Province/State: North Carolina

Stewart-Haas Racing’s Partnership with Novant Health Takes Flight with Zipline

Stewart-Haas Racing’s Partnership with Novant Health Takes Flight with Zipline

KANNAPOLIS, N.C. (May 27, 2020) – Working in extreme conditions where the clock is always ticking, Stewart-Haas Racing is well-versed in delivering under the most intense circumstances. The championship-winning NASCAR team has put its experience to good use during the COVID-19 pandemic, partnering with Novant Health to deliver 20 million face masks and produce 120 ICU webcam carts.

 

Today, its partnership takes flight. Literally.

 

Novant Health has launched an emergency drone logistics operation for hospital pandemic response through a partnership with Zipline, the world’s only national-scale, on-demand drone logistics service, which will provide drone flight services. Stewart-Haas Racing is providing 25,000-square-feet of property adjacent to its Kannapolis campus for Zipline to deliver medical supplies via its fleet of drones to Novant Health’s integrated system of physician practices, hospitals and outpatient centers.

 

 

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) granted Novant Health a Part 107 waiver to begin operation, which is being initiated as part of the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s (NCDOT) Unmanned Aircraft System Integration Pilot Program (IPP).

 

The operation provides contactless distribution of personal protective equipment and critical medical supplies to frontline healthcare workers in the Charlotte, North Carolina, metro area. The operation helps position Novant Health, which operates 15 hospitals and nearly 700 locations in the southeastern United States, to adapt quickly to the evolving pandemic and could lead to such innovative uses as testing, drug trials and vaccine distribution in the future.

 

The groundbreaking operation will provide ongoing drone logistics flights in Class-D controlled airspace, where all air traffic is actively managed by the FAA under a Part 107 waiver issued to a major U.S. healthcare system. True to its roots, North Carolina is once again “First in Flight.”

 

“This new part of our relationship with Stewart-Haas Racing has – quite literally – taken our logistics operations to new heights,” said Mark Welch, senior vice president of supply chain, Novant Health. “Once again, SHR stepped up when we had a need in response to this pandemic by providing us the critical space to create our distribution center. This operation is taking Novant Health logistics to the next level and we could not do it without the assistance of Stewart-Haas Racing.”

 

The operation uses battery-powered drones with autonomous navigation systems which launch from a distribution center near Stewart-Haas Racing. Novant Health is able to move its products efficiently from this hub to its frontline medical teams powered by Zipline’s long-range, fixed-wing drones. Since 2016, Zipline has used its fleet of drones to deliver 110,000 vaccines, units of blood and critical medications internationally.

 

“As soon as we heard about the initiative Novant Health had with Zipline, our only question was, ‘How can we help?’,” said Mike Verlander, vice president of sales and marketing, Stewart-Haas Racing. “Finding a tract of land that could be used for the distribution center was paramount, and Gene Haas, the co-owner of our race team, had the perfect spot right behind our race shop. He cut through all the red tape and dirt was quickly moved. We helped with logistical coordination during the build and have seen firsthand the work of the Zipline crew and the efficiency of the distribution center and the technology it houses. It’s all very impressive.”

 

In the span of a few minutes, a lightweight drone takes off from Novant Health’s distribution center, with the package placed inside a parachute in the belly of the Zipline drone. When the drone reaches its destination, it simply drops the parachute and the healthcare worker collects it. The drone then returns to the distribution center to get outfitted for its next flight.

 

“Zipline has been hard at work helping other countries respond to the pandemic,” said Keller Rinaudo, CEO, Zipline. “And we’re proud to partner with Novant Health, a true leader in healthcare innovation, to begin helping in the United States as well. We’re likely in for a long-term fight against COVID-19. Using contactless drone logistics will be an important tool in that effort. The work underway here in North Carolina will provide the rest of the country with a blueprint for how to build the most resilient and responsive healthcare system possible.”

 

Over the next two years, the partnership plans to expand beyond emergency operations in the Charlotte area to regular commercial operations, subject to approval under FAA Part 135 rules, to serve health facilities and, ultimately, patients’ homes across the state. Novant Health and Zipline’s partnership seeks to create a next-generation model for health system logistics leveraging contactless drone deliveries. To accomplish this, Zipline works hand-in-hand with national civil aviation authorities.

 

Safety is Zipline’s top priority at every stage of operation. Zipline drones are designed to automatically detect issues inflight and safely return to base for repair. Each drone is equipped with redundant flight computers, motors, communications systems, and flight control surfaces, as well as redundant navigation and power systems. In the event of emergencies like severe weather or unplanned flight operation issues, each drone is equipped with a parachute that allows it to make an immediate landing by slowly descending to the ground.

 

Zipline drones weigh approximately 40 pounds with payload, have a top speed of 80 mph, can service a 50-mile radius, and can carry packages close to four pounds, even in high winds and rain.

 

 

About Stewart-Haas Racing:

Stewart-Haas Racing is the title-winning NASCAR team co-owned by three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Tony Stewart and Gene Haas, founder of Haas Automation – the largest CNC machine tool builder in North America. The Kannapolis, North Carolina-based organization has won two NASCAR Cup Series titles, one NASCAR Xfinity Series championship and more than 70 NASCAR races, including such crown-jewel events as the Daytona 500, Brickyard 400 and Southern 500. For more information, please visit us online at www.StewartHaasRacing.com, on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/StewartHaasRacing, on Twitter at @StewartHaasRcng, on Instagram at @StewartHaasRacing and on YouTube at www.YouTube.com/StewartHaasRacing.

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M&M’S Fudge Brownie Racing: Kyle Busch Alsco Uniforms 500k at Charlotte Advance and Team Report

M&M’S Fudge Brownie Racing: Kyle Busch Alsco Uniforms 500k at Charlotte Advance and Team Report
HUNTERSVILLE, North Carolina (May 25, 2020) – Until last Wednesday night’s event at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway, the last time the NASCAR Cup Series ran a race on a Wednesday was almost 36 years ago – the Firecracker 400 on July 4, 1984. Back then, no matter on what day July 4 fell, NASCAR’s top series raced at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway. That 1984 Firecracker 400 also happened to be one of the more memorable races in NASCAR history, as Richard Petty brought home the 200th win of his Cup Series career.

 

While the race last week at Darlington marked the first Wednesday Cup Series race in more than three decades, the next midweek event is set for just seven days later. The series heads back to Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway for Wednesday night’s Alsco Uniforms 500k as NASCAR continues to make up races lost due to the COVID-19 pandemic that has affected events of every kind, not only in the United States but all over the world.

 

This Wednesday night, Kyle Busch, driver of the No. 18 M&M’S Fudge Brownie Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR), will look to improve on his most recent outing, which resulted in a fourth-place finish in Sunday night’s traditional Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte. Busch ran up front for most of the first portion of the race, but a pit road speeding penalty sent him to the rear of the field. However, he and the M&M’S team were able to rally back to bring home his fourth top-five finish in seven races this season. Wednesday night’s 500-kilometer race replaces the cancelled race at Sonoma (Calif.) Raceway originally scheduled for June. With a second-place finish last Wednesday at Darlington and the fourth-place run Sunday night at Charlotte, Busch is hoping the Sonoma replacement race nets him his third top-five in a row and first win of the season.

 

Busch has managed to enjoy plenty of success at the 1.5-mile Charlotte oval. He now has 14 top-five finishes and 19 top-10s in his 31 previous Cup Series starts there over the past 14-plus seasons. In addition to solid Cup Series finishes, Busch has captured eight NASCAR Xfinity Series wins at Charlotte – May 2004, 2005, 2008 and 2010, October 2008 and 2009, and both May and October 2013. He also has eight NASCAR Truck Series wins at the track – 2005, 2006, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2017 and 2019.

 

While he had gone to Charlotte’s victory lane at early and often in the Xfinity and Truck Series, Busch only recently broke through in the Cup Series there. His 2017 win in the non-points All-Star Race was his first Cup Series win of any kind at the track. The following year, in 2018, Busch was able to win there again, this time in the points-paying Coca-Cola 600 to add another crown jewel to his already impressive resume.

