Johnny Benson Jr to Race in SRX at Berlin

1995 NASCAR Busch Series Champ & 2008 NASCAR Truck Series

 

Superstar Racing Experience (SRX) has announced that Johnny Benson Jr. will join the field at Berlin Raceway on August 3rd in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This will be Benson’s SRX debut. Johnny Benson Jr., a Grand Rapids native, has won races across all three major NASCAR series, including 14 in the NASCAR Truck Series. Benson’s career accomplishments include winning the 1993 ASA National Tour Championship, 1995 NASCAR Busch Series Championship, and the 2008 NASCAR Truck Series Championship.

 

"I'm really excited to have the opportunity to race in the SRX series. Not only to compete against some of the best drivers in the country, but to return to my home track, Berlin Raceway,” said Johnny Benson Jr.

 

“It’s not often you have the opportunity to invite a good friend and a multiple different series champion to drive in SRX at his hometown track,” said Don Hawk, SRX Chief Executive Officer. “I believe this announcement will be warmly received by all those great race fans at Berlin Raceway.”

 

SRX will air on six consecutive Thursday nights at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN and the ESPN App, bringing back the iconic “ESPN Thursday Night Thunder” branding.

 

Johnny Benson Jr. in a white No. 10.

Just hits different. #CampingWorldSRX | @bergerchevy pic.twitter.com/cfJ5dERjSZ

— Superstar Racing Experience (@SRXracing) July 31, 2023

About SRX:

Superstar Racing Experience (SRX) was created by Sandy Montag and The Montag Group, Investor and former NASCAR COO, George Pyne, NASCAR Hall of Famer and legendary driver Tony Stewart, and NASCAR Hall of Fame Crew Chief and Owner Ray Evernham. Over the first two seasons of SRX, the six- race series has featured drivers from a variety of racing backgrounds with an emphasis on champion-level drivers. SRX has seen some of the sport’s biggest names compete including: Tony Stewart, Bill Elliott, Chase Elliott, Tony Kanaan, Paul Tracy, Bobby Labonte, Willy T. Ribbs, Hailie Deegan, Ryan Blaney, Ryan Newman, Greg Biffle, Marco Andretti, Matt Kenseth, Michael Waltrip, Josef Newgarden, Ryan Hunter-Reay, Helio Castroneves, and many more.

 

In 2022, the series field featured a total of five NASCAR Cup Series Championships, three IndyCar Series Championships, four Daytona 500 Winners, five Indianapolis 500 Winners and four NASCAR Hall of Fame Drivers. Tony Stewart claimed the inaugural SRX Championship in 2021, and Marco Andretti claimed the 2022 Championship.

 

NEWS: @BergerChevy joins @JohnnyBensonWeb for his #CampingWorldSRX debut at @BerlinRaceway this week.

“The Berger Family, Benson, Earnhardt & I go way back. It’s great to have them join SRX with Johnny for this race at Berlin.” - SRX CEO Don Hawk. pic.twitter.com/0WcWKVzj62

— Superstar Racing Experience (@SRXracing) July 31, 2023

 

source: SRX Media

2023 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Playoff Field Set

Corey Heim wins regular season Truck Series Championship

 

The 10-driver playoff field for the 2023 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series is officially set following Saturday’s race at Richmond Raceway.

 

The 10 drivers listed below make up the playoff field. The field includes three former champions: Zane Smith (defending champion), Ben Rhodes (2021) and Matt Crafton (2013, 2014, 2019).

 

Drivers Who Qualified with Point Reset:

• 1. Corey Heim, No. 11 Tricon Garage Toyota, wins (2)/Regular Season Champion, 2,030 points
• 2. Zane Smith, No. 38 Front Row Motorsports Ford, wins (2), 2,022 points
• 3. Carson Hocevar, No. 42 Niece Motorsports Chevrolet, wins (3), 2,021 points
• 4. Christian Eckes, No. 19 McAnally-Hilgemann Racing Chevrolet, wins (3), 2,019 points
• 5. Grant Enfinger, No. 23 GMS Racing Chevrolet, wins (2), 2,017 points
• 6. Ty Majeski, No. 98 ThorSport Racing Ford, 2,014 points
• 7. Ben Rhodes, No. 99 ThorSport Racing Ford, wins (1), 2,013 points
• 8. Nick Sanchez, No. 2 Rev Racing Chevrolet, 2,005 points
• 9. Matt DiBenedetto, No. 25 Rackley WAR Chevrolet, 2,002 points
• 10. Matt Crafton, No. 88 ThorSport Racing Ford, 2,002 points

The Round of 10 begins Aug. 11 at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park (9 p.m. ET, FS1, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio). The opening round will continue at the Milwaukee Mile on Aug. 27 in what will be the circuit’s first contest at the track since 2009. The Round of 8 will conclude at Kansas Speedway on Sept. 8, where two drivers will be eliminated from championship contention. The Round of 8 will consist of Bristol Motor Speedway (Sept. 14), Talladega Superspeedway (Sept. 30) and Homestead Miami Speedway (Oct. 21).

 

The championship race will be held at Phoenix Raceway on Nov. 3.

 

Let's get after it. #NASCARPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/q8B1JFiotD

— NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Trucks (@NASCAR_Trucks) July 30, 2023

 

source: NASCAR Media

NASCAR Champion Jimmie Johnson Speaks Out

After Murder-Suicide Of In-Laws

 

NASCAR great Jimmie Johnson is speaking up about a recent tragedy befalling his family.

 

The seven-time Cup Series champion lost three of his in-laws last month in what authorities believe was a murder-suicide. Jack and Terry Lynn Janway — the parents of Johnson’s wife — as well as their young grandson Dalton were found dead June 26 in an Oklahoma home.

 

“Our family is devastated by the profound loss of Lynn, Jack and Dalton Janway,” Johnson wrote Friday in an Instagram post. “We have been humbled by the outpouring of love and support during this unthinkably sad time and remain grateful for all of your compassion.”

 

The bodies were discovered at the Muskogee home after a woman called 911 to report a gun-related disturbance. Police entered the house to find Jack Janway, 69, dead in a hallway. They then heard a gunshot before coming upon the bodies of Terry Lynn Janway, 68, and Dalton, 11.

 

Muskogee police spokesperson Lynn Hamlin said at the time that investigators believed Terry Lynn Janway fatally shot her husband and grandson before taking her own life. Police bodycam footage captured the moment when officers entered the home and discovered Jack Janway dead under a blanket.

