ROAR! - Weekly Racing Magazine - July 2, 2020

INDEPENDENCE DAY AT INDY JIMMIE JOHNSON IN AN INDYCAR?

5 THINGS TO WATCH AT INDY

NASCAR TO PUT ON A DISPLAY OF PATRIOTISM AT INDIANAPOLIS MOTOR SPEEDWAY

JUSTIN HALEY CONTINUES HIS GROWTH

IN THE HOT SEAT WITH RYAN VARGAS

THE BEAST HAS ARRIVED XOR and you know it means One look at the 2020 RO e gressive grille, and 5:38 axl business. A new, more ag ils. tra the of a monster on ratio makes it even more , r, thanks to its steel body eve as Durable and capable bo tur dra hin L 4-cylinder Ma boxed steel frame and 2.5 20 ROXOR is truly a 20 diesel engine. The new er. side-by-side unlike any oth

$16,599

FIND YOUR DEALER AT ROXOROFFROAD.COM Š2020 Mahindra Vehicle Sales and Service, Inc. All rights reserved. ROXOR is a registered trademark owned by Mahindra Vehicle Sales and Service, Inc. *Starting price on 2020 base model (not shown) is MSRP $16,599 USD; tax, title, dealer charges, freight/delivery and registration fees extra.

AVAILABLE NOW: INDIANAPOLIS

MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTION POLEPOSITIONMAG.COM UPDATES & POSTERS TWITTER @NPPMAG FACEBOOK NASCAR POLE POSITION

COMMUNITY CREATOR: ERIC ESTEPP

YOUTUBE

/outofthegroove

TWITTER

@ericestepp17

INSTAGRAM

@eric_estepp

PATREON

/outofthegroove

JIMMIE JOHNSON TESTING INDYCARS? On this week’s episode of Out of the Groove, host and creator Eric Estepp takes us through all the trending NASCAR stories of the week, all leading into the exciting doubleheader weekend at Indianapolis. With IndyCar and NASCAR teaming up and Xfinity drivers taking on the road course, there’s plenty to cover.

But speaking of legendary drivers, the top story Eric talks us through this week is the announcement that Jimmie Johnson will be 0 0 4

ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: JULY 2, 2020

testing an IndyCar for Richard Childress Racing following the race at Indianapolis. Eric takes us through the possibilities of what this could mean for the champion’s future.

But that’s not all. The All-Star race at Bristol will feature the so-called “Choose Cone” rule, allowing cars on the restart to choose which lane they want. Eric explains what it all means, along with all the other big stories on this week’s episode of Out of the Groove!

“

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been a registered organ donor.

Now, I’m asking others to join me and help save lives.

– Ryan Newman

Register to be an organ donor at

Driven2SaveLives.org.

5 THINGS TO WATCH

5

THINGS TO WATCH AT INDIANAPOLIS INDY RACING ON INDEPENDENCE DAY Last weekend at Pocono Raceway, the NASCAR Cup Series participated in a rare doubleheader. This weekend, it’s a double dose of anticipation and excitement for the stars of NASCAR’s premier division as they make their annual visit to fabled Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Set to host NASCAR on a July 4 weekend for the first time, Indianapolis has yielded some unforgettable moments over its storied history and will likely provide a few more this Sunday afternoon. Following are five important things to keep an eye out for in the Brickyard 400.

BY JA RED TURNER

0 0 6

ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: JULY 2, 2020

RACE THROUGH * HEARTBURN Starts neutralizing acid in seconds

Available at Use as directed. *with headache or body aches and pains

©2020 Bayer

5 THINGS TO WATCH

5

SUNSHINE ON THEIR SHOULDERS

O

K, brace yourself: This weekend’s forecast for Indianapolis, Indiana is … SUNSHINE! Hard to believe, isn’t it? For what feels like the first time all season, it’s not supposed to rain on the day of a NASCAR Cup Series race. Let’s not get too excited, though. Just because Sunday afternoon’s forecast calls for mostly sunny skies and only a 10 percent chance of rain doesn’t mean wet weather won’t somehow find its way to Indy in time for the engines to fire. After all, it was just two years ago — in 2018 — when rain forced the postponement of the Brickyard 400 from Sunday to Monday. There was also that memorable Brickyard in 1995 when Dale Earnhardt scored his only win at Indy, but only after waiting out a rain delay of several hours. Rest assured: If it’s possible, it will rain in Indianapolis at some point on Sunday afternoon. But all indications are that NASCAR might actually catch a break this time.

0 0 8

ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: JULY 2, 2020

5 THINGS TO WATCH

4

THE AURA OF INDY

N

o facility in NASCAR has as much history and acclaim as world-famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which opened in 1909 and stands as the oldest continuously operating racetrack in the United States. Now in its 111th year of existence, IMS is the world’s largest sports seating facility and hosts the largest single-day sporting event — the prestigious Indianapolis 500. NASCAR ventured to the 2.5-mile venue for the first time in 1994 and has since become a permanent fixture of IMS. On the list of Brickyard 400 winners are some of the greatest champions in NASCAR history, including the late Dale Earnhardt, Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Tony Stewart, Dale Jarrett and Bill Elliott. Since first joining the NASCAR Cup Series schedule 26 years ago, the Brickyard 400 has been widely considered one of NASCAR’s “crown jewel” events. That continues this weekend, when one driver will forever etch his name in the annals of Indianapolis Motor Speedway history as the winner of the 2020 Brickyard 400.

