Speedway Digest Staff - Results from #40

Cadillac Racing bullish on new hybrid car

Tuesday, Jan 24

Nine Cadillac Racing drivers, their respective team personnel and a large support group have the common goal of visiting Victory Circle in the 61st Rolex 24 At Daytona.

Excitement has been building for the debut of the three Cadillac hybrid prototypes in the reborn Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) class with the command to start engines Saturday, Jan. 28, for the twice-around-the-clock race given by grand marshal Mark Reuss, president of General Motors.

The No. 01 Cadillac prototype led the three-car contingent in the 20-minute qualifying session on the 3.56-mile, 12-turn Daytona International Speedway road course by claiming a second-row spot. The No. 02 Cadillac prototype qualified fifth and the No. 31 Whelen Engineering Cadillac qualified sixth.

Cadillac Racing has earned the overall victory in the Rolex 24 At Daytona – the traditional season-opening race of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship – four times since the 2017 debut of the DPi class. Not one has come from a pole start.

“I think there’s always a big excitement coming into a new season, especially with the first event so big,” said 2021 DPi champion Pipo Derani, co-driver of the No. 31 Whelen Engineering Cadillac prototype with Alexander Sims and Jack Aitken.

“After you do this for a few years, you learn how to control your emotions. Everything just falls into place. You just do what you have to do. Once you focus on that and know you have that support from the team, then you’re also more relaxed.

Commanding lead

The exciting Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing -- a 10Best for '23 by Car and Driver -- is a Safety Car for the race that takes the green flag at 1:40 p.m. ET. Learn more

Media resources

Background: New race car info, driver bios, statistics and more

Results: Cadillac aims for fifth Rolex 24 At Daytona overall victory since 2017

Gallery: Driver firesuit photos

“There’s really nothing different to do than what you’ve already done and those things have worked because we’ve won races and championships. That also helps you calm down and focus on the important things. Come race day and come Sunday afternoon, you hope everything fell into place and you have the shot at victory in this event.”

Design of the new race car began more than two years ago, with on-track development beginning in July 2022. Cadillac Racing continues to collect data and gain insights about the car, its systems and the new Michelin tires with every on-track session. And the race will be a learning opportunity for future events.

GTP entries have five free practice sessions available over Thursday and Friday.

“There has been a ton of work leading up to that moment here in Daytona to get ready and get the cars there,” said Sebastien Bourdais, co-driver with Renger van der Zande and Scott Dixon of the No. 01 Cadillac entry. “Every time there’s a regulation change, you show up at Daytona, the hardest race of the year, it’s a 24-hour race, and it’s in January. Nobody feels ready, but you’ve got a job ahead and you have to make the best of it. Thanks for all of the efforts the team has done whether at Cadillac or at Ganassi. Looking forward to a great season, and it starts today.”

The electrified Cadillac prototype features an all-new Cadillac 5.5-liter DOHC V8 engine developed by GM’s Performance and Racing propulsion team based in Pontiac, Michigan, with a seven-speed sequential gearbox. IMSA has specified the power output at 670 horsepower, including the hybrid system; weight at 1,030kg without fuel and driver; and a maximum of 8,800 RPM.

Cadillac, the only LMDh manufacturer with a naturally aspirated engine in the GTP class, will seek to build on its legacy of success in the 61st Rolex 24 At Daytona with its fifth overall victory 2017. The list:

* 2020 (Renger van der Zande, Ryan Briscoe, Scott Dixon, Kamui Kobayashi)

* 2019 (Renger van der Zande, Fernando Alonso; Jordan Taylor, Kamui Kobayashi)

* 2018 (Christian Fittipaldi, Filipe Albuquerque, Joao Barbosa)

* 2017 (Jeff Gordon, Jordan Taylor, Ricky Taylor, Max Angelelli)

Also, since 2017, a Cadillac prototype has recorded 27 victories in IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship competition – the most by any manufacturer -- and three Manufacturer Championships.

Cadillac midway display

Spectators can see the lineup of exciting Cadillac performance vehicles at the Cadillac display in the midway. Times:

Friday: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sunday 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Vehicles: 2023 Escalade-V, 2022 CT5-V, 2022 CT4-V, 2022 CT5-V Blackwing, 2022 CT4-V Blackwing, 2023 CT5-V Blackwing safety car

Cadillac Racing driver lineup for Grand Touring Prototype class

No. 01 Cadillac (qualified fourth)

Sebastien Bourdais: “I think (qualifying) is a strong start; obviously not the pole but as close as we can get without getting it. I think it bodes well for the race. Now it’s just about executing, making no mistakes. It’s like a crash course of learning. There’s so much to absorb, so much to figure out, so much to strategize with the new car because up until not long ago we were completely in practice mode trying to get the car reliable, tire testing, this and that and the other and then all of a sudden get ready for the biggest race of the season. It’s a big adjustment, mind switch and get into the racing vibe for a 24-hour race with my two great teammates. We’ve learned a lot of the car and we’re gaining confidence.”

