Hit and run accidents leave victims injured, confused, and uncertain about their next steps. Fortunately, U.S. law provides several legal options, including filing a police report, pursuing uninsured motorist coverage, and filing a civil lawsuit if the driver is identified. Understanding these remedies early can make a critical difference in protecting your financial and legal rights.
Across the country, hit and run accidents are treated as serious criminal offenses. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, thousands of people are injured or killed each year in crashes involving drivers who flee the scene. While criminal charges may follow, victims must often pursue separate civil or insurance claims for compensation.
Reporting the Accident and Preserving Evidence
The first and most important step after a hit and run accident is contacting law enforcement immediately. A police report documents the crash, creates an official record, and preserves key evidence that may support future insurance or court claims. Prompt reporting also increases the likelihood of identifying the fleeing driver.
Investigators may gather witness statements, review traffic camera footage, and examine physical debris from the scene. If the driver is located, prosecutors can file criminal charges under state law. However, criminal prosecution alone does not compensate victims for medical expenses or lost income.
Even if the driver is never found, the police report remains essential. Insurance companies typically require documentation before processing uninsured motorist claims. Without an official report, recovering compensation becomes significantly more difficult.
Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage as Primary Recovery
When the at-fault driver cannot be identified, uninsured motorist coverage often becomes the primary source of compensation. In many states, UM coverage is mandatory or strongly recommended as part of auto insurance policies. This coverage is specifically designed to protect victims in hit and run situations.
UM coverage may pay for medical bills, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, and pain and suffering. Although the claim is filed with your own insurer, the process may still involve investigation and negotiation. Insurance companies may review medical records carefully before agreeing to pay the full claim.
Because policies contain deadlines and coverage limits, timely notice is critical. Failing to notify your insurer quickly could jeopardize your claim. Consulting an attorney during this stage can help ensure compliance with policy requirements.
Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit
If law enforcement identifies the fleeing driver, the legal strategy may shift toward direct civil action. A personal injury lawsuit allows victims to seek compensation beyond insurance limits if necessary. This can include medical expenses, lost earning capacity, property damage, and emotional distress.
Every state enforces a statute of limitations that limits how long victims have to file suit. These deadlines typically range from one to three years, depending on jurisdiction. Acting promptly preserves evidence and strengthens negotiating leverage.
In cases involving reckless or intentional misconduct, courts may award punitive damages. Leaving the scene of an accident often demonstrates disregard for public safety. As a result, judges and juries may impose enhanced financial penalties.
Wrongful Death Claims in Fatal Cases
In the most tragic circumstances, hit and run accidents result in fatalities. Surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim against the responsible driver. These claims seek compensation for funeral expenses, lost financial support, and loss of companionship.
State laws determine who may file the claim and what damages are recoverable. Families must act within the statutory deadline to preserve their legal rights. Emotional and financial hardship are central considerations in these cases.
If the driver remains unidentified, uninsured motorist coverage may still apply. Some policies include wrongful death benefits for surviving relatives. Reviewing policy language carefully is essential in these heartbreaking situations.
State Victim Compensation Programs
Beyond insurance and lawsuits, some victims may qualify for state crime victim compensation programs. These programs can assist with medical bills, counseling, and certain lost wages when other recovery sources are unavailable. Eligibility generally requires cooperation with law enforcement.
Guidance on state insurance regulations can be found through the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. This organization provides consumer resources explaining coverage requirements and state-specific protections. Understanding your state’s rules can clarify available benefits.
Although these programs may not cover all damages, they can provide temporary financial relief. Victims facing immediate hardship should explore this option promptly. Combining compensation sources often provides the most comprehensive recovery.
Addressing Insurance Disputes and Comparative Fault
Even when coverage applies, disputes may arise during the claims process. Insurance companies may argue that the victim shares partial responsibility for the crash. Many states apply comparative negligence rules, reducing compensation based on fault percentage.
To counter these arguments, victims should preserve medical records, photographs, and witness statements. Accident reconstruction experts may also strengthen the claim. Thorough documentation can prevent insurers from unfairly minimizing compensation.
Victims should avoid accepting early settlement offers without fully understanding their injuries. Some conditions worsen over time, increasing long-term treatment costs. Careful evaluation protects both immediate and future financial stability.
Final Key Takeaways
Hit and run victims have multiple legal remedies, including police reports, UM claims, and civil lawsuits.
Uninsured motorist coverage often provides the primary source of recovery when the driver is unidentified.
Personal injury or wrongful death lawsuits may be available if the driver is located.
State victim compensation programs can provide supplemental financial assistance.
Insurance disputes and comparative fault rules may impact final compensation amounts.
Acting quickly and seeking legal guidance strengthens your ability to secure fair recovery.
INDIANAPOLIS (Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026) – Four-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion Alex Palou unveiled the ticket for the 110th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on Tuesday, Feb. 24 in Indianapolis.
Palou earned his first victory in “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” last May in the No. 10 DHL Chip Ganassi Racing Honda, and one of the many honors bestowed upon the winner is unveiling the ticket for the next year’s race. Featuring the winning driver on the next year’s “500” ticket dates to Mauri Rose’s appearance in 1948.
Spain native Palou received a special DHL delivery at K1 Speed in Fishers. He opened the DHL packaging to reveal an enlarged version of the colorful ticket, featuring a photo of his jubilant celebration standing on his winning car following the victory.
“I always had to sign the ticket as a driver, and I always wanted be on the ticket,” Palou said. “It’s amazing. I love it. It was probably the coolest day of my life, and I cannot wait to see it on a small scale all around IMS. It’s going to look good.”
Designed in house by Senior Art Director Mandy Walsh, the ticket celebrates the excitement of Palou’s first “500” victory with his full-color image superimposed over an overhead shot of his car crossing the famed Yard of Bricks. The ticket also features a patriotic flair to celebrate the nation’s military, which is honored throughout the storied event held annually during Memorial Day weekend, and the 250th birthday of the United States this year.
Palou will defend his victory in “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” on Sunday, May 24 in the 110th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, with live coverage starting at 10 a.m. ET on FOX, FOX One, FOX Deportes, FOX Sports app and the INDYCAR Radio Network.
Tickets for the Indy 500 and all Month of May activities are on sale at IMS.com, by calling the IMS Ticket Office at 317-492-6700 or by visiting the ticket office.
Spartanburg, SC – Jeremy Clements Racing is pleased to announce that Alliance Driveaway Solutions will return as a primary sponsor for the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Parts Series season, beginning this weekend at COTA. The partnership kicks off with the Focused Health 250, scheduled for Saturday, February 28, 2026, at the 2.4-mile road course at Circuit of the Americas.
Alliance will be the main sponsor for eight additional races this season and will also appear as an associate sponsor all year long. You can spot the Alliance Driveaway Solution #51 machine at these remaining races in the 2026 season: Phoenix, Las Vegas, Rockingham, Texas, Nashville, San Diego, Gateway, and Phoenix2.
“We’re so proud to continue our partnership with LJ & Tate from Alliance Driveaway Solutions and have them back on board for 2026. They’ve been an incredible partner to our team, and having their continued support means a lot to me and everyone at JCR,” said Clements. “COTA is a demanding track, but if we execute, I believe we can contend for a strong finish and get the 2026 season back on track.” Clements went on to say.
Also joining as yearly associate sponsors: All Weather Power Equipment, Spartan Waste, Rapid Fired Pizza, Sherfick Companies, Elite Towing, Tools4painting, Zmax, Carolina Driveline, Matman Designs, The Racing Warehouse, Nordic Logistics, and Dialed In focused Energy.
RACE PREVIEW Track: Circuit of the Americas Date: Saturday, February 28th, 2026 Broadcast Information: TV – 3:00 pm EST on The CW
FAST FACTS Best Start 24th – 2024 Best Finish 14th – 2023 6th career start at Circuit of the Americas
JCR TEAM Crew Chief: Matt Weber Manufacturer: Chevrolet
Follow Jeremy and the team on all social media platforms and stay updated on Race weekend. X: @JClements51 @JCR_Clements51 Facebook: Jeremy Clements Racing Instagram: @jclements51 @jeremyclementsracing
ABOUT ALLIANCE DRIVEAWAY SOLUTIONS Alliance Driveaway Solutions has over 18 years of experience in the heavy truck and transportation industry. We operate in all 48 states and Canada. No distance is too far. We excel in ensuring that our customers are more than satisfied with their shipments. At Alliance Driveaway Solutions, we don’t treat you as just a customer; we treat you as an operating partner. Our advanced state-of-the-art dispatch system ensures that we are with you every step of the way. Alliance Driveaway is American-owned and operated. Visit Alliancedriveway.com for more information.
