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Press Release | DAYTONA 500 DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (January 11, 2024) – The USAF Thunderbirds will return to Daytona International Speedway for the 14th consecutive year, and 15th overall, performing a flyover for a sold-out crowd ahead of the 66th running of The Great American Race, the track announced today.   The U.S. Air Force Demonstration Squadron “Thunderbirds”, also known as “America’s Ambassadors in Blue,” will perform their signature “Delta” formation just before the green flag drops for the 2024 NASCAR season opener – the DAYTONA 500.   “The Thunderbirds flyover is part of a rich tradition we have here to kick off the NASCAR season, and we always look forward to hosting them at The World Center of Racing,” said Daytona International Speedway President Frank Kelleher. “The sound of those jets piercing through the sky is the perfect precursor to those engines firing up on pit road as we get ready for one of the biggest and most thrilling races of the year.”   The epic flyover will take place in front of a full house at the World Center of Racing, as the track announced a complete grandstand and camping sellout in November, nearly three months before the NASCAR season opener. This the earliest sellout of the DAYTONA 500 in the modern era, with fans setting an undeniable precedent for the high energy and exciting atmosphere sure to take place during The Great American Race.   “The Thunderbirds recently celebrated 70 years of excellence,” said Thunderbird #1, Lt. Col. Nathan Malafa. “Since our inception, the Thunderbirds have become a unifying force, focused on inspiring America and communities across the world to pursue perfection and capture excellence.”   The squadron is composed of 12 officers and more than 120 enlisted personnel from across nearly 30 Air Force job specialties. They pilots fly with extreme precision in the Air Force’s premier multi-role fighter jet, the F-16 Fighting Falcon, and the team continues to recruit, retain and inspire audiences across 35 locations throughout the year.   The squadron performing ahead of the DAYTONA 500 is composed of Thunderbird team members hailing from different cities and towns across the state of Florida including: Maj. Zachary Taylor, SMSgt Sean Sirico, MSgt David Cepin, MSgt Seth McKinney, TSgt Joel Burg, TSgt Jonathan Chapman, TSgt Nicholas McVey, TSgt John Terkoski and SSgt Diana Quijada.   The thrilling flyover is just one element in the entire multi-day experience during Speedweeks Presented by AdventHealth.   The action begins on Wednesday, Feb. 14, with DAYTONA 500 Qualifying Presented by Busch Light, setting the field for the Bluegreen Vacations Duel at DAYTONA, which occurs the following night on Thursday, Feb. 15, where drivers will battle it out for a spot in the coveted Great American Race.   The season-opening races for all three NASCAR national series as well as the ARCA Menards Series kick off on Friday, Feb. 16, starting with the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Fresh From Florida 250. Saturday, Feb. 17, will feature an action-packed double-header with the ARCA Menards Series race followed by the Xfinity Series United Rentals 300.   Then Sunday, Feb. 18, directly following a flyover from the USAF Thunderbirds, drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series prepare for an intense battle in the DAYTONA 500, as Speedweeks Presented by AdventHealth comes to a close.   For more information regarding the DAYTONA 500 and Speedweeks Presented by AdventHealth, please visit www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com .”

Press Release | STEWART-HAAS RACING KANNAPOLIS, N.C. (Jan. 12, 2024) – SUNNYD , part of Harvest Hill Beverage Company , is continuing its partnership with Stewart-Haas Racing by sponsoring Josh Berry and the No. 4 NASCAR Cup Series team in 2024.   Known as the most refreshing orange drink in existence, SUNNYD will kick off Berry’s rookie-of-the-year campaign by sponsoring him in the non-points Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum Feb. 4 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and in the 66th annual Daytona 500 Feb. 18 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway. Following those two races, each of which will be broadcast live on FOX and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, SUNNYD will return to the No. 4 Ford Mustang as the primary sponsor for multiple races. When not the primary sponsor, SUNNYD will have a yearlong associate presence on the No. 4 Ford Mustang with branding on Berry’s firesuit.   “The 2024 season marks SUNNYD’s ninth consecutive year as a primary sponsor in the NASCAR Cup Series and we’re excited to align with Josh Berry and Stewart-Haas Racing right out of the gate with the Clash and Daytona 500,” said Henk Hartong, Chairman, SUNNYD. “We’re grateful to our fans and customers for their loyal support of SUNNYD and what can be considered the best paint scheme on the track. We look forward to our ongoing partnership with Stewart-Haas and the No. 4 car and splashing SUNNYD on Josh in victory lane.”   Berry comes to Stewart-Haas from the NASCAR Xfinity Series, where he was a five-time race winner. The 33-year-old racer from Hendersonville, Tennessee, earned his spot in the Xfinity Series by dominating Late Model racing across a variety of grassroots series, winning the 2017 CARS Late Model Stock Tour championship and then the 2020 NASCAR Weekly Racing Series championship.   “It’s a privilege to drive the No. 4 Ford Mustang for Stewart-Haas and to represent an existing partner in SUNNYD, which brings an added sense of pride,” Berry said. “It’s an excellent opportunity and I’m incredibly grateful for it.”   In just 95 career Xfinity Series starts, Berry finished among the top-10 in more than half his races. Those exploits made him the go-to solution for Cup Series teams in need of an interim driver. Berry made 12 Cup Series starts spread across three different teams, with his best effort being an impressive second-place drive on April 2, 2023 at Richmond (Va.) Raceway while subbing for the injured Chase Elliott.   “It’s been very meaningful to get some opportunities in the Cup Series,” Berry said. “I’m proud of how they went, but I’m proud to drive a Cup car that’s got my name on it.”

