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Press Release | NHRA Longtime NHRA Funny Car crew chief Dickie Venables is the new crew chief for J.R. Todd’s DHL Funny Car. Venables, 60, is a four-time NHRA Funny Car championship crew chief, having won the title in 2007 with then-driver Tony Pedregon at Tony Pedregon Racing; he was the assistant crew chief for Pedregon’s 2003 title at John Force Racing. After working with Del Worsham at Alan Johnson Racing, Venables joined Don Schumacher Racing in 2011 and led driver Matt Hagan to the NHRA Funny Car championship in 2014, 2020, and 2023. Venables comes to Kalitta Motorsports from Tony Stewart Racing, where he teamed with Hagan since the team’s inception. Longtime Kalitta Motorsports team member Jon Oberhofer will serve as Venables’ assistant crew chief. Venables replaces Todd Smith, who joined Kalitta Motorsports in 2016 and left at the end of 2024. “I’m super excited about this next phase of my career — I’m really happy to be in Michigan, getting comfortable with everybody and meeting people I didn’t know before,” said Venables. “Kalitta Motorsports obviously has a lot of resources and great teams, so I’m really happy to be part of it. “There is no magic wand you can wave over one of these cars. It’s something we have to take one step at a time — as long as we make progress with the changes we’re thinking about making, I think we’ll eventually get to our goal. The biggest thing about that is you have to have good people, and the whole Kalitta organization is well represented out there. “I’ve seen what they were able to accomplish with some of the mishaps and unfortunate things that happened to the race cars in both Funny Car and Top Fuel. Those guys never gave up. They got the chassis fixed and got the cars back on the racetrack – that’s the definition of teamwork. I’m excited and looking forward to getting the season started.” “Dickie Venables is real pro, and he’s a major addition to a talented DHL GR Supra team,” said Team Kalitta General Manager Chad Head. “Dickie’s talents and experience will put the DHL team in a position to challenge for the 2025 Funny Car championship.” The Team Kalitta Top Fuel teams finished second and fourth in 2024, and each team will have the same leadership in the new season. Doug Kalitta followed his 2023 NHRA Top Fuel championship with a second-place finish in 2024. Crew chief Alan Johnson and assistant crew chief Mac Savage return to the Mac Tools team for the 2025 season. Shawn Langdon finished fourth in the final season standings last year in crew chief Brian Husen’s first season at the helm of the Kalitta Air Careers Top Fuel team, and the talented duo both return for the new season. (Photo Courtesy NHRA)

Press Release | NHRA INDIANAPOLIS (Jan. 30, 2025) – NHRA announced the season schedule for the NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League, featuring a host of special events in 2025 as Summit Racing Equipment also returns as the title sponsor of the popular racing league for youth ages 5-17. Celebrating its 33rd year, the NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League provides a great platform for young racers to perform at a high level and will again feature eight-car shootouts that take place at seven different NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series national events, as well as the popular Right Trailers NHRA Jr. Drag Racing League Western Conference Finals at the Texas Motorplex on June 12-14 and the Right Trailers NHRA Jr. Drag Racing League Eastern Conference Finals on July 17-19 at Bristol Dragway. The Jr. Drag Racing League will also compete in the divisional finals across the seven NHRA divisions. Summit Racing Equipment continues to be a longtime supporter of the series, which continues to grow at an impressive rate. “The NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League continues to be an incredible program for young racers and Summit Racing Equipment is proud to continue as the title sponsor of the category,” said Jim Greenleaf, Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports & Events Manager. “All of these special events, from the national shootouts to the divisional finals and the conference finals, have created great platforms for these junior drag racing competitors to shine.” The eight-car shootouts debuted three years ago and will take place at NHRA national events across all seven divisions, beginning with the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals on April 25-27 at zMAX Dragway in Charlotte. The final round takes place on Sunday and will be included on the television broadcast during eliminations on FS1, with racers running alongside the stars in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series and Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series. In addition to the television spotlight, the event winner will take part in the parade of championships, giving the sport’s rising stars an opportunity to be recognized at the track and on NHRA.tv. The special eight-car shootouts for NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League will also take place at Pacific Raceway in Seattle on July 18-20, Brainerd International Raceway on Aug. 14-17, Maple Grove Raceway on Sept. 11-14, World Wide Technology Raceway in St. Louis on Sept. 26-26, Texas Motorplex in Dallas on Oct. 9-12 and In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip on Nov. 13-16. Another annual highlights are the conference finals events. Texas Motorplex will host the Right Trailers NHRA Jr. Drag Racing League Western Conference Finals for the second time on June 12-14. Bristol Dragway continues as the site of the Eastern Conference Finals with racing slated for July 17-19. Each event’s schedule includes a full slate racing activities, culminating in the crowning of eight individual champions. The division championship competition continues to grow at a strong rate as well, with all seven divisions hosting a Summit Jr. Drag Racing League Division Finals. Division 2 and Division 6 finals in the category will take place in conjunction with the Summit E.T. Finals. All seven divisions will host a season championship points series throughout their season and complete schedules are available at jrdragster.nhra.com. “We’re thrilled to announce all of the great events the NHRA has in store for our Summit Junior Drag Racing League competitors in 2025,” said Jason Galvin, NHRA Sportsman Racing Manager. “This program continues to be the base for everything we do in drag racing. Some of the brightest stars in NHRA started in a junior dragster – Shawn Langdon, Erica Enders, Leah Pruett, Justin Ashley – and we know the next wave of sportsman and professional racers come from these ranks as well. The support of major companies like Summit, helping to give these racers a spotlight during national events, and Right Trailers, with their continued support of the two Conference Finals events, will ensure our youngest competitors have an even bigger spotlight in 2025 and beyond.” NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League competitor’s race cars, called Jr. Dragsters, are half-scale versions of the iconic Top Fuel dragsters. They go as fast as 85 mph and as quick as 7.90 seconds in the eighth-mile using a five-horsepower, single-cylinder engine, though younger age groups are restricted to slower times and speeds. Since its start in 1992, the NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League has provided a place for young racers to compete and been the start for many top NHRA professional drivers. The list includes world champions like Pro Stock’s Erica Enders and Top Fuel driver Shawn Langdon, who won a JDRL national championship in 1997, as well standouts such as Top Fuel’s Leah Pruett and Justin Ashley; Funny Car driver J.R. Todd; Pro Stock competitors Deric Kramer and Chris McGaha; Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Gaige Herrera and many more. For more information on the NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League, please visit http://jrdragster.nhra.com/. For more information on NHRA, including the 2025 schedule, please visit www.nhra.com. (Photo Courtesy NHRA)

Press Release | SCAG RACING MAYVILLE, Wis. (Jan. 28, 2025) – SCAG Racing announced RCN Capital as an associate sponsor on Justin Ashley’s SCAG Power Equipment Toyota Top Fuel dragster for the entirety of the 2025 Mission Foods NHRA Drag Racing Series season. In 2024, RCN served as a major associate sponsor on the SCAG Top Fuel dragster for the NHRA Carolina Nationals at zMAX Dragway in the fall. They have expanded their partnership with SCAG Racing and Ashley to be featured for the full 2025 season. “We had the pleasure of partnering with SCAG Racing and Justin Ashley last year and we are excited to commit our support again in 2025 for the full racing season,” said Jeffrey Tesch, CEO of RCN Capital. “We are excited to highlight RCN Capital’s brand in such a unique way and reach new audiences with our programs. We cannot wait to see Justin’s success throughout the 2025 NHRA Season.” “I am so grateful for the opportunity to represent RCN Capital throughout the 2025 NHRA season,” said Ashley. “As a former real estate investor, I can attest to the importance of RCN Capital’s unique ability to provide timely and effective financing for their clients. It’s our goal to share this message with NHRA fans all across the country, while providing the most successful platform in all of motorsports to do business both on and off the racetrack.” The 2025 NHRA Drag Racing series season begins with the NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway March 7-9 in Gainesville, Florida. RCN Capital will make their debut on the side of Ashley’s car at the pre-season SCAG Power Equipment PRO Superstar Shootout February 6-9 at Bradenton Motorsports Park in Bradenton, Florida. (Photo Courtesy SCAG Racing)

