NASCAR CUP SERIES RICHMOND RACEWAYTOYOTA OWNERS 400 TEAM CHEVY QUALIFYING NOTES APRIL 2, 2022

  THREE CAMARO ZL1’S QUALIFY IN THE TOP-10 AT RICHMOND RACEWAYWilliam Byron will lead the field to the green from the front row
TEAM CHEVY UNOFFICIAL QUALIFYING RESULTS:POS.   DRIVER2nd     WILLIAM BYRON, NO. 24 LIBERTY UNIVERSITY CAMARO ZL15th      ERIK JONES, NO. 43 FOCUSFACTOR CAMARO ZL18th      ROSS CHASTAIN, NO. 1 ONX HOMES / IFLY CAMARO ZL1 14th    DANIEL SUAREZ, NO. 99 COMMSCOPE CAMARO ZL115th    CHASE ELLIOTT, NO. 9 A SHOC CAMARO ZL116th    TYLER REDDICK, NO. 8 GUARANTEED RATE CAMARO ZL121st    KYLE LARSON, NO. 5 HENDRICKCARS.COM CAMARO ZL123rd   LANDON CASSILL, NO. 77 VOYAGER: CRYPTO FOR ALL CAMARO ZL125th    AUSTIN DILLON, NO. 3 BREZTRI CAMARO ZL126th    AJ ALLMENDINGER, NO. 16 ACTION INDUSTRIES CAMARO ZL128th    ALEX BOWMAN, NO. 48 ALLY CAMARO ZL1 30th    TY DILLON, NO. 42 CHEVYLINERS.COM CAMARO ZL131st    COREY LAJOIE, NO. 7 NATIONS GUARD CAMARO ZL132nd   RICKY STENHOUSE JR., NO. 47 SUNNYD CAMARO ZL136th    JUSTIN HALEY, NO. 31 LEAFFILTER GUTTER PROTECTION CAMARO ZL137th    GREG BIFFLE, NO. 44 NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY CAMARO ZL1           TOP-FIVE UNOFFICIAL QUALIFYING RESULTS: POS.  DRIVER1st      Ryan Blaney (Ford)2nd     William Byron (Chevrolet)3rd      Kyle Busch (Toyota)                                                             4th      Chase Briscoe (Ford)5th      Erik Jones (Chevrolet)
FOX will telecast the NASCAR Cup Series EchoPark Toyota Owners 400 at Richmond Raceway live at 3:30 p.m. ET tomorrow, Sunday, April 3. Live coverage can also be found on MRN and Sirius XM NASCAR Radio Channel 90. 

Front wing of Phillips Connect Top Fuel dragster to recognize names of 75 donors

LAS VEGAS (April 1, 2022) — Over the past two weeks NHRA Top Fuel driver Justin Ashley has been promoting a fundraising effort spearheaded by the parent company of his primary sponsor Phillips Connect. His efforts fundraised over $30,000 from 75 donors and the front wing of his Top Fuel highlights each donor. Through social media posts Ashley offered the chance for donors to add their name to his 11,000 horsepower Phillips Connect Top Fuel dragster powered by Vita C Shot at this weekend’s NHRA Las Vegas Four-Wide Nationals. A minimum donation of $100 to Ukrainian UN Crisis Relief Fund afforded a donor the opportunity to have their name on his racecar.  

ALEX BOWMAN, NO. 48 ALLY CAMARO ZL1, met with the media in advance of the NASCAR Cup Series practice and qualifying session at Richmond Raceway. Press Conference Transcript:  AS THE MOST RECENT WINNER AT CHICAGOLAND SPEEDWAY, WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE IMPENDING FUTURE OF THAT TRACK? “That’s not what I expected to get asked about first thing here at Richmond (laughs).  I like Chicagoland a lot. It’s a really technical, fun racetrack; super slick and extremely rough. I don’t really know what’s happening with it, but bummed it’s not on the schedule. It’s definitely a special place.” FOUR OF THE NEXT FIVE RACES ARE AT TRACKS ONE-MILE OR SHORTER. THREE OF THOSE RACES YOU WON LAST YEAR. DOES THAT GIVE YOU CONFIDENCE GOING INTO THIS NEXT LITTLE STRETCH?“Yeah, for sure. They are all racetracks that I really enjoy. I think if we still had last year’s car, I’d be super confident. But a lot has changed this year with this racecar and I don’t really know what to expect at a lot of these places with the Next Gen car. So, at least kind of knowing that I know what to look for and know what I need in the racecar to be successful at these places is good. But trying to find that with a completely new racecar is definitely going to be tough.” CHEVROLET AS A WHOLE HAS WON FOUR OF THE LAST FIVE RACES. WHY DO YOU THINK THE MANUFACTURER HAS HAD SO MUCH SPEED EARLY ON?“I think we’ve definitely had really fast racecars each and every week, and it’s cool to see Chevrolet have so much success. There were races that things went our way too. We have a lot of really smart people that have worked really hard. I feel like the playing field is pretty even right now.” WITH SOME OF THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THIS CAR, I KNOW AERODYNAMICALLY, IT’S SIGNIFICANTLY DIFFERENT, PARTICULARLY ON THE RIGHT SIDE. THE COMPOSITE BODY LENDS ITSELF TO LESS TIRE RUBS. IS THERE A DIFFERENT LEVEL OF INTENSITY IN THE RACE THAT WE MIGHT HAVE SEEN AT A ROAD COURSE THAT WE’RE LIKELY TO SEE AT A SHORT TRACK? “Yeah, for sure. I think you can definitely run into stuff that would have ended your day in the past. We kind of got sandwiched in between a bunch of cars on a restart last week; drove straight into somebody and it would have completely ended our day last year. Probably would have ended up knocking the radiator out of it and just been done. It’s cool to not have any damage after that. I think there’s a fine balance between that, right? You don’t want to be able to just bounce off stuff and I don’t think you are. But the old car was super fragile. I think it’s definitely going to change the racing a little bit. I don’t know that it’ll change the racing here a ton. Going to Homestead, it’s going to make running the fence way easier and way less stressful, I think, just because if you hit it once, you’re not going to instantly get a flat tire. It’s definitely different and I’m excited to see how it all plays out.”  MY HOME TRACK, MOBILE (SPEEWAY), IS KIND OF COMING BACK TO LIFE THIS YEAR. I KNOW YOU MADE A COUPLE OF ARCA STARTS THERE. DO YOU HAVE ANY MEMORIES OF RUNNING MOBILE OR RACING THERE?“Yes, I ran there once in an ARCA car. I remember being there to test and it rained, and we sat around and did nothing because we didn’t have a jet dryer or anything. It was a fantastic time (laughs). I think we sat fast time and ran third or something.  It’s a cool place. The Mobile memory for me is the video of Will Kimmel flying off the end of the racetrack. That’s the one that sticks out in my head. It’s a cool racetrack, for sure.” YOU’VE BEEN INVOLVED IN SOME CHAOTIC, WILD FINISHES THIS YEAR. DENNY (HAMLIN) HAD KIND OF INSINUATED ON TWITTER EARLIER THIS WEEK THAT THE ETHICS OF LATE RACE RACING HAVE CHANGED OVER THE LAST FIVE TO SEVEN YEARS. DO YOU SEE THAT AND WHY ARE THINGS MORE CUT-THROAT OR WIN-AT-ALL-COST NOW? “I think the Playoff format has a lot to do with that. But I think we’ve seen that over the course of the years. You’ve seen people spin people out at the end of races and get pretty physical at the end of the races for a long time. I think there’s some new guys in the series that are extremely aggressive. Like everyone knows how aggressive Ross (Chastain) is at all times. AJ (Allmendinger) is an aggressive driver, too. I don’t necessarily think it has changed as much as Denny (Hamlin) thinks maybe. But I think if there’s a reason and you have to put your finger on it, it would be the Playoff format. How much winning matters and sometimes you can overcome those guys hating you for that trophy.” LOOKING AHEAD TO BRISTOL, YOU’RE A DIRT GUY. YOU’VE BUILT CARS FOR DIRT RACING. LOOKING AT GOING BACK TO BRISTOL AND TAKING THE NEXT GEN CAR THERE, WHAT CHALLENGES DO YOU ANTICIPATE THAT CAR MIGHT HAVE RUNNING ON DIRT? “Similar challenges to what we had last year. I think the cars last year adapted pretty well to the dirt stuff. Obviously, independent rear suspension is way different. I’ve never driven anything on dirt with independent rear suspension, so it’s going to be interesting to kind of learn about that and see how the steering rack is and all that. I think your main challenges are still going to be visibility and keeping the grill open. The things we fought with last year.  I’m excited it’s a night race. I think that’s going to help everybody. I’m looking forward to it. I love dirt racing. While I couldn’t see an inch from my windshield last year, I still had a blast when I could see. Bristol is a really fun time.” I’VE HEARD IN THE PAST THAT THERE HAVE BEEN SIMILARITIES BETWEEN PHOENIX (RACEWAY) AND RICHMOND (RACEWAY). WITH THIS NEW CAR, IS THAT A SIMILAR SITUATION WHERE SOME OF THE DATA FROM PHOENIX CAN LEND ITSELF TO HOW YOU GUYS SETUP THE CAR HERE AT RICHMOND. IF NOT, WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES THAT YOU GUYS FACE WITH THE NEW CAR COMING HERE FOR THE FIRST TIME? “Yeah, I think they’re definitely similar. They are two places where I’m pretty awful at (laughs), so they kind of lend themselves to each other there. (Turns) one and two at Phoenix (Raceway) is somewhat similar to here. Just trying to take the data from that and know what we fought with our racecar there. Obviously it’s different. It’s not exactly the same, but it’s at least close.  We struggled at Phoenix this year. We were better than where we finished, but still wasn’t great. So, just trying to learn from that and use the parts and pieces that we can. And also, use all the engineering stuff to be better here.” Team Chevy high-resolution racing photos are available for editorial use. About ChevroletFounded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, available in 79 countries with more than 3.2 million cars and trucks sold in 2020. Chevrolet models include electric and fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.Dana Haselhuhn641.218.9322haselhuhn.dana@gmail.comKelsey Schauf863.381.0363kelsey.schauf@gmail.comSee what’s happening on Team Chevy social sites ‌  ‌  ‌

LAS VEGAS (April 01, 2022) – John Force and his PEAK / BlueDEF PLATINUM Chevrolet Camaro SS team didn’t waste any time getting back into their groove Friday at the NHRA Las Vegas Four-Wide Nationals. The 16-time champion landed in the No. 1 spot in their first try at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Brittany Force and the Monster Energy / Flav-R-Pac team are currently No. 4 with Robert Hight and the Automobile Club of Southern California team are sitting No. 6 and Austin Prock and the Montana Brand / Rocky Mountain Twist dragster are 14th. John Force came out of the box to handle his PEAK / BlueDEF Chevy to a 3.887-second pass at 327.90 mph and land himself at the top of the Funny Car pack. If it holds, it would be the 164th No. 1 qualifying position of Force’s career. During the second qualifying try, Force had to lift and shut off early to only go 5.452 at 134.97. “We’re searching for consistency. This PEAK / BlueDEF Chevy was fast at testing, we lost it in Pomona and here, well it went down there the first run but then didn’t,” said Force who gained three bonus points for being quickest of the first session. “I had a meeting with my guys this morning. I said if anyone was the problem, it’s been me. I got out here to this racetrack today and I was a different animal. I’m excited and so my guys are excited. I hope it lasts. Getting out there and winning this four-wide would sure help that.” Brittany Force and the Monster Energy team started the day strong with a 3.765-second pass at 329.50 mph that earned them two-bonus qualifying points for being second quickest of the session. On their second pass, Force would have to shut off early and coast to a 5.349 at 124.20. The Monster Energy team would shift down to the No. 4 spot. “NHRA is out here in Las Vegas putting on a show of four-wide racing. All our other teams are in, and, the exciting thing is, we get two more runs tomorrow. Having four qualifying sessions, it really helps the team, helps the driver, helps everybody going into race day knowing that you get a solid pass down each lane. We’ll be ready for it tomorrow and should put on a good show on Sunday.” Robert Hight and the Auto Club team started the weekend off with a 3.937-second pass at 326.96 mph that originally put them fourth. In their second go at The Strip, Hight and his Jimmy Prock and Chris Cunningham tuned Chevy would keep it consistent improving to a 3.931 at 327.51 that land them in sixth to close out the day. “It’s encouraging that this Auto Club Chevy went down the track both runs but it’s not anywhere near what we were looking for,” Hight said. “We’re at a high elevation with thinner air, and we’re just not making enough power. We’ve got to make bigger moves tomorrow. There are 3.80-second runs are out there and that’s what we’re going to be shooting for.” Austin Prock and the Montana Brand / RMT dragster ran into tire smoke on their first qualifying pass to coast to a 6.231-second pass at 198.52 mph. In the second session, the Montana Brand dragster would drop cylinders and have to shut off early and go 4.590 at 172.12 to land in the No. 14 spot. “We had another rough start to the weekend. This Montana Brand dragster is just having some mechanical issues and we’re trying to get them all sorted out and get all our ducks in a row,” Prock said. “Kind of confused on why we dropped a cylinder, but we’ll get after it tomorrow. We’re looking forward to having a good start with two more runs of qualifying. Having four runs here is definitely going to help our whole situation. Hopefully we can make two quick passes, but nothing really matters until Sunday.” Qualifying at the NHRA Four-Wide NHRA Nationals continues Saturday with two sessions at 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. (PT). Eliminations are slated to begin at noon on Sunday. Racing action will be televised on FOX Sports 1 (FS1) and begins with qualifying Friday at 7 p.m. ET and continues Sunday at 12:30 p.m. ET. Eliminations will air Sunday at 7 p.m. ET. -30-

