Rookie Herta Sets Pace On Day One Of NTT IndyCar Series Spring Training

Colton Herta sets his earpieces along pit lane during the Open Test at Circuit of The Americas. Image Credit: Chris Jones - NICS (2019)

Rookie Herta Sets Pace On Day One Of NTT IndyCar Series Spring Training

Colton Herta wasted no time making his presence felt in the NTT IndyCar Series. The Harding Steinbrenner Racing rookie was quickest in both on-track sessions on opening day of INDYCAR Spring Training at Circuit of The Americas.

Herta, driving the No. 88 Harding Steinbrenner Racing Honda, logged the best lap of anyone among the 25 drivers participating Tuesday in the official series open test on the 3.41-mile permanent road course. The 18-year-old son of retired Indy car driver Bryan Herta, who's now an NTT IndyCar Series team co-owner, navigated the COTA course in 1 minute, 46.6258 seconds (115.132 mph).

"I'm super happy with how the day went," said Colton Herta, the 2018 Indy Lights presented by Cooper Tires runner-up who made his NTT IndyCar Series debut in last September's season finale at Sonoma Raceway and is slated to run the full season this year.

"We did some great things to the car and I'm very happy with how the boys got everything together in time for this test," he added. "Everyone did a fantastic job and there were no issues with the car; it was perfect. We kept chipping away and kept finding time. By the end of the day, we were quickest by quite a margin. I can't wait for tomorrow now."

A second day of testing is set for Wednesday, with six more hours of on-track time. The NTT IndyCar Series will return to COTA from March 22-24 to conduct its first race on the spectacular road course, the INDYCAR Classic.

A total of 1,034 laps were turned by the drivers on Tuesday. Following Herta on the combined timesheet were Team Penske drivers Will Power and Helio Castroneves. Power, the reigning Indianapolis 500 winner, ran a lap of 1:47.1044 (114.617 mph) in the No. 12 Verizon Chevrolet. Castroneves, who will try for a record-tying fourth Indy 500 title in May, was clocked at 1:47.6949 (113.989 mph) in the No. 3 Pennzoil Chevrolet.

"We were trying to get it into a good (setup) window where you can make small adjustments on the No. 12 Verizon Chevrolet," Power said. "We took some big swings at it today and (were) trying to understand when the tire comes in and how long it lasts, and what package we want to run. We wound up with a lot of big changes.

Will Power on course during the Open Test at Circuit of The Americas. Image By: John Cote - NICS (2019)

"I think the track is phenomenal," the 2014 NTT IndyCar Series champion added. "It's got every sort of corner you can dream of. I think all the drivers are going to love to keep coming here."

Chip Ganassi Racing teammates came in next on the speed chart, with rookie Felix Rosenqvist fourth at 1:48.0451 (113.619 mph) in the No. 10 NTT DATA Honda. Scott Dixon, the reigning and five-time NTT IndyCar Series champion, was fifth in the No. 9 PNC Bank Honda (1:48.0474, 113.617 mph).

Test sessions are scheduled for 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and 2 p.m.-6 p.m. ET Wednesday. Live timing and scoring is available at RaceControl.IndyCar.com.
[ht: IndyCar]

... notes from The EDJE



TAGS: NTT IndyCar Series, COTA, Circuit of The Americas, Day One, Spring Training, Colton Herta, No. 88, Harding Steinbrenner Racing, Honda, Will Power, Helio Castroneves, NICS, The EDJE

Bugatti Type 32 - 1923 GP Automobile Club de France Racecars

Bugatti Type 32 - 1923 GP Automobile Club de France Racecars

From left to right - #16 Pierre Marco & #18 Prince de Cystria

A quick look into the digital window of the web netted the searcher this gem from pinterest showing a third Bugatti Type 32 of #11 Pierre de Vizcaya.

Image Credit: Pinterest

This excerpted and edited from Jalopnic -

The Short-Lived 1923 Bugatti Type 32 is the Fastest Baby Shoe You'll Ever See 

Open up a dictionary, and under the definition for ‘class’ you’ll probably find a picture of a Bugatti. These are cars that generally radiate elegant beauty through their sleek curves and undeniable speed. But… not everyone can always be perfect all the time.

Case in point: the 1923 Bugatti Type 32. Aka, The Tank.

