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This week, Tony Stewart and Gene Haas announced that Stewart Haas Racing will be shutting down following the conclusion of the 2024 NASCAR season. While not entirely surprising, the announcement marks the end of a very sudden downfall of a one-time powerhouse in the NASCAR garage. It creates a whirlwind of questions, the most pressing being what happens to the multiple drivers now looking for rides in 2025 and beyond.  Another burning question is what will happen to the four charters SHR will sell, now that their future is clear. We already have some news on that front, Bob Pockrass of Fox Sports reports, “Sources indicate Front Row, 23XI and Trackhouse will each obtain one of the SHR charters. The fourth is more unclear.” Front Row Motorsports announced that they have acquired a third charter, though as of now they have yet to confirm that it was purchased from SHR. We already know Michael McDowell is heading to Spire Motorsports next season. That means there will be two openings at Front Row Motorsports in 2025. Could Josh Berry and Noah Gragson fit the bill for the team? I think so. While both drivers still need to find victory lane this season both have impressed with their team. Berry currently sits 19th in the season standings, while Gragson sits 21st. The news couldn’t come at a worse time for those drivers, who both seem to be on the upswing. Gragson has been a major surprise and Berry has begun to find his footing as of late, breaking into the top ten twice. The challenging part for the drivers looking for rides is that the teams looking to acquire those charters may already have plans for them. 23XI Racing may want to add a third charter for Corey Heim, who has dominated in the Craftsman Truck Series this season. Trackhouse Racing has Zane Smith and Shane Van Gisbergan waiting in the wings. This situation also creates questions for Chase Briscoe and Ryan Preece. Briscoe will likely have the most comfortable landing of all the Stewart-Haas Racing drivers. If the rumors that Harrison Burton is on the hot seat at Wood Brothers Racing are to be believed, I think there’s a high likelihood that Briscoe lands in the 21 car. The future for Ryan Preece appears much more murky. His most likely destination is somewhere in the Xfinity Series. Perhaps the most important question of all is how did we get here? Stewart-Haas Racing was a staple of the garage and until recently a consistent championship contender. Tony Stewart and Kevin Harvick have won championships for the team. Kurt Busch had some of his best runs for this team.  What does it say about the state of NASCAR when big names can no longer survive?  Sure, Tony Stewart has several different ventures that take his time and attention, namely his pursuits in NHRA. I’m sure all of that factors into his and Gene Haas’s decision. We’re talking about a team that at the start of the season seemed to signal a renewed commitment to bouncing back and becoming a contender again. Fans are wondering what changed so abruptly. But there’s a deeper issue. A growing trend in recent years has been teams either having to merge or shut down entirely and while there’s bound to be turnover in this sport, the growing trend is alarming. Something in NASCAR needs to change. When a name of the stature of Tony Stewart decides it’s no longer viable to operate a race team, that raises concerns. Other household names have sold recently as well. Kyle Busch sold Kyle Busch Motorsports to Spire Motorsports last season. Chip Ganassi sold to Justin Marks. Richard Petty merged with Maury Gallagher to form what would eventually become Legacy Motor Club.  Something has to give. NASCAR is making incredible profits and yet, teams are struggling to survive. Something doesn’t add up. You may argue that teams surviving isn’t NASCAR’s responsibility. However, what is NASCAR without its teams and its drivers? NASCAR needs to find a way to share some of their wealth. If NASCAR continues to make record profits but teams keep shutting down, why should teams keep investing in the sport?

Press Release | FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS MOORESVILLE, N.C. (May 29, 2024) – Executing its next stage of growth, Front Row Motorsports (FRM) will compete with three chartered Ford Mustang Dark Horses in the NASCAR Cup Series entries in the 2025 season while maintaining its championship NASCAR Ford F-150 team in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.   "We have a very positive outlook on the future of NASCAR and as the sport plans for success, so do we," commented Bob Jenkins, Owner, Front Row Motorsports. "Today that means having a plan for expanding back to three cars in the NASCAR Cup Series. I always have the vision to continue to grow and improve our team and that commitment and desire never changes. I am committed to the sport and its passionate fans and partners."   The team is aware of the work ahead, but excited for the growth.   "It is good to get the news out now as we have a lot of work to do to prepare a new team," said Jerry Freeze, General Manager, Front Row Motorsports. "All of us on the leadership team will be working through that, obtaining the parts and pieces needed for the new team. And, most importantly, adding to the dedicated and talented staff and culture that exists today within our organization.   "Starting a new team from scratch is always a challenge, but with the opportunities in front of us, the talent we have in our leadership, and a bit of a runway to get there, I am confident that we can produce three competitive programs out of the box for the 2025 season. We haven’t lost sight of what our goals for 2024 are, to get our teams into the playoffs for both series. If we can keep up the speed on track and have a little bit of luck to come our way, we can achieve our objectives."   Today’s announcement comes off the news earlier this year of FRM extending and increasing its relationship with Ford Performance and a competition alliance with Team Penske.   Announcements regarding drivers will come later.

