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NASCAR 2025: Ultimate Guide to Driver Moves and Team News

NASCAR will return to competition on Sunday, February 2nd, 2025, at 8 pm ET with the NASCAR Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium. It marks NASCAR’s return to the quarter-mile track for the first time since 1971.

Saturday will feature four 25-lap heats to help determine the starting lineup. To finalize the lineup, there will also be a 75-lap last-chance qualifying race on Sunday at 6 p.m. ET before the main event.

In anticipation of the 2025 season, we’ve got the scoop on the latest driver moves and team news.

*Please check back regularly for updates.

NASCAR Cup Series

Anthony Alfredo, Beard Motorsports

On Jan. 9, Beard Motorsports announced that Anthony Alfredo will attempt to qualify for the Daytona 500 in the No. 62 Chevrolet with Fortify Building Solutions as a sponsor.

Front Row Motorsports will expand to a three-car team in 2025

Front Row Motorsports confirmed on May 29 that they will expand to a three-car team in 2025.

“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 of 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.”

Todd Gilliland, Front Row Motorsports Ford

The team announced on June 5 that Todd Gilliland will return to the NASCAR Cup Series with Front Row Motorsports in 2025 after signing a multiyear deal and will move from the No. 38 Ford to the No. 34 Ford. On December 12th, it was announced that Chris Lawson would return to Front Row Motorsports as crew chief for Gilliland.

Noah Gragson, Front Row Motorsports Ford

In July, it was announced that Gragson has signed a multi-year deal with Front Row Motorsports as they expand to three charter teams in 2025. On Jan. 3 it was revealed that Gragson will drive the No. 4 Ford Mustang with Drew Blickensderfer as his crew chief.

“It’s definitely exciting times,” Gragson said during a press conference. “When we started out this year, I didn’t know how I was going to run. I didn’t know if I had the potential to run in the Cup Series just based off how the 2023 season went, and to be able to get my feet underneath me with the opportunity at Stewart-Haas, it definitely opened people’s eyes. And with the challenges that have come about with Stewart-Haas, we were looking for a home for a long time, and that’s when I got introduced to Bob and Jerry [co-owners].”

Zane Smith, Front Row Motorsports Ford

On January 2 the team announced that Zane Smith will return to Front Row Motorsports in 2025 to drive the Cup Series No. 38 Ford. Ryan Bergenty will be his crew chief.

“I’ve always felt at home with Front Row Motorsports,” Smith said “They believed in me when I signed with them to race in the Truck Series initially in 2022 and we shared so much success together, winning six races and a championship in two seasons. Unfortunately, everyone had to make tough decisions because there were only two Cup cars available at Front Row Motorsports going into last season when I was ready to move up full-time. Now, going into next year, Front Row has really taken their Cup program to another level and I cannot think of a better lineup of teammates.”

Garrett Smithley, Garage 66 (Formerly MBM Motorsports)

MBM Motorsports has rebranded their Cup Series team to Garage 66 as of Jan. 16.

Garrett Smithley will drive the No. 66 Ford in the  Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium on Feb. 2  No announcements have been made as to whether the team will attempt to qualify for the Daytona 500, or who the driver will be.

Chandler Smith, Garage 66 (Formerly MBM Motorsports)

It was announced on Jan. 23 that Smith would drive the No. 66 Ford and attempt to qualify for the Daytona 500.

Haas Factory Team (NCS/NXS)

After the news that Stewart-Haas Racing would cease operations at the end of 2024, Gene Haas announced on June 20 that he would field one Cup charter and two Xfinity Series teams under the name Haas Factory Team in 2025.

“My commitment to motorsports hasn’t changed, just the scope of my involvement,” Haas said. “Operating a four-car Cup Series team has become too arduous, but, at the same time, I still need a platform to promote Haas Automation and grow HaasTooling.com.”

On Jan. 7, the team announced Nick Sandler as the competition director for the Cup Series program and Adam Gravitt as the competition director for the Xfinity Series program.

Cole Custer, Haas Factory Team

After two seasons in the Xfinity Series, Cole Custer will return to the Cup Series in 2025 to drive the No. 41 Haas Factory Team Ford. 

“I’ve grown up with Haas Automation, and having their name on my firesuit is something I take a tremendous amount of pride in. I’m driven to win for Gene and everyone at Haas Automation because they’ve been such a big part of my career,” Custer said.

Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Hyak Motorsports (formerly JTG Daugherty)

JTG Daugherty Racing announced in November that they would rebrand with a new name (Hyak Motorsports) under new ownership, effective immediately. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. will continue to drive the No. 47 Chevrolet with crew chief, Mike Kelley. 

Chris Gabehart, Denny Hamlin, Joe Gibbs Racing

On November 22nd, Joe Gibbs Racing announced a couple of major changes for next season regarding the No. 11 team. Chris Gabehart, Hamlin’s crew chief for the previous six years, will advance to the role of competition director in 2025. Chris Gayle, Ty Gibbs’s crew chief for the past two seasons, will be Hamlin’s crew chief in 2025.

“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.”

Martin Truex Jr., No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota

On June 14, Truex announced his decision to retire from full-time competition at the end of the 2024 season. He will compete in a few select races in 2025, beginning with the Daytona 500.

“It’s been incredible. It’s been a hell of a ride. I’m excited about the future, and I’m not really sure what that looks like yet,” Truex said.

Chase Briscoe, No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota

On June 25, ChaseBriscoewas named as Truex’s successor in the NASCAR Cup Series after signing a multiyear contract to drive the No. 19 Toyota beginning in 2025. 

“I have to win. Like there’s no excuse not to win,” Briscoe said. “You have to make the playoffs. If you don’t make the playoffs, then there’s no reason I should be driving this race car. So yeah, I definitely think that you have to win races. You have to be running up front consistently, and I think they feel like I’m capable of doing that. But I have to show that, so hopefully, that’s what I can do.”

Tyler Allen, Joe Gibbs Racing

On December 2nd, Joe Gibbs Racing announced that Tyler Allen will move from crew chief of the No. 20 Toyota in the Xfinity Series to crew chief for Ty Gibbs and the No. 54 team in the Cup Series in 2025. 

“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.”

Justin Allgaier, JR Motorsports

JR Motorsports announced on Jan. 15 that they will attempt to qualify for the Daytona 500 in the No. 40 Chevrolet with driver Justin Allgaier and make their Cup Series debut. Greg Ives will be Allgaier’s crew chief and they will have sponsorship from Chris Stapleton’s Traveller Whiskey.

AJ Allmendinger, Kaulig Racing Chevrolet

Allmendinger will return to the Cup Series in 2025 to drive full-time for Kaulig Racing and will drive the No. 16 Chevrolet. 

Ty Dillon, Kaulig Racing

It was announced on September 28th that Ty Dillon will drive the No. 10 Chevrolet full-time for Kaulig Racing in 2025. 

“I am incredibly grateful for another opportunity to run full-time in the Cup Series, and to be able to do it with the men and women at Kaulig Racing means a lot to me personally,” said Dillon. “They gave me a chance this year to go out and prove myself in a handful of starts. The team and I were able to connect early on, and we put together a few strong runs in the No. 16. I’m really looking forward to what 2025 brings with this team. We have a bright future ahead of us and we’re going to give it our all each and every race next season.”

Erik Jones, LEGACY Motor Club Toyota

The team confirmed that Jones will return to drive the No. 43 LEGACY Motor Club Toyota entry after signing a multiyear deal with the team. Jones will continue to pilot the coveted 43 Toyota Camry XSE for the 2025 NASCAR season and beyond.

“I’m looking forward to what we can build at LEGACY MOTOR CLUB. I’ve been with the No. 43 car for a handful of years and feel like I’m coming into some of the best years of my career. I am hoping to grow alongside LEGACY M.C. in the seasons to come,” said Jones.

Jimmie Johnson, LEGACY Motor Club

On Jan. 16, Jimmie Johnson confirmed that he will attempt to qualify for the 2025 Daytona 500 in the No. 84 Legacy Motor Club Toyota. He has also signed up for the Memorial Day Weekend Coca-Cola 600 on May 25, his second of two planned appearances. If he qualifies for both events, it will give him 700 career starts.

Austin Dillon, Richard Childress Racing

On Nov. 20, Richard Childress Racing announced that Austin Dillon will be paired with a new crew chief in 2025 as Richard Boswell takes over on the pit box for the No. 3 Cup Series Chevy. Bass Pro Shops and Winchester confirmed on Jan. 17 that they will sponsor Dillon for 17 races this season.

Jesse Love, Richard Childress Racing

Richard Childress Racing confirmed on October 31st that Love will be back to drive the No. 2 Xfinity Series Chevrolet in 2025. 

“I’ll always be grateful that we were able to give Whelen their first NASCAR win earlier this season (2024) and I know we have more victories in our future together,” said Jesse Love.

Tim Brown, Rick Ware Racing

Rick Ware Racing announced on November 17th that Bowman Gray Stadium star Tim Brown, the track’s all-time wins leader (101 Modified Division victories), will drive the Rick Ware Racing No. 15 Ford and attempt to qualify for the Clash exhibition race on February 2nd at the quarter-mile oval.

Corey LaJoie, Rick Ware Racing

On Jan. 27, the team announced that LaJoie will run a limited schedule during the 2025 Cup Series season in the No. 01 Ford Mustang, beginning with the Daytona 500. He will also join the Prime Video 5-race Cup Series broadcast team as an analyst.

Matt McCall, RFK Racing

On November 7th, RFK Racing announced that Matt McCall would not return as crew chief for the No. 6 Ford driven by Brad Keselowski in 2025. 

Jeremy Bullins, RFK Racing

Brad Keselowski will have a new crew chief next year. On Nov. 21, RFK Racing announced that Jeremy Bullins will be Keselowski’s crew chief in 2025. Bullins and Keselowski worked together for two seasons (2020 and 2021) at Team Penske and captured five wins.

“I’m excited and grateful for the opportunity to work with BK again, this time in the iconic No. 6 car with RFK,” said Bullins. “We were able to accomplish a lot as a team previously, but we had a couple of unfinished goals like a Daytona 500 win and a championship together and I’m ecstatic we get the opportunity to compete together again. From the outside looking in it’s been obvious the trajectory RFK is on, and I look forward to being part of the growth and future success of the team.”

Ryan Preece, RFK Racing

On November 19th, RFK Racing announced that Ryan Preece will drive the No. 60 Ford full-time in 2025. Kroger will also move its sponsorship from JTG Daugherty Racing to sponsor all of the RFK Racing teams (Preece, Keselowski, and Buescher). 

“I’m a racer. I’m somebody that wants to win races. I want to compete for championships. My entire career has certainly been unorthodox, but I have unfinished business, and I want to win really bad,” said Preece. “I’m eager and ready to get to the Clash and get to Daytona and finish out that goal.”

Veteran Derrick Finley was announced as Preece’s crew chief on Jan. 14. Finley has over 20 years of experience in NASCAR on the pit box and in various roles throughout the NASCAR organization.

Brad Keselowski, co-owner and driver for RFK Racing said, “His experience and technical knowledge of the sport will play a crucial role in the initial development and growth of the No. 60 team.”

Michael McDowell, Spire Motorsports Chevrolet

On May 8, Spire Motorsports announced they had signed a multiyear contract with Michael McDowell to drive the No. 71 full-time.

