Speedway Digest Staff

Sefton Steel, a Houston, Texas-based A.I.S.C certified fabricator, specializing in the petrochemical, refining, power, pulp and paper, industrial, and mining industries, has partnered with Jordan Anderson Racing for this weekend’s SpeedyCash.com 400 at Texas Motor Speedway. 
 
Serving as the primary sponsor on Anderson’s No. 3 Chevrolet Silverado, the Sefton Steel brand will be prominently displayed on the hood and sides for the NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series race Sunday, October 25.
 
Since 1985, Sefton Steel has been committed to providing an error-free product to the industrial, commercial, and governmental construction industries all while continuing to meet or exceed the contract specifications, and the customer’s expectations on each project. From pipe racks to major structures like platforms, bulk material handling systems and cable trays, Sefton Steel has fabricated and delivered quality structural steel to virtually all points around the world.

"At Sefton Steel we are super excited to partner with Jordan Anderson again at the Texas Motor Speedway for the third straight year," said Patrick Collier President of Sefton Steel. "As a Texas company we are proud of our Texas roots, and could not think of a better race to be the primary sponsor on Jordan’s truck. We are looking forward to seeing the Sefton Steel logo on the side of the beautiful No. 3 in our home state."

“It’s going to be an honor to carry the Sefton Steel banner on our truck for this weekend’s race in Texas.” Said driver Jordan Anderson. “Patrick and Lisa Collier, and the entire Sefton Steel family have been a part of our team from Day 1 when we decided to embark on this journey. Their belief and support in what we are doing means the world. We will forever be grateful for their friendship, and the opportunity to represent such a great company, along with all of their amazing employees and their families. Texas is a special race for them being based out of Houston, so we hope to make everyone proud and finish the season strong.”
 
The No. 3 Sefton Steel/ Bommarito.com Jordan Anderson Racing Chevrolet Silverado will take the green flag in the SpeedyCash.com 400 Texas Motor Speedway Sunday, October 25, at 12:00 p.m. ET. All the action from the mile and half speedway will be broadcast live starting at 12 p.m. ET on FOX Sports 1 (FS1), Motor Racing Network (MRN) and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90.

For more information on Sefton Steel, please visit Seftonsteel.com. 

Jordan Anderson Racing PR

Root Insurance, a company driven to make insurance more fair, is announcing a partnership with Bubba Wallace, an athlete unapologetically driven to make positive change. The partnership kicks off today with the launch of the Unapologetic campaign, celebrating the progress Bubba is leading in NASCAR and the growth it is creating for the sport.

“Getting to know Bubba Wallace and what he stands for made this partnership one that we couldn’t pass up,” said Alex Timm, Root Co-Founder and CEO. “He is dedicated to standing up for what is right, even when it involves facing adversity. Root was created to make car insurance more fair—standing up against the established industry that priced more on demographics than driving behavior. We are proud to support Bubba Wallace.”

“Root Insurance is doing what is right and making insurance more fair, and I am proud to partner with a company making a difference,” said Wallace. “I stand firmly with the goal of eliminating bias from insurance, and I truly believe we can work together to help make the world a better place.”

This is Root’s first national athletic sponsorship, and the company’s first foray into sports marketing.

23XI Racing PR

Below is a statement from team owner Archie St. Hilaire:

"It has been a lot of fun over the years but with the evolution of life, your priorities change. With my son [and GM of Go Fas] Mason moving on to start his own business in a different industry and myself getting ready to spend time with my daughter having my first grandchild, I feel its time to reevaluate the next chapter of my life. It definitely has been great working with Ford and all of our great marketing partners over the last 10 years and we look forward to continuing with them on a smaller scale going forward.

I can't say enough about how NASCAR has built and maintained their business model during the current pandemic and how exciting the schedule looks for 2021! We will keep 4-5 cars and anticipate running 5-6 races in 2021 at tracks we enjoy and make financial sense.

Joe Falk of Circle Sport will continue to own half of the charter we currently run and we will be transferring our ownership in our half of the charter at the end of the season to Joe's new partner, who will be announced in the coming days. We will continue our partnership with the Wood Brothers Racing team on our other charter moving forward into the future. We look forward to the 2021 season. Driver update will come forward after the remaining full time teams announce their 2021 driver line-ups!" 

In a surprise announcement today on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, JR Motorsports team owner Dale Earnhardt Jr. broke the news that Josh Berry has been tabbed to drive the team’s No. 8 Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series in approximately 12 races in the first half of the 2021 season.

