NASCAR 2025: Ultimate Guide to Driver Moves and Team News

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January 10, 2025

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.

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.

RCR Race Preview: Darlington Raceway

By

Official Release

-

September 3, 2026

Richard Childress Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series at Darlington Raceway… In 154 NASCAR Cup Series starts at Darlington Raceway, Richard Childress Racing has earned eight wins, all by Dale Earnhardt. The driver of the No. 3 Chevrolet claimed the checkered flag in 1986 (spring), both races in 1987, 1989 (fall), another sweep in 1990 plus spring events in 1993 and 1994. Additionally, the team has earned two poles, 27 top-five and 51 top-10 finishes, has completed 92.2% of the laps contested (48,441 of 52,565 laps) and led 2,618 laps at the historic facility. Childress, a former driver in NASCAR’s premier division, contributed a pair of those top-10s himself between 1977-1978.

A Place of Firsts… On April 15, 1973, NASCAR Hall of Famer Childress scored his first Cup Series top-five finish at Darlington Raceway. Driving the No. 96 Chevrolet for Tom Garn, Childress worked his way to the fourth position when the checkered flag waved, earning him a payday of $4,035 – nearly as much money as he had earned through the first four races of the season.

Richard Childress Racing in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series at Darlington Raceway… RCR’s best finish at Darlington Raceway in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series is second, achieved on five separate occasions by four different drivers, most recently by Austin Hill in 2024 (spring). While the team is still looking to find Victory Lane for the first time, the Welcome, N.C.-based organization has earned 14 top-five finishes and 34 top-10 finishes in their pursuit of the checkered flag.

Honoring and Remembering… This year will mark the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks when thousands of Americans tragically lost their lives, including hundreds of first responders. On Wednesday, September 9 at 9 a.m. ET, in conjunction with Veterans Bridge Home, RCR will host a special edition of their monthly Veterans Coffee to honor and recognize our nation’s courageous first responders. The monthly gathering invites veterans from the community to RCR’s campus on a monthly basis for fellowship, coffee, and programing that includes guest speakers and access to organizations and resources that can help veterans and their families. Veterans Coffee events are free to attend and open to all veterans, with a special invite extended for this month’s gathering to first responders. Media are invited to join RCR for our next Veterans Coffee at the RCR Events Center in Welcome, North Carolina.

Catch Saturday’s Action… The O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race at Darlington Raceway will be televised live on Saturday, September 5 at 7:30 p.m. ET on The CW and streamed live on the ESPN App for viewers with an ESPN Unlimited subscription plan. The live radio broadcast can be heard on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90. Saturday afternoon’s practice and qualifying sessions will be shown for free on The CW App beginning at 2 p.m. ET.

Watch Us on USA Network… The Cup Series’ Cook Out Southern 500 will be televised live on Sunday, September 6 beginning at 5 p.m. ET on USA Network and will be broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90. Cup Series practice and qualifying on Saturday will be broadcast on truTV live at 4:30 p.m. ET. Ride shotgun all season long with live, in-car camera feeds and scanner audio with a paid subscription to Max as part of their NASCAR driver cam experience during the race. 

Austin Dillon and the No. 3 Boot Barn Chevrolet at Darlington Raceway… Austin Dillon has made 20 career starts in the NASCAR Cup Series at Darlington Raceway, posting a career-best second-place finish in September 2020 when he missed Victory Lane by a narrow margin, edged by Kevin Harvick. Dillon has completed 98.5% of the laps in the Cup Series at the historic venue. Dillon also had a fourth-place finish in 2017. When the Cup Series visited Darlington Raceway this past March, Dillon qualified 10th and finished 25th.

Beyond the Cup Series… Dillon has made four appearances at The Lady in Black in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, securing his best finish of fifth in 2012. The 2011 NASCAR Truck Series champion has two starts at the track in the Truck Series, earning his best finish of fifth in August 2010.

About Boot Barn… Boot Barn is the largest western and workwear retailer in the nation. Founded in 1978, Boot Barn operates 530+ stores across 49 states, in addition to several e-commerce sites. Boot Barn says that their customers feed America, build America, and protect America. With an uncompromising desire to support the local communities they serve, Boot Barn proudly offers the broadest selection of cowboy boots, work boots, western wear, workwear, western-inspired fashion pieces, and outdoor gear to support the varying lifestyles of the people who make our country so great. For more information, visit www.bootbarn.com.

Beyond The Track… Beyond the driver’s seat, Dillon serves as the general manager of the Carolina Cowboys, a professional bull riding team in the PBR Teams league. Dillon is instrumental in all aspects of the team, from rider contracts to setting the operational budget, and has utilized various aspects of his racing background to help form the identity and structure of his bull riding team. Learn more about the team on their official YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/@CarolinaCowboysPBR. Don’t miss the Carolina Cowboys 2026 “Cowboy Days” homestand September 18-20 at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina. Tickets are on sale at PBR.com and Ticketmaster.com.

Meet Dillon… Fans traveling to Darlington, South Carolina for the Southern 500 race weekend will have three opportunities to meet Dillon in person. On Saturday, September 5 at 11:30 a.m. Local Time, Dillon is scheduled to be at Boot Barn (1945 W Palmetto St Ste 408, Florence, SC 29501) for an autograph signing. On Sunday, September 6 at 12:55 p.m. Local Time, Dillon is scheduled to sign autographs at the RCR Merchandise Hauler in the Fan Zone. Fans are encouraged to stop by, meet Dillon and stock up on RCR gear before the green flag waves. Following, at 1:30 p.m. Local Time, Dillon is scheduled to make an appearance at the Boot Barn display in the Fan Zone, providing fans limited edition tote bags to store all their race weekend essentials.

AUSTIN DILLON QUOTES:

What is the most challenging part of Darlington Raceway?

“Probably just taking care of your stuff, taking care of tires, not stepping over the edge, and then you have to be on the edge to be fast, so it’s like a knife edge. You got guys that are going to run right against the fence, you got guys who are on the bottom, but there’s pace on both of those at different times of the race. You got to be comfortable switching lanes.”

What is the physical toll of racing at Darlington Raceway, and how demanding is it on you as a driver?

“The precision that it takes, you’ll find yourself at times right up against the wall. Other times you’re underneath people in Turn 4, which gets really tight. The bumps off of (Turn) 4, you really have to stay on your game because one slip can knock you out of the race and put you in a bad position. You’re dancing the whole time on the edge of the intensity levels of what it takes to be good at Darlington.”

Talk about racing at Darlington Raceway and how much emphasis you place on that race.

“Darlington is a place that you’re constantly fighting the track. The track changes with temperature, and the Southern 500 is a race where you’ve just got to work at every lap. You try and work your way to the top, and at times you can come off of it and work different lanes. It gets really tight off of Turn 4. But it’s a really cool race because it’s so long, and its grueling and everyone wants to win the Southern 500.”

You’ve won two Crown Jewel races. What would it mean to you to win this one?

“It would be really cool to win the Southern 500 with the No. 3 Boot Barn Chevrolet. We’ve won a couple of big races – the Coke 600 and Daytona 500 – and the Southern 500 is kind of the three that you would really like to get. I would love to bring home that trophy and it would be an epic game changer for us this year.”

How different is Darlington Raceway now compared to a couple of years ago when you finished second in the Southern 500?

“It’s not much different. I think the car is the biggest thing. We’ve come a long way with the Next Gen car and it takes a little something different. So hopefully we hit on that with the No. 3 Boot Barn Chevrolet and go have some fun.”

Austin Hill and the No. 33 Morgan & Morgan Chevrolet at Darlington Raceway… Austin Hill has one career NASCAR Cup Series start at Darlington Raceway, coming in April 2025 behind the wheel of RCR’s third entry. During that event, Hill showed top-25 speed but lost track position in the final stage when varying pit strategies shuffled the running order.

Lady in Black Success… While Sunday will mark Hill’s inaugural Southern 500 start, the Winston, Georgia native has found success in lower divisions at Darlington Raceway. Hill has three top-five and seven top-10 results – including a pair of runner-up finishes – in nine career NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series races. In addition, Hill has one top-five finish (third) in three NASCAR Truck Series events at the historic South Carolina racetrack.

Rearview Mirror… One week ago, Hill earned his career-best Cup Series qualifying effort of third and led a race-high 27 laps at Daytona International Speedway. The No. 33 Chevrolet showed significant pace throughout the first two stages, finishing the segments in 11th and 10th respectively.

Honoring KB… This weekend, Morgan & Morgan will honor Kyle Busch and his legacy with special tributes on their familiar black and yellow scheme. Busch’s famous bow will adorn the hood of the No. 33 Chevrolet, while The Bundle of Joy Fund (BOJF) logo will ride with Hill on the decklid. For more information on ways to support BOJF and continue the work that Samantha and Kyle Busch started, please visit bundleofjoyfund.org.

About Morgan & Morgan… As America’s largest injury law firm, with lawyers licensed in all 50 states, Morgan & Morgan has recovered more than $30 billion for over 700,000 clients. Throughout the United States, our attorneys fulfill our “For The People” commitment in over 50 practice areas, including national mass torts and class actions, labor and employment, product liability and dangerous drugs, among many others. Hundreds of law firms throughout the U.S. refer thousands of cases through our Morgan Connection platform. Our firm has taken on some of the biggest corporations across the globe, including BP, Facebook, Google, Monsanto, and Eli Lilly, and recovered billions in complex national litigation, including $1.8 billion in the Porter Ranch Gas Leak case in California. Learn more at www.forthepeople.com.

Meet Hill… On Sunday, September 6 at 1:45 p.m. Local Time, Hill is scheduled to sign autographs at the RCR Merchandise Hauler in the Fan Zone at Darlington Raceway. Stop by to meet the racer and purchase new No. 33 gear before the green flag waves.

AUSTIN HILL QUOTE:

What are your thoughts entering your first Southern 500?

“I have run a Cup race at Darlington before, but the package we are racing this weekend is completely different so I’m not sure there is much to transfer over. We have more horsepower and a smaller diffuser. It’s the package we’ve been running at tracks like Richmond, Iowa, and Nashville, so we have a base knowledge of what to expect. I think this package is going to play into my hands better though. You can still get tight in dirty air or get loose but it’s not as aggressive. It cuts it probably in half of how bad the dirty air is. If our Morgan & Morgan Chevrolet is good enough, we should be able to drive up through the field, especially with the tire fall off. Even though the package is different, Darlington is still Darlington to me. How you approach the racetrack is going to be the same as the O’Reilly (Auto Parts Series) car, so that should be a positive. I’m pretty excited about it.”

