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Press Release | COCA-COLA 600 CONCORD, N.C. (May 19, 2023) – A star-studded lineup of celebrities, dignitaries and special guests will be in attendance at the highly-anticipated racing event renowned for its patriotic fervor, the 64th running of the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. No stranger to cutting loose and going fast, Danny McBride, the creator and star of HBO’s popular series “The Righteous Gemstones,” will get behind the wheel as the honorary pace car driver and lead the field to the green flag to start the Coca-Cola 600. “Fast cars and all the Coca-Cola a man can drink? How could I say no,” McBride said. “I’m so honored and excited to be a part of the action.” The weekend fun kicks off Friday with the ARCA Menards Series’ General Tire 150 and the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series N.C. Education Lottery 200 as well as an energetic performance at Circle K Speed Street by AC/DC tribute band Dirty Deeds. On Saturday, Xfinity Series drivers will battle for supremacy in the Alsco Uniforms 300 and the NASCAR Cup Series will take the track for the first time to set the field for Sunday’s Coca-Cola 600. Country music superstar Jake Owen will rock the Circle K Speed Street stage. The party moves to the infield on Sunday as the legendary Doobie Brothers with Michael McDonald are scheduled to perform a pre-race concert before the patriotic salute to the U.S. Armed Services and the green flag for the Coca-Cola 600. Dignitaries for Friday’s N.C. Education Lottery 200: · Honorary Starter: Thomas Martin, Luck E Rewards winner · Grand Marshal: Mike Beach, Luck E Rewards winner · Pace Car Passenger: Stephen Francis, Luck E Rewards winner · Honorary Race Official: Terri Rose, Deputy Executive Director of Brand Management & Communications Dignitaries for Saturday’s Alsco Uniforms 300: · Honorary Starter: Ben Fox, Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Alsco · Grand Marshal: Samantha Busch · Presentation of Colors: Concord Police Department Honor Guard · Invocation: Master Sgt. Monty Self, US Air Force Retired · National Anthem: Cash Crawford Dignitaries for Sunday’s Coca-Cola 600 include: · Honorary Race Director: Cameron Sexton, Tennessee Speaker of the House · Honorary Pace Car Driver: Danny McBride, “The Righteous Gemstones” · Honorary Starter: Nancy Mace, South Carolina Congresswoman · Grand Marshals: Legendary Coca-Cola Racing Family Drivers Jeff Burton, Dale Jarrett, Bobby Labonte and Kyle Petty, alongside Lisa Marie Higgins, Regional Southeast President, and Executive Director, National Capital District TICKETS: Tickets are still available for the May 26-28 Coca-Cola 600 weekend, with three-day packages starting at $99. Weekend tickets for children ages 12 and under are just $10. Fans can purchase tickets online at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com or by calling the ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS (3267). Admission to Circle K Speed Street concerts by AC/DC tribute band Dirty Deeds (Friday) and Jake Owen (Saturday) is free with any race ticket. Sunday’s pre-race concert by The Doobie Brothers is free with the purchase of a Coca-Cola 600 race ticket. KEEP TRACK: Fans can connect with Charlotte Motor Speedway by following on Twitter and Instagram or becoming a Facebook fan. Keep up with all the latest news and information with the Charlotte Motor Speedway mobile app.

Press Release | CHICAGO STREET RACE CHICAGO, Ill. (May 19, 2023) – Today, NASCAR announced a new partnership with Chicago-based restaurant group Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants (Lettuce), who will feature tailored menus from some of Chicago’s best restaurants during the Chicago Street Race Weekend. As the official food and beverage partner of the NASCAR Chicago Street Race Weekend, Lettuce will showcase a variety of signature items throughout the course including RPM Restaurants, Bub City, Sushi-san, Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!, Summer House, Hub 51, The Oakville Grill & Cellar, and Tallboy Taco. “Chicago is one of the top culinary destinations in the world, and we wanted to curate a food and drink experience that celebrates that fact and truly showcases the best of what Chicago has to offer,” said Julie Giese, Chicago Street Race President. “From RPM to Summer House to Bub City, Lettuce Entertain You is synonymous with the best restaurants in the Chicago, and we are proud to partner with them to bring this full range of dining options to our guests.” The President’s Paddock Club, a 2-level elevated structure overlooking Pit Road and the Start-Finish Line, will provide guests unparalleled 360 degree sightlines of the park and street course including the iconic Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan. To elevate the experience, RPM Restaurants will offer a premier, all-inclusive menu special to guests at the President’s Paddock Club including a signature pasta station from RPM Italian, carving station and a seafood bar. The hospitality that Lettuce is known for will also extend to the street course level Garden Suites across from Pit Road, panoramic views of the Congress Suites near the Start-Finish Line, and premium reserved seating Hospitality Clubs. Each location will offer the best of Lettuce dishes like sushi, salads, tacos and more from restaurants including Summer House, Sushi-san and Tallboy Taco. Throughout the Chicago Street Course, general admission ticket holders and reserved seating fans will have access to a host of Chicago flavors including signature barbecue items from Bub City. "We're thrilled to be partnering with NASCAR on the Chicago Street Race this summer and bring Lettuce food and hospitality to this amazing production," says R.J. Melman, President Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants. "Being a part of what we hope will be an iconic annual event is not only exciting for Lettuce but also for the city of Chicago."

