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Le Mans 24 Hours: Update

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing will aim to honour its illustrious Le Mans heritage by challenging for its sixth victory at La Sarthe this year and, while the #7 GR010 HYBRID reflects that past, the matt black livery of the #8 GR010 HYBRID – driven by Sébastien Buemi, Brendon Hartley and Ryo Hirakawa – represents the present. […]

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TOYOTA GAZOO Racing will aim to honour its illustrious Le Mans heritage by challenging for its sixth victory at La Sarthe this year and, while the #7 GR010 HYBRID reflects that past, the matt black livery of the #8 GR010 HYBRID – driven by Sébastien Buemi, Brendon Hartley and Ryo Hirakawa – represents the present. Its familiar design is built around a striking GR logo element that captures the team’s spirit of “Speed” and “Hate to lose”, as well as the “Prototype” concept which reflects the making ever-better motorsports-bred cars and continuous evolution. Both GR010 HYBRIDs will also carry a new logo highlighting the 40th anniversary of Toyota’s Le Mans debut. 

wec003While the past and present meet on track with the unique GR010 HYBRID liveries, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing will also look to the future at Le Mans this year. Activities to highlight ongoing hydrogen projects in endurance racing will showcase how motorsports contribute to the development of technologies with the potential to achieve a carbon neutral, sustainable future. 

During four decades at Le Mans, Toyota, its drivers, team members and fans have experienced joy, heartbreak and drama, contributing to the race’s rich history. Since its first official entry at Le Mans in 1985 and prior to this year’s event, a total of 61 Toyota cars have competed at La Sarthe, in 26 editions of the Le Mans 24 Hours, earning five wins, 18 podiums and eight pole positions. Via those entries, 62 drivers from 16 different nationalities have played their part in establishing Toyota’s Le Mans heritage. 

That history began in 1985 with the 85C, powered by a road car-derived engine, and Toyota’s performance constantly improved on the way to achieving a first podium in 1992. Having participated with prototype cars for its first decade, new regulations prompted Toyota to compete with the legendary Toyota Supra in 1995-96. For its next Le Mans era, Toyota aimed for overall victory in 1998-99, with the TS020, which earned its first pole position, in 1999. Toyota’s longest Le Mans exile lasted from 2000 to 2011, until it returned in 2012 to take hybrid development to a new, high-performance level, achieving victory in 2018, the first of three consecutive wins for the TS050 HYBRID. The winning run continued into the current Hypercar era, which brought two more wins, with the GR010 HYBRID in 2021 and 2022, before consecutive runners-up finishes.





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Atlanta Motor Speedway new name

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Motor Speedway has a new name!  Gov. Brian Kemp joined Speedway Motorsports and EchoPark Automotive for the announcement on Tuesday, in which the new name was revealed: EchoPark Speedway.  According to a release from the speedway, it’s part of a new partnership that will carry the EchoPark brand through a seven-year, […]

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ATLANTA — The Atlanta Motor Speedway has a new name! 

Gov. Brian Kemp joined Speedway Motorsports and EchoPark Automotive for the announcement on Tuesday, in which the new name was revealed: EchoPark Speedway. 

According to a release from the speedway, it’s part of a new partnership that will carry the EchoPark brand through a seven-year, multi-million-dollar agreement. 

EchoPark Automotive is one of three operating segments of Sonic Automotive, Inc., a Fortune 300 company and a leading automotive and powersports retailer in the U.S. 

“We’re thrilled to partner with an innovative, customer-focused company like EchoPark Automotive as the entitlement partner of our newly named EchoPark Speedway,” Speedway Motorsports President and CEO Marcus Smith said. “EchoPark Automotive is as committed to exceptional customer service as we are, and we know that together we’ll elevate our fan experience to a new level unmatched for Southern hospitality. This partnership will fuel great experiences for fans attending our speedway for years to come.”

EchoPark Automotive operates 17 locations in 13 markets, including Georgia, Tennessee and Alabama.

