Search this site

By Adam Carabine

Press Release | SPIRE MOTORSPORTS MOORESVILLE, N.C. (May 8, 2024) –Spire Motorsports has agreed to a multi-year contract with 2021 DAYTONA 500 winner Michael McDowell to drive the team’s No. 71 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 in the NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) beginning with the 2025 season. McDowell, a native of Glendale, Ariz., is a veteran of 477 NCS starts and a two-time race winner. He made his NCS debut in 2008 and has since recorded two pole positions, nine top-five and 40 top-10 finishes in NASCAR’s premier division. He will be teamed with veteran Corey LaJoie and 2024 Sunoco Rookie of the Year contender Carson Hocevar. "This is a new chapter for my family and me, and we’re incredibly thankful for the opportunity that’s in front of us,” said McDowell. “It’s going to take some hard work, but I feel like everything is in place for us to be successful as a race team — to win races and contend for championships. People are the greatest asset to any organization, and with Spire’s vision, ambition, knowledge, and dedication, we will achieve great things. Failure is not an option, and that’s the mindset that it will take to achieve our goals." The father of five comes to Spire Motorsports from Front Row Motorsports where he was the organization’s leader in wins, starts, and top-five finishes. In addition to his victory in the 2021 Great American Race, McDowell proved his versatility with a road-course win in last year’s Verizon 200 at the Brickyard at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. He earned NASCAR Cup Series Playoff berths in 2021 and 2023. In addition to his vast NCS resume, McDowell has made 94 NASCAR Xfinity Series starts where he earned two poles, one win (Road America 2016), six top-five and 20 top-10 finishes. He’s also a four-time ARCA Menards Series race winner. “Michael McDowell is a proven winner and brings a NASCAR Playoff pedigree,” said Spire Motorsports president Doug Duchardt. “Michael has always been committed to elevate his teams. His experience and enthusiasm are a perfect fit for Spire Motorsports, and we are sure he will be a great teammate to both Carey LaJoie and Carson Hocevar. We’re thrilled to keep up the positive momentum by adding someone as accomplished as Michael to our driver lineup.  “Our 2024 plan for the No. 71 team remains unchanged. Spire Motorsports fully supports Zane Smith and Stephan Doran. We remain committed to the success of our collaboration with Trackhouse. That team is just beginning to realize its potential. We’re looking forward to seeing how the Rookie of the Year battle plays out between Zane and Carson.”  Outside the stock car world, McDowell is an accomplished road racer with wins and championships spanning the karting, Formula Renault, Star Mazda and IMSA landscapes. He is a two-time International Karting Federation Champion who compiled 18 consecutive World Karting Association wins. The 39-year-old collected Formula Renault USA Championship honors in 2002 and went on to claim the Star Mazda Series championship two years later. He boasts a 2005 IMSA win in Mexico City and was named the ARCA Menards Series Rookie of the Year in 2007. Spire Motorsports was founded in 2018 and has logged 324 Cup Series starts, posting one win, six top fives and 12 top 10s. Since then, its teams and drivers have become Cup Series mainstays.

(Photo Credit: Twitter.com/Team_FRM ) Press Release | FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS MOORESVILLE, N.C. (May 8, 2024) – After seven seasons with Front Row Motorsports (FRM), Michael McDowell has announced he will leave FRM at the end of the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season.   The organization’s NASCAR Cup Series leader in wins, starts, and top-5 finishes, McDowell has been an important part in the growth and success of FRM, including winning the 2021 Daytona 500, the 2023 Verizon 200 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and two appearances in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs.   A statement from FRM Owner, Bob Jenkins: “We thank Michael for all he has done during his time as a driver at Front Row Motorsports. His 2021 Daytona 500 victory, a dominant win at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and two appearances in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs set a new standard for our organization. He became the leader of his team and the organization. Outside the car, he was the model for a driver we want to represent us and our partners.”   “We’re sad to see Michael leave, but wish him, Jami and his family nothing but the best as he moves on to another chapter of what is already an incredible racing career.”   McDowell and the No. 34 team are focused on competing for wins and returning to the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs throughout the rest of the season.

