Speedway Digest Staff - Results from #40

Garcia Faces First Superspeedway Experience at Talladega

Thursday, Sep 28

Time for Another First … Another new experience is on tap for Jake Garcia this weekend as he is set to experience his first superspeedway start at Talladega Superspeedway. The driver of the No. 35 Quanta Services Chevrolet Silverado RST has made 14 track debuts in his 19 starts this season but has yet to tackle the test of the world’s largest superspeedway. Garcia has been a quick study in his first appearances and tracks this season and has posted six top-10’s in those 14 races.

Model of Consistency … Over Garcia’s 19 starts in the first 20 races of his rookie season, the 19-year-old has become a model of consistency. Over the last five events, Garcia has finished 13th or better in each race, and has four results of 11th or better. That stretch was jump-started with a career high fourth-place run at Richmond Raceway. Garcia has been a threat in qualifying each week also, by starting inside the top-10 in four of the last six races. While Garcia didn’t compete at Daytona International Speedway in February due to age restrictions, the No. 35 team led by crew chief Mark Hillman showed the muscle of MHR’s superspeedway program by finishing 10th with Chase Elliott.

Season to Date … Garcia has put up strong numbers through 19 starts this season and sits second in the Rookie of the Year standings. He has notched two top-five’s and eight top-10’s with an average finish of 13.8. Garcia sits 13th in the standings, just 10 points out of 12th and 30 markers out of 11th.

Tune In … Coverage from Talladega begins on FOX Sports 2 at 9:30 a.m. ET on Saturday with pole qualifying. FOX Sports 1 takes over coverage beginning with NASCAR Raceday at 12:00 p.m. ET followed by the green flag at 1:00 p.m. ET. Stay connected with the No. 35 Quanta Services team by following @BMR_NASCAR on Twitter, @bmrnascar on Instagram, and Bill McAnally Racing on Facebook.

Jake Garcia Quote:

On making his first superspeedway start:

“It’ll be a big learning experience this weekend, that’s for sure. Superspeedway racing is so much different than anything else we do on the schedule, so I think just getting comfortable in the draft the first couple stages will be important, and we can try to position ourselves as the races goes on. We’ll have to manage the risk with our Quanta Services Chevrolet to be around at the end. We’d like to finish as high as possible in points, so hopefully we can have a smooth day and gain some ground on 11th.”

HRE PR

NASCAR Cup Series News

DEX Imaging Team Looking Forward to Talladega

Thursday, Sep 28

Harrison Burton and the No. 21 DEX Imaging team are headed to Talladega Speedway, one of their best tracks and one of the best for Ford Motor Company.

At Talladega in April, Burton led 11 laps, and he led 14 this season at Talladega’s sister track, Daytona International Speedway. Ford has long been strong at Talladega, with 10 wins in the past 16 races, and nine in the fall race since NASCAR adopted the Playoff format. And the Wood Brothers have five wins on the giant, 2.66-mile track.

Crew chief Jeremy Bullins said he’s optimistic as he and the DEX Imaging crew prepare for Sunday’s YellaWood500.

“I’m really looking forward to taking our Wood Brothers Ford Mustang to Talladega, a track where all the Fords have been competitive over the years,” Bullins said. “Roush Yates Engines puts a lot of work into continued improvements and finding more power.”

But Bullins knows that despite all the preparation that goes into a Talladega or Daytona weekend and the strategy decisions made once the green flag flies, a key factor is avoiding the “Big One” multi-car crashes that often occur in the tight racing at those tracks.

“We all go into the speedway races knowing there could be some big wrecks and things beyond our control,” he said. “But we will focus on the things we can control and try to be there at the end.

“Anyone can win this week, and we will try to be in the right spot at the right time.”

Per NASCAR policy, there will be no practice at Talladega. Qualifying is set for 3:30 p.m. Central Time (4:30 Eastern) on Saturday.

Sunday’s 188-lap race is scheduled to get the green flag just after 1 p.m. (2 p.m. Eastern Time) with Stage breaks planned for Laps 60 and 120.

NBC will carry the broadcast of the race, while USA Network will cover qualifying.

WBR PR

NASCAR Cup Series News

LEGACY MOTOR CLUB Race Preview: Talladega Superspeedway

Thursday, Sep 28

Race Information

Round: NASCAR Cup Series Race No. 31 of 36 (Playoffs Round of 12)

Track Location: Talladega Superspeedway - Talladega, Alabama

Race Name: YellaWood 500

Broadcast: Sunday, October 1st at 2:00 PM ET live on NBC (TV), MRN (Radio), and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90

Team Entrants:

No. 42 | Carson Hocevar & Luke Lambert - Sunseeker Resort Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
No. 43 | Erik Jones & Dave Elenz - Allegiant Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

Carson Hocevar, No. 42 Sunseeker Resort Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

Talladega Superspeedway Stats

-Carson Hocevar will make his first NASCAR Cup Series start at Talladega on Sunday

-NCTS: Starts: 2; Best Start: 3rd (2022); Best Finish: 25th (2021); Laps Led: 12

2023 NASCAR Cup Series Season Stats

-Starts: 5; Best Start: 15th (Darlington, Fall); Best Finish: 11th (Bristol); No. 42 Owners Points: 32nd

2023 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Season Stats

-Starts: 20; Wins: 3 (Texas, Nashville, Richmond); Best Start: 2nd (North Wilkesboro & Bristol); Top-5s: 10; Top-10s: 12; Laps led: 255; Current Points Position: 3rd (+18 to the cutline)

About Sunseeker Resort: Opening in 2023, Florida’s newest luxury resort located in Charlotte Harbor is the first resort property of Sunseeker Resorts, a wholly owned subsidiary of Allegiant Travel Company. Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor occupies over 22 waterfront acres with 785 guest rooms, including 189 Signature Sunsuites™. Set upon the Peace River and Florida Gulf Coast, this premier resort offers 20 original food and beverage concepts; including seven stand-alone restaurants, eleven bars and lounges, two poolside offerings and a 25,000-square-foot multi-dining experience. Additional hotel amenities include a waterfront promenade, two unique rooftop and waterfront pool experiences, 60,000-square-feet of combined convention space, full-service spa and salon, a 7,100-square-foot state-of-the-art fitness center with four group exercise studios with specialty instructor lead classes, three retail and market shops, and an 18-hole championship level golf club exclusive to hotel guests only. The resort is conveniently located within a short drive of Punta Gorda, Fort Myers, Sarasota, St. Petersburg-Clearwater, and Tampa airports. For more information, visit www.sunseekerresorts.com. Follow us on Instagram: @sunseekerresorts and like us on Facebook: @sunseekerresorts.

Texas Recap: Carson Hocevar made his first NASCAR Cup Series start at Texas Motor Speedway last weekend, behind the wheel of the No. 42 Chevrolet. Hocevar had a relatively quiet, but solid outing in the sweltering Fort Worth heat, starting from the 19th position. As the race progressed, he hovered around the top-15, keeping thecar intact and picking up his pace as the race wore on. Late in the going, his Sunseeker Resort Camaro ZL1 made some contact with the outside wall exiting turn four, which resulted in a damaged toe link. Not to be deterred by the setback, the crew repaired the car and sent Hocevarback on his way, where he would rebound and lead the team to the finish in 16th place.