“This is a new chapter for my family and me, and we’re incredibly thankful for the opportunity that’s in front of us,” said McDowell. “It’s going to take some hard work, but I feel like everything is in place for us to be successful as a race team, to win races and contend for championships. People are the greatest asset to any organization, and with Spire’s vision, ambition, knowledge, and dedication, we will achieve great things. Failure is not an option, and that’s the mindset that it will take to achieve our goals.”

Rodney Childers, Spire Motorsports

After the announcement that Stewart-Haas Racing would cease operations at the end of the 2024 season, Spire Motorsports hired Rodney Childers as the crew chief for the No. 7 team (Justin Haley) beginning in 2025. The current crew chief, Ryan Sparks, will move to the role of competition director.

“I think the biggest thing is seeing how Spire Motorsports has grown over the last couple of years,” said Childers. “They are investing in people, and that’s what makes a difference these days. We all buy the same chassis, bodies, and parts. What makes a difference is the people. Spire continues to invest in the people within the team, and they seek out good people to add depth to an already strong group.”

Justin Haley, Spire Motorsports  

Spire Motorsports announced on September 20th that Haley had signed a multi-year contract to drive the No. 7 Chevrolet. 

“Spire Motorsports gave me my first few starts in the Cup Series,” said Haley. “My first was in the No. 77 at Talladega on my 20th birthday. We had a lot of great runs in our first year together in 2019, and there’s still a lot of familiar faces around there who were on the team back then. I’m excited to come home. This is where I got my start in the Cup Series, and I’m excited to go out there and compete with (crew chief) Ryan Sparks and the No. 7 team. The next seven races will give us a nice head start and a baseline for next season.”

Haley began driving the No. 7 Chevy Camaro at the Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway while Corey LaJoie finished the 2024 season in Rick Ware Racing’s No. 51 entry.

Matt McCall and Dax Gerringer, Spire Motorsports

On November 25th, Spire Motorsports announced that veteran crew chief Matt McCall will join the team as Director of Vehicle Performance. Dax Gerringer, the former lead engineer at Stewart-Haas Racing, will join the organization as Technical Director. 

“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.”

Stewart-Haas Racing will close at the end of the 2024 season (NCS/NXS)

Stewart-Haas Racing announced on May 28 that the team would cease operations at the end of the 2024 season and sell its four charters. In 2008, NASCAR Hall of Famer Stewart joined forces with Haas to form SHR for its inaugural season in 2009, starting with a two-car team with drivers Stewart and Ryan Newman with a technical alliance with Hendrick Motorsports.

“We have made the difficult decision to close Stewart-Haas Racing at the conclusion of the 2024 season. It is a decision that did not come easily, nor was it made quickly. Racing is a labor-intensive, humbling sport. It requires unwavering commitment and vast resources, with a 365-day mindset to be better than everyone else. It’s part of what makes success so rewarding. But the commitment needed to extract maximum performance while providing sustainability is incredibly demanding, and we’ve reached a point in our respective personal and business lives where it’s time to pass the torch.”

Daniel Suárez, Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet

Trackhouse Racing announced on Friday, August 9th, that Daniel Suárez will return as the No. 99 Chevrolet driver in 2025, marking their fifth season together.

“Trackhouse is home to me, and I have enjoyed every minute I have been here,” said Suárez. “We plan to keep working, growing, and winning more races. We can only do that with the support of my Amigos and Amigas at Freeway Insurance. They have backed me for the last several years and we have grown close with their customers and employees.”

Shane van Gisbergen, Trackhouse Racing

Shane van Gisbergen will transition from the Xfinity Series to drive the No. 88 Chevrolet full-time in the Cup Series for Trackhouse Racing in 2025. 

“This is what I have planned for, and I am ready,” van Gisbergen said. “I know there is a tough learning curve ahead, but the best way to learn is to go out and do it.” He added, “I feel I have made progress running the Xfinity Series this year with Kaulig Racing, and I can’t thank everyone there enough. I look forward to the Cup Series. Those drivers and teams are the best in the world, and it will be an honor to be part of their races.”

On Jan. 23 it was announced that Red Bull would serve as the official energy drink of Trackhouse Racing and the primary partner on Shane van Gisbergen’s No. 88 Chevrolet in five NASCAR Cup Series races.

Connor Zilisch, Trackhouse Racing

Trackhouse Racing also announced on Jan. 23 that Zilisch will make his Cup Series debut at Circuit of the Americas on March 2 in the No. 87 Chevrolet with Red Bull as his primary sponsor. As noted below, Zilisch is racing full-time in the Xfinity Series for JR Motorsports.

Martin Truex Jr., TRICON Garage

On Jan. 16, TRICON Garage announced that Martin Truex Jr. will attempt the Daytona 500 in the No. 56 Cup Series car with technical support from Joe Gibbs Racing. Cole Pearn will serve as the crew chief for the entry.

Bubba Wallace, 23XI Racing

23XI Racing confirmed on September 26th that Wallace has signed a multiyear renewal to drive No. 23 Chevrolet in 2025 “and beyond.”  

“From day one Bubba has been an integral part of 23XI,” said a statement on social media. “We’re excited to announce that he has signed a multi-year renewal and will continue to play a key role in helping 23XI grow and succeed. #ForwardTogether”

Riley Herbst, 23XI Racing

On November 21st, 23XI Racing announced that Herbst will join the team in the No. 35 Toyota as their third full-time driver in 2025.

“It’s an honor to join 23XI and Toyota for the opportunity to race in the Cup Series each week,” Herbst said. “Racing full-time in the Cup Series has been my goal since I started in NASCAR, and I’m excited to start my Cup career with such an accomplished and driven team. What 23XI has accomplished in a short time is impressive,e and I look forward to building on their success as the organization grows. It’s also great to continue representing Monster and I’m excited about adding to their legacy in NASCAR.”

Josh Berry, Wood Brothers Racing Ford

Josh Berry will drive for Wood Brothers Racing in 2025. He replaces Harrison Burton in the No. 21 Ford, who will move to the Xfinity Series with AM Racing next season.

“First and foremost just the history, the heritage, the family atmosphere that the Wood Brothers provide. It just really feels like a great fit for me. I feel like I fit their brand, and who they are and how I’ve gotten here, and how they’ve gotten here. I feel like this is a great fit. I’ve really enjoyed my relationship with Ford, and to continue that on was something that’s important to me, and I appreciate, and I’m thankful to have that opportunity. It just really means a lot to drive an iconic car like the 21. I feel like it’s a great opportunity for me. I feel ready to provide results, and I think that all in all, it’s gonna be a great relationship.” Berry said.

A longtime employee of Team Penske and seasoned race engineer in the NASCAR Cup Series, Miles Stanley will transition to Wood Brothers Racing in 2025 to serve as crew chief of the famed No. 21 Ford Mustang with driver Berry.

Parker Retzlaff, Alpha Prime Racing

On December 18th Alpha Prime Racing confirmed that Retzlaff will pilot the No. 4 Chevrolet full-time in 2025. Joe Williams was announced as his crew chief on Dec. 20. Sponsorship details have not been released. Rettzlaff joins Brennan Poole who returns for a second season in the No. 44 Chevrolet.

“We all want to win races, be consistent, and prove we’re here to compete,” Retzlaff said in a press release. “Everyone here has told me how much they believe in me and what I can do.”

Hailie Deegan and AM Racing Ford “Part Ways”

After competing in the first 17 Xfinity races of 2024 in the No. 15 Ford, it was announced on July 8th that Deegan and AM Racing had decided to “part ways effective immediately.” On October 14th, she issued a statement sharing her decision to move to open-wheel cars and compete in a full season next year in Indy NXT, an IndyCar development program, with HMD Motorsports.

“This year, I took the opportunity to hop into the F3 car. And it was one of the coolest experiences I honestly had. I just fell in love with it. One thing went to the next literally, and I went to a few Indycar races I think. Being in the pit sparked so much conversation so I flew up to Indie, checked out a few shops, met with a few of the teams, met with HMD, and I am so excited to be a part of HMD Motorsports.”

Harrison Burton, AM Racing

On September 20th, AM Racing announced that Harrison Burton would join the team to compete full-time in the Xfinity Series in 2025 after three seasons in the Cup Series with Wood Brothers Racing.

Nick Sanchez, Big Machine Racing

Sanchez will move from the Truck Series to drive full-time in the Xfinity Series in 2025 for Big Machine Racing. 

“This is a huge opportunity for me,” Sanchez said Wednesday in a virtual conference. “When I look at the [Xfinity] schedule and when I look at the places I need to improve as a driver, I think it just offers more for me. I’m excited to get to the race track next year and try to collect trophies for Scott and the whole team. This team has everything to be successful. I look forward to plugging into the team and chasing trophies.”

 “I’m excited to join AM Racing and help build it into the race-winning race team I believe it can and will be,” said Burton. “I think this will be a great opportunity for me to take the things I’ve learned in the Cup Series, bring those to the Xfinity Series, and be the best driver I can be. It’s a blessing to continue my NASCAR journey, and I intend to make the most of this opportunity.”

Cope Family Racing

On Jan. 2, it was announced that Cope Family Racing (CFR)  will debut in 2025 in the NASCAR Xfinity Series at Daytona International Speedway in the No. 70 Chevrolet. The team is a family-owned organization with Derrike Cope as the team’s General Manager. Driving duties will be split between Leland Honeyman Jr. (17 races) and Thomas Annunziata. Honeyman will begin the season in the driver’s seat for the season-opener at Daytona.

“I’m excited to join Cope Family Racing as they launch their NASCAR Xfinity Series program,” said Honeyman. “It’s an honor to be part of a team with such a racing legacy, and I can’t wait to contribute to this new chapter in their history book. I’m ready to take on 2025 and continue chasing success on the track.”

“I’m super excited to be racing part-time with CFR in 2025,” Annunziata responded. “Derrike Cope and the Cope Family are rich in NASCAR experience from his driving days and running the team for StarCom Racing in the Cup Series. Although it’s a new team, CFR has assembled an experienced group to compete in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. I’m ready and more motivated than ever to be a part of this exciting project. Time to go to work.”

Ryan Ellis, DGM Racing

DGM Racing announced on October 18th that Ellis will drive full-time next season in the Xfinity Series. 

“Chatting with Mario (Mario Gosselin, team owner) about his plans for the program in 2025 convinced me that joining DGM was something I couldn’t pass up. He’s a racer, and his enthusiasm was immediately contagious,” Ellis states. “I have so much respect for what the Gosselin family has built, and I hope that we can turn some heads together next year. I’ve seen just how high the potential is at DGM, and I can’t wait to be a part of it.”

Sam Mayer, Sheldon Creed, Haas Factory Team

Haas Factory Team announced on August 17th that Mayer (No. 41 Ford) and Sheldon Creed (No. 00 Ford) will complete their Xfinity Series driver lineup for 2025. Crew chief Jonathan Toney will be paired with Creed, and Jason Trinchere will be on the pit box for Sam Mayer. On Jan. 7, the team announced Adam Gravitt as the competition director for the Xfinity Series program.

“I’ve won in every division I’ve raced in, and I feel like I’ve earned my place in the Xfinity Series, but that’s not enough. I want to win in the Xfinity Series,” said Creed, who currently drives for Joe Gibbs Racing. He continued, “I watched what Cole Custer did last year on his way to the Xfinity Series championship and when I talked with him about the set-up of the organization, everything he said resonated with me. I feel like Haas Factory Team is a place where I can succeed and where Sam and I can work together to win races and be championship contenders.”

