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CHEVROLET NCS AT DAYTONA 500 MEDIA DAY: Shane van Gisbergen Quotes

NASCAR CUP SERIES
DAYTONA INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY
DAYTONA 500 MEDIA DAY
TEAM CHEVY DRIVER QUOTES
FEBRUARY 11, 2026

Shane van Gisbergen, driver of the No. 97 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet – 2026 DAYTONA 500 Media Day Quotes:

How exactly do you prepare for a season? What kind of training stuff do you do?

“Not much, just as much preparation as I can. So going through all our notes from last year and then setup stuff and just trying to keep evolving really. I think we did evolve a lot in the second half of the year. So yeah, just trying to be as prepared as we can each week.”

Do you come in much more optimistic about your oval prospects this year than you did a year ago?

“I don’t know. I don’t really think like that. I feel like it’s just a work in progress. I feel like I’m just getting better and better. So hopefully it keeps getting better. I still feel like I learn a lot every weekend. When that stops, that’s when it gets harder, I guess.”

Can you make gains on ovals on the sim, or does that all have to come at the racetrack?

“It’s all on the racetrack. You can do some sim stuff, but I don’t feel it really helps me.”

I think your best oval finish was Kansas. Any particular reason you did better there than other places?

“I guess it was later in the year. We were just getting better and better. I think we had some races where we had better speed than that, but I didn’t get it right or we got crashed out or something. I felt like we were getting toward the top-10 more often than not at the end, which was really cool.”

NASCAR has sort of taken away the good stuff for you with the ‘win-and-you’re-in’ and took one (road course) race away at Charlotte. Do you feel like you got to work harder?

“Yeah, but I didn’t join this series to do road courses, but obviously it’s a bonus. I’d love more road courses and not less, but that is what it is. Thankfully, we’re getting better at the ovals so that’s good.”

Do you enjoy racing at the big tracks like Daytona and Talladega?

“Yes and no. When it’s fuel saving, it’s pretty boring. But when it’s flat-out racing and you’re jockeying for position and pushing a lot, it’s pretty full-on. When it’s actual racing it’s really cool.”

How do you feel about the points format overall?

“I think it’s good. I think if you’re a front-running guy consistently, I think it’s really good and more of a pure racing championship. Then I think it still keeps the balance of excitement or closing everyone up for those last 10 races. So yeah, I think it’s pretty cool. I feel like you lose the desperation a bit of people winning races to try and turn their season around. But if I was a top guy every week, I’d be all for this.”

What’s Conor Zillich shown you so far just in terms of his approach?

“I got to know him the last couple of years. He’s a brilliant young guy. He’s been pretty focused and done a lot of racing over the offseason as well. It’s gonna be interesting to see how he goes and how he fits in after a few rounds. Looking forward to working together. Hopefully we like similar setups and we can make the cars better all together.”

You talked about the setup and all that different stuff heading into the season. How different is it when you have that year in the Cup Series under your belt?

“You just learn what you want and need from a car. My driving style was very different to most, I guess. The way I make the car work or want it to work is very different to others. We noticed a lot of trends which took a while to get everyone to adjust to. I adjusted a bit but now we’re sort of coming my way a bit, which has kind of helped me. It’s interesting. The cars are set up so different to what I’m used to, and I’m still trying to understand what I need or want from the car.”

What’s your biggest focus this weekend? Your concentration on it? What are you trying not to do or to do?

“Just score as many points as possible. That’s the way we’re going to get into The Chase. So it’s my mindset straight away … just accumulate as many points as we can every week. That’s the focus now.”

When you think about racing a road course versus Daytona, how is your focus different? Do you focus differently here? And how much harder is it than say on a road course, even though you are really good at road courses?

“It’s just different here like with the qualifying and stuff. You don’t really have an influence on it. You just drive as fast as you can, close to the line as you can. But the preparation is very different. On road courses I’m more involved in setup with what I want. On the ovals I’m just kind of learning and trying to build a notebook. In these races it’s about trying to understand the flow of the race, how to work with people. It’s a completely different style of racing. That’s for sure.”

Is the drafting hard for you now? Or do you feel like you kind of got that down?

“No, I’m still learning and trying to make friends, I guess. People leave you for no reason, or you do something wrong and lose the trust of people. It takes a while to understand how to put your car in the right place.”

Now that we’re in The Chase format, do you start to view races like this one as opportunities to gain stage points and have a good points day, maybe more than last year?

“Yeah, like I said earlier, that’s our goal – to just accumulate points now. You have to try and achieve as many points as you can every weekend. It probably changes the way you take risks if you’re probably going to be like us, a guy trying to point our way in. I probably will approach it a bit different, I think.”

About General Motors

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

RCR Race Preview: Daytona International Speedway

Richard Childress Racing at Daytona International Speedway… Richard Childress Racing has collected seven points-paying victories and 11 poles in NASCAR Cup Series competition at Daytona International Speedway. RCR owns three Daytona 500 wins (Dale Earnhardt – 1998, Kevin Harvick – 2007, Austin Dillon – 2018) and four Coke Zero Sugar 400 trophies (Earnhardt – 1990, 1993, Harvick – 2010, Dillon – 2022).

The Welcome, N.C. based organization has racked up 15 victories in the Daytona 500 Duel qualifying races, most recently by Dillon (2021). Earnhardt reeled off a record 10-consecutive Duel victories (1990 – 1999), while Mike Skinner (2001), Robby Gordon (2003), Jeff Burton (2011) and Harvick (2013) also claimed a front row starting position for the Great American Race.

In addition to its NASCAR Cup Series success, RCR has accumulated 10 wins (Dale Earnhardt, Jr. – 2002, 2010, Harvick – 2007, Clint Bowyer – 2009, Tony Stewart – 2013, Dillon – 2015, Austin Hill – 2022, 2023, 2024, Jesse Love – 2025) in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. Love returns to the World Center of Racing as the defending race winner of the United Rentals 300. RCR’s O’Reilly Auto Parts Series program has captured an impressive eight of the last 10 poles for the season opening event at Daytona International Speedway.

The 2026 Lineup… RCR enters the 2026 NASCAR season with a consistent driver lineup. Austin Dillon and Kyle Busch return to their respective rides in the Cup Series, while Jesse Love and Austin Hill continue to carry the torch for the organization in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.

Performance and Precision… An impressive 21 cars on the 45-car NASCAR Cup Series entry list for this weekend’s Daytona 500 will be utilizing high-performance valve springs purpose-built by CT Spring Company, a division of RCR Enterprises. Additionally, 11 cars will be powered by ECR Engines.

On Track with United Rentals… United Rentals enters its third year as title sponsor of the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race at Daytona International Speedway. United Rentals has also served as the Official Rental Equipment Partner of NASCAR since 2022 under a multi-year partnership that continues today. RCR has dominated the event in recent years, with Hill winning in 2024 and Love capturing the victory in 2025. United Rentals is also proud to be an Official Partner of NASCAR IMPACT. Together, they are giving back to the communities where we live and work by supporting Team Rubicon, a veteran-led humanitarian organization that deploys before, during, and after disasters. Sign up here to help make a difference and become a Team Rubicon Greyshirt volunteer.

Deep Roots… Richard Childress made 17 starts at Daytona International Speedway from 1973 through 1981 during his driving career, earning a pair of top-10 finishes at the track.

Catch the Action… The Duels at Daytona International Speedway, two 60-lap qualifying races for the Cup Series, will be televised live Thursday, February 12 beginning at 7 p.m. ET on FS1 and will be broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

The NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series United Rentals 300 at Daytona International Speedway will be televised live Saturday, February 14 beginning at 5 p.m. ET on The CW and will be broadcast live on Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

The 68th running of the Daytona 500 will be televised live Sunday, February 15 beginning at 2:30 p.m. ET on FOX and will be broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

Austin Dillon and the No. 3 Bass Pro Shops/Winchester Chevrolet at Daytona International Speedway… With 25 previous starts in the NASCAR Cup Series at Daytona International Speedway, Austin Dillon heads to the World Center of Racing with experience on his side. So far in his career, Dillon has acquired two wins, one pole award, four top-five and nine top-10 finishes in the Cup Series at Daytona. The Welcome, North Carolina driver, who grew up attending races at Daytona International Speedway with his family, has 10 starts in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series at the track with one win, seven top-five and seven top-10 finishes. He has two starts at the track in the NASCAR Truck Series.

The Harley J. Earl… Dillon earned the prestigious Harley J. Earl Trophy and etched his name into Daytona International Speedway history when he won the 2018 Daytona 500 with a thrilling, end-of-race pass. He backed up the 2018 Daytona Cup Series win with a win in the Coke Zero Sugar 400 in August 2022, which clinched him a spot in NASCAR’s post-season. Additionally, Dillon won a NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race at Daytona in 2015.

Former Pole Winner… Dillon earned his career-first NASCAR Cup Series pole award with a lap of 196.019 mph (45.914 seconds) in the 2014 edition of the Daytona 500. Dillon also started on the front row for the July 2015 Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona. Dillon’s starting position for this year’s Daytona 500 will be determined by his finishing position in the Bluegreen Vacations Duels on Thursday (7 p.m. ET on FS1).

