Home Blog

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.

TRICON and Kaden Honeycutt Team Up with the Safelite Foundation to Support the Foster Care Community

Honeycutt to Pilot Foster Love/Safelite Foundation Tundra for Month of May

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (April 27, 2026) – TRICON Garage (TRICON) is proud to announce that its collaboration with TRD U.S.A. partner Safelite, the Safelite Foundation and its national partner Foster Love will return to the No. 11 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro in 2026. Alongside driver Kaden Honeycutt, the partnership aims to shine a spotlight on National Foster Care Awareness Month.

Foster Love is a nationwide nonprofit organization committed to improving the way children experience the foster care system for the better. From helping one child, to supporting over one million foster youth, Foster Love continues to strive towards the goal of improving the foster care experience for the over 430,000 children currently in the system.

As a special tribute, the No. 11 team will once again swap the Safelite red for a refreshed blue design, representing the official color of National Foster Care Awareness Month, serving as a visual reminder of the kids who often go unseen, while also recognizing foster parents, family members, volunteers, mentors, policymakers and child welfare professionals.

Honeycutt will carry Foster Love branding across all five NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series races this May, including Texas Motor Speedway, Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International, Dover (Del.) Motor Speedway, Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway and Nashville (Tenn.) Superspeedway in an effort to raise awareness and inspire action for foster youth nationwide.

In 2025, the Safelite Foundation, Foster Love and TRICON partnership produced two victories, as Corey Heim took the blue livery to victory lane at Texas Motor Speedway and Charlotte Motor Speedway.

“Our associates have made this partnership truly their own. They’ve shown up in every way possible, from volunteering and donating to openly sharing their own personal connections to the foster care system,” said Wendy Bradshaw, Executive Director of the Safelite Foundation and Community Affairs.

“During every race in May, we will cheer on Kaden, recognizing that he is a powerful advocate for raising awareness about foster care across the country. Throughout Foster Care Awareness Month, he is partnering with us on and off the track to be a driving force for good.”

Through this special collaboration, Safelite will host over 30 guests, including foster children and families at Charlotte Motor Speedway, bringing a unique and meaningful partnership into a space where it had rarely existed before. Limited edition Kaden Honeycutt shirts will be offered in celebration of the collaboration, with a percentage of the proceeds going directly to Foster Love. Fans can find the design for sale on shopTRICON.com.

The partnership is set to debut at Texas Motor Speedway on Friday, May 1 in the SpeedyCash.com 250. The 200-lap race will be televised live on FS1 with radio coverage provided by the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

About Safelite Foundation

Founded in 2005, the Safelite Foundation was established as the company’s charitable arm with one mission: to help those who’ve hit a bump in the road find a clear road ahead. We deliver on this mission through partnership and support of organizations whose focus aligns with our giving priorities: providing safety, stability, and a sense of belonging. Leveraging the size and scale of Safelite’s reach, the Foundation impacts communities on a local, national, and global level with over $40M donated and hundreds of thousands of associate volunteer hours since 2005. For more information, visit safelite.com/foundation.

About Foster Love

Founded in 2008, Foster Love is dedicated to transforming the lives of children in the foster care system. We provide resources, support, and a loving community to foster children, foster parents, and adoptive families. Our mission is to ensure that every child experiences the support and stability they deserve. Join us in creating a brighter future for these amazing children through advocacy, education, and compassionate care. Together, we can make a difference. For more information, visit http://FosterLove.com.

About TRICON Garage

TRICON Garage is a professional racing organization fielding five full-time NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series entries. Serving as the flagship Truck Series partner of Toyota Racing Development, the team plays an integral role in the NASCAR development ladder. Headquartered in Mooresville, North Carolina, TRICON has quickly established itself as the premier home for cultivating the next generation of motorsports industry professionals. Actively involved in three different industries – racing, fabrication and transportation, the team operates out of three buildings totaling 60,000 square feet.

Connor Zilisch 26th in Talladega Cup Series Debut

TALLADEGA, ALABAMA - APRIL 26: Carson Hocevar, driver of the #77 Chili's Ride the 'Dente Chevrolet, takes the checkered flag to win the NASCAR Cup Series Jack Link's 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 26, 2026 in Talladega, Alabama. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

Connor Zilisch, who pilots the No. 88 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet entry, was looking to have a solid result in his NASCAR Cup Series debut on Sunday.

The 2.66-mile Talladega Superspeedway has not been kind to Zilisch in the past when racing in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.

In his first start at the track, which came in the fall of 2024, for Spire Motorsports. Zilisch started 12th but finished in the 33rd position due to a crash.

Just a few months later, in the O’Reilly Series Spring race, Zilisch qualified in the 13th position and was up front at times while leading nine laps.

With two laps remaining in the spring event, an incident involving Jesse Love sent Zilisch spinning into a wreck. He then hit the backstretch wall, resulting in a DNF and a 27th-place finish.

The same was true of the fall race. Zilisch started seventh but had a disappointing finish of 23rd, three laps down.

Fast forwarding to 2026, when Zilisch was making his first Talladega Cup Series start, the 19-year-old had hopes of a positive result. This was especially true after finishing 29th, two laps down, following handling issues the week before at Kansas Speedway.

“It’s still going to be a lot of fuel saving, but I think the last 45 laps will be better,” Zilisch said in a team release on race week. “Track position is huge with the Next Gen car. You’ve got to do everything you can to put yourself in position at the end.

