NBC Sports’ coverage of the 2022 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship begins this weekend with unparalleled live coverage of the 60^th Rolex 24 At Daytona endurance race at Daytona International Speedway on NBC, USA Network, and Peacock.

The Rolex 24 At Daytona features icons of the racing world competing on teams across five separate classes of competition – Daytona Prototype International (DPi), Le Mans Prototype 2 (LMP2), Le Mans Prototype 3 (LMP3), GT Daytona Pro (GTD PRO), and GT Daytona (GTD) – where the world’s premier car manufacturers are represented.

This year’s race is no exception with some of the world’s most well-known drivers competing, including Jimmie Johnson, Scott Dixon, Helio Castroneves, Simon Pagenaud, Sebastien Bourdais, Alexander Rossi, Alex Palou, Marcus Ericsson, and Austin Cindric. The Wayne Taylor Racing No. 10 car will be aiming for its fourth consecutive overall win.

NBC Sports’ comprehensive presentation will utilize 14 of its IMSA, NASCAR and INDYCAR commentators, analysts and reporters on-site for its comprehensive coverage of the Rolex 24 headlined by NBC Sports’ lead IMSA commentating team of play-by-play voice Leigh Diffey, Rolex 24 winner and former IMSA GT driver and analyst Calvin Fish (analyst) alongside NASCAR on NBC analyst and NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr.

INDYCAR fan-favorite and veteran driver James Hinchcliffe makes his on-air debut with NBC Sports, joining Marty Snider and Vanessa Richardson on the Peacock Pit Box on pit road, and also serving as an analyst in the booth.

Steve Letarte will be pulling an all-nighter for NBC Sports, working all 24 hours of the Rolex 24 At Daytona. Letarte will work alongside his NASCAR on NBC boothmate Jeff Burton to provide analysis and showcase the unique experience at the Rolex 24 infield.

Parker Kligerman, Kevin Lee and Dillon Welch will serve as pit reporters throughout the event. Dave Burns and Brian Till will also serve as play-by-play commentators.

In addition to comprehensive Rolex 24 At Daytona coverage, Peacock will also provide exclusive streaming coverage of Robert Wickens’ return to racing in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge race at Daytona this Friday at 1:35 p.m. ET.

NBC Sports’ coverage will also include a number of features surrounding the Rolex 24, including a piece highlighting the 60-year anniversary of the event, Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s interview with Mario Andretti, and an interview with Robert Wickens following his return to racing on Friday.

Below are the broadcast details for the Rolex 24 at Daytona. All coverage will also stream on Peacock.

BROADCAST TEAM

• Play by Play/Host: Leigh Diffey, Dave Burns, Brian Till, Marty Snider
• Analyst: Calvin Fish, Dale Earnhardt Jr., James Hinchcliffe, Steve Letarte, Jeff Burton, Townsend Bell
• Pit Reporters: Parker Kligerman, Kevin Lee, Dillon Welch
• Reporter: Vanessa Richardson

HOW TO WATCH

• TV – NBC, USA Network
• Streaming – Peacock, NBCSports.com, NBC Sports app

Below is the full 2022 IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship schedule with platforms and times, all ET:

SUPERCROSS RETURNS TO ANAHEIM THIS SATURDAY AT 10 P.M. ET LIVE ON CNBC AND PEACOCK

The 2022 Monster Energy Supercross season continues this weekend from Angel Stadium in Anaheim, Calif., live on Saturday at 10 p.m. ET on CNBC and Peacock, as the series continues its California swing to open the year. Chase Sexton is coming off his first career win the 450SX Class in Oakland, marking the third different winner in three races to open the season. Michael Mosiman earned his first career win in the 250SX Class. Two-time 250SX East Champion Zach Osborne will serve as on-track analyst for this week’s broadcast.

Qualifying coverage on Saturday from Anaheim gets underway at 4 p.m. ET exclusively on Peacock. All Supercross heats, qualifiers and live and on-demand replays of races will be available on Peacock. Click here for more details.

