NM Motorsports Report October 2023

OUR SPOOKTACULAR CAR SHOW IS BACK

COVER PAGE HALLOWEEN

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New Mexico's First Choice in Speed!

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CONTENTS

1/2 PAGE AD HAL BURNS TRUCK & EQUIPMENT

BY SPENCER HILL

For decades drivers have keyed the phrase that, “races are won in the shop.”

What exactly does this mean though? This is a difficult idea to grasp for most fans because they only get to see the finished product of the hard work that teams execute during the week. The on-track performance is only a fraction of what goes in to having competitive race cars at any level of motorsports.

The time spent between races is what I like to call “the race before the race.”

This race has no absolute winner, but it can easily differentiate the heroes from the zeroes come Saturday night. This is a race against yourself, your team, your schedule, and ultimately tests the dedication that you must have to be the best.

Every driver that you see on Saturday night has a different goal that they are wanting to reach. Some have major career goals such as competing in Formula 1, NASCAR, NHRA, or World of Outlaws. Others want to be the best in their local division and make a name in a specific series. Most, however, want nothing more than to have fun and get a break from the stresses that life brings. Each level of competition comes with different stages of commitment paired with variables including time, money, experience, location, physical fitness, marketability, and so on.

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If you’ve never been directly involved in a race team, you would never guess the amount of work that goes on behind the scenes to get even your local stock car driver to the track every week. All race cars need some level of weekly maintenance, whether it just be an oil change or a full-blown rebuild. With most racers at the local level also holding full-time blue-collar jobs, getting to the track week in and week out can cause a lot of stress financially and strain relationships with family and friends.

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I can only speak on my personal experiences, and I know that each team operates differently. For me, I am currently the driver for SEH Motorsports; a sprint car team based out of Rio Rancho, New Mexico. The team, owned by Pat West, competes in wing and non-wing 360 sprint car races in and around the state of New Mexico. Our race team isn’t the biggest, nor is it the smallest compared to our competitors. We are somewhere in the middle.

Our biggest hurdle the last couple of years has been on the personnel side.

For example, along with being the driver of the car, I also act as the crew chief, car chief, truck driver, marketing team, shock tuner, tire guy, and nearly every other position at some point during the week. My team and I have a handful of amazing family and friends that help as much as they can to volunteer their time; but it’s often a crunch to get to the track as everyone is also busy with their full-time jobs and lives outside of racing.

My situation is far from unheard of. Almost every team on a local level works off a very small budget for the year and are nearly all ran as family teams or owner-driver operations. We pour every extra dollar and every remaining ounce of energy that we have back into our programs just to make it back out to the track on Saturday night. We do it because we love the sport, and we try our best with what we have.

It is no secret that motorsports in the state of New Mexico is not as strong as it once was. With the cost of racing continuing to raise every year, it is important to appreciate those local teams that are still able to go out and support their local track. Additionally, it is important to appreciate the hard work and effort that our local tracks put forth in giving us an avenue to have fun and do what we love. Please understand that it is harder than ever for both racers and racetracks to stay afloat in this ever-changing world. Be kind to each other. We must work together to keep racing alive and well in the Land of Enchantment for generations to come.

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MIATA MAYHEM 2023 Photos Courtesy of Kyle Vallejos On October 14 & 15, 2023, the revving of engines and the scent of burning rubber will engulf Sandia Speedway in Albuquerque, NM. Southwest Motorsport (SWMS) is concluding this year's racing season with a bang by introducing the much-anticipated "Miata Mayhem" race at the renowned Suika Circuit. This is not just any ordinary racing event; it promises to be an exhilarating showcase of speed, strategy, and, of course, mayhem, as only SWMS can deliver.

If you’re a fan of the Mazda Miata’s, then this event is sure to captivate your racing heart. The Miata Mayhem weekend is set to be action-packed. From Vintage to Open Wheel, from Karts to High Performance Driving, there's something for every racing enthusiast. New to the world of racing? SWMS has got you covered with a High-Performance Driving School being offered on Saturday.

But what’s truly turning heads this year is the attractive purse for the Spec Miata category. Thanks to the generous sponsorship from University Mazda, Travers Mechanical, and Car Crafters, top racers are looking at cash prizes of $1000, $600, and $400 for securing the first, second, and third positions respectively. With stakes this high, racers are expected to bring their A-game to the track. The roar of the engines, the strategy in the pits, and the sheer skill of the drivers will be a spectacle to behold.

For those interested in joining the Miata race, there are a few prerequisites: - A Spec Miata legal race car - 2022 SWMS, NASA, or SCCA Tech Inspection certification - Falkin Azenis Tires, either the 615s or the 660s variant.

SWMS has made participation easy. For event details, queries, and entry forms, racers can directly contact Jerry Stoughton at fastpanoz128@gmail.com or check out the SWMS website. Additionally, for specific details about Spec Miata, Mike Travers is the person to reach out to.

In conclusion, whether you're a racer or an enthusiast, the Miata Mayhem at Suika Circuit promises an experience unlike any other.

