Connor Zilisch Conquers the Monster Mile for First ARCA Menards Series Victory (Photo Credit: ARCA)

The young phenom had to survive an eventful day at the Monster Mile that saw numerous contenders plagued by on-track issues. Zilisch persevered through the chaos to prevail in Friday’s General Tire 150 and obtain his maiden ARCA Menards Series win.

• RELATED: Complete results from the General Tire 150

For Zilisch, the Monster Mile more than lived up to its reputation in his first visit to the historic facility. Bringing home a checkered flag required Zilisch to overcome his own trepidation and utilize all the knowledge he possessed to charge towards the front.

“I can’t even lie, during those first 70 laps I was pretty intimidated,” Zilisch said. “The car was free, but we were sitting under red on the back straightaway and I was like ‘damn, I just need to get on the gas’.”

@ConnorZilisch hangs on to win his first ARCA Menards Series race at the @MonsterMile! pic.twitter.com/7xT2MzlBDX

— ARCA Menards Series (@ARCA_Racing) April 26, 2024

Zilisch has racked up more accomplishments in 2024 alone that most veteran competitors have experienced throughout their careers.

The year opened with Zilisch helping lead Era Motorsport to an LMP2 class victory in the 24 Hours of Daytona. He kept the momentum going in his next endurance event with Era Motorsport at the 12 Hours of Sebring, which concluded with Zilisch picking up another LMP2 triumph.

Efficiency has followed Zilisch into oval racing. He earned his first CARS Tour victory with Pinnacle Racing Group at Hickory Motor Speedway in April and arrived at Dover looking to build more momentum with the organization.

Zilisch’s outing at Dover was far from a smooth process. He initially struggled to find quality track position during the first half of the General Tire 150, but found himself on the front row for a restart after adjusting during a race break.

Connor Zilisch (No. 28) tangled with William Sawalich (No. 18) while battling for the lead in Friday’s General Tire 150 at Dover Motor Speedway. (Photo Credit: Bonnie Cash | ARCA0

Overcoming adversity at Dover capped off a great week for Zilisch. He was confirmed to three additional NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series races with Spire Motorsports, adding to a busy schedule that will also include NASCAR Xfinity Series starts with JR Motorsports.

Zilisch, who is a Trackhouse Racing development driver, knew that Friday’s win would not have been possible without all the assistance PRG provided in the weeks leading up to the General Tire 150. Still only 17 years old, Zilisch has plenty of time to learn and build upon his rapidly growing list of achievements.

“Derek Kneeland on the spotter’s stand and Shane Huffman on the pit box did a great job keeping me in it,” Zilisch said. “I was down on myself running fifth or sixth and couldn’t make up any ground. I’m so thankful for this entire team and everyone at Chevrolet.

“Those restarts were hectic, but we kept it up front and got ourselves a win at the Monster Mile.”

Finishing behind Zilisch in second was Gio Ruggiero, who led early in the General Tire 150 but had to rebound from a restart penalty. Carson Kvapil, Zilisch’s teammate, also fell behind after sustaining a flat tire but still managed to settle for a strong third place run.

Rev Racing teammates Lavar Scott and Andres Perez place fourth and fifth respectively. Kris Wright, Andy Jankowiak, Greg Van Alst, Caleb Costner and Zachary Tinkle rounded out the top-10.

The ARCA Menards Series is back in action next weekend with the Tide 150 at Kansas Speedway, which will commence at 1 p.m. CT/2 p.m. ET Saturday afternoon on FS1.

Following Kansas will be the next event on the ARCA Menards Series East calendar, which takes place at Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway on May 11. The green flag will wave at 9:35 p.m. ET on FloRacing.

Source: Automobile Racing Club of America

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Melvin L. Joseph Construction, Hero's Haven, Meding's Seafood, and Trophy Tractor Join Forces with JD Motorsports and Garrett Smithley for A-Game 200 at Dover Motor Speedway

Dover, DE – April 26,2024 –

“We are delighted to welcome Melvin L. Joseph Construction, Hero’s Haven, Meding’s Seafood and Trophy Tractor to the JD Motorsports family for the A-Game 200,” said Johnny Davis, owner of JD Motorsports. “These are four outstanding companies with a deep commitment to their communities, and we are proud to partner with them on this exciting race weekend.”

Melvin L. Joseph Construction, a leading construction company in the region, Hero’s Haven, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting veterans, first responders, law enforcement officers and their families, Meding’s Seafood, a Milford institution known for its fresh and amazingly tasty seafood, Trophy Tractor, who offer a cost-effective alternative to the purchase and rental of new equipment will join as associate sponsors.

Driver Garrett Smithley is looking forward to piloting the No. 6 Chevrolet Camaro with the support of these four outstanding companies.

“I’m pumped to have Melvin L. Joseph Construction, Hero’s Haven, Meding’s Seafood and Trophy Tractor on board for the A-Game 200,” said Smithley. “These are all great organizations, and I’m honored to represent them on the track. We’re going to Dover with a fast car, and I can’t wait to put on a show for the fans.”

About Melvin L. Joseph Construction

The Melvin L. Joseph Construction Company, Inc. has been proudly serving Delmarva since 1940. We provide services such as site work, land clearing, equipment rental, utilities, fill dirt, aggregates, and consulting. Despite its growth along the East Coast, the company has managed to maintain the “family owned and operated” tradition since the very beginning. The longtime commitment of its founder and employees to their clients and community is unsurpassed in the industry. Visit their website at https://www.melvinjoseph.com/

About Hero’s Haven

Hero’s Haven is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing support, resources, and programs to veterans, law enforcement officers, first responders and their families. For more information, please visit https://heroeshaven.org/

About Meding’s Seafood

Meding’s Seafood is a Milford institution, renowned for its fresh seafood and delicious cuisine. For more information, please visit https://www.medingsseafood.com/ or visit them at their location, 3697 Bay Rd, Milford, DE 19963.