Press Release | ARMSTRONG EUROPE RACING Florida businessman and land developer Chris Armstrong announced today the launch of his latest venture, Armstrong Europe Racing. While Armstrong is no stranger to motorsports, this marks his debut on the international stage. Armstrong Europe Racing is set to compete full-time in the 2025 FIA European Drag Racing Championship, introducing a blend of American innovation and determination to one of the world’s premier drag racing circuits. A seasoned entrepreneur, lifelong motorsports enthusiast, and man of faith, Armstrong shared his vision for the new operation, stating, “This journey is a blessing, and God has guided us to this moment. Our goal is to bring a fresh perspective to the European drag racing scene, combining our ingenuity and resources with the passion and excitement that is found overseas.” Armstrong Europe Racing will compete in the championship’s Top Fuel class. The team is assembling a competitive roster, blending seasoned veterans with emerging talents, and is committing to the full 2025 four-race schedule. The European Drag Racing Championship, known for its intense competition and dedicated fanbase, offers a unique platform for Armstrong and his team to establish a foothold in the global motorsports arena. The 2025 season will see Armstrong Europe Racing competing at iconic venues across Europe, from two stops at the iconic Santa Pod Raceway in the United Kingdom to Tierp Arena in Sweden. 2025 FIA European Drag Racing championship dates 23rd-26th May, Santa Pod Raceway (UK) 7th-10th August, Tierp Arena (Sweden) 29th-31st August, HockenheimRing (Germany) 4th-7th September, Santa Pod Raceway (UK) “I’m thrilled to take this bold step forward in my motorsports journey,” Armstrong said. “This isn’t just about building a racing team—it’s about creating a legacy that embodies our core values of resilience, creativity, and faith. We’re here to compete at the highest level, aiming for victories and the championship. We’ll be announcing our driver and crew chief soon, and it’s going to be a dynamic one-two punch.” Details regarding the team’s driver lineup, primary sponsorship, and crew leadership are anticipated soon, as preparations for the 2025 season move forward with growing energy. Stay tuned to ArmstrongEuropeRacing.com for the latest updates and news on the team’s progress. (Photo Courtesy Armstrong Europe Racing)

Press Release | PRIME VIDEO Prime Video’s inaugural season of NASCAR Cup Series coverage will greet racing fans with familiar faces when the green flag waves over its exclusive coverage in May. Third-generation racer Corey LaJoie will join host Danielle Trotta to helm Prime Video’s pre- and postrace coverage, live and onsite each week. The streamer hits the ignition switch on its five-race Cup Series package at the Coca-Cola 600, in Charlotte, North Carolina, beginning on May 25th. LaJoie and Trotta join Prime Video’s previously announced NASCAR broadcast booth consisting of seasoned race announcer Adam Alexander, who will work alongside NASCAR Hall of Fame driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., and Daytona 500-winning crew chief Steve Letarte. “We are excited to welcome Danielle and Corey to our Prime Video team,” said Alex Strand, Sr. coordinating producer, Prime Video. “These two professionals have dedicated their careers to NASCAR, and we can’t wait to bring their energy and love for the sport to our inaugural season this summer.” Danielle Trotta, a veteran NASCAR journalist and key figure in the sport’s media landscape, joins Corey as host for the Prime Video team. With over 15 years of broadcast experience, Trotta has covered NASCAR, Indy Car, the NFL, NBA, MLB, collegiate athletics, Supercross, and Moto GP for some of the biggest broadcasting companies in sports worldwide. In addition to her dual hosting and reporting roles at Mecum Auctions on Motortrend and Max, she also hosts On-Track, airing daily on SiriusXM’s NASCAR channel. “NASCAR is entering a new frontier by welcoming in their first streaming partner in Prime Video and to be chosen as the host for this inaugural season is a huge honor,” said Trotta. “I’ve covered Corey throughout his respective driving career and can’t wait to join him at the desk, bringing our knowledge and experience to millions of fans beginning with one of the crown jewel NASCAR races at Charlotte Motor Speedway, the Coca-Cola 600. May can’t come soon enough.” Corey LaJoie, a third-generation racer whose father and grandfather are members of the New England Auto Racing Hall of Fame, joins the team with the most recent experience on the track. LaJoie earned his way to NASCAR’s top series through both the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East and the ARCA Menards Series with nine combined wins. Additionally, 2023 was a career year for LaJoie with two top-5 and three top-10 finishes. He continued his success into 2024, competing with Spire Motorsports in the Daytona 500 before finishing the season with Rick Ware Racing. LaJoie also hosts the popular weekly NASCAR podcast, Stacking Pennies.