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Showing posts from November, 2020

Tony Kanaan to Split Driving Duties with Jimmie Johnson in 2021

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  -- Press Release : Chip Ganassi Racing  --  Longtime Partner NTT DATA and Bryant Join No. 48 Entry with former Indianapolis 500 Winner and Series Champion   Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) announced today an agreement with Indianapolis 500 Winner, NTT INDYCAR SERIES Champion and 17-time race winner Tony Kanaan to a multi-year deal to pilot the No. 48 Honda entry for the four ovals on the calendar, complementing the 13 road and street course events being contested by seven-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion Jimmie Johnson.   Kanaan will re-join CGR (2014-2017) alongside Johnson, former teammate, six-time and reigning NTT INDYCAR SERIES Champion and Indianapolis 500 Winner Scott Dixon, Marcus Ericsson and CGR newcomer Alex Palou.   Longtime CGR and Kanaan partner NTT DATA along with Bryant, also a longtime sponsor of Kanaan and former sponsor of CGR, return to CGR, and will both have primary paint schemes as well as associate-level relationships on the No. 48 Honda ...

Newman Featured in MotorTrend Season Documentary

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-- Roush Fenway Racing Press Release --   NASCAR ALL-IN: THE SEASON, Now Streaming on MotorTrend App   CONCORD, N.C., (Nov. 24, 2020)  – Ryan Newman’s post-Daytona 500 crash has been well documented, and his story is once again featured in national headlines as he is featured in NASCAR 2020: Under Pressure, a multi-part documentary that tells the story of the 2020 NASCAR season. Newman’s episode, Now or Never, debuted on Nov. 14, exclusively on the MotorTrend app . The episode picks up after a whirlwind summer when NASCAR returned to ‘The World Center of Racing’ for its final race in the regular season. As part of the episode, Newman returns to the site of his horrific crash in which he was mere feet away from his second Daytona 500 trophy, and picks up Newman’s life and outlook in the weeks and months following. Produced for the MotorTrend Group by NASCAR Productions, NASCAR 2020: Under Pressure has something for everyone, from huge NASCAR fans who will appreciate th...

Morgan Shepherd has been diagnosed with the early stages of Parkinson's Disease.

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-- Press Release  —  Morgan Shepherd Racing Ventures  —  After Decades Of On Track Battles, Morgan Shepherd Faces New Challenge ​As we come to a close of 2020, it truly has been a challenging year to many, and for Morgan Shepherd, it is no different.  For the first time in 52 consecutive years, Morgan did not participate in any of NASCAR's three Series.  Morgan was in a battle of a different sorts in the challenging 2020 year.  After a long year of health issues, Morgan has been diagnosed with the early stages of Parkinson's Disease. However, in true Shepherd fashion, he is determined to look into 2021 and make plans for another year of NASCAR racing, as a Car Owner.  We all have had challenges to overcome and Morgan has always wanted to be an encourager, defying his age in physical and mental ability.  Morgan's charity work with the physically challenged has inspired him in the toughest times and currently continues in his diagnosis.  D...

New Team Announced - Live Fast Motorsports : Owners BJ McLeod and Matt Tifft

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  PRESS RELEASE FROM LIVE FAST MOTORSPORTS For Immediate Release: Matt Tifft and B.J. McLeod  are thrilled to announce the formation of  Live Fast Motorsports . The #78 Ford Mustang will compete on a full-time basis in the 2021 season and beyond. B.J. McLeod will pilot the #78 Mustang under the charter that Tifft and McLeod obtained in 2020, alongside Joe Falk. Live Fast Motorsports has entered a strategic partnership with Stewart-Haas Racing to assist the team in competition and navigating the difficulties of developing a successful NASCAR Cup team. Live Fast Motorsports is excited to be joining an incredible group of owners, as well as the new teams and ownership coming into the sport. NASCAR’S Next Gen car and model for teams will provide opportunities for new teams to compete at a higher level. Live Fast Motorsports and its partners are ready to take on the challenge to grow and develop as a team. See you in Daytona! Team Live Fast Matt Tifft and BJ McLeod will be ava...

2020 Appeal 500 GoKarting Event and Live Show Postponed Due to Covid-19 Concerns

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In conjunction with recent advisories from Governor DeWine and Mayor Ginther, the 2020 Appeal 500 will be postponed until a later time. We greatly appreciate everyone's interest in this annual gathering of fans and personalities from the show, and want to specifically recognize Chris Bowen of GPK Indoor Entertainment for his consistent support of our program. More details on time and location for this event will be made at a later time. 

