2016-02-19

Nick Hoffman Wins Gator Championship at DIRTcar Nationals

Nick Hoffman Wins Gator Championship at DIRTcar Nationals

Posted: 15 Feb 2016 09:23 PM PST

BARBERVILLE, Fla. — Feb. 15, 2016 — Nick Hoffman continued his DIRTcar Nationals dominance Monday night as he held off Austin Dillon to score the Gator Championship and the coveted 'Big Gator' trophy.
Hoffman drew the number one starting pill in the night's redraw but faced stiff competition from NASCAR stars Austin and Ty Dillon, and Jason Beaulieu as the green flag flew on the night's 30-lap feature at Volusia Speedway Park.
 
Hoffman jumped out to a nearly two second lead early as the Dillon brothers worked to run him down. By lap 13, Ty Dillon caught Hoffman and began a multi-lap battle for the lead. With lapped traffic in play, Hoffman was able to again extend out his lead.
 
As Hoffman maintained a consistent one-and-a-half-second lead over Ty Dillon, Beaulieu began battling Austin Dillon for the third position. Billy Workman Jr. slowed to a stop on the front straight on lap 27 and bunched the field back up as the yellow flag flew.
 
"I was kind of hoping that thing was just going to go straight to the checkered but I just didn't want to do what Ty did the other night and screwed up in lapped traffic or miss my marks in the last two laps," Hoffman said. "It was nail-biting coming to that green with two to go. I knew if I could make three perfect laps that that was all it was going to take."
 
When the feature returned to green with three laps remaining, Hoffman held off Ty Dillon as Beaulieu battled to the third position. It was the third win of DIRTcar Nationals for Hoffman.
 
"I knew all of my fate relied on that redraw but man this thing was so good I think we could have won that thing from 10th," Hoffman said. "I knew Ty would be really tough and I just held onto it and those lappers were a little scary.
 
Billy Moyer Jr. held off Dennis Erb Jr. and Shane Clanton to win the 30-lap DIRTcar Late Models opener. 
 
Moyer battled past the pole-sitter early as Erb and Clanton traded the second position for much of the feature. As the laps dwindled down, Erb and Clanton pulled within striking distance of the leader who struggled to navigate lapped traffic. With 10 laps to go, the top three were separated by less than a second. As Clanton faded, Erb stayed close to Moyer but was not able to get around.
 
"I've never ran good in a feature here," Moyer said. "I'm really excited, we finally got a Gator and that means a lot to me. The car was phenomenal, I tend to overtighten myself a lot, so it was great having my dad here to help me on the adjustments. We'll go to work tomorrow and hopefully get another one."
 
Nightly doubleheaders at Volusia run through Saturday, Feb. 20. The DIRTcar Late Models return Tuesday night as the DIRTcar UMP Modifieds takes on its final night at Volusia Speedway Park with the Triple-20s.

For more information and updates on the DIRTcar Nationals, click DIRTcarNationals.com or follow on Twitter at @DIRTcarNats.

DIRTcar Nationals Statistical Report; Feb. 15, 2016; Volusia Speedway Park; Barberville, Fla.

DIRTcar UMP Modified Gator Championship A Feature (30 Laps) – 1. 2-Nick Hoffman [$5,000], 2. 41-Ty Dillon, 3. 90-Jason Beaulieu, 4. 3-Austin Dillon, 5. 49-Brian Ruhlman, 6. Z8-Max McLaughlin, 7. 35-David Stremme, 8. 13-Jacob Hawkins, 9. 16C-Josh Harris, 10. 10Y-Trent Young, 11. 36-Kenny Wallace, 12. K9-Will Krup, 13. 91-Derrick Ramey, 14. 54-Larry Burkins, 15. D4B-Jackie Boggs, 16. 13M-Dale McDowell, 17. 7-Justin Allgaier, 18. 01L-Patrick Lyon, 19. 1S-Brian Shaw, 20. 77-Ray Bollinger, 21. 51-Brandon Green, 22. 67-Garrett Stewart, 23. 9-Ken Schrader, 24. 72X-Brian Papiez, 25. 32Z-Nate Zimmer, 26. 33-Jeff Matthews, 27. 64-Billy Workman Jr, 28. 22T-Tony Anderson, 29. 0J-Bryce Jewell, 30. 56-Tyler Nicely
 
DIRTcar Late Models A Feature (30 Laps) – 1. 21-Billy Moyer Jr. [$7,000], 2. 28E-Dennis Erb Jr, 3. 99-Frank Heckenast Jr., 4. 25-Shane Clanton, 5. 777-Jared Landers, 6. 25F-Jason Feger, 7. 1-Josh Richards, 8. 15s-Donny Schatz, 9. 99B-Boom Briggs, 10. 20-Rodney Sanders, 11. B5-Brandon Sheppard, 12. 15-Steve Francis, 13. 3s-Brian Shirley, 14. 7-Rick Eckert, 15. 39-Tim McCreadie, 16. 38-Kenny Pettyjohn, 17. 14M-Morgan Bagley, 18. 22-Gregg Satterlee, 19. 16T-Tyler Bruening, 20. 7W-Ricky Weiss, 21. 201-Billy Ogle Jr., 22. 1*-Chub Frank, 23. 5-Mark Whitener, 24. 40B-Kyle Bronson