Renger van der Zande: “I’m excited how close the field is; everybody is within a couple of tenths (of a second) and that’s an impressive effort for a new class, new regulations and for the systems that have been put in place to go racing for the future. Starting fourth is an amazing achievement and a compliment to whole team.”

Scott Dixon: “I’m looking forward to the race this weekend. It’s kind of crazy when you look at the preparation from when the first car arrived to its development of it and how the technology has shifted. It’s been fun to work with it, so I think everyone is excited to finally get to the race. There’s been a lot of prep and lead time and expectations for this one. It’s one of my favorite races of the year. You get to drive the car a lot, you get to have some fantastic racing. I think this year one of the largest fields that we’ve seen in years. It’s going to be fun, but I think it will possibly a race of reliability as well. Knock on wood that we’ve done as much as we can as a group between Cadillac, GM and Chip Ganassi Racing that we can make it to the win and be fighting for the win.”

No. 02 Cadillac (qualified fifth)

Richard Westbrook: “We had a productive three days at the Roar. We got exactly what we were searching for, which is more miles, more knowledge about the car, more knowledge about the tire and more knowledge about the whole new formula that we’re going into. Now we’re all out there together, we can see our pace against everyone else and it just makes us all more even more determined and excited with one eye on the future.”

Earl Bamber: “A good qualifying with everyone learning these cars. We can see already that it’s ultra-competitive and it’s a true credit to IMSA, the manufacturers, the teams and everyone who’s been involved to make for a great race.”

Alex Lynn: “I really am enjoying driving this car and it’s giving me really good feedback. We’re improving so much with each session and it’s a really enjoyable job when you start making huge strides on improving this brand-new vehicle that we got, so I’m excited for the race."

No. 31 Whelen Engineering Cadillac (qualified sixth)

Pipo Derani: “The car is working well and the most is that it looks like we have a good car for the race. That’s our goal. We’re trying to use every session that we have, even qualifying, to learn more about our equipment. Any time we can be on track it helps us get better and improve the car. Not the fantastic final result in qualifying but lots of data has been gathered that will help us next week.”

Alexander Sims: “We’re working through things in the practice sessions and there are still some things for us to learn with these new cars. We have time this week to try a few things. In the first part of the race we have to take it step by step and try to improve, even if it means making changes during the pit stops – just tweaks we can do during the race – because it’s about being fast at the end and being there at the end. It’s an incredibly tight field and Pipo (Derani) was compromised in qualifying with the red flag, not getting a reference beforehand while others did.”

Jack Aitken: “We didn’t get a huge amount of mileage (during the Roar) just with red flags and weather, so this week we’ll keep building on what we’ve learned and get the car dialed in more on specifics. We’re all disappointed with the quals, but it’s probably the least important qualifying of the year for us. I’m looking forward to getting track time in practice and excited to compete for the first time in the race with this team.”

GM PR

Speedway News

Napa Auto Parts Returns as Thunder Series Sponsor, Hvac Distributors Joins as Race Sponsor for Pa 410 Sprint Speed Week Series at Grandview Tuesday, June 27

Tuesday, Jan 24

For thirty-one of the past thirty-three years, NAPA Auto Parts was the lead sponsor of the Thunder on the Hill Racing Series, and their flags will proudly wave again when this highly unique and successful series returns to the Grandview Speedway in 2023. The continuation of this partnership comes down to taking care of your sponsors and ensuring they are getting the maximum exposure and customer contacts. We were thrilled to hear from NAPA Representative John Hanlon that NAPA was returning for still another season of Thunder on the Hill events at Grandview Speedway.

NAPA Auto Parts and NAPA Auto Care Centers have a strong representation in our area with locations in Amber, Collegeville Auto Parts, Downingtown, Gilbertsville Auto Supply, Glenside, Frazer, Horsham, Kutztown, Lansdale, Norristown, Pottstown Auto Parts, Pennsburg Auto Parts, Phoenixville Auto Parts, Quakertown, Reading, Southampton, Strafford and Telford Auto Parts. Throughout the season many if not all of these NAPA locations will be on hand at Thunder on the Hill.

