Tag: crown jewel

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: LAS VEGAS

The Majors Garage Cup Series presented by Crown Jewel Racing is live from Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Green flag flies tonight at 8:15pm EST. WATCH HERE

HOT DRIVERS

  • Dallas Pataska holds onto the number one spot after securing his third straight win at Phoenix last week. Dallas seems to be a man on a mission and the driver everyone in the league is trying to beat. If he can keep this form well into the season it seems like Dallas is on a historic run.
  • Zander Short has overcame he poor qualifying in last week’s race to finish on the podium (3rd). It seems like the uptick in competition has brought back out the fire in Zander. Let’s see if the number 2 team has what it takes to get the win in Vegas tonight.
  • Zach Johnson has taken the crown of Mr. Consistent this year and he is holding onto it for dear life. With an array of stage points and his latest back-to-back top 15 finishes he continues to ride the line of the top 10 in points. Let’s see if he will be complacent or push for the front.

NOT DRIVERS

  • Steven Carlile has had his consistent crown snagged from him. Easily one of the most consistent drivers of 2024 has been on a bit of a rollercoaster. With only 2 top ten finishes out of the first 4 races and an early exit at Phoenix (37th), Steven has fallen out of the top ten in driver standings (15th). One thing we think we know is that this won’t be a trend for the 81 team, and everyone expect to see them back in the fight tonight.
  • Vince Mitchell’s rocky start is leaving the palmetto garage in somewhat of a confused state. One of their hottest prospects coming into 2025 just hasn’t been able to show his worth to the team. Currently sitting in 36th with no top 20 finishes through the first 4 races, meetings have been taking place in the palmetto headquarters on how to fix this issue and fix it fast. We will see if a resolution has been made tonight or will more drastic actions be needed in the near future.

RUMOR HAS IT

  • After seeing last night’s entry list of the Team Conti Sim Performance Dash series race at Las Vegas one person seemed to be missing. That person was Jacob Quill. The driver of the 39 car was replaced by Haden Higginbotham. We reached out to Jacob for a statement, and he kept it brief that he has been released from Tipton-Harding Motorsports development team for the Dash series. After learning this breaking news our team then reached out to co-owner Stewart Harding-Walker for a comment. “That rookie didn’t appreciate being part of a team and disrespected our alliance and entire team during and post-race at Phoenix, I’m putting someone who deserves a ride in one of my cars into the 39. I don’t care if your Dallas Pataska, if you disrespect your teammates, you can go find another ride.”- Stewart. Sources have said an altercation broke out between the co-owner and Jacob after the race near the 29’s hauler. No media was around to witness but it was confirmed by sources that it was all verbal and did not get physical but was bad enough that the driver was removed from the team indefinitely. This has caused an uproar amongst team owners again with one of the hottest rookies and now free agents back on the market. WRL co-owner and principal owner of Leach Brother Motorsports, Cody Leach was heard saying ” I don’t care what kind of the mouth the kid has on him; he can wheel a car and if we had an extra seat he’d have it.” Sources have also said that Factory motorsports wouldn’t mind beefing up their roster with him and word out of the Palmetto shop is that he could end up being either full time in their all-star TCSPDS car or arrangements could be made for him to take the seat of the struggling 18 car. We should know in the coming weeks if not days where Jacob will call home for the remainder of the season.

Stafford Shines in Thrilling Project K-9 Hero ARCA Series General Tire 150

Garth Griswold

March 13, 2025 – The Project K-9 Hero ARCA Series closed out its Modified Generation 6 car era in spectacular fashion last Sunday night, March 9, with the General Tire 150 at Phoenix Raceway. Joseph Stafford emerged victorious in a chaotic, caution-filled race that stretched over 151 laps, marking the end of an era as the series prepares to transition to the newly released iRacing ARCA cars for its next event on March 23 at Five Flags Speedway for the Bounty 150.

The race, which unfolded under clear skies with a comfortable 74°F and a light breeze, was a fitting send-off for the Modified Generation 6 car, a staple of the series that has now been retired after months of hard-fought competition. Stafford, starting from pole, led an impressive 129 laps and held off a fierce challenge from Henry Kallhoff to claim the win by a razor-thin margin of 0.185 seconds.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better way to close out this car,” Stafford said post-race. “It’s been a wild ride, and to finish it off with a win feels incredible. Now we’ve got our eyes on the new ARCA cars and Five Flags.”

Kallhoff, finishing second after starting third, kept the pressure on throughout, while Cat Wheeler rounded out the podium with a hard-charged climb from 11th to third. Cory Mott and Mark Morton completed the top five, with Morton earning accolades for an astonishing recovery from a 30th-place start.

