NM Motor Sports Report May 2023

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CONTENTS

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Albuquerque Dragway

60 yees of passii.

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ALBUQUERQUE DRAGWAY TRACK OPERATORS 1964-2023

By Lyle Greenberg

With 2023 being the 60th Anniversary of Albuquerque Dragway, this is a review of the Track Managers/Lessees whose work kept it going for those many years. In the late-1950s/early-1960s, racing in Albuquerque was either done illegally in the street or, occasionally, legally at south-Eubank Blvd. The Albuquerque Drag Association was formed to try to build the track and was later combined into the NM Timing Association. In a story much too long to tell here, the land where the present track resides was leased from the State of NM and City of Albuquerque in late-1962. The track was built and the initial lessee/Manager was a track operator from Kansas who operated the track in 1964. He was found to not be making required bond payments and was replaced by a new lessee/Manager in 1965. By late-summer of 1965, he was also found to be defaulting on bond payments.

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Story by Lyle Greenberg (Continued from page 5) Photos by John Pattison, Dale Schafer, The Labbate's, ABQ Dragway Archives

I

n the early fall of 1965, Dale Schafer took over managing the track on behalf of the NM Timing Association. His tenure continued through the end of 1974. During that time, Schafer used his extensive NHRA contacts (he was a part-time employee at national events) to book in the biggest names in the sport to match race at the monthly events. In addition, Schafer ran a successful NHRA “class-legal” program, along with many unique special-interest races (Powder-Puff Derby’s, Mini-Bike races, single marque events like “Corvette Day”, etc.).

In 1975, Ed Martinez and J.C. Harris took over the lease. The day-to-day management was done by Harris and Joe “Gunner” Knighton.

Dale Schafer continued to work with them in 1975 to help them be successful. From 1975-1977, the track used a similar approach as before by booking in match races of nitro and alcohol cars, running NHRA-legal categories and bracket racing.

In 1978, Bosque Farms businessman and racer Phil Jaramillo took over the lease. He scaled back on the bought-in match races but put a huge effort into the NHRA “class-legal” categories and bracket racing. Some think that 1978 and 1979 were the peak of Competition, Modified, Super Stock and Stock Eliminator racing in Albuquerque.

In late-1979/early-1980, Bob Labbate and Sarge Jansen took over the lease. Soon after Labbate was on his own and began what would turn out to be a 27 year term at the helm of the track. Over those years Labbate made many large and small improvements to the track. He had a difficult relationship with NHRA and became the first Albuquerque track operator to move the track to IHRA sanction. He also had to navigate some extremely turbulent political battles as some Albuquerque politicians tried their best to shut the track down. His tenacity and perseverance literally kept the track alive when it seemed a certainty it would be closed by political forces.

After Bob Labbate passed away in 2008, track operation was transitioned to a Management Committee consisting of Bob Labbate’s son Mike, Lawren Jones, Bill Elliott and Robert Costa.

By 2011, Costa took over as the sole owner of the lease. He continued to have Jim Riedel to handle the day-to-day management, a job he had been doing since 2008. This duo kept the track alive during the dark days of Covid and continues to operate the track in 2023.

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Drift Series Round 1 Volunteer Day

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ANTHONY LINDSAY

W

e started off the month of April with another volunteer day at the track, and had an amazing turnout of both Super Lap and Drift vols. Rather than cleanup, this time we had the monumental task of finding like sized tires by sorting through the 1000's of discarded ones from around the track, stacking them 3 feet high, then bolting them together in bundles of 5 stacks. Around 65 people showed up throughout the day to help, including Jim Guthrie. We ended up creating around 20 of the tire bales, which make racing safer when paired with the concrete K rails we will be installing. Before, there were just 1000's of loose tires all over in random piles, so these volunteer days really help get us going in the right direction. A huge thank you to all of the people that came out and got dirty with us!

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Round 1 of the Whiskey Garage Drift Series presented by 10 Tenths Motorsports, Valino Tires and Kansei Wheels was a roaring success.

This was the single largest crowd we have ever had at a normal season event, topping over 510 spectators on a beautiful Saturday afternoon. The pits were filled with around 65 drivers as well, so there were cars for every different taste either in the competition or there just to have a good time. We had a record number of qualifiers at 56 all attempting to get into our top 16 drivers for the tandem battles. After the dust had settled for qualifying, we had a solid looking top 16 to begin the tandem battles for the day.