 

NASCAR issued a statement of sympathy when the news first broke.

“We are saddened by the tragic deaths of members of Chandra Johnson’s family,” it said, referring to Jimmie Johnson’s wife. “The entire NASCAR family extends its deepest support and condolences during this difficult time to Chandra, Jimmie and the entire Johnson & Janway families.”

 

Jimmie Johnson pulled out of a race in Chicago after the tragedy but refrained from publicly commenting on the incident until Friday. Though no motive for the shooting has been put forward, Terry Lynn Janway reportedly struggled with depression after losing her son in a skydiving accident in 2014. 

 

 

 

Johnson retired from NASCAR in 2020 to join IndyCar’s Chip Ganassi Racing. He recently took part in a NASCAR Cup Series race in May in Charlotte, North Carolina.

 

pic.twitter.com/CtIyif6B0H

— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) July 28, 2023

 

source: MSN News Media

NASCAR Cup Series race at Richmond Raceway becomes Cook Out 400

Fastest growing family-owned restaurant chain becomes entitlement partner for marquee event

 

Richmond Raceway announced Cook Out, one of the fastest growing family-owned restaurant chains in the nation, will be the entitlement partner for the NASCAR Cup Series Race on Sunday, July 30th.

 

“Nothing encapsulates summer fun quite like Cook Out,” said Richmond Raceway President Lori Collier Waran. “For over 32 years, Cook Out has been synonymous with serving quality food across the south, and we’re excited to bring them on for our summer NASCAR weekend.”

 

Since opening its doors for the first time in Greensboro, N.C. in 1989, Cook Out has been known for its fresh burgers, barbecue, hot dogs, shakes and Coca-Cola as part of the “best combos in town.” The restaurant chain has since grown to 323 locations across 10 states, Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.

 

Cook Out continues to increase its presence throughout NASCAR as the brand will be the returning entitlement sponsor and Official Quick Service Restaurant at Darlington Raceway for the Cook Out Southern 500 in the fall. It is also a proud sponsor of the NASCAR Youth Series.

 

“We are thrilled to expand our presence in NASCAR with the Cook Out 400,” said Jeremy Reaves, CEO of Cook Out. “We’ve had the privilege of partnering with NASCAR for several years, and we’re looking forward to expanding that partnership into Richmond later this month.”

 

The Cook Out 400 Weekend features two great days of racing Saturday, July 29 and Sunday, July 30. The action begins at 7:30 p.m. Saturday with the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series’ Worldwide Express 250. Then at 3 p.m. Sunday, the NASCAR Cup Series returns for the Cook Out 400 as drivers compete for a spot in the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series playoffs.

 

To learn more about Cook Out and find the nearest location, visit cookout.com.

 

LET'S GET COOKIN'...July 30th can't get here quick enough! @CookOut | #CookOut400 pic.twitter.com/boG4Cy4fYz

— Richmond Raceway (@RichmondRaceway) July 11, 2023

 

source: Richmond Raceway Media

Katherine Legge To Returns to NASCAR

To The NASCAR Xfinity Series

 

With one of the most diverse careers in motorsports, spanning everything from INDYCAR / Indy 500, IMSA sports cars and NASCAR to testing a Formula 1 car, Katherine Legge will return to the NASCAR Xfinity Series for four races this season, beginning with this weekend’s Henry 180 at Road America. She will also be entered in the upcoming Xfinity Series races at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Watkins Glen International, and Charlotte Motor Speedway, all with SS Greenlight in the #07 Chevrolet.

 

“The Indy 500 made me realize that life and racing careers are too short not to go for it,” said Legge. “My interest and passion is to continue to break new ground in motorsports. I’ve been proactive over the last year in thinking about what I want to do in my career and how I can accomplish those things. I’m so thankful to [SS Greenlight team co-owner] Bobby Dotter for the opportunity; and to Wayne Auton, Mike Helton, and Jim France, for welcoming me back to NASCAR, especially at one of my favorite tracks, Road America.”

 

In May, Legge made history with her Indy 500 qualifying run, turning the fastest single lap and four-lap qualifying average by a female driver in the 107-year history of the Indianapolis 500. Her four-lap average of 231.070 eclipsed the mark of 229.439 set in 2002. Legge became the ninth woman to compete in the Indy 500 in 2012; and in 2023 was the only woman in the race, generating 50 million media impressions for her third start in the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”

 

“Female athletes are the rarest of birds because they are able to transcend audiences in a way that their male counterparts cannot, said Klint Briney, Legge’s agent. “At the Indy 500 this year, we saw unprecedented demand around Katherine from media outlets and major advertisers. It signals a sea change in our sport and highlights a new and emerging audience for figures like Katherine. We’re very optimistic about her future, as she’s racing now more than ever before and see great potential in maximizing her opportunities on and off the racetrack.”

 

Legge currently competes full-time in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship Series driving the #66 Gradient Racing Acura NSX GT3 Evo22. She has scored four top-10 finishes this season, including finishing fourth in the 24 Hours of Daytona. She also brought NSX its first ever win worldwide in Detroit in 2017.

 

The springboard to her professional career was winning the Toyota Atlantic series season opener in Long Beach in 2005, in her first career start, to become the first woman to win a developmental open-wheel race in North America. She also won that season at Edmonton and San Jose, finishing the season 3rd in the points championship and subsequently turning pro and moving up to Champ Car. She spent three seasons in Europe driving for Audi in the premier DTM series, and was a key part of the DeltaWing project in the American Le Mans Series. Formula One offered her a test in 2005 at Vallelunga Circuit in Italy.

 

In 2018, Legge competed in four NASCAR Xfinity Series races: at the Mid-Ohio SportsCar Course, Richmond Raceway, Charlotte Motor Speedway, and Road America, where she had her best finish of 14th out of 40 entries. For her return this year, her #07 machine will carry sponsorship from ref-ology + Blast Equality Collab (BEQ), Team Schuler of Compass Real Estate and the Women’s Premier Basketball Association (WPBA).

 

Blast Equality Collab, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, founded by Shelley Russi is a leadership collaboration taught through the lens of diverse sports experiences. Blast Equality Collab aims to help members and partners learn how to put people first while making decisions with a higher degree of integrity and accuracy by having to do it in real-world game/event situations. We partner with, and receive donations from, entities where our members are provided opportunities to put into practice Embodied Leadership at the intersection of Sports + Officiating, and beyond.

