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By Reid Spencer NASCAR Wire Service RICHMOND, Va. – The first truck off pit road controlled the race. That was the story of Chandler Smith’s dominating victory in Saturday night’s Worldwide Express 250 at Richmond Raceway. Smith took charge of the second event in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Playoff when he won the race off pit road under caution on lap 75—during the break between the first and second stages. That was the ballgame. Smith led the final 175 laps through two cautions, one for the second stage break and one for an accident in Turn 1 involving Nick Leitz and Playoff driver Carson Hocevar. With his third victory of the year and fifth of his career, Smith earned automatic advancement to the second round of the Playoffs, joining Grant Enfinger, who won the Playoff opener at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park. “Hell of a job!” Smith exulted after crossing the finish line 2.790 seconds ahead of runner-up and Kyle Busch Motorsports teammate John Hunter Nemechek. “This truck was really good—I’m not going to lie.” It also helped that the track came to Smith after a first stage dominated by pole winner Ty Majeski, who led 73 straight laps after Smith led the first one. Majeski won the first stage by more than four seconds, but his jackman, Paul Steele, fell in front of the No. 66 Toyota as he sprinted toward the right side of the truck. Majeski was hard on the brakes to avoid injury to Steele, but the miscue cost him two positions he never regained. “I saw him trip, and I slammed on the brakes so I didn’t hit him,” said Majeski, who finished third. “He did a great job—he’s actually first-time tonight—he recovered well, really salvaged that pit stop. He rebounded and had a couple great stops. That’s what teamwork is all about.” Smith’s crew was exceptional. On all three pit stops, the No. 18 team got him off pit road first, negating Nemechek’s advantage of the number one pit stall. “I feel like the track just came to us there at the very end, especially Stage 2,” Smith said. “My pit crew did a bad-ass job—excuse my language—but they deserve that recognition. They did an amazing job, got me the lead, and we never gave it up.” Nemechek thought the final caution for the incident in Turn 1 cost him a chance to contend for the victory. During the long green-flag run before the yellow, he had cut into Smith’s lead, and at one point pulled alongside his teammate before the frontrunners cleared traffic. “I felt I had saved my stuff a little better on that run,” Nemechek said. “I was running him down pretty quick.” The lead-lap trucks pitted for tires under the caution, however, and Smith pulled away once again after the final restart on Lap 223 of 250. Enfinger finished fourth in a No. 23 Chevrolet that didn’t have the speed to contend for the win. Non-Playoff drivers Corey Heim and Taylor Gray followed in fifth and sixth, respectively. Three-time series champion Matt Crafton came home seventh and moved above the Playoff cut line, three points ahead of Hocevar, who dropped to ninth in the standings, despite salvaging a 10th-place finish. The bottom two drivers in the standings will be eliminated from the Playoff after the next race on Sept. 9 at Kansas Speedway. –30– NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Race – 3rd Annual Worldwide Express 250 Carrier Appreciation Richmond Raceway Richmond, Virginia Saturday, August 13, 2022 (2) Chandler Smith (P), Toyota, 250. (7) John Hunter Nemechek (P), Toyota, 250. (1) Ty Majeski (P), Toyota, 250. (5) Grant Enfinger (P), Chevrolet, 250. (16) Corey Heim # (P), Toyota, 250. (24) Taylor Gray (P), Ford, 250. (15) Matt Crafton (P), Toyota, 250. (9) Christian Eckes (P), Toyota, 250. (6) Zane Smith (P), Ford, 250. (12) Carson Hocevar (P), Chevrolet, 250. (3) Stewart Friesen (P), Toyota, 250. (18) Derek Kraus, Chevrolet, 250. (11) Tyler Ankrum, Toyota, 250. (8) Chase Purdy, Toyota, 250. (31) Bret Holmes, Chevrolet, 249. (19) Tanner Gray, Ford, 248. (10) Matt DiBenedetto, Chevrolet, 248. (14) Ben Rhodes (P), Toyota, 248. (4) Layne Riggs, Toyota, 248. (17) Jake Garcia, Chevrolet, 248. (21) Kaden Honeycutt, Toyota, 247. (26) Kaz Grala, Chevrolet, 247. (25) Jack Wood #, Chevrolet, 247. (27) Lawless Alan #, Chevrolet, 247. (28) Rajah Caruth, Chevrolet, 247. (20) Hailie Deegan, Ford, 247. (13) Austin Wayne Self, Chevrolet, 247. (22) Colby Howard, Chevrolet, 246. (30) Joey Gase(i), Chevrolet, 246. (33) Chad Chastain, Chevrolet, 246. (36) Timmy Hill, Toyota, 245. (32) Spencer Boyd, Chevrolet, 244. (35) Mason Maggio, Toyota, 242. (23) Blaine Perkins #, Chevrolet, 224. (29) Dean Thompson #, Chevrolet, 223. (34) Nick Leitz, Chevrolet, Accident, 209. Average Speed of Race Winner: 96.209 mph. Time of Race: 1 Hrs, 56 Mins, 56 Secs. Margin of Victory: 2.790 Seconds. Caution Flags: 3 for 25 laps. Lead Changes: 4 among 3 drivers. Lap Leaders: C. Smith (P) 1;T. Majeski (P) 2-74;J. Nemechek (P) 75;C. Smith (P) 76-250. Leaders Summary (Driver, Times Lead, Laps Led): Chandler Smith (P) 2 times for 176 laps; Ty Majeski (P) 1 time for 73 laps; John Hunter Nemechek (P) 1 time for 1 lap. Stage #1 Top Ten: 66,4,18,52,23,16,88,62,98,51 Stage #2 Top Ten: 18,4,23,66,17,51,52,88,38,16

By Reid Spencer NASCAR Wire Service Richmond, Va. – Last Sunday at Michigan, Kevin Harvick broke a 65-race drought. Now the driver of the No. 4 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford has a two-race winning streak. Chased by runner-up Christopher Bell and third-place finisher Chris Buescher over the closing laps, Harvick threaded his way through traffic to win Sunday’s Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond Raceway by .441 seconds. The NASCAR Cup Series victory was Harvick’s fourth at the .75-mile short track—his first there since 2013—and the 60th of his career, tying him with Kyle Busch for most among active drivers and ninth all-time. Harvick led twice for 55 laps, passing eventual sixth-place finisher Joey Logano for the lead on Lap 334 and regaining it from Denny Hamlin on Lap 353 at the end of a cycle of green-flag pit stops. “It’s like I said last week, the cars have been running good week-in and week-out,” Harvick said, “and you see that we have a lot better understanding of what’s going on with how we adjusted on the car after the first run and were able to get our car handling a lot better. “I think as it got dark, the race track really came to our Mobil 1 Ford Mustang.” By pitting one circuit earlier than Logano on Lap 340, Buescher leap-frogged the Team Penske driver and began to chase Harvick, who led the final 48 laps. Buescher got to Harvick’s bumper in traffic but couldn’t make a run for the lead. The driver of the No. 17 Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing Ford lost his chance for a serendipitous victory when Harvick lapped Bubba Wallace and Buescher stayed trapped behind Wallace’s No. 23 Toyota and fell two seconds behind. “Just burned the rear tires up,” said Buescher, who needs a victory to qualify for the Cup Playoffs. “Ultimately that’s on me. Lapped traffic didn’t do us any favors, either, but ultimately just got to keep the rears under us a little bit better so we can have a little bit better shot there to get after him for the win.” On 12-lap fresher tires, Bell charged forward, slipped past Buescher on Lap 396 of 400 and closed on Harvick before running out of time. “Well, I knew he was coming, but I forgot to shift down the front straightaway the last time,” Harvick said. “I was not paying attention, and he got closer than he should have. I made a mistake there a couple laps doing the same thing. I wasn’t shifting on the back, and I was shifting on the front. There was a lot going on, and made a couple mistakes, let him get too close.” Bell, who already has a victory to his credit this season, seemed pleased with the runner-up result. “Really, really proud of (crew chief) Adam Stevens, this entire 20 group,” Bell said. “The Rheem Camry didn’t feel very good at the beginning, and we had our fair share of troubles (including a spin on Lap 250), and the pit crew really came through at the end there with some blazing stops and allowed us to get in front of the 11 (Hamlin), who was on the same strategy as us and get up there and contend.” In the battle for the last position in the Playoffs, Ryan Blaney widened his advantage over Martin Truex Jr. despite finishing 10th to Truex’s seventh. The difference was in stage points. Blaney scored 11 to none for Truex and now leads the 2017 series champion by 26 with two races left in the regular season. Hamlin came home fourth, followed by Chase Elliott. Logano led a race-high 222 laps, but his No. 22 Ford wasn’t as strong in the twilight as it had been earlier in the race. “Yeah, I think just as the sun went down and the track cooled off, (we) lost some turn on our car,” Logano said. “Kevin and some others got a lot better the last couple of runs in the race. When it was hot and slick, that was probably our strength with the Shell Pennzoil Mustang.” The Cup Series heads for Watkins Glen next Sunday for the 25th regular-season race. –30– NASCAR Cup Series Race – 65th Annual Federated Auto Parts 400 Richmond Raceway Richmond, Virginia Sunday, August 14, 2022 (13) Kevin Harvick, Ford, 400. (21) Christopher Bell, Toyota, 400. (18) Chris Buescher, Ford, 400. (3) Denny Hamlin, Toyota, 400. (23) Chase Elliott, Chevrolet, 400. (17) Joey Logano, Ford, 400. (6) Martin Truex Jr., Toyota, 400. (32) Aric Almirola, Ford, 400. (29) Kyle Busch, Toyota, 400. (10) Ryan Blaney, Ford, 400. (4) William Byron, Chevrolet, 400. (33) Austin Cindric #, Ford, 399. (11) Bubba Wallace, Toyota, 399. (1) Kyle Larson, Chevrolet, 399. (8) Brad Keselowski, Ford, 399. (12) Austin Dillon, Chevrolet, 399. (22) Ty Dillon, Chevrolet, 398. (2) Ross Chastain, Chevrolet, 398. (24) Daniel Suarez, Chevrolet, 398. (5) Alex Bowman, Chevrolet, 398. (27) Justin Haley, Chevrolet, 398. (20) Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Chevrolet, 398. (15) Chase Briscoe, Ford, 397. (19) Noah Gragson(i), Chevrolet, 397. (30) Harrison Burton #, Ford, 397. (7) Cole Custer, Ford, 397. (16) Todd Gilliland #, Ford, 397. (31) Corey LaJoie, Chevrolet, 397. (34) Michael McDowell, Ford, 395. (25) Landon Cassill(i), Chevrolet, 395. (26) Tyler Reddick, Chevrolet, 394. (35) JJ Yeley(i), Ford, 393. (36) BJ McLeod(i), Ford, 392. (28) Cody Ware, Ford, 391. (9) Erik Jones, Chevrolet, Accident, 240. (14) Ty Gibbs(i), Toyota, Engine, 180. Average Speed of Race Winner: 98.11 mph. Time of Race: 3 Hrs, 3 Mins, 27 Secs. Margin of Victory: .441 Seconds. Caution Flags: 5 for 28 laps. Lead Changes: 16 among 9 drivers. Lap Leaders: K. Larson 0;R. Chastain 1-80;J. Logano 81-123;K. Larson 124;R. Blaney 125;C. Custer 126-127;R. Stenhouse Jr. 128-133;J. Logano 134-172;C. Elliott 173;J. Logano 174-234;K. Larson 235-244;J. Logano 245-294;D. Hamlin 295-304;J. Logano 305-333;K. Harvick 334-340;D. Hamlin 341-352;K. Harvick 353-400. Leaders Summary (Driver, Times Lead, Laps Led): Joey Logano 5 times for 222 laps; Ross Chastain 1 time for 80 laps; Kevin Harvick 2 times for 55 laps; Denny Hamlin 2 times for 22 laps; Kyle Larson 2 times for 11 laps; Ricky Stenhouse Jr. 1 time for 6 laps; Cole Custer 1 time for 2 laps; Ryan Blaney 1 time for 1 lap; Chase Elliott 1 time for 1 lap. Stage #1 Top Ten: 1,11,5,6,24,12,22,48,41,19 Stage #2 Top Ten: 22,5,11,4,12,10,17,9,14,18

By Adam Carabine

TOPEKA, Kan. (Aug. 13, 2022) – Bob Tasca III powered to the No. 1 qualifying spot for the second straight race on Saturday at Heartland Motorsports Park, securing the top position in Funny Car at the 33rd annual Menards NHRA Nationals presented by PetArmor. Mike Salinas (Top Fuel), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and Joey Gladstone (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also qualified No. 1 at the 14th of 22 races during the 2022 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season. Tasca’s run of 3.930-seconds at 323.81 mph in his 11,000-horsepower BG Products Ford Mustang held up from Friday, giving the veteran his ninth career No. 1 qualifier in the process. He’ll look for his second win in three races on Sunday, as well as his first career victory in Topeka, entering eliminations with plenty of momentum. In addition to Friday’s run, Tasca made the best run of Saturday’s two sessions to close out qualifying, going a stout 3.940 at 322.96 to end the day on another huge positive. “That track is so good out there and this air is so hard to make power, but this BG Mustang showed them we’re out here making some real horsepower,” Tasca said. “Hats off to the guys, but I’ll tell you one thing, we got a yellow (No. 1 qualifier) hat in Seattle, and we didn’t get to trade it in for a blue (winner’s) hat. Tomorrow, we want to trade this thing in for a blue hat.” Points leader Robert Hight, who is looking for his seventh win this season, qualified second thanks to his 3.931 at 323.81 from Friday, while defending event winner John Force’s 3.932 at 312.71 secured the third spot for the 16-time world champion. On the strength of his standout run of 3.754 at 323.19 from Friday, Salinas clinched his third No. 1 qualifier of the season in his 11,000-horsepower Pep Boys/Scrappers Racing dragster. It’s also the 11th career top spot for Salinas, who will open eliminations against Terry Totten. He made a solid run to close out qualifying on Saturday, giving the veteran confidence as Salinas, who is second in points, heads into raceday