In 12 NASCAR Cup Series starts at Circuit of the Americas (COTA), Spire Motorsports has logged three top-15 and six top-20 finishes. In the 2025 edition of the Cup Series’ annual visit to COTA, Michael McDowell matched a team-best 11th-place result, first earned by Corey LaJoie in the 2023 race. Spire Motorsports fields the Nos. 7, 71 and 77 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1s in the NCS with Daniel Suarez, McDowell and Carson Hocevar, respectively.
The DuraMax Texas Grand Prix Powered by RelaDyne from COTA will be televised live on FOX Sunday, March 1, beginning at 3:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. The third of 36 points-paying races on the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series schedule will be broadcast live on the Performance Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.
Daniel Suárez – Driver, No. 7 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
Daniel Suárez will pilot Spire Motorsports’ No. 7 Freeway Insurance Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 in Sunday’s DuraMAX Texas Grand Prix Powered by RelaDyne at COTA.
Last year at COTA, the Monterrey, Mexico native posted top-five speed, earning stage finishes of eighth and 10th after qualifying fifth. Unfortunately, his race came to an early end on Lap 51 following an on-track incident, leaving him 36th in the final rundown.
The two-time NASCAR Cup Series race winner has made five starts at COTA. He holds an average starting position of 9.2 and an average finishing position of 30.2 at the 2.3-mile road course where he’s also led 16 laps.
On other notable road-course outings, Suárez earned the pole for the 2023 Verizon 200 at the Brickyard at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course, turning the fastest qualifying lap at 87.968 seconds (99.814 mph). It marked his third-career Cup Series pole and first on a road course.
Last Sunday at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Suárez finished fifth in NASCAR Overtime. Despite handling challenges, the Freeway Insurance driver made key adjustments throughout the race, allowing him to charge through the field in the final stage to secure his 26th top-five and 77th top-10 finish in NASCAR’s premier division.
Freeway Insurance was established in 1987 and is one of the largest and fastest-growing personal lines insurance brokers in the United States, offering coverage through a “click, call, or come in” approach that connects customers nationwide. The company continually researches, grows, and diversifies its product offerings to stay responsive to the evolving insurance market. Freeway provides a wide range of options—from basic to premium coverage—in auto, truck, commercial vehicle, homeowners, renters, small business, motorcycle, recreational vehicle, fire, and flood insurance. In 2008, Freeway Insurance became part of Confie, the nation’s leading personal lines insurance distribution company. Customers can access Freeway Insurance through neighborhood offices, online at www.freeway.com, or by calling (800) 300-0227.
Suárez has made 37 NASCAR Cup Series road course starts, earning one win, six top-five, eight top‑10, and 10 top‑20 finishes. His top-five finishes on road courses include his win at Sonoma Raceway (2022), third at Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s road course (2023), third and fourth at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International (2017, 2018), and fifth at Road America (2022).
The 34-year-old is a veteran of 325 Cup Series starts and has notched two wins (Sonoma, June 2022; Atlanta, Feb. 2024), 26 top fives and 77 top 10s. Suárez has led a total of 907 laps and has earned three poles since entering the series full time in 2017.
Daniel Suárez Quotes What are your thoughts on the new layout at COTA and how does it change the racing for both the drivers and the fans? “Man, every time we come back to COTA it just gets better. The new layout really makes the corners come alive, it’s exciting for the fans and honestly, it’s just as exciting for me in the car. You’ve got to be aggressive, you’ve got to be precise, and that’s what makes this place special. For me, the new 20-turn layout is more technical and strategic, keeping me more focused with every lap. I am excited to get back out there.”
Atop the No. 7 Box – Crew Chief Ryan Sparks
Ryan Sparks has called 204 NASCAR Cup Series races, earning six top-five and 12 top-10 finishes since making his Cup Series debut atop the pit box in 2020.
The Winston-Salem, N.C., native earned his best finish at COTA in the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series race with an 11th-place result.
Sparks joined Spire Motorsports in 2021, where he served as both Crew Chief and Competition Director, leading the organization’s competitive and technical efforts. In 2026 Sparks serves in a singular role as crew chief for Daniel Suárez.
Sparks brings more than a decade of experience across all three national series, highlighted by 13 seasons at Richard Childress Racing and contributions to title-winning campaigns in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series (2011) and O’Reilly Auto Parts Series (2013).
Michael McDowell – Driver, No. 71 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
Michael McDowell will pilot Spire Motorsports’ No. 71 Katz Coffee Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 in Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at COTA.
McDowell owns five Cup Series starts at COTA, highlighted by one top 10 and six laps led. He started 23rd and claimed a venue-best seventh-place finish in the series’ inaugural visit to the track in 2021.
Last weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway, the two-time Cup Series winner started 20th after Saturday’s qualifying session was rained out and battled handling woes throughout the 400-mile contest. Contact with a competitor on Lap 223 resulted in damage to the No. 71’s nose and right-rear fender, forcing the team to make a handful of repairs. Still, McDowell’s team rallied from deep in the field to earn a respectable 20th-place finish.
Across his 50 Cup Series starts on road courses, the former open-wheel racer has tallied one win, six top fives, 14 top 10s and a 19.7 average finish.
Prior to his time in stock car racing, the Glendale, Ariz., native spent his time sports car racing and coaching, including time behind the wheel in racing divisions like IMSA, Grand-Am Rolex, and the Star Mazda series, where he earned a dominating seven wins in 10 starts on his way to the 2004 Star Mazda Championship.
In five previous Cup Series starts at COTA, McDowell has just one finish outside of the top-15 (2024).
The 2021 Daytona 500 Champion will have a familiar voice on the spotter stand this week where McDowell’s cousin, Jason Noll, will assist primary spotter Michael Fisher during the Cup Series’ visit to The Lone Star State.
In his debut season with Spire Motorsports, the 41-year-old collected a career-high, three top-five finishes, all coming on road courses.
Across his first three races in 2025, the Cup Series veteran earned an average finish of 11.6 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway, Atlanta Motor Speedway and Circuit of the Americas.
The No. 71 Chevrolet will proudly represent Texas coffee company, Katz Coffee. The Houston-based roaster will sport a vibrant green and yellow livery for the 95-lap race.
Katz Coffee has been roasting Liquid Love since 2003. As Texas’ largest specialty coffee roaster, Katz sources exceptional beans from trusted farms around the world and roast them fresh daily in small batches. Every batch is Made to Order, delivering bold flavor, a clean finish, and the energy to power everything from daily routines to race day. Born in the Lone Star State, Katz’s reach stretches from coast to coast, and its growing partnership with Spire Motorsports and Texas Motor Speedway reflects a commitment to performance, community, and purpose. Through our Drink the Flag initiative in partnership with the PTSD Foundation of America and Camp Hope, Katz is proud to stand for something bigger. We roast with purpose, serve with passion, and always strive to Grow Together.
Austin, Texas-headquartered Tecovas, will ride along on the No. 71 Katz Coffee machine in an associate sponsorship capacity and the western-wear company will return at Phoenix Raceway in the fall as a primary partner.
With 34 points-paying races left on the 2026 schedule, McDowell is 20th in the driver standings, a mere two points outside the top 16 in points.
Michael McDowell Quote How can you maximize your weekend at COTA? “I’m looking forward to going to COTA. Obviously having a road course early in the season is beneficial, especially for me with my background in sports cars and road-course racing. The first handful of races are places we have had success, even though Daytona and Atlanta didn’t play out the way we wanted. We had some good speed and opportunities on the two drafting tracks so far, but now we can learn where we have improved our road-course program from last year. We had three top-five finishes on road courses and a penalty at COTA last year potentially cost us a fourth, but this weekend we will have a lot of opportunities to score some big points, and race for a win with Katz Coffee onboard.”
Atop the No. 71 Box – Crew Chief Travis Peterson
Travis Peterson led Michael McDowell to victory in the 2023 Verizon 200 on the road-course layout at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. After starting fourth, McDowell led 54 of 82 laps en route to his second win in NASCAR’s premier division.
Peterson called his first road course race as a Cup Series crew chief with Chris Buescher at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 2022 where Buescher started 16th and rallied to finish 10th.
Across 115 starts, the veteran NASCAR crew chief has captured seven top-five finishes, six of which came on road courses with McDowell.
Peterson contributed to several victories during his tenure at RFK Racing, Hendrick Motorsports and JR Motorsports, highlighted by clinching the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series title in 2014 and collecting three Cup Series wins with Dale Earnhardt, Jr., and the No. 88 team in 2015.
