POMONA, Calif. (March 29, 2023) – Funny Car points leader Robert Hight is back in familiar colors driving the Automobile Club of Southern California / Cornwell Tools / Flav-R-Pac Chevrolet Camaro SS this weekend at the newly dubbed In-N-Out Pomona Dragstrip for the NHRA Winternationals. Coming off a win, Hight hopes to keep the momentum going and repeat as the Winternationals champion. After starting the 2023 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season with a disappointing mechanical failure in the second round of the Gatornationals, Hight rallied at the final NHRA national event to be held at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park. Starting from the No. 9 qualifying position, he defeated teammate and 16-time champion John Force, No. 1 qualifier Bob Tasca III and reigning world champion Ron Capps en route to victory. “Last weekend was great, just what this Auto Club / Cornwell Tools / Flav-R-Pac team needed. Jimmy Prock, he really is the best. I have all the faith and confidence in him with Thomas Prock and Nathan Hildahl. This whole team really stuck with it. We were testing some new things out, Jimmy had to get it all fine-tuned. We almost scrapped it but, like I said, when you have Jimmy Prock as your crew chief, you just know you’re one run away from fixing this thing and being back to where we need to be,” Hight said. “I’m ready to get back in the seat, I don’t like having downtime so the fact that we get to keep our momentum rolling right into the next weekend here in Pomona, it’s great. We’ll be looking to Auto Club the win on Sunday.” Hight is bidding to become just the fifth pro driver to win as many as six times at the Winternationals (along with teammate John Force, Don Garlits, Greg Anderson and Bob Glidden). He’s been a finalist of the event seven times with wins in 2006, 2008, 2011, 2019 and 2022. Hight started the Winternationals from the No. 1 position in 2009, 2010, 2012 and 2019 and, in addition to his five wins, was runner-up in 2007 and 2018. He is also the event record holder for Funny Car speed at 336.99 mph set on Feb. 11, 2018. The Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals starts with qualifying on Friday at 3:30 p.m. and Saturday at 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. and continues Sunday with eliminations slated to begin at 11 a.m. Television coverage of the event begins with qualifying shows Saturday at 7 p.m. ET and Sunday at 12:30 p.m. ET on FOX Sports 1 (FS1). Eliminations will begin on FS1 Sunday at 7 p.m. ET.

MOORESVILLE, NC (March 29, 2023) — As Women’s History Month comes to an end on March 31, second year pro Camrie Caruso etched her name into the NHRA record books as just the second female to win a Pro Stock national event and just the 19th woman to win an NHRA professional national event last weekend. In just her 21st professional start Caruso raced to the winner’s circle at the NHRA Arizona Nationals at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park outside of Phoenix, three days ago. The No. 8 qualifier outran Deric Kramer, Cristian Cuadra, Matt Hartford and finally Bo Butner to secure the win behind the wheel of her Powerbuilt Tools Chevrolet Camaro out of the KB Titan Racing stable.

Camrie Caruso in Arizona Nationals winner’s circle, photo credit SR Driven Media

“Getting my first win was a huge goal and to have it come during Women’s History Month is really cool,” said Caruso, who has won NHRA events at a variety of levels. “NHRA has a great history of successful women racers and crew chiefs so to add my name to that list by winning the Arizona Nationals is really special.”

This was Caruso’s second final round appearance. During her rookie season she raced to the finals at the SpringNationals in Houston as the No. 1 qualifier and lost a close race to eventual Pro Stock world champion Erica Enders in the first all-female Pro Stock final round. 

“The Pro Stock category has had a number of women racers over the past 50 years and to be one of only two women to have won a Wally is amazing,” said Caruso. “I hope other young racers in junior dragster or the sportsman classes see the success I have had or that Erica (Enders) has had and it motivates them to keep racing or to give racing a shot.”

“There have been so many successful women in NHRA that it doesn’t seem weird or out of place to stand in the winner’s circle. I have won in other categories racing men my whole life so Sunday winning my first professional Pro Stock race was more about my racing ability and my Powerbuilt Tools Chevrolet Camaro’s performance than who I was racing against. It was a team effort all around and I am just proud we got a win in the second race of the season,” added Caruso.

This weekend Caruso will return to In-N-Out Pomona Drag Strip for the NHRA Lucas Oil Winternationals. It was a little over a year ago that Caruso qualified for her first NHRA national event at the historic track located 20 minutes from downtown Los Angeles. The successful first outing included qualifying in the top half of the field and gaining valuable experience that would carry her through her rookie campaign.

“I am excited that we will get this Powerbuilt Tools Chevrolet Camaro back on the track this weekend at the Winternationals,” said Caruso. “The win in Phoenix was great but I think this team has a lot of confidence right now and we want to keep the momentum going. Being able to see the success of this KB Titan Racing team so early shows what we are all capable of heading into this season. I know we have a lot more races to go but doing well in Pomona will only keep us focused.”

Over the off-season Caruso joined the newly formed KB Titan Racing joining a four driver team composed of five-time Pro Stock world champion Greg Anderson, 2021 NHRA Rookie of the Year Dallas Glenn and second generation Pro Stock standout Kyle Koretsky. The mix of veteran leadership, youthful enthusiasm and superior racing talent has Caruso feeling right at home and also eager to continue her development as a driver. 

“Getting to work with Greg, Dallas and Kyle has been so great,” said Caruso. “They are really supportive and I am so comfortable in my Powerbuilt Camaro thanks to all their input. Seeing my whole team in the winner’s circle in Phoenix was great. I have to thank my mom, dad and Papa for all their support too. I am looking forward to racing in the #2Fast2Tasty race on Saturday and then chasing that second Pro Stock win on Sunday.”

The race weekend will be busy for Caruso with the #2Fast2Tasty race on Saturday pitting the Arizona Nationals Pro Stock semifinalist in rematch races for cash and championship points. The reigning Rookie of the Year will also return to the NHRA Nitro Stage with host Jason Galvin for her “Just the Basics with Camrie Caruso” fam experience. Powerbuilt Tools will be on her Chevrolet Camaro again this weekend and Caruso will not just be promoting the outstanding tool brand but also promoting CAWA, a non-profit trade association, representing automotive parts manufacturers, jobbers, warehouse distributors, retailers and program groups. The Association was formed in 1955 and serves as the voice of the aftermarket parts industry in the West, i.e., Arizona, California and Nevada. CAWA prides itself on quality customer service to its members and the industry.

“Powerbuilt Tools is a great company to be associated with and our relationship is about more than selling tools,” said Caruso, who made multiple appearances for Powerbuilt Tools in the off-season. “Through their relationship with CAWA we are helping provide scholarships and career opportunities for people all over Arizona, Nevada and California. They are doing great things to encourage women to get involved in motorsports at all levels. There are so many opportunities beyond driving and working on race cars and CAWA is doing great things to promote this with the support of Powerbuilt Tools.”

Caruso and the rest of the Pro Stock field currently sitting at 19 entries for 16 spots will get their first qualifying run Friday afternoon. Two more sessions are scheduled for Saturday with the quickest 16 Pro Stock entries vying for the Winternationals title on Sunday. The race will be nationally televised on FS1 throughout the weekend.

POMONA, Calif. (March 29, 2023) – Currently sitting No. 8 in points, John Force and the BlueDEF PLATINUM Chevrolet Camaro SS Funny Car team are looking for a strong performance at the Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals at In-N-Out Raceway at Pomona, his home racetrack.  No one has more victories at In-N-Out Raceway than John Force. Overall, he has won 16 times, seven times in the Winternationals (1991, 1993, 1997, 2002, 2010, 2012, and 2014), eight times in the In-N-Out Finals, and once in a special event, the NHRA’s 50thAnniversary Nationals, contested in 2001. His record at the Winternationals also includes four runner-up finishes, the most recent in 2020 and he has started from the No. 1 qualifying position 10 times, most recently in 2014. The only event in which he has more No. 1 starts is the U.S. Nationals (12). “I love coming home to race at Pomona. All the history, the success, hopefully, it plays into our had this weekend because I could sure use it. This BlueDEF team, we’re running well, just need a little bit of luck and maybe a little bit of extra effort on my part, but Danny Hood, Tim Fabrisi, and Mac Savage helping out now, they’ve got this car figured out,” Force said. “We’ll keep doing what we’re doing, qualifying well, making good solid passes, and then we’ll see what happens on race day.” Force has started the 2023 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season with a quarterfinal exit at the NHRA Gatornationals after qualifying No. 2. Last weekend at the final event at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park, Force qualified eighth before falling in the first round to eventual race winner and teammate Robert Hight in the first round. The Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals starts with qualifying on Friday at 3:30 p.m. and Saturday at 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. and continues Sunday with eliminations slated to begin at 11 a.m. Television coverage of the event begins with qualifying shows Saturday at 7 p.m. ET and Sunday at 12:30 p.m. ET on FOX Sports 1 (FS1). Eliminations will begin on FS1 Sunday at 7 p.m. ET.

PLAINVIEW, NY (March 29, 2023) — On the heels of his first win of the season team owner and Top Fuel racer Justin Ashley is heading into arguably one of the busiest weekends a defending event champion could face. Last year Ashley opened the 2022 season with a dominant win with brand-new sponsor Phillips Connect and the 2020 NHRA Rookie of the Year would go on to win multiple races and contend for the championship. Heading into this weekend’s Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals at In-N-Out Pomona Dragstrip Ashley is looking to defend his Winternationals title by starting a win streak following his Arizona Nationals win. He will also be participating in the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge for the first time on Saturday and will be one of the first Toyota competitors in the Top Fuel versus Funny Car Supra Showdown. The busy weekend does not scare the nearly unflappable driver and team owner.

“This is the kind of weekend you dream about,” said Ashley, a six-time Top Fuel national event winner. “I was so thrilled to win the Arizona Nationals because it was a true team effort. The weekend was very successful both on and off the racetrack. We now have momentum going into Pomona and another opportunity to collect championship points through the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge. Every point counts for this Phillips Connect Toyota Top Fuel team powered by National Debt Relief.”

Justin Ashley and Phillips Connect Toyota Top Fuel dragster powered by National Debt Relief, photo by Gary Nastase/Auto Imagery

Last weekend Ashley bounced back from an early exit at the Gatornationals to turn on four win lights during the final national event at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park. As the No. 7 qualifier he outran eight-time Top Fuel champion Tony Schumacher in the first round. In four prior meetings Ashley was unsuccessful in advancing past the winningest Top Fuel driver. In the second round Ashley defeated Mike Salinas, the Gatornationals winner, and in the semifinals Ashley had to get around four-time Top Fuel champion Steve Torrence, setting up a tough final round with 2013 Top Fuel champion Shawn Langdon. It was a gauntlet of tough competitors that Ashley knew was no fluke or coincidence.

“Our ladder was tough in Phoenix but there will be no easy paths to victory in Top Fuel this season,” said Ashley. “You have to bring your ‘A Game’ every round on Sunday to give yourselves an opportunity to advance. I am so proud of Mike Green, Tommy DeLago, Dustin Davis and this whole Phillips Connect team for fighting through to victory in Phoenix. But now we are focused on Pomona.”

