VIEWER’S GUIDE
#PICKUPTHROWDOWN NASCAR TRUCK AND XFINITY DRIVERS ASSEMBLE FOR AN ELITE FIVE-WEEK ESPORTS TRUCK CHAMPIONSHIP Tune in at YouTube.com/EricEstepp or Twitch.tv/PodiumEsports
ICEBOX PICKUP THROWDOWN EXPLAINED PAGE 2
4 MATCHUPS TO WATCH PAGE 4
JORDAN ANDERSON’S INSPIRATION PAGE 12
OFFICIAL EVENT ANNOUNCEMENT
A NEW CHALLENGER TO THE IRACING ESPORTS SCENE IS APPROACHING
T
he IceBox Pickup Throwdown Truck Series launches this week on Out of the Groove and Podium Esports. Beginning Thursday, April 23 at 8pm Eastern, the IceBox Pickup Throwdown is a five race invitational series that culminates with a championship finale in May. Drivers won’t just be racing for show. The points they’ll earn every race all add up to a cash purse and prizes for the driver’s organization. The series is invite-only exclusively for NASCAR Truck Series and Xfinity Drivers. The list of competitors is stacked, featuring NASCAR Truck Series mainstays Jordan Anderson, Austin Wayne Self, Spencer Boyd, and more. The event was organized by Anderson in conjunction with Tim Self, President of AM Racing, and the father of Austin. “We’re all just so ready to get back out racing again,” says driverowner Jordan Anderson. “As soon as I started talking to the other folks in the garage, it all just came together. I can’t wait to show the fans at home what we’ve put together.” The Pickup Throwdown series is designed for drivers and teams
0 0 2
ICEBOX PICKUP THROWDOWN VIEWERS GUIDE: APRIL 23, 2020
to work shoulder-to-shoulder with their partners, with Tim Self and IceBox Helmet Coolers leading the way to help teams keep racing. “I know what goes into keeping these race teams humming, and it starts with getting these trucks back on the track,” says Tim Self, CEO of IceBox Helmet Coolers. “Whether it’s virtually or in real life, I think we’re all excited to get these names going fast in front of a crowd again.” The entire series will be produced by Podium eSports, the industry-renowned team behind the Replacements 100, and will broadcast live on Eric Estepp’s Out of the Groove channel, the No. 1 NASCAR content creator on YouTube with more than 100,000 subscribers. “The Trucks are often the best show of the weekend during the real racing season,” says Eric Estepp, host of Out of the Groove, “so I’m extremely excited for those drivers to have their own dedicated iRacing series to give their passionate fans something to look forward to.”
THE PREMIER
HELMET COOLING SYSTEM
The IceBox represents an innovative Air Cooling Solution for personal and confined environments where space, weight and power consumption are critical considerations. Design applications include Aviation, Aerospace and Performance Racing industries. ICEBOX INCORPORATES ADVANCED SEMICONDUCTOR COMPONENT AND APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY TO CREATE A THERMOELECTRIC HEAT PUMP THAT REQUIRES NO MOVING PARTS AND A MINIMAL AMOUNT OF ELECTRICAL CURRENT TO EFFECT COOLING.
THE COOLING UNIT
BY THE NUMBERS
$3,999 SIZE: 10.5”L x 4.5”W x 8.0”H WEIGHT: 7.4 LB COOLING CAPACITY: 282 BTUs VOLTAGE: 12VDC nominal/15VDC Max CURRENT MAX: 9.7Amps COOLING FAN: 0.65 Amps HEAT PUMP FAN: 0.92 Amps
PRICE:
ICEBOX USES ONLY THE BEST COMPONENTS AVAILABLE GLOBALLY TO CONSTRUCT A WORLD CLASS PRODUCT INCLUDING: US built Carbon Fiber Enclosure
PHONE: 855.927.1386
US built Deutsch Electrical Connectors
US built Outerwears debris screens
EMAIL: info@IceBoxRacing.com
German built EBM Pabst fans
INSTA: @IceBoxHelmetCoolers
TALE OF THE TAPE
THE TALE OF THE TAPE MATCHUPS TO WATCH IN ICEBOX PICKUP THROWDOWN SERIES BY ROB TIONGSON
N
o matter if it’s on track or virtual, NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series racing is truly about close-quarter, no holds barred action on each lap. Whether it’s Texas Motor Speedway or HomesteadMiami Speedway, drivers will likely wage in competitive battles for spots with the focus being on victories. In this case, the field has their sights set on winning races and the championship for the inaugural IceBox Pickup Throwdown Series. Comprising of racers from the NASCAR Cup Series, XFINITY Series, and Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series, it’ll be a set of five
0 0 4
memorable and thrilling Thursday evening races that’ll embody the NASCAR thunder that fans and competitors crave from ontrack action. With fixed setups, it means close quarters racing and the possibility of some surprise battles for race wins. So, fans, which virtual matchups are likely to ensue in this five-race series? Might it be a usual favorite battling a likeable underdog? Or will it be a battle between actual teammates creating a rivalry as formidable as Formula 1 action? We take a gander, if you will, with some matchups to watch for these next five Thursday nights.