​ “The opportunity to be a part of the inaugural season of Prime Video covering our sport is something I could have never dreamed of,” LaJoie said. “Competing part time in the Cup Series while also joining Danielle Trotta will be a unique combination. My time with a mic, instead of a steering wheel, will certainly give me a new perspective on NASCAR. I am excited to help Amazon deliver fresh and creative coverage that our fans want.” Additional talent and details to be announced in the coming weeks. Starting in May, Prime Video will exclusively stream five consecutive NASCAR Cup Series races to conclude the first half of the season. In addition, Prime Video will present exclusive coverage of practice and qualifying for almost the entire first half of the NASCAR season, (excluding the Cook Out Clash, Duel at Daytona, Daytona 500, and the NASCAR All-Star Race), Fans in the U.S. will be able to watch NASCAR live at home or on the go, and across hundreds of compatible devices, streaming from the web, or using the Prime Video app on smartphones, tablets, set-top boxes, game consoles, and connected TVs. For a complete list of compatible devices, visit amazon.com/howtostream. Prime Video NASCAR Cup Series Race Schedule: Sunday, May 25, 6 p.m. – Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway Sunday, June 1, 7 p.m. – NASCAR Cup Series Race at Nashville Superspeedway Sunday, June 8, 2 p.m. – NASCAR Cup Series Race at MichiganInternational Speedway Sunday, June 15, 3 p.m. – NASCAR Cup Series Race at Mexico City, Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez Sunday, June 22, 2 p.m. – NASCAR Cup Series Race at Pocono Raceway *All times are ET. (Photo Courtesy NASCAR)

Press Release | RICK WARE RACING Veteran racer Corey LaJoie announced a multifaceted NASCAR effort in 2025 that will see the 33-year-old return to the NASCAR Cup Series and appear on Prime Video NASCAR broadcasts as an analyst. LaJoie will drive the No. 01 Ford Mustang Dark Horse for Rick Ware Racing in a limited schedule, beginning with the season-opening Daytona 500. The No. 01 aligns with LaJoie’s desire to create a Stacking Pennies Performance Brand, the genesis of which began four years ago with his Stacking Pennies podcast. Built on the notion that small victories over time lead to success, Stacking Pennies is now one of the most popular NASCAR podcasts. DuraMAX and Take 5 Oil Change® will be the primary partners for LaJoie at Daytona, where small victories will be needed to ensure a place in the 67th Daytona 500. As an open entry, the No. 01 DuraMAX/Take 5 Oil Change Ford Mustang does not have a guaranteed starting spot. LaJoie’s Daytona 500 drive begins Feb. 12 with time trials and continues Feb. 13 with the Duel, twin 150-mile qualifying races that set the field for the Daytona 500. If LaJoie is one of the two fastest open drivers in time trials or scores the highest finish among open drivers in his respective Duel, his place in the Great American Race will be secured. “Rick Ware is someone who makes things happen. He’s a great guy who has been a generous friend in helping me get this vision of Stacking Pennies Performance off the ground,” LaJoie said. “He’s allowed me to put the No. 01 on his Ford Mustangs, building off the brand fans have related to, supported, and cheered for over the past several years. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished and excited for what’s ahead, beginning at Daytona with DuraMAX and Take 5 Oil Change.” “DuraMAX is thrilled to partner with Take 5 Oil Change and bring our combined passion for performance and speed to the iconic Daytona 500,” said Dan Oehler, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing for RelaDyne, parent company of DuraMAX. “Having Corey LaJoie behind the wheel as both the driver of our branded car and a proud ambassador for DuraMAX strengthens our connection to the racing community. Corey’s dedication and skill truly embody the values of our brand, and we’re excited to work with him in representing our commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction on and off the track.” “At Take 5 Oil Change, we’re excited to team up with RelaDyne and Corey LaJoie and showcase our shared values of speed, reliability and excellence at the Daytona 500,” said Mo Khalid, EVP and President of Take 5 Oil Change. “Partnering with RelaDyne and Corey LaJoie is a natural fit, as this partnership represents the passion and performance we at Take 5 Oil Change strive to deliver every day. This collaboration highlights our commitment to innovation and our strengthened connection with our customers.” LaJoie’s make-it-or-break-it, all-in approach is nothing new. The Charlotte, North Carolina, native has scraped and clawed for every opportunity throughout his racing career. His resiliency in a racecar and ability to articulate what he sees from the driver’s seat have made LaJoie an industry thought leader. Prime Video, which debuts its five-race slate of NASCAR Cup Series broadcasts with the May 25 Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, has tapped into LaJoie’s personality and punditry by making him an on-air analyst. “In many ways, my driving career has been more successful than I ever could’ve dreamed, yet I lose sleep feeling I never reached my full potential behind the wheel,” LaJoie said. “The pursuit of bettering myself and others around me has never been more important than it is right now. My presence on the track will look different than it has in previous years, and it’s going to bring a new host of challenges, but my heart is set on making a lasting impact in the sport and the communities NASCAR reaches. Between Rick Ware, Prime Video, and the support of partners DuraMAX and Take 5 Oil Change, I’m able to follow my heart.” (Photo Courtesy NASCAR)

