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Motorsport.com has reported that Daytona International Speedway has paved the backstretch grass area where Ryan Preece flipped his No. 41 Ford during the 2023 Coke Zero Sugar 400.
The new paved area which focused on the entrance to bus stop used in the 12-turn, 3.56-mile road course layout was completed in time for an IMSA test this week at the track. According to a NASCAR spokesperson, the paved area begins in the area to drivers’ left on the backstretch from where the grass began entering the chicane to the exit of the chicane. During the August Cup race, as the field exited Turn 2 on lap 156 of the scheduled 160-lap race, the driver Erik Jonesappeared to turn Preece’s No. 41 Ford, which darted across the track and collected the No. 14 Ford of his Stewart-Haas Racing team-mate Chase Briscoe.Preece’s No. 41 Ford slid on the grass island and asphalt near the entrance of the chicane used on the road course, then onto the larger grass area on the backstretch, where the car went airborne. The car flipped nearly a dozen times before coming to a violent stop on its wheels. Preece was held in a local hospital overnight for observation but released the next day and raced the following weekend. In the weeks following the accident, NASCAR’s vice president of competition, Elton Sawyer, said removal of the grass around the area of Preece’s accident was under consideration. In recent years, several drivers have advocated the removal of grass areas at tracks close to the racing surface which they contend contribute to violent wrecks. -Motorsport.com The search for the next president of historic Watkins Glen International ended close to home, as long-time Corning Incorporated director and lifelong Southern Tier resident Dawn Burlew was named the first woman to hold the position, the track today announced.
Burlew was born in nearby Elmira and graduated from Horseheads High School before attending Cazenovia College and Keuka College in New York. She then launched her professional career at Corning Inc. Most recently, Burlew served as Director Government Affairs and Director Business Development at the multinational technology company based in nearby Corning, New York. Retiring from Corning Inc. after 40 years, she brings a passion and commitment to the region in her new role at her home track.“Part of my fabric is the community here in the Southern Tier and I’m proud to represent the region as the next president of Watkins Glen International,” said Burlew. “My personal and professional lives have often brought me to The Glen, including when Corning was involved with the ownership of the track. I have a tool chest of skills that I know will be beneficial to WGI and NASCAR, allowing me to contribute to the team from day one.” While at Corning Inc., Burlew led the company’s New York State government affairs strategic network and advocacy initiatives to support, promote and advance corporate and regional economic sustainability. Her ties to the motorsports community already extend to serving as a member of the governing council of the International Motor Racing Research Center located in the Village of Watkins Glen. She also serves as a board member of several other regional committees including the Business Council of New York State, Chemung County Chamber, and Southern Tier Regional Economic Development Council. “No one knows the region better or brings more devotion to our community around Watkins Glen International than Dawn,” said Chip Wile, Senior Vice President and Chief Track Properties Officer at NASCAR. “Her authentic connection to the business and governmental communities in New York State will allow her to grow The Glen through its next phase as one of the premier racing facilities in the country.”Burlew will assume her new responsibilities at Watkins Glen International on Jan. 3, 2024. In 2023, Watkins Glen International posted its eighth consecutive grandstand sellout for the Go Bowling at The Glen NASCAR Cup Series race. In early August, the track also announced a complete infield camping sellout – the earliest in recent years. For the 2024 season, the NASCAR Cup Series Go Bowling at The Glen race adds intensity to the weekend as it moves to the Playoffs for the first time in history. The previous two years the race was the penultimate in the regular season, helping to set the field for the Cup Series Playoffs. Tickets for events during the 2024 season at Watkins Glen International – including the IMSA Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen and the NASCAR Go Bowling at The Glen weekends – as well as the full event schedule, are available by calling 1-866-461-RACE or visiting TheGlen.com. -Watkins Glen International
WHEN:
Tickets go on sale today, Thursday, Dec. 7. WHERE: Tickets and camping can be purchased at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com with prices starting at $49. Tickets for children ages 12 and under begin at $10. Fans can also purchase Fanzone/ Pre-Race passes to experience race day up close with exclusive access to the ballfield, pre-race concert, driver introductions and more. MORE DETAILS: With only 16 playoffs spots available, the Coke Zero Sugar 400 is one of the last chances for drivers to fight their way into the post season, with the August NASCAR race weekend at Daytona International Speedway being the penultimate race of the 2024 regular season. In 2023, Chris Beuscher’s victory was enough to send Bubba Wallace through to the Round of 16 based on his points position, earning his first-ever post-season appearance. With only one race separating Daytona from the Playoffs, drivers will look to secure a victory at the famed track. -Daytona International Speedway |