 

“Katherine Legge and SS Greenlight Racing embody the Blast Equality Collab (BEQ) Mission,” said Russi. “This opportunity to collaborate with Katherine, who trail blazes throughout the world, makes her the perfect fit to drive the SS Greenlight 07 at Road America. Katherine is a powerful sports figure who aligns with the BEQ Embodied Leadership vision. Alongside Team Schuler, we are supporting the first Black Woman-owned, FIBA certified league in California where the WPBA is generating opportunity for WPBA players to land contracts internationally/domestically, in a playing capacity or in leadership roles impacting corporate culture.”

 

Following this weekend’s Henry 180 NASCAR Xfinity Series Road America 180 on July 22 (televised on NBC at 3:00 PM ET), Legge’s remaining 2023 schedule will include:

 

• · Road America IMSA SportsCar Weekend Aug. 6 (USA Network, 11:00 AM ET).
• · NASCAR Xfinity Pennzoil 150 presented by Advance Auto Sports on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course on Aug. 12 (USA Network, 5:30 PM ET).
• · NASCAR Xfinity Shriners Children’s 200 at Watkins Glen International on Aug. 19 (USA Network, 3:30 PM ET).
• · IMSA SportsCar Michelin GT Challenge at VIRginia International Raceway on Aug. 27 (USA Network, 2:00 PM ET).
• · IMSA SportsCar Battle on The Bricks at Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course on Sept. 17 (NBC, 1:00 PM ET).
• · NASCAR Xfinity Drive for the Cure 250 presented by BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina on Oct. 7 (NBC, 3:00 PM ET).
• · IMSA SportsCar Motul Petit Le Mans at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta on Oct. 14 (USA Network, 6:30 PM ET).

Practice for the NASCAR Xfinity Road America 180 will begin on Friday, July 28 at 5:05 PM, with qualifications following at 6:05 PM, and the race on Saturday, July 29 at 3:00 PM ET. All on-track action can be seen on NBC or NBC’s Peacock Premium streaming service.

 

We’re super excited to have @katherinelegge in the #07 @refology @WomensPBA Chevrolet Camaro for @roadamerica !!

Poster designed by @ScunchoCreative pic.twitter.com/BTJYKFJ3Di

— SS GreenLight Racing (@SSGLR0708) July 27, 2023

 

source: BRANDed PR Media

SRX And Caymus Vineyards Renew Partnership

Paul Tracy Adds Caymus Sponsorship for Final 2 SRX Races

 

Superstar Racing Experience (SRX) and Caymus Vineyards have announced the renewal of their partnership for the 2023 season.

 

The Wagner family – who founded Caymus Vineyards – is celebrating a decade of sponsorship in auto racing. In the NASCAR Cup Series, the vineyard is partnered with championship-winning team Stewart-Haas Racing and race-winning driver Aric Almirola, and their 2023 motorsport celebration was kicked off with a partnership with Haas F1 driver Pietro Fittipaldi in the esteemed Rolex 24 at Daytona. Caymus Vineyards is also a 2023 full-season sponsor of Arrow McLaren driver Felix Rosenqvist in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.

 

The relationship with SRX complements the portfolio of championship and iconic drivers with which Caymus Vineyards has partnered over the years. Fan engagement and enthusiasm for their iconic offerings, coupled with the passionate SRX national television audience, leave Caymus Vineyards excited for the start of the new season.

 

“Last year, we were thrilled to see some of motorsports’ most legendary names celebrate their success with Caymus on the podium,” said Karen Perry, executive vice president of Caymus Vineyards. “SRX has been a great partner, and we are excited to extend our relationship with the series and further connect with their passionate fanbase. SRX produces many iconic moments, and we look forward to being there to celebrate all of them with this unique racing series.”

 

Series Chief Executive Officer, Don Hawk is equally excited to have Caymus back with SRX.

 

“Once again SRX will recognize its top three finishers in each race with the podium sponsored by Caymus vineyards. The winner will get a magnum of Caymus Cabernet, and 2nd and 3rd will each receive a bottle as well. This is a tremendous way to end the evening, and each race. Thank you to the Wagner Family and Caymus for being a special part of SRX’s winning ways,” said Hawk.

 

Paul Tracy has picked up sponsorship from Caymus Vineyards for the final two Camping World SRX Series races of 2022.

 

Caymus will adorn Tracy’s No. 3 at I-55 Raceway and Sharon Speedway.

 

“I’ve been a loyal consumer of Caymus and other wines made by the Wagners for many years, whether it’s Caymus Cabernet, Bonanza or Conundrum,” Tracy said in a series release. “I’m excited to have Bonanza on my SRX Series car for the last two races of the 2022 season. This partnership is a great fit because of the excellence of the wine going hand-in-hand with a series that has some of the best racing talent in our sport.”

If there’s a sign that SRX is in town at Pulaski County Motorsports Park, here it is 🫡#CampingWorldSRX pic.twitter.com/EYzaAEXhce

— Superstar Racing Experience (@SRXracing) July 23, 2023

 

source: SRX Media

Hamlin-Larson Rivalry Sizzles

NASCAR returns to Richmond Raceway

Resentment between stars grows ahead of Sunday’s Cook Out 400

 

Chesterfield native Denny Hamlin won his 50th career NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday at Pocono Raceway, but also rankled one of his top rivals heading into Sunday’s Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway.

 

Fifty pic.twitter.com/tmksekIl3M

— Denny Hamlin (@dennyhamlin) July 24, 2023

Tensions between Hamlin and 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson are at an all-time high as the NASCAR Cup Series heads to Richmond, where Larson took the checkered flag in April. This comes after yesterday’s restart with seven laps left when Hamlin squeezed Larson into Pocono’s Turn 1 wall and effectively ended Larson’s chance at a win. Meanwhile, Hamlin captured his seventh win at Pocono Raceway.

 

The radios were keyed up on the Nos. 5 and 11 teams. pic.twitter.com/4UxL7iHxxf

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) July 25, 2023

Larson, along with many fans at the track, were evidently displeased with the outcome.

 

“Just unfortunate,” Larson said. “I’ve been cost a lot of good finishes by him throughout my career. I know he says I race a certain way. I don’t think I’ve ever had to apologize to him about anything. Not that he’s going to say sorry after this. It is what it is.”

 

This is the second time in 2023 that contact with Hamlin has cost Larson a win. The first incident occurred in May at Kansas Speedway. It is also worth noting that both drivers are good friends off the track, to which Larson believes this make things “awkward.”