Jesse Love and the No. 2 Whelen Chevrolet at Darlington Raceway… Jesse Love has made four NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series starts at Darlington Raceway, all behind the wheel of the No. 2 Whelen Chevrolet. In 2024, the Menlo Park, California native secured a pair of top-10 finishes – an eighth-place effort in the spring event and a sixth-place result in the fall race. At the lone O’Reilly Auto Parts race in 2025 held at the track, Love both qualified and finished 11th. Earlier this year, the 21-year-old qualified 10th and ended up in 11th. Across all four of his starts at the track Too Tough to Tame, Love has completed 100% of the laps.

Let The Chase Begin… This weekend at the famed 1.366-mile oval, the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Chase will get underway, marking Love’s third career qualification to the postseason (2024-2026). Love, the series’ defending champion, will begin the postseason as the No. 4 seed, 40 points behind No. 1 Justin Allgaier.

About Whelen Engineering… Whelen Engineering is a family-owned company with a pioneering spirit and a passion to protect the lives of those who protect and serve others. The company mission is to provide industry-defining safety solutions around the world, while creating a community of problem-solvers who are inspired to push boundaries and continue our legacy of delivering ground-breaking innovation. As a global leader in the emergency warning industry, Whelen has been trusted to perform since 1952, when George Whelen III invented the first rotating aviation beacon. Whelen now encompasses two state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Connecticut and New Hampshire with over 750,000 square feet of engineering and manufacturing space and the largest design staff in the industry. Every part of every Whelen product is proudly designed and manufactured in America. We embrace quality as our foundation, and we celebrate innovative engineering in every product we produce.

Meet Love… Fans will have two opportunities to meet Love this weekend at Darlington Raceway. On Saturday, September 5 at 4:30 p.m. Local Time, Love is scheduled to stop by the RCR Merchandise Hauler in the Fan Midway. Be sure to stop by, meet Love and get outfitted in the latest RCR gear. Following, at 5:00 p.m. Local Time at the nearby Portabar, Love is scheduled to be available for a special meet and greet before the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Chase gets underway.

JESSE LOVE QUOTE:

What are your thoughts this weekend heading to Darlington Raceway for the first of nine races in The Chase?

“I’m really excited for Darlington and to start The Chase. It’s been a rough year. I am not somebody that really believes in bad luck, but I just feel like if it does exist, we’ve had a lot of it. The good part of it, is I feel like we have as much speed as anybody on any given weekend in the field so we can rely on our grit and tenacity to make a run at the championship. I know that we can. I know that I am able to, and I am capable of it, and my team is as well, but we’re definitely going to have to not have the things that have been happening to us, happen anymore. If all of that is on our side, I think that we’re ready to start this championship run, and Darlington is a decent place to do it. But more importantly the races leading up after it are even better for our team. So we need to go hold serve this weekend, put ourselves in position to win and then go from there.”

Austin Hill and the No. 21 Carolina Cowboys Chevrolet at Darlington Raceway… Austin Hill has made nine career NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series starts at Darlington Raceway, earning a top-10 result in all but two events and a pair of runner-up finishes in 2023 and 2024, respectively. Hill has also competed in three NASCAR Truck Series races at Darlington, posting a best finish of third in 2020.

Darlington Consistency… In his nine O’Reilly Auto Parts Series races at the “Lady in Black,” Hill has completed 99.6% of the laps (1,322 of 1,327) and posted a top-10 finish in 77.8% of the starts. The Winston, Georgia native has an average starting position of 11.3 and an average finishing position of 10.7.

Regular Season Rewind… In 24 O’Reilly Auto Parts Series regular season events, Hill tallied two wins, one pole, seven top-five and 11 top-10 finishes. The veteran racer has led a total of 173 laps and completed 95.3% of laps competed (3,665 of 3,846). Hill’s two wins came in spectacular fashion – his fourth season-opening victory at Daytona International Speedway and his first road-course win in the inaugural Naval Base Coronado Street Course.

Let the Chase Begin… Hill enters the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Chase as the fifth seed, 45 points behind leader Justin Allgaier. With the new format rewarding consistency across the final nine races, the 32-year-old has previously won at four of the final nine tracks – Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Talladega Superspeedway, Martinsville Speedway and Homestead-Miami Speedway. Hill has qualified for the playoff format each of his five full-time seasons in the series, dating back to his rookie campaign in 2022.

About Carolina Cowboys… The Carolina Cowboys, 2025 PBR Teams Champions, are based at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, N.C., where the team will hold its fifth Cowboy Days homestand Sept. 18-20, 2026. The Cowboys are coached by PBR co-founder Jerome Davis and assistant coach Robson Palermo, a three-time PBR Teams Series World Champion. Under the leadership of General Manager Austin Dillon, the team is owned by Richard Childress and prominent entrepreneurs and agriculturalists Jeff and Tammie Broin. For more information on Carolina Cowboys and for updates on the upcoming PBR Cowboy Days, visit https://pbr.com/teams/carolina-cowboys, Carolina Cowboys on Facebook, @carolinacowboyspbr on Instagram, or @CARCowboysPBR on X. Go behind the scenes for the Carolina Cowboys’ championship season with exclusive long form video content on the Carolina Cowboys’ YouTube channel @CarolinaCowboys.

About POET… POET’s vision is to create a world in sync with nature. What began with a single bioprocessing facility in 1987 has grown into the world’s largest biofuel producer and a global leader in sustainable bioproducts. Headquartered in Sioux Falls, S.D., POET operates 35 bioprocessing facilities and four terminals across the U.S., producing bioethanol, animal feed ingredients, corn oil, bioCO2, purified alcohol, and other bioproducts for customers around the world. POET is proud to sponsor Austin Hill and No. 21 alongside the Carolina Cowboys, connecting the strength of American agriculture to the feed ingredients that help nourish livestock. As the first official bioethanol partner of NASCAR, POET is also powering a new era of racing that delivers a 100% American-made bioethanol that creates more jobs, less pollution, and zero carbon footprint. It’s grown by farmers, produced by POET, and proven on the track.

AUSTIN HILL QUOTES:

What is the outlook heading into week one of the Chase?

“Every year, it seems like I get more relaxed heading into the Chase. Our No. 21 team has started to hit our stride here as of late, so we were able to gain track position on the standings last week. We are starting fifth, instead of seventh, and those 10 points could mean something at the end of it.”

With your move up to the Cup Series full-time in 2027 and the only driver running double-duty throughout the entire Chase this season, how do you stay focused on winning a championship in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series?

“I’m still trying to give a 100% effort to both series. Obviously with me being in the No. 33 next season, I want to continue to put a lot of effort into those races this year to set us up for success in 2027, but I also want to the leave the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series with a championship under my belt. I know I won’t be in this series again next year, so it’s not lost on me to try and win the big trophy this season. The work hasn’t slowed down on either side. I’m still working seven days a week right now to give both cars all of the prep and focus that I can.”

Where is the focus of the No. 21 team with the new Chase format?

“It fits the way that we operate more. You don’t have to go out there and win races. Now, obviously, you want to win races because of the extra bonus points, but our focus mainly comes down to getting stage points in Stages 1 and 2 and finishing as high as we can at the checkered flag. To win the championship, I think it’s going to take running consistently inside the top-five and your bad days need to be eighth to 10th. But you can only have one or two bad days. The competition is so strong, so you have to be on it each and every week. That starts with the preparation during the week and then the first laps of practice. I think you can win the championship without winning a race in the final nine, but you’ll have to be very consistent.”

Jason Kitzmiller Takes Top-10 ARCA Streak to DuQuoin State Fairgrounds

By

Official Release

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September 3, 2026

Du Quoin, Ill. — On the strength of back-to-back top-10 finishes at the Illinois State Fairgrounds and Madison (Wis.) International Speedway, veteran driver Jason Kitzmiller is armed with momentum for his return to the DuQuoin (Ill.) State Fairgrounds in Sunday night’s Audubon Park 100.

The annual Labor Day weekend tradition, which closes out the historic DuQuoin State Fair, will see the ARCA Menards Series tackle the one-mile dirt oval for its second and final dirt-track race of the year as the 2026 season enters its closing stretch.

In last Friday night’s Atlas 200, Kitzmiller built upon his recent short-track success after qualifying 11th. Throughout the 200-lap race, adjustments enhanced the maneuverability and overall balance of his No. 97 A.L.L. Construction Racing — CR7 Motorsports Chevrolet, allowing him to climb to ninth and secure his ninth top-10 finish of the season.

With six top-10 finishes in the last nine races — including his current run of two consecutive top-10s following a three-race stretch outside the top 10 — Kitzmiller returns to the southern Illinois dirt track looking to improve upon last September’s performance and carry his renewed momentum through the season finale later this month at Kansas Speedway.

“We have been able to put together two solid races in a row, and that consistency is exactly what we need as the season winds down,” said Kitzmiller.

“DuQuoin gives us another opportunity to build on that momentum and improve upon what we accomplished there last year. If we continue executing, minimizing mistakes and bringing home strong finishes, we can carry this momentum all the way through Kansas.”

Just two weeks ago, Kitzmiller made his second start at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, Ill., where West Virginia native matched his 2025 effort with another top-10 finish at DuQuoin’s sister dirt track. While the result extended his success on the dirt, finishing in the back half of the top-10 left the family-owned team wanting more.

“We were pleased to leave Springfield with another top-10 finish, but we also know there was more on the table,” added Kitzmiller. “Our expectations continue to grow, and we do not want to become satisfied with simply finishing inside the top 10. We want to contend closer to the front and give ourselves an opportunity to challenge for a top-five finish.”

Although Springfield and DuQuoin each present their own distinct challenges, the similarities between the two one-mile dirt ovals should allow Kitzmiller and the A.L.L. Construction Racing — CR7 Motorsports team to apply valuable information gathered during their most recent dirt-track outing.

From managing the changing track conditions to maintaining the balance and durability of the No. 97 Chevrolet, every lesson learned at Springfield could prove beneficial when the green flag waves Sunday night.

“There are definitely things we learned at Springfield that we can carry into DuQuoin,” added Kitzmiller. “The track will change throughout the evening, so we have to stay ahead of it, communicate well and make the right adjustments. We also need to manage the race car, keep it cool, avoid overheating and make sure we are still in contention when the race reaches its deciding stages.”

With only a handful of races remaining in the 2026 season, the fight is on for Kitzmiller to overtake Isabella Robusto for third in the ARCA Menards Series championship standings. Robusto enters DuQuoin holding a slim six-point advantage over the Petersburg, W.Va., native, placing added importance on every position earned Sunday night.

“Six points is not a lot, but every position matters at this stage of the season,” said Kitzmiller. “Our focus has to remain on executing our race and maximizing every opportunity.

“If we can continue delivering strong, consistent performances, we will give ourselves a chance to close that gap and accomplish our goal of finishing third in the championship.”

Much like he has throughout his sophomore full-time ARCA Menards Series campaign, the veteran and versatile Kitzmiller has leaned heavily on crew chief and 10-time ARCA champion Frank Kimmel for guidance while navigating the challenges of the demanding 2026 schedule.

