Author: Garth Griswold

Jacob Quill Conquers GOVX 200, Locks Playoff Spot in Dash Series Thriller

Garth Griswold

March 13, 2025 – Jacob Quill roared to victory in the Team Conti Sim Performance Dash Series’ GOVX 200 on Tuesday night, delivering a commanding performance under the new banner of Lucky 7 Motorsports. The win, Quill’s first of the season, secured the #39 car’s spot in the playoffs and set the tone for a electrifying night of racing on the oval with an open dogleg. The 200-lap event, spanning 2 hours and 43 minutes, featured 17 cautions across 43 laps, five leaders, and 11 lead changes, captivating fans under mostly cloudy skies.

Starting from pole, Quill led a race-high 103 laps, fending off a late charge from Zack Saunders to win by 0.818 seconds. Saunders, rebounding from connectivity woes last week, showcased his resilience with a strong second-place finish, crossing the line just behind Quill. “It’s a huge moment for Lucky 7 and the #39 team,” Quill said post-race. “To lock in the playoffs this early feels incredible—we’re here to dominate.” Saunders, meanwhile, added, “After last week’s mess, this is a big boost. We’re building something special.”

Boyd Hoggan rounded out the podium in third, 1.502 seconds back, after leading 68 laps, while Nick Basden (4th) and Tommy Krawczyk (5th) completed the top five. Joseph Stafford (6th), Nathaniel Campbell (7th), Rodney Roberts (8th), Richard Bunkley (9th), and Dominic Lee (10th) also battled through the chaos to secure top-10 finishes. Campbell’s seventh-place result propelled him to the top of the series standings after four of 36 races, overtaking John Terrell, who plummeted to fourth following an early incident that left him 31st (-199 laps).

The race was a test of survival, with only 22 of the 35 starters completing the full distance. Terrell’s misfortune was one of many, as drivers like Zach Thomas Johnson (23rd, -97 laps), Carl Field (24th, -99 laps), and Bob Baker (25th, -110 laps) saw their nights cut short by incidents. The 17 cautions kept the field on edge, with Sylvain Joly—who won Stage 1—and Quill, who took Stage 2, capitalizing on the restarts to solidify their points hauls.

In the updated standings, Campbell and Saunders sit tied at 145 points, with Sylvain Joly close behind at 142. Terrell’s drop to 119 points opens the door for contenders like Keith Hume Sr (111 points) and Colby Decarlo (103 points) to make early moves. Quill’s win vaults him to 16th with 52 points despite running only three races.

The Team Conti Sim Performance Dash Series continues to heat up, with Quill’s triumph signaling Lucky 7 Motorsports’ arrival as a force to be reckoned with. The series now rolls into Las Vegas for its next clash on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, where drivers will battle under the desert sun in a daytime showdown primed for more high-octane drama.

For full race results, click here. For complete standings, click here.

Pataska Crushes Shriners 250, Wins 3rd in Cup Chaos

Garth Griswold

March 13, 2025 – The Majors Garage Cup Series delivered another electrifying chapter in the Crown Jewel Racing League last night with the Shriners Children’s 250, a race that will be remembered for Dallas Pataska’s continued dominance, a stellar Factory Motorsport showing, and a chaotic night of wrecks that decimated several playoff hopefuls from last season. The 251-lap event was a rollercoaster of action, featuring 32 cautions across 82 laps, five different leaders, and 12 lead changes under clear skies and the Arizona sun.

Dallas Pataska cemented his status as the man to beat, securing his third consecutive victory in the series. Starting third, Pataska led a race-high 85 laps and held off a fierce challenge from Factory Motorsport’s Boyd Hoggan in the final moments, crossing the finish line just 0.340 seconds ahead. His triumph adds to an already impressive streak, making him the driver to watch as the season progresses. “Three in a row feels unreal,” Pataska said post-race. “The team gave me a rocket ship, and we just kept pushing through all the chaos out there.”

Factory Motorsport celebrated a strong night with Hoggan and Zander Short rounding out the podium in second and third, respectively. For Hoggan, it was a dream debut as a full-time driver with the team. Starting second and leading an astounding 142 laps, he showcased his potential by winning both Stage 1 and Stage 2, only to be edged out by Pataska’s late-race mastery. “First race full-time with Factory, and to get a podium like this—it’s huge,” Hoggan said. “Dallas was just a tick better tonight, but we’re coming for him.” Short, starting 16th, quietly climbed through the field to finish 0.644 seconds behind Pataska, marking a breakout performance for the Factory squad.