“Nobody’s down on themselves. We’re hungry. I want to be part of our return to success, and that challenge excites me.”

Rain showers canceled the Cup Series qualifying session this weekend. Zilisch started in the 26th position based on the qualifying metric.

When the race went green for the 188-lap event, Zilisch maintained track position as he was saving fuel and finished 22nd in the first stage, despite getting into the top-10 at one point, but was then shuffled out. In the second stage, the Trackhouse driver was caught up in “The Big One” on Lap 115, going into Turn 3. Zilisch was on the bottom lane and had nowhere to go. After being collected in the accident, he received damage to his No. 88 Red Bull Chevrolet. As Stage 2 concluded, he finished 27th in the running order.

For the remainder of the race, Zilisch stayed out of the way to gain experience on the drafting track. The race leaders took the checkered flag on Lap 188. Zilisch finished 26th in the running order, three laps down in his Cup Series debut.

“Unfortunately for us that’s typical Talladega where you get caught up in the Big One,” Zilisch said. “I had nowhere to go. I really thought the damage was worse, but the Trackhouse guys did a great job to get our Red Bull Chevrolet back in the race. Not the day we wanted for sure, but we’ll bounce back next week at Texas.”

Additionally, Spire Motorsports announced this past week that Zilisch will compete in the Truck Series race at Watkins Glen. This will mark the second consecutive time in two years that he will race at The Glen in a truck. Last year, Zilisch raced in the No. 45 Niece Motorsports entry, starting in 14th and finishing eighth in the Top 10.

Richard Childress Racing Names Andy Street Crew Chief for No. 8 Team

WELCOME, N.C. (April 27, 2026) – Richard Childress Racing (RCR) announced today a leadership adjustment within its NASCAR Cup Series program, reinforcing the organization’s continued focus on improving on-track performance and delivering stronger, more consistent results.

Andy Street will assume crew chief responsibilities for the No. 8 Chevrolet, working alongside driver Kyle Busch for the remainder of the 2026 season. Jim Pohlman will transition into a leadership role within RCR’s competition department.

“This move is about putting our people in the best position to succeed,” said Richard Childress, Chairman and CEO of RCR. “We have strong talent across this organization, and we’re focused on having each person in the right position to help deliver the results we expect.”

The adjustment reflects RCR’s broader commitment to returning to consistent, front-running form on a weekly basis.

“We strongly believe in the people we have,” said Mike Verlander, President of RCR. “At the same time, we expect better results, and that requires us to continually evaluate and make adjustments. Jim has more than two decades of success in this sport and will remain an important part of our team. We believe Andy and Kyle’s previous working relationship positions us to improve the No. 8 team and compete at a higher level.”

Street, who has served as Performance Director in 2026, brings more than 20 years of experience with RCR across multiple roles, including as a race-winning crew chief. He will begin leading the No. 8 team immediately.

For more information, visit rcrracing.com.

Richard Childress Racing (www.rcrracing.com) is a renowned, performance-driven racing, marketing and manufacturing organization. Incorporated in 1969, RCR has celebrated over 50 years of racing and earned more than 200 victories and 17 championships, including six in the NASCAR Cup Series with the legendary Dale Earnhardt. RCR was the first organization to win championships in the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and NASCAR Truck Series and is a three-time winner of the Daytona 500 (1998, 2007, 2018). Its 2026 NASCAR Cup Series lineup includes two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch (No. 8 Chevrolet) and 2017 Coca-Cola 600 winner and 2018 Daytona 500 champion Austin Dillon (No. 3 Chevrolet). RCR fields a full-time NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series program with defending series champion Jesse Love (No. 2 Chevrolet) and 2023 regular season champion Austin Hill (No. 21 Chevrolet).

Eclipse Claims Consulting Races into Fourth Season with Ryan Ellis at Texas Motor Speedway for Young’s Motorsports

MOORESVILLE, N.C.: There’s an old saying that everything is bigger in Texas — and for Ryan Ellis, that includes the strength of a long-standing partnership.

As the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series heads to Texas Motor Speedway for Saturday afternoon’s Andy’s Frozen Custard 340, Ellis will showcase a familiar name on his No. 02 Young’s Motorsports Chevrolet — one that has become a cornerstone of his program.

Texas-based Eclipse Claims Consulting returns to support Ellis for the fourth consecutive season, continuing a partnership built on consistency, shared momentum and most of all, friendship.

Headquartered in Frisco, Texas, Eclipse Claims Consulting is a trusted authority in insurance claim advocacy and appraisals.

Known as a national leader in insurance adjustments, the company specializes in property damage, including natural disasters such as flood, hail, tornado, hurricane, wildfire and earthquake damage.

With a mission centered on securing fair and timely settlements, Eclipse Claims Consulting has helped clients nationwide recover millions of dollars after property losses caused by storms, fires, water damage, and other disasters.

The company has built its reputation as a go-to advocate for policyholders facing complex insurance claims.

Whether assisting homeowners after a hurricane or guiding a business through fire damage recovery, Eclipse Claims Consulting remains a trusted partner at every step of the insurance claim process.

For Ellis, the continued support from Eclipse Claims Consulting carries added significance in 2026 as he begins a new chapter with Young’s Motorsports.