looking for his fifth win of the season and his first victory in Topeka. “This year will be the best year in Top Fuel racing that I’ve ever seen,” Salinas said. “The competition is almost like a bracket car. It’s so close and you can’t make any mistakes. You have to be on your ‘A’ game every run and all the people we’re racing against, you can’t take any of them lightly because everybody is doing such a great job. Look at how close the fields are. It’s just amazing and I’m happy to be a part of this thing, and I’m happy to beat up on them, too.” Two-time winner this year Justin Ashley qualified second with a 3.765 at 320.43 and Josh Hart took the third spot after his pass of 3.766 at 310.41 from Friday. Points leader Brittany Force qualified sixth. Anderson picked up his second straight No. 1 qualifier with his run of 6.623 at 205.44 from Friday in his HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro. It gives the defending world champ his 120th career No. 1 spot, putting Anderson on a great path to claim his 100th career victory on Sunday. He made a pair of quality runs in the heat on Saturday at Topeka’s House of Speed, adding to his confidence level heading into eliminations, where Anderson will also try to grab his fifth career victory in Topeka, which would tie Warren Johnson for the most in Pro Stock history at the track. “We’ve been working hard to catch up, trying to find horsepower,” Anderson said. “We’ve been able to improve the last couple weeks and we’re a legitimate player again, and we’ve got a chance to win again. We can absolutely contend for wins again and that’s great and all you can ask for when you show up to race. It’s been a bit of a long season, but it’s turning around and just in time for the playoffs. We’ve still got a chance to finish big.” Seattle winner Troy Coughlin Jr. qualified second with his 6.632 at 208.04 from Friday, also making the quickest runs in each of the two qualifying sessions on Saturday. Points leader Erica Enders, who has six wins this year, took third thanks to her 6.632 at 207.62. Gladstone earned his first career No. 1 qualifier in Pro Stock Motorcycle, as his outstanding run of 6.831 at 195.08 on his J&A Service Suzuki Hayabusa easily held up through two rounds of qualifying on Saturday. But Gladstone also impressed in those two sessions on Saturday, dipping into the 6.80s each time and making the quickest run in each qualifying session. Coming off his first career victory in the class, three impressive runs in qualifying gives him plenty of momentum heading into eliminations. He’ll also start raceday as the points leader, slipping past Angelle Sampey with his standout performance over the past two days. “I hope this wave never crashes,” Gladstone said. “I’m enjoying this ride while it lasts and I’m so happy. I’ve been waiting my whole life for moments like this and I can’t say enough about my team and how much fun we’re having. They’re so great and I’m so thankful for all they do and allowing us to come out here.” Sampey, who won at Topeka in 1997 in Pro Stock Motorcycle’s last race at the track, took second with a 6.882 at 195.14, also running well to close out qualifying, and is just four points back of Gladstone. Eddie Krawiec improved to a 6.913 at 194.16 to take third. In the FuelTech NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by D-Wagon, Khalid AlBalooshi qualified No. 1 with a run of 5.840, but the former world champ fell in the first round to J.R. Gray, who went 5.892 at 245.85 to win the opening round of eliminations. Points leader Kris Thorne, who already has three victories this year, also won in the first round with the best run of the opening stanza, going 5.854 at 247.79. Eliminations for the Pro Mod race, which is powered by M&M Transmission in Topeka, will continue Sunday. Eliminations for the Menards NHRA Nationals presented by PetArmor begin at 10:30 a.m. CT on Sunday at Heartland Motorsports Park. *** TOPEKA, Kan. -- Sunday's first-round pairings for eliminations for the 33rd annual Menards NHRA Heartland Nationals presented by PetArmor at Heartland Motorsports Park, the 14th of 22 events in the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series. Pairings based on results in qualifying, which ended Saturday. DNQs listed below pairings. Top Fuel -- 1. Mike Salinas, 3.754 seconds, 323.19 mph vs. 16. Terry Totten, 4.026, 253.56; 2. Justin Ashley, 3.765, 320.43 vs. 15. Buddy Hull, 3.959, 275.90; 3. Josh Hart, 3.766, 310.41 vs. 14. Austin Prock, 3.930, 298.93; 4. Steve Torrence, 3.772, 316.38 vs. 13. Kyle Wurtzel, 3.907, 308.64; 5. Doug Kalitta, 3.795, 318.69 vs. 12. Tony Schumacher, 3.827, 302.82; 6. Brittany Force, 3.800, 324.59 vs. 11. Antron Brown, 3.818, 281.89; 7. Leah Pruett, 3.804, 316.97 vs. 10. Doug Foley, 3.818, 299.13; 8. Clay Millican, 3.810, 297.61 vs. 9. Shawn Langdon, 3.817, 313.22. Funny Car -- 1. Bob Tasca III, Ford Mustang, 3.930, 323.81 vs. 14. Jack Wyatt, Dodge Charger, 4.392, 212.23; 2. Robert Hight, Chevy Camaro, 3.931, 323.81 vs. 13. Jim Campbell, Charger, 4.064, 312.28; 3. John Force, Camaro, 3.932, 312.71 vs. 12. Cruz Pedregon, Charger, 4.043, 284.62; 4. Matt Hagan, Charger, 3.943, 320.58 vs. 11. Chad Green, Mustang, 4.031, 311.99; 5. Blake Alexander, Mustang, 3.949, 318.99 vs. 10. Paul Lee, Charger, 4.024, 315.42; 6. Tim Wilkerson, Mustang, 3.977, 318.17 vs. 9. Ron Capps, Toyota Supra, 4.003, 313.66; 7. Alexis DeJoria, Supra, 3.983, 295.66 vs. 8. J.R. Todd, Supra, 3.986, 323.50. Pro Stock -- 1. Greg Anderson, Chevy Camaro, 6.623, 205.44 vs. Bye; 2. Troy Coughlin Jr., Camaro, 6.632, 208.04 vs. 15. Chris McGaha, Camaro, 6.810, 203.95; 3. Erica Enders, Camaro, 6.632, 207.62 vs. 14. Fernando Cuadra, Ford Mustang, 6.753, 204.79; 4. Aaron Stanfield, Camaro, 6.634, 207.66 vs. 13. Camrie Caruso, Camaro, 6.691, 204.76; 5. Kyle Koretsky, Camaro, 6.655, 205.91 vs. 12. Mason McGaha, Camaro, 6.687, 206.95; 6. Dallas Glenn, Camaro, 6.655, 205.04 vs. 11. Deric Kramer, Camaro, 6.684, 205.13; 7. Cristian Cuadra, Mustang, 6.665, 206.92 vs. 10. Fernando Cuadra Jr., Mustang, 6.679, 206.51; 8. Bo Butner, Camaro, 6.672, 206.32 vs. 9. Matt Hartford, Camaro, 6.678, 206.35. Pro Stock Motorcycle -- 1. Joey Gladstone, Suzuki, 6.831, 195.08 vs. 14. David Barron, EBR, broke; 2. Angelle Sampey, Suzuki, 6.882, 195.14 vs. 13. Jianna Evaristo, Suzuki, 7.080, 187.91; 3. Eddie Krawiec, Suzuki, 6.913, 194.16 vs. 12. Ryan Oehler, EBR, 7.060, 191.21; 4. Angie Smith, EBR, 6.926, 197.28 vs. 11. Chris Bostick, Suzuki, 7.001, 191.35; 5. LE Tonglet, Suzuki, 6.927, 194.88 vs. 10. Marc Ingwersen, EBR, 6.997, 191.59; 6. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 6.935, 194.60 vs. 9. Matt Smith, Suzuki, 6.995, 196.59; 7. Karen Stoffer, Suzuki, 6.946, 194.24 vs. 8. Jerry Savoie, Suzuki, 6.962, 194.44.