AUSTIN PROCK, 26, Montana Brand / Rocky Mountain Twist DragsterQualifying:14th; 4.590-seconds; 172.12 mphBonus Qualifying Points:0BRITTANY FORCE, 35, Monster Energy DragsterQualifying:4th; 3.765-seconds; 329.50 mphBonus Qualifying Points: +2 (2nd quickest Q1)JOHN FORCE, 70, PEAK / BlueDEF PLATINUM Chevrolet Camaro SSQualifying:1st; 3.887-seconds; 327.90 mphBonus Qualifying Points: +3 (quickest Q1)ROBERT HIGHT, 52, Auto Club of Southern California Chevy Camaro SSQualifying:6th; 3.931-seconds; 327.51 mphBonus Qualifying Points:0

Batavia, OH (April 1, 2022) – Three is the magic number for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series next weekend as the tour visits three tracks in three states for three races over three days, April 8th – 10th. Teams will head to Tyler County Speedway on Friday, Hagerstown Speedway on Saturday, and Port Royal Speedway on Sunday, with a complete show for Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series cars each night. On April 8th teams will venture to Middleborne, WV to compete in the 53rd Annual Hillbilly Hundred – Presented by Arizona Sport Shirts at Tyler County Speedway. A complete Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series program will take place including a 100-lap, $30,000-to-win main event. The RUSH Late Models and UMP Modifieds will also be in action. Gates open at 2:00PM ET with on track racing action beginning at 6:00PM ET with hot laps. Tickets from the postponed 2021 Hillbilly Hundred can be used on April 8th. Fans can also purchase tickets in advance at https://www.myracepass.com/events/383841/tickets/ or at the ticket booth on race day. The 2022 Hillbilly Hundred will take place on Sunday, September 4th so be sure to set your reminder. Hagerstown, MD will be host to the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series and Pure Stocks on Saturday, April 9th. Hagerstown Speedway is a true 1/2-mile track with straightaways over 900 foot long and 70 foot wide, 90 foot wide in the turns. Lucas Oil teams will be in competition for 50 laps during the Conococheague 50 final event paying $15,000-to-win at Hagerstown Speedway. The pit gate will open at 1:30PM ET with the general admission gate opening at 4:30PM ET. Hot laps will begin at 6:30PM ET to kick off the on-track action. Tickets can be purchased in advanceat https://speedwayshopping.com/tickets or onsite the day of the event. The Speed Palace, Port Royal Speedway once again welcomes the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series to Port Royal, PA on Sunday, April 10th for the $10,000-to-win River Valley 40. Limited Late Models will also be in contention on Sunday with hot laps, heat races, B-Main(s), and the A-Main event. Gates will open at 2:00PM ET with 5:15PM ET Hot Laps. Tickets can be purchased at the gates on race day. Don’t forget to set a reminder for August 26th – 27th when the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series returns to Port Royal Speedway for the two days of Rumble by the River. Track Information:Tyler County SpeedwayPhone Number: 304-758-2660Location: 1 Boreman School Road, Middlebourne, WV 26149Directions: 3 miles south of Middlebourne, WV on SR 18Website: www.tylercountyspeedwayonline.com Hagerstown SpeedwayPhone Number: 301-582-0640Location: 15112 National Pike, Hagerstown, MD 21740Directions: I-81 to exit 6-B, then 5.3 miles west on US 40 (NSR)Website: www.hagerstownspeedway.com Port Royal SpeedwayPhone Number: 717-527-2303Location: 308 W. 8th St., Port Royal, PA 17082Directions: two miles south of US Rt. 322 just off of PA Rt. 75 in Port Royal. Pit entrance on Fourth St., General Admission on Sixth and Eighth St.Website: www.portroyalspeedway.com Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Weekend Tire Rules:Tyler County Speedway Tire Rule:Left Rear/Fronts – Hoosier Rib (28.5) 1300, (28.5) 1425 Right Rear – Hoosier (29.0) NRM 1300, (29.0) NRMW 1300, (29.0) NRM 1425, (29.0) NRMW 1425 *Must use the same set of 4 tires for Time Trials, Heat Races, and B-Mains.*For the A-Main, competitors may use 3 new tires.*Flat tire must be replaced with a used tire of the same compound and construction to retain starting position. Hagerstown Speedway and Port Royal Speedway Tire Rule:Left Rear/Fronts – Hoosier Rib (28.5) 1300 Right Rear – Hoosier (29.0) NRM 1300, (29.0) NRMW 1300, (29.0) NRM 1425, (29.0) NRMW 1425*Must use the same set of 4 tires for Time Trials, Heat Races, and B-Mains.*For the A-Main, competitors may use a new right rear tire.*Flat tire must be replaced with a used tire of the same compound and construction to retain starting position. Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Weekend Purses:Hillbilly Hundred Purse (100 Laps): 1. $30,000, 2. $12,000, 3. $7,500, 4. $5,000, 5. $4,000, 6. $3,000, 7. $2,500, 8. $2,100, 9. $2,050, 10. $2,000, 11. $1,600, 12. $1,450, 13. $1,425, 14. $1,400, 15. $1,375, 16. $1,350, 17. $1,325, 18. $1,300, 19. $1,275, 20. $1,250, 21. $1,225, 22. $1,200, 23. $1,200, 24. $1,200, 25. $1,200, 26. $1,200. = $91,125 Conococheague 50 Purse (50 laps): 1. $15,000, 2. $6,500, 3. $3,500, 4. $3,000, 5. $2,500, 6. $2,400, 7. $2,300, 8. $2,200, 9. $2,100, 10. $2,000, 11. $1,600, 12. $1,400, 13. $1,300, 14. $1,200, 15. $1,050, 16. $1,000, 17. $1,000, 18. $1,000, 19. $1,000, 20. $1,000, 21. $1,000, 22. $1,000, 23. $1,000, 24. $1,000. = $57,050 River Valley 40 Purse (40 laps): 1. $10,000, 2. $5,500, 3. $3,500, 4. $2,700, 5. $2,200, 6. $2,300, 7. $2,200, 8. $2,100, 9. $2,050, 10. $2,000, 11. $1,600, 12. $1,400, 13. $1,200, 14. $1,000, 15. $950, 16. $925, 17. $900, 18. $875, 19. $850, 20. $825, 21. $800, 22. $800, 23. $800, 24. $800 = $48,575

About Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt SeriesFounded in 2005, the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series showcases the talents of the top dirt late model drivers from across the country. In 2022, the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series will sanction 65 events across 18 states, including some of the biggest marquee events in the industry, providing dirt slinging, sideways, door-to-door racing action lap after lap.  The series receives national exposure through a television package filmed, produced and edited by Lucas Oil Production Studios. Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series events will be streamed live on MAVTV Plus, with broadcasts on MAVTV Motorsports Network.   The in your face excitement of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series is second to none in motorsports. For more information, including the latest news, tour schedule, driver information, and more, visit the official website at: www.LucasDirt.com.

Kyle Larson has entered as the first driver to pull the Bristol Bash double by running with the Sprint Cars and Late Models

In less than a month, the two premier divisions in dirt racing will team up for the biggest Bash of the year at Bristol Motor Speedway.

The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series and World of Outlaws CASE Construction Equipment Late Model Series return to the dirt-covered Last Great Colosseum on April 28-30 for three nights of warp-speed action with a more than $400,000 overall purse.

Thursday will be a practice night for both Series while Friday and Saturday’s shows will be highlighted by $25,000-to-win Features for the Late Models and Sprint Cars. And before the cars hit the track, fans and drivers can celebrate the return of the event together Wednesday night at the Michael Waltrip Brewing Co. for the World of Outlaws Bristol Bash kickoff party.

Defending NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson is entered to attempt something that’s never been done before – outduel the Outlaws in a Sprint Car and Late Model on the same weekend, and potentially the same day. The Elk Grove, CA driver has entered to race the #57 Sprint Car for Silva Motorsports and the #6 Late Model for K&L Rumley Enterprises.

However, a field of the best Sprint Car and Late Model drivers in the world will stand in his way to make their own history and hoist the iconic Bristol Motor Speedway Gladiator Sword trophy.

Three-time and defending Sprint Car champion Brad Sweet – Larson’s brother-in-law – will be on the hunt to park his Kasey Kahne Racing #49 car in Victory Lane for the first time at the track. While on his quest for a fourth consecutive title, the Grass Valley, CA driver has stated he’s holding nothing back to pick up as many wins as he can this year.

Joining him with the same mentality are 2019 Knoxville Nationals champion David Gravel – who swept the World of Outlaws Sprint Car events at Bristol last year – Stenhouse Jr.-Marshall Racing driver Sheldon Haudenschild, rising-star Carson Macedo, 10-time Series champion and Tony Stewart/Curb-Agajanian Racing driver Donny Schatz – who won at Bristol in 2001 – and many more.

“This is just such an iconic place everyone always talks about,” Gravel said after winning the Series’ return to the track in 20 years last season.

For the CASE Late Models, another all-star field of contenders are planning to bring their 800-plus horsepower machines to the half-mile speedway. Four-time Series champion Josh Richards, of Shinnston, WV, returns to defend his inaugural win, along with fellow four-time Series champion Brandon Sheppard, who is chasing Richards for a seat atop the mountain. They’re both on the hunt for their fifth title and Richards is currently only a win ahead of Sheppard for the most Series victories all-time.

They’ll be joined by Newport, TN’s Jimmy Owens, current Series points leader Dennis Erb Jr., of Carpentersville, IL, Pennsylvania’s Max Blair – one of the top Rookie of the Year contenders with a win already this season – Bristol winners Devin Moran, Jonathan Davenport and Chris Madden, and more.

