US Court of Appeals Rules Former NASCAR Team Owner Pay $31M

The ruling is related to the bankruptcy of BK Racing

 

Ron Devine was the owner of BK Racing who raced in the NASCAR Cup Series. The team went bankrupt following the 2018 season.

 

The owner was indicted in 2023 with four counts of failure to pay payroll taxes.

 

The team sold their charter to Front Row Motorsports. However, Union Bank & Trust Company claimed that they owned the charter that was sold.

 

In 2022, A judge originally ruled that Devine was ordered to pay $31M to the trustee. Devine elected to take that ruling to the U.S. Court of Appeals. Now, they have elected to uphold that ruling.

 

Per Bob Pockrass the ruling read, “The bankruptcy court exhibited extraordinary patience in the face of Appellants’ egregious conduct. This Court will not condone such blatant disregard for the judicial process.”

 

US Court of Appeals affirms $31M default judgment against BK Racing owner Ron Devine. From the ruling:"The bankruptcy court exhibited extraordinary patience in the face of Appellants’ egregious conduct. This Court will not condone such blatant disregard for the judicial process." https://t.co/G2OkyCUaLD

— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) January 17, 2025

In 2019, there were 78 claims against the team totaling $44,295,884.91. $9,000,000 of which came from a bank loan to keep the team operational.

 

Many employees of the team were also not paid toward the end of team operations.

 

 

source: MSN Sports Media 

23XI Competing On and Off the Race Track

Michael Jordan Sues #NASCAR

 

Michael Jordan is suing NASCAR. On October 2, two NASCAR teams filed an antitrust lawsuit in the Western District of North Carolina against NASCAR, accusing the racing company of maintaining an illegal monopoly. The two teams are Front Row Motorsports and 23XI,  a team co-owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin, a veteran NASCAR driver. In addition to NASCAR, they named Jim France, the CEO and Chairman of NASCAR and son of NASCAR-founder Bill France, Sr. as a defendant.

 

The dispute between the parties centers around NASCAR’s charter system. Under this system, which was implemented in a 2016 agreement, holding a charter guarantees a race team a starting position in NASCAR’s Cup Series races and a share of the television revenues. NASCAR is different from other professional sports in which multiple franchises form a league to compete in. Rather, NASCAR is owned by one family: the France family. The current charter agreement was set to expire at the end of this year, and teams and NASCAR had been negotiating towards a new agreement. Eventually, NASCAR offered a final take-it-or-leave-it deal on September 16th, which thirteen of the fifteen teams accepted. 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports refused. Now, they’re suing NASCAR.

 

Their complaint alleges that NASCAR “has exploited its economic power as the sole premier stock car racing organization in the United States.” It further argues that NASCAR has reached and maintained this position through “anticompetitive and exclusionary practices. These allegedly anticompetitive practices include buying up racing circuits and racetracks, requiring NASCAR teams to use specific cars, and restricting teams from “participating in races outside of NASCAR’s circuit.” Of particular interest to the antitrust inquiry is the fact that NASCAR acquired its main stock car racing competitor, ARCA, in 2018.

 

Why are 23XI and FRM the only two teams suing NASCAR? Their lawyer, Jeffrey Kessler, has an answer. 🤝 pic.twitter.com/65O5ewSwkg

— Dirty Mo Media (@DirtyMoMedia) October 3, 2024

23XI and Front Row Motorsports are seeking several outcomes from the lawsuit. Most urgent is a preliminary injunction that would allow the two teams to continue to compete until the end of litigation. Their potentially seismic goal is a permanent injunction that would “end NASCAR’s exclusionary practices and restore competition in the relevant market,” but the exact remedy is unclear.

 

In order to succeed in a Sherman Act §2 lawsuit, the plaintiff must show both a) monopoly power and b) anticompetitive conduct. The first requirement seems easily satisfied when it comes to NASCAR, and much of the back and forth in litigation will be based around the second requirement. Jordan, for his part, is confident: “I wouldn’t have filed it if I didn’t think I could win.” NASCAR and the France family have good reasons to not want to go to court even if the outcome will be in their favor. Discovery would require NASCAR to open up their financial records—something it has never had to do as a privately-owned company—revealing how much profit it (and by extension, the France family) takes in. If Michael Jordan and the racing teams are successful, the remedy is difficult to predict. It could be as simple as requiring NASCAR to sell off some of their racetracks in order to open the door for more competition.

