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What To Look For When Buying Piano Stool

By
SM
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An uncomfortable piano stool can quietly derail your entire playing experience. Perhaps your back stiffens up after a few minutes, your shoulders are tense, or perhaps your hands are never in a good alignment with the keys. At the same time, unstable seating or incorrect height results in forced constant postural adjustments, which break concentration and influence technical performance.

Therefore, selecting the appropriate stool is now an imperative component of the creation of a comfortable and productive playing setup instead of a basic furniture purchase. 

This article describes the most important factors that you should consider in order to choose a piano stool that helps comfort, gives proper posture, and allows you to play more confidently over the long term.

1. Proper Height Adjustment for Better Posture

Proper Height Adjustment for Better Posture

When looking at Piano stools, height adjustment needs immediate consideration due to the direct relationship between seating height and technique and comfort. If the stool is too low, wrists drop, and movement of the arms becomes restricted. On the other hand, sitting too high raises shoulders and strains the upper body. 

Therefore, an adjustable stool can help you to fine-tune your position so your forearms remain level with any keyboard. This posture helps to increase control and decrease tension in long sessions. Adjustable seating is also useful in households or studios in which more than one player uses the same instrument. 

In addition, the adjustment mechanism should feel smooth and secure. A stool that slips or creaks during play becomes a distraction. Reliable height control keeps your posture consistent, letting you focus solely on performance rather than continually correcting your seating position.

2. Strong Stability and Solid Construction

Stability becomes important as even the slightest movement interferes with concentration. A wobbly stool demands subtle balance corrections to playing, which gradually translates to discomfort and lower precision. 

Consequently, investigate how the stool is constructed. Solid wood construction or reinforced frames are usually stronger supports than lightweight construction. Leg design and joint strength determine whether the stool is stable over time or not. 

Also, pay attention to how the stool works on different flooring surfaces. Non-slip feet or protective pads enhance grip and suppress unwanted movement as well as protect floors from scratches. 

Ultimately, a stable stool keeps your posture stable, allowing for uninterrupted concentration so that your attention is on music, not balance.

3. Seat Cushioning for Long Practice Sessions

Comfort becomes more important when practice sessions last more than a few minutes. Poor cushioning results in easy fatigue and often leads to frequent posture shifts that interrupt concentration. 

Therefore, evaluate seat padding relatively. High-density cushioning helps distribute and hold the weight evenly while maintaining the shape for years of use. Seats that are too soft or thin often compress easily, decreasing long-term comfort. 

In addition, seat covering materials also affect the experience. Leather or vinyl surfaces tend to balance durability and ease of cleaning, while fabric options may provide warmth but require more maintenance. Breathability is also important, particularly in the warmer rooms. 

A well-cushioned seat ensures longer practices without discomfort to help maintain focus and technique from start to end.

4. Stool Size With Playing Space and Comfort Needs

Not all playing situations demand the same size stool. Therefore, consider how the seating will be used the most. Solo players often prefer small stools that allow movement and positioning.

However, wider seating for two players is better when teaching circumstances or duet performances. Adequate space permits a balanced playing posture without forcing players to the edge.  

In the meantime, proportional sizing ensures that the stool will not overpower the piano with its size. By deciding on a size appropriate to performance needs and room space, you continue with your level of comfort and balance visual perception.

5. Durability for Long-Term Use

Although appearance often gets people’s attention first, durability is what determines long-term satisfaction. A piano stool is constantly in use, and strong materials are essential. 

Therefore, carefully inspect the build quality. Solid wood frames, reinforced joints, and durable finishes usually endure years of daily playing. Hardware components, such as adjustment systems, also impart longevity.   

In addition, you should consider maintenance requirements. Durable coatings are scratch-resistant and remain aesthetically pleasing when constantly repositioned. Additionally, high-quality upholstery is resistant to sagging, cracking, or premature wear.  

Investing in durable construction saves on future expenses and keeps the construction consistent in its performance. A well-built stool will remain reliable through years of practice, lessons, and performances.  

In the long run, dependable seating eliminates the need for frequent replacements, allowing you to focus entirely on improving your playing rather than worrying about equipment issues.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right piano stool directly affects comfort, posture, and playing confidence throughout both practice sessions and live performances. Height adjustment, stability, cushioning, sizing, durability, and design all work together to create a practice environment that supports consistent technique, encourages proper hand positioning, and reduces physical strain over time. When seating supports your natural posture, longer practice sessions become more productive and less physically demanding.

By carefully evaluating each of these factors, you create a seating setup that supports not only better playing mechanics but also long-term enjoyment of your instrument. In the end, the right stool becomes an essential partner to your piano, allowing you to focus fully on music, improve with confidence, and play comfortably every time you sit down to practice or perform, whether you are refining skills at home or preparing for an important performance.

How Sustainable Landscaping Supports Environmental Conservation?

By
SM
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Have you ever stood in your yard and been exasperated by how much time, water, and money it takes to make it look good, only to realize that the chemicals, water waste, and mower fumes are polluting the environment? 

That is the stress many homeowners are going through: on the one hand, you need a beautiful backyard; on the other, traditional landscape gardens require frequent watering, intensive use of fertilizers, and constant care. Luckily, there is a strong substitute that not only alleviates these pains but also contributes to environmental health.

Sustainable landscaping transforms outdoor spaces to make them more efficient, resilient, and beneficial to the planet. This article will show you how sustainable landscaping practices produce long-term environmental impacts, ecosystems, and aesthetic value for your property.

1. Efficient Water Use and Conservation

Efficient Water Use and Conservation

Water conservation is one of the most effective ways sustainable landscaping aids conservation. Sustainable landscapes do not depend on regular sprinkler or hand watering; instead, they may employ techniques such as drought-tolerant landscaping, mulching, and smart irrigation systems that minimize runoff and evaporation. 

In regions with specific seasonal variations, such as the North Shore near Lake Michigan, landscapes must cope with changing rainfall patterns, temperature fluctuations, and shifting soil conditions. 

Due to these local issues, homeowners turn to lawn services in the North Shore that use water-efficient landscaping practices that fit the region. These landscapes remain healthy by relying on drought-resistant plants, smart irrigation systems, and moisture-saving soil methods, which help to reduce the total amount of water usage. 

Further, rain gardens and bioswales gather rainwater, allow it to soak into the soil, and prevent the discharge of dirt and pollutants into storm drains and other water bodies. These practices help conserve valuable water and mitigate flooding in urban and suburban areas, while the use of high-quality nutrient solutions from Athena can support the healthy growth of the plants that make these systems effective.

2. Protecting the Local Biodiversity

Sustainable landscaping promotes the use of indigenous and highly adapted plant species that will grow under local soil and climatic conditions with minimal intervention. 

These serve as natural habitat and food sources to birds, pollinators such as bees and butterflies, and useful insects needed to complete a healthy ecosystem. By introducing native species, you are basically welcoming wildlife to your outside world and providing an ecosystem that is self-sustaining. 

Native plants are usually healthier and less subject to human intervention compared to decorative plants, which usually demand more water, fertilizers, or pesticides. This makes your yard a living ecosystem that promotes biodiversity, resilience to pests and diseases, and minimizes the harm caused by chemicals.

3. Less Chemical Pollution and Soil Protection

Conventional grasses and gardens often use synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides, which might provide immediate outcomes but have hidden costs on the environment. 

These chemicals might contaminate waterways, disturb the soil biology, and destroy beneficial organisms. Sustainable landscaping shifts the emphasis from harmful inputs to organic soil construction, composting, and natural pest control – all of which preserve the integrity of the soil and minimize pollution.

Healthy soil acts as a natural filter that stores carbon, regulates temperature, and prevents erosion. Organic mulches and compost enhance soil structure and fertility, thereby improving plant health without using synthetic chemicals. 

The soil in a sustainable landscape becomes stronger and more alive over time, creating an environment where plants and beneficial microbes live harmoniously.

4. Lowering Carbon Footprint

Even everyday landscaping tasks contribute to a property’s carbon footprint. Gas-powered lawnmowers, leaf blowers, and other equipment emit pollutants, while heavy irrigation can indirectly increase energy use by requiring more treatment and distribution resources. 

Sustainable landscaping reduces these impacts by emphasizing low-maintenance plantings, manual or electric tools, and design features that work with natural elements. For example, choosing ground covers or perennial plantings over large expanses of turf grass reduces mowing frequency, which in turn lowers fuel use and emissions. 

Sustainable hardscaping materials like permeable pavers or recycled stone also lower environmental impact by allowing water to infiltrate the ground and by reducing the need for new material production. Altogether, these practices help lower your carbon footprint and contribute to cleaner air.

5. Creating Resilient, Functional Outdoor Spaces

Sustainable landscaping isn’t just about environmental benefits; it’s also about creating spaces that are more durable and adaptive to changing conditions. Thoughtful plant selection that considers seasonal needs, drought conditions, and soil types results in landscapes that require less intervention over time. 

Smart design anticipates environmental challenges such as heavy rain or drought, ensuring your outdoor space manages water effectively and thrives without constant upkeep.

Additionally, features such as rain gardens, native plant borders, and shaded tree clusters help reduce the urban heat island effect and create microclimates that remain comfortable even during warm months. Such resilience makes your property more enjoyable and environmentally responsible.

Final Thoughts

Sustainable landscaping is more than a trend; it’s a thoughtful approach to shaping outdoor spaces in harmony with nature. By conserving water, protecting soil, supporting biodiversity, reducing chemical use, and lowering carbon emissions, sustainable landscapes provide meaningful environmental benefits that extend far beyond your property line. 

