By Adam Carabine

Press Release | SPIRE MOTORSPORTS MOORESVILLE, N.C. (May 8, 2024) –Spire Motorsports has agreed to a multi-year contract with 2021 DAYTONA 500 winner Michael McDowell to drive the team’s No. 71 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 in the NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) beginning with the 2025 season. McDowell, a native of Glendale, Ariz., is a veteran of 477 NCS starts and a two-time race winner. He made his NCS debut in 2008 and has since recorded two pole positions, nine top-five and 40 top-10 finishes in NASCAR’s premier division. He will be teamed with veteran Corey LaJoie and 2024 Sunoco Rookie of the Year contender Carson Hocevar. "This is a new chapter for my family and me, and we’re incredibly thankful for the opportunity that’s in front of us,” said McDowell. “It’s going to take some hard work, but I feel like everything is in place for us to be successful as a race team — to win races and contend for championships. People are the greatest asset to any organization, and with Spire’s vision, ambition, knowledge, and dedication, we will achieve great things. Failure is not an option, and that’s the mindset that it will take to achieve our goals." The father of five comes to Spire Motorsports from Front Row Motorsports where he was the organization’s leader in wins, starts, and top-five finishes. In addition to his victory in the 2021 Great American Race, McDowell proved his versatility with a road-course win in last year’s Verizon 200 at the Brickyard at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. He earned NASCAR Cup Series Playoff berths in 2021 and 2023. In addition to his vast NCS resume, McDowell has made 94 NASCAR Xfinity Series starts where he earned two poles, one win (Road America 2016), six top-five and 20 top-10 finishes. He’s also a four-time ARCA Menards Series race winner. “Michael McDowell is a proven winner and brings a NASCAR Playoff pedigree,” said Spire Motorsports president Doug Duchardt. “Michael has always been committed to elevate his teams. His experience and enthusiasm are a perfect fit for Spire Motorsports, and we are sure he will be a great teammate to both Carey LaJoie and Carson Hocevar. We’re thrilled to keep up the positive momentum by adding someone as accomplished as Michael to our driver lineup. “Our 2024 plan for the No. 71 team remains unchanged. Spire Motorsports fully supports Zane Smith and Stephan Doran. We remain committed to the success of our collaboration with Trackhouse. That team is just beginning to realize its potential. We’re looking forward to seeing how the Rookie of the Year battle plays out between Zane and Carson.” Outside the stock car world, McDowell is an accomplished road racer with wins and championships spanning the karting, Formula Renault, Star Mazda and IMSA landscapes. He is a two-time International Karting Federation Champion who compiled 18 consecutive World Karting Association wins. The 39-year-old collected Formula Renault USA Championship honors in 2002 and went on to claim the Star Mazda Series championship two years later. He boasts a 2005 IMSA win in Mexico City and was named the ARCA Menards Series Rookie of the Year in 2007. Spire Motorsports was founded in 2018 and has logged 324 Cup Series starts, posting one win, six top fives and 12 top 10s. Since then, its teams and drivers have become Cup Series mainstays.

(Photo Credit: Twitter.com/Team_FRM) Press Release | FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS MOORESVILLE, N.C. (May 8, 2024) – After seven seasons with Front Row Motorsports (FRM), Michael McDowell has announced he will leave FRM at the end of the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season. The organization’s NASCAR Cup Series leader in wins, starts, and top-5 finishes, McDowell has been an important part in the growth and success of FRM, including winning the 2021 Daytona 500, the 2023 Verizon 200 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and two appearances in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs. A statement from FRM Owner, Bob Jenkins: “We thank Michael for all he has done during his time as a driver at Front Row Motorsports. His 2021 Daytona 500 victory, a dominant win at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and two appearances in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs set a new standard for our organization. He became the leader of his team and the organization. Outside the car, he was the model for a driver we want to represent us and our partners.” “We’re sad to see Michael leave, but wish him, Jami and his family nothing but the best as he moves on to another chapter of what is already an incredible racing career.” McDowell and the No. 34 team are focused on competing for wins and returning to the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs throughout the rest of the season.

