2022-04-29

NASCAR ALL-STAR RACE FORMAT INTENSIFIED WITH QUALIFYING ELIMINATION BRACKET, STAGE WINNER AND PIT CREW INCENTIVES

NASCAR ALL-STAR RACE FORMAT INTENSIFIED WITH QUALIFYING ELIMINATION BRACKET, STAGE WINNER AND PIT CREW INCENTIVES

 

  • Four-round qualifying procedure highlighted by head-to-head elimination bracket and four-tire pit stop
  • First three stage winners, fastest pit stop earn advantage with top starting positions in the final stage for the $1 million payday
  • All-Star Race highlights a May 20-22 NASCAR tripleheader weekend with a pre-race concert by country music superstar Blake Shelton

 

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (APRIL 28, 2022) - NASCAR and Texas Motor Speedway today announced the format and eligibility for the NASCAR All-Star Race on Sunday, May 22, that features four stages and 125 laps of on-track competition for a $1 million payday, stage winner incentives, amplified roles for the pit crews, and a distinctive head-to-head elimination qualifying format.

 

The NASCAR All-Star Race returns to Texas Motor Speedway for the second consecutive season and this 38th edition brings some unique twists for the eligible Cup drivers pursuing the winner-take-all $1 million payday. The most prominent twist will come in the form of a four-round qualifying format with head-to-head elimination rounds and the pivotal role of the pit crews.

 

Qualifying

 

  • Opening round is the traditional single-car, one-lap format in reverse order of the current 2022 owner points.
  • Fastest eight qualifiers transfer to a three-round, head-to-head elimination bracket.
  • Elimination bracket will feature two cars staged in adjacent pit stalls near the end of pit road.
  • At the sound of an alert, each pit crew will perform a four-tire stop and, at the drop of the jack, drivers will exit their pit stalls (with no speed limit) onto the track.
  • First car back to the start/finish line advances to the next round.
  • Final pairing competes for the pole.

 

Race Format

 

The race will consist of four stages, with the first three 25 laps in length and the fourth and final being a 50-lap shootout for the $1 million prize. The new format has provided a major incentive to win any of the opening three stages or the pit stop competition during the break between Stages 2 and 3.

 

Stage 1 (25 laps): Stage 1 winner will start on the pole in the final stage as long as he finishes 15th or better in Stages 2 and 3.

 

Stage 2 (25 laps): Stage 2 winner starts second in final stage as long as he finishes 15th or better in Stage 3.

 

Special Stage Break (Pit Stop Competition): Each team must pit and perform a four-tire stop. The team with the shortest time on pit road (pit in/pit out) wins the pit crew award and the driver will start fourth in the final stage as long as he finishes 15th or better in Stage 3.

 

Stage 3 (25 laps): Stage 3 winner starts third in final stage.

 

Stage 4 (50 laps): Stage 1 winner starts first, Stage 2 winner second, Stage 3 winner third and pit stop competition winner fourth. If a "natural" caution occurs between laps 15-25 of the final stage, standard race procedures will be in effect. If no "natural" caution occurs during that time, NASCAR will call an "All Star" competition caution. Winner of the Stage 4 earns $1 million.

 

"The NASCAR All-Star Race highlights our best athletes -- from the driver to road crew to the pit crews -- and this year's edition brings that to another level," said Scott Miller, NASCAR Sr. Vice President, Competition. "Fans will have a full weekend of exciting competition starting with a unique qualifying format and an All-Star Race that features the top talent in our sport."

 

"The incredible intensity of the drivers and teams as well as the Texas-sized excitement from our race fans is what makes the NASCAR All-Star Race just that much more special," Texas Motor Speedway General Manager Rob Ramage said. "The never-seen-before qualifying format will put even more pressure on drivers and pits crews to perform at their peak. Combining that with the easier-to-follow race format will create more action-packed competition for race fans at Texas Motor Speedway and those watching on FS1 as they watch their favorite drivers battle to earn a $1 million payday."

