Friday, August 30, 2024

Mustang Challenge to Feature NASCAR Driver Frankie Muniz

Mustang Challenge to Feature NASCAR Driver Frankie Muniz

COTA on August 31 -September. 1

Frankie Muniz takes to the track this weekend for round four of the @IMSA -sanctioned Mustang Challenge series at @COTA.

 

Ford Performance NASCAR Xfinity and Craftsman Truck Series driver Frankie Muniz will join the Mustang Challenge field for its fourth event at Circuit of The Americas.

 

Ford Performance's global racing program allows top drivers opportunities to race various Mustang models across elite competitions. In 2024, fans have seen drivers like Australian Supercars veteran Cam Waters and IMSA standout Joey Hand compete in single-event NASCAR Cup Series races. 

 

Now, NASCAR up-and-comer Muniz will pilot the Mustang Dark Horse R in the Mustang Challenge during the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) Lone Star Le Mans weekend at Circuit of The Americas on Aug. 31 -Sept. 1.

 

“I was a part of the Mustang Dark Horse R launch, and ever since, all I’ve wanted to do is race in the Mustang Challenge,” said Muniz. “To have a full field in its first races this year, you know it’s going to be so fun and competitive. I was thrilled when the opportunity came to drive the Dark Horse R at COTA. This is one of the few road courses where I’ve yet to compete, so I’m excited to experience a new course and series with the Dark Horse R.”

 

Muniz made his NASCAR racing debut with Ford in February 2023, reigniting his passion for motorsports at Daytona International Speedway. Since then, his unrelenting pursuit and ready racecraft have helped promote him through the ranks – from the ARCA Menards Series to sharing a seat in the Xfinity and Craftsman Truck Series this season.

 

While Muniz has transitioned into the world of NASCAR, his initial foray into racing was in the open-wheeled racing arena. Notably, he participated in the ChampCar Atlantic Championship from 2007-09.

 

“As a driver, you just want to get the most experience you can, in anything you can, and Ford Performance has afforded me that opportunity," Muniz said. "I’ve been on this NASCAR journey, but this is another incredible opportunity to race in a major series. I can see doing more races like these in the future.”

 

The Mustang Challenge, an IMSA-sanctioned single-make series featuring the Dark Horse R, will complete the weekend’s Mustang lineup, highlighted by the two-car Proton Competition Mustang GT3 customer program set to take on the six-hour WEC Lone Star Le Mans main event.

 

The multi-race event for the Mustang Challenge will be livestreamed on the Official Ford Performance YouTube channel, where Muniz will join John Hindhaugh in the broadcast booth as a commentator for Sunday’s Mustang Challenge race. For streaming details and for notifications, please visit https://www.youtube.com/@FordPerformance.

 

# # #

 About Ford Motor Company

 

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams.  The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for customers and deepen their loyalty.  Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and Lincoln luxury vehicles, along with connected services.  The company does that through three customer-centered business segments:  Ford Blue, engineering iconic gas-powered and hybrid vehicles; Ford Model e, inventing breakthrough electric vehicles along with embedded software that defines exceptional digital experiences for all customers; and Ford Pro, helping commercial customers transform and expand their businesses with vehicles and services tailored to their needs.  Additionally, Ford provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company.  Ford employs about 175,000 people worldwide.  More information about the company and its products and services is available at corporate.ford.com.

 

About Ford Performance

 

Ford Performance is based in Dearborn, Mich. It is responsible for Ford’s performance vehicle development and major racing operations globally, including NASCAR, IMSA, SRO British GT, FIA World Rally Championship, Supercars Championship, World of Outlaws, Ultra4, SCORE-International, FIA Rally-Raid, Formula Drift, NHRA, Rebelle Rally, Thailand Super Series and our latest commitment in Formula 1 with Red Bull Ford Powertrains. Ford Performance also maintains a constantly evolving fleet of electric performance demonstrators to showcase the limits of electrification technology. In addition, the organization also oversees the development of Ford's racing engines, as well as the outreach programs with all Ford Clubs and Ford enthusiasts. For more information regarding Ford racing's activities, please visit Performance.Ford.com or follow @FordPerformance on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, TikTok and YouTube.

 







 

source: Ford Performance Media 

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Thursday, August 29, 2024

Inspirational Sam Schmidt to Speak

Inspirational Sam Schmidt to Speak

Famous Madison Avenue Sports Car Driving and Chowder Society Luncheon

Inspirational Sam Schmidt to Speak

 

Sam Schmidt, winning INDYCAR team owner and the founder of Conquer Paralysis Now, will be the keynote speaker at the luncheon of the prestigious Madison Avenue Sports Car Driving and Chowder Society (MASCDCS) in New York City on Tuesday, September 3.

