Search this site
3265 results found with an empty search
- Andy Lally Named New Trans Am Series President
Press Release | TRANS AM CHARLOTTE (December 4, 2024) — The Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli has named sportscar racing legend Andy Lally as the new Trans Am President. A motorsports veteran with more than 30 years of experience on the racetrack, his appointment comes as the 49-year-old announces his retirement from on-track competition. Lally will report to Parella Motorsports Holdings (PMH) Chief Operating Officer Michael Printup, who has been at the helm of the Trans Am Series since April of this year. “This is both my retirement from professional driving and a simultaneous transition to President of the Trans Am Series,” said Lally. “It’s a lot of emotion, both looking back and realizing how fortunate I’ve been, while at the same time looking forward to this next journey. I’ll be using 32 years of auto racing experience in a huge variety of cars and sharing what I’ve learned along the way to contribute to the growth of Trans Am and the continued development of future stars.” A three-time IMSA champion, Lally has captured victories in some of the most prestigious endurance races in the United States, including five Rolex 24 at Daytona wins, four victories in the Six Hours of The Glen, and wins in the Petit Le Mans and 12 Hours of Sebring. He also has more than 80 starts in NASCAR’s top-three series, earning NASCAR Cup Series Rookie of the Year honors in 2011. The Northport, N.Y. native made his debut in the Trans Am Series in 2017, and drove to victory alongside Brent Crews in the inaugural SpeedTour All-Star Race at Lime Rock Park in July. “The timing seems right and the opportunity is fantastic,” continued Lally. “Anyone that knows me knows I’ve been very vocal for years about not only how incredible Trans Am cars are to race, but also how the CUBE 3 Architecture TA2 Series is the best platform on this planet for driver development. To know that going forward I will be able to play a part in helping our leadership push this series forward while helping both our teams and drivers grow under the Trans Am banner is a dream come true. I know this is going to be a whole new challenge and I will have a steep learning curve ahead, but I’m very much looking forward to it. I have a well-seasoned and talented group of Trans Am officials that I will be leaning on heavily for help along the way. I will also have [PMH owner] Tony Parella and my longtime friend Michael Printup available for advice in what will inevitably be many new situations and choices.” “Andy and I go back to my inaugural year working at Watkins Glen International, and we’ve become great friends; he is always the proverbial gentleman and a great racer on top of that,” said Printup. “He was always such a great ambassador to the track, helping to promote our races, and I have no doubt he will do the same for Trans Am. His accomplishments, in my eyes, are just stupendous. He is a true racing champion, and I look forward to teaming up with him.” The longest-running professional road racing series in North America, the Trans Am Series will begin its 59th year of competition at Sebring International Raceway, February 20-23, 2025. (Photo Courtesy Trans Am)
- Toyota To Leave NHRA After 2025 Season
Press Release | TOYOTA GAZOO RACING PLANO, Texas — After over two decades of on-track success, Toyota Motor North America will conclude its participation in NHRA Drag Racing competition following the upcoming 2025 season, the manufacturer announced Wednesday afternoon. “Our NHRA Drag Racing involvement has brought much success and pride across our entire organization,” said Paul Doleshal, group manager, motorsports, TMNA. “Our NHRA drivers and teams have truly become part of our Toyota family. “We look forward to competing for more wins and championships with our supported teams in the upcoming season, and we will work diligently along the way to make sure each team and driver have the tools necessary to compete at the highest level for the years to come.” Toyota currently provides its NHRA teams with tow vehicles, along with engineering, technology and trackside support through TRD U.S.A., which will continue through the balance of the 2025 season. Toyota partners with AB Motorsports, DC Motorsports, Kalitta Motorsports, Ron Capps Motorsports, SCAG Racing’s Top Fuel program and Torrence Racing. Toyota first entered NHRA Drag Racing competition in 2002 and won for the first time at the Winternationals in March of 2004. Since then, Toyota has captured over 200 race wins, 12 world championships, including back-to-back titles in Top Fuel with Doug Kalitta and Antron Brown, and enters 2025 with a 43-race final round consecutive streak. Toyota has also held the official car of the NHRA title since 2014 and won its first manufacturers cup championship this year. (Photo Courtesy NHRA)
