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Press Release | DAYTONA INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (February 9, 2024) – Madison Marsh, the recently crowned Miss America, will act as honorary pace car driver ahead of the coveted DAYTONA 500, leading the field around the 2.5-mile trioval of Daytona International Speedway before the green flag drops on Sunday, Feb. 18. Alongside her Miss America duties, Marsh is also a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy and is currently earning her master’s at the Harvard University Kennedy School of Public Policy, while serving as a second lieutenant in the US Air Force. The 22-year-old is the only active-duty Air Force officer to ever receive the national title in the history of the pageant. “It’s an honor to have someone like Madison, who has so much spirit, passion and national pride, join us for the DAYTONA 500,” said Daytona International Speedway President Frank Kelleher. “She is a clear representation of everything we try to embody each race day, as we bring fans, drivers and teams together from different corners of the world to enjoy the traditions and the thrills of The Great American Race at this historic track.” Madison Marsh claimed her crown on Sunday, Jan. 14 earlier this year, representing the state of Colorado alongside contestants from all 50 states plus the District of Columbia. In addition to being an Air Force officer, graduate student and Miss America, she also co-founded her own nonprofit alongside her father and sister, called the Whitney Marsh Foundation. The nonprofit honors Madison’s late mother who died of pancreatic cancer. Throughout the race week, Madison will also be making visits to Volusia County hospitals and elementary schools, to provide inspiration and be a strong presence within the local communities. “Being the first Miss America to drive the official pace car at the DAYTONA 500 is an exciting honor,” said Marsh. “I’m thrilled to be part of this historic moment and to represent the tradition of speed, skill, and Americana at such an iconic event.” Drivers in the NASCAR Cup, Xfinity, CRAFTSMAN Truck Series and ARCA Menards series will all fight for their own crown during Speedweeks Presented by AdventHealth. The multi-day racing event features Qualifying Presented by Busch Light on Wednesday, Feb. 14, followed by the BlueGreen Vacations Duels on Thursday, Feb. 15, with drivers fighting for their spot on the grid in Sunday’s race. On Friday, Feb. 16 the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series takes to the track in the Fresh From Florida 250, followed by a doubleheader taking place on Saturday, Feb. 17, featuring the ARCA Menards Series Hard Rock Bet 200 and the Xfinity Series United Rentals 300. Then on Sunday, after a pre-race show from Pitbull and a gripping command given by Dwayne Johnson, Miss America herself will lead the field as she revs up her pace car before DJ Khaled waives the green flag to kick off the 66th running of the DAYTONA 500. For more information regarding Speedweeks Presented by AdventHealth, please visit www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com.

Press Release | ATLANTA MOTOR SPEEDWAY HAMPTON, Ga. (Feb. 9, 2024) – Legendary award-winning NASCAR broadcaster and Performance Racing Network (PRN) President and Lead Anchor Doug Rice will give the command to start engines on his final season in the broadcast booth at the Ambetter Health 400 on Feb. 25.   Rice will serve as Grand Marshal for the NASCAR Cup Series event at Atlanta Motor Speedway, the first of 15 of Cup events that “Doug’s Last Lap” will encompass in the 2024 season at venues across the nation.   “I’m tremendously thrilled to be the Grand Marshal for the Ambetter Health 400 at Atlanta Motor Speedway,” said Rice. “Getting to give the command to start a Cup race checks a huge box in my career.”   Rice developed a passion for radio broadcasting as a young man listening to Atlanta Braves games and has since become an iconic voice in the world of motorsports. Over his 36-year career in NASCAR broadcasting, Rice has called play-by-play on 210 NASCAR Cup Series races, immortalizing countless historic racing moments.   “From championship drives to photo finishes, Doug’s words have painted the picture of so many iconic races here at AMS and across the NASCAR world,” said AMS Executive Vice President and General Manager Brandon Hutchison. “So we’re thrilled to have the opportunity to have Doug’s voice start his farewell season in a memorable way with the command to start engines.”   In addition to Atlanta, Rice’s final season calling races for PRN will include events at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Bristol Motor Speedway, Circuit of the Americas, Texas Motor Speedway, Dover Motor Speedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Sonoma Raceway, and New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Nashville Superspeedway, and Indianapolis Motor Speedway. See PRN’s full broadcast schedule and find a station near you at GoPRN.com .   Tickets and camping accommodations for the Feb. 23-25 Ambetter Health 400 NASCAR weekend are available at www.AtlantaMotorSpeedway.com .