“This partnership allows us to share the value of the exceptional EchoPark car-buying experience with more guests in Atlanta and the surrounding area who enjoy the excitement of NASCAR racing at this iconic venue,” Sonic Automotive Chairman and CEO David B. Smith added. 

The speedway hosts two NASCAR Cup Series events annually, including the Quaker State 400 starting on June 28. For more information about EchoPark Speedway and its upcoming races, click here. 

News happens fast. Download our 11Alive News app for all the latest breaking updates, and sign up for our Speed Feed newsletter to get a rundown of the latest headlines across north Georgia.



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AUTO RACING: Blaney earns 1st season win in NASCAR and F1’s McLaren duo extends lead

By The Associated Press All Times Eastern NASCAR CUP SERIES Firekeepers Casino 400 Site: Brooklyn, Michigan. Track: Michigan International Speedway. Race distance: 200 laps, 400 miles. Schedule: Saturday, practice, 9:30 a.m., qualifying, 10:40 a.m.; Sunday, race, 2 p.m. (Prime Video and MAX). Last year: Tyler Reddick held off William Byron to earn the win in […]

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By The Associated Press

All Times Eastern

NASCAR CUP SERIES

Firekeepers Casino 400

Site: Brooklyn, Michigan.

Track: Michigan International Speedway.

Race distance: 200 laps, 400 miles.

Schedule: Saturday, practice, 9:30 a.m., qualifying, 10:40 a.m.; Sunday, race, 2 p.m. (Prime Video and MAX).

Last year: Tyler Reddick held off William Byron to earn the win in double overtime, giving him his second victory of the season.

Last race: Ryan Blaney led a race-best 139 of 300 laps at Nashville, earning his first series win of the year and securing him a spot in the playoffs.

Next race: June 15, Mexico City.

Online: http://www.nascar.com

NASCAR XFINITY SERIES

Last race: Justin Allgaier took the his third series win of the season in Nashville while holding off a late surge from rookie teammate Connor Zilisch.

Next race: June 14, Mexico City.

Online: http://www.nascar.com

NASCAR CRAFTSMAN TRUCK SERIES

DQS Solutions & Staffing 200 Powered by Precision Vehicle Logistics

Site: Brooklyn, Michigan.

Track: Michigan International Speedway.

Race distance: 125 laps, 250 miles.

Schedule: Friday, practice, 1 p.m.; Saturday, qualifying, 8:05 a.m., race, Noon (FOX).

Last year: The last race which was held in 2020, was won by Zane Smith after a last-lap pass in double overtime.

Last race: Rajah Caruth broke a 31-race winless streak and earned his second career series win while leading the final 51 laps in Nashville.

Next race: June 20, Long Pond, Pennsylvania.

Online: http://www.nascar.com

FORMULA ONE

Last race: Oscar Piastri secured the victory and held off teammate Lando Norris in Spain to take back momentum after Norris’s previous win at Monaco.

Next race: June 15, Montreal.

Online: http://www.formula1.com

INDYCAR

Last race: Kyle Kirkwood surged ahead on a late restart to take his second win of the season.

Next race: June 15, Madison, Illinois.

Online: http://www.indycar.com

NHRA DRAG RACING

Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals

Site: Bristol, Tennessee.

Track: Bristol Dragway.

Race distance: 1/4 mile.

Schedule: Friday, qualifying, 6 p.m., qualifying, 8:30 p.m.; Saturday, qualifying, 12:30 p.m., qualifying, 3 p.m.; Sunday, race, Noon.

Next race: June 22, North Dinwiddie, Virginia.

Online: http://www.nhra.com

WORLD OF OUTLAWS

World of Outlaws Fendt Showdown

Site: Jackson, Minnesota.

Track: Jackson Motorplex.

World of Outlaws Badger State Triple

Site: Plymouth, Wisconsin.

Track: Plymouth Dirt Track.

World of Outlaws Jim “JB” Memorial

Site: Beaver Dam, Wisconsin.

Track: Beaver Dam Raceway.

World of Outlaws Badger State Triple

Site: Sun Prairie, Wisconsin.

