top of page

Search this site

3266 results found with an empty search

  • NEW CAR, NEW CITIES, NEW TEAMS, NEW FORMAT AND A NEW LOOK FOR THE ABB FIA FORMULA E WORLD CHAMPIONS

    Press Release, FIA LONDON, UK. Mon. 28 Nov. 2022 - Formula E today unveiled a fresh new look ahead of Season 9 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship and the debut of the Gen3 car, new races in iconic world cities, new teams and new sporting formats. The Gen3 – the fastest, lightest, most powerful and efficient electric race car ever built – will make its competitive debut in Round 1 in Mexico City on 14 January, following pre-season testing next month in Valencia. The championship will continue with three new cities hosting Formula E races for the first time: Hyderabad, India (Round 4, 11 February); Cape Town, South Africa (Round 5, 25 February) and São Paulo, Brazil (Round 6, 25 March). McLaren and Maserati are new to the Formula E grid next season. They will join some of the biggest names in motorsport including Jaguar, Porsche and Nissan among the 11 teams and 22 drivers competing for world titles. Sporting regulation updates include a return to racing over laps; rookie drivers taking a seat for teams in FP1 sessions; and a plan to introduce a 30-second 4kWh ‘Attack Charge’ boost at select races, made possible through the development of the most advanced EV battery in the world today. To coincide with the start of the Gen3 era, Formula E has reimagined the visual and sonic brand identity of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. New look: The new identity is inspired by the instant torque of electric acceleration.  The system also reflects the sport’s role as a catalyst; helping manufacturers accelerate electric vehicle technologies, the pace with which new fans are coming into the sport, the unprecedented speed that the sport achieved FIA World Championship status and more broadly the championship’s vision to accelerate sustainable human progress. At the heart of the new system is the Torque Loop that represents the excitement and energy at the core of the brand and the sport. This self-sustaining loop is the source of the new logo, typeface and the brand’s new animation principles. Formula E have maintained a core association with blue as a signifier of electricity but expanded its palette to include a more extensive colour system, enabling the championship to emphasise its unique offer in three modes: world class motorsport (Race); cutting-edge technology and sustainability credentials (Reason); and positive impact on the global community (Culture). The rebrand will be rolled out over the coming days, weeks and months starting with Formula E’s digital estate. In the new year, new web and app functionality will come online to enhance the fan experience. By the time Season 9 launches in Mexico City the new identity will be brought to life across hundreds of touchpoints from trackside to marketing to broadcast. New sound of Formula E: Sound has been one of Formula E’s most distinctive and disruptive qualities since the first race in 2014. For Season 9, an all-new sonic identity has been developed for use across broadcast, digital and marketing channels, with the new sound of the Gen3 race car at its core. Test recordings of the race cars were captured to form the basis of the sonic identity, with the recordings remixed into a suite of sound assets. New broadcast title music and a full broadcast score was recorded at Abbey Road Studios with a 55-piece orchestra. Henry Chilcott, Chief Marketing Officer, Formula E, said: “This new identity is part of our ongoing mission to build a new category of tier one sport. It’s a system designed to inspire and excite fans around the world as well as create a stronger, more extensible platform for our partners, teams, manufacturers and broadcasters”.

  • Martinsville to Host 28th Annual Toy Drive to Benefit the Grace Network on December 3rd