Keep the Momentum Going: In his four Cup Series starts for LEGACY MOTOR CLUB, Hocevar has kept a streak of top-20 finishes alive. The 20-year-old from Portage, Michigan has adaptedto the Next Gen car well withminimal experience . The No. 42 team has finished every lap except for one and has gained ground on the No. 21 in owner's points, now only 33 markers back.

Superspeedway Statistics: In seven restrictor plate starts in the Truck Series at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Daytona International Speedway, and Talladega Superspeedway, Hocevar has one top-five and two top-10 finishes. He has led 12 laps in competition at Talladega but was caught up in crashes in both starts. He'll make his first superspeedway start in a Cup Series car on Sunday.

Double Duty: Hocevar will run in both NASCAR national series races this weekend as the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series makes its annual stop at Talladega. Following a fourth-place finish at Bristol Motor Speedway, Carson's No. 42 Niece Motorsports team has an 18-point cushion to the cutoff point. With only two races left in the Round of 8, the stakes are as high as ever and Talladega will be sure to produce a thrilling event.

Breast Cancer Awareness: As we enter the month of October, LEGACY MOTOR CLUB will carry on a team tradition at Talladega Superspeedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Homestead-Miami Speedway, and Martinsville Speedway. Both LEGACY MOTOR CLUB cars will carry pink ribbons onboard to honor crew members and family and that have been affected by breast cancer.

Paint the Pit Wall Pink: On Tuesday, Hocevar, Erik Jones, along with other Cup and Xfinity Series competitors joined over 50 breast cancer survivors at Charlotte Motor Speedway for the annual "Paint the Pit Wall Pink" event. This event is in its 11th year, and was a meaningful day to drivers and fans who have been affected by the disease. Read more about the event here.

Lambert at Talladega: Luke Lambert has competed in 20 NASCAR Cup Series races at Talladega Superspeedway. Lambert's Cup drivers have finished inside the top-10 eight times, including two runner-up finishes with Jeff Burton in the fall race of 2011 and Ryan Newman in the fall race of 2017. His cars have led a total of 77 laps on Sundays. In three Xfinity Series races, Lambert's drivers have finished inside the top-10 every time, including one race win that came last year and one pole from back in 2012.

Quoting Carson Hocevar: This week sees your first ever Cup Series race at a super speedway type track, so how different are you expecting the racing to play out and will you be able to learn in the Truck Series race?

"I am actually really looking forward to running my first super speedway race in the Cup Series this weekend. The results might not show it, but I've had a blast racing at Talladega in the Truck Series. We've just had some unfortunate luck that's kept us from finishing well. From everybody that I've talked to that's driven both, I'm anticipating a bit of a different race to play out on Sunday. The Cup guys are so good at managing their cars and taking care of one another out there, that I don't really feel all that much pressure not to put a foot wrong. Saturday will be a different feeling for sure, we've only got an 18 point gap to the cutoff line, and the Truck Series drivers always race aggressive. I feel like I can still learn and take some notes heading into Sunday, but there's definitely going to be a different mindset. The LEGACY M.C. cars are always super fast at these tracks, and Erik's been close to winning on a few occasions, so I think if we can play our cards right, we'll definitely have a shot at it. I can't wait to try it out."

Erik Jones, No. 43 Allegiant Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

Talladega Superspeedway Stats

-NCS Starts: 13; Best start: 6th (Spring, 2018) Best finish: 3rd (Fall, 2020); Top-5s: 2; Top-10s: 7; Laps Led: 76

-NXS Starts: 3; Best start: 4th (2015 & 2016); Best finish: 5th (2017); Top-5s: 1; Top-10s: 6; Laps Led: 5

-NCTS Starts: 2; Best start: 3rd (2015); Best finish: 4th (2015); Top-5s: 1; Top-10s: 2; Laps Led: 7;

2023 NASCAR Cup Series Season Stats

Starts: 30; Best start: 8th (COTA) ; Best finish: 3rd (Kansas); Top-5s: 1; Top-10s: 6; Laps led: 20; Points position: 26th

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Texas in the Rearview: Erik Jones and the "Dallas vs. Everybody" team had a strong start to the race, with Jones qualifying in 12th position. Jones swiftly advanced through the field, leading for three laps and securing a second-place finish in stage two. He consistently maintained a substantial gap over the third-place driver until a caution prompted a portion of the field to make pit stops. After a four-tire stop, Jones restarted 15th with less than 20 laps remaining. Unfortunately, his shot at a win slipped away as he was involved in a crash on lap 255, ending his day. Jones was credited with a 30th place finish as his car was towed into the garage.

Through the Chaos: Earlier in the year, Jones faced overtime uncertainty as he restarted in 15th place with just two laps remaining. With “The Big One” unfolding right in front of the No. 43, Jones made a swift move to the apron to dodge the wreckage, gaining valuable positions as the caution flag waved. Ultimately, he finished the day just one position short of a top-five finish, marking his highest finish of the season at that point.

Super Speedway Status: Erik Jones boasts an impressive record across 60 Cup Series starts on tracks exceeding two miles. This includes 12 top-five finishes, 25 top-10 finishes, and a visit to Victory Lane at Daytona in 2018. Jones has also led 231 laps at super speedways, with three laps led in his most recent attempt at Talladega in the spring. His average finish on these tracks stands at 17.4, while his average starting position is 17.5. Notably, in his last three outings at Talladega, Jones has achieved a streak of three consecutive sixth place finishes.

Big Numbers: Over the course of his last seven races at Talladega, Erik Jones boasts an impressive average finish of 8.7. His performance has been remarkably consistent, with only one finish falling outside of the top-10 when he was involved in a wreck on the final lap during the spring of 2021. Across these seven races, Jones has showcased his ability to run up front, having led laps in five of the starts, tallying an impressive total of 71 laps led during this stretch.

Dave In ‘Dega: During his time with JR Motorsports, crew chief Dave Elenz coached five drivers to nine starts. In those nine starts, Elenz’s drivers have earned an average starting position of 8.6 with one top-five, and five top-10 finishes, leading for a total of 65 laps. In his three Cup Series starts, Elenz and Erik Jones have earned three sixth-place finishes at the 2.66-mile asphalt tri-oval, totaling 51 laps led.

Paint it Pink: On Tuesday, it was announced that Kurt Busch had “passed the torch” to Erik Jones as the Erik Jones Foundation (EJF) will work in partnership with Kurt Busch’s Windows of Hope program for a third season. Jones' foundation will support its efforts in the area of "cancer prevention and early detection and care". Every driver in the field for the race at CMS will run a uniquely colored pink window net to signify breast cancer awareness, which will then be autographed and put up for auction through the EJF, which will receive the proceeds to then be donated to multiple beneficiaries to support early cancer detection. The auction for the signed pink window nets will open on October 9th and close on October 16th.

Erik Jones on his partnership with Kurt: “It’s been so great that Kurt (Busch) would let us take this program over, and a huge thanks to him. It’s been a program that I have had a lot of fun watching and participating in over the last few years and it’s really a huge day for The Erik Jones Foundation. We have worked a lot on the cancer side of things with Melanoma, and early detection, but we haven’t been able to do anything with breast cancer which for us is close to the heart with my mom going through it. So, to have a program that has continued to round the foundation out is really important, it has been a big goal of ours to continue to grow these pillars and each side of the foundation, but just really excited to see the window nets on the car and be able to have a program in the Cup Series like that. You see the other guys and what they do, so to have a program of our own with the foundation is super special.”

