Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images By Adam Carabine & Logan Morris Logan Morris: Hey Adam! We’re back after a wet and wild road course in Mexico City. SVG picked up his second career win in dominating fashion.  Adam Carabine: Hola, Logan! What a weekend it was down in Mexico City. Shane Van Gisbergen locks himself into the playoffs with this win, which throws a bit of a wrench into the cutline and those around it! What did you think of the race?  LM: I liked it. However, I didn’t love it. The chaos was fun, but there were times when the beating and banging was giving me rain-soaked COTA vibes. Some guys get their car destroyed due to the conditions and not the actual on-track action, and that always is a double-edged sword.  What did you think? AC: I enjoyed the race a lot, actually.  Even though SVG wound up winning by a mile, it wasn’t entirely a sure-thing from the start.  Various strategies about which tires to put on (rain, or slicks), and then navigating the quickly-changing course as it dried out - I found it quite entertaining!  I don’t have a problem with the rain-related beating and banging.  I think that’s part of road course racing. We have rain tires available at road courses, and if you can’t handle it, that’s your own fault.  Yes, we saw a veteran in Kyle Busch lose control of his car in the rain (and end his own day as a result), but that’s the nature (get it?) of potentially racing in rain, and I would say it’s on Kyle Busch to not push so hard in that moment. LM: I did enjoy the various strategies, I must admit. I thought it was fascinating to watch play out, but I don't understand why the road courses tend to have those devolving moments of beating and banging like it’s a short-track Saturday night. It’s just two different types of racing.   AC: I think part of the reason you’re seeing that is because a lot of these road courses don’t have a ton of real estate for the drivers to maneuver through.  At Talladega you could probably run 5 wide around the entire track (not recommended, by the way), and there would be enough room for everyone.  At these road courses, sometimes two-wide is pushing it.  So in order to get any sort of passing done, you have to be aggressive. We need to shout out the amazing NASCAR fans down in Mexico, though.  Did you see these videos of drivers being mobbed by fans, needing a huge security detail just to walk through the throngs of people? That’s awesome, and the enthusiasm is something we don’t tend to see up in the USA as often.  It seemed like a solid turnout at the track.  Despite some logistical issues the teams all had, I would classify this past weekend as a success for NASCAR - would you agree? LM: I would agree it was a success. The fans absolutely brought it in a big way. They made the drivers look like full-fledged celebs. They were getting mobbed like it was TMZ. The local fans loved it.   AC: NASCAR hasn’t officially said they’re coming back to the track, but I would be happy to see them return.  I also would be okay with a trip north of the border to Montreal, too!  Getting back to the race itself, we saw some more Carson Hocevar-related carnage, and it looks like he and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. might be shaping up for a full-on fist fight.  Thoughts on Hocevar and the state of his reputation in the garage? LM: I would be more than happy to see them return to Mexico in 2027. However, I don’t want them to go back next season. The novelty would fade fast. As far as Hocevar goes, it's clear that until some of the stature of Mr. H says something, nothing will change. Carson is dug in, and it shows.  Maybe a good old-fashioned trip to the woodshed would fix it? AC: Aside from this past race in Mexico City, he’s been getting results too, which I imagine makes it hard for him to want to change his ways.  This is part of the learning process for younger drivers, and Hocevar will get there eventually.  It’s a fine line, because there’s part of me that doesn’t want him to lose that edge, but he’s also in line to get a few punches thrown at him from Ricky Stenhouse Jr., and I’m not sure there are any other drivers in the series who would oppose that right now.  