    MARTINSVILLE, Va. (Nov. 16, 2022) – As part of Martinsville Speedway’s 75th anniversary, the track will hold the 28th Annual Christmas Toy Drive on Saturday, Dec. 3 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The annual event will welcome the greater Martinsville region to donate an unwrapped toy or $25 for the opportunity to drive laps around the iconic track in their personal vehicles. The Christmas Toy Drive will benefit the Grace Network of Martinsville and Henry County. “As we enter the holiday season, we will rally the community to support the 28th Annual Christmas Toy Drive, so we can share the joy of Christmas with those in need,” said Clay Campbell, Martinsville Speedway President. “We are grateful for our valued partners and fans across the region who will join us in supporting this event to impact families in our community through the Grace Network of Martinsville and Henry County.” Over 28 years, the annual Christmas Toy Drive has impacted over 20,000 area children through nearly $300,000 in donations and over 50,000 toys to unwrap on Christmas morning in Martinsville and Henry County. The Christmas Toy Drive is one of the most popular events in the region with residents from Henry County and the surrounding counties in Virginia and North Carolina coming to support the community and take laps on the same historic half-mile short track as NASCAR’s biggest stars. Last year’s Christmas Toy Drive raised over $17,000 and provided nearly 2,000 toys to local families. On Saturday, Dec. 3, Martinsville Speedway staff will welcome the community to the track and receive donations from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. For laps around the track, drivers must sign waivers and be 18 years of age or older with a valid state-issued driver’s license. All participants must adhere to Virginia state laws regarding the usage of seat belts and child safety restraints. The donated toys and monetary donations will be distributed to area children through the Grace Network of Martinsville and Henry County, which is a faith-based, first-stop center for resources for families in crisis. The organization supports those in the community who need support to keep a roof over their heads, homes warm and lighted, and food on the table with short-term assistance and long-term solutions. To learn more about the Grace Network of Martinsville and Henry County, visit gracenetworkmhc.org . For more information on the 28th Annual Christmas Toy Drive, visit www.martinsvillespeedway.com/events/tracklapsforcharity . 2023 NASCAR Season As part of NASCAR’s 75th anniversary season, Martinsville will host all three NASCAR national series on April 14-16, 2023, featuring the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series on Friday, April 14 at 3:30 p.m. Xfinity Series on Saturday, April 15 at 7:30 p.m. and the Cup Series on Sunday, April 16 at 3:00 p.m. The ValleyStar Credit Union 300, the nation’s biggest, richest and most prestigious NASCAR Late Model Stock Car race, will return for an evening of intense competition next fall. Martinsville will host the Whelen Modified Tour season finale on Thursday, Oct. 26 and penultimate races of the Xfinity Series in the Dead On Tools 250 on Saturday, Oct. 28 at 7:30 p.m. and the Cup Series for the fourth consecutive season in the Xfinity 500 on Sunday, Oct. 29 at 2:00 p.m. In an intense short track battle that can only happen at Martinsville, the races will set the field for the respective series for the NASCAR Championships the following week at Phoenix Raceway. 2023 NASCAR tickets are available for purchase via phone at 877-RACE-TIX or online at martinsvillespeedway.com . Fans can view the full 2023 NASCAR schedule and purchase tickets at www.nascar.com/2023schedule . Stay connected to Martinsville Speedway on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter and the NASCAR Tracks App . About Martinsville Speedway Founded by H. Clay Earles in 1947, Martinsville Speedway is the only NASCAR track to host NASCAR Cup Series races every year since its inception in 1949. At .526 miles in length, the track annually hosts two NASCAR race weekends featuring the NASCAR Cup Series, along with NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series races in the fall. Martinsville Speedway also annually hosts the ValleyStar Credit Union 300, the nation’s biggest, richest and most prestigious NASCAR Late Model Stock Car race. For more information about Martinsville Speedway, visit martinsvillespeedway.com . About NASCAR The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) is the sanctioning body for the No. 1 form of motorsports in the United States and owner of 16 of the nation’s major motorsports entertainment facilities. NASCAR consists of three national series (NASCAR Cup Series™, NASCAR Xfinity Series™, and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series™), four regional series (ARCA Menards Series, ARCA Menards Series East & West and the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour), one local grassroots series (NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series) and three international series (NASCAR Pinty’s Series, NASCAR Peak Mexico Series, NASCAR Whelen Euro Series). The International Motor Sports Association™ (IMSA®) governs the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship™, the premier U.S. sports car series. NASCAR also owns Motor Racing Network, Racing Electronics, and ONE DAYTONA. Based in Daytona Beach, Florida, with offices in eight cities across North America, NASCAR sanctions more than 1,200 races in more than 30 U.S. states, Canada, Mexico and Europe. For more information visit www.NASCAR.com and www.IMSA.com , and follow NASCAR on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat (‘NASCAR’).

  • Who Wins Their 3rd Cup Championship First?