Quoting Erik Jones: “Talladega has been good to us for the last couple of years. I think with the NextGen car, we have had a ton of speed in the No. 43. I am hoping we can put it all together and have one go our way. We have been in contention to win a handful of them in the last few years, and we just need one to play out the right way for us to have a shot in the end. I am looking forward to getting out there and hopefully getting a win with the No. 43 team.”

LMC PR

Racing News

Triple-threat match: Three drivers in four points in EuroNASCAR 2

Thursday, Sep 28

The NASCAR Whelen Euro Series will head to Circuit Zolder in Belgium on October 14-15 for the 2023 EuroNASCAR Finals. For the sixth time in NWES history, champions will be crowned at the track in the woods of Limburg and the EuroNASCAR 2 championship promises to be a thrilling triple-threat match for the overall win with three drivers from three different countries and three different teams separated by just four points. Academy / Alex Caffi Motorsport's Vladimiros Tziortzis from Cyprus leads CAAL Racing's Albeto Naska from Italy by three points while RDV Competition's Paul Jouffreau from France follows in third place, just four points behind the championship leader. After the NASCAR GP Germany at Oschersleben, all drivers dropped their two worst results of the regular season.

Tziortzis won five races to open the season and seemed to dominate the EuroNASCAR 2 season, but the unpredictability of the championship struck again when the Cypriot had technical problems at Autodrom Most and Motorsport Arena Oschersleben. This gave his pursuers a chance to close the gap before the EuroNASCAR Finals, where double points will be at stake. The driver of the #5 EuroNASCAR FJ will have to find the strength of the first half of the season if he wants to win his maiden EuroNASCAR 2 championship, but it will not be an easy journey as his rivals are ready to knock him off his throne.

Having lost the championship battle to Liam Hezemans in the final race of the season in 2022 Naska knows the importance of the double-point races. In his new role as the top chaser, the CAAL Racing driver will do everything he can to overtake Tziortzis and win his first international auto racing championship. Jouffreau made incredible progress over the course of the season and the Frenchman has reached a whole new level since expanding his effort to the EuroNASCAR PRO. As a result, the youngster will play an important role in the battle for victory in the most unpredictable championship in the world of EuroNASCAR.

A maximum of 168 points are up for grabs at Circuit Zolder and the top 14 drivers are separated by just 98 points. Dark horses like “Mr. Consistency” Gil Linster, Patrick Schober or 2021 EuroNASCAR 2 Champion Martin Doubek could get back into the mix with a strong result on Saturday, but all of them have to hope for tough races for the top-3 drivers in EuroNASCAR 2. Schober scored his first NASCAR win at the Motorsport Arena Oschersleben and is looking to keep the momentum going with Double V Racing. Other drivers such as Claudio Cappelli and Thomas Dombrowski, the leaders of Legend Trophy and Rookie Trophy, should not be left off the list of title contenders as they are only within 60 points from Tziortzis.

The NASCAR Whelen Euro Series returns to the Circuit Zolder on October 14-15. The decision in the battle for the 2023 championship will be broadcast live on EuroNASCAR's YouTube channel, Motorsport.tv and multiple television services around the world. The two EuroNASCAR 2 races promise plenty of action in front of tens of thousands of fans at one of Europe's most legendary tracks.

NWES PR

NASCAR Cup Series News

NASCAR All-Star Race Returns to North Wilkesboro Speedway in 2024

Thursday, Sep 28

NASCAR and Speedway Motorsports announced today that the 40th running of the NASCAR All-Star Race will take place at historic North Wilkesboro Speedway as part of a three-day weekend of motorsports entertainment on May 17-19, 2024.

The announcement was made in front of the North Carolina Legislative Building in Raleigh as NASCAR President Steve Phelps joined Speedway Motorsports President and CEO Marcus Smith for an economic development “special delivery.” Phelps and Smith arrived in a NASCAR All-Star Race Chevrolet Camaro pace car and a classic 1940 Ford from Wilkes County to share the good news. Senate Majority Leader Paul Newton (R-Cabarrus) and House Speaker Tim Moore (R-Cleveland) along with Wilkes County officials including Rep. Jeffrey Elmore and Sen. Eddie Settle were on hand at the legislative building, which houses both the North Carolina Senate and House of Representatives. Smith presented the legislature with the 2023 victory lane backdrop sign autographed by 2023 All-Star Race winner Kyle Larson.

“We are very grateful that NASCAR and FOX Sports have supported our efforts to bring the NASCAR All-Star Race back to North Wilkesboro in 2024,” said Speedway Motorsports President and CEO Marcus Smith. “While NASCAR’s current 75th anniversary season still has some memorable moments to come, it’s hard to imagine a more magical moment than what we witnessed with NASCAR’s return to North Wilkesboro Speedway this past May. The success of the 2023 All-Star Race with fans coming from all 50 states and seven foreign countries would not have been possible without the support of the NASCAR industry, our state legislature, Gov. Roy Cooper and the Wilkes County community. We’re thankful to have the opportunity to bring back an international spotlight for the second consecutive year to North Wilkesboro and the great state of North Carolina.”

North Wilkesboro, then a dirt track, hosted its first race in May of 1947 and its first NASCAR race in 1949. Over the next five decades, the 0.625-mile circuit hosted 93 NASCAR Cup Series races. The track’s list of winners is a variable who’s who of NASCAR royalty, including Richard Petty, Darrell Waltrip, Dale Earnhardt, Cale Yarborough and hometown hero Benny Parsons. This past May, in the first Cup Series event at North Wilkesboro Speedway since 1996, Kyle Larson captured the $1 million prize and the coveted NASCAR All-Star Race trophy.

“As part of NASCAR’s 75th anniversary, the return to racing at North Wilkesboro Speedway was one of the indelible moments of the 2023 season,” said Ben Kennedy, Senior Vice President, Racing Development and Strategy. “We look forward to bringing the NASCAR All-Star Race with the NASCAR Cup Series, along with the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, back to North Wilkesboro next season to create new generational memories at this historic venue."

In November of 2021, an $18 million allocation from federal American Rescue Plan funds was designated for infrastructure improvements at North Wilkesboro Speedway through the North Carolina state budget. The General Assembly also approved a $4 million economic grant in the 2024 budget toward support of hosting a national motorsports event such as the NASCAR All-Star Race. To date, renovations at North Wilkesboro Speedway have included infield paving; new pit road and outside retaining walls; new wheel fencing and SAFER barrier; suite, hospitality, media center, bathroom and driver’s lounge upgrades; plus new LED track lighting, sound system and internet. Before the 2024 NASCAR All-Star Race weekend, the 0.625-mile track will be repaved for the first time since 1981.

Complete schedules for on-track competition, fan entertainment and broadcast information will be announced at a later date, as will the 2024 NASCAR All-Star Race format.

TICKETS:
Tickets to the 2024 NASCAR All-Star Race will be sold as part of a three-day weekend package starting at $229, which will include all practice sessions, qualifying, the NASCAR Pit Crew Challenge presented by Mechanix Wear and the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race. Five-day race week packages including the CARS Tour events will start at $259. 2023 All-Star Race weekend ticket buyers will receive a pre-sale opportunity to purchase next year’s events, camping and parking by email during the next week. Remaining weekend ticket packages, camping, parking and CARS Tour tickets will go on sale to the general public at 10 a.m., Oct. 5, 2023, at www.NorthWilkesboroSpeedway.com.