 

Settlement is similarly tricky in this case. According to the plaintiffs’ lawyer Jeffrey Kessler, “No one is bringing this type of fight, this type of lawsuit, to move from a D-plus deal to a D deal. That is not going to happen.” The two teams likely would want what they had been fighting for during the two years of charter agreement negotiations: more revenue, more say in governance and rule-making, a share of the revenue from NASCAR’s name, image, and likeness deals, and for the charters to be permanent. It seems unlikely that the France family would easily give in to the demands it had so strongly refused during negotiations, even faced with a federal lawsuit.

 

If the case is settled, the result will likely be the relationship between NASCAR and its chartered teams becoming slightly more equitable. If it continues all the way to trial, NASCAR’s private finances will be revealed and the stock-car racing landscape in the United States may be permanently altered.

 

Statement from 23XI and Front Row Motorsports ownership. pic.twitter.com/7CX6OxoKqF

— 23XI Racing (@23XIRacing) December 18, 2024

Statement from 23XI and Front Row Motorsports ownership. pic.twitter.com/fcb2S4U4N5

— 23XI Racing (@23XIRacing) December 23, 2024

Tuesday NASCAR filing argues 23XI+FRM post a bond to cover earnings secured as 2025 charter teams if lawsuit fails "to provide a mechanism for reimbursing an enjoined party for harm it suffers as a result of an improvidently issued injunction."

Teams said NASCAR can't show harm pic.twitter.com/Ym85BYS0WK

— Matt Weaver (@MattWeaverRA) January 7, 2025

 

source: The Columbia Journal of Law and the Arts 

Todd Gilliland to Carry on Love’s Travel Stop Livery Into 2025 and Beyond

Todd will follow in his father, David’s, footsteps

 

Todd Gilliland will enter the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season with new, yet familiar colors. Gilliland will pilot the No. 34 Love’s Travel Stops Ford Mustang Dark Horse for Front Row Motorsports (FRM). Todd will follow in his father, David’s, footsteps in representing the Love’s colors at FRM.

 

As Love’s enters its 13th consecutive season with FRM, it was David Gilliland who first raced the Love’s livery in the 2013 Daytona 500. David went on to race for the company in 2014 and 2015, giving the FRM partner their first pole and top-five finish.

 

Gillilands looking good in Love’s yellow since 2013. 🟡👌 pic.twitter.com/FCjF7jo0ZZ

— Front Row Motorsports (@Team_FRM) November 20, 2024

Todd first began racing for Love’s, under the Speedco banner, in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series beginning in 2020 and again in 2021. Heading into the 2025 season, the 24-year-old driver now steps into the # 34 Love’s Travel Stops Ford and is FRM’s longest tenured driver.

 

"It is really humbling to race the No. 34 Love’s Travel Stops Ford Mustang beginning next season," said Gilliland. “It’s just another cool moment in my career to race for a company that represented my father at FRM. The 34 Ford is what started FRM in the Cup Series and there is a lot of history with Love’s, FRM, and my family. I still remember watching my dad race the Love’s Ford."

 

"I do not take this next step lightly," continued Gilliland. "I have seen the rise of the team and the new level of expectations. It is an honor that Love’s is putting their trust in me to continue to grow this team and compete for wins and get into the playoffs. I am gracious for this opportunity and look forward to 2025."

 

Love’s will once again be the premier partner of the team and will adorn the No. 34 Ford Mustang Dark Horse for more than half of the season, beginning at the Daytona 500.

 

The crew chief and other partners will be announced before the start of the 2025 season.

 

You can visit www.loves.com to learn more about Love’s Family of Companies.

 

We're excited to have @ToddGilliland_ join the No. 34 Love’s Ford Mustang Dark Horse! Following his father David’s legacy, Todd is bringing the iconic Love’s colors back to the track. Let’s make this 2025 season one to remember! 💛@Team_FRM @NASCAR pic.twitter.com/wZboNwDVrq

— Love's Travel Stops (@LovesTravelStop) November 19, 2024

 

source: Front Row Motorsports Media

Front Row Motorsports Watkins Glen Cup Preview

Michael McDowell  #34/ Todd Gilliland #38

Michael McDowell and Benebone Head to The Glen

The NASCAR Cup Series heads to the Finger Lakes of Upstate New York and Watkins Glen International for road course racing this weekend.