ICEBOX PICKUP THROWDOWN VIEWERS GUIDE: APRIL 23, 2020
Tune in at YouTube.com/EricEstepp or Twitch.tv/PodiumEsports
AUSTIN WAYNE
SELF
VS.
JORDAN
ANDERSON
THESE TWO STALWARTS OF THE NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series represent some of the most passionate fan bases in all of motorsports. Anderson and Self share a race shop in Statesville, N.C. The 30,000-square-foot facility was previously occupied by Front Row Motorsports. As if the home-shop bragging rights aren’t enough, Anderson and Self are also future brother-in-laws with Self engaged to Anderson’s sister. What do you think they’ll talk over the Thanksgiving feast this year?
BRETT
MOFFITT
VS.
AUSTIN
HILL
ASIDE FROM THE FACT THAT MOFFITT AND Hill have won races for Hattori Racing Enterprises, let’s just say that this formidable duo are among the most aggressive, tenacious racers in the Truck Series. Whether it’s a high banked superspeedway or a short track where paint trading is commonplace, these two young racing veterans are likely to use the chrome horn during the closing laps with their competition and perhaps with each other. Look for Moffitt and Hill to, as Sonny Crockett says, make their racing competitors’ lives one living hell. 0 0 5
TALE OF THE TAPE
SPENCER
BOYD
VS.
TOMMY JOE
JOSH
MARTINS
BILICKI
THE BATTLE BETWEEN TWO VERY LIKABLE and popular drivers may be a matchup that goes beyond support from NASCAR enthusiasts on social media. In fact, these are two old school drivers who know how to respect their equipment and when to drop the hammer when it truly counts. Boyd, last fall’s Talladega race winner, has worked ardently with realizing his dreams. Meanwhile, Martins represents what NASCAR used to be while showcasing his incredible talents in the XFINITY Series. Watch for Boyd and Martins to challenge for wins and strong finishes. 0 0 6
VS.
TY
MAJESKI
IF THERE’S BEEN A COMMONALITY IN themes, it’s quite coincidental. However, Bilicki and Majeski, who hail from Wisconsin, maximize their opportunities on the track and in the virtual world. It’s no secret how scary good Majeski is with iRacing, but that’s not to say that a driver like Bilicki will simply pull over. In fact, Bilicki’s been busy in the sim world as he’s driven IndyCar events and some Truck Series races prior to this special series. Will excellence reign supreme or will practice make perfect with this matchup?
ICEBOX PICKUP THROWDOWN VIEWERS GUIDE: APRIL 23, 2020
PROTECT YOUR RACING INVESTMENTS WITH
THE HIGHEST QUALITY TRUCK HITCHES ON THE MARKET Our TORSION-FLEX Technology gives the user both power and control over adverse road conditions by isolating truck and trailer. It ensures cargo is delivered safely and smooth. The combination of control, safety and a smoother ride creates the ultimate towing experience to the racetrack.
RACING & MOTORHOME HITCH With a specific flatplate that will slide in on a C-channel on the Super C hitch, this is ideal for towing race haulers or motor homes.
GOOSENECK COUPLERS GEN-Y’s Gooseneck Couplers range in tongue weight and go up to 30,000 LB towing capacity. The Torsion-Flex coupler is the best hitch for ultimate control & performance.