Moreover, these landscapes tend to be more resilient and require less maintenance, saving time and resources while enhancing your enjoyment of the outdoors. Embracing sustainable landscaping means choosing a healthier, more vibrant future for your yard and for the planet. 

Whether you’re starting a new landscape project or rethinking an existing outdoor space, sustainable practices offer a clear and rewarding path to environmental stewardship.

Fierce Yet Cuddly Shark Plush Toys Kids Can’t Resist

By
SM
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It is not always easy to find toys that will interest children and make them feel at ease. Moreover, there are toys that kids just love, but they break easily, and there are also toys that are soft but are too dull to inspire any imagination. 

That said, gift-givers and parents usually have a hard time choosing plush companions that feel special when first hugged and will still delight after many more hugs. Children are actually attached to toys that have a combination of character, comfort, and storytelling capabilities all rolled into one. And that is where shark plush toys shine. 

Harmless designs and a combination of fun and snuggle-up softness make these toys feel like emotional companions. They are able to make the mundane exciting and even the bedtime routine filled with fantasy. 

This article introduces you to the most interesting varieties of shark plushies that kids just cannot help but adore.

1. Toothsome Shark Plush – Bold and Huggable

Toothsome Shark Plush - Bold and Huggable

Among the most remarkable toys in the shark category is the Toothsome Shark Plush, a 12-inch plush with a bold shark shape, plush materials of the softest nature, and a smiling face. 

This Shark plush is a balance of sea life fierceness and cuddle comfort, and is therefore easily accessible to children who like adventurous themes without feeling threatened. It is constructed of minky soft fabric and strengthened with stitching, so that it can handle all kinds of active play as well as a snuggle at night. 

Since it is the right size for a hug, it becomes a must-have comfort object when you need to take a nap, travel, or have a quiet moment. 

Lastly, the playful expression creates a bond of attachment and imagination, and is comfortable and relaxing in the arms of a child. This shark plush is a long-lasting, adorable friend of young shark lovers and collectors.

2. Cartoon-Inspired Shark Plushies – Unlimited Fun

The cartoon-inspired design is another popular style of shark plush, where exaggerated features add personality. They may have big eyes, smiling faces, or cute accents of color that render them attractive to the eyes. 

Cartoon shark plushies are more focused on the characteristics of the character that enable storytelling and role-playing, unlike more realistic toys- children may imagine underwater adventures, pirate escapades, or just a shark that wants to dance and play. 

Vivid colors and fun forms make these plushies very visible on shelves, making the kids grab them and let their imaginations take over. These versions are more like characters than animals, and thus they tend to take center stage in imaginative stories.

3. Realistic Shark Plushies – For Curious Young Explorers

There are also children who are intrigued by the ocean and its actual creatures, and realistic shark plushies are a tactile means to investigate that curiosity. These plushies feature more realistic proportions and coloring of actual sharks, but are made from soft, child-safe materials.

They can be used as an introduction to marine biology and may give interest in learning more about sea life, ecosystems, and animal behavior. Having something in their hands that symbolizes an actual animal, even in plush form, can prompt inquiry, education, and an emotional attachment to the natural world in children. 

Combined with books or videos on sharks, realistic plushies can serve as companions and educational materials, and combine play with meaningful discovery.

4. Mini Shark Plushies – Portable Friends

Plush toys do not necessarily have to be full-size. Mini shark plushies are smaller and easy to move between rooms or to place in a backpack for trips to school or vacation. These smaller models retain the soft texture and expressive style but are light and can be carried everywhere.

Their size makes them perfect for younger children who want a friend with them all the time, or for older children who collect them as a hobby. 

Mini shark plushies may also be used as accessories with other play sets, such as pirate ships or dollhouses, and their creativity can be extended. They are convenient and can be used in the car, when visiting grandparents, or having a moment of quiet time in the classroom.

5. Jumbo Shark Plushies – Maximum Comfort and Security

At the other end of the size spectrum are jumbo shark plushies, oversized toys that provide maximum cuddle appeal. These large plush companions can act almost like pillows, becoming comforting fixtures in bedrooms and play spaces. 

For children who find solace in deep pressure or extended hugs, a jumbo shark plush delivers a sense of security that smaller toys can’t match. Their big shapes make them great for cozy reading corners or snuggle piles on rainy afternoons. 

While they may take up more space, kids often form strong attachments to these giant plush friends, treating them like loyal guardians in imaginative play and sources of physical comfort during rest time.

Bringing it All Together

Shark plush toys succeed because they balance excitement and comfort, turning a once-fearsome creature into a friendly, huggable companion. From the bold yet soft Toothsome Shark Plush to cartoon-inspired designs, realistic options, mini travel companions, and jumbo cuddle-ready friends, there’s a shark plush for every child’s interest and need. 

Each type plays a unique role in playtime, imagination, and emotional support, helping kids explore, learn, and unwind. When thoughtfully chosen for safety, texture, and size, these plush friends become more than toys; they become trusted allies in daily life. Whether a child enjoys spontaneous adventures or quiet cuddles, shark plushies make everyday moments feel magical.

MotoGP 2026: Marquez eager to make his mark in Thailand

By
SM
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Photo by Harlie Raethel on Unsplash

Marc Marquez says he is relaxed about his chances of winning the MotoGP title for a record-equalling eighth time this season.

Marquez’s dominant success in 2025 moved him level with Valentino Rossi on seven championships. Giacomo Agiostini is one ahead of that pair in the all-time standings.

The Spaniard is understandably eager to make a flying start when the new MotoGP season calendar gets underway in Thailand on March 1.

With that in mind, read on as we look at which riders will participate in the series this year, before assessing whether Marquez will get off the mark at the Chang International Circuit in Buriram.

MotoGP 2026 – Line-up

  • Ducati Lenovo Team: Marc Marquez, Francesco Bagnaia
  • Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP: Fabio Quartararo, Alex Rins
  • Red Bull KTM Factory Racing: Pedro Acosta, Brad Binder
  • Repsol Honda Team: Joan Mir, Luca Marini
  • Aprilia Racing: Jorge Martin, Marco Bezzecchi
  • Pertamina Enduro VR46 Ducati: Fabio Di Giannantonio, Franco Morbidelli
  • Gresini Racing Ducati: Alex Marquez, Fermin Aldeguer
  • Prima Pramac Racing (Yamaha): Toprak Razgatlioglu, Jack Miller
  • Trackhouse Aprilia: Raul Fernandez, Ai Ogura
  • LCR Honda: Johann Zarco, Diogo Moreira
  • Red Bull KTM Tech3: Maverick Vinales, Enea Bastianini

MotoGP 2026 – Preview

MotoGP launched its new season in Malaysia over the weekend, although heavy rain nearly scuppered the showcase event.

Marquez was in a buoyant mood as he showcased his riding skills in front of a sizeable crowd in Kuala Lumpur. 

Having claimed his first world title since 2019 last year, the Ducati rider says he feels calm about his chances of retaining it this time around.

“I don’t feel pressure,” Marquez said. “Because the most challenging thing in my career, that was to come back from injury, I’ve already done,” 

“Of course, I will try to do my 100 percent. Of course, I will try to fight for the championship. But I feel super relaxed and happy.”

Marquez’s teammate Francesco Bagnaia is expected to be the main threat to Marquez this weekend after impressing during testing on the new GP26 machinery.

After struggling to get to grips with last season’s bike due a lack of confidence in the front end, he has looked more comfortable with his new set-up.

The Italian rider won just twice last season, but will head into the opening race in Thailand as one of the favourites to start the new campaign with a win.

“First of all, it’s always fantastic being back on a MotoGP bike,” he told the official MotoGP website after a recent testing session.

“The speed and the power that the bike gives you is something incredible. “So, I really enjoyed it from lap one.

“We had time enough to make a lot of laps using both tyres, medium and soft. In the morning, we were focused on finding my feelings – that was important from last year.

“And then we were focused on testing new things, new parts, new fairing. I’m happy – it was a positive first day. Right now, the balance is positive.”

Daytona 500 Preview: NASCAR 2026 Season Starts in Florida

By
SM
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The 2026 NASCAR season gets underway in style on Sunday as the prestigious Daytona 500 is staged at the Daytona International Speedway in Florida.

Two-time defending Daytona 500 champion William Byron will be eager to start the NASCAR season schedule with another victory in the iconic race.

NASCAR champion Kyle Larson is another top driver worth monitoring in an event that always generates plenty of excitement amongst motorsports fans.

Daytona 500 – Drivers

The 2026 Daytona 500 line-up will comprise 41 drivers. The following 37 drivers have already confirmed their places in the race: 

  • AJ Allmendinger
  • Christopher Bell
  • Josh Berry
  • Ryan Blaney
  • Alex Bowman
  • Chase Briscoe
  • Chris Buescher
  • Kyle Busch
  • William Byron
  • Ross Chastain
  • Austin Cindric
  • Cole Custer
  • Austin Dillon
  • Ty Dillon
  • Chase Elliott
  • Ty Gibbs
  • Todd Gilliland
  • Noah Gragson
  • Denny Hamlin
  • Riley Herbst
  • Carson Hocevar
  • Jimmie Johnson
  • Erik Jones
  • Brad Keselowski
  • Kyle Larson
  • Joey Logan
  • Michael McDowell
  • John Hunter Nemechek
  • Ryan Preece
  • Tyler Reddick
  • Zane Smith
  • Ricky Stenhouse Jr
  • Daniel Suarez
  • Shane van Gisbergen
  • Bubba Wallace
  • Cody Ware
  • Connor Zilisch

Anthony Alfredo, Justin Allgaier, Corey Heim, Corey LaJoie, BJ McLeod, Casey Mears, Chandler Smith, and JJ Yeley will battle to secure the remaining four spots.