    NASCAR saw a rush of retirements that included three recent retirees in Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon, and Tony Stewart leave full time competition over the last decade.They were each successful in their reigns as not only past champions, but multiple time champions. They left us with a string of single champions. Kyle and Kurt Busch each had one, Martin Truex, Brad K, it wasn't until 2019 that Kyle won his second... With the crowning of Joey Logano as the 2022 champion, we can once again have some fun with the debate of the greater legend. It feels like yesterday we were predicting these young men would be great Cup racers some day. Our team reviewed each of their recent on-track success and gave their opinion on which two-time champion may win their third title first. Matt Nicholson (RR Contributor): KYLE BUSCH "If I had to pick between the two, I would say that RCR gets put back onto the map and wins their first cup since 1994 when Kyle Busch wins his third cup title, in 2024." Matt Marr (RR Writer): JOEY LOGANO "...Who will be the first to be a three time champ? The two have had a storied rivalry over the last decade, but Kyle Busch is with a new team in 2023 racing with Richard Childress Racing. Busch is not like any other driver; he has the ability to take a wrecked car and make it competitive. RCR has had significant improvement the last couple of seasons with Austin Dillon and Tyler Reddick; there is no doubt that Busch can come out swinging in the 8 car and win races, but that elusive third championship will have to wait a few more years until proper chemistry between driver and crew is established. The last time a driver won the championship with a new team was Kevin Harvick in 2014. I think Joey Logano and Paul Wolfe have built themselves up to be championship favourites every year from here on out. They have been the most consistent team in the Penske garage and have shown not only competitiveness and consistency at every type of race track on the schedule, but also shown they can win anywhere. Although Kyle Busch as a driver can win anywhere on the schedule, we have yet to see the kind of relationship he will have with his new crew chief at RCR in 2023. I believe Logano will win his 3rd championship before Kyle Busch. Tyler Lawler (On-Air and Photography): JOEY LOGANO “The battle for three” between Joey Logano and Kyle Busch will come down to how well Kyle meshes with his new team over at Richard Childress Racing. With Joey coming off a great season with Penske Racing this year one could say it's Joey's to lose. My opinion is that Kyle Busch can win in anything and in time he will get that third championship. When it comes down to it momentum plays a huge part in winning championships, and Joey has great momentum with a great team backing him. That is why I think that Joey will not only get to three first but he will get a back to back champ and win his third in the 2023 season. Collin Best (SR. Open-Wheel Writer): JOEY LOGANO With Kyle Busch going to RCR, I find it hard to believe that we will ever see him holding the Bill France Cup in the twilight of his career. Logano has the team and is keeping all the championship pieces for years to come and with him coming into statistically the prime of his career, it wouldn’t surprise me if Logano wins two or three more when everything is said and done. Crystal Clay (Chief Motorsports Correspondent): JOEY LOGANO If, in the NASCAR playoff format we are to see a three-time champion, it’s a very tight race between Kyle Busch and Joey Logano when it comes to talent. Logano’s confidence, ability to get things done in high-pressure moments, and longevity with Team Penske are going to make the biggest difference. Kyle Busch is never a driver to count out, however, we’ll see him racing in a Chevy with RCR next season. I can predict a playoff run for Busch, but I don’t know how good I feel about another championship peeking out around the corner as soon as I do for our 2022 champ. Final answer, Joey Logano. Adam Carabine (Managing Editor): JOEY LOGANO The court of public opinion would likely lead one to think that Kyle Busch has the major statistical upper hand over Joey Logano. However, upon closer inspection of the numbers, Logano is actually closer than you might think. As far as career Cup Series average finish goes, they are separated by 0.21 positions (Busch with the slight edge). However, if you isolate the previous four seasons, Logano takes the advantage by nearly a full position. In those previous four seasons, they each have a championship (Busch – 2019, Logano – 2022). They’ve competed in the same number of races (144), with Logano taking the slight edge in wins (10-9) over that period. Career statistics are important in getting a picture of the driver as a whole, but looking at the last four years paints a picture that includes current momentum as well. Kyle Busch looks to be trending downward, while Joey Logano’s stock may be on the rise. Now consider that Busch is moving to Richard Childress Racing for the foreseeable future, and I think it becomes obvious that Logano is the clear favourite to get his 3rd championship first. In both 2021 and 2022, Logano’s Team Penske was the 3rd best team by points, and RCR was 6th. Joe Gibbs Racing, Kyle Busch’s former team finished 2nd in both years, despite less-than-stellar years from the #18 team. It’s no secret that Richard Childress Racing is getting a goldmine of new information from hiring Kyle Busch, and his knowledge and expertise will help to raise the bar for success at his new team. But Team Penske is a well-established top-tier team, with Logano leading the way. I think it’s safe to say we’ll see another Logano championship in the next 3 years, while Kyle Busch may have already won his last. A.J. Appeal (Site Administrator): KYLE BUSCH Kyle has found improvement on the track with each new team he's joined. From Roush, to Hendrick, to Gibbs, and now RCR, I think it is a safe bet to assume next several years with RCR are remarkable. The #8 Chevrolet has consistent championship calibre speed for the first time since their driver lineup included Jeff Burton and Clint Bowyer. Team Penske will be quick, but Rowdy is a one-of-a-kind talent. OUR team has offered their thoughts, what are yours?

  • Brad Keselowski To Compete in 2022 Snowball Derby

    Press Release / Brad Keselowski Racing STATESVILLE, NC (November 22, 2022) – NASCAR champion Brad Keselowski has successfully competed in a number of different series and events over his illustrious racing career, but never the Snowball Derby – the most prestigious event in super late model racing. That changes this year when Keselowski will take the wheel of the No. 6 Ford with sponsorship from long-time and significant racing supporter, Fr8Auctions. The 55th annual Snowball Derby is scheduled for November 30th – December 4th at Five Flags Speedway located in Pensacola, Florida. “The Snowball Derby is essentially an all-star race as it attracts some of the biggest names in short track racing, as well as some of my competitors from NASCAR,” said Keselowski. “This is my first time behind the wheel at the Derby. I’m really looking forward to the race and very appreciative of Fr8Auctions coming on-board with me. Fr8Auctions has supported all levels of racing, so it’s great to partner with them for this particular event and bring together NASCAR and super late model racing.” WATCH THE SNOWBALL DERBY ON RACING AMERICA For Keselowski, it marks his first partnership with Fr8Auctions, but not Fr8Auctions’ first partnership in motorsports. "FR8Auctions is looking forward to growing our racing footprint while supporting grassroots events with different drivers across all levels of motorsports. Whether it's partnering with Championship Cup drivers in Crown Jewel events like the Snowball Derby or supporting the young up and coming drivers working their way through the ranks, FR8 is committed to the sport and its growth long term,” said Marcus Barela, Founder and CEO of Fr8Auctions. "We are thrilled to continue to grow our footprint in all levels of racing by working with Brad in the Snowball Derby. This is a Crown Jewel event and we are excited to have such an accomplished driver representing us on and off the track.” "Brad is a champion and we are racing for the win,” added Matt Erickson, President of Fr8Auctions. While a first participating in the Snowball Derby and a first with Fr8Auctions, the event will be a bit of homecoming of sorts for Keselowski where he will be driving a FURY Race Cars entry with Tony Eury Jr. serving as crew chief for the event. Keselowski and Eury Jr. partnered together in 2009 during Keselowski’s part-time schedule with Hendrick Motorsports. “Having the opportunity to work together again Tony Jr. and Pops makes this whole program even more special,” added Keselowski. “This is going to be a lot fun to be sure, but we are all racers, so we’re headed down to Pensacola to compete for a win!” The 55th annual Snowball Derby will be available via live pay-per-view exclusively on RacingAmerica.com. The Snowball Derby 300-lap feature race is scheduled for Sunday December 4th, 2022, at 2:00 pm ET.

