This NASCAR Weekend has many New Opportunities for Fans

The 7th annual Pennzoil 400 presented by Jiffy Lube weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway

 

The 7th annual Pennzoil 400 Presented by Jiffy Lube NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway (LVMS) is set to be a fan favorite in 2024. This year’s race weekend provides many exciting opportunities for fans, at and away from track, to meet drivers, get an up-close look at a variety of cool cars, and enjoy a first-class NASCAR race weekend tripleheader.

 

The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race takes place Friday night, March 1st at 6:00 pm PST, followed by the NASCAR XFINITY Series race on Saturday, March 2nd at 2:00 pm PST. NASCAR Cup Series drivers will start their engines for the Pennzoil 400 on Sunday, March 3rd at 12:30 PM PST, and the race will be broadcast live on FOX.

 

"The Pennzoil 400 Presented by Jiffy Lube at Las Vegas Motor Speedway is more than just a race; it's an opportunity for us to share the love of racing and heart-pounding roar of engines with NASCAR fans," shared Bree Sandlin, Vice President of Shell Lubricants North America Marketing. “It gives us the chance to continue to showcase the high-performance of our products on the track, while also celebrating the impressive cars, drivers, and those working behind the scenes motorsports industry to bring fans together to experience the rumble at tracks throughout the country at 180 mph.”

 

Fans will be able to meet drivers at select locations prior to the race and will have the ability to meet influencers and check out a variety of unique cars during the race weekend in the Las Vegas Motor Speedway midway as they enter the track at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway Fan Zone Presented by Pennzoil including:

 

• Vehicles on Display:
• The #22 Pennzoil Ford Mustang NASCAR Cup Car, RTR Formula Drift Ford Mustang, Alex Taylor’s Rebelle Rally Jeep Wrangler 4XE, Shelby Hall’s Ford Bronco, and the Pennzoil Ferrari from Dream Racing can all be seen at the LVMS Fan Zone over the race weekend
• Driver Meet & Greets in the Las Vegas Area:
• Meet NASCAR Cup Series Champion Ryan Blaney and INDYCAR driver Scott McLaughlin at the Jiffy Lube on 10440 S. Eastern Ave, Henderson, NV 89052 on Friday, March 1st at 9:00 am PST
• Influencer Meet & Greets at the LVMS Fan Zone:
• Austin Cindric, driver of the No. 2 Team Penske Ford Mustang will make an appearance at the LVMS Fan Zone at 9:30 am PST on Saturday, March 2nd
• Meet RTR Formula Drift drivers Vaughn Gittin Jr. and Loren Healy for Q&A on-stage Sunday, March 3rd at 10:00 am followed by an autograph session at 10:30 am
• Meet Rebelle Rally drivers/navigators on-stage for Q&A at 11:00 am Sunday, March 3rd

Couple of Pennzoil lads hanging out. Come by if you can! https://t.co/6kBwrAUPcB

— Scott McLaughlin (@smclaughlin93) February 29, 2024

Fans also can enter the Pennzoil 400 Social Sweepstakes that runs through Tuesday March 5th, 2024. Four grand prize winners will receive the Grand Prize Pennzoil Tailgate Kit while hundreds of winners can qualify for a number of other great prizes. *No Purchase Necessary. Ends 3/5/24. Void Where Prohibited. Terms Apply. See pennzoil.com for full details.

 

Over the race weekend members of The Rebelle Rally, the first women’s off-road navigation rally raid in the United States, will be present for a special announcement by Pennzoil. Alex and Meg Taylor and their Jeep Wrangler 4XE as well as Rori Lewis and Shelby Hall and their Ford Bronco will be present at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway Fan Zone Presented by Pennzoil throughout the weekend, where fans will have an opportunity to meet the drivers and see their vehicles up close.

 

Both Joey Logano, driver of the No. 22 Ford Mustang for Team Penske as well as his teammate and reigning NASCAR Cup Series Champion, Ryan Blaney,  driver of the No. 12 Ford Mustang, will be carrying exclusive Pennzoil paint schemes on their cars. Logano has found the scheme especially lucky in winning the Pennzoil 400 twice in that livery (2019 & 2020) and the fall event at LVMS in 2022 that springboarded him to his second Cup championship.

 

Since 1913, Pennzoil has crafted innovative formulas to help prolong engine life and promote top performance, much of which can be attributed to technical partnerships like those with Team Penske. Pennzoil engineers work closely with Team Penske to develop special motor oil formulations to maximize engine protection and engine performance. Constant improvement developed throughout the season, in the harshest racing conditions, contributes to the advancement of the brand’s technology for your car.

 

“Jiffy Lube is proud to team up with Pennzoil for the seventh year to bring this action-packed NASCAR Cup Series event to race fans,” said Suzanne Clerkin, Chief Marketing Officer, Jiffy Lube International, Inc. “The Pennzoil 400 Presented by Jiffy Lube is a great opportunity to bring two leading iconic automotive brands together both on and off the track to help keep drivers on the road.”

