NASCAR: Beyond All Reason

[Spitfire]

2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series: Atlanta Motor Speedway Part Four
March 19

Track Profile – Atlanta Motor Speedway
Surface: Recently repaved — now races like a superspeedway despite being a 1.5-mile oval
Banking: 28 degrees in the corners — high speed, wide open
Style: Pack racing, drafting, aggressive blocks, high attrition potential
Keys to Success: Aero discipline, tire management, restart aggression, and patience in the draft

Major Storylines Heading Into Atlanta

Eckes Riding Momentum After Phoenix Victory
Fresh off his emotional first Xfinity win, Christian Eckes comes into Atlanta with a confidence boost and top-tier momentum.

While it’s his first time racing this style of Atlanta, JRM cars are always fast in the draft, and he’s becoming one of the most well-rounded rookies in the field.

“We’ve shown we belong. Now it’s about proving we can do it again — anywhere, anytime.” – Eckes

Tommy Bedlam: Time to Win Again?
After finishing 3rd at Phoenix and logging his fourth straight Top 5, Bedlam returns to one of the few track types he hasn't yet conquered — a superspeedway-style 1.5-miler.

His Penske Ford has shown speed in traffic, and his racecraft in tight packs is getting better every week.

“Atlanta’s gonna be wild. You just have to keep your nose clean and be in the right lane at the right time. I like our odds.”

Riley Herbst: No More Room for Error
Following a disastrous P29 finish at Phoenix, the pressure is on for Herbst to rebound. With Ford talent waiting in the wings, this may be a make-or-break race in terms of confidence and stability.

Noah Gragson: Teammate Envy Turns to Motivation?
Still winless in 2022 and frustrated by watching Eckes and Allgaier shine, Gragson knows Atlanta could be an equalizer.

He’s dangerous when motivated — but pack racing can swing both ways.

K-Mag Circling COTA — But Eyes Atlanta Too
Kevin Magnussen has quietly become a weekly Top 10 threat, and while he’s targeted COTA for his first win, Atlanta offers a wild card opportunity if he stays clean.

What to Watch For at Atlanta
Survival: Avoiding wrecks will matter more than raw speed
Teamwork: Expect alliances (especially JRM and Kaulig) to play a role in the draft
Final Restart: Most recent Atlanta races have come down to the final 2–3 laps
Tire Talk: While the surface is new, tire management can still sneak into the strategy game if the race stays green

+ + + +

QUALIFYING RECAP

Pole Winner – Ty Gibbs (#54, Joe Gibbs Racing)
With a blazing lap of 30.083 seconds (184.21 mph), Ty Gibbs locked down his first pole of the season, maximizing the smoother repaved surface and nailing every apex.

Ty Gibbs: “We trimmed the car out and it stuck. That was a fun lap — now we just need to finish one off in the race.”

​

Notables Inside the Top 10:
- Christian Eckes (R) qualified 7th, staying hot after his Phoenix win.
- Kevin Magnussen (R) earned a strong 9th, continuing his impressive consistency.
- Austin Hill slots into 6th, a known superspeedway specialist.

⚠️ Qualifying Struggles:
- Riley Herbst could only manage 23rd, continuing his qualifying slump.
- Sammy Smith and Brandon Jones both missed the Top 15 despite strong cars in practice.
- Brennan Poole will start 32nd after brushing the wall and aborting his lap.

Driver Quotes – Post Qualifying:
Tommy Bedlam (P2): “We were right there. It’s gonna come down to who can stay out of trouble tomorrow — and I plan to be up front when it matters.”
Noah Gragson (P3): “We needed that. Now we need to turn it into a win. No more excuses.”
Eckes (P7): “I’ll take it. This place is chaos, but we’ve got a car that can go forward.”​

 

[Spitfire]

2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series: Atlanta Motor Speedway Part Five
March 19 | 163 laps (Stage 1–2: 40 laps; Stage 3: 83 laps)

[Stage One Recap 1-40]

Lap 1 – Gibbs Leads the Field
- Ty Gibbs led from pole, but Tommy Bedlam immediately challenged with a side draft off Turn 2.

- The front five ran two-by-two like Daytona — with Gragson, Allgaier, and Allmendinger lined up behind.

Lap 5–15 – Classic Atlanta Chaos
- Bedlam took the lead briefly on Lap 6 but was shuffled back when Gragson jumped high with help from Allgaier.

- Eckes, Hill, and Magnussen stayed in the lead pack, running clean but conservative early.

- Cole Custer fell out of the top 10 after getting trapped in the middle lane — a reminder of how fast the draft giveth and taketh.

Lap 19 – First Caution: Mid-Pack Stack-Up
- A check-up near 18th caused Jeb Burton to tap Matt Mills, spinning the #5 into the grass. No damage, but the caution slowed the field.

- No pit stops taken — track position too valuable.

Lap 23 Restart – Hill Takes Control
- Austin Hill, known for his superspeedway prowess, launched from P3 to the lead using a bold low-lane move through the tri-oval.

- Gragson, Gibbs, and Allgaier jostled in three-wide packs behind him.

- Bedlam dropped to 6th, choosing to ride and conserve until the stage end.

Lap 30–40 – JR Motorsports Charges
- Eckes and Allgaier started working together, bump-drafting into the top three.

- Gragson went high with Gibbs and nearly grabbed the lead back, but Hill defended perfectly.

- Kevin Magnussen, lurking in 8th, kept the nose clean and gained ground when others checked up.

Lap 40 – Austin Hill Wins Stage One
- Austin Hill held off a late run from Gragson and Allgaier to take the Stage One win — his first stage victory of 2022.

- The field stayed clean overall, but the energy is building for the longer middle run ahead.

[Stage Two Recap 41-80]

Stage Break Pit Stops – Bedlam Bounces Forward
- Everyone on the lead lap pitted under the stage caution — four tires and fuel for all front-runners.

- Tommy Bedlam’s Penske crew nailed a fast stop, vaulting him from 6th to 2nd for the restart.

- Daniel Hemric stayed out briefly for track position but quickly faded once the green dropped.

Lap 45 Restart – Bedlam Back to the Lead
- On the restart, Tommy Bedlam surged past Austin Hill with a push from Eckes, regaining the top spot.

- Hill, Gragson, and Gibbs ran three-wide for P2 in an intense shuffle down the backstretch.

- Allmendinger and Magnussen quietly advanced through the chaos into the Top 7.

Lap 55–65 – Pack Racing Madness
- Lead changes nearly every lap: Gragson led Lap 56, | Bedlam reclaimed it Lap 58, | Eckes powered by in Lap 60.

- Three-wide racing dominated both lanes, but everyone stayed clean.

Lap 68 – Minor Incident: J.J. Yeley Spins
- Contact between J.J. Yeley and Joey Gase triggered a spin off Turn 4.

- No serious damage, but the caution flew, giving teams a breather before the end of the stage.

- No major pit strategy changes — everyone stayed out for track position.

Lap 72 Restart – Final Dash for Stage Points
- Tommy Bedlam led the field back to green, but this time, Ty Gibbs had help from Allgaier.

- Gibbs split the middle and took the lead on Lap 74.

- Christian Eckes went with him and slotted into second, bumping Bedlam to third.

Lap 80 – Ty Gibbs Wins Stage Two
- Gibbs held off Eckes and Bedlam in a close finish to take his second stage win of 2022.

- The Top 5 finished within a second — a high-speed chess match as positioning for the final stage began to take shape.

[Stage Three Recap 81-163]

Lap 81 Restart – JRM & Penske Dominate Early
- Ty Gibbs led the field to green after winning Stage 2, with Eckes, Bedlam, and Allgaier in hot pursuit.

- Christian Eckes dove low and briefly led, but the JR Motorsports cars started racing each other aggressively, opening the door for others.

- Cole Custer, who had quietly hung around the top 12 all day, began picking off spots and was up to 6th by Lap 90.

Lap 100–125 – Stewart-Haas Rises, Lead Changes Galore
- Custer and Herbst worked together in the middle lane, steadily pulling forward. Their Ford power showed strong pace in clean air.

- Gibbs, Bedlam, and Gragson each traded the lead multiple times as the pack shuffled in tight formation.

- Eckes nearly got turned off a block from Allgaier but recovered to stay in the draft inside the Top 10.

Lap 129 – Final Caution: Alfredo Spins
- Anthony Alfredo got loose exiting Turn 4, spinning down the track and grazing the inside wall. No major damage, but the caution bunched up the field.

- Everyone pitted for a final set of tires and splash of fuel. Custer's crew nailed the stop, jumping him from 4th to 1st off pit road.

Lap 133 Restart – Custer Controls the Chaos
- Cole Custer led the restart and immediately blocked both lanes, keeping Gragson and Gibbs pinned behind.

- Bedlam pushed Herbst into the Top 5, giving SHR a major presence in the closing laps.

- Eckes tried the high side but couldn’t find drafting help.

Lap 150–163 – Final Sprint to the Finish
- With 10 to go, Custer, Gragson, and Bedlam were locked in a three-car breakaway.

- Gibbs and Allgaier lost momentum after slight contact, letting the lead trio stretch away.

- Herbst fended off a charging Kaz Grala and Austin Hill to hold onto P7 — his first Top 10 of the year.

Lap 163 – Cole Custer Wins the Nalley Cars 250!
- Custer held his line perfectly, blocking Gragson’s last-lap dive and taking his first win of 2022 — and first since rejoining the Xfinity Series full-time.

Custer: “We’ve been building toward this. Finally put all the pieces together. This one’s for the crew.”