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Drivers were putting it all on the line and throwing down some insane runs all afternoon. There were plenty of one more times, wall taps and tandem action all the way down to our top 3. The guys who stuck it out, and won more battles than most were; in 3rd place, Anthony Ciocca, in 2nd place, Dylan Marsh and coming in with the big win in a car he had never driven before this event, Daniel Wright. There are plenty more rounds of drifting to come out and watch or drive in, as well as a ton of other events, please check the schedule at www. suikacircuit.com for more details! I cannot wait to see you all there. The next round is this coming weekend the 29th of April, with the one after that coming at you May 27th!

Love,

Officer Dan

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PAGE 11 SANDIA / SUIKA

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Perspectives from a Local Saturday Night

By David Swope

Photos Courtesy of Darrell Kenneth

T

he New Mexico Motor Sports Report made a field trip to Legacy Speedway on Saturday April 15th. The drive was an easy hour and 15 minutes from Albuquerque’s Big-I. Weaving in and out of the transport trucks was more exciting than it needed to be, but the effort was worth the trip.

I like to call a race occasionally, doing it weekly is very difficult.

Last year, I stepped-in to announce at the Randy Combs Memorial Race at Sandia Speedway on May 21, 2022. There was no way I was going to say no to Patty Cain plus the Combs / Cain / Truden Clan has done so much for Sandia over the years – it was my pleasure!

Track sponsors include Red Bolt Internet, Ed Corley Ford, Papa’s Pawn, Pizza 9 and iFinance. Door prizes were provided by B-Mod Racer, Chris Langwell (diecast cars & card), Snap Fitness (1-month FREE membership) and a Legacy Legacy Speedway, like Sandia Speedway Ball Cap provided by Speedway, was looking for an anIt was only the second race of the Lucky Hat Company. It was a lot of nouncer for the 2023 season. Sanseason and in April, so the car fun giving the prizes away. I redia Speedway brought back Kenny count was light. It gave me a chance cruited Jonathan Fjeld to help with Payne who had called some of the to learn the driver’s names quickly. the giveaways and ultimately to races in 2022. Codi Orozco, who It was a beautiful Saturday night, announce the Mains. basically does everything at Legacy, and the sunset was gorgeous. The gave it a try on Opening Night but field was headlined by the USRA felt like it wasn’t “her thing.”

Stocks Cars but featured USRA B-Mods, Hobby Stocks and Cruisers.

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Jonathan is a writer for TheRacingExperts.com which started in Grants several years ago.

He is also published in the NM Motor Sports Report Magazine including this edition with an article on Chase Elliott. It was a full circle moment when Fjeld represented local Grants’ Pirate, Dominic Aragon, and his NASCAR Media Outlet at the historic track. Jonathan got the crowd cheering as the cars came on the track, provided color commentary during the race and ultimately celebrated the victor.

The night’s Winners were Jose Morales (63) in the Cruisers, Jeremy Kingsbury (21) in the Hobby Stocks with a last lap pass, Chris Langwell (57) in the USRA B-Mods and Herman Garcia (96X) in the USRA Stock Cars. Both Garcia & Langwell are undefeated on the season. Saturday April 22nd will be a night off for Legacy Speedway with racing to resume on April 28th.

I would like to thank all the staff for making me feel welcome including catching-up with Paul Campos and Suzanna Bonesteel who had both been on my radio show.

The night started with a tribute to Denny Otto, 1995 Legacy Speedway Champion (formerly Uranium Capitol Speedway) with all the cars tracking to the track and stopping on the front straight while Amazing Grace played on in the grandstands. Legacy Speedway President, Jason Bodley, outlined the program for the event at driver’s meeting. Head flagman, Brett Edwards, ran a tight program with few accidents slowing the show.

Track photographer, Darrell Kenneth, caught all the action including the Winner’s Circle.

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Flat Track Season Kicks Off for RIG Team

T

he 2023 flat track season has just begun in New Mexico with roadracing just around the corner. As we prepare our bikes for this season, it’s important for us to remember the things we learned from last season.

Reflecting back on that October 15th and the last lap spun, the final checkered flag waved and the last flat track bike had been loaded and we headed home for the winter. We are always met with mixed feelings - mixed with pride and sadness, much like the highs and lows that often come with racing flat track.

Last season was our second full season racing flat track. We cannot begin to explain how quickly everything you thought you knew about riding and racing motorcycles changes the minute your rear wheel starts to spin sideways. After that double header has concluded, we shake hands and congratulate each other and our fellow racers for another successful season. We try to soak in the moment and really take a mental picture of all the splendor before loading up the bikes and heading home.