By advancing to the semifinals in Phoenix Ashley will be competing this Saturday during qualifying in the second Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge which will be a rematch of races from the Arizona Nationals. Ashley will square off with Torrence during the second qualifier with the chance to win $10,000 and three critical championship points on the line if he is victorious over Torrence and then outruns either Langdon or Leah Pruett, the other Phoenix semifinalists, at the end of the day on Saturday.

“I am fired up for the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge because it just gets you into race mode earlier in the weekend with a chance to collect points,” said Ashley, who finished fourth in the Top Fuel standings in 2021 and 2022. “Every point counts in the Countdown so if you can start collecting them now it could pay off huge benefits at the end of the season. These rematches will also be fun for the fans.”

Prior to the qualifying session on Saturday Ashley will be participating in the Supra Showdown versus Funny Car driver Alexis DeJoria in two identical Toyota GR Supras.  Toyota will pit its Top Fuel drivers against its Funny Car drivers at select national events and keep a season-long tally on round wins to establish a team winner. The finale will take place in Charlotte in the fall, where Toyota will donate to the charities aligned with the winning team and drivers. For the 2023 season, Ashley is racing for the Wyakin Foundation and DeJoria is supporting Austin Pets Alive.

“I love everything about the Supra Showdown,” said Ashley. “It’s a great way to shed more light on the Supra within the NHRA community while racing for a great cause. I have been involved with the Wyakin Foundation since last season and truly appreciate all they do to support our veterans. It will be a lot of fun to race these 10-second Supras and put on a good show for the fans.”

Ashley has raced to back-to-back final rounds at the Winternationals and would like to keep that success streak going heading into this weekend. Last year he qualified No. 2 and defeated Jim Maroney, Antron Brown, Steve Torrence and Austin Prock to earn the win. In his three appearances at the Winternationals Ashley has advanced to at least the quarterfinals every race.

“I love racing at Pomona and I feel very comfortable at the track,” said Ashley. “This is home for Phillips Connect and Phillips Industries so there will be plenty of representatives at the race. Our team is looking forward to spending time with guests from Phillips Connect, KATO, National Debt Relief and all of our partners. It’s going to be an exciting weekend.”

The Phillips Connect Toyota Top Fuel dragster powered by National Debt Relief will take to the track on Friday for one qualifying session followed by two more rounds on Saturday. Cool conditions could provide a quick and fast race track for Ashley and the rest of the Top Fuel field. The quickest 16 race cars will go head-to-head on Sunday for the Winternationals title beginning at 11:00 a.m. The Winternationals will be broadcast nationally on FS1 throughout the weekend.

POMONA, Calif. (March 29, 2023) – Brittany Force and the Flav-R-Pac / Monster Energy Chevrolet dragster team have taken every advantage of testing as they opened the 2023 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season. At this weekend’s Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals at the newly named In-N-Out Raceway at Pomona, they’ll look to capitalize on what they’ve developed. Although Force has not picked up a win at the NHRA Winternationals, the two-time and reigning series champion had the best outing of her career a year ago when she qualified her Flav-R-Pac / Monster Energy dragster No. 1 for the third straight time at the event (2020, 2021 and 2022) before losing a semifinal showdown with teammate Austin Prock. Force’s only win at In-N-Out Raceway was one of the more memorable of her career as it came in her first championship season (2017) when she won the In-N-Out Finals. In her most recent visit to In-N-Out Raceway, Force set the NHRA Top Fuel national speed record last November at 338.94 mph. She also holds the speed record at the Winternationals when she ran 336.23 mph in 2020 before parking her car for the year in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Force and the Flav-R-Pac team enter the weekend sitting No. 5 in the points standings after a quarterfinal exit in at the NHRA Arizona Nationals. “Heading to race number three on our circuit at my home track in Pomona. This Flav-R-Pac / Monster Energy team is coming out of Phoenix with a better understanding of our car after a post-event test session,” Force said. “Our goal is to improve on last weekend. We plan to qualify in the top three and advance on race day. We made some big changes to this car coming into the season, so we knew it was going to take a handful of races to get our stride back. I’m excited to be back in Pomona and hunting down the first win of our season surrounded by friends and family.” The Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals starts with qualifying on Friday at 3:30 p.m. and Saturday at 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. and continues Sunday with eliminations slated to begin at 11 a.m. Television coverage of the event begins with qualifying shows Saturday at 7 p.m. ET and Sunday at 12:30 p.m. ET on FOX Sports 1 (FS1). Eliminations will begin on FS1 Sunday at 7 p.m. ET.

POMONA, Calif. (March 29, 2023) – Toyota, the official car of the NHRA, is pleased to unveil their new at track program, the Supra Showdown, this weekend at the Winternationals at In-N-Out Pomona Dragstrip. 

“After a stellar debut season with the Toyota GR Supra Funny Car on track, we look forward to showcasing the Toyota GR Supra in the Supra Showdown at select events this season,” said Paul Doleshal, group manager, motorsports, Toyota Motor North America (TMNA). “We think this is a great way to engage the fans and highlight the Supra’s performance as the fans prepare for the exciting NHRA action on track.” 

The Supra Showdown will feature two identical Toyota GR Supras making passes down iconic dragstrips across the country as part of NHRA national events. Toyota will pit its Top Fuel drivers against its Funny Car drivers in each race and keep a season-long tally on round wins to establish a team winner. The finale will take place in Charlotte in the fall, where Toyota will donate to the charities aligned with the winning team and drivers. For the 2023 season, Team Top Fuel drivers will compete for Matco Tools for a Cause (AB Motorsports), Wyakin Foundation (Davis Motorsports), Feeding America (Kalitta Motorsports) and East Texas Treatment Center (Torrence Racing). The Team Toyota Funny Car drivers will compete for A Soldier’s Child Foundation (Ron Capps Motorsports), Feeding America (Kalitta Motorsports) and Austin Pets Alive (DC Motorsports). 

The Supra Showdown will provide fan engagement opportunities with the on-track racing action at races in Pomona, Las Vegas, Charlotte, Chicago, Bristol and Sonoma, before the finale at the fall Countdown race at zMax Dragway. When the Toyota GR Supras are not racing on track, they will be featured at the Toyota Racing Experience fan display in the NHRA midway.

Toyota is coming off another stellar season in NHRA action as Ron Capps delivered a Funny Car championship in his first season with the Toyota GR Supra, while all five Toyota’s Top Fuel drivers scored top-10 finishes in the season-long point standings – highlighted by Antron Brown’s runner-up finish. For the 2023 NHRA season, Toyota will continue to support Top Fuel’s Justin Ashley, Brown, Doug Kalitta, Shawn Langdon and Steve Torrence, along with Funny Car’s Capps, Alexis DeJoria and J.R. Todd as Toyota plans to secure its latest drag racing milestone – its 200^th NHRA victory – this year.

OCALA, FL (March 29, 2023) — Josh Hart started the season with three win lights on Saturday of the NHRA Amalie Oil Gatornationals pocketing $80,000 and the Pep Boys Top Fuel Allstar Callout title but since that specialty race victory Hart and the R+L Carriers team has been battling to get back to the winner’s circle. The team is hopeful this weekend’s Lucas Oil Winternationals at In-N Out Pomona Drag Strip will be the perfect antidote to a slower than usual start for the team from Ocala, Florida.

“I can’t wait to get to the Winternationals. Since we won the Pep Boys Allstar Callout we have been battling some gremlins in our new R+L Carriers Top Fuel dragster,” said Hart, a two-time Top Fuel national event winner. “We are creating a lot of power very early and that hurt us in Phoenix. I know the guys are going to get it figured out and we will be ready for Pomona in a few days.”

Josh Hart and R+L Carriers Top Fuel team, photo by Gary Nastase/Auto Imagery

With just two races completed this season Hart has captured the biggest prize in Top Fuel winning the Pep Boys Top Fuel Allstar Callout. On the opening Saturday of the season Hart outran Austin Prock, Brittany Force and Mike Salinas to win $80,000 and a one-of-a-kind Pep Boys Allstar Callout trophy in front of his hometown fans and family. It was the second significant win for Hart at Gainesville Raceway following his 2021 Top Fuel national event win in his first professional start.

“Gainesville Raceway is a special place for sure but you look at race tracks where everyone wants to win and Pomona is one of those places just like Indy,” said Hart. “The season historically has started at the Winternationals and so many great racers made the trip west to start their season. This is one of our longest trips from my home and I want to do well and make a move in the points. It is early but I got a taste of victory in Gainesville and all that does is make you hungry for more win lights.”

Hart has just one Winternationals race under his belt when last year he qualified the R+L Carriers Top Fuel dragster No. 9 and raced to the quarterfinals. The Top Fuel competition last year created some of the closest racing the category had seen in decades and 2023 looks to be shaping up as just as competitive if not stronger. Early upsets have strong teams littered up and down the points standings with Hart tied for eleventh place with veteran Clay Millican. Three rounds separate the Florida entrepreneur from the Top Five and just in front of Hart sits Tony Schumacher (8-time world champion), Antron Brown (3-time world champion), Austin Prock, Brittany Force (2-time world champion) and Shawn Langdon (2013 Top Fuel world champion).

“This class is full of amazing teams that have huge budgets and years of experience,” said Hart. “This is going to be our second full season so we still have a lot to learn but we are ready for the battle. I want to be out here racing the best of the best. I have great equipment and a strong team. I have never been more motivated to win races. I have a lot of faith in our abilities and I really appreciate all the support from our sponsors R+L Carriers and TechNet as well as my team back at Burnyzz Speed Shop.”

Hart will take to the track on Friday for one qualifying session followed by two more rounds on Saturday. Cool conditions could provide a quick and fast race track for Hart and the rest of the Top Fuel field. The quickest 16 race cars will go head to head on Sunday for the Winternationals title beginning at 11:00 a.m. The Winternationals will be broadcast nationally on FS1 throughout the weekend.

March 29, 2023

Harrison Burton and the No. 21 Menards/Dutch Boy team are headed to the Commonwealth of Virginia, home of the Wood Brothers and the Burton family, hoping to for a strong home-team run in the Toyota Owners 400 at Richmond Raceway.

The Wood Brothers have been competing at Richmond since 1959, when the late Glenn Wood made the team’s first start there, finishing second in the Richmond 200. Wood also won a Convertible Series race there in 1957.

“Any time the Wood Brothers team races in Virginia we’re excited about the weekend,” crew chief Brian Wilson said, adding that Richmond race, like many others in the early portion of the schedule, will see teams working to adapt to new rules for the 2023 season.

“There’s great opportunity as everyone is still learning about the new low-downforce short-track package.”
 
Wilson said a big part of racing in the Cup series is evolving with rule changes. 

“With a drastic reduction in spoiler size and removing several under-body aero pieces, we know this package will require changes to the car’s set-up,” he said. “We’ve tried to utilize what we learned at Phoenix with this package and apply that during our simulator time through Ford Performance this week.
 
“Everyone on the Menards/ Dutch Boy Ford is excited to get to Richmond for Saturday’s practice and Sunday’s race.”
 