About Bass Pro Shops… Bass Pro Shops, North America’s premier outdoor and conservation company, was founded in 1972 when avid young angler Johnny Morris started selling tackle out of his father’s liquor store in Springfield, Missouri. That was the company’s sole location for the first 13 years, and it has since grown to nearly 200 retail locations throughout North America. Today the company provides customers with unmatched offerings spanning premier destination retail, outdoor equipment manufacturing, world-class resort destinations and more. In 2017 Bass Pro Shops united with Cabela’s to create a “best-of-the-best” experience with superior products, dynamic locations and outstanding customer service. Bass Pro Shops also operates White River Marine Group, offering an unsurpassed collection of industry-leading boat brands, and Big Cedar Lodge, America’s Premier Wilderness Resort. Under the visionary conservation leadership of Johnny Morris, Bass Pro Shops is a national leader in protecting habitat and introducing families to the outdoors and has been named by Newsweek as “America’s Best Outdoor Retailer” for four consecutive years and “America’s Most Trusted Retailer for Outdoor Gear.”

The Winchester Legacy… Winchester is the largest small-caliber ammunition enterprise in the world and the leader in delivering innovative ammunition products to hunters, sport shooters, law enforcement, and the U.S. Warfighter. The 160-year-old Winchester® brand is built on integrity, hard work, and a deep focus on its loyal customers. Learn more about Winchester and the responsible use of its products by visiting Winchester.com or connecting with us on Facebook at Facebook.com/WinchesterOfficial.

Meet Dillon… On Friday, February 13, Dillon is scheduled to sign autographs at Bass Pro Shops, located in the Shoppes at ONE Daytona (1880 Checkered Flag Blvd Ste. N-100, Daytona Beach, FL 32114). Stop by to meet the driver of the No. 3 Bass Pro Shops/Winchester Chevrolet. The Coca-Cola Racing driver is scheduled to make an appearance on behalf of Coca-Cola at Walmart (1101 Beville Road, Daytona Beach, Florida, 32119), beginning at 12 Noon ET on Saturday.

AUSTIN DILLON QUOTES:

How excited are you to get to Daytona and to try and win another Daytona 500?

“I can’t wait to get to Daytona. Daytona always presents different opportunities, and the most important one is the opportunity to become a Daytona 500 Champion. I’d love to become a two-time champion of the race. It’s so much fun driving through the tunnel and knowing the history behind the track as you arrive, and to know you have an opportunity to put your name on the Harley J. Earl Trophy.”

You’re the 2018 Daytona 500 Champion. Talk about Daytona International Speedway. RCR is always a force there. Talk about your chemistry with your teammate, Kyle Busch, at Daytona.

“I remember our first race together in the No. 3 and the No. 8. We won the Daytona 500, but we didn’t win the Daytona 501 or 502 or whatever the race ended up being once it went into overtime. We were first coming to the white flag, so that would have been an epic start to Kyle’s career at RCR if we could have won the Daytona 500 for RCR. Still, he won three races that year. We’ve done a good job at RCR having fast racecars at Daytona International Speedway. I guess we’re pretty good at drafting, and that’s what you can attribute our success to. I’m looking forward to the new style body on our Chevrolets. I think that could be even better for us this year. I think the Fords have had an advantage at speedway racing for a while. Now, I’m hoping that when we show up to Daytona, we’re able to push harder and lead with a bit more ease. Nothing is easy in this sport. When it comes to competition, everybody is constantly getting better and figuring things out, so we’ve just got to do a good job of what we’ve done in the past, and I think that’s just putting ourselves in good positions. When we put ourselves in good positions, along with that ECR horsepower, it tends to show up.”

How has this generation of car impacted speedway racing?

“I think the biggest impact has been the fuel tank. Trying to work around fuel mileage has been a struggle, but our boss has made it pretty clear to us he does not like that type of racing and wants us to be towards the front or working our way towards the front, not saving fuel. That can be a challenge when the bossman is saying something and the engineers are communicating another way to do it. I think the biggest thing I’ve learned about speedway racing is that you’ve got to pick a direction that you’re going to go so that it doesn’t confuse the driver and go to work on that. I wish we could either change the number of laps, or we just raced all out the whole time. That’s one thing that makes it a struggle at Daytona and Talladega.”

As we head into 2026, what would make it a good year for you?

“I want to win multiple races. I’ve won races throughout my career, but I’ve never won two in the same year. I think that would put us into the Chase, and then from there try to go as far as possible. It would be a huge year if both the No. 3 and No. 8 teams won multiple races this year and made the postseason. That’s a championship year for an organization in my mind.”

What excites you the most about the No. 3 team heading into 2026?

“I think the continuity on our team. We have the same group of guys coming back together and going out there to fight every race. Also, the new Chevrolet body that we will be racing this year. I can’t wait to get out there in it and see how it performs. I think it’s going to be better, consistently, then the car we had last year.”

Kyle Busch and the No. 8 zone Jalapeno Lime Chevrolet at Daytona International Speedway… Sunday’s Daytona 500 will mark Kyle Busch’s 42nd career NASCAR Cup Series start at Daytona International Speedway. In the premier series, Busch owns one win (July 2008), nine top-five and 13 top-10 finishes at the World Center of Racing. The 40-year-old has led 539 laps and completed 92.3% (6,780 of 7,342) of total laps competed. Busch has led 342 laps at past editions of the Daytona 500, the most of any active driver without a win at the legendary race. Busch also holds an average starting position of 15.7 and an average finishing position of 18.9.

Stat Line… Busch kicks off the 2026 season with a career total of 63 wins, 34 poles, 254 top-five and 392 top-10 finishes in 750 Cup Series starts. The veteran driver most recently earned the victory on June 4, 2023 at World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison, Illinois. Busch ranks ninth on the all-time Cup Series win list.

Did You Know? Busch’s career best finish in the Daytona 500 is second, earned in 2019. While the Las Vegas, Nevada native is still seeking his first Harley J. Earl trophy, Sunday’s race will mark Busch’s 21st attempt in the Great American Race.

Time to Duel… Busch owns three victories – 2009, 2013, 2016 – in the Duel, the Daytona 500 qualifying race. Busch’s three wins tie him with Denny Hamlin and Joey Logano for most Duel victories held by active Cup drivers.

Grand Slam… Should Kyle Busch win the 2026 Daytona 500, he would become just the fifth driver in NASCAR history to win all four Crown Jewel races.

Zoning in on zone… zone™, the latest innovation from ITG Brands, is the next generation of nicotine pouches that delivers a superior tobacco-free experience and outperforms competitive products where it matters most. Available in 6mg and 9mg strengths and 10 variants, zone pouches are made with top shelf ingredients and high-quality materials to provide immediate nicotine intensity, longer-lasting flavor, and extra soft comfort. zone’s pouches are carefully crafted and designed to meet the needs of 21+ adult nicotine consumers, providing the best experience from the first pouch to the last.

This month, zone introduced a brand-new flavor: Jalapeño Lime. It’s a burst of citrus meets a subtle, fiery kick and the inspiration behind the No. 8 zone Chevrolet’s new livery, which will exclusively take the track during the 2026 Daytona 500.

For more information, visit zonepouches.com.

Meet Busch… On Friday, February 13, at 2:15 p.m. Local Time, Busch is scheduled to make an appearance in the LEGO City NASCAR Kid Zone for a special reading of the newly launched book, the ABC’s of NASCAR. The following day, on Saturday, February 14 at 11:00 a.m. Local Time, Busch will appear at Circle K (2450 FL-44, New Smyrna Beach, FL) for a special activation with zone featuring a racing simulator, giveaways and more. Later that day, at 1:40 p.m. Local time, Busch will visit the RCR Merchandise Hauler in the fan midway for an autograph signing. Busch will then appear on the Chevrolet Stage in the fan midway on Sunday, February 15 at 11:30 a.m. Local Time.

KYLE BUSCH QUOTES:

What would it take to be a Daytona 500 winner? And what would it mean to you?

“I wouldn’t know what it takes to be a Daytona 500 winner, I have never done it before. I’ve been oh so close, so many times. I’ve finished second, third, fourth, whatever, you name it, I have probably finished there. I remember in 2023, I think it was, myself and Austin Dillon, teammates at RCR, we were 1-2 coming down to the final laps, and of course coming out of turn four, I can see the flagman with the white flag in his hand. And as I get closer to the start finish line to take the white flag, he switches hands and throws the yellow as someone behind us spun out. Had to go into overtime, and I just wasn’t able to make it happen through overtime. But I have been right there. I have led the Daytona 500, it just turned into the Daytona 515 or whatever.”

It would be huge. I’ve been trying for so long to win that race, it’s the one race I haven’t checked off the box. I’ve been oh so close, many, many times. I’ve finished second, third, fourth. I’ve about accomplished every single finishing position in that race and so it would be nice to check off the number one spot.”

Do you think it’s finally time to win the Daytona 500, one that you’ve been missing?

“Yeah, I would hope so. I would like to think that in my 21st year now of trying for the Daytona 500, we can bring it home and make it happen so we can stop talking about it. It’s a tough race to win, it’s not like what it used to be, it’s less about fast cars and having all of that stuff that you need to have like we saw in the ‘80s and the ‘90s and the early 2000s, you know now its everybody on top everybody, fuel milage race, chess match where can you be, where can you put yourself and make the right moves at the right times. And so being able to do all that and then miss the wreck you know, there seems to always be a wreck on the final lap or the final two laps or whatever it might be and restarts that happen towards the end of the race. I think William Byron won it the last two years and both years there was a wreck on the backstretch and he was running seventh and 11th coming off of turn 2 and he ends up winning. So, do you want to be leading or do you want to be second, hell do you want to be 11th? I don’t know.”

