LUCAS OIL CAMARO ZL1The last three races at Martinsville have been tough for you. Why has it been so challenging? “I would say Martinsville Speedway has become increasingly challenging with traffic and having a good car that doesn’t burn the tires off. You need to be able to push and go forward and drive past your competitors, but you also can’t blow the tires off.”
Since on track testing is so limited now, what are some tools that you can use to improve your performance without physically being on the track? “The only tools to use are your notes, film study, and past history of what you know for certain makes you good at a particular track. Going on the simulator is a tool, but as we have found for short tracks, it doesn’t seem to correlate all the way and can lead you in the wrong direction.”

DANIEL HEMRIC, NO. 31 CIRKUL CAMARO ZL1“The first thing that comes to my mind when I think of Martinsville, is being ‘busy’ inside the race car. You’re making multiple up-shifts and down-shifts per lap, at least with last year’s package. I’m curious to see how that evolves. I love this racetrack, and I love what it has to offer. If we get a little bit of warm weather, the racetrack really turns into a rubbered-up style of track, which allows you to move around, so if it gets to that point, the racing can be pretty good.”

ZANE SMITH, NO. 71 FOCUSED HEALTH CAMARO ZL1After Richmond, what can you look forward to at Martinsville this weekend?“We had a lot of positives at Richmond Sunday night. We are making progress. I think that will continue in Martinsville this weekend. My team never gives up and it works hard to give me a fast Focused Health Chevy Camaro each week. Our job is to focus on getting better and continue learning every day.”

CARSON HOCEVAR, NO. 77 DELAWARE LIFE CAMARO ZL1You’ve raced at Martinsville five times in the past, four in the NCTS and last fall in the Cup Series. What have you learned from these previous starts and how do you, as a team, work toward better finishes?“We had some back luck in my past races at Martinsville, so I feel hopeful about this weekend to put that behind me. I feel confident in myself, and the team feels confident in our program that we can just keep building our notebook.”
Martinsville can get heated on the track. How do you channel your competitive drive without getting caught up in incidents? “I think we just try to stay patient and survive all 500 laps to have a competitive day. Staying on the lead lap always helps and putting our ourselves in a good spot higher up in the field helps even more to take us out of the equation if anything ends up happening.”

DANIEL SUAREZ, NO. 99 FREEWAY INSURANCE CAMARO ZL1What are your thoughts on Martinsville?“We need a good finish Sunday. We have struggled the last three weeks getting those finishes. I feel like we have had good cars, but something has happened in those races that kept us from getting a better finish. We have qualified really well at Martinsville the last few races and it’s going to be important we do that again Saturday. On Sunday you have to run your own race, stay out of trouble and hope you have a shot at the end.”

Chevrolet NASCAR Cup Series Statistics Manufacturers Championships:Total (1949-2023): 42First title for Chevrolet: 1958Highest number of consecutive titles: 13 (2003-15) Years Won: 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1998, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2021, 2022, 2023 Drivers Championships:Total (1949-2021): 33First Chevrolet champion: Buck Baker (1957)Highest number of consecutive titles: 7 (2005-11)Most Recent: Kyle Larson (2021) Years Won: 1957, 1960, 1961, 1973, 1976, 1977, 1979, 1980, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2001, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2020, 2021 Event Victories:Record for total race wins in single season: 26 (2007) 2024 STATISTICS: Wins: 4Poles: 2Laps Led: 591Top-five finishes: 13Top-10 finishes: 23Stage wins: 4· Chase Elliott: 1 · Kyle Larson: 3
CHEVROLET IN NASCAR CUMULATIVE STATISTICS:Total Chevrolet race wins: 855 (1949 to date)Poles won to date: 745Laps led to date: 249,766Top-five finishes to date: 4,311Top-10 finishes to date: 8,884 Total NASCAR Cup Wins by Corporation, 1949 to Date: General Motors: 1,189 Chevrolet: 855 Pontiac: 154 Oldsmobile: 115 Buick: 65 Ford: 828 Ford: 728 Mercury: 96 Lincoln: 4 Fiat Chrysler Automobiles: 467 Dodge: 217 Plymouth: 191 Chrysler: 59 Toyota: 183

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WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Xtreme Outlaw Midgets Begin April with Debuts at US 36, Sweet Springs

