Source: Essentially Sports

NASCAR CUP SERIES,TEAM PENSKE

BY ANKIT AGARWALLA OCTOBER 28, 2020

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Joey Logano, who grew up in Middletown,CT, the winner from the NASCAR Cup Series Round of 8 race at Kansas, recently spoke about the time he realized that racing was his passion. He has already booked a berth in the Championship 4 race that is set to happen at Phoenix next month.

Logano mentioned that there isn’t a particular age that he started to feel for racing but cleared that he loved cars and going go-karting.

“I don’t think there is a moment, it just hit me. I loved watching cars on TV, and I got to go-karting when I was very young and that’s all I wanted to do,” he said.

The #22 Ford Mustang driver considers himself lucky to be one of those people who found their calling at an early age. “I’d say I was part of the most lucky thing in my life that I found my passion at a very young age, young enough that I don’t even remember,” he further expressed.

Logano’s racing career kicked off as early as 1996 at the tender age of 6-year-old. He won his first Eastern Grand National Championship in the year 1997.

The 30-year-old started his NASCAR racing career in 2008 and in doing so, he became the first 90s born driver to race in a Cup Series event.

Joey Logano and how his career started in the Cup Series

1990 born Logano started with driving the #20 for the Joe Gibbs Racing team back in the year 2008. He replaced Tony Stewart, who was moving on to drive for his team, Stewart-Haas Racing.

In that year, Logano was also a potential candidate for the Rookie of the Year and was to make his first-ever Sprint Cup start at Richmond. He, however, failed to qualify for that.

Later that year, Hall of Fame Racing made an announcement that Logano would drive 5 races in their #96 for the Sprint Cup Series season. He made his official debut at New Hampshire on September 14th, 2008. Logano happens to be the youngest driver in the post-modern era to be racing full time in NASCAR’s elite division.

Joey Logano after his win at Kansas also mentioned that he loves the winning bit in racing and that it is something that motivates him to carry on.

However, he won’t have to worry about winning at Texas or Martinsville since he has already cemented his spot for the final race in Phoenix. Will he record the quintessential win when it matters the most?

Courtesy of Essentially Sports

NASCAR,NASCAR CUP SERIES

BY AAYUSH MAJUMDAROCTOBER 28, 2020

The rain delay at Texas must be very frustrating for the drivers, especially the NASCAR Cup Series playoff contenders. They wait for the race to begin as their championship fates hang in the balance. However, for Joey Logano, the rain delay was, while frustrating, a great opportunity to get a head start on his competitors.

Logano is the only man assured of a place in the championship race at the Phoenix Raceway, now just over 10 days away. While the other 7 playoff drivers cannot afford to think about Phoenix with the points situation being so competitive, Logano can focus on his preparations for Phoenix all he wants.

That’s what they have been working on at the Team Penske camp, as Logano admitted on Tuesday. He has been in constant touch with Crew Chief Paul Wolfe and other team members, making strategies for their upcoming stint at Phoenix.

Source: ACT/PASS -Kyle Sousa PR

 

$20,000-to-Win Thompson 300 Highlights 6-Event Oval Track Schedule 

Thompson, CT — The high banks of Connecticut’s Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park will roar once again in 2021. American-Canadian Tour (ACT) and Pro All Stars Series (PASS) have announced a six-event schedule for the coming season that features the new Thompson Outlaw Open Modified Series. 

The Outlaw Open Series consists of half a dozen high-paying events for Tour-type Modifieds that are expected to attract the top teams in the region. The series begins at the 46^th annual Thompson Icebreaker from Friday, April 9 to Sunday, April 11. A 150-lap, $10,000-to-win Outlaw Open Series event will highlight the weekend card. 

The stakes get even higher at the season-ending 59^th annual Sunoco World Series of Speedway Racing from Friday, October 8 to Sunday, October 10. ACT and PASS have organized the return of the historic Thompson 300, which was last contested in 2005. A $20,000 minimum prize has been posted for the winner of the 300-lap showdown. 

In addition, ACT and PASS are selling $50 lap sponsorships for the Thompson 300. All laps that are sold will award the full $50 to the leader of that lap. This means a driver could earn up to $35,000 that weekend. 

