NASCAR Xfinity Series points leader Christopher Bell and local NASCAR veteran Brendan Gaughan will compete in the Star Nursery 100 NASCAR K&N Pro Series West race at the Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Thursday, Sept. 13.

Bell, a four-time NASCAR Xfinity Series race winner in 2018, could be considered a favorite at the half-mile LVMS Dirt Track during the 100-lap race based on his second consecutive victory at the Chili Bowl at the Tulsa (Okla.) Expo Center in January. Bell, who won five NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races last year en route to the series championship, will be making his third career K&N Pro Series West start.

“I love any opportunity I get to race on dirt, and I’m extremely excited to get back to grassroots racing and run in the K&N Pro Series West race at the Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway,” said Bell, who also will run in the DC Solar 300 NASCAR Xfinity Series race at the superspeedway on Saturday, Sept. 15. “If the truck races at Eldora are any indication, this race will be an event that you truly can’t miss. It should be an action-packed day, and I’m looking forward to kicking off my weekend in Las Vegas at Dirt Track on Thursday.”

Gaughan is a Las Vegas native who has competed in NASCAR since 1997. A two-time NASCAR Xfinity Series winner and eight-time NCWTS winner, Gaughan has eight K&N Pro Series West wins in 46 starts and won the series championship in 2001 and 2002.

He won the 2003 Las Vegas 350 NCWTS race and has one win in seven K&N Pro Series West starts at the 1.5-mile superspeedway, the 24-Hour Fitness 150 in 2001. Gaughan and his father – South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa owner Michael Gaughan – have both competed in desert racing in the Las Vegas Valley in the past, but this will be his first race at the LVMS Dirt Track.

“I can’t wait to hit the dirt, kick up some dust and get dirty at the LVMS Dirt Track,” said Gaughan, who will have the same car owner (Bill McAnally) and pit crew from his K&N championship seasons at the Star Nursery 100. “My family has a long history in dirt racing in the Las Vegas desert, and the Star Nursery 100 is going to be a thrill in September. It’s going to be an awesome race week in Las Vegas, and I couldn’t be happier to be a part of it with Bill McAnally and my old pit crew from our championship days.”

The Star Nursery 100 – the K&N Series West’s first race on dirt – begins at 8 p.m. and kicks off a full weekend of racing at America’s Racing Showplace. Bell and Gaughan will be part of a K&N drivers autograph session at the Dirt Track from 4:30-5:30 before the race.

Following the Dirt Track race, action will then shift to the superspeedway with the World of Westgate 200 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series event on Friday, Sept. 14, the DC Solar 300 NASCAR Xfinity Series race on Saturday and the South Point 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday. Harvick, the 2014 Cup Series champion, will go for a Las Vegas sweep on Sunday as the South Point 400 kicks off the 2018 MENCS playoffs.

Star Nursery – which began its operation in 1983 and has seven of its 15 locations in Las Vegas – was title sponsor of the NASCAR Featherlite Southwest Series race at The Bullring in 2001. Southern Nevada’s premier garden center, Star Nursery also sponsored Las Vegas-born Kurt Busch during his NASCAR Southwest Tour Series championship season in 1999.

The addition of the 100-lap K&N Pro Series West event gives the LVMS Dirt Track a powerful trio of events for 2018, along with the World of Outlaws FVP Outlaw Showdown Feb. 28-March 1 and the 21st annual Duel in the Desert Nov. 7-10. Top-tier NASCAR drivers are expected to be among the entries in the 100-lap race, and race organizers expect to announce specifics in the coming weeks.

The K&N Pro Series West brought races to the 1.5-mile speedway from 1996-2001 and to The Bullring from 2001-03, but the Star Nursery 100 will mark the first K&N event at the LVMS Dirt Track. The evening will also include a 25-lap IMCA Western RaceSaver Sprint Series race as well.

Fans who have purchased 2018 annual passes to both LVMS NASCAR weekends and patrons who have bought weekend passes for either of the track’s tripleheaders are eligible for discounted Star Nursery 100 tickets for $25. Star Nursery 100 tickets are available to the general public for $35 apiece, and ticket prices will increase on Monday, Sept. 3.

Log on to LVMS.com or call 800-644-4444 to order tickets for any LVMS events. Fans can find a full race weekend schedule HERE.

LVMS PR

Richmond Raceway’s (Richmond) 2019 RICHMOND NATION and Richmond Raceway ticket renewals are now open with the deadline set for November 1. This timeline will allow fans a longer time to pay off their tickets in full for the 2019 NASCAR season. RICHMOND NATION and Richmond Raceway ticket holders will again have multiple payment plan options to choose from, including the popular Half Now, Half Later.

The 2019 NASCAR season at Richmond returns “under the lights” for both race weekends hosting the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) at America’s Premier Short Track. The Toyota Spring Race Weekend will take place on April 12-13, and will once again be Friday and Saturday night action.

