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Carolina Handling Partners With Spire At Talladega Race

Kathy Laughlin  |  Marketplace Greenville Carolina Handling Partners With Spire At Talladega Race Carolina Handling, a material handling solutions provider and a support center for Raymond Solutions, will partner with Michael McDowell at Talladega (Alabama) Superspeedway on Oct. 19. McDowell drives Spire Motorsports No. 71 Chevrolet ZL1. The race will be the NASCAR Cup Series […]

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Carolina Handling Partners With Spire At Talladega Race

Carolina Handling, a material handling solutions provider and a support center for Raymond Solutions, will partner with Michael McDowell at Talladega (Alabama) Superspeedway on Oct. 19.

McDowell drives Spire Motorsports No. 71 Chevrolet ZL1. The race will be the NASCAR Cup Series YellaWood 500.

“Carolina Handling is thrilled to partner with Spire Motorsports, an organization that shares our core values of respect, teamwork and innovation, and aligns with our drive to be elite in service to our customers and our community,” said Brent Hillabrand, President and CEO of Carolina Handling.

“Our affiliation with Spire Motorsports and winning NASCAR driver Michael McDowell gives the Carolina Handling brand significant visibility and offers us the opportunity for dynamic customer, associate and consumer engagement.”

Talladega Superspeedway is known for high-speed, nose-to-tail action where the difference between winning and losing is usually fractions of a second.

McDowell, the 2021 Daytona 500 champion, joined Spire Motorsports for the current season. He has been in NASCAR’s premier division for 18 years.

The crew chief is Travis Peterson.

Carolina Handling started in 1966 as a gas station in North Carolina. The company, headquartered in Charlotte, now provides integrated logistics and warehouse solutions across the Southeast.

McDowell said the pairing makes sense. “I think this is the perfect opportunity to showcase how our industries can continue to integrate technology into our workforce with confidence,” he said.

“Being able to represent a company that has such a strong tie to the Carolinas is important for our industry and our community. It should be a great race at Talladega, and we look forward to having Carolina Handling join the Spire team.”

The YellaWood 500 at Talladega Superspeedway is the 34th of 36 points-paying races in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series.

Carolina Handling is the Raymond Solutions and Support Center for North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama and part of Florida. The company provides forklifts, automation solutions, parts, racking, storage, lighting, and dock and door equipment to manufacturers, warehouses and distribution centers.

The company has branch offices in Atlanta, Birmingham, Greensboro, Raleigh and Greenville, and an equipment distribution center in Piedmont.

Fair At Heritage Park In Simpsonville Until May 25

The Fair at Heritage Park will showcase new foods, rides and shows in Simpsonville through May 25.

Admission and ride specials are available every day. The Fair at Heritage Park is at 861 S.E. Main St. On-site parking is free.

A new ride is the Cyclops 2.0, the second-generation Cyclops with more flips, dips and heart-pounding swoops. The FireGuy show is new; he holds the Guinness World Record for performing with fire.

For kids, movie characters such as Tinker Bell, Stitch, Ariel and more will roam the fairgrounds daily for photo opportunities. All shows are free to fair guests.

Admission is a flat rate of $10 for ages 11 and up. Fair-goers under age 10 are admitted free. Visitors can pay one price for unlimited rides. Individuals under the age of 17 will not be allowed after 5 p.m. without parents, and a clear bag policy is in place.

The fair is family-owned and family-run.

For information about daily promotions, hours, safety policies and attractions, go to FairAtHeritagePark.com or contact info@trzlive.com. For changes due to weather, go to The Fair at Heritage Park Facebook page.

Lima One Capital Hires Senior Director of Underwriting

Lima One Capital in Greenville, a lender nationwide for real estate investors, has hired Greg Larsen as its new Senior Director of Underwriting.

Larsen will lead the Lima One team that underwrites borrowers and loans. He has nearly two decades of commercial real estate lending and credit experience and a record of building high-performing teams, managing complex loan portfolios, and driving strategic growth, according to a press release.

Most recently, Larsen served as Director of Credit at Builders Capital and led initiatives in underwriting standards, product development and credit strategy. Previously, Larsen spent 17 years with Bank of America, where he held leadership roles in underwriting, credit risk and portfolio management.

“I’m excited to join Lima One. The team’s energy, drive and commitment to making a real impact in the real estate space is inspiring,” Larsen said.

Larsen’s accomplishments include designing and implementing a program that delivered over $800 million in commitments to sponsors in its first five months and managing a team that underwrote and closed $3 billion of real estate transactions in one year.

“Greg is passionate about credit quality, team development and process improvement, and I am confident that he will continue to improve our already talented team,” said Lima One CEO Josh Woodward.