- Connor Mosack to Run Full Truck Series Season with McAnally-Hilgemann Racing
Press Release | MCANALLY-HILGEMANN RACING McAnally-Hilgemann Racing (MHR) announced today that Connor Mosack will contest his first full NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series (NCTS) campaign with the organization in 2025. Mosack, 25, from Charlotte, N.C., has 11 prior NCTS starts and will compete for Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors as he pursues his first-career playoff berth. He will pilot MHR’s newly renumbered No. 81 Chevrolet Silverado RST and will be paired with crew chief Blake Bainbridge. Mosack will be joined by Old World Industries and the NAPA Nightvision brand in five races, beginning at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on March 14th. Nine of Mosack’s 11 career NCTS starts came in 2024 and he has collected four top-10 finishes in his career, including three consecutive to close the ’24 season. The Charlotte native also brings 28 races worth of NASCAR Xfinity Series experience to MHR and has two ARCA Menards Series victories over his last six starts since September 2023. Mosack will join forces with Bainbridge, who led MHR’s No. 43 team to the playoffs in 2024 with nine top-10 results, including a season-high second-place finish at Nashville Superspeedway. “I’m ecstatic to start 2025 with everybody at MHR and want to continue this team’s success in the playoffs,” Mosack said. “All four MHR teams had great performances this past year, so this is a big opportunity to race with a winning organization. It’s great to continue being part of Team Chevy and appreciate NAPA Nightvison and everyone at MHR for making this a reality. I’m looking forward to working with Blake and we want to become one of the weekly contenders, compete for wins, and lock ourselves in the playoffs.” “I was impressed with the job Connor did last season and wanted him to be part of our lineup in 2025,” team owner Bill McAnally said. “He showed he has the talent and commitment to compete and win at this level and we’re excited about the potential that he has joining our group. He and Blake will make a great pair and create opportunities for us to win races.” Additional partners for Mosack and the No. 81 team will be announced at later date. He will make his debut with MHR on Friday, February 14th at Daytona International Speedway live on FOX Sports 1. To stay connected with MHR and Mosack, follow @bmr_NASCAR and @connormosack on X, @bmr_NASCAR and @connormosack on Instagram, and Bill McAnally Racing and Connor Mosack on Facebook. (Photo Credit: x.com/BMR_NASCAR )
- Tyler Allen Named Crew Chief for Ty Gibbs
Press Release | JOE GIBBS RACING Joe Gibbs Racing announced that Tyler Allen will be the crew chief for Ty Gibbs and the No. 54 team in the NASCAR Cup Series beginning in 2025. This year, Allen served as the crew chief of JGR’s No. 20 NASCAR Xfinity Series team for eight of the team’s nine wins on the way to a runner-up finish in the owner’s championship. Prior to his rookie season as a crew chief in 2024, Allen spent seven years as a race engineer working under Adam Stevens. During their time together, the Bellevue, Washington native was a part of Kyle Busch’s 2019 Cup Series championship team and five Championship 4 appearances (2017-2019 with Busch and 2022-2023 with Christopher Bell). Allen’s 2024 season included eight victories working with multiple drivers, 17 top-five finishes and 22 top-10s. In one Xfinity Series race working with Ty Gibbs, the duo won the pole award at Charlotte Motor Speedway before leading 27 laps on the way to a ninth-place finish. “It’s an honor to be named crew chief for Ty Gibbs and the 54 Team as we head into the 2025 season,” said Allen. “This opportunity has been a dream of mine since starting here at JGR 10 years ago, and I’m thankful for the support and guidance I’ve received from my mentors, teammates, and everyone along the way. Ty has shown a lot of speed and potential the last two years, and I look forward to building on that experience to get the 54 car in victory lane.” Allen will oversee the No. 54 team for Gibbs’ third season in the Cup Series. Gibbs showed marked improvement from year one to year two as he claimed eight top-five finishes, 12 top-10s, two pole awards, 417 laps led and a playoff berth in his sophomore campaign. On November 22, JGR announced that Chris Gabehart has been promoted to competition director while Chris Gayle will transition to the crew chief role for Denny Hamlin and the No. 11 team. Allen was previously announced as the crew chief for Taylor Gray and JGR’s No. 54 Xfinity Series team in 2025. With Allen’s move to the Cup Series, veteran crew chief Jason