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By Adam Carabine Jordan Anderson Racing Two full-time entries in the NASCAR Xfinity Series   Car No. 27 Jeb Burton Jeb Burton in his No. 27 Car at Iowa Speedway - Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images 2024 Stats Jeb Burton has been in this ride since 2023 Final Standings Position – 19th  Best 2024 Finish – P7 at Talladega Points – 512 Average Finish – 21.61   Career Xfinity Series Stats Starts – 175 Wins – 2 Best Career Season Finish Position – 10th, in 2021 with Kaulig Racing ----------   Car No. 31 Blaine Perkins Jeb Burton (27), Blaine Perkins (29) , Kaz Grala (28) and Kyle Larson (17) at COTA - Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images 2024 Stats Blaine Perkins spent 2024 with RSS Racing in the No. 29 Car Final Standings Position – 27th  Best 2024 Finish – P13 at Phoenix Points – 350 Average Finish – 26.06   Career Xfinity Series Stats Starts – 75 Wins – 0 Best Career Season Finish Position – 27th, in 2024 with RSS Racing   2025 Hopes and Expectations With the departure of Parker Retzlaff, Jordan Anderson Racing pulls in a fairly green Blaine Perkins to replace him in the No. 31 car this season.  It’s likely that this is ride a step up for Perkins as far as competitiveness goes, but it will be an important moment in his career to see if he belongs.  Jeb Burton on the other hand has shown that he can compete at the drafting tracks, so he’ll hope to lock himself into the playoffs with a win at one of the Super Speedways.  Realistically, having Burton in the playoffs, and Perkins just happily showing up and putting up Top-25s, should have the team brass smiling.

By Adam Carabine Halmar Friesen Racing One full-time entry in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series   Truck No. 52 Stewart Friesen Stewart Friesen celebrates winning the pole at Nashville Superspeedway - Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images 2024 Stats Stewart Friesen has been in this ride since 2017 Final Standings Position – 14th  Best 2024 Finish – P2 at Charlotte Points – 557 Average Finish – 15.83   Career Truck Series Stats – Stewart Friesen Starts – 184 Wins – 3 Best Career Season Finish Position – 4th in 2019 with Halmar Friesen Racing   2025 Hopes and Expectations As the co-owner and main driver, Stewart Friesen will be hoping to recapture some of the brilliance that has been bubbling over the last 3-6 years.  Friesen has the ability to make the playoffs, but hasn’t been able to do it year in and year out.   With the removal of a dirt race on the Truck Series schedule, Friesen will have to leave his dirt experience behind and focus on his pavement racing.  A playoff spot is not out of the realm of possibility, but a great year would probably have him challenging for the second round.

(Photo Credit: x.com/KyleLarsonRacin ) Kyle Larson won his third Golden Driller at the 39th Annual Chili Bowl Nationals, leading all 40 laps despite some close calls, especially on lap 23 and again with three laps to go. While the scorebook says he dominated, there were definitely some dicey moments that required skill and luck to recover from. Larson tied Christopher Bell for three Chili Bowl victories, a significant achievement for both drivers. We’d love to hear your thoughts on the event and Larson's win. Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button as we’ve got exciting content lined up for 2025!

(Photo Courtesy NASCAR) Matt DiBenedetto will return to Viking Motorsports for the full 2025 Xfinity Series season, with the team switching to Chevrolet and filling the No. 99 car. In the 2024 season, Matt achieved a best finish of seventh twice and added another top 10 finish. Team owner Don Sackett believes going independent is the best decision for the long-term success of the team. We’re curious to hear what you think about this move and whether Matt DiBenedetto will surprise us with a win in 2025. Don’t forget to share your thoughts and hit that subscribe button to stay tuned for more updates!

