Connect with us

Motorsports

AMDRO® Pest Control Solutions Teams Up with Brandon Jones for NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series at Texas Motor Speedway

AMDRO® Pest Control Solutions, a leading brand within the Central Garden & Pet portfolio, is proud to announce its sponsorship of Brandon Jones in the upcoming NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series™ race on Friday, May 2, 2025, at the iconic Texas Motor Speedway. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250502042185/en/ AMDRO® Pest […]

Published

on


AMDRO® Pest Control Solutions, a leading brand within the Central Garden & Pet portfolio, is proud to announce its sponsorship of Brandon Jones in the upcoming NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series™ race on Friday, May 2, 2025, at the iconic Texas Motor Speedway.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250502042185/en/

AMDRO® Pest Control Solutions Teams Up with Brandon Jones for NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series at Texas Motor Speedway

AMDRO® Pest Control Solutions Teams Up with Brandon Jones for NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series at Texas Motor Speedway

The sponsorship continues the strong and valued partnership between Central Garden & Pet and Menards, one of the nation’s premier home improvement retailers and a long-time supporter of motorsports. AMDRO, known for its powerful pest control solutions, is the perfect fit for the Texas race, where fire ants are a persistent concern for homeowners.

“We’re thrilled to have our AMDRO brand featured on Brandon’s truck for this exciting race,” said Andy Monfalcone, Senior Director of Marketing for Controls at Central Garden & Pet. “Texas is a key market for AMDRO, and fire ants are a major issue here. The bold graphics on Brandon’s truck — matching the striking designs featured on our in-store packaging — will leave a lasting impression on race fans as they shop for effective pest control solutions at Menards.”

Brandon Jones, an Atlanta native and fan favorite, competes part-time in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series™, proudly carrying Menards’ iconic colors alongside the AMDRO brand. With Menards’ deep legacy as a major sponsor across NASCAR, including the Craftsman Truck Series and Xfinity Series, and Tricon Garage’s strong racing pedigree, this partnership brings together three brands built on strength, performance, and winning solutions.

“We are proud of our long-standing relationship with Menards and honored to see our brands showcased with their support,” added the Monfalcone. “Just like Menards and Tricon Garage, AMDRO stands for results — strong, effective, and built to win.”

Fans can follow Brandon Jones’ racing journey and catch an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the AMDRO truck by following him on Instagram @brandonjonesrac.


About AMDRO® Pest Control Solutions

For over 40 years, AMDRO has been a trusted name in pest control, offering consumers effective and reliable solutions for their toughest pest problems. From fire ants to home-invading insects, AMDRO delivers professional-grade results that customers count on. Learn more at www.amdro.com.


About Central Garden & Pet

Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENT) (NASDAQ: CENTA) understands that home is central to life and has proudly nurtured happy and healthy homes for over 40 years. With fiscal 2024 net sales of $3.2 billion, Central is on a mission to lead the future of the Pet and Garden industries. The Company’s innovative and trusted products are dedicated to helping lawns grow greener, gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier, and communities grow stronger. Central is home to a leading portfolio of more than 65 high-quality brands, including Amdro®, Aqueon®, Cadet®, C&S®, Farnam®, Ferry-Morse®, Four Paws®, Kaytee®, Nylabone® and Pennington®, strong manufacturing and distribution capabilities, and a passionate, entrepreneurial growth culture. Central is based in Walnut Creek, California, with 6,400 employees primarily across North America. Visit www.central.com to learn more.



Link

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Motorsports

Former Indy 500 winner Pagenaud easing back into motorsports after serious injury in 2023 | Sports

State AlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWashington D.C.West VirginiaWisconsinWyomingPuerto RicoUS Virgin IslandsArmed Forces AmericasArmed Forces PacificArmed Forces EuropeNorthern Mariana IslandsMarshall IslandsAmerican SamoaFederated States of MicronesiaGuamPalauAlberta, CanadaBritish Columbia, CanadaManitoba, CanadaNew Brunswick, CanadaNewfoundland, CanadaNova Scotia, CanadaNorthwest Territories, CanadaNunavut, CanadaOntario, CanadaPrince Edward Island, CanadaQuebec, CanadaSaskatchewan, CanadaYukon Territory, Canada Zip Code Country United States of […]

Published

on









Link

Continue Reading

Motorsports

NASCAR Hall of Fame 2026 class: Kurt Busch headlines

Drivers debate what is the best NASCAR movie of all time We get to the bottom of an age-old question at the USA TODAY 301 in New Hampshire — what is the better NASCAR movie, Talladega Nights or Days of Thunder? The NASCAR Hall of Fame will induct Kurt Busch, Harry Gant and Ray Hendrick in the […]

Published

on


play

The NASCAR Hall of Fame will induct Kurt Busch, Harry Gant and Ray Hendrick in the Class of 2026, the hall announced Tuesday.

