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NASCAR 2025: Ultimate Guide to Driver Moves and Team News

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

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

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

*Please check back regularly for updates.

NASCAR Cup Series

Anthony Alfredo, Beard Motorsports

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

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

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

“We have a very positive outlook on the future of NASCAR, and as the sport plans for success, so do we,” commented Bob Jenkins, Owner of Front Row Motorsports. “Today that means having a plan for expanding back to three cars in the NASCAR Cup Series. I always have the vision to continue to grow and improve our team, and that commitment and desire never changes. I am committed to the sport and its passionate fans and partners.”

Todd Gilliland, Front Row Motorsports Ford

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

Noah Gragson, Front Row Motorsports Ford

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

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

Zane Smith, Front Row Motorsports Ford

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

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

Garrett Smithley, Garage 66 (Formerly MBM Motorsports)

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

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

Chandler Smith, Garage 66 (Formerly MBM Motorsports)

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

Haas Factory Team (NCS/NXS)

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

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

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

Cole Custer, Haas Factory Team

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

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

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

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

Chris Gabehart, Denny Hamlin, Joe Gibbs Racing

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

“Denny is obviously a first-ballot Hall of Famer,” said Gayle. “I’m looking forward to working with him and the guys on the No. 11 team. He and Gabehart have established an incredible culture that is a very good barometer for our other drivers and teams to strive to match. I have all the confidence in the world we can hit the ground running and continue the success that this group is accustomed to in 2025.”

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

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

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

Chase Briscoe, No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota

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

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

Tyler Allen, Joe Gibbs Racing

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

“It’s an honor to be named crew chief for Ty Gibbs and the 54 Team as we head into the 2025 season,” said Allen. “This opportunity has been a dream of mine since starting here at JGR 10 years ago, and I’m thankful for the support and guidance I’ve received from my mentors, teammates, and everyone along the way. Ty has shown a lot of speed and potential the last two years, and I look forward to building on that experience to get the 54 car in victory lane.”

Justin Allgaier, JR Motorsports

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

AJ Allmendinger, Kaulig Racing Chevrolet

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

Ty Dillon, Kaulig Racing

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

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

Erik Jones, LEGACY Motor Club Toyota

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

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

Jimmie Johnson, LEGACY Motor Club

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

Austin Dillon, Richard Childress Racing

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

Jesse Love, Richard Childress Racing

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

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

Tim Brown, Rick Ware Racing

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

Corey LaJoie, Rick Ware Racing

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

Matt McCall, RFK Racing

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

Jeremy Bullins, RFK Racing

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

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

Ryan Preece, RFK Racing

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

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

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

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

Michael McDowell, Spire Motorsports Chevrolet

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

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

Rodney Childers, Spire Motorsports

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

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

Justin Haley, Spire Motorsports  

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

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

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

Matt McCall and Dax Gerringer, Spire Motorsports

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

“This is a great addition for our team and one that means a lot to me, personally,” said Spire Motorsports co-owner Jeff Dickerson. “Matt is a longtime friend, one of my first handful of NASCAR clients I had when I was a young agent, and we’ve always shared the same view of how race cars work and race teams operate. I’m happy the stars finally aligned for us to work together, and I look forward to adding him to an already impressive group for 2025.”

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

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

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

Daniel Suárez, Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet

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

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

Shane van Gisbergen, Trackhouse Racing

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

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

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

Connor Zilisch, Trackhouse Racing

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

Martin Truex Jr., TRICON Garage

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

Bubba Wallace, 23XI Racing

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

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

Riley Herbst, 23XI Racing

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

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

Josh Berry, Wood Brothers Racing Ford

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

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

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

Parker Retzlaff, Alpha Prime Racing

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

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

Hailie Deegan and AM Racing Ford “Part Ways”

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

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

Harrison Burton, AM Racing

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

Nick Sanchez, Big Machine Racing

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

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

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

Cope Family Racing

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

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

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

Ryan Ellis, DGM Racing

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

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

Sam Mayer, Sheldon Creed, Haas Factory Team

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

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

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

Corey Day, Hendrick Motorsports

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

Mark Setzer, Jeremy Clements Racing

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

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

Brandon Jones, Joe Gibbs Racing

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

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

Taylor Gray, Joe Gibbs Racing

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

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

William Sawalich, Joe Gibbs Racing

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

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

Justin Bonsignore, Joe Gibbs Racing

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

Greg Van Alst, Joey Gase Motorsports with Scott Osteen

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

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

Austin Green, Jordan Anderson Racing

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

Connor Zilisch, JR Motorsports

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

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

JR Motorsports Drivers/Crew Chiefs

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

Daniel Dye, Kaulig Racing

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

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

Christian Eckes, Kaulig Racing

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

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

Kaulig Racing, Crew Chief Lineup

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

Tyler Tomassi, No. 66, MBM Motorsports

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

Kris Wright, Our Motorsports

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

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

Dean Thompson, Sam Hunt Racing

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

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

Garrett Smithley, SS-Greenlight Racing

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

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

SS-Greenlight Racing, No. 07

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

Matt DiBenedetto, Viking Motorsports

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

Anthony Alfredo, Young’s Motorsports

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

Chandler Smith, Front Row Motorsports

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

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

Daniel Hemric, McAnally-Hilgemann Racing

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

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

Tyler Ankrum, McAnally-Hilgemann

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

“I’m really glad to be staying at MHR with Mark and the entire LIUNA team,” Ankrum said in a released statement. “This last year was probably the best of my career with the consistency we showed throughout the season. Making the playoffs was a huge goal for us and we were in the mix all the way to Martinsville, so we want to take another step and make it to Phoenix in 2025. We all want to get back to victory lane, and I think keeping this group together and continuing to develop as a team will help us get there.”

Connor Mosack, McAnally-Hilgemann Racing

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

“I’m ecstatic to start 2025 with everybody at MHR and want to continue this team’s success in the playoffs,” Mosack said. “All four MHR teams had great performances this past year, so this is a big opportunity to race with a winning organization. It’s great to continue being part of Team Chevy and appreciate NAPA Nightvison and everyone at MHR for making this a reality. I’m looking forward to working with Blake and we want to become one of the weekly contenders, compete for wins, and lock ourselves in the playoffs.”

Jack Wood, McAnally-Hilgemann Racing

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

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

Kaden Honeycutt, Niece Motorsports

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

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

Christian Rose, Niece Motorsports

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

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

Dawson Sutton, Rackley W.A.R.

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

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

Frankie Muniz, Reaume Brothers Racing

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

Cody Dennison, Reaume Brothers Racing 

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

Tyler Tomassi, Reaume Brothers Racing

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

Rajah Caruth, Spire Motorsports

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

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

Corey Heim, Tricon Garage

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

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

Tanner Gray, Tricon Garage

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

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

Toni Breidinger, Tricon Garage

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

“Racing full-time with TRICON is a dream for me. It’s been a 15-year process to get here but I’m so excited for this moment and ready to capitalize on it,” Breidinger said. “I wouldn’t have this opportunity if it wasn’t for Toyota, Raising Cane’s, CELSIUS, and Sunoco. I’m beyond grateful to have these partners and team in my corner to take this next step in my career.”

Gio Ruggiero, Tricon Garage

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

“I am super thankful to have the opportunity to run full-time with TRICON in 2025,” said Ruggiero. “I look forward to getting to work with all of the guys on the 17 team and contending for wins this season.”

Tricon Garage, No. 1 “All-Star” Entry

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

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

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

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

TRICON Garage, Crew Chief Lineup

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

Young’s Motorsports, Nathan Byrd

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

Young’s Motorsports, Stefan Parsons

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

Alex Bowman’s Reflection on Cup career ahead of Retirement after 2027

Photo by Logan Allen for SpeedwayMedia.com.

On July 23, 2026, Alex Bowman was revealed to have signed a one-year contract extension to remain as the driver of the No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports (HMS) Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 entry for the 2027 NASCAR Cup Series season. It was also revealed that he would then retire from full-time racing following next season’s conclusion.