 

At the end of 2022, leaders from Pennzoil and Speedway Motorsports Incorporated, owner and operator of the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, announced a long-term continuation of the Pennzoil 400 Presented by Jiffy Lube NCS race at LVMS, a testament to how synonymous Pennzoil has become with the spring NASCAR weekend. The relationship with SMI provides Pennzoil the opportunity to build long-lasting relationships within the motorsports industry, with customers, and with some of the most loyal fans in all of sports – NASCAR fans.

 

“This will be the seventh year of our partnership with Pennzoil and Jiffy Lube,” said LVMS President Chris Powell. “Pennzoil’s relationship with all forms of motorsports is tops in the racing industry, and we’re looking forward to many more years with the Pennzoil name on our spring NASCAR race.”

 

 

 

source: Las Vegas Motor Speedway Media

Las Vegas Raider A.J. Cole Named Grand Marshal

#NASCAR’s Pennzoil 400

 

Sunday’s Pennzoil 400 Presented by Jiffy Lube will kick off in style as Las Vegas Raiders’ two-time All-Pro punter A.J. Cole has been named grand marshal for the 27th annual event. The three-time Pro Bowler will deliver the command to start engines before a massive crowd at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

 

“This is going to be a thrill of a lifetime to get to do this,” Cole said. “I know it’s pretty special to be the person chosen to do this, so I promise I will make it memorable. On top of that, I’m looking forward to spending the day taking in all of the excitement of a NASCAR event.”

 

Since joining the Raiders organization in 2019, Cole has been named to the All-Pro First-Team twice and selected for the Pro Bowl three times. For the 2023-2024 season, Cole led the NFL in net punting average and had the most punts stopped inside the 20. Cole was the Raiders nominee for the 2022 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, recognizing outstanding excellence on and off the field through exceptional community service.

 

The Raider has achieved several records, notably setting the NFL record with an average of 63.6 yards per punt in a game against the New York Giants, totaling 318 yards. Additionally, he holds the franchise record for the longest punt at 83 yards.

 

Cole will join a list of distinguished guests who have also delivered the command at LVMS including Vegas Golden Knights Adin Hill and William Carrier, Legendary car builder Carroll Shelby, actor Mark Wahlberg, comedian Tim Allen, former Raiders Marcus Allen and Derek Carr, actor Cole Hauser, socialite Kim Kardashian, country music group Rascal Flatts, noted broadcaster Brent Musburger and UFC President Dana White.

 

Ready to bring the hype, @AJCole90? The Las Vegas @Raiders will deliver the most famous words in motorsports for the #Pennzoil400 on Sunday!

📰: https://t.co/peAvf62Zdu pic.twitter.com/TDnC3JvP8J

— Las Vegas Motor Speedway (@LVMotorSpeedway) February 28, 2024

 

source: Las Vegas Motor Speedway Media

West Coast Stock Car/Motorsports Hall of Fame names its Class of 2024

Cobb, Holmes, Johnson, Vasser, Wells Set for Induction in June

Calvin (Cal) Wells III

Dick Cobb

Eric Holmes

Jimmie Johnson

Jimmy Vasser

 

Jimmie Johnson, the seven-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion and co-owner of Legacy Motor Club, is among this year’s five inductees into the West Coast Stock Car/Motorsports Hall of Fame.

 

The El Cajon, Calif. competitor, winner of 83 NASCAR Cup Series events in 16 consecutive seasons and recent inductee into the NASCAR Hall of Fame, will be joined for enshrinement by the late Dick Cobb, Las Vegas, Nev., winner of eight track championships over a 45-year racing career in Nevada and California; Eric Holmes, Escalon, Calif., winner of three NASCAR West (now ARCA Menards Series West) titles; Jimmy Vasser, Canoga Park, Calif., 10-time Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) winner, Indianapolis 500 co-owner champion and 2023 IMSA GTD championship co-owner; and Calvin (Cal) Wells III, NASCAR Cup Series race winning team owner, Off-Road Hall of Fame inductee and current chief executive officer of Legacy Motor Club.

 

The Class of 2024 – the hall’s 21st – will be enshrined Thursday, June 6, during the West Coast Stock Car/Motorsports Hall of Fame’s induction gala, presented by World Wide Technology Raceway, at Sonoma Raceway’s Turn 11 Club VIP/Hospitality complex encircling the road course’s iconic Turn 11.

 

“Our Class of 2024 is second to none in diversity of competition,” said Ken Clapp, Chairman and CEO of the West Coast Stock Car Hall of Fame. “Jimmie Johnson, Eric Holmes and Dick Cobb mastered three different levels of NASCAR competition. Jimmy Vasser, a Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) champion and Cal Wells, an off-road racing Hall of Famer and team executive add two more racing disciplines to this year’s Class.