0 1 0

ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: JULY 2, 2020

Experience security and peace of mind with the Honda EG2800i Inverter Generator. It provides quiet power, long run times, and a 30A receptacle for easy connection to a transfer switch. And at only 67 lbs., it’s trusted, portable home backup and DIY power where you need it, when you need it—for your home, and life. Find out more at gen.honda.com.

Please read the owner’s manual before operating your Honda Power Equipment and never use in an enclosed or partially enclosed area where you could be exposed to odorless, poisonous carbon monoxide.

Connection of a generator to house power requires a transfer device to avoid possible injury to power company personnel. Consult a qualified electrician. Specifications subject to change without notice. © 2019 American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

5 THINGS TO WATCH

ONE HITCH FOR ALL YOUR TOWING NEEDS ALUMINUM ADJUSTABLE INTERCHANGEABLE HITCH MOUNTS UT623410

6” Drop 2” Receiver

6-3/4” Rise

PLASTIC CASE MODEL

UT623900

UT623411

8” Drop 2” Receiver

8 3/4” Rise

PLASTIC CASE MODEL

UT623911

UT625810

8” Drop 2 1/2” Receiver

8” Rise

PLASTIC CASE MODEL

UT653910

Black Oxide Finish with Stainless Steel Hitch Balls & Locks UT623800

6” Drop 2” Receiver

N

6-3/4” Rise

Plastic Case Included

Scan to view our products on youtube

PATENTED PRODUCT ONLY AVAILABLE THROUGH URIAH PRODUCTS® Contact us for more information Uriah Products® www.alumatow.com | 800.545.9633

0 1 2

3

A BRICKYARD BREAKTHROUGH

ot surprising given its mostly flat corners and unique configuration consisting of not two but four distinct turns, Indianapolis Motor Speedway is not easily conquered by man or machine. To win here, more so than at most tracks, requires a virtually impeccable combination of driving talent and speed underneath the hood. Given the difficulties in play, it’s not surprising that some of NASCAR’s most well-known and accomplished active drivers have yet to find their way to Victory Lane here. Among the big names still in pursuit of their first Brickyard 400 trophy are 2018 NASCAR Cup Series champion Joey Logano, 2017 champion Martin Truex Jr., 2004 series champion Kurt Busch, three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin and two-time NASCAR Cup Series most popular driver Chase Elliott. Among these five drivers, only Busch hasn’t won a race this year. Hamlin, meanwhile, leads the series with four wins. Will one of NASCAR’s proverbial big guns experience a Brickyard breakthrough this weekend? Stay tuned.

ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: JULY 2, 2020

TASTY WAYS TO ENJOY THE BENEFITS OF GINGER. P O P G I N G E R C H E W S A R E A S W E E T,

S P I C Y A N D H E A LT H Y G I N G E R T R E AT !

F I N D A F L AV O R N E A R Y O U @

PRINCEOFPEACEGINGER.COM

P O P G I N G E R AVA I L A B L E AT:

5 THINGS TO WATCH

2

LONELY BRICKS

F

or the second weekend in a row, no fans will be permitted in the stands for a NASCAR Cup Series race — again a result of restrictions put in place by state and local government officials to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Since the pandemic struck in mid-March, forcing NASCAR to take a two-month sabbatical, only two tracks — Homestead-Miami Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway — have hosted spectators, and both have been in a very limited capacity. The dearth of attendees at the Brickyard 400 will be especially noticeable since 1) It’s arguably the second biggest race on the schedule and 2) Indianapolis Motor Speedway has roughly 235,000 permanent seats — by far the most of any track in NASCAR. With so much concern right now about the coronavirus, it will be interesting to see if Sunday’s winner carries on the fabled tradition of kissing Indy’s hallowed yard of bricks. Kiss or no kiss, his celebration will likely be subdued in the absence of fans.

0 1 4

ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: JULY 2, 2020

THE ONLY CHARGER FOR LITHIUM ION BATTERIES

Manufactured and Serviced in the USA

INTELI-POWER® PD9100L Series Designed to meet the stringent voltages required for properly charging & maintaining lithium ion batteries NOW OFFERING: PDI PLUS Extended Lifetime Warranty

Learn More: www.progressivedyn.com | (269) 781-4241

CHeCk out tHe CuStom rifle Builder on our weBSite FIMS IS, In every SenSe, a FaMIly buSIneSS. In 2016 FIMS acquired its Class 07 FFL in order to expand into the manufacturing of firearms.

Hiring several engineers, FIMS is now paving the way to make an impact in the defense industry. vISIt uS onlIne at

FIMSFIrearMS.coM @FimsFirearms

Proud SPonSor of

@Fims_Firearms

#98 Chase Briscoe & Stewart-Haas racing

les.

REPLACEMENT

LIFETIME

OF

See www.galleryofguns.com for complete program terms and conditions.

plete co

ntest ru

While enter o at GalleryofGu ur GRE ns.com A A Winn T GUN GIVEA , See ww WAY. er Ever w.galle y Week ryofgun s.com ! for com

5 THINGS TO WATCH

1

INDY MASTERS

A

mong the 40 drivers who will compete at Indianapolis on Sunday, only three are repeat winners at the famed 2.5-mile speedway.