A day later at Indianapolis Motor Speedway (July 25), Bowman and Jeff Andrews, President and General Manager of Hendrick Motorsports, took center stage of the DEX Imaging Media Center to both confirm the news and answer questions from the media. During Bowman’s press conference, it was also a time when the Tucson, Arizona, native took a moment to reflect on his roller coaster journey to campaign in most of his full-time Cup Series competition for Hendrick Motorsports, an organization with the most victories (322) and championships (15) all time to date.

It was a little over a decade ago (July 14, 2016) when Bowman took center stage in the Cup Series field when he was named an interim competitor for Dale Earnhardt Jr. at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. By then, Bowman, who had competed the previous two seasons with BK Racing and Tommy Baldwin Racing (2014-15), had lost his ride with the latter organization and was competing in select O’Reilly Auto Parts Series events with JR Motorsports. During this time, he mentioned that he was selling seats to manage through everyday life, including paying rent.

Nevertheless, an opportunity presented itself for Bowman when Earnhardt Jr. was battling concussion-like symptoms that cut his 2016 season short after 18 of 36 races. As an interim competitor for Hendrick Motorsports in 10 of the final 18 events in 2016, Bowman recorded an average-finishing result of 19.7, posted an average-qualifying result of 12.3 and notched a trio of top-10 results. His biggest moment came when he achieved his first career pole at Phoenix Raceway in November and led a race-high 194 laps until a late-race restart incident involving Matt Kenseth relegated him to sixth place in the final standings.

After Bowman filled in for Earnhardt Jr. at the Clash at Daytona International Speedway and notched a strong third-place result in February 2017, a big moment for Bowman occurred five months later (July 20, 2017) when he was named to drive for Hendrick Motorsports on a full-time basis for the 2018 Cup Series season. The announcement occurred three months after Earnhardt Jr. announced his retirement from full-time racing after the 2017 season.

Over the two years leading up to his first full-time Cup Series campaign as a Hendrick Motorsports driver in 2018, Bowman described his career with the organization as a journey filled with ups and downs both on and off the track. Amid the journey, he reflected on the memories, achievements, teamwork, friendships and support he garnered.

“[Driving for Hendrick Motorsports] hasn’t gone exactly how I would have hopes, I guess, in some ways,” Bowman said. “At the same time, I’ve learned so much. I’ve grown so much as a person. I’ve got to be teammates with some incredible people; learn from some awesome people and be a part of an amazing organization. It’s been a lot of fun. Even though the stat sheet might not read what I want it to read, it’s still been great in a lot of ways.”

Prior to Hendrick Motorsports, Bowman finished as high as 13th on the track, recorded only four top-20 results, led only three laps and was mired outside of the top-30 mark in the standings. Since driving for Hendrick, including his interim roles in 2016, the Arizona native notched eight victories, seven poles (three of which occurred for the Daytona 500 in 2018, 2021 & 2023), 49 top-five results, 116 top-10 results, 1,530 laps led and campaigned as a Playoff competitor seven times. Within his current 307 starts with Hendrick, Bowman piloted the Nos. 88 and 48 entries that were previously driven by icons Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Jimmie Johnson.

Throughout his campaign, Bowman was sidelined for multiple races on multiple occasions due to health issues. In 2022, he was absent for five of the final six races due to battling concussion-like symptoms from an accident at Texas Motor Speedway. The following season, he missed three events due to recovering from a broken vertebra following a sprint car accident at West Burlington, Iowa. This season, he missed four events due to vertigo.

Through each of his injuries and absences, Bowman managed to recover and return to Cup Series competition, including this season. Bowman denied that the injuries he sustained throughout his racing career led to his decision to retire. Even when the decision to retire became official, he noted that it was one he wanted to make to conclude his racing career on his own terms and therefore campaign for a final season with Hendrick Motorsports in 2027.

“I think for me – health-wise, mental health-wise, kind of everything – this is what I needed to do that was best for me and things I want to do outside of the car,” Bowman said. “I think also, if it was my choice, I wouldn’t have made a retirement announcement. I would have just raced until the end of next year and disappeared, but that’s not how this sport works.”

“I think I really want to end on a more positive note than kind of how this year has been, so that gave me a little more motivation to come back and go one more year (2027),” Bowman added. “I think it is better for me, personally. It’s better for Hendrick Motorsports.”

Currently, Bowman is ranked in 29th place in the 2026 driver standings with 292 points, and he is 203 points below the top-16 cutline to be in Chase contention with four races remaining until the regular-season stretch concludes. His latest victory dates back to the Chicago Street Course event in July 2024 as he looks ahead ot cap off the remainder of the 2026 season and his final full 2027 season on a strong, positive note.

“To end up at Hendrick Motorsports for a decade, it’s been incredible,” Bowman said. “It’s been a lot of fun, and it means a lot to have the support of everybody at HMS.”

Prior to his final full-time campaign in 2027, Alex Bowman’s 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season resumes this Sunday, July 26, at Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the Brickyard 400. The event’s broadcast time is slated to commence at 2 p.m. ET on TNT Sports, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Radio Network, SiriusXM, and HBO MAX.

Layne Riggs wins third consecutive Truck pole of 2026 at Lucas Oil IRP

Photo by Adam Lovelace for SpeedwayMedia.com.

Layne Riggs nabbed his third consecutive NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series pole position of the 2026 season for the TSport 200 at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park (IRP) on Friday, July 24.

The event’s starting lineup was determined through an on-track qualifying session that consisted of a single-truck, two-lap qualifying format. During the session, each of the 38 competitors vying for 36 starting spots cycled around Lucas Oil IRP twice to post the fastest lap amongst one another. The competitor who posted the fastest lap was awarded the pole position.

During the session, Riggs, who was the second-fastest in practice on Friday and was the next-to-last competitor to qualify, utilized his two-lap session to post his fastest lap at 108.292 mph in 22.805 seconds. The lap was enough for Riggs and his No. 34 Front Row Motorsports Ford F-150 team to snatch and retain the top-starting spot for Friday night’s event at Lucas Oil IRP in Brownsburg, Indiana.

With the result, Riggs became the first competitor to notch three consecutive Truck Series poles since John Hunter Nemechek made the previous achievement in 2022. The Bahama, North Carolina, native also accumulated his seventh career pole for his 70th start and his third on a short track venue. Riggs, who won last year’s Truck event at Lucas Oil IRP and finished in the runner-up spot during last Saturday’s Truck event at North Wilkesboro Speedway, is currently leading the regular-season standings by 59 points as he strives to both defend his victory at IRP and further cement his lead in the standings prior to the Chase’s start in mid-September.

Riggs will share the front row with teammate Chandler Smith, the latter of whom is coming off last Saturday’s victory at North Wilkesboro Speedway. Smith, who is ranked in third place in the standings, posted his fastest lap at 108.055 mph in 22.855 seconds.

Nick Sanchez, Christian Eckes and Stewart Friesen qualified in the top five, respectively. Kaden Honeycutt, Connor Mosack, Grant Enfinger, Ty Majeski and Andres Perez De Lara completed the top-10 starting grid, respectively.

With 38 competitors vying for 36 starting spots, Justin Carroll and Jonathan Shafer were the two competitors who did not qualify for the main event.