Busch and Gant were selected from the Modern Era Ballot, each garnering 61% of the vote. Jeff Burton, Harry Hyde and Randy Dorton were the next-highest finishers who didn’t make the cut.

Hendrick was voted in on the Pioneer Ballot with 31% of the votes. Bob Welborn finished second.

Busch, 46, made the Hall in his first year on the ballot. He was the Cup Series champion in 2004 and won 34 times in the Cup Series, including two crown jewel races: the 2010 Coca-Cola 600 and the 2017 Daytona 500.

Gant, 85, followed 21 victories in what’s now called the Xfinity Series with 18 wins in the Cup Series, including the Southern 500 in 1984 and 1991. Already a member of the International Motorsports Hall of Fame, Gant was in his seventh year on the NASCAR Hall’s ballot.

Gant also holds the record for the oldest driver to win a Cup Series race (52 years, eight months) when he prevailed at Michigan International Speedway in 1992.

Hendrick, who died in 1990, enjoyed a 36-year motorsports career and was known throughout the South as “Mr. Modified” for his successes in modified stock car racing. He is credited with more than 700 victories in modified racing and the Late Model Sportsman Series.

Busch, Gant and Hendrick were all named to NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers list for the league’s 75th anniversary in 2023.

NASCAR also recognized H.A. “Humpy” Wheeler, former president and general manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway, with the Landmark Award for Outstanding Contributions to NASCAR.

The Class of 2026 will be inducted on Jan. 23 in Charlotte.



Link

Continue Reading

Motorsports

Legacy Motor Club: Charlotte Motor Speedway Race Preview – Speedway Digest

JJ 700: Seven-time Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson is set to mark a significant milestone at the Charlotte Motor Speedway (CMS) on May 25 with his 700th Cup Series start. It’s a poignant moment for Johnson, returning to the venue where he kickstarted his Cup Series journey back in 2001. WHERE IT ALL BEGAN: Johnson […]

Published

on


JJ 700: Seven-time Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson is set to mark a significant milestone at the Charlotte Motor Speedway (CMS) on May 25 with his 700th Cup Series start. It’s a poignant moment for Johnson, returning to the venue where he kickstarted his Cup Series journey back in 2001.

WHERE IT ALL BEGAN: Johnson got his first taste of NASCAR Cup Series competition by running three races in 2001 with Hendrick Motorsports in the No. 48 Power of Pride Lowe’s Chevrolet, a car co-owned by Rick Hendrick and NASCAR Hall of Famer Jeff Gordon. Johnson’s first start was Oct. 7, 2001, at Charlotte, followed by races at Homestead and Atlanta that same year. While the results – finishes of 25th, 29th, and 39th – were modest, it marked the beginning of a legendary career.

HOUSE JJ BUILT: Johnson has earned legendary status at Charlotte Motor Speedway with four victories in the Coca-Cola 600 (2003, 2004, 2005, 2014), four in the Bank of America 500 events (2004, 2005, 2009, 2016), and four All-Star Race wins (2003, 2006, 2012, 2013).

OCT. 7, 2001 IN HISTORY: On October 7, 2001, President George W. Bush launched US military operations in Afghanistan, marking the beginning of Operation Enduring Freedom as a direct response to the September 11th terrorist attacks. Johnson was just 26 years old at the time.

KENSETH AT CHARLOTTE: Competition advisor Matt Kenseth’s most significant accomplishment at Charlotte Motor Speedway is winning the Coca-Cola 600 in 2000 as a rookie. He remains the only rookie to win that prestigious race. In addition to his 2000 victory, Kenseth also won the pole for the fall 500-mile event race in 2015 and the All-Star Race in 2004. He also finished fourth in the Coca-Cola 600 in 2005.

