Damp, traffic-filled time trials ahead of 10-hour enduro to close the C8.R era BRASELTON, Ga. (October 13, 2023) – Corvette Racing will start second in the GT Daytona (GTD) PRO class after qualifying for Saturday’s 10-hour Petit Le Mans at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta. Antonio Garcia qualified the No. 3 Mobil 1/SiriusXM Chevrolet Corvette C8.R on Friday with a time of 1:24.009 (108.728 mph) in the entry he will share with Jordan Taylor and Tommy Milner. It was the last qualifying run in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship for the C8.R, which will give way to the new Corvette Z06 GT3.R in 2024.

Garcia was sixth-fastest among all GT drivers Friday in a damp but drying 15-minute qualifying session. A persistent light rain eased just before the start of the session with the Corvette going out on rain tires – like the rest of the GTD PRO field. A combined 25 GTD cars were on track at the same time for the qualifying session, making it challenging to find space and a clear track.  Saturday’s weather should be much improved, which could swing a little bit of momentum toward Corvette as Garcia was quickest in class during Thursday afternoon’s dry practice session. There would no better way to end the season and the life of the C8.R by winning Petit Le Mans for the first time since 2010. A victory at 2.54-mile, 12-turn Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta would mean a first victory in Petit Le Mans for both Garcia and Milner, plus give Taylor a victory in his final event with Corvette Racing before returning to prototype competition next year. Corvette Racing also can win the class title in the Michelin Endurance Cup – a four-race championship made up of the WeatherTech Championship’s long-distance rounds: the Rolex 24 At Daytona, Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen and Petit Le Mans. Garcia and Taylor, Chevrolet and the No. 3 C8.R squad sit second in the Drivers, Manufacturers and Teams standings, respectively, with three points to lead. Points are awarded at the four-, eight- and 10-hour marks of Petit Le Mans. The 10-hour Petit Le Mans from Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta is scheduled for 11:40 a.m. ET on Saturday, October 14. The race will air live on USA beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET and with the full race stream beginning at 11:35 a.m. on Peacock inside the United States and IMSA.com outside the U.S. IMSA Radio will air the race at IMSA.com with the race call also on XM 207 and SiriusXM Online 992.

CORVETTE RACING MEDIA INFORMATION Corvette Racing media information is updated and available ahead of IMSA’s Petit Le Mans from Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta. Materials include Corvette Racing event advance and quotes, Corvette Racing stats and figures, Corvette Racing racecar comparisons, Corvette Racing Fast Facts, driver biographies and Corvette Racing photography, among other items.

ANTONIO GARCIA, NO. 3 MOBIL 1/SiriusXM CHEVROLET CORVETTE C8.R: “Not a good session. It was pretty bad not knowing where I was. We went out thinking we would have a shot but right away I saw that the track was very dry. I was out on the track with everyone coming, so I played nice and let everybody by to the point where I launched myself in second gear coming to start/finish instead of accelerating out Turn 12 because I was still kind of moving out of the way. My first lap was a 24.6 but I caught traffic and would have probably been an easy 1:23. It was just a point of where everyone was, trying to play nice and getting out of the way of everyone. By the time I could push again, the grip in the tires was not back to what I had on the very first lap.”

2023 WeatherTech SportsCar Championship – GTD PRO (After 10 of 11 events)Driver Standings1. Ben Barnicoat/Jack Hawksworth – 3,4952. Antonio Garcia/Jordan Taylor – 3,3073. Daniel Juncadella/Jules Gounon – 3,2684. Klaus Bachler/Patrick Pilet – 3,2305. Alex Riberas/Ross Gunn – 3,122 Team Standings1. No. 14 Vasser Sullivan – 3,4952. No. 3 Corvette Racing – 3,3073. No. 79 WeatherTech Racing – 3,2684. No. 9 Pfaff Motorsports – 3,3205. No. 23 Heart of Racing Team – 3,122 Manufacturer Standings1. Lexus – 3,4952. Chevrolet – 3,3073. Mercedes-AMG – 3,2684. Porsche – 3,2305. Aston Martin – 3,133 CORVETTE RACING AT ROAD ATLANTA: By the Numbers• 1: As in one team, one manufacturer and one model of car for 25 years: Corvette Racing, Chevrolet and the Chevrolet Corvette• 3: Tracks where Corvette Racing has competed in each of its 25 years: Sebring International Raceway and WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca and as of this weekend Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta• 4: Generations of Corvette Racing entries at Road Atlanta since 1999 – Corvette C5-R (1999-04) Corvette C6.R (2005-2013), Corvette C7.R (2014-2019) and the new-generation Corvette C8.R (2020-current), which made its Road Atlanta debut at September’s six-hour IMSA race in 2020• 10: Number of Road Atlanta victories for Corvette Racing dating back to 2000 – eight of those at Petit Le Mans• 10: Petit Le Mans wins for Chevrolet – eight in GT and two in Prototype. That ranks third among manufacturers in event history• 14: Manufacturer Championships for Chevrolet and Corvette Racing since 2001• 27: Tracks at which Corvette Racing has won races – Baltimore, Charlotte Motor Speedway, COTA, Canadian Tire Motorsport Park/Mosport, Daytona, Detroit, Houston, Laguna Seca, Le Mans, Lime Rock, Long Beach, Miami, Mid-Ohio, Monza, Portimão, Portland, Road America, Road Atlanta, Sebring, Sonoma, St. Petersburg, Texas, Trois Rivieres, Utah, VIR, Washington DC and Watkins Glen• 34: Number of drivers for Corvette Racing since 1999. Ben Keating and Nico Varrone joined that list with their participation – and victory – in the 1,000 Miles of Sebring for the World Endurance Championship• 127: Victories worldwide for Corvette Racing – 115 in North America, nine at Le Mans and three in the FIA WEC• 282: Event starts by Corvette Racing since 1999• 41,826.42: Number of racing miles completed by Corvette Racing in its 27 previous trips to Road Atlanta. That represents 16,690 laps or more than 653 trips around Atlanta’s Interstate 285• 360,734.30: Total number of racing miles completed by Corvette Racing since its inception. To put that in perspective, Corvette Racing is more than halfway to the distance traveled by Apollo 13 – the longest manned spaceflight in history: 622,268 miles. That means Corvette Racing has raced to the moon and more than halfway back! Corvette Racing at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta1999No. 3 Corvette C5-R: Ron Fellows/Chris Kneifel/John Paul Jr. – 5th in GTSNo. 4 Corvette C5-R: Andy Pilgrim/Kelly Collins/Scott Sharp – 4th in GTS  2000No. 3 Corvette C5-R: Ron Fellows/Chris Kneifel/Justin Bell – 3rd in GTS (Fellows pole)No. 4 Corvette C5-R: Andy Pilgrim/Kelly Collins/Franck Freon – 1st in GTS 2001No. 3 Corvette C5-R: Ron Fellows/Johnny O’Connell/Scott Pruett – 9th in GTSNo. 4 Corvette C5-R: Andy Pilgrim/Kelly Collins/Franck Freon – 1st in GTS (Pilgrim pole) 2002No. 3 Corvette C5-R: Ron Fellows/Johnny O’Connell/Oliver Gavin – 1st in GTSNo. 4 Corvette C5-R: Andy Pilgrim/Kelly Collins/Franck Freon – 3rd in GTS (Pilgrim fastest race lap) 2003*No. 3 Corvette C5-R: Ron Fellows/Johnny O’Connell – 3rd in GTSNo. 4 Corvette C5-R: Oliver Gavin/Kelly Collins – 1st in GTS 2003No. 3 Corvette C5-R: Ron Fellows/Johnny O’Connell/Franck Freon – 5th in GTSNo. 4 Corvette C5-R: Oliver Gavin/Kelly Collins/Andy Pilgrim – 3rd in GTS 2004No. 3 Corvette C5-R: Ron Fellows/Johnny O’Connell/Max Papis – 2nd in GTSNo. 4 Corvette C5-R: Olivier Beretta/Oliver Gavin/Jan Magnussen – 1st in GTS (Gavin pole, fastest race lap) 2005*No. 3 Corvette C6.R: Ron Fellows/Johnny O’Connell – 1st in GT1 (O’Connell pole, fastest race lap)No. 4 Corvette C6.R: Olivier Beretta/Oliver Gavin – 2nd in GT1 2005No. 3 Corvette C6.R: Ron Fellows/Johnny O’Connell/Max Papis – 6th in GT1No. 4 Corvette C6.R: Olivier Beretta/Oliver Gavin/Jan Magnussen – 1st in GT1 (Beretta pole, Gavin fastest race lap) 2006No. 3 Corvette C6.R: Ron Fellows/Johnny O’Connell/Max Papis – 4th in GT1 (O’Connell pole)No. 4 Corvette C6.R: Olivier Beretta/Oliver Gavin/Jan Magnussen – 3rd in GT1 (Gavin fastest race lap) 2007No. 3 Corvette C6.R: Ron Fellows/Johnny O’Connell/Jan Magnussen – 3rd in GT1No. 4 Corvette C6.R: Olivier Beretta/Oliver Gavin/Max Papis – 1st in GT1 (Gavin fastest race lap) 2008No. 3 Corvette C6.R: Ron Fellows/Johnny O’Connell/Jan Magnussen – 1st in GT1 (O’Connell pole, Magnussen fastest race lap)No. 4 Corvette C6.R: Olivier Beretta/Oliver Gavin/Max Papis – 2nd in GT1 2009No. 3 Corvette C6.R: Jan Magnussen/Johnny O’Connell/Antonio Garcia – 6th in GT2No. 4 Corvette C6.R: Olivier Beretta/Oliver Gavin/Marcel Fässler – 4th in GT2 2010No. 3 Corvette C6.R: Olivier Beretta/Johnny O’Connell/Antonio Garcia – 6th in GTNo. 4 Corvette C6.R: Oliver Gavin/Jan Magnussen/Emmanuel Collard – 1st in GT (Magnussen fastest race lap) 2011No. 3 Corvette C6.R: Olivier Beretta/Tommy Milner/Antonio Garcia – 17th in GTNo. 4 Corvette C6.R: Oliver Gavin/Jan Magnussen/Richard Westbrook – 4th in GT 2012No. 3 Corvette C6.R: Jan Magnussen/Antonio Garcia/Jordan Taylor – 2nd in GTNo. 4 Corvette C6.R: Oliver Gavin/Tommy Milner/Richard Westbrook – 12th in GT 2013No. 3 Corvette C6.R: Jan Magnussen/Antonio Garcia/Jordan Taylor – 6th in GT (Garcia/Magnussen ALMS GT title)No. 4 Corvette C6.R: Oliver Gavin/Tommy Milner/Richard Westbrook – 10th in GT 2014No. 3 Corvette C7.R: Jan Magnussen/Antonio Garcia/Ryan Briscoe – 8th in GTLMNo. 4 Corvette C7.R: Oliver Gavin/Tommy Milner/Ryan Briscoe – 4th in GTLM 2015No. 3 Corvette C7.R: Jan Magnussen/Antonio Garcia/Ryan Briscoe – 6th in GTLMNo. 4 Corvette C7.R: Oliver Gavin/Tommy Milner/Ryan Briscoe – 3rd in GTLM 2016No. 3 Corvette C7.R: Jan Magnussen/Antonio Garcia/Mike Rockenfeller – 4th in GTLMNo. 4 Corvette C7.R: Oliver Gavin/Tommy Milner/Marcel Fässler – 3rd in GTLM (Gavin/Milner clinch GTLM title) 2017No. 3 Corvette C7.R: Jan Magnussen/Antonio Garcia/Mike Rockenfeller – 2nd in GTLM (Garcia/Magnussen clinch GTLM title)No. 4 Corvette C7.R: Oliver Gavin/Tommy Milner/Marcel Fässler – 4th in GTLM 2018No. 3 Corvette C7.R: Jan Magnussen/Antonio Garcia/Marcel Fässler – 8th in GTLM (Garcia/Magnussen clinch GTLM title)No. 4 Corvette C7.R: Oliver Gavin/Tommy Milner/Marcel Fässler – 2nd in GTLM 2019No. 3 Corvette C7.R: Jan Magnussen/Antonio Garcia/Mike Rockenfeller – 4th in GTLMNo. 4 Corvette C7.R: Oliver Gavin/Tommy Milner/Marcel Fässler – 7th in GTLM 2020**No. 3 Corvette C8.R: Antonio Garcia/Jordan Taylor – 5th in GTLMNo. 4 Corvette C8.R: Oliver Gavin/Tommy Milner – 2nd in GTLM 2020No. 3 Corvette C8.R: Antonio Garcia/Jordan Taylor/Nicky Catsburg – 2nd in GTLMNo. 4 Corvette C8.R: Oliver Gavin/Tommy Milner/Marcel Fässler – 4th in GTLM 2021No. 3 Corvette C8.R: Antonio Garcia/Jordan Taylor/Nicky Catsburg – 6th in GTLMNo. 4 Corvette C8.R: Tommy Milner/Nick Tandy/Alexander Sims – 4th in GTLM (Sims fastest race lap) 2022No. 3 Corvette C8.R: Antonio Garcia/Jordan Taylor/Nicky Catsburg – 5th in GTD PRO * Two-hour, 45 minute races** Six-hour race

SENOIA, GA – OCTOBER 13, 2023 – With more than three inches of rain in the Atlanta area this week, and more expected today, World of Outlaws CASE Construction Equipment Late Model, Senoia Raceway, and Rome Speedway officials decided in the best interest of fans and competitors to cancel this weekend’s Billy Clanton Classic and World of Outlaws ARP Southeast Showdown.

The decision comes after working closely with Meteorologist Wayne Mahar from Precision Weather Service and monitoring the local weather for the past 24 hours.

The events will not be made up, as there is not a viable date remaining in 2023.

The Most Powerful Late Models on the Planet will continue its high-octane show on Nov. 1-4 at The Dirt Track at Charlotte for the World of Outlaws World Finals. 

Bobby Pierce enters the final three Features of the 2023 season with a 156-point lead over Chris Madden, as he aims for this first Series championship. The battle between fourth-ninth in the standings will also be one to watch, as six drivers are separated by 42 points. 

Don’t miss the excited conclusion to the 2023 season along with the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars, and Super DIRTcar Series Big Block Modifieds. FOR TICKETS, CLICK HERE.

For the latest on the World of Outlaws CASE Late Models, make sure to follow on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, and at www.WorldofOutlaws.com

TULSA, OK (Oct. 12, 2023) – Flat tires. Mechanical failure. Late-race passes. Ryan Timms has been through it all this year with the Xtreme Outlaw Midget Series presented by Toyota.

But those struggles are all behind him now. He’ll simply be known as a Feature winner.

Timms, the 17-year-old rising open-wheel star from Oklahoma City, OK, had led a total of 72 Feature laps and finished runner-up twice coming into Thursday’s events at Port City Raceway, but still hungered for that elusive first career Series win.

For 55 laps around the 1/8-mile oval, Timms plowed his way through heavy lapped traffic, denied slide-jobs and even made some contact with his opponents, but was able to pull through and take the checkered flag in the fourth running of the Donnie Ray Crawford Sooner State 55, co-sanctioned by the POWRi National/West Midget Leagues.

“It’s a race of mine that I really wanted to win growing up here,” Timms said.

At the drop of the green, Timms grabbed the lead from polesitter Trey Marcham on Lap 2 and proceeded to build a five-second advantage in traffic before the race’s second caution period on Lap 34. On the ensuing restart, fifth-starting Daison Pursley entered the frame with a slide-job on Marcham to take second, and soon came after Timms with urgency.

In less than 10 laps, Pursley – of Locust Grove, OK – had reeled-in Timms, and was about to catch a slide-job attempt for the lead before they crossed the stripe to complete Lap 49.

“My line started to go away, and Daison found the bottom in Turns 1-2,” Timms said. “I think he was following the top all the way around in 3-4, and I was sliding myself up to it. Whatever he was doing, he was faster.”

Timms crossed back underneath Pursley to deny his pass attempt and continued on. But Pursley was not done.

Coming back to green with four laps remaining, Pursley followed Timms on the bottom through Turns 1-2 and saw an opening entering Turn 3. He slid the AME Electrical #19A underneath Timms’ JBL Audio #67 with speed in Turn 3 and the two made contact in Turn 4, sending them both washing-up the track on corner exit.

“[Timms] was letting it float up pretty high down the back-straightaway in the slick, and I thought I had a good enough run to get him completely cleared,” Pursley said. “I thought I was definitely clear, and I guess [that was] what he was not happy about. We just went down in there and made contact.

“It’s just part of it. I’m not here to run second.”

It didn’t take long for Timms to return the contact. He crossed the start/finish line and drove back into Turn 1 with a full head of steam, tagging Pursley on the bumper and sending him around to bring out the yellow flag once again.

After the checkered, Timms revealed that his frustrations with Pursley stemmed from prior run-ins earlier in the season.

“[Pursley] tried to slide me in Turns 3-4 and completely doored me,” Timms said. “Typically, I kinda understand. It’s close racing. One time, whatever. I’ll get over it. But he drove through me at Gas City, drove through me at Eldora, and we’d never had any issues up until those two races.

“After he drove through me again, I was fed up with it. If you don’t do something about it, then he’s going to keep doing it.”

Pursley restarted from the tail of the lead lap cars and was able to climb back to finish sixth, despite his own frustrations with Timms.

“I guess he wasn’t too happy about my move in 3-4,” Pursley said. “If that’s how he’s wanting to retaliate in 1-2, I’ll take it with my chin up and move on to I-44.”

The final restart of the race was smooth sailing for Timms as he led the final three circuits and crossed the line to collect the $5,555 grand prize.