 

“Whatever, just move on and try to go to Richmond, where we won earlier this year,” he said.

 

On the flip side, Hamlin and his No. 11 car were met with a sea of boos from the crowd when asked about his contact with Larson and an earlier incident with Alex Bowman.

 

Hamlin said, “Both guys wrecked themselves. There was a lane. He missed the corner first and evidently didn’t have his right-side tires clean and when he gassed up and got going again, you have an option in those positions to either hold it wide open and hit the fence or lift and race it out. Those choices were made. I didn’t hit either one of them. Didn’t touch them.”

 

Hamlin later doubled down on his stance in the post-race press conference claiming, “He’s ran me off a bunch of road courses and called me and said sorry. I said, I’m going to stand my ground next time. I’m not here to defend anything.”

 

 

He will ultimately look to capitalize off his win at Pocono and transfer it to his home track of Richmond Raceway, where he has found Victory Lane four times before. Fans can secure their tickets now at www.richmondraceway.com to see how this rivalry will play out in Sunday’s Cook Out 400, which begins at 3 p.m.

 

One more look at what everyone is talking about. pic.twitter.com/x8BeVoC8nw

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) July 23, 2023

 

source: Richmond Raceway Media

Ryan Newman's Revenge

Captures the SRX #Win at Stafford

The 18-time NASCAR Cup Series winner earned his second win in three career tries at the track in the Camping World Superstar Racing Experience series.

 

Last night, Ryan Newman once again showed why he loves the little bullring known as Stafford Speedway, earning his second win in three career tries at the track in the Camping World Superstar Racing Experience (SRX) series.

 

Newman won at Stafford last year, was runner-up in last week’s race there, and was king of the hill again during ESPN’s Thursday Night Thunder in the No. 39. Just like he did in his win at Stafford last year, Rocket Man took the lead with six laps to go and ultimately drove right into victory lane.

 

 

“It was tough,” Newman said of his path to victory lane Thursday night. “Those guys had a pretty good pace at the start there and my fat butt had to get out. I’m so proud of this opportunity.” 

 

“We kept easy on the brakes at the start of the race and I figure that was the difference,” Newman said. “Those guys were pretty hard, I saw their brakes and rotors glowing.” 

 

“I promised some people a little bit, and I’m going to try not to tear up, that I’d park it in victory lane, so this goes out to the Clausen family in the memory of Bryan Clauson,” Newman said. “It’s a special moment and I’m so happy to be here.” 

 

Race Results

1. Ryan Newman
2. Daniel Suarez *
3. Marco Andretti
4. Ken Schrader
5. Greg Biffle *
6. Bobby Labonte
7. Tony Stewart
8. Hailie Deegan
9. Kenny Wallace *
10. Brad Keselowski
11. Paul Tracy
12. Tony Kanaan *
13. Ryan Preece *

Note: * designates a guest driver

 

That’s another win at Stafford for the Rocketman. #CampingWorldSRX pic.twitter.com/DVDzsqEzDN

— Superstar Racing Experience (@SRXracing) July 21, 2023

 

source: Auto Week Media

SRX - Thursday Night Thunder

Hailie Deegan and Tony Stewart are on the Front Row for Heat 1

 

Remember tonight’s ‘Thursday Night Thunder.’ This evening is the second event of the ‘Camping World SRX Series.’ Due to unprecedented flooding at the Thunder Road Speedbowl, race number two of the 2023 season returns to Stafford Speedway again.

 

Denny Hamlin won the 2023 Camping World SRX Series season-opener last week at Stafford. Hamlin, a full-time competitor in the NASCAR Cup Series, is not competing full-time in SRX, and will not race on Thursday evening.

 

If you are not lucky enough to be in the stands, you can catch all the action at 9:00 pm ET on ESPN or the ESPN App.

 

Heat One Starting Line-Up

1. Hailie Deegan
2. Tony Stewart
3. Paul Tracy
4. Ryan Newman
5. Greg Biffle *
6. Ken Schrader
7. Brad Keselowski
8. Daniel Suarez *
9. Bobby Labonte
10. Marco Andretti
11. Ryan Preece *
12. Kenny Wallace *
13. Tony Kanaan *

Note: * designates a guest driver

Every single lap makes a difference. That's why we're adding more😏

This week's Stafford race will feature an altered race format compared to Race No. 1, adding more laps per race segment for even more on-track action. #CampingWorldSRX pic.twitter.com/5koDIPQvTr

— Superstar Racing Experience (@SRXracing) July 20, 2023

 

source: SRX Media

HighPoint Named Entitlement Sponsor for Upcoming NASCAR Cup Series Race

Global Technology Infrastructure Solutions Provider headquartered in Sparta, NJ, will sponsor the HighPoint.com 400 NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday, July 23.

HighPoint.com 400 highlights the July 21-23 weekend that also features the NASCAR Xfinity Series, CRAFTSMAN Truck Series and ARCA Menards Series

 

Pocono Raceway will celebrate its 50th anniversary of NASCAR racing at “The Tricky Triangle” with Global Technology Infrastructure Solutions Provider HighPoint  serving as the entitlement sponsor for its Cup Series race on Sunday, July 23.

 

The HighPoint.com 400 race entitlement will further expand the company’s partnership within NASCAR at one of motorsports’ most unique venues. HighPoint currently serves as the official IT Partner for Stewart-Haas Racing as well as an anchor partner on the No. 14 Ford entry of SHR driver Chase Briscoe.

 

Founded in 1996, HighPoint is a global provider of Technology Infrastructure and Professional and Managed Services. At its core, HighPoint is a company focused on serving others and that starts with their people. The company helps organizations across every sector maximize their investment in Information Technology and look to partner with others who share their values of honesty, integrity and trust. High Point provides solutions spanning Data Center, Cloud, Network Infrastructure, Wireless, Security and Collaboration.

 

High Point’s global headquarters are located in Sparta, NJ, which is less than 65 miles from Pocono Raceway, with a significant footprint in Charlotte, N.C., London and Amsterdam.

 

“This is a natural evolution of our relationship with Pocono Raceway and it was only a matter of time before we took things to the next level,” said Mike Mendiburu, CEO of HighPoint. “It is truly an honor to support such a great event with our tri-state area neighbors and fans as well as our highly-valued clients, partners and team members. For us, foundational to partnership is aligning with people and organizations that prioritize similar core values as HighPoint and the good folks at Pocono Raceway certainly set a high bar in that regard.”

