Search this site

Press Release | NHRA SONOMA, Calif. (July 22, 2024) – Featuring a host of world champions and standout riders, the eight-bike field is set for this weekend’s GETTRX NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle All-Star Callout, with the specialty race grabbing the spotlight as part of the 36th annual Denso NHRA Sonoma Nationals at scenic Sonoma Raceway.   The fan-favorite facility plays host to the eight riders aiming for big money and bragging rights in the unique bonus race, which takes place on Saturday at Sonoma Raceway. Defending world champion Gaige Herrera has the top seed, which gives him the first pick in the GETTRX NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle All-Star Callout, while the riders seeded second through eighth are six-time world champion Matt Smith, Hector Arana Jr., Jianna Evaristo, Steve Johnson, who is making his 500th career start this weekend in Sonoma, Angie Smith, Chase Van Sant, who won on Sunday in Seattle, and John Hall, who slipped into the final spot.   It’s a standout lineup in the unique specialty event, which starts with the actual callout process on Friday at 2 p.m. PT on stage in the fan zone in the media. Herrera, who is the defending Callout winner, will select his first-round opponent, getting his pick of seven other riders. If Smith isn’t selected, he will get the next pick, followed by Arana until the first-round matchups are set.   The winning rider who makes the quickest run in the opening round will also get a chance to select their semifinal opponent, adding even more intrigue to the specialty race.   The first round of the NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle All-Star Callout takes place at 12 p.m. PT, with the semifinals at 1:45 p.m. and the finals at 2:55 p.m. A special broadcast highlighting the specialty race will take place at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on Saturday on FS1.   Herrera, who is also the points leader on the strength of six wins in the first seven PSM races, is after back-to-back wins in the Callout. But Van Sant, who is seeded seventh for the second straight year, ended Herrera’s NHRA-record streak of 11 straight victory and 46 consecutive round wins with a victory on Sunday in Seattle. Evaristo is making her first appearance in the Callout, while both Matt and Angie Smith have proven to be successful in bonus races. Johnson is on the verge of an historic start and would love to win the Callout during his 500th start, while Arana Jr., who is also sponsored by GETTRX, and Hall have proven plenty capable of going rounds this year as well. Full schedule for the GETTRX NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle All-Star Callout (ET):   Friday, July 26 2:00 PM  – NHRA All-Star Pro Stock Motorcycle Call Out selections in the Fan Zone. 2:30 PM – NHRA All-Star Pro Stock Motorcycle Call Out Autograph Session at the GETTRX Display in the Fan Zone.   Saturday, July 27 12:00 PM  – NHRA All-Star Pro Stock Motorcycle Callout opening round 1:45 PM - NHRA All-Star Pro Stock Motorcycle Callout semifinals 2:55 PM  – NHRA All-Star Pro Stock Motorcycle Callout finals   2024 GETTRX NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle All-Star Callout Final Standings 1.   Gaige Herrera 2.   Matt Smith 3.   Hector Arana Jr. 4.   Jianna Evaristo 5.   Steve Johnson 6.   Angie Smith 7.   Chase Van Sant 8.   John Hall (Note: Herrera will get the first selection for the opening round, followed by the next-highest seeded driver until matchups are set.) Last year, Justin Ashley (Top Fuel), J.R. Todd (Funny Car) and Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) all took home NHRA Wally trophies in Sonoma. This year’s race will again be broadcast on both FOX and FS1, including eliminations coverage starting at 4 p.m. ET on Sunday, July 28 on FOX. In Top Fuel, Ashley will be on the hunt for his second straight Sonoma win and third win of 2024. He’ll be up against points leader and reigning world champion Doug Kalitta, who has three wins on the season. Also in the mix will be past Sonoma winners Shawn Langdon, Antron Brown and Steve Torrence, as well as Clay Millican and NASCAR legend Tony Stewart. Funny Car’s Todd has two wins in each nitro category from the facility and would like to capitalize on his past success. To collect another win, he’ll need to get past points leader Austin Prock, who joined the Funny Car ranks this season, as well as Norwalk winner Bob Tasca III and defending world champion Matt Hagan, who each have two wins this season, and Ron Capps. The Pro Stock class will make its return to Sonoma after a year off in 2023. Reigning champion Erica Enders, six-time Sonoma winner Greg Anderson, points leader Dallas Glenn, Seattle winner Jeg Coughlin Jr. and two-time 2024 winner Aaron Stanfield will all be ready to pick up a win in wine country. Also on the schedule for this year’s Denso NHRA Sonoma Nationals is the Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge on Saturday in Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock. The event also will feature thrilling competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, as well as the NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League Shootout, Street Legal and Top the Cops exhibitions as well.   