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By Adam Carabine Welcome to the 3rd annual Playoff Forecast project! Using a top-secret predictive formula in Excel, the 2023 Cup Series schedule is simulated 100,000 times. The formula takes three important categories into account - individual stats at each specific track, recent overall stats, and team performance. Here's how to read it: The numbers in brackets show last week's position. The percentages in each column refer to the probability of that driver making it to that round of the playoffs. Separately, this week's Cup Series race is also simulated - check out who's favoured to win this week: Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter @RacingRefresh Or you can email directly: acarabine@racingrefresh.com Follow us on Facebook: Racing Refresh Facebook Page Get all of your Racing Refresh Merch from our online store! Is there an error? Something missing that you’d like to see? Let us know!

NASCAR has unveiled the 2024 Hall Of Fame Nominees. Seven Time Cup Series Champion and Legacy Motor Club co-owner Jimmie Johnson and his longtime Crew Chief, and current Vice President of Competition at Hendrick Motorsports Chad Knaus have been added to the Modern Era ballot. "Alabama Gang" member Donnie Allison has been added to the Pioneer Ballot. You can view the full list of nominees in the Tweet below. (Cover Photo Source:Twitter.com/NASCARHall)

While speaking with SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Goodyear Racing's Greg Stucker said they'll conduct a tire test on the Indy Oval later this year. You can listen to his full comments by clicking on the Tweet below. ( Cover Photo Source: Twitter.com/IMS)

Press Release | POCONO RACEWAY LONG POND, Pa. (July 12, 2023) – Ally Financial Inc. (NYSE: ALLY) has signed a multi-year agreement as the entitlement sponsor of the Ally Bark Park at Pocono Raceway. The Ally Bark Park, the first permanent dog park located inside a NASCAR racetrack, will be bustling with activity during the July 21-23 Pocono 400 NASCAR race weekend. The park’s 7,000-square-foot layout features an array of climbing and jumping obstacles for dogs of all sizes. Together, Ally, the Official Consumer Bank of NASCAR and NASCAR-owned tracks, and Alex Bowman, driver of the Ally No. 48 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for Hendrick Motorsports, are dedicated to improving animal welfare through their support of Best Friends Animal Society, a leading animal welfare organization working to end the killing of cats and dogs in shelters by 2025. As an extension of this support, the Ally Bark Park will provide a fun and safe area for pups to play during races at Pocono Raceway. Since their collaboration in 2021, Ally and Bowman have donated more than $400,000 to Best Friends. “Pocono is thrilled to welcome Ally to our pack,” Pocono Raceway President Ben May said. “The Ally Bark Park has been a huge hit with our fans, especially the four-leggers. Fans being able to connect with a brand like Ally and a driver like Alex through their shared love of dogs is really something special. That kind of stuff doesn’t just happen every day.” Bowman will take part in a meet-and-greet with fans and their dogs from 11:30-11:45 a.m. on Sunday, July 23, prior to the start of the Pocono 400 NASCAR Cup Series race. This will be a free event for a select number of fans with Pocono Raceway providing wristbands on a first-come, first-serve basis. Ally Pup Crew bandanas, Alex Bowman Racing dirt car dog toys, collars, leashes and more will be distributed to fans and their four-legged friends at the event. “When I first joined the No. 48 team, Ally asked me what causes are important to me and what my interests are,” Bowman said. “Helping rescue animals is something that hits close to home since I have one myself with Roscoe. It’s really cool to see Ally go all in on the dog park at Pocono Raceway, and I’m excited to be able to visit with my fans and their pets when we head there this year.” Ally and Bowman are also planning to give back to the community when they arrive for the Pocono 400. They will visit the Lehigh Valley Humane Society in Allentown on Friday, July 21, to donate items and spend time with the animals and volunteers at the shelter. The Pocono 400 race weekend will feature four races in three days, including all three of NASCAR’s National Series. The weekend begins Friday, July 21, with an ARCA Menards Series race (6 p.m.) followed by a doubleheader Saturday, July 22, featuring the NXS Explore the Pocono Mountains 225 (5:30 p.m.), and NCTS CRC Brakleen 150 (Noon). The weekend culminates with the Pocono 400 NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday, July 23 (2:30 p.m.). The Ally Bark Park, located in the infield on the right-hand side after coming through the Turn 2 tunnel, will be open Thursday through Sunday (8 a.m.–6 p.m.), and is available to all camping guests and their four-legged friends free of charge. Tickets for the Pocono 400 NASCAR race weekend are on sale and various options are available HERE. For more information, please visit www.poconoraceway.com.

