Matt Mills - North Carolina Education Lottery 200 Race Preview
Event: North Carolina Education Lottery 200 (134 laps / 201 miles)
Round: 11 of 25 (Regular Season)
Track: Charlotte Motor Speedway
Location: Concord, North Carolina
Date & Time: Friday, May 23 | 8:30 PM ET
Tune-In: FOX Sports 1 | NASCAR Racing Network (NRN) | SiriusXM Ch. 90
- Niece Motorsports Charlotte Stats: Since 2017, Niece drivers have made 23 combined starts at the 1.5-mile Charlotte Motor Speedway. The team has accrued four top-fives and eight top-10 results over the years, including a race win in 2022 with Ross Chastain.
- Supporting a Great Cause: As Memorial Day nears, Niece Motorsports is actively raising funds for Wreaths Across America - a charitable organization that remembers the fallen, honors those who serve, and teaches children the value of freedom. To contribute to the cause, please visit this link.
No. 42 J.F. Electric / Utilitra Chevrolet Silverado RST
Driver: Matt Mills | Crew Chief: Mike Shiplett
- Mills' Charlotte Stats: Matt Mills has competed in four NCTS races held at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Last year, Mills earned his best-career finish at the 1.5-mile track with an impressive fourth-place result. Mills has also made four NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) starts at this track with a best finish of 20th.
- Shiplett's Charlotte Stats: Mike Shiplett has called one prior NCTS race at Charlotte, where he finished 14th last year with Bret Holmes. Shiplett has visited victory lane on two occasions here, first in 2007 with Kasey Kahne and second in 2017 with Alex Bowman - both in NXS competition. In 11 NXS starts, his drivers earned three top-fives and five top-10 results. Shiplett has also competed in 11 Cup Series races at the track, finishing as high as fifth in 2011.
- On the Truck: Mills’ No. 42 Chevrolet Silverado RST will race with support from longtime partners J.F. Electric and Utilitra, who will serve as his anchor partners for the entire 25-race season.
- Patriotic Paint Scheme: Mills' truck will sport a new look on Friday's race as the team unveils a patriotic-themed version of the J.F. Electric / Utilitra Chevrolet. With bright, shining stars draped down the sides and carrying onto the bed tops, this paint scheme stands out from the crowd.
- Recapping North Wilkesboro: Matt Mills and the No. 42 team fought hard at North Wilkesboro, but weren't able to get the finish they had hoped for. Mills started the 250-lap race in 16th, but slid back early. After taking the wave-around, the team got back onto the lead lap in the middle of the race, but lacked track position to go forward. Mills crossed the finish line in 25th-place.
- Points Rundown: Mills remains in 18th-place in the championship points standings following North Wilkesboro. Heading into race 11 at Charlotte, Mills is only two points behind Connor Mosack in 17th, with a one-point gap above Dawson Sutton in 19th.
- Quoting Mills: You earned your best-career finish in this race last year, so how is your confidence level coming back?
“Charlotte has always been one of my favorite tracks. I’ve felt that we have always had speed whenever we race at this track, whether that be in trucks or Xfinity cars. I enjoy racing close to home, and it’s always a big weekend for Niece Motorsports on Memorial Day weekend. Since it’s such a special week, there’s extra motivation for sure. Being that it is one of my favorites, I have more confidence going into it, and that’s one of the biggest tools to help us.”
About Niece Motorsports: Niece Motorsports is a professional auto racing team founded by United States Marine Corps Veteran Al Niece. In 2025, the team celebrates its 10th consecutive season competing in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series (NCTS) where it fields the Nos. 41, 42, 44 and 45. Since its founding in 2016, Niece Motorsports has garnered nine wins, 50+ top-fives, 100+ top-10s, 200+ top-15 finishes and made five playoff appearances. At its 80,000 sq. ft. headquarters in Salisbury, NC, Niece Motorsports is a trusted build shop for the Chevrolet Silverados of multiple NCTS teams as well as a customizable fabrication shop for any manufacturing needs.
Follow the Team: To keep up to date with the latest team news, visit niecemotorsports.com or connect on Facebook and Instagram (@NieceMotorsports) as well as X (@NieceMotorsport).
About J.F. Electric: J.F. Electric is an electrical contractor that provides engineering expertise, backed by construction and installation know-how in a diverse range of service offerings, from utilities and commercial projects, to industrial and telecommunications customers. When having a long family history in an industry, a company not only builds on its knowledge and experience, it takes pride in cultivating a solid understanding of client needs, all the while nurturing strong relationships with its employees. Evolving through five generations of the Fowler family, J.F. Electric has matured into a well-managed and thoughtfully diversified electrical contractor which is poised to continue its growth and expansion into the future.
About Utilitra: Utilitra is a woman-owned firm specializing in utility and technology solutions with a diverse team of specialized professionals. Utilitra is committed to solving their client’s unique challenges, whether one expert or a team of experts is needed. By adapting to the needs of their respective industries, Utilitra has built a range of services for their utility and technology partners.