Press Release | BEYOND THE WHEEL DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. and CHARLOTTE, N.C. (May 29, 2024) – Beginning today on NASCAR Race Hub, FOX Sports and NASCAR Studios bring fans the latest edition of the three-time Sports Emmy-Award-winning short-form documentary series “Beyond the Wheel.”   The first film, titled “One Team, One Dream: 40 Years of Hendrick Motorsports,” depicts how the organization’s culture has led to its numerous wins and championships. It premieres today during NASCAR Race Hub on FS1 at 6 p.m. ET.   The following documentaries comprise the ninth season of “Beyond the Wheel:”   One Team, One Dream: 40 Years of Hendrick Motorsports – “One Team, One Dream: 40 Years of Hendrick Motorsports” tells the story of NASCAR’s most successful race team in their 40th anniversary season. The wins and championships are well known, but this film digs deeper to gain an understanding of how Rick Hendrick’s leadership and the team members’ dedication built an unrivaled culture of excellence and perseverance. Structured around the team’s 40th anniversary at the April 2024 race at Martinsville Speedway, the film focuses on Hendrick’s leadership philosophy, empowering talented people to give their best effort. Featuring exclusive behind-the-scenes access with Jeff Gordon at Martinsville, and brand-new interviews with Hendrick, Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Chase Elliott, and more, “One Team, One Dream” is a celebration of where Hendrick Motorsports has been and where it’s headed in the next 40 years.   Die-Cast Mania – “Die-Cast Mania” is a behind-the-scenes look at the world of die-cast collectible NASCAR race cars. Go inside the process of designing and creating these unique pieces of memorabilia, the history of how die-casts became the must-have item for fans, and the lengths collectors will go to build their collections. The film takes viewers back to the early 1990s to meet Fred Wagenhals, the man who convinced Dale Earnhardt and Rusty Wallace to turn toy cars into high-end collectibles, sending the souvenir market into the stratosphere. “Die-Cast Mania” also goes behind the scenes at Lionel Racing, the team behind today’s ultra-detailed models that sell out at every track. Die-cast cars are unlike any other sports memorabilia and “Die-Cast Mania” celebrates that passion.   Steve Park: Destined – “Steve Park: Destined” tells the story of Steve Park, a modified driver handpicked by Dale Earnhardt as one of the next big stars in Cup racing. Park proved him right, earning multiple wins and a devoted fan base. He also helped Dale Earnhardt Incorporated navigate Earnhardt’s death by winning the very next race. But Park’s career was derailed by a freak accident crash and a series of concussions. He worked hard to return to racing, but still carried the stigma of injury. With insight from Park’s friends, teammates, and fans, as well as through an emotional interview with the man himself, “Steve Park: Destined” is a story of what might have been… and coming to terms with what comes next.   “One Team, One Dream: 40 Years of Hendrick Motorsports” premieres Wednesday, May 29, followed by “Die-Cast Mania” Wednesday, June 5 and “Steve Park: Destined” Thursday, June 6. All will air at 6 p.m. ET on FS1’s NASCAR Race Hub simultaneously live streaming on the FOX Sports App.

Press Release | WORLD WIDE TECHNOLOGY RACEWAY MADISON, Ill. (May 30, 2024) World Wide Technology Raceway (WWTR) has announced a packed schedule of activities for racing fans in advance of the upcoming NASCAR double header weekend. The Enjoy Illinois 300 NASCAR Cup Series race June 2 will be paired with the Toyota 200 CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race scheduled for Saturday, June 1. On-track action begins Friday, May 31 with practice and qualifying for the Toyota 200. Cup Series practice and qualifying will take place on Saturday. Click HERE for the full weekend schedule. For tickets and more information, please visit www.wwtraceway.com .   Saturday’s fan experience will include a classic throwback for those that remember the televised “Wrestling at the Chase” events of the 1970’s and 80’s. Melee on the Midway will host the stars of SICW Championship Wrestling, led by legendary promoter Herb Simmons, wrestling hall of famer Cowboy Bob Orton, Jr. will be joined by Night Train Gary Jackson, Big Nasty, Attila Khan and others.   America’s top tuner car enthusiast tuner, IFO, will host their first ever Takeover Pit Party event on Saturday afternoon.  Along with hundreds of the top custom show cars in the Midwest, IFO features a stereo competition, specialty vendors, low car limbo and a 2 step rev battle.   The Confluence Music Festival kicks off on Saturday with an incredible line-up of local, regional and national touring acts for all interests.  Ludacris – Illinois-born rapper, actor, star of the Fast and the Furious franchise – headlines Saturday’s concerts, taking the stage at 5 p.m. NASCAR favorite Tim Dugger, Blinded by Stereo, DJ Big D, JC Super Car and more than 12 other performances round out Saturday’s live music.   Saturday also features driver appearances, STEM Lane, World Wide Technology Race AR, Amazon Web Services Deep Racer simulator, Enjoy Illinois activities, special displays and more events to be announced leading up to the weekend.

