Honda Racing

Rossi, Hinchcliffe Score Podium Results for Honda in Toronto

Rossi, Hinchcliffe Score Podium Results for Honda in Toronto
• Alexander Rossi seizes early opportunity, nets second-place finish
• Hometown favorite James Hinchcliffe repeats third-place run from 2016
• Ill-timed caution costs Graham Rahal, opening-lap contact hinders Scott Dixon

TORONTO, Ont. (July 16, 2017) – Honda’s Alexander Rossi took advantage of an early pit-stop call from his Andretti Autosport team and used it to his best advantage on Sunday, finishing second at the Honda Indy Toronto. Local favorite and Toronto native son James Hinchcliffe also recorded a popular Verizon IndyCar Series podium finish by taking third in front of the large crowd on hand at the Exhibition Place temporary street circuit.

Rossi and Hinchcliffe were among a half-dozen Honda drivers – along with eventual race winner Josef Newgarden – who made their first scheduled pit stops during Laps 20-22 of the 85-lap contest. As a result, they were in position to cycle to the front of the field when a crash from Tony Kanaan brought out a full-course caution on Lap 22.

The rest of the 21-car starting field, including early contender Graham Rahal and Indianapolis 500 winner Takuma Sato, made their first pit stops after the field was gathered up by the safety car, and then returned to the circuit behind those who had made earlier stops.

With no major incidents – and with rain that had threatened to fall much of the day holding off until after the checkers – those who made the early pit stops remained in command for the balance of the race. Rossi’s runner-up finish is his first podium result of 2017, and his best IndyCar Series finish since winning the 2016 Indianapolis 500.

For Toronto’s Hinchcliffe, the third-place finish repeated his Toronto result from 2016, and is his 13th career IndyCar podium, to go along with five victories. Marco Andretti took the checkers in fourth, his best result since finishing sixth at Texas Motor Speedway in June, with his Andretti Autosport teammate Ryan Hunter-Reay finishing sixth and Chip Ganassi Racing’s Max Chilton, eighth.

Rahal started on the outside of the front row, second, but was one of those who had yet to pit when the Lap 22 caution flag waved. As a result, he fell back to 16th place, but fought back to finish ninth.

Championship points leader Scott Dixon was another Honda driver to battle back after a fraught opening lap. Contact with Will Power forced Dixon to pit his Chip Ganassi Racing Honda with a damaged rear tire and suspension. Resuming at the rear of the field, Dixon battled to 10th at the finish.

Video recaps from this weekend’s Honda IndyCar Series racing activities in Toronto are available on the “Honda Racing/HPD” YouTube channel. Produced by the Carolinas Production Group, the video packages can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/HondaRacingHPDTV.

The Verizon IndyCar Series now takes a week off before returning to one of Honda’s “home” events, the July 30 Honda Indy 200 at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. With multiple nearby Honda manufacturing, corporate and R&D facilities, thousands of Honda associates will be on hand to cheer for their favorite Honda IndyCar drivers.

Alexander Rossi (Andretti Autosport Honda) started 8th, finished 2nd, first podium result of 2017: “We were struggling at the start of the weekend, really at the bottom of the barrel. We were really lost. We were the slowest of Andretti Autosport cars. We did a lot of soul searching Friday night. We really analyzed everything we could, and made some pretty solid changes overnight that suited me really well the rest of the weekend. Today, again we made a pretty big step forward. It’s a huge relief to finally get a podium and get it off our back. Something we’ve been close to, and searching for, a long time, and it hasn’t happened. Finally, we made the right calls [today] and made it. I’m thankful to the team for that opportunity. Now I hope to go on to Mid-Ohio and get a win.”