DROP HITCHES Our Boss Adjustable Drop Hitches start at 10,000 LB towing capacity and go up to 21,000 LB towing capacity. The Torsion-Flex Drop Hitch is the best hitch for ultimate control and safety while towing any bumper style trailer on the market including pintle style couplings.
PIN BOXES
The Executive pin boxes are available in 2 different styles. The King Pin allows you to connect to the 5th wheel hitch, while the 5th to Goose conversion style frees up your truck bed
sales@genyhitch.com | (574) 218-6363
www.genyhitch.com
CHAMPIONSHIP BREAKDOWN
THE ICEBOX PICKUP THROWDOWN
DEBUTS TONIGHT
The IceBox Pickup Throwdown will debut April 23rd as an invite-only iRacing event exclusively for NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series and XFIINITY Series drivers. The first race in a five-race series will be broadcast live tonight on YouTube and Twitch. WHO’S HOSTING & WHERE CAN I WATCH? ▶▶ Eric Estepp and Podium Team, the broadcasters behind the Replacements 100, are hosting the series. Each race will be hosted at YouTube.com/EricEstepp and Twitch.tv/PodiumEsports. SERIES FORMAT ▶▶ Invitational, Points Series POINT BREAKDOWN ▶▶ 1 - 15 Points ▶▶ 2 - 12 Points ▶▶ 3 - 11 points ▶▶ 4-5 - 10 points ▶▶ 5-10 - 8 points ▶▶ 11-20 - 5 points ▶▶ 20-28 - 4 points ▶▶ 29 - 32 - 2 points ▶▶ Pole Award: 2 points FOUR RACE PLAYOFF ▶▶ Texas ▶▶ Kansas ▶▶ Michigan ▶▶ Gateway ▶▶ Championship: Homestead 0 0 8
PRIZE POOL ▶▶ Five Race Championship Place - $500 Place - $100 Bommarito.com Pole Award - $100 Halfway Point Leader Award - Gen-Y Hitch ▶▶ Championship Points Standings Awards Place - $500 and IceBox Helmet Cooler and Dragonfire Midnight Pro Tool Chest Place - $300 Place - $200 RACE FORMAT ▶▶ No. of Laps: 100 ▶▶ Qualifying: 2 laps ▶▶ Practice: 45 mins ▶▶ Conditions: Clear/90/140 ▶▶ Setups: Provided Fixed
ICEBOX PICKUP THROWDOWN VIEWERS GUIDE: APRIL 23, 2020
Tune in at YouTube.com/EricEstepp or Twitch.tv/PodiumEsports
SCHEDULE
APRIL 23RD | GEN-Y HITCH 100
APRIL 30TH | KANSAS
MAY 7TH | MICHIGAN
MAY 14TH | BOMMARITO.COM 100
MAY 21ST | ICEBOX 100 - CHAMPIONSHIP RACE 0 0 9
ROSTER
PICKUP THROWDOWN
ROSTER NAME
SUBSCRIBE TO NASCAR POLE POSITION
FIVE EDITIONS PLUS TWO BONUS GIFTS $19.95 PLUS SHIPPING & HANDLING
THE PLAYOFF AND YEAR IN REVIEW MAGAZINES
POLEPOSITIONMAG.COM/BUY
0 1 0
Sub 12 3RD Ad.indd 1
ANTHONY ALFREDO JORDAN ANDERSON TYLER ANKRUM JOSH BILICKI SPENCER BOYD CHASE BRISCOE BRANDON BROWN HARRISON BURTON SPENCER DAVIS NATALIE DECKER HOWIE DISAVINO CHRISTIAN ECKES SANTINO FERUCCI STEWART FRIESEN TODD GILLILAND AUSTIN HILL DEREK KRAUS RAPHAEL LESSARD TY MAJESKI TOMMY JOE MARTINS MATT MILLS BRETT MOFFITT STEFAN PARSONS BRENNAN POOLE ANGELA RUCH RYAN TRUEX HERMIE SADLER AUSTIN WAYNE SELF CHANDLER SMITH MYATT SNIDER AUSTIN THERIAULT
NASCAR SERIES
XFINITY SERIES GANDER RV & OUTDOORS SERIES GANDER RV & OUTDOORS SERIES XFINITY SERIES GANDER RV & OUTDOORS SERIES XFINITY SERIES XFINITY SERIES XFINITY SERIES GANDER RV & OUTDOORS SERIES GANDER RV & OUTDOORS SERIES GANDER RV & OUTDOORS SERIES GANDER RV & OUTDOORS SERIES GANDER RV & OUTDOORS SERIES GANDER RV & OUTDOORS SERIES GANDER RV & OUTDOORS SERIES GANDER RV & OUTDOORS SERIES GANDER RV & OUTDOORS SERIES GANDER RV & OUTDOORS SERIES GANDER RV & OUTDOORS SERIES XFINITY SERIES XFINITY SERIES GANDER RV & OUTDOORS SERIES GANDER RV & OUTDOORS SERIES NASCAR CUP SERIES GANDER RV & OUTDOORS SERIES GANDER RV & OUTDOORS SERIES FOX SPORTS 1 PIT REPORTER GANDER RV & OUTDOORS SERIES GANDER RV & OUTDOORS SERIES XFINITY SERIES NASCAR CUP SERIES
ICEBOX PICKUP THROWDOWN VIEWERS GUIDE: APRIL 23, 2020 12/5/2018 3:37:15 PM
Tune in at YouTube.com/EricEstepp or Twitch.tv/PodiumEsports
SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT DRAGONFIRE TOOLS was started in the spring of 2016. I was a machinist in the United States Navy on board the ballistic missile submarine, USS Pennsylvania SSBN 735, from 1992 to 1996, so I know all about getting dirty and turning wrenches. The most valuable thing I learned in business is to under-promise and over-deliver every time to the customer. This way, the customer is never disappointed. When I started this, my goal was to try and put together an affordable and quality solution for home shops, garages and industrial shops. I wanted to offer an alternative to big-name brand boxes that cost sometimes tens of thousands of dollars and offer little to no work space. By putting together a workbench along with tool storage we solved multiple problems at the same time We are constantly upgrading our cabinets and workbenches using feedback from customers just like you who are using these everyday. Our commitment to our fellow wrench-turners is to continue to strive to provide the best quality product at an affordable price. All The Best, Lew Amicone
OWNER / DRAGONFIRE TOOLS
The Best Workbenches in the business A workbench and tool box combined into one unit that saves you time, space and money. Now your workbench is your toolbox. Quality and Affordable Storage for your shop.
30 DRAWER MIDNIGHT PRO SERIES 9FT 4 1/4 WORKBENCH PRICE: $3799
FREE SHIPPING FOR A LIMITED TIME
OUR FULL LINE OF STORAGE SOLUTIONS CAN BE VIEWED AT
dragonfiretools.com 0 1 1 PHONE:
724.757.3336
EMAIL:
lew@dragonfiretools.com
WEB:
dragonfiretools.com
DRIVER Q&A
TAILGATING WITH JORDAN ANDERSON TRUCK SERIES UP-AND-COMER HELPED CREATE ICEBOX PICKUP THROWDOWN SERIES BY ROB TIONGSON
As one of the bright, young stars of the NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series, Jordan Anderson talks with Rob Tiongson about the genesis of the IceBox Pickup Throwdown Series and a recent on-track highlight. ▶▶ HOW’D THE IDEA OF THE ICEBOX PICKUP THROWDOWN SERIES RACES COME ABOUT? AND HOW MANY DRIVERS WILL COMPETE? Right now, we’ve got 31 drivers that have given us their commitment to try and run all five races. It’s pretty exciting to see that, and the whole idea behind this series that Austin Wayne Self and I had when we started this was to give those racing in the Truck and XFINITY Series an opportunity to put on a show for our fans. We still want to have an opportunity to represent our partners and sponsors and give them something to be excited about. As crazy as this virus has been and us being quarantined at home, it’s been hard to give our fans something to get excited about. I know NASCAR’s done as great a job as they can with the Pro Invitational Series for the Cup Series, but there hasn’t been a home for those in the XFINITY and Truck Series. That’s what we really wanted to do, to fill a void that we felt was there and put out some feelers to other drivers that I know. Some of the first guys that committed to this were Stewart Friesen, Tyler Ankrum, Brett Moffitt, Christian Eckes, Chandler Smith…those guys were excited about it. We sent out invites to other big names in the Truck and XFINITY Series. It’s going to be cool. This is a first for us. I’m so thankful I’ve got all the guys at the NASCAR Pole Position magazine 0 1 2
ICEBOX PICKUP THROWDOWN VIEWERS GUIDE: APRIL 23, 2020
Tune in at YouTube.com/EricEstepp or Twitch.tv/PodiumEsports
■■ Jordan Anderson has had the support of Bommarito Automotive Group during the COVID-19 outbreak
that have helped organize this and put it all together. We’ve worked closely on brainstorming everything from the series logo to the graphics that we put out to coming up with a creative points system. I don’t think you’re going to see any other series that provides a point towards the final championship standings for a social media post, but we wanted to do something different. It’s cool to be able to offer a purse of over $10,000 in cash and prizes, with $500 to each race winner. The guy or girl who wins the championship will go home with an IceBox helmet cooling system that’s over a $5,000 package. It’s the same one that I run in my race truck every race weekend. If you tell any racer that they’re going to get something free for their racecar, they’re going to get excited about it. It’s something for these drivers to get their fans excited, give