Since its inception in 2010, Lima One Capital has funded over $10 billion in business-purpose real estate loans. With a reach across 46 states, Lima One operates as a capital partner for real estate investors and brokers by financing residential investment strategies including fix and flips and rental and new construction. In 2021, Lima One was acquired by real estate investment trust MFA Financial Inc.

Homes of Hope Celebrates Two Workforce Graduates

As addiction remains a pressing concern, two Upstate men are rewriting their stories.

Cade Cope and Austin Allen recently graduated from the Homes of Hope Men’s Workforce Development program – an initiative designed to help men rebuild their lives as they overcome addiction and homelessness.

The Homes of Hope MWD program pairs safe housing, life skills coaching, and hands-on workforce training that the men need to succeed beyond recovery.

“Addiction shows no favoritism. It can entangle anyone, often trapping them in long, dark, seemingly endless cycles of despair,” said Steve Vicari, Director of Men’s Workforce Development. “But recovery is a fresh start, full of promise.”

Overdose deaths have risen by nearly 60% in recent years, according to the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control.

Cope has been hired by John Norwood, who graduated from the MWD program several years ago and founded Old Timey Electric. He is “paying it forward” by offering Cope a full-time position and mentorship.

Allen secured full-time employment at Viper Services.

“It is truly inspiring to see generational change happen,” said Don Oglesby, President and CEO of Homes of Hope.

The Men’s Workforce Development program has graduated more than 330 men since its inception.

For information about Homes of Hope and the Men’s Workforce Development program, go to homesofhope.org.

Homes of Hope is a nonprofit organization based in Greenville. The organization’s dual mission is to provide affordable housing while helping men in the MWD program find stability. Since its founding in 1998, Homes of Hope has built 704 homes.

AIRSYS Cooling Headquarters Slated For Spartanburg County

AIRSYS Cooling Technologies, a cooling solution provider, announced that it will expand its global headquarters by building in Spartanburg County. The company’s $40 million investment will create 215 jobs.

AIRSYS, celebrating three decades in business, is currently headquartered in Greer. The company develops and manufactures cooling equipment for information and communication technology. The company’s energy-efficient cooling solutions are used in data centers, schools and telecom cabinets worldwide.

AIRSYS will construct its global headquarters at 6228 Hwy. 101 in Woodruff. The existing manufacturing site will be expanded.

The new campus will have one of the world’s largest 3D printing factories and will make customizable spray liquid cooling components for high-density computing servers, according to a press release.

Operations are expected to be online in 2026.

Xoted Biotechnology Establishing Operation In Duncan

Xoted Biotechnology Labs, a research and development center, has announced plans to establish a presence in Spartanburg County.

The $4.2 million investment is a significant advancement in sustainable biotechnology and scientific innovation, according to a press release. The company will create 34 jobs.

Xoted is a subsidiary of DRC Ventures and TRB Holdings. Xoted works in the biotech, nutraceutical and environmental industries.

The new facility, in the Spark Center at 1875 East Main St. in Duncan, will focus on plant-based detoxification, seed research, and next-generation applications in textiles and cleanroom technology. In addition to product development, the operation will serve as a hub for STEM education and scientific research.

Upstate Forever Protects 1,100 Acres In ’24

Upstate Forever protected 1,130 acres in 2024.

Conservation easements were finalized in Abbeville, Greenville and Pickens counties. The permanent protections include forests, farmlands, waterways and green space.

Upstate Forever protects land in partnership with landowners through conservation easements – voluntary contracts that allow landowners to legally restrict certain uses on their property (including residential subdivisions and commercial or industrial operations), while allowing traditional rural uses, such as farming, grazing, hunting and timbering.

The agreement is permanent and remains with the land, even if it is sold or passed to heirs.

Easements are:

Abbeville County

  • Morrow Creek Timbers, a 236-acre addition to 429 acres protected by conservation easement in 2021. The protected lands contribute to forest and wildlife habitat and local water quality. The S.C. Conservation Bank and Upstate Land Conservation Fund provided funds.

