#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!”

Ganassi’s #SoundGarage Social Media Concert A Success

Performance at the #SoundGarage (photo by Pat McCarthy)

On 09/08/2014, the normal race equipment inside the Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) shop was moved about and replaced by a medium sized stage, microphones and a sound system. Chip Ganassi Racing invited three hundred social media and millennial* "influencers" to the event, featuring a show by singer Cassadee Pope. Pope won the singing competition, "The Voice" in December of 2012.

This exclusive happening was hosted by CGR's trio of hot young drivers: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Kyle Larson, NASCAR Nationwide Series driver Dylan Kwasniewski and INDYCAR driver Sage Karam. FOX Sports 1 personality Kaitlyn Vincie served as emcee.

“The Ganassi Sound Garage event was one of the most unique events I've ever attended at a race shop. Ms. Vincie stated. “The goal was to create a social media digital-bash that would bring new fans of the millennial generation to racing. I think that young drivers like Dylan Kwasniewski, Kyle Larson, and Sage Karam are a perfect fit to usher in this new age of fans. The young generation can identify with them. Our sport needs to reach that young demographic to help bring in a new wave of life-long fans . . . and I think those three drivers can help make it happen. It was very neat to see all the social media interaction with the guests and drivers along with country recording artist Cassadee Pope, you could tell everyone was having a good time. I am grateful I was able to be a small part of it!"

A distinctive “reverse" red carpet was utilized for the event. This meant, to the delight of the guests, they were greeted by the drivers as the guests entered. The fans were also treated to photo opts, and engaged in a question & answer session.

Chip presenting the Owner of Big Machine Records a gift
of remembrance from the Brickyard #42 car (photo by American Syndicate )

When the Monday event was over, the big boss, Chip Ganassi, had succeeded in showing the fans just how important they are to his organization.

NASCAR Race Mom was able to speak to Dylan Kwasniewski while he was waiting for his bags at the LAX baggage claim. The nineteen-year-old was in town for a meeting with his sponsor Rockstar.

“I thought Sound Garage went great; we had Cassadee Pope playing. I watched her when she was on the voice.” Dylan detailed. “It was a fun time and went fantastically, especially for the first time. The biggest deal was that we were trying to get a big social media push, which we did. I think we were ‘trending’ in North Carolina at the time of the concert.”

During the event, Kwasniewski showed off his lip singing talents, line dancing abilities and his humor with the microphone.

Dylan Kwasniewski’s favorite part of the Sound Garage was interacting with the fans; taking photos with them and just having fun. He appreciated the opportunity to take a closer look at his fan base and being more personal with them. Intermingling with the event attendees gave fans the rare occasion to witness his more private side.

For those who did not attend, the concert was streamed live on NASCAR.com.

 The official event hashtag, #SoundGarage was Trending Topic for eleven hours in Charlotte.

“I had a great time hosting and having fun with the fans that came out to the event. We wanted to get the people that Kyle, Sage and I hung out with outside of racing to get involved with the sport of Indy Car and NASCAR. I hope that we can do it again soon.” added Dylan, who is currently twelfth in the NASCAR Nationwide Point Standings in his rookie year.

A fun Kwasniewski fact: The Luxury Item Dylan indulges in? With a chuckle, he quickly answered that clothes and shoes is what he spends his “race earnings” on. Currently, his favorite brand of shoes are called R&R – they have Nike soles. 

Twitter Handles

Cassadee Pope

Chip Ganassi Racing ‏

Dylan Kwasniewski

Kaitlyn Vincie

Kyle Larson

Sage Karam

*A millennial, also known as Generation Y are the demographic cohort following Generation X. There are no precise dates when the generation starts and ends. However, researchers and commentators use birth years ranging from the early 1980s to the early 2000s. 

About Chip Ganassi Racing Teams

Chip Ganassi has been a fixture in the auto racing industry for over 25 years and is considered one of the most successful as well as innovative owners the sport has anywhere in the world. Today his teams include four cars in the Verizon IndyCar Series, two cars in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, and one Prototype in the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship. Overall his teams have 17 championships and 160 victories, including four Indianapolis 500s, a Daytona 500, a Brickyard 400, five Rolex 24 at Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring. Ganassi boasts state-of-the-art race shop facilities in Indianapolis and Brownsburg, Ind. and Concord, N.C., with a corporate office in Pittsburgh, PA.

*Disclosure: This post has been submitted to a NASCAR sponsored program.

Dylan Kwasniewski's Special Guest

Dylan Kwasniewski and the No. 42 team had a special guest with them this weekend at Mid-Ohio. Nationwide Children’s Hospital Patient Champion Reid Zupanc will serve as an honorary crewmember on the up & up team at Mid-Ohio.

In July 2011, Reid was diagnosed with a rare cancer called Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma. Following the diagnosis, Reid had multiple surgeries, six months of chemotherapy treatment, many labs drawn, multiple scans, a skin graft, lung fungus, and countless doctors appointments.

He will also have tissue expanders put in the top of his head so that in the future, he can have a full head of hair. Currently, Reid is free from treatment, but regularly visits Nationwide Children’s Hospital for preventative scans.