RICHARD PETTY AT CHARLOTTE: “The King” made 64 starts at Charlotte Motor Speedway, beginning with the track’s inaugural race in 1960 and continuing through his retirement in 1992. During that span, he claimed five victories (1961, 1975, 1977, and 1983), earned three pole positions, recorded 23 top-five finishes, 31 top-10s, and led a total of 1,702 laps.

CLUB MEMBERS WHO SERVED: This Memorial Day weekend, LEGACY MOTOR CLUB takes time to honor and recognize those who have served—and continue to serve—in the United States Armed Forces.

Carl Garcia, mechanic for the No. 42 team, served in the U.S. Army. Earl Barban, longtime spotter for Johnson, served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves and is a recipient of the Navy Achievement Medal. Zach Casada, mechanic on the No. 43 team, served in the U.S. Army. Shop Foreman Tony Cardamone served in the United States Coast Guard. Additionally, Joshua Horton, a mechanic on the No. 42 team, and Matt Ridgeway, who works in the LEGACY MOTOR CLUB shop, both served in the U.S. Army. Hieu Bui, who is in the IT department, also served in the United States Marine Corps.

NEVER SETTLE: Join ESPN’s Marty Smith and LEGACY MOTOR CLUB’s co-owner, Johnson for their weekly podcast, “Never Settle”. The podcast airs live on SIRIUS XM NASCAR Radio Ch. 90 at 2 p.m. ET every Wednesday and can be downloaded wherever fans source their podcasts. This week’s guest is Seven-time NASCAR Champion and Hall of Famer Richard Petty “The King”.

JOHN HUNTER NEMECHEK
NO. 42 DOLLAR TREE TOYOTA CAMRY XSE
ALL-STAR RECAP: Last weekend at North Wilkesboro, Nemechek started eighth in the NASCAR Open, needing a top-two finish to advance to his first NASCAR All-Star Race. Thanks to a valiant effort by everyone on the No. 42 LEGACY MOTOR CLUB team, he was able to secure that spot and make the transfer. Starting deep in the field for the All-Star Race, Nemechek delivered valuable track time that helped the team gain insights and continue developing their short track program.

SEVEN STARS FOR JJ: This week, the No. 42 Dollar Tree Toyota Camry XSE driven by Nemechek will feature a red, white, and blue scheme. However, there is a subtle nod to LEGACY MC co-owner, Jimmie Johnson, as he makes his 700th start. On the hood and rear bumper of the Toyota Camry XSE, there are seven stars, representing Johnson’s seven championships.

NEMECHEK AT CHARLOTTE: Nemechek has two attempts in the longest race of the year, with his first coming in 2020 when he finished 16th. In 2024, he finished 30th in the rain-shortened race. He is no stranger to Charlotte with multiple starts across the NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Truck Series, where he won in 2021.

POINT STANDINGS: Nemechek and the No. 42 LEGACY MC team enter Charlotte sitting 18th in the point standings, just 10 points shy of the playoff cut line. In the 12 races this season, Nemechek has one top-five, four top-10 finishes, and has led two laps.

HONORING PFC, WALTER “RAY” THETFORD”: The No. 42 team will honor PFC, Walter “Ray” Thetford from the United States Marine Corps. Thetford was from Copiah County, Mississippi. He served and died at the age of 21 in Iwo Jima in 1945. The unit in which Thetford was serving raised the flag on Iwo Jima. His name will ride along with Nemechek and the No. 42 Dollar Tree team during the Coca-Cola 600.

TMACK AT CHARLOTTE: Mack has been atop the pit box calling races in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Cup Series for a total of seven events. During the two NXS starts, he recorded two top-10 starts and finishes with driver Michael Annett. In the five NCS starts, he has an average finish of 22.2

JOHN HUNTER NEMECHEK QUOTE:

“The 600 at Charlotte is always a great weekend – it gives us the opportunity to honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. This weekend, we will have PFC Walter “Ray” Thetford riding along with us, who served in the USMC. Our goal is to continue the momentum that we have built up during the last several weeks and bring it into the race this weekend.

“I’m really excited for Jimmie to get his 700th start at Charlotte [Motor Speedway] that’s an amazing career achievement from everything he’s done in the sport, from the seven championships and 83 wins – he’s a super legend, super GOAT.”