Directly behind him came defending Series champion Zach Daum, who advanced from 13th on the starting grid to finish second. The 32-year-old veteran from Pocahontas, IL, showed his prowess on the tiny bullring, backing up his Sooner State 55 victory from last year by sticking to his preferred line on the bottom throughout the 55-lap main event.

“Experience in racing here, especially in long races, typically the top gets so far around that it’s really hard to run,” Daum said. “Normally, the bottom is so good here that it comes back.”

With the runner-up effort, Daum collected his 13th podium finish of the season and chopped his points deficit nearly in half – gaining 29 points in the standings, vaulting him into third place where he now sits only 38 points out of the lead with two races remaining.

“We’ll try to keep giving ourselves a shot – that’s all I can ask for,” Daum said. “We beat everybody that we’re trying to race for in points.”

Fourteen-year-old Midget rookie Gunnar Setser, of Columbus, IN, crossed the stripe in third to collect his first career national Midget series podium. POWRi regular Karter Sarff advanced from his 14th-place starting spot to finish fourth, while Tanner Thorson Racing entrant Ace McCarthy rounded out the top five.

UP NEXT

The Xtreme Outlaw Midget Series meets POWRi again Friday, Oct. 13, at I-44 Riverside Speedway in Oklahoma City, OK, in the kickoff to the 19th annual Charlene Meents Memorial. Tickets will be on sale at the gate; streaming is available on DIRTVision.

ABBREVIATED RESULTS (view full results)

Toyota Racing Feature (55 Laps): 1. 67-Ryan Timms[2]; 2. 7U-Zach Daum[13]; 3. 43-Gunnar Setser[3]; 4. 21K-Karter Sarff[14]; 5. 28-Ace McCarthy[12]; 6. 19A-Daison Pursley[5]; 7. 40-Chase McDermand[6]; 8. 97-Gavin Miller[15]; 9. 32-Trey Marcham[1]; 10. 71-Jade Avedisian[7]; 11. 08-Cannon McIntosh[4]; 12. 25K-Taylor Reimer[8]; 13. 26R-Corbin Rueschenberg[11]; 14. 97K-Cooper Williams[18]; 15. 5U-Peter Smith[22]; 16. 19AZ-Hayden Reinbold[17]; 17. 14-Jonathan Beason[9]; 18. 7M-Kyle Jones[19]; 19. 19M-Ethan Mitchell[16]; 20. 19K-Riley Kreisel[10]; 21. 19-Landen Adams[20]; 22. 51B-Joe B Miller[21]

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (Oct. 12, 2023) – Kyle Larson made his much anticipated on-track debut behind the wheel of the No. 17 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet this afternoon at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, turning his first-ever laps behind the wheel of a NTT INDYCAR SERIES car as part of the Rookie Orientation Program. The mandated test marks a big preliminary milestone in Larson’s quest to complete the “Hendrick 1100” – the Team Chevy driver’s attempt to compete in the 2024 Indianapolis 500 and the NASCAR Cup Series Coca-Cola 600. The 2021 NASCAR Cup Series Champion turned in a fastest lap of 217.898 mph.  The test also marked Rick Hendrick’s on-track debut as a team owner in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, who partnered with Arrow McLaren to field the No. 17 Chevrolet INDYCAR entry. The NASCAR Hall of Famer is no stranger to success on the famed 2.5-mile oval with Hendrick Motorsports holding the title as the winningest NASCAR Cup Series organization at Indianapolis Motor Speedway with 10 victories in the Brickyard 400.

Larson is looking to become just the fifth driver in history to accomplish the Memorial Day weekend “double” – a feat last accomplished by the former NASCAR Cup Series Champion Kurt Busch in 2014. Other drivers that complete the elite list include John Andretti, Tony Stewart and Robby Gordon.  Competing in both crown jewel events is a feat only Chevrolet can complete, being the only manufacturer to compete in both the NASCAR Cup Series and the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. To-date, Chevrolet has earned 849 all-time victories, 33 driver’s championships and 41 manufacturer’s championships in NASCAR’s top series – all of which are series-leading records. Just one month ago, Chevrolet earned its eighth NTT INDYCAR SERIES manufacturer’s championship since returning to the series in 2012. The manufacturer has also amassed 111 all-time wins, including five Indianapolis 500 triumphs, and seven driver’s championships in the series.  Following completion of the Rookie Orientation Program, Kyle Larson (Driver of the No. 17 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet), Rick Hendrick (Owner of Hendrick Motorsports), Jeff Gordon (Vice Chairman of Hendrick Motorsports) and Tony Kanaan (Sporting Director for Arrow McLaren) were made available to the media. Press Conference Transcript:

THE MODERATOR: Wrapping up day two of the INDYCAR Indianapolis Motor Speedway rookie orientation program. Currently joined by two men who are no strangers to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. 10-time winner as an owner, Brickyard weekend at the track, the owner of Hendrick Motorsports, Rick Hendrick is here with us. And the man who has five of those 10 wins, now the vice chairman of Hendrick Motorsports, Jeff Gordon. Rick, we’ll begin with you. It’s great that you were here to witness this firsthand, but to see Kyle out there finishing rookie orientation, what were your thoughts watching it today?RICK HENDRICK: I guess today it was kind of a dream and something we were going to do. Today, you just kind of officially pull the trigger for the rookie test.Seeing the Arrow McLaren guys working, the team, the preparation, everything has been very impressive. It’s really cool to be here. I really want to thank Roger for the name on the pylon out there. I thought that was quite an honor. I was surprised to see that. He told me today the track was mine (smiling). But anyway, no, this is like home for Jeff. This track’s got so much history. Never think we’d do this. But to be here today and watch it unfold is pretty special. THE MODERATOR: That was all RP. Pretty cool.Jeff, Kyle has been looking forward to getting in a car, really get going in this program. I’m sure you’re a little jealous looking back at your career, your feelings about the Indy 500. To see this first step, how important and successful was it?JEFF GORDON: Yeah, hard not to really get excited for this opportunity for Kyle. Somewhere deep inside wish I had gotten an opportunity. But I’m absolutely having a blast watching Kyle go through this process, seeing Rick here in Indianapolis, a part of an INDYCAR going around, being an owner and sponsor in this event. It will be his first time witnessing this event at the same time. I’m so excited to see it through that lens. As Rick mentioned, there’s been a lot of discussions, a lot of planning, and today we’re really seeing it unfold in reality. Couldn’t be more thankful of INDYCAR, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, certainly Roger. What an amazing facility this is that he has. To go out there and see what Arrow McLaren did, as well, to just get Kyle up to speed and through the test was great. On the other hand, Kyle, watching him in his craft, his element. I could tell he was a little bit nervous. My palms were sweating before he got out on track, as well. Immediately you just see it click when he made those first few laps and went into Kyle Larson mode of how do I get up to speed, go fast. He doesn’t want to just come here and compete, he wants to come here and compete competitively. THE MODERATOR: 10 for 10 on the first laps. Went right out and knocked it out. Pretty impressive. 72 total laps for Kyle today. 217.898 miles an hour his fastest. We’ll open it up for questions. Q. You guys are in the business of getting race fans goose bumps. In a lot of ways was it a goosebump for both of you when you saw the car coming down the stretch at speed for the first time today?RICK HENDRICK: Yes, it didn’t really hit me till I saw him. We had the car here when we had the unveiling. But when you hear it and see it come by and he’s in it, it was goose bumps. It was goose bumps, it was pride. Happy for him because it’s on the bucket list for him. Probably Jeff and I, too. But, no, to hear it, see it, watch the speed when it came by, that brought it all to life. JEFF GORDON: Yeah, I mean, again, for me, I come to this place, it’s just so special to be here. I go back as a kid, the first time I came here. My memories of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, my heroes, seeing my first Indy 500 live, going to the museum. It seems so surreal here we are having Kyle Larson and Rick and Hendrick Motorsports be a part of this effort. I mean, I think next May is going to be just an experience I’ll never forget. It definitely was different walking in here today. It’s one thing to be a competitor on your own, it’s another thing to be supporting an effort, a team like Arrow McLaren, just seeing how well they prepared for today, how smooth it went. Q. You guys have a NASCAR Cup Series championship to contend for this week at Las Vegas. To be able to come here on Thursday before heading to Las Vegas, how difficult is that from the goal at hand to win the NASCAR Cup Series championship and how much does it emphasize how important this program is going to be?JEFF GORDON: Getting Mr. Hendrick here, his schedule, to work around, he’s a busy guy, I think it shows how much he cares about this experience, supporting Kyle. For Kyle, that guy is off racing all the time. He’s all over the place. The team is well-prepared. He and Cliff have been prepping and planning for this weekend. They’re very well-prepared for this next round. Feel very good about this next round. The last round, that was the nerve-wracking one. We saw it all the way down to the final lap at the Roval. From our standpoint, we’re fortunate to have enough people and depth at our organization to be able to prepare for what’s ahead and really make sure that’s the priority and the focus for the company, to go win a championship this year, get through this next Playoff round and go to Phoenix, but also be up here and be able to enjoy a day like today. RICK HENDRICK: To tell you how important it is, our president of Hendrick Motorsports is standing back there, Jeff Andrews. When I asked him on the box if we’re going to win Vegas, he said, Yeah. Then Gary Davis, our COO from the automobile side here, sponsorship. This is a big deal for us and the company, everyone involved. We want to do it right. We don’t want to come up here and stub our toe. We know how hard it is. Thank goodness we are teamed with someone like Arrow McLaren, watching the professionalism out there, just the tools and techniques they use. This is very, very important to us, no different than Garage 56. When we said we were going to do it, we spent a year, whatever it took, to do it. Although we don’t have as much to do in this situation as we did in that one, but still we want to look the part, be the part, and put our best efforts into it. Q. Jeff, you were talking about having sweaty palms being nervous for Kyle. How are those feelings and nerves in your role now different from nerves or excitement that you would have had as a driver in Kyle’s shoes if you were doing something like this new?JEFF GORDON: I think some of my nervousness was in conversations with him, putting myself in the driver’s seat of what would I be going through right now when this is the very first time he’s ever been an INDYCAR, he’s going to go out there and go 220 miles per hour, only being here in a stock before that and a simulator. I think, Rick kind of alluded to this, but making sure we’re doing it right. We’re partnering with a great team to be sure this goes smooth and we’re aligned in a way that we can make it successful, as well. We know what Kyle’s capabilities are. We’ve seen him drive everything and anything, succeed at it. But this is different. We’re going to recognize that. He’s going to get a limited number of laps and experience before they’re ready to start qualifying and get him prepared to compete in this race. It’s exciting on one hand and nervousness on the other. But I’m certainly going to live vicariously through Kyle a bit, through this experience, and just see how excited he is about it. He clearly is. Q. Looking ahead to the coming months, quite a while before May, does this mark an end for a heightened focus on this, you ramp back up in the spring? Take me through if you know yet the next couple steps of this process.JEFF GORDON: Yeah, I don’t even believe we’ve gotten to the point of logistics of what’s going to happen next May, right? We’re taking it one step at a time, getting Kyle fitted in a car.We came up and visited with Arrow McLaren guys, had lunch with them, just walked around their shop, just talked about the opportunity and the ways we can support it.It’s a nice collaboration that we’re going to learn from one another from what they do in INDYCAR, what we do in NASCAR.This was certainly an important step. We mainly were praying for good weather. We got that, perfect weather, as a matter of fact. I haven’t even had a chance to download with Kyle of getting him in that car.It’s nice to see that first run, him clip off those laps, getting through phase one as quickly as he did. I think we’re on our way here to a smooth day. THE MODERATOR: Joining us this afternoon, 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion, this coming May will drive the No. 17 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet for Arrow McLaren, Kyle Larson. To the far right, the newly named sporting director for Arrow McLaren, the 2013 winner of the Indy 500, Tony Kanaan.Kyle, a big day today. How do you sum it up? KYLE LARSON: It was fun. I guess mostly what I anticipated in a way, the speed and the grip didn’t feel thankfully scarier than what I thought it might. But just like how much the car wants to pull left, you have to fight it back to the right on the straightaways. All that was something I didn’t expect. The way the wheel was lighter, a lot lighter than the simulator, but still a little heavier than what I expected. Other than that, I thought it went really smooth. I think more of the pit road side of things is where I’ll have to work more on. Just the steering is so slow, you have to turn so far getting in and out. If you’re coming in around someone, leaving out around someone. Getting used to the steering at the slower speeds will be something to get used to. Then maximizing the apron, braking for pit road, stuff like that, is stuff I’ll have to really focus on and work on, maximizing potential. Overall it was a great day. Felt like everybody at McLaren did a really good job prepping me to make things easier to get up to speed. Thanks to everybody there. Yeah, glad to be through today and look forward to the open test in April. THE MODERATOR: Tony, you’ve been with Kyle almost every step of the way during this journey so far. How did he do?TONY KANAAN: I mean, it makes my life easier when you have a superstar, so it makes me look good. I woke up this morning, I was actually nervous. I didn’t know why. There’s no reason for me to be.Yeah, awesome day. I think the good thing is Kyle and I were teammates back in the day. We won the 24 Hours of Daytona together, so we knew each other. We fit in each other’s seat. It was seamless. I think we did what we were supposed to do today. It was a lot of information that I was trying to filter and tell people to stop talking to him about. He doesn’t have to worry about that.Yeah, come back here in April and get on. JEFF GORDON: Tony, you’re the first guy I ever met that can fit in Kyle’s seat. That’s the most impressive thing you’ve said so far (laughter). THE MODERATOR: We’ll continue with questions. Q. Kyle, you mentioned you feel like you’re working on things on pit lane. Towards the end of your last session when you stalled it, what happened there?KYLE LARSON: Yeah, I didn’t know what was going on. I didn’t think I was doing anything different leaving. I think when I hit the first gear shifting on the way by, because the pit road speed limit, pit road whatever deal, is on the back of the wheel. I think I hit that also and turned that off, so then it was doing some anti-stall things. It wouldn’t let me go. TONY KANAAN: He did not stall, by the way. KYLE LARSON: It just wouldn’t go (smiling). No, so I think those are, like, little things maybe to adjust on the wheel, as well. I’m glad that I did that today because we’ll probably move that button to the front of the wheel so I don’t make that mistake again. Yeah, I think other than that, it went smooth. Q. Especially through phase two, you went 15 for 15 on hitting the laps, five miles an hour range you were supposed to be in. Phase one was a little bit up and down. What was the difference in your comfort going through phase one through phase two?KYLE LARSON: When you’re running more throttle, it’s easier to kind of hit your target. So the slower the speed, it was just kind of hard for me to, like, figure out my timing. I would roll out on the straightaway, then I’d run wide open through one or two. I’d look at my dash. Okay, I think I’m okay for three and four, run some draw. I come off of four, I’m too fast, have to slow down a lot. Vice versa, I’m having to play catch-up on other laps, barely getting by. Once you went faster, you’re running more throttle, it’s easier to stay within that window. Q. Rick, once upon a time, a lot of Hendrick Motorsports drivers raced outside of the Cup Series. You’ve had a change of philosophy. Your thoughts behind that, how to keep somebody like Kyle sharp running extra races outside of a Cup car?RICK HENDRICK: We always did not want them in anything other than a Cup car or Xfinity car. When I first started talking to Kyle, he convinced me that it made him sharper. One of the shows I watched, they had a clip on Kyle Larson crashes. I called him. He said, You weren’t supposed to see that. No, I think it does make our guys — it helps them. William has followed in his steps, run other cars. Chase, too. Alex got hurt this year, a pretty bad example. Alex gets hurt in a car, he’s done racing those cars. Then Chase gets hurt on a snowboard. They’ve got to have a life. Jeff and I have talked about it. I think it does make him sharper to get in other things and drive ’em. I know one thing, he would be hard to handle if he wasn’t in those kind of cars. I’d have more problems with him, I think (smiling). KYLE LARSON: Yeah, I might be skiing or snowboarding more often (smiling). Q. Kyle, you mentioned in May about how much this meant to your dad. Have you talked to him last night or this morning about this test?KYLE LARSON: I mean, they were here this week. I was surprised when they weren’t sticking around for today. They had to get home to California. Yeah, I was surprised that they go to so many of my things. Knowing how big this was, I thought they would… They had to get home because their dog, my aunt was watching the dog, and she’s going to Hawaii. They had to go back to get the dog. If not for that, they would have been here. No, I’m sure I’ll get to talk to them. I don’t know if I’ll get to see them this week in Vegas. I’ll call them and talk to them on the phone. It’s going to be exciting next year when April or May comes around because it’s going to be real then, race time, getting ready for the race then. Yeah, this is such a huge race to myself and my family and so many people that I’m glad I get to do it. Q. Rick and Jeff, once y’all conduct the postmortem of this next year, next June, July, whenever it is, if everything goes well from a commercial standpoint, competition standpoint, could we see Hendrick expand their involvement in INDYCAR or even just outside of NASCAR overall?RICK HENDRICK: I’ve learned not to commit, not commit, say I’m not going to do anything. I made a statement I wouldn’t run Indy, and 30 days later I had to back it up and say I am going to do that. I think as opportunities present themselves, we kind of look at ’em, Jeff and I talk about ’em a lot, with all of our other teammates back at Motorsports. We like to race. We enjoy the IMSA racing. We enjoyed Garage 56. I wish we had more places to run that car. Our main goal is to win championships in NASCAR. But I’ve learned never say never because he’s got a lot more gas in his tank than I do in mine (smiling). But we’re always looking at options. Q. Kyle, what is the best piece of advice you’ve been given about racing in the Indy 500 and who gave you that advice?KYLE LARSON: A lot of people have said the same thing, like trusting your instinct. If something doesn’t feel right, at least during practice and testing, the couple weeks leading in, you’ve got plenty of time. If something doesn’t feel right, just pit. I think me even just feeling the car today, like, it feels so stuck, I can tell where your confidence could get too high, then you’re back into the wall the next corner. So I think if you feel something, just pit. Tony told me that. Danica was texting me last night, same thing. Kurt, Jimmie. They’ve all said the same thing. I’ve got a lot of people I can talk to. I’m sure I’m going to be able to soak in more and more information now that I got to drive the car once. Q. Jeff, you alluded at the beginning of the press conference being the kid from Indiana that grew up just outside the racetrack, dreaming of coming to this venue. Having your hands so deep in this program, talk about what it means to you personally to see this program finally hit the track now.JEFF GORDON: Yeah, I think for me, my dreams came true in the inaugural Brickyard 400, racing here in a stockcar. Of course, I wanted to race here in an INDYCAR early on, but the opportunity just was really never there. When Kyle came onboard, he made it clear that this is something he’d like to do, and he’d like to do it before he feels like he’s outside of his prime, I guess, is the best way to put it. I got excited about that. I didn’t know how Mr. Hendrick was going to feel about that. I think between Kyle, myself, just the history of this place, it eventually kind of came together. Yeah, this is definitely going to be living out a dream of mine through this experience. I’m equally excited to be a part of it in the capacity that I am, see it and hear about it through Kyle’s eyes and experience. We want to come here and make a mark. We also know this is one of the most competitive forms of motorsports and racing in the world, and it’s not going to be easy. Q. Every time NASCAR comes here, we always hear the drivers talk about the appreciation they have with this track. Now that you’ve taken that first step, do you find yourself having a new appreciation for this venue?KYLE LARSON: Yeah, I don’t know. I don’t really know if my views of this place have changed. I really love this facility. I think every time I come in, I realize more and more this is the most beautiful racing facility that we get the honor to go to. I think Mr. Penske has done a great job with it since he’s taken over. Yeah, I mean, obviously getting to turn laps around here in an INDYCAR, getting to, like, feel what that feels like, it makes it even more special. I’ve gotten the chance to race here on the dirt track, I ran the road course, the oval. We get to thankfully come back on the oval in the Cup car. This place is just awesome. Golf course is amazing, too. Love playing golf here. It doesn’t get much better than this place. Q. Kyle, you talk about your appreciation for this place. How special was it for you when you actually hit the track in an INDYCAR doing those laps?KYLE LARSON: Yeah, it was really cool. I don’t know. I wanted to get up to speed. I didn’t want to take too long to get up to the 205 mark. I didn’t want to get made fun of, Why did it take you so long? I did put pressure on myself to get your confidence built up here pretty quickly. Thankfully, after three or four laps, I was able to judge off the tach, we were in there. The ROP was nice because I was not ready to go flat for a while. Building up to that speed and pace and confidence was nice to do in ROP. Yeah, just going to feel what an INDYCAR feels like, be low to the ground, feel the acceleration through the gears was pretty crazy. All of that was eye-opening and an experience that I know for sure I’ll never forget. I look forward to kind of getting around cars, feeling how the dirty air affects things. Q. Jeff and Kyle, what impresses you about the ability to get in anything and go quickly? Jeff talks about Kyle Larson mode. Where does that come from and how does it develop?JEFF GORDON: I followed Kyle’s career from when he was first getting into Sprint cars. The first time you watch him behind the wheel of a race car, it’s hard not to be impressed with the talent and his abilities. I only got to race against him a couple years in the Cup Series. But having him now at Hendrick, now I see how serious he takes it. You heard here he’s a humble guy as well. Those two things, talent and confidence and humble, usually don’t come in one package. I’ve just gained a great appreciation for him. We’re certainly fortunate to have him at Hendrick as one of our drivers. Arrow McLaren and this whole team is going to feel the same way about having him in an INDYCAR. KYLE LARSON: I don’t know what Kyle Larson mode is (smiling). I feel like Kyle Larson mode is lot of overdriving and a lot of mistakes (smiling). I don’t know. I’m just fortunate I get to drive really good race cars in all forms of racing that I compete in with great crew chiefs, car owners. Rick Hendrick, his equipment is as good as it gets. Cliff Daniels, in my opinion, is the best crew chief in the Cup Series. Sprint car stuff. Paul Silva is the best team owner, greatest crew chief in sprint car racing. Dirt models I run for Kevin Rumley, top of his game, considered the best, if not the best. Yeah, I’m just very lucky that I get to be driving these cars. Obviously it takes a lot of hard work on my part, all that, to get to that point. But still, I’m very fortunate to be in the position that I am in all different types of racing. Q. Kyle, I’m going to assume that’s the fastest you’ve ever been in a race car. I just wanted to confirm that. Also, was there any difference in the sensation of speed in this car versus other cars you’ve driven?KYLE LARSON: Yeah, I remember testing in Michigan maybe in an ARCA car like right after they repaved it. That was back when ARCA had the big horsepower. I think we went 220 something into turn one at Michigan. I think we were about that in INDYCAR. I would say both, because you’re running by yourself. Like, both times it didn’t feel like… 220 on paper is like crazy fast. Obviously it is. But when you’re out there by yourself, this track is so smooth, it doesn’t feel like you’re going 220, or it doesn’t feel any different than going 195 at Daytona or something. I did look at the wall one time thinking, like, man, that would really hurt if I hit it (smiling). So things are obviously happening quickly. Yeah, I think when you get around cars, you get passing… These INDYCARs make some big runs because the tow is so big. I think when people are blowing by you so fast on a straightaway or you’re doing the same with the tow that you get, I think that’s when the sensation is – Tony can probably speak on it – but I think the sensation is more when you’re around other cars. And probably too when you go into qualifying trim, that’s when it’s going to be crazy. I think going another 20 miles an hour faster… 220 to 240-plus is a big difference in sensation. I’ll get to experience that next year. TONY KANAAN: It feels fast when you see the wall coming and it’s not going to stop, so… That’s how you know how fast you’re going. It’s a unique place. It’s definitely, like Kyle said, you put 33 cars around, 20 laps to go, I think the sensation of speed and dynamic of the race changes. That’s something you will experience, as well. Q. Tony, what’s your evaluation of Kyle Larson, the INDYCAR driver? Second of all, you fit in his seat. Does that mean when it rains at lap 80, you’re the relief driver?TONY KANAAN: I don’t think Kyle Larson needs an evaluation as an INDYCAR driver. He’s a complete driver. Out of his generation, it’s the best I’ve seen. I’ve tasted a little bit what these guys do, like he does, trying different cars. I know how much I struggle, and he wins and everything. He’s just one of the best race car drivers in the world right now. I’m very fortunate to actually get the chance to work with him. If I can contribute… When we win this one, I’ll still get a ring, and I can say I have two 500s instead of one. The other question, if it rains at lap 80, Mr. Hendrick either let me drive the car or not. My helmet and suit will be in the truck (smiling). Hopefully it won’t happen and Kyle will get to enjoy the whole thing. I’ve had pretty good runs here. I love this place. Although nobody believes me, I’m good with my decision this year, so… Q. Kyle, we’ve heard so much about the development of the Gen 7 Cup car, the similarities to an INDYCAR. Did you notice any similarities?KYLE LARSON: I don’t know. It’s hard to say. I mean, you’re processing a lot while you’re out there. You’re by yourself. I think there was times when I got a lot of wheel in it, and I would say yes, like the steering is quick until you get to a point, then it’s not dead, but you can keep turning and it’s not obviously as effective. That maybe in a way, I could tell some similarities. I think from talking to people, where it’s become more similar is just the aero balance shift between clean air and traffic. I think it’s obviously something I didn’t get to experience today because I was by myself. Yeah, I think as I get to being around cars, I think the difference in balance is where it’s gotten a lot closer. I think the style of our racing has trended more to them. Maybe not every weekend, but a lot of places, especially like Daytona, Talladega, Atlanta, you’re saving fuel to have a shorter pit stop and kind of get track position that way, where it sound like that is what INDYCAR guys do a lot. Just the overall strategy of the race has trended more like INDYCAR. I think the cars in traffic has, as well. Q. Mr. H, we saw Will Power give you a helmet. Can you comment on that situation.RICK HENDRICK: Yeah, Will, his wife was real ill in Charlotte. She was going the wrong way. He called, and we got her moved into another hospital, had some of the doctors join in. She came out of it. I was surprised to get the helmet, but I was more than happy to help them through that difficult time. I’m glad she’s okay. But the helmet was a real surprise and a real gift. I told him I love trophies and helmets. He said, This one hasn’t won a race this year, but I did wear it in the Indy 500. I said that was good enough. That was a great gift. Q. Jeff, I think under normal circumstances when you’re helping a younger driver for a day like today, you might have something insightful to say and experience. What did you have to say to him?JEFF GORDON: I’m looking forward to downloading with him a little bit further, just about the process and what does that grip feel like the first time going into a corner, cold tires on the apron. More just race chat stuff. I’ve gotten pretty comfortable in the new role that I’m in. Being a race car driver, not being in the current cars, in the competition that they’re currently in, my input is more of what can we do to make the race team stronger and better, the communication, the people around him, the tools, just provide the resources. That’s what Rick taught me in his role as an owner. That’s what I want to be there for. I’m probably more focused right now on looking at the car, how do we position the logos and the sponsorship. We’re capturing it all to create some content. What can we do with that. When me and Kyle talk, how was your last Sprint car race, about the experience today, then we’ll do the same when we get to Las Vegas, talk about the Cup car this weekend. Q. Tony, you talked about shutting down some of the chatter around Kyle. From an INDYCAR perspective, what were they trying to feed him that maybe he’s not ready for yet?TONY KANAAN: Think about you have a wheel with 25 buttons, then you have the weight jacker, front bar, rear bar. You have telemetry you can analyze. Engineers, they’re just trying to give you all that, which it’s way too much information. I know for a fact, because the past four years, three years, since Jimmie and I got together to do what we did here in INDYCAR, I started racing other series. Every weekend I had to reset my head, different wheel, different car. Especially him, he just raced two nights ago, won the championship, then he comes here, you get the thing. It’s too much overthinking. Then why are we going to feed him all that right now, because we’re going to come back here next April. We’re not going to remember that. It’s too long. He has a championship to win. I mean, I was like, I let them talk. He went to change. Don’t worry about it, just enjoy the racetrack. I didn’t want him to miss the first moment because I think it’s extremely special. I remember my first time here. But also he was here to pass ROP. The wheel, we have six months to figure out. We’ll talk now that he physically saw it as a driver. We probably understand a lot more than the engineer giving you the data, the picture of the wheel. Go feel the buttons. Hey, do you want the pit lane speedometer back here? Now it’s not okay any more. You have to have experience. That’s why I was trying to tell them just to let him enjoy the game, now we’ll start working. Q. Kyle, did it feel natural to you out there at that speed in this car?KYLE LARSON: Yeah. I mean, it was harder to go slow, like I said earlier. It was hard to get yourself to run 205. I felt like I was happy with that because I felt like it felt fairly comfortable. Like I said, honestly for the most part it was kind of everything I expected. I watched a lot of onboard video, all of that. We got to work on my line a little bit today. Yeah, I mean, nothing jumped out like it was too much of a surprise, so I was happy about that. Q. The last time the Brickyard 400 went around the oval here was 2020. The late John Andretti used to say the comparison between the two cars almost doesn’t look like the same racetrack. Did you get that sensation?KYLE LARSON: I don’t know. The stockcar stuff, the track conditions are really good obviously today, but the stockcar stuff is slow. I just remember being really tight through one. You’re off the gas a lot. Two would be tight. Three and four would have a better balance. In the INDYCAR, I think the track was really good. You have more downforce probably than what we’re going to have coming back, all of that. Obviously, way more downforce and speed than a Cup car. The balance of all four corners felt way more similar than the stockcar. So that’s nice, I guess. Yeah, I don’t know. I mean, overall width and stuff, the track didn’t feel real different. Q. Mr. H, you have every type of trophy you can get in NASCAR. Where would you put a Baby Borg?RICK HENDRICK: That would go right in the middle. That would be something pretty special. I don’t even let myself go there, think about that. First I want to make the race. Just to say you could win this race, could win it, would win it, you might be able to build off of that, just that trophy and the car, because it would be that special. I wouldn’t do that. I’m not going to build a car. JEFF GORDON: Don’t say things that you’re going to take back later (smiling). Q. Looking ahead to these next months till the open test, are there plans to do any other oval running or the on-track plan is practice in May? What will you focus on and work on before the race?KYLE LARSON: I just learned there was an open test like yesterday. I don’t know what other plans there are, at least for me in the car, before then. TONY KANAAN: We have plans. That’s all I’m going to tell you (smiling). No, we have plans. Obviously there’s a lot of things we’re going to talk about. Hopefully get him on track before that open test again. Not finalized yet, but give him as much time as he can to feel comfortable. I’m confident that we will, so… THE MODERATOR: We will leave it there. Another step towards the 108th running of the Indy 500 Presented by Gainbridge.