  • NASCAR fan Ralph Maccarone wins 2022 Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award

    Press Release / NASCAR Foundation Daytona Beach, FL (November 17, 2022) – The NASCAR Foundation announced Ralph Maccarone as the winner of the 12th annual Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award during a live-streamed announcement on NASCAR’s YouTube channel Thursday. As the award winner, Maccarone secured a $100,000 donation from The NASCAR Foundation to Who We Play For, a nationwide organization whose mission is to eliminate preventable sudden cardiac arrest in young people through affordable heart screenings. “It’s a great honor to have won the Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award,” said Maccarone following the announcement. “The entire NASCAR organization and The NASCAR Foundation have been phenomenal to work with and we’re so excited to use these funds to help students and save lives.” Maccarone, who co-founded Who We Play For after losing his 15-year-old son to sudden cardiac arrest, has served and supported the organization for more than a decade. He earned the most online votes from a pool of volunteers, including: Dan Majetich of Nick and Kelly Children’s Heart Fund, Tammy Garrett of Rapahope Children’s Retreat Foundation of Alabama and Tracy Williams of Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Foundation. Together, the group of finalists have impacted more than 100,000 children through their 81 combined years of service. Each of these organizations has earned a $25,000 donation from The NASCAR Foundation in recognition of their nominated volunteers’ achievements. “Ralph has dedicated his life to ensuring young people receive the proper screenings that could one day save their lives,” said Nichole Krieger, Executive Director of The NASCAR Foundation. “He has spent countless hours volunteering at screenings, fundraising and advocating for change as Who We Play For has grown into a national organization that’s reaching more communities each year. His work and the work of all of our finalists exemplify the lasting legacy of Betty Jane France and the countless number of children The NASCAR Foundation continues to impact.” Maccarone co-founded Who We Play For in 2012 with the vision to inspire and empower schools, sports clubs and communities to provide heart screenings for all student athletes and students. Through his work, Maccarone has helped bring Who We Play For to many regions across the country as he has advocated for sudden cardiac arrest legislation on the local, state and federal level. With the $100,000 award, Maccarone hopes to bring heart screening events to more NASCAR communities over the next two years. Aside from his service, Maccarone has been a fan of NASCAR after first being introduced to the sport by his wife, Valerie. He and his son started following Ryan Newman after discovering the driver shared the same birthday as his son. In its 12 years, The Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award has recognized 48 NASCAR fans who are dedicated volunteers working for children’s causes in communities nationwide. More than 475,000 children’s lives have been affected by the program with $2 million contributed to children’s charities. To learn more about The NASCAR Foundation’s programs, including the Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award and Speediatrics Children’s Fund, please visit NASCARfoundation.org .

  • JR Motorsports Revamps Crew Chief Lineup with Updated Roles, New Hires

    Press Release / JRM MOORESVILLE, N.C. (Nov. 17, 2022) – JR Motorsports has revamped its crew chief roster for the 2023 NASCAR Xfinity Series season, the organization announced today. Returning veterans Jason Burdett and Taylor Moyer will assume crew chief duties with the Nos. 9 and 8 entries, respectively, while the addition of Jim Pohlman on the No. 7 and Mardy Lindley with the No. 1 team completes the crew chief lineup. Entering his ninth season with JRM, Burdett is the company’s winningest crew chief with 18 victories. Burdett, who led Justin Allgaier to Championship 4 appearances in five of the last seven seasons, will transition to the No. 9 Menards team with JRM’s newest driver Brandon Jones. Through his first eight years with the company, Burdett racked up an impressive 110 top-five and 183 top-10 finishes. Moyer moves to the No. 8 team with driver Josh Berry for 2023 to fill the role vacated by Mike Bumgarner, now serving as JRM’s director of competition. In 2019-20, Moyer served as crew chief of JRM’s No. 8 Chevrolet and its rotating roster of drivers. He has spent the past two seasons atop the pit box for Berry and Sam Mayer, leading Mayer to 12 top fives, 25 top 10s and a playoff berth through to the Round of 8 in 2022. “As successful as 2022 was for JR Motorsports, we’re always asking ourselves ‘how can we be better?’” said Bumgarner, JRM’s director of competition. “While we performed at a very high level this season, a tweak here or there can help push us even further. We were fortunate to bring in Jim (Pohlman) and Mardy (Lindley). Both have past success with their drivers and we expect that will aid in making a smooth transition.” A native of Oak Lawn, Illinois, the 43-year-old Pohlman comes to JRM by way of Richard Childress Racing to assume crew chief duties for the No. 7 BRANDT Professional Agriculture team and perennial championship contender Allgaier. In 2008, Pohlman helped Allgaier secure an ARCA Menards Series championship, so the pairing will be familiar. Pohlman also spent time at the Cup Series level, most notably as crew chief for Juan Pablo Montoya in 2011 with several opportunities along the way in both Cup and NXS competition. Additionally, Greenville, S.C. native Lindley, a decades-long veteran of the sport who spent the last two seasons at Kyle Busch Motorsports with six victories to his credit, joins Mayer in 2023 to lead the No. 1 team, reuniting the driver and crew chief for the first time since 2020. The Lindley / Mayer combination netted championships in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series (2019) and the ARCA Menards Series (2020). Together, the duo has more than 15 victories between the two series. ABOUT JR MOTORSPORTS: JR Motorsports is the racing operation co-owned by NASCAR Hall of Fame member and 15-time Most Popular Driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kelley Earnhardt Miller and NASCAR Hall of Famer Rick Hendrick. Now in its 21st year of overall competition, JR Motorsports competes in multiple divisions, including the NASCAR Xfinity Series where it currently fields four full-time teams and earned championships in 2014, 2017 and 2018. The company also races in Late Model competition and owns four championships in regional Late Model divisions and added a prized national title in 2020. To learn more about the organization, its drivers and its sponsorship opportunities, visit www.jrmracing.com.