+ + + +

Cole Custer – Victory Lane Interview (Winner, Atlanta Motor Speedway)

Confetti flying, the #00 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford covered in champagne spray, and Cole Custer climbing out of the car with both fists in the air. The crowd roars. His team surrounds him at the start/finish line, slapping the roof and hugging each other.]

Cole Custer – Post-Race:
“Man, this feels incredible. It's been a long time coming. We’ve had fast cars all year, but it just hasn’t clicked — until today.”

“We had to earn this one. It wasn’t just raw speed — it was about controlling the draft, being smart on blocks, and knowing when to push. That last restart? I knew if we could get clear, we had it.”

“I can’t thank this Stewart-Haas team enough. That final pit stop was huge — it put us in position. The car was flawless from there. I saw Gragson coming in the mirror and just told myself: ‘Make it wide, be calm.’”

“We’ve been working so hard to get back here. A win’s a win — but doing it like that, at a track like this? It just reminds you why we race.”

Crew Chief’s Take:
“This group never gave up. We knew once we cleaned up execution, Cole would do the rest. He’s a winner, and now everyone’s reminded of that.”

With this win, Custer becomes the fourth different winner in five races this season — and firmly plants himself back in the conversation as a title contender.​

 

[Spitfire]

2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series: Atlanta Motor Speedway Part Six
March 19

Riley Herbst – Post-Race (P7 Finish – Atlanta Motor Speedway)
“That was the cleanest, most complete race we’ve put together all season — and honestly, it feels like a huge step forward.”

“We ran smart, stayed out of the mess, and when it mattered, we were there in the top ten mixing it up. I know it’s just P7, but with the way the year’s started, this run gives me something to build on.”

“I’m also pumped for Cole. That was a textbook superspeedway win. His blocks were perfect, and the team nailed the strategy. That’s the kind of performance SHR is capable of, and it’s great to see us both finishing strong.”

“I’ve said it before — this team believes in me, and I believe in them. We needed a weekend like this to quiet the noise and reset. Now we just need to keep stacking these results.”

Herbst’s seventh-place finish marks his first Top 10 of 2022, a much-needed result amid rising pressure from Ford’s talent pipeline — and it couldn’t have come at a better time, as the series rolls toward COTA, where mental focus and mistake-free execution will matter even more.

+ + + + +

Tommy Bedlam – Post-Race (P3 Finish – Atlanta Motor Speedway)
“I’m proud of how we ran today — we were fast, aggressive when we needed to be, and in it until the final lap. But yeah, I’ll be honest… this would’ve been the perfect race to have some backup.”

“Atlanta isn’t just about raw speed. It’s about who’s pushing you, who’s covering your flank, and who’s gonna work with you down the stretch. And we didn’t have that today. No #38, no #28 — just us.”

“Look, Team Penske gave me a great car. I can’t thank them enough for that. But when everyone else has two, three, even four teammates up there and you’re solo, it makes it harder to control the lines and play defense in the draft.”

“We still brought it home third, and that says a lot about this team. But yeah — this was a race where having another Penske car in the mix could’ve made all the difference. Hopefully down the road, we get a little more backup in races like this.”

Bedlam’s third-place finish keeps him near the top of the standings, but it’s a reminder that even the strongest solo effort can be outnumbered in pack-style racing.

* * *

Juice Millar – On Bedlam Wanting Backup at Atlanta:
“Man, if I’d known Tommy was flying solo out there, I would’ve thrown on the firesuit and strapped into the #38 without thinking twice. You need a wingman at Atlanta — I’ve been saying that since the first time I raced there.”

“Tommy’s been killing it this year, but even the fastest car in the field needs a draft partner when it comes to a track like that. I would’ve loved to get out there and shove the #22 all the way to Victory Lane.”

“Look, we’ve both got full schedules — I’m focused on Trucks, he’s focused on the title hunt in Xfinity — but if there’s ever a call to arms again like that, I’m there. Penske power sticks together.”

“We’ve been teammates for years now in everything but the same garage — it’d be kinda fun to actually race together for once, you know?”

Juice Millar, who’s not expected to race in Xfinity again until Talladega, clearly would’ve relished the opportunity to team up at a draft-heavy venue — and his comments only deepen the growing fan demand to see #22 and #38 share the track again soon.​

 

[Spitfire]

F3: Bahrain GP Part Three
March 20th

Feature Race Recap – Bahrain GP (F3 Round 1)
Bahrain International Circuit
23 Laps | Full Qualifying Grid

Race Start (Laps 1–5): Clean... at First
- Martins launched perfectly from pole and led cleanly into Turn 1. Maloney followed closely, while Bearman leapfrogged teammate Leclerc off the line. Slayer held P5 initially, then went four-wide on the straight into Turn 4 and jumped to P3 by Lap 2!

“That opening move from Logan Slayer was insane. Reminded me of Verstappen 2020.” – F3 Commentary

Mid-Race: Tire Wear and Strategy Shakeups (Laps 6–18)
- Maloney began pressuring Martins for the lead but couldn't find a way through.

- Slayer held 3rd but began to struggle on his softs. Bearman retook the spot on Lap 10.

- Leclerc’s race unraveled: a slow pit stop followed by a DRS failure left him out of points.

- Lap 15: Safety Car – Federico Malvestiti spins at Turn 11 after contact with Rafael Villagómez. The field bunched back up. Slayer pits for fresh tires under SC, dropping to P9 but setting up a late charge.

Final 5 Laps (Laps 19–23): Madness Ensues
- Green flag: Martins leads, Maloney chases, Bearman under threat from Hadjar and Crawford.

- Slayer picks off three cars in two laps, flying back into P6 by Lap 21.

- Final lap: Maloney dives on Martins at Turn 1 but locks up — Martins holds firm, wins by 0.7s.

Fastest Lap:
Logan Slayer – 1:47.602 (Lap 22) – 2 bonus points awarded

Championship Leader After Round 1:
Victor Martins – 28 points
(25 for Feature Win + 3 from Sprint)

Biggest Winners:
Martins: Controlled, calculated, and confident
Slayer: Two top-6 finishes and fastest lap on debut weekend
Hadjar: Leaves Bahrain with 22 points — serious title dark horse

​

Position​	Driver​	Team​	Points​
1​	Victor Martins​	ART Grand Prix​	28​
2​	Isack Hadjar​	Hitech Grand Prix​	22​
3​	Zane Maloney​	Trident​	20​
4​	Oliver Bearman​	Prema Racing​	20​
5​	Logan Slayer​	Hitech Grand Prix​	16​
6​	Jak Crawford​	Prema Racing​	14​
7​	Roman Staněk​	Trident​	14​
8​	Kaylen Frederick​	Hitech Grand Prix​	9​
9​	Sebastián Montoya​	Campos Racing​	8​
10​	Franco Colapinto​	Van Amersfoort Racing​	5​
11​	Caio Collet​	MP Motorsport​	2​

+ + + + + + +

Victor Martins – Winner (Feature Race), Championship Leader – ART Grand Prix
"This is how you start a title campaign. We controlled the race, even with the late restart. I’ve worked hard to become a complete driver — today showed that."

Zane Maloney – P2 (Feature), Trident
"I had to go for it on the final lap. If I braked two meters earlier, maybe we’d be celebrating a win right now. Still, proud of this team — we’ve got speed and consistency."

Oliver Bearman – P3 (Feature), Prema Racing
"I think I proved I belong. To come out of Round 1 with a podium, against this grid, is massive. I want more now — that’s the mentality."

Logan Slayer – P6 (Feature), Fastest Lap, P5 in Sprint – Hitech Grand Prix
"Honestly? I’m grinning under the helmet. Two top-6s, fastest lap, and I learned more in 45 laps than I did in 6 months of NASCAR trucks. This open-wheel stuff is chess with rocket boosters."

"I’m here to learn, but I’m not here to ride in the midfield. If I see a gap, I’m going for it. That last-lap move on Bearman in the Sprint? That was for everyone who said I’d spin out in Turn 1."

Isack Hadjar – Winner (Sprint), P4 Feature – Hitech Grand Prix
"We leave Bahrain with big points and a message: Hitech is here to fight. Logan and I pushed each other all weekend. I think we’ll both be in the title fight if we keep this up."

Jak Crawford – P5 (Feature), Prema Racing
"Solid start to the year. We didn’t max out qualifying, but our race pace was legit. Still so much more to come."

Roman Staněk – P3 Sprint, P7 Feature – Trident
"This is what consistency looks like. We just have to stay sharp through the midfield chaos — it’s always wild back there."

Sebastián Montoya – P4 Sprint, P10 Feature – Campos Racing
"Reverse grid pole was cool, but I want to earn my way to the front in qualifying too. Big learning weekend. Let’s bounce back stronger in Imola."

Franco Colapinto – Points in Both Races – Van Amersfoort Racing
"We're not a top team yet, but I’m proud we punched above our weight. Points in both races is how you build a season."
​

 

[Spitfire]

2022 European Rally Championship – Round 2: Part One
March 25th | ERC3 Class

Welcome to the Wild Azores
After a thrilling season opener at Fafe, the ERC3 field heads into the clouds and craters for the Azores Rallye, one of the most spectacular and punishing rallies on the calendar. Set on the volcanic island of São Miguel, the event features tight gravel roads on razor-thin ridgelines, with dramatic elevation changes and rapid shifts in weather. This rally rewards confidence, car control, and bravery, and with a shortened entry list but serious talent, the ERC3 battle will be no less fierce.