April 4, 2024 ARP Trish

OSBORN, MO (April 3, 2024) – The 2024 season for the Xtreme Outlaw Midget Series presented by Toyota rolls on with two brand-new stops in Missouri to kick off April. First will be a visit to US 36 Raceway on Friday, April 5, and then a trip to Sweet Springs Motorsports Complex on Saturday, April 6. The high-banked, 3/8-mile oval of US 36 Raceway has not hosted a national Midget series event since 2013 but welcomes the debut of the Xtreme Outlaw Midgets, featuring a 30-lap, $4,000-to-win, main event. The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series will also be in attendance racing adjacent to the Midgets in the first of five nights the two series will pair in 2024. Then, it’s a trip to Sweet Springs, MO’s popular 1/5-mile bullring. A hotspot for local, regional and national Micro Sprint action, Sweet Springs Motorsports Complex has also been an annual host of national Midget racing with POWRi and USAC but welcomes the Xtreme Outlaws for the first time ever in a 30-lap, $4,000-to-win, main event alongside the WFO Micro Series. Tickets for both events are on sale in advance at the links below and will also be on sale at the gates on race day. If you can’t be at the tracks to watch in person, stream every lap live on DIRTVision. BUY US 36 TICKETS ($5 cheaper when purchased in advance)BUY SWEET SPRINGS TICKETS Here are the drivers to watch and storylines to follow this weekend: COMING IN HOT – Cannon McIntosh is once again back on top of the Series points standings and is coming into the weekend with momentum from a strong showing of three-straight podium finishes last weekend with the POWRi National Midget League. McIntosh, 21, of Bixby, OK, went back to Victory Lane with the Xtreme Outlaw Series on the second night of the season opener inside the Southern Illinois Center, placing him atop the championship points standings by three over Zach Daum. This past weekend, McIntosh was automatic in the POWRi season openers in Oklahoma, posting a runner-up on Thursday at Creek County Speedway and back-to-back third-place finishes at Port City Raceway on Friday-Saturday. Looking at past results, McIntosh has never competed in a Midget at US 36 but has been dominant at Sweet Springs over the past several seasons. In the 11 national Midget series Features he’s started at the 1/5-mile oval, he’s won five times – three more than the only other driver to win more than one national Midget race there, Buddy Kofoid (USAC 2020, USAC 2022). BREAKOUT – Ashton Torgerson’s first few starts on the national Midget circuit have made a bold statement to each of his competitors. The newest Keith Kunz Motorsports racer from Glendale, AZ, missed the transfer spot into the first Toyota Racing Feature of the season on Friday night of the season opener at the Southern Illinois Center but bounced back the next night, transferring to the Feature via a Heat win and then taking home a sixth-place finish in the main event. He then took the momentum from that strong run in Du Quoin and carried it right into last weekend’s POWRi events in Oklahoma, posting back-to-back fourth-place finishes Thursday-Friday before holding off Tanner Thorson, McIntosh, Daum and more en route to his first career national Midget series Feature win Saturday at Port City Raceway. He’s back in the Safety-Kleen, LynK/Toyota #67K on Friday at US 36, where he’s never raced, but tackles Sweet Springs on Saturday – a track he visited in 2021 in a Micro Sprint. IN SYNC – Trifecta Motorsports is off to a solid start for their second season on the Xtreme Outlaw Series trail and has several reasons to look forward to US 36 and Sweet Springs. Flagship car driver Zach Daum currently ranks second in championship points standings after posting back-to-back third-place finishes in Du Quoin. The inaugural Series champion from Pocahontas, IL, will be one of the few, if not the only driver in the field with prior laps in a Midget around US 36 Raceway, having placed third on two occasions (2011, 2012) and fourth in 2010. This Friday at US 36, he’ll double-dip with both the Midgets and with the World of Outlaws Sprint Cars, also piloting the McGarry Motorsports No. 31 Sprint Car. Daum, team co-owner Steve Carbone and crew chief Bobby Milliser have collectively been working well together as of late, helping special guest driver and 2022 Chili Bowl Nationals winner Tanner Thorson get to Victory Lane last Friday night in the POWRi event at Port City Raceway – the team’s sixth career national Midget series win and first with the No. 5U car. REBOUND RUN – The Mounce/Stout Motorsports fleet of drivers will be back in action with the Series this weekend, looking for a rebound after an up-and-down first weekend out in Du Quoin. Tyler Edwards leads the charge for the Oklahoma-based team as they head for Missouri, sitting 17th in points – the highest of each of the four team cars. Edwards started off strong in the season opener three weekends ago, putting his No. 56E on the outside pole for the Feature, but ultimately fell back to a 15th-place finish after drawing a caution flag late in the race. A DNF cut his eighth-place starting efforts short the next night. California racer TJ Smith qualified for both Features in Du Quoin but took DNFs in both after getting involved in incidents each night, while fellow teammate Austin Torgerson qualified for only Friday’s Feature and finished 13th. New for this week, the fourth teammate joins them on track, as young Oklahoman Jayden Clay makes his debut with the Series after missing the season opener. FRONTRUNNERS – Keith Kunz Motorsports has three of the top five drivers in the championship points standings heading into Missouri, already on the path to defending the Series championship they clinched last year. Reigning champion Jade Avedisian will be away from the team for the weekend, tending to her Toyota GR Cup commitments in Sonoma, CA. However, KKM will still take six cars with them to US 36 and Sweet Springs with McIntosh, Ryan Timms, Taylor Reimer, Luke Drotschie, Ashton Torgerson and Kale Drake on driving duties. Timms, 17, of Oklahoma City, OK, currently sits fifth in Series points after finishes of 12th and second in Du Quoin. Last Thursday, Timms nearly won the POWRi season opener at Creek County, leading into the final laps before colliding with a lapped car that spun in front of him, ending his chances for victory. However, he bounced back with a runner-up finish to Tanner Thorson the next night at Port City before taking on the World of Outlaws on Saturday, capping his weekend with a 10th-place finish at 81 Speedway in his 410 Sprint Car. Gavin Miller, 17, of Allentown, PA, sits one spot ahead of Timms in the standings but will not be racing this weekend as he continues his recovery from an injury sustained in an incident during the KKM Challenge Micro Sprint event in California two weeks ago. In his place, 16-year-old Kale Drake will drive Miller’s No. 97 for both races as he makes his first appearance with the Series since 2022. THIS WEEKEND AT A GLANCE
When and where
Friday, April 5 at US 36 Raceway in Osborn, MO
Saturday, April 6 at Sweet Springs Motorsports Complex in Sweet Springs, MO
On the internet
Xtreme Outlaw Midget Series presented by Toyota
Twitter – @Xtreme_Outlaw
Instagram – @XtremeOutlaw
Facebook – @XtremeOutlawSeries.WRG
Live broadcast
DIRTVision – DIRTVision.com. Annual FAST PASS for $299 or monthly FAST PASS for $39/month.
Current championship points standings (view full standings)Cannon McIntosh: 439 points | Keith Kunz Motorsports #71KZach Daum: 436 points (-3) | Trifecta Motorsports #7UShane Cottle: 410 points (-29) | Cottle Racing #86Gavin Miller: 407 points (-32) | Keith Kunz Motorsports #97Ryan Timms: 400 points (-39) | Keith Kunz Motorsports #67Joe B. Miller: 389 points (-50) | Joe B. Miller Motorsports #51BThomas Meseraull: 387 points (-52) | Engler Racing #7xJade Avedisian: 380 points (-59) | Keith Kunz Motorsports #71Chase McDermand: 379 points (-60) | Chase McDermand Racing #40Karter Sarff: 363 points (-72) | Karter Sarff Motorsports #21
Toyota Feature winners (2 drivers)
1 win – Thomas Meseraull (Engler Racing), Cannon McIntosh (Keith Kunz Motorsports)
Toyota Feature laps led (4 drivers)
35 laps – Joe B. Miller27 laps – Thomas Meseraull5 laps – Cannon McIntosh4 laps – Tyler Edwards
Whitz RC Racing Products Quick Time Awards (1 driver)
2 awards – Ethan Mitchell
Heat Race winners (11 drivers)
2 wins – Tyler Edwards1 win – Ryan Timms, Thomas Meseraull, Shane Cottle, Gavin Miller, TJ Smith, Chase McDermand, Cannon McIntosh, Jade Avedisian, Nick Hoffman, Ashton Torgerson
High-points honors (2 drivers)
1 honor – Cannon McIntosh, Tyler Edwards
Last Chance Showdown wins (6 drivers)
1 win – Taylor Reimer, Gunnar Setser, Austin Torgerson, Gavin Miller, Shane Cottle, Ethan Mitchell
DIRTVision Hard Charger Awards (2 drivers)
1 award – Will Armitage, Ryan Timms
Podium finishes (5 drivers)
2 podiums – Zach Daum
1 podium – Thomas Meseraull, Gavin Miller, Cannon McIntosh, Ryan Timms
Top-10 finishes (16 drivers)
2 top-10s – Shane Cottle, Cannon McIntosh, Zach Daum, Chase McDermand
1 top-10 – Gavin Miller, Ryan Timms, Joe B. Miller, Thomas Meseraull, Jade Avedisian, Karter Sarff, Will Armitage, Taylor Reimer, Mitchell Davis, Trey Marcham, Ashton Torgerson, Rylan Gray
2023 Schedule & Winners – Race No. Day, Date / Track / Location / Winner (Total Wins)
1. Fri, March 15 / Southern Illinois Center / Du Quoin, IL / Thomas Meseraull (1)
2. Sat, March 16 / Southern Illinois Center / Du Quoin, IL / Cannon McIntosh (1)

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VERTEX ROOFING AND GENERAL CONTRACTORS JOINS FUNNY CAR CHAOS AS ASSOCIATE SPONSOR AT TEXAS MOTORPLEX

April 4, 2024 ARP Trish

DALLAS, TX (April 3, 2024) — NHRA professional driver Buddy Hull has been a fan of Funny Cars his whole life. The entrepreneur has raced just about every high horsepower vehicle on the planet, but his heart always came back to the front engine, short wheel-based land speed monsters. His passion for the category has manifested itself in a variety of ways most recently the announcement that Vertex Roofing and General Contractors, his primary business, will be an associate sponsor for the 2024 Funny Car Chaos event this weekend at Texas Motorplex, April 4-6. Currently, Hull is the driver of the Jim Dunn Racing nitro Funny Car on the NHRA Misson Foods Drag Racing Series.

“I have always been a Funny Car guy and I love the Funny Car Chaos series,” said Hull, who also raced Fuel Altereds and Top Fuel dragster throughout his career. “You see the history in these Funny Cars and the excitement level from the fans when these cars do massive burnouts shooting header flames to the sky. Funny Cars are just bad ass and I am glad I am in a position to support (event promoter) Chris (Graves) and the Funny Car Chaos at Texas Motorplex in my backyard.”

The 2024 season of Funny Car Chaos competition will mark the eighth consecutive year of this wildly popular heads-up Funny Car series. With seven points races and two exhibition events on the tour, 2024 will be filled with lots of opportunities to catch some flopper action. Fans can expect on average 30 Funny Cars of all kinds per show and guaranteed two days of grassroots family fun.

“The Funny Car Chaos and Nitro Chaos racers greatly appreciate the support of the 4th Annual Funny Car Chaos Classic from Buddy Hull and the team at Vertex Roofers and General Contractors,” said Graves. “Buddy has always been a big supporter of the CHAOS movement and currently has a car being built for Nitro Chaos competition. These are grassroots racers, he’s a grassroots racer, and we all share the same love for the sport of drag racing. If you are in the DFW area and need a roof estimate, call Vertex, I’ve got a Vertex roof on my house and so should you!”

As always, the Spell Paving Services FCC season will kick off with the biggest funny car event in the world, the one and only Funny Car Chaos Classic at the historic Texas Motorplex in Ennis, Texas. This unrivaled event is set for April 4-6th and will see 50+ Funny Cars from coast to coast and will qualify a 32-car feature show. Also on tap at the Classic is the new addition of the DMP Awnings Nitro Chaos series that will run in conjunction with Funny Car Chaos. That along with hundreds of other racecars including Dirty South Gassers and more will deliver non-stop action on the strip in what will be one of the biggest events of the year in the Southwest.

“Getting our season started with Funny Car Chaos is a big deal for Texas Motorplex,” said Christie Meyer Johnson, Texas Motorplex co-owner. “My dad Billy raced Funny Cars his whole career, so this event is special for a variety of reasons. The show is amazing and having over 60 Funny Cars on the property makes this one of the biggest Funny Car events in the country.”