Peterson is a mechanical engineering graduate of the Williams States Lee College of Engineering at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. The West Bend, Wis., native earned his degree in 2012.
Carson Hocevar will drive Spire Motorsports’ No. 77 Chili’s Ride The ‘Dente Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 in Sunday’s DuraMax Texas Grand Prix Powered by RelaDyne at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, his third start at the venue.
Last week in Atlanta, the No. 77 team rallied from falling two laps down early in the event to earn an opportunity to restart on the front row during NASCAR Overtime. Hocevar was eventually credited with a fourth-place result, marking his second top five and third top 10 in the last three races held at Atlanta.
Through the first two races of the Cup Series season, the No. 77 team sits fourth in the championship point standings thanks in part to a stellar performance in the America 250 Florida Duel at Daytona International Speedway and an accumulation of 21 stage points, the fourth-most of all competitors.
Hocevar clocked the fourth-fastest lap in last season’s qualifying session at COTA. The fourth-place starting position marked a then-career best on a road course and his first top-10 start on a road or street circuit. He went on to finish 13th in Sunday’s 95-lap race, a career-best result at the purpose-built Formula 1 facility.
The five-time CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race winner owns three previous starts at COTA, registering a pair of top 10s in 2021 (seventh) and 2022 (eighth). Hocevar has also competed in a pair of O’Reilly Auto Parts Series events at the track.
In 14 Cup Series starts on road and street courses, the series’ 2024 Rookie of the Year registered a then-career best third-place finish at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International in August 2024. It stands as his lone top-10 result on a road or street course.
It’s time to Ride the ‘DenteTM …Again’te! Chili’s® Grill & Bar returns to the No.77 Chevrolet this weekend with a new black, white and red livery with the addition of pepper vines crawling across the top and sides, a homage to Chili’s founder Larry Lavine and the fashion sense he displayed in the early days of the 50-year-old restaurant brand.
Hi, welcome to Chili’s! A proud leader in the casual dining industry and the flagship brand of Dallas-based Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE: EAT), Chili’s was named Ad Age’s 2025 Brand of the Year. Founded in 1975, Chili’s is known for serving Big Mouth Burgers®, Crispy Chicken Crispers®, and sizzling fajitas, while hand-shaking more margaritas than any other restaurant brand in the United States.
Chili’s operates 1,600 restaurants in 29 countries and two territories with over 70,000 team members. With a purpose to make everyone feel special, Chiliheads take food, drink and service seriously – but not themselves. Chili’s was a proud winner at the 2025 MenuMasters Awards for Best New Menu Item for Nashville Hot Mozz, the breakout addition to the social media-famous Triple Dipper. For more than 20 years, Chili’s has been a proud supporter of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and has raised more than $120 million for the organization through generous guest and team member donations. Find more information at chilis.com, follow on X or Instagram, like on Facebook, or join Chili’s on TikTok.
Carson Hocevar Quotes You have come out of the gate strong this season. How do you continue the momentum into COTA? “Our guys on the No. 77 team have done a great job this year building us fast Camaros, and I don’t see that changing this week. Of all the road courses, this is definitely the one that has been the most challenging for me. We always qualify well on road courses. The goal for Sunday is to keep it on the asphalt and not make mistakes. If we can keep it clean, we’ll maximize our day and come out of the weekend with a solid points day.”
Atop the No. 77 Box – Crew Chief Luke Lambert
Crew chief Luke Lambert enters his third season at Spire Motorsports and fourth with Carson Hocevar. The potent duo has logged one pole award, four top-five and 16 top-10 finishes in 82 races together.
The 16-year veteran crew chief has called four NASCAR Cup Series events at Circuit of the Americas, earning a pair of venue-best 13th-place finishes with Chris Buescher (2021) and Hocevar (2025).
The Mount Airy, N.C., native has been on the “war wagon” for 42 road and street course events, of which Hocevar owns his best finish of third (Watkins Glen, 2024). His only other top five in such races came with Chris Buescher on Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway’s road-course configuration in 2020, where they finished fifth.
In nine NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series races atop the box at road courses, Lambert, 43, has registered top-10 finishes in all but two, including a career-best third-place result at the Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway ROVAL with Noah Gragson in 2022. He and Gragson tallied a fourth-place showing in Lambert’s lone O’Reilly Auto Parts Series event at COTA in 2022.
About Spire Motorsports … Spire Motorsports fields full-time entries in the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series and Interstate Batteries High Limit Racing.
The team, co-owned by longtime NASCAR industry executive Jeff Dickerson and TWG Motorsports CEO Dan Towriss, earned its inaugural NASCAR Cup Series victory in its first full season of competition when Justin Haley took the checkered flag in the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway on July 7, 2019. Less than three years later, William Byron drove Spire Motorsports’ No. 7 Chevrolet Silverado to its inaugural NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series win on April 7, 2022, at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway. The team’s most recent win came on Feb. 21, 2026, when Kyle Busch took the checkered flag in the Fr8 Racing 208 at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
In 2026, Spire Motorsports will campaign the Nos. 7, 71 and 77 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1s in the NASCAR Cup Series and the Nos. 7 and 77 Chevrolet Silverado RSTs in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. The Mooresville, N.C., organization will also field the No. 77 410 sprint car in Interstate Batteries High Limit Racing competition.
LEGACY MOTOR CLUB: COTA PRE-RACE ADVANCE EVENT: Circuit of the America’s Grand Prix
DATE: March 1, 2026 RACE: NASCAR Cup Series 3 of 36 TRACK: Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas | 2.4-Mile, 17-Turn Road Course
CLUB MINUTES:
HISTORY OF COTA: Circuit of the Americas (COTA) opened its gates in October 2012 as the first in the United States to be purpose-built for Formula One (F1). It held its first F1 Grand Prix in 2012 and continued to hold an annual race until 2019. After a short hiatus, COTA not only welcomed back F1 but also ushered in a NASCAR race in 2021. Now run on two different track layouts, the F1 Grand Prix circuit is a 3.426-mile, 20-turn layout whereas the NASCAR layout switch to the 2.4-mile, 17-turn layout. 2026 marks NASCAR’s sixth trip to the track which has seen exciting races throughout the years. COTA has welcomed other motorsports as well throughout the years with MotoGP and INDYCAR.
JJ AT COTA: LEGACY MOTOR CLUB owner and seven-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion Jimmie Johnson has made one start at Circuit of the Americas in the No. 84 car in March 2023. Johnson started 31st but was collected in a multi-car wreck on Lap 1. Despite the team’s best efforts to repair the car, Johnson was unable to continue and retired from the race, finishing 38th.
JJ ON ROAD COURSES: Johnson has a total of 41 Cup Series starts on road courses. Through those he earned one win, one pole, nine top-fives, and 20 top-10s in addition to 161 laps led. He earned his road course victory in his home state of California at Sonoma Raceway in June 2010. Johnson started second, led 55 laps, and bested Robby Gordon by 3.105 seconds.
KENSETH ON ROAD COURSES: LEGACY MOTOR CLUB Competition Advisor and 2003 NASCAR Cup Series Champion Matt Kenseth owns 39 Cup Series starts on road courses in his career. In total he earned two top-fives, nine top-10s, and led a handful of laps. He earned his best finish of second in August 2017 at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International after starting 15th. He finished just .414 of a second behind race winner Martin Truex Jr.
HONORARY CREW CHIEF AT ST. PETE: Before heading to Sunday’s race at COTA, Johnson will head to Grand Prix of St. Petersburg in Florida to support four-time INDYCAR Champion and longtime friend Dario Franchitti, as he enters Saturday’s NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race. Johnson will serve as the “Honorary Crew Chief” alongside Jerame Donley as Franchitti pilots the No. 1 Dollar Tree Toyota Tundra TRD Pro for Tricon Garage. Franchitti was an integral part of Johnson’s two-year INDYCAR stint at Chip Ganassi Racing serving as a mentor and driver coach for the NASCAR Cup champion. This will mark Franchitti’s first time competing since October 2013.
JOHN HUNTER NEMECHEK NO. 42 PYE-BARKER FIRE & SAFETY TOYOTA CAMRY XSE JHN AT COTA: Sunday’s race marks John Hunter Nemechek ‘s third NASCAR Cup Series start at COTA, where he’s earned a best finish of 21st in the No. 42 Toyota Camry XSE in March 2024. In the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, Nemechek has made two starts and earned a third-place finish in March 2024. In the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, Nemechek secured a runner-up finish in March 2022.
T-MACK AT COTA: Crew chief Travis Mack’s will make his sixth NASCAR Cup Series start on top of the box at COTA this Sunday. While working with Daniel Suárez, the duo secured strong qualifying results, earning two top-five starting positions—2nd in 2022 and 5th in 2023.