In a season defined by change, the presence of a trusted, long-term partner provides valuable continuity and confidence, allowing the veteran driver to remain focused on performance while building chemistry within a new organization.

“We’ve built something really special with Eclipse Claims Consulting over the last four years,” said Ellis. “It’s more than just a partnership at this point — it’s a friendship.

“That kind of loyalty means everything in this sport, and having them by my side as I start a new chapter with Young’s Motorsports gives me a lot of confidence every time we hit the track.”

Ellis, a native of Ashburn, Va., will make his ninth NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series start at Texas Motor Speedway on May 2.

The 1.5-mile speedway is one of the few venues where he has competed across all three of NASCAR’s national series.

In his previous eight series starts, Ellis has recorded a track-best finish of 13th in the fall 2023 edition of the Andy’s Frozen Custard 300.

On Saturday, he will make his fifth consecutive start at Texas Motor Speedway — and his third straight appearance carrying the Eclipse Claims Consulting colors.

“It’s always special racing at Texas Motor Speedway, but it means even more when you’re representing a Texas-based partner like Eclipse Claims Consulting,” added Ellis. “It’s their home race, and you want to do everything you can to represent them well and give them something to be proud of.”

It’s also a special race for Young’s Motorsports. Founded in Midland, Texas, the event at Texas Motor Speedway serves as the organization’s hometown race, making it even more meaningful to represent a Texas-based partner in Eclipse Claims Consulting.

Now operating from a well-equipped facility in Mooresville, N.C., Young’s Motorsports team principal Tyler Young welcomes Eclipse Claims Consulting to the organization as a valued partner.

“We’re proud to welcome Eclipse Claims Consulting to Young’s Motorsports as a valued partner,” said Young, who made 12 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series starts at Texas Motor Speedway, including a top-10 finish in 2018.

“Their Texas roots align perfectly with this event, and to have them on board for our home race makes this weekend even more meaningful for our team.”

For more on Ryan Ellis, please visit ryanellisracing.com, like him on Facebook

(Ryan Ellis), and follow him on Instagram (@ryanellisracing), TikTok (@ryanellisracing), and X | Twitter (@ryanellisracing).

For more on Young’s Motorsports, please visit YoungsMotorsports.com, like them on Facebook (Young’s Motorsports), and follow them on Instagram (@youngsmotorsports) and X |Twitter (@youngsmtrsports).

The Andy’s Frozen Custard 340 (200 laps | 300 miles) is the 12th of thirty-three (33) NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series races on the 2026 schedule. Practice will occur on Fri., May 1, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 4:50 p.m. Qualifying will immediately follow, beginning at 5:05 p.m. The field will take the green flag the next afternoon, shortly after 2:30 p.m. (3:30 p.m. ET), with live coverage on The CW Network, the Performance Racing Network (Radio) and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90. All times are local (CT).

About Eclipse Claims Consulting:

Eclipse Claims Consulting is a leading public insurance adjusting firm dedicated to securing fair settlements for policyholders and businesses.

With a proven track record of recovering millions of dollars for their clients, Eclipse Claim Consulting is at the forefront of advocating for those who have been underserved by insurance companies.

For more information, visit eclipseclaims.com.

Wood Brothers Racing – Race Report: Talladega Superspeedway

Event: Jack Link’s 500
Location: Talladega Superspeedway, Talladega, Alabama
Date: Sunday, April 26, 2026
Start: 26th
Finish: 33rd

The stage lengths may have changed for Sunday’s Jack Link’s 500 at Talladega Superspeedway, but the “Big One” remained as impactful as ever.

That was the case for Josh Berry and the No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane team, who were collected in a Lap 115 incident that resulted in a 33rd-place finish despite showing early speed and executing a solid opening strategy.

Berry rolled off 26th after Saturday’s qualifying session was canceled due to rain, with the starting lineup set by the NASCAR Rule Book. The Wood Brothers Racing team opted for a one-stop strategy in Stage 1, which was extended to 98 laps, and it paid off with a sixth-place finish and five valuable stage points.

Following a pit stop under caution, Berry restarted 12th to begin Stage 2 and was running inside the top 10 when the 26-car “Big One” broke out ahead of him. With nowhere to go, the No. 21 Ford Mustang Dark Horse sustained heavy damage, forcing the team to the garage for extensive repairs.

After returning to the track later in the event, Berry was able to pick up several positions, ultimately gaining five spots from his running position prior to the incident to finish 33rd.

Up next, Berry and the Wood Brothers head to Texas Motor Speedway for Sunday’s Würth 400, looking to rebound after a day that showed promise before being cut short.