Press Release | LEGACY MOTOR CLUB Seven-time NASCAR champion and co-owner of LEGACY MOTOR CLUB (“LEGACY MC”) Jimmie Johnson announced today that LEGACY MC has joined forces with Knighthead Capital Management, LLC, on behalf of certain of its affiliates and accounts (“Knighthead”) as a strategic partner. LEGACY MC, founded by entrepreneur Maury Gallagher, has entered its third full-time season with Johnson as a co-owner. Future-facing, with Knighthead’s partnership, LEGACY MC is poised to expand its competitive presence, global brand recognition, partnerships, innovation, and fan engagement. As part of this strategic partnership, Knighthead will acquire a minority stake in LEGACY MC. After 12 years of owning and operating the impressively successful GMS Racing team which competed in the NASCAR Truck and Xfinity Series, Gallagher will take a step back from the day-to-day and assume an ambassador role with LEGACY MC. GMS Racing won five championships across the NASCAR Truck Series and ARCA Menards Series. The team won 71 races in total and won 26 pole positions with many talented drivers. In 2021, Gallagher acquired Richard Petty Motorsports, and Petty GMS Racing was formed. The team won the Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway with driver Erik Jones in 2022 before striking a deal with Johnson and expanding to a two-car team for the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series season. The team continues to tout the iconic No. 43 made famous by CLUB Ambassador Richard Petty “The King”, who recently celebrated 75 years in racing. The partnership with Knighthead positions Johnson as LEGACY MC’s majority owner, solidifying his leadership and significant role in the team’s future. Johnson stated, “I really have to thank Maury Gallagher for giving me the opportunity within the ownership space. He has been an outstanding partner, mentor and friend and I’m grateful we had the opportunity to work together, I’ve learned so much from him. As his professional career takes a different path, he can worry less about the daily team owner things and focus more on family and enjoying life.” Chief Executive Officer Cal Wells III credits Johnson with his exceptional ability to network and secure strategic partnerships, a skill that has been pivotal in driving LEGACY MC’s growth and success. “As one of the most successful drivers in NASCAR history, Jimmie’s leadership and his partnership-minded business prowess remain central to the success of LEGACY MC,” said Wells, III. “This partnership is an important step for this race team, and we are thrilled to welcome Knighthead to LEGACY MC,” said Wells, III. “Each partner we add brings a unique set of strengths and insights that will help us build a long-lasting legacy in NASCAR and sports in general. Together, we can unlock new opportunities, enhance our competitiveness, and offer fans an experience unlike any other.” Johnson feels the partnership with Knighthead will align LEGACY MC with entities across many platforms. “The partnership with Knighthead is a game-changer for LEGACY MC,” said Johnson. “Their expertise in navigating complex investment opportunities and success in sports will provide LEGACY MC with the resources and guidance needed to push for championships and solidify our place in NASCAR for years to come.” Johnson continued, “Having Knighthead on board will not only strengthen our racing efforts but also enhance the fan experience and expand our reach in the global motorsports ecosystem, not limited to NASCAR.” Founded in 2008, Knighthead Capital Management, LLC is an investment firm with deep expertise across a variety of sectors, including finance, sports, and entertainment. Knighthead’s diverse portfolio includes investments in HERTZ, JOTA Racing, Singer Vehicle Design, Revology Cars, and Birmingham City Football Club. Tom Wagner, Co-Founder and Co-Managing Member of Knighthead Capital, shared his excitement for the partnership: “We are thrilled to partner with Jimmie Johnson and LEGACY MC. NASCAR’s rich history and LEGACY MC’s ambition and innovation make it a unique opportunity. We’re thrilled to collaborate with Jimmie and Cal to drive the team forward—both on the track and within the wider racing community.” The partnership with Knighthead is effective immediately as LEGACY MC prepares to kick off the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season on Feb. 2, 2025, at Bowman Gray Stadium for The Clash, followed by the season-opener DAYTONA 500 on Feb. 16, 2025. (Photo Courtesy NASCAR)