Kwasniewski started the race in twelfth and finished eighth.

Photo Credit:  2014 Action Sports Photography, Inc.

#NASCAR's Young Stars Visit Hollywood Movie Studios

Drivers takes tours of studios

With the NASCAR national series in California this weekend, several young drivers took the opportunity to take in the sites that Hollywood has to offer, specifically movie studios tours. 

 

Yup, it is that much fun being a NASCAR Rising Star! 

 

 

 

You can follow these NASCAR Rising Stars via Twitter:

• @austindillon3 Austin Dillon

 

• @BubbaWallace Darrell Wallace Jr.

 

• @chaseelliott Chase Elliott

 

• @dylankracing Dylan Kwasniewski

 

• @kylelarsonracin Kyle Larson

 

• @RyanBlaney22 Ryan Blaney

 

• @tydillon Ty Dillon

Gene Price Motorsports (#knwest) Receives Certificate of Recognition

Parker area residents had a chance to sample the wares of a dozen local eating establishments at the second annual “Taste of Parker” event held March 6 at the Joshua Street Mall. The event was a fundraiser for the Colorado River Regional Crisis Services. CRRCS President Deniese Perez said approximately $4,000 was raised for the shelter.

Perez estimated the size of the crowd at 250 persons.

 

 

The Colorado River Regional Crisis Shelter presented Gene Price of Gene Price Motorsports with an award for his donation to the Taste of Parker event held March 6 at the Joshua Street Mall. On hand for the presentation were CRRCS board members Stuart Harper, Jamie Price and Chonna Marshall, Price, CRRCS Director Deniese Perez, Board member Laurie Moses, and shelter staff member Barbara Hunter.  (Pioneer photo/John Gutekunst)

Of the 12 establishments represented, event patrons chose Lucky’s BBQ as having the best food, with a three-way tie for second place between Lily’s Mexican Food, Roadrunner and the River’s Edge Cantina.

Pizza Hut was voted as having the best team spirit, Fox’s had the best decorations and Tommy’s Paradise Bar & Grill was voted as having the best theme.

Other participating establishments included Papa Nick’s Pizza, Wal-Mart’s Deli, The Bar, Sandra’s Creations, Gifts & More and the Soroptimist Diva Bar.

At a special presentation held near the close of the event, Perez offered a special certificate of recognition to the main sponsor of the event, Gene Price of Gene Price Motorsports.

Other sponsors included River Septic, The Bar, and ChaBones of Lake Havasu City.

Perez said she also thanked the businesses of the Joshua Street Mall for letting the event impose on them for the evening.

The mission of the Board and Staff of the Colorado River Regional Crisis Shelter is empowering individuals and their families to live a life free from domestic violence, by providing protection, education and resources.

After just three full-time years in the K&N Pro Series West, Gene Price Motorsports won the 2011 NASCAR K&N Pro West Series Championship with Greg Pursley. They accomplished a repeat performance in 2012 winning the NASCAR K&N Pro West Series Championship with Dylan Kwasniewski behind the wheel!

PittLite 125 #KNEAST Race Schedule

RACE:	PittLite 125
PLACE:	Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway
DATE:	Saturday, March 15
TIME:	4:45 p.m. ET
TV SCHEDULE:	FOX Sports 1, Saturday, March 22, 11:30 a.m. ET
TRACK LAYOUT:	.533-mile concrete oval
2013 WINNER:	Dylan Kwasniewski
2013 POLE SITTER:	Michael McGuire
EVENT SCHEDULE:	Thursday, March 13: Practice Noon-1:15 p.m. ET, 1:45-3 p.m. Two-lap Qualifying 5 p.m. Saturday, March 15: Autograph Session 11:30 a.m.
TRACK CONTACT:	Lynsey Wilson, 423-989-6991 or lwilson@bristolmotorspeedway.com
TWITTER:	@BMSupdates
EVENT TWITTER HASHTAG:	#PittLite125
NASCAR IMC CONTACT:	Shon Sbarra, (704) 309-5493 or ssbarra@nascar.com, @ShonSbarra

Kawsniewski Has A Lot to Smile About. (#nascar)

Dylan Kawsniewski was signed to a development contract with Chip Ganassi Racing over the weekend.

Ganassi has cars driven by Kyle Larson and Jamie McMurray, and the deal means that the 18-year-old Kawsniewski will be groomed to be the third Sprint Cup Series driver for the team.

Kawsniewski said he's grateful that he has this opportunity.

"It's my best opportunity to get to the top," said Kawsniewski. "I have to learn. I have to prove myself. I'm not just going to get a free ticket up to the top. I have to go out there and perform."

Ganassi said he knows he's taking a bit of a gamble on such a young driver.

"When you look at all his variables, you say, 'He has the least amount of question marks,'" Ganassi said. "We're first and foremost a race team, and it's important we run at the front."

