NASCAR Rant Report - Friday, April 4th

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Major headlines out of Wednesday and Thursday:

Previewing Throwback Weekend at Darlington
Raven's Quarterback Lamar Jackson Sues Dale Jr.
Connor Zilisch to Coca-Cola 600

Plus, miscellaneous topics so far this week.

Previewing Throwback Weekend at Darlington:

Darlington Raceway is set to host NASCAR's annual Throwback Weekend, a celebration of the sport's rich history. This event features drivers and teams showcasing vintage paint schemes and uniforms, paying homage to iconic moments and figures in NASCAR.

Most drivers will honor legendary figures with their throwback schemes, here are a few. Austin Cindric's car will feature a design reminiscent of Dale Earnhardt's 1979 and 1980 seasons, while Noah Gragson's car will pay tribute to Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s first NASCAR start. Kyle Larson's scheme mirrors Terry Labonte's car from his 2003 Southern 500 victory, and Chase Elliott's car honors Ken Schrader's early 1990s Hendrick Motorsports vehicle. Other tributes include Ty Dillon's homage to Patty Moise's 1989 Daytona car, Denny Hamlin's nod to Carl Edwards' mid-2000s car, and Ryan Blaney's tribute to his father's 2006 Xfinity race win at Charlotte.

The weekend will also feature the Xfinity Series race on Saturday, with Cup drivers Chase Elliott, Ross Chastain, and Christopher Bell participating. Christopher Bell is currently the betting favorite for the Xfinity Race, and Kyle Larson is currently the betting favorite for the Cup race.

Check out our Source Materials Page for more on this topic.

Want some non-AI content? Check out the previous Editorial:
Motorsports ‘Hot or Not’ – Saturday, March 15th

Raven's Quarterback Lamar Jackson Sues Dale Jr.:

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has filed a notice of opposition against Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s attempt to trademark a stylized version of the number 8. Jackson, who has trademarked "Era 8" and "Era 8 by Lamar Jackson" for various merchandise, argues that Earnhardt Jr.'s trademark application could cause confusion and falsely imply a connection between the two athletes. Jackson's legal team contends that Earnhardt Jr.'s registration would infringe on Jackson's established rights and negatively impact his brand.

Earnhardt Jr. has been associated with the number 8 since the late 1990s, when he raced for Dale Earnhardt Inc. (DEI), the team owned by his father. After his father's death in 2001, Earnhardt Jr. left DEI in 2007 due to conflicts with his stepmother, Teresa Earnhardt, who controlled the team and the trademark rights to the number 8. Teresa allowed the trademark to expire last year, prompting Earnhardt Jr. to file for the rights.

Jackson's opposition is not the first time he has taken legal action to protect his brand. Last year, he filed a similar opposition against NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman, who attempted to trademark the word "Eight." Both disputes are ongoing and will be heard by the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB).

Trademark attorney Josh Gerben suggests that it is unlikely any athlete will gain exclusive control over the number 8, given its common use in sports. He predicts that Jackson, Earnhardt Jr., and Aikman will each be granted slightly different trademarks, allowing them to coexist in the marketplace.

Check out our Source Materials Page for more on this topic.

Connor Zilisch to Coca-Cola 600:

Connor Zilisch will make his second NASCAR Cup Series start in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 25. Zilisch will drive the No. 87 Chevrolet with Red Bull as the primary sponsor. His first Cup Series race was at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in March, where he qualified 14th but finished 37th after a collision with teammate Daniel Suarez.

Zilisch expressed excitement about racing in the prestigious Coca-Cola 600, acknowledging the physical and mental challenges of the event. He is grateful for the support from Trackhouse Racing owner Justin Marks and Red Bull for making this opportunity possible.

Check out our Source Materials Page for more on this topic.

Miscellaneous:

Todd Gilliland Throwback Announcement: Todd Gilliland will honor NASCAR legend Ray Fox during the Throwback Weekend at Darlington Raceway. Gilliland's No. 34 team, with the support of Carl Ruedebusch, chose to pay tribute to Fox, an influential engine builder and car owner in NASCAR history. Fox's legacy continues through his descendants, who remain active in the sport.

Jeb Burton Sponsorship Deal: OnderLaw, a St. Louis-based personal injury law firm, will sponsor Jeb Burton's No. 27 Chevrolet for two NASCAR Xfinity Series races with Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport. The partnership will begin at the "Grant Park 165" in Chicago on July 5 and continue at World Wide Technology Raceway on September 6. Both organizations expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, highlighting their shared values and commitment to making a difference.

TRICON Garage Sponsorship Deal: TRICON Garage has announced a partnership with Call Before You Dig Inc. (CBYD) and Manafort Brothers for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series debut at Lime Rock Park. CBYD, a non-profit promoting excavation safety, will sponsor Toni Breidinger's No. 5 Toyota Tundra. Breidinger, known for her record-breaking achievements in the ARCA Menards Series, expressed excitement about making her road course debut in the Truck Series with the support of enthusiastic partners.

Kyle Petty Charity Ride: The 29th Anniversary Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America will commence on May 3 in Michigan, covering 1,400 miles to raise awareness and funds for Victory Junction, a camp for children with serious medical conditions. The ride, which has raised over $22 million, will travel through several states, including Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, with stops at notable landmarks like Niagara Falls. Kyle Petty emphasized the joy of visiting American landmarks and the positive impact on the children at Victory Junction.

Check out our Source Materials Page for more on these topics.

Thumbnail image credits on our Source Materials Page.

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