Lucas Oil IRP – Qualifying Position, Best Speed, Best Time:

  1. Layne Riggs, 108.292 mph, 22.805 seconds
  2. Chandler Smith, 108.055 mph, 22.855 seconds
  3. Nick Sanchez, 108.055 mph, 22.855 seconds
  4. Christian Eckes, 107.885 mph, 22.891 seconds
  5. Stewart Friesen, 107.519 mph, 22.969 seconds
  6. Kaden Honeycutt, 107.374 mph, 23.000 seconds
  7. Connor Mosack, 107.360 mph, 23.003 seconds
  8. Grant Enfinger, 107.248 mph, 23.027 seconds
  9. Ty Majeski, 107.122 mph, 23.054 seconds
  10. Andres Perez De Lara, 107.081 mph, 23.063 seconds
  11. Michael Christopher Jr., 107.062 mph, 23.067 seconds
  12. Brenden Queen, 106.914 mph, 23.099 seconds
  13. Tyler Ankrum. 106.909 mph, 23.100 seconds
  14. Parker Eatmon, 106.858 mph, 23.111 seconds
  15. Jake Garcia, 106.697 mph, 23.146 seconds
  16. Giovanni Ruggiero, 106.526 mph, 23.183 seconds
  17. Tanner Gray, 106.490 mph, 23.191 seconds
  18. Daniel Hemric, 106.398 mph, 23.211 seconds
  19. Gavan Boschele, 106.343 mph, 23.223 seconds
  20. Landen Lewis, 106.343 mph, 23.223 seconds
  21. Dawson Sutton, 106.288 mph, 23.235 seconds
  22. Ben Rhodes, 106.242 mph, 23.245 seconds
  23. Harrison Burton, 106.165 mph, 23.262 seconds
  24. Justin Haley, 105.964 mph, 23.306 seconds
  25. Cole Butcher, 105.919 mph, 23.316 seconds
  26. Timmy Hill, 105.823 mph, 23.337 seconds
  27. Kris Wright, 105.787 mph, 23.345 seconds
  28. Mini Tyrrell, 105.543 mph, 23.399 seconds
  29. Conor Daly, 104.804 mph, 23.564 seconds
  30. Corey LaJoie, 104.578 mph, 23.615 seconds
  31. Jackson Macenko, 104.392 mph, 23.657 seconds
  32. Toni Breidinger, 104.141 mph, 23.714 seconds
  33. Cassten Everidge, 103.843 mph, 23.782 seconds
  34. Monty Tipton, 103.136 mph, 23.945 seconds
  35. Frankie Muniz, 103.050 mph, 23.965 seconds
  36. Spencer Boyd, 102.900 mph, 24.000 seconds

The 2026 TSport 200 at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park is scheduled to occur on Friday, July 24, at 8 p.m. ET on FS1, NASCAR Racing Network and SiriusXM.

Bell, Toyota Power to Front in Brickyard 400 Practice

Chastain Paces Pennzoil 250 Practice Heading Into Qualifying, Race Saturday

INDIANAPOLIS (Friday, July 24, 2026) – Christopher Bell led practice Friday for the Brickyard 400 presented by PPG, turning a top lap of 183.512 mph in the No. 20 Rheem Toyota of Joe Gibbs Racing at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Bell, who spent Thursday evening as a TV analyst for the USAC Sprint Car race at The Dirt Track at IMS, led a pack of five Toyota drivers – all from Joe Gibbs Racing and Legacy Motor Club – at the top of the speed charts after the 50-minute session on the historic 2.5-mile oval.

John Hunter Nemechek was second at 183.180 in the No. 42 Pye-Barker Fire & Safety Toyota of Legacy Motor Club, owned by four-time Brickyard 400 winner Jimmie Johnson. Ty Gibbs posted the third-fastest speed, 183.102, in the No. 54 SAIA Freight + Logistics Toyota of Joe Gibbs Racing.

Erik Jones was fourth at 182.830 in the No. 43 Dollar Tree Toyota of LEGACY MOTOR CLUB, with Cup Series points leader Denny Hamlin fifth at 182.697 in the No. 11 National Debt Relief Toyota of Joe Gibbs Racing.

“We just have to put the race together,” Jones said. “We had a car last year that could have contended, and it didn’t work out. So, hopefully this year we can kind of make up for the Dollar Tree race we had last year and finish it off.”

Up next for the NASCAR Cup Series is qualifying at 1:30 p.m. ET Saturday. The Brickyard 400 presented by PPG starts at 2 p.m. Sunday.

There’s more at stake in the 160-lap race Sunday than victory in one of NASCAR’s crown jewel races. The final round of the NASCAR In-Season Challenge will take place during the race, with Ryan Blaney of Team Penske and Todd Gilliland of Front Row Motorsports competing head-to-head for a $1 million prize. Whichever driver has a higher finishing position will claim the big bonus.

2023 Cup Series champion Blaney was ninth at 182.526 in the No. 12 Menards/Delta Ford. Gilliland was 28th at 180.712 in the No. 34 Grillo’s Pickles Ford.

Two drivers scraped the SAFER Barrier during practice, including defending Brickyard 400 winner Bubba Wallace in Turn 1. He drove his No. 23 Chumba Casino Toyota of 23XI Racing to the garage for repairs and returned later in the session, posting the 20th-fastest lap of 181.382.

Shane Van Gisbergen also brushed the wall in Turn 4 in his No. 97 Wendy’s Chevrolet of Trackhouse Racing.

Austin Cindric of Team Penske also spent time in Gasoline Alley with an electrical problem in the No. 2 Discount Tire Ford. He returned to the track but was forced back to the garage with an apparent recurrence of the problem late in the session.

Ryan Preece of RFK Racing also made an early trip to the garage after the left rear tire went flat on his No. 60 Thornton’s Ford.

JR Motorsports, Chevy Rule O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Practice

NASCAR Cup Series star Ross Chastain led a Chevrolet- and JR Motorsports-dominated practice for the Pennzoil 250 presented by Take 5 Oil Change, turning a top lap of 168.171 mph in the No. 9 Roto-Rooter Chevrolet fielded by the team co-owned by NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Chevy-powered drivers took the top six spots and eight of the top nine on the speed chart in the 50-minute session, with drivers from JR Motorsports powering to the top three spots and four of the top five. JR Motorsports won this NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race last year at IMS with Connor Zilisch behind the wheel.

2018 Pennzoil 250 winner Justin Allgaier was second at 167.845 in the No. 7 BRANDT Professional Agriculture Chevrolet of JR Motorsports, followed by Carson Kvapil at 167.626 in the No. 1 Wilde Protein Crackers Chevrolet of JR Motorsports.

Sam Mayer was fourth at 167.106 in the No. 7 Audibel Chevrolet of Haas Factory Team, with NASCAR Cup Series champion Chase Elliott rounding out the top five at 166.503 in the No. 88 HENDRICKCARS.COM Chevrolet fielded by JR Motorsports.

Rookie Brent Crews was the fastest non-Chevy driver, seventh at 166.328 in the No. 19 YoungLife Toyota of Joe Gibbs Racing. But that strong run came with a small setback, as Crews brushed the SAFER Barrier at the exit of Turn 1 early in the practice.

“I just got a little free there,” Crews said. “Our car is really good, and I’m excited for the race.”

Up next is qualifying at noon ET Saturday, followed by the 100-lap race at 4 p.m.

Visit IMS.com to buy Brickyard Weekend tickets or for more information.

JIMMIE JOHNSON MAKES HISTORY AS FIRST MOTORSPORTS COMPETITOR TO RECEIVE HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME STAR

LOS ANGELES (July 24, 2026) — Jimmie Johnson, the seven-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion, first-ballot NASCAR Hall of Famer, entrepreneur, and co-owner of LEGACY MOTOR CLUB, became the first motorsports competitor to be honored with a star for sports entertainment on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

From his on-track achievements to his philanthropy and the example Jimmie Johnson has set for generations of fans, a Hollywood Star creates a permanent place for Johnson’s legacy among the most influential figures in sport, entertainment and American culture. It is a true testament to how far Johnson’s influence has traveled beyond the racetrack—and will now be cemented in Hollywood history.

For more than two decades, Johnson has stood among the defining athletes of his generation. His resume includes seven NASCAR Cup Series championships, 83 Cup Series victories, a record-setting five consecutive championships, and the distinction of being the only motorsports athlete ever named The Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year. Together, those achievements firmly established him among the greatest competitors in the history of sport. Yet beyond the statistics, Johnson has become known for the humility, curiosity, and character that have defined every chapter of his journey.

“To receive this honor is incredibly humbling,” said Johnson. “As a kid growing up in Southern California, Hollywood always represented a place where dreams became reality. I never imagined my path would lead through racing, much less to something like this. I’m grateful to everyone who has been part of this journey—my family, teammates, partners, competitors, fans, and friends. This recognition reflects all of us.”

Throughout his career, Johnson has consistently embraced new challenges beyond the driver’s seat: from endurance racing and team ownership to broadcasting, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy. His willingness to evolve has made him one of the rare athletes whose influence extends well beyond the sport in which he built his name.

“Jimmie Johnson’s remarkable career has been defined by speed, determination, and excellence at the highest level of motorsports,” said Ana Martinez, Producer Hollywood Walk of Fame. “As both a champion racecar driver and as an expert broadcaster in this field, his incredible achievements have inspired racing fans around the world, and we are proud to honor his enduring legacy with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Jimmie’s star is a fitting tribute to a true champion whose impact extends far beyond the finish line.”