TEAM CHEVY ADVANCE TOYOTA OWNERS 400 RICHMOND RACEWAY RICHMOND, VIRGINIA APRIL 3, 2022 RACE #7 – RICHMOND RACEWAYWith six races in the books for the 2022 season, the NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) and NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) will head to Richmond Raceway this weekend for the first of three-consecutive short-track races. The NCS Chevrolet drivers and teams will take on the .75-mile D-shaped oval on Sunday, April 3, at 3:30 p.m. ET in the Toyota Owners 400, the first of two appearances for the series at the Virginia venue this season. Chevrolet leads all manufacturers in NCS wins at Richmond Raceway with 39 to lead all manufacturers. The spring 2021 race at the Virginia short track saw Alex Bowman power his No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet to his first-career short-track victory in NASCAR’s premier series.  Coming off the third win of the season for the Camaro SS in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, the series will make its only appearance at Richmond Raceway this season in the ToyotaCare 250 on Saturday, April 2, at 1:30 p.m. ET. Momentum is on the side for Chevrolet, with the Camaro SS taking nine of the top-10 finishing positions in last weekend’s race at COTA. Noah Gragson and his No. 9 JR Motorsports team visited victory lane in the fall 2021 event at Richmond Raceway, a win that was part of an eight-race winning streak for the Camaro SS in the series.   FOURTH VICTORY OF 2022 FOR CAMARO ZL1 The dream of smashing a watermelon in NASCAR Cup Series victory lane came to life for Ross Chastain and the No. 1 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet team in the 2nd Annual EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix at Circuit of The Americas. After leading a race-high 31 laps, the 29-year-old Florida native navigated through an overtime finish that produced four lead changes, powering his Chevrolet machine through final lap chaos to capture his first-career victory in NASCAR’s premier series.  “Over the years I tried to be better, and Chevy gives us a ton of support,” said Chastain. “Once I became a backed Chevy driver in 2018, the resources I had at my disposal were incredible. I’ve tried to never go to sleep without using one of their resources. Chevrolet gave me the tools to try to go execute and we did it.” The win came after a streak of podium finishes, with the COTA triumph marking Chastain’s fourth-consecutive top-three finish. That notable feat has only been accomplished by five NASCAR Cup Series drivers since 2019. Chastain’s victory also adds him to a distinguished list of drivers as the 40th driver in NASCAR history to have won at least one race in all three of NASCAR’s national series. Chastain is now the 12th consecutive NCS winner under the age of 30; and the third first-time winner thus far this season.  Chastain’s trip to victory lane also marked the first NASCAR Cup Series win for Trackhouse Racing in the organization’s second full-time season in the series. Expanding to a two-car team in 2022, Trackhouse Racing has put their name on the map among competitors with both Camaro ZL1’s recording top-10 finishes in the last two races.  “We have two incredible race car drivers,” said Justin Marks, Founder and Owner of Trackhouse Racing. “I’ve said this about Daniel (Suarez) all along, and I’ve said it about Ross (Chastain) for the ten years that I’ve known him. These are championship-caliber talents. We just need to get them in a spot where they can shine. And Chevrolet is strong right now. Our preparation is on point. Everybody is super motivated, so workflow is super effective during the week.”  Chastain’s win marks the fourth NASCAR Cup Series win for the Next Gen Camaro ZL1, the most of all manufacturers. Joining fellow Chevrolet drivers Kyle Larson, Alex Bowman and William Byron on the win list, Chastain is now the fourth different Chevrolet driver to claim a playoff berth and the first chance in his career at running for the coveted championship title. The race also marks the third time in just six points-paying races this season that Chevrolet has placed four drivers in the top-five and six in the top-10 in a single race. The final running order at the 3.41-mile, 20-turn road course saw four different Chevrolet teams represented in the top-10: 
Trackhouse Racing (Chastain – race winner)Hendrick Motorsports (Bowman – 2nd; Elliott – 4th)Richard Childress Racing (Reddick – 5th; Dillon – 10th). Petty GMS Motorsports (Jones – 9th) CHEVROLET LEADS IN NCS AND NXS STANDINGSHeading into the Richmond race weekend, Chevrolet remains atop both the NASCAR Cup Series Driver Standings and Manufacturer Standings. Chevrolet, who recorded its 33rd NCS Driver Championship in 2021, currently occupies four of the top-six and five of the top-10 in the driver points standings. The bowtie brigade is led by Chase Elliott, who’s fourth-place finish at COTA kept the Hendrick Motorsports driver at the top of the standings with a 13-point advantage over second-place.  Looking to defend the NASCAR Cup Series Manufacturer Championship title, Chevrolet continues to lead in the manufacturer points standings with an 18-point lead. The bowtie brand tops all manufacturers in race wins (4), laps led (664), top-five’s (18), top-10’s (28), and stage wins (7) heading into the Richmond race weekend.  The NASCAR Xfinity Series also sees Chevrolet at the top of the driver and manufacturer points standings with six races in the books. Five of the top-six and seven of the top-10 of the driver points standings are occupied by Camaro SS drivers. JR Motorsports driver, Noah Gragson, remains in the lead of the standings, just one point ahead of fellow Chevrolet driver AJ Allmendinger. In the series’ manufacturer standings, Chevrolet continues to lead all manufacturers by 25 points. Chevrolet drivers have won three of the six NXS events so far this season, including last weekend at Circuit of The Americas when road course master AJ Allmendinger took the checkered flag for his 11th-career NXS victory and his first of the 2022 season.  BOWTIE BULLETS·      Active NASCAR Cup Series Chevrolet drivers who have won at Richmond Raceway: Alex Bowman(2021)Kyle Larson (2017) ·       In addition to its 39 wins, Chevrolet has recorded 46 pole wins, 238 top-five’s and 493 top-10’s at Richmond Raceway. ·       Chevrolet holds the record for the longest consecutive win streak in the NASCAR Cup Series at Richmond Raceway with six, spanning from 2006-2008.   ·       Heading into the Richmond race weekend, Chevrolet leads all manufacturers in NASCAR Cup Series wins (4), top-five’s (18), top-10’s (28), laps led (664) and stage wins (7).  ·       Five Team Chevy drivers have combined seven NASCAR Cup Series stage wins:Tyler Reddick 2 – (Fontanax2)Alex Bowman 1 – (Las Vegas)Ross Chastain 1 – (Las Vegas)William Byron 2 – (Phoenix)(Atlanta)Daniel Suarez 1 – (COTA) ·      In the sixth points-paying NASCAR Cup Series race of the season at COTA, Chevrolet took four of the top-five and six of the top-10 finishing positions, the third time this season the bowtie brand has accomplished this feat.  ·      With its 40 NASCAR Cup Series Manufacturer Championships; 33 NASCAR Cup Series Driver Championships; and 818 all-time NASCAR Cup Series wins, Chevrolet holds the title of winningest brand in NASCAR. ·       Chevrolet leads in the driver points standing in both the NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR Xfinity Series. Chase Elliott leads in the NCS standings by 13 points and Noah Gragson leads in the NXS standings by 1 point. The bowtie brand also sits atop both the NCS and NXS manufacturer points standings. 
TUNE INFOX will broadcast the NASCAR Cup Series Toyota Owners 400 at 3:30 p.m. ET, Sunday, April 3. The NASCAR Xfinity Series ToyotaCare 250 will air on FS1 on Saturday, April 2, at 1:30 p.m. ET. Live coverage of both events can also be on MRN and Sirius XM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.  QUOTABLE QUOTESROSS CHASTAIN, NO. 1 ONX HOMES / IFLY CAMARO ZL1HAS YOUR FIRST CUP SERIES WIN SUNK IN YET? “The best way all of this is starting to sink is that I’m hearing all of the different stories of where each person was at. My grandparents told me their story. My dad was out at a restaurant watching with friends. They’re sending me videos and if someone in the family was really excited, someone turned their camera on and videoed them and then they all go crazy, and the camera starts flying around. Seeing them watching the end of the race and realizing that we are going to win is really neat.” HOW DOES THE WIN CHANGE YOUR MINDSET MOVING FORWARD IN THE SEASON?     “I don’t think it does. There’s a lot of handshakes, smiles, high-fives, and we’re confident that we can go compete and we’ve been that way all year. We’ve been that way really since we tested in the off season. We knew we had speed and it was a matter of executing. In the first two races we didn’t, I didn’t do a good job, but the last month we have. It doesn’t change our thoughts and philosophy on approaching races, it’s just go race and compete and everything else will work out.” WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES WITH RICHMOND? “This Gen 7 car has changed how I drive at a lot of the tracks. So really, the fastest learner of this car is probably going to win and we have some tried and true things that work at Richmond, but that doesn’t mean that’s going to be the case this year. I think things like managing tire wear, getting good forward drive off of the corner, wrapping the yellow line at the apron, are still going to be important.” WHAT EXCITES YOU ABOUT THIS WEEKEND’S RACE AT RICHMOND? “The tire wear that always happens at Richmond. We run pretty soft tires so they’re pretty fast right out of the gate and whatever compound Goodyear brings, will probably fall off quite a bit. Choosing when to pit, setting your car up to turn better, to have more forward drive – ideally you want both but we’re probably not going to get that. That’s what we’ll try and balance during practice.” KYLE LARSON, NO. 5 HENDRICKCARS.COM CAMARO ZL1LARSON ON HIS UPCOMING RACING SCHEDULE: “I’m racing (on dirt) at Bristol this weekend as well as Richmond, and my schedule is about to get real busy in the coming weeks and months. I wouldn’t have it any other way. At Richmond, I have a win there and we’ve run well there in the past, but this is a new car and we’re still learning it. Hopefully, we can figure it out pretty quickly and be there at the end.” CLIFF DANIELS, CREW CHIEF, NO. 5 HENDRICKCARS.COM CAMARO ZL1DANIELS ON RACING THE NEXT GEN CAR AT RICHMOND: “It’s hard to pinpoint what we think Richmond is going to be like with past experiences with the previous generation car. You could have a globally similar approach between Phoenix and Richmond, but there is a lot of nuances of what you need for Richmond that is really hard to figure out. You can’t take a Phoenix setup and run well at Richmond and vice versa. Richmond seems to change a lot with temperature and the surface seems to get more worn out year after year. It’s hard to find the right buttons to push.” TYLER REDDICK, NO. 8 GUARANTEED RATE CAMARO ZL1 WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THIS WEEKEND’S RACE AT RICHMOND RACEWAY? “I just think with this newer car with the wider tire, with a little less power than the old car, I think it’s going to be even more momentum-based. We’re just working on some things set-up wise. I feel pretty good about where we’re at and the direction we’re going. But again, I think we’re only going to get one set of tires in the warmup that we’ll have Saturday morning to really understand where our car is at. Honestly, with the warmup and the few adjustments you can make, you’re kind of boxed in. You can make some balance changes, but you’ve really got to do your homework going into it and that’s what we’re focused on right now.” COMING OFF OF A STRONG FINISH LAST WEEKEND AT COTA AND NOW THAT WE’RE SIX RACES INTO THE SEASON WITH THE NEXT GEN CAR, HOW ARE YOU FEELING ABOUT YOUR SEASON SO FAR? “This new car is everything that NASCAR told us it would be and everything we thought it would be. It’s a really hard car to drive but it’s also really fun to drive. You have to work for every spot and it’s so competitive. Every track is different now and there’s so much to learn and that’s always exciting. To be the best and to win, you have to know what you’re doing and work for it. Last week’s finish was strong considering but it was a tough one to swallow because we were so close to that first win. I know my team and I are going to find Victory Lane soon because we’ve been strong every single week. Sometimes luck hasn’t been on our side and sometimes we just couldn’t quite get up there but our Chevys have been so fast and so good on all of the track. We will continue to learn from the COTA race and keep working on the simulator and be even more ready for the next road course race. This week, though, we’re focused on Richmond. We have the Kansas Speedway tire test that we’re participating in but also focused on doing our homework for Richmond. Everyone at RCR and ECR have been working incredibly hard and it’s showing on the track. We’re running up front, everyone knows we’re there and I’m confident it will be the same this weekend at Richmond.” CHASE ELLIOTT, NO. 9 A SHOC CAMARO ZL1ELLIOTT ON RACING AT RICHMOND: “Historically, Richmond hasn’t really been the best track for us, but I felt like we were a little more solid there the last couple of years and were able to lead some laps. Going back there with this new car, it will be interesting to see how things go. Teams are going to have to make the most of the little bit of practice time we get because getting your car driving the way you need it to for this track is so important.” ALAN GUSTAFSON, CREW CHIEF, NO. 9 A SHOC CAMARO ZL1 GUSTAFSON ON THE 2022 SEASON THUS FAR:“Each week I feel like we’re getting a better feel for this (Next Gen) car and what it can do. It’s definitely been a bit of a learning curve for all of us, but Chase has done a great job of adapting, and the performance of the car has been there, and we’ve been competitive. Every race we’ve been in, I think we’ve really had a shot, and a lot of that credit goes to him and his ability to drive the car and understand and pick up on it quickly. As this season goes on, I think we’re only going to get stronger.” AJ ALLMENDINGER, NO. 16 ACTION INDUSTRIES CAMARO ZL1 “I’m pumped to run for $100,000 in the Xfinity Dash 4 Cash once again this year. Richmond was a really good racetrack for us last year at Kaulig Racing, and I felt like we had a really good shot to win. I’m looking forward to getting back there and continue the momentum of this past weekend in both the Xfinity Series and in the Cup Series. The Next Gen car has been so fun to race each week, so I’m excited to have another shot at it in our No. 16 Action Industries Camaro ZL1” WILLIAM BYRON, NO. 24 LIBERTY UNIVERSITY CAMARO ZL1BYRON ON HIS THOUGHTS HEADING INTO RICHMOND: “I feel like going into Richmond we have a pretty clear idea of what we need in the car. It’s going to be about qualifying well, having a good pit selection and staying up front all day. I think Richmond is a tough place to pass and a tough place to come from the back. You’ve got to be on it from the beginning.” RUDY FUGLE, CREW CHIEF, NO. 24 LIBERTY UNIVERSITY CAMARO ZL1FUGLE ON UTILIZING NOTES FROM PHOENIX FOR THIS WEEKEND AT RICHMOND: “While Phoenix isn’t a true short track, I think we can use a lot of the notes we have from there from a few weeks ago. We’ll be using the same tire we ran there so that helps as well. We learned a lot throughout that race weekend especially towards the end of the race that we can apply this weekend. We had speed, but we just needed to fine tune some setup things, which we have been working on during this week.” JUSTIN HALEY, NO. 31 LEAFFILTER GUTTER PROTECTION CAMARO ZL1“We’ve been competitive at every race this year, and I see no reason why we can’t go for another solid finish in Richmond. It was always a great track for me in the Xfinity Series with Kaulig Racing. We have always been so strong there and had runner-up finishes several times. I’m looking forward to seeing what our No. 31 LeafFilter Gutter Protection team can accomplish on a short track after our strong performance in LA earlier this year.” TY DILLON, NO. 42 CHEVYLINERS.COM CAMARO ZL1 YOU HAVE FIVE TOP-20 FINISHES IN THE FIRST SIX RACES. HOW CLOSE ARE YOU TO BREAKING INTO THE TOP-10? “We were a headlight away from being 10th at the Daytona 500 and finished 15th at Phoenix a couple weeks ago. Just over three months ago when we announced that we were going to be Petty GMS, if you would have told me that we started the first five of six races finishing every lap and not finishing outside the top-20, I would be satisfied. But like any competitor, you are always looking for the next best thing. My teammate, Erik Jones, has had really good speed. He’s been able to cash in a lot of stage points and have solid finishes, but we want that speed in our cars too. We need to get up inside the top-10 to grab stage points, which will help us as the year goes on. That is something that we can achieve and working towards. That’s the unsettledness in our stomachs that will keep us grinding to get better.” ERIK JONES, NO. 43 FOCUSFACTOR CAMARO ZL1 SIX RACES, SIX DIFFERENT WINNERS WITH SMALLER TEAMS COMPETING UP FRONT. DOES THAT GIVE YOU ENCOURAGEMENT AT PETTY GMS? “It does for sure. I think we’ve seen the parity right from the start of the season. There are different cars, different drivers, different teams running up front. We’ve been fortunate enough to be a part of that and having some strong runs. Our expectations are high at this point. We all feel like we can win races and we’ve had cars that can win races this year already. If we continue to bring that speed to the track, it will happen. But putting these races together isn’t easy. It’s not easy to win a Cup race at all. We have to keep pushing and working hard to put it all together. Winning and playoffs are definitely in our sights and definitely where our goals are for the rest of this season.” RICKY STENHOUSE JR., NO. 47 SUNNYD CAMARO ZL1 “We had a lot of speed at Richmond the last few years and I really enjoy going there. Shifting is going to be different if people are shifting. We learned a lot at Phoenix Raceway when we missed it and the positive from that is it will help us going forward with carrying more speed.” ALEX BOWMAN, NO. 48 ALLY CAMARO ZL1BOWMAN ON HIS EXPECTATIONS HEADING TO RICHMOND: “Going back as the defending race winner always gives you a little boost of confidence. With it being the track where Ally got their first Cup Series win, it makes that place even more special. Obviously, this year the car is different, but I think it will still be a good race. The car is getting better, and my team has given me everything I need to go out there and race hard, so I am excited to go back to Richmond and try to take home another win.” GREG IVES, CREW CHIEF, NO. 48 ALLY CAMARO ZL1IVES ON THE MOMENTUM HE FEELS HIS TEAM HAS HEADING INTO RICHMOND: “We have a lot of momentum coming off of a great race weekend for Alex and the No. 48 team (a second-place finish at Circuit of The Americas). Anytime you go to a place you want to improve and run well, it gives you a lot of confidence heading to your next race. Running up front in the truck race and then coming second in the Cup race is huge for us, and then having won at Richmond (last year) gives us even more confidence to build on. I am excited to get back to there and try to take home another trophy.” IVES ON GOING BACK TO RICHMOND WHERE ALLY CAPTURED ITS FIRST POINTS WIN IN THE CUP SERIES: “It was a super special win for us and for Ally given that it was their first in the Cup Series and our first with the No. 48 team. That is definitely in the back of our mind going into the weekend, so we will go out there and race hard and try to repeat our success and get Ally another win.” DANIEL SUAREZ, NO. 99 COMMSCOPE CAMARO ZL1WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON TRACKHOUSE RACING’S SUCCESS IN 2022? “You saw Sunday how good of Chevrolets Trackhouse Racing is building for Ross and I. I think we led 46 of the 69 laps. I knew going into the race we were so close to a victory. I was so disappointed the way it turned out for us, but so happy for Ross and all of Trackhouse Racing. Now it is our turn. I want to win at Richmond and keep the celebration going. I hope it is the first of many this season and in the future.” WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE START TO YOUR 2022 SEASON?                   “So far, it’s been a really good start. Everybody has been working very hard at Trackhouse Racing and at Chevrolet. We have great equipment and great people. As we all know, great people is key in this sport. You have to have good people around you; not just at the racetrack, but at the shop as well building these cars. I think we have an amazing package right now. We have to keep working because we’re only a couple months into the season and everyone is working hard to either catch-up, get better or stay on top. I feel like we’ve been doing a good job, but there’s always room for improvement. I believe that we can be better than what we’ve been running. We just have to keep pushing.”  HOW DO YOU BALANCE SUCCESS FOR YOU AND ROSS? “Justin Marks said it best at the beginning of the season. He wanted to approach this team as having one gun and two bullets. Go out there as a team working together and try to improve each other. I think that is one of the reasons why we have been consistent and getting better and better.”  Chevrolet NASCAR Cup Series StatisticsManufacturers Championships:Total (1949-2021): 40First title for Chevrolet: 1958Highest number of consecutive titles: 13 (2003-15) Years Won: 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1998, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2021 Drivers Championships:Total (1949-2021): 33First Chevrolet champion: Buck Baker (1957)Highest number of consecutive titles: 7 (2005-11)Most Recent: Kyle Larson (2021) Years Won: 1957, 1960, 1961, 1973, 1976, 1977, 1979, 1980, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2001, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2020, 2021 Event Victories:Record for total race wins in single season: 26 (2007)                2022 STATISTICS:                                                                                                    Wins: 4Poles: 1Laps Led: 664Top-five finishes: 18Top-10 finishes: 28Stage wins: 7

