Great Race Weekend At Sonoma Raceway #badasswilson

Scott Dixon celebrates atop his car after winning the IndyCar Grand Prix of Sonoma
and IndyCar championship on Aug. 30, 2015, in Sonoma, Calif. (AP Photo)

NASCAR Race Mom had a great race weekend at Sonoma Raceway.

Just six days after driver, Justin Wilson, was killed after a freak crash at Pocono Raceway, the racing community and Sonoma Raceway embraced the Wilson Family with numerous tributes to its fallen hero.

“Thanks for everyone who has reached out with support and the amazing tributes everyone has been paying,” Stefan Wilson (Justin’s younger brother) expressed. “I’m very, very grateful to all of the support shown to Justin’s family. That was his No. 1 priority to take care of his daughters. That has become my priority as well. I expected a few T-shirt sales - not a few thousands. It’s been overwhelming the support everyone has shown for their future.”

Among those who are reaching out to support Wilson’s widow, Julia, and young daughters, Jane and Jessica, is American Honda and Honda Performance Development.

American Honda and HPD will contribute $50 per lap completed at Sonoma by each of the 13 Honda entries at this weekend’s race for a possible donation of just over $55,000 to the Wilson Children’s’ Fund.

INDYCAR paid tributes to Justin Wilson before the ‘Go Pro Grand Prix of Sonoma’ included a tribute video, special signage for the children’s fund, and sky writing pilots drawing No. 25 in the sky above Sonoma Raceway.

Not to be denied, Scott Dixon’s season finale win propelled him into the points lead for his fourth IndyCar championship. Juan Pablo Montoya, who had led the standings from the season-opener until the final lap of the year, suddenly found himself tied in the point standings. The tie and title went to Dixon based on number of wins: Sunday was Dixon's third of the season, while Montoya only had two!

Equally as exciting was the Formula Car Challenge’s returning to Sonoma Raceway after a year hiatus. This series took center stage at the Sonoma Raceway with its double race format featuring Pro Mazda (PFM), FormulaSPEED (FS2.0), and Formula Mazda (FM). Competitors from around the country convened at the Northern California facility to compete alongside the IndyCar Finale! 

Race 1 Results (August 28, 2015)

PFM

1. Hunter Pickett
2. Jaden Conwright
3. Cabot Bigham

FS2.0

1. Michael Avansino
2. Robin Shute
3. Cameron Parsons

FM

1. Joseph Burton-Harris
2. Tazio Ottis
3. Bill Weaver

Race 2 Results (August 29, 2015)

PFM

1. Cabot Bigham
2. Hunter Pickett
3. Jaden Conwright

FS2.0

1. Michael Avansino
2. Daniel Swanbeck
3. Cameron Parsons

FM

1. Joseph Burton-Harris
2. Tazio Ottis
3. Bill Weaver

The INDYCAR community has embraced the Wilson Family during this tragic time following the death of 37-year-old Justin.  Wilson earned seven IndyCar race wins in an American career that started in 2004.

NASCAR Race Mom was honored to be able to stop by and signed the Justin Wilson
flag on display in the IndyCar Fan Village. ‪#‎BadAssWilson‬ Rest In Peace

BMR Announces NAPA Filters Drivers Expo Powered By Toyota #nascar

Eleven talented young drivers with diverse racing backgrounds will participate in a first-ever NAPA Filters Drivers Expo powered by Toyota in Roseville, California on Thursday and Friday. 

The event – a driver combine and racing seminar packaged together – will be held at BMR’s facilities and at nearby All American Speedway, a challenging track where BMR has a winning record.

“We’re very excited about this opportunity to bring together such a great group of talented young drivers with such diverse racing backgrounds,” said BMR President Bill McAnally. “We have put together a great staff of veteran personnel to work with them as we run them through their paces for two days of on-track and off-track activities and provide some engaging classroom presentations.”