As always, fans get an exclusive pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet in Sonoma. Fans get a unique chance to see teams in action and service their hot rods between rounds, get autographs from their favorite NHRA drivers, and more. They can also visit NHRA’s popular Nitro Alley and Manufacturers Midway, an exciting atmosphere that includes interactive displays, merchandise, food and fun for the entire family. NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 4:30 and 6:45 p.m. PT on Friday, July 26 and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, July 27 at 11:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. PT on Sunday, July 28. Television coverage includes eliminations on FOX at 4 p.m. ET on Sunday. To purchase tickets to the Denso NHRA Sonoma Nationals, fans can visit www.sonomaraceway.com or call 800-870-7223. For more information about NHRA, visit www.nhra.com . (Photo Courtesy NHRA)

Press Release | NHRA SONOMA, Calif. (July 23, 2024) – Steve Torrence received as good of a sign as any last weekend in Seattle that things are coming together at a perfect time, racing to his first Top Fuel victory of the year. Now, the goal is to keep that momentum rolling at this weekend’s 36th annual Denso NHRA Sonoma Nationals at Sonoma Raceway, a track where the four-time champ has dominated over the years. Torrence didn’t win last season, as Justin Ashley picked up the victory in the heart of wine country, but the Texan has a strong record at the picturesque facility, winning four times in a five-year stretch, including back-to-back victories in 2021 and 2022. A fifth victory in Sonoma in his 11,000-horsepower Capco Contractors/Toyota dragster would tie him with reigning world champion Doug Kalitta for the most Top Fuel wins at Sonoma Raceway in NHRA history and also solidify another run at a world title. Torrence finished second a year ago, picking up one victory (Seattle) along the way. He hasn’t exactly struggled this year, either, but his first win of the year came on Sunday in Seattle, where the team showed a strong ability to run well in all conditions, the latest indication that things are coming together at an ideal point of the season. “We hadn't just gone out and set the world on fire,” Torrence said. “But at the end of the day, I mean, we've been there when we needed to be there. We could have won the championship last year and didn't have the driver to do it. So, we'll keep fighting and we'll keep digging. We've put ourselves in a hole on our own and we're having to dig out. We’re crawling out of that hole and I think that we're beginning to see some light. Hopefully it starts getting bright quickly because it's been dark for about a year and a half, two years, but we're getting there and we always stick together as a team.” Last year, Ashley (Top Fuel), J.R. Todd (Funny Car) and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) all took home wins in Sonoma. This year’s race will again be broadcast on both FOX and FS1, including eliminations coverage starting at 4 p.m. ET on Sunday, July 28 on FOX. It is the 12th of 20 races during the 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season and the annual trek to Sonoma is a loaded weekend that also includes the GETTRX Pro Stock Motorcycle All-Star Callout and the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge on Saturday. Torrence will take part in the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge, looking for bonus points and a bonus purse, as well as another positive step forward with the Countdown to the Championship playoffs approaching. He’ll take on points leader Kalitta in a Seattle semifinal rematch, while the other rematch features Shawn Langdon and Clay Millican. Sunday’s win also bumped Torrence to third in points, another strong step forward after five previous semifinal appearances this year. Nothing comes easy in Top Fuel, especially in a class that also includes Antron Brown, Tony Schumacher, Clay