 

“We will be announcing our five Heritage inductees in a few weeks – selectees representing additional forms of competition.

 

“I am most excited about the West Coast Stock Car/Motorsports Hall of Fame’s Pioneers of Speed initiative, providing us with the opportunity to honor those whose careers began and often ended before World War II. Many 21st Century fans may not recognize the names and achievements of these distinguished and courageous figures. All, however, deserve to be honored and remembered through our organization.

 

“We will be announcing the first 10 honorees later this spring.”

 

The event opens a packed weekend of racing at Sonoma Raceway, which includes the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR/ARCA Menards Series West and the NASCAR Xfinity Series.

 

The organization also will induct its seventh Heritage class, comprised of individuals whose careers largely ended prior to 1971. The 2024 Heritage inductees will be named in March. Also to be named is the West Coast Stock Car/Motorsports Hall of Fame’s Pioneers of Speed, whose careers preceded or spanned the World War II era.

 

Also featured will be the 4th Annual Kickin’ Doorz Down Philanthropist of the Year Award presented by 51FIFTY. This award recognizes an individual that has displayed a heart for giving back to others, through charitable giving or in-kind services to the industry. Previous honorees are Mike Curb, 2001 and the Sonoma Chapter of the Speedway Children’s Charity in 2022. Last year’s honorees are the foundations of 2023 West Coast Stock Car/Motorsports Hall of Fame inductees Kurt Busch and Kevin Harvick.

 

Televised highlights of the 2024 induction ceremonies will be broadcast later this summer; network, air dates and times to be announced.

 

 

source: West Coast Stock Car Hall of Fame Media

Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America Crosses Nine States on 2024 Ride

NASCAR’s Kyle Petty will lead 150 motorcycles more than 2,100 miles on a week-long trek from South Dakota to North Carolina, ending at Victory Junction to celebrate the camp’s 20th anniversary. 

 

Former NASCAR driver and racing analyst Kyle Petty is hitting the open road once again to lead the 28th Anniversary Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America – one of the most popular charity rides in the country. From May 4 – 10, 2024, Petty will lead 150 motorcycles across nine states on a seven-day trek, covering more than 2,100 miles in an effort to raise funds and awareness for Victory Junction – a camp dedicated to providing life-changing camping experiences for children with serious and chronic medical conditions.

 

Presented by Cox Automotive, the Ride will kick-off in Deadwood, South Dakota, on Saturday, May 4 and will end in Greensboro, North Carolina on Friday, May 10 with a celebratory homecoming at Victory Junction. Cox Automotive is the world’s largest automotive services and technology provider and is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises. The company’s brands include Autotrader, Kelley Blue Book and Manheim, which will host breakfast for the Ride at Manheim Indianapolis on Wednesday, May 8.

 

“Our team is beyond excited to host Kyle and the riders at Manheim Indianapolis for breakfast during their 28th Anniversary route,” said Chuck Werner, general manager for the Louisville-Indianapolis Market Center. “It means so much for us to be included in this inspiring event and we look forward to helping the Ride send many deserving kids to Victory Junction.”

 

Petty has a jam-packed route planned for the 2024 Ride’s 250 participants, including 30 new riders. In fact, Petty has coined this adventure “The AmerICON Ride,” to pay homage to the iconic American attractions featured on this year’s Ride. Some of the highlights include visiting Mount Rushmore National Monument, stopping at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, exploring Churchill Downs – home of the Kentucky Derby, touring the legendary National Corvette Museum, visiting Bristol Motor Speedway, and so much more.

 

Spectators along the 2024 route are encouraged to attend one of the Ride’s seven overnight stops or daily pit stops to greet Petty and the riders, purchase memorabilia and make donations. 

 

28th Anniversary Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America Schedule:

• Day 1, Saturday, May 4 – Deadwood, South Dakota to North Platte, Nebraska
• Day 2, Sunday, May 5 – North Platte, Nebraska to Omaha, Nebraska
• Day 3, Monday, May 6 – Omaha, Nebraska to Bettendorf, Iowa
• Day 4, Tuesday, May 7 – Bettendorf, Iowa to Indianapolis, Indiana
• Day 5, Wednesday, May 8 – Indianapolis, Indiana to Bowling Green, Kentucky
• Day 6, Thursday, May 9 – Bowling Green, Kentucky to Bristol, Virginia
• Day 7, Friday, May 10 – Bristol, Virginia to Greensboro, North Carolina

 

“This year marks the 20th Anniversary of Victory Junction, so I immediately knew we had to bring the Ride back to camp to celebrate this incredible milestone. After all, the Ride has been there since Victory Junction’s inception, as a founding supporter in 2004, and has remained the largest cumulative donor,” said Petty. “From riding the Black Hills of South Dakota and crossing the mighty Mississippi River to visiting iconic American landmarks, we are going to experience some truly incredible places on this year’s Ride, but none more so than ending back ‘home’ at Victory Junction – where we can see so many deserving kids light up with happiness and experience the magic that lives at camp.”