One of the night’s standout stories was Logan Giesbrecht, who earned hard-charger honors with an incredible drive from 37th to 13th. Battling through the carnage, Giesbrecht navigated the wrecks and restarts with precision, finishing just over two seconds off the lead. His climb through the field was a testament to resilience on a night where survival was as critical as speed.

The Shriners Children’s 250 lived up to its billing as a demolition derby, with wrecks and attrition taking a heavy toll. Several of last season’s playoff drivers saw their nights end prematurely in the chaos. Thomas Wolfe (finished 25th, -41 laps), Caleb “Uberman” Tipton (24th, -8 laps), Ben Lawson (27th, -60 laps), Vince Mitchell (32nd, -136 laps), Garth Griswold (36th, -215 laps), and Steven Carlile (37th, -220 laps) were among the casualties, caught in a series of multi-car incidents that littered the track with debris and frustration. The 32 cautions—spanning over a third of the race distance—kept the field on edge and the tow trucks busy.

Pole-sitter Jacob Quill arrived with momentum after winning the Team Conti-Performance Dash Series race the previous night, but his Shriners Children’s 250 ended in disappointment. Starting from the top spot and showing early promise, Quill’s night took a turn for the worse when he was caught in a wreck before the halfway mark, forcing him out after just 113 laps. The incident left him with a 33rd-place finish, a bitter pill to swallow after his midweek triumph. “Winning last night felt great, but tonight was brutal,” Quill said. “We had the car to beat until the wreck took us out.”

Nick Basden (4th) and Noah M. Hamilton (5th) wrapped up the top five, while Stewart Harding Walker (6th) staged an incredible comeback to join Josh L. Stoltz (7th), Nishil Condoor (8th), Tyler Belanger (9th), and Zach Thomas Johnson (10th) in the top 10. Walker’s night started with a nightmare scenario, falling four laps down early in the race, but he battled back through the mayhem of 32 cautions to secure a remarkable sixth-place finish. The three-hour-plus event pushed every driver to the brink, with only 23 of the 37 starters enduring the full 251 laps.

Next up, the Majors Garage Cup Series heads to Las Vegas, where Pataska will look to extend his winning streak and Factory Motorsport aims to build on their momentum. After last night’s carnage, the field will be eager for redemption—and a cleaner race—under the bright lights of Sin City.

For full race results, click here.

What to Watch For: TCSP Dash Series – Phoenix

Garth Griswold

The Team Conti Sim-Performance (TCSP) Dash Series rolls into the desert heat of Phoenix today for the GOVX 200, a 200-lap showdown around the 1-mile, low-banked tri-oval. As Round 4 of the season, this race offers drivers a critical chance to lock themselves into the playoffs—or risk fading into the Arizona sunset. With high stakes, hot streaks, and teams desperate to turn their fortunes around, here’s what to watch for under the lights tonight.

HOT DRIVERS

Nathan Fuller is scorching the competition right now. Fresh off a dominant win last week at COTA, Fuller locked himself into the playoffs and surged 10 spots in the season standings to sixth place. His momentum makes him a serious threat to go back-to-back and solidify his postseason credentials tonight.

Zack Saunders also secured his postseason berth with a win at Atlanta earlier this year, but his luck took a fiery turn last week. A sizzling internet connection dropped him from the COTA race, leaving the playoff-bound driver—and plenty of frustrated sports gamblers—with a bitter taste. Saunders was a betting favorite heading into that event, and after the unexpected disconnect, he’ll be eager to cool his temper and heat up the track in Phoenix.

John Terrell, the current TCSP Dash Series points leader, has yet to visit victory lane this season. However, his consistency—a 6th at Atlanta, 8th at another event, and 11th last week—proves that stage points are the secret sauce keeping him atop the standings. A win would lock him in, but Terrell’s knack for racking up points could keep him in the driver’s seat regardless.

Who’s NOT Hot

Palmetto Motorsports is stuck in neutral—or worse. All four of their charter cars languish at the bottom of the owners’ standings, making them the poster team for the struggle bus. Phoenix could be a make-or-break moment for this squad to find some speed and climb out of the basement.

Leach Brothers Racing isn’t faring much better. Full-time drivers Cameron Romano and Tyler Krawczyk are hovering near the bottom of the driver standings with little room left to fall. This team has the talent to rebound, and a strong showing tonight could spark a turnaround. Keep an eye on them as they fight to claw their way up the leaderboard.