Press Release | TRACKHOUSE RACING New York, NY – July 11, 2023 – Busch Light announced today that the brand has signed a multi-year agreement as primary sponsor with Trackhouse Racing and NASCAR Cup Series driver, Ross Chastain. Beginning in 2024, the beer brand will partner with Chastain to bring his 21+ fans along for the ride of their lives with epic, one-of-a-kind opportunities, irreplaceable memories and access to the sport like never before. Chastain is growing force in the sport, from his first Cup Series victory at Circuit of the Americas and making history at Martinsville Speedway with his “Hail Melon” move in 2022 to earning his first Busch Light Pole Award then winning the race the next night at Nashville Superspeedway in June, fans can’t get enough of him! Chastain’s popularity with fans, his rise to the top of the NASCAR Cup Series, his unique driving style and roots as an eighth-generation watermelon farmer, made him the ideal partner for Busch Light. “With our longstanding commitment to NASCAR, we’ve activated many different types of programs with our sponsorship throughout the years, and we’re thrilled to team up with Trackhouse Racing and Ross Chastain to continue finding compelling, creative ways to bring 21+ fans, NASCAR enthusiasts and Busch Light consumers closer to the sport they love,” said Krystyn Stowe, Head of Marketing Busch Family & Natural Family at Anheuser-Busch. “Our goal is to showcase the things 21+ fans love while enjoying their favorite sport and favorite beer, and we can’t wait to do this along with Trackhouse Racing and Ross as they join the Busch Light family!” “On the farm in Alva, Florida, Busch Light has always been the beer of choice for all of our celebrations, and now that they are right by my side as my sponsor - it’s a dream come true!” said Chastain. “This sponsorship means so much to me as the brand not only supports NASCAR, but also places value and extends their support to communities that are close to my heart -- the humble, hard-working people across the U.S. who enjoy cracking a cold one after an honest day’s work.” “Ross has already accomplished so much in his career and we’re so proud that an iconic brand like Busch Light sees his commitment not only to the sport, but to his fans. Being sponsored by the official beer of NASCAR is such an honor and we can’t wait to see what Ross and Busch Light accomplish together in 2024 and beyond,” said Trackhouse Founder and Owner, Justin Marks. “It has been Trackhouse’s goal from day one to build something special and different. Something that resonates with the fans and partners in NASCAR. For Busch Light to recognize this and commit to the vision is both humbling and inspiring as we continue to write a special chapter in the history of this sport.” For over 44 years, Busch Light has invested in some of NASCAR’s most successful programs and events from the Busch Pole Award to the Busch Light Clash, as well as alongside sponsored driver and NASCAR icon, Kevin Harvick. As the brand takes its final lap with Harvick this year, Busch Light will continue its tradition in the sport by sponsoring Ross Chastain and working with Trackhouse Racing to cross the finish line with the No. 1 Chevrolet NASCAR Cup Series driver. For additional information about Busch Light, its involvement with NASCAR and what’s to come with Ross Chastain in 2024, 21+ fans can stay up to date by following Busch Light on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

(Photo Source: Twitter.com/ JoeGibbsRacing ) Press Release | JOE GIBBS RACING HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. (July 11, 2023) – Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) announced today that Mavis Tires & Brakes will serve as the primary sponsor for Denny Hamlin and the No. 11 team for five upcoming NASCAR Cup Series races beginning this Sunday, July 16, at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Mavis, based in Millwood, N.Y., is the largest independent tire and service provider in the United States with more than 850 service centers in 22 states. Mavis recently acquired TBC Corporation’s NTB Service Centers and Tire Kingdom Service Centers, which yields more than 2,000 service centers under the brand umbrella in total. “It is an incredible honor to team up with NASCAR, the largest spectator sport in America, and Joe Gibbs Racing with Denny Hamlin,” said David Sorbaro, Mavis co-CEO. “This union is a perfect fit – as the largest independent tire and vehicle service in the U.S., we are thrilled at the possibilities our partnership can bring.” “Mavis was founded on value, excellent customer service and family,” said Stephen Sorbaro, Mavis co-CEO. “This is an exciting partnership that complements our dedication to the automotive industry and our connection to communities and neighborhoods around the country. We look forward to a great season with our customers and the Mavis family cheering on No. 11 for a win.” In addition to Sunday’s race in Loudon, N.H., Hamlin’s No. 11 Toyota Camry TRD will also carry the Mavis colors at Pocono Raceway (July 23), Richmond Raceway (July 30), Michigan International Speedway (August 6), and Watkins Glen International (August 20). “We are thrilled to partner with Mavis,” said Joe Gibbs, owner and founder of Joe Gibbs Racing. “It is an exciting time right now for Mavis as they continue to grow and expand their national footprint. We are looking forward to working with their team to build a successful program.” Denny Hamlin / No. 11 Mavis Toyota Camry TRD Preview Crayon 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway No. 11 Mavis Toyota Camry TRD News and Notes HAMLIN AT NEW HAMPSHIRE: Denny Hamlin owns three NASCAR Cup Series victories (July 2007, September 2012, July 2017) at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. His 9.5-average finishing position leads all active drivers. He has recorded four consecutive top-10s finishes at the track dating back to 2019. ATLANTA RECAP: Hamlin finished 14th in last Sunday’s rain-shortened race at Atlanta Motor Speedway. After starting 14th, he battled a loose handling condition throughout stage one. The team continued to improve Hamlin’s Camry until he was running inside the top five during stage two before being spun out on lap 155. He managed to rally from 24th to 16th before rain forced NASCAR to declare the race official after 185 laps. TESTING IN TEXAS: On Tuesday and Wednesday, Hamlin and the No. 11 team are participating in a Goodyear tire test at Texas Motor Speedway in preparation for the track’s September race weekend. SRX AT STAFFORD: Hamlin will make his Superstar Racing Experience (SRX) debut in this week’s season opener at Stafford Speedway in Connecticut. The race is scheduled for Thursday, July 13, at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN. JGR AT NEW HAMPSHIRE: Joe Gibbs Racing has posted 12 Cup Series wins at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, including Christopher Bell’s victory last July. In 136 combined starts at the 1.058-mile oval, the organization has tallied 50 top-five finishes, 78 top-10s, nine pole awards, and 3,343 laps led. Kyle Busch, Matt Kenseth, Joey Logano, and Tony Stewart join Bell and Hamlin on the list of drivers who have taken JGR to victory lane in New Hampshire. TUNE IN: Coverage of this weekend’s race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway begins Sunday, July 16, at 2:30 p.m. ET on USA Network, PRN Radio, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. CLOSEST MAVIS TO NHMS: 1895 S Willow St, Manchester, NH 03103 Denny Hamlin, Driver of the No. 11 Mavis Toyota Camry TRD What do you expect going back to Atlanta this weekend? “New Hampshire is a great track that we’ve been fortunate to have had some success at over the years. I’m optimistic about this weekend and our chances. It’s going to be very important to qualify up front and stay there, so we’ll have to execute all day long to give ourselves a shot.”

