Pair of TF Sport Corvettes eager to turn fortune around after WEC qualifying

SAKHIR, Bahrain (November 7, 2025) – TF Sport and its two Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.Rs will look to race their way toward the front Saturday in search of another race win and championship in the FIA World Endurance Championship’s Eight Hours of Bahrain.

Both of the yellow Corvettes missed out on the Hyperpole portion of LMGT3 qualifying Friday. The No. 33 Z06 GT3.R of Ben Keating, Jonny Edgar and Daniel Juncadella – winners to start the season in Qatar – is the highest-starting of the two Corvettes and will start 11th in the 18-car class.

Keating missed advancing into Hyperpole for the 10 fastest qualifier by an eyelash – 0.021 seconds around the 3.363-mile, 15-turn Bahrain International Circuit. Both Corvettes – as did the entire field – struggled with tire life and grip on the abrasive Bahrain circuit. The six fastest qualifiers and eight of the top-10 in Q1 were in front-engine racecars that had a slight advantage on front-end grip and handling.

Tom Van Rompuy in the No. 81 Corvette was 14th in class as he and teammates Charlie Eastwood and Rui Andrade eye the fight for the LMGT3 championship.

The trio arrived at Bahrain third in points – one spot ahead of the No. 33 TF Sport Corvette – and needs at least a second-place finish and some luck to claim the class title.

Eastwood, Andrade and Van Rompuy won the most recent WEC race at Fuji in September and have finished on the podium in three of the last four races dating back to the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

There is continued hope in the TF Sport garage as both the Corvettes finished on the class podium a year ago at Bahrain.

The Eight Hours of Bahrain is scheduled for 2 p.m. AST / 6 a.m. ET Saturday. Live streaming will be available on the FIA WEC app and the MAX app in the United States.

TF SPORT POST-QUALIFYING QUOTES

DANIEL JUNCADELLA, NO. 33 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “Thankfully we made a big step forward from FP1 to FP2. FP1 was miserable. I wouldn’t say it was the tire or the track or the car; it was a combination of everything. We made a lot of changes for FP2 on the setup and they were all great. I was very happy with that session. In terms of the race, everyone is going to suffer during the day and in the first couple of hours. As it gets dark and a bit colder, everything will feel nicer and I think we should be good.”

(Opening of the race) “Ben will probably have the hardest bit. Ultimately I think the race will be decided at the end. But it depends. Last year there were some interventions toward the end of the race to make it a bit of a sprint to the finish. This is a track that with the conditions and runoffs that there could not be many interventions. Then the first stints will be very important. Ben is an endurance beast. Even though he may have the toughest job in the heat, he will go through it. He’s very good.”

BEN KEATING, NO. 33 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “From my standpoint, given the fact that we can no longer win the championship or if I had been in the previous situation, there’s nothing else to play for. It’s all or nothing and we’re racing for a win because that’s what we need to get second or third in the championship. The 27 Aston Martin is only a few points behind, and the front-engine cars have been super-fast all weekend. The series has been nice to them based on previous history with the medium tire. This hard tire is just different. In previous years, the front-engine cars burned through the front-mediums because there was too much weight up there. Now the hard tire withstands that weight. They can do a better fast lap and when everyone’s tires fall off, they’re still quick.

“We know we have a really good driver lineup and a really good car. It will take some luck for sure. I do expect us to take some risks… maybe not do what we should do and gamble to get lucky for a win. There are lots of ways you can gamble and be really well-positioned if you have a safety car. There are lots of other ways where you can gamble big and be really well-positioned if you don’t have a safety car. You have to choose one or the other. That’s what all the smart guys back in the garage are figuring out.”

CHARLIE EASTWOOD, NO. 81 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “The hard thing about tracks like this is that you have to adapt a lot. Many of the Bronze guys have spent so much of their lives being told certain ways to brake, to turn and accelerate. That changes from the first lap to the fifth lap to the 20th lap. That’s where we’re in a good place. Tom (Van Rompuy) and Ben (Keating) are very experienced racing drivers and have been doing it probably longer than I have. They’ve been in scenarios like this before whereas there may be some fast Silvers and Bronzes who might can nail a maximum lap where here it’s about keeping calm, staying under the limit and trying not to slip the tire so you’ve got that extra life at the end of a double-stint.”

