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JR Motorsports Mooresville NC

JR Motorsports is the professional race team co-owned by NASCAR Hall of Fame member and 15-time Most Popular Driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kelley Earnhardt Miller and NASCAR Hall of Famer Rick Hendrick. The company operates out of a 66,000-square-foot facility that serves as the nucleus of Earnhardt Jr.’s racing, marketing and business interests. For guided tours, email [email protected] with your name, number of people in your party, and the date/time you would like the tour. Please allow 24-48 hours for a confirmation.

• Parking: Free
• Tours: Guided

349 Cayuga Drive Mooresville, NC 28117

(704) 799-4800 www.jrmracing.com [email protected]

Local Information

Mooresville convention & visitors bureau.

Ends: 6/15/2024

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(704) 799-4800 - www.jrmracing.com

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Dj wayne adventures is now nascar race shops.

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Race Shop Tours Inc - Things You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Custom, Private Race Shop Tours

When in Charlotte, the Stock Car capital of the universe, you may want a personalized and custom tour of the race shops and other NASCAR related attractions.

Our intimate tours allow you to see sights you’re not likely to see with other tour companies.

Start your engine! We put you in the driver’s seat. You’ll see more, tour at your own pace, and travel with your own friends and family.

We can help you design your tour so you see what you want but don’t miss  some of the other good stuff.

Get more bang for your buck. All day race tour is $150.00 per carload. (Leave room for the tour guide.) We can begin and end the tour on your schedule (up until it gets dark).

For the nuts and bolts, call 704-565-9361, or email: [email protected] .

Refund policy: 50% with 48 hours to 2 week notice of cancellation; 100% with more than 2 weeks notice if paid by check; 90% with more than 2 weeks notice if paid by credit card.

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zMAX Dragway Concord

Nitro thunder returns to zMAX Dragway! Every ticket is a pit pass, so come early to see your favorite drivers and their cars up-close before a festival of 40,000 horsepower ignites the excitement!

Downtown Kannapolis Kannapolis

This local favorite festival returns to Downtown Kannapolis in 2024 for its 10th year with the smells and tastes of barbeque and fun for the entire family!

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Go behind the scenes and learn the history of local racing legends.

Share in our community’s enthusiasm for motorsports with tours of the area’s most storied racing locales. Feel the adrenaline surge by taking a tour of Charlotte Motor Speedway , complete with a trip around the legendary oval and up its 24-degree banked curves. Pay tribute to racing legend Dale Earnhardt Sr. in his hometown of Kannapolis. Or spend a full day with Garage Shop Pass Tours exploring race shops plus the NASCAR Hall of Fame and other points of pride along the way.

Pro tip: Plan your racing tours around big events and race weekends to increase your chance of spotting your favorite cars and drivers.

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Upcoming Motorsports Events

Apr 27, 2024

Autobarn classic cars concord.

Get ready for the annual AutoBarn Spring Cruise-In at Gibson Mill! Enjoy free admission and registration. All cars welcome! Expect fun, food, and friends, with door prize drawings, a 50/50 Raffle, and music by DJ Gary Walter.

Occurs Every Month

Charlotte motor speedway concord.

Fill your fuel tank and your mug, then head to “America’s Home For Racing” for Cars & Coffee Concord! On the third Saturday of each month from 8-11 a.m., join like-minded automotive enthusiasts at Charlotte Motor Speedway’s Fan Zone.

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U.s. legend cars international.

JR Motorsports provides free shop tours to its fans and visitors!

Book your tour.

Please select a date and time below. Availability is shown in the badge to the right, in case you plan to invite family or friends to the tour.

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Address 349 Cayuga Drive, Mooresville, NC 28117 Email

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877-467-4890 (toll free)

4400 Papa Joe Hendrick Blvd. Charlotte, NC 28262

Facility Map

Hendrick Motorsports is located in Concord, North Carolina, one mile from Charlotte Motor Speedway.

The campus features state-of-the-art facilities and technology, which the organization’s four NASCAR Cup Series teams employ in preparation for race day.

The team store and museum are open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET and offer a special look at the history of the 14-time NASCAR Cup Series championship-winning organization.

At this time, campus tours are not available to the public. Watch the video below to see the campus of Hendrick Motorsports like never before. 

