Speedway Digest Staff - Results from #20

RFK Racing, Solomon Plumbing Announce Partnership Renewal

Thursday, Jan 26

RFK Racing has announced that Solomon Plumbing, who joined the team in 2022, has expanded its partnership in 2023 and beyond. The Michigan-based company will serve as the primary for multiple races on NASCAR Champion Brad Keselowski’s No. 6 Ford this season, kicking off at Richmond Raceway in April.

“We’re thrilled to have our friends at Solomon Plumbing back with us for more races and action in 2023,” said Steve Newmark, President of RFK Racing. “Any time we retain partners in this sport, it is a positive for our team as it proves that our marketing activations and platforms are successful off the track. Danny (Solomon Plumbing CEO) and his team have been amazing to work with thus far, and we look forward to more great adventures this season.”

Solomon specializes in plumbing and fire services for new development, construction and complete remodeling. With roots in New Hudson, Michigan, as well as a North Carolina office, Solomon is the developer’s choice to provide turn-key plumbing and fire solutions from start to finish for multi-unit housing, high rise buildings and complete residential developments.

Solomon originally joined the team as a one-race partner for Keselowski at the Bristol Dirt Race last season. They went on to serve as the primary for the summer Atlanta and fall Kansas races as well. This season, Solomon will be the primary for the No. 6 team at multiple races including Richmond (April 2), Nashville (June 25), Darlington (Sept. 3) and Talladega (Oct. 1).

Keselowski is a two-time winner at Richmond, most recently visiting victory lane three years ago, with 12 top-10s in 26 starts. He has just two starts at Nashville in the Cup Series, and has one win at Darlington along with nine top-10s. At Talladega he has the most wins of any active driver with six.

Keselowski enters his second season at RFK and 14^th full season in the NCS. With 35 Cup wins to his credit, he is set to make his 500^th Cup start in 2023.

RFK PR

NASCAR Truck Series News

Lawless Alan Returns to Niece Motorsports in 2023

Thursday, Jan 26

Lawless Alan (www.lawlessalanracing.com) will return to Niece Motorsports in 2023 for his sophomore season in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.

Alan will again pilot the No. 45 Chevrolet Silverado for Niece Motorsports as he looks to build upon last season’s rookie campaign.

“I am very excited to be returning to Niece Motorsports in 2023 with AUTOParkit,” said Alan. “I am looking forward to using everything I learned throughout last year and applying it to this year. I’m no longer coming to these tracks for the first time, so I have very high expectations for what I can achieve with Niece Motorsports and AUTOParkit.”

Alan joined Niece Motorsports in 2022, competing in the full NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series schedule. The young driver earned his best finish of 11^th at the first road course on the schedule, Circuit of the Americas. Alan closed out his rookie year with eight top-20 finishes.

The California native made nine NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series starts in 2021, with his best finish of 18^th coming at Bristol Motor Speedway in the fall.

“We are excited to have Lawless return to Niece Motorsports this season,” said Niece Motorsports General Manager Cody Efaw. “Lawless gained a lot of experience and got a lot of seat time last season that we really think is going to pay off this year. We are excited to see his growth this season. He’s a hard worker and is always asking questions and learning from the people around him. He definitely has the right attitude to be successful in this sport.”

Alan enjoys sponsorship from AUTOParkit, AUTOChargit™, and Siemens with secondary sponsorship from GarageFloor 24™. Since 2017, Alan has been the official spokesperson for AUTOParkit and its sister companies: GarageFloor 24, AUTOChargit™, PARKSentry™, AUTOStorit™ and AUTODockit™.

“The 2023 NASCAR Racing Season is nearly upon us,” said AUTOParkit Vice President of Sales Shawn Adams. “Similar to Lawless expanding his skill set as a professional NASCAR Driver and continuing to compete at the highest level, we too have extended our product line to include AUTODockit for boat storage, AUTOStorit for mixed-use personal storage, and AUTOChargit for automated EV Charging solutions to grow our brand. Our sponsorship relationship with Lawless Alan continues to be strengthened with each opportunity to compete. As we are often reminded at each race that steel sharpens steel."

Alan won the 2018 Track Championship at Irwindale Speedway in the NASCAR WHELEN Late Model Series. In 2019 Lawless won Rookie of the Year honors in Trans Am’s TA2 Series and most recently won the 2020 Silver State Road Course Winter Series at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Alan has also won the Late Model Winter Showdown at Kern County Raceway, where he qualified on the pole and set a new track record in the process.

The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season will kick off at Daytona International Speedway, with the NextEra Energy 250 on Friday, February 17 at 7:30 p.m. ET. The race will air live on FS1, MRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

Niece Motorsports PR

NASCAR Cup Series News

Stewart-Haas Racing Signs Driver Chase Briscoe to Multiyear Contract Extension

Thursday, Jan 26

Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) has signed driver Chase Briscoe to a multiyear contract extension, keeping the 28-year-old racer in its No. 14 Ford Mustang for many more seasons in the NASCAR Cup Series.

SHR promoted Briscoe to the Cup Series in 2021 after he won a season-best nine races during his 2020 NASCAR Xfinity Series campaign. Briscoe continued to perform in Cup, handily winning the rookie-of-the-year title. The Mitchell, Indiana-native then enjoyed a breakout sophomore season, winning his first Cup Series race on March 13, 2022 at Phoenix Raceway in just his 40th career start. The victory secured Briscoe’s place in the NASCAR Playoffs and earned him the honor of being the 200th Cup Series winner in NASCAR history.

“Chase has made the most of every opportunity and the proof is in the results. Keeping him at SHR was a priority and we’re proud to have him in our racecars for many more years to come,” said Tony Stewart, the NASCAR Hall of Famer who co-owns SHR with Haas Automation founder Gene Haas.

