Speedway Digest Staff - Results from #100

Pennsylvania has long been a hotbed for some of the finest open wheel dirt track racers in the United States of America.

 

Gavin Miller of Allentown, Pa. is among the new breed who struck a chord on the USAC NOS Energy Drink Midget National Championship trail in 2023.

 

His efforts earned him Max Papis Innovations Bob Stroud USAC National Midget Rookie of the Year honors for his efforts in the seat of the Eibach Springs – TRD/LynK/Speedway Toyota for the famed Keith Kunz/Curb-Agajanian Motorsports team.

 

In doing so, the 16-year-old Miller became just the third Keystone State native to receive the USAC National Midget Rookie of the Year reward in memory of Stroud, the longtime supervisor for the division. John Andretti (Bethlehem) in 1983 and Andrew Layser (Collegeville) in 2019 are the only previous Pennsylvanians to achieve the feat.

 

All told, Miller accumulated 56 feature laps led, five top-fives and 14 top-tens in 26 feature starts while finishing eighth in series points. But assuredly, the highlight of the year came in June during USAC Indiana Midget Week at Bloomington Speedway where he raced to his first career series victory in what was just his 10th career series start.

 

On a restart just before the midway point at Bloomington, Miller slid his KKM teammate and fellow first-time USAC win seeker Jade Avedisian for the top spot, and from there, went undenied for the remaining 16 circuits to earn the victory as he became the first Pennsylvanian to capture a USAC National feature win of any kind since Steve Buckwalter during the Indiana Midget Week round at Gas City I-69 Speedway in 2010.

 

With the win, Miller also became just the second driver to win his first career USAC National Midget feature at Bloomington’s 1/4-mile clay oval. The only other driver to accomplish that was none other than Kyle Larson, who also wheeled a KKM owned car to victory on the red clay, just like Miller.

 

Up to that point, to USAC fans, Miller had been known for his passing prowess within the series ranks, passing more cars throughout USAC Indiana Midget Week than any other individual with 35 positions advanced in six events, which gave him the title of Indiana Midget Week’s ProSource Passing Master.

 

“It was definitely a surreal feeling,” Miller recalled of his Bloomington victory. “Getting that first win is always going to be my most favorite and special one. It was definitely one of the goals I set for myself, but I didn’t think I was going to get a win that soon. Not many people get to say that they’ve done it, so it’s really cool.”

 

Miller’s win also came on the heels of a “what could’ve been” moment when he flipped out of the race while leading 13 laps into the 30-lap feature just four nights prior at Circle City Raceway. Despite not expecting a winning effort to arrive quite so soon, Miller began to realize he had the potential to run up front consistently. But a major part of growing as a racer is withstanding the natural learning curves that occur along the way, but readily admitted that a couple more opportunities slipped through his fingers.

 

“I thought I could get more, but I threw away a couple,” Miller noted. “I guess you’ve got to throw away a couple in order to learn from your mistakes. I think I’ve made most of them in the book so far. You are still going to make mistakes here and there, especially the one at Merced (Speedway). I had never flipped that badly ever. So, that was a first. But I definitely went into this year not knowing much and came out the other side learning from all those mistakes and showed improvement.”

 

The Merced moment in November saw Miller going for the lead on lap two down the back straightaway when he clipped the outside guardrail and flipped seven times in all. The accident forced him to miss one night of action the following evening, but also served notice of how far he had come. Now he was battling for wins, while the year before, he made just two feature starts in eight USAC National Midget appearances during the 2022 campaign.

 

“I was definitely watching more races and getting more seat time, which really helped,” Miller explained. “I wanted it bad; I wanted to run up front and learn from past mistakes and it all has come together from learning from my crew chief and strategizing too. I feel like it all must come into play, and I feel like we’ll be even better next year, especially now having a full year under my belt.”

 

It was just a few years ago that Miller emerged as a decorated USAC .25 Midget racer, accumulating a total of six championships between 2015 and 2019. Now, he seems to be on the cusp of becoming a regular front runner in USAC National Midget racing. He’s also displayed his sticktoitiveness, bouncing back from heartbreak to win mere nights later and even rebounding from a big wreck to jump in the saddle and move forward.

 

“Not giving up is the biggest part of it,” Miller chalks his attitude up to. “And just being calm, cool and collected and forgetting the past. You can’t really dwell on it. You’ve got to just keep on moving on. If you can’t do that, then you’re just kind of stuck. You’re focused on what you did wrong, and you want to learn, but you’ve got to keep moving on and focus on keeping getting better.”

 

USAC PR

Santa Claus is coming to town! As Santa gets ready to visit children all around the world, a part of his job is knowing how to communicate in every language. Speedway Christmas presented by Atrium Health is adding a sprinkle of holiday magic with a very special guest, Signing Santa. This one-time appearance is set to bring joy and inclusivity to all families, as the jolly old man in the red suit will sign his way into the hearts of all who attend.

Families with loved ones who are deaf or hard of hearing are invited to enjoy the Christmas Village on Thursday, Nov. 30 from 6 to 10 pm for a unique experience this Christmas season. Those in attendance, can express all of their holiday wishes in American Sign Language to Father Christmas, take pictures with Santa and do arts and crafts in his workshop.

“In the spirit of inclusivity, our staff believes that the magic of the holiday season should be accessible to everyone in attendance,” said Charlotte Motor Speedway Executive Vice President and General Manager Greg Walter. “Speedway Christmas is not just an event, it’s a celebration of community and the joy during the holidays. We are excited to host such a special night with Signing Santa, creating a unique moment for families of all abilities.”