BROADCAST TEAM

• Play by Play: Daniel Blair
• Analyst: Ricky Carmichael
• On-Track Analyst: Zach Osborne
• Reporter: Kristen Beat

HOW TO WATCH

• TV – CNBC
• Streaming – Peacock, NBCSports.com, NBC Sports app

All 17 Supercross races, highlighted by exclusive live coverage of heats, qualifiers and main event races, will be presented across NBC, CNBC, USA Network, Peacock and NBC Sports digital platforms. The 2022 season will feature a record three live races and 13 total hours of coverage on NBC. The complete schedule can be found here.

NBC Sports PR

The track is built and the Indoor Auto Racing Series is ready to go racing inside Atlantic City, NJ’s Boardwalk Hall for the 19th running of the NAPA KNOW Racing Weekend this weekend, Friday and Saturday Jan. 28-29.

On Wednesday, series staff completed the construction of the race track and race teams began arriving to park their trailers in anticipation of Thursday night’s open practice session that is open to only those who purchase a weekend pit pass.

Over 130 competitors, spread over the three divisions of racing, TQ Midgets, Slingshots and Champ Karts have filed entries for the prestigious event.

The TQ Midget entry list reads like a Who’s Who in auto racing including four drivers who have won the past nine Saturday night 40 lap Gambler’s Classic.

Popular Andy Jankowiak, Tonawanda, NY, ‘Classic’ winner in 2019 and 2020, could become the first man to win three straight Classics.

Two three-time winners, Erick Rudolph, Ransomville, NY, (2012, 2015, 2016) and Anthony Sesely, Matawan, NJ, (2012, 2015, 2017) could make ‘Classic’ history by becoming the first four-time ‘Classic’ winner.

Ryan Flores, Davidson, NC.  (2018) will be bidding for a second ‘Classic’ win. Flores comes into Atlantic City having won the Indoor Auto Racing Series season opener in Allentown, PA’s PPL Center on Saturday, January 8.

Mike Christopher, Jr., Wolcott, CT., who will be a first time entrant in the Gambler’s Classic, is the nephew of the late Ted Christopher, who won The Gambler’s Classic in 2009 and 2011. After an Indoor Series debut in Allentown, he’s expected to be a contender.

Mooresville, NC hot shoe Max McLaughlin also be making his first ever Atlantic City start after making his series debut as well in Allentown.

Three-time and defending NASCAR Whelen Modified Touring Series champion Justin Bonsignore returns to the series to drive Jason Simmons’ No. 98 TQ, the same car that was driven to a Qualifier victory and a top ten A Main feature finish in Allentown, PA two weeks ago by Billy Pauch, Jr whose sister is getting married on Saturday.

Simmons, of Fulton, NY has also entered a second car, numbered 98T, for 2019 Oswego Speedway Super Modified Classic winner Tyler Thompson to drive.  Simmons has also filed entries for a pair of Champ Karts.

No less than four Catalano brothers, from upstate Ontario, NY, are entered for Atlantic City. Timmy, Tommy and Trevor will run TQ Midgets; youngest brother Tyler will campaign a Champ Kart.

The PA Posse will be out to win the Gambler’s Classic for the first time in 12, just the third time in history. Matt Janisch of Nazareth or Tim Buckwalter of Douglasville could be just the guy after constant up front finishes. Jansich’s teammate, noted Young Gun Briggs Danner of Allentown and Pat Bealer of Leighton are also expected to be in the hunt.

Recent entries from Dylan Woodling in a radical TQ Midget he debuted in Atlantic City in 2020 and Kalamazoo, MI driver Grant Valkner in a Lou Cicconi TQ will also be someone to keep an eye on.

In the Champ Karts, Doug Stearly, Trappe, PA, will be bidding for a third straight A-Main Gambler’s feature victory. Stearly also has fielded an entry to race in the TQ Midget field.

Scott Neary, Columbia, NJ won the 2020 Slingshot A-Main, and is in the field for the 2022 race as well.