Driving Directions

From Interstate 85:

• Take exit 49 (Bruton Smith Boulevard)
• Take Bruton Smith Boulevard east toward Charlotte Motor Speedway, 0.4 miles
• Right onto Papa Joe Hendrick Boulevard (stoplight), 0.3 miles

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RACE SHOP TOURS INC (Mooresville) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

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Project 543 tells the story of unique spots across North Carolina we hope will become some of your favorite places. Why 543? Because that’s the number of miles from Manteo, on the coast, to Murphy, in the mountains, and is traditionally considered to be the width of our state. The entries in this project are in no particular order, and we’ll add to them each week. Check in often to find inspiration for your next trip, or start planning today at VisitNC.com .

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Visit race shops for nearly every team in NASCAR

One thing reigns supreme in the Charlotte region: Racing. While the area boasts being home to Charlotte Motor Speedway , zMAX Dragway and the Kannapolis hometown of Dale Earnhardt Sr., you also can make a pit stop at a race shop for almost every team in NASCAR . Peek behind the scenes at Hendrick Motorsports near Concord and Stewart-Haas Racing in Kannapolis , among others, to see how teams prepare for race day. You may even catch a glimpse of your favorite drivers and team members. Or see winning race cars and trophies at Penske Racing and JR Motorsports in Mooresville and other memorabilia from the teams’ greatest moments. On your way out of the shops, visit the team stores to score swag ranging from hats and T-shirts to car parts used during races.

Hendrick Motorsports

Hendrick Motorsports, Papa Joe Hendrick Boulevard, Charlotte, NC

Stewart-Haas Racing

Stewart Haas Racing Inc, Haas Way, Kannapolis, NC

Penske Racing

Penske Racing, Penske Way, Mooresville, NC

JR Motorsports

JR Motorsports, Cayuga Drive, Mooresville, NC

Chip Ganassi Racing

Chip Ganassi Racing Teams, Westmoreland Drive Northwest, Concord, NC

Richard Petty Motorsports

Richard Petty Motorsports, Byers Creek Road, Mooresville, NC

Joe Gibbs Racing

Joe Gibbs Racing, Reese Boulevard West, Huntersville, NC

Roush Fenway Racing

Roush Fenway Racing Inc, Roush Place, Concord, NC

Front Row Motorsports

Front Row Motorsports, Peachtree Road, Statesville, NC

Richard Childress Racing

Richard Childress Racing Museum, Industrial Drive, Lexington, NC

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Dale Earnhardt Inc.

Tour the showroom and displays outlining the career of Dale Earnhardt. Free admission.

The Dale Earnhardt Experience culminates in the Showroom and Retail Store in Mooresville. The Showroom was a dream of Dale and Teresa’s, making the Earnhardt experience tangible to the fans.

From the First Turn, a giant wall of huge photos of the Intimidator, visitors know they’re somewhere special. All the pictures, awards (including all seven of Dale’s NASCAR Winston Cup Series Championship Trophies) and history-making cars are on display across the Showroom’s 6,000 square feet “House That Dale Built”. DEI Headquarters also houses the Corporate Offices of DEI, the Dale Earnhardt Foundation, Earnhardt Technologies Group, and many other arms of the DEI empire.

While here, you can also visit our Retail Store – a place to take a piece of the Dale experience home with you. Hand-chosen items are available for purchase – from t-shirts to collectibles and beyond, many of which are available here only.

1675 Dale Earnhardt Hwy #3, Mooresville NC

(877) DEI-ZONE

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Speedway Tours

Get a behind-the-scenes look at Charlotte Motor Speedway, The Dirt Track and zMAX Dragway! Learn the illustrious history of each track while taking in the sights and sounds of Americas Home for Racing! 

Check out our special race week tours that can take you behind the scenes of some of the most famous race teams ever or show you what the speedway looks like when it gets ready to host a NASCAR race weekend. 

Daily Tours

Fast pass tour.

ALL-NEW Fast Pass Tour puts you behind the wheel of your own vehicle taking in the sights and history of Charlotte Motor Speedway! This touchless tour keeps you and your family safe while still having an unbelievable experience. Our tour guides will lead you through an hour-long tour using your vehicle's radio.  We will meet you in the Fan Zone by the Charlotte Motor Speedway marquee, to start the tour. Tours operate rain or shine.