About Trophy Tractor

Trophy Tractor offers a cost-effective alternative to the purchase and rental of new equipment with quality low hour used equipment. We specialize in the sale and rental of haul trucks, loaders, dozers, scrapers, excavators, compactors, graders, and water equipment. Trophy Tractor serves mines, quarries and contractors around the world. We maintain a multi-million dollar inventory of new, low hour and reconditioned equipment. Visit their website at https://www.trophytractor.com/default.htm

Source: JD Motorsports

The article Melvin L. Joseph Construction, Hero’s Haven, Meding’s Seafood, and Trophy Tractor Join Forces with JD Motorsports and Garrett Smithley for A-Game 200 at Dover Motor Speedway is from Catchfence.

Dover Motor Speedway Logo

• Air Force 2nd Lt. Madison Marsh, Miss America 2024, to serve as honorary pace car official.
• Four combat aviation veterans to serve as grand marshals for Dover’s 106th NASCAR Cup Series race.
• Visit DoverMotorSpeedway.com to order NASCAR tickets and follow all track announcements.

DOVER, Del. (April 26, 2024) – Air Force 2nd Lt. Madison Marsh, Miss America 2024, is among the dignitaries to be honored before the Würth 400 NASCAR Cup Series race at Dover Motor Speedway on Sunday, April 28.

Marsh will serve as the honorary pace car official for the 106th NASCAR Cup Series event in the Monster Mile’s history. Marsh is also scheduled to make an 11:15 a.m. appearance at the Monster Monument in Victory Plaza on Sunday.

Serving as grand marshals for the event are four combat aviation veterans: Air Force Maj. (Ret.) Elester “Hollywood” Latham; Navy Lt. (Ret.) Jim “Zeke” Lloyd; Navy Cmdr. (Ret.) Jack “Razor” Gillett; Navy Lt. (Ret.) Bill “Offender” Moir.

The four pilots, who will give the command to America’s best drivers to start their engines, are featured in the new Xfinity short film “The Aviators,” which honors the enduring bonds forged among those that keep our country safe.

Through the pilots’ shared experiences, “The Aviators” celebrates a pioneering generation of military aviators while showcasing the power of technology in fostering meaningful connections across generations.

Other VIPs scheduled to attend the April 26-28 NASCAR weekend at The World’s Fastest One-Mile Oval include:

• General Jim Slife, Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force
• Richard Petty, 2010 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee (200 Cup Series wins, seven Cup Series championships) and seven-time Dover winner
• Dale Inman, 2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee and eight Cup Series championships
• Donnie Allison, 2024 NASCAR Hall Of Fame Inductee and member of the famed “Alabama Gang”
• Brandon Graham, a Super Bowl champion, Pro Bowl defensive end with the Philadelphia Eagles
• Alvin Kamara, a five-time Pro Bowl running back with the New Orleans Saints and NASCAR’s growth & engagement advisor

Petty (Noon), Kamara and Graham (12:15 p.m.) are also scheduled to make pre-race appearances at the Monster Monument on Sunday. See a full list of appearance times and event schedules at https://www.dovermotorspeedway.com/fans/fan-zone/.

See a full list of planned race weekend dignitaries below:

FRIDAY, APRIL 26

General Tire 150 ARCA Menards Series Race

• Welcoming Remarks: Mike Tatoian, president/general manager, Dover Motor Speedway; Adam Keiser, senior communications and content specialist, General Tire
  Presentation of Colors: Delaware National Guard Joint Color Guard
  Invocation: Delaware National Guard Chaplain William Guy
• National Anthem: Tech. Sgt. Jovon Newman, Delaware Air National Guard
• Grand Marshal: Justin Bennett, on behalf of General Tire
• Honorary Starter: Tori Farley, on behalf of General Tire

SATURDAY, APRIL 27

BetRivers 200 NASCAR Xfinity Series Dash 4 Cash Race

• Welcoming Remarks: Mike Tatoian, president/general manager, Dover Motor Speedway; Dan O’Toole, BetRivers Online Casino and Sportsbook Ambassador
• Presentation of Colors: Caesar Rodney High School (Camden, Del.) Air Force JROTC Color Guard
• Invocation: 1st. Lt. Ronald Gogan, chaplain, Dover Air Force Base
• National Anthem: Airman First Class Nolan Kuhn, representing the Dover Air Force Base Eagle Choir
• Grand Marshal: Dan O’Toole, BetRivers Online Casino and Sportsbook Ambassador
• Flyover: Dover Air Force Base, C-17.

SUNDAY, APRIL 28

Würth 400 NASCAR Cup Series Race

• Welcoming Remarks: Mike Tatoian, president/general manager, Dover Motor Speedway; Tom O’Neil executive vice president and CEO, The Wurth Group in North America.
• Presentation of Colors: 436th Airlift Wing Honor Guard, Dover Air Force Base
• Invocation: Chaplain Dan Schafer, Calvary Assembly of God, Hightstown, N.J.
• National Anthem: U.S. Naval Academy Drum & Bugle Corps
• Grand Marshals: Air Force Major (Ret.) Elester “Hollywood” Latham; Navy Lt. (Ret.) Jim “Zeke” Lloyd; Navy Cmdr. (Ret.) Jack “Razor” Gillett; Navy Lt. (Ret.) Bill “Offender” Moir
• Honorary Pace Car Official: Air Force 2nd Lt. Madison Marsh, Miss America 2024
• Flyover: Maryland National Guard, A-10s
• Honorary Starter: Mr. Benjamin Wurth, deputy chairman of the supervisory board of the Würth Group

The Monster Mile’s race schedule this week includes:

• Friday, April 26: General Tire 150 ARCA Menards Series race (5 p.m., FS2)
• Saturday, April 27: BetRivers 200 NASCAR Xfinity Series Dash 4 Cash race (1:30 p.m., FS1, PRN, SiriusXM)
• Sunday, April 28: Würth 400 NASCAR Cup Series race (2 p.m., FS1, PRN, SiriusXM)

Visit DoverMotorSpeedway.com to register for the Speedway’s email list to receive updates and announcements.