Turner Scott Motorsports Gears Up for #KNEAST Season Opener (#NASCAR)

So It Begins - Turner Scott Motorsports (TSM) heads down south to New Smyrna Speedway for the first race of the 2014 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East (NKNPSE) season. TSM is coming off their inaugural season in the NKNPSE, in which they won three poles, six races and captured the championship with Dylan Kwasniewski behind the wheel. This season, TSM will have five cars racing for the championship in the organization’s second full-time stint in the series. TSM’s title defense begins on February 16 with the New Smyrna 150, which will mark the inaugural race at New Smyrna Speedway for the NKNPSE.

Turner Scott Motorsports heads New Smyrna Speedway for the first race of the
2014 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East season; with drivers Kaz Grala,
Brandon Jones, Scott Heckert, Cameron Hayley, and Ben Rhodes.

Kaz Grala - Grala will be competing full time in the No. 31 OzLINK Chevy Impala in 2014, running for not only the championship, but also Rookie of the Year (ROTY) honors with TSM. Grala looks to use the experience he gained among multiple series in 2013 to his advantage as he moves up to the NKNPSE. His season begins with the New Smyrna 150, Grala’s first career start in the NKNPSE.

Kaz Grala on New Smyrna Speedway:

“The No. 31 team and I have been preparing for the New Smyrna race to kick off the 2014 season. In the test, the car handled well and I liked the track, so I feel like we are in good shape. It will be a challenge in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East this year with such a stacked field. I’ve heard that there is going to be a huge car count for the New Smyrna 150; I can’t wait.”

Brandon Jones - Jones is coming off a 2013 season that saw him compete in multiple series with TSM. Jones made seven starts in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series (East & West), recording two top 10s, and three starts in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. In 2014, he will be running the No. 33 Wolfpack Energy Services Chevy Impala full time with TSM, as he will also look to contend for the championship.

Brandon Jones on New Smyrna Speedway and the 2014 season:

“It has been a long winter and I can’t wait to get back into the car at New Smyrna. We tested there a couple of weeks ago and the car handled great. Turner Scott Motorsports has also put together a new team for me this year with Shane Huffman taking over as crew chief. With Shane and Mike Greci’s experience, I expect to build on last year and believe we can contend for wins. I also think some of my strongest competition will come from my teammates. I’m looking forward to competing with them on the track this season.”

Scott Heckert - 2014 will not be Heckert’s first season in NKNPSE competition, after running the full season in 2013, but it will be his first season with TSM. Heckert takes over the reins of the No. 34 Chevy Impala full time in 2014, beginning with the New Smyrna 150. He will look to improve upon his rookie campaign in the series as he challenges for the championship with TSM.

Scott Heckert on New Smyrna Speedway:

“I feel great heading into the New Smyrna 150. Testing down there in January allowed me to get to know my teammates and really mesh together as a cohesive group. I also have a ton of laps on the high banks of New Smyrna Speedway, so I think that gives me an edge on the talented group I’ll be competing against.”

Ben Rhodes - Rhodes ran a part-time schedule with TSM in 2013, garnering success to the tune of two top fives and five top 10s in seven starts. In 2014, he will once again be behind the wheel of the No. 41 Alpha Energy Solutions Chevy Impala for TSM. He looks to challenge for both ROTY as well as the championship, beginning with the New Smyrna 150.

Ben Rhodes on New Smyrna Speedway:

“We had a great test at New Smyrna Speedway a few weeks ago. It is a really cool track and it was the first time I got to work with my new crew chief, Mark McFarland. We were on the same page from the time we unloaded the car, and we were able to try lots of different changes to get more speed out of the car. I am very confident we will give the No. 41 Alpha Energy Solutions Chevrolet Impala a great showing in the first race of the season.” 

Cameron Hayley - Hayley moves from the West to the East in 2014, running the full NKNPSE season for TSM. Cameron finished second in the overall point standings in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West in 2013, compiling one win (Roseville), six poles and 12 top-five finishes throughout the 15-race season. Hayley and the No. 98 Cabinets by Hayley Chevrolet team will look to continue upon the success he found in 2013 and challenge for the championship with TSM this season.

Cameron Hayley on New Smyrna Speedway:

“It has been way too long since the end of last year and I can’t wait to get this season going. Our No. 98 Cabinets by Hayley Chevy Impala was really fast when we tested and I know it will be just as fast when we get there for the race. It’s always tough switching to a new team, but I’m confident I’ll be able to adapt fast and start the year off with a win. All we need to do is run a hard, solid race and make sure we do everything we can to win.”

Team Release

Kwasniewski To Run Full Nationwide Slate

NASCAR Next Driver Inks Deal With Turner Scott Motorsports

Dylan Kwasniewski will run a full-time NASCAR Nationwide Series
schedule in 2014 (Getty Images for NASCAR)

MOORESVILLE, N.C. - Turner Scott Motorsports is pleased to announce today that Dylan Kwasniewski, the 2012 NASCAR K&N Pro Series West and the 2013 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East champion, will run a full-time NASCAR Nationwide Series schedule in 2014 driving the No. 31 Rockstar Energy Drink Chevrolet Camaro. Kwasniewski, 18, will make his series debut in the season opener at Daytona International Speedway on February 22.

