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Mooresville, N.C. – In a surprise twist to an already star-studded event, award-winning superstar duo Florida Georgia Line announced today that they will perform at the Martin Truex Jr. Foundation’s 8th annual Catwalk for a Cause childhood and ovarian cancers fundraiser May 17.

 

“We have always believed that music is healing and are super excited to bring our songs and good vibes to the night,” said FGL’s Brian Kelley. “It’s in our hearts to give back and we are honored to be a part of this amazing event.”

 

Catwalk for a Cause is an evening dedicated to celebrating children and teens who have beaten or continue to fight cancer, while raising money for childhood and ovarian cancers. This year’s 15 “Catwalk Heroes” are ages 3 to 17 years old and will be introduced leading up to the event via the MTJ Foundation’s Facebook page.

 

“These families have been through so much, and this night is about them,” said Martin Truex Jr.’s partner, Sherry Pollex. “We’re ecstatic and so thankful Tyler and Brian accepted our invitation! This will be an incredible surprise for our Catwalk Heroes, and for the hundreds who have already bought tickets!”

 

The evening’s highlight is when each “Catwalk Hero” is escorted down the runway by NASCAR favorites such as Dale Earnhardt Jr. and wife, Amy; Danica Patrick; Ryan Newman, Joey Logano; Ricky Stenhouse Jr.; Jamie McMurray and wife, Christy; and of course co-founders of the foundation, Martin Truex Jr. and Sherry Pollex. Retailer Belk is working with the Foundation to produce the fashion show and will outfit the children, participating NASCAR drivers and their partners in Belk fashions.

 

A limited number of tickets remain for the May 17 fundraiser that kicks off a series of racing season highlights (NASCAR’s All-Star Race, May 20; the Coca-Cola 600, May 28). The program will feature up-and-coming pop star Calysta (“Caly”) Bevier, 17, whose performance of “Fight Song” on TV’s America’s Got Talent prompted famously critical judge Simon Cowell to use his only “golden buzzer,” catapulting Bevier to the finals. In 2015, Bevier underwent surgery to combat stage 3c ovarian cancer — the same diagnosis Pollex faced in 2014.

 

This year, Statesville (N.C.) Regional Airport sets a dramatic backdrop for the James Bond-themed event, complete with Casino Royale games held among the hangars, signature cocktails, themed food stations and heavy hors d’oeuvres. The evening includes silent and live auctions.

 

Furniture Row is Catwalk 2017’s Presenting Sponsor and also sponsors Truex Jr.’s No. 78 Toyota.

 

“Furniture Row is thrilled to be part of this year’s Catwalk for a Cause, a very popular charitable event in the NASCAR community,” said Barney Visser, owner of Furniture Row and Furniture Row Racing. “We are so proud to be affiliated with Martin and Sherry who have passionately worked to raise awareness and funds to help fight childhood and ovarian cancer.”

“The Furniture Row family has supported me through so much, and I’m really appreciative they would become such a big part of what Sherry and I are most passionate about — giving these kids and their families an unforgettable night,” Truex Jr. said.

 

Date: Wednesday, May 17, 2017
Time: 5:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Location: Statesville Airport (details provided to participants)
Dress: Cocktail attire optional
Tickets: Visit www.Catwalk4ACause.org

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BUY TICKETS: See the races at Talladega

 

Hooters returns to NASCAR this week with Chase Elliott driving the No. 24 Hooters Chevrolet SS May 7 at Talladega Superspeedway. To celebrate the event, Hooters invites fans to cheer Elliott and his No. 24 team to victory and register at Hooters24.com for chances to win when Elliott wins or places in the top 5 all season long. To receive exclusive “When Chase Wins, You Win” offers, join the Hooters No. 24 Crew at Hooters24.com. If Elliott wins a NASCAR Cup Series race during the remaining 2017 season, registered fans nationwide win a select Hooters appetizer of fried pickles, tater tots or cheese sticks with purchase. If Elliott places in the top five of a NASCAR Cup Series race this season, Hooters fans win a free Mountain Dewu00ae with purchase.