James Hinchcliffe (Schmidt Peterson Motorsports Honda) started 6th, finished 3rd, third podium finish of 2017: “This result is so great for the team. We really struggled on the reds [Firestone alternate tires], and the yellow [flag] just came at the right time. But we had the pace at the end there. We were catching Alexander [Rossi] and Josef [Newgarden] in that last stint. The car really came alive on the blacks [primary tires], so big thanks to Schmidt Peterson Motorsports, all the Arrow Electronics guys – great stops — and all the fans in Toronto. The support we feel each and every year is amazing. You guys are the best! You came even when the weather wasn’t looking awesome, and hung out with us and we appreciate it. So thanks to all of you guys. Next year, maybe [we’ll finish] a couple of spots better.”

Art St. Cyr (President, Honda Performance Development) on today’s race: “After winning four street circuit races this year, it’s hard to complain about a 2-3-4 finish today, and seven in the top ten. And we’re still leaving here with Scott [Dixon] continuing to lead the drivers’ championship and heading to Mid-Ohio, where he has proven to be be very difficult to beat! Congratulations to Alexander [Rossi] and Marco [Andretti] on their season-best finishes, and of course, congratulations to “Hinch” [James Hinchcliffe] who put on a show for his hometown fans with a second-consecutive podium finish here.”

Richard Childress Racing

Richard Childress Racing–New Hampshire 301

Austin Dillon Fights Back from Early Spin for Top-15 Finish at New Hampshire Motor Speedway

“I’m really proud of everyone on the Dow Racing team. We were able to run top-10 lap times all day. I still think there is some speed to be gained in the downforce of our cars, but I know that’s something we’re all actively working on improving. We pulled together as a team to recover from an early spin and got ourselves in a good position late in the race for a top-10 finish. We gambled on a strategy call for our last pit stop and it just didn’t work out. That happens sometimes in racing. Now it’s time to turn our focus towards Indianapolis Motor Speedway and work on our strategy for one of the toughest tracks on the circuit.”

Continue reading Richard Childress Racing–New Hampshire 301 →

Chevrolet Racing

Josef Newgarden Takes Chevy to Victory Lane at Streets of Toronto

CHEVROLET RACING IN THE VERIZON INDYCAR SERIES
HONDA INDY TORONTO
STREETS OF TORONTO, EXHIBITION PLACE
TEAM CHEVY POST RACE RECAP
JULY 16, 2017

Josef Newgarden Takes Chevy to Victory Lane at Streets of Toronto
Second Victory of Season for Newgarden is Sixth of 2017 for Chevrolet

TORONTO (July 16, 2017) – Josef Newgarden took the lead for the final time on lap 57 of the 85-lap Honda Indy of Toronto and masterfully held off the competition to score his second victory of the 2017 Verizon IndyCar Series season.

Newgarden powered his No. 2 DeVilbiss Team Penske Chevrolet to the checkered flag 1.8704-seconds ahead of his closest competitor. It is the fifth win of his career and his second on the Streets of Toronto, Exhibition Place. The victory moved Newgarden to fourth in the standings, 23 points behind the leader. Continue reading Josef Newgarden Takes Chevy to Victory Lane at Streets of Toronto →

Chevrolet Racing

KYLE LARSON LEADS THE CHARGE FOR TEAM CHEVY AT NEW HAMPSHIRE

MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES
OVERTON’S 301
NEW HAMPSHIRE MOTOR SPEEDWAY
TEAM CHEVY POST RACE NOTES AND QUOTES
JULY 16, 2017

KYLE LARSON LEADS THE CHARGE FOR TEAM CHEVY AT NEW HAMPSHIRE
Chip Ganassi Racing Driver Earns Seventh Runner-Up Finish of the Season

LOUDON, N.H. (July 16, 2017) – After starting in the rear of the field, Kyle Larson and the No. 42 Target Chevrolet SS team rebounded to earn a runner-up finish in the Overton’s 301 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. The run was the career best finish for Larson in seven races at the Magic Mile.
Continue reading KYLE LARSON LEADS THE CHARGE FOR TEAM CHEVY AT NEW HAMPSHIRE →

