
Adam Sinclair
Adam has been a race fan since the first time he went through the tunnel under the Daytona International Speedway more than 30 years ago. He has had the privilege of traveling to races all across the state of Florida (as well as one race in Ohio), watching nearly everything with a motor compete for fame and glory, as well as participating in various racing schools to get the feel of what racecar drivers go through every week.
Adam spent several years covering motorsports for Examiner.com., where he had the opportunity to see the racing world from behind the scenes as well as the grandstands. He invites everyone to follow him on Twitter, Facebook, and Google Plus, and looks forward to sharing his enthusiasm for all things racing with the readers of SpeedwayDigest.com.
Be sure to tune in for his sports talk program, Thursday Night Thunder, where he discusses the latest in motorsports news with drivers, crew members, and fans. The show takes place (almost) every Thursday at 8:00 pm EST on the Speedway Digest Radio Network.
Contact Adam: Email
2022 Championship Off-Road Pro Spec champion Gray Leadbetter will return to Ryan Beat Motorsports in the #28 Bilstein Chevrolet Colorado for the 2023 campaign, kicking off this Saturday and Sunday at Antigo Lions Roaring Raceway. After becoming the series’ first female champion last season, the 18-year-old North Carolina native will look to make it two titles in a row starting with this weekend’s trip to Wisconsin, and is fresh off a successful preseason testing regiment with RBM in preparation for the new challenge.
“I’m thrilled to be back with Ryan, Chevrolet, Bilstein, and all of our great partners for another Championship Off-Road season in 2023!” said Leadbetter. “We made history in Antigo with our win here in the opener last year, and getting a win right away was a huge boost in our path towards the championship. The Pro Spec field is going to be even deeper this year, but we’re ready for the challenge, and I can’t wait to get back to racing!”
Leadbetter kicked off her 2022 title run on the right foot in Antigo, winning the first race of the season on Saturday and coming in second on Sunday. The victory, her first of four in the 12-round season, made her the first woman to win a Pro class race in series history, and gave her a points lead that she held onto for a majority of the campaign.
But while Championship Off-Road has been off since last September, Leadbetter hasn’t slowed down one bit since. From returning to the World of Outlaws World Finals at The Dirt Track at Charlotte in her 410 Sprint Car with Marc Dailey Racing to competing in the Chili Bowl, Leadbetter kept her skills sharp in race action during the winter. Most notably, Travis Pastrana invited her to return to her rallycross roots last month to sample Nitrocross’ revolutionary Group E car at an all-new track he designed at Mid-America Outdoors. After initially riding along with Pastrana during testing, she was given the opportunity to drive the Vermont SportsCar-prepared machine with Pastrana in the passenger’s seat, where he raved about her confidence and commitment behind the wheel.
Leadbetter’s return to Championship Off-Road will kick off on Friday, with practice at 3:30PM and qualifying 7:25PM, before races at 4:40PM on Saturday and 3:40PM on Sunday. Her races will stream live on FloRacing all weekend long. Tickets for the event can still be purchased here.
Gray Leadbetter’s 2023 Championship Off-Road program with Ryan Beat Motorsports is supported by Chevrolet, Bilstein, Pennzoil, Toyo Tires, Tremor Wheels, Steel-It, Sunoco Race Fuel, RIGID, Magnaflow, Mechanix Wear, FK Rod Ends, Hyperco, Brembo Brakes, Ehren, Fortin Racing, Fiberwerx, Automatic Transmission Design, Power Steering Solution, Geiser Performance, Antigravity Batteries, Hawk Performance, DS Customs, and Calico Coatings. Following Antigo, her next race in the series will be the Forest County Potawatomi Brush Run at Crandon International Raceway on June 24-25.
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Goodyear Tire Intelligence Gives NASCAR G56 Entry Competitive Edge at 24 Hours of Le Mans Race
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company today introduced racing tires with the first real time intelligence capability to record tire pressure and temperature to be featured on the NASCAR Next Gen Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Garage 56 entry in this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans to be held on June 10 – 11, 2023.
The Goodyear Racing tires are outfitted with an innovative passive, non-battery, sensor cured into the tire during production. This sensor is powered by Goodyear SightLine, Goodyear’s intelligent technology that will provide real-time tire data to Hendrick Motorsports as the race unfolds. Engineers and drivers will be able to leverage the tire intelligence data to optimize the vehicle’s performance by adjusting the car and driver settings in real-time.
“Because tires are a vehicle’s only connection to the road, they have the potential to provide tremendous real-time insight that improves the performance of drivers under the most grueling of conditions. Goodyear is extremely proud to have the tire intelligence to unlock this potential in motorsports, and it’s been a privilege to partner with NASCAR, Hendrick Motorsports and Chevrolet on this Garage 56 entry,” said Rich Kramer, Goodyear’s chairman, CEO & president.
