Speedway Digest Staff - Results from #130

Ross Chastain Trackhouse Racing Atlanta 1 Advance

Thursday, Mar 16

Ross Chastain is piloting the No. 1 AdventHealth Chevrolet this weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway. It's AdventHealth's second race of the season, and it has special meaning.

While the AdventHealth Chevy traditionally carries Chastian's name above the driver and passenger side door, this weekend the passenger side will have a different name.

Thiago (He-ah-go) Guzman will ride along with Chastain at Atlanta. Guzman is a six-year-old hepatoblastoma cancer survivor and two-time liver transplant recipient. Guzman suffered from liver rejection after his first transplant which resulted in a second liver transplant in March 2022. Guzman will meet Chastain and attend Sunday's race with his family.

Guzman was part of Summit Quest, the cancer support partner of AdventHealth Redmond in Rome, Georgia. Summit Quest helps families with transportation, support groups and medical costs when needed. AdventHealth donates to Summit Quest and refers patients to them for additional support as they do not offer pediatric oncology at their Georgia locations.

Before heading to the track on Friday, Chastain will visit AdventHealth's Redmond facility. The Alva, Florida native will meet employees and visit with patients. It's the second consecutive year Chastain has visited the Rome, Georgia location.

"Getting the opportunity to visit the different AdventHealth facilities and meeting team members and patients is an incredible experience," Chastain said. "I like to think that its a good distraction and morale boost when I get the chance to visit. Our well being depends on all of the healthcare workers and their dedication to helping us feel better, and Friday morning is an opportunity to spend time with the people who dedicate their lives to help others."

Chastain hopes to put a good show for Guzman and AdventHealth. In last year's spring Atlanta race, Chastain finished second after leading 42 laps. The 30-year-old driver followed it up with another runner-up finish at Atlanta last fall.

Last weekend at Phoenix Raceway, Chastain was headed towards a top-10 finish in overtime, until Denny Hamlin slammed into Chastain and relegated him to a 24th-place finish.

Despite a disappointing finish, Chastain still earned six stage points in the event. He and William Byron have each earned 48 stage points in the first four races - tied for the most of all drivers.

Chastain is second in the point standings, three points behind the leader.

In addition to driving the No. 1 Cup car this weekend, Chastain will join the Performance Racing Network booth to help broadcast Saturday's Xfinity Race at 5 p.m. EDT. If all goes well, Chastain will call the race with his brother Chad Chastain behind the wheel for his first Xfinity Series start.

Fox will broadcast Sunday's 400-mile race at 3 p.m. EDT.

Six-Year-Old Cancer Survivor Thiago Guzman

2023 Point Standings

Ross Chastain, Driver of the No. 1 AdventHealth Chevrolet

Two runner-up finishes at Atlanta last year, what is your goal this year?

“My goal is to finish one spot better and win the race. Finishing second is great, but I want to win for my team and all of our partners. Racing at Atlanta now is more superspeedway-like and we had two strong finishes last year. Of course, it'll be a little bit different this time since we've had more time with this car, but if you're anywhere close to the front and there's a late race restart, I'd say you have a good chance at winning.”

We're seeing more drivers joining broadcasts from the television and radio booths, why is that?

“Calling a race from the radio or the television booth always gives you a different perspective. Its fun to do something different. It'll be good distraction for me while my brother (Chad Chastain) is out there on the track for his first Xfinity race."

Chastain Notes

2023 marks Chastain's third full-time Cup Series season. The Chevrolet driver's first Cup Series start occurred in 2017.
In 2022, Chastain won his first career Cup Series race at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas on March 27 and his second at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway on April 24.
The Chevrolet driver finished second in the season ending championship standings.
Voted 2022 National Motorsports Press Association's Driver of the Year.
Known for the "Hail Melon" move at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway that has garnered over 225 million views and 1.2B impressions.
Moose car from Martinsville topped all diecasts in sales for 2022.
Chastain owns 197 Xfinity Series starts with two wins (Las Vegas in Sept. 2018, and Daytona in July 2019), 23 top-five and 49 top-10 finishes.
The Florida native has 100 Craftsman Truck Series starts with four wins, three earned in 2019, and one in 2022 at Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway, 19 top-five and 44 top-10 finishes.
Chastain joined Trackhouse Racing for the 2022 season after Chip Ganassi Racing was acquired last off season by Justin Marks.
Chastain has driven for Premium Motorsports, Spire Motorsports and Roush Fenway Racing in the Cup Series before his first full-time season in 2021.

Trackhouse Racing PR

Speedway News

Cars and Coffee Returns to the IMS Museum on April 8

Thursday, Mar 16

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum announces the return of Cars & Coffee presented by Graham Rahal Performance on Saturday, April 8, from 8–11 a.m. (ET) in the East Lot of the Museum, located inside the Speedway’s famed 2.5-mile oval. Admission is free for participants and the public.

The popular cruise-in gathering of motoring aficionados, which averaged nearly 700 historic, custom, and high-performance two- and four-wheel vehicles each event in 2022, is set to return to its “second Saturday of the month” this year.

“We are excited for the return of Cars & Coffee at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum,” said Joe Hale, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum President. “The event has become a staple of the Indianapolis automotive community, attracting a variety of great vehicles. We hope visitors make a day of it and explore the Museum, especially our new exhibitions this year, Second and Epic Drama.”

New this year, Graham Rahal Performance (GRP) joins as presenting sponsor of the series. GRP was started by NTT INDYCAR SERIES driver Graham Rahal and is a custom tuning and performance parts company based just outside of Indianapolis.