Greenville County

  • Fern Springs, a 37-acre recreational and wildlife habitat in northern Greenville and one of the last undeveloped parcels in a private community. The protected property contributes to water quality in the headwater streams of the Saluda River Watershed.
  • Hereford Hill Farm, a 101-acre working family-owned ranch in southern Greenville County. In addition to permanently protecting the property’s scenic value and pastureland for 50 cattle, the project contributes to local water quality. The land has more than 6,600 feet of tributary streams in the Saluda River Watershed. The Greenville County Historic and Natural Resources Trust, S.C. Conservation Bank and Upstate Land Conservation Fund provided funding.
  • Horsepen Creek, 45 acres that are part of a neighborhood strategy to protect key wetlands and creek frontage on Horsepen Creek in southern Greenville County. It is adjacent to 34 acres of Horsepen Creek property protected in 2023. The Greenville County Historic and Natural Resources Trust, S.C. Conservation Bank and Upstate Land Conservation Fund provided funding.
  • Pearl Bottoms, a 60-acre cattle farm in the Tigerville community. The property is at the confluence of three tributaries that serve as a headwater source of the South Tyger River. The Greenville County Historic and Natural Resources Trust, S.C. Conservation Bank and Upstate Land Conservation Fund provided funding, with a reimbursement grant from S.C. Department of Environmental Services.
  • White Tract, 512 acres near the boundary with North Carolina. It expands an existing network of public and private protections along the Blue Ridge Escarpment. The perpetual protection of the natural area will help preserve access to the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area and its ecological biodiversity. Partners and funders include Naturaland Trust, S.C. Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism, and Upstate Land Conservation Fund.

Pickens County

  • Horse Gap Forest, 69 acres of fields, forests, seeps, bogs, and a pond along the Wadakoe Mountain Ridge that separates Hwy. 11 from the Eastatoe Valley. The property is bordered by tributary streams of Little Eastatoe Creek and 534 acres maintained by the S.C. Department of Natural Resources as a Wildlife Management Area. The S.C. Conservation Bank, S.C. Conservation Bank, Upstate Land Conservation Fund and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service provided funding, with a reimbursement grant from S.C. Department of Environmental Services.
  • Keowee Ridge, a 66-acre organic hobby farm on a peninsula of Lake Keowee. The farm produces free-range eggs, apples, honey and goat byproducts, distributed through the Clemson Area Food Exchange. The easement protects scenic views, agricultural potential, and natural habitat amid rapid lakefront development. The S.C. Conservation Bank and Upstate Land Conservation Fund provided funding, with a reimbursement grant from S.C. Department of Environmental Services.

Upstate Forever’s stewardship team will support the landowners and monitor each tract to ensure the terms of the easement are upheld. Currently, the team monitors 219 stewardship sites.

In addition to enacting and stewarding conservation easements, Upstate Forever supports conservation partners on projects that benefit the Upstate. 

Upstate Forever partnered to protect an additional 1,900 acres in the Upstate. Partners were Conserving Carolina, The Nature Conservancy of South Carolina, State of South Carolina, Spartanburg County Parks Department, Spartanburg Area Conservancy and The Tyger River Foundation.

Since Upstate Forever’s founding by Greenville attorney Brad Wyche in 1998, the organization has permanently protected more than 44,000 acres through conservation easements and partner efforts across the 10-county Upstate.

Casting Cleaning Resources Expands In Greenwood County

Casting Cleaning Resources, a provider of casting cleaning services, is expanding its Greenwood County operations with a $5 million investment that will create 42 additional jobs.

Founded in Indiana in 1992, CCR provides cleaning services for industrial applications. The company’s Greenwood County operation, established in 2019, specializes in casting finishing services and other post-mold services for foundries.

CCR will operate in a standalone building at 104 Stoneridge Court in Greenwood.

Agent Joins BrownStone

Kem Swenson has joined BrownStone Real Estate agency.

A Greenville native with over two decades in real estate, Swenson began her career in 1999 at a firm specializing in custom-built neighborhoods. Later, she helped agents with listings, contracts and buyer relations.

“Kem embodies our mission of personalized service and community connection,” said Rhett Brown, broker and owner of BrownStone.

Founded by Brown and Kirby Stone, Greenville-based BrownStone Real Estate carries forward a family legacy of real estate sales and development. BrownStone’s services include customizable pre-listing concierge assistance to help sellers maximize the value of their homes.

First Presbyterian Church Presents Fine Art Exhibit

First Presbyterian Church, in partnership with the Galleries at First Presbyterian, will hold an art exhibition, “Looking Up,” through Aug. 31. The exhibit will feature the works of George Stone, Joe Craighead and Mark Baral.

The exhibit is free and open to the public. The works will be displayed on the first and second floors of the Galleries at First Presbyterian, 200 W. Washington St.

Stone is known for representational oil paintings; Craighead focuses on plein-air oil landscapes; Baral specializes in landscape and representational oil paintings.

For information, go to firstpresgreenville.org/events/signature-events.

Book Explores Beach Music

McBryde Publishing of New Bern, North Carolina, has released “The Embers: The Bobby Tomlinson Story,” an account of one of Carolina’s most iconic bands.