Those drivers are Jimmie Johnson (four Brickyard wins), Kyle Busch (two Brickyard wins) and Kevin Harvick (two Brickyard wins). Of the three, it’s fair to say at least one of them — Harvick — couldn’t be in a better position heading to Indy. Along with being fresh off a win and second-place finish in last weekend’s doubleheader at Pocono Raceway, Harvick has two other victories in 2020 and is the series points leader.

Harvick is also the defending race winner of the Brickyard 400, having gone to Victory Lane last season in a race where he led 118 of 160 laps.

The Stewart-Haas Racing driver’s other Brickyard 400 victory came in 2003 — with Richard Childress Racing. Busch, meanwhile, carries the distinction of being the only back-to-back winner of the Brickyard (2015 and 2016), while Johnson leads all active drivers in Brickyard wins.

©2020 Davidson’s, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

0 1 6

ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: JULY 2, 2020

SUMMER GRILLING SPECIAL mr.steak THE MAN - THE LEGEND - THE STEAKS

®

STEAKHOUSE QUALITY MEATS Mr. Steak’s ranch to table steaks and burgers are hand-selected, hand-cut, and delivered directly to your door from local midwestern ranchers. Mr. Steak’s goal is to bring steakhouse quality meats to your home by offering the same USDA Prime and Choice steaks sold at many of the finest steakhouses in America, featuring no additives, humanely raised, and with a focus on sustainability. For every box sold, Mr. Steak donates a meal to hungry families in our community.

ORDER NOW AND RECEIVE A MrSteakv3.indd 1

FREE 10OZ NY STRIP STEAK • WWW.MRSTEAK.COM/RACING 5/15/2020 8:28:57 AM

RECAPPING JIMMIE JOHNSON’S NASCAR CAREER

■■ Jimmie Johnson completed the season sweep at Daytona in 2013.

A DAYTONA SWEEP JIMMIE JOHNSON CONQUERED THE WORLD CENTER OF RACING IN 2013

BY JA RED TURNER

S

weeping the races at any NASCAR Cup Series track is a difficult and somewhat rare feat. That’s particularly true at Daytona International Speedway, which is one of NASCAR’s two superspeedways (Talladega is the other) where the rules package makes the racing uncharacteristically close and makes it especially hard for a driver to dominate or win twice in the same season.

One of the rare years where this actually happened was 2013, when Jimmie Johnson — five months after securing his second career Daytona 500 victory — completed the season sweep at The World Center of Racing.

Leading 94 of 161 laps under the lights on a hot Saturday night, Johnson edged fellow series champion Tony Stewart at the finish line by .107 seconds as another former champ — Kevin Harvick — rounded out the top three. Today, this win remains Johnson’s only summertime win at Daytona, where he owns two victories in the 500 and has captured numerous non-pointspaying exhibition races during Daytona Speedweeks.

Wheeling a No. 48 Lowe’s Chevrolet painted white and blue,

0 1 8

ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: JULY 2, 2020

the Hendrick Motorsports driver became only the fourth competitor in NASCAR Cup Series history to follow a Daytona 500 victory in February with a victory in the July 4 weekend classic at Daytona that same year.

Perhaps even more important to Johnson was the fact that he became the first driver to double up at DIS since the legendary Bobby Allison in 1982. Johnson, though, wasn’t aware of the historical significance of his achievement until someone pointed it out after the race.

“I didn’t have the slightest clue, to be honest with you,” said Johnson, who went on to claim the sixth of his seven series championships that November. “I didn’t know until I climbed out of the race car. …

I’m sure television mentioned it, but I had no idea. … To do anything that Bobby has done is really, really special.”

L A E S K H T I W

T S A F T I FIX

NSOR OF O P S D U PRO

JORDANRSON ANDE NG RACI

? k a e L t n a l CoSohake, Pour & eGaoks in the: L x i F y l t n ze Plug e e n e r a F m 9 Per ad ock / He Ju s t

9 9 9

r Radiato asing C p m u P Water ore Heater C

9 Bl Gasket d a e H 9

s d a e H d ke c a r C s l ks a c e o l S B o s s l A rou old Engine* o P d e k or C & Crac o a Hot

dded t A Silicate e B m n u i a d C o 9 ass / S l g d i ow Tank u fl r q i e l v T O O 9N d to the e d d A e NO 9 Can B NG

ON WORKS EADS

AND MOST FINE RETAILERS

MADE IN THE

G DRAININ

FLUSHI

rks on D3147 wos.

M T S A t ine mee tested to water cooled eng ly t n e d n ll e ep ha s been ind for use wit K-Seal ha plastic and safe hard

UM H ALUMIN

AVAILABLE AT:

NO

USA

kseal.com | info@kseal.com | 888.254.0150

* WARNING/Caution: Take care before opening the cooling system when engine hot as it may be under pressure and could cause injury. Always consult a qualified mechanic before proceeding. If in doubt wait until engine cools or add via overflow tank.

NASCAR STANDINGS

NASCAR CUP SERIES

STANDINGS NO. DRIVER

PTS.

1

DENNY HAMLIN

506

Dual-Action Topical Analgesic Cream

2

KEVIN HARVICK

581

3

BRAD KESELOWSKI

514

4

JOEY LOGANO

500

5

RYAN BLANEY

529

Provides penetrating, fast pain relief from:

6

CHASE ELLIOTT

510

7

MARTIN TRUEX JR.

