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Press Release | KANSAS SPEEDWAY KANSAS CITY, Kan. (Aug 22, 2023) – Kansas Speedway added pickleball courts in May to rave reviews from race fans. Now it is adding nine holes of miniature golf for the upcoming Hollywood Casino 400 Weekend, Sept. 8-10. The track announced today that it is including a new Putting Pit Stop inside the infield’s Cabo Wabo® Tequila Fan Walk. It provides yet another way for NASCAR fans and their families to enjoy the weekend PAR-ty, all golf puns intended. “Our goal is to help our race fans make memories that last a lifetime,” said Kansas Speedway President Pat Warren. “Adding opportunities like this just makes a great weekend of racing even better, and we’ll continue looking at additional elements that take our fan experience to the next level.” The Cabo Wabo® Tequila Fan Walk is located in the heart of Kansas Speedway’s infield. It is within walking distance of Ruoff Mortgage Victory Lane and the NASCAR garages providing unmatched sights and sounds for race fans of all ages. In addition to the new miniature golf course, race fans can enjoy music from live DJs, take a spin on racing simulators and enjoy appearances from their favorite drivers on the Cabo Wabo® Tequila Fan Walk Stage. Fans with tickets to Friday and Saturday’s racing can purchase access to this area for $15 on those days. On Sunday, access requires a $75 Pre-Race Pass, but that also includes the best access to the pre-race stage for the 38 Special concert and driver introductions. Fans with this pass can also sign their name on the start-finish line, leaving a lasting memory of their Kansas Speedway experience. The pickleball courts, provided in partnership with Chicken N Pickle, are free to all ticket holders in the Turn 1 Highline District (click here for footage from May's event). Seats in the exclusive Highline Club, located directly below this area, have already sold out for the Hollywood Casino 400. Grandstand seats for all races are still available but going fast. The action begins Friday, Sept. 8, with a doubleheader that includes the ARCA Menards Series’ Sioux Chief Fast Track 150 and the Kansas Lottery 200, a NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series playoff showdown. On Saturday, Sept. 9, the NASCAR Xfinity Series caps its regular season in the Kansas Lottery 300 on a day that also includes NASCAR Cup Series practice and qualifying. That all sets the stage for the Hollywood Casino 400 on Sunday, Sept. 10, which is the second race of the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs and the much-anticipated sequel to the action-packed AdventHealth 400 won by Denny Hamlin in May. Fans can secure their tickets now at www.kansasspeedway.com while supplies last.

By Logan Morris The changes continue to unfold at Legacy Motor Club. Following a tumultuous couple of weeks, Legacy MC and Noah Gragson have parted ways. Legacy MC suspended Noah for liking an insensitive meme related to the death of George Floyd. This suspension was swiftly followed by an indefinite suspension from NASCAR. Just last week, Legacy MC and Gragson released a joint statement, saying that he had requested to be released from his contract, and would not be driving the No. 42 any longer this season. Gragson's departure, after completing only 21 races in his rookie season, marks the conclusion of one of the more challenging rookie seasons in recent memory. Furthermore, this means 2024 will mark the third different driver for the No. 42 team in as many seasons. Naturally, the immediate question arises: Who might be the next driver? There are three potential options who each make a good case to be tapped for the ride. JOHN HUNTER NEMECHEK Let's begin with the most obvious candidate, John Hunter Nemechek. Thanks to a report from Jordan Bianchi of The Athletic, we're aware that John Hunter is already being considered for the 42 car next season. While many fans believe it's almost a done deal, we must remember that nothing is confirmed until it’s official. However, he's the strong favorite, and rightly so. With Legacy MC transitioning to Toyota next season and Toyota showing significant interest in John Hunter, he appears to be a natural fit. Martin Truex Jr. recently announced his return for at least one more season, indicating that all the seats at Joe Gibbs Racing are likely filled for the upcoming season. While Denny Hamlin hasn't signed a new contract for 2024 yet, both parties anticipate his return. Given this scenario, John Hunter emerges as the most promising candidate on paper to occupy the seat at Legacy MC. He already has a season of Cup experience to draw from, as he drove for Front Row Motorsports in 2020. By all accounts, he impressed during his rookie season, finishing 27th in the final standings. Before dismissing this achievement, it's worth recalling that Front Row Motorsports wasn't in its current competitive position three years ago. Beyond his year of Cup experience, his overall resume is impressive, particularly when compared to any other viable contender for the seat. This season, a strong argument can be made that he's the frontrunner for the Xfinity Series Championship. With five wins, 11 top fives, and 16 top tens, Nemechek is akin to the man he could be replacing next season at Legacy MC with those impressive numbers. Once