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NASCAR 2025: Ultimate Guide to Driver Moves and Team News

By
Angie Campbell
-

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

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

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

*Please check back regularly for updates.

NASCAR Cup Series

Anthony Alfredo, Beard Motorsports

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

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

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

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

Todd Gilliland, Front Row Motorsports Ford

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

Noah Gragson, Front Row Motorsports Ford

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

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

Zane Smith, Front Row Motorsports Ford

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

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

Garrett Smithley, Garage 66 (Formerly MBM Motorsports)

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

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

Chandler Smith, Garage 66 (Formerly MBM Motorsports)

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

Haas Factory Team (NCS/NXS)

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

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

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

Cole Custer, Haas Factory Team

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

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

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

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

Chris Gabehart, Denny Hamlin, Joe Gibbs Racing

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

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

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

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

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

Chase Briscoe, No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota

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

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

Tyler Allen, Joe Gibbs Racing

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

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

Justin Allgaier, JR Motorsports

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

AJ Allmendinger, Kaulig Racing Chevrolet

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

Ty Dillon, Kaulig Racing

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

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

Erik Jones, LEGACY Motor Club Toyota

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

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

Jimmie Johnson, LEGACY Motor Club

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

Austin Dillon, Richard Childress Racing

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

Jesse Love, Richard Childress Racing

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

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

Tim Brown, Rick Ware Racing

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

Corey LaJoie, Rick Ware Racing

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

Matt McCall, RFK Racing

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

Jeremy Bullins, RFK Racing

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

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

Ryan Preece, RFK Racing

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

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

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

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

Michael McDowell, Spire Motorsports Chevrolet

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

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

Rodney Childers, Spire Motorsports

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

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

Justin Haley, Spire Motorsports  

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

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

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

Matt McCall and Dax Gerringer, Spire Motorsports

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

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

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

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

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

Daniel Suárez, Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet

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

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

Shane van Gisbergen, Trackhouse Racing

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

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

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

Connor Zilisch, Trackhouse Racing

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

Martin Truex Jr., TRICON Garage

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

Bubba Wallace, 23XI Racing

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

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

Riley Herbst, 23XI Racing

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

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

Josh Berry, Wood Brothers Racing Ford

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

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

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

Parker Retzlaff, Alpha Prime Racing

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

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

Hailie Deegan and AM Racing Ford “Part Ways”

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

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

Harrison Burton, AM Racing

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

Nick Sanchez, Big Machine Racing

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

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

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

Cope Family Racing

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

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

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

Ryan Ellis, DGM Racing

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

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

Sam Mayer, Sheldon Creed, Haas Factory Team

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

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

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

Corey Day, Hendrick Motorsports

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

Mark Setzer, Jeremy Clements Racing

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

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

Brandon Jones, Joe Gibbs Racing

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

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

Taylor Gray, Joe Gibbs Racing

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

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

William Sawalich, Joe Gibbs Racing

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

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

Justin Bonsignore, Joe Gibbs Racing

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

Greg Van Alst, Joey Gase Motorsports with Scott Osteen

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

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

Austin Green, Jordan Anderson Racing

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

Connor Zilisch, JR Motorsports

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

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

JR Motorsports Drivers/Crew Chiefs

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

Daniel Dye, Kaulig Racing

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

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

Christian Eckes, Kaulig Racing

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

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

Kaulig Racing, Crew Chief Lineup

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

Tyler Tomassi, No. 66, MBM Motorsports

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

Kris Wright, Our Motorsports

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

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

Dean Thompson, Sam Hunt Racing

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

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

Garrett Smithley, SS-Greenlight Racing

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

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

SS-Greenlight Racing, No. 07

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

Matt DiBenedetto, Viking Motorsports

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

Anthony Alfredo, Young’s Motorsports

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

Chandler Smith, Front Row Motorsports

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

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

Daniel Hemric, McAnally-Hilgemann Racing

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

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

Tyler Ankrum, McAnally-Hilgemann

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

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

Connor Mosack, McAnally-Hilgemann Racing

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

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

Jack Wood, McAnally-Hilgemann Racing

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

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

Kaden Honeycutt, Niece Motorsports

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

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

Christian Rose, Niece Motorsports

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

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

Dawson Sutton, Rackley W.A.R.

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

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

Frankie Muniz, Reaume Brothers Racing

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

Cody Dennison, Reaume Brothers Racing 

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

Tyler Tomassi, Reaume Brothers Racing

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

Rajah Caruth, Spire Motorsports

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

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

Corey Heim, Tricon Garage

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

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

Tanner Gray, Tricon Garage

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

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

Toni Breidinger, Tricon Garage

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

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

Gio Ruggiero, Tricon Garage

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

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

Tricon Garage, No. 1 “All-Star” Entry

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

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

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

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

TRICON Garage, Crew Chief Lineup

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

Young’s Motorsports, Nathan Byrd

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

Young’s Motorsports, Stefan Parsons

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

Aaron Reutzel Wins Interstate Batteries High Limit Race at Santa Maria Speedway

By
Briar Starr
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Photo Courtsey of High Limit Racing

For the first time since 1999, a national Sprint Car tour visited Santa Maria Speedway, which was the Interstate Batteries High Limit Racing Series. After enjoying a few weeks off, the High Limit Racing Series returned to action tonight to kick off the California West Coast swing that will see 10 nights of racing in California from August 20 through September 5.

In the series debut race, Aaron Reutzel went on to win the 35-lap feature after starting on the pole position by winning the dash. However, it wasn’t as easy it looked, since he had to work for the win. It was quite the rebound for Reutzel, who didn’t qualify for the famous Knoxville Nationals the weekend before.

“If (the track, Santa Maria Speedway) got a little wider, it would’ve been awesome,” Reutzel said to Flo Racing in victory lane. “I still thought it was close tough racing. It started to get good there at the end where you really had to hit your marks leaving (Turn) 2, or you slip down the whole straightaway. I really wasn’t sure where to be, I knew when we were slow on the bottom, I needed to get back up. You know, make the wing work and do its job.

“I’m just glad, I didn’t lose it myself. That was stupid of me, hitting the bottom on that start and giving the lead up. Our car just got better and better throughout the race. The crew guys made the right changes all night. I felt really good. When you struggle in California, it’s really miserable. I’m glad we showed up here and started off this way. We got really good notes tonight, and now I’m really excited for California, because I feel like this trip makes or breaks your season. This is definitely a good start. Our car feels great. This was a great start to this swing. I couldn’t be more proud of this entire race team. We wouldn’t be here without all of our great partners.”

Entering tonight’s race at Santa Maria Speedway, Brent Marks led the Roto-Rooter Midweek Series points standings over Rico Abreu by nine points, while Abreu led the national points standings over Reutzel by eight points.

The entry list had 27 entries for the 24-car field.

Feature Recap – 35 Laps – $12,000 To Win

Starting on the pole was dash winner Reutzel with Tanner Holmes on the outside pole. Unfortunately, in his High Limit debut, Jett Yanits pulled behind the pit wall for a stuck throttle issue prior to the start of the feature. Yantis was able to get back out to rejoin the field, but would start last and lose his spot.