TOM VAN ROMPUY, NO. 81 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “We tried something that we thought would help us during the race, especially when it got a bit fresher. Obviously it wasn’t that much of a good choice. Maybe it will be in the race but on one lap we seem to be missing something. On my side, not the best run I’ve ever had. Hopefully we have a really good racecar and can climb a few positions in the race.”

(On the championship) “Obviously we are going to fight to win it. This will be a tough mission but we never give up. Let’s see. It’s an eight-hour race and if we can keep it clean then I think we might have a chance. You never know on the strategy or if we can have bit of luck on our side.

“Since Le Mans we have taken a really strong jump by finishing on the podium in almost every race and winning in Fuji, which got us to third in the championship. With that success we’re carrying a bit of weight for this last race. The good thing is that the contenders around us are on similar weights. I’m curious to see what that brings. We never give up and we’ll fight to the line.”

(Building momentum throughout the season) “The potential has always been in the car and in the team. Last year we had some hiccups and the reliability wasn’t always on point… just some small things. We’ve all made a really good step there, so that’s No. 1. There also has been really good execution as well from the team and the drivers. From the driver side, we don’t take penalties and doing everything the team asks at the point it’s needed. Also really good execution by the team on the pitstops and strategy. It is a mix of all these things together which put us in the position we are in this weekend.”

CORVETTE RACING AT BAHRAIN: By the Numbers

• 1: One manufacturer, one brand and one race program for 26-plus years – Chevrolet, Corvett and Corvette Racing
• 1: Championships this year already for TF Sport – the LMGT3 Drivers and Teams titles in the European Le Mans Series
• 2: Podium finishes for TF Sport at Bahrain last year to close the first season for the Corvette Z06 GT3.R
• 2: FIA WEC victories for TF Sport this year Qatar for Dani Juncadella/Jonny Edgar/Ben Keating and Fuji for Charlie Eastwood/Rui Andrade/Tom Van Rompuy
• 4: Number of Corvettes for the upcoming Asian Le Mans Series – two for TF Sport and two for Johor Motorsports Racing
• 4: Number of Corvettes set for the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2026 with a potential fifth in one of the Z06 GT3.R teams wins the ALMS championship
• 8: Hours difference between Manama, Bahrain and Detroit in the Eastern Time Zone
• 15: Manufacturer Championships for Chevrolet and Corvette Racing since 2001
• 17: Wins this year for the Corvette Z06 GT3.R across six different series. Three have come via TF Sport across the FIA WEC and ELMS
• 33: Tracks at which Corvette Racing has won races – Baltimore, Charlotte Motor Speedway, COTA, Canadian Tire Motorsport Park/Mosport, Chang International Circuit (Thailand), Daytona, Detroit, Fuji, Houston, Imola, Indianapolis, Laguna Seca, Le Mans, Lime Rock, Long Beach, Lusail International Circuit (Qatar), Sepang International Circuit (Malaysia), Miami, Mid-Ohio, Monza, Portimão, Portland, Road America, Road Atlanta, Sebring, Sonoma, St. Petersburg, Texas, Trois Rivieres, Utah, VIR, Washington DC and Watkins Glen
• 40: Number of drivers to win races in Corvette Racing entries since 1999. The latest to join the list was Tom Van Rompuy at Fuji in September
• 72: Years since Corvette was introduced to the world on Jan. 17, 1953 in New York City. A total of 300 cars were produced that year
• 74: Number of drivers in Corvette Racing entries since 1999. The latest to join the list was Adam Ali for Steller Motorsport in International GT Open at Barcelona
• 154: Victories worldwide for Corvette Racing – 118 in IMSA, nine at Le Mans, five in the FIA WEC, 13 in GT World Challenge America, three in GT World Challenge Asia and GT America and two in the European Le Mans Series
• 356: Event starts by Corvette Racing since 1999
• 459,117.65: Total number of racing miles completed by Corvette Racing since its inception. To put that in perspective, Corvette Racing is more than halfway to the distance traveled by Apollo 13 – the longest manned spaceflight in history: 622,268 miles. That means Corvette Racing has raced to the moon and more than halfway back!