 

The NASCAR Open will immediately precede the NASCAR All-Star Race and will consist of three stages (20 laps / 20 laps / 10 laps). Each segment winner will advance to the NASCAR All-Star Race as will the winner of the Fan Vote. Fans can vote for their favorite driver who has not qualified for the NASCAR All-Star Race by visiting NASCAR.com for details.

 

Drivers eligible for the NASCAR All-Star Race consist of:

  • Cup Series drivers who have earned a points-paying race victory in either 2021 or 2022.
  • Previous NASCAR All-Star Race winners who are competing full-time this season.
  • Previous NASCAR Cup Series champions who are competing full-time this season.

 

Drivers who currently have clinched a starting spot (through Talladega) and making return visits to the NASCAR All-Star Race are AJ Allmendinger, Aric Almirola, Christopher Bell, Ryan Blaney, Alex Bowman, Chase Briscoe, Kurt Busch, Kyle Busch, William Byron, Ross Chastain, Chase Elliott, Denny Hamlin, Kevin Harvick, Brad Keselowski, Kyle Larson, Joey Logano, Michael McDowell, Martin Truex Jr., and Bubba Wallace.

 

Cup Series rookie Austin Cindric qualified for his first NASCAR All-Star Race appearance by winning the Daytona 500 in February.

 

Country music superstar Blake Shelton will perform a live 60-minute concert May 22 beginning at 3 p.m. as part of the NASCAR All-Star pre-race festivities. The full day of NASCAR competition and entertainment activities will conclude with a 60-minute post-race concert performed by legendary Mexican ranchero music group Banda MS.

 

Coverage of the NASCAR All-Star Race - sponsored by NASCAR's Premier Partners Busch Light Beer, Coca-Cola, GEICO and Xfinity – will begin May 22 at 5 p.m. ET on FS1. The NASCAR Open will begin at 6 p.m. on FS1SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Ch. 90MRN, and 95.9 The Ranch and the NASCAR All-Star Race at 8 p.m. on FS1SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Ch. 90MRN, and 95.9 The Ranch.

 

TICKETS:

Tickets for the May 20-22 NASCAR All-Star Race Weekend, including the Blake Shelton concert, are on sale now at https://www.texasmotorspeedway.com/events/season-tickets/.

 

MORE INFO:

Keep track of all of Texas Motor Speedway's busy schedule by following on FacebookTwitter and Instagram. Keep up with all the latest news and information on the speedway website and TMS mobile app.

 

MEDIA INQUIRIES:

David Hart | Vice President of Public Relations | Texas Motor Speedway


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2022-04-28

Kenny U-Pull Joins the Peterborough Speedway Sponsorship Team By Jim Clarke, Clarke Motorspo



Kenny U-Pull Joins the Peterborough Speedway Sponsorship Team 

By Jim Clarke, Clarke Motorsports Communications/First Draft Media 

 

Central Ontario's favourite motorsports experience is ready to roll as Peterborough Speedway kicks-off its 2022 season Saturday, May 21st. Billed as Canada's Toughest 3rd Mile Oval, the popular facility on Mount Pleasant Road is pleased to open its 55th consecutive year of Saturday night racing by welcoming Kenny U-Pull to the track's sponsorship team as the title backer of the Tech Lane. 

 

With close to 10 locations across the province – including the Peterborough site at 1726 Morton Line in Cavan – Kenny U-Pull gives used vehicles a second life by offering customers the opportunity to pull out used parts themselves for a fraction of the manufacturer's price in a safe, clean and eco-friendly environment. Kenny U-Pull is a distinctive auto recycling centre that is changing the rules of the traditional 'do it yourself' industry. 

 

Kenny U-Pull also buys used cars. They make selling your car simple, hassle-free and they give the best price offers! Plus, they'll take care of all the paperwork and tow it for free! Locations are open 7 days-a-week from 9:00 'til 5:00. To check the inventory and find more details, be sure to visit www.kennyupull.com or call 844.536.6987. 

 

"Our fans, drivers and race crews are looking forward to getting the new season underway," explained track owner/promoter J.P. Josiasse. "Bringing new sponsorship support from the team at Kenny U-Pull on-board is a win-win situation for the sport and everyone associated with Peterborough Speedway. Everyone has been through a lot over the last few years and its time to start moving in the right racing direction." 