“We are honored to partner with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum for their 2023 Cars & Coffee series. As a specialty vehicle dealership and aftermarket performance facility, we value the history and uniqueness of the IMS Museum’s art and are excited to showcase the best of motorsport and street cars at each event. There is no doubt that our combined efforts will provide an outstanding experience for the car community this season.” Graham Rahal

While admission to the family-friendly Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum Cars & Coffee presented by Graham Rahal Performance events is free, attendees are encouraged to donate to the Museum at the event or purchase a membership. As a non-profit organization, the Museum relies on the generosity of members, visitors, sponsors, and donors to maintain its vast collection, create new and exciting exhibitions and events, and invest in the future of the Museum.

This year, Founders Grounds and Jack’s Donuts will provide complimentary coffee and donuts, respectively.

Cars & Coffee participants and visitors must enter the Indianapolis Motor Speedway grounds via Gate 2, the four-lane tunnel on 16th Street. Once through the tunnel, participants will be directed to turn right and park in the Museum’s East Lot, while visitors without a participating car should park in the Museum’s daily visitor parking lots.

Location may change due to activity at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Participants and guests are encouraged to check Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum’s website and social media (@imsmuseum) for any announcements.

The Museum will be open 9 a.m.–5 p.m. during the event. Tickets to the Museum are free for members, $15/Adults, $14/Seniors, $8/Youth (ages 6-15), and Free/Children (ages 5 & under).

IMS Museum PR

NASCAR Cup Series News

NCS AT ATLANTA MOTOR SPEEDWAY: Team Chevy Advance

Thursday, Mar 16

RACING FOR FOUR IN A ROW AT ATLANTA

All three NASCAR national touring series will make the trek south to Hampton, Georgia, where the 1.54-mile Atlanta Motor Speedway will be the site of the series’ next tripleheader race weekend.

While Chevrolet has been unbeatable in the NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) thus far this season, the manufacturer will also look to keep its winning streak at Atlanta Motor Speedway alive in Sunday’s Ambetter Health 400. The Bowtie brand has collected a series-leading 43 NCS wins at Atlanta, including triumphs in the series’ past three consecutive races. The streak dates back to July 2021 when Kurt Busch drove the No. 1 Chip Ganassi Racing Chevrolet to the victory in the track’s final race before undergoing a complete repave and reprofiling. An intermediate-sized track now producing superspeedway-styling racing, the variety of unknowns proved no challenge for Hendrick Motorsports’ William Byron and Chase Elliott, who drove their Camaro ZL1’s to a sweep of the series’ race wins at the Georgia venue in 2022.

Atlanta Motor Speedway - July 11, 2021

Kurt Busch, No. 1 Chip Ganassi Racing Chevrolet

Atlanta Motor Speedway - Mar. 20, 2022

William Byron, No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet

Atlanta Motor Speedway - July 10, 2022

Chase Elliott, No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet

UNSTOPPABLE START TO 2023

With William Byron’s back-to-back trips to victory lane, Chevrolet has now gone four-for-four in NASCAR Cup Series wins this season, marking the first time since 2001 that a manufacturer has swept the first four races in a single season in NASCAR’s premier series. In NASCAR’s Modern Era, a manufacturer has swept the first four races of a NCS season on four separate occasions, with Chevrolet recording three of those (1995, 2001, 2023). Chevrolet’s record for the most consecutive wins to start a NCS season came in 1995, with four different drivers collecting a combined seven-straight victories.

BY THE NUMBERS

While Chevrolet is the only manufacturer that has made its way to victory lane in NASCAR’s premier series in 2023, the Bowtie brand’s dominant start to the season is demonstrated by more than just its win count. A highlight of key statistical measures heading into the Atlanta Motor Speedway race weekend:

· Chevrolet drivers have taken seven of the eight NASCAR Cup Series stage wins this season. Trackhouse Racing’s Ross Chastain and Hendrick Motorsports’ William Byron have each recorded three stage wins, with Byron’s teammate Kyle Larson also having one stage win to his name.

· Of the 1,000 laps run this season in NASCAR’s premier series, 12 different Chevrolet drivers have led a combined 705 laps.

· Chevrolet drivers have taken at least 50 percent of the top-10 finishing positions in each of the NASCAR Cup Series points-paying races this season, including a sweep of the top-four at Auto Club Speedway and a podium sweep at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

LARSON ON HORIZON OF MILESTONE START

Sunday’s Ambetter Health 400 at Atlanta Motor Speedway will mark Kyle Larson’s milestone 300th career start in NASCAR’s premier series, all of which have been behind the wheel of a Chevrolet.

The 30-year-old California native first stepped into the NASCAR Cup Series scene in 2013, making four starts that season with the No. 51 HScott Motorsports Chevrolet team. Larson competed his first full-time season in the series with Chip Ganassi Racing in 2014, ending the season with the Rookie of the Year honors. The driver went on to notch his first career NCS win at Michigan International Speedway in August 2016.

Larson’s career season came in 2021 when he joined Hendrick Motorsports to pilot the No. 5 Camaro ZL1. In his debut season with the organization, Larson collected a series-leading 10 wins en route to his first career NCS championship title.

To-date, Larson has collected 19 wins, 91 top-fives and 148 top-10s in NASCAR’s premier series.

SILVERADO RST BACK ON-TRACK AFTER LAS VEGAS WIN

The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (NCTS) will return to the track after a one-week break to join the NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) at Atlanta Motor Speedway for the third tripleheader race weekend of the season. Saturday’s NCTS Fr8 208 will mark the series’ 22nd appearance at the Georgia track. Chevrolet has recorded nine NCTS wins at Atlanta, with the manufacturer’s first win coming in only the series’ second race held at the track (Ron Hornaday, Jr. – March 2005).