What would make a Daytona 500 win emotional for you?

“I don’t know. I remember winning at Las Vegas, my home track in 2009, and it just being such a big moment for me being my home track. Wanting to win there so hard, it felt really, really cool to do that. So I can’t imagine what a Daytona 500 win would feel like. Maybe being old nowadays and having a family, you might see a tear. Who knows.”

How hungry are you for a Daytona 500 win, or are you treating it like any other race so it’s not so much of a mountain to climb?

“If you were eating, and you haven’t eaten in 22 years, you would be pretty hungry. So that is certainly a race I want to chow down on, and win and check the box for. It’s been a long time and we’ve been oh so close there a few times, more so since being at RCR I’ve had some really good chances at winning that race. But its been fun, and I’m looking forward to getting back there with our Chevrolet and doing it again.”

Do you still get hyped for the Daytona 500 having been there 20+ times?

“For me, it’s any other race. You try to treat it as any other race. You don’t want to get yourself too hyped up for any reason and put yourself in a bad spot, or overtry or get over zealous or anxious or whatever. For me, you try to have the mental state of its any other race and don’t worry about it, but I can’t say the same for all the other drivers. They may not feel the same way, and they get all amped up, and that’s why you see so many crashes and so many things happen there towards the end of the race where everyone is pushing so hard to win that race because it’s a legacy, it’s a career defining moment and everybody wants to have that.”

Jesse Love and the No. 2 Whelen Chevrolet at Daytona International Speedway… Jesse Love has made four career NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series starts at Daytona International Speedway. In his O’Reilly Auto Parts Series debut at the World Center of Racing in February 2024, the Menlo Park, California native earned his first career pole position, led the most laps (34), and captured his first career stage win. Fast-forward to last February and Love led 30 laps en route to earning his first victory at the Florida speedway. Outside of the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, Love has one career ARCA Menards Series start at Daytona International Speedway, where the young driver started from the second position, faced motor issues, and finished in seventh-place.

The Champ is Here… Love will begin the 2026 season as the reigning O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Champion, clinching last season’s title with a dominant race win in Phoenix, Arizona. In winning the season-opener in Daytona, and season finale in Arizona, Love became just the second driver in series history to win just those two races in a single season. In 2026, Love will attempt to become the 10th driver in history to win the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series championship in multiple seasons, and eighth to win in back-to-back seasons.

Drafting Dominance… In 2025, Jesse Love led all drivers on drafting tracks with a 6.67 avg finish and five top-10s.

Did You Know? Love was the third youngest pole winner in O’Reilly Auto Parts Series history at Daytona International Speedway and just the 14th driver to claim the first starting position in their series debut.

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

Meet Love… On Friday, February 13, at 1:00 p.m. Local Time, Love is scheduled to participate in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts driver autograph signing in the Fan Midway. The following day, on Saturday, February 14, at 1:40 p.m. Local Time, Love will take to the Chevrolet Display in the Fan Midway for a Q&A, before stopping at the Richard Childress Racing Merchandise Hauler in the Fan Midway for an autograph signing at 2:00 p.m. Local Time.

JESSE LOVE QUOTE:

What is it like going into Daytona International Speedway as the defending Champion and race winner?

“I’m definitely excited to go back to Daytona, obviously there is a lot of confidence with the team. Probably more quiet confidence than anything, but still very confident with the whole group. We were able to keep our pit crew the same as it was to finish the year last year, we were able to keep all the road guys on my team the same as it was last year, and most of the guys in the shop. Everybody is gelling together really well, and we haven’t really had to relearn much of anything. That’s also some confidence to kick the season off. Obviously there is a lot of want and desire to go back-to-back at Daytona, a lot of want and desire to start the year off with a win and get RCR’s fifth win in a row. Definitely looking forward to it, I’m kind of tired of the off season, I’m just ready to get back in my swing of things. I’m excited, not nervous or anything like that, which is different from past years where I typically feel like I am a little bit nervous to start the season. But now I have my feet under me, I know what to expect and what not to expect, and mostly I am a little bit more wiser now to understand similar things that can happen that I don’t normally think of.”

Austin Hill and the No. 21 Bennett Transportation & Logistics Chevrolet at Daytona International Speedway… Austin Hill has competed in nine career NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series races at Daytona International Speedway, earning three victories – a resounding 33% of his starts. The Winston, Ga. native has started on the first or second row for the last six events at the World Center of Racing. Hill also has six NASCAR Truck Series starts, securing the checkered flag in his 2019 victory.

Record Holder… With 10 career O’Reilly Auto Parts Series drafting track wins, Hill is the all-time wins leader at that specific style of racing. The 31-year-old passed two NASCAR Hall of Famers Dale Earnhardt and Tony Stewart to secure the title with his victory at Talladega Superspeedway in April 2025 and extended the count with his second win at the Alabama track in October 2025.

All-Time Lap Leader… Hill remains the all-time O’Reilly Auto Parts Series leader in number of laps led on drafting tracks (810). Hill accomplished this career feat in 2025 following his victory at Atlanta Motor Speedway and did so in 22 drafting track races – 11 starts less than second-place Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Did You Know? Hill is the only driver in O’Reilly Auto Parts Series history to win on all three drafting tracks – Atlanta Motor Speedway (five), Daytona International Speedway (three), and Talladega Superspeedway (two).

Stage Winner… Hill is the all-time leader of stage wins at drafting tracks in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. The veteran racer has accumulated 16 stage wins, while second-place Justin Allgaier has nine.

Rearview Mirror… During his fourth season behind the wheel of the No. 21 Chevrolet for RCR, Hill earned four wins, 13 top-five, and 18 top-10 results, and one pole. Hill’s four victories came at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Martinsville Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway (twice). The racer won RCR’s 100th O’Reilly Auto Parts Series victory at the Virginia short track, placing his car in the storied organization’s history books. Hill led a total of 355 laps – a career-best in a single season.

About Bennett Family of Companies… McDonough-Ga. based Bennett Family of Companies is a woman-owned, Women’s Enterprise Business Council (WBENC) certified, diversified transportation and logistics company. Through its 14 affiliated operating companies, the Bennett Family of Companies delivers integrated transportation and supply chain management solutions worldwide. Bennett has 4,625 drivers/owner-operators, over 1,000 employees and 600 agents located across the United States. For more information, visit www.bennettig.com.

Meet Hill… Fans have three opportunities to meet Hill before Saturday’s main event at Daytona International Speedway. On Friday, February 13 at 1 p.m. Local Time, Hill is scheduled to join his fellow O’Reilly Auto Parts Series competitors for an autograph session in the Infield Fan Zone. On Saturday, February 14 at 12:20 p.m. Local Time, Hill is scheduled to sign autographs at the RCR Merchandise Hauler in the Fan Midway. Stop by to meet Hill and purchase No. 21 gear. Immediately following at 12:45 p.m. Local Time, the 31-year-old will participate in a fan question and answer session at the Chevrolet Display in the Fan Midway.

AUSTIN HILL QUOTES:

What is your mindset heading into Daytona International Speedway?

“I’m in a really good spot mentally for this season. The No. 21 team has spent a lot of time together preparing and figuring out what we need to be a little bit better. We have some good ideas on things to touch up on. It doesn’t need a full rebuild, it doesn’t need to be anything special. It’s simply being a little better in certain areas and if we do that, this team can win the championship this year. I have all the confidence in Chad (Haney, crew chief) and my entire group of guys. I think 2026 will be a good one for us. We know RCR can win championships – that was proven again last year with Jesse (Love) and the No. 2 team – and it would be special to bring Richard (Childress) and all the men and women in Welcome a title two years in a row.”

How will the new Chase format change the overall outlook for the 2026 season?

“This year is going to be different that’s for sure. You will have to be consistent each and every week. You can’t have a bad week and run 20th or worse. The goal has to be a top-five finish each race. Wins still matter, with the points increasing, but it’s a different mindset than win and you’re in. You still want to go win races and earn stage points; those will add up and matter. I think you can go run second, third, fourth, or fifth during the Chase and have a shot at winning the championship. You need to get the best position for any given day and maximize what the car has to offer. If it’s a third, take your third-place finish and move on to the next week. It’s better than ending up on the hook and finishing 30th or worse. I could be wrong saying this, but I think this format and the way that you have to be consistent each week fits into the No. 21 team’s wheelhouse. I feel really strong about our chances going into this season.”

Your record at Daytona International Speedway speaks for itself. What does it mean to have the target on your back when you go to one of the biggest races of the year?

“I actually have a lot of fun with it. Everyone talks about pressure and questions if the pressure is going to get to you. But for me, I just go into Daytona weekends with the same mindset that I always do. We try to run up front, do our thing, stay out of wrecks, and hope that it’s enough at the end. Our Bennett Transportation & Logistics Chevrolet has been fortunate year after year in the season openers, so hopefully we can do it again this year. Everyone at RCR and ECR Engines works extremely hard to bring fast racecars and strong motors to every race, but especially at drafting tracks. Our cars are always fast and up front in qualifying which lets the rest of the competition know that you have a car capable of winning. Once the race starts and drafting begins though, anyone in the field can win at a place like Daytona. Where the No. 2 and No. 21 teams shine is making the moves at the right time.”

Talk about your relationship with spotter, Derek Kneeland.