Press Release | NASCAR NASCAR announced today it will launch a FAST (Free Ad-Supported Television) Channel called the NASCAR Channel. The NASCAR Channel goes live with exclusive launch partner Tubi on Wednesday, Jan. 29. Fans can watch NASCAR content 24/7 without a subscription fee or registration. Programming and content on the NASCAR Channel will include classic races, re-airs of this season’s events, documentaries, NASCAR Studios original content and video podcasts. Highlights for the launch of the NASCAR Channel include exclusive live coverage of the upcoming NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Feb. 7 and the Cook Out Madhouse Classic from Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, N.C. on Feb. 1. NASCAR will dive into the archive to deliver the best historical races from the Daytona 500 and The Cook Out Clash, while re-airing those 2025 races on a delayed schedule. Fans can also expect timely original content like NASCAR Daily with Shannon Spake and race highlights, as well as fan favorites like Radioactive, Refuse to Lose, and Hall of Fame Biographies. “I’m excited for the fans,” said John Dahl, NASCAR SVP, Content. “They now have a free, easily-accessed, 24/7 NASCAR destination that not only digs deep into our archives but provides the latest news and original storytelling. As the channel grows, we’ll be adding more and more racing content that we’re confident fans will appreciate. Many NASCAR fans already use Tubi, but we’re looking forward to exposing more of them to that great platform too.” “We’re thrilled to welcome NASCAR fans to Tubi where they’ll soon find the ultimate immersive experience with the first official NASCAR FAST Channel exclusively on our service,” said Samuel Harowitz, SVP of Content Acquisitions and Partnerships at Tubi. “As Tubi’s momentum continues to grow, we are doubling down on providing premium entertainment guided by viewer engagement and fandoms. NASCAR is the perfect addition to our vast content offering and we believe this channel’s programming will complement NASCAR’s live events which kick off the 2025 season with The Clash and Daytona 500 on FOX.” (Photo Courtesy NASCAR)

Press Release | TRICON GARAGE TRICON Garage (TRICON) announced today that it will attempt to make its NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) debut in the 67th running of the Daytona 500 with 2017 Cup champion Martin Truex Jr. The Mayetta, New Jersey native will pilot the No. 56 Toyota Camry XSE. TRICON will be receiving technical support from Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) and Cole Pearn will reunite with Truex Jr., returning to the NCS as a crew chief for the first time since 2019. The duo amassed 24 Cup victories and a championship in their five seasons together and will look to secure a starting position in their sixth Daytona 500. Bass Pro Shops will continue their longstanding relationship with Truex Jr. and will serve as the primary partner for the No. 56 in the “Great American Race.” The premier outdoor and conservation company founded by Johnny Morris has been a partner of the 44-year-old driver dating back to 2004. “It’s going to be a really cool deal to be able to work with Cole and have the number 56 again,” said Truex Jr. “I really appreciate everyone at Bass Pro Shops, TRICON and Toyota helping put this together to go have some fun, and I can’t think of a better time to go win the thing for Johnny Morris.” TRICON Garage and Toyota partnered beginning with the 2023 Truck Series season. Since the relationship debuted, success has been evident and immediate with nine victories, 50 top-five finishes and consecutive Championship 4 appearances. The consistent on-track performance and run of success make this partnership the logical next step for TRICON as the organization continues to grow and plan for the future. “This opportunity is a testament to the dedication of our entire organization and our partners at Toyota. Having raced against Martin for many years, I can confidently say there’s no stronger competitor I’d want behind the wheel for our first Cup Series entry at the sport’s most prestigious race,” said David Gilliland, partner, TRICON Garage. “As an open entry, we know the road ahead will be challenging, but I have no doubt that Martin will put us in the best position to succeed. I’ve had the privilege of sitting on the pole at Daytona, but my next goal is to celebrate in victory lane.” Daytona Speedweeks will kick off with practice and qualifying on Wednesday, February 12 followed by the Duels on Thursday, February 13. The Daytona 500 will be televised live on FOX on Sunday, February 16 at 2:30 P.M. ET with radio coverage provided by the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. Press Release | BASS PRO SHOPS Bass Pro Shops announced today that it will be the primary sponsor for longtime partner Martin Truex Jr. for the 67th running of the Daytona 500 on Feb. 16. Daytona will reunite the winning team that has been together since 2001 and included such career highlights for Truex as the 2017 Cup Series championship, the 2017 and 2023 Cup Series