Joining the team of Thunder on the Hill sponsors for 2023 is HVAC Distributors, Partners for Success. HVAC Distributors will be the event sponsor for the always popular PA 410 Sprint Speed Week event on Tuesday, June 27, comprised of the $10,000 to win 35 lap Hodnett Cup and the 358 Modifieds. HVAC Distributors is a full service wholesale distributor and manufacturer of residential and light commercial heating and air-conditioning equipment and accessories operating in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Northern Virginia and Western New York.

“HVAC Distributors is excited to see racing at Grandview Speedway back for 2023 and to be part of the Thunder on the Hill Racing Series as event sponsor of the Pennsylvania 410 Sprint Speed Week show”, Todd Basselgia of HVAC added, “We’re looking forward to meeting and making many new friends and getting the word out on HVAC Distributors and the Daikin product line”. Visit HVAC at www.hvacdist.com or give them a call at: 800.228.4822.

The NAPA Auto Parts Thunder on the Hill Racing Series has assembled four high profile events of 2023 and it all kicks off on Sunday night, May 28 with the “Balls to the Wall” 50 for Modifieds. This popular and different format was introduced last year and offered an attractive payoff for a 50 lap race that is unlike any other. This is a race of strategy designed with the top four cars inverting on lap 20 and again on lap 35. $1,500 will go to the leader on lap 20 and 35 with $5,000 on line to be leading on lap fifty. Cars running in the top ten on laps 20 and 35 will earn additional money as well. So, do you race hard to sweep the three segments or pace yourself to be there at the end of 50 laps?

In the 2022 “Balls to the Wall”, Duane Howard led the first segment with Kevin Hirther, who was in the hunt for the win the entire race, collecting the bonus for the second segment. At the end of the 50 laps, It was Oley’s Craig Von Dohren crossing the wire first. Von Dohren added, “I didn’t use much strategy, I just had to get in quick and keep moving”.

The “Balls to the Wall” 50 will be joined by the popular 602 sportsman with both classes competing in qualifying races leading up to their feature events. Gates open at 5 PM with race time set for 7:30 PM.

The next event is set for Tuesday night, June 13 with the always exciting AMSOIL USAC Non-Wing Sprints National Tour, titled the 40 lap Jesse Hockett Classic going a distance of 40 laps and paying $6,000 to win. The top USAC drivers in the country will take part in the opening night of the USAC Eastern Storm. Also on the program will be the 358 Modifieds taking part in a series of qualifying events leading up to a 30 lap main event that will pay $3,000 to win. Race time is 7:30 PM.

Race three will be the HVAC Distributors Pennsylvania 410 Sprint Speed Week Series set on for Tuesday night, June 27. This event, known as the Hodnett Cup will go 35 laps and pay $10,000 to the winner. The Hodnett Cup is presented in memory of sprint car great Greg Hodnett who lost his life in a racing mishap several years ago. The 358 Modifieds will share the spotlight in this event again going 30 laps for $3,000 to win. Gates open at 5 PM with race time set for 7:30 PM. Be sure to watch for the HVAC Distributors Partners for Success set-up on race night and stop by to say hello.

The Thunder Series finale is set for Tuesday night, July 25 when Levan Machine & Truck Equipment of Fleetwood, PA will present the High Limits Sprints. The 410 Sprints will showcase this stand alone program and after a series of qualifying, the green flag will fall to start the 40 lap main event that will pay a hefty $23,023 to the winner. This is the richest payoff in the thirty-four year history of the NAPA Auto Parts Thunder on the Hill Racing Series. The High Limits Sprint Car Series is a mid-week racing series led by 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson and four-time World of Outlaws champion Brad Sweet. The mission is to grow sprint car racing and inject more money into the sport. The High Limit Sprint Car Series of 2023 will have stops at just twelve select tracks and Grandview/Thunder on the Hill is proud to be part of this new venture.

Plenty more details on all the Thunder Shows of 2023 will be released shortly.

At this time, we are happy to announce the return of NAPA Auto Parts as the Series Sponsor, joined by event sponsors Levan Machine & Truck Equipment and HVAC Distributors. Associate sponsors include Pioneer Pole Buildings and GT Radiators.

