Thursday, May 31, 2018

Aero Package Highlights Return to Pocono

Aero Package Highlights Return to Pocono Raceway
Aero Package Highlights Return to Pocono Raceway 

Pocono Raceway has been a 2.5-mile track since 1971, but it wasn’t until recently (2016) that the NASCAR Xfinity Series started competing at the famous triangular-shaped facility. In the series’ third trip to the “Tricky Triangle” this weekend, fans and media alike will have the opportunity to see some action-packed, close racing as the aero package that incorporates the enlarged splitter and spoiler, specially designed air ducts and restrictor plates will be used in the Pocono Green "250" Recycled by JP Mascaro & Sons on June 2 at 1 p.m. ET on FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

This specific aero package hasn’t been used in the NASCAR Xfinity Series since last season at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where it set track records in green flag passes for the lead (29) and lead changes (16).

Kyle Larson took home the checkered flag in the inaugural NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Pocono Raceway in 2016, a race that saw three green flag passes for the lead and six total lead changes. Then last season, Brad Keselowski grabbed the win in an event with 10 green flag passes for the lead and 12 lead changes.

With 10 different drivers winning the first 11 races of this season, another new winner could again be on the horizon. Three drivers in the top five of the series championship driver points – standings leader Elliott Sadler, fourth place Daniel Hemric and fifth place Cole Custer – are all still looking for their first win of 2018. Of the top five in championship points, the same three are the only ones with previous experience at Pocono – average finishes: Sadler (5.0), Custer (7.0), Hemric (9.0). Sunoco Rookies Christopher Bell (second in the driver standings) and Tyler Reddick (third in the driver standings) will be making their series debuts at Pocono this weekend.

NASCAR Xfinity Series

  • Next Race: Pocono Green 250
  • The Place: Pocono Raceway
  • The Date: Saturday, June 2
  • The Time: 1 p.m. ET
  • TV: FS1, 12:30 p.m. ET
  • Radio: MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio
  • Distance: 250 miles (100 laps);
    • Stage 1 (Ends on Lap 25),
    • Stage 2 (Ends on Lap 50),
    • Final Stage (Ends on Lap 100)


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  4. #NASCAR Race Winner - Kyle Busch Coca-Cola 600 Recap
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Wednesday, May 30, 2018

Pocono Raceway Weekend Schedule

Pocono Raceway Weekend Schedule

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series (#MENCS); NASCAR Xfinity Series (#NXS); ARCA Racing Series Presented By Menards (#ARCA)


The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series and ARCA Racing Series head to Pocono Raceway this weekend.

Most people don’t realize all of the unusual facets that Pocono has concerning its location and its structure. Pocono is in the Magic Triangle – New York, Philadelphia and Pocono Raceway are all 90 miles away from each other – with New York as the #1 TV market and Philadelphia as the #4 TV market. Pocono is within 200 miles of 60 million people.

When you consider that the average Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series fan travels 300 miles, the “Tricky Triangle” is in the highest population density of any other NASCAR track. Their unusual triangular configuration is conducive to many lead changes especially with the longest straightaway and the widest main straight with the longest and widest Pit Road.

All of these features give Pocono uniqueness – a very enjoyable difference.


Tricky Triangle Event Schedule


Wednesday, May 30
7:00 AM 5:30 PM ARCA Garage Open
5:00 PM 5:30 PM ARCA Haulers Enter
       
Thursday, May 31
8:30 AM   ARCA Remaining Haulers Enter
5:00 PM 7:00 PM NXS Haulers Enter (Equipment Unload)
6:30 PM 8:30 PM MENCS Haulers Enter (Equipment Unload)
       
Friday, June 1
8:30 AM
6:00 PM
MENCS Garage Open
8:45 AM
  ARCA Rookie Meeting
9:00 AM
  ARCA Driver/Spotter/Crew Chief Meeting
9:30 AM
  NXS Garage Open
10:00 AM
11:25 AM
ARCA Final Practice
10:30 AM
  MENCS Rookie Meeting, Spotter Meeting, & Random Drawing
12:00 PM
  NXS Rookie Meeting, Spotter Meeting, & Random Drawing
1:05 PM
1:55 PM
NXS 1st Practice
2:00 PM
  ARCA Qualifying
3:05 PM
3:55 PM
NXS Final Practice
4:15 PM
  MENCS Qualifying (Multi-Vehicle / Three Rounds)
5:30 PM
  ARCA Driver Introductions
5:45 PM
  ARCA Race (80 Laps, 200 Miles)
       