Keys to Win

Phoenix’s tri-oval layout promises a mix of strategy and aggression. If the race sees long runs, tire management will be the difference-maker—drivers who save their rubber could steal the show in the closing laps. On the flip side, restarts are prime opportunities to gain positions, so expect chaos and bold moves every time the green flag waves. The winning formula? Brake hard, drive harder. This track rewards drivers who can balance precision with all-out intensity.

Tune In

The desert duel goes green tonight at 8:30 PM EST, broadcast live on the Crown Jewel Racing Network. With playoff implications on the line and a mix of red-hot contenders and struggling teams ready to shake things up, the GOVX 200 is primed to deliver edge-of-your-seat action. Don’t miss it!

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: COTA

Garth Griswold

The Majors Garage Cup Series rolls into Austin, Texas, tonight, March 5, 2025, for the EchoPark Grand Prix at the COTA West track, promising a high-stakes showdown under the Texas sun. This condensed version of the Circuit of the Americas, with its tight corners, steep elevation changes, and technical demands, sets the stage for the Crown Jewel Racing league’s finest to battle it out. Tonight could redefine the 2025 standings—or deepen the struggles for those already on the ropes.

WHOSE HOT

Thomas Wolfe: The Road Course Redemption Story

Thomas Wolfe enters COTA as a driver with something to prove—and a track record that’s starting to silence the doubters. Last year, skepticism swirled around Wolfe’s road course prowess, with analysts questioning whether he could handle the twists and turns that define circuits like this one. But the 2024 season told a different story. Wolfe stunned the field with victories at the Chicago Street Course and the Charlotte Roval, showcasing a newfound mastery of road racing. His ability to navigate tight corners and capitalize on late-race restarts turned heads, and now he’s a legitimate threat every time the schedule veers away from ovals. At COTA, Wolfe will look to carry that momentum forward. Can he cement his status as a road course elite? Keep an eye on his qualifying lap—starting near the front could set the tone for another statement win.

Zach Saunders: Bouncing Back from a Rough Night

Zach Saunders: Bouncing Back from a Rough Night
Zach Saunders enters COTA West with a point to prove, carrying the confidence of a stellar 2024 season where he claimed victories at Sonoma and Watkins Glen and notched a hard-fought 4th at this very track. Last night’s race, however, left a sour note—Saunders disconnected after Stage 1, cutting his run short and igniting his hunger for redemption. Known for his aggressive yet precise driving, he excels on road courses that demand finesse, and COTA West’s blend of sweeping turns and heavy braking zones suits his style perfectly. The question is whether he can shrug off the sting of last night’s technical woes. If Saunders can tap into the form that dominated Sonoma and Watkins Glen while avoiding gremlins, he’ll be a contender. Watch for an early charge—he’s primed for a fierce rebound.

Dallas Pataska: The Oval King Faces a New Challenge

Fresh off a commanding victory at Atlanta last week, Dallas Pataska has the racing world buzzing. His dominance on ovals—where he’s proven he can turn left with the best of them—has put everyone on notice. But COTA isn’t Atlanta, and the question looms: can Pataska turn right as well as he turns left? Road courses like this one demand a different skill set—braking discipline, corner exits, and adaptability—and Pataska’s limited success on twisty tracks has some wondering if his oval brilliance will translate. Still, momentum is a powerful thing, and Pataska’s confidence is sky-high after Atlanta. His raw speed and fearless approach could make him a dark horse if he finds a rhythm early. Look for Pataska to either surprise the field or expose a weakness—there’s little in-between with a driver this bold.

WHOSE NOT HOT

Thomas Villano

Thomas Villano’s 2025 Majors Garage Cup Series campaign has been a rollercoaster stuck in the wrong gear. As of March 5, 2025, the driver finds himself languishing in 35th place in the standings with just 8 points—a far cry from where he was last season. Villano’s early struggles have left fans and pundits alike wondering if the magic has run dry. Tonight’s EchoPark Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) West configuration could be his shot at redemption—or another chapter in a season spiraling out of control.

Vince Mitchell

Vince Mitchell’s 2025 Majors Garage Cup Series season has been a rocky adjustment since joining Palmetto Motorsports, leaving him mired in 31st place with just 15 points as of March 5, 2025. The transition to his new team hasn’t gone as hoped—early races have revealed struggles with pace and setup, far from the strong start he anticipated. Tonight’s EchoPark Grand Prix at COTA West could be a turning point, but with only 15 points and a 31st-place standing, Mitchell and Palmetto need a solid run to kickstart their season.