The Würth 400 is the Monster Mile’s 106th NASCAR Cup Series race. 2024 marks 55 consecutive years that Dover Motor Speedway has hosted a NASCAR Cup Series event. The Monster Mile is one of only 10 tracks in the country to host 100 or more NASCAR Cup Series races.

FOLLOW US:

Keep track of all of Dover Motor Speedway’s events by following on Facebook, X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, Instagram and TikTok (@MonsterMile). Keep up with all the latest information on DoverMotorSpeedway.com and our mobile app.

Source: Dover Motor Speedway

The article U.S. Military Members, Including Miss America 2024 and Four Combat Aviation Veterans, Honored as Dignitaries for Würth 400 NASCAR Cup Series Race on Sunday, April 28 is from Catchfence.

Zachary Tinkle Named Recipient of 2023 General Tire ARCA Spirit Award

Tinkle will receive a unique commemorative General Tire helmet and a check for $2,500. A second check, also for $2,500, will be presented to Moose’s March, a pet charity of Zachary’s choosing.

“We have enjoyed watching Zachary’s career blossom over the course of the last three years in the ARCA Menards Series platform,” said Adam Keiser, content specialist for General Tire. “Zachary has proven to be extremely competitive on the racetrack despite racing with a budget a fraction of the bigger teams, and he has created relationships with virtually everyone in the garage area. You know when you bump into Zachary, you’ll be greeted with a huge smile and a firm handshake.

“We couldn’t think of a better recipient for the General Tire Spirit Award in 2023. We’d like to pass along our congratulations to Zachary and his entire team on an impressive season, and we wish them the best in 2024.”

Tinkle, driving for 1995 ARCA Menards Series national champion Andy Hillenburg’s Fast Track High Performance Racing Team, scored four top-ten finishes in the ARCA Menards Series East in 2023, with two sixth-place finishes at ultra-fast mile at Dover and the tight quarter-mile bullring at Flat Rock Speedway. Perhaps more impressive, he never finished lower than 13th in the four combination races with the ARCA Menards Series, including an eleventh-place finish at Iowa Speedway.

Tinkle, whose team was led by 2000 NASCAR Cup Series championship-winning crew chief Todd Parrott, finished fourth in the final ARCA Menards East standings.

The General Tire Spirit Award is presented annually to a recipient who displays dedication to and support of ARCA, is uplifting by example, and by such actions earns the respect of the community, displays perseverance in the face of adversity, and maintains a supportive, helpful, and positive attitude even under duress.

Previous winners of the General Tire Spirit Award include Darrell Basham, Jack Bowsher, Andy Hillenburg, Kerry Scherer, Bill Kimmel, Brad Smith, and in 2023, Bob Bruncati. Now retired, Bruncati – a member of the West Coast Stock Car Motorsports Hall of Fame – earned four ARCA Menards Series West championships with drivers Jason Bowles (2009), Derek Thorn (2013, 2018) and Jake Drew (2022).

About Automobile Racing Club of America:

The Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA), founded in 1953 by John and Mildred Marcum in Toledo, Ohio, and acquired by NASCAR in April 2018, is the leading grassroots stock car sanctioning body in the United States.

Bridging the gap between NASCAR’s top three national touring series and weekly racing all across the country, the organization administers more than 100 events annually, including the ARCA Menards Series, ARCA Menards Series East, ARCA Menards Series West, plus weekly racing at Toledo and Flat Rock Speedways. 

For more information about ARCA visit www.arcaracing.com, or follow ARCA on Facebook (@ARCARacing) and Twitter (@ARCA_Racing). 

About Menards:

A family-owned and run company started in 1958, Menards is recognized as the retail home center leader of the Midwest with 236 stores in 15 states. Menards is truly a one-stop shop for all of your home improvement needs featuring a full-service lumberyard and everything you need to plan a renovation or build a home, garage, cabin, shed, deck, fence or post frame building. You’ll find a large selection of lumber, roofing, siding, construction blocks, trusses, doors and windows, plus cabinets, appliances, countertops, flooring, lighting, paint, plumbing supplies and more. To complete the job, Menards has quality hand tools, power tools, fasteners, electrical tools plus storage options and supplies for everyone from the weekend warrior to the pro!

Menards has what you need to complete your outdoor projects and keep your yard in tip-top shape including mowers, trimmers, blowers, pressure washers and more, plus a beautiful garden center stocked with plants, shrubs, trees, landscaping tools, grass seed, fertilizer options, outdoor décor and patio furniture. Menards also has everyday essentials like health & beauty products, housewares, pet and wildlife supplies, automotive items and even groceries. And at Christmas, an Enchanted Forest display area with impressive trees, lighting, decorations, ornaments, inflatables and more.

Menards is known for friendly Customer Service and as the place to “Save Big Money” with low prices every day, and sales too! For more information, please visit Menards.com to learn about our store locations, offerings and services.

About General Tire:

For over 100 years General Tire has offered a complete quality line of ultra-high performance, passenger, light truck, off-road and commercial tires to meet all your needs. General Tire is a proud supporter of Major League Fishing, The ARCA Menards Series, Team Lucas, ROUSH Performance, Expedition Overland, a2aExpedition, Zero One Odyssey, and Jeep Jamboree USA. Team GT supports: Speed Freaks Radio, The Jim Beaver Show, Hailie Deegan, Natalie Eva Marie, Gas Monkey Garage, Skeet Reese, Edwin Evers, Mark Rose, Ott DeFoe, Andy Montgomery, Alton Jones Jr., and Britt Myers.