Meyer Shank Racing Closes Four Year Run with the Acura NSX GT3

--Press Release From Michael Shank Racing-- Two championships and seven victories collected since 2017 Pataskala, Ohio (20 November 2020) – Racing to the championship at the same track where the team first tested the car some 48 months before, Meyer Shank Racing closed out a spectacular four year run with the Acura NSX GT3 by securing its second consecutive IMSA WeatherTech Championship at Sebring International Raceway last weekend. The team will now move its focus to the IMSA Prototype class at it makes the switch to the Acura ARX-05 DPi starting in 2021.  Selected by Acura as the factory GTD team to debut the all new Acura NSX GT3 in 2017, Meyer Shank Racing was integral in the development of the Acura NSX’s first year competing in North America.  It didn’t take long to lock down the pace as MSR secured the first ever North American win for the Acura NSX GT3 in Detroit in 2017. The Ohio-based team went on to score six additional victories and 24 total podium finishes in the ...

WATCH - Jimmie Johnson Receives Bill France Award of Excellence

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  NASCAR Awarded Jimmie Johnson  It's one of the highest honors you can get in @NASCAR . @jimmiejohnson receives the 2020 Bill France Award of Excellence, and a message from Matthew @McConaughey . pic.twitter.com/m7Cj30TPJd — #NASCARPlayoffs on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) November 19, 2020

2020 NASCAR Champion wins Most Popular Driver Award

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  There seems to be a trend when it comes to most popular driver in regards to the most popular form of motorsports. NASCAR's newest champion Chase Elliott won his third consecutive fan-focused recognition and was awarded it during the virtual season awards banquet on Wednesday night.  The recognition came with no surprise to many in the media. Since 1991, the most popular driver award has been only awarded to members of the Earnhardt and Elliott families. Chase's father Bill Elliott won the award a total of 16 times. Dale Earnhardt Sr. was awarded it posthumously in 2001, and Dale Earnhardt Jr. won it the final 15 years of his hall of fame career. While Chase Elliott appears to be starting a dynasty in regards to this award himself, there is an increase in fan voting and popularity of young drivers such as Darrell Wallace Jr. , Ryan Blaney, and Matt Dibenedetto that could lead to more competition in future years.  Chase also won most popular honours in NASCAR's Xfinity S...

Matt Yocum will not return to Fox Sports in 2021

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  Long-time NASCAR on Fox broadcaster Matt Yocum announced on Twitter yesterday that he would not be returning after 21 years with the network in the 2021 season. He has covered NASCAR's three National Touring Series as well as other forms of motorsports. At this time, there has been no formal announcement as to where Yocum will be working next season. Fox Sports reporter Alan Cavanna and NBC's Krista Voda have also made announcements that they will not be returning to their respective networks in the new year. Our team wishes these talents the very best in their future. 

Eldora Speedway will not return to NASCAR Truck Schedule in 2021

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 Sports Business Journal's Adam Stern tweeted  today that Eldora Speedway, the famed Rossburg, Ohio dirt track will not return to competition in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series in 2021. The track hosted the only nationally sanctioned NASCAR dirt competition annually since 2013. No additional news is available at this time regarding a return to NASCAR in the future. It was announced that Eldora will be included in the SRX racing series schedule in 2021 season. 

Lewis Hamilton wins historic seventh world title, ties legendary Michael Schumacher's record.

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  Stevenage England's Lewis Hamilton continued the greatest season of his career on Sunday by winning the DHL Turkish Grand Prix. Earlier this year, Hamilton surpassed all-time winning driver Michael Schumacher's career win total, and with the win in Istanbul, Hamilton clinched his record tying seventh championship in the famed Formula 1 circuit. The championship is Hamilton's fourth consecutive, a record only matched by Shumacher and the late Argentinean racer Juan Manuel Fangio who won 1954-1957. An additional record was reached by Mercedes who has now won their 7th consecutive constructor's championship.  While the championship has been declared, three events remain in the 2020 season. Hamilton, the 35 year old will be entered in all three remaining events and looks to win his fifth consecutive title in 2021. 