  • NASCAR Announces Launch of NASCAR Brasil Sprint Race

    Press Release / NASCAR DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Nov 16, 2022) — NASCAR today announced the creation of NASCAR Brasil Sprint Race, the sanctioning body’s fourth international series and first in South America. The series, which will begin competition in 2023, is a partnership between NASCAR and the GT Sprint Race series in Brazil. NASCAR Brasil Sprint Race joins the NASCAR Mexico Series, NASCAR Pinty’s Series (Canada) and NASCAR Whelen Euro Series as the fourth international series racing under the NASCAR banner. In 2023, NASCAR racing will take place in 12 different countries on three continents. “Brazil is a vibrant country, rich in motorsports culture and community, and the perfect location for our first series in South America,” said Chad Seigler, NASCAR Vice President of International. “NASCAR Brasil Sprint Race will allow us to showcase the exciting side-by-side racing that defines NASCAR while giving Brazilian race fans a series to which they feel connected. It is our hope and intention that this series also opens more pathways for the country’s best drivers, mechanics and engineers to advance to NASCAR’s national series in the United States, the worldwide pinnacle of stock car racing.” “NASCAR is an iconic American sport, and we are honored to join forces to create NASCAR Brasil Sprint Race,” said Carlos Col, General Partner, NASCAR Brasil Sprint Race. “GT Sprint Race has delivered exciting racing to fans since 2012 and this partnership will help take it to the next level with the introduction of more NASCAR-style racing, including future races on oval tracks. This is an historic day for motorsports in Brazil, and one that will benefit race fans across the country.” GT Sprint Race was founded in 2012 by Thiago Marques, a former standout stock car driver in Brazil, with the goal of balancing high levels of competition, performance and safety. The 2022 schedule included 18 sprint races over nine weekends at road courses across Brazil, including Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace (Interlagos) in São Paulo. The 2023 schedule will be released at a future date. Brazil’s strong motorsports culture has extended to NASCAR over the past 20 years. Three Brazilian-born drivers have competed in NASCAR in the United States – Christian Fittipaldi made 15 Cup Series starts in 2003, Nelson Piquet Jr. started 83 races across NASCAR’s three national series from 2010-16 winning three times, and Miguel Paludo has 81 starts in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, including three this past season. Through a partnership with Bandeirantes, all NASCAR Cup Series races and select Xfinity Series and CRAFTSMAN Truck Series races are shown on Band Sports. NASCAR is currently broadcast in 195 countries and territories, reaching over 500 million households.

  • Four Wheel Drive, Done Differently

    Press Release / Feld Entertainment Houston, TX. Monster Jam® driver Linsey Read – who has been at the wheel of monster trucks for a decade as part of the Monster Jam series – invited experienced, and apparently fearless, Porsche racer Leh Keen to take her on at the NRG Stadium in Texas, a seventy-two thousand person capacity stadium in a vehicle of his choosing. What transpired was a unique comparison test between seemingly polar opposite machines. On the surface, a Porsche Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo and a Monster Jam truck seem not to have a great deal in common. One is equipped powerful dual electric motors, up to five seats, 20-inch wheels, advanced adjustable air-sprung suspension to bridge the gap between comfort and agile handling in an instant and in complete silence, possesses the ability to cross states in comfort and was created in Stuttgart. The other features a fire-breathing, supercharged, methanol-fueled V8, massive 66-inch wheels, just one seat and a swappable fiberglass body on top of a robust and extremely tough tubular steel chassis and dual-tube nitrogen-charged hydraulic dampers that do an admirable job of absorbing the impacts upon landing a 60 foot jump, which, according to Linsey, occurs more often than you might expect. And yet the two are remarkably similar, at least when the road turns to dirt. Both send power to all four wheels and feature four-wheel steering, both deliver similar performance off the line and possess similar power to weight ratios. Crucially both, for the purposes of this test, have drivers behind the wheel who are experts in their respective fields. What followed was predictably chaotic fun. “I have to be honest, most of the time I couldn’t see Leh,” said a clearly elated Linsey Read. “He had to weave around me, so I had to trust he was staying well away. But from the reactions I’d say he did amazingly well to stay close to me – that Taycan can really shift! Driving a Monster Jam truck is a complete adrenaline rush – and it can really fly, which I was thankful for when I flew over Leh.” “It was like I was racing against a building,” said Leh Keen on emerging from the Taycan. “The size of the Monster Jam truck is staggering – it looks like it’s hardly trying, but I glanced down and we’re approaching three figure speeds, inside a stadium, on dirt. It’s so agile, given its size, but for obvious reasons I kept well clear! The Taycan was just awesome – it gave me a lot of feedback, found grip when I most needed it and let me also have fun out there. I’m grateful to Linsey for inviting me – now for the re-match I’ve just got to find a race track big enough for her and her truck …”

