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By Adam Carabine

Press Release | SPIRE MOTORSPORTS MOORESVILLE, N.C. (March 15, 2024) – Today, Spire Motorsports announced Connor Zilisch will make his NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series (NCTS) debut in next weekend’s XPEL 225 at Circuit of the Americas (COTA). In addition to next weekend’s 42-lapper at the 3.14-mile Austin, Texas road course, Zilisch will be at the controls of the No. 7 Chevy Silverado later this season at Talladega Superspeedway. Additionally, Spire Motorsports will coordinate a separate entry for Zilisch at the October 27 NCTS playoff race at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Zilisch, 17, is an accomplished karting and road racer who, most notably, was part of Era Motorsport’s LMP2 class win at the 2024 Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway, making him the second-youngest driver, ever, to win the iconic race. He is a 10-time Trans-Am TA2 class race winner and a central component of Trackhouse Racing’s driver development program. “I can’t wait to make my NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series debut at Circuit of the Americas, as well as other select races with Spire Motorsports this year,” said Zilisch. “Spire has obviously had a lot of success already this year, so I know that I’m getting into winning equipment. I’ve been doing a lot of preparation for COTA, and I feel that it’s a track that suits my style. I can’t wait to get to work with these guys and hopefully get my No. 7 Austin Hatcher Foundation Chevy Silverado to Victory Lane.” The Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer, through the generosity and support of Hixon Motor Sports, will serve as Zilisch’s primary sponsor for all three races. The Mooresville, N.C., native is the 2022 Mazda MX-5 championship runner-up where he also claimed rookie-of-the-year honors for Hixon Motor Sports. The Trackhouse Racing development driver made his ARCA Menards Series debut last season at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International where he led 34 of the race’s 42 laps before securing an impressive runner-up finish. The Austin Hatcher Foundation is a leading nonprofit organization committed to helping families impacted by childhood cancer at no cost, for the entire family’s entire lifetime. The Foundation provides comprehensive, coordinated care through evidence-based therapies, counseling, family programs, grief groups, educational resources and more, fostering resilience and hope for families. The Foundation’s focus not only assists families coping in the present, but helps them thrive in the future following a childhood cancer diagnosis. “This is an exciting opportunity for Spire Motorsports in a couple different ways,” said Spire Motorsports president Doug Duchardt. “We’re thrilled to have Connor Zilisch drive the No. 7 Chevrolet Silverado this season, but separately, we’re looking forward to working closely with our friends at Chevrolet and Trackhouse Racing to help Connor get some vital seat time. Connor is an exceptionally talented young racer whose credentials speak for themselves. It’s almost hard to get your arms around how accomplished he really is, given that he’s just 17-years-old. Based on what he’s done already, we expect Connor to be a key contributor as we race for a NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series owner’s championship.” The XPEL 225 from Circuit of the Americas will be televised live on FS1 Saturday, March 23, beginning at 1:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. The fifth of 23 NCTS races on the 2024 schedule will be broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

Press Release | STEWART-HAAS RACING KANNAPOLIS, N.C. (March 14, 2024) – TRUEWERK, the direct-to-consumer performance workwear brand, has partnered with Stewart-Haas Racing, the championship-winning NASCAR team co-owned by NASCAR Hall of Famer Tony Stewart and Haas Automation founder Gene Haas. TRUEWERK is outfitting Stewart-Haas from head to toe, with team members wearing the company’s high-performance gear at the track, in the gym and in the office as the official performance workwear, apparel and uniform provider for Stewart-Haas. TRUEWERK engineers the world’s highest-performance workwear and the company collaborated with Stewart-Haas to develop an all-new apparel collection, combining proven performers, such as the T1 WerkPants, redesigned classics like hoodies and polos, along with a new-to-market selection, specifically its S1 StormShell rain gear that saw action in the season-opening Daytona 500, which was postponed a day to due to rain. “We’re proud to partner with Stewart-Haas Racing and outfit its team members in our most technically advanced uniform program to date,” said Brian Ciciora, founder and CEO, TRUEWERK. “Stewart-Haas is built from the same DNA as the TRUEWERK community – obsessed with innovation, progression and performance in everything we do. We’re thrilled to be a part of Stewart-Haas for years to come and to help them perform at the highest level.” Stewart-Haas was in need of an apparel partner that could furnish superior workwear able to withstand the rigors its crew members endure while