Chevrolet Racing

Chevy Racing–NASCAR–New Hampshire–Post Race

MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES
OVERTON’S 301
NEW HAMPSHIRE MOTOR SPEEDWAY
TEAM CHEVY POST RACE NOTES AND QUOTES
JULY 16, 2017

KYLE LARSON, NO. 42 TARGET CHEVROLET SS – Finished 2nd
IS IT BEGINNING TO GET FRUSTRATING HAVING TO WORK FROM THE BACK TO THE FRONT ONLY TO NOT BE ABLE TO PASS THE LAST ONE?
“It’s a little frustrating what we have had to go through the last couple of weeks, but it’s pretty awesome to be able to run as fast as we have and finish second the last two weeks from dead last. I’m proud of our team, proud of everybody at our race shop. I can’t thank my sponsors Target, Credit One Bank and all of our other supporters enough for what they do for our team. It’s been a lot of fun these last couple of weeks to be as fast as we have been, so keep working hard at it and maybe we can get some more wins.” Continue reading Chevy Racing–NASCAR–New Hampshire–Post Race →

Chevrolet Racing

Chevy Racing–INDYCAR–Toronto–Post Race

CHEVROLET RACING IN THE VERIZON INDYCAR SERIES
HONDA INDY TORONTO
STREETS OF TORONTO, EXHIBITION PLACE
TEAM CHEVY DRIVER POST RACE QUOTES
JULY 16, 2017

JOSEF NEWGARDEN, NO. 2 DEVILBISS TEAM PENSKE CHEVROLET, RACE WINNER: YOU HAD A LITTLE BIT OF LUCK THERE WITH STRATEGY BUT AFTER THAT YOU JUST RULED THE RACE
“Yeah, I mean you can’t discount it. I think that is twice I have had good calls and got into the pits at the right time. Thank you to the guys and thank you to Tim (Cindric) for making that call. We got it right, but it was all about managing the race after that. I thought we had a very fast car, we got a pretty good start, and stayed out of the mayhem. Very, very happy for all of Team Penske and this DeVilbiss Chevy was pretty bright but it was pretty fast too. I am pumped for all the No. 2 car guys today, they did an amazing job for Team Penske today.” Continue reading Chevy Racing–INDYCAR–Toronto–Post Race →

Sprints on Dirt presented by ARP

Steve Irwin Up to MAHLE/Clevite Beyond Limits Challenge at Crystal

ERIE, MI (July 16, 2017) – Engine Pro Sprints on Dirt presented by ARP 2001 champion Steve Irwin drove his familiar Flying Zero, Krieger Engine powered Maxim to the win in the exciting MAHLE/Clevite Beyond Limits Challenge Race #3 at Crystal Motor Speedway last night.

Starting outside, front row, the Fenton, Michigan, SOD point leader took the lead at the start over pole starter Brad Lamberson. Irwin maintained a small lead for five laps before 2015 SOD champion Gregg Dalman charged around Lamberson and then Irwin for first. Dalman was clearly the class of the field and opened up a commanding lead. Meanwhile, Jay Steinebach’s hard work paid off as he grabbed second from Irwin and began closing in on Dalman who had to contend with heavy traffic as the race wound down. Continue reading Steve Irwin Up to MAHLE/Clevite Beyond Limits Challenge at Crystal →

Richard Childress Racing

Richard Childress Racing–New Hampshire 200

Ben Kennedy Earns Sixth-Place Finish in No. 2 Richmond/Menards Chevrolet

“That was a heck of a race. It was fun to drive the Richmond/Menards Chevrolet. The drive off was killer on the long run. I feel like that’s where we really gained the most. On the last stop, we opted for an air pressure adjustment to give us better turn through the center of the corners, and I think Randall Burnett definitely made the right call. Right after that last stop we were the strongest. I appreciate this opportunity with Richard Childress Racing and I can’t wait for Iowa Speedway.”
– Ben Kennedy