Practice for Sunday’s 400-lapper on the three-quarter-mile oval is set for Saturday at 10:05 a.m., to be followed at 10:50 by qualifying.
 
Sunday’s race is set to get the green flag just after 3:30 p.m. with TV coverage on FOX Sports 1. Stage breaks are planned for Laps 70 and 230.
 

Bourdais, van der Zande add to depth of preparation for Le Mans in Hypercar class

DETROIT (March 29, 2023) — A second Cadillac V-Series.R will join the Hypercar lineup for the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium on April 29. The gold No. 3 Cadillac V-Series.R, co-driven by Sebastien Bourdais and Renger van der Zande, will compete for the victory alongside the sister No. 2 Cadillac V-Series.R in the third round of the FIA World Endurance Championship.

The No. 2 Cadillac V-Series.R, co-driven by Earl Bamber, Alex Lynn and Richard Westbrook, is contesting the full WEC season. They combined to drive to a fourth-place finish in Cadillac Racing’s WEC Hypercar debut March 17 in the 1000 Miles of Sebring at Sebring International Raceway and next will challenge for the win April 16 in the 6 Hours of Portimão at Algarve International Circuit. “We’re excited for the opportunity to bring another Cadillac to the race at Spa in the FIA World Endurance Championship season,” said GM sports car racing program manager Laura Wontrop Klauser. “Any opportunity that we have to prepare for Le Mans within the WEC rules and regulations is great. “This will get the team even more ready to tackle that race as well as an opportunity to bring more Cadillac participation to the European race.”

Media resources* French version of Cadillac Racing release Word | PDF* WEC Sebring race weekend photos* Cadillac Racing driver headshots and candid photos* IMSA Sebring race weekend photos

Van der Zande has competed twice at Spa in LMP2 (2012, 2021), while Bourdais co-drove an LMP1 entry in 2012 and an LMP2 car in 2022 at the 4.35-mile, 20-turn Le Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps circuit. Endurance racing has been taking place at Spa-Francorchamps for nearly 100 years and the 6 Hours of Spa has been a part of every WEC season to date. “We are looking forward to the first WEC race where both of our Cadillac Hypercars will be participating,” said Mike O’Gara, director of operations for Chip Ganassi Racing which campaigns the Nos. 2 and 3 racecars in the IMSA Grand Touring Prototype and WEC Hypercar classes. “Cadillac and Chip Ganassi Racing believe that we are stronger when we race multiple cars on any given race weekend. The Spa event will serve as a much-needed dress rehearsal for the Le Mans 24-hour race.  “It will be a great opportunity for our ‘IMSA regulars’ to be immersed in the WEC rules and race procedures in anticipation of the big event in June.” The Nos. 2 and 3 Cadillac V-Series.R racecars will be joined by the No. 311 Whelen Engineering Cadillac V-Series.R for the centenary 24 Hours of Le Mans. The Action Express Racing-prepared car claimed the pole for the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship Twelve Hours of Sebring on March 17 and went on to post Cadillac’s 28th prototype victory since 2017 and its third in a row at Sebring International Raceway with Pipo Derani, Alexander Sims and Jack Aitken sharing the wheel.. “We can’t wait for the Whelen Engineering Cadillac to join us at Le Mans and bring the whole family back together again,” Klauser added. The No. 3 Cadillac V-Series.R, running as the No. 01 in the IMSA GTP class, earned a podium finish in the season-opening Rolex 24 At Daytona in January and started from the front row in the Twelve Hours of Sebring. The hybrid racecar led a field-high 120 laps and registered the fastest lap of the race (1 minute, 48.311 seconds; 124.308 mph) on the 3.741-mile, 17-turn course before retiring with a fuel distribution system issue.  Bourdais and van der Zande will aim to successfully defend their IMSA victory April 15 on the streets of Long Beach, California. The Cadillac V-Series.R features an all-new Cadillac 5.5-liter DOHC V8 naturally aspirated engine developed by GM’s Performance and Racing propulsion team based in Pontiac, Michigan. The body, codeveloped by Cadillac Design, Cadillac Racing and chassis constructor Dallara, incorporates key Cadillac V-Series production car design elements.

Renger van der Zande* Birthdate: Feb. 16, 1986* Birthplace: Dodewaard, Netherlands* Residence: Amsterdam* Family: Wife Carlijn, daughter and son* At Spa: 2012 – Co-driver with Thomas Holzer and Mirco Schultis of No. 31 Lotus in LMP2; qualified the car fifth in class. DNF. … 2021 – Co-driver with Alex Brundle and Jakub Śmiechowski of No. 31 Inter Europol Competition Oreca 07 in LMP2; qualified 11th in class. Finished fifth in class and eighth overall.* 2023 results: Co-drove to third place in the 61st Rolex 24 At Daytona after starting fourth; started second and classified eighth in class at the Twelve Hours of Sebring.* Notable: Co-drove to three victories in 2022. Win at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park in No. 01 Cadillac DPi-V.R upped his IMSA total to 18 wins, including eight with Cadillac Racing. … Two-time overall winner of Rolex 24 At Daytona in Cadillac DPi-V.R. … Won 2020 Petit Le Mans and Rolex 24. … 2016 IMSA GTLM champion. … Raced in Europe in Formula Renault, A1GP, GP2, German Touring Car, Porsche SuperCup, Intercontinental GT Challenge and WEC. … Marking 10th year of competing in sports car racing in the U.S. … Competed in two WEC races in 2022 in LMP2 class with Vector Sport.* Twitter: @RengervdzQuick Q&A: What fuels your competitive spirit? “To make the most out of and to optimize the whole package; the car, the team, the drivers, the strategy, and all the factors that get thrown at you during a race. It takes all everything to win a race and when you’ve done it better than others, that’s a good day.”In one sentence, how would you describe the art of driving? “Finding the limit of your car for the conditions that are available.”Sebastien Bourdais* Birthdate: Feb. 28, 1979* Birthplace: Le Mans, France* Residence: St. Petersburg, Florida* Family: Wife Claire, daughter and son* At Spa: 2012 – Co-driver with Nicolas Minassian of No. 9 Pescarolo Team LMP1 entry; qualified the car ninth. Finished 15th overall. 2022 – Co-driver with Ryan Cullen and Nico Müller of No. 10 Vector Sport LMP2 entry. Finished 16th overall.* 2023 results: Co-drove to third place in the 61st Rolex 24 At Daytona after starting fourth; started on front row and classified eighth in class in Twelve Hours of Sebring.* Notable: Co-drove to the 2021 Twelve Hours of Sebring victory in a Cadillac DPi-V.R. … Earned pole for 2022 Twelve Hours of Sebring with qualifying lap record of 1:45.166. … Co-drove the No. 01 Cadillac DPi-V.R to three victories in 2022. Victory at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park was his 10th IMSA win. … Competed in select WEC races in 2022 in LMP2 class. … Ford GT driver for Chip Ganassi Racing 2016-2018; won Rolex 24 At Daytona in 2014 and 2017. … 24 Hours of Le Mans GTE Pro class winner in 2016. … Competed in Formula One in 2008. … Four-time INDYCAR champion (2004-07); won 37 races total in Champ Car and INDYCAR.* Twitter: @BourdaisOnTrackQuick Q&A: What fuels your competitive spirit? “Racing was my passion well before it became my job and thankfully the passion has remained. There is nothing else that excites and fulfils me more than driving a race car.” In one sentence, how would you describe the art of driving? “For me, it’s all about being one with the car. When you reach that state, it’s the most satisfying feel I know.”

No. 3 Cadillac V-Series.RRenger van der Zande, Sebastien BourdaisVan der Zande and Bourdais return for their second season as teammates for the full IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship Grand Touring Prototype season and two races in the FIA World Endurance Championship. They teamed with six-time INDYCAR champion Scott Dixon to place third in the season-opening Rolex 24 At Daytona. In 2022, van der Zande and Bourdais co-drove the No. 01 Cadillac DPi-V.R to three victories — at Long Beach on April 9, at Belle Isle on June 4 and at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park on July 3 – starting from the pole in the former two. … CTMP was the 18th IMSA victory for van der Zande and 10th for Bourdais. … Bourdais set the qualifying lap record time at Long Beach and Belle Isle. He also set the lap record time in earning the pole for the Twelve Hours of Sebring and for the Grand Prix at Mid-Ohio.

No. 2 Cadillac V-Series.REarl Bamber, Alex Lynn, Richard WestbrookSecond-year entry in expanded Cadillac Racing factory program that is contesting the full WEC calendar. … The trio co-drove to fourth place in the IMSA season-opening Rolex 24 At Daytona in preparation for the seven-race WEC season. They co-drove to fourth place in Cadillac Racing’s WEC debut March 17 in the 1000 Miles of Sebring. . … Bamber and Lynn return as teammates for the second year. They co-drove to the victory in the Twelve Hours of Sebring in 2022, along with runner-up finishes on the streets of Long Beach and Road America in the No. 02 Cadillac DPi-V.R. … They are joined for the 2023 season by veteran sports car racing driver Richard Westbrook, who co-drove a Cadillac DPi-V.R last season with JDC-Miller MotorSports. … Bamber, who owns his own race team, salutes his home country with a silver fern design on the sides of his helmet — a quasi-national emblem used for various official New Zealand symbol. … Westbrook earned an overall podium finish in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2022. … Lynn most recently competed in the full WEC season in 2018-19. He was the teammate of Cadillac Racing driver Alexander Sims in the 2020-21 Formula E season.

(3/29/23 – Jim Allen) … The Northern Auto Racing Club (NARC) announced its associate sponsorship package for the 2023 sprint car season. The package incorporates the involvement of 29 different companies, providing a variety of products and services ranging from financial advisors and bacon, to property management and racing components.  Overall, the NARC sprint cars are competing for over $800,000 in purse money this season, plus these partnerships, which are worth another $145,000 in cash and product during thee 23-race campaign.

Heading the list are Hoosier Racing Tires, Floracing.com, and NAPA Auto Parts, who are collectively providing championship point fund support.  All but one of NARC’s events are live-streamed on Floracing this season.

Automotive Racing Products (ARP) is once again the sponsor of the ARP Fast Time award.  They are paying $100 to the quickest car team at every event.

The four heat races, which each pay $100 to the winner are sponsored by Brown & Miller Racing Solutions (BMRS), Kimo’s Tropical Car Wash, Beacon Wealth Strategies-Raymond James, and Kaeding Performance.  Kimo’s Tropical Car Wash is kicking in another $500 to the driver who wins the most heat races this season.

Starr Property Management is the official fan engagement sponsor.  Their unique involvement allows NARC to provide 1000’s of fan giveaways of the course of the season.  These types of promotions continue to build brand recognition and fan loyalty.  These promotions include logoed thunder-sticks, foam fingers, t-shirts, and toy cars.  Scelzi Enterprises is a cash contributor for the NARC frisbee throw promotion.

The ever popular Sunnyvalley “Powered by Bacon” trophy dash is again a series staple thanks to the continued relationship with Sunnyvalley Smoked Meats.  The winner of the dash pockets $100, plus takes home nine-pounds of flash-frozen thick cut Sunnyvalley bacon.  In addition, a lucky fan takes home a nine-pound cooler of bacon.