Rally Overview
Surface: Soft gravel with volcanic ash
Key Features: Cliff-edge roads, water splashes, jungle-like vegetation
Unpredictable Weather: Fog, rain, sun—sometimes in a single stage
Notable Stage: Sete Cidades – a dramatic loop around the rim of a volcanic crater

Drivers to Watch
Butt Hertz (Castrol Rally Group)
ERC3 points leader after his win in Fafe. Confident on gravel, but this is his first rally on volcanic terrain. Will need to adapt quickly to the high-risk, low-margin Azores style.

“The photos don’t do this place justice. It’s unreal. Narrow, scenic, terrifying—and I’m here for it.”

Igor Widłak (KG-RT)
Strong third place in Fafe. Widłak is consistent, reliable, and may benefit if others push too hard. If conditions worsen, he’s in with a shout.

Jon Armstrong
WRC3 Sweden winner now dipping into ERC3. Experienced, sharp, and incredibly fast when comfortable. Many tip him to challenge Hertz directly for the win.

“These roads are unforgiving—but I love that. Let’s see what we can do against the ERC regulars.”

Schedule Overview
️ Friday, March 25: Shakedown & Ceremonial Start
️ Saturday, March 26: Day 1 – Opening Stages (Approx. 100 km)
️ Sunday, March 27: Day 2 – Includes Sete Cidades & Power Stage

Total Competitive Distance: 192.86 km
Total Stages: 13


Storylines to Follow
- Can Hertz handle the pressure of leading the championship and fighting on unfamiliar terrain?

- Will Armstrong’s speed and WRC3 momentum carry over to his ERC3 debut?

- Is this Widłak’s best chance to take a win with the big names focused on each other?

+ + + +

Shakedown Recap
Remédios Shakedown Stage | 4.5 km | Surface: Soft Gravel
Weather: Partly cloudy, humid, light drizzle during final runs

The narrow gravel lanes of the Azores came alive as the ERC3 contenders took to the twisty, jungle-lined Remédios Shakedown stage to fine-tune setups and get a feel for the island’s unique volcanic terrain.

With just three ERC3 entries, all eyes were on championship leader Butt Hertz, WRC3 winner Jon Armstrong, and the reliable threat of Igor Widłak.

- Jon Armstrong wasted no time asserting himself, setting the pace on his second run with a committed drive—cutting tight through the jungle foliage and looking totally in sync with the terrain.

- Butt Hertz had a moment on his first run—sliding wide on a damp corner—but regrouped and improved steadily, his final run being smooth, clean, and just over two seconds off Armstrong’s benchmark.

-Igor Widłak stayed within himself, opting to run a slightly softer setup in anticipation of wet conditions on Saturday. He appeared more focused on preservation than peak pace during shakedown.

* * * *

Driver Reactions

Jon Armstrong (1st):
"Good rhythm from the start. The surface is loose and changes corner to corner. The grip isn’t always where you expect it—but that’s what makes it fun. Happy with where we are heading into the rally."

️ Butt Hertz (2nd):
"Yeah, first run I found out what happens when you don’t fully commit here—it bites back. But the last pass felt great. Car’s solid. We’ve got something to fight with."

️ Igor Widłak (3rd):
"Conditions might change overnight, so we’re not chasing time yet. We’ve got a good base. Let’s see what tomorrow brings."

Key Takeaways
- Armstrong is immediately on the pace, showing no rust switching from WRC3 snow to Azorean gravel.

- Hertz is adapting quickly, with his pace trending in the right direction.

- Widłak remains the dark horse, playing the long game.

Coming Up: Saturday, March 26 – Day 1 (Stages 1–7)
- Expect fog in higher altitudes, possible slippery ruts in jungle stages
- Setups will be tested early—tire choices may play a key role
- The fight between Armstrong and Hertz is already simmering​

 

[Spitfire]

Supercars Championship 2022 – Round Two: Part One
Race Three: March 26

The 2022 Supercars Championship rolls into Symmons Plains Raceway for the Tasmania SuperSprint, a fan-favorite round known for tight margins, high-speed drama, and hairpin braking duels. After an unforgettable double-victory debut by Chris Southern at Sydney Motorsport Park, the spotlight now shifts south to the short and fast 2.4 km Tasmanian layout.

With three races across two days, the stakes are high — and so is the pressure on drivers to string together consistency on a track where track position is everything.

Track Overview: - Symmons Plains Raceway
Length: 2.41 km (1.5 miles)
Turns: 7
Key Features:
- Long front straight into the famous Turn 4 hairpin
- Braking zone is one of the most extreme on the calendar
- Slipstream-heavy, making qualifying and pit timing crucial
- Very hard to pass without bold commitment

Key Storylines to Watch

- Chris Southern’s First Visit to Symmons Plains as a Contender
After 2 wins in 2 starts, can he handle the bullseye on his back?

- SVG Hunting for Redemption
Shane van Gisbergen dominated in Tasmania last year.

He's only 24 points behind in the championship — and loves this circuit.

- DJR Needs to Convert Speed Into Wins
De Pasquale and Davison both looked fast in Sydney but failed to close the deal.

If DJR wants to stop a Triple Eight runaway, it needs to start here.

- Tickford Looking for Consistency
Waters showed pace but couldn’t quite execute over race distance.

Courtney, Le Brocq, and Randle need to make an impact in at least one of the three races.

Tasmania Trends
- Pole position is king — Symmons Plains winners usually start top 3.
- Undercuts during pit stops can flip the order, especially in Sunday races.
- Triple Eight and DJR have split wins here in recent years.
- SVG is the reigning king of Tasmania, but the rookie in red and blue might change that.

+ + + +

Qualifying Recap

The tight, brake-heavy Symmons Plains Raceway kicked off Round 2 of the 2022 Supercars Championship with Qualifying for Race 3, and it delivered fireworks as expected. With little margin for error and heavy traffic in both qualifying groups, timing and clean laps proved everything.

Qualifying Highlights

SVG Strikes Back
- After back-to-back defeats to his rookie teammate in Sydney, Shane van Gisbergen reasserted himself with a blistering pole lap, breaking into the 50-second bracket.
- Symmons Plains is SVG’s hunting ground — he’s aiming for nothing less than domination.

Southern Misses Pole by 0.018s
- Chris Southern kept the pressure on, falling just short of making it three poles in a row.
- Still, front-row start gives him a chance to go wheel-to-wheel with his teammate at lights out.
- His lap was clean but admitted he left "half a tenth in the final corner."

Southern: “We’ve got the pace. Starting next to Shane is a cool moment — now let’s see who can make Turn 2 first.”

Anton & Waters Close Behind
- Anton De Pasquale looked like a pole contender early but got blocked on his second flyer.
- Cameron Waters continues his strong qualifying form, while Tickford looks stronger than in Sydney.

Midfield Surprises
- Mark Winterbottom qualified 12th after a lock-up in Sector 2.
- Scott Pye and David Reynolds both missed the Top 15, leaving work to do in the race.

+ + + + +

Race Format: Sprint – 106 km | 32 Laps | 1 compulsory pit stop
Pole Position: Shane van Gisbergen (#97, Triple Eight)

LAP 1 – THE LAUNCH
- Van Gisbergen gets the jump off the line, but Southern tucks into the slipstream immediately.
- At the Turn 4 hairpin, Southern dives up the inside — bold move! — and takes the lead!
- De Pasquale holds 3rd, while Mostert slips past Waters for P4.
- Midfield bump between Percat and Slade at Turn 6, but everyone continues clean.

LAPS 2–5 – CONTROL & PRESSURE
- Southern leads SVG by 0.4s, both Triple Eight cars trading fastest laps early.
- Anton sits in P3, watching closely but not pushing yet.
- Waters fights back, retakes P4 from Mostert on Lap 4 with a strong move into Turn 6.
- Kostecki pressures Davison for P6, no pass yet.

LAPS 6–10 – GAP MANAGEMENT
- Southern extends his lead to 0.7s — clean, consistent laps.
- SVG radios in about slight understeer, adjusts brake bias.
- Lap 8: De Pasquale closes to within 0.6s of SVG.
- First pit window opens, but leaders stay out for now.

LAPS 11–15 – PIT STRATEGY KICKS OFF
- Davison pits early on Lap 11 — DJR going for undercut on Waters and Mostert.
- Kostecki and Courtney follow on Lap 12, aggressive strategy.
- Triple Eight stays out — both Southern and SVG pushing.
- Southern pits Lap 14, clean stop!
-SVG responds next lap (Lap 15) but loses two seconds in the stop due to right rear delay.
-Southern regains net lead, now 1.5 seconds ahead of SVG after stops cycle.

LAPS 16–25 – THE CHARGE IS ON
- Southern maintains gap, clicking off metronomic laps in clean air.
- SVG stuck behind Mostert briefly, loses more ground before passing into Turn 2 (Lap 19).
- De Pasquale runs net P3, but not close enough to challenge SVG.
- Waters and Davison battle resumes, fierce scrap for P4.
- Commentator: “Chris Southern is making this look far too easy for a driver in his third Supercars race for Triple Eight.”

LAPS 26–35 – FIELD SPREADS OUT
- Southern leads SVG by 1.7s and begins managing tires.
- SVG can’t match pace — losing 0.1s per lap.
- Mostert drops back, tire wear setting in.
- Kostecki all over the back of Courtney for P7, makes a move stick at the hairpin.

LAPS 36–43 – CRUISING TO VICTORY?
- Southern in full control, no mistakes, hits every apex.
- SVG settles for second, no response left.
- De Pasquale secure in third, DJR satisfied with a podium return.
- Waters holds off Davison, despite pressure late.

LAP 44 – CHECKERED FLAG!
- Chris Southern crosses the line first!
- Three wins in three starts. The rookie is now the talk of the paddock.
- SVG and De Pasquale round out the podium.