Saturday, June 2
8:00 AM
  NXS Garage Opens
9:35 AM
  NXS Qualifying (Single Vehicle / Two Rounds)
10:00 AM
3:00 PM
MENCS Garage Open
11:15 AM
 
NXS
Driver / Crew Chief Meeting (NASCAR Xfinity Garage Area)
11:30 AM
12:20 PM
MENCS Final Practice
12:30 PM
 
NXS
Driver Introductions
1:00 PM
 
NXS
Race (100 Laps, 250 Miles)
       
Sunday, June 3
8:30 AM
  MENCS Garage Open
12:00 PM
  MENCS Driver / Crew Chief Meeting (NASCAR Xfinity Garage Area)
1:20 PM
  MENCS Driver Introductions
2:00 PM
  MENCS Race (160 Laps, 400 Miles)



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Tuesday, May 29, 2018

Last Weekend’s #NASCAR Penalty Report

Last Weekend’s #NASCAR Penalty Report
Last Weekend’s #NASCAR Penalty Report #MENCS

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series

His week started with a trip to the White House for his 2017 championship. Then Second-Place Coca Cola 600 Finisher, Martin Truex Jr. gave it his all Sunday night, but there was no stopping his fellow Toyota driver. To add insult to injury, Truex Jr.’s #78 Furniture Row was levied a safety infraction for Sections 10.9.10.4: Tires and Wheels (Lug nut(s) not properly installed). Crew chief (Cole Pearn) has been fined $10,000.

Last Weekend’s #NASCAR Penalty Report #NXS

 

NASCAR Xfinity Series

In the Xfinity Series, the # 20 Joe Gibbs Racing team of Christopher Bell received an L1-level penalty for failing post-race height measurements after finishing second in Saturday’s Alsco 300.

Crew chief (Jason Ratcliff) has been fined $10,000 and suspended from the next NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship Points Event. Team has been assessed with the loss of 10 driver points and 10 owner point.

Additionally, the No. 8 B.J. McLeod Motorsports team of Tommy Joe Martins had two lug nuts unsecured in post-race inspection. Crew chief Keith Wolfe has been fined $10,000 and suspended for one race.

All infractions were found during post-race inspection.

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Monday, May 28, 2018

Rest in Peace My Friend and NASCAR Enthusiast - Mary Frances Molzon Dixon - Founder of MDR Motorsports

Rest in Peace My Friend and NASCAR Enthusiast - Mary Frances Molzon Dixon - Founder of MDR Motorsports

Nothing Great Was Ever Achieved Without Enthusiasm (Ralph Waldo Emerson)

Rest in Peace My Friend and NASCAR Enthusiast - Mary Frances Molzon Dixon (MDR Motorsports)When I first ‘met’ Mary, I thought to myself . . . . WoW here is a woman whose interest and pleasure in NASCAR rivals my own. We started conversating via Facebook, Telephone and Emails back in 2016. I introduce Mary to my work as ‘NASCAR Race Mom,’ and before I even knew it, we were collaborating on an article about NASCAR Driver Joey Gase and his new sponsor Mobile Grilling System. Not only did we work well together . . . we were having creative fun as part of her MDR Motorsports

MDR Motorsports: Making Dreams Reality through Motorsports. This is Mary's group dedicated to bringing our most-desired racing dreams into reality. 

"Right now is the 'dreaming' part...we will figure out the 'how' of them becoming reality as we go along! I feel by building a racing team, we can help everyone's dreams happen...whether your dream is to be ON a racing team, drive, display your business, be a photographer or reporter, or be part of 'insider' fan events." Mary



As a team, we got involved with a movie that Rookie Garrett Smithley was appearing in . . . ‘A Veteran’s Homecoming’ which is devoted to reducing suicide in veterans. Mary even arranged the opportunity for an interview with Santiago Cirilo, the US Army Infantry Veteran who wrote, and acted in this project.

One of my favorite MDR Motorsports missions was Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) awareness with Jerry Nadeau, a driver who was in a coma for three weeks after a 2003 crash at Richmond. Although he recovered from his head, lung, and rib injuries, he never raced again.