• Tyler Reddick (Fontanax2)
• Alex Bowman (Las Vegas)
• Ross Chastain (Las Vegas)
• William Byron (Phoenix), (Atlanta) 
• Daniel Suarez (COTA)

CHEVROLET IN NASCAR CUMULATIVE STATISTICS:Total Chevrolet race wins: 818 (1949 to date)Poles won to date: 724Laps led to date: 242,000Top-five finishes to date: 4,156Top-10 finishes to date: 8,583                                                                                                          Total NASCAR Cup Wins by Corporation, 1949 to Date:           General Motors: 1,152           Chevrolet: 818           Pontiac: 154           Oldsmobile: 115           Buick: 65            Ford: 813                                                                    Ford: 713           Mercury: 96           Lincoln: 4            Fiat Chrysler Automobiles: 467           Dodge: 217           Plymouth: 191           Chrysler: 59            Toyota: 162

Founded in 1967 by legendary event promoter Carl Short, the Hillbilly Hundred – America’s oldest running dirt late model event – is rich in history. Some of the greatest legends of dirt late model racing have battled for the Hillbilly Hundred crown. Since its inception, 34 different drivers from 11 states have gone to Hillbilly Hundred Victory Lane. Ohio and Pennsylvania drivers lead the charge, with both states each having ten Hillbilly Hundred triumphs. West Virginia and Tennessee each have six, Kentucky has four, North Carolina has three, Arkansas and Georgia each have two, with Michigan, Florida, and Indiana checking in with one win each. The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series first sanctioned the Hillbilly Hundred in 2006. Since then, thirteen Hillbilly Hundred’s have been contested with ten different drivers gracing Victory Lane. Those include Earl Pearson Jr., Eddie Carrier Jr., Jimmy Owens, Ray Cook, Scott Bloomquist, Mike Marlar, Don O’Neal, Jonathan Davenport, Brandon Overton, and Josh Richards. Pennsboro Speedway will go down in the History books as the place it all began – the original home of the Hillbilly Hundred in 1967. The event was held at Pennsboro Speedway until moving to Tyler County Speedway in 1998. In 2010 the race moved to West Virginia Motor Speedway for a two-year stint before relocating to I-77 Speedway until 2016. Since 2017 the event has called Tyler County Speedway home.

2006 | Pearson Wins First Lucas Oil Late Model Hillbilly HundredEarl Pearson, Jr. of Jacksonville, FL claimed the first Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series-sanctioned Hillbilly Hundred at Tyler County Speedway. The 34-year-old took the lead on lap 84 and went on to claim the victory in the Carlton and Kemp Lamm-owned MasterSbilt Chassis.

2007 | Eddie Carrier Jr. Earns Career High Payday in Hillbilly HundredEddie Carrier Jr. earned this biggest win at this point of his career when he brought home the $25,000 top prize in the 39th Annual Hillbilly Hundred. The Salt Rock, W.V. resident led all 100 laps en route to the victory over Scott James, Doug Horton, Earl Pearson Jr. and Freddy Smith.

2008 | Owens Pockets $40,000 in 40th Anniversary Hillbilly HundredMaking his first-ever appearance at Tyler County Speedway, Jimmy Owens of Newport, TN took the lead from Tim Dohm on lap 41 and led the rest of the way in route to the $40,000 payday. Earl Pearson Jr., Dohm, Rick Williams, and Darren Miller rounded out the Top-5 finishers.

2009 | Ray Cook Claims Biggest Win at 41st Hillbilly Hundred Ray Cook of Brasstown, N.C. scored the biggest win of his career in 2009 – claiming the $41,000 top prize in the 41st Hillbilly Hundred. The race was halted by rain on lap 39 and completed the next day. Cook held off a charging Earl Pearson Jr. for the win with Scott Bloomquist, Jimmy Owens, and Dale McDowell completing the Top-5.

2010 | Scott Bloomquist First Career Hillbilly Hundred at WVMSIn 2010, the Hillbilly Hundred moved to West Virginia Motor Speedway. The defending Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series National Champion, Scott Bloomquist of Mooresburg, TN won his first-career Hillbilly Hundred and claimed the $42,000 paycheck. Jonathan Davenport finished second, followed by Steve Shaver, Don O’Neal, and Eddie Carrier Jr.

2011 | 43rd Annual Hillbilly Hundred Canceled Due to Rain The 2011 edition of “America’s Oldest Running Dirt Late Model Event” was scheduled to be contested at Portsmouth Raceway Park in Portsmouth, OH. Unfortunately, persistent rain forced officials to cancel the event entirely.

2012 | Mike Marlar From Last to Win Hillbilly Hundred at I-77Mike Marlar of Winfield, TN stormed from his 24th starting position to win the 44th Annual Hillbilly Hundred at I-77 Raceway Park. Marlar took a Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series provisional starting spot before charging through the field to take the lead from Don O’Neal on lap 77. He went on to claim the $25,000 top prize.

2013 | Jimmy Owens Wins Second-Career Hillbilly Hundred Jimmy Owens won his second-career Hillbilly Hundred in 2013 at I-77 Raceway Park. Owens took the lead on lap 61 and led the rest of the way to earn $25,000 for the triumph. Steve Francis finished second, followed by Earl Pearson Jr., 19th-starting Billy Moyer, and Steve Shaver.