Daytona Beach, FL (August 13, 2022) – NASCAR announced today a new multi-year partnership with leading full-service logistics partner Worldwide Express, naming the company the “Official Logistics Partner of NASCAR”. The news comes on the morning of Worldwide Express’ entitlement race, the Worldwide Express 250 for Carrier Appreciation at Richmond Raceway. Since becoming a primary team sponsor earlier this year, Worldwide Express has expanded its presence in NASCAR, signing on as the entitlement sponsor for this weekend’s NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race, announced earlier this summer. In addition to the NASCAR Official Partnership, Worldwide Express has also been designated the “Official Logistics Partner of Richmond Raceway.” “As a full-service logistics provider, Worldwide Express knows the amount of hard work and dedication our teams, tracks and employees put into each race weekend,” said Daryl Wolfe, Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer at NASCAR. “Our sport is always on the go, so we’re thrilled to welcome a company like Worldwide Express who knows what it takes to deliver a winning race weekend to our fans.” Worldwide Express and its sister brands, GlobalTranz and Unishippers, began partnerships earlier this year with NASCAR teams Trackhouse Racing and Niece Motorsports, with the company serving as a primary sponsor for both teams. “We are incredibly excited to build on our successful involvement in NASCAR at the team and race level to now serve as the Official Logistics Partner for NASCAR as well as for Richmond Raceway,” said Worldwide Express President Rob Rose. “We are uniquely suited to help manage the logistical complexity that NASCAR and its teams deal with each week to host and compete in world-class races. We look forward to partnering with NASCAR to deliver exhilarating race weekends over the coming years.” Founded in 1992, the Worldwide Express family of brands has become a top-ranked, full-service logistics provider and the second-largest privately held freight brokerage in North America, with customers spanning from SMBs to the Fortune 100. More than 115,000 shippers benefit from enhanced visibility and efficiency for their supply chains thanks to the company’s market-leading solutions for parcel, less-than-truckload (LTL) and truckload shipping and managed transportation services, which are driven by proprietary technology, unique data assets and business intelligence capabilities. To learn more about Worldwide Express, visit wwex.com and for more information on Worldwide Express Racing, visit www.wwexracing.com .

--PRESS RELEASE LOS ANGELES (Aug. 11, 2022) – Fans can now buy tickets to the most-anticipated sequel in recent NASCAR history. NASCAR announced today that tickets are on sale for the 2023 Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum as excitement builds for racing’s return to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The blockbuster event will be held on Feb. 5 and include all of the thrills, chills and spills that only NASCAR racing can provide inside one of the most iconic venues in the history of sport. “The LA Coliseum was the place to be during the first Sunday in February this year, and that will certainly be the case for next year’s Busch Light Clash,” said Ben Kennedy, NASCAR’s senior vice president for racing development and strategy. “The fans who missed out this year now have a golden opportunity to join us in 2023, and it’s going to be a celebration to remember. It will be the first event of NASCAR’s 75th Anniversary season and an integral part of the Coliseum’s centennial.” Tickets for the 2023 Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum begin at $65, and kids 12-and-under are $10. Those are the same prices charged for this year’s inaugural showcase, which not only featured NASCAR’s season-opening exhibition race, but also included unforgettable performances by international superstars Ice Cube, Pitbull and DJ Skee. The musical lineup for the 2023 Busch Light Clash will be cast in the coming weeks, but one thing is already certain – the stars of the NASCAR Cup Series will be the main box-office draw. They’ll deliver intense, door-to-door racing on a quarter-mile asphalt track that’s nestled inside the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Four preliminary heats and two last-chance qualifiers will set the stage for the main event featuring 23 daring drivers. They will all try to capture the spotlight Joey Logano enjoyed by winning the first NASCAR race in the heart of Los Angeles earlier this year. We also know that the NASCAR Fan Fest at the Coliseum will also be bigger and better, featuring more fun and interactive elements for racing fans of all ages. Fans in California can also share their excitement by purchasing customized license plates at nascarplates.com that benefit California’s Outdoors for All initiative and The NASCAR Foundation. For the latest information and to secure the best seats for the 2023 Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum, fans are encouraged to visit nascarclash.com. About The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, a living memorial to all who served in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War I, has been a civic treasure for generations of Angelenos. Located in the Exposition Park neighborhood of Los Angeles, CA, the Coliseum is a 77,500 capacity multi-purpose stadium which opened in 1923. Home to the USC Trojans, the legendary stadium has been named as one of the nation’s 40 best stadiums to experience college football by Sporting News, and ranked USC football at the Coliseum as the nation’s No. 3 stadium experience by StadiumJourney.com. Following a recent renovation in 2019, the stadium is now home to a newly added seven-story suite and press tower which includes luxurious suites, loge boxes, club seats, a new press box, and the rooftop 1923 Club with a 360-degree view of the Los Angeles basin; along with several upgrades including new seating, updated technology and concession stands, additional food options for guests, and much more. The legacy of events and individuals hosted in nine-plus-decades reads like no other, including the only venue to host two Opening and Closing Ceremonies, and the Track and Field Competition for the Summer Olympics (Xth Olympiad in 1932, XXIIIrd Olympiad in 1984) and soon a third (XXXIVth Olympiad in 2028); home to college football’s USC Trojans since 1923 and the UCLA Bruins (1928-1981); professional football’s Los Angeles Rams (1946-1979 and 2016-2019); appearances by U.S. Presidents Franklin D Roosevelt, Dwight Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon, and Ronald Reagan; and international dignitaries such as Martin Luther King, Jr., Cesar Chavez, Pope John Paul II, the Dalai Lama, and Nelson Mandela, to name a few. Additionally, the Coliseum, designated a National Historic monument in 1984, has hosted some of the greatest acts in entertainment, including Bruce Springsteen, The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, Prince, and many more. For more information please visit lacoliseum.com.