Millican, Brittany Force and Top Fuel newcomer Tony Stewart, but Torrence is pleased with the recent progress from his team and now hopes it translates from race to trace. “Seattle was a great example of what we can do and what we need to do because you had the gamut of conditions,” Torrence said. “You’ve just got to stick it out. We're champions and you can't forget that even though when you look like you just showed up with all new stuff and don't have a clue what you're doing some weekends, and then you run like the four-time champ. It’s mentally taxing, but this is a great team and we’re just getting stronger.” Funny Car’s J.R. Todd has won both nitro categories in Sonoma and will look to collect another Denso NHRA Sonoma Nationals win taking on points leader Austin Prock, who joined the Funny Car ranks this season, Norwalk winner Bob Tasca III and defending world champion Matt Hagan, who each have two wins this season, and Ron Capps. Pro Stock returns to Sonoma after a year off in 2023. This season has been another year of intense competition featuring standouts like reigning champion Erica Enders, whose six Sonoma wins are the most of any NHRA driver, Greg Anderson, points leader Dallas Glenn, two-time 2024 winner Aaron Stanfield and Jeg Coughlin Jr. Herrera swept the weekend in Pro Stock Motorcycle at Sonoma last year, winning the Callout and the event en route to the title. He’s been dominant in 2024, winning the first six races of the year before Chase Van Sant won on Sunday in Seattle, snapping Herrera’s 11-race winning streak. Van Sant will look to keep rolling against Matt Smith, Jianna Evaristo, Angie Smith, Hector Arana Jr. and Steve Johnson, who is making his 500th career start this weekend. The GETTRX Pro Stock Motorcycle Callout features Herrera, M. Smith, Arana, Evaristo, Johnson, A. Smith, John Hall and Van Sant. The event also will feature thrilling competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, as well as the NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League Shootout, Street Legal and Top the Cops exhibitions. Fans will be invited all weekend long to the Nitro Alley Stage, which is the main entertainment hub in the pits, hosting Nitro School, meet and greets, music and much more. Race fans at Sonoma Raceway 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 event winners. As always, fans get an exclusive pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet in Sonoma. Fans get a unique chance to see teams in action and service their hot rods between rounds, get autographs from their favorite NHRA drivers and more. They can also visit NHRA’s popular Nitro Alley and Manufacturers Midway, an exciting atmosphere that includes interactive displays, merchandise, food and fun for the entire family. NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 4:30 and 6:45 p.m. PT on Friday and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. PT on Sunday. Television coverage includes eliminations on FOX at 4 p.m. ET on Sunday. The first round of the GETTRX NHRA All- Star Pro Stock Motorcycle Callout takes place on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. PT, with the semifinals at 1:45 p.m. and the finals at 2:55 p.m. It will be broadcast at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on Saturday on FS1. To purchase tickets to the Denso NHRA Sonoma Nationals, fans can visit www.sonomaraceway.com or call 800-870-7223. For more information about NHRA, visit www.nhra.com. (Photo Courtesy NHRA)

NHRA With her victory in Top Alcohol Funny Car at the NHRA Northwest Nationals, Maddi Gordon became the milestone 100th female racer to win an NHRA national event. Gordon, the 20-year-old daughter of recently retired three-time world champion Doug Gordon, defeated Brian Hough in the final round to claim the historic number, a countdown that began nearly 60 years ago when Shirley Shahan won in Stock eliminator at the 1966 Winternationals in Pomona, Calif. "Oh my god. I can't believe this," said Gordon, who is in her first year behind the wheel of the Beta Motorcycles Camaro after taking over the reins from her father. "It feels great. This is amazing. It couldn't be any better. Thank you to everyone on our team, my family, our sponsors, everyone. I'm just so thrilled." Between the 100 female winners, there have been 196 victories, led by six-time Pro Stock world champion Erica Enders, who has 49 of them. Angelle Sampey (Pro Srock Motorcycle, 46 wins), Shirley Muldowney (Top Fuel, 18 wins), Leah Pruett (Top Fuel, Pro Mod, and Factory Stock, 18 wins), and Brittany Force (Top Fuel, 16 wins) round out the top five most successful female winners in NHRA history. (Photo Credit: Twitter.com/HoosierTire )