500

8

ALEX BOWMAN

464

9

ARIC ALMIROLA

431

Arthritis Sore Muscles Back Pain

10 KURT BUSCH

430

11 KYLE BUSCH

423

12 JIMMIE JOHNSON

390

13 CLINT BOWYER

387

14 MATT DIBENEDETTO

384

15 WILLIAM BYRON

372

16 ERIK JONES

341

17 AUSTIN DILLON

327

18 TYLER REDDICK

315

19 RICKY STENHOUSE JR.

311

20 CHRIS BUESCHER

298

21 BUBBA WALLACE

290

22 JOHN HUNTER NEMECHEK 269

Low Price Available at:

Wal-Mart, HEB, Local drugstores & buy “online”

www.Thera-gesic.com Copyright © 2020 MainPointe Pharmaceuticals, LLC. All rights reserved.

23 MICHAEL MCDOWELL

255

24 RYAN NEWMAN

253

25 CHRISTOPHER BELL

252

26 COLE CUSTER

241

27 COREY LAJOIE

212

28 TY DILLON

209

29 RYAN PREECE

187

30 MATT KENSETH

182

31 BRENNAN POOLE

111

32 QUIN HOUFF

69

33 DANIEL SUAREZ

142

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

0 2 0

ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: JULY 2, 2020

WINS

POLES

TOP 5

TOP 10

4 0 9 10 3 0 8 12 2 1 5 10 2 0 3 6 1 0 7 7 1 1 7 9 1 1 2 8 1 0 2 5 0 0 4 7 0 1 3 9 0 1 7 8 0 0 2 6 0 1 2 5 0 0 1 4 0 0 0 5 0 0 4 6 0 0 1 4 0 0 1 3 0 1 3 3 0 0 1 4 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 4 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 BLUE AREAS HIGHLIGHT PLAYOFF QUALIFIERS

W

NASCAR STANDINGS

XFINITY SERIES

STANDINGS Engage Your Freedom!

NO. DRIVER

1 CHASE BRISCOE #98

499

2 NOAH GRAGSON #9

496

3

ROSS CHASTAIN #10

466

4

AUSTIN CINDRIC #22

453

5

HARRISON BURTON #20

404

6

JUSTIN HALEY #11

401

7

JUSTIN ALLGAIER #7

386

8

BRANDON JONES #19

9 MICHAEL ANNETT #1

• All Pistols, Pistol Frames, & Accessories are designed and manufactured in U.S.A.

PTS.

376 339

10 RYAN SIEG #39

301

11 RILEY HERBST #18

294

12 MYATT SNIDER #21

258

13 DANIEL HEMRIC #8

254

14 BRANDON BROWN #68

254

15 ALEX LABBE #36

222

16 JOSH WILLIAMS #92

213

17 JEREMY CLEMENTS #51

211

18 JESSE LITTLE #4

209

19 BJ MCLEOD #6

189

20 ANTHONY ALFREDO #21

185

21 VINNIE MILLER #78

163

• Next Generation Ergonomics & Features

22 CHAD FINCHUM #13

156

23 JOE GRAF JR #8

152

• Stainless Steel Slides & Barrels

24 JEFFREY EARNHARDT #0

147

• Perfect for Every Day Carry!

25 AJ ALLMENDINGER #16

143

26 TOMMY JOE MARTINS #44

138

27 COLBY HOWARD #15

94

Visit Us

www.Polymer80.com Save 20% by using Coupon Code:

0 2 2

NASCAR

28 MATT MILLS #5

93

29 RAY BLACK JR #7

92

30 JJ YELEY #7

78

31 JEB BURTON #8

70

32 MASON MASSEY #99

69

33 ROBBY LYONS #15

66

ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: JULY 2, 2020

WINS

POLES

TOP 5

TOP 10

4 0 6 9 2 0 7 9 0 0 4 10 0 0 6 8 2 0 7 10 1 0 4 7 0 0 2 5 1 1 4 7 0 0 1 4 0 0 2 4 0 0 1 6 0 2 2 4 0 0 2 5 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 3 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 BLUE AREAS HIGHLIGHT PLAYOFF QUALIFIERS

NASCAR STANDINGS

GANDER OUTDOORS TRUCK SERIES

STANDINGS NO. DRIVER

THE

JAMPUI

1 AUSTIN HILL #16

253

2 BEN RHODES #99

202

3 GRANT ENFINGER #98

192

4 SHELDON CREED #2

189

5 TODD GILLILAND #38

187

6

MISHMITAKIN.COM

CHRISTIAN ECKES #18

7 ZANE SMITH #21

179 177

TYLER ANKRUM #26

174

9 BRETT MOFFITT #23

170

8

Say goodbye to sweaty and smelly feet with the Jampui boot featuring ultra breathable eVent membrane. Light as a trail runner, supportive as a boot—Jampui is perfect for work as well as ultra light backpacking and through hiking.

PTS.

