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Press Release | MCANALLY-HILGEMANN RACING McAnally-Hilgemann Racing (MHR) announced today that Tyler Ankrum will return to the team’s NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series (NCTS) lineup in 2025. The San Bernadino, Calif. native will continue to pilot the No. 18 LIUNA Chevrolet Silverado RST for his seventh campaign on the NCTS tour. In 2024, Ankrum qualified for the NCTS playoffs for the third time in his career and led the championship standings for the first four races. He posted career-high numbers, including six top-five finishes, 12 top-10’s, and improved his average finish from 2023 to 2024 by nearly six positions. Ankrum will extend his relationship with veteran crew chief Mark Hillman, who helped guide the LIUNA team back to the playoffs in MHR’s first season with four full-time entries. The duo looks to make a return to victory lane and clinch back-to-back playoff berths. “I’m really glad to be staying at MHR with Mark and the entire LIUNA team,” Ankrum said. “This last year was probably the best of my career with the consistency we showed throughout the season. Making the playoffs was a huge goal for us and we were in the mix all the way to Martinsville, so we want to take another step and make it to Phoenix in 2025. We all want to get back to victory lane, and I think keeping this group together and continuing to develop as a team will help us get there.” “Tyler had his strongest season in 2024 and the best is yet to come,” McAnally said. “He, Mark (Hillman), and the whole LIUNA team worked well together, made a strong playoff run, and put themselves in position to win some races. The growth of MHR we have for 2025 will make the No. 18 team stronger and I can’t wait to see what we can accomplish with Tyler next season.” Ankrum will embark on his quest for a consecutive playoff berth at Daytona International Speedway on Friday, February 14, 2025, live on FOX Sports 1. To stay connected with Ankrum, MHR, and LIUNA, follow @TylerAnkrum, @bmr_nascar, and @LIUNA on X, @tylerankrum58, @bmr_nascar, and @liunabuilds on Instagram, and Tyler Ankrum, Bill McAnally Racing, and LIUNA on Facebook. (Photo Courtesy NASCAR)

Press Release | SPIRE MOTORSPORTS Today, Spire Motorsports announced two key appointments to its competition staff. Veteran crew chief Matt McCall has been named Director of Vehicle Performance and accomplished race engineer Dax Gerringer has been named Technical Director for the Mooresville organization’s three-car NASCAR Cup Series teams, effective immediately. McCall comes to Spire Motorsports from RFK Racing where he spent the last three seasons serving as crew chief for 2012 Cup Series Champion and RFK co-owner Brad Keselowski. The Denver, N.C., native is an 11-year-veteran crew chief in NASCAR’s premier division and has called race wins for both Keselowski and 2004 Cup Series titlist Kurt Busch. “This is a great addition for our team and one that means a lot to me, personally,” said Spire Motorsports co-owner Jeff Dickerson. “Matt is a longtime friend, one of my first handful of NASCAR clients I had when I was a young agent, and we’ve always shared the same view of how race cars work and race teams operate. I’m happy the stars finally aligned for us to work together, and I look forward to adding him to an already impressive group for 2025.” Gerringer carved out nine seasons with Stewart-Haas Racing where he most recently served as lead race engineer supporting the No. 4 team’s Cup Series’ efforts. McCall and Gerringer will be tasked with working across Spire Motorsports Cup Series teams and directly with Competition Director Ryan Sparks on competitive development, R&D and further fortifying the team’s relationship with Chevrolet and General Motors. Both will service all three teams and provide additional resources for crew chiefs Rodney Childers, Luke Lambert and Travis Peterson. In its initial season as a full-time three-car operation in NASCAR’s premier division, Spire Motorsports collected four top-five and 13 top-10 finishes with drivers Justin Haley, Corey LaJoie, Zane Smith and 2024 Sunoco Rookie of the Year Carson Hocevar. “I am really excited and grateful for this opportunity,” said McCall. “Spire Motorsports’ upward trajectory has been impressive and I look forward to becoming part of the success. I’ve had a long relationship with (Jeff) Dickerson and I’ve known him for close to 25 years. I got to know him when he was doing driver representation, and I was trying to carve out a career as a driver. We built a great relationship and have always stayed in communication. The way things panned out, there was an opportunity to come to Spire. We always wanted to work together, and the timing was right. That was a big part of my decision. Knowing what’s being built here and what the future looks like is exciting.” Over the course of 11 seasons calling Cup Series races, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte alumnus, has tallied two poles, four wins, 47 top-five and 134 top-10 finishes. McCall’s most recent win came in May’s Goodyear 500 at Darlington Raceway where Keselowski led the race’s final eight circuits to capture the checkered flag at the legendary “Track Too Tough To Tame.” During his three seasons leading RFK’s No. 6 squad, the McCall/Keselowski duo posted one pole, one win, 17 top-five and 26 top-10 finishes while pacing the field for 881 laps. Prior to his time with RFK, McCall spent seven seasons with Chip Ganassi Racing where he handled pit boss chores for Busch and Jamie McMurray and led the organization to playoff berths in six of the seven years he was with the team. He also served as race engineer for Richard Childress Racing and played a key role in the team’s runner-up finish with driver Ryan Newman during the 2014 NASCAR Playoffs. Separate from his positions as a crew chief and race engineer, McCall had a successful driving career, earning over 60 late-model stock car wins. He has also made seven starts in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and two in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. Gerringer, who holds a master’s degree in engineering from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, spent the last nine seasons with Stewart-Haas Racing alongside Childers as Lead Engineer for the No. 4 team with 2014 Cup Series Champion Kevin Harvick and most recently Josh Berry. From 2016-2022, the Gibsonville, N.C., native collected 29 wins including back-to-back victories (2019-2020) at the famed Brickyard 400. “I am honored and thankful to join the Spire family and contribute to the rising momentum of this young race team,” said Gerringer. “The atmosphere Jeff (Dickerson) created with his race team and the support I felt from management to accept the challenge of a new role is ultimately what attracted me to Spire Motorsports. They stressed team effort with everyone pulling the rope in the same direction and that creates a great working environment. With over 20 years in the sport and 34 wins at the Cup Series level, my goal is to join this talented group and bring the best possible product to the racetrack to elevate Spire Motorsports’ performance.” Prior to his time with Stewart-Haas, Gerringer worked with Childers and Spire Motorsports’ CRAFTSMAN Truck Series crew chief Brian Pattie at Michael Waltrip Racing, where the father of two earned race wins with David Reutimann and Clint Bowyer, including a second-place points finish during the 2012 championship chase. He began his professional career at Bill Davis Racing where he worked closely with drivers Dave Blaney, Jeremy Mayfield, Michael Waltrip and Scott Wimmer. “The addition of Dax Gerringer continues to demonstrate the priority Spire Motorsports places on adding technical depth to our team,” said Spire Motorsports president Doug Duchardt. “Dax is a talented engineer who was highly sought after in the industry. We are very fortunate to add him to our roster. I look forward to seeing him work with Matt McCall and our crew chiefs. We have complete confidence their collective efforts will result in fast race cars and a very competitive on-track product.” (Photo Courtesy NASCAR)

Press Release | NASCAR NASCAR announced today that The Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 2 is sold out as fans eagerly anticipate the return of the NASCAR Cup Series to this historic venue for the first time since 1971. NASCAR also announced expanded action on Saturday with the Madhouse Classic, an exhibition race from Bowman Gray Stadium’s Weekly Modified Division, along with Cup Series on-track activity. “The sell out of The Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium speaks volumes about the monumental nature of the event at this historic venue,” said NASCAR’s Justin Swilling, Project Lead for the NASCAR Clash. “We’re honored to bring such an incredible race weekend to Winston-Salem that will provide an opportunity to place the stars of Bowman Gray Stadium’s Modified Division in the national spotlight.” Participation for competing in Saturday’s Madhouse Clash is by invitation only, based on the top 20 from the 2024 Bowman Gray Stadium Modified points standings. Saturday’s schedule will include a practice session, single-car qualifying, and a dedicated 125-lap feature race. As part of the Saturday weekly show, race fans will be treated to Bowman Gray Stadium racing format classics like the Fan’s Challenge, where the four fastest competitors from qualifying will each be given a chance to forego their starting position and drop to the rear of the field. Entries that accept this challenge will become eligible for an event bonus paid out to those that find their way back to their initial top 4 starting position or higher. A sparse number of tickets remain for Saturday’s on-track activity at Bowman Gray Stadium, Feb. 1. A full schedule of weekend activities will be released in the near future. The Clash will be broadcast live on FOX on Feb. 2 at 8 p.m. ET. Fans are encouraged to visit NASCARClash.com to secure remaining experiences while supplies last. Those that have purchased tickets should also be on the lookout for information regarding parking, as it will be at a premium throughout the event weekend. To learn more about the 2025 NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series season with weekly modified, sportsman, street stock and stadium stock competition, visit bowmangrayracing.com. (Photo Courtesy NASCAR)

