Racing News (1170)
Racing News from around the World
Liberty Tire Recycling Joins NASCAR Green To Bolster Largest Recycling Program In Sports
Written by Steven B. Wilson
As part ofNASCAR Race to Green™, a month-long, industry-wide effort to reduce the sport’s carbon footprint, NASCAR and Liberty Tire Recycling announced today a new partnership that designates the tire recycling services provider as the Official Tire Recycler of NASCAR Green.
NASCAR has the largest recycling program in sports, including a comprehensive effort that accounts for approximately 120,000 Goodyear tires recycled across NASCAR’s top three national series each year. Liberty Tire Recycling will join other Official NASCAR Green partners, which comprise a comprehensive recycling program,including Coca-Cola, MillerCoors, Creative Recycling, Goodyear,Safety-Kleen, and Sprint.
“By recycling more than 140 million tires annually, we reclaim nearly 1.5 billion pounds of rubber for innovative, eco-friendly products,” said Thomas Carter, Liberty Tire Recycling vice president of alternative fuels. “We look forward to enhancing NASCAR Green’s best-in-class recycling program by keeping its discarded tires out of landfills and transforming them into smart, sustainable products that improve people’s lives.”
In conjunction with theNASCAR Green Clean Air Tree Planting Program™ Delivered by UPS, an initiative that willneutralize the carbon emissions of all of the racing in NASCAR’s three national series, Liberty Tire Recycling will provide GroundSmart Mulch™ that will enhance the landscaping of trees that are donated to areas of need throughout the country. The rubber mulch lasts longer than its wood mulch counterpart and prevents soil from washing away.Additionally, Liberty Tire Recycling products, such as rubberized asphalt will be used to repave racetracks and parking lots at NASCAR Home Track racetracks across the country.
“Adding the nation’s premier tire recycling company to our group of Official NASCAR Green Partners will further enhance NASCAR’s position of leadership in sustainability across all sports,” said Jim O’Connell, NASCAR chief sales officer. “Liberty Tire Recycling has positioned itself as a leader in tire recycling innovation and we are pleased to work towards a common goal of reducing the environmental impact of our sport.”
Liberty Tire Recycling will join the NASCAR Fuel for Business Council®, which brings together an exclusive group of more than 55 Official NASCAR Partners to get more out of their sponsorships, specifically bringing together partners four times a year to buy and sell products and services. This environment offers the unique opportunity for manyFortune 500 companies to bypass the time and layers of corporate coordination that may exist and construct customized deals to help address specific business needs.
NASCAR PR
Opening night at Lebanon I-44 Speedway is scheduled for Saturday, April 27, with a full slate of racing on tap headlined by a strong field of Pro Late Model challengers eager to contend for a NASCAR Whelen All-American Series state title. Also in action that evening will be Modifieds, Sportsman, Road Warriors and Chargers, and Lebanon I-44 Speedway promoter Kevin Greven is expecting tight quarters in the pit area.
"We're just a few spots away from selling out our 2013 reserved pit spots," Greven said. "That's just one of the many indicators that signal an historic season under the NASCAR sanctioning body at Lebanon I-44 Speedway as the only NASCAR track in Missouri. We've also received strong support from our sponsors and the Central Bank VIP Suite Tower is sold out on opening night and 90 percent of our suites are sold for this season. We're expecting increased car counts in all five classes as our drivers are showing a renewed enthusiasm in anticipation of what promises to be a fantastic season."
While the action on track will be heating up with several special events on the 2013 schedule, fans can expect widespread changes outside of the racing that will help enhance their experience.
Concession and suite menus have been updated and expanded, and fans can expect changes and additions to the concession to help speed up the serving process and make it more efficient. Over the winter, construction crews have been working hard to construct a brand new Budweiser Fan Deck on the main concourse midway and Greven's pleased with the results.
"We had an idea of what we thought fans wanted," said Greven, "and the way it turned out, it's going to make the Saturday night racing trip a real experience. The goal is to make this the cleanest, friendliest and most entertaining NASCAR weekly racing facility in the region, and I'm confident that with our experienced staff, exciting racing and tremendous Mid-Missouri fan base, that can become a reality during the 2013 season. We have looked at everything from the sound system to the lighting and our racers have really bought into the program to put the best show possible on the track."
Staff also refurbished restrooms and added display lighting to brighten up the midway area. The track itself also received improved lighting in anticipation of a national TV appearance when the NASCAR K&N Pro Series visits the facility on Sunday, June 9.