(Photo Source: Twitter.com/SpireMotorsport) Press Release | SPIRE MOTORSPORTS MOORESVILLE, N.C. (Feb. 8, 2024) – Corey LaJoie will drive Spire Motorsports’ No. 7 Bluegreen Vacations Chevrolet Silverado in the season-opening Fresh from Florida 250 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series (NCTS) race at Daytona International Speedway. The effort will be led by veteran crew chief Brian Pattie. Spire Motorsports will field the No. 7 Silverado full time in 2024 with LaJoie headlining an all-star lineup to jump-start the 2024 season. Further details regarding the team’s plans and driver lineup are forthcoming. The 2024 season marks LaJoie’s fifth year collaborating with Bluegreen Vacations and the vacation company’s first venture into NCTS competition. Bluegreen Vacations made its NASCAR Cup Series debut in April 2023 when LaJoie drove his No. 7 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 to a 21st-place finish at Richmond Raceway. “We are pleased to continue our collaboration with Corey LaJoie in 2024, particularly as he opens the 2024 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series season in Daytona,” said Dusty Tonkin, executive vice president & chief sales and marketing officer at Bluegreen Vacations. “He’s been a favorite among our owners who have enjoyed getting to know him at the exclusive Bluegreen Bash events hosted at our resorts. We look forward to introducing Corey to even more Bluegreen owners as he helps us in our mission to share happiness.” “We’ve been working with Bluegreen Vacations now for four years so it’s exciting to continue to grow that partnership,” said LaJoie. “Bluegreen sponsors the Duals on Thursday night, so it’s important we do a good job for them because they have such a big presence during Speedweek at Daytona. Having them on our truck and giving them a chance to root for me—hopefully we can get that Bluegreen Chevrolet Silverado in Victory Lane on Friday night.” LaJoie opened last season at the controls of the No. 7 Chevy Silverado at the “World Center of Racing” where he started fifth and led a race-high 19 laps. The Concord, North Carolina, native was the class of the field before he was shuffled out of the top spot during the late-race goings. He ultimately finished 23rd when rain forced NASCAR officials to call the race, 21 laps short of the scheduled distance. “We led the most laps and it rained,” Lajoie added. “I knew the rain was coming – I was trying to play defense – and I just missed covering Zane Smith. That was the difference. I got shuffled out of the lead and it started raining two-three laps later and they called the race. I thought we had a good enough truck to take the win, so I was irritated about that. I’m still irritated about that, so I’m glad I get a chance to do it again this year.” The Fresh from Florida 250 from Daytona International Speedway will be televised live on FS1 Friday, Feb. 16, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. The first 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 | IOWA SPEEDWAY NEWTON, Iowa (Feb. 8, 2024)  – NASCAR announced today that longtime NASCAR and Kansas Speedway executive Eric Peterson has been named President of Iowa Speedway. The Linconville, Kan., native assumes his duties immediately, as the facility prepares to host its inaugural NASCAR Cup Series weekend, June 14-16. “Eric has a strong Midwest work ethic and an incredible passion for our sport,” said Chip Wile, NASCAR senior vice president and chief track properties officer. “He also has a proven track record of developing relationships with major national and local brands, making him the ideal choice to lead the top professional sports venue in the state of Iowa.” Most recently, Peterson served as NASCAR’s Senior Director, Corporate Sales, West Region, but has held various corporate sales roles since starting with International Speedway Corporation and Kansas Speedway in 2010. Peterson holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Emporia State University, and he will relocate to Iowa with his wife Ashley and two children later this month. “I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work on several initiatives at Iowa Speedway in recent years, and I’ve come to love and appreciate what Iowa Speedway means to Newton and the entire state,” said Peterson. “As we get ready for our first-ever NASCAR Cup Series event and the Iowa Corn 350 powered by Ethanol race weekend, I look forward to working together with our talented team and partners to make it an event our loyal NASCAR fans won’t soon forget.” The Iowa Corn 350 powered by Ethanol is Sunday, June 16, and will be the first Cup Series race in the track’s history. Tickets for that race sold out in December, but fans who still want to see Cup Series cars at the Fastest Short Track on the Planet can see them in person by purchasing tickets for the ARCA Menards Series race on Friday, June 14, and the NASCAR Xfinity Series race on Saturday, June 15. The Cup Series is scheduled to be on track all three days during this historic weekend, with practice scheduled for Friday, June 14 and Busch Light Pole Award qualifying set for Saturday, June 16. Given the limited amount of tickets remaining for Friday and Saturday’s action, race fans are encouraged to visit www.iowaspeedway.com or call 866-787-8946 now to secure their seats before it’s too late.