Reutzel got the early jump, but it was Holmes who led the opening lap over Reutzel. They were followed by McFadden, Kaleb Montgomery, and Brent Marks in the top five. Reutzel remained close to Holmes in the early stages. Through the first five laps, Holmes nearly made contact with the lap car of Yantis, which allowed Reutzel to be close.

Holmes still continued to put cars a lap down and at one point, was side-by-side with Reutel on the backstretch A caution, however, was flown with 24 laps to go for D.J. Netto (who is the defending NARC champion) had a right-rear tire go down.

For the restart, it was Holmes on the bottom and Reutzel on the outside. However, Corey Day went upside down for a crazy flip in Turn 1, with his car completely destroyed. Also, Kaleb Montgomery got into the back of second-place Reutzel and received damage to his Sprint Car. Montgomery was unhappy and ran to race leader Holmes under the red flag, speaking his displeasure. Fortunately, Day was okay and climbed out of his car. He and Tyler Courtney got together entering Turn 1.

During the red condition, Abreu entered the pit area for a flat left-rear tire that went down on the No. 24 Tony Stewart Racing machine.

At 16 laps to go, Reutzel took the lead from Holmes after passing him in Turns 3 and 4. However, it was James McFadden who grabbed the lead for a brief moment off Turn 4 a lap later, but Reutzel got the top spot back. Reutzel held on to win his ninth race of the year over McFadden by 1.907 seconds.

Heat Race Recaps – Top 6 Transfer– 8 Laps A Piece

There were three heat races to determine the lock-in for the A-main, with top-6 cars transferring.

Heat 1 – Holmes started on the pole. A caution was seen with two to go for Caden Steele, who came to a rolling stop on the frontstretch right before the start/finish line. Despite challenges from outside pole sitter Sye Lynch, Holmes held on to win the heat race. Lynch, Netto, Day, and Dominic Gordon were the transfers.

Heat 2 – Australian’s McFadden was the top starter for this heat. Spire Motorsport’s Gio Scelzi briefly took the lead using the high line, but a red flag was brought out immediately for the No. 55 of Kerry Madsen, who flipped widely upside down in Turn 2. Madsen’s car was brought to the attention of his team in the pit area.

By not getting a lap in, this would be a complete restart for the field with a reset for the running order. Meaning, even though McFadden lost several positions on the initial start, he would regain the pole position for the next start. McFadden had a much better start this time around, keeping Scelzi at bay.

At the end of the eight-lap heat, it was McFadden that went on to win the heat, with Scelzi, Reutzel, Courtney, Brock Zearfoss, and Levi Hillier the transfers.

Heat 3 – Montgomery had the top spot for the third and final heat. Montgomery dominated the heat and led every lap to secure the win. Tanner Thorson, Landon Brooks, Tim Kaeding, Kasey Kahne, and Rico Abreu rounded out the transfers.

Going to the dash event to determine the pole sitter were Holmes, Marks, McFadden, Reutzel, Montgomery, and Kaeding. As the dash was getting ready to green, the fog began rolling in the background. Reutzel won the dash, which meant he would start on pole position for the A-main. It was Reutzel’s 12th dash win of the season.

In the 12-lap B-main, Yantis took the win, with Justin Peck, Chase Randall, Daison Pursley, Scelzi, and Jake Andreotti the final transfers. Madsen did not make the main, as he barely missed out on the final transfer position, placing seventh, one spot short.

Important to note, in the newly owned Chase Briscoe Racing entry, Brent Marks set the quickest pace in qualifying with 11.369 seconds in the two-lap session. He was also the fastest in hot laps with a quick time of 11.631 seconds. 

Official Race Results Following Santa Maria Speedway

  1. Aaron Reutzel
  2. James McFadden
  3. Tanner Holmes
  4. Tim Kaeding
  5. Brent Marks
  6. Sye Lynch
  7. Tanner Thorson
  8. Giovanni Scelzi
  9. Tyler Courtney
  10. Landon Brooks
  11. Justin Peck
  12. Chase Randall
  13. Dominic Gorden
  14. Dominic Scelzi
  15. Kasey Kahne
  16. Levi Hillier
  17. Rico Abreu
  18. Daison Pursley
  19. D.J. Netto
  20. Jake Andreotti
  21. Brock Zearfoss
  22. Jett Yantis
  23. Kaleb Montgomery
  24. Corey Day

With the victory, Reutzel retook the national championship points standings over Abreu by 30 points. Marks continues to lead the Roto-Rooter Midweek Series over Reutzel by 22 points.

Up Next – The next Interstate Batteries High Limit Racing Series event is slated for Friday night at Thunderbowl Speedway, live on Flo Racing.

INDYCAR To Introduce Updated Shell 100% Renewable Race Fuel in 2027

By
Official Release
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INDIANAPOLIS (Friday, Aug. 21, 2026) – INDYCAR and Shell announced Aug. 21 that an updated formulation of Shell’s 100% Renewable Race Fuel* will be introduced for the 2027 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season.

The new fuel, announced during a ceremony in Washington, D.C., builds on the renewable race fuel program launched in 2023 and continues INDYCAR’s commitment to advancing innovation and sustainability in motorsports.

Beginning in 2027, all NTT INDYCAR SERIES entries will compete using an updated fuel formulation supplied by Shell. The new fuel incorporates a significant portion of domestically sourced renewable ethanol produced from the waste stream of a grain mixture-based distilling process and is blended with additional renewable components to create a 100% Renewable Race Fuel*.

The ethanol feedstock used in the updated formulation will now be domestically sourced from Indiana, the home of both the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and Indianapolis Motor Speedway. By drawing on Indiana’s rich agricultural and motorsports heritage, the program creates a powerful connection between the Heartland communities that help produce the fuel and the world-class racing that showcases it on track each May in Indianapolis and at venues across North America.

The updated fuel delivers at least a 70% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to the Renewable Fuel Standard average gasoline baseline.** The fuel will continue to meet the performance and durability requirements of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and its engine manufacturers.

Since 2023, every NTT INDYCAR SERIES race has run on Shell’s 100% Renewable Race Fuel*, making it the first major U.S.-based motorsports series powered by renewable race fuel. The updated formulation reflects the ongoing evolution of the program and the shared vision of INDYCAR and Shell to advance fuel technology through competition.

What They Are Saying

“From the beginning, INDYCAR has viewed racing as a platform for innovation. This next evolution of our renewable race fuel program demonstrates the continued progress that can be made when industry leaders work together to develop high-performance solutions that help advance sustainability goals without compromising competition.” – Mark Miles, president and CEO, Penske Entertainment Corp.

