NASCAR: Beyond All Reason

Spitfire · Apr 4, 2025

8th March

Richard Childress Racing (RCR) has officially confirmed that Brandon Blaze will enter the 2022 Formula Regional Americas Championship, competing in as many races as possible that do not clash with his NASCAR International Series (NIS) commitments.

"This is about broadening Brandon’s experience base," an RCR spokesperson stated. "He’s expressed interest in the Indianapolis 500, and this move is part of a long-term development path to prepare him for that kind of racing. We’re fully supportive of him racing open-wheel this year while keeping his focus on the NIS title fight."

This marks the first official step toward Chip Ganassi's outlined path for Blaze to someday race at Indy, and it adds an intriguing twist to his already packed 2022 campaign.

Brandon Blaze will compete in the 2022 Formula Regional Americas Championship driving the series-standard Honda-powered Ligier JS F3 car, running under car #33.

It has also been confirmed that Dario Franchitti has been appointed as the Head of RCR's new Open-Wheel Development (OWD) program, and will personally oversee Blaze’s progression.

Franchitti: "Brandon’s got the raw talent—you can see it from how he carries himself in the stock car world. Open-wheel demands a different touch, and I’m here to help shape that. This isn’t just a box-ticking exercise—we want him to be a real contender, both here and wherever he races next."

This is a major strategic step for RCR, suggesting they’re building a long-term open-wheel pathway for Blaze—and possibly others in the future.

Spitfire · Apr 4, 2025

2022 European Rally Championship – Round 1: Part One
March 11 | ERC3 Class

Welcome to the Start of the ERC3 Season!
The 2022 European Rally Championship (ERC) kicks off in Portugal with the iconic gravel challenge of Fafe e Felgueiras. Known for its narrow roads, dramatic jumps, and changeable weather, this rally will be a true test of commitment for drivers in the ERC3 class – the proving ground for Rally3-spec machinery.

This year’s opener features a compact but exciting ERC3 field, including a strong mix of returning names and rising talent.

Rally Profile
Surface: Gravel
Stages: 17
Competitive Distance: 196.21 km
Terrain: Narrow forest trails, blind crests, deep ruts, and famous Portuguese jumps
Weather Forecast: Light rain Friday; partly cloudy Saturday – expect mud and low grip

Drivers to Watch

Butt Hertz (Castrol Rally Group)
Coming off a strong 5th place in his WRC3 debut at Rally Sweden, the American now shifts focus to his full-time ERC3 campaign. Gravel is more familiar terrain for Hertz, and with Castrol behind him, expectations are high.

"I’m excited to get on the gravel again. This is the surface I grew up sim racing on—and Fafe looks wild. We’re here to learn, but we’re not here to cruise."

Kaspar Kasari (OT Racing)
A proven gravel talent, Kasari brings speed and raw aggression. He’s one of the favorites for victory if he can keep it clean.

"Fafe rewards bravery. We came to fight."

Igor Widłak (KG-RT)
Polish gravel specialist with Rally3 experience. Quick in rough conditions, he’s known for consistency over flair.

Dmitry Feofanov
Experienced privateer returning after a quiet 2021. Often overlooked, but dangerous on tricky surfaces.

Key Stages to Watch
- SS5 – Luílhas (11.1 km): Fast and technical with a drop-off hairpin—where bravery counts.
- SS12 – Seixoso (8.3 km): Narrow crests through forest, can become muddy with overnight rain.
- SS17 – Lameirinha (13.3 km, Power Stage): Features the legendary Pedra Sentada jump—a fan-favorite and rally decider.

What to Expect from the Rally
- Early rain could turn Friday into a mud-fest, punishing late runners.
- Grip will evolve quickly, and drivers must adapt as ruts form across loops.
- Stage wins will matter—with bonus points on offer, expect risks in the Power Stage.
- Reliability and composure may beat outright speed, especially for ERC3 where every mistake costs dearly.

With Fafe’s iconic terrain, a confident American debutant, and a group of experienced European gravel drivers, the ERC3 class promises close times and big moments.

Spitfire · Apr 5, 2025

2022 European Rally Championship – Round 1: Part Two
March 11 | ERC3 Class

Butt Hertz Makes His Mark in Portugal
American driver Butt Hertz came into Portugal fresh from a strong WRC3 snow debut—many expected him to need time to adapt back to gravel. Instead, he delivered a stunning performance on Day 1, taking multiple stage wins, battling for the lead all day, and proving that he’s not just here to learn—he’s here to contend.

Morning Loop (SS1–SS4)
The day began in treacherous conditions. Overnight rain had left the opening stages slick, with deep mud in the forest sections.

- SS1 (Montim): Hertz started cautiously but still went 2nd-fastest, just 1.2s behind Kasari.
- SS2 (Aboim): Hertz snatched his first ERC3 stage win, driving with confidence on tricky downhill hairpins.
- SS3 (Ruivães): A small rear slide into a ditch cost him time, but he recovered to finish P3 on the stage.
- SS4 (Gontim): Hertz went fastest again, showing strong car control as the roads began to dry.

By midday service, Butt was leading the ERC3 class, just 2.4 seconds ahead of Kasari, with Widłak a further 10 seconds back.

Afternoon Loop (SS5–SS9)
As the sun broke through and the grip improved, speeds increased—and so did the pressure.

- SS5 (Luílhas): Hertz was electric, taking his third stage win of the rally by nearly 4 seconds.
- SS6 (Montim II): A moment of over-rotation in a rutted hairpin allowed Kasari to close the gap.
- SS7–SS8: Widłak came alive, winning SS7, while Feofanov quietly climbed to P4.
- SS9 (Aboim II): Hertz ended the day with a tight 0.3s stage win, holding off Kasari in a full-send Power Sprint.
Post-Day Comments
Butt Hertz (P1):
"What a day! This car just came alive on the second loop. It’s fast, it’s a bit wild out there, but when it clicks—it’s awesome. Thanks to the Castrol Rally Group, the car’s been bulletproof. Tomorrow’s going to be a fight, but we’re ready."

Kasari (P2):
"Hertz is fast—I didn’t expect that! But I feel good. We’ll push tomorrow. It’s still close."

Widłak (P3):
"Not perfect today, but we stayed out of trouble. Let’s see what Saturday brings."

Spitfire · Apr 5, 2025

2022 European Rally Championship – Round 1: Part Three
March 12 | ERC3 Class
Morning Loop (SS10–SS13)
The day began fast and flowing, with conditions now much drier and the roads rougher after repeated use.