Press Release | TRACKHOUSE RACING CONCORD, NORTH CAROLINA – Trackhouse Racing’s PROJECT91 has ventured to the other side of the planet to recruit three-time Supercars Champion Shane van Gisbergen to race its No. 91 Chevrolet in the inaugural NASCAR Cup Series Chicago Street Race on July 2. The event will mark van Gisbergen’s first NASCAR race and the third for PROJECT91 after appearances by 2007 Formula One World Champion Kimi Räikkönen at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International in 2022 and at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas on March 26. “I can honestly say I have dreamed about an opportunity in NASCAR, but really never thought it would become a reality,” said van Gisbergen, a native of New Zealand. “I can’t wait to get to the States to meet everyone and prepare for Chicago. It’s NASCAR’s first time on the streets of Chicago so in some ways everyone will be a rookie like me, but I don’t underestimate that it’s going to be a huge challenge.” Trackhouse Racing – a division of Trackhouse Entertainment Group – fields the No. 99 and the No. 1 Chevrolets with drivers Daniel Suárez and Ross Chastain in the NASCAR Cup Series. Trackhouse Owner and Founder Justin Marks created PROJECT91 last year intent on expanding the organization’s global reach by fielding a Cup Series entry for renowned international racing drivers. “We have been very pleased with the fan reaction to Kimi’s participation the last two seasons,” said Marks. Shane van Gisbergen “I’ll concede the American racing fan might not be as familiar with Shane as they are with Kimi but if you talk with anyone in Australia, New Zealand and that part of the world they will tell you he is one of the most talented drivers on the planet. He’s used to street racing in heavy cars and I think everyone will be very impressed with his performance.” Van Gisbergen will race the No. 91 Enhance Health Chevrolet Camaro at Chicago fielded by a Trackhouse crew led by 23-time wining crew chief Darian Grubb who won a Cup Series title with Tony Stewart in 2011. Enhance Health is an organization of health insurance experts that leverages digital technologies and a concierge experience to streamline the health insurance enrollment process. The company simplifies what is too often a time-consuming, overwhelming and confusing process by connecting users with best-in-class health insurance and Medicare plans in only a few minutes. Founded in mid-2021 through partnership with and funding from Bain Capital, Enhance Health has grown exponentially and projects continued rapid expansion. The No. 91 will also feature Quad Lock as an associate sponsor. The Melbourne, Australia based company has found global success selling its innovating phone mounting products in more than 100 countries around the world. It signed Van Gisbergen as a product ambassador in 2022. The Chicago races marks its first sponsors in NASCAR. "Quad Lock is thrilled to venture into the world of NASCAR, the pinnacle of US motorsport," said Dominic Storey, Quad Lock Sponsorship Manager. "As Quad Lock continues its growth in the US market, the collaboration with Trackhouse Racing and the inclusion of our brand ambassador, Shane van Gisbergen, presents a fantastic alignment for everyone involved. We eagerly anticipate achieving success both on and off the track in the coming future." Van Gisbergen plans to arrive in America in late June and accompany the team to the June 25 Cup race at Nashville Superspeedway then be in the Trackhouse race shop the week of the Chicago race. “There is so much I have to learn about these cars and how the races are run,” said van Gisbergen. “The learning curve will be quite steep, but I am ready for everything they will throw at me. I know a lot of Kiwi’s and Aussies will be watching and I’m honored to get this opportunity.” The 33-year-old van Gisbergen drives a Chevrolet Camaro in the Supercars Championship for Triple Eight Race Engineering winning championships in 2016, 2021 and 2022. He owns 78 wins and 47 pole positions making him the fourth most successful driver in series history. He’s won the Bathurst 1000 in 2020 and 2022. Van Gisbergen isn’t a stranger to America finishing second in the 2015 24 Hours of Daytona in the GTD class. He’ll have a kindred soul in owner Marks who created Trackhouse Entertainment Group in 2020 after a driving career in sports cars and NASCAR. With the goal of creating a racing brand that transcends the sport, Marks formed Trackhouse Racing that took to the track in 2021 with Suárez behind the wheel. In January 2021, the team announced a partnership with international superstar entertainer Pitbull who has been a frequent guest at NASCAR races and elevated Trackhouse’s presence through inclusion in several of his songs and music videos over the last two years. Midway through the 2021 season, Trackhouse Racing purchased the NASCAR assets of Chip Ganassi Racing and began the 2022 season as its own two-car team with Suárez and Chastain as drivers. Chastain gave the organization its first victory at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas on March 27, and won again at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway on April 24. Suárez became the first Mexican (Monterrey) driver to win a Cup race when he dominated the Sonoma (Calif.) Raceway race in June 20. Chastain (second) and Suárez (10th) posted best career points finish in 2022. Both Trackhouse Chevrolets have raced at the front of the field repeatedly in 2023. Van Gisbergen will join teammates Suárez and Chastain in the first-ever NASCAR Cup Series street race located in downtown Chicago. The event will take competitors past and through many of the city’s most renowned downtown landmarks on Michigan Avenue, South Columbus Drive, South Lake Shore Drive and the start-finish line near Buckingham Fountain. The Cup Series will be joined by the NASCAR Xfinity Series as part of a one-of-a-kind sports and entertainment festival headlined by Miranda Lambert, The Chainsmokers, Charley Crockett, and The Black Crowes over the Fourth of July Weekend on July 1-2, 2023. For more information, visit NASCARChicago.com . NBC will televise the Cup race at July 2 at 5:30 p.m. EDT (9:30 PM GMT)