 

The HighPoint.com 400 will serve as the centerpiece of the July 21-23 race weekend that also includes the NASCAR Xfinity Series, CRAFTSMAN Truck Series and ARCA Menards Series. The HighPoint.com 400, a 160-lap, 400-mile race, will be broadcast nationally on the USA Network as well as MRN and SiriusXM Radio beginning at 2:30 p.m. ET.

 

“Pocono Raceway is excited to welcome HighPoint into our family of partners and fans,” Pocono Raceway President Ben May said. “Our cultures and legacy as family businesses align nicely. Pocono Raceway is honored that HighPoint has identified us as their ‘home track’ and to be their first integration on the venue side of this business. It all feels right.”

 

“It’s nice when you can partner with global powerhouses who are only 26 laps around the ‘Tricky Triangle’ away from you; it says a lot about the importance and influence of the Northeast market and fanbase.”

 

The HighPoint.com 400 weekend action opens with the ARCA Menards Series Race on Friday, July 21 (6 p.m.), with the following day playing host to the NASCAR doubleheader of the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series CRC Brakleen 150 (12 p.m.) and Xfinity Series Explore the Pocono Mountains 225 (5:30 p.m.). Saturday’s schedule also will include Cup practice (2:35 p.m.) and qualifying (3:20 p.m.) for the HighPoint.com 400.

 

The weekend culminates with the HighPoint.com 400, the 21st race of the 36-event NASCAR Cup Series schedule.

 

The scheme that tackled the 🔺 in 2020 is back. Time to capture the win again with @ChaseBriscoe_14, this time in the #HighPoint400 @PoconoRaceway.#TeamHighPoint | @MikeMendiburu pic.twitter.com/idLtgFgpr0

— HighPoint (@HighPoint) July 19, 2023

 

source: Pocono Raceway Media

HighPoint.com 400 Support Series Races Facts

Friday - #ARCA Menards Series
Saturday #NASCAR Truck & Xfinity Series

 

WHAT: NASCAR Xfinity Series Explore the Pocono Mountains 225, NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series CRC Brakleen 150 and ARCA Menards Series Sunset Hill Shooting Range 150.

 

WHERE: Pocono Raceway, a 2.5-mile tri-oval in Long Pond, Pa.

 

WHEN: Friday-Saturday.

 

BROADCASTS:

 

• AMS Sunset Hill Shooting Range 150 | Friday @ 6 p.m. ET | TV – FS1 | Radio – MRN, SiriusXM.
• NCTS CRC Brakleen 150 | Saturday @ Noon | TV – FS1 | Radio – MRN, SiriusXM.
• NXS Explore the Pocono Mountains 225 | Saturday @ 5:30 p.m. | TV – USA Network | Radio – MRN, SiriusXM.

 

RACE LENGTHS:

 

• AMS Sunset Hill Shooting Range 150  | 60 laps | 150 miles.
• NCTS CRC Brakleen 150 | 60 laps | 150 miles.
• NXS Explore the Pocono Mountains 225 | 90 laps | 225 miles.

 

FEATURED WEEKEND EVENT: HighPoint.com 400 NASCAR Cup Series race, Sunday (2:30 p.m., TV: USA, Radio: MRN, SiriusXM).

 

ENTRY LIST LINKS:

 

• AMS Sunset Hill Shooting Range (driver list)
• NCTS CRC Brakleen 150
• NXS Explore the Pocono Mountains 225

 

2022 RACE WINNERS:

 

• AMS Sunset Hill Shooting Range 150 | Taylor Gray | David Gilliland Racing
• NCTS CRC Brakleen 150 | Chandler Smith | Kyle Busch Motorsports
• NXS Explore the Pocono Mountains 225 | Noah Gragson | JR Motorsports

 

2022 POLE WINNERS:

 

• AMS Sunset Hill Shooting Range 150 | Sammy Smith | Kyle Busch Motorsports
• NCTS CRC Brakleen 150 | Zane Smith | Front Row Motorsports
• NXS Explore the Pocono Mountains 225 | Justin Allgaier | JR Motorsports

 

2022 RACE RECAPS:  

 

• AMS General Tire Delivers 200: Taylor Gray, the 17-year-old driver for David Gilliland Racing, was declared the winner of the General Tire Delivers 200 when the ARCA Menards Series race was called 16 laps early due to encroaching darkness. Gray was in the lead when the final caution came out with 64 of the 80 laps complete and officials made the decision to call the race at that point. He was a worthy winner, having dominated the race after going a lap down after a slow pit stop during the first of two scheduled race breaks. He would rebound to lead a race-high 38 laps en route to his third win of the season. Nick Sanchez of Rev Racing finished second and Xfinity Series fulltime competitor Brandon Jones finished third for Joe Gibbs Racing. Full race results

• NCTS CRC Brakleen 150: Chandler Smith, driving for Kyle Busch Motorsports, turned in a dominant performance in the CRC Brakleen 150 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race for his second win of the season. Smith started second and led 49 of the 60 laps to become just the second multiple race winner on the season. He took the lead from Ryan Preece of David Gilliland Racing on Lap 47 and held him off by .262 of a second at the line after leading the final 14 laps. John Hunter Nemechek took third for Kyle Busch Motorsports. Polesitter Zane Smith finished 13^th but it was enough to allow him to clinch the regular-season series championship. Full race results

• NXS Explore the Pocono Mountains 225: Noah Gragson outlasted Ty Gibbs in a dramatic duel in the closing stages of the Explore the Pocono Mountains 225 by .281 of a second to secure the victory. Gragson, driving for JR Motorsports, and Gibbs, driving for Joe Gibbs Racing, went toe to toe in the final 15 laps with the duo staying within .3 of a second of each other. Gragson was able to stave off Gibbs to claim his career-high third win on the season. It also marked the seventh win in the last 11 NXS races for JR Motorsports. Led by Gragson, the organization also took four of the top seven finishing positions in the race with Josh Berry third, Sam Mayer sixth and polesitter Justin Allgaier seventh. Full race results

 

NASCAR XFINITY SERIES NOTES

 

John Hunter Nemechek of Joe Gibbs Racing is coming off his series-leading fourth win – and second in a row – this past Saturday at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Nemechek also leads the series in top-10 finishes (15) and laps led (597) and co-shares the lead in top-five finishes (10) with Austin Hill of Richard Childress Racing. Nemechek is the Xfinity Series points leader by 33 over Hill and 60 over third-place Justin Allgaier of JR Motorsports. … There have been 11 different winners through 18 races, including four multiple-race winners consisting of Nemechek, Hill (3), Stewart-Haas Racing’s Cole Custer (2) and Cup Series fulltime competitor AJ Allmendinger (2). The other winners are full-time NXS competitors Allgaier, Chandler Smith of Kaulig Racing, Sammy Smith of Joe Gibbs Racing and Jeb Burton of Jordan Anderson Racing along with Cup regulars Kyle Larson and Aric Almirola and part-time NXS driver Ryan Truex of JGR. … Chase Elliott will be making his first Xfinity Series start in nearly two years as he is scheduled to drive the No. 17 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet in the Explore the Pocono Mountains 225. His last start came in August of 2021 for JR Motorsports in the Indianapolis Grand Prix, where he finished fourth on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course. In 82 Xfinity Series career starts, Elliott has five victories, 34 top-five finishes, 66 top 10s and two poles.