 

Michael McDowell returns to his road racing roots, looking for another solid finish. So far this season, the No. 34 has had two Top-5s on road courses, a 2nd place at Sonoma and a 5th place at the Chicago Street Race.

 

 

"Watkins Glen is a great track for us. I always know what I need out of the car. WGI is a different style of road course where we carry a lot of speed. I’ve always felt that no matter the road course that I can be up front. Now we have cars that are allowing us to do that. It’s been a lot of fun this season. It’s now time to finish the job and get a win." Michael McDowell

 

This weekend Benebone will return to the No. 34 Ford Mustang Dark Horse. Benebone is a leading brand of USA-made durable chew toys for dogs. The company's simple mission is to make lives better for dogs and the people who love them. Benebone's core values center around awesome products, building and serving communities, and a good dose of fun.

 

"We are very confident in our road course setups, and we only have one job now, to be a playoff spoiler. The new tire and track changes at The Glen should make for an exciting practice. We will adapt to those changes and plan to be at the front with a chance to win!" Travis Peterson – Crew Chief

 

Almost time to get this No. 34 @mybenebone Ford Mustang loaded up and @WGI bound! pic.twitter.com/TOC6Ud7ioJ

— Michael McDowell (@Mc_Driver) September 11, 2024

Todd Gilliland Debuts Boozy Jerky to NASCAR World

The NASCAR Cup Series makes their annual trip to Watkins Glen, New York and Watkins Glen International this Sunday. This will not only be the 100th race for the “Next Gen” car, but Todd Gilliland’s 100th Cup Series start.

 

 

“I’m excited for The Glen—it’s such a fun track to race on. We don’t visit many road courses, so it’s a refreshing change of pace. This weekend is significant for me, FRM, and Boozy Jerky, as it’s my 100th Cup Series start and Boozy Jerky’s debut. There’s already a lot to celebrate, & I hope we can cap it off with a win. I’m excited to have Boozy Jerky on board this weekend. Looking forward to introducing them to the NASCAR World. We have our hauler stocked up already and the entire team is excited to try it. It’ll be a good weekend.”  Todd Gilliland

 

Boozy Jerky will make their first NASCAR start this weekend, partnering with Gilliland and the No. 38 Ford Mustang Dark Horse for the 90-lap event. Boozy Jerky is the original booze-infused brand of beef jerky. Every bite of Boozy Jerky is meticulously hand-crafted in the US to be tender, moist, and full of rich and defining flavors.

 

“Watkins Glen has been a good track for us. We left there with a solid 11th-place finish last year, but I think we can do better than that. We’re building fast Ford Mustang Dark Horses; we just need to execute at the track. The plan is simple: qualify up front and stay there. That’s easier said than done. but I think we can do that this weekend.” Ryan Bergenty Crew Chief

 

Let's get Boozy! 🥳

We've got @BoozyJerky on the No. 38 this weekend, who's ready? #roadcourseszn@ToddGilliland_ | @WGI pic.twitter.com/wvCYkkV3q4

— Front Row Motorsports (@Team_FRM) September 11, 2024

Track activity for the NASCAR Cup Series will start Saturday, September 14th with practice and qualifying at 11:30 am ET. Go Bowling at The Glen will be Sunday, September 15th at 3:00 pm ET.

 

Fans can watch the action live on the USA Network or listen via the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM channel 90.

 

 

source: Front Row Motorsports Media https://www.teamfrm.com

Centene Corporation Partners with NASCAR Champion Driver Zane Smith and Front Row Motorsports

Ambetter Health and Wellcare to Serve as Primary and Associate Partners Across the NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, Starting at Daytona in February

Reigning NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Champion Zane Smith and Front Row Motorsports formally announce a new, multi-series partnership with Centene Corporation, a Fortune 500 company, that includes both primary and associate sponsorship for the NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (NCTS) entries driven by Smith.

 

 

 

The partnership – which will feature Ambetter Health, a leading provider of health insurance offerings on the Health Insurance Marketplace, and Wellcare, which offers a wide range of Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (PDP) – starts at Daytona International Speedway in February when Smith attempts to qualify for his second career NCS start and first Daytona 500 aboard the No. 36 Wellcare Ford Mustang. 