Team Penske NASCAR Cup Series Race Report – Talladega 1

Jack Link’s 500
Talladega, Ala. – April 26, 2026

AUSTIN CINDRIC No. 2 MENARDS/FROGTAPE FORD MUSTANG DARK HORSE
START: 13TH STAGE 1: 35TH STAGE 2: 21ST FINISH: 8TH POINTS: 16TH
RACE RUNDOWN: Austin Cindric finished eighth in Sunday’s Jack Link’s 500 at Talladega Superspeedway after a challenging and eventful afternoon for the No. 2 Ford Mustang Dark Horse team. Cindric started 13th after Saturday’s qualifying session was canceled due to weather, with the lineup set per the NASCAR Rule Book. Early in the race, he worked the draft from the bottom lane before moving to the middle lane, reporting the car was “a little darty, a little free” in the opening run. As the field settled into single-file around Lap 30, Cindric was scored 28th but methodically worked his way forward, reaching fourth by Lap 42. A setback came during the first green-flag pit cycle when Cindric missed his pit stall after getting stacked three-wide on entry, forcing him to circle back down pit road for service. The issue cost valuable track position, and he was scored 35th late in Stage 1. After a green-flag stop for fuel on Lap 81, he returned to the track alone without any drafting help and ultimately finished Stage 1 in 35th, one lap down. The race took another turn early in Stage 2 when Cindric was collected in a multi-car incident on Lap 115. The No. 2 team made multiple trips to pit road to assess and repair damage. Cindric returned to the track 24th with just over 65 laps remaining and continued to battle for position. Following a caution on Lap 124, Cindric pitted for fuel and by the end of Stage 2, he was scored 21st and earned the free pass to return to the lead lap, reporting no balance concerns heading into the final stage. Restarting 17th, Cindric navigated the closing laps in the lead draft as the field ran in two lanes. A late caution with seven laps to go set up a final sprint to the finish, with the No. 2 team opting to stay out and maintain track position. Cindric restarted just outside the top 10 with three laps remaining and avoided trouble in a chaotic final lap to secure an eighth-place finish.

CINDRIC’S THOUGHTS: “Obviously, I didn’t get a chance to be part of those last two cycles of that first stage. We got trapped with the 34 car to our inside and missed on that execution and it took us about all the way up to the third stage to get back on the lead lap. I’m not sure I’m the best judge of how things went to be honest. The end of the race I would say played out a similar way to what we thought as far as racing in the lanes and the aggression for sure. We can’t run that many laps without wrecking each other on these. I wish we would have had a gauge of our speed or really anything from today, so other than a good points finish, and we need one of those, especially on tracks like this, so we’ll take that and keep going on.”

RYAN BLANEY No. 12 WURTH FORD MUSTANG DARK HORSE
START: 15TH STAGE 1: 5TH STAGE 2: 37TH FINISH: 37TH POINTS: 3RD
RACE RUNDOWN: Ryan Blaney and the No. 12 Wurth Ford Mustang Dark Horse team began the afternoon on a high note with a fifth-place finish in Stage 1 but were collected in a 26-car incident during the opening run of the second stage, resulting in a 37th-place finish at Talladega. After qualifying was rained out Saturday, Blaney took the green flag from 15th as the field formed three-wide to start the 98-lap stage. With varying fuel strategies in play, the pack began to run single-file by lap 25 before Blaney was called to pit road on lap 47 with the third group of cars as the 12 team serviced the Wurth Ford with four tires and fuel. Blaney went back into fuel save mode to begin the following run along with the group of cars he pitted with, allowing them to become the lead pack with 10 laps remaining in Stage 1. The pace started to pick up with under five laps to go as Blaney worked the top lane to enter the top-five as the 12 team was able to pull off a 50-lap run on fuel to pick up a fifth-place finish in the longest stage of the day. Following another four tire stop prior to the start of Stage 2, Blaney restarted from the outside of row three and eventually pushed teammate Joey Logano to the lead on lap 110, vaulting the No. 12 to second in the running order in the process. A three-wide battle for the top spot shuffled the leaders a few laps later before a spin at the front of the field at the entrance of turn three set off a 26-car pileup as Blaney was hit in the right rear and sent sliding into the outside wall. The 12 team attempted to make repairs in the garage area but was unable to return to the track, culminating in a 37th-place finish.

BLANEY’S THOUGHTS: “I feel like we all just got pinballing off each other there. [Ross Chastain] got up in front of me. I was coming, so I’m kind of checking and trying to get on him OK, and it looked like [Bubba Wallace] got up in front of him while we were coming, and then we all just kind of got nose bumper tag there. You’re trying to lift and stabilize it and [Wallace] ended up getting turned in front of everybody and causing a big wreck. It’s not like there’s any blame on anybody. It’s what this thing is. We all just kind of get bumping and banging and one guy eventually gets turned with the car being as unstable as it is. It definitely stinks to be out early.”

JOEY LOGANO No. 22 SHELL-PENNZOIL FORD MUSTANG DARK HORSE
START: 25TH STAGE 1: 3RD STAGE 2: 39TH FINISH: 39TH POINTS: 15TH
RACE RUNDOWN: Joey Logano and the No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil Ford Mustang Dark Horse team got off to a strong start Sunday at Talladega with a third-place finish in Stage 1, but were involved in a 26-car incident during the opening laps of the second segment that signaled the end of their day in a 39th-place finish. With qualifying rained out Saturday and the lineup set per the rule book, Logano took the green flag from 25th as the field formed three-wide to start the longest stage of the day at 98 laps. Varying fuel strategies began to take shape within the first 30 laps as different packs formed single-file throughout the field, prompting Logano to hit pit road with the third and final group under green on lap 47 for four tires and fuel. Logano and the rest of the group immediately went back saving fuel in an attempt to make it to the end of the stage without pitting a second time, allowing them to become the lead pack with 10 laps remaining in Stage 1. As the pace began to increase in the closing laps of the segment, Logano remained in the bottom lane and forced a three-wide battle in the tri-oval for the stage win, but came up just short in a third-place effort with the 22 team successfully executed a 50-lap run on fuel. After another four tire stop between stages, Logano lined up to restart from the outside of row two and was pushed to the lead by teammate Ryan Blaney on lap 110, marking the 21st-consecutive race he has led on a drafting track and 14th time in the last 15 Talladega races he has led at least one lap. A few laps later, Logano relinqished the lead after getting split into the middle lane out of turn four before the big one unraveled on the following lap – a 26-car pileup that started at the front of the field going into turn three that collected the Shell-Pennzoil Ford Mustang. Logano was unable to make it back to pit road due to the damage sustained, marking an early exit Sunday.

