Honda Racing

Hunter-Reay, Honda Lead Friday Practice at Mid-Ohio

Hunter-Reay, Honda Lead Friday Practice at Mid-Ohio
• Ryan Hunter-Reay runs quickest in opening-day practice
• Five-time Mid-Ohio winner Scott Dixon posts third-fastest lap
• Six Honda drivers in top 10

LEXINGTON, Ohio (July 28, 2017) – Ryan Hunter-Reay and Scott Dixon led the way for Honda Friday in Verizon IndyCar Series practice for Sunday’s Honda Indy 200 at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, finishing the day first and third on the time charts after a pair of 45-minute sessions.

A previous Mid-Ohio pole winner, Andretti Autosport’s Hunter-Reay paced the second, slightly faster practice session in a highly competitive day that saw no fewer than eight drivers all run within a half-second of Hunter-Reay’s 1:04.2961 benchmark. Dixon, the unofficial “Master of Mid-Ohio” with five career wins here, posted the third-fastest time with his Chip Ganassi Racing Honda. Continue reading Hunter-Reay, Honda Lead Friday Practice at Mid-Ohio →

Honda Racing

An interview with: STEPHEN ERIKSEN PETER CUNNINGHAM MIKE SHANK

An interview with:

STEPHEN ERIKSEN
PETER CUNNINGHAM
MIKE SHANK

T.E. McHALE: Thank you for joining us at the Honda Indy 200 at Mid Ohio. Actually, this morning, we’re going to talk about the Acura sports car program. Yesterday it was announced globally that the Acura NSX GT3, which is in its first year of competition in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, and the Pirelli World Challenge Series, will be available for customer purchase in 2018. We’re here today to discuss that.
My guests to my immediate right, Steve Eriksen, chief operating officer of Honda Performance Development. To Steve’s right, Peter Cunningham, owner of RealTime Racing, which campaigns the NSX GT3 in the Pirelli World Challenge Series. To my left, Michael Shank, Michael Shank Racing.
Steve, we’ll start with you. From a process standpoint, what is going to change the way HPD does business when the NSX GT3 moves from a factory supported program to a customer program next year? Continue reading An interview with: STEPHEN ERIKSEN PETER CUNNINGHAM MIKE SHANK →

Wood Brothers

Blaney Going For Not-So-Rare Pocono Sweep

Blaney Going For Not-So-Rare Pocono Sweep

July 27, 2017

Ryan Blaney and the No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane team head back to Pocono Raceway this weekend hoping for a repeat of their performance there on June 11 when Blaney scored his first career Cup win and the Wood Brothers’ 99th.

A sweep of the season’s races at Pocono isn’t all that uncommon. Bobby Allison did it in 1982, Bill Elliott followed in 1985, the late Tim Richmond did it in 1986, as did Bobby Labonte in 1999, Jimmie Johnson in 2004, Denny Hamlin in 2006 and Dale Earnhardt Jr. in 2014. Continue reading Blaney Going For Not-So-Rare Pocono Sweep →

Erica Enders

Melling Performance pro Erica Enders vying for vintage victory at Sonoma Raceway

Melling Performance pro Erica Enders
vying for vintage victory at Sonoma Raceway
SONOMA, Calif. (July 26) – Two-time NHRA Pro Stock world champion Erica Enders has her sights set on some racing redemption in her bright red Melling Performance/Elite Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro this weekend at the 30th annual Toyota NHRA Sonoma Nationals at scenic Sonoma Raceway, set in the heart of Northern California’s wine country.

“We love going to Sonoma,” Enders said. “It’s one of my favorite places to race, and let’s face it, a trip to the wine country is certainly fun and something my whole team looks forward to every year. This year I’m hoping to finally get a Wally (trophy) in Sonoma and get a little payback on the Christmas Tree after Denver.” Continue reading Melling Performance pro Erica Enders vying for vintage victory at Sonoma Raceway →

Gary Scelzi Motorsports

Scelzi Captures Sprint Invaders Win in Iowa for First Career Triumph Outside Home State

Scelzi Captures Sprint Invaders Win in Iowa for First Career Triumph Outside Home State

Inside Line Promotions – DUBUQUE, Iowa (July 26, 2017) – Dominic Scelzi recorded his first career feature victory outside of his home state of California on Tuesday evening when he made his debut at Dubuque Fairgrounds Speedway.