One of the biggest things we learned from last flat track season was to prep our bikes at least a month ahead of time, and not the week or night before. Mainly, because there is always a failure of one component or another

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that manages to happen during the practice round. In addition to working out any electrical or fuel issues, the added prep time really helps to make improvements to the bike, and in turn decreases our lap time and increases our comfort level on the bike.

side. The Steve Maes approach tends to lean more to the mechanical side, with attention paid to the fuel system specifically, and not enough preparation to the physical and strength training side, leaving him winded and exhausted by the end of the race.

Thaison Garcia, by contrast, tends to focus on the physical and strength For the Rust is Gold Racing team training aspect, with yoga and dietthere is a two-fold approach to pre- ing, while parts of his race bike are paring for the race season, whether more frequently coming off mid-race. it is flat track or road racing, those However, this year both are taking being the obvious mechanical side both aspects of preparation more and the lesser considered physical seriously.

As this season progresses both riders plan on becoming more fluid and quicker on the track, while soaking up as much knowledge along the way. However, realizing that in the process of growing the race team and running a coffee shop, the most important thing to remember is not to take the sport too seriously, that inturn will one more comfortable.The enjoyment for both Steve and Thaison, is in the camaraderie and friendships made at the local Albuquerque racetrack.

Our Albuquerque flat track schedule runs like clockwork from April 22nd until October 15th with two races each month with the exception of August that has three (Don’t ask us why). During the last race in October the track hosts a double header event on October 14th and 15th. For anyone interested in seeing what flat track is all about or walking the pit and hanging out with the RIG Racing team you should visit racesandia.com and register online for a pit pass.

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The Upcoming 2023 Distinguished Gentleman's Ride: A Celebration of Style and Mental Health Awareness

T

he countdown has begun for the upcoming 2023 Distinguished Gentleman's Ride, and we're calling on all vintage motorcycle style enthusiasts to come together dressed in their finest attire for this year's event on May 21st. The ride promises to be a celebration of style, community, and compassion, with all proceeds going towards men's mental health charities.

As one of the largest motorcycle events in the world, with riders from over 100 countries participating in the ride, we're aiming to surpass last year's record of 182 registered riders for the Albuquerque Area Ride.

We need your support to make this happen and make a significant impact on this important cause.

The event not only celebrates classic and vintage motorcycles but also aims to raise awareness about men's mental health issues, including suicide prevention, through fundraising and advocacy. By participating

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in the ride, riders are sending a message that it's okay to talk about mental health and that seeking help is a sign of strength.

Registration is now open, so mark your calendars and join us in making a difference! Together, we can break down the stigma around mental health and raise funds to provide crucial support and services to those who need it most.

Don't miss your chance to showcase your passion for vintage motorcycles styles and make a positive impact on the lives of those struggling with mental health issues. Visit https://www.gentlemansride.com/ to register and be part of this incredible event. Let's ride for

a cause! This year we start at Rust is Gold Coffee, then a dapper ride to the 505 Central Food Court for lunch and then off to Ex Novo Brewing Co in Corrales for a group photo and end reception! New Mexico Motor Events is proud to bring you this great community event, we hope to beat last year's registered rider count!

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I

The Road to Success

f you're reading this article, chances are you're already passionate about the automotive industry. You probably spend countless hours pouring over car magazines, attending auto shows, and dreaming of the perfect car. But have you ever considered turning that passion into a career?

IntelliTec College in Albuquerque, New Mexico, can help make this dream a reality. Our Automotive Technician program is available as a 12-month certificate program or an 18-month Associate of Occupational Studies program. Both options give students the skills and knowledge necessary to diagnose, repair, and maintain modern vehicles.

The campus is located at 4575 San Mateo Blvd NE Suite K Albuquerque, NM 87109, and the training lab is outfitted with tools, lifts, and industry-grade features such as exhaust ventilation in the bays, a dedicated tool control room, diagnostic and electronic training equipment and more.

The program includes classroom instruction and practical hands-on training, allowing students to apply what they learn in a real-world setting. For example, students will learn about automotive systems such as engines, transmissions, brakes, and steering and advanced topics such as electrical systems, computer diagnostics, and hybrid technology.

One of the unique features of the program is our partnership with Electude which allows students to learn about automotive systems through virtual simulations and interactive exercises, for a personalized learning experience that meets the needs of each individual student. As part of their tuition, each student will receive their own MATCO tools service cart with a 200+ piece tool set, and the option to purchase additional tools while in school at a discounted rate.