Photo by Joe Robbins/NASCAR via Getty Images By Peyton Lohr Announcement and Context NASCAR officials announced:  On Tuesday, officials revealed that the upcoming Cup Series race at Richmond Raceway will feature two different types of Goodyear tires. Event specifics:  The race, named the Cook Out 400, is scheduled for August 11 at 6 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on USA Network, MRN Radio, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, and the NBC Sports App. Background Previous Test:  Last month, a similar tire experiment was conducted during the NASCAR All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway, which was a non-points event. The Richmond race marks the first time this experiment will be applied in a points-paying race. Purpose:  The All-Star Race provided a testing ground for these tire changes, allowing NASCAR to gather data and learn from the experience to improve the short-track racing package. Details of Tire Choices Two Types of Tires: Option Tire:  A softer compound that offers more grip but wears out faster. Prime Tire:  A harder compound that lasts longer but provides less grip. Identification: Option tires:  Marked with red sidewall lettering. Prime tires:  Marked with traditional yellow lettering. Wet-weather tires:  Identified with white lettering, available for use in damp conditions on road courses and shorter ovals. Allocation and Usage Tire Allocation:  Each team will receive six sets of prime tires and two sets of option tires for the race, including one set of prime tires carried over from qualifying. Practice Session:  Teams will have an extended 45-minute practice session where they can use one set of each tire type to gather data on performance and durability. Strategy Considerations:  With only two sets of option tires available over 400 laps, teams will need to strategize carefully on when to deploy them to maximize their advantage. Rules and Regulations Mixing Prohibited:  Teams cannot mix tire types on the car, such as using prime tires on one side and option tires on the other. Starting Tire Choice:  Unlike the All-Star Race, teams are allowed to start the race on either tire compound of their choosing. However, they must qualify on prime tires. Post-Practice Adjustments:  NASCAR and Goodyear will evaluate tire performance after the practice session and may make adjustments based on the findings. Future Implications Evaluation Post-Richmond:  The performance and outcomes of the Richmond race will serve as a critical data point for NASCAR to determine the feasibility of using dual tire options in future races. Playoff Considerations:  The next short-track opportunities for the dual tire format are during the Cup Series Playoffs, including races at Bristol, Martinsville, and Phoenix. However, significant procedural changes during the playoffs are approached cautiously. Ongoing Discussions:  NASCAR officials have been in continuous discussions with Goodyear, drivers, crew chiefs, and team officials to refine the tire strategy and ensure alignment across all stakeholders. Conclusion Next Steps:  Depending on the results and feedback from the Richmond race, NASCAR will decide on the future implementation of the tire-choice format, potentially considering it for subsequent short-track races, including those in the playoff season. Photo by nascar.com

(Cover Photo Courtesy NHRA) PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE PRO STOCK FUNNY CAR TOP FUEL

Press Release | SCRAPPERS RACING SEATTLE (July 21, 2024) - It was a banner weekend for the Scrappers Sisters as they continued to improve their performances in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series at the NHRA Northwest Nationals at Pacific Raceways. In Pro Stock Motorcycle, Jianna Evaristo raced her Scrappers Racing Buell to a quarterfinal finish, setting new track records in both speed and elapsed time while her sister, Jasmine Salinas, achieved a new personal best speed behind the wheel of her Scrappers Racing Top Fuel dragster. Jianna showcased her driving prowess with consistent runs throughout the weekend. But it was her final run of 6.802 seconds at 200.86 mph that landed her in the No. 7 qualifying position where she would face Pro Stock Motorcycle veteran Steve Johnson in the first round of eliminations. After several rain delays and on-track incidents, the ultra-competitive Pro Stock Motorcycle category took to the track for eliminations in the early afternoon today. Johnson got a slight advantage over Jianna at the starting line but the talented driver of the Scrappers