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Race Week Briefing: Homestead-Miami Speedway

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Official Release
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Event: NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race
Date/Time: Sunday, November 8, 2026, 3 p.m. ET
Location: Homestead-Miami Speedway, Homestead, Florida
Layout: 1.5-Mile Oval
TV/Radio: NBC, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Wood Brothers Racing and the No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane team head to Homestead-Miami Speedway for Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series Championship race celebrating a milestone 25-year partnership with Motorcraft while preparing to close out their two-year run with driver Josh Berry, who delivered the organization’s historic 101st victory.

To commemorate the silver anniversary of the partnership, the No. 21 Ford Mustang Dark Horse will carry a special 25th anniversary Motorcraft decal on its hood this weekend.

Jon Wood, a third-generation member of the Wood Brothers family who serves as team president and co-owner, reflected on the significance of the longstanding relationship with Motorcraft, which ranks among the longest-running partnerships in NASCAR history.

“Our relationship with Motorcraft is something our family takes a tremendous amount of pride in,” Wood said. “When you look at how much this sport has changed over the last 25 years, it really puts into perspective how special it is to have a partner that has been with us through so much of our history.

“We’ve celebrated some great moments together, and the relationships we’ve built with the people at Ford and Motorcraft mean just as much to us as the success we’ve shared on the racetrack. We’re grateful for their continued commitment to our race team and look forward to building on that in the years ahead.”

Sunday’s season finale also marks Berry’s final race behind the wheel of the iconic No. 21 Ford before Jesse Love takes over driving duties in 2027.

“We’re certainly appreciative of everything Josh has contributed to Wood Brothers Racing over the last two seasons,” Wood said. “Bringing home our 101st victory at Las Vegas last year was a special moment for our team in our 75th season, and Josh will always be a part of that history.

“Our focus now is on finishing the season strong at Homestead and closing out the year on a positive note.”

Berry and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane team enter the season finale with momentum following a strong stretch of performances that includes a pair of fourth-place finishes at Charlotte and Martinsville, an 11th-place result at Phoenix and a 12th-place finish at Talladega.

Practice at Homestead-Miami Speedway is scheduled for Friday at 5:30 p.m. ET, followed by qualifying Saturday at 2:30 p.m. Both sessions will air on truTV.

Sunday’s 400.5-mile, 267-lap race is scheduled to take the green flag shortly after 3 p.m., with live television coverage on NBC.

Stage breaks are scheduled for Laps 80 and 165.

Josh Berry

Age: 36 (Oct. 22, 1990)

Hometown: Hendersonville, Tennessee

Crew Chief: Miles Stanley

IG: @joshberry88

X: @joshberry

About Motorcraft®
Motorcraft offers a complete line of replacement parts that are recommended by Ford Motor Company. From routine maintenance to under hood repairs, Motorcraft parts offer value with high quality and the right fit at competitive prices. Motorcraft parts are available nationwide at Ford Dealers and Lincoln Retailers, independent distributors and automotive-parts retailers, and are backed by the Service Parts Limited Warranty* of Ford Motor Company. For more information, visit www.motorcraft.com. *See your dealer for limited-warranty details.

About Quick Lane® Tire & Auto Center
Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center offers extraordinary service for routine maintenance, serving all vehicle makes and models. Quick Lane provides a full menu of automotive services, including tires, oil change and maintenance, brakes, batteries, alternator and electrical system, air conditioning system, cooling system, transmission service, suspension and steering, wheel alignment, belts and hoses, lamps and bulbs and wiper blades plus a thorough vehicle checkup report. Service is performed by expert technicians while you wait at any of nearly 800 locations in the U.S., with evening and weekend hours available and no appointment necessary. For more information about Quick Lane, please visit www.quicklane.com. *See your dealer for limited-warranty details.

LEGACY MOTOR CLUB: HOMESTEAD-MIAMI RACE PREVIEW

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Official Release
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LEGACY MOTOR CLUB:
HOMESTEAD-MIAMI PRE-RACE ADVANCE
EVENT: NASCAR Cup Series Championship
DATE: November 8, 2026
RACE: NASCAR Cup Series 36 of 36
TRACK: Homestead-Miami Speedway | 1.5-Mile Oval

JOHN HUNTER NEMECHEK
NO. 42 DOLLAR TREE TOYOTA CAMRY XSE
JHN AT HOMESTEAD: John Hunter Nemechek has six prior NASCAR Cup Series starts at Homestead-Miami Speedway. He earned a best finish of 19th in June 2020. In the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, Nemechek has three starts, where he earned two third-place finishes. In the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, he has five starts, and earned two top-10 finishes, including a second-place finish in November 2015.

ZOO MIAMI: Nemechek will make a stop at Zoo Miami on Friday ahead of Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series Championship race at Homestead-Miami Speedway. He’ll be joined by LEGACY MOTOR CLUB ambassador Trevor Bayne as the duo will have the opportunity to explore the zoo and experience one of South Florida’s most popular attractions before turning their attention to Sunday’s race.

JOHN HUNTER NEMECHEK QUOTE:
“I’m excited to get back to Homestead as it is one of my favorite places and my family has a lot of history there. Looking forward to bringing home a solid finish for our last ride with this No. 42 group and end this season on a high. Thanks to everyone who has supported me over the last three years. Last one, bring it.”

ERIK JONES
NO. 43 DOLLAR TREE TOYOTA CAMRY XSE
JONES HOMESTEAD STATS: Jones has nine starts at Homestead-Miami Speedway in the NASCAR Cup Series where he has earned one top-five and one top-10 finish in the NASCAR Cup Series. His best result at the track was a third-place finish in 2019. Jones has a third-place finish in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series in 2015. In 2016, he competed for the championship but finished ninth in the race and finished the season fourth in the points standings.

TRUCK SERIES CHAMPION: In 2015, Jones was running his one and only full-time campaign in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series with Kyle Busch Motorsports. He ran a part-time schedule the two years prior before he moved into the No. 4 Toyota for all 23 races of the 2015 season. He accumulated three wins, 11 top-fives, and 20 top-10s. In the season finale at Homestead, Jones finished sixth but bested Tyler Reddick and Matt Crafton to claim the title of Champion due to his strong season and points lead.

WINDOW OF HOPE STEPS UP: The Erik Jones Foundation kicked off the 2026 race-worn, autographed shoe auction on Monday, November 2 on its website to raise money for breast cancer research. Drivers from all three National Series donated shoes to support the Foundation as it shifted away from its iconic pink window nets due to manufacturer conflicts. Visit ErikJonesFoundation.org to bid and learn more.

ERIK JONES QUOTE:
“Excited to get to Homestead to hopefully finish the 2026 season on a strong note. Martinsville wasn’t our best race, so we’re going into this hoping that the Charlotte test and things we’ve learned on other intermediates will help us make this car better for the race. While we’re not racing for a championship, we’re still working to get stronger for 2027 and beyond. Hoping to get a good finish with our No. 43 Dollar Tree Toyota Camry XSE.”

CLUB NOTES:
JJ’S HISTORY AT HOMESTEAD: LEGACY MOTOR CLUB owner and seven-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion Jimmie Johnson secured his historic seventh championship with a victory at Homestead-Miami Speedway in 2016. This win remains his only triumph at the track and cemented his place in history, tying him with Dale Earnhardt Sr. and CLUB ambassador Richard Petty, “The King,” for the most championships in NASCAR Cup Series history.

THE SOUTHERNMOST TUNNEL: In 2020, during Johnson’s final season as a full-time NASCAR Cup Series driver, Homestead-Miami Speedway paid tribute to him by renaming the turn-three tunnel. Located off Palm Drive, this tunnel holds the distinction of being the southernmost tunnel in the United States and is now called “Jimmie Johnson’s Southernmost Tunnel.”

KENSETH HOMESTEAD STATS: LEGACY MOTOR CLUB competition advisor and 2003 NASCAR Cup Series Champion Matt Kenseth has 20 Cup Series starts at Homestead-Miami Speedway. His career at the 1.5-mile oval in South Florida yielded one win in November 2007, four top-fives, and 11 top-10s. He led a total of 449 laps led at the track.