2023 NAPA AUTO PARTS THUNDER ON THE HILL RACING SERIES

Associate Sponsors Pioneer Pole Buildings, Levan Machine & Truck Equipment, GT Radiators

Sunday, May 28 7:30 PM

Modified Balls to the Wall 50 Plus 602 Sportsman

“A Unique, Wild & Crazy Invert Race for the Modifieds”

Tuesday, June 13 7:30 PM

USAC Non-Wing National Tour

The Eastern Storm Jesse Hockett Classic 40 laps

Plus 358 Modifieds*

Tuesday, June 27 7:30 PM

HVAC Distributors Partners for Success Night

PA 410 Sprint Speed Week

The Hodnett Cup $10,000 to win 35 laps

Plus 358 Modifieds*

Tuesday, July 25 7:30 PM

Levan Machine & Truck Equipment present:

High Limits 410 Sprints 40 laps

$20,023 To Win

Grandview Speedway Contact Information Track Phone: 610-754-7688

GPS USERS: 43 Passmore Road, Bechtelsville, PA 19505

Located less than a mile off Route 100, 10 miles north of Pottstown, PA

Thunder on the Hill Racing Series Phone: 443-513-4456

Series Website: http://www.thunderonthehillracingseries.com

Track Website: http://www.grandviewspeedway.com

Twitter/Instagram: @TOTHRACING

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thunderonthehill

Thunder On The Hill PR

Racing News

Point Fund Announced For ASA STARS National Tour

Tuesday, Jan 24

The structure of a minimum $100,000 point fund was announced today for the ASA STARS National Tour. The champion is slated to receive at least $25,000 with the Top 10 in the standings at season’s end to also receive a check for their performance.

“We welcome all drivers to compete in the ASA STARS National Tour, and we want to enhance things for those who commit to the tour full-time by the top 10 in points,” said Bob Sargent, President of Track Enterprises, which operates the national tour and the three regional tours (ASA / CRA Super Series, ASA Midwest Tour and ASA Southern Super Series). “Our hope is that we are able to increase this point fund in the future, but we feel confident this will help the full-time teams.

All drivers and car owners are required to be licensed to be eligible for the point fund as well as the Winner’s Circle and Contingency Award programs, which will be announced soon.

Applications for teams are now available to download at www.asastarsnationaltour.com. Those forms are available via a PDF document. Teams will be required to complete the form and return as instructed on the application.

The ASA STARS National Tour will open the 10-race, six-state tour at Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, FL on Saturday, March 11, 2023. Tickets are available for purchase online at https://bit.ly/ASA5FlagsTixs.

For the full ASA STARS National Tour schedule, plus Super Late Model rules and other information, please visit the series website at www.asastarsnationaltour.com, and be sure to follow the series on social media (Facebook: STARS National Series | Twitter: @racewithstars | IG: @starsnational).

ASA STARS PR

Speedway News

Bristol Dirt Showcase to Open Dirt Racing Season With Intense Late Model Action at Bristol Motor Speedway

Tuesday, Jan 24

The 2023 dirt racing season at Bristol Motor Speedway will get underway on Saturday, April 1 with the Bristol Dirt Showcase, a powerful doubleheader of Late Model dirt racing action, track officials announced today.

The Steel Block Bandit Late Model Series and the American All-Star Series will share the spotlight during the event and take to the clay high-banks of dirt-transformed Bristol Motor Speedway for a full day of Late Model racing action. It will be the season-opening race for the American All-Stars and the second race of the season for the Steel Block Bandits.

The Steel Block Bandits are a premier 17-race dirt Touring Series for Steel Block Late Models that competes across seven states including the Carolinas, Virginia and Tennessee. North Carolina racer Dustin Mitchell is the defending series champ in the Steel Block Bandits and Virginia’s Tyler Bare was the season runner-up.

The 29-race American All-Stars Series holds feature races at 18 tracks, primarily in the Southeast and Midwest with cars that compete utilizing 604 Late Model crate engines that can be purchased directly from Chevrolet dealerships. Knoxville, Tennessee’s Hayden Cardwell is the defending series champion.

At the Bristol Dirt Showcase both series will be competing for a purse that offers a $5,000 winner’s share.

“We are looking forward to having these two new Late Model dirt racing circuits test their drivers on Bristol’s dirt-covered high banks,” said Jerry Caldwell, president and general manager of Bristol Motor Speedway. “This will be the first time this year that fans can come out and check out the Bristol dirt layout for 2023 and we are expecting thrilling races in both series.”

Pit passes for the Bristol Dirt Showcase can be purchased at BMS ticket windows on April 1. Pit passes are $40 for adults and $20 for kids 12 and under. In addition to infield access, Pit pass holders also will be able to access a designated section of grandstand.