Chris Southern (Race Winner):
“Three wins… I’m speechless. This team is unbelievable. We made the right calls, I had a car that could go wherever I wanted. SVG pushed me early, but I knew if I stayed clean, we had it. Big thanks to everyone at Triple Eight. Let’s keep this going.”​

 

[Spitfire]

2022 European Rally Championship – Round 2: Part Two
March 26th | ERC3 Class

Stages Completed: SS1–SS7 | Surface: Gravel
Weather: Overcast, light showers, low visibility in high-altitude sections

Armstrong Leads, But Hertz Strikes Back in the Jungle!
The opening day of the 2022 Azores Rallye delivered on its promise: tight ridgelines, low-visibility crests, and plenty of gravel drama. In the ERC3 class, a thrilling three-way battle is unfolding, with Jon Armstrong and Butt Hertz trading stage wins and Igor Widłak keeping pressure on in third.

Stage-by-Stage Highlights
✅ SS1 – Vila Franca São Brás (10.1 km)
Armstrong starts strong, attacking the foggy switchbacks with confidence and going 3.2 seconds quicker than Hertz, who admits post-stage he was “still settling into the grip.” Widłak goes third, already 10+ seconds adrift.

✅ SS2 – Lagoa Stage (12.4 km)
Hertz responds with his first stage win, flying through fast downhill sections and shaving the gap to Armstrong to just 1.1 seconds overall.

✅ SS3 – Remédios (6.6 km)
Armstrong again takes the stage, but only by 0.4 seconds. The two are pushing each other hard, neither giving an inch.

✅ SS4 – Graminhais (24.1 km)
The toughest stage of the day. Hertz has a big moment on a ridgeline but somehow keeps it pinned, posting the fastest time by 1.6 seconds over Armstrong. Widłak runs clean and consistent but can’t match their pace.

✅ SS5 – Feteiras Meia Légua (7.3 km)
Armstrong strikes again, extending the gap by 2.1 seconds with a flowing run through the mist.

✅ SS6 – Sete Cidades (14.9 km)
The iconic crater stage lives up to the hype. Hertz goes all-in, launching the Castrol Fiesta into the fog with raw commitment. He takes the stage win and closes the gap to just 5.2 seconds.

✅ SS7 – Ribeira Grande Sprint (4.3 km)
Armstrong edges Hertz by 2.1 seconds in the final sprint, ending the day 7.3 seconds ahead heading into Sunday.

Driver Reactions – End of Day 1
️ Jon Armstrong (1st):
"It’s been a push all day. Butt is quicker than I expected in places—he’s learning fast. We stayed clean and tidy, which is key here."

️ Butt Hertz (2nd):
"This place is wild. You get into a rhythm, then the weather changes or the fog rolls in and suddenly you’re flying blind. But we’ve got pace—we’re in this."

️ Igor Widłak (3rd):
"No mistakes, no drama. That’s my goal here. If those two go too hard, we’ll be ready."

Key Takeaways
- Armstrong and Hertz are locked in a classic gravel duel, separated by just seconds.
- Hertz continues to prove he belongs, especially on longer stages where his pace is near-identical to Armstrong.
- Widłak is consistent but needs a shake-up ahead to move into contention.

Up Next: Sunday, March 27 – Day 2 (Stages 8–13)
The final push includes another run through Sete Cidades
Expect weather shifts again—fog and drizzle forecasted for the morning
Bonus points are not available in ERC3, but pride and momentum are on the line​

 

[Spitfire]

2022 NASCAR Truck Series: Circuit of the Americas Part One
March 26

Track Overview – COTA Challenge
- This technical road course features high-speed straights, elevation changes, and brutal braking zones — making it one of the most difficult races on the calendar.
- Passing opportunities in Turn 1, Turn 11, and the final corner will be key.
- Brake management and corner exit grip often define the fastest drivers.

Drivers to Watch – COTA Edition

Arthur D’Tea – #51, ThorSport (Ford)
Known for road course precision, including a 2020 win at Canadian Tire.

Finished 2nd at Atlanta, confident and composed coming in.

James King (R) – #8, KBM (Toyota)
Rookie of the year frontrunner — but can he translate superspeedway success to road courses?

Zane Smith – #70, Red Bull (Ford)
Aggressive, adaptable, and a former podium finisher at COTA. Don’t count him out.

Parker Retzlaff (R) – #12, Sauber (Chevrolet)
Coming off his first career win, Retzlaff says the Ridgeline-style setups from Sauber handle well under braking. Could surprise again.

Juice Millar – #53, Penske (Ford)
Hungry for a win, solid road course talent, and ready to take more risks.

Dark Horses & Specialists
Barbie Stellar – underrated road racer, always fast in tricky conditions.
Stewart Friesen – thrives on rhythm tracks, and COTA suits his dirt-based throttle control.
JF Valley – consistent and cautious, could capitalize on chaos.
John Hunter Nemechek – dangerous when the track gets technical.

Team Red Bull & Honda Testing Shadow
While Smith and Enfinger race Ford, Honda engineers continue shadow telemetry collection at road courses.

Lessard, slated for Honda in 2023, gets an early taste of COTA — watch how he adapts to the heavy braking zones.

Rookie Radar
With several rookies making their first road course start in Trucks, keep an eye on:

- James King – smooth and smart, but how’s his braking zone confidence?
- Trent Bordeaux – needs a clean weekend to bounce back.
- Barry Clock-Tower – still raw but brave under pressure.
- Jimbo “Sulley” Sullivan – must control aggression on corner entry.

Race Themes to Watch
Tire strategy — Go long or pit early for clean laps?
Cautions and restart chaos — especially into Turn 1.
Brake fade and gearbox abuse — the hidden enemies at COTA.

+ + + + + + +

QUALIFYING RECAP​

Front Row – Road Course Royalty & Rising Rookie
Pole Position: Arthur D’Tea (#51, ThorSport Racing, Ford)
2nd: James King (R) (#8, Kyle Busch Motorsports, Toyota)

Arthur D’Tea once again proves why he’s considered one of NASCAR’s best road course drivers, putting together a flawless lap through Sectors 2 and 3 to grab his second career pole.

James King continues to impress — the rookie showed smooth hands and confident braking, just 0.041 seconds off D'Tea’s lap.​

Rookie Watch – Big Performers
- James King – Front row, showing veteran-level poise
- Retzlaff – 4th and confident; continues breakout form
- JF Valley – Smooth and steady as always, starts 10th
- Barry Clock-Tower – 18th, but reported great long-run pace
- Trent Bordeaux – 21st, said the truck felt "nervous under braking"
- Jimbo “Sulley” Sullivan – 24th, continues to struggle with road courses

Surprises & Sliders
- Matt Crafton – 17th, off pace all session
- Stewart Friesen – 16th, couldn't hook up the final sector
- Ben Rhodes – 14th, missed braking point in Turn 12 on flying lap
- Ty Majeski & Brandon Brown – 19th and 20th; both expected more

Quote of the Session – Arthur D’Tea
“We nailed every apex. That lap felt like poetry. Now we’ve got to make it count when it matters.”​

 

[Spitfire]

2022 NASCAR Truck Series: Circuit of the Americas Part Two
March 26 | 42 laps (Stage 1: 12 laps; Stage 2: 14 laps; Stage 3: 16 laps)

[Stage One Recap 1-12]

Green Flag – D’Tea Leads the Way
- Arthur D’Tea launched clean from pole, immediately defending into Turn 1 while James King (R) tucked in behind and Zane Smith applied pressure in P3.

- Clean start through the S’s as the field settled into rhythm — rare for COTA.

Early Movers
- Parker Retzlaff (R) held his own in 4th, closing on Zane Smith through Sector 2.

- Barbie Stellar made a bold move into Turn 11, passing Chandler Smith for P5.

- Juice Millar dropped two spots early after wheel-hopping in Turn 15 — regrouped by Lap 4.

Lap 6 – Off-Track Excursion
Matt DiBenedetto locked up into Turn 12 and ran wide, rejoining in P23.

Ben Rhodes also had a moment at Turn 1, briefly dropping out of the Top 15.

“Rear tires aren’t waking up at all,” Rhodes radioed in.

Mid-Stage – Calm with a Pulse
- D’Tea maintained a 1.2-second lead over King through Lap 8, expertly managing brake zones and exit speed.

- Zane Smith began losing ground with Retzlaff closing rapidly.

- The top six stayed tightly packed, with Stellar looking racy on long runs.

Lap 10 – First Caution
- Barry Clock-Tower (R) spun in Turn 3 after contact with Trent Bordeaux (R). No major damage, but full course yellow to remove gravel from the racing line.

- Both rookies rejoined at the tail of the field.

Restart – Lap 11
- D’Tea and King went wheel-to-wheel into Turn 1 — D’Tea held the line while Retzlaff dove past Zane Smith for 3rd.

- JF Valley picked off two spots on the restart, moving into 8th by the end of the stage.

Stage One Winner: Arthur D’Tea (#51, ThorSport Racing, Ford)
- Another dominant road course stage for D'Tea, who controlled the pace and survived a late restart challenge.

[Stage Two Recap 13-26]

Stage Break Pit Stops – Strategies Diverge
- Arthur D’Tea, James King, and Retzlaff all pitted for four tires and fuel.

- Juice Millar and Zane Smith stayed out — gambling on track position.

- Barbie Stellar’s crew made a fast stop, jumping her up three spots for the restart.

Lap 13 Restart – Draft and Dive
- Juice Millar led the restart with Zane Smith and JF Valley on his bumper.