Press Release | TNT SPORTS, MAX TNT Sports today announced the launch of a brand-new NASCAR Driver Cam experience — exclusive to Max — that will offer motorsports fans the ultimate all-access pass to every driver for every race throughout the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series schedule. Launching with the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray this Sunday, Feb. 2, NASCAR Driver Cam on Max will offer users the most comprehensive access inside each driver’s car — up to 40 drivers each race — including a layered audio mix of scanner team radios and ambient car noise, all synced up with a 1080p Driver Cam feed on supported devices. At launch, fans will be able to choose between individual Driver Cams or two pre-set Multiview stream options featuring four drivers each, chosen based on the most compelling matchups and storylines each week. B/R Racing’s X and Instagram platforms will also run a weekly poll to enable fans to vote on which four drivers will be featured on a special “Fan Selected” Multiview stream on Max. Each individual driver stream will have integrated live stats — stage, lap number, position and race status — along with telemetry data including speed, RPM, gear, and more. Users will be able to pause, rewind and fast forward live video as well, and a replay of each individual driver stream will be available following each race. On race days, the NASCAR Driver Cams along with the featured and fan selected Multiviews will all be available to stream within the B/R Sports section on Max. Users can find all NASCAR Driver Cam on Max live content on the upcoming schedule at https://play.max.com/live-sports-schedule NASCAR Driver Cam on Max will be available for all drivers across all 38 race weekends of the NASCAR Cup Series schedule, including the Daytona 500, all seeding races for and each race of the inaugural NASCAR In-Season Tournament, and the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs. TNT Sports’ networks will exclusively present the inaugural in-season tournament, starting with Atlanta’s Night Race on Saturday, June 28, followed by four consecutive Sundays of adrenaline-pumping race action: July 6 in Chicago; July 13 in Sonoma; July 20 in Dover; and July 27 in Indianapolis. All races will also simulcast on Max. TNT Sports and NASCAR are entering the inaugural campaign of a new seven-year multimedia rights agreement for distribution in the U.S. that will see some of the biggest moments in the NASCAR season returning to TNT Sports’ linear and streaming platforms. Additionally, truTV and Max will exclusively present the second half of the NASCAR Cup Series practices and qualifying sessions each season. The new agreement also includes expansive highlight rights for Bleacher Report’s digital and social platforms, including B/R Racing as a dedicated content destination for NASCAR fans. This marks the continuation of TNT Sports’ 32-year relationship with NASCAR, a collaboration that began in 1983 and one that has been centered on innovation and creativity that was instrumental to the growth of the sport. More information about TNT Sports’ NASCAR production and programming will be shared in the coming months. (Photo Courtesy NASCAR)

NASCAR.COM NASCAR officials signaled Monday that the sanctioning body will consider making changes to its playoff format for the 2026 season. No changes are imminent for the 2025 campaign, which is set to begin with the exhibition Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium on Sunday. However, the structure of the postseason could take on another shape in 2026. “We are always looking if there are opportunities for us to tweak something,” NASCAR president Steve Phelps said of the playoffs in a November press conference. “We’re not going to go away from playoffs,” added Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR’s chief operations officer. “We’ll absolutely look at what form the playoffs take in the offseason. You always learn. … But playoffs in and of itself, as Steve said, you cannot argue with the quality of racing that the playoffs have delivered. You can talk about the format if we do some different things, but absolutely we’re going to stick with it.” No definitive change has been suggested, nor are any alterations guaranteed for the 2026 season. But the sanctioning body will look to gather an industry-wide committee to determine what changes could be made, if any, ahead of the 2026 season, seeking opinions from drivers, teams, manufacturers, media and officials. (Photo Courtesy NASCAR)

(Photo Courtesy NASCAR) Kyle Sieg is set to return to RSS Racing for the full 2025 Xfinity Series season. Over the past two seasons, he has competed in 31 races each year, earning three top-10 finishes in 81 career starts, with his best result being seventh at Atlanta in 2023. He finished 24th in the standings last season and will be looking to improve in 2025. RSS Racing also announced plans to field a third car on a partial schedule, with more details to come. Let us know what you think about this news, and stay tuned to RacingRefresh.com for all the latest motorsports updates!