Come feature event time, the financial rewards keep coming.  The tenth place finisher in every NARC A-Main event this season will pocket a $50 check courtesy of D & D Roofing (David & Dianne Durica, Orangevale, CA.)

Mettec Titanium is sponsoring the Mettec Lap Leader award. It pays $10 to the team for each lap lead in every NARC headliner this season.  Leading all 30-laps in the A-Main is now worth an extra $300.  Mettec also sponsors the “low pill” draw and awards $100 worth of their titanium product to the driver who pulls the lowest number in the pill draw.

Williams Roofing (Fremont, CA) has signed on as the official Hardcharger Award sponsor.  The Williams Roofing Hardcharger Award will pay $150 to the driver who passes/advances the most cars from their original starting position in every NARC feature event.  They are also kicking in a $1000 bonus to the driver who can pass the most cars this season.

Johnstone Supply will present the 2023 NARC Rookie of the Year with a check for $1250 at the November 5th NARC Champion Celebration at the Brookside Country Club.

An extensive product contingency awards program is also up for grabs this season.  Product support is provided by Diversified Machine, Inc, KSE Racing Products, Kaeding Performance Center, LifelineUSA, Maxim Racing, Pyrotect, SAFECRAFT Safety Equipment, Saldana Racing Products, Schoenfeld Headers, SCI Racing Products, System 1 Pro Ignition, Ultra-Lite Brakes, Wilwood Disc Brakes, and Winters Engineering.  Decals are required to be eligible.

Bullet Impressions is the official NARC apparel vendor and has a fully-stocked trailer of merchandise at every event.

Links to each sponsor can be found at https://narc410.com/sponsors/

The NARC 410 Racing Series is still in search of a title sponsor.  If you have any interest in getting involved with the Northern Auto Racing Club sprint cars, please contact Jim Allen at jallen@NARC410.com.

The NARC 410 Racing Series presented by NAPA Auto Parts is scheduled for April 1st at the Stockton Dirt Track.  The 2023 schedule can be downloaded at NARC410.com

PLEASE SUPPORT THOSE WHO SUPPORT SPRINT CAR RACING!

FARMER CITY, IL – March 28, 2023 – After much discussion involving World of Outlaws Late Model Series, Xtreme Outlaw Midget Series, and Farmer City Raceway officials, along with guidance from Precision Weather Service, an extremely difficult decision has been made to cancel this weekend’s Illini 100. 

Heavy rain and thunderstorms expected from the early hours on Friday to the early hours on Saturday, along with dropping temperatures and dangerously strong winds, will have a negative impact on the drivers’ ability to compete and the fans’ overall experience at the event. With the total precipitation officials expect on Friday, the facility would be difficult to access. 

Even with an at-best optimistic forecast Saturday, the conditions left behind by the expected weather system makes the event impractical for all involved. Unfortunately, with the national and regional event schedules increasing as Spring advances, the event will not fit into the 2023 calendar and will not be made up. 

Those who purchased a ticket in advance to this weekend’s events at Farmer City Raceway will receive a face value credit to their MyDirtTickets.com account to be used towards any World of Outlaws event available at WorldofOutlaws.com/tix. Those credits are good for two years.  

If a credit to your account does not work for you, then you have until Monday, May 1 to request a refund. For more details email tickets@dirtcar.com.  

The World of Outlaws CASE Construction Equipment Late Models will continue its high-octane show on Thursday, April 20 at 411 Motor Speedway in Seymour, TN. Then, the Series heads south to Talladega Short Track in Eastaboga, AL for the Alabama Gang 100 weekend on Friday April 21 and Saturday April 22.

Prepares to Move from Top Alcohol to Top Fuel in 2024

Images Available: Jasmine Salinas TF Test 3.27.23

BROWNSBURG, Indiana (March 28, 2023) – Jasmine Salinas made her first launches behind the wheel of a nitro-powered Top Fuel dragster on Monday afternoon at the Wildhorse Pass Motorsports Park in Chandler, Arizona. The 31-year-old daughter of NHRA Drag Racing Top Fuel driver, Mike Salinas will work to obtain her NHRA Top Fuel license as she prepares to compete full time beginning in 2024.

During Monday’s test session, Salinas made a total of three launches and made it successfully to the 330-foot mark behind the wheel of one of the race team’s Top Fuel dragsters. Salinas will continue her testing at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in April where she intends to make her first full passes. 

Salinas has competed in the Top Alcohol Dragster ranks since 2019 and has earned three victories in her career. She is competing for the 2023 championship in the series while spending as much time as possible testing the Top Fuel Dragster in preparation for 2024.

Salinas began racing at the age of 15 in the Junior Dragster division. After college, Salinas began working for her family’s Top Fuel team, Scrappers Racing, as a Floater and Supercharger Assistant. She currently serves as the teams’ General Manager and handles all day-to-day operations of the team.

Quotes – Jasmine Salinas

What was your day like leading up to strapping into the Top Fuel dragster?

“When I woke up, I was very shocked because I thought I wasn’t going to sleep and be sick to my stomach like I was going into Pomona for the finals. I remember Pomona when we were going into Saturday night before Sunday’s finals. I was up at 3am crying hysterically because I was like, ‘I don’t know if I can do this. I don’t know if I’m ready for a championship.’ I was just so stressed out about it.”

“But in comparison to this time around, I think the difference was that there were no expectations. For me, there nobody that had put any expectations on me. That I have to make so many passes. I have to go this far. I didn’t put any expectations on myself except to just show up and hit the throttle. And just taking all of that pressure off of me, I was just really grateful and appreciative that I have this opportunity to take it at my own pace. So my stress levels when I woke up this morning, I was feeling great. And I was so excited. And it wasn’t until I was basically getting suited up where I was like, ‘Okay, I’m actually pretty stressed right now. I’m a little anxious and nervous.’ And I was sitting in my car and I was like, ‘Okay, I’m just going to pretend I’m in my A-Fuel (Top Alcohol) car.’ I kept noticing I was doing that throughout the day, just pretending I was in my a A-Fuel car. And there’s definitely some huge things that were very different. But after I got my first pass out of the way, it was a very short launch because we’re still adjusting some things with my helmet and literally only went 100 feet. And then the second time I went past the 330 (foot) mark and I was like, ‘God, this is incredible.’ I understand, I’m barely going anywhere, and I’m already hooked and it’s also great because I was kind of expecting the absolute worst.”

“Honestly, I was trying to mentally prepare myself and based off everything that I’ve heard from other people’s experiences. I was compiling all the worst-case scenarios into one pass. Things like, I’m going to black out and everything’s going to get blurry. I’m going to have no idea where I’m at on the track and it’s just being prepared for the worst. And I usually try to be very positive, but for some reason was trying to like to be so prepared for anything because I just didn’t know what to expect. And I think that was the thing that was the scariest is just not knowing what to expect and not knowing how I am going to react to this experience that’s so unique. But then knowing that everybody else that I’ve talked to about their journeys leading up to stepping on the gas in a Top Fuel car has been very different than others. It’s just been interesting to see, I guess, where I’m at in comparison to all those other stories that I’ve heard so far.”

What was your initial reaction when you finished your first launch and what was the reaction of your parents throughout this initial experience?

“My initial reaction was, ‘I know I didn’t even make a full pull and the power of these cars is absolutely incredible.’ And at that moment, right there is where I realized I want to spend this entire year taking my time because it gave me even more respect for these cars and the power that they have. I want to respect it so much and take my time with it because the horsepower and how fast it was. I’ve 100 percent fallen in love with it and I’m ruined, and I’ll be even more ruined when I make my first full pass.”

“And then my dad, he was a hot mess all day. I think they even had to ask him to like leave the pit because he was trying to help with everything to the point where I was like, ‘You’re not being helpful so just go stand over there and look at something else.’ And then my Mom I think was crying all day long. And then she was like, ‘Are you sure you want to do this? You know, you could step out any time.’ But she stayed for all my rides. And it was special because, you know, my routine from when I’m getting suited up and everything, I always hug my mom before I get in my race car. And she was there even for these runs. So, nothing changed. And it felt like I was still doing everything that I’ve been used to with my racing, and I loved it.”

Racing, music, bull riding, beer expo, lantern release highlight 10-days of excitement

ENNIS, TX (March 28, 2023) — The return of the Stampede of Speed, a ten-day festival of music, drag racing and amazing fan experiences in advance of the NHRA Texas Fall Nationals, was officially announced today with the release of the special event schedule on www.stampedeofspeed.com. Tickets for one of the biggest motorsports events in the country go on sale this Friday, March 31, for the mega-event hosted at Texas Motorplex, the multi-use facility located just 35 minutes from Dallas and Fort Worth, which will feature non-racing activities, concerts, educational, media and business events for fans and sponsors from across the country.

“We are continuing to expand the entertainment value and economic impact of the Stampede of Speed and thanks to the support from Waxahachie and Ellis County over ten days we will host some of the most exciting racing and entertainment events in North Texas,” said Christie Meyer Johnson, Texas Motorplex co-owner. “We will be unveiling new events, a major country concert line-up, fan contests and additional elements making the third annual Stampede of Speed even bigger than last year. Our goal is to continue to welcome visitors to the great state of Texas and introduce them to our facility, the NHRA playoffs and high-quality family-friendly events.”

The Stampede of Speed event calendar will once again feature ticketed and non-ticketed events leading up to the NHRA Texas Fall Nationals. Fans can visit www.stampedeofspeed.com for more information. 

Highlights of the Stampede of Speed include:

Friday, October 6 – High Noon Cattle Drive

In a true Texas tradition cowboys will drive over a dozen head of cattle along with special guests through downtown Waxahachie and around the historic courthouse to kick off the Stampede of Speed.

Friday, October 6 – Scott Palmer Nitro Side Show (7p-10p)

This ticketed event will feature some of the wildest race cars on the planet as they try and set speed records and breathe fire as they roar down the track. The pits will be open for fans to get up close and personal with some of the most exotic race cars on the planet. The eye-opening, pulse pounding evening of racing will ramp up the excitement level for the week and will also be the catalyst for the second annual “Race to Feed” Food Drive to benefit food banks in Ennis and Waxahachie.

Saturday, October 7 – Stars Over Texas Music Fest

This two-day country music festival will kick off the weekend filling the sky with great tunes and nostalgia. Between acts the track will host a special match race to entertain fans. The show will end with a massive firework display.

Sunday, October 8 – Stars Over Texas Music Fest

The second day of the festival will feature Jambo’s BBQ contest and music as the theme of the day with some of the best grill masters showing off their tasty delicacies paired with some refreshing cold beer from Metroplex area breweries. Bull Riding will fire up the crowd leading into a full slate of country stars that will be announced on April 14 to entertain the crowd from the late afternoon into the evening. Between acts the conclusion of the match race will lead to a special lantern release to cap off this magical event.

Monday, October 9 – Celebrity Media Race and Texas Fall Nationals Fan Warm-Up

Media personalities and a variety of local celebrities will take to the track during this invitation-only event designed to give VIPS a unique experience. In the afternoon 500 fans will have the chance to drive their car or truck down the track as part of the Texas Fall Nationals Fan Warm-up to benefit the Drive to Feed with proceeds benefiting the Ennis and Waxahachie food banks.