 

So as the Cup Series continues its busy run of eight races in less than a month, Busch and his M&M’S Fudge Brownie team hope they can break through for the first of many wins under the Wednesday night lights at Charlotte. He’ll hope to keep the momentum he’s built over the last two races as the season is finally able to kick into full gear for the summer.

KYLE BUSCH, Driver of the No. 18 M&M’S Fudge Brownie Toyota Camry for Joe Gibbs Racing: 
With track position being so important, how will you approach Wednesday night with the inversion of the top-20 grid positions?

 

“It’s definitely going to be more of a sprint race with our M&M’S Fudge Brownie Camry. Thankfully, my guys are really, really, really good on pit road and they probably passed the most cars Sunday night on pit road – more than I did. It’s definitely beneficial when you can come down pit road 15th, 10th, eighth, seventh, whatever it is, and those guys are going to get you five or six spots. I’m not too upset about where we have to start. We certainly saw that track position was a big deal on Sunday night, so we want to work our way to the front and stay there if we can. I know I’m up for it and the guys on pit road are up for the task, too, with how well they performed on Sunday night.”

 

It seemed you had some pretty big swings in handling on Sunday night. Will you go back and try and figure out why that was the case and make some changes for Wednesday night?

 

“The only thing I can really attribute it to is tires. That’s the only thing that makes sense. When you go and you have two runs that are really, really good and you have tires on and you don’t make any changes, and then you make one slight air pressure adjustment with the next set of tires and it goes haywire, you have to think it’s the tires. You didn’t put a wedge wrench in the thing, you didn’t change anything too crazy. Also, track position sometimes, too, is a factor. When you’re further up toward the front, the cars drive way, way better. We had the speeding penalty there and it put it toward the back and it certainly handled differently back there than up at the front of the field. When you get back in the seventh to ninth to 11th range, you are just out of control and have no grip. So I know Adam (Stevens, crew chief) and I will go back and talk about how to make our car better this week and we’ll see what happens.”

 

Do you feel you’re in race shape now that you’ve run three Cup Series races since the shutdown?

 

“I felt good after all of these races. We had the race last Sunday at Darlington and it was a little warmer out and I saw a couple of guys get out of the car and kind of sit next to their car and they were pretty wet and kind of hot and overheated maybe a little bit. I felt fine. Then, no issues the last couple of races, certainly a bit easier when they are at night and cooler outside. I’ve got enough cooling and things like that where I feel pretty good and ready to go.”

 

M&M’S Fudge Brownie Racing

Race 8 of 36 – Alsco Uniforms 500k – Charlotte

Car No.: 18 – M&M’S Fudge Brownie Toyota Camry

 

Teammates:  Denny Hamlin – No. 11 Toyota Camry; Martin Truex Jr. – No. 19 Toyota Camry; Erik Jones – No. 20 Toyota Camry.

 

At-Track PR Contact: Bill Janitz, True Speed Communication (704-875-3388 ext. 803 or Bill.Janitz@TrueSpeedCommunication.com).

Primary Team Members:

Driver: Kyle Busch

Hometown: Las Vegas

 

Crew Chief: Adam Stevens

Hometown: Portsmouth, Ohio

 

Car Chief: Nate Bellows

Hometown: Fairfax, Vermont

 

Spotter: Tony Hirschman

Hometown: Northampton, Pennsylvania

 

Over-The-Wall Crew Members:

Gas Man: Matt Tyrrell

Hometown: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

 

Front Tire Changer: Cam Waugh

Hometown: Johnstown, Colorado

 

Jackman: T.J. Ford

Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina

 

Tire Carrier: Joe Crossen

Hometown: Salisbury, North Carolina

 

Rear Tire Changer: Jeff Cordero

Hometown: Salem, Connecticut

 

Notes of Interest:
  • The Alsco Uniforms 500k will mark Kyle Busch’s 542nd career NASCAR Cup Series start and his 32nd NASCAR Cup Series start at Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway.
  • Busch has career totals of 56 wins, 32 poles, 204 top-five finishes, 300 top-10s and 17,446 laps led in 541 career Cup Series races. His most recent Cup Series win came in November at Homestead-Miami Speedway, resulting in his second Cup Series championship. Busch’s most recent pole, the 32nd of his career, came in November at Phoenix Raceway.
  • Busch has one win, 14 top-five finishes and 19 top-10s and has led a total of 1,449 laps in 31 Cup Series starts at Charlotte. Busch’s average Charlotte finish is 14.2.
  • Finally: Busch’s combined record in NASCAR Xfinity Series and Truck Series races is quite impressive at Charlotte, where the Las Vegas native has eight wins apiece on the 1.5-mile oval for a total of 16 victories. While he found victory lane early and often at Charlotte in those series, Busch was unable to find similar success in NASCAR’s top series. That all changed starting in 2017, when he brought home the win in the NASCAR All-Star Race, the first Cup Series win of his career at Charlotte, albeit a non-points event. But a little more than a year later, in 2018, Busch was able to bring home his first Cup Series points paying win at Charlotte as he led a whopping 377 laps of the Coca-Cola 600 en route to the crown jewel win.
  • 56 Career Cup Series Wins: With his Cup Series win at Homestead in November, the 56th points-paying win of his career, Busch passed NASCAR Hall of Famer Rusty Wallace for sole possession of ninth place on the all-time win list in NASCAR’s top series. Next up for Busch on the list is eighth-place Dale Earnhardt, who had 76 wins during his Hall of Fame career. With his 40th Cup Series victory at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway in August 2017, Busch became the fourth-youngest driver to reach 40 Cup Series wins at 32 years, 109 days, behind only Richard Petty, Jeff Gordon and Herb Thomas.
  • All-Time JGR Wins Leader: With his Brickyard 400 win in July 2016, Busch passed Tony Stewart for most all-time Cup Series wins for JGR. Busch now has 52 wins for JGR to Stewart’s 33 following his most recent win at Homestead last year.
  • 209 and Counting: Busch enters Monday night’s Xfinity Series race at Charlotte with 209 career wins among NASCAR’s top three divisions – Cup (56), Xfinity (96) and Truck (57) – following his Truck Series win at Las Vegas Motor Speedway back in February.
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Austin Dillon Teams Up with GM BuyPower Card® to Support Local Community

Austin Dillon Teams Up with GM BuyPower Card® to Support Local Community
Pit Stops for Hope contribution will provide educational and nutritional assistance within the Piedmont-Triad and Charlotte areas of North Carolina
WELCOME, NC (May 21, 2020) – Through his collaboration with the GM BuyPower Card®, NASCAR star Austin Dillon is coming to the aid of his local community in advance of the Coca-Cola 600 NASCAR Cup Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway through a contribution to Pit Stops for Hope.
“Pit Stops for Hope is an organization close to my heart since it started over 10 years ago, but as I prepare for fatherhood, the mission to support children in poverty has become even more meaningful to me,” said Dillon. “So many families across the country are in need right now, and I hope this contribution will offer some much-needed assistance to the city we call home.”
Pit Stops for Hope, a charitable collaboration within the racing community focused on addressing educational and nutritional needs among the youth, will use the funds from the contribution within the Piedmont-Triad and Charlotte areas of North Carolina to provide meals and educational materials.
“There has always been poverty within our communities, but the needs are growing exponentially as families struggle with various hardships associated with COVID-19,” said Ray Wright, founder of Pit Stops for Hope. “Chances are good that just a few short miles from your own home, there are children who will go to bed hungry tonight because they did not receive a nutritious meal in school. This generous contribution will help answer an immediate need around food insecurity and will also provide educational resources for students and teachers as they adjust to home learning environments.”
Dillon grew up around General Motors and Chevrolet vehicles, and officially began his long-standing collaboration when he started racing professionally. In 2019, he teamed up with the GM BuyPower Card from Capital One to show race fans how they can use the credit card on everyday purchases and redeem Earnings toward the purchase or lease of a new GM vehicle, or toward statement credits on qualified purchases for vehicle care and certain GM extras.
“My relationship with GM and Capital One goes beyond their products or services. At the heart, it’s based on our aligned values and focus on celebrating the journey of life,” said Dillon. “We came together to recognize a need in my community and discuss simple ways to help those in need, and I’m proud to work with them and Pit Stops for Hope to help families in the Carolinas.”
To learn more about Pit Stops for Hope or to make a contribution, visit www.pitstopsforhope.org. Catch Austin Dillon in the Coca-Cola 600 on Sunday, May 24 at 6 p.m. ET live on FOX.
 
