Wednesday, November 30, 2022

NASCAR returns to Nashville for Champion’s Week

NASCAR returns to Nashville for Champion’s Week

#NASCAR returns to Nashville for Champion’s Week

 

As an eventful 2022 race season enters its final turn, NASCAR announced the return of its Champion’s Week celebration to Nashville on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1.

 

The NASCAR Awards will be held on Dec. 1 at the Music City Center to formally crown this season’s NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champions. Fellow drivers, industry personalities and celebrities will take over downtown Nashville for the third year to celebrate an unforgettable 2022 season.

 

“We are pleased to announce our return to    keting Officer at NASCAR. “We are delighted to bring the celebration to Nashville once again, as the city’s energy and passion for motorsports never cease to amaze us. We are looking forward to being back following the conclusion of the 2022 season.”

 

The formal postseason Awards are a tradition that stretches back to 1981, when the event was held in New York City. It relocated to Las Vegas in 2009 and then called Nashville its home for the first time in 2019. Over the last two years NASCAR has seen a tremendous turnout from the Nashville fans not only at the race track, but for the celebration of Champion’s week. NASCAR looks to continue the tradition and conclude the season at one of the most iconic cities in the country.

 





 

source: NASCAR Media

Tuesday, November 29, 2022

What You Get Sponsoring a #NASCAR Team

What You Get Sponsoring a #NASCAR Team

By alewis – Spire Motorsports

What You Get Sponsoring a #NASCAR Team


 

CONCORD, N.C. (November 29, 2022) – One of the first questions the team at Spire receives is: “What exactly does a partnership with a NASCAR team entail?” As a race team, this is our sweet spot, so we want to provide a deeper look at the assets available to a sponsor through this type of sponsorship.

 

 

The team owns or controls specific assets that they are essentially “selling.” to the sponsor. These assets can be leveraged to achieve marketing goals. Some of these assets are no-brainers while others can be more subtle and ultimately depend on the level of investment a sponsor is willing to make.

 

 

Before diving into the available assets, it is important to understand that there are different levels of sponsorships available with race teams. The most frequently used terms are “Primary” and “Associate”. 

 

 

The main difference between the two is the level of investment and the predetermined goals of the sponsorship. 

 

 

A primary sponsor is – as the name signifies – the primary, and most visible sponsor, of the team. In contrast, an associate sponsor can be looked at as a secondary or supportive sponsorship. No less important,  just not as “prominent”, as a primary sponsorship. The assets in either a primary or associate sponsorship package can be similar, just scaled differently based on the investment. 

 

 

The most identifiable asset is the race car. The race car serves as a high-speed billboard, at the race and during national television broadcasts.  The primary sponsor of the race car controls the design of the car, or what is most often referred to as the “paint scheme”, “paint out”, or “livery.” The paint scheme affords the sponsor the ability to showcase its brand image and logo to engage fans watching on TV and at the event. 

 

 

The primary sponsor receives the most visible locations on the car to showcase its brand. 

 

These include:

 

  • the hood of the car 
  • the rear quarter panels (rear fenders, above tires) 
  • the roof area and the TV panel (license plate area on your personal car). 

Associate sponsor placements are typically smaller in nature and positioned in areas such as:

 

  • the lower hood area
  • the lower rear quarter-panel area (behind the rear tires)
  • the deck lid (trunk)
  • B and C posts (area between windows).

 

Fun fact: While we commonly refer to car “paint schemes”, most cars are no longer painted. Instead, they are wrapped with vinyl, which allows for more elaborate designs.

 

 

Beyond the most visible of team assets – the race car – there are other pieces of team equipment used weekly by the race team at the track and on the road. The most prominent of these assets would be the team’s race transporter (or hauler). 

 

 

The hauler transports the cars and equipment from race to race. It’s designed and wrapped to showcase the primary sponsors with the associate sponsors also sharing a visible and easily identifiable presence. Think of the hauler as a mobile billboard for your brand that travels 50,000-plus miles a year across the country.

 

 

The at-track equipment can include the pit box, tool box and generator, all of which have consistent branding throughout the year. The pit box, which serves as the command center for the team during the race, has areas where branding can change weekly to accommodate different primary sponsors as needed. This would also include a branded pit wall banner that identifies the team’s pit on pit road. 

 

 

Beyond these more obvious assets are those you may not think of when considering a race team sponsorship. They tend to be less tangible but can be equally, if not more important.

 

 

As we have mentioned in past blogs, business-to-business (B2B) relationships have become a vital component of sponsorship in the racing industry. A sponsorship investment with a race team gets you instant access to the other sponsors with the team and the sponsors within the sport at large. For some sponsors, these connections are the primary reason for considering a racing sponsorship.

 

 

Then, there are the array of human resources that can be accessed and leveraged by a sponsor. Here we’re talking about the driver, the crew and other team staff. 

 

 

The driver is the face of the team and thus serves as the spokesperson for the sponsors. When a brand sponsors a team, the connection between driver and sponsor is very important. It’s vital that a driver fit a brand’s image and serve as an influential brand ambassador. Sponsors are allowed to use the likeness and name of the driver to promote its brand and create a connection with race fans. Beyond using the driver in commercials and promotions, both the driver and the race team’s crew wear branded uniforms and fire suits, visible to a host of fans and television viewers on a weekly basis.  

 

 

By sponsoring a team, you also obtain the organization’s industry expertise within the sport. Most teams have seasoned veterans with experience on multiple sides of the desk who can serve as helpful resources in navigating the NASCAR landscape. They can help avoid potential pitfalls and serve like an extension of your marketing/brand team.

 

 

Another area where race teams can support the sponsorship is with public relations, content, and social media support. Social media, content and public relations are critical assets teams provide as part of any sponsorship. Race teams have dedicated personnel who work on promoting the team and sponsorship.