TRAVIS MACK QUOTE:
“I love the Charlotte 600 week, we usually have family in town, people visiting the shop from out of town wanting to see the cars. I don’t think people really realize how long that race is until you experience it. This is one of those races where you get a ring if you win; there are a few races that you get a ring. Luckily I was a part of that during the Jimmie Johnson days.

We’ve been working on our mile-and-a-half program ever since Vegas, we keep evolving and improving on our program. Hopefully we can improve it going into Charlotte – hopefully qualify in the top-15 and run inside the top-15 most of the race and get up there and compete for the top-10, top-fives. That’s where you need to be to back into one of these wins. We have our higher downforce package tuned in compared to our low downforce.”

We have Jimmie back to race this race for us at LEGACY, since we’ve improved the cars, I’m excited to see his feedback as well.”

ERIK JONES
NO. 43 ADVENTHEALTH TOYOTA CAMRY XSE
JONES CHARLOTTE STATS: Sunday’s Coca-Cola 600 will mark Jones’ 11th NASCAR Cup Series start at Charlotte. In his 10 previous runs, Jones has one top-10 with his best finish of seventh in his Coca-Cola 600 debut in May 2017. While the challenge of the longest race of the year has proven to be hard, Jones has run finished inside the top-20 for a majority of his races. Outside of the Cup Series, Jones has a total of six starts on the 1.5-mile oval at Charlotte – five in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and one in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. He owns two top-fives in the Xfinity Series with his best finish of second in October 2015 after starting third. He has a best finish of second after starting in the same place in the Truck Series.

THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY: In Jones’ first NASCAR start at Charlotte in the Craftsman Truck Series, he made quite the impact and turned heads for the future 2015 Truck Series Champion. After starting second, Jones led 88 of the 139 laps before battling Kasey Kahne in the closing lap to finish just .005 of a second behind Kahne to finish second. The finish is tied for third closest in Craftsman Truck Series history with the 2008 finish between Erik Darnell and Johnny Benson, Jr.

BESHORE AT CHARLOTTE: Beshore has a total of three races on top of the box for the 1.5-mile oval at Charlotte Motor Speedway. In these three races, he’s scored back-to-back top three finishes in the Coca-Cola 600 in May 2021 and 2022 with Kyle Busch. In last year’s Coca-Cola 600, the team scored a 30th-place result after starting 26th.

MELANOMA AWARENESS INITIATIVE: The Erik Jones Foundation is continuing its longest-standing activation at Charlotte Motor Speedway this weekend with its distribution of sunscreen samples during the Coca-Cola 600 race weekend. Jones and his team plan to hand out over 5,000 samples of EltaMD products as part of the initiative. Since its first distribution in 2022, the foundation has distributed over 15,000 samples to campers and fans at Charlotte, which equates to approximately $450,000 in product. This is just a small testament to Jones’ commitment to protecting NASCAR and its fans while honoring his personal connection to Melanoma Awareness.

600 MILES OF REMEMBRANCE: As part of NASCAR’s Memorial Day weekend activities, Jones will honor a fallen soldier on his No. 43 AdventHealth Toyota Camry XSE. Riding alongside Jones will be SSG Justin R. Whiting from the United States Army. Born on Sept. 24, 1980, Justin was one of four siblings, most of whom enlisted in the military. Justin’s older sister Amanda joined the military prior to her younger brother’s enlistment in 1999. His younger brother Nathan joined after him and both were deployed to Iraq in 2008 at the same time. SSG Whiting gave his life on Jan. 19, 2008 near the city of Mosul, Iraq.

ERIK JONES QUOTE:

“I’m looking forward to Charlotte and the Coca-Cola 600. It’s honestly such a fun race for a lot of reasons. Obviously being at home is really nice, but also the way that Charlotte Motor Speedway honors our fallen soldiers on Memorial Day weekend. It’s just really special. I’m honored to have U.S. Army SSG Justin Whiting on the car for his family. I’m looking forward to meeting his family over the weekend and really letting them see what this weekend and the Charlotte race are all about. It’s honestly been one of the best mile-and-a-half races over the past few years. I’m ready to put on a show.”

