Thursday, December 27, 2018

20 of NASCAR’s Top Stars Eligible for 2019 Advance Auto Parts Clash at Daytona

20 of NASCAR’s Top Stars Eligible for 2019 Advance Auto Parts Clash at Daytona

Season-Opening Showcase Caps Sunday Doubleheader at ‘World Center of Racing’

20 of #NASCAR’s Top Stars Eligible for 2019 Advance Auto Parts Clash at Daytona

Following a quiet offseason the engines will finally roar to signal the start of the 2019 season on February 10 at Daytona International Speedway with a power-packed Sunday doubleheader.

It begins at noon with Busch Pole Award Qualifying for the 61st running of the DAYTONA 500 (FOX, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio). The 2019 Advance Auto Parts Clash follows at 3 p.m. (FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio) and will feature the sport’s biggest stars battling side by side in a 75-lap showcase.

"There’s no better way to start the season," said Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR executive vice president and chief racing development officer. "The close, door-to-door action you see in the Advance Auto Parts Clash is a precursor to the intense competition you’ll see in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series throughout 2019."

The annual preseason race will run in two segments, separated by a competition caution at lap 25.

"It’s a tremendous day of racing for our fans," said Daytona International Speedway President Chip Wile. "Having DAYTONA 500 Qualifying Presented By Kroger followed by the Advance Auto Parts Clash makes for a sweet first Sunday of Speedweeks and will have fans fully tuned up for the 61st running of the ‘Great American Race’ on February 17."

The exclusive, star-studded field in the Advance Auto Parts Clash is limited to drivers who were 2018 Busch Pole Award winners, former Clash winners who competed full-time in 2018, former DAYTONA 500 champions who competed full-time in 2018, former DAYTONA 500 pole winners who competed full-time in 2018 and drivers who qualified for the 2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs.


Tickets are available now at DaytonaInternationalSpeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.

Eligible drivers are as follows:

2018 Busch Pole Award Winners (13)

  1. Ryan Blaney
    20 of #NASCAR’s Top Stars Eligible for 2019 Advance Auto Parts Clash at Daytona
  2. Alex Bowman
  3. Kurt Busch
  4. Kyle Busch
  5. Chase Elliott
  6. Denny Hamlin
  7. Kevin Harvick
  8. Erik Jones
  9. Kyle Larson
  10. Joey Logano
  11. Paul Menard
  12. Daniel Suarez
  13. Martin Truex Jr.

Former Daytona 500 Champions (2)

  1. Jamie McMurray
  2. Ryan Newman

Former Daytona 500 Busch Pole Award Winners (2)

  1. Austin Dillon
  2. Jimmie Johnson

2018 Playoff Drivers (3)

  1. Aric Almirola
  2. Clint Bowyer
  3. Brad Keselowski

About the Daytona International Speedway

Daytona International Speedway is the world’s only motorsports stadium and was awarded SportsBusiness Journal’s prestigious Sports Business Award for Sports Facility of the Year in 2016. Daytona International Speedway is the home of "The Great American Race" – the DAYTONA 500. Though the season-opening Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series event garners most of the attention – as well as the largest audience in motorsports – the approximately 500-acre motorsports complex, also known as the "World Center of Racing," boasts the most diverse schedule of racing on the globe. In addition to at least nine major event weekends, the Speedway grounds are also used extensively for events that include concerts, civic and social gatherings, car shows, photo shoots, production vehicle testing and police motorcycle training.

🏁 🏆 Last Five Posts 🏆 🏁

  1. Chase Elliott and Jeff Gordon Visited the FBI Tactical Emergency Vehicle Operations Center
  2. Joe Gibbs Racing Announces Crew Chief Hires For 2019 Season
  3. R Entertainment Taps Bryan R. Sperber as President
  4. NASCAR Silly Season Revving at Full Speed
  5. Adam Stevens, Crew Chief for Kyle Busch and Joe Gibbs Racing's #18 Toyota Camry, is MOOG® 'Go the Extra Mile' Crew Chief of the Year

Monday, December 10, 2018

Chase Elliott and Jeff Gordon Visited the FBI Tactical Emergency Vehicle Operations Center

Chase Elliott and Jeff Gordon Visited the FBI Tactical Emergency Vehicle Operations Center

Who Took Home The Trophy?

Race car drivers often have fun and make interesting appearances. However, when the appearance involves a driving challenge, they take it seriously. 

Chase Elliott and Jeff Gordon Visited the FBI Tactical Emergency Vehicle Operations Center


Like racing, law enforcement can become a dangerous profession. The FBI is here to save lives and yet ensure that all of their agents go home every single night.

The final exam for new FBI agents is called the Precision Obstacle Course. Their goal at Tactical Emergency Vehicle Operations Center (TEVOC) is to produce safe drivers and to save lives.