- SS10 (Gontim II): Hertz started strong again, going fastest by 2.1 seconds over Kasari, pushing the gap to 5.8s.
- SS11 (Luílhas II): Kasari answered back, winning the stage and trimming the lead back down to 3.4s.
- SS12 (Ruivães II): A big push by Hertz netted him another stage win—his fifth of the rally—and crucial breathing room.
- SS13 (Montim III): Widłak set the pace here, but Hertz was smooth and clean, managing his tires as Kasari hit a rut and dropped 4 seconds.

At midday service, Hertz led Kasari by 9.2 seconds, with Widłak holding steady in third.

Afternoon Loop (SS14–SS17)
The final loop included the legendary SS17 – Lameirinha, home to the Pedra Sentada jump, where crowds gathered to witness full commitment from the drivers.

- SS14–SS15: Hertz focused on driving smart, avoiding unnecessary risks. Kasari clawed back 1.8 seconds in SS15 but couldn’t mount a full attack.
- SS16 (Aboim III): Hertz put in one final push to open the gap again before the finale.
- SS17 (Lameirinha – Power Stage): No bonus points at stake, but that didn’t stop Butt Hertz from launching it perfectly over Pedra Sentada, thrilling fans and sealing the win with a clean and confident final run.

Butt Hertz Holds His Nerve to Win ERC3 in Portugal!
Day 2 brought the heat—both figuratively and literally—as the ERC3 contenders fought it out across eight more rugged Portuguese gravel stages. With Butt Hertz holding a narrow 3.7-second lead after Day 1, all eyes were on whether the American could hold off Kaspar Kasari and claim victory in just his first-ever ERC3 event.

* * *

Post-Rally Interview: Butt Hertz Celebrates Victory at ERC3 Season Opener

Fresh off an incredible debut win in the 2022 ERC3 season opener, American driver Butt Hertz caught up with the media in the service park at Fafe. Covered in dust but grinning ear-to-ear, the Castrol Rally Group driver reflected on his weekend, the wild stages, and what this moment means for his career.

"I can't lie—this feels amazing."

Q: Butt, you're standing here as an ERC3 rally winner after your first event. How are you feeling?

Butt Hertz:
"I can't lie—this feels amazing. I came here with the mindset of getting experience, maybe sneaking onto the podium if things went well. But we found rhythm early, and once we hit those middle stages on Friday, I knew we had the pace to fight for it."

"This terrain forces you to earn every corner."

Q: What was the rally like for you, especially compared to your recent snow debut in Sweden?

Butt Hertz:
"Oh man, total contrast. Sweden was about grip you can’t see—learning to trust the studs and slide with precision. Fafe? This terrain forces you to earn every corner. The ruts, the jumps, the narrow crests—you can’t switch off for a second. But I grew up driving gravel in the sim world, and it felt oddly familiar."

"Big thanks to Castrol—they backed me from day one."

Q: Your car looked bulletproof all weekend. How big was the Castrol Rally Group in making this possible?

Butt Hertz:
"Huge. Massive. The team gave me a car that could take a hit and still scream through the next corner. Castrol has backed me from day one, before anyone outside of the U.S. rally scene even knew who I was. They believed in the long game. Today’s for them."

"We proved we're not just here to make up the numbers."

Q: What message do you think this win sends to the rest of the ERC3 field?

Butt Hertz:
"Simple: we’re here, and we’re serious. I’m still learning every time I get in the car, but we proved this weekend we’re not just here to make up the numbers. We can win. And we want more."

"Next rally? I’m already thinking about it."

Q: What’s next for you? More ERC? Back to WRC3?

Butt Hertz:
"My calendar's getting crazy, but in a good way. I’ve got ERC3 full-time this year, and I’d love to do more WRC3 if we can make the schedules work. Right now though, I’m just thinking about the next rally and how we can do it all over again."

Final Word from the Winner
"To all the fans who cheered us on—even if you didn’t know who we were—thank you. I’m just a kid from Iowa trying to chase this crazy dream. Portugal? You were unforgettable."

Spitfire · Apr 5, 2025

2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series: Phoenix Raceway Part One
12th March

Track Profile – Phoenix Raceway
Unique Shape: Dogleg frontstretch, tight turns, wide restart zone
Tire Strategy: Right-side wear is brutal, long green runs are punishing
Race Style: Short-track mentality in a speedway setting — contact expected
Keys to Victory: Braking consistency, throttle control, and restart execution

Storylines Heading Into Phoenix

Allgaier’s Turf – Can He Go Back-to-Back?
Fresh off his win in Las Vegas, Justin Allgaier (#7) returns to a track he’s dominated before. He’s the most experienced short-track racer in the field — and Phoenix suits his rhythm and tire-saving style.

“We’ve had fast cars here before. Now we want to finish the job again.”

Tommy Bedlam – Bounce Back or Boil Over?
After finishing outside the top 3 for the first time in his career at Vegas (P5), Tommy Bedlam rolls into Phoenix with something to prove. He's confident, motivated, and chasing win #3 of the season — and says eight regular season wins is still the goal.

“We’ve got to keep the pressure up. This is a thinking track — I like that.”

Eckes & K-Mag: Rookie Class Goes Short-Track
Christian Eckes has finished 5th, 3rd, and 2nd — he’s knocking on the door.

Kevin Magnussen quietly impressed with a 4th at Vegas and now takes on a flat, technical oval. A strong finish here would further cement his credentials as Audi and Cup Series scouts continue to watch.

Ty Gibbs: Fast Everywhere, But Needs the W
He’s led laps, sat on poles, scored big points — but Ty Gibbs has yet to finish better than 3rd in 2022. Phoenix, where he’s won in ARCA, is a golden opportunity to reset the narrative.

“We’ve got the speed. It’s time to seal one.”

Phoenix = Pressure for Mid-Packers
Drivers like Cole Custer, Kaz Grala, Austin Hill, and Sam Mayer are fast — but haven’t broken through yet in 2022. A strong Phoenix result could swing early-season momentum their way.

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Team Profile
West Coast Racing
Audi's Flagship NASCAR Xfinity Entry – Debuting in 2023

Headquarters
Irvine, California – in the heart of SoCal’s motorsport and tech corridor, symbolizing Audi’s innovation-first approach and ties to German-American engineering culture.

