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(Photo Credit: nhra.com ) Press Release | JOHN FORCE RACING After five tense days during which he was heavily sedated while battling the effects of injuries suffered in the 300 mile-per-hour crash of his drag racing Funny Car, 16-time NHRA World Champion John Force has begun to show daily signs of improvement, according to family members who have maintained a presence at the trauma hospital to which he was transported by air ambulance on Sunday. Early in the treatment process of his Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), he failed to follow the series of commands to open his eyes, squeeze the hands of his care providers and move his extremities. Occasionally, he was able to respond with slight movements, but it wasn’t until he moved from trauma intensive care unit to neuro intensive care unit on Wednesday that he began to gain some momentum. He became more consistent responding to commands and finally opened his eyes on day five. Following days of failed attempts, his wife and daughters were overcome with emotion when he murmured his name, ‘John Force,’ and later when prompted, gave a thumbs up.  The biggest challenge has been managing his extreme agitation and confusion, which causes him significant distress. He has repeatedly tried to get out of bed and has been restrained; his doctors have humorously described him as a raging bull. However, he recognized his daughters, wife, Laurie, and called them each by name. And spoke the words, “I love you.” This, along with continued daily progress has uplifted their spirits. Brittany opted out of the cockpit of the Cornwell Tools Top Fuel dragster at this week’s 17th Summit Racing Equipment Nationals at Norwalk, Ohio, to remain with family in support of her dad.  Despite the welcomed progress, the 157- time tour winner still faces a long and difficult recovery ahead and for the immediate future, will remain in neuro intensive care with visitation restricted to immediate family members only. John’s family members extend their deepest gratitude to the medical professionals responsible for his well-being and recovery. They deeply appreciate the overwhelming number of heartfelt messages, prayers, support, and concern from the entire automotive and racing industries. Thank you to sponsors, fans, and the media for respecting the privacy of the Force family and the John Force Racing team members.

(Photo Credit: Peyton Lohr/Racing Refresh) By Logan Morris Day Two of the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals got off to a soggy start with a two hour rain delay Saturday afternoon. Luckily, the delay did nothing to dampen the spirits of the fans who turned out to see the final day of qualifying. Doug Kalitta continued his domination of the Top Fuel ranks, setting an all-time speed record by going an incredible 337.16 mph at 3.703 seconds. Kalitta won Saturday’s Mission #2Fast2Tasty challenge I asked the reigning champion if it meant a little more because Norwalk serves as a home track for the Ypsilanti, Michigan naive. “You know, running at the speeds these things are doing, and breaking records it’s a personal best for me and It's fun. Connie's out here and he's driven these things and been tuning them and everything else and really to see the performance. I think he's even impressed. So he's out here with us this weekend, and we're just real happy that car's going down the track and setting good times.” Kalitta goes into Sunday’s eliminations looking for his fourth Wally of the season. In Funny Car, Austin Prock continued to fly the banner for John Force Racing. Prock won his Third straight Mission #2Fast2Tasty challenge by defeating Bob Tasca III thanks to yet another new track record of 3.853 seconds while going 330.55 mph. The No. 1 Qualifier will come into Sunday looking to make it three consecutive opening eliminations against Joe Morrison. (Photo Credit: Peyton Lohr/Racing Refresh) In Pro Stock, Greg Anderson remained one step ahead of the field. He won his second consecutive Misson #2Fast2Tasty challenge by defeating Erica Enders thanks to a 6.595-second pass at 204.94 mph. Sunday appears poised to be very different weather conditions and the 105-time Pro Stock winner admitted that’s a challenge for tomorrow’s eliminations, especially early in the day, (Photo Credit: Peyton Lohr/Racing Refresh) ”There's so many things that are going to have to be changed overnight or you'll get smoked right away tomorrow. So you're going to have to make wholesale changes and and hope you hit the target fairly close. I expect that we'll make a ton of changes and you'll come out first round. And you probably won't be exactly right with everything because there's so many changes to be made. So you've got to find a way to win and get that car better as the day goes on and hopefully progress through the day. So that's what it's going to be. We will do our job, we can to get it ready for E1, but knowing it probably won't be perfect and hopefully find a way to win the first round to get a chance to make it better each round.” In Pro Stock Motorcycle, Richard Gadson, got his ever-elusive first NHRA win in the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challage Saturday with a 6.819s at 196.87 mph. I asked if he’d been battling any self-doubt leading up to his first win. “I'd be lying if I said I didn't. That did creep in a couple times this year, that kind of started to turn around for me in Bristol. I started to turn around in Bristol and then the last race in Virginia was really a confidence booster, I just starting to feel like myself again. I didn't really ride a bunch for the last two years and I'd like to say I lost the step for a little bit and I'm just starting to feel like myself. I'm getting that dog back in me, as I like to call it.” Matt Smith enters Sunday as the No 1 qualifier. Eliminations for the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals begin at 11 a.m. ET on Sunday at Summit Motorsports Park.