Chase Elliott and Jeff Gordon got the opportunity to test their talents at the FBI's Tactical Emergency Vehicle Operations Center in Quantico, Va. last week, taking a competitive spin around the center's precision obstacle course.

Driving the Precision Obstacle Course (360-Degree Video)



From the looks on their faces, Jeff and Chase enjoyed their visit to TEVOC.


🏁 🏆 Last Five Posts 🏆 🏁

  1. Joe Gibbs Racing Announces Crew Chief Hires For 2019 Season
  2. R Entertainment Taps Bryan R. Sperber as President
  3. NASCAR Silly Season Revving at Full Speed
  4. Adam Stevens, Crew Chief for Kyle Busch and Joe Gibbs Racing's #18 Toyota Camry, is MOOG® 'Go the Extra Mile' Crew Chief of the Year
  5. The NMPA Myers Brothers Awards were held on yesterday (11/28/18), at the Wynn Las Vegas



Friday, December 7, 2018

Joe Gibbs Racing Announces Crew Chief Hires For 2019 Season

Joe Gibbs Racing Announces Crew Chief Hires For 2019 Season

Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) announces today it’s crew chief lineup for the 2019 season.

  • Chris Gabehart Named Crew Chief and Eric Phillips Named Car Chief for No. 11 MENCS Toyota 
  • Jeff Meendering Named Crew Chief for the No. 19 Xfinity Series Toyota
  • Ben Beshore Named Crew Chief for No. 18 Xfinity Series Toyota
  • Mark McFarland Named Crew Chief for JGR’s ARCA Series Toyota

Chris Gabehart will serve as crew chief on the No. 11 MENCS Toyota. Gabehart spent the past three seasons as a crew chief in JGR’s Xfinity Series program, capturing a total of nine wins over that time. Eric Phillips will also make the move from the Xfinity Series to assume the role of car chief with the No. 11 team. He compiled eight wins over three seasons as crew chief on the No. 18 Xfinity Series team.

In addition, JGR announces the addition of two crew chiefs to its Xfinity Series program.

Jeff Meendering returns to the organization to fill the role vacated by Gabehart as crew chief on the No. 19 Xfinity Series with driver Brandon Jones. Meendering spent that past two seasons with Stewart-Haas Racing as crew chief on the No. 00 car.

Ben Beshore will move from his current role as engineer on JGR’s No. 18 MENCS team to replace the vacancy left by Phillips as crew chief for the No. 18 Xfinity Series Toyota.

JGR’s ARCA Series team will also have an addition for 2019 with the hire of crew chief Mark McFarland. He joins the organization from MDM Motorsports where he served as team manager and crew chief in the K&N Series as well as ARCA.

“With such a short offseason it’s important to start work toward the 2019 season immediately and we are proud with the teams we have assembled now, both in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series and in the Xfinity Series,” said Joe Gibbs, Owner of Joe Gibbs Racing. “With Chris Gabehart joining Adam Stevens, Chris Gayle, and Cole Pearn on the Cup side we believe we have the right leaders in place to benefit our entire organization.

“In addition, we take a tremendous amount of pride in our accomplishments in the Xfinity Series and are excited to have Jeff Meendering and Ben Beshore join Jason Ratcliff to lead our efforts there, as well as bolster our developmental program in ARCA with the addition of Mark McFarland.”



🏁 🏆 Last Five Posts 🏆 🏁

  1. R Entertainment Taps Bryan R. Sperber as President
  2. NASCAR Silly Season Revving at Full Speed
  3. Adam Stevens, Crew Chief for Kyle Busch and Joe Gibbs Racing's #18 Toyota Camry, is MOOG® 'Go the Extra Mile' Crew Chief of the Year
  4. The NMPA Myers Brothers Awards were held on yesterday (11/28/18), at the Wynn Las Vegas
  5. Police Chase Coming to Las Vegas Motor Speedway


Thursday, December 6, 2018

R Entertainment Taps Bryan R. Sperber as President

R Entertainment Taps Bryan R. Sperber as President

Former Motor Sports Executive Joins National Experiential Marketing Leader


Former #NASCAR ISM Raceway President Bryan R. Sperber
Former ISM Raceway President Bryan R. Sperber

R Entertainment of Scottsdale, a special event, business development and concert entertainment company with projects nationwide, has tapped former ISM Raceway President Bryan R. Sperber, to serve as president.

Sperber is recognized as an innovative leader within the motor sports industry with a long tenure at International Speedway Corporation (ISCA), the publicly traded holding company of 12 NASCAR venues across the country, including the flagship Daytona International Speedway and ISM Raceway (formerly Phoenix International Raceway).

Sperber joined R Entertainment Dec 1.