Press Release | TALLADEGA SUPERSPEEDWAY TALLADEGA, Ala. (Feb. 7, 2024) – Talladega Superspeedway announced and revealed its new bold and brash official logo today during a special event at the track. The refreshed branding was born to enhance what makes Talladega Superspeedway great. It is quintessential NASCAR, where drivers have nerves of steel, and winners are forged by the most intense competition NASCAR has to offer. “Talladega Superspeedway has always been known for providing intense racing and the evolution of our logos reflect our history well,” said Talladega Superspeedway President Brian Crichton. “The new logo will display our passion for edge-of-your-seat racing while honoring the tradition and legacy of all those who helped shape what Talladega has become today.” The colors of the new logo represent the bold and brashness of the track, while also paying homage to the industry that built the Alabama region, homing in on black, grey and an intense red. The A’s in the new identity are a way to accent the speed of the track, where winners are determined by razor thin margins. The new logo perfectly correlates with what the 2.66-mile venue represents – a legacy forged by history, being the biggest, fastest, widest, steepest, and most intimidating racetrack in the world. This serves as the fourth official logo throughout the history of the famed superspeedway, dating back to 1969. The new logo will be reflected on signage across numerous areas at the superspeedway and represents the authenticity of the track. Fans know that Talladega is more than just racing and that it serves as a weekend getaway full of spectacle, uniqueness, and culture throughout the venue. There will also be secondary logos that are used for merchandise and additional signage at the superspeedway. Alabama state outlines are included in the refreshed brand with one of the showcasing “DEGA” written in big, bold letters across the state. Telling a regional story, this was born from a sense of pride in the place Talladega Superspeedway calls home. Special guest appearances at the official logo unveiling include two former winners – David Ragan and Red Famer – along with Bret Holmes. Ragan won the 2013 GEICO 500 at Talladega and will attempt to qualify for the 2024 DAYTONA 500 next week with RFK Racing driving the No. 60 BuildSubmarines.com Ford. Farmer, a NASCAR Hall of Famer and original member of the famed Alabama Gang, won two ARCA Menards Series races at Talladega Superspeedway in 1984 and 1988. Holmes, who lives 15 minutes from the track in Munford, competes full-time in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series in the No. 32 Chevrolet Silverado for Bret Holmes Racing and was the 2020 ARCA Menards Series champion. The spring race weekend action at Talladega kicks off on Saturday, April 20, with a doubleheader featuring the ARCA Menards Series General Tire 200 at 11:30 p.m. CT and continues at 3:00 p.m. CT with the NASCAR Xfinity Series Ag-Pro 300. On Sunday, the NASCAR Cup Series stars will duke it out during the GEICO 500 to close out the weekend at 2:00 p.m. CT. For more information or to purchase tickets to the GEICO 500 race weekend at Talladega Superspeedway, please visit www.talladegasuperspeedway.com . Fans are also encouraged to keep up with all the happenings at Talladega Superspeedway by following along on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, as well as in the NASCAR Tracks App for the latest speedway news.

Press Release | WWT RACEWAY ST. LOUIS (February 6, 2024) — Ludacris and rising country music star Riley Green will headline the third annual Confluence Music Festival when it returns to the St. Louis area June 1-2 as part of NASCAR Cup Series Weekend at World Wide Technology Raceway. Ludacris performs June 1; Green performs June 2. They will be joined on multiple stages by more than 30 national and local acts, including Adam Wainwright, Big & Rich with Gretchen Wilson & Cowboy Troy, Brittney Spencer and Tim Dugger. Ludacris, born in Champaign Illinois, has won three Grammys and is known for hits such as “Stand Up” and “Rollout (My Business).” His work as an actor has included starring roles in the long-running “Fast & Furious” film franchise. He has won a Screen Actors Guild Award, a Critic’s Choice Award and an MTV Video Music Award. Green, named the Academy of Country Music’s 2020 New Male Artist of the Year, has released two albums and has three chart-topping hits, including the platinum “There Was This Girl,” double-platinum “I Wish Grandpas Never Died” and “Half of Me.” Confluence Music Festival acts from across the region include Blinded by Stereo, the Bobby Ford Band, Dave Grelle’s Playadors, DJ Mahf, DJ Mo Samba, DJ Nune, Dr. Zhivegas, Fanfare, JC Supercar, Lamar Harris’ Georgia Mae, Malena Smith, Matt Jordan, Red and Black Brass Band, St. Boogie Brass Band and We Are Root Mod. There also will be special performances by BeBe Winans, J Creek Cloggers, the Madison High School Marching Band, The Muny Teens, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and more. The Confluence Music Festival is a showcase of innovation, talent and live entertainment. The festival attracts fans from across the country in welcoming NASCAR, the premier form of motorsports in the United States, to WWTR. “Once again, we are delivering another incredible lineup of world-class music to accompany the on-track excitement of the NASCAR Cup Series,” said WWTR Owner and CEO Curtis Francois. “Throughout the industry, the Confluence Festival is known as the unprecedented showcase for the intersection of music and motorsports.” Ticketholders for the NASCAR Cup Series Enjoy Illinois 300 will have access to Confluence Music Festival concerts, plus interactive entertainment displays, a STEM education showcase, car displays and live interviews with St. Louis-area sports legends. Nearly 100,000 fans attended the festival and race in 2023. Confluence Music Festival upgrade packages include front-of-stage/Fan Zone access. Adult Sunday ticket packages start at just $67. “We’re excited for fans to experience what’s in store for our third Confluence Music Festival,” said Kwofe Coleman, executive producer for the festival. Coleman also is president and CEO of The Muny. “People and businesses that really care about our region continue to make this possible with their support and for that we are grateful. We have a great lineup of diverse acts representing many genres, true to the mission of Confluence. It’s going to be quite a party!” A full Confluence Music Festival entertainment schedule with performance times will be announced. For tickets and more information, please call World Wide Technology Raceway at (618) 215-8888, visit WWTRaceway.com or follow @WWTRaceway on social media.