Drivers scheduled to participate include:

1. Amber Balcaen, 23, of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada;
2. Ariel Biggs, 20, of Hoquiam, Washington;
3. Eddie Cheever III, 22, of Rome;
4. Todd Gilliland, 15, of Sherrils Ford, North Carolina;
5. Brock Heger, 15, of El Centro, California;
6. Riley Herbst, 16, of Las Vegas;
7. Mariah McGriff, 20, Vail, Arizona;
8. Kyle Plott, 19, Marietta, Georgia;
9. Vanessa Robinson, 25, of Las Cruces, New Mexico;
10. Blaine Rocha, 17, of Oakdale, California;
11. Zane Smith, 16, of Mooresville, North Carolina.

“These drivers will have the opportunity to get behind the wheel of one of our NAPA Toyotas and see first-hand what it’s like to drive a NASCAR K&N Pro Series car,” McAnally said.

“All American Speedway is a tough track to master, with each end of the track being distinctly different. So, it will be a good opportunity to evaluate how each driver adapts to the challenge.”

The drivers will be paired with a coach from among a group of championship and race-winning veteran drivers and crew chiefs. On-track action is scheduled both afternoons.

In addition to turning laps, the drivers will also receive presentations on key points in the racing industry. Fox television analyst Larry McReynolds heads up the list of presenters, along with representatives from NASCAR, Toyota, and NAPA AUTO PARTS.

Sacramento area media will also be part of the event, as they conduct one-on-one interviews at the track with the drivers on Thursday afternoon and participate in a press conference with the drivers at BMR that evening.

Activities continue on Friday, with presentations at BMR in the morning and on-track activities that afternoon. 

Team Release

Bill McAnally Racing (BMR) was founded in 1986 and is owned by former NASCAR K & N Pro Series West driver, Bill McAnally, with one vision; winning races and championships. 

BMR is dedicated to finding talented people and placing them to make the racing machine roll. BMR serves as a marketing tool for their race partners to increase sales and brand recognition. 

A Statement from the family of Justin Wilson

With deep sadness, the parents of Justin Wilson, Keith and Lynne, his wife Julia, and his brother Stefan share the news that Justin passed away today after succumbing to injuries suffered during the Verizon IndyCar event at Pocono Raceway on Sunday, August 23.

Justin was a loving father and devoted husband, as well as a highly competitive racing driver who was respected by his peers.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Lehigh Valley Health Network Cedar Crest Hospital, Pocono Raceway, Andretti Autosport, and the Verizon IndyCar Series as well as the entire racing community for the amazing outpouring of support from fans around the world.

The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Wilson Children’s Fund care of INDYCAR.

Wilson Children’s Fund
C/O INDYCAR
4551 West 16th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46222

Source

Tweets:

I often told him, I just want to grow up to be half the man he is, as that will make me a pretty good man. pic.twitter.com/Q3hOCtu5Pv

— Stefan Wilson (@stef_wilson) August 25, 2015

My brothers... @MichaelShankRac @OzzNegri @JohnPew1 @justin_wilson. Greatest moment of my life. Forever. Brothers. pic.twitter.com/GqyJsou8WS

— AJ Allmendinger (@AJDinger) August 25, 2015

So sad to hear that we lost Justin Wilson today. Thoughts & prayers to his family and friends.

— Jeff Gordon (@JeffGordonWeb) August 25, 2015

Didn't know Justin but I did know he was a unbeliever person and a great car driver. So sad.. #RIPJustinWilson pic.twitter.com/YI6HdSaCYz

— Kasey Kahne (@kaseykahne) August 25, 2015

Thankful to have known @justin_wilson & honored to have shared a seat with him. He was a Great Man and will be missed pic.twitter.com/vgRS4iEzsm

— Michael McDowell (@Mc_Driver) August 25, 2015

Sending my prayers to Justin's family, Julia,Jessica,Jane, may God give the strength to find peace. #RIP my friend pic.twitter.com/SJO08gvuzG

— Helio Castroneves (@h3lio) August 25, 2015

Godspeed, JW. https://t.co/2Xp0MMPDBQ pic.twitter.com/UH4EcHvRwn

— Andretti Autosport (@FollowAndretti) August 25, 2015

The K&N Pro Series West Championship Close and Heated (#knwest #nascar)

As Rookie Ryan Partridge provided the fans with a dominant performance last Saturday night at the Colorado National Speedway, backing-up his first series pole into his first series win, one cannot help but notice just how close and heated this 2015 K&N Pro Series Points Championship is. 