simultaneously providing comfort in a variety of weather conditions, all with a sharp and consistent style. For Stewart-Haas driver Ryan Preece, TRUEWERK successfully delivered the trifecta of function, comfort and style. “From the moment I got all my TRUEWERK gear, I threw out all the other stuff I had because there was absolutely no comparison,” said Preece, who wheels the No. 41 Ford Mustang Dark Horse in the NASCAR Cup Series. “I’m in their T1 WerkPants everyday – at the shop and at the track. Their T-shirts, polos, half-zips, hoodies, jackets – I’ve got them all and I wear them all. When you see me at the track, you’ll see me decked out in TRUEWERK.” TRUEWERK will be decked out on Preece’s No. 41 Ford Mustang during the Coke Zero Sugar 400 Aug. 24 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway. The penultimate race of the NASCAR Cup Series’ regular season will serve as TRUEWERK’s debut as a primary sponsor, with the No. 41 TRUEWERK Ford Mustang getting prime-time exposure on NBC when the race goes green at 7:30 p.m. EDT. “Ryan Preece embodies the ethic, teamwork and commitment to excellence that’s synonymous with the TRUEWERK community,” Ciciora said. “A mechanic at heart, Ryan understands that a crew’s skill, judgment and the honed execution creates speed on the track, just as much as driving performance. It’s his commitment to the entire program that makes us so proud to be a part of Stewart-Haas.” Beyond the sponsorship of Preece’s No. 41 Ford, TRUEWERK secured naming rights for Stewart-Haas’ state-of-the-art campus training facility, known now as the TRUEWERK Performance Center. NASCAR fans and industry personnel who want to experience the function, comfort and style of TRUEWERK can do so directly at TRUEWERK.com.

Press Release | RICHMOND RACEWAY RICHMOND, Va. (March 14, 2024) – Richmond Raceway announced today that Pro Football and NASCAR Hall of Famer Joe Gibbs will join four-time GRAMMY® Award winning artist Michael Tait and NASCAR Cup Series driver Corey LaJoie for its Easter Service at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 31, prior to the Toyota Owners 400. The service will be hosted in partnership with Motor Racing Outreach and will feature other special appearances by Michael McDowell, Richard Childress, Mike Dillon, and Ty Dillon. “What a wonderful way to celebrate this special holiday. We are so grateful to have the opportunity to honor the day and join with Joe Gibbs, Michael Tait and Corey LaJoie to welcome the community to this special service,” said Richmond Raceway President Lori Collier Waran. “Our service will be something that our whole community of race fans and their families can enjoy, and how special to put on such a meaningful celebration on Easter Sunday at Richmond Raceway.” Gibbs founded Joe Gibbs Racing in 1992. The team captured its first win at the 1993 DAYTONA 500, and since that time leads all teams in combined wins across NASCAR’s top three national series. JGR has captured five NASCAR Cup Series championships and six NASCAR Xfinity Series Owner Championships. Prior to motorsports, Gibbs had a Pro Football Hall of Fame career leading the Washington NFL franchise to three Super Bowl victories. Known for his strong faith and family, Gibbs legacy continues on the racetrack with his grandson, Ty Gibbs, competing in the Cup Series’ No. 54 Toyota Camry for Joe Gibbs Racing. “I am thankful for this opportunity to celebrate Easter with the racing community at Richmond Raceway,” said Gibbs. “Sharing the resurrection and love of Jesus is the most important message I can share with others, and I’m honored to be part of this special Easter Sunday service.” Tait was a founding member of Christian music’s iconic trio, dc Talk, in 1987. Over the course of 13 years, the group recorded five albums, earned four GRAMMY® Awards, and garnered 16 Dove Awards. In 2009, Tait joined another iconic band, Newsboys, and he has continued to serve as their lead vocalist and frontman for more than a decade. One of the most influential groups in Christian music history, GRAMMY®-nominated, Platinum-selling Newsboys have sold more than 10 million units, amassed eight Gold certifications, 33 #1 radio hits, four GRAMMY® nominations, two American Music Award nominations and multiple Dove Awards. Their signature songs include “We Believe,” “He Reigns,” “Born Again” and the Platinum-certified megahit, “God’s Not Dead.” The non-denominational Easter Service will be held in the Virginia Credit Union LIVE! amphitheater near the Gate 4 Entrance at 810 E. Laburnum Avenue and will be free to attend; advanced registration is encouraged. For more information on the Easter Service and to register, visit richmondraceway.com/easter-service. The Toyota Owners 400 will be contested at 7 p.m. on Easter Sunday, March 31 as NASCAR’s best compete for a spot in the NASCAR Playoffs. The race will be broadcast live on FOX, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. Richmond Raceway’s Easter weekend will also include the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour’s Virginia is for Racing Lovers 150 on Friday, March 29, and the NASCAR Xfinity Series’ ToyotaCare 250 on Saturday, March 30. Fans are encouraged to secure their tickets now at www.richmondraceway.com.