Rest in Peace My Friend and NASCAR Enthusiast - Mary Frances Molzon Dixon (MDR Motorsports)Thanks to Mary Frances – my smiling face was featured on Joey Gase’s Xfinity Camaro. This project was in cooperation with NASCAR OFF TRACK FB Group and "Caring Hands Village LLC" of North Carolina.

That is me bottom middle in the red cowboy hat.

Our last labor of love was providing regular newsletters for Xfinity Driver, Chad Finchum. So many collaborations and wonderful memories.

However, Mary’s greatest skill was her ability to bring people together and create productive friendships. Last year Mary, knowing that I would be attending the year-end Monster Energy Awards ceremonies, asked if I could help her friend, a photographer, get her media credentials for the event.

If you knew Mary, you recognized how hard it was to say no to this NASCAR Force of Nature. So that is how I got to meet and work with Shannon Kelly.

My NASCAR sidekick, Mary Frances Molzon Dixon reached the checkered flag in her race on this earth much too early. I will always remember her as full of energy, unstoppable, unchallengeable, and unforgettable.

Mary Frances Molzon Dixon

May 10 the earthly chapter of life of Mary Frances Molzon Dixon was brought to a close surrounded by her family in her home.

Mary was born on May 3, 1952, in Lake County, to Robert and Dorothy (nee Lewis) Molzon. She graduated from Chardon High School and then pursued a B.S. in Business Administration from Morehead State University.

For almost 30 years, Mary was a dedicated and trusted Employee Benefits Coordinator at Geauga/University Hospitals. She had always been passionate about helping others feel and become their best, and shared her knowledge of health and clean living through the Shaklee Corporation for the past 30-plus years.

Her genuine interest in others — lifelong friends or perfect strangers — was evident through the connections she built in the NASCAR community. “I really loved our MDR Motorsports group because it represented the chance for everyone to find out what it’s like to be a part of NASCAR.”

Mary was passionate about fundraising, charity work and affording others an opportunity to see and feel what it was like behind the scenes of NASCAR.

Nothing meant more to Mary than spending time with her granddaughters since the moment they entered the world. She nurtured their ability to create, explore and learn.

Nothing meant more to Mary than spending time with her granddaughters since the moment they entered the world. She nurtured their ability to create, explore and learn.

Mary is survived by her husband, James Dixon; son-in-law, Casey Snobl; two cherished granddaughters, Sophia Skyy and Mya James; sisters Janet (Gary) Tipton, Dot (Joe) Maggi, Roberta (Antwon) Prather; brother-in-law, Rick (Marge) Dixon; sister-in-law, Judy Wright; many very special nieces, nephews, cousins; and her devoted daughter, Melody, who never left her side.

She was preceded in death by her parents Robert and Dorothy; and sister Carol Molzon.

Mary led her life chasing experiences and engaging in meaningful conversations with others. As only she could express her love was for:

“Philosophical discussions
Music
Traveling
Learning
Surprises
Butterflies
Sunsets
Watching the waves Walks in the woods”

A celebration to honor Mary’s life will be held the evening of July 7 at 42nd Street in Virginia Beach.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in her name to the SPCA of Virginia Beach. (Their website link is www.vbspca.com and the mailing address is 3040 Holland Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23453.)

Her smile, her laugh and positive energy will live on through her family, friends and all who were touched by her!

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#NASCAR Race Winner - Kyle Busch Coca-Cola 600 Recap

#NASCAR Race Winner - Kyle Busch Coca-Cola 600 Recap

The Joe Gibbs Racing No. 18 M&M’S Red, White and Blue Toyota Camry Scored the Maximum Number of Eight Playoff Points by Winning All Three Stages and the Race Win.

  • Date: May 27, 2018
  • Event: Coca-Cola 600 (Round 13 of 36)
  • Series: Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series
  • Location: Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway (1.5-mile oval)
  • Format: 400 laps, broken into four stages (100 laps/100 laps/100 laps/100 laps)
  • Start/Finish: 1st/1st (Running, completed 400 of 400 laps)
  • Point Standing: 1st (573 points, 67 ahead of second)

    • Race Winner: Kyle Busch of Joe Gibbs Racing (Toyota)
    • Stage 1 Winner: Kyle Busch of Joe Gibbs Racing (Toyota)
    • Stage 2 Winner: Kyle Busch of Joe Gibbs Racing (Toyota)
    • Stage 3 Winner: Kyle Busch of Joe Gibbs Racing (Toyota)