The biography – written by McBryde CEO Bill Benners, Chris Jones and journalist Skip Crayton – explores Tomlinson, founding drummer of The Embers, and the band’s 60 years as pioneers of beach music.

Founded in 1958 by Bobby Tomlinson and Jackie Gore, The Embers made their debut in Raleigh, North Carolina, with a signature sound that blended blending rhythm and blues, soul, and the swing of beach music.

“The Embers: The Bobby Tomlinson Story” is available in eBook, hardcover and paperback at major online retailers, including Amazon, and at BuyBeachMusic.com., off Church Street.



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Tomy Drissi Aims for Another Podium in Trans Am Action at Mid-Ohio

June 20, 2025 Tomy Drissi enters next weekend’s Mid-Ohio SpeedTour third in Trans Am points after taking his second podium of the season at Lime Rock Park Drissi has multiple recent podiums at the Ohio circuit, including second place in 2021 and third last year, as well as an American Le Mans Series victory here […]

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June 20, 2025

Tomy Drissi Aims for Another Podium in Trans Am Action at Mid-Ohio

  • Tomy Drissi enters next weekend’s Mid-Ohio SpeedTour third in Trans Am points after taking his second podium of the season at Lime Rock Park

  • Drissi has multiple recent podiums at the Ohio circuit, including second place in 2021 and third last year, as well as an American Le Mans Series victory here in 2011

  • Tomy has earned the pole position multiple times at Mid-Ohio, including three consecutive years from 2013-15 and most recently in 2021, and has held the Trans Am track record at the circuit

2009 Trans Am champion Tomy Drissi and Drissi Motorsports continue their pursuit of another Trans Am by Pirelli title this weekend at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. Coming off their second podium of the season at Lime Rock Park, Drissi and the #8 Trench Shorting Company/Motul/Franklin Road Apparel Chevrolet Camaro team will carry plenty of momentum into a track where Drissi has excelled in years past.

Drissi’s record at Mid-Ohio is one of his most impressive at any circuit on the Trans Am schedule. From 2013-15, he scored three consecutive TA poles at the track, setting a track record in the process. He scored his most recent pole at the track in 2021, converting that into a second place finish, and last year he earned his third podium finish of the season here with a third place run. Beyond that, Drissi scored two straight American Le Mans Series podiums here in 2010-11; he was on the LMP podium with Bryan Willman in 2010, and he teamed up with Kyle Marcelli for the LMPC victory in 2011.

Combine that with a determined drive to the podium in last month’s Memorial Day Classic, and Drissi is one of this weekend’s drivers to watch. After persevering through car setup issues at Lime Rock Park, Drissi took a hard-fought third place finish to strengthen his grip on third place in the TA championship.

“I’m really excited to get back to Mid-Ohio with momentum on our side,” said Drissi. “I’ve had a lot of great results here over the years, and after we found a way to finish on the podium at Lime Rock Park, there’s no reason to think we can’t add another one this weekend. The team has been working hard to make sure we’re ready, and we think we can get a podium streak going!”

Trans Am action for Tomy Drissi and Drissi Motorsports from Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course kicks off with a pair of optional test sessions at 1:35PM and 5:45PM on Thursday. On Friday, practice will run at 12:05PM and TA drivers will qualify at 5:35PM. Saturday’s race will kick off at 12:35PM and run for 45 laps or 75 minutes, with the usual live streaming available on Trans Am social media channels and SPEED SPORT 1.

To keep up with Tomy Drissi, follow @tomydrissi on Instagram and Facebook, and visit www.tomydrissi.com. Following Mid-Ohio, Drissi Motorsports returns to action on June 26-29 at Road America.





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Live updates: Layne Riggs wins NASCAR Truck race at Pocono

LONG POND, Pa. — Layne Riggs earned his first win of the 2025 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season in Friday’s race at Pocono Raceway. Photo: Ryan Kemna/TRE Riggs led three times for 25 of 80 laps, including the final 20. Riggs won the first stage and finished third to Corey Heim and Carson Hocevar in […]

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LONG POND, Pa. — Layne Riggs earned his first win of the 2025 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season in Friday’s race at Pocono Raceway.

Photo: Ryan Kemna/TRE

Riggs led three times for 25 of 80 laps, including the final 20.

Riggs won the first stage and finished third to Corey Heim and Carson Hocevar in the second stage.