BBQ TASTING: While in Austin, Nemechek and Mack will stop by the iconic Terry Black’s BBQ to get a true taste of Texas. Fans can follow along on social media to watch their experience touring the pits and enjoying a generous spread.
PYE-BARKER IS BACK: Pye-Barker Fire and Safety returns to the No. 42 Toyota Camry XSE for the first of 17 races this season, bringing a bold new look to the track. The car will sport a freshly designed white, green, and blue paint scheme, highlighted by flames that sweep along the side, reflecting the brand’s focus as the nation’s largest fully integrated, full-service provider of fire protection, life safety, and security services.
JOHN HUNTER NEMECHEK QUOTE: “I’ve been working really hard on my road course skills over the off-season, so I’m looking forward to putting what I’ve learned to the test this weekend at COTA. I’ve had good results in the Truck Series and O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, but the Cup car has been a challenge for me. We’ve put a lot of effort into improving our road course program over the past couple of months, so I’m excited to see these improvements come to life.”
TRAVIS MACK QUOTE: “We’ve been working really hard the past couple of weeks to capitalize on some changes we made during the off-season to improve our road course program. John Hunter has also been doing a lot of driver training to get ready to go road course racing. With the new points system, it’s going to be really interesting to try to collect stage points and win the race. To collect stage points, you’ll probably sacrifice the race win, so maximizing our points for the day will be really important. It’s going to definitely be a balancing act between collecting points and going for the win.”
ERIK JONES NO. 43 DOLLAR TREE TOYOTA CAMRY XSE JONES AT COTA: Sunday’s race at COTA will mark Erik Jones’ sixth NASCAR Cup Series start at the road course. He earned his best finish at the track in March 2022 when he started 30th and finished an impressive ninth, his only top-10 at COTA. Finishing every race on the lead lap, Jones has completed 100% of the attempted laps at COTA in his career.
JONES HISTORY ON ROAD COURSES: In the NASCAR Cup Series, Jones has a total of 37 starts on road courses. These amounted in three top-fives and nine top-10s. His best finish of third came on the Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway Roval in October 2020. Jones owns an additional five starts on road courses in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series where he has a best finish of sixth earned in August 2016 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington. He has two more starts in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series where he won at the Canadian Tire Motorsports Park in August 2015 and finished third the year prior.
DOLLAR TREE VENDOR SPOTLIGHT: Dollar Tree will serve as the primary partner this weekend on the No. 43 Toyota Camry XSE, driven by Erik Jones, at COTA. The bold green and white Dollar Tree scheme will hit the track alongside support from vendor partner Coca-Cola showcasing a strong collaboration for the race weekend across LEGACY MC’s social platforms.
ALEXANDER AT COTA: Crew chief Justin Alexander has been on top of the box for two NASCAR Cup Series races at COTA in May 2021 and March 2022, both with Austin Dillon and the No. 3 team. Alexander and his team finished 12th and 10th respectively at the tricky road course. He’s hoping to carry that success over to the No. 43 team at LEGACY MOTOR CLUB.
ERIK JONES QUOTE “This weekend’s race at COTA will be a good test to see just where our road course program is at for the start of the 2026 season. It’s something LEGACY MOTOR CLUB as a group has been working on with over the last few years with the NextGen car. We’ve been trying to hit on something to get better. I’m looking forward to getting there and seeing where we stack up with some of the stuff we’ve changed, we’re trying some different options from the past. I think the short course at COTA is a little bit better for the NASCAR Cup Series and how we race. I’m looking forward to going back and seeing where we can end up.”
JUSTIN ALEXANDER QUOTE “Road courses were definitely a place where LEGACY MOTOR CLUB could improve last year, and COTA was no exception. We’ve been putting a bigger emphasis on our road course program this offseason, spending more time in the sim, really digging into what we need. We’re not going to fix everything overnight, but we want to show improvement this weekend and keep building from there.”
CLUB APPEARANCES: John Hunter Nemechek will sign autographs at the trackside merch hauler for fans on Sunday, March 1 at 10:00 a.m. local time.
TUNE IN: Fans can tune in to watch the Circuit of the Americas Grand Prix in Austin, Texas on Sunday, March 1 at 3:30 p.m. EST on FOX, MAX, PRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Channel 90).
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.
Tyler Reddick of 23XI Racing celebrates with his team and son, Beau, after winning Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at EchoPark Speedway outside of Atlanta, Ga.
Photo credit: Sean Gardner/Getty Images.
23XI Racing’s Tyler Reddick aims to become the first driver in NASCAR history to win the opening three Cup Series races of a season.
Trackhouse Racing’s Shane van Gisbergen arrives on a five-race winning streak in Cup Series road and street course races.
AUSTIN, Texas (Feb. 24, 2026) – A fresh NASCAR Cup Series season always brings renewed promise and hope for the field, but the visit to Circuit of The Americas for Sunday’s DuraMAX Texas Grand Prix Powered by RelaDyne also brings a few familiar road-racing favorites into focus.
The sixth running of the NASCAR at COTA event – and second on the 17-turn, 2.4-mile National Course layout – will be just the third race of the young season and first road/street course event of 2026. Trackhouse Racing’s Shane van Gisbergen will lead a contingent of road-course talents eager to capitalize early, with the next race of this discipline not arriving until early May.
The Cup Series drivers open their weekend Saturday with practice from 9-10 a.m. CT, immediately followed by qualifying beginning at 10:10 a.m. The weekend culminates with the 95-lap, 228-mile DuraMAX Texas Grand Prix Powered by RelaDyne beginning at 2:30 p.m. (TV: FOX, HBO Max; Radio: PRN, SiriusXM).
Here’s the “Fast Five” storylines leading into the DuraMAX Texas Grand Prix Powered by RelaDyne weekend:
1) Tyler Reddick will be chasing NASCAR history in Sunday’s DuraMAX Texas Grand Prix Powered by RelaDyne and the 23XI Racing driver could not of handpicked a much more ideal venue than Circuit of The Americas.
Reddick followed up a season-opening Daytona 500 victory with a win in Sunday’s Cup Series race at EchoPark Speedway to become the sixth driver in NASCAR history – and first since Matt Kenseth in 2009 – to capture the first two races of the season.
Now Reddick is looking to become the only driver to ever win the first three and those pre-race odds may have increased significantly given his success at COTA. He has finished among the top five in his last four visits, including a 2023 win, and has not finished outside the top 10 in five career starts. His average finish of 4.6 ranks first among all drivers.
Reddick also has been an exceptional qualifier, placing among the top four in all five starts. His first career Cup Series pole came at COTA in 2021 with Richard Childress Racing and added another last year. Reddick’s average starting position of 2.2 also ranks first among drivers. Last season after winning the pole, Reddick led nine laps en route to a third-place finish.
Reddick, the series points leader, would like to etch his name in the NASCAR history books, but not at the expense of a strong points day.
“I mean, am I going to throw away a second place to do that? Probably not,” Reddick said. “But certainly if at any point during this week I’m running out of reasons to be motivated to go win, I’ll keep that in my back pocket, for sure. You know, it’s cool to be able – or have the opportunity to potentially do things like that, but for me, with where this season started and what I need to do as a driver, it’s all about just doing everything I can and showing up every week being as prepared as I can. So, yeah, I’ll try and make that a reality.”
2) NASCAR at COTA was the lone blemish among the six Cup Series road/street races last season where Shane van Gisbergen of Trackhouse Racing did not find himself in Victory Lane. In his second start at COTA and first with Trackhouse, van Gisbergen put in a solid effort, qualifying sixth, leading 23 laps and finishing sixth.
SVG then reeled off five consecutive road/street course victories. He won from the pole at Mexico City, the Chicago Street Race and Sonoma Raceway and followed with victories at Watkins Glen and the Charlotte ROVAL after starting second.
Van Gisbergen has enjoyed incredible success on this track discipline ever since he won at Chicago in 2023 in his first career Cup Series start. In 12 road/street race starts, he owns six wins, seven top-five finishes, 10 top-10 efforts and 342 laps led. His first NASCAR at COTA start came in 2024, when he started 12th and finished 20th driving for Kaulig Racing.
3)Trackhouse Racing strengthened its stout road-course driver lineup with the elevation of 2025 O’Reilly Auto Parts Series championship runner-up Connor Zilisch to the Cup Series.
The 19-year-old North Carolinian recorded 10 wins last season with half of those coming on permanent road courses. His first 2025 win came from the pole at COTA in the Focused Health 250. He followed with road-course wins at Sonoma, Watkins Glen, Portland and the Charlotte ROVAL.