The weekend following the Bristol Dirt Showcase, BMS will welcome the NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series to town for the much-anticipated Food City Dirt Race weekend, April 7-9. The two NASCAR Series will go back to their roots with Saturday night’s Bristol Truck Race on Dirt (8 p.m. FS1 and PRN Radio) and Bush’s Beans Qualifying (FS1) and Sunday night’s primetime NASCAR Cup Series Food City Dirt Race (7 p.m., FOX and PRN Radio). On Friday, teams in both the Cup Series and Craftsman Truck Series will be able to fine-tune their machines during Bush’s Beans Practice Day.

BMS PR

Racing News

Seavey Can Count on Abacus for Full-Time USAC Midget Run in 2023

Tuesday, Jan 24

Fresh off his first career Chili Bowl Nationals victory a week-and-a-half ago, Logan Seavey has announced his intentions to compete full-time with the USAC NOS Energy Drink Midget National Championship in 2023 behind the wheel for Abacus Racing.

Seavey (Sutter, Calif.), the 2018 USAC National Midget champion, will pilot the No. 57 for the Indianapolis, Ind. based entrant. It marks the first time the team, formed in 2021, will make a full-season points run in a national series.

“I am very excited to drive for Abacus in 2023,” Seavey exclaimed. “Our goal is to win races and win the championship, and after driving for them in California late last year, I honestly feel like we have a chance to do it.”

Seavey drove for the team during the last seven races of the 2022 USAC National Midget season, giving the team a pair of top-five finishes at California’s Bakersfield Speedway and Merced Speedway.

“The equipment was good, and I really enjoyed the team atmosphere while working with Johnny (Cofer) and Kirk (Simpson) for those races,” Seavey stated.

Brent Cox, Team Principal of Abacus Racing, is looking forward to working with Seavey and continuing to build on what the team has already accomplished.

“To say we are excited is an understatement,” Cox said. “The team has continued to progress in so many areas. To make the decision to make a run for a championship is something we do not take lightly but having Logan in the car this year was something we just could not pass up.”

Seavey has already built an extensive resume in the midget ranks. He earned the season championship and Rookie of the Year honors with USAC in 2018, then captured the Turkey Night Grand Prix at California’s Ventura Raceway in 2021, one of his eight career series victories. It was Cox’s passion and future plans that has him intrigued, which include both near-term and long-term goals for the team.

“For a new car owner, Brent has a lot of goals and future plans, and I liked what I heard,” Seavey acknowledged.

For Cox, he has the driver he wants and a full slate of events ahead. Now, the goals are clear – to be competitive, to run up front and, ultimately, to win feature number one for the Abacus team.

“Going into 2023, our first goal is to lead laps in feature races,” Cox said. “From there, you want podiums and then of course you want race wins. We have won several heat races, but the goal is a feature win. With Logan at the wheel, and with the team we have, I think that is a realistic goal. It’s not an easy one given the competition in the series, but it’s realistic.”

In addition to the USAC National Midget races, Seavey will also pilot the team’s pavement car at the National Pavement Midget Championship races at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park in 2023. That’s something that Cox is also looking forward to.

“Last year with every race at IRP, we made steady gains,” Cox said. “We finished the last race (Championship Saturday) in fourth place with Justin Grant as our driver. We feel like, with the baseline we have, we can start off the pavement season strong and put ourselves in contention for the midget championship there too.”

Seavey, who finished 2nd in both the 2021-2022 USAC Silver Crown Championship, shares the same sentiment.

“I had a good season on pavement and dirt last year,” Seavey remarked. “Having the ability to do the entire midget season with the Abacus team will give us the ability to make improvements throughout the year, which will hopefully yield the results we are looking for.”

The 2023 USAC National Midget Series kicks off on April 21-22 at Indiana’s Kokomo Speedway for the Kokomo Grand Prix. The first National Pavement Midget Championship race at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park takes place on May 26 with the Carb Night Classic.

USAC PR

Racing News

Busy Late Model Schedule Announced for Virginia’s Conner Jones

Tuesday, Jan 24

On the heels of announcing a 12-race campaign in ARCA competition with Venturini Motorsports, 16-year-old Conner Jones of Fredericksburg, VA has confirmed a busy season of Late Model racing which includes 10 races in the CARS Tour, the New Smyrna Speedweeks, and marquee LMSC and SLM races. He will compete with Crew Chief Marcus Richmond and R&S Race Cars throughout the season.