FOLLOW ALONG:
For the latest news, schedules and ticket information, visit www.NorthWilkesboroSpeedway.com. Fans can also follow North Wilkesboro Speedway on X, Instagram and Facebook.

NWS PR

Racing News

Wednesday’s BC39 Opener Rained Out, USAC Midgets Resume Thursday at IMS

Wednesday, Sep 27

Wednesday night’s Driven2SaveLives BC39 opening night program at The Dirt Track at Indianapolis Motor Speedway has been canceled due to rain.

Wednesday’s program was to feature two sessions of USAC NOS Energy Drink Midget National Championship practice followed by the Stoops Pursuit 25-lap race. USAC and IMS are working to determine if there is a suitable option to run the Stoops Pursuit this weekend.

The BC39 will resume on Thursday night, September 28 at IMS with the first of two preliminary night events featuring a split field with one half of the field competing on Thursday and the other half competing on Friday.

Thursday’s event will have a bit of an earlier start than initially scheduled. The front gates will open at 4pm Eastern followed practice at 5pm. The regularly scheduled program will begin with hot laps at 6pm and finish off with the first full night of racing action, consisting of heat races, qualifiers and the main events, concluding with a $5,000-to-win, 30-lap feature.

The racing program on Friday, September 29, will resemble much the same as Thursday’s event with hot laps followed by heat races, qualifiers and the main events, concluding with a $5,000-to-win, 30-lap feature.

The BC39 finale, on Saturday, September 30, will have the public gates opening at 4pm with a driver meet and greet scheduled for 4pm in the midway and a public driver’s meeting at the USAC merchandise trailer at 4:45pm. Cars hit the track for practice at 6pm, followed by opening ceremonies at 7pm and the main events, starting with the D-Main, multiple C-Mains, Semi-Feature and the 39-lap Feature event paying $20,039-to-win.

For any questions regarding BC39 tickets, please contact the Indianapolis Motor Speedway ticket office at 317-492-6700 and they will assist you with ticketing options.

USAC PR

Speedway News

Penultimate Round of Western Midget Racing Championship Invades Mohave Valley

Wednesday, Sep 27

Mohave Valley Raceway in Arizona will host Western Midget Racing for the second time in 2023 on Saturday night, serving as the penultimate round of the tight championship title duel between Oakley’s Bryant Bell and Santa Cruz’s Logan Mitchell.

IMCA Modifieds, Street Stocks, and Dwarf Cars will also be competing this weekend. Pit gates open at 3pm while Grandstand gates open at 6pm, with racing at 7pm. General admission tickets are available at the gate by cash only. Adults are $15, Seniors 60 and over and Military are admitted for $12, kids 6-12 are $8, and kids five and under are free!

Bell has scored four victories in the No. 09 Spike Chassis for Toyota Walnut Creek and car owner Tony Boscacci. Bell’s most recent win in the series came on Friday night August 11 at Ocean Speedway. His championship lead is just eight points, representing only four positions on the race track. He has an average finish of a little better than fourth place in 12 feature main event starts this season.

Bell will be making his first Mohave Valley Raceway start while Mitchell was part of the series’ debut there in March. Mitchell has yet to see victory lane in the No. 96x Boss Chassis for Price Rite Restaurant Equipment and Mayer Iron, with an average finish of fifth in 13 starts. Mitchell has podiumed four times this season including three runner-up finishes across Ocean Speedway and Petaluma Speedway. He recently finished fourth in the series’ debut at Bakersfield Speedway.

2022 series champion Blake Bower of Brentwood is third in the championship with four wins as well. Darin Horton of Linley, New York has driven the SigalSport Spike into fourth in the championship followed by Lodi’s Nate Wait. Livermore’s Greg Dennett is sixth in the points.

Surprise, Arizona’s Drake Edwards aims for his third consecutive WMR win this weekend after grabbing Marysville on August 12 and Bakersfield on September 9. Edwards prevailed at Mohave in March without points on the line and has since added five points-paying victories during a strong season for the driver of the No. 4 for Avanti Windows and Doors.

Adrianna DeMartini of Brentwood, Kyle Hawse of Las Vegas, and Anthony Bruno of San Jose round out the top-ten in the standings.

Following Mohave Valley, the 2023 Western Midget Racing championship will be decided on October 21 at Ventura Raceway.

For more information visit www.WesternMidgetRacing.com

2023 WMR Schedule – Subject to Change

2.4 Adobe Mountain Speedway NON POINTS – Winner: Dustin Cormany

3.18 Mohave Valley Raceway NON POINTS – Winner: Drake Edwards

3.31 Ocean Speedway - RAIN

4.1 Antioch Speedway - RAIN

4.29 Ventura Raceway – Winner: Bryant Bell

5.12 Ocean Speedway – Winner: Blake Bower

5.13 Petaluma Speedway – Winner: Bryant Bell

6.9 Ocean Speedway – Winner: Blake Bower

6.10 Petaluma Speedway – Winner: Bryant Bell

6.17 Ventura Raceway *Wagsdash* Winner: Drake Edwards

7.14 Ocean Speedway *Howard Kaeding Classic* Winner: Drake Edwards

7.15 Ocean Speedway *Howard Kaeding Classic* Winner: Blake Bower

7.28 Ocean Speedway Winner: Blake Bower

7.29 Antioch Speedway Winner: Drake Edwards

8.11 Ocean Speedway Winner: Bryant Bell

8.12 Marysville Raceway Winner: Drake Edwards

9.9 Bakersfield Speedway Winner: Drake Edwards

9.30 Mohave Valley Raceway

10.21 Ventura Raceway

WMR PR

Speedway News

Thunder on the Hill Salutes & Applaudes the Acomplishments of Glenn & Bonita Hyneman, 35th Thunder on the Hill Racing Series Season in the Planning for 2024

Wednesday, Sep 27

The words iconic and legendary say it all when I reflect on the history of Glenn and Bonita Hyneman and the 126 Racing Team.

I’m fortunate, that my time in racing offered me the opportunity to watch all the years of the 126 movement. As a race official in some capacity, and at different tracks in the area, I have personally seen the impact this team had on local racing. Glenn and Boneita always pushed the envelope to be a better team always in the chase of a win, and in turn, they elevated their competitors both on the track and in the pits. It goes without saying, they made race tracks, organizations and officials step up their game as well.

I could recall many stories between Team 126 and myself over the years, but I will hold those thoughts for another day.

Instead, we extend our sincere appreciation to this team for their support and commitment over the many, many years. Local racing is better today thanks to the participation of Glenn and Bonita Hyneman, and I feel that I am better at what I do in racing thanks to Glenn. It’s hard to imagine walking the pits on race night and not seeing the familiar #126 and the team actively preparing the car for action. I’ll miss those off the record comments exchanged between Glenn and I as well as the joyous hugs from Bonita after a good run or a visit to victory lane.

Glenn, Bonita and the 126 Team have been a staple at Thunder on the Hill. They are the only car owners that have won both a modified and 410 sprint car Thunder on the Hill Title as well as feature wins in both classes. As car owners, Glenn and Boneita were Thunder on the Hill winners in more then thirty of the thirty-four year run of Thunder on the Hill. Again, we say thank you and this legacy will live on forever.