His career winning percentage on permanent road courses in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series is a staggering .857 (six wins in seven starts), dating to 2024 when he won at Watkins Glen. His only miss last season was at Mexico City, where he won the pole, led 17 laps and finished fifth. He also has six poles in those seven starts.
COTA also served as the site of his Cup Series debut last season, where he qualified 14th and finishing 37th after a mid-race accident.
4) The three leading active NASCAR Cup Series drivers in road-course wins – Chase Elliott (7) and Kyle Larson (6) of Hendrick Motorsports, along with van Gisbergen (6) – have combined for just one victory at COTA.
That victory came courtesy of Elliott in the inaugural 2021 race, and he has enjoyed the most success among the trio. He also has a pair of fourth-place finishes (2022, ’25) in his four starts, having missed the 2023 race due to his snowboarding injury. Elliott needs one more road/street course win to tie Tony Stewart for second all-time at eight while Jeff Gordon remains the career leader at nine.
Larson had immediate success at NASCAR at COTA with a runner-up finish in 2021, but has not finished better than 14th in his last four visits. Van Gisbergen’s NASCAR at COTA debut in 2024 resulted in a 20th-place finish, but he rebounded last season as he led 23 laps en route to a sixth-place finish.
5) RFK Racing’s Brad Keselowski, who has not missed a race dating to his first fulltime Cup Series season in 2010, has some uncertainty surrounding his status for the DuraMAX Texas Grand Prix Powered by RelaDyne.
Coming off a broken right femur suffered during a fall on ice during a family vacation in December, Keselowski has competed in the first two races of the season, but the physicality of road-course racing may be a bit too rigorous at this stage of his recovery.
If Keselowski is unable to compete, road-racing specialist Joey Hand is expected to take over the No. 6 Ford. Hand, a two-time winner at both the Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona and 12 Hours of Sebring, has made eight career Cup Series starts. His best performance came last season driving the No. 60 part-time entry for RFK Racing at the Chicago Street Race, where he finished fourth after starting 38th.
Another potential scenario could have Keselowski starting the race and relinquishing the car to Hand. That would allow Keselowski to be credited with all race points earned by the reserve driver’s finish.
Follow Us: Keep track of all things NASCAR at COTA by following on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@NASCARatCOTA). Keep up with all the latest information on the NASCAR at COTA website and mobile app.
BRISTOL, Tenn. (Feb. 24, 2026) – A powerful new era at Bristol Motor Speedway will be fueled by performance, precision and nearly a century of trusted energy leadership, as Suburban Propane Partners, L.P. (NYSE: SPH), surges into the spotlight as entitlement sponsor for the spring NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race at the iconic Northeast Tennessee short track, it was announced today by speedway officials.
Further elevating one of the sport’s most electrifying weekends, the race will roar to life as the Suburban Propane 300 on Saturday night, April 11, 2026, on Bristol’s famed all-concrete, high-banked half-mile. The green flag drops at 7:30 p.m. ET, with television coverage on The CW and radio coverage provided by PRN Radio and Sirius XM NASCAR Radio.
For nearly a century, Suburban Propane, a nationwide distributor of propane, renewable propane, renewable natural gas, fuel oil and related products and services, as well as a marketer of natural gas and electricity and investor in low carbon fuel alternatives, has fueled communities across America. Now, the company is fueling one of NASCAR’s most electrifying venues.
The commitment is Suburban Propane’s first race entitlement in NASCAR and it builds upon an expanding relationship with the sport. In January 2025, the company was named the Official Propane of Speedway Motorsports and NASCAR in a separate multi-year agreement, providing propane for the propane-powered track dryers across the circuit and supporting operations at Speedway Motorsports facilities.
“For nearly a century, Suburban Propane has fueled communities across America with safe, reliable energy,” said Nandini Sankara, Vice President of Marketing & Brand Strategy and Spokesperson for Suburban Propane. “Our partnership with NASCAR and Speedway Motorsports, and our sponsorship of the Suburban Propane 300, reflects our shared commitment to performance and reliability. We’re proud to power track-drying equipment, support fueling of campgrounds and concession operations to delivering a safe, seamless race-day experience for fans nationwide.”
As the Official Propane of Speedway Motorsports, Suburban Propane supports 10 tracks across the country, including Bristol Motor Speedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Dover Motor Speedway, Echo Park Motor Speedway, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Nashville Superspeedway, New Hampshire Motor Speedway, North Wilkesboro Speedway, Sonoma Raceway and Texas Motor Speedway. The company provides year-round support services to speedway operations staff and campers at each facility during NASCAR event weekends.
The Suburban Propane 300 is expected to feature a star-studded field eager to claim Bristol’s coveted gladiator sword. Among those entered are multi-time Bristol winner Justin Allgaier; veterans Sheldon Creed, Austin Hill and Harrison Burton; rising stars Jesse Love, Carson Kvapil and Taylor Gray; rookie Brent Crews; and last year’s race winner and defending Cup Series champion Kyle Larson in the No. 88 Chevrolet for JR Motorsports.
Adding another layer of intensity to the weekend, the race is part of NASCAR’s lucrative Dash 4 Cash program. Eligible drivers also will compete for a $100,000 bonus awarded to the highest-finishing qualified competitor. The top four finishers from the Suburban Propane 300 will become eligible to claim the bonus at the next O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Dash 4 Cash event at Kansas Speedway.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Suburban Propane as a race entitlement sponsor at Bristol, building on their tremendous partnership across all Speedway Motorsports tracks,” said Jerry Caldwell, President and General Manager of Bristol Motor Speedway. “They play an important role in powering the Bristol experience from start to finish — from supporting our campers and concessions areas to helping keep our track race-ready. Their involvement helps us deliver the high-energy weekend our fans expect at the World’s Fastest Half-Mile.”
The April race weekend also includes the Tennessee Army National Guard 250 Truck Race on April 10 and the tradition-rich Food City 500 NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday, April 12.
Fans can purchase tickets to the Food City 500 weekend of races or any events at Bristol Motor Speedway, please visit the track’s website or call the BMS Ticket Sales Center at (866) 415-4158. You can also purchase tickets at any neighborhood Food City store while supplies lasts.
About Suburban Propane Partners, L.P. Suburban Propane Partners, L.P. (“Suburban Propane”) is a publicly traded master limited partnership listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Headquartered in Whippany, New Jersey, Suburban Propane has been in the customer service business since 1928 and is a nationwide distributor of propane, renewable propane, renewable natural gas, fuel oil and related products and services, as well as a marketer of natural gas and electricity and producer of and investor in low carbon fuel alternatives, servicing the energy needs of approximately 1 million residential, commercial, governmental, industrial and agricultural customers through approximately 750 locations across 42 states.
Suburban Propane is supported by three core pillars: (1) Suburban Commitment to Excellence – showcasing Suburban Propane’s nearly 100-year legacy, and ongoing commitment to the highest standards for dependability, flexibility, and reliability that underscores Suburban Propane’s commitment to excellence in customer service; (2) SuburbanCares – highlighting continued dedication to giving back to local communities across Suburban Propane’s national footprint; and (3) Go Green with Suburban Propane – promoting propane and renewable propane as versatile, low-carbon energy solutions and investing in the next generation of innovative, renewable energy alternatives.
About Bristol Motor Speedway Bristol Motor Speedway, known as The Last Great Colosseum, sits in the mountains of Northeast Tennessee near the Virginia state line. The 0.533-mile concrete oval, with 28-degree banking, hosts two major NASCAR Cup Series weekends each year, the tradition-rich Food City 500 weekend in April and the crown jewel Bass Pro Shops Night Race Chase weekend in September. The venue has staged iconic moments such as the 2016 Pilot Flying J Battle at Bristol football game between the University of Tennessee and Virginia Tech (NCAA-record 156,990 fans), the 2025 MLB Speedway Classic between the Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds (MLB regular-season record crowd of 91,032), the 2020 NASCAR All-Star Race, the rebirth of NASCAR Cup Series racing on dirt from 2021–2023 and sold-out concerts for Morgan Wallen and Kenny Chesney. Fans enjoy Colossus TV, the world’s largest outdoor center-hung four-sided screen video board. The adjacent Bristol Dragway is the home to the NHRA Super Grip Thunder Valley Nationals, and the dragway can transform into the Thunder Valley Amphitheatre for music concerts. Opened in 1961 and acquired by Speedway Motorsports in 1996, BMS remains one of America’s most unique and versatile sports and entertainment destinations. For more information, please visit www.bristolmotorspeedway.com.
