Posted on by Staff Report

With NASCAR set to kick off Champion’s Week festivities in Nashville, Tennessee, this week, the final list of presenters for Thursday’s Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Awards has been announced — and it’s got a little bit of Nashville flair.

The group of highly respected celebrities ranges from NFL superstars to country music standouts to performers of the highest level on both the screen and in the squared circle.

RELATED: Full Champion’s Week schedule | TV schedule

Heisman Trophy winner and four-time NFL Pro Bowler for the Tennessee Titans Eddie George will be on hand, along with former Pro Bowl quarterback Jay Cutler and his TV personality wife, Kristin Cavallari.

Fellow local professional athletes in Nashville Predators captain Roman Josi and teammate/Olympic gold medalist Matt Duchene are also set to present. WWE superstar and four-time World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus will also be on hand to dish out awards.

Three-time Grammy winner and multi-platinum selling country superstar Darius Rucker will make an appearance, as well as multi-talented singer/songwriters Frankie Ballard, Clare Bowen, Danielle Bradbery and Lee Brice.

RELATED: Darius Rucker to perform at Daytona 500

Previously, it was announced that Cassadee Pope will be the event co-host alongside NASCAR on NBC’s Rutledge Wood for the highly anticipated year-end awards televised on NBCSN. Singer/songwriters Cole Swindell and Chris Janson are also set to perform.

For a full schedule of Champion’s Week events, go to https://championsweek.nascar.com/.

Posted on by Team Release

Go Fas Racing is proud to announce it has re-signed Corey LaJoie to continue as the driver of the No. 32 Ford Mustang for the 2020 NASCAR Cup Series season.

Both LaJoie and GFR are prepared to continue the year-to-year improvement of their program beginning with the 62nd running of the Daytona 500 in February with the addition of a new technical alliance with Stewart-Haas Racing.

RELATED: Catch up on Silly Season moves

“Mason (St. Hilaire) and I are excited to bring Corey back and continue Go Fas Racing’s growth with 2019 being our best year ever,” Go Fas Racing team owner Archie St. Hilaire said. “The Stewart-Haas Racing alliance should allow us to continue that progress throughout the 2020 season with all the great employees and marketing partners this team has. We couldn’t be more excited for the 2020 season to begin.”

The 28-year-old concluded his first full-time season in NASCAR’s premier series in 2019 by recording career-high statistics, including two top-10 finishes and seven top-20 results in the No. 32 entry.

“I’m really happy that we were able to work it out so I’m able to drive the No. 32 Mustang in 2020,” LaJoie said. “This group is a lot of fun to go racing with, and I look forward to utilizing these SHR cars and putting together some solid runs. We had some really good finishes in 2019, and I’m excited because with the potential we have going forward, we can make 2020 an even better year.”

The Charlotte, North Carolina, native joined the organization from TriStar Motorsports after the departure of Matt DiBenedetto at the conclusion of the 2018 season.

Schluter Systems, Keen Parts, Superior Logistics, Drydene Performance Products and many other partners from 2019 will be returning to the No. 32 car with some new partners to be announced soon.

Posted on by Team Release

STATESVILLE, NC — Halmar Friesen Racing (HFR) officials today announced plans to chase the 2020 NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series championship with driver Stewart Friesen.

The ’20 season marks a new beginning for HFR and the No. 52.

RELATED: Catch up with Silly Season moves

HFR makes the move to Toyota with the support of Toyota Racing Development (TRD).

“We were all very impressed after spending time with Toyota,” Friesen said. “TRD has been welcoming to our organization. With their support, knowledge and technology, we hope to bring our team to another level.”

HFR has secured a new base of operations in Statesville, North Carolina, Trucks will be purchased through Kyle Busch Motorsports.

Tripp Bruce returns to the team as Crew Chief. Gene Nead has been signed as Competition Director.

“Through this transition, we’ve been able to retain several members of our team from last season,” Friesen said. “They’ve remained loyal to us and have new energy going into 2020.”

HFR principal Chris Larsen feels HFR has assembled a championship-caliber organization.

“The championship is our goal,” Larsen said. “Making it to the ‘Final Four’ was an accomplishment, but we’re all competitive. You want to be sitting at the head table at the series banquet. We’re working to be that team.”