CLUB APPEARANCES:
Erik Jones will make an appearance at the NASCAR Experience Stage in the fan zone on Friday, November 6 at 2:30 p.m. local time for a live interview with SiriusXM’s Dave Moody.

John Hunter Nemechek will stop by the trackside merchandise trailer on Saturday, November 7 for an autograph session at 1 p.m. local time. On Sunday, November 8, Nemechek will visit the Toyota Merchandise Trailer at 10:50 a.m. local time for an autograph session.

TUNE IN:
Fans can tune in to watch the NASCAR Cup Series Championship at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Sunday, November 8 at 3 p.m. EST on NBC, MAX, MRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Channel 90).

ABOUT LEGACY MOTOR CLUB: (LEGACY MC) is a premier auto racing organization owned by seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and 2024 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee, Jimmie Johnson and Knighthead Capital Management, LLC. Drawing from a rich tradition of success, LEGACY MC is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of motorsport and setting new standards of excellence. The CLUB competes under the Toyota Racing banner in the NASCAR Cup Series with the No. 43 Toyota Camry XSE piloted by Erik Jones and the No. 42 Toyota Camry XSE driven by John Hunter Nemechek. The No. 84 Toyota Camry XSE driven by Riley Herbst will debut full time in the 2027 season, while Johnson will make his final NASCAR Cup Series start at the 2027 DAYTONA 500 in the No. 48 Toyota Camry XSE. With NASCAR legend and Hall of Famer Richard Petty, “The King”, serving as CLUB Ambassador, LEGACY MC blends timeless racing traditions with a new forward-thinking vision. As an inclusive community for motorsport enthusiasts, LEGACY MC honors both its storied past and the promising future of its members, always striving for victory and championship glory at the pinnacle of NASCAR competition.

Kyle Larson Only Needs 28th to Win the NASCAR Championship. But Who Wins the Race?

By
SM
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Photo by John Knittel for SpeedwayMedia.com

NASCAR Championship Preview: Homestead Odds, Betting Value, and Picks

Kyle Larson is one safe finish away from another NASCAR Cup Series championship, but that doesn’t mean Sunday’s finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway will be predictable. While Larson can afford to play it safe, Christopher Bell and Denny Hamlin have everything to gain and nothing to lose. That creates an interesting situation for NASCAR bettors looking beyond the favorite.

SportsHub’s Glen Allen breaks down the championship scenarios, race-winner odds, potential upsets, and where the betting value may be hiding.

There’s a moment in every poker tournament when the chip leader stops trying to win hands and starts trying not to lose them. He folds the marginal spots, avoids the big confrontations, and lets everyone else take the risks. He doesn’t need to be perfect; he just needs to avoid disaster.

Kyle Larson is about to play that hand at Homestead.

The Math Is Simple

The NASCAR Cup Series championship comes down to Sunday, Nov. 8, at Homestead-Miami Speedway, the first time the finale has been held there since 2019 after six seasons at Phoenix.

Three drivers are still alive in the Chase. Larson leads Christopher Bell by 67 points and Denny Hamlin by 70. According to the clinching scenarios, Larson needs just nine points to lock up the title. In practical terms, that means finishing 28th or better, even without a single stage point.

Twenty-eighth. In a full Cup field. For a driver who has spent the season near the front.

If he gets there, Larson will become a three-time Cup champion and win back-to-back titles, his third championship in six seasons. He has two wins in this year’s Chase, at Gateway and Talladega, and he won the most recent Cup race at Homestead in March 2025.

For Bell and Hamlin, the path is much narrower. They essentially need to win, and they need Larson’s day to go badly wrong, whether that’s a crash, a mechanical failure, or a costly penalty. Hamlin has three career wins at Homestead and a strong record on this track. Bell won here in 2023. Neither is short of ability. What they’re short of is margin.

Why Homestead Suits Him

It helps to understand the track. Homestead is a 1.5-mile oval with variable banking, which means the corners are steeper near the wall than at the bottom. The surface is old and abrasive, so tires wear out quickly, and lap times drop off sharply over a long run.

That combination rewards drivers who are willing to race inches from the outside wall, where the banking is steepest, and the speed is highest. Larson is famous for exactly that. When his car is right, he runs the top of the track like it’s a lane built just for him.

There’s a dry irony in it. The driver who needs to take the fewest risks on Sunday is also the one most comfortable driving a few inches from the concrete. Most people would call that living dangerously. For Larson, it’s just a Sunday afternoon.

Why This Matters for the Race Itself

Here’s where it gets interesting for bettors.

Heading into the weekend, Larson was the favorite to win the race at around +400. That reflects his talent, his car, and his record at Homestead. But it doesn’t fully reflect his incentive.

Larson doesn’t need to win on Sunday. He needs to finish. A driver who only needs 28th doesn’t dive into a three-wide gap on a late restart. He doesn’t push his tires to the limit chasing the leader. He protects the stack. That’s not a criticism. It’s exactly what a smart driver should do, and Larson is a smart driver.

Bell and Hamlin are in the opposite position. They have nothing to protect and everything to gain, so they’ll take every risk available to them. That makes them more aggressive, and aggressive drivers win races and wreck in roughly equal measure.

So when I look at the race-winner market, I see a favorite who may not be fully trying to win, and two contenders who are going all in. That’s not a pick. It’s a reason to think carefully before paying a short price on the championship leader.

The Field at a Glance

Approximate race-winner odds earlier this week, along with Homestead form:

DriverOddsHomestead notes
Kyle Larson+4002 wins, won the March 2025 race
Denny Hamlin+5503 wins, top-10 in two-thirds of his starts
Ryan Blaney+550Average finish around 17th, but runner-up twice in his last three starts
Christopher Bell+600Won here in 2023
Tyler Reddick+650Won here in 2024, top-10 in 5 of 6 starts, average finish 8.8
Chase Briscoe+700Career-best 4th here in March 2025
William Byron+800Won here in 2021, and won at Martinsville on Nov. 1

One comparison stands out. Blaney and Reddick are priced close together, with Blaney slightly shorter. But Reddick’s record at Homestead is far more consistent: a win in 2024, five top-10s in six starts, and an average finish under 9. Blaney’s two recent runner-up finishes are real, and I wouldn’t dismiss him. But on track history alone, Reddick looks like the better value of the two.

Hamlin is worth a second look too. He has the best long-term record here of anyone in the field, and with the title still mathematically possible, he has every reason to race for the win from the first lap.

And don’t overlook William Byron. He dominated at Martinsville on Nov. 1 for his first win of the season, and drivers coming off a breakthrough tend to arrive at the next track with a little extra confidence. At +800, he’s carrying momentum the market may not have fully priced in.

The Hocevar Story

The other headline this week came from Spire Motorsports, which suspended its own driver, Carson Hocevar, for the finale.

Hocevar was penalized by NASCAR for brake-checking Austin Cindric at Martinsville. He was fined $100,000 and docked 25 points, and Josh Berry was also penalized. But Spire didn’t wait for NASCAR. The team pulled Hocevar from the car before the league acted, and Hocevar admitted he “crossed the line.” Justin Haley will drive the No. 77 at Homestead.

It’s a striking decision. Teams rarely sideline their own driver, especially one who won at Talladega in the spring and has 12 top-10 finishes this year. It tells you how seriously Spire took it, and it’s a reminder that at this time of year, tempers run hot and discipline matters.

From a betting perspective, the No. 77 is now a different car with a different driver. Treat any market involving it with care.

Looking Ahead to 2027

The sport’s future made news this week too. Dodge is coming back to the Cup Series in 2027 with Kaulig Racing, the first time the brand will race at NASCAR’s top level since 2012. That gives the Cup Series four manufacturers again, alongside Chevrolet, Ford and Toyota. And Ryan Preece will take over RFK Racing’s No. 6 Ford next season. A new manufacturer means new cars, new data and, for a while at least, a market that’s still learning. That’s usually good news for patient bettors.

Where the Value Is

Championship weekends draw the biggest audience of the year, and with it, the most casual money. Casual money tends to follow the name at the top of the standings. That’s why the favorite in a race like this is often priced on reputation rather than on what he actually needs to do on the day.