 

RACE HISTORY NOTES

 

The NASCAR Xfinity Series has competed seven times at Pocono Raceway. The first race was held in 2016 and won by Kyle Larson. … There have been seven different winners through the first seven races at Pocono. … Justin Allgaier, Jeremy Clements, Ryan Sieg and Brandon Jones have competed in all seven races. … Cole Custer has been dominant in his four career starts, with an average starting position of 5.3 and average finishing position of 5.8. He owns a win, two pole positions, a pair of top-five efforts and a perfect 4-for-4 in top-10 finishes. … Custer and Allgaier lead active drivers in top-five finishes with two each. Allgaier, Custer and Daniel Hemric are tops in top-10 finishes with four each. … Six of the seven race winners have started among the top nine. The only driver to start outside of that was Austin Cindric, who won after starting 13^th in 2021. … Ford owns the most manufacturer wins with four. Chevrolet has two and Toyota one. … Six of the previous seven winners of this race currently are competing in the NASCAR Cup Series – Larson (2016), Brad Keselowski (2017), Kyle Busch (2019), Chase Briscoe (2020), Cindric (2021) and Noah Gragson (2022). Custer, the 2018 winner, competed in the Cup Series as recently as 2022.

 

NASCAR CRAFTSMAN TRUCK SERIES NOTES

 

The CRC Brakleen 150 is the first of two remaining regular-season races in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. The season finale is Saturday, July 29, at Richmond. … Despite missing a race due to illness, Corey Heim of TRICON Garage is leading the regular-season championship by 26 points over Zane Smith of Front Row Motorsports. Ty Majeski of ThorSport Racing is third, 51 points behind. … Heim is the series leader for top-10 finishes (11), laps led (372), stage wins (5) and co-leader for victories (2). Smith leads the series in top-five finishes (7) and a co-leader for wins (2). … Six of the 10 CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Playoff berths already have been secured by virtue of victories. Two-time winners Heim, Smith, Grant Enfinger of GMS Racing, Christian Eckes of McAnally-Hilgemann Racing and Carson Hocevar of Niece Motorsports, along with solo winner Ben Rhodes of ThorSport Racing, have clinched spots. Currently in the 7-10 positions, respectively, in the projected Playoffs are Ty Majeski of ThorSport, Nicholas Sanchez of Rev Racing, Matt DiBenedetto of Rackley WAR Racing and Matt Crafton of ThorSport. … Two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch will be competing in the CRC Brakleen 150, driving the No. 51 Zariz Transportation Chevrolet Silverado for Kyle Busch Motorsports. The organization has dominated at Pocono Raceway as KBM enters this weekend having won three consecutive NCTS races and seven of the last eight at “The Tricky Triangle.” Busch has two of those victories, winning in 2015 and again in ’18. The only blemish since 2015 was a victory by Ross Chastain for Niece Motorsports in 2019.

 

RACE HISTORY NOTES

 

The CRAFTSMAN Truck Series has competed 13 times at Pocono, with the first race being in 2010 and won by Elliott Sadler. … Matt Crafton is the only driver to start in all 13 races. Norm Benning and Johnny Sauter are tied for second with 12. … Crafton also is the all-time leader in top-10 finishes with eight. … Kyle Busch is the only multiple winner of this race, earning victories in 2015 and ’18. He is the all-time leader in top-five finishes (4) and laps led (148). … There have been 13 different pole winners in 13 races. … Zane Smith, last year’s pole sitter, has an average starting position of 3.3 in three career starts. … Tyler Ankrum has three top-10 finishes, including a pair of top-five efforts, in four career starts. His best finish is second in 2019. … Toyota has won seven of the last eight. Overall, Toyota has seven wins, Chevrolet five and Ford one.

 

ARCA MENARDS SERIES NOTES

 

The Sunset Hill Shooting Range 150 marks the midway point of the 20-race ARCA Menards Series season. … Jesse Love, an 18-year-old Californian who drives the No. 20 Toyota for Venturini Motorsports, has been dominant through the first nine races of the season. Love is the championship points leader and paces the series in wins (4), top-five finishes (7), top-10 finishes (8) and laps led (674). Love’s laps led are nearly 400 more than his closest competitor. He also co-shares the lead for pole positions (3) with William Sawalich of Joe Gibbs Racing. The two-time AMS West champion has an average starting position of 4.0 and finishing position of 5.2. … Luke Fenhaus of the Pinnacle Racing Group became the sixth different winner in nine events with this past Saturday’s victory at Iowa Speedway. Fenhaus took advantage of a late restart to overtake a dominant Sawalich and lead the final two laps for the win. Up to that point, Sawalich had led all 154 laps. … Former “Malcom in the Middle” television star Frankie Muniz is contending for rookie-of-the-year honors as well as the series championship. Muniz, the 37-year-old actor who drives the No. 30 Ford for Rette Jones Racing, is second in the championship as he trails Love by 49 points. Muniz has seven top-10 finishes, with a best of sixth on four occasions, through the first nine races. He has been solid in both qualifying and finishes, averaging a 9.0 starting position and 8.6 finishing position. … Andres Perez De Lara, an 18-year-old native of Mexico City, is third in the series championship, trailing Love by 63 points and Muniz by 14. Perez De Lara, who drives the No. 2 Chevrolet for Rev Racing, is still looking for his first win but has posted seven top-10 finishes, including four among the top five. His best finish is fourth on three occasions. … Toni Breidinger, who has made three starts in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series this season with TRICON Garage, returns again to the ARCA Menards Series to compete in the Sunset Hill Shooting Range 150. The 23-year-old Californian, who drives the No. 55 Toyota for Venturini Motorsports, is coming off a strong performance last week at Iowa, where she matched her career-best start (fourth) and finish (fifth). She established both career bests at Berlin (Conn.) Raceway in June. She becomes the fourth female driver in ARCA Menards Series history to have multiple top-five finishes, joining Erin Crocker-Evernham, Hailie Deegan, and Natalie Decker.