Funny Car Chaos racing continues just two weeks later as the series returns for a third annual visit to State Capitol Raceway in Baton Rouge, Louisiana for the Laris Motorsports Insurance CHAOS Cajun Nationals April 19-20th. Cinco de Mayo weekend marks the return to West Texas and Penwell Knights Raceway in Odessa on May 3-4th, then its time to head to the Midwest. Eddyville Raceway Park is the next stop where again the Funny Car Chaos and Nitro Chaos series will run together at the same event, the 2nd Annual Twisted Shifterz CHAOS in the Cornfield on May 24-26th. The Twisted Shifterz and 360 Steel Summer Nationals at Cordova Dragway marks the next event on tour, Father’s Day weekend, June 14-15th. On Saturday, July 20th the Funny Car Chaos Summer Showdown will take place at Nebraska’s Kearney Raceway Park. This will be an exhibition, invitational, Chicago-style match race show. The next weekend, July 27-28th the FCC series returns to New Mexico’s Albuquerque Dragway and by now the points chase should be plenty hot with only one points event remaining. East Coast flopper fans can look forward to the return of CHAOS to Maryland International Raceway on August 23-24th for a non-points exhibition event showcasing dozens of East Coast funny car teams and more. The next weekend, the Funny Car Chaos Championship Finals will be held on August 30-31st at Mo-Kan Dragway just outside Joplin, Missouri where the 2024 FCC Champion will be crowned.

VERTEX ROOFING AND GENERAL CONTRACTORS JOINS FUNNY CAR CHAOS AS ASSOCIATE SPONSOR AT TEXAS MOTORPLEX

DALLAS, TX (April 3, 2024) — NHRA professional driver Buddy Hull has been a fan of Funny Cars his whole life. The entrepreneur has raced just about every high horsepower vehicle on the planet, but his heart always came back to the front engine, short wheel-based land speed monsters. His passion for the category has manifested itself in a variety of ways most recently the announcement that Vertex Roofing and General Contractors, his primary business, will be an associate sponsor for the 2024 Funny Car Chaos event this weekend at Texas Motorplex, April 4-6. Currently, Hull is the driver of the Jim Dunn Racing nitro Funny Car on the NHRA Misson Foods Drag Racing Series.

“I have always been a Funny Car guy and I love the Funny Car Chaos series,” said Hull, who also raced Fuel Altereds and Top Fuel dragster throughout his career. “You see the history in these Funny Cars and the excitement level from the fans when these cars do massive burnouts shooting header flames to the sky. Funny Cars are just bad ass and I am glad I am in a position to support (event promoter) Chris (Graves) and the Funny Car Chaos at Texas Motorplex in my backyard.”

The 2024 season of Funny Car Chaos competition will mark the eighth consecutive year of this wildly popular heads-up Funny Car series. With seven points races and two exhibition events on the tour, 2024 will be filled with lots of opportunities to catch some flopper action. Fans can expect on average 30 Funny Cars of all kinds per show and guaranteed two days of grassroots family fun.

“The Funny Car Chaos and Nitro Chaos racers greatly appreciate the support of the 4th Annual Funny Car Chaos Classic from Buddy Hull and the team at Vertex Roofers and General Contractors,” said Graves. “Buddy has always been a big supporter of the CHAOS movement and currently has a car being built for Nitro Chaos competition. These are grassroots racers, he’s a grassroots racer, and we all share the same love for the sport of drag racing. If you are in the DFW area and need a roof estimate, call Vertex, I’ve got a Vertex roof on my house and so should you!”

As always, the Spell Paving Services FCC season will kick off with the biggest funny car event in the world, the one and only Funny Car Chaos Classic at the historic Texas Motorplex in Ennis, Texas. This unrivaled event is set for April 4-6th and will see 50+ Funny Cars from coast to coast and will qualify a 32-car feature show. Also on tap at the Classic is the new addition of the DMP Awnings Nitro Chaos series that will run in conjunction with Funny Car Chaos. That along with hundreds of other racecars including Dirty South Gassers and more will deliver non-stop action on the strip in what will be one of the biggest events of the year in the Southwest.

“Getting our season started with Funny Car Chaos is a big deal for Texas Motorplex,” said Christie Meyer Johnson, Texas Motorplex co-owner. “My dad Billy raced Funny Cars his whole career, so this event is special for a variety of reasons. The show is amazing and having over 60 Funny Cars on the property makes this one of the biggest Funny Car events in the country.”

Funny Car Chaos racing continues just two weeks later as the series returns for a third annual visit to State Capitol Raceway in Baton Rouge, Louisiana for the Laris Motorsports Insurance CHAOS Cajun Nationals April 19-20th. Cinco de Mayo weekend marks the return to West Texas and Penwell Knights Raceway in Odessa on May 3-4th, then its time to head to the Midwest. Eddyville Raceway Park is the next stop where again the Funny Car Chaos and Nitro Chaos series will run together at the same event, the 2nd Annual Twisted Shifterz CHAOS in the Cornfield on May 24-26th. The Twisted Shifterz and 360 Steel Summer Nationals at Cordova Dragway marks the next event on tour, Father’s Day weekend, June 14-15th. On Saturday, July 20th the Funny Car Chaos Summer Showdown will take place at Nebraska’s Kearney Raceway Park. This will be an exhibition, invitational, Chicago-style match race show. The next weekend, July 27-28th the FCC series returns to New Mexico’s Albuquerque Dragway and by now the points chase should be plenty hot with only one points event remaining. East Coast flopper fans can look forward to the return of CHAOS to Maryland International Raceway on August 23-24th for a non-points exhibition event showcasing dozens of East Coast funny car teams and more. The next weekend, the Funny Car Chaos Championship Finals will be held on August 30-31st at Mo-Kan Dragway just outside Joplin, Missouri where the 2024 FCC Champion will be crowned.

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JOSH HART LOOKING TO PHOENIX TO RAISE PERFORMANCE

April 4, 2024 ARP Trish

OCALA, FL (April 3, 2024) — After two races Josh Hart and the R+L Carriers Top Fuel team will be heading to Firebird Motorsports Park this weekend looking to launch their performance to the next level during NHRA Arizona Nationals in the NHRA Mission Food Drag Racing Series. For Hart, a two-time Top Fuel national event winner, the Arizona Nationals will be the next chance to take the positive runs from the NHRA Gatornationals and NHRA Winternationals and turn on more win lights in pursuit of their first win in 2024. The championship caliber Top Fuel team is led by Crew Chief Ron Douglas and an experienced crew.

“We haven’t reached our full potential recently,” said Hart. “We made some serious parts changes towards the end of the season to get on the same level with our competition and that is still taking some time to work everything out. These Top Fuel dragsters are incredible machines from the standpoint of tuning and driving. Every change affects another element, so this is an ongoing process. This weekend I am looking forward to seeing more improvement.”
Last year as the season wrapped up Hart and his R+L Carriers team won some critical first and second round match-up that had championship implications in the class. The improved performance also moved Hart into the Top Ten and gave the team confidence heading into the off-season. During the pre-season PRO Superstar Shootout held in Bradenton, Florida, Hart was in the mix to race for the $250,000 top prize and as the season began in Gainesville Hart raced to the quarterfinals at his home track.
“We made a lot of passes in Bradenton leading up to and during the PRO Superstar Shootout which was a big deal for us,” said Hart. “We still need more passes, but I felt good in Gainesville at the Gatornationals. Two weeks ago, at the Winternationals Mother Nature didn’t do us any favors and only having three scheduled qualifiers and losing one of those didn’t do anyone any favors. We missed our tune-up on Sunday morning when the conditions changed for everyone. This weekend in Phoenix the conditions should be awesome for some quick and fast passes.”
This will be Hart’s third time racing at Firebird Motorsports Park since his debut in the desert in 2022. Hart started his career at Firebird with a No. 8 qualifying effort and raced to the semifinal round. Last year he was ousted in the first round after qualifying No. 12.

“We definitely want to go rounds at Firebird this weekend,” said Hart. “That is everyone’s goal, but we have a race car that can turn on win lights we just need to get over a couple issues with the tune-up. I think we can come off the trailer with a good run Friday and then make two good runs on Saturday. That will set us up for success on race day.”

Prior to the race United with Love of Huntington County food bank announced the final amount of donations for the Race to Fill the Food Pantry initiative. Brittanie and Josh Hart pledged $10,000 in matching funds during the month of March to support their hometown food bank. United with Love reported that goal was met before the end of the month and in the last week and additional $5,721 dollars was donated bringing the grand total to $15,721 plus the Hart’s $10,000 donation.