As Johnson prepares for the final NASCAR Cup Series start of his legendary career at the 2027 DAYTONA 500, he continues to shape the future of the sport as co-owner of LEGACY MOTOR CLUB while pursuing new opportunities across media, business, and philanthropy.

ABOUT JIMMIE JOHNSON:
Jimmie Johnson is a seven-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion, first-ballot NASCAR Hall of Famer, entrepreneur, philanthropist, broadcaster, and co-owner of LEGACY MOTOR CLUB. Widely regarded as one of the greatest competitors in the history of motorsports, Johnson’s career includes 83 NASCAR Cup Series victories, a record-tying seven championships, five consecutive NASCAR Cup Series titles, and the distinction of being the only race car driver ever named The Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year. Beyond racing, Johnson has become known for his leadership, business ventures, charitable work, and relentless pursuit of growth; guided by the belief that life’s greatest achievements are not destinations, but the starting points for what comes next.

LEGACY MOTOR CLUB (LEGACY MC) is a premier auto racing organization owned by seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and 2024 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee, Jimmie Johnson and Knighthead Capital Management, LLC. Drawing from a rich tradition of success, LEGACY MC is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of motorsport and setting new standards of excellence. The CLUB competes under the Toyota Racing banner in the NASCAR Cup Series with the No. 43 Toyota Camry XSE piloted by Erik Jones and the No. 42 Toyota Camry XSE driven by John Hunter Nemechek. Johnson also races on a limited basis in the No. 84 Toyota Camry XSE. With NASCAR legend and Hall of Famer Richard Petty, “The King”, serving as CLUB Ambassador, LEGACY MOTOR CLUB blends timeless racing traditions with a new forward-thinking vision. As an inclusive community for motorsport enthusiasts, LEGACY MC honors both its storied past and the promising future of its members, always striving for victory and championship glory at the pinnacle of NASCAR competition.

Justin Grant Wins and Secures Emotional USAC National Sprint Car Victory on The Dirt Track at Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Photo Courtesy of Ryan Sellers Photo

The USAC National Sprint Car Tour Championship kicked off its Indiana Sprint Week Thursday night, as well as Brickyard 400 weekend on the Dirt Track at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and saw a familiar foe back in victory lane. Justin Grant, who was the defending event winner, came back to capture another victory after starting on the pole position and also collected his 100th career USAC win across all three divisions.

“No, absolutely not,” Grant said when questioned by Flo Racing if he ever thought he’d get to 100 career victories. “My dream when I moved to Indiana was to let somebody let me sit in a Sprint Car and to go racing. Then, my dream was to just win a USAC race. I thought, gosh, if I could ever win a USAC National Sprint Car race. My whole life, racing everything, everything my parents put into it, it would all be worth it if I could win one USAC National Sprint Car race.

“I cannot believe that was 100 wins ago. It’s been an incredible career, not in terms of accomplishments, but an incredible career to live through and experience. I’ve been so fortunate and blessed with so many great partners, and great car owners along the way, and so many great people that helped me out. People who don’t necessarily work for me. It’s just friends who I made along the way that I could lean on when I need to and help me get into victory lane.

“If I had to write down every person that was responsible for me getting into 100 victory lanes, the list would be 500 people long, if not more. This year has been a bit of a struggle for us. We’ve been consistent running up front, but just not getting the wins like we’ve been accustomed to. It was starting to get a little rough there for a couple of months, but to get 100 career victories at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, I couldn’t write it any better. I’m speechless.”

It was the first of nine races in over a week’s span, which started on Thursday and will conclude next Saturday. There were 37 cars on the entry list, including last year’s Indiana Sprint Week champion, Kevin Thomas Jr. Last year, Thomas Jr was in the Rock Steady Racing No.3R machine. However, Thomas Jr left the team in June and joined BBI Motorsports for what would be their first Indiana Sprint Week appearance.

Furthermore, there are eight drivers who have won the prestigious Indiana Sprint Week, which were Thomas Jr, J.J. Yeley, Brady Bacon, Robert Ballou, C.J. Leary, Chase Stockon, Grant, and Logan Seavey, to name a few.

Feature Recap

For the 35-lap feature, the front row featured Grant and Ballou, with Grant on the pole position. At the drop of the green flag, Grant had the early lead as Ballou followed suit. Meanwhile, Jake Swanson inserted himself into the picture a lap later, which saw a three-car battle for the top spot.

At 31 laps to go, Swanson used the bottom line off Turn 4 to take the lead from Grant. However, the first caution of the feature came out one lap later for several cars that had stopped in Turn 1. Jadon Rodger, Cale Coons, Ricky Lewis, and Thomas Meseraull all came to a halt.

Following the caution period, the race resumed with Swanson, Grant, Ballou, Briggs Danner, and Stockon the top five. With 26 laps to go, Swanson had a brief slip-up on the bottom lane of Turn 2, which allowed Grant to take the lead again off the top side. After taking the lead again, another caution came with 23 laps to go for two cars stuck together. It was Leary and Gunnar Setser who were stopped in Turn 1.

The race resumed, and a thriller of a battle broke out between Grant and Swanson for the top spot. Though the old saying goes, “cautions breed cautions”, as another was seen with 17 to go for Hunter Schuerenberg and Trey Osborne.

It seemed as though Grant was going to run away with the race lead, but the last yellow of the night came with five to go for Mitchel Moles, who was stopped in the middle of Turns 3 and 4.

For the final restart of the night with six laps to go, it was Grant, Swanson, Danner, Seavey, and Miller in the top five. However, despite a slew of yellows and some challenges throughout the race from Swanson, Grant held on to win back-to-back races at the Dirt Track at IMS for two years in a row.

Additionally, this was his fifth at-track victory, with three of them coming on the National Midget Tour, and now two National Sprint Car wins.

Heat Race Recaps

There were five heat races with 10 laps apiece, with the top three transferring.

For the first heat race, Charles Davis Jr and Coons were on the front row. Davis Jr was on the inside row with Coons on the outside. Davis Jr led Lap 1 over Coons after breaking away in a three-wide battle off Turn 2. A caution came out with four laps to go for Coons, who got sideways in the cushion in the middle of Turns 3 and 4. The heat went back green, and Davis Jr held off a late-race rally by Swanson for the heat victory.

Moving on were Davis Jr, Swanson, and Thomas Jr.

In the second heat, it was relatively clean and green with no yellows. However, a last-lap pass for the last transfer spot was pursued with Osborne and Meseraull, but it was Osborne who got the better of the position. Rogers won the heat race with Grant and Osborne the top three.

Kyle Cummins won the third heat race in a thriller of a last-lap pass using the high line off Turn 4 by 0.104 seconds. Shane Cottle and Stockon were the remainder of the transfers.

Shortly after the fourth heat went green, a caution came out with nine laps to go for race leader Moles, who got loose and hit the wall in the middle of Turns 3 and 4. Another yellow came out again for Moles with seven laps to go, who was stopped off Turn 4. Eventually, Moles pulled down to the infield with four to go as something was wrong with his car.

At the end of the 10-lap heat, it was Ballou getting the win with Gavin Miller and Setser taking the transfers.

In the fifth and final heat race, a caution followed with two laps to go for the No. 10 of Aric Gentry, who came to a stop in Turns 3 and 4. That was the only yellow for the heat, and Leary achieved the feat to take the final heat race. Seavey and Danner rounded out the top three

Official Race Results Following The USAC National Sprint Car on The Dirt Track at IMS

  1. Justin Grant
  2. Jake Swanson
  3. Logan Seavey
  4. Briggs Danner
  5. Shane Cottle
  6. Gavin Miller
  7. Robert Ballou
  8. Cale Coons
  9. Kyle Cummins
  10. Kevin Thomas Jr
  11. C.J. Leary
  12. Charles Davis Jr
  13. Gunnar Setser
  14. Mitchel Moles
  15. Chase Stockon
  16. Hunter Schuerenberg
  17. Jadon Rogers
  18. Trey Osborne
  19. Ricky Lewis
  20. Thomas Meseraull

Cummins continues to lead the USAC National Sprint Car Championship Points Standings over Moles by 117 points.