Graduates of our program are eligible to test for numerous ASE Industry certifications in areas such as brakes, suspension and steering, and engine

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How to Turn Your Love of Cars into a Fulfilling Career performance. IntelliTec College Director of Career Services Angela Shumaker states, "These certifications are highly valued by employers in the automotive industry and can help graduates stand out in a competitive job market."

Most importantly, job placement assistance is a top priority for our Automotive graduates. The program includes resume writing, interview preparation, and job search assistance. Additionally, IntelliTec works closely with local automotive businesses to stay up-to-date on industry trends and needs, ensuring that our graduates are well-prepared to enter the workforce.

Campus Director Dr. Sandra Muskopf says, "The automotive industry offers a unique opportunity to turn your passion into a career. It's a field where hard work and dedication can truly pay off, and where you can make a real impact on people's lives by keeping their vehicles safe and reliable. At IntelliTec College, we're committed to helping our students achieve their goals and launch successful careers. To learn more, call 800-748-2282 or visit www.intellitec. edu. ***IntelliTec College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) and federal financial aid and veteran benefits are available to those who qualify.

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‘55 R

Reloaded

'55 Reloaded

By David Swope

R

udy Gallegos Jr. has been showing his latest reiteration of his classic 1955 Chevrolet Sport Deluxe Bel Air since August 2022. Walking away with the “Best of Show” at the Cocina Azul Fiesta Car Show in its first showing, the ’55 Reloaded has been turning heads!

“The car has basically been in the family for about 56 years,” said Rudy standing next to his creation at the Park in the Park Car Show on April 22. “My dad had it before me. He had it running up until 1973 and then he gave it to me. When I was in high school, we built it up and painted it, put in a 327 with a 4-Speed Muncie and I ran it until about 1990. I tore it down and then family started. I didn't touch the car for 30 years.”

“What you see right now is the efforts of friends and family for two years,” explains Rudy. “It’s got a 350 with a turbo 350 tranny.” Extras include disk brakes up front, Dakota digital gauges and custom stereo. “Rohan’s Upholstery & Custom out of Gallup did the interior. I had the full bench with another upholstery person working on it and that fell apart. So, we went with the buckets after that.”

“Mike Tafoya helped me with the suspension. We went with the 4-link in the back and, of course, bags front and back,” said Rudy with a smile. “I had to add by some Chrome because it was either pitted really bad or it was bent. I had to replace the driver’s door panel and then the hood, but the body work was done by Johnny Valdez out of Grants. He also painted the car. I painted all the jams and underneath the engine compartment and he did the rest.”

The ’55 Reloaded will be at the Neighborhood Block Party at DreamStyle Remodeling at 1460 N Renaissance Blvd. NE on Saturday May 20, 2023. Come and check it out for yourself!

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PAGE 23 PARK IN THE PARK FULL PAGE COLLAGE

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How to Insure your Classic Car with Hagerty Insurance Interview with David Swope and Zach Hazelhurst Dave: I've always wondered about how you get insurance for collector cars. How do you train your staff to evaluate the value of a classic car in order to be able to ensure it?

Zach That's one of the frequent questions we often get, Zach: one of the unique things that Haggerty is. We have valuation tools for our clients and members. The live updates on the market and the values of those vehicles. It's a free resource for them to constantly check and maintain those values. A lot of the vehicles we're looking at ensuring at the purchase price, especially if someone just acquires that vehicle. That sometimes sets a new standard, possibly for the new high of the market. Prior recorded sales may be less, but they purchase a vehicle for more than the last recorded sale. Now, there are looking to ensure that vehicle or that investment for what they purchase that vehicle for. At Hagerty, the evaluation tool is not in our opinion. These are actual sales that we've recorded. We have a team who's traveling to the auctions, scouring eBay sales records and putting all that data into our database for clients to be able to look it up.

Dave How long is has Dave: Hagerty been around?

Zach We've been around Zach: since 1984 and we've grown quite a bit over the years. Currently, we have employees throughout the entire United States. If you ever come across a Hag-

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erty employee at a car show or an event, we're all well connected. We're out in the community and trying to help answer questions and protect those collector vehicles. Whether it's an old antique, a modern exotic sports car, race cars and everything in between.

Dave How much has your database has grown since Dave: 1984?