Merrymakers can enjoy 5 million dazzling lights along a four-mile course, take a stroll through a life-size candy land and slide down the Cook Out Tubing Hill, all at Charlotte Motor Speedway. On top of Signing Santa, revelers can enjoy $5 off their entry to Speedway Christmas presented by Atrium Health with a toy donation to the Queens City News Toy Drive. Guests simply bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate and purchase their admission at the gate.

TICKETS:

Speedway Christmas presented by Atrium Health is open nightly through Jan. 7 (closed Christmas Eve). Tickets are sold per vehicle (up to 15 passengers) starting at $35 Monday through Wednesday and $45 Thursday through Sunday. For just $75, guests can skip the lines with the Fast Pass Lane, accessible off of Morehead Road at entrance P. The Fast Pass lane is only open Thursday-Sunday.

Tickets are available at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com or at the gate.

FOLLOW ALONG:

Follow Charlotte Motor Speedway on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook or rev up the holiday spirit with the Charlotte Motor Speedway mobile app.

CMS PR

One of the main reasons NASCAR diehards tune in each week is the unpredictable nature of the sport. When an underdog wins big unexpectedly, it's the easiest way to unite NASCAR fans, regardless of their allegiance to the winning team.

To different degrees, such victories occurred a few times in the 2023 season. This year, several drivers who were well-known in the automotive world but new to NASCAR made unexpected cameos and, in one instance, made it to Victory Lane. So, before logging into your account to play Christmas Slots at Slots Capital on your laptop, have a look at four of the most surprising winners from the 75th season of NASCAR.

1. Shane van Gisbergen (The Chicago Street Course)

Shane van Gisbergen undoubtedly takes the first spot on today’s list! Anyone who tries to tell you that they genuinely thought Shane van Gisbergen would win a race in the NASCAR Cup Series while making his debut is lying! Since this has never been done before, nobody could have expected it.

Yes, drivers have triumphed in their first races in the past, but not with such stark disparities in discipline. Denny Hamlin even acknowledged as much. It’s mindblowing that SVG was driving on the other side of the car than he was accustomed to and using muscles much differently than he had ever had to!

Sure, street racing is his primary source of income. However, after his incredible victory at the Chicago Street Course, SVG has cemented himself in the NASCAR world, and there’s no doubt that you will be hearing about him for many years to come.

Even though he might not compete full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2024, you can still count on him to participate in a few Truck and Xfinity Series races while driving the No. 91 for Trackhouse. SVG undoubtedly has a bright future in NASCAR and a devoted fan following.

2. Michael McDowell (The Indianapolis Road Course)

Over the past few years, Michael McDowell and his Front Row Racing team have accomplished some amazing things. The team has been on the rise since they won the Daytona 500 in 2021. This feat qualified them for the playoffs.

Both of their cars have significantly improved. While Michael McDowell has a strong track record on road courses, and it was not out of the question that he could win one, no one could have imagined the absolute dominance McDowell and company displayed at the 2023 Indianapolis Road Course race.

Michael McDowell won his second NASCAR Cup Series race by utterly dominating the Indy Road Course. He was, without a doubt, the best racer that weekend, so he went ahead and claimed what he believed was rightly his.

3. A. J. Allmendinger (The Charlotte Roval)

Most fans weren't exactly expecting A.J. to prevail in these kinds of racing situations, but it wasn't completely out of the question either. Given the number of road courses available on the NASCAR calendar these days, many fans were hoping the experienced driver would pick up a few victories when Kaulig revealed before the 2023 season that A. J. Allmendinger would be joining the team full-time and driving their flagship No. 16. But that was almost a season away from happening.

Throughout the season, Allmendinger's road courses, which are his mainstay tracks, saw a lot of mid-to-lower-of-the-pack runs. It led many in the audience and media to wonder if the two-time Cup winner would even return to the race the following year. It’s still unknown whether Allmendinger will go back to driving the No. 16 Chevy at this time.

What is known is that Allmendinger demonstrated his skills as a wheelman in October 2023, winning his third career checkered flag at the Charlotte Roval.

4. Ross Chastain (The Phoenix Raceway)

Nobody should be too shocked that Ross Chastain enjoyed a multi-win season. He did, after all, win twice in a breakout year last year. However, 2023 was different. Many viewers lost sight of Chastain's ability during the Playoffs since he didn't exhibit the same speed as Hendrick and, occasionally, RCR as he did the previous year. Leaving early didn’t help either.

It was common knowledge that Trackhouse was a strong squad and that Chastain was a gifted racer. However, the location and method of this victory at Phoenix, in particular, is why he’s on this list. Ross Chastain won during the season finale, not at the spring Phoenix race. And in the last few circuits, he gave Ryan Blaney a fierce race.

The NASCAR independent media took notice when he raced him so fiercely. Never before had anyone witnessed a non-championship four-driver race with title contenders with such vigor, knowing their loss would be greater than the winner's.

However, Ross Chastain never takes a half-measure. He went all out and secured the victory because he wanted it, almost causing a mess before calmer heads won out. Ultimately, Ross Chastain emerged victorious in the season finale, marking the first time a driver other than a Championship 4 winner has done so since the format's adoption ten years prior, in 2014. Just like the Hail Melon the previous year, his victory will go down in history!