Tuesday, October 10 – 3rd annual NHRA Texas Stampede of Speed Shootout

Racing action will be the theme of the day as competitors from across the region race in the Stampede of Speed Shootout featuring Top Sportsman, Top Dragster and a host of other high-performance racers. Door-slammers and dragsters will battle it out with a winner take all Shootout to end the day. 

Wednesday, October 11 – NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series Pro Invitational (10a – 5p)

                                                  Champions’ Dinner with After Party on the Lawn (6p – 10p)  

See many of the pro teams including Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycles make test laps in advance of the NHRA Texas Fall Nationals. The stars of the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series will be on-site preparing for the fourth race of the NHRA Countdown. This open schedule test session is a chance for curious motorsports fans to get a taste of the high-speed excitement that will play out Friday-Sunday.

Join the 2022 Texas Fall Nationals champions Justin Ashley, Ron Capps, Erica Enders and Hector Arana Jr. in a high-end dinner and celebration event in the Champions’ Club. The event will include cocktail happy hour, plated dinner the champions selected, photos and autographs, Q&A session, and special surprise for all attendees. 

Thursday, October 12 – JEGS All-Stars at NHRA Texas Fall Nationals

                                             Texas Fall Nationals sportsman qualifying (9a – 6p)

                                             Fan Fest in downtown Waxahachie (6p – 9p)

For the first time ever the JEGS All-Stars will compete at Texas Motorplex featuring the best sportsman racers from across the country battling for racing supremacy. Additionally, sportsman racing action continues at Texas Motorplex as the NHRA Texas Fall Nationals officially begins.

The wildly popular and free Fan Fest event will begin in downtown Waxahachie highlighting race cars, interactive games, live music and family fun. A massive driver autograph session will be the highlight of the evening.

Friday, October 13 – Friday Night Live at Texas Motorplex

For the fourth year in a row Friday Night Live will turn the traditional qualifying schedule on its head as music, exhibition runs and a special guest DJ will surround the Friday night NHRA pro qualifiers as they try and run to the top of their respective categories at speeds over 330 mph in under four seconds. The night will conclude with a free after-party on the starting line.

Saturday, October 14 – Final Qualifying for NHRA Texas Fall Nationals

The last day for teams and drivers from across the country to make the highly competitive sixteen car fields will conclude on Saturday. Teams will only have two chances to make the show or be relegated to spectator status so tension will be high and the competition jumps to a new level as teams vying to be one of the lucky 16. The event will also feature A Kid Again hospitality and the popular DRAW Auction.

Sunday, October 15 – NHRA Texas Fall Nationals Race Day

Following a massive opening ceremony the top drag racers from around the country will be racing to get one step closer to a world championship at the only playoff race in the state of Texas. Hundreds of thousands of dollars will be on the line as well as the chance for racing immortality. The pits as always will be open for fans to mix and mingle with the racers throughout the day. At the conclusion of the event fans are welcome to join the winner’s circle celebration on the starting line.

Transcript: Defending pole and race winner aims for repeat in No. 01 Cadillac V-Series.R

Sebastien Bourdais, co-driver with Renger van der Zande of the No. 01 Cadillac V-Series.R in the Grand Touring Prototype class of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, met with the media via Zoom conference to preview the April 14-15 race in Long Beach, California.  Bourdais and van der Zande will look to successfully defend their race win on the 1.968-mile, 11-turn temporary street circuit. Cadillac has won every IMSA prototype race at Long Beach since the start of the DPi era in 2017. Q&A with Bourdais transcript:

Give us your recollections of last year’s eventful race and what you and Renger will try to do to repeat your win.“I have great memories of Long Beach; it’s a place that has been pretty good to me in the past and that I’ve always enjoyed racing at. It was a pretty interesting weekend. It started a bit off in the first practice but then John (Hennek) gave us an awesome car from second practice onward, and I had the best time of the year. The car was just amazing. Our Cadillac DPi was on rails and it started off in qualifying with a new track record and then it was a very unorthodox way to win the race. Just a little mishap going down the side I got caught out a little bit with a GT going into the hairpin and then I figured out too late that the DPi wasn’t the radius maker as the IndyCar was used to and I found myself running out of room and stuffed it in the exit wall. The, obviously, you had to quick reverse and it was early in the race, so had to overcome a 20-second deficit or something like that and pass every single car to make it back to the lead. Nevertheless, that’s how good the car was that day and I managed to pull the win, which was amazing. Just a great weekend and great day for Cadillac and Chip Ganassi Racing.”What have you learned in the two races how the GTP cars race each other?“It’s a very dynamic interaction because everybody is still working pretty hard on the cars and the BoP is evolving a little bit. I don’t know if there is any change for Long Beach. On our side, there was a nice step up in performance from Daytona to Sebring, which made us feel a bit racy. I don’t know how good we would have been at the end of the race because obviously we were not part of it. But I think Long Beach is quite hard to pass, so track position will be key and a strong qualifying. As far as interaction between the cars, I think it’s been actually a little harder to really follow closely. Those cars seem to rely a lot on the very little downforce that they have, which kind of surprised me a little bit. But we’ve still seen some passes and good shows, so I think it should still be pretty fun to go around the streets.” Will the Cadillac edge on the streets courses shrink a little bit?“Obviously, 2023 is a big reset. We were very strong all day long in Sebring, but it seemed like both the Porsche and the Acura at the end of the race were better. Our car seemed to be coming alive mid-stint onwards. And it translates pretty well from Sebring to Long Beach. The Cadillac was always labeled as the car to beat at Sebring and street courses. It’s a car that wasn’t super ride-height sensitive. And now we’re seeing cars of a different generation that seem to be conceptually closer together and I don’t think we’ll see the road course monster against the street course monster, where they kind of end of being on completely different spectrums, which made it very difficult for the series to balance as far as performance. I think it will be more open everywhere, and I just hope we’re on the right side of the fence at every event.” Do you have to be more careful with car-to-car contact. Can you race like you did previously?“I think it’s pretty similar to what it used to be. We don’t have much experience knowing what the car can withstand as far as side-to-side contact. You take maybe less risk that flicks and appendixes fly off the car because there are less of them around the GTPs. As far as suspension, I’d say it’s at least as strong as the DPi. There really wasn’t a strong emphasis on putting the ultimate weapon on the tracks since the weight of the car is quite high. I think it’s quite the strong car.” Is the Long Beach hairpin the first thing that comes to mind when you think about the track?“The hairpin is tricky and it’s the slowest corner of the season, so it definitely is its own animal. But when I think about Long Beach I think about Turn 1 more than the hairpin. That’s the place that has the highest approach speed, it’s a tricky braking zone over concrete slabs, it’s bumpy and pretty quick and the room for errors is tiny. I think more about Turn 1 than I do about the hairpin.”

IMSA Long Beach preview with Sebastien Bourdais Transcript: Defending pole and race winner aims for repeat in No. 01 Cadillac V-Series.R Sebastien Bourdais, co-driver with Renger van der Zande of the No. 01 Cadillac V-Series.R in the Grand Touring Prototype class of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, met with the media via Zoom conference to preview the April 14-15 race in Long Beach, California.  Bourdais and van der Zande will look to successfully defend their race win on the 1.968-mile, 11-turn temporary street circuit. Cadillac has won every IMSA prototype race at Long Beach since the start of the DPi era in 2017. Q&A with Bourdais transcript: Give us your recollections of last year’s eventful race and what you and Renger will try to do to repeat your win. “I have great memories of Long Beach; it’s a place that has been pretty good to me in the past and that I’ve always enjoyed racing at. It was a pretty interesting weekend. It started a bit off in the first practice but then John (Hennek) gave us an awesome car from second practice onward, and I had the best time of the year. The car was just amazing. Our Cadillac DPi was on rails and it started off in qualifying with a new track record and then it was a very unorthodox way to win the race. Just a little mishap going down the side I got caught out a little bit with a GT going into the hairpin and then I figured out too late that the DPi wasn’t the radius maker as the IndyCar was used to and I found myself running out of room and stuffed it in the exit wall. The, obviously, you had to quick reverse and it was early in the race, so had to overcome a 20-second deficit or something like that and pass every single car to make it back to the lead. Nevertheless, that’s how good the car was that day and I managed to pull the win, which was amazing. Just a great weekend and great day for Cadillac and Chip Ganassi Racing.” What have you learned in the two races how the GTP cars race each other? “It’s a very dynamic interaction because everybody is still working pretty hard on the cars and the BoP is evolving a little bit. I don’t know if there is any change for Long Beach. On our side, there was a nice step up in performance from Daytona to Sebring, which made us feel a bit racy. I don’t know how good we would have been at the end of the race because obviously we were not part of it. But I think Long Beach is quite hard to pass, so track position will be key and a strong qualifying. As far as interaction between the cars, I think it’s been actually a little harder to really follow closely. Those cars seem to rely a lot on the very little downforce that they have, which kind of surprised me a little bit. But we’ve still seen some passes and good shows, so I think it should still be pretty fun to go around the streets.” Will the Cadillac edge on the streets courses shrink a little bit? “Obviously, 2023 is a big reset. We were very strong all day long in Sebring, but it seemed like both the Porsche and the Acura at the end of the race were better. Our car seemed to be coming alive mid-stint onwards. And it translates pretty well from Sebring to Long Beach. The Cadillac was always labeled as the car to beat at Sebring and street courses. It’s a car that wasn’t super ride-height sensitive. And now we’re seeing cars of a different generation that seem to be conceptually closer together and I don’t think we’ll see the road course monster against the street course monster, where they kind of end of being on completely different spectrums, which made it very difficult for the series to balance as far as performance. I think it will be more open everywhere, and I just hope we’re on the right side of the fence at every event.” Do you have to be more careful with car-to-car contact. Can you race like you did previously? “I think it’s pretty similar to what it used to be. We don’t have much experience knowing what the car can withstand as far as side-to-side contact. You take maybe less risk that flicks and appendixes fly off the car because there are less of them around the GTPs. As far as suspension, I’d say it’s at least as strong as the DPi. There really wasn’t a strong emphasis on putting the ultimate weapon on the tracks since the weight of the car is quite high. I think it’s quite the strong car.” Is the Long Beach hairpin the first thing that comes to mind when you think about the track? “The hairpin is tricky and it’s the slowest corner of the season, so it definitely is its own animal. But when I think about Long Beach I think about Turn 1 more than the hairpin. That’s the place that has the highest approach speed, it’s a tricky braking zone over concrete slabs, it’s bumpy and pretty quick and the room for errors is tiny. I think more about Turn 1 than I do about the hairpin.”Transcript: Defending pole and race winner aims for repeat in No. 01 Cadillac V-Series.R

Sebastien Bourdais, co-driver with Renger van der Zande of the No. 01 Cadillac V-Series.R in the Grand Touring Prototype class of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, met with the media via Zoom conference to preview the April 14-15 race in Long Beach, California.  Bourdais and van der Zande will look to successfully defend their race win on the 1.968-mile, 11-turn temporary street circuit. Cadillac has won every IMSA prototype race at Long Beach since the start of the DPi era in 2017. Q&A with Bourdais transcript:

Give us your recollections of last year’s eventful race and what you and Renger will try to do to repeat your win.“I have great memories of Long Beach; it’s a place that has been pretty good to me in the past and that I’ve always enjoyed racing at. It was a pretty interesting weekend. It started a bit off in the first practice but then John (Hennek) gave us an awesome car from second practice onward, and I had the best time of the year. The car was just amazing. Our Cadillac DPi was on rails and it started off in qualifying with a new track record and then it was a very unorthodox way to win the race. Just a little mishap going down the side I got caught out a little bit with a GT going into the hairpin and then I figured out too late that the DPi wasn’t the radius maker as the IndyCar was used to and I found myself running out of room and stuffed it in the exit wall. The, obviously, you had to quick reverse and it was early in the race, so had to overcome a 20-second deficit or something like that and pass every single car to make it back to the lead. Nevertheless, that’s how good the car was that day and I managed to pull the win, which was amazing. Just a great weekend and great day for Cadillac and Chip Ganassi Racing.”What have you learned in the two races how the GTP cars race each other?“It’s a very dynamic interaction because everybody is still working pretty hard on the cars and the BoP is evolving a little bit. I don’t know if there is any change for Long Beach. On our side, there was a nice step up in performance from Daytona to Sebring, which made us feel a bit racy. I don’t know how good we would have been at the end of the race because obviously we were not part of it. But I think Long Beach is quite hard to pass, so track position will be key and a strong qualifying. As far as interaction between the cars, I think it’s been actually a little harder to really follow closely. Those cars seem to rely a lot on the very little downforce that they have, which kind of surprised me a little bit. But we’ve still seen some passes and good shows, so I think it should still be pretty fun to go around the streets.” Will the Cadillac edge on the streets courses shrink a little bit?“Obviously, 2023 is a big reset. We were very strong all day long in Sebring, but it seemed like both the Porsche and the Acura at the end of the race were better. Our car seemed to be coming alive mid-stint onwards. And it translates pretty well from Sebring to Long Beach. The Cadillac was always labeled as the car to beat at Sebring and street courses. It’s a car that wasn’t super ride-height sensitive. And now we’re seeing cars of a different generation that seem to be conceptually closer together and I don’t think we’ll see the road course monster against the street course monster, where they kind of end of being on completely different spectrums, which made it very difficult for the series to balance as far as performance. I think it will be more open everywhere, and I just hope we’re on the right side of the fence at every event.” Do you have to be more careful with car-to-car contact. Can you race like you did previously?“I think it’s pretty similar to what it used to be. We don’t have much experience knowing what the car can withstand as far as side-to-side contact. You take maybe less risk that flicks and appendixes fly off the car because there are less of them around the GTPs. As far as suspension, I’d say it’s at least as strong as the DPi. There really wasn’t a strong emphasis on putting the ultimate weapon on the tracks since the weight of the car is quite high. I think it’s quite the strong car.” Is the Long Beach hairpin the first thing that comes to mind when you think about the track?“The hairpin is tricky and it’s the slowest corner of the season, so it definitely is its own animal. But when I think about Long Beach I think about Turn 1 more than the hairpin. That’s the place that has the highest approach speed, it’s a tricky braking zone over concrete slabs, it’s bumpy and pretty quick and the room for errors is tiny. I think more about Turn 1 than I do about the hairpin.”

Drivers will contend for a $10,000 payday on Friday and then a $20,000 top prize on SaturdayMESQUITE, TX (March 28, 2023) – It’s time for the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars to head home.Back on March 18, 1978, Ted Johnson’s vision for The Greatest Show on Dirt was born when Jimmy Boyd topped the inaugural World of Outlaws race at Devil’s Bowl Speedway. Fast forward 45 years and more than 3,500 races later, and the nation’s best Sprint Car drivers are still circling the Mesquite, TX oval.That tradition continues this weekend (March 31-April 1) as Devil’s Bowl hosts the Federated Auto Parts Texas Outlaw Nationals. Friday’s Feature will pay $10,000 to win and then the weekend caps off with a $20,000-to-win Feature Saturday night. It’ll mark the first of 18 World of Outlaws main events in 2023 that will pay $20,000 or more to the winner.The half-mile is the fifth most visited track in Series history, and the winners list boasts many of the sport’s greatest to ever get behind the wheel. Visiting Devil’s Bowl Victory Lane cements a driver’s name in history as one to win at the origin of the World of Outlaws.TWO-DAY TICKET PACKAGEFRIDAY TICKETSSATURDAY TICKETSLet’s look at some of this weekend’s top storylines:GRAVEL LEADS THE CHARGE: After winning the season opener, David Gravel has refused to relinquish the point lead. He leads the Series in five telling categories – wins (three), podiums (five), top fives (six), and laps led (54).Devil’s Bowl could present the competition an opportunity to gain some ground. It hasn’t been the strongest track of Gravel’s career as he’s yet to win in 13 starts and owns only three top fives. However, two of those top fives (‘17 and ‘20) were runner-ups, so he hopes the good runs he has had translate to 2023.BIG CAT ON THE PROWL: After some struggles out of the gate, Brad Sweet has quickly turned things around and enters Texas as the hottest driver on the tour.In his last five races, the four-time and defending champion has a win, four top-two finishes, and a 2.6 average finish. “The Big Cat” is fresh off claiming his 80th career World of Outlaws win at Magnolia Motor Speedway (Columbus, MS).Sweet now heads to a track where he’s been incredibly consistent. In his last 10 starts at Devil’s Bowl, Sweet has finished no worse than seventh and picked up a victory (‘17). TEXAS TRIOS: A pair of current full-timers both own three wins at Devil’s Bowl, most among any active competitor. Last year Shark Racing’s Logan Schuchart had his impressive three-race Devil’s Bowl win streak snapped when Brent Marks came out on top. The Hanover, PA native aims to start another one by returning to the winner’s circle this weekend.On top of his trio of wins, Schuchart has proven to be one of the most consistent forces at Devil’s Bowl with seven top-five finishes in 11 Feature starts including five podiums. He’ll look to get back on track at Devil’s Bowl after results of 14th and 10th last weekend dropped him slightly down the standings.The other wheelman with three victories at the half-mile is Donny Schatz. The 10-time Series champion visited Devil’s Bowl Victory Lane in ‘14, ‘15, and ‘18. Like Schuchart, Schatz has also shown plenty of consistency with 12 top 10s in his last 13 races there including nine within the top five.The driver of the Tony Stewart/Curb Agajanian Racing #15 has been piecing together a solid stretch lately with four top fives in his last five races.A win this weekend for either would equal them with Danny Lasoski for the fifth most World of Outlaws triumphs at Devil’s Bowl. A two-night sweep would put them in a tie for fourth with Gary Wright.SCELZI FINDING FOOTING: Gio Scelzi didn’t begin his World of Outlaws Rookie campaign the way he would’ve liked, but the Fresno, CA native is beginning to turn things around.Aboard the KCP Racing #18, Scelzi has snagged three consecutive eighth-place finishes and made the Toyota Racing Dash in two of the last three races. Scelzi is heading to a track that’s been kind to him. In a pair of Devil’s Bowl starts, he hasn’t missed the top-10. LONE STAR STARS: The state of Texas has produced its fair share of talent over the years, some of which can contend for a win with The Greatest Show on Dirt when the tour rolls through their home state.Aaron Reutzel spends most of his time traveling these days, but he’s always called Texas home. The Clute, TX native picked up an American Sprint Car Series regional win at Devil’s Bowl in 2017. Reutzel is a six-time World of Outlaws Feature winner and goes for his first in home territory this weekend.Sam Hafertepe Jr. is another Texas native who now spends plenty of time on the road. Three of Hafertepe’s 90 career World of Outlaws top 10s have come at Devil’s Bowl, and he owns several wins under ASCS sanctioning at the half-mile.RESERVED FOR THE BEST: Ever since helping birth the World of Outlaws, Devil’s Bowl has proven to be one of the most challenging racetracks to conquer.Reading through the previous winners is like reading through a list of the best drivers to ever grace the sport. The Series has visited the track nearly 100 times, and only Sammy Swindell and Steve Kinser have claimed 10 or more main events.Another noteworthy fact is that of the 28 drivers to top a World of Outlaws race at Devil’s Bowl, only two of them, Jimmy Boyd (’78) and Brad Furr (’02), have less than 10 Series victories, suggesting only the greatest gassers have a chance to win there. If you can’t make it to the track, watch all the action on DIRTVision.THIS WEEKEND AT A GLANCEWHEN AND WHERE– Friday, March 31 at Devil’s Bowl Speedway in Mesquite, TX– Saturday, April 1 at Devil’s Bowl Speedway in Mesquite, TXON THE INTERNETWorld of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series Twitter – @WorldofOutlaws Instagram – @WoOSprint Facebook – Facebook.com/WorldofOutlawsSprintCarSeries YouTube – Youtube.com/WorldofOutlaws DIRTVision – DIRTVision.com – Platinum annual FAST PASS for $299 or monthly FAST PASS for $39/monthCURRENT CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS (8/84 Races)1. 2 – David Gravel (1140 PTS); 2. 41 – Carson Macedo (-28PTS) 3. 49 – Brad Sweet (-32PTS) 4. 1S – Logan Schuchart (-50PTS); 5. 11 – Michael Kofoid (-66PTS) 6. 17 – Sheldon Haudenschild (-72PTS); 7. 15 – Donny Schatz (-98PTS); 8. 5 – Spencer Bayston (-110PTS); 9. – 83 James McFadden (-134PTS); 10. 9 – Kasey Kahne (-144PTS)NOS ENERGY DRINK FEATURE WINNERS (6 Drivers):3 wins – David Gravel (Big Game Motorsports #2)1 win – James McFadden (Roth Motorsports #83), Carson Macedo (Jason Johnson Racing #41), Rico Abreu (Rico Abreu Racing #24), Buddy Kofoid (CMS Racing #11), Brad Sweet (Kasey Kahne Racing #49)FEATURE LAPS LED (9 Drivers):54 laps – David Gravel48 laps – Brad Sweet46 laps – Buddy Kofoid30 laps – James McFadden21 laps – Carson Macedo13 laps – Rico Abreu10 laps – Anthony Macri, Cory Eliason9 laps – Gio Scelzi, Sheldon HaudenschildLOW-E INSULATION QUICKTIME AWARDS (6 Drivers):3 QuickTimes – Carson Macedo1 QuickTime – Anthony Macri, Logan Schuchart, Brian Brown, Donny Schatz, David GravelHEAT RACE WINNERS (14 Drivers):4 Heat Wins – David Gravel, Buddy Kofoid, Carson Macedo3 Heat Wins – Logan Schuchart2 Heat Wins – Brent Marks, Spencer Bayston, Gio Scelzi1 Heat Win – James McFadden, Brian Brown, Donny Schatz, Danny Dietrich, Freddie Rahmer, Brad Sweet, Sheldon HaudenschildTOYOTA DASH APPEARANCES (22 Drivers):6 Dashes – David Gravel5 Dashes – Logan Schuchart, Brad Sweet, Carson Macedo4 Dashes – Buddy Kofoid3 Dashes – Jacob Allen, Spencer Bayston, Donny Schatz, Gio Scelzi, Rico Abreu2 Dashes – Brent Marks, Brian Brown, Danny Dietrich, Sheldon Haudenschild1 Dash – Anthony Macri, Robbie Price, Cory Eliason, Justin Peck, James McFadden, Kasey Kahne, Freddie Rahmer, Devon BordenMICROLITE LAST CHANCE SHOWDOWN WINS (6 Drivers):1 LCS Win – Brock Zearfoss, Parker Price-Miller, Sheldon Haudenschild, Gio Scelzi, Noah Gass, Hunter SchuerenbergKSE HARD CHARGER AWARDS (7 Drivers):2 Hard Chargers – Brock Zearfoss1 Hard Charger – Tyler Courtney, Donny Schatz, James McFadden, Gio Scelzi, Robbie Price, David GravelPODIUM FINISHES (14 Drivers):5 Podiums – David Gravel4 Podiums – Brad Sweet3 Podiums – Buddy Kofoid2 Podiums –Carson Macedo1 Podium – Danny Dietrich, Logan Schuchart, James McFadden, Brian Brown, Kasey Kahne, Jacob Allen, Rico Abreu, Devon Borden, Spencer Bayston, Sheldon HaudenschildTOP 10 FINISHES (24 Drivers):8 Top 10s – Carson Macedo7 Top 10s – Logan Schuchart, Brad Sweet, David Gravel, Sheldon Haudenschild5 Top 10s – Buddy Kofoid, Donny Schatz4 Top 10s – James McFadden3 Top 10s – Gio Scelzi, Justin Peck, Rico Abreu, Spencer Bayston2 Top 10s – Aaron Reutzel, Brent Marks, Brian Brown, Danny Dietrich, Jacob Allen, Kasey Kahne1 Top 10 – Brock Zearfoss, Cory Eliason, Robbie Price, Tyler Courtney, Zeb Wise, Devon Borden, 2023 WORLD OF OUTLAWS SPRINT CAR SCHEDULE & WINNERS:No. / Day, Date / Track / Location / Winner (Total Wins)1. Fri, Feb 10 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / David Gravel (1)2. Fri, Feb 10 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / David Gravel (2)3. Sat, Feb 11* / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / James McFadden (1)4. Sun, March 5 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Carson Macedo (1)5. Mon, March 6 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / David Gravel (3)6. Sat, March 18 / Lincoln Speedway / Abbottstown, PA / Rico Abreu (1)7. Fri, March 24 / Talladega Short Track / Eastaboga, AL / Buddy Kofoid (1)8. Sat, March 25 / Magnolia Motor Speedway / Columbus, MS / Brad Sweet (1)