Press Release | NHRA INDIANAPOLIS (Nov. 25, 2024) – On a day that summed up just how incredible the competition is in the Top Fuel category, Antron Brown’s fourth world championship – and first as a team owner – came only after a remarkable run through a loaded field at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip. Eight years after he won his third title, Brown had to earn every bit of his fourth championship at the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals, knocking off Justin Ashley, Shawn Langdon, Brittany Force and Doug Kalitta to cap off one of the biggest days in his spectacular career. It was necessary work to win a title, but by no means was it easy work for Brown and his standout team. Ashley entered the weekend as the points leader, Langdon was third (one point behind Brown), and both Kalitta and Force were in championship contention. An early defeat would have ended Brown’s championship dreams, but the four-time champion embraced the moment – as he always seems to do in pressure situations – and slipped past Ashley in a side-by-side thriller in his 11,000-horsepower Matco Tools/Toyota dragster. He then got past Langdon and clinched the championship against Force, going 3.693-seconds to claim NHRA’s ultimate prize. For good measure, Brown finished the weekend with his 80th career win, the final brushstroke on a championship that puts the amazing Brown in even more elite territory. “This is what you have to do to win a championship,” Brown said. “If you look at the Top Fuel class right now, it’s incredible. You can keep going down the list. I’m telling you, pound-for-pound, Top Fuel is the toughest class out there. Just winning the first round now is like winning a final round. “You’ve got to be at a top-notch level no matter who you’re racing. We’ve done our fair share of winning this year and once we got in a groove, it really helped our confidence. But no matter what, this is a team that stays humble and stays hungry, and we’re always learning to improve. That’s what we did Sunday in Pomona.” All year, Brown and his team rose to occasion. By winning a fourth championship, he joins Tony Schumacher, Steve Torrence and Joe Amato as the only Top Fuel drivers to win four or more championships, while his 80 wins are good for sixth-most in NHRA history. This season was filled with highlights for the fan-favorite, starting the year with a victory and a huge payday at the Pep Boys Top Fuel All-Star Callout. Brown then won regular-season races in Chicago, Norwalk and Sonoma, entering the Countdown to the Championship fifth in points. He was a dynamo to open the postseason, winning back-to-back races in Reading and Charlotte to jump into the points lead. But as quickly as things came together, adversity came in the loaded Top Fuel field, as Brown post just two round wins at the next three races, falling to second in points. Nobody, though, could take command in that stretch - another nod to the incredible competition in the class - giving Brown an opportunity to finish the job in Pomona. He did that and more, knocking off the points leader and three world champions to capture his first championship since officially forming AB Motorsports. “This is super special,” Brown said. “We just never lost faith. It’s truly been a blessing. It hasn’t been easy and we’ve had those races where you’ve had to do the unthinkable to get it done, and I’m so proud of my team for getting it done. We’ve been through these moments time and time again to win a championship. That’s where the experience kicks in and it was a lot of fun to go through them.” It was certainly a difficult road, as Brown qualified just 12th in Pomona to set up the marquee matchup with Ashley right off the bat. Brown was stellar on the starting line and had just enough to squeak past Ashley, going 3.696 to his 3.704. After a 3.693 against Force, Brown closed out the day with a 3.681 to defeat Kalitta and claim his sixth victory of the season. Brown was perfect in final-rounds in 2024, again rising to the occasion when the situation called for it. He remained firmly focused on a championship all season, but now that it’s here, the champion was thrilled to take a minute to reflect on what he accomplished and the road it took to get there. “I’m not one of those people to look at all those accolades. I’m always hungry for the next, so this championship is going to sit well this off-season,” Brown said. “This class is only going to get tougher, so we’re going to have to keep working harder. Looking at all the things we’ve done the last three years, it’s been incredible. I’m just so blessed to be on a team with the group of people we have. Everyone on this team digs in deep and we have so many key people who make this happen. That’s a testament to all the work we do together. We have a lot of strong links and we have a group that never quits.” 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)