(Photo Credit: Twitter.com/23XIRacing) Press Release | 23XI RACING Huntersville, N.C. (May 8, 2024) – 23XI Racing announced today that Alltroo, an online fundraising platform, will serve as the primary partner with Bubba Wallace and the No. 23 Toyota Camry XSE team for the upcoming All-Star Race event at North Wilkesboro Speedway. Alltroo will be featured on the car alongside nonprofits including the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund, First Tee Pasadena and the Hambino Foundation, as well as Rayze, a mobile platform that uses positive social media to simplify giving back. In addition, Alltroo’s co-founder and former NFL tight end, Kyle Rudolph, will attend the race along with celebrity representatives from the charitable organizations. Launched in 2021, Alltroo is a professional fundraiser that helps nonprofits supercharge their fundraising efforts and gain access to a new community of donors through custom giveaways known as “Rallies.” Similar to 23XI’s motto of Forward Together, Alltroo believes that by rallying fans together to support good causes, much more can be done to help those in need. Alltroo has previously held Rallies with Patrick Mahomes, Morgan Wallen, Darius Rucker, the Minnesota Vikings Foundation, the Tony Finau Foundation, and the Ryan Dungey Foundation, to name a few. Wallace, who met Rudolph earlier this year at the Daytona 500, is launching a Rally with Alltroo on May 9, with proceeds benefiting his Live to Be Different Foundation. The foundation was formed in 2017 with a mission of encouraging the next generation to be better and more inclusive than every generation before it, so that they can achieve anything they put their mind to. The prizes include two VIP passes to the NASCAR Cup Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Oct. 13th, a meet and greet with Bubba, a tour of Airspeed, the new 23XI headquarters, and hotel accommodations and flights. Additional attendees with Alltroo include: ·       Patrick Renna – American actor, film producer and co-creator of the Hambino Foundation, which supports youth sports organizations in underserved communities. Renna is known for his role as Ham Porter in the 1993 film The Sandlot. ·       Manolo Vega – Golf instructor and content creator with 1M+ followers on Instagram, whose Alltroo rally raised funds to support The First Tee Pasadena. ·       Carl Nassib – Veteran NFL defensive lineman and founder of positive social media platform Rayze. ·       Jenna Paulette – Country music singer-songwriter and ambassador for the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund, which provides need-based financial assistance to injured professional rodeo athletes. ·       Cory Wong – Grammy-nominated guitarist, songwriter, producer, award-winning podcaster, and member of American funk band Vulfpeck. Born and based in Minneapolis, Wong is a current ambassador for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. “I’m looking forward to representing Alltroo and the other organizations on the No. 23 Toyota at North Wilkesboro,” said Bubba Wallace. “I met Kyle earlier this year and had the chance to learn more about Alltroo, so it’s great to have an opportunity to bring more awareness to the platform and the organizations onboard the car. Alltroo has worked with some amazing athletes and celebrities to benefit very deserving causes, and I’m excited to work with them on my Rally to raise money and awareness for my Live to Be Different Foundation.” “We are excited to partner with 23XI Racing, a team that not only represents excellence but also shares our vision for empowering communities,” said Kyle Rudolph. “Together with Bubba Wallace's No. 23 Toyota Camry, under the 'Forward Together' philosophy, we aim to amplify our mission to 'Grow the Game of Giving.' This partnership marks a powerful alliance, driving change and uniting fans in the spirit of generosity and collective impact." “Part of our mission at 23XI is a commitment to creating change across society, advocating to make a difference, and supporting community initiatives,” said Steve Lauletta, 23XI team president. “When we spoke to Kyle about his goals for Alltroo we felt the connections immediately and collaborated to make this program a reality. We have a lot in common as young organizations looking to make a difference by working together and doing things differently. We are also excited to welcome Patrick, Manolo, Carl, Jenna and Cory to the track, and look forward to them sharing that experience with their supporters.”