STAGE ONE TOP-10 (LAP 20): Layne Riggs, Kaden Honeycutt, Connor Mosack, Andres Perez, Jake Garcia, Brandon Jones, Chandler Smith, Tyler Ankrum, Ben Rhodes

STAGE TWO TOP-10 (LAP 40): Corey Heim, Carson Hocevar, Layne Riggs, Jake Garcia, Tanner Gray, Kaden Honeycutt, Tyler Ankrum, Ben Rhodes, Andres Perez, Connor Mosack.

With 20 laps to go, he was set to restart to the inside of Heim and challenge him when smoke billowed from Heim’s truck. Heim had a tire issue that gave the lead to Riggs for the restart.

The only problem is Hocevar thought he had the lead on the outside lane. Hocevar went first, leading to a drive through the pits as a penalty under green.

Riggs cruised away to victory, handing a 3.64-second defeat to Tanner Gray who finished second.

TOP-10 FINISHERS (LAP 80): Layne Riggs, Tanner Gray, Kaden Honeycutt, Brandon Jones, Daniel Hemric, Connor Mosack, Chandler Smith, Stewart Friesen, Ty Majeski and Rajah Caruth.

Carson Hocevar finished 13th after having a drive-through penalty for the restart violation. Patrick Emerling finished 15th after running inside the top-10 in the final stage. Frankie Muniz finished 19th. Corey Heim finished 23rd after the tire issue.

In all, four cautions fell Friday, including two cautions in the final 40-lap stage.

Grant Enfinger, Ben Rhodes, Conner Jones, Dawson Sutton, Cody Dennison and Tyler Ankrum crashed on lap 49. Jake Garcia crashed on lap 57.

After Pocono, seven drivers are virtually locked into the playoffs: Corey Heim, Chandler Smith, Layne Riggs, Tyler Ankrum, Daniel Hemric, Stewart Friesen and Rajah Caruth. Three spots remain for drivers to get in on points. Here is what the battle for those spots looks like:

  • Grant Enfinger: +50 points to the cutline
  • Kaden Honeycutt: +45
  • Ty Majeski: +10
  • Jake Garcia: -10 points to the cutline
  • Gio Ruggiero: -58
  • Ben Rhodes -60
  • Tanner Gray -83

NEXT: Lime Rock Park, June 27 (1 p.m. ET; FOX, NRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90)

Below is a live race updates recap of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Pocono Raceway.

FINAL STAGE

Layne Riggs leads after Corey Heim had a tire issue and then Carson Hocevar had a restart violation.

Photo: Ryan Kemna/TRE

The final stage consists of half of the race distance — 40 laps. Here is what has happened so far:

Corey Heim is coming off of his 12th stage win, the most in a single Truck season.

Heim, Layne Riggs, Ty Majeski, Carson Hocevar, Kaden Honeycutt, Tanner Gray, Jake Garcia, Stewart Friesen, Patrick Emerling and Connor Mosack lead everyone except Rajah Caruth, who stayed out, off of pit road on lap 42. It is outside of the pit window

Caruth will lead the drivers who came off of pit road.

Heim snagged the lead from Caruth. Caruth lost positions to Riggs, Hocevar, Honeycutt and Tanner Gray. He runs sixth ahead of Majeski, Garcia, Brandon Jones and Mosack as multiple trucks crash in turn two with 32 laps to go.

Among the trucks involved are Grant Enfinger, Conner Jones, Dawson Sutton, Cody Dennison and Tyler Ankrum. Enfinger made it three-wide while racing Rhodes and Ankrum. Rhodes had a fast truck before the incident. He has damage now.

Rajah Caruth pitted under caution on lap 50. He can make it to the end on fuel with that stop.

The predetermined race conclusion time is 8:25 p.m. ET. With 28 laps to go, there is a little under two hours until that time.

TOP-10 on LAP 53: Heim, Riggs, Hocevar, Honeycutt, Tanner Gray, Majeski, Garcia, Jones, Smith, Mosack.

Heim has led three times for all but 12 laps — 41 of 53 — while Riggs has led twice for five laps, Friesen has led four and Caruth has led three.

Jake Garcia didn’t take a block from Kaden Honeycutt and bumped him going into turn one. Unfortunately, Garcia wobbled more than Honeycutt and lost positions, finding himself in the clutches of a mess that left him wrecked exiting turn one.

Top 10 is now: Heim, Riggs, Hocevar, Tanner Gray, Honeycutt, Mosack, Friesen, Emerling, Jones and Hemric. Rajah Caruth sits 21st.

Corey Heim has blown a tire coming to the green with 19 laps to go and likely will not win. Carson Hocevar jumps out to the lead ahead of Layne Riggs with Tanner Gray following closely. Riggs dives into turn one and tries to clear Gray, does and holds on to second.