Manufacturer: Audi
Power: NASCAR-approved Audi 4.0L V8 engine (tuned for Xfinity spec)
- Development partnership with Audi Sport and Audi USA
- Aerodynamics built around a bespoke Audi coupe-style Xfinity body shell

Name: West Coast Racing
Colors: Ice silver, deep red, and black
Logo: Stylized “WCR” badge wrapped beneath the four Audi rings, framed by west coast mountains and a racing stripe sunset motif
Slogan: “Speed. Precision. West Coast Swagger.”

Team Principal: Matt Heidrich – former IMSA engineer and GT3 program leader at Audi
Technical Director: Kara Melendez – formerly with Andretti Autosport in Indy Lights
Crew Chief (TBA): Hiring from within the Xfinity paddock, with an emphasis on data-driven pit strategy

Team Statement:
“West Coast Racing is more than a team — it’s a movement. We're here to show that Audi’s performance DNA belongs in NASCAR, and we’ll do it with style, technical precision, and serious pace.”

“The Xfinity Series is the perfect place for this next chapter in Audi’s motorsport evolution. The fans are passionate, the racing is intense, and we’re ready to make our mark.”

Spitfire · Apr 8, 2025

2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series: Phoenix Raceway Part Two
12th March

Qualifying Recap – United Rentals 200
Phoenix Raceway – 1-mile low-banked oval
Format: Two-group, single-round knockout (short track format)
Track Conditions: Cool, grippy surface – overcast skies, light breeze
Focus: Braking precision, short-run grip, throttle timing off Turn 4

Pole Winner – Tommy Bedlam (#22, Team Penske)
For the third time in four races, Tommy Bedlam proved lethal in single-lap pace, laying down a 27.692-second flyer in the final moments of Group B.

“This place rewards discipline — we hit every corner perfect. This car is just fun to drive right now.” – Tommy Bedlam

Big Performers in Qualifying:
- Christian Eckes continues to show maturity and pace — now a regular top-five qualifier.

- Ty Gibbs was fastest in Group A but just missed the pole by 0.025s to Bedlam.

-Cole Custer quietly sharpens his form — fifth is his best start of 2022.

Notable Struggles:
- Kevin Magnussen only managed 14th, citing brake lockup mid-lap.

- Noah Gragson will roll off 16th, saying the car was too loose exiting Turn 2.

- Riley Herbst struggled to find grip and qualified 21st — visibly frustrated post-run.

Driver Quotes:
Ty Gibbs: “We’ve got race pace — and Phoenix races different than it qualifies. We’ll be in it.”
Allgaier: “Happy with third. Long run matters more here — and we’re ready.”
Eckes: “Best I’ve felt here. Got clean laps. We’re not backing down.”

Spitfire · Apr 8, 2025

2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series: Phoenix Raceway Part Three
12th March | 200 laps (Stage 1–2: 45 laps; Stage 3: 110 laps)

[Stage One Recap 1-45]

Lap 1 – Bedlam Leads Cleanly
- Tommy Bedlam launched strong from pole, clearing Ty Gibbs into Turn 1.

- Behind them, Christian Eckes got aggressive early, getting around Allgaier by Lap 3 to slot into P3.
-
- Cole Custer and Austin Hill stayed tight in formation, waiting for the lead pack to shake out.

Lap 10–20 – Tight Pack, JR Motorsports Flexes
- Allgaier regrouped and took back P3 from Eckes on Lap 12 with a clean dive in Turn 4.

- Sam Mayer, starting 8th, began creeping forward and took P6 from Daniel Hemric by Lap 18.

- The top 6 stayed under a 2.5 second blanket — nose-to-tail in clean air.

Lap 22 – Caution: Contact in Turn 2
- Bayley Currey (#4) and Matt Mills (#5) made light contact exiting Turn 2, sending Mills sliding through the dogleg apron. No damage, but NASCAR threw the first yellow of the race.

- Everyone stayed out — too early for tires, but drivers took a moment to cool brakes and reset.

Lap 27 Restart – Gibbs Takes the Lead!
- Ty Gibbs got the jump on the restart and cleared Bedlam down the frontstretch, using the dogleg line perfectly.

- Bedlam tucked into second, not pushing the issue, saving tires for the long game.

- Allgaier followed through to briefly pressure the #22 before settling back into 3rd.

Lap 30–45 – Clean Green to the Stage End
- Gibbs extended his lead to over 1.3 seconds by Lap 40 — controlled, smooth laps from the JGR driver.

- Christian Eckes battled back to pass Custer for 4th, looking strong on corner exit.

- Austin Hill, quietly consistent, held firm in 6th but couldn't close the gap to the leaders.

Stage One Finish – Ty Gibbs Wins First Stage of 2022
- Ty Gibbs takes his first stage win of the season, holding off Bedlam by a second flat.

- Allgaier, Eckes, and Custer round out the Top 5 in a clean, high-quality stage.

[Stage Two Recap 46-90]

Stage Break Pit Stops – Allgaier Gains, Grala Gambles
- All the lead-lap cars pitted under the stage caution.

- Ty Gibbs, Bedlam, and Allgaier all took four tires and fuel.

- Kaz Grala rolled the dice with a two-tire call, gaining six spots to restart inside the Top 5.

- Quick work from the JR Motorsports crew got Allgaier off pit road ahead of Bedlam, reshuffling the order.

Lap 51 Restart – Gibbs Defends, Chaos Behind
- Gibbs launched cleanly again, maintaining the lead into Turn 1.

- Allgaier slotted into 2nd, while Grala, on two tires, quickly became a moving roadblock.

- Bedlam, Eckes, and Custer all swarmed the #48, taking back their positions by Lap 54.

Lap 60–70 – JR Motorsports Three-Wide
- Eckes, Allgaier, and Sam Mayer ran nose-to-tail and even three-wide for a moment down the dogleg.

- Bedlam fought hard to stay in the mix, passing Eckes for 3rd with a clean bump in Turn 2.

- Austin Hill re-entered the Top 5, quietly managing his tires and looking better on the long run.

Lap 75 – Caution: Contact in the Mid-Pack
- Brennan Poole (#6) and Bayley Currey (#4) tangled entering Turn 3 — both brushed the wall. No major damage, but NASCAR threw the yellow to bunch the field.

- Teams elected to stay out, knowing another caution could come near the end of the stage.

Lap 80 Restart – Bedlam Makes His Move
- Tommy Bedlam got an amazing restart, going three-wide with Gibbs and Allgaier, taking the lead for the first time since Lap 15.

- Gibbs tried the crossover but couldn’t make it stick — the #22 pulled away by 0.7 seconds.

Lap 90 – Stage Two Finish: Bedlam Strikes Back
- Tommy Bedlam scores his third stage win of the year with a commanding final stint.