their partners a chance to be represented on the racetracks. We’ve got Podium eSports broadcasting this for us and Eric Estepp who’ll live stream it on his YouTube channel. I’m about as excited as I was after that second-place finish at Daytona. To see all this stuff come into reality, it was just a dream less than a week ago. And it’s happened so quick. But I think the coolest thing was that I got a couple of texts from guys that work on the big teams and alongside these drivers about how excited they were to be a part of it. We really want it to make it as professional as we can, but this is all about the fans and an opportunity for us drivers and teams to give back to the people who make this so special and so big. 0 1 3
DRIVER Q&A ▶▶ ONE OF THE NEATEST MOMENTS IN RECENT TIMES WAS YOUR RUNNERUP FINISH AT DAYTONA. DID YOU EVER IMAGINE THIS MOMENT HAPPENING TO YOU AND YOUR TRUCK TEAM GIVEN YOUR JOURNEY IN NASCAR? You’ve seen a lot of the progress in our journey, Rob. I remember when we talked at New Hampshire several years ago, starting this team in 2018, and to see it progress and grow the way it has and to go up against a team like ThorSport, who’s been around in the Truck Series for 25 years, was huge for us. It was so meaningful for all the people and partners that believe in us and make it happen. What a great way to start our season off, and we’ve had this big break now because of COVID-19. We hope to go back racing soon. I’ve been checking in at the shop to stay on top of it as much as I can. It’s given me a chance to come up with some ideas on how we can run our team better and operate more efficiently
0 1 4
■■ Jordan Anderson finished second behind Grant Enfinger at the Truck Series race at Daytona.
as the season goes on. I think when you see racing come back, it’s going to be a completely different structure than what we’ve seen before. We’re doing the best we can to survive through this. I’ve been very blessed with some great partners like John Bommarito, who’s been beside us and our team since Day 1. If it wasn’t for him, I don’t know how we’d be making it through this long break the way we have. We’ve still got to pay rent and all our bills. He’s been right there besides us making sure we’re taken care of and ready to go back racing when we do hit the track again. That’s what’s so cool about this. You’re only as good as the people you surround yourself with. And I think that’s why this IceBox Pickup Throwdown Series is going to succeed and do well because we’ve got so many great people involved in it.
ICEBOX PICKUP THROWDOWN VIEWERS GUIDE: APRIL 23, 2020
JORDAN ANDERSON RACING WOULD LIKE TO THANK ALL OF OUR SPONSORS & NASCAR FANS FOR SUPPORTING US DURING THESE UNPRECEDENTED TIMES.
Your support means more than you know.
WELDING AND METALWORKING
WELDING AND METALWORKING
WE CANNOT WAIT TO GET BACK TO NOT ONLY RACING,
BUT ALSO REPRESENTING THE PARTNERS WHO MAKE OUR RACE TEAM GO!
CREDITS
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: AARON LEHMANN, JUSTIN HAND, MARK MORALES OFFICE MANAGER: DENNIS FASONE
EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT
STREAMING LIVE
THURSDAY, APRIL 23RD | 8:00 PM
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.
WATCH ON PODIUM ESPORTS AND OUT OF THE GROOVE EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
ae-engine.com/digital-creators-network/ 0 1 6
ICEBOX PICKUP THROWDOWN VIEWERS GUIDE: APRIL 23, 2020
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.