Zach One of the other unique things we've Zach: done over the years is produce a Collector Car Price Guide. Our latest issue of that price guide is the 50th issue. We're going to convert over to a digital format going forward which will be available online. Our books were primarily cars built in 1946, and newer. So, it missed out on a lot of the older stuff like motorcycles and boats. All that information is online on our valuation

tool. You can search by VIN or search by year, make and model. Some of the other unique things you can do is add other financial indexes such as NASDAQ or Gold, to see where your car's value is appreciating your state. So, for us car nerds, it's a cool place to go build a little portfolio of cars that we either own or are dreaming of owning.

There is more to this interview available at NMMotorSportsReport.com.

The interview is available by podcast dated April 22, 2023. In the podcast, we discuss restoration mods and race cars.

It is worth a listen.

NMMOTORSPORTSREPORT.COM

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Caleb

AND HIS ROAD TO RECOVERY AFTER VIOLENT VADO WRECK

By Spencer Hill

H

earts sank and a hush flew over the crowd during the opening laps of the season opener at Vado Speedway Park on March 25th after a violent flip ensued on the final lap of Heat 1 for the Lucas Oil POWRi NMMRA Sprint Car Series. Three-time series champion, Caleb Saiz, got out of shape going into turn three, sending him head on into the concrete containment barrier before experiencing several hard flips, ending with the car landing upside down.

The 27-year-old Albuquerque, NM native was racing in the fourth position when his Hal Burns Racing No. 1HA bicycled on the cushion; a description popular in non-wing open wheel cars when the vehicle picks the left side tires up off the ground, often resulting in a barrel roll.

As emergency personnel quickly arrived on the scene, Saiz was still upside down but awake and alert. After safety crews gently up righted the car, Saiz would take extra precaution exiting the car gingerly with some assistance before being taken to a nearby hospital in El Paso, TX.

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Photos Courtesy of Terra Bushee Upon further evaluation, Saiz was found to have suffered from a collapsed lung, a fractured clavicle, seven broken ribs, vascular damage in his neck, bruising in his chest, and a severe concussion. While it was a laundry list of injuries for the 2022 Vado Speedway Park 360-Winged Track Champion, Saiz remained in good spirits in the following weeks and provided updates to fans and friends through his racing page on Facebook.

“All of my doctor visits are done and over with,” said Saiz during a Facebook Live on April 12th.

“Everything should heal on its own when it comes to my shoulder, neck and ribs. I do have a damaged artery in my neck but that should also heal on its own within the next six to eight weeks.”

It has been a difficult time for the sprint car racing family in recent weeks. On April 8th, USAC Sprint Car driver, Justin Owen, succumbed to injuries sustained in a qualifying crash during an AMSOIL Sprint Car National Championship event at Lawrenceburg Speedway in Indiana.

Days after that, Jake Neuman was seriously injured during his qualifying lap with the High Limit Sprint Car Series at Lakeside Speedway near Kansas City on April 11th.

officially been set, Caleb and team owner David Burns have tentatively circled their calendar to return to the track Memorial Day Weekend at Vado Speedway Park with the POWRi 360 Wing Sprint Car Desert Series.

The recent events serve as a grim reminder that the For more information and continued updates on Casport we love can also be so brutal and heartbreaking leb Saiz’s recovery be sure to follow @Caleb.Saiz99 on at times. It is understandable why sprint car racing is Facebook. one of the most thrilling, yet dangerous forms of auto racing on the planet.

“I just can’t thank everyone enough for all of their thoughts, prayers and for reaching out,” continued Saiz.

“I can’t tell you how much it means to me and my family. It’s been kind of a tough time but it’s a part of the sport and [a part of] racing. My thoughts and prayers also go out to Justin Owen’s and Jake Nueman’s families.”

The road to recovery for Caleb Saiz is already in high gear and he continues to make major strides every day.

He was happy to return to the race shop a few weeks ago and begin to help the team prepare a new non-wing car for the rest of the season. While no date of return has

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BROTHERS OF ARCA

MEET THE REIF BROTHERS

By Spencer Hill

Photos Courtesy of Vegas Fast Media

T

he success of brothers in NASCAR is a subject that has been documented for quite some time. From empires like Wood Brothers Racing to some of the winningest names in the sport such as Labonte, Waltrip, Allison and Busch, there always seems to be an upcoming duo to keep an eye on.

Undoubtedly, Kurt and Kyle Busch have found the most success with a combined 96 wins in the NASCAR Cup Series alone. Hailing from Las Vegas, Nevada, the Busch brothers got their start at The Bullring at Las Vegas Motor Speedway racing Legend Cars around the 3/8ths mile oval just west of the big track. After finding success on a local and regional level, Kurt led the way into the ranks of NASCAR’s top three national series with Kyle following suit closely, winning nearly everything along the way.