NHRA^® Team Report

NHRA Winternationals – Pomona

Pre-Race Report

Cruz Pedregon and team have tackled the ignition issues that hindered the team’s progress on race day in Phoenix and feel confident the Snap-on^® “Makers and Fixers” Dodge^® SRT^® Hellcat^® is ready for Pomona. 

“It’s a homecoming for me to be in Pomona, even better this year since we won the final race of the ‘22 season here just a few months ago,” says Cruz who grew up in nearby Chino and had his career-best ET and speed here last year. “John and the crew studied the electrical components and switched out the parts that needed to be replaced before we hit the track this Friday. We’ve won the Winternationals twice and the plan is to make it a third time this weekend.”

The Snap-on Funny Car will continue to highlight “Makers & Fixers” as a call out by the team’s sponsor, Snap-on, for the Makers and Fixers among us to share their stories at makersandfixers.com. 

Latest points update after Talladega/Magnolia weekend, March 24-25 MESQUITE, TX (March 28, 2023) – Keep up with the latest movers in the chase for the 2023 World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series championship. LATEST RACE(S): Talladega Short Track (March 24) / Magnolia Motor Speedway (March 25)CURRENT POINTS LEADER: David Gravel maintains his points lead (1,140 points) with three wins, six top fives and seven top 10s.MOVERS: Brad Sweet (+1): With a second-place finish at the Talladega Short Track and a win at Magnolia Motor Speedway, Sweet continued his hot streak and rose to third in points – now -32 points behind Gravel.The four-time and reigning champion has been one of the fastest climbers, going from ninth in points – 56 points back – to third in three races.Logan Schuchart (-1): After finishes of 14th and 10th, the Shark Racing driver slipped to fourth in points – 50-points behind Gravel – after entering the weekend third in points and only 14-points behind Gravel.Sheldon Haudenschild (+1): By scoring a sixth-place finish at Talladega and his first podium of the season at Magnolia, Haudenschild has put himself in sixth in points (-72 points).Donny Schatz (+2): Finally finding some consistency and luck, finishes of fifth and fourth moved Schatz to seventh in points (-98 points).James McFadden (-3): A tough weekend with finishes of 22nd and 21st, McFadden slide down the ladder to ninth in points (-134 points).Kasey Kahne (+1): Looking to run the full schedule, Kahne has found himself in the top-10 in points for the first time this season with finishes of 10th and 11th for the weekend.TOP-10 IN POINTS:1. David Gravel: 1140 Points (Big Game Motorsports #2)2. Carson Macedo: -28 Points (Jason Johnson Racing #41)3. Brad Sweet: -32 Points (Kasey Kahne Racing #49)4. Logan Schuchart: -50 Points (Shark Racing #1S)5. Buddy Kofoid: -66 Points (CMS Racing #11)6. Sheldon Haudenschild: -72 Points (Stenhouse Jr./Marshall Racing #17)7. Donny Schatz: -98 Points (Tony Stewart/Curb Agajanian Racing #15)8. Spencer Bayston: -110 Points (CJB Motorsports #5)9. James McFadden: -134 Points (Roth Motorsports #83)10. Kasey Kahne: -144 Points (Kasey Kahne Racing #9)For full Series Points, CLICK HERE.For tickets to the Federated Auto Parts Texas Outlaw Nationals at Devil’s Bowl Speedway, CLICK HERE.

(3/28/23) … Stockton, California- As the NARC 410 Sprint Series gets set for the 2023 season opener at Stockton Dirt Track, here is some numbers to look at heading into the Asparagus Cup. First, this is the third straight year that the tour has opened its campaign and the second consecutive year that NARC has been a part of the Asparagus Cup.

The NARC 410 Sprint Series began visiting the Stockton Dirt Track in 2013. Thirteen drivers have tamed the field in the previous twenty-three visits, with Fresno’s Dominic Scelzi having the most success at three wins. Eight drivers have amassed two victories, while only four are one-time winners.

Two drivers earned their first NARC 410 Sprint Series triumphs at the Stockton DT. Dominic Scelzi did it on August 3rd, 2013, while Sean Watts accomplished the same feat on June 22nd, 2019. It is the only series win for the Atwater native of Watts. Something noteworthy is that Clovis teenager Corey Day, on November 6th, 2021, and Shane Golobic from Fremont, on November 2nd, 2014, achieved their second career wins with NARC.

In addition to Scelzi leading the all-time Stockton NARC win list, he is also in the upper echelon of some other categories. Dominic ties for second in podiums (7) and is part of a three-way tie for most Top 5s (9) when NARC has competed at Stockton. He is situated fourth in all-time starts (17) and has an average finish of 7.29.

2021 and 2022 winner D.J. Netto may be one win off the all-time Stockton NARC win list, but he leads in four other categories. The Hanford driver has the most podiums (9), Top 5s (11), Top 10s (18), and Starts (22). He also boasts an average finish of 6.13, the third-best on the list.

Tim Kaeding has the best average finish at the facility, scoring 4.69 from thirteen starts. The Campbell chauffeur procured wins in 2016 and 2019 and sits tied second on the all-time Stockton NARC list for podiums (7) with Scelzi and a three-way tie in Top 5s (9).

In addition to Golobic’s second career NARC victory in 2014, he also parked it in victory lane in November of 2019. Shane is fourth on the average finish table with a 6.56 from eleven starts. Shane is tied for third in Stockton NARC Top 5s (9) with Dominic Scelzi and TK. He is also level with Mitchell Faccinto for third in the Top 10 (14) category list. The same two pilots are currently fifth on the all-time starts list (16) when the series rolled into “California’s Sunrise Seaport”.

Bud Kaeding is another notable Stockton performer. Earning victories in 2016 and 2019, the Campbell driver is second on the all-time Stockton NARC list in Top 5s (10), Top 10s (16), and starts (21). His average finish is 7.33.

Amazingly, no driver has been able to win consecutively at Stockton.  Entering the April 1^st event, the current track record is 12.543 by Donny Schatz on September 13^th, 2019. 106 competitors have taken a green flag at the Stockton Dirt Track in NARC competition.

With all that information, race teams, fans, and series personal are excited to finally kick of the 2023 season.  We can not wait for everyone to join us for what no doubt will be an incredible night of racing. In the next editions of NARC By The Num8er5 we will examine Kings Speedway, until then see you at the races.

The Stockton Dirt Track is located at the San Joaquin Fairgrounds at 1658 S Airport Way in Stockton, California. For ticket information, log on to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/asparagus-cup-narc-410-scct-360-sprint-cars-and-more-tickets-570895683357 for online purchases. Tickets are priced at $30.00 for Adults and $25.00 for Children (5-12) and Seniors (65+). Also, be sure to visit the track website www.stocktondirttrack.com.

Front Gates open at 1:00, with Time Trials at 4:30. Opening Ceremonies are planned to kick off around 5:00, followed by Racing at 5:30.

The Asparagus Cup can be viewed live on Floracing.com, along with every NARC 410 Sprint Car Series race.