I think you can see why.

It’s not the most visually appealing car in the world, but it was something of an engineering marvel of its day. Think of other cars from the early 1920s. They tended to be clumsy-looking and boxy, or plain ol’ cigar-shaped; they were big, angry, heavy machines. This was an era before we knew all those fancy aerodynamic terms. Back then, people weren’t as inclined to think “downforce” as they were “well it’s top-heavy but it goes fast”.

Unless, of course, you were Ettore Bugatti.

Bugatti Type 32 `Tank de Tours` - Image Credit: The-Blueprints.com

According to Hemmings, the Tank was an early experiment in aero. If the shape of an airplane’s wing provides an upward force, then why don’t we reverse that shape on our race car body? A streamlined car won’t have those extra bits that catch in the wind, and it’ll be nice and stuck to the ground.
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The Tank was originally designed with the specific intention of winning the 1923 French Grand Prix. A French marque competing against the likes of Fiats, Sunbeams, Voisins and Delages, Bugatti was fiercely determined to create a car that was going to steal the show and cement his brand as being the most competitive in the world.

Bugatti drew on the Type 30 road car for some of the Tank’s basic components. The chassis and inline-eight engine with a two liter capacity were the same across the board between the two. It provided a solid starting point for a little extra experimentation.

Almost more interesting than the shape itself were the front brakes. They featured a hydraulic assist, which was pretty much a first in the world of motorsport. The only problem was, there was no brake pedal. Drivers had to use a lever in an already-cramped cockpit.

Grand Prix de France 1923 - Image Credit: Wikipedia

The race, though, was fruitless. Bugatti hadn’t done much with the engine, and using an outdated model in competition against the supercharged Fiats was never going to work. It was only through the retirement of all three of their entries and a last lap spin by the driver of the third place Sunbeam that the last remaining Bugatti on the circuit - #6 Ernest Friderich - was able to steal a [P3] podium position.

In addition to the underpowered engines, the Tank just wasn’t low enough to the ground. The fact that a significant amount of air could still get underneath the car meant that as soon as a driver started cruising at a high speed, he started generating lift. Not exactly a comforting feeling when you’re trying to push the limits of speed.

Despite the car’s failure in its task, the Type 32 started to kick off some changing times in racing. Now, manufacturers were wondering what they could do with that odd, curving shape or that fancy braking system. Ettore Bugatti simply used the basis of his design to craft the Type 35—a car so successful it finally earned the man behind the marque the renown he’d been seeking.
[Reference Here]

... notes from The EDJE




TAGS: Bugatti, Ettore Bugatti, Type 32, #6, #11, #16, #18, Ernest Friderich, Pierre Marco, Prince de Cystria, Automobile Club de France, The Tank, Grand Prix de France 1923, Will Ellingham, The EDJE

A Key To Evolutionary Design - Variations On A Theme

BMW’s 2020 7 Series has a slew of new additions for the sixth-generation, including an enlarged kidney grille. Image Credit: BMW via Robb Report (2019)

A Key To Evolutionary Design - Variations On A Theme

Ever wonder what makes an artist a great automotive designer?

It comes down to the discipline one achieves through years of training, experiment, understanding materials, the balance of form & function, the creation of trash bin failures to grand acceptance and market success.

Just ask Art Center College of Design standout graduate, Frank Stephenson, who actually designed for, and penned the rebirth of the MINI Cooper and the first SUV platform produced by the famed German automobile manufacturer, the X5.

Frank Stephenson said in a 2017 interview published at The Drive "I'm flat-out not fond of modern-day cars," he told R&T. "They're going to where ugly cars are the new beautiful. Everybody loves the '50s and '60s in terms of what those cars were like. And we've kind of lost that romance of the design from that period, where the goal was to design a beautiful car, and people would love it at first sight. Nobody had to 'get used to' the design." ... 'nuff said.

Then there's this, from Andres Bastidas ...

So, it's "GET USED TO IT!"