Daytona 500 – Preview

Five drivers have gone back-to-back in the Daytona 500 – Richard Petty, Cale Yarborough, Sterling Marlin, Denny Hamlin, and Byron.

None of the previous four consecutive winners have made it three-in-row, which does not bode well for Byron’s chances of victory this weekend.

Kyle Busch leaps off the page as a driver who deserves the chance to emerge victorious this weekend, despite his failure to achieve the feat during his career.

He has won the NASCAR title twice, recorded 63 career victories, and won three of the four possible Crown Jewels. The Daytona 500 is a glaring hole in his CV.

His heartbreak in the 2023 edition of the iconic race, when a spin from Daniel Suarez cost him the chance of victory, is still fresh in the memory.

Ryan Blaney should also be competitive. He has earned four top-10 finishes in the last six Daytona 500s and recorded four victories last season.

Hamlin is worth watching as he strives to win the Daytona 500 for the fourth time. He heads into the race on the back of a turbulent close season.

He narrowly missed out on the NASCAR title in November, before his father died in a house fire the following month. A court case with NASCAR added to his headaches.

No one would have been surprised if Hamlin had walked away from the series, but he will be part of the line-up when the race gets underway on Sunday.

Rookie Connor Zilisch will be eager to impress after winning ten races in the Xfinity Series last season. Several respected pundits have tipped him to win the Daytona 500.

However, the 19-year-old will have to defy history to add his name to the roll of honour as no teenager has ever previously won The Great American Race.

TEAM CHEVY NASCAR RACE ADVANCE: Daytona International Speedway

By
Official Release
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TEAM CHEVY ADVANCE
Daytona International Speedway
February 11-15, 2026

NASCAR will step onto its biggest stage at the “World Center of Racing”, Daytona International Speedway, this week to officially wave the green flag on the 2026 season.

The infamous Daytona Speedweek will once again feature five days of on-track action for NASCAR’s three national touring series – kicking off Wednesday evening under the lights with the NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) qualifying session as 21 Team Chevy drivers compete for the coveted pole position of the 68th running of the DAYTONA 500, followed by Thursday’s pair of Duels to complete the lineup for Sunday’s crown jewel event.

Friday marks the first of three days of points-paying racing action at the 2.5-mile Florida superspeedway, starting with the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (NCTS) season opener – a race that will also feature a handful of Team Chevy NCS regulars including past DAYTONA 500 champions, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Michael McDowell, and one of the sport’s rising stars, Carson Hocevar. Chevrolet will then begin its journey towards a title-defending season in NASCAR’s top-two divisions with the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series (NOAPS) taking its turn on Saturday and NASCAR’s premier series culminating the weekend with the “Great American Race” where Team Chevy will have its sights set on a fourth-straight Harley J. Earl trophy.

 Decorated Daytona History

With a nickname of the “World Center of Racing”, the prestige of Daytona International Speedway speaks for itself. Chevrolet’s legacy at the 2.5-mile Florida superspeedway dates back to NASCAR’s first-ever appearance at the track (Feb. 1959) with a trip to victory lane courtesy of Bob Welborn. Now, over 67 years later, the Bowtie brand has accumulated 105 all-time NASCAR wins at Daytona International Speedway with 52 NCS wins, 48 NOAPS wins and four NCTS wins – a combined record that continues to raise the bar for its manufacturer competitors at the sport’s iconic venue.

Chevrolet has already set the mark for the most consecutive DAYTONA 500 victories with five-straight (2003-2007), but the manufacturer is closing in on that record with an active streak of three victories in the crown jewel event. The three-peat kicked off with Hyak Motorsports’ Ricky Stenhouse Jr.’s title in 2023, then followed by Hendrick Motorsports’ William Byron making back-to-back trips to victory lane to bring the Bowtie brand to 27 all-time wins in the “Great American Race”.

Chevrolet is the only manufacturer to sweep wins across all three series in NASCAR’s season-opening weekend at Daytona International Speedway more than once (2018, 2024). In the NOAPS, Richard Childress Racing has earned the past four victories in the season-opening event – most recently by the series’ reigning champion, Jesse Love, to kickstart a sophomore campaign that turned into a title-earning season. Chevrolet’s most recent trip to victory lane at Daytona International Speedway in the NCTS came in Feb. 2024 when Nick Sanchez and the No. 2 Rev Racing Chevrolet team earned the Bowtie brand its milestone 100th all-time points-paying NASCAR win at the “World Center of Racing”.

 BYRON ON THE BRINK OF HISTORY

A trip to Daytona International Speedway in Aug. 2020 made a lasting mark in William Byron’s racing career with the Charlotte, North Carolina, native becoming a first-time winner in NASCAR’s top division. Fast forward to today, the 28-year-old Team Chevy driver will return to the “World Center of Racing” with the opportunity to make history as the first driver in NASCAR history to earn three-straight DAYTONA 500 titles.

One year ago, Byron found himself in the ninth position on the final lap and what would seem like an unfavorable position for a shot at another DAYTONA 500 victory. But in true Daytona fashion, a last-lap wreck ensued, allowing Byron to navigate his No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet through the chaos to the top of the leaderboard to take home the Harley J. Earl trophy for the second-straight season – further etching his name into the record books as just the fifth driver in history to win consecutive DAYTONA 500 titles.

JRM, ALLGAIER READY TO RUN IT BACK

After making a monstrous splash in their NCS debut one year ago, JR Motorsports is back for their second attempt at securing a starting position for the DAYTONA 500 – fielding the No. 40 Chevrolet with Team Chevy veteran driver Justin Allgaier. In the organization’s one and only start at NASCAR’s highest level, the 39-year-old Riverton, Illinois, native not only raced his way into the “Great American Race”, but took the checkered flag in NASCAR’s biggest race with a ninth-place finish. JR Motorsports’ return to the series comes after a record season in the NOAPS that saw the organization earn its milestone 100th all-time victory (Indianapolis Motor Speedway) and 17 wins. Allgaier, JR Motorsports’ winningest driver, powered his No. 7 Chevrolet to three wins in 2025 to earn the ninth position on the series’ all-time wins list.

 BUILDING OFF A RECORD SEASON

One year ago at the “World Center of Racing”, Richard Childress Racing’s Jesse Love took Chevrolet to victory lane to kickstart what culminated into a record-breaking season for the Bowtie brand in the NOAPS. Chevrolet made 26 trips to victory lane throughout the series’ 33-race schedule, making it the winningest season by a single manufacturer in series history. Throughout the already monumental season, two of Chevrolet’s long-time team partners, Richard Childress Racing and JR Motorsports, earned their milestone 100th all-time win; Connor Zilisch turned in a history-making rookie campaign with 10 wins; Chevrolet swept the Championship Four for the second time in history; and Love became a first-time champion in the NASCAR national ranks. With the bar already set high, Chevrolet is setting up to have yet another strong campaign in the division with a stout driver lineup that includes both veterans and some of the sport’s rising stars.

Climbing the Ranks

A pair of Rev Racing graduates have inked their first full-time contracts in the NOAPS this season. Two-time NCTS Most Popular Driver, Rajah Caruth, is slated to step up into the NOAPS for his rookie campaign – competing in a unique split schedule between the No. 88 JR Motorsports Chevrolet and the No. 32 Jordan Anderson Racing Chevrolet. The 23-year-old Atlanta, Georgia, native is coming off his third full-time season in the NCTS – a stint that saw the Team Chevy driver make the playoffs for back-to-back seasons. Caruth has made a handful of NOAPS starts throughout his young career with a pair of best finishes of 12th – both coming at Martinsville Speedway.

Following suit is Lavar Scott, who is set to compete in his first full-time season in the NASCAR national ranks – piloting the No. 45 Alpha Prime Racing Chevrolet for the NOAPS ‘Rookie of the Year’ honors. The 22-year-old Carney’s Point, New Jersey, native has spent the past two seasons competing full-time in the ARCA Menards Series with Rev Racing – both of which saw the Team Chevy driver finish in the runner-up position in the championship standings. Scott has just a pair of NOAPS starts under his belt – each coming behind the wheel of his now full-time ride with Alpha Prime Racing.

Dirt-racing phenom, Corey Day, is stepping up into the big leagues for his first full-time season in NASCAR – taking over the driving duties of the No. 17 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet for his rookie campaign. The transition to full-time competition comes after the 19-year-old Clovis, California, native made select starts in both the NOAPS and NCTS over the past two seasons. In just 11 NOAPS appearances, Day has already earned two top-10 finishes, with his career-best finish of fourth coming at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in Oct. 2025.

 MILESTONE IN THE MAKING

Back with yet another strong full-time roster, Chevrolet is gearing up to make a run at a milestone-making season in the NCTS. The Bowtie brand will head to Daytona International Speedway just six wins away from hitting its milestone 300th all-time win in the division. Chevrolet’s success came right out of the gate in the series’ debut season in 1995 – earning the win in the series’ first-ever race (Phoenix Raceway); tallied wins in 16 of the 20 races; and swept the driver and manufacturer titles.

