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Snowball Derby Practice Results on December 5, 2024

2024-12-05

The 2024 Snowball Derby has truly come alive in the vibrant city of Pensacola, Florida. Late Model drivers are now gearing up and taking those crucial practice laps on the half-mile track of Five Flags Speedway. This event is not just a race; it's a spectacle that showcases the skills and determination of these talented drivers. Let's dive into the details and explore the action on the track.

Uncover the Speeds and Stories of the 2024 Snowball Derby

Practice 1: The Initial Heat

During the first practice session, the drivers were all vying for that perfect lap time. Derek Thorn set a time of 16.508, closely followed by Chandler Smith with 16.521. Buddy Sheppard was not far behind with 16.530, and Haeden Plybon added to the competition with 16.536. Cole Butcher also made his mark with a time of 16.568, and Brent Crews followed with 16.582. Kaden Honeycutt, Jermy Doss, Giovanni Ruggiero, Michael Hinde, Bubba Pollard, Ty Majeski, Jake Garcia, Kole Raz, Jake Finch, Sammy Smith, Jace Hansen, Carson Kvapil, Timothy Watson, Conner Jones, Bill VanMater, Dawson Sutton, Stephen Nasse, Michael Scott, David Gilliland, Matthew Craig, Vito Cancilla, Dylan Fetcho, William Sawalich, Connor Okrzesik, Derek Kraus, Dustin Smith, John Bolen, and Nick Loden all contributed to the intense competition. Each driver was pushing their limits and showing what they were made of.

Practice 2: The Intense Battle Continues

In the second practice session, the competition heated up even more. Chandler Smith took the lead with a blistering time of 16.498, followed closely by Ty Majeski with 16.516. Derek Thorn was not to be outdone, setting a time of 16.526. Dawson Sutton also joined the top ranks with the same time. Kaden Honeycutt continued to perform well with 16.553, and Cole Butcher maintained his pace with 16.580. Haeden Plybon added to the excitement with 16.609, and Jace Hansen showed his skills with 16.643. Giovanni Ruggiero, Michael Hinde, Nicholas Naugle, Jake Finch, Dylan Fetcho, Billy VanMater, Bubba Pollard, Treyten Lapcevich, David Gilliland, Conner Jones, Timothy Watson, Sammy Smith, Carson Kvapil, John Bolen, Jeremy Doss, Kasey Kleyn, William Sawalich, Vito Cancilla, Caden Kvapil, Conner Okrzesik, Kyle Steckly, Michael Scott, Matthew Craig, Stephen Nasse, Cayden Lapcevich, Noah Gragson, Jake Garcia, Buddy Shepherd, Kole Raz, Brent Crews, Derek Kraus, Nick Loden, Luke Fenhaus, and Dustin Smith all continued to battle it out on the track. Each driver was giving it their all, and the times were getting closer and closer.

Major shifts are underway at Kaulig Racing as the NASCAR Cup and Xfinity Series team unveils alterations to its competition leadership. Mike Cook, a former lead engineer at Stewart-Haas Racing with drivers like Kurt Busch, Aric Almirola, and Chase Briscoe, is now joining Kaulig Racing as Technical Director. This move marks a significant step in the team's growth and development.

The Impact of Mike Cook's Arrival

After a decade of honing his skills, Mike Cook is excited to contribute to Kaulig Racing's ongoing success. As the winner of the 2017 Daytona 500, he brings a wealth of experience and expertise. "Nothing in racing happens overnight," he said. "But with the tools and support at Kaulig Racing, I'm confident I can make an immediate impact." His leadership is expected to bring a new level of innovation and performance to the team.

The Technical Director's Role

The Technical Director plays a crucial role in a racing team, overseeing the technical aspects and ensuring the cars are optimized for performance. Mike Cook will be responsible for developing and implementing strategies to enhance the team's competitiveness. His experience at Stewart-Haas Racing has equipped him with the knowledge and skills needed to handle the challenges of NASCAR racing. He will work closely with the drivers and the rest of the team to achieve the best possible results.