Ratcliff will return to the top of the pit box to work with the young driver. Ratcliff stepped down from the box following the 2023 season and spent 2024 in a new position as JGR’s Team/Driver Coordinator for the organization’s Xfinity and ARCA Menard Series program. “I’m thrilled to join Taylor and the 54 team for the 2025 season,” said Ratcliff. “After a year away from the track, I’m eager to return to the pit box every weekend. Taylor has the talent and determination to excel in NASCAR, and it’s our mission to help him achieve that success.” Over the course of his 24-year crew chief career, Ratcliff has worked with 28 different drivers, tallied 72 total wins across the sport’s top two series, and won the 2009 Xfinity Series Championship. Ratcliff has served as crew chief for 253 Cup Series starts and 548 Xfinity Series starts, earning 15 Cup Series wins and the most wins for a crew chief in Xfinity Series history at 57. Throughout his 801 starts, Ratcliff boasts 239 top-five finishes, 406 top-10s, and 49 poles. “We take a lot of pride in our Xfinity Series program and the depth of talent that we have been able to maintain,” said Joe Gibbs, owner and founder of Joe Gibbs Racing. “Tyler Allen was successful at the Cup level with us while working under Adam Stevens and was impressive last season in the Xfinity Series leading that 20 team to eight wins while working with a number of different drivers. We have an exciting young and talented team on the 54 car. “It is also exciting to have Jason Ratcliff back on the pit box in the Xfinity Series to work with Taylor Gray next season,” added Gibbs. “He has contributed so much to our organization over his career.” (Photo Courtesy NASCAR)
- NASCAR Announces Craig Stimmel as Senior Vice President, Chief Commercial Officer
Press Release | NASCAR NASCAR announced today that Craig Stimmel has been hired to lead all sales efforts for the sanctioning body as Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer. In this role, Stimmel will oversee all sales aspects for NASCAR, including premier partner and official partner categories, race entitlements, track partnerships and media sales across owned channels such as Motor Racing Network (MRN) and NASCAR Digital Media. He will also work closely with NASCAR’s media partners, teams, and non-NASCAR tracks to cultivate commercial opportunities across the entire NASCAR ecosystem. Stimmel comes to NASCAR with a wealth of experience from the property, media and consumer side of the business, having led global sales & partnerships for the WWE and a similar role at Snapchat. Prior to that, he also held a leadership role on the brand marketing side at Procter & Gamble. Most recently, Stimmel was Senior Vice President of Commercial for the Las Vegas Grand Prix. “Craig’s proven track record of driving results and building billion-dollar brands in a multi-faceted environment like ours was one of several reasons why we felt he was an excellent fit for this role,” said Brian Herbst, NASCAR Executive Vice President, Chief Media and Revenue Officer. “NASCAR has the most brand-loyal fans and many of the most recognized sponsorships in professional sports, and Craig brings all the acumen to build upon our roster of tremendous partners and continue to deepen the engagement with our fans.” “In recent years, NASCAR has taken some impressive and successful steps to grow the sport, authentically tell the brand story and build momentum for the future,” said Stimmel. “When you combine those factors with all the ways small and large brands alike can engage fans, new customers or new partners, it makes this opportunity extremely desirable, and I’m eager to continue building on the foundation already in place.” Stimmel, who officially begins the new role today, will be based in NASCAR’s New York office and will manage employees across more than 20 office and race-track locations across the country. He will report to EVP, Chief Media & Revenue Officer, Brian Herbst. (Photo Courtesy NASCAR)
- Gio Ruggiero to Drive for TRICON Garage
Press Release | TRICON TRICON Garage (TRICON) announced today that it has signed Toyota Driver Development prospect Gio Ruggiero for the 2025 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (NCTS) season. The Seekonk, Mass. native will take over the reins of the No. 17 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro and compete for Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors. Ruggiero makes the jump up from the ARCA Menards Series where he collected seven top-fives and nine top-10s in 10 starts on the national circuit in 2024. He also competed full-time in the ARCA Menards Series East earning one victory, five top-fives and six top-10s in eight races. The 18-year-old brings a decorated short track resume as well that includes a prestigious