Among those who will be contending for the win with Neary is Morgan Rochelle-Bealer, who was crowned Aqua-Duck Water Transport Ms. Motorsports 2022 on January 22 in Oaks, PA. 

Rochelle-Bealer made her first Indoor Slingshot start on Jan. 9 in Allentown, PA and finished 15th in the feature. Were she to win the A-Main in Atlantic City, she would be in the unprecedented position of receiving and presenting the race trophy.

Good seats for both night remain available at Ticketmaster, a direct link is available from the series web-site, indoorautoracing.com, or daily at the Boardwalk Hall Box Office where the price is increased by $5 the day of the event.

For everyone’s safety at the event, the state owned building will require fans to wear a mask when they enter Boardwalk Hall and be recommended when they are walking around the building. They will not be required to wear a mask when in their seat or when they are eating or drinking. Masks are not required in the privately owned casinos.

After this weekend’s Atlantic City’s events the series will conclude in Syracuse, N.Y. at the New York State Fairgrounds Exposition Center on Friday and Saturday, March 11 & 12. Those tickets are on sale and available to purchase through a link on the series website www.indoorautoracing.com.

In anticipation of another wildly successful event, promoter Len Sammons has booked Friday and Saturday, January 27-28, 2023 in Boardwalk Hall for the 20th running of the NAPA KNOW HOW Gambler’s Classic.

AARN PR

FOX Sports embarks on its 19^th DAYTONA 500 and 22^nd consecutive season of NASCAR coverage Feb. 15 at Daytona International Speedway, culminating with the 64^th running of the DAYTONA 500 on Sunday, Feb. 20 (2:30 PM ET on FOX and FOX Deportes). Live prerace coverage begins on FS1 with NASCAR RACEDAY at 11:00 AM ET, before the show’s move to FOX at 1:00 PM ET.

FOX NASCAR’s presentation of Daytona Speedweeks, totaling more than 40 hours of live programming, also includes FS1’s live telecast of the season openers for the NASCAR Xfinity Series on Saturday, Feb. 19 (5:00 PM ET), NASCAR Camping World Truck Series on Friday, Feb. 18 (7:30 PM ET) and ARCA Menards Series on Saturday, Feb. 19 (1:30 PM ET). This year marks FOX Sports’ 20^th consecutive season of exclusive Truck Series coverage. All FOX NASCAR events are streamed live in English and Spanish on the FOX Sports app.

Below is the complete FOX Sports and FOX Deportes Daytona Speedweeks programming schedule:

FOX NASCAR DAYTONA SPEEDWEEKS SCHEDULE

(all times live unless otherwise noted and subject to change)

Monday, Feb. 14

• NASCAR RACE HUB (6:00-6:30 PM ET) (FS1)

Tuesday, Feb. 15

• NASCAR Cup Series practice (5:00-6:00 PM ET) (FS1)
• NASCAR RACE HUB (6:00-6:30 PM ET) (FS1)
• NASCAR Cup Series practice (6:30-7:30 PM ET) (FS1)
• NASCAR RACE HUB: BEST OF RADIOACTIVE DAYTONA (7:30-8:30 PM ET) (FS1)

Wednesday, Feb. 16

• NASCAR RACE HUB: DAYTONA 500 MEDIA DAY (5:00-7:30 PM ET) (FS1) (delayed)
• NASCAR RACE HUB (7:30-8:00 PM ET) (FS1)
• NASCAR Cup Series Pole Qualifying (8:00-10:00 PM ET) (FS1)

Thursday, Feb. 17

• NASCAR Camping World Truck Series practice (4:30-5:30 PM ET) (FS1)
• NASCAR RACEDAY (DUEL AT DAYTONA) (5:30-7:00 PM ET) (FS1)
• Duel at Daytona (7:00-10:00 PM ET) (FS1)