 

RACE HISTORY NOTES

 

This will be the 70^th ARCA race held at Pocono Raceway. The first was held in 1983 and won by Bob Schacht. … Brad Smith is the active leader in starts with 38. His first came in 1988. Smith’s best finish is 12^th (2005). … Bret Holmes has four top-10 finishes, including a pair in the top five, in his last four starts. His best finish of fourth came in his last appearance in 2020. … The race winner has started among the top three in five of the last six races. In the last 10 races, Harrison Burton is the only driver to start outside of the top five and win this race. He started 12^th en route to his victory in 2018. … Tim Steele holds the all-time records for wins (9) and poles (6) while Frank Kimmel holds the records for top-five (21) and top-10 (31) finishes. Bobby Gerhart is the all-time starts leader with 61. … Toyota has won five of the last seven races.

 

WEEKEND SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE

 

Friday, July 21

 

11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.: ARCA Menards Series practice
12:30 p.m. – 12:50 p.m.: ARCA Menards Series qualifying
1:35 p.m. – 2:05 p.m.: NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series practice

 

2:05 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.: NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series qualifying

 

3:35 p.m. – 4:05 p.m.: NASCAR Xfinity Series practice

 

4:05 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.: NASCAR Xfinity Series qualifying

 

6:00 p.m. – ARCA Menards Series Sunset Hill Shooting Range 150  (60 laps | 150 miles)

 

Saturday, July 22

 

12:00 p.m.: NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series CRC Brakleen 150 (60 laps | 150 miles)

 

2:35 p.m. – 3:20 p.m.: NASCAR Cup Series practice

 

3:20 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.: NASCAR Cup Series qualifying

 

5:30 p.m. – NASCAR Xfinity Series Explore the Pocono Mountains 225 (90 laps | 225 miles)

 

Sunday, July 23

 

2:30 p.m. – NASCAR Cup Series HighPoint.com 400 (160 laps | 400 miles)

 

Note: All times are Eastern/local.

 

 

source: Pocono Raceway Media

Pocono 400 Countdown

During NASCAR’S Diamond Anniversary Season Includes Paddock, Victory Lane Renovations

 

While NASCAR celebrates its heritage throughout its 75th diamond anniversary season, Pocono Raceway has an eye toward the future with the July 21-23 Pocono 400 Cup Series race weekend.

 

Construction was underway on Pocono Raceway’s “Paddock Plus” project that features the addition of a special-access elevated infield viewing area and new Victory Lane. The new trackside viewing deck will move to the prime location where Victory Lane was previously located, directly behind the pits and across from the start/finish line. The area will provide a superior elevated view of pit lane, track action on NASCAR’s longest frontstretch, and the Cup Series garage area.

 

The goal of the project is to deliver a more modern and immersive fan experience in the heart of the action as Pocono Raceway celebrates its 50th anniversary of NASCAR racing at the venue.

 

The project is in conjunction with the introduction of Paddock Pass Plus, which is designed to provide fans with more, easier and better access than in previous years. In addition to the viewing platform access, Paddock Pass Plus holders also will have pre-race access to the frontstretch and driver introductions and, of course, the fan-favorite “Autograph Alley.”

 

The Paddock Pass Plus is included in tickets for the Skybox, Terrace Club (Sunday), 300 Level (Sunday) and Club Pocono. Infield campers also receive two complimentary Paddock Pass Plus tickets with their site. For fans not holding tickets in those areas, Pocono Raceway is offering an upgrade option. Fans can purchase the add-on to their current ticket at $75 for the entire weekend or $50 for Sunday only.

 

The project was completed in advance of the NASCAR race weekend featuring four races in three days, culminating with the Pocono 400 Cup Series race on Sunday, July 23 (2:30 p.m. ET). The Pocono 400 will be joined by the ARCA Menards Series race on Friday, July 21 (6 p.m.), and the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series CRC Brakleen 150 and Xfinity Series Pocono 225 doubleheader on Saturday, July 22 (Noon & 5:30 p.m.).

 

In celebration of NASCAR’s “Thank You Fans”-themed anniversary, Pocono Raceway has special ticket offers ranging from the superfan to the economical one.

 

The “VIP Drivers’ Meeting Experience” package ($525) includes a VIP pass, access to the pre-race drivers’ meeting, souvenir lanyard and exclusive souvenir autograph board. The package does require a gate admission ticket of choice.

 

The other offer is a Level 200 grandstand ticket in the Donohue or Petty Tower for $75. These bench-style seats are located in Turn 1 (Donohue) or Turn 3 (Petty) of the grandstand side.

 

“More. Better. Easier. We have been saying it all year,” Pocono Raceway President Ben May said. “We can’t wait to welcome fans back to ‘The Tricky Triangle’ in just a few months. Coupled with our ‘Paddock Plus’ project, these special offers are just another way we get to say ‘thank you’ to our fans. It’s really something when you think about it. NASCAR has been racing for 75 years. And for 50 of those years, they have been coming to Pocono Raceway. I can’t wait to have some fans join us at the pre-race drivers meeting.”

 

Click HERE to explore the various ticket options and upgrades for the Pocono 400 weekend. For more information, please visit www.poconoraceway.com.

 

Whether it's your 50th time or first time visiting us this weekend, check out this Know Before You Go video!

Complete Race Weekend info can be found by visiting our Event Guide!

Event Guide: https://t.co/sFwhzGrq6V#HighPoint400 #ExplorePocono225 #CRCBrakleen150 #SunsetHill150 pic.twitter.com/owNR51NT6k

— Pocono Raceway (@PoconoRaceway) July 18, 2023

 

source: Pocono Raceway Media

Kevin Harvick Receives Colonial Musket Ahead of His Final NHMS Race

Turn Four Renamed “Harvick 4.”

 

New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS) honored the career and legacy of Kevin Harvick as he prepares for his final NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) race at “The Magic Mile” as a full-time NCS driver in Sunday’s Crayon 301. NHMS Executive Vice President and General Manager David McGrath presented the veteran driver with a custom-designed musket handmade by Ed Parry of Black Hart Long Arms in North Stonington, Conn.

