Toyota announced today that Torrence Racing will join Team Toyota beginning with the 2022 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season. The addition of Torrence Racing’s two-team effort expands Toyota’s team partnerships to include five Top Fuel dragsters and two Funny Cars. 

“Torrence Racing is a leader in NHRA competition, and we look forward to bringing Steve and Billy into the Toyota family in 2022,” said Paul Doleshal, Group Manager, Motorsports and Assets, Toyota Motor North America (TMNA). “We have incredible drivers and team partners in the NHRA landscape. The addition of Steve and Billy Torrence will only enhance that outstanding lineup.”

Torrence Racing has been a dominant force in NHRA in recent years. Steve has driven to 49 victories in 263 career events and three Top Fuel championships. This season, Steve has won nine times and is the current points leader. His father, Billy, has won twice this year and eight times in his career. Despite running a part-time schedule, Billy is currently fifth in the overall point standings.

Toyota provides its NHRA teams with tow vehicles, along with engineering, technology and trackside support through TRD (Toyota Racing Development). In addition to Torrence Racing, Toyota will continue to support Antron Brown’s newly established team – AB Motorsports, DC Motorsports and Kalitta Motorsports’ three-team effort in 2022.

“I’ve been blessed to have a lot of success in my NHRA career, but I feel like this new partnership with Toyota and TRD will only improve what Torrence Racing can do on the track,” said Steve Torrence. “I’ve seen firsthand that the drivers and teams associated with Toyota aren’t just part of their roster, but part of a family. They are a special manufacturer that puts people first and that’s the type of partnership our team is excited to be a part of starting next season.”

Steve and Billy Torrence join a Toyota driver lineup that includes three-time NHRA Top Fuel champion Brown, U.S. Nationals winner Alexis DeJoria, 49-time race winner Doug Kalitta, 2013 Top Fuel champion Shawn Langdon and 2018 Funny Car champion J.R. Todd.

Toyota is celebrating its 20th season in NHRA this year. Toyota drivers have won 137 Top Fuel and 43 Funny Car races along with six Top Fuel and three Funny Car championships during its tenure in the series.

Receiving a cancer diagnosis is all too common in the U.S., with one in three Americans developing cancer in their lifetime. In fact, nearly all of us have been touched by cancer whether it’s a loved one, a friend or even ourselves. That’s why, in 2013, AutoNation, Inc. (NYSE: AN), America’s largest and most admired automotive retailer, made the decision to direct all its charitable initiatives towards fighting cancer. Two years later, it launched its Drive Pink initiative and to date has raised and donated more than $28 million to create awareness and support critical research and treatment through partnerships with cancer charities from coast to coast.

“We take tremendous pride in the many partnerships we’ve forged through our fundraising efforts not only during Breast Cancer Awareness Month but all year long,” said Marc Cannon, Executive Vice President and Chief Customer Experience Officer. “It’s thanks to the generosity and commitment of our partners and Associates that we’re able to provide this substantial support.”

On Tuesday, October 12 and Wednesday, October 20, 2021, AutoNation will host two events at DRV PNK Stadium, home to Inter Miami CF, to continue raising awareness and funds to drive out cancer:

Drive Pink Week

On October 12, in celebration of the 6th Annual DRVPNK Across America Day, Inter Miami CF players join AutoNation Associates to fill comfort bags for cancer patients at AutoNation-sponsored, DRV PNK Stadium. Every October, Associates from more than 300 AutoNation locations coast to coast unite to honor those touched by cancer. This year, Associates from more than 300 locations will write thousands of messages of hope to those who are battling the disease.     

Drive Pink Night

On October 20, fans are encouraged to support the DRVPNK cause at the Inter Miami CF vs. Toronto FC match with opportunities to honor loved ones touched by cancer by wearing pink that evening. The first 10,000 fans who enter the stadium will receive FREE pink rally towels.  Inter Miami will also join AutoNation to recognize 4-time INDY 500® Champion Hélio Castroneves at the pre-game ceremony.  Last May, Castroneves won his epic fourth INDY 500 as a proud member of the DRVPNK AutoNation Racing Team.

AutoNation is the official and exclusive automotive dealership partner of Inter Miami CF.

About AutoNation, Inc.
AutoNation, America's largest and most admired automotive retailer, is transforming the automotive industry through its bold leadership, innovation, and comprehensive brand extensions. As of June 30, 2021, AutoNation owned and operated over 300 locations from coast to coast. AutoNation has sold over 13 million vehicles, the first automotive retailer to reach this milestone. AutoNation's success is driven by a commitment to delivering a peerless experience through Customer-focused sales and service processes. Since 2013, AutoNation has raised over $28 million to drive out cancer, create awareness, and support critical research through its DRIVE PINK initiative, which was officially branded in 2015.

Please visit www.autonation.com, investors.autonation.com, www.twitter.com/CEOMikeJackson, and www.twitter.com/AutoNation, where AutoNation discloses additional information about the Company, its business, and its results of operations. Please also visit www.autonationdrive.com, AutoNation's automotive blog, for information regarding the AutoNation community, the automotive industry, and current automotive news and trends.