I-44 Speedway PR
Richard Tocado companies helping fans "Race home with Rusty"
Written by Steven B. Wilson
BeBevCo: KOMA Unwind Sending Marines Back To The Rock!
Written by Steven B. Wilson
Bebida Beverage Company (OTC markets: BBDA) (www.bebevco.com) (BeBevCo.) makers of the KOMA Unwind® Liquid Relaxation drink (@KOMAUnwindNews) will donate 100 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) tickets for the second consecutive year to Sunday's North Carolina Education Lottery 200 at The Rock presented by Cheerwine.
The success of sending members of the "Single Marines Outreach Program" from nearby Camp Lejeune to the inaugural NASCAR Camping World Truck Series event last April at Rockingham (N.C.) Speedway prompted CEO Brian Weber to give back to the United States Marine Corps. once again.
Developed by BeBevCo., KOMA Unwind relaxes those who drink it. It also helps them improve both the duration and quality of their sleep with flair and favor. KOMA Unwind is formulated to relax the body, mind and soul. It is the perfect lifestyle beverage for those who can appreciate extreme relaxation.
The relaxation or "anti-energy" drink category is a new category to the beverage industry. This type of drink is dedicated to helping consumers achieve a level of relaxation without the use of pills or alcohol.
Additionally, KOMA Unwind will be on-site at the 1.0-mile oval on April 14 to offer samples to event attendees in an effort to continue to fuel the relaxation revolution. Furthermore, KOMA Unwind will reunite with Jennifer Jo Cobb for the third race of the season and sponsor her No. 10 entry.
"We're so excited to bring back the Marines to Rockingham Speedway," said BeBevCo. CEO Brian Weber. "We had great success with the idea last year and to be able to do it again is just an honor for us. I am forever grateful as I am for all those service men and women that allow us to live in a nation full of opportunities and freedom."
He added, "We're equally excited to offer sampling of KOMA Unwind as race fans enter the track on Sunday. We hope they'll enjoy the race and cheer on Jennifer Jo Cobb and take home a can or two to chill on their way home after what we anticipate to be a very exciting race!"
The North Carolina Education Lottery 200 at The Rock presented by Cheerwine is the third race on the 2013 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series schedule. The green flag is scheduled to waive shortly after 2:00 p.m. (local) with live coverage on SPEED, MRN Radio and SiriusXM Satellite Radio Channel 90 on Sunday, April 14.
BeBevCo PR
Reed Boasts Win at Irwindale on Heels of NNS Debut
Written by Steven B. Wilson
NASCAR Nationwide Series driver, Ryan Reed posts his first victory of the 2013 season at opening night at Irwindale Speedway Saturday April 6, 2013 in the No. 16 Drive to Stop Diabetes Vallarta Supermarkets Ford Fusion Super Late Model car.
Reed 19, the young race car driver with diabetes from Bakersfield California, took to the track at a near capacity Irwindale Speedway from the second-place position but was relegated to the back of the field due to the track inverting the starting lineup.
Reed in the No. 16 Drive to Stop Diabetes Vallarta Supermarkets Fusion made his way to the front of the pack and was in the second-place position when the caution flag was shown with just seven laps remaining in the 40-lap race. Reed had a good restart and was able to take the lead but another caution came out with just three laps to go. Reed was in the point position for the restart but had to heatedly battle side by side to the flag stand for the win in the Super Late Model race.
This young driver has proven that life has no limits as a race car driver with diabetes. Reed recently announced his Ryan’s Mission collaboration with the American Diabetes Association for the Drive to Stop Diabetes campaign along with becoming the newest development driver for Roush Fenway Racing. Reed will make his first appearance in the NASCAR Nationwide Series No. 16 Drive to Stop Diabetes Ford Mustang Friday, April 26, 2013 at the famed Richmond International Raceway.
“It felt good to be back in a race car and was awesome to win,” Ryan Reed said. “It is only the second time working with my crew chief Mike (Munoz) so it was pretty special to win with him at my hometown track, Irwindale Speedway. When the caution came out with seven laps remaining I knew I had to make my move. We really battled side by side with the No. 12 car but we were able to make it to the checkered flag first. It was a pretty special win. I have to thank Vallarta Supermarkets for teaming up with us in the No. 16 Drive to Stop Diabetes Ford. Coming off this win should lead to some solid momentum going into Richmond with Roush Fenway Racing for my first Nationwide Series start. We had a really good test with the Roush guys a few weeks back, and I’m looking forward to finally racing in Richmond this month.”