(Photo Credit: Twitter.com/BubbaWallace) Press Release | CHICAGO STREET COURSE CHICAGO (June 25, 2024) – NASCAR today announced plans to bring back Bubba’s Block Party, a nationwide community initiative hosted by 23XI Racing driver Bubba Wallace and Blavity, to Douglass Park on Friday, July 5 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The community event will bring together local Black-owned food vendors, businesses, and musicians for a family-friendly celebration on the West Side of Chicago, featuring a headlining set from Chicago hip-hop legend Twista. Bubba’s Block Party is a national community-focused NASCAR initiative that aims to drive awareness, access and engagement to the sport among the Black community while generating excitement around the race weekend. This year for the first time, NASCAR is joining forces with Blavity, the world’s leading destination for premium content and Black-owned network for youth, Black culture, and technology, to increase the global impact of the Bubba’s Block Party program. “I’m excited to host another block party in Chicago,” Wallace said. “I was impressed by how the community showed up last year, eager and willing to learn more about our sport. Let’s run it back. I’m also excited to again have the support of 23XI and our partners at McDonald’s, Air Force, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, and Walmart. It’s great to have so many groups committed to the mission of growing the sport to new audiences.” The free, ticketed event will be hosted by Blavity’s General Manager of Community, Charles Kuykendoll, including some of the best sets by DJ Commando and DJ NP3. To close out the night, Chicago’s very own Twista will hit the stage. Born Carl Terrell Mitchell, Twista rose to fame in the early 1990s and was recognized by the Guiness World Records as the “fastest rapper in the world.” Twista’s impact on the rap industry extends beyond his music, as he has also been a mentor and influencer for aspiring artists in Chicago and beyond. His dedication to his craft and perseverance in the face of challenges have made him a respected figure in the hip-hop community. “Bubba’s Block Party and the NASCAR Chicago Street Race is focused on introducing our sport to new fans in a fun, dynamic, family-friendly way,” said Julie Giese, Chicago Street Race President. “Last year’s Block Party at the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center was a tremendous success, and we can’t wait to bring that same level of excitement to Chicago’s West Side in Douglass Park for the first time.” Attendees will enjoy a Family Zone bringing activities for all ages including free haircuts, coloring stations, race car courses for kids, and giveaways. Guests will also take laps on racing simulators and enjoy live pit stop demonstrations by Wallace’s No. 23 pit crew. Wallace will visit with the audience as part of a fireside chat which will focus on his career journey and NASCAR’s efforts to promote diversity and inclusion across the sport. In keeping with NASCAR Chicago’s mission to drive local economic opportunity, there will be a food truck village at the event serving up local bites from Black-owned restaurants from across Chicago. Featured businesses include Uncle Remus, Bill Grill Truck, Can’t Believe it’s not Meat, Haire’s Gulf Shrimp, Beggers Pizza, Uncle Dave’s Fish Joint, Whadda Jerk, Ida’s Artisan and Decadent Flavor. Bubba’s Block Party, fueled by Blavity, is open to the public and is a family friendly event suited for children ages 4 and up. For more information and to RSVP visit bubbasblockparty.com. Located on Chicago’s West Side Douglass (Anna and Frederick) Park is a historic regional park that offers many recreational and cultural opportunities to visitors. Bubba’s Block Party will take place ahead of this summer’s Chicago Street Race Weekend, which will return to Grant Park, July 6-7, 2024. Keith Urban, The Chainsmokers, The Black Keys, Lauren Alaina, Buddy Guy, and a special celebration of the 40th Anniversary of Chicago House music will anchor this year’s Chicago Street Race in Grant Park, July 6-7. The Chainsmokers Saturday evening set will include a special appearance with Cup Series drivers. In addition to bringing in a wide variety of musical acts, NASCAR also introduced Youth General Admission Pricing for the 2024 Chicago Street Race Weekend. Children 12 and under are free on Saturday, July 6, and Youth GA tickets for Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race are $45.