Corvette Racing at Bahrain

2022 – No. 64 Corvette C8.R: Tommy Milner/Nick Tandy – 2nd in GTE Pro

2023 – No. 33 Corvette C8.R: Nicky Catsburg/Ben Keating/Nico Varrone – 7th in GTE Am

2024 – No. 81 Corvette Z06 GT3.R: Charlie Eastwood/Rui Andrade/Tom Van Rompuy – 2nd in LMGT3

No. 81 Corvette Z06 GT3.R: Daniel Juncadella/Sebastien Baud/Hiroshi Koizumi – 3rd in LMGT3

Team Chevy high-resolution racing photos are available for editorial use.

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.

• Rico Abreu (World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series), Hudson O’Neal (World of Outlaws Real American Beer Late Models) and Matt Sheppard (Super DIRTcar Series Big-Block Modifieds) raced to Victory Lane during night two of the World of Outlaws World Finals at The Dirt Track at Charlotte
• The dirt-slinging drama continues Friday as the stage sets for Saturday’s championship-deciding finales. Tickets are still available at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com or can be purchased at the gate

CONCORD, N.C., (Nov. 6, 2025) – Championship battles intensified Thursday in the first of three consecutive nights of white-knuckled racing as the season-ending World of Outlaws World Finals took over The Dirt Track at Charlotte. As the greatest show on dirt brought together the biggest names in dirt racing, it was Rico Abreu (World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series), Hudson O’Neal (World of Outlaws Real American Beer Late Models) and Matt Sheppard (Super DIRTcar Series Big-Block Modifieds) storming to Victory Lane in the first night of features.

O’NEAL STEALS WIN ON FINAL CORNER

O’Neal edged out five-time Outlaw champion Brandon Sheppard on the final corner of Thursday’s 35-lap World of Outlaws Real American Beer Late Model feature to claim his third career Outlaw victory and his first at The Dirt Track at Charlotte.

“I’ve never won here; I’ve never run good here,” the Martinsville, Ind. native said. “It’s awesome to be standing here on the podium… I didn’t really think I had a shot. I seen him catching lap traffic and I seen him trying to stay committed to the middle… I thought the best shot I had was to stay down (low) and maybe he’ll slip up and that’s exactly what happened. Most of the race, I didn’t think I had the car, but I found a little bit. The longer the race went, the better I got.”

Sheppard led 21 of the final 23 circuits, but couldn’t hold off Hudson, who made up 0.8 of a second on the final lap to take the victory by a razor-thin 0.1 second margin.

“I knew I needed to be on the bottom, but all the lap cars were down there. I slipped up,” Sheppard said. “I got to the middle of the corner and I kind of washed out. Congratulations to Hudson. They did good there. Hopefully we can get one spot better tomorrow.”

Drake Troutman’s third place finish locked up his 2025 MD3 Rookie of the Year campaign. Nick Hoffman, from nearby Mooresville, finished fourth, with Chris Madden rounding out the Top 5. Polesitter Brandon Overton finished 10th, while Bobby Pierce’s 12th-place finished was good enough to lock him in as the 2025 series champion.

ABREU RACES TO HIS FIRST WORLD FINALS VICTORY

A chaotic start and a caution-filled race didn’t stop Abreu from powering to his first career victory at The Dirt Track at Charlotte, kicking off World Finals Weekend feature racing.

The 25-lap feature got off to a rocky start with a caution on Lap 1 as Chris Windom, making his Charlotte debut, spun and was forced to the work area. Despite a two-minute repair window, Windom’s team couldn’t get him back on track in time.

The work zone became a very busy place at the start of this race because before the field could even restart, another collision involving Gio Scelzi, Ryan Timms and Cale Thomas brought the yellow flag out once again. Scelzi suffered significant damage to his car and was done for the night, while Thomas headed to the work zone for repairs.

After multiple restarts, Abreu finally got the race rolling from the pole and quickly established control. By Lap 5, he was working through traffic and lapping the back of the field. He stretched his lead over David Gravel, who held steady in second. The top three, Abreu, Gravel and an extremely determined Corey Day, remained consistent through much of the race, even as cautions continued to slow the field.

One of the most notable performances of the night came from Day, who pushed from 21st to third place by Lap 17 and through the finish line. Behind him, Micahel Kofoid clinched fourth, while Parker Price Miller rounded out the Top 5 as the race took the checkered flag.