Racing Buell outpaced him to the stripe with a blistering pass of 6.733 at 201.52. In the quarterfinals, Jianna faced current Pro Stock Motorcycle world champion Gaige Herrera. Herrera held on to his starting line advantage for a holeshot win, but it was Jianna’s performance that brought fans to their feet as she reset both ends of the track record for Pacific Raceways, making the fastest and quickest run of her career, a 6.704 at 203.95. “Leaving here as the track record holder is not something I thought I would ever experience,” said Jianna. “It’s bittersweet because I reset the track record E.T. and speed, but lost on a holeshot. And I lost to someone who has been perceived as almost unbeatable. It’s a good reminder of how much I have to work. It keeps me hungry and perhaps more importantly, it solidifies what I already knew. I can beat him. I have the equipment to beat him. I just have to become a better racer. Regardless of how it ended, I can’t be too sad about the weekend. I get to leave Pacific Raceways as a track record holder and have continued to improve upon my personal bests. We’ve always known that this bike has a lot of power, so I need to focus on that and build upon this momentum.” In Top Fuel, Jasmine raced to a new personal best speed on Friday evening when she rocketed to the No. 5 qualifying position with a pass of 3.734 at 332.43. The talented Top Fuel rookie earned a few valuable bonus points when she made the fastest run of the fourth qualifying session, a 3.798 at 320.66. On race day, Jasmine faced motorsports legend Tony Stewart in the first round of eliminations. Rob Flynn and Arron Cave expertly tuned the Scrappers Racing dragster for the cool conditions presented on race day and their efforts paid off as Jasmine turned on the win light against Stewart with a pass of 3.777 at 330.31. In the quarterfinals, she lined up against the current Top Fuel world champion Doug Kalitta. In one of the best side-by-side drag races of the day, Kalitta only slightly outpaced Jasmine when his 3.729 at 325.06 defeated her 3.738 at 324.83. “We’re leaving Seattle hungry and ready for Sonoma,” said Jasmine. “Our car ran some great numbers this weekend and that’s something we’ve been working on getting back to this year. I know what I’ve got to keep working on as a driver and I feel like I’m getting a better handle on this car with every run we make. I’m excited to see what happens during these next two races leading into Indy.” The Scrappers Sisters will head to their home track, Sonoma Raceway, for next weekend’s DENSO NHRA Sonoma Nationals in Sonoma, Calif., July 26-28. (Photo Courtesy Scrappers Racing)

Press Release | SCAG RACING KENT, Wash. (July 21, 2024) – The three-car factory SCAG Racing team ended competition at the NHRA Northwest Nationals at Pacific Raceways in the first round of eliminations. Fresh off winning the Mission Foods #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge, Justin Ashley, in the SCAG Power Equipment Toyota Top Fuel dragster, pedaled his way to a 4.685-second pass at just 174.14 mph. Langdon would have his quickest and fastest pass of the weekend at 3.743 and 327.74 to take the win. Ashley leaves heads to the Sonoma Nationals sitting fourth in points. “It was certainly disappointing to exit early here in Washington. We expected to perform better for SCAG, Toyota, Phillips, KATO and all of our partners, but it’s important to put things in perspective. We all are very blessed and appreciative that we get to do what we love with people that we love,” Ashley said. “We picked up an important Mission Foods Challenge win and some much needed championship points on Saturday so that's a major positive. All our focus and energy now shifts to Sonoma in just a few days.” Driving the SCAG Power Equipment Ford Mustang Funny Car, Daniel Wilkerson made his all-around best pass of the weekend going 3.918 seconds at 330.23 mph in the first round. Unfortunately, Cruz Pendragon also had his best performance with a 3.895 at 315.49 for the victory. “We got a little behind in qualifying this weekend, but we weren't nervous at all on Sunday,” Wilkerson said. “We gave it a solid crack this morning and came up short as the grass we cut on Monday. This is a good SCAG Ford Mustang so we keep our heads down, keep working and go to Sonoma hungry.” Dace Richards and the Versatran / BlueBird Funny Car team went on a wild ride in their first round of eliminations against Matt Hagan. The car would smoke the tires at the starting line and then make an abrupt right turn sending Richards nose first into the right guard wall. Richards was unharmed in the incident. “The car came loose and made a hard right turn pretty much immediately. It happened so fast, I tried to correct it, but it kept moving on me and I couldn't get it straightened out before we hit the wall,” Richards said. “Luckily and most importantly, I’m fine. We’re working on getting ready for Sonoma, we have other bodies, so life goes on and we’ll be back next week. I have to say thanks to Versatran and BlueBird Turf, they give us everything we need.” The two-race Western Swing continues with the DENSO NHRA Sonoma Nationals at Sonoma Raceway July 26-28. (Photo Courtesy Scag Racing)