Scottsdale, Ariz., based R Entertainment has a robust portfolio of lifestyle and concert events, and multi-day festivals with strategic partners across the country. Events include, for example, the 12-city USA TODAY Martha Stewart Wine & Food Experience culinary event series in partnership with Gannett, including MGM in Las Vegas; a national taco tour with COMCAST Spectacor, which manages more than 100 venues; a children’s festival series in conjunction with public television stations throughout the country; The Good Life Festival concert and lifestyle series with Shea Homes; and others.

“Experiential events like those by R Entertainment are gaining major attention, and this is an amazing time to join this remarkable team,” Sperber said. “The company is recognized for creating concert and culinary spectacles that mix interactive elements that patrons can make their own. R Entertainment is at the forefront of active entertainment experiences that are enjoyable, memorable and enriching for fans.”

Sperber began his 20-plus years in 1990, in a number of roles including serving as national sponsorship sales director of ISC and president of New York’s Watkins Glen.

For 16 years he led Phoenix International Raceway, now ISM Raceway, and concurrently served as chairman of the Los Angeles Auto Club Speedway for two years. At PIR, Sperber oversaw approximately $300 million in capital improvements that transformed the venue with a new grandstand, lighting for evening racing events, restaurants and bars, a state-of-the-art infield attraction and leading-edge technology.

A study of PIR by Arizona State University’s W.P. Carey School of Business found that the venue had an economic impact of nearly $400 million annually in Arizona, the result of the venue’s annual schedule of races and major events that draw visitors from across the country.

Kerry Dunne, partner & cofounder, R Entertainment, said: “Bryan’s track record of business development and creativity is a rare mix and a great fit for the next phase of R Entertainment. We’re excited to have his leadership, business acumen and longstanding relationships as we continue to grow our brand of entertainment experiences.”

Reed Glick, partner & cofounder, R Entertainment, “What a wonderful addition to the team. Under Bryan’s leadership, we are excited for the future of R Entertainment. We have so many opportunities to capitalize on and happy to have him onboard.”

Sperber was inducted into the West Coast Stock Car Hall of Fame, serves on the Fiesta Bowl Executive Committee, and is a member of the Young Presidents Organization (YPO Gold).



🏁 🏆 Last Five Posts 🏆 🏁

  1. NASCAR Silly Season Revving at Full Speed
  2. Adam Stevens, Crew Chief for Kyle Busch and Joe Gibbs Racing's #18 Toyota Camry, is MOOG® 'Go the Extra Mile' Crew Chief of the Year
  3. The NMPA Myers Brothers Awards were held on yesterday (11/28/18), at the Wynn Las Vegas
  4. Police Chase Coming to Las Vegas Motor Speedway
  5. Nutri Chomps Backing Chase Briscoe for Start of 2019 NASCAR Xfinity Series Season


Wednesday, December 5, 2018

NASCAR Silly Season Revving at Full Speed

NASCAR Silly Season Revving at Full Speed

Every week, it seems like there’s a new development in Silly Season for 2019.



Just because the racing has passed, there is no shortage of NASCAR News. Below is some of the buzz via Twitter.

Kurt Busch and Monster Energy announced that Kurt will pilot the No. 1 for Chip Ganassi Racing in 2019. (No word where Jamie McMurray will land – however, Associated Press has reported that Chip Ganassi has offered McMurray driver a contract for just for the 2019 Daytona 500 and then a leadership position with the team.)



Noah Gragson won the prestigious 2018 Snowball Derby but not the heart of the trophy girl in victory lane. The driver attempted a kiss but was initially rejected. (It is rumored that the driver received his kiss and the model’s phone number later)



Carl Dakes won the 2018 Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award. Dakes is a longtime volunteer with the Maryland-based ‘Believe In Tomorrow’ Children’s Foundation.



DGR-Crosley announced that they have added Natalie Decker to their driver development program for the 2019 season. Decker will run a select number of NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series races as well as a combination of NASCAR K&N Pro Series and ARCA Racing Series events.



NASCAR's Most Popular Driver Award is awarded to the most popular NASCAR driver in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, Xfinity Series, and Camping World Truck Series every year since 1956.



Bob Pockrass announced this will be his last season – he will not be covering motorsports for ESPN in 2019.



🏁 🏆 Last Five Posts 🏆 🏁

  1. Adam Stevens, Crew Chief for Kyle Busch and Joe Gibbs Racing's #18 Toyota Camry, is MOOG® 'Go the Extra Mile' Crew Chief of the Year
  2. The NMPA Myers Brothers Awards were held on yesterday (11/28/18), at the Wynn Las Vegas
  3. Police Chase Coming to Las Vegas Motor Speedway
  4. Nutri Chomps Backing Chase Briscoe for Start of 2019 NASCAR Xfinity Series Season
  5. Front Row Motorsports Adds Third Team for 2019, Signs Matt Tifft to Drive No. 36