Since that first Thunder on the Hill event at Grandview Speedway in August of 1990, when Steve Smith took the inaugural win, one-hundred and fifty-two Thunder events were presented distributing in excess of 5.6 million dollars.

Looking to 2024, Tuesday night, June 11 the Jesse Hockett Classic will return with Thunder on the Hill once again hosting the opening event of the USAC Non-wing Sprint National Tour. This popular double-header will find the NASCAR Modifieds sharing the program with race time set for 7:30 PM.

Always a popular event, Tuesday night, July 2 will host the Hodnett Cup, the $10,000 to win Pennsylvania 410 Sprint Speed Week Series event as it returns to Grandview Speedway. The NASCAR Modifieds will once again be on this race card. Rico will be looking for the “hat trick” in 2024.

Although the date is not confirmed as yet, we did get the nod that the High Limit 410 Sprints will also be back on the Hill in 2024. Rico Abreu won the first ever High Limit Sprint event in the Northeast at Grandview on July 26 and in addition, won the 2022 Thunder on the Hill Speed Week event.

Also returning in 2024 is the Balls to the Wall 50 for Modifieds and the 602 Sportsman will also be on the program with both divisions taking part in the unique Invert Race format. The date for this event will be confirmed shortly.

Check out our website and visit Facebook to stay up to date on all coming Thunder on the Hill Racing Series news.

We extend our appreciation to the many sponsors who helped present this popular series. We salute our long time Series Sponsor NAPA Auto Parts as well as Associate Sponsors Levan Machine & Truck Equipment, HVAC Distributors, Pioneer Pole Buildings, Rich Mar Florist and GT Radiator Repairs. We’re looking to their return in 2024.

Grandview Speedway Contact Information Track Phone: 610-754-7688

GPS USERS: 43 Passmore Road, Bechtelsville, PA 19505

Located less than a mile off Route 100, 10 miles north of Pottstown, PA

Thunder on the Hill Racing Series Phone: 443-513-4456

Series Website: http://www.thunderonthehillracingseries.com

Track Website: http://www.grandviewspeedway.com

Twitter/Instagram: @TOTHRACING

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

Grandview Speedway PR

Racing News

Fourth-Place Finish for Ranger in Season Finale; Camirand, Second in the Championships, Suffers Engine Failure

Wednesday, Sep 27

Paillé Course//Racing finished its 2023 NASCAR Pinty’s series season with another top-five finish, as Andrew Ranger finished fourth at Delaware Speedway on Sunday in the Pinty’s Fall Brawl. Marc-Antoine Camirand was forced into his only DNF of the season following an engine failure.

Andrew Ranger had only one objective for this last race of the 2023 NASCAR Pinty's series season: he wanted to have fun, after having experienced a fair amount of hard luck during the year. Sixth in the practice session and tenth in qualifying, Ranger however started the race with a puncture tire, even before the initial green flag was given.

“It hasn’t been an easy race, on the contrary! After I was forced to start from the back because of the first puncture, I had gained many track positions and I believed I would be able to fight with the top runners. But then, I had to start from the back again not once, but twice,” Ranger said.

The driver of the GM Paillé/Chevrolet Canada n°27 Camaro was caught behind an on-track incident, and was forced to start from the back after NASCAR officials ruled that he had been involved in the incident. After that, he had to enter the pits for a second puncture.

Ranger, however, showed all his tenacity, moving up to fourth place. “I really fought throughout the race. My goal was to have fun today, and in the end, that's what I did despite this eventful race. I’m really happy to end the season on this good note,” concluded Ranger.

For his part, Marc-Antoine Camirand arrived at Delaware Speedway in a good position to secure his second place in the championship, and wanted to score another podium on this fast oval track located near London, Ontario.

Second in practice and third in qualifying, his GM Paillé/Chevrolet Canada n°96 Camaro demonstrated a lot of speed throughout the day. At the start of the 250-lap race, Camirand was running in the top five when an engine failure ended his race.

“It’s a shame, because we were hoping to end the season on a better note, but it’s part of racing, and it’s our only DNF of the season. I am very proud of my entire team who put in a lot of work race after race throughout the year. We can be proud of the work accomplished and our solid second place in the championship,” concluded Camirand.

PCR PR

NASCAR Cup Series News

TEAM CHEVY NASCAR RACE ADVANCE: Talladega Superspeedway

Wednesday, Sep 27

BOWTIE BACK FOR A REPEAT

NASCAR will make its way back to Talladega Superspeedway this weekend with 2.66-mile Alabama venue set to host its second doubleheader of the season. This time, it will be the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (NCTS) that will join the NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) at the series’ longest and fastest oval to compete in the penultimate race of their respective playoff schedules.

A win in Sunday’s YellaWood 500 would mark the second consecutive season that Chevrolet swept the victories in NASCAR’s premier series at Talladega Superspeedway. Last season, Trackhouse Racing’s Ross Chastain (April 2022) and Hendrick Motorsports’ Chase Elliott (October 2022) made the trip to victory lane. Most recently, it was Richard Childress Racing’s Kyle Busch (April 2023) that carried the Bowtie brand to the win – bringing the manufacturer to a series-leading 44 NCS wins at Talladega Superspeedway.

Chevrolet has collected victories in six of the 18 NCTS races at Talladega Superspeedway, four of which have come in the series’ past five appearances at the track. Only one of the remaining NCTS playoff contenders has found victory lane in the series at Alabama venue, which was accomplished by the pairing of Grant Enfinger and GMS Racing (October 2016).

ROUND OF 12: PART TWO

William Byron’s career season continued at Texas Motor Speedway last weekend with the driver not only picking up Hendrick Motorsports’ milestone 300th NASCAR Cup Series win, but also the first ticket into the Round of Eight. The monumental triumph brought the 25-year-old North Carolina native to six wins on the season – doubling the next winningest driver with three. While he was eliminated in the Round of Eight last season, it’s projected to be his strongest trio of tracks in the post-season, having found victory lane at all three venues (Las Vegas Motor Speedway – March 2023; Homestead-Miami Speedway – Feb. 2021; Martinsville Speedway – April 2022).

Despite a heartbreaking finish at the 1.5-mile Texas oval, Kyle Larson continues to prove to be another championship favorite. The 31-year-old California native recorded a stage win and a race-high 99 laps led before a battle for the lead ended in contact with the wall that forced a 31st place finish. The result doesn’t depict the speed Larson carried in his No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Camaro ZL1 with the Team Chevy driver clocking-in the fast lap times for 42.93% of the laps ran in the event – the highest percentage achieved by a driver in a single race this season. The opening round saw the former champion post an average finish of 2.33 – earning a win and finishing no worse than fourth in the first three races of the postseason.

Entering the Round of 12 on the outside looking in, Trackhouse Racing’s Ross Chastain completed the Bowtie brand’s one-two finish at Texas Motor Speedway – moving the Team Chevy driver to the sixth position in the standings with a 12-point advantage over the playoff cutline. Early turmoil in Stage One put Kyle Busch in the 12th position in the standings, but the Richard Childress Racing driver holds a boost of confidence for the second race of the round – heading into Talladega Superspeedway as the track’s most recent winner. The two-time series champion has collected top-10 finishes in four of the five superspeedway-style races this season, highlighted by his win at Talladega Superspeedway (April) and a fifth-place finish at Atlanta Motor Speedway (July).