About Richard Childress Racing:
Richard Childress Racing (rcrracing.com) is a renowned, performance-driven racing, marketing and manufacturing organization. Incorporated in 1969, RCR has celebrated over 50 years of racing and earned more than 200 victories and 16 championships, including six in the NASCAR Cup Series with the legendary Dale Earnhardt. RCR was the first organization to win championships in the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Truck Series and is a three-time winner of the Daytona 500 (1998, 2007, 2018). Its 2020 Cup Series lineup includes two-time NASCAR champion, 2017 Coca-Cola 600 winner and 2018 Daytona 500 champion Austin Dillon (No. 3 Dow/Bass Pro Shops/Tracker Off Road/E-Z-GO/American Ethanol/Symbicort/RigUp Chevrolet), along with Rookie of the Year contender and two-time Xfinity Series champion Tyler Reddick (No. 8 Caterpillar Chevrolet). Its Xfinity Series program includes Anthony Alfredo, Myatt Snider (TaxSlayer Chevrolet) and Kaz Grala in select races during the year.
About Pit Stops for Hope:
Pit Stops for Hope is a collaboration of the racing community united together for the betterment of America’s youth.  We believe positive change will come to our community by investing in our children. Pit Stops for Hope plans to invest in our youth by primarily assisting food banks and academic instructors. Food and education work hand and hand in producing success. Our mission is to replace poverty with hope in our community!
About General Motors
General Motors Co.(NYSE:GM) has leadership positions in the world’s largest and fastest-growing automotive markets. GM, its subsidiaries and joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Cadillac, Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety, security and information services, can be found at http://www.gm.com.
About Capital One
At Capital One we’re on a mission for our customers – bringing them great products, rewards, service, and access to unique and unforgettable experiences they are passionate about. Capital One is a diversified bank that offers products and services to individuals, small businesses and commercial clients. We use technology, innovation and interaction to provide consumers with products and services to meet their needs. Learn more at capitalone.com.
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Scag Power Equipment Joins Front Row Motorsports at Darlington

Scag Power Equipment Joins Front Row Motorsports at Darlington
MOORESVILLE, N.C. (May 12, 2020) – Front Row Motorsports (FRM) announced today that Scag Power Equipment, a leader in commercial-grade professional and premium residential lawn mowers, will join the organization as its newest partner. The company will be featured as the primary partner of Sunoco Rookie of the Year contender, John Hunter Nemechek and the No. 38 Ford Mustang team when the NASCAR Cup Series returns to Darlington Raceway on May 17 and 20.
The events at one of NASCAR’s most historic tracks will mark the first time the sport has competed since March 8, due to the impact of the novel coronavirus. It will also be one of the first live sports on FOX.
“We’ve been tasked with a huge responsibility, carrying the world of live sports into a new normal,” said Nemechek. “Our goal this weekend is to return to racing as safely as possible. Being able team up with a new partner such as Scag Power Equipment at Darlington gives us added motivation to restart the season on a positive note. Our No. 38 team is ready to work hard and perform at the top level, just like Scag’s mowers.”
Scag Power Equipment, a division of Metalcraft of Mayville, has been producing premium, heavy-duty mowers for its commercial and residential customers since 1983. Scag Power Equipment’s innovation and attention to quality is known and respected throughout the power equipment industry. Mowers and accessories are designed to be user friendly, with an emphasis on quality, performance, ease of maintenance, profitability and long life.
Scag is no stranger to the world of motorsports, though this weekend will mark the company’s debut at the NASCAR Cup Series level.
“We’re thankful for the opportunity to participate in NASCAR’s return to racing with Front Row Motorsports and John Hunter Nemechek,” said Chris Frame, President of Scag Power Equipment. “It’s truly an honor to play a small part in helping the rest of the world get back on its feet in these difficult times. We’re looking forward to seeing the No. 38 car carrying our colors on track.”
The No. 38 Scag Power Equipment Ford Mustang will make its debut at Darlington Raceway on Sunday, May 17. The NASCAR Cup Series race will air at 3:30 p.m. ET on FOX and MRN.

For more information about Scag Power Equipment, visit Scag.com.

About Scag Power Equipment
Scag Power Equipment, a division of Metalcraft of Mayville Inc., is one of the largest independent manufacturers of commercial lawn mowing equipment in the United States. Metalcraft of Mayville Inc., an ISO 9001:2008 Registered company, manufactures products in its three facilities, totaling over 850,000 square feet, located in Mayville, West Bend, and Beaver Dam, Wisconsin.

About Front Row Motorsports
Front Row Motorsports (FRM) is a winning organization in the NASCAR Cup Series. The team was founded in 2004 and is owned by successful entrepreneur, Bob Jenkins. FRM fields two full-time entries – the No. 34 of Michael McDowell and the No. 38 of John Hunter Nemechek – from its Mooresville, N.C., headquarters just outside of Charlotte. In 2020, the team announced an expansion to include the No. 38 Ford F-150 in the NASCAR Gander RV and Outdoors Truck Series, driven by Todd Gilliland. Visit teamfrm.com and follow FRM on social media: Twitter at @Team_FRM, Instagram at @team_frm and Facebook at facebook.com/FrontRowMotorsports.
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eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series Coverage Resources and News & Notes – Virtual North Wilkesboro Speedway

eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series Coverage Resources and News & Notes – Virtual North Wilkesboro Speedway

eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series

Next Race: North Wilkesboro 160

The Place: Virtual North Wilkesboro Speedway

The Date: Saturday, May 9

The Time: 3 p.m. ET

TV: FOX (where available and subject to change), FS1 and FOX Sports App

Distance: 160 laps

Wrapping up the eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series at North Wilkesboro

With one more weekend until NASCAR returns to the real track, drivers and fans are continuing to turn to the virtual world of iRacing to see some of the best racing competition around.

This weekend’s race at the historic virtual North Wilkesboro Speedway wraps up the eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series as the NASCAR Cup Series returns to action on May 17 at Darlington Raceway.

NASCAR, iRacing and FOX Sports teamed up to deliver the first-ever eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series event, the Dixie Vodka 150, at virtual Homestead-Miami Speedway after all national pro sports were put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic several weeks back. The event produced a wild finish that saw Denny Hamlin just barely beat Dale Earnhardt Jr. to the line. Fans responded with an overwhelming reaction setting records in eSports viewership, and as a result FOX Sports committed to covering the remainder of the eNASCAR iRacing season.

The second eNASCAR iRacing event took place at virtual Texas Motor Speedway and again was a success with the fans. Longtime iRacing veteran and rising NASCAR star Timmy Hill won the race with an aggressive move on William Byron to take the win.

The third race of the Pro Invitational Series was at virtual Bristol Motor Speedway, where iRacing veteran William Byron showed off his talents dominating the event and taking the checkered flag. Next, the series went to virtual Richmond Raceway, where Byron once again took the checkered flag and won back-to-back races. The virtual race at Talladega Superspeedway was won by Alex Bowman and last weekend’s race at virtual Dover International Speedway was won by Byron. In total Byron leads the series with three wins.

This Saturday, May 9, the series heads to virtual North Wilkesboro Speedway for the series finale the North Wilkesboro 160 at 3 p.m. ET on FOX (where available and subject to change), FS1 and the FOX Sports app.

History of North Wilkesboro Speedway

North Wilkesboro Speedway in Wilkes County, North Carolina, has a wide and renowned history in NASCAR dating back to 1949. The last time the venue hosted a NASCAR national series race was in 1996 when NASCAR Hall of Famer Jeff Gordon won the NASCAR Cup Series event before the track closed.

The .625-mile short track was built in 1946 and became a North Carolina racing staple while hosting 93 NASCAR Cup Series races. The inaugural race, the 1949 Wilkes 200 on October 16, was won by Bob Flock. The track was known for being one of the fastest short-tracks in racing and in the 1950’s speeds reached up to 73 mph.