The combination of speed, competition, and the thrill of racing makes it an unmissable event. So, mark your calendars and be there to witness the mayhem live!

For out-of-town racers, entry fee will be $275. This event is bound to draw a diverse group of competitors from different regions, ensuring a thrilling race day. If you're aiming to get a feel of the track beforehand, the circuit will be open for practice on Friday, October 13, for an added fee of $75.

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ABQ SUPER LAP ROUND 8 - THE THILLING FINALE OF 2023 Photos Courtesy of Mikey Argon/ABQ Super Lap As autumn leaves fall, the adrenaline rises at Suika Circuit. Come November 5th, 2023, motorsport enthusiasts will be revving up their engines for the most awaited event of the season – the final round of the ABQ Super Lap Series. The crescendo of an 8-round thrilling season, this event promises action, excitement, and the rush only high-speed racing can offer.

An important highlight for this round is Suika Circuit's efforts to provide a top-notch racing experience. Partnering with SealMaster, the circuit has undergone extensive track sealing. This enhancement not only addresses the tire wear issues caused by the older asphalt but also ensures longevity. Racers can expect improved grip and a more consistent surface, potentially leading to more competitive lap times and reduced tire expenses.

Whether you're a seasoned racer or someone with a budding interest in motorsports, the ABQ Super Lap Series offers a platform unlike any other. Not only does it give one the rush of racing on a circuit but does so without burning a hole in the pocket. For just $120, you can be part of a racing spectacle. If this is your maiden drive in the series, or if you've introduced a friend to this world of speed, there are discounts waiting to make the deal even sweeter.

Here’s what your day would look like: **Gates Open**: 7:00 am – A new dawn, a new race. **Tech Inspection**: 8:00 am – Safety first, always. **Drivers Meet**: 9:00 am – Getting the lowdown for the day. **Parade Lap**: 9:30 am – A precursor to the main event. **Practice Session**: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm – Perfect those turns and master the straights. **Track Attack**: 1:00 pm – This is it, the final showdown.

Before you arrive, make sure you have the 'Hot Lap' app downloaded – the official timer for the season. Remember, all participants, including the pit crew, need to sign a waiver.

While the event celebrates the spirit of competition, its essence lies in the camaraderie of the grassroots motorsport community. For the novices worried about the ins and outs of the racing world, the For more details, the official website abqsuperlap.godaddysites.com series boasts a helpful community ever-ready to guide, support, and keep your wheels firmly on the track. But be cautioned – once the So, strap in, rev up, and get ready for a racing experience of a liferacing bug bites, it’s hard to shake off the addiction. time on the newly sealed track. The final lap awaits!

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RACE REPORT ROUND 4

BY GREG KIRK, RRMS

The Red Rock 100 Desert Race ran in Gallup, New Mexico on September 16-17. On behalf of the Red Rock Motorsports Club, we are excited to bring Desert racing back to the 4 Corners!

The weekend had an awesome turn out of 100 racers participating, with youth racing on Saturday and big bikes on Sunday morning. New President of RRMS, Ben Harvey, and Vice President, John Wheeler, did a wonderful job in laying a loop of MX, high-speed two track, cliff-hanging single track, and even gnarly uphill climbs!

We were blessed with great weather, and Michelle Cassella from the NM Race Collective performed flawlessly with racer registration and scoring! All in all, we are happy to see great desert racing numbers once again, and we look forward to hosting the event again next year!

- Greg Kirk, RRMS Board Member

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The Gambler 500 is ALL SICK!

By Spencer Hill

As the temperatures drop, the off-road scene is getting “all sick” for the fall. There is a slew of big events coming up in the month of October and we are as ecstatic as everyone else to get out to enjoy the perfect riding weather. The Gambler 500 will kick off the month of October with the largest ‘Gambler’ that the state has ever seen as it makes its triumphant return to Rio Rancho, New Mexico October 13th-16th.

This is more than just a regular trail ride. The Gambler is also aiming to be the largest trash clean up awareness event in the history of the New Mexico off-road scene. Don’t worry, though! There are plenty of incentives for your hard work in helping clean up our west side trails. Thanks to a record number of event sponsors, there will be an enormous number of prizes to give away with a unique raffle. Oddly enough, no tickets will be sold at all. The only way to collect raffle tickets throughout the weekend will be by finding, collecting, and disposing of trash at various waypoints on the map.

Each waypoint will have a certain value of tickets attached to it, with trash correlating in a similar fashion.

The excitement kicks off at 6PM on Friday the 13th at The Local Brew House in Rio Rancho, off Unser Boulevard. The event will be headlined with a car show outside, along with a live DJ and an opportunity to test out your own singing skills with the Local’s infamous karaoke stage set up inside the main bar. Crack open one of the coldest beers in the city and enjoy some of their award-winning food while you meet some new friends for the weekend.

Saturday, October 14th, will take drivers and riders over to RZRville; New Mexico’s off-road hub for events and training, located just minutes away from the Duke City. A driver’s meeting is slated to start at 8AM and will give all participants a full run down of events, regulations, and give folks an opportunity to ask questions about how the track collection will work.