- Ty Gibbs, Eckes, and Allgaier battled hard for 2nd–4th, with Custer holding onto 5th.

[Stage Three Recap 91-200]

Lap 91 – Final Stage Begins: Bedlam Leads
- Tommy Bedlam led the field to green after winning Stage Two, but Ty Gibbs quickly challenged down the dogleg.

- Christian Eckes ran third, with Allgaier and Custer rounding out the top five.

- Austin Hill and Sam Mayer swapped sixth multiple times as the field spread out.

Lap 105–130 – Long Run Pace Emerges
- Gibbs made the move for the lead on Lap 109, pinning Bedlam behind a lapped car into Turn 3.

- Bedlam stayed within half a second, managing tire wear and radioing: “Let him come back to us — long way to go.”

- Kevin Magnussen, who started mid-pack, surged into the Top 10, passing Daniel Hemric and Kaz Grala on a steady charge.

Lap 137 – Caution: Natalie Decker Spins
- Natalie Decker (#33) spun off Turn 4 — no contact, but the yellow flew with 63 laps to go.

All lead-lap cars pitted:

- Four tires and fuel for all major contenders

- Kaulig Racing nailed the stop — Magnussen jumped two spots on pit road

Lap 142 Restart – Mayhem at the Front
- Gibbs and Bedlam restarted side-by-side and made slight contact in Turn 2.

- Bedlam muscled ahead, but Eckes took advantage, diving low and stealing 2nd.

- Allgaier moved into 4th, while Custer faded slightly after a slow restart.

Lap 150–180 – Pressure Mounts
- Bedlam, Eckes, and Gibbs ran nose-to-tail for nearly 20 laps in a tight, tense battle.

- Behind them, Allgaier started gaining time and Austin Hill pulled back into the top 5.

- Magnussen continued his patient climb — now P7 and eyeing more.

Lap 186 – Final Caution: Poole and Labbé Crash
- A fierce mid-pack battle ended when Brennan Poole and Alex Labbé tangled off Turn 2, bringing out the final caution.

- Field reset for a 10-lap shootout to decide it all.

Lap 191 Restart – Eckes Goes for It
- Eckes got an incredible restart from the outside lane, clearing Bedlam and Gibbs into Turn 1.

- Gibbs and Bedlam touched again into Turn 3, letting Allgaier sneak into 2nd.

- Kevin Magnussen passed Hill and Custer in one lap — now running P4.

Lap 200 – Christian Eckes Wins at Phoenix!
- Christian Eckes (R) holds off Justin Allgaier to score his first career Xfinity Series win in style.

- Bedlam, Gibbs, and Magnussen rounded out the Top 5 in a wild finish.

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ebb3130a-00b1-47cb-8d1f-65698672ffaa-large16x9_ChristianEckesDarlington870x462.jpg

Victory Lane – Christian Eckes Soaks in His First Xfinity Win
The #8 JR Motorsports Chevrolet rolls into Phoenix Victory Lane under a setting Arizona sun. Crew members climb the pit wall, high-fiving and fist-pumping as confetti rains down. Christian Eckes takes a moment. He climbs out slowly, helmet still on, hands trembling just slightly. He stares at the crowd, then at the car — then raises both fists skyward as the cheers erupt.]

Christian Eckes – Winner, United Rentals 200:
“I don’t even have the words. I’ve dreamed about this moment since I was a kid — just praying I’d get the chance to prove I belong here. And today… today we did it.”

“I’ve been close. We’ve been fast every week this year. But I knew we had to close one out. I didn’t care if it was Vegas, Daytona, wherever — but Phoenix? Phoenix feels right. You have to earn it here.”

“That last restart… man. I just went for it. I knew I had one shot, and I hit it perfect. The car stuck, and I wasn’t looking back. It was the cleanest, fastest, most locked-in I’ve felt in a stock car.”

“To everyone who believed in me — thank you. To everyone who doubted me — this one’s for you too. We’re here now. And I promise — this won’t be the last one.”

Eckes' Crew Chief (JR Motorsports):
“That’s what this team was building toward. He’s been driving like a veteran all season. He earned every bit of this win.”

As the celebration continues, Christian Eckes takes a slow walk along the pit wall, slapping hands with fans and tearing up slightly as he hugs his crew one by one. A hard-fought, well-earned moment — and maybe, the beginning of something big.

Tommy Bedlam · Apr 8, 2025

"Definitely felt like we had a car that could win. We just couldn't get much going once we got in dirty air. It was a good points day, but taking the checkered flag would've been great. All we can do is get back to work and try to win the next one."

Spitfire · Apr 8, 2025

2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series: Phoenix Raceway Part Four
12th March

Tommy Bedlam – Post-Race Interview (P3 Finish – Phoenix Raceway)
“Third-place today? That’s a win in a different way. We were up front, we led laps, and we were in the mix to the very end. That’s all you can ask for at a place like Phoenix.”

“The car was fast, the crew was flawless, and every call we made today kept us in the game. I gave it everything I had on that last restart, but Christian [Eckes] nailed his. Full credit to him — he earned it. But we were right there, and that’s what matters.”

“Days like this? They just prove something I’ve been saying since Daytona — signing with Penske was the smartest move of my career so far.”

“I took a risk walking away from the Chevrolet ladder and turning down some big names, but Roger Penske believed in me, gave me the #22 car, and let me run the program the way I know how. And now we’re three Top 5s and two wins into the season — that’s not luck, that’s the result of a team that fits me.”

“We’ve got a long road ahead. I haven’t hit my win goal yet, but I know we’re on the path. We’ve got the equipment, we’ve got the chemistry, and I’ve never had this much fun behind the wheel.”

Tommy remains one of the strongest early-season favorites, continuing to back up the hype with consistency and maturity — and proving that the switch to Ford and Penske wasn’t just a headline move, but a career-defining turning point.

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Kevin Magnussen – Post-Race (P5 Finish – Phoenix Raceway)
“I’m happy with where we are right now. This is only my second full year racing on ovals, and already we’re finishing top five in the Xfinity Series — that’s a big step. I’m still learning how to read these races — how the track evolves, how to position the car in traffic, how to manage the tires — but it’s coming together.”

“Every week I feel more comfortable. The racing here is raw, it’s intense, and I love it. There’s nothing like throwing a big stock car into Turn 1 three-wide and making it stick.”

“That said, I’ve got one eye on COTA. I’m a road racer at heart — that’s where I’m most at home. If there’s a track where I think we can fight for our first win, it’s there.”