The Busch brothers have found tremendous success in NASCAR, but now with Kurt in retirement and Kyle’s years likely beginning to dwindle into the single digits, many have posed the question; who’s next?

Perhaps the perfect pair of brothers to keep your eyes on are the newest generation of racers that have been raising eyebrows in the NASCAR-owned ARCA Menards Series. Coincidence or not, Tanner and Tyler Reif also just so happen to be born and raised in Las Vegas, NV and have been cutting their teeth the last few years dominating the legend car and late model scene at The Bullring at LVMS. Tanner Reif - No. 16 MHR NAPA Chevy Tanner is the older of the two, currently 17 years old. Tyler is the youngest brother, at 15 years old. While they both share the burning desire to win in every car they climb in to, their personalities shine bright in their own ways on and off the racetrack. Tanner is the quieter brother, less likely to ruffle feathers on the track but always critical in his thinking and understanding of what is going on with the car and during the race. Tyler is more of what many would consider a “wild child.” Although he might be a little more animated than Tanner, he is always focused on one thing when he puts a helmet on… winning… and he will do whatever it takes to do so, even if that means not making many friends on the track. Don’t discount either for their knowledge, however. Both Tanner and Tyler have a great understanding of the ins and outs of what makes their cars fast and have worked many hours in the shop on their own cars while climbing the regional ranks.

“Sharing the track with my brother can definitely make racing at the track different,” explains Tanner. “I believe he is much more aggressive and harder on the car, whereas I think I can preserve the car and tires better through a longer run. At the end of the day, I race him like I would anyone else.”

“It’s a huge positive and a huge negative,” as Tyler describes. “Obviously we are both super competitive. On top of that we are brothers, but he pushes me, and I push him, which pushes both of us to be better… but it can definitely be frustrating on the way home sometimes.”

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Tyler Reif - No. 41 LJM Stoney's Ford

Now if you think it’s bad enough having to battle your brother for the win, can you imagine what it is like having your only two children in the same race every weekend? Finding the balance on how to cheer for her two boys equally and support them through their highs and lows is a job that Tori Reif, Tanner and Tyler’s mother, gets to juggle on a regular basis.

“I thought being a mom to two teenage boys was hard enough,” says Tori.

“Adding on that they are competitors is a huge challenge. It’s very rare that both boys come off the track happy so finding that balance has never been easy and I’m not sure I have it figured out yet. I just make sure that they know I support them no matter what. I enjoy every aspect of watching them accomplish their goals on track. To say watching them win is easy, and of course that makes everyone happy, but watching them struggle, learn, adapt and applying that ability to their racing is so rad."

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Bobby Zalenski making his case as a

championship favorite for eNASCAR early in

2023

By Justin Melillo

Junior Gaming and eSports Editor, Traxion.GG One-third of the 18-race eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series schedule is in the rear-view mirror after the virtual checkered flag flew at Talladega Superspeedway on April 18th.

I’m a numerology type of guy, so with the number 18 lining up, plus being one-third of the way through the schedule so far, it would make sense this month to highlight the driver of the No. 18 who has won two of the six, or rather, one-third, of the races run so far this season.

With multiple wins this early on, that could spell trouble for the rest of the field.

Bobby Zalenski, driver of the No. 18 for Joe Gibbs Racing, was so close to claiming his first career eNASCAR title last season after having incredible Phoenix pace. Kirwan eventually leap-frogged him in the pits during the live, in-person finale, and went on to take that title, holding off Zalenski and leaving him to yet another runner-up finish.

This season, there’s been five drivers in total who have been able to find their way to victory lane thus far – The defending series champion Casey Kirwan was the most recent in an epic finish with Malik Ray and Collin Bowden at Dega. Rookie driver Tucker Minter, 2014’s champion Michael Conti and last season’s most-winningest driver Steven Wilson have also collected a single victory through six races.

However, with two wins already checked off, one at the Action Track of Richmond Raceway and the other in the series’ first trip out of the virtual United States over to Monza, Italy, Zalenski has made an early case for not only his return to the eNASCAR Playoffs, but as a championship contender with eight races until those playoffs start.

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That shouldn’t be any surprise, however.

Zalenski has been a championship contender since his first season back in 2017. While his legend is cemented in his ability to win at the road course events, winning every single one of them on the schedule between 2017 and 2020, he’s been able to back that up with speed and consistency at the ovals.