Chevrolet is the series’ most recent winner this season after Kyle Busch drove his No. 51 KBM Silverado RST to the win at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, also marking the organization’s first win under the Chevrolet banner. Momentum is on the side of the young NCTS Bowtie brigade, with drivers from four different Chevrolet teams taking six of the top-10 finishing positions at Las Vegas.

HILL LOOKS TO DEFEND HOMESTATE WIN

The NASCAR Xfinity Series will take over in part two of Saturday’s doubleheader with the RAPTOR King of Tough 250 marking the series’ fifth race of the season. The Bowtie brand has collected a manufacturer-leading 18 NXS wins at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The most recent of those wins comes from Georgia native Austin Hill (No. 21 Richard Childress Racing Camaro SS) in the series’ last appearance at the track in July 2022.

Hill will head to his home track looking to not only defend his race winning title, but also maintain his position as the series’ points leader. The 28-year-old Chevrolet driver already has two NXS wins to his name in 2023, and is one of only three drivers in the series to have top-10 finishes in every race this season. Joining Hill in the top-five includes series’ veteran Justin Allgaier (No. 7 JR Motorsports Camaro SS) in third and series’ rookie Chandler Smith (No. 16 Kaulig Racing Camaro SS). Both drivers have had a strong start to the season, leading the series with three top-fives each.

BOWTIE BULLETS:

· NASCAR Cup Series victories by active Chevrolet drivers at Atlanta Motor Speedway:

Kyle Busch – 2 (2013, 2008)

William Byron – 1 (2022)

Chase Elliott – 1 (2022)

· In 117 NASCAR Cup Series races held at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Chevrolet has recorded a series-leading 43 victories, including the past three consecutive races at the track (Kurt Busch – July 2021; William Byron – March 2022; Chase Elliott – July 2022).

· Kyle Larson will make his milestone 300th career NASCAR Cup Series start at Atlanta Motor Speedway this weekend, all of which have been behind the wheel of a Chevrolet.

· William Byron delivered Chevrolet its fourth consecutive NASCAR Cup Series win of 2023 at Phoenix Raceway, making it the first time since 2001 that the same manufacturer has won the first four points-paying races of a NCS season.

· Chevrolet’s four consecutive NASCAR Cup Series wins this season have been recorded by drivers from three different Chevrolet teams: Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (JTG Daugherty Racing), Kyle Busch (Richard Childress Racing) and William Byron (Hendrick Motorsports).

· Chevrolet drivers have taken at least 50 percent of the top-10 finishing positions in each of the NASCAR Cup Series races this season, including a top-four sweep at Auto Club Speedway and a podium sweep at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

· Chevrolet drivers have recorded seven of the eight NASCAR Cup Series stage wins this season: Ross Chastain (three), William Byron (three) and Kyle Larson (one).

· Of the 1,000 laps run thus far in the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series season, 12 different Chevrolet drivers have recorded a combined 705 laps led.

· Alex Bowman is the only driver in the NASCAR Cup Series to finish in the top-10 in each race this season.

· With four races in the books for the NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR Xfinity Series, Chevrolet leads the manufacturer standings in both series. The reigning Manufacturer Champion leads the NCS manufacturer points standings by 27 points, while also leading the NXS manufacturer points standings by three points.

· With its 41 NASCAR Cup Series Manufacturer’s Championships, 33 NASCAR Cup Series Driver’s Championships, and 837 all-time NASCAR Cup Series wins, Chevrolet continues to hold the title of winningest brand in NASCAR Cup Series history.

· Chevrolet will pace the field in the tripleheader race weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The Silverado RST will lead the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in Saturday’s Fr8 208; the Camaro SS 1LE will lead the NASCAR Xfinity Series’ in Saturday’s RAPTOR King of Tough 250; and the Camaro ZL1 will lead the NASCAR Cup Series in Sunday’s Ambetter Health 400.

FOR THE FANS

· Fans can visit the Team Chevy Racing Display in the Fan Midway at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

· Fans can check out an assortment of Chevrolet vehicles in the Fan Midway including: Tahoe Premier, Blazer RS, Traverse Premier, Silverado 1500 Crew ZR2, Silverado 2500HD Crew Carhartt Diesel, Corvette Coupe 3LT Z51, Camaro ZL1.

· Fans can also view Chase Elliott’s No. 9 Camaro ZL1 show car at the Chevrolet Display in the Fan Midway.

Team Chevy Driver Appearances at the Display:

Saturday, March 18

· Grant Enfinger, Rajah Caruth & Daniel Dye: 10:15 a.m.

· Christian Eckes & Jake Garcia: 11:20 a.m.

· Nick Sanchez: 12 p.m.

· Blaine Perkins: 12:30 p.m.

· BJ McLeod: 2 p.m.

· Jeremy Clements: 2:15 p.m.

· Chandler Smith: 2:30 p.m.

Sunday, March 19

· Josh Berry: 11:40 a.m.

· Ross Chastain: 11:55 a.m.

· William Byron: 12:15 p.m.

· Justin Haley: 12:30 p.m.

Chevrolet Display Hours of Operation:

Saturday, March 18: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Sunday, March 19: 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Tune In:

· NASCAR Cup Series – Ambetter Health 400; 3 p.m. ET on Sunday, March 19

(FOX, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90).

· NASCAR Xfinity Series – RAPTOR King of Tough 250; 5 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 18

(FS1, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90).

· NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series – Fr8 208; 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 18

(FS1, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90).