“The Xfinity Series is a really great place to learn and grow and get yourself ready for the NASCAR Cup Series,” Mayer said. “Cup is my ultimate goal, and to really push myself to become the kind of driver who can succeed in Cup, I needed to get out of my comfort zone, challenge myself, and hone my race skills so that when that Cup moment comes, I’m ready. The Haas team got Cole Custer ready for his moment and it’s a place that will help get me and Sheldon ready for our moments.”

Corey Day, Hendrick Motorsports

Hendrick Motorsports announced on Jan. 9 that they have signed a multiyear agreement with Corey Day. He will compete in approximately 30 pavement races across the Xfinity Series, CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, ARCA Series and the Trans-Am Series with sponsorship from HendrickCars.com.

Mark Setzer, Jeremy Clements Racing

On December 12th, the team announced that Mark Setzer would not return as crew chief in 2025. Kase Kallenbach will replace Setzer as the crew chief for the No. 51 team.

“Mark [Setzer] has done a lot to help grow our program here at JCR. We have had some memorable moments with him on the pit box for sure, and I am grateful for all his hard work over the last four seasons. We wish him nothing but the best in whatever comes next.” said Jeremy Clements.

Brandon Jones, Joe Gibbs Racing

Jones will return to Joe Gibbs Racing after signing a multiyear contract on September 3rd to drive full-time in the Xfinity Series in 2025. He drove for JGR from 2018 to 2022 and, most recently, for JR Motorsports (2023, 2024).

“I’m beyond excited to be returning to Joe Gibbs Racing and rejoining the Toyota Racing family,” said Jones. “My time with JGR was some of the most rewarding of my career, and I’m eager to build on that success as we chase more wins and a championship together. I’m ready to hit the ground running and make the most of this incredible opportunity.”

Taylor Gray, Joe Gibbs Racing

Taylor Gray will race full-time in 2025, driving the No. 54 Toyota in the Xfinity Series. 

“I am very thankful for this opportunity,” Gray said. “I feel like I have learned a lot in the races I have run this year, and we can build on that next season. Being able to work with Tyler (Allen, crew chief) and these guys for a few races has been a great head start on next season and getting that chemistry going, so I’m really excited about what we can do running together full-time.”

William Sawalich, Joe Gibbs Racing

On October 21st, Joe Gibbs Racing confirmed that William Sawalich will compete full-time in the No. 18 Toyota in the Xfinity Series next season. 

“I am honored to be driving the No. 18 full-time in the Xfinity Series next year,” Sawalich said. “It has been really cool to drive for Joe Gibbs Racing (ARCA Series), and I feel like I have developed so much as a driver over the past two years. I still have a lot to learn, especially with moving to a new series, so I am looking forward to taking this next step in racing.”

Justin Bonsignore, Joe Gibbs Racing

Justin Bonsignore will return to Joe Gibbs Racing to pilot the  No. 19 Toyota for five NASCAR Xfinity Series races in 2025. He made his  Xfinity Series debut with the team in 2024 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

Greg Van Alst, Joey Gase Motorsports with Scott Osteen

Joey Gase Motorsports confirmed on December 16th that the team has signed ARCA Menards Series veteran, Greg Van Alst, to compete in most of the 2025 Xfinity Series races in the No. 35 Chevrolet. His first race will be the United Rentals 300 at Daytona International Speedway on Saturday, February 14, 2025.

“I am thrilled about this opportunity to compete in most of the NASCAR Xfinity Series season with Joey Gase Motorsports with Scott Osteen,” said Van Alst. “This is an essential step in my racing career, and with a tunneled vision focused on the Xfinity Series, I believe I can step up to the plate and not only be competitive but also produce some strong finishes that can propel our team into the spotlight. I’m ready to get to work and make the most out of the opportunity to make my NASCAR Xfinity Series debut at Daytona in about two months.”

Austin Green, Jordan Anderson Racing

Green will return to Jordan Anderson Racing to run a partial Xfinity Series schedule in the No. 32 Chevrolet focusing on road courses and short tracks.

Connor Zilisch, JR Motorsports

On August 7th, JR Motorsports announced thatZilisch will join the team in 2025 to drive the No. 88 Chevrolet full-time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series with veteran crew chief Mardy Lindley.  

“There’s a lot of good Chevrolet-affiliated teams with Kaulig and RCR (Richard Childress Racing), but at the end of the day, when you look at the Cup Series and the guys who have come through JR Motorsports and gone to the Cup Series, I feel like they’ve had the most success. And I do think there’s a lot of really good resources at JR Motorsports that I’ll be able to go and learn from as we look on to the years to come. I feel like I’m in a really good spot with a lot of great people around me that’ll help guide me in the right direction as I get into the Xfinity Series next year.”

JR Motorsports Drivers/Crew Chiefs

Jim Pohlman will return to the No. 7 team with Justin Allgaier.
Phillip Bell will move to the No. 8 team with Sammy Smith.
Andrew Overstreet will be on the No. 1 pit box with rookie driver Carson Kvapil.
Mardy Lindley will join the No. 88 team as crew chief for Connor Zilisch.
Corey Shea joins the No. 9 part-time All-Star entry team as crew chief for nine races with Trackhouse Racing’s Chastain and van Gisbergen.

Daniel Dye, Kaulig Racing

On August 23rd, Kaulig Racing announced that Dye will drive the team’s No. 10 Xfinity Series Chevrolet full-time in 2025.

“I’ve really enjoyed driving the Xfinity car this year, and I’m excited for the opportunity to continue working with Kaulig Racing in 2025,” said Daniel Dye. “It’s been a fun experience learning the car and trying to navigate the different feeling compared to the truck. I’m looking forward to finishing out the season, running for the Truck Championship and making the most of my remaining races in the No. 10.”

Christian Eckes, Kaulig Racing

On August 31st Kaulig Racing announced that Eckes will move from the Craftsman Truck Series to drive the team’s No. 16 Chevrolet full-time in the Xfinity Series in 2025.

“Just super excited for this opportunity,” Eckes said. “This is something I feel like it’s been a long time coming, and to do it with Kaulig Racing, Chris (Rice, team president), Matt (Kaulig, team owner) and so many great teammates as well is something that I’m really looking forward to. Obviously, have a lot to achieve this year still, but very excited for the future. Just ready to get to work.”

Kaulig Racing, Crew Chief Lineup

Kaulig Racing revealed their Xfinity Series crew chief lineup on December 19th. Kevin Walter will be paired with Daniel Dye (No. 10 Chevrolet), Eddie Pardue with Josh Williams (No. 11 Chevrolet), and Alex Yontz with Christian Eckes (No. 16 Chevrolet).

Tyler Tomassi, No. 66, MBM Motorsports

MBM Motorsports announced today (Jan 15) that Tyler Tomassi will drive the No. 66 Ford Mustang in two NASCAR Xfinity Series events in 2025 – Martinsville Speedway in March and Bristol Motor Speedway in April.

Kris Wright, Our Motorsports

On November 20th, Wright announced he would drive the No. 5 Chevrolet full-time in 2025. He will replace Anthony Alfredo.  

“I am thrilled to join Our Motorsports for the 2025 season,” said Kris Wright. “I’m equally excited to make my return to the NASCAR Xfinity Series and look forward to hitting the road for 33 weeks to take on the challenges of a full season together.”

Dean Thompson, Sam Hunt Racing

On Jan. &, Sam Hunt Racing announced that Dean Thompson will pilot the No. 26 Toyota full-time NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2025.

“I’m very excited to join the Sam Hunt Racing group and continue to pursue my dreams in NASCAR,” Thompson said. “The team made me feel at home after the two races we shared last year. Everything clicked with us, and we are both in a spot where we could fulfill each other’s needs to help our growth as a race team and driver. I’m lucky to have this opportunity to take the next step, which most can only dream of reaching, and I’m grateful to share it with such an awesome group of people.”

Garrett Smithley, SS-Greenlight Racing

SS-Greenlight Racing announced on Mon., November 19th, that Garrett Smithley will return to the team in 2025 and compete full-time in the No. 14 Chevrolet with crew chief, Jason Mille and will be sponsored by Trophy Tractor.

“I’m incredibly excited and grateful to be a full-time driver at SS-Greenlight Racing,” Smithley said in a team release. “I haven’t been full-time since 2019, so beyond excited to get to work with Bobby (Dotter, owner) and Jason Miller (crew chief). Daytona can’t come soon enough!”

SS-Greenlight Racing, No. 07

On Jan. 16 the team announced that Patrick Emerling, Alex Labbe and Nick Leitz will split SS-Greenlight Racing’s No. 07 entry for the 2025 Xfinity Series season. Emerling will compete in the season opener at Daytona.

Matt DiBenedetto, Viking Motorsports

On Jan. 16 Viking Motorsports announced that DiBenedetto will drive the No. 99 (new car number) for Viking Motorsports again in 2025 for a full Xfinity Series season with Pat Tryson as crew chief.

Anthony Alfredo, Young’s Motorsports

On Jan. 12 Young’s Motorsports announced that Anthony Alfredo will drive the No. 42 Chevrolet full-time in the 2025 Xfinity Series with sponsors Dude Wipes and RANDCO.

Chandler Smith, Front Row Motorsports

On December 12th, Front Row Motorsports announced that Chandler Smith had signed with them for the 2025 season as they expanded to add a second entry to their Truck Series lineup. He joins returning Rookie of the Year, Layne Riggs. The Truck number and sponsors for Smith will be announced later.

“I’m excited to join Front Row Motorsports truck program,” said Smith. “They are a top contender in the Truck Series and have proven so with championships and wins. I like what they are building here and am honored to have the opportunity to add to it. We are getting a bit of a late start, but I am excited about the caliber of talent we are talking to in being a part of this program for 2025.”

Daniel Hemric, McAnally-Hilgemann Racing

McAnally-Hilgemann Racing announced on November 20th that Hemric will drive the No. 19 Chevrolet full-time in the Craftsman Truck Series in 2025, replacing Christian Eckes.

“This is a great opportunity for me to compete for wins and chase another championship,” Hemric said. “Thanks to Bill McAnally, Bill Hilgemann, NAPA, Chevrolet and everyone involved for the opportunity. It’s a big milestone season to be a part of with NAPA’s 100th anniversary and the 35th year of Bill’s partnership with them. We’re going to do everything we can to get the NAPA Auto Care Chevrolet in victory lane and be in contention for a championship.”

Tyler Ankrum, McAnally-Hilgemann

On November 25th, the team confirmed that Ankrum will return to drive the No. 18 Chevrolet with crew chief Mark Hillman. It will be his seventh season in the Truck Series. 

“I’m really glad to be staying at MHR with Mark and the entire LIUNA team,” Ankrum said in a released statement. “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.”

Connor Mosack, McAnally-Hilgemann Racing

On December 3rd, McAnally-Hilgemann Racing announced that Mosack had been signed to drive the No. 81 Chevrolet in the Craftsman Truck Series in 2025. Mosack’s resume includes 11 starts in the Truck Series and 28 in the Xfinity Series throughout his career. 

“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.”