The Drive to Stop Diabetes awareness campaign was successfully launched at a regional west coast level at Irwindale Speedway this past weekend and will be nationally presented at Richmond International Raceway, Friday, April 26, 2013.
“Vallarta Supermarkets is thrilled to collaborate with Ryan’s Mission on the Drive to Stop Diabetes awareness campaign,” Tony Hernandez, Marketing Manager said. “We want to provide an enjoyable shopping experience for our customers and also be able to provide information about healthy living, so they can make educated choices about food and their life style. Ryan Reed has a unique platform and opportunity to reach communities near our stores and we want to support his efforts.”
Vallarta Supermarkets is a Latino based supermarket with 41 stores throughout California formed by Enrique Gonzalez Sr In 1985.
For more information on Drive to Stop Diabetes please visit www.DriveToStopDiabetes.org, Facebook: Ryan Reed, Twitter: @driverRyanReed.
Ryan Reed PR
Clay Rogers Makes His Return to the X-1R Pro Cup Series Worth $10,000
Written by Steven B. Wilson
Four time X-1R Pro Cup Series champion Clay Rogers made his return to the series known Saturday night at the Dillon Motor Speedway coming from the rear of the field to score the PEE DEE 250 win. Rogers win was no walk in the park as 2012 AFR Rookie of the Year winner Dalton Hopkins gave the former champion a close run to the checkered flag finishing in the runner-up position just .331 seconds behind after a bonze run through turns three and four. Eric Gerchak, making his series debut as a rookie, finished an impressive third to earn the final podium position. Defending series champion JP Morgan began his title defense with a solid fourth place finish after winning at the track a season ago. South Carolina native Gus Dean rounded out the top five finishers.
“Man, it feels good to be back in victory lane with this L&R race team here in the Pro Cup Series,” shouted an excited Rogers in Edlebrock Victory Lane. “We had a few problems in qualifying that caused us to start in the back, but I knew we had a good race car so it wasn’t as big as a deal as it could’ve been. I just focused on saving my tires because I’ll be honest I don’t know much about these particular Goodyear tires because I’ve never been on them until this weekend. Luckily I did a decent job at managing them and didn’t race JP (Morgan) too hard and we’re able to take home this check for $10,000 to kick off the season.”
The issues that Rogers speaks of were when his L&R Racing team were forced to repair break hoses on their #16 Commonwealth Building Materials Ford Fusion after qualifying while cars are normally impounded. The result of the penalty by series officials was Rogers taking the green flag from shotgun on the field with MAHLE pole award winner JP Morgan leading the field to green.
Morgan wasted no time in picking right where he left off a season ago taking the lead and opening a three car gap over Hopkins. Despite the smaller field side-by-side racing was abundant throughout the remaining positions over initial laps and throughout the night. Just eleven laps in was all it took for the KOOLMAT “Kool Move of the Race” to take place as eventual winner Clay Rogers made a daring three wide move to the inside of Gus Dean and Brady Boswell that advanced his #16 machine two positions moving from seventh to fifth in a single straightaway. Boswell and Dean would continue their side-by-side battle for next ten laps before the yellow flag would fly for the first time on lap twenty-one for the stalled machine of rookie Reid Wilson that paced practice earlier in the afternoon.
The #23 machine once again took control of the lead with Hopkins battling another Pro Cup Series returnee in the form of John Gibson for the number two spot. It only took thirty laps for the yellow to waive once again, this time for the spinning machine of veteran Bill Plemons Jr. who made slight contact with the wall. The restart brought the first lead change of the night as Clay Rogers took advantage JP Morgan’s slip-up through turns one and two. Rogers opened up his lead over the remaining laps before taking the competition yellow at the event’s halfway point on lap 125.
After picking up the Roush Yates Performance Products Halfway Leader Award, Rogers and the rest of the top seven lead lap cars redrew for their second half of the race starting positions. The results matched the initial green flag front row to start the race as, JP Morgan along with Dalton Hopkins to his outside, lead the field back to green flag racing. It took all of three laps and a little contact for Rogers to regain the lead position over Morgan after redrawing the number three pill. Never fading more than a car length away, Hopkins worked the high line on Rogers making several attempts for the lead.
In the meantime Air Flow Research Rookie of the Year contender Eric Gerchak was the driver on the move after being penalized during the competition caution for his crew not having fire suits on while working on an active pit road. The adversity didn’t seem to faze the Mooresville, NC driver as he made his way to the fourth position on lap 191 just before the final yellow of the night was displayed for possible fluid on lap 194.