Briscoe enters 2023 representing primary partners Mahindra Ag North America, HighPoint.com, Rush Truck Centers, Magical Vacation Planner, Ford Performance Racing School, Code 3 Associates, Cummins and Mobil Delvac 1.

“It’s huge to have stability, with my team and my partners. It just gives you more confidence. Stewart-Haas Racing is where I want to be for a long time. It’s the place I’ve known longer than anywhere else in my NASCAR career,” said Briscoe.

“I remember getting signed by Ford in 2017 and I told people, ‘You know, if I could pick one place to be, it would be Stewart-Haas Racing. And if I could drive one car, it would be the 14 car. That would be the ultimate dream.’ And now, here I am.

“SHR has such a great group of people, from the Xfinity Series to the Cup Series, and they’ve all just guided me in the right direction. From drivers to crew chiefs to crew members, they’ve always had my back, and that’s been a huge help – just having people believe in you.”

Briscoe is a third-generation racer whose career began on dirt tracks in and around his home state of Indiana. Since he was 13, Briscoe has followed in his grandfather’s and father’s footsteps, racing sprint cars on the rough-and-tumble bullrings of the Midwest. In 2014, Briscoe moved to North Carolina to pursue a career in stock car racing. He volunteered in race shops before landing the chance to pilot an ARCA Racing Series entry for Briggs Cunningham III for two races in 2015. Briscoe parlayed that opportunity into a full-time ride for 2016, winning six races and the championship before advancing to the NASCAR Truck Series in 2017 with Brad Keselowski Racing. After winning the Truck Series’ rookie-of-the-year award, a limited Xfinity Series schedule followed in 2018 with SHR and Roush-Fenway Racing. Briscoe earned his first career Xfinity Series win with SHR on Sept. 29, 2018 at the Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway Roval. He then competed full time in the Xfinity Series with SHR in 2019 and 2020, qualifying for the NASCAR Playoffs both seasons.

“Growing up in Indiana and racing sprint cars, the guy I always looked up to was Tony Stewart. To be able to drive for him is a dream come true. To know I’ll have my name above the door of that No. 14 Ford Mustang for a really long time means a lot, and I’m ready to write my own history in it,” Briscoe said.

“Tony and Gene have built something really special in Stewart-Haas Racing and I’m incredibly proud to be a part of this organization.”

TSC PR

Racing News

Legends of Racing Docuseries Premieres January 31 on FloRacing

Wednesday, Jan 25

Legends of Racing, a series of documentaries highlighting the sagas of auto racing’s greatest drivers and personalities, will premiere on Tuesday, January 31 at 7 p.m. ET, exclusively on FloRacing.

A FloSports Studios original, in association with the United States Auto Club (USAC), the first of many installments in the Legends of Racing series spotlights the triumph and tragedy of the Bettenhausen family and their pursuit of racing immortality on the rough and tumble AAA and USAC circuits en route to the Indianapolis 500.

It’s a pursuit endured by family patriarch and AAA National Champion Tony Bettenhausen as well as his sons: four-time USAC National Champion Gary Bettenhausen, USAC National Midget winner Merle Bettenhausen, and Indianapolis 500 veteran driver and car owner Tony Bettenhausen. It’s a story crossed by victory, heartbreak, injury, death, and the unwavering desire of achieving a lifelong dream.

As the late racing journalist Robin Miller remarks during the intro to the film, “It would make a hell of a documentary.”

Featuring never before seen footage, in-depth interviews with family and racing personalities, plus unique first encounter stories that’ll strike an emotional chord on many levels – it’ll provide its share of goosebumps, make you bellow with laughter, and at times, even bring you to tears.

“USAC’s rich history encompasses nearly seven decades of iconic moments along with many of the greatest competitors to have ever gotten behind the wheel of a racecar,” USAC President & CEO Kevin Miller stated. “We are excited to partner with FloRacing on the launch of its Legends of Racing series where we’ll once again be able to witness the heroes of the sport and experience the stories that shaped them along with extensive uncovered footage from deep within the USAC archives.”

“The story of auto racing is filled with brave drivers, colorful characters and stories that range from miraculous moments to unimaginable tragedies,” explains FloRacing Senior Racing Producer Matthew Dillner. “These stories need to be told while we have the opportunity to do so. This new docuseries by FloRacing gives us the platform to do so. We will bring the viewer a fresh perspective into the lives of Legends in our sport while exploring the legendary tales that make motorsports so unique. I can’t wait for everyone to watch, learn and enjoy.”

Personalities featured in the film include Robin Miller, Merle Bettenhausen, USAC driving standout Johnny Parsons, Gary Bettenhausen’s sons Todd and Cary, plus racing historian Pat Sullivan, USAC Media’s Richie Murray, and many more.

The first installment of Legends of Racing will be available to watch on FloRacing through the FloSports app and online at FloRacing.com. A trailer for the film can be viewed by CLICKING HERE. Viewers can also use this link to watch the full documentary when it becomes available on Tuesday, January 31, at 7 p.m. ET.

Future installments of the Legends of Racing series on additional racing personalities will be announced in the coming months.

USAC PR

Racing News

Call Bryant: Wiedeman Transfers to CB Industries for Full USAC Midget Season in 2023

Wednesday, Jan 25

Entering his third full season of USAC NOS Energy Drink Midget National Championship racing, Bryant Wiedeman has found a change of scenery for the 2023 campaign.

The Colby, Kan. racer has teamed up with North Carolina-based CB Industries for the upcoming season slate after competing for Keith Kunz/Curb-Agajanian Motorsports since 2020.

Currently a 17-year-old high school junior at his hometown Colby High School, Wiedeman was among the most improved drivers on the USAC National Midget circuit in 2022, making all 32 feature starts while accumulating seven top-fives, 19 top-tens and tallying a career-best fourth place finish in the point standings.