(Photo Courtesy NASCAR) NASCAR has announced the 2025 schedules for the Xfinity Series Dash 4 Cash and the Truck Series Triple Truck Challenge. The Dash 4 Cash will begin with a qualifier at Las Vegas, followed by races at Homestead, Martinsville, Bristol, and Rockingham—marking the return of "The Rock." The Triple Truck Challenge will run alongside the final three Dash 4 Cash events. A big change this year allows drivers from all three national series to enter, though only those earning points in their respective series can compete for the bonuses. Let us know what you think, and stay tuned to RacingReresh.com for all the latest motorsports updates!

Press Release | YOUNG'S MOTORSPORTS Young’s Motorsports confirmed that rookie Nathan Byrd will return to the organization and is slated to compete in a minimum of 15 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series races beginning with the season-opener at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway on Friday, February 14, 2025. Byrd returns to the controls of the No. 02 Chevrolet Silverado RST after competing in three Truck Series races last season for the Mooresville, N.C.-based team at Kansas Speedway, Homestead-Miami (Fla.) Speedway and the season-finale at Phoenix (Ariz.) Raceway respectively. Byrd, 25, is touted as a promising talent in the world of Motorsports for his fierce competitive spirit and remarkable skill behind the wheel. Honing his craft through various racing series, Byrd’s experience and talent were evident, even at a young age. The decision to reunite forces with Young’s Motorsports perfectly aligns with his career ambitions. The team is recognized for its commitment to developing emerging talent in the sport. Together, they aim to build a strong competitive presence throughout the 2025 season. Byrd is scheduled to drive the team’s flagship truck in the first nine Truck Series races of the season through Kansas Speedway in May before returning at Nashville (Tenn.) Superspeedway in late May. “Getting the opportunity to run a much bigger NASCAR Truck schedule in 2025 with Young’s Motorsports is a true blessing,” said Byrd. “They’re a great team of hard-working men and women, and I’m confident that as I get more comfortable and experienced in the truck, we can make significant progress together. None of this is possible without the hard work and dedication of many. I’m looking forward to Daytona in a couple of weeks.” A fixture in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series garage since 20212, Young’s Motorsports, led by team principal and former Truck Series driver Tyler Young, has carved a niche in the motorsports world for nurturing up-and-coming drivers. With two career wins and a proven track record of success in various NASCAR platforms, Byrd’s extensive schedule is a testament to their dedication to promoting fresh talent. Additionally, the team announced Monday that Stefan Parsons will join Young’s Motorsports’ second-truck program for the 2025 Truck Series season. The Cornelius, N.C. native schedule will be announced at a later date. Parsons, 26, returns to the organization on the heels of capturing three top-10s during the 2024 Truck Series season driving for Henderson Motorsports. Parsons made four starts across the Young’s Motorsports team Truck Series platform during the 2022 and 2023 seasons. “We’ve been working hard throughout the offseason on our Truck Series program,” said Young. “The NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series has been a staple of our story since our inception, and we’d like nothing more to continue to make positive memories and put Nathan (Byrd) and Stefan (Parsons) in a position to contend for wins and strong performances throughout the season.” Both drivers will participate in the open NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series test at Rockingham (N.C.) Speedway on Tuesday, February 28, 2025. (Photo Credit: Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

Press Release | FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS Coming off his banner rookie season at Front Row Motorsports (FRM), Layne Riggs is set to return to FRM to drive one of the teams’ Ford F-150’s for the 2025 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series (NCTS) season. After rising through the regional ranks, Riggs signed with FRM for the 2024 season to drive the No. 38 truck. Riggs captured two wins, seven top-5’s, and 10 top-10’s in the 2024 season, earning him the Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors. Now set to return to FRM, Riggs will get behind the wheel of the newly minted No. 34 Love’s Travel Stops Ford F-150. “I’m looking forward to another season with FRM, and now with the No. 34.” said Riggs. “I have a great group behind me with Dylan (Cappello) leading them from atop the pit box. We’re ready for the season to start and hit the ground running.” “It is an honor to carry the No. 34,” said Riggs. “The 34 