Garth Griswold

Garth Griswold’s 2025 Majors Garage Cup Series season has been a relentless string of misfortune, with the driver unable to shake what seems like a persistent curse. It started at the Clash at USA International, where he was wrecked during the heat races and then dumped on the last lap in the Last Chance Qualifier, ending his shot at the main event. The bad luck followed him to Daytona, where the season-opening chaos left his car in pieces, and then to Atlanta, where yet another wreck dashed his hopes of a clean finish. Griswold’s early season has been defined by crumpled sheet metal and missed opportunities, leaving him desperate to break the cycle at tonight’s EchoPark Grand Prix at COTA West.

Garage Gossip Fuels Transfer Talk

Whispers are swirling around the MGCS garage that Thomas Wolfe, the road course standout currently with Backroad Bandit Racing, might be on the move for 2025. Rumors suggest he’s been in talks with Palmetto Motorsports, a shift that could bump Jim Mott down to a full-time role in the Team Conti Sim-Performance Dash Series if it comes to fruition. Meanwhile, another rumor has Wolfe eyeing an open Cup seat at Hollywood Motorsports, potentially joining forces with Nathaniel Campbell’s racing outfit. As of March 5, 2025, nothing’s confirmed, but the paddock buzz has Wolfe weighing his options after a standout 2024 with Backroad Bandit Racing.

DAYTONA: Cody Porter Edges Out Field in Thrilling Oval Showdown

February 20, 2025 | Crown Jewel Media

Garth Griswold

In a race that showcased intense competition and razor-thin margins, Cody Porter emerged victorious in a nail-biting finish at the Daytona 500 on February 19, 2025. The 200-lap event, marked by 16 different leaders and 32 lead changes, kept fans on the edge of their seats.

Stage Breakdown: Short Shines Early

The race was a chaotic affair, with 11 cautions totaling 34 laps disrupting the flow and testing drivers’ adaptability. A field of 40 competitors traded positions relentlessly, with standout performances from Nic Vasquez (4th, led 11 laps) and Dallas Pataska (5th, led a race-high 35 laps). The fastest lap of the day belonged to Pataska at 45.288 seconds on lap 199, a testament to his pace. Zander Short, who dominated Stage 1 and Stage 2 with a combined 48 laps led, finished 10th after a mid-race setback but earned valuable bonus points for his efforts.

Stage 1, a 65-lap sprint, saw Zander Short take control, leading 19 laps and fending off Boyd Hoggan by 0.090 seconds. Stephen Menke, Nic Vasquez, and Dallas Pataska also scored points in a relatively clean stage with just three cautions.

Stage 2 upped the ante with five cautions and 11 lead changes over 65 laps. Short again asserted dominance, leading 29 laps and edging out Hoggan by 0.066 seconds. Nishil Condoor and Cory Mott also made their presence felt, finishing in the top 10 and setting up a strong run in the final stage.

Final Stage Fireworks

The final 70 laps became a survival test as drivers jostled for position and tried to manage their fuel usage. Porter’s late surge capitalized on a perfectly timed move, while Belanger’s remarkable climb through the field fell just short. Vasquez and Pataska, despite leading significant portions of the race, couldn’t reclaim the front in the closing laps.

Starting from 15th on the grid, Porter methodically worked his way through the pack, showcasing patience and precision. He led just one lap—the most important—crossing the finish line a mere 0.022 seconds ahead of runner-up Tyler Belanger, who charged from 33rd to secure second place. Stewart Harding Walker rounded out the podium, finishing 0.125 seconds back after starting 23rd.
“It was a wild one out there,” Porter said post-race. “The car was solid all day, and we just had to wait for the right moment.”

Notable Performances and Struggles

  • Tyler Belanger: A 31-position gain from 33rd to 2nd highlighted his tenacity.
  • Zander Short: Despite a 10th-place finish, his stage wins and 49 laps led earned him 47 total points, second only to Vasquez’s 48.
  • Caleb Uberman Tipton: He finished last on a tough day after being involved in an incident on lap 25.
  • Thomas Wolfe: Starting 2nd but fading to 22nd, Wolfe led 20 laps but couldn’t maintain early momentum.

With the season heating up, Porter’s win signals his intent to contend for the championship, while Belanger and Short’s performances prove the field is more profound than ever. The Oval delivered a classic, and if this race is any indication, fans are in for a thrilling year ahead. The Majors Garage Cup Series will be back in action next Wednesday night at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

TCSP DASH SERIES DAYTONA: Short Claims Triumph at Daytona

Garth Griswold

Daytona Beach, FL – February 18, 2025 – In a gripping display of speed and strategy, Zander Short emerged victorious in the United Rentals 300 at Daytona International Speedway, securing the top spot in the Team Conti Sim-Performance Dash Series event. The race, held under ideal conditions with partly cloudy skies and a temperature of 70°F, was a marathon of 120 laps marked by 11 leaders, 29 lead changes, and 11 caution periods spanning 33 laps.