Late-Race Penalty Spoils Top-Five Finish for Ty Dillon

“We had a top-five run going in our Rheem/WATTS Chevrolet, but driver error took us out of it. We worked through stages one and two to get our handling where we needed it to be. We still struggled to turn through the center, but we ran our fastest laps of the race in the final stage. All of the leaders needed one last stop for fuel at the end to make it. I wanted to get all that I could coming to pit road since I was in fifth place, but I took too much and my right-side tires just barley clipped the orange box at the commitment line. It’s a bummer that we can’t seem to put one of these races together, but we’ve got the speed to run with the leaders. We were one the fastest cars on track in the last laps, so it’s definitely disappointing to not get the finish. We can’t focus on this though. I need the team to hold their heads up and turn their focus to Indianapolis, one of my favorite tracks on the circuit.”

– Ty Dillon

Daniel Hemric Fights Track Conditions to Finish 12th in Blue Gate Bank Chevrolet at New Hampshire Motor Speedway

“I have to thank Danny Stockman and the entire No. 21 team. They never gave up on today’s race and kept adjusting on this Blue Gate Bank Chevrolet all day long. We had a solid car in practice, but with the changing weather conditions and the PJ1, it was just a struggle to get a good handle on it today. We were certainly hoping for a better outcome, but we’ll learn from this and move on to next weekend.”

– Daniel Hemric

Right-Front Wheel Issue Dampens Brandon Jones’ Day at New Hampshire Motor Speedway

“We just can’t catch a break this season. Our No. 33 Sparco Chevrolet Camaro was fast at New Hampshire Motor Speedway today. We were running top-10 lap times from the drop of the green flag but had to battle through the field because of our starting spot. We were making good progress during Stage 2, but about halfway through the stage I started to get a vibration in the corners of the track. After pitting and determining there was an issue with the right-front tire, the Sparco team worked hard in the garage to get me back out on track for as many laps as possible. It wasn’t the day we wanted, but I appreciate all the hard work the 33 team gave today to get everything we could from this race.”

– Brandon Jones

Unscheduled Pit Stop Results in 17th-Place Finish for Brendan Gaughan and South Point Hotel and Casino Team

“We took a big swing at the South Point Hotel and Casino Chevrolet after the rain delay and the changes really helped, but after that, I couldn’t get it to roll through the center regardless of what I tried. Then around lap 125, I thought we had a tire going down and we tried to ride it out hoping for a caution, but we didn’t get the break we needed. We had to pit under green. We’re still not sure what the issue was. It’s unfortunate, but a heck of a lot better than our circumstances last week. This team never gives up. I just wish we could have gotten a better finish for Shane Wilson. This track means a lot to him.”

– Brendan Gaughan

Honda Racing

Front Row Start for Rahal in Toronto

Front Row Start for Rahal in Toronto
• Graham Rahal qualifies second for Sunday’s Honda Indy Toronto
• Scott Dixon slots in fifth in final qualifying round
• Hometown favorite James Hinchcliffe to start sixth

TORONTO, Ont. (July 15, 2017) – Graham Rahal’s outstanding run in the final minutes of qualifying today netted the Honda driver a front-row staring spot for Sunday’s Honda Indy Toronto. Rahal‘s time of 59.2245 seconds around the bumpy, 1.786-mile Exhibition Place temporary street circuit was second fastest on the day, just three-tenths of a second off the pace set by pole qualifier and defending series champion Simon Pagenaud. Continue reading Front Row Start for Rahal in Toronto →

Chevrolet Racing

Simon Pagenaud Puts Chevy on Pole at Toronto

CHEVROLET RACING IN THE VERIZON INDYCAR SERIES
HONDA INDY TORONTO
STREETS OF TORONTO, EXHIBITION PLACE
TEAM CHEVY DRIVER QUALIFYING RECAP
JULY 15, 2017

Simon Pagenaud Puts Chevy on Pole at Toronto
First Pole of the Season for Defending Verizon IndyCar Series Champion

TORONTO – Simon Pagenaud won the Verizon P1 Award for Sunday’s Honda Indy Toronto with a record-setting lap of 58.9124-second/109.138 mph. It is the first pole of the season for the Series’ defending champion in three appearances in the Firestone Fast Six. It is also the 10th of his career and the first on the Streets of Exhibition Place for the driver of the No. 1 DXC Technology Team Penske Chevrolet.