The final caution of the race came on Lap 23 when Sye Lynch lost a front tire while running 23rd, ending what had been a promising night for the driver who had earlier won his heat race.

On the final restart, Abreu didn’t flinch. He pulled away cleanly to take the win. Gravel finished second, locking up the series championship in the process.

In Victory Lane, Abreu shared what this paramount achievement means to him.

“It’s awesome,” he said. “I just want to win races for my sprint car team and these great partners that believe in our ability.”

For Abreu, this long-awaited breakthrough at The Dirt Track sets the tone for what’s shaping up to be an electric weekend. With two more days of racing to come, fans can expect more monumental trips to victory lane and thrilling, dirt-flying races.

SHEPPARD AVOIDS CHAOS IN THURSDAY TRIUMPH

In a chaos and caution-filled Super DIRTcar Series Big Block Modifieds opening night, Savannah, NY native Matt Sheppard used his knowledge from 40 career starts at the Dirt Track at Charlotte to his advantage to claim a decisive victory over Alex Payne.

Sheppard started the night with speed, winning his Milton Hershey School Heat Race, and never let off the gas after securing his spot in Thursday night’s feature. On the redraw, “Super Matt’s” luck stayed in his favor as he pulled the No. 2 to start on the front row beside “Kid Rocket” Alex Yankowski.

It only took one lap to draw the first caution of the night, opening the door for Sheppard to take the lead as he got the jump on Yankowski and the rest of the pack. Despite seven cautions and plenty of track position shifts behind him, “Super Matt” secured his sixth win at the Dirt Track at Charlotte, earning the title of winningest driver in the Super DIRTcar Big Block Modified Series at the famed four-tenths-mile clay oval.

The win gives Sheppard his fifth victory of the year to be the winningest Big Block driver this season.

“You know we are out of the points battle, but to come down here and win in front of such a huge crowd on such a big venue, this is really special, it really is,” Sheppard said as he soaked in his 103rd career win.

Mat Williamson, who is chasing his third series championship, finished third on the night locking in six points, keeping himself in contention for the Super DIRTcar Big Block Modified Championship title Friday night.

TICKETS:

Friday’s action heats up as drivers battle in Last Chance Showdowns and feature races across all three divisions, fighting to lock into Saturday’s championship-deciding finales. Tickets are available online at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com/tickets or can be purchased at the gate.

KEEP TRACK:

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

• The Blue Oval Takes the Spotlight Next November in the 12th Running of the HSR Classic Daytona 24 Hour Presented by Mission Foods
• Ford Featured Marque Honor Celebrates the 125th Anniversary of Ford’s First Racing Victory and 60 Years Since the First Overall Rolex 24 At Daytona Victory for Ford in 1966 by Ken Miles and Lloyd Ruby in a Ford GT 40 Mk II

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida (November 6, 2025) – Officials from Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) and Ford Racing announced today that Ford will be the Featured Marque of the 12th running of the HSR Daytona Classic 24 Hour presented by Mission Foods at Daytona International Speedway (DIS), November 11 – 15, 2026.

The first HSR Classic event, which debuted at the World Center of Racing in 2014, the HSR Daytona Classic 24 Hour is an annual tribute race to the Rolex 24 At Daytona. Ford has taken home 20 first-place trophies from the Rolex 24, including its first 24-hour victory in 1966 by Ken Miles and Lloyd Ruby in a Ford GT 40 Mk II in the first Daytona race to officially run the 24-hour distance.

The 1966 Daytona 24-hour race victory marks its 60th anniversary next year but will not be Ford’s only major motorsports milestone of note in 2026. The main and year-long celebration, which will be one of the primary focal points of next year’s HSR Daytona Classic 24 Hour, is the incredible 125th Anniversary of Ford’s first race win.

In October 1901, a young Henry Ford stunned the racing world when he piloted his self-built “Sweepstakes” racer to victory at Grosse Pointe Raceway. Defeating Alexander Winton, the most accomplished driver of the era, Ford secured the backing that would lead to the creation of the Ford Motor Company.

2026 marks 125 years since that first victory, and the true beginning of Ford, and the “World Center of Racing” on HSR Classic Daytona 24 weekend is the perfect venue and event to celebrate Ford’s historical impact on motorsports and endurance racing.