A look at Team Chevy’s playoff contenders heading into the second race of the NASCAR Cup Series Round of 12 at Talladega Superspeedway:

William Byron, No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Camaro ZL1 – 1st in Playoff Standings; clinched spot in Round of Eight with a win

Victories: 6 (series-leading)

Top-Fives: 11

Top-10s: 16

Laps Led: 883

Average Finish: 12.1

Stage Wins: 8 (series-leading)

At Talladega Superspeedway:

Top-Fives: 2

Top-10s: 3

Average Finish: 17.273

Of Note:

· The 2023 season marks Byron’s fifth consecutive appearance in the NCS playoffs.

· Byron’s career-best finish in the NCS playoffs came in 2022, finishing the season sixth in the final points standings.

· Among Byron’s 10 career wins in NASCAR’s premier series, five have come at tracks in the playoffs, including each of the final four races.

· While he was eliminated in the Round of Eight last season, it’s projected to be his strongest trio of tracks in the post-season – having found victory lane at all three venues (Las Vegas Motor Speedway – March 2023; Homestead-Miami Speedway – Feb. 2021; Martinsville Speedway – April 2022).

Ross Chastain, No. 1 Trackhouse Racing Camaro ZL1 – 6th in Playoff Standings; 12 points above the cutline

Victories: 1

Top-Fives: 8

Top-10s: 11

Laps Led: 483

Average Finish: 14.7

Stage Wins: 5

At Talladega Superspeedway:

Victories: 1

Top-Fives: 2

Top-10s: 2

Average Finish: 18.111

Of Note:

· The 2023 season marks Chastain’s second appearance in the NCS playoffs.

· Chastain’s first time competing in the NCS playoffs came in 2022 – going on to advance to the Championship Four and ultimately leading Team Chevy with a runner-up finish in the final points standings.

· Chastain found his way to victory lane in one track in the Round of 12 – scoring his second win of the 2022 season in the series’ spring appearance at Talladega Superspeedway.

Kyle Larson, No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Camaro ZL1 – 8th in Playoff Standings; two points above the cutline

Victories: 3

Top-Fives: 13 (series-leading)

Top-10s: 15

Laps Led: 897 (series-leading)

Average Finish: 15.2

Stage Wins: 5

At Talladega Superspeedway:

Top-Fives: 1

Top-10s: 3

Average Finish: 23.412

Of Note:

· The 2023 season marks Larson’s seventh appearance in the NCS playoffs.

· Larson has one NCS Regular Season Championship and one NCS Driver Championship title to his name – both coming in 2021.

· The 31-year-old California native has made it to the Championship Four once – the season that delivered the Team Chevy driver his first championship title in NASCAR’s top series (2021). In his other playoff appearances, Larson reached the Round of Eight (2019), Round of 12 (2017, 2018 and 2022) and Round of 16 (2016).

· During the playoff era (2004-present), the 2021 season saw Larson earn a series-leading five post-season victories – tying the record set by NASCAR Hall of Famer Tony Stewart in 2011.

· Larson has found victory lane in two of the three tracks in the Round of 12 – both coming in his title-winning season (Texas Motor Speedway and Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course).

· In the first three races of the 2023 NCS playoffs, Larson finished no worse than fourth - earning an average finish of 2.33.

Kyle Busch, No. 8 Richard Childress Racing Camaro ZL1 – 12th in Playoff Standings; 17 points below the cutline

Victories: 3

Top-Fives: 8

Top-10s: 15

Laps Led: 233

Average Finish: 14.6

Stage Wins: 2

At Talladega Superspeedway:

Wins: 2

Top-Fives: 8

Top-10s: 10

Average Finish: 19.889

Of Note:

· In his debut season with Richard Childress Racing and his return to the Bowtie brigade, 2023 marks Busch’s 16th appearance in the NCS playoffs.

· Busch is one of only two active drivers with multiple championships to his name – taking the title in 2015 and 2019.

· In Busch’s 63 career wins in NASCAR’s top series, eight of those triumphs have come in the post-season.

· The 38-year-old Nevada native has made it to the Championship Four on five different occasions – most recently in 2019 en route to his second title.

· Busch is the series’ most recent winner at one track in the Round of 12, with one of his three wins on the season coming at Talladega Superspeedway in April.

CELEBRATING A MILESTONE

Hendrick Motorsports made history last weekend with William Byron delivering the organization its 300th NASCAR Cup Series victory. This isn’t the only milestone victory the organization has accomplished in the 2023 playoffs. Just three weeks ago, Kyle Larson’s win at Darlington Raceway marked the Hendrick Motorsports Engine Department’s 500th all-time NASCAR national series win.

A partner with Rick Hendrick since the inception of the team, each of Hendrick Motorsports’ wins have come in a Chevrolet. Hendrick Motorsports’ first triumph in NASCAR’s premier series came in April 1984 with Geoff Bodine, and the organization has since won at least one race in all but one season since it was founded, including an active streak of 38 in a row (1986-2023). Hendrick Motorsports became the winningest organization in NCS history two years ago when Kyle Larson’s win in the 2021 Coca-Cola 600 took the organization to 269 victories – surpassing the all-time win record previously set by Petty Enterprises.

“On behalf of everyone at Chevrolet, congratulations to Rick Hendrick and the entire Hendrick Motorsports organization on reaching 300 wins in the NASCAR Cup Series,” said Jim Campbell, General Motors U.S. Vice President of Performance and Motorsports. “This milestone victory is a testament to the dedication and teamwork by everyone who has contributed to Hendrick Motorsports. As a longtime partner of the winningest organization in NASCAR Cup Series history, we are proud that all 300 Hendrick Motorsports wins have been in partnership with Chevrolet. We look forward to continuing to race together for wins in the NASCAR Cup series.”

The winningest manufacturer in series’ history, Chevrolet has accumulated 848 all-time NCS wins. Hendrick Motorsports is credited with a handful of milestone triumphs for the Bowtie brand, delivering the manufacturer its milestone 400th, 500th, 600th, 700th and 800th victories in NASCAR’s premier series – each recorded by a different driver:

· 400th win: Sept. 9, 1994 - Terry Labonte (Richmond Raceway)

· 500th win: Aug. 12, 2001 Jeff Gordon (Watkins Glen International)

· 600th win: March 25, 2007 - Kyle Busch (Bristol Motor Speedway)

· 700th win: Nov. 4, 2012 - Jimmie Johnson (Texas Motor Speedway)

· 800th win: May 23, 2021 - Chase Elliott (Circuit of The Americas)

LOOKING FOR A TICKET TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP FOUR

The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series playoff contenders are on the horizon of race two of three in the series’ Round of Eight. Team Chevy’s Christian Eckes came just one spot short of a guaranteed ticket into the Championship Four at Bristol Motor Speedway, but a stage win sweep and his fourth-consecutive postseason podium finish put the 22-year-old New York native in the second position in the points standings with a 29-point cushion above the cutline. In only two superspeedway-style races for the series this season, Eckes has finished no worse than third, including his first of now three wins on the season (Atlanta Motor Speedway – March 2023).