 

 

Public relations representatives travel with the team every week with the sole purpose of finding ways to get your brand incremental exposure in unique ways. This can include features during the race broadcast, press conferences for special announcements or promotions, or placements in traditional or digital media outlets.

 

 

As original content creation and social media have become increasingly important for brands, race teams have also expanded their efforts in this area. Race teams often collaborate with sponsors on original content and social media initiatives to drive the sponsorship program on digital platforms.

 

This is just a brief overview of the potential assets available as part of a race team sponsorship. Of course, the specific asset mix that comprises each sponsor deal varies, depending on the specific goals of the sponsorship program.

 

 

Interested in becoming a Spire Motorsports sponsor? Get in contact with them HERE.

 

 

About Spire Motorsports …

 

Spire Motorsports is a full-time, two-car NASCAR Cup Series race team co-owned by long-time NASCAR industry executives Jeff Dickerson and Thaddeus “T.J.” Puchyr. In 2023, Spire Motorsports will field the No. 7 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for driver Corey LaJoie and No. 77 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for Ty Dillion. The team also fields a NASCAR Camping World Truck Series team in select events.

 

Spire Motorsports earned its inaugural victory in its first full season of competition when Justin Haley took the checkered flag in the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway on July 7, 2019. Less than three years later, William Byron drove Spire Motorsports’ No. 7 Chevrolet Silverado to its inaugural NASCAR Camping World Truck Series win on April 7, 2022, at Martinsville Speedway. 

 





 

source: By alewis – Spire Motorsports https://www.spiremotorsportsllc.com/2022/11/29/what-you-get-sponsoring-a-nascar-team/?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=what_you_get_sponsoring

Monday, November 28, 2022

NASCAR fan Ralph Maccarone wins 2022 Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award

NASCAR fan Ralph Maccarone wins 2022 Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award

 

The NASCAR Foundation announced Ralph Maccarone as the winner of the 12th annual Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award during a live-streamed announcement on NASCAR’s YouTube channel Thursday. As the award winner, Maccarone secured a $100,000 donation from The NASCAR Foundation to Who We Play For, a nationwide organization whose mission is to eliminate preventable sudden cardiac arrest in young people through affordable heart screenings.

 

“It’s a great honor to have won the Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award,” said Maccarone following the announcement. “The entire NASCAR organization and The NASCAR Foundation have been phenomenal to work with and we’re so excited to use these funds to help students and save lives.”

 

Maccarone, who co-founded Who We Play For after losing his 15-year-old son to sudden cardiac arrest, has served and supported the organization for more than a decade. He earned the most online votes from a pool of volunteers, including: Dan Majetich of Nick and Kelly Children’s Heart Fund, Tammy Garrett of Rapahope Children’s Retreat Foundation of Alabama and Tracy Williams of Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Foundation. Together, the group of finalists have impacted more than 100,000 children through their 81 combined years of service. Each of these organizations has earned a $25,000 donation from The NASCAR Foundation in recognition of their nominated volunteers’ achievements.

 

“Ralph has dedicated his life to ensuring young people receive the proper screenings that could one day save their lives,” said Nichole Krieger, Executive Director of The NASCAR Foundation. “He has spent countless hours volunteering at screenings, fundraising and advocating for change as Who We Play For has grown into a national organization that’s reaching more communities each year. His work and the work of all of our finalists exemplify the lasting legacy of Betty Jane France and the countless number of children The NASCAR Foundation continues to impact.”

 

Maccarone co-founded Who We Play For in 2012 with the vision to inspire and empower schools, sports clubs and communities to provide heart screenings for all student athletes and students. Through his work, Maccarone has helped bring Who We Play For to many regions across the country as he has advocated for sudden cardiac arrest legislation on the local, state and federal level. With the $100,000 award, Maccarone hopes to bring heart screening events to more NASCAR communities over the next two years.

 

Aside from his service, Maccarone has been a fan of NASCAR after first being introduced to the sport by his wife, Valerie. He and his son started following Ryan Newman after discovering the driver shared the same birthday as his son.

 

In its 12 years, The Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award has recognized 48 NASCAR fans who are dedicated volunteers working for children’s causes in communities nationwide. More than 475,000 children’s lives have been affected by the program with $2 million contributed to children’s charities.

 

To learn more about The NASCAR Foundation’s programs, including the Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award and Speediatrics Children’s Fund, please visit NASCARfoundation.org.

 





 

Saturday, November 26, 2022

Front Row Motorsports Ends Another Historical Season

Front Row Motorsports Ends Another Historical Season

Will Celebrate First Championship in Nashville

In another year of “firsts,” Front Row Motorsports (FRM) will celebrate its first NASCAR championship during Champion’s Week in Nashville, Tenn. from November 30 through December 1. Zane Smith and the No. 38 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series team secured FRM’s first championship by winning last week’s race at the Phoenix Raceway.

 





The win at Phoenix capped a four-win season for the FRM truck team led by partners Ford, MRC, Love’s Travel Stops, Speedco, Fr8Auctions.com, Boot Barn, Horizon Hobby, RTA, First Phase, SEM and Plan B Sales. Smith finished in the top-10 in every race this season except for four. His remarkable season ended at Phoenix with an exclamation point after earning the pole, winning all three stages and the championship.

 

Zane Smith ends his season with a pole, winning all three stages and the championship.

 

FRM also continued to excel with its two-car NASCAR Cup Series operation. Michael McDowell and the No. 34 team had 12 top-10 finishes and two top-five results. McDowell had two third-place finishes that came at Sonoma in June and Talladega in October. McDowell’s average finish in 2022 was nearly four positions higher than any other in his Cup Series career. McDowell was once again anchored by Love’s Travel Stops on the No. 34 Ford Mustang. Other partners included Fr8Auctions.com, Horizon Hobby, WISE-EV, Stage Front Tickets, Navage Nasal Care, Chicago Pneumatic and FloRacing.com.