Final thoughts

These were just a handful of the names that raised the bar in the 2023 NASCAR Cup season, drawing attention from motorsport enthusiasts worldwide.

Bimbo Bakeries USA, which is known for brands such as Thomas'® Breads, Sara Lee® Artesano™ Bread, Entenmann's®, Ball Park® Buns & Rolls and others, is seizing a media opportunity at Daytona International Speedway with 2023 DAYTONA 500 CHAMPION Ricky Stenhouse Jr. to declare their comeback to the NASCAR Cup Series with JTG Daugherty Racing.

“Bimbo Bakeries USA is thrilled to continue our longstanding partnership,” said Taylor Burgess, Sr. Omnichannel Marketing Manager, Bimbo Bakeries USA. “The team had an impressive 2023 season, and we feel confident 2024 will be even better. Keep an eye out for your favorite brands on the No. 47 Camaro.”

Stenhouse Jr. accepted an invitation from Daytona International Speedway to announce the Daytona 500 sellout, which also presented the opportunity to inform consumers that Bimbo Bakeries USA is coming back. Bimbo Bakeries USA has a hearty lineup of brands, and the company is in the process of selecting their races and assigning their brands to Stenhouse Jr.’s No. 47 Camaro.

“I bet it’s fun to pick races and assign their brands to the No. 47 Camaro so it aligns with their initiatives,” said Ricky Stenhouse Jr. “I’m looking forward to hearing what they ultimately decide, and we’ll focus on delivering for them on and off the track. They are one of our longest running sponsors and we want to do well for them.”

During the 2023 season, the company mostly featured Thomas’, Sara Lee Artesano, Ball Park Buns & Rolls, and Entenmann’s. Now, they are making their final decisions on brands and race markets so they can continue their work on in-store merchandising, division activations, digital advertising, consumer offers, and community outreach.

“The Kroger Racing program for 2024 is coming together nicely and Bimbo Bakeries USA plays a crucial role,” said Stenhouse Jr. “We’re excited to announce their lineup soon and have our Kroger kick off meeting in the coming weeks. We’ll blink and before you know it, it will be time for Daytona. We’re looking forward to defending our title with our partners in February.”

You can find out additional information about America’s favorite bread and sweet baked goods brand by visiting https://www.bimbobakeriesusa.com/

JTG Racing PR

Today at Daytona International Speedway, 2023 DAYTONA 500 Champion Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and JTG Daugherty Racing announced significant developments, revealing three Kimberly-Clark brands are making a triumphant return during the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season. Additionally, it was announced Cottonelle® is the first brand to be added to the grocery basket as co-primary of the No. 47 Kroger Camaro in the sold-out Daytona 500.

“Daytona 500’s history and prestige makes us proud to be a sponsor of the No. 47 Kroger Racing Camaro that will be seen by millions of fans over the course of the season,” said Lakish Hatalkar, Cottonelle® Senior Marketing Director. “We are coming off one the best seasons for JTG racing and we’re excited to continue to keep the partnership across the Cottonelle, Scott and Kleenex brands strong in 2024.”

“One of the most trusted and longstanding partners of ours, Kimberly-Clark, has returned to JTG Daugherty Racing and it’s a fun fact that the Daytona 500 is already sold out,” said Stenhouse Jr. "It feels like yesterday we were celebrating in victory lane with the No. 47 Kroger® / Cottonelle Camaro and our Kroger Racing partners. We’re ready to defend our title.”

Contracts are filling the drawers and kickoff meetings are being conducted to plan for in-store merchandising, division activations, digital advertising, consumer offers, community outreach, and the selection of each brand’s paint scheme for the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season.

Live coverage of the Daytona 500 on Sunday, February 18th starts at 2:30 PM ET on FOX, MRN and SIRIUSXM NASCAR Radio. Prior to that the Bluegreen Vacations Duel 1 and 2 qualifying races for the Daytona 500 are on Thursday, February 15th starting at 7 PM ET on FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

JTG Racing PR

With decades of rich racing history, the DAYTONA 500 is one of the grandest spectacles in motorsports, with fans and drivers from all over clamoring to be a part of The Great American Race. Today, that sentiment continues to reign true.

 

Daytona International Speedway has announced that the 2024 DAYTONA 500 grandstands and camping are sold out, nearly three months in advance of the NASCAR Cup Series season opener. This is the earliest The World Center of Racing has announced a sellout in the modern era, and the ninth consecutive sellout of The Great American Race. Limited Fanzone and hospitality packages are still available, including the Daytona 500 Club and 31 Degrees.

 

“Our fans continue to impress year after year, but the rate at which the 2024 DAYTONA 500 has sold out is a true testament to what this race represents,” said Daytona International Speedway President Frank Kelleher. “It’s anticipation that builds throughout the year and into the offseason, then all comes together for a week of pure entertainment, competition and this passionate feeling you don’t get anywhere else but The World Center of Racing. We can’t wait to have a full house of race fans for the NASCAR season opener.”

 

Time and time again, Daytona International Speedway shows its affinity for making history when it comes to The Great American Race. Last year, the World Center of Racing celebrated the 65^th running of The Great American Race alongside NASCAR’s 75^th anniversary with the longest DAYTONA 500 in the NASCAR record books. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. drove to victory after two intense overtimes, capturing his first DAYTONA 500 championship.