2021 BUSCH CLASH Eligibility Announced

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  -- Daytona International Speedway Press Release -- NASCAR and Daytona International Speedway today announced the criteria for eligibility for NASCAR Cup Series drivers to compete in one of the most unique and anticipated events in all of motorsports – the historic 2021 Busch Clash At DAYTONA on the iconic DAYTONA Road Course. Set for Tuesday, Feb. 9, under the lights, the 2021 Busch Clash At DAYTONA will mark the first time in history the traditional exhibition-style event will tackle the track’s 14-turn, 3.61-mile road course, which was introduced for the first time ever to NASCAR’s top three national series this past August. The 43 rd  Annual Busch Clash At DAYTONA, which kicks off DAYTONA Speedweeks Presented By AdventHealth, will be held on the same course (with the lone addition a NASCAR fourth-turn chicane) of as the Rolex 24 At DAYTONA and the DAYTONA 200, North America’s premier races for sports cars and motorcycles, respectively. Due to the pandemic, NASCAR adjusted...

Newman, Buescher Both Eligible for 2021 Clash Following NASCAR Announcement New Eligibility Requirements Announced by NASCAR for Historic 2021 Event

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-- Roush Fenway Racing Press Release -- New Eligibility Requirements Announced by NASCAR for Historic 2021 Event   CONCORD, N.C., (Nov. 17 , 2020)  –   Roush Fenway teammates  Ryan Newman and Chris Buescher will compete in the  2021 Busch Clash  exhibition event at  the Daytona International Speedway Road Course  as part of  Daytona  Speedweeks .   The field for the event  was announced  Tuesday, as NASCAR detailed new eligibility requirements for the exhibition event at ‘The World Center of Racing’.   Newman, who will make his 17 th  start in the Clash format, is eligible by way of his victory in the 2008 Daytona 500. Buescher, who will make his second appearance in the Clash, is eligible by way of his stage win at Talladega Superspeedway in October, one of the new eligibility  requirements  for the 2021 event.   The newly announced  eligibility requirements for the 2021 edition are: 2020 pole win...

Chip Ganassi Racing Returns to IMSA WeatherTech Championship in 2021 - CADILLAC DPi Entry

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  AJ Appeal -  Chip Ganassi racing returns to endurance racing, this time in pursuit of their 8th IMSA championship, and 9th Rolex 24 at Daytona victory. They announced yesterday that they would be returning to the DPi class in the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship representing the Cadillac brand. No official owrd on which drivers will be in their lineup at this time.  "We can’t wait to get back to IMSA and fight for the overall win after several years competing in the GTLM class," Ganassi said. "Our relationship with General Motors has expanded from the NASCAR Cup Series and we couldn’t be happier. Partnering with Cadillac is a tremendous opportunity for our team and we want to start delivering for them in January at the Rolex 24 At Daytona." "We are very excited to welcome Chip Ganassi Racing to the Cadillac competition family," Cadillac Vice President Rory Harvey said. "Their success across many forms of racing, including sports cars, will be a gr...

Fox Sports names Jamie Little play-by-play announcer for 2021 ARCA Menards Series

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           --  Press Release : Fox Sports      --  CHARLOTTE, N.C. – First it was the Indianapolis 500. Then the DAYTONA 500. And in 2021, it’s the ARCA Menards Series play-by-play role, as FOX NASCAR’s Jamie Little makes broadcasting history by becoming the first woman named as the television voice of a national motorsports series. FOX Sports today announces Little will handle play-by-play duties for the series beginning with the season-opener from Daytona in February. Little, entering her 20th year of broadcasting in 2021, teams with analyst Phil Parsons and reporter Kate Osborne for FOX Sports’ slate of ARCA Menards Series races on FS1. Her FOX NASCAR pit reporting duties, held since 2015, also will continue in 2021. This move furthers a string of broadcasting “firsts” Little has accomplished. She was the first female pit reporter for the television broadcast of the Indianapolis 500 (2004), and in 2015, she became the first femal...

