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Alex Bowman’s absence sparks conversation surrounding extracurricular racing
Alex Bowman’s absence sparks conversation surrounding extracurricular racing
His absence from the No. 48 Chevrolet marks the second time this season a Hendrick Motorsports driver has missed time due to injury, with 2020 Cup champion Chase Elliott out for six weeks earlier this year after breaking his leg snowboarding. The key difference is that Bowman incurred his injury while participating in another form of motorsports during the midweek.
Jeff Andrews, president and general manager of Hendrick Motorsports, acknowledged the team is always evaluating its allowance of drivers to compete in races outside the NASCAR purview but doesn’t expect changes to its approach at this time.
“I think our message (to drivers) is, ‘be careful,’ ” Andrews said Saturday at Dover Motor Speedway. “It’s difficult because that’s something Alex has a passion for, something that he worked very hard to be better at, and we feel like it helped him over here in the Cup Series. He’s having the best year of his career in a tough period. Temporary setback and we look for him to come back strong.”
Indeed, Bowman leads the circuit with a 10.3 average finish through 10 races. Josh Berry, who filled in for Elliott, will pilot the No. 48 car at Dover on Monday (noon ET, FS1, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio). Bowman’s crew chief Blake Harris, who previously called the shots for Michael McDowell at Front Row Motorsports, has already carried the No. 48 team through adversity this season, including a 60-point penalty assessed after the event at Richmond.
Alex Bowman’s absence sparks conversation surrounding extracurricular racing
“I think this year so far, we’ve done a good job of just reacting with whatever has been thrown at us,” Harris said. “This will just be another thing that we look back on and we’ll react accordingly. We’ve got the full support of Alex. We want him to get well. As soon as he’s healthy and ready to come back, we’ll plug him back in and keep digging.”
Kyle Larson, another of Bowman’s Hendrick teammates, owns the High Limit Sprint Car Series in which Bowman was competing Tuesday night. The duo flew to and from the track together, Larson said, adding that Bowman was in good spirits on the way back.
The 2021 champion, Larson cares deeply about dirt racing, particularly sprint car racing. Its importance to him has grown not only thanks to his success on the track but off it.
READ MORE: Ross Chastain Engaged in Unhealthy and Hot Conversation Following Darlington Incident with…
“I don’t just do it for fun. I don’t just do it for training. I also make a lot of money racing,” Larson said. “It’s more than that. It’s also a business for me. I make a good chunk of money racing, selling merchandise at the dirt tracks. I get to race in front of a lot of fans that might not get to see me at a race. So it’s all weighed. I weigh it all and I think there’s a lot of benefit that comes from it.”
Tyler Reddick, driver of the No. 45 Toyota at 23XI Racing, grew up racing dirt. His appreciation for it offsets concerns of injuries, he explained.
“There’s risk in anything you do, right? So the big thing is to make sure you’re having fun while you do this,” Reddick said. “You can’t do it forever. Surely, you can race a lot longer than you can do other things. But it’s all about having fun. I completely understand. I love dirt racing. I wish I could do more of it and will be doing more of it in the future. But it’s just part of it.”
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. was also competing Tuesday in the same event where Bowman was injured. Amid his strong season, Stenhouse feels sharper in his Cup efforts thanks to his time at the dirt track.
READ MORE: Dale Earnhardt Jr Divulges Invaluable Advice to Kevin Harvick’s Potential Replacement Over Recent Incident
“As a race car driver, I feel like the more you’re in a race car, the better you are,” Stenhouse said. “I look back on my career and I quit racing sprint cars as soon as I started Cup, and that was at a request from Jack (Roush, team owner of RFK Racing) back then. And I felt like I kind of lost a little of an edge that I had been in a sprint car probably 30 or 40 times a year back then when I was in the (Xfinity) Series. For me, I feel like I just stay a lot more sharp.”
RFK Racing’s Brad Keselowski deals with both sides of the coin as both a driver and team co-owner — run elsewhere and sharpen up, but risk the chance of getting hurt.
“It’s a double-edged sword. We can’t live in bubble wrap,” Keselowski said. “And also, we’ve got to do everything we can to make sure we’re here for our team and our partners and fans. So there’s no perfect answer to anything. There are a lot of case-by-case situations and of course, a lot of armchair quarterbacking after things have already happened. So I don’t know if there’s one simple solution.”
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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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