The restaurant brand continues to shine a spotlight on its iconic Presidente Margarita® through its standout NASCAR presence
DALLAS (Feb. 24, 2026) – Chili’s® Grill & Bar returns to the track March 1 in Austin, Texas, and it’s bringing Ride the ‘Dente™ along for more high-speed circuits with Spire Motorsports and driver Carson Hocevar.
Chili’s sells more margaritas than any restaurant brand in the U.S., nearly 30 million in 2025 alone, and the iconic Presidente, or ‘Dente, is one of the most popular. A menu staple since 1994, the ‘Dente features reposado tequila, brandy, orange liqueur and is served alongside its famous blue shaker, giving guests the opportunity to pour seemingly endless margaritas.
And the ‘Dente isn’t just a delicious margarita; it’s now become the rallying cry for Hocevar’s fans.
Appearing on Hocevar’s No. 77 Chevrolet ZL1 in 2025, “Ride the ‘Dente” is how Chili’s re-introduced the Presidente to the racing crowd, launching the brand’s first country music video before bringing its mechanical marg shaker ride to the Boulevard in the infield at Talladega Superspeedway. The off-track pieces accompanied one of the season’s fan-favorite car and firesuit designs. The car featured western flourishes and a custom Ride the ‘Dente logo, while the firesuit turned heads with a personalized Texas-sized belt buckle detail, faux denim jeans and a western, button-down motif.
“We love how fans have taken the campaign and made it a rallying cry for hard racing or a way to say they’re headed to Chili’s for margs and Triple Dippers,” said Chili’s Director of Media, Tim Forman. “This year, we’re making a few updates, starting with an intimidating black-and-white design and black suit, to reflect the mentality Carson brings to the track and give fans another reason to yell or post ‘Ride the Dente’.”
This newest ‘Dente car design is a classic black, white and red with the return of the recognizable Ride the ‘Dente logo and the addition of pepper vines crawling across the top and sides, a homage to Chili’s founder Larry Lavine and the fashion sense he displayed in the early days of the 50-year-old restaurant brand.
The Chili’s firesuit gets an outlaw edit to its western-theme with a black faux button-down, jeans, and boot design, pepper vine flourishes, a Spire bolo tie and an updated version of the Texas-sized Ride the ‘Dente belt buckle detail. And as always, Chili’s is honoring the hardworking teams that bring the Chili’s experience to life every day, using the names of the nearly 1,100 general managers at corporate-owned Chili’s restaurants to make up the pepper logos on the doors.
“Chili’s set the bar last year with the Ride the ‘Dente scheme and firesuit,” said Hocevar. “This year they’ve outdone themselves with the full look. I don’t think you’ll find another car or campaign in the garage that is as detailed and unique as this one. Every little thing has been thought out and it’s really cool to be able to represent a brand I love in the sport I love. I hope everyone enjoys seeing the black-and-white Chili’s Ride the ‘Dente Chevy on track, and when we take it to Victory Lane, they can join us at the nearest Chili’s for some margs and Triple Dippers.”
The race weekend at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) kickstarts a multi-year partnership extension for Chili’s to stay on the No. 77 with Hocevar. The Ride the ‘Dente No. 77 Chevy will be on track throughout the COTA race weekend, culminating Sunday, March 1 at 3:30 p.m. ET on FOX with 95 laps on the 17-turn road course.
Race fans in the Austin area have a chance to see Hocevar and the No. 77 Ride the ‘Dente Chevy on track both Saturday and Sunday of race weekend. For Chili’s guests who aren’t in Austin, the opportunity to Ride the ‘Dente always exists on the menu at their local Chili’s.
About Chili’s® Grill & Bar … Hi, welcome to Chili’s! A proud leader in the casual dining industry and the flagship brand of Dallas-based Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE: EAT), Chili’s was named Ad Age’s 2025 Brand of the Year. Founded in 1975, Chili’s is known for serving Big Mouth Burgers®, Crispy Chicken Crispers®, and sizzling fajitas, while hand-shaking more margaritas than any other restaurant brand in the United States. Chili’s operates 1,600 restaurants in 29 countries and two territories with over 70,000 team members. With a purpose to make everyone feel special, Chiliheads take food, drink and service seriously – but not themselves. Chili’s was a proud winner at the 2025 MenuMasters Awards for Best New Menu Item for Nashville Hot Mozz, the breakout addition to the social media-famous Triple Dipper. For more than 20 years, Chili’s has been a proud supporter of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and has raised more than $120 million for the organization through generous guest and team member donations. Find more information at chilis.com, follow on X or Instagram, like on Facebook, or join Chili’s on TikTok.
About Spire Motorsports … Spire Motorsports fields full-time entries in the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series and Interstate Batteries High Limit Racing.
The team, co-owned by longtime NASCAR industry executive Jeff Dickerson and TWG Motorsports CEO Dan Towriss, earned its inaugural NASCAR Cup Series victory in its first full season of competition when Justin Haley took the checkered flag in the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway on July 7, 2019. Less than three years later, William Byron drove Spire Motorsports’ No. 7 Chevrolet Silverado to its inaugural NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series win on April 7, 2022, at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway. The team’s most recent win came on Feb. 21, 2026, when Kyle Busch took the checkered flag in the Fr8 Racing 208 at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
In 2026, Spire Motorsports will campaign the Nos. 7, 71 and 77 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1s in the NASCAR Cup Series and the Nos. 7 and 77 Chevrolet Silverado RSTs in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. The Mooresville, N.C., organization will also field the No. 77 410 sprint car in Interstate Batteries High Limit Racing competition.
Harry’s Auto Collision is a family-owned, award-winning auto body repair shop operating in Los Angeles and Thousand Oaks, California, since 1974. They specialize in repairing luxury, exotic, and electric vehicles (including Lucid and Tesla), providing services such as structural repairs, paint refinishing, ADAS calibration, and insurance claim support.
Electric vehicle (EV) collision repair differs significantly from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle repair because EVs integrate high-voltage battery systems, aluminum-intensive structures, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) directly into their design.
Many EVs use a skateboard platform where the battery pack forms part of the vehicle’s structural foundation. This means even minor collisions can affect not only exterior panels but also battery enclosures, electrical systems, and embedded safety sensors.
After a crash, the repair process begins with high-voltage system isolation and comprehensive diagnostic scanning to prevent electrical hazards and identify hidden faults that may not be immediately visible.
Technicians must carefully inspect the battery enclosure for punctures, thermal damage, voltage irregularities, or structural compromise. Computerized frame measurements are used to verify alignment against manufacturer specifications.
Aluminum structural components require specialized tools and manufacturer-approved bonding or replacement methods to preserve crash integrity and long-term durability.
ADAS calibration is typically required after impact. Cameras, radar units, and ultrasonic sensors must be precisely realigned to ensure braking assistance, lane-keeping, and collision warning systems function properly.
Battery damage is a major cost driver. Full battery pack replacement can range from $12,000 to $25,000 depending on the vehicle model and capacity. Severe battery compromise may lead insurers to declare a total loss.
Certified EV repair facilities help ensure electrical safety, manufacturer compliance, warranty protection, accurate calibration, and long-term vehicle reliability.
Approximately six million police-reported crashes occur each year in the United States, which makes proper repairs essential for safety and reliability. Collision repair quality is becoming increasingly important as vehicles become more technologically complex. This extends to electric vehicles (EVs), which are built differently from internal combustion vehicles. They come with high-voltage battery packs, aluminum structures, and integrated driver-assistance systems.
After a collision, these components require careful inspection and controlled repair environments. For example, a shop such as Harry’s Auto Collision is a certified Lucid body shop, where technicians follow specialized procedures to restore structural integrity, electrical safety, and system performance for Lucid EVs. This article explores this topic in detail:
Why EV Collision Repair Is Fundamentally Different
Electric vehicles use a structural layout commonly called a skateboard platform. The high-voltage battery pack sits flat along the floor, forming part of the vehicle’s structure. This design lowers the center of gravity and improves handling, but it also means collision forces can affect the battery enclosure.
Unlike traditional steel-dominant construction, many EVs rely heavily on aluminum. Aluminum behaves differently under stress and heat, and improper repair methods can weaken its structural integrity. Technicians must use specialized tools, bonding methods, and measurement systems designed specifically for aluminum repair.
Safety systems add another layer of complexity. Electric vehicles include high-voltage disconnect mechanisms, battery monitoring systems, and multiple sensors. These systems detect damage, isolate electrical risks, and protect occupants and technicians.
Even minor collisions can trigger protective shutdowns or hidden faults. Advanced driver-assistance systems, often called ADAS, are also affected by impacts. Cameras, radar modules, and ultrasonic sensors must remain precisely aligned. A small shift in sensor position can affect braking assistance, lane-keeping, and collision warnings.