... notes from The EDJE




TAGS: Kidney Bean Grill, BMW, Frank Stephenson, Art Center College of Design, Andres Bastidas, MINI, X5, SUV, Facebook Timeline, The EDJE

RAM 1500 Matching Wins With Triple Crown Winner Justify

RAM 1500 With Triple Crown Winner Justify
Image Credit: James Groth  - Miles Ahead Communications (2018)

RAM 1500 Matching Wins With Triple Crown Winner Justify
Words & Images By James Groth  - Miles Ahead Communications

Since the media introduction of the 2019 RAM 1500 in August, RAM 1500 is matching wins with its stablemate Justify, the 2018 Triple Crown Winner. With annual sales of 2.8 million, light duty trucks are the best selling segment of vehicles in the US and toughest category to win awards Announced at this years San Antonio Auto & Truck Show was the coveted Green Car Journal's 'Truck of the Year’ was awarded to RAM 1500. Equally significant at the LA Automobilty Show was Ram1500 being presented the award for Motor Trend Truck of the Year.

Perennial sponsor of the Kentucky Derby Ram Trucks are also the tow vehicle for Triple Crown winner Justify, both are stabemates at the Win Star Farm outside of Versailles, Kentucky.

RAM 1500 Winner of Motor 'Trend Truck of the Year' and Green Car Journal 'Truck of the Year'

Image Credit: James Groth  - Miles Ahead Communications (2018)

My original driving impression, comprehensive list of standard equipment and options of the new line of RAM 1500 trucks follows.

2019 RAM With e-Torque Seeks Benchmark Status 

Standalone truck brand RAM seeks to be the new standard by which all 2019 trucks will be measured. The categories singled out by RAM are Efficiency, Technology, Strength and Safety. Both the presentation and test drives demonstrated that RAM has made the financial commitment to build an extensive product line not just to contend but  win these categories outright.

Splayed Frame Rail Chassis Featrues Safety And Durabililty While Sheeding 120 Pounds
Image Credit: James Groth - Miles Ahead Communications (2018)

The extent of development and unique features presented is what I would have expected to learn about a high-end luxury SUV or sedan, not a truck line. If you only looked at the specifications and performance figures of the top of the line RAM models they would match up or better many luxury vehicles. As we saw on display this all starts with a new frame thats 98% high-strength steel and more durable. The chassis is 120 lbs lighter and overall weight is reduced 225 lbs.over the previous 1500. There is a patent pending on the splayed frame rail technology energy absorbing structure for all models that focuses on safety and durability. Cab length increased four inches with most going towards its spacious rear compartment.

       

Laramie Longhorn Interior The Flavor Is 'Southwestern Hot'
Image Credit: RAM Media (2018)

I started out the drive as a passenger in the RAM 1500 5.7-Liter V-8 Laramie Longhorn Edition. Laramie gives you that luxury feeling as you enter. Greeting you are full leather seating, with an embossed alligator skin pattern on the center console, dash, seats and door panels along with a real barn wood accents, all done with traditional American craftsmanship. The flavor is 'Southwestern Hot’ and I liked it. Unique to our Laramie Edition were its RV Match Walnut Brown paint, premium LED headlamps and tail lamps, front grill and 20” or 22” distinctive wheels. RAM Laramie couples timeless craftsmanship with advanced technology and it hauls.

Bluegrass Fields And Twisty Roads Provided An Ideal Setting For On Road Testing
Image Credit: James Groth - Miles Ahead Communications (2018)

Rick Deneau, who heads the N. A. RAM Brand nnd Product Communications along with his team, staged the introduction in Lexington, KY. Lexington was an ideal location with it's bluegrass fields and narrow twisty backroads, the intermittent showers only added to the setting. We had our driver switch at the WinStar Farm where the RAM Team made this a special occasion, an opportunity to meet up close the greatest living champion horse. Justify is an incredible Chestnut colored Thoroughbred, the 2018 Triple Crown Winner and the only American horse to do this with an undefeated record. Standing tall on the optional 22 inch tires Laramie too has the presence of a thoroughbred and showed it on these horse country roads. RAM a sponsor of the Kentucky Derby also has a run of Kentucky Derby Editions limited to 2000 trucks.

Optional Four Corner Auto-Leveling Air Suspension Provides Sedan Like Smoothness
Image Credit: James Groth - Miles Ahead Cmmunications (2018)

Behind the wheel I immediately notice that this Laramie does not ride like a truck or my P38 Range Rover. It has a sedan like smooth ride due to Laramie’s optional four corner auto-leveling air suspension with link coil rear. This suspension lowers the 1500 0.6 inches for improved mileage and handling. Standard Frequency Response Damping front coil-over shocks play a large role too. I was deeply impressed with this suspension that has a sharper turn in through the corners keeping it stable and poised at all times. If your truck is used for family outings this option will be appreciated by all passengers.