The road to the 2019 Monster Energy Series and NXS Championships will lead through Richmond on September 20-21, 2019. Like in 2018, Richmond will be the second race of the first round in the Monster Energy Series Playoffs, and the first race of the NXS Playoffs.

“RICHMOND NATION members are the foundation of Richmond Raceway as their unwavering support is what allows us to impact our region in positive ways,” said Richmond President Dennis Bickmeier. “We have some season ticket holders who have literally grown up with generations of family race weekends at the track. It’s that dedication that we love, and we look forward to hosting our loyal NASCAR fans at America’s Premier Short Track again in 2019.”

To get the best price on the best seats and maximize benefits, race fans should become a member of the RICHMOND NATION season ticket program. RICHMOND NATION season ticket holders are fans who have tickets to both the April and September race weekends.

RICHMOND NATION members will receive special pricing on tickets, along with exclusive benefits. Signing up is free for fans, and includes these RICHMOND NATION perks:

• Invitations to driver appearances and events throughout the season
• Priority access to move or add seats to RICHMOND NATION accounts
• Preferred parking passes for both spring & fall Monster Energy Series races
• Official RICHMOND NATION membership card
• Presales for Virginia Credit Union LIVE! concerts
• Official RICHMOND NATION lanyard
• No fees for shipping and processing
• Commemorative hero card

To become a RICHMOND NATION member, visit richmondraceway.com/renewals or call 866-455-7223.

Fans can continue to renew for the April or September weekend or single Monster Energy Series events. However, to receive the best savings and get the full benefits of the iconic Richmond racing experience upgrade to RICHMOND NATION. The deadline to renew for the 2019 NASCAR season is November 1. Fans have until March 1 to pay for their April tickets and August 1 to pay off their September tickets.

Richmond is offering three payment plans for fans to choose from. Fans can select paying their invoice in full at the point of renewal. The Half Now, Half Later option allows fans to pay half their total invoice at the time of the renewal and the other half at a later date. The third option is monthly payments, which allows fans to pick their length of payments.

Fans can look for their renewal invitation in their mailbox soon, and they are encouraged to complete their renewal process online at richmondraceway.com. For more information on the new renewal process, visit richmondraceway.com/renewals or call 866-455-RACE (7223).

Richmond Raceway PR

NASCAR icon Dale Earnhardt Jr. will drive the 2018 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Pace Car to lead the field to the start of the 25th Running of the Big Machine Vodka 400 at the Brickyard Powered by Florida Georgia Line on Sunday, Sept. 9 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The announcement was made 25 days before the 25th Running of the race, which starts at 2 p.m. (ET) on the historic 2.5-mile oval. The Brickyard is moving to a new date this year from late July and is serving as the finale of the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series regular season for the first time. The field for the NASCAR Playoffs will be set following the race at IMS.

"I am honored that Chevrolet asked me to drive the Camaro ZL1 Pace Car in one of the biggest races of the year," Earnhardt said. "The fan in me was already looking forward to this event. It's a big race. There is a lot at stake since it's the final chance for the teams and drivers to make the Playoffs. So, I hope to do a good job leading the field to the green flag, but I can promise you I'll soak in every minute and enjoy the Brickyard in a way I never have before."

The two-time Daytona 500 winner made 17 Brickyard starts between 2000-17, with a best finish of fourth in 2012 among his five top-10 finishes. He won 26 points races during his NASCAR Cup Series career, which ended with his retirement after the 2017 season.

Earnhardt now serves as a NASCAR television analyst for NBC Sports and also leads Dirty Mo Media, which includes his popular "Dale Jr. Download" podcast. Earnhardt is one of the most beloved drivers in American motorsports history, as fans named him NASCAR's Most Popular Driver for a record 15 consecutive years.

"Dale Jr. will enjoy a unique and exciting Race Day this year at the Brickyard," IMS President J. Douglas Boles said. "He's leading the field to the green flag of one of the most prestigious races on the calendar, and then he'll head right to the booth to offer his insightful analysis for NBC Sports. Everyone at IMS and all of our loyal fans can't wait to welcome back one of the most admired drivers to ever turn a wheel at IMS, and his role as Pace Car driver adds even more excitement to our action-packed week of racing, music and family fun."

Earnhardt will drive a 2018 Camaro ZL1 that features:

•650-horsepower 6.2L supercharged V-8

•10-speed automatic transmission 

•Magnetic Ride Control

•Electronic limited-slip differential

•20-inch forged aluminum wheels 

•Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar tires

•Brembo brakes with six-piston front calipers and two-piece rotors

•1.02g max cornering 

•0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds

•Performance Data Recorder (available)

The only content separating the Pace Car from a production model is unique graphics and an integrated Whelen LED safety lighting system.