 

“Over the years, I’ve given you a lot of lobsters here at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, but I wanted to give you something different this time,” said McGrath. “So, we have a custom-built musket, handcrafted out of Connecticut, that commemorates your record-tying four wins here at ‘The Magic Mile,’ and as a special thank you for being a great ambassador to our track and all of our fans, I present to you this beautiful musket.”

 

The commemorative musket represents the New England fowling guns of the 1700s, made with Yankee frugality of repurposed, imported and locally made components. The attractive stock is of local curly ash wood that is strong, stable and eye catching. The lock and hardware are reshaped French and English in origin and the octagon barrel is from Pennsylvania. Yankees also wanted a practical gun in a .62 caliber smooth bore that would shoot bird shot for small game or a round ball for bigger game and militia use. The steel components are rust blued and rust browned for ease of maintenance and a non-reflective stealthy appearance for the woodsman. The right side carries the silver commemorative plaque to Harvick and on the left side, a silver plaque of the Speedway Motorsports logo.

 

“That’s cool,” said Harvick. “This is the only musket that I own. Thank you. For me, New Hampshire has been a great place to race. We have a great fan following up here. It’s always a fun place to race in front of those fans that have followed you for so long.”

 

In addition, NHMS will recognize Harvick during his final visit to New England’s only NASCAR weekend with a “Thanks, Kevin” track wall decal just after the start/finish line and by renaming turn four “Harvick 4.”

 

Sunday’s Crayon 301 is scheduled for 2:30 p.m., with coverage starting on USA at 2 p.m. and on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio and the Performance Racing Network radio affiliates at 1:30 p.m.

 

In 39 career starts at NHMS, Harvick earned 23 top-10s, 14 top-fives and four wins (2006, 2016, 2018, 2019). The four wins at the 1.058-mile track tie him for most all-time with Jeff Burton, who will lead the field to green as the honorary pace car driver on Sunday.

 

#4EVER @NHMS pic.twitter.com/U3UcTxh5on

— Kevin Harvick (@KevinHarvick) July 15, 2023

 

source: New Hampshire Motor Speedway Media

New Hampshire Cup Series Race Postponed until Monday

Green Flag Scheduled for noon ET

 

The NASCAR Cup Series race originally scheduled for Sunday at 2:30 p.m. ET has been postponed because of rain forecast throughout the day in Loudon, New Hampshire.

 

The Crayon 301 was rescheduled for noon ET on Monday, airing live on USA Network, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio and the NBC Sports App.

 

The #Crayon301 has been postponed to Monday. Green flag will be at 12 PM ET. https://t.co/4a2zsIX6d6 pic.twitter.com/Sy5tOtYhVA

— New Hampshire Motor Speedway (@NHMS) July 16, 2023

Joe Gibbs Racing’s Christopher Bell will lead the field to the green flag after winning the Busch Light Pole Award on Saturday. Teammate Martin Truex Jr. will join him on the front row.

 

Note: NASCAR officials had scheduled a test for Monday and Tuesday at the Loudon oval, but made the decision Friday to scrap the sessions in light of the dreary weather forecast. The two-day session to test a rules configuration for potential use in the Cup Series on short tracks and road courses in 2024 was moved to July 31 and Aug. 1 at Richmond Raceway.

 

 

Click Here for New Hampshire Motor Speedway Weather Updates.

 

source: New Hampshire Motor Speedway Media

Nemechek Captures First Victory at “The Magic Mile”

New Hampshire Motor Speedway ‘Ambetter Health 200’

 

The NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) makes one annual visit to the Granite State each year, and the latest visit may just have cemented a new championship contender.

 

John Hunter Nemechek avoided several multi-car wrecks and held on through two late restarts, including a green-white-checkered finish on his way to a victory in the Ambetter Health 200 NXS race on Saturday at New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS).

 

Driving the No. 20 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing, Nemechek collected his NXS-leading fourth win of the season, the sixth of his career and his first at “The Magic Mile.” It was also Joe Gibbs Racing’s 199th career NASCAR victory.

 

“I am so proud of this 20 team,” said Nemechek, who led a race-high 137 laps. “I’m so thankful for this opportunity. Hats off to all of our guys at Joe Gibbs Racing, and a huge shout-out to all of the fans here. I love coming up here [to New Hampshire].”

 

Nemechek, a 26-year-old North Carolina native, was up front much of the way, allowing him to miss several big wrecks throughout the race, including nine-car crash following a restart at lap 70, a three-car spin in turn one on lap 196 that led to the green-white-checkered finish and a two-car collision just after he took the white flag, leading to his victory under caution.

 

That one felt good!✊#TeamToyota pic.twitter.com/lVYQwzvXYm

— John Hunter Nemechek (@JHNemechek) July 15, 2023

“I was a little worried on the last restart,” said Nemechek, who has raced full-time in all three NASCAR national series. “I didn’t know who was saving what. I’m so thankful to sit behind the wheel of this 20 car.

 

“The goal has been to win races, but that’s very hard to do. There’s some really tough competition for sure. We’re going to do everything we can to be there at the end.”

 

Pole-winner Chandler Smith (10 laps led) finished second, with Austin Hill placing third, Daniel Hemric in fourth and Sammy Smith (stage two winner, 18 laps led) in fifth. Justin Allgaier led 27 laps and won stage one before finishing sixth.

 

“We definitely have some work to do with this package,” said Hill, who trails leader Nemechek by 33 points in the NXS standings. “For us to salvage a third-place finish, with us not having that great of a car, we’ll take it and move on.”

 

Notable finishes among New England natives included Kaz Grala (Boston, Mass.) placing 13th in a backup car following a crash in practice. C.J. McLaughlin (Framingham, Mass.) came in 28th, Parker Kligerman (Greenwich, Conn.) was 32nd and Anthony Alfredo (Ridgefield, Conn.) finished 34th.

 

Nemechek completed the overtime-aided 206-lap event in two hours, 38 minutes, 40 seconds, averaging 82.417 mph with 20 cars finishing on the lead lap. Seven leaders exchanged the lead 13 times with 10 caution periods taking up 60 laps.

 

🏁 @JHNemechek dominates and WINS under caution at @NHMS! pic.twitter.com/76DVIlUiDY

— NASCAR Xfinity (@NASCAR_Xfinity) July 15, 2023

Gallery

 

 

source: New Hampshire Motor Speedway Media