DIRTcar Nationals Day-by-Day Schedule (Grandstands open at 5 p.m.)
Tuesday, Feb. 16 – DIRTcar Late Models & UMP Modified Triple  20's
Wednesday, Feb. 17 – DIRTcar Late Models Swamp King Champ & Super DIRTcar Series
Thursday, Feb. 18 – World of Outlaws Craftsman Late Model Series & Super DIRTcar Series
Friday, Feb. 19 – World of Outlaws Craftsman Late Model Series & Super DIRTcar Series
Saturday, Feb. 20 – World of Outlaws Craftsman Late Model Series & Super DIRTcar Series
 
The 2016 DIRTcar Nationals is supported by Budweiser, Daytona Harley-Davidson, Hampton Inn-Palm Coast, Integrity Painting with Valspar, Ring Power CAT, and Safety-Kleen. The World of Outlaws are brought to fans by official partners: Bad Boy Buggies (Official Side-by-Side Vehicle), The Kenny Wallace Dirt Racing Experience (Official Racing Experience), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Morton Buildings (Official Building), and VP Racing Fuel (Official Racing Fuel). Additional support is provided by Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company of WoO Late Model), DirtonDirt.com (WoO Late Model Hard Charger Award), and Chevrolet Performance. Contingency sponsors include: ASI, Beyea Headers, Bicknell Racing Products, Bilstein Shocks, Cometic Gasket, Comp Cams, Edelbrock, Fox Shocks, JE Pistons, JRI Shocks, KSE Racing Products, Mobil 1, MSD Performance, Penske Racing Shocks, Ohlins Shocks, QA1, QuarterMaster, Sweet Manufacturing, Superflow Dynos and Wrisco Aluminum Manufacturer sponsors include: Capital Race Cars, Impact Racing Products, Intercomp, Motorsports Safety Systems, Racing Electronics, Rocket Chassis, S&S Volvo, and TNT Rescue.


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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 19.2.16 0 comments

Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award Presented By Nationwide Permanent Trophy Display Unveiled At International Motorsports Center

Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award Presented By Nationwide Permanent Trophy Display Unveiled At International Motorsports Center

 

  • Nomination Process Begins For Sixth Annual Award

DAYTONA BEACH, FLA. (Feb. 17, 2016) – The NASCAR Foundation unveiled a new permanent display for the Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award presented by Nationwide trophy on Wednesday, in the lobby of the International Motorsports Center.

 

The trophy display was unveiled by The NASCAR Foundation Chairwoman Emeritus and Founder Betty Jane France, who was joined Wednesday by The NASCAR Foundation Chairman Mike Helton and other members of the foundation's board of directors.

The Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award – the NASCAR industry's most prestigious community service honor – is presented annually to a NASCAR fan who embodies France's commitment to philanthropic causes and whose generosity and compassion has positively impacted the lives of children. 

"This permanent display befits the growing stature and impact of our award," France said. "Since its inception, the award has benefited nearly 200,000 children throughout the United States. Today's unveiling also is an appropriate way to begin The NASCAR Foundation's 10th year of existence.

 

"For both our employees who come to the International Motorsports Center every day and our visitors, this display will be a reminder of the good, important work The NASCAR Foundation has been doing since 2006 to improve the quality of life for children."

 

The foundation also announced the beginning of the 2016 award nomination process on Wednesday. Nominations can be submitted on-line at NASCAR.com/Award. Deadline for submitting nominations is March 18.


The sixth annual award will be presented later this year with the winner receiving a $100,000 donation to the charity they represent. Three other national finalists will receive $25,000 for their respective charitable organizations.

 

About The NASCAR Foundation

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing Inc. (NASCAR) established The NASCAR Foundation in January 2006 to support initiatives that positively affect the lives of children throughout the United States. The 501(c) (3) non-profit entity partners with medical experts and other charitable organizations to fund children's health care programs. Now celebrating 10 Years of Giving in 2016, The NASCAR Foundation has cumulatively donated $25 million to reach more than one million children. For more information on The NASCAR Foundation, please visit: NASCARfoundation.org. Follow The NASCAR Foundation on Facebook: www.Facebook.com/NASCARFoundation or on Twitter: @NASCAR_FDN.

 

About Nationwide

Nationwide, a Fortune 100 company based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest and strongest diversified insurance and financial services organizations in the U.S. and is rated A+ by both A.M. Best and Standard & Poor's. The company provides a full range of insurance and financial services, including auto, commercial, homeowners, farm and life insurance; public and private sector retirement plans, annuities and mutual funds; banking and mortgages; pet, motorcycle and boat insurance. For more information, visit www.nationwide.com.

 

Contact:

Sara Tucker

The NASCAR Foundation


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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 19.2.16 0 comments

Nick Hoffman Wraps Up Blockbuster UMP Modified Week at DIRTcar Nationals

Nick Hoffman Wraps Up Blockbuster UMP Modified Week at DIRTcar Nationals

Posted: 16 Feb 2016 10:03 PM PST

BARBERVILLE, Fla. — Feb. 16, 2016 — Nick Hoffman wrapped up his blockbuster DIRTcar Nationals run on Tuesday night as he claimed the UMP Modified Week championship and scored his second 'Big Gator' trophy.
 
Hoffman, who was the class of the field all week with the DIRTcar UMP Modifieds, picked up three wins, the Gator Championship and the overall championship. He finished sixth in the final triple-20 feature.
 
"I just can't believe it," Hoffman said. "I can't thank everybody enough who makes this possible. It's unreal to come down here and beat the guys we did and to do it so many times."
 
Tuesday night had three Triple-20 features lined up by the UMP Modified championship week point standings. Ray Bollinger picked up the win in the final Triple-20 feature of the night after battling with Will Krup.
 
"I can't say enough for my crew," Bollinger said. "They pull it down here and I get to fly down here. I feel like a NASCAR star coming down here and I finally got my gator."
 
NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Justin Allgaier won the second Triple-20 after he ran through the field and battled Scotty Kincaid. For the driver nicknamed 'Little Gator,' the win was even more meaningful as he was able to bring home his own little gator trophy.
 
"We struggled this week really bad – I can't thank these guys enough," Allgaier said. "We built a new racecar to come down here. We've been trying to learn it and we finally did tonight."
 
Derrick Ramey held off Joey Jensen through the first Triple-20 feature of the night to claim his first victory of DIRTcar Nationals.
 
Josh Richards dominated night two with the DIRTcar Late Model Series. Through the 30-lap feature Richards held off a charging Jonathan Davenport and Tim McCreadie to score his first DIRTcar Nationals victory of the week.
 
"It sure wasn't pretty but we will take it," Richards said. "I saw [Davenport] in second and knew I had to give it all I had.
 
"It was touchy out there. There was a lot of traction in spots. If you could get though it smoothly, which was hard to do, then you could gain some speed. You don't really know when you're leading who's behind you and how fast they're going. It was a handful but we will take it, we have a long week to go."
 
Nightly doubleheaders at Volusia run through Saturday, Feb. 20. The Super DIRTcar Series Big-Block Modifieds take on Volusia Speedway Park Wednesdaynight as the DIRTcar Late Models crown the Swamp King Champion.
 
For more information and updates on the DIRTcar Nationals, click DIRTcarNationals.com or follow on Twitter at @DIRTcarNats.

DIRTcar Nationals Statistical Report; Feb. 16, 2016; Volusia Speedway Park; Barberville, Fla.

DIRTcar UMP Modified Triple-20 A-Feature #3 (15 Laps) – 1. 77-Ray Bollinger [$600], 2. K9-Will Krup, 3. 54-Larry Burkins, 4. 10Y-Trent Young, 5. 36-Kenny Wallace, 6. 2-Nick Hoffman, 7. 35-David Stremme, 8. 49-Brian Ruhlman, 9. Z8-Max McLaughlin, 10. 41-Ryan Gifford, 11. 67-Garrett Stewart, 12. 90-Jason Beaulieu
 
DIRTcar UMP Modified Triple-20 A-Feature #2 (15 Laps) – 1. 7-Justin Allgaier [$600], 2. 12K-Scotty Kincaid, 3. 3-Ken Schrader, 4. 45J-Johnny Broking, 5. 22T-Tony Anderson, 6. D4B-Jackie Boggs, 7. 17T-Tyler Evans, 8. 64-Billy Workman Jr, 9. 1-Andy Golgoci, 10. 32Z-Nate Zimmer, 11. 71-Joel Ortberg, 12. 11T-Dugan Thye
 
DIRTcar UMP Modified Triple-20 A-Feature #1 (15 Laps) – 1. 91-Derrick Ramey [$600], 2. 126-Joey Jensen, 3. D4-Dave Jamison, 4. 11N-Gene Nicholas, 5. 2M-David Mitchell, 6. 0-Will Norris, 7. 26-Bobby Gierke, 8. 79-Kory Maurice, 9. 23-Ryan Cripe, 10. 22L-Bill Lewis, 11. 1-Jared Spaulding, 12. 21-Sean Monaghan
 
DIRTcar Late Models A-Feature (30 Laps) – 1. 1-Josh Richards [$7,000], 2. 39-Tim McCreadie, 3. 6-Jonathan Davenport, 4. 5w-Mark Whitener, 5. 7-Rick Eckert, 6. 15-Steve Francis, 7. 25-Shane Clanton, 8. 99j-Frank Heckenast Jr, 9. 21-Ivedent Lloyd Jr, 10. 21J-Billy Moyer Jr, 11. 15s-Donny Schatz, 12. 7W-Ricky Weiss, 13. 201-Billy Ogle Jr, 14. 22-Gregg Satterlee, 15. 40B-Kyle Bronson, 16. 99B-Boom Briggs, 17. 15L-Darrell Lanigan, 18. 17M-Dale McDowell, 19. 777-Jared Landers, 20. 20-Rodney Sanders, 21. 5-Don O'Neal, 22. 94-Austin Rettig, 23. 16-Justin Rattliff, 24. C9-Steve Casebolt

DIRTcar Nationals Day-by-Day Schedule (Grandstands open at 5 p.m.)
Wednesday, Feb. 17 – DIRTcar Late Models Swamp King Champ & Super DIRTcar Series
Thursday, Feb. 18 – World of Outlaws Craftsman Late Model Series & Super DIRTcar Series
Friday, Feb. 19 – World of Outlaws Craftsman Late Model Series & Super DIRTcar Series
Saturday, Feb. 20 – World of Outlaws Craftsman Late Model Series & Super DIRTcar Series
 
The 2016 DIRTcar Nationals is supported by Budweiser, Daytona Harley-Davidson, Hampton Inn-Palm Coast, Integrity Painting with Valspar, Ring Power CAT, and Safety-Kleen. The World of Outlaws are brought to fans by official partners: Bad Boy Buggies (Official Side-by-Side Vehicle), The Kenny Wallace Dirt Racing Experience (Official Racing Experience), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Morton Buildings (Official Building), and VP Racing Fuel (Official Racing Fuel). Additional support is provided by Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company of WoO Late Model), DirtonDirt.com (WoO Late Model Hard Charger Award), and Chevrolet Performance. Contingency sponsors include: ASI, Beyea Headers, Bicknell Racing Products, Bilstein Shocks, Cometic Gasket, Comp Cams, Edelbrock, Fox Shocks, JE Pistons, JRI Shocks, KSE Racing Products, Mobil 1, MSD Performance, Penske Racing Shocks, Ohlins Shocks, QA1, QuarterMaster, Sweet Manufacturing, Superflow Dynos and Wrisco Aluminum Manufacturer sponsors include: Capital Race Cars, Impact Racing Products, Intercomp, Motorsports Safety Systems, Racing Electronics, Rocket Chassis, S&S Volvo, and TNT Rescue.