Ryan Partridge celebrates his NASCAR K&N Pro Series West win Saturday night
in the NAPA Auto Parts 150 at Colorado National Speedway.
(Justin Edmonds/Getty Images for NASCAR)

The 25-year-old from Rancho Cucamonga, California, won his first ‘Coors Light Pole Award’ and then went on to led all but one lap in the ‘NAPA Auto Parts 150’ while driving the No. 9 Sunrise Ford / Eirbach Springs / Lucas Oil Ford. Chris Eggleston led briefly on a Lap 29 restart.

His win moved Partridge into a tie with Chris Eggleston for the points lead. The top-five drivers are separated by a mere eighteen points. They still have three races left to battle for the top prize; the 2015 Pro Series West Championship.

1. Chris Eggleston (No. 99 NAPA Filters/H20 Fire Protection Toyota) with 396
2. Ryan Partridge* (No. 9 Sunrise Ford/Eibach Springs/Lucas Oil Ford) with 396
3. Noah Gragson* (No. 7 AlertID/Colliers International Ford) with 390
4. Gracin Raz* (No. 27 Montana Tech Ford) with 384
5. David Mayhew (No. 17 MMI Services/Ron’s Rear Ends/Pour House Chevrolet) with 378

The remaining competition for the 2015 West Championship should prove an exciting mixture of young talent and team strategy as each point earned will prove precious.

Bill McAnally Racing Driver Chris Eggleston in tie for Championship lead.
(Getty Images for NASCAR)

Interesting Fact: of the fifteen participants in Saturday’s race, ten were Series Rookies.(* designates a rookie driver)

The NASCAR K&N Pro Series West heads to Meridian Speedway for the NAPA Auto Parts Idaho 208 on Saturday, Sept. 5.

The NAPA Auto Parts 150 from Colorado will air on NBCSN on Thursday, Aug. 27 at 7 p.m. ET.

Help Speedy the Bear bring Smiles To Kids in the Speediatrics Unit (#nascar)

During the summertime, the hospital is no place you want your child to be. Splashing in the pool or bicycling around the neighborhood is what summer means to most children. Unfortunately for some children, they are being poked and prodded with blood being drawn and tests being run.

Through the bright, colorful Speediatrics Units decorated with fun characters and racing imagery, the NASCAR Foundation hopes to help ease the pain, but that's not all our children need! They need medical care delivered with ease and comfort, and that's how Speedy the Bear and YOU can help!

Speedy helps bring a smile to each child in the Speediatrics Unit.  However, the program is now in need of new bears for the kids. 

Please join and help the NASCAR Foundation in reaching their goal of providing a hundred (100) bears this summer. 

 For just $25, you can provide a bear to a sick child today. They will deliver the bear and a "get well soon" card signed in your name to the kids in the Speediatrics Unit.

Every generous gift of $25, $50, or even $100 helps us provide comfort to sick children.

Click Here to Donate

Your generous gift will bring smiles and health care
to children who need it most this summer!

They will deliver Speedy and a get well card signed in your name! 

(Yes NASCAR Race Mom put her money where her mouth is - My donation has been made!)

Chase Grid standings after Michigan

Yesterday's Race: Joe Gibbs Driver Matt Kenseth raced to his third win of season; the second win in the last three races. Matt also led 146 laps which is the most by a Michigan winner since Dale Jarrett led 150 in June 1999!