regular-season championships and the 2004 and 2005 Busch Series championships. His 34 race victories over a 21-year career include the 2016 and 2019 Coca-Cola 600 and the 2016 Southern 500. “We are fired up to be back with Martin again at Daytona,” said Johnny Morris, noted conservationist and Bass Pro Shops founder. “We have had so many unforgettable moments throughout our more than 20-year relationship with Martin, on the track and out hunting and fishing together, and are looking forward to supporting him and conservation this year at Daytona!” Truex announced his retirement from full-time racing last June, capping a memorable career that included nearly 700 NASCAR Cup Series races and will undoubtedly land him in the Hall of Fame. He was named one of 75 Greatest Drivers by a NASCAR panel in 2023. “It’s such a blessing to have Bass Pro Shops with us again,” Truex said. “Johnny Morris and the entire Bass Pro family have supported me throughout my career, and I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish what I did without them in my corner. I can’t thank them enough for being by my side as we go back to Daytona.” Truex will be driving the No. 56 Bass Pro Shops Toyota Camry XSE with Tricon Garage as it attempts to make its Cup Series debut at the “Great American Race” at Daytona International Speedway. Daytona Speedweek will kick off with practice and qualifying on Wednesday, Feb. 12, followed by the Duels on Thursday, Feb. 13. The Daytona 500 will be televised live on FOX on Sunday, Feb. 16 at 2:30 p.m. ET, with radio coverage provided by the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. (Photo Courtesy NASCAR)

Press Release | LEGACY MOTOR CLUB Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion and LEGACY MOTOR CLUB’s co-owner Jimmie Johnson announced today his racing plans for 2025. Johnson, who ran nine NASCAR Cup Series races in 2024, will once again attempt the DAYTONA 500 on Feb. 16th marking his 22nd appearance in “The Great American Race.” Additionally, Johnson will race in NASCAR’s ‘longest’ event, the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, on May 25. Both races will have the branding and colors of Phoenix, Arizona-based Carvana on the No. 84 Toyota Camry XSE, as the special partnership between Johnson and Carvana enters its fifth season together. “I’m so proud of the relationship we have built with Carvana,” said Johnson. “They have always been supportive of my dreams and always find innovative ways to connect with fans. As my days behind the wheel of a racecar continue to wind down, the partnership with Carvana continues to celebrate my career and it’s such an honor.” Not only will Johnson feel the homecoming vibes, but he will surpass a significant milestone. As he takes the green flag at Charlotte for 600 miles of racing action, it will mark his 700th NASCAR Cup Series start. It is such a fitting place to make a significant start at, noting that he has visited victory lane at Charlotte eight times throughout his career, four of which coming from the Coca-Cola 600. Carvana, an industry pioneer for buying and selling used cars online, and a partner known for its innovative and thoughtful paint schemes, will announce Johnson’s livery in late January, just ahead of the two-time DAYTONA 500 winner’s return to the iconic Florida track. “We’re incredibly excited to support Jimmie and LEGACY MOTOR CLUB for a third season,” said Ryan Keeton, Carvana’s co-founder and Chief Brand Officer. “Jimmie’s legacy in NASCAR is unparalleled, and our team is committed to creating a special livery that measures up to his 700th start milestone. Stay tuned for what we have in store!” “I’m thrilled to be returning to competition in 2025,” said Johnson. “These two races hold a special place in my heart, and I’ve always loved the energy and excitement that surrounds them. The DAYTONA 500 is a crown jewel of NASCAR – there’s nothing like it. Charlotte Motor Speedway is where I made my first start in the NASCAR Cup Series, and it’s always felt like ‘home’ to me.” The DAYTONA 500 will take place on Sunday, February 16, at 2:30 p.m. ET, live on FOX, kicking off the official start of the NASCAR Cup Series season. (Photo Courtesy NASCAR)

Press Release | NASCAR NASCAR announced today multiple media rights deals that bolster its presence in Canada, the sport’s largest international market, highlighted by the expansion of its decades-long partnership with Bell Media. For the first time, Bell Media will be Canada’s home for all three NASCAR national series as it adds NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series programming to its long-standing NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR Xfinity Series rights. Races, as well as associated practice and qualifying sessions will be broadcast across Bell Media’s linear and digital platforms, including CTV, TSN, USA Network and TSN+. Bell Media also secures additional rights to NASCAR Canada Series and ARCA Menards Series events. REV TV comes on board as the host broadcaster of the NASCAR Canada Series – it will be the exclusive English-language home of all live and/or