- Millar defended Turn 1 hard, but Zane Smith over-undered and took the lead by Turn 4.

- Retzlaff, restarting 6th, made up two spots by the end of Sector 1.

Lap 17 – Contact at the Hairpin
- Ty Majeski and Ben Rhodes got together in Turn 11.

- Majeski spun, lost 5 spots.

- Rhodes continued with right-front fender damage.

- No caution — both rejoined safely.

Lap 19 – Cycle Begins
- The trucks that stayed out under the stage break began pitting:

- Millar came in Lap 19 | Zane Smith Lap 20 | JF Valley Lap 21 (clean stop, gained net track position) | Meanwhile, D’Tea, King, and Retzlaff cycled forward again.

Lap 23 – D’Tea Reclaims the Lead
- On fresh tires, D’Tea carved past Chandler Smith and Barbie Stellar to retake the lead from the pit cycle.

- Retzlaff followed closely in P2, while James King managed tire wear in P3.

Lap 25 – Late Incident
- Barry Clock-Tower (R) again found trouble, this time spinning solo in Turn 19 after hopping the curb.

- No caution, but he limped back with floor damage.

- Trent Bordeaux also ran wide in the same lap — brake fade beginning to show across the field.

Stage Two Winner: Arthur D’Tea (#51, ThorSport Racing, Ford)
- Another clinic from D’Tea — cool, composed, and once again taking max stage points with textbook road course execution.

[Stage Three Recap 27-42]

Lap 27 Restart – Favorites Up Front
- Arthur D’Tea, having swept both stages, led the field with Parker Retzlaff, James King, Barbie Stellar, and Chandler Smith in the mix.

- The top five broke away early, creating a small lead group as teams began discussing fuel window risks.

- Juice Millar, on slightly older tires, rode patiently in P6, waiting for the mayhem to unfold.

Mid-Stage Shuffle – Strategy Games Begin
- Grant Enfinger and JF Valley pit early to try the undercut, cycling through ahead of several mid-pack trucks.

- Ben Rhodes, Matt Crafton, and Zane Smith all ran consistent laps but couldn’t crack into the lead draft.

- Barbie Stellar continued to show strong long-run pace, conserving brakes and staying well within striking distance.

Lap 35 – Trouble at the Top
- Barry Clock-Tower (R) spun again in Turn 9 — this time collecting Tyler Ankrum.

- Both trucks were able to continue, and no caution was thrown.

- Clock-Tower later went behind the wall with suspension issues.

Lap 40 – Final Push Begins
- D’Tea, Retzlaff, and King began pulling away, entering a three-way fight for the win.

- Stellar and Millar held P4 and P5, waiting for an opportunity.

- On Lap 41, Retzlaff dove late into Turn 1, side-swiping King, who bobbled through the runoff. D’Tea was ahead — for now.

FINAL LAP – Drama in Sector 3
- Turn 15: Retzlaff again attempted a late move, locking up and sliding into D’Tea.

- D’Tea spun, collecting King, and both drivers skidded into the gravel.

- All three trucks — D'Tea, Retzlaff, and King — remained in the runoff as Barbie Stellar and Juice Millar slipped by cleanly in the final complex.

- No caution was thrown. NASCAR officials opted to keep it green, citing the incident occurred off the racing line.

Checkered Flag – Barbie Stellar Takes Her First Win Of Season!
- Barbie Stellar crossed the line first, calmly navigating the final corners to take her first Truck Series win of 2022 — and Toyota Gazoo Racing’s first ever victory.

- Juice Millar followed in 2nd, scoring redemption after several frustrating finishes.

+ + + + +

Barbie Stellar Celebrates Her First Win of 2022 — and Her Third Career Victory!

“We earned this one. No chaos, no luck — just pace, patience, and execution.”

Barbie Stellar was all smiles — and all composure — as she rolled into Victory Lane at COTA, scoring her first win of the 2022 season, and the third Truck Series victory of her career.

“This one’s personal,” she said. “We’ve been through a rough stretch, and a lot of people were counting us out. But this was pure drive — clean truck, clean strategy, and we made the right calls.”

Career Win Count: 3
2021 Atlanta: First career win, controlled final stage
2021 Texas: Dominant long-run pace
2022 COTA: First road course win, perfect execution

A Huge Win for Toyota Gazoo Racing
After a rocky start to the season, Barbie’s COTA victory marks the first-ever win for Toyota Gazoo Racing since taking over from Young’s Motorsports.

“To bring Gazoo their first win? That means everything. It proves we’re more than just a rebrand. We’re real contenders.”

Post-Race Reflection
“I saw D’Tea, King, and Retzlaff all get tangled up, and I knew I had to keep it clean through the final sector. That’s all I focused on. I didn’t even look in the mirror — I just drove my line.”

Barbie now jumps up the points standings and re-establishes herself as a legitimate playoff threat. With a win in the bank and momentum finally on her side, the rest of the field is officially on notice.

* * * * *

Toyota Gazoo Racing Team Principal Reacts: “This Is More Than a Win — It’s a Statement”

Toyota Gazoo Racing is finally celebrating at the top — and the team’s boss couldn’t be prouder after Barbie Stellar’s victory at COTA delivered the organization’s first win under its new identity.

Team Principal – Toyota Gazoo Racing
“This win is monumental. We didn’t just want to change the name — we wanted to elevate the entire operation. And today, Barbie Stellar proved that we’ve done exactly that.”

“She drove flawlessly. The strategy was sharp, the truck had pace all weekend, and the team executed under pressure. This is everything we envisioned when we became Toyota Gazoo Racing in North America.”

A Turnaround Moment for the Program
After two rough opening races with both trucks crashing out at Daytona and Las Vegas, COTA was a much-needed breakthrough:

- First Top-10 finish for both Barbie Stellar (1st) and Stewart Friesen (9th) this season
- First win for Toyota Gazoo Racing
- Showcased improved tire wear, braking control, and fuel strategy execution

“It’s not just about the trophy,” the team boss added. “It’s about momentum. About proving that we’re here to build a legacy — and this is just the beginning.”

Toyota officials were reportedly very pleased with the weekend result and how Gazoo is positioning itself as the premium Toyota-backed program, challenging even stalwarts like KBM and Hattori Racing.​

 

[Spitfire]

2022 NASCAR Truck Series: Circuit of the Americas Part Three
March 26

Derek Kraus Frustrated After COTA – “The Chevys Just Weren’t There… I Don’t Know Why”
P8 Finish – XPEL 225 at Circuit of the Americas

Despite securing his best finish of the season with a P8 at COTA, Derek Kraus wasn’t exactly thrilled post-race. In fact, he was left scratching his head over what felt like a mysterious lack of pace for Chevrolet teams all weekend long.

Derek Kraus – Post-Race Quote
“We finished 8th, and I guess that’s solid… but man, it felt like we were on the back foot all race.”

“Honestly, I don’t know what’s up. The Chevys — across the board — we just didn’t have the grip or the braking bite. Everyone else could dive deep into corners and still get drive off. We were fighting it every lap.”

Kraus’s Observations Match the Field
- Only two Chevrolets finished in the Top 10:
- Parker Retzlaff (Sauber) was taken out late after running Top 3
- Brett Moffitt, Ty Majeski, Brandon Brown, and Jimbo Sullivan all struggled to crack the lead pack
-No Chevy led a lap after Lap 2

“It’s weird,” Kraus added. “I don’t think it’s engine — it’s corner speed, mostly. We’re just missing something.”

Concern for Chevy Camp?
While teams like ThorSport (Ford) and KBM (Toyota) continue to shine, Chevrolet’s collective road course form appears shaky at best.

“We’ll go back, dig into data, and hope we figure it out before we hit another road course. ’Cause if we don’t… we’re gonna keep chasing our tails.”

+ + + + +

BMW to Join NASCAR National Series in 2023 with M4 Ute Truck Package
Following Audi’s Lead (in Xfinity Series), BMW Enters the Truck Wars with Bold New Platform

In a major announcement that shakes up the future of the NASCAR Truck Series, BMW has confirmed it will enter a national NASCAR series in 2023, bringing a fully engineered BMW M4 Ute-based truck package to the grid.

The Truck: BMW M4 Ute
- A racing-adapted version of BMW’s high-performance M4 platform, reimagined as a NASCAR-legal pickup configuration
- Designed to blend BMW's iconic straight-line speed with precision cornering performance
-Developed with BMW Motorsport’s DTM and IMSA engineers involved

“This isn’t a gimmick. This is a race truck — a Bavarian-built performance machine designed to take on the best of Ford, Toyota, Chevy… and now Honda.”

BMW Motorsports Statement:
“Our fans, our legacy, and our engineering all demand that when we show up — we compete to win. The M4 Ute is unlike anything the series has seen before, and we’re proud to bring the BMW name to the grid in 2023.”

What We Know So Far
- BMW will supply full technical support and is actively recruiting teams and drivers
- The M4 Ute has already completed simulator and wind tunnel testing, with track tests planned for early summer
- Expected to debut with at least one full-time team and a development partner

With manufacturers flooding into the series, 2023 could mark the most diverse and competitive Truck Series field in NASCAR history.

+ + + + +

Tommy Bedlam on BRR’s Future: “Chevy Built It, But I Won’t Let Loyalty Limit Us”
Penske Ford Driver | BRR Co-Owner (Drivers: Moffitt & Sullivan)

Tommy Bedlam, 2021 Truck Series champion and now a key team owner in the paddock, got candid about the future of Bedlam Reynold Racing amid the growing manufacturer arms race heading into 2023.