Eckes Back for Redemption

After a one-year stint in the NOAPS, Christian Eckes will return to familiar territory at McAnally-Hilgemann Racing as the pairing has their sights set on their first NCTS championship. In their sophomore campaign together in 2024, the 25-year-old Middletown, New York, native proved to be a title contender all season long – earning an impressive 21-straight top-10s, including 12 podium finishes.

 Doing the Daytona Double

A trio of Team Chevy NCS regulars will also hit the high banks of Daytona International Speedway behind the wheel of a Silverado RST this weekend, including Spire Motorsports teammates, Carson Hocevar and Michael McDowell, and Ricky Stenhouse Jr.

Prior to making the jump into NASCAR’s premier series, Carson Hocevar spent three full-time seasons in the NCTS with Niece Motorsports. The 23-year-old Portage, Michigan, native is a five-time winner in the division, with his most recent coming just last season at Kansas Speedway in a Spire Motorsports entry. Hocevar’s start in Friday’s season-opener will mark his first of eight appearances behind the wheel of the No. 77 Silverado RST this season as the driver will play a pivotal role in the team’s run at the owner’s championship title. Earning his first career NCS win on the sport’s biggest stage, the 2021 DAYTONA 500 champion, Michael McDowell, will complete the two-truck lineup for Spire Motorsports – marking just his fifth career start in the division.

While a veteran of the sport, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. is on the horizon of a ‘first’ this weekend as the 38-year-old Olive Branch, Mississippi, native is set to make his first career NCTS start. There’s no better place for Stenhouse Jr. to make his series’ debut than the “World Center of Racing”. The Team Chevy driver is a two-time Daytona winner at NASCAR’s highest level, including the 2023 DAYTONA 500.

 BOWTIE BULLETS:

  • One of the most iconic trophies in motorsports’ history, the Harley J. Earl trophy features a replica of the Firebird 1 – the jet age inspired, turbine-powered, single seater designed by the first head of GM Design Harley Earl. Bill France Sr., NASCAR founder and close friend of Earl, honored his contributions to the advancement of the automobile by naming the trophy for NASCAR’s most prestigious event after him.
  • Active Chevrolet drivers with a NASCAR Cup Series win at Daytona International Speedway:

William Byron – three wins (Aug. 2020, Feb. 2024 & Feb. 2025)
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. – two wins (July 2017 & Feb. 2023)
Austin Dillon – two wins (Feb. 2018 & Aug. 2022)
Michael McDowell – one win (Feb. 2021)
Kyle Busch – one win (July 2008)

  • Active Chevrolet drivers with a DAYTONA 500 victory:

William Byron – two wins (2024-2025)
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. – one win (2023)
Michael McDowell – one win (2021)
Austin Dillon – one win (2018)

  • In 157 NASCAR Cup Series races at Daytona International Speedway, Chevrolet has recorded a series-leading 52 wins, with 27 of those triumphs coming in the “Great American Race”.
  • Chevrolet has earned 105 points-paying wins at Daytona International Speedway across all three NASCAR national series, making Chevrolet the winningest manufacturer in NASCAR history at the “World Center of Racing”.
  • Chevrolet has captured the DAYTONA 500 pole a manufacturer-leading 31 times, including a series-best streak of 11-straight (most recent: Hendrick Motorsports’ Alex Bowman – 2023).
  • Chevrolet has swept the DAYTONA 500 front-row 21 times in the event’s history, including 11 of the past 15 years (most recent: Hendrick Motorsports’ Alex Bowman and Kyle Larson – 2023).
  • In 144 points-paying races in the NASCAR Cup Series Next Gen era, Chevrolet leads all manufacturers with 67 victories – a winning percentage of 46.5%.
  • Chevrolet is coming off its 29th all-time sweep of the NASCAR Cup Series championship titles – capturing its 34th driver championship and 44th, and fifth consecutive, manufacturer championship in 2025.
  • With its 44 NASCAR Cup Series manufacturer championships, 34 NASCAR Cup Series driver championships, and 881 all-time NASCAR Cup Series wins, Chevrolet continues to hold the title as the winningest brand in NASCAR Cup Series history.

 FOR THE FANS:

  • Fans can visit the Team Chevy Racing Display in the Fan Midway, Chevrolet Injector and Chevrolet Experience Center at Daytona International Speedway.
  • Fans can check out an assortment of Chevrolet vehicles at each display location including:

Chevrolet Racing Display in Fan Midway: Traverse Z71, Colorado Trail Boss, Bolt, Tahoe Z71, Silverado EV, Equinox ACTIV, Trailblazer, Silverado ZR2, and the 250th Anniversary Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500 and Corvette.

Chevrolet Injector: Corvette Stingray Pace Car, Silverado ZR2, Corvette Stingray, Corvette Z06, Equinox EV, Traverse Z71, 250th anniversary Colorado, Suburban HC, Trax ACTIV, Corvette E-Ray, Blazer EV SS, Tahoe Z71, 250th anniversary Silverado EV, Silverado HD ZR2, Silverado EV, Tahoe Z71, Traverse Z71, Colorado ZR2.

Chevrolet Experience Center: Firebird 1, Corvette Z06, Corvette Z06 GT3.R, Chevrolet INDYCAR show car, Corvette Stingray Pace Car.

· Fans can also view Kyle Larson’s No. 5 Chevrolet show car at the Fan Midway Display and the 2026 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Cup car at the Chevrolet Experience Center.

Team Chevy Driver/Special Guest Appearances at the Display:

Thursday, February 12

Justin Allgaier: 4:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Friday, February 13

Christian Eckes & Tyler Ankrum: 12:45 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Grant Enfinger: 1:00 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.

Daniel Hemric & Kris Wright: 1:15 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Dawson Sutton: 1:30 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.

Travis Pastrana: 1:45 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Andres Perez de Lara & Landen Lewis: 2:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.

Toni Breidinger: 4:45 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Saturday, February 14

Carson Kvapil & Rajah Caruth: 9:15 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

Ricky Stenhouse Jr: 10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.

Cole Custer: 11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

Sam Mayer & Sheldon Creed: 12:30 p.m. – 12:45 p.m.

Austin Hill: 12:45 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Sammy Smith: 1:15 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Jesse Love: 1:40 p.m. – 1:55 p.m.

Corey Day: 2:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.

Sunday, February 15

Austin Dillon: 9:45 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Carson Hocevar: 10:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.

Michael McDowell: 10:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Kyle Larson & Chase Elliott: 10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.

Connor Zilisch & Shane van Gisbergen: 10:45 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

William Byron & Alex Bowman: 11:05 a.m. – 11:20 a.m.

Kyle Busch: 11:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.

Dustin Lynch: 11:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Chevrolet Display Hours of Operation:

Thursday, February 12: 3 – 7:30 p.m.

Friday, February 13: 11 a.m. – 7:45 p.m.

Saturday, February 14: 8 a.m. – 5:15 p.m.

Sunday, February 15: 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.

 
TUNE-IN:

NASCAR Cup Series

68th running of the DAYTONA 500

Sunday, February 15, 2:30 p.m. ET

FOX, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90

NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series

United Rentals 300

Saturday, February 14, 5 p.m. ET

CW, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90

NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series

Fresh From Florida 250

Friday, February 13, 7:30 p.m. ET

FS1, NASCAR Racing Network, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90

 
QUOTABLE QUOTES:

Ross Chastain, No. 1 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet

What would it mean to you to be able to get that crown jewel of the Daytona 500?

“Yeah, it’d be beyond words that I can really put out right now. And I can usually ramble about anything, but I don’t know what that would feel like. I mean, until I do it, and what I’ve learned through winning a couple of races now in the Cup Series is that first one was worth it. It was worth all of the sacrifice. If I never raced again, it was an accomplishment that I never thought I would get to, but that I had worked a long time to achieve. To win the Daytona 500 and the Harley J. Earl trophy, and having learned about the history, knowing what the France family has built over several generations, coming from the beach and building a superspeedway a couple miles from the coast it would be incredible. All of the greats that have competed at Daytona. Some of them have won, a lot of them have lost, and they’ve all lost a lot more than they’ve won. So I don’t know what it’ll feel like, but I’m excited to find out one day, and I’ll work a long time to try to make that happen.”

For somebody that’s never been behind the wheel of a Cup car, the superspeedways are such a different animal than any other racetrack. What is the mentality that you have to have to battle for multiple hours at 200 miles per hour, inches away from each other, knowing that there is going to be a big crash and you just have to do your best to not be there when it happens?

“Daytona and superspeedways, are the easiest tracks to drive by myself. Qualifying is not challenging. I hold it wide open. I can hold it wide open until I run out of gas. They can come put gas in my car and I can go back out and do it again on the same tires and be fine. You put all the competitors out there and it is challenging. The draft that we have, the car that qualifies on the pole could be in last on the first lap, just the way the draft works. If they go to the very top, they’ll get passed by everybody. So it definitely is challenging when everybody’s out there. And then, like you said, trying to navigate the wrecks. I’ve finished 40th in this race twice. I don’t want to do that again.”

Austin Dillon, No. 3 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet

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, No. 8 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet

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 7th 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 2nd, 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 it’s 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 it’s 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.

AJ Allmendinger, No. 16 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet

“The Daytona 500 is the biggest race of the year, and it’s so unique. I know we all say that a lot, but there’s so much that builds up to it with all the hard work the team puts in during the off-season. Driving into Daytona International Speedway still gives me chills. All the pre-race ceremonies and standing by the car—to this day—it’s emotional. It’s truly an honor and a privilege to be part of the Daytona 500.

