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Martin Truex Jr Shocked NASCAR World with… as Auto Club Speedway roars to life for the last time
Martin Truex Jr Shocked NASCAR World with… as Auto Club Speedway roars to life for the last time
The 2023 NASCAR season brought an end to the historic superspeedway at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California.
Auto Club Speedway gave motorsports fans around San Bernardino County, Los Angeles County, and surrounding counties a track to call home since it opened as California Speedway in 1997. Since 2010, the speedway hosted early season races, bringing an exciting start to each season since then.
The track became known for its aging, worn pavement that required drivers to battle for grip through each sector and provided each season with a great large track event.
“I’m going to miss the track in general,” said Martin Truex Jr., driver of the No. 19 Reser’s Fine Foods Toyota. “It’s just very unique. It’s very fun. It’s a big challenge to do all the things it takes here to be successful. The tire wear aspect of it is challenging and fun, so I’m gonna miss everything about this track.”
A historic blizzard canceled practice and qualifying for both the Cup Series and the Xfinity Series, but when the clouds opened up, the track was live again.
Pickup trucks towed large blowers and ran laps around the speedway in an attempt to dry the course. A NASCAR directive lit the green light on the Production Alliance Group 300 and sent pit crews scrambling to get the cars onto the pit lane before 2 p.m.
Martin Truex Jr Shocked NASCAR World with… as Auto Club Speedway roars to life for the last time
Come 2:10 p.m., the drivers’ call to start their engines boomed out of the loudspeakers as 38 V8 engines roared to life in sync.
The Xfinity Series was underway as the cars assembled for a flying start while new clouds started to drift over the sun. Rain prevented the cars from more than a few laps before the race day came to a close.
This postponed the Production Alliance Group 300 to Sunday, packing two races into one day. Perfect conditions Sunday meant the cars took to the pits with no restrictions to mark the start of the Pala Casino 400.
Ross Chastain led the Pala Casino 400 for a total of 91 laps and drove the No. 1 Kubota Chevrolet to victory in stages one and two.
Kyle Busch took the lead from Chastain on lap 165 and regained it on lap 180. Busch finished the race with a 2.998-second lead over runner-up Chase Elliott. This marked his 61st career victory and his first win with the new team Richard Petty Racing.
“The guys did a great job,” said Busch, driver of the No. 8 Lucas Oil Chevrolet. “We did a lot of sim stuff, a lot of testing in general, just trying to get up to speed. I’ve worked with a lot of great people who’ve given me a lot of great opportunities in my career. It’s awesome to be able to reward them.”
Once the pits were cleared of Cup Series crews, Xfinity cars rolled out to meet the quickly approaching race start of 5 p.m. Cole Custer steered the No. 00 Steward-Hass Racing Ford to the initial lead in the final race at the historic track.
READ MORE: “Escaped Horrific Death” Fan-Favorite NASCAR Legend Dale Earnhardt Jr and His Family are…
Custer won both stages one and two, leading for 46 laps until a flat tire sent him into the wall and gave Austin Dillon in the No. 10 Chevrolet no choice but to rear-end him on the 91st lap. From there, John Hunter Nemechek never looked back on his cruise to victory after he seized the lead.
Nemechek, in his No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota Supra, closed the curtain on Auto Club Speedway with his performance.
“Man, this whole 20 team gave me one heck of a race car,” said Nemechek. “I’ve worked with a lot of the guys on the team the last couple of years, and the pit crew — they got it done when it counted tonight.”
As of Feb. 24, NASCAR sold 433 acres of the 522-acre site. The future is uncertain as NASCAR has not released any finalized plans for the remainder of Auto Club Speedway. NASCAR previously released plans to convert the remaining land to a half-mile track. However, there are no approved plans.
READ MORE: Kevin Harvick and Denny Hamlin join Kyle Busch in…
The loss of Auto Club Speedway leaves a gap to be filled in the race schedule and a hole in Los Angeles car culture.
“One thing that California doesn’t get enough credit for is what a car culture it has,” said Kevin Harvick, driver of the No. 4 Gearwrench Ford and a Bakersfield native, before what would be his last race at Auto Club before his retirement.
“When I say that, racing falls into that car culture, even today, the racetracks that are still functioning and the racers are still involved. … We were fortunate to have a good crop of guys, and still have a good crop of guys, from the West Coast, and that comes from having places to race and the quality of racers that you race against.”
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Extreme incompetence or it was deliberate: Elon Musk voiced out on Assassination Attempts on Donald Trump, 50cent Rant
Extreme incompetence or it was deliberate: Elon Musk voiced out on Assassination Attempts on Donald Trump, 50cent Rant
Donald Trump was attacked at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, 2024. A barrage of gunfire set off panic, and a bloodied Trump, who said he was shot in the ear, was surrounded by Secret Service and hurried to his SUV as he pumped his fist in a show of defiance
Trump’s campaign said the presumptive GOP nominee was doing “fine” after the shooting. The shooter was identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, who attacked from an elevated position outside the rally venue.
Secret Service agents fatally shot Crooks, One attendee was killed and two spectators were critically injured. All were identified as men. The attack was the most serious attempt to assassinate a president or presidential candidate since Ronald Reagan was shot in 1981
The attack drew new attention to concerns about political violence in a deeply polarized U.S. less than four months before the presidential election
President Joe Biden, who is running against Trump, was briefed on the incident and spoke to Trump several hours after the shooting. Many Republicans quickly blamed the violence on Biden and his allies, arguing that sustained attacks on Trump as a threat to democracy have created a toxic environment.