Carson Hocevar will have to do a drive-through penalty because of the restart chaos. Hocevar took the green flag from the outside lane, which Heim picked. However, the rules specify the second-place driver is the control truck. Riggs was in control but Hocevar was not.

Matt Crafton pits for a tire issue with 13 laps to go. He had been running 10th before that.

Daniel Hemric has rallied to fifth after running outside of the top-15 for much of the race.

Top-10 with eight laps to go: Riggs, Tanner Gray, Honeycutt, Brandon Jones, Hemric, Mosack, Chandler Smith, Friesen, Majeski, Caruth.

Patrick Emerling, who has run inside the top-10 for much of the final stage, has dropped to 12th. Frankie Muniz runs 19th after running as high as 16th.

Hocevar has recovered to 18th after the penalty under green.

STAGE TWO – NASCAR TRUCK SERIES AT POCONO

The leaders pitted at the start of the stage while under caution after finishing the first stage. Connor Mosack, stage one winner Layne Riggs, Andres Perez, Kaden Honeycutt, Tyler Ankrum, Patrick Emerling, Jake Garcia, Chandler Smith, Ben Rhodes and Jack Wood lead everyone off of pit road. They will restart behind Michigan winner Stewart Friesen, Corey Heim, Carson Hocevar and Tanner Gray. Friesen hasn’t pitted yet while Heim, Hocevar and Gray pitted in stage one.

Gio Ruggiero also pitted during stage one but will his crew had an issue with the left-front tire that put him a lap down. He caught the free pass and got back on the lead lap.

Friesen didn’t even get to lead a lap before Heim took over again. Hocevar also passed Friesen, dropping him to third. Garcia gained six spots and jumped to fourth while Riggs lost two positions with an issue in turn one. He gained one more spot on lap nine.

Ben Rhodes is up 18 spots to 13th on lap nine.

Hocevar is mixing it up with Heim. He challenged him but had to settle for second.

Top-10 at Lap 10/20 in Stage Two: Corey Heim, Carson Hocevar, Jake Garcia, Stewart Friesen, Tanner Gray, Connor Mosack, Kaden Honeycutt, Layne Riggs, Andres Perez, Tyler Ankrum.

Grant Enfinger is 31st, one lap down, after the caution for Cody Dennison crashing caught Enfinger a lap down.

Riggs is back up to fifth after almost sliding outside of the top-10. Friesen has dropped to sixth. Riggs now takes fourth from Tanner Gray.

Friesen makes his first pit stop on lap 35. He could make it to the end on fuel if there are a slew of cautions.

In 15 Truck races at Pocono, there has been an average of five cautions for 17 laps per race. So far, there has been just one caution for seven laps.

Stage Two Top-10, NASCAR Truck Series race at Pocono: Corey Heim, Carson Hocevar, Layne Riggs, Jake Garcia, Tanner Gray, Kaden Honeycutt, Tyler Ankrum, Ben Rhodes, Andres Perez, Connor Mosack.

STAGE ONE – NASCAR TRUCK SERIES AT POCONO

It is never not Heim Time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.

Pole sitter Layne Riggs slid up the track from the outside lane, giving Kaden Honeycutt room to take the lead and Corey Heim to take second. Fourth-place Carson Hocevar pushed Riggs down the backstretch, giving momentum to Riggs and Heim who went three-wide with Honeycutt. Heim took the lead while Riggs stayed in third — at least for a lap.

Riggs passed Honeycutt in the tunnel turn, to which Honeycutt responded with a move in turn three. The drag from them racing so closely brought Hocevar into the mix in a three-wide move. Riggs and Hocevar jumped to second and third while Honeycutt fell to fourth.

Top-10 at Lap 8/20 of Stage One: Corey Heim, Layne Riggs, Carson Hocevar, Kaden Honeycutt, Tanner Gray, Gio Ruggiero, Rajah Caruth, Connor Mosack, Andres Perez de Lara, Jake Garcia.

Norm Benning and Bryan Dauzat are on pit road already, likely out of the race. Dawson Cram is also off of the track.

Matt Crafton has dropped to 22nd.

Hocevar, Gio Ruggiero and Rajah Caruth are among the leaders to pit with three laps to go in the stage to try and shuffle around to the lead to start the second stage. Heim pits a lap later to thwart their tactic.

Cody Dennison did more to deter anyone else as he crashed in turn two with a blown tire.

Layne Riggs will win the first stage of the NASCAR Truck Series race at Pocono. Kaden Honeycutt, Connor Mosack, Andres Perez, Jake Garcia, Brandon Jones, Chandler Smith, Tyler Ankrum and Ben Rhodes round out the top-10.