Air Dam Grill Shutters And Air Suspenson Work In Concert To Achieve A .357 Coefficient Of Drag
Image Credit: James Groth - Miles Ahead Cmmunicatoins (2018)

The second impressive thing I noticed with the Laramie is how exceptionally quite it is. This is due to the active noise cancellation on the V-8 models and acoustic glass reducing ambient sounds. The interior noise is rated at a remarkable 66.6 db. a low level even for luxury vehicles. Some to the quietness stems from the V-8 cylinder cutoff allowing it to run on four cylinders. Since coefficient of drag contributes to fuel mileage and highway handling the .357 cd posted by the 1500 is remarkable. The low figure is due to1500’s exclusive aerodynamics: air dam, grill shutters and air suspension working in concert. A lockable tri-fold tonneau cover improves fuel economy by 0,8%. EPA estimates for the 2WD hybrid are 17 city, 19 combined and 23 highway. The diving range is 437 to 494 miles.

eTorque A Mild Hybrid System Adds 130 lb.-ft. of Launch Torque
Image Credit: James Groth - Miles Ahead Cmmunications (2018)

Two lane passing was effortless with the 5.7 liter HEMI V-8 eTorque given the 395 horsepower and 410 lb.-ft torque. I found Laramie to be as silent as a submarine, effortless and comfortable to drive quickly. If your require more torque the Ram 3500 Cummins Turbo Diesel delivers 950 lb.-ft. Lo oking for economy chose the EcoDiesel for 27 mpg on the Ram 1500. The optional 5.7 liter HEMI  V-8 with eTorque a mild hybrid system in the 1500 adds 130 lb.-ft. of launch torque. This RAM has th e stopping power to match its horsepower with class leading front rotors of 14.9” and rears of 14.8” a long with an increase pad area of 18% from previous.

Penstar V-6 With e Torque Adds 90 lb.-ft Of Launch Torque
Image Credit: James Groth -Miles Ahead Communications (2018)

The Pentastar V-6 with eTorque adds 90 lb.-ft of launch torque. The standard 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 produces 305 horsepower and 289 lb.ft.. I drove a base model after lunch and felt it had the power for  all occasions except heavy towing. Compared to the air suspension model ride and handling was noticeability different. It's still very competent and quiet but more truck like, not as quick or as effortless through the twisty roads. This was to be expected since it was running on the standard 18- inch wheels and narrower tires. This is not a fault, merely a different execution for all around on/off road use, at a very fair price point.

Base Model V-6 e Torque Mild Hybird Starts At $31,695
Image Credit: James Groth -Miles Ahead Communications (2018)

The base models Tradesmen, Big Horn and Rebel with 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 eTorque mild hybrid starts at $31,695. You can opt for the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 with 8-speed auto for $1,195. Technology-leading Ltd. Crew Cab 4x4 V8 with 12-inch connect touchscreen starts at $57,390. The eTorque      HEMI option will add $1,995 to sticker price. Fuel figures for the V-6 have not yet been released. Both power plants add an Interactive Deceleration Fuel Shut Off that pauses the fuel flow when     decelerating and is active in third and higher gears. Our presenter held up a vial of fuel to show how much fuel this saves at a three minute stoplight and it was significant. Briefly, the eTorque mild    hybrid does away with an alternator and has a belt-driven motor generator. The generator works with a 48-volt battery pack that enables quick starts and seamless start/stop and brake energy regeneration.   

 PSU Motor Generator Unit Maintains Battery And  Coverts 48 volts to 12 volts
Image Credit: James Groth - Miles Ahead Communications (2018)

Technically per RAM “…engine running eTorque’s motor generator unit feeds 48-volt current to a      300 watt-hour lithium-ion Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC)-Graphite battery. The small-suitcase sized, air cooled battery pack mounts to a rear wall inside the cabin. The eTorque unit recaptures energy during deceleration and braking to feed charge to the battery pack. Additionally, the battery pack includes a 3-kilowatt DC-to-DC converter to maintain the battery’s state of charge and convert 48 volts to 12 volts to power assessors and charge the 12 volt battery.” Bottom line - eTorque improves efficiency and produces a more responsive drivetrain.

