Adam Sinclair

2019 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Set for Dramatic Conclusion at Portsmouth Raceway Park

17 Oct 2019

Since the beginning of February, a total of 358 of the finest late model dirt track racers have taken their shot at throwing it sideways throughout the Central and Eastern time zones, visiting a total of 19 different states over the past nine months during the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series. The 54-race schedule is a true test of endurance, with thousands of laps logged to determine which driver will emerge as the 2019 champion. On October 18-19, the highly anticipated 39th Annual Rhino Ag Dirt Track World Championship Presented by OPTIMA Batteries, will bring the season to a thrilling conclusion from Portsmouth Raceway Park in Portsmouth, Ohio.

While winning is important, consistency is king over the course of such a long season. It’s that ability to continuously run at the front of the field that has ultimately allowed reigning Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Champion Jonathan Davenport to be in a prime position to successfully defend his title. Spearheaded by a series-leading 12 wins in 2019, the Georgia native has made himself a fixture at the front of the field at virtually every race thus far, including his most recent win at the very same track where the season-finale will be held, at Portsmouth Raceway Park.

Since capturing his first win of the season during the fifth race on the championship calendar, Davenport has gone on a tear driving his Double L Motorsports car, with an incredible summer stretch in which he earned the lion's share of his victories. He’s doubled the number of wins earned by any other driver in the series, and as a result, has opened up a comfortable 470-point lead with just one race to go.

While Davenport has put himself in the headlines more often than not this season, arguably the most impressive storyline surrounds the exceptional parity the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series has enjoyed over the course of the 2019 campaign. A total of 19 different drivers have grabbed the checkered flag this season, which includes 10 different multi-race winners. One of the bright spots that has emerged from that depth of competition is rookie Tyler Erb. In his first season of action, the Texas native has piloted his Best Performance Motorsports car to six wins, highlighted by a blistering start to the year in which he emerged victorious in three of the first four races. Erb currently sits fifth in the championship standings, and appears poised to take home the coveted Eibach Rookie of the Year honors.

While both Davenport and Erb are positioned to claim 2019’s biggest accolades, considerable attention must still be given to the drivers that have made the championship battle intriguing all season long. Veteran Tim McCreadie currently holds down second place in the series standings, and will be Davenport’s primary rival when they arrive in Ohio. While he’s still in search of his first Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series title, the New York native has gained considerable experience as the driver giving chase, thanks to a runner-up finish in 2017 and a third-place finish in 2016. The Coffey-McCreadie Enterprises driver has one win to his credit this season, and has been one of the most consistent drivers over the course of 2019.

Behind him, former champion Josh Richards is also determined to keep the pressure on as the 2019 season comes to a close. With a trio of race wins, the West Virginia native holds down third in the standings and faces a 595-point deficit to Richards, while also sitting 125 points back of Richards for second. The Clint Bowyer Racing driver is chasing his third championship podium result in four years.

With its action-packed slate of races, the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series has thrilled hundreds of thousands of racing fans throughout 2019, but none of it would be possible without the support of the series sponsors, which have served arguably the most important role in the championship. Significant support has come from GEICO and General Tire, who have been invaluable partners to the series, while K&N Filters, OPTIMA Batteries, Rhino Ag, STEEL-IT, and Super Clean have all played an integral role in making each event a success. Additionally, GoPro and SRI Performance have been tremendous assets to the nation’s premier dirt late model sanctioning organization. Collectively, the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series would not be able to achieve the level of success it does without the support of these sponsors, and the contributions from each of these companies has helped provide one of the most competitive and memorable seasons for the series to date.