Sunday morning, October 15th, will be the grand finale of the weekend. There will be an awards ceremony followed by the raffle to conclude the festivities with a ton of prizes to give away! Don’t miss this opportunity to give back to the off-road community in the most enjoyable way possible. It’s going to be ALL SICK!

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he desert will come alive with thrills and chills this October, as one of the most anticipated Halloween events returns to Rio Rancho – the Halloween In The Dezert 2023! On Saturday, October 28th, gather your family and friends at RZRville, located at 1601 39th St SW, for an unforgettable day of Halloween-themed off-road excitement.

From the roar of engines to the laughter of children, this unique show 'n shine event promises a blend of adventure and family fun. Off-roading aficionados, it's time to showcase your beastly machines and take part in exhilarating trail runs throughout the sunlit desert. But that’s not all! While your vehicles shimmer and shine, let your Halloween spirit’s soar. Whether you're a goblin, ghost, or more, come dressed in your spookiest attire and compete in the costume contest.

heroes. We’re calling on all veterans and first responders, especially those facing challenges. Your sacrifices and bravery are the backbone of our nation, and it’s our turn to give back. If you or someone you know is struggling, join us. We'll organize a special trail ride for you, offering a day of camaraderie and joy.

So, mark your calendars, grab your helmets and broomsticks, and zoom down to RZRville this October 28th. Let's make Halloween In The Dezert 2023 the best one yet!

Gates will open at 8am, with the main events starting around 10am. As you navigate the trails, be sure to treat your taste buds with delightful food options and engage in a range of games that promise fun everybody. What's Halloween without treats? Stand a chance to win big with some of our raffle prizes and make some memories that will last a lifetime.

Of course, there's a heartwarming cause.

Halloween In The Dezert is not just about fun; it's about supporting our nation's

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his October, Motozobra MC’s best desert racers will invade Gordy's Hill in Socorro, New Mexico. From October 20-22, 2023, this majestic desert stretch will host the much-anticipated Motozobra MC Burn 'Em 100 Desert MX race.

Imagine difficult terrains matched with unyielding spirit and skill, across a thrilling 25-mile loop. It’s not just any race; it's one of the jewels of the desert racing calendar. The best in the business will be crowned on Sunday with a roaring start at 9 AM, but the preceding days are no less electrifying.

The festivities kick off on Friday with the iconic annual Burning of the Motozobra, an integral part of the tradition. As attendees offer up gas or beer to the racing gods, the environment turns electric, marking the evening as the much-awaited 'party night'.

Now, let's delve into the specifics. This event is exclusively tailored for dirt bikes, intensifying the thrill and challenge. Racers can compete across various classes – Pro, A, B, C, Mini, and Youth; ensuring every participant, novice or veteran, finds their perfect niche.

Saturday is a treat, not just for seasoned riders but also budding ones. At 9 AM, the young and eager can immerse themselves in the Kids/Beginner Training Course with the skilled Lacie. The afternoon's highlight? The Youth Races at 2 PM, a testament to the future of desert racing.

And there's more! The adrenaline pumping Hill Climb Contest takes center stage on Saturday afternoon, with not just accolades but grand prizes awaiting the champions. As the sun dips, 'Pit & Treat' unfolds. Racers decorate their pits, treating the young attendees to a festive fiesta. The cherry on top? Three free entries for any NMRC 2024 event for the winning decor.

Fast forward to Sunday, and the desert gets a quirky makeover with the RACE DAY COSTUME CONTEST. Both Saturday's Youth riders and Sunday's Hare Scrambles participants can show off their unique costumes, aiming for cash prizes and coveted free race entries.

So, desert racing fans, mark your calendars and prepare for an unmatched fiery extravaganza at Gordy's Hill on October 20-22 for the Motozobra MC Burn 'Em 100! Get ready, rev those engines, and may the best rider win!

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PAGE 16 IF IT DONT GO, CHROME IT

When a Judge looks at your car they look at 5 areas to include: Body; Paint; Engine; Interior and Undercarriage. Many shows do not look at the undercarriage just because of the trouble in bending down or kneeling and some some shows use the undercarriage to as a tie breaker at times. All the indoor large car show events almost always judge undercarriage and many or most of the cars display their cars up in the air with mirrors and lights to highlight.

In this follow-up article we will look at 3 areas to include Engine, Interior and Undercarriage.

ENGINE The Engine and compartment are one of the areas that a show participant can gain important points, however its an area of the car that requires a lot of work to thoroughly complete the project. Most well done engine compartments were done with the engine out of the car so that each panel to include the firewall, fender wells and radiator support and frame can be cleaned to the utmost, extra holes welded shut, then sanded, primed and painted. When beginning the reassembly, either use a new wiring harness, a clean and detailed old harness or hide the wires under panels. Make sure to give all the hoses, metal brake lines and fittings attention as well. Detail is the name of the game here and good judges look for those things. As far as the engine, stripping the engine of all accessories, parts and brackets would be the first step, then spend the time cleaning and smoothing the block, heads and intake before priming and painting. Give some consideration to chrome and polished parts at this point. Many times there are parts on the engine that are aluminum that are not polished that can be polished to give bling to the engine. Its important to understand that the frame, suspension top area, fenderwells, firewall, and a missed area under the hood all count as part of the points for the engine compartment, so don’t short cut anything. Make sure you spend the time to assure these areas are prepared and painted well. There are times where a car is heavily modified and has many cool features but the quality of the work is low level and a vehicle with much less mods wins because of their quality of work. In addition, when judging the body on a vehicle, they are looking at the installation of parts such as all the trim, emblems, lights, bumpers and grille assemblies, glass, as well as the quality and condition of each piece.