“My spotter, Derek Kneeland, and I have built a great relationship over the years. This will be our fifth season working together. I know when he keys up on the radio, I need to move left, right, or there is a run coming. I know it a split-second sooner than he starts speaking, so I start moving immediately. Every second, every hundred of a second matters, especially when you are talking about a place like Daytona or Talladega. That’s one of the reasons why we are so good, because we are one step ahead of the competition. I trust him fully and don’t second guess anything he says. Not sure I could have won 10 races at drafting tracks without him.”

Sebastien Bourdais Will Be Guest Driver in Mazda MX-5 Cup at St. Petersburg

Two-time St. Pete Indycar winner will look to raise funds and race to victory lane once again

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (Feb. 11, 2026) – Four-time IndyCar champion and current FIA World Endurance Championship driver Sebastien Bourdais (No. 38 McCumbee McAleer Racing) will compete as a guest driver in the Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin doubleheader at the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. Racing with McCumbee McAleer Racing, Bourdais will participate in his home race as part of a fundraiser for the Karts4Kids charity.

The St. Pete event weekend (Feb 27-March 1) will mark the second event of the 2026 Mazda MX-5 Cup season, which opened last month at Daytona International Speedway with a record-setting field.

In his IndyCar career, Bourdais was quite successful at St. Pete, winning the race twice, but he hasn’t turned a wheel at the 1.8-mile temporary street circuit since 2021.

“I’m super excited to once again race on the streets of St. Petersburg,” said Bourdais. “It’s a real thrill to join the Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup at such a meaningful place. St. Petersburg is my home, and I’ve been fortunate to have success in open-wheel racing on that track. Many thanks to Mazda and MMR for putting this together, and to Cadillac Hertz Team Jota for allowing me to pursue this opportunity.”

Bourdais is using his MX-5 Cup appearance as an opportunity to raise money for the Karts4Kids charity by offering to put donors’ names or companies on the race car itself.

“The entire focus of this effort is to raise funds for Karts4Kids, which benefits Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital,” Bourdais added. “Anyone interested in supporting the charity can donate and have their name or company featured on the car. Donations start at $5,000 and directly support children and their families. Since its creation, Karts4Kids has continued to raise the bar, and with the exposure from racing in one of North America’s most popular series, I hope we can generate even more support for this very worthy cause.”

Bourdais will complete a test with MMR at Carolina Motorsports Park, February 17th, to be acclimated to the highly competitive MX-5 Cup machinery. He joins a distinguished list of professional drivers who’ve had guest appearances in MX-5 Cup, including Parker Kligerman, James Hinchcliffe and Earl Bamber.

“I’ve known Seb [Bourdais] through IMSA for many years,” MMR Team Co-Owner Chad McCumbee said. “It’s very cool to have him join us at St. Pete and I’m excited to see what he thinks of the cars and the series. I did warn him—he’ll be much busier than a GTP race for this one.”

The 15th Annual Karts4Kids Pro-Am kart race fundraising event will take place on February 25th at T4 KartPlex in Palmetto, Florida. For more information about Karts4Kids, including donation opportunities, please contact Charlie at pros@kart4kids.org.

Both Mazda MX-5 Cup races at St. Pete will be streamed live on the IMSA and RACER YouTube Channels. Race 1 will take place Saturday, February 28 at 7:30am ET. Race 2 is set to go green at 4pm ET on Sunday, March 1.

About: The Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin is the signature spec series for Mazda Motorsports. The series has been operated by Andersen Promotions since 2017 and is currently sanctioned by IMSA. Mazda-powered grassroots champions can earn Mazda scholarships for this pro-level series. The Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup awards more than $1 million in prizes and scholarships.

Find out more at http://www.mx-5cup.com.

Harbinger Joins Partner Roster for Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C.

NTT INDYCAR SERIES Readies for Historic Debut on National Mall Aug. 21-23

INDIANAPOLIS (Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026) – INDYCAR has announced Harbinger as the newest event partner for this summer’s Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C. The upcoming race weekend will be the first-ever motor race on the National Mall, celebrating America’s independence and the legacy of innovation that fuels motorsports across the United States.

A leading D.C.-based live events production company, Harbinger will coordinate logistics and fan experience for the high-profile race weekend. Harbinger’s extensive roster of clients includes Fortune 500 Companies, the federal government, major tourism bureaus and more.

“Harbinger will bring world-class expertise and exceptional execution to a very historic race weekend,” said Bud Denker, chairman of the Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C. and president of Penske Corporation. “They’ve been an indelible part of this effort from day one, driving coordination between key event partners and building a firm foundation for success.”

“Harbinger is proud to partner with INDYCAR, Penske and FOX Sports to produce the on-site experience for the Freedom 250 Grand Prix,” said Josh Rodman, partner at Harbinger. “As a Washington, D.C.-based live events production team built for complex, high-visibility moments, we specialize in executing at speed without sacrificing precision. This August, our focus is delivering a safe, seamless, world-class weekend for fans, teams, partners and the city.”

This announcement comes on the heels of President Donald J. Trump’s recent Executive Order establishing the Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington D.C. The event will be free to the general public and will provide scenic vantage points of several iconic symbols of national unity and patriotism.

Monumental Sports & Entertainment was announced as the Official Marketing, Sponsorships and Corporate Hospitality sales agency for the race weekend just last week. The U.S. Department of Transportation, U.S. Department of the Interior and Washington, D.C.’s Executive Office of the Mayor will also provide vital support.

Like the entire NTT INDYCAR SERIES schedule, the race will be televised to a live network audience via FOX Sports. More details about the course and the event will be shared during a kickoff gathering in the coming weeks. Fans can be the first to receive all updates by visiting http://freedom250gp.com/ and signing up for the email distribution list.

About the NTT INDYCAR SERIES

The NTT INDYCAR SERIES is North America’s premier open-wheel auto racing series featuring a talented field of star drivers competing on superspeedways, short ovals, street circuits and permanent road courses. The NTT INDYCAR SERIES, INDYCAR, INDY NXT by Firestone, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IMS Productions are owned by Penske Corporation, a global transportation, automotive and motorsports leader. For more information on the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, please visit www.indycar.com.

About Harbinger

Harbinger is a Washington, D.C.-based live events production company specializing in high-stakes, high-visibility experiences delivered with speed, precision, and operational excellence. Our producers and operators bring deep expertise across complex, multi-stakeholder environments, creating seamless on-site moments for fans, partners and host cities. We’re built for ambitious timelines and exacting standards, and we execute accordingly. To learn more, visit www.Teamharbinger.com.

TOYOTA RACING Weekly Preview 02.11.26

This Week in Motorsports: February 9 –15, 2026

NASCAR: Daytona International Speedway – Feb. 12 – 15

PLANO, Texas (Feb. 11, 2026) – The 2026 NASCAR season kicks off this weekend on the high banks of Daytona International Speedway (DIS), where all three national series and the ARCA Menards Series will compete at the 2.5-mile superspeedway, culminating with the 68th running of the Daytona 500 on Sunday afternoon.

NASCAR National Series – NCS/NORAPS/NCTS

Toyota seeks another win in the ‘Great American Race’ … The Toyota Camry XSE drivers who take the green flag in Sunday’s Daytona 500 will look to give Toyota its fourth visit to victory lane in the ‘Great American Race.’ Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) driver Denny Hamlin has delivered all three previous Daytona 500 wins for Toyota, scoring victories in 2016, 2019 and 2020. Hamlin is tied for third on the all-time Daytona 500 wins list, and a fourth victory Sunday would move him into a tie with Cale Yarborough for second.

Johnson returns to No. 84 Camry XSE … Jimmie Johnson is back in the No. 84 Toyota Camry XSE with LEGACY MOTOR CLUB for the Daytona 500, his 23rd start in the Great American Race. Johnson and LEGACY MOTOR CLUB have opted to use NASCAR’s Open Exemption Provisional, which ensures them a starting spot in this Sunday’s race no matter their outcome across traditional qualifying or the Duels this week. The seven-time Cup Series champion won the Daytona 500 in 2006 and 2013 and is coming off a third-place finish in last year’s race.

Heim looks to make first Daytona 500 … In his part-time Cup Series schedule this season with 23XI Racing, Corey Heim will attempt to qualify for his first Daytona 500 in the No. 67 Toyota Camry XSE. The Toyota Development Driver has made seven career Cup Series starts over the last two seasons but has yet to compete on a superspeedway. Heim has been victorious at DIS before, with a win in the Truck Series race last year that kickstarted his record-breaking and championship-winning season.

Burton returns to Toyota; begins with SHR … Harrison Burton is back behind the wheel of a Toyota GR Supra in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, joining Sam Hunt Racing (SHR) in the No. 24 entry this season. Burton has made 75 career O’Reilly Auto Parts Series starts in a Toyota, including two full-time seasons with JGR from 2020-2021. At DIS, Burton has an O’Reilly Auto Parts Series career-best finish of second in 2020. He’s also a former Cup Series winner at the 2.5-mile superspeedway, capturing a victory in 2024.

Ruggiero takes on Daytona tripleheader … Toyota Development Driver Gio Ruggiero has a busy weekend ahead of him as he will race in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, Truck Series and ARCA Menards Series races this weekend in Daytona. In the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, Ruggiero will drive the No. 19 Toyota GR Supra for JGR in his series debut, while he’ll race his normal No. 17 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro for TRICON Garage in the Truck Series and along with the No. 18 Toyota Camry for JGR in the ARCA Menards Series race. Ruggiero has found success at DIS before, finishing second in his Truck Series debut there last season.