BEN BESHORE QUOTE:

“Honestly, the length of the Coca-Cola 600 doesn’t make our preparation too different from a car setup standpoint. It’s a unique race that you kind of start during the day and then transition to the sunset period and then end at night. You do have to keep that in mind as you’re setting your car up. You’re probably going to run your fastest laps at the end of the race as it cools off. We don’t to put ourselves in a box where you can’t adjust the car and it’s the longest race of the year so you’re never really out of it. You can go a lap down at multiple times during the race and gamble to get your way back on the lead lap. You can fight your way back through after a spin or damage or something. There’s a long time to get back in it, and it tends to get crazy at the end. We just need to keep our head down and keep fighting all night. Coming off of Texas where we had a good run, we’re hoping to carry over some of what we learned there into another intermediate track.”

JIMMIE JOHNSON
NO. 84 CARVANA TOYOTA CAMRY XSE
HONORING 1st LT MATTHEW DAVIS: Matthew Davis was from Drexel Hill, PA and graduated from Pennsylvania State University before joining the United States Marine Corps. Though eligible for a commission, he chose to enlist and served as a chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) defense Marine. After completing an overseas deployment and rising to the rank of sergeant, Matt later earned his commission as an infantry officer. As a platoon commander with Boat Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, Matt led his Marines through demanding amphibious operations—navigating frigid surf in small rubber craft. He also completed rigorous mountain warfare training and deployed to the western Pacific. Whether among his Marines, his family, or the many others he impacted, Matt consistently brought out the best in those around him.

On the evening of November 7, 1st Lt. Matthew Davis was patrolling near his regimental headquarters at Camp San Mateo on the northern end of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, when he was tragically struck and killed by a drunk driver traveling at high speed. Matt died instantly and did not suffer, and was just 30 years old.

He is survived by his wife Elizabeth, son Logan, and daughter Aubrey, along with his parents, brothers, and family. Matt was honored with a memorial service and a military burial at Quantico National Cemetery. His legacy of service, strength, and selfless leadership lives on in all who knew him.

CARVANA-BASED LIVERY: The tribute extends beyond racing history. As part of NASCAR’s “600 Miles of Remembrance” on Memorial Day weekend, Johnson’s No. 84 will carry the name of 1st Lt. Matthew Robert Davis, USMC, a fallen service member selected in partnership with CarVets, Carvana’s Veteran-focused Employee Resource Group, ensuring every lap is run in honor of a hero’s sacrifice.

LED BY LEGACY, NEON 84: For this milestone start and moving forward, Johnson’s No. 84 Toyota features his signature neon yellow numbers, a nod to his seven-time Championship-winning No. 48 he shared so much success in for the last two decades.

GOAT DRIVE: Before the 600-mile race, Johnson will take a short drive of his own at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, with some precious cargo. Johnson and NFL legend Tom Brady will be participating in the “G.O.A.T. Drive” at the Indianapolis 500, leading the field to green in a two-seater INDYCAR before the race. This event, which is being dubbed the “G.O.A.T. Drive,” is a special pre-race ceremony where Johnson and Brady, both considered racing legends, will take a ride in the “Fastest Seat in Sports” live on FOX.

JOHNSON MEDIA AVAILABILITY: Johnson will be available to the media on Saturday, May 24 at 11:45 a.m. in the media center at Charlotte Motor Speedway to talk about his 700th career start and many other topics.

JIMMIE JOHNSON QUOTES:

“To reach my 700th start at the very race and track where my Cup career began makes this moment incredibly special. It’s a full-circle journey, and to share it with fans on Memorial Day weekend while honoring a fallen service member adds even more meaning.”

“This week is going to be very special to me, busy as can be, but I am embracing it and will cherish each moment and interaction. Our LEGACY MC cars were awesome at Texas and Kansas so there is a ton of momentum for our CLUB right now and I can’t wait to get behind the wheel of the No. 84 Carvana Toyota.”
CLUB APPEARANCES:
JJ ON SIRIUS: Johnson will join the crew for The Morning Drive this week on Friday, May 23 at 9:00 a.m. ET on SIRIUS XM NASCAR Channel 90 live.

JJ IN MEDIA: Johnson joins hosts Mike Forde, Amanda Ellis, and Nate Ryan, for “NASCAR Hauler Talk” where they offer fans a closer look at what happens behind the scenes, from rule changes to officiating decisions, logistics, and broadcasting. Johnson will also join “Rubbin’ is Racing”, a NASCAR podcast hosted by Large and Spider of Barstool Sports. It provides a behind-the-scenes look at the sport, featuring interviews with NASCAR drivers and discussions about the betting aspects of the sport. The podcast is released weekly, typically on Thursdays. Post-race, Johnson will join Steve Letarte for “Inside the Race” after the 600 the week of May 27.