Price:  $50.00 per vehicle

*All tour participants under 18 years old must print, sign and bring the Parental Consent, Release and Waiver of Liability Assumption of Risk, and Indemnity Agreement.

Fast Pass Tours are open with limited availability, Monday - Friday, with our one-hour tours at 12 p.m. In keeping with guidelines set by state/local health guidelines, you will remain in the comfort and safety of your personal vehicle and tune in via your vehicle's radio to listen to your tour guide. A tour guide will lead you on an exciting tour around our facility, as you follow. During the hour-long tour, you will learn the history about the track, take a drive by the NASCAR garages, pass by the media center and view the second largest HD TV screen.  You will be able to enjoy a ride on the apron around the 1.5 mile superspeedway and a pass through Winners Circle where you will have your photo taken of you while in your car!  We will meet you in the Fan Zone by the Charlotte Motor Speedway marquee, to start the tour. Tours operate rain or shine.

Price: $50.00 per vehicle

*All tour participants under 18 years old must print, sign and bring the Parental Consent, Release and Waiver of Liability Assumption of Risk, and Indemnity Agreement. All Adults will need to print, sign and bring the Release and Waiver of Liability, Assumption of Risk and Indemnity Agreement.

Feel the Thrill Speedway Tour

Visit the NASCAR Cup Series garage area and take a ride through two infield race tracks. After you make your way down Pit Road, stop in Winner’s Circle for a photo opportunity. Learn the history of Charlotte Motor Speedway while enjoying a comfortable van ride around the Superspeedway where you will feel the full-tilt force of the 24-degree banking. Plus, visit zMAX Dragway and The Dirt Track at Charlotte on this exciting tour!  Reserve your seat by calling 704-455-3223 or visit the Tour Desk on the second floor of Smith Tower.

Price: $15.00 per person

*  All tour participants under 18 years old must have a parental waiver signed for them. Please call tour desk for details [704-455-3223]

Visit the NASCAR Cup Series garage area and take a ride through two infield race tracks. After you make your way down Pit Road, stop in Winner’s Circle for a photo opportunity. Learn the history of Charlotte Motor Speedway while enjoying a comfortable van ride around the Superspeedway where you will feel the full-tilt force of the 24-degree banking. Plus, visit zMAX Dragway and The Dirt Track at Charlotte on this exciting tour! Reserve your seat by calling 704-455-3223 or visit the Tour Desk on the second floor of Smith Tower.

Tour Length: 45 minutes to 1 hour Departure Location: Second floor of Smith Tower Please Note: All tour participants under 18 years old must have a p arental waiver signed for them. Please call tour desk for details [704-455-3223] . You are responsible for providing your own car seat for children. All on-track events are subject to track availability.

Price:   $15.00 per person

STEAM Field Trip Opportunities

Our STEAM Program offers various educational experiences for students of all ages. Fun and education come together in all of our options from the Daily program to Special Event days. Kids will engage in the principles of STEAM relating to Motorsports. Programs last approximately 3 hours. Click below for more details!

School groups may choose from one of the following options:

Option A Students will rotate through 3 interactive STEAM stations focusing on force and motion, traction and friction and speed and acceleration. Each station lasts approximately 25 minutes.

Option B Students will collaborate in teams to engineer, test and race a car. Teams will choose from various materials for the design in this 90 minute session.

Please indicate the option you choose when you reserve your date.

C lick here for additional STEAM options!

Infield Experience Tour

Experience the breathtaking view of Charlotte Motor Speedway from a 14-passenger van ride around the inside and outside of our NASCAR infield (no on-track access). Cruise around the NASCAR garages and stroll through the winner's circle with an opportunity to take photos. Tour the media center and take a walk down memory lane as you view timeless photos of CMS history.

Take advantage of this exciting opportunity today and reserve your seat in advance!

NOTE: Tour operates rain or shine. All participants will be required to sign a waiver upon arrival. Before or after your tour, you have the opportunity to enjoy lunch in our luxurious Speedway Club. Advance reservations are recommended for the Club. 704.455.3216. Gift Shop hours are 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Experience the breathtaking view of Charlotte Motor Speedway from a 14-passenger van ride around the inside and outside of our NASCAR infield (no on-track access). Cruise around the NASCAR garages and stroll through the winner's circle with an opportunity to take photos. Tour the media center and take a walk down memory lane as you view timeless photos of CMS history. Take advantage of this exciting opportunity today and reserve your seat in advance!