Compare the prices on sportshub.com before the green flag, and look beyond the outright winner. Head-to-head matchups and top-five markets can be where the real edges sit when the leader is driving to finish rather than to win.

Larson will very likely be champion by Sunday evening. The race itself is far less certain, and that’s where the opportunity lives.

Looking for more NASCAR picks, race predictions, and breaking NASCAR news? Visit SportsHub.com for independent betting insights, expert analysis, and the latest motorsports coverage throughout the season.

RFK Racing – Homestead-Miami Advance

By
Official Release
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Homestead-Miami Event Info:
Date: Sunday, November 8th
Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
Series: NASCAR Cup Series (NCS)
Location: Homestead, Florida
Format: 267 Laps, 400.5 Miles, Stages: 80-165-267
TV: NBC
Radio: MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Channel 90)

Weekend Schedule:
Friday: 5:30 p.m. ET, Cup Practice (TruTV, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
Saturday: 2:30 p.m. ET, Cup Qualifying (TruTV, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
Sunday: 3 p.m. ET, Cup Race (NBC, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)

Pace Laps:

  • Homestead-Miami Speedway hosts the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season finale.’
  • Jack Roush has 11 wins all-time at HMS including seven in the Cup Series.
  • RFK has led laps in three of the last five Homestead events between Chris Buescher and Brad Keselowski.
  • It was announced this week that Ryan Preece will drive RFK Racing’s #6 in 2027
  • There have been nine different winners in the previous ten Cup Series races at Homestead-Miami.

6 Team Info:
Driver: Brad Keselowski
Crew Chief: Mike Skarbowski
Partner: BuildSubmarines.com

17 Team Info:
Driver: Chris Buescher
Crew Chief: Scott Graves
Partner: Body Guard by Fastenal

60 Team Info:
Driver: Ryan Preece
Crew Chief: Derrick Finley
Partner: Kroger / Thomas’ High Protein Bagels

Keselowski at Homestead-Miami Speedway
Starts: 18
Wins: —
Top-10s: 7
Poles: —

  • Keselowski makes his 19th Cup start at Homestead-Miami Speedway this weekend, where he has a 15.3 average finish and seven top-10 finishes. His best career finish is third (2014-15), as he’s coming off a 26th-place finish last season.
  • He’s finished 10th or better in four of the last nine races at Homestead. In total he’s led in eight races at HMS (totaling 179 laps).
  • Keselowski has an 10.7 average starting position in Miami – among his best at active tracks – with 13 starts inside the top-10 and nine starts inside the top five overall.
  • 36 Career wins – 14 Wins on 1.5-mile tracks
  • Keselowski has two Xfinity wins at Homestead (2011, 2013) in eight starts, and an additional two starts in the Truck Series.

Buescher at Homestead-Miami Speedway
Starts: 10
Wins: —
Top-10s: -1
Poles: —

  • Buescher makes his 11th Cup start at Homestead-Miami where he has a 18.5 average finish.
  • Buescher got his first top ten and a career best finish of 6th at the track last season, he also finished 15th in 2024, and 13th in 2022.
  • Buescher carries a 18.5 average qualifying position with his best effort (P8) four years ago.
  • Buescher made two Xfinity Series starts at HMS in 2014-15 with a best finish of fifth in the No. 60 machine.

Preece at Homestead-Miami Speedway
Starts: 7
Wins: —
Top-10s: 2
Poles: —

  • Preece is set to make his eigth Cup start at Homestead-Miami where he has an average finish of 20th. He is coming off his best finish at the track last season (9th).
  • 2 Straight Miami top 10 finishes
  • His highest starting position was 8th in 2021, and he holds a 29.0 average starting position.
  • Preece made four Xfinity Series starts at HMS from 2014-18, with a best finish of 5th in 2017.

RFK Historically at Homestead-Miami
Cup Wins: 7 (Kurt Busch, 2002; Greg Biffle, 2004, 2005, 2006; Matt Kenseth, 2007; Carl Edwards, 2008, 2010)

  • Welcome to Miami: RFK has 183 combined starts at HMS, totaling 11 wins (7 NCS, 3 NXS, 1 NCWTS), 51 top-fives, 77 top-10s and eight poles. RFK drivers have led over 1,900 laps at the 1.5-mile track over the years, logging more than 58,000 miles.
  • Tale of the Tape: RFK has started 96 NCS races at Homestead, recording a total of seven victories, 23 top five finishes, 34 top-10 finishes, four poles and has led 1,191 laps. Former driver Carl Edwards earned the organization’s most recent win at the 1.5-mile oval in 2010.
  • Five Straight: RFK earned five consecutive victories in the NCS at Homestead from 2004-2008 with drivers Matt Kenseth (2007), Edwards (2008) and Greg Biffle, who won three consecutive races from 2004-2006.
  • Miami Nights: In 57 starts in the NASCAR Xfinity Series at Homestead, RFK earned three wins, 22 top-fives, 32 top-10s and two pole positions. Edwards recorded the most recent victory at Homestead in the 2008 season final.

RFK Homestead Wins

1998 Burton NXS

2002 Busch Cup

2004 Biffle Cup

2005 Biffle Cup

2006 Biffle Cup

2006 Kenseth NXS

2006 Martin Truck

2007 Kenseth Cup

2008 Edwards Cup

2008 Edwards NXS

2010 Edwards Cup

Last Time Out
Martinsville: Ryan Preece has sometimes described himself as “a short-track killer,” and, although he did not win, he validated those words at Martinsville. After setting fastest time in practice, followed by a strong 6th place qualifying effort, he became a serious threat on race day. Preece put the BuildSubmarines.com Ford into the lead on Lap 84 and kept it there for 41 circuits. Very much in contention, Preece was among the fastest on the Martinsville half mile, until a loose wheel in Stage Two derailed his day. Despite fighting relentlessly to regain lost position, Preece finished 23rd. Chris Buescher made his 400th career start, and used his veteran experience, working to dial in the Nerds Gummy Cluster’s Ford throughout the day, before finishing 24th. Brad Keselowski, in the TravelCenters of America Ford, faced his own challenges, diligently working to manage tire wear and maintain grip throughout the afternoon, ultimately finishing 27th.

Points Standings: Preece: 14th, Buescher: 16th, Keselowski: 19th

Abreu for Two: Tony Stewart Racing Driver Doubles Down In Sprint Car Qualifying at Dave Smith Motors World Finals

By
Official Release
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Rico Abreu posted the fastest lap in both sessions of Wednesday’s qualifying to earn top honors for Thursday and Friday’s heat races at the Dave Smith Motors World of Outlaws World Finals. (CMS/HHP photo)
  • Nick Hoffman, Chris Madden lead the World of Outlaws Late Model field
  • Logan Watt, Mat Williamson log fast times in SuperDIRT Car Big Block Modified action

CONCORD, NC (Nov. 4, 2026) – The Dirt Track at Charlotte kicked off the first of four days of action-packed racing with qualifying for all three of dirt racing’s biggest series Wednesday at the Dave Smith Motors World of Outlaws World Finals, setting the stage for a weekend of white-knuckled racing at the four-tenths-mile clay oval.

AT A GLANCE:

● Rico Abreu took top honors and will lead the field in Thursday and Friday heat races in the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series.

● Nick Hoffman and Chris Madden set fast times for the World of Outlaws Late Model Series presented by DIRTvision and will lead the field to green in their heat races on Thursday and Friday.

● Logan Watt and Mat Williamson laid down the fastest laps in Super DIRTcar Series qualifying to earn the pole position in Thursday and Friday’s heat races, respectively.

● The starting lineups for Saturday’s heat races will be determined based on the finishing positions of Thursday and Friday’s races.

A DEEPER DIVE:

NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series

While the championship battle between David Gravel and Michael Kofoid is entering its final weekend of the 2026 season, Wednesday night belonged to Rico Abreu. The Tony Stewart Racing driver posted the fastest lap in both Honest Abe Roofing Qualifying sessions on Wednesday and will lead the field for both Thursday and Friday’s heat races. Abreu posted a 12.584-second lap, beating out the series’ top two in points to take the top spot in the first session, which set the heat race lineups for Thursday’s action. Kofoid posted a 12.671-second circuit – second fastest – just ahead of points leader and two-time defending series champion David Gravel. Bill Balog and Buddy Schweibinz tallied identical 12.706-second laps to finish tied for fourth quick.