Race Highlights:

  • Starting from 14th position, Zander Short dominated the final stages of the race, leading for 31 laps and clinching the win with the fastest lap of 46.619 seconds on lap 105. His strategic driving and car control were pivotal in navigating the chaos of Daytona’s notorious pack racing.
  • Keith Hume Sr. delivered a commendable performance, finishing second after starting 19th. His car was just 0.091 seconds behind Short at the checkered flag, showcasing the tight competition at the front.
  • Noah Nicholson, who started 11th, took the third spot on the podium after leading for three laps. His consistent speed was evident, with a fastest lap of 46.614 seconds.
  • Jacob Quill finished fourth, leading for 16 laps, while Nathaniel Campbell rounded out the top five, demonstrating resilience after early race challenges.
  • The race was not without its share of drama; notable drivers like Nathan Fuller and Colby Decarlo, who led in earlier stages, faced setbacks, finishing 28th and 23rd after sustaining significant damage.

Stage Performances:

  • Stage 1 was won by Rodney Roberts, setting a strong pace with seven laps led, while Stage 2 saw Nathan Fuller take the honors with two laps led.
  • The race was a testament to the unpredictable nature of superspeedway racing, where strategy, fuel management, and pit stops played critical roles alongside outright speed.

Post-Race Comments:

  • Zander Short exclaimed, “It was a battle all the way to the end. The team gave me a fantastic car, and I’m thrilled to bring this win home.”
  • Keith Hume Sr. reflected on his near miss, “Second place feels like a victory after starting where we did. We’ll keep pushing for that first win.”

The United Rentals 300 at Daytona showcased high-octane racing, with each driver pushing their limits in the quest for glory. As the series progresses, all eyes will be on how these performances set the tone for the rest of the season.

Click Team Conti Sim Performance Dash Series Recent Results – Crown Jewel Racing for complete race results.

Daytona: Hoggan Dominates at Daytona in Fresh From Florida 250

Daytona Beach, FL – In an electrifying showcase of speed and strategy, Boyd Hoggan clinched victory at the Fresh from Florida 250 on February 17, 2025, at the Daytona International Speedway. The race, known for its intense competition and dramatic finishes, lived up to its reputation with a total of 10 cautions over 100 laps.

Hoggan, starting from pole position, led an impressive 37 laps, showcasing his prowess by collecting 52 points, including 40 race points, which underscored his dominance throughout the event. The race was marked by 25 lead changes among 12 leaders, indicating a fiercely contested battle for supremacy on the superspeedway.

Key Moments and Standout Performances:

  • Stage 1 saw Patrick Mcpeak taking the stage victory, demonstrating early promise with 12 laps led. However, Hoggan’s consistency set the tone for his eventual triumph.
  • Stage 2 was won by Hoggan himself, solidifying his claim on the race lead with 14 laps led during this segment.
  • Kyle Sosnoski made a remarkable climb from 10th to 2nd place, finishing just 0.009 seconds behind Hoggan, earning 36 points with one bonus point for his efforts.
  • Munatsi Major also had a noteworthy performance, jumping from 21st to secure a podium finish in 3rd place, accumulating 34 points.

Notable Incidents:

  • The race saw a high level of competition, with multiple caution flags due to incidents on the track, particularly affecting the middle to latter stages of the race.
  • Despite the challenges, the top finishers managed to keep their trucks running clean, with Hoggan, Sosnoski, and Major all finishing without damage.

This year’s Fresh from Florida 250 was a testament to the skill and endurance of NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series drivers, with Hoggan’s strategic approach and consistent performance earning him the top spot on the podium. As the series moves forward, the competition is set to intensify, with drivers like Sosnoski and Major proving they are forces to be reckoned with in the upcoming races. The VRS Truck Series returns to action next Monday night at Atlanta Motor Speedway for the FR8 208.

DAYTONA: Kallhoff Secures the Victory in ARCA Season Opener

Garth Griswold

The Project K-9 Hero ARCA Series commenced their season on Sunday night with a rejuvenated and robust field. A total of 32 drivers completed 80 laps at speeds exceeding 200 mph, resulting in thrilling racing combined with significant destruction. In a display of skill, strategy, and sheer determination, Henry Kallhoff emerged victorious in the Project K-9 Hero Daytona 200, leading for 11 of the 80 laps and securing the first win of the season. The race, characterized by nine cautions over 21 laps, showcased the competitive spirit and the high stakes of the Project K-9 Hero ARCA Series.