On Chevy Roots vs. Open-Minded Strategy
“BRR was born out of my vision, and yeah — it started as a Chevy operation. It felt right. Simple, solid, and we knew what we were getting.”

“But now? With Honda and BMW throwing serious resources at this series… I can’t ignore it. I owe it to our guys — to Brett [Moffitt], to Sulley [Jimbo Sullivan], and everyone in the garage — to give them the best tools. Even if that means changing badges.”

⚖️ A Ford Driver with a Chevy Team — For Now
While Bedlam pilots a Ford Mustang for Team Penske in the Xfinity Series, his team BRR continues to field Chevrolets in the Truck Series — and he sees no conflict, only opportunity.

“I’ve said before — I’ll always appreciate what Chevy gave us, but business is business. If Honda or BMW bring something better to the table in 2023? I’ll take that meeting. Because winning comes before everything.”

What It Could Mean for BRR
- Moffitt is a consistent Top 10 threat and potential playoff driver
- Jimbo Sullivan, while still finding his footing, has shown flashes of speed
- A manufacturer switch could unlock more technical support, wind tunnel time, and engine development

“We’re building something real at BRR. And when you’re building, you don’t settle — you level up.”

+ + + + +

Barry Clock-Tower Admits Tough Transition: “The Trucks Are Beating Me Up Right Now”
Rookie – #34 Venturini Motorsports Ford

After four races into his rookie season, Barry Clock-Tower is feeling the pressure — not just from the field, but from within. Following another difficult outing at COTA, the Venturini rookie got candid about the steep learning curve he’s facing in the Truck Series.

Barry Clock-Tower – Honest and Humble
“I’m not gonna sugarcoat it — this jump’s been rough. These trucks drive nothing like what I’m used to. I felt more in control of a car, honestly. Right now it feels like they’re driving me.”

“There’s moments I think I’ve got it — and then boom, I’m sideways, I’m too deep in, or someone’s around me and I lose all rhythm.”

Feeling the Heat from Inside the Team
- Clock-Tower has spun in three of the first four races, most recently twice at COTA
- His teammate, fellow rookie JF Valley, has scored multiple Top 10s and is considered one of the most consistent drivers in the field

Barry acknowledges the comparison is hard to ignore:
“JF’s killing it, man. He’s smooth, smart, always in the right spot. I’m not mad at him — I’m inspired by him. But yeah, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t anxious about getting swallowed up out here.”

What Comes Next?
Clock-Tower says he’s spending extra time on sim work and asking for more seat time in road cars or late models

Venturini Motorsports remains publicly supportive, emphasizing long-term development

“I just want to get to the point where I feel like I belong here. Right now I’m hanging on. But I promise — I’m not giving up.”

* * * *

JF Valley on Rookie Teammate Barry Clock-Tower: “The Truck Isn’t for Everyone — And That’s Okay”
#33 Venturini Motorsports – Ford

While Barry Clock-Tower opens up about his struggles adjusting to the Truck Series, his Venturini teammate JF Valley offered a thoughtful — and honest — perspective on why some drivers take longer to adapt, and why talent doesn’t always translate the same way between NASCAR series.

JF Valley – On the Realities of Truck Racing
“Look, I’ve seen fast guys struggle in Trucks. I’ve seen guys who were nowhere in ARCA or late models come here and suddenly click. The Truck just drives different — it’s heavier, it slides more, the aero’s weird in traffic. It’s not for everyone. And that’s not an insult.”

The Series Switch Dilemma
JF points out that some drivers simply excel in Xfinity cars more naturally — where throttle control and downforce balance are more forgiving

Others thrive in Trucks, where race craft, tire management, and side-drafting are king

“You drop some of the best Xfinity guys into a Truck, and they’d spin out just like anyone. And you give some Truck guys a car? Boom — instant contenders. It’s all about what your instincts are wired for.”

On Barry’s Struggles
“Barry’s fast. Don’t get it twisted. The guy has talent. He’s just trying to make the truck behave the way he’s used to — and it doesn’t.”

“He’ll either get it, or he’ll find a series that brings the best out of him. Either way, he belongs in this sport.”

Valley continues to lead the team battle with calm precision, but he remains grounded and supportive of his teammate — even while outperforming him consistently.

+ + + + +

2022 Championship Standings​

Position​	Driver​	Truck #​	Team​	Manufacturer​	Points​
1​	Chandler Smith​	#18​	Kyle Busch Motorsports​	Toyota​	245​
2​	Arthur D'Tea​	#51​	ThorSport Racing​	Ford​	209​
3​	James King (R)​	#8​	Kyle Busch Motorsports​	Toyota​	201​
4​	Juice Millar​	#53​	Team Penske​	Ford​	200​
5​	Barbie Stellar​	#27​	Toyota Gazoo Racing​	Toyota​	184​
6​	Zane Smith​	#70​	Team Red Bull​	Ford​	180​
7​	Grant Enfinger​	#71​	Team Red Bull​	Ford​	169​
8​	Parker Retzlaff (R)​	#12​	Sauber Motorsports​	Chevrolet​	167​
9​	JF Valley ​	#33​	Venturini Motorsports​	Ford​	166​
10​	Brett Moffitt​	#52​	Bedlam Reynold Racing​	Chevrolet​	154​
11​	John Hunter Nemechek​	#4​	Kyle Busch Motorsports​	Toyota​	146​
12​	Corey Heim (R)​	#21​	Hattori Racing​	Toyota​	140​
13​	Matt Crafton​	#88​	ThorSport Racing​	Ford​	130​
14​	Derek Kraus​	#19​	McAnally-Hilgemann​	Chevrolet​	127​
15​	Brandon Brown​	#2​	GMS Racing​	Chevrolet​	119​
16​	Matt DiBenedetto​	#83​	Team Penske​	Ford​	118​
17​	Stewart Friesen​	#40​	Toyota Gazoo Racing​	Toyota​	116​
18​	Ty Majeski​	#23​	GMS Racing​	Chevrolet​	114​
19​	Carson Hocevar​	#00​	Front Row Motorsports​	Ford​	106​
20​	Ben Rhodes​	#99​	ThorSport Racing​	Ford​	106​
21​	Raphael Lessard​	#25​	Rackley W.A.R. ​	Chevrolet​	104​
22​	Barry Clock-Tower (R)​	#34​	Venturini Motorsports​	Ford​	100​
23​	Todd Gilliland​	#38​	Front Row Motorsports​	Ford​	100​
24​	Trent Bordeaux (R)​	#16​	Hattori Racing​	Toyota​	95​
25​	Tyler Ankrum​	#45​	GMS Racing​	Chevrolet​	95​
26​	Jimbo "Sulley" Sullivan (R)​	#77​	Bedlam Reynold Racing​	Chevrolet​	90​

Red Bolded = Currently In Playoff Spot​

Position​	Driver​	Truck #​	Team​	Wins​	Playoff Points​
1​	Arthur D'Tea​	#51​	ThorSport Racing​	1​	8​
2​	James King (R)​	#8​	Kyle Busch Motorsports​	1​	6​
3​	Parker Retzlaff (R)​	#12​	Sauber Motorsports​	1​	5​
4​	Barbie Stellar​	#27​	Toyota Gazoo Racing​	1​	5​
5​	Zane Smith​	#70​	Team Red Bull​	0​	2​
6​	Juice Millar​	#53​	Team Penske​	0​	1​
7​	Chandler Smith​	#18​	Kyle Busch Motorsports​	0​	1​

 

[Spitfire]

2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series: Circuit of the Americas Part Four
March 26

Track Profile – COTA
Length: 3.41 miles | Turns: 20
Style: F1-style road course with elevation changes, hairpins, and flowing esses
Strategy Focus: Pit windows, brake management, and maximizing track limits
Key Corners: T1 uphill left hairpin, T11 hairpin onto long straight, technical S-section in Sector 1

Major Storylines Heading Into COTA

Kevin Magnussen’s Playground
After five solid races and a Top 5 at Phoenix, K-Mag now enters a track type tailor-made for him.

With years of F1 and endurance racing under his belt, this is his best chance yet to score his first Xfinity Series win.

“This is where I feel most natural. I want this one badly.” – Magnussen

Allmendinger: Road Course Ruler
A.J. Allmendinger is a serial road course winner, having won at Indy RC, Mid-Ohio, and COTA in the past.

Kaulig’s road setups are elite, and Allmendinger is the man to beat on any twisty track.

“This is the one we circle. We come to COTA expecting to win.”

Bedlam vs. the Brakes
While Tommy Bedlam has been strong everywhere, road courses are a test of patience and precision — areas where he admits he’s still sharpening his edge.

A Top 5 would continue his championship-caliber start to the season. But he may also be looking over his shoulder at…

Christian Eckes: Momentum Meets Mayhem
After a win at Phoenix and a Top 10 at Atlanta, Eckes has quietly become a title contender.

He’s only raced COTA once — but if he survives Turn 1, he could be a factor.

Gragson’s Redemption Arc
Three Top 5s, zero wins. Noah Gragson has the speed — now he needs to keep it clean and convert.

Can he outrun his teammates in a technical brawl?

+ + + +

QUALIFYING RECAP

Pole Winner – Kevin Magnussen (#11, Kaulig Racing)
Magnussen, a road course specialist and former Formula 1 driver, took his first career NASCAR pole, absolutely dominating the final round with a 2:14.374 lap that was nearly a full second faster than the field.

Magnussen: “That was the cleanest lap I’ve done in a stock car. I love this place — we’ve got a real shot tomorrow.”