Friesen returns to No. 52 Tundra TRD Pro … For the first time since last July, Stewart Friesen will pilot his No. 52 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro, as he begins his chase for a Truck Series championship in 2026. Friesen is coming off a 2025 season that included a win at Michigan, three top-fives and six top-10s in 16 races. His team earned a Championship 4 appearance in 2025, after Kaden Honeycutt drove the final eight races in the No. 52 and nearly brought home a title due to an injury Friesen suffered in a dirt racing accident in late July. This weekend marks Friesen’s 10th career Trucks start at DIS.

Honeycutt begins title chase in No. 11 … Taking over for Heim in the stout No. 11 Tundra TRD Pro for TRICON Garage, Honeycutt begins his quest for the Truck Series championship this weekend in Daytona. The Aledo, Texas, native was in the title race last season in his first Playoff appearance, and now steps into one of the best trucks in the entire field for 2026. This weekend marks the 60th start of Honeycutt’s Truck Series career and his second at DIS.

NASCAR Regional Series – ARCA Menards Series/Super Late Model Series

Robusto begins second full-time ARCA campaign … After claiming Rookie of the Year honors in the ARCA Menards Series last season, Isabella Robusto is back in the No. 55 Toyota Camry for Nitro Motorsports. The Toyota Development Driver earned nine top-fives and 14 top-10s last season, including two third-place finishes at Talladega and Dover. She makes her second career start on the high banks of DIS this weekend.

Avedisian looks to continue strong 2026 start … Toyota Development Driver Jade Avedisian has started off her 2026 racing season in a powerful way in Super Late Model racing. In two races last weekend at New Smyrna Speedway in Florida, the California native earned a seventh-place finish, and then followed that up with a victory – her first in Super Late Model competition. She finished seventh in last night’s event at New Smyrna, and has two more races ahead this week, eager to rack up more solid finishes and potentially, another win or two.

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. for nearly 70 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our nearly 1,500 dealerships.

Toyota directly employs nearly 48,000 people in the U.S. who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of more than 35 million cars and trucks at our 11 manufacturing plants. In 2025, Toyota’s plant in North Carolina began to assemble automotive batteries for electrified vehicles.

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

Niece Motorsports NCTS Race Advance: Daytona International Speedway

NIECE MOTORSPORTS
NCTS RACE ADVANCE: DAYTONA INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY
Event: Fresh From Florida 250 (100 laps / 250 miles)
Round: 1 of 25 (Season Opener)
Track: Daytona International Speedway
Location: Daytona Beach, Florida
Date & Time: Friday, February 13 | 7:30 PM ET
Tune-In: FOX Sports 1 | NASCAR Racing Network (NRN) | SiriusXM Ch. 90

Team Stats & Notes

  • Niece Motorsports Daytona Stats:

NCTS Starts: 23; Top-Fives: 4; Top-10s: 8; Best Finish: 3rd (Ross Chastain, 2019).

  • Stacked Driver Lineup: Niece Motorsports is bringing four high-profile drivers to Daytona for Friday’s NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series (NCTS) season-opening race. With global motorsports icons, viral content creators, Cup Series superstars, and international flare, the team is sure to have its share of fan favorites.

No. 4 Black Rifle Coffee Company Chevrolet Silverado RST
Driver: Garrett Mitchell (Cleetus McFarland) | Crew Chief: Mike Shiplett

  • Hell Yeah Brother: YouTube star Garrett Mitchell (aka Cleetus McFarland) will attempt to make his first-career NCTS start this week driving the No. 4 Chevrolet for Niece Motorsports. McFarland competed in four ARCA Menards Series events in 2025, earning his best-career finish of ninth-place at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
  • Number Change: Over the offseason, Niece Motorsports unveiled a new truck number for the team’s fourth entry. Switching over from the No. 41 of past years, the newly-rebranded No. 4 truck will make its debut this weekend.
  • On the Box: Veteran Crew Chief Mike Shiplett will oversee the No. 4 team this season. Shiplett has been associated with the team since 2024, and split crew chiefing duties last year between the No. 41 and No. 42 teams.
  • On the Roof: Joel Edmonds, who spent several years of his career spotting for Greg Biffle, will return to the spotter’s stand as McFarland’s eyes in the sky.
  • POV: Fans will be able to ride along with McFarland throughout the entire race with onboard camera views that will be live streamed on NASCAR’s YouTube channel.
  • McFarland’s Daytona Stats:

ARCA Starts: 1; Best Finish: 30th (2025).

  • Shiplett’s Daytona Stats:

NCS Starts: 13; Top-10s: 2; Best Finish: 9th (2009).
NOAPS Starts: 14; Wins: 1 (Kyle Larson, 2016); Top-Fives: 1; Top-10s: 4.
NCTS Starts: 2; Top-Fives: 1; Top-10s: 1; Best Finish: 4th (2024).

  • On the Truck: McFarland’s No. 4 Chevrolet Silverado RST will race with support from Black Rifle Coffee Company and BRUNT Workwear. The truck will run a special stylized number font as a tribute to Greg Biffle.
  • Home Race: McFarland’s hometown of Bradenton, Florida is just over two-and-a-half hours away from Daytona International Speedway, and he will have a large contingent of friends, family, and local supporters at the race.
  • Quoting McFarland: What are your thoughts on making your Truck Series debut at Daytona?

“I’m fired up to be racing for Niece Motorsports alongside Ricky (Stenhouse), Travis (Pastrana), and Andrés (Pérez de Lara). I feel really blessed to be on a team with them. This will be my first truck race, which is very exciting, and I want to make everyone proud. I’m hoping to go out there and use the things Greg Biffle taught me to stay on the track, keep my truck in one piece, and learn as much as I can. I’ve got a lot to learn, and I’m working my way towards running in the Daytona 500 one day, so this is the next step in that career path.”

About Black Rifle Coffee Company: Black Rifle Coffee Company (BRCC) is a Veteran-founded coffee company serving premium coffee to people who love America. Founded in 2014 by Green Beret Evan Hafer, Black Rifle develops their explosive roast profiles with the same mission focus they learned while serving in the military. BRCC is committed to supporting Veterans, active-duty military, first responders and the American way of life. To learn more about BRCC, visit www.blackriflecoffee.com

No. 42 BRUNT Workwear Chevrolet Silverado RST
Driver: Travis Pastrana | Crew Chief: Landon Polinski

  • Guess Who’s Back: Action sports icon Travis Pastrana returns to NASCAR this week driving the No. 42 Chevrolet for Niece Motorsports. Pastrana has raced for the team on several occasions in the past, but hasn’t competed in the sport since 2023.
  • On the Box: Rookie Crew Chief Landon Polinski will continue to lead the No. 42 team throughout the 2026 season. Polinski spent several years working as a Race Engineer for the team before he was promoted to the role for the final eight races last year.
  • On the Roof: Longtime spotter TJ Majors returns to Niece Motorsports to spot for the No. 42 team this season. Majors has been with the team for several years now and spotted for the same truck last season.
  • POV: Fans will be able to ride along with Pastrana throughout the entire race with onboard camera views that will be live streamed on NASCAR’s YouTube channel.
  • Shake & Bake: Pastrana teamed up with Cleetus McFarland to train for this week’s race and will be regularly posting content documenting the race weekend on the Channel 199 YouTube channel.
  • Pastrana’s Daytona Stats:

NCS Starts: 1; Best Finish: 11th (2023).
NOAPS Starts: 2; Top-10s: 1; Best Finish: 10th (2013).
NCTS Starts: 1; Best Finish: 13th (2023).

  • Polinski’s Daytona Stats: Landon Polinski will make his first NCTS start as a crew chief at Daytona International Speedway on Friday.
  • On the Truck: Pastrana’s No. 42 Chevrolet Silverado RST will race with support from BRUNT Workwear and Black Rifle Coffee Company. The truck will run a special stylized number font as a tribute to Greg Biffle.
  • Quoting Pastrana: You’ve made a bunch of starts over the years but it’s been a while since you raced a truck. How pumped are you to be back in NASCAR?

“I’m pumped to get back on track at Daytona. This will be my first NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race since 2023, so jumping back into the Niece Chevrolet is going to be a blast. Daytona is one of those places where anything can happen, and lining up with Cleetus and Ricky just adds to the fun. BRUNT and Black Rifle Coffee Company have been awesome partners, from everything we’re doing at Pastranaland to Channel 199, so it’s pretty cool to take on this next challenge together and see how it plays out.”

About BRUNT Workwear: Launched in 2020, BRUNT Workwear is retooling the way the workwear industry works by collaborating with trade workers to develop boots and apparel that provide the best performance, durability and comfort hard-earned money can buy. BRUNT products are developed to provide solutions that make real workers’ lives easier, a mission brought to life by the fact that each signature product is named after a real worker who inspired the design. BRUNT’s workwear lineup includes a range of waterproof, safety toe, and breathable boots for every worker, as well as a broad selection of apparel and accessories that are built to deliver performance and comfort on the job.