10 JOHNNY SAUTER #13

168

11 DEREK KRAUS #19

159

12 STEWART FRIESEN #52

148

13 TANNER GRAY #15

142

14 MATT CRAFTON #88

137

15 RAPHAEL LESSARD #4

119

16 TY MAJESKI #45

114

17 CODIE ROHRBAUGH #9

91

18 JORDAN ANDERSON #3

89

19 SPENCER DAVIS #11

86

20 SPENCER BOYD #20

82

21 CORY ROPER #4

81

22 AUSTIN WAYNE SELF #22

77

23 TATE FOGLEMAN #2

70

24 NATALIE DECKER #44

58

25 KORBIN FORRISTER #7

58

26 ANGELA RUCH #0

58

27 TIMMY HILL #56

39

28 BAYLEY CURREY #44

37

29 CLAY GREENFIELD #68

32

30 JENNIFER JO COBB #10

31

31 TYLER HILL #56

30

32 BRYAN DAUZAT #28

29

33 JASON WHITE #33

27

WINS

POLES

TOP 5

TOP 10

0 0 3 6 0 0 2 4 2 0 2 2 0 0 2 4 0 0 2 4 0 0 1 2 0 0 2 3 0 0 1 2 0 0 1 3 0 1 2 4 0 0 1 3 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 BLUE AREAS HIGHLIGHT PLAYOFF QUALIFIERS

0 2 4

ishni Takin-3rdpage.indd 1

ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: JULY 2, 2020 5/15/2020 8:30:21 AM

At Tracks Benefits* Receive 20% OFF your next Racing Electronics Rental!

Garate Tours.

Up Close Access to Driver Introductions.

Pace Car Rides.

Attending the Driver’s Meeting.

Joining the Race Winner in Victory Lane. * at selected tracks

Exclusive Members Only Online Store Up to 70% OFF your Favorite Driver NASCAR Licensed Products.

Ultimate VIP Experience Special Member Opportunities throughout the Season.

Exclusive Offers from Our Proud Partners.

CREW MEMBER PROFILE

EYES UP ABOVE PRESSLEY KEEPS KESELOWSKI OUT OF HARM’S WAY

BY BEN WHITE

C

oleman Pressley, spotter for Team Penske and driver Brad Keselowski, is the son of former Cup Series driver Robert Pressley. As a young teenager, Coleman began sorting nuts and bolts, sweeping floors and lending a hand working on his father’s race cars. His aspirations of driving came through Late Models on short tracks near his Asheville, N.C., home before moving to K&N Pro East and Xfinity Series competition.

“Having the family connection, you always follow the path of what’s been put forth before you, or at least give the opportunity a chance,” Coleman said. “That’s what I did until I was 22 or 23. I was on the path to be a driver. Unfortunately, about the time I was coming along in 2008 or 2009, the economy tanked, which made find sponsorship very tough.

“Luckily for me, my Dad made me work on my own stuff so that opened a lot of doors. I worked in the shop, worked with the set-up plate, I did it all.”

Coleman worked as a crew chief for a K&N Pro East team and spotted for various drivers in that division. He also spotted for Cup Series driver Matt DiBenedetto in a Late Model race at Hickory (N.C.) Speedway in 2011. After many years of being a second set of eyes in the Xfinity and Gander Outdoors/RV Truck Series, Coleman’s first Cup Series race came with Justin Allagier in 2015 before moving to Keselowski in 2019.

“My goal as a very competitive person is to be the best at what I do,” Coleman said.

■■ Coleman Pressley, spotter for Team Penske and driver Brad Keselowski

EXTRA LAPS WITH COLEMAN PRESSLEY MARRIED: KIRSTIE CHILDREN: MACI (8), ELLENI (4), AUBRI (2), JESSI (10 MONTHS) HOMETOWN: ASHEVILLE, N.C. FAVORITE VACATION SPOT: THE MOUNTAINS FAVORITE HOLIDAY: CHRISTMAS FAVORITE SEASON: FALL FAVORITE TV SHOW: PRACTICAL JOKERS FAVORITE MOVIE: ADDAMS FAMILY MOVIES FAVORITE MUSIC: COUNTRY

“The chemistry between driver and spotter is a marriage. You have to be thinking the same as the driver when he’s in the race car.” -COLEMAN PRESSLEY 0 2 6

ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: JULY 2, 2020

BY THE NUMBER

8

BY THE NUMBER

CAR NO.

BY K EITH WA LTZ

D

ale Earnhardt Jr. paid tribute to his grandfather, short-track racing legend Ralph Earnhardt, by using the No. 8 during the early years of his NASCAR premier series career.

Earnhardt Jr. made 291 NASCAR Cup Series starts and visited Victory Lane 17 times in cars carrying No. 8 during his time at Dale Earnhardt Inc. from 1999 through the 2007 season.

Joe Weatherly is the top NASCAR Cup

■■ 2004 – Dale Earnhardt Jr. (NASCAR photo)

Series winner in car No. 8. The NASCAR Hall of Famer scored 20 of his 25 career victories using that number. Bobby Hillin Jr. is the only other driver to win in car No. 8.

Overall statistics show that cars carrying No. 8 in the NASCAR Cup Series have visited Victory Lane 38 times while posting 355 top-10 finishes in slightly more than 1,375 starts.

Billy Carden, of Mableton, Georgia, was the first driver to use the number when he wheeled David Chester’s 1947 Ford to a 15thplace finish at the Beach and Road Course in Daytona Beach, Florida, on July 10, 1949.

On Feb. 24, 1961, Weatherly scored the first victory for car No. 8 when he topped one of the 100-mile qualifying races for the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway.

Richard Childress Racing has used the number full time since the start of the 2019 season and Tyler Reddick currently drives the team’s No. 8 Chevrolet.