The slate gives the young driver important seat time in two of the fastest-growing series in grassroots racing, joining the new ASA Stars National Tour for two races and joining the CARS Tour after its acquisition by several legendary names in NASCAR.

Jones made an impression on the racing world in 2022. He opened his season with a successful run during the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing at New Smyrna Speedway, grabbing a victory during the Pro Late Model competition. He added a CARS Tour Late Model Stock victory in September at Tri-County Motor Speedway in North Carolina. Jones closed a thrilling short track season by qualifying third in the prestigious 55th Snowball Derby for Super Late Models.

Along with ten races in the CARS Late Model Stock Tour and 12-race ARCA slate, Jones will be competing all three rounds of the Virginia Triple Crown for NASCAR Late Model Stock Cars. He will compete at South Boston Speedway, Langley Speedway, and Martinsville Speedway in the prestigious series, televised on FloRacing. Jones opens his year with an expanded participation in New Smyrna’s World Series by running for the Super Late Model championship along with making several Pro Late Model starts. Tool Shack, PepperJack Kennels, and Fire Suppression Solutions LLC will support the World Series effort.

His Super Late Model slate also encompasses the ASA Stars National Tour visits to North Wilkesboro for the NASCAR Cup Series All-Star Weekend and July’s Slinger Nationals in Wisconsin. His 2023 concludes in December at the Snowflake 100 and 56th Snowball Derby.

For more information on partnership opportunities with Conner Jones Racing for the 2023 season please contact Marty Melo with MDM Consulting at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

2023 Tentative Late Model Schedule

Feb 10-18 New Smyrna Speedway – World Series

March 25 Florence Motor Speedway CARS Tour

April 22 Hickory Motor Speedway CARS Tour

May 5 Ace Speedway CARS Tour

May 16 North Wilkesboro Speedway ASA STARS

May 17 North Wilkesboro Speedway CARS Tour

May 27 Tri County Speedway CARS Tour

June 17 Dominion Raceway CARS Tour

June 28 Caraway Speedway CARS Tour

July 1 South Boston Speedway Virginia Triple Crown

July 11 Slinger Speedway ASA STARS Slinger Nationals

July 22 Langley Speedway Virginia Triple Crown

Sept 9 New River All American Speedway CARS Tour

Sept 23 Martinsville Speedway Virginia Triple Crown

Oct 7 South Boston Speedway CARS Tour

Oct 21 Tri County Speedway CARS Tour

December 2 Five Flags Speedway Snowflake 100

December 3 Five Flags Speedway 56^th Snowball Derby

Conner Jones PR

NASCAR Truck Series News

Mason Massey Joins Reaume Brothers Racing Full Time in 2023

Tuesday, Jan 24

Reaume Brothers Racing is excited to announce that Douglasville, Georgia native Mason Massey will be joining Reaume Brothers Racing for the entirety of the 2023 season.

Massey’s racing career began at 5 years old, tackling both asphalt and dirt during his first year. Mason Massey accrued over 200 feature wins during his short track career, catching the attention of several NASCAR organizations, including Reaume Brothers Racing, giving Massey his first opportunity in NASCAR. After part time stints in 2020, 2021 and 2022 Massey began a venture with DGM Racing, finishing an impressive high of sixth in Atlanta.

From the dirt tracks to the high banks, Mason Massey is looking forward to his first full time season in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, and is looking forward to advancing not only his abilities, but the abilities of the team. “I couldn’t be more excited to partner up with Josh and everybody at Reaume Brothers Racing for the 2023 season. Josh gave me my first opportunity in NASCAR, and it’s really cool to be back with this team full time. I believe in what they’re building, and I have a lot of confidence that we’re going to turn some heads this year.”

This year is pivotal in many ways, with significant improvements made over the off-season, highlighted with a commitment to the Ford Performance Group. This gives Massey confidence heading into the season. “I’m excited about the commitment to Ford and Reaume Brothers Racing. Ford is respected in auto racing all around the world, and especially in NASCAR. I’m looking forward to getting behind the wheel of an F-150 in Daytona!”

Josh Reaume, owner of Reaume Brothers Racing, values the necessity of a full-time driver, and is looking forward to growing with Massey throughout 2023. “Having Mason come back to us on a full-time basis brings things full circle between everyone involved. We are excited about the experience he has gathered since the last time he drove for us. We look forward to this year being a breakout organization.”

Watch Mason Massey throughout the 2023 season driving the #33 Brunt Ford F-150, starting at Daytona International Speedway for the NextEra Energy 250, Friday February 17^th, at 7:30 PM EST on FS1.