We know we’ll always have fast cars at the superspeedways, and we know we’ll be competitive. The race is tough, and there’s a lot of luck that plays into it, but if we do the right things, we know we’ll have a shot at winning. It’s just special to be part of it all—the Duels, qualifying, practice, everything. It’s a massive build-up to Sunday. It’s one of the biggest events in the world when it comes to motorsports, and I’m very fortunate to still be a part of it.

We’re happy CELSIUS is back. It’s been an honor to see how CELSIUS has grown over the years. It’s cool for me because I’ve been able to see their growth firsthand. I remember walking into the Kaulig Racing shop back in 2019 and just seeing CELSIUS coolers. To be quite honest, I’d never seen it before. Now, they’re not just a North American product, but a global product. They went from supplying us with product to being on the race car. We’ve been very lucky to win with them on the car and be able to celebrate together. More than anything, they are great people, and to be able to keep building that partnership is pretty special. I have a lot of fun with them. Hopefully, for many years to come, we can keep growing the brand and being a part of it on and off the racetrack. It’s been great, and I would love to go to Daytona, put on a show, and celebrate with them again in Victory Lane.”

Cole Custer, No. 41 Haas Factory Team Chevrolet

“I am definitely excited about Daytona, and honestly all of the superspeedways were really strong points races for our team last year and we had some really good runs, close to a few wins! It’s exciting to get our first race at Daytona underway, and with it being a Crown Jewel race, everyone wants to try and get the Harley J. Earl trophy in their trophy case.”

Ricky Stenhouse Jr., No. 47 Hyak Motorsports Chevrolet

“Daytona is always special, and kicking off the season at the Daytona 500 never gets old. Having Chef Boyardee on board makes it even better — it’s a brand everyone knows, and it fits the energy and excitement of this race. Superspeedway racing is all about patience, teamwork, and putting yourself in position at the end, and our team has been working hard to do exactly that. We’re ready to go after it and hopefully get the win.”

Alex Bowman, No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet

“There’s a lot of excitement around Daytona; we’ve had a lot of good runs there the last couple of years. Being a Crown Jewel event, the one that kicks off our season, it’s a big deal. At the same time, it is just another race and having a solid run would be a great way to kick off the season. We have a lot of new faces on the 48 team, most of them have worked together in the past and I’m excited to get to work with everyone.”

Cody Ware, No. 51 Rick Ware Racing Chevrolet

You’ve had the Clash, but Daytona is where the season begins. Talk about what’s going through your mind when you first drive through that tunnel when you get into Daytona on Tuesday afternoon?

“It’s just fun. The atmosphere down there, getting to go down to typically sunny and warm Florida for the most part, even in February. It’s nice to be down there in shorts and a T-shirt when you unload from the plane, just to get to go into that infield tunnel to see the vast expanse of what feels like a mini city in the infield between all the RVs, the camping, the makeshift bars that are getting set up by all the race fans coming in for the weekend. So it’s always fun. There’s always just an air of optimism and hopefulness for the season going into Daytona. And again, going to the track where we know that we have a shot to run up front and make some magic happen is always exciting.”

Anthony Alfredo, No. 62 Beard Motorsports Chevrolet

You’re back at Daytona for your third consecutive Speedweek with Beard Motorsports, and you’ll be looking to make your sixth Cup Series start with the team. What’s your mindset and that of the team as you head to track this week?

“We are as focused as ever on making the Daytona 500 this year. Honestly, I have a lot of confidence because, back in 2024, not only did we time our way into race in qualifying, we were the fastest open car overall. Everybody at Beard Motorsports has been putting in the effort they always do and, honestly, missing the Daytona 500 last year was obviously a huge disappointment, but I think it motivated us to excel at the two Talladega races we did, where we led a lot of laps, making our rocket ship a lot faster and giving us something to build on as we go back to Daytona this year.”

There’s a new Chevrolet body introduced for this season. Knowing that Daytona and the other superspeedway races are all about aerodynamics, do you have an idea what it will be like, where it can be an improvement, based on your experience in the simulator?

“I think the Chevrolet body is going to be better everywhere. It seems like we’re still honing in the details and correlations since it obviously hasn’t been on the real track a whole bunch. We’ve have limited data to go off of from the few tests they’ve had to correlate and ultimately make it better. But I think as we progress through the year, it’ll just get more and more realistic. On paper, it should certainly be a lot better everywhere. I’m really looking forward to seeing that for myself.”

Michael McDowell, No. 71 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet

It’s been five years since your first win at Daytona. How can you pick up your second win in the Daytona 500?

“Five years is a long time. There’s nothing cooler than winning the Daytona 500, except for maybe winning it twice. I don’t know, but that’s the goal. The goal is to have a shot, put ourselves in position to be there on the last lap, but nothing has really changed. Everybody goes down to Daytona with the same goal: it is not to score points, and it’s not to run good. It’s to try to win the Daytona 500.
I felt like we had great speed last year on superspeedway tracks. We sat on the pole at Talladega in the fall, and we are going to bring the same car back for Daytona. So, hopeful with this new Chevy body, we can put it on the front row for the Daytona 500 and make for an exciting weekend.”

You’ve been vocal about your goal to win in all three series. What do you need to do to make that happen on Friday?

“The truck race is going to be fun. I was super nervous going into last year, not racing a truck on a superspeedway, and I had not been in a truck for over 10 years. I feel much more confident now, just knowing the shift points, getting through the gears, how the trucks race, and how they draft. We weren’t able to get where we wanted to last year, but we were in that front pack when we all crashed.

I am excited to have Tibbetts Lumber on the truck for the first time. They helped me with a home project, building a new shop onto my house last year, so I am excited to have them on the truck and continue to work with them. Daytona is just another opportunity to try to win in all 3 series, which is a goal of mine, but it’s tough to win in any series; any 3 of the national series is tough, but my goal is to check that box for a win in all three series.”

Carson Hocevar, No. 77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet

Describe your change in your mindset between last year’s Daytona 500 and Atlanta the very next week.

“Well we had a fuel pump issue in the 500 last year, and never really got to race. So when we got to Atlanta, I didn’t want to ride around for another 267 laps just to have something go wrong. So we went full offense at the rest of the superspeedways, and didn’t finish outside the top 10 in any of them. I think it’s worked out pretty well so far, and we are prepped and ready for the Daytona 500.”

Talk about the Spectrum partnership and how it is a full-circle moment for you and your family.

“I think my dad is somehow even more excited for it than I am! He feels he is a part of it. He did a trade deal with the with Charter to get the coin and jewelry store some commercials, and in turn they got to be on my quarter midget and eventually my Late Model. With Spectrum, it is almost like him putting his own logo on the car for the Daytona 500. I just think the coolest thing is seeing how excited he is and to get to be there to watch it.”

Shane van Gisbergen, No. 97 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet
Last year was your first DAYTONA 500, what did you take away from the experience?

“I enjoyed it last year. The race buildup is epic, like how much everyone is in to it, seeing the stands full, it’s an amazing racetrack. The race didn’t go very well for us last year; we got crashed early and limped around the rest of the race. So, hopefully

we can have a bit of a better result this year. As an event, it’s different to open the season with the biggest race of the year but it’s a pretty cool way to start as well! I’m looking forward to it.”

What is it like racing on a big stage like the DAYTONA 500?

“I’ve done a few big races, like a Bathurst 1000 and Le Man 24, I’ve been lucky enough to do those races. You get that vibe and buzz on the pre-race grid; all the drivers and teams are nervous but then the crowd is super excited. It’s a real mix

of energy, it’s so cool to soak in these moments and to have the privilege of being a part of something so big like the DAYTONA 500. There is nothing like it.”

How much confidence does last year give you heading into the 2026 season?

“It gives me a bit – just got to keep building. I felt like we ended last year really strongly, we had a really good upward trajectory on the ovals – our road courses were really strong. We just have to keep that momentum going. We have great continuity on

the team, everyone on the 97 team are the same guys from the 88 team last year, I think we are in a really good spot to keep building up.”

Are you still enjoying the challenge of NASCAR?

“It’s been so fun! It’s been good to have a fresh challenge, but also every week is something different, still learning something new. It’s been a lot of fun and a good change for me. The group of guys and girls I have on my car are really fun people to go

to the racetrack with every weekend. I’m really enjoying it and looking forward to seeing what we can accomplish this season. I’m excited!”

Austin Hill, No. 21 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet

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.”

 
Chevrolet NASCAR Cup Series Statistics

Manufacturer Championships:

Total (1949-2025): 44

First title for Chevrolet: 1958

Highest number of consecutive titles: 13 (2003-15)

Most recent: 2025

Years Won: 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1998, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025

Driver Championships:

Total (1949-2025): 34

First Chevrolet champion: Buck Baker (1957)

Highest number of consecutive titles: 7 (2005-11)

Most recent: Kyle Larson (2025)

Driver and Manufacturer Championship Sweeps: 29

Years Won: 1957, 1960, 1961, 1973, 1976, 1977, 1979, 1980, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2001, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2020, 2021, 2025

Event Victories:

Record for total race wins in single season: 26 (2007)

CHEVROLET IN NASCAR CUMULATIVE STATISTICS:

Total Chevrolet race wins: 881 (1949 to date)

Poles won to date: 766

Laps led to date: 256,734

Top-fives to date: 4,436

Top-10s to date: 9,151

Total NASCAR Cup Wins by Corporation, 1949 to Date:

       General Motors: 1,215

       Chevrolet: 881

       Pontiac: 154

       Oldsmobile: 115

       Buick: 65



       Ford: 847                                                                               

       Ford: 747

       Mercury: 96

       Lincoln: 4



       Fiat Chrysler Automobiles: 467

       Dodge: 217

       Plymouth: 191

       Chrysler: 59



       Toyota: 203

 

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.