In qualifying for Friday’s heat races, Abreu improved upon his earlier run with a 12.542-second lap around the fourth-tenths-mile clay oval. For the second consecutive session, the St. Helena, Califa. native led the field, besting Sheldon Haudenshild’s effort by 0.125 seconds. Schweibinz, Cameron Smith and Balog rounded out the top five in the qualifying session for Friday’s heat races.

World of Outlaw Late Model Series presented by DIRTvision

Nick Hoffman kept his championship hopes alive Wednesday night with a qualifying run to remember. The Mooresville, N.C. native posted the fastest lap in World of Outlaws Late Model Mark Martin Automotive Qualifying with a 14.621-second circuit to earn the pole for Thursday’s heat race. Kale Green followed with the second-fastest lap at 14.659 seconds after carrying momentum from last week’s World Short Track Championship podium finish. Ryan Gustin (14.697), Trey Mills (14.707) and Chris Ferguson (14.718) completed the top five.

Setting the stage for Friday’s heat race, Chris Madden will lead the field to green after posting a quick time of 14.689 seconds during the second session of late model qualifying. Dallon Murty qualified second with a 14.721-second lap, followed by Chris Ferguson at 14.744 seconds and Jadon Frame at 14.748 seconds and Ryan Gustin capping off the top five with a 14.804-second lap.

SuperDIRT Car Series

Wednesday night’s first SuperDIRT Car Series qualifying session belonged to Pennsylvania native Logan Watt, who turned the fastest lap of the night with a 16.009-second circuit, earning the top spot heading into Thursday’s heat race. Tyler Dippel (16.038), Rex King Jr. (16.081), Ryan Godown (16.106) and Felix Roy (16.166) rounded out the top five, while current points leader Alex Yankowski qualified inside the top 10 as they head into Thursday’s heat races and redraw.

Capping off Wednesday night’s qualifying action, “Money” Mat Williamson made his presence known, clocking the fastest Big Block Modifieds lap of the night with a 15.988-second time to secure the top spot heading into Friday’s heat races. Williamson, who sits just behind current points leader Yankowski in the season standings, is looking to close the gap as the championship battle heats up. Yankowski posted a top-three qualifying time of 16.156 seconds, setting the stage for a weekend showdown between two of the series’ top contenders. Tyler Dippel (16.136), Ryan Godown (16.171), Felix Roy (16.264) and Darren Smith (16.333) rounded out the top five.

THURSDAY SCHEDULE:

Due to the threat of inclement weather, Thursday’s schedule has been updated.

● 12pm: Souvenir and Display Areas Open

● 1:20pm: Race Day Live (DIRTvision Stage)

● 2pm: Gates Open

● 2:50pm: Opening Ceremonies

● 3pm: Heat Racing Begins

Visit www.charlottemotorspeedway.com for the full weekend schedule.

TICKETS:

The action continues Thursday as all three premier divisions return to The Dirt Track for the first of three nights of racing leading to Saturday’s championship celebration. Tickets are available online at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com/tickets or can be purchased at the on-site ticket office.

KEEP TRACK:

Follow all the World of Outlaws Final action through the hashtag #WorldFinals. Connect with The Dirt Track at Charlotte Motor Speedway on X, Facebook and Instagram.

Brabus Rental Dubai Without Deposit: A Luxury Driving Guide

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

Dubai is a destination where luxury vehicles are part of the city’s distinctive lifestyle. From modern architecture to premium shopping destinations, the city offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy an exceptional driving experience. For motorists who appreciate bold styling and powerful vehicles, a BRABUS-modified car can be an appealing choice. Searching for Brabus rental Dubai without deposit is a useful starting point for anyone looking for a premium vehicle with flexible rental terms.

BRABUS is known for modifying selected vehicles with distinctive exterior styling, performance enhancements, and customised interior details. Rental availability, specifications, and payment conditions vary, so it is important to confirm the exact vehicle and rental agreement before making a reservation.

What Makes BRABUS Vehicles Different?

BRABUS is a vehicle refinement brand recognised for its work on selected luxury and performance vehicles. Depending on the model and package, modifications may include redesigned bodywork, upgraded wheels, personalised interiors, and performance-related changes.

The result can be a vehicle with a more distinctive appearance than its standard counterpart. However, BRABUS vehicles are not all identical. The modifications fitted to one model may differ significantly from those on another.

When enquiring about a BRABUS rental, ask for recent photographs, the exact model and year, and confirmation of the modifications included. This helps ensure that the vehicle matches your expectations.

Why Consider BRABUS Rental in Dubai?

A Distinctive Luxury Experience

Dubai offers a setting where premium vehicles can complement a luxury holiday, a special celebration, or a business visit. A BRABUS-modified vehicle can appeal to drivers who want something visually distinctive rather than a conventional rental car.

Whether you prefer a luxury SUV or a performance-oriented vehicle, the right choice depends on your itinerary, driving preferences, and passenger requirements.

Comfort for City Travel

Some BRABUS-modified vehicles are based on luxury SUVs that offer elevated seating, generous cabin space, and practical storage. These features may be useful for travellers moving between hotels, restaurants, shopping areas, and other destinations.

Nevertheless, comfort and space depend on the underlying model. Confirm the seating capacity and luggage space before choosing a vehicle for a group or family trip.

An Option for Special Events

A distinctive luxury vehicle may be suitable for an anniversary, birthday, business event, or luxury photoshoot. Before using a rental vehicle for an organised event or commercial purpose, check the agreement for restrictions and any additional charges.

Understanding Rental Without a Deposit

A rental advertised as being available without a deposit generally means that a conventional refundable security deposit is not required under the specified offer. However, each rental company may define its terms differently.

Some providers may offer no-deposit arrangements only for particular vehicles, rental periods, or eligible customers. Others may require a deposit or use alternative payment conditions.

Before confirming your reservation, ask these questions:

  • Is a security deposit required for the selected BRABUS vehicle?
  • Is a card pre-authorisation or temporary payment hold necessary?
  • What insurance coverage is included, and what excess remains payable?
  • Are mileage limits, tolls, or traffic fines charged separately?
  • What happens if the rental is extended or the vehicle is returned late?

A no-deposit arrangement should not be interpreted as an absence of financial responsibility. Damage liability and other contractual charges may still apply.

How to Choose the Right BRABUS Rental

Confirm the Vehicle Specification

Start by identifying the model you want to rent. Different BRABUS vehicles can offer very different driving characteristics, passenger space, and equipment.

Ask the provider to confirm the model year, exact specification, colour, and availability for your dates. If you are looking for a particular modification package, request written confirmation rather than relying solely on the vehicle’s advertised name.

Compare the Complete Price

Rental rates can vary according to the vehicle, season, booking duration, mileage allowance, and delivery arrangements. A low advertised daily price may not represent the total amount payable.

Request a complete quotation covering rental charges, applicable fees, mileage limits, and payment requirements. Compare the full terms between providers before making your decision.

Check Eligibility Requirements

Luxury vehicle rentals may involve minimum-age restrictions, driving experience requirements, and specific licence conditions. Visitors should verify whether their driving licence is accepted in the UAE and whether additional documentation is required.

Providing the correct documents before the collection date can make the booking process more straightforward.

Review Insurance and Vehicle Condition

Read the insurance terms carefully and understand your responsibilities if an accident or damage occurs. Ask about exclusions, excess payments, roadside assistance, and the procedure for reporting an incident.

At collection, inspect the bodywork, wheels, glass, interior, and existing marks. Take photographs or videos and ask the rental representative to record any visible damage in the handover documentation.

Booking Through Afandina Car Rental

If you are exploring premium vehicle rental options, you can visit Afandina Car Rental to learn more about the company’s services and enquire about available vehicles.