means so much to the Love’s Travel Stops brand and it means a lot that I get to add to its legacy.” With his return, Riggs hopes to carry last year’s momentum into the 2025 season and cast his bid into the NCTS Playoffs. “I’m thrilled to keep working with Layne (Riggs),” said Dylan Cappello. “We created a lot of great memories in the No. 38, and I’m excited to build on that in the No. 34. We’re putting in the effort this offseason to start the season strong at Daytona.” Chandler Smith will drive the No. 38 Ford F-150 in the NCTS and will be teammates with Riggs. Smith will be paired up with crew chief Jon Leonard. “I’m happy to be at Front Row Motorsports,” said Leonard. “They are one of the top teams in the Truck Series and have the resume to prove it. I’m looking forward to working with Chandler (Smith) and building a strong relationship with him that will hopefully earn us some checkered flags.” The organization will now shift their focus to the Daytona International Speedway for the Fresh From Florida 250 on Friday, February 14th, an event that FRM is a two-time winner of. Fans can watch the action live at 7:30 pm ET on FS1. Fans can also listen in from the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM channel 90. (Photo Courtesy NASCAR)

By Ryan Wu Mercedes Two full-time entries in Formula One   Car No. 12 Andrea Kimi Antonelli Andrea Kimi Antonelli prepping for the 2025 F1 Season - Photo from www.x.com/MercedesAMGF1 2024 Stats This will be Antonelli’s first season in F1   ---------- Car No. 63 George Russell George Russell after winning at Las Vegas - Photo from www.x.com/MercedesAMGF1 2024 Stats Russell was in this ride last season as well Final Standings Position – 6th  Best 2024 Finish – P1 twice, at the Canadian and Las Vegas Grand Prix Points – 245   Career Formula One Stats Starts – 128 Wins – 3 Podiums – 15   2025 Hopes and Expectations Mercedes will field George Russell, now firmly established as the team's number-one driver, alongside teenage sensation Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who, at just 19 years old, will be one of two teenagers on the grid next year when the season commences. The key questions for the team are whether the significant improvements seen this past year after their struggles with the 2022 regulation changes will enable them to compete more consistently in 2025, and how Antonelli will handle the challenging step up from Formula 2 to Formula 1. Mercedes managed 4 wins in 2024 after attaining 0 in 2023, are they able to build on the progress and become a consistent title challenger again?   Bold Prediction George Russell fills the big shoes left by Lewis Hamilton more than adequately and ends up a top 3 finisher in the drivers’ standings.

By Adam Carabine RFK Racing Three full-time entries in the NASCAR Cup Series   Car No. 6 Brad Keselowski Brad Keselowski - Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images 2024 Stats Keselowski is a partial owner of the team and was in this ride last season as well Final Standings Position – 13th  Best 2024 Finish – P1 at Darlington Points – 2,208 Average Finish – 15.61   Career Cup Series Stats Starts – 557 Wins – 36 Best Career Season Finish Position – 1st in 2012 with Penske Racing   ----------   Car No. 17 Chris Buescher Chris Buescher and the 17 car team celebrate their 2024 win at Watkins Glen - Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images 2024 Stats Buescher was in this ride last season as well Final Standings Position – 17th  Best 2024 Finish – P1 at Watkins Glen Points – 930 Average Finish – 14.31   Career Cup Series Stats Starts – 329 Wins – 6 Best Career Season Finish Position – 7th in 2023 with RFK Racing    ----------   Car No. 60 Ryan Preece Ryan Preece with his 2024 ride, the No. 41 for Stewart-Haas Racing - Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images 2024 Stats This is a new ride for RFK Racing, but Preece was driving the No. 41 car for Stewart-Haas Racing last season Final Standings Position – 26th  Best 2024 Finish – P4 at Nashville Points – 584 Average Finish – 20.89   Career Cup Series Stats Starts – 187 Wins – 0 Best Career Season Finish Position – 23rd in 2023 with Stewart-Haas Racing   2025 Hopes and Expectations Since Brad Keselowski became a part-owner of the team in 2022, RFK Racing has been trending up.  While there were some growing pains in that initial year for Keselowski, he made the playoffs the following season, and last year found his way back to victory lane.  Chris Buescher had a bit of a down year and missed the playoffs after scoring a career-high three wins in 2023.  New to the team, Ryan Preece was not overly impressive with the Stewart-Haas Racing program last season, though it’s hard to know how well the team was operating in a somewhat lame-duck scenario.    A successful year for RFK Racing likely has both Keselowski and Buescher back in the playoffs, and a year of learning, improvement and stability for Ryan Preece.