Jack Wood, McAnally-Hilgemann Racing

McAnally-Hilgemann Racing (MHR) announced on December 3rd that Jack Wood will return to the team in 2025 to compete in the Truck Series full-time in the No. 91 Chevrolet Silverado with crew chief Kevin Bellicourt.

“I’m definitely thankful and excited to be back at MHR next season,” Wood said in a released statement. “We had a lot of bright spots this past season and have a great foundation to build on. I have a lot of trust in Kevin [Bellicourt], [team owner] Bill [McAnally], and everyone at MHR, so that makes me excited for what’s ahead of us next year. It’s great to have Adaptive One Calipers board with us and looking forward to activating with their customers throughout the season.”

Kaden Honeycutt, Niece Motorsports

On Oct. 1, Kaden Honeycutt was announced as the full-time driver of the No. 45 Chevrolet for Niece Motorsports in the Craftsman Truck Series in 2025. It will be his first full-time ride in a national series.

“I can’t even begin to tell you how much this opportunity means to me,” Honeycutt said. “Before I got connected with Al (Niece) and Cody (Efaw), last year, I thought my career was over. Both of them took a big chance on me leading into this year and it’s kept me hungry to make them proud. My group of guys on the No. 45 team have become brothers to me, and we’ve been able to share such a good relationship.”

Christian Rose, Niece Motorsports

On December 16th, Niece Motorsports announced that Christian Rose would move up from the ARCA Menards Series to drive the team’s No. 44 Chevrolet Silverado full-time in the Craftsman Truck Series in 2025.

“For me, it’s a huge opportunity to make the jump from the ARCA Series,” said Rose. “I got my feet wet a little bit in the Truck Series a few years ago, but I believe in everything that we have going on in this building and am very excited to get to Daytona. The speed that we’ve seen from this team is a big reason why we signed our deal, and I’m just excited to make that transition. I think if we do the right things and show up and put the work in, we can have a lot of great things to look forward to next year.”

Dawson Sutton, Rackley W.A.R.

On October 17th, Rackley W.A.R. announced that Sutton would compete full-time in the Craftsman Truck Series next year in the No. 25.

“This is really a phenomenal opportunity,” he said. “I’ve dreamed for this day to come, and my goal is to make it to NASCAR’s Cup Series that represents the best of the best. It’s all a little hard to believe right now, but I know I have a big job to do, and that’s exactly how I look at it.”

Frankie Muniz, Reaume Brothers Racing

Reaume Brothers confirmed on October 22nd that Muniz will race the No. 33 Ford full-time in 2025. 

Cody Dennison, Reaume Brothers Racing 

On Jan. 21, Reaume Brothers Racing announced that Dennison will drive the No. 2 Ford in the Craftsman Truck Series part-time in 2025. He will make his debut at Martinsville Speedway on March 28th.

Tyler Tomassi, Reaume Brothers Racing

Reaume Brothers Racing announced on Jan. 14 that Tomassi would return and run two Craftsman Truck Series races in the No. 2 Ford. He will compete at Nashville Superspeedway on May 30 and Bristol Motor Speedway on Sept. 11.

Rajah Caruth, Spire Motorsports

On December 13th, Spire Motorsports confirmed that Caruth will return to Spire Motorsports in 2025 to drive the No. 71 Chevrolet for a second season in the Craftsman Truck Series with sponsorship from HendrickCars.com.

“It is great to have a home and stability heading into next year,” Caruth said in a released statement. “I believe this is the first time in my career I won’t be with a new team or competing in a different series at the start of the season. I really appreciate the opportunity [owners] Jeff [Dickerson] and T.J. [Puchyr] have given me, and I’m excited to continue preparations for 2025. Our organization has really grown over the past year, and we have shown what we are capable of. We have set the bar high for the season, and the expectation is to win more races and compete for a championship.”

Corey Heim, Tricon Garage

On November 7th, it was announced that Heim will return in 2025 to drive the No. 11 Toyota for the team along with crew chief, Scott Zipadelli.

“I am excited to be back with TRICON for my third full-time year,” said Heim. He continued, saying, “I have developed so much alongside this organization in the last two years, and we have made some incredible memories along the way. I can’t wait to continue this journey in 2025 with my No. 11 crew.”

Tanner Gray, Tricon Garage

Tricon Garage confirmed on November 18 that Gray will return to drive the Craftsman Truck Series No. 15 Toyota full-time in 2025.

“TRICON has become a second home to me, and I am looking forward to another year as the driver of the 15,” said Gray. “I feel like we have some unfinished business after this past season, and I am as motivated as ever to compete in the postseason in 2025.”

Toni Breidinger, Tricon Garage

Tricon Garage announced on November 26th that Toni Breidinger will advance from the ARCA Menards Series to drive the team’s No. 5 Toyota full-time next year in the Craftsman Truck Series. 

“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,” Breidinger said. “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.”

Gio Ruggiero, Tricon Garage

On December 2nd, Tricon Garage announced that Gio Ruggiero, who claimed nine top 10s in the ARCA Menards Series in 2024, will drive the team’s No. 17 Toyota in 2025. Ruggiero earned nine top 10s in the ARCA Menards Series in 2024.  

“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.”

Tricon Garage, No. 1 “All-Star” Entry

William Sawalich will begin the season as the driver of the No. 1 at Daytona International Speedway. He will also race at Atlanta Motor Speedway (Feb. 22), Las Vegas Motor Speedway (March 14), Nashville Superspeedway (May 30) and Watkins Glen International (Aug. 8).

Brandon Jones will drive the No. 1 for seven races, beginning at Homestead-Miami Speedway on March 21. His schedule also includes the Bristol Motor Speedway spring race on April 11, Rockingham Speedway (April 18), Texas Motor Speedway (May 2), Kansas Speedway (May 10), Charlotte Motor Speedway (May 23) and Pocono Raceway (June 20).

Brent Crews will make nine starts beginning at North Wilkesboro Speedway on May 17 and followed by Lime Rock Park (June 28), Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park (July 25), Richmond Raceway (Aug. 15), Bristol (fall, Sept. 11), New Hampshire Motor Speedway (Sept. 20), Charlotte Motor Speedway Roval (Oct. 3), Martinsville (fall, Oct. 24), and the season finale at Phoenix Raceway (Oct. 31).

Lawless Alan will compete in four races in 2025 – Martinsville (spring, March 28), Michigan International Speedway (June 7), Darlington Raceway (Aug. 30) and Talladega Superspeedway (Oct. 17). Jake Hampton will lead the No. 1 team on the pit box.

TRICON Garage, Crew Chief Lineup

On December 16th, TRICON Garage announced its crew chief lineup for the 2025 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Scott Zipadelli will return to lead the No. 11 team with rookie driver, Gio Ruggiero. Jeff Hensley will return and transition to the No. 15 team with driver, Tanner Gray. Jerame Donley will lead the No. 17 team with rookie Gio Ruggiero, and Derek Smith will serve as crew chief for Toni Breidinger in her first full-time season in the No. 5. Matt Puccia will be back as the team’s competition director.

Young’s Motorsports, Nathan Byrd

Young’s Motorsports announced on Jan. 27 that Byrd will drive the team’s No. 02 Chevrolet in a minimum of 15 during the 2025 season beginning with the season-opener at Daytona.

Young’s Motorsports, Stefan Parsons

On Jan. 27, Young’s Motorsports also revealed that Stefan Parsons will join the organization in 2025. His schedule will be announced at a later date.

2026 Niece Motorsports NCTS Race Preview: Texas Motor Speedway

NIECE MOTORSPORTS
NCTS RACE PREVIEW: TEXAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY

Event: SpeedyCash.com 250 (167 laps / 250.5 miles)
Round: 7 of 25 (Regular Season)
Track: Texas Motor Speedway
Location: Fort Worth, TX
Date & Time: Friday, May 1 | 8:00 PM ET
Tune-In: FOX Sports 1 | NASCAR Racing Network (NRN) | SiriusXM Ch. 90

Team Stats & Notes

  • Niece Motorsports Texas Stats:

NCTS Starts: 38; Wins: 1 (Carson Hocevar, 2023); Top-Fives: 2; Top-10s: 6.

  • Root for the Home Team: Niece Motorsports’ founder, Al Niece, calls Texas Motor Speedway his home race. Niece Equipment is headquartered in Buda, TX, and has another location in Fort Worth, just a few miles from the track. The team will host over 200 partner guests during Friday’s SpeedyCash.com 250, marking it as one of the biggest events of the season.

No. 42 Comprehensive Logistics Chevrolet Silverado RST
Driver: Conner Jones | Crew Chief: Landon Polinski

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  • Jones Returns: Conner Jones will make his second NCTS start of the 2026 season driving the No. 42 Comprehensive Logistics Chevrolet at Texas Motor Speedway. Jones finished 16th in his last outing with the team at Darlington Raceway.
  • Jones’ Texas Stats:

NCTS Starts: 1; Best Finish: 18th (2024).

  • Polinski’s Texas Stats:

Landon Polinski will call his first-career race as a crew chief at Texas on Friday.

  • On the Truck: Jones’ No. 42 Chevrolet Silverado RST will race with support from Comprehensive Logistics. The company specializes in warehouse management and has sponsored Niece Motorsports’ No. 4 team in the last two races.
  • Recapping Bristol: Tyler Reif and the AutoVentive / Precision Vehicle Logistics team had a promising run in Bristol, but never got the chance to see it through. Reif qualified 24th, but found his footing early and began to charge forward. Towards the conclusion of stage two, however, Reif was taken out in a crash after another competitor made contact with him entering turn three. His night ended early with a disappointing 34th-place finish.
  • Owner Points Outlook: Following Tyler Reif’s incident in Bristol, the No. 42 team dropped five positions in the owner points standings to 26th-place. Entering Texas, the team is one point behind Kaulig Racing’s No. 25 team in 25th, and is 12 points ahead of Rackley WAR’s No. 26 Chevrolet in 27th.
  • Quoting Jones: What are your thoughts about racing at Texas Motor Speedway?

“I’m excited to get back to Texas because it is a very difficult place to get around. I like the tracks that are challenging to find speed at, and I think our Niece Motorsports team has a good aerodynamic package here. I’m hopeful that we will have speed on Friday night with our No. 42 Comprehensive Logistics Chevy.”

About Comprehensive Logistics: Comprehensive Logistics (CLI) is a full-service inbound-to-manufacturing logistics partner specializing in high-volume, high-velocity, and highly complex operations, including warehouse management, value-added services, sequencing, transportation, and sub-assembly manufacturing. By integrating advanced technology, data-driven insights, and process engineering with experienced teams, CLI delivers high-precision, reliable logistics solutions tailored to evolving customer needs. For more information, please visit complog.com.

No. 44 Acceptance Insurance Chevrolet Silverado RST
Driver: Andres Perez de Lara | Crew Chief: Wally Rogers

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  • Pérez de Lara’s Texas Stats:

NCTS Starts: 1; Best Finish: 29th (2025).

  • Rogers’ Texas Stats:

NCS Starts: 11; Best Finish: 18th (2010).

NOAPS Starts: 9; Poles: 1 (Kevin Harvick, 2008); Top-10s: 2; Best Finish: 7th (2002).

NCTS Starts: 10; Top-10s: 4; Best Finish: 6th (2005).