Press Release | ELITE MOTORSPORTS KENT, Wash. (July 21, 2024) – Jeg Coughlin Jr. and the SCAG Power Equipment / Outlaw Mile Hi Light Beer machine rallied to their third win of the season Sunday at the NHRA Northwest Nationals at Pacific Raceways just outside of Seattle. Jeg Jr.’s 68th Pro Stock win was also the fifth consecutive victory from the Elite Motorsports camp. The largest team in NHRA Drag Racing began their streak with Jeg Jr.’s second victory of the season at Bristol Dragway before his nephew Tory Coughlin Jr. landed the JEGS.com / White Castle car in the winners circle in Epping, New Hampshire and then Aaron Stanfield and the Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage / Melling Performance / Janac Brothers team earned back-to-back victories in Virginia and Ohio. "It feels fantastic. It's just kind of a corny statement, but the Elite team, as a whole has obviously done very well. We've won all but three of the events this year, which is a real testament to our stamina and our abilities,” Jeg Jr. said. “We've been struggling with some consistency, and we really feel like we've made the corner in multiple ways in the last two or three weeks, not because we've won the events, but because the cars have become more efficient, they're accelerating better, and printing better time slips. So, you know, a real tip of the hat to our whole crew chief bank in the Elite pits.” In the final round of the Northwest Nationals, Jeg Jr. would leave the starting line first and never trail against rival Dallas Glenn. The cat’s eye gold SCAG car would cross the finish line in 6.536 seconds at 209.95 mph defeating Glenn’s 6.541 at 209.07 for his second win at Pacific Raceways, his first came in 2002. “Today was one of those days where I just felt good, I felt great all weekend,” Jeg Jr. said. “We made pretty good runs in qualifying, we were 10 but a couple thousandths and we would have been fifth or sixth. Pro Stock right now is just that tight. You’ve got to have a never surrender attitude form behind the wheel and from the crew chief bank as well. And that’s just what we had.” En route to the finals, Jeg Jr. battled his way through teammate Jerry Tucker in the Outlaw Mile Hi Beer / SCAG car going 6.539 at 209.92 to better Tucker’s 8.077 at 129.53. In the second round, Jeg Jr. took on Eric Latino and laid down a 6.538 at 209.92 to send Latino’s 6.560 at 207.05 packing. In the semifinals against Chris McGaha, Jeg. Jr would have another solid pass at 6.537 seconds and 209.82 mph with McGaha coming up short at 6.587 and 209.23. Also reaching the semifinals with Jeg Jr. was nephew Troy Jr. who battled past Pro Stock rookie Cory Reed, teammate and six-time world champions Erica Enders and the JHG / Melling team before coming up short to Glenn in the semis on a hole shot. Walking away from the 11th of 20 races on the Mission Foods NHRA Drag Racing Series schedule, the Elite Motorsports team holds three through eight in the points positions (3. Enders, 828; 4. Stanfield, 750; 5. Jeg Jr., 743; 6. Troy Jr., 617; 7. Tucker, 530; 8. Cristian Cuadra, 457). The two-race Western Swing continues with the DENSO NHRA Sonoma Nationals at Sonoma Raceway July 26-28. (Picture Courtesy Elite Motorsports)

Press Release | TEAM PENSKE MOORESVILLE, NC (July 21, 2024) – The 40-plus year partnership between Team Penske and PPG – one of the longest-running business relationships in motorsports history – will continue in 2024 and beyond with today’s announcement of a multi-year extension of PPG’s sponsorship across the team’s NASCAR and INDYCAR programs. The distinctive blue-and-white PPG paint scheme will continue to be featured in NTT INDYCAR SERIES competition as two-time series champion and back-to-back Indianapolis 500 winner, Josef Newgarden, will race the No. 2 PPG Chevrolet in 2024 and into the future. Under the partnership extension, PPG will continue to serve as an associate partner on the No. 12 Chevrolet driven by two-time INDYCAR champion Will Power, and the No. 3 Chevrolet driven by six-time INDYCAR SERIES race winner Scott