The track’s unique layout featured an uphill backstretch and downhill frontstretch with 14 degrees of banking in the turns and three degrees of banking on the straightaways.

NASCAR Hall of Famer Richard Petty led the NASCAR Cup Series in wins at North Wilkesboro Speedway with 15 victories. NASCAR Hall of Famer Darrell Waltrip led the series in poles at North Wilkesboro Speedway with nine.

Last December, Dale Earnhardt Jr. led a group of drivers and NASCAR broadcasters in an effort to clean the track surface at North Wilkesboro Speedway. The cleaning allowed iRacing to scan and map the historic venue.

Among those that helped Earnhardt clean the speedway were Speedway Motorsports Inc. president Marcus Smith, iRacing executive vice president and executive producer Steve Myers, NASCAR Cup Series driver Chris Buescher, NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Myatt Snider, NBC Sports’ Rick Allen and Marty Snider, William Byron’s spotter Tab Boyd, and Austin Dillon’s spotter Andy Houston.

This weekend will mark the debut of North Wilkesboro Speedway virtually and will feature 28 drivers, including Earnhardt.

Aric Almirola’s Mother’s Day iRacing paint scheme

In honor of Mother’s Day weekend, Aric Almirola will run a paint scheme that his wife Janice colored using the Stewart-Haas Racing coloring sheets. Janice was coloring with their children a few weeks ago when she told Aric that her coloring page would be a cool paint scheme. So as a surprise, Aric requested that Smithfield and his team run her paint scheme on Mother’s Day weekend. When the No. 10 Ford hits the track on Saturday for the eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series North Wilkesboro 160 at virtual North Wilkesboro Speedway (3 p.m. ET on FOX, FS1, FOX Sports App), Janice’s blue and pink paint scheme with “Happy Mother’s Day” on the front will be seen by everyone watching. You can check out Aric’s video here.

Saturday’s run of show and race format

Saturday’s North Wilkesboro 160 will wrap up the eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series as NASCAR is set to resume racing next weekend at Darlington Raceway. This weekend’s iRacing event will feature a two-lap, single-car qualifying session with the top 10 inverted to set the grid for the main feature event.

 

The main race will be a total of 160 laps with double-file restarts and lapped cars will go to the rear. There will be three attempts at a green-white-checkered finish, if necessary. The field will consist of a 28-driver entry list. The top-three finishers from Dover (William Byron, Christopher Bell and Timmy Hill) will be relegated to the back of the starting lineup and will not make a qualifying attempt.

 

Drivers will be allowed one reset this week at virtual North Wilkesboro Speedway with manual cautions. If a car is damaged, drivers must drive back to their pit stall and come to a complete stop. This will automatically apply the fast repair and give the driver a new car.

 

The below times are approximate and subject to change:

2 p.m. – Practice session goes live

2:50 p.m. – Qualifying (Two laps, single-car with top 10 inverted)

3:00 p.m. – FOX, FS1, FOX Sports App broadcast begins

3:13 p.m. – Green flag (160 laps)

 

 

Statistical Notes

A wide range of drivers with various experience at North Wilkesboro Speedway and in iRacing will be contending in this Saturday’s North Wilkesboro 160 in the seventh race of the eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series (3 p.m. ET on FOX – where available and subject to change, FS1 and the FOX Sports app).

 

Below is a list of anticipated participants (listed numerically), their statistics, and career highlights. Please note, the participant list is subject to change.

 

Note on iRacing stats below:

The stats are cumulative lifetime stats for each driver in public oval events in stock car disciplines (ranging from top-level Cup cars to Legends) on iRacing. It doesn’t include stats from private leagues. Statistics for drivers who have starts in the eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series include those races run.

 

Entered Drivers (Listed in numerical order):

Austin Dillon – iRacing #3

Current Series/Occupation: NASCAR Cup Series – No. 3 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet

 

Highlights:

  • Has never competed at North Wilkesboro Speedway
  • Won the 2018 Daytona 500
  • 2013 NASCAR Xfinity Series champion
  • 2012 NASCAR Xfinity Series Sunoco Rookie of the Year
  • 2011 NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series champion
  • 2010 NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series Sunoco Rookie of the Year

 

Overall iRacing Stats

  • 6 starts, 0 wins, 0 top fives and 0 poles
  • Finished 27th at virtual Homestead-Miami Speedway
  • Finished 29th at virtual Texas Motor Speedway
  • Finished 15th at virtual Bristol Motor Speedway
  • Finished 28th at virtual Richmond Raceway
  • Finished 24th at virtual Talladega Superspeedway
  • Finished 23rd at virtual Dover International Speedway

 

 

Kevin Harvick – iRacing #4

Current Series/Occupation: NASCAR Cup Series – No. 4 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford
Highlights:

  • Has never competed at North Wilkesboro Speedway
  • 2014 NASCAR Cup Series Champion and 2007 Daytona 500 winner
  • Qualified for the NASCAR Cup Series Championship 4 five-times in the last six seasons.
  • Has made 13 NASCAR Cup Series Playoff appearances, tied for second-most all-time
  • 2001 and 2006 NASCAR Xfinity Series champion
  • 2007, 2009 and 2011 NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series champion owner with wife DeLana Harvick
  • 2001 NASCAR Cup Series Rookie of the Year
  • 1998 NASCAR K&N Pro Series West champion

 

Overall iRacing Stats

  • 3 starts, 0 wins, 0 top fives and 0 poles
  • Finished 29th at virtual Richmond Raceway
  • Finished 12th at virtual Talladega Superspeedway
  • Finished 18th at virtual Dover International Speedway

 

 

Ross Chastain – iRacing #6

Current Series/Occupation: NASCAR Xfinity Series – No. 10 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet

 

Highlights:

  • Has never competed at North Wilkesboro Speedway
  • This year, he has filled in for Ryan Newman in the No. 6 Roush Fenway Racing Ford in the NASCAR Cup Series for three races
  • In 2019, he completed 19 races in the Xfinity Series and posted a win at Daytona with Kaulig Racing
  • In 2018, he made the NASCAR Xfinity Series Playoffs and won his first career race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway; driving for Chip Ganassi Racing
  • In 2011, he made his NASCAR national series debut in the NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series debut at Lucas Oil Raceway

 

Overall iRacing Stats

  • 543 starts, 67 wins, 196 top fives and 64 poles
  • Finished 14th at virtual Homestead-Miami Speedway
  • Finished 22nd at virtual Texas Motor Speedway
  • Finished 16th at virtual Bristol Motor Speedway
  • Finished 13th at virtual Richmond Raceway
  • Finished 29th at virtual Talladega Superspeedway
  • Finished 17th at virtual Dover International Speedway

Dale Earnhardt Jr. – iRacing #8

Current Series/Occupation: Retired NASCAR Cup Series driver, NBC Sports Analyst
Highlights:

  • Has never competed at North Wilkesboro Speedway
  • Made his debut as an NBC broadcaster in 2018
  • Retired from full-time racing at the end of 2017
  • Won the NASCAR Cup Series Most Popular Driver Award for 15 straight years (2003-2017)
  • Won the 1998 and 1999 NASCAR Xfinity Series championship
  • 1999 NASCAR Xfinity Series Most Popular Driver of the Year
  • Team owner of Xfinity Series team JR Motorsports, collecting 47 wins since 2005

 

Overall iRacing Stats

  • 420 starts, 194 wins, 334 top fives, 188 poles
  • Finished 2nd at virtual Homestead-Miami Speedway
  • Finished 6th at virtual Texas Motor Speedway
  • Finished 22nd at virtual Bristol Motor Speedway
  • Finished 8th at virtual Richmond Raceway
  • Finished 30th at virtual Talladega Superspeedway
  • Finished 26th at virtual Dover International Speedway

Aric Almirola – iRacing #10

Current Series/Occupation: NASCAR Cup Series – No. 10 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford

Highlights:

  • Has never competed at North Wilkesboro Speedway
  • Had a career best fifth place finish in the 2018 NASCAR Cup Series championship
  • In 2014, won first career NASCAR Cup Series race (Daytona-2) on the 30th anniversary weekend of team owner Richard Petty’s 200th career win.
  • Made first career NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs in 2014, ultimately finishing 16th in the standings.
  • Has won at least one race in all three NASCAR national series.