again, it's evident that he's the leading candidate for the ride next season. However, what potential obstacles could arise? Remember, Nemechek has the unique distinction of willingly stepping back to NASCAR's lower series to await a better opportunity in the Cup Series, all while honing his skills and vying for championships in the interim. Does he view Legacy MC as a suitable fit to return to the Cup Series? Only time will tell. Another factor to consider is whether both Legacy MC and John Hunter envision a long-term partnership. The reality is that Nemechek is poised to play a significant role at Joe Gibbs Racing in the years ahead. While Martin Truex Jr. will be back in 2024, what about 2025? If he decides to step away, John Hunter's return to Joe Gibbs Racing seems almost inevitable. Does Legacy MC want to hire someone who might end up as another short-term driver in the No. 42 car? Presumably, they'd prefer to establish a foundation for the future. Nemechek appears unlikely to be the guy to build long-term with. Should, for some unforeseen reason, Denny Hamlin and Joe Gibbs Racing fail to reach an agreement, Legacy MC may never have the opportunity to explore the possibility. SAMMY SMITH The second option is another Joe Gibbs Racing prospect, Sammy Smith. A product of Toyota, Smith is just 19 years old and possesses a raw talent that requires development. However, this very aspect might make him an ideal match for Legacy MC. It's evident that the team is focused on the long-term strategy and aims to stay competitive for years ahead and he could play a part in that. Smith's resume implies that granting him a spot in the Cup Series might be premature. Though considering Legacy MC's organizational approach of building, nurturing, and developing young drivers, this could prove advantageous in the long run. Sammy Smith stands as a promising driver with a bright future. His accomplishment as the fourth youngest winner ever in the Xfinity Series attests to his potential - he earned his first career win at Phoenix this season. In addition, he has secured four top 5 finishes and 10 top 10 finishes this year. While acknowledging that he would be a project requiring more time to mature within the team, Sammy Smith, given his youth, might not perceive Legacy MC as merely a stepping stone to bigger opportunities. Although not the most flashy pick, Sammy Smith could potentially provide the much-needed enduring stability for the 42 car of which Legacy MC is in dire need. Last among the potential candidates for Legacy MC's No. 42 spot next season is Zane Smith. It's important to note that Zane Smith transitioning to Legacy MC would be a challenging move requiring substantial effort from Toyota. To be frank, it is a long shot. Smith is a Ford driver and a shift to Toyota and Legacy MC would come with complications. Nevertheless, Smith has been given the green light to explore options for the upcoming season. Smith’s current team Front Row Motorsports picked up options for both Michael McDowell and Todd Gilliland in the Cup Series for next season. The team attempted to secure a third ride for Smith but was unable to, ultimately leaving him without a spot. ZANE SMITH If John Hunter Nemechek is considered the most prominent can't-miss prospect in NASCAR at the moment, Zane Smith is arguably not far behind. His continued presence in the Truck Series is puzzling, given his incredible level of success in the Series. He’s the defending Craftsman Truck Series Champion. He has notched three consecutive appearances in the Championship 4 and is currently well on his way to contending for a fourth. He has won twice this season, while accumulating an impressive nine Top 5 finishes and nine Top Ten finishes. Zane Smith seems poised to take up the mantle as the likely replacement for Aric Almirola at Stewart-Haas Racing, should Almirola opt not to return next season. However, if Almirola does choose to return for another season, Smith's destination becomes uncertain. The notion of him enduring yet another season in the Truck Series feels almost unjust. Considering the current state of Toyota's driver development pipeline, acquiring Smith from Ford would unquestionably bolster their prospects. From the standpoint of Legacy MC, Zane Smith, similar to Sammy Smith, could potentially serve as the cornerstone around which the No. 42 team could be built for the long term. As it stands, the prominent Ford teams, namely Team Penske and Stewart-Haas Racing, have seemingly cemented their driver lineups for the foreseeable future. Joining Legacy MC might just offer the consistent stability that both the team and Smith need. While John Hunter Nemechek undeniably stands as the leading contender to uphold the legacy of the iconic No. 42 in the upcoming season, Legacy Motor Club finds itself under intense pressure to make the right decision, irrespective of their choice. This pressure stems from the inevitable question of when might the revolving door at the No. 42 team stop. Adding to this weight is another consideration: Legacy MC Co-Owner Jimmie Johnson is poised to wield significant influence over Legacy MC's driver lineup for the first time. With this newfound responsibility, the stakes for his choice are big, to say the least. Success hinges upon his decision making. One could argue that a 'Legacy' rests squarely upon his shoulders.