Press Release | CHICAGO STREET RACE CHICAGO (May 18, 2023) – Today, NASCAR announced that it will feature two fixtures of the Chicago arts community – Thomas Lucas and Nicole Beck – as official trophy designers for the inaugural NASCAR Chicago Street Race this summer. Based in the Tri-Taylor neighborhood of Chicago, Beck will design the trophy for The Loop 121 NASCAR Xfinity Series race held on Saturday, July 1, while Lucas will design the prize for the NASCAR Cup Series race on July 2 – the Grant Park 220 – from his studio in Ravenswood. “This isn’t just a race in Chicago – but it’s a race about Chicago, so it’s important for us to celebrate the incredible art and culture of the city that we’re a part of,” said Julie Giese, Chicago Street Race President. “We are honored to partner with two pillars of the Chicago public arts community like Thomas and Nicole to be a part of this historic event, and we are thrilled that these trophies will invoke both the spirit of this race and the city of Chicago.” Both artists are alumni of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and are recognized as two of the most prominent names in the Chicago arts community. Lucas, who will design the Cup Series Grant Park 220 trophy, is a protégé of sculpture icon Richard Hunt, one of – if not the – foremost African American abstract sculptors of all time. But for Lucas, a tenured professor at Chicago State University who has designed acclaimed public installations for the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), designing this trophy is a personal labor of love. “I’m a total motorhead. My father was a municipal mechanic, so I grew up with the smell of transmission fluid and the sounds of V8s,” said Lucas. “My artwork has always had a little bit of motorhead culture. It’s about how things connect and operate together, so this is an opportunity to play with things I’m very familiar with as a subject matter for my art.” For Beck, whose brother competed in motorsports, this is an opportunity to weave the story of Chicago together in with her family’s passion for racing. “I wanted to embody something unique to Chicago, which is no easy task with a city that’s so multifaceted,” said Beck. “But through the spiral, aero-dynamic design based on the Buckingham Fountain spray, the light blue coloring from the Chicago flag, and the iconic imagery of the Chicago star, we’ve had an opportunity to riff on Chicago history for this trophy, and I’m very proud of the design we came up with.” Beck’s art can be found at numerous public installations throughout Chicago’s Lakeview, Lincoln Park, and West Town neighborhoods, as well as commissions at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and in downtown Elmhurst. In keeping with the local connection, both trophies will be fabricated in the city by Chicago-based artisans. Lucas’s Cup Series trophy will be designed and cast in Chicago’s Ravenswood and North Lawndale neighborhoods, while Beck’s Xfinity Series trophy will be partly fabricated at Vector Custom Fabricating on Fulton Street and partially in her own metal shop. The two trophies won’t be the only local art on display during the NASCAR Chicago Street Race Weekend. Chicago-area teens from the local non-profit After School Matters will be displaying a 200-foot, 50-panel NASCAR-themed mural in Butler Field – which will be free and open to the public – during race weekend, July 1-2.

Press Release | ATLANTA MOTOR SPEEDWAY HAMPTON, Ga. (May 17, 2023) – Atlanta Motor Speedway has announced additional acts for its Revs & Riffs slate of concerts during the Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart weekend. Atlanta’s summer NASCAR weekend blends racing and music together unlike any other event and the speedway has added a pair of performances to complement the rest of the weekend’s entertainment. Powerhouse trio Chapel Hart– comprised of sisters Danica and Devynn Hart and first cousin Trea Swindle – took the world by storm on America’s Got Talent last year. The ladies, who recently released their highly anticipated album Glory Days, will perform live in the AMS Fan Zone on Sunday, July 9. The performance, which will be free for all fans attending the race to enjoy at the Fan Stage, will precede the previously announced Andy Grammer pre-race concert and the night’s running of the Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart. Tuesday’s Gone, a renowned Lynyrd Skynyrd cover band, will kick off the weekend in the Peach Pit Friday night, July 7. Fans will be able to rock along with the group performing Lynyrd Skynyrd’s biggest hits while enjoying all the games, activities, and fireworks that come along with the free Peach Pit experience. All told, the 2023 running of Revs & Riffs features musical acts throughout the weekend, including Andy Grammer’s pre-race concert on Sunday, July 9, and a live performance by Lonestar on Saturday evening, July 8. Tickets and camping for Atlanta’s summer NASCAR event are available now at www.AtlantaMotorSpeedway.com or by calling 877-9-AMS-TIX.