LOGANO’S THOUGHTS: “They just started wrecking above me. You’re kind of seeing it happen and hope they stay up there and you’re able to get by it. The wreck started moving down the hill and there we were. It’s just unfortunate. The team did a good job getting our Ford Mustang able to get some stage points there, which that’s the only positive of today.”

The NASCAR Cup Series heads to Texas Motor Speedway for the Wurth 400 on Sunday, May 3. Live coverage begins at 3:30 p.m. ET on FS1, PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

RFK Racing – Talladega Race Summary

RFK RACING
TALLADEGA SUPERSPEEDWAY – EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Date: April 26, 2026
Series: NASCAR Cup Series
Location: Talladega Superspeedway (2.66-mile oval) – Lincoln, AL
Format: 500 miles, broken into three stages (completed at lap 98 / lap 143 / lap 188)
***Note: Qualifying was cancelled due to weather. Starting order was established by the rule book.

RFK Racing RACE SUMMARY:

Roush Fenway Keselowski (RFK) Racing showcased race winning speed Sunday at Talladega Superspeedway, leading a combined 43 laps, with all three cars running up front and remaining a constant presence in the lead pack. Ryan Preece set the tone early with a Stage One victory as RFK Racing ran an impressive 1-2-4 at the first break. Chris Buescher stayed among the leaders all day, making aggressive, timely moves to nearly claim victory. Brad Keselowski showed early strength with a second place Stage One finish, before sustaining damage in an unavoidable Stage Two crash.

DRIVER HIGHLIGHTS

Chris Buescher – No. 17 Kroger / Jack Link’s Ford Mustang Dark Horse

Finish: 2nd
Start: 10th
Laps Led: 22
Stage Results: S1 – 4th, S2 – 3rd
Headline takeaway: An incredibly strong race, finishing among the leaders in every stage of the event. In a four lap shootout to finish the race he battled to the checkers coming up just short of the victory, with a close runner up finish.

Buescher Quote: “We were pretty good. To have the day like we had today here and be in the hunt every stage and there at the end, I can’t thank everybody enough at Kroger and Jack Link’s and being here for their entitlement sponsor. This was a big race for us and we just couldn’t quite get this Mustang into Victory Lane. We came off turn four and I felt really good about where we were at and the run that we were gonna be able to build. Stenhouse went to make a race winning move and if we would have got clear of the 77, he would have gone for it and it may have been our drag race to the end. I don’t know, but it was a good race. It was good, strong racing all the way there to the end.”

Ryan Preece – No. 60 BuildSubmarines.com Ford Mustang Dark Horse

Finish: 18
Start: 11th
Laps Led: 21
Stage Results: S1 – Winner, S2 – 6th
Headline takeaway: Bouyed by a stellar run in Stage One, where he was the winner of the segment, Preece proved to have a winning race car throughout the race. He collected stage points in each of the first two stages and, although he was caught up in a last lap crash coming to the checkers, had one of the best cars in the field Sunday

Preece Quote: “Man, so close. We had a rocket ship of a Ford Mustang. Led a bunch of laps and could move around and draft to the front at will. After winning stage one, we were pumped. Our confidence was sky high. So, with the checkers in sight on the final lap we thought there was a chance at the win. I’m not sure what happened with the crash but I’m leaving with my head high, knowing we had a race winning car.

Brad Keselowski – No. 6 Castrol Ford Mustang Dark Horse

Finish: 31st
Start: 6th
Laps Led: 0
Stage Results: S1-2nd, S2 – 33rd
Headline takeaway: After a runner up Stage One finish, Brad Keselowski appeared poised for another strong Talladega run. However, while he raced inside the top ten, he was collected in a Stage Two crash. The team worked to repair extensive damage, eventually getting him back on the track to finish the race.

Keselowski Quote: “We got caught up in the big one and the team rallied really well to keep us from a DNF and get us as many points as we could.”

Point Standings:

Buescher: 7th
Keselowski: 10th
Preece: 13th

Next Up:

The next event on the NASCAR Cup Series schedule is Sunday, May 30 at the Texas Motor Speedway (Fort Worth, TX). The race begins at 3:30 p.m. EDT with live coverage provided by FS1 and the Performance Racing Network.

Why You Should Hire a Sports Marketing Consultant Before Entering Motorsport Sponsorship

Before a US brand commits a single dollar to motorsport sponsorship, the most valuable investment it can make is in the right guidance. To hire a sports marketing consultant for motorsports sponsorship means gaining independent expertise in series selection, property evaluation, deal negotiation, activation planning, and ROI measurement, all simultaneously.