 

Victory Junction has served as the Ride’s primary beneficiary since its establishment by Petty and his family in 2004 in honor of his late son, Adam. Since it first began in 1995, the Ride has raised more than $21 million for Victory Junction and other children’s charities. As a result, the Ride has helped Victory Junction mobilize resources to provide over 115,000 camp experiences for children of all levels of abilities who are living with complex medical conditions at no cost to their families.

News out today! @kylepetty will lead 150 motorcycles on a week-long trek from South Dakota to North Carolina. This year's Charity Ride celebrates Victory Junction's 20th anniversary! Follow along @KPCharityRide and https://t.co/TFccZmMdls pic.twitter.com/7oBaFkNjWO

— LEGACY MOTOR CLUB (@LEGACYMotorClub) February 27, 2024

Among the celebrities participating in the 2024 Ride are NASCAR Hall of Famers Richard Petty and Hershel McGriff; former NASCAR drivers Max Papis, David Ragan, Ken Schrader and Kenny Wallace; former NFL great and Heisman Trophy winner Herschel Walker; and TV personalities Rick Allen and Rutledge Wood.

 

The 2024 Ride is made possible by presenting sponsor Cox Automotive, as well as Coca-Cola, Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Dodge Law, Racing Electronics, WinCraft Racing, Petty Family Foundation, Headbands of Hope, Piedmont Moving Systems, Wiley X, Prevost, Blue Emu, Goody’s and Kelderman Manufacturing.

 

Keep up with Petty and the Ride on social media at the following accounts: 

• • Facebook:  
• www.facebook.com/kpcharityride 
• www.facebook.com/kylepetty45 
• • Instagram:  
• www.instagram.com/kpcharityride 
• www.instagram.com/kylepetty 
• • Twitter:  
• www.twitter.com/kpcharityride 
• www.twitter.com/kylepetty 

 

For more information about the Ride or to donate, please visit www.kylepettycharityride.com.

 

source: Kyle Petty Charity Ride Media

NASCAR Atlanta Motor Speedway Race Weekend Recap

Winners: Daniel Suárez (Cup); Austin Hill (Xfinity); Kyle Busch (Trucks)

 

NASCAR Cup

Daniel Suárez Slips by Blaney, Busch in Three-Wide Photo Finish for Atlanta Victory

 

It was a race of breathtaking four-wide action into corners not built to accommodate such derring-do.

 

And it was totally appropriate that Sunday‘s Ambetter Health 400 NASCAR Cup Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway ended in a three-wide photo finish, with Trackhouse Racing‘s Daniel Suárez eking out a victory over Ryan Blaney by what looked to be an inch or two at the finish line.

 

NASCAR timing and scoring showed Suárez ahead of Blaney by 0.003 seconds at the stripe, with Kyle Busch in third, 0.007 seconds behind the race winner. 

 

“It was so damn close, man,” said Suárez, still marveling that he was the winner. “It was so damn close. It was good racing. Ryan Blaney there, Kyle Busch, Austin Cindric also was doing a great job giving pushes. In the back straightaway, he didn’t push me because he knew I was going to (screw) his teammate, but, man, what a job.

 

“We wrecked (on) Lap 2. The guys did an amazing job fixing this car. I can’t thank everyone enough, Trackhouse Racing, Freeway Insurance, Chevrolet, all the amazing fans here. Let’s go!”

 

Stayed up all night thinking about this finish. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/0V3LS8U1dp

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) February 26, 2024

Pole: Michael McDowell

Click Here for Race Results

 

Next Race: The Cup Series will return on Sunday, March 3, 2024 at 3:30 pm ET for the Pennzoil 400 presented by Jiffy Lube at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. 

 

NASCAR Xfinity

Austin Hill Wins in Overtime

 

Jesse Love had the dominant car at Atlanta Saturday evening but it was his teammate Austin Hill who took the Xfinity Series win.

 

The race came down to an overtime restart after Ryan Sieg ran out of fuel on the apron of the track. The final stage had run under green flag conditions as the drivers wondered if they would have enough fuel to make it to the checkered flag.

 

Hill managed to save enough fuel earlier in the stage and he capitalized on the opportunity before him. He took the lead and led the final two laps. Hill won at Atlanta, his home track, for the third time in three seasons. 

 

“We came to the restart, I’m like sloshing it around,” Hill said about his fuel to Fox Sports after the race. “We go through the gears and when I went to shift from — I think it was third to fourth — I actually stumbled.

 

“(Chandler Smith) hit me really hard and that like woke (the car) back up and I just had enough fuel to complete the lap.”