 

“I’m fortunate to have a great sponsor of Centene’s stature to step up and support me and Front Row Motorsports as I look to gain racing experience in the NASCAR Cup Series while at the same time defending the NASCAR Craftsman title,” said the 23-year-old Smith. “I’m excited to represent Ambetter Health and Wellcare as Centene continues to grow their involvement in NASCAR and their healthcare presence across the United States.”

 

 

As the cornerstone partner for Smith’s previously announced part-time 2023 NCS plans, Centene will be primary sponsor for five additional NCS races aboard the chartered No. 38 car at the following race tracks: Phoenix Raceway (March, Wellcare), Talladega Superspeedway (April, Wellcare), Sonoma Raceway (June, Wellcare), Texas Motor Speedway (September, Ambetter Health) and Charlotte Motor Speedway (October, Ambetter Health).

 

In addition to the six-race NCS primary car sponsorship, Centene will feature Ambetter Health as the primary sponsor of Smith’s NCTS No. 38 Ford 150 truck at Miami-Homestead Speedway on October 21. The comprehensive partnership also includes full season associate sponsorship on Smith’s No. 38 NCTS truck and on the No. 38 NCS car with driving duties split between Smith and Todd Gilliland. Smith is expected to race up to six of the 36 NCS points races in the No. 38 Ford.

 

“We want to welcome Centene Corporation to Front Row Motorsports,” said Bob Jenkins, owner, Front Row Motorsports. “This is an example of another well-respected and premier company to join our organization and the sport. Their support also allows us to move Zane up into the NASCAR Cup Series part-time and continue his growth while also helping us defend our NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series championship. We’re excited for the year ahead.”

 

St. Louis, Mo.-based Centene is not new to the sport of NASCAR. Centene is a healthcare partner of Speedway Motorsports (SMI) and serves as a race track sponsor across several SMI properties, plus as the race entitlement sponsor of the Ambetter Health 400 NCS race at Atlanta Motor Speedway in March and the Ambetter Health 200 NASCAR Xfinity Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in July.

 

“We’re excited to partner with Front Row Motorsports and Zane Smith to build on our relationship with racing fans across the country,” said Sarah London, Chief Executive Officer, Centene Corporation. “Through this partnership, we have the opportunity to further connect with racing fans and educate them on our mission to transform the health of our local communities and ensure everyone is able to access high-quality, affordable healthcare.” 

 

ABOUT CENTENE CORPORATION

Centene Corporation, a Fortune 500 company, is a leading healthcare enterprise that is committed to helping people live healthier lives. The Company takes a local approach – with local brands and local teams – to provide fully integrated, high-quality, and cost-effective services to government-sponsored and commercial healthcare programs, focusing on under-insured and uninsured individuals. Centene offers affordable and high-quality products to nearly 1 in 15 individuals across the nation, including Medicaid and Medicare members (including Medicare Prescription Drug Plans) as well as individuals and families served by the Health Insurance Marketplace, the TRICARE program, and individuals in correctional facilities. The Company also contracts with other healthcare and commercial organizations to provide a variety of specialty services focused on treating the whole person. Centene focuses on long-term growth and value creation as well as the development of its people, systems, and capabilities so that it can better serve its members, providers, local communities, and government partners.

 

Centene uses its investor relations website to publish important information about the Company, including information that may be deemed material to investors. Financial and other information about Centene is routinely posted and is accessible on Centene's investor relations website, https://investors.centene.com/.

 

ABOUT AMBETTER HEALTH

Ambetter Health is a health insurance offering that is available on the Health Insurance Marketplace, or exchange, established by the Affordable Care Act. It is one of the healthcare programs provided by Centene Corporation, a leading healthcare enterprise. Ambetter Health is made available through local health plans and covers a wide variety of healthcare services, including preventive and wellness services, maternity and newborn care, pediatric services, mental health and substance misuse services, prescription drug coverage, and more.

 

ABOUT WELLCARE

For more than 20 years, Wellcare has offered a range of Medicare products, including Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (PDP), which offer affordable coverage beyond Original Medicare. Wellcare is a wholly owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation, a leading healthcare enterprise committed to transforming the health of the community, one person at a time. For more information about Wellcare, visit www.wellcare.com.