“Kaulig Racing has given me a great car, a great team, and the trust to keep improving. I think we’ll be ready when we get to Austin. I’m not showing up there just to compete — I’m going to try and win.”

Magnussen’s smooth adaptation to oval racing combined with his road course pedigree makes him a legitimate threat at COTA — and if momentum carries over, his first Xfinity Series win might not be far off.

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Noah Gragson – Post-Race (P13 – Phoenix Raceway)
“Look, I’m not gonna sugarcoat it — I’m frustrated. I see the #8 and the #7 running up front, and I’m sitting here fighting for 13th with a car that just wasn’t in the same zip code. That’s tough to swallow when we’re under the same roof.”

“I know those guys are good — Eckes drove his tail off today, and Allgaier’s one of the best at Phoenix. But still… I expect to be in that mix. We should be in that mix. And right now? We’re just not.”

“We’ve got work to do before Atlanta. That’s a high-speed place — you can’t be off by half a percent there or you’re gonna get chewed up. I’ve got confidence in this team, but we’ve got to hit the reset button and get the balance right.”

“I’m not mad at anyone — I’m just fired up. I want to win races. I want to fight for this championship. And I’m not gonna settle for being a support act to my teammates.”

Gragson’s frustration is raw but focused — and with Atlanta up next, a track where aggression and speed pay off, you can bet he’ll be coming in with something to prove.

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Riley Herbst – Post-Race Reflection (P29 – Phoenix Raceway)
“Yeah… I’m feeling it. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t. There’s a lot of pressure this year, and I know what’s on the line. We’ve got so many talented Ford guys coming up in the Truck Series — and they’re hungry. If I’m not performing, there’s no guarantee I’m in this seat next year.”

“I’ve been doing this long enough to know that consistency matters — and I haven’t delivered that yet this season. It’s not just about bad luck or tough breaks anymore. I’ve got to take accountability and find a way to turn things around.”

“The team is working hard, the cars have speed, but we’re not putting full races together. You can’t afford to be finishing at the back, not when guys like Bedlam, Hill, and even Barry Clock-Tower are out there lighting it up and showing what Ford’s future pipeline looks like.”

“Atlanta’s next. Fast track. Big opportunity. I’ve got to make it count. No more excuses.”

Riley Herbst faces mounting scrutiny as the depth of Ford’s development talent in the Truck Series — including drivers like Tommy Bedlam, Arthur D’Tea, Barry Clock-Tower, and Matt DiBenedetto — begins to loom over the future of his Xfinity ride at Stewart-Haas Racing.

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2022 Championship Standings

Position	Driver	Car #	Team	Points
1	Tommy Bedlam (R)	#22	Team Penske	256
2	Ty Gibbs	#54	Joe Gibbs Racing	239
3	Christian Eckes (R)	#8	JR Motorsports	221
4	Justin Allgaier	#7	JR Motorsports	211
5	Kevin Magnussen (R)	#11	Kaulig Racing	195
6	Cole Custer	#00	Stewart-Haas Racing	186
7	Noah Gragson	#9	JR Motorsports	167
8	Austin Hill (R)	#21	Richard Childress Racing	165
9	Sam Mayer	#1	JR Motorsports	153
10	Kaz Grala	#48	Big Machine Racing	147
11	Daniel Hemric	#2	Richard Childress Racing	140
12	A.J. Allmendinger	#16	Kaulig Racing	132
13	Landon Cassill	#10	Kaulig Racing	122
14	Matt Mills	#5	B.J. McLeod Motorsports	112
15	Anthony Alfredo	#23	Our Motorsports	111
16	Brandon Jones	#18	Joe Gibbs Racing	103
17	Ryan Sieg	#39	RSS Racing	102
18	Josh Williams	#36	DGM Racing	99
19	Sammy Smith	#18	Joe Gibbs Racing	94
20	Rajah Caruth	#44	Alpha Prime Racing	92
21	Alex Labbé	#92	DGM Racing	91
22	Jeb Burton	#27	Our Motorsports	86
23	Jeremy Clements	#51	Jeremy Clements Racing	81
24	Bayley Currey	#4	JD Motorsports	80
25	Jesse Iwuji	#31	Jesse Iwuji Motorsports	75
26	Brennan Poole	#6	JD Motorsports	67
27	Joey Gase	#35	Emerling-Gase Motorsports	67
28	Riley Herbst	#98	Stewart-Haas Racing	63
29	Natalie Decker	#33	Reaume Brothers Racing	63
30	J.J. Yeley	#66	MBM Motorsports	60

Position	Driver	Truck #	Team	Wins	Playoff Points
1	Tommy Bedlam (R)	#22	Team Penske	2	14
2	Justin Allgaier	#7	JR Motorsports	1	5
3	Christian Eckes (R)	#8	JR Motorsports	1	5
4	Ty Gibbs	#54	Joe Gibbs Racing	0	2
5	Kevin Magnussen (R)	#11	Kaulig Racing	0	1

Spitfire · Apr 9, 2025

F3: Bahrain GP Part One
March 19th

Season Opener Vibes
A new year brings new rivalries, fresh faces, and rising pressure in the junior ranks. The 2022 grid is one of the most stacked in recent memory, with a blend of second-year chargers, F4 graduates, and even some international stars stepping in from NASCAR, WEC, and beyond. All roads in F3 lead toward the big leagues — and Bahrain is where that journey begins.

Key Talking Points
- Prema Powerhouse – Arthur Leclerc, Jak Crawford, and Oliver Bearman make up one of the most potent lineups in junior single-seater history. All eyes on Leclerc, but Bearman could surprise.

- ART's Trio of Talent – Victor Martins leads the French outfit with Saucy and Correa adding experience and flair.

- Trident’s Youth Movement – Zane Maloney brings Caribbean firepower, with Rasmussen and Staněk both back for business.

- All Eyes on Logan Slayer – After shaking up Indy Lights and leaving NASCAR trucks behind, the American wildcard Logan Slayer joins Hitech Grand Prix in the #19. His transition to European open-wheel racing has the whole paddock watching.