 

Let’s gooo!! Back-to-back wins to start the season! 🏁🏁 pic.twitter.com/HuiBGzF8oL

— Austin Hill (@_AustinHill) February 25, 2024

Pole: Jesse Love

Click Here for Race Results

 

Next Race: The Xfinity Series will return on Saturday, March. 2, 2024 5:00 pm ET for the The LiUNA! at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. 

 

NASCAR Trucks

Kyle Busch Claims his 65th Career Truck Series Win at Atlanta

 

Driving the No. 7 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet in his first start of 2024, Kyle Busch inherited the lead from Grant Enfinger on Lap 129 of 135 and held off Ty Majeski and Corey Heim over the final five laps to win his seventh race at Atlanta Motor Speedway and the 65th of his career, extending his own series record.

 

Enfinger was out front for 21 consecutive laps before one of his tires began losing pressure, forcing him to the pits after Busch, Majeski, Heim, Taylor Gray and Nick Sanchez, last week’s winner at Daytona, sped past.

 

Busch crossed the finish line 0.187 seconds ahead of Majeski, who edged Heim for the runner-up position by 0.009 seconds. Gray and Sanchez came home fourth and fifth, respectively.

 

“I actually got a run on the 9 truck (Enfinger) down the backstretch,” Busch said of the pass for the win. “He must have been going flat down the backstretch and slowing down because it gave me – it sucked me up right to him. Then he got loose in the corner. I got loose in the corner. We all checked up trying not to crash.

 

“Thankfully, we didn’t. I thought that was a big moment. But then we got the lead right there, and after that, it was about trying to protect it. Majeski was a bit of a wing man today. Appreciate him – and the history we’ve had together growing up racing late models with him a lot in Wisconsin and around those parts.

 

“That was a lot of fun. Great to get Chevrolet to Victory Lane.”

NEWS: Inspection is complete at @ATLMotorSpdwy.@KyleBusch's 65th victory is official.

The No. 38 has been disqualified for violating rule 14.4.10.1.G - Windshield fasteners must remain tight and stationary for the entire event. pic.twitter.com/4W1JVVaeGp

— NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Trucks (@NASCAR_Trucks) February 24, 2024

Pole: Daniel Dye

Click Here for Race Results

 

Next Race: The Truck Series will return on Friday, March 1, 2024 - 8:00 PM ET for the Victoria's Voice Foundation 200 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway 

 

ARCA

Off Weekend

General Tire Pole Award at Daytona was what Willie and
Dinah Mullins needed at exactly the right time (#ARCA)

 

There was no ARCA activity this weekend.

 

The first @reeses Sweet Move of the Race of the season goes to @mullins_racing for this immaculate save at @DAYTONA. 😎 pic.twitter.com/MS5EitCvuq

— ARCA Menards Series (@ARCA_Racing) February 18, 2024

Next Race: The ARCA Series and ARCA Series West will return on Friday, March 8, 2024 at 6:00 PM ET. for the General Tire 150 at Phoenix Raceway. 

 

Superstar Racing Experience

2024 Races Cancelled

 

Just in case you missed it:

 

The made-for-TV summer motorsports series, the Superstar Racing Experience, or SRX, abruptly “postponed” its fourth season last month. The summer series, founded by racer Tony Stewart and former NASCAR crew chief Ray Evernham, announced that the series would not run the races it had planned in July and August, due to “market factors that have proven too much to overcome.” {Bummer}

 

Official Statement from SRX. pic.twitter.com/yyb2Ovh6RN

— Superstar Racing Experience (@SRXracing) January 11, 2024

 

source: NASCAR Media

Star Nursery Continues to Boost Local Racers

The Bullring presented by Star Nursery

 

Las Vegas-based Star Nursery Garden Center has been named championship points fund sponsor of the 2024 season of The Bullring at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, contributing $35,000 across eight divisions.

 

It’s like the night before Christmas! The Bullring presented by Star Nursery 2024 season kicks off tomorrow! Gates open 5, racing at 7 PM. Autograph session, giveaways, treats for the kids and lots of racing! Tickets are $10, kids free.

Schedule: https://t.co/JBrfV2POkf pic.twitter.com/1L6SQpOE6T

— Las Vegas Motor Speedway (@LVMotorSpeedway) February 24, 2024

Star Nursery began in 1983 and operates in Southern Nevada, Southern Utah, and Northern Arizona, with 16 garden center locations and nine decorative rock yards. Not only is Star Nursery the premier garden center for all your landscaping needs, but it is also very familiar with motorsports, especially at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

 

Star Nursery was the title sponsor of the NASCAR Featherlite Southwest Series race at The Bullring in 2001 and the sponsor for Las Vegas-born Kurt Busch during his NASCAR Southwest Tour Series championship season in 1999. Its owner, Craig Keough, a West Coast Stock Car Hall of Fame member since 2020, has remained active in local and regional motorsports.

 

"Star Nursery is happy to continue its support of grass roots racing at The Bullring at Las Vegas Motor Speedway." Said Craig Keough, owner of Star Nursery Garden Centers. "This marks our 30th year as a supporter committed to racing in Las Vegas and the Southwest."