Press Release | PIT CREW CHALLENGE NORTH WILKESBORO, N.C. (May 17, 2023) – Before NASCAR’s brightest stars take center stage in Sunday’s NASCAR All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway, the sport’s fastest pit crews will own the spotlight on Friday night. Speedway officials announced a new name for the pit crew competition, now known as the NASCAR Pit Crew Challenge presented by Mechanix Wear. Harkening back to NASCAR’s popular pit crew challenges of the 1980s and 1990s, the high-octane, Friday-night pit road spectacle will consist of each team performing a four-tire pit stop with no fuel. The results of the NASCAR Pit Crew Challenge presented by Mechanix Wear will determine the lineups for Saturday’s All-Star heat races, as well as the All-Star Open on Sunday. Friday night’s event at North Wilkesboro Speedway will have a dramatic impact on the NASCAR Cup Series action all weekend. For more than 25 years, Mechanix Wear has provided hand and knee protection to NASCAR and NASCAR teams. These partnerships have allowed the brand to test, develop, and improve products. Many of the innovations developed in NASCAR have made their way to consumer and commercial glove applications. “Mechanix Wear is committed to providing high-performance work gloves with unmatched protection,” said Mechanix Wear Marketing Director Shawn Douphner. “Having been born in racing, we understand the demands of motorsports and have designed products to meet those challenges head-on. “It was an obvious fit for our brand to be a part of this event, allowing us to help spotlight and champion these athletes who work with their hands and are so critical to the success of this sport.” The NASCAR Pit Crew Challenge presented by Mechanix Wear is preceded on Friday by the first official practice sessions of NASCAR weekend with the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series scheduled on track at 3:05 p.m. and the NASCAR Cup Series scheduled for 4:05 p.m. At 5:45 p.m., the NASCAR Pit Crew Challenge takes place and will air on FS1, MRN and Sirius XM NASCAR Radio. All-Star Friday presented by Raymer Oil will conclude Friday evening with concerts by country music superstars Midland and Chase Rice in the North Wilkesboro Speedway Fan Zone starting at 7 p.m.

Press Release | KAULIG RACING Lexington, N.C. (May 17, 2023) – As NASCAR heads back to the west coast in June, Kaulig Racing is excited to announce the addition of road-racing expert, Jordan Taylor, to its All-Star driver line-up. Taylor will be at the helm of the No. 10 Chevrolet Camaro for his first NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) start at Portland International Raceway. The 32-year-old is a seasoned veteran when it comes to road and street courses world-wide, currently competing full-time as a Corvette factory driver in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. Taylor made his first-ever NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) start earlier this year at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) while filling in for an injured Chase Elliott. “I am really pumped to make my first Xfinity series start with Kaulig Racing, a team that has shown it can dominate at road courses,” said Taylor. “I’ve been fortunate in my racing career to compete at so many different tracks, and I’m looking forward to checking Portland off my list.” Taylor has earned seven wins in the NASCAR Grand-Am Sports Car Series and 24 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship wins, and has competed in numerous prestigious events, such as 24 Hours of Le Mans and American Le Mans Series races. “Matt Kaulig and I are super excited to have Jordan [Taylor] in the No. 10 car for Portland”, said team president, Chris Rice. “Adding another driver with this much road-course expertise will be a lot of fun. Jordan impressed a lot of people in his first NASCAR start at COTA, and I can’t wait to see what he will do in his first Xfinity Series start.” Kaulig Racing will look to defend its title in the Pacific Office Automation 147 on June 3rd with Taylor and the No. 10 team, alongside teammates Chandler Smith and Daniel Hemric. Partnership announcement will come at later date.

Press Release | ARIC ALMIROLA CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (May 16, 2023) – Just 10 days before the before Charlotte Motor Speedway kicks off Memorial Day Weekend with three straight days of action-packed racing, the speedway hosted Aric Almirola for its final Mission 600 visit of the season, a day with Marines from the 2D LAR (Light Armor Reconnaissance) Battalion at Camp Lejeune. Mission 600 is a campaign that pairs NASCAR drivers with military bases, designed to educate the NASCAR community about the day-to-day lives of the men and women who serve in the U.S. Armed Forces and to build meaningful connections between the worlds of motorsports and the military. Almirola, along with Charlotte Motor Speedway Executive Vice President and General Manager Greg Walter, flew in an MV-22 Osprey, participated in a tire-changing demonstration, learned about a variety of weapons systems and fired an M242 Bushmaster from an LAV (Light Armored Vehicle). Almirola also served lunch to dozens of Marines, courtesy of Smithfield. “Such a humbling experience for me to come and spend time with all these men and women,” Almirola said. “They volunteer to keep our country free, and they get up every morning and go to work with one objective – to make sure that me and you walk out of our front door every morning and that we're safe. And it is amazing to have this opportunity and come spend the day with them and to show them our appreciation.” The LAR battalion performs combined arms reconnaissance and security missions in support of the ground combat element. Its mission is to conduct reconnaissance; security and economy of force operations; and, within its capabilities, limited offensive or defensive operations that exploit the unit’s mobility and firepower. “What's really cool is this the appreciation that the Marines have and understanding where they came from,” Walter said. “And then there was this appreciation of just the smiles. You have athletes like Aric out here. Everyone's in peak condition. Everyone’s training to be their best, both with their equipment as well as personally. And to see those conversations happening is exactly what we want from Mission 600.” Mission 600 serves as a prelude to Charlotte Motor Speedway’s patriotic pre-race salute to the troops prior to the Coca-Cola 600 on Memorial Day Weekend. With representation from all six branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, the salute embodies the patriotism and service of the nation’s men and women in uniform.