Up Next – The Indiana Sprint Week continues Friday night at Lincoln Park Speedway in Putnamville, Indiana, live on Flo Racing.

CHEVROLET NCS AT INDIANAPOLIS: Kyle Larson Media Availability Quotes

NASCAR CUP SERIES
INDIANAPOLIS MOTOR SPEEDWAY
TEAM CHEVY DRIVER QUOTES
JULY 24, 2026

The 2024 Brickyard 400 winner, Kyle Larson, met with the media in advance of the NASCAR Cup Series race weekend at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Media Availability Quotes:

What was it like winning the Brickyard 400 two years ago, given that was the year you ran the double with the Coca-Cola 600 and Indianapolis 500? Did it feel like a redemption for what happened in May that you won in July?

“Yeah, I remember it feeling — I don’t know if redemption is the right word, but it was just extra satisfying to have won given how the month of May went. Just the way the race played out, it just felt like there was another power that wanted me to win. Just the way that the strategy worked out, people running out of fuel and inheriting the front row, it was just stuff that you can’t really script, or if you do, it’s going to sound fake. Yeah, it just seemed meant to be.”

The Hollywood Reporter had a story about how Paramount is going ahead with the Days of Thunder 2. I know Hendrick Motorsports was very much involved in the production of the first film. Do you know if Rick (Hendrick) has had any conversations about Days of Thunder and being involved? Just speaking in terms of Days of Thunder, in general, how excited are you to finally see a sequel?

“Yeah, I have no clue on what conversations have been had about anything, but if there is a sequel, that’s really exciting. I think all of us in here can say that Days of Thunder is one of the best, if not the greatest, racing movie out there, so to have another one will be pretty awesome. Hopefully they can make a great story out of it and captivate how our sport is today compared to how it was back then.”

What are your thoughts on Alex Bowman announcing his retirement?

“Yeah, he’s been an amazing teammate, probably the best teammate you could ask for. I’ve really enjoyed my time with him. He’s made us all better. I really enjoyed having him around the debriefs and all that because he brings a dry sense of humor that we all enjoy. He can drive the heck out of racecars, so he brings a lot to the race team.

I’m happy that he’s able to do it on his own terms. I think he’s had his injuries and stuff throughout his career that easily he could have just quit probably on the spot, but to now get to have a runway out is good. I’m happy for him. He’s got a lot going on in his life with building a family, a home and all the things. So, yeah, it’s good for him.”

What are some of the biggest challenges here at Indy?

“I feel like Indy is a difficult place to pass, so with that, your team is just even more important than I feel like it would be at any other track. You know, everybody has to be on the top of their game to have a shot to win. You have to have a fast car, which is all the things you need every weekend, but you have to have a fast car, good starts and restarts, pit stops, strategy. All of it has to come together here to have a good shot at winning.

So, yeah, with that, it’s not the most fun track to drive on, but to me, it’s a really fun race because it does take everybody. I always enjoy this one. It’s a crown jewel, as well, so it just means a lot. When you win here, it just means more for the whole team, I think.”

I know the last three weeks haven’t been good results-wise, but you look before that, you had four straight top-fives. What do you feel like the state of the No. 5 team is right now and the resilience of this group with Cliff Daniels in the middle?

“Yeah, I wish we could have kept that streak going. I messed up at Chicago. At Atlanta, we got caught up in a wreck off of turn four, and then went to the back and wrecked myself on the way back through. And then last week (at North Wilkesboro) was just kind of, not bad luck, but just a messy situation on pit road that got us behind and you had to fight from wherever we were. I feel like we had, again, fifth- to seventh-place speed, but just didn’t get to really show it. So, yeah, I mean, I think that’s kind of where we’re at right now. I think we’re a fourth- to seventh-place car and just need to do our best to finish there. And if you continue to run in that window, you’ll hopefully have the opportunity for wins to pop up. But yeah, we’re always working hard to get better. We’re working harder than ever to get better, so hopefully it’ll come together.”

With Alex’s departure, obviously, there will be an opening for the No. 48 car. What are some of the mental demands that come with driving for Hendrick Motorsports because, obviously, the standard is so high. What are some of the things that maybe you didn’t know before you got into Hendrick Motorsports that you’ve learned since your time?

“I don’t know. I don’t ever feel like there’s pressure or expectation, really. I mean, it’s just kind of—like when I came in in 2021, they were fresh off of the championship. So, I don’t know, that just gave me confidence that our cars were going to be fast. I didn’t really feel any pressure from it or feel like I needed to go out there and have the season that we had.

I just enjoy being at a place where there are hundreds of people that are the best in the sport. And like even right now, you know, we’re not where we want to be, but that’s been fun because you get to see everybody’s hard work and dedication really shine. So, I think for whoever comes in, it’s going to be just an added boost of confidence, I would imagine, because you do know you have the resources that you need to go compete for wins and championships.

So, yeah, in my opinion, I’ve only gotten to race at two NASCAR teams, but it’s hard to beat Hendrick Motorsports in the level that they perform at.”

With your team being as close as you have been to getting back to victory lane, if you do get a win here pretty soon, do you feel like you’ll reel off some more?

“Yeah, I feel like we’ve been inching closer and closer all year. I mean, a lot of times, I just feel like our sport is so close that you can feel so far from winning and so far from being good, when in reality, I think you’re much closer than you feel like. So, yeah, you never know. I mean, maybe your car gets a little bit better, you get a win and you go on a string. But, yeah, right now, like I said, we’re kind of like that fourth- to seventh-place on speed, so we still have room to improve, but hopefully we’re not too far away from that.”

Did you see Scott Dixon’s comments about the length of Cup Races, and if so, what were your thoughts about that?

“Well, I’ll start off by saying yes, I agree that a lot of our Cup races are too long. I just think the way that the world has kind of gone and how people consume sports, I definitely think our races are too long. I think three hours is too long. But as far as a nap, I don’t know, it doesn’t really bother me. But I agree with what he was saying.”

Iowa (Speedway) is up next and Hendrick Motorsports is looking for back-to-back wins there. With the strength of the team there, what’s your comfort level going there?

“Yeah, I haven’t really put too much thought into Iowa yet. We were extremely strong there the first year we went, and I messed up and crashed. I couldn’t even tell you how we ran there last year. I don’t have any idea how we did. But yeah, it’s a fun track. There’s a lot of dirt racing fans there, so I’ve enjoyed the event. Hopefully we can hit our car balance and have a good weekend.”

About General Motors

General Motors (NYSE:GM) is driving the future of transportation, leveraging advanced technology to build safer, smarter, and lower emission cars, trucks, and SUVs. GM’s Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC brands offer a broad portfolio of innovative gasoline-powered vehicles and the industry’s widest range of EVs, as we move to an all-electric future.

GM Motorsports, including the Cadillac Formula 1® Team develops and proves advanced technologies in the most demanding environments, accelerating innovation in performance, safety, efficiency, and electrification for its production vehicles. Cadillac Racing is one of the leading manufacturers in the IMSA and FIA World Endurance Championships (WEC). Chevrolet competes in single seaters in the US IndyCar series, and in NASCAR with multiple team partners and drivers. Corvette customer teams compete in GT series across the globe including IMSA and WEC. Learn more at GM.com.

TOYOTA RACING – NCS Indianapolis Quotes – Denny Hamlin – 07.24.26

TOYOTA RACING – Denny Hamlin
NASCAR Cup Series Quotes

SPEEDWAY, Ind. (July 24, 2026) – Joe Gibbs Racing driver Denny Hamlin was made available to the media on Friday prior to the NASCAR Cup Series race from Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

DENNY HAMLIN, No. 11 National Debt Relief Toyota Camry XSE, Joe Gibbs Racing

Is there any change in your thought when it comes to potential retirement at the end of next year?

“No, I’ve just been so focused on the week to week that, I haven’t really thought too much about the feature. Obviously, JGR’s (Joe Gibbs Racing) got good plans set in place and whatnot for that. So, no, not really, haven’t put any more thought into or second thoughts or anything like that. So, it just really riding the wave of week to week right now and continue trying to get more wins.”

Why do you think this makes place demands excellence?