Friesen, 36, enjoyed a career season on the NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series in ’19, placing fourth in points and earning the first two victories of his career: on the dirt at Ohio’s Eldora Speedway in August and the ISM Raceway (Phoenix) in November.

In 23 events, Friesen’s two victories were accompanied by 12 top-five and 16 top-10 finishes.

The Canadian-born Friesen, who resides in Sprakers, New York, enters his fourth season of NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series competition.

Posted on by Track Release

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Three-time Grammy Award winner Darius Rucker will perform the DAYTONA 500 Pre-Race Show before the 62nd running of “The Great American Race” at Daytona International Speedway on Sunday, Feb. 16, the season-opening race for the NASCAR Cup Series (FOX, FOX Deportes, MRN Radio and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio).

Rucker, who first achieved multi-Platinum status as lead singer of the iconic pop-rock band Hootie & the Blowfish, has also earned chart-topping success as a solo artist. He has released five critically acclaimed country albums and notched nine No. 1 singles at country radio, also earning an induction into the famed Grand Ole Opry in 2012. Hootie & the Blowfish returned to the road in 2019 for their sold-out Group Therapy Tour and released Imperfect Circle, their first new album in nearly 15 years, last month.

RELATED: Buy tickets to the 2020 Daytona 500

“Darius Rucker’s appeal is massive, encompassing fans of both rock and country music, making him a perfect fit for fans attending ‘The Great American Race,’” said Daytona International Speedway President Chip Wile. “A talent like this is rare. Darius is a true American success story and we are proud to welcome him back once again.”

Fans who purchase UNOH Fanzone/Pre-Race Access for the DAYTONA 500 will be able to view Rucker’s DAYTONA 500 Pre-Race Show — as well as driver introductions — from the grass tri-oval area. A limited number of DAYTONA 500 Pre-Race Show ticket packages, available starting at $213, have been designed around Rucker’s appearance. The package includes a DAYTONA 500 ticket, UNOH Fanzone/Pre-Race Access and VIP area access to the performance. Race fans who have already purchased DAYTONA 500 tickets can add UNOH Fanzone/Pre-Race Access and VIP area access for $114. All VIP ticket packages are on sale now at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com/dariusrucker.

The 62nd annual DAYTONA 500 will be Rucker’s fourth appearance at Daytona International Speedway — and his third appearance as a solo artist. In 2002 and 2010, Rucker delivered solo performances before the Coke Zero Sugar 400, and in 2003, Hootie & The Blowfish took part in the Dale Earnhardt Tribute Concert.

Tickets for the 2020 DAYTONA 500 and all Daytona International Speedway events can be purchased online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP. Fans can stay connected with Daytona International Speedway on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube and Snapchat, and by downloading Daytona International Speedway’s mobile app, for the latest speedway news.

Posted on by Staff Report

Days before being feted as the 2019 Monster Energy Series champion, Kyle Busch won a title of another kind Monday night.

The Joe Gibbs Racing driver, in Nashville for Champion’s Week, took in the sights and sounds of WWE’s “Monday Night Raw” wrestling show and earned another title in the process.

Yes, Busch — with a helping hand (three times) from Michael Waltrip — won a WWE championship belt, the company’s “24/7” championship.

Busch and Waltrip had been shown earlier in the program as celebrity guests in the crowd, then later got involved in the action. Wrestler R-Truth, who lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, and was the 24/7 champion, approached Busch and Waltrip and brought them onto the floor outside the ring.

Waltrip slowly unzipped his pullover to reveal a referee shirt, allowing Busch to sneak behind R-Truth and pin him for the title with Waltrip making the three-count.

RELATED: Champion’s Week schedule

The 24/7 championship is the WWE title that can be defended 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Any time, any place.

So, Busch is champion … for now.

Champion’s Week formally kicks off Tuesday in Music City, so “Rowdy” will have to be on high alert.

Editor’s note: According to the WWE Instagram account, Busch lost the championship back to R-Truth later Monday night following an R-Truth surprise pin in the dressing room area.

Posted on by Staff Report

Brad Keselowski and wife Paige have welcomed their second bundle of joy into the world, sharing a photo of their newborn daughter, Autumn, on Monday afternoon.