"He’s fast, raw, and unpredictable — exactly what F3 thrives on." – Hitech Team Boss

= = = = =

FULL DRIVER LINEUP – 2022 Formula 3 Season (Bahrain Entry)

Team	No.	Driver
Trident	1	Oliver Rasmussen
	2	Roman Staněk
	3	Zane Maloney
Prema Racing	4	Arthur Leclerc
	5	Jak Crawford
	6	Oliver Bearman
ART Grand Prix	7	Victor Martins
	8	Grégoire Saucy
	9	Juan Manuel Correa
MP Motorsport	10	Caio Collet
	11	Alexander Smolyar
	12	Kush Maini
Charouz Racing	14	László Tóth
	15	David Schumacher
	16	Francesco Pizzi
Hitech Grand Prix	17	Kaylen Frederick
	18	Isack Hadjar
	19	Logan Slayer
Campos Racing	20	David Vidales
	21	Sebastián Montoya
	22	Pepe Martí
Jenzer Motorsport	23	Ido Cohen
	24	Federico Malvestiti
	25	William Alatalo
Carlin	26	Zak O'Sullivan
	27	Brad Benavides
	28	Enzo Trulli
Van Amersfoort Racing	29	Franco Colapinto
	30	Rafael Villagómez
	31	Reece Ushijima

Track Preview: Bahrain International Circuit
- Long straights, heavy braking zones — perfect for daring overtakes and DRS drama

- Tire degradation is key: will drivers risk it on softs or play it long on mediums?

- Expect sand on track early in sessions — grip will evolve rapidly

+ + + + +

Qualifying Recap

Sprint Race Reverse Grid (Top 12 Reversed)
Sebastián Montoya will start from pole in the Sprint Race, with Frederick alongside him on the front row. Expect fireworks.

Notable Moments
Logan Slayer stunned in his F3 debut, going purple in Sector 1 and briefly topping the timing sheets before slipping to P5.

“We’re not here to cruise. I want to push these guys and learn everything I can doing it.” – Logan post-session

Victor Martins executed a near-perfect lap and remains the title favorite heading into the Feature Race.

Maloney and Leclerc both showed top-tier form but lost time in the final sector.

Disappointments
David Vidales (Campos) qualified 18th after a track limits violation deleted his best lap.

Enzo Trulli and Brad Benavides both struggled to find pace, lining up on the back two rows.

Next Up: Sprint Race under the lights
- 20 laps of wheel-to-wheel chaos
- Montoya starts from pole
- Slayer starts P8 — keep an eye on those opening laps

Spitfire · Apr 9, 2025

F3: Bahrain GP Part Two
March 19th

Sprint Race Recap – Bahrain Grand Prix (F3 Race One)
Bahrain International Circuit
20 Laps | Reverse Grid Top 12
Opening Laps (1–5): Chaos at the Front
- Montoya held the lead into Turn 1, but it didn’t last long. By Lap 3, Frederick slid past into Turn 4 — only for both to be caught off guard by a flying Hadjar, who launched from P9 to P3 by Lap 2 and then overtook both on Lap 5 with an aggressive double move down the inside of Turn 1.

- Logan Slayer, starting P8, got squeezed into Turn 2 and dropped to 11th early, but stayed calm under pressure.

Mid-Race Battles (Laps 6–15): Movers & Mayhem
- Jak Crawford and Victor Martins tangled in a fierce battle for 6th, with Martins forced wide — dropping him to P10.

- Slayer began a measured comeback, overtaking Colapinto and Montoya in back-to-back laps to reach P7 by Lap 12.

- David Schumacher was the only retirement — contact with Enzo Trulli at Turn 8 brought out a brief VSC (Virtual Safety Car).

Final Laps (Laps 16–20): Hadjar Holds, Slayer Surges
- Hadjar extended his lead to 2.7 seconds by Lap 18 and coasted to victory.

- Frederick fended off a late charge from Roman Staněk, securing a 1–2 finish for Hitech.

- Logan Slayer went full attack mode — passing Oliver Bearman on the final lap with a beautiful move at Turn 11 to finish P5.
* * * * *

Driver of the Race:
Isack Hadjar – First F3 win in epic fashion, slicing through the field and never looking back.

Hard Charger:
Logan Slayer – Gutsy, calculated, and brave on the brakes — F3’s American import is here to fight.

Spitfire · Apr 9, 2025

2022 NASCAR Truck Series: Atlanta Motor Speedway Part One
March 19

Location: Hampton, Georgia
Track: Atlanta Motor Speedway
Distance: 208 miles (135 laps)
Stage Breakdown:
Stage 1: 30 laps
Stage 2: 30 laps
Final Stage: 75 laps

Track Preview – Atlanta Reprofiled
- Atlanta now races like a mini-superspeedway after its reconfiguration: high banks, narrow lanes, and pack-style drafting. Expect:
- Daytona-style runs and side-by-side action
- Tire wear still matters — especially off the high line
- Strategy, blocking, and draft partnerships will be key

Arthur D'Tea – #51 ThorSport Ford
Comes off a statement win at Vegas. Momentum, confidence, and now eyes on title contention.

Juice Millar – #53 Team Penske Ford
6th in Vegas, frustrated at Daytona. Atlanta’s style could finally suit his aggressive racecraft.

Parker Retzlaff (R) – #12 Sauber Chevrolet
Very impressed with engine potential. Feels like a dark horse here if the team nails trim setup.

Toyota Gazoo Racing (Friesen & Stellar)
Back-to-back disasters. Atlanta’s draft track is their shot at redemption.

Other Key Storylines
- Marco Andretti, Zane Smith, and Grant Enfinger will take part in a Honda Ridgeline Prototype test during Truck practice, signaling Honda’s ramp-up for 2023.

- Jimbo “Sulley” Sullivan looking to make noise and escape Moffitt’s shadow at Bedlam Reynold Racing.

- Team Red Bull seeks to keep building consistency ahead of Honda switch.

Venturini Motorsports’ JF Valley proving to be one of the smartest drivers in the garage — will Atlanta reward his patience?

+ + + +

QUALIFYING RECAP
Front Row – KBM Power Lockout
Pole Position: Chandler Smith (#18, Kyle Busch Motorsports, Toyota)
2nd: James King (R) (#8, Kyle Busch Motorsports, Toyota)

Chandler Smith delivered a blistering lap, maximizing sidewall grip and slicing the center line through Turns 3–4.

James King continues his rookie masterclass — second front-row start in 3 races and breathing confidence with every lap.