(Photo Credit: Twitter.com/RFKracing) Press Release | RFK RACING CONCORD, N.C. (May 8, 2024) – RFK Racing has announced that its Week of Service returns for the second consecutive year. The week of May 13-17, RFK will take part in community charitable efforts across the region alongside its partners and team members. RFK will partner with national and local organizations Nourish Up, the American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity and Second Harvest Food Bank with all five days set to feature an array of initiatives that RFK’s team members and partners will participate in together. Brad Keselowski’s Checkered Flag Foundation and Trips for Kids Charlotte also highlight participating organizations. “Anytime we can give back to our local and regional communities, it’s a good day for RFK and our employees,” said Steve Newmark, President, RFK Racing. “We had a fantastic inaugural Week of Service in 2023, but are excited to extend the reach of that initiative even further by partnering with more great organizations this season. There are so many meaningful volunteer opportunities in our area and across the country, and we encourage all NASCAR fans to join us in making a positive impact wherever you live.” Ongoing: In collaboration with Fifth Third Bank and Second Harvest Food Bank, RFK is also facilitating a Food Drive through the first two weeks of May In addition to collecting food items, RFK is also accepting donations from fans in its team museum through May 17th Fans who donate food items will receive a driver-signed hero card (while supplies last) Monday, May 13: Meal Deliveries in collaboration with Nourish Up Tuesday, May 14: Queen City Bikes Bike Build benefitting Trips for Kids Charlotte Wednesday, May 15: American Red Cross Blood Drive, hosted by Fastenal Thursday, May 16: Letter-Writing to Veterans, in collaboration with Atrium Health Cabarrus and Brad Keselowski’s Checkered Flag Foundation Friday, May 17: Rock the Block Neighborhood Restoration in collaboration with Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region Other participating organizations include the following: Fastenal – RFK’s longest standing partner – will host multiple blood drives via the American Red Cross in the Winona, Minnesota, area. BuildSubmarines.com will host a military care package packing event at BlueForge Alliance’s Texas office in partnership with Boots for Troops on May 17th. Roush Industries will host a book drive at Roush’s Livonia, Michigan, headquarters, partnering with the United Way of Southeast Michigan’s Read United program. Esperion Pharmaceuticals will host a letter-writing campaign with its employees to contribute to the Letters to Veterans initiative. Fifth Third Bank will contribute to the team’s bike build efforts. Ford Performance will participate in both the Food Drive and bike build. NASCAR will also provide multiple areas of support and contribution to RFK’s Week of Service.

(Photo Credit: Twitter.com/TooToughToTame) Press Release | DARLINGTON RACEWAY DARLINGTON, S.C. (May 8, 2024) – Darlington Raceway announced today that former NASCAR Cup Series driver Geoff Bodine will serve as the Grand Marshal for Saturday’s Darlington Raceway Throwback Parade. Bodine will lead the annual parade of NASCAR’s Official Throwback Weekend, accompanied by a host of local dignitaries, vintage race cars and nostalgic floats. “The annual Throwback Parade is a highlight for so many in our local community as well as race fans that have traveled to Darlington, so we are proud to continue celebrating our rich racing history and the legends of NASCAR,” said Josh Harris, President of Darlington Raceway. “In recognition of Geoff Bodine’s 1982 career-altering triumph at The Lady in Black, it’s a pleasure to name him as Grand Marshal of the Darlington Raceway Throwback Parade.” Bodine credits his 1982 NASCAR Xfinity Series victory at Darlington Raceway as the race that launched his NASCAR Cup Series career. Driving the No. 99 for team owner Frank Plessinger, Bodine held off Jody Ridley by nearly 5 seconds to take the victory. The race featured several NASCAR Cup Series drivers, including the likes of David Pearson, Dale Earnhardt and Harry Gant. The following week, NASCAR Cup Series team owner Cliff Stewart was so impressed with Bodine’s effort that he called him and offered him the driver’s seat of his No. 50 