Four more overall Rolex 24 victories followed the initial 1966 win in addition to a seemingly unstoppable run of GT-class victories by Jack Roush prepared Mustangs in the 1980s and 1990s.

Today, the next chapter in Ford’s incredible Rolex 24 At Daytona history is being written by the modern-era Mustang GT3 program. Appropriately announced during the 2022 Rolex 24 At Daytona, the Mustang GT3 claimed its first victory in worldwide sports car racing competition at this year’s Rolex 24 At Daytona, the opening round of the 2025 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. Even better, the winning No. 65 entry was joined on the GT Daytona (GTD) Pro podium by its sister No. 64 entry in third place.

Ford has built a powerful reputation as always being a brand to beat on the 3.56-mile DIS road course, and that competitive presence continues and will be celebrated both next year and this weekend at the HSR Classic Daytona 24. The 11th running of the HSR Classic Daytona 24 Hour takes place this weekend, November 5 – 9, 2025.

A frequent HSR competitor is none other than Ford Motor Company CEO Jim Farley, who joined legendary Formula 1 designer, engineer and technical wizard Adrian Newey in Newey’s 1965 No. 5 Ford GT40 Mk I (pictured at bottom) in the 2023 HSR Classic Daytona 24. The power duo finished a close third in Run Group A.

In another one of the 2023 race’s strong performances, an immaculate Ford-powered 1979 No. 35 De Tomaso Pantera, piloted by veteran top-tier sports car driver and Le Mans class winner Ralf Kelleners, took control of Run Group B from the green flag. The decisive victory for the winged, wide-bodied and flame-throwing GT machine was a popular one for the immaculate Pantera that was an instant fan and paddock favorite.

Tickets for this weekend’s 11th HSR Classic Daytona 24 Hour presented by Mission Food are available through Daytona International Speedway at https://am.ticketmaster.com/dis/buy/hsr or at DIS Gate 40 Thursday through Saturday from 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. EST. Sunday hours are 6 a.m. – 12 p.m. EST.

For the HSR Classic Daytona 24 Hour presented by Mission Foods event schedule, competitor entries and additional information, please visit the official HSR Event Page at www.HSRRace.com.

Mark Rushbrook, Global Director, Ford Racing: “Daytona International Speedway has always been a very special place to Ford Racing. So many of our major moments have come at Daytona it seems appropriate to celebrate 125 Years of Ford Racing and the 60th anniversary of our first 24-hour race win at the 2026 HSR Classic Daytona 24 Hour. We are honored to be named the Featured Marque for the 2026 edition of this very special event. This recognition of Ford Racing reflects a culture of winning as America’s Race Team for 125 years. We aren’t just coming to be honored though. Like in everything we do when we compete, we will be looking for victory lane.”

John Doonan, HSR President: “We are honored to showcase Ford as the Featured Marque of the 2026 HSR Classic Daytona 24 Hour presented by Mission Foods. It is the perfect opportunity to celebrate Ford’s incredible first racing win 125 years ago and the 60th anniversary of Ford’s first overall victory in the Rolex 24 At Daytona in 1966. Ford’s incredible history in the Rolex 24 At Daytona is as grand and illustrious as the accomplishments of some of the world’s other great manufacturers in America’s premier 24-hour race. Ford Motor Company’s place in Americana, and at the very foundation of the United States as a national icon, is equaled in stature and achievement by its global success in motorsports. It is our privilege to have the chance to be part of the celebration of these amazing Ford milestones and anniversaries next November at the “World Center of Racing.”

About Ford Racing: Ford Racing, based in Dearborn Michigan, is responsible for all global race programs as well as all Ford Racing road programs such as Mustang GTD and Ford Raptor. Official Ford Racing involvement includes Mustang competition with NASCAR, IMSA, FIA World Endurance Championship, SRO, ADAC Motorsport, Australian Supercars Championship, Formula Drift and NHRA as well as our one-make Mustang Dark Horse R series in the US and Australia. Ford Racing also dominates off-road racing in series such as Ultra4, SCORE-International, FIA Rally-Raid, Finke Desert Race in Australia and Rebelle Rally. Ford Racing will return to the top tier of endurance racing with our WEC Hypercar program in 2027 while competing in Formula 1 with Red Bull Ford Powertrains beginning in 2026. Ford Racing maintains a constantly evolving fleet of electric performance demonstrators to showcase the limits of electrification technology with events such as the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb and Goodwood Festival of Speed. In addition, the organization oversees the development of Ford’s racing engines. For more information regarding Ford racing’s activities, please visit FordRacing.com or follow @FordRacing on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, TikTok, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