 

In his speech, Schmidt will recount his inspiring life story that’s seen the Las Vegas resident bounce back from a tragic accident that left him a quadriplegic and ended his racing career to become a successful team owner and celebrated advocate for spinal cord injury research, treatment and an eventual cure.

 

Schmidt earned his first win as an IndyCar driver at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in September 1999. Just four months later, he was involved in a crash during testing where he sustained a C-3 level spinal cord injury. Determined not to let the setback slow him down, Schmidt soon ventured into race team ownership and founded the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit and the forerunner of Conquer Paralysis Now CPN).

 

In the ensuing years, CPN has raised more than $40 million to fund spinal cord injury scientific research, medical treatment, rehabilitation and technological advances that lead toward a cure. In 2018, CPN opened its first DRIVEN NeuroRecovery Center in Las Vegas,  where individuals with disabilities can improve their physical, mental and emotional health, increase independence, and enhance their overall quality of life using a holistic approach to wellness.

 

All the while, Schmidt built what began as Sam Schmidt Motorsports into a winning mainstay in the NTT INDYCAR Series. Now known as the Arrow McLaren team of which Schmidt is part owner, the team has partnered with McLaren’s Formula 1 team since 2021. Arrow McLaren fields three full-time cars this year in the NTT INDYCAR Series for drivers Pato O’Ward, Alexander Rossi and Nolan Siegel. 

 

“I am honored that the Madison Avenue Sports Car Driving and Chowder Society asked me to speak at their luncheon,” Schmidt said. “It’s a renowned organization known nationwide for its dedication to the automobile experience and these entertaining lunches. I am humbled to join the list of legendary speakers.”

 

MASCDCS was founded in 1957 as a way for like-minded individuals to gather and share their passion for sports cars and automobile competition. Members and speakers over the years have included the likes of Walter Cronkite, Brock Yates, Edsel Ford, Bill France Sr., Janet Guthrie, Bobby Rahal, Danny Sullivan, David Hobbs, Sam Posey and many more.

 

Jim Donick, Chairman of the Madison Avenue Sports car Driving and Chowder Society, is eager to add Schmidt to the impressive list of speakers.

 

“Sam is an inspiration, not just to motoring enthusiasts like the Chowder Society, but to the broader society,” Donick said. “His story is moving and we are happy to be able to share it to a wider audience.”

 

Sam Schmidt is a resident of the Las Vegas area. He was an IndyCar driver before suffering an injury in practice in January 2000 in which he sustained a C-3/4/5 spinal cord injury that left him a quadriplegic.

 

About Sam Schmidt

Sam Schmidt is a resident of the Las Vegas area. He was an IndyCar driver before suffering an injury in practice in January 2000 in which he sustained a C-3/4/5 spinal cord injury that left him a quadriplegic. He created the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation (SSPF) that year to raise funds for medical research, innovative equipment used for rehabilitation, and quality-of-life issues. In 2014, the foundation was rebranded as Conquer Paralysis Now with a mission to cure paralysis while assisting those who are already disabled. Today, besides chairing Conquer Paralysis Now, Sam is a highly successful businessperson and INDYCAR team co-owner with Arrow McLaren Racing.

 






Conquer Paralysis Now

 

About Conquer Paralysis Now

Conquer Paralysis Now is a 501c3 nonprofit devoted to furthering advancements in spinal cord injury research and treatment. In 2018, CPN created a program called DRIVEN NeuroRecovery Center to fill the gap for services for people with spinal cord injuries and other neurological conditions which affect mobility. For more information, visit the CPN website at Conquer Paralysis Now. 

 

About DRIVEN

DRIVEN is a multidisciplinary center located at 701 E. Bridger Ave., Suite 150, Las Vegas, where individuals with disabilities can improve their physical, mental and emotional health, increase independence, and enhance their overall quality of life using a holistic approach to wellness. A second location will open in September 2024 at 1300 E. 96th Street, Indianapolis. DRIVEN provides options for individuals with disabilities to pursue a healthy, active lifestyle. While offering a variety of new opportunities, DRIVEN also coordinates with existing programs in the area that cater to this population to ensure that all of their needs are met. For more information, visit the DRIVEN website at www.drivenlv.org. 

 

 

source: News Release
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Monday, August 26, 2024

NASCAR / ARCA Race Weekend Recap (DAYTONA / Milwaukee)

#NASCAR / #ARCA Race Weekend Recap (DAYTONA / Milwaukee)

Winners: Harrison Burton (Cup); Ryan Truex (Xfinity); Layne Riggs (Trucks) plus William Sawalich (ARCA)


NASCAR Cup

Harrison Burton Lands First Cup Series Win at Daytona, Secures 100th for Wood Brothers

No. 21 Wood Brothers Racing Crew Celebrates th
 Milestone 100th Victory for the Organization.