Contact the company directly to ask whether a BRABUS-modified vehicle is available for your preferred dates and whether a no-deposit arrangement can be offered. Request confirmation of the exact model, rental price, payment terms, mileage allowance, and insurance conditions.

Once the details have been agreed, review the rental contract before paying or collecting the vehicle. Keep a copy of the agreement, inspection records, and contact information for the rental provider throughout your booking.

Driving a Luxury Vehicle in Dubai

Dubai has modern road infrastructure, but responsible driving remains essential. Follow speed limits, observe traffic signals, and avoid aggressive acceleration or manoeuvres. Familiarise yourself with the vehicle’s dimensions and controls before entering busy traffic.

Plan parking in advance, especially around popular attractions and crowded commercial areas. If you intend to drive outside Dubai, confirm whether the rental agreement permits travel to other emirates.

Do not assume that cross-border travel is allowed. Obtain the rental company’s explicit approval before planning any journey outside the UAE.

Is BRABUS Rental Without a Deposit Worth Considering?

A no-deposit rental may be attractive to travellers who prefer not to have a large refundable deposit tied up during their stay. However, the best option depends on more than the payment arrangement alone.

Consider the vehicle’s condition, specifications, rental price, insurance coverage, mileage allowance, and cancellation policy. Make sure the provider explains all potential charges and confirms the no-deposit terms in writing.

With careful planning and a clear rental agreement, a BRABUS-modified vehicle can add a distinctive element to a luxury trip in Dubai.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What types of vehicles can be available with BRABUS modifications?

BRABUS modifies selected luxury vehicles, including certain SUVs and performance models. The exact vehicles available for rental depend on the provider’s fleet and current availability.

2. Do I need to pay a booking fee for a no-deposit rental?

Some providers may require an advance rental payment or other booking charges even when no security deposit is required. Ask for a written breakdown of all payments due before collection.

3. Can I extend my BRABUS rental after collecting the vehicle?

An extension may be possible if the vehicle is available, but it requires approval from the rental company. Confirm the additional rate and revised return time before extending your booking.

4. Should I inspect a luxury rental car before leaving?

Yes. Inspect the exterior, wheels, glass, interior, and other visible areas. Record existing damage with photographs and ensure the rental company acknowledges it in the handover record.

5. Is a BRABUS-modified vehicle suitable for a family trip?

That depends on the underlying model, seating capacity, luggage requirements, and the family’s travel plans. Check the specific vehicle’s dimensions and available space before booking.

6. Can someone else drive the rented vehicle?

Only drivers authorised under the rental agreement should operate the vehicle. Ask the provider about additional-driver requirements, documentation, and any applicable fees before allowing another person to drive.

Choosing a BRABUS rental Dubai without deposit option requires checking both the vehicle and the financial terms. Confirming availability, understanding insurance responsibilities, and reviewing the agreement carefully can help you choose a rental that suits your plans and budget.

Edit or Generate? Choosing the Right Approach to Creating a Floor Plan

By
SM
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Creating a floor plan is often one of the first steps in a renovation, interior design, or property development project. Before choosing furniture or materials, it is important to understand how the available space is organized.

However, not every project begins in the same way.

Some people already have an existing floor plan that needs a few adjustments. Others have only a general idea of the rooms they want and need to create a layout from the beginning.

These two situations require different approaches.

Understanding when to edit an existing drawing and when to generate a new one can make the planning process more efficient.

Start by Understanding What You Already Have

Before choosing a tool, consider whether an existing floor plan is available.

Homeowners may have property documents, architectural drawings, renovation plans, or photographs of older layouts. Interior designers might receive drawings from clients, while real estate professionals often work with existing property plans.

If the basic layout is already documented, recreating everything from scratch may be unnecessary.

The more practical approach is to identify which parts need attention.

For example, a homeowner may want to remove furniture from a room, explore a different kitchen arrangement, or reconsider how a particular area is used.

In these situations, the original drawing provides a useful foundation.

When Editing an Existing Floor Plan Makes More Sense

An existing floor plan is valuable because it preserves the starting structure of a project.

Rather than creating a completely new layout, users can focus on the areas they want to change.

A browser-based edit floor plan online workflow can make this process more accessible.

With AI-assisted editing, users can upload an existing plan, select a specific area, and describe the modification they want to explore.

For example, they might:

  • Remove unwanted furniture or visual elements.
  • Replace existing furniture with alternative pieces.
  • Add new objects or design details.
  • Redesign a selected room.
  • Explore different visual treatments for a particular area.

This is especially useful when the overall arrangement is already suitable and only certain details need improvement.

It can also save time during client discussions. Instead of recreating an entire drawing for every revision, designers can focus on specific areas and compare alternative results.

When Starting with a New Floor Plan Is Better

Not every project has an existing drawing.

Someone planning a new home, reorganizing an office, or exploring the possibilities of an empty property may need to create the initial layout first.

In this situation, editing is not necessarily the best starting point because there may be no usable plan to upload.

A generator can help turn general requirements into an initial spatial concept.

For example, someone planning a small family home might specify:

  • Three bedrooms.
  • An open-plan kitchen and living area.
  • Two bathrooms.
  • A separate utility room.
  • A preferred total floor area.
  • A private bedroom zone away from the main entrance.

An AI floor plan generator can use these requirements to produce an initial 2D layout for further review.

People searching for a floor plan generator free option are often looking for a way to explore these ideas without first learning complex drafting software.

The advantage is speed during the concept stage. Users can adjust their requirements, generate another layout, and compare alternatives before deciding which direction deserves further development.

Editing and Generating Solve Different Problems

Although these approaches are related, they should not be treated as interchangeable.

A generator starts with requirements and creates an initial layout.

An editor starts with an existing drawing and modifies selected elements.

Consider two renovation scenarios.

In the first, a homeowner has a documented apartment layout but wants to explore a different living room arrangement. The main room boundaries are already established, so targeted editing is a logical starting point.

In the second, a homeowner is considering building a small house and has not yet decided how many rooms should be included. Generating several layouts from written requirements may be more useful.

Choosing the right workflow depends on the starting point, not simply on which technology appears more advanced.

A Practical Workflow That Combines Both Methods

In some projects, the best solution is to use generation and editing together.

A practical process might look like this:

Step 1: Define the requirements.

Identify the property type, approximate area, room count, circulation needs, and intended use.

Step 2: Generate an initial concept.

If there is no existing floor plan, use written requirements to explore possible layouts.

Step 3: Review the result.

Check whether the rooms have sensible relationships and whether the proposed circulation appears practical.

Step 4: Make targeted changes.

Use editing tools to explore adjustments to specific areas, furniture, or visual elements.

Step 5: Compare alternatives.

Review the different versions and identify which arrangement best supports the project’s requirements.

Step 6: Seek professional review.

Verify measurements, structural conditions, accessibility, and relevant building regulations before construction.

This combination allows the initial idea to develop gradually rather than requiring every decision to be made at once.

What to Consider When Evaluating a Floor Plan

Regardless of whether a layout is generated or edited, several practical factors should guide the review.

Room proportions

A room may have sufficient floor area but still feel awkward if its proportions are unsuitable for the intended furniture and activities.

Circulation

People should be able to move between rooms without unnecessary obstacles or awkward routes.

Functional relationships

Rooms that are frequently used together should have convenient connections. Private spaces may need greater separation from shared areas.

Storage

Storage requirements should be considered early rather than treated as an afterthought.

Flexibility

A good layout should accommodate foreseeable changes in household needs, furniture, and everyday routines.

These considerations are more important than whether a particular floor plan looks impressive in a presentation.

AI Tools Should Support, Not Replace, Professional Planning

AI-assisted tools can help people explore different spatial arrangements, but generated results have limitations.

A visually convincing plan does not automatically account for structural engineering, plumbing, electrical systems, fire safety, or local building requirements.

Likewise, an edited image does not prove that a proposed wall modification is physically possible.

For this reason, AI-generated layouts should be considered planning and communication resources rather than construction documentation.

Qualified professionals should review the technical aspects of any project before work begins.

Choosing the Right Starting Point Saves Time

The decision between editing and generating a floor plan is ultimately about understanding the project’s current stage.