TOPEKA, Kan. (Aug. 12, 2022) – Top Fuel standout Mike Salinas closed out Friday at Heartland Motorsports Park with the top run of the night, racing to the provisional No. 1 spot at the 33rd annual Menards NHRA Nationals presented by PetArmor. Bob Tasca III (Funny Car), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and Joey Gladstone (Pro Stock Motorcycle) are also the provisional No. 1 qualifiers at the 14th of 22 races during the 2022 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season. Racing next to points leader Brittany Force on the final run of the evening, it was Salinas who had the top performance of the opening round of qualifying, delivering a strong pass of 3.754-seconds at 323.19 mph in his 11,000-horsepower Pep Boys dragster. If it holds, it would give Salinas, who has four wins this season, his third No. 1 qualifier in 2022 and 11th in his career. Salinas led the points for a two-race stretch earlier this summer before Force jumped back in the lead, and the veteran is trying to close the gap again this weekend in Topeka. “The way we’re doing this, we’re taking it one round at a time and not getting too far ahead of ourselves,” Salinas said. “There’s a lot of racing ahead of us and a lot of great teams. You can just see the cars getting closer and closer. Tomorrow is going to be awesome. Our cars love the heat and we’re getting ready for Sunday. It’s going to be a dogfight and it's anybody’s race out there. All the Top Fuel cars are so close here.” Justin Ashley, who has a pair of wins this season, is second with a 3.765 at 320.43 and Josh Hart is third after going 3.766 at 310.41. Force is currently sixth. In a thrilling round of Funny Car on Friday, Tasca edged out the John Force Racing tandem of Robert Hight and John Force with an impressive run of 3.930 at 323.81 in his 11,000-horsepower BG Products Ford Mustang to take the provisional No. 1 spot. After advancing to back-to-back final rounds on the Western Swing, winning in Sonoma, Tasca qualified No. 1 in Seattle and will now look for his second straight top spot and the ninth in his career. Tasca’s strengthened his championship resume in recent weeks and started his weekend in Topeka strong as he looks for his first career win at Heartland Motorsports Park. “It’s nice to start off from the No. 1 position,” Tasca said. “This is big because it’s going to get hot out. Look how competitive the class is. It just shows you how tough it is out here.” Hight, the current points leader and six-time winner in 2022, is right on Tasca’s heels with a 3.931 at 323.81 and Force, the defending event winner, is third after his pass of 3.932 at 312.71. Anderson put himself in position to qualify No. 1 for the second straight race, going right to the top of the Pro Stock field at Topeka’s House of Speed on Friday with a run of 6.623 at 205.44 in his HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro. It would also be the defending world champ’s 120th career top spot, but the veteran is chasing a bigger goal right now and that is his 100th victory. He has run significantly better as of late, qualifying No. 1 in Seattle and advancing to the final round in Sonoma, and the five-time world champ hopes to finish the job this weekend and pick up his first victory of the year. “I need (a win) bad. It’s been a long year so far and we’ve not performed like we’ve needed to,” Anderson said. “But these last 3 three races, we’ve gained each race and we’re coming along just in time for the playoffs. We’re coming and we’re definitely a threat to win again. That 100th win is still around the corner and I’m confident we’re going to get it. We’re just going to keep doing what we’ve been doing and we’re knocking on the door.” Troy Coughlin Jr., who picked up his first career Pro Stock win at the most recent race in Seattle, sits second with his 6.632 at 208.04, while teammate and points leader Erica Enders is right behind with an identical 6.632 at a slightly slower 207.62. A race after picking up his first career Pro Stock Motorcycle win, Gladstone is now on track to pick up his first career No. 1 qualifier in the class thanks to a stellar run of 6.831 at 195.08 on his J&A Service Suzuki Hayabusa. That run gave Gladstone a significant advantage over the rest of the field, including points leader Angelle Sampey, who went 6.882 at 195.14 in the pairing with Gladstone. Beyond that, no other rider reached the 6.80s, as Gladstone put on an impressive show on Friday. It is his first appearance at Heartland Motorsports Park in Pro Stock Motorcycle – and the first for the class since 1997 – and Gladstone showed no let-up following his Sonoma win. “The run felt really good, and this is a new track for most people in the class,” Gladstone said. “I didn’t really know what to expect, but it was good down low to put a (good) number down. We made a call as a team and it worked out, and that feels pretty good. (The win) proved to me that I could do it, but now it gives you some nerves being up high in the points. This whole facility is so cool and it’s awesome. It’s a unique place and I really like it so far.” Sampey, who won the race in Topeka in 1997, currently sits in second, while her Vance & Hines teammate Eddie Krawiec is a spot behind after his run of 6.929 at 195.99. Qualifying continues at 2:00 p.m. CT on Saturday at the Menards NHRA Nationals presented by PetArmor at Heartland Motorsports Park. *** TOPEKA, Kan. -- Friday's results after the first one of three rounds of qualifying for the 33rd annual Menards NHRA Heartland Nationals presented by PetArmor at Heartland Motorsports Park, 14th of 22 events in the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series. Qualifying will continue Saturday for Sunday's final eliminations. Top Fuel -- 1. Mike Salinas, 3.754 seconds, 323.19 mph; 2. Justin Ashley, 3.765, 320.43; 3. Josh Hart, 3.766, 310.41; 4. Steve Torrence, 3.772, 316.38; 5. Doug Kalitta, 3.795, 318.69; 6. Brittany Force, 3.800, 324.59; 7. Leah Pruett, 3.804, 316.97; 8. Shawn Langdon, 3.817, 313.22; 9. Doug Foley, 3.818, 299.13; 10. Antron Brown, 3.818, 281.89; 11. Clay Millican, 3.842, 279.96; 12. Tony Schumacher, 3.872, 287.72; 13. Buddy Hull, 3.959, 275.90; 14. Kyle Wurtzel, 3.999, 303.84; 15. Terry Totten, 4.026, 253.56; 16. Austin Prock, 7.556, 55.96. Funny Car -- 1. Bob Tasca III, Ford Mustang, 3.930, 323.81; 2. Robert Hight, Chevy Camaro, 3.931, 323.81; 3. John Force, Camaro, 3.932, 312.71; 4. Matt Hagan, Dodge Charger, 3.943, 320.58; 5. Blake Alexander, Mustang, 3.949, 318.99; 6. Alexis DeJoria, Toyota Supra, 3.983, 295.66; 7. J.R. Todd, Supra, 3.986, 323.50; 8. Ron Capps, Supra, 4.003, 313.66; 9. Paul Lee, Charger, 4.024, 315.42; 10. Chad Green, Mustang, 4.031, 311.99; 11. Cruz Pedregon, Charger, 4.043, 284.62; 12. Jim Campbell, Charger, 4.064, 312.28; 13. Jack Wyatt, Charger, 4.392, 212.23; 14. Tim Wilkerson, Mustang, 7.016, 97.18. Pro Stock -- 1. Greg Anderson, Chevy Camaro, 6.623, 205.44; 2. Troy Coughlin Jr., Camaro, 6.632, 208.04; 3. Erica Enders, Camaro, 6.632, 207.62; 4. Aaron Stanfield, Camaro, 6.634, 207.66; 5. Kyle Koretsky, Camaro, 6.655, 205.91; 6. Dallas Glenn, Camaro, 6.655, 205.04; 7. Cristian Cuadra, Ford Mustang, 6.665, 206.92; 8. Bo Butner, Camaro, 6.672, 206.32; 9. Matt Hartford, Camaro, 6.678, 206.35; 10. Fernando Cuadra Jr., Mustang, 6.679, 206.51; 11. Deric Kramer, Camaro, 6.684, 205.13; 12. Mason McGaha, Camaro, 6.687, 206.95; 13. Camrie Caruso, Camaro, 6.691, 204.76; 14. Chris McGaha, Camaro, 7.118, 204.94. Pro Stock Motorcycle -- 1. Joey Gladstone, Suzuki, 6.831, 195.08; 2. Angelle Sampey, Suzuki, 6.882, 195.14; 3. Eddie Krawiec, Suzuki, 6.929, 195.99; 4. LE Tonglet, Suzuki, 6.941, 195.42; 5. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 6.942, 193.71; 6. Jerry Savoie, Suzuki, 6.962, 194.44; 7. Angie Smith, EBR, 6.981, 196.47; 8. Matt Smith, Suzuki, 6.995, 196.59; 9. Chris Bostick, Suzuki, 7.001, 191.35; 10. Karen Stoffer, Suzuki, 7.007, 193.57; 11. Jianna Evaristo, Suzuki, 7.081, 191.57; 12. Marc Ingwersen, EBR, 7.221, 187.94; 13. Ryan Oehler, EBR, 7.672, 137.98; 14. David Barron, EBR, broke.