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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 19.2.16 0 comments

Suárez, Lang, Chevrolet Among Winners at 2016 NASCAR Diversity Awards

 

Suárez, Lang, Chevrolet Among Winners at 2016 NASCAR Diversity Awards

Ninth-Annual Event Honors Individuals and Organizations that Champion

NASCAR's Year-Round Efforts on Diversity and Inclusion 

 

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Feb. 19, 2016) – Reigning NASCAR XFINITY Series Sunoco Rookie of the Year, Daniel Suárez, will headline a group of eight winners at the ninth annual NASCAR Diversity Awards. The event will take place at 12 p.m. ET today at the Daytona International Speedway in the lead up to the Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 21 (1 p.m. ET on FOX).  

 

The NASCAR Diversity Awards recognize the people and organizations in motorsports that champion diversity and inclusion in eight categories: Industry Ambassador, Diverse Driver, Ignition Award, Diverse Intern, Institution, Partner, Young Driver, and Pit Crew.

 

Notable previous NASCAR Diversity Awards winners include: Max Siegel, Darrell Wallace Jr., Phoenix International Raceway, Toyota, Coca-Cola, Sunoco, and the University of Central Florida.

 

Driven by NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France, the NASCAR Diversity Awards has become the leading means to recognize multicultural accomplishments across the motorsports industry.  

 

The winners are chosen based on participation or support of NASCAR's year-round diversity and inclusion initiatives including: NASCAR Drive for Diversity, the leading driver and crew member development program in motorsports; the NASCAR Diversity Internship Program, a paid internship program for ethnically-diverse candidates with high academic standing from elite institutions; and the NASCAR Opinion Leader Initiative, which engages multicultural community, civic, and professional organizations. 

 

"Becoming more diverse and inclusive is a huge priority at NASCAR and we continue to make long-term investments to boost female and minority participation across every level of our sport, on and off the track," said Jim Cassidy, NASCAR senior vice president of racing operations. "Widening our appeal is critical to our continued expansion and we are proud to honor today's winners, and many others across the industry, for their hard work and support." 

 

The 2016 NASCAR Diversity Awards Winners:  

 

Industry Ambassador Award

Winner: Claire B. Lang, NASCAR radio host and current host of "Dialed In" on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio who has actively engaged with NASCAR diversity and inclusion initiatives

Description: Representative who displays an exemplary effort to incorporate multicultural initiatives as part of his/her job.

 

Diverse Driver Award

Winner: Abraham Calderon, 2014 NASCAR Mexico Series Champion

Description: Minority or female NASCAR developmental driver who exemplifies outstanding performance both on and off the racetrack in encouraging awareness and interaction with NASCAR and motorsports.

 

Ignition Award

Winner: Daniel Suárez, 2015 NASCAR XFINITY Series Sunoco Rookie of the Year, Joe Gibbs Racing and NASCAR Drive for Diversity alum  

Description: Minority or female NASCAR national series driver who demonstrates leadership both on and off the racetrack while helping to foster the diversity in sport.

 

Outstanding Intern Award

Winner: Victoria Kim, a Penn State graduate and Pocono Raceway's first NASCAR Diversity Internship Program intern 

Description: Student who exhibits high performance and leadership skills in academics as well as during their NASCAR Diversity Internship Program.

 

Institution Award

Winner: National Association of Black Journalists, An organization of journalists, students, and media-related professionals that provides quality programs and services to and advocates on behalf of African-American journalists worldwide

Description: Civic or educational institution that exposes minorities to motorsports and encourages pursuit of opportunities within the motorsports industry.

 

Partner Award

Winner: Chevrolet, for demonstrating a commitment to NASCAR diversity and inclusion goals through its program support and engagement with NASCAR Multicultural Development

Description: Company that shows commitment to NASCAR diversity and inclusion goals through its program support and engagement with NASCAR.

 

Young Racer Award

Winner: Macy Causey, 15, youngest participant in the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Combine 

Description: Minority or female between the ages of 8-15 years old who has partaken in some form of competitive racing and has overcome adversity in pursuit of his/her dream of participating in the motorsports industry. 

 

Crew Member Award

Winners: Rafael Diaz and Mike Russell, both of Roush Fenway Racing and part of the 2015 NASCAR XFINITY Series Championship team

Description: Minority or female crew member who inspires awareness of NASCAR through competitive performance and outreach activities.

 

About NASCAR

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc. (NASCAR) is the sanctioning body for the No. 1 form of motorsports in the United States. NASCAR consists of three national series (the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series™, NASCAR XFINITY Series™, and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series™), four regional series, one local grassroots series and three international series. The International Motor Sports Association™ (IMSA®) governs the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship™, the premier U.S. sports car series. Based in Daytona Beach, Fla., with offices in eight cities across North America, NASCAR sanctions more than 1,200 races in more than 30 U.S. states, Canada, Mexico and Europe. For more information visit http://www.NASCAR.com and http://www.IMSA.com, and follow NASCAR on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat ('NASCAR').