Scelzi and his family owned, Roth Motorsports backed team kicked off the Sprint Invaders event by charging from sixth to second place during a heat race. That earned a spot in the dash, in which Scelzi advanced from third to second place. The feature redraw lined him up on the outside of the second row for the 25-lap main event.
Continue reading Scelzi Captures Sprint Invaders Win in Iowa for First Career Triumph Outside Home State →

Chevrolet Racing

Chevy Racing–NHRA–Sonoma Advance

CHEVROLET AT SONOMA

What:
30th Toyota NHRA Sonoma Nationals
When:
Friday, July 28-Sunday, July 30
Where:
Sonoma Raceway in Sonoma, California
TV:
FOX: Eliminations and finals live – 4 p.m. ET Sunday
FS1: Qualifications taped – 11 p.m. ET Friday and 10 p.m. ET Saturday

Chevrolet Seeks to Uncork More Victories in Sonoma Wine Country
Team Chevy drivers in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock carry momentum into event Continue reading Chevy Racing–NHRA–Sonoma Advance →

Cruz Pedregon

Cruz Pedregon–Sonoma Advance

NHRA® Team Report

NHRA Nationals – Sonoma, CA

Pre-Race Report

Cruz Pedregon is feeling momentum heading into Sonoma. “Our trip to the semi-finals last weekend demonstrates that things are coming together for the Snap-on Toyota. It’s really exciting for us to be in a Playoff spot, and we’re good with the plan we have for returning to sea level after Denver,” Cruz says. “I always look forward to being back in the state where I grew up and am excited about visiting the Oakland Raiders Team Camp Monday after this weekend’s race. We’d love it if some of those guys would come out to the track and watch the pros in our sport before heading out to the practice field. We have a lot of fun when the NHRA works with us to pay a visit to the Team Camp each year.” Cruz is such a dedicated Oakland fan, he plans to unveil a new Raiders helmet later this season in Indy.

Crew Chief Aaron Brooks says, “We had a little nose damage on the El Guapo body after hitting the sand, so fans will be seeing El Jefe in Sonoma. Everything is running well with the tune up, and we’re expecting great things for the fans at the track and those watching at home on FOX.”

On the side of Cruz’s car –

If you’ll check the side of Cruz’s car this week, you’ll see the name of Snap-on Nitro Franchisee Phil Agnew. Phil was in consumer finance before starting his Snap-on franchise, and he says the two businesses actually have more in common than you’d think. But, he says he likes running his own business, and that’s why Snap-on is a good fit for him. Phil and Cruz have done a “Grill & Chill” event together with his customers, and he says he’ll have some of them here with him at the race this weekend. When he’s not at the track or running his Snap-on franchise, Phil is spending time with his family or doing mountain, road or cyclocross cycling.

Jegs Racing

JEGS.com Summer Door Car Shootout raises $3K for JEGS Foundation

JEGS.com Summer Door Car Shootout
raises $3K for JEGS Foundation
DELAWARE, Ohio (July 26) — This year’s seventh annual JEGS Summer Door Car Shootout was the biggest to date with co-promoters Scott Bailey and Luke Bogacki reporting a total donation of $3,000 raised during the Dial for Dollars portion of the event earmarked for the JEGS Foundation: Racing for Cancer Research. Dial for Dollars has now raised more than $13,000 for the foundation in its five years of existence. Continue reading JEGS.com Summer Door Car Shootout raises $3K for JEGS Foundation →

Chevrolet Racing

Chevrolet Ready to Roll in the Heart of Ohio

Chevrolet Ready to Roll in the Heart of Ohio

· Chevy drivers take momentum to Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course
ᴏ Team Chevy coming off two consecutive poles, race victories
· Simon Pagenaud won the 90-lap Mid-Ohio race from pole in 2016
ᴏ Team Penske driver has finished on podium the past two years
· AJ Foyt Racing continues to develop Chevy package in testing
ᴏ Drivers Carlos Munoz, Conor Daly prep for three road course races
· Four Chevy drivers among the top five in points with five races left