Mooresville, N.C. (Aug. 12, 2022) — 23XI Racing announced today that Bubba Wallace has signed a multi-year extension to remain with the team. Wallace joined 23XI in September of 2020 as the team’s inaugural driver, earning 23XI its first NASCAR Cup Series win at Talladega Superspeedway in 2021 and first pole award at Michigan International Speedway in 2022. Wallace, driver of the No. 23 Toyota Camry TRD, has played an integral role in the team’s growth and will continue to do so going forward. In addition to his on-track accomplishments, Wallace has also been involved in various diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts to expand the NASCAR industry and fan base. Wallace has worked on initiatives such as the Dr Pepper 23XI Speed Institute Tuition Program, Embrace Home Loans’ Wider Path Home/23XI Racing Down Payment Assistance Grant and Bubba’s Block Party, which aims to bring the excitement of NASCAR to a younger, more diverse audience. Through his Live to be Different Foundation, Wallace also gives back to the community through back-to-school backpack drives in the Charlotte area and discussions with Knowledge is Power Program (KIPP) students at racetracks across the country. Additionally, Wallace’s clothing design collaborations with both McDonald’s and Columbia Sportswear Company have brought NASCAR to a new audience. “Bubba was a key part of the early stages of 23XI, and I am thrilled that he will continue with the team,” said 23XI Racing Co-Owner Denny Hamlin. “When we announced Bubba as our first driver the goal was to help him take his career to a higher level, and we have done just that. Bubba and the No. 23 team earned the organization our first win and first pole award, and with a career-best four consecutive top-10 finishes heading into Richmond this weekend, Bubba is continuing to get more competitive each week. We’re excited to see his growth as he and the team work toward achieving our goals.” “It feels great to get this renewal done and to know I have a home at 23XI Racing,” said Wallace. “Thanks to M.J. and Denny for continuing to believe in me. We’ve come a long way together in less than two years and we’ve checked off some major goals along the way – including the team’s first win and first pole. We know we still have work to do, both on and off the race track, but I feel good about our team and the direction we’re heading.”

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (Aug. 11, 2022) – As a tribute to our nation’s military and first responders on a solemn day of remembrance, Lee Greenwood will sing his patriotic hit “God Bless The USA” prior to the start of the Hollywood Casino 400 presented by Barstool Sportsbook on Sunday, Sept. 11 at Kansas Speedway. Greenwood has made appearances at various NASCAR events throughout the years to perform the chart-topping song, a classic at sporting events and patriotic celebrations across the country. “God Bless the USA” earned two Grammy nominations and has been in the top five on the country singles charts three times (1991, 2001, and 2003), the only song in any genre to achieve that feat. “To have Lee Greenwood perform such an iconic song at Kansas Speedway on such an important day is truly momentous,” said Kansas Speedway President Pat Warren. “‘God Bless The USA’ always fills me with great pride and emotion, and it really has the power to bring people together. I’m looking forward to hearing it live.” An international country music star, Greenwood has earned multiple CMA and ACM awards, as well as a Grammy for Top Male Vocal Performance on his song “I.O.U.” With seven No. 1 songs and 25 charted singles, Greenwood’s impressive discography spans over four decades. He previously served on the National Endowment of the Arts Council under three different US presidents and has performed at some of the country’s greatest venues, now adding Kansas Speedway to that list. Greenwood’s performance before Sunday’s race is just one of many events commemorating service members and first responders at Kansas Speedway throughout the weekend of Sept. 9-11. The traveling VAU (Veterans and Athletes United) Fallen Heroes Memorial Wall will be on display in the fan zone along with a mahogany battlefield cross, sculpted by veteran artist Alicia Dietz. The 28-foot-wide by 6-foot-tall American flag wall is decorated with red, white and blue colored dog tags of service members who have fallen in the Global War on Terror since Sept. 11, 2001. In addition to the fan zone memorial, the traditional pedal car trophies awarded to Kansas Speedway pole winners will resemble fire and police vehicles as a tribute to first responders. The awards are handed out to pole winners in all three NASCAR national series competing in Kansas City that weekend – the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. The weekend kicks off on Friday, Sept. 9, with the Kansas Lottery 200, the final race in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Playoffs’ Round of 10. It continues Saturday with an exciting doubleheader featuring the NASCAR Xfinity Series’ Kansas Lottery 300 and the ARCA Menards Series’ Kansas Lottery 150. And then on Sunday, following a pre-race concert by country music star and U.S. Army veteran Craig Morgan and Greenwood’s performance, the stars of the NASCAR Cup Series will compete in the Hollywood Casino 400 presented by Barstool Sportsbook. Admission to the concert is free with purchase of a ticket to Sunday’s race. For more details regarding the upcoming race weekend and ticket information, please visit www.kansasspeedway.com .

TALLADEGA, Ala. (Aug. 11, 2022) – Talladega Superspeedway is proud to announce that multi-Platinum singer-songwriter Chase Rice, who also has NASCAR ties, will be the featured artist for the track’s traditional Saturday Night Infield Concert, Oct. 1, during an exciting NASCAR Playoffs weekend, featuring the YellaWood 500. Rice will take the stage at NASCAR’s “Party Capital” just hours after the conclusion of the Sparks 300 (NASCAR Xfinity Series) and Chevy Silverado 250 (NASCAR Camping World Truck Series) races, and the night before the YellaWood 500 NASCAR Cup Series event (Sunday, Oct. 2). It will mark the second time that Rice has performed at the biggest and baddest race track on the planet (spring of 2015). The best part about the concert is that admission is FREE with the purchase of a Sunday race ticket for the YellaWood 500. Breakout country artist Bailey Zimmerman will open the anticipated night. “We are thrilled to have Chase Rice back with us at Talladega Superspeedway for our popular Saturday Night Infield Concert,” said Talladega Superspeedway Chairman Brian Crichton. “We have amazing fans, and knowing what an incredible entertainer Chase is, everyone in attendance is going to have an incredible time. Chase will continue the tradition in our world-famous infield, and it’s one fans will not want to miss.” With more than 2.3 million albums sold and over 2.3 billion total streams, plus a legion of passionate fans at his high-energy concerts across the globe, Rice has established himself as a powerful force in Nashville and beyond. With a forthcoming album crafted in his rural Tennessee home-turned-studio, his sound continues to evolve to reflect the realities of his life, as evidenced by recent single “If I Were Rock & Roll” and his latest release, “Key West & Colorado.” The new music serves as a follow up to his three-part project, The Album , featuring his latest Platinum-certified No. 1 hit, “Drinkin’ Beer. Talkin’ God. Amen. (featuring Florida Georgia Line)” and Platinum-certified Top 10 hit “Lonely If You Are.” This is the same gravelly-voiced Chase Rice fans first fell in love with years ago – but better. Freer. Unbeholden and uninhibited, somehow capable of evoking Chris LeDoux and The Chronic , campfire singalongs and stadium anthems, all at once. The new music builds upon the success of his sophomore album, Lambs & Lions , which featured the Triple-Platinum, two-week chart topper “Eyes On You” – Rice’s first No. 1 as an artist and the most-streamed song of his career. In addition to a hugely successful music career, Rice also has an athletic background as a former linebacker at the University of North Carolina, and was a part of the sport of NASCAR, serving as a rear tire carrier for the Hendrick Motorsports team pit crew before moving to Nashville to pursue music full-time.