The Missouri native’s route has led him to a potential historic rookie season as crew chief with Giovanni Scelzi behind the wheelWICHITA, KS (October 12, 2023) – Plenty of focus has been on Giovanni Scelzi as he’s delivered one of the best rookie campaigns in World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car history. But there’s been another impressive rookie season taking place within his team.Adam Clark, crew chief of Scelzi’s KCP Racing #18, is not only in his first year with the World of Outlaws, but also in his first full year as a crew chief in general.Long before he landed at his current role, Clark’s interest in the sport began like many – as a fan in the stands. He grew up in Savannah, MO, roughly an hour north of Kansas City, and joined his father on trips to tracks such as Knoxville Raceway, Eagle Raceway and I-80 Speedway.But it wasn’t until after college that he began to dabble in working on race cars. Upon paying off his tuition, Clark purchased a Micro Sprint. Balancing a full-time job with racing as a hobby, the hunger grew to make racing the focus of his life. Around that time, an ad appeared on a popular racing website from a team seeking help. Clark answered to knock down the first domino on his path to today.“It just seemed like throughout time I had more fun working on my race car than my full-time job at the time,” Clark recalled. “And there happened to be a post or something on Hoseheads, I think. Matt Wood Racing was looking for someone to come out on the road and work for them, and I decided I might as well give it a try and see if I like it. I answered him, and within a month I was in a car heading out to California to go work for him.”Oddly enough, Clark’s first race with Matt Wood’s team led to meeting Scelzi. Wood brought his fleet of Midgets to the 2014 Chili Bowl Nationals where Scelzi’s brother – Dominic – was going to be driving one and Gio came along.Clark’s career blossomed over the next handful of years as he worked for the organization through its evolution into Stenhouse Jr.-Wood Racing and Stenhouse Jr.-Marshall Racing. Eventually, he went on to make the move to KCP Racing in 2020 to serve as a dual car chief and tire specialist. During that time frame, Clark was able to work under the wing of a variety of mechanical minds like Shane Bowers, Tyler Swank, Bernie Stuebgen, and Dylan Buswell. Then, in June of last year, Clark was on the way to Beaver Dam Raceway for the World of Outlaws race when KCP owner – Matt Barbara – called to let him know he’d be the crew chief for that weekend. He held the position through the end of 2022, and heading into 2023 that status was officially cemented as they readied to take on the World of Outlaws tour.For Clark, who didn’t grow up in a family embedded in racing, it marked a major moment in his life.“It was really rewarding just for the fact that you work your ass off on these teams,” Clark said. “You sacrifice time with your family and friends. You sacrifice a normal life, really, to work on these teams. To keep moving up like that and ultimately getting handed the reins and being able to see firsthand making changes and actually seeing what those changes do is so rewarding.”Clark’s first full season has been nothing short of success, highlighted by a win with Scelzi at Beaver Dam Raceway in June – roughly one year since he got the opportunity to fill in as crew chief. Both Clark and Scelzi agreed their strength has been built through a fair dynamic.“Everywhere that he’s (Scelzi) driven he’s kind of had to work on the car as well as part of the crew and even had to do that here when he first started,” Clark said. “So, he knows his way around the car. As far as making changes throughout the night, his butt is the one in the seat. He’s feeling what’s going on, so I obviously rely firsthand on what he’s saying and what he needs. Obviously, I don’t know everything about Sprint Car racing and the mechanical side of the thing, and he doesn’t know everything about what each thing does to the car. So, we work pretty damn good together as far as discussing, ‘OK, this is what the car’s doing. Let’s just take a swing at it and put this in and see what it does.’ And he’s got really good feedback for a young kid like himself.”“He’s one of the hardest workers I’ve ever met and someone that’s willing to be open minded and never say, ‘I know better than you.’ I appreciate that a lot, especially with it being my rookie year because we both are learning together,” Scelzi said. “I think it makes our learning curve faster. I’ve been in the dynamic where there’s a crew chief and a driver, and you both kind of don’t cross those paths. I think Adam’s done an incredible job with helping me with driving and giving the input as a crew chief as well.”Only seven races remain before the 2023 World of Outlaws campaign comes to a close. Scelzi, Clark, and the rest of the KCP crew currently sit fourth in points. If they stay there, Scelzi will match the best Kevin Gobrecht Rookie of the Year season ever. But no matter where they finish, the year has been undeniably impressive with not only a rookie driver, but also a rookie crew chief with Clark on the wrenches.“Where I kind of thought we’d be finishing is around sixth or seventh or so,” Clark said. “To be fourth right now, I didn’t expect it. I thought if you can even get close to the top five your rookie year, you’d be doing pretty damn good. To be fourth, Gio’s first year and my first year, and to think about the teams we’re beating is pretty incredible.”Clark and the KCP team continue the year this weekend at 81 Speedway (Friday, Oct. 13) and Lakeside Speedway (Saturday, Oct. 14). For tickets, CLICK HERE.If you can’t make it to the track, catch all of the racing live on DIRTVision.