Friday, Feb. 18

• NASCAR Camping World Truck Series qualifying (3:00-4:30 PM ET) (FS1)
• NASCAR Xfinity Series practice (4:30-5:30 PM ET) (FS1)
• NASCAR Cup Series practice (5:30-6:30 PM ET) (FS1)
• NASCAR RACEDAY-NCWTS (6:30-7:30 PM ET) (FS1)
• NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race (7:30-10:00 PM ET) (FS1)

Saturday, Feb. 19

• NASCAR Cup Series final practice (10:30-11:00 AM ET) (FS2)
• NASCAR Cup Series final practice (11:00-11:30 AM ET) (FS1; simulcast on FS2)
• NASCAR Xfinity Series qualifying (11:30 AM-1:00 PM ET) (FS1)
• NASCAR RACE HUB: WEEKEND EDITION (1:00-1:30 PM ET) (FS1)
• ARCA Menards Series race (1:30-4:00 PM ET) (FS1)
• NASCAR RACEDAY-XFINITY (4:00-5:00 PM ET) (FS1)
• NASCAR Xfinity Series race (5:00-7:30 PM ET) (FS1)
• NASCAR Xfinity Series postrace show (7:30-8:00 PM ET) (FS1)

Sunday, Feb. 20

• NASCAR RACEDAY (11:00 AM-1:00 PM ET) (FS1)
• NASCAR RACEDAY (1:00-2:30 PM ET) (FOX)
• FOX DEPORTES EN VIVO (1:30-2:30 PM ET) (FOX Deportes)
• DAYTONA 500 (2:30-6:30 PM ET) (FOX & FOX Deportes)

FOX Sports PR

Advance Auto Parts (NYSE: AAP), a leading automotive aftermarket parts retailer and the official auto parts retailer of NASCAR, announced the return of its “Home Track Highlights” program, in partnership with Team Penske and its No. 12 Ford Mustang driven by seven-time NASCAR Cup Series race winner, Ryan Blaney.

During the season, Advance will use its sponsorship of the No. 12 Ford to feature race tracks across the U.S. and Canada that are part of the NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series. Two NASCAR Home Tracks will rotate on Blaney’s Ford each weekend. The program begins next weekend, with Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, N.C. and Riverhead Raceway in Riverhead, N.Y., displayed on the No. 12 at NASCAR’s preseason race at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Sunday, Feb. 6.

For every Ryan Blaney victory in 2022, the NASCAR Home Tracks featured on his car will receive $1,200 from Advance, to be used for track operations, local driver winnings or supporting a nonprofit organization of the track’s choosing. In 2021, Advance awarded $1,200 to six home tracks following Blaney’s three NASCAR Cup Series race victories.

Advance will continue to serve as primary sponsor for the No. 12 team in four races in 2022: Martinsville Speedway on April 9, Darlington Raceway on May 8, Nashville Superspeedway on June 26 and the regular season finale at Daytona on August 27. This is Advance’s third year of a multi-year agreement with Team Penske.

“We’re thrilled to bring back Home Track Highlights alongside our partners at Team Penske,” said Jason McDonell, Advance’s executive vice president of merchandising, marketing and eCommerce. “Our customers are die hard race fans, and through our motorsports partnerships, our objective is to advance the journey of grassroots racers, tracks and fans. We appreciate the passion shared by Ryan and Team Penske around this effort, and we look forward to an outstanding season.”

“Every driver in the Cup Series has fond memories growing up and racing on short tracks,” said Blaney. “I’m excited to participate in this program, representing Advance and NASCAR’s Home Tracks. These facilities are so important to their communities, and it’s awesome seeing Advance’s commitment to local racing. Our No. 12 team had a great season last year with three wins, and we’ll be hungry to win more races for our partners and local tracks in 2022.”

Along with Home Track Highlights, Advance will support grassroots racing through its second-annual “Advance My Track Challenge.” Last year, Berlin Raceway in Marne, Mich., secured the most fan votes to win a $50,000 grand prize from Advance.