Press Release | LEGACY MOTOR CLUB CHESAPEAKE, Va. – Jan. 11, 2024 – Dollar Tree, Inc. today announced an exciting new sponsorship of LEGACY MOTOR CLUB (LEGACY M.C.) in a multi-year agreement for races taking place in the NASCAR Cup Series. Dollar Tree and Family Dollar will be on track in all 38 races of the 2024 NASCAR season for select races with No. 42 driver John Hunter Nemechek and No. 43 driver Erik Jones. Additionally, both Dollar Tree and Family Dollar brands will adorn the No. 84 of driver Jimmie Johnson at Dover Motor Speedway (April 28), Kansas Speedway (Sept. 29) and Las Vegas Motor Speedway (Oct. 20). The sponsorship spans both the Dollar Tree and Family Dollar brands, creating significant visibility with customers and associates in the company’s 16,000+ stores.  “We are thrilled to sponsor LEGACY MOTOR CLUB and spotlight our brands to fans of the exhilarating and high-octane sport of NASCAR,” said Rick McNeely, Chief Merchandising Officer for Dollar Tree. “Watching Dollar Tree and Family Dollar take off into one of the most-watched sports in the country is a great start to the year.” Family Dollar’s Chief Merchandising Officer Larry Gatta added, “We have an incredible opportunity to reach our existing customers, and with this sponsorship an even greater platform to attract new shoppers to Dollar Tree and Family Dollar – which is exciting for our vendor partners and associates.” LEGACY M.C. is one of the most elite racing teams in the industry, co-owned by Business Entrepreneur Maurice “Maury” Gallagher and seven-time NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) champion Jimmie Johnson, who is being inducted into the 2024 class of The NASCAR Hall of Fame on Jan. 19. The club competes full-time in the NCS, fielding the Nos. 42 and 43 Toyota Camry XSE entries (with drivers John Hunter Nemechek and Erik Jones) along with the No. 84 part-time entry for Johnson. Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion, Inaugural NASCAR Hall of Fame Class member and all-time winningest driver in NASCAR history Richard Petty “The King” serves as Club Ambassador. “What an exciting time for LEGACY M.C. to team up with Dollar Tree and Family Dollar,” said Johnson. “We look forward to creating extensive visibility for these two iconic and beloved brands where we have so many fans in common.” Look for both the Dollar Tree and Family Dollar cars on the track at The Clash at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Feb. 4 and for paint schemes to be revealed in the coming weeks.

Press Release | YOUNG'S MOTORSPORTS MOORESVILLE, N.C. (January 3, 2024) Young’s Motorsports announced the organization’s expansion into the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2024. Leland Honeyman Jr. will pilot the No. 42 Xfinity car full-time, beginning with the season opener at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway (Fla.) on Sat. Feb. 17, 2024.   Honeyman, 18, returns to the Mooresville, N.C.-based organization, where he ran an impressive ARCA Menards Series East Series campaign, finishing third in the 2022 championship standings.   Honeyman also has eight starts in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, where he claimed a best finish of 21st at the Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway ROVAL this past October.   “We’ve been asked about running Xfinity more than a few times over the years, and this time, it just made sense,” Young’s Motorsports team principal Tyler Young said.   “Leland (Honeyman) ran the (ARCA) East Series for us in 2022, and he did a great job learning, giving feedback, and being competitive against several other established (ARCA) East programs. His efforts in the Xfinity Series this season show he’s continuing to improve and make the most of every opportunity he is a part of.   “We’ve already found success in the ARCA Series and have a blast working together. I look forward to taking this step with the Xfinity Series this season.”   Honeyman added, “In 2024, I’m thrilled to be racing full-time for Young’s Motorsports in their newly launched Xfinity team. Joining them as they enter this exciting series, I’m confident about our collective potential for the upcoming season. The prospect of racing fulltime in Xfinity adds an extra layer of excitement, and I can’t wait to contribute to ourteam’s journey and make our mark on the track.”   The Phoenix, Ariz. native began honing his racing skills at the tender age of two racing Quads. By four years old, he moved into Trophy Karts and then collected three series championships in off-road racing Trophy Karts.   After an instrumental tenure in Go Karts, he moved into the Bandolero competition in 2015 and was crowned a Bandolero National Champion two years later. From there, he moved into Limited Late Models before graduating to the Carolina Pro Late Model Series division in 2021, where he earned championship-runner-up honors and picked up an astoundingvictory in the annual Hickory (N.C.) Motor Speedway Fall Brawl.   Young’s Motorsports was established in 2009, owns 472 Truck Series starts with two victories, and has competed in 26 races across the ARCA Menards Series platforms since 2021.   The United Rentals 300 (120 laps | 300 miles) is the first of thirty-three (33) NASCAR Xfinity Series races on the 2024 schedule. Practice will take place on Fri., Feb. 16, from 4:35 p.m. – 5:25 p.m., and the qualifying session begins on Sat., Feb. 17, at 11:30 a.m. The field will take the green flag shortly after 5:00 p.m. with live coverage on FS1.   For more on Young’s Motorsports, please visit YoungsMotorsports.com , like them on Facebook (Young’s Motorsports), and follow them on Instagram (@youngsmotorsports) and X |Twitter (@youngsmtrsports).