Press Release | DOVER MOTOR SPEEDWAY DOVER, Del. (March 14, 2024) – The yearlong celebration of the Petty Family’s 75th anniversary in NASCAR comes to Dover Motor Speedway this spring with multiple opportunities for fans to see and personally meet NASCAR legends Richard Petty, Dale Inman and Jimmie Johnson, the Monster Mile’s all-time leader in victories. LEGACY MOTOR CLUB (LEGACY M.C.) and co-owned by Johnson, is partnering with NASCAR tracks across the country to produce one-of-a-kind sculptures featuring “The King’s” famous cowboy hat. Richard serves as LEGACY M.C.’s Club Ambassador. The design of each hat is unique to each facility and honors Petty’s family racing legacy, which began when Richard’s father Lee entered the June 1949 race in Charlotte – the first event sanctioned by NASCAR. “It’s always special to be recognized and this does take it to the very top,” Petty said. “This is really for the fans to enjoy something unique to our family, our history, and our contributions to the tracks and NASCAR. It took a lot of people, time, and effort to make this happen and our family is honored by that.” Richard made an early mark at the Monster Mile in 1969, winning Dover’s inaugural NASCAR Cup Series race, the Mason-Dixon 300, by six laps, an event he later called “NASCAR’s invasion of the North.” Richard won seven NASCAR Cup Series races at Dover, with the last coming in 1984 for his 199th career victory. Inman was Richard’s crew chief for three decades, 198 race wins and seven NASCAR Cup Series titles. Inman earned his eighth title with Terry Labonte in 1984 and was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2012. Richard’s son Kyle’s last NASCAR Cup Series victory came in the Monster Mile’s debut weekend with a concrete surface in 1995 while Kyle’s son Adam made two NASCAR Xfinity Series starts at Dover in 1999. Meanwhile, 11-time Monster Mile winner Jimmie Johnson will make his first Dover Motor Speedway Cup Series start since 2020 in the Würth 400 NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday, April 28 (2 p.m., FS1). The newly inducted NASCAR Hall-of-Famer and seven-time NASCAR champion is driving the No. 84 Toyota part-time for LEGACY M.C. this season. Johnson's 83rd and final Cup Series victory to date came at Dover in the AAA 400 Drive for Autism on June 4, 2017. “Across more than half a century of action, Richard Petty, his crew chief Dale Inman and Jimmie Johnson are some of the Monster Mile’s top performers,” said Mike Tatoian, Dover Motor Speedway’s president and general manager. “We are thrilled that these racing legends will be at Dover this spring and hope our fans take advantage of these unique opportunities to see these Hall of Famers and honor the Petty family’s NASCAR legacy.”

Press Release | JR MOTORSPORTS MOORESVILLE, N.C. (March 12, 2024) – The 17-year-old talent and 2024 Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona winner, Connor Zilisch will make his NASCAR Xfinity Series debut following his 18th birthday at Watkins Glen International on September 14 behind the wheel of JR Motorsports’ famed No. 88 Chevrolet. Additionally, Zilisch will compete at Kansas Speedway (Sept. 28), Homestead-Miami Speedway (Oct. 26), and Phoenix Raceway (Nov. 9). “We couldn’t be happier to welcome Connor into the JR Motorsports family and to give him an opportunity behind the wheel of our No.88 Chevrolet,” said JRM CEO Kelley Earnhardt Miller. “Connor is an extremely talented young man and we can’t wait to see what he can do when he gets to the track with us at Watkins Glen.” A native of Mooresville, N.C., Zilisch began racing at the age of five and has since accumulated an impressive resume. The 17-year-old standout has won multiple U.S. national karting championships and set track records at six different venues in his first year in the Sports Car Club of America in 2021. Zilisch also made his ARCA Menards Series debut in 2023, where he started and finished in the runner-up position and in January 2024, the young driver signed a multi-year agreement with Trackhouse Racing as a developmental driver. “It’s a dream come true to have the opportunity to race in the Xfinity Series with JR Motorsports for select races this year,” said Zilisch. “I have a lot to learn considering that I’ve never raced on any big tracks previously, but there’s no better team to learn with than JRM. I can’t thank everyone at Chevrolet, Silver Hare Racing, and Trackhouse Racing for helping me get to this point, and continuing to support me into my future. I look forward to giving my all and making the most of this opportunity.” Additional details regarding partners for Zilisch and the No. 88 team will be forthcoming.