The couple’s first child, 4-year-old daughter Scarlett, is also seen taking in a special moment with her new baby sister.

Congratulations to the Keselowski family on their newest addition.

Posted on by Staff Report

NASCAR.com will live stream two events from Champion’s Week in Nashville, Tennessee, the first time the NASCAR Awards will be held in the country music capital. Be sure to bookmark this page and come back for an exciting glimpse into the gala as the sport gathers to celebrate NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch.

RELATED: Full Champion’s Week schedule | TV schedule

On Wednesday at 7:45 p.m. ET, join us for Burnouts on Broadway as playoff drivers take over the Music City’s main drag. Tune in to see who gives the best burnout in front of the crowd, or just come for the crowd — the people watching is bound to be good, as those who’ve been to Nashville know.

Then, on Thursday from 5:30-6:45 p.m. ET, NASCAR.com’s Jonathan Merryman and Alex Weaver will report live from the red carpet as NASCAR’s brightest stars file in for the NASCAR Awards Show later that evening (8 p.m. ET on NBCSN). See all the suits and fancy dresses as NASCAR’s best get ready to celebrate the 2019 season in style. You won’t want to miss it.

Posted on by Team Release

HARRISBURG, N.C. (December 2, 2019) – JTG Daugherty Racing announced today the official driver, car number and crew chief lineup for the 2020 NASCAR Cup Series season. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. will take over the No. 47 Chevrolet, adding crew chief Brian Pattie to the organization. Ryan Preece will be at the helm of the No. 37 Chevrolet with crew chief Trent Owens.

Pattie joins JTG Daugherty Racing from Roush Fenway Racing where he was the crew chief with Ricky Stenhouse Jr. the past three seasons. A crew chief in the NASCAR Cup Series for 16 years, he has six wins with three drivers, two of which were with Stenhouse Jr.

“We’re really looking forward to welcoming Brian Pattie to JTG Daugherty Racing,” team owner Tad Geschickter said. “With Brian’s veteran experience and knowledge at NASCAR’s premier level, we know he is going to be a great asset to the organization and work well with Ricky Stenhouse Jr.”

RELATED: Key drivers in Silly Season

“I’m very grateful to have Brian join me at JTG Daugherty Racing next season,” Stenhouse Jr. said. “Working together the past several seasons, our relationship away from the track has really developed and I know that will speed up the process of getting familiar and plugged into the team as quick as possible. He knows what I’m looking for and I know what he expects from me. This team is a great fit for both of us, and we’re looking forward to contributing to the success JTG Daugherty Racing has been building.”

Owens enters his fourth year as the crew chief on the No. 37 car in 2020. He led the team to four top-10 finishes and 12 top-15 finishes in 2019, improving the team’s average finishing position from 21.0 to 17.8. Previously, he worked at Richard Petty Motorsports from 2014 through 2016, where he earned his first NASCAR Cup Series win with Aric Almirola at Daytona International Speedway in 2014.

“Trent is a veteran at our organization leading the charge on the No. 37 car for the past three seasons,” Geschickter said. “He elevated a young driver in his second year in the series to consistently running in the top 15, and we have high expectations that he will be a great fit with Ryan Preece next year in his sophomore season.”

MORE: Stenhouse Jr. joins team

“I’m really looking forward to working with Trent Owens this upcoming season,” Preece said. “Our teams worked closely together in 2019. It was impressive to see what he’s done with the No. 37 team the last three years. I really want to continue building on that and bringing both cars into the top 15 regularly next year.”

The 2020 NASCAR Cup Series season kicks off at Daytona International Speedway for the Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 16 at 2:30 pm ET on FOX and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

Posted on by NASCAR.com

Name: Brandon
Current City: Prestonsburg, KY
Member Since: 2017

Getting to KNOW Brandon:
​
Q. ​ How did you first become interested in NASCAR? 

“I first fell in love with NASCAR as a kid in the late 90s.  I don’t remember exactly where the first race was that I watched, but I remember seeing all these brightly colored cars roaring by with incredible engines and an overall sense of excitement from the crowd and the commentary. It only took that one day to make me addicted for life. That first sight of these beautiful stock cars racing side by side, the spectacle of the crashes, and the overall energy and excitement is something that once it gets in your system, you can’t get it out!”