The General Tire 150 was a wild ride, marked by a staggering 22 cautions that consumed 63 of the 151 laps—almost half the race. The event’s frenzied conclusion saw just 16 of the 35 starting drivers finish the full distance, underscoring its relentless intensity. With only three leaders and three lead changes, the constant interruptions from yellow flags turned the race into a nerve-wracking, stop-go battle that pushed drivers’ skills and composure to the limit. Tight racing and bold maneuvers fueled the high caution tally, paving the way for the explosive post-race drama that unfolded in the garage.

Tensions Boil Over Between Basden and Wheeler

One of the most talked-about incidents involved Nick Basden and Cat Wheeler, whose on-track battles fueled a heated confrontation after the checkered flag. Basden, who led 13 laps but finished 24th, didn’t mince words when addressing Wheeler’s driving style.

“Cat was reckless out there,” Basden fumed, pointing to multiple incidents that he claimed cost him a shot at the podium. “You can’t just barrel through people like that and expect no consequences. It’s a miracle more cars didn’t get wrecked.”

Wheeler, who logged 12 incidents enroute to his third-place finish, dismissed Basden’s accusations with a shrug. “It’s racing—stuff happens. I was pushing for the win, and sometimes you’ve got to get a little aggressive. He’s just sore he couldn’t keep up.”

The tension between the two drivers spilled over into the garage, where crew members had to step in to separate heated exchanges. The rivalry has added an extra layer of intrigue as the series shifts gears to its next chapter.

A New Era Beckons at Five Flags Speedway

As the dust settles on the Modified Generation 6 car’s final outing, the Project K-9 Hero ARCA Series is gearing up for its next race on March 23 at Five Flags Speedway. The Bounty 150 will debut the newly released iRacing ARCA cars—specifically the ARCA Chevrolet SS, Ford Mustang, and Toyota Camry—ushering in a fresh era of competition. These modern machines, recently introduced in iRacing’s 2025 Season 2 update, promise to bring new dynamics to the series with updated physics and performance capabilities.

Drivers and teams are already buzzing about the transition. Devin Corey, who finished ninth, noted, “The Gen 6 car was a beast, but I’m excited to see what these new ARCA cars can do. Five Flags is a tight track, so it’ll be a whole new challenge.”

The General Tire 150’s chaotic finish, with only 16 of 35 starters completing all 151 laps, highlighted the intensity. As the series looks ahead to the Bounty 150, the focus shifts to adapting to the new cars and settling scores from last Sunday’s fireworks. One thing is certain: the Project K-9 Hero ARCA Series is poised for an electrifying future, with Stafford’s victory serving as a high note to close out the past. Fans won’t want to miss what’s next on March 23 at Five Flags Speedway.

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: PHOENIX

The Majors Garage Cup Series comes to you live from Pheonix Raceway for the Shriners Children’s 250. Green flag flies tonight at 8:15pm est. WATCH HERE

HOT ONES

  • Dallas Pataska currently sits 43 points to the good in the top spot of the series standings. Coming off back-to-back wins at Atlanta and COTA, tonight we will see if this hot streak continues.
  • Steven Carlile has shown us that his consistency wasn’t a fluke last season. Some may have questioned it with his early exit from the Daytona 500(29th), but with his back-to-back top 10 finishes, seems like Old Dogs don’t forget their tricks.

ANOTHER BAD START

  • Cody Leach has been off the mark since his duels win. This seems to be the case for the driver of the 23 Toyota Camry. Last season he didn’t find his footing until Richmond, which then sparked a flurry of top 5 finishes helping secure himself into the playoffs. From conversations with the 23 team and the WRL camp, they seem not to be worried about this early season funk. They keep referring to the dog days of summer as what they are looking forward to. They have also stated testing went well for phoenix and they are eager for tonight’s race.
  • Cory Mott, our 2024 regular season champion currently sits 22nd in the standings through our first 3 races. This also may be a little case of Deja Vu from last season. Cory was only able to obtain 2 top 10 finishes in the first 7 races last season. The only difference this season is that Cory has not been able to finish inside of the top 15 with his worst finish being 37th at Atlanta. If anyone knows the team over at Palmetto Motorsports, you know they won’t go down without a fight and we except to see him and the rest of the Palmetto Motorsports camp put up more of a fight here in the coming weeks.

SHOW ME THE CHARTERS!