The Zebulon, GA driver is two wins away from becoming the fourth driver to earn 50 Series wins

SENOIA, GA– October 12, 2023 – Shane Clanton has a chance to make World of Outlaws CASE Construction Equipment Late Model Series history this weekend in Georgia.

If he can sweep the Billy Clanton Classic at Senoia Raceway on Saturday, Oct. 14, and the World of Outlaws ARP Southeast Showdown at Rome Speedway on Sunday, Oct. 15, he’ll become the fourth driver in Series history to reach 50 wins.

It’s an opportunity the Zebulon, GA driver is excited for, as he gets the chance to race close to home for the first time with the Series in 2023.

“I’m excited,” Clanton said. “Especially with one of them being my Dad’s memorial race. I’ve won it a couple of times, and hopefully, we can get back in Victory Lane at Senoia. It’s one of my favorite racetracks. It has new dirt on it. 

“I’d like to win at Rome, too. So, hopefully, with family being close and lots of family and friends being there, we can put a good show on for them.”

One of the advantages the “Georgia Bulldog” has entering the weekend is his experience at both tracks. With wins at both, the 2015 World of Outlaws CASE Late Models champion knows what to expect when his Capital Race Car hits the track and what makes it unique.

“It’s the dirt (at Senoia),” Clanton said. “Whatever mine they got it from east of Macon there, it’s like chalk. It’s very slippery when it gets dry, and it’s got all the grip you want when it gets wet. Rome, you carry a lot of speed, and you get some traction with it. Both are unique in their own aspect, but we’ve been pretty good at both of them.”

Sunday’s World of Outlaws ARP Southeast Showdown at Rome brings another unique aspect. While it’s hosted national touring Series events in the past, it’s the debut for the World of Outlaws CASE Late Models.

“I think it’s cool,” Clanton said. “They’ve had the World of Outlaws (NOS Energy Drink) Sprint Cars there but never the Late Models. It’s a changeover from Lucas Oil to the World of Outlaws. It’s a great move, and hopefully, it’ll bring a lot of fans.”

As the Series prepares for its Georgia doubleheader, Clanton and team members Wyatt Eichelberger and Darien Rucker are preparing for their shot at history in front of family and friends. The former Series champion said he knows what it’ll take to grab that 50th career World of Outlaws victory.

“I need to have consistency,” Clanton said. “Right now, we’re either hit or miss, and we’re searching like everyone else in this sport is. There’s a couple of drivers at the top of their game, and we’re trying to get there.”

The World of Outlaws kick off their Georgia weekend with a stop at Senoia Raceway for the Billy Clanton Classic on Saturday, Oct. 14. Then, they’ll head north to Rome Speedway for the World of Outlaws ARP Southeast Showdown on Sunday, Oct. 15. It all leads to the World of Outlaws World Finals at The Dirt Track at Charlotte on Nov. 1-4.

If you can’t make it to the track, watch all the action live on DIRTVision, either online or with the DIRTVision app.

ENNIS, Texas (October 12, 2023) – The Elite Motorsports team is ready to take to the track this weekend for the Texas NHRA FallNationals, affectionately coined the “Stampede of Speed,” at the Texas Motorplex in Ennis, Texas, just outside of Dallas. Elite Motorsports operates the largest professional team in drag racing with eight powerful Pro Stock machines in its arsenal.  Elite Motorsports pilot and five-time world champion Erica Enders is currently leading the points in the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series Countdown to the Championship, NHRA’s version of the playoffs. Enders has powered to the top of the ladder in the past three consecutive events, demonstrating that consistency is key in the Countdown. Enders won the Texas NHRA FallNationals in 2022 and her team is looking for a repeat.  Aaron Stanfield made some impressive Countdown moves at the most recent event in St. Louis where he reached his first final round of the season. He is currently fifth in the championship standings. Right behind him in sixth place is Troy Coughlin Jr. Both talented Elite Motorsports drivers are working hard to improve their standings and this weekend’s event will be key to Countdown success. While 2017 Pro Stock world champion Bo Butner won in Super Stock at the Texas Motorplex in 1999, he’s looking for his first Pro Stock win at the iconic facility. With multiple wins across several NHRA drag racing categories, Butner’s experience and familiarity with the track will serve him well this weekend. The Pro Stock category is packed with heavy hitters and rookie Jerry Tucker has managed to hold his own all season long with the help of his Elite Motorsports team. Tucker is originally from Oklahoma and would love nothing more than to get his first win at a track so close to home. The Cuadra Boys are looking forward to being relatively close to home as well. The Mexico-based family team has been making more consistent passes in both Pro Stock and Top Sportsman. Patriarch Fernando Cuadra Sr. will be competing in Pro Stock alongside his sons Fernando Jr. and Cristian. David Cuadra will be seeking his second national event win in Top Sportsman.  NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 4:00 and 7:00 p.m. CT on Friday, Oct. 13, and the final two qualifying rounds on Saturday, Oct. 14 at 1:00 and 4:00 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 12:00 p.m. CT on Sunday, Oct. 15.  ***

Driver Quotes

Erica Enders“This is always a fun event, and the Texas Motorplex is basically my home track now. The Meyer family does a great job with the Stampeded of Speed. Dallas is different for so many reasons. We may not have won a race in the Countdown yet but we’ve collected a bunch of qualifying points and have made it to the semis at each event. Consistency pays off here but we are ready to kick it up a notch and let the momentum run through these last three races. After getting the points lead back, our only goal is to keep and extend it.”

Aaron Stanfield“This is one of those races that everyone wants to win. We are in the heat of the championship battle, fighting for every point we can get. I would love to win this one for everyone on the team who’s worked so hard all season. Reaching the final round in St. Louis was a big confidence boost for everyone. We are ready to get it done in Dallas!”

Troy Coughlin Jr.“The men on Team Yellow are all in and working their hearts out. It’s time to focus and execute one lap at a time.”

Bo Butner“After St. Louis, we’re really looking forward to getting to Dallas with our JHG Chevy. This is a fun race, and with the JEGS Allstars taking place this weekend, too, there will be a lot of awesome racing for the fans to watch. Randi Lyn (wife and Stock Eliminator competitor) and I both had a good race in St. Louis – we’re looking for Dallas to be great.”

Jerry Tucker“I can’t believe there are only three events left in the season! This entire experience has been incredible. I’ve learned so much and have had the honor of working with the best in the business. We want to finish this season strong and I hope to turn on a few win lights this weekend at the Stampede of Speed!”

Fernando Cuadra Sr.“Our program is getting stronger and we are learning a lot. I’m so proud of our team and my sons for all they’ve accomplished this year. We are ready to turn on some win lights this weekend!”

Fernando Cuadra Jr.“We need to make some big moves this weekend. I’m confident in what this team can do, and I need to focus on doing my job behind the wheel. If we can keep things moving in the right direction, I think it will be a turning point for our team.”

Cristian Cuadra“We are completely focused on going rounds this weekend to get back into the Top Ten. I know that we can do it as long as we remain vigilant out there. This is going to be a fun weekend full of really good competition. I’m looking forward to it!”

Photos

The Elite Motorsports team is ready to compete in Texas. (Photo credit: Auto Imagery)

Erica Enders in her Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage / Melling Performance / SCAG Power Equipment Camaro. (Photo credit: Auto Imagery)

Troy Coughlin Jr. behind the wheel of the JEGS.com Camaro. (Photo credit: Auto Imagery)

Aaron Stanfield in the Janac Bros. / Melling Engine Parts / JC3 Energy Service Camaro. (Photo credit: Auto Imagery)

Cristian Cuadra pilots the Corral Boots Mustang. (Photo credit: Auto Imagery)

Bo Butner competes in the Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage Camaro. (Photo credit: Auto Imagery)

Fernando Cuadra Jr. in his Corral Boots Camaro. (Photo credit: Auto Imagery)

Jerry Tucker drives the Outlaw Mile Hi Light Beer Camaro. (Photo credit: Auto Imagery)

Fernando Cuadra Sr. pilots the Corral Boots Mustang. (Photo credit: Auto Imagery)

David Cuadra in his Corral Boots Top Sportsman machine. (Photo credit: Auto Imagery)

Pre-Race Notes

Elite Motorsports: Pre-race notesTexas NHRA FallNationals Stampede Of SpeedTexas MotorplexEnnis, Texas (October 12-15) The Elite Motorsports team, the largest team in professional drag racing, has expanded for 2023 and will field a total of eight entries for this weekend’s Texas NHRA FallNationals Stampede of Speed at Texas Motorplex in Ennis, Texas, just outside of Dallas. At this event, the Elite Pro Stock team will feature eight Pro Stock drivers including reigning and five-time world champion Erica Enders, Aaron Stanfield, Troy Coughlin Jr., Bo Butner, Fernando Cuadra Sr. and his sons, Fernando Jr. and Cristian, as well as newcomer Jerry Tucker. In the 19 Pro Stock events contested last season, Team Elite won 15 times and appeared in 26 out of 38 possible rounds. In addition to Enders’ 10 wins, Stanfield collected three victories while Coughlin earned his first two professional victories. In 2022, Enders had the most dominant season of her career with ten wins in 13 final round appearances and an astounding 55-9 record in elimination rounds. This season, Enders’ impressive roster of supporters includes Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage, Melling Performance, SCAG Power Equipment, Peoplease and Gallagher Global. During her professional career, Enders has accumulated 45 wins in 76 final rounds and has a round-win record of 461-253 for a .646 win percentage. Enders also has a win in Super Gas (2004 Houston) bringing her career total to 46 national event victories. The Dallas event will mark Enders’ 350th career race in the Pro Stock category. She made her first start at the 2005 Winternationals in Pomona and qualified for her first event one race later in Phoenix. Enders recorded her first round win at the 2005 Reading event by beating Rickie Smith. Enders won her first race in Chicago in 2012, beating Greg Anderson in the final. Enders won two events this season in Bristol and Topeka. She defeated Deric Kramer in the Bristol final and topped Greg Anderson in Topeka. She currently has a 22-13 record in elimination rounds this season. At the most recent event in St. Louis, Enders qualified No. 1 and reached the semifinals to retake the championship lead. Heading into the final three events of the Countdown to the Championship, she holds a 25-point lead over Greg Anderson and is 38 points ahead of third-ranked Matt Hartford. All eight Elite drivers are eligible to win the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series Pro Stock title. In addition to Enders, Stanfield is in fifth place and Coughlin is sixth, while Butner is tenth. Enders has won at least one Pro Stock event at 17 different NHRA venues including the Texas Motorplex. Enders is the defending event champion, having defeated Greg Anderson in last year’s final. She also defeated Jonathan Gray to win the 2015 event. Enders currently holds both the elapsed time and speed records for the NHRA Pro Stock class with bests of 6.450-seconds and 215.55 mph. The elapsed time record was set at the 2022 Gatornationals. If Enders wins one more event this season, she will surpass three-time Pro Stock Motorcycle champion Angelle Sampey as the sport’s winningest professional female driver. Sampey currently has 46 wins while Enders has 45 professional wins and one sportsman win, tying her with Sampey. Following an impressive fourth-place finish in 2022, Troy Coughlin Jr. is enjoying similar success in his fourth full season behind the wheel of the familiar yellow and black JEGS.com Camaro. Coughlin enjoyed a breakout season last year with back-to-back victories in Seattle and Topeka. He also went to final rounds in Phoenix, Reading and Las Vegas. Coughlin heads to Dallas as the No. 6 ranked driver in the championship points standings after posting wins at the season-opening Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals and the Dodge Power Brokers Mile-High Nationals in Denver to go with a runner-up at the Four-Wide event in Las Vegas. Coughlin, a semifinalist in Reading, has an 18-13 record in elimination rounds this season. He is just 107 points out of first place. Earlier this season at the NHRA Arizona Nationals near Phoenix, Coughlin became the first winner of the Mission Foods #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge. He defeated Greg Anderson in the final with an elapsed time of 6.57, compared to Anderson’s 6.60, to capture the inaugural event victory. In addition to his four career Pro Stock victories, the multi-faceted Coughlin has additional wins in Top Alcohol Dragster, Super Comp and Super Gas. Coughlin’s father, Troy Sr., is a 15-time national event winner in Pro Stock, Pro Mod and Super Gas. Including his uncles, John, Mike, and Jeg Jr., the Coughlin family has combined to win 133 national event titles. Coughlin’s career bests in Pro Stock are 6.515-seconds and 212.29 mph, set earlier this year at the season opener in Gainesville. Aaron Stanfield has also returned to the Elite team for another season behind the wheel of the Janac Bros / Melling Engine Parts / JC3 Energy Service Camaro. Stanfield, the son of five-time Super Stock world champ Greg Stanfield, is coming off a season where he was the third-ranked driver in Pro Stock. Last season, Stanfield collected victories in Phoenix, Bristol, and this fall event in Charlotte to go with four runner-up finishes in Pomona, Epping, Norwalk and Denver. Stanfield finished the season with a 38-16 record in elimination rounds. Stanfield went to the final round at the most recent race in St. Louis and he has four semifinal and seven quarterfinal finishes to his credit this year. He’s currently the No. 5 ranked driver in the class, 73 points out of the lead. Stanfield has also qualified a season-best of No. 2 at the race in Bristol. Stanfield was recently named the overall season Pro Stock winner of the Mission Foods #2Fast2Tasty challenge, a specialty event that featured a rematch between the semifinalists from the previous event. Stanfield won back-to-back titles in the FlexJet Factory Stock Showdown class in 2020 and 2021, and he is the current championship leader in that class, following his most recent win at Maple Grove Raceway. The Texas FallNationals will be the penultimate race for Factory Stock and it’s possible that Stanfield may clinch his third title this weekend. All told Stanfield has 23 career wins in Pro Stock, Factory Stock, Super Stock, and Top Dragster. Stanfield’s career bests in Pro Stock are 6.457-seconds and 213.47 mph, both set in Gainesville 2022. Bo Butner is a two-time NHRA world champion in Pro Stock (2017) and Comp Eliminator (2006). He joined the Elite team last season as the driver of the Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage / Jim Butner Auto Group / Summit Racing Equipment Camaro. Last season, Butner drove to a ninth-place finish in the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series standings. Earlier this season in Phoenix, Butner drove to a runner-up finish in Pro Stock, reaching the final for the first time since the 2019 Richmond event. Butner defeated Erica Enders, Fernando Cuadra Jr. and Kyle Koretsky to reach his 26th career Pro Stock final. Following a semifinal finish in St. Louis, Butner moved into the Top Ten in Pro Stock, just two points behind Camrie Caruso in ninth place. Butner recently won his 30th national event title when he claimed the Super Gas victory at the Dodge Power Brokers NHRA U.S. Nationals. Butner also won the Super Gas title at Indy in 2022. Butner has 30 career national event victories including 11 in Pro Stock. He also has wins in Comp, Super Stock, Stock, Super Gas, and Super Street. Additionally, Butner has enjoyed success as a big-money bracket racer with a victory at the K&N Spring Fling Million in Las Vegas in 2021. Butner has won at least one national event title at 14 different venues including the Texas Motorplex. He won the 1999 Super Stock title by beating five-time world champ Jimmy DeFrank in the final. Butner’s career bests in Pro Stock are 6.475-seconds and 214.28 mph, set in Dallas (2015) and Gainesville (2017), respectively. The Cuadra family includes Fernando Sr., and his sons Fernando Jr. and Cristian. The Cuadra family is backed by Corral Handcrafted Boots. Fernando Sr. and Cristian will continue to race Ford Mustangs under the Elite banner while Fernando Jr. recently made the switch to a Chevy Camaro. Fernando Jr. is driving an Elite entry previously raced by five-time world champion Jeg Coughlin Jr. Fernando Sr. is a two-time national event runner-up with final-round appearances at the 2019 races in Reading and Pomona. Fernando Jr. raced to the final round of the prestigious U.S. Nationals last month. Cuadra Jr. is the sport’s No. 12 ranked Pro Stock driver. Cristian Cuadra was also the runner-up to Enders at the 2022 four-wide event in Las Vegas and he was a semifinalist earlier this year at the Bristol race. He comes into this weekend as the No. 11 ranked driver in Pro Stock. Earlier this season in Phoenix, Cristian Cuadra became the first Mexican-born NHRA racer to qualify No. 1 in a pro category when he drove his Elite-powered Corral Handcrafted Boots Mustang to a 6.552 pass. C. Cuadra is one of just 11 non-U.S.-born drivers to qualify No. 1 in a professional NHRA class and the only one to accomplish the feat in Pro Stock. The third Cuadra brother, David, recently claimed the first win for the family when he won the Right Trailers Top Sportsman title at the betway NHRA Carolina Nationals in Charlotte. He will once again be competing in the Top Sportsman class this weekend. The Cuadra family has career-best elapsed times of 6.515 (Fernando Jr.), 6.524 (Fernando Sr.), 6.527 (Cristian) and 6.578 (David). Their career-best speeds are 212.13 (Fernando Sr.), 211.43 (Cristian), 210.73 (Fernando Jr.) and 209.39 (David). New to the Elite Pro Stock team this year is Jerry Tucker, who enjoyed a memorable debut in Gainesville. Tucker qualified his Outlaw Mile Hi Light Beer / Elite Motorsports Camaro in the No. 15 spot with a 6.573 and won the first round after teammate Enders encountered a mechanical issue. Tucker has a semifinal finish from Chicago and is No. 13 in the standings. Recently, at the event in Reading, Tucker made the quickest pass of his career when he went 6.535 at 210.14. Tucker, of Lindsay, Okla., has spent the last 30 years racing everything from Sprint cars to Midgets and has also enjoyed success in drag racing. Tucker previously raced in the Top Sportsman class. Tucker is one of the leading contenders for the NHRA Rookie of the Year award. Collectively, the nine current team Elite drivers have combined to win 111 NHRA national event titles across all classes including 67 in the Pro Stock class.