Source: Automobile Racing Club of America

The article Zachary Tinkle Named Recipient of 2023 General Tire ARCA Spirit Award is from Catchfence.

Connor Zilisch (Photo by Sean Gardner | Getty Images)

Silver Hare Racing will serve as the primary sponsor on Zilisch’s No. 7 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet Silverado for two Truck Series events – Aug. 9 at Richmond (Va.) Raceway and Sept. 19 at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway – and as an associate sponsor Oct. 4 at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway and Nov. 1 at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway. Spire Motorsports will also coordinate a separate entry for Zilich for the Oct. 26 race at Homestead-Miami Speedway with Silver Hare serving as the primary sponsor.

In Zilisch’s Truck Series debut last month at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas, the native of Mooresville, North Carolina, qualified on the pole with a track-record lap of 2 minutes, 11.98 seconds (93.012 mph) around the 3.4-mile, 20-turn road course, then rallied from deep in the pack for a fourth-place finish in the closing laps.

After Zilisch celebrates his 18th birthday July 22, he will be eligible to compete in the Xfinity Series, where he signed a four-race agreement to drive the No. 88 JR Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro. Silver Hare Racing will serve as an associate sponsor for those four events – Sept. 14 at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International, Sept. 28 at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Oct. 26 at Homestead following his run in that day’s Truck Series race, and Nov. 9 at Phoenix Raceway.

Silver Hare Racing will also serve as the primary sponsor for Zilisch’s slate of 12 ARCA Menards Series races and eight CARS Tour events, all in Pinnacle Racing Group (PRG) Chevrolets. The ARCA slate includes the full, eight-race East Series schedule, plus three additional national series events (Aug. 16 at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, Sept. 13 at Watkins Glen and Sept. 27 at Kansas) and one West Series event (Nov. 8 at Phoenix).

Zilisch opened his 2024 ARCA campaign the evening of his March 23 Truck Series race at COTA with a fourth-place finish at Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, Florida. His next ARCA outing is Friday at Dover (Del.) Motor Speedway. Zilisch drove to his first career CARS Tour victory in a PRG Late Model Stock Chevrolet earlier this month at Hickory (N.C.) Motor Speedway.

“From the very beginning when Maurice and I first met Connor and took him to his first test in a TA2 car at VIR, we clearly recognized the talent and the uniqueness of his ability and his level of maturity even at 15 years old,” said Laura Hull, team manager and co-owner of Silver Hare Racing alongside her husband Maurice. “His personality is infectious. You can’t help but like him and be drawn to him.

He drove one of our Silver Hare Racing Camaros fulltime the past two seasons with great success and made us realize he’s a talent that we wanted to continue to support as he climbs his way up the racing ladder. This opportunity with PRG, Spire and JRM just couldn’t come at a better time and we’re proud to work with them, to work with the Zilisches, and just help Connor move forward, which he’s doing at such a rapid pace. All of us at Silver Hare Racing have been proud to work with Connor, and we’ve enjoyed great success together. One of the primary missions of our organization is the development of young driving talent, and Connor’s is a success story that’s only just begun.”

The season started on a high note for Zilisch before racing action even began when Trackhouse Racing signed the Team Chevrolet driver to a multiyear development contract Jan. 11. He then debuted in IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship competition by co-driving to the LMP2-class victory at the Rolex 24 at Daytona Jan. 27-28 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway, becoming the second-youngest driver ever to win the iconic endurance classic. He followed up that feat with the LMP2-class victory March 16 at the 12 Hours of Sebring at Sebring (Fla.) International Raceway. Between those milestone victories, Zilisch returned to Silver Hare Racing to drive the No. 7 Chevrolet Camaro to a pole-to-checkered-flag victory in the Feb. 24 Cube 3 Architecture TA2 Series season opener at Sebring. It was his sixth TA2 victory in 12 races and the third time in four events that he qualified on the pole and led every lap of the race.

“It’s super exciting for me to be able to continue my relationship with Maurice and Laura and everybody at Silver Hair Racing,” said Zilisch, who’s expected to return to Silver Hare to compete in the season’s final two TA2 rounds Oct. 5 at Virginia International Raceway (VIR) in Alton, and Nov. 3 at COTA. “Obviously, they gave me my first opportunity in a stock car when I was 15 years old and took a chance on me at a young age, and that meant a lot to me. And then now to continue to support me on my way up through the ranks is even cooler and adds to the story that we’ve been building together.

Maurice and Laura are super passionate about their team, and motorsports in general, and it means a lot that they choose to support me and know that they’re willing to invest their time and are willing to help me get to the next level. It takes a lot of people to make it in this sport, and considering all Maurice and Laura have done for me in the past and are continuing to do for my future, I also have the opportunity to help grow the Silver Hair Racing brand. The TA2 program has had a lot of success over the last few years. It’s a first-class organization, and the drivers who are fortunate to be a part of the team really benefit from all they have to offer, and everybody who joins and becomes a part of the team enjoys it. I’ve got to do what I can to support them and give back to them.”

Next up for Silver Hare Racing on the TA2 Series schedule is the WWTR SpeedTour, the season’s fourth of 12 rounds, set for May 10-11 at World Wide Technology Raceway near St. Louis. Drivers Connor Mosack, Boris Said Jr., and Jake Drew will anchor the driver lineup for last year’s race-winning team.

Silver Hare Racing leverages its Trans Am effort to promote its arrive-and-drive program, where aspiring racers and even tenured professionals hone their road-racing skills on some of the most revered tracks in North America. NASCAR Cup Series drivers Daniel Suárez, Christopher Bell, William Byron and Harrison Burton have all wheeled Silver Hare Racing-prepared cars to burnish their road-racing abilities in top-flight equipment.