Winchester 400 triumph and championships in the 2022 Show Me The Money Pro Late Model Series, the 2023 CRA Super Series and the 2023 Southern Super Series. “I am super thankful to have the opportunity to run full-time with TRICON in 2025,” said Ruggiero. “I look forward to getting to work with all of the guys on the 17 team and contending for wins this season.” “Gio has shown a lot of promise in his young career, and we are super excited to welcome him into our program,” said David Gilliland, partner, TRICON Garage. “Jumping into the Truck Series is no small feat, but Gio has proven that he adapts quickly, and we have no doubt that he will have a successful rookie season with us as he takes over the 17 truck.” The Truck Series rookie becomes the fourth and final member of TRICON’s full-time driver lineup for 2025 joining Corey Heim, Tanner Gray and Toni Breidinger. (Photo Courtesy NASCAR)
- Penske Entertainment Acquires Grand Prix Association of Long Beach
Press Release | GRAND PRIX ASSOCIATION OF LONG BEACH Penske Entertainment announced today the newest member of its growing event portfolio, confirming the acquisition of the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach, LLC, from longtime owner Gerald R. Forsythe. The association administers the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, the longest-running major street circuit race in North America. The purchase is expected to provide significant investment for the marquee NTT INDYCAR SERIES race, to further enhance this can’t-miss celebration of speed and Southern California motorsport culture for years to come. This upcoming year marks the 50th edition of the Grand Prix of Long Beach, with special programming planned to mark the occasion. The race will return to network television, with FOX set to broadcast the event Sunday, April 13. “We’re incredibly proud to be the new stewards of this cherished and iconic event,” said Roger Penske. “This is the most historic and prestigious street circuit race in North America, and we’re excited to work with Jim Michaelian and his great team in Long Beach to ensure continued success and growth over the long term. This race and its loyal fans matter so much to everyone across the INDYCAR community, and we’re looking forward to a very special 50th anniversary celebration this April, as well.” “As we prepare to celebrate a truly remarkable milestone, the 50th anniversary of this amazing event, it’s fitting that we have such exciting and important news to share about its future,” said Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach President & CEO Jim Michaelian. “Roger and the team at Penske Entertainment understand the special history and unique qualities that give us such a strong foundation and will be ideal partners as we continue to deliver an exceptional race weekend for our fans moving forward. I also want to acknowledge the significant contribution that the previous owners, Jerry Forsythe and the late Kevin Kalkhoven, made to the success of our event over the past 19 years.” As an acclaimed and highly attended annual event located in the nation’s entertainment capital, the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach is a premier race weekend for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. Working alongside the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach team, Penske Entertainment plans to invest in bolstering and enhancing the experience for race fans, sponsors and hospitality customers. “This is a major race weekend, not just on our calendar but across the motorsport landscape,” Penske Entertainment President & CEO Mark Miles said. “We’re committed to preserving the core attributes that make it best in class while also working on some exciting and bold initiatives to make its future even bigger and brighter.” The three-day weekend regularly attracts crowds of over 190,000 people to its 1.968-mile racecourse surrounding the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center. The 2024 edition featured a supercharged atmosphere, which included the largest attendance in the modern INDYCAR era. The event brings global attention and positive economic impact to its home city, while also maintaining a charitable organization – the Grand Prix Foundation of Long Beach – which has donated more than $4.2 million to those in need within the Long Beach community. “The Grand Prix is an incredibly vital and vibrant asset for our community and an annual event that drives commerce, attracts tourism and elevates cultural connectivity across our city,” said Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson. “Penske Entertainment will be a committed and energetic partner for the future that seeks to preserve and enhance this event’s rich history and strong legacy. We’re looking forward to