RBR PR

NASCAR Truck Series News

Reaume Brothers Racing Commits to Ford Performance in 2023

Tuesday, Jan 24

Reaume Brothers Racing is excited to announce a partnership with Ford Performance Group as we roll into the 2023 season. This will mark the first of many seasons together as RBR has fully committed to Ford. This change stems from a well highlighted/successful debut of making the Daytona 500 with our #27 Team Hezeberg (Reaume Brothers Racing) Ford – which was powered by Roush Yates Ford Performance.

In order to catapult the team to the next level there needs to be a solid engineering foundation in addition to an internal marketing group that can support and leverage partnerships that will bring increased ROI. This offseason our team has invested in several specific areas and looks to have internal resources that can help cultivate a mutually beneficial relationship between Reaume Brothers Racing and Ford.

“My vision for my race team over the next few years is to not just benefit from the resources of Ford Performance, but to be able to build internally and to be able to provide the manufacturer with resources developed through our race team.” Expressed Team Owner, Josh Reaume. “I am confident that over the next six months to a year, we will be able to utilize our internal resources to elevate our on-track performance to the next level. This growth and success will take some time, but I am confident that we will have the right foundation to progress forward.”

Going into our sixth season, Reaume Brothers Racing has developed more depth organizationally, which has allowed Josh Reaume to work more on the business instead of for the business. The benefit of that is that Josh is now able to utilize his background as a race engineer. Over the course of this season, Reaume Brothers Racing will house innovative engineering tools and expertise to elevate on-track performance and take that performance to the next level.

Along with this announcement, we are eager to announce our driver lineup for the 2023 season, which will be unveiled over the next couple weeks. Be on the lookout for that announcement, as we are all very excited to take on this new season Ford and our teams’ first, full time driver.

Watch our #33 and #34 Ford F-150’s during the 2023 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, only on Fox Sports 1.

Reaume Brothers Racing PR

Racing News

Nolan Siegel Joins Sean Creech Motorsport for the Rolex 24 At Daytona

Tuesday, Jan 24

Sean Creech Motorsport (SCM) officially completed its Rolex 24 at Daytona driver lineup today with the addition of Nolan Siegel – an open wheel and sports car veteran despite his young age.

The 18-year-old Palo Alto, Calif. native joins João Barbosa, Lance Willsey and Nico Pino behind the wheel of the pole-winning No. 33 SCM Exelixis/Focal One Ligier JS P320, as the Jupiter, Fla.-based team contests the first of two home races.

Jumping into a kart at the age of 8, Siegel moved up to the USF Pro Championships (formerly the Road to Indy) open wheel ladder system beginning in 2019. In 2023, he will compete in INDY NXT (formerly Indy Lights) – just one step below the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. In 2019, he began racing sports cars as well, contesting Michelin Pilot Challenge, Prototype Challenge and WeatherTech SportsCar Championship events.

Siegel will drive three vastly different race cars over the course of the week. He tested on Monday his INDY NXT Dallara IL-15 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. He then on Friday he returns behind the wheel of the No. 39 Porsche 718 GT4 RS CS for the four hour IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge event (Friday, 1:45 p.m., Peacock TV).

“Thanks to Sean and to Lance for this opportunity!” said Siegel. “The priority for me this week is getting to know the team, getting laps in the LMP3 car, and getting into the WeatherTech sessions now that all the classes are running at different speeds than last year. Of course, it will be a balance on Thursday and Friday, between that and the IMPC sessions and race on Friday. This is the first time I’ll race two different series on one weekend but I’m not the only driver doing it and I’ll have enough time to focus on both.

“This team has a great car, with two second place finishes in this race and pole last weekend,” Siegel continued. “Luck always plays a part, but this is a very experienced team – I’ve raced against them before and they’re always competitive. I don’t see why we can’t win. I’ve watched IMSA since I was a little kid in karts so it would be a huge milestone to win this race. It’s a dream for every driver.”

“Nolan brings a good deal of experience,” said team principal Sean Creech. “He also knows IMSA procedures – pass arounds, class splits, all the processes that are a big part of sports car racing. There’s night racing, with the lights coming into the car, with the speeds of the cars around you and how the faster cars can really dive bomb into Turn One and the Le Mans Chicane. The closing speed of the GTP cars is so much faster than the LMP3 car so it’s a lot to take in, to be aware of. He has experience at Daytona in these cars and that’s huge for us.”