 

ABOUT FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS

Front Row Motorsports (FRM) is a winning organization in the NASCAR Cup and Craftsman Truck Series. The team is the 2021 Daytona 500 and 2022 Craftsman Truck Series champions. The team was founded in 2004 and is owned by successful entrepreneur, Bob Jenkins. FRM fields the No. 34 and the No. 38 NASCAR Cup Series teams along with the No. 38 Craftsman Truck Series team from its Mooresville, N.C. headquarters. Visit teamfrm.com and follow FRM on social media: Twitter at @Team_FRM, Instagram at @team_frm and Facebook at facebook.com/FrontRowMotorsports.

 

source: Team Front Row Media

Gener8tor Skills to Accelerate Todd Gilliland

New Partner Helps People Achieve Their Goals

 

Todd Gilliland will help welcome new partner gener8tor Skills Accelerator to Front Row Motorsports (FRM) and the NASCAR Cup Series as a supporter of the No. 38 Ford Mustang Ford team. The Madison, Wisconsin-based company will be the primary partner of Gilliland and the team beginning at The Clash at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Sunday, February 5 and be the livery on the No. 38 Ford Mustang during “The Great American Race,” the Daytona 500.

 

Gilliland will also carry the gener8tor Skills Accelerator scheme at the Chicago Street Race on Sunday, July 2 and at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course on Sunday, August 13.

 

Gener8tor Skills Accelerator will be working with Gilliland and FRM throughout the season to introduce fans to their service- a free virtual skill-training program where participants receive one-on-one support to achieve their goals. Gener8tor Skills Accelerator was founded in the summer of 2020 to help those who have lost jobs or are struggling to find employment because of the COVID crisis. The program builds confidence with coaching and support to achieve your desired goals.

 

“Gener8tor Skills Accelerator is a perfect tool for those passionate NASCAR fans who may be looking for a job in high-demand roles or for those working remotely with companies across the country,” said Cole Shearer, Vice President, gener8tor Skills Accelerator. “We offer various free programs for fans to take advantage of and our partnership with Todd and Front Row Motorsports will help us connect to fans and educate them about all our programs.”

 

The partnership will include the primary race events, but also social media posts by Gilliland who will promote the accelerator programs. FRM will also work with generator Skills Accelerator to connect business-to-business opportunities with its family of partners.

 

“It’s awesome any time you can introduce a new company to NASCAR and at the same time introduce the new company to the fans,” said Gilliland. “There is no bigger platform than The Clash and the Daytona 500 to kickoff this partnership. I’m eager to get started to ready to help spread the message and start helping people.”

 

🚨PARTNERSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT🚨

We are proud to introduce @gener8tor Skills Accelerator to the @NASCAR Cup Series as a new partner for @ToddGilliland_. The company and livery will debut together at the @nascarclash and the #Daytona500

Learn more- https://t.co/SPKk9nKgaI pic.twitter.com/vQwchMhLmj

— Front Row Motorsports (@Team_FRM) January 19, 2023

Fans can learn more about gener8tor and the gener8tor Skills Accelerator programs online at www.gener8tor.com.

 

 

source: Team Front Row Motorsports Media

Front Row Motorsports Ends Another Historical Season

Will Celebrate First Championship in Nashville

In another year of “firsts,” Front Row Motorsports (FRM) will celebrate its first NASCAR championship during Champion’s Week in Nashville, Tenn. from November 30 through December 1. Zane Smith and the No. 38 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series team secured FRM’s first championship by winning last week’s race at the Phoenix Raceway.

 

Champions. pic.twitter.com/fT7z24Xt8L

— Zane Smith (@zanesmith77) November 5, 2022

The win at Phoenix capped a four-win season for the FRM truck team led by partners Ford, MRC, Love’s Travel Stops, Speedco, Fr8Auctions.com, Boot Barn, Horizon Hobby, RTA, First Phase, SEM and Plan B Sales. Smith finished in the top-10 in every race this season except for four. His remarkable season ended at Phoenix with an exclamation point after earning the pole, winning all three stages and the championship.

 

 

FRM also continued to excel with its two-car NASCAR Cup Series operation. Michael McDowell and the No. 34 team had 12 top-10 finishes and two top-five results. McDowell had two third-place finishes that came at Sonoma in June and Talladega in October. McDowell’s average finish in 2022 was nearly four positions higher than any other in his Cup Series career. McDowell was once again anchored by Love’s Travel Stops on the No. 34 Ford Mustang. Other partners included Fr8Auctions.com, Horizon Hobby, WISE-EV, Stage Front Tickets, Navage Nasal Care, Chicago Pneumatic and FloRacing.com.