“Brittanie and Josh Hart, thank you so much for all of the ways you support your hometown,” said Erin Didion, Executive Director, United with Love of Huntington County. “You are both so inspiring in so many ways and Huntington is proud to call you both our own. To all who supported, shared, and prayed for our food pantry and this challenge, we are so grateful and thankful for you.”

Hart and the R+L Carriers team will be making one qualifying run on Friday, April 5 and two qualifying runs on Saturday, April 6 at Firebird Motorsports Park. The top 16 quickest Top Fuel dragsters in the field will advance in competition to race day on Sunday, April 7. The first round of eliminations will begin on Sunday at 11 a.m. PST. Fans can watch the finals on FS1. For tickets or more information on the NHRA Arizona Nationals visit nhra.com.

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1 MONTH ALERT: Three-Day Dairyland Showdown on Tap For World of Outlaws, May 2-4

April 4, 2024 ARP Trish

FOUNTAIN CITY, WI (April 3, 2024) – The World of Outlaws CASE Construction Equipment Late Model Series’ first trip back to Wisconsin will see a massive three-day event at Mississippi Thunder Speedway, May 2-4.

For the third straight year, The Most Powerful Late Models on The Planet will duel for three nights during the Dairyland Showdown with a $248,000 total Feature purse – tied for the second largest purse this year.

The first two nights will showcase $7,000-to-win Features, while Saturday’s finale will pay $35,000 to the winner.

In eight Series races at the 3/8-mile track, there have been six different winners. Currently, four-time Series champion, and reigning Dairyland Showdown champion, Brandon Sheppard is the only repeat winner at the track.

The event will also be close to home for Series stars and Minnesota natives, Brent Larson (of Lake Elmo, MN) and Dustin Sorensen (Rochester, MN). Sorensen has three national level wins at the track with the USMTS Modifieds.

EVENT INFO:
Date – Thursday-Saturday, May 2-4
Location – Fountain City, WI
Track Record – 13.441 sec. by Dennis Erb Jr. on May 5, 2022

Times (CT) –
3:00pm Pits Open
5:00pm Gates Open
6:30pm Hot Laps/Qualifying
-Racing to Follow

Tickets – Available at WorldofOutlaws.com.
How to Watch – If you can’t make it to the track, you can watch every lap live on DIRTVision.

Last Race Video Recap (Sept. 1, 2023) –
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCX1T0rAlk4&t=4s

Previous World of Outlaws Winners at Mississippi Thunder –
2023- Cade Dillard & Brandon Sheppard on May 4, Brandon Sheppard on Sept. 1
2022- Bobby Pierce on May 5, Jonathan Davenport on May 6, Mike Marlar on May 7
2021 – Brandon Sheppard on May 7, Chris Madden on May 8

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HULL LOOKING FOR MORE CONSISTENCY IN PHOENIX

April 4, 2024 ARP Trish

LONG BEACH, CA (April 3, 2024) — When you look at an athlete like Funny Car driver Buddy Hull, you can tell he exudes discipline. Between running his Dallas-based company, Vertex Roofers and General Contracting, and competing full-time as a Funny Car driver for Jim Dunn Racing, it takes a lot of structure and consistency for him to hold everything together. And it’s that consistency that he has in his business life, that he is striving to perfect at the NHRA Arizona Nationals at Firebird Motorsports Park on April 5-7.

“We’re looking for A to B runs. We want to come off the trailer and run a four-flat in Arizona and then on our second run just throw the kitchen sink at it, to see what the car does,” said Hull, who will be making his third Funny Car start this weekend. “We’ll use the data between those two runs to find a middle ground that will create a more consistent race car so on race day we can run between a 3.95 and a four-flat. If I do my job on the starting line, and we can run a 3.95 to a four-flat, and the other guy smokes the tires or shakes, we win a round. And we’re doing everything we can to see more win lights.”

One of the many traits that makes Hull such a successful business owner and race car driver is that he is realistic about his own limitations, but he does not let that hold him back. If anything, it drives him to work harder and become more creative in his approach.

“Some of these other teams run on a little bigger budget than we do, so we are incredibly parts conscious. We have yet to damage a single car part this season, which is an impressive feat,” said Hull. “But at the same time, we do want to run hard and run good. We’re aggressively aiming to have 3.90 race car consistently. I’m getting more and more comfortable with the car, and the car is getting faster, which is why we feel this race is the perfect weekend to focus on consistency above everything else.”

This weekend Hull will be racing a USD branded nitro Funny Car, with an image of an eagle swooping in on the side, continuing his trend of driving cars with interesting car bodies. Hull is proud that he is also continuing to represent a slew of local and corporate sponsors.

“I’m thrilled to be representing the good people of USD this weekend at their home race,” said Hull. “We’re looking forward to hosting a group of them from their Phoenix corporate headquarters. They’ve had a lengthy relationship with both Jim Dunn Racing and the Dunn family, and I consider myself blessed to be a part of that. I see parallels between USD’s business and my own, with their emphasis on customer service through providing auto parts to their loyal customer base. I’m hoping we’ll be able to make them proud this weekend.”

In addition to USD, INC, this weekend Hull will be partnering with local favorite Chompie’s to provide meals for the team and guests throughout the weekend. Recognized as Arizona’s New York Deli since 1979, Chompie’s has multiple locations in Phoenix, Chandler, Scottsdale, and Glendale.

“Chompie’s is proudly continuing its sponsorship for the second consecutive year, supporting Funny Car driver Buddy Hull and his team with fresh made meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner,” said Frank Lara, Chompie’s Marketing Manager.

USD and Chompie’s will be joined by season-long supporters Vertex Roofers and General Contractors, Solid Start/True Brand Products, Lescure Mechanical Services, Crow Safety, Blaze Exhaust Probes, Koppl Pipeline Services, Mooneyes, Good Vibrations Motorsports, KGC Construction, Powerbuilt Tools and Wiley X.

“You often see all kinds of big names on the sides of these race cars,” said Hull. “And while that’s really cool, I think it’s also fun to represent some names that you don’t hear about as often. Those companies are doing just as good of work, but they don’t always have the chance to have this kind of promotional outlet. And Big Jim and I are proud to be that outlet.”

Hull and the Jim Dunn Racing team will be making one qualifying run on Friday, April 5 and two qualifying runs on Saturday, April 6 at Firebird Motorsports Park. The top 16 quickest Funny Cars in the field will advance in competition to race day on Sunday, April 7. The first round of eliminations will begin on Sunday at 11 a.m. PST. Fans can watch the finals on FS1. For tickets or more information on the NHRA Arizona Nationals visit nhra.com.

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JOHN FORCE EYES POTENTIAL HISTORIC WEEKEND IN ARIZONA

April 4, 2024 ARP Trish

NHRA legend could become first Funny Car driver in history to claim wins in three separate and distinct events on same weekend