DETROIT (July 26, 2017) – AJ Foyt Racing drivers Carlos Munoz and Conor Daly are confident that dedicated testing with the Chevrolet 2.2-liter V6 engine and Chevrolet Aero Kit last week at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course will reap short- and long-term benefits. Continue reading Chevrolet Ready to Roll in the Heart of Ohio →

Allen Johnson Racing

Allen Johnson’s Tenacious Spirit is Main Motivator to Succeed in Sonoma

Allen Johnson’s Tenacious Spirit is Main Motivator to Succeed in Sonoma

GREENEVILLE, Tenn. (July 25, 2017) – Perseverance. This word can be used to describe the 2012 Pro Stock World Champion team that goes to battle week in and week out with Marathon Petroleum/J&J Racing’s Allen Johnson at the helm. This week is no different as they make their way to Sonoma, California for the 30th annual NHRA Sonoma Nationals held at Sonoma Raceway. Continue reading Allen Johnson’s Tenacious Spirit is Main Motivator to Succeed in Sonoma →

Jegs Racing

JEGS’s pro Jeg Coughlin Jr. has great affection for Sonoma Raceway, surrounding area

JEGS’s pro Jeg Coughlin Jr. has great
affection for Sonoma Raceway, surrounding area
SONOMA, Calif. (July 25) — Five-time Pro Stock world champion Jeg Coughlin Jr. admits he has a long-standing love for northern California’s famed wine country. The fact he gets to race his JEGS.com/Elite Performance Chevrolet Camaro during this weekend’s visit to Sonoma is simply
a bonus.

“We’re fortunate to roll into damn-near every place we race and feel a great vibe because we’ve had awesome experiences at most of the racetracks on tour at one time or another in our careers,” Coughlin said. “Sonoma Raceway certainly fits that bill. It’s such a special place where I’ve built so many family memories, both at the racetrack and out in the wine country. Continue reading JEGS’s pro Jeg Coughlin Jr. has great affection for Sonoma Raceway, surrounding area →

Jegs Racing

Team Jegs Sonoma Advance

Team JEGS Prerace:
Toyota NHRA Sonoma Nationals
Team JEGS Prerace:
Toyota NHRA Sonoma Nationals (Sonoma, Calif.)
July 28-30

The JEGS Mail Order team will be represented at this weekend’s 30th annual Toyota NHRA Sonoma Nationals by six-time world champion Jeg Coughlin Jr., who will lead the effort behind the wheel of the JEGS.com Elite Motorsports Camaro in Pro Stock, and his nephew, Troy Coughlin Jr., will be driving the SealMaster Top Fuel dragster fielded by Kalitta Motorsports. Continue reading Team Jegs Sonoma Advance →

Wood Brothers

Wood Brothers Racing and Paul Menard Team Up Beginning in 2018

Wood Brothers Racing and Paul Menard Team Up Beginning in 2018

STUART, VA (July 26, 2017) – Wood Brothers Racing, the oldest active NASCAR team and one of the winningest teams in series history, and veteran driver Paul Menard, will join forces for the 2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series (MENSC) season, the two parties announced today. The new partnership will see the team continue to compete full time for the coming seasons with Menard driving the legendary No. 21 Ford Fusion.

Menards, the industry-leading home improvement store company, will sponsor the No. 21 Ford for 22 MENCS races. Additional sponsorship, including plans for long-time partner Motorcraft/Quick Lane, will be announced at a later date. Continue reading Wood Brothers Racing and Paul Menard Team Up Beginning in 2018 →

John Force Racing

Defending race winner John Force, PEAK Chevy team take the fight to Sonoma Raceway

Defending race winner John Force, PEAK Chevy
team take the fight to Sonoma Raceway

SONOMA, Calif. (July 25) – Sixteen-time Funny Car champion John Force rolls into Sonoma Raceway with his PEAK Coolant and Motor Oil Chevrolet Camaro SS team for the NHRA Sonoma Nationals this weekend as the race’s defending champion.
Force has also been in the final round in three of the last four seasons at a track that has been a good one for the legendary driver. He has eight victories at the northern California track, the most among any driver in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series.
And Sonoma also holds other special memories for Force, who in 2006 witnessed Eric Medlen win here for John Force Racing. Medlen was critically injured in a crash during testing the next year and later succumbed to those injuries. Continue reading Defending race winner John Force, PEAK Chevy team take the fight to Sonoma Raceway →