 

For the first night of the 2022 schedule, action gets underway with the Pure Country 105 season opener – featuring free spectator grandstand admission – Saturday, May 21st. Fans will experience a full night of racing with the hometown Battlefield Equipment Rental Bone Stock, Jiffy Lube Mini Stock, Trent Lakes Complete Plumbing Renegade Truck, KOD Disposal Super Stock and Late Model divisions, along with the Canadian Legend Car Series. Pit gates open at 12:30, with the spectator grandstands unlocked at 3:00 and the night's first green flag at 5:00. 

 

Be sure to keep an eye on www.peterboroughspeedway.com and the track's Facebook, Twitter and Instagram social media platforms as opening night for the new season draws closer. 

 

The new schedule of action is less than a month away. Officials at Peterborough Speedway are happy to announce that Kenny U-Pull at 1726 Morton Line in Cavan will sponsor the track's Tech Lane. 

 

Prepared by: Jim Clarke, Clarke Motorsports Communications/First Draft Media 


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2022-04-18

Eldora Speedway Names New General Manager

Eldora Speedway Names New General Manager

Motorsports Industry Veteran Jerry Gappens Joins World's Greatest Dirt Track

ROSSBURG, Ohio (April 18, 2022) – Eldora Speedway has named veteran motorsports executive Jerry Gappens as its new general manager, succeeding Roger Slack, who has decided to call time on his 12-year career at Eldora.

 

Gappens comes to Eldora from Indiana's Gas City I-69 Speedway where he has been the promotor of the quarter-mile, dirt oval since 2018. Prior to his tenure at Gas City, Gappens spent 23 years with Speedway Motorsports, specifically serving as executive vice president and general manager of New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon for eight years (2008-2015) and senior vice president of events and marketing of Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway for 15 years (1993-2007).

 

Slack, the outgoing general manager of Eldora who has spent more than three decades in motorsports, is taking a sabbatical from the industry.

 

"Jerry Gappens brings a ton of experience to Eldora Speedway that will allow us to deliver the best fan experience possible, as well as the best experience for all the racers who compete at our track," said Eldora owner Tony Stewart, who purchased the track from the legendary Earl Baltes in 2004. "Jerry knows grassroots racing from being at Gas City and he also knows how to put on big events from his time at New Hampshire and Charlotte.

 

"I know from my own experience racing at New Hampshire and Charlotte that Jerry genuinely cared about the amenities and overall environment the fans had in the grandstands and the drivers and teams had in the infield. He was visible, out and about, accessible, and no job was too small. The details mattered. It's exactly what we need at Eldora."

 

Carved from a cornfield in 1954, Eldora has become a leader in motorsports growth and sustainability. The half-mile, dirt oval hosts some of the most prestigious grassroots racing events in the world, and this year marks its 69th consecutive season of racing. Eldora's 2022 racing slate begins April 26 with FloRacing Night in America featuring dirt late models, modifieds and Eldora stocks, and lasts through late September with the 4-Crown Nationals which includes the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series, USAC National Midgets, Sprint Cars and Silver Crown, and the Tezos All Star Circuit of Champions presented by Mobil 1.

 

"When Tony called and asked if I was interested in becoming the general manager of Eldora, I recognized immediately that this is a great, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," Gappens said. "Dirt racing is in my blood and Eldora is the most legendary short-track racing venue in the country. I'm thrilled to join the team at Eldora and work together to further its already outstanding legacy.

 

"I also want to thank Jack Himelick, owner of Gas City I-69 Speedway, for trusting me with the stewardship of his track for the past four years. I'm very proud of all that we accomplished together during that time, and I want to give a special and heartfelt 'thank you' to the fans, staff and competitors for their support."

 

The 60-year-old Gappens was introduced to racing by his father, Jerry Gappens Sr. The Gappens Family hailed from Tipton County, Indiana, and not long after Jerry Jr., was born, the two visited local dirt tracks, including Kokomo (Ind.) Speedway where Jerry Sr., raced in the 1960s.