first-airings, producing all races as well as highlights and other supplemental content around the series. REV TV will also have rights to the full suite of NASCAR international series races, as well as the ARCA Menards Series. “We’re thrilled to extend our long-running partnership with Bell Media and look forward to bringing REV TV on board,” said Nick Skipper, NASCAR Managing Director, Media Strategy. “Both are top-class partners that will help us best serve our passionate Canadian fan base across all of our racing series and continue to grow the sport in this important market.” “Our long-standing, successful partnership with NASCAR underscores Bell Media’s dedication to bringing world-class motorsports to Canadian fans – and this season we’re debuting a new place to watch NASCAR with USA Network,” said Shawn Redmond, VP, Bell Media Sports. “With the addition of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series bringing even more dynamic content to our platforms, we’ll continue to showcase the energy and intensity of NASCAR to our passionate fans all season long.” “As Canada’s home for motorsports and motoring, we are thrilled to have Canada’s premier motorsports series, the NASCAR Canada Series, as a part of our diverse programming lineup,” said Mike Garrow, CEO of REV TV. “We are eager to present Canadian fans their homegrown heroes in new and exciting ways, alongside NASCAR’s other global series from Mexico, Brazil and Europe. REV TV will also be the home of the ARCA Menards Series where stock car stars of tomorrow will shine today,” he added. The NASCAR Cup Series kicks off its season with the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray, Sunday, Feb. 2 at 8 p.m. ET, and the DAYTONA 500, Sunday, Feb. 16 at 2:30 p.m. ET. The NASCAR Canada Series begins its season at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (Bowmanville, ON), Sunday, May 18 at 2 p.m. ET. (Photo Courtesy NASCAR)

Press Release | RICHARD CHILDRESS RACING Bass Pro Shops and Winchester announced today an exciting new partnership for the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season, with Austin Dillon’s No. 3 Chevrolet being sponsored by both legendary outdoor brands. This is a natural pairing, given the long and storied relationship between the two brands, rooted in a shared dedication to conservation efforts and promoting our outdoor heritage. “We’re proud to have the Winchester team join us to salute the sportsmen and women of America on the legendary No. 3 RCR car,” said noted conservationist and Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris. “We’re all very grateful to our longtime friends, Richard Childress and his grandson Austin Dillon, for their ongoing support of conservation and for being terrific ambassadors for our company and the traditions of hunting, fishing and conservation in America.” For more than 50 years, Bass Pro Shops has blazed a trail in the retail landscape for outdoor enthusiasts, forging a place as North America’s premier outdoor retailer, with a foundation built on conservation and giving outdoorsmen and women everything they need for their outdoor adventures. Today, there are nearly 200 retail destinations and boat centers throughout the United States and Canada, offering unforgettable immersive shopping experiences while providing thrills to guests of all ages. Shared Commitment to Conservation Efforts Winchester – The American Legend – has been known for its rich history and heritage for nearly 160 years. It is known throughout the world as an industry leader in promoting conservation, shooting sports and our hunting heritage. “Winchester remains one of the most iconic brands in the world, known for innovative products and a devout legacy in supporting the shooting sports, hunting, conservation, and the primary supplier of small caliber ammunition to the U.S. military,” said Brett Flaugher, President of Winchester Ammunition. “This is an exciting alignment that allows us to connect with the NASCAR audience.” Together, Bass Pro Shops and Winchester are tied by their commitment to conservation causes, protecting our natural places for future generations to enjoy, and celebrating everything about the great outdoors. This NASCAR partnership will bring that message to new audiences and spread it throughout the world. A Story of Dedication, Heritage, and High-Speed Success The No. 3 Chevrolet, one of the most iconic cars in NASCAR history, carries a storied legacy from its days with the late Dale Earnhardt. Austin Dillon, the grandson of NASCAR team owner Richard Childress, has continued to honor that tradition, bringing new energy and excitement to the revered number. “Johnny Morris is not only a good friend, but one of the greatest conservationists of our lifetime,” said Childress, chairman and chief executive officer of Richard Childress Racing. “Bass Pro Shops has been a longtime supporter of RCR and Austin, and we are excited to have Winchester join the fold this season on the No. 3 car. Everyone in this great country has the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful outdoors, making memories