■■ Tyler Reddick (Getty Images photo)

0 2 8

ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: JULY 2, 2020

DRIVER Q&A

IN DEVELOPMENT JUSTIN HALEY CONTINUES TO GROW WITH KAULIG RACING

BY JOSEPH WOLK IN

Kaulig Racing continues to perform well on the racetrack, and sophomore Justin Haley wants to lead the charge. While Haley has a Cup Series win and a Truck Series one, he recently won his first XFINITY Series race at Talladega on June 20. He is just the 32nd driver to win in all three divisions at just 22 years old. ▶ WHAT DID THE FIRST XFINITY SERIES WIN MEAN TO YOU? “The XFINITY win was pretty big for me because it meant that I’ve won in everything – ARCA, trucks, XFINITY and Cup. It was just hanging over our heads. I’d been so close so many times. It had been the monkey on my back and I couldn’t shake it. I’m confident in Kaulig Racing and our stuff. We’re finally having some luck.” ▶ AS YOU GET MORE COMFORTABLE, YOU’VE BEEN SHOWING MORE AGGRESSION. HOW IMPORTANT IS THAT? “We were just talking about that at the race shop. They asked, ‘Where did the extra aggression at Bristol come from?’ Well, you can be more aggressive when you’re running first, 0 3 0

ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: JULY 2, 2020

■■ XFINITY Series racer Justin Haley

second or third then when you’re running 10th. You can see the checkered flag in front of you, so you’re willing to be more aggressive. I feel like I’m more comfortable and a light bulb went off in my head.” ▶ WHAT ARE YOU MISSING TO GET INTO VICTORY LANE? “At this point, I think it’s just lucky. At Charlotte, Ross [Chastain] and I ran in the top four all day. I ran top three all day at Bristol, and we got into wrecks that weren’t our fault.

We’re showing a lot of speed. We’ve been lucky with our qualifying draws. It’s just a little luck.”

IN THE HOTSEAT

IN THE HOT SEAT

Ryan Vargas

BY ROB TIONGSON

Throughout the season, Rob Tiongson interviews various drivers in the world of NASCAR. Today, he talks with Ryan Vargas, a driver in the NASCAR XFINITY Series. ▶ YOUR RACING JOURNEY STARTED ABOUT EIGHT YEARS AGO WHEN YOU COMPETED IN BANDOLERO CARS AT IRWINDALE SPEEDWAY. WHEN YOU THINK OF YOUR CAREER FROM YOUR HUMBLE BEGINNINGS TO NOW, HOW EXCITING AND HUMBLING IS IT TO REALIZE YOUR DREAMS IN NASCAR? It’s honestly pretty crazy. We started racing seven or eight years ago and I was the first in my family to show this kind of interest. My dad was a NASCAR fan growing up. He took me to my first race when I was about 10 years ago and saw Tony Stewart win at Fontana. And I became hooked right there.

To go from where we were, having little to no knowledge about the cars and sport to having made it this far with what little we have, it really means a lot to me. It’s showcasing the hard work of not just myself, but my family and everyone who’s supported me with my racing efforts. ▶ YOU’RE VERY PASSIONATE ABOUT ON-TRACK RACING AND SIM RACING. HOW ENJOYABLE IS SIM RACING, ESPECIALLY IRACING, AND WHAT IS YOUR TAKE ON THIS PLATFORM’S COMMUNITY? Two of my friends, Jon Palmeri and Austin Blair, and I put together eTruck Series Night in America. At the time, it was one of the highest grossing sim racing races broadcasted on the platform, which was pretty cool. It was highlighted by Donut Media on YouTube.

To see the total outreach of the community when it comes to stuff like that…iRacing is such a unique platform because you can hop in and in one session, you’ll race with an eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series driver. In another, it may be Dale Earnhardt Jr.

0 3 2

ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: JULY 2, 2020

Hand Cleaner Since 1948 Dirty Hands? No Water? No Problem!

For speedy clean up and excellent conditioning performance, try Joe’s Hand Cleaner

Building Relationships One Hand At A Time

www.joeshandcleaner.com Made in the USA

Available at:

ENASCAR

Snakeskin-PolePos-ColAd.qxp_Layout 1 1/27/20 10:58 AM Page 1

By:

BLACK

MAMBA

TOUGHEST GLOVES ON THE MARKET Long lasting for tough jobs that need tough gloves and ultimate protection.

3 times chemical protection of latex or vinyl gloves!

NEW! Snakeskin 7 mil Enhanced Grip Nitrile

Black Mamba 6.25 mil Tough Black Nitrile

Orange Mamba

A THRILLER AT INDY

6.0 mil Hi-Viz Orange Nitrile

ProBlu Mamba 14 mil HD Long Blue Latex

Mamba Torque

BY ROB TIONGSON ■■ Keegan Leahy won the eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series’ Round 9 race at IMS.

6.25/10.25 Raised Torque Grips

Waterproof Detail Gloves Ideal for Auto Detailing and General MechanicWork

For samples or to find a dealer in your area, please visit: BLACKMAMBAGLOVES.COM

0 3 4

KEEGAN LEAHY DRIVES TO ENASCAR VICTORY

A

s the eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series resumed its regular season, Keegan Leahy and his peers set their sights on winning Round 9 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Returning to their customary stock cars, it was merely more than just business than usual for the field of 39 in this 80-lap affair.

Starting fourth in the grid, Leahy was a factor all race long, more than ready to leap at the chance for the lead spot. Meanwhile, pole sitter

ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: JULY 2, 2020

PREMIUM QUALITY

AUTOMOTIVE LUBRICANTS WITH...