“For decades, Shell and INDYCAR have worked together to advance innovation through motorsports’ demanding testing environments. That collaboration continues today with renewable race fuel engineered to help deliver the performance and reliability required for motorsports while incorporating renewable feedstocks sourced in the United States.” – Colette Hirstius, president, Shell USA

“Indiana is an agricultural and racing powerhouse, and this exciting partnership aligns two of our state’s proudest industries. By using renewable ethanol sourced here in Indiana to fuel INDYCAR, we’re supporting Hoosier farmers and producers while showcasing Indiana innovation on a global stage. I’m proud to see Indiana agriculture powering the future of racing.” – Todd Huston (R-Fishers), Indiana House speaker

“Shell has been a terrific partner for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, and their 100% renewable race fuel has set the standard around the world for as the first renewable and sustainable fuel in racing. To now know that the fuel that powers the series will be sourced in my home state makes the partnership even more powerful to me. Indiana loves racing, and the farmers in our state now have an even deeper connection to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, thanks to Shell and their innovation.” – Ed Carpenter, owner, ECR; 23-time Indianapolis 500 starter as a driver

“The level of dedication that Shell has for both Team Penske and the NTT INDYCAR SERIES is amazing. They are continually working to provide the most advanced products, and this new fuel is a continuation of that philosophy. There is not a better time to announce this change to corn that is grown and processed in the Midwest than at this patriotic Freedom 250 race weekend. As an Illinois native, it is another reason why I am proud to work with Shell.” – David Malukas, driver, No. 12 Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet

*The Renewable Race Fuel is blended from components derived from biogenic wastes and byproducts that meet the renewable fuel definition in the Renewable Fuel Standard. The definition for renewable fuel can be found here: eCFR :: 40 CFR Part 80 Subpart M — Renewable Fuel Standard. The Renewable Race Fuel is not available at Shell retail stations.

**Shell’s 100% renewable fuel delivers at least 70% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to the Renewable Fuel Standard average gasoline baseline. Renewable fuel as defined in the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS, 40 CFR Part 80 Subpart M). Reduction in lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions relative to 2005 baseline average gasoline as defined in the RFS. Shell internal estimations for Shell Race Fuel based on data provided by component suppliers and parameters extracted from the Ca-GREET 4.0 model.

NASCAR, NFL Legends Headline Star-Studded Night At 16th annual Cook Out Catwalk for Causes

By
Official Release
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  • Speedway Children’s Charities to partner with The Samantha and Kyle Busch Bundle of Joy Fund, the Kyle Larson Foundation, the Joey Logano Foundation and Greg Olsen’s HEARTest Yard to make a difference in the lives of children and families in the Carolinas
  • The 16th annual Cook Out Catwalk for Causes will celebrate 11 Catwalk Champions, many of whom are facing their toughest battles, as they dazzle on the catwalk
  • For tickets, sponsorship opportunities or additional information, visit www.speedwaycharities.org/events/charlotte/cook-out-catwalk-for-causes/

CONCORD, NC (Aug. 21, 2026) – A night filled with big names and even bigger hearts will take to the runway for the 16th annual Cook Out Catwalk for Causes on Wednesday, Oct. 6 at Ten Tenths Motor Club. Hosted by Speedway Children’s Charities (SCC), the inspiring evening will bring together NASCAR and NFL stars, community leaders and 11 remarkable children for a night celebrating courage, hope and joy.

SCC is partnering with The Samantha and Kyle Busch Bundle of Joy Fund, Kyle Larson Foundation, Joey Logano Foundation and Greg Olsen’s HEARTest Yard to shine a spotlight on children supported by each organization. The event continues the legacy established by Sherry Pollex and the Martin Truex Jr. Foundation in 2009. Over the past 15 years, Catwalk for Causes has raised more than $5.5 million, carrying forward Pollex’s vision of making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families across the Carolinas.

The enchanting night will be hosted by NASCAR analyst and Speedway Children’s Charities board member Adam Alexander, alongside motorsports veteran, driver, broadcaster and Speedway Children’s Charities board member Erin Evernham. At the heart of the evening will be the children, who will take center stage on the catwalk in outfits hand-selected by each child. Guests will also have opportunities to make a lasting impact through live and silent auctions, with proceeds benefiting the programs championed by SCC and its charity partners. To cap off the night, guests will enjoy a concert by country music artist and Kernersville, NC native, Chris Lane.

The NASCAR and NFL stars scheduled to join these tiny heroes include:

The Samantha and Kyle Busch Bundle of Joy Fund

Samantha and Lennix Busch, The Samantha and Kyle Busch Bundle of Joy Fund
Bubba and Amanda Wallace, NASCAR Cup Series driver No.23 for 23XI Racing

Kyle Larson Foundation

Kyle and Katelyn Larson, NASCAR Cup Series driver No. 5 for Hendrick Motorsports
Ricky and Madyson Stenhouse, NASCAR Cup Series driver No. 47 for Hyak Motorsports

Joey Logano Foundation

Joey and Brittany Logano, NASCAR Cup Series driver No. 22 for Team Penske
Austin Cindric, NASCAR Cup Series driver of the No. 2 for Team Penske

Greg Olsen’s HEARTest Yard

Greg and Kara Olsen, FOX Sports broadcaster and former Carolina Panther
Jonathan and Natalie Stewart, former Carolina Panther

Speedway Children’s Charities

Jessica Fickenscher, SCC National Managing Director and General Manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway
Max and Grace Reaves, Cook Out Restaurants
Greg Walter, President of Charlotte Motor Speedway

The 2025 Cook Out Catwalk for Causes raised more than $460,000, directly supporting organizations dedicated to improving the lives of children and families facing significant challenges. This year’s event will continue that momentum while celebrating the strength and resilience of the children at the heart of Catwalk.

A limited number of individual seats and table sponsorships are available. To purchase, contact SCC Charlotte Director, Taylor Kirby, tkirby@speedwaycharities.org.

DETAILS:

For tickets, sponsorship opportunities or additional information about the 2026 Catwalk for Causes, visit www.speedwaycharities.org/events/charlotte/cook-out-catwalk-for-causes/.

About Cook Out Catwalk for Causes

Cook Out Catwalk for Causes is an annual charitable fundraising event benefiting children in need across the Carolinas. Now in its 16th year, the event has raised nearly $5.5 million through the support of NASCAR and NFL personalities, corporate partners and generous donors. Continuing the legacy established by Sherry Pollex, the event creates unforgettable experiences for children while generating critical funding for organizations dedicated to improving young lives.

ABOUT SPEEDWAY CHILDREN’S CHARITIES:

At Speedway Children’s Charities, we believe every child deserves the chance to thrive—no matter the obstacles they face. SCC is a driving force for change, partnering with local organizations to meet the most pressing needs of children in communities across the country. From supporting kids battling illness to providing resources for those facing adversity at home or in school, our mission is rooted in action and compassion. Since 1982, we’ve distributed over $79 million in grants, ensuring that children in need have the support, care, and opportunities to build brighter futures.

Jason Kitzmiller Ready to Raise the Bar in Springfield ARCA Return

By
Official Release
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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — With the stretch run of the 2026 ARCA Menards Series season quickly approaching, veteran driver Jason Kitzmiller is determined to turn his topsy-turvy sophomore full-time campaign into a consistent string of strong performances, beginning with Sunday afternoon’s Calypso 100 at the Illinois State Fairgrounds.

Kitzmiller returns to the one-mile dirt track in Springfield, Ill., following a frustrating outing earlier this month at Iowa Speedway, where a late-race accident derailed a potential top-10 finish and resulted in his fourth DNF (did not finish) of the season.

Despite the misfortune in the Midwest, Kitzmiller used the final off weekend of the season to put the setback behind him, rest, recharge and reset ahead of a six-week stretch that will carry the series through its late-September finale at Kansas Speedway.