 

Members of the Hooters No. 24 Crew are also entered to win bonus prizes. One lucky winner snags a grand prize trip for two to Las Vegas, including a stay at Hooters Casino and a meet-and-greet with Elliott.

 

Hooters has served as a primary sponsor in more than 150 Cup-level races, notably as the full-season sponsor of 1992 premier series champion Alan Kulwicki. That year, Kulwicki won two races and narrowly edged Elliott’s father, 1988 Cup champion Bill Elliott, by 10 points to win the title.

 

Hooters is a three-race primary sponsor and full-season associate sponsor of the No. 24 team in both 2017 and 2018. The Hooters Chevrolet SS will appear again on Nov. 5 at Texas Motor Speedway and Nov. 12 at Phoenix International Speedway.

 

Fans are encouraged to use the #Hooters24 hashtag throughout the year to share their excitement and engage via social media.

 

To receive “When Chase Wins, You Win” coupons via email, register for the Hooters No. 24 Crew in advance of race day at Hooters24.com. Each coupon is redeemable two weeks after the qualifying race at Hooters locations nationwide, dine-in only. Select appetizers qualify for the deal. No purchase necessary for grand prize trip to Las Vegas and purchases do not increase chances of winning. Must be 18 years or older and a legal resident of the (48) contiguous United States or Washington, D.C., to qualify. Registration ends Oct. 23, 2017.

 

To find your nearest Hooters location, visit Hooters.com.

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BUY TICKETS: See the races at Talladega

Chase Elliott will host a Chase University “Chase U” event at 4 p.m. CT Saturday ahead of Sunday’s GEICO 500 at Talladega Superspeedway.

The program, held in the “Chase U” College Zone of North Park, is designed as a pre-race party for college students. Attendees must have a valid college ID to enter.

For the low price of $24 — linked with Elliott’s No. 24 Chevrolet — fans will enjoy the following:

• A grandstand ticket in the Gadsden Grandstand (Turn 4) for Sunday’s Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series GEICO 500, with the ability to bring a soft cooler full of drinks into the race (click here for requirements).

• Admission to Friday’s “Big One on the Blvd” driver parade.

• Admission to The Charlie Daniels Band concert on Saturday night.

• Tram service in and out on the track on Friday and Saturday night for the parade and the concert.

• A DJ for the party and more at the “Chase U” site, which also will offer free parking for participants.

 

• Admission into the “Chase U” tailgating zone all weekend.

Elliott, who currently ranks second in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series standings, is scheduled to make an appearance at the event at 5:15 p.m. and do an exclusive Q&A session with participants.

#ChaseU returning to @TalladegaSuperS! $24 for 3 days of fun (and camping) at the party capital of @NASCAR! https://t.co/YI3zwYwdt2

Elliott hosted Chase U events at Atlanta Motor Speedway in March and this past weekend at Richmond International Raceway. The initiative kicked off late last season.

Click here to purchase tickets and obtain more information.

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RELATED: Read more Inside Groove

 

The third short track race out of the past four races ended with. If you ask me, that’snews to hear—at least for me,.

I feel pretty bad for, though. Certainly, he didn’t intend on, but you can’t.

Since I am, hearing about Dale Jr.’s retirement this week made me feel so! It’sthat

Anyway, now that the race is over, it’s time for!

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Paul Wolfe, crew chief of the No. 2 Ford fielded for driver Brad Keselowski in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, will not travel with the team to this week’s Geico 500 at Talladega Superspeedway.

According to a team spokesperson, team engineer Brian Wilson will handle the crew chief duties during Wolfe’s absence.

The organization, which fields entries in the series for Keselowski and Joey Logano, has withdrawn its request to defer Wolfe’s suspension, a request that was subsequently granted.