Q: What is your favorite part about NASCAR?

“NASCAR racing offers a little bit of everything. You get action, drama, excitement, and even the occasional fight! Every week you don’t know what to expect, so you have to tune in or show up to see. Watching NASCAR on TV provides an enjoyable sport to take in, and it provides an opportunity for the family to gather around and watch together over the course of a weekend. Watching on TV, of course, is great, but actually going to the race track and seeing this LIVE is an experience like no other. The experience of walking around, catching a glimpse of your favorite car, or maybe even your favorite on-air personality or driver! Once you go to your first race, you are destined to be hooked. There’s just no other choice!”

Q: Do you have a favorite in any of the following categories?

Driver: “Kyle Larson.”
Track: “Talladega.”
OEM: “Chevy.”

Q: What are some of your Raceday Traditions? 

“Pick up a pizza on my way home from church, get the TV tuned in to the right channel, use my NASCAR Mobile App to listen to pre-race radio chatter, and get hyped up for the excitement that is about to take place!”

Q: What are some of your Hobbies? 

“Play classic and current NASCAR video games, watch old NASCAR clips on YouTube, and play guitar.”

FROM ALL OF US AT NASCAR, WE THANK BRANDON FOR HIS CONTINUED SUPPORT AND LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM HIM IN 2020! Look for Brandon on the Official NASCAR Fan Council page on NASCAR.COM.

Posted on by Track Release

After more than four decades of service to the NASCAR industry, including the last 27 years at Atlanta Motor Speedway, facility President Ed Clark will retire following the 2020 Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500, Speedway Motorsports officials announced Monday.

Clark joined Speedway Motorsports in 1981 as a member of the public relations department at Charlotte Motor Speedway. He was quickly promoted to Director of Public Relations, and in 1987 was named the Vice President of Events at America’s Home for Racing. In 1992, Speedway Motorsports Executive Chairman Bruton Smith tapped Clark to be the General Manager of Atlanta Motor Speedway. He added the title of AMS President in 1995. Clark, 64, is the second-longest tenured employee at Speedway Motorsports, trailing only Smith, the company founder.

RELATED: 2020 NASCAR schedule

“Ed has been a pillar in the motorsports industry for more than 40 years, and the full effect of his work at Atlanta Motor Speedway is impossible to measure,” said Marcus Smith, president and CEO of Speedway Motorsports. “His tireless leadership and focus on creating unmatched fan experiences at each of his events sets him apart from his peers and has a direct impact on the success of Atlanta Motor Speedway and Speedway Motorsports.”

During his early career at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Clark was a member of the leadership team that created the first NASCAR All-Star Race and NASCAR Media Tour. At Atlanta Motor Speedway, Clark supervised the expansive growth and modernization of the facility with the addition of luxury suites, condominiums and Club One hospitality, as well as a rebuild of the complex after much of it was destroyed by a tornado in 2005.

Most recently, Clark has spearheaded efforts to add more major events like the Imagine Music Festival, Georgia State Fair and U.S. Legend Car racing to the speedway’s annual calendar, increasing Atlanta Motor Speedway’s track rental business, brand awareness and regional economic impact.

“Growing up on a tobacco farm in Virginia, I never dreamed as a boy that I’d have the opportunity to work in this sport for 44 seasons,” said Clark. “I have been privileged to work with and for many amazing people and I will be forever grateful for how they allowed me to follow and live my dream. It’s been a true blessing and a wonderful journey.”

“We are beyond grateful for Ed’s service to our company and to the entire NASCAR community,” added Marcus Smith. “We’re also blessed that Ed will continue to lead Atlanta Motor Speedway through the March 15 Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500, so that the fans, drivers and sponsors can join us to say ‘thank you’ to a man whose countless contributions and dedication to our sport will be remembered for years to come.”

In addition to his work at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Clark serves on the board of directors of Speedway Children’s Charities and the Flint River Scout Council.

Outside of racing, Clark’s interests include fishing and horticulture. He and his wife, Teresa, reside in Peachtree City, Georgia.