Beyond the tire intelligence application, Goodyear has also engineered three types of racing tires for the NASCAR Next Gen Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Garage 56 entry to withstand any potential weather conditions of the 24 Hours of Le Mans race, including:
· Tires for dry conditions that help provide high levels of endurance and grip allowing the car to compete for the full 24 hours of Le Mans race;
· Intermediate wet tires for mist to light rain conditions to help the car perform at its maximum potential in inclement weather; and
· Full wet tires for heavy rains featuring a unique tread design and tire construction to help channel water out of the tire surface’s contact patch while using a softer tread compound to help maintain grip when the temperature of the racetrack is cooler.
All of the Goodyear tires for the NASCAR Next Gen Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Garage 56 entry were built by hand in Akron, Ohio, at Goodyear’s Innovation Center Manufacturing plant, Goodyear’s premier race tire production facility.
Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson, former 24 Hours of Le Mans winner Mike Rockenfeller, and 2009 Formula One world champion Jenson Button will share the driver’s seat of the NASCAR Next Gen Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. The drivers and multiple engineers have evaluated the Goodyear tires at 10 tests over eight sites in the past 12 months, resulting in more than 7,500 miles tested in preparation for the ultimate endurance race.
The Garage 56 entry is a partnership between NASCAR, Hendrick Motorsports, Chevrolet and Goodyear – the winningest team, manufacturer and tire in the sport’s 75-year history. Garage 56 is a special single-entry class set aside from the race organizers for concept cars that demonstrate innovative technology of the future. In addition to the Garage 56 entry at 24 Hours of Le Mans, Goodyear is also the exclusive tire supplier for the Le Mans Prototype 2 (LMP2) class.
These innovative tires are the latest in the long tradition of Goodyear’s leadership in technology. Since 1898, Goodyear has been enabling mobility and continues to stay More Driven. This year, Goodyear celebrates its 125-year anniversary by continuing to deliver the products and services that move the world. Visit our Corporate Website to learn more.
America’s Most Successful Sports Car Team Set To Stream an Alternative Broadcast of the 24 Hours of LeMans
Pratt Miller Motorsports proudly announces its plans to stream a captivating and enlightening alternative broadcast alongside the highly anticipated 100th running of the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans.
This unique initiative aims to offer viewers an unparalleled experience with engaging and informative commentary centered around the iconic Corvette Racing team. In addition to real-time coverage, the stream will provide in-depth insights and analysis, leveraging data directly sourced from the team's timing stand in France.
Distinguished guests who have made a significant impact on the Corvette Racing team during its illustrious 25-year history, as well as individuals calling in live from Circuit de la Sarthe, will also be featured during the broadcast.
The streaming duration will mirror the exact timing of the race, ensuring an immersive experience for the audience. The alternative broadcast will be available on Pratt Miller Motorsports' social media platforms, including Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook.
CrowdStrike Racing is set to tackle one of motorsport’s greatest challenges this weekend with the Algarve Pro Racing team at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
George Kurtz, Colin Braun and James Allen will drive together in the CrowdStrike-liveried No. 45 ORECA 07-Gibson prototype for the Algarve Pro Racing team as part of the Le Mans Prototype 2 (LMP2) category. The trio took to the Le Mans track for six hours of testing Sunday, along with the rest of the field for this year’s race.
There are 62 entries in the race with 24 cars in LMP2 – the largest class in this year’s Le Mans. The French endurance classic is one of the most difficult and unique races in the world. The 8.5-mile Le Mans circuit is a mixture of private, purpose-built racetrack and public roads through French villages and countryside. The challenge of Le Mans is so daunting that it has spawned a major motion picture, many race documentaries and millions of fans around the world.
More than 300,000 fans make the journey to the town of Le Mans, which lies to the west of Paris. The race was first held in 1923 with this year’s event being the Centenary celebration.
While this is the 100th year of Le Mans, it’s the first time in the race for Kurtz. A winner of multiple 12- and 24-hour races – including last year’s 24 Hours of Spa – he is no stranger to long-distance races and victories. Already this year, Kurtz has to his credit a runner-up LMP2 finish in the Rolex 24 at Daytona and a P2 pole position in the most recent IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship race at Laguna Seca.
Braun will race at Le Mans for the first time since 2007 when he finished second in the production-based GT2 class. He is a three-time winner of the Rolex 24 including the LMP2 class in 2020. In Allen, they have an experienced driver who raced at Le Mans each of the last five years. He finished third in LMP2 in 2021.
CrowdStrike’s participation at Le Mans extends off the track, as well. CrowdStrike will welcome and host a number of guests during the race week, and a focal point will be a highly exclusive CXO Summit for its VIPs.
A fixture at major events in North America and at the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa, CXO summits allow CrowdStrike VIPs an opportunity to meet and discuss current trends in cloud computing and cybersecurity with industry thought. Each CXO Summit session will allow the VIP guests to learn how to best secure their businesses from breaches.