 

RELATED: More on final appeal | Brad’s all-time wins

Wolfe will sit out the season’s 10th race as Team Penske officials await a Final Appeal hearing scheduled for next Tuesday at the NASCAR Research & Development Center in Concord, North Carolina. It will be the second race Wolfe has missed since the team was penalized for post-race irregularities following this year’s Camping World 500 at Phoenix Raceway.

Keselowski finished fifth in the Phoenix race, but the No. 2 entry failed the post-race rear wheel steer on the LIS (Laser Inspection Station).

NASCAR fined Wolfe $65,000 and suspended him for three Monster Energy Series races while Keselowski and the No. 2 team were docked 35 driver and owner points, respectively.

Wolfe sat out the Auto Club 400 the week after the Phoenix race, and Team Penske officials filed notice for an appeal. On April 12, a three-member National Motorsports Appeals Panel upheld the original penalties.

The organization filed for a Final Appeal, which will be heard by Final Appeals officer Brian Moss next week. If the initial ruling is upheld, Wolfe would be required to sit out one more race, the Go Bowling 400 at Kansas Speedway scheduled for May 13.

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BUY TICKETS: See the All-Star Race at Charlotte

 

LOS ANGELES — The Monster Energy Bellator MMA Fight Series visits Charlotte Motor Speedway during the Monster Energy NASCAR All-Star Race weekend on Saturday, May 20, and will feature several MMA bouts throughout the afternoon prior to the start of the on-track racing action. All bouts are set to take place between 3:30-5 p.m. ET at the Monster Energy display in the Charlotte Motor Speedway Fan Zone.

 

Additionally, fans will have the opportunity to meet two of the biggest names in the history of the sport on Friday, May 19, when former UFC champion Tito Ortiz and former PRIDE and STRIKEFORCE titleholder Dan Henderson will be available to sign autographs at the Monster Energy display in the Charlotte Motor Speedway Fan Zone between 3-4 p.m. ET.

 

Through Bellator MMA, along with longstanding partner Monster Energy, mixed martial arts will be included as a pre-race activation exclusively for fans in attendance. The lineup on Saturday will consist of four MMA bouts featuring some of the best regional up-and-coming talent, with the main event prospects in consideration to be signed to a multi-fight Bellator MMA contract.

 

The Monster Energy NASCAR All-Star Race takes place Saturday, May 20 at 8 p.m. ET, airing live on FS1. Tickets to the Monster Energy NASCAR All-Star race are available at ‪NASCAR.com/tickets or by calling Charlotte Motor Speedway at 1-800-455-FANS (3267).

 

Monster Energy Bellator MMA Fight Series at Charlotte Motor Speedway Fight Card:

Heavyweight Main Event: Allen Crowder (7-2, Mebane, N.C.) vs. Robert Neal (4-2, Jefferson, Ga.)

Welterweight Bout: Jeremie Holloway (8-2, Charlotte, N.C) vs. Jacob McClintock (8-2, Charleston, S.C.)

Lightweight Bout: Mike Stevens (6-3, Winston-Salem, N.C) vs. Lashawn Alcocks (6-8, Wilmington, N.C.)

Light Heavyweight Bout: Allen Bose (5-0, Jacksonville, N.C.) vs. Chris Crawford (8-5, Durham, N.C)

 

Visit Bellator.com for details.

 

*Event schedule subject to change.

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RELATED: Read more Inside Groove

 

It’s been quite a drought for Jimmie Johnson.

 

Despite winning the two previous races before Sunday’s outing at Richmond International Raceway, Johnson hasn’t won a single race since — creating a whopping, one-race winless streak that’s probably a career high or something. 

 

Johnson made contact with Hendrick Motorsports teammate Dale Earnhardt Jr. late in the race Sunday (and earned the ire of Junior Nation in the process), but only finished 11th — a position that many racing historians claim is actually 10 positions lower than first place. 

 

This new week-long winless drought is clear evidence that the No. 48 team has lost its touch. 