U-DRIVE Experience

Want to drive your own car around Charlotte Motor Speedway? This tour experience is for you! Enjoy a leisurely couple of laps around the track and the opportunity to take photos at the start/finish line. You will stay in your own car and follow the tour guide around the track. (You will not be able to pass the tour guide's vehicle or exceed 70 mph).

18+ for insurance, valid driver’s license, no convertibles. Seatbelts required.

Featured Event

Coca-Cola 600

Rev up your Memorial Day weekend with the historic 65th running of the Coca-Cola 600, NASCAR’s toughest test of man and machine!

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Diners Club Peru Open: Storylines, things to know and more

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PGA TOUR Americas continues its Latin America Swing with the Diners Club Peru Open, the fourth event of the 16-event calendar on the inaugural PGA TOUR Americas season. Los Inkas Golf Club in Lima, Peru, plays host with 500 Fortinet Cup points to the winner. The Diners Club Peru Open is the fourth of six events in the Latin America Swing, and the 141-player field features all three of the season’s tournament winners, as well as 50 of the top 60 players in the Fortinet Cup. After the season’s sixth event (Inter Rapidisimo Golf Championship, May 16-19), the top 60 players in the Fortinet Cup will be exempt into the 10-event North America Swing, beginning June 20-23 with The Beachlands Victoria Open presented by Times Colonist. Here's what you need to know for this week in Peru.

1. The race for Korn Ferry Tour cards heats up

The top 120 players on the PGA TOUR Americas Points List after 15 events will be eligible for the Fortinet Cup Championship. The top-10 players on the final 2024 Fortinet Cup Standings will earn exempt Korn Ferry Tour membership for the 2025 season. In addition, up to five conditional Korn Ferry Tour cards are available to the top two finishers in the Latin America Swing if these players do not finish in the top 10 on the final PGA TOUR Americas Points List. This event marks the fourth of six events in the Latin America swing; the third to last attempt at scoring a conditional Korn Ferry Tour card if a player doesn't receive one from the Fortinet Cup Championship. Matthew Anderson, the winner of last week’s 69th ECP Brazil Open, moved to No. 1 in the Fortinet Cup standings.

2. International talent rises

The field for the Diners Club Peru Open features 141 players from 18 countries. Twelve players hail from Argentina and 13 are from Canada (including Fortinet Cup points leader Anderson). Other countries represented include Australia, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Finland, France, Japan and Scotland.

3. Anderson's hot streak

Anderson, who won last week’s 69th ECP Brazil Open and moved to No. 1 in the Fortinet Cup standings; has posted eight consecutive rounds of par or better, tied with Joey Vrzich and Devon Bling for the longest active streak on Tour. Anderson arrives in Peru coming off the strength of his win last week and with a tie for 21st at the Bupa Championship at Tulum and a tie for third at the Totalplay Championship at Atlas Country Club, the first two PGA TOUR Americas events played in Mexico. He looks to continue his good form heading into the rest of the Latin America Swing and the following North America Swing.

Money latest: The 'German classic' that's a healthier and cheaper alternative to crisps

Crisps are on the menu as we see where you can make healthier choices for the best value. Elsewhere, the boss of Sainsbury's has insisted customers like self-checkouts - do you agree? Leave your thoughts in the box below.

Friday 26 April 2024 19:45, UK

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The family home where Captain Sir Tom Moore walked 100 laps to raise nearly £40m for the NHS during the first COVID lockdown is up for sale for £2.25m.

The Grade II-listed Old Rectory is described as a "magnificent seven-bedroom property" by estate agents Fine & Country.

In a video tour of the house, a sculpture of Captain Tom with his walking frame can be seen in the hallway, while a photo of the fundraising hero being knighted by the Queen is on a wall in the separate coach house building.

Introducing the property, an estate agent says in the tour video: "I'm sure you'll recognise this iconic and very famous driveway behind me as it was home to the late Captain Sir Tom Moore who walked 100 laps of his garden, raising over £37m for NHS charities."