(Photo Credit: Racing Refresh/Peyton Lohr) By Logan Morris Day one of the 18th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals had a somber undertone throughout the day Friday. The Drag Racing world is still reeling from the absence of sixteen-time Funny Car World Champion, John Force, while he recovers from injuries sustained at last week’s Virginia Nationals. Tributes and well wishes were a frequent sight at a track where part of the grandstands are named after Force. (Photo Credit: Racing Refresh/Peyton Lohr) Funny Car points leader Austin Prock served as the lone member of John Force Racing and got the weekend started on the right foot for his team. Prock set a new track record as he bolted to the No. 1 qualifying position Friday. Prock’s run proved to be the quickest of both sessions as he ran a 3.863 while going 327.51 mph. I got to ask the Funny Car phenom how tough it’s been getting prepared this week; “Well, you know, we got a job to do, so we're just focused on that. You know, trying to make John Force Racing proud. We're out here. Our team is representing all of our brands this weekend. So we're trying our best to just keep doing what we've been doing, and not to get caught up in it. It definitely is hard. A lot of things going on right now and a lot of emotion. But you know those runs today, definitely the first one for sure, for me, I could breathe. Hopefully, as the weekend goes on, it’ll get easier.” Elsewhere in Top Fuel, Doug Kalitta goes into Saturday as Provisional No.1 qualifier. The run continues an incredible stretch that dates back to last season. Greg Anderson took the top spot in Pro Stock. His Q1 session clocked in at 6.592 while going 207.69 mph. He was unable to run during Q2 due to a part failure. He expects all will be fine tomorrow and Sunday, “I'm not down at all. I'm not disappointed, just a five dollar part. It's going to happen. It's drag racing, things like that are going to happen and I'm gonna thank my lucky stars. Hopefully it doesn't have anything like that Sunday. We got it out of the way, when it honestly didn't matter. So, dodged the bullet there, I guess.” Matt Smith set a new track record in Pro Stock Motorcycles of 6.748 at 201.31. However, he’s focused on Sunday. “Qualifying doesn’t mean anything if you can't back it up on Sunday, and that's what I've learned so far this year. We've had a good bike in qualifying a couple races and we haven't closed the deal.” Day two of the Summit Equipment Racing NHRA Nationals kicks off at 1:30 pm Saturday.

(Photo Credit: nhra.com ) Press Release | JOHN FORCE RACING "Four days after his crash at more than 300 miles per hour, drag racing champion John Force has moved from the trauma intensive care unit to the neuro intensive care unit, where the medical team can focus on his head injury, which is their primary concern. The move was a welcome positive for his family members, who have maintained a daily presence at the hospital all week. With the unanimous support of her family, team, and sponsors, Brittany Force is not planning to compete this week at the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals in Norwalk, where she would have driven the Cornwell Tools Chevrolet Top Fuel dragster. Instead, she will remain at the hospital with her family in solidarity for her father. Austin Prock will compete this weekend with the same courageous, fighting spirit that John has embodied and instilled in his teams over the years, and his AAA Chevrolet Camaro SS team will proudly carry the torch for the entire John Force Racing organization and sponsors this weekend. The Force family is grateful for the team of medical professionals who are caring for John and for the overwhelming number of heartfelt messages of prayer, support, and concern. Thank you for continuing to respect the privacy of the family and John Force Racing team members."

(Photo Credit: snowbeltmgmt.com ) Press Release | SNOW BELT MGMT MOORESVILLE, NC, June 26, 2024 – NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Patrick Emerling continues to work with local racing families with the announcement of his latest marketing partner, Matts Marine & Powersports, LLC. Matts Marine & Powersports will feature two of its brands, 70 Acre Farms Motorsports and East Port Marina, on Emerling’s #07 Chevrolet Camaro during this Saturday’s Tennessee Lottery 250 at Nashville Superspeedway. “We’re excited to partner with Patrick Emerling for the Xfinity race in Nashville! This will bring a lot of exposure for our brands,” said Edwin Leslie, CEO of Matts Marine & Powersports. “The 70 Acre Farm team has been working extremely hard over the years, and that work has paid off with many wins and championships. These boys ultimately want to make it to the top tiers of NASCAR. Partnering with an Xfinity Series driver gives them the chance to see firsthand what we’re working toward.” The 70 Acre Farm Motorsports  team includes three talented young men: Matthew Leslie-Kubat, 12, of Nashville; Isaac Brown, 10, of Monroe, TN; and Axel House, 9, of Hermitage, TN. The boys started their racing career in quarter midgets. Leslie-Kubat and House each have three years’ experience in quarter midgets, while Brown has been racing them for five years. The team moved up to bandoleros this year, competing in their first INEX race at Highland Rim Speedway (Greenbrier, TN) on June 22. “Every driver in Xfinity started out as a kid with passion, drive and a dream,” said Emerling. “I had a lot of support as I worked my way up through the ranks. Bringing these kids and their families out to the track and involving them in one of the highest levels of our sport is a small way for me to help out our next generation of racers.” The newly acquired East Port Marina  is located in Alpine, TN on beautiful Dale Hallow Lake. East Port Marina is undergoing myriad exciting changes that include concierge service dry dock, and expanded dock and deck, newly designed kitchen and retail operation. East Port Marina offers houseboat, triton, pontoon and fishing boat rentals along with yearly slip rentals. East Port Marina is hosting its first ever Labor Day Concert & Fireworks Spectacular with live entertainment and more. Additionally, Emerling will welcome back season-long partners SimForge , which sells sim racing equipment and accessories, and Frontline Optics , a San Diego sunglass brand owned by a retired firefighter. The green flag drops for the Tennessee Lottery 250 on June 29 at 5:00 p.m. ET. The race will be broadcast live on USA, PRN and SiriusXM. For more information on Patrick Emerling, visit https://www.patrickemerlingracing.com/  or follow him on Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/PatrickEmerling07 ), X ( https://twitter.com/PatrickEmerling ) or Instagram ( https://www.instagram.com/patrickemerling/ ).