DuQuoin will be no different.

Kimmel made 24 career starts at the southern Illinois dirt track, earning five victories, 13 top-five finishes and 18 top-10s. With more than 2,400 competitive laps around the one-mile clay oval, his extensive knowledge and experience will again be valuable as the team looks to extend its recent momentum.

“Frank’s record at DuQuoin speaks for itself,” added Kitzmiller. “He knows how the track changes, what the car needs throughout the race and how to put yourself in position to contend at the finish.

“Having someone with more than 2,400 laps of experience there guiding our team is a tremendous advantage, and I plan to lean heavily again on his knowledge throughout the weekend.”

For the 10th time this season, Kitzmiller will compete alongside his son, reigning ARCA Menards Series East champion Isaac Kitzmiller, who will make his DuQuoin State Fairgrounds debut carrying the momentum of back-to-back top-six finishes.

The teenager followed his runner-up performance at the Illinois State Fairgrounds with another impressive sixth-place effort last Friday night at Madison International Speedway.

“Isaac has done an incredible job over the last two races, and I’m extremely proud of the consistency and maturity he continues to show,” said Kitzmiller.

“DuQuoin will be another new challenge for him, but his performance at

Springfield proved how quickly he can adapt to racing on dirt. Sharing the track with him for the 10th time this season will be special, and hopefully, we can both continue our momentum with another strong night.”

Returning for a second consecutive season, Carter Machinery will serve as the primary partner aboard Kitzmiller’s No. 97 Chevrolet, promoting the Caterpillar® (Cat®) brand in Sunday night’s Audubon Park 100 at the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds.

Carter Machinery’s humble beginnings date back to 1928, serving customers throughout Virginia and southeastern West Virginia. As customer needs evolved, the company expanded its offerings by adding new products, services and locations, with significant growth following its 2020 acquisition of Alban Tractor Company.

Today, Carter Machinery’s footprint spans the Mid-Atlantic, with more than 30 locations across Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Delaware and the District of Columbia. The company sells, rents and supports the full line of Cat® equipment, engines and electric power generation systems, backed by strong parts availability, a diverse rental fleet and an expert service team committed to customer success.

Continued investment in people, infrastructure, technology and tooling has positioned Carter Machinery as one of Caterpillar’s premier dealers in North America and around the globe.

“We’re excited to welcome Carter Machinery and the Cat® brand back on board for the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds,” said Kitzmiller.

“The Midwest has a proud agricultural and industrial heritage, and it is always special to compete in a region where hardworking farmers, contractors and businesses depend on equipment they can trust every day.

“There is also a natural connection between the Cat® brand and racing on dirt. Cat® equipment is built to move dirt and perform in demanding conditions, while competing on the historic DuQuoin mile requires our team to demonstrate that same toughness, reliability and ability to adapt.

“Carter Machinery and the Cat® brand are tremendous partners of our program, and we’re proud to carry their colors on the No. 97 Chevrolet as we pursue another strong finish Sunday night.”

In addition to Carter Machinery, A.L.L. Construction Inc., Grant County Mulch, A&J Excavating, Cobra Mining, Champion Power Equipment and Volt Battery Technology will all serve as associate marketing partners for his 64th career ARCA Menards Series start.

Entering Springfield, Kitzmiller, 53, sits fourth in the ARCA Menards Series championship standings, 122 points behind championship leader Jake Bollman, but six points behind third-place runner Isabella Robusto with four races remaining.

The A.L.L. Construction Racing — CR7 Motorsports team also holds a respectable ninth place in the championship owner standings.

Since 2020, Kitzmiller has earned three top-five and 31 top-10 finishes in 62 ARCA Menards Series starts, including a career-best third-place effort at Daytona International Speedway in February 2025.

The Audubon Park 100 (100 laps | 100 miles) is the 17th of 20 races on the 2026 ARCA Menards Series schedule. Practice begins Sunday, September 6, from 4:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., while Sioux Chief PowerPEX Pole Qualifying is slated to begin shortly thereafter at 6:00 p.m. The race is scheduled to take the green flag shortly after 7:30 p.m. CT (8:30 p.m. ET). The continuation of the 74th season of ARCA competition will be televised live on FOX Sports 1 (FS1). ARCARacing.com will also stream live timing and scoring throughout the entire day’s festivities. All times are local (CT).

JBS EQUIPMENT NHRA PRO MOD SERIES RESUMES CHAMPIONSHIP CHASE AT THE BIG GO IN INDY

By

Official Release

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September 3, 2026

INDIANAPOLIS (Sept. 3, 2026) – After its summer break, the JBS Equipment NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Elite Motorsports jumps right back into its Road to the Championship playoffs in a major way, racing on the sport’s biggest stage as part of this weekend’s Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park.

This weekend’s event at The Big Go is the eighth of 11 races in the category and it is powered by CFH Superchargers and presented by Shelton Insurance.

It’s also the second of five races in Pro Mod’s Road to the Championship and with an Indy victory on the line, it doesn’t get much bigger than the world’s biggest and most prestigious drag race.

“Pro Mod has been a major part of CFH for more than 20 years, so having the opportunity to support the class at Indy is something that means a lot to us,” said Dave Richardson and Kevin Lusk. “Our focus has always been on developing products that perform at the highest level, whether that’s in Pro Mod, Funny Car or Top Fuel. We’re excited to be part of the U.S. Nationals and to support the racers and teams who continue to push these cars forward.”

Mike Stavrinos is the defending event winner, as the standout picked up his first U.S. Nationals victory a year ago. Stavrinos is in the thick of the championship mix again this year and is currently second in points, 13 behind leader Derek Menholt.

Kevin Rivenbark opened the Road to the Championship with a victory in Norwalk, jumping to ninth in points. He’ll be one of the drivers to watch in a loaded 20-plus car Pro Mod field in Indy.

Billy Banaka is third in points, just 16 points behind Menholt, while Justin Bond is fourth and 32 points out of first. Lyle Barnett and Jason Collins are both tied for fifth, with Stan Shelton, Mike Thielen and reigning world champion J.R. Gray still firmly in the title conversation as part of a loaded Indy field.

The JBS Equipment NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Elite Motorsports features one qualifying round at 5:20 p.m. ET on Friday, two qualifying rounds at 11:30 a.m. and 2:50 p.m. on Saturday and the final round of qualifying at 11:10 a.m. on Sunday. The first round of eliminations is slated for 5 p.m. ET on Sunday. A qualifying session from both Friday and Saturday, action on Sunday and a round of eliminations on Monday will be broadcast for free on NHRA’s YouTube page. Fans can subscribe to the channel to be notified when the class goes live on NHRA’s YouTube page.

To purchase tickets to the 72nd annual Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals, fans can visit www.NHRA.com/tickets. Children 12 and under are admitted free. For more information about NHRA, visit www.NHRA.com.

About CFH Superchargers

CFH Superchargers has been deeply involved in high-performance drag racing for more than two decades, supporting Pro Modified competition through engine development and roots supercharger design. The company also produces superchargers and supercharger components for Funny Car and Top Fuel applications. Dave Richardson and Kevin Lusk, owners of CFH Superchargers, said the U.S. Nationals partnership provides an opportunity to support a category that has been an important part of the company’s history.

Shelton Insurance continues its support of NHRA Pro Mod and will share key event branding with CFH, including windshield branding across the Pro Mod field and trackside exposure.

For CFH, the Indy partnership is also an opportunity to reinforce its position within some of drag racing’s highest-horsepower categories and connect directly with racers and fans at NHRA’s most prestigious event.

For more information about CFH Superchargers, call (256) 728-3169 or email molly@cfhsuperchargers.com.

About NHRA

NHRA is the primary sanctioning body for the sport of drag racing in the United States. NHRA presents 20 national events featuring the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series and NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, as well as the JBS Equipment NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Elite Motorsports and NHRA Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown™ at select national events. NHRA provides competition opportunities for drivers of all levels in the NHRA Summit Racing Series and NHRA Street Legal™. NHRA also offers the NHRA Jr. Street® program for teens and the Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League® for youth ages 5 to 17. With more than 100 Member Tracks, NHRA allows racers to compete at a variety of locations nationally and internationally. NHRA’s Youth and Education Services® (YES) Program reaches over 30,000 students annually to ignite their interest in automotive and racing related careers. NHRA’s streaming service, NHRA.tv®, allows fans to view all NHRA national events as well as exclusive features of the sport. In addition, NHRA owns and operates three racing facilities: Gainesville Raceway in Florida; Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park; and In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip in Southern California. For more information, log on to www.NHRA.com, or visit the official NHRA pages on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Ryan Preece Makes Keyboard Warriors Eat Their Words

By

Official Release

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September 3, 2026

DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA - AUGUST 29: Ryan Preece, driver of the #60 Kroger/OIKOS Ford, celebrates with the checkered flag after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway on August 29, 2026 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)

Connecticut Racer Silences Critics, Now Looks to Stun Sport

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (September 3, 2026) – It’s been Ryan Preece vs. the world for much of 2026.

Whether “the world” knows it’s involved in the skirmish remains unclear.

Either way, Preece seems perfectly comfortable playing the underdog role.

After spending much of the 2026 season battling the Chase cutline, a 25-point NASCAR penalty, and, according to Preece, an army of “keyboard warriors,” the No. 60 RFK Racing Ford did what it needed to do Saturday night at Daytona International Speedway: Win.

“Two years ago, there were a lot of keyboard warriors saying I was nothing… Well, we just kicked their butts tonight.”

When reports surfaced in August 2024 that RFK Racing was considering Preece for a potential third NASCAR Cup Series entry, the NASCAR corner of Reddit responded with all the warmth and optimism you’d imagine.

“Preece will never exceed expectations. Never has, never will.”

“Seriously, PREECE?? This has to be a joke.”

“No one gets regurgitated upward like Ryan Preece.”

Preece’s us-against-the-world campaign hasn’t been limited to just the internet though.

Even the sanctioning body threw a haymaker. The sanctioning body fined Preece $50,000 and assessed a 25-point driver penalty for intentionally wrecking Ty Gibbs. Preece appealed the penalty, which was upheld by the National Motorsports Appeals Panel.

When asked for his thoughts on the appeal process a few days later, Preece kept his response brief.

“It doesn’t matter what I think,” Preece said.

And because nothing says “moving on” quite like commemorative merchandise, “Don’t Hit the Button” T-shirts followed.

Following the penalty drama, Preece caught a stray even before making the Chase.

While discussing the battle around the Chase cutline on Inside the Race, NASCAR analyst Kyle Petty offered his take on the annual attention surrounding the bubble.

“I’m going to be the bad guy here. I don’t care,” Petty said. “We spend so much time talking about the bubble every freaking year. That’s all we talk about … bubble, bubble, bubble. And as soon as we get to the playoffs, we never mention those guys again.”