Press Release | NORTH WILKESBORO SPEEDWAY NORTH WILKESBORO, N.C. (March 13, 2024) – Joey Logano, William Byron and Ty Gibbs got a look at the brand new asphalt on North Wilkesboro Speedway Wednesday, as they participated in a Goodyear Tire Test leading into the NASCAR Cup Series All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway on May 19. Logano’s No. 22 Team Penske Ford, Byron’s No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet and Gibbs’ No. 54 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota shook down the 0.625-mile track and tried different tire compounds to test tire wear and grip around Wilkesboro's fresh, new surface. Completed last November, the resurfacing process included milling approximately two inches of the old track, repairing failing spots, sealing and adding a specially designed asphalt mixture in the same configuration as the original track, including the 13 degrees of banking in the corners. Similar to the process used for the most recent Atlanta Motor Speedway repave, Speedway Motorsports used a special mix that is expected to age faster than traditional asphalt, creating a more “worn-in” surface more quickly.  Carl Rose & Sons Asphalt, the original paving contractor for North Wilkesboro Speedway, supplied nearly 2,000 tons of specialty asphalt for the project, while North Carolina-based Delta Contracting managed the milling process. Summers Taylor, a contractor from nearby Johnson City, Tennessee, used a process called echelon paving to lay a seamless surface across the roughly 50-foot-wide track. Select quotes from today’s test: JOEY LOGANO, NO. 22 TEAM PENSKE FORD: “They did a good job, there’s still some character, it’s still a unique shaped race track, which is all good. There’s a pretty big bump down in turn one, I think where the wall was out too long and they cut it, and it’s kind of an interesting area. There’s a huge bump leaving four, which really kind of upsets the cars. I don’t think that’s bad. I’m OK with that. That’s something that made this racetrack so cool in the past, was that it had a lot of character, it was bumpy, you were forced to move around on it because it was challenging. You can make the thing like glass, I don’t know if that really makes the racing better. I think the fact that it’s got a couple of bumps and some areas where your drivers can make mistakes and jump out of the groove and do different things is just going to promote passing so that’s a good thing.” “I mean this place is cool. I remember coming here, I guess it was five or six years ago, when it was shut down and we shot a couple videos here and it was a ghost town. Graffiti everywhere, there was weeds growing through the race track. It was crazy. It was like the world ended and nobody had been here since the last race. You walked in the infield care center, which was… right here, there were stretchers in here still. It was kind of creepy. It was kind of crazy to see all that and what Marcus and SMI have done I think to restore the race track, but keep the feel, they did a tremendous job. I know they had to repave, I think every driver doesn’t ever want to see a repave, but it was coming apart. You got to do something, we patched it, we got through last year. I don’t think you can get lucky that many times before you just got to bite the bullet and do it. I do think when you come up here it’s just a, I don’t know, it’s a different vibe than any other race track you go to. When you pull up to it, it’s just cool, and where you’re at, you’re in the mountains, and it’s a unique facility. I think last year the fans showed up and appreciated it and thought it was really cool and I would expect this year you’re probably going to have a similar crowd and hopefully we’re able to deliver again and keep that hype.” WILLIAM BYRON, NO. 24 HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS CHEVROLET: “We just needed to work on the balance and grip of our car and I felt like the track probably was coming in as well, even though the trucks were out there (yesterday), the different rubber that we have probably took a little bit to transition for our cars. And then just started doing those tire runs and felt pretty good about our car and thought we made some improvements through probably the middle of the day, eleven-thirty to one, and then just kind of stuck with that. Made a lot of progress through the afternoon so I thought it was probably one of our best test days of just progress and being able to just get to a spot where I felt like we were a lot better than where we started.” “I would say that if it was a mile-and-a-half track, I think it being a short track it would probably be a lot like Richmond was when they repaved it, so I don’t know, I vividly have seen some of those races and I feel like it was pretty treacherous, a lot of guys would get in crashes or there would be a lot of restart wrecks, so I think the racing could actually be pretty exciting with a repave on a short track, but yeah you won’t have the style of comers and goers I don’t think. The guys who are up toward the front will be racing hard and there’s probably just going to be more wrecks.” “I’ll be here, I’m excited. I’m excited that we’re in the race. You never take that for granted, right? You have to win to be in this race. As a driver that’s one of the first things that comes to mind when you win the first race of the year, is ‘great, you know, I’m in the All-Star Race.’ It’s an honor to be in the race and is something you want to win. It’s a big, it’s not a crown jewel, but it’s a big race to have on your resume.” TY GIBBS, NO. 54 JOE GIBBS RACING TOYOTA: “The track is definitely a lot different with the repave, but I feel like they did a really great job with the repave. I’ve been to a lot of repaves and this is probably one of the best ones I’ve been to. And the way that they did it, they did a really great job. Just normal stuff for when we first come in here with the new repaves. It’s kind of a one-lane groove until it gets worn in. Testing, it’s really hard to get a good race feel for it, but I know that it’s gonna be pretty cool and we’ll see what happens.” “For sure, it definitely has taken some rubber. You can visually go out there and look at it, right? You can look at how different the line looks. It’s definitely a lot better, I don’t know a lot better, I’m fine with racing the old way or the new way. You just look at the track, and you can just look at it. It’s not all, it doesn’t look like a puzzle. There are some tracks on the schedule that they did repaves at, that it just looks like a mess out there. They did such a great job here. Kudos to them.” “It’s really cool, of course, I wasn’t really alive when this place was rolling, rolling steam, so it’s cool to come back and check it out. I came here probably 2017 when it didn’t have anything going on so to see how much it has progressed is really cool. They did a great job with this track. It’s cool to be racing here, I really respect it and it’s cool.” NASCAR All-Star Race week will include five days or nights of entertainment at North Wilkesboro Speedway including: ·       Tuesday, May 14: zMAX CARS Tour ·       Wednesday, May 15: zMAX CARS Tour ·       Friday, May 17:  All-Star Friday presented by Raymer Oil NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck and Cup Series practice; the NASCAR Pit Crew Challenge presented by Mechanix Wear; Neal McCoy concert ·       Saturday, May 18: NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series qualifying and Wright Brand 250; NASCAR Cup Series qualifying heat races ·       Sunday, May 19: Warren Zeiders pre-race concert; NASCAR All-Star Open and NASCAR All-Star Race Schedules are tentative and subject to change. Specific on-track schedules will be released at a later date.

Press Release | RICHMOND RACEWAY RICHMOND, Va. (March 13, 2024) – Richmond Raceway will host Track Laps for Charity on Wednesday, March 27 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., in partnership with Richmond Area Toyota Dealers. Joining the event for a special appearance will be Erik Jones, driver of the No. 43 LEGACY MOTOR CLUB Toyota Camry XSE in the NASCAR Cup Series. “It’s always a delight to put on Track Laps for Charity and offer fans the chance to drive around our ¾-mile D-shaped oval while supporting a great cause,” said Richmond Raceway President Lori Collier Waran. “In collaboration with Erik Jones and our Toyota Dealers in the Greater Richmond area, we look forward to hosting one of our most popular events in the community and helping out our friends with Special Olympics Virginia.” “I’m excited to join with Toyota and Richmond Raceway for the Track Laps for Charity program,” said Jones. “The collaboration between the track and the local Toyota dealers has been consistent for over a decade, which allows for programs like this to grow and continuously deliver for local charities. I’m thrilled to be on-site later this month and see how this program gives back to the local community in person.” Track Laps for Charity provide fans the opportunity to drive on Richmond Raceway for five laps with a donation of $20. All proceeds will benefit Richmond Raceway Cares and the Special Olympics Virginia. Additionally, the Richmond Area Toyota Dealers will match donations of up to $5,000 to help support Special Olympics athletes. Special Olympics Virginia’s mission is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for persons with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in the sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. To participate in Track Laps for Charity, fans must abide by the following rules and restrictions. All drivers must be 18 years of age or older with a valid state-issued driver’s license. Driver and passengers will sign both waivers as they are submitted to Track Personnel. Signatures must be witnessed by Track Personnel. All participants must adhere to Virginia state laws regarding the usage of seat belts and child safety restraints. Passenger vehicles only; motorcycles are not permitted. Maximum speed is 55 miles per hour and regulated by Richmond Raceway personnel. Passing other vehicles on the track is not permitted. Violators will be removed from track. Drivers must stay up to speed and refrain from lagging behind in order to speed up. Violators will be removed from track. Track Laps for Charity may be postponed or canceled due to inclement weather or safety conditions. If a cancellation is necessary, Richmond Raceway will make its best effort to contact guests in advance of their visit. Fans can register and find more information by visiting  http://www.richmondraceway.com/tracklaps . To learn more about Richmond Raceway Cares, go to  www.richmondraceway.com/richmondracewaycares .