(Photo Source: Twitter.com/BeardOil62) Press Release | BEARD MOTORSPORTS MT. PLEASANT, Michigan (Dec. 20, 2023) – Beard Motorsports announced today its plans for the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season. A total of four races make up the 2024 schedule for Beard and it begins Feb. 18 with the season-opening Daytona 500 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway. Manning the cockpit of the No. 62 Beard Motorsports Chevrolet in the 2024 edition of the Great American Race will be driver Anthony Alfredo. Beard Motorsports, a generational race team, was founded by the late Mark Beard Sr. Since his passing in early 2021, his wife Linda Beard has served as the team owner with their children, Amie and Mark Jr., overseeing team operations and management. Beard Motorsports made its NASCAR Cup Series debut in the 2017 Daytona 500 with former driver Brendan Gaughan. “The 2024 season marks our eighth year competing in the NASCAR Cup Series,” said Amie Beard, executive vice president of Beard Motorsports. “It’s surreal to even be referencing year number eight. This race team is a passion project for all of us. My dad loved the sport and it’s a passion that we now share as a family. It’s what drives this team. “We are so excited to be back on track for 2024,” Beard added. “Our crew chief Darren Shaw and the majority our crew guys and pit crew are all back for this season. Darren has been busy getting the car ready, and preparations for the Daytona 500 are well underway. Our schedule will go beyond the Daytona 500 and we have some exciting things in the works that we look forward to sharing a little later. Overall, though, we are just looking forward to getting back to the track and doing what we do best – competing while having fun.” In addition to the Daytona 500, the No. 62 Beard Motorsports Chevrolet is scheduled to compete in the NASCAR Cup Series GEICO 500 on April 21 at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway, the Aug. 24 Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona, and the Oct. 6 YellaWood 500 at Talladega. Alfredo will also pilot the No. 62 Chevrolet in the April Talladega race. A NASCAR Next alumnus, Alfredo has been making a name for himself in the racing world since he debuted in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2019. He has competed in all three of NASCAR’s top touring series, including the Cup Series, where he has a total of 38 career starts. “I’m so thankful for this opportunity,” said the native of Ridgefield, Connecticut. “Every driver that runs stock cars wants to race in the NASCAR Cup Series and the Daytona 500. I’ve been blessed to race at this level against drivers that are childhood heroes of mine. This opportunity with the Beard family is very exciting. They have always fielded great cars in these superspeedway races, so I’m thrilled to get behind the wheel of their No. 62 Chevrolet.” Plans for the remaining events making up the 2024 schedule for the No. 62 Beard Motorsports team will be announced later in the season.

(Photo Source: Twitter.com/ tdjf ) Press Release | THE DALE JR. FOUNDATION MOORESVILLE, N.C. (Dec. 21, 2023) – Nearly 70 groups, organizations and charities benefitted from the $1.3 million The Dale Jr. Foundation raised in 2023, the charitable organization announced, with an additional 59 organizations receiving in-kind support. The donations will help fund the good works that these organizations do both regionally and nationally, spreading hope and empowering children toward a brighter future.   Among the many organizations receiving donations from TDJF include Blessings in Backpack, Camp LUCK, Children’s Hope Alliance, Classroom Central, Donors Choose, FeedNC, HealthReach Community Clinic, Hope of Mooresville, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Operation Warm, Pat’s Place Children’s Advocacy Center, Pharos Parenting, and Pinky Swear Foundation. All of these benevolent entities epitomize The Foundation’s five key areas of giving: Hope, Hunger, Wellness, Education and Empowerment.   “This has been a tremendous year of giving,” said Kelley Earnhardt Miller, vice president of The Dale Jr. Foundation. “Thanks to the generous donations and hard work of so many special people, The Foundation has been able to support a number of impactful and worthwhile causes.”     Headlining the fundraising efforts for the year was the 13th annual Driven To Give gala, featuring comedian Dusty Slay. Attended by 250 invitees, Driven To Give raised nearly $450,000 toward TDJF’s year-end numbers.   Some of the other fund-raising initiatives in 2023 included the annual Win Dale Jr.’s Ride raffle, a huge success which saw a Chevy Silverado pickup truck and TRACKER Bass Buggy boat awarded. The raffle added more than $163,000 to the total to be given.   The annual Ride-Along program, in which Earnhardt Jr. drove participants around North Wilkesboro Speedway and Martinsville Motor Speedway, raised $300,000 for the cause. This program also included a book reading by Earnhardt Jr. to students in the surrounding North Wilkesboro area.   Another annual program, this one benefitting  the Dale and Amy Earnhardt Fund at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, saw more than 60 NASCAR drivers wear Dale Jr.-inspired skeleton driving gloves in the fall race at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway. These gloves were auctioned off, raising more than $75,000 for pediatric cancer research at the world-renowned hospital in Ohio.   The Foundation’s year-end giving program included many charities that fit its mission statement, which is giving underprivileged individuals, with a focus on youth, the resources to improve their confidence and education and the opportunity to achieve extraordinary goals.   In addition to its monetary donations, TDJF gave in many other ways as well, especially during the holiday season. TDJF, with the help of JR Motorsports families, was able to benefit 40 Angel Tree children from Children’s Hope Alliance. The JR Elves program hosted 11 children and provided them with a visit from Santa Claus, pizza, crafts, and a shopping trip.   Notable community outreach initiatives undertaken by The Dale Jr. Foundation included Earnhardt Jr. reading to students at Allenbrook Elementary School, an All-Kids Bike Build at South Elementary School, and several volunteers working in Mimi’s Garden, named for Dale Jr. and sister Kelley’s mother, Brenda Jackson.

Press Release | RICHARD CHILDRESS RACING WELCOME, N.C. (December 21, 2023) – Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, the casual dining restaurant known for homemade American classics at affordable prices, has extended and enhanced their relationship with Richard Childress Racing, Kyle Busch, and the No. 8 Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen Chevrolet team as part of a multi-race, multi-year partnership. “We’re excited to wave the green flag once again on our relationship with Richard Childress Racing, Kyle Busch and the No. 8 team,” said John Felton, vice president of marketing for Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen. “Kyle and the RCR team have been great partners as we introduce NASCAR fans to our homestyle favorites at comforting prices. We look forward to cooking up even more together in 2024 and beyond.” Since first partnering together in 2020, the RCR/Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen relationship has steadily grown each year in terms of both scope and number of primary races on the No. 8 Chevrolet. RCR assists the Cheddar’s team with strategic content, and marketing and communications support for the program. Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen has become a favorite destination for the No. 8 team as well as the iconic race team’s fans. Popular promotions, such as the No. 8 Special Chicken Tender Platter and No. 8 eGift cards have kept race fans full and excited about Cheddar’s homestyle menu. And their proximity to many racetracks around the country makes Cheddar’s the prime pre- or post-race pit stop. “It’s gratifying to see Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen find so much success by integrating Kyle and the No. 8 team into their marketing strategy,” said Torrey Galida, president of RCR. “Whether its incorporating Honey Butter Croissants into the paint scheme design of the No. 8 Chevrolet, utilizing the race team partnership to honor our military, or bringing the excitement of motor sports to restaurant locations throughout the country with menu offerings catered to Kyle Busch fans, it’s clear that this team is willing to think outside the box and market in creative ways. We’re looking forward to being part of the Cheddar’s growth strategy for many years to come.” Busch and his family have embraced Cheddar’s as a meal fit for champions, with favorites such as Kyle’s baby back ribs, Samantha’s grilled salmon, Brexton’s top sirloin steak and Lennix’s honey butter croissants frequenting the Busch family’s dinner table. With more than 180 restaurants across 28 states, Cheddar’s serves American classics and homestyle comfort food in a feel-at-home atmosphere. Guests get a lot, for not a lot with homemade entrees like hand-breaded Chicken Tenders, homemade Chicken Pot Pie and slow-smoked Baby Back Ribs so big, they almost fall off the plate. To kick off a memorable meal, every guest is welcomed with a warm Honey Butter Croissant on the house. For more information and all that is going on at RCR, visit rcrracing.com.