GMS Racing has announced they will cease operations following the conclusion of the 2023 season. You can view the team's statement below. (Cover Photo Source Twitter.com/GMSRacingLLC)

Press Release | WATKINS GLEN INTERNATIONAL WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (August 15, 2023) – Watkins Glen International announced today that actor Kal Penn will serve as the honorary pace car driver ahead of the NASCAR Cup Series Go Bowling at The Glen on Sunday, Aug. 20. The famed actor and avid NASCAR fan will drive the official Watkins Glen Pace Car around the 2.45-mile road course, leading the field to green before the start of the second-to-last race of the 2023 regular season. “The upcoming race weekend at Watkins Glen International is sure to have a thrilling atmosphere with high stakes racing and stellar entertainment, and now it’s even more exciting with the addition of Kal Penn to our race day roster,” said Chip Wile, Senior Vice President and Chief Track Properties Officer at NASCAR. “We’re honored to welcome Kal to The Glen, as well as all our fans, and can’t wait to get the triple-header race weekend underway.” Kal Penn is an actor, writer and producer, known for his roles in TV shows such as House, Designated Survivor, the Harold & Kumar movies, and more. Penn has also written and produced a number of films and television series throughout his career and authored his own memoir as well. Earlier this year, Penn wrapped production on a climate change docuseries and his book You Can’t Be Serious is available in stores now. However, Penn’s expertise expands beyond the film industry. From 2009 to 2011, he took a sabbatical from acting to serve in the White House as President Obama’s Liaison to Young Americans, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, and the Arts community. He also served on the President’s Committee for the Arts and Humanities, and taught courses at the University of Pennsylvania and the University of California, Los Angeles – his alma mater. “I've been a NASCAR fan for about a decade now, and I love seeing the sport grow in new directions,” said Penn. “Bucket list right here, to go from a fan to a fan who gets to be the Honorary Pace Car Driver for Go Bowling at The Glen. I know lots of owners are watching, and I am available if you need another driver on your team." The upcoming NASCAR race weekend at Watkins Glen International begins on Friday, Aug. 18, with the ARCA Menards Series General Tire 100 at The Glen, followed by the NASCAR Xfinity Series Shriners Children’s 200 at The Glen on Saturday, Aug. 19. Then, on Sunday, fans can watch Kal Penn take his turn on the historic road course, just before drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series compete for the last few spots on the playoff grid in the highly anticipated Go Bowling at The Glen on Sunday, Aug. 20, the penultimate race of the 2023 regular season. Limited grandstand seating and general admission tickets are still available, with pricing starting at $85. Fans can also purchase tickets to the Bog, Sponsored by Red Cat, a one-of-a-kind hospitality experience, with an exciting view of all things NASCAR, featuring appearances from NASCAR’s most popular driver Chase Elliott and the back-to-back winner at The Glen, Kyle Larson. Pre-Race Pit Passes are still available as well. See your favorite drivers up-close on the red carpet, sign the start-finish line and watch driver introductions on the track before Sunday’s big race. To purchase race tickets and other ticket add-on packages, or for more information on the upcoming Go Bowling at The Glen NASCAR race weekend, please visit www.TheGlen.com.

Press Release | FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS MOORESVILLE, N.C. (August 9, 2023) – With a continued increase in performance and commercial success, Front Row Motorsports (FRM) has exercised its option on drivers Michael McDowell and Todd Gilliand for the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season. Both drivers will compete in all NASCAR Cup Series events. McDowell, the 2021 Daytona 500 champion, continues to be the leader at FRM. Since joining the team in 2018, McDowell has hit the prime of his NASCAR Cup Series career. He has collected 29 top-10 and seven top-five finishes for the team. This season, McDowell is currently 17th in the championship standings and battling for the team’s second playoff appearance. McDowell has been instrumental in developing and strengthening partnerships with Love’s Travel Stops, Fr8Auctions.com, Chicago Pneumatic, Horizon Hobby and others to help strengthen the No. 34 Ford Mustang team. Gilliland has had a breakout sophomore season in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2023. His three top-10 finishes and consistent top-15 results have made him one of the most improved drivers in the series this year. Gilliland has become a fan favorite and a positive influence for the No. 38 partners that include Ruedebusch Development and Construction, Speedy Cash, Boot Barn, gener8tor Skills, Serial 1 E-Bikes and others. “Both Michael and Todd are like family to me,” said Bob Jenkins, Owner, Front Row Motorsports. “They have been determined to make the team better each season and they just keep fighting to do that. I’m proud of both and now we will be focused on the remainder of 2023 and prepare for 2024 to be even better.” Zane Smith, No. 38 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series driver and defending series champion, is exploring opportunities in NASCAR’s other national series, including remaining at FRM in 2024. FRM remains committed and will compete in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series in 2024. Future plans regarding FRM’s 2024 Truck Series program will be announced in the weeks to come. The FRM NASCAR Cup Series program will continue their season at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course this weekend. The NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series returns to action at the Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park this Friday.