  • This past weekend in the early hours of the morning, we were informed that Nim Silva has dissolved all of Back Road Bandits Cup assets and boy were the sharks feasting on the scraps. For more in depth information on the all the moving parts READ HERE.
  • Some may say the biggest news out of all of this information is that the #94 team will join the Toyota Gazoo Racing umbrella driving for patriot motorsports. Patriot is a one car team but get this, they are owned by driver Zach Johnson of Palmetto Motorsports. All of the resources available by Palmetto will now be available to Thomas Wolfe, which should give him a better chance at defending his title of Cup Series Champion.
  • The inevitable happened during all the madness last weekend, Boyd Hoggan and Factory Motorsports secured a full time Cup series charter by the way of the 20. The 20 car will now rebrand to a Ford Performance Mustang, and it might be a metaphor that Boyd and mustangs are both bad fast. With what Boyd has shown us so far this season, we believe that even starting at zero points in the cup standings, there is no reason why he doesn’t launch his way up through the standings and find himself in the playoffs at the end of the season. Currently he sits as our favorite tonight to win at Phoenix at +388.

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.

OFFICIAL: Lucky Seven Motorsports & Backroad Bandits Terminate Technical Alliance.

Crown Jewel Media

William Ransone

On 1 March, Lucky Seven Motorsports made an announcement that Lucky Seven & Backroad Bandits would be breaking a short-lived Technical Alliance, along with a buyout of the Team Conti Sim Performance Dash Series Charter #39. Instead, a new alliance would be formed with Tipton-Harding Motorsports along with a sharing of the #39 charter. According to team owner of Lucky Seven Motorsports Cameron Albertson, it was a mutual separation. When pressed for details regarding the split, Albertson refused to comment further.

We had some creative differences and decided it would work out better if we parted ways. However, we’re excited for the new opportunities that this new alliance with THM will bring to the Dash Series program.

Cameron Albertson

However with the announcement of a new alliance with Tipton-Harding Motorsports I reached out to team owner of Tipton-Harding Motorsports, Stewart Harding for a comment on the situation. In my conversation with Harding, we talked about how they plan to provide primary support to the TCSPDS program, however they are willing to provide more support in the future.

We have no plans to make any changes, and we believe Jacob Quill will be the best driver for the 39, but THM is grateful for the opportunity to work with Lucky Seven to help make the 39 competitive.

Stewart Harding

When reached for Backroad Bandit Racing’s comment on the situation, Nim Silva didn’t have a lot to say, choosing to instead mention their alliance with Kallhoff-Deitch Motorsports.

It wasn’t really a publicly known alliance… but we have an actual alliance with Kallhoff-Deitch Motorsports, and we are excited to see what we do with them.

Nim Silva

We’re just a couple days away from heading to the Circuit of the Americas for the Team Conti Sim Performance Dash Series. So definitely have to pay attention to the 39 these next couple weeks, we may see the 39 sink or swim.

Driver Spotlight: Jim Mott

Buckle up, because we’re about to put the spotlight on some of our most interesting (and maybe slightly crazy) drivers! From tire-screeching legends to the rookies who still can’t figure out the brake pedal, we’re here to give you the inside scoop on who’s tearing up the track. Get ready for some laughs, some racing tips (maybe), and a peek into the personalities that make our league the place to be. Let’s see who’s behind the wheel and dive into the minds of the drivers and see what really fuels their need for speed.

Jim Mott – Palmetto Motorsports

Where are you from, and what do you do for a living?
I currently live in Lexington, South Carolina. I was born in Wichita, Kansas and have lived over ten years in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. I work as a Regional Customer Service Manager for the world’s largest tire manufacturer.

Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of sim racing?
I enjoy going to concerts with my wife. Mostly country-bands from the 90s to current, as well as classic rock.

What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?
I have a baseball card collection that is over 20,000 cards. Ranging from the early 60s to mostly early 90s.

What got you into sim racing, and how long have you been racing?
My son Cory started sim racing, and I was interested as I ran NASCAR 2002 on the computer when it came it out. I was in a league back then racing via a dial up connection. I have been a NASCAR fan since the late 80s, and rarely miss a Cup, Xfinity or Truck race, so I was excited to get back on the sim. I have been on iRacing for 2.5 years.

Do you have any real-life racing experience, or is sim racing your main focus?
I have never drove a car on the track in the real world but in Las Vegas I did a 3 lap NASCAR ride along.

Do you have a favorite car or track to race on?
I enjoy racing the trucks the most, but I have had the most success in the ARCA car. My favorite track to run is Bristol.

What inspired you to join this online racing league?
Cory and I were racing in another league, and he was thrown out. I wanted to join another league, so it was a natural fit. I stayed and finished out the season in the other league as well.