 

Right from the very beginning, The Great American Race has provided a thrill quite unlike any other event on the NASCAR schedule. The inaugural DAYTONA 500 in 1959 ended in a rare photo finish between Lee Petty and Johnny Beauchamp, with Petty just barely edging out the latter. History repeated itself nearly six decades later when Denny Hamlin defeated Martin Truex Jr. during the 2016 DAYTONA 500 by the closest margin of victory in the history of the race (0.010 seconds), leading officials to check the cameras to determine the winner.

 

The 2024 DAYTONA 500 is sure to be another action-packed thriller from start-to-finish, with recently crowned NASCAR Cup Series champion Ryan Blaney hoping to begin the new season in the same fashion the last one ended. He’ll have to battle it out against an entire field of hungry drivers, with rookies looking for their first win and seasoned veterans vying for the coveted title of DAYTONA 500 Champion.

 

The Great American Race is just one event taking place in a multi-day swing of vigorous racing at Daytona International Speedway during Speedweeks Presented by AdventHealth.

 

Fans can catch the first glimpse of the Cup Series as they prepare to open the points season with DAYTONA 500 Qualifying Presented by Busch Light on Wednesday, Feb. 14. Qualifying will set the front row for The Great American Race, as well as the field for a set of head-to-head battles in the Bluegreen Vacations Duel at DAYTONA on Thursday, Feb. 15, where drivers fight for their starting position in the 66th running of the DAYTONA 500.

 

The intensity continues to ramp up as the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series season-opening Fresh From Florida 250 takes the green flag on Friday, Feb. 16. Then on Saturday, fans get a jam-packed day of on-track action with the kickoff to the ARCA Menards Series season followed by the United Rentals 300 NASCAR Xfinity Series race. Drivers in all three series will look to begin their year with a win, putting everything on the line at one of the biggest races on the schedule. Fans can enjoy the fierce competition alongside the near endless list of entertainment, activations and festivities.

 

All this culminates in one of the greatest motorsports events in the world, the DAYTONA 500. Drivers will face the steep banking of Daytona International Speedway with nothing but inches between one car and the next, all in front of a massive sellout crowd.

 

Fans looking to buy or sell reserved seats for the DAYTONA 500 should visit SeatGeek, the Official Ticket Marketplace of NASCAR.

 

Tickets are available for all other events taking place during Speedweeks Presented by AdventHealth, including packages for Saturday’s Xfinity Series and ARCA Menards Series double-header. Fans can also witness all the action that comes with The Great American Race on Sunday, Feb. 18, at 2:30 p.m. ET on FOX, or tune in to MRN/SiriusXM.

 

Fans can also sign up for exclusive pre-sale access for  infield camping and tickets to the 2025 DAYTONA 500 and secure their seats in advance. For more information on how to acquire pre-sale access, please visit www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com.

 

DIS PR

Like clockwork, the annual benchmark of 100 plus entries into Tulsa’s Chili Bowl Nationals arrives just after the serving of Turkey, be it on plate or track, revealing to the world the first round of Golden Driller hopefuls.

 

Sitting at 107 entries, the list is already a melting pot of teams, drivers, and talent, with Sammy Swindell being the first event champion to enter the 2024 event. Joined by 15 other A-Feature starters, the list of Chili Bowl entrants, as usual, is an interesting mix of vocations and event rookies.

 

In the world of Sprint Car racing, names like Joey Amantea, Devon Dobie, Brant O’Banion, and several others carry years of experience and success, but for the first time, they’ll take their shot at Midget racing’s toughest event. Spectating one year ago after racing in the Tulsa Shootout for the first time, Wout Hoffmans, who has spent most of the summer racing in the United States, is also on the list of 24 event rookies. He is the first driver from the Netherlands to enter the Chili Bowl Nationals.

 

A storyline that everyone knew was coming will finally become reality in 2024, as 14-year-old Cale Coons takes on the Chili Bowl Nationals for the first time. The son of the legendary Jerry Coons, Jr., the USAC SpeeD2 Midwest Thunder Midget 2023 Rookie of the Year will drive for Chili Bowl Owner Champion, Joe Dooling, in the Dooling - Curb Agajanian, No. 63.

 

Returning with Matt Seymour Racing are Oklahoma’s Hank Davis and Pennsylvania’s Tim Buckwalter. Delivering the underdog story of the event with his preliminary night victory in 2023, Davis would take the green Saturday from the right of the front row. Delivering both Seymour entries into the big dance after a seventh-place finish in the B-Feature, Buckwalter hard-charged his way from 23rd to ninth.

 

The current list of 2024 Chili Bowl entries shows 99 drivers from 83 cities across 23 states and three countries (USA, Aust., Neth.), with eight entries listed as TBA with the team listed in place of the hometown and state.