Quality detail of emblems and the condition of the chrome and polished pieces is of utmost importance as these complete the work done on a vehicle and add the finishing touches to a restoration or modified car.

INTERIOR In the interior, from stock to modified, it cannot be overemphasized that the quality, detail and cleanliness are very important. Areas that are observed include, but are not limited to basic components such as seats, carpet, headliner, door panels, trim and dash as well as any other minor and major components. On cars, interior will also include the trunk. On trucks, the inside of the bed at times will be painted or upholstered and will be included as part of the interior. The dash of the car should be completely disassembled and all parts removed to include any top dash cover.

The dash should then be prepped, sanded, primed and painted of which this would be a good time to look at your door jambs to see if any attention needs to be done to them as well. The Sill plates and door rubber should be reviewed to see if they are scuffed up or door rubbers are dry and decaying. When replacing the dash parts, assure that all chrome parts and aluminum parts have been cleaned and polished. All gauge covers are not scratched or broken and the dash cover if upholster is not ripped, torn or faded. When reviewing the headliner, assure it is taught and all the lines are lined up, not sagging and the sail panels are firmly in place and not loose. The door panels on many cars are in less than car show quality so assure they are replaced and all door handles and window regulator handles are cleaned and chrome is not blistering or peeling. When upholstering your car there are many levels of upholstery from stock to heavily modified. Assuring patterns and seams are aligned is very important and from seat back to seat back they match. Many of the cars I judge have a lot of wear on the edge of the drivers seat where you slide in and the base is sagging or dipping, a area generally seen by judges. Carpet whether custom or from a kit needs to be taught and not sagging around and over the tranny and driveshaft tunnel. Assure it is tucked under all seats, sill panels and around shifters and consoles. Seat belts should be without stains and wear along the edges.

UNDERCARRIAGE Many vehicles, regardless of extent, have been driven or are daily drivers. However when entering a show of higher level of competition, the undercarriage is judged at equal value with the other categories. Like the other categories, the undercarriage will be judged on the quality and condition of al of its components such as, but not limited to, steering, suspension, braking, as well as the belly pan of the vehicle. Obviously because of tits exterior location, the cleanliness of these components is also in play. For those of you that many not be familiar to undercarriage judging some common points that can and have lead to points deduction include leaks, blemished tires and wheels, as well as grease and oils spread out under a vehicle. You do not have to have a lot of chrome and bright work to score points, however cleanliness and detail are key. Paining of parts and keeping them clean is work, but this is an area that differentiates the top cars from other tiers of vehicles and many times is the area that breaks a tie between to top vehicles. Most of the top show cars suspensions have lots of bright work, anodized parts and the painted areas are done and kept in top condition.

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CENTER HOOTERS S

R FOLD SHOW 2022

Saturday October 28th, 2023

back for more .

A Spooky Spectacle on Wheels!

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ast year, the Hooters Halloween Spooktacular Car Show made waves in Albuquerque with an exhilarating showcase of over 160 cars, fun games, and impressive contests! This October, gear up for an even bigger and better spectacle.

courtesy of Advanced Testing Services, Inc (ATSI), Albuquerque Dragway, Car Crafters, Jackson Compaction, Yearwood Performance, the New Mexico Motorsports Report, and more of our amazing partners!

Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 28th, and head down to the “same bat location at the same bat time!” The New Mexico Motorsports Report invites you to be a part of the grandeur. If last year was anything to go by, early birds will begin lining up by dawn, setting the stage for a day-long carnival of cars and festivities.

2023 will again award one-of-a-kind trophies to 18 different classes of cars, trucks, and motorcycles; with a new and improved voting format. Car show participants are encouraged to bring their creativity with them as we will also have special awards and prizes for the best-decorated vehicle.

Free games and a “trunk-or-treat” for the kids will once again be welcome to the public. Familiar faces, like Intellitec College and NM Motor Events will be there, along with many other vendors.

We are also excited to bring back our popular costume contests from last year! For our furry pals, Clark’s Pet Emporium will once again host the Pet Costume Contest, while Yearwood Performance will hold the Costume Contest for adults and children. Be prepared to cheer loudly, as winners will be chosen based on your roaring applause. Steve Haydu with Steve’s Cruisin’ with the Oldies is also back as the official DJ of the 2023 event.

Our commitment to Hooters "Give a Hoot" is also back for this year, as we aim to exceed the over $2,000 raised last year for breast cancer awareness.