TRUCK RACE START AT POCONO

Photo: Ryan Kemna/TRE

Layne Riggs is ready to lead the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series field to the green flag Friday at Pocono Raceway.

Kaden Honeycutt will share the front row with Riggs. Corey Heim, Carson Hocevar, Tanner Gray, Gio Ruggiero, Andres Perez, Rajah Caruth, Brandon Jones and Patrick Emerling round out the top-10 starters.

Clayton Green, Bryan Dauzat and Dawson Sutton will go to the rear of the field for unapproved adjustments.

Here is the full lineup:



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Families revel in the fun for NASCAR weekend at Pocono Raceway

With the first race of the weekend underway, the track is quick to point out that it has much more to offer for families than just the races. MONROE COUNTY, Pa. — The infield at Pocono Raceway is packed with thousands of people camping for the long NASCAR weekend. “You know, basically it’s about relaxing, […]

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With the first race of the weekend underway, the track is quick to point out that it has much more to offer for families than just the races.

MONROE COUNTY, Pa. — The infield at Pocono Raceway is packed with thousands of people camping for the long NASCAR weekend.

“You know, basically it’s about relaxing, we are both retired police officers, and it’s just about relaxing and enjoying our time away from the grind,” said Kenny Buck from Kansas City, Missouri.

But for families, there’s only so much hanging out at the campsite you can do with kids. The playground near the infield is buzzing with activity.

Kelly Wagner from Quakertown says it’s nice to have options for the kids to play.

“Well, we are here with friends, which is always more fun when they have friends to play with, so we do things like come to the playground, have kickball games, ride bikes, go shopping. There is lots to do.”

Over in the fan fair section, there’s a whole day worth of fun and adventures for families. From rides, face painting, to tricks with a magician.

Lisa Perkins and her family from New Jersey have been coming to the tricky triangle for several years. Her 10 and 11-year-old sons like watching the races, but also enjoy the extra activities. 

“It’s awesome, the kids really enjoy it. It is good entertainment for them, so then it’s not the pressure of us having to bring them through for everything, they can entertain themselves, and they really enjoy watching and seeing people as well.”

“They have a lot of fun crafts and events to do for kids, very family friendly, so even if you’re not a race aficionado like I’m not, it’s still fun to come,” added Wagner.

Another popular spot at the track is the dog park. Kenny Buck traveled more than 1100 miles from Kansas City, Missouri, with his dog Elvis.

“I’ve never seen a dog park at a race track ever. So we saw the sign, we said we had to find it, and we did.”

For a full list of events and activities at Pocono Raceway, click here. 



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Hendrick Motorsports director makes feelings clear on using AI in NASCAR – Motorsport – Sports

Hendrick Motorsports technical director Tom Gray revealed the advantages artificial intelligence could afford NASCAR teams amid the 2025 Cup Series season. There are many different ways to approach NASCAR, a sport whose accessibility has been questioned in recent times. While LeBron James is helping a high schooler fulfill his dream, AI is helping teams adjust […]

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Hendrick Motorsports technical director Tom Gray revealed the advantages artificial intelligence could afford NASCAR teams amid the 2025 Cup Series season.

There are many different ways to approach NASCAR, a sport whose accessibility has been questioned in recent times. While LeBron James is helping a high schooler fulfill his dream, AI is helping teams adjust and adapt.

Coming out of the thrilling NASCAR Mexico City race, which was won by Shane Van Gisbergen, Hendrick Motorsports – who put Chase Elliott on double duty again recently – have outlined how AI is important to the team’s operations. It may explain why William Byron and Kyle Larson have four wins between them to sit first and second in the standings.

AI is playing an increasingly crucial role in how race teams operate throughout NASCAR. Teams are using AI to make more efficient decisions, unlock new strategic insights, and reshape race preparation.

Teams that don’t use AI risk being left behind as the spot evolves and adapts in line with modernity. Hendrick Motorsports is at the cutting edge of the AI revolution, with the technology assisting everything from strategy calls to post-race feedback.

“Information is speed in this game nowadays,” said Gray. “He who can distill the information quicker and get to the decision quicker, ultimately, is going to have the race win.”

AI can now detect tone and navigate complex decisions effectively. For example, driver and crew radio calls can be fed into an AI model that identifies which calls worked and which didn’t and also deciphers the urgency of each call in real time.

Hendrick Motorsports, the winningest team in Cup Series history, is now leveraging its four decades of data. The team can now go back and test old strategies, setups and decisions to ultimately see how past insight might lead to future success.

“We’ve had a long history in the sport,” Gray added. “Not only can we look forward, but we can also look backward, back-test all the information we have, and see how that predicts the future.”