"I'm thankful for Harry Scott and Steve Turner for giving me this opportunity, as well as Rockstar for moving up with us," Kwasniewski said. "The test session earlier this month at Daytona taught us a lot and it's good to enter Daytona with a level of confidence, not only for myself, but for Pat (Tryson) and all the guys. Racing in the Nationwide Series is going to present a lot of challenges and it won't be easy, but I look forward to taking it all on, learning from the other competitors and hopefully winning some races."

Kwasniewski, a native of Las Vegas, will bring Rockstar Energy Drink with him from NKNPSE competition to the Nationwide Series. Rockstar Energy Drink, headquarter

"Everyone at Rockstar is proud of the investment we have made in Dylan Kwasniewski," Jason May, executive vice president marketing for Rockstar Energy Drink stated. "He has demonstrated that he has the potential to become one of the best drivers on the planet and his transition into the NASCAR Nationwide Series at such a young age is proof of that. Rockstar is fortunate to be aligned with such a strong brand ambassador with an incredibly bright career in front of him."

Kwasniewski made his TSM debut last season and became the first driver ever to capture both the K&N East and West championships. In 14 starts, he earned six wins, eight top-five and 10 top-10 finishes, three poles and led 394 laps. He also was selected for the NASCAR Next program, an initiative to spotlight the sport's up-and-coming stars, for the third consecutive year.

"Dylan is a great kid and has unbelievable talent," Harry Scott Jr. said. "Steve and I are thrilled that he is taking the next step in his career with us here at TSM. The sky is the limit for Dylan and this Rockstar team. He showed us what he's capable of last year and while he's making a big step, we know Dylan can achieve great things this year."

The Rockstar Energy Drink team will be led by veteran crew chief Pat Tryson. Tryson first joined TSM in August 2013 as crew chief for Nelson Piquet Jr. In 527 combined NASCAR Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Camping World Truck events, he has led his teams to 10 wins, 66 top-five and 141 top-10 finishes and four poles

Before competing in his first-ever Nationwide Series race next month, Kwasniewski also will compete in the ARCA Racing Series Lucas Oil 200 at the 2.5-mile superspeedway on Saturday, February 15. The 2014 Nationwide Series season-opening Drive4COPD 300, will follow on Saturday, February 22, airing live on ESPN and MRN at 1:30 p.m. EST.

About Turner Scott Motorsports: 

Turner Scott Motorsports was established in 1999 and has become one of the most successful organizations in NASCAR by combining the business acumen and shared passion for racing of co-owners Steve Turner and Harry Scott Jr. This season will mark the fifth season of full-time NASCAR competition for the organization, which expanded in 2011 from a two-truck operation in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) to become the largest stand-alone multi-series team in NASCAR's top-tier touring series. The team earned its first championship when James Buescher captured the NCWTS title in 2012. Turner Scott Motorsports operates out of an 110,000 square-foot state-of-the art facility in Mooresville, N.C. The Chevrolet-backed team has created alliances with General Motors' powerhouse team Hendrick Motorsports, which provides engine support for both its NNS and NCWTS programs, and Earnhardt Technology Group for drive train and suspension technology assistance. For more information on Turner Scott Motorsports, visit www.TurnerScottMotorsports.com.

About Rockstar: 

Rockstar Energy Drink is designed for those who lead active lifestyles - from Athletes to Rockstars. Available in over 20 flavors at convenience and grocery outlets in over 30 countries, Rockstar supports the Rockstar lifestyle across the globe through Action Sports, Motor Sports, and Live Music.For more informationvisit: www.RockstarEnergy.comed in Las Vegas, has partnered with Kwasniewski since 2009.

K&N Pro Series East - 2013 Top Races

Ben Kennedy's win over Dylan Kwasniewski at Bowman Gray Stadium
was one of the best races of the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East season.
(Getty Images for NASCAR)

Blue Ox 100 at Richmond International Raceway
April 25: 

It was an event full of twists and turns that saw Ryan Gifford come out on top with a popular victory in the season’s fourth event. Gaulding set the K&N Pro Series East mark for the youngest pole winner prior to the event, and led the first 53 circuits before fellow 15-year-old Custer took point after Gaulding was clipped by Corey LaJoie battling for the lead on a restart. Custer held the lead until 23 to go when Gifford – a veteran of NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity initiative – made the decisive pass. It got interesting with five laps to go as an 11-car pile-up brought out the red flag, but Gifford held off Brandon Gdovic and Custer for his first career victory.

Drive Sober 150 at Dover International Speedway
Sept. 27 (Honorable Mention): 

The series’ annual trip to the “Monster Mile” proved to be a showcase event for some of the sport’s top emerging talent. Twenty-year-old CJ Faison, from nearby Felton, led the first half of the event before giving way to 19-year-old part-timer Austin Hill. With a pair of 15-year-olds Gaulding and Kyle Benjamin also in the mix down the stretch, it was Hill that emerged from a three-wide battle for the lead with four laps to go following a caution to reach Victory Lane in just his seventh series start.