He’ll need to be more careful. Anything else before we get to the awards? LM: Let’s get to those awards! Best Performer LM: My best performer for the week has to be SVG. He stunk up the show, especially in the final stage. I mean the drubbing he put on was incredible.  AC: It’s hard to pick anyone else other than him. At one point, he was on old tires and still beating the second-placed driver by over a second a lap.  That’s insane.  This guy is a freak on road courses, and while he hasn’t always had the best luck on them, I wouldn’t be surprised if he wins another one in the next few races. Biggest Move of the Race LM: My biggest move of the race has to be the caution that may have cost Ty Gibbs a chance at his first career win. He is stacking up some momentum in recent weeks. AC: The biggest move for me was when SVG and his team thought they maybe had a loose wheel, went back and checked the tapes, and gambled on things being okay.  SVG stayed out, the tire turned out to be okay, and he won the race.  That’s a heck of a gamble. Also shoutout to Riley Herbst’s spotter telling him it was okay to turn in front of a full-speed Ricky Stenhouse Jr. after a spin.  Whew that was a close one. Biggest Disappointment LM: My biggest disappointment goes to A.J. Allmendinger. These are the types of tracks he thrives and you didn’t really see that this week. He’ll be itching to get in the conversation in the weeks to come.  AC:  Without wanting to seem like too much of a homer, I’m going to have to go with Tyler Reddick.  Once touted as possibly the next road course king, Reddick struggled all day and ran around in about 20th.  I would have liked to have seen more from him at a road course. What to Watch for Next Weekend LM:  We’re off to the tricky triangle. Pocono is known for fuel mileage, but that can be hard to get into in this era.  AC: Pocono hasn’t always put on the best show, but it’s a unique track that requires a lot of finesse.  Denny Hamlin is one to watch here, and he’s coming off an off-week with the birth of his son.  He could technically go for back-to-back wins if you count his last race as Michigan.  Regardless, I look forward to it! LM: Let’s get Tricky!

Press Release | IHRA The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) has posted 2025 rules for the professional classes, Pro-Am and ET bracket series. With the rules in place at https://ihra.com/rulebook, get pre-entered at our membership center https://ihra.com/ihra-membership-license to participate the most exciting programs in drag racing. The IHRA Outlaw Nitro Series marks the return of one of drag racing’s most electrifying series with a powerhouse lineup. The $125,000-to-win IHRA Outlaw Pro Mod Nationals is a throwback to the old Nitrous Nationals. Finally, the IHRA Summit SuperSeries remains the most prestigious national championship in all of bracket racing. (Logo/Photo Courtesy IHRA)

Press Release | NHRA Ahead of its return to Virginia Motorsports Park, NHRA announced today that America Rebel Light Beer has been named the title sponsor for the upcoming fifth annual American Rebel Light Virginia NHRA Nationals, which will take place June 20-22 at the standout facility. It is the ninth of 20 races during the 2025 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season, and the American Rebel Light Virginia NHRA Nationals features a unique two-day race format in the Professional classes, with fans getting an incredible chance to see three qualifying sessions from the 330-mph, 12,000-horsepower nitro machines on Saturday and eliminations on Sunday. After sponsoring the NHRA national event in Charlotte earlier this year, the race at Virginia Motorsports Park marks the second title sponsor for American Rebel Light in 2025. Andy Ross, chairman and CEO of American Rebel Beer and singer-songwriter, will also provide entertainment with a concert with his band during the jam-packed event. “American Rebel Light is honored and very excited to be named title sponsor of the upcoming American Rebel Light Virginia NHRA Nationals at Virginia Motorsports Park,” said American Rebel CEO Ross. “We were the title sponsor for the American Rebel Light NHRA 4-Wide Nationals at Charlotte Motor Speedway, and it was an amazing experience for American Rebel Light. The exposure and impact from being title sponsor at Charlotte was tremendous, really put us on the map in North Carolina, and also nationwide because of the FOX, FS1, and FS2 broadcasts. The NHRA and Charlotte