If a usable drawing already exists, editing can help refine the areas that need improvement. If the project begins with only a written idea, generation can provide a visual starting point.

Both methods make early design exploration more accessible, but they are most effective when used for the problems they are designed to solve.

By choosing the right workflow from the beginning, homeowners, designers, and property professionals can spend less time recreating information and more time evaluating the decisions that actually matter.

Christian Eckes NCTS Homestead-Miami Speedway Preview

By
Official Release
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Race Information

Venue: Homestead-Miami Speedway
Event: NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Trucks Series Championship
Date: Friday, November 6
Location: Homestead, FL
Track Description: 1.5-mile oval
Distance: 134 laps / 201 miles (7:30 p.m. ET – FOX Sports 1, Motor Racing Network, SiriusXM)

Eckes Seeks Victory Lane in Florida Finale

Chasing a “W” … As the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Trucks Series (NCTS) turns back to Homestead-Miami Speedway (HMS) for the season finale, Christian Eckes is chasing that elusive victory to end 2026 in noteworthy fashion. The driver of the No. 91 NAPA Auto Care Chevrolet Silverado RST has had a strong Chase over the first six races with three top-five’s and four top-10 results. Three runner-up finishes over the past five races has Eckes yearning for a victory to underscore his homecoming season with MHR and secure a top-five result in the drivers’ point standings.

Hungry for More … MHR recently announced that Eckes is primed to return to the No. 91 Chevrolet in 2027 and hungry to accomplish more next season. The second half of 2026 has seen the No. 91 squad turn up the wick in performance with six top-five finishes in the last 11 races, ever since Eckes finished fifth at Lime Rock Park in July. South Florida’s HMS offers the perfect setting for him to break into the win column, as Eckes has scored one top-five and four top-10 finishes at the 1.5-mile oval in his five previous starts. He’s managed to find the front of the pack in three of his five Homestead starts, and hopes his sixth appearance yields his first HMS trophy.

Season to Date … Eckes has constructed a strong, consistent season through 24 races with nine top-five’s and 15 top-10 finishes. He enters the finale fifth in the NCTS Chase standings, 37 points behind third, and has scored three stage wins with an average finish of 12.5.

Tune In … Activity for the season finale begins Thursday evening with practice from HMS at 6:30 p.m. ET on The NASCAR Channel. Friday’s action gets underway at 2:30 p.m. ET with qualifying on FOX Sports 2, followed by the green flag at 7:30 p.m. ET on FOX Sports 1. Stay connected with the No. 91 NAPA Auto Care team by following @BMR_NASCAR on Twitter, @bmr_nascar on Instagram, and Bill McAnally Racing on Facebook.

Christian Eckes Quote:

On finishing the season at Homestead:

“We’ve had a decent Chase, but certainly not where we’d like to be. Our No. 91 team and everyone at MHR have done a good job of finding more speed throughout the year but still want to improve and bring a fast NAPA Auto Care Chevy to the track this week. We lacked a little pace at Homestead in ’23 and ’24, but I feel good about the balance we’ve had in our intermediate trucks this fall. It’ll be pretty hot this weekend, track temps will be up, for sure. We need to work hard and be efficient in practice to give ourselves a good balance throughout the race on Friday night.”

Christian Eckes 2026 NCTS Stats

Starts: 24

Poles: 0

Wins: 0

Top-5’s: 9

Top-10’s: 15

Average Finish: 12.5

Laps Led: 175

Stage Wins: 3

Points Position: 5th

Through nearly 6,000 auto parts stores and over 18,000 auto care centers in the U.S., NAPA has America’s largest network of parts and care. The NAPA Network is supported by nationwide distribution centers with approximately 800,000 available parts, accessories and supplies. Widely recognized for quality parts, rapid availability and knowledgeable people, NAPA Auto Parts stores serve automotive service professionals, do-it-yourselfers and everyday drivers with quality parts, accessories and supplies to keep cars, trucks and equipment performing safely and efficiently. In 2025, NAPA proudly celebrates its 100th anniversary by honoring its innovative spirit and centennial legacy through community initiatives and a renewed commitment to driving the industry forward for the next century. For more information, visit www.napaonline.com.

The Championship Race at Homestead-Miami Speedway Outlook and Picks

By
SM Staff
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The NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) heads to Homestead-Miami Speedway this weekend for the Championship Race on Sunday, November 8, at 3 p.m. ET on NBC, MRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Channel 90).

Last season, Alex Bowman captured the pole with a lap of 168.845 MPH (31.982 secs), and Kyle Larson capitalized on teammate Alex Bowman’s late-race skirmish with the outside wall to win the Straight Talk Wireless 400 on Sunday, March 23, 2025.

The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series Chase Point Standings after Martinsville Speedway

RankDriverNoPointsLdrNxtRace WinsStage Wins
1Kyle Larson (C)524690039
2Christopher Bell (C)202402-676716
3Denny Hamlin (C)112399-70345
4Chase Briscoe (C)192385-841432
5Joey Logano (C)222366-1031937
6Tyler Reddick (C)452344-1252262
7Ryan Blaney (C)122336-133839
8Ty Gibbs (C)542309-1602725
9William Byron (C)242303-166615
10Chase Elliott (C)92268-2013522
11Austin Cindric (C)22263-206501
12Carson Hocevar (C)772259-210410
13Bubba Wallace (C)232257-212202
14Ryan Preece (C)602214-2554312
15Daniel Suárez (C)72210-259411
16Chris Buescher (C)172199-2701101

NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race Winners (2004-2025)

DateTrackRace WinnerCrew ChiefOrganization
Sunday, November 21, 2004HomesteadGreg BiffleDoug RichertRoush Fenway Racing
Sunday, November 20, 2005HomesteadGreg BiffleDoug RichertRoush Fenway Racing
Sunday, November 19, 2006HomesteadGreg BiffleDoug RichertRoush Fenway Racing
Sunday, November 18, 2007HomesteadMatt KensethRobbie ReiserRoush Fenway Racing
Sunday, November 16, 2008HomesteadCarl EdwardsBob OsborneRoush Fenway Racing
Sunday, November 22, 2009HomesteadDenny HamlinMike FordJoe Gibbs Racing
Sunday, November 21, 2010HomesteadCarl EdwardsBob OsborneRoush Fenway Racing
Sunday, November 20, 2011HomesteadTony StewartDarian GrubbStewart-Haas Racing
Sunday, November 18, 2012HomesteadJeff GordonAlan GustafsonHendrick Motorsports
Sunday, November 17, 2013HomesteadDenny HamlinDarian GrubbJoe Gibbs Racing
Sunday, November 16, 2014HomesteadKevin HarvickRodney ChildersStewart-Haas Racing
Sunday, November 22, 2015HomesteadKyle BuschAdam StevensJoe Gibbs Racing
Sunday, November 20, 2016HomesteadJimmie JohnsonChad KnausHendrick Motorsports
Sunday, November 19, 2017HomesteadMartin Truex JrCole PearnFurniture Row Racing
Sunday, November 18, 2018HomesteadJoey LoganoTodd GordonTeam Penske
Sunday, November 17, 2019HomesteadKyle BuschAdam StevensJoe Gibbs Racing
Sunday, November 8, 2020PhoenixChase ElliottAlan GustafsonHendrick Motorsports
Sunday, November 7, 2021PhoenixKyle LarsonCliff DanielsHendrick Motorsports
Sunday, November 6, 2022PhoenixJoey LoganoPaul WolfeTeam Penske
Sunday, November 5, 2023PhoenixRoss ChastainPhilip SurgenTrackhouse Racing
Sunday, November 10, 2024PhoenixJoey LoganoPaul WolfeTeam Penske
Sunday, November 2, 2025PhoenixRyan BlaneyJonathan HasslerTeam Penske

Track & Race Information for the Championship Race

Season Race: No. 36 of 36 (November 8, 2026)
Track Size/Type: 1.5 Mile Asphalt Oval
The Purse: $13,855,063
Banking/Turns (All four): 18-20 degrees
Banking/Frontstretch & Backstretch: 4 degrees
Frontstretch Length:  1,760 feet
Backstretch Length:  1,760 feet