QUOTABLE QUOTES:

Ross Chastain, No. 1 AdventHealth Camaro ZL1

Two runner-up finishes at Atlanta last year, what is your goal this year?

“My goal is to finish one spot better and win the race. Finishing second is great, but I want to win for my team and all of our partners. Racing at Atlanta now is more superspeedway-like and we had two strong finishes last year. Of course, it'll be a little bit different this time since we've had more time with this car, but if you're anywhere close to the front and there's a late race restart, I'd say you have a good chance at winning.”

We're seeing more drivers joining broadcasts from the television and radio booths, why is that?

“Calling a race from the radio or the television booth always gives you a different perspective. It’s fun to do something different. It'll be good distraction for me while my brother (Chad Chastain) is out there on the track for his first Xfinity race."

Kyle Larson, No. 5 HendrickCars.com Camaro ZL1

Larson on the season so far:

“We had a shot to win in Daytona and I crashed. In Fontana, we had the mechanical issue early in the race, but fixed it and the last two runs of the race we were by far the fastest car. In Vegas, we were the second-best car to William (Byron) and finished second. In Phoenix, again, we had a great car there and had a shot to win late. No win in the column, but I’m super pleased with our performance and look forward to every upcoming race. I feel like no matter where we go right now, we will have a shot at a good finish and hopefully some wins along the way."

Kyle Busch, No. 8 Lenovo Camaro ZL1

“Driving at the new Atlanta configuration is definitely challenging just due to the fact that it’s really, really fast and it’s a mile-and-a-half so it seems like the superspeedway speeds that you get at a mile-and-a-half make everything go by really quick and things happen quick, faster than a superspeedway. That’s definitely the challenging part. Understanding the grip level of what the cars have and the draft and the moves you can make is also pretty challenging. It’s easier for everybody to go faster with it being restrictor plate style racing and everybody being able to hold it wide-open to the most part makes it for a plate race. Drivers would rather drive and have it as the old Atlanta.”

Does running well at Daytona give you confidence entering this weekend in Atlanta?

“Yes and no. I would say that we’ve had speed at Daytona with the superspeedway cars. We had a pretty good handling primary car and then, unfortunately, we just weren’t quite able to get the handle the way we wanted it to with the second one, although I thought it was good after the practices we had. Going into Atlanta, it’s just kind of an unknown. We just have to go in there and see what it all feels like and see how the Lenovo Chevy drives compared to what I remember driving there last year.”

Josh Berry, No. 9 NAPA Auto Parts Camaro ZL1

Berry on his first top-10 finish in the NASCAR Cup Series and looking ahead to Atlanta Motor Speedway:

"The top-10 finish at Phoenix (Raceway) was really cool for us to accomplish. And for Atlanta (Motor Speedway), we just want to keep building on what we've been doing and just continue to improve. Atlanta is going to be a tough race without a doubt, but Hendrick Motorsports has been really strong there. I think if we can just stay out of trouble and hopefully stay up front, we'll have a chance of getting a good finish."

Berry on what has helped get him more comfortable with the car and acclimated with the team:

"It was amazing what a week of preparation did for us at Phoenix (Raceway). Just being around each other and spending some time in the sim and just getting a little bit more comfortable with each other has definitely helped a lot. This week, I’ve also spent some time with Eddie (D’Hondt, spotter) and getting our communication better as well, which is going to be really important in Atlanta. I think we just keep pushing in that same direction. We’re trending better and better each time we go on the racetrack, so Atlanta should be fun.”

William Byron, No. 24 Liberty University Camaro ZL1

Byron on his confidence heading to Atlanta:

"This past offseason we really took the time to evaluate where we were and what we needed to get better as a team. I think this year has shown that so far, especially to have two strong runs and wins so soon. Everyone is putting in the time and effort to make sure we are improving. Now we’re heading back to Atlanta (Motor Speedway) as the defending winner of this race last year, and two wins under our belts. It gives us an extra boost of confidence but we’re not going to let up."

Justin Haley, No. 31 LeafFilter Gutter Protection Camaro ZL1

"Atlanta was a really great track for us last year. Obviously with it being a speedway track now, it has worked in our favor, but I think as it wears, it's going to start getting a little bit more like a mile-and-a-half. It’s probably my favorite racetrack right now on the schedule. It’s just something so different than any other track we go to with the high speeds and it being an in-between track. I’ll also have the opportunity to get some laps in during the Xfinity race as well, so I’m really looking forward to this weekend as a whole.”

Noah Gragson, No. 42 Sunseeker Resorts Camaro ZL1

“I’ve really enjoyed racing at Atlanta over the years. It’s going to be tough without practice on Saturday as I think we can use all the laps we can get being rookies, but we have some great notes to go on from the No. 43 team are focused forward.”

Erik Jones, No. 43 Allegiant Camaro ZL1

Last year, your team was really strong in both Atlanta races. What is it about the superspeedway style of racing on the reconfiguration that fits in your wheel house?

“I liked racing in Atlanta last year. It was a lot different obviously with the new layout and new format style of racing. It’s kind of like having an extra superspeedway track for us, but you have a little more handling involved, especially more than what we have at say, Talladega. I feel like our speedway program has been strong; I feel like at the Daytona 500, we had a good car. So hopefully, we can be just as strong there and be able to just lead some laps, be up front, and have a shot to win. Last year, we were pretty close in a couple of them in Atlanta. You know, I really felt like in the second race there we had a great shot to win, and hopefully we can go back down there and close this one out with our Allegiant Chevy.”