For the first time all season, Matt Kenseth takes over the top spot in the FOXSports.com Power Ranking.

Saturday Night K&N Pro Series Racing #NASCAR

Saturday night found both the K&N Pro Series battling for championship wins and points. The East completed in the “UPMC Health Plan 150” at Motordrome Speedway; while the West put on a show in the “NAPA Auto Parts 150 presented by Toyota” at Evergreen Speedway. 

Dillon Bassett and team celebrate in Victory Lane
 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images for NASCAR

K&N Pro Series Points Leader, rookie William Byron won his third career ‘21 Means 21’ Pole Award Presented by Coors Brewing Co. in qualifying for the UPMC Health Plan 150. However, 17-year-old Dillon Bassett scored his breakthrough victory in the series' inaugural visit to the Motordrome Speedway. In the process, he became the 100th different winner in series history!

NKNPS East Motordrome 8/15/15 Race Results

Top 10 Driver Points:

1. William Byron * 437
2. Scott Heckert 425
3. Austin Hill 409
4. Dalton Sargeant * 396
5. Rico Abreu * 389
6. J.J. Haley * 381
7. Kyle Benjamin * 380
8. Kaz Grala 380
9. Nick Drake 371
10. Kenzie Ruston 325

Next Race:“Biscutville 125” on August 29, 2015 at Virginia International Raceway

 

 

K&N Pro Series West veteran David Mayhew won the ‘NAPA Auto Parts 150 presented by Toyota’ at the .646-mile Washington track. In doing so, he joins notable names such as Bill Amick, Ray Elder, Ron Eaton, Jim Robinson, Chad Little and Brenden Gaughan on the list of drivers to earn back-to-back finishes at Evergreen Speedway. It was Mayhew's tenth overall victory and his second win of the season.

NKNPS West Evergreen 8/15/15 Race Results

Top 10 Driver Points:

1. Chris Eggleston 354
2. Noah Gragson * 354
3. Ryan Partridge * 347
4. Gracin Raz * 346
5. David Mayhew 338
6. James Bickford 324
7. Alex Schutte *320
8. Brandon McReynolds 312
9. Johnny White *306
10. Nicole Behar * 303

Next Race: “NAPA/Toyota 150” on August 22, 2015 at Colorado National Speedway

*Series Rookie

#NASCAR To Honor Buddy Baker With B-post Decal

NASCAR will honor the late Buddy Baker in a special way this weekend in events for all three national series. 

 Vehicles will be affixed with a B-post decal (see below) honoring the former NASCAR driver.

 

NASCAR community takes to Twitter
to honor the sport's 'Gentle Giant'

“Do not shed a tear. Give a smile when you say my name. I’m not saying goodbye. Just talk to you later.” -Buddy Baker

— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) August 10, 2015

Saddened to hear of Buddy Baker's passing. He left his mark inside the car and out. He was loved, appreciated, and respected. #RIPBuddy

— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) August 10, 2015

Saddened to hear of the passing of Buddy Baker. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Baker family. #RIPBuddy

— Kyle Busch (@KyleBusch) August 10, 2015

My thoughts and prayers are with the Baker family & friends.

— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) August 10, 2015

Today we lost a legend pic.twitter.com/dtdCdZMoGd

— Dale Jarrett (@DaleJarrett) August 10, 2015

Most fitting tribute I can think of this morning... Miss you Buddy @KarenByrnes @CopaCavanna @SteveByrnes12 http://t.co/vYPLtHapo3

— Brad Keselowski (@keselowski) August 10, 2015

Such a great weekend with so much fun all around, but sad to hear today of the passing of Buddy Baker. Always enjoyed talking to him.

— Joey Logano (@joeylogano) August 10, 2015

Good Morning America, twitterville, race fans, sad day for the racing community, #buddybaker has gone to be with the Lord, RIP #GentleGiant

— Darrell Waltrip (@AllWaltrip) August 10, 2015

Saddened of the passing of Buddy Baker. People like Buddy is why this sport is as friendly as it is. Awesome driver, even better person!