 

"I remember riding in the truck with him on the way home with the racecar on the trailer behind us. I'd put his racing helmet on and fall asleep across the seat in the truck," Gappens Jr., said. "He took me to my first Indy 500 when I was 8-years old back in 1969 and we didn't miss an Indy 500 until I went to work at Charlotte Motor Speedway."

 

The job of track promotor was taught to a young Gappens by his father, as Gappens Sr., promoted the Terre Haute (Ind.) Action Track for a couple of years while working at General Motors and raising a family. 

 

"He really helped bring the Terre Haute Action Track back to life," Gappens Jr., said. "It had been idle for a year or two. Our whole family went down there and cleaned it up and painted it and got some races back on the schedule."

 

Gappens' dad passed away in 2012, and during his time at Gas City, he honored his father with the Jerry Gappens Sr. Memorial Cup, an annual race that hosted the top sprint car drivers across the country.

 

"I'm fortunate to have two great parents and I appreciate all the time and energy they put into everything they did. Honoring dad was a way to recognize his legacy and his contributions to short-track racing," Gappens said.

 

"I'm taking that same approach with all the great events Eldora has on tap this year, including the return of The Eldora Million on June 9, one of the most legendary events in the track's history."

 

The Eldora Million has only been run once before – in 2001 when Donnie Moran, the four-time World 100 winner, outdueled Don O'Neal, an eventual Dirt Late Model Dream champion, to take the $1 million payday.

 

The Eldora Million on June 9 will feature a full program of racing action with tournament-style preliminary features on June 8 that will set the event's heat races before culminating with the $1 million-to-win championship feature.  

 

The combination of two giant shows – The Eldora Million and the 28th running of the $128,000-to-win Dirt Late Model Dream June 10-11 – all in a span of four days – creates one of the richest open competition events in motorsports history with posted prize money in excess of $1.9 million.

 

All four days of racing from the Dirt Late Model Dream Week, including The Eldora Million, will be available worldwide exclusively on FloRacing, Eldora's official livestream partner.

 

Tickets and camping spaces for all of Eldora's 2022 events are on sale now exclusively at www.EldoraSpeedway.com, where fans can also sign up for breaking news and updates delivered via email or text message. Fans can also call the ticket office at 937-338-3815. The latest event information, including raceday schedule and weather updates, can be found on the official @EldoraSpeedway social media accounts on TwitterFacebookInstagram and YouTube.

 

-EldoraSpeedway-


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2022-04-11

NASCAR Pinty’s Series To Race at Eastbound International Speedway

NASCAR Pinty's Series To Race at Eastbound International Speedway

The historic June race will be the series' first in Newfoundland and Labrador

 

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (April 11, 2022) — NASCAR today announced that the fourth race of the 2022 NASCAR Pinty's Series season will take place at Eastbound International Speedway and Concert Park in Avondale, Newfoundland. The Proline 225 will be run Saturday, June 25 during the province's Come Home 2022 celebration and marks the first race for the Pinty's Series in Newfoundland and Labrador.

 

The event is part of a three-year partnership between NASCAR, Eastbound International Speedway and the Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation. The race will be the culmination of a series of activities for fans including autograph sessions, concerts, and a NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series race, which will be held on Friday night.

 

"Bringing the NASCAR Pinty's Series to Newfoundland and Labrador is a historic milestone for NASCAR in Canada," said Brandon Igdalsky, NASCAR Managing Director, NASCAR Touring Series. "As Canada's largest national motorsports series, we strive to bring the exciting side-by-side racing NASCAR is known for to fans across the country. Partnering with the Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation will give our fans on the eastern coast a great chance to get the full NASCAR experience."

 

"This is an exciting partnership for Newfoundland and Labrador's tourism and hospitality industries," said the Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador. "NASCAR is an international organization with a wide reach, and we look forward to inspiring fans here in our province and all over the world. Hosting these races in our province puts us on the world stage and we're ready to put on a show. NASCAR, you're in for an incredible display of fan support and dedication, as well as a true destination experience."