The news comes on the heels of Berry’s NASCAR Weekly Series championship and a phenomenal late model season that included a stunning 26 victories, 36 top-five and 38 top-10 finishes. 

“I’m excited to tell you…that we’re committing to put you in the No. 8 Chevrolet for a dozen races in the first half of 2021,” Earnhardt Jr. told Berry. “You worked hard for this opportunity. We’ll have more details in the coming months, but I wanted to let you know we’re going to go Xfinity racing next year.”

A native of Hendersonville, Tenn., Berry is not a stranger to NXS competition. He’s made a total of seven starts, including five for JRM, and earned a pair of top-10 finishes at Richmond and Iowa.  

“I'm honestly speechless," a surprised Berry said. "That's the last thing I would have expected. Gosh, that's amazing. I can't wait to prepare for that and get going. [It's] truly unbelievable. I just can't thank everybody enough for believing in me and giving me these opportunities. For a short track guy, it’s just amazing to see these opportunities come about.”

The 29-year-old is a 10-year veteran of JRM’s late model program. Berry also lays claim to the 2019 ValleyStar Credit Union race at Martinsville Speedway and a CARS LMSC driver title in 2017, the CARS owner title in 2016 and the track championships at Hickory (N.C.) Motor Speedway and Motor Mile (Radford, Va.) Speedway.

The latter half of the No. 8’s 2021 season will see 17-year-old, Wisconsin native Sam Mayer taking the reins.

JRM PR

With just one feature win scored by each Craig Von Dohren and Brian Hirthler were able to use consistency to earn the Grandview Speedway NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Racing Series titles. Von Dohren, who calls Oley, PA home, earned the T.P. Trailers NASCAR Modified title for the 11^th time with his first being earned in 1988. Brian Hirthler of Green Lane, PA was tops in the T.P.Truck Equipment Sportsman division, a title he won once before back in 2017.

Due to the Covid issues only 12 feature races, counting toward the point championships, were presented during the season but Ma Nature did not force any of the Saturday night events to be cancelled.

With a total of 3153 points Von Dohren topped defending champion Duane Howard who also won a feature and was able to tally 2906 points. Doug Manmiller grabbed third with 2694 followed by Jared Umbenhauer at 2691 and rounding out the top five was 10 time champion Jeff Strunk with 2669 points. Kevin Hirthler and Brett Kressley were each able to win three features. A total of 50 racers earned points.

In the T.P.Truck Equipment Sportsman division Brian Hirthler earned 2258 points with one feature win to his credit with the Alpine Truck Repair entry to grab the championship. The Green Lane, PA racer edged out Brad Arnold by just five points. Others who finished close to the champion were Ryan Beltz with 2230 counters, Kyle Lilick earned 2227 points while Jack Butler tallied 2114. Close to 60 racers competed in the Sportsman division with only Kyle Lilick winning more than once.

The season opening VP Fuels 3^rd Annual Bruce Rogers Memorial had Tim Buckwalter topping the field of Modifieds while Brian Hirthler won in the Sportsman. Jeff Strunk took home $35,550 for his win in the 50^th Annual Freedom 76 while Kevin Hirthler won the Freedom 38 for Sportsman. These events were not point events and did not count toward the NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series titles.

Coming up at Grandview on Sunday, November 8^th is the annual Fall Racers Flea Market starting at 7 a.m.

Fans and racers can pencil in Saturday, March 27^th for the annual free-to-the-public practice session that is planned as a kick off for the 2021 season which will be the 59^th consecutive season of stock car racing at the Rogers family operated Grandview Speedway.

The two biggest events each season are already on the 2021 calendar with the 4^th Annual Bruce Rogers Memorial set for Saturday, April 3 and the 51^st Annual Freedom 76 Classic on the schedule for Saturday, September 18^th.

As plans are made for 2021 it is a good time for area businesses to be in touch so they can gain the benefits of sponsorship at NASCAR sanctioned Grandview Speedway. Contact Ernie Saxton at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or telephone 267.934.7286.

Grandview Speedway PR

Comcast announced Martinsville President Clay Campbell as a finalist for the 2020 Comcast Community Champion of the Year, an annual award created to recognize philanthropic efforts of individuals within the NASCAR industry.

Campbell is recognized for his efforts to support Henry County and Martinsville, Va., as President of Martinsville Speedway and the Campbell Family Foundation. He is joined as a Comcast Community Champion of the Year finalist by Matt Kaulig of Kaulig Racing and Kaulig Charitable Giving Programs and NASCAR Cup Series driver Bubba Wallace of the Live To Be Different Foundation.