This guide explains exactly what a motorsport sponsorship consultant does, what goes wrong when brands enter motorsport without one, and why independence is the single most important quality to look for in the consultant you choose.

What is a Motorsport Sponsorship Consultant and Why Do They Matter?

A motorsport sponsorship consultant is an intermediary professional or agency that fills the gap between corporate brands and the racing ecosystem. They act as a sieve to the dozens of sponsorship decks that fall upon the desk of a CMO to ensure that each opportunity has a real commercial basis.

In a market where North America holds a 38.89% share of the motorsports sponsorship market (IndustryARC, 2025), a consultant is vital for “translation.” They can translate technical jargon in the team into the business KPIs of a brand. Whether you are looking for F1 sponsorship consultant USA services or a broader global strategy, these experts ensure your brand values align with the series’ demographics.

Key Benefits of Hiring a Sports Marketing Consultant for Brands

When a firm opts to seek the services of a sports marketing consultant regarding sponsorship, it is not just purchasing consultancy, but they are buying a competitive edge. The advantages of a sports marketing consultant go way beyond a first introduction to a team.

  • Lower Rights Fees: Consultants use proprietary data to know what a “fair market price” actually looks like, often saving brands 15–20% on the initial contract.
  • Asset Optimization: They make sure you receive the correct assets such as the appearances of the driver, digital content rights, and VIP hospitality instead of a sticker on the wing.
  • Risk Minimization: A motorsport brand partnership consultant establishes performance clauses in contracts, which safeguard your brand in the event of a significant decline in performance by a team or a star driver quitting.
  • Activation Excellence: They handle the sponsorship consulting needed to transform a livery into a complete social media and B2B lead-generation machine.

DIY vs. Consultant-Led Motorsport Sponsorship: A Direct Comparison

Decision PointDIY (No Consultant)Consultant-Led Approach
Series selectionBased on personal preference or sales pitchData-driven: audience demographics, category availability, market alignment
Property identificationReactive to inbound approachesProactive: pre-market inventory intelligence across teams, drivers, series
Deal negotiationOne-sided: rights holder’s commercial team leadsBalanced: consultant negotiates in brand’s interest with market rate benchmarks
Contract protectionsGeneric terms category exclusivity, exits, and performance clauses often weakSpecific: performance guarantees, strong exclusivity, clear exit provisions
ROI measurementRetrospective, based on rights holder dataIndependent: third-party measurement from pre-season baseline
Multi-series coordinationFragmented: teams communicate independently with brandCentralised: single consultant manages all relationships and reporting
Renewal preparationReliant on rights holder’s performance reportIndependent: objective data, market benchmarks, commercial outcomes evidence
Risk of “Three-Year Cycle” failureHighSignificantly reduced through continuous performance management
Category exclusivity riskFrequently underprotectedFully assessed and contractually secured

Sources: Sport Dimensions Motorsports Marketing Guide; Forrester CMO Survey 2024; rtrsports.com motorsport sponsorship guides; SponsorUnited F1 Report 2024–2025

8 Reasons To Hire As A Sports Marketing Consultant For Motorsport Sponsorship. All of them are functions that a specialist motorsport brand partnership consultancy manages, and team-side commercial staff cannot or will not take on a brand’s behalf.

1. Independent Series Selection Based on Audience Data

When selecting the series F1, MotoGP, Formula E, WEC, WorldSBK, NASCAR, or IndyCar, validated demographics about the audience must be collected along with competitive category mapping, geographic market analysis, and brand objective alignment. 

This decision is far too often made solely based on personal preference or sales pitches from individual series commercial teams, which are not objective, with neither team providing an objective assessment.

2. Optimization of Property types by Team, Driver and Series

As we’ve seen with the motorsport sponsorship landscape, each type of property presents a unique commercial proposition. A team sponsorship, a driver’s personal deal, and a series partnership do not meet the same objectives at different cost points. A consultant looks at all three in a run and suggests the combination that aligns best with the brand’s objectives, rather than the easiest one to sell.

3. Pre-Deal Intelligence on Inventory:

Top-tier series are the highest quality sponsorship positions and are claimed prior to any sort of open market. There is a dedicated consultant who knows all the category exclusivities in place, which teams are actively looking for partners in specific sectors, and which inventory windows are opening thanks to renewals, team transitions, and driver changes. 

So when starting on a motorsport sponsorship project, it’s hard to know instantly which stakeholders are right, what the decision flow is, and what the right timelines are for each process. Consultants remove this ambiguity.

4. Contract Negotiation Without Conflict of Interest

The motorsport sponsorship contract negotiation process is a challenging and extremely complex one. Negotiating the right definitions of assets, definitions of category exclusivity, performance-linked clauses, activation rights, exit provisions, and IP licensing has to be detailed. A consultant negotiates these terms in the interests of the brand not in the interests of the rights holder who sits on the other side of the table.

5. Activation Framework Planning From Day One

Sponsorship programmes that do not spend an activation budget usually go stale within two to three seasons, no matter the quality of the livery position that is offered. A consultant constructs the activation architecture content calendar, hospitality programme, social media strategy, and B2B pipeline integration before the deal is signed, rather than as an afterthought after the rights fee has been paid. The benchmark for the industry is $2 in activation per $1 spent on sponsorship rights. Brands that turn that ratio around underperform consistently. This balance is enforced by a consultant from the beginning.