NASCAR Hall of Fame 150 at Bowman Gray
June 1 (Honorable Mention): 

In general, a 150-lap race with 13 cautions would likely not make a list of the season’s best events, but we’re talking about Bowman Gray here. The compact quarter-mile produces fender-rubbing action each and every lap and a lack of real estate makes it hard to pass, but every now and then a driver can put on a show coming up through the field, and that’s what Kwasniewski did. 

After getting involved in an accident on Lap 108, Kwasniewski deftly maneuvered back up to the front in an attempt to track down Kennedy, who had assumed the lead on Lap 124 when Brett Moffitt lost power. Kennedy was ultimately able to hold the top position over Kwasniewski and the field through three late restarts to secure the victory. It was a popular and historic win for Kennedy, the great grandson of the late NASCAR founder Bill France Sr., who is also credited with starting auto racing at the famed Bowman Gray grounds.

2013 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East Driver Review

Dylan Kwasniewski, posing at Dale Earnhardt Jr's Whisky River during
the NASCAR Champions Week, won his second straight NASCAR K&N
Pro Series title in 2013. (Streeter Lecka/Getty Images for NASCAR)

Top Driver

Dylan Kwasniewski: Championship aside, the statistical results proved that Kwasniewski was without a doubt the K&N Pro Series East’s top driver in 2013. The NASCAR Next standout’s six wins were not only triple the total of other multiple-race victors, but it tied the mark for the second-highest single-season total in series history. He also had the most poles (3), top fives (8), top 10s (tied, 10) and laps led (394). Additionally, Kwasniewski was tops among the 17 full-time competitors in average finish (7.7) and tied for the best average start (6.2).

Daniel Suàrez (Honorable Mention): After two years of part-time competition, Suàrez showed what he was capable of with a full schedule in 2013. Despite a slow start to the season, the Drive for Diversity competitor recorded the second-most top fives (6) and top 10s (9) and registered his first career victory at Columbus (Ohio) Motor Speedway. The NASCAR Next driver led the series with four runner-up finishes, completed more laps than anybody (1,779), ranked third in average finish (8.9) and fourth in laps led (209).

Comeback Driver of the Year

Daniel Suàrez: It was a comeback within the season itself for Suàrez. Had the 21-year-old started the season the way he finished it, who knows what the championship picture may have looked like. Six races into the campaign Suàrez was 12th in points with an average finish of 15th, but things took a dramatic turn in the second half of the season, when he became the series’ hottest driver. The last eight races saw Suàrez post six podium finishes, highlighted by that Columbus victory, and he went on to finish third in points.

Mackena Bell (Honorable Mention): Bell’s first stint in the K&N Pro Series East came in 2010 when she competed in the first six races of the season. It was a tough introduction for the Drive for Diversity competitor, who posted an average finish of 22.7, but it was a completely different story when she returned to the series this season. A teammate to Suàrez at Rev Racing, Bell became just the second female driver in series history to post a top-five finish when she crossed the line fifth at Richmond and backed that up with a sixth-place effort at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, N.C. Bell ended up with four top 10s, an average finish of 14th and ranked 13th in the final season standings.

Top Breakthrough Performance

Ben Kennedy: It all came together for Kennedy in his third K&N Pro Series East campaign. Although Kennedy – who turned 22 following the season – matched his top fives (3) and top 10s (9) totals from 2012, the big difference in 2013 was that he found Victory Lane, twice. The NASCAR Next driver turned in a dominant performance in his home state in April when he sat on the pole and led all 150 laps for his first career triumph in the inaugural event at Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, Fla. Kennedy then stole the show at Bowman Gray in June when he got the lead with just 27 laps to go and held off a hard-charging field for another historic victory.

Kenzie Ruston (Honorable Mention): There were a number of remarkable seasons for rookies in 2013, but Ruston’s accomplishments rank near the top of the list. A true rookie with no K&N Pro Series East starts prior to the season, Ruston made an immediate impact. After just missing a top-10 finish (11th) in her debut at the challenging Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway, the NASCAR Next driver crossed the line third at Greenville (S.C.) Pickens Speedway in the season’s second race to record the highest finish in the series’ 27-year history for a female driver, then turned in a fifth-place effort at Five Flags. All told the 22-year-old registered six top 10s to finish sixth in the final standings and once again set a mark for the highest ranking by a female in series history.

Top Team

Turner Scott Motorsports: TSM made quite a first impression in 2013 – its first season of competition in the K&N Pro Series East. The organization fielded three full-time cars and two part-time efforts in its first foray in NASCAR’s top development series, and found plenty of success. Not only did Kwasniewski deliver a championship in the TSM No. 98, but Ruston recorded four top-five finishes in the No. 34 to rank sixth in the final standings and Ben Rhodes finished 19th in points despite running only half of the schedule in the No. 41 thanks to five top 10s. All told TSM cars compiled six wins (all by Kwasniewski), 14 top fives and 26 top 10s across the 14-race schedule.