Fans witnessed a second day of high adrenaline racing yesterday at ERX Motor Park, the latest stop on the five-city Nitro Rallycross 2021 calendar. The best drivers in the world went head-to-head on Nitro RX’s latest revolutionary track, pushing their limits on a challenging new course with huge jumps, steep berms and multiple lines. 

In the marquee SuperCars class, Rallycross veteran Scott Speed (USA) added a Nitro RX trophy to his collection with a textbook performance, leading the stacked field from start to finish. The victory was especially sweet as it completed Speed’s comeback from a broken back sustained at Nitro Rallycross in 2019.

Speed finished less than half of a second ahead motorsports icon – and fellow Subaru Motorsports USA teammate - Travis Pastrana (USA). Placing third, Kevin Hansen (SWE) maintained the Hansen family’s hold on the Nitro RX podium: Kevin took the top prize in 2019 while his brother Timmy won last weekend at Nitro RX’s Salt Lake City kickoff as well as in 2018 at Nitro RX’s debut race.

Supercar Final (Minneapolis):

Supercar Championship Standings:

In the final of the NRX Next developmental class, Sage Karam (USA) completed a stunning comeback from seventh place to take the win, becoming the fourth different winner in four rounds of competition. Spun around backwards on the first turn after a frenzied start, Karam thought his chances of making the podium were finished. Nonetheless, he pressed on and worked his way through the field to cross the finish line nine ahead of runner-up George Megennis (USA). Martin Enlund (SWE) followed up his win Saturday with a third-place finish in this contest.

NRX Next Final (Round 4):

In a battle of motorsports legends, Tanner Foust (USA) held off Brian Deegan (USA) to take gold in the special Side-By-Side event. It was a back and forth contest, with Foust and Deegan putting on a master class for the crowd. Scottie Lawrence (USA) secured a third-place finish on the podium.

Side-By-Side Final (Round 2):

The intense action of Nitro RX heads next to Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in Phoenix, Arizona on November 13 and 14. For nearly four decades, the venue has been a true destination for speed and competition. Now Nitro RX is set to unveil another bold new track that will redefine racing. 

To experience Nitro RX’s high-flying action in person, tickets can be purchased at https://www.nitrorallycross.com/calendar. Fans can also watch live on Peacock in the U.S. as well as on YouTube worldwide.

2021 NITRO RALLYCROSS SCHEDULE

Nov. 13-14 // Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park // Phoenix, Arizona

Nov. 20-21 // Glen Helen Raceway // Southern California

Dec. 4-5 // The Firm // North Florida

Also, as part of the celebration, each race team competing in the IMSA season finale will have a service member serve as an honorary team member during the pre-race ceremonies Saturday, Nov. 13th. This role will include walking across the pre-race stage for driver introductions and being introduced to the crowd.   “Our nation’s veterans deserve to be recognized and appreciated every day, but we’re glad for the opportunity to celebrate them and their families at the 24th Annual Motul Petit Le Mans,” said Rick Humphrey, president and general manager of Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta. “This occasion to honor our military is one that presented itself with the changing of our event dates to November, which meant the Thursday of race week would fall on Veteran’s Day. With much respect and admiration for our nation’s veterans, we look forward to the chance to make their experience here even more special.”   The 24th Annual Motul Petit Le Mans endurance classic kicks off Wednesday, Nov. 10 and culminates with the 10-hour IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship season finale starting at 10:10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 13.

(Courtesy of Road Atlanta)

This is it. Following 15 fiercely fought Progressive American Flat Track rounds, the season-ending Honda Charlotte Half-Mile will determine the 2021 Grand National Championship under the lights at the Dirt Track at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Friday, October 8.

As they arrive in Charlotte, North Carolina, reigning two-time Mission SuperTwins presented by S&S Cycle champion Briar Bauman (No. 1 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750) and living legend Jared Mees (No. 9 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750) are separated by just four points. That means both factory Indian stars are in position to secure the 2021 crown from the top step of the podium, simple as that.

It gets a bit more complicated should another rider play the spoiler and steal away the victory. Should that happen, Mees’ slight lead earned on the strength of an active four-race win streak provides him an advantage in that he could still take the title by finishing close behind Bauman on track.

Considering their combined ability, winning percentage, and motivation, it may seem unlikely that another rider is able to elbow ahead with so much on the line, but Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750) managed to do just that (twice) in last year’s similarly tight DAYTONA finale.

The scenario of a title-shifting upset just became that much more realistic with the news that Jeffrey Carver, Jr. (No. 23 Happy Trails Racing/DPC/KullyCo/Bigelow Indian FTR750) has been added to the entry list. As a reminder, in last year’s late-season battle in Charlotte, Bauman and Mees traded the lead back and forth until privateer Carver shot past them both en route to a huge win. A repeat effort could literally decide which bike the #1 plate is brandished upon in 2022.