MELIN: On Friday, Nemechek will appear at the new Melin storefront in Birkdale Village (16942 Birkdale Commons Pkwy, Huntersville, NC 28078) from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. to sign some autographs and take some photographs with the No. 42 Pye-Barker Toyota Camry XSE.
TUNE IN:
The Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway takes place on Sunday, May 25. The race will start at 6 p.m. EDT and will broadcast on Amazon Prime, MAX, PRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Channel 90).

LMC PR



Link

Continue Reading

Motorsports

Bubba Wallace spotter points out Joey Logano hypocrisy after NASCAR All-Star Race

The spotter for Bubba Wallace had an issue with Joey Logano‘s comments after the NASCAR All-Star Race. On the Door Bumper Clear podcast, Freddie Kraft pointed out Logano’s hypocrisy for being angry about how he lost the race to Christopher Bell and the promoter’s caution. “What the f**k,” Kraft began. “First of all, he was […]

Published

on


The spotter for Bubba Wallace had an issue with Joey Logano‘s comments after the NASCAR All-Star Race. On the Door Bumper Clear podcast, Freddie Kraft pointed out Logano’s hypocrisy for being angry about how he lost the race to Christopher Bell and the promoter’s caution.

“What the f**k,” Kraft began. “First of all, he was crying after the race about the caution that we all knew was coming. This is probably one of the most hypocritical things I’ve ever heard anybody say.”

Kraft was referring to Logano calling out Bell for his driving style during the final laps of the race. Bubba Wallace’s spotter gave Logano credit for being “the best defensive racer in our sport,” but also noted Logano would have done the same thing if the roles were reversed.

“It’s just funny for me,” Kraft said. “He gets out of the car. First of all, he’s mad about the caution… The roles were reversed. He was finally the best car and got beat by strategy or caution. But we all knew that caution was coming.”

Joey Logano was ‘pissed off’ after the NASCAR All-Star Race

Kraft later said, “That was quintessential Joey there at the end of that race complaining about the cautions and getting raced hard. Rolls reversed, he’s doing the exact same thing to Christopher.”

At the All-Star Race, Joey Logano led 139 of the 250 laps. The promoter’s caution came out on Lap 216, and that’s when Christopher Bell made his move to the top. Logano stayed out during the caution, while Bell pitted for two tires. Bell pulled even with Logano at Lap 241 to eventually pass him after drifting out toward the wall.

“I’m pissed off right now,” Logano said after the race. “Just dang it, we had the fastest car. The Shell-Pennzoil Mustang was so fast. You get to … I’m trying to choose my words correctly on the caution situation. Obviously, I got bit by it, so I am the one frustrated.

“He did a great job of trying to keep me behind him, and I knew that once I got that run off Turn 4, it was like alright, I’m going to have to be a little more aggressive and kind of leaned on him and got him out of position,” Bell said. “I knew once I got the lead, I had the tire advantage so I should be able to cruise, and it worked out that way.”



Link

Continue Reading

Motorsports

Eric Church’s Nashville Bar, Chief’s, To Sponsor 23XI Racing Driver Corey Heim In Upcoming NASCAR Race In Nashville

Here’s to turning up, slowing down, and cars that go real fast. We’re a little over a week away from NASCAR rolling into Nashville for the Cracker Barrel 400 at Nashville Superspeedway, and I know I’m biased because I live here but it’s always one of my favorite weeks of the season because of the […]

Published

on


Here’s to turning up, slowing down, and cars that go real fast.

We’re a little over a week away from NASCAR rolling into Nashville for the Cracker Barrel 400 at Nashville Superspeedway, and I know I’m biased because I live here but it’s always one of my favorite weeks of the season because of the way NASCAR and Nashville embrace each other every year.

The sport has a long history in Music City, from the early days racing at the Nashville Fairgrounds to the sport hosting their annual championship week in Nashville.

Obviously country music and racing go together like cocaine and waffles (if you don’t get Talladega Nights reference you’re probably not a NASCAR fan) so there are always plenty of cool events and collaborations that take place during race week here in Nashville, from Luke Combs appearing on Bubba Wallace’s car last year to driver appearances on Broadway. It’s just a fun week.