 

Eastbound International Speedway is the 21st different track to host a race in the 16-year history of the NASCAR Pinty's Series. It has been a NASCAR-sanctioned Home Track since 2016.

 

"I am so proud to be hosting the NASCAR Pinty's Series starting with the Come Home 2022 celebration," said Patrick Squires, owner of Eastbound International Speedway and Concert Park. "To have this level of drivers in Newfoundland and Labrador is a dream come true and one of the reasons we built Eastbound International Speedway. With TSN and FloRacing coverage, the town of Avondale and Eastbound International Speedway will once again be highlighted internationally thanks to the hard work of our team, the province, and the town of Avondale."

 

The Proline 225 completes a 2022 season slate that features 13 races in five provinces.  The season opens May 14 at Sunset Speedway in Innisfil, Ontario. For the full schedule, visit http://www.nascar.ca/schedule/.


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2022-04-01

GEN-3 Electrical Ontario Modifieds Series Announces its 2022 Line-Up


GEN-3 Electrical Ontario Modifieds Series Announces its 2022 Line-Up 

By Jim Clarke, Clarke Motorsports Communications/First Draft Media 

 

After dealing with the COVID-19 Pandemic restrictions over the past 2 seasons, officials with the Ontario Modifieds Racing Series, presented by GEN-3 Electrical are pleased to announce a return to action with its 2022 schedule. OMRS spokesperson Rick Warnes says it will be great to see everyone back at the track. 

 

"We weren't able to hold a driver's meeting again this year so we sent a mass email message to our teams to bring everyone up-to-date," said Warnes. "There will be some minor rule changes and with the supply of tire casings, Towel City will be providing recap tires on American Racer casings, as our series remains committed to offering everyone the same competitive, cost-effective racing we have since our inception in 2010." 

 

Warnes also pointed-out that the 2022 schedule will consist of 8 events, with 6 held at the tour's home base of Peterborough Speedway and a pair of dates at Flamboro Speedway. Officials are also happy to confirm Saturday, August 20th as the date for the inaugural running of the special OMRS memorial event to pay tribute to long-time competitor and former series official Bill Pickford. 

 

"I think everyone associated with this club is excited about getting the new season underway," Rick Warnes explained. "We ran a few races at Peterborough last year but haven't crowned a series champion since 2019 when John Baker Jr. took the honours. These teams put their heart and soul into everything they do on the track and their efforts need to be recognised." 

 

Ontario Modifieds Racing Series 2022 event schedule 

 

Saturday, May 28th                            Peterborough Speedway 

 

Saturday, June 25th                          Peterborough Speedway 

 

Saturday, July 2nd                             Flamboro Speedway 

Saturday, July 23rd                            Peterborough Speedway 

Saturday, July 30th                            Flamboro Speedway 

                                                            Kid's Ride Night 

 

Saturday, August 13th                       Peterborough Speedway 

                                                            Fan Appreciation Night. 

                                                            $4.00 grandstand admission 

Saturday, August 20th                       Peterborough Speedway 

                                                            Inaugural Bill Pickford Memorial 

 

Saturday, September 3rd                 Peterborough Speedway 

                                                            2022 Championship Clash 

 

The 2022 Ontario Modifieds Racing Series schedule is presented by  

GEN-3 Electrical and sponsored in part by TNT Performance Products, Conview Concrete, Sterling Tire, Thinkpath Design, Bourque Transmission, All or Nothing Brewhouse and Clarke Motorsports Communications. 

 

Learn more about the Ontario Modifieds Racing Series by liking the OMRS Ontario Modifieds Racing Series Facebook group or see www.ontariomodifiedsracing.com 

 

Photo attachment: Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications/First Draft Media 

 

Drivers and teams with the Ontario Modifieds Racing Series – presented by GEN-3 Electrical – are looking forward to kicking-off the 2022 season Saturday, May 28th at Peterborough Speedway. 

 

Prepared by: Jim Clarke, Clarke Motorsports Communications/First Draft Media 


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