Zalenski was one of the four drivers that made the journey to the NASCAR Hall of Fame last season for the in-person finale.

Returning to Joe Gibbs Racing in 2022 after getting drafted by the outlet in 2019, Zalenski has proven to be one of the top drivers in the series year-over-year, an easy decision for the powers that be at JGR to retain the driver for the 2023 season.

Another incredible feat is that in the six seasons that the eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series has adopted the Championship 4 playoff format, Zalenski has been a part of five of those quartets, the only season that he missed out on was 2018, where he still won a race and finished sixth overall.

Compared to his previous six seasons in the series, this is a first for Zalenski. In the four seasons that he’s gotten multiple wins in, his

first season in 2017 was the earliest it took for him to get that second win. Now, he’s been able to get there in six, and even with three unlucky finishes at the three superspeedway races, Zalenski sits third overall in the points.

It’s his fastest start yet. Last season, perhaps his closest to the title yet, he didn’t even get that first win until the playoffs began. Zalenski will be one to watch for as the series enters the intermediate section of the schedule starting in May.

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West Texas Funny Car Racer Chad Green One Of

NHRA Season’s Best ‘Feel-Good’ Stories

By Susan Wade

Photos Courtesy of NHRA.com

Perhaps the most uplifting story of this season’s NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series belongs to West Texas racer Chad Green.

It wasn’t all that long ago that Funny Car veteran Tim Wilkerson half-jokingly said he was trying to convince Green to abandon “those silly Pro Mods” and race in the Funny Car class. Now, with Wilkerson’s son, Dan, serving as Green’s crew chief, Green is challenging Tim Wilkerson, right even up until the final round.

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Wilkerson was runner-up to Matt Hagan at the FourWide Las Vegas Nationals in mid-April. But Green’s final-round appearance – after he barely slid into the field in his fourth and final qualifying chance – signaled that the second-year fulltime Funny Car owner-driver of the Bond Coat Ford Mustang is ready to chase a championship.

Winning the Mission Foods Challenge at Pomona, Green said, “definitely has given me a lot of confidence.

And along with that, it's given the whole team, these guys, it's given them a lot of confidence. So there's nothing better than success for the team to breed more success.”

He said the team “changed a few parts in the off season, With a pair of semifinal finishes and a $10,000 victory in so we're still trying to get the tune-up dialed in.” But he the second Mission Foods #2Fast2Tasty Challenge bosaid Dan Wilkerson “is coming into his own, and it’s nus race to start his season, Green established himself as cool to see that happening. This is our second year with a title contender. Then he suffered a setback in elimina- the same team. We’ve really come a long ways.” tions at the Winternationals, when his car broke down on the starting line in Race No. 3.

His son, Hunter Green, is scheduled to race in 12 events this year for the Top Alcohol Dragster class powerhouse The Midland, Texas, oil-well-servicing company said Randy Meyer Racing. “it’s so imperative” to have a strong performance at Las Vegas so as not to break that momentum.

“For that to happen to us [at Pomona] was really unfortunate, and we don't want something like that to just kill our momentum. So it's really important that we get right back on track right now, this race,” Green said.

And he did, advancing to the final round. Although according to NHRA four-wide rules, he will not get credit for a final-round appearance, he knows he was racing for the trophy that went to Hagan. But he was in there, digging, alongside Tim Wilkerson and resurgent John Force.

It wasn’t smooth sailing for Green the whole weekend, though. He bumped into the field on the final pass of qualifying Saturday, knocking out Terry Haddock – the year’s other “surprise” driver. Green emerged from an opening-round quad that saw Ron Capps and Bob Tasca III bow out, leaving Blake Alexander to advance along with him.

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History of F1's Monaco Grand Prix makes it one of the world's greatest races

By John Haverlin

T

he Principality of Monaco is less than a square mile and is populated by 40,000 residents, but don't let its small size fool you. It's home to one of auto racing's most historic and glamorous events.

Formula 1's Monaco Grand Prix is one of the planet's oldest and most famous motorsport events. The race first ran in 1929 before the F1 championship existed as we know it today and has grown into one of the crown jewels and "bucket list" items that every diehard race fan would like to check off one day.

I'm not saying you should take out a second mortgage on your house or steal from your child's college fund, but that might be what it would take for the average person to attend the Grand Prix. Travel packages for the race weekend can run higher than $10,000, depending on the size of your party and how extravagant you'd like to make your trip.