 

 

Todd Gilliland and the No. 38 Ford Mustang team completed their rookie season with two top-10 and one top-five finishes. Gilliland led laps during four different races. His highlights included finishing fourth at Indianapolis and pulling away while leading at Watkins Glen. Gilliland also finished seventh at Talladega after racing up front all day. Gilliland was primarily supported by First Phase, Boot Barn, Frontline Enterprises, Ruedebusch Development and Construction, Georgia Peanuts, Black’s Tire and Auto, Chicago Pneumatic, Southeastern Equipment, Entrepreneurs’ Organization of South Florida, Trident Seafoods, Cross Country Adjusting, CITGARD, The Pete Store and YANMAR.

 

 

“We knew that 2021 was a great season when we won the Daytona 500, but everyone dug in and we had an even better 2022 defined by our first championship,” said Jerry Freeze, General Manager, Front Row Motorsports. “It’s a testament to the men and women working at Front Row Motorsports, our drivers and all our partners. They worked hard to improve and we’re getting stronger on and off the track. More people are taking notice of what we’ve been building and now we just need to keep getting better. We’re excited about what we can do in 2023.”

 

FRM will next compete at the 2023 Busch Light Clash at The Coliseum on February 5 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

Eyes forward toward 2023 💪 pic.twitter.com/3dlsfXXoe6

— Front Row Motorsports (@Team_FRM) November 18, 2022

ABOUT FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS

Front Row Motorsports (FRM) is a winning organization in the NASCAR Cup and Camping World Truck Series. The team is the 2021 Daytona 500 champions and 2022 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champions. The team was founded in 2004 and is owned by successful entrepreneur, Bob Jenkins. FRM fields the No. 34 and the No. 38 NASCAR Cup Series teams along with the No. 38 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series team from its Mooresville, N.C. headquarters.

 

 

source: Front Row Motorsports

RTA’s gigFAST Internet to Help Speed Smith Throughout 2022 Season

 

Zane Smith not only boasts a season best two race victories in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series this season but arrives at Martinsville Speedway for Thursday night’s Blu-Emu Maximum Pain Relief 200 (8 p.m. ET on FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio) as the most recent winner at the famed half-mile track.

 

Happy to add @rta4usa to our team for the rest of this year. 👊🏼 pic.twitter.com/BGPuE1seBY

— Zane Smith (@zanesmith77) April 5, 2022

 

Additionally Rural Telecommunications of America, Inc. (RTA)  has joined Michael Roberts Construction (MRC) as a sponsor of Zane Smith and the No. 38 Front Row Motorsports Ford F-150 team. RTA’s partnership with MRC will feature a full primary truck sponsorship at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 27, plus associate sponsorship at all other MRC primary sponsored races starting at Martinsville Speedway this Thursday, followed by Sonoma Raceway, Kansas Speedway and the season finale at Phoenix Raceway.

 

RTA initially joined MRC and Smith last year and are looking forward to being part of Smith’s championship run later this fall.

 

“We are extremely excited this year to continue our partnership with Zane, MRC and now with Front Row Motorsports,” said RTA Chairman Donald Workman. “Zane is an extremely talented driver and incredible person on and off the track. He exhibits all the qualities that RTA is built upon. We are so pleased to be a part of his racing family to support him and his team.”

#ZaneSmith wins #Cota #Nascar ! 🏁#gigFASTINTERNET #gigFASTTV #RTA pic.twitter.com/M1GGuBkpQj

— Rural Telecommunications of America (@rta4usa) April 5, 2022

 

RTA is a Rural Internet Service Provider based in Houston, Texas that is on a mission to bring affordable gigFAST INTERNET™ to America’s rural communities. Smith, who moved from California to a more rural area in North Carolina to pursue his NASCAR dreams, has experienced first-hand the need for more options and faster internet in places underserved. Both RTA and Smith share the need for speed and passion for connecting rural America.

 

“RTA is a perfect partner for our sport as they are leading the way in bringing high-speed internet to NASCAR fans all over rural America,” said Smith. “Speed and technology is what drives the sport and I trust their gigFAST service to help me win races. Hopefully we can win another one with them on the No. 38 RTA Ford F-150 at Charlotte Motor Speedway this May.”