The final restart would be the last chance for Hopkins, Morgan, and the rest of the field to make a play at the lead from Rogers as the final fifty-two laps went green and green to the finish. The win was Rogers’ thirty first of his career; one shy of tying Benny Gordon for second most wins all time in series history.
X-1R Pro Cup Series
Daniel Suarez Scores a Top-10 Finish at Greenville
Written by Steven B. Wilson
Rev Racing scored a top-10 finish in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series (NKNPS) East race this past weekend at Greenville-Pickens Speedway (GPS) with Daniel Suarez and the No. 6 Visit Acapulco Toyota Camry. Suarez had a competitive car all day, and after qualifying eighth he was able to keep the car in the top-10 throughout the race and finished seventh. Ryan Gifford finished 13th, Mackena Bell finished 18th, and Bryan Ortiz finished 24th.
“I’m really proud of the entire team for all of their hard work. We’ve learned a lot at the past two races and we’ll keep working to improve the car each weekend. I have no doubt that we’ll be competitive this season and hopefully come home with a win or two” said Suarez.
All four Rev Racing cars were fast during both practice sessions, improving their lap speed as the day went on. Ortiz, Suarez, Bell, and Gifford finished the final practice session seventh, eighth, ninth, and 12th quickest respectively.
Bell was the highest starter for Rev Racing, she qualified seventh in her No. 21 Toyota Racing Development Toyota Camry. Suarez qualified his No. 6 Visit Acapulco Toyota right behind her, he started eighth. Gifford and Ortiz qualified 16th and 22nd respectively.
The next race for Rev Racing in the NKNPS East will be this Saturday, April 13th, at Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, F.L. There will be a pre-race autograph session at 5:30 p.m. ET followed by the race at 7:00 p.m. ET. Follow the team twitter account @RevRacin for updates throughout the weekend.
Rev Racing PR
Godfather Motorsports Welcomes Phantom Racing Gear
Written by Steven B. Wilson
Godfather Motorsports owner Dave Moody announced today that Phantom Racing Gear of Lawrenceburg, KY has been named as the Official Apparel Provider of Godfather Motorsports and the No. 30 KOMA Unwind Chevrolet driven by Jerick Johnson.
"Phantom Racing Gear is the kind of family business we are happy to be associated with," said Moody. "Rob and Jereann Crowley and their staff produce vibrant, custom designed screen-printed apparel at affordable prices, with a focus on fast service and outstanding customer communication. They keep our team looking good, and they'll do it for yours, too!"
Phantom Racing Gear specializes in custom-designed T-shirts, hats, hooded sweatshirts and other apparel, and can accommodate any size order, from small operations to large, national teams. Check out their full line of racing apparel on Facebook at Phantom Racing Gear , or contact them at 502-353-4035.
"We're excited to be a part of the Godfather Motorsports family," said PRG's Rob Crowley. "This partnership will allow us to show a lot of people what we do, and once they see our work, I'm confident that they'll love it. We're also happy to sell Godfather Motorsports gear on our Facebook page!"
Jerick Johnson, Godfather Motorsports and the No. 30 KOMA Unwind Chevrolet will make their 2013 season debut on Saturday, April 13 at Southern National Speedway in Kenley, NC, with a 150-lap event sanctioned by the Pro All Stars Series. Time trial qualifying is scheduled for 4:45 pm ET, with racing at 7 pm.
140 BUZZ PR
Gdovic Gets NASCAR K&N Pro Series Greenville Win
Written by Steven B. Wilson
Brandon Gdovic saved his best for last.
After starting in the ninth position, the 21-year-old out of Yorktown, Va., led the final 33 laps and won the Kevin Whitaker Chevrolet 150 presented by G-Clean in NASCAR K&N Pro Series East action on Saturday night at Greenville Pickens Speedway.
It was Gdovic’s first series career win in 27 starts. His previous best finish was third in this event a year ago.
Jeremy Burns finished second in his series debut followed by Kenzie Ruston in third. The effort by Ruston was the best finish for a female driver in K&N Pro Series East history. Local favorite Coleman Pressley finished fourth after leading 52 laps followed by pole sitter Brett Moffitt, who led a race-high 61 laps, in fifth. It was the ninth career pole win for Moffitt.
Sam Hunt, Daniel Suárez, Eddie MacDonald, Brandon McReynolds and Gray Gaulding completed the top 10.
The race slowed due to caution just three times for a total of 12 laps and there were three lead changes among four drivers.