Monaco has casinos, nightlife, and all the finest cars, luxury suites, and dining options one could think of. The race is a popular destination for celebrities, and it is obvious why. What could be better than hanging out on a yacht while sipping champagne and watching an F1 race?

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Monaco has perhaps the most unique track layout of any circuit anywhere. There are steep elevation changes, tight and narrow corners, and a tunnel, making it a physically and mentally demanding race track for drivers.

Ayrton Senna won the race six times during his career, including five consecutively between 1989 and 1993.

Other greats to have conquered the streets in Monte Carlo include Graham Hill, Michael Schumacher, and Alain Prost, who have all won it at least four times.

In recent years, Mercedes and Red Bull have enjoyed success at the track, with wins by Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, Daniel Ricciardo, Sergio Perez, and Nico Rosberg. The 2016 world champion Rosberg won it three consecutive times between 2013 and 2015.

The race is part of the motorsport triple crown, which includes the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Indianapolis 500. The Monaco Grand Prix typically occurs the same weekend as the Indy 500 and NASCAR's Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

The tripleheader of Monaco, Indy, and Charlotte has become what many fans call the greatest day in mo-

torsports. In the U.S., it has become popular for racing enthusiasts to be glued to their television to watch each race with the meal associated with each time of the day: breakfast in Monaco, lunch in Indy, and dinner in Charlotte.

Red Bull has won three of the last four races in Monaco.

Ricciardo won the 2018 running, which ended up being an excellent day for the Australians because Will Power won the Indy 500 later that afternoon. Verstappen won his first Monaco Grand Prix in 2021, and Perez won last season.

The Red Bulls seem like the team to beat again this year for both the driver's and constructor's world championships. Given their success at the track tucked along the French Riviera, it could be them again atop the podium on Memorial Day Weekend.

Pole position has become increasingly crucial at Monaco as the track's tight corners have remained mostly unchanged over the years. Yet, the cars have become bigger and longer, which has made passing challenging. No matter the quality of the racing, Monaco has cemented its place as the track every driver dreams of winning.

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BERRY PROVES HIMSELF IN CUP

By Jonathan Fjeld Photos Courtesy of The Racing Experts, NASCAR.com

A

rguably the biggest storyline of the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series season is Chase Elliott's leg injury and subsequent six-week absence.

Hendrick Motorsports ruled Elliott out of the March 5 Pennzoil 400 at Las Vegas two days before the race. The organization said Elliott fractured his left tibia while snowboarding March 3 in Vail, Colorado.

Elliott said he enjoys snowboarding and was blowing off steam. He joked he was enjoying himself until his leg decided to stop working that Friday.

The 2020 Cup Series champion underwent surgery and rehab, ruling him out for around six weeks.

The organization named Josh Berry as Elliott’s fill-in

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driver at Las Vegas.

At Las Vegas, Josh Berry finished 29th, two laps down with a throttle issue but a clean car. While not great, team executives praised him, given he never ran competitive laps in the Gen 7 car before Vegas.

As a result, they rewarded him with four of the next five races – Phoenix, Atlanta, Richmond, Bristol dirt.

Meanwhile, HMS put sportscar ace Jordan Taylor in the No. 9 at Circuit of the Americas, March 26.

Around that time, Elliott returned to Dawsonville, Ga., to continue physical therapy.

Elliott joined the FOX booth and watched Taylor start fourth and finish eighth in the first stage at COTA.

Taylor ran inside the top-10 late before beating and banging booted him back to a 24th-place finish.

While Taylor didn’t get his desired finish in the No. 9 car, Berry did better. He started 17th at Phoenix and didn't earn any stage points. However, he improved to a 10th-place finish – in his second Gen 7 start, no less.

Three weeks later, interim crew chief/regular race engineer Tom Gray kept Berry out during a 60-lap green flag run.

Berry led 10 laps, caught a caution and restarted second with 22 to go on fresh tires with everyone.

While Berry couldn't pass Kyle Larson, he held on for second and turned heads. Hendrick Motorsports Vice Chairman Jeff Gordon even affirmed Berry “has a future in the Cup Series."

Two weeks later, it was time for Chase Elliott to come back, though. Doctors cleared Elliott, April 11, then he decided to return at Martinsville after finishing a test April 12.

Berry stood by for Elliott but the champ completed all 400 laps at the 0.526-mile track. Furthermore, Elliott even finished 10th after gaining 12 spots in the final 46 green-flag laps.

As of Martinsville, Elliott has a 130-point gap to make up to get into the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs. However, a win would instantly vault him into being a virtual lock for the playoffs.

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