TorqueFlight 8HP75 Has 40 Shift Maps for Efficiency And Performance
Image Credit: James Groth - Miles Ahead Communications (2018) 

The upgraded TorqueFlite 8HP75 trans has 40 individual shift maps for added economy and performance. Towing capacity increased to12,750 pounds and is designed to pull a horse trailer i n comfort and safety. Need more towing, then choose the 2500 with best in class towing of 16,320 pounds. Max payload on1500 increases to 2300 pounds.

Uconnect System Features Class Leading 12-inch Touchscreen Wiht Split-Screen Capability
Image Credit: James Groth - Miles Ahead Communications (2018)

RAM in rightfully proud of its award winning fourth generation Uconnect System with class exclusive 12-inch fully configurable touchscreen display, featuring split-screen capability. Uconnect allows hands on the wheel convenience to keep you safely engaged and connected, while being faster, sharper and more supportive. This is also the debut of the all new SiriusXM with 360L, considered to be the finest audio system available in a pickup. It features a Harman Kardon 900 watt surround sound amp with 19 speakers, personal device integration and in-vehicle connectivity.

Wheel Packages Of  20"And 22"  Give RAM 1500 Its Dominant Stance
Imge Credit. : James Groth - Miles Ahead Communications (2018)

Another first is the 360-degree Surround View Camera that provides you a birds-eye view via four cameras for a fully stitched image of your surroundings. This is a welcome safety feature for pedestrians and animals. If your 'old school' there are redundant controls allowing you to bypass the touchscreen.

Heated Full Leather Rear Seat With Ventilation Is A Class Exclusive
Image Credit: James Groth - Miles Ahead Communications (2018)

Any accouterment or cutting edge safety feature offered on advanced SUV’s or sedans seems to be available along with some industry exclusives,  One class exclusive would be heated full leather rear seat ventilation. Second row seats recline to 8 degrees or provide a flat load floor. The aluminum tailgate can electronically be dropped by an interior switch or remotely with the key fob, very cool.

EPA Estimated Fuel Milage Figures

The Aluminum Tailgate Can Be Lowered With An Interior Switch Or Keyfob
Image Credit: James Groth - Miles Ahead Communications (2018)

In total there are over 100 safety and security features. RAM comes with a 3-year/36K Basic Ltd. Warranty and is backed with a 5-year/60K Powertrain Ltd Warranty.  Space will not allow coverage of the six distinct classes of RAM trucks, so let this be the catalyst for you to spec your version according to the 200 plus options offered.



TAGS: RAM, Justify, TorqueFlite, eTorque, Interactive Deceleration Fuel Shut Off, Uconnect System, Harman Kardon, Kentucky Derby, Laramie, Tradesmen, Big Horn, Rebel, Pentastar, Cummins, Miles Ahead

FORCE STILL A FACTOR AS COUNTDOWN MOVES TO LVMS.

LAS VEGAS (Oct. 24, 2018) — In a career spanning 42 seasons, John Force routinely has defied the odds while paying little attention to conventional wisdom. It’s a strategy that has worked out okay for the former big rig truck driver if you call 16 championships and 149 tour victories okay. The upshot is that even though he is only seventh in Mello Yello driver points entering this week’s 18th annual NHRA Toyota Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, the sport’s most successful pro driver still believes he can win another title at the wheel of a much-improved PEAK Coolant and Motor Oil Chevrolet Camaro. “This PEAK Camaro has gotten better every week,” said the former Driver of the Year for all American motorsports (1996). “It has consistency now. (At the last race at Charlotte) it went down the racetrack every run in qualifying and every run (on race day). Overall, as a team, we’re doing good. “It’s a long way to that championship and we are running out of races,” he grudgingly admitted, “but I never give up as long as there’s a chance. Things happen. It’s drag racing. I know we’ve got our work cut out for us but if we go out and win Vegas, we’ll see where it goes?” Winning Vegas” is something Force knows how to do. After a horrid first 10 years at The Strip during which he won just one time in 17 attempts, the Hall of Famer has turned things around, winning five of his last 16 Vegas starts including Toyota Nationals’ titles in 2010, 2013 and 2016, the first two paving the way to championships. After a start to the 2018 season where Force made multiple trips to the hospital after on track incidents, the racing icon turned around and won the Mile-High Nationals at Denver and extended to 31 the number of different seasons in which he has won at least one tour event, a feat unparalleled in professional sport. “I want to win and I know I still can,” Force said. “This isn’t NASCAR. I don’t have to drive around for three or four hours. I’ve been doing this a long time. I know the drill. When it’s over, I’ll know it’s over – but it ain’t over yet!” Although he is on the verge of win 150, Force will be focused on something much grander. “It’s all about the championship,” Force said. “If I can’t get it and Courtney (youngest daughter Courtney Force, driver of the Advance Auto Parts Camaro) can’t get it, then I’m going to try to take out the guys who are chasing Robert (Hight, the current points leader and president of John Force Racing) so he has the best chance of winning.” Nitro qualifying at the Toyota Nationals is scheduled at 12:30 and 3 p.m. on Friday, 12:30 and 2:45 p.m. Saturday. The single elimination tournament will begin at 11 a.m. Sunday.