CHANDLER, Ariz. (April 2, 2024) — This weekend’s NHRA national event at Firebird Motorsports Park has the potential of being a historic trifecta of sorts for John Force.
The winningest driver in NHRA history with 16 Funny Car championships and 155 national event wins, Force will attempt to become the first Funny Car driver in NHRA history to win three separate and distinct events in the same weekend.
First, Force will attempt to win the Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge race-within-a-race specialty event. Four drivers each in Funny Car, Top Fuel and Pro Stock will square off with each other. The winners of the first round of the Challenge, which is also part of Friday’s lone Arizona Nationals qualifying session, will return for the Challenge’s final round during the first of two additional Nationals qualifying sessions on Saturday.
Then, in Saturday’s second qualifying session, Force, in his trusty PEAK Antifreeze & Coolant Chevrolet Camaro SS Funny Car, will complete the final round of the Winternationals, which was rained out in Pomona, Calif., nearly two weeks ago. Force will face four-time and defending Funny Car champ Matt Hagan.
And then Force will try to make it 3-for-3 by winning Sunday’s Arizona Nationals.
“Like anybody, I want to win it all, we want to make the money, and we want to earn the points,” Force said. “So I’m going after it with everything I’ve got.”
All three events will be held at Firebird, which has reverted to its original name after spending the last several years known as Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park. In addition, the Arizona Nationals mark the 39th year that Firebird will host an NHRA national event.
Force has raced at Firebird every year since it opened in 1983 and was runner-up at the first national event held there in 1985. He has won the race a record eight times (1994 through 1997, 1999-2001 and 2005), has been No. 1 qualifier eight times as well, and is trying to win an NHRA tour event for the 35^th season.
Force’s last win was nearly two years ago (May 1, 2022 at the NHRA Four-Wide Nationals in Charlotte, N.C.). On Saturday, he will be racing in his 267th final round (has a current record of 155-111) when he faces Hagan for the rescheduled Winternationals Funny Car title.
“We’re excited to race Hagan,” Force said. “He’s a great champion and he wants to win, just like I do. There’s basically three races to be won and you only get three qualifying attempts.
“But (Hagan’s) got the same problems I’ve got. So there’s no excuses, we just do it. That’s the rules that we play by … but I’m ready for it. We’re just going to do the best we can. I’m fired up.”
Force, who turns 75 on May 4, isn’t slowing down. He still is as motivated as ever for more race wins and he’d like to win at least one more championship in his illustrious career.
“I want everything right to run for the title this year,” Force said. “I found some things that could be causing me some problems and I’m going to address it. … I need to get back to where I belong. I’m just trying to be a better driver, trying to do a better job for us and to do the job for the sponsors.”
Force reached the final round in two events last year, but finished runner-up each time. That he made it to the finals of the Winternationals is rather inspiring, as in the first round of qualifying on Friday, March 22, he inadvertently crossed the center line and the run was disallowed.
He came back the next day to qualify solidly into the show and then wound up reaching the final round before rain forced its postponement to this weekend in Arizona.
“You don’t know if there’s another qualifying run the next day because they say it’s going to rain, and you’re thinking, ‘I might not be in the show,’” Force said of his Saturday predicament in Pomona. “I should have gotten to the other end. And I thought I got it to the other end, but I tapped the centerline or actually I went over. I didn’t see no cones go down. I wanted to believe I missed it. Because I don’t make excuses for myself, I learned a lot that weekend. … So that’s kind of where I’m at. I’m ready to go dancing.”
*****************************
Brittany Force, meanwhile, will look to continue the consistency she had in the Winternationals. The younger Force was the No. 1 qualifier at Pomona, extending a personal streak that has seen her earn No. 1 at least once per season for the last 11 seasons.
Brittany made it to the semifinals at Pomona before her dragster lost traction, giving the win to Justin Ashley. The younger Force will join her father in her respective class in the #2Fast2Tasty specialty event and potentially could win that race and the Arizona Nationals, as well.
If that were to happen, John Force Racing would potentially come away with five wins in total for the weekend.
Although she’s never won at Firebird, Force has three runner-up showings there in her Monster Energy Top Fuel dragster, and remains the track record holder for elapsed time (3.643 seconds) and speed (337.92 mph), both on Feb. 23, 2020.
Force is also looking to end a 24-race victory drought (last win Oct. 30, 2022 in Las Vegas). Her showing at Pomona, makes Force optimistic heading into Phoenix.
“After an improved race weekend in Pomona, this team is anxious to see what we can accomplish in Phoenix,” Force said. “Coming into this season we have taken everything we learned in the last few years and are using that for our new setup. I feel after a tough season last year we are finally in that upward climb.
“We need to qualify in the top 5 and focus on clean, consistent runs every time we go down the track. I’ve been to three finals in the past at Firebird but have never landed in the Winner’s Circle. The goal is to get this Monster Energy team our first win of the season three races in.”
*****************************
The third driver in the JFR camp, Funny Car driver Austin Prock, looks to bounce back from a disappointing first-round loss at Pomona.
Prock won his first-ever race in a Funny Car in February in an exhibition event in Bradenton, Fla., and then finished runner-up in his first official NHRA national event in a Funny Car, the season-opening Gatornationals in Gainesville, Fla., nearly a month ago. He also was the No. 1 qualifier at both Florida races.
Prock wasn’t able to continue his success at Pomona, but hopes to turn things around at Phoenix. The Cornwell Tools Chevrolet Camaro SS he is driving this season has a legacy of success at Phoenix, including teammate Robert Hight having won the last two editions of the Arizona Nationals.
“Personally, I’ve never had much luck there,” Prock said of his previous attempts while driving a dragster at Firebird. “But the car that I’m driving this year has had a lot of success there, and last year was my brother Thomas’s first win as an assistant crew chief (to the father of Austin and Thomas, Jimmy Prock, who is Hight’s and now Austin’s crew chief).
“I think we’ll pick up right where we left off in Gainesville (when Prock reached the finals before losing to J.R. Todd). I’m convinced the consistency we had in Gainesville and Bradenton is going to show in Phoenix.
“Pomona was weird. Track prep wasn’t there. This is a high-horsepower, powerful car. And it’s hard to tame down when the track’s that far off. If we would have had one more shot at it in Pomona, we probably would have got the thing dialed into where it needs to be. But when you have to make that big of a swing, it takes a few runs and some time. So I’m looking forward to Phoenix, I think that things can be quick again.
“Our team is definitely going to be strong this year. Last year, I don’t think anybody in the building was satisfied with the whole team’s performance overall. So we’re off to a good start in 2024 with one win, at least two runners-up and one of our cars has been low qualifier at all three events this year. So yeah, things are off to a good start. We definitely want to keep that train going.”
Prock is attempting to become the 29th driver in NHRA history to win national events in both Top Fuel (has 4 career wins) and Funny Car. In addition, Prock and his father are trying to become the first father-son crew chief and driver to win on the circuit since Del Worsham and his dad Chuck won Funny Car at Houston on March 30, 2008.
In addition, Austin’s 3.820 seconds qualifying time at the Gatornationals was the second quickest time posted since 2017, just shy of Hight’s 3.816 seconds run at Las Vegas on Oct. 29^,2023. *****************************
TV SCHEDULE: In addition to streaming on NHRA.TV, here’s this weekend’s broadcast schedule (all times ET):
* Friday, April 5 (9:30-11 p.m.), FS1: First round of qualifying (replayed Saturday morning at 3:30-5 a.m. on FS1 and again at 7-8:30 a.m. Saturday on FS2).
* Saturday, April 6 (10-10:30 p.m.), FS1: Winternationals final round (previously postponed from Pomona two weeks ago due to weather).
* Sunday, April 7: (10:30 a.m. to Noon), FS1: Highlights from Saturday’s qualifying.
* Sunday, April 7: Finals (6:30-9:30 p.m.), FS1.

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1 MONTH ALERT: World of Outlaws Kick Off May With Weekday Visit to Jacksonville

April 2, 2024 ARP Trish

JACKSONVILLE, IL (April 2, 2024) – The first day of May will bring the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars back to Jacksonville Speedway for a Wednesday night special.It’ll be the Series’ first time back at the 1/4-mile track since 2021 and fifth visit there overall. For Illinois race fans, it’ll also be The Greatest Show on Dirt’s first stop in the “Prairie State.”In the four Series races at Jacksonville, there has yet to be a repeat winner. NASCAR star Christopher Bell won the first event in 2014, Joey Saldana won in 2016, Carson Macedo grabbed the win in 2019 and Brad Sweet won the last event in 2021.The event will see the biggest names in Sprint Car racing, such as David Gravel, 10-time Series champion Donny Schatz, Carson Macedo, Gio Scelzi, Logan Schuchart and more, continue their championship quest. Along with battling for the $12,000 top prize.

EVENT INFO:
Date – May 1, 2024
Location – Jacksonville, IL
Track Record – 9.990 sec. by Sheldon Haudenschild on April 29, 2021

Times (CT) –
Pits Open 3pm
Grandstands Open 5pm
Hot Laps/Qualifying 6:00pm
Opening Ceremonies 6:50pm
Racing to FollowTickets – Available at WorldofOutlaws.com
How to Watch – If you can’t make it to the track, you can watch every lap live on DIRTVision.Last Race Video Recap (April 29, 2021) –
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bI1EvY09JcPrevious World of Outlaws Winners at Jacksonville –
2021 – Brad Sweet on April 29
2019 – Carson Macedo on Sept. 25
2016 – Joey Saldana on May 4
2014 – Christopher Bell on May 7

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cruz pedregon–phoenix advance

April 2, 2024 ARP Trish

Cruz Pedregon

NHRA^® Arizona Nationals – Phoenix

Pre-Race Report

News of note:

· Phoenix is the site of Cruz’s first national event win in an Alcohol Dragster in 1988.