 

Overall iRacing Stats

  • 2 starts, 0 wins, 0 top fives and 0 poles
  • Finished 18th at virtual Talladega Superspeedway
  • Finished 10th at virtual Dover International Speedway

 

 

Denny Hamlin – iRacing #11

Current Series/Occupation: NASCAR Cup Series – No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota

Highlights:

  • Has never competed at North Wilkesboro Speedway
  • Won the eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series race at virtual Homestead-Miami Speedway
  • Three-time Daytona 500 champion (2016, 2019, 2020)
  • 2006 NASCAR Cup Series Sunoco Rookie of the Year
  • Has 38 NASCAR Cup Series career wins
  • Finished runner-up in the 2010 NASCAR Cup Series championship standings
  • Has 17 NASCAR Xfinity Series career wins

 

Overall iRacing Stats

  • 169 starts, 31 wins, 76 top fives, 31 poles
  • Won the race at virtual Homestead-Miami Speedway
  • Finished 24th at virtual Texas Motor Speedway
  • Finished 4th at virtual Bristol Motor Speedway
  • Finished 6th at virtual Richmond Raceway
  • Finished 39th at virtual Talladega Superspeedway
  • Finished 6th at Dover International Speedway

 

 

Ty Dillon – iRacing #13

Current Series/Occupation: NASCAR Cup Series – No. 13 Germain Racing Chevrolet

 

Highlights:

  • Has never competed at North Wilkesboro Speedway
  • Has made 130 starts in the NASCAR Cup Series posting one top five and five top 10s
  • Finished runner-up in 2016 NASCAR Xfinity Series championship standings
  • Won the 2013 Most Popular Driver Award for the Gander Trucks
  • 2012 NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series Sunoco Rookie of the Year

 

Overall iRacing Stats

  • 6 starts, 0 wins, 0 top fives and 0 poles
  • Finished 19th at virtual Homestead-Miami Speedway
  • Finished 16th at virtual Texas Motor Speedway
  • Finished 25th at virtual Bristol Motor Speedway
  • Finished 15th at virtual Richmond Raceway
  • Finished 23rd at virtual Talladega Superspeedway
  • Finished 32nd at virtual Dover International Speedway

 

 

Clint Bowyer – iRacing #14

Current Series/Occupation: NASCAR Cup Series – No. 14 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford

 

Highlights:

  • Has never competed at North Wilkesboro Speedway
  • In 2019, he qualified for the Playoffs on points and finished ninth in the series standings
  • Finished a career-best runner-up in the 2012 NASCAR Cup Series championship
  • 2008 NASCAR Xfinity Series champion
  • Multiple winner in all three NASCAR national series

 

Overall iRacing Stats

  • 5 starts, 0 wins, 0 top fives and 0 poles
  • Finished 16th at virtual Homestead-Miami Speedway
  • Finished 11th at virtual Texas Motor Speedway
  • Finished 11th at virtual Bristol Motor Speedway
  • Finished 30th at virtual Richmond Raceway
  • Finished 33rd at virtual Talladega Superspeedway
  • Did not compete at virtual Dover International Speedway

 

Brennan Poole – iRacing #15

Current Series/Occupation: NASCAR Cup Series – No. 15 Premium Motorsports Chevrolet

 

Highlights:

  • Has never competed at North Wilkesboro Speedway
  • Made his Xfinity Series track debut in 2015 and finished 12th
  • Best finish of fifth at the track in 2017 in the Xfinity Series
  • 2020 marked his first full season in the Cup Series, making his debut at the Daytona 500
  • He finished runner-up at Charlotte Motor Speedway last season in the Gander Trucks, a career-best finish

 

Overall iRacing Stats

  • 2 starts, 0 wins, 0 top fives, 0 poles
  • Finished 7th at virtual Talladega Superspeedway
  • Finished 11th at virtual Dover International Speedway

Chris Buescher – iRacing #17

Current Series/Occupation: NASCAR Cup Series – No. 17 Roush Fenway Racing Ford

 

Highlights:

  • Has never competed at North Wilkesboro Speedway
  • Buescher joined Roush-Fenway Racing for the 2020 NASCAR Cup Series season
  • In 2016, he won first NASCAR Cup Series race (Pocono-2) in his rookie season; first driver since Joey Logano (2009) to accomplish the feat
  • One of three drivers in NASCAR Cup Series history to make the Playoffs in their rookie season, joining Chase Elliott and Denny Hamlin
  • Won the NASCAR Xfinity Series championship in 2015
  • Was the 2012 ARCA Menards Series champion

 

Overall iRacing Stats

  • 6 starts, 0 wins, 0 top fives and 0 poles
  • Finished 28th at virtual Homestead-Miami Speedway
  • Finished 18th at virtual Texas Motor Speedway
  • Finished 23rd at virtual Bristol Motor Speedway
  • Finished 21st at virtual Richmond Raceway
  • Finished 27th at virtual Talladega Superspeedway
  • Finished 25th at virtual Dover International Speedway

 

 

Kyle Busch – iRacing #18

Current Series/Occupation: NASCAR Cup Series – No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota

 

Highlights:

  • Has never competed at North Wilkesboro Speedway
  • Reigning NASCAR Cup Series champion also won championship in 2015. One of two (Jimmie Johnson) active drivers with multiple Cup championships
  • Has made the Championship 4 in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs the last five consecutive seasons
  • Won the NASCAR Xfinity Series championship in 2009
  • In 2010, set all-time single-season record with 24 victories across NASCAR’s three national series
  • Currently has most all-time NASCAR national series wins with 208 (56 Cup, 96 Xfinity, 57 Gander Trucks)
  • Record seven-time NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series owner champion (2010, ’13, ’14, ’15, ’16, ’17 and ‘19) and one driver championship (2015)

 

Overall iRacing Stats

  • 6 starts, 0 wins, 1 top five and 0 poles
  • Finished 29th at virtual Homestead-Miami Speedway
  • Finished 17th at Texas Motor Speedway
  • Finished 18th at virtual Bristol Motor Speedway
  • Finished 5th at virtual Richmond Raceway
  • Finished 8th at virtual Talladega Superspeedway
  • Finished 15th at virtual Dover International Speedway

 

 

Bobby Labonte – iRacing #18

Current Series/Occupation: 2020 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee

 

Highlights:

  • Has eight starts at North Wilkesboro Speedway with a best finish of 10th in 1996
  • Labonte was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2020. He joins his brother, Terry, with the prestigious honor
  • He won the 2000 NASCAR Cup Series championship
  • Labonte has 21 NASCAR Cup Series wins, 10 Xfinity Series and one Gander Trucks win
  • He is one of 27 drivers to have a win in all three of NASCAR’s national series

 

Overall iRacing Stats

  • 81 starts, 7 wins, 31 top fives, 5 poles
  • Finished 18th at virtual Homestead-Miami Speedway
  • Finished 13th at virtual Texas Motor Speedway
  • Finished 13th at virtual Bristol Motor Speedway
  • Finished 14th at virtual Richmond Raceway
  • Finished 31st at virtual Talladega Superspeedway
  • Finished 13th at virtual Dover International Speedway

 

 

Martin Truex Jr.  – iRacing #19

Current Series/Occupation: NASCAR Cup Series – No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota

 

Highlights:

  • Has never competed at North Wilkesboro Speedway
  • 2017 NASCAR Cup Series champion
  • Won the Xfinity Series championship in 2004 and 2005
  • Named Most Popular Driver in the Xfinity Series in 2004 and 2005
  • Got his first Cup Series win at Dover International Speedway in 2007

 

Overall iRacing Stats

  • 10 starts, 5 wins, 7 top fives, 5 poles
  • Making eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series debut this weekend at North Wilkesboro Speedway

 

 

Erik Jones – iRacing #20

Current Series/Occupation: NASCAR Cup Series – No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota

 

Highlights:

  • Has never competed at North Wilkesboro Speedway
  • Won his first NASCAR Cup Series race at Daytona in July of 2018
  • 2017 NASCAR Cup Series Sunoco Rookie of the Year – becoming the first driver to earn the award in all three of NASCAR’s national series
  • 2016 NASCAR Xfinity Series Sunoco Rookie of the Year
  • 2015 NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series Champion and Sunoco Rookie of the Year – the youngest champion in series history

 

Overall iRacing Stats

  • 6 starts, 0 wins, 1 top five, 0 poles
  • Finished 10th at virtual Homestead-Miami Speedway
  • Finished 21st at virtual Texas Motor Speedway
  • Finished 31st at virtual Bristol Motor Speedway
  • Finished 7th at virtual Richmond Raceway
  • Finished 37th at virtual Talladega Superspeedway
  • Finished 4th at virtual Dover International Speedway

 

 

Jon Wood – iRacing #21

Current Series/Occupation: Senior Vice President, Co-Owner of Wood Brothers Racing
Highlights:

  • Has never competed at North Wilkesboro Speedway
  • Made four NASCAR Cup Series career starts in 2007 and 2008
  • Has made 85 NASCAR Xfinity Series starts with a best finish of runner-up in 2005 at Talladega
  • Has two Gander Trucks wins from 2003 at Kansas Speedway and Martinsville Speedway

 

Overall iRacing Stats

  • 22 starts, 3 wins, 11 top fives, 5 poles
  • Making eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series debut this weekend at North Wilkesboro Speedway

 

 

Jeff Gordon – iRacing #24

Current Series/Occupation: 2019 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee; FOX Sports NASCAR analyst

Highlights:

  • Has made eight NASCAR Cup Series starts at North Wilkesboro Speedway posting one win (1996), one pole (1995), four top fives and five top 10s
  • Four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion (1995, 1997-1998, 2001)
  • Three-time Daytona 500 winner (1997, ’99, 2005)
  • Five-time Brickyard 400 winner (1994, ’98, 2001, ’04, ’14)
  • Third on all-time NASCAR Cup Series win list with 92

 

Overall iRacing Stats

  • 1 start, 0 wins, 0 top fives and 0 poles
  • Finished 38th at virtual Talladega Superspeedway

 

 

Tyler Reddick – iRacing #31

Current Series/Occupation: NASCAR Cup Series – No. 8 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet

Highlights:

  • Has never competed at North Wilkesboro Speedway
  • Back-to-back NASCAR Xfinity Series champion (2018-2019), and first driver to do it with two different organizations (JR Motorsports 2018, Richard Childress Racing 2019).
  • 2018 NASCAR Xfinity Series Sunoco Rookie of the Year; just third driver in series history to win the title in his rookie season joining Chase Elliott (2014) and William Byron (2017).
  • In 2017, captured his first NASCAR Xfinity Series victory, at Kentucky, while running a partial schedule.
  • In 2015, he competed full-time in the NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series, winning his first race and finishing runner-up in the championship standings.

 

Overall iRacing Stats

  • 5 starts, 0 wins, 0 top fives, 0 poles
  • Finished 28th at virtual Texas Motor Speedway
  • Finished 8th at virtual Bristol Motor Speedway
  • Finished 12th at virtual Richmond Raceway
  • Finished 22nd at virtual Talladega Superspeedway
  • Finished 25th at virtual Dover International Speedway

 

 

Corey LaJoie – iRacing #32

Current Series/Occupation: NASCAR Cup Series – No. 32 GoFas Racing Ford

Highlights:

  • Has never competed at North Wilkesboro Speedway
  • In 2019, LaJoie posted career-bests in starting position (16th, Kansas), finishing position (sixth, Daytona) and final points position (29th in points).
  • In 2014, he made his NASCAR Cup Series debut at New Hampshire Motorsports Speedway.

 

Overall iRacing Stats

  • 1 start, 0 wins, 1 top five, 1 pole
  • Started from the pole at virtual Talladega Superspeedway in his eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series debut and finished second
  • Finished 20th at virtual Dover International Speedway

 

 

Michael McDowell – iRacing #34

Current Series/Occupation: NASCAR Cup Series – No. 34 Front Row Motorsports Ford

Highlights:

  • Has never competed at North Wilkesboro Speedway
  • Xfinity Series debut was in 2009, finishing 11th for JTG Daugherty Racing
  • McDowell is currently in his 13th season in the NASCAR Cup Series
  • Finished a career-best 26th in the 2017 and 2018 NASCAR Cup Series standings
  • Earned his lone NASCAR Xfinity Series win in 2016 at Road America

 

Overall iRacing Stats

  • 105 starts, 25 wins, 46 top fives and 25 poles
  • Finished 23rd at virtual Homestead Miami Speedway
  • Finished 12th at virtual Texas Motor Speedway
  • Finished 10th at virtual Bristol Motor Speedway
  • Finished 34th at virtual Talladega Superspeedway
  • Finished 5th at virtual Dover International Speedway

 

 

Ryan Preece – iRacing #37

Current Series/Occupation: NASCAR Cup Series – No. 37 JTG Daugherty Racing Chevrolet

 

Highlights:

  • Has never competed at North Wilkesboro Speedway
  • Finished runner-up in 2019 Sunoco Rookie of the Year battle in the NASCAR Cup Series
  • Won first career NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Iowa in 2017
  • In 2013, he was the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour champion, youngest champion in series history

 

Overall iRacing Stats

  • 257 starts, 42 wins, 104 top fives and 15 poles
  • Finished 33rd at virtual Homestead Miami Speedway
  • Finished 2nd at virtual Texas Motor Speedway
  • Finished 6th at virtual Bristol Motor Speedway
  • Finished 19th at virtual Richmond Raceway and won the pole award
  • Finished 3rd at virtual Talladega Superspeedway
  • Finished 29th at virtual Dover International Speedway

 

 

John Hunter Nemechek – iRacing #38

Current Series/Occupation: NASCAR Cup Series – No. 38 Front Row Motorsports Ford

Highlights:

  • Has never competed at North Wilkesboro Speedway
  • 2020 is Nemechek’s first fulltime season in the NASCAR Cup Series
  • Earned his first NASCAR Xfinity Series win in 2018 at Kansas while driving for Chip Ganassi Racing
  • Won his first NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series race at Chicagoland Speedway in 2015, driving for NEMCO Motorsports
  • Has tallied six career Gander Trucks wins

 

Overall iRacing Stats

  • 294 starts, 29 wins, 98 top fives and 37 poles
  • Finished 30th at virtual Homestead Miami Speedway
  • Finished 8th at virtual Texas Motor Speedway
  • Finished 2nd at virtual Bristol Motor Speedway
  • Finished 16th at virtual Richmond Raceway
  • Finished 25th at virtual Talladega Superspeedway
  • Finished 27th at virtual Dover International Speedway

 

 

Cole Custer – iRacing #41

Current Series/Occupation: NASCAR Cup Series – No. 41 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford

Highlights:

  • Has never competed at North Wilkesboro Speedway
  • Currently in his rookie season in the NASCAR Cup Series with Stewart-Haas Racing
  • In 2018, he made his NASCAR Cup Series debut for Rick Ware Racing. He made three starts for the team posting a best finish of 25th at Las Vegas
  • Has made 104 NASCAR Xfinity Series starts posting nine career wins
  • In 2014, he became the youngest driver in NASCAR national series history to win a race at the age of 16 years, seven months, 28 days (NGROTS, New Hampshire)
  • In 2014, he became the youngest driver in NASCAR national series history to win a pole at the age of 16 years, four months, 22 days (NGROTS, Gateway)

 

Overall iRacing Stats

  • 2 starts, 0 wins, 0 top fives and 0 poles
  • Finished 26th at virtual Talladega Superspeedway
  • Finished 12th at virtual Dover International Speedway

 

 

Chad Finchum – iRacing #49

Current Series/Occupation: NASCAR Xfinity Series – No. 13 Motorsports Business Management Toyota

Highlights:

  • Has never competed at North Wilkesboro Speedway
  • In 2019, competed in his second full season for MBM finishing the year a career-best 26th in the standings

 