19-year-old Danny Soufi tested with the team at last weekend’s Roar Before the Rolex 24. While the team was impressed with his pace and consistency, they felt that the track time was not sufficient to get him up to speed with the nuances of IMSA racing that would enable him to perform at the level the team believes he is capable of.

“We had the opportunity to test Danny last month and bring him on board as a valued member of this team,” said Willsey. “He did a very good job last weekend with the practice time available but in the end, the time was not sufficient to give him the chance to perform at the level we know he’s capable of, or to get up to speed with IMSA’s rules in regard to multi-class racing. We look forward to working with him over the next two months in anticipation of his involvement at Sebring.”

The IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship’s season opener gets underway on Thursday, with three sessions including night practice. The 61st Rolex 24 At Daytona takes the green flag Saturday at 1:40 p.m. Eastern. The race will be broadcast live in the U.S. on the NBC family of networks, beginning and ending with network NBC. The race will also be live streamed in its entirety on Peacock TV. International viewers can watch via IMSA.tv, with IMSA Radio also available at IMSA.com.

SCM thanks partners Exelixis, Focal One and Jerich International for their continued support.

SCM PR

Racing News

On the Hunt: Moles Aims for USAC Sprint Championship in 2023

Tuesday, Jan 24

Just prior to the kickoff of his sophomore season on the USAC AMSOIL Sprint Car National Championship trail, Mitchel Moles is taking a weeklong hunting expedition.

Throughout the 2023 season, the Raisin City, Calif. native will find himself on the hunt for a championship as he tackles the full series schedule for the first time aboard the Reinbold-Underwood Motorsports No. 19AZ.

Moles is fresh off a superb Rookie USAC Sprint Car season in 2022 in which he became a first-time series winner last July at South Dakota’s Huset’s Speedway and once more later that same month for his initial USAC Indiana Sprint Week triumph at Lincoln Park Speedway.

The towering 6’3” tall Moles quickly served notice with his consistently stirring qualifying runs, tallying eight quick times in 2022, which were the most ever by a USAC National Sprint Car Rookie.

Moles’ 11th place finish in the series points wasn’t entirely indicative of his performance during the past season as he didn’t make his first start until May. Along the way, Moles made appearances in just 27 of the 39 events, and in that time frame, the 23-year-old former professional bass fishing extraordinaire led 107 laps and collected six top-fives and 19 top-tens.

Now, with a calendar year of USAC racing under his belt, Moles is ready to tackle his biggest challenge with the series yet – a pursuit of the National title in the seat for the same team which won the 2019 series entrant title with driver C.J. Leary.

“It’s definitely always been a dream of mine to be able to do this,” Moles stated. “I’ve never really raced for points in a sprint car before at any level, so that’ll be cool. (Team owner) Andy (Reinbold) and I click really well together, and as always, our goal is to win and not settle for anything less. We’re trying win to win a championship and that’s our goal.”

While the majority of Moles’ finest performances came on tracks of a larger scale, he did display plenty of signs of brilliance on the quarter miles as he got his feet wet with the series, finishing inside the top-five at both Gas City (3rd) and Kokomo (5th). However, among his goals in the coming year is to find more consistency in all facets, especially on the “bullrings.”

After several seasons in winged sprint cars and micro sprints, lessons were learned in droves during Moles’ first USAC foray, and he experienced an abundance of scenarios from the triumphant variety to the frustration that is commonplace in year one. Now, entering year two, Moles is ready to take the next step into becoming a well-rounded racer who can excel at any challenge anywhere, any place.

“Non-wing cars are so driven by the throttle,” Moles explained. “Sometimes wide-open doesn’t do it. A lot of times, it works during qualifying, but after that, it takes a little time, and it took me a little while to learn that. I just need to work at being better overall more than anything. My goal isn’t to be good on the fast half-miles that I’m better at, my goal is to be good on everything. That’s what Justin (Grant) does and that’s what Brady (Bacon) and C.J. (Leary) do. They’re good on all of them and that’s why they’re national champions. You’ve got to be good all the time, not half the time.”

Moles will make his 2023 debut with the USAC AMSOIL Sprint Car National Championship with a weeklong assignment in Florida during the month of February, starting with a pair of non-points, special events at Volusia Speedway Park on February 13-14, followed by the first three points races of the year at Bubba Raceway Park on February 16-17-18.

“I just want to hammer the thing and get going,” Moles exclaimed. “Andy has given me great stuff with Stanton Engines and Spike Chassis, which gives us everything we need, and I can’t thank him enough for the opportunity. I’m just going to try and have as much fun as we can and win some races.”

USAC PR