Press Release | DOVER MOTOR SPEEDWAY DOVER, Del. (March 13, 2024) – Dover Motor Speedway fans have several opportunities to help children in need and enjoy unique Monster Mile experiences during the upcoming April 26-28 NASCAR weekend with Speedway Children’s Charities events.   “In only our third year, Speedway Children’s Charities here at Dover Motor Speedway has already made a significant impact in our community,” said Gary Camp, the SCC-Dover’s executive director. “We have a full slate of events that will add to the fan experience on race weekend while helping us raise funds and awareness for children in need. Through exclusive track tours, laps around the Monster Mile, online and live auctions, a cornhole tournament and a 50/50 raffle, fans can join us and participate across race weekend to help us make a difference.”   The following events are planned by the Speedway Children’s Charities, Dover Motor Speedway chapter for race weekend:   NEW FOR 2024: Monster Mile After Dark Tours The perfect opportunity to see a NASCAR weekend at Dover from an entirely different perspective. Monster Mile After Dark tours, led by experienced, full-time track personnel, start as our team picks you up at your campsite (or designated location) and visits rarely seen areas of the Monster Mile. Your group can see the following exclusive locations: Inside, and on, the Monster Monument Walk the banking of the Monster Mile Victory Lane Infield Media Center Monster Bridge overlooking the backstretch and the Turn 3 entrance. The spotters stand over the frontstretch And more! Cost for this unique experience is $300 per person. Email mlewis@dovermotorspeedway.com to register or to receive more information. Laps for Charity, Thursday, April 25, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Drive your personal vehicle on the high banks of the Monster Mile’s concrete oval. There are two ways you can take on the World’s Fastest One-Mile Oval: REGULAR SESSION: For $75 per vehicle, participants will take five laps around the track behind a Dover track vehicle. PACE CAR RIDE: For $125, take a spin as a passenger for five laps in Dover’s Ford Mustang Mach-1 Pace Car. REGISTER: speedwaycharities.org/events/dover/laps-for-charity/registration/ . Additional opportunities for fans to drive the Monster Mile will be available after race weekend, including Saturday, July 20 . 3rd Annual Monster Mile Cornhole Tournament, Saturday, April 27, 4 p.m. Hosted by Delaware Cornhole, registration for the tournament is available online , with the boards set up just steps from the famous Monster Monument at Victory Plaza. Additional cornhole boards will be available for non-competitive free-play as well. The event is part of the Speedway’s Monster Mile Bash. The tournament entry fee is $50 for a two-person team, with a guaranteed prize pool of $2,500 at stake. All ages and skill levels are welcome to participate. Registration is first-come, first-served, with a limit of 100 teams. Players can sign-up at the link above or in person in the Fan Zone on April 27. SCC Dover Würth 400 Online Auction The SCC Online Auction gives you the opportunity to support children by bidding on one-of-a-kind items, including autographed memorabilia! Details on specific items to come. Visit SCCAuctions.com to view the items as they are placed and place your bids for special meet and greets, unique items, and more! SCC Dover Würth 400 Live Auction, Sunday, April 28 Signed items and once-in-a-lifetime NASCAR experiences will be auctioned off Sunday at the Monster Monument at Victory Plaza. 50/50 Raffle, Friday, April 28 through Sunday, April 28 Win big during the 50/50 Raffle at Dover Motor Speedway. The winning ticket will be drawn and announced on Monday, April 29 . Rules: You must claim prize within 30 days of draw date. 50 percent of the proceeds will go to help local children; the other 50 percent could be YOURS! Purchase Options: 2 tickets for $10 20 tickets for $20 80 tickets for $40 BONUS BUY: 400 tickets for $100 Purchase at the Track Treasures trailer, located near the Monster Monument, or from teams selling raffle tickets in red smocks, who will be positioned throughout the Speedway on race weekend. Track Treasures, Thursday, April 25 through Sunday, April 28 Featuring mementos, NASCAR collectibles, one-of-a-kind autographed items, clothing, advertising banners and more for sale, with all proceeds benefiting SCC-Dover. Look for the trailer near the Monster Monument at Victory Plaza throughout race weekend. For more information, visit www.SpeedwayCharities.org/Dover .

Each week here at Racing Refresh we look back on the Top Tweets from the world of NASCAR. Let's get start started! 10. I think that's a good sign for the sport. Hopefully, ratings continue to rise! 9. The Legend of Bob Pockrass continues to grow. 8. Talk about close!! That is trust. 7. I don't know how much longer Mike Joy plans to continue his storied career. However, I do know that he is a national treasure. 6. You talk about impressive. Harvick's run out in the desert is one of the many reasons he's Hall Of Fame bound. 5. This weekend at Bristol will have a sort of old-school feel. On another note, how cool is NASCAR Classics? I'm still hoping for a genuine NASCAR streaming service one day. 4. It's above my pay grade to know what NASCAR needs to do to fix short tracks. But if Sunday was any indication then there is still much work to be done. 3. FACTS! 50 minutes every single week! 2. This sport can humble you in a hurry. 1. Joey Logano is off to a historically rough start. The old saying if he didn't have bad luck he'd have no luck at all comes to mind.