Press Release | RICHARD CHILDRESS RACING WELCOME, N.C. (December 19, 2023) – Lucas Oil Products, a long-time partner of both Richard Childress Racing and ECR Engines, will expand their partnership with Richard Childress Racing and Kyle Busch in 2024, the companies announced today. The Indianapolis, Ind., based company will partner with RCR and Busch for multiple NASCAR Cup Series races and also continue as the official motor oil of ECR Engines. Lucas Oil will also serve as primary sponsor for Busch when he competes at the grassroots level in a Micro Sprint car. Busch will debut the Lucas Oil colors on December 26 in the Tulsa Shootout. “RCR and ECR share our passion for motorsports, from the grassroots to the highest levels of the sport,” said Brandon Bernstein, director of partnership marketing for Lucas Oil Products. “We share Kyle’s passion for short track racing and have seen first-hand the benefits of our partnership, especially as it relates to technology transfer over to short track racers and everyday consumers. We’re proud to continue to commit our resources in R&D and production, and to highlight our premier oil performance with sponsorship of the No. 8 Chevrolet.” Lucas Oil has served as the official lubricant of RCR and ECR Engines since 2014 and is the official motor oil of ECR Engines. RCR, ECR and Lucas Oil have gone to NASCAR Victory Lane together more than 20 times since the partnership began. Through innovative product research and development, along with aggressive marketing programs, Lucas Oil has established itself as an industry leader, producing only the best line of lubricants and additives available anywhere. Busch piloted the No. 8 Lucas Oil Chevrolet to victory in the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series race at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif. The win came in their first race together and was the first victory for Lucas Oil in the NASCAR Cup Series. It was also the first for Busch at RCR and extended his streak of 19 consecutive seasons with at least one victory at NASCAR’s highest level. “RCR and ECR have benefited greatly from having a lubricants partner with strong roots in racing,” said Torrey Galida, president of RCR. “It was incredibly gratifying to see the No. 8 Lucas Oil Chevrolet in Victory Lane. It was a testament to all of the resources, expertise, and hard work the Lucas Oil/ECR team has committed to giving us a huge competitive advantage.” For more information and all that is going on at RCR, visit rcrracing.com.

(Photo Source: Twitter.com/JRMotorsports) Press Release | JR MOTORSPORTS MOORESVILLE, N.C. (Dec. 18, 2023) – JR Motorsports has added a pair of crew chiefs to its roster for the 2024 NASCAR Xfinity Series season, the organization announced today, and both are former team members. Adam Wall will lead JRM’s No. 8 team for driver Sammy Smith while Phillip Bell returns as crew chief for the No. 9 team and driver Brandon Jones. Reprising their roles with the No. 1 and No. 7 teams will be Mardy Lindley and Jim Pohlman, who led Sam Mayer and Justin Allgaier, respectively, to the Championship 4 in 2023. Wall and Bell are products of the Hendrick Motorsports-JRM conduit. Bell spent seven seasons as a lead engineer with JRM before heading to the Cup Series last year. Wall started at HMS in 2011 and then joined JRM as an engineer for three seasons (2016-18). He reunited with HMS the following year, rising to lead engineer for Kyle Larson and winning a championship in 2021. “I feel very confident in our group of crew chiefs for 2024,” said JRM’s Director of Competition Mike Bumgarner. “Both Adam and Phillip have previous experience here with our guys and that chemistry alone makes the flow of communication even better. The process speaks volumes to what Dale and Kelley have been able to do here.” Wall, a 34-year-old from Teutopolis, Ill., had previously been with JRM alongside crew chief Kevin Meendering and then-driver Elliott Sadler as an engineer beginning in 2016. He left JRM with Meendering at the end of 2018 and moved back to HMS, first with the No. 48 team and then with its No. 5 unit. “It’s a lot of the same people here at JR Motorsports, so I’m excited to hit the ground running,” Wall said. “It’s a really efficient process that they have going with HMS and JRM in terms of personnel, and I’m an example of how it works. To be able to come back to JRM on the crew chief level is a really nice path.” Bell, entering his first season as a NXS crew chief, was the lead engineer for JRM’s No. 9 car during a 2022 season that produced a single-season team record eight victories and a second straight Championship 4 appearance. The 33-year-old Senoia, Ga. native worked at JRM beginning in 2016 and in 2022 rose to the post of lead engineer during his tenure. “I’m very appreciative of the opportunity,” said Bell. “I couldn’t have asked for a better place to be, because I know the systems and the people. It feels like coming home. The 9 team means a lot to me. We spent a lot of time and effort and helping build that legacy, getting the right systems in place to win races, and it means a lot to me to be here with them.” 2024 JRM Driver/Crew Chief Lineup: ·       No. 1 Chevrolet: driver Sam Mayer, crew chief Mardy Lindley ·       No. 7 Chevrolet: driver Justin Allgaier, crew chief Jim Pohlman ·       No. 8 Chevrolet: driver Sammy Smith, crew chief Adam Wall ·       No. 9 Chevrolet: driver Brandon Jones, crew chief Phillip Bell

(Photo Source: Twitter.com/JoeGibbsRacing) Press Release | JOE GIBBS RACING HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. (December 13, 2023) – Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) announced today their driver and crew chief lineup for the 2024 NASCAR Xfinity Series season. The team will field four Toyota GR Supras – two with full-time drivers and two with a rotating schedule of part-time drivers. The lineup will be headlined by Sheldon Creed driving the No. 18 GR Supra and Chandler Smith piloting the No. 81 GR Supra. Aric Almirola and John Hunter Nemechek will split driving duties of the team’s No. 20 entry while the No. 19 GR Supra will be driven by Ryan Truex, William Sawalich, Joe Graf Jr., and Taylor Gray. Creed, the 2020 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series champion, joins JGR with 70 career starts in the Xfinity Series. Over the past two seasons, the Alpine, California native has earned 11 top-five finishes and 29 top-10s, including seven runner-up results. Prior to his move to the Xfinity Series, Creed spent three seasons in the Truck Series where he