Four other events are scheduled in-between the Icebreaker and World Series. The additional race dates are Wednesday, June 16; Wednesday, July 7; Wednesday, August 11; and Wednesday, September 8. These dates were chosen to minimize conflict with other tracks and series in the region, allowing teams and fans to attend as many events as they wish. 

The Outlaw Open Series features at the Wednesday events will pay at least $5,000-to-win and potentially more. Furthermore, drivers and teams that attempt to qualify for all six events will be eligible for potential provisional starting spots at the Thompson 300. 

“We think the Outlaw Open Modified Series is going to be huge for teams and fans,” ACT managing partner Cris Michaud said. “The open-event model for the Modifieds has gotten a lot of traction in recent years, and we got to see it first-hand at the most recent World Series. We’re especially excited for the return of the Thompsonxf 300. Somebody will be walking away with at least $20,000 that weekend, and it’s going to take the intensity to a whole other level.” 

Thompson Speedway’s local divisions will also be part of all six events, including the Sunoco Modifieds, Late Models, Limited Sportsmen/Street Stocks, SK Light Modifieds, and Mini Stocks. Although details are still being finalized, ACT and PASS officials hope to organize special events for the local divisions throughout the summer, giving each class a chance in the spotlight. 

A variety of touring series and open shows will also be part of the Icebreaker and World Series weekends. More information regarding all events will be announced over the coming weeks. 

“The most important part of all of this is that Thompson oval track racing will continue,” PASS owner Tom Mayberry said. “We were very satisfied with how the Thompson 150 and World Series went in 2020, and those events showed the appetite is still there for racing in eastern Connecticut. With those events to build on, we think the excitement for Thompson Speedway is going to be even bigger in 2021. 

For more information about the American-Canadian Tour, contact the ACT offices at (802) 244-6963, media@acttour.com, or visit www.acttour.com. You can also get updates on Facebook and Twitter at @ACTTour. 

For technical information concerning all PASS divisions, and for media or marketing questions, please contact passracing@roadrunner.com or visit www.proallstarseries.com. Don’t forget to “Like” the Pro All Stars Series on Facebook or follow on Twitter @PASSSLM14 to keep up with breaking news as it happens. 

For general Thompson Speedway inquires, call (860) 923-2280, email oval@thompsonspeedway.com, or visit www.thompsonspeedway.com. You can follow Thompson Speedway on Facebook and Instagram at @ThompsonSpeedway or on Twitter at @ThompsonSpdwy. 

NEMA Returns to Star Classic in 2021; Announces Return to Oswego Classic10/28/20 — The Northeastern Midget Association released a sneak peek into its 2021 schedule, announcing the the first two races on the card today. The first event that the club announced is a return to the 2021 Star Classic, also celebrating NEMA Legend Butch Walsh that evening for the Butch Walsh Memorial. NEMA has celebrated a long history with the Webber family and Star Speedway, this past year marking the 60th season of partnership between the two. Long viewed as one of the premier short track races in the Country, the Star Classic, this past season, became even more of a spectacle, spanning three days including the Granite State Pro Stocks and the Modified Racing Series. Alan Chambers took down his first ever NEMA victory at this year’s Star Classic. Among the others to score their first win at Star were three-time (’89, ’91, ’93) champ Joey Coy, Hall of Famer Mike Favulli and 1984 champ Billy Mann. “NEMA did a great job for us at last year’s Classic, and we are excited to have them back for 2021,” said Star Speedway owner & GM, Bob Webber Jr. “Starting with us dating back over 60 years, the midgets are a great addition to the Supers and 350 Supers. This past year’s Classic Weekend was an incredible event for New England short track racing,” he said. “We are proud to announce the Star Classic a one of the pinnacle events for our 2021 schedule,” said club President, Tim Bertrand. “This year’s event was a huge success for all, and we look forward to being part of it again in 2021.” NEMA is also excited to announce that both divisions will return for the first time in fifteen years to the Labor Day weekend prestigious Oswego Classic, and the prestigious Marvin Rifchin Memorial. The last time the midgets competed in the Classic, ISMA regular Chris Perley defeated Lou Cicconi Jr., and Pete Pernesiglio Jr. “We are so excited to be hosting the NEMA and NEMA Lites midgets on Saturday Labor day Classic weekend in 2021. Oswego is the open wheel capital of the East and the place to race on Labor Day weekend,” said Race Director, Chuck Handley. “When I got the call from Chuck, I knew that returning to the Classic was a no brainer. It’s a tremendous race track and always provides exciting racing. To kick off with the Oswego Classic and head to Star the following weekend provides our teams and open wheel fans something to look forward to for 2021!,” said club President, Tim Bertrand. The midgets share the card with the Whelen Modified Tour on Saturday of Classic weekend with a $10,000 purse up for grabs, and it is rumored that Doug Coby will do double duty for the event in both the midgets and modifieds. The Super-Modified Oswego Classic will take place on Sunday. The five-eighths-mile oval provides for some fast laps for NEMA. The last time the midgets visited Oswego, lap times were in the high 16 second range, with 3 time champion John Zych turning a blistering lap in the 16.6 second range enroute to victory the last time the midgets visited Oswego in 2016. In the Lites, Scott Bigelow was the victor over Danny Cugini, and Anthony Payne, son of Oswego legend, Joey Payne. Many of the experienced drivers consider Oswego to be a “rhythm track.” If you can set a pace, get out of the groove and do your passing on the outside, you can really gain some ground. Among those that have followed that philosophy is six-time champion Russ Stoehr of Bridgewater, now handing the reins over to son, Avery who has followed in his footsteps, driving for Bertrand Motorsports. Other drivers that have run exceptionally well on the round, momentum tracks are Zych, Paul “Dangerous” Scally, with a lot of success at the fast, round Wiscassett Speedway, multi time champion Randy Cabral of Kingston, MA. In the Lites, NY’s Chris Vose will be looking forward to this race closer to his home, and hungry for a win will be NJ’s Joe Bailey in the Scrivani 21 out of Brockton, MA, Jim Santa Maria who came very close this year, and NJ’s Richie Coy. The full 2021 NEMA schedule will be announced in the coming weeks.