that you’ll never forget. Together we will continue to spread the mission of conservation to ensure future generations have that same ability.” Austin Dillon is one of the most exciting stars in the NASCAR Cup Series, with wins in the 2017 Coca-Cola 600 and the 2018 Daytona 500. He won Rookie of the Year honors in the Truck Series and Xfinity Series and later won the season championship on both circuits. “Bass Pro Shops has supported me throughout every step of my career, and to have Winchester aboard our No. 3 Chevrolet this season will be a special addition,” said Dillon, driver of the No. 3 Bass Pro Shops/Winchester Chevrolet. “I remember hunting my first deer on my grandfather’s lap at the at the age of seven. Now, I’m able to experience the outdoors with my family and children, and pass down the American values of hunting, fishing, and supporting conservation.” Driving the historic No. 3 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing, Dillon is a five-time winner in the Cup Series who has qualified for the NASCAR playoffs five times. Fans can catch Austin Dillon and the No. 3 Bass Pro Shops/Winchester Chevrolet on track when the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series officially kicks off at the iconic Daytona International Speedway in February. (Photo Courtesy NASCAR)

Press Release | GARAGE 66 Motorsports Business Management has been around for many years. As Carl Long and wife DeeDee progressed in the sport, the simple management of Carl’s driving career and the one-off racecars he owned became the race team you see today. The name was a lot to write out, so we shortened it to MBM and created the 13/B logo. As we grew, we developed a separate company for our own in-house engine program, Power Source LLC. This was to give us a different set of books to keep things organized. Behind the scenes, some new investors joined our NASCAR Cup Series operation, separate to our NASCAR Xfinity Series team. In 2024, Power Source became the primary business name on our Cup entry, while the Xfinity team continued to operate as MBM Motorsports. For 2025, we are rebranding our NASCAR Cup Series entry to Garage 66. The new name and logo reflects the streamlining of our team to fewer people with higher standards. We want to deliver great racecars to each track we compete at and produce solid finishes with fewer mistakes. Management and accountability become much less stressful with just one car at the track most weekends and many less people. Look for multiple announcements from Garage 66 in the near future with more details on our 2025 NASCAR Cup Series plans. Press Release | GARAGE 66 Garage 66 will begin its 2025 NASCAR Cup Series campaign with Garrett Smithley racing the No. 66 Ford Mustang Dark Horse in the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium on Sunday, February 2. The Ligonier, Pennsylvania native has more than 260 races of experience across the top three NASCAR national series and will continue to expand that count with a full-time NASCAR Xfinity Series campaign in 2025 for SS Green Light Racing. “It’s awesome to be back in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2025. I’ve been talking to Carl for a while now about putting something together, and finally all the pieces fell into place. I am looking forward to running this historic race at Bowman Gray, and hopefully we can do more together throughout the year,” said Smithley. Garage 66 co-owner Carl Long has had the 32-year-old Smithley pilot both NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR Xfinity Series entries for his teams in previous seasons. “It has been a while since Garrett last drove for our organization, but I am glad to have him back in our car. He has a solid deal in Xfinity that also gives him more freedom to race in Cup. Garrett knows how to take care of his equipment and be there at the end,” said Long. “Garage 66 does not have the high-budget simulators that some other teams utilize, but Garrett has done well on short tracks, and they don’t get much shorter than Bowman Gray. We are going to have a great time kicking off the 2025 season.” Sponsorship for Garrett Smithley and the No. 66 team at the Cook Out Clash will be announced in the coming days. The shortest track in NASCAR Cup Series competition requires a unique format. On Saturday, February 1, the Cup teams will cycle through 25-lap heat races to set the starting lineups for the following night. On Sunday, February 2, a 75-lap Last Chance Qualifying race leads into the 200-lap feature on FOX. (Photo Courtesy Garage 66/MBM Motorsports)