Pagenaud’s pole is the eighth of the season for Chevrolet in 12 events.

Helio Castroneves, the most recent Series’ winner on the Iowa Speedway oval, will start third in the No. 3 Hitachi Team Penske Chevrolet with teammate Will Power, No. 12 Verizon Chevrolet alongside in the fourth starting position. Continue reading Simon Pagenaud Puts Chevy on Pole at Toronto →

Chevrolet Racing

Chevy Racing–INDYCAR–Toronto Qualifying Notes

CHEVROLET RACING IN THE VERIZON INDYCAR SERIES
HONDA INDY TORONTO
STREETS OF TORONTO, EXHIBITION PLACE
TEAM CHEVY DRIVER QUALIFYING QUOTES
JULY 15, 2017

SIMON PAGENAUD, NO. 1 DXC TECHNOLOGY TEAM PENSKE CHEVROLET, POLE WINNER: “Yeah, it was a really good lap, one of the best I’ve ever put together. Certainly, there is not much more in it, but the whole qualifying I worked on details and driving. My teammates, they are tremendous it’s such a good atmosphere when we work together. Each practice we talked about we manage the corners and we keep improving each other. I feel like I really extracted the best out of my car, the best out of my set-up today. It’s obviously the most satisfying thing and that is what I’m always seeking for.” Continue reading Chevy Racing–INDYCAR–Toronto Qualifying Notes →

Chevrolet Racing

Chevy Racing–INDYCAR–Toronto–Penske Drivers

CHEVROLET RACING IN THE VERIZON INDYCAR SERIES
HONDA INDY TORONTO
STREETS OF TORONTO, EXHIBITION PLACE
TEAM CHEVY DRIVER PRESS CONFERENCE TRANSCRIPT
JULY 15, 2017

TEAM PENSKE CHEVROLET DRIVERS – SIMON PAGENAUD, NO. 1 DXC TECHNOLOGY, JOSEF NEWGARDEN, NO. 2 DEVILBISS, HELIO CASTRONEVES, NO. 3 HITACHI AND WILL POWER, NO. 12 VERIZON, met with members of the media at the Indy Toronto on the Streets of Exhibition Place, Toronto. Full transcript:

THE MODERATOR: We can get started with Helio Castroneves, who finished second fastest in this morning’s practice session. Helio has one pole here and a best finish of second as we head into tomorrow afternoon’s Honda Indy Toronto. Your team swept the practice session this morning showing some great speed heading into this afternoon’s qualifying session. How are you feeling about your car and your setup? Continue reading Chevy Racing–INDYCAR–Toronto–Penske Drivers →

Wood Brothers

Blaney To Start 15th At New Hampshire

Blaney To Start 15th At New Hampshire

July 14, 2017

Most weeks throughout the 2017 season, Ryan Blaney and the No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane team have been able to improve their speed through the rounds of knock-out qualifying.

On Friday at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Blaney and the team experienced a rare drop-off after Round Two and did not advance to the final round for the first time in the past six qualifying sessions. Still, Blaney will line up 15th for Sunday’s 301-lap race. Continue reading Blaney To Start 15th At New Hampshire →

Chevrolet Racing

Chevy Racing–NASCAR–New Hampshire–Trio Of Chevys in Top 5

MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES
OVERTON’S 301
NEW HAMPSHIRE MOTOR SPEEDWAY
TEAM CHEVY DRIVER PRESS CONF. TRANSCRIPT
JULY 14, 2017

TRIO OF CHEVY’S TO START IN TOP FIVE AT NEW HAMPSHIRE
Seven-time champion Jimmie Johnson on the outside pole at the Magic Mile