 

The Bullring provides family racing entertainment throughout the race season on several weekends, plus the July 3 Night of Fire with Fireworks. Racing returns this Saturday at The Bullring for the season's first race, with gates opening at 5 p.m. and opening ceremonies starting at 6:45 p.m.

 

 

 

source: Las Vegas Motor Speedway Media

Derek Kraus to Make NASCAR Cup Series Debut with Kaulig Racing

Kraus to Compete in Limited Schedule in the No. 16 Camaro ZL1

 

Kaulig Racing announced today that Derek Kraus will make his NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) debut in the No. 16 Western States Flooring Camaro ZL1 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

 

Kraus, who made eight NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) starts for Kaulig Racing in 2023 and earned three top-10 finishes, will also compete in a limited NCS schedule in the team’s No. 16 Camaro ZL1.

 

“I’m really excited to make my first Cup Series start with Kaulig Racing, the team that I also made my Xfinity Series debut with!” said Kraus. “I’m thankful to Matt Kaulig and Chris Rice for believing in me, as well as Western States Flooring, a partner that has supported me throughout my career. I can’t wait to get to work with Travis Mack’s group and see what we can do in Las Vegas.”

 

Although he will make his first NCS start in Las Vegas, Kraus practiced and qualified the No. 16 Camaro ZL1 in 2023 at Richmond Raceway, while teammate, AJ Allmendinger, competed in the NXS race at Road America before flying to Richmond to compete in the NCS race that Sunday.

 

“We’re excited to have Derek Kraus make his first Cup start with us at Kaulig Racing,” said Chris Rice, president of Kaulig Racing. “Not only did he practice in the No. 16 last year for AJ Allmendinger, but Derek is our simulator driver that helps get our setups ready each week. We know what Derek is capable of, and we can’t wait to see what he can do starting in Las Vegas.”

 

Following his NCS debut at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Kraus will compete in the following races:

 

• Shriners Children’s 500 at Phoenix Raceway
• AdventHealth 400 at Kansas Speedway
• Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway
• Enjoy Illinois 300 at World Wide Technology Raceway
• NASCAR Cup Series Championship race at Phoenix Raceway

Really excited for this opportunity with @KauligRacing in a CUP car! Thanks to @C_Rice1, @MattKaulig, and Western states flooring for the chance to live my dream! https://t.co/xyjjik0DlT

— Derek Kraus (@derek9kraus) February 22, 2024

 

source: Kaulig Racing Media

Speediatrics Fun Day

Festival Powered by Kaulig Racing at DAYTONA

 

After a week of healthy and active curriculum, the kids of Food Brings Hope Community got to have a day of fun and games in the NASCAR Experience at Daytona International Speedway!

 

Kicked off the day with an inspiring private garage tour with the @MakeAWish amazing recipients. Then off to the @NASCAR Experience Kidzone, complete with autograph signings, meet and greets, & a stroll through the Motorsports Hall of Fame 🏁 #Daytona500 pic.twitter.com/banmJ3whOB

— Miss America (@MissAmerica) February 18, 2024

The kids were greeted with pompoms and cheer from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University's cheer team, with special appearances from Miss America (Madison Marsh), as well as ARCA driver Ed Pompa and Kaulig Racing drivers Daniel Dye, Daniel Hemric and Josh Williams.

 

Finally, with the help of our sponsors Brown & Brown Insurance, Jeep Beach, Kaulig Giving, Kaulig Racing and Ryan Blaney Family Foundation, the kids were presented with brand new bikes and bike helmets, and ‘The NASCAR Foundation’ was able to leave a $15,000 donation to Food Brings Hope Community!

 

The Speediatrics Fun Day Festival was one of our favorite Speed Week activities! Watch this video to see a recap of the community we brought together to help children in racing communities. pic.twitter.com/iafawps45s

— The NASCAR Foundation (@NASCAR_FDN) February 23, 2024

2024 Daytona Speediatrics Fun Day Festival

 

 

source: NASCAR Foundation Media

First Fans Arrive for Ambetter Health 400 Weekend

Fans Make a Lot of Their Own Fun in the Campgrounds

 

Sunny skies greeted campers as they arrived to setup their home away from home for the Ambetter Health 400 weekend.

 

It’s a sign of things to come as thousands of campers will fill campsites inside and around the speedway this week. All will enjoy more than 850 miles of NASCAR action this weekend that is forecasted to be accompanied by beautiful spring weather.

 

Fans make a lot of their own fun in the campgrounds during NASCAR weekend, but there’s a lot of great racing and entertainment on tap as well. It all starts Thursday with the Pedal Power Party bike ride around the track and Speedway Children’s Charities Laps for Charity track driving opportunity. Campers will also enjoy Friday night’s THOR Family of Companies Camper Appreciation Party - featuring free food, free beer, and special guest appearances – and the party in the Peach Pit Saturday night with live music, games, fireworks, and more.