  • Colin Braun Joins Meyer Shank Racing for 2023 IMSA Program

    Press Release / Meyer Shank Racing Pataskala, Ohio (18 November 2022) – Meyer Shank Racing (MSR) completes its 2023 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship roster with 2022 IMSA LMP3 champion Colin Braun joining Tom Blomqvist for the team’s full-season Acura LMDh program next season. Having closed out the DPi era with a huge win in the 2022 Petit Le Mans to secure the IMSA DPi title, MSR is looking to get a quick start in 2023 as IMSA moves to the next iteration of Prototype competition with the hybrid-powered GTP Class. Braun will make his return to the MSR squad having raced for the team in the 2009 edition of the Rolex 24. Braun and MSR also partnered in 2013 to set a speed record at Daytona International Speedway onboard MSR’s Daytona Prototype and posting a 222.971 mph lap. Braun has a wide range of racing experience, competing behind the wheel of several different types of racing machinery – everything from stock cars, trucks, GT cars to Prototypes. The American racer has multiple race wins at North America’s premier events – the Rolex 24 At Daytona, Twelve Hours of Sebring, and Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen. Braun has competed in 18 consecutive Rolex 24s and also has one 24 Hours of Le Mans start which saw a 17-year old Braun become the youngest 24 Hours of Le Mans podium finisher in 2007. Braun’s success in the IMSA WeatherTech championship has also included three prototype championships (2014, 2015 & 2022) with the highly accomplished CORE Autosport. “I am incredibly excited to be joining Meyer Shank Racing for the 2023 season,” said Braun.  “MSR were tough competitors back in my Grand-Am days and setting the Daytona speed record with them was really special.  Seeing what Mike (Shank) has built from the outside has always been impressive. You can see the passion the entire team has for racing and their drive to win is really motivating.” Braun will be entering a new chapter of Prototype competition with the introduction of the all-new Acura ARX-06 LMDh car for 2023. He is eager for the new challenge and will look to teammate Blomqvist for his knowledge following an extensive test program with the all-new Acura hybrid machine. “MSR had a terrific season in 2022 and I know expectations are high to deliver, but I am ready for the challenge,” said Braun. “I’m also looking forward to co-driving with Tom. His experience on the electric side of racing will be a huge boost for us. I am ready to get to work and to once again compete in IMSA’s top class for wins and championships in the Acura GTP car!” As MSR’s IMSA program continues to grow, Mike Shank will be looking to lead the team with Acura to a fourth IMSA championship next season with Braun and Blomqvist. “Colin came out and tested for us and I think we all knew he would adjust well with the amount of experience he has,” said Shank. “We were lucky enough to work together a while back at the Daytona 24 and we set a speed record at Daytona together as well, so we knew he would be a good fit. Him and Tom (Blomqvist) got along great and we have a solid lineup going into the 2023 season.” MSR will debut the No. 60 Acura ARX-06 LMDh car at the Roar Before the 24 in January with its Rolex 24 lineup with Blomqvist and Braun joined by MSR IndyCar regulars, Simon Pagenaud and Helio Castroneves.

  • Ty Gibbs To Compete in NASCAR Cup Series in 2023

    HUNTERSVILLE, North Carolina (November 15, 2022) – Ty Gibbs will compete full time for Joe Gibbs Racing in the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series behind the wheel of the No. 54 Toyota Camry TRD.   Gibbs won the 2022 NASCAR Xfinity title with seven wins and 23 top-10 finishes. In just 51 career Xfinity starts, he’s won 11 races (21 percent), scored 33 top-10 finishes (64 percent) and led 1,234 laps. He also won the 2021 ARCA Menard Series championship.   Chris Gayle, who served as crew chief during his NASCAR Xfinity Championship season, will move with Gibbs to serve as crew chief in the Cup Series.   JGR intends to utilize the No. 18 in the NASCAR Cup Series in future years.

  • Summit Motorsports Park-Produced Mopar Event to Debut in 2023

    Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio is pleased to introduce its very own incredibly inspired Mopar event. The name of the event, its sponsors, categories and other information will be shared at a later date, but for now, mark your calendars for Sept. 21-24, 2023, and be part of this event with a distinct Summit Motorsports Park stamp on it. “The Summit Motorsports Park team is in the process of conceptualizing this brand-new event, and we couldn’t be more enthusiastic about it,” said Bill Bader Jr., president of Summit Motorsports Park. “We are also exploring everything that makes other Summit Motorsports Park-produced events successful so that we can insert select elements into this new event to make it stand out while also standing the test of time.”

