Driver Lineup and Expectations
In Daytona, the team will welcome back familiar faces. Cedric Sbirrazzuoli and Giacomo Altoe will return to the Ferrari team. Sbirrazzuoli will maintain his role in the Michelin Endurance Cup, while Altoe is set to compete only in Daytona.Team owner and former racer Eric Bachelart expressed his excitement, stating, "We've had remarkable success in 2024, with victories alongside Daniel [Serra] and Giacomo [Altoe], as well as multiple podiums with Manny [Franco] and Cedric [Sbirrazzuoli]. Manny and I had a well-thought-out two-year plan - to learn in the first year and aim for wins in the second. Exceeding those expectations has only intensified our determination. We're highly motivated and ready to battle for the championship in 2025. I can't wait to kick off the season at Daytona!"Serra, who primarily drove in the Michelin Endurance Cup races for Risi Competizione in the GTD Pro class, shared his enthusiasm. He said in a press release, "IMSA is one of my favorite championships, and doing the full season in 2025 will be an amazing experience! I'm excited to join Conquest Racing full-time after the great moments we shared together in 2024."Serra's achievements in IMSA include claiming class honors in the Rolex 24 at Daytona and finishing second at both Sebring and Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta. He also joined Conquest Racing for two races in their part-time No. 35 Ferrari, achieving a class victory on the 4.048-mile road course at Road America.For Franco, he continues to grow as a driver in his third year with the Ferrari 296 GT3 (second in IMSA). He stated, "I'm excited to continue competing in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship with Conquest Racing for another year. We achieved some impressive results last year, and we're determined to build on that and set the stage for a successful 2025 season. Our focus is always on improvement, and we're committed to consistently challenging for podiums and victories."Franco was paired with Albert Costa for the full 2024 schedule. The team secured a class victory in the Motul Petit Le Mans at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta and had additional podium finishes at Daytona and Watkins Glen. They ended the season in fourth place in the GTD points.Sbirrazzuoli made his first IMSA starts since 2017. Back then, he drove a Lamborghini for Enrico Bertaggia's Dream Racing. His two-year stint with the team was not highly successful, with a sixth-place finish at Road Atlanta in 2016 being his best result.Altoe has only three career starts in WeatherTech. Before his victorious one-off at Road America, his previous starts were in the Rolex 24 at Daytona in 2019 and 2022.Conquest Racing's 2025 lineup and achievements showcase the team's determination and growth in the IMSA championship. With a mix of experienced and new drivers, they are poised to make their mark on the track in the coming year.Unveiling Richard Childress Racing's 2025 NASCAR Plans
Expansion to a Three-Car Team
Richard Childress Racing will be taking a big step forward in 2025 by adding a third car to their lineup. This expansion will allow them to compete in more races and showcase their capabilities on the NASCAR stage. It is a strategic move that aims to strengthen their presence in the sport and provide more opportunities for their drivers and crew.In the past few seasons, the team has been focused on building a strong foundation, and now they are ready to take it to the next level. The addition of the third car will bring new challenges and opportunities, and the team is excited to embrace them.The Crew Chief Changes
One of the key aspects of this expansion is the crew chief changes. Andy Street, who first signed with RCR in 2003, is being promoted to the crew chief for the new entry. He has extensive experience in the sport and has been a valuable asset to the team. In the last three seasons, he has been the crew chief of the No. 21 Xfinity Series car, and now he will have the chance to gain NextGen experience and contribute to the Cup Series program.Chad Haney will take over as the crew chief of the No. 21 car for 2025. He is already well-suited for this new position, given his recent experience as the head mechanic liaison between RCR and their alliance partners. He is known for his attention to detail and his ability to build trust and camaraderie with the team. Working with Danny Stockman, a great mentor for young drivers, he is expected to lead the No. 21 car to success.Danny Lawrence will continue to provide leadership to the Xfinity program and help build RCR for the future. His experience and expertise will be crucial in ensuring the continued growth and success of the team.The Drivers for the Third Cup Entry
The third Cup entry will be driven by several drivers, adding an element of excitement and competition. This allows the team to have flexibility and give different drivers the opportunity to showcase their skills in the NASCAR Cup Series. It also provides a platform for young talent to develop and make a name for themselves in the sport.Richard Childress Racing is committed to providing a platform for drivers to grow and succeed. The addition of the third car and the various drivers will help them achieve this goal and continue to make their mark in NASCAR.In conclusion, Richard Childress Racing's 2025 three-car team expansion is a significant development for the team and the NASCAR community. With the leadership changes and the talented drivers, the team is poised for success in the upcoming season. They will be looking to build on their past achievements and make a lasting impact on the sport.Experience Unparalleled Charging and Relaxation at the Rivian Outpost
Charging Facilities
The outpost boasts 12 powerful 900-volt 300kW CCS chargers, accessible to all EVs. While Teslas require an adapter, this provides a convenient charging option. There is a dedicated pullthrough spot for those with trailers, although longer rigs might face a tight turn if other cars are charging across the lot. Rivian owners can use the app or tap their credit cards at the charger, paying 46 cents per kWh. Non-Rivian cars can also tap their cards and pay 60 cents per kWh. The electricity comes from the local grid, and Rivian ensures a sustainable energy source by matching delivered charger kWh with energy derived from solar, wind, and non-dam hydropower through a partnership with Emrgy.
Emrgy places turbines in existing irrigation canals to provide continuous renewable energy without disrupting rivers and creeks. This commitment to sustainability adds to the appeal of the Rivian outpost.
The Experience
Upon entering the outpost, one is greeted by a charming conversation pit with Jenga and lovely coffee table books. Local products are available for sale, along with free coffee from Joshua Tree Coffee Company. Although not a coffee drinker myself, others have praised the quality. Snacks and drinks, such as roasted garlic Spanish white anchovies, lemon caper mackerel, organic crackers, and pesto, can be purchased. It's the perfect setup for a bougie charcuterie board. Even the sodas are organic.
There is a delightful deck off the back door with beautiful landscaping and a play area for both adults and kids. While not fully completed when visited, it will soon feature hammocks and playground equipment. The highlight is a four-foot-high boulder with rock climbing holds for the little ones to enjoy. From the deck, one can admire the stunning view of the Mojave Desert, with its chollas and Joshua trees.
For those interested in testing out a Rivian, the outpost offers this opportunity. An Adventure Lab is also available to educate consumers about the vehicles and will serve as a meeting place for future classes and seminars. All indoor spaces are air-conditioned, a necessity in the scorching summer heat, and there is ample outdoor shade space.
Future Adventuring
The charging station greatly enhances off-roading in Rivians. Joshua Tree is surrounded by vast open desert with various terrains, from rock crawling to soft sand. The national park also offers off-road trails that are truly beautiful. The R1T performs exceptionally well here, even without mechanical differential lockers or a low range.
Rivian plans to open more outposts in Texas, Colorado, Illinois, Montana, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and New York. This expansion opens up the possibility of exciting Rivian road trips, with practical charging stations along the way where one can enjoy a soda, use the restroom, and assemble a trendy charcuterie board.