Kyle Busch-Spire Motorsports Pairing Returns With Hendrickcars.com in Select 2026 CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Events

By
Official Release
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MOORESVILLE, N.C. (February 9, 2026) – Kyle Busch, one of NASCAR’s most accomplished drivers of the modern era, will compete in eight NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series races for Spire Motorsports in 2026. HENDRICKCARS.COM will serve as the primary partner aboard the team’s No. 7 Chevrolet Silverado for the bulk of Busch’s eight-race slate.

The high-profile pairing between the two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and the Mooresville, N.C.-based team will shift into high gear for the Feb. 21 Fr8 Racing 208 at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

Following the conclusion of the Fr8 Racing 208, Busch will return to the seat of the No. 7 Chevrolet Silverado at:

  • Bristol Motor Speedway – April 10
  • Texas Motor Speedway – May 1
  • Dover Motor Speedway – May 15
  • Charlotte Motor Speedway – May 22
  • Nashville Superspeedway – May 29
  • North Wilkesboro Speedway – July 18
  • Richmond Raceway – Aug. 14

“I’m excited that after NASCAR amended the ‘Kyle Busch rule’ that I was able to work it out with Jeff (Dickerson, owner), Brian (Pattie, crew chief) and everyone at Spire Motorsports to increase my race count up to the eight that are allowed this year,” Busch said. “With the schedule we’ve put together, the majority of the tracks I’m fortunate to have a lot of wins at but there are also a few that I haven’t won at yet in the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series and will be looking to add to the win list. I’m looking forward to going out each and every race, giving it all we can to get Mr. H, HENDRICKCARS.COM and the other partners that will fill out the schedule to Victory Lane.”

Busch has made 10 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series starts over the past two seasons for Spire Motorsports, where he’s earned three wins, five top-five and six top-10 finishes. Busch, a Las Vegas native, enters the 2026 season with 63 wins in NASCAR’s premier division. He advanced to the Championship 4 for five consecutive seasons from 2015-2019 and remains one of only three active multi-time Cup Series champions. Busch has also captured wins in several of the sport’s most prestigious events, including the Brickyard 400 (2015,2016), Southern 500 (2008) and Coca-Cola 600 (2018).

Busch’s dominance extends across all of NASCAR’s national divisions. He is the 2009 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series champion and the series’ all-time wins leader with 102 victories. In the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, Busch stands atop the record book with 67 wins and a series-best 6.7 average finish.

In August of 2010, Busch made NASCAR history by sweeping the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and Cup Series races in the same weekend at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway, a feat he duplicated again in August of 2017.

“HendrickCars.com is proud to support Kyle and Spire Motorsports,” said Rick Hendrick, chairman and CEO of Hendrick Automotive Group. “Kyle is one of the best drivers of his generation and Spire is a proven winner in the Truck Series, so it’s another opportunity to align our brand with a successful driver and team. We look forward to the partnership and to connecting HENDRICKCARS.COM with more of our passionate race fans.”

The Fr8 Racing 208 from Atlanta Motor Speedway will be televised live on FS1 Saturday, Feb. 21 beginning at 1:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. The second of 25 races on the 2026 CRAFTSMAN Truck Series schedule will be broadcast live on the NASCAR Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

About HENDRICKCARS.COM …

HENDRICKCARS.COM is the online home for everything Hendrick Automotive Group. Visitors can shop more than 30,000 new or pre-owned vehicles, locate centers for service and collision repair, receive a value to sell or trade their car, chat online with customer service, discover career opportunities, learn more about vehicle protection programs, and explore how the company gives back to the community.

About Spire Motorsports …

Spire Motorsports fields full-time entries in the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series and 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 May 30, 2025, when Rajah Caruth took the checkered flag in the Rackley Roofing 200 at Nashville Superspeedway.

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 High Limit Racing competition.

Nick Sanchez signed by AM Racing for 2026 O’Reilly season

By
Andrew Kim
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Photo by Adam Lovelace for SpeedwayMedia.com.

AM Racing took to social media to reveal the signing of Nick Sanchez as the team’s full-time competitor for the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season.

Sanchez, the 2022 ARCA Menards Series champion and 2023 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Rookie-of-the-Year recipient from Miami, Florida, will pilot AM Racing’s No. 25 Ford Mustang, which was driven by Harrison Burton this past season. 

The news comes as Sanchez is coming off his first full-time campaign in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series division with Big Machine Racing. Throughout the 33-race schedule, the Miami native recorded his first career victory at Atlanta’s EchoPark Raceway in July and made the series’ Playoffs, finishing 11th in the final standings. He also recorded seven top-five results, 12 top-10 results, 87 laps led and an average finish of 17.1.

Amid a strong campaign in 2025, Sanchez was revealed not to be retained by Big Machine Racing for the 2026 season on December 8, 2025, as the team replaced Sanchez with Dr. Patrick Staropoli, the latter of whom was signed on December 23.

The 2026 NASCAR season is set to mark AM Racing’s fourth in a row competing in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series division. This past season, the organization achieved its first pole with Harrison Burton at Martinsville Speedway in October and its first appearance in the Playoffs, along with two top-five results, 10 top-10 results, and a career-best third-place result with Burton at Rockingham Speedway in April.

Following the 2025 season, in which Burton finished 12th in the final standings before parting ways to join Sam Hunt Racing, AM Racing was initially reported to have been purchased by Sigma Performance Services. Nevertheless, the transaction was never finalized, and AM Racing revealed this past January to return to compete in the 2026 O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season.

Through a combined 99 starts in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series division, AM Racing has achieved a pole, three top-five results, 21 top-10 results, and 72 laps led as the organization continues its strive for a first victory in NASCAR.

The 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season is scheduled to commence this upcoming Saturday, February 14, at Daytona International Speedway for the United Rentals 300. The event’s broadcast time is slated to start at 5 p.m. ET on the CW Network, MRN Radio and SiriusXM.

LEGACY MOTOR CLUB: DAYTONA 500 RACE PREVIEW

By
Official Release
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LEGACY MOTOR CLUB:
DAYTONA 500 PRE-RACE ADVANCE
EVENT: DAYTONA 500
DATE: Feb. 15, 2026
RACE: NASCAR Cup Series 1 of 36
TRACK: Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway | 2.5-Mile Oval

CLUB MINUTES:

ACCESS THE CLUB: LEGACY MOTOR CLUB recently launched “The CLUB” – a place where fans can access content and news first. Through push notifications, fans can see exclusive content and notifications from the team. Fans can sign up for “The CLUB” HERE.

THE KING OF DAYTONA: Richard “The King” Petty made 74 NASCAR Cup Series starts at Daytona throughout his legendary career. Not only does he own the most DAYTONA 500 victories of any driver in the history of NASCAR with seven of his 10 Daytona wins coming in that race (1964, 1966, 1971, 1973, 1979, and 1981). He was also collected 28 top-fives, 37 top-10s and led 1,287 laps at the 2.5-mile oval in Florida.

“LED BY LEGACY” NUMBERS: LEGACY MOTOR CLUB will sport its heritage-inspired color treatments, and shadowing to honor the LEGACY of those who made the numbers famous. This weekend at Daytona and for all the “Crown Jewel” events, the No. 42 will honor Lee Petty and the Petty family with a red drop shadow; the No. 43 returns to its legendary “Parts Blue” drop shadow made famous by Richard Petty, and the No. 84 channels its origins through the Hendrick Motorsports No. 48 “Neon Yellow” drop shadow which shared tremendous success with Johnson at the helm. LEGACY MOTOR CLUB will also launch merchandise this year with the LEGACY numbers for fans to enjoy.

KENSETH DAYTONA STATS: 2003 NASCAR Cup Series Champion and LEGACY MOTOR CLUB Competition Advisor Matt Kenseth owns 37 total Cup starts at Daytona International Speedway. He’s earned two victories in the 2009 DAYTONA 500 and the 2012 DAYTONA 500, plus six top-fives and 14 top-10s. When he won his first DAYTONA 500 in February 2009, Kenseth started 39th of 43 cars. He led the final seven laps to secure his victory. Three years later in February 2012, Kenseth started fourth for the Great American Race and led twice for 50 laps to earn a second victory in the iconic race. Throughout his career, he led a total of 383 laps. Kenseth owns an additional 14 starts at Daytona in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series where he won the February 2000 and July 2013 races.

BAYNE SETS A RECORD: LEGACY MOTOR CLUB ambassador Trevor Bayne is the youngest person ever to win the DAYTONA 500 at 20 years and one day old. In 2011, Bayne was making just his second career NASCAR Cup Series start in the No. 21 car for Wood Brothers Racing. On the final restart in NASCAR overtime, Bayne was deemed the race leader with Tony Stewart on his outside and Mark Martin and Kurt Busch looming behind him. The newly minted 20-year-old driver held off the entire field on the green-white-checkered finish to pull off one of the biggest upsets in the history of the “Great American Race.”

DAYTONA 500 QUALIFYING: To kick off the week in Daytona, the entire NASCAR Cup Series field will qualify on Wednesday night to set the front row for the DAYTONA 500. The top-two qualifying times from the session will determine who sits on the pole and outside pole for the “Great American Race,” while the rest of the results set the field for Thursday night’s America 250 Florida Duels. In addition, the two fastest lap times from the open cars will secure their spot in the Daytona 500.