With one top-five and seven top-10 finishes to his credit this season, Kitzmiller is determined to use the next month and a half to propel his A.L.L. Construction Racing — CR7 Motorsports team forward and finish the year stronger than it began.

For Kitzmiller, Springfield presents an opportunity to begin that push on one of the most distinctive tracks on the ARCA Menards Series schedule. The historic one-mile dirt oval requires patience, adaptability and precise communication between driver and crew as track conditions evolve throughout the afternoon.

“The Iowa finish was disappointing because we had put ourselves in position to earn another top-10 finish, but sometimes things happen that are beyond your control,” said Kitzmiller.

“The important thing is how you respond. We had the weekend off to regroup, clear our minds and make sure we are ready to give everything we have during this final stretch of the season.”

Kitzmiller and the A.L.L. Construction Racing — CR7 Motorsports team arrive in Springfield focused on executing a clean and complete race. With track conditions expected to evolve throughout the event, Kitzmiller understands that patience will be essential to securing the desired result while also gaining valuable experience for the season’s final dirt-track race at the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds in early September.

“Springfield is unlike most of the tracks we visit, and that is part of what makes it such a special event,” added Kitzmiller.

“You have to respect the track, stay disciplined and keep adjusting as the conditions change. Our goal is to stay out of trouble, take care of the race car and put ourselves in a position to contend for a strong finish when it matters most.”

While the 2026 season has delivered its share of challenges, Kitzmiller remains encouraged by the speed and potential his team has shown. He believes a strong performance in Springfield could provide valuable momentum as the championship schedule enters its demanding final stretch. 

“We know we are capable of running well and competing inside the top 10,” Kitzmiller continued. “Now, it is about putting complete races together and turning that potential into results. Everyone at A.L.L. Construction Racing — CR7 Motorsports continues to work incredibly hard, and I want to reward that effort by finishing this season on a high note.”

After earning a top-10 starting position and a 10th-place finish at the Illinois State Fairgrounds last summer, Kitzmiller has raised the bar for his return while applying lessons learned to help prevent the car from overheating — a common concern as the stock cars pace around the dirt oval.

“Last year gave us a solid foundation to build from, but we want more this time around,” added Kitzmiller.

“Keeping the car cool will be a major priority, especially with the amount of time we can spend pacing under caution. If we can manage that, stay patient and keep the car underneath us, I believe we can improve on last year’s finish and put together the kind of performance our team deserves.”

For the eighth time this season, Kitzmiller will compete alongside his son, reigning ARCA Menards Series East champion Isaac Kitzmiller, who will make his ARCA dirt-track debut following a strong fifth-place finish at Iowa Speedway nearly two weeks ago.

“It is always special to share the track with Isaac, and I’m proud of the progress he continues to make,” said Kitzmiller. “He had a strong run at Iowa, and now he will experience something completely different with his first ARCA race on dirt. Hopefully, we can both stay out of trouble, have competitive days and leave Springfield with finishes our entire family can be proud of.”

His teenage son Isaac will not be the only driver Kitzmiller is chasing Sunday afternoon. While the championship may be out of reach, the Petersburg, W.Va., native remains firmly in contention for third in the standings, separated from Isabella Robusto by just two points after 14 races.

“Finishing third in the championship would mean a lot to our team,” explained Kitzmiller. “It is a close battle, so we must stay consistent, minimize mistakes and make every race count.”

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 afternoon’s Calypso 100 at the Illinois 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 Illinois State Fairgrounds,” said Kitzmiller.

“The Midwest has a rich agricultural 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. Racing on the historic Springfield dirt mile is one of the most unique challenges on the ARCA Menards Series schedule and requires patience, preparation and adaptability from everyone on the team.

“Those same qualities are demonstrated every day by Carter Machinery and the Cat® brand. They are tremendous partners of our program and share our commitment to hard work, reliability and performance.

“We’re proud to represent Carter Machinery and Cat® on the No. 97 Chevrolet. We earned a top-10 finish at Springfield last year, and we’re looking to build on that experience with an even stronger performance on Sunday.”

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 62nd career ARCA Menards Series start.

Entering Springfield, Kitzmiller, 53, sits fourth in the ARCA Menards Series championship standings, 113 points behind championship leader Jake Bollman, but two points behind third-place runner Isabella Robusto with six 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 29 top-10 finishes in 61 ARCA Menards Series starts, including a career-best third-place effort at Daytona International Speedway in February 2025.

The Calypso 100 (100 laps | 100 miles) is the 15th of 20 races on the 2026 ARCA Menards Series schedule. Practice begins Sunday, August 23, from 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., while Sioux Chief PowerPEX Pole Qualifying is slated to begin shortly thereafter at 11:15 a.m. The race is scheduled to take the green flag shortly after 1:00 p.m. CT (2:00 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).

What is the Best Luxury Surf Boat? The Tigé Ultré 25ZX vs. Nautique G25

By
SM
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The 2026 Tigé Ultré 25ZX and 2026 Nautique G25 are two of the best luxury wake surf boats designed for wakesurfing and wakeboarding, but they take different approaches to performance, features, and customization. The Ultré 25ZX emphasizes surf-system adjustability, standard convenience features, flexible seating, and integrated technology, while the G25 focuses on traditional Nautique styling, a refined layout, and a customizable selection of options.

Both boats represent the premium end of the towboat market and offer extensive features for families and crews who spend serious time on the water. The right choice ultimately comes down to which performance characteristics, features, and layout best fit your priorities.

Watch the Full Tigé Ultré 25ZX vs. Nautique G25 Walkthrough

Want to see these differences firsthand? Watch the full walkthrough comparison below, then continue reading for a feature-by-feature breakdown of the nicest wake surf boats on the water, the 2026 Tigé Ultré 25ZX and Nautique G25.

Surf Performance: Tigé TAPS 3T vs. Nautique NSS

For many buyers, surf performance is one of the most important considerations when choosing a luxury wake surf boat. The Tigé Ultré 25ZX and Nautique G25 use different surf systems and approaches to shaping the wave.

Tigé Ultré 25ZX TAPS 3T Surf System

The Tigé Adjustable Performance System (TAPS) features plates mounted visibly on the transom. The system offers extensive adjustability through the helm screen, giving you control over wave shape and size. Many riders appreciate the ability to fine-tune the wave to their exact preferences.

The TAPS system is known for its versatility and the range of wave profiles it can create. If you have riders with different skill levels or preferences, the adjustability can be a significant advantage.

Nautique G25 Nautique Surf System (NSS)

The Nautique Surf System takes a more integrated approach with plates tucked behind covers, creating a cleaner appearance. 

Both systems deliver exceptional surf waves. The Tigé Ultré 25ZX provides more adjustment options for riders who like to fine-tune their wave from mellow to steep, while the Nautique G25 offers natural push. You’ll be satisfied with either choice depending on your riding style.

Tower Systems: Tigé Ultré 25ZX vs. Nautique G25

The tower plays an important role in both the appearance and functionality of a towboat, particularly for crews who switch between wakesurfing, wakeboarding, and other watersports.

Tigé Ultré 25ZX Standard Power Tower

The 2026 Ultré 25ZX tower features:

  • Standard power tower with SolidShade bimini
  • Captain-controlled tower adjustment
  • Can tow watersports at any height position

A key advantage is the ability to adjust the tower from the captain’s chair, giving riders more flexibility in how and where they are towed from. 