By Adam Carabine Worst Start Has any driver had a worse start to the year than Austin Dillon?  Dillon’s currently sitting 32nd in the standings after four races, and that feels better than it has looked. After issues at Daytona he finished 37th, 54 laps down.  At Atlanta he managed to finish on the lead lap, but in 22nd.  His best finish of the year so far was at Vegas the following week with a P16, and most recently he finished 32nd in Phoenix. It’s still early in the season, but he’s currently on pace to have his worst season ever in the Cup Series.  It’s not helped by the striking contrast between him and his teammate, Kyle Busch. You could argue that Busch hasn’t had the start to the 2024 season he was wanting either. He’s used to performing better than only one Top 10 over the first four races. But Kyle Busch sits +26 to the playoff cutoff line, and he’s managed to salvage points on days when bad luck strikes. I remember when news broke that Kyle Busch was leaving Joe Gibbs Racing and heading to RCR, there seemed to be a collective thought that this was going to elevate Austin Dillon far beyond his wildest dreams. I spoke with Austin Dillon at the end of the 2022 season, and he shared what he thought Kyle’s impact would be: “Having a champion as a teammate is going to be another part use at RCR, and continue this momentum that we’ve built over this season and last season, and hopefully take one more step to the next level, so we’re really excited.” “He’s already wearing everybody out, saying ‘Hey, we’ve got to be ready to go,’ so that fire is definitely there and that’s what you want to see. He’s a racer, he eats, sleeps, breathes it, so it’s going to be great having him here.” We’re in year two of that experiment, and Austin Dillon better hope that tide rises soon. Best Sign Despite Ford and Toyota making changes to their car’s bodies over the offseason, until Phoenix it had still been the Chevy show in the Cup Series.  Three races, three Chevrolet victories.  It was starting to look worrisome for the new bodies. However, Toyota fought back in Phoenix - at arguably the most important track to make gains.  With the championship race being held there in November this year (more on that later, don’t get me started), this was a good sign for Toyota that they might have what it takes come Championship Weekend. It’s not just that the Toyotas finished well, they were strong throughout the day.  The end of the first stage was a dogfight between two Toyotas in Ty Gibbs and Tyler Reddick.  Then Christopher Bell basically did the same thing to Reddick at the end of Stage Two. What was most impressive about the Toyotas in Sunday’s race was their ability to navigate traffic.  Phoenix isn’t known as a pass-friendly track, but it didn’t seem to bother the Toyotas as much. Even Martin Truex Jr., on a different strategy call than the rest, relinquished the lead with 40 or so laps to go for a final pit stop.  He came back out on track in 22nd, one lap down.  Yes, he was on new tires, but he also was able to work his way through the dirty air, unlapped himself without the help of a lucky dog, and finished the race P7. If Toyota can get someone in the Championship Four, I’d watch out. Worst Paint Scheme Sorry Denny.  It was bad.  The end. Biggest Need for Change NASCAR has proven time and time again that they’re willing to try new things, and to take risks.  And I commend them for that.  It has paid off multiple times, even in ways that the fans originally thought would be terrible.  (See The Freshies after Atlanta for some Reddit-Shaming) However, it’s time to move on from one change - the Championship race at Phoenix.  Yes, Phoenix is a strong market for NASCAR.  Yes, Homestead was starting to get a little run-down.  Yes, the weather shouldn’t ever be a factor in Arizona in November. But it’s time to move on.  Whether that means back to Homestead, or to somewhere new altogether, it doesn’t matter.  Phoenix has had its time. It hasn’t produced the greatest racing, particularly with the Next-Gen car, so it’s time to try something new. If I had it my way, I’d like it to be a track they only visit once.  I don’t want a Championship Preview in March. Best Stats It shouldn’t come as a huge shock that Christopher Bell led most of the major stat categories, but there are still some interesting ones to check out. Tyler Reddick and his boss Denny Hamlin tied leading the most laps on the day, each with 68. It’s also no surprise that Erik Jones lost the most positions while under green flag conditions, as NASCAR decided his scrape of the wall wasn’t enough to throw a caution.  His pass differential was a field-worst -36. The driver with the best Average Finish right now is Ty Gibbs.  He (8.75) and Ross Chastain (9.50) are the only two drivers with an AF below ten. There are only four drivers remaining who have run every single lap through four races.  Chase Elliott, Martin Truex Jr., William Byron, and Ty Gibbs. Worst (or Best?) Time to Panic It’s early in the season.  It’s not necessarily time to hit the panic button.  But there are a few drivers who may be getting close. Joey Logano is just barely inside the Top-30 in points.  He’s running behind Noah Gragson, who also got a 35 pt penalty a few weeks ago. Josh Berry stepped into what should be upper-tier equipment and has underwhelmed so far this season.  He hasn’t finished better than 20th yet. Brad Keselowski is faring better than the other two in this section, but he’s still below the playoff cutoff line.  RFK took a big step last season, and it would be a shame to have that momentum move the wrong way. Best Creep Shot