Photo Credit: Gary Nastase, Auto Imagery

Luber-finer Joins Love’s on No. 34 for 2 Races

STATESVILLE, N.C. (October 23, 2018) – Love’s Travel Stops (Love’s) will introduce another new partner to its race program with Front Row Motorsports. Luber-finer® will be the co-primary sponsor of Michael McDowell’s No. 34 Love’s Travel Stops Ford for two November races in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series. The heavy-duty filter company will co-sponsor the Front Row Motorsports entry for events at Texas Motor Speedway on Nov. 4 and ISM Raceway (Phoenix, Ariz.) on Nov. 11. The two-race program is the company’s first motorsports marketing partnership. For more than 80 years, Luber-finer has manufactured heavy-duty and light-duty filters to provide protection for on-highway vehicles as well as for many off-road applications. The company has been a partner of Love’s Travel Stops since 2011. “Luber-finer has worked closely with Love’s for several years now,” said Layne Gobrogge, director of heavy duty marketing for Champion Laboratories. “During that time, we have been proactive in increasing our support to coincide with the company’s rapid expansion, especially during the past year with their acquisition of Speedco. This sponsorship represents our increased level of business with Love’s and the strength of our partnership. We’re proud to have our logo on the No. 34 car for these upcoming races.” Love’s Travel Stops is a long-time partner of Front Row Motorsports and has successfully used its NASCAR program to enhance business relationships with partners such as Luber-finer. “Love’s does an amazing job introducing new partners to the world of NASCAR and the business opportunities that come with it,” McDowell said. “We’re looking forward to having Luber-finer with us at Texas and Phoenix, and we hope it opens some doors to even more involvement in the future.” The AAA Texas 500 at Texas Motor Speedway is scheduled to air Sunday, Nov. 4, on the NBC Sports Network. The Can-Am 500 at ISM Raceway is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 11, on NBC. For more information on Luber-finer heavy duty filtration products, visit www.luberfiner.com or call (800) 851-3641. You can also follow Luber-finer on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. About Love’s Travel Stops: Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores (Love’s) is the nation’s industry-leading travel stop network with more than 470 locations in 41 states. Founded in 1964 and headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, the company remains family-owned and operated and employs more than 22,000 people. Love’s provides professional truck drivers and motorists with 24-hour access to clean and safe places to purchase gasoline, diesel fuel, fresh coffee, restaurant offerings, and more. Love’s has more than 250 on-site Truck Tire Care centers and 53 Speedco locations, which is the largest oil change and preventative maintenance nationwide network on the road today. Love’s is committed to providing customers with “Clean Places, Friendly Faces” at every stop. To learn more, visit loves.com. About Luber-finer: For more than 80 years, Luber-finer has been providing filtration excellence for heavy duty on-highway vehicles, vocational and off-road equipment. Recognized as a global brand leader of dependable heavy duty filter product lines, Luber-finer combines product value with a commitment to reliable customer service. For more information, visit www.luberfiner.com. About Front Row Motorsports: Front Row Motorsports is a winning organization in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, the premier division of NASCAR competition. The team was founded in 2004 and is owned by Tennessean Bob Jenkins. FRM fields two full-time entries, the No. 34 of Michael McDowell and the No. 38 of David Ragan, from its Statesville, N.C., headquarters just outside of Charlotte. The team's partnership base includes organizations such as Ford Motor Company, Love's Travel Stops, K-LOVE Radio, 1000Bulbs.com and Shriners Hospitals for Children. Visit teamfrm.com and follow FRM on Twitter at @Team_FRM and on Facebook at facebook.com/FrontRowMotorsports.