TOPEKA, Kan. (Aug. 11, 2022) – A lengthy break in the schedule in the FuelTech NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by D-Wagon might have been just what Lyle Barnett needed. The standout driver suffered back-to-back first-round losses, dropping him from second to fourth in the points standings heading into the extended layoff. But teams have had seven weeks off since the last race, giving Barnett and his team plenty of time to get things back in order on his turbocharged Elite HP Camaro as the class returns during this weekend’s Menards NHRA Nationals presented by PetArmor at Heartland Motorsports Park. After winning two of the final three races to end the 2021 season in NHRA Pro Mod, Barnett had big hopes this year and he hopes some of that success starts to come his way at Topeka’s House of Speed this weekend. “We had to shake off whatever was ailing us,” Barnett said. “We’ve had a little string of bad luck. In Norwalk, we didn’t make the run we should have in the first round (against points leader Kris Thorne), and he got us. We should have won the four-wide race in Charlotte and I didn’t get the job done on the starting line like I usually do. We’ve had almost two months off to shake some of that off and we’ve just kept our nose down and continued to grind.” The race, which is the fifth of 10 events during the 2022 season in the FuelTech NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by D-Wagon, is powered by M&M Transmission, which is known for its championship-winning and record-setting transmissions and torque converters. It’s a top choice for Jose Gonzalez and Stevie “Fast” Jackson, who are the last two world title winners in the class, as well as points leader Thorne, Sidnei Frigo, Justin Bond, and Barnett. “Topeka is our home track, so it was a natural decision to support our NHRA Pro Mod racers and customers,” M&M Transmission Owner and CEO Mark Micke said. “Our on-track maintenance services are an extension of our beliefs of delivering reliability and performance to enable the quickest and fastest doorslammers in the world to win and set records.” Added Barnett: “It’s a racing company led by a race car driver, which is cool. When you think of transmissions and converters, Mark Micke is probably the first person that comes to mind. They have great trackside support and they’re awesome people and we all appreciate it.” Barnett is focused on a big weekend in Topeka as he aims to get back in championship contention at the halfway point in the 2022 campaign. By winning three of the first four races this season, Thorne has opened up a 107-point lead on multi-time world champ Rickie Smith, with Jackson and Barnett following in the next two spots. Barnett knows there’s plenty of work to do if running for a championship is in his future this year, but that process starts with a standout performance in Topeka. After the summer break, teams in the FuelTech NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by D-Wagon now race six times over the next two months to finish the year, and Barnett knows if he gets hot it could make for an interesting finish. “Kris has had an outstanding season and he’s driven really well, but we’re going to do everything we can to try and catch him,” Barnett said. “At the end of last year we had a string of races close together and we were able to get on a roll. If we can do that again, we can be pretty hard to stop, especially if I do my job on the starting line. I definitely think there’s an opportunity for us to make some strides. But it all starts Friday in Topeka during the first round of qualifying. You have to make a good run in Q1, so we’ll go up there and take a good swing at it.” The FuelTech NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by D-Wagon features the world’s fastest doorslammer cars, offering something unique for every drag racing fan. Featuring several different power adders and 250-mph action, the class continues to be a hit with fans. FuelTech NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by D-Wagon qualifying will feature two rounds at 2:30 and 5:30 p.m. CT on Friday, Aug. 12, and the final round of qualifying on Saturday, Aug. 13 at 1:15 p.m. The first round of eliminations for Pro Mod are scheduled for 4:30 p.m. CT on Saturday. To purchase tickets to the Menards NHRA Nationals presented by PetArmor, fans can visit www.nhra.com or call 800-884-6472. For more information about NHRA, visit www.nhra.com .

Written By: Matt Marr Photo By: Paul Sancya Bubba Wallace was the fastest in qualifying on Saturday, earning him his first career Cup Series pole. Rain delayed the start of the FireKeepers Casino 400 on Sunday which meant there was a competition caution at lap 20. A massive wreck took place on the restart with several drivers involved including JJ Yeley, Austin Cindric, Aric Almirola, Kyle Busch and others. The stage one victory belonged to Christopher Bell. With a push from Bell, Denny Hamlin passed Ross Chastain for the lead at lap 35 of stage 2. Hamlin held off Daniel Suarez to take the stage 2 win. With 42 laps to go in the race, caution is brought out as race leader Bell is turned into the wall by Chastain after an attempt to block. Stewart-Haas Racing and Ford have both struggled all season long to find speed and win races, but Kevin Harvick and found himself back in victory lane after a late race restart. It is his first win since the Bristol Night race of September 2020, marking a 65-race winless streak snapped. FireKeepers Casino 400 Top 5: 1. Kevin Harvick 2. Bubba Wallace 3. Denny Hamlin 4. Joey Logano 5. Ryan Blaney

TOPEKA, Kan. (Aug. 10, 2022) – Pro Stock Motorcycle will make its first appearance at Heartland Motorsports Park since 1997 for this weekend’s Menards NHRA Nationals, meaning Joey Gladstone will race in Topeka for the first time in the class. But Gladstone has enjoyed at least one other significant first lately, picking up his first career NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series victory last month in Sonoma. After two weeks off, Pro Stock Motorcycle is back in action at Topeka’s House of Speed and Gladstone is ready to keep the momentum going on his J&A Service Suzuki Hayabusa. The victory brought him within two points of leader Angelle Sampey and after a series of near-misses this year, including back-to-back runner-up showings before Sonoma, the win might have opened the floodgates for more Gladstone success in 2022. “Going to all these finals and losing, you wonder if it’s ever meant to be, but then you win and it makes all that sacrifice worth it,” Gladstone said. “It means more than you could ever imagine. (Sonoma) was just the start for us. We’re hungrier and we’re going to stand on it a little bit and try to get this championship. Now that the monkey (of getting a first win) is off my back, we’re going after the big one and trying to win a championship.” Brittany Force (Top Fuel), John Force (Funny Car) and Dallas Glenn (Pro Stock) won the 2021 event, and this year’s race will be broadcast on Fox Sports 1 (FS1), including live eliminations coverage starting at 2 p.m. ET on Sunday, Aug. 14. It is the ninth race during the 2022 Pro Stock Motorcycle season and with the Countdown to the Championship playoffs right around the corner, Gladstone knows he has to be on his game. That hasn’t been a problem lately, as he’s been the most consistent rider in the class this summer, advancing to three straight final rounds. He’s having the time of his life riding for team owner and close friend Cory Reed, becoming a legitimate championship contender in the process. He has to deal with a host of standouts in the two-wheeled category, including Sampey, who won the race at Topeka in 1997, Eddie Krawiec, defending world champ Matt Smith, Karen Stoffer, Steve Johnson, Jerry Savoie, and Angie Smith, but Gladstone has enjoyed being the thorn in the side of the category’s toughest competitors. He loves the challenge and has no plans of slowing down in his title hunt. “As long as I can stay out here, I will be out here,” Gladstone said. “The people we’re racing against – Matt, Angelle, Eddie, Jerry, Karen – are all top-tier. These people are stout and they’re all good. That makes it feel quite a bit better. They’ve been out here a while and we’re still green, but with a bit more time and refinement, I think that we can become one of those names. To be a pair of renegade 29–30-year-old guys swinging with these guys and making them sweat, this is so cool, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Speaking of first-time winners, Troy Coughlin Jr. grabbed his first career Pro Stock win in Seattle, cashing in to finish off the Western Swing after a strong recent