Ben Kennedy Racing (Honorable Mention): After two seasons of technical and at-track support from Hendrick Motorsports as a teammate to Chase Elliott, Ben Kennedy Racing stood on its own and achieved substantial success in 2013. BKR, with Kennedy himself behind the wheel, was one of three teams to register multiple victories across the 14-race slate. BKR put a car under Kennedy that ranked fourth in average start (7.1) and average finish (9.8) as well as finished fourth in the overall championship standings – up five spots from the previous season.

Dylan Kwasniewski Doubles Up

The 2013 season left numerous marks on the historical timeline of the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East as a host of drivers went further than those before them.

Dylan Kwasniewski, an 18-year-old standout from Las Vegas, Nev., became the first driver to ever win both the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West and East championships after he followed up his 2012 West title with the East crown this season. Likewise, Kwasniewski became just the sixth driver in NASCAR history to earn back-to-back championships in different series, and the first since 1997-98.

Kwasniewski wasn’t the only history maker in 2013 though. Gray Gaulding established the mark for the youngest pole winner in series history at Richmond (Va.) International Raceway in April and Cole Custer became the series’ youngest race winner in August at Newton, Iowa’s Iowa Speedway.

The K&N Pro Series East’s diversity was on full display in record-breaking fashion as well. Kenzie Ruston established new marks for highest race and championship finishes* for a female competitor while Daniel Suàrez became the series’ highest-ranking international driver** in the final standings.

*Ruston's third place finish at Greenville Pickens Speedway in 2013 is the best finish for a female driver in series history. She finished 2013 ranked sixth in the final standings, the highest mark for a female in series history.

**Suàrez' third place finish in the 2013 standings is the highest mark for an international driver in series history.

One Of Closest Four-WayChampionship Battles In Series History

Derek Thorn won his first NASCAR title
in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West
(Streeter Lecka/Getty Images-NASCAR)

The 2013 season in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West featured one of the closest four-way battles for the championship in the history of the series, with Derek Thorn capturing the title by six points over Cameron Hayley, Greg Pursley and Michael Self.

In his final year of a two-year stint driving car owner Bob Bruncati’s No. 6 Sunrise Ford/Lucas Oil/Eibach Ford, Thorn had a textbook season in winning his first NASCAR championship.

The 27-year-old Californian jumped out front in the championship standings early and built on that lead with consistent finishes. Thorn – who was originally from Lakeport, but now resides in Bakersfield – carried that margin through the season to clinch the title in the final race of the year.

As a side note, the final points for the top two drivers in 2013 mirrored the points of the top two drivers the previous year. Thorn won the 2013 series championship by six points over Hayley – 622 to 616. In 2012, Dylan Kwasniewski had won the championship by six points over Pursley – 622 to 616.

Kwasniewski’s Champions Team Dinner

Dylan Kwasniewski, from Las Vegas, Nev., came to the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East with plenty of expectations. The reigning NASCAR K&N Pro Series West titlist switched coasts and series, and as a championship favorite, he became the default torch-bearer for Turner Scott Motorsports’ newly-established K&N Pro Series program.

When the dust had settled on the 2013 season, Kwasniewski tied the K&N Pro Series East mark for the second-most victories in a single season with six, and he became the first driver ever to win championships in both the K&N Pro Series West and East.

From Mom Jen Kwasniewski ‘s Facebook: 

Champions Team Dinner - can't thank these people enough for all their hard work this year!! You guys are amazing. — with Deanne Nash, Jeni MacDonald, Chris Bray, Mardy Lindley, Kari Bray, Teresa Allen Thompson, Leslie Teasley, Peggy Greci and Taylor Kwasniewski at Sullivan's Steakhouse - Charlotte.

Champions Battle In iRacing Challenge

Preece Top-Finisher Among Title Winners

NASCAR fan and occasional iRacing competitor Ricky Hardin (middle) won the
NASCAR Champions iRacing Challenge finale over runner-up Ryan Preece (right) and
third-place Tyler Hudson. (Scott Hunter/NASCAR)

Fans and champions competed side-by-side in the first NASCAR Home Tracks Champions Challenge presented by iRacing.com Wednesday at the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

NASCAR fan and occasional iRacing competitor Ricky Hardin, of Fort Mill, S.C., edged NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour champion Ryan Preece to win the final event that was competed in NASCAR Sprint Cups Series Generation-6 cars on the 1.5-mile oval at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

“It was a lot of fun to race against these guys,” said Hardin. “To be completely honest, the key for me was starting up front and being able to stay there. iRacing is something I enjoy doing as often as I’m able.”

Preece recorded the fastest lap en route to his runner-up finish.

“It was a fun time to relax and enjoy ourselves,” said the Berlin, Conn., driver. “iRacing is really a great tool to get the feel of a track you haven’t been to before or stay sharp during the offseason.”

NASCAR iRacing.com world champion Tyler Hudson, of Houston, Texas, finished third in the championship race.