Pontiac, stating “if you can win Darlington, you can win anywhere, so drive my car.” Bodine, 75, was a celebrated NASCAR Modified racer from Chemung, N.Y., prior to trying his hand in stock cars. During his grass roots racing career, he raced against NASCAR Hall of Famers Jerry Cook and Richie Evans among others in the Modified division. Throughout his 29-year career, Bodine amassed 18 NASCAR Cup Series triumphs, including a DAYTONA 500 victory (1986), and was named one of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers (2023). The Darlington Raceway Throwback Parade will kick off at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 11, at South of Pearl (117 Edwards Ave) and conclude in the NASCAR Xfinity Series Garage at Darlington Raceway. Other slated participants include Jeff Burton, Kenny Wallace, Leonard Wood, Ron Hornaday Jr. and more. The Official Throwback Weekend of NASCAR will Celebrate Our Roots with many competitors paying homage to their grassroots origins, beginning with the Buckle Up South Carolina 200 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, followed by the NASCAR Xfinity Series Crown Royal Purple Bag Project 200 at 1:30 p.m. ET on Saturday. Then, the weekend will culminate with the stars of the NASCAR Cup Series taking on the Track Too Tough to Tame in the Goodyear 400 at 3 p.m. Sunday. NASCAR fans are encouraged to purchase their tickets via phone at 866-459-7223 or online at darlingtonraceway.com while supplies last.

By Adam Carabine Best First Stage The closest finish in NASCAR history likely overshadowed everything else in this race, but let’s not forget the beauty that was Stage One.  Right off the top, you had polesitter Christopher Bell and Ross Chastain racing like there was 10 to go.  There was a round of clean, green-flag pit stops which shook things up.  There was intrigue throughout the field.  It was awesome. Yes, the finish is what people will be talking about for years to come, but there was more greatness to this race than just the 0.001 margin of victory.  In the first stage alone, there were 10 green flag lead changes.  Sometimes it feels like we get less than that in other FULL races.  Texas’ first stage only had 3. Does NASCAR’s Short Track package need work? For sure it does - they would be the first ones to tell you that, too. Is the Intermediate package working? Hell yes. Worst Time to be Canadian Having rain or any sort of weather delay is never a fun time.  You get excited for a race, only to turn on the TV and find that it’s pouring rain and you’ll likely not be seeing cars on the track for a few hours. Cue the broadcast desperately trying to find things to discuss to fill the time - also not super enjoyable, although the occasional feature can be entertaining. However, in Canada, it doesn’t work the same way. Quick background - NASCAR coverage in Canada is not done the same way as it is in the USA.  For the Americans, they get Fox for half of the year, and then NBC for the second half (at least for the remainder of this year - things are set to change next year). In Canada, we get to see the American feeds, but they’re broadcast on the same channels every weekend - TSN (Canada’s version of ESPN).  We get to see the switch to NBC halfway through the season, but it remains on TSN. Now, TSN has 5 channels, numbered TSN 1 through 5 (original, I know), and it varies from week to week which one will have NASCAR Cup Series racing, but we know it can be found on one of those five on any given week. The rain delayed the race in Kansas, and TSN decided to put some golf coverage on instead, stating that when the race was ready to be run, we’d get it back. Some time passes, the rain stops, and they’re about ready to go racing.  I’m reading on Twitter/X that they’re firing up the engines, etc. and yet still I’m watching golf.  In fact, the exact same golf coverage is being shown on TWO channels at the same time. A third TSN channel has started running a pre-recorded clip-style show, something about the Biggest Coach Blowups Ever, and suddenly I see that the race has gone green! I know there aren’t as many of us fans up here in Canada, but come on, TSN!  You can do better!  We had to watch the final hole of golf, and then some extremely boring post-match interviews with the winner before finally switching over to NASCAR.  