Press Release | NASCAR DAYTONA BEACH, FL. (Jan. 17, 2025) — NASCAR has joined with Los Angeles sports organizations and Fanatics to help raise much-needed funds for victims of the devastating wildfires and the first responders supporting the fight. Fans can now purchase NASCAR-branded LA Strong merchandise with all proceeds going to the American Red Cross and LA Fire Department Foundation. The apparel can be purchased directly from Fanatics’ LA Strong website. Fanatics has collaborated with its League partners and LA sports organizations to design merchandise which helps support those directly impacted by the devastating wildfires in the LA communities. Fanatics, Leagues, and the participating sports organizations will not profit from the sale of the LA Strong merchandise and will make a donation directly to the American Red Cross and the LA Fire Department Foundation. The American Red Cross provides assistance to those affected by these fires and the LA Fire Department Foundation provides much needed support and equipment to first responders. For more information on these charitable organizations, please visit redcross.org and supportlafd.org. (Photo Courtesy NASCAR)

Press Release | NHRA EPPING, N.H. (Jan. 17, 2025) – Tickets are on sale for one of the most exciting races of the 2025 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season, as the 12th annual NHRA New England Nationals heads back to traditional New England Dragway for another thrilling year of action on May 30-June 1. Known for its old-school feel, New England Dragway is always a popular stop for fans and race teams and will host the seventh of 20 races during the 2025 season. The event has enjoyed huge, sellout crowds over the years, bringing a special and can’t-miss atmosphere to the New England area. A year ago, John Force (Funny Car), Doug Kalitta (Top Fuel) and Troy Coughlin (Pro Stock) all claimed victories in front of a capacity crowd, while Force, Steve Torrence (Top Fuel), and Dallas Glenn (Pro Stock) picked up Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge wins in the bonus event. The popular Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge also returns to New England as semifinalists from the Gerber Collision and Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by PEAK Performance in Chicago will meet up for a rematch. It adds competitive racing to the Saturday schedule, with the winner taking home a bonus purse and bonus championship points, and adding another must-see element to the weekend. The event includes two qualifying sessions on both Friday and Saturday, leading into eliminations on Sunday, as Northeast fans get a chance to see the incredible 11,000-horsepower, 330-mph nitro machines in action. The Funny Car final round was memorable for the John Force Racing camp. Force took on his teammate Austin Prock. Force seized the win over Prock, giving the 16-time champion his 157th career win. Force later in the season stepped out of the race car after a crash in Virginia, while Prock went on to earn his first Funny Car world title and 22nd for the John Force Racing team, defeating the likes of Ron Capps, Matt Hagan, J.R. Todd and Bob Tasca III. Kalitta earned his first NHRA New England Nationals when he defeated eight-time champion Tony Schumacher. The win gave the 2023 Top Fuel champion his final race win needed to secure wins at all tracks on the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series circuit. Kalitta earned three wins throughout 2024 and went onto finish runner-up in the points standings to Antron Brown, who picked up his fourth world title. Other Top Fuel stars include Shawn Langdon, Brittany Force and motorsports legend Tony Stewart. Coughlin met up with his Elite Motorsports teammate and six-time champion Erica Enders in the final round of the 2024 NHRA New England Nationals, with Coughlin coming away with his fifth career win and first at New England Dragway. Fans will also see the likes of reigning world champ Greg Anderson, Dallas Glenn and Aaron Stanfield in action in the Pro Stock ranks. Also scheduled for the NHRA New England Nationals is the fan favorite Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage Mountain Motor Pro Stock as well as a full slate of sportsman racing in the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series. To purchase tickets to the 2025 NHRA New England Nationals, fans can visit www.NHRA.com/tickets. Children 12 and under are free in general admission areas with the purchase of an adult ticket. For more information about the NHRA, visit www.nhra.com. (Photo Courtesy NHRA)

Press Release | JCM RACING Women will be leading the charge at JCM Racing as headliners Alexis DeJoria and Ida Zetterström have been commissioned to assume the driving responsibilities for Joe Maynard’s two-car operation in 2025. Competing as the sport’s first all-female nitro team, DeJoria will pilot the Bandero Premium Tequila Funny Car while Zetterström will be at the controls of the JCM Racing Top Fuel dragster. DeJoria and Zetterström will make their debut as JCM Racing teammates during National Women’s Month when the 2025 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season kicks off with the NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville, Fla., March 7-9. DeJoria, a 12-year Funny Car veteran who previously competed under the DC Motorsports banner, will run the full slate of NHRA Mission Foods Series events. Returning for her sophomore season with JCM, Zetterström is confirmed for a half-season schedule consisting of 10 races with the goal of adding events in hopes of running a full-season campaign. “This sport has a