After a two-week break, the NASCAR Xfinity Series is back in action at Martinsville Speedway for the Cook Out 250 at 8 p.m. ET on Friday, April 9 on FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. (more…)
Talladega
BRP, through the Can-Am Off Road Brand, Extends its Commitment to Alex Labbé for the 2021 Season
Valcourt, Quebec, March 11, 2021 – Great news for NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Alex Labbé, who will able to count on the support of BRP, through the Can-Am Off Road brand, for eight races this season. The first race will be this Saturday, March 13, in Phoenix, Arizona on a 200-mile distance circuit.
The Quebec manufacturer of recreational vehicles, BRP, believes in the importance of supporting a local driver who has made his mark on the racing circuits. “Alex is a young man of talent, determination and ingenuity. Few Quebecers have managed to carve out a place for themselves in NASCAR like he did and I admire the way he behaves, race after race,” explains BRP President and CEO José Boisjoli.
The Saint-Albert driver had a very good 2020 season, finishing five times in the top 10, including once in fourth place on the Charlotte, North Carolina road course, driving a car with the Can-Am colours. Labbé and his DGM Racing team managed to earn a very respectable position in the NASCAR Xfinity series, despite the limitations imposed by a more restricted budget than the leading teams. This kind of challenge has never discouraged Labbé. Quite the contrary, he uses it as an additional source of motivation. “I’m driven by the desire to surpass and I like to use my ingenuity to find ways to increase the efficiency of my car,” Labbé explains. “In this sense, my association with Can-Am is natural because we share the same aspirations, and I am proud to have them by my side when I am on the circuit.”
Undoubtedly, the financial support of the Can-Am brand is a great relief for the Quebec driver. It is partly this support that enables him to race this season in the NASCAR Xfinity series. “Having Can-Am by my side is a blessing. In car racing, the budget is crucial. Without money, you don’t have a steering wheel. It’s a reality we have to deal with year after year. When you know that you have a partner who believes in you and wants to accompany you on your adventure, a huge burden is taken off our shoulders, even though the job is not done yet.”
Invitation to Quebec businesses
BRP, through its Can-Am brand, has been with Alex Labbé for several years now. A number of Quebec companies have been loyal to Labbé since the start of his career; for example, the Larue companies and the valuable partners of the Festidrag development program. The manufacturer invites Quebec businesses to follow suit to support local talent!
Can-Am races
Starting Saturday, Alex Labbé’s car will be easier to spot on the track as it will once again sport the bright Can-Am colours we know. Indeed, the manufacturer has decided to renew its commitment of the last year to the Saint-Albert driver. “2020 has been a particularly difficult year for the vast majority of athletes who depend on sponsors to practice their discipline. So it was important to us that Alex knew he could count on our continued support. Alex is an incredibly talented young man who constantly strives to surpass himself, and this is totally in line with our values,” said Julie Tourville, Director, Global Marketing, Can-Am Off-Road. As a result, a total of eight races will be run under the banner of the Quebec brand of motorsports:
Phoenix, Arizona, March 13, 2021
Circuit of the Americas, Texas, May 22, 2021 Pocono, Pennsylvania, June 27, 2021
Road America, Wisconsin, July 3, 2021
Brooklyn, Michigan, August 21, 2021
Daytona, Florida, August 27, 2021
Talladega, Alabama, October 2, 2021
Fort Worth, Texas, October 16, 2021
About Alex Labbé
Alex Labbé is an active racing car driver in the NASCAR Xfinity series. He is the only Quebec driver to race full-time on the circuit. Born in Saint-Albert, Quebec, Alex has enjoyed a meteoric rise in motorsports since the beginning of his stock car career. In 2014, he became the youngest champion in the ACT series. In 2016, he took part in his first full season in the PINTY’s NASCAR series and in 2017 he won the series championship. In 2018, he reached the NASCAR Xfinity series and finished in the top 20. Labbé finished the 2020 season with five top-10 finishes, including a fourth-place finish, and finished 14th in the drivers’ standings. For more information: www.alexlabberacing.com
To follow Alex:
Facebook: facebook.com/AlexLabbe36 Instagram: @alexlabbe36
Twitter: @AlexLabbe36
(NASCAR PR)
NASCAR Xfinity Series News & Notes – Daytona International Speedway
Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. 300 kicks off 2021 Xfinity Series at Daytona.
The 2021 NASCAR Xfinity Series season is upon us and Daytona International Speedway is all set to host this weekend’s Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. 300 at 5 p.m. ET on FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. (more…)
Ty Dillon Joins Driver Lineup for Joe Gibbs Racing Xfinity Team
HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. (Jan. 27, 2021) – Joe Gibbs Racing announced today that Ty Dillon will drive the team’s No. 54 Toyota Supra in select NASCAR Xfinity Series races in 2021, including the season opener at Daytona International Speedway on February 13. Beyond Daytona, Dillon’s Xfinity Series schedule currently includes races at Homestead-Miami Speedway (February 27), Las Vegas Motor Speedway (March 6) and Talladega Superspeedway (April 24). (more…)
The Stock Car Gazette E-zine Needs A New Sponsor!