#NASCAR Race Winner - Kyle Busch Coca-Cola 600 Recap


Stage 1 Recap (Laps 1-100):

  • ● Kyle Busch started first and finished first.
  • ● The M&M’S Red, White and Blue driver was passed for the lead before completing lap one, but he dug in and reclaimed the top spot on lap five.
  • ● Within the first 35 laps Busch reported that the car’s handling was simultaneously getting tighter and more loose. He attributed the tight issue to a buildup of tire rubber on the track and noted that that car was mostly loose at the entry to the turns, particularly in turn three.
  • ● The team used the caution period on lap 36 to make air pressure adjustments, change four tires and add fuel. Quick work in the pits enabled Busch to maintain the top spot.
  • ● A caution on lap 83 gave everyone the opportunity to come down pit road for fresh tires. Busch noted that he liked how his car was handling on the short run, so the team elected to make no changes. He restarted in second place and was in front by the time he reached turn one. He cruised to the conclusion of Stage 1 to score the stage win.
  • ● Busch noted at the conclusion of Stage 1 that the car was starting to turn better, so the team elected to only change four tires and add fuel during the break, once again getting the M&M’S Red, White and Blue Camry off pit road first to maintain the top spot for the start of Stage 2.

#NASCAR Race Winner - Kyle Busch Coca-Cola 600 Recap


Stage 2 Recap (Laps 101-200):

  • ● Busch started first and finished first.
  • ● The 2015 NASCAR Cup Series Champion picked up in Stage 2 right where he left off at the conclusion of Stage 1 – taking the lead and then extending it.
  • ● Busch relinquished the lead during a round of green-flag pit stops that began around lap 157. On lap 159 he brought the M&M’S Red, White and Blue Toyota to the attention of his crew, who changed four tires and added fuel. A handful of drivers were operating on different strategies, but it did little to deter Busch, who raced his way back to the top spot on lap 174.
  • ● The Las Vegas native cruised to the conclusion of Stage 2 to pick up another stage win,
  • earning another 10 bonus points.
  • ● Once again, the team simply changed four tires and added fuel, and quick work allowed Busch to return to the track in first place to start Stage 3

#NASCAR Race Winner - Kyle Busch Coca-Cola 600 Recap


Stage 3 Recap (Laps 201-300):

  • ● Busch started first and finished first.
  • ● Busch was leading when caution was displayed on lap 225. He noted that the M&M’S Toyota was starting to handle a little loose. Anticipating that the track would continue to create a tight-handling situation, the team once again made no adjustments while changing four tires and adding fuel. After a tight race off pit road with teammate Denny Hamlin, Busch was declared the leader for the restart.
  • ● During a caution on lap 258 Busch reported that the handling of his car was getting to be a bit more challenging. Crew chief Adam Stevens directed the team to make air pressure adjustments, change four tires and add fuel. The pit crew continued to rise to the challenge, getting Busch off pit road first to maintain the lead.
  • ● The M&M’S Red, White and Blue Camry was on cruise control for the next several laps, maintaining a healthy lead through to the end of Stage 3.
  • ● At the conclusion of Stage 3 Busch reported that the car was “really good” and, if anything, was starting to get just a bit snug. The team elected to go with no adjustments, simply changing four tires and adding fuel. Busch returned to the track the way he left it, in first place for the start of the final stage.

#NASCAR Race Winner - Kyle Busch Coca-Cola 600 Recap


Stage 4 Recap (Laps 301-400):

  • ● Busch started first and finished first.
  • ● During the opening laps of Stage 4, Busch quietly and methodically set up a comfortable pace with yet another healthy lead.
  • ● The strategy for the final 100-lap stage was simple for the M&M’S team, who had dominated the race: Keep the car up front by splitting the final stage into two 50-lap runs.
  • ● Busch pitted for the final time on lap 353, taking four tires and fuel and no changes to a car that had been flawless the entire night.
  • ● From there, Busch’s M&M’S Red, White and Blue Toyota Camry cruised to victory as the final stage went all 100 laps without a caution, capping a dominating performance.