 

Sure, Johnson has faced a winless drought before — most recently when he snapped a 24-race streak with a breakthrough victory at Charlotte Motor Speedway last fall that propelled him to a record-tying seventh Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series championship — but can he do it again? History says, “Yes, of course, you idiot.” But something inside me says, “Maybe I should insinuate ‘no’ because I have major beard envy.”

 

Look, Jimmie Johnson is far and away the winningest active driver. The No. 48 team has won 82 times since 2002, more than double the next driver. And yes, I’ll admit, Johnson’s seven Cup titles are more than the rest of the field combined. If he’s so great, then why didn’t he win after his crash Sunday at Richmond?

 

I know, I know. Before Joey Logano won Sunday at Richmond, Jimmie Johnson had won a quarter of the races in 2017. And, yes, history says he’ll contend for victories at the remaining 27 races this year — having won at all but three of the remaining tracks on the schedule. 

 

But the fact remains: Jimmie Johnson didn’t win the race this past weekend and now faces a monstrous one-race winless streak.

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BUY TICKETS: See the races at Talladega

 

CONCORD, N.C. — William Byron said it was contact from another vehicle that caused the JR Motorsports driver to run into Daniel Suarez near the finish of last Saturday’s NASCAR XFINITY Series race at Richmond International Raceway.

 

Six cars were involved in the incident, which unfolded in the closing laps of the ToyotaCare 250.

 

“We got hit from behind and that sent us up into him,” Byron said Tuesday after wrapping up testing at Charlotte Motor Speedway. “Just not a good situation. You never want to be in a situation like that.”


MORE: See which drivers participated in Charlotte test

 

Suarez, the 2016 series champion and now a full-time competitor in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series for Joe Gibbs Racing, posted on Twitter the following day “Good job @WilliamByron for making a mess on yesterday’s race … today is a new day with a strong race car.”

 

The two drivers were running inside the top 10 when the accident occurred on the first lap of a restart. Suarez was able to continue and eventually finished 21st while Byron was unable to return and wound up 30th.

 

Byron said he and Suarez “have talked” since the incident.

 

“Really, we were just following each other into the corner double-file, everyone was jockeying for the restart; we got nudged and hit into him and that ruined our day, too,” Byron said. “Not a good situation but hopefully we can rebound from that for Talladega. It’s going to be a totally different environment there and we’ll just see what happens.”

 

The series moves to Talladega Superspeedway this weekend for Saturday’s Sparks Energy 300 (1 p.m. ET, FOX, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR).

 

Byron won seven times last season in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series for Kyle Busch Motorsports. He is competing for Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors this year in the XFINITY Series for JRM.

 

The 30th-place finish has been the only blemish on an otherwise solid season thus far for the 19-year-old. Through eight races, he has posted five top-10 finishes and is third in points, trailing teammates Elliott Sadler and Justin Allgaier.

 

“I think he’s done a great job,” Allgaier said of Byron. “Coming in, he’s asked a lot of great questions and been very open to learning.

 

“There have been a lot of weeks that he’s been kind of the flagship for our company. Especially the mile and a halves, he’s been lights out.”

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BUY TICKETS: See the races at Talladega

 

CONCORD, N.C. — The torch has been passed, and Ryan Blaney is just fine with that.

 

After a couple of early season incidents with fellow driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. drew the wrath of Junior Nation, Blaney says it now Jimmie Johnson’s turn to face the music.

 

MORE: Junior on Blaney: ‘We’ll sort it out’

“They’ve got someone else to worry about now, to hate on,” Blaney said Tuesday following a day of on-track testing for NASCAR XFINITY and Camping World Truck Series teams at Charlotte Motor Speedway. “Get the focus off me.”

 

Johnson, a seven-time Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series champion, slammed into the side of his Hendrick Motorsports teammate during Sunday’s Toyota Owners 400 at Richmond International Raceway. Social media posts from fans after the incident weren’t kind.