Press Release | NATIONAL MOTORSPORTS PRESS ASSOCIATION Long before the rest of the country knew the devastation Hurricane Helene had dealt Western North Carolina and East Tennessee, former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle was already in his personal helicopter, delivering aid to the flooded, remote region that was cut off from the rest of humanity. For the long hours Biffle spent delivering supplies to those who desperately needed help, the NASCAR Xfinity and Craftsman Truck series champion is this year’s recipient of the 2024 National Motorsports Press Association’s Myers Brothers Award. The award was presented Friday night during the annual NASCAR Awards Ceremonies at the Charlotte Convention Center. Presented annually since 1958, the award, named in honor of former NASCAR competitors Billy and Bobby Myers, recognizes individuals and/or groups who have provided outstanding contributions to the sport of stock car racing. Each year, the NMPA Myers Brothers Award winner is selected by a vote of the NMPA membership. Biffle’s unselfish efforts as part of Operation Helidrop spearheaded NASCAR’s mobilization to help those who desperately needed food, water, medicine, clothing and housing. One man signaled Biffle for help with a mirror. After multiple attempts, Biffle was able to land his helicopter and provide the supplies the man and his neighbors needed. This is the first time Biffle has received the award. The other nominees were Wayne Auton, Erik Jones Foundation, Kyle Larson, Grant Lynch, Winston Kelley, Doug Rice and David Wilson. (Photo Courtesy NASCAR)

Press Release | NASCAR National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, LLC (“NASCAR”) and FloSports, today announced a multi-year extension of its media partnership that will focus on elevating the nation’s premier grassroots racing events and allow them to invest in the sport of short track racing. The agreement makes FloRacing, FloSports’ dedicated motorsports platform, the essential home of NASCAR Regional Series properties, including: the ARCA Menards Series East & West, NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour™, and NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series™. The deal also ensures the Snowball Derby, zMAX CARS Tour, and more prestigious short track racing events will be showcased on FloRacing and supported by a full breadth of content, social, and marketing efforts. Since NASCAR and FloSports joined forces in 2021, interest in short track racing has grown and flourished, paving the way for the renewal. FloRacing covers and distributes a comprehensive collection of more than 1,000 race events annually for motorsport fans of all kinds across dirt, pavement and drag. “Our partnership with FloSports has helped NASCAR to continue our unparalleled investment into grassroots racing – the foundation of our sport,” said NASCAR EVP, Chief Venue & Racing Innovation Officer Ben Kennedy. “We look forward to delivering fans the best in short track racing, but also to re-investing in the grassroots community to keep stock car racing thriving.” “NASCAR is the number one name in motorsports and an unbelievable partner that cares about short track racing,” said Mark Floreani, Co-Founder and CEO of FloSports. “This agreement will allow us to work alongside NASCAR to provide our customers with more marquee events and series throughout the year, ensuring that a FloRacing subscription is the best value in all of motorsports.” Short track racing will be on full display this weekend as Florence Motor Speedway hosts more than 50 cars, including the No. 8 car of Dale Earnhardt Jr. in the South Carolina 400. To watch and gain access to more than 1,000 races annually, please visithttps://floracing.com. (Photo Credit: X.com/DaleJr )

(Photo Courtesy NASCAR) Greg Biffle shared on the Let's Go Racing With David Starr Podcast that he’d love another chance to compete in the Daytona 500. While he currently doesn’t have a ride lined up for 2025, he admitted he’s eager to find an opportunity. As a 19-time Cup Series winner with decades in the sport, his passion for racing is still evident. We think it’s exciting to hear him talk about wanting one last shot at such an iconic event. We’ll be keeping an eye on his plans and hope he finds a way back to the Daytona 500.