“It’d be interesting to see, like, what other racetracks have similar stats like that. Ultimately, you have to have kind of everything, you have to have the downforce for the corner, so you have to have straightaway speed, so you need your engines, good for the straightaways. You have a great team to call a great race for strategy. You’re going to need to qualify somewhat pretty well. So I think just all aspects of your team have to be buttoned up when you come here. There are not really any weaknesses and there’s probably four to five key components to a race team and their ability to win, and you had to have all five. You can’t be missing one. You come out on the last pit stop, last fuel stop, fifth or sixth. I mean, you’re cooked. You’re done at that point. So you just kind of know where you stand and everything kind of plays out through the race and, yeah, the best always seem to get to the front.”

Toyota has pretty much dominated the intermediates. Is there any reason to think they won’t this weekend?

“don’t know, this is just so different from an intermediate standpoint. Now it’s got high corner speeds, which you would consider intermediate. But you also don’t know like what decisions teams make on the trim levels of their car, very similar to Pocono, things could, someone could just say, hey, you know what, I’m trimming out. I want to qualify up front. That’s how we’re going to keep our track position. So, I’m optimistic that, yeah, our speed should carry, but it’s not a given.”

Have you guys started trying to figure out how to strategize the new practice with you having 50 minutes before qualifying?

“I think it depends on the racetrack as to whether you make qualifying runs or where you make two race runs, how many miles do you want to put on the engine. I don’t foresee, like, it just kind of depends on the track, but I don’t think you’re going to see people jumping at the drop of the green flag to get on the racetrack for a full 50 minutes. I think for everyone, it’s different. We saw last week, some teams ran two sets of tires. Some did not. I just ran one. It just depends on every team’s agenda and everyone will be different.”

How do you feel like your legacy is right now and how you’ll build on that? Also, are you surprised Carson Hocevar also are being the same list?

“No, I’m not surprised. I think, certainly he’s gotten a lot of attention in the sport here in the last few months, and so certainly riding that high. If you look at kind of his engagement rates, it is very, very high, so I’m not really surprised by that necessarily. We started the race team to continue the legacy beyond driving. I knew that my racing career, the driving days were only going to be a certain time. So, how can I be part of the sport after my last year? That was my best avenue to doing it. So, it’s great that we’ve been able to make the changes that we’ve had and built this race team into championship contenders, and it’s exceeded really all the expectations that I’ve had for it in such a short amount of time. It’s certainly an honor to be amongst a lot of sport greats.”

Has that changed your view on how far back you can be?

“You just kind of have to win, like, a lot of races in a row. But if you are 16th, I don’t know that you’ve got the ability to go through win three in a row. Let’s all be honest about that. So, I don’t know, I think there’s a few that can, but I just don’t see anyone from the very back doing that.”

What would the desperation level be like, for you or other guys up front, late this race on Sunday with people have never won it and see the opportunity to go do that?

“Well, I would think, for me, it would probably be more desperate. I’ve got a couple shots at this left, so I think more desperate. I’m certainly willing to take a few more risks here, whether it be on restarts or whatever it might be, if it’s a strategy, something to give us a shot to win, simply because this is like the Daytona 500, I really don’t see this as a race where I count points. I count, like, did you win or did you not? For me, I think that’s the most important thing. Hopefully we have we have all the pieces in place to do that, but there’s only so many risks you can take. If you’re 10 laps short on fuel, that’s a stupid risk. You’re not going to make it, right? But if you’re a couple, then are you willing to make that risk? I think that my team knows that that what I want them to do this weekend.”

Why doesn’t NASCAR, with its four majors, get the same conversation about the number of majors, that kind of thing?

“I’m not really sure. I mean, it’s up to y’all to build that story. I think that’s what you’re doing, right? Yeah, that’s fair. Yeah, he’s saying that even the drivers don’t talk about it much. It’s true. I don’t know why, because it’s certainly part of your resume. I mean, when they talk about your legacy when it’s all said and done, it’s that did win here, win at Charlotte, win at Daytona, win at Darlington, those are the ones that actually get printed. Not my Pocono wins, no one’s going care, unfortunately, about those. So, yeah, I don’t know why. It’s interesting, but it probably should be more to everyone, and I think it means a lot to the drivers. I don’t know why I could then get spoke about quite as much. It’s a good point.”

What would a potential Days of Thunder sequel mean to the sport?

“Yeah, I think that there’s nothing but positives that certainly can come out of it. Any account of awareness, you can bring to the sport, even if it’s dramatized, I think can really be a good thing. So, yeah, I’ve met with the directors and the writers, quite a bit on it, and felt like, yeah, they’re on a really fun path, and I think it’s going to be great for the screen.”

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in North America for nearly 70 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our more than 1,800 dealerships.

Toyota directly employs nearly 64,000 people in North America who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of over 50 million cars and trucks at our 14 manufacturing plants. In 2025, Toyota’s plant in North Carolina began to assemble automotive batteries for electrified vehicles.

For more information about Toyota, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.

CHEVROLET NCS AT INDIANAPOLIS: Alex Bowman and Jeff Andrews Media Availability Quotes

NASCAR CUP SERIES
INDIANAPOLIS MOTOR SPEEDWAY
TEAM CHEVY TRANSCRIPT
JULY 24, 2026

Alex Bowman, driver of the No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, and Jeff Andrews, President and General Manager of Hendrick Motorsports, addressed the media onsite at Indianapolis Motor Speedway following the recent announcement regarding Bowman’s final full-time NASCAR Cup Series campaign during the 2027 season.

Media Availability Quotes:

Alex, how difficult was it to arrive at this decision? Obviously, there’s a lot of thought that goes into something like this. Did it take you long to land on either coming back at all or deciding to step away?

Bowman: “Yeah, I mean, I think for me, it’s always been in this time frame. I would say like kind of this three-year block. Whether it was 2026, ‘27 or ‘28, that’s something we’ve talked about for a really long time and what I’ve always had circled. I think with what went on in March, I feel like in my head, I had looked at this year being it quite a bit. But yeah, just trying to make the best decision for me and obviously the best decision for Hendrick Motorsports. I think I really want to end on a more positive note than kind of how this year has been, so that gave me a little more motivation to come back and go one more year. I think it is better for me, personally. It’s better for Hendrick Motorsports.

It’s been a lot of fun. Obviously, it’s been a dream come true to get to drive for HMS and work with everybody there. We’re doing our best to end this year strong and have a really strong year next year.”

There’s kind of a theory that when a driver is ready to retire, that it’s very difficult to do all the work and handle all of everything that’s required. I’m curious, how are you going to handle these next 51 weeks or 51 races without feeling like you just want to hang it up there?

Bowman: “You just made that number sound really big… that got depressing (laughs).

No, for me, I’m doing more work right now than I ever have at any point in my entire career, between doing PT on my back every single day and all the work that that has taken to stay in the racecar. I’m training harder than I ever have. I signed up for some road bike climb challenge thing with Josh (Wise) that I’m highly regretting at this point. I’m walking like a baby deer because my legs are sore from this week (laughs).

But yeah, I think for me, coming out and saying it and being like ‘next year’s it’ makes it easier to be all in for the next 53 weeks. I mean, I’m ready to rip. I’ve always been all in. I’m not worried about not wanting to do the work. I think that has never been a problem for me and I’m excited to have 53 more chances at it.”

Why not just say, hey, I’ve signed a one-year deal with Hendrick and open the possibility that if things go great that you might continue racing?

Bowman: “I mean, because I’m just not going to continue racing. I would love to end on a really high note. Like, I mean, everything goes perfect and we go win a championship and I can walk out that way… that would be amazing, right? That’s not going to make me want to stay. I think for me – health-wise, mental health-wise, kind of everything – this is what I needed to do that was best for me and things I want to do outside of the car.

I think also, if it was my choice, I wouldn’t have made a retirement announcement. I would have just raced until the end of next year and disappeared, but that’s not how this sport works. So, it’s part of what we do to make an announcement like this. I’m excited to kind of end the questions and go to work.”

We’ve seen athletes, not only in racing but other sports as well, with injuries like this and just sustained injuries over time, they make a decision and say, alright, this is the last season because they can’t really do it any further just because of their health and all that. For you, why was it that you decided next year you’re going to retire instead of this year given some of the health problems that you’ve had in the past?