 

Michael McDowell and the No. 34 team had 12 top-10 finishes and two top-five results.

 

Todd Gilliland and the No. 38 Ford Mustang team completed their rookie season with two top-10 and one top-five finishes. Gilliland led laps during four different races. His highlights included finishing fourth at Indianapolis and pulling away while leading at Watkins Glen. Gilliland also finished seventh at Talladega after racing up front all day. Gilliland was primarily supported by First Phase, Boot Barn, Frontline Enterprises, Ruedebusch Development and Construction, Georgia Peanuts, Black’s Tire and Auto, Chicago Pneumatic, Southeastern Equipment, Entrepreneurs’ Organization of South Florida, Trident Seafoods, Cross Country Adjusting, CITGARD, The Pete Store and YANMAR.

 

Todd Gilliland and the No. 38 Ford Mustang team completed their rookie season with two top-10 and one top-five finishes.

 

“We knew that 2021 was a great season when we won the Daytona 500, but everyone dug in and we had an even better 2022 defined by our first championship,” said Jerry Freeze, General Manager, Front Row Motorsports. “It’s a testament to the men and women working at Front Row Motorsports, our drivers and all our partners. They worked hard to improve and we’re getting stronger on and off the track. More people are taking notice of what we’ve been building and now we just need to keep getting better. We’re excited about what we can do in 2023.”

 

FRM will next compete at the 2023 Busch Light Clash at The Coliseum on February 5 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.





ABOUT FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS

Front Row Motorsports (FRM) is a winning organization in the NASCAR Cup and Camping World Truck Series. The team is the 2021 Daytona 500 champions and 2022 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champions. The team was founded in 2004 and is owned by successful entrepreneur, Bob Jenkins. FRM fields the No. 34 and the No. 38 NASCAR Cup Series teams along with the No. 38 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series team from its Mooresville, N.C. headquarters.

 

 

Thursday, November 24, 2022

Happy #NASCAR Thanksgiving!

Happy #NASCAR Thanksgiving!

 





Wednesday, November 23, 2022

Brad Keselowski Added to Snowball Derby Roster

Brad Keselowski Added to Snowball Derby Roster

Joins other #NASCAR Drivers including Erik Jones; Derek Kraus; Carson Hocevar; Chandler Smith; William Byron; Josh Berry; Noah Gragson; and Ty Majeski

Brad Keselowski Added to Snowball Derby Roster

 

NASCAR champion Brad Keselowski has successfully competed in a number of different series and events over his illustrious racing career, but never the Snowball Derby – the most prestigious event in super late model racing. That changes this year when Keselowski will take the wheel of the No. 6 Ford with sponsorship from long-time and significant racing supporter, Fr8Auctions. The 55th annual Snowball Derby is scheduled for November 30th – December 4th at Five Flags Speedway located in Pensacola, Florida.

 

The Snowball Derby is essentially an all-star race as it attracts some of the biggest names in short track racing, as well as some of my competitors from NASCAR,” said Keselowski. “This is my first time behind the wheel at the Derby. I’m really looking forward to the race and very appreciative of Fr8Auctions coming on-board with me. Fr8Auctions has supported all levels of racing, so it’s great to partner with them for this particular event and bring together NASCAR and super late model racing.”

 

WATCH THE SNOWBALL DERBY
ON RACING AMERICA

 

For Keselowski, it marks his first partnership with Fr8Auctions, but not Fr8Auctions’ first partnership in motorsports.

 

"FR8Auctions is looking forward to growing our racing footprint while supporting grassroots events with different drivers across all levels of motorsports. Whether it's partnering with Championship Cup drivers in Crown Jewel events like the Snowball Derby or supporting the young up and coming drivers working their way through the ranks, FR8 is committed to the sport and its growth long term,” said Marcus Barela, Founder and CEO of Fr8Auctions.

 

"We are thrilled to continue to grow our footprint in all levels of racing by working with Brad in the Snowball Derby. This is a Crown Jewel event and we are excited to have such an accomplished driver representing us on and off the track.” "Brad is a champion and we are racing for the win,” added Matt Erickson, President of Fr8Auctions.

 

While a first participating in the Snowball Derby and a first with Fr8Auctions, the event will be a bit of homecoming of sorts for Keselowski where he will be driving a FURY Race Cars entry with Tony Eury Jr. serving as crew chief for the event. Keselowski and Eury Jr. partnered together in 2009 during Keselowski’s part-time schedule with Hendrick Motorsports.

 

“Having the opportunity to work together again Tony Jr. and Pops makes this whole program even more special,” added Keselowski. “This is going to be a lot fun to be sure, but we are all racers, so we’re headed down to Pensacola to compete for a win!”

 

The 55th annual Snowball Derby will be available via live pay-per-view exclusively on RacingAmerica.com. The Snowball Derby 300-lap feature race is scheduled for Sunday December 4th, 2022, at 2:00 pm ET.

 

About FR8Auction

 

Fr8Auctions partners with freight lines, distribution companies, and consumer product-based businesses to help sell excess, discontinued or damaged inventory outside of traditional distribution channels. Utilizing industry leading merchandising techniques, product presentations, and a competitive bidding environment, Fr8Auctions offers both their partners and buyer’s opportunities to maximize returns on their investments. Buyers can also access online (sealed bid) auctions to bid on the thousands of pallets of merchandise, which can range from gas grills to ceiling fans and various domestic and home improvement products. The integrity-based company is focused on building small businesses and lasting partnerships across all avenues of the asset recovery industry.