Manufacturers also publish detailed repair procedures that technicians must follow exactly. These protocols specify inspection steps, repair methods, and calibration requirements. At different repair facilities, technicians are trained to follow brand-specific procedures that address structural materials, battery safety, and software integration unique to vehicles produced by Lucid Motors.
For insurers, repair complexity affects claim decisions and cost estimates. For owners, proper repair ensures safety, performance, and long-term reliability. For technicians, the process requires specialized training and strict adherence to safety standards.
Below is a structured comparison highlighting how EV collision repair differs from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle repair:
Repair Factor
Electric Vehicle (EV)
Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) Vehicle
Structural design
Skateboard platform with battery integrated into chassis
The engine compartment is separated from the fuel tank
Primary risk
High-voltage battery damage, thermal events
Fuel leaks, engine damage
Materials
Heavy aluminum and composite use
Primarily steel
Diagnostics
Software scans and battery system data
Mechanical inspection and OBD scan
ADAS calibration
Almost always required after impact
Required mainly in moderate/severe impacts
Typical repair cost
Higher
Lower relative cost
Complexity level
High (electrical, structural and software integration)
Moderate (primarily mechanical and structural)
On average, EV collision repairs can range from $1,500 for minor cosmetic damage to $20,000+ for major structural or battery-related repairs. Battery replacement alone can cost between $12,000 and $25,000, depending on model and capacity, whereas comparable ICE engine replacements typically range between $4,000 and $10,000.
What to Do After a Crash
Here is a checklist of what owners should do immediately after a crash:
Move to a safe location and power off the vehicle if possible
Avoid touching exposed wiring or damaged battery areas
Call emergency services if smoke, sparks, or unusual odors are present
Inform the tow provider that the vehicle is electric
Request towing to a certified EV repair facility
Do not attempt to restart the vehicle if warning lights appear related to the battery or high voltage systems
The repair timeline expectation for this stage is around one to two days, depending on diagnostic complexity
The EV Repair Process Step by Step
Electric vehicles require a precise, multi-stage repair process after a collision. Here are all the steps required to address unique safety, structural, and electronic systems to restore the vehicle to its full performance.
1. Initial Safety Assessment
The first step after an EV arrives at a repair facility is ensuring electrical safety. Technicians begin by powering down the vehicle and isolating the high-voltage system. This prevents accidental electrical exposure during inspection.
Diagnostic scans are then performed to identify fault codes. These scans reveal battery issues, sensor faults, and system shutdown events triggered by the collision. Battery management systems store detailed data that helps technicians understand potential internal damage.
Visual inspection also takes place during this phase. Technicians look for coolant leaks, structural deformation, and battery enclosure damage. Even small signs can indicate deeper problems.
2. Structural and Battery Inspection
Once safety is confirmed, technicians evaluate the vehicle’s structural condition. Computerized frame measurement systems compare the vehicle’s dimensions to factory specifications. This helps determine whether they can repair the structure or if it requires replacement.
Additionally, the battery enclosure receives special attention. Technicians check for punctures, dents, or thermal damage. Any compromise to the battery casing can affect safety and performance.
Whereas aluminum repair requires precise methods. Unlike steel, aluminum cannot always be reshaped using traditional techniques. In some cases, sections must be replaced rather than repaired to maintain structural strength.
Premium electric vehicles often require repair environments designed specifically for their materials and electronics. Technicians working in these settings follow strict certification standards, use insulated tools, and access manufacturer repair systems. Facilities such as Harry’s Auto Collision Lucid body shop operate within these requirements to ensure structural accuracy, battery safety, and proper system integration throughout the repair process.
3. Component Repair and Replacement
After structural repairs are complete, technicians focus on restoring vehicle systems. Damaged components such as sensors, cameras, and wiring harnesses are replaced according to manufacturer specifications.
ADAS calibration is a critical step. Cameras and radar units must be aligned using specialized calibration equipment. This ensures safety systems function correctly and respond accurately to driving conditions.
They also inspect thermal management systems. Electric vehicles rely on cooling systems to regulate battery temperature. Technicians check coolant lines, pumps, and heat exchangers for damage or leaks.
Software diagnostics continue throughout this phase. Repairs often require system resets, firmware updates, and configuration procedures. These updates ensure all vehicle systems communicate correctly. Below is the criteria you should consider when deciding between replacing vs repairing the battery:
Presence of cell damage or internal short circuits: Replace because damaged cells can cause unpredictable performance, fire risk, and loss of capacity. Repairing individual cells is often unsafe and not manufacturer-approved.
Thermal runaway risk indicators: If there are signs of overheating or thermal instability, the battery can catch fire, so it’s best to replace it. Replacement ensures safety; repair is not recommended.
Coolant contamination inside battery housing: Coolant can short electrical circuits and corrode cells, so consider replacing it in this case. Repair may not restore full integrity, so replacement prevents long-term failure
Structural compromise of battery casing: Replace as dents or cracks weaken protection and increase crash/fire risk. Minor cosmetic dents might be repairable if cells are intact, but casing compromise generally requires full replacement.
Manufacturer-mandated replacement thresholds: Follow the manufacturer, as some EV makers require battery replacement if certain damage criteria are met; ignoring this voids warranty and safety certification
Cost comparison between enclosure repair and full pack replacement: Repair if safe and cost-effective. Only attempt repair if internal cells are intact, casing damage is minor, and manufacturer guidelines allow it. Otherwise, replace for safety and reliability
If the battery enclosure is dented but cells remain intact, localized repair may be approved. If internal modules show voltage irregularities or thermal damage, full pack replacement is often required.
4. Final Testing and Validation
The final stage involves confirming that the vehicle operates safely and correctly. Technicians perform road tests to evaluate handling, braking, and system performance. Diagnostic scans verify that no fault codes remain.
ADAS systems undergo validation to confirm proper calibration. They also check battery systems to ensure stable operation and safe performance. Repair facilities also document all procedures performed. This documentation provides a record for owners, insurers, and future service providers.
Common Mistakes
Common mistakes or repair pitfalls include:
Skipping high-voltage isolation procedures
Improper aluminum welding techniques weaken the structure
Failure to recalibrate ADAS systems after sensor replacement
Using non-certified replacement parts
Overlooking minor battery casing dents that hide internal damage
The repair timeline expectation for this stage is usually five to 14 days, depending on calibration complexity and software integration requirements.
Infrastructure and Workflow Behind EV Collision Repair
Electric vehicle repair facilities must be designed with safety and isolation in mind. High-voltage vehicles are often serviced in designated areas separate from conventional repair bays. These areas reduce electrical risk and prevent cross-contamination during structural repairs.
Technician certification plays a central role in repair quality. Certification programs train technicians to handle battery systems, aluminum structures, and software diagnostics. These programs also teach safe handling procedures for high-voltage components.
Parts sourcing can present challenges. EV components are often brand-specific and may not be widely available. Replacement parts must meet manufacturer specifications to ensure compatibility and safety.
This can increase repair timelines compared to traditional vehicles. Battery damage can influence insurance decisions. If battery integrity is compromised, insurers may classify the vehicle as a total loss. Battery replacement costs and safety concerns play a significant role in these evaluations.
Digital diagnostics have become essential tools. Technicians connect vehicles to manufacturer systems to retrieve data, perform calibrations, and install updates. Some calibration procedures rely on cloud-based platforms that verify proper system operation.
Coordination between repair facilities, manufacturers, and insurers ensures that repairs meet required standards. This coordination helps maintain vehicle safety and protects long-term reliability.
Repair Timeline
Typical total repair timelines look like this:
Minor cosmetic repair: Seven to 14 days
Moderate structural repair: Two to four weeks
Major battery or structural replacement: Four to eight weeks (depending on part availability)
Below is a structured breakdown of EV repair stages and cost expectations:
Repair Stage
Purpose
Estimated Time
Typical Cost Range
Initial Safety and Diagnostics
High-voltage isolation, system scan
One to two days
$200 to $800
Structural and battery Inspection
Frame measurement, enclosure evaluation
Three to 10 days
$1,000 to $5,000
Component replacement and calibration
Sensors, wiring, and ADAS alignment
Five to 14 days
$2,000 to $8,000
Battery replacement (if required)
Full pack removal and installation
Two to four weeks
$12,00 to $25,000
Final testing and validation
Road test, system confirmation
One to three days
$300 to $1,000
Owner and Shop Practices That Improve Outcomes
Prompt inspection after a collision is important, even if damage appears minor, because electric vehicles can sustain hidden battery or sensor damage that is not immediately visible. Conducting an early assessment helps identify risks before they worsen and ensures any necessary repairs are addressed promptly.