Former NARC 410 Sprint Series Winners at Stockton Dirt Track

Dominic Scelzi-3
Bud Kaeding-2
Cory Eliason
D.J. Netto
Jonathan Allard
Justin Sanders
Rico Abreu
Shane Golobic
Tim Kaeding
Colby Copeland-1
Corey Day
Sean Watts

Tyler Walker

NARC 410 Sprint Series Wins By Date at Stockton Dirt Track
2013- Dominic Scelzi on August 3rd, Rico Abreu on November 2nd
2014- Jonathan Allard on August 2nd, Shane Golobic on November 2nd
2015- Dominic Scelzi on June 13th, Tyler Walker on August 1st, Jonathan Allard on November 7th
2016- Bud Kaeding on June 18th, Cory Eliason on July 10th, Tim Kaeding on November 5th
2017- Cory Eliason on November 11th
2018- Rico Abreu on November 3rd
2019- Sean Watts on June 22nd, Bud Kaeding on August 23rd, Tim Kaeding on August 24th, Shane Golobic on November 2nd
2020- Justin Sanders on November 7th
2021- D.J. Netto on March 20th, Dominic Scelzi on August 28th, Corey Day on November 6th

2022- Colby Copeland on April 2nd, D.J. Netto on July 23rd, Justin Sanders on November 5th

Most Podiums At The Stockton Dirt Track With The NARC 410 Sprint Series
D.J. Netto-9
Dominic Scelzi-7
Tim Kaeding
Kyle Hirst-6
Rico Abreu
Jonathan Allard-5

Most Top5s At The Stockton Dirt Track With The NARC 410 Sprint Series

D.J. Netto-11
Bud Kaeding-10
Dominic Scelzi-9
Tim Kaeding
Shane Golobic

Most Top 10s At The Stockton Dirt Track With The NARC 410 Sprint Series

D.J. Netto-18
Bud Kaeding-16
Shane Golobic-14
Mitchell Faccinto
Willie Croft-13

Most Starts At The Stockton Dirt Track With The NARC 410 Sprint Series

D.J. Netto-22
Bud Kaeding-21
Willie Croft-19
Dominic Scelzi-17
Shane Golobic-16
Mitchell Faccinto

Best Average Finishes At The Stockton Dirt Track With The NARC 410 Sprint Series (Minimum 5 Starts)

Tim Kaeding-4.69 (13)
Rico Abreu-4.72 (11)
D.J. Netto-6.13 (22)
Shane Golobic-6.56 (16)
Carson Macedo-6.57 (7)

Twin 30-lap, $4,000-to-win events on deck Friday-Saturday with POWRi co-sanction

CONCORD, NC – March 27, 2023 – On the heels of a successful opening weekend in Illinois, the Xtreme Outlaw Midget Series presented by Toyota heads back to the Land of Lincoln to contest the third and fourth races on the 2023 schedule this weekend in its debut at Farmer City Raceway.

Located along Interstate 74 in central Illinois, Farmer City Raceway will host its first-ever national Midget series event Friday and Saturday, March 31-April 1, featuring a 30-lap, $4,000-to-win main event each night. The POWRi National Midget League will join the Xtreme Outlaws in the first of 13 co-sanctioned events on the schedule.

The 1/4-mile, black dirt bullring also hosts the World of Outlaws CASE Construction Equipment Late Model Series each night as part of the track’s annual Illini 100 event. DIRTcar Pro Late Models will join the card Friday night while the DIRTcar UMP Modifieds are on tap for Saturday.

Tickets will be available at the gate on race day or can be purchased in advanced at the link below. If you can’t be at the track in person, stream all the action live on DIRTVision.

BUY TICKETS

Here are the drivers to watch for and the storylines to follow this weekend:

GIRL POWER – Jade Avedisian comes into Farmer City as the most recent Toyota Feature winner and the current Series points leader by 30 over second-place Kyle Jones in pursuit of her first national Midget championship.

The 16-year-old Californian is coming off a resilient weekend racing with POWRi in Oklahoma, coming home ninth after starting 18th and having to restart from the tail after a spin-out early in the 40-lap Feature. She rebounded quickly, driving through the field back to finish as the only Keith Kunz Motorsports driver inside the top-10.

Farmer City’s 1/4-mile size could play right into Avedisian’s hand, as all three of her Series victories have come on tracks of that size or smaller. Her first win last summer at Jacksonville Speedway – another black-dirt Illinois bullring of the same size – is shaped and banked similar to Farmer City.

STRONG START – Kyle Jones carries the momentum of one top-10 and one podium finish in Series competition into this weekend. Also taking his Chili Bowl Nationals A-Main appearance into account, Jones is off to one of the best starts of his Midget racing career with Trifecta Motorsports.

Jones, 29, of Kennedale, TX, currently sits second in the Series points standings – 30 back of leader Avedisian. This past weekend, Jones also competed in the POWRi event at Port City Raceway and chalked-up an eighth-place finish with 37 cars in the pit area.

Though Farmer City isn’t the size of Port City, Jones has reason to be confident. His three best Series finishes came on tracks 1/4-mile or smaller (Davenport ’22 – 3rd [1/4-mile]; Du Quoin ’23 – third [1/6-mile]; Port City ’22 – fourth [1/8-mile]).

FIGHTING ILLINI – Zach Daum’s first weekend out with his new King Chassis and self-built team in Du Quoin two weeks ago had a solid start, notching a top-five on Friday before an early retirement to the infield in Saturday’s main event broke his stride.

Like many others on the list, Daum, the 32-year-old defending Series champion from Pocahontas, IL, also made the trip out to the Sooner State to race with POWRi last weekend and made the one-day affair count, bagging a third-place run while piloting a second entry for Trifecta Motorsports.

He’ll be back behind the wheel of his own operation this weekend, aiming for his first Series victory since October.

TRACK TIME – While Farmer City has never hosted a national Midget event, there is at least one driver in the field with laps around the track in a Midget. Chase McDermand competed in the only two known Midget events held at Farmer City in July 2016 – a pair of USAC D2 Midget races – and even led laps in the second Feature.

McDermand, the 22-year-old Mounce/Stout Motorsports pilot from Springfield, IL, is coming off an up-and-down opening weekend in Du Quoin. After failing to qualify for the first Feature of the season on Friday, he and the team bounced back on Saturday, driving from 12th on the starting grid all the way to second by the checkers to collect the Hard Charger honors.

This past weekend, McDermand temporarily vacated his seat while young Kansan Jace Park took over the reins racing with POWRi in Oklahoma, where he led most of the 40-lapper before Daison Pursley passed him for the win in the final corner.

HOME COOKING – The list of home state Midget talent continues to expand with the addition of Jake Neuman to the projected roster.

Neuman, the 2020 POWRi National Midget League champion from New Berlin, IL, made only one start with the Series last year but made it count, bagging a fifth-place finish at Jacksonville Speedway.

He’s projected to be in the field for a second career appearance this weekend, representing POWRi’s best as they clash with the Xtreme Outlaws’ best in a battle for Midwest Midget racing supremacy.

THIS WEEKEND AT A GLANCE

When and where
• Friday-Saturday, March 31-April 1 at Farmer City Raceway in Farmer City, IL

On the internet
Xtreme Outlaw Midget Series presented by Toyota
Twitter – @Xtreme_Outlaw
Instagram – @XtremeOutlaw
Facebook – @XtremeOutlawSeries.WRG

Live broadcast
DIRTVision – DIRTVision.com. Platinum annual FAST PASS for $299 or monthly FAST PASS for $39/month.

Current championship points standings (view full standings)
1. Jade Avedisian (442pts); 2. Kyle Jones 412pts (-30); 3. Landon Brooks 409pts (-33); 4. Shane Cottle 402pts (-40); 5. Gavin Miller 397pts (-45); 6. Chance Crum 387pts (-55); 7. Thomas Meseraull 387pts (-55); 8. Cannon McIntosh 384pts (-58); 9. Mitchel Moles 381pts (-61); 10. Ethan Mitchell 364pts (-78).

Toyota Feature winners (2 drivers)
1 win – Cannon McIntosh (Dave Mac-Dalby Motorsports); Jade Avedisian (Keith Kunz Motorsports)

Toyota Feature laps led (4 drivers)
26 laps – Thomas Meseraull
22 laps – Shane Cottle
14 laps – Jade Avedisian
8 laps – Cannon McIntosh

Whitz RC Racing Products Fast Time Awards (2 drivers)

1 Fast Time – Cannon McIntosh, Ethan Mitchell

Heat Race winners (9 drivers)
2 wins – Jade Avedisian
1 win – Austin Barnhill, Shane Cottle, Gavin Miller, Thomas Meseraull, Corbin Rueschenberg, Nick Drake, Kyle Jones, Chance Crum

High-points honors
1 honor – Gavin Miller, Chance Crum

Last Chance Showdown wins (4 drivers)
1 win – Kyle Jones, Landon Brooks, Karter Sarff, Howard Moore

DIRTVision Hard Charger Awards (2 drivers)
1 Award – Mitchel Moles, Chase Johnson

Podium finishes (6 drivers)
1 podium – Cannon McIntosh, Shane Cottle, Thomas Meseraull, Jade Avedisian, Chase McDermand, Kyle Jones

Top-10 finishes (16 drivers)
2 top-10s – Jade Avedisian, Kyle Jones, Landon Brooks, Gavin Miller
1 top-10 – Shane Cottle, Chance Crum, Thomas Meseraull, Cannon McIntosh, Mitchel Moles, Ethan Mitchell, Zach Daum, Taylor Reimer, Chase McDermand, Chase Johnson, Austin Barnhill, Corbin Rueschenberg

2023 Schedule & Winners – Race No. Day, Date / Track / Location / Winner (Total Wins)
1. Fri, March 10 / Southern Illinois Center / Du Quoin, IL / Cannon McIntosh (1)
2. Sat, March 11 / Southern Illinois Center / Du Quoin, IL / Jade Avedisian (2)

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Inside Line Promotions – FRESNO, Calif. (March 27, 2023) – Dominic Scelzi will do double duty this Saturday at the Stockton Dirt Track.

Scelzi will pilot his family owned No. 41s during the NARC 410 Sprint Car Series portion of the 4^th annual Asparagus Cup. Additionally, he will be behind the wheel of Chuck Crouse’s No. 20 sprint car during the Sprint Car Challenge Tour action that evening.

“I’m just excited to get going,” Scelzi said. “We’ve had a lot of rain in the region lately so hopefully the weather cooperates and the track can be racy. It’ll be a busy night running in two classes for two teams. I’m looking forward to it.”

Scelzi has captured the NARC championship each of the last two years and returns in search of becoming the first driver since Brent Kaeding (in 2001) to earn at least three straight titles. The only other driver in series history to accomplish that feat was Bill Sullivan (in 1966).

Saturday will mark the first of a handful of planned races in the Crouse No. 20 this season.

“I want to thank Chuck and his team for the opportunity,” Scelzi said. “The goal is to be competitive from the first time we hit the track and hopefully that leads to success at the end of the night.”

Stockton Dirt Track has been a good track for Scelzi during his career. He has a handful of feature triumphs and recorded a trio of podiums at the dirt oval each of the last two years, including a victory in 2021.

SEASON STATS –

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

UP NEXT –

Saturday at Stockton Dirt Track in Stockton, Calif., for the 4^th annual Asparagus Cup with the NARC 410 Sprint Car Series and Sprint Car Challenge Tour

MEDIA LINKS –

Website: http://www.GaryScelziMotorsports.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DominicScelzi41

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

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT – Fuel Delivery Services, Inc. 

Based in Stockton, Calif., Fuel Delivery Services, Inc., is a premier bulk transporter of refined petroleum products. For more information, visit http://www.FuelDeliveryServices.net .

“Fuel Delivery Services, Inc., has been a partner of ours since the first year we began racing sprint cars,” Scelzi said. “They supply a lot of product for our family business as well. We’ve been fortunate to work with them for more than a decade.”

Scelzi would like to thank Red Rose Transportation, Inc., Scelzi Enterprises, Whipple Superchargers, System 1, Fuel Delivery Services, Inc., Red Line Oil, FK Rod Ends, Schoenfeld Headers, Roth Motorsports, K&N Filters, Brown & Miller Racing Solutions, NAPA Auto Parts, Todd Jorgensen, Sparco, Allstar Performance, Meridian Steel, Auto Meter, Kenny’s Components and Worldwide Bearings for their continued support.