 

 

source: NASCAR Media

Black’s Tire and Auto Service to Continue Gilliland Family Tradition

Family Company to Support Todd Gilliland in Cup Rookie Season

 

A historic NASCAR partner and participant, Black’s Tire and Auto Service is back with Front Row Motorsports (FRM) and NASCAR Cup Series rookie, Todd Gilliland in 2022. Black’s Tire and Auto Service will be the primary partner of Gilliland for two races as Gilliland makes the move up to the NASCAR Cup Series.

 

The famous Black’s Tire and Auto Service colors will adorn the No. 38 Ford Mustang at the Richmond Raceway in April and again at the Darlington Raceway in May.

 

Black’s Tire and Auto Service has always been a supporter of the Gilliland family. David Gilliland donned the logos throughout his career in both the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and the NASCAR Cup Series before Black’s Tire moved to Todd and FRM in 2020. Black’s Tire and Auto Service has been with Todd Gilliland and FRM the past two seasons.

 

This season, Gilliland will bring a new dynamic scheme with him to the track that represents the new era of NASCAR, but also keeps the traditional colors and logos of Black’s Tire in NASCAR.

 

“We enjoy our partnership with Todd, the Gilliland family and Front Row Motorsports,” said Ricky Benton, Owner, Black’s Tire and Auto Service. “Todd’s move to the NASCAR Cup Series combined with the new car in the NASCAR Cup Series, has our customers and employees really excited for this season. We’re cheering for Todd and wishing him the best as he steps up in his racing career.”

 

Gilliland is proud to carry the Black’s Tire brand, knowing its history with his family and within NASCAR.

 

“It’s been really cool to represent Black’s Tire and their employees and customers the past few seasons,” said Gilliland. “I’m proud to bring them back into the NASCAR Cup Series this year and I want to represent them as best as possible. The customers of Black’s Tire and Auto Service are enthusiastic race fans who have a proud history in the sport. It’s an honor to carry that on and I hope to do them proud this year.”

 

Black’s Tire will also be an associate partner of Gilliland the No. 38 Ford Mustang team all season. The team officially beings their season at the Daytona 500 on February 20 live on FOX.

 

About Black’s Tire and Auto Service

Black's Tire and Auto Service was formed as Black's Service Station by W. Crowell Black in Whiteville, N.C. in 1929. Now, with 46 locations in both North and South Carolina, Black's remains a local, family owned/operated tire sales and service and vehicle repair business. In addition to the retail and commercial locations, Black's also operates four warehouse/distribution centers, BTS Tire & Wheel Distributors, a commercial sales division and a tire-retreading business, Carolina Retreads. The Black's Tire family includes more than 700 highly skilled, service-minded team members and ASE certified technicians. To learn more about Black's Tire or to find a location, visit www.blackstire.com.  Follow Black's Tire and Auto Service on social media: Twitter at @BlacksTire,  Instagram at @BlacksTire and Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/blackstire.

 

About Front Row Motorsports

Front Row Motorsports (FRM) is a winning organization in the NASCAR Cup and Camping World Truck Series and the 2021 Daytona 500 champions. The team was founded in 2004 and is owned by successful entrepreneur, Bob Jenkins. FRM fields the No. 34 and the No. 38 NASCAR Cup Series teams along with the No. 38 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series team– from its Mooresville, N.C. headquarters. Visit teamfrm.com and follow FRM on social media: Twitter at @Team_FRM, Instagram at @team_frm and Facebook at facebook.com/FrontRowMotorsports.

 

🏁RACE GIVEAWAY🏁 We are gearing up for Daytona with @tannergray5 Friday Feb 18th. Like, Retweet or Comment to win one of 3 prizes:
🏁BTS David Gilliland 1/24 Diecast & NASCAR Racing Tanner Gray Shirt
🏁New NASCAR Tanner Gray Racing Shirt & Hat
🏁Black's Tire Max Visor. pic.twitter.com/IFRwF8SdVG

— Black's Tire Service (@BlacksTire) February 11, 2022

 

source: Team Front Row Motorsports

Front Row Motorsports 2022 Team Lineup

Reigning Daytona 500 Champion Michael McDowell to Lead Young Duo

In 2022, Front Row Motorsports (FRM) will again have a mix of veteran leadership and young, winning drivers stepping into new roles.

 

 

Michael McDowell will pilot the No. 34 Ford Mustang in the NASCAR Cup Series. He will be teammates with Todd Gilliland who takes over the No. 38 Ford Mustang. Two-time NASCAR Camping World Series championship runner-up Zane Smith joins FRM to race the No. 38 Ford F-150 in the truck series.