Motor Speedway were amazing partners on the event, and we can’t wait to do it again at Virginia Motorsports Park.” As part of the race sponsorship, American Rebel Light Beer will have a strong presence at Virginia Motorsports Park, including trackside signage and brand integrations throughout the standout track. Race fans aged 21 and older will have the chance to enjoy American Rebel Light – America’s Patriotic, God Fearing, Constitution Loving, National Anthem Singing, Stand Your Ground Beer – at the facility while taking in the incredible action on the track. The attention American Rebel Light will gain from the race sponsorship will also create strong awareness for American Rebel Light Beer as it is introduced to the state of Virginia's beer drinkers. Last season, Doug Kalitta (Top Fuel), Austin Prock (Funny Car), and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) all won in Richmond during the two-day event. This year’s event will be broadcast on FOX broadcast network and FS1, including eliminations coverage beginning at 4 p.m. ET on FOX on Sunday, June 22. Along with qualifying on Saturday, fans can also watch the Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge bonus race during the last two sessions, as racers compete for bonus points and a bonus purse to close out a memorable day. NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series qualifying roars into action with three rounds of qualifying on Saturday, June 21 at 11:30 a.m., 2 p.m., and 4:30 p.m. ET, leading into a can’t-miss race day with eliminations beginning at noon ET on Sunday, June 22. “We’re thrilled to have American Rebel Light return as a title sponsor and partner with NHRA and Virginia Motorsports Park for the Virginia NHRA Nationals,” said Brad Gerber, NHRA vice president and chief development officer. “They’ve already shown to be a terrific partner with a team passionate about NHRA Drag Racing, and it’s exciting to see that relationship continue to grow. We’re looking forward to an incredible weekend in Virginia with American Rebel Light Beer and all the NHRA fans.” Last year, Top Fuel’s Kalitta earned his second Richmond victory when he won over Kalitta Motorsports teammate Shawn Langdon. This season, they’ve combined to sweep every Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge so far. Motorsports legend and 2024 NHRA Rookie of the Year Tony Stewart clearly leads the points thanks to his two wins on the season, while other top names include Brittany Force, Antron Brown, and Justin Ashley. Prock, the reigning Funny Car champion, won his first Virginia NHRA Nationals over Bob Tasca III. Prock currently leads the points in 2025, while John Force Racing teammate Jack Beckman also has two wins this year. The loaded field also includes four-time world champ Matt Hagan, three-time champ Ron Capps, and J.R. Todd. Herrera, the two-time reigning champion, once again leads the Pro Stock Motorcycle points. He has two wins on the season and currently leads six-time champion Matt Smith, who won in Charlotte. Other riders to watch will be Richard Gadson, Smith’s wife, Angie, as well as Chase Van Sant, Steve Johnson, and Jianna Evaristo. Along with action in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, fans can also enjoy racing in the Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series, NHRA Holley EFI Factory X, and Pingel Top Fuel Motorcycle, providing a full weekend of non-stop entertainment. Racing in those categories kicks off at 9 a.m. on Friday, setting the stage for Saturday’s three qualifying rounds in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series. To purchase tickets to the American Rebel Light Virginia NHRA Nationals, visit nhra.evenue.net/events/RV1T. (Photo Courtesy NHRA)

(Photo Courtesy NASCAR) Denny Hamlin will miss Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race in Mexico City after the birth of his son on the 11th. We’re excited for him and glad he’s staying home to support his fiancée and spend time with family. Ryan Truex will step in to drive the No. 11 Yahoo Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing in Denny’s absence. NASCAR has already granted Hamlin a playoff waiver, so he’s still eligible for the 2025 postseason. With three wins and currently sitting third in points, we’ll see how the rest of his strong season unfolds.