A big thank you to all of our 2019 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series sponsors

5150 Race Trailers
Allstar Performance
Andy Durham Racing Engines
Arizona Sport Shirts
Black Diamond Chassis
Boyd Bilt Fabrication
BRODIX
COMP Cams
DirtonDirt.com
Dirty Girl Racewear
Dunn-Benson Ford
Earnhardt Technologies Group
Eibach Springs
Fast Shafts
FK Rod Ends
GEICO
General Tire
GoPro
Heath Lawson Photography
Homatro
Hoosier Tire
Hot Rod Processing
Keyser Manufacturing
K&N Filters
Longhorn Chassis
Lucas Oil Products
Lucas Oil Racing TV

MasterSbilt Race Cars
MAVTV Motorsports Network
Midwest Sheet Metal
Miller Welders
MSD Performance
Öhlins Shocks
OPTIMA Batteries
Outerwears
Performance Bodies
PFC Brakes
Pro Power Racing Engines
Protect the Harvest
Rhino Ag
Rocket Chassis
Rugged Radios
Schoenfeld Headers
Simpson Race Products
Slicker Graphics
SRI Performance
STEEL-IT
Sunoco Race Fuels
Super Clean
Sweet-Bloomquist Race Cars
Swift Springs
Wrisco Aluminum
Xceldyne Valvetrain

For information about the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series please visit www.LucasDirt.com and be sure to follow all of the series’ social media channels for exclusive content and additional information on the latest news:

John Force fired up going into this weekend's 34th annual AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals at Texas Motorplex

17 Oct 2019

Racing News

Even after 16 world championships and picking up his 150th (and 151st) win this season, John Force remains as motivated as ever to accomplish more in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. With another championship in sight heading to this weekend’s 34th annual AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals at Texas Motorplex, Force is hopeful for another Dallas triumph.

He has seven in his legendary career, but another victory at the facility, this time to start the second half of six-race Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship would be welcome. Force is currently third in points, 79 points behind John Force Racing teammate Robert Hight, and a win in his 11,000-horsepower PEAK Coolant and Motor Oil / BlueDEF Chevy Camaro SS might be necessary to keep those title hopes alive.

“Racing is what I love to do,” Force said. “I’m trying to fight the old man (in me) every day. You know, I started hearing, ‘you’re 70, this thing is over,’ and it’s really true what they say, it’s how bad you want it. When I get in that car, I’m alive again. It’s like my heart starts working and everything is good. So, don’t let anybody tell you that you’re too old. Get up and stay alive and keep moving. Someday I’ve got to go out that door, but before I do, I’d like to win at the Motorplex and maybe win another championship.”

Steve Torrence (Top Fuel), Robert Hight (Funny Car), Tanner Gray (Pro Stock) and LE Tonglet (Pro Stock Motorcycle) were last year’s winners of the event that will be televised on FOX Sports 1 (FS1) in 2019, including live final eliminations coverage 2:00 p.m. (ET) on Sunday, Oct. 20. It is the fourth of six playoff races and 22nd of 24 races during a 2019 NHRA season that has seen Force come on strong after some early bumps.

Working with crew chiefs Brian Corradi and Dan Hood, Force has become a model of consistency lately, winning his historic 150th race in Seattle and following with a victory at Indy. He opened the playoffs with a final-round appearance and qualified No. 1 in St. Louis before an early exit, and Force remains driven to succeed. Hight and Jack Beckman, who beat Force in the Reading final, are ahead of him, but the iconic veteran knows he as a car capable of winning.

“I put a complete new operation together with Brian Corradi and Dan Hood and it was a learning curve,” Force said. “I’m excited and we’re ready to go. We just found some things in the car we had to fixed, and it came around fast. I’m excited to be in the Countdown and we’ve got a fast car and a great team. We’ve got a shot at the title, but there’s a lot of good competition. If I have a car that can go down the track every run, we’ve got a chance.”

That’s all Force can ask for, but trying to track down Hight will be tough, especially after he won in Charlotte. He’s also championship-tested, as is a dynamic group of standouts in Funny Car, including Ron Capps, who sits just 11 points back of Force, Bob Tasca III, Matt Hagan, defending world champ J.R. Todd, Tommy Johnson Jr. and St. Louis winner Shawn Langdon. Force has worked hard to stay a contender in the loaded class, but he admits the work isn’t done yet.

“I’m not where I want to be in points,” Force said. “I’m in third and I was in second. I lost a few points so I’ve got to do a better job. Have to do a better job on the tree and I’ll be working on that this week.”