Overall iRacing Stats

  • 2 starts, 0 wins, 0 top fives and 0 poles.
  • Finished 21st at virtual Talladega Superspeedway
  • Finished 22nd at virtual Dover International Speedway

 

 

Garrett Smithley – iRacing #51

Current Series/Occupation: NASCAR Cup Series – No. 51 Petty Ware Racing Chevrolet

Highlights:

  • Has never competed at North Wilkesboro Speedway
  • Finished a career-best 18th in the 2016 NASCAR Xfinity Series standings
  • Has a NASCAR national series career-best finish of fifth at Daytona in the NASCAR Xfinity Series

 

Overall iRacing Stats

  • 1,231 starts, 146 wins, 538 top fives and 131 poles
  • Finished 5th at virtual Homestead Miami Speedway
  • Finished 3rd at virtual Texas Motor Speedway
  • Finished 9th at virtual Bristol Motor Speedway
  • Finished 16th at virtual Richmond Raceway
  • Finished 4th at virtual Talladega Superspeedway
  • Finished 9th at virtual Dover International Speedway

 

 

JJ Yeley – iRacing #52

Current Series/Occupation: NASCAR Cup Series – No. 52 Rick Ware Racing Ford

Highlights:

  • Has never competed at North Wilkesboro Speedway
  • Yeley has competed for various teams throughout the NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR Xfinity Series
  • 2003 United States Auto Club (USAC) Triple Crown (Silver Crown, sprint, midget) champion
  • Won 2001 USAC sprint car championship, 2002 USAC Silver Crown championship
  • In 1995 became youngest driver to win Sprint Car Racing Association (SCRA) feature

 

Overall iRacing Stats

  • 2 starts, 0 wins, 0 top fives and 0 poles
  • Finished 15th at virtual Talladega Superspeedway
  • Finished 19th at virtual Dover International Speedway

 

Joey Gase – iRacing #53

Current Series/Occupation: NASCAR Cup Series – No. 53 Rick Ware Racing Chevrolet

Highlights:

  • Has never competed at North Wilkesboro Speedway
  • Made his NASCAR Cup Series debut at Chicagoland Speedway in 2014 for GO FAS Racing
  • Has over 200 starts in the NASCAR Xfinity Series

Overall iRacing Stats

  • 2 starts, 0 wins, 0 top fives and 0 poles
  • Finished 20th at virtual Talladega Superspeedway
  • Finished 24th at virtual Dover International Speedway

 

 

Timmy Hill – iRacing #66

Current Series/Occupation: NASCAR Cup Series – No. 66 Motorsports Business Management Toyota

Highlights:

  • Has never competed at North Wilkesboro Speedway
  • Won the eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series race at virtual Texas Motor Speedway
  • Finished third in the 2020 Xfinity Series season-opener at Daytona, his career-best NASCAR national series finish
  • Owner of Hill Motorsports, fielding the No. 56 Chevrolet in the Gander Trucks

 

Overall iRacing Stats

  • 1,681 starts, 674 wins, 1,208 top fives, 456 poles
  • Finished 3rd at virtual Homestead-Miami Speedway
  • Won the race at virtual Texas Motor Speedway
  • Finished 3rd at virtual Bristol Motor Speedway
  • Finished 2nd at virtual Richmond Raceway
  • Finished 11th at virtual Talladega Superspeedway
  • Finished 3rd at virtual Dover International Speedway

 

 

Parker Kligerman – iRacing #77

Current Series/Occupation: NBC Sports TV Analyst and part-time NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series driver

Highlights:

  • Has never competed at North Wilkesboro Speedway
  • Has made 28 NASCAR Cup Series starts since 2012
  • Finished a career-best ninth in the NASCAR Xfinity Series championship standings in 2013
  • Finished a career-best fifth in the NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series championship points in 2012

 

Overall iRacing Stats

  • 420 starts, 57 wins, 190 top fives and 11 poles
  • Finished 13th at virtual Homestead-Miami Speedway
  • Finished 12th at virtual Texas Motor Speedway
  • Finished 7th at virtual Bristol Motor Speedway
  • Finished 3rd at virtual Richmond Raceway
  • Finished 16th at virtual Talladega Superspeedway
  • Finished 34th at virtual Dover International Speedway

 

 

Landon Cassill – iRacing #89

Current Series/Occupation: NASCAR Xfinity Series – No. 89 Shepherd Racing Chevrolet

 

Highlights:

  • Has never competed at North Wilkesboro Speedway
  • In 2014, he scored a NASCAR Cup Series career-best fourth-place finish at Talladega
  • In 2010, he made his NASCAR Cup Series debut at Michigan
  • In 2008, he won the NASCAR Xfinity Series Sunoco Rookie of the Year award

 

Overall iRacing Stats

  • 48 starts, 4 wins, 28 top fives and 2 poles
  • Finished 12th at virtual Homestead-Miami Speedway
  • Finished 4th at virtual Texas Motor Speedway
  • Finished 20th at virtual Bristol Motor Speedway
  • Finished 4th at virtual Richmond Raceway
  • Finished 5th at virtual Talladega Superspeedway
  • Finished 21st at virtual Dover International Speedway

 

 

Christopher Bell – iRacing #95

Current Series/Occupation: NASCAR Cup Series – No. 96 Leavine Family Racing Toyota

 

Highlights:

  • Has never competed at North Wilkesboro Speedway
  • Has posted a total of 16 NASCAR Xfinity Series wins
  • Set the rookie single season Xfinity Series wins record with seven victories in 2018
  • 2017 NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series champion
  • Has a total of seven career Gander Truck wins

 

Overall iRacing Stats

  • 1,032 starts, 237 wins, 557 top fives and 132 poles
  • Finished 27th at virtual Homestead-Miami Speedway
  • Finished 34th at virtual Texas Motor Speedway
  • Finished 12th at virtual Bristol Motor Speedway
  • Finished 24th at virtual Richmond Raceway
  • Finished 13th at virtual Talladega Superspeedway
  • Finished 2nd at virtual Dover International Speedway
Views: 320
eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series Coverage Resources and News & Notes – Virtual North Wilkesboro Speedway Read More

Speedco Partners with Todd Gilliland for iRacing Event Tuesday Night – The Replacements 100 Streamed Live on Twitch

Speedco Partners with Todd Gilliland for iRacing Event Tuesday Night – The Replacements 100 Streamed Live on Twitch
MOORESVILLE, N.C. (March 23, 2020) – Front Row Motorsports (FRM) announced today that Speedco, a member of the Love’s Family of Companies, will partner with Todd Gilliland for Tuesday night’s, The Replacements 100.  The race will be streamed live on www.TWITCH.TV/IRACING and be run from the virtual Kansas Speedway using NASCAR Cup Series-style cars.

 

Speedco is a primary sponsor of FRM and Gilliland in the NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series this season.  The company is a national network of 53 service locations that provides oil changes, preventive maintenance, inspection services and tire offerings for drivers in the professional trucking industry. Since their inception to the Love’s Family of Companies in 2017, Speedco has been an integral part of FRM’s NASCAR program.
The Replacements is an iRacing.com series founded by NASCAR drivers and industry veterans.  Drivers, spotters, crew members and marketing professionals from across all aspects of NASCAR will compete in a 100-lap race on the iRacing.com platform.
“In the past week, iRacing has become the best way for teams, drivers and partners to reach fans,” said Gilliland. “Kevin Hamlin and T.J. Majors were two of the first in the sport to create an iRacing solution.  I then quickly went to work to get my simulator ready. I want to give something back to our fans, Speedco, their employees and customers during this time.  I think this is something fun we can all do.”
The Replacements 100 is scheduled for Tuesday, March 24 at 9:00 p.m. ET.
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About Love’s Travel Stops 
Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores is the nation’s industry-leading travel stop network with more than 500 locations in 41 states. Founded in 1964 and headquartered in Oklahoma City, the company remains family-owned and operated and employs more than 25,000 people. Love’s provides professional truck drivers and motorists with 24-hour access to clean and safe places to purchase gasoline, diesel fuel, fresh coffee, restaurant offerings and more. Love’s has more than 380 truck service centers, which include on-site and stand-alone Speedco and Love’s Truck Care locations. Love’s and Speedco combined is the largest oil change, preventive maintenance and total truck care nationwide network. Love’s is committed to providing customers with “Clean Places, Friendly Faces” at every stop. To learn more, visit loves.com.