Jordan Bianchi of The Athletic is reporting Core LaJoie and Spire Motorsports are getting close to an extension. You can view Bianchi's tweet below.

By Adam Carabine Welcome to the 3rd annual Playoff Forecast project! Using a top-secret predictive formula in Excel, the 2023 Cup Series schedule is simulated 100,000 times. The formula takes three important categories into account - individual stats at each specific track, recent overall stats, and team performance. Here's how to read it: The numbers in brackets show last week's position. The percentages in each column refer to the probability of that driver making it to that round of the playoffs. Separately, this week's Cup Series race is also simulated - check out who's favoured to win this week: Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter @RacingRefresh Or you can email directly: acarabine@racingrefresh.com Follow us on Facebook: Racing Refresh Facebook Page Get all of your Racing Refresh Merch from our online store! Is there an error? Something missing that you’d like to see? Let us know!

(Photo Source: Twitter.com/RelayPayments) Press Release | HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS CONCORD, N.C. (July 6, 2023) – Relay Payments, the fintech company modernizing payments for the transportation, logistics and supply chain industries, has joined William Byron and the No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports team as a sponsor ahead of the July 9 Atlanta Motor Speedway event in its home market. The partnership includes associate sponsorship in all remaining 2023 races and two primary paint schemes in the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs: Sept. 16 at Bristol Motor Speedway during Truck Driver Appreciation Week and Oct. 15 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. As part of the agreement, Relay Payments will appear on the No. 24 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, team equipment, and the uniforms of Byron and crew members. Additional details about the sponsorship and races are available at RelayPayments.com/24. “Relay is experiencing rapid adoption of our digital fuel and unloading payment solution within the trucking industry,” said Relay co-founder and CEO Ryan Droege. “We know that the trucking industry and NASCAR have always had a special bond, and we’re excited about promoting our brand and highlighting drivers through this partnership with Hendrick Motorsports. Relay’s goal for the sponsorship is to bring greater awareness to the important job that truck drivers have for our economy.” Founded in 2019, Relay’s mission is to help digitally transform the logistics industry. The company offers a digital payment network designed to increase efficiencies, reduce fraud, improve driver satisfaction, and eliminate operational headaches. Today, more than 300,000 carriers and drivers use Relay to transact, and companies throughout the supply chain — from large carriers to freight brokers, truck stops and warehouses — rely on Relay for their over-the-road expenses, including unloading and fuel payments. “Truck drivers are the unsung heroes of our industry. The race cars Hendrick Motorsports fields each weekend are driven hundreds or thousands of miles to the racetrack to compete in front of our amazing fans,” said Jeff Gordon, vice chairman of Hendrick Motorsports. “But truck drivers are vital to many industries, and the efficiency of Relay helps deliver products and services to businesses and customers in a quicker manner that benefits a lot of people. Hendrick Motorsports is of the same mindset – be the first to the finish line.” At just 25 years old, Byron is already a seven-time race winner at the elite NASCAR Cup level. This season, he leads the series in wins (tie), top-five finishes (tie), top-10s (tie), stage wins (seven) and laps led (722). The Charlotte, North Carolina, native is currently the projected top seed in the 2023 playoffs. “Our truck drivers are crucial members of our race teams,” Byron said. “They’re responsible for getting our race cars and equipment to and from the racetrack every weekend throughout the longest season in sports. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to race. I’m happy to be able to partner with Relay, which values and understands the importance of truck drivers as much as we do.” For more information about Relay, visit RelayPayments.com.