By Matt Marr The Shriners Children’s 500 began with Denny Hamlin on the pole and his teammate Ty Gibbs beside him on the front row. An incident on lap 9 involving Derek Kraus, Austin Cindric and Austin Dillon brought out an early caution. Tyler Reddick passed Gibbs for the lead on lap 58 and won Stage One. Later in stage two, the fight for the lead was heating up with Christopher Bell battling Reddick with 12 laps to go in stage two. Bell completed the pass for the lead with 5 laps to go and won Stage Two. Kyle Busch brought out the caution spinning on the exit of turn 2 on lap 200. John Hunter Nemechek made contact with Joey Logano, turning him around and collecting Corey Lajoie, Zane Smith and also bringing out the caution. Hamlin made contact with Reddick while fighting for the lead on lap 215, leading him to spin on his own and bring out another caution. With 91 laps remaining, Erik Jones got into the wall after going 4 wide next to Bubba Wallace, but the race stayed green. Bell retook the lead with 40 to go with some green flag pit stops taking place. Bell hung on to win the Shriners Children’s 500. Shriners Children’s 500 Top 5: 1. Christopher Bell 2. Chris Buescher 3. Ty Gibbs 4. Brad Keselowski 5. Ryan Blaney

By Adam Carabine The NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series kicked off their 2024 season with a bang in Gainesville, Florida this past weekend with all four professional touring classes in action. Top Fuel Dragster Steve Torrence looked strong early, earning the two fastest passes in Q1 and Q2.  However, not far behind him was Shawn Langdon who wound up earning the No. 1 Qualifier with a 3.682 in Q4. This was Langdon's first No. 1 Qualifier since 2020. Steve Torrence was foiled by his father, Billy Torrence in the third elimination round.  Despite being charged with his second oildown of the young season, Billy made his way to the final round to face Shawn Langdon. Langdon’s road to the final round was fairly smooth, as he beat Cody Krohn, Justin Ashley, Antron Brown, and eventually Billy Torrence all quite handily. Also of note, former IndyCar & NASCAR Champion Tony Stewart qualified for his first ever pro race in NHRA, he lost in the first round to Justin Ashley. Funny Car Austin Prock wasted no time showing he belongs in a Funny Car, with a solid showing on Sunday.  Prock was announced to be taking over Robert Hight’s ride, as Hight takes the year off for medical reasons. Austin Prock had the fastest et in the first two qualifying rounds (including beating a track record in Q2), and the second-fastest in Q3, earning him the No. 1 Qualifier.  Bob Tasca III was hot on his heels, and wound up qualifying second overall. In the elimination rounds, Prock’s closest call came against his boss John Force.  Austin was able to hold on to win by just 0.014 seconds. Tasca’s adversity came in the third round against eventual winner JR Todd.  While neither driver got the pass they wanted, Tasca had traction issues and Todd advanced to the final round against Austin Prock. In the final round, while Prock looked to have the early lead, JR Todd put in his fastest pass of the day to earn his 10th Funny Car win, from the 6th qualifier position. Pro Stock It was the Erica Enders and Cristian Cuadra show in the Pro Stock division.  Enders earned the No. 1 Qualifier while making the fastest pass in Q2 and Q3.  Interestingly, Cuadra scored the exact same et in all three of his qualifying attempts, but it was just 0.003 seconds shy of earning the top spot. Both drivers had solid elimination rounds up until the final, but it was Enders who reigned supreme, finally earning her first win in Gainesville.  Cristian Cuadra dealt with some bad tire shake and knew he was out of it from the starting line. Enders increased her head-to-head record against Cuadra, putting it now at 12-0. Pro Stock Motorcycle Gaige Herrera picked up right where he left off after winning the championship last year.  Matt Smith was his fiercest competition in the qualifying rounds, but Hererra still earned the fastest pass in all three. It was Herrera winning No. 1 Qualifier, and Smith right behind in spot No. 2. The two seemed destined to meet in the final round. While it was closer than he would have liked, Herrera held on to beat Smith, padding his incredible final round stats.  Gaige Herrera is now 12 for 13 in final rounds. - The series returns in two weeks, as Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock head west for the Winternationals in Pomona, California.  The Pro Stock Motorcycles do not return until late April – Four-Wide Nationals in Concord, North Carolina.