DON’T MISS…

The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season continues with The Great American Getaway at Pocono Raceway on Sun., June 22.



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Motorsports

Subframe Connectors? Maximum Motorsports Said It Is a Must

Anyone who has driven a 1979 to 2004 Ford Mustang knows its biggest weakness often isn’t the engine — it’s the flexible platform. That shaky, loose feeling when you push it hard comes from the chassis itself twisting under load. The team at Maximum Motorsports argues that before you touch any other part of the suspension, […]

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Anyone who has driven a 1979 to 2004 Ford Mustang knows its biggest weakness often isn’t the engine — it’s the flexible platform. That shaky, loose feeling when you push it hard comes from the chassis itself twisting under load. The team at Maximum Motorsports argues that before you touch any other part of the suspension, you need to fix this core problem with a good set of subframe connectors.Subframe connectors for MustangsThese Mustangs have separate front and rear subframes, with only the floorpan connecting them. This setup allows the whole car to act like an uncontrolled fifth spring, which hurts handling and ride quality. Subframe connectors are strong steel tubes that are welded to the underside of the car, directly connecting the front and rear subframes.

This makes the entire chassis much more solid and lets the shocks and springs do their jobs properly. A stiffer chassis means the car responds better when you turn the wheel and launch harder at the drag strip because engine power goes to the tires instead of being wasted twisting the car’s body. It even makes the car more comfortable by bracing the front seats and stopping them from rocking on the flexible floor.

Maximum Motorsports created the first full-length style of connectors many years ago. The company’s latest XL Series uses taller rectangular tubing that the company says is 95-percent stiffer than standard, shorter connectors.

The design is smart, too. The tubes are tucked up high so they don’t hang any lower than the stock exhaust system, meaning you don’t lose any ground clearance. They are also strong enough to be used as jacking rails, letting you lift the car from anywhere along their length.

For any Fox, SN95, or New Edge Mustang owner, adding a set of quality subframe connectors like these is a foundational fix. Maximum Motorsports offers its Full-Length Subframe Connectors for $249.97. Take note that Maximum Motorsports points out a special installation requirements for 1996-1998 Cobra owners, so make sure to review the company’s website.





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Ricky Stenhouse Jr. confirms HYAK Motorsports fired spotter Tab Boyd amid disparaging comments about Mexico City

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. confirmed Friday on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio that Tab Boyd, his spotter since the start of the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series season, was fired by HYAK Motorsports. Clayton Hughes, who won a Cup Championship in 2017 while spotting for Martin Truex Jr., will serve as spotter for Stenhouse and the No. 47 team […]

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Ricky Stenhouse Jr. confirmed Friday on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio that Tab Boyd, his spotter since the start of the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series season, was fired by HYAK Motorsports. Clayton Hughes, who won a Cup Championship in 2017 while spotting for Martin Truex Jr., will serve as spotter for Stenhouse and the No. 47 team starting this Sunday at Pocono Raceway.

“You know, obviously, that’s an unfortunate deal,” Stenhouse said. “The team let Tab Boyd go this week, and we got Clayton Hughes to come fill in. I’ve never worked with Clayton. You know, obviously, I think the concern for me is trying to get on the same page as quick as we can knowing that, like you said, the schedule coming up, going to Atlanta next week could be a very important race for our race team and trying to get us into the playoffs and put us in the right position.”

Stenhouse did not reveal the official reason as to why Boyd was let go from his position. However, Boyd found himself in controversy earlier this week. Boyd did not enjoy his time in Mexico City this past weekend and shared his negative experience on social media.

“I’m ready to go home, screw this place, people can talk it up all they want… can’t even walk out the front door of the hotel without getting hustled and money snatched….in less than 5 minutes,” Boyd tweeted June 14. “Good area my ass….”

Boyd has since deleted his X account. So, a new spotter for Stenhouse and the No. 47 team.

Ricky Stenhouse Jr.’s eventful week continues

Changing spotters is never easy, especially at this point in the season. There are only 10 regular season races remaining on the schedule, and Stenhouse is on the outside looking in of the playoff picture. Just a few weeks ago, Stenhouse sat above the cutline.

But that was before Carson Hocevar dumped him at Nashville Superspeedway. It happened again in Mexico City while Hocevar was a lap down. Stenhouse has finished 20th or worse in his last three starts and is now 21st in the points standings.

Stenhouse told Hocevar at Mexico City, “I’m going to beat your ass when we get back to the States.” Both are back in the States. They’ll be in the same place this weekend at Pocono. We’ll see if Stenhouse follows through on his threat.



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