a great working relationship that benefits everyone who calls Long Beach home.” As part of today’s announcement, Penske Entertainment and the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach released a special video, narrated by former Indy 500 Honorary Starter and acclaimed actor Milo Ventimiglia. You can watch it here. Today’s news marks the continuation of an ambitious and productive period for Penske Entertainment, which owns and manages INDYCAR and the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. In September, the organization announced the establishment of the first charter system in INDYCAR’s history, providing NTT INDYCAR SERIES owners meaningful and enhanced value across their entries. In October, Penske Entertainment unveiled the INDYCAR Grand Prix of Arlington, powered through a first-of-its-kind joint venture with the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers. The NTT INDYCAR SERIES is North America’s premier open-wheel racing series, featuring an international field of the world's most versatile drivers who compete on superspeedways, short ovals, street circuits and permanent road courses across the United States and Canada. Beginning in 2025, FOX Sports will be the exclusive home of all INDYCAR action, providing a network broadcast via FOX of all 17 NTT INDYCAR SERIES races. The NTT INDYCAR SERIES is the only premier motorsport series in the U.S. to broadcast every race on network television. (Photo Credit x.com/GPLongBeach )
- Scott Osteen Joins Joey Gase Motorsports as Part Owner
Press Release | JOEY GASE MOTORSPORTS There will be a small change when everyone looks at the Joey Gase Motorsports logo in 2025. Scott Osteen will now be coming on as a part owner in the team to make “Joey Gase Motorsports with Scott Osteen” The team will field two full time cars under the 35 & 53 numbers. “I am very excited to be welcoming Scott to our Joey Gase Motorsports family,” said Gase. “We both share the same vision and goals for the future, and we both have a true love and passion for the sport. More importantly with both share the values and excited to see what we can build together.” I am honored and thrilled to be a part of Joey Gase Motorsports moving into the 2025 NASCAR XFINITY Series. My brief time and experience in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck series as Floridian Motorsports was rewarding and it completed a 7 year dream to compete on a part time basis that we raced. I am excited to bring my business experience, sponsors and assets to compete with Joey in this amazing opportunity at this level. The driver and sponsor line up will be announced at a later date. (Photo Credit: x.com/JoeyGaseRacing )
- ICYMI: New Firesuit Rules to Reduce Costs for NASCAR Truck Teams
(Photo Courtesy NASCAR) NASCAR is introducing new design restrictions for firesuits in the Craftsman Truck Series next season to reduce costs and meet safety standards. Pit crew members behind the wall will need to submit fire suit designs without sponsor logos and follow specific guidelines, such as wearing one suit throughout the season. However, teams will still have the option to feature sponsor branding on garage shirts. This change is aimed at both cutting expenses and adhering to safety requirements. We think it's an interesting development and look forward to seeing how it impacts the series; don’t forget to hit that subscribe button for more updates.
- ICYMI: Supercars Champion Will Brown Set to Return to NASCAR to Run Two Races in 2025
(Photo Courtesy NASCAR) Supercars Champion Will Brown is planning to return to NASCAR next year for two races, including events at COTA and the Chicago Street Course. He made his Cup Series debut in June at Sonoma with RCR in the No. 33 car and hopes to continue with the team. The Chicago Street Course has gained significant attention, and Brown is eager to follow in the footsteps of other drivers who’ve competed there. We’re always excited when drivers from other series join the NASCAR grid, as it adds more talent to the entry list. We look forward to seeing Will Brown back in action and growing this community with more updates.
- ICYMI: Christopher Bell Interested in Running Indianapolis 500
(Photo Courtesy NASCAR) Christopher Bell expressed interest in attempting the Indy 500 if Toyota were to return to IndyCar, but it’s uncertain if that will happen. Joe Gibbs has recently changed his stance and now allows drivers to compete in other series when their schedules permit. Bell has always been a strong Toyota driver and credits them for his success throughout his career. He’s focused on winning his first championship in 2025, but the Indy 500 remains a goal he’s interested in pursuing. We think it would be exciting to see him give it a shot, and we’re curious to see how it plays out.