About Front Row Motorsports

Front Row Motorsports (FRM) is a winning organization in the NASCAR Cup Series. The team was founded in 2004 and is owned by successful entrepreneur, Bob Jenkins. FRM fields two full-time entries – the No. 34 of Michael McDowell and the No. 38 of John Hunter Nemechek – from its Mooresville, N.C., headquarters just outside of Charlotte. In 2020, the team announced an expansion to include the No. 38 Ford F-150 in the NASCAR Gander RV and Outdoors Truck Series, driven by Todd Gilliland. Visit teamfrm.com and follow FRM on social media: Twitter at @Team_FRM, Instagram at @team_frm and Facebook at facebook.com/FrontRowMotorsports.
Views: 236
Speedco Partners with Todd Gilliland for iRacing Event Tuesday Night – The Replacements 100 Streamed Live on Twitch Read More

No. 41 Haas Automation Ford Mustang: Cole Custer Folds of Honor 500 Race Advance

No. 41 Haas Automation Ford Mustang: Cole Custer Folds of Honor 500 Race Advance
KANNAPOLIS, North Carolina (March 11, 2020) – Cole Custer and the No. 41 Haas Automation Ford Mustang team for Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) will compete at Atlanta Motor Speedway Sunday in this season’s second event at an intermediate track. Custer will make his first career NASCAR Cup Series start at the 1.54-mile track in Sunday’s Folds of Honor 500.

 

Custer heads to Atlanta coming off of his best career Cup Series finish, ninth, earned at Phoenix Raceway. The young driver was also the highest finishing 2020 Rookie of the Year contender. The Haas Automation driver started 16th and battled an intermittent power steering problem along with a tight-handling Mustang and finished ninth in the 316-lap event. It was a solid day for the four-car SHR organization with all four entries finishing in the top-10 in the season’s fourth race.
For the last five seasons, Atlanta was the second race of the season. The track is significant because it’s a 1.5-mile layout and a majority of the tracks on the Cup Series circuit are that length and similarly shaped. If things go well this weekend at Atlanta for Custer and the SHR organization, it bodes well for the team’s competitiveness on the same style of track for the rest of the season.
SHR has two wins at the Georgia track – Kevin Harvick in 2018 and team co-owner Tony Stewart in September 2010. Additionally, the Kannapolis, North Carolina team has amassed four pole awards and a total of nine top-fives and nine top-10s, in 39 starts there.
Custer has three starts at Atlanta in the NASCAR Xfinity Series with two top-10 finishes in three starts. Last year, he captured the pole position and finished second to Christopher Bell. He has one Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series start at Atlanta. He started sixth in 2016 and finished 17th.
In his last nine Xfinity Series starts at 1.5-mile tracks, Custer earned two wins, four top-fives, six top-10s and one pole award. The victories were captured at Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Illinois, and Kentucky Speedway in Sparta. He led a total of 410 laps in the nine starts on his way to an average finishing position of 10.4 and an average starting position of 3.2.
The 22-year-old has made two starts at intermediate tracks behind the wheel of a Cup Series car, both at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The first occurred in March 2018, when he started 30th and finished 25th for the No. 51 Rick Ware Racing team. The second was in his No. 41 Mustang last month, when he started 17th and finished 19th.
“The Xfinity cars have more horsepower than the Cup cars at the bigger tracks, but the Cup cars have a lot more downforce and drag,” Custer said. “The Cup cars are going slower down the straightaways, but much faster in the corners. For me, the biggest difference is getting used to how much speed I can actually carry into the corner with the Cup car, when I’ve been doing something different for three years.”
Haas Automation, founded in 1983 by SHR co-owner Gene Haas, is America’s leading builder of CNC machine tools. The company manufactures a complete line of vertical and horizontal machining centers, turning centers and rotary tables and indexers. All Haas products are constructed in the company’s 1.1 million-square-foot Oxnard manufacturing facility and distributed through a worldwide network of Haas Factory Outlets.
Even though Custer had a trio of starts in the Cup Series in 2018, 2020 officially marks his Rookie of the Year campaign in NASCAR’s most prestigious series. He’s competing for the honor with notables Christopher Bell and Tyler Reddick. The three have battled against each other in the Xfinity Series and are making the full-time transition to the Cup Series together.

Cole Custer: Driver of the No. 41 Haas Automation Ford Mustang for Stewart-Haas Racing:
What do you do to decompress after a race?
“It’s hard to decompress because all we think about is racing. I try and hang out with friends. We have a lake near the house in North Carolina and I like to go out on the boat with friends as a way to relax. I golf a little here and there, too.”
What is the biggest difference for you between the Xfinity and Cup Series?
“I think, for me, it is getting used to the cars. They are a lot different, especially with the 550 package, and how you work the throttle and everything. How you are going to do that is a lot different than Xfinity. At the same time, you make one little mistake and are a little off in one area, you will lose a ton of spots. Everybody here is pushing it to the limit. Everyone in the top-25 in the Cup Series is probably capable of winning races. It is a matter of trying to perfect every part of it.”
Have you had any pranks pulled on you as a Cup Series rookie?
“Nothing yet, but I’m waiting for it. I feel a guy like (Clint) Bowyer is probably going to be the first one to pull a prank on me. Who wouldn’t pick Bowyer as the first person to do it?”
No. 41 Haas Automation Ford Mustang Team Report
Race 5 of 36 – Folds of Honor 500 – Atlanta
 
Car No. 41: Haas Automation Ford Mustang Team Report

At Track PR Contact: Mike Arning with True Speed Communication (Mike.Arning@TrueSpeedCommunication.com)

Primary Team:

 

Driver: Cole Custer

Hometown: Ladera Ranch, California

Crew Chief: Mike Shiplett

Hometown: Amherst, Ohio

Engine Specialist: Evan Cupples

Hometown: Hudson, Illinois

Car Chief: Tony Cardamone

Hometown: Bristol, Virginia

Engine Builder: Roush Yates Engines

Headquarters: Mooresville, North Carolina

Spotter: Andy Houston

Hometown: Hickory, North Carolina

Over-The-Wall Crew:

Fuelman: Chad Emmons

Hometown: Tyler, Texas
Carrier: Dwayne Moore

Hometown: Griffin, Georgia

Jackman: Brett Morrell

Hometown: Windham, Maine

 

Front Changer: Josh Leslie

Hometown: Mount Clemens, Michigan

Rear Changer: Coleman Dollarhide
Hometown: Hickory, North Carolina

Road Crew:

 

Transporter Driver: Eddie DeGroot and Scott Robbins

Hometown: Baldwinsville, New York and Woodfield, New Hampshire, respectively
Shock Specialist: Aaron Kuehn

Hometown: Kensington, Connecticut
Mechanic: Nick McIntosh

Hometown: Havre, Montana
Tire Technician: Thomas Gagliano

Hometown: East Hampton, Connecticut
Engineers: Scott Bingham and Davin Restivo

Hometowns: Lawrenceville, Georgia and Ashboro, North Carolina, respectively
Mechanic: Joe Zanolini

Hometown: Sybertsville, Pennsylvania 

Atlanta Motor Speedway Notes of Interest:
  • Cole Custer will make his first Atlanta Motor Speedway Cup Series start on Sunday to bring his total of career Cup Series starts to eight.
  • The Haas Automation driver finished ninth last weekend at Phoenix Raceway. Custer was the highest finishing Rookie of the Year contender at the suburban Phoenix track.
  • 2020 marks Custer’s first fulltime season in the Cup Series and he will contend for Rookie of the Year honors along with four other Cup Series competitors.
  • The Ladera Ranch, California native has three NASCAR Xfinity Series starts at Atlanta. In last year’s race he started from the pole position and finished runner-up in the 163-lap event. He also has one NASCAR Truck Series starts at the intermediate oval.
  • Custer will sign autographs at the SHR merchandise hauler in the fan midway on Sunday, March 15 beginning at 10:55 a.m.
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