· Cruz and the team have qualified in the top half of the Funny Car standings during the first two events of the NHRA season.

Quotes and favorite memories of Phoenix –

Cruz Pedregon, two-time Funny Car World Champion

Phoenix is a historic race for me, it’s the site of my first national event win…ever. It was in the fall of 1988. I remember, like it was yesterday going into the final. It was dusk in an Alcohol Dragster, and I was going up against Jay Payne, who I think was the number one qualifier. We were kind of the underdog. And I remember it was a very close race. I got the jump at the start and won on a hole shot. It was like winning a championship or winning the Super Bowl for me, it meant everything to me to notch that first win there in Arizona.

Since then, Phoenix has been a good track for us. We’ve won in Funny Car there several times. We have a lot of family in southern Arizona, New Mexico, and southern Texas. So, lots of family and cousins come out and support us.

It’s such a great fan base there, and it’s a good track. I’m glad they kept it going, revamped everything and they’re keeping the track there because it’s also a great market for Snap-on, our primary sponsor. Lots of interest there with the Snap-on franchisees and a lot of great support there for our hospitality program.

The Snap-on Dodge is running well, we’re just trying to get dialed-in for the race day. We’ve qualified in the top half for the first two races of the year. We just have to get the consistency locked down.

Name on the side of Cruz’s car – Snap-on Nitro Franchisee Rusty Houck

· Rusty worked for Snap-on before getting into his franchise seven years ago.

· He’s retiring from the Army in July after 24 years as a Master Sergeant in the Army Reserves.

· When he was called up, his son ran the Snap-on route for him.

· He’s stayed stateside most recently, training the soldiers who were going overseas.

· He spends his free time restoring old cars and still gets excited when his customers buy tools from him.

· He took Cruz to visit with auto care professionals in several smaller shops before the race as well as the Gila River Indian Reservation to check out some concrete companies he calls on in the area.

· As Cruz’s primary sponsor, Snap-on is asking NHRA fans to follow Makers and Fixers on Instagram, like those Cruz visits with, where they can submit their own stories to makersandfixers.com.

· As Cruz’s primary sponsor, Snap-on is asking NHRA fans to follow @Makersandfixers on IG where they spotlight nearly 2,000 global Makers and Fixers doing real work for the real world. From pit crews to gearheads in the stands, they want to hear your stories too.

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American Outlaw Allan Middendorf Taking on New Adventures in 2024

April 2, 2024 ARP Trish

COLUMBIA, IL (April 2, 2024) — For the past six years Allan Middendorf has been chasing win lights, breaking Funny Car and Fuel Altered records, and building a brand around his cowboy and outlaw spirit. The passionate and driven Middendorf today announced he will be turning his attention to a new endeavor and is stepping away from professional drag racing. As a self-made entrepreneur out of Columbia, Illinois, Middendorf developed a passion for drag racing during his late 20’s and in 2018 he started Allan Middendorf Racing and began running the American Outlaw brand. He dedicated his racing career to following in the tire tracks of his successful businesses built around perfection, attention to detail and being true himself. He attributes his success on the track to his crew members, sponsors, and business relationships with companies like Snake Enterprises, Vinyl Images and Torco.

“Jake Sanders of Snake Enterprises was a huge part of my success,” said Middendorf. “Jake’s knowledge and experience is what made this team highly competitive. Without him, there is no way I could have achieved what I did. You add in the support we received from Vinyl Images and Torco and this dream I chased wouldn’t have been possible. We made a lot of history, and I can’t thank all our supporters enough.”

When the pressure was on, Allan Middendorf Racing and the American Outlaw team excelled because of the collective knowledge of the crew and their ability to work together efficiently. On the Funny Car Chaos tour Middendorf won twice and scored four No. 1 qualifiers. He also tallied a Fuel Altered win and was the national speed record holder for Fuel Altered at 227.50 mph. In 2019 Middendorf came in second place in the Funny Car Chaos Championship series. He was also the Funny Car Chaos record holder for speed and elapsed time, breaking and resetting those records several times over, as well as winning the World Fuel Altered National Championship.

“I wouldn’t have been able to have the success we had at the track without the hard work and dedication of my crew chief to Jake Sanders and the crew of Tom McDonald, Jim Carey, Katie Buttera and Doni Snyder.,” said Middendorf. “They gave their all in every race no matter how long the days and nights were. I couldn’t have asked for a better crew. I’m truly appreciative of their hard work and dedication.”

Throughout his drag racing career Middendorf projected the American Outlaw persona and attitude as a driver and team owner. The American Outlaw name came to Middendorf when he was driving and thinking about a persona for his Funny Car Chaos operation. He knew he had a wild streak that drove him to do things his own way, at his own speed, and with his own goals in mind. His passion for the American flag runs deep and as a cowboy who loves all things America the name American Outlaw was the perfect match.

“I want to thank Natalie Torrence, who oversees my social media, for making the name American Outlaw and Allan Middendorf Racing what it is today. I am going to continue the American Outlaw name and branding into my next endeavor, and we are looking at opportunities to build the brand away from the race track as well. Natalie has been amazing with her great ideas and ability to tell our story on social media.”

Middendorf will be announcing his next racing challenge in the coming weeks, but he knows that the memories and relationships he built through drag racing will always be part of his legacy.

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JIM DUNN RACING AND BUDDY HULL TO REP USD AT NHRA ARIZONA NATIONALS

April 2, 2024 ARP Trish

LONG BEACH, CA (April 2, 2024) — Continuing to highlight the diverse group of corporate supporters Jim Dunn Racing and Funny Car driver Buddy Hull will be racing a USD branded nitro Funny Car at this weekend’s NHRA Arizona Nationals at Firebird Motorsports Park. With Hull behind the wheel as a rising star in the Funny Car ranks, the Jim Dunn entry will turn heads with the dynamic new-look design. Hull will be looking to make a move into the Funny Car Top Ten at the third race of the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season.

“We have had a longstanding relationship with USD and this race is in their backyard,” said Jon Dunn, with Jim Dunn Racing. “We are thrilled NHRA is returning to Firebird Motorsports Park and having the support of USD on our Funny Car will make this a special weekend. Buddy has been doing a great job behind the wheel and the competition is very tough out here. We are looking forward to an exciting weekend.”

Hull, who will be making his third Funny Car start driving for legendary Jim Dunn Racing, knows the action off the track is almost as important as the results on the track. As a high-energy driver and ambassador for all the Jim Dunn Racing sponsors Hull loves the idea of representing new companies at every race.

“We have a very loyal group of sponsors that have supported Jim Dunn Racing for many years so as a new driver I want to make sure I am doing my job to talk about their goals and marketing objectives,” said Hull, who has also raced Top Fuel and Fuel Altereds. “Having USD on the side of this Funny Car with that eagle just swooping in is pretty cool and we want to keep moving this program in the right direction. I am getting more comfortable behind the wheel and the car is getting quicker. This will be an exciting weekend for the USD Funny Car for sure.”

USD has been servicing customers in the southwest for over 45 years. They are an authorized full line distributor of ACDelco (General Motors), Motorcraft (Ford) and Mopar (Chrysler) original equipment auto parts and accessories. They have four locations to efficiently service customers with inventories of more than 12 million dollars. The corporate headquarters and largest warehouse are in Phoenix, Arizona. There are branch warehouses in Albuquerque, Denver and El Paso service New Mexico, Colorado, and West Texas, as well as surrounding areas. The commitment to advanced technology and superior customer satisfaction has set them apart from the competition.

In addition to USD Jim Dunn Racing will also be partnering with local favorite Chompie’s to provide meals for the team and guests throughout the weekend. Recognized as Arizona’s New York Deli since 1979, Chompie’s has multiple locations in Phoenix, Chandler, Scottsdale, and Glendale.

“Chompie’s is proudly continuing its sponsorship for the second consecutive year, supporting Funny Car driver Buddy Hull and his team with fresh made meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner,” said Frank Lara, Chompie’s Marketing Manager.

Hull and the Jim Dunn Racing team will be making one qualifying run on Friday, April 5 and two qualifying runs on Saturday, April 6 at Firebird Motorsports Park. The top 16 quickest Funny Cars in the field will advance in competition to race day on Sunday, April 7. The first round of eliminations will begin on Sunday at 11 a.m. PST. Fans can watch the finals on FS1. For tickets or more information on the NHRA Arizona Nationals visit nhra.com.