 

In one of the most dramatic races of the season, 23-year-old second-generation driver Harrison Burton made a last-lap pass on two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch in overtime at Daytona International Speedway to earn his first career NASCAR Cup Series win and deliver his legendary Wood Brothers Racing team its historic 100th victory.

 

Big wrecks, amazing passes, and ultimately one of the most memorable and popular victories of the year characterized a busy Coke Zero Sugar 400 on the Daytona high banks that had tremendous effect on the NASCAR Playoff outlook, now with only a single race left to decide which 16 drivers will advance to championship contention.

 

“I cried the whole victory lap,” Burton said. “I obviously got fired from this job and wanted to do everything for the Wood Brothers I could, they’ve given me an amazing opportunity in life and to give them the 100th [win] on my way out is amazing. We’re in the playoffs now. Let’s go to Darlington and see what happens.”

 





Pole: Michael McDowell

Click Here for Race Results


Next Race: The Cup Series will return on Sunday, September. 1, 2024 at 6:00 PM ET for the Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway.


NASCAR Xfinity

Ryan Truex takes Xfinity Series win at Daytona

“Oh my gosh, thanks to these fans, it’s so amazing to race here,” said Truex,

 

Ryan Truex claimed his second NASCAR Xfinity Series win of the season — the third of his career — leading the field to the yellow and checkered flags on the final lap of overtime in Saturday night’s Wawa 250 Powered by Coca-Cola at Daytona International Speedway.

 

With very limited green-flag runs and the pace interrupted all night with incidents, ultimately it was an accident among the front-running cars that ended the overtime period with Truex out front as he was so frequently through the night.

 

Truex, 32, the younger brother of Cup Series champion Martin Truex Jr., crossed the line just ahead of his Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Chandler Smith in the No. 81 JGR Toyota. Kligerman finished in third place. Stewart-Haas Racing’s Riley Herbst and RSS Racing’s Ryan Sieg rounded out the top five.

 

“Oh my gosh, thanks to these fans, it’s so amazing to race here,” said Truex, who is racing part-time this season but now has two wins in eight starts this season.

 

“Just thanks to these guys,” Truex, driver of the No. 20 JGR Toyota, said of his team. “I don’t get to race that often and I don’t know what I’m going to do next year. It’s all a work in progress. Just a great car [tonight].”

 





Pole: Chandler Smith

Click Here for Race Results


Next Race: The Xfinity Series will return on Saturday August 31, 2024 at 3:30 pm ET for the Sport Clips Haircuts VFW Help A Hero 200 at Darlington Raceway.


NASCAR Trucks

Layne Riggs Spoils Truck Playoffs Opener at Milwaukee, Claims First Career Win

Layne Riggs Claims First Career Win

 

For the second straight day, a second-generation rising NASCAR star earned his first-career win. This time, it was 22-year-old Layne Riggs claiming the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series victory in Sunday‘s playoff-opening LiUNAI 175! at the historic Milwaukee Mile.

 

Riggs, son of former NASCAR competitor Scott Riggs, took the lead from Ty Majeski with 53 laps remaining and pulled away to a solid 1.547-second victory over the Wisconsin native and a super motivated group of playoff drivers, making the rookie driver’s effort all the more impressive.

 

“I don‘t even know how to describe it,” said an emotional Riggs, making only his 23rd start in the series, saying he knew in practice his truck was going to be in contention. “It‘s awesome.

 

“We‘ve had a terrible year. It‘s been an awful year, but I‘ve learned so much though in my rookie season. After the start, I thought there‘s no way we‘re going to get a win, we‘ll do the best we can and just learn for next year. But I knew in practice this thing [today] was awesome.”

 





Pole: Ty Majeski

Click Here for Race Results


Next Race: The Truck Series will return on Thursday September 19, 2024 at 8:00 pm ET for the UNOH 200 presented by Ohio Logistics at Bristol Motor Speedway.


ARCA

William Sawalich Cruises at the Milwaukee Mile for Fourth Victory in Five Races

William Sawalich - at the Milwaukee Mile for fourth Victory in Five Races

 

Entering Sunday’s Sprecher 150 at the Milwaukee Mile, William Sawalich had lost every head-to-head matchup with Connor Zilisch in the ARCA Menards Series this year.

 

Sawalich made sure to change the status quo with a dominant performance that has become a theme for him and Joe Gibbs Racing over the past two months.