Team Penske/Advance Auto Parts PR

Building upon an expanding footprint in the state of Florida, Amazon has chosen the Daytona Beach community to develop nearly 100 acres of land adjacent to Daytona International Speedway, bringing 1,000+ new full time positions upon completion of a 634,000 square-foot robotics fulfilment center.

Following a partnership announced last year, NASCAR and leading industrial developer, Hillwood, agreed to work together to evaluate surplus land at NASCAR’s existing motorsports facilities across thirteen U.S. markets, including creation of the Speedway Commerce Center, adjacent to Homestead-Miami Speedway, in South Miami-Dade County.

“We are proud to be a part of positive economic development in each market in which NASCAR races, but especially here  at home in Volusia County,” said Lesa France Kennedy, Executive  Vice Chairperson, NASCAR. “As Amazon has continued to expand its operations within Florida, we’re excited to play a role in bringing new jobs and a first-class partner to Volusia County. We look forward to this project serving as a catalyst for future growth and development in the community.”

“Amazon  is  thrilled  to  be  investing  in a  new  state-of-the-art robotics  fulfillment  center in the City of Daytona  Beach,” said Sam  Blatt, Economic Development Manager for Amazon. “As part of our first-mile network, this facility will play a critical role in providing efficient delivery for our customers across the region and generate over a thousand jobs for the talented workforce in the area.”

John Magness, Executive Vice President at Hillwood, adds, “We are pleased to make  this announcement and the progress of our work with NASCAR that it represents. We value the opportunity to serve our customers and add jobs for communities like Daytona  Beach.”

Located at the intersection of I-4 and I-95, this new Amazon project will represent over $200 million in capital investment, including new roads and infrastructure for the surrounding community.

“Amazon’s investment in our city is a great ‘win’ for the residents of Daytona Beach,” lauds Daytona Beach Mayor Derrick L. Henry. “Not only will Amazon bring at least 1,000 new full-time jobs, they offer their employees a robust benefits package and an educational incentive program.”

“Daytona  Beach  is  fast becoming  an  attractive destination of choice  for  dynamic businesses,”  said Daytona Beach City Manager Deric C. Feacher. “We will continue to explore and embrace ways to diversify and improve our local economy, while at the same time focusing on maintaining a great quality of life for our residents.” City Manager Feacher adds, “I want to thank our partners at Team Volusia for their tireless recruiting efforts. This project is a significant step forward  for our city.”

Keith Norden, CEcD, President and CEO of Team Volusia Economic Development Corporation, recognizes the strong bonds that impact success in Volusia County. “Economic  development is  a  team effort. Joining forces with driven professionals is what opportunity is built on, and how it thrives, as evidenced by teaming up with NASCAR to bring this project successfully to life for our community. Matching the vision of public sector partners, business leaders, and community stakeholders, results in a brighter future for all.”

Volusia EDC PR

During this year’s annual National Motorsports Press Association (NMPA) awards ceremony in Concord, N.C., the Performance Racing Network (PRN) was honored with multiple awards for excellence in radio broadcasting.

For more than 55 years, the NMPA has honored writers, broadcasters and photojournalists from news outlets covering motorsports. Each year they gather to recognize the best in a wide range of categories. With the pandemic sidelining last year’s event, the 2022 NMPA awards accepted entries for consideration from both 2020 and 2021.

PRN president Doug Rice received second, third and fourth-place awards in the category of Live Event Radio Broadcast for PRN’s call of the 2021 Food City Dirt Race and the 2021 Food City 300 at the famed Bristol Motor Speedway, as well as the 2021 Bank of America ROVAL 400 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, respectively.

“It was an honor to accept these awards on behalf of myself and the amazing crew at PRN” Rice said. “Everyone works so hard throughout the season to bring these exciting races to the fans and it means a great deal to have that hard work recognized by the NMPA. I’d also like to extend a big congratulations to our good friend and colleague Mark Jaynes on taking first place.”