(Photo Credit: Twitter.com/23XIRacing ) Press Release | 23XI RACING Huntersville, N.C. (May 8, 2024) – 23XI Racing announced today that Alltroo, an online fundraising platform, will serve as the primary partner with Bubba Wallace and the No. 23 Toyota Camry XSE team for the upcoming All-Star Race event at North Wilkesboro Speedway. Alltroo will be featured on the car alongside nonprofits including the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund, First Tee Pasadena and the Hambino Foundation, as well as Rayze, a mobile platform that uses positive social media to simplify giving back. In addition, Alltroo’s co-founder and former NFL tight end, Kyle Rudolph, will attend the race along with celebrity representatives from the charitable organizations.   Launched in 2021, Alltroo is a professional fundraiser that helps nonprofits supercharge their fundraising efforts and gain access to a new community of donors through custom giveaways known as “Rallies.” Similar to 23XI’s motto of Forward Together, Alltroo believes that by rallying fans together to support good causes, much more can be done to help those in need. Alltroo has previously held Rallies with Patrick Mahomes, Morgan Wallen, Darius Rucker, the Minnesota Vikings Foundation, the Tony Finau Foundation, and the Ryan Dungey Foundation, to name a few.     Wallace, who met Rudolph earlier this year at the Daytona 500, is launching a Rally with Alltroo on May 9, with proceeds benefiting his Live to Be Different Foundation. The foundation was formed in 2017 with a mission of encouraging the next generation to be better and more inclusive than every generation before it, so that they can achieve anything they put their mind to. The prizes include two VIP passes to the NASCAR Cup Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Oct. 13th, a meet and greet with Bubba, a tour of Airspeed, the new 23XI headquarters, and hotel accommodations and flights.   Additional attendees with Alltroo include:   ·       Patrick Renna – American actor, film producer and co-creator of the Hambino Foundation, which supports youth sports organizations in underserved communities. Renna is known for his role as Ham Porter in the 1993 film The Sandlot. ·       Manolo Vega – Golf instructor and content creator with 1M+ followers on Instagram, whose Alltroo rally raised funds to support The First Tee Pasadena. ·       Carl Nassib – Veteran NFL defensive lineman and founder of positive social media platform Rayze. ·       Jenna Paulette – Country music singer-songwriter and ambassador for the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund, which provides need-based financial assistance to injured professional rodeo athletes. ·       Cory Wong – Grammy-nominated guitarist, songwriter, producer, award-winning podcaster, and member of American funk band Vulfpeck. Born and based in Minneapolis, Wong is a current ambassador for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games.    “I’m looking forward to representing Alltroo and the other organizations on the No. 23 Toyota at North Wilkesboro,” said Bubba Wallace. “I met Kyle earlier this year and had the chance to learn more about Alltroo, so it’s great to have an opportunity to bring more awareness to the platform and the organizations onboard the car. Alltroo has worked with some amazing athletes and celebrities to benefit very deserving causes, and I’m excited to work with them on my Rally to raise money and awareness for my Live to Be Different Foundation.”   “We are excited to partner with 23XI Racing, a team that not only represents excellence but also shares our vision for empowering communities,” said Kyle Rudolph. “Together with Bubba Wallace's No. 23 Toyota Camry, under the 'Forward Together' philosophy, we aim to amplify our mission to 'Grow the Game of Giving.' This partnership marks a powerful alliance, driving change and uniting fans in the spirit of generosity and collective impact."   “Part of our mission at 23XI is a commitment to creating change across society, advocating to make a difference, and supporting community initiatives,” said Steve Lauletta, 23XI team president. “When we spoke to Kyle about his goals for Alltroo we felt the connections immediately and collaborated to make this program a reality. We have a lot in common as young organizations looking to make a difference by working together and doing things differently. We are also excited to welcome Patrick, Manolo, Carl, Jenna and Cory to the track, and look forward to them sharing that experience with their supporters.”

(Photo Credit: Twitter.com/RFKracing ) Press Release | RFK RACING CONCORD, N.C. (May 8, 2024) – RFK Racing has announced that its Week of Service returns for the second consecutive year. The week of May 13-17, RFK will take part in community charitable efforts across the region alongside its partners and team members.   RFK will partner with national and local organizations Nourish Up , the American Red Cross , Habitat for Humanity and Second Harvest Food Bank with all five days set to feature an array of initiatives that RFK’s team members and partners will participate in together. Brad Keselowski’s Checkered Flag Foundation and Trips for Kids Charlotte also highlight participating organizations.   “Anytime we can give back to our local and regional communities, it’s a good day for RFK and our employees,” said Steve Newmark, President, RFK Racing. “We had a fantastic inaugural Week of Service in 2023, but are excited to extend the reach of that initiative even further by partnering with more great organizations this season. There are so many meaningful volunteer opportunities in our area and across the country, and we encourage all NASCAR fans to join us in making a positive impact wherever you live.”   Ongoing: In collaboration with Fifth Third Bank and Second Harvest Food Bank, RFK is also facilitating a Food Drive through the first two weeks of May In addition to collecting food items, RFK is also accepting donations from fans in its team museum through May 17th Fans who donate food items will receive a driver-signed hero card (while supplies last) Monday, May 13: Meal Deliveries in collaboration with Nourish Up Tuesday, May 14: Queen City Bikes Bike Build benefitting Trips for Kids Charlotte Wednesday, May 15: American Red Cross Blood Drive, hosted by Fastenal Thursday, May 16: Letter-Writing to Veterans, in collaboration with Atrium Health Cabarrus and Brad Keselowski’s Checkered Flag Foundation Friday, May 17: Rock the Block Neighborhood Restoration in collaboration with Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region   Other participating organizations include the following: Fastenal – RFK’s longest standing partner – will host multiple blood drives via the American Red Cross in the Winona, Minnesota, area. BuildSubmarines.com will host a military care package packing event at BlueForge Alliance’s Texas office in partnership with Boots for Troops on May 17th. Roush Industries will host a book drive at Roush’s Livonia, Michigan, headquarters, partnering with the United Way of Southeast Michigan ’s Read United program. Esperion Pharmaceuticals will host a letter-writing campaign with its employees to contribute to the Letters to Veterans initiative. Fifth Third Bank will contribute to the team’s bike build efforts. Ford Performance will participate in both the Food Drive and bike build. NASCAR will also provide multiple areas of support and contribution to RFK’s Week of Service.