And country music is going to be well represented on the track once again during this year’s race in Nashville.

Eric Church‘s Nashville bar, Chief’s, was unveiled today as the sponsor for the #67 car for Corey Heim, who will be making his second start of the season for 23XI Racing.

23XI Racing is, of course, the team owned by NBA legend and Eric Church’s friend and fellow North Carolinian, Michael Jordan, along with Joe Gibbs racing driver Denny Hamlin. The team regularly fields the #23 car for Bubba Wallace, the #45 of Tyler Reddick and the #35 car for Riley Herbst, and has fielded a fourth entry for select races this season.

Heim, meanwhile, is one of the fastest rising stars in NASCAR. He’s already won three races in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series this season after finishing 2nd in the final standings last year. Heim is currently in the lead in the points standings, and has pretty much dominated most of the season. (He would probably have a couple more wins this year if it weren’t for some bad luck or ill-timed cautions).

The race will mark the first for Chief’s as a primary sponsor in NASCAR, and the race will likely feature a head-to-head battle of the Broadway bars on the track with Tootsie’s frequently serving as the sponsor for Trackhouse Racing drivers Ross Chastain and Daniel Suarez.

I mean, as much as I love mi amigo, I know which bar I’ll be rooting for in the race…

Eric Church Bumped By Legendary NASCAR Driver While Driving Pace Car At Talladega

Of course it only makes sense that Church’s bar would be featured on the track: The country star has one of the most popular songs about racing among NASCAR fans with his hit “Talladega,” one that you’re pretty much guaranteed to hear at the campgrounds of any NASCAR race these days.

And the song was such a big hit that it also earned him an invitation to drive the pace car at… you guessed it, Talladega.

Church spoke with Country Heat Weekly recently, and during the interview, NASCAR racing came up. After briefly describing himself as a “Dale Earnhardt fan,” he got into the hilarious story about his experience driving the pace car at Talladega. It first started with the details, and getting down to Talladega Speedway from Nashville:

“The year after ‘Talladega’ came out – ‘Talladega’ was the number one song – I got asked to come and drive the pace car at Talladega. I was like, ‘Yeah, sounds like a fun thing.’ The night before, we had an industry party in Nashville, and it was only like a 3 or 4 hour ride to Talladega. They said, ‘You need to be there at 8 a.m..’

We stayed at this industry party until 2:30 (in the morning). And we get on the bus, and we get there, and I didn’t know what my responsibilities were. At 7:30 a.m., there’s a knock on the bus door. I get up and they’re like, ‘Hey, you ready to go drive the pace car?’ I had to practice. I’m actually doing that thing where I’m like… I’m not actually sure I should.”

You’re telling me Eric Church almost drove the pace car drunk at Talladega?

According to how he tells the story, the country music star was trying his best to be responsible. At one point, he even told the guy – who he described as a “Bubba type” – that he wasn’t sure he should be driving a car… especially not one that’s meant to go over 100 miles per hour:

“I was like, ‘I was at a party until 2:30 in the morning… you think we should wait a little bit?’ He said, ‘Man, it’s NASCAR, you are fine.’ I said, ‘Alright bud.’ And then we did (the practice run) and it was fine. The race came later. So by the time I get to the race, I’m leading the pace car around, and I remember it was Jeff Gordon and Jimmy Johnson were on the pole.”

Church then went into the fact that if you aren’t going fast enough around the banking on the turns at Talladega, the cars will literally slide down the steep embankment. The only way to stay up on the track is to keep the speed above 110 to 120 miles per hour.

And for those who aren’t well-versed in NASCAR talk, Jeff Gordon and Jimmy Johnson being “on the pole” meant that they were the two drivers directly behind the pace car to start the race. Eric Church was still struggling to trust the car and give it gas, which led to one of the NASCAR drivers behind him giving him a little sign to speed things up:

“As I’m coming into the first turn, (the guy next to me) is going ‘Faster, faster, faster.’ So I’m going faster. Jeff Gordon was behind me and he came up and he tapped me (with his car) just to say hello. It was playful, but he tapped me, and my whole world went (sideways). It was a wonder I didn’t crash.”