Race Overview:

  • Duration: 1 hour and 51 minutes
  • Laps: 80
  • Leaders: 8
  • Lead Changes: 14
  • Cautions: 9 for 21 laps
  • Weather: Partly cloudy, 74°F, 1-2 MPH from the NE

Top Performers:

  • Henry Kallhoff piloted his way to victory, starting first. He recaptured the lead at the end to win and secure 45 total points, a blend of race points and bonus points for leading laps.
  • Starting from the 23rd position, Cat Wheeler performed remarkably, finishing just 0.056 seconds behind Kallhoff. Wheeler’s ability to move through the field and secure 43 points underscored the race’s competitiveness.
  • Craig Martin completed the podium with a strong drive from 25th on the grid to 3rd place, showing resilience and speed to finish -0.216 seconds off the lead.

Notable Performances:

  • Jim Mott and Garth Griswold finished 4th and 5th, respectively, with Griswold gaining an extra point for leading laps. Both drivers were able to avoid the last-lap carnage and move up almost 20 positions on the last lap.
  • Despite leading for 35 laps, Zander Short ended in 26th due to a significant setback, demonstrating how quickly fortunes can change under racing conditions. Womp, Womp.

The race was punctuated by its 14 lead changes and eight different leaders, which kept spectators and participants alike on the edge of their seats. The high number of cautions led to strategic decisions regarding fuel management and pit stop timings. These decisions, crucial in determining the final standings, highlighted the strategic aspect of the sport and its impact on the race outcome.

The Daytona 200 was a testament to the competitive nature of the ARCA field, where strategy, luck, and driving ability all came into play. Henry Kallhoff’s victory was well-earned, but the battle for positions throughout the field was fierce. This provided fans with memorable moments and set the stage for even more exciting races in the future. As the season progresses, it will be intriguing to see how these dynamics evolve and who will rise to the top when the ARCA Series returns to the racetrack on March 9th in Phoenix.

DAYTONA DUELS: PATASKA REMAINS ON FIRE, LEACH MAKES A COMEBACK IN THE DUELS

Garth Griswold

It was Duels week in the Majors Garage Cup Series (MGCS) at Daytona International Speedway on Wednesday night. Fifty-five drivers turned out to battle for their spots in the prestigious Daytona 500 in the MGCS, a race that every driver dreams of participating in. Unfortunately, fifteen drivers will have to watch next week’s race from the stands, missing the chance to be part of this iconic event.

Qualifying

The qualifying session during Speedweek is the most important qualifying session all season long. Drivers aren’t just racing for the pole and the chance to be on the front row when the green flag waves next Wednesday night and the broadcast booth yells “boogity” repeatedly. Dallas Pataska would keep the wheels on that 17 Majors Garage car on fire this week, claiming the pole. We all better get used to this showdown between Pataska and Thomas Wolfe for the rest of the year. Wolfe would claim the second-place starting position and start outside Row 1 in the Big Show next week. Duel 1 and Duel 2 would have 18 Franchised entries in each race. Duel 1 would have 11 open car entries, and Duel 2 would have 10 open cars, but only the top open car from each Duel would advance to the big show!

Duel 1

The excitement could be felt throughout the speedway as Pataska led the first Duel field to the green flag. The race would run green for almost the first half of the 60-lap race before green flag pit stops began. The first group peeled off into the pit road, and all were able to execute pit stops safely. Still, last year’s Daytona 500 winner Nic Vasquez and Garth Griswold got caught speeding off pit road. Just as the first group exited the pit road, the first yellow flag came out for the race on Lap 26.

Two more cautions would occur before the end drew near as drivers tried everything, they could to reach the front. With the Franchise Cars racing for valuable Stage Points and the Open Cars trying to qualify for the Big Show, the finish was guaranteed to be exciting.

The exciting finish came to fruition as the caution came out with 2 to go; one green-white-checker wasn’t enough as the field couldn’t get around to the white flag before the caution flew again. Pataska, who had led the field for the last third of the race, maintained his position up front. Henry Kallhoff, John Connor, Caleb Tipton, and Ray Gill were lined up second through fifth behind him. Pataska would take the green flag, and Kallhoff would help push on Pataska while the outside line of Gill and Tipton would try their best to stay with them. The high line, though, would fall apart coming out of four, and Pataska and Kallhoff would pull away as Pataska would win the first Duel. Kallhoff would lock himself into the big race next week, finishing second, beating out all the open cars.