2014 | Don O’Neal Earns First Hillbilly Hundred Victory in Thrilling FashionOutside front-row starter Don O’Neal of Martinsville, Ind., regained the lead from Clint Bowyer Racing teammate Steve Francis on the 19th lap and led the rest of I-77 Raceway Park’s Hillbilly 100. O’Neal beat Jimmy Owens to the line by less than a half-second for a $25,000 payday.

2015 | Bloomquist Returns to Hillbilly Hundred Victory Lane Regaining the lead when Don O’Neal tagged the wall on the 79th lap, polesitter Scott Bloomquist, led the final 21 laps for $25,000 in the 47th running of the Hillbilly Hundred at I-77 Raceway Park. O’Neal came home in second, followed by Jonathan Davenport, Steve Francis, and Devin Moran.

2016 | Hillbilly Hundred Returns to Tyler County SpeedwayIn 2016, Carl Short’s Hillbilly Hundred returned to Tyler County Speedway. For the first time in over a decade, a driver scored back-to-back Hillbilly Hundred victories. Fighting back challenges from Jonathan Davenport, Scott Bloomquist captured his second-consecutive victory in the event, earning a $25,000 payday.

2017 | Davenport Edges McCreadie for First Hillbilly Triumph Overtaking race-long leader Jimmy Owens of on the 83rd lap, Jonathan Davenport of Blairsville, GA, led the remaining distance for a $25,000 victory in 49th Hillbilly 100. Davenport edged Tim McCreadie by just 0.178 seconds at the finish line for his first-career Hillbilly Hundred triumph.

2018 | Brandon Overton Claims Record-Setting $50,000Edging ahead of polesitter and race-long leader Jared Hawkins, on lap 70 of 100, eighth-starting Brandon Overton of Evans, GA led the remaining distance to score a career-richest $50,000 victory in the 50th Anniversary Hillbilly Hundred at Tyler County Speedway.

2019 | Josh Richards Claims Home-State Hillbilly JackpotLeading flag-to-flag, polesitter Josh Richards of Shinnston, W.V., fought back early challenges from Jimmy Owens, outrunning hard-charging Brandon Overton, to score his first-career Hillbilly Hundred victory. He earned $30,000, crossing the finish line ahead of Overton, Tim McCreadie, Shanon Buckingham, and Owens.

2020 | COVID-19 Pandemic Forces Hillbilly Hundred CancellationDue to the ongoing global pandemic, Carl Short and Tyler County Speedway officials made the difficult decision to cancel the 52nd running of the Hillbilly Hundred.

2021 | 53rd Hillbilly Hundred Postponed to Spring of 2022Heavy overnight rain left the Tyler County Fairgrounds heavily saturated, making the pit area and other parts of the facility impassable – postponing the event to April 8, 2022.

The Hillbilly Hundred comes to you twice in 2022 at “America’s Baddest Bullring,” Tyler County Speedway. Heavy rain forced the 2021 running of the Hillbilly Hundred to be postponed until Friday, April 8th, 2022. The 54th Hillbilly Hundred is scheduled for its traditional Labor Day weekend, on Sunday, September 4th, 2022. Tyler County Speedway is a 1/4-mile-high bank dirt track located 3 1/2 miles South of Middlebourne, WV at the Tyler County Fairgrounds. For more information on the 53rd and 54th running of the Hillbilly Hundred, please visit www.TylerCountySpeedwayOnline.com.  Hillbilly Hundred Past Winners:2021 – Postponed2020 – Covid-192019 – Josh Richards2018 – Brandon Overton2017 – Jonathan Davenport2016 – Scott Bloomquist2015 – Scott Bloomquist2014 – Don O’Neal2013 – Jimmy Owens2012 – Mike Marlar2011 – Rained Out2010 – Scott Bloomquist2009 – Ray Cook2008 – Jimmy Owens2007 – Eddie Carrier Jr.2006 – Earl Pearson Jr.2005 – Clint Smith2004 – Mike Marlar2003 – Chub Frank2002 – Billy Moyer2001 – Donnie Moran2000 – Davey Johnson1999 – Davey Johnson1998 – Steve Shaver1997 – Rod Conley1996 – Todd Andrews1995 – Bart Hartman1994 – Bill Frye1993 – Davey Johnson1992 – Rodney Combs1991 – Rodney Combs1990 – Buck Simmons1989 – Donnie Moran1988 – Donnie Moran1987 – Jack Boggs1986 – Jack Boggs1985 – Jack Boggs1984 – Larry Moore1983 – Freddy Smith1982 – Charlie Swartz1981 – Freddy Smith1980 – Rodney Combs1979 – Danny Dean1978 – Gene McNeely1977 – Rained Out1976 – Bob Wearing, Sr.1975 – Bob Wearing, Sr.1974 – Bob Wearing, Sr.1973 – Bob Wearing, Sr.1972 – Dorus Wisecarver1971 – Danny Dean1970 – Clate Husted1969 – Rained Out1968 – Ray Neece1967 – Don Gregory

About Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt SeriesFounded in 2005, the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series showcases the talents of the top dirt late model drivers from across the country. In 2022, the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series will sanction 65 events across 18 states, including some of the biggest marquee events in the industry, providing dirt slinging, sideways, door-to-door racing action lap after lap.  The series receives national exposure through a television package filmed, produced and edited by Lucas Oil Production Studios. Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series events will be streamed live on MAVTV Plus, with broadcasts on MAVTV Motorsports Network.

NHRA Four-Wide Nationals the first of two events this season at The Strip

DETROIT (March 31, 2022) – Brittany Force holds both ends of the Top Fuel track records – the latter a monster 338.17 mph run in 2019 that also stands as the national event record – and multiple No. 1 qualifier honors at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The driver of the Monster Energy/Flav-R-Pac Chevrolet dragster will aim to add a victory this weekend in the NHRA Four-Wide Nationals to her impressive list of accomplishments at the racetrack. The four-wide race is the first of two NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series events this year at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Force was the No. 1 qualifier in the four-wide event in 2021 (3.732 seconds/320.66 mph) and advanced to the second round. In the penultimate race of the season, she again was the top qualifier (3.668 seconds/331.94 mph) and reached the semifinals. She did not compete in the lone 2020 race at the track, which was rescheduled to be the finale in the shortened season, because of the COVID-19 pandemic. She was runner-up in the 2019 four-wide event at The Strip and came back to win the fall race. “It’s a place we have had some success at,” said Force, who sits fourth in the Top Fuel standings through three of the scheduled 22 rounds. “We’re looking for our first win of the season, and we would like to do it there. “Little bit of a change of pace with four-wide racing but the entire Monster Energy team and I are excited to get right into the groove during Friday qualifying. Glad to be back to four qualifying runs at the four-wide. It gives us the best opportunity for race day.” Listen: An informative and insightful interview with Top Fuel champion Brittany Force Four-time Pro Stock champion Erica Enders also own the national elapsed time and speed records for the class. Most recently, the driver of the Melling Performance/Elite Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro SS registered a 6.450-second pass at Gainesville Raceway on March 14 to reset the record. Enders has posted a Vegas victory in each of the past three years, with the April 2021 victory her first four-wide win at the track. She already has one win in 2022 and will look to keep rolling against a loaded field that includes teammate and points leader Aaron Stanfield, Gainesville winner Dallas Glenn and five-time world champion Greg Anderson, who is aiming for his 100th career win. Glenn’s fourth career victory earlier this month at Gainesville was the 350th for Chevrolet since the introduction of the Pro Stock class in 1970. Robert Hight, a three-time winner of the four-wide event, has won two of the three Funny Car races this season in the Automobile Club of Southern California Chevrolet Camaro SS and holds the lead in the standings. Teammate and 16-time Funny Car champion John Force, driving the PEAK BlueDEF Platinum Camaro SS, is fifth in points. “I try to keep things simple, and it’s really just watching two other cars stage and hit the gas on time,” said Hight, who has recorded at least one victory and one No. 1 qualifier the past 17 seasons. “If you have a good-running car and you’re driving good, the first two rounds should be pretty easy. Then, the final, you just have to get there first. You win that race and you get four rounds of points, so this is a good one to win.”  The event weekend includes Sportsman competition, with drivers of the Chevrolet COPO Camaro winning all three national event races in the Stock Eliminator class this season. FS1 will telecast eliminations at 7 p.m. ET Sunday, April 3. CHEVROLET FROM THE COCKPITTOP FUELBRITTANY FORCE, JOHN FORCE RACING, MONSTER ENERGY/FLAV-R-PAC CHEVROLET DRAGSTER (No. 1 qualifier and semifinalist at opener; holds both ends of the Top Fuel track records set in 2019): “We’re back on the West Coast and excited to head to The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. David Grubnic and Mac Savage and this team have had success together at this track. We’ll be looking to build on that with a strong weekend for this team starting with qualifying Friday and going out on race day and winning this four-wide.” AUSTIN PROCK, JOHN FORCE RACING, MONTANA BRAND/ROCKY MOUNTAIN TWIST CHEVROLET DRAGSTER (runner-up at opener): “We’re going to try some different things this weekend so It would be great to get a good result to prove this Montana Brand/Rocky Mountain Twist team is heading in the right direction. The Strip has always been one of my favorite tracks so to win there would be unbelievable. It being four-wide would even make it more special.” FUNNY CARJOHN FORCE, JOHN FORCE RACING, PEAK BLUEDEF PLATINUM CHEVROLET CAMARO SS (six-time winner at the track): “It’s been a bit of a wild start to the season. But this BlueDEF team with Danny Hood and Tim Fabrisi, they’ve got a handle on this Chevrolet. We’ll fix it. That’s what it’s all about. We’ve got to get these cars making some noise and winning some rounds, and we will. Couldn’t get a better place to go four-wide racing.” ROBERT HIGHT, JOHN FORCE RACING, AUTO CLUB OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CHEVROLET CAMARO SS (two-time winner this season; five-time winner at the track; No. 1 qualifier at Gainesville; points leader): “It’s been a great start to the season. We’ve been really consistent. Gainesville was tough for everyone and having two weeks off is just brutal. This Auto Club team, we’re feeling good. We took things back to how we were running in 2019 and it’s paying off. Hopefully that continues and we get some win lights in Vegas.” PRO STOCKDALLAS GLENN, KB RACING, RAD TORQUE SYSTEMS CHEVROLET CAMARO SS (winner at Gainesville): “Winning in Gainesville after such a weird weekend with only one qualifying run and straight into eliminations was a relief. But, in a way, it reminds me of my bracket racing I do on the off weekends; you have one run and you’ve gotta make it count. Vegas will always be a special race for me because I won my first national event here in Super Gas in 2011. Coming off our Gainesville win, I think that’s the perfect momentum to go ahead and win again this weekend.” GREG ANDERSON, KB RACING, HENDRICKCARS.COM CHEVROLET CAMARO SS (three-time winner of event; seeking to become second pro driver with 100 wins): “It is without a doubt tougher on the driver; it’s difficult to go through the whole process at the starting line. So many things can happen up there and nobody’s prepared, so you could get caught with your pants down or be that guy that doesn’t get in on time and messes up everybody else. You have to guard against that. I look forward to the challenge. I feel good about the weekend. I’ve been working on my engine the last few weeks I’ve been home, and I think I’ve rectified a couple of things with it. I expect it to run better this week.”  KYLE KORETSKY, KB RACING, LUCAS OIL CHEVROLET CAMARO SS (No. 1 qualifier at Phoenix; runner-up at Gainesville): “Definitely have a fast car and definitely four-wide racing is challenging. I’ve done it twice and it takes a lot more from you to stay focused but we’re ready. I’m coming off a good outing at Gainesville, I’ve been practicing the Tree every day and I’m ready to go after the win.” TROY COUGHLIN JR., ELITE MOTORSPORTS, JEGS.COM CHEVROLET CAMARO SS (runner-up at Phoenix): “This is one awesome machine. This is actually the first Pro Stock car I’ve driven that was built specifically for me so it’s just about as perfect as you can imagine. Everything feels so natural, and the fit is exact. We took the new car to Tulsa a few days ago to shake it down and make sure there would be no surprises this weekend. It’s definitely ready for battle. It appears we’ll be running even better than before so there is a lot of optimism on the team.” CAMRIE CARUSO, CARUSO FAMILY RACING, PROCAR CHEVROLET CAMARO SS (earned first round win at Phoenix): “I can’t say enough about the team of guys I have behind me from Titan Racing Engines. I have a lot of confidence in this Chevrolet Camaro every time we pull it up to the starting line. As a young driver I am working on my performance every time we make a run. I want to get better as a driver because I know I have a race car that can win rounds if I do my job. That is a testament to Titan Racing Engines and my crew chief Jim Yates.”