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May 2-5 NMRA & NMCA Same Weekend

April 2, 2024 ARP Trish

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Memorial Set for Drag Racing Legend Fred Crow

March 29, 2024 ARP Trish

ANAHEIM, CA (March 29, 2024) —- A celebration of life for drag racing legend Fred Crow will be held Saturday, April 27 at 11 a.m. at Influence Church (8162 E. Kaiser Blvd, Anaheim, Calif., 92808). The event will be an opportunity for friends, family, and racing community supporters to share stories and memories of the joy and love Crow brought to the world both on and off the track.

“Fred was an important contributor to racing for many decades and he will be missed,” said Jon Dunn, of Jim Dunn Racing. “Fred, DeEtte, and I have been partners in Crow for over 25 years. Beyond our working relationship Crow has been a major supporter of our program and racing in general. Crow Safety Gear will continue to flourish as a leader in the safety gear industry. Everyone at Jim Dunn Racing extends our condolences to DeEtte and the Crow family.”

A 2006 NHRA Lifetime Achievement Honoree, Crow was a driving force behind Crow Safety Gear, a family run business specializing in quality racing safety gear. The Crow line of safety gear including junior and adult auto racing suits, gloves, shoes, neck collars, fire retardant underwear and arm restraints. Crow manufactures all their famous racing seat belts in the USA.

Fred Crow in 1965 Winternationals winner’s circle, photo courtesy Crow Safety

On the track Crow won the 1965 NHRA Winternationals and was crew chief on Bob McFarland’s Funny Car that won the Big-4 Championship. Crow was a recognizable and fierce competitor at Lions, Bakersfield, Irwindale, Phoenix, Pomona, and Orange County throughout the 1960s and into the 1970s.

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JOHN FORCE TO TAKE PART IN CELEBRATION OF LIFE FOR FRIEND, SPONSOR AND RACING FAN FRANK TIEGS

March 29, 2024 ARP Trish

The Pacific Northwest entrepreneur passed away in early February at the far too young age of 66 years old.

But the victories were more than just another Wally for the trophy case. For Force, it was a milestone 150^th victory of his Funny Car career, while for Prock, it was his first-ever win in a Top Fuel dragster (he has switched to driving a Funny Car this season in place of Hight, who is sidelined for personal medical reasons).
Tiegs attended that fateful race in August and it’s hard to figure out who had the bigger smile on their face in the winner’s circle: Force and Prock for winning or Tiegs for sponsoring and witnessing the rare double triumph.
“He always made it clear to us, ‘Force, don’t pitch me, don’t sell me, I come here to enjoy the races,’” Force said. “Going to the races really and truly was a getaway for him. He always came with his wife, with his children, his grandchildren and his buddies. That was his time to get away from work, his ‘me’ time, and it was well-deserved, given how hard he worked. He earned that “me” time. And when we were together, I had a lot of fun with him.
“I had so much respect for him, not just because he was a sponsor, but because of the way that he knew how to communicate with me. Austin Coil (Force’s former crew chief who led Force to 15 of his 16 Funny Car championships). was that way, too. Coil could communicate with me and I just grew to have such a love for this guy, it’s unbelievable.
“I’d watch (Tiegs) hug his grandkids or his wife or he’d even hug me sometimes. After he told me to shut up, he’d say, ‘Come here, stupid,’ and then he would give me a hug.’ I was excited to see him when we got to the racetrack.”
Force still can’t believe his good friend is gone.
“Frank passed away far too young,” Force said. “He had so much more to do and life to live. But at the same time, he lived a very full and rewarding life, with a family he loved so much and which he always put ahead of everything else, including work.
“He loved two things growing up: farming and muscle cars. But nothing was more important or more loved by Frank than his love of his family, namely his wife and kids, and all his friends.
“And given the large crowd that is expected to come out to honor him, there also was a lot of love for Frank, as well.
“From everyone at John Force Racing, we all want to say we love you, Frank, and we love your family and your friends. You will be missed but you will not be forgotten, I promise.”

#2024ORCE

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Dominic Scelzi Closes World of Outlaws Texas Swing With Rally at Kennedale Speedway Park

March 27, 2024 ARP Trish

Inside Line Promotions – KENNEDALE, Texas (March 27, 2024) – Dominic Scelzi passed a lot of cars as he faced some adversity the last couple of weeks while racing with the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series in Texas.

Scelzi qualified 14 ^th quickest, placed fifth in a heat race and hustled from 14 ^th to sixth early on during the March 15 feature at Cotton Bowl Speedway in Paige. However, he lost a few positions in the waning laps to end 11^th.

He returned to the bullring the ensuing night and improved by timing in 12 ^th quickest and gaining a position to finish third in a heat race. Scelzi was running just outside the top five during the A Main when he got upside down after contact with the backstretch wall with only a couple of laps remaining. He was credited with a 19^th-place result.

“Cotton Bowl has to be one of the best tracks in the country,” he said. “It was outstanding racing. If both features were a few laps shorter we’d have had nearly a couple of top fives, but it didn’t work out that way. I was bummed with our results, but pleased that we raced well both nights.”

The action shifted to Kennedale Speedway Park last Saturday after Friday’s weekend opener rained out. Scelzi was 15 ^th quickest in his group during qualifying. He picked up a spot in a heat race to place seventh before advancing from sixth to third place in the Last Chance Showdown. Scelzi continued to move forward in the feature as he charged from 23 ^rd to 12 ^th – the second-most positions gained.

“We got ourselves a bit behind to start the night so it was good to show the progress we did,” he said. “It’s almost impossible to run up front or get a top five when you’re starting so far back. To come through the B Main and end up just outside the top 10 in the main event was a good rebound from how the night began.”

Next up will be World of Outlaws races this Friday at Thunderbird Speedway in Muskogee, Okla., during the World of Outlaws Thunderbird Showdown and Saturday at 81 Speedway in Park City, Kan., during the World of Outlaws Wichita Sprint Car Showdown. Scelzi has never competed at Thunderbird Speedway and he placed fourth during his most recent race at 81 Speedway in 2020.

QUICK RESULTS –

March 15 – Cotton Bowl Speedway in Paige, Texas – Qualifying: 14; Heat race: 5 (5); Feature: 11 (14).

March 16 – Cotton Bowl Speedway in Paige, Texas – Qualifying: 12; Heat race: 3 (4); Feature: 19 (9).

March 23 – Kennedale Speedway Park in Kennedale, Texas – Qualifying: 15; Heat race: 7 (8); B Main: 3 (6); Feature: 12 (23).

SEASON STATS –

9 races, 0 wins, 2 top fives, 2 top 10s, 8 top 15s, 9 top 20s

UP NEXT –

Friday at Thunderbird Speedway in Muskogee, Okla., for the World of Outlaws Thunderbird Showdown and Saturday at 81 Speedway in Park City, Kan., for the World of Outlaws Wichita Sprint Car Showdown with the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series

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1 MONTH ALERT: World of Outlaws Spring Into Knoxville, April 26-27

March 27, 2024 ARP Trish

KNOXVILLE, IA (March 27, 2024) – The Sprint Car Captial of the World will welcome The Greatest Show on Dirt for a rare April doubleheader visit this year.The first of three stops at Knoxville Raceway for the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series comes during the Knoxville Spring Showdown, April 26-27.The Series’ biggest stars will compete against Knoxville’s premier local talent for two $12,000-to-win shows. Multi-time track champion Brian Brown scored the first win against the World of Outlaws at Knoxville last year and then 2019 Knoxville Nationals winner David Gravel picked up the win the following night.

The last time the Series visited Knoxville, Kyle Larson was crowned the Knoxville Nationals winner for the second time, David Gravel charged from 22nd to second and 11-time Knoxville Nationals winner Donny Schatz finished third.When the Series returns in April, it’ll be the first time since 2016 that the World of Outlaws have raced at Knoxville in April.