 



 

 




Snowball Entries

SNOWBALL DERBY ENTRIES AS OF SUNDAY 11/20
 

SNOWBALL 300
58 ENTERED

1 Michael House, Columbia, TN
2 John Bolen, Jasper, AL
2 William Sawalich, Eden Prairie, MN
4 Erik Jones Byron, MI
4 Luke Fenhaus, Wausau, WI
5 Casey Johnson, Edgerton, WI
8 Jase Hansen, Evans, CO
8 Nicholas Naugle, Muskegon, MI
9 Brandon Watson, Barrie Ont. Canada
9 Brad May, Ovido, FL
9 Derek Kraus, Stratford, WI
10 George Gorham Winter Haven, FL
12 Derek Griffith, Hudson, NH
14 Austin Nason, Roscoe, IL
14 Carson Hocevar, Portage, MI
16 Jacob Gomes, Manteca, CA
18 Chandler Smith, Talking Rock, GA
18 Hunter Robbins, Pensacola, FL
21 Corey Heim, Davidson, NC
21 Jesse Love, Redwood City, CA
22 Connor Okrzesik, Grand Bay, AL
22 Sammy Smith, Johnston, IA
23 Billy VanMeter, Muskegon, MI
24 Scott Sanchez, Bakersfield, CA
24 William Byron, Charlotte, NC
26 Bubba Pollard, Senoia, GA
26 Casey Roderick, Dayton, OH
26 Josh Berry, Statesville, NC
28 Connor Mosack, Mooresville, NC
30 Noah Gragson Mooresville, NC
32 Carson Kvapil, Mooresville, NC
32 Harold Crooms, Lakeland, FL
33 Dustin Smith, Mobile, AL
35 Jake Garcia, Monroe, GA
43 Daniel Dye, Deland, FL
43 Derek Thorn, Bakersfield, CA
44 Conner Jones, Fredericksburg, VA
44 Jeremy Doss, Upper Lake, CA
45 Michael Simko, Clarkson, MI
48 Preston Peltier, Brighton, CO
50 Jett Noland, Groveland, FL
51 Jake Finch, Lynn Haven, FL
51 Stephen Nasse, Pinellas Park, FL
53 Boris Jurkovic, Ft. Myers Bch, FL
53 Cole Butcher, Porters Lake, NS Canada
54 Johnny Clark, Farmingdale, ME
54 Matt Craig , Kannapolis, NC
55 Haeden Plybon, Deer Park, WA
57 Zach Telford, Middleton, ID
63 Trayten Tarr, Rathdrum, ID
65 Tyler Tanner, Mooresville, NC
69 Michael Hinde, Hernando, FL
79 Kyle Bryant Navarre, FL
91 Ty Majeski, Seymour, WI
98 Blaine Rocha, Oakdale, CA
98 Tommy Catalano, Ontario, NY
99 Linny White, Ontario, CA
112 Augie Grill, Hayden, AL

 

 

SNOWFLAKE 100
56 ENTERED


00 Cale Gale, Pfafftown, NC
0 Glenn Styres, Ohsweken, Ont. Canada
00 Anthony Cataldi, Umatilla, FL
1 Ryan Flemming, Cedarville, OH
2 John Bolen, Jasper, AL
3 Brad Adams, Greenbrier, TN
4 Elliott Massey, Lucedale, MS
4 Parker Eatmon, Wilson, NC
5 Jeremy Miller, Rockford, IL
7 Jackson Boone, Franklin, TN
10 Brittney Zamora, Troutman, NC
10 Johanna Long Robbins, Pensacola, FL
11 Brian Reeves, Enterprise, AL
11 Dylan Cappello, Charlotte, NC
11 Jolynn Wilkinson , Bessemer, AL
12 Bryson Shaffer, Milan, TN
12 Christopher Hogan, Alvin, TX
15 Mike Hopkins, Hermon, ME
18 Ryan Paul, Mobile, AL
22 Dylan Courtney, Citronelle, AL
22 Evan Szotko, Coopersville, MI
22 Augie Grill, Hayden, AL
22 Kyle Steckly, Milverton, Ont. Canada
24 Brent Crews, Cornelius, NC
25 Jake Bollman, Hunnington Bch, CA
26 Bubba Pollard, Senoia, GA
26 Cole Williams, Borden, IN
26 Casey Roderick, Dayton, OH
30 Alex Guenette, Mooresville, NC
33 Dustin Smith, Mobile, AL
33 Watson Griffith, Jr., Harvey, IN
35 Jake Garcia, Monroe, GA
42 Derek Thorn, Bakersfield, CA
44 Conner Jones, Fredericksburg, VA
45 Tony Cosentino, Statesville, NC
47 Dakota Stroup, Maceo, KY
48 Preston Peltier, Brighton, CO
50 Jett Noland, Groveland, FL
51 Stephen Nasse, Pinellas Park, FL
52 Leland Honeyman, Mooresville, NC
54 Grant Thompson, Mobile, AL
54 Jerrett Butcher, Dartmouth, NS Canada
62 Cody McCawley, Semmes, AL
67 Colin Allman, Plant City, FL
69 Michael Hinde, Hernando, FL
70 Gavin Graham, Polk City, FL
71 Katie Hettinger, Dryden, MI
75 Jeremy Doss, Upperlake, CA
77 Connor Okrzesik, Grand Bay, AL
81 Gio Ruggiero, Seekonk, MA
88 Boston Oliver, Murfreesboro, TN
89 Dylan Fetcho, Lebanon, TN
89 Chase Spradlin, Oak Grove, AL
90 Trevor Cristiani, Boise, ID
91 Jim Wall, Huntsville, AL
95 Derrick Griffin, Pensacola, FL

 

 

Monday, November 21, 2022

Ty Gibbs to Compete in NASCAR Cup in 2023

Ty Gibbs to Compete in NASCAR Cup Series in 2023

Chris Gayle Will Serve as Crew Chief

Ty Gibbs to Compete in #NASCAR Cup Series in 2023

 

Ty Gibbs will compete full time for Joe Gibbs Racing in the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series behind the wheel of the No. 54 Toyota Camry TRD.