6. Independent ROI Measurement From Pre-Season Baseline

Teams cannot determine the impact of sponsorship ROI without pre-season baseline data on brand awareness, consideration and purchase intent of the target audience. Without a baseline data set, created before the very first race of the season, the extent to which the measurement of those statistics changes, however, cannot be attributed to the sponsorship investment. When a racing sponsorship strategy consultant introduces this framework into the engagement from day one, in spite of everything that might happen at a retrospective date if it was not made on year-end.

7. Multi-Series Portfolio Management

Brands with sponsorships with more than one series F1 and MotoGP or WEC and Formula E need to have a centralized point of co-ordination to oversee calendar conflicts, rights negotiations, activation and resource allocation, and cross-series measurement consolidation. And so, without dedicated oversight, that multi-series portfolio is likely to be fragmented and underachieving in terms of potential as a result of multi-series combined assets.

8. Renewal and Renegotiation Leverage

A consultant who has handled the sponsorship from the beginning owns the independent performance data, market rate benchmarks and activation outcome evidence, all of which inform the renewal debate from a perspective based on the objective leverage. However, brands without this documentation continue (or drop out) under the conditions of the rights holder’s own performance reports, which may be structurally biased toward continued renewals at existing rates.

Hiring the Right Motorsport Sponsorship Consultant Determines What Your Investment Delivers

The decision to hire a sports marketing consultant for sponsorship in motorsport is not a cost centre; it is the structural factor that determines whether a significant marketing investment performs as intended.

From Formula 1 to MotoGP, Formula E, WEC, and WorldSBK, the complexity of global motorsport’s commercial environment is real. 

Series selection, property type strategy, contract negotiation, activation planning, and independent ROI measurement are all specialist functions that require specific, current, motorsport-focused expertise.

A specialist motorsport sponsorship consultant who operates independently across all major racing series gives US brands the market intelligence, relationship access, and commercial protection that transforms motorsport from an expensive experiment into a durable competitive advantage.

Ready to enter motorsport with the right guidance? Talk to an independent motorsport sponsorship consultant who works on behalf of global brands across Formula 1, MotoGP, Formula E, WEC, IndyCar, and WorldSBK.

How to Modify a Fiat 124 Spider Without Losing What Makes It Special

Photo by depositphotos at https://depositphotos.com/

Few modern roadsters carry as much personality as the Fiat 124 Spider. Its turbocharged MultiAir engine, Italian-influenced design, and lighter-than-expected chassis set it apart from the Mazda MX-5 it shares a platform with. That distinct character is the whole reason people fall for this car. The trick with modifications is simple: sharpen what already works. Done right, every upgrade should make the 124 Spider feel more like itself, not less.

Start With a Clear Vision

It sounds obvious, but sitting down with a plan before ordering parts saves a lot of regret. Some owners care most about handling on twisty backroads. Others want a fuller exhaust note or a cabin that feels less budget-conscious. Knowing the direction early keeps everything cohesive. Random upgrades, no matter how good individually, tend to fight each other when there’s no unifying idea behind them. A well-planned build consistently performs better than a haphazard collection of parts.

Protect the Turbo Character

The 1.4-liter MultiAir turbo is what separates the 124 Spider from its naturally aspirated cousin. It delivers a fatter midrange with usable torque that rewards smooth, deliberate inputs rather than high-revving aggression. A well-matched intake and an upgraded intercooler help reduce heat soak during spirited driving, sharpening throttle response without altering the fundamental power curve. Owners browsing Fiat 124 Spider accessories for sale will find bolt-on options built to work with the factory turbo setup rather than against it. Pairing those pieces with a mild ECU calibration pulls out hidden power while keeping the drivetrain reliable for daily use.

Suspension Upgrades That Respect the Ride

Choose Progressive Over Aggressive

Slamming the car on stiff track-oriented coilovers is tempting, but it misses the point. Fiat deliberately tuned the 124 Spider softer than the MX-5, leaning into grand touring comfort over raw feedback. A moderate lowering spring matched with quality dampers tightens body control and sharpens corner entry. Yet it still leaves enough compliance for longer highway cruises without rattling fillings loose. A drop of 15 to 25 millimeters hits that sweet spot nicely.

Sway Bars Add Balance

A thicker rear sway bar is one of the most transformative single upgrades available. It dials out the factory understeer bias and brings genuine rotation into sweeping corners. Pair that with a proper four-corner alignment, and the car starts communicating through the steering wheel in a way the stock setup only hints at. The grip stays approachable on public roads, which matters.

Exhaust and Sound

Stock, the 124 Spider is quiet enough to pass for a regular commuter. A cat-back system with freer-flowing mufflers opens up the turbo’s natural whistle and adds genuine depth to the exhaust tone. Stainless steel construction holds up well against corrosion over the years. Systems with removable silencer inserts offer the most flexibility: louder on open mountain roads and quieter for early-morning starts through the neighborhood.

Exterior Touches That Complement the Design

Subtle Over Flashy

The 124 Spider’s proportions pay homage to the original 1966 car. Bolting on wide-body kits or oversized rear wings runs entirely against that heritage. A modest front lip, matched side skirts, and a low-profile trunk spoiler add visual sharpness without overwhelming the clean silhouette. Carbon fiber mirror caps or a refined mesh grille insert feel like factory options that simply weren’t offered, which is the goal.