Press Release | MICHIGAN INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY BROOKLYN, MICH. (May 10, 2023) – Michigan International Speedway announced today that infield camping for the NASCAR weekend – featuring the ARCA Menards Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Cup Series – has officially sold out for the second year in a row. “Selling out our infield camping for the second year in a row is a huge testament to the dedication and passion our fans have for coming out to spend their weekend with us,” said Michigan International Speedway President Joe Fowler. “We still have general camping and grandstand tickets available for what is sure to be a thrilling weekend of racing once again here in the Irish Hills.” Fans can still purchase grandstand tickets along with outside campsites across Michigan’s largest registered campground for the race weekend. Campsite areas still available include Brookfest Acres located outside of turn 4, Brooklyn Trails located on Brooklyn Highway across from the track, M50 Creekside located behind turn 3 and Tree Farm which is just outside of turns 3 and 4. Familiar faces who have won in both the Xfinity and Cup races at M.I.S. over the years will return to battle it out on the two-mile speedway in August. Joey Logano has one Xfinity Series win and three Cup Series wins at the track, while Kyle Busch has found victory lane twice in the Xfinity Series and once in the Cup Series. Kevin Harvick, competing this year in his final race at Michigan, has dominated at the track, winning six times in the Cup Series with five of these wins coming in his last seven starts at M.I.S. The August race weekend at M.I.S. begins with the ARCA Menards Series Henry Ford Health 200 on Friday, August 4, followed by the NASCAR Xfinity Series Cabo Wabo 250 on Saturday, August 5. The NASCAR Cup Series will cap off the weekend’s action with the FireKeepers Casino 400 on Sunday, August 6. General Admission tickets for Friday are $10 and kids 12 and under are free on Friday and Saturday. Tickets for the FireKeepers Casino 400 start at $39 for adults and $10 for kids 12 and under. Kids 12 and under also get a free Sunday Pre-Race Pass courtesy of Henry Ford Health. Campsites are available starting at $130. Tickets are available for purchase via phone at 888-905-7223 or online at mispeedway.com . Fans can view the full 2023 NASCAR Cup Series schedule and purchase tickets at nascar.com/tickets , and can stay connected to Michigan International Speedway on Facebook , Instagram and Twitter .

(Photo Source : Twitter.com/HexagonAB) Press Release | HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS CONCORD, N.C. (May 9, 2023) – Hexagon has joined 14-time NASCAR Cup Series champions Hendrick Motorsports as its official metrology hardware and software provider for the next decade. The shared goal of the partnership is to take the race team’s performance to the next level by applying the latest scanning, measuring and digitization technologies from Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division. Running through 2032, the 10-year agreement includes Hexagon’s presenting sponsorship of a 3,000-square-foot advanced Quality Control Lab on Hendrick Motorsports’ Concord, North Carolina, campus. The technical partnership provides the all-time winningest team at NASCAR’s top level with the ability to enter competitive environments with additional confidence as the team closes in on its milestone 300th Cup victory and 500th NASCAR national series engine win. “A relentless focus on quality, accuracy and attention to the finest details is what wins races and championships in NASCAR,” said Jeff Andrews, president and general manager of Hendrick Motorsports. “In today’s environment, the level of competition is very high, and we must maximize everything we can control. Hexagon’s precision products provide us peace of mind as we enter race weekends on the cusp of some remarkable milestones. With this landmark decade-long commitment, we look forward to celebrating many exciting achievements together in the future.” The integration of a variety of Hexagon metrology technologies new to Hendrick Motorsports will enable the team to measure a higher volume of parts as it strives to meet tight racing deadlines and production lead times. Making performance gains is especially challenging when the team is at the top of its game, and the new technologies will help it make more informed choices about what components and assemblies are ideal for the track. Tolerance differences of even a few thousandths of an inch can make or break top performance of valve-train components, such as rocker arms, push rods and valve springs. The ability to collect metrology data quickly and easily will help the team decide what combination of components will yield the best performance. “Partnering to provide technologies that will help Hendrick Motorsports continue to make race- winning performance innovations is an exciting opportunity and further strengthens the long-time relationship we have maintained,” said commercial operations manager Scott Grumbles of Hexagon. “In providing metrology solutions that offer more flexibility, capacity and accuracy, the goal is to ensure Hendrick Motorsports has the tools it needs to confidently push the limits of performance and keep crossing the finish line first.” New collaborative robotic inspection capabilities will help eliminate inspection bottlenecks, as they will allow the team to automate unattended measurement so that it can devote more valuable manpower to other mission-critical tasks. The addition of three new coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) will provide greater inspection capacity while ensuring the organization has the technology needed to diversify both probing and non-contact measurement capabilities. Increased inspection flexibility will help it more efficiently and accurately scan part surfaces in their entirety and inspect challenging reflective materials, such as carbon fiber. The new Quality Control Lab at Hendrick Motorsports will also include portable laser scanners that simplify the measurement of components throughout the facility.