THE

POWER

TO PROTECT No. 105 Motor Assembly Grease

• The “Original” Prelube for Installed Engine Parts.

• Prevents “Dry Start” During Initial Start Up. • Trusted By Top Engine Builders For Decades.

Chain & Cable Fluid - Penetrating Oil

• A Superior, Non-Gumming Penetrating Oil. • For Chains, Cables, Tools and General Lubrication.

• Loosens Rusty Nuts & Bolts. Also For Metalworking.

Spray Lube `A´ White Lithium Grease

• Sprays Like a Fluid, Congeals To A Grease.

• For Locks, Latches, Hinges, Battery Terminals and More.

• Creamy White Color - Correct For Classic Show Cars.

Gear Shield Extra Heavy

• Heavy-Duty, Extreme Pressure Spray Lubricant.

• For Gears, Pins, Bushings and Jack Screws.

• Excellent Fifth Wheel Lubricant for Trucks.

Biodegradable Penetrating Oil

• ECO-Friendly, Bio-Based, Multi-Purpose Lubricating Oil. • For Tools, Locks, Latches and General Lubrication.

• Displaces Moisture and Will Deliver a “Wet Start.”

SYNXTREME HD-2 Grease

• 100% Synthetic, Calcium Sulfonate Complex Formula.

• NLGI GC-LB Certified Wheel Bearing & Chassis Lube.

Visit Our Online Webstore At: www.lubriplate.com Also Available At:

Newark, NJ 07105 / Toledo, OH 43605 / 800-733-4755 LubeXpert@lubriplate.com / www.lubriplate.com

for store locations CARQUEST.com

ENASCAR Michael Conti, Ray Alfalla, Garrett Lowe, and Chris Shearburn were among the chief contenders of this 200mile race.

With only one caution period for three laps, it was one of the fastest eNASCAR races at Indianapolis, with eight lead changes among five drivers.

However, Tuesday night’s race looked like it’d be in Alfalla’s hands. Coming off a momentous victory at Atlanta, Alfalla led for 36 laps, looking about as dominant around the Brickyard as Mario Andretti or Jeff Gordon at the famed Brickyard.

In typical Indianapolis fashion, this race was decided with various pit strategies. Given that the fuel window was 40 laps, it opened up for some creative opportunities with potential race winning moves.

On Lap 46, Alfalla pitted to take on fresh tires and fuel, starting off the pit stop cycle among the lead contenders. Leahy inherited the top spot for four laps before heading to pit road for his last stop of the race.

Once the pit stops cycled for the lead drivers, Alfalla returned to the leader, a position that he seemed like a surefire lock for the duration of the race.

0 3 6

ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: JULY 2, 2020

Although Shearburn and Leahy were catching Alfalla at a decent clip, the eNASCAR veteran was holding his own before trouble found him.

Coming into Turn 4, Alfalla was distracted by a lapped vehicle. In efforts to avoid this car, he’d brush the Turn 4 wall, greatly impacting the handling of his No. 2 Chevy Camaro.

Despite holding the lead with seven to go, Alfalla was defenseless against the hardcharging Leahy and Shearburn. With a power move reminiscent of Michael Andretti over Rick Mears in the 1991 Indianapolis 500, Leahy rocketed past Alfalla for the lead.

After Shearburn passed Alfalla for the second spot with six laps remaining, it became a two-driver race for the win.

ENASCAR

Evoking memories of the Al Unser, Jr. and Scott Goodyear duel in the 1992 Indy 500, it seemed like Shearburn was making up some ground on Leahy. However, Leahy’s advantage was his fresher tires and dictating that dirty air on Shearburn.

On the final lap, Shearburn closed within a matter of car lengths on Leahy, seemingly ready to take the victory if Leahy slipped up the track.

However, Leahy was not going to be denied on this evening, as he drove his way to his second eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series win of the year.

“That was crazy,” Leahy said. “What an amazing car, first of all. What a pleasure to 0 3 8

ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: JULY 2, 2020

drive, I’m still driving it, honestly, I don’t want to leave. Chris Shearburn, who I knew was going to be my main competition, probably, the whole night – I called it by lap 1, because I knew he had a really strong car, and we worked together on the setup this week. He did a great job, specifically, at putting this thing together for race trim, and it was great.”

While Leahy may have virtually kissed the bricks at Indianapolis, he and his competitors await the greener pastures of New Hampshire Motor Speedway. In fact, the eNASCAR CocaCola iRacing Series heads to the Granite State for Round 10 of the season on Tuesday, July 14 at 9 p.m. EST. NASCAR.com and iRacing’s Twitch channel will live stream the action.

UP TO 4 YEARS OF PROTECTION IS ONLY 5 MINUTES AWAY.

FRAM Ultra Air provides expectational engine protection in all driving conditions

• Extended protection – blended multi-fiber filter media provides long term durability • Superior dirt holding capacity – Traps and holds smaller dirt and dust particles* • Installs in as few as 5 mins†

* Based on FRAM Group testing of dirt holding capacity of models 4309, 9683 and their FRAM Extra Guard air filter equivalents under ISO-5011 † See vehicles owner manual for proper installation

fram.com

© 2020 Fram Group Operations LLC, 3255 West Hamlin Road, Rochester Hills, MI 48309 Printed in USA

OWNER SPOTLIGHT

START RUN STORE

A TRUE ICON OF NASCAR

FIREBALL ROBERTS WAS ACCUSTOMED TO WINNING RACES

Start up with ease every time Store with confidence between use Run faster, cleaner, smoother

BY BEN WHITE ■■ Fireball Roberts won the 1962 Daytona 500.