Kwasniewski & Hudson competed
(Scott Hunter/NASCAR)

Throughout the afternoon, all of the NASCAR touring and weekly series champions – Dylan Kwasniewski (NASCAR K&N Pro Series East), Derek Thorn (NASCAR K&N Pro Series West), George Brunnhoelzl III (NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour), Ander Vilariño (NASCAR Whelen Euro Series), Scott Steckly (NASCAR Canadian Tire Series presented by Mobil 1), Rodrigo Peralta (NASCAR Toyota Mexico Series), Lee Pulliam (NASCAR Whelen All-American Series) and Preece – raced on ovals and road courses around the world.

The unique experience was held on the iRacing simulator pods at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. iRacing.com is the world’s premier motorsports racing simulation which allows drivers, race fans and gamers alike to hone their skills and enjoy the thrill of the racetrack from the comfort of their home.

Conveniently located in Uptown Charlotte, N.C., the 150,000-square-foot NASCAR Hall of Fame is an interactive, entertainment attraction honoring the history and heritage of NASCAR. The high-tech venue, designed to educate and entertain race fans and non-fans alike, is owned by the City of Charlotte, licensed by NASCAR and operated by the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority.

The event is part of a weeklong series of special activities in the Charlotte area for drivers and track representatives leading up to the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Awards on Friday, Dec. 13, and the NASCAR Night of Champions Touring Awards on Saturday, Dec. 14. Both ceremonies along with a Red Carpet pre-show will be streamed live on www.nascarhometracks.com. Coverage will get underway at 5 p.m. ET each evening.

Later Wednesday evening, the series champions will be honored at a special dinner affair in The Hall of Honor inside the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

By Shon Sbarra, NASCAR

NASCAR Champions To Be Honored Friday And Saturday Night.

The official 2013 NASCAR Champion's photo shoot was held today at
Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s Whiskey River Ranch in Mooresville, N.C.

NASCAR’s top drivers throughout its regional touring and weekly series will be in the spotlight this week in Charlotte, N.C., with a bevy of activities leading up to the awards ceremonies Friday and Saturday night.

The NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Awards will take place Friday, Dec. 13. Among those honored will be the 2013 national champion Lee Pulliam, as well as track champions from 55 tracks across the United States and Canada, state and provincial champions and top rookies.

"We've been really looking forward to this," said Lee Pulliam, NASCAR Whelen All-American Series national champion. "A lot of hard work has gone into this year to get us to this point. Charlotte was a blast last year, and it's already started off that way this year.

"I'm just really proud of everybody's hard work and determination that's gotten us here. Getting that handshake from NASCAR President Mike Helton and receiving that coveted trophy, that’s something I've always dreamed of."

On the following evening, NASCAR’s touring series champions will be recognized at the traditional NASCAR Night of Champions Touring Awards. Set for Saturday, Dec. 14, honorees will include the champions from the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East and West, NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour, NASCAR Canadian Tire Series presented by Mobil 1, Mexico’s NASCAR Toyota Series and NASCAR Whelen Euro Series.

"It's great - this week is always a blast," said Ander Vilarino, who won his second straight NASCAR Whelen Euro Series in 2013. "All the moments are very special. Just having the car in the NASCAR Hall of Fame -- all the champions cars are there. And you can see Petty's car and Johnson's car, and there is our car.

"And obviously the awards ceremony is the key moment - the most exciting moment of the week - when you receive that NASCAR championship ring."

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Fans Invited To iRacing.com Challenge At NASCAR Hall

The NASCAR Home Tracks champions will go head-to-head in iRacing
as part of December festivities in Charlotte. iRacing.com

Can Lee Pulliam beat Ryan Preece in an SK Modified at Stafford? Which multi-time champion is better around Langley in a stock car: George Brunnhoelzl III or Dylan Kwasniewski? Would Canadian Scott Steckly beat Spaniard Ander Vilarino at England’s Brands Hatch? 

And what happens when you let fans and media behind the wheel and into the mix? 

Those questions – and bragging rights– will be determined Wednesday, Dec. 11 as the NASCAR touring & weekly series’ Champions Week in Charlotte, N.C., kicks off with the first NASCAR Home Tracks Champions Challenge presented by iRacing.com. 

The unique event will be held on the iRacing simulator pods at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. iRacing.com is the world’s premier motorsports racing simulation which allows drivers, race fans and gamers alike to hone their skills and enjoy the thrill of the racetrack from the comfort of their home.

The event will kick off at 1:30 p.m. with an autograph session in the Great Hall at the NASCAR Hall of Fame where the championship trophies and cars will be on display with the seven NASCAR touring series champions and the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series national champion. Fans and media will be able to sign-up to compete against the champions, including Tyler Hudson, the recently crowned NASCAR iRacing.com Series World champion, in iRacing races from 2-4 p.m.

The final championship race will begin at 4:15 p.m. and will feature all nine champions competing against one another.