Note: The NHRA National was cancelled at the New England Dragway in Epping, NH due to the Carona Virus. The sanction has assured the drag racing fans that they will make efforts to return to the six state area in 2021

Source: Gieger Communications

LAS VEGAS (Oct. 28) — Poker players in Las Vegas like to say all they need to win is a chip and chair. Less than two rounds off the championship lead entering a race that awards points and a half, five-time Pro Stock champion Jeg Coughlin Jr. has more than a single chip to throw in the pot, but in true Glitter Gulch style he still wouldn’t mind a visit from Lady Luck at this weekend’s 20th annual Dodge NHRA Finals. “This is a final hurrah in many respects,” said Coughlin, who will retire from full-time competition after this event. “There are three of us in the hunt for this championship, two from Elite Motorsports with Erica (Enders) and myself, and I know how much we’d all love to close out with a bang. “Having two horses in the race is a real credit to everyone at Elite. Richard Freeman (team owner) has put together an incredible group of the very best mechanics, crew chiefs and engine builders in the sport. Hopefully we can finish 1-2 again. Obviously, if you talk to me, I want to be the champ, and if you talk to Erica, she’s anxious to win it as well, but we also root for each other. It’s going to be a lot of fun.”Both Coughlin and Line find themselves 55 points in arrears to Enders, the reigning and three-time series champion. NHRA officials decided to up the drama by awarding points and a half in Vegas, so there are multiple scenarios where Coughlin can regain the points lead he held earlier this season.  “I’m very excited,” Coughlin said. “I have tremendous faith in the team and I know we’ll be holding nothing back. We’ve got nothing to lose. We’ll need a lucky break along the way but we definitely have a decent chance to get it done if we do our jobs.” Coughlin is a five-time winner at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, having driven to the winner’s circle there in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2008 and 2009.  “I’ve reflected back on my 20-plus years in this class a lot in the last 8-9 months, ever since I committed to the decision to step away,” Coughlin said. “I’ve tried to use those collective memories to fuel my drive, and it’s worked out for the most part. We aren’t closing the book for good. We’ll still race occasionally; but at the same time I’m excited about spending a lot more time with my family and at JEGS. “The thing I’ll miss the most is the fans. Going back to the start of my career when I was racing in the sportsman ranks, they’ve always been so supportive of JEGS and our racing endeavors. There are even half a dozen kids out there named Jeg in our honor, which is just unreal. It shows the true passion of drag racing fans. No matter what happens moving forward, I will always be ready to help the sport grow.”Acting as a wild card, Coughlin’s teammate and nephew Troy Coughlin Jr. has designs on blocking for his decorated uncle as he concludes his rookie year in the class. Troy Jr. has shown he can handle the job, having raced to the final round of the third Indy race this summer in his JEGS.com Elite Motorsports Ford Mustang. “If there’s any way I can help Uncle Jeg win the championship I’ll be there,” Troy Jr. said. “Rick (Jones) made some changes after qualifying in Houston and the car responded really well on race day. I know we have the capability to win rounds in Vegas and if we can knock out anyone going against Uncle Jeg, all the better. “Coming off back-to-back regional championships in the Top Alcohol Dragster class, Troy Jr. has adapted well to the factory hot rod class. In just seven races, he’s climbed to 13th place overall. Ever the perfectionist, Troy Jr. says that while he’s learned a lot, he still has a long way to go in a category he describes as the toughest in the sport. “There’s a lot going on inside a Pro Stock car,” Troy Jr. said. “There’s a lot to do to get it down the track with a good run. You need an incredible amount of patience, focus and self-control. I’m trying to soak up as much as I can and learn the mechanics of what makes these cars run. You definitely need more than seven races to learn it all. “I’m excited about the future, even though we’re not sure what it holds. I know JEGS has a tremendous legacy in racing and I’ll do all I can to carry it forward. It’s a great way to relate to our customers because so many of them race.” About JEGS AutomotiveJEGS Automotive is a worldwide e-commerce leader in the mail-order, high-performance auto parts business, offering more than 1M individual items for purchase. Founded in 1960 by drag racing legend Jeg Coughlin Sr., JEGS remains family-owned to this day with brothers John, Troy Sr., Mike and Jeg Jr. in charge. The company’s corporate headquarters, massive 225,000-square-foot warehouse and distribution center, state-of-the-art call centers, the family’s classic car and truck collection, Team JEGS’ research and development facility and the offices of the JEGS Foundation are all located in Delaware, Ohio. For more information, call 800-345-4545 or visit www.JEGS.com. About Team JEGSTeam JEGS, the official racing team of JEGS Automotive, is fueled by the legacy of one of the most successful families in motorsports history, the Coughlins. Led by JEGS founder and International Drag Racing Hall of Fame member Jeg Coughlin Sr. and his four sons — John, Troy Sr., Mike and Jeg Jr. — Team JEGS has claimed nine NHRA World Championships, 18 divisional championships and 128 national event victories. Meet the drivers, view the race schedule and keep up with the latest news and results at www.TeamJEGS.com. MEDIA CONTACT: Scott “Woody” Woodruff, scott.woodruff@jegs.com, 614-595-1820

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Scott “Woody” Woodruff | 101 JEGS Place, Suite 96, Delaware, OH 43015