— Clint Bowyer (@ClintBowyer) August 10, 2015

Been planning on doing a throw back at Darlington. Sure wish he could've seen it. #buddybaker pic.twitter.com/BaKOPcWtGq

— Clint Bowyer (@ClintBowyer) August 10, 2015

Our thoughts & prayers go out to Baker family. He will be remembered as a good and joyous man, an icon in our sport https://t.co/43hMtkfk47

— Joe Gibbs Racing (@JoeGibbsRacing) August 10, 2015

When I think of Buddy Baker I smile. I'm thankful I knew this sweet, gentle man. I also him get mad a couple times. But not at me! #RIP BB 🏁

— Michael Waltrip (@mw55) August 10, 2015

"Do not shed a tear. Give a smile when you say my name. I’m not saying goodbye. Just talk to you later.” Buddy Baker pic.twitter.com/zNyAcFJzDo

— Michael McDowell (@Mc_Driver) August 10, 2015

RIP my friend. #buddybaker pic.twitter.com/Fd2RFyL2TM

— chocolatemyers3 (@chocolatemyers3) August 10, 2015

So sorry to hear of the death of Buddy Baker.My thoughts and prayers are with his family.Huge contributor to the sport we love. #Respect

— Jeff Burton (@JeffBurton) August 10, 2015

Our thoughts & prayers are with Buddy Baker's family & friends. A great man with a great personality. The #GentleGiant will be missed.

— Stewart-Haas Racing (@StewartHaasRcng) August 10, 2015

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Baker family and friends. RIP Buddy

— Kyle Larson (@KyleLarsonRacin) August 10, 2015

Sorry 2 hear my friend Buddy Baker passed, glad he is no longer suffering. RIP, Hear no1 has gone 200mph in heaven. Go easy on the rt front

— Ryan Newman (@RyanJNewman) August 10, 2015

Sad to hear the news of Buddy Baker passing this morning. Thought a and prayers with his family.

— Regan Smith (@ReganSmith) August 10, 2015

We're saddened to learn about the passing of Buddy Baker. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and fans. #GentleGiant

— Hendrick Motorsports (@TeamHendrick) August 10, 2015

God speed Buddy Baker...

— Kyle Petty (@kylepetty) August 10, 2015

We had some fun times together. Rest in peace good Buddy. #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/jg1ODjHIca

— Wood Brothers Racing (@woodbrothers21) August 10, 2015

Really sad to wake up and see the news of Buddy Baker. He was always a great supporter prays to his family!!

— Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (@StenhouseJr) August 10, 2015

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Buddy Baker. Buddy passed away this morning at the age of 74. pic.twitter.com/SglYrzsKK2

— RCR (@RCRracing) August 10, 2015

Thoughts and prayers to the Baker family.... #RIPBuddy

— Ryan Reed (@driverRyanReed) August 10, 2015

Seventh Annual #NASCAR After The Lap® Event And Sweepstakes Returns

All 16 Chase For The NASCAR Sprint Cup Drivers To Attend
Sweepstakes Prizes Include 2016 Ford F-150, Trips To Las Vegas

NASCAR® announced today that NASCAR After The Lap, sponsored by Ford and Sprint, will return to Las Vegas for its seventh-consecutive year. The event will once again take place at the Pearl Palms Concert Theater inside the Palms Casino Hotel on Thursday, December 3.

Now in the second year of the expanded field of challengers competing in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, attendees will be able to see this year’s best drivers – all 16 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup contenders – in what has become a highly anticipated event during the week-long season-end celebration.

“Every year, NASCAR After The Lap serves as a key moment where fans can engage with their favorite NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers in a unique way not typically experienced throughout the season,” said Tim Duerr, motorsports marketing manager for Ford Performance. “At Ford, we engage with NASCAR drivers and teams on and off-the-track throughout the season and know how special these moments are, which is why we’ve been proud to serve as event sponsor for NASCAR After The Lap for the past seven years.”