Standouts in the Top 10:
- Tommy Bedlam qualified 6th, his best road course starting spot to date.
- Christian Eckes (R) impressed again with a clean lap for P7.
- Kaz Grala, always sharp on road courses, snuck into the Top 10 at P9.

Notables Who Struggled:
- Noah Gragson ran wide in Turn 11 and missed the final round. He’ll start 13th.
- Riley Herbst couldn’t find pace through S1 and qualified 18th.
- Sammy Smith locked up in Turn 12 and abandoned his lap, settling for 24th.

Driver Comments – Post Qualifying:
Allmendinger (P2): “We’re in a good spot. K-Mag was quick — but we’re racing tomorrow, not qualifying.”
Bedlam (P6): “That lap was tidy. I’ve got more in the tank for race pace.”
Eckes (P7): “Roads aren’t my background, but this team’s making me a believer.”​

 

[Spitfire]

2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series: Circuit of the Americas Part Five
March 26 | 65 laps (Stage 1–2: 20 laps; Stage 3: 25 laps)

[Stage One Recap 1-20]

Lap 1 – Magnussen Nails the Launch
- Kevin Magnussen led the field up the steep climb into Turn 1, executing a perfect defense on Allmendinger through the wide entry hairpin.

- Ty Gibbs got aggressive, bumping past Allgaier at Turn 2 to take 3rd early.

- Tommy Bedlam held steady in 6th, with Christian Eckes and Cole Custer right behind.

- K-Mag radio: “Brakes feel great. Car's really balanced through Sector 1.”

Lap 3–7 – Tight Packs, Rising Pressure
- Allmendinger and Magnussen pulled slightly away from the field, trading quick sector times.

- Behind them, Gibbs and Custer went side-by-side for 3rd through the long back straight and heavy braking zone of Turn 12 — Gibbs held it.

- Kaz Grala and Daniel Hemric surged into the Top 10 with smart early braking lines.

Lap 9 – First Off-Track Moment: Decker Spins
- Natalie Decker looped the car in Turn 19 after clipping the curb too aggressively. No caution, as she rejoined safely — but lost nearly a full lap.

- The leaders remained clean, but tire wear began to factor in with rising track temps.

Lap 12–18 – Bedlam and Eckes Battle
- Tommy Bedlam began closing on Allgaier and made a move into Turn 1 on Lap 14 — got the pass done, up to 5th.

- Christian Eckes then pressured Allgaier as well and briefly traded places through Turns 3–6, showing poise on the technical S-section.

- Cole Custer, meanwhile, ran consistent laps but reported “front bite falling off.”

Lap 20 – Kevin Magnussen Wins Stage One
- Magnussen drove a flawless first segment, holding off a late push from Allmendinger to take his first NASCAR stage win.

- Ty Gibbs, Custer, and Bedlam rounded out the Top 5.

- Kaulig and JGR locked in major points — with JR Motorsports cars slightly off the pace.

[Stage Two Recap 21-40]

Lap 21 – Mid-Race Pit Strategy Begins to Unfold
- Magnussen, Allmendinger, and Gibbs all elected to stay out to maintain track position.

- Cole Custer, Kaz Grala, and a few others pitted just before the stage restart, banking on long-run track position and avoiding a stacked pit road later.

- Penske to Bedlam: "We’ll run this stage through — stay tight with the Kaulig cars. Tires look solid."

Lap 22 Restart – Allmendinger Strikes

- A.J. Allmendinger timed the restart perfectly and out-braked Magnussen into Turn 1 with a bold move to the inside.

- Ty Gibbs followed through for P2, pushing K-Mag back to 3rd as the #11 car showed signs of struggling on corner exit grip.


Lap 25–32 – Bedlam and Eckes Charge
- Tommy Bedlam pulled off a series of clean, aggressive overtakes — passing Allgaier, then Custer, and eventually sneaking by Eckes at Turn 12 to run 4th by Lap 30.

- Christian Eckes, not backing down, stayed glued to Bedlam’s bumper through the S-section and regained the position at Turn 20 the next lap.


Lap 35 – Trouble for Ty Gibbs
- Gibbs locked up his left front into Turn 1 and ran wide, losing positions to both Magnussen and Eckes.

- Allmendinger extended his lead to over 2.5 seconds and began conserving brakes and tires ahead of the stage finish.


Lap 40 – A.J. Allmendinger Wins Stage Two
- Allmendinger cruises to a commanding Stage Two win — his second stage win of the season, reclaiming control after narrowly missing Stage One.

- Magnussen, Eckes, and Bedlam finish strong, while Gibbs’ mistake costs him a few points.

[Stage Three Recap 41-65]

Lap 41 – Final Stops Set the Table
- Most of the field, including Allmendinger, Magnussen, Bedlam, and Eckes, hit pit road during the Stage 2 caution for four tires and fuel.

- Kaz Grala and Austin Hill stayed out briefly to cycle to the front, hoping for a caution that never came.

- Kaulig radio to Allmendinger: “You’re good to the end. Tires are strong — save them until 10 to go.”

Lap 42 Restart – The Duel Begins
- Magnussen got the better jump off the restart, out-braking Allmendinger in Turn 1 to take the lead.

- Bedlam squeezed by Grala and Gibbs, immediately slotting into 3rd.

- Eckes shadowed them in 5th, ready to strike.

Lap 45–55 – Precision Over Chaos
- The field stretched into rhythm, with Magnussen and Allmendinger running nearly identical sector times.

- Bedlam ran clean laps and slowly reeled them in, closing within 1.5 seconds of the lead by Lap 54.

- Ty Gibbs, now back in 6th, began charging forward again after conserving tires.

Lap 56 – No Caution as Mayer Runs Off
- Sam Mayer went wide at Turn 19 and spun after clipping the slick curb, but recovered without bringing out a caution.

- The green stayed out, and pit wall chatter went silent — everyone knew the final 9 laps would be pure green.

Lap 57–62 – AJ vs. Tommy vs. K-Mag
- Allmendinger began to push, but Magnussen defended perfectly — placing the #11 Chevrolet in the ideal spot at every brake zone.

- Bedlam briefly passed Allmendinger at Turn 12 on Lap 60, but A.J. retaliated through Turn 13 in an elegant switchback.

- Eckes and Custer ran nose-to-tail in 4th and 5th, unable to close the gap.

Lap 65 – Kevin Magnussen Scores His First Xfinity Victory!
- Magnussen never put a wheel wrong in the final 25 laps, defending flawlessly from two of the best road course drivers in the series.

-It’s his first career NASCAR win, and a historic moment for Kaulig Racing, as they go 1–2 at COTA.

Magnussen: “I’ve waited a long time for this. Feels good to win on a proper circuit, against proper racers. That was awesome.”​

 

[Spitfire]

2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series: Circuit of the Americas Part Six
March 26

Kaulig Racing Celebrates 1–2 Finish at COTA
Kevin Magnussen (P1) | A.J. Allmendinger (P2)

Victory Lane at COTA. The Kaulig crew is all smiles — champagne spraying, confetti flying, and a Danish flag held high as Kevin Magnussen climbs out of the #11 car. A.J. Allmendinger walks over and gives him a massive hug. Team principal Chris Rice watches proudly from pit wall, beaming.]

Kevin Magnussen – Race Winner:
“This is special. Really special. To get my first NASCAR win on a proper road course like COTA, against a field this competitive — it feels incredible.”

“The car was perfect all day. Kaulig brought a rocket. I knew if I just ran clean laps, managed the tires, and didn’t make a mistake, we’d have a chance. We made no mistakes.”

“To share the podium with A.J.? That’s the icing on the cake. He’s the road course king here — so beating him fair and square? That means something.”

A.J. Allmendinger – Runner-Up:
“I’m so proud of Kevin. He drove like a veteran today. No mistakes, nailed every braking zone, and didn’t give me an inch when I tried to pressure him late. That’s how you earn it.”

“We wanted the win for the 16 team, sure — but a 1–2 for Kaulig Racing? That’s a win for the whole organization. This was a total team effort.”

Chris Rice – Team President, Kaulig Racing:
“This is exactly what we hoped for when we brought K-Mag into the program. We knew what he could do on a road course. To see it come together this early in the season? That’s huge.”

“A.J. and Kevin pushing each other — that’s how this team gets stronger. Days like today prove we’re championship material.”

Kaulig’s performance at COTA sends a clear message to the field: on road courses, they’re still the team to beat — and with Magnussen now fully up to speed, they may have two contenders every weekend.

+ + + +

Tommy Bedlam – Post-Race (P3 Finish – Circuit of the Americas)
“Look, I’m happy with third. We ran clean, we raced hard, and we didn’t put a wheel wrong all day. But I came here to win — and I know we had a car that could’ve.”

“K-Mag was just lights out today. He earned it. When you’ve got a guy with his experience on a technical course like this, you’ve gotta be nearly perfect — and we were good, just not perfect.”

“But you know what? I’m looking at the next four races and I see four tracks where the #22 can absolutely win.”

"Richmond? We’ve got the short run speed and tire management. Martinsville? I love the paperclip. It’s old-school and fits my style. Talladega? We nearly pulled off Daytona. Give me a Ford drafting partner and we’ll be up front. And Dover? That’s one of my favorite places — high commitment, high risk, high reward. Let’s go.”

“We’ve got two wins already, and I want that third. And maybe a fourth. I’m not here to just make the playoffs — I’m here to set the tone for what this #22 team is about.”

Bedlam remains one of the most consistent forces in the field and continues to back up the hype with top-tier performances — while confidently circling the upcoming stretch of races as prime territory for another trip to Victory Lane.