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BATAVIA, Ohio, (October 28, 2020) — The battle for the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship titles continues this weekend at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. In the GTD class, Wright Motorsports, after finishing in the top five for all but one of the nine races, stands just two points from first place in the team championship standings. Ryan Hardwick and Patrick Long, co-pilots of the No. 16 1st Phorm Porsche 911 GT3R, are within four points of the driver championship leaders, the pair currently standing in third. Only two races remain in the 2020 championship, but the top honors remain up for grabs. “The pressure is on for these final two races, but we’re feeling confident,” said Team Owner John Wright. “Our guys haven’t made a mistake all season, and we’ve done everything possible to be here in the end. The goal is to keep that consistency going and get every point possible. This is an excellent team, and I have faith in our execution.” WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, in Monterey, California is another fan-favorite road course, as well as Patrick Long’s home track. Both he and co-driver Ryan Hardwick have ample experience at the 2.238-mile, 11-turn circuit, with Hardwick’s time at the track coming from his years in the Lamborghini Super Trofeo series. The course offers 180 feet in elevation change, including the legendary Corkscrew drop at turns 8 and 8A. Competitors will load into the IMSA paddock on Friday, October 30, and hit the track on Saturday for both practice sessions. The GTD class will qualify on Sunday, November 1 at 8:30AM PT and the session will air live on imsa.tv. The entire field will return to the circuit to take the green flag for the two hour and 40-minute race at 1:05PM PT. The race will air live on NBC Sports Gold’s TRACKPASS, beginning at 1:00PM PT. The event will air tape-delayed beginning at 3:30PM PT. For full event information, visit imsa.com. Driver QuotesRyan Hardwick | No. 16 Porsche 911 GT3 RLaguna Seca is a circuit that I have a lot of experience with from all my years racing in the Super Trofeo series. I really enjoy the technical aspects of how you have to constantly adjust your driving to always be searching for the grip. Obviously, this is an important race for us, as we are right in the middle of a championship fight. For our team, we are going to continue doing what got us here, which is detailed planning from our leadership, and disciplined execution of that plan from all the crew & drivers.Patrick Long | No. 16 Porsche 911 GT3 RTechnical, blind, fast, and narrow: Laguna Seca always is an ultimate test. I always head into WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca fired up, as it’s a home race. I expect the mixed class racing to be a large factor this weekend, as is the single line racing that the local blowing sand often creates.   We are in a great place as a team and my mantra is: focus on the process and the results will take care of themselves. We are enjoying our racing, pushing hard, and remembering to enjoy ourselves. I’m so grateful for everyone’s efforts and our sponsors’ support to get us this far! I’m really excited to head into these final two races with a chance for wins and a championship. ‌ ‌ ‌1st Phorm1st Phorm is a sports nutrition company based in St. Louis, MO. In 2009, CEO Andy Frisella and his business partner Chris Klein started the brand, and since then, it has become the fastest growing supplement company in the world. 1st Phorm has set the standards in the industry for quality and helping people reach their goals. This new racing partnership is not their first time in the exotic car scene either. 