 

Gibbs won the 2022 NASCAR Xfinity title with seven wins and 23 top-10 finishes. In just 51 career Xfinity starts, he’s won 11 races (21 percent), scored 33 top-10 finishes (64 percent) and led 1,234 laps. He also won the 2021 ARCA Menard Series championship.

 

Chris Gayle, who served as crew chief during his NASCAR Xfinity Championship season, will move with Gibbs to serve as crew chief in the Cup Series.

 

JGR intends to utilize the No. 18 in the NASCAR Cup Series in future years.

 





 

JR Motorsports Revamps Crew Chief Lineup

JR Motorsports Revamps Crew Chief Lineup

Updated Roles, New Hires

JR Motorsports Revamps Crew Chief Lineup - Updated Roles, New Hires

 

JR Motorsports has revamped its crew chief roster for the 2023 NASCAR Xfinity Series season, the organization announced today. MoyerReturning veterans Jason Burdett and Taylor will assume crew chief duties with the Nos. 9 and 8 entries, respectively, while the addition of Jim Pohlman on the No. 7 and Mardy Lindley with the No. 1 team completes the crew chief lineup.

 

Entering his ninth season with JRM, Burdett is the company's winningest crew chief with 18 victories. Burdett, who led Justin Allgaier to Championship 4 appearances in five of the last seven seasons, will transition to the No. 9 Menards team with JRM's newest driver Brandon Jones. Through his first eight years with the company, Burdett racked up an impressive 110 top-five and 183 top-10 finishes.

 

Moyer moves to the No. 8 team with driver Josh Berry for 2023 to fill the role vacated by Mike Bumgarner, now serving as JRM’s director of competition. In 2019-20, Moyer served as crew chief of JRM’s No. 8 Chevrolet and its rotating roster of drivers. He has spent the past two seasons atop the pit box for Berry and Sam Mayer, leading Mayer to 12 top fives, 25 top 10s and a playoff berth through to the Round of 8 in 2022.

 

"As successful as 2022 was for JR Motorsports, we're always asking ourselves 'how can we be better?'" said Bumgarner, JRM's director of competition. "While we performed at a very high level this season, a tweak here or there can help push you even further. We were fortunate to bring in Jim (Pohlman) and Mardy (Lindley). Both have past success with their drivers and we expect that will aid in making a smooth transition."

 

A native of Oak Lawn, Illinois, the 43-year-old Pohlman comes to JRM by way of Richard Childress Racing to assume crew chief duties for the No. 7 BRANDT Professional Agriculture team and perennial championship contender Allgaier. In 2008, Pohlman helped Allgaier secure an ARCA Menards Series championship, so the pairing will be familiar. Pohlman also spent time at the Cup Series level, most notably as crew chief for Juan Pablo Montoya in 2011 with several opportunities along the way in both Cup and NXS competition.  

 

Additionally, Greenville, S.C. native Lindley, a decades-long veteran of the sport who spent the last two seasons at Kyle Busch Motorsports with six victories, joins Mayer in 2023 to lead the No. 1 team, reuniting the driver and crew chief for the first time since 2020. The Lindley / Mayer combination netted championships in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series (2019) and the ARCA Menards Series (2020). Together, the duo has more than 15 victories between the two series.

 




 

Sunday, November 20, 2022

Brendan Queen Wins the South Carolina 400 at Florence Motor Speedway!

Brendan Queen Wins the South Carolina 400 at Florence Motor Speedway!

Dale Jr. Sent to the Back Twice Due to Penalties - Finishes 9th

Brendan Queen Wins the South Carolina 400 at Florence Motor Speedway!

 

The path to Victory Lane for three-time Langley Speedway track champion Brenden Queen in the South Carolina 400 at Florence Motor Speedway came down to a matter of survival.

 

An evening dominated by tire conservation, intense racing and heated rivalries culminated with Queen holding off Carson Kvapil for a crown jewel victory in his debut race with Lee Pulliam Performance. 

 



 

Queen admitted Saturday’s triumph in the South Carolina 400 served as major validation for him by proving to the entire short track community that he can win at any facility on the East Coast.

 

“I finally win away from [my home track of] Langley,” Queen said. “Everybody questioned if I was a one-track wonder, but we proved [on Saturday] we can get it done down South. We’re taking [this] trophy back to Virginia.”

 

After carefully conserving his equipment during the first two stages, the opportunity for Queen to pounce on the lead came with 20 laps remaining.

 

Mason Diaz, who had worked vigorously to get back to the front following an earlier spin, found himself battling South Carolina short track veteran and 2007 Myrtle Beach 400 winner Sam Yarbrough for the win over a handful of late restarts.

 

As Diaz tried to clear Yarbrough off Turn 2, the latter was forced off track before miraculously saving his car in front of oncoming traffic. Yarbrough was not pleased with Diaz’s aggressive maneuver but was allowed to maintain his spot on the front row.

 

Yarbrough retaliated against Diaz on the following restart in Turn 4, which prompted Diaz to retire from the race by climbing out of his car in Florence’s frontstretch Victory Lane and doing a mock celebration with his crew.

 

With two of the fastest cars eliminated from contention, Queen and Kvapil were left to settle the South Carolina 400 amongst themselves during the closing laps. Queen perfectly executed all his restarts to keep plenty of distance between himself and Kvapil.

 

Fresh off another second-place finish in the ValleyStar Credit Union 300 at Martinsville Speedway, Kvapil wanted to end his stellar rookie season with JR Motorsports by earning a crown jewel victory while competing alongside his boss Dale Earnhardt Jr.

 

Despite the disappointment, Kvapil admitted he was relieved to avoid the chaos that broke out between Diaz and Yarbrough.

 

“I honestly didn’t know if we were going to wreck out,” Kvapil said. “It was getting pretty sketchy with [Diaz and Yarbrough]. They were beating and banging pretty good before they decided to wreck each other. It was a battle just to finish, but once those guys cleared themselves out, we were focused on winning.”