#NASCAR Race Winner - Kyle Busch Coca-Cola 600 Recap


Notes:

  • ● Busch won the Coca-Cola 600 to score his 47th career Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series victory and his fourth of the season, scoring the maximum number of eight playoff points by winning all three stages and the race win.
  • ● Busch led four times for race-high 377 laps. With his laps led in the Coca-Cola 600, Busch surpassed the 15,000 laps led mark in his Cup Series career.
  • ● This was Busch’s eighth top-five and 10th top-10 finish in 13 races contested so far in 2018 season.
  • ● The win was Busch’s first points-paying win at Charlotte and his first-ever trip to victory lane in his 29th starts there.
  • ● The win also made NASCAR history as Busch became the first driver in NASCAR history to win at all tracks at which he made at least one start. Busch has now won at all 23 current tracks on the Cup Series schedule.

#NASCAR Race Winner - Kyle Busch Coca-Cola 600 Recap


How special is winning this race for you?

“This one’s very special. I don’t think there’s anything that can top Homestead, just with the meaning of what the championship is, but the Coca-Cola 600 – I’ve dreamt of this race since I was a kid and being able to win this race. Always watching the All-Star race and then the 600 the following weekend and being able to come out here and now win the Coca-Cola 600 is just phenomenal. It’s a little boy’s dreams come true. And man, I just want to say that I thank NASCAR, for one, for giving me a chance to come out here and have this opportunity to race for my dreams and to accomplish those things. I don’t know if it’s ever been done before, but the first one to check off all the tracks and get it all done. I don’t want to go to any new ones, that would just have to start the whole process over. But holy moly, I can’t say enough about M&M’s. Love the red, white and blue scheme and what it means – all of our heroes, whether they’re fighting for us right now or whether they’re fallen heroes. Certainly, want to give remembrance to (Sgt.) Eric Toth who’s with us and who is riding on our car tonight and his family who are with us here this weekend. That’s very, very special. Appreciate NASCAR doing that with NASCAR Salute the troops. Can’t say enough about M&M’S Red, White and Blue, Interstate Batteries. This Toyota Camry was awesome tonight. Adam Stevens (crew chief) and all my guys are just phenomenal to work with, and it’s so much fun right now. Also want to thank Cessna and Rheem and DVX Eyewear. Of course the fans. The fans for coming out here and supporting us all through all this. Man, Black Clover, DVX Sunglasses. Man, this is so huge.”

Your team came through flawlessly tonight, didn’t they?

“Yeah, my guys were on it tonight. They were certainly really good on pit road. I can’t say enough about my crew. They’ve been that way all year long. You know, a lot of wins are due to a lot of circumstances going right, and certainly we’ve got the pit crew going right with us right now. Fast racecars, as well. There were a few other fast cars out there I was keeping my eye on as they were coming up through the field – the 4 (Kevin Harvick) for one, the 78 (Martin Truex Jr.) for another – and it just seemed like they could never really get into our territory. But you know, all in all just a phenomenal night.”

First driver in the modern era to win at every active track, what does that mean to you?

“It’s awesome. I mean I’ve dreamt of that – not only winning here and winning the Coke 600 as a kid and being in victory lane here for this race, but to just be a force to be reckoned with, you know. I go across the country and race Super Late Models because I want to win at every single racetrack. I just want to show that there is no weakness. My guys have given me that chance here tonight, and being able to get to victory lane with this M&M’s Toyota – it sure looks pretty in victory lane here tonight. I definitely want to give a shout-out to all of our men and women, all the service men and women across the world past and present, fallen and of today’s heroes – we had (Sgt.) Eric Toth with us here and his family riding along with us this weekend, so that was a pleasure. Got to meet up with them earlier and spend some time, so that was really cool.”

Next Up:

The next event on the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series schedule is the Pocono 400 on Sunday, June 3 at Pocono (Pa.) Raceway. The race starts at 2 p.m. EDT with live coverage provided by FS1. 


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Sunday, May 27, 2018

Remembering Jimmie Lee Beckstrand This Memorial Day

Remembering Jimmie Lee Beckstrand This Memorial Day
The Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway is an American tradition like no other, and this year's race will feature the 600 Miles of Remembrance with each Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series driver displaying the name of a fallen servicemember on the windshield.

This is the perfect opportunity for fans to reflect upon those who've made the ultimate sacrifice for the country before cheering on their favorite drivers in the race, set for 6 p.m. ET on FOX.

This is also the perfect opportunity for NASCAR Race Mom to remember her ‘Hometown Hero.’