Receiving top honors in the Live Event Radio Broadcast category was part-time PRN turn announcer and full-time IndyCar Radio anchor Mark Jaynes. Jaynes and his colleagues at IndyCar Radio were recognized for their thrilling call of 105th running of the Indianapolis 500.

For Topic-Oriented Feature Radio, PRN’s Kent Bernhardt won first place with Jimmie’s Last Roundup, a look at the seven-time champion’s last season in NASCAR. Bernhardt also took home third place for The Day the Racing Stopped and fourth place for And We Were There, features highlighting the pandemic's effect on the racing industry.

In the category of Spot News Radio, PRN’s Mark Garrow took home fourth and fifth place awards for news features, NASCAR Takes a Stand and Defends It and No Hate Crime, respectively, that aired during PRN’s four-minute daily news show, Garage Pass.

PRN will kick off its 2022 season of racing during Pennzoil 400 weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, March 5-6. See our full broadcast schedule and find a station near you at GoPRN.com.

To learn more about the NMPA visit nmpaonline.com.

SMLLC PR

The all-new Atlanta Motor Speedway is set to host a style of NASCAR racing never before seen at the Georgia track.

Based on findings in testing at the all-new Atlanta Motor Speedway, competitors will field superspeedway cars for NASCAR races in Atlanta during the 2022 season.

The combination of superspeedway-spec cars and Atlanta’s revamped, steeper-banked track will yield tighter, more intense racing at AMS.

“Our goal all along for the reconfiguration of Atlanta Motor Speedway has been to create a first-of-its-kind experience on the NASCAR circuit and we’ve done just that,” said AMS Executive Vice President and General Manager Brandon Hutchison. “Never before has NASCAR raced on an intermediate track like ours with 28 degrees of banking, much less with superspeedway cars.

“Both will happen for the first time in Atlanta this year. I couldn’t be more excited about the weekend of racing and entertainment we have in store for our fans this March.”

NASCAR finalized the configuration of Cup cars for superspeedway races during the 2022 season following testing sessions at AMS and Daytona International Speedway earlier this month. NASCAR drivers will pilot vehicles sporting 7-inch spoilers and 510-horsepower engines at Atlanta, the same configuration that is used at superspeedways Daytona and Talladega.

“The Goodyear tire test at Atlanta Motor Speedway increased the anticipation for what we believe will be an exciting two races at Atlanta this season,” said John Probst, senior vice president of racing innovation. “The team at Atlanta Motor Speedway put in countless of hours of work into the repave, and after seeing the cars in action during the test, we’re expecting tight, fast and thrilling action when we return in March.”

Drivers who have tested on the all-new AMS are expecting a style of racing that Atlanta Motor Speedway has never seen before when a full field takes the green flag for the first time.

“In NASCAR we have our Daytona and Talladega style draft and those are on 2.5- and 2.66-mile tracks,” NASCAR driver and 4-time Atlanta winner Kurt Busch said during last week’s testing at AMS. “This is a mile-and-a-half. Things are going to be moving quicker. You’re going to be digesting things much faster and you’re going to have that Daytona and Talladega style feel here at a mile-and-a-half.”

“I think it’s going to be a lot of fun coming back for the race,” NASCAR driver Chris Buescher said during testing. “I am looking forward to it. I think they did a good job with the ideas that they’ve implemented to create an exciting race weekend.”

NASCAR’s Cup Series stars will take on the all-new Atlanta Motor Speedway for the first time in the Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 on March 20. The Quaker State 400 Presented by Walmart will host NASCAR’s return for a second race at the revamped track on July 10.

To get more information or purchase tickets to Atlanta Motor Speedway’s NASCAR weekends, visit AtlantaMotorSpeedway.com or call 877-9-AMS-TIX.

AMS PR

Practice? Yes, Allen Iverson, we’re talking about practice – and qualifying.

That’s right. Practice and qualifying are returning for all three national series during Las Vegas Motor Speedway’s March 4-6 NASCAR Weekend. The speedway released its full event schedule on Wednesday.