As if the keyboard warriors and NASCAR weren’t enough, Preece has history to contend with, too.

No driver has started the postseason lower than ninth in the standings and gone on to win the NASCAR Cup Series championship.

Fortunately, being told the odds are against him appears to be exactly Preece’s thing.

“We’re going to do our best to be a contender and be a part of the battle that Kyle Petty thinks even if you’re 16th in the Chase, you can’t be a part of,” Preece said after winning at Daytona.

Believe in him or doubt him, Ryan Preece has already made a few keyboard warriors eat their words… so watch him and whatever rocket ship RFK Racing can build this Sunday evening, September 6, during the Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway (5 p.m. ET on USA Network, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio).

About NASCAR    

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) is the sanctioning body for the No. 1 form of motorsports in the United States and owner of 15 of the nation’s major motorsports entertainment facilities. NASCAR sanctions races in three national series (NASCAR Cup Series™, NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series™, and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series™), four international series (NASCAR Brasil Series, NASCAR Canada Series, NASCAR Euro Series, NASCAR Mexico Series), four regional series (ARCA Menards Series, ARCA Menards Series East & West and the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour) and a local grassroots series (NASCAR Local Racing Series Powered by O’Reilly Auto Parts). The International Motor Sports Association™ (IMSA®) governs the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship™, the premier U.S. sports car series. NASCAR also owns Motor Racing Network, Racing Electronics, and ONE DAYTONA. Based in Daytona Beach, Florida, with offices in five cities across North America, NASCAR sanctions more than 1,200 races annually in 11 countries and more than 30 U.S. states.

For more information visit www.NASCAR.com and www.IMSA.com, and follow NASCAR on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, X and Facebook.

RILEY HERBST JOINS LEGACY MOTOR CLUB AS DRIVER OF THE NO. 84 TOYOTA CAMRY XSE FOR 2027 NASCAR CUP SERIES SEASON

By

Official Release

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September 3, 2026

STATESVILLE, N.C. – (September 3, 2026) LEGACY MOTOR CLUB announced today that Riley Herbst will join the organization as the driver of the No. 84 Toyota Camry XSE for the 2027 NASCAR Cup Series season in a multi-year deal. Herbst brings his longtime partner Monster Energy with him, who will serve as a primary partner throughout the season.

“I’m excited to join LEGACY MOTOR CLUB and drive the No. 84,” said Riley Herbst. “My career has been a journey with a lot of highs and a lot of lows, and I’ve learned every step of the way — from my crew chiefs, my mentors, and my family. This new chapter is another opportunity to learn and grow in the NASCAR Cup Series, and I’m grateful for the chance to help Jimmie continue to build what LEGACY is becoming.”

Herbst made his NASCAR Cup Series debut at the 2023 DAYTONA 500, where he earned a strong 10th-place finish. He went on to compete in additional Cup Series races in 2023 and 2024 before being promoted to a full-time role in the Cup Series for the 2025 season.

“My first two seasons in the Cup Series have taught me a great deal,” Herbst continued. “Every driver goes through a learning curve, and the move to LEGACY MOTOR CLUB is another step forward in that process. There is still plenty ahead of me, and I’m looking forward to taking it on.”

LEGACY MOTOR CLUB co-owner Jimmie Johnson shares a natural connection with the Herbst family that extends beyond the racetrack. Johnson’s own career began in the off-road racing world before he became a household name in NASCAR — a path not unlike Herbst’s own journey.

“I have watched Riley grow as a driver, and I know what he is capable of,” said Jimmie Johnson, co-owner of LEGACY MOTOR CLUB. “The connection our families share through off-road racing made this feel like a natural fit from the start. I am excited to give him a home where he can continue to develop and show what he can do in the Cup Series.”

Joining Herbst at LEGACY MOTOR CLUB is Monster Energy, the brand that has been with him throughout his rise through the NASCAR ranks. Monster Energy first came aboard during Herbst’s part-time schedule in the 2019 O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season and has remained a constant presence through three series wins and his first two seasons in the NASCAR Cup Series.

“Riley and the entire Herbst Racing family have been a big part of Monster Energy’s racing history,” said Mitch Covington, Chief Partnership Officer of Monster Energy. “Riley is continuing a racing legacy that his grandfather, dad, uncles, and cousins have all been such a big part of, and all have represented Monster so well across the board for almost 20 years. We look forward to this new relationship, and we’re happy to team up with Jimmie Johnson and LEGACY MOTOR CLUB.”

Bel US, home to GoGo squeeZ® and The Laughing Cow®, will continue their newly announced partnership with Herbst in 2027, after debuting this season. They will make several appearances featuring their on-the-go snack brands on the No. 84 Toyota Camry XSE throughout next year.

The Las Vegas native first entered the NASCAR scene in 2016 in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West. He made his O’Reilly Auto Parts Series debut at Iowa Speedway in June 2018 with Joe Gibbs Racing, finishing sixth. Herbst became a full-time driver in the series in 2020 before moving to Stewart-Haas Racing in 2021, where he continued to develop for four seasons. In total, he collected three wins, 36 top-fives, and 88 top-10s in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, including his first victory in October 2023 at his home track of Las Vegas Motor Speedway, followed by wins at Indianapolis in July 2024 and Phoenix Raceway in the November 2024 season finale.

Herbst comes from a legendary racing family with deep roots in off-road racing. For the past few years after the NASCAR season has ended, Herbst has returned to his roots to race the Baja 1000 in his family’s truck with his father Troy and his cousins. He won the Spec Truck Class on three different occasions. The younger Herbst began his own racing career at the age of five, progressing through karts, Legend cars, Speed Trucks, and Super Late Models before making his way into NASCAR.

Herbst will make his LEGACY MOTOR CLUB debut in 2027 at Daytona International Speedway, as he enters his third full-time season in the NASCAR Cup Series.

ABOUT 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. The No. 84 Toyota Camry XSE driven by Riley Herbst will debut full time in the 2027 season, while Johnson will make his final NASCAR Cup Series start at the 2027 DAYTONA 500 in the No. 48 Toyota Camry XSE. With NASCAR legend and Hall of Famer Richard Petty, “The King”, serving as CLUB Ambassador, LEGACY MC 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.

ABOUT MONSTER ENERGY: Based in Corona, California, Monster Energy is the leading marketer of energy drinks and alternative beverages. Refusing to acknowledge the traditional, Monster Energy supports the scene and sport. Whether motocross, off-road, NASCAR, MMA, BMX, surf, snowboard, ski, skateboard, eSports or the rock and roll lifestyle, Monster Energy is a brand that believes in authenticity and the core of what its sports, athletes, gamers and musicians represent. More than a drink, it’s the way of life lived by athletes, bands, believers, and fans. See more about Monster Energy including all of its drinks at www.monsterenergy.com.

NASCAR at Darlington Raceway Weekend Schedule

By

SM Staff

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September 3, 2026

The NASCAR Cup Series and the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series head to Darlington Raceway this weekend. The O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Fleetio 200 kicks off the weekend on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET on the CW Network. Then on Sunday, the Cup Series Cook Out Southern 500 begins at 5:00 p.m. on the USA Network.

Cup Series Notes for Darlington Raceway:

This weekend’s race will be the 77th running of the Southern 500, the 131st Cup Series race held at the track, and the seventh time Darlington has hosted a Chase race, and the sixth time it’s hosted the opening race.

In March, the race had four caution flags, the fewest since March of 1999. Also, Tyler Reddick captured the pole with a lap of 169.152 mph, and Reddick also won the race after early brake and electrical issues to lead 77 laps en route to his win.

Denny Hamlin (3) and Chase Briscoe (2) are the only repeat winners in the last 13 races. Briscoe led 309 laps in last year’s race, the most in a race since Dale Earnhardt led 335 laps in April of 1986. If Briscoe wins again, he will join Jeff Gordon (with four straight between 1995-98) as the only drivers to win three consecutive Southern 500s.

NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Notes for Darlington Raceway:

This is the 72nd NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race since the inaugural race in 1982, and Darlington has hosted an O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race every year since 1982.

Justin Allgaier (4) and Brandon Jones (2) are the only past Darlington winners in the field, with Allgaier winning four of the last 10 races. In March, Allgaier made the outside lane work on the final restart of the race and pulled away from Brandon Jones to win the Sport Clips Haircuts VFW Help a Hero 200 at Darlington.

Four of the last seven Stage 1 winners went on to win the race, and only two of the 15 Stage 2 winners went on to win the race.

The driver to lead the most laps went on to win four of the last eight races, three of the last 12 Darlington races featured a last-lap pass for the win, and four of the last 10 races went to overtime.

The Weekend Schedule for Darlington Raceway:

Race Length: 501.32 Miles (367 laps)
Stage 1 & 2 Length: 115 Laps (each)
Final Stage Length: 137 Laps

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5

1:30 PM – 2:20 PM: NOAPS PRACTICE
2:35 PM – 3:30 PM: NOAPS QUALIFYING (IMPOUND)
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM: NCS PRACTICE TRACK HOT
5:10 PM – 6:00 PM: NCS QUALIFYING
7:00 PM: NOAPS FLEETIO 200 DRIVER INTRODUCTIONS ON THE CW NETWORK
7:30 PM: NOAPS FLEETIO 200 RACE (STAGES 45/90/147 LAPS = 200.8 MILES) ON THE CW NETWORK

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6

4:20 PM: NCS COOK OUT SOUTHERN 500 DRIVER INTRODUCTIONS ON THE USA NETWORK
5:00 PM: NCS COOK OUT SOUTHERN 500 RACE (STAGES 115/230/367 LAPS = 501.32 MILES ) ON THE USA NETWORK

_{^{*All times are Eastern. NASCAR Cup Series (NCS), NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series (NOAPS)}}

Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Race Preview – Darlington

By

Official Release

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September 3, 2026

Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport
NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Race Overview – Darlington Raceway; September 3, 2026

Track: Darlington Raceway
Race: Fleetio 200
Date/Broadcast: Saturday; September 5, 2026 7:30 P.M. ET
TV: CW Network, ESPN Unlimited
Radio: Motor Racing Network – Check Local Listings for affiliate, and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90
Social Media: Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito AutoSport; Facebook, Instagram, and X

Racing Against the Lady in Black – Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport

Ready to Race at Darlington Raceway

Darlington, SC. (September 3, 2026) – Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport returns to Darlington, South Carolina for the running of the Fleetio 200 at Darlington Raceway.

The 1.366 mile track is one of stock car racing’s most historic racing venues, dating back back to the early days of NASCAR in the 1950s. The track nicknamed “The Track Too Tough to Tame” features two distinct set of corners that differ in shape with a slick surface. This will make car handling vital to navigating traffic and running a clean race.