Bowman: “Yeah, I don’t think physical health is a number one contributor here in this situation for me. Obviously, I’ve had my fair share of injuries, but I can still do it. I still feel like I can do it and I think with everything that we’ve figured out through the course of this season, everybody helping me in the athletic center with PT every day, I think I’m in a good spot there and can continue doing it. I think for me, much more of it is things I want to do outside of the racecar; other goals I have in life and stuff I want to do. If it was straight up like I can’t do this any more, it probably would have been this year. But I do feel like I can continue to do it at a high level. Hopefully, we can go prove that.”

Alex, it was July 14, 2016, when you were named to fill in as an interim driver for Dale Jr. in the Cup Series when he had his concussion. Then, a year later, July 20, was when you were named a full-time HMS driver for 2018. From those moments leading up to right now, tell us what the journey’s been like and what are some top moments you’re going to remember as you look forward to finishing off leading up to 2027?

Bowman: “Yeah, I mean, it has been a journey, for sure. It hasn’t gone exactly how I would have hoped, I guess, in some ways. But at the same time, I’ve learned so much. I’ve grown so much as a person. I’ve got to be teammates with some incredible people; learn from some awesome people and be a part of an amazing organization. It’s been a lot of fun. Even though the stat sheet might not read what I want it to read, it’s still been great in a lot of ways. In 2016, before I filled in, I was broke; selling my seats to pay rent and barely getting by. To end up at Hendrick Motorsports for a decade, it’s been incredible. It’s been a lot of fun, and it means a lot to have the support of everybody at HMS.”

Alex, when you said you would just like to race and then just disappear, does that mean that you’re not possibly considering a post-racing career in broadcasting? Jeff, how long did it take you all to convince him to come back for next year? How many months did you talk to him about that?

Bowman: “I don’t know that anybody wants to listen to me on the broadcast, if I’m being honest (laughs). I don’t know that I would be any good at that. That looks really hard. The broadcasting thing, I would say some dumb stuff and probably get fired pretty quickly. I can’t believe that hasn’t happened to me in my driving career. But yeah, I don’t know. Maybe. I plan to stay at Hendrick Motorsports, probably on the performance side, and do some stuff there. There are some other cars that I want to go race and drive some really fun stuff. But yeah, I hadn’t really thought about broadcasting, and broadcasting probably hadn’t really thought about me. But I’m not saying never.”

Andrews: “I think from a time standpoint, there was never really a definitive date to which we said, ‘hey, we’re going to start talking about this now, and we need to finish and have a decision by this date’. As Alex has stated, this is a process. For us, this is really understanding and listening to what Alex wanted and how Alex wanted to go out. He’s been with us for 10-11 years now and he’s family. We want to do the right thing for him and allow him to write his story as he exits this sport. We were fully supportive of whatever those terms were, along with our great partner at Ally. They’re part of this decision, and I know they are looking forward to next year and really celebrating this with Alex as he goes into retirement.

But you mentioned it and I said it before – Alex is family. There are certainly some other opportunities within the Hendrick organization on the performance side. You know, he’s a car guy. He loves cars and he loves to go fast. Mr. Hendrick has quite a few cars, as we know, so there’s a tie there. I wouldn’t be surprised if Alex is around our campus and part of the Hendrick family for quite some time after next year.”

How do former drivers contribute to Hendrick Motorsports? I mean, Jeff Gordon is a super example of that, but what kind of role do you see in former drivers?

Andrews: “I think we feel like there’s always a mentorship role, an opportunity there, for our drivers who have experience. They have all kinds of things to offer, whether it be at or away from the racetrack. I mean, we certainly have been very fortunate to have quite a few guys that have gone through our program. You look at Jimmie (Johnson) and you mentioned Jeff (Gordon). There are always opportunities there within our company for those kind of individuals to have an impact on our younger drivers and be out there on the lookout for who’s next and what opportunities might be out there for the future of Hendrick Motorsports. Right now, we’re obviously focused on Alex and excited about our final year together with him in 2027 on the racetrack. We’re really excited that he would want to continue to be part of our family after that.”

You referenced your back and the amount of physical therapy you’re having to do on that. How much would you say that the sprint car wreck you had in 2023 has lingered over the past three years for you?

Bowman: “Yeah, honestly, I would argue that Michigan last year did as much damage. I think since then is kind of when everything’s popped back up and I have had to be constantly working through that. I mean, breaking your back isn’t good by any means. I think I was in a pretty good spot until Michigan last year. So, yeah, since then, it’s just been a lot of work to kind of try to stay on the right side of things. You know, post-Michigan and Mexico and kind of everything that went on there, I probably got it to an okay spot. And then, I kind of forgot about it; let it build up and it kind of took a minute to get it back under control this year. I have a lot of really smart people helping me kind of work through all that stuff. Some days are good, some days hurt, but that’s life.”

Jeff (Gluck) referenced that you were in a really bad midget car accident when you were 16 years old. Did that affect you in any way that maybe we didn’t see or really didn’t think about the past dozen or so years, or did that not really come into consideration?

Bowman: “No, I don’t think that really affected anything. I was pretty young. I was pretty messed up after that one, but that was a really long time ago. I think concussions definitely stack up, right? We all know that. I’ve had my fair share, unfortunately. But this really isn’t a physical thing. I think if I would have had no injuries over the last 10 years, this time frame was still going to be this time frame. This is kind of always what I wanted. This sport has given me a lot. I love this sport, obviously. I love NASCAR racing. I think the guys that race forever, that’s super cool. That just was never going to be me. I’m excited for what the rest of my life holds. I’m honestly really just ready to be a normal person, in a lot of ways. So, yeah, I think my back’s okay, and we’ll keep digging on it.”

Obviously, today is about Alex and what’s next for him. But that obviously means that there’s going to be an opening in the No. 48 car. How does Hendrick Motorsports go about finding its next driver for that team?

Andrews: “Yeah, I think we’re fortunate enough that we don’t go through this all that often at Hendrick Motorsports. And when these cycles do happen, obviously there’s a process there of looking for someone with the right fit, not only from a performance standpoint, but for our company and our culture.

And so, again, today, as you mentioned, is about Alex. And in the near future, it’ll be about Alex and his story. We’ll begin that process on what’s next for the No. 48 team in 2028 very soon.”

Jeff, for an organization like yours built on winning, it’s been 10 races since your last win. How do you guys assess things where they are right now?

Andrews: “Well, I think the standards of Hendrick Motorsports are, of course, to win races and compete for championships. Two wins at this time of the season is certainly below where we’d want to be. What I am most proud of is the effort that’s being put back into these racecars. All the men and women at Hendrick Motorsports are working so hard to get that better. I can tell you it’s not for lack of effort. We’re learning a lot every week that we go to the racetrack with the new body on this car. Our goal is to continue that inch forward, so to speak, and by the time we get to the Chase, be ready to compete for wins and compete for that championship.

There’s a lot of fight in this company and there’s a lot of passion in this company. That’s the people. The important thing for us is to make sure that we keep the morale up, we keep fighting and we keep working hard.

We admit that we’ve got some work to do, and certainly weekends like last weekend were unfortunate circumstances. But that is racing. Sometimes you’re on the wrong end of those things. We’re going to continue to work hard and keep our heads down. We believe in the direction we’re going and the results will come.”

About General Motors

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GM Motorsports, including the Cadillac Formula 1® Team develops and proves advanced technologies in the most demanding environments, accelerating innovation in performance, safety, efficiency, and electrification for its production vehicles. Cadillac Racing is one of the leading manufacturers in the IMSA and FIA World Endurance Championships (WEC). Chevrolet competes in single seaters in the US IndyCar series, and in NASCAR with multiple team partners and drivers. Corvette customer teams compete in GT series across the globe including IMSA and WEC. Learn more at GM.com.

TOYOTA RACING – NCS Indianapolis Quotes – Chase Briscoe – 07.24.26

TOYOTA RACING – Chase Briscoe
NASCAR Cup Series Quotes

SPEEDWAY, Ind. (July 24, 2026) – Joe Gibbs Racing driver Chase Briscoe was made available to the media on Friday prior to the NASCAR Cup Series race from Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

CHASE BRISCOE, No. 19 Mobil 1 Toyota Camry XSE, Joe Gibbs Racing

Can you tell us a little bit about what you have planned this weekend being back home?