won eight times, highlighted by his championship-winning performance at Phoenix Raceway in 2020. He also won the 2018 ARCA Menards Series championship on the strength of four wins and 16 top-five finishes. Smith transitions to JGR after a strong rookie season where he won his first career Xfinity Series race at Richmond Raceway in April and tallied eight top-five finishes and 11 top-10s. He is no stranger to the Toyota family as Smith raced Toyotas prior to 2023 and claimed five Truck Series victories driving Toyota Tundras. The majority of the No. 20 team’s schedule will feature a pair of drivers making returns to JGR. Nemechek is back for 10 Xfinity Series races after a stellar 2023 season where he led all drivers in wins (seven), top-five finishes (17), and laps led (1,083) on the way to advancing to the Championship 4. Almirola took a much different journey back to JGR. The Tampa, Florida native last drove for the team in November 2007. In 2006 and 2007, he made his Xfinity Series debut with JGR and started 27 races overall. For the past 12 seasons, Almirola has competed full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series. His resume includes three Cup Series wins and four Xfinity Series victories. For the third consecutive season, Truex will compete for JGR. The younger brother of JGR Cup Series veteran Martin Truex Jr. scored his long-awaited first career victory last season at Dover Motor Speedway driving JGR’s No. 19 GR Supra. Ryan Truex owns 189 career starts across NASCAR’s top three series. His time with JGR’s Xfinity Series team has been exceptional, including his six-race campaign last season where he posted three top-three finishes. Graf will be behind the wheel for JGR again in 2024. Last year, he competed in six races for the team and posted a pair of top-10 finishes. Graf is a familiar face in the Xfinity Series, having made 126 career starts over the past five seasons. Gray will make his Xfinity Series debut in 2024 when he hits the track in the No. 19 Toyota GR Supra. Gray is coming off his rookie NASCAR Truck Series season with TRICON Garage where he earned three top-five finishes and six top-10s. He also ran one ARCA Menards Series race for JGR last season at Talladega Superspeedway. In 2022, Gray claimed three ARCA Menards Series victories and three combined ARCA East and West wins. Following his 18th birthday on October 3, Sawalich will make his Xfinity Series debut at Homestead-Miami Speedway on October 26 in addition to starts at Martinsville Speedway (November 2) and Phoenix Raceway (November 9) to complete the season. Sawalich will also still compete in the ARCA Menards Series in the No. 18 Toyota Camry for JGR. Last season, the Eden Prairie, Minnesota native won the ARCA Menards Series East championship on the strength of four wins. He also won a pair of ARCA Menards Series races – Berlin Raceway and Toledo Speedway – and the ARCA Menards Series West season finale at Phoenix Raceway to complete a breakout season for the young driver. “Over the last couple of months, we’ve been working diligently to put together our 2024 Xfinity program which will include the addition of a fourth team,” said Steve DeSouza, EVP NASCAR Xfinity Series/Development at JGR. “Our 2024 roster has a great balance of experience, youth, wisdom, and talent. We believe the veteran drivers will continually benchmark our program, compliment, and challenge each other, as well as assist our younger drivers to further develop their skill set. We are also excited about our crew chiefs and the teams they have assembled. We take a lot of pride in not only our program’s on-track success, but also in the opportunity to develop and promote our team members.” JGR is adding three first-time crew chiefs to work with Jeff Meendering who returns for his sixth season atop the pit box. Tyler Allen, Seth Chavka, and Sam McAulay all join the Xfinity Series programs after previously serving in engineering roles with JGR’s Cup Series program. Tyler Allen will lead the No. 20 team with Almirola and Nemechek. Allen has spent the past nine seasons working in various engineering roles within JGR. After being with JGR Xfinity Series team in 2015 and 2016 and winning 19 races, Allen worked as an engineer under crew chief Adam Stevens for the past seven years – first with Kyle Busch from 2017-2020, and most recently working as the lead race engineer for Christopher Bell for the past three seasons. He won the 2019 Cup Series championship with Busch and collected 25 Cup Series victories over those seven years. Seth Chavka will oversee the No. 19 team after serving as a JGR lead race engineer since 2019 for Erik Jones, Kyle Busch, and Ty Gibbs. Before moving to JGR, Chavka worked at Richard Childress Racing where he went to Cup Series victory lane twice with Austin Dillon in addition to four Xfinity Series wins with Elliott Sadler. Sam McAulay will be paired with Creed and the No. 18 team. Before this opportunity, McAulay was the lead race engineer for Denny Hamlin’s No. 11 Cup Series team for the past eight years. His resume includes 25 victories with Hamlin, including three Daytona 500 series. In 2022, he led Hamlin to a Coca-Cola 600 while serving as interim crew chief. McAulay is familiar with JGR’s Xfinity Series program as he worked as an engineer on the No. 20 Xfinity Series car from 2013-2015. Crew Chief Jeff Meendering will be team up Smith for the 2024 season. Meendering is the veteran of the group as his resume includes more than 250 starts as a crew chief across NASCAR’s top two series. He has guided teams to eight Xfinity Series wins, including six at JGR. Last season, Meendering led Sammy Smith to a win at Phoenix Raceway, sixth in the final standings and Rookie of the Year honors. In addition to four Xfinity Series cars, JGR will continue to field a Toyota Camry in the ARCA Menards Series, led by Crew Chief Matt Ross. Sawalich will also defend his 2023 ARCA Menards Series East championship. The 17-year-old does not meet the age requirements of certain tracks, so the remaining six races of the ARCA schedule will be filled by CRAFTSMAN Truck Series regular Tanner Gray. Tanner Gray has 15 ARCA races under his belt from 2019-2021 where he earned three top-five finishes, nine top-10s, and one pole award. He will also compete full time in Truck Series for TRICON Garage in 2024. His ARCA schedule will include starts at Daytona International Speedway (February 17), Talladega Superspeedway (April 20), Kansas Speedway (May 4 and September 27), Charlotte Motor Speedway (May 24), and Michigan International Speedway (August 16).