Rookie Recap
- James King – 2nd (Front row again)
- Parker Retzlaff – 5th (Sauber continues to impress)
- Corey Heim – 9th (Looks fast but seeks clean finish)
- Barry Clock-Tower – 17th (Best qualifying yet)
- Trent Bordeaux – 20th (Steady improvement)
- Jimbo “Sulley” Sullivan – 24th (Needs clean start)

Surprises & Sliders
- Matt Crafton – 19th: Lacked raw pace, but dangerous in the draft
- Stewart Friesen – 21st: More technical issues? Worrying trend
- Carson Hocevar & Todd Gilliland – 22nd & 23rd: Front Row Motorsports a step behind again
- JF Valley – 18th: Might have prioritized race setup over quali speed

Quote of the Session – Parker Retzlaff
“That’s the best we’ve rolled off the hauler all year. This engine’s got power — now it’s about staying clean in the pack.”

Spitfire · Apr 9, 2025

Ford Drivers*

Carson Hocevars' #00 Front Row Motorsports [Ford F-150]

Todd Gilliand's #38 Front Row Motorsports [Ford F-150]

* * *

Matt Crafton's #88 ThorSport Racing [Ford F-150]

Ben Rhodes' #99 ThorSport Racing [Ford F-150]

Arthur D'Tea's #51 ThorSport Racing [Ford F-150]

* * *

Zane Smith's #70 Team Red Bull [Ford F-150]

Grant Enfinger's #71 Team Red Bull [Ford F-150]

* * *

Juice Millar's #53 Team Penske [Ford F-150]

Matt DiBenedetto's #83 Team Penske [Ford F-150]

*Not including Rookies

Spitfire · Apr 10, 2025

2022 NASCAR Truck Series: Atlanta Motor Speedway Part Two
March 19 | 135 laps (Stage 1–2: 30 laps; Stage 3: 75 laps)

[Stage One Recap 1-30]

Green Flag – KBM Leads the Pack
- Chandler Smith led the field to green, but it was teammate James King (R) who took control by Lap 3, using a push from Arthur D’Tea to jump ahead.

- The KBM Toyotas worked together up front, with John Hunter Nemechek slotting into the top five quickly.

- Parker Retzlaff and Juice Millar showed aggressive early speed, trading P4-P6 through the opening laps.

Lap 11 – Trouble Mid-Pack
- Jimbo “Sulley” Sullivan made slight contact with Trent Bordeaux while battling for position in a tight three-wide moment off Turn 2.

- Bordeaux slid up into the wall, scraping right-side panels.

- No caution — both continued, but Bordeaux dropped to 30th with visible fender damage.

“Truck’s a little evil now,” Bordeaux radioed. “But I’ll ride it out.”

Draft Dynamics
- Zane Smith and Grant Enfinger began moving forward together, executing a Red Bull tandem push that brought them both into the Top 10 by Lap 20.

- Barbie Stellar ran the high line with confidence, climbing as high as 5th before lifting to avoid a tight squeeze.

Late-Stage Calm
- The field calmed slightly with five to go in the stage, drivers protecting tires and staying out of the wall.

- Chandler Smith, King, and D’Tea settled in up front, managing blocks and fuel-saving while the rest bunched up two-wide from 6th on back.

Stage One Winner: James King (R) – #8, Kyle Busch Motorsports, Toyota
- King led 20 of 30 laps and executed textbook draft control, scoring his first career stage win — and cementing his place as the breakout rookie of 2022.

[Stage Two Recap 31-60]

Pit Stops Reshuffle the Front
- Under the stage break, most of the leaders took right sides only to maintain track position.

- Corey Heim’s crew made a bold call for fuel only, vaulting him into the lead for the restart.

- Barbie Stellar lost five spots after an air gun issue on the left rear.

Lap 36 Restart – Heim Holds, Chaos Brews
- Heim held the lead with help from Grant Enfinger, while Chandler Smith and James King regrouped just behind.

- Juice Millar charged to 3rd by Lap 40 using the bottom lane and a three-truck tandem with Retzlaff and JF Valley.

Lap 43 – “Mini Big One” Strikes
- While battling in the mid-pack, Barry Clock-Tower (R) moved up slightly into Tyler Ankrum, triggering a 6-truck chain reaction.

- Involved: Clock-Tower (out) | | Ankrum (continued with damage) | Brandon Brown | Todd Gilliland | Carson Hocevar | Jimbo Sullivan (R) (cut tire, lost lap)

“We were three-wide and I got crowded. I didn’t mean to come up — it just got tight,” Clock-Tower said afterward.

Restart – Lap 49
- On the restart, Zane Smith made a power move to take the lead, pulling Arthur D’Tea and Juice Millar into the top three.

-Parker Retzlaff continued his strong day, running as high as 5th and blocking like a seasoned vet.

Final 5 Laps – Strategic Patience
- James King and Chandler Smith dropped back slightly to avoid risk and prep for Stage 3.

- Stellar rebounded to 8th after the pit miscue, while JF Valley held steady in the draft train.

Stage Two Winner: Zane Smith – #70, Team Red Bull, Ford
- Zane claims his second stage win of 2022, giving Team Red Bull valuable playoff points and confirming their superspeedway strength.

[Stage Three Recap 61-135]

Lap 61 Restart – Red Bull, ThorSport, Penske Lead the Way
- Zane Smith led the restart with D'Tea, Millar, and Retzlaff in close pursuit.

- The field quickly stacked two-by-two for the next 15 laps, with constant lane swapping and side-drafting.

"Like Daytona, just hotter and nastier," said Chandler Smith over the radio.

Lap 78 – Multi-Truck Crash in Turn 3
- A block gone wrong: Todd Gilliland came down to cover Brandon Brown, but contact sent them both spinning.

Collected in the aftermath: Todd Gilliland (out) | Brandon Brown (out) | Ty Majeski (minor damage) | Carson Hocevar (continued, two laps down) | Jimbo Sullivan (lucky escape, avoided contact)

- Caution reset the field with 52 laps remaining.

Green Flag Runs Shake Things Up
- Arthur D’Tea and Juice Millar swapped the lead multiple times in a four-truck breakaway with Zane Smith and Chandler Smith.

- James King and Parker Retzlaff formed a second group that caught the leaders with 20 to go.

- Friesen, Stellar, and Enfinger tried a fuel-saving strategy but faded after final green-flag stops.

Final Caution – Lap 124
- Derek Kraus and Bordeaux (R) made contact entering pit road.

- Kraus spun, no major damage.

- Bordeaux received a pass-through for unsafe pit entry.

- Set up a 6-lap sprint to the finish.

Final Laps – Five-Wide Madness
- Millar, D'Tea, Chandler Smith, James King, and Retzlaff shuffled back and forth.

- Coming to the white flag, D'Tea blocked high, King dove low, and Retzlaff got a huge push from Zane Smith.