 

No one could match the pace displayed by William Sawalich as he cruised to his seventh ARCA Menards Series victory of 2024 and his ninth overall on the platform this year. The young prospect has grown use to perfect outings this year, but emphasized the importance of the strenuous work displayed by everyone in the shop.

 

“We put in a lot of work to be good at places like this,” Sawalich said. “We’ve been good here in the past and had a really good Toyota Camry today, so I can’t thank my guys enough. I think we led everything but one lap maybe, so I’m really proud to do that. I love this team.

 





Pole: William Sawalich

Click Here for Race Results


Next Race: The ARCA Series will return on Sunday, September. 1, 2024 at 7:44 p.m ET for the Southern Illinois 100 at DuQuoin State Fairgrounds.

 

source: NASCAR  / ARCA  Media
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Friday, August 23, 2024

HSR NASCAR Classic

HSR NASCAR Classic

Presented by Petty’s Garage Series Debuts This Weekend at VIRginia International Raceway

  • - Past and Present Stock Car and Road Racing Driving Stars and the Nation's Top Historic Stock Car Drivers Compete in Saturday's Debut Doubleheader Driving Pristinely Restored Historic and Vintage NASCAR Stock Cars
  • - Stock Car Racing Legend and Hall of Famer Richard Petty Scheduled to Visit VIR Friday Afternoon at the Petty's Garage Hauler Area in the Main VIR Paddock
  • - Additional 2024 Events Include Watkins Glen International for the HSR NASCAR Classic at the NASCAR Go Bowling at the Glen, September 13 - 14, and the HSR NASCAR Classic at the NASCAR Bank of America ROVAL 400 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, October 11 – 12

The HSR NASCAR Classic presented by Petty’s Garage racing series debuts this weekend at VIRginia International Raceway with the HSR NASCAR Classic at the IMSA Michelin GT Challenge at VIR on Friday and Saturday. Today's opening practice and qualifying sessions set the stage for Saturday's doubleheader schedule of races at 8:50 a.m. and 5:20 p.m. EDT.

 

Open to stock cars that have been retired from active competition, the introduction of the HSR NASCAR Classic presented by Petty’s Garage is a direct response to the increasing popularity of HSR's Group 8 Historic Stock Cars category with competitors and race fans alike. The entry list for this weekend's inaugural event has attracted a pristine collection of Historic Stock Cars from the last two decades as well as some earlier examples both in competition and on display at VIR.

 

Past and present stock car and sports car racing notables such as Joe Nemechek, Mike Skeen and PJ Hyett compete this weekend alongside a lineup of top Historic Stock Car and road racing drivers including Ryan Gemmell, Larry Hoopaugh, Jeff McKee, Greg Richardson, Mike Slutz, Donnie Strickland, Rodney Reston, Chris Evans, Carlus Gann, Patrick Womack and Raymond Webb.

 

Even better, legendary NASCAR Champion and Hall of Famer Richard Petty adds to the stout list of notables turning out for the inaugural NASCAR Classic event. "The King" is scheduled to arrive at VIR Friday afternoon to join his teammates at the Petty's Garage hauler area in the main VIR paddock.

 

The Petty’s Garage presenting sponsorship is supported by a full presence in the VIR paddock and the team's recently built and original 2006 Petty Enterprises Dodge Charger carrying the colorful Victory Junction paint scheme and No. 45. Skeen drives the Charger this weekend, which was last raced in its prime by Kyle Petty.

 

The Petty's Garage NASCAR Classic partnership comes at a more than appropriate time as the legendary racing family marks its 75th Anniversary in 2024. The NASCAR Classic partnership adds an on-track competition component to the Petty Family Diamond Jubilee that has been celebrated all year.

 

Eligible NASCAR Classic stock cars include those built to previous NASCAR rule book specifications for Cup, Xfinity, Truck and ARCA competition. Current editions of the rules-eligible cars in each series, such as the Cup series Generation 7 chassis, are not eligible in NASCAR Classic competition.

 

The VIR HSR NASCAR Classic is the first time HSR has been part of an IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship race weekend. Spectator tickets for this weekend's races are available at https://virnow.com.

 

 

In addition to this weekend's inaugural #NASCAR Classic race, HSR Historic Stock Cars return to Watkins Glen for the second-straight year on NASCAR weekend, September 13 – 14, for the HSR NASCAR Classic at the Go Bowling at the Glen.

 

The other addition to the new series is the HSR NASCAR Classic at the NASCAR Bank of America ROVAL 400, October 11 – 12, which is HSR's first appearance at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

 

For more information on the HSR NASCAR Classic presented by Petty’s Garage, and HSR overall, please visit https://www.hsrrace.com.

 

source: Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) Media 

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