It comes less than three months after the demolition of an unauthorised spa pool block in the grounds of the property in Marston Moretaine, Bedfordshire.

Speaking at an appeal hearing over that spa, Scott Stemp, representing Captain Tom's daughter Hannah Ingram-Moore and her husband, said the foundation named after the fundraising hero "is to be closed down" following a Charity Commission probe launched amid concerns about its management.

For the full story, click here ...

"Status symbol" pets are being given up by owners who get scared as they grow up, an animal charity has said, with the cost of living possibly paying a part in a rise in separations.

The Exotic Pet Refuge, which homes parrots, monkeys, snakes and alligators among others, says it receives referrals across the country, including from zoos and the RSPCA.

"They're a status symbol. People will say, 'OK, I'll have an alligator or a 10ft boa constrictor'," co-owner Pam Mansfield told the BBC.

"But when the animal gets big, they will get too frightened to handle them, and then the pet has to go."

She added people who want to get rid of the pets sometimes call zoos for help, which then call on her charity.

In some cases, owners don't have licences to own dangerous animals, she says, blaming a "lack of understanding" for what she says is a rise in the number of exotic animals needing to be rehomed.

She says people "just don't have the space" for some snakes, for example, with some growing to as much as 12ft and needing their own room.

The cost of living crisis has also forced owners to give their pets away, she says.

Her charity has also been affected by those increased costs, with the electricity bill rising to £10,000 a month at their highest, to fund things like heated pools for alligators.

Private car parks are accused of "confusing drivers" after introducing a new code of conduct - despite "doing all they can" to prevent an official government version.

The code of practice launched by two industry bodies - British Parking Association and the International Parking Community - includes a ten-minute grace period for motorists to leave a car park after the parking period they paid for ends.

It also features requirements for consistent signage, a single set of rules for operators on private land and an "appeals charter".

Private parking businesses have been accused of using misleading and confusing signs, aggressive debt collection and unreasonable fees.

That comes after a government-backed code of conduct was withdrawn in June 2022, after a legal challenges by parking companies.

RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: "We're flabbergasted that the BPA and the IPC have suddenly announced plans to introduce their own private parking code after doing all they can over the last five years to prevent the official government code created by an act of Parliament coming into force.

"While there are clearly some positive elements to what the private parking industry is proposing, it conveniently avoids some of the biggest issues around caps on penalty charges and debt recovery fees which badly need to be addressed to prevent drivers being taken advantage of."

BPA chief executive Andrew Pester said: "This is a crucial milestone as we work closely with government, consumer bodies and others to deliver fairer and more consistent parking standards for motorists."

IPC chief executive Will Hurley said: "The single code will benefit all compliant motorists and will present clear consequences for those who decide to break the rules."

Sky News has learnt the owner of Superdry's flagship store is weighing up a legal challenge to a rescue plan launched by the struggling fashion retailer.

M&G, the London-listed asset manager, has engaged lawyers from Hogan Lovells to scrutinise the restructuring plan.

The move by M&G, which owns the fashion retailer's 32,000 square foot Oxford Street store, will not necessarily result in a formal legal challenge - but sources say it's possible.

Read City editor Mark Kleinman 's story here...

NatWest says its mortgage lending nearly halved at the start of the year as it retreated from parts of the market when competition among lenders stepped up.

New mortgage lending totalled £5.2bn in the first three months of 2024, the banking group has revealed, down from £9.9bn the previous year.

The group, which includes Royal Bank of Scotland and Coutts, also reported an operating pre-tax profit of £1.3bn for the first quarter, down 27% from £1.8bn the previous year.

An unexplained flow of British luxury cars into states neighbouring Russia continued into February, new data shows.

About £26m worth of British cars were exported to Azerbaijan, making the former Soviet country the 17th biggest destination for UK cars - bigger than long-established export markets such as Ireland, Portugal and Qatar.

Azerbaijan's ascent has coincided almost to the month with the imposition of sanctions on the export of cars to Russia.

Read the rest of economics and data editor Ed Conway 's analysis here...

Rishi Sunak has hailed the arrival of pay day with a reminder his government's additional National Insurance tax cut kicks in this month for the first time.

At last month's budget, the chancellor announced NI will be cut by a further 2p - so some workers will pay 8% of their earnings instead of the 12% if was before autumn.