Nautique G25 Telescoping Tower

The G25 offers:

  • Manual Flight Control Tower: Redesigned tower comes standard on the G25 and provides a simple, straightforward setup.
  • Actuated Flight Control Tower: Upgraded option with push-button operation, making it easy to raise or lower the tower at the touch of a button.
  • Telescoping Flight Control Tower: Premium option that adjusts the tower height while keeping the bimini in place, allowing passengers to remain comfortably seated during adjustment.

The G25 offers tower customization through its available upgrades, while the Ultré 25ZX includes a power tower and SolidShade bimini as part of its standard configuration.

Helm and Controls: Tigé Ultré 25ZX vs. Nautique G25

The helm is where drivers interact with many of the boat’s most important systems, so control layout and adjustability can make a meaningful difference.

Tigé Ultré 25ZX Helm

  • Integrated touchscreen control system
  • Controls for the surf system, stereo, and other boat functions
  • Standard electric captain’s seat
  • Standard steering wheel controls that put functions at your fingertips 

Nautique G25 Helm

  • Comfortable helm armrest
  • Electric seat adjustment available as an option
  • Clean steering wheel design
  • Most adjustments handled through the control center or main screen

The two boats take slightly different approaches to helm controls. The Ultré 25ZX emphasizes integrated controls and standard electric seat adjustment, while the G25 maintains a clean and traditional helm layout.

Audio Systems: Audison vs. JL Audio

Premium audio is an important part of the on-water experience, particularly for crews spending full days on the lake.

Tigé Ultré 25ZX Audison System

The 2027 Tigé Ultré delivers a premium on-water listening experience with Audison sound systems engineered for powerful, clear audio throughout the boat. Choose from three levels of performance to match how you like to turn it up.

  • Audison 3D Sound System — Standard: Includes three pairs of 8″ interior speakers, one 12″ subwoofer, and one pair of tower speakers for an immersive, full-range audio experience.
  • Audison 4D Sound System — Optional: Adds a second pair of tower speakers while maintaining three pairs of 8″ interior speakers and a 12″ subwoofer for clear, consistent playback—even at full volume.
  • Audison 4D Pro Sound System — Optional: Built for maximum open-air performance with three pairs of 8″ interior speakers, two 12″ subwoofers, and two pairs of tower speakers for deeper bass and exceptional clarity.

Nautique G25 JL Audio

The 2027 Super Air Nautique G23 offers premium JL Audio tower speaker configurations designed to keep the music going from the surf session into the evening.

  • Manual & Actuated Flight Control Towers: Choose one or two pairs of 8.8″ JL Audio M6 full-range speakers for powerful, clear sound while surfing or riding.
  • Telescoping Flight Control Tower: Includes two pairs of 8.8″ JL Audio M6 speakers housed in custom dual-speaker enclosures.
  • Integrated Tower Lighting: All tower speaker configurations feature integrated downlighting that adds a soft, ambient glow to the lounge after dark.

Both boats offer premium audio systems that satisfy demanding listeners. The choice ultimately comes down to personal sound preferences, brand preferences, and the type of audio experience you prioritize.

Convenience Features: Tigé Ultré 25ZX vs. Nautique G25

Convenience features can make a noticeable difference in how easy a boat is to use day after day, from boarding and docking to keeping drinks cold throughout a full day on the water.

Tigé Ultré 25ZX Convenience Features

The Ultré 25ZX puts a strong emphasis on making everyday use as easy as possible:

  • Standard electric platform step for effortless boarding and exiting
  • Standard stern thruster – control located on the throttle
  • Standard UltréChill Cooler with electric cooling, eliminating the need for ice
  • Ultré Boost Step option for easier access in and out of the boat

Nautique G25 Convenience Features

The G25 takes a more traditional approach while still offering several thoughtful convenience features:

  • Standard pick-up and pull-out ladder for boarding
  • Thruster available as an option for easier maneuvering and docking
  • Floor-integrated cooler with SeaDek finish

The G25 combines straightforward boarding and traditional cooler functionality with a clean, integrated design. Buyers can also add convenience features such as the thruster and electric captain’s chair based on their preferences and budget.

Seating Configurations: Ultré 25ZX vs. G25

Seating layout can have a major impact on how your crew uses the boat, particularly when you’re switching between riding, relaxing, and socializing.

Tigé Ultré 25ZX Seating

The Ultré 25ZX emphasizes flexibility and configurability throughout the interior:

  • Standard dual-facing transom seats with three different lean-back options
  • Standard cockpit reverse seat that folds out when you’re ready to watch the action
  • Standard UltréLounge seat that allows the co-captain to face forward or backward
  • Standard armrests and adjustable playpen-style seating in the bow 
  • Anchor storage access in the bow
  • Standard electric captain’s chair adjustment

The Ultré 25ZX’s seating configuration gives passengers multiple ways to position themselves depending on whether they’re watching riders, relaxing, or cruising.

Nautique G25 Seating

The G25 takes a more traditional approach to seating, with clean lines and classic styling:

  • Fixed seating throughout the standard G25 layout
  • Standard reversible stern seating that slides in and out
  • Optional flip-up armrests for added comfort and flexibility
  • Optional weighted throw pillows designed to stay in place on the boat
  • Optional electric captain’s chair

The G25 emphasizes a clean, classic interior, while the Ultré 25ZX focuses on maximum configurability and multiple seating positions.

Storage: Tigé Ultré 25ZX vs. Nautique G25

Storage becomes especially important on a boat designed for wakesurfing, where boards, gear, life jackets, and other equipment can quickly take up space.

Tigé Ultré 25ZX Storage

One of the most distinctive storage features on the Ultré 25ZX is its dedicated surf locker at the rear of the boat.

  • Dedicated surf locker designed to accommodate three to four boards depending on their style and size
  • Generous and deep storage compartments throughout the boat for gear and equipment
  • Built-in trash can with billet lid

Nautique G25 Storage

The G25 takes a more flexible approach to board and gear storage:

  • Optional Board racks for board storage
  • Substantial rear storage compartments
  • SeaDek finishing throughout storage compartments

Warranty Coverage: Tigé Ultré 25ZX vs. Nautique G25

Warranty coverage is another factor to consider when comparing the long-term ownership value of two premium towboats.

Tigé Ultré 25ZX Warranty

  • 5-year/500-hour comprehensive boat coverage
  • 7-year/750-hour engine coverage

Nautique G25 Warranty

  • 5-year/1,000-hour warranty

Warranty terms can vary by model, component, and applicable conditions, so buyers should confirm the current warranty terms before purchase.

The Verdict: Which Boat Is Right for You?

Choose the Tigé Ultré 25ZX If You Want:

  • Luxury styling from bow to transom
  • Adjustability to get the best surf wave
  • More standard features included
  • Electric cooler without the need for ice
  • Extensive customization options
  • Generous amounts of storage throughout the boat including a dedicated surf locker 

Choose the Nautique G25 If You Want:

  • Cleaner, more traditional styling
  • Strong push in the surf wave
  • The ability to pick and choose options based on your budget/needs
  • Subfloor ballast that gives you room for gear storage
  • Classic Nautique refinement

The Bottom Line

Both the 2026 Tigé Ultré 25ZX and 2026 Nautique G25 represent the best of wakesurfing and wakeboarding boat design. You genuinely cannot make a wrong choice between these two boats.