Press Release | TOYOTA PLANO, Texas (February 7, 2024) – SiriusXM and Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) are pleased to announce that SiriusXM will return as the primary sponsor for multiple NASCAR Cup Series races this year with Ty Gibbs of Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) and Tyler Reddick of 23XI Racing (23XI). “We are very proud of our long-standing relationship with Toyota and are excited to be back with Toyota Racing for the 2024 NASCAR season. We look forward to seeing the new SiriusXM colors and logo on Ty Gibbs’ No. 54 and Tyler Reddick’s No. 45 Toyota Camry’s this season,” said John Zavisa, Senior Vice President of Automotive Partnerships, SiriusXM. Reigning NASCAR Cup Series Rookie of the Year and 2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series champion Ty Gibbs will fly the SiriusXM colors for the first time in his young career in 2024. The 21-year-old will run the SiriusXM livery at the spring races at Bristol Motor Speedway and Kansas Speedway. "Great to have SiriusXM on board for two races during the 2024 season,” said Gibbs. “I know they have a great relationship with Toyota and hopefully we can get them a victory this year." Tyler Reddick will continue his relationship with SiriusXM for the second straight season. Reddick was exceptional in his races in SiriusXM colors in 2023, earning two top-five finishes in three starts – including a second-place finish at Bristol in March. This year, the California-native will again have SiriusXM as the primary sponsor on his Toyota Camry XSE for three races – the Toyota Owners 400 at Richmond Raceway in March, along with June events at World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway, just outside of St. Louis, and New Hampshire Motor Speedway. “I’m really excited to have SiriusXM back on the race car this year,” said Reddick. “Over the years, I’ve spent a lot of time on SiriusXM talking to all sorts of different hosts, like my weekly visits with Larry McReynolds and Danielle Trotta. I’ve got to know a lot of people from SiriusXM really well over the years. It’s really cool to have them on the car, and look forward to trying to find victory lane with them this year.” These sponsorships highlight the long-standing Toyota relationship with SiriusXM in NASCAR which began in 2007, and SiriusXM has been a standard feature in all Toyota models sold in the Continental U.S. since 2019. Toyota customers receive a three-month subscription to the SiriusXM Platinum Plan, which delivers SiriusXM’s full lineup of exclusive and curated content, plus access to SiriusXM outside the vehicles on the SXM App and on connected devices and speakers, with the purchase of their vehicle.

Press Release | SPIRE MOTORSPORTS MOORESVILLE, N.C. (February 7, 2024) – Today, Spire Motorsports announced it will field the No. 71 Chevrolet Silverado in a full-time NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series (NCTS) effort in 2024 and has named rising star Rajah Caruth as the driver. HendrickCars.com will be showcased as the team’s primary sponsor for 10 races beginning with the season-opening Fresh from Florida 250 at Daytona International Speedway. Veteran crew chief Chad Walter will call the team’s effort from atop the pit box. “We’ve talked about seminal moments for Spire Motorsports in the past, and I think this is another one of those moments,” said Spire Motorsports co-owner Jeff Dickerson. “Rajah Caruth is an exceptional young man. He’s a very talented driver with a bright future. He’s obviously young in his career but he’s mature beyond his years. You hear people talk about an ‘it’ factor and when you talk to him and get to know him, it’s pretty obvious he has ‘it.’ We’re exceptionally fortunate to be able to bring Rajah into the mix and pair him with Chad Walter. Those guys worked together last season so to be able to keep them together should go a long way in terms of chemistry and being competitive. Outside of that, this is just a good situation for everyone. It’s as simple as that.” Caruth raced full time in the NCTS in 2023, earning four top-10 finishes and coming home 16th in the division’s season-ending point standings. He is an alumnus of NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity Driver Development Program and currently a senior at Winston-Salem (N.C.) State University. “HendrickCars.com is the digital home for everything our company offers, including vehicles, career opportunities, service locations, and more,” said Gary Davis, executive vice president, Hendrick Automotive Group. “We are thrilled for Rajah to get this