Wiedeman looks forward to working with 2020 USAC National Midget entrant champion Chad Boat and his CB Industries team, who Wiedeman cites as a jack of all trades as a recent highly successful driver, a top-notch mechanic and a champion car owner who knows these cars like the back of his hand.

“(Chad) understands what a driver feels, what crew chiefs feel and what a car owner feels; he understands all those situations,” Wiedeman praised. “It’s definitely going to be a change for me, but he’s raced these cars and has had a lot of success with his drivers, which will definitely help me out in understanding his cars.”

Wiedeman, who also served notice as the POWRi Midget champion in 2021, had a banner year with USAC throughout 2022. His best results came on the series’ biggest tracks and on the biggest stages, posting a total of four podium finishes. Wiedeman took third at the speedy Lawrenceburg (Ind.) Speedway, then doubled-up with a pair of runner-up finishes on back-to-back nights at the big half-mile of Ohio’s Eldora Speedway. He completed the journey with a solid third in the prestigious Turkey Night Grand Prix at California’s Ventura Raceway.

It was a marked improvement for Wiedeman in all facets as he more than doubled his top-five and top-ten output in relatively the same amount of feature starts, which he concedes all came as he accrued more seat time and gained familiarity with the cars after making 66 feature starts over the past three seasons.

“My car control definitely improved a lot throughout the year,” Wiedeman stated. “The speed has come, but it’s more about being consistent, making solid laps and qualifying well every night, which is very important throughout a championship points run. I think we’ll have something to show in 2023.”

Inching ever closer to the front of the pack, Wiedeman feels that 2023 is the year it’s going to happen, a year in which he overcomes the hurdle to collect a first career USAC National Midget feature triumph.

“I’ve been really close a lot of times,” Wiedeman acknowledged. “But I think it’s coming this year. With Chad behind me and the whole team over at CB Industries, I’m excited to see what we can do, and I can’t thank them enough for the opportunity.”

The 2023 USAC National Midget Series kicks off on April 21-22 at Indiana’s Kokomo Speedway for the Kokomo Grand Prix.

USAC PR

Racing News

CORVETTE RACING AT DAYTONA: Twenty-Five Years and Counting

Wednesday, Jan 25

Twenty-five years ago, no one knew what to expect when two Chevrolet Corvette C5-R racecars showed up at Daytona International Speedway for the Rolex 24 At Daytona – the first event for the then-new factory sports car program.

The volumes of stories and successes that came after that first race are enough to fill up multiple books. That’s what happens when a single program with the same manufacturer, the same team and the same car wins 122 races around the world – including four at the Rolex 24 – to go along with 15 Team championships, 14 Manufacturers and Drivers titles in North American competition and more than 350,000 racing miles covered.

Chevrolet and Corvette Racing leaders, current and past drivers offer their thoughts on this monumental achievement and what Corvette Racing has meant to them personally…

The Corvette C5-R at Daytona

The Corvette C6.R at Sebring

Photos: Richard Prince, Chevrolet Racing

JIM CAMPBELL, CHEVROLET U.S. VICE PRESIDENT, PERFORMANCE AND MOTORSPORTS: "Twenty-five years of Corvette Racing is a remarkable achievement. I remember being part of our first race at Daytona in 1999 and the excitement around our first race. Now 25 years later, that level of anticipation and thrill remains for everyone within our team and our Corvette owners and supporters. This program is a benchmark in our company for technology and development transferring from racetrack to showroom. Engine technology, advanced aerodynamics and light-weighting materials are hallmarks of how Corvette Racing has influenced Chevrolet vehicles for 25 years. I can't thank the team members, our Corvette owners and our Corvette fans enough for their 25 years of loyalty, and we look forward to many more."

LAURA WONTROP KLAUSER, GM SPORTS CAR RACING PROGRAM MANAGER: "Corvette Racing is very special to me personally. Coming from the production side of Chevrolet, I saw first-hand the influence that our motorsports participation – Corvette Racing, in particular – had in design and development. It was nothing new as the program already had established itself as a leader in technology transfer. But seeing that in real-life was very cool, especially given the Corvette I had in my garage. Moving to competition and working close with the Corvette Racing team – the crew, the engineers and the drivers – and meeting so many of our passion Corvette owners and fans has been an absolute thrill of a lifetime. As exciting as that is, I'm even more excited for what the future holds for Corvette Racing."

ANTONIO GARCIA, CURRENT CORVETTE RACING DRIVER: “I knew when I joined Corvette Racing that my goal was to be here long-term. I’m really happy that it worked out that way. When I joined in 2009, I had the option to stay with another manufacturer, but I had discovered American racing a few years before that and my choice was to join what I thought was the best team, and I still think we are the best. I’m very thankful. It’s quite unique to see a 25-year relationship at this level. I’m happy to have driven Corvettes for 14 years and going on 15.

“The first time I saw Corvette Racing was watching footage of the win at Daytona in 2001. Even though I wasn’t racing in sports cars then, I still saw a lot of the Le Mans 24 Hours. You knew those yellow cars were going around and winning races. When I moved to GT in 2006, we knew that the bigger battles would be in America with Aston Martin vs. Corvette. I was on the other side then and experienced how hard those battles were when we would race at Le Mans and Sebring. My eyes were really opened to how hard Corvette Racing competed. The relationship between the two teams was great always.

“This is part of the Corvette Racing environment: My family has always been welcomed in and it is an extended family. During the week at home, I have my own family and on the weekends I have Corvette Racing. When I joined, I was 28 and was probably one of the youngest members of the team. Now it’s the complete opposite! I don’t know how many people on the team are older than me now! But I’m happy I can still provide experience and speed to the team. Consistency is big here and so is experience.”