MORE: Jimmie, Dale clear the air | Jimmie takes on Twitter haters

 

Even Earnhardt Jr. got in on the act, playfully posting “Ya bro, you made my CD skip” on Twitter.

 

Sporting a Bill Elliott T-shirt and Darrell “Bubba” Wallace ball cap Tuesday, Blaney said he and Earnhardt have moved past Blaney’s verbal outburst at Phoenix and an on-track incident at Martinsville.

 

“Honestly we were good,” Blaney said. “Dale, Amy (Earnhardt) and I were good; we had the deal happen at Phoenix and I left her flowers at their bus. The Martinsville deal happened, Dale and I talked a few days after that and we were good. We actually talked at Texas; we were neighbors at Texas in the bus lot. We talked for a bit there and were good there.”

 

Good enough that Blaney, driver of the iconic No. 21 Ford fielded by Wood Brothers Racing, hitched a ride home with the Earnhardts following Sunday’s Richmond race.

 

“That was actually the first time I’ve been back to his house,” Blaney said. “He gave me a ride home; I flew home with him from Richmond, which was really nice of them. Then I went to his house and … probably didn’t see my bed until about 4:30 that morning. So that was an early Monday debrief.

 

 

“But it was good, we had a good time and it was cool to get back over there with them. They’re great people.”

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BUY TICKETS: See the races at Las Vegas

 

MOORESVILLE, N.C. — Action sports legend Travis Pastrana will join Niece Motorsports for select events during the 2017 season, kicking off with a test on Tuesday at Charlotte Motor Speedway in the No. 45 Chevy Silverado.

Pastrana’s most recent NASCAR Camping World Truck Series start came in 2015 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. In addition to his NCWTS experience, Pastrana has one pole and four top-10 finishes in the NASCAR XFINITY Series, all coming in 2013.

 

MORE: Travis Pastrana’s NASCAR stats

 

He’ll get behind the wheel of a NASCAR ride once again at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Saturday, Sept. 30 at 8 p.m. ET on FS1 in the Las Vegas 350.

 

“I love NASCAR, and Las Vegas is always a good time, so I’m really looking forward to racing there later this season,” said Pastrana. “The seat time at Charlotte will be a huge help for me to get up to speed and for the team to get a solid base setup for when we show up to race later in the year. I’ve actually worked with several of the people on this team in the past. It’s a fun group and we have a good rapport.

 

“NASCAR is something that challenges me. I’ve done a lot of work over the past couple of years to try and improve my pavement skills. I’m racing my first full year of Rally since 2010, and I’m fresh off my first win in over a year, so it’s really exciting to be able to get behind the wheel again and see what we can do in the Truck Series.”

 

To get the week started, Pastrana will host an event in conjunction with K1 Speed in Concord, North Carolina from 6-7 p.m. ET, including autographs with fellow Niece Motorsports driver T.J. Bell. More information on the event can be found here.

 

Pastrana reunites with Cody Efaw, who served as his car chief in the NASCAR XFINITY Series in 2013. In 2017, Efaw has assumed the role of crew chief of the No. 45 Chevy at Niece Motorsports.

 

“Any time you can team up with someone you’ve worked well with in the past, there’s obviously a level of comfort there,” said Pastrana. “I know the group of guys that Niece Motorsports has assembled is going to give me a great shot at running well.”

 

Serving as Pastrana’s primary sponsor for the race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway will be Wienerschnitzel. Additionally, Black Rifle Coffee Company, SilencerCo, Nitro Circus, Alpinestars and Palms Casino Resort will provide sponsorship support to the No. 45 team for the race.

 

Niece Motorsports, which is owned by Marine Corps veteran Al Niece, has competed in a partial schedule during the 2017 season, with plans of running full-time moving into 2018 and beyond.

 

“We are thrilled to have Travis behind the wheel this season,” said Niece. “He’s extremely passionate about NASCAR and committed to working with us to have the best run possible in Las Vegas.”