 

All of this complements what is sure to be an action-packed weekend of racing across NASCAR’s three national touring series. The rising stars of the sport take center stage in Saturday’s NASCAR doubleheader in the Fr8 208 and RAPTOR King of Tough 250. NASCAR’s best hit the track for 400 miles of white-knuckle, high-speed competition in Sunday’s main event, the Ambetter Health 400.

 

Great ticket and camping options are still available for fans who want to experience NASCAR in Atlanta for themselves this weekend. Grandstand tickets start at $49 for Sunday and kids 12 and under are just $10. Plus AMS has created more opportunities to make the Ambetter Health 400 an unforgettable experience with memories that will last a lifetime. Pre-race track passes now include access to victory lane before the race and even a chance to see The King Richard Petty as the NASCAR world celebrates 75 years of the Petty family in racing, in addition to access to pit road, the Jon Langston pre-race concert, and driver introductions.

 

Affordable ticket add-ons are also available with exclusive opportunities for fans to interact with some of NASCAR’s biggest stars. Fans can add a Q&A with Georgia’s own Chase Elliott; a Ross Chastain package that includes a Q&A, Watermelon Man swag, and an autograph from Chastain; or get the VIP experience from Coca-Cola, which includes a pre-race track pass, access to Coca-Cola’s VIP hospitality in Turn 1 with complimentary food and beverages, a guided garage tour while supplies last, and an exclusive Q&A with Coca-Cola Racing Family driver Denny Hamlin.

 

Best of all, AMS has delivered an option for fans who want a garage pass on Sunday of race weekend with the Ultimate Fan Pass. This ticket upgrade includes a guided garage tour and a garage pass that lets fans stick around and experience the raceday atmosphere and explore the garage on their own. This upgrade also features an exclusive meet and greet with AMS Executive Vice President and General Manager Brandon Hutchison and an OGIO backpack.

 

In just a few days, this will be full of fans, free entertainment, driver appearances, and free carnival rides.

See all the Fan Zone fun here: https://t.co/t1ecyWPghE#Ambetter400 | #RAPTOR250 | #Fr8208 pic.twitter.com/tCk7dHRmNw

— Atlanta Motor Speedway (@ATLMotorSpdwy) February 21, 2024

 

source: Atlanta Motor Speedway Media

Atlanta Motor Speedway Schedule

#NASCAR Xfinity & Trucks on Saturday with Cup on Sunday

 

The stars of the NASCAR Cup Series descend on Atlanta Motor Speedway this Sunday for the Ambetter Health 400 Spring 2024 NASCAR Weekend!

 

Two great races, the ‘RAPTOR King of Tough 250’ Xfinity Series and ‘Fr8 208’ CRAFTSMAN Truck Series doubleheader will kick off the weekend on Saturday.

 

Let’s hope that Mother Nature is agreeable and leaves all that wet weather behind.

 

Atlanta Motor Speedway Schedule

Friday, February 23, 2024

• 11:00 a.m. NASCAR Cup Series Hauler Parade Presented by Raceway Ministries
• 2:00 p.m. Parking Lots Open
• 3:00 p.m. Gates Open
• 3:05 p.m. NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Qualifying
• 4:35 p.m. NASCAR Xfinity Series Qualifying
• 6:00 p.m. THOR Industries Camper Appreciation Party
• 7:00 p.m. Legends and Bandolero Racing (Gates Open FREE to the public)

Saturday, February 24, 2024

• 8:30 a.m. Parking Lots Open
• 9:00 a.m. Fan Zone Opens
• 10:30 a.m. NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Autograph Session
• 11:00 a.m. Gates Open
• 11:35 a.m. NASCAR Cup Series Qualifying
• 1:30 p.m. NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Driver Introductions
• 2:00 p.m. NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Race
• 135 Laps (30/60/135) / 207.9 Miles
• 4:40 p.m. NASCAR Xfinity Series Driver Introductions
• 5:00 p.m. RAPTOR King of Tough 250 NASCAR Xfinity Series Race
• 163 Laps (40/80/163) / 251.02 Miles
• 8:00 p.m. Peach Pit Party

Sunday, February 25, 2024

• 8:30 a.m. Parking Lots Open
• 8:30 a.m. Speedway Children's Charities VIP Hot Laps
• 9:00 a.m. Fan Zone Opens
• 11:00 a.m. Gates Open
• 11:30 a.m. NASCAR Cup Series Autograph Session
• 11:45 a.m. Pre-Race Track Pass Front Stretch Access Opens (View Map) https://www.atlantamotorspeedway.com/documents/2024_preracetrackpassaccessmap_v4.pdf
• 12:00 p.m. Trackside Live
• 1:15 p.m. Pre-Race Concert
• 2:20 p.m. NASCAR Cup Series Driver Red Carpet Walk
• 2:30 p.m. NASCAR Cup Series Driver Introductions
• 3:00 p.m. Ambetter Health 400 NASCAR Cup Series Race
• 260 Laps (60/160/260) / 400.4 Miles