We joined the race on lap 15. Okay, I’m done ranting, but boy was that frustrating! Worst Paint Scheme Every week I pick on someone new.  This week, the worst paint scheme has to go to Todd Gilliland and his Long John Silver’s 38 Dark Horse Mustang.  To be fair, it was a fairly strong week in paint scheme land, and there have been much worse offerings in the past. Best Stats In the last twenty races, dating back to last year - both Chase Elliott and Martin Truex Jr. have only finished outside of the Top 20 once! They also coincidentally are the only two Cup Series drivers with Average Finishes below 10 this season. Brad Keselowski had an insane day of passes - his pass differential was +59.  Maybe I’m misremembering, but I can’t seem to recall him making his way back through the field all that often? Bonus stat - Corey Heim is having an other-worldly season in Trucks.  Through 7 races, he has an average finish of 3.5 - that is insane. Closest Finish I mean, I’d be remiss if I didn’t talk about the closest finish in NASCAR history, right?  That’s kind of a big deal.  One man’s victory is another man’s heartbreak - and Chris Buescher was on the losing end of the closest finish in history.  More on that later. It is absolutely beyond the human capability to understand what a single millisecond looks like, feels like, etc.  The fact that Larson edged out Buescher by 0.001 seconds, or one millisecond, is INSANE. First of all, even the fact that we have the technology to even register that difference is amazing.  How would they even have approached this sort of finish in the years before HD cameras, etc.?  There has never been a tie in NASCAR, though if somehow there had been, there are rules for that too. The first tiebreaker would be laps led, then to who ran the most laps in 2nd, then 3rd, etc. until the tie was broken.  That would certainly not be a fun way to decide a race, so we’re lucky that Buescher wasn’t a millisecond faster. But boy, what a time to be alive.  And what a finish. Biggest Heartbreak Let’s put an F in the chat for Chris Buescher.  I’ve often wondered whether it’s better to lose by a close margin or a huge one.  Before this weekend, when picturing a ‘close margin,’ I didn’t quite have 0.001s in mind, but I think I can definitively say this one must hurt more. Let’s not even get started on the fact that the official scoring initially said Buescher had won.  So not only does he lose the race, but they likely feel embarrassed celebrating for a few seconds before being told it actually was Larson’s victory. But even without that, just based on the tone of Buescher’s post-race interview, you could tell he was just beginning his journey through the seven stages of grief. He was shown a replay that was pretty clear he was a hair behind Larson at the line, and was clearly in denial, saying, “I don’t see it.  I still don’t see it.” In the end, Buescher’s crew chief, Scott Graves, met with NASCAR and they showed him their in-depth look at the finish.  Heartbreaking, yes, but indisputably it was Larson across the line first. “It is what it is - doesn’t make it any easier to swallow,” Graves said after the meeting with NASCAR. Best One-Up

By Adam Carabine We've ranked all 34 full-time drivers in the Cup Series (there are 36 charters, but the Rick Ware 15 and Kaulig 16 have rotating drivers, so they're excluded). Rankings are determined using a large number of statistical inputs. Zane Smith – This week: 34th – Last week: 34th P29 at Kansas – it’s going to take more than that to move up the Power Rankings. Harrison Burton – This week: 33rd – Last week: 33rd He was the final car still running at the end of the Kansas race.  P36, 6 laps down. Michael McDowell – This week: 32nd – Last week: 32nd A P10 at Kansas is the right direction to be headed, but he’ll need to show that it’s not a one-off before moving up the rankings. Austin Dillon – This week: 31st – Last week: 31st Another finish outside of the top 20 this weekend – especially when his teammate came 8th. Austin Cindric – This week: 30th – Last week: 28th Another DNF in Kansas after qualifying in the Top 10.  They’re going to need some results very soon. Corey LaJoie – This week: 29th – Last week: 29th P26 at Kansas is not nearly good enough for this team. Carson Hocevar– This week: 28th – Last week: 27th A stellar campaign for All-Star votes, but a P24 at Kansas is not an all-star worthy result. Justin Haley – This week: 27th – Last week: 30th P18 in the Rick Ware Racing equipment isn’t too shabby at all. Josh Berry – This week: 26th – Last week: 25th A 15th placed finish at Kansas is a step in the right direction.  