Alex Bowman, No. 48 Ally Camaro ZL1

Bowman on his consistency to start 2023:

"It’s been a goal of mine for so long to get more consistent. Having finished in the top 10 in all four races so far gives me a lot of confidence in what the No. 48 Ally Racing team is doing this season. It helps that I have liked a lot of the tracks we start at this season, but we keep bringing fast race cars and maximizing every opportunity that comes our way. Atlanta (Motor Speedway) races more like a superspeedway with the repave so it’s a little bit of a tossup, but I am ready to continue the streak we are on."

Daniel Suarez, No. 99 Tootsies Orchid Lounge Camaro ZL1

Are you looking forward to Atlanta on Sunday?

"Of course. Atlanta is an interesting race track. It's almost like it can't decide what it wants to be. It's a 1.5-mile track that races like a Talladega and Daytona. We have had some good results there since the reconfiguration. I think the key is survival and hopefully we can do that and get another good finish."

How is your season so far?

"We have run well. The cars are fast, the pit stops are fast, we are learning. We have things we have to get better at and clean up but we are making progress. I think we are going to have a lot of fun this season if we keep doing what we are doing."

Grant Enfinger, No. 23 Champion Power Equipment Silverado RST

What are your thoughts on returning to Atlanta's newly-renovated reconfiguration for the second time around this weekend?

“Atlanta is a lot different since the reconfiguration. It races more like a superspeedway rather than a conventional mile and a half track. With the banking and newer asphalt we will all have a lot of grip which provides for tight racing. We will have to be aggressive on the track and pit road to position ourselves to be upfront for the end. I’m looking forward to this stretch of 5 races in a row. Our Champion Power Equipment team is preparing well, and I feel like GMS Racing has built us some trucks that we can win with.”

Rajah Caruth, No. 24 Wendell Scott Foundation Silverado RST

Though it hasn’t been quite the start of the year that you had hoped for results wise, you’ve shown some stout speed in both races. What are some of your goals in place for this weekend in Atlanta?

"Definitely, to your point, the results that we've had this year haven't been indicative of our pace. Especially at Las Vegas two weeks ago; where we were running right around the top-10 and earning points in both stages and being right in the mix before green flag stops before we got wrecked. So really, the goals don't change from week-to-week, at least for me personally, and I would say that the guys on my team agree with me. We work just as hard and treat every race as if it was a playoffs race. The expectations are that we give our best efforts; and that's what my guys are doing at the shop. I give my best efforts at the shop, and away from the shop, and that's what I am for sure doing. So hopefully that will set us up for a great race on Saturday in Atlanta, and from there get a good rhythm going, because we have five races in a row. It's going to be important to have a good tone here and start off this stretch with a bang, so I'm confident in my team and think we can really show out in Atlanta this weekend."

Daniel Dye, No. 43 Heise LED Lighting Systems / Orlando Longwood Auto Auction Silverado RST

You haven't ever competed at Atlanta Motor Speedway before, but since Daytona is still relatively fresh on your mind, do you think you can take what you learned in that race and apply it to this weekend?

"I think what I learned at Daytona is certainly going to help me to some extent at Atlanta. Obviously, with the track in Atlanta being close to half the size of Daytona, the racing is going to be a little bit different, but it should feel similar since they reconfigured that track to more of a superspeedway feel. You're definitely going to have to take that into account, but I'm looking forward to it with our Heise LED Chevrolet Silverado RST. We've had a little bit of a rough start to our season, but I know everyone on the No. 43 team is going to do their best to get us rolling in the right direction starting with this weekend."

Chase Purdy, No. 4 Bama Buggies Silverado RST

Talk about racing as a kid on the quarter-mile track at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

“I have a lot of history at Atlanta – actually for a few years I spent probably every winter running the Winter Flurry deal and the Thursday Thunder on Thursday nights. Every Wednesday we would get there and practice all night and Thursday come back and race on the little quarter mile. So, lots of history there. I love Atlanta – I think it’s cool that it’s a totally different race track now. It used to be old, worn out and slick, and now it’s wide open and races like Talladega and Daytona. I’m really excited to get back there and see what happens.”

Does the speed your team had at Daytona increase your optimism for Atlanta?

“I’m really excited about how much speed we had at Daytona and Atlanta races like that now. I think if we can go there and have the same speed that we had at Daytona, then we definitely have a shot to win.”

Coming off a top-10 finish at Las Vega, does that help your confidence?

“We’ve shown a lot of speed at both the race tracks we’ve been to this year. I’ve got a really good group of guys here at KBM. There is no quit in them and they believe in me. I have a lot of confidence going into Atlanta and these next few races as well. Hopefully, we can keep up the momentum we have rolling right now.”

Jack Wood, No. 51 Logitech Silverado RST

Will having a strong qualifying run and good speed in the ARCA race at Phoenix give you a confidence boost getting into the truck at Atlanta?

“Yeah, for sure. I think that was one of the biggest reasons for us for to go and run ARCA this year was to just kind of build confidence back up. I think that it will translate over to the truck for sure.”

Do you like the new style of racing at Atlanta?

“It’s fun. Looking at the race from last year, all the KBM trucks were really, really fast, so if we do get a chance to qualify I think we’ll be at the front of the field will help us out. I think it will be a fun race, but you just have to be smart and stay out of the stuff the same way Corey (Heim) did last year and just kind of be there at the end.”

Do you think that the style of racing will change at all going back for a second year on the new surface?

“I don’t know. It’ll be curious going back to the track for a second time and how much the asphalt has changed over a year with all the weather in Atlanta these past 12 months. I think it will race pretty similar – probably have a little less grip If I had to guess, but I think it will be pretty much the same race that we saw last year.”