Press Release | NASCAR MEXICO SERIES LOS ANGELES (Dec. 11, 2023) – Today, NASCAR announced that King Taco, one of the most famed Mexican quick service restaurant chains in Southern California, will be the Official Mexican Restaurant of the Busch Light Clash and the entitlement partner for the NASCAR Mexico Series race at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Sunday, February 4th.   The race, which precedes the third-annual Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum, will be called the King Taco La Batalla en El Coliseo and become the first-ever NASCAR Mexico Series race in the state of California.   “King Taco is the ultimate representative of the rich, Mexican heritage found throughout Southern California,” said Ben Kennedy, NASCAR’s Senior Vice President, Racing Development and Strategy. “We’re thrilled to collaborate with such a historic local restaurant chain to help showcase the electrifying racing of the NASCAR Mexico Series at the Coliseum.”   Founded in 1974, King Taco began its operation from a converted ice cream truck. On a summer night in 1974, Don Raúl and Doña Lupe stationed their taco truck next to an East LA bar where they became popularly known. Today, the Mexican quick service favorite has since expanded to 22 popular locations. King Taco serves a wide variety of authentic Mexican foods and has been recognized by prominent food critics throughout the country. King Taco prides itself as one of the few surviving original Los Angeles restaurants.   “It’s amazing to have our brand be a part of such a groundbreaking event,” said Raul D. Martinez Jr., CEO of King Taco Restaurants Inc. “The opportunity to partner with the NASCAR Mexico Series is certainly a privilege, and we look forward to what should be a remarkable event.”   The King Taco La Batalla en El Coliseo will begin at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 4 and jumpstart a power-packed doubleheader that concludes with the Busch Light Clash at 5 p.m.   The third-annual Busch Light Clash is the NASCAR Cup Series’ season-opening exhibition that takes place on a temporary quarter-mile asphalt track nestled inside the iconic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. NASCAR on FOX will once again carry the broadcast for the Busch Light Clash while the NASCAR Mexico Series race will be on Fox Deportes, Fox Sports 3 in Mexico, and available pan regionally on Claro Sports and the D Motors channel on DirecTV.   A single ticket purchased is good for both races, and fans are encouraged to get their tickets now while supplies last by visiting  www.nascarclash.com .

Press Release | TRACKHOUSE RACING NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Trackhouse Racing announced today that WeatherTech, a leading manufacturer of premium American-made automotive accessories, home and pet care products, will serve as the primary sponsor in a majority of three-time Supercars champion Shane van Gisbergen’s NASCAR Xfinity and Cup races in 2024. WeatherTech’s involvement also goes beyond its effort with Van Gisbergen. The Bolingbrook, Ill. company founded by CEO David MacNeil, will be part of the 2024 Daytona 500 serving as the primary sponsor for Trackhouse development driver Zane Smith’s No. 71 Chevrolet fielded by Spire Motorsports. “I think everyone in the automotive and racing world knows WeatherTech and its commitment to motorsports over the years,” said Trackhouse owner and founder Justin Marks. “What an absolute honor it is for us that WeatherTech will be part of our 2024 developmental season with Shane and Zane. I raced sports cars for years and got to know David and Cooper MacNeil, while witnessing their colors take the checkered flag many times. Who better to pair with Shane than a company like WeatherTech that has played such an important role in sports car racing." “It will be a career highlight for me to see the familiar WeatherTech scheme on a NASCAR Cup Series Chevrolet in the Daytona 500 with Zane Smith.” Earlier today Trackhouse announced that Van Gisbergen will race full-time in the Xfinity Series in 2024 with Kaulig Racing and enter seven Cup Series races. In addition to full Xfinity duties, Van Gisbergen will participate in the following Cup races: Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin on March 24 Talladega Superspeedway on April 21 and October 6 Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 26 Chicago Street Race on July 7 Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International on Sept. 15 Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Oct. 20. WeatherTech will serve as primary sponsor for 17 Xfinity races as well as the Cup races at COTA, Charlotte, Watkins Glen and the fall Talladega race. “When I decided to come to America and race, I told Justin (Marks) that I wanted to do everything the right way,” said Van Gisbergen. “Bringing in a company like WeatherTech as a partner shows how seriously myself and Trackhouse are taking the 2024 season. I am honored WeatherTech put its faith in the effort and know it will pay dividends.” Van Gisbergen arrived in America this week with a resume that includes Supercars Championships for Triple Eight Race Engineering in 2016, 2021 and 2022, plus 78 wins and 47 pole positions making him the fourth most successful driver in series history. He also won the Bathurst 1000 in 2020, 2022 and 2023. Van Gisbergen took the international racing world by storm when he won in his debut NASCAR event in the Chicago Street Race on July 2. He returned to America on Aug. 13 for the Cup race on the Indianapolis Road Course where he finished 10th. His lone oval start came in a NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race when he finished 19th at Indianapolis Raceway Park. On Sept. 16, Trackhouse Racing announced a multi-year driving agreement with Smith, the 2022 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. Smith finished 10th in last year’s Daytona 500. “This is great news for us,” said the 24-year-old Smith who has won nine truck series races in four seasons. “I hope our Chevrolet is fast because I know we are going to look good in the WeatherTech paint scheme.” Smith said he’s been a WeatherTech customer for years. “I’ve already gone to WeatherTech’s website to find things for my personal cars,” he said. “You always want a sponsor who does cool things or makes cool stuff and looks like we got one of the best for Daytona.” WeatherTech and IMSA announced in October the extension of WeatherTech’s entitlement sponsorship of the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship for five additional years, bringing the partnership through at least 2030. The Illinois-based automotive accessories company, known for its custom floormats, became the title sponsor of IMSA’s top series in 2016, in what was an initial ten-year deal. Today’s announcement with Trackhouse marks the first time it has been the primary sponsor of a car in the Daytona 500. “This is a big step for our company and exciting news for our employees, customers and everyone in the WeatherTech family,” said WeatherTech founder and CEO David MacNeil. “NASCAR racing is the pinnacle of American motorsports, and we hope millions of viewers will see Shane and Zane in the WeatherTech paint schemes this season.”