The field is stocked with potential spoilers, including Sammy Halbert (No. 69 Coolbeth-Nila Racing Indian FTR750), Jarod Vanderkooi (No. 20 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750), Brandon Price (No. 92 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750) and JD Beach (No. 95 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT).

AFT Singles

The 2021 AFT Singles championship will be determined in Charlotte as well. While there doesn’t appear to be much room for drama as in the premier class, if second-ranked Max Whale (No. 18 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-FFE) manages to dethrone defending class champ Dallas Daniels (No. 1 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F), you can bet some serious drama went down.

With 20 points and the tiebreaker working in his favor, Daniels merely needs to finish 13th or better in the Main even if Australian Whale wins. And if Whale doesn’t win, Daniels doesn’t need to do anything but collect his trophy.

Morgen Mischler (No. 13 Mission Roof Systems KTM 450 SX-F) is nearly as safe in third with Daniels’ teammate, Mikey Rush (No. 15 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F), 18 points back in fourth.

Last year’s race at Charlotte Motor Speedway was a classic, with Daniels clinching the title thanks to a last-lap pass for victory over Mischler. Whale finished fourth, just 0.201 seconds back of the win, which sets the table nicely for another spectacular scrap on Friday night.

AFT Production Twins presented by Vance & Hines

Last season, Cory Texter (No. 65 G&G Racing/Roof Systems Yamaha MT-07) scored a holeshot-to-checkered flag win in Charlotte. The situation was considerably different, as Texter was desperate just to keep his slim 2020 AFT Production Twins presented by Vance & Hines title hopes alive at the time.

Now he comes into the finale having already locked down a second-career AFT Production Twins championship. That said, Texter is a racer’s racer and one making up for lost time spent as a long-time journeyman pilot. He’s unlikely to lack for motivation even with the title already taken care of.

Meanwhile, AFT Production Twins championship runner-up honors are still up for grabs with Chad Cose (No. 49 Voodoo Ranger/Roof Systems Harley-Davidson XG750R) nine points up on Dan Bromley (No. 62 Memphis Shades/Vinson Construction Yamaha MT-07) with one race to go.

The evening also presents one final chance for the likes of Ben Lowe (No. 25 Mission Roof Systems Harley-Davidson XG750R) and Jesse Janisch (No. 96 Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson XG750R) to get a win before the year is out.

As if that wasn’t enough, the Charlotte Half-Mile will also feature the season finale of Royal Enfield’s hugely popular BUILD. TRAIN. RACE. program and the penultimate round of the innovative Super Hooligan National Championship. BUILD. TRAIN. RACE. showcases the talent, versatility, competitiveness, and enthusiasm of female motorcyclists in its own action-packed style, while the outlaw-minded Super Hooligan series features customized heavy street bikes competing at a road race circuit, a Short Track, a Half-Mile and an asphalt oval to determine the nation’s most all-around skill heavy street bike racer.

The Honda Charlotte HM will also feature all the pomp and circumstance befitting a season finale off the track as well. NASCAR superstar Austin Dillon, driver of the No. 3 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE will serve as the evening’s Grand Marshal ahead of the weekend’s NASCAR doubleheader at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Additionally, the Fan Zone will offer a multitude of activities, including a Tribute to the Troops presentation to a Gold Star Family, fun in the Kids Zone, live music courtesy of series’ favorite Chasing Neon and fireworks at the end of the evening to close out the 2021 season in style.

Exclusive to the Honda Charlotte Half-Mile experience is the introduction of the Honda Talon Fan Experience. Fans may purchase one of a very limited number of passes granting access to an exclusive ride-along experience in the Official Sport SxS of AFT: the Honda Talon. This one-of-a-kind experience includes GA admission, Paddock Access Upgrade, Mission Hospitality service and more. Information and purchasing can be found at https://store.americanflattrack.com/ebooking/ticket/view/id/3325/#selectTickets.

Tickets are available for purchase now at https://store.americanflattrack.com/ebooking/ticket/view/id/3325/#selectTickets. General Admission Grandstand tickets are $29 in advance (kids 12 and under free with an adult ticket purchase) and Premium GA Grandstands are just $10 more (kids 12 and under $20).

The Paddock Access Upgrade is a certified fun multiplier. Offering access to the pits where fans can check out the race bikes and watch the riders and teams work from close range, the upgrade comes highly recommended at $40.

The gates will open for fans on Friday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. ET/11:00 a.m. PT, with Opening Ceremonies scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. PT ahead of the season’s final Main Event program. Live coverage of the entire weekend’s racing activities will be available on any device for only $1.99 a month via TrackPass on NBC Sports Gold.

The Honda Charlotte Half-Mile will premiere on NBCSN one day later, Saturday, October 9, starting at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT, and re-air on Friday, October 22, at 6:00 p.m. ET/3:00 p.m. PT.

For more information, please visit http://www.americanflattrack.com.

To score the latest gear for the Progressive American Flat Track fan, visit our official merchandise store at https://store.americanflattrack.com.