JORDAN TAYLOR, CURRENT CORVETTE RACING DRIVER: “It’s amazing. In motorsports, I don’t know how many relationships make it to 25 years. For GM, Chevrolet, Pratt Miller and Corvette Racing to be this family for so long, it comes down to success. If they weren’t successful, I don’t think this relationship would still be going on. It speaks volumes for everyone involved. For me to be part of it for all these years is a very special feeling and something I’m very proud of. The last few years as a full-time driver have been amazing with winning a couple of championships and winning races like Daytona and Sebring and all the special ones that everyone talks about is huge, and that’s what Corvette Racing is known for.

“I was 10 years old at Le Mans watching my dad for the first time, and we shared hospitality with Corvette Racing. So I saw it first-hand back then seeing all the Corvette Racing guys on the biggest stage against the biggest manufacturers. It was always the goal back then to be in that position so for all of that to come full circle, it’s almost impossible to believe that it’s happened. It’s hard to picture that I was once a kid watching the team back then. It’s super special and something I’m always thankful for. I know the opportunity could have never come and I could have been doing something way different with my life. It’s always something I’m thankful for.”

TOMMY MILNER, CURRENT CORVETTE RACING DRIVER: “Twenty-five years is incredible for a team and car manufacturer partnership. To last that long is unheard of. It’s a testament to how well the foundations of the program from Day One have allowed it to continue this long. Each year, the team and Chevrolet grow that relationship and partnership with closer links to racecar and production cars. In many ways, it starts with the commitment that Chevrolet has toward sports car racing – not just in the United States but around the world.

“Car manufacturers oftentimes love to play for a little bit and then take a break or go somewhere else. But Chevrolet and Corvette have been consistently here for 25 years. Any car manufacturer looking at going racing needs to look at what Corvette Racing has done. The production cars have transformed from what they had been in the late 1990s when this program came about to where the eighth-generation Corvette is now. In terms of being faster, better handling and everything you want in a car, the Corvette has improved over the years. The racecars have gone hand-in-hand with those production cars as well in improving over the years. It’s a good mirror of having a great product for the road and a great product on the racetrack. I feel very fortunate to have been part of this program for as long as I have, and hopefully that continues on in the future.”

RON FELLOWS, CORVETTE RACING DRIVER FROM 1999-2007: "It's amazing. I sat down with some of the Chevy leadership in September of 1997 and they talked about taking a Corvette to Le Mans. I was dumbfounded! But they were serious about it and said they wanted me to be part of it and lead the program as a driver. I couldn't say yes fast enough!

“It's great to see not only the success of Corvette Racing but also the development of generations of production Corvette. They both improved hand-in-hand. To see how both have evolved is awesome to look at.

"We certainly learned a ton at that first Rolex 24. And we continued to get better throughout 1999 and into 2000. When you look at how long development occurred, you realize how much work went into it. In 2000, we knew we had a fast car and it was a matter of putting all the pieces together to finish it off. But the evolution of the cars and people was phenomenal. There were tough times but everyone kept digging and we were all better for it."

OLIVER GAVIN, CORVETTE RACING DRIVER FROM 2002-2020: “When I first tested for Corvette Racing in 2001, the team already was established and it was a force in the paddocks of the American Le Mans Series and at Le Mans. When you get into three or four years of a program, you think that something will change and something will happen to move on to the next thing. But it was amazing to see how Corvette Racing grew from C5-R to C6.R through the different competition we faced. The racing back then, thinking about it now, makes the hair stand up on the back of my neck. It was fantastic fun and great, intense racing.

“You get to 2010 and I'd been there for nine seasons. You think how this keeps building and building every year. The competition level in any form of GT racing is so high, no matter where you go. But this team has constantly been running at the front. Part of that key is building on the foundation of the road car, and you see that from generation to generation. You see the lessons that have been learned and how they are applied in production and with the race team. It shows how hard everyone works together and the overall effort of the individual groups. Everyone is pulling in the same direction and wanting to keep progressing and continuing the level and standard that Corvette Racing has established for so long.”

The Corvette C7.Rs at Daytona

The Corvette C8.Rs at Sebring

Photos: Richard Prince, Chevrolet Racing

Chevrolet on Display All Around Daytona

· Exciting Chevrolet products won’t be found just on the track at the Rolex 24. Starting Friday fans, can check out a large variety of Chevy models at three locations around Daytona International Speedway. The Chevrolet Experience Center, the Chevrolet Injector and Chevrolet Motorsports Display each will be full of Chevrolet vehicles that spectators can learn more about throughout the weekend.

Each location will open at 9 a.m., Friday and Saturday; and 8 a.m., Sunday.

The Chevrolet Experience Center is located next to Victory Lane. The main attraction for Corvette enthusiasts is the 2024 Corvette E-Ray – Chevrolet’s first electrified, all-wheel drive Corvette. In addition, multiple versions of the 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 will be on display alongside Blazer RS, Corvette Stingray, Tahoe RST and Bolt EUV Premier.

The Chevrolet Motorsports Display in the Fan Midway will have a number of attractions:

• Production vehicles such as the Corvette Z06, Corvette Stingray with the Z51 package, Tahoe Z71, Colorado ZR2, Blazer EV RS, Silverado 1500 Crew ZR2, Camaro ZL1 a Corvette C8.R showcar and the Garage 56 Camaro ZL1 test car.

• Samples of Chevrolet engines, performance parts and accessories available to fans for purchase from local Chevrolet dealers

• Corvette Racing t-shirts for fans who sign up with Chevrolet

At the Chevrolet Injector, nearly 20 different Chevrolet vehicles are on display throughout the four levels of fan access. Models include Corvette Z06 and Stingray, Silverado ZR2, Corvette Z06, Bolt EV and EUV, Tahoe RST, Blazer Premier and RST, Camaro ZL1 and SS, Suburban Premier and multiple variants of Silverado: 1500, 2500, ZR2 and TrailBoss.