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

  • Andrés Returns: Sophomore driver Andrés Pérez de Lara returns to Niece Motorsports to drive the No. 44 Chevrolet full-time in 2026. Pérez de Lara made a midseason change over to the team last year, completing the last eight races of his rookie season.
  • On the Box: Veteran Crew Chief Wally Rogers will continue to lead the No. 44 team for the second year in a row. Rogers has been at Niece Motorsports since 2021, and has overseen several of the team’s entries over the years.
  • On the Roof: Former driver Andy Houston will continue to spot for the No. 44 team this year. Houston initially joined the team last year for select events, but will now serve as the primary spotter for the truck throughout the whole year.
  • Pérez de Lara’s Daytona Stats:

NCTS Starts: 1; Best Finish: 14th (2025).
ARCA Starts: 2; Best Finish: 12th (2024).

  • Rogers’ Daytona Stats:

NCS Starts: 8; Top-10s: 1; Best Finish: 7th (2014).
NOAPS Starts: 14; Wins: 2 (Randy LaJoie, 2001 & Tony Stewart, 2006); Top-Fives: 2; Top-10s: 2.
NCTS Starts: 6; Top-Fives: 2; Top-10s: 2; Best Finish: 2nd (2020).

  • On the Truck: Pérez de Lara’s No. 44 Chevrolet Silverado RST will race with support from Acceptance Insurance, who serves as the team’s anchor partner this season.
  • Quoting Pérez de Lara: You finished off last season with Niece Motorsports and are back full-time this year. What are your thoughts returning to the team?

“I’m super excited to come back to Niece Motorsports after a strong building year we had in 2025. To carry that into 2026 with the same team, and by also welcoming Acceptance Insurance on board with us, I have extra motivation to go out and find more of those good results. I’m excited to return to Daytona, and I think that visiting these tracks again for a second time will be a good advantage. The whole No. 44 team and I are ready to have a great season.”

About Acceptance Insurance: Acceptance Insurance is a proud member of Confie, the largest personal lines agency in the U.S. We believe in investing in the communities we serve by offering affordable insurance solutions so our customers can have peace of mind. Our agents and team members uphold our values, which include promoting excellence, responsibility and caring.

Acceptance has been in business for over 50 years. We have over 700 agents in over 288 neighborhood locations ready to give you the service, respect and savings you deserve. We come to you so you can find the solutions you need, regardless of your background and driving record. We offer easy solutions to meet your unique needs.

No. 45 J.F. Electric Chevrolet Silverado RST
Driver: Ricky Stenhouse Jr. | Crew Chief: Phil Gould

  • NCTS Debut Race: NASCAR Cup Series veteran Ricky Stenhouse Jr. joins Niece Motorsports to make his first-career NCTS start on Friday. The 2023 DAYTONA 500 winner and two-time NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts champion will drive the No. 45 truck in the first two races of the year at Daytona and Atlanta.
  • On the Box: Niece Motorsports Director of Competition Phil Gould continues to lead the No. 45 team in 2026. Gould has been an instrumental asset to the company since 2019, and is the winningest crew chief for the organization.
  • On the Roof: Brandon McReynolds will serve as the No. 45 team’s primary spotter this season. McReynolds first joined the team last year spotting in select events for the No. 44 entry, and is the NCS spotter for Ross Chastain’s No. 1 team at Trackhouse Racing.
  • Stenhouse Jr.’s Daytona Stats:

NCS Starts: 27; Poles: 1 (2020); Wins: 2 (2017 & 2023); Top-Fives: 3; Top-10s: 4.
NOAPS Starts: 7; Poles: 1 (2012); Top-Fives: 2; Top-10s: 3; Best Finish: 2nd (2012).

  • Gould’s Daytona Stats:

NOAPS Starts: 12; Wins: 1 (Ryan Reed, 2017); Top-Fives: 3; Top-10s: 5.
NCTS Starts: 7; Top-Fives: 1; Top-10s: 2; Best Finish: 3rd (2019).

  • On the Truck: Stenhouse Jr.’s No. 45 Chevrolet Silverado RST will race with support from J.F. Electric and Utilitra.
  • Quoting Stenhouse Jr.: You’ve raced a lot of cars, but have never ran a truck in the draft before. What do you anticipate the biggest difference being in them?

“I feel like the Truck Series drafting races play out a lot different than the Cup or O’Reilly Series races. I feel like these will be more similar to the ARCA races that I ran back in the day a long time ago in 2008. I’ll watch a ton of film and talk to Phil to learn what their trucks are used to and find out what kind of issues to look out for. For me, it’s a lot of tape prep to see how the races play out at Daytona. Talladega is a different animal even though they’re both super speedways, so I’ll be deep diving in on Daytona. I’ll probably call a few people and see what they feel like in these trucks and find out what’s different than what I’m used to in the Cup cars. I just have a lot of book work to do.”

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).

Interstate Batteries and FloSports Reach Multiyear Agreement Making the ‘Outrageously Dependable’ Battery Brand Title Sponsor of High Limit Racing

Interstate Batteries High Limit Racing To Kick Off Partnership in Season-Opening Blackjack Bash March 12-14 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway

DALLAS and AUSTIN, Texas (Feb. 11, 2026) – After dipping its toes into the sprint car waters the last two seasons by sponsoring drivers McKenna Haase, Christopher Bell and Daryn Pittman in a handful of High Limit Racing events, Interstate Batteries has gone all in on the national sprint car scene by becoming the title sponsor of the elite 410 winged sprint car series through an agreement with FloSports, which streams High Limit Racing exclusively on FloRacing.

Interstate Batteries High Limit Racing kicks off its multiyear partnership in the season-opening SugarBee® Blackjack Bash March 12-14 at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway Dirt Track. The date provides Interstate Batteries with a massive weekend platform, as the leading replacement battery brand in the United States will also serve as the primary partner of the No. 20 Toyota Camry XSE that Bell will race for Joe Gibbs Racing in the March 15 NASCAR Cup Series race at Las Vegas’ 1.5-mile oval.

“Motorsports has always been a strong outlet for Interstate Batteries to connect with our customers, and High Limit Racing has quickly established itself. It delivers an authentic setting where reliability is not optional, reflective of how and where our products are used in demanding environments. It’s why we’re proud to be the title sponsor of sprint car racing’s premier series,” said Lain Hancock, President and CEO, Interstate Batteries.

High Limit Racing is America’s most watched dirt racing series and growing, with 66 racing nights spread across 33 tracks and representation in every U.S. time zone, all streamed live on FloRacing. The 2025 season accounted for 60 million video views on the FloRacing platform and across its social channels.

Interstate Batteries High Limit Racing will get expanded distribution in 2026 through an agreement with FS1, which will simulcast six events, along with select races streamed on the NASCAR Channel and the FloRacing 24/7 FAST Channel available on YouTube, Prime Video and Fubo.

“High Limit Racing has quickly become the standard-bearer for national sprint car racing, and Interstate Batteries joining as title sponsor is a powerful validation of the series’ momentum and an investment in its success,” said Michael Rigsby, GM, FloRacing. “This partnership gives Interstate Batteries access to one of the hottest properties in racing today and a powerful platform that connects directly with fans who live and breathe racing.”

Interstate Batteries’ partnership with High Limit Racing expands the brand’s long history of leveraging motorsports to showcase the performance capabilities of its batteries, which spans automotive, powersports, marine, deep-cycle, specialty and utility. And for the network of Interstate Batteries distributors who service customers with all of their battery needs, more than 85 percent of those dealers are within 75 miles of a High Limit Racing venue.

“One of the most compelling aspects of High Limit Racing is how closely it aligns with our distributor network,” said Ben Facer, SVP Commercial, Interstate Batteries. “This partnership creates meaningful opportunities for local engagement, hospitality and grassroots activation. It allows our distributors to bring the Interstate Batteries brand to life in their own communities while strengthening relationships with the customers they serve every day.”

Now entering its third full season, High Limit Racing continues its national expansion by increasing its number of events, its television coverage and its overall footprint.

“In just three years, High Limit Racing has grown into a national series with a clear focus on professionalism, fan engagement and long-term sustainability for teams and drivers. Our goal has always been to elevate sprint car racing as a true entertainment product that delivers real value to partners,” said Brad Sweet, CEO and co-founder, High Limit Racing.

“Interstate Batteries knows motorsports, they understand and appreciate its fans, and they’re committed to our future. This partnership with Interstate Batteries will take High Limit Racing, and the entire sport of sprint car racing, to new heights.”

Sweet, a six-time national sprint car champion, retired from fulltime sprint car racing at the conclusion of the 2025 season to focus his attention on High Limit Racing, which he co-founded with two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson. Larson, however, continues to race sprint cars whenever his NASCAR schedule permits, and he is expected to join Interstate Batteries High Limit Racing multiple times in 2026 as he looks to increase his seven-win tally in the series.

“For as long as I’ve been racing, I’ve seen bright green Interstate Batteries racecars. I’ve had a front row seat to their motorsports history, so having Interstate Batteries join High Limit Racing means a lot to me,” Larson said.

“Sprint car racing is the strongest it’s ever been right now. We have more fulltime drivers than ever before, the highest purses in the sport’s history, and a fan base that continues to grow year-over-year. Interstate Batteries recognized all of this and believes we can achieve even more. I’m excited about where this partnership is going to take us.”

To learn more about Interstate Batteries High Limit Racing and its upcoming slate of races, please visit www.HighLimitRacing.com and follow @HighLimitRacing on X, Facebook and Instagram.