(Photo Credit: Twitter.com/TooToughToTame ) Press Release | DARLINGTON RACEWAY DARLINGTON, S.C.  (May 8, 2024)  – Darlington Raceway announced today that former NASCAR Cup Series driver Geoff Bodine will serve as the Grand Marshal for Saturday’s Darlington Raceway Throwback Parade. Bodine will lead the annual parade of NASCAR’s Official Throwback Weekend, accompanied by a host of local dignitaries, vintage race cars and nostalgic floats. “The annual Throwback Parade is a highlight for so many in our local community as well as race fans that have traveled to Darlington, so we are proud to continue celebrating our rich racing history and the legends of NASCAR,” said Josh Harris, President of Darlington Raceway. “In recognition of Geoff Bodine’s 1982 career-altering triumph at The Lady in Black, it’s a pleasure to name him as Grand Marshal of the Darlington Raceway Throwback Parade.” Bodine credits his 1982 NASCAR Xfinity Series victory at Darlington Raceway as the race that launched his NASCAR Cup Series career. Driving the No. 99 for team owner Frank Plessinger, Bodine held off Jody Ridley by nearly 5 seconds to take the victory. The race featured several NASCAR Cup Series drivers, including the likes of David Pearson, Dale Earnhardt and Harry Gant. The following week, NASCAR Cup Series team owner Cliff Stewart was so impressed with Bodine’s effort that he called him and offered him the driver’s seat of his No. 50 Pontiac, stating “if you can win Darlington, you can win anywhere, so drive my car.” Bodine, 75, was a celebrated NASCAR Modified racer from Chemung, N.Y., prior to trying his hand in stock cars. During his grass roots racing career, he raced against NASCAR Hall of Famers Jerry Cook and Richie Evans among others in the Modified division. Throughout his 29-year career, Bodine amassed 18 NASCAR Cup Series triumphs, including a DAYTONA 500 victory (1986), and was named one of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers (2023). The Darlington Raceway Throwback Parade will kick off at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 11, at South of Pearl (117 Edwards Ave) and conclude in the NASCAR Xfinity Series Garage at Darlington Raceway. Other slated participants include Jeff Burton, Kenny Wallace, Leonard Wood, Ron Hornaday Jr. and more. The Official Throwback Weekend of NASCAR will Celebrate Our Roots with many competitors paying homage to their grassroots origins, beginning with the Buckle Up South Carolina 200 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, followed by the NASCAR Xfinity Series Crown Royal Purple Bag Project 200 at 1:30 p.m. ET on Saturday. Then, the weekend will culminate with the stars of the NASCAR Cup Series taking on the Track Too Tough to Tame in the Goodyear 400 at 3 p.m. Sunday. NASCAR fans are encouraged to purchase their tickets via phone at 866-459-7223 or online at  darlingtonraceway.com while supplies last.