Could you imagine the headlines? “Eric Church Wipes Out At Talladega” and “Jeff Gordon Purposefully Wrecks Church’s Slow-Moving Pace Car” would have done insane numbers.

Fortunately, Eric Church was able to keep it together after the bump. That being said, he shared that the driver that playfully nudged him was never his favorite, and the bump didn’t help:

“I was never a Jeff Gordon fan. But I said after we got to the next turn, ‘If he does that again, I’m slamming on my brakes and he’s gonna have no radiator for the rest of this race. If you have any comms, tell him to never do that again.’ He was just saying hello, and taking a guy who he knew was nervous going into it and gave him a little tap.”

I’m just glad that when you hear the words “Eric Church” and Talladega” together, you still just think of his kickass song from 2014. There’s an alternate universe I suppose where we got an Eric Church-Jeff Gordon rivalry for the ages, and Church and Talladega together probably would bring up something totally different.

“Talladega”





Link

Continue Reading

Motorsports

Carl Edwards: Timing ‘just feels right’ to re-enter spotlight

At first glance, Carl Edwards is a simple family man who lives on a farm in Columbia, Missouri. As an athlete who is a Hall of Famer in his respective sport of NASCAR racing, there’s not a hint of brashness in his voice. Yet, Edwards is one of the best NASCAR drivers of his generation. […]

Published

on


At first glance, Carl Edwards is a simple family man who lives on a farm in Columbia, Missouri. As an athlete who is a Hall of Famer in his respective sport of NASCAR racing, there’s not a hint of brashness in his voice.

Yet, Edwards is one of the best NASCAR drivers of his generation. The humble 45-year-old won 28 NASCAR Cup Series races in a career that culminated with his enshrinement in the NASCAR Hall of Fame in February. 

On May 25, Edwards will once again be one of the stars of a NASCAR telecast, though he’ll trade in a firesuit for a suit and tie and a steering wheel for a teleprompter as he provides analysis for Prime Video’s pre- and post-race coverage of five NASCAR Cup Series races. 

Edwards’ retirement in January of 2017 shocked the NASCAR world. After all, he was fresh off a Championship 4 appearance in 2016, and while he heartbreakingly lost the championship, he was at the top of his game. 

But Edwards, being a man who knows racing isn’t the end game of his life, was content with his career. In his Hall of Fame induction speech in February, he said he was grateful not to have won the championship in 2016. When Kyle Larson offered Edwards the opportunity to practice his car at North Wilkesboro while Larson qualified for the Indianapolis 500, Edwards politely declined. 

After being mostly radio silent in the years following his retirement, Edwards began to creep back into the NASCAR scene. He was at Darlington in May of 2023 when he was recognized as one of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers. He drove the pace car at Kansas in September of 2024, and was the honorary starter at Darlington in April. 

Starting on May 25, he’ll be one of the faces of Prime Video’s studio coverage of NASCAR as he works alongside host Danielle Trotta and fellow driver-analyst Corey LaJoie. 

Nearly a decade removed from his retirement from NASCAR, Edwards said that after getting to know the Prime Video crew, he knew it was the right time to come back to the sport, albeit in a different capacity. 

“I’ve been shocked at the way the sport has welcomed me,” Edwards told Yardbarker in a virtual news conference on Monday. “I really know what it’s like to be part of the NASCAR family. It’s a really good feeling.” 

Edwards wasn’t sure about the opportunity to work with Prime Video – until Sr. Coordinating producer Alex Strand and others from the team came to his house in Columbia to talk with him. 

“They came all the way to Columbia, Missouri,” Edwards said. “We had a heck of a fun day. As we sat around my table, at my house, with my family, I realized that this Prime team, they’re fans. They love sports. They love being at the events. All of that came together. NASCAR welcomed me back for five races. I thought, ‘This will be an adventure. My family’s coming with me. Why not? Let’s go do it.”

After talking with fellow talent in Steve Letarte — a former crew chief with a decade of TV experience — and fellow Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr., Edwards knew that the opportunity was one he couldn’t pass up. 

“I’m just so grateful that Prime came all the way out to Missouri and talked me into this,” Edwards said. “The timing just feels right.” 

For everyone who watched Edwards’ race, seeing him come back to NASCAR feels right, too. 

All quotations obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted.





Link

Continue Reading

Most Viewed Posts

Trending