Press Release | KAULIG RACING, TRACKHOUSE RACING WELCOME, N.C.(December 13, 2023) – Beginning what will be one of the top international racing stories in the 2024 season, three-time Supercar champion Shane van Gisbergen has touched down in America and is ready to embark on his NASCAR career.    Kaulig Racing and Trackhouse Racing announced today that van Gisbergen, the winner of the inaugural Chicago Street Race in his NASCAR debut in July, will race full-time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series driving the No. 97 Chevrolet Camaro with Kaulig Racing, while also driving in a minimum of seven Cup Series races in 2024.   The 34-year-old Auckland, New Zealand native landed in the United States Monday ready to take on the greatest racing challenge of his lifetime.    “After winning in Chicago, I could not stop thinking about racing full time in NASCAR,” said van Gisbergen who won Supercars Championships for the Australian Triple Eight Race Engineering team in 2016, 2021 and 2022.    “I am still stunned at how quickly this has all come together. I must thank the NASCAR industry and fans for embracing me and allowing me to chase this dream. I respect every driver who has put in the work to make it to the Cup Series, and I am ready to put in that same effort. I am anxious to get started.”   In addition to full Xfinity duties, van Gisbergen will participate in the following Cup races: • Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin on March 24 • Talladega Superspeedway on April 21 and October 6 • Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 26 • Chicago Street Race on July 7 • Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International on Sept. 15 • Las Vegas Motor Speedway on October 20.   Trackhouse founder and owner Justin Marks brought van Gisbergen to NASCAR and Trackhouse last year as part of the team’s PROJECT91 program created to give international stars a chance to compete in the sport. Through PROJECT91, 2007 Formula One champion Kimi Raikkonen raced in NASCAR in 2022 and 2023.    “We know Shane will be incredibly competitive at the road course events in both the NASCAR Cup and Xfinity series, but we wanted to get him as much experience on NASCAR ovals as possible, so I am really excited about his 2024 schedule,” said Trackhouse Racing founder and owner Justin Marks. “Kaulig Racing has a history of winning in the Xfinity Series and as a fellow Chevrolet team, we are so thankful Matt Kaulig and Chris Rice see the potential in Shane that we see. The anticipation for this season is palpable.”   Van Gisbergen’s Chicago victory and 10th-place finish on the road course at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on August 13 are his only two Cup Series starts. His only other NASCAR experience came Aug. 11 at Indianapolis Raceway Park where he made his paved oval career debut. He kept a lead lap position until the final few laps, finishing 19th.    After taking over the lead from former Kaulig Racing driver Justin Haley at Chicago with five laps remaining, Van Gisbergen became one of six foreign-born drivers to win a Cup Series race and the first driver since Johnny Rutherford in 1963 to win his first Cup Series start. It was just the latest entry in a resume that includes three Supercar titles, 78 wins and 47 pole positions making him the fourth most successful driver in Supercar series history.   He also won the Bathurst 1000, the premier race in Australia, in 2020, 2022 and 2023.    Van Gisbergen joins a Kaulig Racing organization that has won two Cup races and 23 Xfinity races since the team’s inception in 2016. The Welcome, North Carolina team won the 2023 Bank of America ROVAL 400, as well as four Xfinity races with a variety of drivers. Van Gisbergen will join Kaulig Racing teammates Josh Williams, driver of the No. 11 Chevrolet and AJ Allmendinger, driver of the No. 16 in 2024 Xfinity season.   “We started our talks with Trackhouse about the possibility of putting SVG in a Xfinity car for a few races quite some time ago, and from there the talks evolved to discussions about how much it would cost to run a full season,” said Chris Rice, president of Kaulig Racing. “Once we knew we had an open seat for next season, it became the perfect scenario to put him in the car. We partner with Trackhouse’s pit crew department, and with their key support from Chevrolet, it made teaming up an easy decision.”