The team offers six, professionally built and maintained TA2 chassis from Howe Racing for both competition and private testing. Silver Hare Racing has a dedicated, fulltime crew and operates out of a state-of-the-art facility in High Point, North Carolina. At the track, two 53-foot Featherlite transporters serve as the team’s base, each outfitted with a lounge and smart TVs for data and video review, as well as for hospitality.

To further Silver Hare Racing’s driver development capabilities, the team’s race shop in High Point is now equipped with a SHOCKWAVE Simulator, a tool specifically developed for drivers to accelerate racetrack familiarity, improve car control and confidence, and build stamina. SHOCKWAVE has been involved in racing since 1965 and is currently actively participating in NASCAR, ARCA, Trans Am, Late Models, and Sprint cars. Its Trans Am package replicates a Howe Racing TA2 chassis, complete with cockpit controls and sounds.

“With NASCAR having so many more road-course races, it’s our goal for Silver Hare Racing to be the preferred team for drivers to get that road-course experience,” Laura Hull said. “We want to be that important step in the ladder for the young, up-and-coming drivers like Connor. We want people to know we have an arrive-and-drive program, where for people who want to run this track or another, we provide the opportunity to do that and be successful.”

About Silver Hare Racing::

Silver Hare Racing is a fulltime competitor in the TA2 division of the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli. The multicar team has won the TA2 masters class championship three times (2018, 2019 and 2020) with driver and team co-owner Maurice Hull. Under the leadership of Hull’s wife, co-owner and team manager Laura Hull, Silver Hare Racing provides a variety of services that includes private testing and arrive-and-drive programs.

The team offers six, professionally built and maintained TA2 chassis from Howe Racing and operates from a state-of-the-art facility in High Point, North Carolina.

For more information, please visit SilverHareRacing.com.

Source: True Speed Communication on behalf of Silver Hare Racing

The article Silver Hare Racing Partners with Connor Zilisch for 2024 NASCAR, ARCA and zMAX CARS Tour Events is from Catchfence.

World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway Logo

Agreement opens new doors for long-term opportunities, regional economic growth 

ST. LOUIS (April 25, 2024) – Acknowledging the impact the 700-acre motorsports complex is having on the Southwestern Illinois and St. Louis region, World Wide Technology Raceway announced today it will carry the company’s name for another five years.

WWT became the named track sponsor in 2019 and has grown into a multi-faceted relationship.

David L. Steward, Founder and Chairman of World Wide Technology, said, “My family and the company see our commitment to the raceway as a way to serve the people of St. Louis and Southwestern Illinois with world-class motorsports like the annual NASCAR Cup and Craftsman Truck Series races. We see this investment as key to long-term benefit and growth for our region.”

“Our partnership is deeply rooted in World Wide Technology’s and the Steward Family’s commitment to community. It reflects the company’s innovative approach to technology, which aligns so well with the science of motorsports and racing,” said Curtis Francois, WWTR owner and CEO. “The last five years are a blur of big wins, thousands of new fans, new technology, more diversity in the stands and on the track, and significant economic impact in the communities around us who so need it.”

“Under the leadership of Curtis Francois, World Wide Technology Raceway has quickly established itself as a national destination for motorsports and today’s announcement strengthens that position for years to come,” said Jason Hall, CEO of Greater St. Louis, Inc. “David Steward and the Steward family continue to show how they exemplify civic leadership at the highest level by bringing leaders together around WWTR to expose youth to science and technology, inspire workforce development collaborations in underinvested neighborhoods, and celebrate St. Louis’ leadership in music and the arts.”

WWT’s engagement with the raceway and motorsports includes helping to expand the sport’s appeal by supporting initiatives that increase diversity among drivers, their teams, and creating a welcoming, inclusive environment for fans. The company also provides innovative technology to race teams and tracks; educates students through STEM activations and programs; and supports employees who help during race weekend.

The company and Steward family also are major sponsors of the Confluence Music Festival, now an essential part of the Enjoy Illinois 300 NASCAR Cup Series race weekend experience. It features local, regional and global artists on stages throughout the venue, delivering world-class music for the more than 100,000 fans who attend each year.

The upcoming NASCAR Cup Series race weekend, May 31-June 2, will showcase the impact the raceway has on the region as fans from across the country and world arrive in the region to participate in the multi-day event.

“Thousands of visitors pour into our state as a result of this race. As part of the race experience, they see all we have to offer and many come back to further explore the sights and sounds of Illinois,” said Mark Kern, St. Clair County Board Chairman.

“We are proud to continue our successful partnership with World Wide Technology Raceway to host the Enjoy Illinois 300 NASCAR Cup Series for its third consecutive year,” said Daniel Thomas, deputy director of the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Office of Tourism. “This incredible event will once again welcome more than 100,000 racing fans from across the country to Illinois’ premiere destination for the motorsports industry, generating an economic impact of $60 million for the Metro East region. Visitors can make the most of their Enjoy Illinois 300 experience by extending their stay to explore the region’s many outdoor attractions, historic sites and family-friendly experiences.”

About World Wide Technology Raceway

World Wide Technology Raceway (WWTR) is the home of NASCAR, INDYCAR, and NHRA racing in St. Louis’ Metro East region. Located just five minutes from downtown St. Louis and covering 700 acres, WWTR is the largest outdoor entertainment facility in the area. WWTR’s facilities include a 1.25-mile superspeedway; 1/4-mile drag strip; 2.0-mile road course; the Gateway Kartplex state-of-the-art karting facility; and the adjacent Gateway National Golf Links. WWTR and Owner & CEO Curtis Francois have been recognized with several awards, including: 2023 St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame induction; 2023 Innovation in Philanthropy Award by the St. Louis Business Journal; 2022 Explore St. Louis Hospitality Hero Recognition; 2022 Best in Show and Best Event & Festival from the Illinois Governor’s Conference on Tourism; 2021 Comcast Community Champion of the Year; 2021 Jack Buck Award; 2020 NASCAR Drive for Diversity Track Award among others.  Our mission: We are committed to making a difference in our community, while providing first-class entertainment and memories that last a lifetime. Please visit www.WWTRaceway.com or follow WWTR on social media (@wwtraceway) for additional information.