1st Phorm has been the title sponsor for the Gold Rush Rally for six years running. With over a million followers across social media, 1st Phorm has amassed a huge cult-like following known as, “The Legion of Boom.” They stand for a movement in the fitness world. To turn it back to what it was meant to be. Helping others improve their lives, to be a good human… and to drop the excuses and do the work. 1st Phorm is a winning brand and they don’t expect anything less when it comes to their race team. For additional info: www.1stphorm.com Mountain MotorsportsMountain Motorsports is a group of motorcycle and powersports dealerships with multiple locations in the southeastern United States. The company was founded by lifelong friends Ryan Hardwick and Justin Price when they opened their first location as a single-line Honda dealership in Sevierville, Tennessee in 1999. The company has since grown into one of the largest retailers of motorcycle and powersports vehicles in the nation, spanning eight dealership locations representing eleven of the industry’s most well-known brands. For additional info: www.mtn-motorsports.com Una Vida TequilaUna Vida translates to One Life. That is how this brand started. By people who want to live their “One Life” to the absolute fullest and to their highest potential. A group of guys from the Midwest who love great quality tequila, and want their One Life to have meaning and impact others. One Life, One Tequila is our CORE BELIEF. We’re building the only tequila brand you will ever need to drink. Una Vida is bigger than just tequila we’re also building a culture of people who want to live their life to their utmost potential. Our story begins and continues to grow bottle by bottle. It’s a life mission for us to create a community of people who all raise a glass knowing they’re living their ONE LIFE! For more information, visit unavidatequila.com Henry Repeating ArmsHenry Repeating Arms is one of the leading rifle and shotgun manufacturers in the United States and a world leader in the lever-action category. The company motto is “Made in America, or not made at all” and its firearms come with a lifetime guarantee backed by award-winning customer service. The company is also known for its charitable endeavors under its Guns For Great Causes program, which focuses on sick children, both individual cases and children’s hospitals, veteran and wounded veteran organizations, Second Amendment and wildlife conservation organizations. The company currently employs 535 people and has 250,000 square feet of manufacturing space in its Rice Lake, Wisconsin and Bayonne, New Jersey facilities. The company is named in honor of Benjamin Tyler Henry who invented and patented the Henry rifle in 1860 – the first repeating rifle, the lever-action rifle, which is America’s unique contribution to international firearms design and is one of the most legendary, respected and sought after rifles in the history of firearms. Visit Henry Repeating Arms online at www.HenryUSA.com, on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/HenryRepeating, and on Instagram @Henry_Rifles. Wright MotorsportsWright Motorsports is the premier Porsche race engineering facility in Ohio and a multi-series, international racing team known for superb car preparation, expert race strategy and driver development. Located in Batavia, Ohio, it is owned and directed by John Wright, a certified Porsche factory-trained technician. As a crew chief John Wright has played a key role in winning eight driver and seven team championships in World Challenge, IMSA (ALMS) and the Grand-Am Rolex Series. Wright Motorsports won the team championship in Porsche GT3 Cup USA in 2012, 2013 and 2015, and went on to win the Pirelli World Challenge Overall, Sprint, Team and Manufacturer’s titles in 2017. The 2020 season will see the team return to IMSA Weathertech SportsCar Championship. For more information, visit wrightmotorsports.com Source: Kelly Brouillet | KBru CommunicationsKelly@KBruCommunications.com