The prime minister has repeated his claim this will be worth £900 for someone on the average UK salary.

While this additional cut - on top of the previous 2p cut in January - does equate to £900 for those on average full-time earnings of £35,000, there are two key issues with Mr Sunak's claim:

• Once the effect of all income tax changes since 2021 are taken into account, the Institute for Fiscal Studies reports an average earner will benefit from a tax cut of £340 - far less than £900;
• Moreover, anyone earning less than £26,000 or between £55,000-£131,000 will ultimately be worse off.

In short, this is because NI cuts are more than offset by other tax rises.

We explain below how this is the case...

Tax thresholds

This is partly down to tax thresholds - the amount you are allowed to earn before you start paying tax (and national insurance) and before you start paying the higher rate of tax - will remain frozen. 

This means people end up paying more tax than they otherwise would, when their pay rises with inflation but the thresholds don't keep up. 

This phenomenon is known as "fiscal drag" and it's often called a stealth tax because it's not as noticeable immediately in your pay packet.

That low threshold of £12,570 has been in place since April 2021. 

The Office for Budget Responsibility says if it had increased with inflation it would be set at £15,220 for 2024/25.

If that were the case, workers could earn an extra £2,650 tax-free each year.

Less give, more take

Sky News analysis shows someone on £16,000 a year will pay £607 more in total - equivalent to more than three months of average household spending on food. 

Their income level means national insurance savings are limited but they are paying 20% in income tax on an additional £2,650 of earnings.

In its analysis , the IFS states: "In aggregate the NICs cuts just serve to give back a portion of the money that is being taken away through other income tax and NICs changes - in particular, multi-year freezes to tax thresholds at a time of high inflation."

Overall, according to the institute, for every £1 given back to workers by the National Insurance cuts, £1.30 will have been taken away due to threshold changes between 2021 and 2024.

This rises to £1.90 in 2027.

The UK could face a shortage of cava due to a drought in the sparkling wine's Spanish heartlands.

The Penedes area of Catalonia is dealing with its worst drought on record, with vineyards across the region so parched the roots of 30-year-old vines have died.

It's left shrivelled red and green grapes languishing under intense sun, fuelled by fossil-fuel driven climate change.

Cava is an increasingly popular drink in the UK, with 17.8 million bottles sold in 2023 - an increase of 5% from the previous year, when Britons stocked up on 16.8 million bottles, according to the Cava Regulatory Board.

That makes the UK the fourth-biggest buyer, behind only the US, Belgium and Germany.

Workforce slashed

The problems have been compounded after Catalonia-based cava producer Freixenet announced it will temporarily lay off 615 workers, almost 80% of its workforce.

Under Spanish law, companies facing exceptional circumstances can lay off staff or reduce working hours.

This measure is expected to take effect from May and it is not known how long it will last.

Price rises

One industry source told retail publication The Grocer  that cava shortages would push up prices "certainly for next year" if there isn't enough supply.

This could last for years if the drought persists, they added.

Consumer expert Helen Dewdney told MailOnline the staff cuts at Freixenet can only mean one thing - price rises.

However, she added, supermarkets say they are not experiencing any issues right now.

Parents are being hammered by rising childcare costs, according to a new study that suggests they may spend more than £160,000 raising their child to the age of 18.

Research by Hargreaves Lansdown has found that parents with children pay £6,969 a year more than couples without.

Over 18 years and assuming an annual inflation rate of 3%, that amounts to a whopping £163,175, the investment platform said.

Its study also found that parents were less likely to have money left at the end of the month.

Single parents carry the biggest burden, with the research suggesting they have just £85 left on average compared to £365 for couples with children.

Hargreaves Lansdown also found just 23% of single parents reported having enough emergency savings to cover at least three months' worth of essential expenses, compared to 63% of couples with children.

Parents are also at a slight disadvantage when it comes to pensions, the research found, with only 43% of couples with children on track for a moderate retirement income, compared to 47% without. Only 17% of single parents have a decent projected pension fund.

Sarah Coles, head of personal finance at the firm, said "having children is one of the most expensive decisions a person can make".

She adds that as a result of having a child, "financial resilience suffers across the board", and added: "For single parents, life is even tougher, and they face far lower resilience on almost every measure.

"It means we need all the help we can get."