He falls one spot in the Power Rankings because of others doing better around him. Erik Jones – This week: 25th – Last week: 24th He only falls back because he wasn’t racing.  He’ll be able to make up some ground next week when he returns at Darlington. Todd Gilliland – This week: 24th – Last week: 26th A P14 at Kansas, plus some laps led? That’s a solid week for Todd Gilliland, so he moves up two spots. Daniel Hemric – This week: 23rd – Last week: 21st Did we see Hemric on TV once this past weekend?  P30 means a two-spot slide. Ryan Preece – This week: 22nd – Last week: 20th Preece ran in the back all day at Kansas, was passed multiple times, and came home P28.  He might want in on that study group after all. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. – This week: 21st – Last week: 23rd Fresh off of a 2-year extension with JTG-Daugherty, Stenhouse had some positive passing numbers and finished a respectable 16th at Kansas. John Hunter Nemechek – This week: 20th – Last week: 22nd Suddenly the veteran driver of the two Legacy Cars (with Corey Heim filling in for an injured Erik Jones), Nemecheck was solid all day.  Some savvy strategy at the end got him a P13 after riding around in the mid 20s most of the day. Noah Gragson – This week: 19th – Last week: 19th Another week down, and another Top 10 for Noah.  Had it not been for the 35-pt penalty the team got early in the season, he’d be creeping up on the playoff bar. Bubba Wallace – This week: 18th – Last week: 18th Not much to write home about this weekend for Bubba Wallace.  A P17 for this team isn’t good enough to move the needle. Daniel Suarez – This week: 17th – Last week: 15th Rough day in Kansas for Suarez, and he falls out of the Top 16 of our Power Rankings.  His finish of 27th was actually better than his average running position all day.  (Don’t forget that Kansas is in the playoffs…) Chase Briscoe – This week: 16th – Last week: 14th The leader of SHR had an extremely forgettable day in Kansas.  He came home 21st, and actually had a field-worst -31 passing differential. Joey Logano – This week: 15th – Last week: 12th What has happened to Logano? We know he tends to take the ‘odd’ years off, but 2024 is an even number!  Luckily his tow truck driver etiquette has improved.  P34 in Kansas. Christopher Bell – This week: 14th – Last week: 16th Bell’s season has been off to a shaky start, but he won the pole at Kansas and finished P6.  He’s on the upswing. Chris Buescher – This week: 13th – Last week: 17th In possibly the most heartbreaking 2nd place finish of all time, Buescher showed that he’s getting some of his 2023 mojo back.  RFK is just knocking at the door. Alex Bowman – This week: 12th – Last week: 13th It was another quietly good day at Kansas for Bowman.  He’s now got the 5th best average finish in the Cup Series.  The only problem is that Elliott, Larson and Byron are all 2, 3 and 4. Kyle Busch – This week: 11th – Last week: 11th Another week, another Top 10 for Kyle Busch.  He led 14 laps too.  I’m sure he wishes he was doing better, but considering how his teammate Austin Dillon is fairing in the same equipment, he can’t complain. Ross Chastain – This week: 10th – Last week: 9th The Kansas race started strong for Chastain.  He was up front, battling for the lead, scored points in each stage break, and even led 43 laps.  But he finished P19, which should be a disappointment for this team. Brad Keselowski – This week: 9th – Last week: 10th Keselowski is the owner of the strangest outlier stat from Kansas.  His pass differential of +59 was so much higher than anyone else – Byron’s was the next highest at +27. Ty Gibbs – This week: 8th – Last week: 8th Some unfortunate pit strategy ended up ruining what looked to be a good day at Kansas for Ty.  He earned points in each stage break, but finished a lap down, P32.  His underlying stats kept him at 8th this week. Ryan Blaney – This week: 7th – Last week: 7th It was a quiet, effective day for Blaney in Kansas – P12 for the number 12 car.  He’ll likely not be happy with it, but Team Penske had a rough day overall. Tyler Reddick – This week: 6th – Last week: 6th An uncharacteristically slower day for Reddick this past weekend, he finished 20th.  