  • On the Truck: Pérez de Lara’s No. 44 Chevrolet Silverado RST will race with support from Acceptance Insurance, who serves as the team’s anchor partner this season.
  • Recapping Bristol: Andrés Pérez de Lara and the Telcel team had quite the evening at Bristol. After starting 27th, Pérez de Lara found himself in early trouble after another competitor sent him into a spin and caused him to lose a lap. The No. 44 team fought hard to get back on the lead lap, but traffic ahead kept receiving the free pass. Finally, Pérez de Lara was able to get his lap back in the final stage, but was quickly involved in another incident. After making repairs, he was nearly spun once again, but made a nice save. The team rallied back through the last few runs, and came home with a 17th-place finish.
  • Driver Points Outlook: Pérez de Lara’s topsy turvy night in Bristol dropped him two positions in the driver points standings to 17th-place. Heading into Texas, the driver is one point behind Daniel Hemric in 16th, and 11 points ahead of Cole Butcher in 18th.
  • Quoting Pérez de Lara: Texas is one of the first true mile-and-a-half races of the year, so what is your confidence level at?

“I’m looking forward to racing at Texas a lot. Last year, I had a lot of speed, but a crash took me out early. The No. 44 team has been strong on intermediate tracks, so that helps my motivation. We need to get momentum on our side after the last few weeks, so all we need to do is execute in Texas.”

About Acceptance Insurance: Acceptance Insurance is a proud member of Confie, the largest personal lines agency in the U.S. We believe in investing in the communities we serve by offering affordable insurance solutions so our customers can have peace of mind. Our agents and team members uphold our values, which include promoting excellence, responsibility and caring.

Acceptance has been in business for over 50 years. We have over 700 agents in over 288 neighborhood locations ready to give you the service, respect and savings you deserve. We come to you so you can find the solutions you need, regardless of your background and driving record. We offer easy solutions to meet your unique needs.

No. 45 TXAPA / J.F. Electric Chevrolet Silverado RST
Driver: Ross Chastain | Crew Chief: Phil Gould

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  • Chastain’s Texas Stats:

NCS Starts: 9; Top-Fives: 2; Top-10s: 2; Best Finish: 2nd (2023 & 2025).

NOAPS Starts: 12; Top-Fives: 1; Top-10s: 2; Best Finish: 2nd (2019).

NCTS Starts: 10; Top-10s: 3; Best Finish: 7th (2019).

  • Gould’s Texas Stats:

NOAPS Starts: 12; Top-10s: 3; Best Finish: 6th (2014).

NCTS Starts: 9; Wins: 1 (Carson Hocevar, 2023); Top-Fives: 2; Top-10s: 3.

  • On the Truck: Chastain’s No. 45 Chevrolet Silverado RST will race with support from the Texas Asphalt Pavement Association (TXAPA), MG Machinery, J.F. Electric, and Niece Equipment.
  • Recapping Bristol: Ross Chastain and the J.F. Electric team had a clean night in Bristol, and walked away with a satisfying top-five finish. After qualifying 11th, Chastain picked up two stage points by finishing ninth in the first stage. Though the No. 45 slid back in the second stage, great pit stops and adjustments pushed Chastain forward in the final run to the checkered flag. Chastain held his ground and kept his nose clean all night long, resulting in a solid fourth-place effort.
  • Owner Points Outlook: Chastain’s fourth-place finish at Bristol vaulted the No. 45 team back up to second in the points standings. Entering Texas, the team is only three points out of the lead – just behind Spire Motorsports’ No. 7 Chevrolet. The team is 13 points ahead of Front Row Motorsports’ No. 38 team in third-place.
  • Quoting Chastain: With the track starting to age, is Texas becoming a handful to drive?

“Age helps for sure. We’re definitely going to be sliding around more than the last time I raced a truck here several years ago. You’ve got to have high commitment to run fast here at Texas. There’s a lot of banking in turns three and four, and need to be on the gas hard. You have to get around the bump as well. I think our mile-and-a-half package is pretty solid and we learned a lot in Darlington, so I’m looking forward to running the TXAPA / J.F. Electric Silverado again on Friday.”

About TXAPA: Texas Asphalt Pavement Association is a full-service Association for the asphalt industry. It serves the needs of asphalt producers, contractors, liquid asphalt suppliers, and interested firms dedicated to improving and growing the asphalt industry. The Association is committed and dedicated to providing the services and information that keeps its member firms and the industry on the competitive edge.

About J.F. Electric: J.F. Electric is an electrical contractor that provides engineering expertise, backed by construction and installation know-how in a diverse range of service offerings, from utilities and commercial projects, to industrial and telecommunications customers. When having a long family history in an industry, a company not only builds on its knowledge and experience, it takes pride in cultivating a solid understanding of client needs, all the while nurturing strong relationships with its employees. Evolving through five generations of the Fowler family, J.F. Electric has matured into a well-managed and thoughtfully diversified electrical contractor which is poised to continue its growth and expansion into the future.

About Niece Motorsports: Niece Motorsports is a professional auto racing team that has competed in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series since 2016. The team is owned by Josh Morris of DQS Solutions and Staffing and the Fowler Family of J.F. Electric and Utilitra, and was founded by United States Marine Corps Veteran Al Niece. At its 80,000 sq. ft. headquarters in Salisbury, NC, Niece Motorsports is a full-service race vehicle build shop as well as a customizable fabrication shop for any manufacturing needs.

Follow the Team: To keep up to date with the latest team news, visit niecemotorsports.com or connect on Facebook and Instagram (@NieceMotorsports) as well as X (@NieceMotorsport).

Defense Unicorns Partners with McDowell, Spire Motorsports for Inaugural NASCAR Cup Series Race at Naval Base Coronado

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (April 29, 2026) – Defense Unicorns, the leader in airgap-native software delivery, and a veteran-founded military defense technology provider, will join forces with Spire Motorsports and Michael McDowell for the NASCAR Cup Series’ inaugural visit to the streets of Naval Base Coronado in San Diego, Calif.

To commemorate its maiden voyage in NASCAR’s premier division and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America, McDowell’s No. 71 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 will sport a vibrant livery featuring “Doug” The Defense Unicorn.

“Defense Unicorns was built by veterans for the mission, and sponsoring Michael McDowell in the NASCAR Cup Series race at Naval Base Coronado is our way of showing up for the people who make that mission possible and saying thank you,” said Dr. Rob Slaughter, CEO of Defense Unicorns. “NASCAR is America’s sport, born from grit, built on speed, and beloved by the communities that produce our warfighters. We build alongside our warfighters, and events like this remind us exactly who we’re building for.”

Founded in 2021, the San Antonio-headquartered organization took the preliminary steps for its cornerstone Unicorn Delivery Service (UDS), delivering essential software in mission-critical environments from submarines and forward operating bases to aircraft carriers and space systems.

Defense Unicorn’s UDS is a secure, portable platform, purpose-built for delivering software to military systems. UDS includes the essential tools to package, deploy, monitor, and sustain mission applications.

Built for versatility and efficiency, the “package once; deploy anywhere” philosophy is paramount for the success of military mission environments, supporting multiple cloud providers and systems.

Defense Unicorn’s credibility has translated into landmark contract wins, including a $300 million GSA contract, a $1 billion Space RCO contract, and a role in the approximately $140 billion Golden Dome initiative.

The company’s single largest customer engagement is a $100 million task order under the GSA contract with the U.S. Navy, underscoring the depth of trust warfighters are placing in the platform.

“I’m thrilled to represent Defense Unicorns in San Diego at Naval Base Coronado,” said McDowell. “It’s going to be a unique race weekend, something like we have never seen before. My appreciation for the military and its systems is something I take seriously and what better place to represent this important platform than Coronado? I am really looking forward to getting out there and having a good run. We had a lot of speed at the Chicago Street Race last year, and that is really our closest comparison, in terms of a venue. I can confidently say our road course program is constantly improving and San Diego is a track that we have circled for a win.”

In January, Defense Unicorns achieved a milestone $1 billion+ valuation, officially becoming a true “unicorn” company, guided by the support of Bain Capital and its $136 million Series B investment.

Leading into race weekend, the company will host Warhacker, a first-of-its-kind Hackathon in San Diego, with the mission to bring together government, industry, academia, and non-profit companies to build, package, and deploy software solutions to warfighter problems. Applications are open now, and the event will be held June 16-19.

The NASCAR Cup Series’ inaugural race from Naval Base Coronado will be televised live on Amazon Prime and HBO Max on Sunday, June 21 beginning at 4 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. The 17th of 36 points-paying races on the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series schedule will also be broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Channel 90.

About Defense Unicorns…
Defense Unicorns is a veteran-owned defense technology company founded in 2021 by Rob Slaughter, Jeff McCoy, and Andrew Greene to make software a strategic deterrent for the U.S. Department of War. The company builds open-source, airgap-native technologies that enable the secure development, delivery, and sustainment of mission software across cloud, on-premises, and tactical edge environments. Defense Unicorns’ technology is trusted by the operators of some of the most critical systems in the world, including the U.S. Navy, Army, Air Force, and Space Force. Learn more at https://defenseunicorns.com.

About Spire Motorsports …
Spire Motorsports fields full-time entries in the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series and Interstate Batteries High Limit Racing.

The team, co-owned by longtime NASCAR industry executive Jeff Dickerson and TWG Motorsports CEO Dan Towriss, earned its inaugural NASCAR Cup Series victory in its first full season of competition when Justin Haley took the checkered flag in the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway July 7, 2019. Less than three years later, William Byron drove Spire Motorsports’ No. 7 Chevrolet Silverado to its inaugural NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series win April 7, 2022, at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway. The team’s most recent win came April 27, 2026, when Carson Hocevar earned his inaugural Cup Series win in the Jack Links 500 at Talladega Superspeedway.

In 2026, Spire Motorsports campaigns the Nos. 7, 71 and 77 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1s in the NASCAR Cup Series and the Nos. 7 and 77 Chevrolet Silverado RSTs in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. The Mooresville, N.C., organization will also field the No. 77 410 sprint car in Interstate Batteries High Limit Racing competition.

JR Motorsports — NOAPS Texas Motor Speedway Preview

JR Motorsports O’Reilly Auto Parts Team Preview
TRACK – Texas Motor Speedway (1.5-mile quad-oval)
NOAPS RACE – Andy’s Frozen Custard 340 (200 laps / 300 miles)
TUNE IN – CW, PRN, SiriusXM Channel 90 at 3:30 p.m. (ET)

Connor Zilisch

No. 1 – Registix / TruckClub Chevrolet

Zilisch 2026 NOAPS Stats

Starts: 3

Wins: 1

Top 5s: 1

Top 10s: 2

Laps Led: 37

Avg. Finish: 9.7

Points: N/A

Connor Zilisch will make his fourth NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series start of the 2026 season Saturday afternoon at Texas Motor Speedway and his first at the 1.5-mile track.

Zilisch enters Texas fresh off a victory in his last NOAPS start at Bristol Motor Speedway. Zilisch claimed his first victory of the 2026 season and won for the 12th time in 39 career starts in the series – all with JR Motorsports.

The driver of the Registix Chevrolet racked up four wins on intermediate size tracks in 2025: Pocono Raceway, Dover Motor Speedway, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and World Wide Technology Raceway (St. Louis).

Connor Zilisch

“I got to work with Rodney (Childers, crew chief) for the first time this year and got the opportunity to see how hard he works, how smart he is, and how much he loves this sport. It’s been really, really cool to see that first-hand and I’m honored to be the driver he got his first JRM win with. He has a lot of knowledge and loves the O’Reilly-style car. That’s what he came up working on with the old Cup cars and that’s kind of his bread and butter. It’s been cool for me to get to work with him as the young guy.”