“It has been a fun couple of days. I got to go back to Mitchell. We came in Wednesday night, and spent all day yesterday there. Getting to see grandparents and aunts and uncles, and just getting to spend time at home, which was really, really nice. Today, the kids are all going to the zoo. Tonight, we are going to Hinkle Fieldhouse and doing some stuff with Butler, which is really cool. I grew up a diehard Butler basketball fan – I watched every game. One of my favorite players was Ronald Nored, who is the coach now, so that is going to be really neat, but yeah. It’s been a fun time. We will do the family cookout tomorrow tonight – but just getting to spend time with family at home is always nice.”

Would you ever be interested in running the double?

“I get this question every now and then. Truthfully, I love the Indy 500. The whole month of May. I watch every practice. Obviously, tune in to qualifying and the race too. I don’t know, for whatever reason, I’ll be the first one to admit, I don’t think I’m man enough to do it. Like – I don’t want to wreck at 240. I’ve always joked – I would love to start-and-park the Indy 500. I don’t think that will ever happen, but I would love to do the pre-race, driver intros, ride around, do the pace lap, take the green flag, and then I’ll just pull her down pit road and watch the rest of the race. I don’t know. I’ve never had an itching desire to do the race once I got the to the Cup Series. Before I got to the Cup Series, I wanted to do the Indy 500, and once I got here, I got married and I had kids, and if I’m 31 and single with no kids, I would probably run the double, but having kids now, I just don’t want to risk getting hurt – and it can happen in a Cup car too. I think just adding that risk is just not something I’m willing to do right now. That is the same reason I stepped away from Sprint Car racing as a driver. I don’t want to get hurt. I’ve had a lot of buddies get hurt, or paralyzed here lately. It can happen in a Cup car, but just adding that risk is just not worth it right now.”

What would it mean to you to win the Brickyard 400?

“It would mean everything. I would put this race over the Daytona 500 or any other race. If there is one race – you could take away every other win that I’ve had in my career away – if I could just have one Brickyard 400, I would be happy and content. This is the one race I want to win more than any other. I’ve put a ton of pressure on myself to come here and try to win. Every time you don’t win that’s one less opportunity. You don’t really have a ton, when you think about the big scheme of things. You only get to run here maybe 15 times in your career, so to try to win one is pretty difficult to do. It would mean a lot. I was able to win here in 2020 in Xfinity, but it was during COVID. What makes Indy so special is all of my family and friends being here and fans, and I didn’t get to experience that with any of them. It was just completely empty. Hopefully, I can win this weekend or at least at some point in my career. It would be the highlight of my career for sure.”

What has the momentum been like for you and the team?

“Truthfully, the last four weeks – I think we finished first, second, third and like 36th – and that has kind of been our season has gone. We either finished in the top-five or we are 30th on back. Even the first four weeks of the season, I think we were 35th, 36th, 36th and 2nd. That is just how our season has been. We finish in the top-five or 10 or we are 30th on back. Hopefully, this is one of those weeks where we are in the top-five and finish. Even those races where we haven’t got the finish, we’ve been fast enough to win or run up front, we just have stuff happen. The execution piece has not been great for us. That is something we need to clean up on our group, but speed wise has been phenomenal. Hopefully, this weekend we can do it all right and have the speed and have the execution. I know our Camry should be really fast, so we will just see if we can do those little things right. I feel like at this track, it is amplified more than anywhere else. You have to execute. You can’t have a bad pit stop. Your strategy has to be on point, and if you lose track position, your day is typically pretty much over. You just can’t get drive back like you can at other tracks. Hopefully, we can do all of those things right.”

Do you think there is a legitimate shot at winning the championship if you don’t get to the top-six?

“I definitely think there is a legitimate shot, no matter where you are at. Now it makes your life way harder if you are not in the top-five. If you have a 2011 Tony Stewart run where you win five out of 10 races. You are going to be right there in the mix for it – especially with how weighted wins are now with those extra bonus points. You can make up a lot of points quick. Us at Chicago is a great example. I think we were 109 points back of fifth going into in Chicago, and we left Chicago, 40 points out of fifth. You can gain so many points if you can win a race. I think once the Chase starts. If you can win three or four races, like you can close up really, really quickly. I don’t think you are ever going to be out of it, as long as you can win races. If you can win races, and dominate stages and things, you can make big, big chunks out of the points pretty quickly. You still have to have a little bit go your way with the guy you are chasing. Like they can’t be having 45 point days when you are scoring 70 points. You have to have some bad days in there. I don’t know if you are ever out of it, but you have to win. If you can’t win races, you are not going to make up big chunks on the lead.”

If you win, would you climb the fence?
“I’m doing it all. I’m climbing the fence. I’m kissing the bricks, I’m going in the grandstands. It might take them an hour and a half just to get me to victory lane. I’ll be doing all of it. Hopefully it happens. It would be entertaining. It would be long; I’m just warning you. There might two, three chapters of victory lane. It will be fun.”

Do you have any thoughts on the new Days of Thunder?

“Yeah, I’m excited. That will be something that is huge, truthfully, for the sport in general. Just to have – a movie, whether that is PIXAR Cars type movie or Talladega Nights, like a comedy, or something as serious as Tom Cruise coming to do Days of Thunder 2, it is just a great thing to move the needle in our sport. I’m excited to see what happens with it. I think we are definitely seeing upticks in people coming to the race track and being a part of that, even if they are just Tom Cruise fans and they want to see Tom Cruise at the track. I’m very interested to see the filming process of it. I’m assuming they are going to have to have a car on the race track when we are racing. Tom Cruise does all of his own stunts, so is he going to be ripping that thing at Daytona or wherever we are at. I’m excited for that piece of it, and just excited to be a part of the process whether I am just a car on the race track or I have one-liner in it. I think it will be pretty cool to be a part of that process.”

Do you feel like people are going to be very excited to have a cameo in this?

“I think so. The guys that know. Connor Zilisch has probably never seen it. I know Christopher Bell has never seen Days of Thunder, so you all need to give him a hard time about that. 99 percent of the field is going to be dying to be in the movie one way or another. Truthfully, when I heard it may be coming, it made me think of Kyle (Busch), with the Rowdy thing, and just how much he probably would have wanted to be a part of it. That kind of made me sad, but I think a lot of the drivers in the field will be trying everything they can to be apart of it.

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Pacers’ Obi Toppin To Drive Pace Car at Brickyard 400

INDIANAPOLIS (Friday, July 24, 2026) – Indiana Pacers forward Obi Toppin will serve as honorary Pace Car driver for the Brickyard 400 presented by PPG on Sunday, July 26.

Toppin will drive the 2026 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Coupe 3LT and lead the field around the iconic 2.5-mile oval to start the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The 495-horsepower Corvette accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 2.9 seconds, offering an ideal blend of high performance and iconic design.

Toppin, the eighth overall selection in the 2020 NBA Draft and 2022 NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion, was acquired by the Pacers in 2023 and was an integral part of the teams that advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2024 and the NBA Finals in 2025. In three seasons in Indiana, he has averaged 11 points, four rebounds and two assists per game while shooting 54 percent from the field.

Prior to joining the NBA, Toppin had breakout success in his sophomore season (2019-20) of college with the University of Dayton of Dayton, Ohio. He earned Atlantic 10 Player of the Year and National College Player of the Year honors from the Associated Press, National Association of Basketball Coaches and U.S. Basketball Writers Association. He also earned the John Wooden Award, Oscar Robertson Award and Naismith Trophy, as well as unanimous All-America First Team selection.

“Basketball and motorsports – Pacers and racers – go hand in hand in Indianapolis,” INDYCAR and IMS President J. Douglas Boles said. “Obi joins us to pace the field as NASCAR’s biggest stars compete to win the In-Season Challenge and add their name to the history books with a win at the Brickyard.”

The Brickyard 400 presented by PPG is the final race in the five-race NASCAR In-Season Challenge. The winner takes home a $1 million bonus. Catch the race live on TNT Sports at 2 p.m. ET Sunday, July 26.

Visit IMS.com for ticket information for Brickyard Weekend on July 24-26.