Top Fuel points leader Torrence will look to make it back-to-back wins in Dallas and during the 2019 playoffs, as the Texas won Monday in Charlotte. Standing in his way are the likes of Doug Kalitta, 2017 world champ Brittany Force, Leah Pritchett and Antron Brown.

Pro Stock’s Jason Line opened the playoffs with a win, but Erica Enders has taken over the points lead. She’ll look to keep it against standouts like Bo Butner, Alex Laughlin and Matt Hartford.

Eddie Krawiec has three wins in the past six years in Pro Stock Motorcycle at the track, but he’s seeking his first win of 2019. He’ll try and get it against teammate and points leader Andrew Hines, as well as playoff winners Karen Stoffer and Jerry Savoie, and defending world champ Matt Smith.

The AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals will also feature thrilling competition in SAM Tech NHRA Factory Stock Showdown, which makes its final stop of 2019, as well as the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, which showcases the future stars of the sport. For the first time, the Summit Racing Equipment Mid-West Pro Mod Series (MWPMS) will stage an unprecedented 16-car, eighth-mile exhibition race presented by Atomizer Racing Injectors. This exciting field will compete throughout the weekend including a final round of eliminations on Sunday in front of the NHRA raceday crowd. After Nitro qualifying on Friday, fans can also watch the spectacular “Lone Star Lightning” Jet Dragster driven by Tammy Gatlin and “The War Dance” jet car driven by Ralph Snyder. Jet cars are thrust driven vehicles propelled by jet engines with exciting pre-run flame shows.

NHRA fans can take part in the Mello Yello Walking Tour to see the cars and teams hard at work in the pits. Fans can also attend Pro Stock Motorcycle School and Nitro School to learn how the cars operate and reach their thrilling speeds. Texas Motorplex will also host a Mello Yello autograph session and allow fans to meet their favorite drivers as well as the Sealmaster Track Walk hosted by NHRA announcer Joe Castello. Another can’t-miss experience is the winner’s circle celebration on Sunday after racing concludes. NHRA fans are invited to congratulate the winners of the event as they celebrate their victories.

As always, fans can interact with their favorite drivers as they’re granted an exclusive pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet. This unique opportunity gives fans direct access to the teams, allowing them to see firsthand the highly-skilled mechanics service their hot rods between rounds, and get autographs from their favorite NHRA drivers.

Fans also will want to visit NHRA’s popular Nitro Alley and Manufacturers Midway, where sponsors and race vendors create a carnival atmosphere, with interactive displays, simulated competitions, merchandise, food and fun for the entire family.

Mello Yello Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 2:45 and 6:45 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 18, and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, Oct. 19, at 12:15 and 3:45 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 11 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 20.

To purchase tickets, call 800-668-6775. Military and first responders can save 20% on adult single day tickets at NHRA.com/govx. Tickets also are available online at www.texasmotorplex.com. For more information about the NHRA visit www.NHRA.com.

Trans Am Announces 2020 Schedule

17 Oct 2019

Racing News

Building on an all-star roster of events, the 2020 Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli schedule will feature a 12-race schedule for the National Championship that features outstanding venues and boasts healthy consistency year on year.

The opening rounds of the 2020 season are nearly identical to 2019, with the 54th year of Trans Am kicking off its season at Sebring International Raceway as part of the SpeedTour Event, a doubleheader collaboration featuring Trans Am and the SportsCar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA) February 29-March 1. The multi-class series will then head to the always competitive Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta on March 28-29.

Following an early season break in April, the National Championship will be back in full force, returning to the West Coast in May 1-3 at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. The 2019 season marked the first full Trans Am Series appearance at the Monterey circuit since 2004. The home of the infamous Corkscrew turn will once again play host for the first of two Trans Am National and West Coast championship combined races that will see the competitors from the Trans Am West Coast Championship Presented by Pirelli take to the track in competition alongside the full field of National Championship entrants.

“Last May, we started a new chapter of Trans Am in the West and it was a great success,” President of the Trans Am Race Company John Clagett said. “The drivers in both championships really enjoyed competing against each other through the elevation changes and fast turns of Laguna Seca, and we want to continue to foster that growth in 2020.”