 

Car # - Driver - City, State

(R) denotes event rookie

0J - Kevin Carl - Port Neches, TX

0 - Ryder Laplante - Calera, OK

P1 - Paul White - Waco, TX

1 - Sammy Swindell - Germantown, TN

1HD (R) - Tommy Colburn - New Berlin, WI

1Z - Justin Zimmerman - Athens, TX

2B - Tanner Berryhill - Bixby, OK

2D - Matt Sherrell - Owasso, OK

2F (R) - Casey Friedrichsen - Arthur, IA

2ND - Jeb Sessums - Burleson, TX

2W - Tony Bruce Jr - Liberal, KS

2Z - Zach Blurton - Quinter, KS

3 - Shayle Bade - Lincoln, NE

3N - Jake Neuman - New Berlin, IL

3V - Jim Vanzant - Prescott, AZ

4D - Corey Day - Clovis, CA

4H (R) - Caleb Padgett - Madisonville, TX

5D (R) - Michael Stewart -

5F - Danny Frye III - St. Peters, MO

5U - Michael Faccinto - Hanford, CA

7DK - Darren Kauffman - Waynesboro, PA

7U - Chase McDermand - Springfield, IL

8 - Alex Sewell - Broken Arrow, OK

09 (R) - Scott Lawrence - Concord, NC

9 - Emilio Hoover - Broken Arrow, OK

9B - Brian Schwabauer - Hastings, NE

10 (R) - Ryker Pace - Collinsville, OK

10X - Trevor Serbus - Olivia, MN

13 (R) - Elijah Gile - Phoenix, AZ

14E - Joseph Wray IV - Bartlett, TN

14F - Jeffrey Newell - Tulsa, OK

14J - Jody Rosenboom - Rock Rapids, IA

14X (R) - Andy Pake - Felton, MN

15 - J.J. Yeley - Charlotte, NC

15C - Carter Chevalier - Andover, MN

15D - Andrew Deal - Caney, KS

16R - Kyle Jones - Kennedale, TX

17B - Josh Baughman - Odessa, TX

19 - TBA - (Hayward Motorsports)

19U - Pierce Urbanosky - North Richland Hills, TX

20 - Tadd Holliman - Murray, NE

20C - C.J. Sarna - Brea, CA

20G - Noah Gass - Mounds, OK

22C (R) - Corey Brink - Sturgis, SD

22J - Zach Hampton - Mooresville, IN

22P (R) - Brant O'Banion - Parker, SD

22T - Don Droud Jr - Lincoln, NE

22X - Steven Shebester - Mustang, OK

23D (R) - Devon Dobie - Wapakoneta, OH

23K - Kyle Simon - Covington, OH

23P - Preston Lattomus - Lewes, DE

24S (R) - Rodney Westhafer - Mechanicsburg, PA

25 - Jacob Denney - Galloway, OH

25M - Alex Bright - Collegeville, PA

26C (R) - Corbin Rueschenberg - Mesa, AZ

26J (R) - Jacob Harris - Vidor, TX

27 - Keith Rauch - Denver, CO

27B - Jake Bubak - Arvada, CO

27G (R) - Steve Gresham - Seymour, IN

28J (R) - Joe Perry - Billings, MT

29 - Tim Buckwalter - Douglassville, PA

29S - Hank Davis - Sand Springs, OK

33 (R) - Stanley Kreisel - Warsaw, MO

35 - Tyler Robbins - Collinsville, IL

40 - Max Adams - Loomis, CA

42K - Kevin Battefeld - Lewistown, IL

44 - Colton Hardy - Phoenix, AZ

44A - Adam Andretti - Brownsburg, IN

44B - Branigan Roark - Lincoln, MO

44X - Wesley Smith - Nixa, MO

46 - Kenney Johnson - Bethany, CT

48G (R) - George Loux - Maiden, NC

48N (R) - Wout Hoffmans - Boxmeer, (Neth.)

49 - Dillon Welch - Carmel, IN

50 - Daniel Adler - St. Louis, MO

51 - Curtis Jones - Tulsa, OK

51B - Joe B. Miller - Millersville, MO

51M - TBA - (Mounce-Stout Motorsports)

53R - Sean Robbins - Collinsville, IL

54C (R) - Chance Hull - Burleson, TX

55D - Nick Drake - Mooresville, NC

55T (R) - Trevor Cline - Mooresville, NC

56 - Mitchell Davis - Auburn, IL

56J - TBA - (Mounce-Stout Motorsports)

57A - Daniel Robinson - Benton, IL

63 (R) - Cale Coons - Greencastle, IN

75 - Mario Clouser - Chatham, IL

75X - TBA - (SpeedQuip Motorsports)

77U - Carson Hocevar - Portage, MI

81C - Colten Cottle - Kansas, IL

83 - Will Armitage - Athens, IL

83M - Rylan Gray - Greenfield, IN

85 - Jerry Coons Jr - Tucson, AZ

88J (R) - Joey Amantea - Mt. Pocono, PA

91K - TBA - (Swindell-Bertrand Motorsports)

95 - Chris Andrews - Tulsa, OK

97X - Xavier Doney - Odessa, MO

98P - Ryan Padgett - Anadarko, OK

116 - Claud Estes - Godley, TX

118 - Scott Evans - Rhome, TX

121 - Steve Glover - Rochester, NY

251 - Johnny Brown - LaCoste, TX

938 (R) - Bradley Fezard - Bonnerdale, AR

X - Charlie Louden - Camden, AR

TBA - (Jody Rosenboom)

TBA - (Jody Rosenboom)

TBA - (Mounce-Stout Motorsports)

 

 

As teams return from the season’s last run for the USAC NOS Energy Drink Midget National Championship in California, several entries will begin making their way in. The full list of entries with owner, chassis, engine, and sponsor information can be found at https://www.chilibowl.com/entries/manual.aspx.