“This is great for the race fans,” said LVMS President Chris Powell. “The return of both practice and qualifying gives our race fans more chances to see the cars and trucks on the track and it also gives the drivers more time at the track to interact with the fans. The return of qualifying brings another level excitement to Friday and Saturday as well.”

On-track action begins on Friday, March 4, with a 30-minute NASCAR Truck Series practice session at 1:30 p.m. and qualifying at 2 p.m. The action continues on Friday with NASCAR Xfinity Series practice at 3:30 p.m. and qualifying at 4 p.m. Friday is capped off by the World of Westgate 200 Presented by Westgate Resorts for the trucks at 6 p.m..

Saturday kicks off with a NASCAR Cup Series practice session at 10:30 a.m. and qualifying at 11:05 a.m. The Alsco Uniforms 300 NASCAR Xfinity Series race follows at 1:30 p.m. The weekend concludes Sunday with the 25th annual Pennzoil 400 Presented by Jiffy Lube NASCAR Cup Series race at 12:30 p.m.

For a complete schedule, click here.

Tickets and Neon Garage passes for all three days are available at 1-800-644-4444 and online at www.lvms.com. Children 12 and under get in free on Friday and Saturday with a ticketed adult and can attend the Pennzoil 400 alongside a ticketed adult for just $10.

LVMS PR

South Boston Speedway Senior Director of Marketing and Administration Carly Brashears was named Monday to serve a three-year term on the Halifax County, Virginia Tourism Board.

The tourism board leads the county’s efforts in the rapidly-evolving tourism industry.

“We are thrilled to welcome Carly Brashears to the Halifax County Tourism Board of Directors,” said Director of Tourism LaTonya S. Hamilton.

“Carly’s breadth of knowledge and experience in marketing and understanding of tourism’s economic impact to a community are invaluable as our board continues to advance tourism in Halifax County.” 

Brashears is excited about the opportunity to serve on the Halifax County Tourism Board and work with community leaders to enhance tourism in the county.

“I am honored and look forward to working alongside my fellow board members,” Brashears said.

“I am excited to hit the ground running with the other members of the Halifax County Tourism Board of Directors. This group truly has the best intentions at heart for growing the recognition of the county, and they are well-versed in the attractions of the area they represent.

“A goal of mine at South Boston Speedway is not only to be a resource to grow just our business at the speedway, but to help grow the county and region at large,” Brashears added.

“I believe being a part of the Halifax County Tourism Board is a great way to stay true to that goal.”

Brashears, a Tennessee native, has a strong background in marketing, sales, and digital platforms. She served as a member of NASCAR’s Event Marketing Team in 2019 and 2020. In that role she was a liaison for NASCAR-sanctioned national series tracks, assisting all tracks in promoting their event weekends, driver appearances and industry meetings such as driver/crew chief meetings, pre-race festivities and victory lane celebrations.

In 2018-2019 she joined The NASCAR Foundation as Coordinator, directing the Foundation’s relaunch of their grassroots racing initiatives and assisting in Foundation marketing initiatives and events. That work included working in a variety of aspects connected with annual Humanitarian Award processes. Among them were outreach initiatives, website design, social media takeovers and brand management across all mediums.

Prior to that, Brashears created and managed social and digital platforms at Kingsport Speedway in Kingsport, Tennessee and managed marketing and public relations for both Kingsport Speedway and Lonesome Pine Raceway in Coeburn, Virginia. In 2018 she served as Director of Marketing and Sales at New Smyrna Speedway in New Smyrna Beach, Florida.

Her husband, Kentucky native Chase Brashears, is the general manager of South Boston Speedway.

Eleven individuals serve on the Halifax County Tourism Board. The board membership includes a representative from the five founding members, Halifax County, the Town of South Boston, the Town of Halifax, the Halifax County Chamber of Commerce and the Halifax County Industrial Development Authority (IDA). The other six board members represent the second tourism/hospitality industry.

Board members serve a three-year term and may serve a second consecutive term. After having served two consecutive terms they have to sit off the board for three years before becoming eligible to serve another term.