“This year, more than ever, it’s important to shine a spotlight on how these remarkable individuals within the sport of NASCAR are using their platforms to make a positive impact on so many lives around them,” said Matt Lederer, Vice President of Brand Partnerships and Activation at Comcast. “This year’s finalists embody the spirit of one of Comcast’s core values, community impact, by working tirelessly to make a long term, lasting change in the community.”

“I am honored to be recognized with Matt Kaulig and Bubba Wallace as a finalist for the Comcast Community Champion of the Year,” said Martinsville President Clay Campbell. “Our family has always believed it is our civic duty to be good citizens who actively care for our community. I am grateful to Comcast for this humbling recognition of my small role in supporting Martinsville and Henry County.”

As President of Martinsville Speedway since 1988, Campbell leads the historic Virginia track that was founded by his grandfather H. Clay Earles. Born and raised in Martinsville, Campbell works to make Henry County a better place through educational opportunities, financial donations, and his time. With the Campbell Family Foundation, he focuses on many areas, especially when it comes to local youth. This includes providing free physical, dental and eye exams to those in need as well as equipment and scholarships at local high schools and colleges.

Campbell was instrumental in making the Dolly Parton Imagination Library program that mails free books to children from birth until they begin school and also supports the Grace Network through a Christmas Toy Drive that has impacted over 10,000 area children with gifts to unwrap on Christmas morning. He is also involved with the Grace Network and Henry County’s Food Bank, particularly in the summer months when the organization is at their most critical need. Martinsville Speedway also hosts an annual free Independence Day Celebration with Campbell covering the cost for carnival rides for all children.

In addition, Campbell has served as President of the Martinsville-Henry County Chamber of Commerce, President of the Martinsville YMCA Board of Directors, President of the Chamber Partnership for Economic Growth, Trustee at Ferrum College and Board of Directors at the Memorial Hospital of Martinsville and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Blue Ridge Airport Authority Board.

Since 2015, when its Xfinity brand entered the sport as entitlement partner of the NASCAR Xfinity Series and now Premier Partner of the NASCAR Cup Series, Comcast has donated more than a half million dollars to 18 different NASCAR-affiliated organizations to honor their efforts and to help further the impact of their worthy causes.

“From the beginning of our partnership with NASCAR, we wanted to find a way to tell these amazing stories and in the sixth year of this prestigious program, we were overwhelmed with an array of inspirational individuals that make us proud to be a leader in the sport,” Lederer added. “We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone for their incredible efforts, especially in a challenging season like 2020.”

The 2020 Comcast Community Champion of the Year will be selected by a panel comprised of Comcast and NASCAR executives, as well as Dover International Speedway President, Mike Tatoian, who received the award in 2019 for his work with USO Delaware.

Comcast will award $60,000 to the champion’s affiliated charity, and $30,000 to each of the two remaining finalists’ selected charities. The 2020 Comcast Community Champion will be announced in conjunction with NASCAR Championship Weekend next month in Phoenix.

To learn more about the 2020 Comcast Community Champion of the Year finalists as well as past and present finalists, visit ComcastCommunityChampion.com.

Martinsville Speedway PR

Comcast announced today the finalists for the 2020 Comcast Community Champion of the Year Award, an annual award created to recognize the philanthropic efforts of individuals within the NASCAR industry.

The 2020 finalists are:

• Bubba Wallace, NASCAR Cup Series driver at Richard Petty Motorsports, Live To Be Different Foundation
• Clay Campbell, Martinsville Speedway President, Campbell Family Foundation
• Matt Kaulig, Owner of Kaulig Racing, Kaulig Charitable Giving Programs

This year’s finalists took on increased leadership roles in their respective communities during an unpredictable 2020. Whether taking a stand for social justice, addressing the digital divide that affects low-income households or unselfishly lending a helping hand to neighbors in need, these NASCAR industry members continued their commitment to create positive change in 2020, while also enriching the quality of life for those around them.

“This year, more than ever, it’s important to shine a spotlight on how these remarkable individuals within the sport of NASCAR are using their platforms to make a positive impact on so many lives around them,” said Matt Lederer, Vice President of Brand Partnerships and Activation at Comcast. “Our 2020 finalists embody the spirit of one of Comcast’s core values, community impact, by working tirelessly to make a long term, lasting change in the community.”

Since 2015, when its Xfinity brand entered the sport as entitlement partner of the NASCAR Xfinity Series and now Premier Partner of the NASCAR Cup Series, Comcast has donated more than a half million dollars to 18 different NASCAR-affiliated organizations to honor their efforts and to help further the impact of their worthy causes. Fans can visit ComcastCommunityChampion.com to learn more about past and present finalists and their acts of selflessness.