long history of powerful women who have made their mark not only on NHRA Drag Racing but the motorsports industry as a whole,” said Maynard, JCM Racing team owner. “Women have been at the forefront of the NHRA for many years, and we’re proud to be the first organization to have an all-female roster of nitro-powered drivers. Ida and Alexis are the full package and will represent us well both on and off the track. “Working with Ida last year, and seeing her drive and tenacity, I have no doubt that it’s only a matter of time before she has an NHRA championship to go along with her European championships,” added Maynard. “Her work ethic is incredible and that translates to success on the track. I’m hopeful we can continue to add more races to her schedule this year and put her in a position to have a shot at the Countdown. As for Alexis, it’s clear that she is right there on the cusp, a champion-in-the-making, and our goal for this season is to put her in the best car surrounded by a great team so that she can make a run at becoming the first woman in NHRA history to win a Funny Car title.” Calling the shots on the Bandero Funny Car is Mike ‘Zippy’ Neff, who has been instrumental in tuning multiple high-profile drivers to numerous race wins in addition to his two Funny Car championships. The Zetterström/Jon Schaffer driver/crew chief duo remains intact after a late-season 2024 debut. Like Neff, Schaffer’s resume is also jam-packed with highlights, including double-digit race wins and a series title since assuming the role of NHRA crew chief. At their first race together at the 2024 Brainerd, Minn. event, Zetterström and Schaffer impressed with a semifinal finish but felt that they didn’t truly hit their stride until several races later when the season was coming to an end. “I feel like we left a lot on the table when it comes to showing people what we’re capable of,” explained Zetterström, who recently won the National Dragster All-Star Team fan vote for ‘Best New Talent.’ “Everyone else had a 12-race head start on us so by the time we came out in August, the rest of the field had several months of getting the kinks worked out. Not to mention, many of those teams have worked together for years and years whereas we were a brand-new team that was starting from scratch. Right as it started to feel like we were getting into our groove, the season ended. So, we’re ready to get back out there and prove ourselves. I hope we can put together the proper funding to race a full season, but regardless, I’ll be out at the track every race weekend, either competing for win lights or supporting my new teammate from the starting line. I’m excited for Alexis and me to be teammates this year.” Beyond the marketability factor, DeJoria and Zetterström boast an impressive list of credentials. Both women spent years climbing the ranks in the high-speed sport of straight-line racing, learning the ropes before advancing. Zetterström is a European drag racing champ on both two wheels and four, having become the first woman to win an FIM Super Street Bike title in 2019 and again in 2020. Before relocating from Sweden to the Indianapolis area last winter, Zetterström clinched the 2023 FIA European Top Fuel crown. DeJoria is a former U.S. Nationals champion and the first woman to clock a three-second Funny Car pass. In addition to her six Funny Car triumphs, DeJoria found success in the Sportsman ranks before transitioning over to a nitro-fueled machine in 2011 and is the only driver to own the trifecta of Super Comp, Top Alcohol Funny Car, and Funny Car victories. “Ida was a great addition to the tour last year, and I’m looking forward to having her as a teammate,” DeJoria said. “We’re both fierce competitors and I feel like we’re going to motivate each other. I’m also really looking forward to working with Mike Neff. His credentials speak for themselves and he’s had a lot of success in Funny Car. The guys are up in Indy, hard at work getting our car prepped and put together so that we’re ready to go come March. Our goal for this season is to be consistent and win races.” DeJoria and Zetterström will hit the track for the first time during the NHRA pre-season test session at Gainesville Raceway, March 4 - 5. Zetterström’s schedule of events will be announced closer to the start of the season. (Photo Courtesy JCM Racing)

Press Release | NHRA SONOMA, Calif. (Jan. 15, 2025) – NHRA officials announced today that DENSO will continue as the title sponsor of the annual NHRA national event at scenic Sonoma Raceway. The DENSO NHRA Sonoma Nationals will take place July 25-27 in Sonoma, and is part of the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series. This year’s race marks the 10 year anniversary of DENSO serving as title sponsor for an NHRA national event. The annual trek to wine country in Sonoma and picturesque Sonoma Raceway is one of the highlights on the NHRA circuit. For nearly four decades, fans have been treated to a scenic racing facility that is also one of the fastest tracks on the NHRA tour, showcasing incredible performances year after year. The title sponsorship in