Press Release | LEGACY MOTOR CLUB STATESVILLE, N.C. (December 12, 2023) - LEGACY MOTOR CLUB™ has signed Jason Burdett as crew chief of the No. 84 Toyota Camry XSE driven by seven-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson in 2024. Burdett brings with him almost three decades of experience working with powerhouse teams and championship-winning drivers at NASCAR’s highest level. Burdett’s racing journey began at local tracks near Watkins Glen, N.Y. In 1995, he moved to North Carolina to work at Robert Yates Racing as a tire specialist. Burdett was an integral member of Dale Jarrett’s 1999 Cup Series championship-winning team. In 2001, Burdett moved over to Hendrick Motorsports and won the 2001 championship with Jeff Gordon and the No. 24 team led by crew chief Robbie Loomis. Burdett and LEGACY M.C. co-owner Johnson started working together in 2001 as the No. 48 team began to take shape. The “24/48” shop at Hendrick Motorsports operated under a “one team” philosophy which was started by crew chiefs Ray Evernham, Loomis and Chad Knaus. In 2007, Gordon and Johnson together dominated the competition, combining for 18 wins (out of 36) in a single season. Opportunity struck in late 2007, as Burdett joined Michael Waltrip Racing, and reunited with Jarrett – but this time as his crew chief. He returned to Hendrick Motorsports in 2008 as the car chief on the No. 24 team alongside crew chief Steve Letarte. In 2011 Burdett moved with Letarte over to Dale Earnhardt, Jr.’s No. 88 team until 2014. Once again, Burdett was an integral member of the team that propelled Johnson to win the 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2013 NASCAR Cup Series championships. After the 2014 season, Burdett accepted a crew chief position in the Xfinity Series at JR Motorsports (JRM) with driver Regan Smith. He spent nine seasons at JRM – one with Smith, seven seasons with driver Justin Allgaier, and one with Brandon Jones. Through his tenure at JRM, Burdett called 293 races compiling 18 wins, 113 top-five, and 193 top-10 finishes. The 18 victories made Burdett the winningest crew chief in JRM history, leading his team to the “Championship 4” five times. “I have a very long history of working with Jason at Hendrick Motorsports – we spent a lot of time together throughout the years,” said Johnson. “Jason is one of the nicest people I’ve ever met in the sport, he’s solid and he’s created an amazing LEGACY for himself. I’ve always had a great working relationship with him, and I’m just genuinely excited he has joined the Club.” Although Johnson’s schedule is limited, Burdett’s role will be full-time with LEGACY M.C., as the Club is transitioning manufacturers from Chevrolet to Toyota and his experience will be welcomed. Additionally, two more key roles on the No. 84 have been assigned as Evan Bensch will now serve as lead engineer (moving over from his engineering role on the No. 43 team) and Robbie Fairweather is returning for a second season as car chief. “Jason comes to LEGACY M.C. at a great time,” said Joey Cohen, vice president, race operations. “Not only is he a perfect fit to lead our 84 team with JJ and their past experiences, but he also will help tremendously in the operational transition to Toyota and greatly assist the crew chiefs on the Nos. 42 and 43 teams. We are excited for Jason to begin his LEGACY and continue his winning ways with our Club. Additionally, Evan and Robbie bring consistency and experience to the Club and they will work great alongside Jason.” “I'm excited to join LEGACY MOTOR CLUB and reunite with Jimmie,” said Burdett. “I was part of Jimmie’s team when it all began and witnessed his first win in 2002. I am amazed at the LEGACY Jimmie has created throughout the years, and I am honored to be a part of continuing that LEGACY with him. Partnering with Toyota and their successful history in motorsports is remarkable for our organization. I am dedicated to maximizing our success at the racetrack, to accomplish Cup Series win No. 84 with the No. 84 Toyota Camry XSE and write a new chapter in our LEGACY.” To date, just three of Johnson’s 2024 races have been announced. AdventHealth will be the primary partner on the No. 84 at Texas Motor Speedway, Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway (Coca-Cola 600), and Kansas Speedway in May. LEGACY M.C. plans to announce the full schedule for Johnson in early 2024.

(Photo Source: Twitter.com/Team_Penske) Press Release | TEAM PENSKE MOORESVILLE, NC (December 9, 2023) – Team Penske and Hunt Brothers® Pizza today announced a new multi-year partnership that will feature the leading convenience store pizza brand on the No. 22 Team Penske Ford Mustang driven by two-time NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) Champion Joey Logano for select races beginning in 2024. Hunt Brothers Pizza will also be an associate sponsor on defending NASCAR Cup Series Champion Ryan Blaney’s No. 12 Ford Mustang for the 2024 season. “With their long history of commitment towards winning in NASCAR, we welcome Hunt Brothers Pizza to our Team,” said Team Penske President Tim Cindric. “As they continue to utilize motorsports to promote their brand, we are really excited to have them on board as we work with them to carry that tradition forward.” Since its founding in 1991, the family owned and operated company has grown to over 9,000 locations across 32 states while staying committed to providing top quality ingredients and exceptional flavor. Hunt Brothers Pizza represents a legacy in the convenience store industry with its team of pizza professionals supporting store partners nationwide to provide the best pizza in towns across the United States. The new partnership with Team Penske will add to the history and heritage of Hunt Brothers Pizza in NASCAR racing. The 2024 season represents the 17th year that Hunt Brothers Pizza will serve as a committed and dedicated team partner in the NASCAR Cup Series. “We are thrilled to team up with Joey Logano and Team Penske, a winning team and driver who both share our company’s values and commitment to being the best in our respective industries,” said Scott Hunt, CEO of Hunt Brothers Pizza. “NASCAR continues to be a popular sport among convenience store customers, and we look forward to continuing to engage fans and provide additional marketing value for our convenience store partners in the years to come.” Hunt Brothers Pizza will partner with Logano as he begins his 16th season in the Cup Series with the veteran driver racing for his third career NCS title in 2024. Following his 2022 NCS championship season, Logano produced the 32nd win of his distinguished career in 2023 with his first-ever victory at Atlanta Motor Speedway in March. The win extended Logano’s streak to 12 consecutive seasons with at least one Cup Series victory as he raced his way into the NCS Playoffs for the 10th time in 15 seasons. “We’re excited and honored to bring Hunt Brothers Pizza on board next season,” said Logano. “Their commitment to excellence both on the track and in the marketplace – in addition to their longstanding support of motorsports – makes Hunt Brothers Pizza a perfect fit at Team Penske. I look forward to racing the No. 22 Hunt Brothers Pizza Ford Mustang in 2024 and we hope to see those popular red and green colors in Victory Lane next season.” The 2024 NCS season begins on Sunday, February 4 with the Clash at the Los Angeles Coliseum as the West Coast exhibition race opens the series schedule for the third-consecutive year. The 66th running of the Daytona 500 will be held on Sunday, February 18. The specific races where Logano will drive the No. 22 Hunt Brothers Pizza Ford in 2024 will be announced at a later date.