AJ Allmendinger's New Crew Chief

AJ Allmendinger has a new crew chief for the upcoming NASCAR Cup Series season. Andrew Dickenson, a former Richard Childress Racing engineer, has moved over to Kaulig Racing and been named crew chief for Ty Dillon's No. 10 team. Dickenson developed his motorsports acumen in the Australian V8 Supercars Super2 Series and within the United States. His recent work with Kaulig Racing's technical alliance partner Richard Childress Racing has given him valuable insights into the sport. "Andrew has the demeanor and stability that I think will give Ty the best opportunity he has ever had at the Cup level," said Mike Cook. "Both drivers are hungry and dedicated, and I'm confident this team will be strong in 2025."

Trent Owens' Return

Further changes to the pit box include long-time crew chief Trent Owens reuniting with AJ Almendinger as he makes his return to the NASCAR Cup Series. Last season, Almendinger raced in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and qualified for the Championship 4 in Phoenix. Owens has over 20 years of experience in motorsports and his teams have achieved significant success, winning one NASCAR Cup Series race, five NASCAR Xfinity Series races, and one NASCAR Craftsman race. His return is expected to bring stability and continuity to the team.

The Team's Debut

The revamped Kaulig Racing team will make its track debut on February 2, 2025, during the NASCAR Clash at Bowman in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The green flag is scheduled to drop at 8:00 p.m. (ET), marking the beginning of a new era for the team. With a talented competition leadership group in place, Kaulig Racing is poised to make a strong showing on the track and compete for championships in the coming years.

The ribbon has been ceremoniously cut on the initial of three electric car charging stations set to open this month within the state of Texas. This significant milestone marks a crucial step forward in the transition to electric mobility. These charging stations, strategically located between Amarillo and Lubbock along with the two others, have been made possible through the substantial funding provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal that was enacted three years ago. Luke Metzger from the group Environment Texas firmly believes that this development will likely have a positive impact on Tesla sales. He emphasizes that one of the main reasons why more drivers haven't made the switch to electric cars is the limited availability of charging stations. ERCOT projects that within the next four years, there will be an impressive one million electric cars on the roads across the state. A total of 84 fast charging stations are set to open, providing much-needed infrastructure for electric vehicle owners. With these charging stations coming online, it is expected to encourage more drivers to embrace electric mobility and contribute to a greener future. The opening of these stations not only addresses a key concern for potential electric car buyers but also plays a vital role in reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable transportation. As more charging stations are established, the convenience and accessibility of electric vehicles will continue to improve, making it an increasingly attractive option for consumers. These charging stations will serve as a vital link in the electric vehicle ecosystem, facilitating longer journeys and providing peace of mind to electric car owners. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal has truly laid the foundation for a more sustainable transportation future in Texas.

Transforming Texas with Electric Car Charging Stations

Location and Funding

The first electric car charging station, located between Amarillo and Lubbock, is part of a larger initiative funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal. This deal three years ago has paved the way for the establishment of these essential charging stations across the state. The strategic placement of these stations ensures that electric car owners have convenient access to charging facilities, enabling them to travel with ease.

With the support of this significant infrastructure investment, Texas is taking a major step towards a more sustainable future. The availability of charging stations will not only encourage more people to consider electric cars but also help to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and lower carbon emissions.

Impact on Tesla Sales

Luke Metzger from Environment Texas highlights the potential impact of these charging stations on Tesla sales. He argues that the lack of charging infrastructure has been a significant barrier for many potential electric car buyers. However, with the opening of these stations, more drivers are likely to be motivated to make the switch to Tesla and other electric vehicles.

The increased availability of charging stations will provide peace of mind to Tesla owners and make long-distance travel more feasible. This, in turn, is expected to lead to a boost in Tesla sales and further accelerate the adoption of electric cars in Texas.

ERCOT Projections and Future Outlook

ERCOT's projections indicate that there will be one million electric cars on the roads in Texas within the next four years. This significant growth in electric vehicle usage poses both challenges and opportunities for the state's transportation system.

The opening of 84 fast charging stations across the state is a crucial step in meeting the growing demand for charging infrastructure. These stations will play a vital role in supporting the expansion of the electric vehicle market and ensuring that electric cars can be used for daily commuting and long-distance travel.

As Texas continues to embrace electric mobility, it is essential to continue investing in charging infrastructure and promoting sustainable transportation options. With the right policies and infrastructure in place, Texas can lead the way in the transition to a greener future.