Press Release | NASCAR CHARLOTTE, N.C. (November 22, 2024) – Retiring TRD U.S.A. president David Wilson was honored at the annual NASCAR Awards ceremony this evening with the Bill France Award for Excellence, one of the highest honors in NASCAR. The award recognizes those who have made a significant impact on the sport. “To be called up on stage by my dear friend, Jim France, and to be recognized – and as I said, and what I believe and what is in my heart – again, on my very best day, I’m simply a reflection of a wonderful team that has supported me, that has trusted me, that has empowered me to serve,” said Wilson. “I’m still soaking it in. I had no idea. I’m beyond humbled, and incredibly grateful.” This is just the 29th time this prestigious honor has been given. Goodyear’s Rich Kramer was honored last year, while Toyota team owners Jimmie Johnson (2020) and Joe Gibbs (2019) are previous recipients. Wilson announced his impending retirement at his home track – Richmond Raceway – earlier this season. The Army veteran earned a mechanical engineering degree from Virginia Tech University and has played a significant role in many achievements within TRD over the past 35 years. Wilson’s leadership has been evident over the last 11 seasons in Toyota’s racing efforts as the President of TRD. During his tenure, Wilson has overseen Toyota’s first three NASCAR Cup Series championships with Kyle Busch and Martin Truex Jr. and first Daytona 500 wins with Denny Hamlin. His legacy will continue on through his passion for the celebrated Toyota Driver Development (TD2) program, which has seen many drivers, including multi-time Championship 4 driver Christopher Bell, achieve lifelong dreams in motorsport. (Photo Courtesy NASCAR)

NASCAR.COM Rajah Caruth earned his first Most Popular Driver Award in the Craftsman Truck Series. The 22-year-old Caruth took home the Truck honor in the season where he became just the third Black driver to win a NASCAR national series race when he took the checkered flag in March at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Formed in 1965, the National Motorsports Press Association consists of qualified media members who report on the sport of auto racing through affiliations with print, radio, television and/or Internet news-gathering organizations. In addition to the NMPA Most Popular Driver Award, the NMPA presents an array of auto-racing honors, including the Richard Petty Driver of the Year Award, the Myers Brothers Award, the NMPA Pocono Spirit Award and the Wood Brothers Award of Excellence. NASCAR WIRE SERVICE Newly crowned champion Justin Allgaier won the Most Popular Driver Award in the Xfinity Series for the fifth time, giving JR Motorsports its 13th straight such recognition among six drivers—Allgaier, Danica Patrick, Regan Smith, Chase Elliott, Elliott Sadler and Noah Gragson. Press Release | NATIONAL MOTORSPORTS PRESS ASSOCIATION Chase Elliott returned to victory lane and the playoffs this year, delighting his fan base that once again rewarded him with the National Motorsports Press Association’s Most Popular Driver award. Elliott was announced as the award’s recipient Friday night during the annual NASCAR Awards Ceremonies at the Charlotte Convention Center. It is the seventh consecutive year Elliott has been voted the winner. The Dawsonville, Ga., native has won the award in seven of his nine seasons as a NASCAR Cup Series driver. The only major NASCAR award determined solely by the vote of race fans, Elliott received 266,363 votes. Elliott’s Hendrick Motorsports teammate Kyle Larson finished second in the voting, while Team Penske’s Ryan Blaney placed third. Elliott’s father, NASCAR Hall of Fame member Bill Elliott, holds the record for the most award wins at 16. Dale Earnhardt Jr. won the award 15 times. “That award is a reflection of the entire (Elliott) story, not just about me,” Elliott said. ‘I’ve tried to pay my respect that way.” A driver must have declared for NASCAR Cup Series points to be eligible for the award. The Most Popular Driver award has been presented to either an Elliott or an Earnhardt for 34 consecutive years. The NMPA Most Popular Driver Award is one of the longest-running awards presented annually by the National Motorsports Press Association. (Photo Courtesy NASCAR)

Press Release | JOE GIBBS RACING Joe Gibbs Racing announced a pair of changes in advance of the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season. Chris Gabehart, who has served as the crew chief of the No. 11 team for the past six seasons, will become the organization’s competition director while Chris Gayle, who has been the crew chief for the No. 54 team for the past two seasons, will assume the crew chief role for Denny Hamlin. Both Gabehart and Gayle have been mainstays at Joe Gibbs Racing for a number of years. This season, both led their teams to the Cup Series Playoffs and top-15 finishes in the overall point standings. “We have a lot of pride in the depth of talent we have throughout our organization,” said Joe Gibbs, owner and founder of Joe Gibbs Racing. “Chris Gabehart will now be an asset across all four of our teams as competition director and we thought it was important to have him transition into his new role immediately. Chris Gayle will bring his own perspective to the 11 team while also maintaining the consistency and continuity they have developed with Denny (Hamlin) over the past several years. While we are still in the process of finalizing the new crew chief for the 54 team, we believe all these moves ultimately make our team stronger as we prepare for 2025.” Gabehart joined Joe Gibbs Racing in 2012 as a race engineer. He transitioned to a crew chief position with the team’s NASCAR Xfinity Series program from 2016-2018. After