 

'@Mc_Driver kicks off Burnouts on Broadway as the defending Daytona 500 winner!

TV: NBCSN pic.twitter.com/8b999eeUl2

— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) December 4, 2021

 

Gilliland makes the jump to the NASCAR Cup Series to compete for the Sunoco Rookie of the Year title after three full-time seasons in the truck series, the past two with FRM. In 2021, Gilliland had one win, 16 top-10 and 10 top-five finishes, resulting in a career best year. He led FRM to fourth in the owner’s championship. Gilliland will work with crew chief Seth Barbour.

 

Going Cup racing in 2022 with @Team_FRM and @FordPerformance . What a special day. Couldn’t be more excited for next year!!! @FastLaneMediaNC pic.twitter.com/mZg0V5WYDf

— Todd Gilliland (@ToddGilliland_) November 30, 2021

 

Gilliland follows his father, David, as a driver of the No. 38 Ford for FRM in the NASCAR Cup Series.

 

“I feel like I’ve found a home at FRM,” said Gilliland (Todd). “I’ve been around the team when I was growing up and watching my dad race. I joined the truck team here and it has been a good place for my career. I can’t wait to step up into the NASCAR Cup Series. I know the challenges ahead, but I’m planning to be here and help grow with this team for a long time.”

 

“Todd has been a part of the FRM family before he even started his own racing career,” added owner, Bob Jenkins. “We know that Todd is committed to helping our No. 38 program. He helped us launch our truck program into a winning team and that’s our goal for him and the 38 Cup team.”

 

McDowell returns to the No. 34 Ford Mustang. This past season he again set new records for the organization with five top-10 and two top-five finishes. Their season was highlighted by winning the Daytona 500.

 

“It was a storybook season for Michael, Drew (Crew Chief) and the 34 team,” continued Jenkins. “They helped elevate us to the next level and now we need to sustain and take the next step. The new car gives us a wonderful opportunity to do that.”

 

“I’m really looking forward to 2022 and the fresh start it brings across the sport,” said McDowell. “It’s an exciting time for the NASCAR Cup Series and for us at FRM. We have proven that we can win and now we want to find that consistency throughout the season to be even better.”

 

Coming off a great 2021 season, @zanesmith77
is determined to bring home the big trophy in 2022 in his No. 38 Ford F150!

Let's recap his 2021 stats:
Points Position: 2 | Wins: 1 | Top 10's: 14| Laps Led: 131 pic.twitter.com/RdKFf0ONF9

— Front Row Motorsports (@Team_FRM) December 10, 2021

 

FRM welcomes Smith to its NASCAR Camping World Truck Series team, fresh off consecutive seasons as championship runner-up in the series Smith recorded three race wins and 27 top-10 finishes in his two full seasons in the series. The 22-year-old Huntington Beach, Calif. native will work with crew chief Chris Lawson with the goal of winning the championship in 2022.

 

“I’ve been watching Zane the past few seasons,” said Jenkins. “He’s a young driver who is a proven winner and he shows a lot of promise. We want to get him that championship in 2022, but also, we want to have Zane with us for a long time. We see a bright future for him.”

 

“I competed against Front Row for wins this past season and I know how competitive the team is,” said Smith, the 2021 Most Popular Driver in the NASCAR Camping World Series. “Bob Jenkins has given me a wonderful opportunity to race for the truck series championship again. More importantly, there is an opportunity to grow with them in the future.”

 

The 2021 season will mark its 13th with Ford Performance, the team’s manufacturing partner since expanding to a multi-car organization in 2010.

 

FRM will announce team partners leading into the 2022 Daytona 500 and throughout next season.

 

About Front Row Motorsports

Front Row Motorsports (FRM) is a winning organization in the NASCAR Cup and Camping World Truck Series and the 2021 Daytona 500 champions. The team was founded in 2004 and is owned by successful entrepreneur, Bob Jenkins. FRM fields the No. 34 and the No. 38 NASCAR Cup Series teams along with the No. 38 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series team– from its Mooresville, N.C. headquarters. Visit teamfrm.com and follow FRM on social media: Twitter at @Team_FRM,  Instagram at @team_frm and Facebook at facebook.com/FrontRowMotorsports. 

 

 

source: Front Row Motorsports