The series then heads back to the other side of the country for a pair of high-profile events on back to back weekends. The long-held tradition of Trans Am at Lime Rock Park was restored in 2019 with the fans voting with their feet on the newest chapter of that history with a strong turnout. The 2020 season will once again feature the Lime Rock Memorial Day Classic at Lime Rock Park in Lakeville, Connecticut, May 22-25.

The following weekend, the TA2 muscle cars will return home to Detroit, supporting the NTT IndyCar Series at the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear on Belle Isle.

“Lime Rock produced so many great races over the years, but it’s really the amazing fan base that keeps us coming back,” said Clagett. “Combined with the following weekend at the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear, we have two incredible events back-to-back; one of the best pairings in motorsport.”

A return to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway will take place June 19-20 as part of the SpeedTour event that has generated growing interest as the iconic facility hosts a wide range of machines for fans to enjoy at speed.

The trip across the Bricks kicks off a four weekend, three event sprint through the Midwest as Trans Am goes from Indianapolis to Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio, (June 26-28) with SVRA. After a week break, Trans Am will head North to Minnesota for a very special event.

Honoring the late track co-owner and former part-time Trans Am driver Jed Copham, the weekend will be named the Jed Copham Memorial Weekend, and Trans Am racers will be on the receiving end of $35,000 in purse bonuses and participation incentive payouts.

“We were shocked and saddened to hear of Jed Copham’s passing from a boating accident last November,“ said Clagett. “He was a huge supporter of motorsports. First, in buying Brainerd International and bringing it back to life. Brainerd originated as Donnybrooke and Trans Am ran there first in 1969, with Parnelli Jones winning, and Ed Leslie and Peter Revson joining him on the winner’s podium. Donneybrooke and Brainerd are part of the Trans Am’s storied history and it’s the right thing to do to return to Brainerd this next season to honor his legacy.”

Trans Am will once again stage two 100-mile races as part of the Xfinity NASCAR Series at Road America on August 7-9, completing its summer tour.

“NASCAR made several changes for the 2020 season, and we were fortunate to once again be a part of the Road America event weekend,” Clagett explained. “We’ve seen lot of cross over in our series with NASCAR drivers joining Trans Am to work on their road racing skills, and racing at a track like Road America is something our entire paddock is enthusiastic about.”

The final leg of the 2020 docket starts September 11-13 at Watkins Glen International, followed by a staple on the series’ schedule, VIRginia International Raceway (September 25-27).

After a grueling weekend of racing in record-breaking heat in 2019, the Circuit of The Americas date moves from October back to November (6-8) in 2020 which will host the season finale for both the Trans Am National and West Coast championships.

“Our season finale will be at COTA in 2020 due to schedule conflicts with Daytona International Raceway that could not be resolved,” said Clagett. “Circuit of The Americas is always a highlight and we are pleased that we can end both the West Coast and National championships on the same weekend.

“Our goal is to always assemble a schedule packed with iconic and legendary raceways that our drivers will enjoy driving and that the fans will equally enjoy watching,” continued Clagett. “The 2020 schedule achieves that in all ways.”

The full official 2020 Trans Am Series West Coast presented by Pirelli Championship schedule will be released at a later date.

Trans Am Championship by Pirelli 2020 Schedule
Feb. 29-Mar. 1   Sebring International Raceway, Sebring, Fl. (with SVRA)
March 28-29       Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, Braselton, Ga. (with SVRA)
May 1-3               WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, Monterey, Calif. (with SVRA)
May 22-25           Lime Rock Park, Salisbury, Conn. (TA2 is Saturday May 23) (with SVRA)
May 29-31           Detroit Grand Prix, Detroit, Mich. (TA2 only) (with Indy Car)
June 19-21           Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Speedway, Ind. (with SVRA)
June 26-28           Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, Lexington, Ohio (with SVRA)
July 10-12            Brainerd International Raceway, Brainerd, Minn.
Aug. 7-9               Road America, Elkhart Lake, Wis. (with NASCAR)
Sept. 11-13          Watkins Glen International, Watkins Glen, N.Y. (with SVRA)
Sept. 25-27          Virginia International Raceway, Danville, Virginia (with SVRA)
Nov. 6-8               Circuit of The Americas, Austin, Texas (with SVRA)