three successful seasons where his teams earned nine victories with multiple drivers, Gabehart was promoted to be the crew chief of the No. 11 team in 2019. The Hamlin-Gabehart combination proved to be a threat immediately by winning the 2019 DAYTONA 500 on the way to three consecutive Championship 4 appearances. In six seasons together, Gabehart and Hamlin claimed 22 victories, including a pair of DAYTONA 500s and the 2021 Southern 500. “I am very thankful for the opportunities that Joe Gibbs Racing has continued to provide me for my entire tenure here and cannot say enough about how much I have enjoyed and appreciated my time with Denny and the entire 11 team,” said Gabehart. “They have all taught me so much about not only how to race at the top of the NASCAR Cup Series, but also, how to lead a great group of talented professionals. In my next opportunity, I am as excited as I have ever been to work with all our talented drivers, crew chiefs, teams and partners to help focus all our efforts towards making 2025 one of the best seasons Joe Gibbs Racing has ever had.” Gayle’s resume includes a pair of Cup Series victories, 37 Xfinity Series wins, and the 2022 Xfinity Series championship. He began his time with Joe Gibbs Racing as an engineer in 2003. In 2013, Gayle moved into a crew chief position with JGR’s Xfinity Series team. After an impressive four-year stint from 2013-2016 where his teams claimed 20 victories, Gayle spent 2017 as a crew chief for Furniture Row Racing. He rejoined JGR in 2018 in the Cup Series with Erik Jones. He led the young driver to his first career win in 2018 and followed that up with a Southern 500 victory in 2019. In 2021, the Little Rock, Arkansas native guided JGR’s No. 54 Xfinity Series team to a whopping 10 wins with four different drivers. The next year, Gayle led Ty Gibbs to seven victories and the series championship before the duo moved to the Cup Series together in 2023. In 2024, Gayle oversaw the No. 54 team’s growth in Gibbs’ second season as they earned eight top-five finishes, 12 top-10s, two pole awards, and 417 laps led. “Denny is obviously a first-ballot Hall of Famer,” said Gayle. “I’m looking forward to working with him and the guys on the No. 11 team. He and Gabehart have established an incredible culture that is a very good barometer for our other drivers and teams to strive to match. I have all the confidence in the world we can hit the ground running and continue the success that this group is accustomed to in 2025.” The No. 54 crew chief will be announced at a later date. (Photo Courtesy NASCAR)

Press Release | HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS Competing at the highest level in the NASCAR Cup Series demands an extraordinary effort and Alex Bowman’s No. 48 pit crew rose to the challenge during the 2024 Cup Series playoffs. The team’s performance earned it the 2024 Mechanix Wear Most Valuable Pit Crew Award, which is a testament to dedication and execution under pressure. “I think for me being able to work with those guys, I’m just incredibly excited for them,” said pit department head coach Jacob Claborn. “The work that they’ve put in over the year that they’ve been together, and it’s really good to see how much work they’ve put in and it pay off. It really shows our depth in the pit department and several crews that can perform at a very high level and that can create competition and more success.” The Mechanix Wear MVPC Award evaluates performance through a playoff-based metric system, considering factors like pit stop speed, positions gained or lost on pit road, and overall strength of each pit stop. Claborn emphasized that the team’s approach didn’t waver during the playoffs. When asked if their strategy had shifted heading into the playoffs, he explained that their focus stayed consistent which included putting each car in contention to win. The unique layout of the 2024 Cup Series playoff schedule included a superspeedway and road course early on and presented fewer opportunities for pit stops in the initial round. However, as the playoffs continued, the crew had more chances to make an impact on the outcome. The No. 48 pit crew is composed of jackman Allen Holman, tire carrier Brandon Grier, front-tire changer Donnie Tasser, rear-tire changer Andrew Bridgeforth and fueler Jacob Conley. Together, they played a key role in supporting Bowman’s 2024 season which included one win, eight top fives, 17 top-10 finishes and a ninth-place finish in the NASCAR Cup Series point standings. Their success has been celebrated across Hendrick Motorsports competition, with praise coming from both the No. 48 crew chief Blake Harris and the road crew. “Really proud of the No. 48 guys for their strong season and taking home the Mechanix Wear MVPC Award this year,” said crew chief Blake Harris. “I know how much being at the top of this sport means to them and watching their preparation and process payoff is really rewarding. We strive to be the best in this sport every week on and off the track, and to see the No. 48 pit crew carry the banner for Hendrick Motorsports defines why we compete.” (Photo Courtesy NASCAR)

(Photo Courtesy NASCAR) Martin Truex Jr. confirmed during the NASCAR Awards that he will run the 2025 Daytona 500, but not for 23XI Racing as previously planned. Instead, Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) will handle his entry, though the exact details of how this will be accomplished remain unclear. This news comes amidst 23XI Racing's involvement in an antitrust lawsuit with NASCAR and Front Row Motorsports. Additionally, Riley Herbst is set to drive a third car for 23XI Racing, adding another layer of intrigue to the situation. We’re eager to see how this all unfolds and will keep you updated!