LOUDON, N.H. (July 14, 2017) – Seven-time Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series champion, Jimmie Johnson, led the way for Team Chevy in qualifying at New Hampshire Motor Speedway placing his No. 48 Lowe’s Chevy SS on the outside pole for Sunday’s Overton’s 301. Johnson posted a lap of 28.705 seconds/132.688 mph around the 1-mile track. A three-time winner at NHMS, Johnson will make his best start of the 2017 when he takes the green flag from the second starting spot. Continue reading Chevy Racing–NASCAR–New Hampshire–Trio Of Chevys in Top 5 →

Chevrolet Racing

Chevy Racing–NASCAR–New Hampshire–Qualifying

MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES
OVERTON’S 301
NEW HAMPSHIRE MOTOR SPEEDWAY
TEAM CHEVY QUALIFYING NOTES & QUOTES
JULY 14, 2017

KYLE LARSON, NO. 42 TARGET CHEVROLET SS – Pole Winner
YOU USED TO STAY THIS WAS ONE OF YOUR WORST TRACKS…
“We haven’t got to the race yet. No, our Target Chevy has been really fast all day. It has a lot of speed. Like I really don’t have to drive that hard and it just makes a lot of speed. So, that is good. We are missing Chad (Johnston, crew chief) this weekend and for the next couple of weeks, so good to rebound with a pole. That is pretty strong out of our organization. I’ve got a great lineup of guys and gals. Hats off to everybody at the shop. It’s been so much fun this year. I have never really been a great qualifier, but this is our fourth pole of the season. Hopefully, we can keep it going and figure out where our car works best in the VHT or PJ1 or whatever they are calling it this weekend and hope we have a good race on Sunday.” Continue reading Chevy Racing–NASCAR–New Hampshire–Qualifying →

Honda Racing

Dixon, Rahal Fast for Honda Friday in Toronto

Dixon, Rahal Fast for Honda Friday in Toronto
• Scott Dixon runs third-quickest in practice
• Detroit double-winner Graham Rahal fourth overall
• Andretti Autosport places three Hondas in top 10

TORONTO, Ont. (July 15, 2017) – Scott Dixon and Graham Rahal led the way for Honda Friday in Verizon IndyCar Series practice for Sunday’s Honda Indy Toronto, finishing the day third and fourth on the time charts.

A two-time winner here in Toronto, Dixon posted the fourth-fastest time with his Chip Ganassi Racing Honda in the morning session, then improved to third overall in the second, quicker session in the afternoon. Rahal, who swept the double header race weekend last month at the similar Detroit street circuit, also improved in the second session to finish the day fourth in his Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing Honda.

Andretti Autosport also ended Friday on a positive note, with three of its Hondas in the top 10, led by Marco Andretti, sixth; Indianapolis 500 winner Takuma Sato, eighth; and Ryan Hunter-Reay in ninth.

Activities at the Honda Indy Toronto continue tomorrow, with final practice and qualifying. Sunday’s 85-lap race starts at 3 p.m. EDT, with live network television coverage on the NBC Sports Network.

Scott Dixon (Chip Ganassi Racing Honda): “We still have some work to do, but I’m pleased with the start overall for the NTT Data team. It’s still going to take a bit more to get to where the Penske cars are, but I’m confident we’ll be making progress heading into the final practice and qualifying tomorrow.”