Erica Enders peaking at the right point as they approach the 34th annual AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals at Texas Motorplex

17 Oct 2019

Racing News

It’s every racer’s goal to be peaking at the right time when the Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship arrives and Erica Enders has been the perfect example of that during the 2019 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season. After an up-and-down regular season, things have come together well for the two-time Pro Stock champ, who is now the points leader heading to this weekend’s 34th annual AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals at Texas Motorplex.

Enders has been dominant during qualifying, racking up three straight No. 1 qualifiers in her Melling Performance/Elite Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro, and a victory in St. Louis has her thinking big. The Texas native knows what a win in Dallas would mean to open the second half of the six-race Countdown to the Championship, too, and Enders is ready to take full advantage.

“It’s really exciting,” said Enders, who has 24 career wins. “I would have never guessed we would be in this position with the start we had, so I’m very pleased with where we’re at. My goal going into Charlotte was to leave with the points lead and the second part of that goal is to never give it back. We’ll do our best to keep it. We’ll go to Dallas and it’s a track that’s been good to us in the past. Our goal is to leave with another cowboy hat and belt buckle.”

Steve Torrence (Top Fuel), Robert Hight (Funny Car), Tanner Gray (Pro Stock) and LE Tonglet (Pro Stock Motorcycle) were last year’s winners of the event that will be televised on FOX Sports 1 (FS1) in 2019, including live final eliminations coverage 2:00 p.m. (ET) on Sunday, Oct. 20. It is the fourth of six playoff races and the 16th of 18 races in the 2019 Pro Stock season. For Enders, everything is coming together at an ideal time.

She’s been to the final round at three of the past five races, picking up a win for the first time in more than a year at the playoff stop in St. Louis. Enders has also made the quickest qualifying run in three of the four sessions at each of the past two races, picking up valuable points that helped her take the lead in Charlotte. After advancing to the semifinals there, Enders is in front of Jason Line by 38 points and Elite Motorsports teammate Matt Hartford by 39. It’s a good position to be in, but Enders knows the work is far from over with three playoff races remaining.

“I think we just do what we do and don’t take our eyes off the goal,” said Enders, who won at Dallas in 2015. “We have to keep our heads down and capitalize on every point that we can, try to accumulate all the qualifying points we can and qualify in the top half again, and then just go rounds. I feel like my crew chiefs have confidence and as far as my mindset goes, we’re racing to win. We’re going out there and trying to do what we do best.”

Bo Butner, who is 67 points back, Charlotte winner Deric Kramer (88 points out of first) and Jeg Coughlin Jr. also pose threats in the loaded Pro Stock class heading to Dallas, but Enders remains locked in on what her team is doing. She praised the work and confidence of crew chiefs Rick Jones and Mark Ingersoll, creating a situation Enders believes is very similar to her championship seasons in 2014 and 2015. The key now is finishing the job like she did in those two years.

“This Countdown feels like 2014 and 2015 to me,” Enders said. “We’re back in championship form so it’s big to have that mindset where you don’t back off or don’t let your guard down. It’s all mental and that’s the most challenging aspect of all it. The biggest thing is stay positive, keep our focus and not let any distractions in. This is our championship to lose, but there’s a lot of racing left and a lot of heavy competition out there, so we’ll see what happens and do the best we can.”

Top Fuel points leader Torrence will look to make it back-to-back wins in Dallas and during the 2019 playoffs, as the Texan won Monday in Charlotte. Standing in his way are the likes of Doug Kalitta, 2017 world champ Brittany Force, Leah Pritchett and Antron Brown.

Hight is after a second straight win in Dallas and in the Countdown to the Championship after winning in Funny Car on Monday in Charlotte. He’ll look to keep his points lead against the likes of John Force, Jack Beckman, Ron Capps and defending world champ J.R. Todd.