run. After some struggles for much of the season, Coughlin and his team have found their footing and the results have been impressive in recent races in his JEGS.com/Elite Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro. He slipped past teammate and points leader Erica Enders in the Seattle final round, providing a jolt he had yet to experience in the professional ranks. Coughlin will look to keep that going in Topeka, where he ran well a year ago, and he’s eager for the challenge against class stalwarts like Enders, reigning world champ Greg Anderson, defending event winner Glenn, Kyle Koretsky, Mason McGaha, Matt Hartford, teammate Aaron Stanfield and rookie Camrie Caruso. Along with running well, the team has gained considerable confidence in recent weeks, putting Coughlin in a prime position to succeed the rest of the year. “We’re definitely gaining momentum and I can’t wait to get to Topeka,” Coughlin said. “If it were up to me, I would be racing 52 weeks a year. We love what we do. I’ve been surrounded by some wonderful people with great equipment, so we are definitely really blessed. I just can’t wait to keep going.” Brittany Force enjoyed a historic moment with her father, John, last year in Topeka, as they shared the winner’s circle for the first time and became the first father-daughter to win at the same race in NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series history. She has been impressive in Top Fuel in 2022, racking up four victories and the points lead. But getting a repeat win won’t be easy in a loaded field that includes Mike Salinas, who also has four victories this year, two-time race winner Doug Kalitta, Leah Pruett, Antron Brown, Seattle winner Tony Schumacher, Justin Ashley, Clay Millican and Josh Hart. J. Force earned an incredible 10th Funny Car victory at Heartland Motorsports Park a year ago, continuing his amazing success at the facility. Last year was his first Topeka win in 13 years and he’ll try to make it two in a row against a star-studded group of competitors. That list features points leader Robert Hight, who has six wins this year, Matt Hagan, defending world champ Ron Capps and Cruz Pedregon, who each have four wins at Topeka, Sonoma winner Bob Tasca III, J.R. Todd, Alexis DeJoria and Tim Wilkerson. The event also will feature thrilling competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, which includes some of the sport’s top drivers, as well as Street Legal exhibition runs and action in the FuelTech NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by D-Wagon. After nitro qualifying on Friday and Saturday, fans can see an exciting performance from the “Miss Elle” jet funny car driven by Mickey McCormick, as well as a wheelstander exhibition from the “Walking Tall” PT Cruiser driven by “NitroMike.” On Saturday, fans can also attend Nitro School at 1 p.m. in the Tony Stewart Racing pits to learn more about how the cars operate and reach their thrilling speeds. Race fans at Heartland Motorsports Park can enjoy the special pre-race ceremonies that introduce and celebrate each of the drivers racing for the prestigious Wally on Sunday and includes the fan favorite SealMaster Track Walk. The final can’t-miss experience of any NHRA event is the winner’s circle celebration on Sunday after racing concludes, where fans are invited to congratulate the Menards NHRA Nationals presented by PetArmor event winners. As always, fans also get an exclusive pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet in Topeka. This unique opportunity gives fans a unique chance to see teams in action and service their hot rods between rounds, get autographs from their favorite NHRA drivers and more. Fans can also visit NHRA’s popular Nitro Alley and Manufacturers Midway, where sponsors and race vendors create an exciting atmosphere that includes interactive displays, simulated competitions, merchandise, food and fun for the entire family. NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature one round at 6:30 p.m. CT on Friday, Aug. 12 and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, Aug. 13 at 2:00 and 5:00 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. CT on Sunday, Aug. 14. Television coverage includes qualifying action on FS1 at 4:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, and then eliminations at 2 p.m. ET Sunday. To purchase tickets to the Menards NHRA Nationals presented by PetArmor, fans can visit www.nhra.com or call 800-884-6472. For more information about NHRA, visit www.nhra.com .

DARLINGTON, S.C. (Aug. 10, 2022) – Darlington Raceway will welcome rising country music star Larry Fleet to perform the pre-race concert in advance of the 73rd running of the Cook Out Southern 500 NASCAR Cup Series Playoff race. The concert will be performed from the pre-race stage on the start-finish line in advance of the first race of the Cup Series Playoffs at the track Too Tough To Tame. “Before the green flag waves to start the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs, Larry Fleet will entertain with his original flavor of country music that our race fans are sure to enjoy,” said Kerry Tharp, Darlington Raceway President. “Larry Fleet is one of the rising stars of country music; I heard him perform earlier this year and he was outstanding. We look forward to welcoming him to a track that, just like him, is Too Tough To Tame.” “I’ve been a NASCAR fan for a long time, but have never made it to a race in person,” said Larry Fleet. “Getting to perform at Darlington before my first race in person is something I’m really looking forward to and it’s going to be a great time.” Blue-collar, Tennessee native Larry Fleet grew up with a love of music sparked by an eclectic mix of influences spanning Merle Haggard to Marvin Gaye. To make ends meet, he spent tireless hours working construction jobs – never losing sight of his dream to make music. A chance encounter with Jake Owen in 2017 led to a collaborative friendship and an opening slot on the road. Shortly thereafter, Fleet was sharing the stage with one of his heroes – Willie Nelson – and etching his mark in the Nashville songwriting community, co-writing with esteemed tunesmiths Rhett Akins, Brett James, and Kendell Marvel. The hard-working family man is turning heads now with full-length album, Stack of Records (Big Loud Records), produced by Joey Moi, the follow up to his aptly titled first project, Workin’ Hard . Breakout hit “Where I Find God” – a powerful ode to finding peace in a higher power’s presence – is featured on the new set, garnering Fleet praise for his “emotive vocals” ( Billboard ) and amassing over 25 million official music video views. Fleet recently wrapped a run supporting Morgan Wallen’s Dangerous Tour and will embark on his debut headlining One For The Road Tour on Sept. 15 in Omaha, Neb.

CONCORD, N.C. (AUG. 10, 2022) – Diamond-selling, multi-platinum, GRAMMY-winning rap superstar Nelly is set to rock the America’s Home for Racing with a high-energy pre-race concert before the Bank of America ROVAL™ 400 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Sunday, Oct. 9. The rapper, actor, entrepreneur and philanthropist will also headline driver introductions ahead of the most anticipated race in the NASCAR Playoffs. “I can’t wait to Rock the ROVAL and get fans revved up for an afternoon of NASCAR action,” Nelly said. “We’re bringing the party to Charlotte Motor Speedway and it’s going to be big!” Nelly is scheduled to perform a 60-minute concert featuring a wide range of hits like No. 1s “Grillz,” “Dilemma,” “Hot in Herre” and “Shake Ya Tailfeather.” Following the concert, the entertainment kingpin will help set the stage for the pivotal NASCAR Playoff showdown, taking part in the pre-race driver introductions before the green flag falls on the Bank of America ROVAL™ 400. The pre-race concert, which will take place on the infield of the innovative 2.28-mile ROVAL™, is free for fans with a Sunday Bank of America ROVAL™ 400 ticket. Fans can upgrade to a Track Pass for stage-front access to the concert and driver introductions. Nelly burst onto the music scene with his 2000 debut album “Country Grammer,” producing hit after hit for more than two decades. His most recent music was released last year with his eighth studio album “Heartland.” The music mogul has also found success on the silver screen – starring in Adam Sandler and Chris Rock’s “The Longest Yard,” as well as a recurring role on “CSI: New York,” and a cameo on “90210,” among other on-screen roles. No stranger to the sports world, Nelly owns a stake in the Charlotte Hornets NBA franchise and has appeared as a panelist on the sports talk show “Skip and Shannon: Undisputed.”