 

Contact:                                                                                              

Brooke Bunch

NASCAR Integrated Marketing Communications


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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 19.2.16 0 comments

Brian Vickers Eighth in Can-Am Duel at Daytona



Brian Vickers Eighth in Can-Am Duel at Daytona

Bass Pro Shops/Mobil 1 Chevrolet SS Starts 18th in Sunday's Daytona 500

Date:                      Feb. 18, 2016

Event:                    Race No. 2 of the Can-Am Duel at Daytona (non-points qualifying races for the 58th Daytona 500)

Series:                    NASCAR Sprint Cup Series

Location:               Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway (2.5-mile oval)

Start/Finish:         22nd/8th (Running, completed 60 of 60 laps)

Winner:                 Can Am Duel No. 1 - Dale Earnhardt Jr. of Hendrick Motorsports (Chevrolet)

                               Can Am Duel No. 2 - Kyle Busch of Joe Gibbs Racing (Toyota)

 

Brian Vickers, driver of the No. 14 Bass Pro Shops/Mobil 1 Chevrolet SS for Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR), finished eighth in the second of the two Can-Am Duel qualifying races Thursday night at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway. The finish means Vickers will start 18th among the 40 drivers in Sunday's 58th running of the Daytona 500.

 

While it wasn't a spectacular run, Vickers said it was exactly what his No. 14 team needed.

 

"We came here to win, so whenever you don't win you are disappointed, but we learned a lot about our racecar, finished in one piece, and we have a decent starting position for the Daytona 500," Vickers said to the media after climbing out of the No. 14. "There are a lot of guys who can't say that tonight."

 

Vickers started 22nd after single-lap qualifying Sunday set the lineup for each of the Duels. The Thomasville, North Carolina, stayed at the back of the pack in the opening laps, careful to ensure he protected his car. A few laps later, the field divided into two packs with Vickers running near the back of the second pack.

 

He told the crew over the team radio he was happy with the handling and just biding his time. By lap 12 he ran in 16th as the second pack joined the lead pack and all 22 cars ran nose-to-tail around the 2.5-mile oval. Then Vickers raced in 12th tucked in behind teammate Danica Patrick.

 

At the halfway mark, with the pack still single file, spotters and drivers of the cars racing around Vickers decided to form a second line in the low lane. At lap 32 the cars dove low in unison, but when a few pulled back up in the high lane, Vickers was stuck in the low lane without a drafting partner.

 

"Some of those guys didn't do what they said, and we lost the draft, and once you do that at this place you are really in trouble," Vickers said.

 

Running without the aid of a drafting partner, the No. 14 fell out of the lead pack. With no cautions and only a quick pit stop for fuel there was no opportunity for Vickers to make up the lost ground.

 

It appeared he'd end the race in 14th, but a six-car accident triggered by Jimmie Johnson and Jamie McMurray battling for second on the white-flag lap brought the race to an end under caution and allowed Vickers to take the checkered flag in eighth.

 

"We'll take it and work on our car tomorrow and Saturday," Vickers said. "Everyone did a good job tonight, but we'll be better in the Daytona 500."

 

On Feb. 13, SHR named Vickers the interim driver of the No. 14 for all Speedweeks activity. He replaced Tony Stewart, who sustained a burst fracture of the L1 vertebra in an all-terrain vehicle accident Jan. 31 while vacationing on the West Coast. Stewart spoke from his North Carolina home to Vickers during Thursday's race.

 

"That was strange but also pretty cool to hear Tony on the radio tonight," Vickers said. "He can certainly help us, and it's an advantage we plan to use."

 

The No. 14 team will practice Friday and Saturday in preparation for Sunday's race that marks Vickers' 10th Daytona 500 appearance.

 

Vickers' teammate Kurt Busch led the way for SHR Thursday by finishing third in his Can-Am Duel race. Busch's third-place finish in the second Duel race slots him and his No. 41 Haas Automation/Monster Energy Chevrolet SS eighth for the 58th Daytona 500 on Sunday.

 

Danica Patrick, driver of the No. 10 Nature's Bakery Chevrolet SS finished seventh to line up 16th in the Great American Race. Kevin Harvick, driver of the No. 4 Jimmy John's Chevrolet SS, was the lone SHR driver in the first Duel. He finished fourth and will line up ninth in the Daytona 500.

 

Dale Earnhardt Jr. won the first Can-Am Duel by .183 of a second over runner-up Joey Logano. Ryan Blaney, Harvick and Denny Hamlin took spots three through five. The rest of the top-10 consisted of Chase Elliott, Kasey Kahne, Greg Biffle, Chris Buescher and Ricky Stenhouse Jr.

 

Kyle Busch won the second Can-Am Duel under caution ahead of runner-up Jamie McMurray. Kurt Busch, Carl Edwards and Ty Dillon took spots three through five. The rest of the top-10 consisted of Kyle Larson, Patrick, Vickers, Matt DiBenedetto and Michael Annett.      

 

-TSC-


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BRYAN HERTA AUTOSPORT AND ANDRETTI AUTOSPORT MERGE FOR FOUR CAR EFFORT

BRYAN HERTA AUTOSPORT AND ANDRETTI AUTOSPORT MERGE FOR FOUR CAR EFFORT

INDIANAPOLIS (Feb. 18, 2016) – Bryan Herta Autosport announced today that the team will join forces with four-time IndyCar championship team Andretti Autosport via a merger that will see Andretti field a fourth entry for the 2016 Verizon IndyCar Series season.

The No. 98 Honda will join the Andretti stable as crew members from Bryan Herta Autosport are also welcomed to the Andretti racing family. Herta himself will remain involved as he takes to the timing stand, filling the role of race strategist for the No. 98 and overall team driver coach. The team's fourth full-season driver will be announced at a later date.