The team will field three Chevrolets this weekend: Jeb Burton in the No. 27 Capital City Hauling and Towing Chevrolet, Blaine Perkins in the No. 31 Werner Enterprises Chevrolet, and Daniel Dye in the No. 32 Champion Container Chevrolet.

Jeb Burton heads to Darlington Raceway sitting 21st in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series (NOAPS) points standings. The driver from Halifax, Virginia looks to build on some momentum after a strong race in Daytona, FL that saw him capture his 50th career top-10 finish in NOAPS, as well as gain many valuable points in the process. Burton will have longtime partner of Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport, Capital City Hauling and Towing, on his No. 27 Chevrolet.

“I’m excited to get to Darlington this weekend, as my family’s got a lot of history there. We’re looking forward to trying to get another top-10 for our team or at least another top-15. Appreciate Capital City Hauling and Towing coming on board and thankful for their support.”

Blaine Perkins returns to Darlington, SC following a solid run at Daytona International Speedway, in which he finished 15th while gaining two stage points. Perkins will be sporting a new paint scheme this weekend at Darlington Raceway, featuring Werner Enterprises’ new hiring initiative, “Drive Werner.”

If interested in applying for a position with Werner Enterprises, visit jobs.werner.com for more information.

“Really looking forward to getting to Darlington this week. We didn’t have the best showing there in the spring, so we are determined to right the ship with a strong run this weekend. Appreciate Werner Enterprises and their support. We have a nice new scheme with them this weekend, highlighting their ‘Drive Werner’ program, so hopefully we can give them a good showing on Saturday.”

Daniel Dye prepares to make his second start with Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport this weekend in Darlington, SC. The Deland, FL native is eager to return to the race track after being involved in an on-track incident the previous weekend, that saw him forced to retire early from the race. Dye has two top-10 finishes on intermediate style race tracks, and looks to add a third to his resume.

“I’m looking forward to getting to getting to Darlington this weekend. Our race ended pre-maturely last week, so just really eager to get behind the wheel again. Hopefully we can put on a good performance for Jordan, this being his home race and all. Just appreciate him, John Bommarito, and all of our partners for supporting our program. Hopefully, we put together a strong, clean race and gain some valuable points to keep this No. 32 car in the top-20 in owner points.”
About Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport

Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport was built from the ground up, fueled by passion, persistence, and a bold vision for what an independent NASCAR team could become. Founded by driver and owner Jordan Anderson, the organization has grown from a grassroots operation hauling a single truck across the country into a competitive multi-car NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series team through a pivotal partnership with St. Louis automotive dealer John Bommarito. Along the way, the team has earned wins, poles, and a reputation for grit, growth, and opportunity within the NASCAR garage. Today, Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport is investing in talent, innovation, and culture to challenge the status quo and build a new kind of racing legacy.

Get your Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito AutoSport merchandise at the all new official team store! Visit jordanandersonracing.com to place your order today!

What Every Amazon FBA Seller Should Know About Post-2025 Customs Compliance

By

SM

-

September 3, 2026

Amazon FBA sellers who built their businesses between 2018 and 2024 operated inside a customs environment that no longer exists. Shipments under $800 cleared duty-free through Section 321. Chinese-origin inventory faced Section 301 tariffs but with routing workarounds. Amazon handled some prep services at fulfillment centers. Non-resident importer of record structures worked with minimal scrutiny. The compliance overhead was real but manageable, and it stayed roughly consistent for years.

That environment collapsed across 2025 and 2026. If you are running an FBA business today or planning to launch one, the customs and compliance framework you need to understand is fundamentally different from the one that shaped almost every Amazon seller guide written before 2025.

This is a practical read on what has actually changed, what is coming through the end of 2026, and what compliant FBA sellers are doing about it.

Amazon Will Not Be Your Importer of Record. Ever.

Start here because this is the most consequential single fact about FBA importing, and it is also the most misunderstood.

Amazon will not act as the Importer of Record on any FBA shipment, of any size or value, from any country, for any product. This has never been Amazon’s policy and it is not their policy in 2026. Amazon stores your inventory, fulfills your orders, and handles the retail side of the transaction. Amazon does not handle the customs side.

The Importer of Record is the party legally accountable for the imported goods at the border. The IOR files the customs entry, pays duties and taxes, and takes responsibility for the accuracy of the declaration. When your container reaches a U.S. port, someone has to be named as IOR on the entry documentation. That someone is not Amazon.

For U.S.-based FBA sellers, the IOR is typically the seller’s own U.S. business entity. For international FBA sellers, the IOR question is more complicated and getting more complicated in 2026.

The Section 321 Suspension Has Ended the Old Playbook

Section 321 was the de minimis provision that allowed shipments valued at $800 or less to enter the U.S. duty-free with minimal paperwork. A generation of Amazon sellers built businesses around this framework. Direct-from-China dropshipping models worked because Section 321 removed the tariff exposure. Small-batch inventory replenishment through express couriers cleared without formal entry filing. Consolidated shipments organized under specific structures managed to stay under the threshold.

Executive Order 14256 removed de minimis treatment for goods originating in China and Hong Kong on May 2, 2025. Executive Order 14324 extended the suspension globally on July 30, 2025. Universal suspension took full effect on August 29, 2025. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed on July 4, 2025, contains a provision permanently eliminating Section 321 for all countries effective July 1, 2027. On February 20, 2026, a Continuing Suspension Executive Order extended the current environment indefinitely.

The practical effect for FBA sellers is that most commercial FBA shipments now require formal customs entry with duties paid, even when the shipment value is under $800, even for consolidated small parcels, and even for express couriers that historically cleared everything through Section 321 pathways.

For sellers who priced their catalog assuming zero duty exposure on inbound inventory, this has been a margin-crushing shift. For sellers who built their fulfillment models around direct-to-consumer international shipping under Section 321, the model itself has broken.

Executive Order 14411 Is Reshaping IOR Rules Through Late 2026

The regulatory environment is not settled. On June 3, 2026, President Trump signed Executive Order 14411, titled “Strengthening Customs Enforcement.” The order directs Customs and Border Protection to overhaul the framework governing who may act as importer of record. Implementation deadlines run from 45 days for legislative recommendations through 180 days for the full overhaul of importer eligibility, placing effective implementation between September and late November 2026.

Several elements of the executive order matter directly for FBA sellers:

A formal category of “foreign importer of record” is being defined, with treatment separate from and more restrictive than U.S. IORs. To qualify as a U.S. IOR after implementation, an entity must be organized under U.S. law, be located in the United States, and have specific characteristics that shell company structures cannot satisfy.

Minimum bond coverage requirements are increasing. Foreign IORs will face higher bond requirements than the historical minimums, with the specific numbers pending implementation.

Disclosure requirements are expanding. Importers will need to provide more information about ownership, beneficial control, and business operations at the point of establishing IOR status.

A “CBP good standing” requirement is being established as a prerequisite for IOR eligibility, with implications for importers with prior compliance issues.

If you are an international seller using an offshore or shell entity as your FBA IOR, the arrangements that worked in early 2025 are unlikely to survive into 2027. Sellers should be evaluating their IOR structures now rather than waiting for the November implementation window.

Amazon Ended Prep and Labeling Services on January 1, 2026

A separate operational change that compounds the customs shift: effective January 1, 2026, Amazon stopped offering prep and item labeling services for U.S. FBA shipments. This includes FNSKU labeling, bagging, taping, and other prep functions that Amazon historically performed at fulfillment centers.

The consequence is that every unit arriving at an Amazon fulfillment center must be fully prepped and labeled before it enters Amazon’s network. Non-compliant shipments can be rejected, returned, or disposed of at the seller’s expense.

For inbound freight from overseas, this means the factory or a mid-point prep facility has to handle labeling before the shipment reaches the U.S. For sellers who previously relied on Amazon’s prep services, the operational adjustment has been significant. Prep centers in the U.S. and in bonded warehouses have grown in relevance as an intermediate step between factory and fulfillment center.

The 2026 Tariff Stack on Chinese-Origin FBA Products

For FBA sellers sourcing from China, the tariff math has changed substantially. A typical 2026 tariff stack on a consumer product looks like this:

MFN duty at the applicable HTS rate: varies by product, often 0% to 8%
Section 301 tariff: 25% on List 3 goods, 7.5% on List 4A, covering a large share of consumer categories
Section 122 bridge tariff: 10% on Chinese-origin goods, activated February 24, 2026
Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF): 0.3464% of value for formal entry, minimum $32.71, maximum $634.62
Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF): 0.125% for ocean shipments

The combined effective duty on Chinese-origin consumer products typically lands in the 35% to 45% range. For a $12 wholesale product that historically cleared duty-free under Section 321, the duty exposure alone can now exceed $4 per unit. Add the MPF, broker fees, and the formal entry process, and the landed cost math for Chinese-sourced FBA products has fundamentally shifted.

Sellers who priced their catalog assuming zero duty exposure have been absorbing the added cost through some combination of margin compression, retail price increases, and sourcing shifts.

Sourcing Shifts That Are Actually Working

The response to the 2026 tariff environment is not uniform, but several patterns are visible across successful FBA operators.

Mexico under USMCA preferential treatment is absorbing meaningful volume. Goods originating in Mexico that qualify under USMCA rules of origin can enter the U.S. at zero MFN duty. For products with viable Mexican manufacturing, this is the largest available cost differential compared to Chinese-origin sourcing.

Vietnam, Thailand, India, and Malaysia are absorbing volume in categories where Chinese origin faces the highest Section 301 exposure and USMCA-qualifying Mexican production is not viable. These origins avoid the Section 301 layer entirely, though they face standard MFN duty and potentially other tariffs depending on USTR’s ongoing Section 301 investigations into non-China trading partners.

Diversification rather than replacement is the more common pattern. Rather than fully abandoning Chinese suppliers, sellers are adding second-source suppliers in alternate origins to hedge against continued tariff volatility. This gives operational flexibility while preserving established Chinese supplier relationships for products where the cost differential still works.

Domestic prep and fulfillment infrastructure has grown. Instead of shipping individual units from China directly through Section 321, sellers are increasingly consolidating inbound freight to U.S. prep centers, handling FBA-specific labeling and packaging domestically, then sending inventory to Amazon fulfillment centers. This model always had advantages that Section 321 masked. The math is now unambiguous.

Customs Bonds and Formal Entry Requirements

Any commercial shipment above $2,500 in declared value requires formal entry, and formal entry requires a customs bond. Most FBA inventory shipments cross the $2,500 threshold easily, so bond posting is now a standard operational requirement rather than an occasional consideration.

Two bond structures exist:

Single Transaction Bond covers one specific shipment. Cost varies with shipment value and typically runs a few hundred dollars per shipment. Practical for infrequent importers or specific one-time shipments.