opportunity. He’s a bright and talented individual who will represent HendrickCars.com very well.” The 21-year-old Washington D.C. native also raced part time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series over the past two seasons and tied his career/series best 12th-place finish last fall at Martinsville Speedway. Caruth, was named the 2021 Wendell Scott Trailblazer Award recipient in the NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series, an award based on a driver’s final Weekly Series national standing and on-track performance, sportsmanship and community service. “I’m usually a pretty stoic guy, emotionally, but it’s hard not to tear up a little bit thinking about this opportunity,” said Caruth. “There was a lot of uncertainty over the winter in almost every sense of the word. I just feel really blessed to be able to drive for Spire Motorsports and to be able to have Chad (Walter) come with me. I’m flattered to have the support of HendrickCars.com and, of course Mr. H and the whole Hendrick family. It’s a dream to be here and to have a full season and to have a place where I can grow is pretty special. I’m ready to get back to work and continue what we’ve done over the last few months. Huge thanks to Spire, Chevrolet, General Motors and everyone who supports me and my family for making this happen. I can’t wait for Daytona, Hopefully, I can make everybody proud.” Walter has over two decades of experience and began his career with Hendrick Motorsports in 1996. The Albion, New York native has also served in engineering and crew chief roles for some the NASCAR’s most distinguished teams including Dale Earnhardt Inc., Penske Racing, Richard Childress Racing and Michael Waltrip Racing. Some of his most notable accomplishments include a pair of Daytona 500 victories (2001 & 2003) with Michael Waltrip, along with Cup Series wins with Steve Park and Terry Labonte. He comes to Spire Motorsports with Caruth after spending last season in the same role with GMS Racing. “Personally, that kid, Rajah, has changed my life,” commented Walter. “I don’t know of anyone else who I’d want to work harder for, or have wanted to work harder for, over the last 15 years of my career. He’s so uplifting in so many ways. He works hard and he wants to get better. I’ve worked with some really good drivers in my past, but Rajah really stands out. He goes about things the right way and his passion for this has really made an impact on me. I jumped at the opportunity to work with him again. It’s kind of a crazy business we work in but when I found out that this could come to fruition – that we could do this again together – there was no other option for me.” The Fresh from Florida 250 from Daytona International Speedway will be televised live on FS1 Friday, February 16, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. The first 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 | FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS CLEVELAND, OH (February 6, 2024) – B’laster Holdings, LLC. is proud to announce a partnership with Front Row Motorsports (FRM) and Michael McDowell for several NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) events in 2024. B’laster will kick off its campaign aboard Michael McDowell’s No. 34 Mustang Dark Horse this summer and continue in the fall of the 2024 season. The partnership will feature select brands from the B’laster Holdings portfolio. Forming its roots in Cleveland, Ohio, the heart of the Rust Belt, B’laster has manufactured penetrants, lubricants, cleaners, solvents, rust removers, greases, and protectants for professionals and DIYers since 1957. Known for PB B’laster, the #1-selling penetrant, B’laster products are formulated to penetrate, lubricate, loosen, overcome, fix, and conquer each job. “We can’t wait for the B’laster car to make its 2024 NASCAR debut,” said President & CEO, Randy Pindor. “We are excited to be partnering with an even more vetted team for the 2024 season to hopefully bring some more eyes to McDowell’s No. 34 Mustang Dark Horse and the B’laster brand!” The No. 34 Mustang Dark Horse of Michael McDowell will carry the B’laster brand during the HighPoint.com 400 at Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, Pennsylvania. “The opportunity to work with the B’laster brand, known for its commitment to excellence and innovation, is exciting,” McDowell said. "We were introduced to B’laster when Matt (Tifft) raced with us at FRM and now it’s great to work again with both Matt and B’laster with this relationship.” For more information about B’laster, please visit www.BlasterProducts.com.