Eddie Krawiec has three wins in the past six years in Pro Stock Motorcycle at the track, but he’s seeking his first win of 2019. He’ll try and get it against teammate and points leader Andrew Hines, as well as playoff winners Karen Stoffer and Jerry Savoie, and defending world champ Matt Smith.

The AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals will also feature thrilling competition in SAM Tech NHRA Factory Stock Showdown, which makes its final stop of 2019, as well as the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, which showcases the future stars of the sport. For the first time, the Summit Racing Equipment Mid-West Pro Mod Series (MWPMS) will stage an unprecedented 16-car, eighth-mile exhibition race presented by Atomizer Racing Injectors. This exciting field will compete throughout the weekend including a final round of eliminations on Sunday in front of the NHRA raceday crowd. After Nitro qualifying on Friday, fans can also watch the spectacular “Lone Star Lightning” Jet Dragster driven by Tammy Gatlin and “The War Dance” jet car driven by Ralph Snyder. Jet cars are thrust driven vehicles propelled by jet engines with exciting pre-run flame shows.

NHRA fans can take part in the Mello Yello Walking Tour to see the cars and teams hard at work in the pits. Fans can also attend Pro Stock Motorcycle School and Nitro School to learn how the cars operate and reach their thrilling speeds. Texas Motorplex will also host a Mello Yello autograph session and allow fans to meet their favorite drivers as well as the Sealmaster Track Walk hosted by NHRA announcer Joe Castello. Another can’t-miss experience is the winner’s circle celebration on Sunday after racing concludes. NHRA fans are invited to congratulate the winners of the event as they celebrate their victories.

As always, fans can interact with their favorite drivers as they’re granted an exclusive pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet. This unique opportunity gives fans direct access to the teams, allowing them to see firsthand the highly-skilled mechanics service their hot rods between rounds, and get autographs from their favorite NHRA drivers.

Fans also will want to visit NHRA’s popular Nitro Alley and Manufacturers Midway, where sponsors and race vendors create a carnival atmosphere, with interactive displays, simulated competitions, merchandise, food and fun for the entire family.

Mello Yello Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 2:45 and 6:45 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 18, and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, Oct. 19, at 12:15 and 3:45 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 11 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 20.

To purchase tickets, call 800-668-6775. Military and first responders can save 20% on adult single day tickets at NHRA.com/govx. Tickets also are available online at www.texasmotorplex.com. For more information about the NHRA visit www.NHRA.com.

Jimmie Johnson to Wear the Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope at Kansas

17 Oct 2019

Monster Energy Cup Series News

Seven-time NASCAR Champion Jimmie Johnson will highlight the Jimmie Johnson Foundation this weekend during the Hollywood Casino 400 NASCAR Cup Series race at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City. Johnson will wear the Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope, which honors five charities working to improve K-12 public education during the race. In addition to the Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope, a number of Cup competitors and Xfinity drivers will help raise awareness for the Foundation by sporting a specially designed TeamJJF strip on the visors of their respective helmets.

In support of the Foundation’s efforts, the No. 48 Ally Chevrolet will feature a special decal to recognize the Jimmie Johnson Foundation and Ally Fueling Futures. The “Ally Fueling Futures” program introduces teens to motorsports careers and money basics and debuted at Michigan International Speedway in August.

“It’s really exciting to be able to promote the Jimmie Johnson Foundation this weekend,” said Johnson. “Chandra (wife) and I are so grateful to Ally for allowing us to highlight the foundation, to Blue Bunny for sponsoring the Helmet of Hope program for the 8th time, and all of the drivers participating in the TeamJJF visor campaign. Thanks to the generosity of our partners and the NASCAR community, we are able to provide much needed financial support to some outstanding non-profits and schools through Foundation programs.”

The Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope program allows fans and consumers across the country to nominate and vote on not-for-profit (501c3) organizations that support K-12 public education. Each of the recipients was also awarded a $25,000 grant and a Blue Bunny Ice Cream party.