Track: Angell Park Speedway.

Next events: June 13-14, Knoxville, Iowa.

Online: http://worldofoutlaws.com

_____

AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/apf-AutoRacing





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DVIDS – News – New DeCA-themed race car logo unveiled at Fort Gregg-Adams Commissary ahead of simulator’s 54-store tour

By Mike Perron, DeCA public affairs specialist NOTE: To see a DeCA video related to this release, click https://vimeo.com/1090105713/2b54e7ac1c. FORT GREGG-ADAMS, Va. – The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) hosted NASCAR Xfinity Series team JR Motorsports (JRM) driver Justin Allgaier at its Fort Gregg-Adams Commissary in Virginia May 14. During the visit, team sponsor Unilever […]

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By Mike Perron, DeCA public affairs specialist

NOTE: To see a DeCA video related to this release, click https://vimeo.com/1090105713/2b54e7ac1c.

FORT GREGG-ADAMS, Va. – The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) hosted NASCAR Xfinity Series team JR Motorsports (JRM) driver Justin Allgaier at its Fort Gregg-Adams Commissary in Virginia May 14.

During the visit, team sponsor Unilever joined Allgaier to unveil this year’s custom paint scheme bearing the commissaries’ logo on the hood of a full-sized simulator of the team’s No. 7 Chevrolet. Allgaier piloted the actual No. 7 Chevy in the BetMGM 300 race May 24 at Charlotte Motor Speedway in North Carolina, finishing fourth.

Unilever and JRM have worked with DeCA for more than a decade to publicize the commissary benefit, and in 2021 presented their first military-themed car sporting the DeCA logo.

During his commissary visit Allgaier praised the collaboration, noting his pride in carrying the logo on the track at Charlotte over Memorial Day weekend.

“It’s a way for us to honor the military community and thank them for their service and sacrifice,” Allgaier said.

The event offered Fort Gregg-Adams families and race fans a chance to sit behind the wheel of the replica car, while enjoying music, prize giveaways, face painting and free food samples sponsored by Unilever.

Allgaier signed autographs, posed for photos with attendees and spoke about what the commissaries’ logo on the hood meant to him.

“This is more than just a paint scheme,” he said. “It’s about recognizing the men and women who serve — and making sure they know they’re appreciated.”

DeCA Director and CEO John Hall noted that commissary sales were up over the last three years, and added that he believed the ancillary benefits provided by commissary suppliers like Unilever have helped spur that increase.

“This drives awareness and drives traffic, but more importantly, it communicates that patrons can come and get 25 percent savings inside the gate versus outside the gate,” Hall said. “And on the back of the car, it also says ‘Commissary Click2Go™.’ It’s a great way to drive that message and hopefully we drive a lot of impressions and we drive traffic [to stores] and get patrons excited.”

Allgaier led this year’s Charlotte race for 103 laps of 205 and was leading headed into the final lap after multiple crashes sent the race into overtime. Having missed an opportunity to pit for tires, Allgaier was passed by William Byron in the No. 17 Chevrolet on fresher rubber for the win.

Allgaier remains firmly seated in first place in the NASCAR Xfinity Series points standing with 583 as of June 2. He’s JR Motorsports winningest driver, with 24 victories in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. He earned his first NASCAR Xfinity Series championship trophy last season and drove the No. 7 Chevrolet bearing the commissary logo to victory lane at Charlotte in 2023. The team is co-owned by NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr., along with his sister Kelly Earnhardt Miller and fellow Hall of Famer Rick Hendrick.

The simulator’s tour takes it to 54 commissaries across the nation during the 2025 season, with its last stops at the Army’s two Fort Bragg Commissaries in North Carolina in September.

Schedule of remaining commissary appearances for the JR Motorsports No. 7 NASCAR Xfinity Series simulator car:

June

5, Fort Knox, Kentucky; 7, Fort Campbell, Kentucky; 11, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois; 13, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri; 16, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas; 17, Fort Riley, Kansas; 19, Buckley Air Force Base, Colorado; 20 Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado; 21, Fort Carson, Colorado.