NASCAR After The Lap provides fans with an opportunity to win once-in-a-lifetime prizes and NASCAR experiences. Starting today through November 22, NASCAR fans entering the NASCAR After The Lap sweepstakes will have the opportunity to win a 2016 Ford F-150. Additionally, two winners will receive an all-inclusive VIP trip for two to NASCAR After The Lap, including roundtrip airfare, hotel, ground transportation and VIP event access. NASCAR fans can enter for a chance to win by visiting www.NASCARafterthelap.com. 

Tickets for NASCAR After The Lap are priced at $20 and go on sale on Monday, September 21. For fans unable to attend NASCAR After The Lap, NASCAR.com will offer a live stream of the event.

Click Here to enter Sweepstakes

Ends November 22, 2015
Enter Once Per Day

Official Rules

#soundgarage Ganassi Sound Garage Social Media Concert Returns this Fall with Big Machine Label Group’s A Thousand Horses #nascar #IndyCar

Chip Ganassi Racing Team’s Young Drivers Larson, Karam,
Kwasniewski and Poole to Host Second Annual Digibash

Chip Ganassi Racing drivers Sage Karam, Kyle Larson and Dylan Kwasniewski
have some fun at the "Ganassi Sound Garage" Instagram-themed photo booth.
Photo by: Chip Ganassi Racing

On the heels of the wildly-popular and first-of-its-kind event for millennials last Fall, Chip Ganassi Racing Teams (CGRT) announced today the return of the Ganassi Sound Garage featuring Big Machine Label Group’s (BMLG) recording artist A Thousand Horses at the team’s Concord, N.C., headquarters on Oct. 5. Ganassi Sound Garage will be hosted by a diverse sampling of the team’s millennial driver lineup, including Kyle Larson (NASCAR), Sage Karam (INDYCAR), Dylan Kwasniewski (NASCAR) and Brennan Poole (NASCAR).

Last year’s inaugural social media concert showcased the talents of Big Machine Records recording artist and season 3 winner of The Voice Cassadee Pope and won an industry award for NASCAR’s “Most Creative Use of Social/Digital Media”. This year’s event will once again be streamed live on www.nascar.com, www.indycar.com and www.ganassisoundgarage.com for fans all around the world to enjoy.

“The return of Ganassi Sound Garage has been met with tremendous support and I’m happy to say this year’s edition will be bigger and better than its debut with the participation of partners like Target, McDonald’s, Chevrolet, Coke, Kimberly Clark, Unilever, Energizer, Clorox and DC Solar. With A Thousand Horses headlining, we plan to deliver another unique social media experience focused on attracting millennials and exposing them to our sport, drivers and team.” Steve Lauletta, President, Chip Ganassi Racing Teams

CGRT hosted over 200 social media savvy millennials and influencers last year, and expects to more than triple the turnout this year with a target audience that includes influencers, curators and heavy social media users. The event will also have increased partnership involvement from brands like Target, McDonald’s, Clorox, Kimberly Clark, Unilever, Energizer, Coke, Chevrolet and DC Solar– who are all focused on speaking to the millennial demographic.

Additionally, attendees will have the chance to join CGRT at Charlotte Motor Speedway for the NASCAR XFINITY Series race later in the week (Oct. 9), connecting their VIP experience from the stage to the race track.