The 50/50 offers exciting prizes,

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So, whether you're a car enthusiast, a Halloween lover, or simply looking for a day filled with fun and excitement, the 2023 Hooters Halloween Spooktacular Car Show is the place to be. Join us and make it another day to remember!

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Hartford Clears All Hurdles To Make Strong Case For Pro Stock Title Story By Susan Wade

Photos Courtesy of NHRA.com and Matt Hartford Racing

Call him “Ironman” Matt Hartford.

The NHRA Pro Stock owner driver of the Total Seal Chevy Camaro won the U.S. Nationals, then opened the six-race Countdown to the Championship with a victory at Reading, Pa., to capture the points lead for the first time in his career. And he did it all while traveling cross-country twice to and from his home at Phoenix, swapping every imaginable part and system on his race car multiple times, and undergoing an emergency appendectomy between his triumphs.

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artford, who also won in June at Norwalk, Ohio, has commandeered a place in the championship conversation. With 2021 rookie of the year Dallas Glenn earning the No. 1 seed in the playoffs, the Pro Stock class was poised to crown a first-time champion – and it still might, but with Hartford’s resurgence, that fresh champion might not be Glenn.

Proving at the U.S. Nationals at Indianapolis that he can win from the No. 1 starting spot, then at Reading that he is equally deadly from the No. 13 qualifying position, Hartford finally is seeing his hard work pay off. It hasn’t been a breeze, though.

“The last week and a half has not been fun until today,” Hartford said following his Monday victory at the rain-plagued Pep Boys Nationals at Maple Grove Raceway. “It’s not every day you come off a win and the next thing you know, a couple of days later, you’re getting put out and they’re gutting you in three different places, taking your appendix out – not that that’s a huge surgery, But still, you’re going under the knife. And you’re explaining to the doctor that, ‘I’m getting in a race car’ and you’re discussing that I’m not.

And I say that ‘I am. It’s just up to you to decide how comfortable I’m going to be when I get in the race car.’

“There was never a question” of whether he’d be able to race, he said. “The doctor and my wife had differences of opinion with me.

I did look in the rulebook to see what the protocol was for a driver change, if possible, but unless it was COVID-related, you couldn’t do it. So at that point, after the surgery, I told them, ‘You’re not keeping me in the hospital. I’m going home. I’m going to start my recovery.’ I’m such an idiot – three days later I was going back to work, just to get myself acclimated to what we were going to have to do. But there was never a question that I was missing Reading.”

When his body wasn’t throwing him for a curveball, his race car was.

“Our car didn’t run after Q1 [at Reading]. So, all I did was work on the car the entire weekend.

Our team worked harder this weekend than we have in years. It was a grueling weekend for everybody. The emotions were high,” Hartford said. “Luckily, things went our way.”

Hartford also has believed all along that he and his car and team are the ones to beat. Following his U.S. Nationals triumph, he said, “We’ve had the car to beat all season long. If you look at all the data, all the numbers, you’d say that Dallas Glenn has had the best car.

He has not. We have. Dallas has been the best driver all year. That’s “And we got through that and convinced my wife I was still going to why he’s in the position he’s in. If I get my head screwed on straight and stop making mistakes, Dallas has got a problem and so does Reading and I wasn’t going to work on the car,” he said. everybody else in the class. Yes, we have confidence, and this is a boost.”

Glenn, who drives the RAD Torque Systems Camaro, had led the standings virtually all season and has won four times and has reached the final round at four of the eight races preceding Countdown Race No. 2 at Charlotte.

And Glenn said of Hartford, “He has had an absolutely awesome car. When we go out there and make good runs and we are absolutely on par with him, we can compete with him. There’s times when I might be a little bit better and times when he might be a little bit better. We’ve gone back and forth. He’s a fantastic driver.”

They faced off in the Norwalk final, and Hartford defeated Glenn, who said Hartford “did a 100-percent better job of driving that NMMOTORSPORTSREPORT.COM

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day, and his car was better than mine. I totally went up for the final round, throwing the kitchen sink at him. And it didn’t hold,” Glenn said. “That day he was better at everything.”

Taking into consideration a car’s elapsed times and speeds (horsepower output), 60-foot incremental times, and consistency among other factors, Glenn said, “You can [have] the fastest car every now and then, but if you can’t do it consistently from run to run to run, then I don’t think [your car] can be considered one of the best cars.

We’ve had consistency from run to run, from race to race, all season long.”

Hartford, taking it all in stride, is fully aware that five-time champion Erica Enders isn’t out of the running and that Aaron Stanfield or Troy Coughlin Jr. or any number of contenders could get hot and challenge his lead at races at Charlotte, St. Louis, Dallas, Las Vegas, and Pomona, Calif.

“I said after Indy, ‘There’s 24 more win lights we need this year.

Now there’s 20. We’re not giving up. We’ve got great car. I don’t think that we’ve got the quickest car in this type of air, in this type of condition,” he said at Reading. “I think we have a car that’s good in all conditions. And if I keep doing my job, just keep my head on straight, I think we can walk out of here with a [title] after five more races.”