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Facebook Live “Heroes of Horsepower” Join us Thursday night, Oct. 29 at 7PM EDT for our first ever Live Stream event, honoring 2020 Drag Racing inductee Ohio George Montgomery, presented by Malco Products. Marty Reid will be broadcasting from “George’s Speed Shop” in Dayton, OH, the oldest continuously operated speed shop in the USA – with stories galore from special guests including inductees “Big Daddy” Don Garlits and “Miss Hurst Golden Shifter”, the inimitable Linda Vaughn, joining in VIA Skype. This event is FREE and will feature motorsports legends LIVE on the stream. It will run approximately 45 minutes. Fans can access the livestream through the event invitation on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/3009410352619512/– OR -via this YouTube link for people who aren’t on Facebook: https://youtu.be/S6GqjPuj3fE About the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America: The MSHFA is the only hall of fame that honors all of American motorsports: cars, motorcycles, airplanes, off road and powerboats. Its mission is to celebrate and instill the American values of leadership, creativity, originality, teamwork and spirit of competition found in motorsports. It was founded by Larry G. Ciancio and Ronald A. Watson and conducted its first induction in 1989. Watson spent the next 30 years tirelessly building it into the nation’s premier motorsports hall of fame until his sudden passing in 2019. The original museum in Novi, Mich., relocated to Daytona Beach, Fla., in 2016 and greets more than 100,000 visitors a year. The MSHFA is operated by the nonprofit Motorsports Museum and Hall of Fame of America Foundation, Inc. Our mailing address is: Motorsports Hall of Fame of America1801 W. International Speedway Blvd. Daytona Beach, FL 32114

Kyle Larson signs with Hendrick Motorsports to drive No. 5 in 2021

By Staff Report NASCAR.com October 28, 2020  at 11:55 AM

Kyle Larson has signed a multiyear contract with Hendrick Motorsports to drive the No. 5 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE beginning with the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series season.

The 28-year-old driver will be paired with crew chief Cliff Daniels, who will shift from the No. 48 Chevrolet currently driven by seven-time Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson in his final full-time season.

“Hendrick Motorsports is a championship organization that has set a high bar for performance and for how drivers represent the team and its partners,” Larson said in a team release. “My goal is to win races, be a great teammate, continue my personal efforts to grow and hold myself to that high standard personally and professionally. Making the absolute most of this platform and the opportunity in front of me is my focus. I know what’s expected of me and what I expect of myself, on and off the track.

“Mr. Hendrick is one of the people who extended a hand to me over the past six months. Our initial conversations were not about racing. He cares about me as a person and wants to see me succeed beyond driving. I can’t put into words how grateful I am for the commitment, the faith and the confidence from him and everyone at Hendrick Motorsports.”

Larson was reinstated by NASCAR officials on Oct. 19 following his completion of sensitivity training at the sanctioning body’s direction, more than six months after his April suspension for his use of a racial slur during an iRacing event. Larson continues to fulfill requirements in order to keep his NASCAR membership current, and his reinstatement will be effective on Jan. 1, 2021.

The Asian-American driver moved up the ranks through the NASCAR Drive for Diversity program, becoming the first graduate to race full time at the Cup Series level. Larson now serves as a mentor for the initiative, along with his work as a volunteer for the Urban Youth Racing School in Philadelphia, which provides a platform to expose students of color to motorsports.

Following his suspension, Larson also began working with Sanneh Foundation, a Minneapolis-based program to advance diversity, equity and community well-being.

Since his rookie season in 2014, Larson has accumulated six race victories, 101 top-10 finishes and four playoff appearances in 223 starts with former team Chip Ganassi Racing, which parted ways with Larson in April.

Larson will join current Hendrick Motorsports drivers Alex Bowman (moving to the No. 48), William Byron and Chase Elliott next season. The four drivers have a combined 18 Cup Series victories and have achieved 18 playoff berths.