TEAM CHEVY RACE ADVANCELas Vegas Motor SpeedwayLas Vegas, NevadaOctober 14-15, 2023

AND THEN THERE WERE EIGHT..Coming off yet another weekend sweep by the Bowtie brand, the NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) and the NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) will make the trek out west to Las Vegas Motor Speedway for the first race of the Round of Eight. A win by a Team Chevy playoff driver at the 1.5-mile Nevada oval would guarantee his spot in the Championship Four and the opportunity to compete for the coveted title in their respective series.  The checkered flag at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course last weekend determined the eight drivers in each series that remain in title contention. In NASCAR’s premier series, Hendrick Motorsports teammates William Byron and Kyle Larson will represent Chevrolet in the Round of Eight as the pair inches closer to competing for the manufacturer’s 34th NCS driver’s championship title. In the NXS, JR Motorsports’ Sam Mayer turned a must-win situation into a ticket into the next round with his third win of the season. Five drivers from three Chevrolet teams have advanced into the Round of Eight with Mayer joined by his JR Motorsports teammate Justin Allgaier; the pair of Richard Childress teammates Austin Hill and Sheldon Creed; and Kaulig Racing’s Chandler Smith.

DEFENDING IN THE DESERTNASCAR’s most recent visit to Las Vegas Motor Speedway in March saw a Chevrolet-powered machine in victory lane across all three national series.

In the NASCAR Cup Series, William Byron picked up his first of a now series-leading six wins on the season at the Nevada oval – delivering Hendrick Motorsports its third consecutive triumph in the series’ spring appearance at the track. The 25-year-old North Carolina native led the Chevrolet organization to a podium sweep with Byron leading playoff contender Kyle Larson in second and Alex Bowman in third. The win marked Chevrolet’s 11th victory in the series’ 31 race history at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

In the NASCAR Xfinity Series, Austin Hill made a late-race charge in his No. 21 Richard Childress Racing Camaro SS – ultimately taking the lead as the field approached the white flag to claim his second triumph of the season. The victory marked Chevrolet’s series-leading 16th NXS victory at Las Vegas Motor Speedway – four of which have come in the series’ past five appearances at the track. All five Team Chevy NXS playoff contenders are returning to the track with the momentum from top-10 finishes in the March event.

In the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (NCTS), Kyle Busch put Chevrolet back in victory lane at Las Vegas Motor Speedway for the first time since 2015 – driving his No. 51 Silverado RST to a nearly five second lead en route to the Bowtie brand’s 10th all-time NCTS win at the track. The dominating performance led to a monumental victory for Kyle Busch Motorsports – marking the organization’s first victory since it began competing under the Chevrolet banner at the beginning of the season.

BYRON, LARSON SET FOR STRONG TRIO OF TRACKSWith the playoff standings reset, William Byron maintained the top position after a nearly perfect showing in the Round of 12. In arguably the most diverse and unpredictable round of the postseason, Byron and the No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Camaro ZL1 team posted a series-best average finish of 1.67 after their series-leading sixth victory of the season at Texas Motor Speedway and a pair of runner-up finishes at Talladega Superspeedway and the Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course. The 25-year-old North Carolina native enters the penultimate playoff round with an extra boost with the Team Chevy driver returning to Las Vegas Motor Speedway as the series’ most recent winner. In addition, with back-to-back intermediate ovals, Byron has already proven to be an early favorite with an average finish of 4.40 on 1.50-mile tracks this season with results that include two wins and four top-five finishes. Byron’s Hendrick Motorsports teammate Kyle Larson also finds himself reseeded in the top-four of the points standings. Larson is one of only two former series champions that remain in title contention, and despite an up-and-down second round, the 31-year-old California native has demonstrated that he’s more than capable of becoming a repeat champion in NASCAR’s top series. Larson opened up the postseason with a win at Darlington Raceway, going on to post an average finish of 2.33 in the opening round.  During his tenure at Hendrick Motorsports, Larson has one win and three top-two finishes in five starts at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Camaro ZL1 team are also the series’ most recent winners at two of the three tracks in this round with a win at Homestead-Miami Speedway in October 2022 and a win at Martinsville Speedway in April 2023.   A look at Team Chevy’s playoff contenders heading into race one of the NASCAR Cup Series Round of Eight at Las Vegas Motor Speedway:

William Byron, No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Camaro ZL1 – 1st in Playoff Standings; 20 points above the cutlineVictories: 6 (series-leading)Poles: 3Top-Fives: 13Top-10s: 18Laps Led: 895 Average Finish: 11.5Stage Wins: 8 (series-leading) At Las Vegas Motor Speedway: Wins: 1Top-Fives: 2Top-10s: 4Average Finish: 16.273Kyle Larson, No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Camaro ZL1 – 4th in Playoff Standings; three points above the cutlineVictories: 3Poles: 2Top-Fives: 13 (series-leading)Top-10s: 15Laps Led: 898 (series-leading)Average Finish: 15.1Stage Wins: 5 At Las Vegas Motor Speedway:     Wins: 1 Top-Fives: 6 Top-10s: 10Average Finish: 10.5

TALLYING PODIUM SWEEPSThe Team Chevy one-two-three finish courtesy of AJ Allmendinger, William Byron and Kyle Busch at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course marked the manufacturer’s sixth podium sweep of the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series season. Chevrolet was first able to accomplish the feat in only the second points-paying race of the season at Auto Club Speedway, going on to reciprocate the podium sweep the following weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The manufacturer hit a season-high finish in the series’ debut on the Chicago Street Course with drivers from four different Chevrolet teams taking the Camaro ZL1 to a sweep of the top-five.

KAULIG RACING MAKES FIVE TRIUMPHANT CHEVROLET TEAMS AJ Allmendinger became the first driver to score a playoff upset this season – claiming his third career NASCAR Cup Series win at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course. The 41-year-old California native became the seventh different Chevrolet driver to reach victory lane in NASCAR’s top series this season. In only the organization’s second season in the series, Kaulig Racing is the fifth different Chevrolet organization to contribute to the manufacturer’s series-leading 16 NCS wins this season, continuing to prove the strength across the Bowtie brigade.

MAYER CAPITALIZES ON MUST-WINEntering the Round of 12 elimination race at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course below the playoff cutline, JR Motorsports’ Sam Mayer was faced with a must-win situation in order to keep his title hopes alive. Unphased by the pressure-packed weekend, the 20-year-old put his No. 1 Camaro SS on the pole – going on to lead 50 of the 67 laps completed to earn the victory and the final position in the Round of Eight. The walk-off win marked Mayer’s third career NXS victory – each recorded on a different road course this season. With 29 NXS races complete, Chevrolet now sits at 15 victories – more than its two OEM competitors combined.

LOOKING BACK ONE YEAR AGOOne year ago at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, JR Motorsports’ Josh Berry drove Chevrolet to a memorable trip to victory lane. The win marked Chevrolet’s 500th all-time NASCAR Xfinity Series win, with the milestone victory also clinching the manufacturer’s sixth consecutive – and 24th all-time – NXS manufacturer’s championship. Returning to the Nevada oval one year later, Chevrolet is trending towards keeping its title streak alive with the manufacturer heading into the weekend with an 81-point lead in the series’ manufacturer points standings.

BOWTIE BULLETS: ·       Active Chevrolet drivers with a NASCAR Cup Series win at Las Vegas Motor Speedway: William Byron – 1 (March 2023) Alex Bowman – 1 (March 2022)Kyle Larson – 1 (March 2021)Kyle Busch – 1 (March 2009) ·       Chevrolet’s two NASCAR Cup Series playoff contenders are the series’ most recent winners at each of the four tracks remaining on the postseason schedule: William Byron, No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Camaro ZL1Las Vegas Motor Speedway (March 2023)Phoenix Raceway (March 2023) Kyle Larson, No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Camaro ZL1Homestead-Miami Speedway (October 2022)Martinsville Speedway (April 2023) ·       In 31 NASCAR Cup Series races held at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Chevrolet has recorded 11 victories. Hendrick Motorsports leads the series in wins at the track with eight, recorded among five drivers: Jeff Gordon (2001), Jimmie Johnson (2005, 2006, 2007, 2010), Kyle Larson (2021), Alex Bowman (2022), William Byron (2023).  ·       In 32 points-paying NASCAR Cup Series race this season, Chevrolet continues to lead the series in wins (16), top-fives (69), top-10s (136), stage wins (22) and laps led (3,038). ·       Chevrolet leads the series in wins across all three NASCAR national series this season with 16 victories in 32 NASCAR Cup Series races, 15 victories in 29 NASCAR Xfinity Series races and 12 wins in 21 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series races – all with a winning percentage of at least 50 percent.   ·       Chevrolet’s series-leading 16 NASCAR Cup Series wins this season have been recorded by seven drivers from five different Chevrolet teams: Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (JTG Daugherty Racing), Kyle Busch (Richard Childress Racing), William Byron and Kyle Larson (Hendrick Motorsports), Ross Chastain and Shane van Gisbergen (Trackhouse Racing) and AJ Allmendinger (Kaulig Racing).  ·       Chevrolet drivers have recorded 22 of the 64 NASCAR Cup Series stage wins this season: William Byron (eight; series-leading), Ross Chastain (five), Kyle Larson (five), Kyle Busch (two) and Chase Elliott (two). ·       Chevrolet continues to sit atop the manufacturer points standings in all three NASCAR national series, leading by 76 points in the NASCAR Cup Series, 81 points in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and 60 points in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.  ·       Chevrolet has swept the Manufacturer Championships across all three NASCAR national series in a single season four different times (2012, 2005, 1998, 1996). ·       With its 41 NASCAR Cup Series Manufacturer’s Championships, 33 NASCAR Cup Series Driver’s Championships, and 849 all-time NASCAR Cup Series wins, Chevrolet continues to hold the title of winningest brand in NASCAR Cup Series history.

TUNE IN: NASCAR Cup Series: South Point 400  Sunday, October 15, at 2:30 p.m. ET(NBC, PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90) NASCAR Xfinity Series: Alsco Uniforms 302Saturday, October 14, at 3:30 p.m. ET(USA Network, PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90)

QUOTABLE QUOTES:Ross Chastain, No. 1 Worldwide Express Camaro ZL1Now that you’re not in the playoffs, how do you approach the remaining races?“The prep is the same every week whether or not we are in the playoffs. Everyone works hard every week to put the best prepared car out there, the engineers and Phil (Surgen) work hard on the setup and I continue the work with all of the different things I do. So even though we aren’t in the playoffs, we’re all still working very hard to finish out the season strong and go for wins.” Kyle Larson, No. 5 HendrickCars.com Camaro ZL1Larson on racing at Las Vegas Motor Speedway:“I’m looking forward to the next Round (of 8). It has some good tracks (Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Homestead-Miami Speedway and Martinsville Speedway) for us. We really hope to have a solid next few races that can advance us into the Championship 4 and then I feel like we could have a really good shot at Phoenix (Raceway). Thank you to everyone at Hendrick Motorsports. It’s the best organization in NASCAR and I’m very grateful to be at such a great place.” Cliff Daniels, Crew Chief, No. 5 HendrickCars.com Camaro ZL1Daniels on racing at Las Vegas Motor Speedway:“The No. 5 HendrickCars.com team is headed to (Las) Vegas (Motor Speedway) looking for a really solid weekend. Our intermediate package has been close lately and the Hendrick Motorsports cars have had speed. Our team has been doing a really good job on pit road and a lot of things have been coming together. Our focus is making sure that we put the good things that we have together to execute a good race. You’re never out of it as long as you are able to execute and put the right things in the right place at the right time.” AJ Allmendinger, No. 16 Nutrien Ag Solutions Camaro ZL1“Las Vegas is your traditional mile and a half racetrack. Both ends are a little bit different, it’s a very smooth racetrack through (turns) three and four, a little bit of bumps through (turns) one and two. We’ve had good speed there and ran near the front, earning a top-10 finish in the fall race last year. I think we can go there, be competitive and keep building on the speed that we’ve had in our cars. We have the potential to have a strong finish to the year and Vegas is one of those races I have circled as an opportunity to run upfront and put ourselves in position to have a solid run.” Carson Hocevar, No. 42 Sunseeker Resorts Camaro ZL1“I like running at Las Vegas. We’ve been quick there and have had some speed in the truck. With that race being at the start of the year for us in the Truck Series, it’s been a tougher race balance wise to try and win the race or go for stage points. It’s always a fun track, one that you can move around a little bit. The Cup cars look like they can be a lot of fun there. Luke (Lambert) and this No. 42 group feel pretty confident about going back to Vegas after their spring outing, the post-work they’ve done, and everything that the team has put together on their mile-and-a-half package. We’re all excited to go there and excited to get to work.” Erik Jones, No. 43 Allegiant Camaro ZL1“I am really looking forward to Vegas. Our mile-and-a-half stuff has been really good most of the year, but especially in the last half of the season. Texas was a good day for us with a lot of speed, but unfortunately, it didn’t work out for us in the end. I think our Vegas car has been given a lot of extra effort and preparation to make sure that we are bringing a really good piece. So, I am excited to get out there and see it play out. I like the track a lot as well, so I am really looking forward to Vegas.” Daniel Suarez, No. 99 Tootsies Orchid Lounge Camaro ZL1“We certainly deserved a top-10 and maybe a top-five at Charlotte. But you forget about last week and focus on this week. We have four races remaining in the season and we want to win as badly now as we did when the season started in Daytona. We have run better the last three races and I expect that to continue Sunday. There is a lot of racing left in 2023.”

Chevrolet NASCAR Cup Series Statistics Manufacturers Championships:Total (1949-2022): 41First 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 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)                2023 STATISTICS:                                                                                                    Wins: 16Poles: 8Laps Led: 3,038Top-five finishes: 69Top-10 finishes: 138Stage wins: 22·       Ross Chastain – 5 (Daytona), (Auto Club x2), (Dover), (Darlington)·       William Byron – 8 (Las Vegas x2), (Phoenix), (COTA), (Richmond), (Dover), (Charlotte), (Watkins Glen)·       Kyle Larson – 5 (Phoenix), (Bristol Dirt), (Pocono), (Kansas), (Texas)·       Chase Elliott – 2 (Talladega), (Charlotte RC)·       Kyle Busch – 2 (WWTR), (Sonoma)  CHEVROLET IN NASCAR CUMULATIVE STATISTICS:Total Chevrolet race wins: 849 (1949 to date)Poles won to date: 742Laps led to date: 248,582Top-five finishes to date: 4,290Top-10 finishes to date: 8,850                                                                                                          Total NASCAR Cup Wins by Corporation, 1949 to Date:                    General Motors: 1,183           Chevrolet: 849           Pontiac: 154           Oldsmobile: 115           Buick: 65            Ford: 827                                                                      Ford: 727           Mercury: 96           Lincoln: 4            Fiat Chrysler Automobiles: 467           Dodge: 217           Plymouth: 191           Chrysler: 59            Toyota: 179

October 11, 2023

Harrison Burton and the No. 21 DEX Imaging team are looking at Sunday’s South Point 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway as an opportunity to work on building a stronger intermediate-track program.

Crew chief Jeremy Bullins said he’s excited to get to Las Vegas and continue the learning process with Burton as they try to end 2023 on a strong note.

“It’s one of my favorite intermediates on the schedule, with the bumps and character the track has, and the fact that you have multiple lanes you can use to find speed depending on how your car drives,” he said, adding that he and Burton have developed some chemistry together since he rejoined the No. 21 team prior to the Sept. 3 Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway. “I feel like we have learned a lot so far about what Harrison is looking for in the intermediate-track setups, and hopefully we can make the right decisions on the car.

“I feel like we are really making some progress with Harrison in the few weeks we’ve worked with him and just need some solid results to close out our season.

“This is a great opportunity for us to do that over the next couple of weeks.”

Practice for the South Point 400 is set for Saturday at 9:35 a.m. (12:35 p.m. Eastern Time) followed by qualifying at 10:20 (1:20 p.m. Eastern), with TV coverage on USA Network.

Sunday’s 267-lap race is scheduled to start just after 11:30 a.m. (2:30 p.m. Eastern) with TV coverage on NBC.

Stage breaks are planned for Laps 80 and 165.
 

BATAVIA, Ohio (October 11, 2023) – The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series and Heartbeat Hot Sauce are pleased to announce an exciting contest for fans attending the 43rd Annual General Tire Dirt Track World Championship – Presented by ARP at Eldora Speedway, October 19-21. Fans that visit the Heartbeat Hot Sauce booth in the fan zone outside of turns three and four will have the opportunity to register for the chance to be one of four fans paired with the four drivers racing for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series National Championship.  Each fan that registers will receive a complimentary bottle of Heartbeat Hot Sauce. Four lucky fans will be randomly drawn on Saturday afternoon during opening ceremonies and paired with each of the four drivers: Ricky Thornton Jr., Hudson O’Neal, Jonathan Davenport, and Devin Moran. The fan paired with the highest finishing of the four drivers will receive $5,000, plus swag from Heartbeat Hot Sauce and included in a Victory Lane photo with the winner of the 43rd Annual General Tire Dirt Track World Championship – Presented by ARP. The remaining three fans will each receive a $1,000 award. “We are thrilled to be associated with the Lucas Oil Late Mode Dirt Series. The response by fans this year has been tremendous, so we wanted to give a little back by doing this contest that will be exciting to watch as these four drivers battle it out for the series championship. We are excited to attend the iconic Eldora Speedway and this event. We will have a big presence in the fan zone and hope all the fans stop by to register for the contest and take home a sample bottle of our products”, stated Al Bourbouhakis, President of Heartbeat Hot Sauce. Anticipation is high as the Big River Steel Chase for the Championship – Presented by ARP heads into the season finale at Eldora Speedway and the Dirt Track World Championship – which boasts a $100,000 top prize. In addition to the revitalized championship format, more than $470,000 was added to the championship point fund, bringing the grand total for the Big River Steel Chase for the Championship – Presented by ARP to over $1,000,000. The Series Champion will receive $200,000 for winning the title in 2023, a new record for dirt late model racing. The top four drivers in the Big River Steel Chase for the Championship – Presented by ARP will enter the season finale will their points consolidated – each with an equal opportunity at the title of Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series National Champion. “A big thank you to Heartbeat Hot Sauce for putting this contest together for fans that attend the Dirt Track World Championship. It will be fun watching these four fans cheer for their driver that could win them a $5,000 award. Huge thanks to Heartbeat Hot Sauce for their partnership and we look forward to collaborating with them at this event”, stated Wayne Castleberry, Corporate Sales and Marketing for Lucas Oil Motorsports. To learn more about Heartbeat Hot Sauce and purchase their products visit their website at www.heartbeathotsauce.com.