Continuous Bond covers all imports over 12 months. The standard $50,000 continuous bond costs approximately $500 to $1,000 per year depending on the importer’s transaction volume and risk profile. This is the standard structure for sellers importing more than 10 to 15 shipments per year that require bonds.

Executive Order 14411 is expected to increase minimum bond requirements for foreign IORs when implementation takes effect, so international sellers should anticipate higher bond costs by late 2026.

Bond acquisition typically happens through a customs broker or a surety company. The application process is straightforward but requires establishing importer identity through CBP Form 5106 and completing the underwriting on the bond itself. The realistic timeline from application to active bond is one to three weeks depending on documentation completeness.

The Non-Resident Importer Path for International FBA Sellers

International FBA sellers who do not have a U.S. business entity can still act as importer of record under the Non-Resident Importer framework. The mechanics work as follows:

CBP Form 5106 establishes the non-resident importer identity with CBP. The form captures basic business information and creates an importer number that appears on entry documentation.

A U.S. customs broker files entries on behalf of the non-resident importer. The broker holds a power of attorney authorizing them to act on the importer’s behalf and manages the practical entry filing through the Automated Commercial Environment.

A customs bond covers the non-resident importer’s duty and tax obligations to CBP. As noted above, the bond requirements for foreign IORs are expected to increase under the implementation of Executive Order 14411.

For international sellers, working with a licensed U.S. customs broker who understands both the FBA operational environment and the non-resident importer framework is not optional. It is the practical mechanism through which non-U.S. entities can act as IOR at all. For a comprehensive overview of what U.S. customs brokerage support covers for FBA and other commercial imports, Clearit USA’s customs brokerage services are a useful reference for Amazon sellers.

Common Mistakes That Are Costing FBA Sellers Money in 2026

Several patterns of avoidable loss appear consistently across FBA sellers who did not adapt to the post-2025 environment.

Assuming Section 321 still works. Some sellers, particularly those who set up their supply chains before 2025 and have not actively reviewed the environment, are still trying to route inventory under Section 321 pathways. These attempts either fail at the border or result in eventual CBP verification action.

Naming Amazon as IOR on customs documentation. This does not work and results in shipment rejection. It has never worked and it does not work in 2026. Every FBA seller needs an IOR that is not Amazon.

Using an offshore shell entity as IOR. Structures that worked with minimal CBP scrutiny in 2020 or 2022 are increasingly failing under 2025 and 2026 enforcement, and Executive Order 14411 is on track to make many of these structures unworkable by late 2026.

Misclassifying HTS codes to reduce duty. The savings from misclassification look attractive until the CBP verification arrives. Verifications can reach back four years. When they find misclassification, the importer owes back duties plus interest plus penalties.

Undervaluing invoices to reduce duty and MPF. This creates immediate legal exposure. CBP has data from multiple sources and can identify undervaluation quickly.

Not maintaining records. CBP audits have increased across 2025 and 2026. Importers should retain all import documentation, invoices, communications, and supporting materials for at least five years. Sellers who cannot produce documentation face default treatment that goes against them.

Ignoring Amazon’s post-January 2026 prep requirements. Shipments arriving unprepped are rejected. The cost of rejection typically exceeds the cost of prep by a significant margin.

What Compliant FBA Sellers Are Actually Doing

The FBA operators who are handling the new environment successfully share several patterns.

They engaged a licensed customs broker before the environment shifted, or they engaged one quickly when it did. They rely on the broker for HTS classification, entry filing, bond management, and CBP correspondence. The broker relationship is treated as an operational function, not as a specialized service to call in when problems arise.

They established U.S.-based IOR structures where practical. For international sellers, they set up compliant Non-Resident Importer arrangements with appropriate bond coverage and CBP documentation.

They diversified sourcing to reduce Chinese-origin concentration. Not necessarily eliminating Chinese suppliers, but reducing the percentage of catalog that faces the full tariff stack.

They incorporated duty and compliance costs into their catalog pricing decisions rather than absorbing the increase as margin compression indefinitely. This has meant retail price increases in most cases, calibrated to market tolerance.

They built prep and labeling into their inbound freight operations rather than relying on Amazon’s discontinued services. Some do this at the factory, some at prep centers in China, Mexico, or the U.S. depending on geography and volume.

They maintain contemporaneous documentation for every shipment. Commercial invoices, packing lists, HTS classifications, origin certifications, and correspondence are all filed and retrievable.

The Bottom Line

The Amazon FBA business model has not disappeared. It has become more operationally sophisticated. The margin structure requires more careful pricing. The compliance overhead is genuinely higher than it was in 2023 or 2024. The regulatory environment continues to shift through 2026 and into 2027.

Sellers who treat customs compliance as a strategic function rather than an afterthought are the ones building durable FBA businesses in the current environment. The customs broker relationship, the IOR structure, the bond posting, the HTS classification discipline, and the documentation practices are not overhead. They are the operational foundation on which every FBA shipment moves.

If you are running an FBA business today, the practical questions to ask yourself before your next inbound shipment are these: Who is my IOR on paper, and does the structure comply with the emerging Executive Order 14411 framework? Do I have a customs bond in place appropriate to my import volume? Are my HTS classifications defensible if CBP verifies them next year? Are my inbound shipments prepped correctly for Amazon’s post-January 2026 requirements? Is my supplier concentration exposing me to tariff volatility I could hedge against?

The answers to those questions are the difference between an FBA business that scales in the 2026 environment and one that hemorrhages margin.

Importing Food and Beverages into Canada: A 2026 Guide to CFIA, SFCR, and CBSA Compliance

By

SM

-

September 3, 2026

Food and beverages are among the highest-volume commercial import categories in Canada, and they are also among the most heavily regulated. Anyone bringing food across the border for commercial sale in 2026 operates inside a compliance framework that has three layers: the Canadian Food Inspection Agency for food safety and licensing, the Canada Border Services Agency for customs clearance and duty, and Health Canada for specific consumer product regulations that overlap the food category. All three agencies interact through automated systems, and getting any one of them wrong at the point of import means shipment rejection at the border.

This guide explains what Canadian food importers need to understand about the current regulatory environment, how the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations actually work in practice, how CBSA and CFIA cooperate on release decisions, and where importers most often run into problems.

What Counts as a Food or Beverage Under Canadian Law

Under the Safe Food for Canadians Act, food covers any article manufactured, sold, or represented for use as food or drink for human beings, including chewing gum, and any ingredient that may be mixed with food for any purpose. In practical import terms, this includes:

Meat and poultry products
Dairy products
Eggs and egg products
Fish and seafood
Fresh and processed fruits and vegetables
Honey and maple products
Manufactured foods including confectionery and snack foods, non-alcoholic beverages, grain-based foods, and baked goods
Prepared and packaged meals
Ingredients used in food manufacturing

Alcoholic beverages sit in a partially separate framework. Food additives have their own pathway. Schedule 1 foods under the SFCR are excluded from certain licensing requirements. Each of these categories carries different obligations, and the first step in any food import project is confirming which framework applies.

The Regulatory Framework in Plain Terms

Three federal agencies share authority over commercial food imports into Canada.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) administers the Safe Food for Canadians Act (SFCA) and its regulations (SFCR). CFIA issues the Safe Food for Canadians (SFC) licence that most food importers need, enforces preventive control and traceability requirements, and operates the automatic verification systems that check licensing at the point of import.

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) administers customs clearance, collects duties and taxes, and works with CFIA on release decisions through the Single Window Initiative. CBSA is the agency that physically stops shipments that fail CFIA verification.

Health Canada sets food safety policies, establishes standards for additives, contaminants, and nutrition labelling, and regulates specific product categories that sit at the boundary between food and other consumer goods.

Together, these three agencies produce a compliance environment where a single import shipment must satisfy licensing under CFIA, classification and duty under CBSA, and labelling and safety standards under Health Canada. Getting any one of them wrong triggers rejection.

The Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR)

The SFCR came into force on January 15, 2019, replacing several older regulatory frameworks including the Meat Inspection Act, the Fish Inspection Act, and the Canada Agricultural Products Act. The regulations are built on three foundational elements that apply to most commercial food importers.

Licensing. Most commercial food importers need a Safe Food for Canadians licence issued by CFIA. The licence must be obtained before the first import, not at the border. Importers who arrive at the border without a valid SFC licence for the specific commodity they are importing will have their shipment rejected.

Preventive Controls. Most licensed food businesses must develop and maintain a Preventive Control Plan (PCP) that identifies food safety hazards, documents preventive measures, establishes monitoring procedures, defines corrective actions, and specifies verification methods. The PCP is a written document that must be available for CFIA review.

Traceability. Licensed food businesses must maintain records that allow the food to be traced one step back to the supplier and one step forward to the immediate customer. This traceability layer is what enables CFIA to conduct recalls efficiently when contamination is identified.

Each of the three pillars applies to a broader universe of food businesses than most first-time importers expect. Licensing, in particular, applies to nearly every commercial food import into Canada.

Who Needs an SFC Licence

The SFC licence requirement rolled out in stages between 2019 and 2024. The current position is that most commercial food importers need a licence for the specific activity of “Importing Food” and for the specific commodities they intend to import.

Automatic verification, meaning that CFIA’s system automatically rejects import declarations without valid licences, has been active for the following commodities since March 15, 2021:

Meat and poultry products
Dairy products
Egg and egg products
Fish and seafood
Fresh and processed fruits and vegetables
Honey and maple products

Automatic verification for manufactured foods took effect on February 12, 2024. This covers confectionery, snack foods, non-alcoholic beverages, grain-based foods, baked goods, and similar products. Since that date, any import declaration for these products that does not include a valid SFC licence number is automatically rejected at the border.

A limited set of importers may not need an SFC licence. Food additives, alcoholic beverages, and Schedule 1 foods under the SFCR are outside the licensing requirement, though they remain subject to CBSA classification, duty treatment, and any applicable Health Canada requirements. The CFIA’s Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) is the authoritative reference for confirming licensing requirements for specific commodities.

How to Get an SFC Licence

The application process runs through the My CFIA online portal. Fax and email submissions are not accepted. Applicants create a My CFIA account, complete the application for the “Importing Food” activity, identify the specific commodities they intend to import, and pay the applicable fees.

The application requires several supporting elements:

Business identification and Canadian address (non-resident importers face specific requirements addressed below)
Description of the food commodities to be imported
Description of the intended activities
Details of the food safety systems in place
The Preventive Control Plan or attestation as applicable

Standard SFC licences are valid for two years. Renewal is required before expiration to maintain uninterrupted import authority. A lapsed licence causes shipments to be rejected until the licence is reinstated.

For most food importers, the SFC licence application takes several weeks to process. The realistic planning horizon is 30 to 60 days from application to licence issuance, assuming the application is complete and no additional information requests arise from CFIA.