“Kyle is unquestionably one of the most talented race car drivers in the world,” said team owner Rick Hendrick. “He has championship-level ability and will be a significant addition to our on-track program. More importantly, I have full confidence that he understands our expectations and will be a tremendous ambassador for our team, our partners and NASCAR. Kyle and I have had many, many conversations leading up to today’s announcement. I’m confident about what’s in his heart and his desire to be a champion in all aspects of his life and career. Kyle has done important work over the past six months and Hendrick Motorsports is going to support those continued efforts.”

“I’m excited about our roster of young talent,” Hendrick added. “We have a team that is built to win races and compete for championships for years to come.”

Larson’s return will also mark the comeback for Hendrick Motorsports’ flagship No. 5 car, which last competed in 2017 with Kasey Kahne at the wheel. The organization will no longer field the No. 88, which has raced in the NASCAR Cup Series since 2008 with two-time Daytona 500 winner Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Bowman. Larson will become the 10th driver to pilot the No. 5 for the Hendrick organization.

NASCAR Hall of Fame driver Terry Labonte experienced the most success in the No. 5 Chevrolet, earning 12 Cup Series victories and winning the 1996 championship. Other drivers to win with the famed number include Geoff Bodine (seven wins), Kahne (six), Mark Martin (five), Kyle Busch (four) and Ricky Rudd (four).

“The ‘5’ is special to me. It’s the original,” Hendrick said. “I view it as Hendrick Motorsports’ flagship team in a lot of ways. To bring the car back to the race track is meaningful for my family and for many of our team members and fans. We plan to build on its winning history with Kyle and Cliff.”

Courtesy of Auto Week

NHRA finale at Las Vegas, F1 in Italy, NASCAR Playoffs highlight racing’s push to November

BY MIKE PRYSON OCT 26, 2020NHRA/NATIONAL DRAGSTER

Here’s where to find the major racing action, and there’s plenty of it, on TV and online this week:

MONDAY, OCT. 26

NASCAR Race Hub, FS1, 6 p.m.

TUESDAY, OCT. 27

IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge, Elkhart Lake, Wisc., 1 p.m., NBCSN (T)

IMSA Prototype Challenge, Elkhart Lake, Wisc., 2 p.m., NBCSN (T)

Dale Jr. Download, 5 p.m., NBCSN (T)

NASCAR Race Hub, 6 p.m., FS1 (T)

NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series SpeedyCash.com 400, Fort Worth, Tex.; 10 p.m., FS2 (T)

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 28

IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship Petit Le Mans, Braselton, Ga.; 3 p.m., NBCSN (T)

Dale Jr. Download, 5 p.m., NBCSN (L)

NASCAR ARCA Menards Series West, 6 p.m., NBCSN (T)

NASCAR Race Hub, 6 p.m., FS1 (L)

THURSDAY, OCT. 29

NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series SpeedyCash.com 400, Fort Worth, Tex.; 6 a.m., FS2 (T)

NASCAR ARCA Menards Series West, 5:30 p.m., NBCSN (T)

NASCAR Race Hub, 6 p.m., FS1

FRIDAY, OCT. 30

NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series NASCAR Hall of Fame 200, Martinvsille, Va.; 8 p.m., FS1 (L)

Dale Jr. Download, 11 p.m., NBCSN (T)

SATURDAY, OCT. 31

NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series NASCAR Hall of Fame 200, Martinvsille, Va.; 5 a.m., FS1 (T)

Formula 1 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix Practice, Imola, Italy; 5:55 a.m., ESPN (L)

Formula 1 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix Qualifying, Imola, Italy; 8:55 a.m., ESPN2 (L)

NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series NASCAR Hall of Fame 200, Martinvsille, Va.; 10 a.m., FS2 (T)

NASCAR Xfinity Series Draft Top 250, Martinsville, Va.; 3:30 p.m., NBC (L)

SUNDAY, NOV. 1

Formula 1 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, Imola, Italy; 7 a.m., ESPN2 (L)

NASCAR Cup Series Xfinity 500, Martinsville, Va.; 2 p.m., NBC (L)

NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series Qualifying, Las Vegas, Nev.; 2 p.m., FS1 (T)

NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series Dodge NHRA FInals Presented by Pennzoil, Las Vegas, Nev.; 4 p.m., FS1 (L)