Oct 11, 2023 | Featured, Julie Nataas, Pre-Race Releases

Randy Meyer Racing (RMR) will have all three of their nitro-burning injected Top Alcohol Dragsters competing at the Texas NHRA FallNationals, Oct. 12-15, at the Texas Motorplex outside Dallas. The event also includes the JEGS Allstars competition race, where the top 2 leading drivers from each region of the USA will compete for a special trophy and prize money. This will be the first year that the Texas Motorplex is hosting the JEGS Allstars and RMR plans to defend their 2021 and 2022 titles with the current national points leader, Julie Nataas, alongside teammate Matt Sackman. Recent first-time winner Hunter Green will round out RMR’s FallNationals lineup. 

Nataas, who’s leading a tense national championship battle with Tony Stewart, has picked up two national event wins and four regional event victories this season. She recently claimed the Central Division championship behind the wheel of her OTG/Right Trailers dragster, adding to two North Central Region titles. Nataas goes into the FallNationals as the winner of the most recent national event in Charlotte. She also won the two most recent JEGS Allstars races. 

“We have had great success winning the last two JEGS Allstars,” Nataas said. “With the recent win and car we have right now, I believe we can go for three in a row. I’d just like to do in a less dramatic way than last year. We are getting close to end of the season so this will be the first race that might not count towards the championship. We have a first-round loss and two second-round losses to switch out for something better. We have a lot to gain and I’m 100% confident in me and my team that we will change those races out for something better. Last year we didn’t qualify at this race, but I know we have a better car than a year ago. I’m not worried.”

Sackman, who’s also worked with the RMR team as a crew member for most of the season, will return to the driver’s seat of the Gunk/Shop Squad entry to compete in both the FallNationals and the JEGS Allstars. Sackman earned a pair of runner-up finishes in regional competition since last year’s JEGS Allstars race. The Channahon, Illinois, native who now resides in Knoxville, Tennessee, will represent the North Central Region. 

“I’m very excited to compete in the Allstars racing for the first time,” said Sackman, whose dragster won world championships with Megan and Rachel Meyer driving. “It’s really cool to race against seven other really good cars from across the country to see who’s the best for this season. I’m grateful to Randy for giving me a chance to run a third car down here and everybody at Randy Meyer Racing that’s working hard to make it possible. We brought the third car down here in my dad’s trailer with our Top Dragster. It takes a lot of work and extra headaches, but I know Randy takes a lot of pride in running three cars competitively at the same event.”

Green, driver of the Bond-Coat/BOXO Tools dragster, earned his first-ever NHRA national event win in August at the final Menards NHRA Nationals at Heartland Motorsports Park in Topeka, Kansas. The Texas Motorplex the home track on the NHRA Lucas Oil Series tour for Green, who lives in Midland, Texas, and races with his father, Funny Car standout Chad Green. 

“I’m racing in all three of the last national events, but I think I can speak for myself and my dad when I say this is the one we want to win the most,” Green said. “We consider Texas Motorplex our home track and we have been after that cowboy hat for a while now. If you look at all the numbers, with the way my car performed in Topeka along with the way Julie’s car has been performing throughout the season, it’s clear that Randy is still the baddest tuner and crew chief out there. I know with him and this team I can win any race as long as I execute and do my job. I’m excited to race in Texas, and I’m glad my dad and I will both have an opportunity to win this weekend. And with the way his Funny Car has been performing, I’m confident one or even both of us could be holding up a Wally on Sunday.”

With the JEGS Allstars competition and the FallNationals to complete in one weekend, the RMR teams will be busy fielding three cars. Qualifying begins with one session on Thursday afternoon, with a second session set for Friday morning. JEGS Allstars pre-race ceremonies begin at 1 p.m. The Top Alcohol classes will close out first round of eliminations for the Allstars, which leads into final qualifying for the FallNationals. The second round of the Allstars race is scheduled to run after Q1 of Top Fuel. FallNationals eliminations begin Saturday morning, while the Allstars final round will wrap up later that afternoon. The second round of FallNationals eliminations is scheduled for Saturday evening, with the semifinals and final round concluding on Sunday. 

NHRA^® Team Report

Texas NHRA FallNationals

Pre-Race Report

Cruz Pedregon and team are putting up good numbers heading to Dallas with the Snap-on^® “Makers and Fixers” Dodge^® SRT^® Hellcat^®.

“Of all the great tracks on the NHRA circuit, Dallas has big-time memories for me with several wins…especially the epic 1992 win that was a defining moment in my racing career,” Cruz says. “We’re the kind of team that finishes strong, and we feel good about where we’re headed. We’ve had some issues, like with the clutch, but the team has really stuck together and we’re all pulling in the same direction.”

Cruz says he had a good meeting with crew chiefs J.C. (John Collins) and Ryan (Elliott) and that they’re all on the same page for the last three races of the season. In Dallas, Cruz’s Funny Car will be decked out in pink again. It is in honor of his primary sponsor Snap-on and its franchisees for their work that has resulted in more than $1 million in donations to support the PinkFund.org and KellyShiresFoundation.org and their important work to cover non-medical expenses of patients undergoing breast cancer treatment. The pink design features the Snap-on Socket to Breast Cancer logo along with the Pink Fund and Kelly Shires Foundation logos. 

Before heading to the track, Cruz will ride along with Snap-on Nitro franchisee Ryan Long to visit with his customers in auto, trailer, and big truck shops. Ryan began his work with Snap-on right out of high school and became a franchisee two years ago. He says the people he gets to work with as customers and all the Snap-on events, such as attending NHRA races, are what he enjoys most about owning a Snap-on franchise. 

CHEVROLET IN NHRA2023 TEXAS NHRA FALLNATIONALS STAMPEDE OF SPEEDTEXAS MOTORPLEX ENNIS, TEXAS TEAM CHEVY RACE ADVANCE OCTOBER 13-15, 2023 THREE RACES REMAIN FOR CHEVROLET NHRA TEAMS IN THE CHAMPIONSHIP FIGHT DETROIT (October 11, 2023) – With three races remaining in the 2023 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series, the Chevrolet drivers and teams competing in the Countdown to the Championship have their sights set on the Texas NHRA FallNationals Stampede of Speed this weekend at Texas Motorplex to gain critical wins and points at a crucial time. As the Bowtie brand approaches locking in a 28th Manufacturers Cup since 1966, John Force Racing’s Robert Hight, driver of the AAA Chevrolet Camaro SS Funny Car, heads into the FallNationals six key points behind Bob Tasca, III in second. Hight knows the time is now, and not only seeks victory this weekend to gain that competitive advantage for him, his team, and Chevrolet, in addition to his three wins this year, but to also surpass Tasca, III in the standings. “This Funny Car field is so competitive. These top cars, all of them are championship caliber. It’s really going to take the right combination of driver, crew chiefs, crews and a little luck to get the job done,” Hight said. “This AAA Chevy has been coming around and at just the right time. I’m really proud of what Jimmy and Thomas Prock and Nate Hildahl have been able to do, the whole team has been working really hard, and we all had confidence that we’d be right in the championship hunt. This weekend in Texas will be important. It’s a great event with the Stampede of Speed all week long. But it’s all about getting those cowboy hats at the end of it all on Sunday.” In Pro Stock, the battle for first is heating up between KB Titan Racing’s Greg Anderson and Elite Motorsports’ Erica Enders, with only 25 points separating the two Chevrolet drivers. Anderson, the most recent winner in St. Louis and going back-to-back the race prior in Charlotte, gaining needed ground with key timing during the Countdown to the Championship. “It means the world to peak at the right time, and this is the right time”, said Anderson of his recent wins coming during the Countdown. “The year has been a little less than stellar, but we’ve been working towards this goal and did a lot of experimenting through this season, and come playoff time, we were able to ratchet it up a notch. It’s all about the playoffs and being hot at the right time, and our team came together and peaked at the right time. We’ve shown we are still here. That’s a good sign, and with three more to go, we’re going to continue to ride this wave.”  Enders, who leads Anderson, not only seeks to continue to hold the top spot in the points standings, but also is looking to her next win to surpass Angelle Sampey (Pro Stock Motorcycle, Top Alcohol Dragster) as the winningest woman in NHRA history. Currently at 45 Pro Stock wins and one in Super Gas, Enders’ 47th win, her next, will further solidify the five-time champion in the record books. All of Enders’ wins have come while in the cockpit of a Chevrolet car. For John Force Racing’s Top Fuel teams of Austin Prock, driver of the Montana Brand/Rocky Mountain Twist Chevrolet dragster, and Brittany Force, driver of the Monster Energy/Flav-R-Pac Chevrolet dragster, they look to shift momentum and round out the season on a high note. Prock, who captured the pairs only win of the year so far at zMAX Dragway in the spring at the annual four-wide event, looks to return to the winner’s circle this weekend. For Force, 2023 has been a departure of a season compared to the previous and enters the Lone Star State looking for her first victory of the year. This Montana Brand / Rocky Mountain Twist team had a successful event in Dallas last year and we are hoping for that again. This is a big one, everyone wants to leave with a truck full of cowboy hats,” said Prock. “We tested last week to get dialed in to go for a strong last three-race stretch. We made three nice passes, progressively getting quicker. I feel very confident heading to Dallas. The conditions should be similar to the test session so I’m hoping to drop the door strong. We may be out of the championship hunt but we’re not out of the Wally hunt.” In action this weekend, the FlexJet Factory Stock Showdown could see Aaron Stanfield, driver of the Stanfield Racing Engines Chevrolet COPO Camaro, extend his points lead further on his march towards a third category championship. Currently leading with 112 points over the competition, Stanfield has two events remaining to make it happen. “I am not thinking about the championship right now,” said Stanfield. “We want to come to the Texas Motorplex and make good runs. The weather will be really good and the competition will be tough. I know a lot of people will be testing before the race. We just have to take it one round at a time and see where we wind up at the end of the day.” The 2023 NHRA Texas FallNationals at Texas Motorplex kicks off Friday, Oct. 13 in Ennis, Texas, with qualifying airing at 1 p.m. ET on FOX Sports 1 (FS1), Sunday, Oct. 15. Eliminations will follow, also airing on FS1, at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday. Coverage streams live throughout the weekend on NHRA.tv, and is available via AppleTV, Android TV, and Roku devices.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING:Brittany Force, driver of the Monster Energy / Flav-R-Pac Chevrolet Top Fuel dragster for John Force Racing:“We head to the Stampede of Speed next in Ennis, Texas and this entire Flav-R-Pac / Monster Energy team is excited to get there. It’s a fun event; it’s filled from the start of the week to the end of the weekend with a fanfest, fifteen thousand dollars is on the line for being low of Friday and then race day on Sunday. We are looking forward to getting this team back out there, making some good runs, chasing down some money, making up some ground to move up in the standings and having some fun while we’re doing it.” John Force, driver of the PEAK Antifreeze and Coolant Chevrolet Camaro SS Funny Car for John Force Racing:“Everything is bigger in Texas, so they say. Makes sense they have this Stampeded of Speed. I know fans have been out enjoying all the activities, gearing up for the race this weekend. Hopefully we can put on a good show for them. I know we need to. This PEAK team has been struggling, but we’re still competitive, still getting down the track, we can still win rounds and qualify well. It will come together. Three races left, still a lot of racing and a lot can happen.” Greg Anderson, driver of the HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro SS Pro Stock for KB Titan Racing:How do you feel racing with three to go? “It’s great, the way I look at it is, this a brand-new start. It’s like the season is going to start right now, and you have three races to run to win a championship. The score is about damn-near even between the top six cars; you can throw them all in there and not pick out a favorite. There are also four or five long shots that could still go on a roll, but the good news is, we’re one of those six favorites, and if we can continue the pace we’ve set the last couple of races, we have a great shot at it. It’s going to be fun. It’s going to be great; it’s like going into overtime with three races left. You just have to make the most of it.”   On the FallNationals this weekend in Dallas:“This race has been very good to us in the past, and it’s one I’m proud to have won six times. There is a lot on the line, and everyone at Texas Motorplex, from Billy and Christy Meyer on down, makes this a really special event. This is a big one, so to do well here would mean a lot. It would set you up for those last two races, and that’s what we’ve been striving for and working so hard for. Our whole goal is to finish the year on top for KB Titan Racing and HendrickCars.com. We have a chance to do that.”  Camrie Caruso, driver of the Tequila Comisario Chevrolet Camaro SS Pro Stock for KB Titan Racing:“The Pro Stock class is stacked with talent and we just need to get on a roll and see what we can do over these last three Countdown races. Last year was our first Countdown experience and we are already having more success. These cars are all about seat time and getting laps under your belt. I am so thankful we have won as many rounds as we have this season. My Tequila Comisario team has been awesome and I am really looking forward to the Stampede of Speed and Texas Fall Nationals. Getting the win in the first Pro Stock Allstar Callout gave our team a lot of confidence for the rest of the season. Every race you are racing drivers and teams that have more experience than our Tequila Comisario team. We never give up and we don’t back down. I am so happy to be part of KB Titan Racing and seeing the success we have had this season is very encouraging for the rest of this season and the future.” “We have a race car that can compete with anyone and I have been working on my driving. In Reading we were on our way to a win that would have put us into the semifinals, but the car started drifting to the center line and I had to lift. It was the smart move but a tough way to lose. We have had some good luck in Texas in the past so I want to get to the Texas Motorplex and see if I can turn on four win lights on Sunday.” Aaron Stanfield, driver of the Stanfield Racing Engines Chevrolet COPO Camaro in FlexJet Factory Stock Showdown:“Last year getting the win at the Texas Fall Nationals was big for us to head into the offseason,” said Stanfield. “We didn’t have the season we were hoping for but when you win the last race of the year you have a good feeling going into the winter.” Stephen Bell, driver of the Stanfield Racing Chevrolet COPO Camaro in FlexJet Factory Stock Showdown:“The fun part is Aaron (Stanfield) and I are best friends. I gauge every season on a couple things, if I get a win and if we are competitive at most races. We’ve had a good year this season. I have finished up in the points for a couple years and we are chasing that first championship. I am appreciative of Greg and Aaron Stanfield for giving a customer like me a car that can compete for the championship. This weekend – if it is in the cards – we can try and close the gap on Aaron (Stanfield). “We will need some good fortune. Aaron (Stanfield) is the class of the field and we have an outside chance, but regardless of the outcome we have had a great season. I love the mental challenge of leaving my normal world and competing in these Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown races.”

TEAM CHEVY BY THE NUMBERS:1,438: Round wins for John Force (1st all-time).621: Round wins for Robert Hight; 13th all-time. Cruz Pedregon (Funny Car), sits 12th, with 624.379: Number of wins in Pro Stock since 1970; 260 won in the Chevrolet Camaro body.166: Number of career No. 1 qualifiers for John Force (1st all-time).158: Number of Chevrolet Racing Funny Car wins since 1967.82: Number of career No. 1 qualifiers for Robert Hight (6th all-time). Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel) is fifth with 88.78: Number of Chevrolet Racing Funny Car wins with the Camaro body.46: Number of career No. 1 qualifiers for Brittany Force.27: Number of NHRA championships Chevrolet holds as a manufacturer since entering the first in 1966. No other manufacturer has won it more than Chevrolet.24: Wins by John Force in a Chevrolet-bodied Funny Car.18: Number of Pro Stock championships.20: Chevrolet career Top Fuel wins in NHRA.16: Number of Chevrolet career wins by Brittany Force.7: Number of Funny Car driver championships.2: Number of Top Fuel driver championships.

UPCOMING NHRA MILESTONES:950: Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) is second all-time with 933 elimination round wins. He could reach 950 round wins with a decent run in the 18-race schedule. 624: Robert Hight achieved 621 Funny Car elimination wins in Chicago to rank 13th on the all-time NHRA list; Cruz Pedregon (Funny Car) sits 12th with 624. 451: By qualifying for his next race, Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) will extend his NHRA record from 450 to 451 consecutive race day appearances. His first appearance came in 2002 at Pomona 2, and he holds the longest career qualifying streak in NHRA. 138: Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) ranks third on the NHRA all-time list with 122 No. 1 qualifiers. He will tie Warren Johnson (Pro Stock, 138) for second to John Force (Funny Car, 166) on the list. 277: By qualifying for his next race, Robert Hight will extend his NHRA record to 277 consecutive race day appearances. His first appearance came in 2010 at Pomona 2, and he currently sits seventh in career qualifying streaks in NHRA (Doug Kalitta is sixth at 285). 65: Robert Hight moved into the top-10 in 10th on the all-time NHRA victory list with his win in Reading with 64. Jeg Coughlin Jr. (Pro Stock, retired) is next ninth on list with 65. 47: Erica Enders has 46 career NHRA victories (45 Pro Stock, one Super Gas; all with Chevrolet). Her first win in Pro Stock came at Chicago, 2012, and her last win at Topeka, 2023 in Pro Stock. Angelle Sampey (Pro Stock Motorcycle, Top Alcohol Dragster) and Enders are tied as the all-time NHRA female leader with 46.  18: Brittany Force (16 Top Fuel career wins) will move past Shirley Muldowney (18 wins) into third on the NHRA all-time victory list for females. Erica Enders (Pro Stock, 46) and Angelle Sampey (Pro Stock Motorcycle, 46) are ahead. 6: Erica Enders (Pro Stock) could tie Warren Johnson (6 Pro Stock championships) for second on the class list. The same holds for Greg Anderson. Bob Glidden is the leader with 10. Enders currently holds five Pro Stock championships, the most of any female in NHRA. 3: Brittany Force (Top Fuel, two championships) would tie Shirley Muldowney (Top Fuel) and Angelle Sampey (Pro Stock Motorcycle) for second on the NHRA all-time championship list by females with another title in 2023. Erica Enders (Pro Stock, five) is the leader.