About World Wide Technology

Founded in 1990, World Wide Technology (WWT), a global technology solutions provider leading the AI and Digital Revolution, with $20 billion in annual revenue, combines the power of strategy, execution and partnership to accelerate digital transformational outcomes for large public and private organizations around the world. Through its Advanced Technology Center, a collaborative ecosystem of the world’s most advanced hardware and software solutions, WWT helps customers and partners conceptualize, test and validate innovative technology solutions for the best business outcomes and then deploys them at scale through its global warehousing, distribution and integration capabilities.

With nearly 10,000 employees and more than 55 locations around the world, WWT’s culture, built on a set of core values and established leadership philosophies, has been recognized 13 years in a row by Fortune and Great Place to Work® for its unique blend of determination, innovation and leadership focus on diversity and inclusion. With this culture at its foundation, WWT bridges the gap between business and technology to make a new world happen for its customers, partners and communities.

Source: World Wide Technology Raceway

The article World Wide Technology Raceway, Nation’s Only Track Hosting Races for All Three of North America’s Top Racing Series, Signs Second Five-Year Naming Agreement with World Wide Technology is from Catchfence.

Martin Truex Jr., driver of the #19 Bass Pro Shops Toyota, and Ross Chastain, driver of the #1 Jockey Chevrolet, race during the NASCAR Cup Series Würth 400 at Dover International Speedway on May 01, 2023 in Dover, Delaware. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

Certainly, that’s the case for defending race winner Martin Truex Jr., who has been close to a trophy several times this year but is still looking for his first victory of 2024 in Sunday’s Wurth 400 (2 p.m. ET on FS1, PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio). Dover is a special venue for the New Jersey native, who considers it his “home track.” It is where he earned his first NASCAR Cup Series victory in 2007 and his four wins are most among the fulltime competitors in Sunday’s field.

The historical significance is important for the 2017 series champion, but 10 races into the season, Truex wants to win now and thinks Dover is set up to be just the place. He is currently second in the standings, trailing leader Kyle Larson by 15 points, but Truex is the only driver ranked among the top six in the driver standings that hasn’t won a race yet.

“Just build on what we learned last year and so far this year,” said Truex, driver of the No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota. “And I think it’s important we qualify well, so hopefully we will do that. Generally, when you qualify well there, you get a good pit stall, and it sets you up for a smoother day. Staying out front all day long is very important and track position is very important since it’s hard to pass.”

Certainly, this will be a big weekend for several drivers wanting – and needing – to get on track with the All-Star break and summer stretch approaching.

Ford is still racing for its first win of the season. RFK Racing owner-driver Brad Keselowski is the only current Ford driver with a past NASCAR Cup Series win at Dover – his 2012 NASCAR Cup Series championship season. He brings two consecutive runner-up finishes (at Texas and Talladega, Ala.) to Dover. Two-time series champion Joey Logano, who drives a Ford Mustang for Team Penske, has four Xfinity Series wins at the Monster Mile.

Logano’s Penske teammate, reigning NASCAR Cup Series champion Ryan Blaney is ranked seventh – highest among the Ford contingent. He won a Xfinity Series race at Dover in 2017.

Richard Childress Racing’s Kyle Busch is another veteran racing for his first victory of 2024. The driver of the No. 8 RCR Chevrolet has won in all three of NASCAR’s premier series at Dover, including three times at the NASCAR Cup Series level.

This week marks the return to the grid for seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and 11-time Dover winner Jimmie Johnson, now an owner-driver racing part-time in the series.

Johnson’s Legacy Motor Club driver Erik Jones will miss this week’s race after suffering a compression fracture in his back in an accident at Talladega on Sunday. The team has announced that NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series championship contender Corey Heim will drive the No. 43 Toyota for Jones this week.

Current championship leader Larson brings impressive season statistics to Dover with a series best 531 laps led. His five stage wins is more than double that of any other driver. He’s won both Xfinity Series (2017) and NASCAR Cup Series (2019) races at the Monster Mile and would like to rebound from back-to-back 21st-place finishes in the season’s last two races.

Practice sessions will be held Saturday at 10:30 a.m. ET, followed by a two-round Busch Light Qualifying session at 11:20 a.m. ET. – both televised live on FS1. Earning a front row start has been key at Dover, where the outside polesitter has produced more winners (20) than any other starting position.

Source: Holly Cain | NASCAR Wire Service

The article Several Cup Drivers Head to Dover Hoping to Score Their First Win of 2024 is from Catchfence.

ryan-truex-04-20-24

There are only three former Dover winners in the fulltime field. Joe Gibbs Racing’s Ryan Truex led a dominating 124 of the 200 laps to earn an impressive 4.8-second win over Josh Berry last year – starting what would be a Truex sweep of the weekend with his older brother Martin winning the NASCAR Cup Series race a day later.

It’s not only a sentimental highlight for Truex, but a certifiable career highlight. He has four top-10 finishes in seven starts at the track – including the win and a pole position. His 9.1 average finish is tops among all series tracks for the 32-year old New Jersey native who considers Dover as his “home track.”

“Last year was one of the greatest days of my life and I’ll forever be grateful to Joe Gibbs Racing for helping me earn that moment,” said Truex, who will be driving the No. 20 JGR Toyota Saturday. “Considering Dover is also a home track for me, I’m filled with nostalgia, excitement and a ton of optimism towards what we can do on Saturday.”