Formula 1 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, Imola, Italy; 3 p.m., ESPNews (S)

IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship Hyundai Monterey Sports Car Championship, Monterey, Calif.; 6:30 p.m., NBCSN (L)

Formula 1 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, Imola, Italy; 8 p.m., ESPN2 (S)

Formula 1 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, Imola, Italy; midnight, ESPNews (S)

(L) – Live; (T) – Taped; (S) – Same Day Tape Delayed

All times ET

By Reid Spencer NASCAR Wire Service October 28, 2020  at 8:10 PM

After winning the three-time-weather-delayed Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 500 at Texas Motor Speedway on Wednesday, Kyle Busch climbed from his car and pointed to the image of a zombie on his helmet.

“This is what we’ve all looked like around here for the last three days,” Busch said. “Everybody just zombied into their phones.”

In reality, 72 hours, 28 minutes and 34 seconds elapsed between the time NASCAR red-flagged the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs race Sunday and lifted the red at 5:03 p.m. ET Wednesday afternoon after many attempts to dry the track and complete the event Monday and Tuesday.

Using every trick in his arsenal, and with constant direction from crew chief Adam Stevens, Busch saved enough fuel over the last green-flag run to get 66 laps out of his last tank of gas. Busch’s No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota ran out of fuel during the celebratory burnout on the frontstretch. 

The victory was Busch’s first of the season, preserving a 16-year streak of winning at least one race per season, starting with his rookie year in 2005. It was his third win at the 1.5-mile speedway in Fort Worth, Texas, and the 57th of his career.

“We finally got it,” Busch said. “I was so nervous… I was nervous the whole last run. I’ve been in this position so many times. The last three laps, though, that’s like winning the championship. That’s how nervous I was.

“I can’t believe it, but just so proud to be here. My team guys, awesome pit stops, they were phenomenal. We’re ready to fight next year — we’ll be back.”

The victory also was welcome consolation for the reigning series champion, who was eliminated from the playoffs in the Round of 12.

By winning, though, Busch frustrated teammate and playoff driver Martin Truex Jr., who likely needed a victory at either Texas or Sunday at Martinsville Speedway to advance to the Championship 4 event at Phoenix Raceway. After his final green-flag pit stop on Lap 276 of 334 — eight laps after Busch came to pit road for the last time and packed his Camry full of fuel — Truex chased his teammate, trimming a deficit of more than five seconds to .468 seconds at the finish line.

“We knew he was close (on fuel),” Truex said. “The only thing we could do at that point is what we did all day anyway, which is try to run flat-out. Hell of an effort by the guys… It seems like one of those years when we’re second, third, fourth. We’re there a lot. We just needed a little bit more to be better.”

Sunoco rookie Christopher Bell ran third, followed by Ryan Blaney and playoff driver Alex Bowman. Brad Keselowski,  Kurt Busch, Matt DiBenedetto, Denny Hamlin and Joey Logano completed the top 10. Clint Bowyer won the first stage and led 89 laps, but he was forced to pit with 24 laps remaining. He slipped to a 17th-place finish in what’s set to be his final Texas start.

Logano already has qualified for the Championship 4 with a victory Oct. 18 at Kansas Speedway. Kevin Harvick finished 16th after suffering damage from a brush with the wall Sunday (when 52 laps were completed), but the driver of the No. 4 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford remained 42 points above the playoff cutline. 

Hamlin and Keselowski are 27 and 25 points, respectively, above the cutoff heading to Sunday’s elimination race at Martinsville. Chase Elliott had to make an unplanned pit stop to change a corded tire, lost a lap and finished 20th. Both he and Bowman, his Hendrick Motorsports teammate, are 25 points behind Keselowski in the standings, in danger of falling out of the playoffs.

The Round of 8 finale is the Xfinity 500, scheduled Sunday (2 p.m. ET on NBC/NBC Sports App, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio) at the .526-mile Martinsville track. The 500-lapper will be the next-to-last race of the year.

Notes: The No. 6 Roush Fenway Racing Ford (driven by Ryan Newman), the No. 12 Team Penske Ford (driven by Blaney) and the No. 14 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford (driven by Bowyer) were all found to have one lug nut not safe and secure. Those teams’ crew chiefs will face a fine from NASCAR later this week.

Contributing: Staff reports