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- DD TTeto

BY JUSTIN MELILLO FTF.GG JOURNALIST

Collegiate sim racing esports returns with new eNASCAR College iRacing Series season

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ith a new academic school year already begun, sports fans have already started rooting for their favorite competitive colleges in sports such as College Football or NCAA Soccer. Many schools have also been getting into the professional esports scene in recent years, mostly with games one might expect, such as Call of Duty, Valorant, League of Legends or Rocket League. However, as of last year, the National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE) partnered up with PlayFly Esports to bring forth the eNASCAR College iRacing Series powered by the NACE Starleague, and since then have awarded over $150,000 in scholarships to top eligible iRacers representing their respective Alma mater on the virtual racetrack utilizing the iRacing simulation platform.

Sim racers such as Daniel Buttafuoco (Rutgers), Colton Salek (Embry-Riddle), Steven Wilson (University of Iowa), Liam Sheen (University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point) and Logan Clampitt (formerly Saddleback College, currently California State University Fullerton) have all won the top splits of the eNASCAR College iRacing Series events since the division was introduced back in 2022. While the first edition of the series in the Spring of 2022 didn’t keep track of it, Fall 2022 was dominated by Wilson and Spring 2023 by Clampitt, both drivers having also competed for eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series championships in years prior.

This time, the series will take place for a full academic calendar year, starting up in the Fall of 2023 and finishing up with a championship battle in the Spring of 2024. Nine races are scheduled, starting at Daytona International Raceway on September 19th, 2023, and concluding at Homestead-Miami Speedway on May 3rd, 2024. In between then, College iRacers will also take on Charlotte Motor Speedway (October 17th), Dover Motor Speedway (November 7th), Watkins Glen International (November 28th), Michigan Int’l Speedway (January 23rd), Darlington Raceway (February 20th), Talladega Superspeedway (March 19th) and Nashville Superspeedway (April 16th) with the Top 25 point scorers over that span earning a place in the Homestead-Miami title race.

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Eligible drivers can qualify on the iRacing platform through the Time Attack function, with the Top 40 drivers making the Top A-Main Split, the remainder of the entries filling out B-Main and C-Main races if needed. A total of $60,000 in scholarship awards are available this season, with half of it to be divided up amongst the first eight races, A-Main winners collecting a $1,000 scholarship down to 10th place earning a $100 scholarship. The other half will be reserved for the title race in May, with the overall champion collecting $10,000.

The Time Attack for Charlotte Motor Speedway lasts until October 10th. It will be the series’ third trip to America’s (virtual) Home for Racing, the first two split between an oval race, won by Buttafuoco, and a Roval race which was won by Wilson. The series will utilize a mix of the NASCAR Xfinity Class B car and the NASCAR Craftsman Class C truck throughout the year. Broadcasts will be on Tuesday nights on the official eNASCAR and iRacing social channels.

The first race of the new season is already in the books, with University of Maine at Machias Senior Daniel Faulkingham scoring the victory over St. Charles Community College Junior Anthony Burroughs at Daytona after 64 laps. Colleges such as Auburn, Ohio State, UNC, Clemson and Liberty University were represented in the opening A-Main of the season. These schools are all under the NACE umbrella, and not every college out there is a member at current. Visiting the NACEsports website to check on what schools are a part of the program is recommended.

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Austin theriault's life after nascar

BY JONATHAN FJELD

PHOTOS COURTESY OF AUSTINTHERIAULT.COM

A decade after being a hot prospect in NASCAR, Austin Theriault is becoming a community leader in the motorsports world – and in his home state of Maine. The path to becoming a leader has had its ups and downs.

A solid slate of NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series races with Brad Keselowski Racing was knocked off course by a compression fracture injury at Las Vegas in 2015. After getting one start with BKR in 2016, Theriault dominated the ARCA Menards Series and won the 2017 title. Sponsorship ended his title defense before it began, however. At Talladega in fall 2019, he led his first laps in NASCAR Cup Series competition, driving for Rick Ware Racing. 30 laps later, a hard wreck ended everything. Afterward, NASCAR didn't medically clear him for the final five races. Theriault hasn't raced in NASCAR since.

Now, Theriault represents his hometown of Fort Kent in the Maine House and recently announced his bid for a U.S. House seat. Theriault remains connected to racing through working with young drivers such as Howie DiSavino III and Landen Lewis. And through Travis Mills, a fellow Maine native. The Travis Mills Foundation was on Josh Bilicki's car at Homestead-Miami Speedway in 2019 as a part of a fundraising effort Theriault helped coordinate. The foundation's origins go back to one harrowing day seven years before.

In April 2012, while serving in Afghanistan, an IED attack left Travis Mills with portions of all four of his limbs blown off. Mills survived. He is one of only five quadruple amputees from the War on Terror to survive. During his 19-month recovery at Walter Reed Hospital, Mills and his wife felt inspired to give back to veterans. They donated $5,000 and started sending care packages overseas under the Travis Mills Foundation. "Then, it went so well that we decided to see if we can help families like ours," Mills said. Mills and his wife eventually purchased an old estate property in Maine and renovated it into the foundation's home. In 2017, they opened their doors and became one of the top veteran's service organizations in the U.S. – helping other post-9/11 veterans like him.