Eckes led a trio of Team Chevy’s NCTS playoff contenders to top-fives in the Round of Eight opener at Bristol Motor Speedway with GMS Racing’s Grant Enfinger and Niece Motorsports’ Carson Hocevar finishing in the third and fourth-positions, respectively. Strong finishes at the Tennessee half-mile put Hocevar third (+18) and Enfinger fourth (+14) in the standings – giving Team Chevy three of the top-four drivers in the playoff rankings.

NCTS rookie Nick Sanchez will enter Talladega Superspeedway seventh in the points standings and 22-points below the cutline. But while on the outside looking in, the Rev Racing driver scored his career-best finish in the series’ last appearance on a superspeedway-style track – collecting a runner-up finish at Atlanta Motor Speedway in March.

BOWTIE BULLETS:

· Chevrolet will pace the field in the doubleheader race weekend at Talladega Superspeedway. The Silverado RST will lead the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in Saturday’s Love’s RV Stop 250; and the specially-themed pink ‘Making Strides Against Breast Cancer’ Camaro ZL1 will lead the NASCAR Cup Series in Sunday’s YellaWood 500.

· Active Chevrolet drivers with a NASCAR Cup Series win at Talladega Superspeedway:

Kyle Busch – 2 (2023 & 2008)

Chase Elliott – 2 (2022 & 2019)

Ross Chastain – 1 (2022)

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. – (2017)

· In 108 NASCAR Cup Series races at Talladega Superspeedway, Chevrolet leads all manufacturers in race wins (44) and pole wins (37). Of those wins includes a record streak of 13 consecutive trips to victory lane captured by five different drivers from April 1999 to May 2005.

· Since the beginning of the 2022 season, Chevrolet was the only manufacturer to win at Talladega Superspeedway across all three NASCAR national touring series with NASCAR Cup Series wins by Ross Chastain, Chase Elliott and Kyle Busch; NASCAR Xfinity Series wins by Noah Gragson, AJ Allmendinger and Jeb Burton; and a NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series win by Matt DiBenedetto.

· Chevrolet has won eight of the past 10 superspeedway-style races in NASCAR’s top series – recorded by six drivers from four different Chevrolet teams.

· Since the debut of the 16-driver playoff field and elimination rounds to the NASCAR Cup Series in 2014, at least five Chevrolet drivers were represented in the playoffs each season.

· In 30 points-paying NASCAR Cup Series race this season, Chevrolet continues to lead the series in wins (15), top-fives (64), top-10s (127), stage wins (21) and laps led (2,913).

· Chevrolet leads the series in wins across all three NASCAR national series this season with 15 victories in 30 NASCAR Cup Series races, 14 victories in 28 NASCAR Xfinity Series races and 12 wins in 20 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series races – all with a winning percentage of at least 50 percent.

· With William Byron’s win in the NASCAR Cup Series Round of 12 opener at Texas Motor Speedway, Hendrick Motorsports now sits at 300 all-time victories in NASCAR’s premier series – all recorded with Chevrolet.

· Chevrolet’s series-leading 15 NASCAR Cup Series wins this season have been recorded by drivers from four different Chevrolet teams: Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (JTG Daugherty Racing), Kyle Busch (Richard Childress Racing), William Byron and Kyle Larson (Hendrick Motorsports) and Ross Chastain and Shane van Gisbergen (Trackhouse Racing).

· Chevrolet drivers have recorded 21 of the 60 NASCAR Cup Series stage wins this season: William Byron (eight; series-leading), Ross Chastain (five), Kyle Larson (five), Kyle Busch (two) and Chase Elliott (one).

· Chevrolet continues to sit atop the manufacturer points standings in all three NASCAR national series, leading by 68 points in the NASCAR Cup Series, 73 points in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and 67 points in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.

· Chevrolet has swept the Manufacturer Championships across all three NASCAR national series in a single season four different times (2012, 2005, 1998, 1996).

· With its 41 NASCAR Cup Series Manufacturer’s Championships, 33 NASCAR Cup Series Driver’s Championships, and 848 all-time NASCAR Cup Series wins, Chevrolet continues to hold the title of winningest brand in NASCAR Cup Series history.

FOR THE FANS:

· Fans can visit the Team Chevy Racing Display in the Fan Midway at Talladega Superspeedway.

· Fans can check out an assortment of Chevrolet vehicles at the Team Chevy Racing Display including: Silverado 1500 Crew ZR2, 2024 Silverado 2500HD High Country Diesel, Tahoe RST, Traverse High Country, 2024 Equinox Premier, Colorado Crew Z71 2.7L, Corvette Coupe 3LT Z51, Camaro ZL1.

· Fans can also view Chase Elliott’s No. 9 Camaro ZL1 show car.

Team Chevy Driver Appearances at the Display:

Sunday, October 1

· Corey LaJoie: 9:45 a.m.

· Kyle Busch: 10 a.m.

· Chase Elliott: 10:15 a.m.

· William Byron: 10:30 a.m.

Chevrolet Display Hours of Operation:

· Saturday, September 30: 7:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

· Sunday, October 1: 8 a.m.- 1 p.m.

TUNE IN:

NASCAR Cup Series: YellaWood 500

Sunday, October 1, at 2 p.m. ET

(NBC, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90)

NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series: Love’s RV Stop 250

Saturday, September 30, at 1 p.m. ET

(FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90)

QUOTABLE QUOTES:

ROSS CHASTAIN, NO. 1 WORLDWIDE EXPRESS CAMARO ZL1

What are the closing laps like at Talladega?

"Superspeedway racing accelerates your age in dog years, it feels like. We were able to lead some laps last year and had a shot to win to try and back up our spring win. Surviving is the most important thing but we can just easily wreck on lap 30. Those last 40 laps are just about holding onto the track position you have, and if it's your time to crash, it’s your time to crash."

Do you feel confident headed into the next two races?

"I just want to run good at the track I'm at. When we go to Talladega and the Roval, we'll just go try to perform like we did at Texas. If it's not looking good, just what does the next lap take - what does the next breath take. Those races, they give out the same amount of points and we'll go and race them the same way."

KYLE LARSON, NO. 5 VALVOLINE / HENDRICKCARS.COM CAMARO ZL1

Larson on racing at Talladega Superspeedway:

“I’m just trying to do good every weekend. Texas didn’t pan out the way the No. 5 team necessarily wanted, but our race cars have been crazy fast so I’m just trying to get through Talladega with some decent track position and hopefully we can get a win at Talladega (Superspeedway).”

CLIFF DANIELS, CREW CHIEF, NO. 5 VALVOLINE / HENDRICKCARS.COM CAMARO ZL1

Daniels on racing at Talladega Superspeedway:

“We’ve had a very similar strategy at all of the Superspeedway races this year. We’re trying to do what’s right as far as keeping our car upfront. Obviously, we try to avoid trouble the best we can- which can certainly be tough to do at these plate races. I feel like we always have fast cars and Kyle always does a great job at trying to get our car upfront and in position. You certainly have to execute a good race. If we do all the things that we can control right and put us in position, with a healthy does of luck, hopefully we’ll have a good finish coming our way soon.”

AJ ALLMENDINGER, NO. 16 ACTION INDUSTRIES CAMARO ZL1

"Superspeedway racing is definitely not my favorite, but we've had speed at those tracks this year. At the end of the day, I think we can get upfront and give ourselves a shot to win the race. We had a shot in the spring going into turn one battling for the win and we had a really fast race car in Daytona. Like I always say, it's one of those tracks I'm not looking forward to, but at the end of the day it is about going to win a race and this is one we can give ourselves a shot at the end of the race."