"I couldn't be more excited about this new chapeter for Bryan Herta Autosport," said Bryan Herta. "Michael has been a long-time friend, and we certainly know that Andretti Autosport was a big part of my career. When the opportunity came together for us to strengthen our organization and merge with one of the most successful teams and names in the sport, it was really a no brainer. I'm especially proud that what we've built with all the employees of BHA will remain intact and become part of the fabric of Andretti Autosport."

"Bryan is a long-time friend and I was happy to watch him build a successful Indy car team," said Michael Andretti. "Bringing Bryan and his crew into the family is a great opportunity for all parties to build an even stronger organization. Having Bryan's experience is a welcome addition to the team. I'm honored to be able to carry on what he started and look forward to a competitive season." 

The battle for the 2016 Verizon IndyCar Series championship begins March 13on the streets of St. Petersburg, Fla. 

About Bryan Herta Autosport:
Co-Founded by veteran driver Bryan Herta, Bryan Herta Autosport (BHA) has been a race-winning team in Indy Lights competition since 2009 and won the 2011 Indianapolis 500 with driver Dan Wheldon in only its second Verizon IndyCar Series start. BHA currently fields entries in the Verizon IndyCar Series and in the Red Bull Global Rallycross Series as Bryan Herta Rallysport. Since 2012, BHA has partnered with Bowen Motorsports of Toronto, Ontario.  For more information, visit www.bryanhertaautosport.com. 

Media Contact:
Ryann Rigsby


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2016-02-18

SAAS Race Wear, un commanditaire présent depuis nos débuts

SAAS Race Wear, un commanditaire présent depuis nos débuts

L'implication de SAAS Race Wear n'est pas d'aujourd'hui; impliqués dans le sport automobile depuis près de 25 ans, les propriétaires, Chantal Grenier et Stéphane Lacharité ont cru en la Série dès le départ. 

SAAS Race Wear a vu le jour en 2006 afin de permettre au couple de concilier travail et passion. Dès leur ouverture, SAAS s'est donné comme mandat d'offrir un produit de qualité au meilleur prix possible tout en respectant les normes de sécurité. Fait sur mesure, il se donne comme mission que les vêtements soient à l'image du pilote et de leurs commanditaires. 

Outre les combinaisons de course, ils offrent tous les produits promotionnels qui peuvent habiller toute l'équipe, soit des chemises, pantalons et gants pour les mécanos, des casquettes, t-shirt manteaux et plusieurs autres produits toujours à votre image…  

SAAS Race Wear s'associe au Groupe Neurones

Dans le but d'offrir un plus grand éventail de produits et de répondre aux besoins variés de leur clientèle, Stéphane Lacharitéet Chantal Grenier ont pris la décision de s'associer avec la réputée compagnie Groupe Neurones. Ayant déjà fait leur preuve dans le domaine promotionnel, Groupe Neurone permet ainsi d'allié la qualité déjà offerte avec un plus grand choix de produits et ainsi devenir un partenaire plus complet pour leur clientèle. 

C'est un plaisir pour la Série de pouvoir compter sur un commanditaire fidèle tel que SAAS Race Wear qui de plus qui continue d'offrir année après année aux équipes de la Série des produits de qualités et innovateurs.

Coordonnées : 

Chantal Grenier : 418-838-4333 p :236

Courriel : chantal@groupeneurones.com

 

Marie-Claude Levasseur, Relationniste




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Huge Month Of March For PASS South Racers Begins At Dillon

Huge Month Of March For PASS South Racers Begins At Dillon

 

-       For Immediate Release

 

CHARLOTTE, NC (February 18) – After an exciting start to the season at Greenville-Pickens Speedway a couple of weeks ago, Pro All Stars Series (PASS) South Super Late Model racers from across the Southeast are busy preparing for the biggest month of racing in the 2016 season.  The month of March will see three huge events for the South's top Super Late Model racers, beginning with the 11th Annual South Carolina Clash at Dillon Motor Speedway on Saturday, March 5.

Ever since the first South Carolina Clash was held at nearby Florence Motor Speedway in 2006, the event has been one of the featured races annually on the PASS South schedule.  In that race 10 years ago, the late Charlie Bradberry held off short track legends Mike Rowe and Freddie Query in a frantic battle to the checkered flag.

In 2008, the South Carolina Clash moved the tough, egg-shaped Dillon Motor Speedway and has seen quite the list of winners.  Ryan Blaney leads all drivers with two victories, while Justin Wakefield, Ben Rowe, Preston Peltier, Austin Theriault, Daniel Hemric, and Tyler Church have all visited victory lane there in the past.  Peltier looked to join Blaney as a two-time winner at Dillon, but was edged out by Theriault in 2013 for the closest finish in PASS South history.

            This year's South Carolina Clash will go green on Saturday, March 5 as Tyler Church looks to repeat his emotional victory there from a year ago.  But, following a 12-lead change event at Greenville and with another stacked field expected at Dillon, that will be no easy task for Church.  The weekend of racing will be filled out by a stout afternoon of action that will include the DMS Late Models racing for 60 laps with $1500 going to the winner and the Pro 4-Cylinders competing in a 50 lapper paying $750 to win.

            From Dillon, the series returns to Concord Speedway on Saturday, March 19 and the beginning of a new tradition with the birth of the Southern Sizzler.  The PASS South Super Late Models will compete for 125 laps and will be joined for the first time ever by the NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour.