"A lot of people will say, 'Oh, you're one of those wounded guys.' To me, I'm like, I was wounded but now I'm not. I've healed up," Mills explained. "If anything, I'm recalibrated – so I say recalibrated veteran. This is our new normal and we have to go about our lives like we would any other day." As Mills' foundation continues to grow and connect recalibrating veterans to PTSD rehabilitation programs and family recreational programs, Theriault had an idea for them. "Austin hit us up again, with this idea to do another fundraiser at the Oxford 250. It was definitely something that we were excited about again," Mills said. "It was great awareness for the foundation to be on a NASCAR car [in 2019.]" With support from Bar Harbor Bank and Trust, Theriault set out to win one of the biggest short track races in the U.S. with even bigger incentives on the line: For every lap Theriault completed, the Travis Mills Foundation would get $100 -- all the way up to $25,000. If Theriault finished in the top-5, the foundation would get another $25,000. The goal was to sponsor a full week of rest and relaxation the foundation offers to veterans.

"I've had a great career in NASCAR at some of the highest levels. Now, at the point where I'm slowing down, being able to bridge those connections means a lot to me," Theriault said. In the Oxford 250, Theriault ran a clean race. Then, heavy contact took him out after completing 211 of 250 laps. For his efforts, Theriault raised $21,100 for the Travis Mills Foundation. Combined with the $6,100 raised online and the effort raised $27,200 for the foundation. "Getting back on the racetrack in my home state was a ton of fun and it was a blast to shake off the rust. Thank you to Travis and to Bar Harbor Bank for giving me the opportunity to mix it up one more time. All the different donors from across the country who gave to this effort - you should be proud of your contributions to such a good cause," Theriault said post-race.

"I really appreciate Austin and Bar Harbor's support for this project. I also appreciate all the donors who got involved online. This money will go a long way towards helping people who truly deserve it," Mills added. "That helps us propel ourselves forward to keep giving back to these veterans and their families to keep showing them to live life to the fullest and not be on the sidelines watching it pass you by."

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Dennis is a menace: Hamlin wins at Bristol and rubs it in the booing fans’ faces

BY JOHN HAVERLIN

PHOTOS COURTESY OF GETTY IMAGES / FRONTSTRETCH

The boos and jeers pouring down on him from a packed coliseum of NASCAR fans didn’t deter Bristol Night Race winner Denny Hamlin from egging on the crowd a little more during his post-race interview on the frontstretch.

NBC Sports’ Marty Snider asked Hamlin what his thoughts were about the reaction he was receiving from the grandstands, and Hamlin turned and looked at them with a grin on his face.

“Hey, I beat your favorite driver,” he said. And he started to walk away. Snider asked which drivers, and Hamlin said, “All of them.”

End of interview.

Hamlin has taken on the role of Public Enemy No. 1 in NASCAR. It’s no longer Kyle Busch. Nor is it Brad Keselowski or Joey Logano. And gone are the days when Hendrick Motorsports drivers like Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson won so much that fans began to dislike them for it. He embraces the anger he receives from fans and has done so with humorous posts on Twitter recently.

If anything, Hamlin’s rookie teammate Ty Gibbs or his 23XI Racing driver Bubba Wallace might be up there in terms of fan dislike, but Hamlin has had plenty more years of experience in the Cup Series for fans to have grown to despise him.

For all the instigating Hamlin does on and off the track, it’s a wonder that he hasn’t earned the nickname “Dennis the Menace” yet.

But it’s obvious how he has become the driver everyone loves to hate. In recent seasons, Hamlin has had run-ins with popular racers such as Chase Elliott and Ross Chastain. And over the last decade, several disputes have occurred between him and Joey Logano.

Hamlin speaks his mind for better or for worse, and such behavior drew the ire of Elliott fans after he said they “don’t think straight” after a race at Martinsville Speedway in 2021.

Perhaps his most famous moment after an altercation with a driver was at Martinsville in 2019 when he mockingly did his Logano-esque “just short track racing” impression in front of a camera.

Of course, Hamlin isn’t going to be everyone’s favorite driver. But his skill at racing stock cars can’t be knocked. He doesn’t have that elusive championship yet, but he has 51 Cup Series wins, which puts him 13th on the all-time list.

Hamlin goes into the Round of 12 with his third win of 2023 and absolutely no worries about his reputation with NASCAR fans.

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BY JONATHAN FJELD

PHOTOS COURTESY NASCAR MEDIA / GETTY IMAGES NASCAR unveiled the long-anticipated national series schedules for 2024.

In the NASCAR Cup Series, the playoffs will have two road courses and two drafting tracks for the first time ever.

Atlanta Motor Speedway and Watkins Glen International will open the playoffs September 8 and 15. The Bristol night race will close the Round of 16.

Then, after a stop at Kansas Speedway, Talladega Superspeedway and the Charlotte Roval will close the Round of 12 on October 6 and 13, respectively.

That means the regular season will end with the Southern 500, September 1 at Darlington Raceway. Meanwhile, NASCAR Championship Weekend will take place November 8-10, instead of the previously announced Nov. 1-3 weekend.