Press Release | DAYTONA INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY GAFFNEY, SC – Buckle up, racing fans, because the Daytona International Speedway is about to be hit by a force for good: the Mike’s Weather Page Hurricane Awareness Machine is back in 2024. Once again, NASCAR Xfinity Series team JD Motorsports has teamed up with some of the storm industry’s most powerful players – Mike’s Weather Page, Firman Power Equipment, Coastal Claims, and Paratec Door Solutions – to sponsor Dawson Cram’s No. 4 Chevrolet in the season-opening United Rentals 300 on Saturday, February 17 at 5 p.m. This electrifying race car won’t just be turning heads with its sleek design, it will be a rolling billboard for hurricane preparedness. Prominently featured on the No. 4 Chevy will be the logos of all the partnering companies, along with support from the Florida Division of Emergency Management, reminding everyone of the importance of being ready for those swirling tempests. “The 2024 Atlantic Hurricane season will be here before we know it, so this event is a great reminder for all Floridians to start updating their disaster plans now and make sure their families are prepared.” said Division Executive Director Kevin Guthrie. “Finding innovative ways to come together with our partners to educate the community on disaster preparedness is always a win in my book, and I am thankful to Mike’s Weather Page and Firman Power Equipment for another year of partnership. We are all rooting for the Hurricane Awareness Machine.” “Bringing together these incredible storm industry partners to build the Hurricane Awareness Machine for Daytona for a second time is a dream come true, again,” said Mike Boylan, founder of Mike’s Weather Page. “Our shared goal is to educate people about potential storms and be there for them every step of the way. As a lifelong Floridian and NASCAR fanatic, this is an incredible opportunity to combine my two passions for a greater good.” Fans should mark their calendars for Saturday, February 17th at 5 PM EST because the United Rentals 300 will be more than just a race: it’s a statement about preparedness, resilience, and the power of community in the face of nature’s fury. “FIRMAN is proud to partner with the Florida Division Of Emergency Management and Mikes Weather page again for a great day of racing at Daytona! We’re looking forward to a safe and FAST race for Dawson Cram in the number 4 JD Motorsports car – LET’S GO!” Dawson Cram is a Xfinity Series rookie of the year candidate who is in his first year as a full-time driver with JD Motorsports. The son of former NASCAR Cup Series crew chief Kevin Cram, the 22-year-old Cram turned heads racing a part-time schedule in the Xfinity Series in 2023. “I am thrilled to take on the high banks of Daytona in my JD Motorsports #4 Chevrolet Camaro carrying Mike’s Weather Page and Firman generators,” said Cram. “Daytona brings on an excitement like no other track and I cannot wait to share that excitement with all of my fans and all of Mike’s Weather Page’s 2 million fans, we will have a big fan section cheering us on for sure! Tune in to watch the season-opening NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Daytona International Speedway on Saturday, February 17 at 5 p.m. The race will be broadcast on FS1, MRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Ch. 90)

Press Release | TOYOTA RACING DEVELOPMENT MOORESVILLE, N.C. (February 6, 2024) – Coming off another exceptional season across multiple motorsport categories, TRD USA (Toyota Racing Development) is pleased to officially unveil its 2024 Toyota Driver Development (TD2) lineup.   “The TD2 program is something that we take much pride in at TRD,” said Trent Rodriguez, Manager, Driver Development, TRD. “Providing opportunities for young drivers to reach their goals in motorsports will always be something that TRD celebrates. Our lineup for this season is incredibly diverse and filled with exceptionally talented drivers. With this group, we look forward to earning countless race wins and championships across multiple racing series this year.”   The accomplished program reached new heights during the 2023 racing year as a graduate or current member of the TD2 program achieved a Championship 4 berth in each NASCAR national series, along with titles earned in the ARCA Menards Series and dirt racing action. TRD also celebrated the second graduate of the program – John Hunter Nemechek – achieving a full-time opportunity in the NASCAR Cup Series, joining back-to-back Championship 4 driver Christopher Bell.   This season’s talented lineup, across three motorsports disciplines, includes Jade Avedisian, Brent Crews, John Geesbreght, Tyler Gonzalez, Taylor Gray, Corey Heim, Buddy Kofoid, Isabella Robusto, Gio Ruggiero, William Sawalich, Chandler Smith, Ryan Timms and Westin Workman.   Stock Car   Smith, 21, returns to the TD2 program after running for Kaulig Racing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series full-time last year, along with three NASCAR Cup Series starts in 2023. Smith and Toyota have earned much success together, including five Truck Series victories and a Championship 4 berth in 2022, along with 10 ARCA Menards Series triumphs. For 2024, Smith will compete full-time for Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) in the No. 81 Toyota GR Supra in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.   Heim, 21, will return full time to TRICON Garage after an exceptional 2023 season. In his first full Truck Series season, Heim won the regular season title, qualified for the Championship 4, and earned a series-leading 19 top-10 finishes in 22 starts. The Georgia-native will also return to Sam Hunt Racing (SHR) for an expanded Xfinity Series schedule in 2024. He scored a top-10 finish in just his second career series start at Darlington Raceway in May.   Gray, 18, will also return to TRICON Garage for his first full CRAFTSMAN Truck Series season. The New Mexico-native missed the first three races of the 2023 season due to NASCAR’s age restrictions and earned a career-best second-place finish at the fall Kansas race. Gray will also make his NASCAR Xfinity Series debut for JGR this year.   