July

28, 29, Fort Bliss, Texas.

August

1, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas; 2, Fort Sam Houston, Texas; 4, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas; 6, Fort Cavazos I Texas; 8, Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma; 11, Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas; 14, Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi; 15, Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida; 22, Hurlburt Field, Florida; 23, Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida; 25, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida; 26, Patrick Air Force Base, Florida; 28, Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida; 30, Fort Benning, Georgia.

September

2, Fort Eisenhower, Georgia; 4, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina; 5, Fort Bragg North, North Carolina; 6, Fort Bragg South, North Carolina.

-DeCA-

About DeCA: The Defense Commissary Agency operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees, disabled veterans and other authorized patrons and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment. Commissaries provide a military benefit, saving authorized patrons thousands of dollars annually on their purchases compared to similar products at commercial retailers. The discounted prices include a 5-percent surcharge, which supports the costs of building, modernizing and sustaining commissary facilities. A core military family support element and valued part of military pay and benefits, commissaries contribute to family readiness, enhance the quality of life for America’s military services and their families, and help recruit and retain the best and brightest men and women to serve their country.







Date Taken: 06.03.2025
Date Posted: 06.03.2025 12:09
Story ID: 499521
Location: FORT GREGG-ADAMS, VIRGINIA, US






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Charlotte City Council considering $25 million for NASCAR Hall of Fame improvements – WSOC TV

CHARLOTTE — Charlotte City Council is considering spending $25 million to upgrade the NASCAR Hall of Fame. This is the first major renovation project for the city-owned facility since its opening in 2010. “We done updates from an exhibit standpoint,” Executive Director Winston Kelley said. “But nothing on this level of magnitude.” A significant portion […]

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CHARLOTTE — Charlotte City Council is considering spending $25 million to upgrade the NASCAR Hall of Fame. This is the first major renovation project for the city-owned facility since its opening in 2010.

“We done updates from an exhibit standpoint,” Executive Director Winston Kelley said. “But nothing on this level of magnitude.”

A significant portion of the Hall of Fame would see changes under the proposal. A new education space would go where the current gift shop is located. The NASCAR Hall of Fame has served more than 21,000 students since its opening. It welcomes many field trips each year. An event space would take the space currently occupied by the café. The café would relocate to the Legends Room. A new gear shop will replace the former studio space.

The city of Charlotte has a dedicated fund for the NASCAR Hall of Fame. The fund can only be used on projects for the NASCAR Hall of Fame, the Crown Ballroom and the Hall of Fame and Convention Center’s parking deck. The fund is paid for by a 2% tax added on to hotel bills.

Last year, more than 201,000 people visited the Hall of Fame. That’s the second-highest attendance since opening in 2010.

Charlotte City Councilmember Ed Driggs asked for more information about the Hall’s finances but generally leaders are in favor of the improvements. Like the Spectrum Center, the NASCAR Hall of Fame is a city asset that they are required to maintain.

The Hall of Fame was projected to bring in 800,000 visitors for its first year. It has never hit that figure. Despite the attendance, Councilman James Mitchell says the Hall of Fame has been a success. He was a city leader as Charlotte recruited the facility.

“This has been good for tourism,” he said. “This has been good for our brand.”

The CRVA says the NASCAR Hall of Fame has an annual economic impact of $74 million.

Charlotte City Council will consider the project again in the late summer.

(WATCH BELOW: NASCAR drivers to honor fallen heroes in yearly Memorial Day tradition)





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EchoPark Lands Entitlement Sponsorship of Atlanta Motor Speedway

Atlanta Motor Speedway will now be known as EchoPark Speedway as the iconic race track in Hampton, GA, announced a naming rights agreement with EchoPark, an online and in-person used car marketplace, on Tuesday in a press event inside the Marcy Scott Media Center in the infield of the 1.54-mile speedway. According to a press […]

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Atlanta Motor Speedway will now be known as EchoPark Speedway as the iconic race track in Hampton, GA, announced a naming rights agreement with EchoPark, an online and in-person used car marketplace, on Tuesday in a press event inside the Marcy Scott Media Center in the infield of the 1.54-mile speedway.