Press Release | HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS Alex Bowman is set to compete in Sunday’s inaugural Cup race in Mexico City after being evaluated this week for back pain following a hard crash at Michigan. As a precaution, Hendrick Motorsports will have Anthony Alfredo on site in a backup capacity. Alfredo is entered in Saturday’s NASCAR Xfinity Series event at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez and has prepared extensively for the road course as the organization’s primary simulator driver. (Photo Courtesy NASCAR)

Press Release | FLO RACING It’s been a while since race fans have heard the voice of Rick Allen. After calling NASCAR Cup Series races on NBC Sports from 2015 until 2024, and before that the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series for many years, Allen was left on the sidelines entering the 2025 TV deals for NASCAR. But on Saturday night, fans of the CARS Tour will hear Allen’s voice alongside Blake McCandless on the FloRacing broadcast of the “Mini’s Mission 125” from Dominion Raceway. Allen’s participation came about initially as a bit of a joke between friends when Allen made an appearance on Dale Earnhardt Jr.’’s “Dale Jr. Download” podcast back in May. While at the time they were joking together, a hole opened up for the June 14 race from Dominion as regular announcer Eric Brennan would not be able to make that event. “(Dale) had me on and we talked about what I was doing and what I wanted to do, and I think jokingly he said, ‘I’ve got two CARS Tour races I need an announcer for,” explained Allen to FloRacing. “So I raised my hand and said I’m available. He thought I was joking, but I said I’m not joking, I’d do it for him as a favor. “A week after the podcast he reached out to me and said, ‘Are you serious about potentially doing one of the CARS Tour races or both of them?’ I told him I’d love to look at it and see if my schedule would allow it. I said, ‘Let me do the June 14th race at Dominion and we’ll go from there.’ So for the immediate future we’re doing this one and we’ll see how it goes.” (Photo Credit: x.com/RickAllenracing )

Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images By Adam Carabine & Logan Morris Logan Morris: Hey Adam! We’re back after a great race in Michigan! Denny delivered for his third win of the season.  Adam Carabine: Hey Logan, good to be back with you here in our digital space!  That might have been the best race of the season so far.  I’m not sure I can think of one that was more fun, can you? LM: I really can’t! The intense speeds created chaos, and decisions had to be made arguably quicker than they do at Daytona or Talladega. The intensity was palpable.   AC: The field was a little more spread out than at the Super Speedways, but boy they sure got some runs too.  It was so fun to watch the different lines on the track producing freight train-like runs sometimes out of nowhere.  We had green flag lead changes!  Maybe we’ve been so beaten into submission with an often disappointing aero-package, but this was a ton of fun.   You could tell the guys in the booth calling the race were having fun watching it too, which makes a difference.  I’m not sure there’s anyone better than Dale Jr. at just sharing his overall passion and excitement.  Maybe Leigh Diffey?  LM: Diffey gets a tad carried away for my taste on occasion. But, maybe that’s just the Mike Joy fan in me. Dale Jr. does an incredible job of showing his passion and riding that fine line between over-the-top and a little too laid-back. This stretch of races on Prime has reminded all of us what a special asset he is in the booth. AC: I’ve really been enjoying the Prime broadcast.  Anyway, moving on to other parts of the race - lots to touch on here.  Anyone’s performance stand out to you? LM: I have to give credit to Ty Gibbs. This season has left a lot to be desired for him. But, a very solid P3 could be the shot in the arm he needs. I think for everyone in the garage, confidence is key. However, I believe it means even more for a young guy like Gibbs who’s still looking for that first win of his career. As we head into a road course heavy stretch, the momentum could be big for him. AC: I’d like to hope so, though I worry that these next few races could also quickly undo any positive momentum he (or any struggling driver, for that matter) may have.  Take a look at Brad Keselowski, for example.  A Top 10 for him at Michigan, after an absolutely abysmal start to the year - but Brad K isn’t exactly known for his road course prowess - the next few weeks could be make or break for his season, if it’s not already completely over. LM: You’re right! But, there are two sides to that coin. Guys like SVG have been waiting all season for this stretch. It’s hard to believe we’ve only had one road course in 2025 so far. A.J Allmendinger, being another one who must be chomping at the bit to turn right. In the previous car, we would be looking at Chase Elliott as a guy who would steal the show over the next few weeks but his road course prowess has not carried over to the next-gen era. You are absolutely right that these next 5 weeks or so are likely to make or break a lot of seasons. Michigan is its own beast, and momentum is a fickle mistress.  