 

Entry into the 2024 event is taken via mail to 1140 S. 83rd East Ave. Tulsa, OK 74112, by phone at (918) 838-3777, by fax to (918) 836-5517, and by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

 

The form can be downloaded at https://www.chilibowl.com/downloads/get.aspx?i=878866

 

Early entry is $150 through Friday, December 8, 2023. Starting Saturday, December 9, 2023, through Noon on Friday, January 12, 2024, the cost per entry goes up to $200. If entering by phone, the Chili Bowl office is open Monday-Friday, 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. (CT). Each entry must include a current W9 to indicate who will receive payment. Entries that do not have a completed W9 on file will not be added to a qualifying night.

 

Changed just prior to the 2022 event, competitors under the age of 16 will be allowed to enter. All entries received by drivers under 16 years of age will go before an advisory committee. Only after being approved by the committee will a driver under 16 years of age be allowed to compete. A copy of a Birth Certificate will still be required to confirm the driver’s age.

 

The 38th annual Chili Bowl Nationals takes place January 8-13, 2024, under the giant roof of the SageNet Center in Tulsa, Okla. Fans unable to attend the Chili Bowl Nationals can watch every lap live at http://www.floracing.com.

 

Monday and Tuesday reserved seat tickets are on sale now by calling (918) 838-3777, along with a few scattered, single seats for the entire event. Monday and Tuesday tickets are $60 each. Four-day tickets are $245, five-day tickets are $305, and tickets for the full event are $365, plus tax (8.517%). All orders will be placed in Will Call.

 

For continued updates on the Chili Bowl Nationals, fans can follow along on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram with @CBNationals. All official press, updates, and results on the Chili Bowl Nationals can be found online at http://www.chilibowl.com.

 

Quick Notes:

 

What: 38th annual Chili Bowl Nationals

When: January 8-13, 2024

Where: SageNet Center (Tulsa, Okla.)

Address: 4145 E 21st St, Tulsa, OK 74114

 

Ticket Information:

 

Four-Day: $245

Five-Day: $305

Six-Day: $356

Tax Rate: 8.517%

Orders are not accepted via Email or Social Media

 

Event Entry Information:

 

Discounted Entry: November 1, 2023 – December 8, 2023 ($150)

Late Entry: December 9, 2023 – January 12, 2024 ($200)

 

Return Entries To:

 

Phone: (918) 838-3777

Fax: (918) 836-5517

Mail: 1140 S. 83rd East Ave. Tulsa, OK 74112

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

No entry or financial documents will be accepted via Social Media

 

Chili Bowl Online:

 

Website: http://www.chilibowl.com

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

Twitter: (@cbnationals)

Official Hashtag: #ChiliBowl2024

Instagram: cbnationals

 

Chili Bowl Nationals Champions:

 

Year - Driver (Owner)

 

2023 - Logan Seavey (Kevin & Jordan Swindell/Curb/Bertrand)

2022 - Tanner Thorson (Andy Reinbold)

2021 - Kyle Larson (Kyle Larson Openwheel)

2020 - Kyle Larson (Kyle Larson Openwheel, LLC-Mike Larson)

2019 - Christopher Bell (Keith Kunz/Curb-Agajanian)

2018 - Christopher Bell (Keith Kunz/Curb-Agajanian)

2017 - Christopher Bell (Keith Kunz/Curb-Agajanian)

2016 - Rico Abreu (Keith Kunz/Curb-Agajanian)

2015 - Rico Abreu (Keith Kunz/Curb-Agajanian)

2014 - Bryan Clauson (Joe Dooling/Rusty Kunz/Curb Records)

2013 - Kevin Swindell (Swindell Motorsports/Curb Records)

2012 - Kevin Swindell (Swindell Motorsports/Curb Records)

2011 - Kevin Swindell (Swindell Motorsports/Curb Records)

2010 - Kevin Swindell (Swindell Motorsports/Curb Records)

2009 - Sammy Swindell (Swindell Motorsports/Curb Records)

2008 - Damion Gardner (Jason Leffler)

2007 - Tony Stewart (Tony Stewart Motorsports)

2006 - Tim McCreadie (Steve Smith)

2005 - Tracy Hines (Wilke - Pak)

2004 - Cory Kruseman (Andy Bondio)

2003 - Dan Boorse (Dan Boorse)

2002 - Tony Stewart (Keith Kunz)

2001 - Jay Drake (Keith Kunz)

2000 - Cory Kruseman (Andy Bondio)

1999 - Dan Boorse (Dan Boorse)

1998 - Sammy Swindell (Pete Willoughby)

1997 - Billy Boat (John Lawson)

1996 - Sammy Swindell (Rusty Kunz / Jay McKinnie)

1995 - Donnie Beechler (Zarounian Motorsports)

1994 - Andy Hillenburg (Keith Kunz / Rusty Kunz)

1993 - Dave Blaney (Ralph Potter)

1992 - Sammy Swindell (Dave Ellis)

1991 - Lealand McSpadden (Andy Bondio)

1990 - John Heydenreich (Tony Finley)

1989 - Sammy Swindell (Jack Runyon)

1988 - Scott Hatton (Jerry Hatton)

1987 - Rich Vogler (Bob Lowe)

 

O’Reilly Auto Parts Race of Champions: Spencer Bayston (2023), Justin Grant (2022), Christopher Bell (2021 and 2020), Tanner Thorson (2019 and 2016), Chad Boat (2018), Kyle Larson (2017 and 2014), Sammy Swindell (2015, 2012, 2011, 2009), Kevin Swindell (2013), Brad Loyet (2010)

 

Trade Show: A long-standing tradition at the Chili Bowl, the Trade Show, which is open to the public each day (Monday through Saturday), is free of charge. All variety of racing products, apparel, and more is available with well over 100 vendors. The Trade Show still has space available. Anyone looking to be a part of the Trade Show can contact the Chili Bowl office at 918-838-3777. The Trade Show covers approximately 20,000 square feet.