“It means a lot to my team and me to make the Daytona 500; we are a small team compared to the other teams out there, and to make it in despite the odds against us is special.”

Henry Kallhoff, #63 Kallhoff-Deitch Racing

Duel 2

The drivers in Duel 2 had to be somewhat apprehensive after seeing the chaotic ending to Duel 1. Usually, each Duel is the polar opposite, but these two were very similar. Thomas Wolfe led the field to green, and the drivers shuffled throughout the field until the first caution came out on Lap 9. Once the race returned green, it would stay green until it was time for more gogo juice around Lap 31.

Green flag pit stops played a pivotal role in Duel 2, just like they did with Duel 1. Ben Lawson and Zack Saunders would both have issues on pit road. Lawson would try to get slowed down when the car broke free and sent him sliding into the wall, sustaining significant damage to his race car. Zack Saunders would receive a black flag for a pit road violation, which would cause Saunders to have a drive-through penalty. A black flag for speeding in Duel 1 took the reigning Champion out of contention; that same fate looked in store for the #60 machine with 22 laps to go.

The field spread out during these pit stops, and Stewart Harding took the lead in a pack with Justin Bell, Stephen Menke, and Cody Leach, hoping the race would stay green. Their wish wouldn’t come to fruition, though, as the caution lap would come out with 16 Laps to go. But it was Saunders’s wish that was granted, allowing him to catch up with the pack.

They would get back to racing with 12 to go, as Menke would lead the field to green, being pushed by Cody Leach. The field would run side by side as the Hollywood Motorsports boys Allen Phillips and Nathaniel Campbell would move to the front with 8 to go. Still, miscommunication between the two would bring out the caution with seven laps to go as Nathaniel Campbell moved up to block the high line run. Phillips was a little late on the run, causing a significant stack-up behind them before the field began crashing behind them.

Phillips escaped the incident unharmed, but when the green flag waved for the green-white-checkered finish, Phillips would get turned into the right wall in Turns 3 and 4. The field would have to be restacked again for another try. That green-white-checkered was also unsuccessful as wrecking occurred behind the leaders going into Turn 1.

3rd Times the Charm

Menke would bring them to the green flag again, but unlike the last two times, Munatsi Major was ready on the outside and cleared Menke before going to the low line into Turn 1. The top line would evaporate for the most part as they went down the backstretch. Major would stay in front to take the white flag, and Menke and Harding stalk him from behind. Menke would move heading into Turn 1 to the outside, and the entire bottom line would follow him, leaving Major out to dry on the bottom. Menke would reclaim the lead, with Harding, Saunders, and Jonathan Leger finishing the Top 5.

Menke may have led the charge out of Turn 1 like a fat colonel leading the charge on the battlefield. Still, the army behind him would swallow him up as Harding and Saunders moved past him to the inside. Harding would be one turn away from victory as Saunders would leave him like a stormy one-night stand to the high side. Out of nowhere, Cody Leach appeared with a massive run on the outside as he blew by Saunders and Harding; coming to the line and getting a push from Tommy Carroll Jr., Cody Leach would get to the line first, capturing the win of Duel 2.

NEXT WEEK

The duels kicked off the week at Daytona and more exciting racing will be coming here this week. The Hero Project K-9 ARCA Series will kick off action live on Sunday Night, followed by the VRS Truck Series on Monday, and the Team Conti Sim-Performance Dash Series on Tuesday. The big final show will be 40 cars for 200 laps to see who will be crowned the 2025 Daytona 500 Champion.

MORE: Cup standings / Trucks Schedule

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Pataska Triumphs at the Clash, Launching the 2025 Majors Garage Cup Series

Garth Griswold

The highly anticipated 2025 Crown Jewel Racing Season commenced on a thrilling note Wednesday night in Lakeland, Florida, at the USA International Speedway. Despite the unavailability of Bowman Gray Stadium on the iRacing Service, CJR officials made a strategic decision to maintain the short track, bumper-to-bumper, and at times, chaotic competition at a similar track. The USA International Speedway certainly lived up to its reputation, delivering an electrifying start to the season.

Opening night can always have its issues, and CJR Officials had to adjust on the fly when four heats were scheduled, but iRacing said they would only do three. Three heats would race, with the top five advancing to the show. Then, those unlucky drivers would get one more chance to make the show in the last-chance qualifier, with the top seven keeping their hopes alive to win the clash.