- Winner-Take-All Final Round Leads to Greg Anderson's Most Meaningful NHRA Pro Stock Title
Press Release | NHRA INDIANAPOLIS (Nov. 27, 2024) – Greg Anderson has enjoyed as much success as nearly everyone in NHRA history. But this year’s sixth Pro Stock championship might have been the most meaningful accomplishment of his stellar career. Anderson got the situation he longed craved for – a winner-take-all final round in Pomona – and the veteran delivered in a major way, defeating KB Titan Racing teammate Dallas Glenn in a thriller with a run of 6.501-seconds at 211.30 mph in his HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro to narrowly defeat Glenn’s 6.516. It handed the driver with the most wins in Pro Stock history (106) an unbelievable moment in a situation many would have thought improbable just few short weeks prior. As he’s been prone to do throughout his championship career, Anderson found another level when he needed it, warding off the young talent for one more year and winning a championship he said meant more than any of the previous five. “I definitely feel that way,” Anderson said. “Our class is in good shape, that’s the good news. We’ve got so many young guns who can drive the wheels off these things and they’re racing for wins and championships. Yes, they’re trying to push me out the door, but I’m dragging my feet. People ask me when I’m going to quit and I’ll quit when I can’t win anymore. Apparently, I can’t quit yet. It’s not going to be tomorrow.” With his sixth world championship, Anderson ties longtime rival Erica Enders and legend Warren Johnson for the second-most titles in Pro Stock history. This one will certainly go down as one of the most remarkable, as both young standouts Glenn and Aaron Stanfield seemed to take control this season and during the Countdown to the Championship. Anderson won early, taking victories in Phoenix and the 4-Wide race in Charlotte, the latter which handed him the points lead. That only lasted a race, but Anderson stayed in the top four throughout the regular season as his car took a handful of No. 1 qualifiers. He lost in the final round at Bristol and then entered the Countdown to the Championship third in points. Anderson advanced to the semifinals at the first three playoff races and then made it to the finals in both Dallas and Las Vegas, qualifying No. 1 at both races. Each race ended in defeat, though, as the championship seemed to be slipping from his grasp. Stanfield won in Vegas, taking over the points lead with Glenn not far behind. Anderson knew he needed Pomona magic and, lo and behold, everything seemed to go his way at the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals. He qualified No. 1 and then the eliminations ladder broke down almost perfectly, as Anderson could potentially face Stanfield in the semifinals and Glenn in the finals. He knew if he won the race the championship was his and the veteran went to work, dipping into the 6.40s during the first three rounds on Sunday. That included an impressive 6.488 against Stanfield, setting up the incredible teammate versus teammate, winner-take-all scenario in the final round. Anderson had just enough to track down Glenn, ensuring the veterans still had the final say in the class. Since 2018, either Anderson or Enders have won every Pro Stock title, with Anderson winning twice in that span. “I had been struggling the last 3-4 months. I had not been able to close the deal,” Anderson said. “I’ve had a great, great car and couldn’t win a race. We kept working and kept dreaming that we could get one and (Pomona) was that day. My car was flawless and I didn’t screw it up driving, we got four win lights and a championship and I just about can’t believe it. I’ve been thinking about this scenario for the last week-and-a-half and it came true. “I love racing at Pomona and it’s a perfect place to end it all. I was happy to be part of that final round. I just got it done and had a great hot rod. It was a great team win. Dallas was deadly on the tree all weekend and thank goodness I just did enough.” The dramatics of the final round carried Anderson to an unreal 15th win at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip, and he finished 2024 with three wins, six finals and eight No. 1 qualifiers. By winning his sixth world title, he also gave KB Titan Racing its 10th overall championship, a spectacular number that will have a chance to grow in 2025. Anderson beamed with joy following his Pomona triumph, praising all the people who have made his wonderful career possible. “We’ve built a heck of an organization here,” Anderson said. “The thing I’m most proud of is putting this race team together. Ken Black handed it to me and that’s what I’m most proud of, the people I’ve surrounded myself with. People are everything and I’ve got a great bunch of them. This team dug in and we persevered at the end. I’m just a lucky man. All the support means everything to me.” The 2025 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series begins March 6-9 with the NHRA Gatornationals at legendary Gainesville Raceway. For more information about NHRA, including the 2025 schedule, please visit www.NHRA.com. (Photo Courtesy NHRA)