Race Schedule, Length, and Stages for the Championship Race

Race Length: 267 laps / 400.5 miles
Stage 1 Length: 80 Laps
Stage 2 Length: 85 Laps (Ends on Lap 165)
Finale Stage Length: 102 Laps (Ends on Lap 267)

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5

6:30 PM – 7:20 PM: NCTS PRACTICE

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6

2:30 PM – 3:30 PM: NCTS QUALIFYING (IMPOUND)
4:00 PM – 4:50 PM: NOAPS PRACTICE
5:30 PM – 6:20 PM: NCS PRACTICE
7:10 PM: NCTS DRIVER INTRODUCTIONS
7:30 PM: NCTS CHAMPIONSHIP RACE (STAGES 30/60/134 LAPS = 201 MILES) ON FS1

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: NOAPS QUALIFYING (IMPOUND) TRACK HOT
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM: NCS QUALIFYING (IMPOUND)
4:25 PM: NOAPS DRIVER INTRODUCTIONS
5:00 PM: NOAPS CHAMPIONSHIP RACE (STAGES 45/90/200 LAPS = 300 MILES) ON THE CW NETWORK

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8

2:15 PM: NCS DRIVER INTRODUCTIONS
3:00 PM: NCS CHAMPIONSHIP RACE (STAGES 80/165/267 LAPS = 400.5 MILES) ON NBC

Who and what should you look out for at Homestead-Miami Speedway?

This weekend, six of the 18 NASCAR Cup Series race winners are active:

Active Homestead Race Winners (6)WinsSeasons
Denny Hamlin32020, ’13, ’09
Kyle Larson22025, ’22
Tyler Reddick12024
Christopher Bell12023
William Byron12021
Joey Logano12018

The deepest start by a race winner is 38th, by Denny Hamlin in 2009.

The first, second, and fifth starting positions are the most successful in the field, producing more winners (four each) than any other starting position (14.8%).

Ryan Blaney (2023, 2024) leads all active drivers in runner-up finishes with two second-place finishes, and Denny Hamlin leads all active drivers in top-five finishes with seven top-fives and 14 top-10 finishes.

Tyler Reddick leads all active drivers in average finishing position with an 8.8 in six starts.

The Driver Picks for the NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race at Homestead-Miami Speedway!

The Driver Picks for the NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race at Homestead-Miami Speedway
  • Denny Hamlin has four wins, 16 top-fives, 23 top-10s, six poles, led 1033 laps, and an average finish of 9.0.
  • Chase Briscoe has three wins, 13 top-fives, 18 top-10s, one pole, led 668 laps, and an average finish of 14.4.
  • Kyle Larson has three wins, 15 top-fives, 21 top-10s, led 1238 laps, and an average Finish of 14.5.
  • Joey Logano has three wins, seven top-fives, 15 top-10s, two poles, led 832 laps, and an average finish of 15.9.
  • William Byron has one win, seven top-fives, 17 top-10s, led 540 laps, and an average finish of 15.6.

2026 Niece Motorsports NCTS Race Preview: Homestead-Miami Speedway

By
Official Release
-

NCTS RACE PREVIEW: HOMESTEAD-MIAMI SPEEDWAY
Event: NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Championship Race (134 laps / 201 miles)
Round: 25 of 25 (Season Finale)
Track: Homestead-Miami Speedway
Location: Homestead, FL
Date & Time: Friday, November 6 | 6:30 PM ET
Tune-In: FOX Sports 1 | NASCAR Racing Network (NRN) | SiriusXM Ch. 90

Team Stats & Notes

  • Niece Motorsports Homestead-Miami Stats:

NCTS Starts: 23; Wins: 1 (Carson Hocevar, 2023); Top-Fives: 4; Top-10s: 7.

  • New Late Model Driver: Niece Motorsports welcomes Hudson Sharp, son of 1996 NTT INDYCAR SERIES co-champion, Scott Sharp, to its Late Model Stock Car (LMSC) team for this weekend’s Fall Brawl race at Hickory Motor Speedway. The 17-year-old recently finished third in his ARCA Menards Series West debut at Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway, and has run select races in LMSC competition throughout the year for Lee Falk Racing and Development.
  • Thank you, CRAFTSMAN: Friday’s race at Homestead-Miami Speedway will mark the end of CRAFTSMAN’s tenure as the title sponsor of the NASCAR Truck Series. Since its return in 2023, and throughout its founding years, CRAFTSMAN has been a loyal supporter of the series. In 2027, the series will rebrand to the NASCAR FedEx Freight Truck Series, or NFXFTS for short.

No. 4 Niece Equipment Chevrolet Silverado RST
Driver: Connor Hall | Crew Chief: Mike Shiplett

  • Hall Returns: Connor Hall returns to make his sixth start of the 2026 campaign driving the team’s No. 4 entry at Homestead-Miami Speedway. The 29-year-old’s season-best finish came at Rockingham Speedway, where he finished in 20th-place. Friday’s race will mark just his second-career start on a mile-and-a-half track.
  • Hall’s Homestead-Miami Stats:

Connor Hall will make his first-career NCTS start in any series at Homestead-Miami on Friday.

  • Shiplett’s Homestead-Miami Stats:

NCS Starts: 4; Top-Fives: 1; Top-10s: 1; Best Finish: 5th (2010).

NOAPS Starts: 8; Wins: 1 (Kyle Larson, 2015); Poles: 1 (Tyler Reddick, 2017); Top-Fives: 4; Top-10s: 5; Best Finish: 2nd (2019).

NCTS Starts: 2; Best Finish: 14th (2025).

  • On the Truck: Hall’s No. 4 Chevrolet Silverado RST will race with primary support from Niece Equipment, one of the country’s largest producers of fuel & lube trucks. The truck will sport a special Miami-inspired paint scheme for the season finale.
  • Recapping Martinsville: Conner Jones and the Niece Equipment team had an early end to their race in Martinsville. Jones started the 200-lap race in 21st, gained a few positions early, and elected to make a pit stop before the end of the first stage. With a handful of laps remaining in stage two, the No. 4 truck began to drop back with a rear gear issue. Jones drove the truck behind the wall on lap 95 and was out of the race in 36th-place.
  • No. 4 Team Season Highlights: Niece Motorsports’ No. 4 team had a large roster of drivers take the reins this year, including Cleetus McFarland, Ben Maier, Connor Hall, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Shane van Gisbergen, Stefan Parsons, Donovan Strauss, Matt Mills, and Conner Jones. The team’s best finish was delivered by van Gisbergen at Watkins Glen, where he drove the truck up to a third-place finish. In total, the team led by Mike Shiplett captured one top-five and two top-10 finishes in its part-time season.
  • Quoting Hall: How much were you able to learn in your first intermediate start at Kansas which can help you this weekend?

“Kansas was the first place that I ever really got to run that was super multi-grooved. In the short track stuff that I am used to running, even if it’s a multi-grooved track, you’re never truly up against the fence like how you are at that track. Understanding how that works along with all of the aero stuff that’s involved at a mile-and-a-half is going to help me a lot for this weekend. In the first part of that race, I was able to explore and learn a lot of lessons in doing things that I wasn’t used to before. I felt like I had gotten a pretty good grip on it by the end of the race, so I’m excited to go to Homestead and do it again. We had a lot of speed there, so we’re just looking to have our Niece Equipment Chevy that’s equal to, if not better than that on Friday.”

About Niece Equipment: For over 40 years, Niece Equipment has provided clients with reliable products at competitive prices. Our reputation is built on service, integrity and dependability. Each of our water and fuel/lube trucks are engineered with quality and durability in mind. Our capability ranges from 2,000 gallon water trucks to 12,000 gallon water towers. The fuel/lube trucks we offer range from 600 to 4,000 gallons.

No. 42 Utilitra Chevrolet Silverado RST
Driver: Tyler Reif | Crew Chief: Landon Polinski

  • Reif’s Homestead-Miami Stats:

Tyler Reif will make his first-career start in any series at Homestead-Miami on Friday.

  • Polinski’s Homestead-Miami Stats:

Landon Polinski will call his first-career race at Homestead-Miami on Friday.