Photo Finish – Parker Retzlaff Steals It at the Line!
- In a dramatic three-wide finish, Parker Retzlaff (R) edged out D'Tea and King by inches to score his first career Truck Series victory and Sauber Motorsports’ first win ever.

+ + + +

Parker Retzlaff Celebrates First Career Win – “This Isn’t Just My Moment, It’s Sauber’s Too”

In just the third race of the 2022 season, Parker Retzlaff pulled off a stunner, taking home his first NASCAR Truck Series win — and delivering a landmark first victory for Sauber Motorsports in its debut year.

Parker Retzlaff – Post-Race Victory Lane Interview
“Unreal. I’ve dreamed about this moment forever — but doing it here, like this, with Sauber? It means even more.”

“This team took a shot on me. We’re new, we’re building, and we’ve been knocking on the door these last two races. Now we’ve kicked it wide open. This isn’t just my moment — it’s a moment for everyone back at the shop who’s worked day and night to give me a truck this good.”

Building a Contender
Retzlaff ran in the Top 10 all race, showing smart drafting, clean moves, and fearless blocking in the closing laps.

The #12 Chevrolet looked sharp on long runs and executed a perfect late-race restart that positioned Retzlaff for the three-wide photo finish.

“People thought Sauber was a middle-pack team. I think today shows we’re here to do more than just exist — we’re here to win.”

What It Means
- First win for Retzlaff in the NASCAR Truck Series
- First-ever win for Sauber Motorsports in a national NASCAR series
- Huge momentum shift heading into the next stretch of the season

Spitfire · Apr 10, 2025

2022 NASCAR Truck Series: Atlanta Motor Speedway Part Three
March 19

Arthur D’Tea – 2nd Place (#51, ThorSport Racing, Ford)
“That one stings. We had the truck, we had the track position, and we executed almost perfectly — but Parker just nailed that final lap. Credit to him.”

“Still, we’re right where we need to be. That’s two podiums in a row, and we’re stacking playoff points. I’m proud of how this team is performing — we’re in the fight every single week now.”

“We’re not done. I won’t be satisfied until we’re back in Victory Lane.”

* * *

James King (R) – 3rd Place (#8, Kyle Busch Motorsports, Toyota)
“Another podium — I’ll take it. I mean, I want to win, and I honestly thought we had it coming off Turn 4. But to be right there in the mix with guys like D’Tea and Juice and Parker? That’s huge for a rookie.”

“It just shows how strong KBM is and how much faith they’ve put in me. The truck was a rocket, the pit crew was flawless, and I’m learning how to close these races.”

“We’re off to a dream start. But trust me — I’m hungry for more.”

* * *

Juice Millar – 5th Place (#53, Team Penske, Ford)
“That was the cleanest chaos I’ve been in all year. We were there at the end, played it smart, but just couldn’t find the lane with momentum on the final lap.”

“Still, it’s another Top 5. We’re consistent, we’re fast, and we’re only one move away from winning one of these. Trust me — that win’s coming soon.”

* * *

JF Valley (R) – 7th Place (#33, Venturini Motorsports, Ford)
“It’s not flashy, but we’re building something. Another Top 10, no mistakes, and I’m right where I want to be — in the conversation, week in and week out.”

“The draft tracks are wild, but I love the challenge. We survived the wrecks and made smart moves. Solid day for us.”

* * *

Barbie Stellar – 9th Place (#27, Toyota Gazoo Racing, Toyota)
“Finally. After two brutal weeks, it felt good to get to the checkers in one piece. We had speed, but we still need more when it counts.”

“The car was loose in traffic, and I was kind of stuck late, but this is something we can build from. Toyota Gazoo needed this.”

* * *

Trent Bordeaux (R) – 17th Place (#16, Hattori Racing, Toyota)
“We got the nose beat in early and that just set the tone. It’s frustrating because I know we had more pace than 17th.”

“Still, I finished. That’s an improvement over Daytona. I just need to stop getting caught up in other people’s chaos and focus on executing.”

* * *

Jimbo “Sulley” Sullivan (R) – 20th Place (#77, Bedlam Reynold Racing, Chevrolet)
“It’s frustrating, man. I know we’ve got a better truck than 21st. But we’re in this hole now where every race is damage control.”

“Brett (Moffitt) finishes Top 10 and I’m two laps down? I’m not okay with that. We’ve got to figure this out, fast.”

* * *

Barry Clock-Tower (R) – 26th Place (#34, Venturini Motorsports, Ford)
“I hate that I was part of the wreck. I was trying to hold my line and it just got away from me. These draft packs are tight — one wrong breath and it’s on.”

“Apologies to the 45 and the 2. I’ll own it. But we’ll keep pushing. The speed’s coming, I can feel it.”

+ + + + + +

Team Red Bull Conducts Key Honda Ridgeline Test at Atlanta
Andretti Leads Development as Zane Smith, Grant Enfinger, and Raphael Lessard Support the Run

While the FR8 208 was underway on the high banks of Atlanta, another major storyline was quietly unfolding in the garage — Team Red Bull rolled out its 2022-spec Honda Ridgeline NASCAR Truck prototype for another key test session as it prepares to go fully Honda-powered in 2023.

Test Overview – Atlanta Motor Speedway
Lead Driver: Marco Andretti – primary development driver for the Honda Ridgeline
Support Drivers:
Zane Smith (#70, Team Red Bull – Ford)
Grant Enfinger (#71, Team Red Bull – Ford)
Raphael Lessard (#25, Rackley W.A.R. – Chevrolet, future Honda team)

Andretti piloted the prototype during a private testing window arranged during Truck Series practice. Meanwhile, Smith, Enfinger, and Lessard ran their regularly entered race trucks during the FR8 208 but assisted behind the scenes with setup feedback and telemetry comparisons.

Marco Andretti – Post-Test Reaction
“We’re making gains. Every time we roll this truck out, we learn something new. Balance through the tri-oval was better, and throttle response feels tighter through the center of 3 and 4.”

“We still need high-draft testing and race-condition simulation — but I’d say Honda’s ahead of where people think they are.”

Technical Focus Areas in Atlanta Test:
- Corner stability at speed
- Throttle modulation in turbulent air
- Rear aero consistency during multi-truck draft simulation
- Cooling efficiency in traffic

What’s Next for the Honda Ridgeline?
- A road course and short track shakedown is expected in the coming months
- A potential midseason wildcard race entry is being discussed for test validation under real race conditions
- Red Bull’s goal remains clear: be the flagship team when Honda officially arrives full-time in 2023

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