John Hunter Nemechek will not Return to Front Row Motorsports in 2021

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  Statement from Twitter.com/Team_FRM

Dane Cameron Joins Meyer Shank Racing

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--Press Release From Michael Shank Racing-- Cameron brings championship winning knowledge of the Acura ARX-05 to MSR  Pataskala, Ohio (16 November 2020) – After securing its second IMSA championship, Meyer Shank Racing (MSR) looks forward to the 2021 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season. Meyer Shank Racing is pleased to announce that Dane Cameron has joined the team to share the full-season driving duties with Oliver Pla starting with the 2021 Rolex 24 At Daytona in January.  The three-time (2014/GTD, 2016, 2019) IMSA WeatherTech Champion brings three years worth of experience with the Acura ARX-05 to the effort as he and MSR join forces in 2021.  Having been a part of the development program for the Acura DPi since its inception in 2018, Cameron has captured three victories onboard the Acura ARX-05 and nine podium finishes. The 2019 season saw Cameron claim the championship title after scoring three victories and four podiums.  “I’m excited ...

Meyer Shank Racing Claims 2020 IMSA Championship

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--Press Release From Michael Shank Racing-- Second consecutive IMSA championship as MSR closes four year run with the Acura NSX GT3, looks forward to next chapter in DPi with Acura  Sebring, Fla. (14 November 2020) – Meyer Shank Racing closed out its four year IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship GTD class campaign with a second consecutive IMSA Championship title on Saturday night at Sebring International Raceway.  Mario Farnbacher, Matt McMurry and Shinya Michimi brought home the No. 86 Acura NSX GT3  third after a hard fought run in Saturday’s Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring. The full team effort earned xx points towards the 2020 championship, securing the second straight title for the Ohio-based team.  McMurry also made history after provisionally becoming the youngest IMSA competitor to win back-to-back championships (2019 LMP2 championship & 2020 GTD championship).  Meyer Shank Racing developed the Acura NSX GT3 ahead of its 2017 IMSA debut, raced t...

DANIEL HEMRIC JOINS JOE GIBBS RACING XFINITY SERIES TEAM IN 2021

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  --  Joe Gibbs Racing Press Release --  DANIEL HEMRIC JOINS JOE GIBBS RACING XFINITY SERIES TEAM IN 2021  29-year-old driver to compete fulltime in No. 18 Toyota Supra  HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. (Nov. 12, 2020) – Joe Gibbs Racing announced today that Daniel Hemric will drive the team’s No. 18 Toyota Supra fulltime in the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2021. The Kannapolis, North Carolina native has become a mainstay in NASCAR in recent years with 175 career starts across the three national series. Hemric’s Xfinity Series resume includes an impressive 30 top-five finishes and 51 top-10s in 87 starts and a pair of Championship 4 appearances in 2017 and 2018. “It’s been quite a roller coaster ride for me over the last few years, but I can’t say how thankful I am for the opportunity to drive for Joe Gibbs Racing,” said Hemric. “Their reputation speaks for itself. I know they have high expectations for me, as I do as well, and I could not be more excited to chase the Xfinity Ser...

NASCAR Cup Series Phoenix Review

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      By Justin Segar -         It's Chase Elliott's world, and we're all living in it. After a dominant performance Chase Elliott wins the race, and the 2020 Cup Series Championship. Phoenix Raceway hosted the championship race for the first time in the tracks history, and I do not think that it lived up to expectations, nor did it live up to the standard of a championship race. It was incredibly hard to pass, and it made the race come down to the race off of pit road, and restarts.      Although the stages don't matter much at all for those in the Championship Four Chase Elliott destroyed the field after he started in the back for failing pre race inspection twice. The remaining three drivers in the Championship Four largely controlled the race especially Joey Logano who lead basically the entire stage. Brad Keselowski's biggest struggle during the race showed up early, his pit crew being a tad slow on pit road.     Stag...

2021 NHRA Schedule Released

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-- Per NHRA Press Release -- NHRA officials have announced a 22-race 2021 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series schedule. Details on Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, and Pro Stock Motorcycle qualifying days as well as special exhibitions and specialty series that compete at national events will be announced in coming weeks. NHRA enters 2021 with a new sponsor on its premier professional series -– Camping World, the nation’s largest retailer of recreational vehicles (RVs), RV accessories, and RV-related services –- and an extended partnership with FOX Sports including amped-up coverage. All 22 events in this extreme sport series will be aired exclusively on FOX Sports with select events on the FOX broadcast network.  In 2021 NHRA will celebrate its 70th anniversary. Fans will experience special treats and features along the tour to commemorate this important milestone and honor the NHRA’s vast history.  “We are grateful to the loyal NHRA fans and other members of the racing comm...