McLaughlin. PPG will also continue as a Team Penske partner in the NASCAR Cup Series, serving as an associate sponsor of the No. 2 Ford Mustang driven by 2022 DAYTONA 500 champion Austin Cindric, the No. 12 Ford Mustang driven by reigning Cup Series champion Ryan Blaney, and the No. 22 Ford Mustang driven by two-time Cup Series champion Joey Logano. “Our relationship with PPG was really one of the first business-to-business partnerships of its kind in motorsports,” said Team Penske President Tim Cindric. “It began over 40 years ago and we are really proud of everything we have accomplished together on and off the race track. Their commitment to motorsports has been far-reaching. We are looking forward to continuing to wear their colors in the winner’s circle for years to come.” The Team Penske and PPG partnership began with the 1984 INDYCAR SERIES season. Over the last 40-plus years, Team Penske and PPG have amassed unparalleled successes together. Notable accomplishments include, 17 Indianapolis 500 victories, 11 INDYCAR titles, four NASCAR Cup Series championships, three DAYTONA 500 wins, seven NASCAR Xfinity Series titles, four Australian SuperCars Championship triumphs and a Bathurst 1000 victory. “I am honored and excited to continue representing PPG in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES,” said Newgarden. “They are a legacy partner not only of Team Penske, but of the series as well. A company with terrific products deserves a beautiful paint scheme and the No. 2 PPG Chevrolet certainly has that. Fans love it as much as we do. I have a lot of wins with PPG and I am looking forward to plenty more in the future.” Building on the partnership with Team Penske, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) also announced today that PPG has extended its title sponsorship of the NASCAR Cup Series Brickyard 400, a crown jewel of the NASCAR season, for multiple years. In addition, PPG will continue as the Official Paint and Finishing Supplier of IMS. “We are excited to build upon our extensive history with Team Penske, INDYCAR, and IMS,” said Tim Knavish, PPG chairman and chief executive officer. “To be able to expand and strengthen these relationships speaks to the commitment and success we’ve had together. I look forward to seeing the PPG name on Team Penske cars and at the Brickyard 400 for years to come.” Team Penske’s most recent NASCAR victory at IMS came with Cindric in 2021 on the famed facility’s road course behind the wheel of the No. 22 PPG Ford Mustang. Team Penske and PPG have visited victory lane together 13 times across INDYCAR and NASCAR competition as a primary partner. “For more than four decades, PPG has been one of the most trusted, innovative and dedicated partners in motorsports,” said Roger Penske. “We look forward to building on our long-term relationship with PPG at Team Penske for many years to come. We are also excited about the opportunities that lie ahead as we continue to feature PPG and their commitment to enhancing our communities across INDYCAR and at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.” (Photo Courtesy NASCAR)

(Cover Photo Courtesy NHRA) PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE PRO STOCK FUNNY CAR TOP FUEL

Press Release | SCAG RACING KENT, Wash (July 20, 2024) – Justin Ashley and the SCAG Power Equipment Toyota Top Fuel dragster team won their third Mission Foods #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge Saturday during qualifying at the NHRA Northwest Nationals at Pacific Raceways. Ashley picked up the specialty race victory with a 3.890-second pass at 315.49 mph to defeat reigning world champion Doug Kalitta’s 3.953 at 286.44. Ashley reached the final after coming out on the other side of a rematch of the Norwalk, Ohio semifinals against Antron Brown. Ashley would go 3.903 at 315.49 to take down Brown’s 3.906 at 303.98. "This is really meaningful, especially this time of the year because we're getting closer and closer to the Countdown to the Championship. The way the points are, they get added after the Countdown points reset, so these points are super important. Any time this SCAG Phillips Toyota team can get a win in competition, whether it's on race day, or the Mission Foods Challenge, I think it's really beneficial for us,” Ashley said. “There was a stretch recently over the last four or five races where we've been struggling, We had a good bounce back in Norwalk, then we ended up qualifying No. 2 here. We're working on some things, testing out some things, just adjusting the tune up, so I'm pretty happy with where we're at, and a win like this is good for the team." Ashley