Non-Resident Importer Considerations

Foreign food producers and distributors can import food into Canada as Non-Resident Importers, but the framework is more restrictive for food than for other product categories. To obtain an SFC licence as a non-resident, the business must operate a fixed place of business in a country that has a food safety system recognized as equivalent to Canada’s, and ship the food directly to Canada from that country.

The practical implication is that a U.S. food producer with a fixed place of business in the U.S. can generally obtain an SFC licence and act as the importer of record on Canadian food shipments. A business in a country without a recognized equivalent food safety system typically cannot serve as the Canadian importer of record for food and must work through a Canadian-based importer or licence holder.

For U.S. brands entering the Canadian market, the DDP fulfillment model (Delivered Duty Paid) allows the U.S. business to act as both seller and importer, absorbing the compliance work rather than placing it on the Canadian buyer. We covered this in detail in our guide to DDP shipping into Canada as a non-resident importer, and it is often the operational model that works best for foreign food brands establishing Canadian market presence.

HS Classification for Food and Beverages

Canadian food and beverage imports classify across a wide range of Harmonized System chapters, with the specific chapter determined by the type of food.

HS Chapters 1-5 cover live animals and animal products (meat, dairy, eggs, fish, other animal products)
HS Chapters 6-14 cover vegetable products (vegetables, fruits, coffee, tea, spices, cereals, oil seeds)
HS Chapter 15 covers animal and vegetable fats and oils
HS Chapters 16-24 cover prepared foodstuffs, beverages, and tobacco (meat preparations, sugar, cocoa, cereal preparations, vegetable preparations, beverages)

Within each chapter, specific headings determine the exact duty treatment. HS 2202 covers waters, including sparkling and flavoured waters, and non-alcoholic beverages. HS 2203 covers beer. HS 2204 covers wine. HS 0406 covers cheese and curd. HS 1905 covers bread, pastry, cakes, and biscuits.

The MFN duty on food and beverage imports varies significantly by classification. Some categories carry 0% MFN duty. Others carry rates of 5% to 20% or higher. Certain sensitive categories face over-quota tariffs that can exceed 200% for imports beyond established tariff rate quota thresholds.

Getting the classification right is not optional. A misclassified food product may end up with the wrong duty rate applied, but it may also end up with the wrong SFC licence commodity code, which triggers automatic rejection under the IID verification system even if the licence itself is valid.

Duty and Tariff Treatment

Food and beverage imports face the standard Canadian duty and tax framework plus several category-specific considerations.

MFN duty applies to food from most origins. Rates vary by commodity as noted above.

CUSMA preferential treatment eliminates or reduces duty for food originating in the U.S. or Mexico when origin requirements are met. For food, CUSMA rules of origin often require that the product be wholly obtained in a CUSMA territory or that specific processing steps occur there.

CETA preferential treatment provides duty-free or reduced-duty entry for many food products originating in EU member states, though several sensitive categories including dairy and certain meats have tariff rate quota systems that limit the volume of preferential treatment available.

CPTPP preferential treatment applies to food from Japan, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, and other Pacific Rim countries when origin requirements are met.

Supply-managed commodities including dairy, poultry, and eggs face over-quota tariffs that are among the highest in the Canadian tariff schedule. Within-quota shipments enter at low or zero duty; over-quota shipments face rates that make commercial import uneconomic in most cases. Supply management is a major complexity for anyone importing these categories.

5% GST applies to nearly all commercial food imports. Basic groceries are typically zero-rated at the point of retail sale to consumers, but the GST calculation at the point of import applies broadly.

Bilingual Labelling Requirements

Food sold in Canada must carry bilingual English and French labelling. The requirement applies at the point of sale, not the point of import, but importers who bring in product without bilingual labelling need to arrange labelling before the product reaches the retail shelf.

Required bilingual information includes:

Product identity (common name)
Net quantity declaration
List of ingredients with allergen declarations
Nutrition Facts table
Date markings and storage instructions where applicable
Dealer name and address
Country of origin

Quebec’s Charter of the French Language creates additional requirements for products sold in Quebec, with French language elements required to be at least equally prominent to English elements. For food products, Quebec enforcement has historically been active.

Practical implementation typically involves either producing dual-language labels at the source, applying supplementary bilingual labels at a Canadian labelling facility, or importing under a labelling exemption agreement with CFIA. Each approach has cost and operational implications that should be evaluated at the sourcing decision stage rather than after the container arrives.

The Integrated Import Declaration and Border Verification

The Integrated Import Declaration (IID) is the electronic submission that consolidates CBSA customs data with CFIA regulatory data at the point of import. IID is submitted through the Single Window Initiative and is the mechanism through which CFIA automatically verifies SFC licence validity, commodity coverage, and specific import requirements.

For food imports, the IID must include the SFC licence number, the specific commodity being imported, and the activity for which the licence is issued (Importing Food, not Exporting Food). Getting any of these fields wrong causes automatic rejection, and the shipment cannot enter Canada until the declaration is corrected and resubmitted.

Common IID rejection reasons include:

Missing SFC licence number
Expired or suspended SFC licence
Licence not issued for the commodity being imported
Licence issued for wrong activity (Exporting Food instead of Importing Food)
Commodity code mismatch between IID and licence

The Release Prior to Payment framework under CARM affects how duty and tax collection is timed relative to release, but CFIA verification happens at release regardless of payment timing. We covered the mechanics of Release Prior to Payment in our earlier article on RPP under CARM, which is worth reading alongside this guide.

Specific Commodity Considerations

Several food categories have additional requirements beyond the general SFCR framework.

Meat and poultry require the country of origin to have a food safety system recognized as equivalent to Canada’s, and product must originate from establishments approved by the exporting country’s food safety authority. Meat inspection at the border can be extensive.

Dairy products face supply management with tariff rate quotas. Within-quota entry requires import permits issued by Global Affairs Canada.

Fresh fruits and vegetables are subject to Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Regulations under the SFCR, including specific grading and container requirements for many products.

Fish and seafood face specific labelling requirements including species identification and origin declarations.

Products under the Food and Drugs Act (FDA) including specific health claims, novel foods, and certain fortified products face additional Health Canada oversight beyond the standard CFIA framework.

Common Compliance Issues

The food import compliance issues that most consistently cause problems for Canadian importers include:

Licence timing. SFC licence applications take weeks. Importers who order product before securing the licence often face storage costs and shipment holds while the licence is obtained.

Commodity coverage. An SFC licence issued for one commodity does not cover other commodities. Importers who expand their product range must amend their licence before the new products can be imported.

Labelling non-compliance. Product that arrives without bilingual labelling cannot be sold at Canadian retail without remedial labelling. This becomes an expensive operational problem for large-volume imports.

HS classification errors. Misclassification affects both duty treatment and licence verification. Both can cause CBSA and CFIA rejections.

Supply-managed product without permits. Attempting to import dairy, poultry, or eggs without proper permits results in either massive over-quota duty exposure or shipment rejection.

PCP inadequacy. During CFIA inspections, importers whose Preventive Control Plan does not actually address the food safety hazards of the products they import face compliance action.

Common Questions About Canadian Food Imports

Do I need an SFC licence to import food into Canada? Most commercial food importers do. Automatic verification is now active for meat, poultry, dairy, eggs, fish and seafood, fresh and processed produce, honey and maple products, and manufactured foods. Food additives, alcoholic beverages, and Schedule 1 foods may be outside the licence requirement.

How long does it take to get an SFC licence? Realistic planning horizon is 30 to 60 days from a complete application through My CFIA. Renewals should be initiated well before the two-year expiration date.

Can a U.S. company be the importer of record for Canadian food imports? Yes, if the U.S. company has a fixed place of business in the U.S. (which has a recognized equivalent food safety system) and ships the food directly to Canada. The DDP fulfillment model often works well for foreign food brands.

Do food imports qualify for CUSMA duty-free treatment? Many do, when origin requirements are met. Dairy, poultry, eggs, and certain other supply-managed commodities have tariff rate quotas that limit preferential treatment.

What is the GST rate on imported food? 5% GST applies at the point of import for nearly all commercial food shipments. This is distinct from retail sale GST treatment where basic groceries are zero-rated.

What happens if my food shipment is rejected at the border? The shipment cannot enter Canada until the compliance issue is resolved. Storage costs accrue while the issue is addressed. Some issues can be corrected in hours; others require licence amendments that take weeks.

Do I need bilingual labels on imported food? Yes, if the product will be sold at Canadian retail. Bilingual labelling can be applied at source, at a Canadian labelling facility, or through arrangement with CFIA. The requirement is not optional.

Are food import counter-tariffs currently in effect on U.S. goods? No. The counter-tariffs that applied to U.S.-origin food products including orange juice, wine, spirits, beer, and coffee were removed effective September 1, 2025. Steel, aluminum, and specified automobile counter-tariffs remain in effect but do not affect food categories. Our guide to Canada’s counter-tariffs on U.S. goods covers this in detail.

The Bottom Line

Food and beverage imports into Canada work when the compliance side is treated as part of the sourcing decision rather than as paperwork to figure out after the freight is on the water. Get the SFC licence in place before the first order. Confirm HS classification at the sourcing stage. Verify CUSMA, CETA, or CPTPP eligibility for duty planning. Build bilingual labelling into the product from the start rather than at the Canadian warehouse. Maintain a Preventive Control Plan that actually addresses your food safety hazards.

The Canadian food import market rewards importers who do this work upfront. Retail shelves are competitive, margins are meaningful, and the demand for imported specialty foods continues to grow across Canadian consumer segments. The importers who struggle are the ones who treat compliance as a border problem rather than as a business planning problem.

As a digital customs brokerage service, Clearit Canada works with food importers, distributors, and Canadian-market DTC brands on the customs classification, CUSMA analysis, IID filing, and CBSA-CFIA coordination that a food import requires. The regulatory framework is real. The path through it is manageable when the compliance side is handled properly from the start.

Hendrick Motorsports Media Advance: Darlington

By

Official Release

-

September 3, 2026

Darlington Raceway
Sunday, Sept. 6
1.366-Mile Egg-Shaped Oval
5 p.m. ET
Location: Darlington, South Carolina
TV: Fox
Event: NASCAR Cup Series (Race 27 of 36)
RADIO: SiriusXM

5 KYLE LARSON
Age: 34 (July 31, 1992)
Hometown: Elk Grove, California
Last Race: 31st (Daytona)
Crew Chief: Cliff Daniels
Standings: 7th

No. 5 HENDRICKCARS.COM Chevrolet

Kyle Larson and the No. 5 HENDRICKCARS.COM team finished both stages at Daytona International Speedway in sixth before being involved in a last-lap incident.
The defending NASCAR Cup Series champion enters The Chase as the seventh seed, 55 points behind the leader.
Larson has won at eight of the 10 Chase tracks, with WWT Raceway and Talladega Superspeedway the only outliers.
Larson has tallied one win, six top-five finishes and eight top-10 finishes at Darlington Raceway, along with an average finish of 7.1 in the crown-jewel Southern 500. Of his 1,070 career laps led at Darlington, 976 have come in the late-summer event.
The 34-year-old has led a Next Gen-era-best 414 laps at Darlington Raceway.
The Elk Grove, California, native’s last Cup Series victory came at Kansas Speedway in May 2025, a stretch of 50 races ago. Nine drivers have snapped 50-plus-race winless streaks at Darlington, tied with Phoenix Raceway for the most among non-drafting tracks.