Army Spc. James L. Beckstrand, 27, Escondido

Jimmy Lee Beckstrand was an audacious preteen in the late eighties, a year younger than my oldest son Moses and a year older than my youngest Zachariah. I remember the laughter as the three bounded through the doors looking for a drink of water after playing outside in the cul-de-sac for as long as they could under the warm California sun.

Remembering Jimmie Lee Beckstrand This Memorial DayI have to laugh as I recall the night Jimmy and Zack spent the night in a makeshift tent they had pitched in our backyard grass. My husband Paul waited till after midnight and after their giggly noise faded to creep outside and pretend to be a bear to scare them. I chuckled as they both screamed!

After high school, the three childhood chums set out to make their mark in the world in their own unique way. A few years later, I spotted Jimmy walking uphill towards his father’s house, dressed in his uniform. As I ran outside to say “hi,” I could not contain my awe and surprise. Jimmy Lee looked great and held himself with extreme confidence. I joked that his beloved roller blades would not be an acceptable fashion accessory for his current look.

That was the last time I spoke to Army Spc. James "Jimmy" Beckstrand. On April 29, 2004, during a four-month extension of duty, Jimmy and seven other soldiers from his unit, the 27th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Armored Division out of Baumholder, Germany, were killed when their convoy was attacked and a car bomb exploded near them. Jimmy Lee was just twenty-seven years old and a newlywed. He earned a Purple Heart medal for wounds received in action, and a Bronze Star medal for meritorious service and for his ultimate sacrifice.

As NRM enjoys today’s Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race, longest race on the circuit, I will remember and appreciate my hometown hero-James Lee Beckstrand, who sacrificed all to keep my America Great.

Jimmie Lee’s name might not be featured on a #MENCS car but will be burned into my heart forever.

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600 Miles of Remembrance: Dillon Honors SOCS Ryan Owens

600 Miles of Remembrance: Dillon Honors SOCS Ryan Owens

“This 600 Miles of Remembrance is all about Ryan and hopefully we can bring home another win for him,” said Dillon. 

 

600 Miles of Remembrance: Dillon Honors SOCS Ryan Owens #NASCAR


Austin Dillon picked up his first career win in the Coca-Cola 600 last year, leading only two laps. Among them, the most important one: the last lap.


When Austin Dillon drove to Victory Lane in the 2017 Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, he carried the name of Special Warfare Operator First Class SEAL Joshua T. Harris. This year, Dillon looks to deliver the same honor to U.S. Navy Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator William Ryan Owens of Peoria, Illinois.

“I have always loved the 600 Miles of Remembrance program that we do during Coca-Cola 600 weekend. Having a fallen military service member on your car and ride with you is so special,” said Dillon.

“Last year, winning my first Coca-Cola 600 and having Joshua Harris on the windshield of the car and having his family there. Coming home to Victory Lane with Joshua Harris on the car, I really felt like he was riding with us through those whole 600 miles,” said Dillon. “This year we have Navy SEAL Ryan Owens on the windshield of the No. 3 Coca-Cola Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, and I am looking forward to hopefully meeting some of his family members,” he said.

Dillion will start the Coca-Cola 600 from position twelve on the grid. He is seventh in the regular season points and sixth in the playoff standings.

U.S. Navy SEAL Chief Petty Officer Ryan Owens

The U.S. Navy SEAL was killed on January 29, 2017 while supporting U.S. Central Command operations against al-Qaida in Yemen. There were three other service members wounded in the raid that took Owens’ life. Reports estimated 14 members of al-Qaida were also killed in the raid.

U.S. Navy SEAL Chief Petty Officer Ryan Owens #NASCAROwens was the first casualty of Donald Trump’s presidency, who traveled to Dover Air Force base in Dover, Delaware to honor the return of his remains.

“Americans are saddened this morning with news that a life of a heroic service member has been taken in our fight against the evil of radical Islamic terrorism,” Trump said in a White House press release that day. “My deepest thoughts and humblest prayers are with the family of this fallen service member.”