(Photo Credit: dmgracing.com) Press Release | DGM RACING DGM Racing announced today that Universal Beauty Products, based in Glendale Heights, IL, will sponsor both the No. 91 and No. 36 Chevrolet Camaros at the NASCAR Xfinity Series Chicago Street Race, which will take place on July 6, 2024. DGM Racing’s cars will feature two of Universal Beauty Products' nationally recognized brands – Van Der Hagen and Beard Guyz. Universal Beauty Products is renowned for its extensive range of high-quality grooming, shaving and beard care products. The clean-shaven Daniel Suárez, the 2016 Xfinity Series champion, will pilot the No. 36 Van Der Hagen Chevrolet, with the bearded Kyle Weatherman driving the No. 91 Beard Guyz Chevrolet. “I am really looking forward to the opportunity to working with DGM Racing as I represent Van Der Hagen’s shaving products in Chicago,” Daniel Suarez shares ahead of his first start with DGM Racing. “The Chicago Street Course is a very important track to me, and I am thankful to Mario and his team for the opportunity to log additional laps ahead of Sunday’s Cup race.” The second annual Chicago Street Race marks a return for the Van Der Hagen brand, which made its NASCAR Xfinity Series debut at the 2024 Chicago race. Suarez’ No. 36 entry will also include an NBC in-car camera. Universal Beauty Products decided to add a second car to promote Beard Guyz and its extensive range of premium beard care products, which will be aptly represented by the bearded Weatherman. “The excitement around the Chicago Street Course is honestly unmatched!” Weatherman exclaims. “With a rain shortened race last year, I am eager to get back on the streets of Chicago and couldn't be more excited to do so with a new partner on board our No. 91. I am grateful for the support from Beard Guyz and looking forward to getting them a solid finish in our DGM Racing Chevrolet!” Universal Beauty Products shares Weatherman’s excitement as they welcome NASCAR back to their home city. “We continue to find creative ways to increase awareness for our brands and the Chicago race meets that core objective,” said Universal Beauty Products President Beatrice Calabrese. “Partnering elite NASCAR drivers Daniel Suarez and Kyle Weatherman with our Van Der Hagen and Beard Guyz brands also allows us to showcase our support to local sports, community, and cultural events.” Tune in to watch the NASCAR Xfinity Series race at the Chicago Street Course on Saturday, July 6, at 2:30 p.m. The race will be broadcast on USA, MRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Ch. 90).