Tuesday, December 4, 2018

Adam Stevens, Crew Chief for Kyle Busch and Joe Gibbs Racing's #18 Toyota Camry, is MOOG® 'Go the Extra Mile' Crew Chief of the Year

Adam Stevens, Crew Chief for Kyle Busch and Joe Gibbs Racing's #18 Toyota Camry, is MOOG® 'Go the Extra Mile' Crew Chief of the Year

Stevens Earns MOOG Honor After Winning Five Weekly 'Go the Extra Mile' Awards in Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series ™ Competition


Adam Stevens, crew chief for Kyle Busch and Joe Gibbs Racing's MOOG®-equipped #18 Toyota Camry, is the 2018 MOOG "Go the Extra Mile" Crew Chief of the Year. The award, given to the crew chief with the best overall performance in advancing a team's competitive position during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series™ season, was presented to Stevens during the NMPA Myers Brothers awards ceremony in Las Vegas, Nev. MOOG is a premium brand from Federal-Mogul Motorparts and the Official Steering and Suspension of NASCAR.

Stevens won a season-high five weekly MOOG "Go the Extra Mile" Crew Chief awards, which are presented to the crew chief whose car delivers the greatest improvement in average lap time from the first to the second half of a race while finishing on the lead lap. A total of 17 different crew chiefs earned the weekly award over the 36-race season.

"Succeeding with this team was inevitable, as it was through Adam's initial success as Kyle Busch's crew chief in the NASCAR Xfinity Series™ that he was rewarded by moving up to the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, where they continued their winning ways and developed their chemistry," said Tim Nelson, director of motorsports for Federal-Mogul Motorparts. "Adam's engineering skills and on-the-spot decision-making earned him eight wins in 2018 alone, and pushed the team to become regular season points champion, qualified for the Playoffs, and advanced to the Championship Four.

"We congratulate Adam on his 2018 MOOG Crew Chief of the Year Award."

As the MOOG brand's Crew Chief of the Year, Stevens received a handcrafted MOOG ball joint trophy and $100,000 check from Federal-Mogul Motorparts.

The MOOG brand is the preferred choice of professional technicians and NASCAR crew chiefs. MOOG product engineers go the extra mile in developing innovative steering and suspension parts that provide superior performance, greater durability and easier installation. These benefits have helped drive the brand's unsurpassed success in NASCAR competition, with every NASCAR Cup Series champion for the past 53 seasons driving to victory with MOOG parts.

To learn more about MOOG parts, please visit www.MOOGparts.com contact your MOOG supplier. Like MOOG on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/MOOGparts, follow MOOG on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/MOOGparts, or connect with the brand on Instagram at www.Instagram.com/MOOGparts.


About Tenneco

Headquartered in Lake Forest, Illinois, Tenneco is one of the world's leading designers, manufacturers and marketers of Ride Performance and Clean Air products and technology solutions for diversified markets, including light vehicle, commercial truck, off-highway equipment and the aftermarket, with 2017 revenues of $9.3 billion and approximately 32,000 employees worldwide.

On October 1, 2018, Tenneco completed the acquisition of Federal-Mogul, a leading global supplier to original equipment manufacturers and the aftermarket with nearly 55,000 employees globally and 2017 revenues of $7.8 billion. Additionally, the company expects to separate its businesses to form two new, independent companies, an Aftermarket and Ride Performance company as well as a new Powertrain Technology company, in late 2019.

About the Future Aftermarket and Ride Performance Company

Following the separation, the aftermarket and ride performance company will be one of the largest global multi-line, multi-brand aftermarket companies, and one of the largest global OE ride performance and braking companies. The aftermarket and ride performance company's principal product brands will feature Monroe®, Walker®, Clevite® Elastomers, MOOG®, Fel-Pro®, Wagner®, Champion® and others. The Aftermarket and Ride Performance company would have 2017 pro-forma revenues of $6.4 billion, with 57% of those revenues from aftermarket and 43% from original equipment customers.

About the Future Powertrain Technology Company

Following the separation, the powertrain technology company will be one of the world's largest pure-play powertrain companies serving OE markets worldwide with engineered solutions addressing fuel economy, power output, and criteria pollution requirements for gasoline, diesel and electrified powertrains. The powertrain technology company would have 2017 pro-forma revenues of $10.7 billion, serving light vehicle, commercial truck, off-highway and industrial markets.

Source: PR Newswire

🏁 🏆 Last Five Posts 🏆 🏁

  1. The NMPA Myers Brothers Awards were held on yesterday (11/28/18), at the Wynn Las Vegas
  2. Police Chase Coming to Las Vegas Motor Speedway
  3. Nutri Chomps Backing Chase Briscoe for Start of 2019 NASCAR Xfinity Series Season
  4. Front Row Motorsports Adds Third Team for 2019, Signs Matt Tifft to Drive No. 36
  5. Auto Club Speedway Gets in the Holiday Spirit