Press Release | POCONO RACEWAY LONG POND, Pa. (May 9, 2023) – While NASCAR celebrates its heritage throughout its 75th diamond anniversary season, Pocono Raceway has an eye toward the future with the July 21-23 Pocono 400 Cup Series race weekend just 75 days away. Construction is now underway on Pocono Raceway’s “Paddock Plus” project that features the addition of a special-access elevated infield viewing area and new Victory Lane. The new trackside viewing deck will move to the prime location where Victory Lane was previously located, directly behind the pits and across from the start/finish line. The area will provide a superior elevated view of pit lane, track action on NASCAR’s longest frontstretch, and the Cup Series garage area. The goal of the project is to deliver a more modern and immersive fan experience in the heart of the action as Pocono Raceway celebrates its 50th anniversary of NASCAR racing at the venue. The project is in conjunction with the introduction of Paddock Pass Plus, which is designed to provide fans with more, easier and better access than in previous years. In addition to the viewing platform access, Paddock Pass Plus holders also will have pre-race access to the frontstretch and driver introductions and, of course, the fan-favorite “Autograph Alley.” The Paddock Pass Plus is included in tickets for the Skybox, Terrace Club (Sunday), 300 Level (Sunday) and Club Pocono. Infield campers also receive two complimentary Paddock Pass Plus tickets with their site. For fans not holding tickets in those areas, Pocono Raceway is offering an upgrade option. Fans can purchase the add-on to their current ticket at $75 for the entire weekend or $50 for Sunday only. The project will be completed in advance of the NASCAR race weekend featuring four races in three days, culminating with the Pocono 400 Cup Series race on Sunday, July 23 (2:30 p.m. ET). The Pocono 400 will be joined by the ARCA Menards Series race on Friday, July 21 (6 p.m.), and the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series CRC Brakleen 150 and Xfinity Series Pocono 225 doubleheader on Saturday, July 22 (Noon & 5:30 p.m.). In celebration of NASCAR’s “Thank You Fans”-themed anniversary, Pocono Raceway has special ticket offers ranging from the superfan to the economical one. The “VIP Drivers’ Meeting Experience” package ($525) includes a VIP pass, access to the pre-race drivers’ meeting, souvenir lanyard and exclusive souvenir autograph board. The package does require a gate admission ticket of choice. The other offer is a Level 200 grandstand ticket in the Donohue or Petty Tower for $75. These bench-style seats are located in Turn 1 (Donohue) or Turn 3 (Petty) of the grandstand side. “More. Better. Easier. We have been saying it all year,” Pocono Raceway President Ben May said. “We can’t wait to welcome fans back to ‘The Tricky Triangle’ in just a few months. Coupled with our ‘Paddock Plus’ project, these special offers are just another way we get to say ‘thank you’ to our fans. It’s really something when you think about it. NASCAR has been racing for 75 years. And for 50 of those years, they have been coming to Pocono Raceway. I can’t wait to have some fans join us at the pre-race drivers meeting.” Click HERE to explore the various ticket options and upgrades for the Pocono 400 weekend. For more information, please visit www.poconoraceway.com .

(Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) Press Release | BRAD KESELOWSKI Statesville, NC (May 3, 2023) – Brad Keselowski’s Checkered Flag Foundation announced the return of the Tribute to Veterans program, this year presented by King’s Hawaiian. For its fifth consecutive year, and second with RFK Racing, the program will honor America’s heroes with a special scheme on the No. 6 King’s Hawaiian Ford Mustang piloted by NASCAR champion Brad Keselowski. Starting May 3, 2023, friends and family can submit a hero’s name to be featured on the No. 6 King’s Hawaiian Ford Mustang that Keselowski will drive during the NASCAR Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway, in Long Pond, Pennsylvania, on July 23, 2023. The Tribute to Veterans program gives friends and family the opportunity to honor and recognize their heroes, including veterans, active military, military family members and their caregivers—acknowledging the ongoing commitment to the well-being of veterans and those who play a role in veterans’ lives daily. “This is the fifth-consecutive year of our Tribute to Veteran Program, and I’m looking forward to honoring military heroes on my No. 6 King’s Hawaiian Ford Mustang,” said Keselowski. “I’m blessed to have a platform to salute our nation’s heroes and King’s Hawaiian has graciously offered the space on our car to continue this program with the Checkered Flag Foundation. Honoring these names at Pocono is just a small way for me to give back to the veteran community and I’m looking forward to learning about all the hero’s stories.” The cost is $100 per submission to be part of the campaign, with proceeds benefiting the Checkered Flag Foundation in its mission to honor and assist those who have sacrificed greatly for our country and our communities. In addition to having your hero’s name on the car, each submission will receive a personalized certificate and a commemorative gift following the July 2023 Pocono race weekend. “We are very pleased to team with Brad (Keselowski) and the Checkered Flag Foundation to honor our greatest heroes by placing the names of veterans on the King’s Hawaiian race car at Pocono,” said Holger Kraetschmer, CMO of King’s Hawaiian. “The foundation does a wonderful job of honoring and assisting those who have served this great nation and help to preserve freedom for us all. We are very honored to play even a small role in helping with this great initiative.” Those wishing to submit a veteran, service member, or military family name can do so via www.checkeredflagfoundation.org/ttv . Submissions will be accepted through June 19, 2023. Participating individuals in the program can show their involvement and support by using #TributeToVeterans and #WeveGotYour6 on social media. For additional information on the Checkered Flag Foundation and ongoing updates on the Tribute to Veterans program, you can also visit CheckeredFlagFoundation.org or follow the Foundation on Twitter (@BKCFF), Instagram (@CheckeredFlagFoundation) and Facebook (@CheckeredFlagFoundation).

(Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) Press Release | LEGACY MOTOR CLUB PLANO, Texas (May 2, 2023) – Toyota is pleased to announce a partnership with LEGACY MOTOR CLUB beginning with the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) season. With LEGACY M.C. two entries, Toyota will field eight full-time Toyota Camry TRD’s in NCS action starting next season. “All of us at Toyota are thrilled to add LEGACY MOTOR CLUB to our NASCAR family,” said Jack Hollis, Executive Vice President of TMNA (Toyota Motor North America) and President of Toyota Motor Sales. “While Toyota’s tenure in NASCAR has yielded on-track success, our proudest accomplishments are those relationships that have been built off the racetrack. Jimmie Johnson and Maury Gallagher along with the great club that LEGACY M.C. is assembling, will be a great addition to our existing Cup Series team partners with Joe Gibbs Racing and 23XI Racing who are truly part of our family.” LEGACY M.C. is co-owned by seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson and businessman Maury Gallagher. Johnson’s NASCAR legacy ranks him amongst the series’ best drivers, as the California-native ranks sixth all-time in NASCAR Cup Series victories with 83, along with his seven championships, five of which happened in consecutive years (2006-2010). Johnson owns two Daytona 500 victories (2006, 2013) and four All-Star Race wins (2003, 2006, 2012, 2013). Gallagher has achieved his own success on the track with his GMS Racing team. GMS Racing owns two NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series championships (2016 and 2020) along with 65 race wins across six national racing circuits. Johnson partnered with Gallagher’s Petty GMS team at the end of the 2022 season and guided the rebrand to LEGACY M.C. beginning with the 2023 racing year. Adding to the legacy of the organization is team ambassador, Richard Petty, ‘The King.’ Petty etched his name into NASCAR’s history with his seven championships and an incredible 200 wins. “Maury Gallagher and I are very excited about the partnership with Toyota and TRD beginning in 2024,” said LEGACY M.C. co-owner Jimmie Johnson. “We admire and respect the level at which Toyota conducts their business in this sport and look forward to forging a new legacy for the future. I will always be appreciative to Chevrolet and everything we have accomplished together. I’m so thankful they took a chance on a kid from California so long ago and proud that the history books will forever memorialize our record-breaking success we shared.” Toyota has achieved its own legacy in NASCAR as it celebrates its 20th season in national NASCAR competition this year. With nearly 600 victories across NASCAR’s top three divisions, Toyota has truly made a mark in its short tenure in the sport. Toyota’s Christopher Bell leads the Cup Series in top-five and top-10 finishes, while four Camry drivers currently hold top-10 positions in the point standings, which is tied for the most with any manufacturer. Its winning legacy includes such drivers as Kyle & Kurt Busch, Carl Edwards, Denny Hamlin, Matt Kenseth and Martin Truex Jr., all of whom rank amongst NASCAR’s most legendary drivers. Toyota’s legacy in the sport is not only at NASCAR’s top level as the manufacturer continues to give young drivers opportunities to exceed with its extensive driver development program. “We are humbled and delighted to welcome LEGACY MOTOR CLUB into the Toyota and TRD NASCAR family,” said David Wilson, President of TRD, U.S.A. (Toyota Racing Development). “Jimmie Johnson and Maury Gallagher have impressed us with their long-term vision and commitment to building a championship caliber organization. More importantly, their character and values are aligned with ours and our current Cup Series partners, Joe Gibbs Racing and 23XI Racing. Of course, we also look forward to being reunited with our old friends, Erik Jones and Noah Gragson.” Part of Toyota’s legacy includes both of LEGACY M.C.’s current drivers. Gragson made both his NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series (NCTS) debuts with Toyota. Gragson ran 47 races across three seasons with Kyle Busch Motorsports in the NCTS, earning two victories – Martinsville (2017) and Kansas (2018). The Las Vegas-native finished second in the NCTS standings in 2018 – the same season he made his NXS debut, where he finished an impressive second at Richmond Raceway in April of that year driving for Joe Gibbs Racing. Jones made history while with Team Toyota as he is the first driver in NASCAR history to earn Rookie of the Year in all three national series. He made his Toyota debut in the NCTS in 2013 and won later that year in his fifth career start at Phoenix Raceway. Jones later earned the NCTS championship in 2015, which is the same season he earned his first NXS win at Texas Motor Speedway. He later moved to the NASCAR Cup Series, where he earned two wins while competing for Joe Gibbs Racing – Daytona in July 2018 and Darlington in September 2019. The eight full-time Toyota Camry TRD entries are the most Toyota supported entries to compete in the NCS since 2011.