Champions at the event will include:

• Dylan Kwasniewski, Las Vegas (NASCAR K&N Pro Series East)
• Derek Thorn, Bakersfield, Calif. (NASCAR K&N Pro Series West)
• Ryan Preece, Berlin, Conn. (NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour)
• George Brunnhoelzl III, West Babylon, N.Y. (NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour)
• Ander Vilarino, San Sebastián, Spain (NASCAR Whelen Euro Series)
• Scott Steckly, Milverton, Ont., Canada (NASCAR Canadian Tire Series presented by Mobil 1)
• Rodrigo Peralta, Querétaro, Mexico (NASCAR Toyota Mexico Series)
• Lee Pulliam, Semora, N.C. (NASCAR Whelen All-American Series)
• Tyler Hudson, Houston, Texas (NASCAR iRacing.com Series)

Conveniently located in Uptown Charlotte, N.C., the 150,000-square-foot NASCAR Hall of Fame is an interactive, entertainment attraction honoring the history and heritage of NASCAR. The high-tech venue, designed to educate and entertain race fans and non-fans alike, is owned by the City of Charlotte, licensed by NASCAR and operated by the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority.

The NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Awards will take place Friday, Dec. 13. Among those honored will be the 2013 national champion, as well as track champions from 55 tracks across the United States and Canada, state and provincial champions and top rookies.

On the following evening, NASCAR’s touring series champions will be recognized at the traditional NASCAR Night of Champions Touring Awards. Set for Saturday, Dec. 14, honorees will include the champions from the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East and West, NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour, NASCAR Canadian Tire Series presented by Mobil 1, Mexico’s NASCAR Toyota Series and NASCAR Whelen Euro Series.

Both the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Awards and the NASCAR Night of Champions Touring Series Awards will be streamed live on NASCARHomeTracks.com.

source

Dylan Kwasniewski Claims The 2013 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East Championship

Dylan Kwasniewski en route to his Road Atlanta 115 victory.
(Getty Images for NASCAR)

 Dylan Kwasniewski continued to make history with a dominating effort Friday in winning the Road Atlanta 115 and claiming the 2013 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East championship.

“The car was just awesome today,” said Kwasniewski. “The Turner Scott Motorsports team has given me great cars all season and I can’t thank all the people that make this possible enough.”

Kwasniewski, who became the youngest champion in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West last year, became the first driver to win both titles in both series.

“I wanted to go out with a bang with a win in the race and the championship. That’s what we did,” said the driver of the No. 98 Royal Purple Synthetic Oil/Rockstar Energy Drink Chevrolet. “To get two back-to-back especially on the East Coast and the West Coast; I’m just trying to prove to everybody out there that I can get it done not only (in) the west but on the east side, too.”

The 18-year-old out of Las Vegas shook off a pair of hard luck finishes that had narrowed his lead to just five points over Brett Moffitt entering the final race of the season. He started from the pole position and dominated the series’ inaugural visit to the 2.54-mile road course by leading wire-to-wire for his sixth win of the season.

Kwasniewski’s season win total tied Brad Leighton’s six wins in 1999 for the second-most in series history. Ricky Craven won a record 10 races in 1991.

While Kwasniewski was out front, the championship suspense quickly ended as Moffitt had transmission problems that knocked him out of second-place on Lap 6 and eventually out of the race. Moffitt finished 24th, giving Kwasniewski the title by 33 points.

A pair of Rev Racing drivers – Daniel Suárez and Bryan Ortiz – finished second and third. Rev Racing is a byproduct of NASCAR’s Drive For Diversity effort.

The runner-up finish for Suárez closes out a breakout season for the member of the NASCAR Next program. He scored top-five finishes in four of his last five starts of the season.

“In the first half of the race the car was good and just as fast as Dylan’s, but it just got tighter and tighter,” said driver out of Monterrey, Mexico. “I don’t know exactly what happened. It just never came back to neutral.”

Kwasniewski, a member of the NASCAR Next program, also became the first driver since Mike Stefanik to notch championships in two different series in consecutive years. Stefanik won the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour and K&N Pro Series East titles in both 1997 and 1998. Lee Petty and Bobby Allison are also members of this exclusive group.

At 18 years, 4 months and 3 days, Kwasniewski is the third-youngest champion in K&N Pro Series East history behind Joey Logano and Ryan Truex, who both won titles before turning 18 years of age.

The championship was the first at the K&N Pro Series level for Turner Scott Motorsports that fielded three fulltime teams in 2013.

“We started out in January with an empty race shop and here we sit at the press conference after taking the championship,” said Harry Scott, Turner Scott Motorsports co-owner. “We’ve really come a long way.”

Kwasniewski will be honored for his championship season along with NASCAR's other touring series champions on Saturday, Dec. 14 at the NASCAR Touring Series Awards in the Grand Ballroom of the Charlotte (N.C.) Convention Center at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Hall of Fame. 

RESULTS | LAP-BY-LAP RECAP | AUDIO: POST-RACE PRESS CONFERENCE WITH CHAMPION TEAM OWNER HARRY SCOTT, CHAMPION DRIVER DYLAN KWASNIEWSKI AND CHAMPION CREW CHIEF MARDY LINDLEY | AUDIO: POST-RACE WITH RUNNER-UP DANIEL SUAREZ | AUDIO: POST-RACE WITH THIRD-PLACE BRYAN ORTIZ