Social Media Accounts

CGR Team 

Twitter=CGRTeams 

Facebook=Chip Ganassi Racing 

Instagram=chipganassiracing 

Kyle Larson 

Twitter=KyleLarsonRacin 

Facebook=Kyle Larson Racing 

Instagram=kylelarson42 

Sage Karam 

Twitter=SageKaram 

Facebook=Sage Karam 

Instagram=sagekaram 

Dylan Kwasniewski 

Twitter=dylankracing 

Facebook=Dylan Kwasniewski Racing 

Instagram=dylankracing 

Brennan Poole 

Twitter=brennanpoole 

Facebook=Brennan Poole 

Instagram=brennancpoole

Big Machine Records

Twitter=BigMachine

Facebook=Big Machine Label Group

Instagram=bigmachinelabelgroup

A Thousand Horses

Twitter=athousandhorses

Facebook=A Thousand Horses

Instagram=athousandhorses

 

NOTES OF INTEREST:

• How do I get in?: The event is invitation only from CGRT, but opportunities to attend will be given away by the drivers and A Thousand Horses via social media outlets. Attendees will mix and mingle like a VIP, taking selfies with all the stars along the red carpet and have a chance to show off their style.

Fans will also have the opportunity to show their social influence to the world by using #soundgarage in posts which will be displayed on duel screens flanking the stage during the event. Fans can even win a chance to travel 1000 miles to see A Thousand Horses as part of a special sweepstakes through www.ganassisoundgarage.com – the official website for event updates, ticket giveaway information, live streaming and more.

• A Thousand Horses: A Thousand Horses is a fresh fusion of classic sounds – a hybrid of Lynyrd Skynyrd, the Allman Brothers, Black Crowes and Exile on Main Street-era Rolling Stones - wrapped up in a modern-country context. Their first single “Smoke” went to #1 on both the Mediabase and Billboard Country Airplay Charts after making Country Aircheck history as the highest debut for a new artist’s first single.

They also became the first band (with at least three members) to send a debut single to #1 on Billboard Country Airplay Chart this decade. With Michael Hobby leading vocals, Bill Satcher and Zach Brown on guitar and Graham Deloach on bass, the band initially gained momentum playing clubs across the South. Rolling Stone Country hailed the foursome as the Best Up-and-Comer at 2014’s Austin City Limits and USA Today named them one of 2015’s Artists to Watch and an On the Verge Artist.

Their first album on the Big Machine Label Group, Southernality, is now available on iTunes and the second single from the album, “(This Ain’t No) Drunk Dial is currently making its way up the Country charts. The band was also recently nominated for a CMT Music Award for “Group Video of the Year” for their hit single “Smoke.” A Thousand Horses is currently on the road with Darius Rucker’s Southern Style Tour. For more information and tour dates, visit www.athousandhorses.com.

• About the Drivers: CGRT drivers in attendance will include: Kyle Larson – 2014 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Rookie of the Year, 2013 NASCAR XFINITY Series Rookie of the Year and 2012 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East Champion; Sage Karam – Verizon IndyCar Series Rookie, 2013 Indy Lights Champion, 2011 Star Mazda Champion and 2010 US F2000 Champion; Dylan Kwasniewski – 2013 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East and 2012 NASCAR K&N Pro Series West Champion; and Brennan Poole - NASCAR XFINITY driver and six-time ARCA Racing Series Presented by Menards race winner.

NASCAR Race Mom was honored to meet Scott Borchetta, founder of
Big Machine Records at the 2014 Crown Royal Presents the
John Wayne Walding 400 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Scott Borchetta, President and CEO, Big Machine Label Group: “Big Machine’s partnership with Chip Ganassi Racing continues to create engaging and exciting events for music and racing fans alike. We are proud to collaborate once again for an incredible night at Sound Garage this fall!”

RIP - NASCAR Legend Buddy Baker Passes Away at 74

Baker’s NASCAR Career as Driver and Broadcaster Spanned Parts of Seven Decades

Elzie Wylie “Buddy” Baker Jr., the 1980 Daytona 500 champion and famed NASCAR commentator, has died after a battle with cancer. He was 74 (b. 1-25-41).

At 6 feet 6 inches tall, Buddy Baker was often called the “Gentle Giant,” though the nickname “Leadfoot” was more apropos due to the blistering speeds he often achieved during his 33-year career.