Chevrolet has a storied history with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Chevrolet was founded in 1911, the year of the inaugural Indianapolis 500-Mile Race, and company co-founder Louis Chevrolet, along with brothers Arthur and Gaston, competed in early Indy 500 races. Arthur Chevrolet competed in the 1911 race, and Gaston Chevrolet won it in 1920.

A Chevrolet has won the NASCAR Cup Series race at the Brickyard 17 times, more than five times as many victories as the next-closest manufacturer.

"We are proud that Dale Earnhardt Jr. will drive the Camaro ZL1 Pace Car for the Brickyard 400," said Steve Majoros, director of Chevrolet Car and Crossover Marketing. "It will be special to have a longtime partner like Dale Jr. behind the wheel of the ZL1 as Chevrolet paces this special race for the 25th time."

Practice and qualifying for the 25th Running of the Big Machine Vodka 400 at the Brickyard Powered by Florida Georgia Line will take place Saturday, Sept. 8 at IMS. NASCAR Xfinity Series racing also will take place during the event with the Lilly Diabetes 250. Practice is Friday, Sept. 7, with qualifying and the race Saturday, Sept. 8. The race starts at 4 p.m.

Visit IMS.com to purchase tickets for the Big Machine Vodka 400 at the Brickyard Powered by Florida Georgia Line and Lilly Diabetes 250, and for more information on the event.

IMS PR

Talladega Superspeedway and the American Red Cross invite donors to join the race to help save lives at the 13th Annual “Laps for Life” Blood Drive, Thursday, Aug. 30 from noon to 6 p.m. CDT in the FOX Sports 1 Dome, located at the International Motorsports Hall of Fame just outside the track.

Every presenting blood donor will receive an incredible array of items including: a custom “Laps for Life” T-shirt; two tickets to the Talladega 250 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Playoff race on Oct. 13; a self-guided tour of the International Motorsports Hall of Fame; and a delicious BBQ sandwich from Smoke-N-Hot BBQ, all while supplies last.

The Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood to ensure communities are prepared to meet the diverse needs of all patients. Blood is needed for many different reasons. Accident and burn victims, heart surgery patients, organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease may all need blood.

“Our volunteer donors are the only source of blood for patients,” said Ronnika A. McFall, external communications manager for the Red Cross Alabama and Central Gulf Coast Blood Services Region. “We appreciate the Talladega Superspeedway team for partnering with us to create this fun tradition of rolling up a sleeve at the speedway and helping to ensure a stable blood supply.” 

For more information and to make an appointment to donate, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter the sponsor code: TALLADEGA, or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Donors of all blood types are needed. A blood donor card, driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

The NASCAR Playoff doubleheader weekend returns to Talladega Superspeedway Oct. 12-14 for the 1000Bulbs.com 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series (MENCS) race, the second event (of three) in the Round of 12 in the MENCS Playoffs, as well as the Talladega 250 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) event. It will serve as the final race in the Round of 8 in the NCWTS Playoffs, where the field of eligible title contenders will be cut from eight to six at the checkered flag. For ticket information, visit www.talladegasuperspeedway.com or call 855-518-RACE (7223).

TSS PR

This morning, Elliott Sadler of Emporia, Va., announced he will retire from racing full-time at the end of the current NASCAR season. Sadler, along with his brother Hermie, have had a lasting impact in motorsports in Virginia from racing go-karts at age seven to his 1995 track championship at South Boston Speedway to competing full-time in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS).

“Elliott Sadler has been a true competitor throughout his NASCAR career, and an outstanding supporter of motorsports in the Commonwealth,” said Richmond President Dennis Bickmeier. “The Sadler name has become synonymous with motorsports in Virginia. As one of the most beloved drivers in the region, Elliott will leave an indelible impact throughout motorsports in Racing Virginia. We look forward to giving him a Richmond Raceway farewell as he competes in the first-ever playoff race at Richmond in the Go Bowling 250 NASCAR Xfinity Series on September 21.”

Sadler, who is currently second in the NASCAR Xfinity Series standings, will look to finish his final season bringing home the championship for JR Motorsports. Sadler has finished second each of the last two seasons in the NXS. This year’s NXS Playoffs begin at Richmond Raceway with the Go Bowling 250 on September 21.

During Sadler’s career at his home track at Richmond, he has one top ten in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series and six top five’s and 15 top ten’s in the NXS. Sadler’s best race in the Monster Energy Series at Richmond was a seventh place finish in the Chevy American Revolution 400 on May 14, 2005.

Of Sadler’s six top fives at Richmond in the NXS, he came closest to taking the checkered flag with a runner-up finish in the Funai 250 on May 13, 2005. Sadler has finished in the top ten with four top five finishes in his last five NXS races, including a third place finish in the 2018 ToyotaCare 250, at Richmond.

For his career, Sadler has three Monster Energy Series wins, 13 NXS victories, and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series checkered flags. Sadler is also one of 31 drivers with a win in each of NASCAR’s top three series.

Richmond Raceway PR