Elon Musk twitted to condemn the action
Extreme incompetence or it was deliberate. Either way, the SS leadership must resign. https://t.co/0vYGrj6yuH
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 14, 2024
It’s crazy they didn’t see him in advance from this vantage point?!? https://t.co/4XyuOMYfVT
— Craig Chamberlin (@CraigChamberlin) July 14, 2024
https://twitter.com/DonaldJTrumpJr/status/1812257391150502372?t=oGfLntavblJs2fBO4V5JXQ&s=19
https://twitter.com/DonaldJTrumpJr/status/1812257391150502372?t=oGfLntavblJs2fBO4V5JXQ&s=19
https://twitter.com/50cent/status/1812281668759109860?t=9znqS3__kyEUWhXiYGjrFw&s=19
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Zeekr 001 Electrifies with a Power Boost: Zhou Guanyu and Kimi Räikkönen Lead the Charge
Experience the silent power of the Zeekr 001 electric vehicle, with upgraded performance, visual enhancements, and support from racing icons. Embrace the future of sustainable driving.
Imagine a world where the roar of an engine is replaced by the silent surge of electricity, propelling vehicles forward with the press of a pedal. This vision is becoming a reality with the introduction of the updated Zeekr 001 electric vehicle (EV), which has recently been certified for sale in China. With its blend of power, innovation, and the endorsement of racing legends, the Zeekr 001 is setting a new benchmark in the EV market.
The Power Within: A Leap in Performance
The latest iteration of the Zeekr 001 brings to the table a new 95 kWh LFP battery pack and an enhanced entry-level powertrain that boasts 415 hp, a significant leap from the previous 272 hp. The all-wheel-drive (AWD) variant now commands an impressive 778 hp, marking a 234 hp increase. This power upgrade is not just about numbers; it represents a leap towards efficiency, sustainability, and the sheer joy of driving an electric powerhouse. The Zeekr 001’s ability to balance performance with environmental responsibility highlights the evolving landscape of the automotive industry
While the performance upgrades are substantial, the Zeekr 001 also sports minor visual enhancements that signify its evolution. New front and rear bumpers and fresh color options give the vehicle a contemporary edge, appealing to a broader audience. Yet, it’s the optional LiDAR that points to the future, hinting at advanced driving assistance systems and a commitment to safety. These updates, coupled with the anticipated improvements in charging capabilities and multimedia systems, underscore Zeekr’s dedication to innovation and customer satisfaction.
Champions Behind the Wheel
The announcement of Zhou Guanyu as the ambassador and Chief Driving Officer, alongside Kimi Räikkönen’s continued role as Chief Performance Advisor, adds a layer of credibility and excitement to the Zeekr 001. Guanyu, celebrated as the first Chinese Formula 1 driver, brings a unique perspective and expertise to the brand, bridging the gap between racing technology and everyday driving. Räikkönen, with his storied career and championship pedigree, ensures that performance remains at the heart of Zeekr’s philosophy. Their involvement speaks volumes about the brand’s aspirations and commitment to excellence.
Since its launch in October 2021, the Zeekr 001 has found its way into the driveways of 152,064 customers, a testament to its appeal and the growing appetite for electric vehicles. With the refreshed model set to introduce on February 27, anticipation is building for what could be a pivotal moment in Zeekr’s journey and the broader EV landscape. The Zeekr 001, with its blend of power, innovation, and star power, is not just a vehicle; it’s a harbinger of an electrified future, promising a driving experience that’s as exhilarating as it is sustainable.
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Dale Earnhardt Jr. Ended Up on the Wrong Side of the Law, charged with making trouble with two policemen
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Ended Up on the Wrong Side of the Law, charged with making trouble with two policemen
NASCAR icon Dale Earnhardt Jr. and 2023 Cup Series champion Ryan Blaney were recently on “The Kelly Clarkson Show” and talked about the Netflix special NASCAR: Full Speed among other things. During their conversation, Dale Jr. opened up about his traffic violations and revealed the interesting encounters that he had with 4 different police officers.
He took a trip down memory lane to remember how he got his first speeding ticket and quipped that he had received not one, but four tickets between the ages of 16 and 18. He told Clarkson, “I had a few issues in the first two years of having my license, from 16 to 18. I got four tickets, and the funny thing about it is, is that it was four different officers who told me they all gave my dad his first ticket, so I don’t know how that is possible.”
Dale Jr.’s father Dale Earnhardt was one of the biggest names in stock car racing since its advent in the 20th century. While it is natural for anyone to be known as having interacted with the legend, Dale Jr. can’t quite put a finger on how four different officers could have given him his first ticket. However, he did have a more important lesson to take away from the tickets he got
“I learned my lesson,” he affirmed. “I haven’t had any problems since then.” Dale Jr. is one of the executive producers of Full Speed. The docuseries has been very well received by drivers and fans since its premiere last month.
READ: “He Actually Hated Me” – Dale Jr Defends His Late Father’s Legacy as He Publicly Trashes Geoff Bodine’s Shocking Accusation
The instantaneous impact that Full Speed has been having on NASCAR
During the last race weekend, several drivers voiced their support for the Netflix docuseries and said that it was helping the sport generate new fans. One of the series main characters, Denny Hamlin said, “I thought it was a very good introduction for new fans. Because they also were kind of teaching you some 101 stuff, like, here’s how this works.”
Xfinity Series racer and Live Fast Motorsports co-owner B.J. McLeod compared it to the Hollywood hit Days of Thunder and mentioned that it had the best potential since the movie to attract new fans. He said, “It’s something that people should see, and I think that it was an unbelievable opportunity for NASCAR to have that on Netflix.”
The docuseries chronicled the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series playoff run and featured others including Ryan Blaney, Denny Hamlin, William Byron, Ross Chastain, and Dale Jr., himself.
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