JOHN FORCE AND PEAK LOOKING FOR MOMENTUM AT TEXAS FALLNATIONALS

ENNIS, Texas (Oct. 11, 2023) – John Force and the PEAK Antifreeze and Coolant Chevrolet Camaro SS team will be hoping to build some momentum as they head into this weekend’s Texas NHRA FallNationals at Texas Motorplex. Sitting ninth in points, they are looking for their first win of the season to give them a necessary boost through the final three races of the 2023 NHRA Camping World Series season. Force, who will be making his 36th appearance at the Texas FallNationals, has nine No. 1 starts the most recent came in 2019. He has picked up victories at the fall race at the Texas Motorplex six times (1993, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2003, 2005) along with six runner-up finishes (2013, 2010, 2001, 1997, 1995, 1992). In the four years the track held a spring event, Force had one No. 1 start and picked up a win in 2000. “Everything is bigger in Texas, so they say. Makes sense they have this Stampeded of Speed. I know fans have been out enjoying all the activities, gearing up for the race this weekend,” Force said. “Hopefully we can put on a good show for them. I know we need to. This PEAK team has been struggling, but we’re still competitive, still getting down the track, we can still win rounds and qualify well. It will come together. Three races left, still a lot of racing and a lot can happen.” Force and the PEAK team have reached the finals once this season at the rain-delayed New England Nationals where they ultimately finished runner-up. They’ve also had four semifinal appearances and qualified inside the top half of the field at 12 of 18 events so far including picking up the No. 1 qualifying position at the Northwest Nationals at Pacific Raceways just outside of Seattle. Competition at the Texas NHRA FallNationals at Texas Motorplex begins with qualifying Friday at 5 and 8 p.m. and Saturday at 2 and 5 p.m. Eliminations will begin Sunday at noon. Television coverage of the event will air Sunday on FOX Sports 1 (FS1) with a qualifying show at 1 p.m. ET and eliminations at 3 p.m. ET.

PLAINVIEW, NY (October 11, 2023) — The last two years on race day all Justin Ashley and the Phillips Connect Toyota Top Fuel dragster team have seen is win light after win light. The four-year Top Fuel team owner and driver is riding an eight round win streak coming into the 38th annual NHRA Texas Fall Nationals at Texas Motorplex. No Top Fuel driver has ever won three Texas Fall Nationals in a row and only NHRA Hall of Famer and Legend Funny Car driver John Force has won the iconic Fall NHRA national event three times in a row in any pro class. This weekend Ashley will bring out a new look race car as he is racing with Leatherwood Distillery as his primary sponsor along with Phillips Connect. For Ashley securing a third winner’s cowboy hat would mean a slice of history, but also it would keep him in the driver’s seat for his first Top Fuel world championship.
 
“It’s an honor to be in the conversation for a championship and third straight Texas Fall Nationals victory,” said Ashley, a six-time Top Fuel winner in 2023. “It’s a testament to the great team that we have on and off the racetrack. But the best opportunity we have to accomplish those goals are predicated upon our ability to concentrate on ourselves and not the circumstances that surround us. That’ll be our plan and this Leatherwood Distillery Top Fuel team powered by Phillips Connect is ready for what is sure to be an incredible weekend of drag racing.”

 
Ashley has been the dominant driver throughout the regular season collecting back-to-back wins at the Arizona Nationals and the Winternationals. Then he picked up wins in Epping and Bristol in the same weekend before going back-to-back at the Sonoma Nationals and Topeka Nationals. The flurry of wins combined with six Mission #2Fast#2Tasty specialty race wins had the second-generation driver poised to capture his first Top Fuel world championship. Ashley entered the Countdown as the No. 1 seed and after a slow start the 2020 NHRA Rookie of the Year is looking for a bounce back race during the Stampede of Speed and Texas Fall Nationals.
 
“We had a great regular season but now it becomes about what you can do in the playoffs,” said Ashley. “The first half of the countdown is in the rearview mirror and with three races left we are focused solely on the task at hand, which is Dallas. Mike Green, Tommy DeLago and the crew guys work incredibly hard to find success and the Texas Motorplex is always a great place to see that come to fruition.”
 
The last two years at the Texas Fall Nationals have seen Ashley dominate the track outside of Dallas. In 2021 as the No. 4 qualifier, he defeated Keith Murt, Billy Torrence, Brittant Force and then Steve Torrence in an epic final round. Last year Ashley struggled in qualifying entering race day as the No. 10 qualifier before upsetting Doug Kalitta in the first round and then taking out Kebin Kinsley, Shawn Langdon and Austin Prock. Race day was a nearly perfect combination of stellar reaction times mixed with low elapsed times that made Ashley unbeatable on the all-concrete race track.
 
“Last year was an amazing race day for our team,” said Ashley. “We had some weather in the morning and when we started racing, we were on a quick turnaround schedule, so everyone operated at the highest levels of efficiency. That made it even more enjoyable because once we found a groove it naturally kept itself going. The Meyer family has done a great job building up the Stampede of Speed into a major event from the Champions’ dinner to the FanFest to the bonus money on Friday night. The Texas Fall Nationals is an event every team looks forward to racing.”
 
Ashley and the Leatherwood Distillery Top Fuel dragster powered by Phillips Connect will get two qualifying runs on Friday and then two more on Saturday. The quickest 16 Top Fuel drivers will race on Sunday beginning at noon CT. The race will be televised on FS1 nationally.

ENNIS, Texas (Oct. 11, 2023) – Robert Hight and the AAA Texas / Cornwell Tools Chevrolet Camaro SS team sit only six points behind the lead as they head into the Texas NHRA FallNationals at Texas Motorplex, the third to last event of the 2023 season. Vying for their fourth Funny Car world championship, a feat only achieved by three other drivers including John Force, Kenny Bernstein and Don Prudhomme, Hight started the Countdown to the Championship sitting third but after victory at Maple Grove Raceway in Reading, Pennsylvania, and a runner-up up finish at the Carolina Nationals in Charlotte, the AAA Chevy team have tasted the points lead and are looking to win it back with a strong showing in Texas. “This Funny Car field is so competitive. These top cars, all of them are championship caliber. It’s really going to take the right combination of driver, crew chiefs, crews and a little luck to get the job done,” Hight said. “This AAA Chevy has been coming around and at just the right time. I’m really proud of what Jimmy and Thomas Prock and Nate Hildahl have been able to do, the whole team has been working really ahhardrd, we all had confidence that we’d be right in the championship hunt. This weekend in Texas will be important. It’s a great event with the Stampede of Speed all week long. But it’s all about getting those cowboy hats at the end of it all on Sunday.” Hight has four wins at the Texas Motorplex (2006, 2009, 2017 and 2018) and has started No. 1 more often in the Texas FallNationals than he has in any other event – seven times (2006, 2008, 2009, 2013, 2016, 2017 and 2021) and is the track record holder for speed at 338.60 mph set in October 2017. Last year, after starting second, he had a semifinal finish.  Competition at the Texas NHRA FallNationals at Texas Motorplex begins with qualifying Friday at 5 and 8 p.m. and Saturday at 2 and 5 p.m. Eliminations will begin Sunday at noon. Television coverage of the event will air Sunday on FOX Sports 1 (FS1) with a qualifying show at 1 p.m. ET and eliminations at 3 p.m. ET.

DALLAS, TX (October 11, 2023) — Honorary Texan Buddy Hull is building his Top Fuel program on determination, humility and fun. The Illinois transplant has spent decades in the Dallas area building a number of successful businesses putting himself in a position to chase his dream of Top Fuel stardom and success in the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series. The former professional powerlifter harbors no illusions that the road to success would be paved with roses, but he also was not expecting as many thorns as he has experienced this season heading into the 38th annual NHRA Texas Fall Nationals, the final four-day event of the wildly popular Stampede of Speed. Hull who opened the 10-day motorsports and music extravaganza as one of the four professional drivers racing in the inaugural Texas Invitational match race last Saturday and Sunday.

 
“I am a very positive person, but my patience is really being tested this season,” said Hull. “We have such high expectations I sometimes forget we are a part-time team that is learning every race. I have the mentality that we can race with anyone and if you are going to be successful at this level you must have that mindset. Unfortunately, we aren’t there yet and we just have to keep our heads down and do the work. I have all the confidence in my team led by Mike Guger we will get there.”
 
Hull has raced in a handful of NHRA national events this season all across the country. He has had highs and lows but throughout the season he has kept a smile on his face and continued to grow his fan base and engage with fans of all ages. The previous two races he swapped out his traditional black and white Methanol Moonshine and Vertex Roofing Top Fuel dragster for a wild green and purple HULL’K Top Fuel dragster to wow young fans and feed is passion for the Incredible Hulk. At the U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis over Labor Day and two weeks ago at the Midwest Nationals in St. Louis Hull’s HULL’K Top Fuel dragster was the hit of the pits.
 
“I wanted to do something kids would get excited about in an effort to make them drag racing fans,” said Hull. “We had so many people coming up and getting photos with the dragster they didn’t care how fast we ran. They just wanted to see the car and talk about why I love the Hulk. We are doing a great deal with the Down Syndrome Foundation of North Texas for the Texas Fall Nationals just because we saw the chance to help the organizations.”
 
Hull will be racing to raise awareness and donations for the Down Syndrome Partnership of North Texas during the Stampede of Speed and the NHRA Texas Fall Nationals at Texas Motorplex, October 6-15. The ultimate goal is to raise $50,000 for the organization through corporate and fan donations. Hull is confident that the support and funds will make an immediate difference.

 
“I met with the folks from Down Syndrome Partnership of North Texas and I immediately knew we needed to get involved with them,” said Hull, who has also supported breast cancer charities as well as anti-bully initiatives. “This organization has been working with families and caregivers for almost two decades and I just really felt the need to get involved. Fans that make a donation through the Buddy Hull Racing Fund Raising landing page will get their name on my race car for the Stampede of Speed and I would love to see the car covered.”
 
The Buddy Hull Racing Fund Raising page can be found here and several groups and companies have come together to make this possible. Fralicks Warehouse Solutions and Chick-Fil-A Mansfield have been instrumental in designing the look of Hull’s Top Fuel dragster as well as outfitting the team in Down Syndrome Partnership of North Texas uniforms.
 
The Down Syndrome Partnership of North Texas supports individuals with Down syndrome, their families and caregivers in achieving the universally desired goals of self-fulfillment, pride in one’s achievements, inclusion in the community, and reaching one’s fullest potential through social and educational activities. DSPNT has been serving families in North Texas (Tarrant, Johnson, Hood, Parker, and Wise counties) since 1995.  Their programs serve families and individuals with Down syndrome through all stages of life – from diagnosis through adulthood.
 
Hull will be on track looking to put his Down Syndrome Foundation of North Texas Top Fuel dragster in the sixteen-car field starting on Friday at 5 p.m. with his first qualifying run followed by a second run at 8 p.m. On Saturday Hart will take to the track at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. The final eliminations for the quickest 16 Top Fuel teams will commence at noon on Sunday with the race broadcast airing nationally on FS1.
 

ENNIS, Texas (Oct. 11, 2023) – The 2023 Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown season begins to wind down with the Texas NHRA Fall Nationals at Texas Motorplex, the second to last event on the schedule. The penultimate race of the season will be one of the highlight classes during the Stampede of Speed with the championship on the line.
 
Points leader Aaron Stanfield and his Stanfield Racing Engines Chevrolet COPO Camaro enter the weekend as the defending event champions, and it was their only event victory of the 2022 season where they finished third in the points.

Points leader Aaron Stanfield is on the cusp of his third Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown world championship, photo by Gary Nastase/Auto Imagery

 
“Last year getting the win at the Texas Fall Nationals was big for us to head into the offseason,” said Stanfield. “We didn’t have the season we were hoping for but when you win the last race of the year you have a good feeling going into the winter.”
 
Now with two wins in 2023, Stanfield has a 112-point lead on the rest of the COPOs, Ford Cobras and Dodge Drag Paks in the field. With only two events left, a strong showing at Texas Motorplex could give Stanfield all the momentum he needs to become a three-time world champion.
 
“I am not thinking about the championship right now,” said Stanfield. “We want to come to the Texas Motorplex and make good runs. The weather will be really good and the competition will be tough. I know a lot of people will be testing before the race. We just have to take it one round at a time and see where we wind up at the end of the day.”
 
Looking to slow Stanfield’s bid for a second championship is Stephen Bell and his Stanfield Racing COPO. Bell raced his way to victory at the Norwalk, Ohio event and has two runner-up finishes on the season, the first at the U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis Indiana and the second at the most recent event in in St. Louis, the Midwest Nationals.
 
“The fun part is Aaron and I are best friends. I gauge every season on a couple things, if I get a win and if we are competitive at most races,” said Bell. “We’ve had a good year this season. I have finished up in the points for a couple years and we are chasing that first championship. I am appreciative of Greg and Aaron Stanfield for giving a customer like me a car that can compete for the championship. This weekend – if it is in the cards – we can try and close the gap on Aaron.

“We will need some good fortune. Aaron is the class of the field and we have an outside chance, but regardless of the outcome we have had a great season. I love the mental challenge of leaving my normal world and competing in these Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown races,” added Bell.
 
Carrying the Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown Bounty on his back is Mark Pawuk and the Empaco Equipment Dodge Drag Pak. Pawuk had a dominating weekend at World Wide Technology Raceway picking up the No. 1 qualifying position, winning the bounty from Aaron Stanfield and picked up his first Factory Stock Showdown victory. Pawuk will carry the bounty until a competitor is able to defeat him in eliminations.
 
“It felt great to finally get an NHRA win in my Empaco Equipment Dodge Drag Pak and I would love to make it two in a row,” said the Pawuk Family Racing team owner/driver. “We’ve gone to several final rounds and had many late-round finishes on race day in the Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown events, but it feels really good to have checked that box of first NHRA Factory Stock win in St. Louis. I just want to say a huge thank you to all of our tremendous partners from Empaco Equipment, Emil Pawuk and Associates, Inc. and Seabreeze North Corporation, Ohio CAT and its Ohio Cat The Rental Store division, Enerco Mr. Heater, Summit Racing Equipment, and Mickey Thompson Tires & Wheels. I also want to acknowledge Red Line Oil and VP Racing Fuels, and our newest partners who joined our program this year, E3 Spark Plugs and Cometic Gaskets.”

 Mark Pawuk is looking to make it two wins in a row this season, photo credit Gary Nastase/Auto Imagery

Competition in the Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown class begins with qualifying Friday at 3:30 and 6:15 p.m. Eliminations are slated to start Saturday with round one at noon, round two at 3:30 and round three at 6:00 p.m. They’ll continue Sunday with semifinals at 3 and finals at 4:15 p.m.
 

ENNIS, Texas (Oct. 11, 2023) – Austin Prock and the Montana Brand / Rocky Mountain Twist Chevrolet dragster team enter this weekend’s Texas NHRA FallNationals at Texas Motorplex sitting 10th in the NHRA Camping World points standings. With only three events left in the season, they’ll be looking for a jump in performance to finish 2023 on a good note. The Texas FallNationals is one of two events in which Prock has qualified No. 1, the other being in Sonoma, California this year. Last year, Prock rode that No. 1 start into the final round for a runner-up finish that contributed to his 10-position jump in the Countdown to the Championship. He started the 2022 Countdown sitting 13th before finishing third. “This Montana Brand / Rocky Mountain Twist team had a successful event in Dallas last year and we are hoping for that again. This is a big one, everyone wants to leave with a truck full of cowboy hats,” Prock said. “We tested last week to get dialed in to go for a strong last three-race stretch. We made three nice passes, progressively getting quicker. I feel very confident heading to Dallas. The conditions should be similar to the test session so I’m hoping to drop the door strong. We may be out of the championship hunt but we’re not out of the Wally hunt.” Prock, driving for the new crew chief tandem of Chris Cunningham and Joe Barlam, has had success this season. The Montana Brand team has the only Top Fuel victory for JFR thus far winning the spring Four-Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway in Charlotte. Prock shared the winner’s circle with his crew chief dad, Jimmy Prock, and teammate Robert Hight. In addition to their win at the in Charlotte, the Montana Brand team also made it to the finals of the Winternationals in Pomona, California. Competition at the Texas NHRA FallNationals at Texas Motorplex begins with qualifying Friday at 5 and 8 p.m. and Saturday at 2 and 5 p.m. Eliminations will begin Sunday at noon. Television coverage of the event will air Sunday on FOX Sports 1 (FS1) with a qualifying show at 1 p.m. ET and eliminations at 3 p.m. ET.