will start race day from the No. 2 position after laying down a stout 3.694-second pass at 331.04 mph during Friday’s night qualifying session. He’ll face-off with Shawn Langdon in Sunday’s first round. In Funny Car, Daniel Wilkerson and the SCAG Summit Ford Mustang team made their best qualifying run Saturday afternoon going 4.046-seconds at 311.27 mph. It put them in the No. 8 spot to run against Cruz Pedregon first round. Dave Richards and the Versatran / BlueBird team landed themselves in the No. 11 qualifying position with a 4.072-second run at 311.27 mph during the Friday night session. They’ll line up against defending world champion Matt Hagan in the first round. Eliminations at the NHRA Northwest Nationals at Pacific Raceways will start Sunday at 10:30 a.m. Television coverage of the event will continue with a second qualifying show on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET on FOX Sports 1 (FS1). The eliminations will air on FOX Broadcasting Network (FOX) Sunday at 4:00 p.m. ET. (Photo Courtesy Scag Racing)

Press Release | ELITE MOTORSPORTS WYNNEWOOD, Okla. (July 20, 2024) – The Texas Sports Hall of Fame Selection Committee has nominated six-time NHRA Pro Stock world champion Erica Enders to their 2025 primary ballot. Enders, a Houston native, has been competing in drag racing since she was eight-years-old. With 50 national event wins, 49 in the Pro Stock category, she is the winningest professional female driver in all of motorsports’ history and one of the most decorated drag racers of all time. “If you’ve ever listened to me talk, you know how much pride I have in being from Texas. So, to see my name on the list of nominees for the Texas Sports Hall of Fame was pretty exciting,” Enders said. “This is the first time I’ve been nominated for a hall of fame, I feel like my team has accomplished a lot over the years and we’ve always been hopeful to be hall of fame worthy. It’s humbling to know that our efforts are being noticed.” On the 2025 class ballot, Enders is joined by 19 other elite Texas athletes who have brought lasting fame and honor to Texas sports. Individuals can cast a vote this year by becoming a Texas Sports Hall of Fame member here. Ballots will be emailed to members. Official voting began on July 16th and will end on August 16th. Six nominees are selected each year with the top three vote-getters who are not elected automatically placed on the following year’s ballot. “It’s an honor to be on the list with so many great Texas athletes,” Enders said. “I’m proud to represent the motorsports community and want to thank the selection committee for acknowledging our world.” (Photo Courtesy Elite Motorsports)

Press Release | HAAS FACTORY TEAM SPEEDWAY, Ind. — In 2025, reigning NASCAR Xfinity Series champion Cole Custer will get a second chance in the sport’s top division. Custer will drive the No. 41 Ford for the Haas Factory Team in 2025 after the dissolution of Stewart-Haas Racing’s four-car NASCAR Cup Series operation at the end of the season. The Haas Factory Team will also maintain a technical alliance with Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing, with additional support from Ford Performance. Custer spent three full seasons in the Cup Series from 2020 through 2022, winning one race at Kentucky Speedway and posting one other top five in 108 starts during that period. Returning to the Xfinity Series last season, Custer won three races, including the Championship 4 season finale at Phoenix Raceway. The 26-year-old driver from Ladera Ranch, Calif., welcomes the chance to return to NASCAR’s top level for owner Gene Haas, who also operates the Haas F1 Team. “To get an opportunity back in Cup was the biggest goal,” said Custer, who won last Saturday’s Xfinity race at Pocono and leads the series standings by 51 points over second-place Justin Allgaier. “To have this opportunity to get to drive for Haas Factory Team next year is huge for me, and I think we can do some really special things with the resources we have as a team. We’re ready to get work and get some great people, and I think we’ll be able to compete with the best.” Haas Factory Team also will continue to maintain the Xfinity Series program started under the Stewart-Haas banner. Haas Factory Team president Joe Custer, Cole’s father, says the new organization has made an offer to current driver Riley Herbst, but no deal has been finalized. Custer also said the Haas Factory Team explored other possibilities before settling on the technical alliance with RFK. “Along with Ford as a partner, we’re lacking no resource going into next year,” Custer said. (Photo Courtesy NASCAR)