Fans are encouraged to watch Interstate Batteries High Limit Racing and more on the updated FloSports Connected TV app, which features enhanced discoverability and streaming capabilities, providing the ultimate viewing experience on Samsung and VIZIO smart TVs, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV and Android TV devices. FloSports is also available on the web and for download on mobile devices (iOS and Android) via the FloSports app.

To watch FloRacing and gain access to all Interstate Batteries High Limit Racing events and more than 2,000 races annually, subscribe by visiting www.FloRacing.com/signup.

About Interstate Batteries:

For more than 70 years, Interstate Batteries® has powered people down roads, trails and waterways and businesses to succeed. Best known for its starting, lighting and ignition (SLI) batteries, this product has been under car hoods since 1952, each one backed by the company’s service, quality and value. Interstate All Battery Center® provides portable power in both retail and commercial markets. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, Interstate Batteries is an industry leader in recycling efforts, as well as a global leader in safe lead handling practices. Guided by a set of common values, the company’s purpose is to glorify God and enrich lives while delivering the most trustworthy source of power to the world. For more information, visit www.InterstateBatteries.com.

About High Limit Racing:

Founded by two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson and six-time national sprint car series champion Brad Sweet, High Limit Racing is a premier sprint car series in the United States. High Limit Racing’s mission is to improve the sprint car ecosystem and create growth opportunities for drivers, teams and tracks, all while providing highly entertaining, time-efficient events. High Limit Racing events are streamed live on FloRacing. For more information, visit www.HighLimitRacing.com.

About FloSports:

FloSports is a global sports media company committed to spotlighting the sports and athletes traditional media leaves behind. Founded in 2006, the company has become the digital home for die-hard communities in sports – delivering live and on-demand coverage, award-winning original programming, and advanced data solutions to passionate fans worldwide.

Flo’s portfolio spans more than 25 sports and includes the leading destinations for devoted audiences, including motorsports, hockey, wrestling, cycling, Jiu-Jitsu , track & field, cheer, a range of NCAA sports, and more.

Through strategic partnerships with NASCAR, USA Wrestling, Varsity Spirit, High Limit Racing, the American Hockey League (AHL), Tour de France, Wanda Diamond League and 18 NCAA conferences, FloSports streams over 50,000 events annually to a global subscriber base. For more information, please visit: flosports.tv.

NASCAR at Daytona 2026 Weekend Schedule

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - FEBRUARY 16: Green flag to start the NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on Feb. 16, 2025, in Daytona Beach, Florida. Photo: Sean Gardner/Getty Images

The 2026 NASCAR season officially begins this week at Daytona International Speedway. This year will mark the 68th running of the Daytona 500 on the 2.5-mile superspeedway.

Grammy Award winner Miranda Lambert will perform the pre-race concert. Comedian Nate Bargatze has been selected as the Grand Marshall and will give the command, “Drivers, start your engines.”

Wednesday, Feb. 11 at Daytona

10 a.m.: NASCAR Cup Series – Practice 1 – FS1/MRN/SiriusXM
8:15 p.m.: NASCAR Cup Series Qualifying (Impound) – FS1/MRN/SiriusXM
NASCAR Press Pass available after qualifying

Thursday, Feb. 12 at Daytona

5 p.m.: NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Practice – FS1
7 p.m – 10 p.m.: NASCAR Cup Series Qualifying Duel 1 (60 Laps, 150 Miles) FS1/MRN/SiriusXM
NASCAR Press Pass
8:45 p.m.: (Approx.) NASCAR Cup Series Qualifying Duel 2 (60 Laps, 150 Miles) FS1/MRN/SiriusXM
NASCAR Press Pass

Friday, Feb. 13 at Daytona

3 p.m.: NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Qualifying (Impound) FS1
NASCAR Press Pass
4:30 p.m.: NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Practice – CW
5:35 p.m.: NASCAR Cup Series – Practice 2 – FS1/MRN/SiriusXM
7:30 p.m.: NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Fresh from Florida 250 – FS1/MRN/SiriusXM
Stages 20/40/100 Laps = 250 Miles
NASCAR Press Pass

Saturday, Feb. 14 at Daytona

10 a.m.: NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Qualifying (Impound) CW
NASCAR Press Pass
3 p.m.: NASCAR Cup Series – Practice 3 – FS1/MRN/SiriusXM
5 p.m.: NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series United Rentals 300 – CW/MRN/SiriusXM
Stages 30/60/120 Laps = 300 Miles
NASCAR Press Pass

Sunday, Feb. 15 at Daytona

1:30 p.m.: NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500
Stages 65/130/200 Laps = 500 Miles
FOX/HBO Max/MRN/SiriusXM
NASCAR Press Pass

The ARCA Menards Series will also compete at Daytona this weekend. Practice is set for 4 p.m. Thursday, with qualifying scheduled for Friday at 1:30. The General Tire 200 race (80 laps, 200 miles) will be broadcast on Saturday, and air live on FOX at Noon with a live stream on the FOX Sports App. Radio coverage will be provided by MRN and SiriusXM. NASCAR Press Pass will be available after qualifying and post-race.

*All times are Eastern.

JR Motorsports — NCS & NOAPS Daytona International Speedway Preview

JR Motorsports Cup Team Preview
TRACK – Daytona International Speedway (2.5-mile superspeedway)
NCS RACE – DAYTONA 500 (200 laps / 500 miles)
TUNE IN – FOX, MRN, SiriusXM Channel 90, HBO Max at 2:30 p.m. (ET)

Justin Allgaier

No. 40 – Traveller Whiskey Chevrolet

Justin NCS Career Stats

Starts: 83

Wins: 0

Top 5s: 0

Top 10s: 2

Laps Led: 17

Avg. Finish: 27.2

Points: N/A

JR Motorsports and 11-time Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and musician Chris Stapleton, will be making their return to the NASCAR Cup Series for the 2026 running of the DAYTONA 500. Following a historic top-10 finish in their maiden voyage in “The Great American Race,” this successful pairing, in conjunction once again with Buffalo Trace Distillery, will field a Traveller Whiskey Chevrolet for the second time in JRM’s illustrious history. In a nod to the signature Blend No. 40 found in in every bottle of Traveller, the team will again field the No. 40 car driven by 2024 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Champion Justin Allgaier, who will return behind the wheel for JRM’s DAYTONA 500 entry.

Allgaier scored a hard-fought top-10 finish in last season’s running of the DAYTONA 500, taking the checkered flag in ninth.

Allgaier previously made starts in the DAYTONA 500 in 2014 and 2015, respectively.

JRM’s quest for the DAYTONA 500 marks the second time that Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kelley Earnhardt-Miller have entered a race in the Cup Series as team-owners. Under their leadership in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, JRM has been a pillar of success, earning 105 wins, a record 17 of which coming during the 2025 season, and four championships with drivers Chase Elliott, William Byron, Tyler Reddick and most recently with Allgaier.

Justin Allgaier

“This weekend in Daytona is going to be an extremely special time. To have the opportunity to once again be behind the wheel of a JR Motorsports Cup car is truly amazing. Everyone has been working their tails off on our Traveller Whiskey Chevrolet and I know that we are going to have the speed we need to be locked in. Once we accomplish that, I know that we are going to be contenders. Both on Saturday with our BRANDT Professional Agriculture Chevrolet and on Sunday. It’s truly going to be a great time, beginning with our BRANDT Chevrolet telling the story of how corn is utilized to make whiskey to then build up to our Traveller Whiskey Chevrolet taking the green flag. I just can’t say thank you enough to everyone involved. Traveller Whiskey, Dale (Earnhardt Jr.), Kelley (Earnhardt-Miller), Chris Stapleton, Rick Brandt and everyone at JRM for all of their hard work to get us to this point. We’ve always had strong superspeedway cars and between Andrew (Overstreet, crew chief No. 7) and Greg (Ives, crew chief No. 40), I know that we are going to have a great shot for an incredible weekend.”

JR Motorsports O’Reilly Auto Parts Team Preview

TRACK – Daytona International Speedway (2.5-mile superspeedway)

NOAPS RACE – United Rentals 300 (120 laps / 300 miles)

TUNE IN – CW, MRN, SiriusXM Channel 90 at 5:00 p.m. (ET)

Carson Kvapil

No. 1 – Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet

Kvapil 2025 NOAPS Stats

Starts: 33

Wins: 0

Top 5s: 7

Top 10s: 14

Laps Led: 103

Avg. Finish: 13.7

Points: 4th

Carson Kvapil will kick off his sophomore season in the NOAPS at Daytona after finishing his rookie season in fourth in the Championship standings.

This will be the 22-year-old Mooresville natives third start at Daytona where he has amassed one top-five and two top-10s with a best finish of fourth in this race last season.

In nine career starts on tracks two miles and greater, Kvapil has two top-fives and five top-10s with his best finish being a runner-up at Talladega in the fall of 2025.

Bass Pro Shops will continue to ride along with Kvapil in 2026 with their first of 13 primaries this weekend.

Carson Kvapil

“I am excited to kick off my sophomore season with JRM at Daytona this weekend. I’m really looking forward to seeing what this No. 1 team can do in 2026. I know Rodney Childers and this group are going to give me a fast car in Daytona and all season long. It will be important to keep the car clean and be around at the end of the race. With my first full time season under my belt, I feel a lot more confident. It will be important to build off that confidence from last year and start strong in 2026. I can’t thank Johnny Morris and everyone at Bass Pro Shops enough for their continued support. It wouldn’t be possible without them.”