 

Chili Bowl PR

Mahindra Ag North America has extended its partnership with Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) as the anchor sponsor for NASCAR Cup Series driver Chase Briscoe and the No. 14 team.

 

The multiyear agreement with the NASCAR team co-owned by NASCAR Hall of Famer Tony Stewart and industrialist Gene Haas will continue to feature Mahindra Tractors, a brand of Mahindra Ag North America, on Briscoe’s No. 14 Ford Mustang for the majority of the NASCAR Cup Series schedule.

 

The red-and-black No. 14 Mahindra Tractors Ford Mustang made its debut in the 2022 Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum in Los Angeles and then won in just its fifth race as a primary sponsor when Briscoe drove to victory on March 13, 2022 at Phoenix Raceway. The win secured Mahindra Tractors’ place in the NASCAR Playoffs and earned Briscoe the honor of being the 200th Cup Series winner in NASCAR history.

 

“Our partnership with Stewart-Haas Racing has been instrumental in building awareness for the Mahindra brand in North America. We look forward to continuing our sponsorship into the 2024 season,” said Viren Popli, President and CEO, Mahindra Ag North America and Mahindra Automotive North America. “As owners of Mahindra Tractors, Tony and Chase appreciate the benefits our tractors deliver to the market and speak the same language as our dealers and customers. They are the perfect brand ambassadors for our tractors.”

 

Houston-based Mahindra Ag North America is part of Mahindra Group’s Automotive and Farm Sector, the No. 1 selling farm tractor company in the world, based on volumes across all company brands. Mahindra offers a range of tractor models from 20-75 horsepower, implements, and the ROXOR heavy-duty UTV. Mahindra farm equipment is engineered to be easy to operate by first-time tractor or side-by-side owners and heavy duty to tackle the tough jobs of rural living, farming and ranching. Steel-framed Mahindra Tractors and side-by-sides are ideal for customers who demand performance, reliability and comfort. Mahindra dealers are independent, family-owned businesses located throughout the U.S. and Canada.

 

“I’ve had the honor of representing Mahindra Tractors since they first came into NASCAR and I’m blessed to have this relationship continue,” Briscoe said. “Mahindra is a people-first company, and it starts with their dealer network and goes all the way up to their corporate offices in Houston. It’s a true partnership that extends beyond the racetrack.”

 

Briscoe embodies the Mahindra customer. Originally from Mitchell, Indiana, Briscoe now lives on a 17-acre spread in rural North Carolina and uses two Mahindra Tractors to maintain his land – a 5145 4WD Shuttle and a 1626 HST.

 

“I don’t just talk about Mahindra Tractors, I use them – a lot,” Briscoe added. “They’re rugged and are always up to the task, but they’re also really user-friendly. I didn’t grow up in farming, so I had a little bit of a learning curve when it came to operating a tractor. But Mahindra Tractors are pretty intuitive. How you think it should work is the way it works, and if you have a question, the dealers are very knowledgeable and always available to help.”

 

Stewart, who drove the No. 14 in the NASCAR Cup Series from SHR’s inception in 2009 until retiring upon the conclusion of the 2016 season, is also a proud Mahindra Tractors owner. His 5145 4WD Shuttle is constantly at work on the 414-acre ranch he owns in his hometown of Columbus, Indiana.

 

“One of my favorite things to do when I get home to Indiana is to just get outside and work the land,” Stewart said. “It’s a nice change of pace. Now, we still want to win in red on Sundays, but anytime I’m on a red Mahindra Tractor at home, I feel like I’m winning.

 

“Obviously, this is a partnership that runs deep. We’re proud to represent Mahindra Tractors and are grateful for the friendships we’ve made since first coming together two years ago.”

 

Several models of Mahindra Tractors are currently available with zero percent financing for 84 months. There are nearly 500 Mahindra dealers throughout the continental United States and Canada. To locate a dealer, click here. 

 

TSC PR

Track Enterprises has announced that it will once again promote the long-standing prestigious pre-season SpeedFest event at Crisp Motorsports Park, home of Watermelon Capital Speedway located in Cordele, Georgia. This year, the event will incorporate a new title sponsor, the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety and their Protect Your Melon message in collaboration with NASCAR driver Ross Chastain. 

The Protect Your Melon - Buckle Up SpeedFest 2024 event weekend will take place on Friday, January 19th and Saturday, January 20th, with Sunday, January 21st as the event's rain date. This will be the third year in a row that Track Enterprises has promoted the event and it will also include most of the same format as the successful SpeedFest 2023 had in place.

The partnership with the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) comes as an extension of their existing program with Chastain’s Protect Your Melon program that encourages drivers to always buckle up on roadways. Chastain’s background as an 8th generation watermelon farmer and his family’s roots in the Georgia agricultural community make this a natural fit. In addition to sponsoring one of the largest and most prestigious grassroots racing events in the country, the GOHS relationship with Chastain includes custom stickers on watermelons sold throughout the state and appearances in local communities. Chastain will also compete in the Protect Your Melon - Buckle Up SpeedFest 2024.