He earned a few points in Stage 2, and was running in the Top 15 most of the day.  His 62 quality passes (green flag passes in the Top 15) was third highest on the day, too.  He’ll bounce back. Chase Elliott – This week: 5th – Last week: 5th It was the kind of race that builds more momentum for Elliott in Kansas.  He had the most quality passes of anyone all day, positive pass differentials, the works, etc.  But it was all topped off with a P3 finish. William Byron – This week: 4th – Last week: 4th Kansas wasn’t so kind to William Byron.  He finished 23rd, though his underlying stats showed a better day in the works.  He’s built up enough cache to not fall in the standings… yet. Martin Truex Jr. – This week: 3rd – Last week: 2nd Another solid day for Truex, without a win to show for it.  He looked primed to take the victory up until Kyle Busch spun on his own with a handful of laps remaining, bringing out the caution.  If he can channel that frustration, he’ll be in victory lane soon. Denny Hamlin – This week: 2nd – Last week: 3rd He led the most laps at Kansas, and earned the most stage points of anyone on the day.  The two-tire strategy at the end burned him, but he brought home a respectable P5. Kyle Larson – This week: 1st – Last week: 1st Larson stuck his tongue out at the start/finish line to beat Buescher at Kansas, but it wasn’t even the win that kept him in the top spot of the Power Rankings.  His average position was 3rd all day, and he earned the 2nd most Stage Points of any driver.  He should scare the other drivers right now, he’s ramping up.

(Photo Credit: Twitter.com/TooToughToTame) Press Release | DARLINGTON RACEWAY DARLINGTON, S.C. (MAY 7, 2024) – Darlington Raceway announced today that NASCAR Hall of Famer, former team owner and crew chief Ray Evernham will serve as the Grand Marshal on Sunday for the Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway. The NASCAR legend will deliver the starting command for one of the most thrilling NASCAR Cup Series races of the season, which culminates The Official Throwback Weekend of NASCAR at the Track Too Tough to Tame. “There are few NASCAR crew chiefs as decorated and committed to improving the sport of stock car racing as Ray Evernham,” said Josh Harris, President of Darlington Raceway. “It’s a pleasure to highlight Evernham’s impact by naming him as Grand Marshal during NASCAR’s Official Throwback Weekend.” Less than a decade into his illustrious career, Ray Everham’s name was cemented in the history books. As crew chief, Evernham led Jeff Gordon and the No. 24 team to three Cup Series Championship titles, four Cook Out Southern 500 victories at Darlington Raceway, two DAYTONA 500 triumphs and a series-leading 49 wins in the 1990s. His innovation on pit road earned his No. 24 pit crew the nickname “Rainbow Warriors.” Evernham recognized the special abilities of his pit crew and capitalized on their strengths, incorporating regular physical conditioning, speed and coordination drills and film review sessions into their training. In 2001, Evernham became a team owner, spearheading the return of Dodge to NASCAR with Evernham Motorsports. His Cup Series drivers won 13 times under his leadership, including Bill Elliott’s victory in the 2002 Brickyard 400. At Darlington, Evernham’s teams garnered four top-five finishes and three poles. Evernham, a New Jersey native, found success as a modified driver in the northeast during the 1970s and 1980s. Evernham raced against the stars of the Northeast modified circuit, including Jerry Cook and Richie Evans, both NASCAR Hall of Famers. He competed regularly at Wall Stadium Speedway, a 1/4-mile high-banked paved oval track in Wall Township, N.J. The Official Throwback Weekend of NASCAR will Celebrate Our Roots with many competitors paying homage to their grassroots origins, beginning with the Buckle Up South Carolina 200 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, followed by the NASCAR Xfinity Series Crown Royal Purple Bag Project 200 at 1:30 p.m. ET on Saturday. Then, the weekend will culminate with the stars of the NASCAR Cup Series taking on the Track Too Tough to Tame in the Goodyear 400 at 3 p.m. Sunday. NASCAR fans are encouraged to purchase their tickets via phone at 866-459-7223 or online at darlingtonraceway.com while supplies last.