Justin Allgaier

No. 7 BRANDT Professional Agriculture Chevrolet

Allgaier 2025 NOAPS Stats

Starts: 33

Wins: 3

Top 5s: 15

Top 10s: 20

Laps Led: 1056

Avg. Finish: 12.3

Points: 3rd

Allgaier kicks off his quest for a second NOAPS title at “The World Center of Racing” with cornerstone partner BRANDT Professional Agriculture onboard his No. 7 Chervolet.

In 30 career NOAPS starts at Daytona, Allgaier has earned one win, nine top fives and 15 top 10s.

Allgaier’s lone victory at the famed superspeedway came in dramatic fashion, as the JRM driver captured the checkered flag in a photo finish during the summer event in 2023.

The Illinois native enters the 2026 NOAPS campaign fresh off of three wins, 15 top-fives, 20 top-10s and a third-place finish in the championship standings in 2025.

Sammy Smith

No. 8 Pilot Chevrolet

Smith 2025 NOAPS Stats

Starts: 33

Wins: 1

Top 5s: 8

Top 10s: 18

Laps Led: 62

Avg. Finish: 14

Points: 8th

Sammy Smith’s third season with JRM gets underway this Saturday at Daytona.

Smith has seven starts on the 2.5-mile superspeedway in his NOAPS career. He has qualified in the top five three times and has a best finish of second, coming in the fall of 2025.

The 21-year-old put together his best NOAPS season yet in 2025. Smith tallied one win, eight top-fives and 18 top-10s.

Daytona will be the first race that Smith and his new crew chief, Cory Shea will be working together. Shea sat on top the No. 9 box in a part-time capacity in 2025, earning two wins in the process.

Pilot will share the TV panel with R&J Trucking, a leader in the bulk commodities hauling industry. It is an Ohio-based company which has been providing reliable and timely deliveries since 1960.

Sammy Smith

“I’m ready to get the 2026 season started at Daytona with this No. 8 Pilot Chevrolet team. We’ve been putting in the work this offseason and I’m looking forward to seeing what comes of it under the leadership of my new crew chief, Cory Shea. He worked with great drivers last year on the No. 9 car so I know there’s a lot I can learn from him. Cory doesn’t get worked up, he stays pretty even in different situations and I think that’s what I need. We finished one spot outside of Victory Lane last fall at Daytona so we’re looking for that redemption Saturday.”

Rajah Caruth

No. 88 HENDRICKCARS.COM Chevrolet

Caruth 2025 NOAPS Stats

Starts: 22

Wins: 0

Top 5s: 0

Top 10s: 0

Laps Led: 0

Avg. Finish: 23.1

Points: N/A

Rajah Caruth begins the 2026 season with a fresh outlook as he joins the NASCAR O’Reilly Series full time for the first time in his career, opening the year in the United Rentals 300 at Daytona.

Caruth steps into the series following a successful 2025 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series campaign that saw the young driver score one win, five top-fives and 13 top-10s.

Daytona presents an early opportunity for Caruth, who has three NCTS starts at the track, highlighted by a third place finish in 2024.

Caruth begins the 2026 season under the tutelage of crew chief Mardy Lindley. Lindley previously served as Connor ZIlisch’s crew chief in 2025.

Rajah Caruth

“Daytona is one of those races where preparation and teamwork matter more than anything. Starting the season strong would mean a lot for me and everyone at HENDRICKCARS.COM, JR Motorsports, and the whole No. 88 team. Mr. H and Ms. Linda have given me incredible support, and working with Mardy Lindley and this group gives me a lot of confidence heading into the weekend. Superspeedway racing always brings challenges, but our focus is staying smart, keeping the car clean, and putting ourselves in position at the end. If we do that, we’ll have a shot when it counts.”

JRM Team Updates

JR Motorsports at Daytona International Speedway: JR Motorsports has competed at Daytona International Speedway, the organization’s winningest track, a combined 124 times in the NOAPS. In those starts at the 2.5-mile superspeedway, the organization has recorded nine wins, 33 top-fives and 51 top-10s. The average finish is 15.8.

Souvenir Rig: JRM drivers Carson Kvapil, Justin Allgaier, Sammy Smith, Rajah Caruth and Wyatt Miller will be signing autographs at the JR Motorsports / Legacy MC souvenir rig on Saturday, Feb. 14 from 1:40 p.m. to 2:10 p.m. ET.

Jimmie Johnson Unveils “Helmet of Heroes” Tribute at DAYTONA 500 Honoring Fallen Firefighters in Partnership with Pye-Barker Fire & Safety

STATESVILLE, N.C. (FEBRUARY 11, 2026) — This weekend at the DAYTONA 500, seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson, in partnership with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, Pye-Barker Fire & Safety and Carvana will wear a new “Helmet of Heroes” honoring America’s fallen firefighters.

Often when asked what he might have become from a profession standpoint if not a racecar driver, Johnson points to firefighting—a calling shaped by his upbringing in El Cajon, Calif., a community deeply impacted by major wildfires. That lifelong respect for courage, service, and sacrifice is at the heart of this weekend’s tribute.

“Growing up in El Cajon, I saw firsthand how much firefighters mean to their communities,” said Johnson. “I’ve always said that if racing hadn’t worked out, I would have wanted to be a firefighter. The courage, selflessness, and commitment it takes to do that job is something I deeply respect. The ‘Helmet of Heroes’ is about honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice and standing with the families who continue to carry their legacy every day.”

Through the Helmet of Heroes program, LEGACY MOTOR CLUB is honoring the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF), which was created by the U.S. Congress to honor fallen firefighters, support their families, and reduce line-of-duty deaths and injuries.

Pye-Barker Fire & Safety, the nation’s largest fully integrated and full-service fire protection, life safety, and security services provider, has an ongoing partnership with the NFFF as part of its “What Matters” community impact platform. The partnership specifically supports the NFFF’s Staff Rides program, which brings firefighters to the sites of past line-of-duty tragedies to learn firsthand lessons that help prevent future loss. With more than 8,000 team members across 47 states—including many former firefighters and current volunteer firefighters—Pye-Barker’s commitment to the fire service is deeply personal.

As part of the “Helmet of Heroes” DAYTONA 500 initiative, Pye-Barker Fire & Safety and LEGACY MC will host two NFFF representatives during DAYTONA 500 race weekend—Jessica Seaburg and Marisa Harris Boykin—both of whom lost their fathers, Kevin Seaburg and Clifford Harris, in the line of duty as children. Today, they serve as peer supporters for Fire Hero Families and are co-founders of the Children of the Legends Facebook group, a supportive community for children of fallen firefighters to share stories, memories, and strength.

Following the race, Johnson’s specially designed DAYTONA 500 Helmet of Heroes—featuring the Pye-Barker and NFFF logos and worn during “The Great American Race”—will be auctioned by the Foundation, with proceeds benefiting the NFFF’s mission and programs.

“Our business was founded on protecting lives, property, and communities, and our team members across the nation take that mission to heart,” said Bart Proctor, CEO of Pye-Barker Fire & Safety. “Partnering with organizations like the NFFF and programs like Helmet of Heroes helps us extend our commitment, supporting initiatives that truly save lives and recognize those who make our communities stronger.”

“To see fallen firefighters honored on a stage as big as the DAYTONA 500 means a great deal to the families we serve,” said Victor Stagnaro, CEO of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. “This tribute keeps the memories of our nation’s Fire Heroes alive, highlights the ongoing need to support their loved ones, and inspires us to deliver on our mission. We’re grateful to Jimmie Johnson, Pye-Barker Fire & Safety and all the partners for coming together to make this happen.”

The “Helmet of Heroes” initiative reflects the shared values of Johnson, Pye-Barker, Carvana, and LEGACY MOTOR CLUB—using one of motorsports’ biggest stages to honor service, remember sacrifice, and support the families who carry these heroes’ legacies forward.

About Pye-Barker Fire & Safety: As the U.S. leader in fully integrated life safety systems, Pye-Barker Fire & Safety provides complete fire protection and security systems nationwide. With over 250 locations and 8,000 team members, Pye-Barker is Great Place to Work® Certified™ and is also listed on the Inc. 5000 and ranks No. 4 on the SDM 100. Learn more about Pye-Barker’s support of NFFF and community impact at pyebarkerfs.com/NFFF.

About the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation: The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) was established by the United States Congress in 1992 to lead a national effort in honoring America’s fallen firefighters. Since then, the Foundation has created powerful programs that pay lasting tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while providing meaningful support to their families and colleagues. Through its close partnership with the fire service and its affiliate, the First Responder Center for Excellence (FRCE), the NFFF is also deeply committed to reducing firefighter line-of-duty deaths and injuries. To learn how you can support this important mission, visit www.firehero.org.

LEGACY MOTOR CLUB is a premier auto racing organization owned by seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and 2024 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee, Jimmie Johnson and Knighthead Capital Management, LLC. Drawing from a rich tradition of success, LEGACY MC is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of motorsport and setting new standards of excellence. The CLUB competes under the Toyota Racing banner in the NASCAR Cup Series with the No. 43 Toyota Camry XSE piloted by Erik Jones and the No. 42 Toyota Camry XSE driven by John Hunter Nemechek. Johnson also races on a limited basis in the No. 84 Toyota Camry XSE. With NASCAR legend and Hall of Famer Richard Petty, “The King”, serving as CLUB Ambassador, LEGACY 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.