DUELING BEFORE THE DAYTONA 500: On Thursday night, the NASCAR Cup Series field will race to set the lineup for the 2026 DAYTONA 500 through the America 250 Florida Duels. The lineup for both duels will be set by their qualifying times on Wednesday. While the front row will have been set for Sunday’s DAYTONA 500, the rest of the field will now compete for a duel win and their starting spot for the race. The winner of the first duel will start third, while the winner of the second will start fourth, with that pattern repeating through the rest of the field. In addition, the final two open cars to make the DAYTONA 500 will be determined by who finishes ahead of the other open cars in their duel.

JOHN HUNTER NEMECHEK
NO. 42 DOLLAR TREE TOYOTA CAMRY XSE
JHN AT DAYTONA: John Hunter Nemechek has six starts at Daytona International Speedway in the NASCAR Cup Series. He earned his highest finish at the track of fifth in last year’s DAYTONA 500. In the NASCAR Xfinity Series, he accumulated six starts at the track during his career, earning three top-10 finishes and a best finish of second in February 2023. Nemechek also has five starts at Daytona in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series with a highest finish of fourth in February 2017.

T-MACK DAYTONA STATS: Sunday afternoon’s race will be crew chief Travis Mack’s 12th NASCAR Cup Series race at Daytona. His first outing came in February 2018 with Kasey Kahne. After a short gap, Mack was back at Daytona in February 2021 with Daniel Suárez, where the duo competed for six total races between 2021 and 2023, with their highest finish being seventh. He returned in the February 2024 DAYTONA 500 with AJ Allmendinger, where the pair finished sixth. Mack followed that up in August 2024 with Shane Van Gisbergen, who finished 35th. His highest finish came with Nemechek in February 2025 when the duo finished fifth after starting 18th. In the NASCAR Xfinity series, Mack has four starts at Daytona with Michael Annett, where the duo took home the race win in their first start together in February 2019 after starting third.

DOUBLE DUTY: Nemechek, a 13-time NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race winner, will return to the Truck Series for a special appearance in the Fresh From Florida 250 at Daytona International Speedway on Friday, Feb. 13. Nemechek will drive the No. 62 DriveValue.com® Toyota Tundra TRD Pro for Halmar Friesen Racing, marking his 150th career start in the series.

TOP OF THE CHARTS AT DAYTONA: Nemechek boasts impressive statistics at Daytona. Among full-time NASCAR Cup Series drivers with more than one DAYTONA 500 start, he holds the highest average finish at 7.67 from his three starts in the race. Looking at his overall performance at Daytona International Speedway, including both the DAYTONA 500 and the summer race each year he has competed in the Cup Series, Nemechek also owns the best average finish among full-time drivers with an 11.0 average over six starts.

NEMECHEK TAKES FLIGHT: Nemechek is set for a once-in-a-lifetime experience as he rides with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds on Thursday, Feb. 12. He will undergo flight gear training that morning in preparation for pulling up to nine Gs, before taking to the sky in an F-16 for a preview ahead of the traditional flyover fans will see on Sunday.

JOHN HUNTER NEMECHEK QUOTE:
“I’m looking forward to Daytona. I’m excited to get going for 2026. I feel like our superspeedway stuff has been really good. I’ve been able to lead laps at Daytona and Talladega over the past couple of years, so I’m definitely looking forward to a strong run to kick off the year. Our DAYTONA 500 finishes have definitely been good over years, so I’m hoping to keep it rolling.”

TRAVIS MACK QUOTE:
“John Hunter has one of the highest average finishes at Daytona, so hopefully we capitalize on that. I think we’ll bring a better car than we had last year, and we had a top-five there. Anything can happen in that race, but I feel really good about our chances going down there to win the race.”

ERIK JONES
NO. 43 ADVENTHEALTH TOYOTA CAMRY XSE
JONES DAYTONA STATS: Erik Jones has 18 starts at Daytona in the NASCAR Cup Series, with nine of those being in the DAYTONA 500. His best DAYTONA 500 finish came in February 2019 when Jones started 28th and finished an impressive third behind runner-up Kyle Busch and race winner Denny Hamlin, both his teammates at the time. In total at Daytona, he’s earned one win, three top-five, and five top-10s at Daytona, this includes his fifth-place result last August. Jones has an additional seven starts outside of the Cup Series at Daytona – six in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and one in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. In the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, he earned a best finish of eighth in July 2015. He finished second in his one and only Craftsman Truck Series start in February 2015, finishing just 1.73 of a second behind race winner Tyler Reddick.

WINNING AT DAYTONA: While Jones has yet to add his name to the history books with a win in the DAYTONA 500, he is a winner at Daytona. In the July 2018 Coke Zero Sugar 400, Jones was starting 29th in his fourth Daytona NASCAR Cup Series start. He led just one lap – the final and most important lap of the race – to score at win in the summer race.

2025 SPEEDWEEK RECAP: Last year at Daytona Speedweek, Jones started 18th of 22 cars in the second duel on Thursday evening. He skillfully worked the draft to lead a total of 16 laps throughout the 60-lap shootout. On the final lap, Jones was battling for the lead with the No. 2 car of Austin Cindric. An accident on the frontstretch as the field was coming to the checkered flag brought out the caution. While it at first seemed that Jones was the winner, NASCAR determined that Cindric was the leader at the time of the caution. With 2025 behind him, Jones is looking for redemption in the 2026 duels.

ADVENTHEALH AT DAYTONA: Florida-based AdventHealth will once again ride along with Erik Jones on the No. 43 Toyota Camry XSE this week at Daytona. With various activations around the speedway throughout the week at the racetrack, the healthcare company is ready for a busy week in Daytona. Fans can find their display in the fan midway and the medical centers in the fan midway and infield. As the Official Healthcare Partner of Daytona and LEGACY MOTOR CLUB, AdventHealth believes in focusing on the care and well-being of the mind, body, and spirit of all in attendance.

HELPING THE ADVENTHEALTH COMMUNITY: On Friday prior to the DAYTONA 500, Jones and AdventHealth will make a pit stop at STARKE Elementary School in Deland, Fla. During their visit they will hold a special #READwithErik for the students and surprise them with a special gift to continue the mission of igniting a passion for reading in young minds.

ALEXANDER – A DAYTONA 500 CHAMPION: Justin Alexander is not only a Daytona-winning crew chief but a DAYTONA 500 Champion. The accomplished crew chief was making the calls on top of the box for the No. 3 car of Austin Dillon in February 2018, when he was running second behind Aric Almirola as the race was coming to a close. In the end, Alexander kept his driver on course to cross the finish line in first and earn the crew chief his first DAYTONA 500 victory. In total, he’s been on top of the box for 15 NASCAR Cup Series races at Daytona and won twice – the 2018 DAYTONA 500 and the 2022 Coke Zero Sugar 400.

ERIK JONES QUOTE
“I think everybody is always looking forward to the DAYTONA 500. We’re all energized after the off season and ready to get going again. Having the opportunity to run in the DAYTONA 500 each year is pretty neat. I don’t think that ever gets old. I’m excited to get there and get rolling to see where we stack up. Hopefully, I have good speed and we can get Justin (Alexander, crew chief) his second DAYTONA 500 win and my first.”

JUSTIN ALEXANDER QUOTE
“Daytona is always special for me. I’ve been fortunate to win the DAYTONA 500 before, so coming back here is an exciting time, but you also know how unpredictable it can be. Erik’s a really good speedway racer, so our focus is putting him in the best position we can and staying out of trouble. You prepare as much as you can, but ultimately it comes down to communication, execution, and a little bit of luck.”

JIMMIE JOHNSON
NO. 84 CARVANA TOYOTA CAMRY XSE
DAYTONA CV: Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion and LEGACY MOTOR CLUB owner Jimmie Johnson returns to competition for the 68th running of the DAYTONA 500, climbing back into the No. 84 Carvana Toyota Camry XSE for his 23rd career start in the iconic race. A two-time champion of the DAYTONA 500, Johnson earned his first victory in 2006 after starting ninth and leading 24 laps – a defining moment that helped launch his championship career. He repeated the feat in 2013, once again starting ninth and finishing ahead of Dale Earnhardt Jr., then capped that season with a second Daytona win in the July event to complete a rare sweep. Across 41 career starts at the 2.5-mile banks of Daytona, Johnson’s résumé includes three wins, 13 top five finishes, and 17 top 10s, underscoring his enduring impact at one of NASCAR’s most demanding tracks.

LAST TIME OUT: After stepping away from full-time competition, Johnson delivered a standout performance with a third-place finish in the 2025 DAYTONA 500—his best result in the “Great American Race” since his victory in 2013. A two-time DAYTONA 500 winner, Johnson first claimed the iconic race in 2006, a breakthrough moment that launched his run to a first NASCAR Cup Series championship. He returned to Victory Lane again in 2013, a season in which he swept all NASCAR Cup Series events at Daytona International Speedway. Johnson’s third place finish in the DAYTONA 500 is his best finish in the event since 2013 when he won his second.

SPECIAL HELMET: 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 reveal an all-new “Helmet of Heroes” honoring America’s fallen firefighters. A press release with more details will be distributed on Wed., Feb 11 at 8:00am ET.

NEXT UP: During his storied career, Johnson recorded 83 NASCAR Cup Series wins, racing for Hendrick Motorsports in the No. 48, tying him with Cale Yarborough for sixth on the all-time wins list. Over his full-time career (2002–2020), he secured seven championships, 222 top-fives, 341 top-tens, and 35 poles. The DAYTONA 500 will be Johnson’s 701st NASCAR Cup Series start. Another win in the series would tie him with Darrel Waltrip for fifth.