For the shop, transparency during repair builds trust and improves safety. Give detailed documentation so owners can understand what was repaired and why. It also helps future technicians maintain the vehicle correctly.
For owners, choosing certified repair facilities is critical for high-voltage vehicles. Certified technicians have the training and tools required to perform repairs safely. Improper repairs can create safety risks and reduce vehicle performance. Repair quality also affects resale value. Vehicles repaired according to manufacturer standards retain greater value and reliability.
Buyers can look for evidence of proper repair and maintenance. Battery warranty protection is another consideration. Manufacturers may require certified repair procedures to maintain warranty coverage. Repairs performed outside these standards can affect warranty eligibility.
Lastly, safety culture plays a central role in electric vehicle repair. Prioritizing proper procedures over speed or cost helps ensure long-term vehicle performance and occupant safety.
Endnote
Repairing an electric vehicle after a crash involves far more than restoring its appearance. Technicians must evaluate battery integrity, structural safety, and software functionality while following manufacturer-approved procedures.
Careful diagnostics, certified repair methods, precise calibration, clear cost expectations, realistic repair timelines, and informed owner decisions ensure the vehicle returns to safe operation. These steps help preserve performance, protect long-term reliability, and maintain the safety systems that define modern electric vehicles.
Saturday, Feb. 28 – NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (St. Pete), 12 p.m. ET (FOX) Saturday, Feb. 28 – NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series (COTA), 2:30 p.m. ET (CW) Sunday, March 1 – NASCAR Cup Series (COTA), 3 p.m. ET (FOX)
For the third straight week, all three of NASCAR’s top touring series will be in action, but they won’t all be in the same location. That’s because the NASCAR Cup and NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series are competing in Austin, TX, at Circuit of The Americas (COTA) while the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series runs for the first time on the streets of St. Petersburg in Florida.
SMITH STARTING STRONG
Zane Smith has gotten off to a solid start this season. The driver of the No. 38 Front Row Motorsports Ford Mustang Dark Horse is one of only three drivers to post a top-10 finish in the first two races and sits fifth in the point standings going into this weekend’s race at Circuit of The Americas. Smith, who also has a stage win to his credit, has finishes of sixth (Daytona) and seventh (Atlanta), marking the first time in his Cup career he has strung together consecutive top-10 runs. In two previous Cup Series starts at COTA, Smith has finishes of 19th (2024) and 29th (2025).
BUESCHER AT HOME ON THE ROAD
Chris Buescher has turned into one of the most consistent road course drivers on the Ford Racing roster and comes into this weekend’s race looking to extend his streak of top 10 finishes at Circuit of The Americas to four. The Texas native has a pair of eighth-place finishes to go with last year’s seventh-place run in five career starts at the Austin facility. Even more impressive is his streak over the last four seasons that has seen him put together 17 top 10 finishes in the last 23 road/street course events, including a win at Watkins Glen International in 2024. Buescher’s average finish during that stretch is 9.04.
FORD’S ACTIVE ROAD COURSE CUP WINNERS
There are three current drivers who have won a NASCAR Cup Series race on a road course with Ford. The most recent winner was Chris Buescher, who won at Watkins Glen International and extended his streak of at least one victory to three straight seasons. Ryan Blaney got his first road course win in the inaugural event on the Charlotte Roval in 2018 while Joey Logano scored his Cup victory at Watkins Glen International in 2015, which completed a weekend sweep after he won the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race one day earlier.
OTHER FORD ROAD COURSE WINNERS
Besides the drivers mentioned above, Ford has four other active Cup competitors who have won on a road course in either the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts or NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Brad Keselowski (Watkins Glen NOAPS with Ford, 2013); Austin Cindric (NOAPS wins with Ford at Watkins Glen, 2019; Mid-Ohio, 2019; Road America, 2020, Daytona Road Course, 2020; and Indianapolis Road Course, 2021); Todd Gilliland (Circuit of The Americas NCTS with Ford, 2021); and Zane Smith (Circuit of The Americas NCTS with Ford, 2022 and 2023).
FORD ROAD COURSE WINS IN THE MODERN ERA (1972-Present)
Circuit of The Americas is one of nine road courses the NASCAR Cup Series has competed on in the modern era, joining Riverside International Raceway (1958-88), Watkins Glen International (1957-Present), Sonoma Raceway (1989-Present), Charlotte Motor Speedway (2018-Present), Daytona International Speedway (2020-2021), Road America (2021-2022), Indianapolis Motor Speedway (2021-23) and the Chicago Street Race (2023-Present). Ford has produced a total of 20 combined wins at those facilities from 1972-Present. Mark Martin leads the way with four victories, including three straight years at Watkins Glen, while Ricky Rudd, Marcos Ambrose and Geoffrey Bodine have two each.
RYAN PREECE: “I like it. I think it’s gonna be a completely different race from last year just because of the tire and the tire degradation and how you have to position yourself through that. I think there are still quite a few unknowns, but I think it showed last year at the Roval that qualifying matters, but you can still make a good day out of something if you don’t have track position.”
CHRIS BUESCHER: “I’m looking forward to COTA The changes last year took away some passing zones. It took away those max braking dive bomb passing zones, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it did force everything to happen in turn one, which was already kind of a nasty corner with how wide it is on entry and pinpointed at the apex, but the course was better. I think we got more laps. There was probably close to two miles of racetrack on the back side of the course that our fans didn’t get to see. There were no stands. I don’t remember any camping and it was just too far away. I think it was a solid decision to shorten it up and bring us by the stands and by the fans almost twice as much. I think we still have some decent passing zones there. It did kind of change what you put the most emphasis on when we go and it certainly made it a lot easier on brakes.”
GILLILAND WINS DEBUT TRUCK RACE AT COTA
Todd Gilliland became the first NASCAR driver to win a national series event at Circuit of The Americas when he captured what was then known as the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race in 2021. In a weekend that was hampered by rain, Gilliland was able to manage the mixed conditions of dry and wet pavement to win by nearly eight seconds. Gilliland, who registered his second series win that day, continues to look for his first NASCAR Cup Series victory this weekend in his fourth season driving for Front Row Motorsports.
SANCHEZ FITTING RIGHT IN
Nick Sanchez has had two races with Ford and AM Racing, but he’s been impressive to say the least. In both events, Sanchez started 28th and drove through the field to an eighth-place finish in the first stage. Unfortunately, he was collected in a multi-car accident coming to the green-and-white checkered flag and was forced to retire in 36th place. He avoided that outcome last weekend at EchoPark Speedway by staying patient until the end and then charging through the middle lane to finish third. He has one NOAPS start at COTA (24th last year) and two in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (seventh and 18th).
A SERIES FIRST
This weekend will mark the first street course race in NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series history as the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg takes place on Saturday in Florida. The 80-lap feature will be the first new event on the schedule since last season when Lime Rock Park was added. The last time a Ford Racing driver won a series debut race was in 2021 when Todd Gilliland drove to victory at Circuit of The Americas.
SMITH SITS ON TOP OF POINT STANDINGS
Chandler Smith is one of two full-time NCTS drivers who have finished in the top 10 of the first two races, winning the season-opener in Daytona and finishing sixth last week at EchoPark Speedway. As a result, Smith has a 28-point lead on the field and is one of three Ford F-150 drivers currently in the top 10. Ben Rhodes is third after his fourth-place run last weekend while Ty Majeski is fourth.
FORD’S ALL-TIME CUP ROAD COURSE WINNERS
5 – Dan Gurney 4 – Mark Martin 2 – Fireball Roberts, Marvin Panch, Parnelli Jones, Ricky Rudd, Marcos Ambrose 1 – Chuck Stevenson, Eddie Gray, Richard Petty, A.J. Foyt, Bobby Allison, Bill Elliott, Davey Allison, Geoffrey Bodine, Ernie Irvan, Rusty Wallace, Carl Edwards, Joey Logano, Kevin Harvick, Ryan Blaney, Michael McDowell, Chris Buescher
As the spirit of America, the Ford Mustang is the world’s best selling sports car and one of the planet’s most popular race cars. With Mustang-based race cars competing in international sports car competition (GT3 and GT4), NASCAR, NHRA, Formula Drift, in Supercars, at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb and in its own bespoke regional one-make series – Mustang Cup and Mustang Challenge – the platform has an unprecedented global reach. This weekend, 12 Mustang race cars are scheduled to race across all disciplines. Learn more about Mustang at www.FordRacing.com.