As at the Chevrolet Motorsports Display and Chevrolet Experience, Chevrolet product specialists will be on-hand to answer questions on each model of Chevrolet vehicle throughout the weekend.

GM PR

Racing News

Caymus Vineyards Joins Pietro Fittipaldi for Rolex 24 at Daytona

Wednesday, Jan 25

As the 2023 motorsports season gets underway in Daytona, Caymus Vineyards kicks off its 10^th year of involvement in auto racing. To celebrate, the Napa-based winery is announcing a partnership with Haas F1 and World Endurance Championship (WEC) driver Pietro Fittipaldi in the upcoming Rolex 24 at Daytona.

Fittipaldi hails from a famous racing family and is widely regarded as one of the top racecar drivers in the world. At just 26 years of age, the Brazilian-born driver lists the 2021 Indianapolis 500 (Fastest Rookie Award), the 2022 24 Hours of Le Mans and his time as a Formula 1 driver as credits on his resumé. As evidence of his versatility, Fittipaldi boasts the 2011 NASCAR Late Model Championship, along with a win at NASCAR’s legendary Pepsi Fall Brawl.

“We are proud to partner with Pietro Fittipaldi as he participates in one of the most iconic endurance events in motorsports,” said Karen Perry, Executive Vice President of Caymus Vineyards. “Pietro’s high level of success is reflected in his global fan base and extensive social media presence – his standard of excellence is a perfect match for our own passion to produce exceptional wine. Partnering with Pietro in the Rolex 24 at Daytona and connecting with dedicated race fans is exciting for everyone at Caymus Vineyards. We look forward to cheering him on.”

The Rolex 24 at Daytona takes place at the historic Daytona International Speedway and is one of the most prestigious endurance races in the world. This iconic event is the next box to check in Fittipaldi’s pursuit of motorsports’ crown jewels of races. He’s excited to have Caymus Vineyards on his helmet when he takes to the 3.56-mile road course at the World Center of Racing.

“I’m excited to partner with Caymus Vineyards for the Rolex 24, an elite race that aligns well with a luxury brand such as theirs,” Fittipaldi said. “They’ve been in motorsports for a long time and have worked with great drivers, so I’m honored to have Caymus on-board. The Caymus brand is synonymous with special moments, and we hope to celebrate our own when the race ends on Sunday.”

The Wagner Family has a history in Napa Valley dating back to the 1850’s. Through the years, they have embraced a hands-on work ethic and are constantly trying out new ideas in pursuit of making exceptional wines. Whether it’s venturing to different regions to find diverse sources of top-quality grapes or experimenting with new farming techniques, the result is a pairing of tradition with innovation, a respect for the old and the promise of the new.

Chuck Wagner and his late parents, Lorna and Charlie, started Caymus Vineyards in 1972. They were a family of farmers who worked together for decades to create a signature style of Cabernet Sauvignon. Today, the family’s two Cabernets – Caymus Napa Valley and Caymus Special Selection – are among the region's most celebrated wines. Chuck now works alongside two of his children, Charlie and Jenny, and the family produces diverse wines from Napa Valley, other parts of California and beyond. Continually pursuing new ideas, they feel extremely fortunate to spend their days farming grapes and making wine. For more information, please visit caymus.com or wagnerfamilyofwine.com.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/CaymusVineyards | www.facebook.com/PietroFittipaldiOficial

Twitter: @CaymusCab | @PFitti

Instagram: @CaymusCab | @PFitti | @FittipaldiBros

TikTok: @FittiBros

Twitch: @FittipaldiBrothers

YouTube: www.youtube.com/wagnerfamilyofwine / | www.youtube.com/fittipaldibrothers

PMI PR

Xfinity Series News

Cirkul Expands Partnership with Kaulig Racing for the 2023 NASCAR Xfinity Series

Wednesday, Jan 25

Cirkul, a modern beverage platform known for its patented flavor cartridges, returns to Kaulig Racing for the 2023 NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) as a primary partner on the No. 11 Chevrolet Camaro piloted by Daniel Hemric. Cirkul will sponsor 14 races throughout the 2023 season, deepening its partnership with Kaulig Racing.

Cirkul and Kaulig Racing joined forces during the 2022 season, where the modern beverage platform served as the primary partner for nine NXS races and one NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) race with Hemric.

“We’re excited to continue our partnership with Cirkul for the 2023 season,” Chris Rice, President of Kaulig Racing, says. “I love the product and the benefits it has; I know our team does too. We stress the importance of taking care of ourselves and the health of all our employees at Kaulig Racing. Having a partner like Cirkul that supports us on and off the track is huge.”

“Sports are an important way for us continue to reach more people as consumers from all walks of life prefer drinking water over other beverages,” said Andy Gay President and co-founder of Cirkul. “NASCAR’s vibrant and passionate fanbase is a fantastic vehicle to promote and grow awareness of Cirkul. Kaulig Racing and Daniel Hemric are amazing collaborators, and we’re excited to do more with the team this season.”

Cirkul’s innovative water bottle and cartridge system is taking the beverage industry into the future by giving consumers a healthier, more convenient, and customizable beverage. With over 50 delicious flavors, Cirkul makes drinking water easier by enabling consumers to flavor their water sip by sip. Truly allowing consumers to drink “your water your way,” Cirkul will continue to boast their bottle to NASCAR fans.

“I’m super pumped to have Cirkul back with the team for the 2023 season,” Daniel Hemric, driver of the No. 11 Chevrolet Camaro and 2021 NXS Champion, says. “Hydration is key to stay at peak performance, and Cirkul helps me achieve that. I am proud to represent them, and I look forward to continuing to grow together.”