The best way to decide is to experience both boats in person and, ideally, on the water. See which helm feels more natural, which layout works better for your crew, and which overall boat aligns with how you want to experience your time on the water.

Both boats will deliver countless memorable days with family and friends. The question isn’t which is better, but which is better for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best luxury wake surf boats?

The Tigé Ultré 25ZX and Super Air Nautique G25 are two of the top choices for luxury wakesurf boats. Both combine premium interiors, advanced surf technology, and powerful, customizable surf waves. The Ultré 25ZX stands out with its Convex V Hull, TAPS 3T, GO System, and elevated Ultré features, while the G25 delivers highly customizable waves through its Nautique Surf System and Configurable Running Surface

What are the best 25-foot wakesurf boats?

The Tigé Ultré 25ZX and Super Air Nautique G25 are both exceptional choices for buyers looking for a large, high-end wake boats. The Ultré 25ZX measures 25’5″ and offers 19-person seating, while the G25 is designed specifically to accommodate larger groups while delivering customizable wake and surf performance.

What are the best quality wake boats?

The Tigé Ultré 25ZX and Super Air Nautique G25 are two of the best quality wake boats for buyers looking for premium engineering, refined design, advanced performance technology, and a high-end experience on the water. Both combine quality materials and thoughtful engineering with powerful, customizable wake and surf performance, making them standout choices in the luxury wake boat market.

What a DUI Conviction Actually Means for Your Car and Your Insurance

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

Most drivers assume a DUI charge is purely a legal problem, something resolved in a courtroom and then finished. In practice, the vehicle-related consequences often outlast the court process itself, reshaping insurance costs, driving privileges, and even what you’re able to rent or finance for years afterward. Understanding the real scope of this before it happens, and knowing when to bring in a Mississauga DUI lawyer, makes a stressful situation considerably easier to manage.

The Immediate Vehicle Consequences

  • Administrative licence suspension often kicks in immediately after arrest, separate from anything decided later in court.
  • Vehicle impoundment is common in many jurisdictions, adding an unexpected cost on top of everything else.
  • Ignition interlock requirements may apply even before a case is resolved, requiring a certified device installed at the driver’s own expense.

Insurance: The Part That Lasts the Longest

TimingWhat Typically Happens
Immediately after chargeInsurer may not know yet, though some policies require disclosure
At renewalDriving record review typically surfaces the charge
Post-convictionReclassification as high-risk, premiums increase substantially

The insurance impact is frequently the longest-lasting consequence of a DUI, often extending three to five years or more, well past whatever happens in the legal case itself. Some insurers decline coverage entirely, pushing drivers into specialty high-risk insurance markets at significantly higher cost.

Renting or Financing a Vehicle Afterward

Car rental companies routinely check driving records, and a DUI-related restriction or conviction can result in a rejected rental application or a required deposit far higher than usual. Vehicle financing can also become more difficult, since some lenders factor driving record risk into approval decisions, particularly for anyone financing a newer or higher-value vehicle.

What Actually Determines the Long-Term Impact

1. Whether the charge results in a conviction or is resolved otherwise — this affects insurance classification far more than the initial arrest alone. 2. The specific conditions attached to any release or sentence, since ignition interlock and licence restrictions vary case by case. 3. How the case is handled procedurally, since disclosure review and evidence quality can meaningfully affect the final outcome. 4. Time since the conviction, since most insurers reduce the high-risk surcharge gradually over several years.

A Common Misconception Worth Correcting

Many drivers assume that once a suspension period ends, everything returns to normal automatically. In practice, insurers and some rental/financing companies continue treating the record as a risk factor well past the suspension period, based on the conviction itself rather than the current licence status.

Practical Steps Worth Taking

  • Get legal advice early, since the procedural details of a case can affect both the legal outcome and downstream insurance classification.
  • Ask directly about high-risk insurance options rather than assuming standard coverage will remain available or affordable.
  • Keep documentation organized, since insurers and lenders may request it well after the case is resolved.
  • Don’t assume timelines will be quick. Both the legal process and its downstream effects tend to run longer than expected.

FAQ

Does a DUI charge affect insurance even before conviction? Sometimes. Some insurers require disclosure of pending charges, though the more significant increases typically follow an actual conviction.

How long do insurance premiums stay elevated after a DUI? Commonly three to five years, though this varies by insurer and jurisdiction.

Can a DUI conviction affect financing a vehicle? It can, particularly for higher-value vehicles, since some lenders factor driving record into their risk assessment.

References

Corrosion, Cables, and Cargo Doors: Maintaining Trailers on the Road All Season

By
SM
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Roll-up doors suffer abuse during their daily work and suffer from the movement of cargo, weather, and their loads. Failure to properly maintain doors causes loss of money and time. Fleet owners and maintenance personnel bind themselves and the cargo with restriction cages. Keeping trailers maintained keeps cargo safe.

Modern trailer doors are expected to undergo thousands of opening and closing cycles each year. Coastal, summer, and winter conditions contribute to door deterioration. Failure happens at the most inconvenient times. The failure of trailer doors poses a wide variety of problems to the driver and the cargo. The reliability challenges that these doors experience is mitigated by quality door hardware manufactured by companies like Fehr Bros.

Understanding Roll-Up Cargo Door Systems on Commercial Trailers

Roll-up cargo doors incorporate cable and spring systems to operate. Rollers glide along tracks to complete the opening and closing function. The system incorporates hinges, springs, and latches to secure cargo. The system must function with ease under heavy loads.

Modern trailer doors open and close thousands of times a year. Winter salt, summer heat, and moisture all contribute to failure. An unexpected failure of a component increases exposure and risks safety of the cargo. Quality truck rollup door hardware from suppliers like Fehr Bros prevents failures. Unmaintained systems lead to unexpected failures of equipment.

How Weather and Road Conditions Damage Trailer Door Hardware

Roadside hardware on trailers that go along the coastal routes face salt exposure throughout the year. The air as well as winter road salts and moisture scratch and corrode protected metal surfaces. Rain, fog and moisture get into metal joints. UV radiation erodes protective coating over time.

Cold temperature cycling initiates the process of corrosion and moisture penetration into the joints. Freeze-thaw cycles damage trailer hardware further. With thousands of miles of travel, vibration loosen fasteners. Dirt and debris clog mechanisms and inhibit movement.

Common Failure Points in Roll-Up Door Systems

Steel cables used as door supports rust from inside out and eventually break. Lack of support causes the cable to fray. Unsupported cables hold doors open in the insecure positioned.

Other common failure points cargo door systems include:

  • Cable fraying
  • Seizes through rust
  • Binding through hinge corrosion
  • Weakened springs resulting in sag
  • Doors cannot latch
  • Rail deterioration causes doors to derail
  • Fastener corrosion that loosens connections
  • Water entry through weather seals
  • Reliability of roll-up cargo doors

Why You Should Care About Corrosion-Resistant Hardware in Fleet Operations

Fleet operations burn dollars when equipment isn’t operational. One broken door results in a trailer that can’t load cargo. Cargo sits exposed on the side of the road to spoil and can be stolen. Drivers idle and deliveries get held up while repairs are done. Emergency repairs cost a lot more than scheduled maintenance.