LOCKED INTO THE DAYTONA 500: Although Johnson’s No. 84 Toyota will compete as an unchartered entry in the DAYTONA 500, NASCAR has approved the use of the ‘Open Exemption Provisional’ for the seven-time champion, guaranteeing his place on the starting grid as the 41st car in the field. Introduced ahead of the 2025 season, the provisional ensures Johnson’s entry in the race regardless of his qualifying result or finish in the Duel qualifier event.

JOHNSTON CALLING THE SHOTS: Longtime industry crew chief and LEGACY MOTOR CLUB’s Director of Competition Chad Johnston will be the crew chief of Johnson’s No. 84 team this season. The Indiana native served as the crew chief for Johnson’s two races in 2025 as well.

SPECIAL HELMET FOR FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS: When asked what he might have become if not a racecar driver, Johnson often says he would have been a firefighter. Growing up in El Cajon, a community familiar with the impact of major wildfires, Johnson developed a deep respect for the profession and has long admired the courage and service it represents. This weekend, Johnson is partnering with Pye-Barker Fire & Safety to honor the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. As part of the tribute, LEGACY MOTOR CLUB will host two families who lost their fathers in the line of duty, and Johnson’s DAYTONA 500 helmet will be auctioned following the race to benefit the foundation.

CARVANA IS BACK: For a sixth consecutive season, Jimmie Johnson continues his partnership with Carvana, a relationship built on shared values, trust, and a belief in doing things the right way. What began as a primary NASCAR partnership has evolved into something deeper—one that empowers Johnson to keep chasing the races he dreamed about long before seven championships. With Carvana’s continued support, Johnson is checking off true bucket-list moments across motorsports, from marquee NASCAR events, to hydroplane boats, to off-road and endurance challenges that reconnect him with the roots of why he started racing in the first place. Together, Johnson and Carvana aren’t just experiencing a partnership—they’re honoring a career defined by curiosity, gratitude, and the freedom to keep racing with purpose.

JJ’s RACE SEASON: As announced recently, Johnson will take part in two Cup Series races this season – the DAYTONA 500 and San Diego, as well as a NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series event in San Diego. Johnson also announced he will race in the Mint 400 for Terrible Herbst Motorsports in Las Vegas March 4-8.

MINT 400: In March, Johnson will take on the legendary Mint 400, checking off a true bucket-list challenge in motorsports. Long regarded as one of the most iconic and demanding off-road races in the world, the Mint 400 represents a return to Johnson’s desert-racing roots and his lifelong passion for pushing himself beyond the racetrack. Set against the unforgiving terrain outside Las Vegas, the event blends endurance, toughness, and tradition—qualities that mirror Johnson’s own career and competitive mindset. For Johnson, racing the Mint 400 isn’t just about the result; it’s about honoring the history of the sport, embracing a new challenge, and continuing to write the next chapter of a legacy built on curiosity, courage, and competition. The Mint 400 takes place March 4-8 in Las Vegas.

JIMMIE JOHNSON QUOTE:
“Daytona is special. Last year when the CLUB crossed the finish line in the top-10, it was the first time as a team owner that it sunk in how incredibly proud I was of the men and women who work at LEGACY MOTOR CLUB. I am really looking forward to getting back behind the wheel. It’s been a long off-season and almost nine months since I’ve been behind the wheel of the No. 84 – I’m ready for it.”

CLUB APPEARANCES:
Nemechek, Jones, and Johnson will all appear at the Pit Shop store at Daytona International Speedway to sign their 2026 LIONEL Racing Action Racing Collectable diecast cars. Nemechek will sign first at 11 a.m. local time on Friday, Feb. 13th followed by Jones at 11:30 a.m. local time. On Saturday, Feb. 14th, Johnson will make a pit stop at 10:15 a.m. local time. Fans MUST purchase a diecast to receive an autograph.

Nemechek will sign autographs at the trackside merch hauler for fans on Saturday, Feb. 14th at 12:30 p.m. local time.

Fans can see Jones once again on Saturday, Feb. 14th at the Toyota Merchandise Hauler in the fan midway at 12:40 p.m. local time.

Then on Sunday, Feb. 15th at 10:30 a.m. local time Jones will stop by the AdventHealth display in the fan midway for a Q&A session.

TUNE IN:
Fans can tune in to watch the Duels at Daytona on Thursday, Feb. 12 at 7 p.m. EST on FS1, MAX, MRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Channel 90).

The 68th Running of the DAYTONA 500 will take place on Sunday, Feb. 15 at 2:30 p.m. EST live on FOX, MAX, MRN, 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.

New Alliance and Tenured Backer Heighten Cody Ware’s Confidence in 68th Daytona 500

By
Official Release
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Out Front in August at Daytona, Ware Aims to Stay Hot in February in NASCAR Cup Series Season Opener With New No. 51 Jacob Construction Chevrolet

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (Feb. 9, 2026) – The last time Cody Ware raced at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway, he led four times for 23 laps around the 2.5-mile oval.

In the Aug. 23 Coke Zero Sugar 400 NASCAR Cup Series race, the Rick Ware Racing (RWR) driver scored the third-highest laps-led total, and when he wasn’t leading the 40-car field, Ware was a constant presence among the top-10.

Now back at Daytona six months later for the Daytona 500, Ware expects to pick up where he left off.

“In years past, I took a much more cautious approach to these superspeedway races, but the last handful of times we’ve been to Daytona, I’ve ramped up my aggression level without putting myself in bad spots,” Ware said. “I’ve got the confidence to just race hard, get up front, and stay up front.”

That confidence was on display in the Coke Zero Sugar 400, where despite starting 35th, Ware was leading by lap 39.

“I’ve always enjoyed the superspeedways. They’re one of the great equalizers for the Cup Series,” Ware said. “After what we learned at Daytona the last time we were there, now’s the time to capitalize and not just focus on a good result, but what it’s going to take to win.”

Eyeing his first career Cup Series win, Ware brings a new partnership to Daytona along with a tenured backer that has been with RWR for nearly a decade.

The blue-and-white colors of Jacob Construction are back with RWR for a ninth straight season. The multifaceted, Florida-based construction firm has helped build RWR into the team it is today – one that in addition to fielding an entry in the elite Cup Series, also campaigns winning teams in the Top Fuel class of the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, Progressive American Flat Track (AFT), FIM World Supercross Championship (WSX) and zMAX CARS Tour.

Motorsports fans regularly see an example of Jacob Construction’s work – the Chevrolet Experience located adjacent to Daytona’s victory lane. Built by Jacob Construction, the design of the Chevrolet Experience emulates the familiar appearance of a Chevrolet dealership. During race events, it is home to Chevrolet VIPs. Other times, it is home to an exclusive delivery experience for Chevrolet customers where they can take their new ride for a lap around Daytona.

The Jacob Construction/Chevrolet Experience partnership is an appropriate connection because in 2026, RWR debuts a new partnership with Chevrolet, which includes a technical alliance with Richard Childress Racing (RCR) where RWR will use engines prepared by ECR Engines.

“It’s a new advantage for us to be able to work with Chevrolet,” said Ware, who will drive the No. 51 Jacob Construction Chevrolet Camaro in Sunday’s Daytona 500. “The number of teams Chevrolet has, the success – they’ve won the last three Daytona 500s – and the alliance we have with RCR, it’s all positive for us. I’m looking forward to rolling into Daytona with a Chevy bowtie on my hood and on my firesuit.”

Ware has a lot to look forward to at Daytona. Beyond his front-running drive last August, Daytona is home to Ware’s best career Cup Series finish – fourth in the 2024 Coke Zero Sugar 400.

“Daytona is a place where we know we can have success because we’ve had success in the past,” Ware said. “And with our new alliance with Chevrolet and RCR, and all the effort and hard work that’s been put in over the offseason, we can ramp up our usual aggression in the race. We can see where we’re really at, how we stack up, how our qualifying program is compared to what it was last year. I think it’s going to be a lot different than what we’ve had in the past, and I think we’re going to be able to put our stake in the ground to show people all that we’re trying to accomplish this year.”

The lead up to the Daytona 500 begins Wednesday with a 50-minute practice session at 10 a.m. EST with pole qualifying that evening at 8:15 p.m. Only the top-two positions will be locked into the 68th Daytona 500. The rest of the field will earn their respective starting positions in the Duel – twin 150-mile heat races, the first of which gets underway at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 12 with the second Duel immediately following. Both can be seen live on FS1 and heard on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. The week then culminates with the Daytona 500 at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday with live coverage provided by FOX and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

About Rick Ware Racing:

Rick Ware has been a motorsports mainstay for more than 40 years. It began at age 6 when the third-generation racer began his driving career and has since spanned four wheels and two wheels on both asphalt and dirt. Competing in the SCCA Trans Am Series and other road-racing divisions led Ware to NASCAR in the early 1980s, where he finished third in his NASCAR debut – the 1983 Warner W. Hodgdon 300 NASCAR Grand American race at Riverside (Calif.) International Raceway. In 1995, Rick Ware Racing was formed, and with wife Lisa by his side, Ware transitioned out of the driver’s seat and into fulltime team ownership. He has since built his eponymous organization into an entity that competes full-time in the elite NASCAR Cup Series while simultaneously campaigning winning teams in the Top Fuel class of the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, Progressive American Flat Track (AFT), FIM World Supercross Championship (WSX) and zMAX CARS Tour.

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