Sawalich, 17, earned the ARCA Menards Series East championship last season after an incredibly consistent performance in 2023. He won half the races on the tour and finished inside the top-five in every event. Sawalich will look to defend his title this year, along with additional ARCA Menards Series races for JGR. The Minnesota-native will also run several NASCAR Truck Series events for TRICON Garage and will make his Xfinity Series debut for JGR after turning 18 in October.   Ruggiero, 17, had an exceptional season with many big late model victories, including the Tar Heel 250 at Hickory Motor Speedway and Winchester 400 at Winchester Speedway. The Massachusetts-native will continue to compete in late model events for Wilson Motorsports, while running several ARCA Menards Series races for Venturini Motorsports (VMS), including competing for the ARCA Menards Series East title.   Robusto, 19, makes her return to full-time competition this year after making a full recovery from a season-ending injury suffered in a racing incident last year. Robusto will compete in several series in 2024, including late model events for Lee Pulliam Performance and Wilson Motorsports, GT4 races with Smooge Racing and ARCA Menards Series competition with VMS. Robusto is scheduled to make her ARCA debut in March at Phoenix Raceway.   Crews, 15, earned many on-track achievements in 2023, including becoming the youngest TA2 champion while scoring his first ARCA Menards Series victory in only his second start. Crews has a busy schedule in 2024 as he will run several events with VMS in the ARCA Menards Series, along with late model races for Kevin Harvick, Inc. and Wilson Motorsports.   Grassroots Dirt   Kofoid, 22, who is a multi-time champion for Toyota in the dirt midget ranks, will take on the full World of Outlaws schedule for Roth Motorsports. Kofoid is already a race winner in WOO competition after a victory at Placerville Speedway last fall.   Avedisian, 17, became the first woman to win a national dirt midget title last year, when she earned the Xtreme Outlaw Midget championship and shortly after signed a multi-year contract with TRD. In 2024, Avedisian will continue to compete in various national dirt midget races for Keith Kunz Motorsports (KKM), along with the full Toyota GR Cup Series schedule for Nitro Motorsports.   Timms, 17, will return to the historic KKM #67 in USAC National Midget competition after a successful run in 2023. Timms finished inside the top-five in the final standings after earning multiple race wins last season. He is the youngest feature winner in series history.    Sports Car   Geesbreght, 20, will continue to climb the sports car ranks as he returns to compete for Smooge Racing in the Toyota GR Supra GT4 EVO in IMSA and SRO competition. He picked up a victory at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) last season.    Gonzalez, 19, who won the inaugural Toyota GR Cup Series title with an incredible seven race wins, will also compete in the GT4 ranks for Smooge Racing as Geesbreght’s co-driver for the SRO series season.   Workman, 19, joins the TD2 program after a successful debut in his first Toyota GR Cup Series event at Road America last season. The North Carolina native impressed with two top-five runs, including one podium finish. He joins Copeland Motorsports for the full Toyota GR Cup Series schedule in 2024.   TRD takes an active role in each TD2 driver’s development to help them achieve their goals of long-term success in motorsport with support of partners such as ExxonMobil, GEARWRENCH, JBL, Safelite AutoGlass, SoundGear and Yahoo. The mutual long-term commitment allows TRD to provide additional opportunities on-and-off the track to encourage and support their personal development. TD2 drivers, along with drivers who compete for Toyota-supported race teams, also have access to the celebrated Toyota Performance Center (TPC), which provides support with physical fitness, sports psychology, recovery and nutrition.

Press Release | TRACKHOUSE RACING CONCORD, North Carolina – Trackhouse Racing announced today that Workforce -Occupational Health & Safety Solutions will serve as an associate sponsor in all 38 races on Zane Smith's No. 71 Chevrolet in the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season. "This is great news," said the 24-year-old Smith, who begins competition this weekend at the Los Angeles Coliseum in the Busch Clash. "To have success in this sport, corporate backing is as important as a good pit crew and we feel we found this with Workforce. I was able meet with them this week and everyone is excited for 2024." The agreement is a multi-year partnership with an emphasis on expanding Workforce’s brand identity in NASCAR, showcasing the benefits of utilizing Workforce’s services to businesses involved in the sport, and an increased business-to-business marketing strategy across motorsports. "Workforce has been involved in this sport for multiple years and truly understands the power of NASCAR. We are thrilled to partner with a team like Trackhouse - and a rising star of the sport such as Zane Smith," said Zach Roberts, Workforce’s President and Chief Executive Officer. "Our company believes this relationship will lead to success for both organizations on and off the track moving forward.” In September, Trackhouse Racing announced a multi-year driving agreement with Smith, the 2022 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champion, and its aim to operate three full-time NASCAR Cup Series entries in 2025. In 2024, Smith will race full-time in the Cup Series, driving a Chevrolet for Spire Motorsports in an alliance with Trackhouse Racing. Smith owns nine Cup Series starts including a 13th-place finish in the 2023 Daytona 500 and a 10th-place finish in the Coca-Cola 600 in May. He retains his rookie status and will be one of the favorites for the 2024 rookie award.