The No. 11 Cirkul Chevrolet Camaro will return to the track with Daniel Hemric on Saturday, February 18 for The Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner 300 at Daytona International Speedway.

Kaulig Racing PR

NASCAR Truck Series News

Array Sports + Entertainment Announces Partnership with AM Racing

Wednesday, Jan 25

Leading marketing agency Array Sports + Entertainment is pleased to announce a new partnership with AM Racing for 2023. As AOR, Array Sports will service the motorsports program’s growing sponsorship and business development needs. The agency will also help AM Racing develop brand messaging and experiential events to engage and excite existing fans while creating new ones.

As a multi-faceted, “future focused” motorsports entity, AM Racing will showcase Ford in all of its series and is backed by primary partner AM Technical Solutions (AMTS).

The team recently announced that Brett Moffitt will pilot its No. 25 Ford Mustang in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, while rookie and former Division 1 pitcher Christian Rose will steer the team’s No. 32 Ford Mustang in the NASCAR-owned ARCA Menards Series.

“The team at Array Sports + Entertainment brings decades of experience in brand marketing, creative fan activation and business development to the team,” said AM Racing team principal Kevin Cywinski. “We are excited for this new partnership to kick off this month and for many years to come.”

“AM Racing stands for authenticity, intelligent performance, and doing the right thing – and we look for the same in our agency partners,” said Timothy Winski, founder and CEO of Array Sports. “We look forward to partnering with AM Racing to continue to grow our motorsports portfolio, tell their stories to key stakeholders and fans, and deepen our connection in the industry.”

AM Racing PR

Racing News

The Inside Track on What to Watch at This Weekend’s Napa Auto Parts Indoor Auto Race in Atlantic City

Wednesday, Jan 25

Friday, January 27, and Saturday, January 28, 2023

Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall
Address: 2301 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Website: www.boardwalkhall.com

Indoor Auto Racing Championship Fueled by VP Racing Fuels
Website: www.IndoorAutoRacing.com
Social Media: Follow Indoor Auto Racing on our social pages for all of your race weekend information
Facebook: Indoor Auto Racing
Twitter: @IndoorAutoRacin
Instagram: @IndoorAutoRacing

What: The Indoor Auto Racing Championship Fueled by VP Racing Fuels rolls into the famed Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall to crown two Gambler's Classic winners and their 2023 Series Champion at the NAPA Auto Parts Atlantic City Indoor Races. The weekend will feature the TQ Midgets, Champ Karts, Slingshots, and Dirt 600 Micro Sprints.

Where: Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City will be converted to a 1/10-mile race track on the arena floor. The concrete is sprayed with soda syrup to create a tacky surface for competitive pro-am racing.

When: Friday, January 27 at 7:30 PM and Saturday, January 28 at 7:00 PM

Tickets: Available at Boardwalkhall.com, Ticketmaster.com, or at the Boardwalk Hall Box Office

THE INSIDE TRACK ON WHAT TO WATCH AT THIS WEEKEND’S NAPA AUTO PARTS INDOOR AUTO RACE IN ATLANTIC CITY

Atlantic City, NJ – The Indoor Auto Racing Series fueled by VP Racing Fuels heads to the famous Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City this weekend, January 27 and 28. The 20th annual event sponsored by NAPA Auto Parts features a “Double Down” format consisting of not one, but two Gambler’s Classic TQ Midget 40 lap main events.

On Friday night, January 27th the BELFOR Property Restoration-sponsored TQ Midgets will compete in qualifying events followed by a 40-lap Gambler’s Classic that was postponed in 2021 because of Covid-19 fan restrictions.

The headline TQ Midgets will do it all over on Saturday, January 28th with the big night ending with the 2023 Gambler’s Classic. On both nights, the winner will raise the iconic cup trophy, and their name will be etched on future trophies. Once Indoor Auto Racing Series fueled by VP points are calculated, the 2023 champion will be presented with the TC Cup Trophy. This prestigious award is named in honor of the 2010 and 2011 Champion, Ted Christopher, who lost his life in a plane crash in 2017.

Atlantic City is known for its gambling, but picking the odds on who will win either of the two events or maybe both isn’t easy. The race for the championship is wide open as well. Here are some of the storylines that could come into play.

Matawan, NJ’s Anthony Sesely Has To Be Pre-Race Favorite

Anthony Sesely dances to a different drummer. A three-time winner of the Gambler’s Classic in Atlantic City, he got all his previous wins with a 600cc engine against a field of 750s. The only driver to have ever done so with this lesser-powered engine went with a 750cc for the first time last year in Atlantic City and nearly won the race.

In 2022, he parked his trustworthy self-owned car to drive an untested brand-new PK Chassis car. Sesely and the new team found immediate success, winning Friday’s 20-lap qualifier, and drove to the front of Saturday’s Gambler’s only to have the motor overheat. Sesely, the driver, wasn’t comfortable in the cockpit so chassis builder Rick Kluth built him a bigger one. With that car, he won the 2022 series finale in Syracuse, N.Y. He then opened the 2023 season with another qualifier win in Allentown, PA, and the 40-lap feature win.

Everyone is guessing what is different about the PK Chassis, but they know it runs around the top side of the race track to pass – yet can go to the bottom and make a move as well. If he doesn’t win, there is no doubt he’ll be exciting to watch in defeat.

Can Ryan Flores Get Sweet Redemption?

Ryan Flores comes back home to his roots in New Jersey with a desire to collect some redemption this weekend. The Davidson, NC driver took the checkered flag in last year’s race and hoisted the Gambler’s Classic trophy for a second time. Then days later, he was disqualified for a tire infraction.

When the 2023 season opened in Allentown, Flores was out to prove the naysayers wrong and knock Sesely off his perch. With a late splurge, he passed Sesely for the lead on a restart. But before he could lead a lap, Sesely passed him back and went on to win.