CARSON HOCEVAR, NO. 42 SUNSEEKER RESORTS CAMARO ZL1

This week sees your first ever Cup Series race at a superspeedway type track, so how different are you expecting the racing to play out and will you be able to learn in the Truck Series race?

"I am actually really looking forward to running my first superspeedway race in the Cup Series this weekend. The results might not show it, but I've had a blast racing at Talladega in the Truck Series. We've just had some unfortunate luck that's kept us from finishing well. From everybody that I've talked to that's driven both, I'm anticipating a bit of a different race to play out on Sunday. The Cup guys are so good at managing their cars and taking care of one another out there, that I don't really feel all that much pressure not to put a foot wrong. Saturday will be a different feeling for sure, we've only got an 18 point gap to the cutoff line, and the Truck Series drivers always race aggressive. I feel like I can still learn and take some notes heading into Sunday, but there's definitely going to be a different mindset. The LEGACY M.C. cars are always super-fast at these tracks, and Erik's been close to winning on a few occasions, so I think if we can play our cards right, we'll definitely have a shot at it. I can't wait to try it out."

ERIK JONES, NO. 43 ALLEGIANT CAMARO ZL1

“Talladega has been good to us for the last couple of years. I think with the next-gen car, we have had a ton of speed in the No. 43. I am hoping we can put it all together and have one go our way. We have been in contention to win a handful of them in the last few years, and we just need one to play out the right way for us to have a shot in the end. I am looking forward to getting out there and hopefully getting a win with the No. 43 team.”

RICKY STENHOUSE JR., NO. 47 SARA LEE ARTESANO BAKERY BREAD CAMARO ZL1

“We definitely want to go for the win at Talladega with our No. 47 Sara Lee Artesano / Country Crock Camaro. We’ll discuss our strategy going into the weekend and determine what we want to do for the race. You look back at the final regular season race at Daytona (International Speedway) and we got to the front. However, while running in the top 6, we got wrecked. We know stage points are important, but we would rather have the race win. I think when it comes down to it, we will see how the race plays out.”

DANIEL SUAREZ, NO. 99 TOOTSIES ORCHID LOUNGE CAMARO ZL1

"We have been very strong at the drafting tracks this year. We know we can win there. Heck, anyone can win at Talladega, that's what makes the race so much fun and why fans show up. But, we feel like our program can win there. We just have to prove it and that's what we plan to do Sunday."

CHASE PURDY, NO. 4 BAMA BUGGIES SILVERADO RST

After leading laps there last year, how excited are you to get back to Talladega?

“Absolutely. Obviously, it’s a home race for me. It was special last year to have my school, where I went to college, on the truck and have a good day. We hope to go back there this year and do the same, but this time be seven spots better. I feel like I always have my best foot forward going there since it’s my home track and I’ll have a lot of family and friends there. I’ll be staying there the whole weekend, so I have a lot of expectations for it.”

The KBM trucks had great speed at Daytona. Do you feel like that will carry over to Talladega?

“We were upset with how qualifying went earlier this year at Daytona after we felt like we were in great position to get the pole but cut a tire in the first round and weren’t able to make a lap in the second round. It would be a big deal for me to get the pole at Talladega and go up there and lead laps, being that I consider it my home track. The Daytona truck was probably the best speedway truck I’ve ever had. We will bring that same package on our Bama Buggies Silverado to Talladega so we should be really good.”

How does the racing differ between Daytona and Talladega?

“Talladega just seems to be wider. The second lane just works better for the trucks at Talladega than at Daytona. I think you will see more two and three-wide racing than what you saw at Daytona in February.”

GRANT ENFINGER, NO. 23 CHAMPION POWER EQUIPMENT SILVERADO RST

You earned your first Truck Series win with GMS Racing here, how special would it be to cap off your time with the team with another win at home?

"Yeah, it was a huge day for my career back in 2016 when we were able to get the win at Talladega in front of the hometown and all the friends and family. There were a lot of people that were at that race that have been instrumental in my career and all the opportunities that I had to that point. So that will always be one of the most special moments that I've had in my career. To come back and do it again with our last opportunity to run in that race with GMS Racing would be special from a personal standpoint, but it would be pretty big career-wise to be able to lock ourselves into the Championship 4.

Obviously, that's the goal for all of us; but there's only one of the eight that can sleep well at night not having to stress out about this race, and that's Corey [Heim]. I think our game plan is to try and be aggressive, and hopefully get some stage points. We want to be able to contend for the win. I think there's some different strategies that teams are going to use; I think some guys are going to try and play it safe, and some guys that have nothing to lose are going to race for the win. We're not one of those guys, but we're definitely going to be aggressive. We've first got to have enough speed in our Champion Power Equipment Chevy, and hopefully the rest will all take care of itself."

RAJAH CARUTH, NO. 24 WENDELL SCOTT FOUNDATION SILVERADO RST

You've only had one prior superspeedway race under your belt in the Truck Series, so what was your biggest "learning moment" from Daytona?

"Daytona feels like it was an eternity ago, but I was able to learn a lot in my first Truck Series race there back in February. I found out firsthand how much these trucks like to move around in the draft, as well as the decisiveness necessary to make moves and being able to chill for a second. You don't need to lead every lap in these races, and I learned a lot of the importance of setting yourself up for the finish, because you need to be around for the end of the race. I feel like our Wendell Scott Foundation team proved that they can bring one of the fastest trucks to the racetrack at these plate-style races, and hopefully I have gained enough respect of the other drivers out there to give them confidence in working with me here this weekend."

DANIEL DYE, NO. 43 RACETOSTOPSUICIDE.COM SILVERADO RST

You were so close on winning here last year in the ARCA Menards Series race, so does that give you any added confidence to return here in a truck?

“I’m looking forward to getting back to Talladega in a different vehicle than I had there last time. We had good speed there with GMS last year and got towards the front of the pack. I was close to having a shot to win the race before I made a mistake that took us out of contention. But I definitely learned a lot in the two superspeedway races I ran last year in the ARCA car and the one at Daytona this year in a truck. I’m hoping to use all the things I learned in those three races and have ourselves a good finish. We are still looking for our first top-10 of the year, and Talladega presents itself as an opportunity to either have a great day or an awful day. Hopefully we’ll be on the great side this time.”

JACK WOOD, NO. 51 TRUETIMBER SILVERADO RST

After having speed at Daytona and Atlanta, how excited are you for this race?

“Obviously the KBM trucks were fast at Atlanta and Daytona. Talladega is a fun race, but it is a race for survival. I think it’s a good chance for the two KBM trucks and our alliance partner, Rev Racing, to work together and have ourselves a good finish. We should have strength in numbers and be able to qualify up front and be in control of the race. The truck races are so short that you don’t have time to drop to the back and try to avoid wrecks. You’ve got to be up front and be one of the five trucks or so in the first two rows to go win. It should be fun.”

How does racing at Talladega compare to racing at Daytona?

“I think the apron isn’t as aggressive at Talladega so you can race harder in the corners. Guys are willing to race a little harder than they are at Daytona. We don’t have another superspeedway race until next season now, so a lot of guys are going to be aggressive, especially the playoff drivers that need to win. It’s going to be hotter, and the surface is a little more worn out and the track is wider so it will be more aggressive racing than Daytona.”

GM PR