AC: The two non-road courses in the next five races are also anomalies, themselves.  You’ve got Pocono and Atlanta sprinkled in between three road courses.  It’s going to be a tough stretch of racing for some of those bubble teams - but it should make for some fascinating drama. Back to Michigan, we saw the race end as a fuel mileage-style race.  Now, for someone like me who hasn’t maybe been around this sport as long, was this a bit of a throwback for you? LM: One thousand percent. One of the unquestioned  downsides to stage-racing is that fuel mileage races are almost entirely a thing of the past. I wish we had them more, and while only William Byron ran out of gas, the anticipation of ‘will they or won’t they’ make it on fuel is a rush I miss.  It’s a different kind of sitting on the edge of your seat. Given your lack of experience with it, what did you think? AC: Since I am a sucker for strategy, it was awesome.  I don’t quite understand the magic behind all of the math that goes into the way they calculate fuel on these cars.  I mean, I understand the principles, but I can’t quite wrap my head around how they can look at all of this data in front of them and tell their driver over the radio that he needs to save 2 laps worth of fuel, or that he’s good by half a lap, etc.  It’s majorly impressive, and there’s also this underlying possibility that maybe the math is a little bit off.  Nothing is quite a perfect science, and that makes for some really fun racing.   Anything else we should get to before our weekly awards? LM: It is pretty phenomenal to think about. But I think we’ve pretty much said all that needs to be said. Let’s get to those awards. Best Performer LM: I’m going with Chris Buescher, he got a much-needed P2 finish. As we head down the stretch it’s going to be fascinating to see if he can get back to contending for wins.  AC: Buescher sits just 20 points ahead of the playoff bar right now - and that’s also thanks to 30 of the 60 points he lost to a penalty being rescinded.  You might not peg him as a road course racer, though he did get the win at Watkins Glen last year.  This P2 couldn’t have come at a better time for him and the 17 team. For me, I already touched on it, but I’m going to give my award to Buescher’s teammate, Brad Keselowski.  It’s hard not to root for this guy, and it’s been a rough season so far.  A Top 5 two races before Michigan at the Coca-Cola 600, and now a Top 10 this past weekend - I’m hoping Brad can turn things around here, because I think the sport is better when he’s in contention. Biggest Move of the Race LM: My biggest move of the race is Denny Hamlin putting on a masterclass with fuel mileage. He still had quite a bit there for the past-race celebration. Credit to him.  AC: It does seem that when it comes to these mileage races, the veterans rise to the top.  See: Joey Logano.   My biggest move could also be my biggest disappointment, but I’ll put it here for now - Carson Hocevar getting a flat tire in the dying moments of the race.  He was possibly on his way to his first career win, and got an unlucky puncture.  Then he managed to limp it to pit road without bringing out the caution, which essentially ruined his day. Biggest Disappointment LM: I’m going to go with Chase Eliott here. Michigan is a place he should be a major factor, and while he was up front for a bit, he ended up with only a top 15. There’s something off with that 9 crew  AC: I was watching the race with an Elliott fan, and they were commenting on how unimpressed they’ve been with his passiveness lately.  Not a great showing for a team that isn’t performing like it should. It might be strange to give my biggest disappointment to a guy who has a win already (let alone a Daytona 500 win), but William Byron should probably have like five wins this year already.  This guy continues to have dominant days at the track and something goes wrong for him near the end.  This time it was a fuel issue, and he had to peel off just before the end, costing him his day.   What to Watch for Next Weekend LM: This weekend NASCAR heads to Mexico City, Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez to be exact! This will be the first points-paying international race since 1958. We have to keep our eyes on SVG and others. But the elevation could play havoc on horsepower. Also, the way-too-early forecast suggests rain is possible.   AC: Elevation is going to be the name of the game, I think, for everyone and everything.  Oxygen levels are lower, these athletes are going to have their bodies be in a state they’re not used to, and then yes - the horsepower will be lower as a result.  It’s a complete wildcard, since no one from NASCAR has raced here before, and I think it should be a fun spectacle. LM: Viva! See you next week!