Do you have a particular racing style (aggressive, strategic, defensive)?
Strategic/defensive. I have more success in ARCA, because I tend to stay back, but it hurts me in other divisions due to a lack of stage points. I generally try to use the early part of the race to get a feel for the track and how everyone is running. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work a lot of the time due to incidents on the track.

Are there any real-life drivers or teams that influence your approach to racing?
No. I was always a Dale Earnhardt fan, but I definitely don’t model my driving like he did. I try not to be overly aggressive, unless I have a very good opportunity for a strong finish.

What has been your most memorable race or moment in the league?
2024 ARCA Champion. I didn’t win a race but showed up and ran consistently.

What do you think makes this league special compared to others?
There is a great mix of drivers here. There is a small group of us who have been here since the beginning. There are those who have come in, left and came back. Lately, some very good drivers have joined the group who make all levels ultra-competitive. All and all, each level is competitive, and I look forward to racing each week.

What kind of equipment do you use (wheel, pedals, rig, etc.)?
Ask Cory-he is my IT guy! All I know is that I got a Moza Racing setup for Christmas and every time something breaks Cory uses TeamViewer to fix it.

What’s your pre-race routine or superstition?
Just the little things. Make sure I have a cold beverage, and my pillow is set right in the chair for my back.

If you could race on any real-world track, which one would it be and why?
Charlotte. I have been to 16 Cup races there since the early 90s. It is the center of the NASCAR world, and I always enjoy going there. The atmosphere for the Coca-Cola 600 is my favorite, and it would be great to race there.

What is your favorite track to go to or that you want to go to?
That’s tough. I really like Charlotte, but also Darlington and Atlanta. I have been to Cup races at 9 tracks. I haven’t been to Bristol but would love to go there.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to new racers joining the league?
Don’t be overly aggressive right out of the box. Be respectful to those around you. Follow the rules. Know that you will make a lot of people mad, just try to correct your mistakes and move forward.

Do your friends and family support your racing hobby?
Yes. Everyone needs a hobby; it is important to do things you enjoy and let other around you do the same. Our family realizes that.

Have you ever introduced someone else to sim racing?
I have spoken to a lot of other people about iRacing but have not really gotten anyone into it.

How do you balance racing with work, family, or other responsibilities?
Family and work come first, but I do my best to meet racing obligations. Fortunately, my schedule is now flexible enough that I don’t miss a lot of races.

Would you rather have the fastest car but no brakes, or the slowest car with perfect handling?
Slowest car with perfect handling.

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WHAT TO WATCH FOR: ATLANTA

The Majors Garage Cup Series presented by Crown Jewel Racing is live tonight from Atlanta Motor speedway. Green flag flies at 8:15pm EST. WATCH HERE

STARTING OFF HOT!

Cody Porter sits on top of the league table by securing the win at the Daytona 500 last week. Even with an early wreck that put the team of the 04 Toyota Camry into crisis mode, Cody was able to dig in and bring the first trophy of the year back to the Moonshine Motor Club garage.

Tyler Belanger looked to bring the field to the checkered flag at the end of the Daytona 500 but with a late move by Cody Porter sent him home empty handed. The good news is that was the first race of the season not the last. If this is what Tyler and the 88 team are showing early this season, we can comfortably say that the 88 team will find their way into victory lane!

A LOOK AT THE NUMBERS

Top 20 finishers from the Daytona 500.
Top 25 in the season standings.

RECENT NEWS

  • A statement out of the Backroad Bandit’s garage have confirmed that Austin Runkel has been removed from the seat of the number 20 Chevy Camaro. The new face behind the wheel of the number 20 will be James Nesta. Backroad Bandits owner Nim Silva stated “We decided to part ways with Austin Runkel for purely playoff strategic wise, and no harm foul at all. Backroad hopes James Nesta takes the #20 Cup Charter to the playoffs”
  • Not long after the Factory Motorsports media team released their promo for tonight race. It has been confirmed that Zander Short will not be behind the wheel of the number 2 flo-racing Ford Mustang. It is unknown why he won’t be in attendance for tonight and Factory Motorsports owner Stephen Menke has declined to give a statement. Tyler Justice will be behind the wheel of the number 2 tonight. Sources inside the Factory motorsport garage haven’t been too informative about this driver, but it is known that him and Boyd Hoggan have raced together before. If he is cut from the same cloth, then Factory won’t have to worry about securing points tonight for the 2 car.

Ambetter Health 350 Entry List

Tyler Justice and the number 2 team will receive and EOL for driver swap. Austin Runkel, Josh Stoltz, Daulton Shearer, Nathan Barrows, Boyd Hoggan, and Justin Bell will be fighting to qualify in on time. The 6 drivers will be competing for 4 open spots in tonight’s race.