Sonoma continues DENSO’s long relationship with NHRA, and DENSO also partners with a number of top NHRA competitors, including Pro Stock Motorcycle riders Matt and Angie Smith, Jianna Evaristo and John Hall, as well as 2024 U.S. Nationals Top Fuel winner Clay Millican and his 11,000-horsepower dragster. "DENSO is proud to continue its sponsorship of the NHRA Sonoma Nationals,” said DENSO Marketing and Communications Manager Daniel Muramoto. “This event has been a cornerstone of our longstanding commitment to the NHRA and its passionate fans. This partnership reflects our dedication to innovation and performance both on and off the track, and we’re excited to once again be part of the action at Sonoma Raceway in 2025 and for years to come." The 2025 DENSO NHRA Sonoma Nationals will again feature the GETTRX NHRA All- Star Pro Stock Motorcycle Callout as well. Riders will compete in the Callout style specialty event, picking their first-round opponent in a bonus event that features big money and bragging rights. Matt Smith won the GETTRX NHRA All- Star Pro Stock Motorcycle Callout a year ago, finishing off a stellar weekend with a DENSO NHRA Sonoma Nationals victory. Joining him in the winner’s circle last year was Top Fuel’s Antron Brown, who went on to win his fourth Top Fuel championship, Funny Car standout Bob Tasca III and Pro Stock rising star Aaron Stanfield. Brown now has five Top Fuel wins at the fan-favorite facility, matching Doug Kalitta for the most in Top Fuel history. John Force’s eight Sonoma victories leads all Funny Car drivers, while reigning Pro Stock world champ Greg Anderson has a class-best six victories at Sonoma Raceway. Matt Smith has two Sonoma wins in Pro Stock Motorcycle to lead active riders in the two-wheeled category. “DENSO has been a tremendous partner for many years and we’re thrilled to see them continue as the title sponsor of one of our marquee events, the NHRA Sonoma Nationals,” NHRA Vice President and Chief Development Officer Brad Gerber said. “They’ve helped make a great race even better, and it’s one everyone looks forward to each year. Denso’s support of NHRA and its race teams has been outstanding, and we’re excited about many more great years of working together.” To purchase tickets to the DENSO NHRA Sonoma Nationals, fans can visit www.sonomaraceway.com or call 800-870-7223. For more information about NHRA, including the 2025 schedule, visit www.nhra.com. (Photo Courtesy NHRA)

(Photo Credit: Adam Glanzman/NASCAR) By Logan Morris Thad Moffitt has lofty goals in his return to the ARCA Menards Series.  Not only does he expect to win, he wants to compete for a championship. With his new ride at Nitro Motorsports, he feels like he can do just that.   "My main goal is to win races. I now have all the resources to do that, and I'd like to run for the championship and be in the conversation for it. The ARCA field is getting pretty competitive with drivers like Lavar [Scott] in the Rev Racing car, Butterbean [Brenden Queen] in the 28, and several Venturini cars. It’s going to be a tough battle, but I want to be in the championship conversation in the final races of the season and hopefully bring home the championship. Beyond that, I’m focused on constant improvement." (Photo Credit: x.com/racewithnitro ) As he moves to Nitro Motorsports and Toyota he admits that transitioning to them has taken some getting used to. "It's been great, honestly a little overwhelming, but they've really taken me under their wing and trained me up. I’m hoping to be up to speed by Daytona and continue to grow as a team. This is a new team for ARCA, and coming out of the test sessions really fast was a good sign. I hope we can continue that momentum into the start of the season." The recent practice session at Daytona gave him a boost in confidence and gave him a comfortable feeling in his return to ARCA. "It had been a while since I drove an ARCA car—the last time was Talladega in 2022. It was great to get back in and get used to the different aspects of the car. A lot of the race cars, whether it's Trucks or Xfinity, are similar inside, but they drive a lot differently. Getting back in the car was like a homecoming for me. I raced several years in ARCA before moving up to trucks and Trans Am, so it feels comfortable and familiar." Being the grandson of The King, Richard Petty, and the expectations that come with that is something he’s had to get used to. "I’ve grown accustomed to it. When I was 15, I was already Petty’s grandson racing late models, and I’d hear things like ‘silver spoon’ all the time. But for me, it's about proving that Thad Moffitt belongs here, not just because I'm a Petty, but because I have the talent. The pressure I feel comes from within myself—I want to perform and succeed. It’s more about making my own name in the sport." Despite that, he’s determined to keep his family’s legacy going. "It’s very important to me to carry on that legacy, not just for my family, but for everything they’ve done in the sport. I want to honor that legacy while making my own mark." The ARCA Menards Series begins on February 15th in Daytona.