Christian Eckes, No. 19 NAPA Autocare Silverado RST

On continuing the No. 19 team’s momentum at Atlanta:

“It’s hard to know exactly what to expect at Atlanta with having only one race under our belt there on the new repave and no practice this weekend. I know Charles (Denike) and everybody at MHR put a lot of effort into our NAPA Auto Care Chevrolet for this weekend, so we’ll have to feel it out when they drop the green on Saturday. We’ve had really good driving Chevrolets in both races this year, and we’ll need to continue that on Saturday to be able to maneuver in the draft this weekend. We’ve been doing a good job at getting stage points in both races, so we’ll try to keep that up and put ourselves in position for our first win at the end of the day.”

Jake Garcia, No. 35 Quanta Silverado RST

On making his first start at his home track:

“Our Quanta Services team had a great start to the year at Las Vegas and it’d be great to follow that up with another good run at home this weekend. I’ve never raced at Atlanta before, so it’s exciting for my family and friends to be able to race right in our backyard. I think we can build on run at Las Vegas and take another step forward this weekend. Atlanta has turned into a lot more of a drafting game than a typical mile-and-a-half race, but we’ll definitely still need our Quanta Service Chevrolet to handle well and be balanced in the pack on Saturday to run towards the front.”

GM PR

Speedway News

Seasonal employment applications now being accepted by Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course

Thursday, Mar 16

Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio, has opened its employment application process to fill seasonal positions in multiple specialty areas for the 2023 racing season. Hardworking, dedicated candidates ages 16 and older are encouraged to apply now.

Roles will be filled in the call center and ticketing, food service, operations, safety, security and guest services and track corner worker departments. To submit an employment application, visit midohio.com/jobs to complete the online application. Applications can also be submitted at Mid-Ohio (7721 Steam Corners Rd., Lexington, Ohio) starting Monday, March 20 through Thursday, March 23 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET.

“We are excited for another great race season at Mid-Ohio, and we are looking for enthusiastic seasonal staff members to make it possible,” said Craig Rust, president of Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. “Our operating season begins in a couple weeks, so if you are looking for a rewarding, fast-paced work environment, we invite you to apply!”

In-person interviews will be conducted in the Mid-Ohio Tower on Friday, March 24 from 12 to 5 p.m. and Saturday, March 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Interested candidates are also encouraged to show during these interview times to ask questions and learn more about these Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course seasonal positions.

Questions can also be sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The complete 2023 Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course season schedule is available online at midohio.com.

Visit midohio.com for more information, and follow its Facebook page @MidOhioSportsCarCourse, Twitter @Mid_Ohio or Instagram @officialmidohio for the latest news.

Mid-Ohio PR

NASCAR Cup Series News

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Races No. 47 Kroger® / Nature Valley™ Camaro at Atlanta Before Going Back to His Roots

Thursday, Mar 16

This Sunday, the No. 47 Kroger® Camaro will carry the Nature Valley™ brand that will fuel Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and his team’s adventures leading up to and after the 260-lap race at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Sunday.

“Nature Valley is the perfect snack for every setting and keeps our team fueled for competition,” said JTG Daugherty Racing co-owner Tad Geschickter. “They know the nature of our business and ‘believe’ what you put in is what you get out. They are a long-term partner of ours, and we rely on them for real energy. We’re happy they are a part of the Kroger Racing family and look forward to big things with Ricky, Nature Valley and Kroger at Atlanta.”

The 2023 DAYTONA 500 CHAMPION is comfortable being at the front of the field at Atlanta Motor Speedway and crew chief Mike Kelley and the JTG Daugherty Racing team are working hard to recreate a strong showing this weekend.

“Any time you take the No. 47 Kroger / Nature Valley Camaro to a speedway race with Ricky Stenhouse Jr., it gives you an opportunity to flex,” said Kelley. “Last year during the first Atlanta race, we had a fast car and lost a tire leading the race and our day ended early. During the Fall race, we didn’t seem to be as strong (balance-wise) and we lost an engine. We learned a lot from that, and we are working toward a strong finish on Sunday.”

Following the race, Stenhouse Jr. travels to his hometown of Olive Branch, Mississippi with his wife Madyson. The City of Olive Branch and Mayor Ken Adams has a celebration planned at City Hall and will be handing Stenhouse Jr. a key to the city.

“It’s nice to go back home to Olive Branch, Mississippi to see everyone,” said Stenhouse Jr. “We’re looking forward to it and really would like to thank the Mayor Ken Adams and the city for planning this special day for us.”

From City Hall, Stenhouse Jr. will be escorted by the Olive Branch Police Department along with a Kroger semi-truck to the Kroger store (#452) in Olive Branch where he will be greeted by the Olive Branch High School Cheer and Band and The Kroger Co. Delta Division President Micheal Cristal.

“It’s our local Kroger and I remember shopping with my mom at Kroger growing up,” said Stenhouse Jr. “It’s special that Kroger’s Delta Division President is going to be there to greet us. Going there on Monday, it’s kind of full circle for me after winning the Daytona 500 with our Kroger / Cottonelle® Camaro.”

The day does not end there. Stenhouse Jr. is playing in a celebrity basketball game for Hoops for St. Jude during halftime at the Memphis Grizzlies and Dallas Mavericks game in the FedExForum in Memphis. Former Grizzlies players and current Grizzlies broadcasters, Elliot Perry and Brevin Knight, will coach the teams. Stenhouse Jr. will be on Team Brevin along with Ashley Shields/WNBA Champion, Drumma Boy/Producer and Artist, Kia Shine/Artist and Actor and Zach Myers/Shinedown Musician.