- Another Season, Another Record-Breaking NHRA Championship Season for PSM's Gaige Herrera
Press Release | NHRA INDIANAPOLIS (Nov. 29, 2024) – A year ago, Gaige Herrera burst onto the NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle season full-time, becoming something of a phenomenon in his first full season riding for the Vance & Hines team. Setting record after record, winning race after race, Herrera cruised to his first world championship, capping off a surreal year that even Herrera had trouble comprehending. A season later, not much has seemingly changed, as Herrera rode his way to another dominant championship run, again setting records, again reaching double-digit wins and again remaining as the class of the category on his RevZilla/Mission Foods/Vance & Hines Suzuki. Herrera won 10 races in 2024, clinching the championship after his opening-round win in Pomona, posting another unbelievable win-loss record, this time going 50-5 in 2024. Included in that was wins in the first six races of the 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season. That gave him 11 straight victories dating back to last year, breaking the all-time NHRA record for most consecutive wins. That run included 46 straight round wins, another NHRA record, but Herrera insisted this championship and this season almost meant more for him. “This is very special. Last was a dream for me and it almost didn’t seem real. This year, I had to prove it wasn’t a fluke,” Herrera said. “We kind of ran away with it last year and I knew it was going to be tough this year. I have to give it up to the whole team. This team is working day and night. I’ve got one of the top bikes out here and I’ve just tried to stay consistent. “The last two seasons have been incredible. I’m just living the dream and having fun with it. Win or lose, I’ve got to have fun and I’m having a lot of fun right now.” Herrera posted nine No. 1 qualifiers in 2024, down from last year but also a nod to the strong improvement from the rest of the class. Herrera’s dominant 2023 help spur that and he had to deal with challenges all year long, mainly from chief rival Matt Smith, who finished second in points with three wins, six finals and six No. 1 qualifiers. He certainly pushed Herrera, who opened the year in dominant fashion with wins at Gainesville, Charlotte, Chicago, Bristol, Richmond and Norwalk. His first loss of the season finally came in the final round in Seattle, where Chase Van Sant got the best of him, but Herrera was quick to recover, winning the U.S. Nationals for the first time. It was a meaningful moment for Herrera, who posted a perfect .000 reaction time in the final round, but there was still adversity to overcome. He lost in the semifinals at the first two races in the Countdown to the Championship playoffs, as Smith moved into the points lead. Herrera, though, recovered in St. Louis, rolling to the win and moving back to the points lead. That keyed a three-race winning streak that pushed him to the championship, including a final-round win over Smith in Dallas. It handed Herrera his 20th career victory in his 34th career race, reaching the 20-win milestone quicker than any driver in NHRA history. For good measure, the 21st – and 10th of the season – came a race later in Las Vegas, opening up a points lead that all but guaranteed the title in Pomona. In the end, it meant another dominant season for Herrera, who now has an unbelievable record of 100-9 the past two years and 21 wins in his last 30 starts. Both are jaw-dropping numbers and Herrera hasn’t taken a minute of it for granted. He continues to praise the work of his team and crew chief Andrew Hines, remaining hopeful this meteoric pace can continue to be possible in 2025. “Indy was a huge highlight,” Herrera said. “That was my debut (two years ago) and to have a perfect reaction time and win there, it was the top. Then, getting the championship here (in Pomona) meant a lot. I was pushing myself to the limit and Andrew was pushing the bike to the limit, all to try and stay at the top. We were definitely pushing all year. I pushed myself more this year, so this championship means a lot to me and I’m excited for next season. “I never thought I would win a championship or even a race in Pro Stock Motorcycle, so it means a lot to win two in a row. But I think it means even more for this team. Andrew and everyone at the shop deserves this and I’m lucky to be able to showcase how much work they put into it. Next year is going to even more challenging, but I’m looking forward to it.” The 2025 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series begins March 6-9 with the NHRA Gatornationals at legendary Gainesville Raceway. For more information about NHRA, including the 2025 schedule, please visit www.NHRA.com. (Photo Courtesy NHRA)