John Force Racing

Courtney Force hopes Advance Auto Parts team will be a race-day force in Sonoma

Courtney Force hopes Advance Auto Parts
team will be a race-day force in Sonoma

SONOMA, Calif. (July 25) – Advance Auto Parts driver Courtney Force watched her John Force Racing teammate win last weekend, and she’d love to follow Robert Hight into the winner’s circle in the NHRA Sonoma Nationals this weekend at Sonoma Raceway.
Hight had raced to two final rounds this season before breaking through with his first victory of 2017 at Bandimere Speedway on Sunday. Force herself has two final-round appearances this season, yet is still looking for victory No. 1 of 2017. Continue reading Courtney Force hopes Advance Auto Parts team will be a race-day force in Sonoma →

John Force Racing

Brittany Force looks for first Sonoma victory with her Monster Energy Top Fuel dragster

Brittany Force looks for first Sonoma victory
with her Monster Energy Top Fuel dragster

SONOMA, Calif. (July 25) – Brittany Force and her Monster Energy Top Fuel dragster head into the second leg of the annual Western Swing, the NHRA Nationals at Sonoma Raceway, confident in challenging not just for round wins but overall victory.
Force, of Yorba Linda, Calif., has won first-round matchups in seven NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series races – she’s qualified No. 1 or No. 2 in three of those and no worse than No. 6, by the way – and has advanced to the semifinals in four of the last six races, winning at Epping, N.H.
In two of the other three semifinals appearances, including last weekend’s Mile-High Nationals at Bandimere Speedway in Morrison, Colo., she fell to the eventual race winner. Continue reading Brittany Force looks for first Sonoma victory with her Monster Energy Top Fuel dragster →

John Force Racing

Denver winner Robert Hight looks to stay hot in Sonoma with Auto Club Chevrolet

Denver winner Robert Hight looks to stay
hot in Sonoma with Auto Club Chevrolet

SONOMA, Calif. (July 25) – Robert Hight, driver of the Auto Club of Southern California Chevrolet Camaro, heads into this weekend’s NHRA Nationals at Sonoma Raceway as the only driver in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series Funny Car class that can sweep the Western Swing.
“You can’t sweep it unless you win Denver,” Hight said. Continue reading Denver winner Robert Hight looks to stay hot in Sonoma with Auto Club Chevrolet →

Richard Childress Racing

Richard Childress Racing–Pocono Advance

Richard Childress Racing at Pocono Raceway … In 154 starts at Pocono Raceway, RCR team owner Richard Childress has two wins, both with Dale Earnhardt, who won on July 19, 1987 and July 18, 1993. Additionally, RCR has earned one pole award, 16 top-five and 54 top-10 finishes with 608 laps led at the uniquely-shaped three-turn track. Childress, a former Continue reading Richard Childress Racing–Pocono Advance →

Chevrolet Racing

Chevy Racing–NASCAR–Pocono Advance

TEAM CHEVY ADVANCE
OVERTON’S 400
POCONO RACEWAY
POCONO, PENNSYLVANIA
JULY 30, 2017

BOWTIE BULLETS
PROSPEROUS IN POCONO:
Chevrolet established a winning tradition at Pocono Raceway in 1977 when Benny Parsons took the brand to Winner’s Circle for the first time at the ‘Tricky Triangle’. Since then, Chevrolet has gone on to record 31 more victories for a total of 32, making the Bowtie Brand the most successful manufacturer at the 2.5-mile venue. Continue reading Chevy Racing–NASCAR–Pocono Advance →

Honda Racing

RealTime Racing Acuras Look To Continue Surge at Mid-Ohio

RealTime Racing Acuras Look To Continue Surge at Mid-Ohio

• Acura NSX returns to venue where it made its on-track debut in 2016
• RealTime Racing Acuras own Manufacturers’ Championship points in five of last six starts
• Ryan Eversley into top-10 in points with recent string of strong results

LEXINGTON, Ohio (July 26, 2017) – The Acura NSX GT3 Pirelli World Challenge cars are starting to hit their stride after some early-season wobbles, and head to the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course this weekend looking to stretch their legs in front of Acura’s hometown fans.
Continue reading RealTime Racing Acuras Look To Continue Surge at Mid-Ohio →

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