The Series battles at Senoia Raceway before making its debut at Rome Speedway

SENOIA, GA – OCTOBER 11, 2023 – A mid-October doubleheader in the South awaits the World of Outlaws CASE Construction Equipment Late Model Series as it travels to Georgia for the first time this season.

The two-night trip to the Peach State kicks off with the Billy Clanton Classic at Senoia Raceway on Saturday, Oct. 14 in a 50-lap Feature paying $15,000-to-win.

Then, the Series heads North for its debut at Rome Speedway in Rome, GA, for the World of Outlaws ARP Southeast Showdown. Drivers will battle for $10,000 in a 40-lap Feature.

If you can’t make it to the track, watch all the action live on DIRTVision, either online or with the DIRTVision app.

Here are the storylines to watch this weekend:

Closing In: After sweeping the weekend at Brownstown Speedway and Fairbury Speedway, Bobby Pierce is on the cusp of his first World of Outlaws CASE Late Models championship. The Oakwood, IL driver enters the weekend with a 156-point lead over Chris Madden and could mathematically secure the championship entering the World of Outlaws World Finals at the Dirt Track at Charlotte Nov. 1-4. 

Pierce also has the chance to break the single-season wins record if he wins all five of the remaining races on the 2023 schedule. That record is currently held by four-time Series champions Brandon Sheppard and Josh Richards (18).

A win this weekend would be his 19th career Series victory.

Bulldog Country: A Georgia doubleheader means a return home for 2015 Series champion Shane Clanton. 

The Billy Clanton Classic at Senoia is a race in his dad’s honor—one he’s won twice in its seven-year history. He also has more top fives than any other driver in the event (4). 

Clanton has also succeeded at Rome, scoring two Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series wins in 2006 and 2010. 

If he sweeps the weekend, Clanton will become the fourth driver in Series history to reach 50 wins.

Back to the Gumbo: Saturday night marks the fourth appearance for the World of Outlaws CASE Late Models at Senoia Raceway—known for its gumbo clay.

In the three Series events at the track, Sheppard and Chris Madden won the first two in 2017 and 2018 before Ashton Winger held off Madden to win in 2021.

Kyle Bronson also has victories at the track, winning the Peach Bowl in 2021 and 2022.

A Triumphant Debut: The World of Outlaws ARP Southeast Showdown at Rome Speedway is the Series debut at the 1/2-mile red clay oval. It’s also the first 1/2-mile track the World of Outlaws have raced at since DIRTcar Nationals at Volusia Speedway Park. 

Along with Clanton, Madden has found success at Rome with four wins at the track, including two national touring Series victories.

Fourteen-time World of Outlaws winner Dale McDowell, who’s expected to attend this weekend, has two victories at Rome in 2023, winning a Spring Nationals Series race in May and a Hunt the Front Super DIRT Series race last month.

A Six-Way Dance: Entering last weekend’s races at Brownstown and Fairbury, positions four through nine in the Series standings were separated by 62 points. That number has shrunk to 42.

Bronson moved up two spots to fourth after a fifth and sixth-place finish. However, he leads Ryan Gustin by eight points, while Nick Hoffman and Brian Shirley are 10 points out of fourth.

Tanner English and defending Series champion Dennis Erb Jr. are still in striking distance, sitting 38 and 42 points behind Bronson. 

As the drivers continue to battle for positions, there’s a $32,000 difference between fourth and ninth. The driver who finishes fourth wins $75,000, while the driver who finishes ninth gets $43,000.

For a complete look at the Series points standings, CLICK HERE.

WHEN AND WHERE  

Senoia Raceway (3/8-mile) in Senoia, GA on Oct. 14
Rome Speedway (1/2-mile) in Rome, GA on Oct. 15

ONLINE   
Senoia Raceway: www.senoiaraceway1969.com

Rome Speedway: www.raceromespeedway.com

TRACK RECORDS
Senoia Raceway: 12.684 by Brandon Overton 
Rome Speedway: 12.789 by Billy Moyer

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

FEATURE WINNERS: (14 Drivers)
Rank- Driver- Hometown-Wins

1. Bobby Pierce, Oakwood, IL-14
2. Ryan Gustin, Marshalltown, IA-3
   Chris Madden, Gray Court, SC-3
   Mike Marlar, Winfield, TN-3
3. Devin Moran, Dresden, OH-2
   Brandon Sheppard, New Berlin, IL-2
4. Hudson O’Neal, Martinsville, IN-1
   Cory Hedgecock, Loudon, TN-1
   Brandon Overton, Evans, GA-1
   Nick Hoffman, Mooresville, NC-1
   Kyle Bronson, Brandon, FL-1
   Brian Shirley, Chatham, IL-1
   Dennis Erb Jr., Carpentersville, IL-1
   Ricky Thornton Jr., Martinsville, IN-1

HEAT RACE WINNERS (38 Drivers)
Rank- Driver- Hometown-Wins

1. Bobby Pierce, Oakwood, IL-21
2. Chris Madden, Gray Court, SC-17
3. Cade Dillard, Robeline, LA-9
   Ryan Gustin, Marshalltown, IA-9
4. Brian Shirley, Chatham, IL-8
5. Brandon Sheppard, New Berlin, IL-7
6. Kyle Bronson, Brandon, FL-6
   Nick Hoffman, Mooresville, NC-5
7. Mike Marlar, Winfield, TN-5
8. Ricky Thornton Jr, Martinsville, IN-4
   Shane Clanton, Zebulon, GA-4
   Dennis Erb Jr., Carpentersville, IL-4
9. Tim McCreadie, Watertown, NY-3
   Drake Troutman, Hyndman, PA-3
   Tanner English, Benton, KY-3
10. Devin Moran, Dresden, OH-2
    Dale McDowell, Chickamauga, GA-2
    Gordy Gundaker, St. Charles, MO-2
    Max Blair, Centerville, PA-2
    Gregg Satterlee, Indiana, PA-2
    Todd Cooney, Des Moines, IA-2
    Jonathan Davenport, Blairsville, GA-2
    Hudson O’Neal, Martinsville, IN-2
11. Kyle Strickler, Mooresville, NC-1
    Chase Junghans, Manhattan, KS-1
    Brandon Overton, Evans, GA-1
    Jensen Ford, Johnson City, TN-1
    Kyle Larson, Elk Grove, CA-1
    Chris Ferguson, Mt. Holly, NC-1
    Mike Norris, Sarver, PA-1
    Doug Drown, Wooster, OH-1
    Ryan Montgomery, Fairmont, WV-1
    Johnny Scott, Las Cruces, NM-1
    Daniel Hilsabeck, Earlham, IA-1
    Daulton Wilson, Fayetteville, NC-1
    Shannon Babb, Moweaqua, IL-1
    Jake Timm, Winona, MN-1
    Adam Stricker, Batavia, OH-1
    Jason Feger, Bloomington, IL-1

LAST CHANCE SHOWDOWN WINNERS (41 Drivers)
Rank- Driver- Hometown-Wins

1. Ryan Gustin, Marshalltown, IA-5
2. Brent Larson, Lake Elmo, MN-4
3. Johnny Scott, Las Cruces, NM-3
   Tyler Bruening, Decorah, IA-3
4. Mark Whitener, Middleburg, FL-2
   Chub Frank, Bear Lake, PA-2
   Brandon Sheppard, New Berlin, IL-2
   Stormy Scott, Las Cruces, NM-2
   Daulton Wilson, Fayetteville, NC-2
   Frank Heckenast Jr., Frankfort, IL-2
   Kyle Bronson, Brandon, FL-2
   Chad Simpson, Mt. Vernon, IA-2
   Garrett Smith, Eatonton, GA-2
   Jesse Wisecarver, Zanesville, OH-2
   Nick Hoffman, Mooresville, NC-2
5. Jimmy Owens, Newport, TN-1
   Tanner English, Benton, KY-1
   Mike Norris, Sarver, PA-1
   Dale McDowell, Chickamauga, GA-1
   Ricky Thornton, Jr, Martinsville, IN-1
   Mike Spatola, Manhattan, IL-1
   Carson Ferguson, Concord, NC-1
   Garrett Alberson, Las Cruces, NM-1
   Gregg Satterlee, Indiana, PA-1
   Alex Ferree, Saxonburg, PA-1
   Dennis Erb Jr., Carpentersville, IL-1
   Dan Stone, Thompson, PA-1
   Jason Feger, Bloomington, IL-1
   Kip Hughes, Enid, OK-1
   Daniel Hilsabeck- Earlham, IA-1
   Tad Pospisil, Norfolk, NE-1
   Donny Schatz, Fargo, ND-1
   Shane Edginton, East St. Paul, MB-1
   Dustin Sorensen, Rochester, MN-1
   James Rice, Verona, KY-1
   Jake Timm, Winona, MN-1
   Ethan Dotson, Bakersfield, CA-1
   Dustin Sorensen, Rochester, MN-1
   Dillon McCowan, Urbana, MO-1
   Matt Lux, Franklin, PA-1
   Cody Laney, Torrance, CA-1
   Gordy Gundaker, St. Charles, MO-1
   Adam Stricker, Batavia, OH-1
   Cade Dillard, Robeline, LA-1
   Shane Clanton, Zebulon, GA-1

PODIUM FINISHES (22 Drivers)
Rank – Driver, Hometown – Podiums

1. Bobby Pierce, Oakwood, IL-21
2. Brandon Sheppard, New Berlin, IL-12
3. Tanner English, Benton, KY-9
   Chris Madden, Gray Court, SC-9
4. Kyle Bronson, Brandon, FL-7
   Ryan Gustin, Marshalltown, IA-7
5. Ricky Thornton Jr., Martinsville, IN-6
6. Mike Marlar, Winfield, TN-5
   Nick Hoffman, Mooresville, NC-5
7. Tim McCreadie, Watertown, NY-3
   Devin Moran, Dresden, OH-3
   Shane Clanton, Zebulon, GA-3
   Hudson O’Neal, Martinsville, IN-3
   Brian Shirley, Chatham, IL-3
8. Dennis Erb Jr., Carpentersville, IL-2
9. Brandon Overton, Evans, GA-1
   Cory Hedgecock, Loudon, TN-1
   Brandon Overton, Evans, GA-1
   Max Blair, Centerville, PA-1
   Dustin Sorensen, Rochester, MN-1
   Jimmy Owens, Newport, TN-1
   Tyler Erb, New Waverly, TX-1

FOX FACTORY HARD CHARGER (15 Drivers)
Rank – Driver, Hometown – H.C.

1. Brent Larson, Lake Elmo, MN-7
2. Ryan Gustin, Marshalltown, IA-5
3. Chris Madden, Gray Court, SC-4
4. Gordy Gundaker, St. Charles, MO-2
   Brian Shirley, Chatham, IL-2
   Mike Marlar, Winfield, TN-2
5. Brandon Sheppard, New Berlin, IL-1
   Hudson O’Neal, Martinsville, IN-1
   Ricky Thornton Jr., Martinsville, IN-1
   Wil Herrington, Hawkinsville, GA-1
   Tanner English, Benton, KY-1
   Boom Briggs, Bear Lake, PA-1
   Jason Feger, Bloomington, IL-1
   Shane Clanton, Zebulon, GA-1
   Kyle Bronson, Brandon, FL-1
   Todd Cooney, Des Moines, IA-1
   Bobby Pierce, Oakwood, IL-1
   Tyler Erb, New Waverly, TX-1

SIMPSON RACING PRODUCTS QUICK TIMES (14 Drivers)
Rank – Driver, Hometown – QTs

1. Cade Dillard, Robeline, LA-5
   Bobby Pierce, Oakwood, IL-5
   Chris Madden, Gray Court, SC-5
2. Brandon Overton, Evans, GA-4
3. Dennis Erb Jr., Carpentersville, IL-3
4. Chris Madden, Gray Court, SC-3
5. Brandon Sheppard, New Berlin, IL-2
6. Devin Moran, Dresden, OH-1
   Drake Troutman, Hyndman, PA-1
   Jake Timm, Winona, MN-1
   Mike Norris, Sarver, PA-1
   Mike Marlar, Winfield, TN-1
   Kyle Bronson, Brandon FL-1
   Daniel Hilsabeck, Earlham, IA-1
   Nick Hoffman, Mooresville, NC-1
   Shane Clanton, Zebulon, GA-1
   Shannon Babb, Moweaqua, IL-1

CASE FEATURE LAP LEADERS (26 Drivers)
Rank – Driver, Hometown – Laps Led

1. Bobby Pierce, Oakwood, IL-564
2. Chris Madden, Gray Court, SC-182
3. Ryan Gustin, Marshalltown, IA-134
4. Tanner English, Benton, KY-82
5. Nick Hoffman, Mooresville, NC-80
6. Brandon Sheppard, New Berlin, IL-79
7. Kyle Bronson, Brandon, FL-77
8. Mike Marlar, Winfield, TN-65
9. Tim McCreadie, Watertown, NY-60
10. Dennis Erb Jr., Carpentersville, IL-55
11. Hudson O’Neal, Martinsville, IN-40
12. Brian Shirley, Chatham, IL-35
13. Brandon Overton, Evans, GA-29
14. Devin Moran, Dresden, OH-28
15. Ricky Thornton Jr., Martinsville, IN-25
16. Dale McDowell, Chickamauga, GA-15
    Brandon Overton, Evans, GA-15
17. Gregg Satterlee, Indiana, PA-14
18. Cory Hedgecock, Loudon, TN-10
19. Ryan Montgomery, Fairmont, WV-6
    Cade Dillard, Robeline, LA-6
    Adam Stricker, Batavia, OH-6
20. Shane Clanton, Zebulon, GA-4
21. Gordy Gundaker, St. Charles, MO-1
    Dustin Sorensen, Rochester, MN-1

2023 World of Outlaws Late Model Schedule & Winners

1. Thursday, Jan. 19 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Devin Moran (1)
2. Friday, Jan. 20/ Volusia Speedway Park/ Barberville, FL/ Devin Moran (2)
3. Thursday, Feb. 16/Volusia Speedway Park/Barberville, FL/Bobby Pierce (1)
4. Saturday, Feb. 18/Volusia Speedway Park/Barberville, FL/Hudson O’Neal (1)
5. Thursday, April 20/ 411 Motor Speedway/ Seymour, TN/ Cory Hedgcock (1)
6. Friday, April 21/ Talladega Short Track/ Eastaboga, AL/ Tanner English, Kyle Bronson/Brandon Overton*
7. Saturday, April 22/ Talladega Short Track/ Eastaboga, AL/ Brandon Overton (1)
8. Thursday, May 4/Mississippi Thunder Speedway/Fountain City, WI/Brandon Sheppard, Cade Dillard*
9. Friday, May 19/Marion Center Raceway/Marion Center, PA/Ryan Gustin(1)
10. Tuesday, May 23/ Stateline Speedway/Busti, NY/ Nick Hoffman (1)
11. Thursday, May 25/ Sharon Speedway/ Hartford, OH/Chris Madden (1)
12. Friday, May 26/Sharon Speedway/Hartford, OH/Ryan Gustin (2)
13. Saturday, May 27/Sharon Speedway/Hartford, OH/Chris Madden (2)
14. Thursday, June 1/ Farmer City Raceway/Farmer City, IL/Bobby Pierce (2)
15. Friday, June 2/ Tri-City Speedway/Granite City, IL/Kyle Bronson (1)
16. Saturday, June 3/ Paducah International Raceway/Paducah, KY/Brian Shirley (1)
17. Friday, June 23/81 Speedway/Wichita, KS/ Brandon Sheppard, Bobby Pierce*
18. Saturday, June 24/81 Speedway/ Wichita, KS/ Dennis Erb Jr. (1)
19. Sunday, June 25/ Off Road Speedway/ Norfolk, NE/ Bobby Pierce (3)
20. Tuesday, June 27/ Mason City Motor Speedway/Mason City, IA/ Bobby Pierce (4)
21. Thursday, June 29/ Red River Valley Speedway/West Fargo, ND/ Mike Marlar (1)
22. Friday, June 30/ River Cities Speedway/Grand Forks, ND/ Ryan Gustin (3)
23. Saturday, July 1/ I-94 emr Speedway/ Fergus Falls, MN/ Bobby Pierce (5)
24. Friday, July 14/ Ponderosa Speedway/ Junction City, KY/ Mike Marlar (2)
25. Saturday, July 29/ Fairbury Speedway/ Fairbury, IL/ Ricky Thornton Jr. (1)
26. Tuesday, Aug. 1/Boone Speedway/Boone, IA/Bobby Pierce (6)
27. Thursday, Aug. 3/Cedar Lake Speedway, New Richmond, WI/Bobby Pierce (7)
28. Friday, Aug. 4/Cedar Lake Speedway/ New Richmond, WI/Chris Madden (3)
29. Saturday, Aug. 5/Cedar Lake Speedway/New Richmond, WI/Bobby Pierce (8)
30. Thursday, Aug. 24, Davenport Speedway/ Davenport, IA/Bobby Pierce (9)
31. Friday, Aug. 25, Davenport Speedway/Davenport, IA/Bobby Pierce (10)
32. Saturday, Aug. 26, Davenport Speedway/Davenport, IA/Brandon Sheppard (1)
33. Friday, Sept. 1, Mississippi Thunder Speedway/Fountain City, WI/Brandon Sheppard (2)
34. Saturday, Sept. 2, Deer Creek Speedway/ Spring Valley, MN/Bobby Pierce (11)
35. Friday, Sept. 29, Atomic Speedway/Chillicothe, OH/Mike Marlar (3)
36. Saturday, September 30, Atomic Speedway, Chillicothe, OH/ Bobby Pierce (12)
37. Friday, October 6, Brownstown Speedway, Brownstown, IN/Bobby Pierce (13)
38. Saturday, October 7, Fairbury Speedway, Fairbury, IL/Bobby Pierce (14)