Press Release | HYAK MOTORSPORTS Hyak Motorsports welcomes in a new era of racing for the iconic No. 47 team with a rebrand, new name and ownership. Effective immediately, the team will shift from JTG Racing to Hyak Motorsports with Gordon Smith, who became the principal owner at the end of the 2023 season, at the helm. Hyak Motorsports will continue to carry out Smith’s plan to bring a fresh, new energy to the team and show his commitment to advancing the team’s legacy both on and off the racetrack. The change starts with the name “Hyak” which means “fast” in Chinook Jargon, which is a trade language of the Pacific Northwest that incorporates terms from Chinook, Chehalis, and many other local languages. The ownership transition promises to fuel Hyak Motorsports with a competitive edge by enhancing its approach to performance, innovation, and fan engagement. Smith is joined by co-owners Brad Daugherty, Mark Hughes and Ernie Cope, who remain dedicated to maintaining the team’s high standards while introducing updated strategies and resources to help bring the team to a new level. “Becoming the owner of Hyak Motorsports brings an exciting opportunity,” said Gordon Smith, Team Owner/CEO. “I look forward to building on the team’s accomplishments, investing in its future, and driving toward new successes in partnership with our fans, sponsors, and team members.” The team’s commitment to pushing boundaries and delivering thrilling performances will continue in the 2025 season starting with the NASCAR Clash at Bowman Gray on February 2, 2025, at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. “I’m really excited about 2025 as our company continues to evolve,” said Brad Daugherty, one of the four owners of the team. “Our goal is to compete and win races at the highest level of NASCAR. The name change signifies that commitment and desire to be our very best.” “2025 will begin a new era for this company,” said Ernie Cope, team co-owner. “We’re still committed to being a winning team with Ricky and the entire No. 47 crew. This is just the next step in elevating the team to another level.” 2025 will mark the team’s third season in NASCAR under the current management. The team has scored a win in each of the last two years and plans to continue this trajectory. Its pinnacle Daytona 500 win came on February 19, 2023, with Ricky Stenhouse Jr who will continue to pilot the No. 47 Chevrolet Camaro next season. “This rebrand is exciting for the team and myself,” said Ricky Stenhouse Jr, driver for the No. 47 Chevrolet Camaro. “I’m excited for everyone to see the rebrand this offseason and in 2025. The team has won the most iconic of races with the Daytona 500 so this is just a continuation of building its legacy.” More updates will follow in the NASCAR offseason as the team works to build upon its foundation and look ahead to the 2025 season. (Photo Courtesy NASCAR)

Press Release | COMCAST Today, Comcast announced NASCAR driver Erik Jones as the 2024 Comcast Community Champion of the Year, becoming the 10th champion to receive the prestigious annual award. Comcast will award $60,000 to Jones for the Erik Jones Foundation, which was established in 2021 to provide charitable donations to organizations and offer direct-to-individual programs within communities across the country. The Erik Jones Foundation is built on three key pillars: early cancer screening and detection, reading literacy, and animal welfare—each inspired by Jones’ personal experiences. After losing his father to cancer in 2016 and supporting his mother through her breast cancer battle, Jones has prioritized promoting early cancer detection. In its first year, the Foundation donated $20,000 to the Melanoma Research Foundation and distributed hundreds of thousands of sunscreen samples to raise awareness about sun safety. Additionally, the Foundation partnered with the Sun Bus, a mobile skin screening center, to bring free screenings to race fans. Its signature program, the ‘Window of Hope’ pink window net initiative, raises critical funds for breast cancer care and screenings. Jones has also dedicated himself to improving literacy among youth. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he launched #ReadWithErik, which began as a weekly Facebook Live series and has grown to include in-person readings at racetracks and schools nationwide. The Foundation has donated book vending machines to schools and introduced a pen pal program to encourage reading and writing. Furthermore, Jones’ commitment to animal welfare has led to partnerships with organizations like the Mid-Michigan K9 Association, Adopt-A-Pet Fenton, and Rescue Ranch, as well as donations to animal shelters across the country. “Erik has consistently demonstrated his passion for meeting people where they are—offering support, resources, and hope,” said Matt Lederer, Vice President of Brand Partnerships and Amplification, Comcast. “His dedication to early cancer detection, youth literacy, and animal welfare shows how one individual can create meaningful change. We are proud to name Erik Jones as the 2024 Comcast Community Champion of the Year.” Jones was selected by a panel of Comcast and NASCAR executives, including 2023 Comcast Community Champion Ryan Vargas, who was honored last year for his work supporting children with Craniosynostosis. In addition to the winner, this year’s finalists were recognized for their outstanding contributions to their communities. Scott Crowell, Senior Manager of Facility Operations for NASCAR Productions, will receive a $30,000 donation to Willow’s Wish Foundation, which creates inclusive public spaces for children with disabilities. Susan McKee, Senior Director of HR/IT at Charlotte Motor Speedway, will receive a $30,000 donation to Speedway Children’s Charities, which supports children and families in need. Since its inception in 2015, the Comcast Community Champion of the Year program has donated over $1 million to 30 nonprofit organizations, amplifying the efforts of NASCAR community members who dedicate their time and energy to helping others. Comcast remains committed to strengthening communities, leveraging its resources to drive positive and lasting change. To learn more about Comcast’s community impact and partnerships, visit Comcast Community Impact. (Photo Courtesy NASCAR)

Press Release | RACKLEY W.A.R. Rackley W.A.R. has named Chad Kendrick as crew chief for Dawson Sutton and the No. 26 Rackley Roofing / W.A.R. Shocks Chevrolet Silverado for the 2025 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series (NCTS) season. Kendrick returns to the organization after spending a year in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. During that timeframe, he scored two poles, two top 5s and four top 10s. He says he’s happy to reunite with the North Carolina-bound race team and has high expectations for the new race season. “My departure from Rackley W.A.R. was strictly a geographic move,” said Kendrick. “My wife was homesick, and it was honestly just a matter of doing what made the most sense at the time. Willie [Allen, co-owner] and Curtis [Sutton, co-owner] have worked very hard to reposition this team to make it competitive on a consistent basis and I think the move from Nashville to Statesville [N.C.] demonstrates just how much they are committed to building a championship race team. I’m excited to be back and even more excited to work with another young driver like Dawson Sutton who has shown immense capability. He has a bright future ahead of him if we all do our jobs behind him.” The veteran crew chief spent three years as crew chief on the No. 25 Rackley W.A.R. Chevrolet Silverado from 2021 through 2023 and led the team to its first playoff berth with driver Matt DiBenedetto in 2023. “I’m really glad we were able to have Chad come back with us for my rookie of the year run next year in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. He brings so much success and experience to us, and I’m glad the team’s move to North Carolina allowed us to work with him again. It’s another great step in a positive direction for sure,” said Dawson Sutton. Willie Allen, in agreement with Sutton, added that, “Chad’s experience with developing young drivers makes him a perfect fit for this next step with Dawson. We’re thrilled to welcome him back to Rackley W.A.R. as we continue building for a competitive 2025 season.” Kendrick has multiple seasons of experience in the NCTS. He debuted atop the pit box in 2008 with Bobby Hamilton Racing and has worked with drivers like Timothy Peters, Brad Keselowski, Ross Chastain and Joey Logano. Throughout his career, he has earned seven wins, 10 poles, 61 top 5s and 128 top 10s in the series. The NCTS makes its 2025 debut at Daytona International Speedway for the Fresh from Florida 250 on Friday, Feb. 14 at 7:30 p.m. EST and will be broadcast live on FS1. (Photo Courtesy Rackley W.A.R.)