Qualifying

The qualifying round saw a standout performance from newcomer Dallas Pataska, who secured the pole position in the #17 Majors Garage Esports Chevrolet with an impressive time of 20.886. His speed was nearly two-tenths faster than the reigning Season Champion Thomas Wolfe, who qualified second with a time of 21.081. Hollywood Motorsports also made a strong showing, with three out of their four drivers, Garth Griswold, Nathaniel Campbell, and newcomer Cameron Albertson, qualifying in the Top 10, promising an exciting main event.

HEAT ONE

The first heat of the night would be the cleanest race of the night. Dallas Pataska would lead the field to the green flag, but Saunders would get the lead-to-lead Lap 1 before the only caution of the heat would come out on the backstretch when Cory Mott and Garth Griswold would make contact and spin down the backstretch. Pataska would win the first heat, Saunders would finish 2nd, Diego Rodriguez 3rd, Haden Higginbotham 4th, and Logan Giesbrecht would hold off Griswold for 5th place.

HEAT TWO


The 2024 Season Champion, Thomas Wolfe, would lead the field to the green flag to kick off Heat #2. The second heat wasn’t as clean as the first heat and would have four cautions throughout the heat. WRL co-team owner and driver Cody Leach had his hands while trying to keep his car off of others throughout the heat, but Wolfe, Pete Morales, Stewart Walker, Stephen Menke, and Campbell would advance on to the main. Leach would finish sixth after being involved in 3 of the four cautions during the heat race and get another chance in the LCQ.

HEAT THREE


The final heat will start with familiar driver Cody Porter leading the field to the green flag. Porter, who signed with Moonshine Motorclub, hopes to run his first season in CJR. Heat #3 would clean the racing up with only two cautions occurring. The starting five would remain in the Top 5 when the checkered flag waved, with Porter taking 1st Place and Steven Carlile in his normal second-place position. Newcomer Cameron Albertson would finish 3rd, and Tyler Belanger would move up one spot to finish fourth. Nic Vasquez would secure the final transfer spot, moving back one spot from where he started to finish 5th.

LAST CHANCE QUALIFIER


The last-chance qualifier was a nail-biting affair. Griswold would be in unfamiliar territory at the front of the field to lead the flag to green for 40 laps around a 3/4-mile track. Completing this race would take more than 40 laps, with the caution laps not counting. You could tell it was the LCQ as the green flag runs came few and far between, with 11 cautions throughout the race.

Griswold would control the restarts and be able to check out from the carnage behind him multiple times. Griswold and his teammate Allen Phillips were in control of their destiny with two laps to go, and that was when their chance at the show started to slip through their grasp. Phillips would get loose off of two and would go around. He would catch a few licks from cars as they went by, and just like that, Griswold’s security blanket was gone.


Griswold would have to fend off Caleb Tipton on the outside with “Wreck-it Ralph” Leach of WRL pushing him from behind on the green-white-checkered finish. Griswold would lead the field to green and lead the first lap to take the white flag, but he would leave the inside door cracked open in 1 and 2. Tipton was able to get below the yellow line and get his nose in, but the door wasn’t open enough to get through without bumping into Griswold’s quarter panel and sending him spinning up the track. Tipton, Leach, Nishill Condoor, Zach Johnson, Mott, Vince Mitchell, Joe Wright, and Ray Gill would be the luckiest recipient, claiming that final transfer spot after the controversial move sent Griswold home after leading 38 out of 40 green flag laps.

“I’m not happy about it, but it’s racing. And that style of racing will be returned in due time.”

Garth Griswold #00 Hollywood Motorsports

The Show

The feature began with a bang. As the green flag waved, Pataska and Wolfe made contact down the front stretch, causing chaos and destruction that Floridians haven’t seen since it snowed three inches there two weeks ago. The front stretch became a disaster zone. It would take several laps to clean up and straighten the mess out, and the race would finally go back green on Lap 11.

Porter would take over as the front runner and hold that lead throughout the race’s first half. Saunders and Pataska would battle their way back to the front to secure the second and third-place positions before the competition caution came out on Lap 50. Cory Mott wouldn’t head to the pits and would stay out to take over the lead. Nathaniel Campbell and Vince Mitchell followed the same strategy and lined up second and third to start the race’s second half on Lap 55. Mott would lead the race for 34 laps until Pataska could return from the early destruction. Pataska would take the lead and hold onto that lead through the final 14 laps to claim victory at The Clash.

“USA is one of my favorite tracks and somewhere I have a lot of experience running Super-Late Modifieds. The carnage was tough, but I was lucky enough to make it back to the front and made some clean passes for the win.”

Dallas Pataska #17, Majors Garage Esports