Press Release | RAM COMMUNICATIONS Ram will join the field for the 2026 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, ending a 13-year break, and today unveiled a new Ram 1500 concept race truck that previews the design for next year. Returning to the racetrack marks a major milestone, part of a pedal-to-the-metal drive for Ram that covers 25 product announcements over 18 months. The news of Ram’s return to NASCAR was officially announced by Tim Kuniskis, CEO of Ram brand during a live NASCAR event at the Michigan International Speedway this weekend. Jaw-dropping moments included a Ram 5500 hauling a custom trailer built specifically for smoky donuts, courtesy of Ram’s NASCAR concept truck. UFC champion Anderson Silva took to the track to shoot HEMI-branded T-shirts to the crowd. “For more than a decade, customers and our dealer network asked about getting back into NASCAR. The desire was always there, but we didn’t have a plan that delivered the last tenth and following just didn’t fit our DNA,” said Kuniskis. “Now we have a solid plan that will set us apart from the field and will bring fresh new interest and engagement to America’s Motorsport.” Joining the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, in a way that only Ram can, is a natural, strategic move for the brand, as more than 40 percent of NASCAR fans are truck owners. The popular and competitive race series gives Ram a high-performance showcase as it launches a series of exciting and capable new trucks. “Ram returning to the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series is a major moment for the sport, and a sign that NASCAR remains a strong platform for blue chip brand partners,” said John Probst, NASCAR executive vice president and chief racing development officer. “We are excited to welcome Ram back to the sport. Its identity includes high performance, durability and innovation – characteristics that embody NASCAR and, specifically, the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series.” Ram 1500 NASCAR Concept The Ram 1500 concept race truck unveiled today was molded by the Ram design team. The concept resembles a production truck, adopting elements from the Ram Sport Truck lineup (Warlock, Rebel and RHO), but honed with an aerodynamic signature to slip through the air efficiently, yet with enough airflow to cool a race engine that revs over 9,000 rpm. Body lines around the fenders and grille carry a familiar appearance, framing a large Ram logo that separates this truck from the pack. The one-off body design is covered by a two-tone Gloss Black canvas with Molten Red lower. The Ram design team created an impactful and exciting livery that complements the visual emotion of Ram’s design DNA and highlights Direct Connection and “Symbol of Protest” logos. Mopar’s Direct Connection aftermarket unit is adding performance options for Ram trucks and earns prominent signage on the concept race truck. “There will be more details on our NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series program later this year,” added Kuniskis. “We are undoubtedly having fun with this project, and I truly look forward to sharing information on our team and how getting back on track relates to the future of Ram performance.” In conjunction with the news, the brand showed off its “Ram-Demption” campaign, featuring Kuniskis behind the wheel of Ram’s NASCAR concept truck at Darlington Raceway in South Carolina, with the iconic Goodyear Blimp and jets flying overhead. Different versions of the “Ram-Demption” video include 60-second, 30-second and 15-second spots that will run across NASCAR media and the Ram brand’s social channels, and a long-form video running on www.ramtrucks.com. “Ram-Demption” was created in partnership with Argonaut agency. Ram’s racing news is part of a power celebration that includes a popular demand return of the 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8, as orders open for the engine’s availability in the 2026 Ram 1500. Ram exited factory support of NASCAR’s CRAFTSMAN Truck Series in 2012 after a 17-year run and focused on launching the new 2013 Ram 1500. Ram’s return is one part of a strategy to build on the greatest variety of sport trucks and off-road enthusiast trucks the brand has ever offered. Ram boasts a rich history of performance trucks, including the Power Wagon, SRT10 Viper Truck, TRX, RHO, Rumble Bee, Little Red Express and Warlock. In 2004, a Ram SRT-10, piloted by NASCAR