            Just a week later, one of the most prestigious short track events of the Spring will go green on Saturday, March 26 as the 11th Annual Easter Bunny 150 brings the PASS racers back to Hickory Motor Speedway.  Racers from all across the country are expected for the Easter Bunny 150, which also doubles as the second race of the PASS National Championship Series.  And if the Easter Bunny weekend was not already big enough, two inaugural series events at Hickory will make it that much bigger.  The Southern Modified Racing Series Presented By PASS is expected to bring Tour-type Modified racers from across the East Coast together in the first ever Easter Bunny 125.  And, the new South East Mini Stock tour will also be in action following an exciting introductory event at Concord last Fall.

All the action gets under way on Friday, March 4 at Dillon Motor Speedway with open practice for all competing divisions from 3 – 6:05 PM.  On Saturday, March 5, practice will begin at 12 Noon with qualifying starting at 3:30 PM for the PASS South Super Late Models, DMS Late Models, and Pro 4-Cylinders, followed by main events starting at approximately 5 PM.  

  PASS South Super Late Model entry forms for the events at Dillon, Concord, and Hickory can be found at ProAllStarsSeries.com.

The Pro All Stars Series is recognized as North America's premier sanctioning body for asphalt Super Late Models and boasts such marquee events as the legendary Oxford 250 at Oxford Plains Speedway and PASS South's Easter Bunny 150 at the historic Hickory Motor Speedway.  For technical information concerning all PASS divisions please send questions to passracing@roadrunner.com.  For media or marketing questions, please contact Alan Dietz at 704-231-2039 or alandietzpass@live.com.  And, don't forget to "Like" the Pro All Stars Series on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @PASSSLM14 to keep up with breaking news as it happens.

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2016-02-17

500

BRIAN VICKERS

Recovered and Returning to Daytona 500

 

KANNAPOLIS, North Carolina (Feb. 17, 2015) – The 100,000 fans attending Sunday's 58th running of the Daytona 500 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway, plus the millions of television viewers and radio listeners around the world, will root for their favorite driver to win the Harley J. Earl trophy in  NASCAR's "Great American Race."

 

Few might have Brian Vickers' name at the top of their wish list to take the checkered flag in the NASCAR Sprint Cup season-opener, but it would be difficult to find a more popular victory Sunday – not to mention well-deserved.

Vickers' battle over the last several years to remain in the sport he loves is a profile in perseverance that rivals any in racing or the entire sports world.

 

Throughout the last few years of his career, blood-clot-related issues have forced Vickers to climb out of a full-time Sprint Cup ride to focus on healing his body. But each time he's recovered and returned.

 

This weekend, he'll add a new chapter to the story when he substitutes for the injured Tony Stewart, driving the No. 14 Bass Pro Shops/Mobil 1 Chevrolet SS for Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR). The three-time champion underwent surgery after sustaining a burst fracture of the L1 vertebra in an all-terrain vehicle accident Jan. 31 while vacationing on the West Coast.

 

Named Friday as a replacement for Stewart, SHR picked Vickers for his experience and ability to blend with a new team quickly. The Chevrolet-powered team looked strong in Saturday's Sprint Unlimited, moving from the 18th starting spot to fourth before a cut tire led to a crash that ended the race for Vickers. He'll start 22nd Thursday in the second of two Can-Am Duels that determine the Daytona 500 starting lineup.

 

In his 10th try, this year might be Vickers' best shot to win the Daytona 500.

 

He'll access the technology that produces fast cars at SHR – the powerhouse team that won Sprint Cup titles in 2011 with Stewart and in 2014 with Kevin Harvick and finished second last season. The Kannapolis, North Carolina team also returns Harvick, Kurt Busch and Danica Patrick.

 

Mike Bugarewicz takes over the No. 14 crew chief duties in 2016 after serving as the lead engineer for SHR's No. 4 team since its inception in 2014. The Penn State engineer will work closely with Rodney Childers – Harvick's crew chief – as well as SHR's Sprint Cup crew chiefs Tony Gibson and Billy Scott.

 

With those resources and Vickers' restrictor-plate-racing prowess, the Miami resident and 2003 NASCAR Xfinity Series champion is far from a longshot in the "Super Bowl of Stock Car Racing."

 

Vickers' last appearance on the 2.5-mile Daytona track saw him come within a split-second of victory. Rain forced a caution as Vickers drove-side-by-side with Aric Almirola for first place on lap 112 of the July 2014 Coke Zero 400. Had the caution flown a moment later, it would have been Vickers who claimed victory in the rain-shortened race.

 

The 33-year-old's restrictor-plate abilities were evident early in his career when he earned his first Sprint Cup victory surviving a last-lap battle with then-teammate Jimmie Johnson and restrictor-plate ace Dale Earnhardt Jr., to win at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway in October 2006.

 

Vickers will enjoy strong corporate support in Daytona with two of SHR's longtime partners: Bass Pro Shops and Mobil 1. With a fast car, experienced teammates, a smart crew chief and strong corporate support, Vickers hopes to author a comeback story Sunday that would make for an ending fit for Hollywood.

 

Brian Vickers, Driver of the No. 14 Bass Pro Shops/Mobil 1 Chevrolet SS for Stewart-Haas Racing: 

How did it feel to be back in the car this weekend in Daytona?

"Damn good. I mean it was great.  It was like riding a bicycle except at 200 mph. It might have taken a lap or two, but I felt right at home pretty quickly."

 

What are your thoughts on Saturday's Sprint Unlimited? 

"We were fast Saturday night. The car felt really comfortable. I think contact early in the race cut the tire. When that happens, there isn't much you can do. It was a hard hit but I'm fine. Not the way we wanted to finish but, again, it was really good to be out there racing."

 

Are you enjoying your return to racing? 