Leave those jackets and sweaters at home. We've got nothing but good weather and sunshine planned for this weekend! 🌤️ ☀️

Get your tickets to a weekend of thrills now: https://t.co/OyhnPRPYkS #Ambetter400 | #RAPTOR250 | #Fr8208 pic.twitter.com/DgCL8pHASE

— Atlanta Motor Speedway (@ATLMotorSpdwy) February 21, 2024

 

source: Alanta Motor Speedway Media

William Byron wins 2024 DAYTONA 500

Hendrick Motorsports Finishes 1-2

 

William Byron was victorious in the 2024 DAYTONA 500 – 40 years to the day that Hendrick Motorsports made its first NASCAR Cup Series start in 1984.

 

Precious cargo 🏆 pic.twitter.com/3MJZrCLJtS

— William Byron (@WilliamByron) February 20, 2024

Byron took the white flag at Daytona International Speedway and seconds later two cars went spinning through the infield following contact. With the caution coming out, Byron earned his first DAYTONA 500 win and 11th victory in the Cup Series. The win vaults Hendrick Motorsports into a tie (with Petty Enterprises) for the most triumphs by a team in "The Great American Race" and the organization is the first to win the crown jewel event in five different decades.

 

"I am just so proud of this team - this whole No. 24 Axalta Chevy team," Byron said. "Winning on the 40th anniversary to the day (of Hendrick Motorsports’ first race). Extremely blessed and thankful for all the opportunities. We just want to keep it going. We have a lot to prove this year and this is a good start.

 

"The DAYTONA 500. It’s freaking awesome. Let’s go."

 

Hendrick Motorsports swept the top-two spots in "The Great American Race" for the fourth time in team history.https://t.co/uS9NZUIlnW

— Hendrick Motorsports (@TeamHendrick) February 20, 2024

Alex Bowman took second to give the Rick Hendrick-owned team a 1-2 finish in the DAYTONA 500. Kyle Larson placed 11th, while Chase Elliott finished 14th.

 

Three of the four Hendrick Motorsports cars escaped damage following a big wreck with eight laps to go. Larson suffered a flat tire in the incident but could continue. The Hendrick Motorsports trio of Byron, Bowman and Elliott restarted in the first three rows with Byron controlling the inside lane for the final restart on lap 197. Byron edged ahead of Ross Chastain with four laps to go and was holding off several hard chargers before the final caution came out after the white flag. The win is also the 26-year-old driver's second at Daytona as his first win came in the summer race in 2020.

 

 

"He was already a superstar," team vice chairman Jeff Gordon said of Byron. "He just went to another level of being a superstar.

 

"I wasn’t driving the car, but I feel like I was making every lap with him out there. It’s just crazy to watch these guys do what they do, do it so well and to watch them from this side of it. It makes me so happy, so proud. We’re going to celebrate. This is an amazing win, a huge win."

 

Byron's four laps led in the No. 24 Axalta Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 all came at the end of the race. Starting at the back of the field for moving to a backup car, he was the only Hendrick Motorsports driver to score stage points in the opening two stages as he finished fifth in stage one and sixth in stage two. In the final stage, Byron methodically worked through the draft to get into the top 10 after restarting the last segment in 21st. After pitting for fuel only with 19 laps to go, he rejoined the race in eighth and rode the middle lane to get into second with Bowman behind him before the caution for "The Big One" came out with eight laps to go.

 

"You just don’t know how these races are going to end and you have to try to put yourself in a great spot," Byron said. "I felt like our team did a great job all day just putting ourselves in position and it’s pretty incredible."

 

Bowman's second-place finish marks his best result in the DAYTONA 500 and is his second straight top-five finish at the 2.5-mile track. Starting the race in the seventh position, the 30-year-old driver noted he was a little free in the opening stage and was able to finish fourth. In stage two, Bowman placed 18th as the No. 48 Ally Racing team elected to protect their car for the final stage with the pack getting dicey. Bowman spent much of the final stage in the top 10, using the inside lane to his advantage to gain spots. After getting up to third for the final restart, Bowman chose the outside lane behind Chastain. He was unable to run down his teammate before the end of the race.

 

"Proud of William (Byron) and his team. They deserved it there at the end," Bowman said. "They did all the right things and I feel like we did too there at the end. Had to go up and block the top lane and that just hurt the middle for a bit. We got the middle back rolling and then they all started crashing.

 

"Proud of everybody on this No. 48 Ally Chevy team. Super pumped for everybody at Hendrick Motorsports. It’s 40 years to the day since the first Hendrick Motorsports race, so really cool to see William in victory lane."

 

 

 

source: Hendrick Motorsports Media