In 1970, Baker became the first driver to eclipse the 200-mph mark on a closed course while testing at Talladega Superspeedway. Although he didn’t win at the 2.66-mile superspeedway that year, Baker visited Talladega Victory Lane four times throughout his stellar career.

A race commentator and radio host during a lengthy and prolific post-racing career, the Charlotte, North Carolina native’s biggest win came in the 1980 Daytona 500. He finished with an average race speed of 177.602 mph – a track record that still stands.

“Many of today’s fans may know Buddy Baker as one of the greatest storytellers in the sport’s history, a unique skill that endeared him to millions,” said NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France. “But those who witnessed his racing talent recognized Buddy as a fast and fierce competitor, setting speed records and winning on NASCAR’s biggest stages. It is that dual role that made Buddy an absolute treasure who will be missed dearly.”

Baker, son of NASCAR Hall of Famer Buck Baker, accumulated 19 wins in the premier series, including a victory in the 1970 Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway where he lapped the rest of the field. In 1972-73, Baker became the first driver to win consecutive World 600s. He also won the inaugural preseason event now known as the Sprint Unlimited in 1979. He was named one of NASCAR’s 50 Greatest Drivers in 1998, and in 2014 was first nominated for inclusion into the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

After retiring in 1992, Baker made a successful transition to the television booth as a commentator for The Nashville Network and CBS. He most recently served as a radio co-host on “Late Shift” and “Tradin’ Paint” for SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

#NASCAR Driver Standings

NASCAR Sprint Cup Chase Grid

Get The Name of Your Choice On A #NASCAR!

When you are watching a NASCAR race, you’ll notice that the cars are full of different logos and decals for companies and organizations that sponsor the driver. 

Moses Smith (my son) proudly displayed his sponsor's logo on his hood.
The HASA Pool Products #16 K&N Pro Series West Car

Have you ever wondered how much the privilege of that advertising cost? According to Adweek, a primary sponsorship in 2013 cost anywhere from $5 million to $35 million. An associate sponsorship cost anywhere from $250,000 to $2 million!

Now you do not have to be a multimillion dollar business like the Duck Commander and the Robertson family (Franchise of TV's "Duck Dynasty" signed on in 2014 to lend namesake to a Texas Cup race) to see your name or special message in a NASCAR race on a participating race car. 

Willie Robertson and Family sponsor a race!

"We're excited about the partnership for the Duck Commander 500, being aligned with NASCAR, and to have our brand associated with an event of this magnitude," shared Duck Commander CEO Willie Robertson in February of 2014. "We are all big fans of NASCAR and have been all our lives. It's especially exciting to see our brand join to make it an awesome experience for the fan base and we can't think of a better place than our neighbor at the Texas Motor Speedway."

Fortunately, you do not have to have Millions - Thanks to Mary Dixon from MDRmotorsports.org (Making Dreams Reality Through Motorsports), you can now place your name, business logo, or name of a loved one on Joey Gase’s #52 NASCAR Xfinity Series car.

"It was the dream of two of our group members to promote cancer prevention and awareness through motorsports. We are so excited to help their dream come true, contribute to these terrific charities, and have FUN with all of our names on Joey Gase's car hood!"

For a minimum $25 donation, your name or logo will appear on Joey's car hood for the Xfinity race at Charlotte Motor Speedway this October. If you want the name listed even LARGER on the car hood, the $50 donation is the reasonable cost. Lastly you could do as NASCAR Race Mom did and donate $100 for placement of a picture of my logo!

Now I cannot wait for the “The Drive for the Cure 300 presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina.” This race features the NASCAR XFINITY Series regulars beating and banging in a Friday night slugfest under the lights at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Then I will be able to cross off “be a NASCAR Sponsor” from my bucket list.

Even More Importantly - Proceeds from this project will be divided equally between The American Cancer Society and St Jude’s Children’s Hospital!