 

Saturday’s performance highlighted Kvapil’s efficiency at Florence in his limited starts, as he finished second to Ty Majeski in last year’s South Carolina 400 after leading 38 laps.

 

Kvapil’s trips to Florence have taught him many valuable lessons regarding patience behind the wheel. He is confident he can one day utilize that knowledge by parking his Late Model Stock in Victory Lane.

 

“It’s basically been a letdown for us with every race [at Florence],” Kvapil said. “This one doesn’t hurt as bad knowing we didn’t have the best car. We had the best car in last year’s race, but luck didn’t favor us. There’s always next year.”

 

Rounding out the top three finishers in Saturday’s South Carolina 400 was Isabella Robusto, who was thrilled to put together a strong performance in the physically demanding event.

 

Robusto’s goal for the weekend was to simply gain valuable experience in tire conservation at Florence. As the carnage started to unfold during the final stage, Robusto methodically picked off her competition to provide herself a much-needed confidence boost heading into the offseason.

 

“We started 30th in this race and just wanted a Top 10 finish,” Robusto said. “I was able to keep the nose clean for the first 150 laps, and then I knew we had to go 110 percent with the new tires on. Next thing I knew, I was restarting fourth with three laps to go.”

 

Queen also enters the winter with plenty of high expectations following his first outing with Lee Pulliam Performance.

 

Piloting a car for a successful driver like Pulliam, whose accomplishments include four NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series, was something Queen knew would carry plenty of significance when he first signed the deal, which is why he wanted to make a strong first impression in the South Carolina 400.

 

Queen responded by adding his name to the list of South Carolina 400 winners that include Pulliam, Josh Berry, Timothy Peters and Scott Riggs, a feat Queen said is very close to his Hampton Heat triumph he obtained at Langley in 2020.

 

“This might be the biggest win of all with how everything played out,” Queen said. “Luckily, I didn’t wreck anybody to win it, but I did use her up a little bit. She had enough left in her to get the job done.”

 

Now that he knows the potential he and Pulliam possess as a combination, Queen is eager to keep working with the Late Model Stock legend and continue to bolster his growing resume in the discipline.

 

“This gives us such huge momentum,” Queen said. “We really feel we can win every race we show up to. When you have confidence in yourself to win, the sky is the limit.”

 

Florence Motor Speedway Results (Finish)

  1. Brendan Queen
  2. Carson Kvapil
  3. Isabella Rubusto
  4. Cody Kelley
  5. Matthew Craig
  6. Bryant Barnhill
  7. Doug Barnes
  8. BooBoo Dalton
  9. Dale Earnhardt Jr
  10. Casey Kelley
  11. Heath Causey
  12. Averitt Lucas
  13. Landon Pembleton
  14. Kade Brown
  15. Anthony Adams
  16. Justin Whitaker
  17. Riley Gentry
  18. Brandon Pierce
  19. Whitney Meggs
  20. Sam Yarbrough
  21. Zack Mircacle
  22. Connor Jones
  23. Mason Diaz
  24. Matt Cox
  25. Katie Hettinger
  26. Jacob Heafner
  27. Tristan McKee
  28. Ryan Glenski
  29. Mark Wertz
  30. Kaden Honeycutt
  31. Justin Milliken
  32. Ryan Millington
  33. Austin Somero
  34. Michael Bumgarner
  35. Blaise Brinkley
  36. Dexter Canipe Jr
  37. Trent Barnes
  38. Landon Huffman
  39. Jamie York
  40. Justin Hicks
  41. Ryley Music
  42. Jamie Weatherford

 

Florence Motor Speedway Results (Stage 2) : 1. Sam Yarbrough; 2. Matt Cox; 3. Carson Kvapil; 4. Jacob Heafner; 5. Dale Earnhardt Jr; 6. Brendan Queen; 7. Doug Barnes; 8. Matthew Craig; 9. Casey Kelley; 10. Landon Pembleton;

 

Florence Motor Speedway Results (Stage 1) : 1. Matt Cox; 2. Sam Yarbrough; 3. Connor Jones; 4. Matthew Craig; 5. Zack Miracle; 6. Ryan Millington; 7. Carson Kvapil; 8. Mark Wertz; 9. Mason Diaz; 10. Kaden Honeycutt; (Note: Dale Earnhardt Jr – 18th)

 

 

source: NASCAR Media

Saturday, November 19, 2022

Multiple champions entered at Florence Motor Speedway

Multiple champions entered at Florence Motor Speedway

Live coverage of the South Carolina 400 at Florence starts at 7:30 p.m

Multiple champions entered at Florence Motor Speedway

 

The 30th running of the South Carolina 400 will take the green flag Saturday night at Florence Motor Speedway, and the entry list features more than 50 drivers who will be vying for a starting position in the event that continues the legendary history of the Myrtle Beach 400 at Myrtle Beach Speedway.

 

The entry list that will battle for a coveted starting position in Saturday’s event includes track and regional champions from up and down the East Coast, as well as a two-time Daytona 500 and NASCAR Xfinity Series champion.

 

RELATED: Everything to know about the South Carolina 400

 

Multiple rounds of qualifying will determine the 40-car starting field, with more than a dozen drivers expected to be sent home before the green flag even waves for the 200-lap late model stock car main event.

 

Below is a closer look at some of the racing champions on the entry list for Saturday’s South Carolina 400 and their accomplishments.

 

  • We’d be remiss if we didn’t start with the most well-known name on the entry list: Dale Earnhardt Jr. The two-time Daytona 500 winner and two-time NASCAR Xfinity Series champion is making a rare late model stock car start. Earnhardt won at Florence during his formative years racing late model stock cars, so there’s no reason why he can’t win at the track again.