Atlanta previously hosted a playoff race from 2004-08, while Watkins Glen has never hosted a playoff race.

The spring Atlanta race will also move, replacing Auto Club Speedway as race two of the season.

The NASCAR Cup Series will go to Richmond Raceway for an Easter night race March 31. Meanwhile, the spring Bristol race, with the shift back to concrete, will occur March 17.

Richmond will also retain its second Cup Series race, set to run August 11. The race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway will slide to June 23.

As previously announced the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Oval and Iowa Speedway will join the NASCAR Cup Series schedule.

In the Xfinity Series, Road America will not return to the schedule for the first time since 2009. The second Talladega race will also return.

In Trucks, Bristol and Martinsville will each get a second date.

Meanwhile, Mid-Ohio will not return to the schedule, marking the first time NASCAR will not go there since 2012.

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J.R. Todd - Humble beginnings to a trail blazing career

BY SYDNEE HAMBLIN

PHOTOS BY NHRA.COM / KALITTA MOTORSPORTS

In the high-speed world of motorsports, few names command as much respect as J.R. Todd. With a career spanning several decades, Todd has become a household name in the drag racing community. His journey from a young racing enthusiast to a championship-winning driver is nothing short of inspirational.

J.R. Todd was born on December 16th, 1981, in Lawrenceburg, Indiana.

His fascination with motorsports began at a young age, as he grew up near the famed Lucas Oil Raceway, a drag racing mecca. It was there that Todd first developed a passion for the sport, spending countless hours at the racetrack and closely observing the mechanics of high-performance vehicles.

Todd's journey to professional drag racing was not a straight line. He started by working as a crew member for various teams, learning the intricacies of the sport from the ground up. His dedication and work ethic caught the attention of experienced drivers and team owners, earning him a shot behind the wheel.

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In 2006, J.R. Todd made his debut in the NHRA (National Hot Rod Association), a premier drag racing organization. He quickly made a name for himself, earning his first Top Fuel victory at the Mile High Nationals in Denver that same year. Making him the first African American to win a top fuel race in NHRA history. Todd's raw talent and determination were evident, setting the stage for a promising career in drag racing's top tier.

One of the defining moments of J.R. Todd's career came in 2018 when he secured the NHRA Funny Car World Championship. This achievement marked a significant milestone not only for Todd but also for the entire racing community. He became only the third driver in NHRA history to win championships in both the Top Fuel and Funny Car categories, showcasing his versatility and adaptability as a driver.

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Throughout his career, Todd has amassed an impressive collection of victories, including numerous event wins and runner-up finishes. His consistency and ability to perform under pressure have solidified his reputation as one of the sport's elite competitors.

Outside of his racing career, J.R. Todd is known for his approachable and engaging personality. He is an ambassador for the sport, connecting with fans through social media and public appearances. Todd's efforts to promote drag racing and inspire the next generation of racers have not gone unnoticed.

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STORY BY SYDNEE HAMBLIN Photos by WHM Photography

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t just 26 years old, Logan Seavey has become a common name in dirt track racing. The Sutter California native is currently chasing season championships in all three United States Auto Club (USAC) series, Driving for Rice Motorsports/ Abacus Racing in the Silver Crown division, Abacus Racing in the Midget series, and 2B racing in the Sprint Cars.

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2023 has been a dominant season for Seavey since January where he captured his first Chili Bowl Nationals win in the Swindell no. 39. In June, he captured the Indiana Midget week championship, and in August he became the third driver in history to win two USAC features in one day, joining Billy Yukovich and J.J. Yeley as the only drivers to complete this feat. But the weekend of September 22nd - 23rd Seavey once again added his name to the history books.

Seavey was the only driver to compete in all four classes at the 2023 4-crown nationals held at the famed Eldora speedway. On Saturday, he positioned himself to be successful in the USAC portions of the show. First in the midget division, where he started outside the front row in the main. He rocketed to the lead and won the 25 lap feature by 1.215 seconds. After a visit to victory lane, Seavey quickly had to jump into the sprint car where he started from the pole position in the feature. He dominated all 30 laps of the feature and once again got to visit victory lane. After a short break for the wing feature, it was time for the 50 lap Silver Crown feature. This was Seavey’s longest shot at another victory. Starting in the 5th position, it took Logan 10 laps to take the lead. He then held the lead for the remainder of the feature and took the sweep of the USAC features.

Seavey is only the third driver in history to win the 4-crown title. This came 25 years after Jack Hewitt completed the first sweep of the weekend. The only other driver to complete the challenge is Kyle Larson in 2011.

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There are still a few more opportunities for Logan Seavey to make history this season. He is currently leading the points standings for the Silver Crown series and the NOS energy national Midget Series with USAC. Winning the Midget championship would snap a two season streak for Michael “Buddy” Kofoid; and be the second national championship for Seavey. It would also mark the first points championship for Abacus Racing.

Winning the Silver Crown championship would mean breaking another two year streak of Kody Swanson, and would mark the first Silver Crown championship for Seavey.

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