South Boston Speedway’s 2022 season schedule, ticket information, and the latest news and updates can be found on the speedway’s website, southbostonspeedway.com, and through the speedway’s social media channels.

SBS PR

Justin Allgaier occasionally peered into the Volusia Speedway Park pond hoping to see its resident gators during DIRTcar Nationals last year.

Each time, he found himself – the “Little Gator.”

However, there was another gator the NASCAR star was truly searching for. The golden gator; given only to those capable of winning during the historic DIRTcar Nationals event.

Allgaier had already claimed the unique trophy in 2016 with the DIRTcar UMP Modifieds – a prize he said he cherishes over every other trophy he’s collected.

“I’ve got the little gator that we won years ago sitting front and center in my trophy case,” he said. “It’s out in front of all the NASCAR wins. It’s out in front of everything I got because it means a lot to me.”

What he didn't have yet was the Big Gator trophy. That prestigious life-size idol is reserved only to those who master the points battle for the week or win the biggest UMP Modified race of the event – the Gator Championship Feature.

Modified champion Nick Hoffman was on a path to conquer both last year but a rare slip by the multi-time gator winner allowed Allaiger the opportunity to slide into the lead. Hoffman tried desperately to run down Allaiger – driving a chassis built by Hoffman – but the “Little Gator” used all his might to finally earn a Big Gator trophy.

Its significance?

“More than you’ll know,” Allgaier said. “Obviously, the NASCAR side (driving for recent NASCAR Hall of Fame Inductee Dale Earnhardt Jr.), I love what I do, and I have great sponsors over there. I love the NASCAR side of things but there is nothing like coming out in front of you (dirt) fans. Everybody is watching at home on DIRTVision. Just putting it all out there with 30 of the best drivers in the world. I truly mean that.”

He'll be back this year for the 51st edition of DIRTcar Nationals, Feb. 7-12, to hunt for both gators again. Participating in the event is a privilege he cherishes, having visited Volusia as a fan long before he started his racing career. Even before the track had dirt on it.

When he turned from fan to driver at the half-mile track, he started in a Late Model before moving to a DIRTcar UMP Modified. He credited his years in dirt racing as a key to his success, which includes 16 NASCAR Xfinity Series wins and the 2008 ARCA championship.

“This is an integral part of who I am as a racer,” Allgaier said. “It’s a huge part of who I am. It drives me to be a racer. I love what I do on Saturdays, and I love the NASCAR scene. It is so totally different than this. They’re both great in their own right. They’re so totally different. Dirt racing fans are incredible. They’re passionate. They love their sport. And rightly so, right? Whether it’s Late Model, Sprint Cars, Modifieds, just in general they love this sport so much. And it drives us. You put in hours. You put in time.”

And don’t think he finds dirt racing any less stressful than his NASCAR duties.

“I get more heartburn and sleepless nights coming here (to DIRTcar Nationals) than I’d like to admit,” Allgaier said. “You know, it’s so difficult to come down here. And so many things have to go right. But you look at guys like Nick (Hoffman) who come here year in and year out, they find their way to the box. They make no mistakes. They’re on their game. The amount of focus and discipline it takes to come here, when you have this many cars, it really is incredible to see the talent level here right now. It’s really amazing.

“I think a lot of NASCAR guys come back here because we truly believe it’s a huge test of our abilities. A test of the people around you. There’s just something different about it. This week is mentally draining. When you walk out of this place, you’re either pumped up and ready to come back next year or you’re so demoralized that you’re ready to come back next year so you can redeem yourself. It’s pretty awesome. It’s something that… yeah, there’s really no words that can describe it.”

If you venture to the gator pond this February, you may find the "Little Gator" again peering into its depths, searching. Always searching for a gator – green and gold.

For tickets to DIRTcar Nationals, click HERE.

If you can’t make it to the track, you can watch the two weeks of the event live on DIRTVision – either online or with the DIRTVision App.

DIRtcar Series PR