APR competes at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, scheduled for 4 p.m. CET / 10 a.m. ET on Saturday, June 10. MotorTrend and MotorTrend Plus will provide both live television and streaming coverage, the latter beginning with Wednesday’s opening practice. Radio Le Mans will stream audio coverage of all practice sessions, qualifying and the race with in-depth reporting via the CrowdStrike Pit Reports throughout the event weekend.
For more information, visit CrowdStrikeRacing.com. Follow #CrowdStrikeRacing on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for updates.
Fraser McConnell Returns to Dreyer & Reinbold Racing for the 2023-24 Nitrocross Season
Dreyer & Reinbold Racing is thrilled to announce the return of Jamaican racing sensation Fraser McConnell for the highly anticipated 2023-24 Nitrocross season. After an outstanding performance in the previous year, McConnell's return to the team is expected to further elevate their competitive edge and reinforce their position as one of the frontrunners in the championship.
McConnell, who finished an impressive third in the drivers' championship last year, proved his exceptional skills and unwavering determination. His innate talent combined with his unwavering commitment to excellence has made him a formidable force in the Nitrocross arena. With his return, Dreyer & Reinbold Racing is poised to build on their recent successes and secure their position as a leading contender in the upcoming season.
Having first joined forces with Dreyer & Reinbold Racing last year, McConnell's partnership with the team proved to be a harmonious alliance, with both sides mutually benefitting from the collaboration. McConnell's strong work ethic and relentless pursuit of victory seamlessly aligned with the team's commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance and achieving success at the highest level.
Fraser McConnell expressed his enthusiasm regarding his return to Dreyer & Reinbold Racing, saying, "I'm beyond excited to be back with Dreyer & Reinbold Racing for the upcoming Nitrocross season. The team's dedication and unwavering support have played a significant role in my success, and I'm looking forward to continuing our journey together. We have unfinished business, and I'm determined to bring home the championship title this year."
Team owner, Dennis Reinbold, shared his excitement regarding McConnell's return, stating, "Fraser's talent on the track is unparalleled, and we are thrilled to have him back for the 2023-24 Nitrocross season. His exceptional performance last year showcased his potential, and we firmly believe that with his skillset and dedication, he will be a major factor in the championship
fight. We are fully committed to providing him with the resources and support necessary to excel and look forward to another fantastic season ahead."
Fraser McConnell and the Dreyer & Reinbold Racing crew will return to racing for round one of Nitrocross on June 16th & 17th in Jay, Oklahoma.
Chevrolet, Hendrick Keys to NASCAR 'Garage 56' Le Mans Entry
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HGV partners with FORMULA 1 HEINEKEN SILVER LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX to offer fans unparalleled views of the action
Hilton Grand Vacations Inc. (NYSE:HGV), the industry-leading global vacation ownership company, announces it will host a premier on-track hospitality suite for the FORMULA 1 HEINEKEN SILVER LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX. As an official event partner, HGV will offer an exclusive opportunity for fans to take in the spectacle of 20 cars roaring around the iconic sights of Las Vegas at over 210 mph from a luxurious setting.
The HGV Hospitality Suite will provide an up close and personal view of one of the fastest races in the world, which will take place Nov. 16-18. With a front-row seat to the 3.8-mile track, accompanied by a world-class food and drink selection, the suite will be located in front of Elara by Hilton Grand Vacations. The 52-story resort, known for its signature mirrored façade, has sweeping views of the Las Vegas Strip that will be used for the 1.2-mile main straight, as well as a tight chicane.
“We’re thrilled to be a part of this exhilarating experience in Las Vegas,” said Mark Wang, president and CEO of Hilton Grand Vacations. “Partnering with the FORMULA 1 HEINEKEN SILVER LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX for this high-energy international sporting event is the perfect way to expand our collection of sought-after travel experiences. We can’t wait for members, sponsors and guests to join us for an unforgettable weekend of immersive action on and off the track.”
HGV is known for its unparalleled experiential travel offerings through its HGV Ultimate Access program, which offers members exclusive access to once-in-a-lifetime concerts, celebrity meet-and-greets and more.
“Hilton Grand Vacations has established a stellar reputation for producing memorable travel experiences and we know they have the expertise to provide fans an unforgettable way to enjoy the inaugural race in Las Vegas,” said Emily Prazer, Chief Commercial Officer of Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, Inc. “The elevated guest experience at the HGV Hospitality Suite paired with exceptional views of on-track action will make for an only-in-Vegas spectacle.”
Tickets for the HGV Hospitality Suite will be available to purchase on Friday, June 9 at 10 a.m. PT on www.f1lasvegasgp.com/hospitality/hilton-grand-vacations. HGV offers nightly stays at a variety of its Las Vegas resorts during race week. For more information, visit: www.hilton.com.
As the pinnacle of global motorsport, F1® is where the best drivers in the world have proven themselves in the most technologically advanced cars since the World Championship was established in 1950. In 2023, F1 will race on 23 circuits in 20 counties across five continents.