Reigning series champion and current title contender Cole Custer won the 2019 Dover race and JR Motorsports’ Justin Allgaier has a pair of wins (2018 and 2020) highlighting a really impressive resume at the concrete mile.

Of course, there are other competitors highly motivated to join this short list too.

Xfinity Series driver standings leader Chandler Smith is coming off a rough 25th-place finish at Talladega last week – his worst showing of the season. But he still holds a 14-point edge over Custer atop the standings. Smith, driver of the No. 81 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota, has two starts on the Dover mile, has never led a lap and his best finish is 13th-place last year.

Not only does Custer have that former win, he’s got six top-10 finishes in seven starts. The driver of the No. 00 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford has led 237 laps, including 155 of the 200-lap event in a fourth-place finish in 2019.

Austin Hill, a tough-luck victim of Talladega’s hard racing, has only a pair of Xfinity Series starts at Dover, with a best of fourth place last year. The driver of the No. 21 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet is right among the top trio, only 16 points behind Smith.

Hill’s RCR teammate, the 19-year old Californian Jesse Love claimed his first series win last week at Talladega. He’ll have an educational experience at Dover, making his first start of any kind at the famously challenging track. He’s proven himself up for the challenge, however. He’s ranked fourth in the championship and boasts the most stage wins (four) in the series.

Perhaps the one to watch this weekend is Allgaier, who is more than ready to put some rough luck behind him in 2024. The veteran driver of the JR Motorsports’ No. 7 Chevrolet has amazing statistics at Dover. He’s led a race best 514 laps, including laps out front in eight of the last nine races.

This week marks the final leg of the four-race Dash 4 Cash incentive. Love, Riley Herbst, Anthony Alfredo and Ryan Sieg will compete for that last $100,000 check from Xfinity – the highest finisher among them on Saturday claiming the money. Sieg won the bonus last week in Talladega in what ultimately turned into a dramatic and exciting late race two-car duel between him and A.J. Allmendinger.

A 20-minute practice followed by a qualifying session begins at 3:05 p.m. on Friday and will be televised on FS1. Big Machine Racing’s Parker Kligerman won the pole position last year. Only once in the last 17 races – Kyle Larson in 2017 – has the polesitter gone on to victory at Dover.

Source: Holly Cain | NASCAR Wire Service

The article Ryan Truex Looks to Go Back-To-Back at His Home Track is from Catchfence.

McAnally-Hilgemann Racing and Christian Eckes to Honor Pioneer Driver, Brownie King, at Darlington Raceway

Statesville, N.C. (April 25, 2024) –

King, a current resident of Johnson City, Tenn., was one of the few drivers to compete on the sands of Daytona Beach and in the inaugural 1959 Daytona 500. His daughter and son-in-law Debbie and Jeff Moore currently own a NAPA Auto Care located in Johnson City, Tenn., Gray Tire & Automotive. The Moore’s shop lobby doubles as a chronicle of King’s driving career and displays numerous photos from races on the Daytona Beach shores to Darlington and Bristol Motor Speedway (BMS). King is a living racing legend in Eastern Tennessee and is a former BMS track champion from the track’s infancy in the early 1960’s.

“This is a great honor,” King said. “I appreciate what the MHR team has done and am really excited for this. Christian is a great aggressive driver, and the truck looks amazing. It looks really similar to the Chevy I raced at Darlington in 1957. I wish I was able to be at the race, but we’ll be watching on TV and hoping Christian can get the win.”

“It’s a thrill for us to honor a pioneer of our sport like Brownie,” team owner Bill McAnally said. “It’s an honor for us to run his colors with Gates Hydraulics as a ‘thank you’ for his contributions to the sport and to Jeff and Debbie Moore for their strong relationship with NAPA. It’s a treat to tie everything together and we’d love to see Christian pull Brownie’s paint scheme into victory lane again at Darlington.”

Eckes hopes to go back-to-back at Darlington Raceway after his 2023 triumph, during which he paid tribute to NASCAR Hall of Famer Hershel McGriff. The NCTS throwback event goes green on Friday, May 10th at 7:30 p.m. ET on FOX Sports 1.

Gates Corporation is a leading manufacturer of application-specific fluid power and power transmission solutions. At Gates, we are driven to push the boundaries of materials science to engineer products that continually exceed expectations.

We don’t rest on our rich heritage of innovation. We leverage it to inspire solutions that will power the next hundred years. We invest continually in R&D and technology, so our products not only outperform industry standards; they exceed our customers’ demanding expectations. We invest in our people, bringing real-world experience that enables us to solve our customers’ diverse challenges of today and anticipate those of tomorrow. And we are constantly expanding our product catalog and value-added service offerings to support every facet of our customers’ operations. In the most extreme environments and those more familiar, Gates is there with the right product, in the right place at the right time. Whether building original equipment or maintaining products in the aftermarket, we enable companies in every industry to be more efficient, productive, and profitable. We are Gates.

Source: McAnally-Hilgemann Racing

The article McAnally-Hilgemann Racing and Christian Eckes to Honor Pioneer Driver, Brownie King, at Darlington Raceway is from Catchfence.

NASCAR Chicago Street Race Weekend Logo

Genre-Defining Artists to Share the Stage for the First Time Ever During One-of-a-Kind DJ Set to Celebrate the Famed Chicago Sound

CHICAGO (April 25, 2024) – Today, NASCAR announced it will bring together some of the biggest names in House Music for the first time ever at the 2024 Chicago Street Race Weekend in Grant Park, July 6-7. The Chicago House Music Showcase, organized in partnership with local organization House Music 40 and in honor of the 40^th Anniversary of House Music, will include some of the genre’s preeminent artists, including Bad Boy Bill, Byron Stingily (Ten City), Chip E., Chuck “The Voice” Roberts, Curtis McClain, Dajae, The Good Girls (DJ Lady D, Lori Branch & Vitigrrl), Lidell Townsell, Marshall Jefferson, Maurice Joshua, The Outhere Brothers, Ralphi Rosario, Wayne Williams of the Chosen Few, and White Knight.