The ASA/CRA Super Series powered by JEGS and the ASA Southern Super Series presented by Sunoco will headline the event with a co-sanctioned 150-lap Super Late Model event. The JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour Presented by Chevrolet Performance will have a 100-lap Pro Late Model event. The Legend Cars will be featured again with a 25-lap feature. The Modifieds will return to this year’s SpeedFest after a great event in 2022 and the Bandoleros will round things out in a 15-lap feature.

For the ASA Southern Super Series, this event will be the official start of their season as it will be a point paying race. The January point race for the Southern Super Series will replace the Spring Nationals event at the Cordele, GA track, however, the Georgia Summer Nationals event will still take place.

SpeedFest began in 2005 at the now defunct USA International Speedway in Lakeland, FL before moving to Georgia's Lanier National Speedway in 2009. SpeedFest then found its home at Cordele Georgia’s Watermelon Capital Speedway at Crisp Motorsports Park in 2012 and has been held there ever since.  Some of the biggest names in motorsports have won SpeedFest including Kyle Busch, Chase Elliott, Harrison Burton, Chandler Smith and Corey Heim. Bubba Pollard has won the last two SpeedFest events at the track.

There will be an open practice on that Thursday from 1 to 5pm. Friday’s schedule will consist of practice and qualifying, with all features being run on Saturday afternoon.

Information on specific event details, sponsorship opportunities, ticket sales and competitor entry forms will be made in the coming weeks.

Additional track and event information as well as event camping opportunities can be found at www.crispmotorsportspark.com. For track rental prior to the event, interested parties can contact Ben Sumner at 229-938-8814.

Additional information on the CRA Series can be found at www.cra-racing.com. Information on the ASA Southern Super Series can be found at www.southersuperseries.com

For more information on the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety’s (GOHS) seatbelt and impaired driving awareness programs, visit https://www.gahighwaysafety.org. Follow GOHS on social media at www.facebook.com/gahighwayafety, @gohsgeorgia on Twitter and Instagram, GOHSGEORGIA on YouTube.

Track Enterprises PR

Newly created, enlarged or expanded, paved and grass camping lots, including many spots with electric hookups, are available for sale today in advance of Dover Motor Speedway’s April 26-28, 2024, NASCAR tripleheader weekend, track officials said.

 

As part of the Monster Mile’s “More In ‘24” campaign, nearly 1,000 new spots have been developed, enlarged or expanded around Dover Motor Speedway, including exclusive paved lots, some with electric hookups located just outside Turn 1, Turn 3 and the frontstretch grandstands.

 

The new camping lots on sale include:

• Turn 1 Camping: A limited number of paved spots (some with 30-Amp electric); Outside the Turn 1 grandstands and close to the Monster Monument at Victory Plaza, Dover’s new-location admission gates and all the free, family entertainment at the Monster Mile’s Fan Zone.
• Turn 3 Camping: A limited number of paved spots; Just steps from the Turn 3 grandstands and Bally’s Dover Casino Resort.
• Campground Lot 8XL: EXTRA SPACE FOR EXTRA FUN! These extra-large grass spots allow plenty of room for tailgating and fun, with room for four cars.

Additional lots available include:

• Champion’s Gate: Closest paved lot to the frontstretch grandstands and Monster Monument, complete with concierge service. 
• Trackside Camping: One-of-a-kind views overlooking Turn 2, also includes four Pre-Race Track Passes.
• Geico Campground Lot 2: More spots available in the lot just steps from the Fan Zone and merchandise trailers.
• Campground Lot 6: Just across Leipsic Road from the Grove and the Monster Monument.
• Campground Lot 7: Closest lot to the Earnhardt Grandstand and a short walk from Dover’s free concerts and autograph sessions.
• Campground Lot 9: The Monster Mile’s camping home for pop-ups and tents!
• Campground Lot 10: New spots available in the Monster Mile’s famed party lot.

Expanded amenities and entertainment options to be announced closer to race weekend.

 

Visit www.DoverMotorSpeedway.com/Camping/ to lock down your space and for more information.

 

“The NASCAR camping community is the most dedicated group of fans in all of sports,” said Mike Tatoian, Dover Motor Speedway’s president and general manager. “By creating new campgrounds, and expanding existing lots and adding more amenities, we give our fans the best opportunity to enjoy NASCAR action in Dover. It is just another part of our ‘More in ‘24’ mantra.”

 

The centerpiece of Dover’s April 26-28, 2024, NASCAR tripleheader weekend is the Würth 400 NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday, April 28 (2 p.m., FS1, PRN, SiriusXM).

 

The Monster Mile’s full 2024 race schedule includes:

• Friday, April 26: General Tire 150 ARCA Menards Series race (5 p.m., FS1)
• Saturday, April 27: A-GAME 200 NASCAR Xfinity Series race (1:30 p.m., FS1, PRN, SiriusXM)
• Sunday, April 28: Würth 400 NASCAR Cup Series race (2 p.m., FS1, PRN, SiriusXM)

Visit DoverMotorSpeedway.com to register for the Speedway’s email list to receive updates and announcements.

 

The Würth 400 NASCAR Cup Series race is the Monster Mile’s 106th NASCAR Cup Series race. Dover Motor Speedway is one of only 10 tracks in the country to host 100 or more NASCAR Cup Series events.

 

FOLLOW US:
Keep track of all of Dover Motor Speedway’s events by following on Facebook, X, the platform formerly known as Twitter and Instagram (@MonsterMile). Keep up with all the latest information on DoverMotorSpeedway.com and our mobile app.

 

DMS PR