Owens was a highly decorated SEAL who was on his fifth team tour when he was killed. He earned numerous awards in addition to the SEAL Trident and Basic Parachutist wings:
  • Navy/Marine Corps Medal
  • Bronze Star w/Combat “V” (2 awards)
  • Bronze Star
  • Joint Service Commendation Medal w/Combat “V” (2 awards)
  • Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal (2 awards)
  • Joint Service Achievement Medal Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3 awards)
  • Combat Action Ribbon Joint Meritorious Unit Award (2 awards)
  • Good Conduct Medal (6 awards)
  • Presidential Unit Citation (3 awards)
  • National Defense Service Medal
  • Afghanistan Campaign Medal
  • Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
  • Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
  • Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (8 awards)



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Saturday, May 26, 2018

#NASCAR #NXS Alsco 300 Starting Lineup

#NASCAR #NXS Alsco 300 Starting Lineup Ten races into the 2018 NASCAR Xfinity Series season and there have been 10 different winners. Now it’s Charlotte Motor Speedway’s turn to see if the streak can continue and give the series its 11th different winner in as many races.

#NASCAR #NXS Alsco 300 Starting Lineup


If a 11th different winner should occur this weekend, the 2018 season would solely hold the second-longest different winner streak to start the season in series history. Currently at 10 different winners, the 2018 season is tied with 1987 for the second-longest different winners streak to start a NASCAR Xfinity Series season.

***NOTE*** The start time for this race has been moved up by five minutes due to the threat of adverse weather. NASCAR Xfinity Series  

  • Next Race: Alsco 300
  • The Place: Charlotte Motor Speedway
  • The Date: Saturday, May 26
  • The Time: 1 p.m. ET
  • TV: FS1, 12:30 p.m. ET
  • Radio: PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio
  • Distance: 300 miles (200 laps)
    • Stage 1 (Ends on Lap 45)
    • Stage 2 (Ends on Lap 90)
    • Final Stage (Ends on Lap 200)

Alsco 300 Starting Lineup



PosCarDriverTeam
1 22 Brad Keselowski Fitzgerald Glider Kits Ford
2 0 Cole Custer Haas Automation Ford
3 18 Kyle Busch NOS Energy Drink Toyota
4 9 Tyler Reddick Pinnacle Financial Partners Chevrolet
5 19 Brandon Jones Menards/Jeld-Wen Toyota
6 23 Chase Elliott Hooters 22nd Int’l Pageant Chevrolet
7 20 Christopher Bell Rheem Toyota
8 12 Austin Cindric Pirtek Ford
9 98 Chase Briscoe Ford Ford
10 7 Justin Allgaier BRANDT Chevrolet
11 60 Ty Majeski Ford Ford
12 42 Jamie McMurray DC Solar Chevrolet
13 1 Elliott Sadler OneMain Financial Chevrolet
14 3 Ty Dillon Nexium 24HR Chevrolet
15 11 Ryan Truex Phantom Fireworks Chevrolet
16 61 Kaz Grala NETTTS Ford
17 21 Daniel Hemric South Point Hotel & Casino Chevrolet
18 4 Ross Chastain Florida Watermelon Association Chevrolet
19 2 Matt Tifft KCMG Chevrolet
20 51 Jeremy Clements RepairableVehicles.com Chevrolet
21 39 Ryan Sieg  Chevrolet
22 38 JJ Yeley RSS Racing Chevrolet
23 28 Dylan Lupton Fatal Clothing Ford
24 66 Timmy Hill MBM Motorsports Dodge
25 5 Michael Annett Pilot Flying J Chevrolet
26 35 Joey Gase Sparks Chevrolet
27 36 Alex Labbe Can-Am/Wholey/Cyclops Gear Chevrolet
28 15 Joe Nemechek Chevrolet
29 93 Jeff Green C2 Freight Resources Chevrolet
30 99 BJ McLeod  Chevrolet
31 8 Tommy Joe Martins  Chevrolet
32 1 Vinnie Miller JAS Expedited Trucking LLC Chevrolet
33 76 Spencer Boyd Grunt Style Special Chevrolet
34 90 Josh Williams Star Tron/Star Brite/Sleep Well Chevrolet
35 52 David Starr Extreme Kleener/Whataburger Chevrolet
36 0 Garrett Smithley FAME/fame-usa.com Chevrolet
37 78 Ray Black II JW Transport LLC Chevrolet
38 45 Josh Bilicki Prevagen Toyota
39 55 Brandon Hightower Jani-King Toyota
40 16 Ryan Reed Drive Down A1C Lilly Diabetes Ford
FTQ 40 Chad Finchum MBM Motorsports Toyota
FTQ 74 Mike Harmon Chevrolet
FTQ 89 Morgan Shepherd Visone RV Chevrolet



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