“This is a great opportunity to remind everyone of the lifesaving work at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and how they can support their efforts,” said Stenhouse Jr. “Thanks in advance to the Grizzlies for letting me play in the celebrity match Monday night.”

Fans can visit grizzlies.com/StJude to donate to St. Jude while also having a chance to win.

JTG Racing PR

Speedway News

Pit Party Returning to NAPA Spring Sizzler Weekend at Stafford Speedway

Thursday, Mar 16

Stafford Speedway officials have released the weekend schedule for the 2023 NAPA Auto Parts Spring Sizzler® and have included a return of the NAPA Auto Parts Pit Party. A fan favorite over the years, the NAPA Pit Party is a chance for race fans to meet drivers and get up close to the race cars prior to the afternoon’s events.

“We heard the fans, they’ve been asking for the pit party to make a comeback,” explained Stafford Speedway General Manager David Arute. “After changing the Spring Sizzler® format last season, we took a look and found a spot in the weekend schedule to make the pit party work. We’re really looking forward to getting the fans and drivers together to kick off the new season.”

Order NAPA Spring Sizzler® Tickets

NAPA Spring Sizzler® Event Info

The NAPA Pit Party is scheduled to be held Sunday, April 30th at approximately 3:00pm following SK Modified®, SK Light Modified, and Late Model qualifying. Fans will have one hour to meet with their favorite drivers before the afternoon’s events kick-off culminating in the 51st NAPA Auto Parts Spring Sizzler®.

The schedule for Saturday, April 29th’s NAPA Auto Parts Duel has also been released. The NAPA Duels include two 40-lap Open Modified features that will set the lineup for Sunday’s NAPA Spring Sizzler®. Also on hand is the American Canadian Tour Late Model division, who already have 31 entries as of March 16th, along with Stafford’s Limited Late Model, Street Stock, and Vintage All-Stars.

For more information, visit staffordspeedway.com, follow Stafford Speedway on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or contact the track office at 860-684-2783.

Stafford Speedway PR

Speedway News

Fans arrive at AMS for Ambetter Health 400 weekend

Thursday, Mar 16

The stage is set.

Atlanta Motor Speedway has opened its infield and campgrounds to fans converging on the speedway for the weekend’s slate of NASCAR action. Hundreds of campers and their RVs have moved into their home for weekend and eagerly await the high-octane thrills that await.

While they await the first competitive laps on track, campers will enjoy amenities around the track like the Park Pavilion and The Gathering Place, which features cornhole and bocce ball courts as well as a dog park. Later this evening hundreds of fans will take advantage of an opportunity to drive their own vehicles on Atlanta Motor Speedway’s high banks during Laps For Charity Presented by Ambetter Health and the Centene Charitable Foundation.

Haulers carrying vehicles and equipment for teams across all three of NASCAR’s national touring series will make their way into the garage areas Friday morning; the first on-track activity is scheduled for 3 p.m. when the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series hits the track for Fr8 208 qualifying.

Atlanta’s spring NASCAR weekend is packed full of racing and entertainment, with 858 miles of racing between Saturday’s Fr8 208 and RAPTOR King of Tough 250 doubleheader and Sunday’s Ambetter Health 400. Off the track, fans will enjoy attractions in the AMS Fan Zone and parties on Friday and Saturday night.

Tickets and camping for the Ambetter Health 400 weekend March 17-19 are available now at www.AtlantaMotorSpeedway.com or by calling 877-9-AMS-TIX.

AMS PR

Speedway News

Indianapolis 500 Pole Winner Carpenter Unveils 2023 Bronze Badge

Thursday, Mar 16

NTT INDYCAR SERIES owner-driver and three-time Indianapolis 500 pole winner Ed Carpenter unveiled the design of the 2023 Bronze Badge on March 16 at Stout Field in Indianapolis, the Joint Forces Headquarters of the Indiana National Guard.

The Indianapolis 500 is steeped in military traditions, from the playing of “Taps” and singing of the national anthem to the signature flyover as part of the pre-race ceremonies. The 107th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge is scheduled for Sunday, May 28 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

This year’s Bronze Badge design features the historic Pagoda during the flyover, which has been performed by the United States Air Force Thunderbirds in recent years. In addition to celebrating an epic Race Day tradition, the badge honors the 110th anniversary of the Pagoda.

SEE: Bronze Badge Video

“The Bronze Badge, which has represented pit and garage access at Indianapolis Motor Speedway for decades, is one of the most treasured keepsakes for our fans,” IMS President J. Douglas Boles said. “The ‘500’ doesn’t happen without the men and women who serve our country and keep us free, and we honor their service by featuring the flyover on this year’s design.”

Cardboard or laminate badges were used from the inaugural Indianapolis 500 in 1911 through 1937, assigned only to event participants. Beginning in 1938, more durable metal badges were used before IMS Bronze Badges made their debut in 1947 and were initially sold to the general public in the early 1990s, immediately becoming a coveted motorsports collectible.

Fans can purchase a Bronze Badge, which allows them access to Gasoline Alley on selected dates during the Month of May. Bronze Badges will be honored for gate admission and garage access May 12, May 16-22 and May 26-27 during public gate hours and as directed by IMS personnel (Race Day tickets are required on May 13 for the GMR Grand Prix and May 28 for the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge).

Bronze Badges can be purchased at IMS.com/BronzeBadge for $150 each through March 31. The price increases to $160 on April 1, so order today while supplies last. Each Bronze Badge holder must be 18 or older and is required to sign a release.