Finishing second isn’t good enough for Flores. If he can put two huge days together this weekend, he’ll have a shot at winning his second championship as well.

Tim Buckwalter Wants To Win Again, But This Time Sip The Champagne

In the 2022 race, Tim Buckwalter made a gallant try to go around Ryan Flores on a late race restart to win the Gambler’s Classic. The Douglassville, PA driver finished a disappointed second, but a week later was granted the win after Ryan Flores was disqualified.

Buckwalter received the winner’s trophy at the 2022 series finale in Syracuse, N.Y., but it just wasn’t the same. Drivers come to Atlantic City to star in front of the big crowd and drink the champagne. A pre-race presentation just wasn’t the same.

After entering the Syracuse race with the point lead, Buckwalter’s car lost traction late in the race and he lost the title to Scott Kreutter but just a few points. When the 2023 series opened in Allentown, Buckwalter’s Pippard-powered Laffler chassis again was missing something and he finished a disappointing 13th.

Entering Atlantic City, the eyes will be on this team to see if they can find the speed they lost. If they do, you go to know Buckwalter will be there at the finish. And it won’t matter where he starts. On January 14th in Tulsa, OK at the famed dirt indoor Chili Bowl Midget race, Buckwalter drove from a 24th starting spot to finish ninth. While that was a sterling accomplishment, nothing short of a win will put a smile on his face in Atlantic City.

Scott Kreutter Hopes To Double Down In Atlantic City

Scott Kreutter, the defending series champion from Cowlesville, N.Y, led all qualifiers on Friday at the 2023 opener in Allentown. On Saturday, before the five-lap Dash was held to set the line-up of the first nine spots in the 40-lap feature, Kreutter played a game of “Let’s Make A Deal” with announcer Steve Post.

The Dash paid $500 to win. As the qualifier points leader, Kreutter was the first of nine drivers to enter a blind draw for spots in the Dash. Before he did, however, Post had a deal to offer him thanks to sponsorship from Bob Hilbert Sportswear.

At first, Kreutter waved off the offer but after it was sweetened he accepted a deal to start last in the event. Hilbert paid him the $500 Deal of the Dash to do so and if he could win it, he’d get another $500. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen. Kruetter passed just one car in the five laps. Started the feature in the eighth position and finished seventh.

Did he make a bad deal? Look at it this way, he could have picked an eight or nine anyway and made no money in the Dash and still started outside the top five in the feature. It should be noted that Allentown race winner Anthony Sesely drew an eight for the Dash and finished fourth. He then drove quickly to the front and won the feature!

Can Pauch Get Up To Speed Quickly? Will His Teammate, Thompson, Contend?

Biilly Pauch Jr. will be making a return to a race car after being injured in a crash in October in a dirt Modified race in Georgetown, DE. It might take Pauch a few laps to get comfortable in the car again, but he’s expected to get up to speed quickly.

This will mark Pauch’s best chance to win his first Indoor Race at a spot where his legendary father won his only TQ Midget feature. He’ll be driving for Jason Simmons Racing out of Fulton, NY as a teammate with Tyler Thompson.

In Allentown, Thompson proved how great a driver he is. A former winner of the prestigious Super Modified 200 Classic at N.Y.’s Oswego Speedway, Thompson battled Anthony Sesely back and forth for the win at the series opener. In a battle that thrilled the crowd, Thompson lost the lead to Sesely, only to pass him back.

In the end, it was Sesley who took the win, but Thompson’s fourth-place finish was much heralded by everyone except the driver – he wants to win – and it would not be a surprise if it happens in Atlantic City.

If Rudolph Finds A Four-Leaf Clover – Look Out

Erick Rudolph of Ransomville, N.Y., is the all-time leading TQ Midget Indoor series winner with nine victories. In three feature starts last year, however, Rudolph failed to win a race in Mark Laffler’s No. 22. Always fast, he just had nothing but bad luck.

At the Allentown 2023 season opener, Rudolph’s weekend started badly when he spun out of the lead in a Friday night qualifier. As the true champion he is, Rudolph rebounded to qualify for Saturday’s big race. Then with a late charge, he drove the inside lane to finish fifth.

Spun out of the lead last year in Atlantic City, Rudolph’s eager to get back to victory lane. His last Atlantic City Gambler’s Classic win was in 2017, yes, he’s due.

Three Out Of Four Wouldn’t Be Bad For Andy J.

Andy Jankowiak might have been the happiest winner in Atlantic City history when he won the Gambler’s Classic for the first time in 2019. The Tonawanda, N.Y. driver was equally as thrilled when he won again in 2020.

Last year, however, he tangled with race leader Erick Rudolph late in the race and was sent to the rear. His hope for a three-peat was over. But as the song goes – three out of four ain’t bad – but can he do it?

The answer is yes. Jankowiak was in the hunt to win the 2022 series finale in Syracuse despite going to the rear after an early race tangle. Trying to pass leader Ryan Bartlett in the final laps on the outside, the two got together. Andy J. road up the wall, flipped to his side, and slid down the backstretch. When he got to turn three the car drove around the concrete wall before going back on its wheels in turn three. He didn’t win it, but he was spectacular.

At the series opener in Allentown, Jankowiak was again in the hunt. He battled up front early but faded to a sixth-place finish. If he doesn’t win on Friday, there will always be Saturday to try again. If he was to win them both, it wouldn’t be a surprise but a celebration.

Briggs Danner: So Close To Closing The Deal

The youthful 21-year-old Briggs Danner can now place a bet in Atlantic City, if it was on the race, he’d be confident enough in his abilities to place a bundle on the No. 48 he drives.