- Toni Breidinger to Compete Full-Time for TRICON in 2025
Press Release | TRICON GARAGE TRICON Garage (TRICON) announced today that Toni Breidinger will make her full-time NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (NCTS) debut in 2025. Breidinger will pilot the No. 5 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro, with support from long-time partners Raising Cane’s, CELSIUS and Sunoco. The 25-year-old has competed for TRICON in each of the last two seasons, making NASCAR history in 2023 as the highest-placing female debut driver in series history, finishing 15th at Kansas Speedway. “Racing full-time with TRICON is a dream for me. It’s been a 15-year process to get here but I’m so excited for this moment and ready to capitalize on it,” said Breidinger. “I wouldn’t have this opportunity if it wasn’t for Toyota, Raising Cane’s, CELSIUS, and Sunoco. I’m beyond grateful to have these partners and team in my corner to take this next step in my career.” Breidinger, who has amassed 65 ARCA Menards Series (AMS) starts, competed full-time in 2024 with Venturini Motorsports. She achieved a career-high 4th place in the AMS championship standings while recording 11 top-10 finishes, bringing her career total to 27, the most for a female in AMS history. The Bay Area native also has a diverse racing portfolio, including 19 USAC victories and multiple starts in Late Model Stocks and Toyota GR Cup. Outside of racing, Breidinger has appeared in high-profile modeling campaigns for brands like GAP, Victoria’s Secret and Free People, and most recently becoming the first NASCAR driver to appear in Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit issue. With over five million followers combined on Instagram and TikTok, she leads all NASCAR drivers in engagement and social media value per Sports Business Journal. Breidinger joins Corey Heim and Tanner Gray as full-time drivers for TRICON, with the remaining lineup and crew chief pairings set to be announced in the coming weeks. (Photo Courtesy NASCAR)
- Titan Risk Solutions Sponsoring Richard Childress Racing in Cup, Xfinity Series in 2025
Press Release | RICHARD CHILDRESS RACING Titan Risk Solutions will continue their multi-year, multi-car partnership with Richard Childress Racing in 2025 with sponsorship in both the NASCAR Cup Series and the NASCAR Xfinity Series. The partnership includes sponsorship of Austin Dillon in the No. 3 Titan Risk Solutions Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series, along with Austin Hill and Jesse Love in the NASCAR Xfinity Series for select races. Titan is a “one stop shop” for today’s trucking companies. With career trucking professionals as the founders, Titan Risk Solutions provides the very best in insurance, and insurance related services. Titan successfully debuted their relationship with RCR earlier this year at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where Ty Dillon raced the No. 33 Titan Risk Solutions Chevrolet in the Brickyard 400. “We’ve already seen the power of our partnership with Richard Childress Racing and have thoroughly enjoyed introducing Titan’s real-time platform of trucking solutions through our team partnership,” said Tim Smith, president of Titan Risk Solutions. “We’re all looking forward to future success together both on and off the track in 2025 and beyond.” Titan Risk Solutions, based out of Overland Park, Kansas has representatives located around the U.S. to assist those in the trucking industry. With the ability to provide insurance quotes or customer support in a matter of minutes, Titan has positioned themselves as market leaders for motor carriers across the country. “Titan Risk Solutions offers a dynamic platform of insurance, safety compliance, and driver training within the trucking industry,” said Torrey Galida, president of RCR. “Their one-stop solution is a great fit for a number of our industry partners. We’re couldn’t be happier to continue working with Tim and everyone at Titan Risk Solutions, and to have the opportunity to help them achieve their business goals.” (Photo Courtesy Richard Childress Racing)