Ron Capps Races to 60th Funny Car Win!!!

Ron Capps Advances to Third in NHRA Countdown Standings NAPA NIGHTVISION Lamps Light the Way to Capps 60th Funny Car Victory CONCORD, North Carolina (October 15, 2018) – Ron Capps piloted the NAPA NIGHTVISION Lamps Dodge Charger R/T to his 60th Funny Car victory with his win Sunday at the NHRA Carolina Nationals. By claiming 121 points over the course of the weekend, Capps moved up three spots to third in the NHRA Countdown to the Championship playoff standings, injecting new life into his bid for a second career Funny Car world championship. Along his way to the zMAX Dragway winner’s circle, Capps defeated Dale Creasy Jr. and three of the top-ranked 2018 Funny Car championship contenders – Robert Hight, Tim Wilkerson and J.R. Todd – in crucial matchups with major Countdown implications. The milestone victory and 61st overall triumph which includes one Top Fuel win, came after two disappointing consecutive first-round losses, but Capps and his Rahn Tobler-led team were determined to not let their early Countdown stumbles deter their hopes for the 2018 title. “In St. Louis we lost on a holeshot first round and I’m sick to my stomach when that happens,” said Capps. “I go home, I don’t sleep, I’m up in the middle of the night, watching frame-by-frame of when my blades open compared to the person I lost to on a holeshot and it’s not fun. I live it, I breathe it. I just could not wait to get to the next race after St. Louis. We really had a great car there and we really had the opportunity to make a lot of points up and we didn’t, and I wore that. I probably aged a year in that week. Then we got to Dallas, had a great car, and just got outran by John Force first round. “Tobler and I left Dallas, shook hands, gave each other a little hug like we always do when we leave the track and he said ‘let’s just go win the last three. If we win, they can’t,’ and I’m just so glad we came here and did what we talked about doing.” With 321 points up for grabs in the final two events, Capps enters the next stop on the NHRA tour sitting 109 points out of first. The remaining events on the NHRA schedule are contested in Las Vegas and Pomona, California, two historically cooler-weather events, and Capps has more confidence than ever in Tobler’s cool weather tuning capabilities. “To make over 330-mph runs two times in the middle of the day today is big for Rahn Tobler. We always talk about race day and hot, adverse conditions, and that’s where he shines, but to throw down those speeds and E.T.s in the cooler weather today when we needed it was huge.” Capps’ Carolina Nationals victory, his third of the season, was won in a one-off NAPA NIGHTVISION Lamps livery, and his previous event win in Seattle was also won in a special look – the Pennzoil Synthetics/NAPA AUTO PARTS paint scheme. At the upcoming Las Vegas event, Capps will be back behind the wheel of the Pennzoil/NAPA Dodge, and he feels the special livery will provide his team with a little extra luck going into the race weekend. “We always do well when we bring these special paint schemes out. In Seattle we had the Pennzoil car and we won it, and we’ll have that again at the next race in Vegas. “We have a lot of business left to do. It’s not over. Points-and-a-half in Pomona. Anything can happen and we’re going to go down fighting. I can’t wait to celebrate with my race team, get to the next race and finish the year strong.” Qualified: No. 2 (3.875 E.T. at 329.42 MPH) The Results: E1: 3.926 E.T. at 328.86 MPH defeated Dale Creasy Jr. 4.041 E.T. at 316.67 MPH E2: 3.889 E.T. at 332.43 MPH defeated Robert Hight 3.953 E.T. at 285.23 MPH E3: 3.903 E.T. at 320.97 MPH defeated Tim Wilkerson 3.978 E.T. at 323.97 MPH E4: 3.890 E.T. at 331.20 MPH defeated J.R. Todd 4.311 E.T. at 214.96 MPH Story Courtesy DSR Media.