Speedway 660 management is thrilled to announce two-time and defending NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champion Ben Rhodes has filed an entry into the 24th Annual Yard Gear 250 presented by Valvoline Motor Oil on Sunday, September 1st 2024.
Rhodes, who drives the #99 Ford F-150 for Thorsport Racing, is an accomplished competitor on the NASCAR national level, with Craftsman Truck Series championships in 2021 and 2023 along with seven career victories. Rhodes has also competed for JR Motorsports in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and has dabbled at the top-level NASCAR Cup Series, but his roots come from short track racing. Rhodes found success at each rung up the ladder – from Karting to Bandoleros, to Legends, and ultimately in the Late Model ranks prior to capturing the NASCAR ARCA East Series championship in 2014.
Taking it back to my short track roots, Canada here we come!??
Excited to announce that I will be entering the Speedway 660 24th Annual Yard Gear 250 presented by Valvoline Oil. Come meet me in New Brunswick on Sunday September 1, 2024. https://t.co/1f3P5YXzv3
— Ben Rhodes (@benrhodes) June 4, 2024
With a passion and talent for short track racing, Rhodes is ready to take on the challenge Speedway 660 and the Yard Gear 250 has to offer.
“Over the last several years I’ve had a lot of fun racing in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series but my roots are found in short track racing and I’ve really been missing it,” said Rhodes.
“So naturally when Brent [Roy] gave me the call it was a no-brainer. Speedway 660 obviously puts on some fantastic racing and should be a really good time! Besides racing for the win at this marquee event, I’m really excited to spend some time with my Canadian friends and hopefully meet some new fans.”
Rhodes joins a list of NASCAR talent to compete in the Yard Gear 250. Past NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champions Ron Hornaday Jr and Johnny Benson are alumni of the event, as is two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Terry Labonte, Daytona 500 champion Sterling Marlin, and multi-time NASCAR winner Jimmy Spencer. One season ago, Stewart Friesen was the star driver to enter the event, but a mechanical failure while running in the top five cut his race short.
Rhodes won’t be coming alone in his efforts to win the Yard Gear 250. In fact, a championship duo will be reunited in effort to add another big win to their resume, as Rhodes championship crew chief Rich Lushes will join him on the trek north of the border to compete.
When asked about being joined by Lushes, Ben commented “We’ve won a lot of races and a couple championships together, and we’re looking forward to hopefully adding another one to our resume”
Attracting the top Late Model competitors across Atlantic Canada and the Northeast, the Yard Gear 250 is a $ 15,000-to-win event with a total purse exceeding $80,000. Widely regarded as one of the richest and most prestigious races in the region, this marquee event is a bucket list event for every driver to win, and for every fan to attend. The addition of Rhodes to the roster for 2024 further solidifies the hype and sets the stage for what could be the biggest running of the event to date.
“The field for the 24th Annual Yard Gear 250 is looking stout already, and we’re still 3 months away,” said Speedway 660 Race Director Brent Roy. “We’ve been working our tails off in the background here at Speedway 660 over the offseason to make this event one of the biggest in the country, and with the addition of two-time NASCAR Champion Ben Rhodes, the bar just got raised again.”
Lyle Bongards RV Sales – a presenting sponsor of SpeedWeekend 2024 – will be a presenting sponsor in Rhodes entry into the Yard Gear 250. There is still room for additional marketing partners to join the team for Ben Rhodes entry – a great opportunity for any company or organization to be represented by a multi-time NASCAR champion.
Lyle Bongards RV Sales SpeedWeekend 2024 runs from Friday, August 30th, 2024 to Sunday, September 1st, 2024, with the $15,000 to win 24th Annual Yard Gear 250 presented by Valvoline Motor Oil capping off the weekend in dramatic style. One year ago, Dave O’Blenis (#48) muscled the win away from Ryan Messer (#1) on the race’s final restart to pick up his second 250 win, 21 years after his first.
Ticket and camping information will be available soon, but is sure to be in high demand for SpeedWeekend 2024! Fans are encouraged to stay tuned to speedway660.com and Speedway 660 on Facebook for all information on Lyle Bongards RV Sales SpeedWeekend.
For the third year in a row, all three days of Lyle Bongards RV Sales SpeedWeekend will be broadcast on FloRacing. Live flag-to-flag coverage of all the action will be available to all FloRacing subscribers.
About Speedway 660:
Speedway 660 is one of Canada’s premier stock car racing facilities. Located in New Brunswick’s Fredericton region, it has attracted race teams and fans from the Maritimes, New England and Quebec since 1994. The Speedway 660 racing season runs from mid May until late September. SpeedWeekend, one of the most prestigious short track events in eastern North America, is the marquee event of the Speedway 660 season on Labour Day Weekend.
About Yard Gear:
Yard Gear, under new ownership, is a locally owned and operated outdoor adventure and equipment retailer. With a hands-on family friendly approach, Yard Gear has become a haven for outdoor enthusiasts seeking quality gear and expert advice. Located at 9 Greenview Drive in Hanwell, New Brunswick, Yard Gear sells and services equipment from Bobcat, Husqvarna, Stihl, Ariens and much more! Visit YardGear.ca to learn more or find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/countonyardgear.
About Valvoline:
Valvoline Inc. is a leading worldwide marketer and supplier of premium branded lubricants and automotive services, with sales in more than 140 countries. Established in 1866, the company’s heritage spans more than 150 years, during which time it has developed powerful brand recognition across multiple product and service channels.
-Speedway 660 Release
-Photo credit: Jonathan McCoy, TobyChristie.com