A limited number of Silver Badges also are available for $500 each. Silver Badges add pit lane access to the same perks as the Bronze Badge. Pre-race (cold) pit passes for GMR Grand Prix and Indianapolis 500 Race Day can be added to Silver Badges for an additional $1,000.

For more information on Bronze Badges and Silver Badges, call the IMS Credential Office at 317-492-6500.

IMS PR

Speedway News

Martinsville Speedway Renews Partnership with Call811.com for NASCAR Xfinity Series Spring Race

Thursday, Mar 16

Martinsville Speedway announced today their partnership with Call811.com, the national website to access before you dig, will continue for the 2023 NASCAR Xfinity Series spring race, the Call811.com Before You Dig 250, on Saturday, April 15.

“The partnership between Call811.com and Martinsville Speedway is one we really value,” said Clay Campbell, President of Martinsville Speedway. “Their mission of worksite safety regarding digging projects provides protection for all communities nationwide, including our own. We’re pleased to support the Call811.com message and welcome them back to our spring race weekend.”

Call811.com is an easy online resource for finding out how to contact each state’s 811 center, and about the specific state’s digging law. The 811 process protects local communities! Hitting a buried utility line while digging can cause serious injuries or death, costly repairs, civil penalties and fines, or disruption of vital utility services local communities rely on every day. 

A few business days before any homeowner/occupant, farmer, or contractor begins a digging project, they must use the free 811 process in their state to request the approximate location of buried utilities to be marked with paint or flags, then wait the required timeframe to ensure all affected utilities have responded before ever putting a shovel in the ground.  Once utility locations are identified, it is always necessary to dig with care according to each state’s requirements.  

Use the FREE 811 process EVERY TIME for EVERY DIG.

“811 centers, utility owners, and locating partners across the nation work together to make excavation activities safer for all Americans before they start any digging project.  The message of always using ‘Call811.com’ before digging is very important and we have an obligation to share it with as broad an audience as possible,” said Roger Lipscomb, President/Executive Director of OHIO811. “Partnering with NASCAR allows us to bring this important lifesaving message to their very large and devoted fan base.”

The spring race weekend at Martinsville Speedway kicks off Friday night, April 14, with the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Long John Silver’s 200 at 7:30 pm ET. The action continues Saturday with the NASCAR Xfinity Series Call811.com Before You Dig 250. Sunday rounds out the weekend of racing as drivers from the NASCAR Cup Series tackle the short track on Sunday, April 16 in 400 epic laps.

Tickets for the upcoming race weekend, featuring the Call811.com Before You Dig 250, are available for purchase via phone at 877-RACE-TIX or online at www.martinsvillespeedway.com.

Fans can stay connected to Martinsville Speedway on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and the NASCAR Tracks App.

Martinsville Speedway PR

NASCAR Cup Series News

Dr Pepper and 23XI SPEED Institute Announce Third Cycle of Tuition Program

Thursday, Mar 16

Dr Pepper and 23XI Racing announced today the return of the Dr Pepper and 23XI SPEED Institute Tuition Program for 2023. The program provides $5,000 each to 23 college students pursuing their interest in a career in the motorsports industry. Two tuition recipients will also receive an internship in their field with 23XI Racing through the 23XI SPEED Institute.

The Dr Pepper and 23XI SPEED Institute Tuition Program was established in 2021 to amplify the efforts of the 23XI SPEED (Scholarship, Professional Education, Executive Development) Institute in support of the team’s diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) goals. The initiative continues a longstanding Dr Pepper tradition of supporting academic excellence through sporting events, with the brand having awarded more than $13 million in tuition to deserving students since 2008.

“Tuition giveaways are a time-honored tradition at Dr Pepper,” said John Alvarado, Senior Vice President of Dr Pepper Brand Marketing. “Every year, we are inspired by the students who apply, and greatly admire their academic drive and career ambitions. We look forward to welcoming this year’s class and supporting them in pursuit of their dreams.”

Steve Lauletta, 23XI Racing president, added, “This season our team is racing under the banner of ‘Forward Together,’ and the Dr Pepper and 23XI SPEED Institute Tuition Program is another great example of how we are embodying that message with our partners. This program would not be as impactful without the support of Dr Pepper and we look forward to another opportunity to provide the next generation of motorsports professionals with assistance as they pursue their education. We are also looking forward to providing work experience to a select number of Tuition Program recipients. The previous interns have contributed to our team in meaningful ways and we anticipate the same from this year’s group.”

Since the inaugural year in 2021, the program has reached nearly 300 students from across the country and distributed over $230,000 in tuition support. Additionally, 23XI Racing has provided opportunities for nine interns to gain first-hand work experience in an industry they care for deeply.

Students interested in applying for the Dr Pepper and 23XI SPEED Institute Tuition Program must be between 18 and 24 years old and pursuing a career in any of the following fields: marketing, communications, human resources, finance, engineering, or trade disciplines in the automotive industry. Individuals meeting these qualifications can apply via a simple video submission process, sharing their story and explaining why they deserve a tuition award. The application process will open on March 19, 2023, and the deadline to apply is April 30, 2023.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Contest is void outside of the US & where prohibited. Open to legal U.S. residents, 18-24, who are select college students as of date of entry. Begins 12:00 AM CT on 3/15/23; ends 11:59:59 PM CT on 4/30/23.

For Official Rules, eligibility, and more information about the tuition program, visit https://www.23xispeedinstitute.com/drpepper. Sponsor: Dr Pepper/Seven Up, Inc., 6425 Hall of Fame Lane, Frisco, TX 75034.

23XI PR