“We always want to use our platform at NASCAR to showcase the best of Chicago – including its world-class music scene – to a national and international audience,” said Julie Giese, Chicago Street Race President. “House Music is a quintessential part of Chicago’s culture, so we are thrilled to celebrate the 40^th Anniversary of House by bringing together these genre-defining artists to help take the Chicago Street Race Weekend experience to another level.”

The Chicago House Music Showcase will be held on the main concert stage from approximately 5:00 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. on Saturday, July 6, during practice and qualifying sessions for Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race. Weekend tickets to the Chicago Street Race include access to all concerts and races.

In 1984, Jesse Saunders and Vince Lawrence released “On and On,” which would go on to incite the explosion of House Music across Chicago and eventually the world, as House Music became a staple of dance floors everywhere. House Music 40 is a celebration of the origins of House Music – a music form that has been seminal and irreplaceable in the roots of Techno, EDM, Electrohouse, and more – and the originators who built the culture of Chicago.

“This is going to be a throwback celebration for the ages, with pinnacle artists of the genre performing all the classic songs that made House Music what it is,” said Vince Lawrence, House Music 40 Founder and Event Curator. “We’ve never had a lineup of House artists like this on the same stage together, and we are excited to partner with a group like NASCAR who is committed to putting Chicago front and center of everything they do.”

In addition to the House Music Showcase, Keith Urban, The Chainsmokers, The Black Keys, and Lauren Alaina will headline the 2024 Chicago Street Race in Grant Park, July 6-7. The Chainsmokers – whose Saturday evening set will include a special appearance with NASCAR Cup Series drivers – will make their triumphant return to the Chicago Street Race after weather forced the cancellation of their 2023 set. Additional musical acts will be announced at a later date.

NASCAR has also introduced Youth General Admission Pricing for the 2024 Chicago Street Race Weekend. Children 12 and under are free on Saturday, July 6, and Youth GA tickets for Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race are $45.

Chicago Street Race

The Chicago Street Race is a unique two-day sports and entertainment event with a festival-like atmosphere that exemplifies NASCAR’s characteristic fan experience that puts attendees closer to the action than any other sport. Coupled with top-tier musical performances from global headliners, the Chicago Street Race Weekend is a once-in-a-lifetime experiential opportunity for any sports, music, and entertainment fan.

New for 2024, NASCAR introduced single-day ticketing options starting at $150. Tickets went on sale to the public on December 6, 2023, and grant visitors access to all the racing and music action.

Two-day reserved tickets starting at $465 offer an array of opportunities that include reserved seating and a wide variety of premium experiences.

Two-day general admission tickets start at $269. For a complete listing of ticketing options or to purchase tickets, fans can visit NASCARChicago.com or call 888-629-7223.

Fans can also visit NASCARChicagoExperiences.com for multiple options for travel, tickets, and hospitality experiences, courtesy of Quint, the Travel and Experience Package Provider of the Chicago Street Race.

To stay up to date with the Chicago Street Race, fans can subscribe to receive exclusive Chicago Street Race emails, follow @NASCARChicago on Twitter and Facebook and download the NASCAR Tracks App for the latest real-time updates on all aspects of the event.

About Chicago Street Race

The Chicago Street Race is home to the first-ever NASCAR Cup Series street race in the 75-year history of NASCAR. Located in downtown Chicago, the 2024 event will once again take competitors past and through many of the city’s most renowned downtown landmarks on Michigan Avenue, South Columbus Drive, South DuSable Lake Shore Drive and the start-finish line near Buckingham Fountain. The Cup Series will be joined by the NASCAR Xfinity Series as part of a one-of-a-kind sports and entertainment festival with global music headliners Keith Urban, The Chainsmokers, The Black Keys, Lauren Alaina and a special House Music 40th Anniversary Showcase, July 6-7, 2024. For more information, visit NASCARChicago.com.

About NASCAR

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) is the sanctioning body for the No. 1 form of motorsports in the United States and owner of 14 of the nation’s major motorsports entertainment facilities. NASCAR sanctions races in three national series (NASCAR Cup Series™, NASCAR Xfinity Series™, and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series™), four international series (NASCAR Brasil Sprint Race, NASCAR Canada Series, NASCAR Mexico Series, NASCAR Whelen Euro Series), four regional series (ARCA Menards Series, ARCA Menards Series East & West and the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour) and a local grassroots series (NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series). The International Motor Sports Association™ (IMSA®) governs the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship™, the premier U.S. sports car series. NASCAR also owns Motor Racing Network, Racing Electronics, and ONE DAYTONA. Based in Daytona Beach, Florida, with offices in five cities across North America, NASCAR sanctions more than 1,200 races annually in 11 countries and more than 30 U.S. states.

For more information visit www.NASCAR.com and www.IMSA.com, and follow NASCAR on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, X and Snapchat.

About House Music 40

HouseMusic40 is an Illinois non-profit (expedited 501c3 application is in) whose mission is to elevate Chicago’s House Music culture while providing financial assistance to Chicago House Music DJs facing health issues. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the release of the genre’s first recordings.  House Music is Chicago’s truly indigenous Black Folk Music, more than deserving of preservation and celebration. As we commemorate four decades of this groundbreaking genre, it is crucial to recognize the contributions made by Chicagoans that resonate in clubs worldwide to this day. Your donations will ensure that our citizens are informed of the importance of these contribution and that its contributors are supported when facing health challenges so that House Music’s legacy continues to thrive.

Source: Chicago Street Race | NASCAR Communications

The article NASCAR to Host Special House Music 40th Anniversary Showcase Performance at 2024 Chicago Street Race Weekend is from Catchfence.