Justin Allgaier

No. 7 Roto-Rooter Chevrolet

Allgaier 2026 NOAPS Stats

Starts: 11

Wins: 3

Top 5s: 8

Top 10s: 9

Laps Led: 211

Avg. Finish: 7.5

Points: 1st

Justin Allgaier has earned a best finish of second in 28 NOAPS starts at Texas, coming in this event in 2021.

Overall, Allgaier has amassed seven top-fives and 15 top-10s at the 1.5-mile Texas quad-oval.

Allgaier led for a race-high 99 laps in this event last year before being collected in a late-race incident.

Allgaier has led 57.4 percent of all the laps run over the previous three events in Fort Worth dating back to the fall of 2023 (349 out of 608 total laps).

Justin Allgaier

“Texas has been a really good track for us over the last few years. I know that Andrew (Overstreet, crew chief) and all the guys on this Roto-Rooter Chevrolet are working really hard to give us another car capable of running up front again this weekend. We’ve come close here before, and hopefully we can be in a position at the end of the day to get that one spot better and come away with a Cowboy hat.”

Sammy Smith

No. 8 Pilot Chevrolet

Smith 2026 NOAPS Stats

Starts: 11

Wins: 0

Top 5s: 5

Top 10s: 7

Laps Led: 17

Avg. Finish: 9.6

Points: 6th

Sammy Smith will head to Texas Saturday afternoon for his fourth NOAPS start on the 1.5-mile quad-oval where he has a best finish of third coming in 2023.

In 54 starts on tracks measuring 1-2 miles in length, Smith has tallied two wins (Phoenix in Spring 2023 and Rockingham 2025), nine top-fives and 26 top-10s.

Smith currently sits in sixth on the championship leaderboard, just one point from fifth.

The JRM driver’s fourth-place finish at Talladega Superspeedway in the No. 8 Arby’s BBQ Chevrolet, qualified him for the final Dash 4 Cash event this Saturday.

Sammy Smith

“I’m ready to get to Texas and see what we can do in our No. 8 Pilot Chevrolet. We had a fast Arby’s car last week in Talladega and kept the car clean to bring home a top-five finish which felt great to do for Arby’s and this No. 8 JRM team. It was a good points day as well and are so close to breaking into the top-five in the standings so hopefully we can get Pilot into Victory Lane and keep moving up in the championship points.”

Carson Kvapil

No. 9 Arby’s BBQ Chevrolet

Kvapil 2026 NOAPS Stats

Starts: 11

Wins: 0

Top 5s: 4

Top 10s: 5

Laps Led: 51

Avg. Finish: 15.8

Points: 7th

Carson Kvapil will make his second start at Texas this weekend in the NOAPS.

In 27 career starts on tracks 1-2 miles in length, Kvapil has recorded seven top-fives and 10 top-10s.

Accompanying Kvapil, crew chief Phillip Bell has made 33 NOAPS starts atop the box on tracks measuring 1-2 miles in length. In those starts, Bell has amassed one win, four top-fives and 11 top-10s.

The No. 9 will showcase Arby’s new slow-smoked BBQ this Saturday at Texas.

Carson Kvapil

“I’m ready to put last weekend behind us and get to Texas. I’m confident Phillip (Bell, crew chief) and this No. 9 team will bring a fast Arby’s BBQ Chevrolet to the track this weekend. We’ve shown great speed all season, and I expect us to be in the mix, fighting for the win when it counts.”

Kyle Larson

No. 88 HENDRICKCARS.COM Chevrolet

Larson 2026 NOAPS Stats

Starts: 3

Wins: 1

Top 5s: 3

Top 10s: 3

Laps Led: 384

Avg. Finish: 2.3

Points: N/A

Kyle Larson returns to JRM competition this weekend at Texas behind the wheel of the No. 88 HENDRICKCARS.COM Chevrolet.

In limited NASCAR O’Reilly Series starts this season for JRM, Larson has led more laps than any other driver, making him the current series lap leader with 384 laps led.

In nine NASCAR O’Reilly Series starts at Texas, Larson has recorded two wins, four top-five finishes, and five top-10s.

Larson is the defending winner of this event at Texas, earning the victory in 2025 while substituting in the No. 88 Chevrolet.

Kyle Larson

“Texas is a track I really enjoy with how much you can move around and find speed. Hopefully we can unload strong and be in position to contend with our No. 88 HENDRICKCARS.COM Chevrolet.”

JRM Team Updates

JR Motorsports at Texas Motor Speedway: JR Motorsports has competed at Texas Motor Speedway a combined 110 times in the NOAPS. In those starts at the 1.5-mile quad-oval, the organization has recorded four wins, 32 top-fives and 68 top-10s. The average finish is 11.2.

Souvenir Rig: JRM drivers Carson Kvapil, Justin Allgaier, Sammy Smith and Rajah Caruth will be signing autographs at the JR Motorsports / HMS WB + AB souvenir rig on Saturday, May 2 from 10:45 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. CT.

Forte Racing Heads to Miami for Formula 1 Weekend Following Strong Season Opener

Miller to Co-Drive with Teo as Team Looks to Build on Sonoma Momentum

Monrovia, California (Wednesday, April 29, 2026) – Forte Racing heads to the Miami International Autodrome this weekend for Round 2 of the McLaren Trophy America championship, joining the global stage as part of the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix weekend.

The team enters the weekend with momentum following a standout season opener at Sonoma Raceway, where Forte Racing drivers combined for eight podium finishes, including wins across multiple classes. With a full month between rounds, the focus has shifted to maintaining that performance level while preparing for the unique demands of a street circuit.

The tight, technical layout of the Miami International Autodrome, combined with evolving track conditions and limited practice time, will present a new challenge for drivers across all four entries.

No. 8 Sigma Plastics McLaren Artura Trophy Evo (Pro) – Kaia Teo / Jon Miller

One key change to the lineup this weekend sees Jon Miller stepping in to co-drive the No. 8 Sigma Plastics McLaren Artura Trophy Evo alongside Kaia Teo, as Paul Holton has a prior commitment. Holton is expected to return for the remainder of the season.

Teo, who considers Miami a home race while attending the University of Miami, is looking forward to the opportunity to compete in front of a familiar crowd.

Kaia Teo – “I’m really excited to be heading into race week here in Miami. Going to school here, it definitely feels like a bit of a home race for me, which makes this weekend even more special. There’s always an incredible atmosphere around the Miami Grand Prix, and I’m looking forward to getting out on track. We’re coming off a strong weekend in Sonoma, so the focus now is on carrying that momentum forward and continuing to build. Paul is in Laguna this weekend and he’ll definitely be missed, but I’m so excited to be sharing the car with Jon Miller. We’ve been putting in the work off track and we’re ready to get out there!”

Miller, who also serves as program manager for RP Motorsports by Forte Racing, is eager to step behind the wheel of the McLaren Artura Trophy Evo and help continue the team’s early-season success.

Jon Miller – “I’m looking forward to stepping in to drive with Kaia in the No. 8 while Paul is on duty elsewhere this weekend,” Miller said. “They had a fantastic start to the year in Sonoma and I’m looking forward to keeping that momentum rolling in Miami. Given the lack of testing time available, Kaia and I have been doing a heavy dose of simulator training for this event. It’s exciting for the team to be involved in a Formula 1 support event. I’m originally from South Florida and Kaia lives here now, so it’s going to have that ‘home race’ feel on top of the excitement around the Grand Prix.”

No. 53 Race for RP McLaren Artura Trophy Evo (Pro/Am) – Neil Langberg / Kevin Madsen

The No. 53 Race for RP McLaren Artura Trophy Evo of Neil Langberg and Kevin Madsen returns to action this weekend, continuing its mission to raise awareness and funding for Relapsing Polychondritis and other autoimmune diseases.

Neil Langberg – “Hello again, this is Neil ‘Nigel’ Langberg, co-driver of the #53 Race for Relapsing Polychondritis Forte Racing McLaren Artura Evo car. This week the MTA series is at the Miami International Autodrome as the lead in race for the Miami GP.

MTA and F1 drivers have not had a race for about a month.Unfortunately, autoimmune patients never get this kind of a break. Enduring a chronic disease is a 24/7 proposition, and one in five Americans suffer this way. This is why we race.

As part of our fundraising campaign, we hope to drive awareness and accelerate research for RP and other autoimmune diseases leading to earlier diagnosis and facilitating a potentially improved prognosis.

Please join us at our upcoming online auction for a luxury Las Vegas GP race viewing package, or on track with a donation to the Relapsing Polychondritis Foundation. I don’t care what others say, can’t put it off another day, the time has come today.”

Madsen is also embracing the energy and visibility of the Miami Grand Prix weekend, where the team’s on-track performance and off-track mission will be showcased in front of one of the largest audiences of the season. He noted that the event provides a powerful platform to continue raising awareness for Relapsing Polychondritis while competing on one of the most high-profile stages on the calendar.

Kevin Madsen – “I’m leaving a very cold race weekend at Road America and the fabulous Miami sunshine sounds so good. It’s going to be a lot of fun sharing the track with Formula 1 as well as sharing the message and purpose of Race for RP with the large crowd in attendance.”

No. 24 Cypress Land Company McLaren Artura Trophy Evo (Pro) – Tanner Harvey / Patrick Liddy

The No. 24 Cypress Land Company entry of Tanner Harvey and Patrick Liddy enters the weekend tied for the championship lead following their Pro class victory and strong overall performance at Sonoma.

Tanner Harvey – “After kicking off the season at Sonoma Raceway event, I’m heading into round two at the Miami Grand Prix with a lot of confidence and momentum.

Sonoma was a strong way to start the season. We won the first race and came back with a second in the next one, so it showed we have the pace to run up front right away. At the same time, there’s still more to clean up, and we’ve been focused on improving every detail going into Miami.

This weekend is a completely different challenge. The track is tight, technical, and unforgiving, and the heat is going to play a big role. That’s something I’m looking forward to—those conditions separate drivers and reward execution.

I’ll be back in the car with Patrick Liddy, and we’re both locked in on the same goal. We’ve gone through everything from Sonoma and made the adjustments we need to come into this weekend fully prepared.

The objective is clear: be at the front and fight for another win.

We know we have the speed. Now it’s about putting together a complete weekend—executing in qualifying, staying clean in the races, and maximizing every opportunity.”

Liddy comes into Miami with strong momentum from Sonoma and now turns his attention to the new challenge of competing on a street circuit for the first time, where precision and adaptability will be key.

Patrick Liddy – “I’m really looking forward to racing during the Miami Grand Prix weekend in the McLaren Trophy America. We had a great weekend at Sonoma and are tied for the lead in the championship. It’s my first time on a street circuit, so the focus is on adapting quickly—tight walls, evolving grip, and no margin for error. The Artura Trophy car is going to be a great challenge here, and I’m ready to make the most of every lap.”

No. 100 PiedParker McLaren Artura Trophy Evo (Am) – Cooper Broll

The No. 100 PiedParker entry of Cooper Broll, fresh off a dominant sweep in the Am class at Sonoma, is focused on continuing that momentum on one of the biggest stages of the season.