Press Release | FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS MOORESVILLE, N.C. (May 7, 2024) - Layne Riggs will honor his family’s rich racing heritage at the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway with his throwback paint scheme. The No. 38 Infinity Communications Group Ford F-150 will pay homage to Riggs’ father, Scott, who raced the featured scheme during the 2000 season for Impact Motorsports. In his limited schedule that year, Scott Riggs had seven top-10s in 15 starts, including a 5th-place finish at Richmond (V.A.) Raceway. "It's really cool to go [to Darlington] and pay homage to my dad," Riggs said. "I've raced some of his schemes in the past, but this one is really cool because it was his first full time opportunity at the national level, and this is my first full time opportunity at the national level." "Darlington is a pretty gnarly track from what I've seen, I'm excited to get on it. It's going to be a tough race, but it brings me back to my roots in tire management and old school racing." In addition to the scheme, Riggs will be carrying the Orange County Speedway track logo on the name rail, his hometown track. "It's surreal to me to be watching Layne in the truck series at the same tracks I've raced in this scheme," Scott Riggs said. "The paint scheme is older than Layne. It means a lot to have Infinity Communications Group support this scheme and let me relive those memories while also supporting my son." Riggs will race Friday night at the Darlington Raceway with track activity starting with practice and qualifying at 3:00 pm ET. The 147-lap event will take place that evening at 7:30 pm ET.

Press Release | THE MILKWAUKEE MILE WEST ALLIS, Wis. (May 7, 2024) – LIUNA and the Wisconsin Laborers’ District Council have announced an agreement with NASCAR event promoter Track Enterprises for the return of NASCAR to the historic Milwaukee Mile on Sunday, August 25th. The 17th running of the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series (NCTS) race at the 1.015-mile track will be known as the “LIUNA 175.” The intensity of the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series playoffs starts in Milwaukee and will be on full display, as eight eligible drivers will be racing for the LIUNA 175 winner’s trophy and a ticket to the next round of the Playoffs, and ultimately, the championship. In the grandstands will be upwards of 1,000 Wisconsin LIUNA members cheering on their LIUNA sponsored driver, Tyler Ankrum, and the thrilling on-track action the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series continues to produce. "On behalf of the 9,000 skilled, working men and women of the Wisconsin Laborers' District Council, who build our state's infrastructure, we are honored to have NASCAR return to the Milwaukee Mile and be the title partner for this year's LIUNA 175,” said Kent Miller, President/Business Manager of the Wisconsin Laborers’ District Council. “We felt the power of our membership last year with almost 600 strong in the grandstands, and this year we expect over 1,000 members and their families to attend and cheer on our union brother, Tyler Ankrum, in the No. 18 LIUNA Chevrolet Silverado.” LIUNA, the Laborers’ International Union of North America, is no stranger to sports sponsorship or motorsports. LIUNA sponsors two-time NCTS playoffs driver Tyler Ankrum and has sponsorships of sports teams and organizations around the country. Ankrum, the 2019 NCTS Rookie of the Year, and race winner, is off to a promising start to the 2024 season with his new team, McAnally-Hilgemann Racing. The team is co-owned by Stratford, Wisconsin businessman, Bill Hilgemann and California native Bill McAnally. Ankrum, who has led a career-high 62 laps this season, has secured three top-five and four top-10 finishes in just the first eight starts of 2024. “We are extremely excited to have LIUNA and its proud Wisconsin LIUNA members join us and become our title sponsor for the return of NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series to the Milwaukee Mile,” said Bob Sargent, President of Track Enterprises. “It takes a lot of effort to promote the kick-off race in the Truck Series playoffs, and our fans deserve it after last year’s successful event. Sunday, August 25th will be a special race day with all of the Wisconsin LIUNA members and their families in the grandstands to witness the LIUNA 175. It’s going to be exciting!” LIUNA 175 race ticket and event information can be found online at TrackEnterprises.com/MilwaukeeMileRacing The LIUNA 175 from the Milwaukee Mile will be televised live on FS1 Sunday August 25, beginning at 4 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. The 17th of 23 NCTS races on the 2024 schedule will be broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.