“From the beginning of our partnership with NASCAR, we wanted to find a way to tell these amazing stories and in the sixth year of this prestigious program, we were overwhelmed with an array of inspirational individuals that make us proud to a leader in the sport,” Lederer added. “We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone for their incredible efforts, especially in a challenging season like 2020.”

The 2020 Comcast Community Champion of the Year will be selected by a panel comprised of Comcast and NASCAR executives, as well as Dover International Speedway President, Mike Tatoian, who received the award in 2019 for his work with USO Delaware.

Comcast will award $60,000 to the champion’s affiliated charity, and $30,000 to each of the two remaining finalists’ selected charities. The 2020 Comcast Community Champion will be announced in conjunction with NASCAR Championship Weekend next month in Phoenix.

“The NASCAR community is blessed to have an abundance of men and women that are not only dedicated to our industry but just as importantly dedicated to making a significant impact in the lives of others,” said Tatoian. “The amazing generosity and support that Comcast continues to commit to this award showcases the company’s commitment to make a difference in our communities.  USO Delaware is a better organization today because of the recognition that we received as the 2019 Comcast Community Champion of the Year.”

Comcast has a long track record of community service, aiding in the advancement of local organizations, developing programs & partnerships, mobilizing resources to connect people and inspiring positive and substantive change. To learn more about these efforts, click here.

2020 Comcast Community Champion of the Year finalists:

Bubba Wallace (Concord, N.C.) – The Live To Be Different Foundation, led by Bubba Wallace, was formed to lift up individuals seeking a means to fulfill their potential, no matter their race, gender, disabilities or socio-economic situation. Through a message of compassion, love and understanding, the Richard Petty Motorsports driver believes all barriers can be removed so that all dreams can be realized. Live To Be Different's mission is to empower the next generation to strive and achieve anything they put their mind to, just as Wallace has done in his journey as an African-American race car driver and agent of change in his sport. In doing so, Live To Be Different supports disadvantaged individuals and those in need of a second chance with educational, social or other types of assistance needed to help make their dreams reality.

Clay Campbell (Martinsville, Va.) – As President of Martinsville Speedway since 1988, Clay Campbell leads the historic Virginia track that was founded by his grandfather H. Clay Earles. Born and raised in Martinsville, Campbell works to make Henry County a better place through educational opportunities, financial donations, and his time. With the Campbell Family Foundation, he focuses on many areas, especially when it comes to local youth. This includes providing free physical, dental and eye exams to those in need as well as equipment and scholarships at local high schools and colleges. He was also instrumental in making the Dolly Parton Imagination Library program that mails free books to children from birth until they begin school and supports the Grace Network through a Christmas Toy Drive that has impacted over 10,000 area children with gifts to unwrap on Christmas morning. He is also involved with the Grace Network and Henry County’s Food Bank, particularly in the summer months when the organization is at their most critical need. The track also hosts an annual free Independence Day Celebration with Campbell covering the cost for carnival rides for all children. In addition, Campbell serves as President of the Martinsville-Henry County Chamber of Commerce, President of the Martinsville YMCA Board of Directors, President of the Chamber Partnership for Economic Growth, Trustee at Ferrum College and is on the Board of Directors at the Memorial Hospital of Martinsville and the Blue Ridge Airport Authority Board.

Matt Kaulig (Hudson, Ohio) – Matt Kaulig’s philosophy on giving time, talent and treasure to Akron Children’s Hospital and the greater Cleveland community is truly what makes him embody the characteristics of a philanthropist. At Akron Children’s, he not only supports caring for and healing children, but is interested in finding solutions for childhood ailments, providing comfort and safety for children and families in need, as well as nurturing the hopes, dreams and potential of children. Matt, and his wife, Lisa, are focused on the healing power of giving, as they know how scary it is for parents to be told their newborn baby has a problem that needs special intensive care treatment to survive. In 2018, they founded Kaulig Charitable Giving Programs to focus on the well-being of children and families through direct giving and community involvement. This includes connecting with Cleveland Metropolitan School District, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Cleveland and Breakthrough schools to address the digital divide in Cleveland and provide necessary equipment such as Internet access, computers and tablets to low-income families as they navigate working from home and virtual school learning. Throughout the last decade, Kaulig has become an advocate and a motivator to children and families in need. It is his belief that “The best investment we can make is in a child.”

Comcast PR