Cooper Broll – “Miami is going be the most highly anticipated race of the schedule. Racing as a Formula 1 support series surrounded by hundreds of thousands of fans is going to be incredible. I’m pretty hyped. After a strong start to the season at Sonoma, I’m looking forward to continuing that momentum. It’ll be a bit tough with the success penalties and limited practice time, but with the support of the incredible people at Forte, I’m sure we will be ready when the green flag drops.”

Forte Team Management

Team manager David Cozart said the team is prepared for the unique demands of the Miami street circuit following a strong off-season and season-opening performance.

“We are excited for the Grand Prix weekend, as we have put a lot of effort into preparing for this event,” Cozart said. “Coming off a strong start at Sonoma, we look forward to carrying that momentum into Miami. Our first street course competition will present several challenges, including a green track that will constantly evolve, unforgiving concrete walls, and an increased car count. It will certainly be a demanding weekend for every team competing.”

Team owner Shane Seneviratne said the opportunity to compete on a Formula 1 weekend provides a unique platform for the team and its partners.

“Miami is one of the marquee events on the calendar, and it’s a great opportunity for our team and partners to be part of the Formula 1 environment,” said Seneviratne. “We’re coming in with strong momentum from Sonoma, but this is a completely different challenge. Street circuits demand precision and discipline, and execution becomes even more critical with limited track time.

At the same time, this is a great opportunity for our drivers to perform on a big stage. We have a strong lineup across all four cars, and we’re looking forward to seeing how we stack up this weekend.”

Race 1 will take place Saturday, May 2 at 6:05 pm ET. Watch live at: https://www.youtube.com/live/5hi_VJO29fI

Race 2 is scheduled for Sunday, May 3 at 8:35 am ET and can be watched live at: https://www.youtube.com/live/Nk55ZJJYi1k

*Photos courtesy of Brayan Urtado

ABOUT FORTE RACING

Founded in 2023, Forte Racing is a motorsports team based in Los Angeles and Charlotte. Under the watchful eye of Shane Seneviratne, the team competed in various racing series, including the IMSA WeatherTech GTD Championship, the IMSA VP Racing Sportscar Challenge, and Lamborghini Super Trofeo and, in 2025, expanded by adding a single-car entry in the inaugural McLaren Trophy America Championship.

Building on the foundation of US RaceTronics, the team has quickly built a strong reputation with multiple podium finishes, race wins, and several North American and World Championships. The team will expand to a four-car McLaren Trophy America program for 2026 in addition to continuing their presence in the IMSA VP Racing Sportscar Challenge. For more information about the team, its drivers, and race operations, visit www.forteracing.com.

ABOUT THE SERIES

McLaren Trophy America Championship series’ second season will launch in March of 2026. The season will feature 10 rounds at five iconic U.S. tracks including participating in the Formula 1 Miami GP in May.

2026 McLaren Trophy America Schedule:

  • Rounds 1 & 2: Sonoma Raceway, CA | March 27-29
  • Rounds 3 & 4: Miami Grand Prix. Miami, FL | May 1-3
  • Rounds 5 & 6: Road Atlanta, GA | June 12-14
  • Rounds 7 & 8: Road America, WI | August 27-30
  • Rounds 9 & 10: Indianapolis Motor Speedway, IN | October 8-10

ABOUT RACE FOR RP – The Official Charity of Forte Racing

Race for RP is a motorsports initiative aimed at driving awareness and accelerating research for RP and other autoimmune diseases. Through collaboration with drivers, teams, and sponsors, Race for RP fuels education, accelerates research, and raises awareness of Relapsing Polychondritis and other related autoimmune diseases. For more information, visit raceforrp.org or follow @raceforrp on social media.

What Signals Legitimacy and Security at an Online Casino in 2026?

Photo by Philipp Katzenberger on Unsplash

It’s getting harder to ignore the fact that the internet feels a little more crowded and complicated every year, and when it comes to where we choose to spend our downtime, the stakes for our personal data are just as high as…well…the stakes on the table. We’ve moved past the days when a simple padlock icon in the browser bar was enough to make us feel safe. Whether it’s the fact that we’re better informed, the AI revolution taking hold in cybercrime, or a combination of the two, 2026 represents a time when a truly legitimate operation has to prove its worth through layers of tech and a level of transparency that would have seemed overkill just a few years ago.

The Lay of the Land

One of the first things we look for now isn’t actually something you can see on the homepage, but rather how the site handles the heavy lifting of identity behind the scenes. We are seeing more platforms move away from those clunky, frustrating document uploads in favor of biometric liveness checks and AI-driven fraud detection that can spot a bot from a mile away, and this shift toward frictionless security is a huge green flag. 

If a site is investing in the latest encryption and automated risk management, it usually means they are playing the long game and aren’t just looking for a quick win at the expense of their users.  

Clarity in Small Print

There is also something to be said for the way a site communicates its rules, because nothing kills the vibe faster than finding a hidden clause that turns a win into a headache. The most trustworthy spots we find these days are the ones that put their terms and conditions in plain English – or as close to it as legal teams allow – and make it incredibly easy to find their licensing credentials.  

Staying on top of the local landscape is a big part of the equation too, especially since rules can change from one zip code to the next. Keeping up with the legislation is key for any player, but also, legitimate sites will be clear about the rules, too, and you can get a better sense of how these platforms navigate those regional nuances by checking out a Lowerbuckstimes review to see who is actually doing the work to stay compliant.  

Financial Transparency and Payout Speed

We’ve all been in that spot where we’re waiting on a withdrawal, and the clock feels like it’s stopped, but in 2026, a legitimate casino knows that holding onto player funds for no reason is the fastest way to lose a reputation. Security now looks like instant-payment integrations and a clear, documented process for how money moves from their vault to ours. When we see a platform that is upfront about its payout timelines and doesn’t bury its withdrawal limits in a maze of sub-menus, it’s a strong signal that they have the liquidity and the integrity to back up their promises.  

Ultimately, the sites that are going to survive this decade are the ones that treat security as a foundational feature rather than a checkbox for a regulator. We want to know that when we’re logging in for a few rounds, the only thing we have to worry about is the game itself, and the peace of mind that comes from a secure, transparent environment is something we’ve learned never to take for granted.

Daily Login Bonus Psychology: How Streak Rewards Shape Habits and When To Step Back

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Small rewards are often more influential than they look. A daily login bonus turns a brief action into a repeatable ritual by pairing a cue, a routine, and a payoff. Over time, that structure trains attention toward the app, not because the reward is large, but because it arrives predictably and with little effort.

Why Daily Rewards Stick

Streak systems work by making return visits feel consequential. Each login confirms progress, and that confirmation is often enough to keep the habit alive. In social casino settings, the reward may arrive as coins, credits, or a limited-time perk, but the psychological effect is similar: the user receives immediate feedback for showing up.

The appeal is strongest when the reward feels easy to claim and visibly tied to continuity. A social casino daily login bonus fits that pattern neatly, because the action is simple, the payoff is immediate, and the next day’s return feels like a continuation rather than a fresh decision.

Design Choices That Strengthen Streak Behavior

Good streak design does more than hand out a token prize. It makes progress legible and interruption feel costly. That is why many systems use streak counters, milestone markers, and escalating rewards. The user sees a path forward, not just a one-off incentive.

Design ElementBehavioral Effect
Visible streak counterCreates a sense of progress and continuity
Milestone rewardsRaises motivation as the next target comes into view
Grace periodsReduces pressure and lowers the cost of a missed day
Surprise bonusesIntroduces variety and keeps the routine from feeling flat

These features work best when they support choice rather than pressure. A streak that feels generous is easier to sustain than one that feels punitive.

The Psychology Behind the Pull

Several well-known behavioral effects sit underneath daily login systems. Variable reinforcement keeps the reward interesting because the outcome is not always identical. Loss aversion makes people more reluctant to break a streak than to start one. The goal-gradient effect adds urgency as a milestone approaches, which is why users often become more attentive near the end of a reward cycle.

Social cues can intensify that pull. Badges, rank markers, and visible streak counts turn a private habit into a measurable status signal. For some users, that visibility adds motivation; for others, it creates pressure that outlasts the original enjoyment.

When a Helpful Routine Turns Heavy

A login habit becomes less useful when it starts dictating behavior. The warning signs are usually practical rather than dramatic: checking the app out of obligation, feeling tense about missing a day, or rearranging plans just to preserve a streak. At that point, the reward is no longer supporting leisure; it is demanding maintenance.

Players who notice that shift should treat a missed day as information, not failure. A deliberate pause, a reset, or a shorter login goal can restore balance without abandoning the routine entirely. The point is to keep the habit optional enough that it remains enjoyable.

How To Keep the Habit in Perspective

Healthy use depends on boundaries that are easy to follow. Logging in at the same time each day, tying the habit to an existing routine, and deciding in advance how much effort is reasonable all reduce friction. Those limits matter because they prevent a small incentive from expanding into a daily obligation.

  • Use a fixed check-in time so the habit stays predictable.
  • Accept occasional misses instead of chasing perfect continuity.
  • Focus on whether the session is enjoyable, not just whether it preserves a streak.
  • Prefer systems with grace periods or pause options when available.

That approach keeps the reward in its proper place. It remains a nudge, not a demand.

Conclusion

Daily login bonuses are effective because they convert repetition into momentum, but the same structure can become burdensome when continuity matters more than enjoyment. The healthiest streaks are the ones that leave room for missed days, clear limits, and genuine choice. When the routine stays flexible, the reward stays useful.

Fairplay Platform Trends 2026: What’s New and What Users Should Expect

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The platform industry is continuously evolving. With fairplay login becoming a known platform name for its unique features and usability, let’s find out about the trends of 2026 and changes fairplay users should be expecting soon.

In this blog post, we’ll go over the latest platform developments, changes in user experience, and improvements we’ve observed recently.

A Shift to User-Friendly Features

It’s becoming obvious that platforms are focused on creating a comfortable experience for their users. And in 2026, users expect more than just fast login. They expect smooth experiences.

When talking about fairplay, users can now enjoy the following developments:

  • Improved loading times
  • Better design of interfaces
  • Mobile-first platforms
  • Improved navigation and search options

These upgrades ensure that new users won’t experience any difficulties in exploring the fairplay platform and finding the information they need. Moreover, the platform allows for easy access through desktop and mobile devices.

Improved Account Login Options and Security

Security issues can ruin your day quite quickly. That’s why many modern platforms focus on providing better encryption methods and additional security layers.

fairplay1 will be upgrading its login system to protect users from any potential security risks in 2026, making fairplay login more secure and efficient.

How Does fairplay login Work in 2026?

The fairplay platform introduces several improvements to enhance the login process and ensure the safety of users’ accounts:

  • OTP login system
  • Fast processing of login requests
  • Protection against unauthorized access

These features not only guarantee better security but also help users feel safer while logging into the platform.

Personalization is No Longer an Option in 2026

In recent years, many digital platforms have been implementing smart algorithms based on user actions to personalize content. And visit website follows the same trend by introducing some personalized elements.

On fairplay com, users can see the following upgrades:

  • User-friendly dashboard customization
  • Recommendation system based on user actions
  • Content suggested according to recent searches and browsing habits

These features allow users to easily find whatever they need on the fairplay platform without having to dig deep.

Simple ID System for Convenient Access

ID systems have proven to be one of the best approaches to managing users’ access and profiles. Fairplay offers two types of ID systems, which are fairplay id and fairplay betting id.