By Daniel Binns, business reporter

One of the top stories shaking up the markets this morning is that UK-based mining company Anglo American has rejected a major $38.8bn (£31bn) takeover bid.

Details of the attempted buyout by Australian rival BHP emerged yesterday  - sending Anglo American shares soaring.

The deal would have created the world's biggest copper mining company - with the news coming as the price of the metal hit record highs this week.

However, Anglo American has now dismissed the proposal as "opportunistic" and said BHP had undervalued the company.

Anglo's shares are slightly down by 0.8% this morning - suggesting investors may not have given up hopes that a deal could eventually be agreed.

However, overall the FTSE 100 is up around 0.4% this morning, buoyed by strong reported earnings from US tech giants Microsoft and Google owner Alphabet.

It's helped the index, of the London Stock Exchange's 100 most valuable companies, hit yet another intraday (during the day) record of 8,136 points this morning.

The winning streak comes after a week of all-time highs on the index - including a record close of 8,078 points yesterday. The score is based on a calculation of the total value of the shares on the index.

Among the companies doing well this morning is NatWest - despite the bank reporting a fall in pre-tax profits of nearly 28% for the first quarter of the year.

Shares in the lender are up more than 3% after its results were better than expected by analysts.

On the currency markets, £1 buys $1.25 US or €1.16, almost on a par with yesterday.

Meanwhile, the price of a barrel of Brent crude oil has crept up slightly to $89 (£71).

Self-checkouts - they're like marmite, people seem to either love them or hate them.

But the boss of Sainsbury's has claimed that his customers do  enjoy using self-checkouts, despite criticism that that machines don't always provide the convenience promised.

Simon Roberts told The Telegraph that there are more of them in Sainsbury's stores "than a number of years ago" as shoppers like the "speedy checkout".

But despite this, he said there won't be a time when they'll replace cashiers completely.

"Over the last year, where we've put more self-checkouts in, we're always making sure that the traditional kind of belted checkout is there," he said.

His comments come after northern supermarket Booths ditched self-checkouts at all but two of its sites after customer feedback. 

Walmart and Costco in the US have also scaled back on the systems.

Let us know in the comments - do you love or hate self-checkouts?

We've all heard consumer advice that's repeated so often it almost becomes cliché. So, every Friday the Money team will get to the bottom of a different "fact" and decide whether it's a myth or must.

This week it is...

'Smart meters save you money'

For this one, we've enlisted the help of Dr Steve Buckley, also known as the Energy Doctor and head of data science at Loop...

So do smart meters help you save? 

"The short answer is both yes and no," Steve says.

"Installing a smart meter by itself won't magically reduce your energy consumption. But, by giving you easy access to your energy usage data, smart meters pave the way for savings that you couldn't achieve otherwise."

Before smart meters, most households only found out how much energy they had used when the bill arrived. 

By that stage it's too late to address wasteful usage, leading to what's known as "bill shock". 

"With a smart meter, you can see your usage and costs in real-time through an in-home display or an app provided by your supplier," Steve says. 

"This immediate feedback encourages you to use less energy. If you measure it, you can control it."

In 2022, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero found that homes with smart meters used about 3.4% less electricity and 3% less gas. 

"This might not seem like a lot, but it adds up to a saving of over £50 per household annually," Steve says.  

If all homes in the UK made similar cuts, that would amount to savings of around £1.5bn and a potential reduction in CO2 emissions by about 2.7m tonnes each year. 

"Good for individual households but also great for the planet," Steve says. 

Smart meters are often installed at no extra cost to the consumer - it's effectively free data for households. 

Limitations

Smart meters are more or less what you make of them - a simple, free tool that allows you to see headline figures. 

However, "without detailed analysis, it's tough to identify and eliminate" where you could be wasting money, Steve says. 

Apps like Utrack, Loop and Hugo Energy can help you work out where you might be losing money by offering a more detailed breakdown if connected to your smart meter. 

Those tools are often free, but you may need to register your card details as proof of address. 

The tools give a number of useful insights, including looking at consumption in other households of similar size or monitoring where chunks of your money are going, such as to a faulty boiler or the "phantom load" (energy wasted by devices left on unnecessarily).

Myth or must?

Although smart meters alone don't reduce energy bills, they are a vital tool to help energy efficiency and cost savings. 

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