In recent events, Danner has shown he both has the speed and the driving ability to make passes and run with the best on the Indoor Series. He’s just not been able to close the deal. Like a loser in blackjack, he keeps coming up 22, not 21.

But that could all change in Atlantic City and it would be no surprise if he gets that break-out win. Honestly, once he gets his first, the second will come quickly and this weekend he could go back to back.

At the series finale in Syracuse last year, Danner made a brilliant outside pass one turn, and inside the next in hopes of taking a late-race lead. Unfortunately, he got into leader Erick Rudolph and the two spun ending both their hopes.

A similar type of problem at the opener in Allentown found Danner getting into the third turn tires early in the race. He went to the rear and came back to finish ninth. He’s had plenty of practice passing cars, his day up front as the leader will come shortly and it might be this weekend.

Band of Brothers: Four Catalanos Enter TQ Competition in Atlantic City

Despite a 50-car field of TQ Midgets, the 24-car starting field at the Indoor series opener in Allentown was made up of three Catalano brothers that road in town from Ontario, N.Y -- but now they're joined by a fourth brother, Tyler, moving up from the Kart ranks. Allentown marked the first time all three brothers qualified for an Indoor TQ Midget feature, but it likely won’t be the last.

The oldest brother Tommy Catalano continues to be the head of the family. Using the high groove to perfection at the 2022 series finale in Syracuse and the 2023 opener in Allentown, Tommy finished third in both. A star on the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, he’s getting tired of podium finishes – he wants to win – and it’s a good bet Atlantic City could be the spot.

Brothers Timmy and Trevor have fast race cars as well, and adding rookie TQ Midget racer, Tyler completes the Catalano quartet.

Dark Horses Look For Back To Back Feature Starts

Qualifying for an Indoor TQ Midget feature isn’t a given. Traditionally as many fail to make the 24-car starting feature field as those that make it. Two dark horses surprised some of the veterans that watched the feature in Allentown’s opener.

Cole Mullen and Craig Pellegrini Jr. were long shots to make the show at Allentown, but the two young drivers from New Jersey did just that with outstanding performances in the Last Chance qualifiers.

After qualifying for his first Indoor feature, Mullen was excited for the 40-lap feature in Allentown, but he lost power steering in the early laps and was the first of just four to drop out of the race. It took so long to make one and it ended so quickly, he’ll be seeking another start in Atlantic City this weekend.

Pellegrini raced dirt Sprint Cars this summer. But late in the year he sold off that equipment and bought a TQ Midget. His debut came outdoors at the Turkey Derby in November at N.J.’s Wall Stadium. In Allentown, he made his indoor debut and his chances to make Saturday’s feature didn’t seem at all possible when he began that journey in practice on Friday afternoon.

But with strong persistence and help from others, Pellegrini got his car to go around the corners and he became competitive. After his confidence began to build, Pellegrini started deep in a Saturday B-Main that transferred just two cars to the feature.

As he did in Sprint Car racing on dirt, Pellegrini jumped to the outside and drove forward locking the rookie into the feature in his first attempt. While he exited the 40-lap feature before it was completed, he gained value able experience that should help in Atlantic City.

Youth Movement Look For Joe Toth and Anthony Payne For A-Main Starting Spot & Victories

Toth jumped into the Mike Iles No. 711 in Allentown but struggled to get up to speed. The five-time dirt Sportsman champion got comfortable in Saturday’s B-Main but missed the transfer to the feature by one spot. He’ll be better in Atlantic City for sure.

Anthony Payne came to Allentown to watch his father, Joey Payne, a two-time Atlantic City winner race. But when he tweaked his wrist in a crash on Friday, his son got behind the wheel on Saturday. Like Toth, it took him a few laps to get comfortable but he too made a great run to make the show on Saturday and fell short.

Anthony, a surprise TQ Midget indoor race winner in Albany, NY in 2012 is out to prove he deserves a full-time ride for the 2024 Indoor series. In that Albany win he rebounded from a back-row starting spot to pull off the upset win. If he does it again, the Payne family will become the first father and son to win the Gambler’s Classic.

Outside Lane Race Track Could Favor Sprint Car Driver Ryan Smith

Times have changed on the Indoor Auto Racing Series. Races are now being won and lost with passes on the very tacky outside groove. Sprint car drivers love a good cushion, so returning driver to the series, Ryan Smith might find that to his liking in Atlantic City.

The Kunkletown, PA driver will be behind the wheel of the No. 43 TQ Midget owned by George VanVarick for the first time. ‘The Kunkletown Kid’ has a lot of experience racing in Atlantic City, but not lately.

In 2006 and 2007, he won the Slingshot A-Main. After moving to the TQ Midgets he finished fifth in 2009, fourth in 2010, and second in 2012. In Smith’s last TQ Midget Atlantic City start he finished 13th. A recent father for the first time, you get bet he’ll be high-stepping around this weekend looking for that first win for himself and his car owner.

Joining the TQ Midgets will be the Slingshots, sponsored by Pensylvania's Action Track USA in Kutztown, the Hoosier Tire Champ Karts, and the 600cc Dirt Micro Sprints. They’ll run qualifying events on Friday and features on Saturday night.

Schedule of Events

Before Saturday’s event, Fan Fest will be held on the racing surface for those with lower-level reserved tickets from 5 to 6:15 PM. Drivers from the event as well as NHRA Funny Car champion Ron Capps will be signing autographs.

Good seats for both nights remain available at Ticketmaster, a direct link is available from the series website, indoorautoracing.com, or daily at the Boardwalk Hall Box Office where the price is increased by $5 the day of the event.

For those who cannot attend, the event will be available on DTD Pay-Per-View for $64.99 for the weekend or $34.99 for Friday, and $39.99 for Saturday.

For more information on the Indoor Auto Racing Championship visit www.indoorautoracing.com

Indoor Auto Racing PR