driver Brendan Gaughan, set a Guinness World Record for the world’s fastest production truck with an average speed of 154.587 mph (248.784 km/h) at the Stellantis Proving Grounds in Chelsea, Mich. Ram Brand Ram offers a full lineup of pickups and commercial vehicles: the Ram 1500, 2500/3500 Heavy Duty, 3500/4500/5500 Chassis Cab and ProMaster vans. The Ram Light-Duty and Heavy Duty pickups are considerably improved for 2025 and offer new products in the fastest growing segment within the pickup space — sport trucks. Ram introduced the largest variety of off-road performance trucks the brand has ever offered, including the new Ram 1500 RHO with more horsepower per dollar than any other performance off-road pickup. In the commercial business, Ram is launching the new 2025 Chassis Cab line with improvements to help customers and upfitters. Ram Professional is making considerable changes in process, execution and resources with a focus on commercial offerings, dedicated B2B-focused expertise, and sales and service support, which are critical to growing in this segment. Ram continues to outperform the competition, setting the benchmark in the most important areas for truck buyers: Segment-first: 1,000 lb.-ft of torque with Cummins Turbo Diesel Most luxurious: Ram 1500 Tungsten with air suspension, 24-way massage seats and 540 horsepower Ram 1500 and Heavy Duty: Best ride and handling with five-link solid rear axle with available, segment-exclusive, active-level four-corner air suspension Ram 1500 RHO: Best off-road performance per dollar Ram ProMaster: The most cargo space available in any traditional full size cargo van Ram Power Wagon: Most off-road capable full-size pickup Ram is improving market competitiveness and growth while maintaining pricing power through products, services and electrified offerings. Aligned under the global presence of the Stellantis Pro One commercial vehicle organization, Ram currently offers a wide range of products globally, from the Ram 700 compact pickup to the Ram 5500 Chassis Cab and a range of ProMaster vans. Ram is part of the portfolio of brands offered by leading global automaker and mobility provider Stellantis. For more information regarding Stellantis (NYSE: STLA), please visit www.stellantis.com. (Photo Courtesy Ram Communications)

NASCAR For the first time after a Cup points race, NASCAR will honor the top three finishers with a podium celebration next weekend in Mexico. While podium celebrations are common in other forms of racing, including Formula One and IndyCar, NASCAR celebrates only the winner in its U.S.-based series. The only time NASCAR has had a podium celebration in Cup was for the Clash at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum exhibition races from 2022-24. That was done in a nod to the historic venue having hosted the Olympics. The top three drivers received medals — gold for the winner, silver for second place and bronze for third place. NASCAR will have podium celebrations for the top three finishers for its Xfinity Series and Cup Series races June 14-15 at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez. That weekend will represent the first international Cup points race since 1958. (Photo Credit: Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)

Press Release | ECHOPARK SPEEDWAY Speedway Motorsports and EchoPark Automotive introduced the new identity of Georgia’s only NASCAR track today; the iconic, 66-year-old facility in Hampton, formerly known as Atlanta Motor Speedway, is now EchoPark Speedway. Through a new partnership, the speedway – which hosts two NASCAR Cup Series races annually, including the upcoming June 28 Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart – will carry the EchoPark brand for the duration of a seven-year, multi-million-dollar agreement. Specializing in pre-owned vehicle sales, EchoPark Automotive is one of three operating segments of Sonic Automotive, Inc., a Fortune 300 company and one of the largest automotive and powersports retailers in the United States. EchoPark Automotive operates 17 locations in 13 markets, including Georgia, Tennessee, and Alabama, where a majority of Atlanta NASCAR fans travel from each year to visit the historic speedway. From restart zone signage to fan zone activations and race entitlements, the pre-owned car dealership chain has leveraged resources across nine Speedway Motorsports facilities nationwide to activate its brand and reach race fans and