"You know, as busy as everyone is with the racing schedule and all kind of commitments, it's easy to forget how much fun this sport really is and how much you enjoy the people. I just want to enjoy every moment of Speedweeks while I am down here."

 

What are your long-term plans? 

"Right now, the only thing I know for sure is I am going to race in Sunday's Daytona 500 for Stewart-Haas Racing. That's pretty cool. We'll figure everything else out later. All of my energy and focus is just getting the No. 14 Bass Pro Shops/Mobil 1 Chevrolet to victory lane. Everything else will take care of itself."

 

Have you spoken to Tony? 

"Yes, Sarah (wife) and I visited with Tony last week. He was in really good spirits and I know he can't wait to get back in the car. It's really a big honor to race for him. Tony and I have had an interesting relationship over the years. We've had our disagreements on the track but we have always been friends. I really like him and I believe there is a mutual respect there. This is his racecar. I'm keeping the seat warm for when he returns."

 

What is your strategy for the Daytona 500?

"I talked to 'Buga' (crew chief Mike Bugarewicz) and the guys on the No. 14 and we all kind of agreed to forget about hanging out at the back and waiting for the finish. I say we just go to the front at the start of the race and stay there. Seriously, I don't know if there is a 'safe' place out on the track, so you might as well go take the lead and race with the guys up front."

No. 14 Bass Pro Shops/Mobil 1 Racing Team Report
Round 1 of 36 – Daytona 500

Car No.: 14 –   Bass Pro Shops/Mobil 1 Chevrolet SS for Stewart-Haas Racing

 

Teammates:     Kevin Harvick, No. 4 Jimmy John's Chevrolet SS

Danica Patrick, No. 10 Nature's Bakery Chevrolet SS

Kurt Busch, No. 41 Haas Automation/Monster Energy Chevrolet SS

 

At Track PR Contact: Drew Brown with True Speed Communication (704-498-7596 or Drew.Brown@TrueSpeedCommunication.com)    

Primary Team Members:

 

Driver: Brian Vickers

Hometown: Miami, Florida

 

Crew Chief: Mike Bugarewicz

Hometown: Lehighton, Pennsylvania

 

Car Chief: Jerry Cook

Hometown: Toledo, Ohio

 

Engine Specialist: David McClure

Hometown: Sacramento, California

 

Engine Builder: Hendrick Motorsports

Headquarters: Concord, North Carolina

 

Spotter: Bob Jeffrey

Hometown: Bristol, Tennessee

 
Over-The-Wall Crew Members:
 

Front Tire Changer: Bryan Jacobsen

Hometown: Honesdale, Pennsylvania

 

Front Tire Carrier: Brett Morrell

Hometown: Windham, Maine

 

Rear Tire Changer: Chris McMullen

Hometown: Canton, Michigan

 

Rear Tire Carrier: Josh Sobecki

Hometown: New Kensington, Pennsylvania

 

Gas Man: James "Ace" Keener

Hometown: Fortuna, California

 

Jackman: Getty Cavitt

Hometown: Owensboro, Kentucky

 

Windshield: Justin Peiffer

Hometown: Lebanon, Pennsylvania

 

Road Crew Members:


Truck Driver: Ken "Goldberg" Gober

Hometown: Derry New Hampshire


Truck Driver: William "Stump" Lewis

Hometown: Linkwood, Maryland respectively


Engineer: Lee Deese

Hometown: Rockingham, North Carolina


Mechanics: Tony Silvestri  

Hometown: Sylvania, Ohio


Tire Specialist: Russell Simpson

Hometown: Medford, New York


Shock Specialist: Dave Hansen

Hometown: York, Maine


Pit Support/Fuel Runner: Daniel Coffey

Hometown: Granite Falls, North Carolina


Daytona International Speedway Notes of Interest:

  • The Daytona 500 will mark Vickers' 319th career NASCAR Sprint Cup Series start and 17th career Sprint Cup start at Daytona.
  • Vickers owns career totals of three wins, 12 poles, 29 top-five finishes, 77 top-10s and 1,242 laps led in 318 Sprint Cup races.
  • His most recent Sprint Cup victory came at New Hampshire Motor Speedway (July 14, 2013)
  • Vickers also owns victories at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway (Oct. 8, 2016) and Michigan International Speedway (Aug. 16, 2009)
  • His most recent Sprint Cup pole came at Talladega (Oct. 19, 2014).
  • Oh So Close: Aric Almirola led Vickers by just a few feet when rain brought out the caution on lap 113 to end the July 6, 2014 Coke Zero 400 at Daytona. The race never restarted and Vickers' second-place finish was a career-best at Daytona. It also marked his most recent Daytona race.
  • Vickers has a top-five finish, four top-10s and has led a total of 34 laps in his 16 career Sprint Cup starts at Daytona. His average start is 24.1, his average finish is 19.4 and he has a lap completion rate of 92.7 percent.
  • Thursday will mark Vickers' 10th start in the Can-Am Duels. In 2009, he finished third – his best career result.
  • Vickers' last Sprint Cup race came at Phoenix International Raceway (March 15, 2015) for Michael Waltrip Racing (MWR).
  • Familiar Faces: Vickers' most recent victory came with Rodney Childers serving as crew chief. Vickers' most recent pole came with Billy Scott serving as crew chief.  In 2016, Childers and Scott, who were with Vickers at MWR at the time of the victory and pole, are now crew chiefs at Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR). Childers oversees the No. 4 Chevrolet and Scott the No. 10 Chevrolet.
  • Sunday will mark the crew chief debut of Mike Bugarewicz. The Lehighton, Pennsylvania native served at the lead engineer on SHR's No. 4 the last two seasons. 

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