The 5 recipient charities are:

● Art With a Heart in Indianapolis

● High Mountain Youth Project in Ruidoso, New Mexico

● Immigrant Family Services Institute in Roslindale, Massachusetts

● Lakeshore Elementary School PTA in San Francisco

● Pilot Light in Chicago

At the conclusion of Sunday’s 400-mile race at Kansas, participating drivers will sign their TeamJJF branded visors. The signed visors will be available in an online auction to raise funds to support K-12 public education. Participating drivers include:

Cup Drivers:

Aric Almirola

Alex Bowman

Clint Bowyer

Chris Buescher

Kurt Busch

Kyle Busch

William Byron

Landon Cassill

Matt DiBenedetto

Chase Elliott

Erik Jones

Corey LaJoie

B.J. McLeod

Michael McDowell

Ryan Preece

David Ragan

Ricky Stenhouse Jr.

Daniel Suarez

Matt Tifft

Martin Truex Jr.

Bubba Wallace

Xfinity Drivers:

Christopher Bell
Chase Briscoe
Joey Gase
Gray Gaulding
B.J. McLeod
Vinnie Miller
Matt Mills
Garrett Smithley

Drivers Austin Dillon, Denny Hamlin, Joey Logano, and Ryan Newman will donate visors for the auction.

In addition to the Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope program, the Foundation operates the Champions Grant program, which provides cash grants to schools in the Johnson’s hometowns and where they currently live; and Team Up For Technology, a $48,000 technology makeover open to schools nationwide.

Auberlen Reflects on Tying Pruett for Most Wins in IMSA History

17 Oct 2019

Racing News

It isn’t like he planned it, but Bill Auberlen couldn’t have come up with a more dramatic way to launch his way atop the IMSA record book.

Auberlen scored career victory No. 60 Saturday night to tie Scott Pruett for the most in IMSA history. Driving the No. 96 Turner Motorsport BMW M6 GT3 for the final stint of the Motul Petit Le Mans at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, Auberlen was running second in GT Daytona (GTD) and hounding class leader Felipe Fraga in the No. 33 Riley Motorsports-Team AMG Mercedes-AMG GT3.

Precious time was ticking away in the final minutes of the 10-hour endurance race to close the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season, but Auberlen couldn’t get past Fraga. Suddenly, on the final lap, the No. 33 went off course in the esses section as it ran out of fuel. Auberlen roared past and into the lead.

Shortly after, the charismatic Californian who was celebrating his 51st birthday took the checkered flag to move into the tie for most career wins. And the man who got there first couldn’t be any happier.

“Records are meant to be broken and that’s what everybody strives for,” said Pruett, who retired last year after 50 years in racing dating to his karting days. “That’s what I strived for, that’s what he’s striving for, and the guys below him. It’s exciting. When you can be in rare air like we are, with that many wins … it’s exciting.

“I wish him all the best,” Pruett added, “because he’s going to set the mark even higher for the next guy to go after.”

Auberlen’s illustrious IMSA career began in 1987. Along the way, he has captured championships in GTS-3, World Challenge TC and GT classes, along with a pair of wins in the Rolex 24 At Daytona. His victory Saturday marked his fourth in the Motul Petit Le Mans.

“I’ve won this race four times now and it only gets better and better,” he said. “This is (track founder) Don Panoz’s legacy here. To see where it’s gone to and how the fans love this place, it’s unbelievable.

“To do it on your birthday when you’re 51 … you keep fighting as hard as you can and if you can still do it, it’s great fun. I’m so glad BMW still sees I can get it done. And to tie 60 wins with Scott Pruett, it just shows how great of a career BMW has allowed me to have, winning in these BMWs day in and day out. Now to be tied with the most wins in America, basically.”

He’s far from finished, but Auberlen took a minute after the win with co-drivers Robby Foley and Dillon Machavern to reflect on the legacy that he’s already built.

“When you look back and you get to see how many unique wins there have been, and when I look at my trophy case and I get to add this to it, and I look back, all it is is a bunch of great memories that I’ll never forget like when I team up with these guys and all the fun we have. And all the joy it brings from the camaraderie.