According to a press release from Speedway Motorsports, which owns the facility, the partnership between the track formerly known as Atlanta Motor Speedway and EchoPark is a seven-year, multi-million-dollar agreement.

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, Speedway Motorsports CEO Marcus Smith, EchoPark Speedway EVP and GM Brandon Hutchison, as well as NASCAR Cup Series drivers Christopher Bell and Ross Chastain took part in the Tuesday announcement at the facility.

“We’re thrilled to partner with an innovative, customer-focused company like EchoPark Automotive as the entitlement partner of our newly named EchoPark Speedway,” said Speedway Motorsports President and CEO Marcus Smith. “EchoPark Automotive is as committed to exceptional customer service as we are, and we know that together we’ll elevate our fan experience to a new level unmatched for Southern hospitality. This partnership will fuel great experiences for fans attending our speedway for years to come.”

The upcoming Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart at EchoPark Speedway on Saturday, June 28, will mark the beginning of a five-race in-season tournament, where 32 drivers will battle it out in a bracket-style tournament for a prize of $1 million.

The winner of the Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart will be presented with a “nearly new” EchoPark Chevrolet Silverado and a trailer equipped with the first of 26 manufacturered 85th Anniversary, Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Limited Edition Harley-Davidson motorcycles all courtesy of EchoPark.

Sonic Automotive, like Speedway Motorsports, is a Smith-family owned entitity. David B. Smith, the brother of Marcus Smith, serves as the Chairman and CEO of Sonic Automotive, which is the parent company of EchoPark.

Sonic Automotive feels the newly announced partnership will allow EchoPark to bring further attention to the plethora of used vehicles they sell.

“This is a great opportunity to showcase the incredible vehicles we sell at EchoPark and share the exposure with another important entity in our Sonic Automotive family,” said Jeff Dyke, President of Sonic Automotive. “The Sturgis Rally is right around the corner, and we know NASCAR fans and drivers will not only love the new presentation of this track, but also the opportunity to see this limited edition Harley-Davidson presented in Victory Lane.”

Christopher Bell took the win in the most recent NASCAR Cup Series event at EchoPark Speedway as he triumphed in February’s Ambetter Health 400.

EchoPark Speedway hosted its first NASCAR Cup Series event in July 1960, an event that was won by Fireball Roberts. In all, the facility has hosted 122 NASCAR Cup Series races as well as 38 NASCAR Xfinity Series races, and 24 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series races.

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Famed Atlanta NASCAR Facility Now EchoPark Speedway

EchoPark Speedway, then known as Atlanta International Raceway, hosted its first NASCAR event in 1960, and has been a stop on the calendar ever since. The venue hosted the NASCAR season finale from 1987 to 2000. It was the site of the memorable conclusion to the 1992 NASCAR Cup Series season, which saw Richard Petty’s […]

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EchoPark Speedway, then known as Atlanta International Raceway, hosted its first NASCAR event in 1960, and has been a stop on the calendar ever since. The venue hosted the NASCAR season finale from 1987 to 2000. It was the site of the memorable conclusion to the 1992 NASCAR Cup Series season, which saw Richard Petty’s final race, Jeff Gordon’s first career NASCAR Cup Series start, and a dramatic championship battle with Alan Kulwicki narrowly claiming the title.

The 1.54-mile oval was reconfigured following the 2021 season, with banking in the turns increased to 28 degrees. This repave and reconfiguration brought superspeedway-style racing to the Hampton, Georgia facility. In 2024, Daniel Suarez defeated Ryan Blaney and Kyle Busch in a three-wide finish where the trio was separated by just 0.007 seconds.

EchoPark Speedway will host two NASCAR national touring series during the spectacular June 26-28 summer event. Schedules, tickets, and camping for the Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart weekend, can be found online at EchoParkSpeedway.com.

-Photo credit: Chris Graythen/Getty Images



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