Press Release | POCONO RACEWAY Long Pond, PA – Today, the Shapiro Administration is breaking new ground in the motorsports industry, serving as the race entitlement sponsor for the annual NASCAR Cup Series event at Pocono Raceway set for Sunday, July 14. The 160-lap, 400-mile race will be titled “The Great American Getaway 400 presented by VISITPA” and provide national and international exposure to the state and its new tourism brand through NASCAR’s wide audience and global broadcast platforms. According to MarketCast data, NASCAR ranks first among all major U.S. sports in fan loyalty to sponsors, including those who consider trying, consciously support and recommend sponsors. “NASCAR Cup Series races are some of the biggest and best sporting events in the world, and nobody does it better than Pennsylvania,” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “Every year, I love coming to ‘The Tricky Triangle’ to watch some of the best drivers and crews in the world navigate those three turns. Here in the Commonwealth, we have it all – from top tier sports and events, award-winning restaurants, incredible hikes and state parks, and the most important historic sites in the country that tell the story of our shared history. This year, Pennsylvania tourism is taking the driver’s seat at the Pocono Raceway.” “Having the opportunity to shine a light on tourism in Pennsylvania while helping Governor Shapiro, Secretary Siger and the entire DCED team launch a new brand is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our team,” Pocono Raceway President Ben May said. “Sixty percent of our fans and partners travel to Pennsylvania from out of state so being able to showcase the Pocono Mountains and launch ‘The Great American Getaway’ is something you aren’t often afforded the privilege of doing. We can’t wait to show off the Commonwealth and continue driving tourism for this great state of ours.” The Great American Getaway 400 presented by VISITPA will be televised live on the USA Network, along with live radio broadcasts on SiriusXM and MRN, beginning at 2:30 p.m. ET. The race also will be broadcast in more than 29 languages across 195 countries through NASCAR’s international television partners. Tourism is a key priority within the Governor’s economic development strategy. A new report unveiled by the Pennsylvania Tourism Office in March shows Pennsylvania’s tourism industry generated $76.7 billion in economic impact, supported 486,871 jobs, contributed $4.7 billion in state and local taxes, and welcomed 192.4 million visitors in 2022. Visitor spending – which supports jobs, income, and business sales – generated $9.6 billion in government revenues. Overnight visitor spending increased by $4.8 billion, with more than 66 million trips resulting in $28 billion in spending. The NASCAR Cup Series race weekend also is an economic engine for the state with an annual impact of $75 to $100 million. Last week the Shapiro Administration unveiled Pennsylvania’s new state tourism brand and summer travel marketing campaign to encourage more people to travel across and visit the Commonwealth – Pennsylvania: The Great American Getaway. Pennsylvania is a premier weekend getaway destination within close driving proximity to major hubs along the East Coast, including New York City, Baltimore, and Washington DC. Pennsylvania’s main streets and small towns, world class restaurants and bars, renowned historical sites, thrilling outdoor recreation, and top tier events and sports can be experienced in a single weekend by nearly 72 million people who live within a four-hour drive of thousands of getaways and experiences. The Great American Getaway 400 presented by VISITPA is the featured race of the July 12-14 NASCAR tripleheader weekend at Pocono Raceway. The NASCAR Cup Series weekend annually attracts a strong balance of visitors and Pennsylvania residents, with 60 percent coming from out of state. The NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series CRC Brakleen 175 will be held Friday, July 12 (5:30 p.m.), and the NASCAR Xfinity Series Explore the Pocono Mountains 225 on Saturday, July 13 (3 p.m.). Click HERE for the full weekend schedule. For tickets and more information, please visit www.poconoraceway.com. Note-Click HERE to download the new race logo and b-roll of NASCAR racing at Pocono Raceway.