EVENT INFO:
Date – Friday-Saturday, April 26-27
Location – Knoxville, IA
Track Record – 14.351 sec. by Brian Brown on May 22, 2021

Times (CT) –
Hot Laps at 6:45pm
-Racing to followTickets – Available at WorldofOutlaws.com/tix
How to Watch – You can watch every lap live on DIRTVisionLast Race Video Recap (Aug. 12, 2023) –
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfJ66-l-pLY

Previous World of Outlaws Knoxville Winners –
2023 – Brian Brown on June 9, David Gravel on June 10, Kyle Larson on Aug. 12 (Knoxville Nationals)
2022 – Brent Marks on June 10, Brian Brown on June 11, Donny Schatz on Aug. 13 (Knoxville Nationals)
2021 – Carson Macedo on June 11, Carson Macedo on June 12, Kyle Larson on Aug. 14 (Knoxville Nationals)
2020 – David Gravel on May 8, Kyle Larson on June 12, Kyle Larson on June 13, Kyle Larson on Aug. 13, David Gravel on Aug. 14, Kyle Larson on Aug. 15
2019 – Brian Brown on June 14, Brad Sweet on June 15, David Gravel on Aug. 10 (Knoxville Nationals)
2018 – Donny Schatz on June 29, David Gravel on June 30, Greg Hodnett on Aug. 8, Brad Sweet on Aug. 9, Logan Schuchart on Aug. 10, Brad Sweet on Aug. 11 (Knoxville Nationals)
2017 – Brad Sweet on June 9, Donny Schatz on June 10, Donny Schatz on Aug. 12 (Knoxville Nationals)
2016 – Terry McCarl on June 10, Donny Schatz on June 11, Jason Johnson on Aug. 13 (Knoxville Nationals)
2015 – Donny Schatz on June 13, Donny Schatz on Aug. 15 (Knoxville Nationals)
2014 – Brad Sweet on June 14, Donny Schatz on Aug. 9 (Knoxville Nationals)
2013 – Donny Schatz on May 11, Donny Schatz on June 15, Donny Schatz on Aug. 10 (Knoxville Nationals)
2012 – Sammy Swindell on April 28, Kerry Madsen on June 9, Donny Schatz on Aug. 11 (Knoxville Nationals)
2011 – Sammy Swindell on June 11, Donny Schatz on Aug. 13 (Knoxville Nationals)
2010 – Brooke Tatnell on June 3, Jac Haudenschild on June 4
2009 – Donny Schatz on May 2, Terry McCarl on June 27
2008 – Donny Schatz on May 3, Shane Stewart on June 6, Donny Schatz on June 7
2007 – Donny Schatz on April 28, Terry McCarl on June 16
2006 – Joey Saldana on June 23, Donny Schatz on Oct. 7
2005 – Kraig Kinser on June 24, Steve Kinser on April 30
2004 – Craig Dollansky on June 26, Mark Kinser on May 1, Danny Lasoski on Aug. 14 (Knoxville Nationals)
2003 – Danny Lasoski on April 26, Danny Lasoski on July 5, Danny Lasoski on Aug. 16 (Knoxville Nationals)
2002 – Steve Kinser on April 26, Danny Lasoski on June 29, Steve Kinser on Aug. 10 (Knoxville Nationals)
2001 – Danny Lasoski on April 28, Stevie Smith on June 30, Jason Meyers on July 16, Danny Lasoski on Aug. 11 (Knoxville Nationals)
2000 – Danny Lasoski on April 29, Stevie Smith on July 1, Steve Kinser on July 19, Mark Kinser on Aug. 12 (Knoxville Nationals)
1999 – Sammy Swindell on May 1, Danny Lasoski on July 3, Danny Lasoski on July 21, Mark Kinser on Aug. 14 (Knoxville Nationals)
1998 – Jac Haudenschild on May 2, Jac Haudenschild on July 4, Jac Haudenschild on July 22, Danny Lasoski on Aug. 15 (Knoxville Nationals)
1997 – Mark Kinser on April 26, Jac Haudenschild on July 5, Mark Kinser on July 23, Dave Blaney on Aug. 17 (Knoxville Nationals)
1996 – Mark Kinser on April 27, Mark Kinser on June 22, Mark Kinser on July 24, Mark Kinser on Aug. 17 (Knoxville Nationals)
1995 – Mark Kinser on May 6, Mark Kinser on June 24, Steve Kinser on July 19, Steve Kinser on Aug. 19(Knoxville Nationals), Mark Kinser on Sept. 27
1994 – Dave Blaney on April 29, Steve Kinser on June 25, Steve Kinser on July 20, Steve Kinser on Aug. 20 (Knoxville Nationals), Jac Haudenschild on Sept. 23
1993 – Danny Lasoski on April 30, Mark Kinser on June 27, Steve Kinser on Aug. 21 (Knoxville Nationals), Stevie Smith on Sept. 24
1992 – Sammy Swindell on April 26, Steve Kinser on June 20, Steve Kinser on July 22, Steve Kinser on Aug. 15 (Knoxville Nationals), Steve Kinser on Sept. 26
1991 – Steve Kinser on April 27, Doug Wolfgang on June 22, Steve Kinser on July 24, Steve Kinser on Aug. 17 (Knoxville Nationals)
1990 – Doug Wolfgang on April 29, Steve Kinser on June 23, Sammy Swindell on July 25, Bobby Allen on Aug. 18 (Knoxville Nationals)
1989 – Sammy Swindell on April 29, Doug Wolfgang on June 24, Doug Wolfgang on Aug. 19 (Knoxville Nationals)
1988 – Steve Kinser on April 30, Steve Kinser on June 22, Steve Kinser on Aug. 13 (Knoxville Nationals)
1987 – Steve Kinser on April 25, Steve Kinser on June 22, Steve Kinser on Aug. 15 (Knoxville Nationals)
1986 – Sammy Swindell on April 26, Steve Kinser on June 25, Steve Kinser on July 23, Steve Kinser on Aug. 16 (Knoxville Nationals)
1985 – Sammy Swindell on April 28, Doug Wolfgang on Aug. 17 (Knoxville Nationals)
Doug Wolfgang on Oct. 6
1984 – Sammy Swindell on July 25, Doug Wolfgang on Aug. 11 (Knoxville Nationals)
1983 – Sammy Swindell on April 16, Sammy Swindell on July 27, Sammy Swindell on Aug. 13 (Knoxville Nationals), Sammy Swindell on Oct. 16
1982 – Doug Wolfgang on April 17, Danny Smith on July 21, Steve Kinser on Aug. 15 (Knoxville Nationals)
1981 – Steve Kinser on April 18, Doug Wolfgang on May 22, Sammy Swindell on May 23, Sammy Swindell on July 22, Steve Kinser on Aug. 15 (Knoxville Nationals), Doug Wolfgang on Sept. 12
1980 – Steve Kinser on April 19, Steve Kinser on April 20, Doug Wolfgang on May 31, Steve Kinser on Aug. 17 (Knoxville Nationals), Tim Green on Sept. 20
1979 – Sammy Swindell on April 21, Ron Shuman on Aug. 11 (Knoxville Nationals)
1978 – Doug Wolfgang on Aug. 12 (Knoxville Nationals)

Uncategorized

Appeals Commission Upholds Findings and Process in Tire Penalties

March 27, 2024 ARP Trish

Board adjusts impact to penalized drivers, all three eligible to race pending fines

CONCORD, NC (March 27, 2024) – The World Racing Group Appeals Commission, comprised of independent industry personnel, convened on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, to hear separate appeals from Bobby Pierce, Devin Moran and Kyle Bronson regarding penalties issued to them for tires used in competition that did not conform to the Hoosier Racing Tire benchmark in February at Volusia Speedway Park.

The Appeals Commission upheld the findings that after laboratory testing each of the tires in question did not meet the benchmark, affirming at the same time the complete tire testing process and procedures employed by World Racing Group.

However, the Appeals Commission weighed the statements made by the drivers and owners during the hearings on Tuesday and decided to adjust the penalties.

Pierce’s penalty from the Feb. 16, 2024, World of Outlaws Late Model Series event was adjusted to a loss of purse and prize money — $4,000 purse, $3,000 in Gator Championship winnings — and points earned in that race (144). A fine of $2,000 and tire analysis fee of $400 must be paid before competing again in a World Racing Group event.

Moran’s penalty from the Feb. 13, 2024, DIRTcar Racing Late Model Series event was adjusted to loss of purse and prize money — $7,000 purse, $2,000 in Gator Championship winnings. A fine of $1,000 and tire analysis fee of $400 must be paid before competing again in a World Racing Group event.

Bronson’s penalty from the Feb. 13, 2024, DIRTcar Racing Late Model Series event was adjusted to a loss of purse money — $2,000. A fine of $1,000 and tire analysis fee of $400 must be paid before competing again in a World Racing Group event.

All three drivers and crews have been placed on probation for the remainder of the season. Any subsequent violations will result in higher fines, increased points penalties, and suspension.

Pending payment of their fines, all three drivers and teams are eligible to compete in World Racing Group events.

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