PHOTOS: Dale Jr.’s throwback scheme for the SC 400

 

  • When identifying contenders for events like the South Carolina 400, one must consider the reigning track champion. That honor belongs to 16-year-old Kade Brown, who claimed his first Florence track championship this year in his first full season racing late model stock cars for AK Performance. He also won the 2022 NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series South Carolina state championship.
  • Typically a contender in a super late model, Matt Craig is set for a rare late model stock start in the South Carolina 400. Craig is a multi-time super late model champion with both the CARS Tour and Pro All Stars Series. In 2021, he won the legendary All American 400 at Tennessee’s Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway.
  • Brenden Queen has been turning heads for several seasons with his impressive performances at Langley Speedway in Hampton, Virginia, where he is the three-time and defending track champion in the late model stock division. A victory in the South Carolina 400 would be his first marquee victory in a major late model stock event.
  • The driver of the second JR Motorsports entry in the South Carolina 400 is Carson Kvapil, the son of 2003 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champion Travis Kvapil. The 19-year-old racer recently completed his first full season racing late model stock cars, claiming the CARS Late Model Stock Tour championship in the process.
  • You’ll be hard pressed to find a driver with more experience at tracks with worn out asphalt than Sam Yarbrough. A six-time track champion at Myrtle Beach Speedway, Yarbrough won the last race held at the historic South Carolina venue in 2020. He won the Myrtle Beach 400 in 2007 and will attempt to add the South Carolina 400 to his resume.
  • The 2022 season was a statement year for Landon Huffman, who ran the full schedule at Hickory Motor Speedway in pursuit of his first track championship. He accomplished his mission thanks to three victories, joining his father Robert Huffman as track champions at one of the Southeast’s most historic venues.
  • He doesn’t get behind the wheel of a race car as often as he used to, but Dexter Canipe Jr. can still be a contender if the cards fall his way. The son of 1997 NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series national champion Dexter Canipe, the younger Canipe made his mark at Hickory Motor Speedway when he captured the 2016 track championship.
  • Speaking of Hickory Motor Speedway, two-time track champion Ryan Millington is heading to Florence for the South Carolina 400. The 2017 and 2020 Hickory champion has been riding a wave of momentum recently after winning the Bobby Isaac Memorial, one of Hickory’s marquee late season events that honors the legacy of 1970 NASCAR Cup Series champion Bobby Isaac.
  • A familiar face at tracks across Virginia, Mark Wertz has been involved in the short-track racing scene for more than two decades. In that time he’s scored five track championships, with his most recent coming in 2020 at Langley Speedway in the modified division.
  • Race fans may recognize Jason Kitzmiller as an occasional competitor in the ARCA Menards Series, but when he’s not competing on a national stage, he’s racing with the Super Cup Stock Car Series. This year he won six times en route to his first championship with the Super Cup Stock Car Series, momentum he hopes to carry into the South Carolina 400.
  • Better known by his nickname “Boo Boo,” Ross Dalton is one of the more accomplished drivers on the entry list. He’s scored track championships at a variety of venues around the Southeast, including Ace Speedway, Orange County Speedway and Caraway Speedway. This year alone he’s scored nine victories at eight different race tracks.
  • Blaise Brinkley makes the trek to Florence after competing regularly at Caraway Speedway in Sophia, North Carolina, the last few seasons. He captured the 2021 Caraway track championship and will look to add a South Carolina 400 trophy to his case.
  • A familiar name at nearby Anderson Motor Speedway, David Roberts joins the field for the South Carolina 400. Roberts is a multi-time late model stock car track champion at Anderson, something he hopes will give him an edge when the green flag waves at Florence.

Live coverage of the South Carolina 400 at Florence starts at 7:30 p.m. ET Saturday on FloRacing.

 

source: NASCAR Media

Thursday, November 17, 2022

Dale Earnhardt Jr Makes Sensational Claim Around #NASCAR System Losing ‘Prestige’

Dale Earnhardt Jr Makes Sensational Claim Around #NASCAR System Losing ‘Prestige’

Jr is Totally Against the Winner-Takes-All-Final Race

Dale Earnhardt Jr, driver of the #88 Hellmann’s Fridge Hunters Chevrolet, looks on during practice for the NASCAR Xfinity Series Call 811 Before You Dig 250 powered by Call 811.com at Martinsville Speedway on April 07, 2022 in Martinsville, Virginia. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

 

NASCAR’s scoring system has undergone a multitude of changes since the sport was introduced in 1948. In the current format, Playoffs are held in the latter part of the season that decides entries to the final race of the season, called the Championship 4 race. But this format has not found too many fans, especially Dale Earnhardt Jr.

 

 

Dale Earnhardt Jr sat down for the final podcast of the season with Brian France. France has served as the NASCAR CEO earlier. They spoke about the current format.

 

Dale said, “But the only thing I’ve kinda struggled with how expanded the playoff feeled. And it’s happened at the Clash as well. Like the eligibility for getting into the Clash changed the identity of the race. When the chase was 10 drivers, it was like damn it’s hard, it’s hard to get into. It’s 16 now. That’s half the field of the guys that run every single week.”

 

“We’ve seen other Series, other sports, expand their playoff fields as well. Because the more people you have involved in the playoff, the more entities that are plugged in and interested, sponsors that are part of it. I feel like that was kind of the push for the Clash. You had partners coming in and going ‘why aren’t we in this race? Why can’t we be in this race?’,” he said.

 

: Dale Earnhardt Jr., driver of the #88 Nationwide Chevrolet, stands in the garage during practice for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Crown Royal Presents the Jeff Kyle 400 at the Brickyard at Indianapolis Motorspeedway on July 24, 2015 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/NASCAR via Getty Images)

 

But he reasoned, “So I understand the pressure there. I never loved the fact that the chase field grew because I felt like it really made it difficult to get into, and something about it being that difficult when it was limited to being 10 or 12. Something about it being harder made it prestigious or powerful.”