Plus, Past Champions race added as activities ramp up for 50th running of ‘Racing’s Biggest Party’

OSWEGO, NY – March 31, 2022 – The historic 50th NAPA Super DIRT Week is set to provide a chance for milestone accomplishments throughout the week, Oct. 3-9, and this year will see several drivers leave with more money in the process.

Combined, more than $30,000 will be added to the DIRTcar 358 Modifieds, DIRTcar Sportsman and DIRTcar Pro Stock feature events. In addition to the Feature purse increases, each DIRTcar Sportsman and DIRTcar Pro Stock Heat Race will pay throughout the field with $500 going to each winner. The 358 Heats will pay $1,000-to-win and the Big Block Heats will pay $4,000-to-win with both paying throughout the field, as well.

While all these updates are being debuted at the 50th NAPA Super DIRT Week, the increases will remain for years to follow, too.

Also, unique to the 50th running of NAPA Super DIRT Week, will be a one-time special event — a Big Block Past Champions race — which will feature a more than $9,500 overall purse with invitations being extended to the drivers who have conquered the main event throughout the decades.

“This is an important year for the Northeast and its most iconic dirt racing event, so we want to make sure we reflect that in as many ways possible,” said DIRTcar CEO Brian Carter. “The drivers and teams have been a key part to the success of NAPA Super DIRT Week. We’re excited to be able to give back to them with these purse increases.”

The DIRTcar 358 Modified Salute to the Troops 150 will pay $20,000-to-win and now $500-to-start. Every position from 11th down saw at least a 10% increase with some as high as a 66% increase.

For the DIRTcar Sportsman Chevrolet Performance 75, it will continue to pay $4,000-to-win, but Second increases to $2,500 and Third jumps to $1,500. The bumps continue down through the field with at least a 50% increase throughout and the race now paying $300-to-start.

That theme continues with the DIRTcar Pro Stock 50 where it continues to pay $2,000-to-win, but now Second will jump to $1,300 and Third increases to $1,000. The increases, again, continue down through the field – at least a 33% increase for each – with the Feature paying $200-to-start.

The Past Champions race, scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 6, and set to feature several Super DIRT Week Super DIRTcar Series champions, is an extra chance for some to leave with more money in their pockets in addition to the marquee $50,000-to-win Billy Whittaker Cars 200, which runs on Sunday, Oct. 9. More details on the event will soon follow.

Money isn’t the only addition to the 50th NAPA Super DIRT Week. A new Kickoff Party on Sunday, Oct. 2, at Lighthouse Lanes next to Oswego Speedway launches the event, with everyone who moves in that day to residents of Oswego welcome to join the festivities. That’s only one of many new activities that will take place during the week, from games to live entertainment, truly making it Racing’s Biggest Party.

RELATED: Massive week of fan activities, racing planned for historic 50th NAPA Super DIRT Week

For tickets and camping to the historic week at Oswego Speedway, CLICK HERE.

Big Block Past Champions Race / (Thursday, Oct. 6)
1.	$2,500
2.	$1,500
3.	$1,000
4.	$750
5.	$600
6.	$500
7.	$400
8.	$300
9.	$250
10.	$200
11.	$200
12.	$200
13.	$200
14.	$200
15.	$200
16.	$200
17.	$200
18.	$200
19.	$200
20.	$200

DIRTcar Sportsman / Chevrolet Performance 75 / (Saturday, Oct. 8)
1.	$4,000
2.	$2,500
3.	$1,500
4.	$1,000
5.	$750
6.	$600
7.	$550
8.	$500
9.	$475
10.	$450
11.	$400
12.	$375
13.	$350
14.	$325
15.	$300
16.	$300
17.	$300
18.	$300
19.	$300
20.	$300
21.	$300
22.	$300
23.	$300
24.	$300
25.	$300
26.	$300
27.	$300
28.	$300
29.	$300
30.	$300
31.	$300
32.	$300
33.	$300
34.	$300
35.	$300
36.	$300

DIRTcar 358 Modifieds / Salute to the Troops 150 / (Saturday, Oct. 8)
1.	$20,000
2.	$10,000
3.	$5,000
4.	$3,000
5.	$2,000
6.	$1,500
7.	$1,200
8.	$1,100
9.	$1,050
10.	$1,000
11.	$900
12.	$800
13.	$700
14.	$600
15.	$550
16.	$525
17.	$500
18.	$500
19.	$500
20.	$500
21.	$500
22.	$500
23.	$500
24.	$500
25.	$500
26.	$500
27.	$500
28.	$500
29.	$500
30.	$500
31.	$500
32.	$500
33.	$500
34.	$500
35.	$500
36.	$500
37.	$500
38.	$500
39.	$500
40.	$500

DIRTcar Pro Stock 50 / (Sunday, Oct. 9)
1.	$2,000
2.	$1,300
3.	$1,000
4.	$750
5.	$500
6.	$400
7.	$350
8.	$325
9.	$300
10.	$275
11.	$250
12.	$225
13.	$200
14.	$200
15.	$200
16.	$200
17.	$200
18.	$200
19.	$200
20.	$200
21.	$200
22.	$200
23.	$200
24.	$200
25.	$200
26.	$200
27.	$200
28.	$200
29.	$200
30.	$200

Super DIRTcar Series / Billy Whittaker Cars 200 / (Sunday, Oct. 9)
1.	$50,000
2.	$25,000
3.	$15,000
4.	$10,000
5.	$6,000
6.	$4,000
7.	$3,600
8.	$3,400
9.	$3,200
10.	$3,000
11.	$2,800
12.	$2,600
13.	$2,400
14.	$2,200
15.	$2,000
16.	$1,900
17.	$1,800
18.	$1,700
19.	$1,700
20.	$1,700
21.	$1,600
22.	$1,600
23.	$1,600
24.	$1,600
25.	$1,600
26.	$1,600
27.	$1,600
28.	$1,600
29.	$1,600
30.	$1,600
31.	$1,500
32.	$1,500
33.	$1,500
34.	$1,500
35.	$1,500
36.	$1,500
37.	$1,500
38.	$1,500
39.	$1,500
40.	$1,500
41.	$1,500

March 31, 2022

Harrison Burton and the No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane team are headed to Richmond Raceway with the confidence that comes from a strong run in the pre-season Clash at the Coliseum and a good run last Sunday at Circuit of the Americas.

In the Clash, held on a temporary track inside the Los Angeles Coliseum, Burton raced his way into the main event with some strong moves in the 50-lap Last Chance race then drove from 22^nd to 12^th in the 150-lap main event. At COTA, he scored points in both Stages, then moved up to 17^that the finish due to some aggressive driving in the Overtime run to the checkered flag.

“For Richmond we’ll try to build off the competitive run we had at the Clash and our teammates strong notes from Phoenix,” crew chief Brian Wilson said. “I loved the fight and aggressiveness we saw from Harrison in COTA. I think that’s exactly the mindset we’ll need for the next two weeks at Richmond and Martinsville.”
 
Wilson said he believes the three-quarter-mile oval at Richmond, and the paper-clip-shaped half-mile at Martinsville, where Burton won an Xfinity Series race in the fall of 2020, will give the Motorcraft/Quick Lane team a chance to move up in the points standings. 
 
“We had our best points day of the year this past weekend, and we need to have several solid points days in the following months,” Wilson said. “But it definitely feels like things are headed in the right direction after last week.”
 
Wilson added that he and Burton are accumulating data that will help them as the season rolls along.
 
“As we continue to build our notebook it’s great that we’ve now been to all the main track styles now,” he said. “We should be able to build off our notes to continue giving Harrison the car that he needs to continue improving.”
 
Cup Series practice is set for Saturday at 10:30 a.m. Eastern Time followed by qualifying at 11:15. Sunday’s 400-lap race is scheduled to start just after 3:30 p.m. with TV coverage on FOX. Stage breaks are set for Laps 70 and 230. 
 

LAS VEGAS (March 30, 2022) – Brittany Force and her Monster Energy / Flav-R-Pac Top Fuel dragster team, currently fourth in the points standings, will be looking to make up some ground at the NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Just the fourth race in the 2022 Camping World Drag Racing Series season, Force is only 78 points out of the lead heading to a track where she’s made history. Force and the Monster Energy team have started 2022 off strong. At the season-opening Winternationals they secured the No. 1 qualifying position, the 33rd of Force’s career and 23rd in her last 47 starts. At the Arizona Nationals, Force and the Monster Energy team showed some consistency when they were quickest during the warmest run of qualifying. At a rain riddled Gatornationals, Force and her David Grubnic and Mac Savage led team won the first-round of the Pep Boys NHRA All-Star Callout that also landed them the No. 2 qualifying position and marked the third fastest run in Top Fuel history. At The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Force set the track records, a 3.652-second pass on November 3, 2019 and a 338.17 mph run, which is also the official NHRA national record, on November 1, 2019. In 2021, Force was the No. 1 qualifier at both the Four-Wide spring race and fall event. To this point, she is the only John Force Racing driver to have raced in a final quad at The Strip when she was runner-up to Mike Salinas in 2019. Her lone victory at Vegas came in the fall race in 2019 when she qualified No. 2 and then beat Steve Torrence in the final round. “We’re back on the West Coast and excited to head to The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Little bit of a change of pace with four-wide racing but the entire Monster Energy team and I are excited to get right into the groove during Friday qualifying. Glad to be back to four qualifying runs at the four-wide, it gives us the best opportunity for race day,” Force said. “David Grubnic and Mac Savage and this team have had success together at this track. We’ll be looking to build on that with a strong weekend for this team starting with qualifying Friday and going out on race day and winning this four-wide.” Qualifying at the NHRA Four-Wide NHRA Nationals takes place Friday and Saturday with two sessions at 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. (PT) on each day. Eliminations are slated to begin at noon on Sunday. Racing action will be televised on FOX Sports 1 (FS1) and begins with qualifying Friday at 7 p.m. ET and continues Sunday at 12:30 p.m. ET. Eliminations will air Sunday at 7 p.m. ET.

LAS VEGAS (March 30, 2022) – Robert Hight and his Automobile Club of Southern California Chevrolet Camaro SS team have waited a long two weeks to get back to the track at this weekend’s NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Just the fourth event out of 22 on the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season, the Four-Wide Nationals is the first of two events where competitors will line-up four across instead of two. Hight is off to the best start of his career after winning the season opening Winternationals at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, Calif. and the Arizona Nationals at Phoenix. Hight went onto secure the No. 1 qualifying position at the most recent Gatornationals in Gainesville. He enters the Vegas Four-Wide as the Funny Car points leader. With his back-to-back wins, Hight extended to 17 the number of seasons in which he has won at least one tour event for Auto Club. That is every season in which he has contested the championship. Hight also has recorded at least one No. 1 start in those 17 seasons. “It’s been a great start to the season. We’ve been really consistent. Gainesville was tough for everyone and having two weeks off is just brutal,” Hight said. “This Auto Club team, we’re feeling good. We took things back to how we were running in 2019 and it’s paying off. Hopefully that continues and we get some win lights in Vegas.” Hight has won five times previously at The Strip (2007, 2011 and 2012 in the spring; 2009 and 2015 in the fall), but has not yet raced in a final quad since the spring race went to four-wide in 2018. That said, he has won twice in four-wide competition, hoisting the trophy at Charlotte in 2012 and 2014. At Vega, he has started No. 1 eight times overall, five times in the spring race including last year when he and Brittany both were No. 1. His other No. 1s in this race came in 2006, 2008, 2012 and 2013. He was No. 1 at the fall race in 2006, 2007 and 2008. “Four-Wide is really entertaining for the fans. Four cars lined up, the power, the speed. There’s a lot going on but as the driver, I just choose to worry about what I can control. Focus on my tree and run the race,” Hight said. “Sunday, eliminations, you get some help, just have to be top two of the first two rounds and there’s only three rounds. It’s a great weekend to gain some points, build our lead.” Qualifying at the NHRA Four-Wide NHRA Nationals takes place Friday and Saturday with two sessions at 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. (PT) on each day. Eliminations are slated to begin at noon on Sunday. Racing action will be televised on FOX Sports 1 (FS1) and begins with qualifying Friday at 7 p.m. ET and continues Sunday at 12:30 p.m. ET. Eliminations will air Sunday at 7 p.m. ET.