The following benefits of fairplay id and fairplay betting id should not go unnoticed:

  • Easier account tracking and management
  • Access to various features with ease
  • Simple account management for new users

These simple ID systems help users organize their account settings and manage different accounts.

Improvements in Speed and Performance

Nobody enjoys using platforms that lag when needed the most. For this reason, performance is crucial to the success of any platform, including the fairplay platform.

Expect the following upgrades on the fairplay platform:

  • Improved loading time for web pages
  • Minimum downtime and interruptions for users
  • Increased platform stability

These upgrades ensure that there are no interruptions while using the fairplay platform.

Mobile Experience is Prioritized

Almost everyone uses mobile devices nowadays. This means that platforms must prioritize mobile access options and design.

fairplay1 is introducing the following improvements:

  • Improved mobile navigation
  • Efficient mobile performance
  • Compatibility across all devices

These updates ensure easy access from different mobile devices.

Improved Transparency and Better Trust

Today, people are much more aware of potential risks of using platforms. They demand transparent work from them and clear explanations for the things done.

fairplay is implementing the following changes to build trust with its users:

  • Clear guidelines and policies
  • Improvements in customer support systems
  • Improved access to platform help center

All these changes increase user satisfaction.

What Do We Expect Next?

Let’s consider some other trends that will affect the fairplay platform in the next months.

  • AI-driven features
  • Enhanced security layers
  • Easier onboarding process
  • Better platform integration

These are just some possible improvements we can expect from fairplay.

Practical Tips for Users

We suggest that all fairplay users follow these tips for improving their experience:

  • Never give away your personal information
  • Change your password regularly
  • Check for any updates from time to time
  • Use official platforms such as https://www.fairplay1.com/ on fairplay com

These practical tips help users stay up to date.

Conclusion

The modern platform market tends to pay attention to the speed and security of platforms. Fairplay1 responds to those demands and introduces necessary changes in its platform.

From upgraded fairplay login systems to better organized access to the platform through fairplay id or fairplay betting id, the fairplay platform demonstrates a tendency for further improvements in 2026 and beyond.

Is lotus 365 Safe or Risky in 2026? Complete Truth About lotus365 Online Platforms

The rapid evolution of the internet space leads many consumers to use platforms like lotus 365 for easier access to online services. However, the first and foremost question which most people think of in 2026 is quite simple — is lotus365 safe or it has risks? This guide is going to provide a clear and honest answer, so keep reading!

What’s the point in a straightforward and practical approach?

Understanding lotus365 and Its Working Principle

To determine whether or not this platform is risky to use, it is crucial to learn more about its core concept. It’s all about an online portal in which users register themselves to access various digital products under a lotus365 online id.

So, basically, the process looks like that:

  • Register yourself on a website (e.g., lotus365.in)
  • Get a verified account id
  • Login into your online profile

Easy enough! Now the question about its risks should come out clear as day!

Is lotus365 Safe or Not?

To put things simply, both sides of the argument are correct. The safety depends on the way in which you use it.

These platforms work in a grey area in which consumer awareness plays the primary role. Therefore, by following precautions, one can reduce possible risks significantly. Otherwise, you run a serious risk of facing trouble.

Safety Factors to Consider

1. Website Verification

Not all lotus365.in portals are legitimate ones.

There exist several websites, which tend to copy popular services to deceive people. They can:

  • Steal personal information of clients
  • Abuse their credentials
  • Provide misleading interfaces

Verify the official website to ensure that the site is authentic when signing up for a lotus365 online id.

2. Personal Information Risks

Every time you register yourself with a specific lotus365 id, you become responsible for:

  • Mobile number
  • Personal name
  • Sometimes even payments information

If the service lacks proper data encryption, you might face the exposure of your personal info.

Tip: Never share OTP codes with anyone!

3. Unregulated Service

The last but not least point about using the platform is the lack of adequate regulation of services provided by lotus365.

Compared to well-known apps, this platform might have weaker data protection, customer support, etc. Therefore, you can expect:

  • Insufficient user protection
  • Lack of dispute resolutions mechanisms
  • Sudden problems with account

Possible Risks While Using lotus365:

  • Unauthentic representatives providing a lotus365 id
  • Links leading to phishing scams claiming to provide access to lotus365.in
  • Unprotected lotus365 id access
  • Poor customer service during emergencies

It is essential to understand that many users encounter difficulties not due to the platform but because of their interactions with third-party agents.

How to Be Safe When Using lotus365

If you still wish to use lotus365 despite its possible risks, it is crucial to remain vigilant and take standard precautionary measures.

Use Reliable Sources

Always navigate the platform via verified links. Refrain from engaging with suspicious messages and offers of lotus365 online id from unfamiliar parties.

Pick a Strong Password

Avoid using easy-to-guess passwords such as “12345” or your username. Instead, combine numbers, letters, and symbols.

Avoid Public Wi-Fi Networks

Do not log in to your lotus365 id on public networks since it poses a danger to your security.

Never Share Details With Third Parties

Under no circumstances should you divulge your credentials or personal data to other people, even those claiming to be representatives of the platform.

Regularly Check for Updates

Be sure to visit the official website and monitor for any news about lotus365.in.

User Experience in 2026

According to user reviews shared in 2026, experiences can be either positive or negative.

Positive user experiences include:

  • Smooth operations
  • Fast access
  • Easy registration

Negative user experiences include:

  • Login problems
  • Delayed responses
  • Ambiguity due to duplicates of the site

It is evident that your experiences are likely to depend on how diligently you use the platform.

lotus 365: Safe or Risky?

Now, it is time to summarize our analysis and answer the question: Is lotus 365 a secure platform?

It is SAFE if:

  • You access the legitimate lotus365.in site.
  • You safeguard your lotus365 ID.
  • You do not communicate with unauthorized agents and links.

It is RISKY if:

  • You interact with third-party sources.
  • You carelessly share your personal information.
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The Evolution of Classic Slots to the Digital Era: Why Online Wins?

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The transition from mechanical levers to touchscreens has revolutionized the gaming world. Today, finding a slot gacor is easier and more accessible thanks to digital innovation. Online platforms offer superior variety, better graphics, and significantly higher payout potential compared to their land-based predecessors.

From Mechanical Gears to RNG Algorithms

Old-school machines used physical reels that were prone to wear and manipulation. Modern online games use Random Number Generators (RNG), ensuring every spin is fair and untamperable. This digital shift allows for much higher RTP (Return to Player) percentages, making the slot gacor experience more frequent online.

Unlimited Variety and Thematic Innovation

Physical casinos are limited by their floor space, whereas online platforms are not. Whether it is mythology, cinema, or classic fruit themes, there is a slot gacor title for every preference. Developers can constantly update their libraries with new features like 3D animations and interactive storylines that keep the gameplay fresh and engaging.

Global Accessibility and 24/7 Availability

Digital gaming removes geographical barriers. You can access a slot gacor machine anytime and anywhere via smartphone or laptop. This convenience, combined with global competition between providers, leads to bigger jackpots and more aggressive promotional bonuses that directly benefit the player.

The Future: Immersive VR and AR Technology

The next frontier is Virtual and Augmented Reality. Soon, players will be able to walk through virtual lobbies to find their favorite slot gacor in a fully immersive 3D environment. As technology evolves, the line between digital convenience and real-world atmosphere will continue to blur, offering even more rewarding ways to play.

Daly Leads Experienced Group Atop Day 1 of Indy 500 Open Test

INDIANAPOLIS (Tuesday, April 28, 2026) – If there was one common trend in the first day of the Indianapolis 500 Open Test, it’s that experience matters.

The top five drivers on the speed chart Tuesday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway each have made at least 10 starts in “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” as 12-time “500” starter Conor Daly led with a best lap of 225.394 mph in the No. 23 Dreyer & Reinbold Racing Chevrolet.

“There are several cars that aren’t running their race cars yet,” Daly said. “It’s just testing; we can’t overreact to test results. But honestly, every time we went out there, we did seem to be pretty quick, which is good. Our mission this month (May) is one day at a time.”

The most experienced driver in the field, four-time “500” winner Helio Castroneves, was second at 225.200 in the No. 06 Meyer Shank Racing w/Curb Agajanian Honda. Castroneves is making his 26th Indy 500 start this season as he tries to become the first driver to win the race five times.

Another driver with vast experience, two-time Indy winner Takuma Sato, was third at 224.800 in the No. 75 Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing Honda. Sato has made 16 “500” starts.

Daly, Castroneves and Sato each turned their best laps on the fabled 2.5-mile oval in the last 15 minutes of on-track action. Many cars circulated in large packs during “Happy Hour,” creating large aerodynamic “tows” that pulled the cars running toward the back of the line.

“Honestly, we changed pretty much everything but the color of the car for that last run, so we were not dialed in or optimized at all,” Daly said. “But this car is fast, so it’s easier to do those kinds of speeds when the car allows you to do it. It was a fun race car, but we were not in maximum race trim yet. Hopefully we’ll dial that in tomorrow and get a little more zesty with everyone out there.”

Six-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion Scott Dixon, who has made 23 “500” starts and won in 2008, was fourth at 224.564 in the No. 9 Chip Ganassi Racing Honda. Alexander Rossi, who won the 2016 Indianapolis 500 as a rookie, rounded out the top five at 224.367 in the No. 20 ECR Chevrolet.

Nearly every driver’s fastest lap was aided by the “tow” from a leading car breaking a hole in the air. Leader Daly’s teammate, veteran Jack Harvey, was the fastest driver without any aerodynamic help, turning a top non-tow lap of 220.318 in the No. 24 Dreyer & Reinbold Racing Chevrolet in a marquee day for the team that fields cars only in the Indianapolis 500.

Four Indianapolis 500 rookies and four veteran drivers completed the Rookie Orientation Program and veteran refresher tests, respectively. The rookies: Jacob Abel, Caio Collet, Dennis Hauger and Mick Schumacher. The veterans: Ed Carpenter, Helio Castroneves, Jack Harvey and Ryan Hunter-Reay.

“I think it’s obviously the best thing I’ve done in my life,” said Collet, driver of the No. 4 A.J. Foyt Enterprises Chevrolet. “The first time you’re actually here, you see guys flying by and think, ‘Oh, can I really do that?’ Once you get in the car, the team does a good job prepping you to be here and to do the laps. We got it all done, got up to speed quite quickly.”

Thirty-two of the 33 cars at the track combined to turn 2,262 incident-free laps – 5,655 miles, the approximate driving distance from Los Angeles to New York and back – on Tuesday. The eight-hour session was divided into six hours of track time for veterans and two hours for Rookie Orientation and veteran refresher tests. Katherine Legge, who was named to drive an HMD Motorsports with AJ Foyt Racing Chevrolet on Monday, was the only driver not on track.

Track activity during the two-day test continues from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. ET Wednesday. The track is open to all cars from 10 a.m.-noon and 1-5 p.m., with noon-1 p.m. reserved for Legge’s refresher test.

Admission is free, with general admission seating in the Southeast Vista in Turn 2 and the Turn 2 mounds via Tunnel 3. Free parking is available in Lot 3P. All sessions also will be streamed live on the INDYCAR YouTube channel.

Practice for the 110th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge starts Tuesday, May 12. Race Day is Sunday, May 24. For more information or to buy tickets, visit IMS.com.