By Adam Carabine Best First Stage The closest finish in NASCAR history likely overshadowed everything else in this race, but let’s not forget the beauty that was Stage One.  Right off the top, you had polesitter Christopher Bell and Ross Chastain racing like there was 10 to go.  There was a round of clean, green-flag pit stops which shook things up.  There was intrigue throughout the field.  It was awesome. Yes, the finish is what people will be talking about for years to come, but there was more greatness to this race than just the 0.001 margin of victory.  In the first stage alone, there were 10 green flag lead changes.  Sometimes it feels like we get less than that in other FULL races.  Texas’ first stage only had 3. Does NASCAR’s Short Track package need work? For sure it does - they would be the first ones to tell you that, too. Is the Intermediate package working? Hell yes. Worst Time to be Canadian Having rain or any sort of weather delay is never a fun time.  You get excited for a race, only to turn on the TV and find that it’s pouring rain and you’ll likely not be seeing cars on the track for a few hours. Cue the broadcast desperately trying to find things to discuss to fill the time - also not super enjoyable, although the occasional feature can be entertaining. However, in Canada, it doesn’t work the same way. Quick background - NASCAR coverage in Canada is not done the same way as it is in the USA.  For the Americans, they get Fox for half of the year, and then NBC for the second half (at least for the remainder of this year - things are set to change next year). In Canada, we get to see the American feeds, but they’re broadcast on the same channels every weekend - TSN (Canada’s version of ESPN).  We get to see the switch to NBC halfway through the season, but it remains on TSN. Now, TSN has 5 channels, numbered TSN 1 through 5 (original, I know), and it varies from week to week which one will have NASCAR Cup Series racing, but we know it can be found on one of those five on any given week. The rain delayed the race in Kansas, and TSN decided to put some golf coverage on instead, stating that when the race was ready to be run, we’d get it back. Some time passes, the rain stops, and they’re about ready to go racing.  I’m reading on Twitter/X that they’re firing up the engines, etc. and yet still I’m watching golf.  In fact, the exact same golf coverage is being shown on TWO channels at the same time. A third TSN channel has started running a pre-recorded clip-style show, something about the Biggest Coach Blowups Ever, and suddenly I see that the race has gone green! I know there aren’t as many of us fans up here in Canada, but come on, TSN!  You can do better!  We had to watch the final hole of golf, and then some extremely boring post-match interviews with the winner before finally switching over to NASCAR.  We joined the race on lap 15. Okay, I’m done ranting, but boy was that frustrating! Worst Paint Scheme Every week I pick on someone new.  This week, the worst paint scheme has to go to Todd Gilliland and his Long John Silver’s 38 Dark Horse Mustang.  To be fair, it was a fairly strong week in paint scheme land, and there have been much worse offerings in the past. Best Stats In the last twenty races, dating back to last year - both Chase Elliott and Martin Truex Jr. have only finished outside of the Top 20 once! They also coincidentally are the only two Cup Series drivers with Average Finishes below 10 this season. Brad Keselowski had an insane day of passes - his pass differential was +59.  Maybe I’m misremembering, but I can’t seem to recall him making his way back through the field all that often? Bonus stat - Corey Heim is having an other-worldly season in Trucks.  Through 7 races, he has an average finish of 3.5 - that is insane. Closest Finish I mean, I’d be remiss if I didn’t talk about the closest finish in NASCAR history, right?  That’s kind of a big deal.  One man’s victory is another man’s heartbreak - and Chris Buescher was on the losing end of the closest finish in history.  More on that later. It is absolutely beyond the human capability to understand what a single millisecond looks like, feels like, etc.  The fact that Larson edged out Buescher by 0.001 seconds, or one millisecond, is INSANE. First of all, even the fact that we have the technology to even register that difference is amazing.  How would they even have approached this sort of finish in the years before HD cameras, etc.?  There has never been a tie in NASCAR, though if somehow there had been, there are rules for that too. The first tiebreaker would be laps led, then to who ran the most laps in 2nd, then 3rd, etc. until the tie was broken.  That would certainly not be a fun way to decide a race, so we’re lucky that Buescher wasn’t a millisecond faster. But boy, what a time to be alive.  And what a finish. Biggest Heartbreak Let’s put an F in the chat for Chris Buescher.  I’ve often wondered whether it’s better to lose by a close margin or a huge one.  Before this weekend, when picturing a ‘close margin,’ I didn’t quite have 0.001s in mind, but I think I can definitively say this one must hurt more. Let’s not even get started on the fact that the official scoring initially said Buescher had won.  So not only does he lose the race, but they likely feel embarrassed celebrating for a few seconds before being told it actually was Larson’s victory. But even without that, just based on the tone of Buescher’s post-race interview, you could tell he was just beginning his journey through the seven stages of grief. He was shown a replay that was pretty clear he was a hair behind Larson at the line, and was clearly in denial, saying, “I don’t see it.  I still don’t see it.” In the end, Buescher’s crew chief, Scott Graves, met with NASCAR and they showed him their in-depth look at the finish.  Heartbreaking, yes, but indisputably it was Larson across the line first. “It is what it is - doesn’t make it any easier to swallow,” Graves said after the meeting with NASCAR. Best One-Up