Corvette Racing’s Jordan Taylor, who drives the No. 3 Mobil 1/SiriusXM Chevrolet Corvette C8.R with Antonio Garcia, met with members of the media during a Zoom conference call Tuesday with other GT Daytona (GTD) PRO drivers to discuss next week’s Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, the team’s recent victory at Sebring and other topics. FULL TAYLOR TRANSCRIPT:
WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR AND EXPECT THIS YEAR AT LONG BEACH? “It’s always a fun weekend. Our schedule is a unique one. We usually practice early in the morning on Friday and qualify at the end of the day Friday so the track always has a big evolution. Then we’re only racing Saturday afternoon. The big thing is to lean on the experience from the team to develop the setup throughout the weekend to stay on top of things. Corvette Racing has won there eight times so they know how to keep on top of the ball. It’ll be my first time racing there in a car with ABS, so that will be new in trying to understand how to maximize that in some of the bumpy brake zones and trusting it will be a big part. The GTD PRO class has been fun. GTLM was pretty small last year so it wasn’t huge fights. This year between Sebring and Daytona, it’s been fun to be back in a class full of cars. On starts and restarts, you’re in the middle of packs of guys racing and it’s really competitive. It’s nice to be back to old-school racing, and that’s what we usually get at Long Beach.”
ON THE CHALLENGES OF A STREET COURSE AND LONG BEACH. “When you get to the Fountain section and the Hairpin at the end of a lap, it’s definitely narrow and most of the time just one line. It only really becomes tricky when the prototypes are coming around and putting their noses in funny places. The other thing that is unique about that weekend is that the Drift cars are there and they always race around there Friday. That kind of narrows up the line in certain parts of the track, which makes things tricky. It’s definitely a unique event and circuit. As far as street courses go, it’s definitely one of the more enjoyable ones. It has good passing zones and is very raceable. When you go to other street courses, you can get stuck in line a lot of times. But when you mix in the traffic with the prototypes around a place like Long Beach, you can use them as picks in lot of places and it offers some really good racing. It’s definitely one of my favorite street courses that I’ve run in my career.”
HOW BENEFICIAL WILL THE ABS EXPERIENCE FROM DETROIT LAST YEAR BE FOR LONG BEACH? “The biggest difference also is that the tire is so different than what we ran in Detroit last year. The way the ABS interacts to the S9M tire compared to the confidential tire is much different in how you can attack the brakes. It was good to get a couple of miles under our belts at Detroit last year. We saw at Daytona and Sebring that we still have a lot to learn with that system. Sebring was probably good for us to get some experience on a bumpy track with that tire and ABS. I think we’ll still be figuring things out throughout the weekend at Long Beach. We made some good developments through the Sebring weekend to help the interaction but it will be an interesting weekend to stay on top of it.”
THE INTERACTION WITH GTD CARS SO FAR THIS YEAR AND HOW IT MIGHT PLAY A BIGGER ROLE AT LONG BEACH. “We’ve seen in years past that if one of the Am guys get out early by pitting at the beginning of their window before a yellow comes out and the Pro cycles to the front… especially with ABS now it’s so hard to pass that I think a GTD with an Am could win the race outright in the GTD category. Our focus is on the GTD PRO guys. If we see guys diving in early then maybe we’ll react to that. But if we see the Ams doing it, we’ll focus on our own program. If the yellow falls into their hand with an Am driver, then so be it. Thankfully the points are split in that aspect so we can focus on our own program.”
AT SEBRING, THERE WAS THE ANNOUNCMENT OF THE NEXT-GEN CAMARO BEING IN GARAGE 56 AT LE MANS NEXT YEAR. YOU’VE WORKED IN THE STOCK CAR ARENA A LITTLE BIT, WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS? “It looks interesting and sounds interesting. They have a lot of smart guys on it. From a European perspective, you look at NASCAR and see stock car racing and it looks pretty basic from the outside – these big metal machines racing around an oval. Being on the inside and seeing the engineering behind what they do and how much research and development they have, you know they are going to have a lot of smart guys working on it and developing it. It’s going to be an interesting project. I don’t know what the plans are to change the Next-Gen Camaro into (for Le Mans) but as soon as I saw the announcement I texted Chad Knaus (Hendrick Motorsports VP of Competition) saying, ‘If you ever need some help or input, I’ll come test it if you want’ or something like that. I think it’s exciting. It will be cool to bring a lot of NASCAR eyes to Le Mans who haven’t seen it before. It might be confusing for the to see a one-off Cup car racing against Hypercars and things like that but it will be good to get some new eyes on the sport.”
ANY OVERTURES ON THE DRIVING FRONT? “No, I reached out to Chad just to say, ‘If you need anything, let me know.’ But I haven’t been contacted by anyone. I’m sure they’ll want some big NASCAR names, which makes sense to take them over there. Racing around Daytona for the Rolex 24 against guys like Kyle Larson, those guys know what they’re doing on road courses these days. I don’t think they’ll need a lot of help… maybe some tips on what to know about Le Mans to help prep the car and understanding what curbs you want to abuse and things like that. From a car durability standpoint, that would be interesting for them to understand. As far as drivers, I’m sure they have a humongous list to go through. My commitments right now are to Corvette and Corvette Racing. I wouldn’t want to take anything away from that.”
DID YOU THINK YOU’D BE ABLE TO MAKE THE JUMP FROM DAYTONA TO WINNING AT SEBRING? “Daytona was definitely a struggle. At Sebring, we did a two-day test between Daytona and the Sebring race. We made some big gains from a setup point of view – understanding the tire and what makes it work. This car was designed around using the confidential tire so we did huge setup swings at that test and found a ton of laptime just in that, plus compliance and durability of the tire and understanding how to make the tire work over a stint and not just a lap. Just little details like that brought us closer to the window.“The race at Sebring was pretty much perfect. No one in the car made any mistakes on track, all the pit stops were perfect and the strategy the last four hours kept us out front. I think our last stop gapped the Lamborghini by a couple of seconds even though they were coming back to us the last couple of laps. It was one of those days were everything went our way.”
IF YOU FEEL YOU’RE ON THE BACK FOOT IN THE RACE AND YOU DON’T HAVE A PODIUM CAR ON PACE, DOES THAT ALLOW YOU TO BE MORE AGGRESSIVE ON STRATEGY? “We’ve seen it in Long Beach in years past – guys taking risks early on and it paying off in the end. Historically it has worked, so the risk-reward is decent at a track like Long Beach, especially if you don’t have the fastest car. Like we said before, it’s so difficult to pass sometimes that it’s a good place to take that risk. I’m kind of new to the GT3 world; at Sebring I destroyed my tires in my first stint and felt like I was two seconds off the pace but was able to hold off the Lamborghini. I think ABS helps make that possible. Even if you are a little bit off the pace or struggling with tires, that tool kind of helps you in that situation as well. Maybe that risk is a little better in this class.”
IT’S A SMALLER FIELD BUT A TIGHTER COURSE. ARE THE DYNAMICS OF TRAFFIC AS HECTIC FOR THIS RACE AS THE FIRST TWO? “I think it will be quite a bit better without the LMP3 cars and some of the amateurs in LMP2. They were probably the biggest issue at the first two races. Restarting behind those guys at Daytona and Sebring was always interesting. If you were able to get by an amateur in an LMP3 and keep them between you and someone else, you could create a pretty big gap. Without that, I think the racing in our class will be a bit tighter now since you don’t have that kind of option to split the class up. With only six DPis coming through, it shouldn’t be too big of a deal. I think it will feel like a VIR or Lime Rock race where it’s mostly GTs. I doubt we will be lapping anyone with how close the Am field is with us as well. It’s going to feel like you’re flat-out for pretty much all 100 minutes.”
PREPARATION FOR LONG BEACH VS. NORMAL RACES: “There’s a lot of emphasis on that one pit stop that we’re going to have. I’m sure our guys will be practicing pit stops a lot more to nail that down and limiting mistakes. As far as car prep, the guys will prep the car in the same fashion but a lot more emphasis will be on the execution of the race and the pitstops and strategies. A lot of stuff will be going on behind the scenes with strategy, calculations and stuff that thankfully we don’t have to worry about.”
IF A DPi CAR IS GOING TO DIVE-BOMB YOU IN A CORNER, IS THERE A PREFERRED PLACE? “I think it depends on the guy that’s doing it. Some of them don’t leave a lot of space. Turn One has a little bit of room on the outside to get away with it. You can at least see them coming. There are a few spots where guys will stick their nose in that you’re not going to have time to react – the Three, Four, Five section. Once you get to the end of the lap where the Drift cars go, that’s a bad spot to get stuck off-line. You can be put in a bad position around the track. Understanding where you want to place the car and telling a prototype where not to go and put yourself in a bad situation is a big part of it. You try to control your fate most of the time.”

INDIANAPOLIS (March 30, 2022) – Chevrolet completed a successful three-day test at the Indianapolis Road Course with its new 2.4-liter engine for the 2024 NTT INDYCAR SERIES on Wednesday. Despite weather too cold to get a full day of testing on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course on Monday, March 28, the Team Penske Chevrolet with driver Josef Newgarden was able to get successful laps in during the afternoon. Then, Tuesday morning, after a late start because of cold ambient and track temperatures, teammate Will Power laid down lap after lap to add to the data collected the previous day.

Because of the weather issues, the test was extended to Wednesday, and Team Chevy engineers were able to work with Power to gain a tremendous amount of data to continue the development of the 2.4-liter engine in preparation for the addition of the required INDYCAR component.

ATTENTION EDITORS:High-resolution video from testing of Chevrolet’s 2.4L IndyCar engine is available for broadcast and video use: · Trackside Footage· Pit Lane Footage

The three-day test, during which Chevrolet logged more than 600 miles, was valuable for Chevrolet despite missing the energy recovery system, delayed due to supply chain issues, because the time allowed testing of components of the 2.4-liter engine that are different from those being successfully run in the current 2.2-liter V6 engine. While a lot of work lies ahead for all Chevy INDYCAR teams as the development of the 2.4-liter engine continues, the success of the first test is an important step in building the 2024 package to begin a new era. Since Chevrolet returned to NTT INDYCAR Series competition in 2012, the Bowtie brand has won 97 of 167 races, four Indianapolis 500 races, six driver championships and six coveted manufacturer championships. Chevrolet-powered drivers Scott McLaughlin and Josef Newgarden, both from Team Penske, have won the first two races of the 2022 season. QUOTES FOLLOWING THREE-DAY TESTROB BUCKNER, CHEVROLET ENGINEERING PROGRAM MANAGER FOR INDYCAR: “We’ve had a very successful and productive three days with the new Chevrolet 2.4L IndyCar engine. This was a big milestone as we have progressed from initial concept of the 2.4L design a few years ago and running extensively on the dyno to installing the engine into a car and now the landmark event of turning our first laps at the Indianapolis Road Course.  “We are incredibly appreciative of the all the men and women at Chevrolet Performance and our partners at Ilmor for their commitment to a highly successful on-track debut for the 2.4L engine platform. We could race this engine tomorrow, which is the highest praise possible for a new engine. Special thanks to Team Penske for quickly building a reliable and safe test car along with Josef Newgarden and Will Power for looking after our prototype engine with first-rate feedback. “We now turn our focus back to the Chevrolet 2.2L and a high workload of team testing ahead of the Long Beach Grand Prix next weekend. It is the most challenging time of the year for everyone involved in IndyCar and I’m looking forward to watching the Chevrolet Competition group and our race teams execute. All our goals for 2022 are right in front of us and we are ready.” JOSEF NEWGARDEN, NO. 2 HITACHI TEAM PENSKE CHEVROLET:  “It was a thrill to get to work with the Team Chevy engineering group and get to drive the new 2024 engine package. It was a great collaborative effort to get the new engine on track to start testing for all the components needed in our Chevy — power, durability and logging miles on the track. I always enjoy getting to work with everyone at Team Chevy and the cohesive unit we develop as partners with the same goals. For us, getting started early really emphasizes the importance of everything we are going to need in the future — durability, power, fuel mileage. These are the things we are always working on and I’m excited to see what the future is going to hold for Chevy in INDYCAR.” WILL POWER, NO. 12 VERIZON TEAM PENSKE CHEVROLET: “Today was a great step in getting the 2.4-liter engine package ready to go for the 2024 season. It was clear immediately that Chevy has put a lot of work into this already. It will obviously continue to get better and better. The Verizon 5G Chevy team did 150 laps, and I was impressed with the power of the engine throughout the day. I’m very excited about this addition to the series and can’t wait to continue to help develop it.”