“Every single weekend you go to battle with a group of guys who would die for you and you would die for them, basically. You come with everything you have, and to get to do that with BMW for 23 years now, its’ been a great road that I wouldn’t trade for anything.“

Larsen Motorsports Announces Developmental Driver

17 Oct 2019

Racing News

Larsen Motorsports is proud to announce Zach Costello as their newest developmental driver. Zach is an alumni of Florida Tech and holds a bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering. During his 3rd year of college, Florida Tech announced a partnership with Larsen Motorsports at an event on campus where they unveiled the Florida Tech Jet Dragster.

With the combination of aerospace engines in a racing application, Zach couldn’t help but spend the entire time talking with the team of LMS. He was determined to be a part of their operation.

Zach became a crew chief for LMS in 2017 and currently leads the Florida Tech Jet Racing Team driven by Elaine Larsen. You can follow Zach on his journey from Crew Chief to the Driver's Seat on the Larsen Motorsports YouTube Channel!

Eddie Krawiec ready for the 34th annual AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals at Texas Motorplex

17 Oct 2019

Racing News

A solid, consistent 2019 Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season has Eddie Krawiec in contention for another world championship. But the three-time Pro Stock Motorcycle world champ knows he has to be great the rest of the way for that to happen, including at this weekend’s 34th annual AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals at Texas Motorplex.

The key race comes as the fourth of six in the Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship, and Krawiec is trying to track down longtime teammate Andrew Hines, who has a remarkable eight wins this year. Krawiec is still searching for his first of 2019 on his Screamin’ Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson, but history is on his side in Dallas. The veteran standout has a class-best three wins at the facility, including back-to-back victories in 2016 and 2017, which means this might be the weekend where everything comes together for Krawiec.

“Luck just hasn’t rolled my way in certain situations, but with that being said, I think it’s shown that consistency is key,” Krawiec said. “I’m sitting third in points consistently going rounds, putting myself in good situations. Truthfully, I think these last three are make-or-break weekends, especially Dallas. If I can go to Dallas and win, it puts me right in contention to win a championship. But I don’t think I’m in a bad position going into Dallas.”

Steve Torrence (Top Fuel), Robert Hight (Funny Car), Tanner Gray (Pro Stock) and LE Tonglet (Pro Stock Motorcycle) were last year’s winners of the event that will be televised on FOX Sports 1 (FS1) in 2019, including live final eliminations coverage 2:00 p.m. (ET) on Sunday, Oct. 20. It is the fourth of six playoff races and the 14th of 16 events during the 2019 Pro Stock Motorcycle season.

It’s been a confounding year for Krawiec in terms of wins, especially as Hines has dominated the winner’s circle in 2019. But Krawiec isn’t frustrated, remaining happy with a consistent season that includes four semifinal appearances and four final rounds. He knows he’ll have to raise his performance over the final three races to make up the 115-point gap between himself and Hines, but the normally relaxed rider has a way of elevating his game when the situation calls for it.

“I like having the pressure on me and I would rather race with pressure,” Krawiec said. “You know what you have to do. You go to win and you have to make it happen, and that’s it. In the past, I’ve been able to pull through in those pressure situations. But this time of year, the pressure is on everybody. I enjoy it and I like being in that situation and it’s something that comes with experience. I’m a relaxed racer and I try to not let emotion bother my routine, no matter the round or situation.”

Krawiec, who has 47 career wins, isn’t in a win-or-else mindset, either. He knows three more final round appearances might do the trick if Hines happens to go out early down the stretch. Krawiec will gladly ride a series of consistent performances into a fourth world title, but it won’t be easy in a class that Krawiec estimates is better than ever. Karen Stoffer, who won in St. Louis, trails Hines by 57 points, while the likes of Jerry Savoie, Hector Arana Jr. and defending world champ Matt Smith sit right behind Krawiec heading into the weekend. Luckily for Krawiec, racing in Dallas always seems to bring out the best in him.

“There’s just certain races you go to where things click, and Dallas is one of them,” Krawiec said. “It’s about being consistent and it’s about being on your game. Right now, if you’re not on your game there’s a lot of people who can disrupt your weekend. I’d obviously love to get a win, but I’d rather win a championship and not get the win. I’ve done it before, so why not do it again.”