After many years of partnership with Hasco Collectibles in our Stock Car Gazette E-zine, Hasco has stepped away for the 2021 season. So we are in need of a new sponsor for our newsletter. (more…)
A Tale of Caution at Talladega
The weekend began with such promise. A lot of racing at one of NASCARs biggest and fastest tracks. More fans were allowed in although still a very small group considering how many are regularly squeezed in there. What could possibly go wrong?
Well, evidently a lot can go wrong. (more…)
NASCAR Cup Series News & Notes – Talladega Superspeedway
NASCAR Cup Series
Next Race: GEICO 500
The Place: Talladega Superspeedway
The Date: Sunday, June 21
The Time: 3 p.m. ET
TV: FOX, 2 p.m. ET
Radio: MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio
Distance: 500 miles (188 laps); Stage 1 (Ends on Lap 60),
Stage 2 (Ends on Lap 120), Final Stage (Ends on Lap 188)
2019 Race Winner: Chase Elliott (more…)
NASCAR Xfinity Series News & Notes – Talladega Superspeedway
NASCAR Xfinity Series
Next Race: Unhinged 300
The Place: Talladega Superspeedway
The Date: Saturday, June 20
The Time: 5:30 p.m. ET
TV: FS1, 5 p.m. ET
Radio: MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio
Distance: 300.58 miles (113 Laps); Stage 1 (Ends on Lap 25),
Stage 2 (Ends on Lap 50), Final Stage (Ends on Lap 113)
2019 Winner: Tyler Reddick (more…)
Roush Fenway Weekly Advance | Bristol I
NASCAR makes its return to Bristol Motor Speedway this weekend with the NASCAR Cup Series set to roll Sunday afternoon for 500 laps at ‘The World’s Fastest Half Mile.’ A Jack Roush Ford has visited victory lane 18 times at Bristol, including 11 times in the Cup Series. Ryan Newman will pilot the No. 6 Castrol Ford Mustang and Chris Buescher will pilot the No. 17 SunnyD Ford Mustang.
Bristol Motor Speedway (.533-mile)
Food City presents the Supermarket Heroes 500
Sunday, May 31, 2020 | 3:30 p.m. ET
FS1, PRN, SiriusXM Channel 90
- Ryan Newman, No. 6 Castrol Ford Mustang
- Chris Buescher, No. 17 SunnyD Ford Mustang
NASCAR Returns to Action
- Following four races in the Carolinas as part of NASCAR’s return to the track, the focus shifts to ‘The World’s Fastest Half Mile’ in Bristol, Tennessee, as the NASCAR Cup Series battles for 500 laps Sunday afternoon.
- Following action at Bristol, the NCS will enjoy its first midweek off since the return before heading to Atlanta Motor Speedway on June 7 for the 10th points race of 2020.
- Four weeks of NASCAR action were completed prior to the hiatus with races at Atlanta, Homestead, Texas, Bristol, Richmond, Talladega, Dover and Martinsville postponed.
Thursday Recap, Sunday Preview
- Ryan Newman found himself in the top-15 at the start of the final stage in Thursday night’s 208-lap event at Charlotte Motor Speedway, before crossing the line 17th in the Roush Performance Ford. Teammate Chris Buescher earned a stage point in the opening 55 laps at Charlotte before going on to finish 22nd.
- The focus again shifts to a short track with Bristol, which happens to be a favorite of both Newman’s and Buescher’s.
Starting Lineup Procedures at Bristol
NASCAR announced this week the starting lineup for Bristol would be determined by a random draw based on teams’ order in owners points. Both Buescher and Newman – 20th and 21st, respectively – fall within the 13-24 group, with their random draw coming from charter teams in those positions. Newman drew the 17th starting spot for Sunday, while Buescher drew 19th.
Runner Up
Roush Fenway’s storied history at Bristol began on April 10, 1988 with the No. 6 NCS car earning a second-place finish. Since that time, in addition to the organization’s 11 NCS wins at the track, Roush Fenway Fords have finished second at Bristol on 15 occasions (7 NCS, 4 NXS, 4 NGROTS).
One-Two Punch
Roush Fenway’s most recent victory at Bristol came after sweeping the top two positions in the March 2014 event with former driver Carl Edwards taking the victory and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. coming home in second. Edwards led the final 78 laps of the event to earn the victory.