  • Ryan Preece to Take Over Driving Duties of SHR #41 Ford in 2023

    Originally reporters by Adam Stern of the Sports Business Journal, Racing Refresh can confirm that Ford Racing driver Ryan Preece will assume driving duties of the #41 Stewart Haas Racing Ford Mustang in the NASCAR Cup Series beginning in the 2023 season. Preece, who formerly raced in Cup for JTG Daugherty Racing has raced on a part time basis in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and has been long rumored as the next driver of the 41 Cup team. He is represented by Kevin Harvick Management group and has been involved with the team's strategy during the Covid 19 pandemic. Preece's sponsor has yet to be confirmed but it is easy to assume that HAAS Automation, which is owned by SHR co-owner Gene Haas will be involved. The former driver of the 41 team, Cole Custer, who's lone win came at Kentucky in 2021 will be moved to an Xfinity ride affiliated with the team. News of wages, schedule, and sponsors for Custer have not been made public at this time. Reports from AP's Jenna Fryer dropped earlier this fall indicating that a dispute between SHR co-owners Gene Haas and Tony Stewart regarding the future driver in the 41 Ford were unsettled. This news now confirms one of the few remaining seats of the second season in NASCAR Next Gen racing.

  • Gragson, Majeksi, Byron headline 55th Annual Snowball Derby Field

    . (Photo Credit: Collin Best) With the racing season winding down for many parts of the country for the 2022 season, the annual running of the Snowball Derby is a culmination of the top talents in short track racing going for the biggest prize; The Snowball Derby. Held in Pensacola, Florida at Five Flags Speedway, the Snowball Derby is renowned for some of racing's biggest stars to participate in the legendary event. Legends like NASCAR Hall of Famers such as Darrell Waltrip, Donnie Allison, and Gary Balough have won. Current NASCAR stars such as Kyle Busch and Chase Elliott both have two wins. Along with two female drivers such as Tammy Jo Kirk and Johanna Long have won as well. As of writing, there are currently 56 entries for the Snowball Derby and only 30 spots are up for grabs. This article will be updated weekly for any additional entries for the Derby. 55th Annual Snowball Derby entry list: Michael House: Columbia, TN John Bolen: Jasper, AL William Sawalich: Eden Prairie, MN Luke Fenhaus: Wausau, WI Casey Johnson: Edgerton, WI Jackson Boone: Franklin, TN Jace Hansen: Evans, CO Nicholas Naugle: Muskegon, MI Derek Kraus: Stratford, WI Brandon Watson: Barrie Ont. Canada Derek Griffith: Hudson, NH Austin Nason: Roscoe, IL Carson Hocevar: Portage, MI Jacob Gomes: Manteca, CA Chandler Smith: Talking Rock, GA (2021 winner) Hunter Robbins: Pensacola, FL Corey Heim: Davidson, NC Sammy Smith: Johnston, IA Connor Okrzesik: Grand Bay, AL Billy VanMeter: Muskegon, MI Scott Sanchez: Bakersfield, CA William Byron: Charlotte, NC Bubba Pollard: Senoia, GA Josh Berry: Statesville, NC Casey Roderick, Dayton, OH Noah Gragson: Las Vegas, NV (2018 winner) Carson Kvapil: Mooresville, NC Harold Crooms: Lakeland, FL Dustin Smith: Mobile, AL Jake Garcia: Monroe, GA Daniel Dye: Deland, FL Derek Thorn: Bakersfield, CA Conner Jones: Fredricksburg, VA Jeremy Doss: Upper Lake, CA Michael Simko: Clarkson, MI Preston Peltier: Brighton, CO Jett Noland: Groveland, FL Jake Finch: Lynn Haven, FL Stephen Nasse: Pinellas Park, FL Boris Jurkovic: Ft. Myers Bch, FL Cole Butcher: Porters Lake, NS Canada Johnny Clark: Farmingdale, ME Matt Craig: Kannapolis, NC Haeden Plybon: Deer Park, WA Zach Telford: Middleton, ID Trayten Tarr: Rathdrum, ID Tyler Tanner: Mooresville, NC Michael Hinde: Hernando, FL Kyle Bryant: Navarre, FL Ty Majeski: Seymour, WI (2020 winner) Tommy Catalano: Ontario, NY Blaine Rocha: Oakdale, CA Linny White: Ontario, CA Augie Grill: Hayden, AL (2007,2008 winner)