Chevrolet Racing

Chevy Racing–NASCAR–New Hampshire–Ryan Newman

MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES
OVERTON’S 301
NEW HAMPSHIRE MOTOR SPEEDWAY
TEAM CHEVY DRIVER PRESS CONF. TRANSCRIPT
JULY 14, 2017

RYAN NEWMAN, NO. 31 GRAINGER CHEVROLET SS, met with media and discussed his success at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, his thoughts on traction compound, what the team needs to do to prepare for the playoffs, and more. Full Transcript:

CAN YOU TALK ABOUT RACING AT NHMS IN MULTIPLE NASCAR SERIES’ AND GIVE US YOUR THOUGHTS ABOUT COMING HERE THIS WEEKEND?
“First of all, it’s nice to get out of 95 degree weather and come up here. Even with a little bit of sprinkles, it’s much better. The area and the fans and every aspect of it I enjoy up here. The race track obviously is a little bit different with the VHT. And we tested up here, so it’s kind of ironic to come back and actually go a little bit slower in race trim with the added grip to the race track than what we tested up here. We’ve got ourselves scratching our heads a little bit. We’re more competitive than we were at the test; but speed-wise, the track seems to be a little bit off.” Continue reading Chevy Racing–NASCAR–New Hampshire–Ryan Newman →

Brenda Grubbs Motorsports

Brenda Grubbs Motorsports–The Timeslip

Atlanta National Event – May
The Atlanta event was plagued by rain, resulting in only one qualifying shot. We lost in the first round of Stock and the second round of Super Stock. As the second round of Super Stock was held on Sunday, we did race in front of a large crowd. Unfortunately, when staging, we weren’t quite lined up in the groove. When the car launched, it headed straight for the Christmas Tree. Brenda was able to regain control of the car and prevent contact with the tree. Adding insult to injury Brenda recorded a perfect light .000 against the always tough Kevin Helms.

Topeka National – May
Topeka was yet another cold and dreary race. We lost in the first round of Stock and third round of Super Stock.

Great Bend Divisional Event – June
While the weather was finally nice, during the first round of qualifying we broke a valve spring in the Super Stocker and had to sit out the remaining qualifying runs and eliminations. To further add to a tough weekend, we were headed home after a first round loss in the Stocker. Getting home early however, allowed us to pull the motor in the Super Stocker and get it to Sherman Racing Engines for repair.

Disassembly revealed not only a broken valve spring and two bent valves, but also severely damaged lash caps (all were cracked, worn and deformed). The good news is the damage was limited to the top end of the motor. And we will be back out for the Denver national event.

July Racing
We are looking forward to returning to Denver where Brenda won her first NHRA National event in Stock Eliminator. To compensate for the altitude difference, a taller gear has been installed in the Stocker. The Super Stocker will once again be ready to rumble.

The weekend after the Denver national, we will attend the double header divisional race in Topeka.

The links below are to an interview done at the Houston National event earlier this year. The interview focuses on the cars and is also featured on The Road to My Ride website and YouTube.


Travels with Brenda National Dragster

The column featuring Division 2 Super Street drivers Mike and Ernie Griggs is featured in the June 30, 2017 issue of National Dragster. Another article has been submitted for publication and still another is progress. It’s great to hear how much racers enjoy the articles and appreciate the publicity of Sportsman drivers.