OWNER: GLENN “FIREBALL” ROBERTS MANUFACTURER: FORD DRIVERS: GLENN “FIREBALL” ROBERTS, MARVIN PANCH (1 RACE)

WWW.STARTRON.COM PROTECTION

0 4 0

020 Ad COL.indd 1

+ PERFORMANCE

ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: JULY 2, 2020 1/9/20 5:03 PM

G

lenn “Fireball” Roberts received his legendary nickname from his days as a hard-throwing pitcher in high school.

Many NASCAR historians refer to him as being perhaps the greatest driver never to win a NASCAR championship.

Throughout his 15-year career, he was known as a driver that could win the most prestigious superspeedway races on any given season-long schedule. The biggest victory of his career was the 1962 Daytona 500, along with the Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway in 1958 and 1963.

Roberts, named one of NASCAR’s 50

OWNER SPOTLIGHT Greatest Drivers in 1998, was considered one of most popular drivers throughout the late 1950s and early 1960s.

Such performances as his 1958 season when he won six races in 10 starts helped to secure the 11th position in the final NASCAR premier series standings that season.

Many of today’s race fans may not realize he entered Fords that he owned in 22 of 52 NASCAR Grand National races the year before in 1957. He, along with other top drivers, found themselves in a tough predicament that required immediate action in order to remain active.

The move from driver to driver-owner was prompted when a fatal crash occurred on the final lap of a race at Martinsville on May 19, 1957.

As a result, the American Manufacturers Association called for strict safety measures to be placed on auto racing. In an effort to offset negative publicity, Chrysler, Ford and General Motors elected to pull financial support from all drivers and teams.

Faced with a mid-season 0 4 2

■■ Fireball Roberts became a NASCAR owner in 1957.

factory withdrawal, NASCAR’s founder Bill France, Sr. encouraged drivers to start their own race teams, while asking track promoters to up winner’s purses by some 35 percent to offset costs.

Prior to the May 1957 factory departure, Roberts wheeled Fords fielded by Pete DePaolo, winner of the 1925 Indianapolis 500. After the accident at Martinsville, Roberts drove his own Fords as well as those owned by Dick Beaty (a future NASCAR Winston Cup Series Director), Paul Spaulding and fellow driver, Buck Baker.

That season, Roberts won five races in Depaolo’s No. 22 Fords.

When he turned to his own Fords, Roberts continued with the famed No. 22 and won races on three short tracks at Newport.

Roberts logged 10 top-fives, 14 top-10s and one pole position in his own Fords, along with 16 top-fives, 13 top-10s and three pole positions in DePaolo’s Fords. All told, his season featured 21 topfives, 27 top-10s and four pole positions in 42 starts.

Seven years later on May 24, 1964, Roberts was involved in a fiery crash at Charlotte Motor Speedway and succumbed to his injuries on July 2, 1964.

“He was a man first, a competitor second and a teacher third,” said seven-time Cup Series champion Richard Petty. “I saw him take young guys aside many times and tell them something that would help. I guess he helped the sport more than anybody.”

ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: JULY 2, 2020

CREDITS

ROAR! WEEKLY RACE MAGAZINE 11880 28TH ST. N, SUITE 101 ST. PETERSBURG, FL 33716 PHONE: (727) 209-0792 FAX: (727) 209-1776 ROAR! SITE: POLEPOSITIONMAG.COM CORPORATE: AE-ENGINE.COM EMAIL: ROAR@AE-ENGINE.COM

BUSINESS DEPARTMENT

PUBLISHER: CRAIG BARONCELLI EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, SALES: DAVID WATSON VICE PRESIDENT, EXECUTIVE ACCOUNTS: DAYNE MAASDORP VICE PRESIDENT, MOTORSPORTS: CHRIS VITA SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES: JUSTIN HAND, MARK MORALES, JOHN ENGLE OFFICE MANAGER: DENNIS FASONE

EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT

ART DIRECTOR: JOE RABUCK DIRECTOR, DIGITAL: NICOLE COOPER DIRECTOR, DIGITAL CONTENT: JOSH MULL MANAGING EDITOR: DAN GUTTENPLAN CONTRIBUTORS: JARED TURNER, BEN WHITE, JOSEPH WOLKIN , KEITH WALTZ, ROB TIONGSON A.E. ENGINE SPECIFIES THAT POSTPUBLISHING CHANGES MAY OCCUR TO ANY INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS PUBLICATION AND TAKES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR GOODS OR SERVICES ADVERTISED.

AVAILABLE NOW: INDIANAPOLIS MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTION POLEPOSITIONMAG.COM UPDATES & POSTERS TWITTER @NPPMAG FACEBOOK NASCAR POLE POSITION

SUBSCRIPTIONS: YOUR FREE SUBSCRIPTIONS CAN BE ORDERED ONLINE AT POLEPOSITIONMAG.COM. SALES INQUIRIES: IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN ADVERTISING IN ROAR! WEEKLY RACE MAGAZINE, OR WOULD LIKE TO BECOME A FIELD REPRESENTATIVE, PLEASE CONTACT DAVID WATSON AT (727) 209-0789, OR DKW@AE-ENGINE.COM.

0 4 3