  • On the Truck: Reif’s No. 42 Chevrolet Silverado RST will race with primary support from Utilitra, a company which specializes in utility and technology solutions.
  • Recapping Martinsville: Tyler Reif and the Utilitra team experienced a roller coaster of a night in Martinsville. After qualifying 16th, Reif held serve and found his footing in stage one. Things took a turn at the conclusion of the second stage when Reif spun off the nose of another competitor in turn four. The No. 42 team pressed on and was able to rally back inside the top-10 after dodging a couple of crashes. With less than 20 laps to go, however, Reif found himself facing the wrong direction on the backstretch with significant damage. NASCAR officials then dealt Reif a reckless driving penalty for the contact, which relegated him to a 27th-place finish.
  • Owner Points Outlook: Reif’s 27th-place finish at Martinsville elevated the No. 42 team to 24th-place in the owner point standings. Entering the season finale, the team sits 45 points behind Kaulig Racing’s No. 10 team in 23rd-place, and four points ahead of Rackley W.A.R.’s No. 26 team in 25th-place.
  • No. 42 Team Season Highlights: Niece Motorsports’ No. 42 lineup consisted of young, talented drivers at the start of their careers, along with a couple of veterans. Tyler Reif, Parker Eatmon, Conner Jones, Ben Maier, Travis Pastrana, and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. filled the driver lineup for the entry led by Landon Polinski. At San Diego, Reif nearly pulled off the upset of the season as he contended for his first-career win and led the field heading into the final corner. The No. 42 team picked up two top-10s on the year, with Stenhouse Jr. securing its best finish of seventh-place at Michigan.
  • Quoting Reif: How do you feel your first season of racing in the Truck Series has gone for you this year?

“I think this year has had some very high highs and some very low lows for me. I think a few weeks ago at Phoenix might have been my worst race in the series and that was hard to deal with, but on the other side of it, we had some great runs at San Diego, Watkins Glen, and North Wilkesboro where we had the potential to be a top-10 or maybe even a top-five truck. We have had speed all year, but just haven’t been able to put it all together. We have one more shot to do it this weekend in Homestead, so I’m hopeful that we can go out with a bang. I would really like to send everyone to the off season with a great run with our Utilitra Chevrolet on Friday night.”

About Utilitra: Utilitra is a woman-owned firm specializing in utility and technology solutions with a diverse team of specialized professionals. Utilitra is committed to solving their client’s unique challenges, whether one expert or a team of experts is needed. By adapting to the needs of their respective industries, Utilitra has built a range of services for their utility and technology partners.

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

  • Pérez de Lara’s Homestead-Miami Stats:

NCTS Starts: 1; Best Finish: 25th (2025).

  • Rogers’ Homestead-Miami Stats:

NCS Starts: 4; Best Finish: 21st (2014).

NOAPS Starts: 5; Poles: 1 (Greg Biffle, 2003); Top-10s: 1; Best Finish: 6th (2002).

NCTS Starts: 9; Top-Fives: 1; Top-10s: 3; Best Finish: 5th (2004).

  • On the Truck: Pérez de Lara’s No. 44 Chevrolet Silverado RST will race with support from Freeway Insurance, the Official Insurance Partner of NASCAR. Freeway Insurance first joined on as the primary sponsor for Pérez de Lara in Phoenix, and will close out the season with the No. 44 team.
  • Recapping Martinsville: Andrés Pérez de Lara and the Telcel team managed a great race in Martinsville, resulting in their best finish of the season. Pérez de Lara rolled off the starting line from 13th, but it didn’t take him long to advance into the top-10. He stayed consistent by finishing ninth in both of the opening two stages, and continued to move forward as the laps clicked off. Everything went to plan for the No. 44 team, and the speed was reflected in the end result. Pérez de Lara was thrilled as he picked up his career-best finish in sixth-place.
  • Driver Points Outlook: Pérez de Lara’s sixth-place finish at Martinsville gained him one spot in the driver point standings, now up to 15th overall. Entering Homestead-Miami, the driver is 14 points behind Brenden “Butterbean” Queen in 14th, and five points ahead of Justin Haley in 16th.
  • No. 44 Team Season Highlights: As the team’s lone full-time driver, Andrés Pérez de Lara put up a valiant fight during his sophomore campaign. Pérez de Lara and the No. 44 team led by Wally Rogers were able to improve in several areas in comparison to last year. Last weekend, the driver earned his career-best finish of sixth-place at Martinsville. He also picked up more top-10s (four), and is currently one spot higher in the point standings than where he was at the end of his rookie season.
  • Quoting Pérez de Lara: What are your thoughts heading into the season finale at Homestead-Miami this weekend?

“I am really excited to head to Homestead. I feel like we have some good momentum to close out the year, especially coming after Martinsville. Homestead is a track that I really enjoy racing at, and everyone is ready to go give it our all to finish the season on a high note and see what we can build from there. I am very thankful to all of the team at Niece Motorsports, Freeway Insurance, and everybody who has supported me this season. Let’s make this weekend count!”

About Freeway Insurance: Built for drivers who like to do things their way, Freeway Insurance makes it easy to compare options, choose coverage that fits your ride and your budget, and save. With a simple click, call, or come in approach, we help drivers stay in control and keep moving forward. From auto and truck to motorcycle, homeowners, renters, and more, Freeway offers coverage designed for every journey. Compare. Choose. Save Freeway, Your Way.

No. 45 J.F. Electric Chevrolet Silverado RST
Driver: Landen Lewis | Crew Chief: Phil Gould

  • Lewis’ Homestead-Miami Stats:

Landen Lewis will make his first-career start in any series at Homestead-Miami on Friday.

  • Gould’s Homestead-Miami Stats:

NOAPS Starts: 6; Top-10s: 1; Best Finish: 10th (2014).

NCTS Starts: 6; Wins: 1 (Carson Hocevar, 2023); Top-Fives: 2; Top-10s: 4.

  • On the Truck: Lewis’ No. 45 Chevrolet Silverado RST will race with support from J.F. Electric and Utilitra, who serve as his anchor partners for the season.
  • Recapping Martinsville: Landen Lewis and the J.F. Electric team had a character-building race in Martinsville. Lewis qualified the highest out of the team in 12th-place, and fought just outside the top-10 in stage one. Lewis fell back in stage two after wrestling the handling on his truck, and nearly had to come to a complete stop to avoid a crash in turn one. The No. 45 was issued a restart violation penalty in the final stage which prompted Lewis to make a pit road pass-through under green. After getting the free pass, Lewis was able to get back on the lead lap during the last caution, which allowed him to cross the finish line in 19th-place.
  • Owner Points Outlook: Following Lewis’ 19th-place finish at Martinsville, the No. 45 team continues to sit 10th in the owner point standings. Entering Homestead-Miami, the team is 13 points behind Spire Motorsports’ No. 7 team in ninth, and 14 points behind TRICON Garage’s No. 1 team in eighth.
  • No. 45 Team Season Highlights: Niece Motorsports’ No. 45 team returned to its competitive form during the 2026 season. The team, which was split between drivers Landen Lewis, Ross Chastain, and Ricky Stenhouse Jr., improved on the number of top-fives (six) and top-10s (11) compared to last season. For the first time since 2024, the team led by Phil Gould qualified for the Chase in terms of owner points, and is currently three spots higher in the standings than the previous year. Though the No. 45 team is still in search of its first win of the year, both Chastain and Lewis were able to bring the truck ever-so-close to victory lane with runner-up finishes at Darlington and Lime Rock.
  • Quoting Lewis: How well do you think your season has gone overall from your first start till now?

“This year has been both good and bad at times, but I feel like there’s been a lot more good than bad, for sure. I’ve learned a lot over the year going to a lot of places that I’ve never been to before, which we all knew was going to be a learning curve. I feel like at some of those places, I did very well, but some of them, I didn’t. There were some things out of our control, but overall, we ran up front a lot this year. We haven’t gotten a win yet, but being able to run up front and learn from all the veterans of the Truck series is helping me as a driver and as a person. I feel like it’s been a success, but I think there are some things that I need to do to clean up and learn from ahead of next year.”

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

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

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

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