Materials for Harsh Environment Operations

Of the different material choices, galvanized steel resists corrosion over carbon steel. In heavily salty environments, even stainless steel is a better choice. Powder coated or painted finishes can be used to help resist corrosion when exposed to the elements. Seals prevent moisture and corrosion from entering bearings.

Cable assemblies come in many choices and grades. Upgraded high-quality salt rated cable assemblies will cost more. Roller bearings with seal designs also prevent corrosion. Stainless steel also resists corrosion when used in hinge pins. Spring steel also resists corrosion in hinge pins.

Seasonal Maintenance Practices for Maximum Door Longevity

Doors undergo different levels of wear and tear throughout the seasons, thus requiring differing types of care. The spring and summertime will necessitate visual inspections and lubrication. Initial tension checks will solve binding issues. Gunk from road salt needs to be removed using a thorough washing after every exposure to road salt. Increased lubrication is required during the summer to counter the operating door tensions caused by the summer heat.

Step-by-Step Maintenance and Inspection Protocol

Inspection Method

  • Thoroughly examine roll-up doors for rust, damage and frayed cables and for smooth operation. Test the locks and listen for any unusual sounds.

Maintenance and Inspection Materials

  • A salty environment grease (thin layers), rust remover, rust preventative paint, protective coating

Maintenance and Inspection Details

  • Grease roll-up door hardware every three months

Check cables for excessive looseness and tightness on a monthly basis.

  • If rust prevention measures are not taken, corrosion worsens.

How to Determine Quality Replacement or Upgrade Hardware

With wear and tear, degrees and levels of stress, as well as care, hardware standards need to be clear from manufacturers. The best replacement hardware for applications under heavier stress will be rated for coastal use. Longer warranties also show the confidence level the manufacturer has in their product.

Real-World Examples of Maintenance Success and Failures

There are challenging situations that affect coastal fleets in Florida and California. The salt spray accelerates damage and corrosion of paint and other protective layers along a route and creates a lot of issues. Failure to perform preventive maintenance will leave drivers stuck in hazardous situations.

The constant stress of loading and unloading from hauling and construction face severe strain on doors. These conditions warrant periodic inspections and upkeep. There is a direct correlation between quality hardware and the reduction in time hardware is out of service from heavy use.

Cost Analysis: Preventive Maintenance vs Emergency Repairs

FactorPreventive MaintenanceEmergency Repair
Cable replacement cost$300-500 per assembly$1000-1500 emergency rate
Labor hours needed2-3 hours scheduled work6-8 hours emergency service
Trailer downtime impactMinimal planned scheduling1-2 days lost revenue
Driver impact on scheduleNo disruption plannedSignificant delivery delays
Inspection cost$100-200 routine check$500+ emergency diagnostic
Long-term fleet costsLower extended lifespanHigher repeated failures

Conclusion

Effective and efficient operation of roll-up cargo doors requires consistent inspection and preservation. Failure to do so may result in costly door replacement for the fleet manager. Roll-up doors experience deterioration and failure due to corrosion in all operational environments regardless of the severity of the environment. 

Quality hardware is designed to withstand corrosion and heavy use. Quality hardware is an investment in the long term. Seasonal care will bring the most value, and prevent costly emergency repairs. The combination of proper care and quality hardware makes a reliable asset.

How to Create Product Marketing Videos from a Product URL with an AI Marketing Video Maker

By
SM
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For online sellers, the product page is often the best place to start when making a marketing video. It already has the product images, features, and basic selling points. The problem is turning that information into a short video without writing a script and planning every scene from scratch.

An AI marketing video generator can handle much of that work. With Pollo AI’s Marketing Video Maker, a product URL can be used as the starting point, with extra images, videos, and instructions added when needed. The result can then be adapted for different marketing channels.

Why Use Pollo AI for Product URL Marketing Videos?

Why Use Pollo AI for Product URL Marketing Videos

This workflow is especially useful for e-commerce teams that already have detailed product pages but need video content for ads, social media, or landing pages.

Pollo AI is a practical fit because its Marketing Video Maker can work from a product URL and lets users control the video’s message, avatar, and format. It can also create different versions for different audiences or marketing angles.

Instead of starting with a blank video editor, the marketer can start with information that already exists.

How to Create a Product Marketing Video from a URL with Pollo AI

The process takes five steps. The key is not to give the tool as much information as possible, but to give it the right information.

1. Pick a Product Page That Tells the Full Story

First, choose the product page to use in Pollo AI. It should contain the product name, useful images, key features, and clear benefits. For marketers comparing different options, a HeyGen AI video generator can also be considered as part of the wider AI video creation workflow, while Pollo AI provides its own tools for turning product information into marketing videos.

A weak product page gives the generator little to work with. If the page has several versions of the same product, the marketer should also check that the URL points to the exact version being promoted.

It is also worth deciding on the main selling point first. A short video cannot explain everything on a long product page.

2. Add the Product URL and Set the Main Message

Paste the product URL into Pollo AI’s Marketing Video Maker. Extra images or videos can be added if the product page does not show an important detail or use case.

The instruction should tell the tool what the video is supposed to achieve.

For example, instead of writing:

“Create a professional product video.”

A better instruction would be:

“Show how this portable blender helps busy commuters make a quick smoothie at work.”

That gives the video a clear audience, situation, and reason to buy.

3. Decide Whether an AI Avatar Makes Sense

Pollo AI allows users to include an AI avatar or focus the video entirely on the product.

An avatar can work well for products that need a quick explanation, such as software or business services. For fashion, food, cosmetics, or accessories, product shots and demonstrations may be more useful.

The avatar should support the message, not compete with the product.

4. Choose the Format for the Target Channel

Select the format based on where the video will appear. Vertical video is a natural choice for TikTok and Instagram, while a wider layout may work better on YouTube or a website.

Pollo AI’s Marketing Video Maker supports different aspect ratios and is designed for marketing content across channels including TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, websites, and email campaigns.

Using the right format from the start also avoids awkward cropping later.

5. Generate the Video and Check Every Detail

Generate the video in Pollo AI, then check it before publishing.

The product should look correct, the features should match the product page, and any price, promotion, or performance claim should be current. The opening should also make sense without relying on the viewer to read the original product page.

If the first version tries to cover too much, the easiest fix is usually to narrow the instruction and generate another version.

Pollo AI can also be used to create variations around different benefits, avatars, or target audiences. That makes it possible to test, for example, a convenience-focused version against a performance-focused one.

Common Problems to Avoid

The most common problem is trying to put the entire product page into one short video. A product may have ten features, but the video usually needs only the one or two that matter most to its target customer.

Another issue is assuming that the generated video is ready to publish without checking it. Product information changes, and AI-generated content can occasionally miss context from the original page.

The safest approach is simple: use the product URL as the starting material, give the video one clear purpose, and treat the first generation as a draft rather than the finished campaign.

Conclusion

For e-commerce marketers, a product URL can be a much easier starting point than a blank video editor. With Pollo AI’s Marketing Video Maker, the workflow is straightforward: add the product URL, define the main message, choose an avatar and format when appropriate, generate the video, and review the result.