(Photo Credit: hendrickmotorsports.com ) Press Release | HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS CONCORD, N.C. – Valvoline Global, a worldwide leader in automotive and industrial solutions creating future-ready products and best-in-class services for partners around the globe, has expanded and extended its strategic partnership with 14-time NASCAR Cup Series champions Hendrick Motorsports through 2029. The extension will deepen the marketing and technical collaboration between the two organizations to maximize performance on and off the track. In addition to elevating Valvoline’s brand exposure, the relationship will focus on engineering innovation and the development of specialized solutions for Hendrick Motorsports tailored to the rigorous demands of NASCAR racing. Notably, Valvoline will grow its partnership platform by appearing as a primary sponsor of the No. 24 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 of driver William Byron in eight Cup Series races in 2024 and six each year from 2025-2029. It will also continue as a three-race primary sponsor of Kyle Larson’s No. 5 Chevrolet through 2029. “Valvoline has been the Official Lubricants Partner of Hendrick Motorsports for over a decade with its products used in the team’s Chevrolet racing engines since 2014,” said Jamal Muashsher, president and chief executive officer, Valvoline Global Operations. “We are thrilled to announce this extension and enhancement of our partnership. This collaboration represents the blend of two iconic, trusted brands driven by a shared passion for excellence and winning performance. “Together, we look forward to pushing the boundaries of innovation and continuing to dominate the racetrack with our cutting-edge lubricant solutions and this world class team. Our continued alliance with Hendrick Motorsports reaffirms our commitment to delivering unmatched quality and technology to all drivers and fans alike.” Valvoline will also continue as a full-season associate sponsor of the four-car Hendrick Motorsports stable, which includes 2020 NASCAR champion Chase Elliott and seven-time race winner Alex Bowman. The team has won three Cup Series titles (2016, 2020 and 2021) since it began using Valvoline products in its racing engines in 2014. “We’re privileged to expand our incredible relationship with Valvoline,” said Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports. “They raise the bar each season, from the elite performance of the products in our race cars to the fan-favorite Valvoline paint scheme designs. “William has quickly become a bona fide star in our sport, and I believe he’s just scratching the surface of what’s possible. He and Kyle are champions and proven winners, and we’re proud to have Valvoline as a primary sponsor of both of their teams. We look forward to many more victories together.” Byron, 26, is one of NASCAR’s top drivers. In 2024, he has already registered three wins in 18 Cup Series races, including his first career DAYTONA 500 victory. Last season, he finished third in the final standings with a series-leading six wins, along with personal-best totals in top-five finishes (15), top-10s (21) and laps led (1,016). The Charlotte, North Carolina, native also made history by collecting Hendrick Motorsports’ milestone 300th Cup Series victory. “Valvoline is such an iconic brand in racing,” Byron said. “I’m excited to carry their colors more often and continue to fight for wins with their brand on board. It has been a fun couple of years getting Valvoline to victory lane and we plan to do it more in the future.”

(Photo Credit: nashvillesuperspeedway.com ) Press Release | NASHVILLE SUPERSPEEDWAY LEBANON, Tenn. — One of the biggest names in country music will trade his guitar for driving gloves on Sunday — multi-time platinum-selling and award-winning artist Luke Combs will be the honorary pace car driver for the Ally 400 NASCAR Cup Series showdown at Nashville Superspeedway. No stranger to performing in front of massive crowds, the two-time CMA Entertainer of the Year will take the wheel of the official 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse pace car in front of a packed house, with fans from 48 states and 19 foreign countries — some from as far away as New Zealand, Brazil and the Netherlands — in attendance. “A show with this much horsepower deserves plenty of star power too,” said Matt Greci, general manager for Nashville Superspeedway. “You never know who will show up when NASCAR comes to the Music City for the Ally 400. We’re going to give Luke a fast car and see if he’s fast enough to drive away from the field of NASCAR’s best as we kick off Sunday’s showdown.” Combs was Nashville Superspeedway’s honorary grand marshal for the 2021 Ally 400. Serving as honorary pace car driver is just one highlight in a busy summer for the famed Grand Ole Opry member and 11-time CMA, four-time ACM and six-time Billboard Music Award winner. Combs recently released a new radio single, “Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma,” which will be featured on the soundtrack for the new “Twisters” movie, out July 19. The Asheville, North Carolina, native is the subject of a Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum exhibit that opens July 11, and he is in the midst of a record-breaking “Growin’ Up and Gettin’ Old” stadium tour. Earlier this year, Combs performed an unforgettable duet of “Fast Car” with Tracy Chapman during the 66th Annual GRAMMY Awards, which Rolling Stone called “one of the all-time best collaborative performances in GRAMMY history.” Combs’ version of the song won Single of the Year at the 2024 ACM Awards and 2023 CMA Awards, where Chapman won Song of the Year. The double-platinum-certified single has garnered over 1.1 billion global streams to date and spent 18 weeks in the Top 5 of Billboard’s all-genre Hot 100 chart. Combs’ latest album, “Fathers & Sons,” was released by Columbia Nashville on June 14. Recorded live, the 12-track album is available for purchase and streaming. Combs will be featured on 23XI’s No. 23 Toyota showcasing a new hunting collection in collaboration with Columbia Sportswear that will launch next spring. Fans can get stage-front access to driver introductions for Sunday’s star-studded Ally 400 by purchasing a pre-race track pass. The pre-race track pass includes stage-front access to the Ally 400 pre-race concert featuring Tim Dugger and pre-race driver appearances featuring Erik Jones, Todd Gilliland, AJ Allmendinger and Kyle Larson. Fans will also have access to the infield Turn 4 Viewing Experience and driver Introductions.