Press Release | GMS RACING STATESVILLE, NC (May 1st, 2023): GMS Racing today announced a shift in leadership for the No. 43 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series team, effective immediately ahead of the next race at Kansas Speedway. Blake Bainbridge will assume the role of Crew Chief for Daniel Dye, replacing Travis Sharpe, who has amicably parted ways with the organization. Bainbridge joins the team from Halmar-Friesen Racing, where he most recently served as Crew Chief on the No. 52 NCTS entry driven by Stewart Friesen. Bainbridge’s experience in the NASCAR industry runs far and wide spanning over two decades, holding a career both on top of the pit box and behind the wheel. In addition to his knowledge of the NCTS garage, the Hueytown, AL native has also spent time competing in the ARCA Menards Series and NASCAR Xfinity Series, where in 2004, he won at Darlington Raceway for Rusty Wallace Racing with driver Jamie McMurray. “You know, I’m really looking forward to taking on a new challenge with all the talented people at GMS Racing. I haven’t really known Daniel all that well, but from looking at how well he was able to run in ARCA last year, I can tell that he is hungry to prove himself. Having the chance to guide a rookie is something that I’ve thoroughly enjoyed during my career, so working Daniel is going to be fun. I’m thankful for the opportunity and am ready to make the most out of this season with our No. 43 team.” remarked Bainbridge. Daniel Dye continues to challenge for Sunoco Rookie Of The Year honors during his freshman season. The second-generation driver from Deland, Florida, made the move up the development ladder following a successful year-and-a-half stint in the ARCA Menards Series in which he won at Berlin Raceway in 2021 and finished runner up in the series points standings in 2022. In seven NCTS races ran this year, Dye ranks 21st in points with a best finish of 16th place at Atlanta Motor Speedway. “We are always looking at the ways we can improve our program and believe that bringing Blake onto the team will do just that. Blake is well-known in the garage area and has a ton of talent, so he will be a perfect fit for Daniel as he continues to learn the ropes of the Truck Series in his rookie year. We are appreciative of everything that Travis has done for our organization in helping build our third truck team, and definitely want to wish him the best moving forward in his career.” stated Tom Ackerman, Technical Director for GMS Racing. The next event for the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series will be held at Kansas Speedway on Saturday, May 6th. Fans can tune-in to FOX Sports 1, MRN Radio, and Sirius XM NASCAR for live coverage of the Heart of America 200. Continued updates on GMS Racing will be shared via the team’s social media handles, @GMSRacingLLC.

(Cover Photo Credit: Chris Graythen - Getty Images/Nascar Media) By Logan Morris Tuesday it was announced that Legacy Motor Club will be switching manufacturers from Chevrolet to Toyota in 2024. The announcement marks the latest significant change in the organization. There was a time when the idea of Jimmie Johnson in anything other than a Chevrolet was unheard of. That changed when he ventured into IndyCar. Perhaps even more surprising is the fact that the race team that Richard Petty is associated with will run Toyotas. So, how does Team Ambassador, “The King” Richard Petty feel about the shift in 2024? Well, according to his Team owners, he’s all for it. In a conversation with media on Tuesday afternoon, Legacy Motor Club Co-Owner Jimmie Johnson spoke about Petty’s reaction to the news: “He was one of our first calls. He was really excited about the opportunity and understands what this means for the Club.” Co-Owner Maury Gallagher added “[Petty] blesses and encourages all things that make us better.” Legacy Motor Club drivers were also made available to the media. Erik Jones is looking forward to getting the chance to forge his own legacy in Petty’s #43. “I wanted to come in and kind of make my own chapter in the 43. I mean, obviously Richard’s had quite a run in the 43, but I’d sure like to make my own mark here as well.” Jones certainly will continue to get the chance to create his own legacy in the #43. In its storied history, 2024 will mark the first time it has been a Toyota. Toyota Racing Development President David Wilson alluded to the fact that this move could ruffle some feathers. “I know that this is a polarizing partnership for many of Jimmie’s fans, for many of The King’s fans, and undoubtedly some will feel like it’s a bit sacrilegious, but I’m not worried about that because I trust that over time our demonstrated respect for this partnership, for people, and the way we carry ourselves will soften that.” Legacy Motor Club will remain with Chevrolet for the remainder of the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series season.