By Matt Marr The race was pushed forward one day due to impending rain, and the previously planned heat races/last chance qualifier was canceled. Denny Hamlin won the pole in qualifying and brought the field to the green to kick off the first race of the NASCAR season. Joey Logano immediately took the lead from Hamlin and led lap 1. Hamlin retook the lead on lap 3. Hamlin struggled getting by some lapped traffic, and Ty Gibbs took advantage to gain the lead on lap 50. The first caution came out at lap 71 for Todd Gilliland. Joey Logano assumed the lead on the restart and led at the halfway break on lap 75. The caution came back out with 10 laps remaining, as Michael McDowell made contact with Ross Chastain. And with that, Gibbs’ over two-second lead vanished. Gibbs and Logano led the restart but Hamlin managed to take the lead from the third position.  A single overtime session was had, but Hamlin held on to win the Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum. The Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum Top 5:   1. Denny Hamlin 2. Kyle Busch 3. Ryan Blaney 4. Joey Logano 5. Kyle Larson Notables:   6. Alex Bowman 7. Chase Briscoe 11. Ryan Preece 13. John Hunter Nemechek 18. Ty Gibbs

By Adam Carabine Despite off-season surgery on an injured shoulder, Denny Hamlin won his fourth career Clash -  his first inside the LA Memorial Coliseum.  Most surprising, however, is that the race was run a day earlier than originally intended. With a huge weather pattern threatening the Los Angeles area, NASCAR made an unprecedented decision.  While there were heat races and a last-chance-qualifier planned for Saturday during the day, the main events were originally scheduled for Sunday, February 4th.  NASCAR decided to move the main events to Saturday evening - the first time in their history that a race has been moved forward a day.  With unseasonably heavy rainfall expected for multiple days starting overnight Saturday, NASCAR felt it was in the public’s best interest to get it all done ahead of the severe weather. NASCAR’s Chief Operating Officer Steve O’Donnell addressed the media after the big announcement, saying “at the end of the day, it’s what’s the right thing to do: keep everyone safe. And this is that decision.” O’Donnell added, “Everyone working together has been a hallmark of the last couple of years of NASCAR.  We want to make the decisions that are in the best interests of everyone, first and foremost the fans.  When you have open dialogue with the industry, particularly the drivers, why you’re making decisions - they may not always agree, but at least if you can explain the ‘why,’ that’s very helpful and we’ve been pretty good at that in our recent past.” In this particular case, it seemed like most drivers were impressed with NASCAR’s quick thinking.  Martin Truex Jr. said, “I think it’s the right thing to do, obviously the weather looks terrible all the way until Wednesday.” Kyle Busch offered high praise, saying, “I think today is an unprecedented mark in our sport and one that all of us will applaud NASCAR and Fox and everybody on for giving us the chance to get a race in today.  [...] This was the best chance that we had, and it was definitely a very good move.” In place of the regularly scheduled heat races, and LCQ, NASCAR opted to do two practice sessions followed by a short qualifying session.  The 22 fastest drivers would earn a spot in the main event, with a 23rd provisional spot being reserved for the driver with the most points in 2023 who had also yet to qualify. 13 drivers were eliminated from the main event, including a few notable names.  Christopher Bell, Chris Buescher and Daniel Suarez were among the unlucky 13, and were forced to start packing earlier than they had hoped.  Josh Williams, driving the No. 16 Chevrolet for Kaulig Racing was one spot away from earning a place in the main event. Defending Cup Series champion Ryan Blaney had a bad qualifying session, and had to rely on the points provisional to earn his spot in the main event. Eventual winner Denny Hamlin had the fastest time in qualifying and started the race from the pole.  When quizzed about his recovery from recent shoulder surgery, Hamlin was quick to brush off any ideas that it would get in his way at the Busch Light Clash.  “[It feels] very good, I feel pretty good about it.  I’m actually happy to start a season knowing that I don’t have any physical ailments ahead of me, so I feel really good about that, for sure.” Hamlin got off to a good start in the race, leading all but three of the first 50 laps.  His teammate in the No. 54 Toyota, Ty Gibbs, took over the lead and held on to it for quite a while. While Gibbs would go on to lead the most laps of any driver, it was Denny Hamlin who had the last laugh. With 9 to go, Hamlin took the lead back from his teammate, and held on to win the race.  Even a late-race caution couldn’t deny him the victory, as he survived overtime with a Green-White-Checkered finish. Denny joked to the swath of boos he received during his post-race interview, “You know I beat your favourite driver again, right?”