  • NASCAR to be featured in 2023 Rose Parade

    DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – (Nov. 10, 2022) – NASCAR will kick off its 75th anniversary celebrations at the start of the new year with a vibrant display in the 2023 Rose Parade® presented by Honda, highlighting the thrills of racing in full bloom. The parade, part of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses®which also features the famed college football Rose Bowl Game®, will be held Monday, Jan. 2. Hundreds of entries will process down the 5.5-mile route, including NASCAR’s display, showcasing the 75th anniversary and the upcoming Busch Light Clash at the LA Coliseum. The float is titled ‘Always Forward’ – a nod to the theme of the 2023 parade ‘Turning the Corner.’ “We’re beyond thrilled to be participating in such an incredible spectacle as the Rose Parade,” said NASCAR Vice President of Marketing Services Patrick Rogers. “There’s truly no better way to enter NASCAR’s 75th year than by celebrating at an event that brings people together through immense creativity and color. With a theme that so closely resembles the growth of our sport and organization, I can’t wait to see our float come to life in the new year.” As per tradition, floats in the Rose Parade are entirely decorated with natural elements such as florals, seeds, fresh leaves, nuts, spices and other herbage. Each float requires tens of thousands of floral and non-floral materials to decorate fully. NASCAR’s float design features the renowned entrance of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum with the Olympic Caldron atop the Peristyle, with speedy stock cars racing around a track surrounded by checkered flags, ribbons, palm trees and more, headed by the diamond logo to signify the start NASCAR’s 75th year. The float stands 25 feet tall, from the base to the top of the flame, and 55 feet in length. The Coliseum façade will be decorated with light and dark sesame seeds while the caldron will be coated in Green Tea leaf, with warmly hued carnation petals as the flame. The cars, track, ribbons and checkered flags will be adorned with elements such as red cranberry seed, black seaweed, rice, orange lentils, poppy seeds, blue statice and ground green split pea. The NASCAR 75 diamond logo will be made up of various seeds and decorated with yellow strawflower, red carnation and blue statice, representing those three famous colors in the NASCAR bar mark. All of the float’s design elements will sit atop a base of hot pink, orange and red roses with sprinkles of blue florals throughout. Finally, a portion of the float will bring to life philanthropic efforts in California highlighted by a NASCAR-themed license plate in partnership with the California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA), with proceeds benefitting Expo Park, parks in the Fontana, Calif. area and the NASCAR Foundation. More information can be found at www.nascarplates.com. NASCAR will partner with Artistic Entertainment Services (AES), an official float builder and partner of the Tournament of Roses. The annual Rose Parade celebrates 134 years of success with its upcoming celebration on Jan. 2, led by the volunteer-driven, non-profit Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association. In addition to participating in the 2023 parade, NASCAR will also be providing the Tournament’s 935 volunteers with a special Busch Light Clash and Auto Club Speedway ticket offer, in recognition of their dedication to America’s New Year Celebration®. In ringing in 2023, NASCAR enters its diamond year as the organization celebrates 75 years of history and passion for racing. The Rose Parade kickstarts the anniversary festivities which continue with the Busch Light Clash at the LA Coliseum, and on throughout the rest of the year. The Busch Light Clash at the LA Coliseum will be held on Sunday, Feb. 5, 2023, as a part of the destination’s “Coliseum Forever” celebration to honor the historic stadium’s centennial anniversary and will air live on FOX at 8 p.m. ET. After an action-packed 2022 season, the 2023 NASCAR season-opener is bound to be another thrilling event in a momentous year. For more information about the Busch Light Clash and details on ticket pricing, please visit nascarclash.com.

  • No. 22 Joey Logano Makes it Two in 2022. Wins Second NASCAR Cup Series Championship at Phoenix

    by Crystal Clay and Adam Carabine A dominant performance led to the crowning of a new two-time NASCAR champion. The No.22 Penske Ford Mustang of Joey Logano led 187 laps on the way to winning the Season Finale 500, and the NASCAR Cup Series Championship. Being the most experienced driver of the Championship Four may have given Logano a little bit of confidence. “I looked at the other teams, and some of them were just happy to be here, saying it’s just another race. I’ve been around here long enough to know this wasn’t just another race.” The race was Logano’s 4th win this season, and 31st all-time in the Cup Series. Most importantly, it gave Logano his second Cup Series championship. The only other current full-time driver to complete that feat is Kyle Busch. After the race, he said, “We’ve got them down, now we have to put our foot on them. That’s the attitude you have to have.” Though, when you ask him what it feels like to be a two-time champ, Logano - ever the competitor - answered “The greed in me feels like I should have four or five at this moment, I guess that’s just how I work.” Logano’s biggest competition in winning the race outright was fellow Penske teammate Ryan Blaney. With around 30 to go in Stage 2, Blaney passed a fuel-saving Logano and ended up winning the stage. The other three drivers that were in contention had their moments, but no one could challenge him. On lap 201, right after a restart, Chase Elliott came down in front of a determined Ross Chastain. Chastain had a run, didn’t lift, Elliott was spun out, hitting the inside wall. While it didn’t end Elliott’s race, the damage was too much to bounce back from. Elliott finished the day 2 laps down, in 28th. When asked about the collision, Chastain simply said: “I got position on him to the left side on the dogleg, and he turned left.” Christopher Bell was also in the conversation near the end of the race, but a late-race caution proved to be troublesome for the #20 team. One of Bell’s tire changers got their finger stuck between the nut and the spindle while changing the left rear. In order to release his finger, the tire needed to be removed, and then replaced. The resulting pit stop meant Bell would restart 15th, and while he was able to make his way forward and finish P10, it certainly proved to be disastrous toward his championship hopes. When the final stage went green, Blaney proved to be tougher to pass than expected, and he held the lead until a Michael McDowell and Alex Bowman incident brought out the caution at lap 269. Chase Briscoe, who had run up around the top five all day, took the lead off the restart, but Logano was not to be denied. With 30 to go, Logano retook the lead and held on to it until the very end.

bottom of page