Press Release | NEW HAMPSHIRE MOTOR SPEEDWAY LOUDON, N.H. – New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS) today announced that USA TODAY will serve as the title sponsor of the USA TODAY 301 NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) race on Sunday, June 23. The USA TODAY 301 NCS race is the grand finale of New England’s only NASCAR weekend that also features the SciAps 200 NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) race and the Mohegan Sun 100 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour (NWMT) race on Doubleheader Saturday , June 22.   “We are thrilled to partner with New Hampshire Motor Speedway and Speedway Motorsports for the USA TODAY 301 NASCAR Cup Series race,” said Gannett | USA TODAY Network Vice President of Sports Revenue Strategy Nate Scott. “Racing ranks high among our 50 million engaged sports audience, and we can’t wait to share the excitement and incredible content with our loyal fans.”   The USA TODAY 301 is NHMS’s 53rd NCS race. Martin Truex Jr. is the defending NCS race champion at “The Magic Mile.”   “We are proud to welcome USA TODAY to New England’s only NASCAR weekend,” said New Hampshire Motor Speedway Executive Vice President and General Manager David McGrath. “USA TODAY is a highly recognizable and respected name in the media landscape committed to providing high-quality and trusted content to their readers, just as the New Hampshire Motor Speedway team provides an unforgettable experience for our race fans each year. We can’t wait to work with USA TODAY to give our fans the best NASCAR experience in the country next month!”   NHMS’s 2024 NASCAR race schedule includes: ·       Sunday, June 23 | 2:30 p.m.: USA TODAY 301 NCS race (USA | PRN | SiriusXM) ·       Saturday, June 22 | 3:30 p.m.: SciAps 200 NXS race (USA | PRN | SiriusXM) ·       Saturday, June 22 | 6:40 p.m.: Mohegan Sun 100 NWMT race (Monday, June 24 on FloRacing (Time TBD))   For a full race weekend schedule, including on-track action, Fan Zone fun and much more, click here .

By Matt Marr Ty Gibbs led the field to the green after winning his first career pole. Due to a rain delay at the Indianapolis 500, Kyle Larson who was pursuing the Memorial Day double, could not start the Coca-Cola 600 meaning Justin Allgaier substituted for him. William Byron passed Gibbs on lap 73 to take over the lead. BJ Mcleod spun coming out of turn 4 late in Stage One to bring out the first caution of the day. Byron holds off Gibbs to win Stage One.  Christopher Bell took the lead at lap 124. Ryan Blaney hit the wall and ended his day at lap 147 but managed to make it onto pit road - the race stayed green. Chase Elliott took the lead on lap 169. Bell won Stage Two as it ended under caution for a spin by Harrison Burton. Another caution came out on lap 229 for Corey Lajoie spinning in turn two. Byron makes his own pass in the grass getting by both Gibbs and Tyler Reddick to move himself into the fourth position on lap 240. On lap 249, just as Kyle Larson had arrived to swap places with Justin Allgaier, a caution came out for rain and lightning. Efforts to dry that track were not going as fast as they hoped, partly due to high humidity in the area.  Eventually NASCAR called the race, and Christopher Bell became the official winner of the Coca-Cola 600. Coca-Cola 600 Top 5:  1. Christopher Bell 2. Brad Keselowski 3. William Byron 4. Tyler Reddick 5. Denny Hamlin

Tony Stewart and Gene Haas confirmed today that Stewart-Haas Racing will be shutting down after the 2024 NASCAR season. You can view their joint statement below.

Press Release | THE DALE JR. FOUNDATION MOORESVILLE, N.C. (May 28, 2024) – NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. announced today that he will donate $1 million to charities across the United States to celebrate reaching the one million follower mark on Instagram. The Dale Jr. Foundation has identified a charity located in each of the top-10 cities where Earnhardt’s Instagram followers reside, with each organization receiving $100,000.   “This is an exciting time for The Dale Jr. Foundation,” said Earnhardt Jr. “None of this would be possible without the support from the fans and followers. To have the opportunity to give back in this way is truly special, and it’s all due to the tremendous support of the foundation.”   The selected charities fall into the foundation’s five areas of giving: empowerment, education, wellness, hunger, hope. The list of organizations includes Regional Food Bank of NE Florida (Jacksonville, Fla.), Fletcher Place Community Center (Indianapolis), Armer Foundation for Kids (Phoenix), Kids Meals, Inc. (Houston), Nashville Angels (Nashville, Tenn.), New York Common Pantry (New York), Nationwide Children’s Hospital (Columbus, Ohio), Heart of Los Angeles (Los Angeles), Hope of Mooresville (Mooresville, N.C.), and Classroom Central (Charlotte, N.C.).   “This is only possible because of the generous donations and hard work of so many people,” said Kelley Earnhardt Miller, vice president of The Dale Jr. Foundation. “Dale is using his platform and the foundation to make an impact across the nation and I am extremely proud to see these donations go to so many worthwhile causes.”     Earnhardt Jr. eclipsed the one million follower mark on Thursday, May 23, making him the third NASCAR personality to achieve such a prestigious milestone. The legendary stock car driver and 15-time most popular driver initially launched his Instagram account in October 2015.