 

Dale Jr pointed out a very valid point. The fact that it was so difficult to make it through was what made it so precious to drivers. It was like “squeezing water from a stone”. But the expanded playoff system has changed that altogether, which in some ways diminishes the worth of it all.

 

Dale Earnhardt Jr is Totally Against the Winner-Takes-All-Final Race

Dale Jr isn’t the first to criticize the Playoffs system of NASCAR. Denny Hamlin has too expressed his dissatisfaction with the format in depth, explaining what possible changes can be brought in.

 

Dale Jr also picks out his problems with the final race being the deciding factor for the Cup.

 

He said, “The other thing I’ve struggled with – if we like the three-race round. It’s compelling, it could be argued that it’s relatively fair, everybody’s got the same opportunity. It’s 3 races, you can kinda dig yourself out of a hole.”

 

Ross Chastain, driver of the #1 Moose Fraternity Chevrolet, rides the wall on the final lap of the NASCAR Cup Series Xfinity 500 at Martinsville Speedway on October 30, 2022 in Martinsville, Virginia. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

 

He then explained, “But I’ve always kinda struggled with the final race being all or nothing. The reason why I struggle with that because the venue may suit a team or driver. Obviously, you would never consider running it on a road course or a superspeedway because that certainly suits some drivers more than others and you try to have it a neutral facility if you will.”

 

“But I always had a hard time with saying, ‘okay it’ll all boil down to this one day where you gotta get it right and if you don’t you’re not a champion this year.’ Even though you’ve really got this amazing body of work.”

 

“You could still have that guy that wins one race be the champion and the guy that won 6 not even make the final round. So I wish we could figure out a way to make that Championship moment not an all-or-nothing 3-hour affair,” said Dale Jr

 

For those against the current format, this part too has been an issue for long. They believe that making the final race a decider takes away from someone who might have consistently performed all season, and rewards one single race-based performance.

 





 

Monday, November 14, 2022

Petty GMS and Jimmie Johnson Enter Ownership Agreement

Petty GMS and Jimmie Johnson Enter Ownership Agreement

Seven-Time NASCAR Cup Series Champion, Johnson to compete in Limited NASCAR Cup Series Schedule in 2023

Petty GMS and Jimmie Johnson Enter Ownership Agreement

 

Petty GMS Owner Maury Gallagher and Chairman Richard Petty, announced today the team has entered into an ownership agreement with seven-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion Jimmie Johnson.  Additionally, Johnson will compete in a select number of NASCAR Cup Series events in 2023, to include the running of the 65th annual DAYTONA 500.

 

“I couldn’t be happier to have Jimmie Johnson joining Petty GMS,” stated Gallagher “We have been consistent since we began our Cup effort last year in wanting to be up front and have a winning program. No one in the modern era of NASCAR has won more than Jimmie. Having a driver, the caliber of Jimmie, driving our equipment and being able to provide feedback to our crew chiefs and engineers but most importantly, mentoring Erik and Noah will be invaluable. Perhaps most important of all, Jimmie will be a great partner. I know I speak for all the Petty GMS team members, including Richard Petty,  in welcoming Jimmie to the team. No one else will be able to say they have two seven-time Cup champions on their team. We are looking to make a strong statement next year and show that we are here to contend for wins and championships. I can’t wait to see what we can achieve together.”

 

Richard Petty & Jimmie Johnson - #NASCAR A Good Day

 

Petty GMS was formed in December 2021 when Gallagher, a two-time NASCAR Truck Series Championship team owner, purchased Richard Petty Motorsports. Petty, “The King”, a seven-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion, Inaugural NASCAR Hall of Fame Class member, and the all-time winningest driver in NASCAR history, will continue with the team his family started in 1949. Mike Beam, who began his career with Petty Enterprises as crew chief for Kyle Petty in the early 1980s, will remain in his role as team President.

 

“What an exciting time for Petty GMS,” said Petty. “This year we’ve accomplished so much together with Maury and now adding Jimmie will only continue to help us grow. To have Jimmie - another seven-time champion – as a part of the team, and his abilities both on track and off will be special for Petty GMS. I’m looking forward to having him as a part of our team and seeing what we can build together."




"It’s great to be back in NASCAR,” stated Johnson. "When the INDYCAR season ended I started on this journey of what was next. Maury and I connected, this opportunity came to light and it’s the perfect fit for me. Team ownership makes so much sense at this stage of my career and after spending time with Maury and his family, talking with Mike (Beam), Dave (Elenz, crew chief of the No. 43) and Joey (Cohen, Director of Competition and Engineering), I realized this was something I wanted to be involved with from both the business perspective and on the competition side. If I’m going to commit to something like this, I want to make a difference and have something tangible to show for it when it’s all said and done. So, this opportunity with Petty GMS is all of that and much more.”

 

Johnson stepped away from full-time NASCAR Cup Series competition at the conclusion of the 2020 season after 686 starts with Hendrick Motorsports. He currently ranks sixth on the all-time Cup Series wins list with 83, tied with NASCAR Hall of Fame member Cale Yarborough. Johnson will join 26-year-old driver Erik Jones, who recently scored Petty GMS’ first Cup Series win for the organization in the prestigious Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway, and 24-year-old NASCAR Xfinity Series standout Noah Gragson,  who will contend for NASCAR Cup Series Rookie of Year in 2023.

 

“I’m fortunate that I had incredible mentors throughout my life, and I’ve always tried to pay that forward,” said Johnson. “My experience and energy will add value to a team with young drivers like Erik and Noah - I feel like I can be a good resource both on and off the track.”

 

The remainder of Johnson’s racing schedule, partnerships, paint scheme and car number will be revealed at a future date.



Petty GMS and Jimmie Johnson Enter Ownership Agreement

 

 

source: Petty GMS Media