9 CHASE ELLIOTT
Age: 30 (Nov. 28, 1995)
Hometown: Dawsonville, Georgia
Last Race: 23rd (Daytona)
Crew Chief: Alan Gustafson
Standings: 8th

No. 9 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet

Chase Elliott enters the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series Chase as the eighth seed this weekend at Darlington Raceway. He is 60 points behind the leader.
This is his 10th postseason appearance in 11 full-time Cup seasons. Elliott has one championship, earned in 2020.
Among the 10 tracks in The Chase, Elliott has won on five of them for a combined eight victories.
In the spring race at Darlington, Elliott qualified third and finished 15th while leading six laps and earning points in the first stage.
The 30-year-old’s best premier series finish at Darlington is third (spring 2023). He also has a victory at the track in the NASCAR O’Reilly Series (2014).

24 WILLIAM BYRON
Age: 28 (Nov. 29, 1997)
Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina
Last Race: 22nd (Daytona)
Crew Chief: Rudy Fugle
Standings: 13th

No. 24 Valvoline Restore & Protect Chevrolet

The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series Chase kicks off this weekend at Darlington Raceway. It will mark William Byron’s eighth consecutive appearance in the postseason. He goes in ranked 13th, 85 points out of first.
Byron has won at five of the 10 tracks in The Chase a combined total of seven times, including three at Martinsville Speedway.
The Charlotte, North Carolina, native’s No. 24 pit crew ranks second overall this season according to Racing Insights.
In the Next Gen era at Darlington Raceway, Byron has led the fourth-most laps (328).
In six of the last eight races at Darlington, Byron has finished eighth or better, including his win in May of 2023.

48 ALEX BOWMAN
Age: 33 (April 25, 1993)
Hometown: Tucson, Arizona
Last Race: 8th (Daytona)
Crew Chief: Blake Harris
Standings: 30th

No. 48 Ally Chevrolet

With an eighth-place finish last weekend at Daytona International Speedway, Alex Bowman earned his sixth top-10 finish of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season.
Bowman has earned four top-10 finishes at Darlington Raceway, with his best being a runner-up finish in the spring of 2020.
Earlier this season, Justin Allgaier drove the No. 48 Ally Chevrolet at Darlington in relief of Bowman, securing a 15th-place qualifying effort and a top-25 finish.

17 COREY DAY
Age: 20 (November 28, 2005)
Hometown: Clovis, California
Last Race: 29th (Daytona)
Crew Chief: Adam Wall
Standings: 7th

Corey Day returns to Darlington Raceway for the opening race of The Chase in the NASCAR O’Reilly Series. It will mark Day’s first postseason appearance.
Following The Chase points reset, the Clovis, California, native sits seventh in the driver standings, 55 markers behind the leader.
Among the nine tracks in The Chase, Day has already run at least one NOAPS event on eight of them, including a victory at Talladega Superspeedway and a runner-up finish at Martinsville Speedway. He’s also earned top 10s at Darlington (sixth), WWT Raceway (ninth), Bristol Motor Speedway (eighth) Las Vegas Motor Speedway (fourth and eighth), Charlotte Motor Speedway (fifth), and Phoenix Raceway (ninth).
In Day’s first start at Darlington this past spring, he qualified 12th and battled to a sixth-place finish.

Hendrick Motorsports

2026	All-Time	Darlington
Races	26	1,443	71
Wins	2	322*	16*
Poles	0	259*	9
Top 5	22	1,344*	58*
Top 10	39	2,299*	98*
Laps Led	1,152	86,519*	4,295*
Stage Wins	10	147	8

*Most
**Tied for most

The NASCAR Cup Series returns to Darlington Raceway this weekend for the kickoff of The Chase. Hendrick Motorsports leads all organizations in wins (16), top fives (58), top 10s (98) and laps led (4,295) at the Track Too Tough to Tame.
Among the 10 tracks in the Cup Series Chase, Hendrick Motorsports has piled up 135 victories including 20 in the Next Gen era. The organization leads the field in postseason wins (62) and has won at least one race in The Chase/Playoffs in 22 of 23 seasons. That includes multiple victories in each of the last six years.
The Hendrick Motorsports engine department enters the weekend with 578 victories across all three national NASCAR touring series, including 19 of 24 events in the NASCAR O’Reilly Series this season.
Hendrick Motorsports remains the Cup Series’ all-time standard bearer in wins (322), poles (259), top-five finishes (1,344), top 10s (2,299), laps led (86,519) and championships (15).

QUOTABLE

Kyle Larson, driver of the No. 5 Chevrolet, on The Chase: “I think with a short amount of races left until the end, a good result can help us, but a bad result can hurt us even more because you have less time to make up for it. I think it makes you have to be on your game even more. We have the tools in the toolbox to do it; we just need to get a little bit faster, and that makes everything easier. It makes it a little bit easier when you’re in the top five every race and qualifying well. I have confidence in our team that we can get back to winning. I would love to get to victory lane these next 10 races and have a solid Chase.”

Chase Elliott, driver of the No. 9 Chevrolet, on The Chase: “Ten weeks is a lot of racing, a lot of stage points, a lot of race results, a lot of bonus points for winning. All those things can stack up. It totally depends on how you run it. And I think if you get rolling, I don’t see anything wrong with where you’re seeded in points. Is the mountain a little steeper to climb at that point in time? Sure, but if you’re running well enough, I think any of that’s possible.”

William Byron, driver of the No. 24 Chevrolet, on starting The Chase at Darlington Raceway: “Darlington [Raceway] is a place I always look forward to going to. We typically run really well there. Last fall we were a bit off as a group, but I think we righted the ship some in the spring. We need a good, solid weekend though to start The Chase off with good momentum. We don’t need to do anything fancy; show up, execute, be there at the end.”

Alex Bowman, driver of the No. 48 Chevrolet, on returning to Darlington Raceway: “Darlington [Raceway] is a tough track; both physically and mentally. It’s a long race. Keep it off the wall, focus on racing the track as it changes and come away with another solid finish.”

Corey Day, driver of the No. 17 Chevrolet, on returning to Darlington Raceway: “Darlington [Raceway] is a fun place to race, but it can definitely be nerve-wracking. It’s a track that can reach up and bite you really quick, so it’s important to stay disciplined and put together a clean finish. It’s easy to make a mistake there and turn a good day into a bad one, so getting this one out of the way early in The Chase is important for us. My No. 17 HENDRICKCARS.COM team is focused on staying consistent over these next nine races, putting ourselves in a good position each week and hopefully heading into Miami ready to contend for a NASCAR O’Reilly Series championship.”

SpeedwayMedia.comOnline Resource for Motorsports Information

SpeedwayMedia.comOnline Resource for Motorsports Information

Anthony Alfredo, Beard Motorsports

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

Todd Gilliland, Front Row Motorsports Ford

Noah Gragson, Front Row Motorsports Ford

Zane Smith, Front Row Motorsports Ford

Garrett Smithley, Garage 66 (Formerly MBM Motorsports)

Chandler Smith, Garage 66 (Formerly MBM Motorsports)

Haas Factory Team (NCS/NXS)

Cole Custer, Haas Factory Team

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

Chris Gabehart, Denny Hamlin, Joe Gibbs Racing

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

Chase Briscoe, No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota

Tyler Allen, Joe Gibbs Racing

Justin Allgaier, JR Motorsports

AJ Allmendinger, Kaulig Racing Chevrolet

Ty Dillon, Kaulig Racing

Erik Jones, LEGACY Motor Club Toyota

Jimmie Johnson, LEGACY Motor Club

Austin Dillon, Richard Childress Racing

Jesse Love, Richard Childress Racing

Tim Brown, Rick Ware Racing

Corey LaJoie, Rick Ware Racing

Matt McCall, RFK Racing

Jeremy Bullins, RFK Racing

Ryan Preece, RFK Racing

Michael McDowell, Spire Motorsports Chevrolet

Rodney Childers, Spire Motorsports

Justin Haley, Spire Motorsports

Matt McCall and Dax Gerringer, Spire Motorsports

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

Daniel Suárez, Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet

Shane van Gisbergen, Trackhouse Racing

Connor Zilisch, Trackhouse Racing

Martin Truex Jr., TRICON Garage

Bubba Wallace, 23XI Racing

Riley Herbst, 23XI Racing

Josh Berry, Wood Brothers Racing Ford

Parker Retzlaff, Alpha Prime Racing

Hailie Deegan and AM Racing Ford “Part Ways”

Harrison Burton, AM Racing

Nick Sanchez, Big Machine Racing

Cope Family Racing

Ryan Ellis, DGM Racing

Sam Mayer, Sheldon Creed, Haas Factory Team

Corey Day, Hendrick Motorsports

Mark Setzer, Jeremy Clements Racing

Brandon Jones, Joe Gibbs Racing

Taylor Gray, Joe Gibbs Racing

William Sawalich, Joe Gibbs Racing

Justin Bonsignore, Joe Gibbs Racing

Greg Van Alst, Joey Gase Motorsports with Scott Osteen

Austin Green, Jordan Anderson Racing

Connor Zilisch, JR Motorsports

JR Motorsports Drivers/Crew Chiefs

Daniel Dye, Kaulig Racing

Christian Eckes, Kaulig Racing

Kaulig Racing, Crew Chief Lineup

Tyler Tomassi, No. 66, MBM Motorsports

Kris Wright, Our Motorsports

Dean Thompson, Sam Hunt Racing

Garrett Smithley, SS-Greenlight Racing

SS-Greenlight Racing, No. 07

Matt DiBenedetto, Viking Motorsports

Anthony Alfredo, Young’s Motorsports

Chandler Smith, Front Row Motorsports

Daniel Hemric, McAnally-Hilgemann Racing

Tyler Ankrum, McAnally-Hilgemann

Connor Mosack, McAnally-Hilgemann Racing

Jack Wood, McAnally-Hilgemann Racing

Kaden Honeycutt, Niece Motorsports

Christian Rose, Niece Motorsports

Dawson Sutton, Rackley W.A.R.

Frankie Muniz, Reaume Brothers Racing

Cody Dennison, Reaume Brothers Racing

Tyler Tomassi, Reaume Brothers Racing

Rajah Caruth, Spire Motorsports

Corey Heim, Tricon Garage