History and Hot Streaks at “Thunder Valley”
Roush Fenway’s history at Bristol has been one of hot streaks, including trips to victory lane in nine of the last 16 seasons at the famed short track. Roush Fenway swept the track in 2003 and put a NCS car in victory lane at least once in every season from 2002-2008.
Thunder Rolls
Roush Fenway has earned five victories, 23 top-five finishes, 37 top-10 finishes and an average finish of 15.8 at Bristol in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. Former Roush Fenway driver David Ragan earned the organization’s most recent Xfinity victory at the .533-mile short track in the Aug. 2009 event.
Tale of the Tape
Roush Fenway has started 212 NCS races at Charlotte, recording eight total wins with 46 top-five and 80 top-10 finishes. RFR Fords have an average finish of 16.3 with 2627 laps led all-time.
Roush Fenway Bristol Wins
1993-2 Martin Cup
1996-1 Martin NXS
1997-1 Burton NXS
1998-2 Martin Cup
2002-1 Busch Cup
2003-1 Busch Cup
2003-2 Busch Cup
2003-2 Busch Cup
2004-1 Busch Cup
2004 Edwards Truck
2005-2 Kenseth Cup
2006-2 Kenseth Cup
2006 Martin Truck
2006-2 Kenseth NXS
2007-1 Edwards NXS
2007-2 Edwards Cup
2008-2 Edwards Cup
2009-2 Ragan NXS
2014 -1 Edwards Cup
Ryan Newman | Bristol I Advance
Food City presents the Supermarket Heroes 500 – Sunday, May 31 at 3:30 p.m. ET on FS1, PRN, SiriusXM Channel 90
ADVANCE NOTES
NASCAR Returns to Action
- Following four races in the Carolinas as part of NASCAR’s return to the track, the focus shifts to ‘The World’s Fastest Half Mile’ in Bristol, Tennessee, as the NASCAR Cup Series battles for 500 laps Sunday afternoon.
- Following action at Bristol, the NCS will enjoy its first midweek off since the return before heading to Atlanta Motor Speedway on June 7 for the 10th points race of 2020.
- Four weeks of NASCAR action were completed prior to the hiatus with races at Atlanta, Homestead, Texas, Bristol, Richmond, Talladega, Dover and Martinsville postponed.
Wednesday Recap, Sunday Preview
- Ryan Newman found himself in the top-15 at the start of the final stage in Thursday night’s 208-lap event from Charlotte Motor Speedway, before crossing the line 17th in the Roush Performance Ford.
- The starting lineup for Bristol will be determined by a random draw based on teams’ order in owner points. Newman and the No. 6 team are 21st in owner points, meaning he will be in the same group alongside teammate Chris Buescher to draw for starting spots 13-24.
Newman Historically at Bristol Motor Speedway
- Newman makes his 37th start at Bristol on Sunday, where he carries an average finish of 15.4. He has 19 top-10 finishes overall including two top-fives.
- Newman’s best finish at ‘The World’s Fastest Half Mile’ came in the fall of 2004 when he finished second after starting fourth. He also finished fifth in the 2015 spring event. In the last five events overall, Newman has three top-10s and an average result of 9.6.
- The 19-year Cup Series veteran crossed the line ninth in last season’s spring event and followed that with an 11th-place run in the fall. He has an overall average starting spot of 12.2 with three career poles (2003, 2004, 2001).
- Newman has an additional nine combined starts in the Xfinity and Truck series, winning in NXS action back in 2005. He earned the pole in the NXS in 2006 and finished 10th or better in five NXS starts overall. He recorded a fourth-place result in the No. 2 truck in 2009.
Scott Graves at Bristol Motor Speedway
- Graves will call his ninth NCS race at Bristol on Sunday. With an overall average finish of 14.5, he led Newman to a ninth-place run in the 2019 spring race.
- Graves also called seven Xfinity Series events at Bristol dating back to 2012, recording one top five with Chris Buescher (2015) and two additional top-10s with Buescher (2014) and Daniel Suarez (2016).
QUOTE WORTHY
Newman on racing at Bristol:
“I’m for one excited to get back to a short track and see what we’ve got at Bristol this weekend, one of my favorite tracks we go to. Our team put together a couple solid runs last year and proved we had some raw speed, so we are looking forward to improving on that this weekend. Glad to have Castrol on the car, my first race with them this season, and excited to put on a good run in our Castrol Ford.”
On the Car
Castrol returns to the No. 6 machine this weekend for its second race of 2020. The high-performance lubricant brand signed as the team’s official oil partner in January and will serve as the primary for select races in 2020.
About Castrol
Castrol, a global leader in lubricant technology, serves customers and consumers in over 140 countries in the automotive, marine, industrial and energy production sectors. Our branded products are recognized globally for innovation and high performance through our commitment to premium quality products, highly responsive services and cutting-edge technology. To find out more about Castrol products and programs, please visit www.castrol.com/us.