The biggest time saver is not simply making one video. It is turning the same product page into different video versions for different audiences and channels without starting over each time.

5 Reasons Why Car Accidents Are So Common in Marysville

By
SM
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Marysville is a growing community in Washington that serves as an important connection point for residents, commuters, and commercial traffic throughout Snohomish County. With major roadways, expanding residential developments, and increasing population growth, the city experiences a significant volume of daily traffic. 

As more vehicles share the road, the likelihood of collisions naturally increases. Car accidents are common in Marysville for several reasons, including heavy traffic, distracted driving, speeding, challenging intersections, and adverse weather conditions. These factors often combine to create situations where even cautious drivers can become involved in a crash. 

Following an accident, it is always advisable for injured individuals to turn to a Marysville car accident lawyer to better understand their rights and pursue compensation for their losses.

Understanding why accidents occur can help drivers recognize potential hazards and make safer decisions behind the wheel. 

Here are the 5 common reasons for car accidents in Marysville:

Heavy Traffic and Congestion

Marysville’s continued growth has brought more vehicles onto local roads. Commuters traveling to nearby cities, commercial trucks transporting goods, and residents running daily errands all contribute to increased traffic volume.

When roads become congested, drivers often face sudden stops, slower reaction times, and limited space to maneuver. These conditions increase the risk of rear-end collisions and other common types of accidents.

Busy roads also create more opportunities for driver error, particularly during morning and evening rush hours.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving remains one of the leading causes of accidents throughout the country, and Marysville is no exception.

Many collisions occur because drivers take their attention away from the road to:

  • Read or send text messages
  • Use navigation systems
  • Adjust vehicle controls
  • Eat or drink while driving
  • Interact with passengers

Even a brief distraction can prevent a driver from noticing changing traffic conditions or reacting to potential hazards in time to avoid a collision. As smartphones and in-vehicle technology become more common, distracted driving continues to be a significant safety concern.

Speeding and Aggressive Driving

Speeding reduces the amount of time drivers have to react to unexpected situations. It also increases stopping distances and the severity of crashes when they occur.

Some drivers exceed speed limits to save time, while others engage in aggressive behaviors such as tailgating, weaving through traffic, or making unsafe lane changes. These actions create dangerous conditions for everyone sharing the roadway.

In many serious accidents, excessive speed is a contributing factor that makes injuries and property damage more severe than they otherwise would have been.

High-Risk Intersections

Intersections are among the most common locations for vehicle collisions. Drivers must make quick decisions involving traffic signals, turning vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, and oncoming traffic.

In Marysville, heavily traveled intersections can become particularly hazardous when drivers:

  • Fail to yield the right-of-way
  • Misjudge traffic gaps
  • Run red lights
  • Make improper turns

Because multiple traffic movements occur simultaneously, even a small mistake can lead to a serious crash. Drivers who remain alert and approach intersections cautiously may reduce their risk of becoming involved in an accident.

Rain and Adverse Weather Conditions

Washington’s weather can present unique challenges for motorists. Rain, wet pavement, fog, and reduced visibility often contribute to accidents throughout the year.

When roads become slippery, vehicles require greater stopping distances. Drivers who fail to adjust their speed for weather conditions may lose control or be unable to stop in time to avoid a collision.

Washington law recognizes the importance of safe driving under existing conditions. For example, RCW 46.61.400 requires motorists to operate vehicles at speeds that are reasonable and prudent based on roadway, traffic, and weather conditions. Failing to adjust driving behavior during adverse weather can significantly increase accident risks.

Protecting Yourself on Marysville Roads

Although not every accident can be prevented, understanding common causes can help drivers make safer choices. Remaining attentive, obeying speed limits, maintaining safe following distances, and adjusting for weather conditions can reduce the likelihood of a collision.

When accidents do occur, determining the cause is often an important part of establishing liability and pursuing compensation. A thorough investigation may reveal whether distracted driving, speeding, roadway conditions, or other factors contributed to the crash.

Key Takeaways

  • Marysville’s growing population and traffic volume contribute to a higher risk of vehicle accidents.
  • Heavy congestion can increase the likelihood of rear-end and multi-vehicle collisions.
  • Distracted driving remains one of the most common causes of crashes.
  • Speeding and aggressive driving behaviors often lead to serious accidents.
  • Busy intersections create additional risks for motorists.
  • RCW 46.61.400 requires drivers to operate vehicles at speeds that are reasonable for existing conditions.
  • Consulting a Marysville car accident lawyer can help injured individuals understand their legal options after a collision.

What Grandparents Should Know About Their Legal Right to Stay Connected

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

Grandparents often assume their role in a child’s life is guaranteed, yet family changes can sometimes disrupt these treasured relationships unexpectedly. Understanding what options exist to preserve these bonds is something many grandparents only discover after a difficult situation has already begun, often when emotions within the family are already running high.

A Relationship Worth Protecting

The bond between grandparents and grandchildren offers stability, tradition and comfort that few other relationships can genuinely replicate. Forbes has covered research showing these bonds benefit youngsters and elders alike, with both generations gaining from the connection. When family circumstances shift, this relationship deserves thoughtful consideration rather than being left to chance.

Understanding Where Grandparents Stand

Many grandparents are surprised to learn that their connection to a grandchild can be considered in certain family arrangements, particularly when that relationship has played a meaningful role in the child’s life. Awareness of these options is often the first step toward preserving the relationship for many years to come.

How Staying Connected Benefits Children

Children who maintain strong relationships with extended family, including grandparents, often benefit from a broader sense of security and belonging. Recognising this value is increasingly common in how modern families approach arrangements following significant change, rather than treating it as an afterthought to other decisions.

Approaching the Conversation with Care

Raising concerns about staying connected does not need to feel confrontational. Framing the conversation around the child’s wellbeing, rather than personal disappointment, often leads to more constructive discussions within the wider family, especially during an already sensitive and emotional time for everyone directly involved.

Knowing When to Seek Guidance

Not every situation requires formal steps. Sometimes a respectful family conversation is enough to restore contact. Other times, particularly where communication has broken down entirely, understanding the available options provides grandparents with genuine clarity and a real sense of direction moving forward for everyone involved.

The Value of Acting with Patience

Rebuilding or protecting a connection rarely happens overnight, and patience tends to serve grandparents well throughout the process. Small, consistent efforts to stay involved, whether through phone calls, visits or shared occasions, often matter more in the long run than any single conversation or decision made along the way.

Why Extended Family Bonds Matter More Than Ever

Modern families are increasingly spread across busy schedules and shifting circumstances, which makes intentional connection more important than ever before. Grandparents who remain engaged, even in small consistent ways, often become an anchor of familiarity and warmth that children carry with them well into adulthood, long after childhood itself has passed.

Taking the Right First Step

If you are a grandparent hoping to better understand your position, click here to reach family lawyers in Dandenong for clear, practical guidance tailored to your family’s unique circumstances and history together.

Grandparents play a quiet but powerful role in a child’s upbringing, offering wisdom, continuity and unconditional love, and protecting that connection is about preserving something genuinely valuable for the next generation to enjoy, cherish and pass on for years to come.

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