The NASCAR K&N Pro Series East is right back on the track next week on April 13 for its inaugural visit to Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, Fla. for the NAPA Auto Parts 150.
UNOFFICIAL
NASCAR K&N PRO SERIES EAST-Kevin Whitaker Chevrolet 150 presented by G-Clean Results
Saturday
At Greenville Pickens Speedway
Greenville, S.C.
Lap length: 0.5 miles
(Start position in parentheses)
1. (9) Brandon Gdovic, Yorktown, Va., Toyota, 150 laps, 72.058 mph.
2. (15) Jeremy Burns, Simpsonville, S.C., Toyota, 150.
3. (17) Kenzie Ruston, El Reno, Okla., Chevrolet, 150.
4. (5) Coleman Pressley, Asheville, N.C., Toyota, 150.
5. (1) Brett Moffitt, Grimes, Iowa, Toyota, 150.
6. (26) Sam Hunt, Midlothian, Va., Toyota, 150.
7. (8) Daniel Suarez, Monterrey, Mexico, Toyota, 150.
8. (12) Eddie MacDonald, Rowley, Mass., Toyota, 149.
9. (6) Brandon McReynolds, Mooresville, N.C., Chevrolet, 149.
10. (4) Gray Gaulding, Colonial Heights, Va., Toyota, 149.
11. (13) CJ Faison, Seaford, Del., Chevrolet, 149.
12. (20) Austin Dyne, Malibu, Calif., Chevrolet, 149.
13. (16) Ryan Gifford, Winchester, Tenn., Toyota, 149.
14. (14) Cale Conley, Vienna, W.V., Toyota, 149.
15. (11) Dylan Kwasniewski, Las Vegas, Nev., Chevrolet, 149.
16. (3) Jesse Little, Sherrills Ford, N.C., Chevrolet, 148.
17. (2) Ben Kennedy, Daytona Beach, Fla., Chevrolet, 148.
18. (7) Mackena Bell, Carson City, Ne., Toyota, 148.
19. (10) Cole Custer, Ladera Ranch, Calif., Chevrolet, 147.
20. (24) Scott Heckert, Ridgefield, Conn., Chevrolet, 147.
21. (23) Jimmy Weller, Hubbard, Ohio, Toyota, 146.
22. (18) Enrique Contreras, III, Mexico City, Mexico, Toyota, 146.
23. (19) Nate Caruth, Ames, Iowa, Chevrolet, 145.
24. (22) Bryan Ortiz, Bayamon, Puerto Rico, Toyota, 144.
25. (21) Jordan Anderson, Forest Acres, S.C., Toyota, 61, brakes.
26. (25) Matthew Tifft, Hinckley, Ohio, Chevrolet, 19, accident.
NASCAR PR
Raising the Dough-nations: Krispy Kreme 45 Day Campaign for Kids
Written by Steven B. Wilson
Get set for 45 days of heart-pounding philanthropic fun at participating Krispy Kreme US locations. Krispy Kreme has teamed up with former NASCAR driver Kyle Petty and the Victory Junction Camp for the fifth annual Krispy Kreme Drive for 45 Campaign. For 45 consecutive days, April 5 through May 19, Krispy Kreme fans can help provide a chronically ill child a life-changing, week-long summer camping experience by making a donation at checkout, or onlineat KrispyKreme.com.
Founded and operated by Kyle and Pattie Petty in Randleman, North Carolina, the Victory Junction Camp is a non-profit organization that enriches the lives of children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses by providing fun, unique and life-changing camping experiences in a safe and medically-sound environment. The number 45 is a tribute to their son Adam Petty, former NASCAR #45 car driver who lost his life during a tragic racing accident in 2000.
Here are a few easy ways to make a donation to the Krispy Kreme Drive for 45 Campaign, April 5 through May 19, at a participating Krispy Kreme location near you.
- At Checkout – Make a $1, $2, $5 or $45 donation at checkout. A paper Drive for 45 certificate will be displayed in-store, throughout the campaign, in recognition of your support.
- "Round Up" – Tell the cashier to 'Round Up' your purchase amount to the nearest dollar. The difference is your donation.
- Tire Banks – Make a pit stop and drop your donation inside a Drive for 45 Tire Bank at your nearest participating Krispy Kreme.
Learn more about Victory Junction, or make an online donation to the Krispy Kreme Drive for 45 Campaign at KrispyKreme.com/Drivefor45.
Connect with Krispy Kreme at KrispyKreme.com, Facebook.com/KrispyKreme, or Twitter @KrispyKreme.
Krispy Kreme PR