The Clinton, IL driver returns to his home track as a full-time Outlaw

FARMER CITY, IL – March 30, 2022 – Kyle Hammer’s journey into the unknown on his World of Outlaws rookie tour ventures to a land of familiarity this weekend. 

The Clinton, IL driver gets his chance at a “home game” against the World of Outlaws CASE Construction Equipment Late Models as the Series returns to Farmer City Raceway for the Illini 100 on April 1-2. 

Hammer is eight races into his Rookie of the Year campaign and has shown promise this season with a top-five at DIRTcar Nationals.

While the two races at Cherokee Speedway didn’t go as hoped, he may have the upper hand at Farmer City. The Prairie State competitor grew up at the track, a facility his dad, Don, operated in the 2000s.  

“Dad actually promoted the racetrack from [2005] to [2010], I think it was,” Hammer said. “That’s when I started racing, so he sold out of it, but yeah, we’ve always since I’ve been alive had a connection with Farmer City.

“Whether we were there every Friday or when we were there seven nights a week when Dad was doing the trackwork, we’ve always been around it.”

Those years that Don Hammer ran the day-to-day operations gave his son experiences he’ll never forget. Now he can show off his knowledge of the 1/4-mile bullring in front of friends and family, which excites the World of Outlaws Rookie of the Year contender.

“The cool part is getting all of the friends there,” Hammer said. “None of them have been able to come to watch me run a Late Model since we really started in Florida and haven’t really been anywhere near home with it.

“For them to come, hang out, and just kind of make it like a family deal, everybody’s going to show up, and I think it’ll be a lot of fun.”

Hammer stated he likes the bigger, sweeping tracks, but added Farmer City still fits into his wheelhouse due to the way it races.

“It’s a bullring, but it’s not,” Hammer said. “It’s got such big sweeping corners, and it kind of fits my driving style. I don’t know if it’s just the amount of laps I’ve made there that makes me like it so much or just the driving style. 

“Like I said, it’s a bullring, but you drive straight and smooth like you would a big 1/2-mile track, and that’s why it fits me so well.”

While Hammer has run several laps at Farmer City, he’ll be up against drivers who’ve been racing there since his dad’s promotional efforts and in-state rivals like Dennis Erb Jr. and four-time and defending champion Brandon Sheppard. Also, the local heroes that race at the Illinois track on a weekly basis.

“You got all of the guys from Illinois,” Hammer said. “[Jason] Feger, [Kevin] Weaver, [Ryan] Unzicker, [Bobby] Pierce, all those guys. Then you also got [Shannon] Babb, who ran at a national level for a while, but still, he’s the local guy of the area, so you got a lot of them.

“I definitely feel like it’ll be the hardest area for us to go to.”

Hammer and the World of Outlaws make their first stop in the Midwest April 1-2 at Farmer City Raceway for the Illini 100, as he tries to defend home turf for the first time in his career. 

LAS VEGAS (March 30,2022) – Back in the seat after two years away, Austin Prock and his Montana Brand / Rocky Mountain Twist Top Fuel team are looking to gain some momentum at the NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The fourth event on the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series schedule and the first of two races in the four-wide format, is only the third four-wide event of the young standout’s career. Despite his two years away, Prock took the Montana Brand/Rocky Mountain Twist dragster to the final round of the season-opening Winternationals at Auto Club Raceway in Pomona, Calif., and comes into this week’s race ninth in points but just 18 points out of fifth place. With two weeks since the NHRA Gatornationals and its heavy rain and cold conditions, Prock and his team have taken advantage of their time in the shop. I’m looking forward to Vegas. It seems like it’s been months since I’ve been in the seat, so I’ve got a lot of excitement built up to get bolted back into this Montana Brand / Rocky Mountain Twist dragster,” Prock said. “Although, the two-week break was nice to get caught back up. We’ve got all the parts and pieces to succeed.” The last time Prock raced at Vegas was 2019 when he was ousted in the first round of four-wide racing after qualifying 12th in the spring and when he started 10th at the fall race before losing to teammate and eventual event winner Brittany Force in the second round. “We’re going to try some different things this weekend so It would be great to get a good result to prove this Montana Brand / Rocky Mountain Twist team is heading in the right direction,” Prock said. “The Strip has always been one of my favorite tracks so to win there would be unbelievable. It being four-wide would even make it more special.” Qualifying at the NHRA Four-Wide NHRA Nationals takes place Friday and Saturday with two sessions at 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. (PT) on each day. Eliminations are slated to begin at noon on Sunday. Racing action will be televised on FOX Sports 1 (FS1) and begins with qualifying Friday at 7 p.m. ET and continues Sunday at 12:30 p.m. ET. Eliminations will air Sunday at 7 p.m. ET.

FT. WORTH, TX (March 30,2022) — Over the weekend NHRA Pro Stock rookie Camrie Caruso joined associate sponsor VP Racing at the Keystone BIG Show in Ft. Worth, Texas. The national event featured premier educational events, product training sessions as well as booths from nearly all of Keystone’s suppliers and brands. Caruso had her new look Chevrolet Camaro featuring the branding of Air Flow Research (AFR) SCAT Crankshafts and Procar by SCAT that she will be racing at the NHRA Four-Wide Nationals, April 1-3, on display in the VP Racing’s booth. Throughout the day on Saturday Caruso talked with show attendees, signed autographs and talked up the many benefits of VP Racing Lubricants.

“This was a great show and it was cool to be able to represent our sponsor VP Racing,” said Caruso, who has qualified in the top half at every NHRA national event this season. “Doing shows like this really gives you the chance to meet a lot of people and talk about what we do. Tons of people stopped and took pictures of our Chevrolet Camaro that features our Las Vegas primary sponsors Air Flow Research (AFR) SCAT Crankshafts and Procar by SCAT. It was also great to see Joe Amato. He is an NHRA legend.”

Marc Caruso, NHRA legend Joe Amato and Camrie Caruso at Keystone BIG Show

The chance to represent VP Racing on an off weekend was an opportunity that Caruso, who is building her racing program throughout her rookie season, could not pass up. The relationship between Caruso Family Racing and Titan Racing Engines with VP Racing Lubricants is instrumental since they are working on the development of the O weight oil that the team runs in their Titan Racing Engine program.  The team is also running VP Racing Lubricants’ gear oil and they are working to develop a transmission fluid for Pro Stock cars. 

“We were proud to have Camrie in our booth this weekend at the Keystone BIG Show,” said Amanda Alexander, Business Development. “Having her Pro Stock race car drew a lot of attention and having her available to talk with the show attendees added another great element to our display. We have enjoyed growing our relationship with Camrie and Caruso Family Racing through our VP Racing relationship and we are looking forward to seeing more great things from Camrie.”

The 24-year-old driver who is living in Denver, North Carolina, has been one of the most active marketers on the NHRA tour this season representing multiple companies. The young driver knows that the off-track relationships are just as important as win lights.

“I want to thank VP Racing for the opportunity to come to the Keystone Big Show because this is what makes our program successful and meaningful for all our business partners,” added Caruso. “I am loving racing and the competition, but I know how important the business-to-business element is. We are excited to be heading to Las Vegas this weekend for my first four-wide nationals.”

The 2022 NHRA rookie of the year standout will get her first of four qualifying runs on Friday afternoon from The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Caruso has back-to-back quarterfinal finishes in the last two races and is currently sitting in 10th place in the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series standings.

LAS VEGAS (March 30) — Few things excite car lovers more than getting a brand-new ride, which is exactly why Pro Stock frontrunner Troy Coughlin Jr. is jazzed up for this weekend’s Las Vegas NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Coughlin recently took possession of a 2022 RJ Race Cars Chevrolet Camaro clad in the legendary yellow-and-black colors of JEGS.com. Rick and Rickie Jones, the owners of RJ Race Cars, relied on a lot of input from Coughlin to build the car to his needs. They have been involved with Elite Motorsports as either crew chiefs or consultants through all of their championship-winning seasons. “This is one awesome machine,” Coughlin said. “This is actually the first Pro Stock car I’ve driven that was built specifically for me so it’s just about as perfect as you can imagine. Everything feels so natural and the fit is exact. I’ve got all the space I need in the cockpit. I’ve never felt so comfortable behind the wheel.

“RJ Race Cars are known for their incredible fitment and finish work. They truly build masterpieces. Most importantly, they produce super-fast racecars that win races and championships. I couldn’t be more excited. Huge thanks to (longtime Elite Motorsports sponsor) Mark Stockseth for getting us this car.” Already a finalist this year having raced to a runner-up result at the national event in Phoenix, Coughlin arrives in town with fond memories of The Strip. In 2009, Coughlin captured his first national event trophy during the fall event at this facility, winning the Super Comp class in grand style. He’s hoping the good karma from 13 years ago, along with the team’s steady start to 2022, will produce another memorable weekend in Sin City.

“We took the new car to Tulsa a few days ago to shake it down and make sure there would be no surprises this weekend,” he said. “It’s definitely ready for battle. Mark Ingersoll, Kyle Bates, Ricky Calloway and Kelly Murphy have been working around the clock to get this car from a bare chassis to race-ready and, of course, they took it all in stride. That’s no small feat, believe me. “It appears we’ll be running even better than before so there is a lot of optimism on the team. Of course, we’ll stay with our game plan of taking things one round at a time. We’ll do our best to have four solid qualifying runs and then try to turn on three win lights on Sunday.” The schedule calls for Pro Stock qualifying sessions at 12:30 and 3 p.m., Friday and Saturday. The first round of four-wide eliminations is slated for 12:45 p.m.

LAS VEGAS (March 30, 2022) – Heading into the NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, the fourth event of the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season, having broken into the top 10 in the points standings, John Force and his PEAK / BlueDEF PLATINUM Chevrolet Camaro SS team are ready to make-up more ground at the first of two four-wide events on the 2022 tour.  Force had pre-season success at testing at Wild Horse pass Motorsports Park in Arizona but stumbled at the season opening Winternationals. The PEAK / BlueDEF team turned things around back at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park for the NHRA Arizona Nationals. They would qualify No. 3 and have a semifinals appearance. At a rain-soaked and abnormally cold NHRA Gatornationals, Force and the BlueDEF team would have a quarterfinal finish that, along with some surprising early exits, would jump them into fifth in the points standings. “It’s been a bit of a wild start to the season. But you, know, this BlueDEF team with Danny Hood and Tim Fabrisi, they’ve got a handle on this Chevrolet. We’ll fix it. That’s what it’s all about,” said Force. “We’ve got to get these cars making some noise and winning some rounds, and we will.” Since the debut of four-wide racing at Charlotte in 2010, no one has won more quads than Force; he has been first to the finish in 12, more than any other Funny Car driver. He also has two overall four-wide race wins. Only Steve Torrence in Top Fuel and Andrew Hines in Pro Stock Motorcycle have more. No one has won more Funny Car races at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, four times in the fall race (2002, 2010, 2013 and 2016) and twice in the spring before it transitioned to four-wide (2010, 2015). Force was also the No. 1 qualifier at the spring race in 2002 and 2011 and at the fall race when he won in 2013.  “Couldn’t get a better place to go four-wide racing. Bruton Smith and his son Marcus, they’ve really created a great show, first at Charlotte and then now at The Strip at Las Vegas,” Force said. “I’m looking forward to seeing the stands packed and getting back into my PEAK Chevy hot rod after these two weeks off. Ready to have some fun and win some rounds for all my sponsors.” Qualifying at the NHRA Four-Wide NHRA Nationals takes place Friday and Saturday with two sessions at 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. (PT) on each day. Eliminations are slated to begin at noon on Sunday. Racing action will be televised on FOX Sports 1 (FS1) and begins with qualifying Friday at 7 p.m. ET and continues Sunday at 12:30 p.m. ET. Eliminations will air Sunday at 7 p.m. ET.