Wood Brothers

Blaney, Motorcraft/Quick Lane Team Heading To New Hampshire With Playoffs In Mind July 13, 2017 In 30 trips to New Hampshire Motor Speedway since the Loudon track started hosting NASCAR’s elite Cup division back in 1993, the Wood Brothers have been runners-up twice but still are seeking their first win there. Those two finishes, by Morgan Shepherd in 1995 and Ricky Rudd in 2003, came in races that wound up being fairly significant in NASCAR history. Shepherd finished second to Jeff Gordon, who that day earned his first of three career wins at New Hampshire and the seventh of a career that saw him win 93. Rudd’s runner-up to Jimmie Johnson came in the race that led NASCAR to change its policy of letting drivers race back to the yellow flag. After several drivers barely avoided the crippled car of Dale Jarrett as they raced down the frontstretch to the caution flag, series officials began mandating that drivers slow down as soon as the caution flag flew. They also added a provision that the first driver one lap or more down to the leader gets a free pass or “lucky dog” to get back on the lead lap. That policy came into play last year at New Hampshire for Ryan Blaney and the No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane team. In that race, Blaney had a fast car but fell a lap down over the course of 124-lap, green-flag run that opened the race. Blaney and his crew chief Jeremy Bullins continued to work on the Motorcraft Fusion and were in position to get the free pass when a caution flew at Lap 241. From there, Blaney moved from 17th place to 12th over the final laps to secure his 12th top-12 finish of the season up to that point. In the first New Hampshire race of 2016 a similar scenario played out, only that time Blaney lost a lap due to a penalty for speeding on pit road. That time, Bullins called for the wave-around, another option for rejoining the lead lap that was added in 2009, and Blaney was able to drive back to an 11th-place finish. Team co-owner Eddie Wood said another strong run at Loudon will take on added significance this year as Blaney and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane team are headed for the playoffs due to their victory at Pocono Raceway and the next trip to Loudon, in late September, will be the second race of the playoffs. “The things we learn about the car this weekend should apply when we go back in September,” Wood said. “But we don’t want to look too far down the road. We’re focused on a good finish this weekend, and Ryan and Jeremy showed last year that they can adapt to the New Hampshire track and the relatively short 300-lap races.” Qualifying at New Hampshire is set for 4:45 p.m. on Friday, and the 301-lap race is scheduled to start just after 3 p.m. on Sunday with TV coverage on NBCSN.

Blaney, Motorcraft/Quick Lane Team Heading To New Hampshire With Playoffs In Mind

July 13, 2017

In 30 trips to New Hampshire Motor Speedway since the Loudon track started hosting NASCAR’s elite Cup division back in 1993, the Wood Brothers have been runners-up twice but still are seeking their first win there.
Continue reading Blaney, Motorcraft/Quick Lane Team Heading To New Hampshire With Playoffs In Mind July 13, 2017 In 30 trips to New Hampshire Motor Speedway since the Loudon track started hosting NASCAR’s elite Cup division back in 1993, the Wood Brothers have been runners-up twice but still are seeking their first win there. Those two finishes, by Morgan Shepherd in 1995 and Ricky Rudd in 2003, came in races that wound up being fairly significant in NASCAR history. Shepherd finished second to Jeff Gordon, who that day earned his first of three career wins at New Hampshire and the seventh of a career that saw him win 93. Rudd’s runner-up to Jimmie Johnson came in the race that led NASCAR to change its policy of letting drivers race back to the yellow flag. After several drivers barely avoided the crippled car of Dale Jarrett as they raced down the frontstretch to the caution flag, series officials began mandating that drivers slow down as soon as the caution flag flew. They also added a provision that the first driver one lap or more down to the leader gets a free pass or “lucky dog” to get back on the lead lap. That policy came into play last year at New Hampshire for Ryan Blaney and the No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane team. In that race, Blaney had a fast car but fell a lap down over the course of 124-lap, green-flag run that opened the race. Blaney and his crew chief Jeremy Bullins continued to work on the Motorcraft Fusion and were in position to get the free pass when a caution flew at Lap 241. From there, Blaney moved from 17th place to 12th over the final laps to secure his 12th top-12 finish of the season up to that point. In the first New Hampshire race of 2016 a similar scenario played out, only that time Blaney lost a lap due to a penalty for speeding on pit road. That time, Bullins called for the wave-around, another option for rejoining the lead lap that was added in 2009, and Blaney was able to drive back to an 11th-place finish. Team co-owner Eddie Wood said another strong run at Loudon will take on added significance this year as Blaney and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane team are headed for the playoffs due to their victory at Pocono Raceway and the next trip to Loudon, in late September, will be the second race of the playoffs. “The things we learn about the car this weekend should apply when we go back in September,” Wood said. “But we don’t want to look too far down the road. We’re focused on a good finish this weekend, and Ryan and Jeremy showed last year that they can adapt to the New Hampshire track and the relatively short 300-lap races.” Qualifying at New Hampshire is set for 4:45 p.m. on Friday, and the 301-lap race is scheduled to start just after 3 p.m. on Sunday with TV coverage on NBCSN. →

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