potential new customers. Acquiring the naming rights to one of NASCAR’s most iconic tracks is the latest and biggest step in this strategy for EchoPark Automotive. “We have enjoyed serving guests in the Atlanta metro area since EchoPark Atlanta opened its doors in 2020,” said David B. Smith, Chairman and CEO of Sonic Automotive. “This partnership allows us to share the value of the exceptional EchoPark car-buying experience with more guests in Atlanta and the surrounding area who enjoy the excitement of NASCAR racing at this iconic venue.” EchoPark Automotive is seen as the number one pre-owned car buying experience, reflected in over 100,000 five-star reviews. Using this iconic sports venue, which is the largest in all of Georgia, will help EchoPark Automotive share the message of the brand to millions locally and nationally through major televised NASCAR events. EchoPark Speedway’s entire 850-acre facility has undergone a massive facelift in preparation for its upcoming national debut as the opening race for the TNT portion of the NASCAR broadcast schedule and the kickoff event for the new in-season Cup Series tournament. Fans will see the new EchoPark Speedway’s signature green color and the new track logo across track walls, Victory Lane, and throughout the concourse when they attend the Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart on Saturday night, June 28, or tune in nationally at 7 p.m. ET on TNT. The winner of the race will also receive a “nearly new” EchoPark Chevy Silverado and a trailer equipped with an 85th Anniversary, Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Limited Edition Harley-Davidson motorcycle. These exclusive motorcycles can be pre-ordered now at SturgisHD.com, but the very first one of only 26 manufactured will go to the winner of the inaugural EchoPark Speedway race. This incredible prize will be presented to the winner in Victory Lane courtesy of EchoPark Automotive. “This is a great opportunity to showcase the incredible vehicles we sell at EchoPark and share the exposure with another important entity in our Sonic Automotive family,” said Jeff Dyke, President of Sonic Automotive. “The Sturgis Rally is right around the corner, and we know NASCAR fans and drivers will not only love the new presentation of this track, but also the opportunity to see this limited edition Harley-Davidson presented in Victory Lane.” “We’re thrilled to partner with an innovative, customer-focused company like EchoPark Automotive as the entitlement partner of our newly named EchoPark Speedway,” said Speedway Motorsports President and CEO Marcus Smith. “EchoPark Automotive is as committed to exceptional customer service as we are, and we know that together we’ll elevate our fan experience to a new level unmatched for Southern hospitality. This partnership will fuel great experiences for fans attending our speedway for years to come.” EchoPark Speedway has a storied history in NASCAR, hosting races every year since it opened as Atlanta International Raceway in 1960. The speedway hosted NASCAR’s season finale from 1987-2000, including the epic conclusion of the 1992 campaign which saw “The King,” Richard Petty, compete in his last NASCAR race; future legend Jeff Gordon make his first NASCAR Cup Series start; and Georgia’s own Bill Elliott win the race – narrowly losing the title to underdog owner-driver Alan Kulwicki. Racing enthusiasts have long celebrated EchoPark Speedway’s high-speed, close-quarters racing action and exhilaratingly close finishes. Since its reconfiguration to a 28-degree banked, superspeedway-style track in 2021, that reputation has only been further bolstered. Three- and four-wide racing with abundant lead changes have become the norm when NASCAR visits Atlanta. In February 2024, EchoPark Speedway saw the closest three-wide finish in NASCAR history with race winner Daniel Suárez eclipsing Ryan Blaney and Kyle Busch by just 0.003 and 0.007 seconds, respectively. Earlier this year, a new record was set for most lead changes at the speedway. This month’s Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart is expected to continue that trend of thrilling NASCAR action in Atlanta. EchoPark Speedway will host two NASCAR national touring series during the spectacular June 26-28 summer event. Schedules, tickets, and camping for the Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart weekend, can be found online at EchoParkSpeedway.com. (Photo Courtesy EchoPark Speedway)