+ + + +

Christian Eckes (Finished 4th – #8 JR Motorsports)
“Really proud of this run. Road courses aren’t my natural strength, but we’re proving we can compete anywhere. Had a shot at third late, but the tires were just starting to go. Still, another top five — we’re building something.”

Cole Custer (Finished 5th – #00 Stewart-Haas Racing)
“It was a grind. We didn’t have the raw speed to fight the Kaulig cars, but we executed well. Good points day, and no mistakes. We’ll get back to our comfort zone at Richmond.”

Ty Gibbs (Finished 6th – #54 Joe Gibbs Racing)
“Disappointed, honestly. Locked it up in Stage 2 and that put us behind. We had a car fast enough to contend, but I just overcooked it. Still salvaged points, but I expect more out of myself.”

Kaz Grala (Finished 7th – #48 Big Machine Racing)
“We were solid all day. No drama, no mistakes, just a clean, smart race. We needed that. Top 10s at road courses are where we shine, and it feels good to deliver one.”

Justin Allgaier (Finished 8th – #7 JR Motorsports)
“This one’s on me. I made a couple of mental errors in the middle stint and gave up track position we never got back. The car was better than 8th. Hats off to the crew though — they gave me a bullet.”

Austin Hill (Finished 9th – #21 Richard Childress Racing)
“We were just a bit off all weekend. Fought balance issues and didn’t quite nail the rhythm. To still bring it home 9th? That’s a win in terms of points.”

Riley Herbst (Finished 25th – #98 Stewart-Haas Racing)
“Really frustrated. We just missed it this weekend. I struggled with corner entry, and once we fell back, it was hard to recover. I’ve got to be better — plain and simple.”
​

 

[Spitfire]

Supercars Championship 2022 – Round Two: Part Two
Race Four: March 27

Qualifying Recap
After a dominant third straight win by Chris Southern in Race 3, the field returned early Sunday morning for Qualifying for Race 4 with clear skies, cooler track temps, and a sense of urgency — particularly for those trying to reel in the rookie sensation and halt Triple Eight’s early season dominance. The first of two qualifying session's meant that it really was all to play for on this sunny day in Tassie.

Qualifying Highlights

De Pasquale Back on Pole!
The DJR driver nails a perfect lap with aggressive brake modulation into Turn 4 and tidy exits throughout.

It's his first pole of the 2022 season, and it comes at the perfect time with Southern extending his points lead.

Anton: “That was a statement lap. We’ve got the car hooked up today. Now it’s time to convert it.”

Southern Just Misses Another Pole
Missed the top spot by just 0.011s — another front-row start, but not quite the clean sweep.

Still, his lap was smooth and confident, and he’ll have the inside line into Turn 2.

Southern remains the only driver to start every race this season from the front row.

Southern: “Close one! It’ll be a scrap into the first few corners — looking forward to it.”

SVG Starts P3 – Strategic Watch
Van Gisbergen ran a slightly different tire warm-up program — possibly sacrificing qualifying for a stronger race setup.

Don’t count him out; he’s dangerous from P3 and has a history of late-race chargebacks.

Midfield Movers
Kostecki and Mostert locked in tight battle in row 3. Both had minor lockups but still delivered competitive laps.

Winterbottom gets into the Top 10, displacing Le Brocq, Slade, and Reynolds.


* * * * *

RACE FOUR
Race Format: Sprint | 44 Laps | 1 compulsory pit stop
Pole Position: Anthony De Pasquale (#11, Dick Johnson Racing)

LAP 1 – THE CHALLENGE BEGINS
- Anton De Pasquale gets away clean, Southern tucks in tight through Turn 1.
- Southern has a look at Turn 4 but Anton covers the inside and holds the lead.
- Van Gisbergen defends P3 from Waters, while Davison challenges Mostert in P6.

LAPS 2–5 – EARLY STALEMATE
- De Pasquale leads by 0.4s, with Southern keeping pressure through the fast sweeps.
- SVG begins to close in, turning it into a three-car lead train.
- Waters loses touch slightly, running a lonely P4.
- Behind, Kostecki makes a move on Davison for P6 at the Turn 6 right-hander.

LAPS 6–10 – STRATEGIC THINKING
- Southern continues to shadow De Pasquale, biding his time and watching tire behaviour.
- SVG starts saving rear tires, hinting at a longer first stint.
- DJR mechanics on pit wall by Lap 10, planning an early undercut.
- Lap 10: Davison pits early, looking for clean air.

LAPS 11–15 – GAME ON
- Lap 12: De Pasquale pits from the lead — smooth stop!
- Southern responds immediately on Lap 13 — perfectly timed and another brilliant stop by Triple Eight.
- Rejoins just ahead of Anton on cold tires!
- Anton attacks at Turn 6, but Southern holds him off!
“That’s the move of the race — Southern jumps him in the pits and covers the outlap beautifully.”

LAPS 16–20 – SVG LEADS BRIEFLY
- Van Gisbergen now inherits the lead as he runs long, building a gap.
- Lap 18: SVG finally pits — quick stop, but he rejoins in net P3, behind Southern and De Pasquale.
- Top 3 order now reset after cycle: 1) Chris Southern 2) Anton De Pasquale 3) Shane van Gisbergen

LAPS 21–30 – PRESSURE COOKER
- De Pasquale throws everything at Southern — looking quicker mid-corner.
- Southern defends smartly, using alternate lines to stay out of divebomb range.
- SVG hovers around 0.7s back, waiting to capitalize on a mistake.

LAPS 31–38 – NERVES OF STEEL
- Southern runs defensive but clean, apexing tight at Turn 4 and keeping exit speeds high.
- Lap 35: Anton attempts an outside-over-under at Turn 6 — denied.
- SVG finally begins to close again, back within 0.5s of Anton.
- It’s a three-car train, separated by just over a second.

LAPS 39–43 – FINAL PUSH
- Anton tries to pressure, but Southern doesn't crack.
- SVG has a look at Anton at Turn 2 but can’t get alongside.
- Mostert passes Waters for P4 behind them.
- Southern begins to edge clear — gap grows to 0.8s with 2 laps left.

LAP 44 – FOUR IN A ROW!
- Chris Southern takes the checkered flag again!
- Holds off DJR’s best challenge yet in a defensive masterclass.
- De Pasquale and SVG round out the podium in another thriller.

Post-Race – Chris Southern:
“That was the toughest one yet. Anton kept me honest the whole race. Credit to DJR — they really brought the fight. But the car was dialled in, the stop was perfect, and we held on. Four in four? Let’s keep going.”​

 

[Spitfire]

Barry Clock-Tower & Natalie Decker Swap Seats in Major Driver Trade Between Reaume Brothers and Venturini
Barry Moves to Xfinity Series Full-Time | Decker Returns to Trucks with Venturini

In a surprise mid-season shake-up, Reaume Brothers Racing (Xfinity Series) and Venturini Motorsports (Truck Series) have announced a direct driver swap:

Barry Clock-Tower will step out of the #34 Venturini Ford Truck and take over the #33 Xfinity Series car at Reaume Brothers Racing starting next weekend.

Natalie Decker, who has been part-time with Reaume in Xfinity, will return to the Truck Series to pilot the #34 truck for Venturini — a team she’s raced for in ARCA and has history with.

High-Value Deal
Venturini is reportedly receiving a significant compensation package to facilitate the swap

Includes both technical support from RBR’s Xfinity infrastructure and marketing dollars tied to Decker’s brand

"It’s a big move, but it’s the right one for everyone involved," said a Reaume team rep. "Barry’s been open about feeling more comfortable in a car, and we’ve seen what Natalie can do in a truck. This puts both drivers where they can shine."

Barry Clock-Tower – Moving Forward
“I’ll be honest — I’m relieved. The Truck just never felt like home. I’m pumped to have a fresh start in Xfinity where I think I can really show what I’m capable of.”

Barry will debut in the #33 Reaume Brothers Racing Chevrolet full-time starting next week.

Natalie Decker – Back in the Truck
“The Truck Series feels like unfinished business for me. I’m thrilled to rejoin Venturini — they’re family. I can’t wait to get back behind the wheel of the #34.”

Decker is expected to bring sponsorship backing and a fan base that could help boost Venturini’s visibility mid-season.​

What This Means for the Teams
Venturini Motorsports now has two very different but proven personalities:
JF Valley – consistent, calculated rookie
Natalie Decker – aggressive, bold, and a fan-favorite returnee
Reaume Brothers gets a young, motivated driver in Clock-Tower who may thrive in longer, rhythm-based Xfinity races

Following the official confirmation of the driver swap between Venturini Motorsports and Reaume Brothers Racing, the Venturini camp spoke publicly about the decision, praising both the deal's structure and Barry Clock-Tower’s future.

Venturini Management – Team Statement
“We can confirm that the terms of this transfer included a very generous compensation package, and we’re grateful to Reaume Brothers for approaching this with professionalism and respect.”

“Barry’s a good kid. This step gives him a fresh environment that better suits his driving style. We believe he can make a real name for himself in the Xfinity Series.”

No Bad Blood — Just a Better Fit
While Barry Clock-Tower openly struggled with the Truck Series adjustment, Venturini insists there was no tension, only mutual understanding.

“Trucks aren’t for everyone — and that’s okay. We saw great effort and commitment from Barry every week. We wish him nothing but success and will be cheering for him from pit road.”

Welcome Back: Natalie Decker
With Decker stepping into the #34 truck starting next race, the team is excited to reunite with a driver who already understands the culture inside the hauler as she was part of the team in the ARCA Series.

“Natalie brings experience, energy, and a strong following. We’re excited to see what she can do alongside JF Valley in the #33.”
​