Wheel Selection Matters

Lightweight forged wheels in 16 or 17-inch diameters cut unsprung mass and sharpen steering response almost immediately. Keeping the factory offset close maintains the flush stance Fiat engineered from the start. Bronze, gunmetal, or matte black finishes tend to suit most 124 Spider colors without drawing too much attention away from the body lines.

Interior Refinements

Cabin upgrades don’t need to be dramatic to make a real difference. A short-throw shifter tightens each gear change and adds a satisfying mechanical click. Fresh leather or Alcantara shift boots bring the center console back to life at very little cost. Swapping the factory head unit for a modern receiver improves wireless connectivity and sound quality in one move. The key is making each addition feel integrated, like it belongs there rather than something bolted on as an afterthought.

Conclusion

The most impressive modified 124 Spiders share one thing in common: restraint guided by intention. Every part choice reinforces the car’s turbocharged character, balanced dynamics, and Italian design language rather than pulling away from them. Thoughtful upgrades, clean styling decisions, and a clear vision from the start keep the roadster feeling genuine. The best builds end up looking like the version Fiat would have released if the engineering budget had stretched just a little further.

Are Your New Patient Forms Creating Friction Before Treatment Even Begins?

Photo by depositphotos at https://depositphotos.com/

Walking into a dental office for the first time already carries a certain weight. There is the unfamiliarity, maybe some nerves, and then someone hands over a clipboard stacked with paperwork. If those forms are disorganized, repetitive, or hard to follow, the experience sours before anyone picks up a dental instrument. That early frustration sticks with people. Reworking intake documents might sound like a small change, but it directly affects how new patients feel about a practice from the very first minute.

Why Paperwork Problems Start Before the Waiting Room

Too many dental offices still hand out cookie-cutter intake packets that run several pages long. The same address field shows up twice. Insurance details get requested on separate sheets. Patients notice that kind of thing, and it reads as carelessness. Beyond the bad impression, it also bogs down the front desk. 

That is where custom dental new patient forms make a real difference. Forms shaped around a specific practice’s actual workflow cut out the unnecessary clutter. They collect the right information without asking patients to repeat themselves, leaving a noticeably sharper first impression.

Common Friction Points in Dental Intake Forms

  1. Excessive Length

A thick packet of paperwork is intimidating. When patients see ten pages waiting for them, many start skimming or leaving sections empty. That creates holes in the clinical record and more work for staff later. Shorter, purposeful documents encourage people to complete everything properly and keep the front desk on schedule.

  1. Confusing Medical History Sections

Standard health questionnaires tend to cram dozens of conditions into tiny print with little organization. Patients rush through or misread the wording, which leads to incomplete or inaccurate responses. Breaking medical history into clearly labeled categories, written in plain language, helps both the patient and the clinical team catch what matters.

  1. Missing or Buried Consent Language

Consent is a legal necessity, but tucking it deep into a packet means most patients barely glance at it. Placing consent sections in a visible spot, paired with brief plain-language explanations, protects the practice legally while showing patients the respect of transparency.

How Streamlined Forms Improve Office Efficiency

Cutting down on paperwork volume has a ripple effect across daily operations. The front desk spends less time correcting errors or re-entering data. Hygienists and dentists walk into appointments with complete, readable records already in hand. That preparation translates into more productive chair time and fewer interruptions during mid-appointment.

Practices that tighten up their intake process often see check-in times drop by several minutes per patient. Across a full day’s schedule, those saved minutes add up. Over the course of a month, that recovered time can open room for additional appointments and boost revenue without stretching office hours.

Designing Forms That Patients Actually Complete

Keep Questions Relevant

Every single field on an intake sheet should serve a clear clinical or administrative purpose. If a question has no bearing on treatment planning or billing, there is little reason to include it. Running periodic audits of form content helps remove outdated items that no longer merit inclusion.

Use Clear Visual Layout

Generous white space, legible fonts, and logical grouping make a form feel far less overwhelming. People respond better to documents that look thoughtfully organized. A clean layout also reduces errors because patients can locate and complete each field without second-guessing where to place it.

Offer Digital Options

A growing number of patients prefer handling paperwork online before they even arrive. Digital intake tools allow individuals to fill out forms at their own pace, using a familiar device, and from the comfort of their own home. For the office, it means shorter wait times and a head start on preparing records before the patient walks through the door.

The Connection Between Intake Experience and Patient Retention

First impressions carry serious weight in healthcare settings. A clunky, frustrating intake process can push a new patient toward a competing practice, even when the clinical care itself is outstanding. Patient satisfaction data consistently shows that the administrative side of a visit influences loyalty nearly as much as the quality of treatment.

Practices that put thought into their onboarding paperwork send a clear message: they value people’s time. That gesture builds trust early and encourages patients to come back. A polished intake experience also tends to generate positive word-of-mouth referrals, which remain one of the most reliable growth channels for any dental office.

Conclusion

Intake forms sit at the very beginning of the patient relationship, and they carry more influence than most practices give them credit for. Paperwork that feels bloated or confusing creates a negative impression that no amount of excellent clinical care can fully offset. 

Simplifying those documents, building them around real practice needs, and giving patients modern ways to complete them removes friction right at the start. A smoother onboarding process strengthens patient trust, supports long-term retention, and helps the practice run more efficiently every single day.