About HSR: An International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) property, Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) was formed in the mid-1970s with an event at Road Atlanta. There was one goal then and it remains true today: to celebrate the racing cars from the past. As a “time machine” of sights and sounds, HSR provides a venue for competitors and spectators alike to share in the wonderful history and excitement created by the cars that competed at race tracks around the world. HSR currently sanctions eight vintage and historic racing events at some of the world’s most renowned race tracks, including Daytona International Speedway, Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, Sebring International Raceway and more. The complete schedule and full event information can be found on HSR’s website at www.HSRRace.com. Look for the HSR Channel on YouTube and follow HSR on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/HSRrace/, on Twitter X @HSR_race and on Instagram @HistoricSportscarRacing.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (November 6, 2025) — After earning a solid top-10 finish in the most recent ASA STARS National Tour event at Winchester (Ind.) Speedway, sophomore driver Kyle Steckly and the Rette Jones Racing team look to carry that momentum into this weekend’s season finale — the prestigious All-American 400 presented by Appalachian Sucker Punch — at Nashville (Tenn.) Fairgrounds Speedway.

While the 2025 ASA STARS National Tour season hasn’t unfolded quite as planned, the team continues to focus on the positives — both from recent races and the progress made throughout the year.

Despite encountering their share of misfortune and bad luck this season, the Mooresville, N.C.-based organization has grown even closer — united by perseverance and motivated to work harder, learn from each challenge and continue showcasing their true potential.

“This year definitely hasn’t been easy, but I’m proud of how our team has stayed together and kept pushing,” said Steckly. “Every race we’ve learned something, and our speed at Winchester showed what we’re capable of when things go our way.

“The All-American 400 is one of the biggest races of the year, and we’re going to Nashville determined to finish strong and carry that momentum into the future.”

Steckly, the Canadian hot shoe, returns to “Music City” and one of the most historic short tracks in the South on the heels of a respectable 12th-place finish last fall. While the finish was not an indicator of the team’s performance, he is looking forward to finishing what he started on November 9.

“I’m excited to return to Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway for the All-American 400 after showing a lot of speed with our Port City racecar there last year,” he said. “I think we can return as a contender.”

With another top-10 tallied to the team’s 2025 season total, Steckly believes the performance could not have come at a better time for his Mark Rette-led group, returning to Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway, which has proven to be a strong track for the organization throughout the years.

“I’ve got a positive mindset going into the final race of the ASA STARS National Tour season at Nashville,” added Steckly. “We have built some solid momentum, and I’m looking forward to capitalizing on one of our strongest tracks.”

Confidence plays a crucial role in the racing industry, where the smallest mental edge can make the biggest difference. Steckly acknowledges that belief in both himself and his team has been vital in weathering the ups and downs of the season — and it’s something he plans to lean on as the year comes to a close.

“I’m going into the weekend with confidence and a positive outlook and show everyone what we are capable of with our No. 30 APC Auto Parts Centres Port City Racecar Ford,” Steckly said.

Located just minutes from downtown Nashville, Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway is one of the most historic short tracks in America. The high-banked, half-mile oval has hosted generations of racing legends and remains a cornerstone of Super Late Model competition.

The annual All-American 400 stands as one of the crown jewels of the discipline — a grueling test of endurance, strategy, and precision that attracts top talent from across North America each year.

“The Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway is an absolute blast,” continued Steckly. “From the configuration of the track to the city of Nashville atmosphere, I always love racing there and I’m excited to put on a show and end this ASA STARS National Tour year on a high note.”

While one of the most legendary race tracks can present challenges for its competitors due to its surface, Steckly isn’t worried about the track itself, but rather the stacked field that is expected for the 400-lap race on Sunday.

“I think the most significant challenge will just be the high level of competition this weekend,” admitted Steckly. “But I’m confident in myself, my driving abilities, and the Port City racecar underneath me.

“We will be there and be competitive the whole weekend and hopefully contend for the race win.”

Speaking of the race win, it’s been more than a year since Steckly and his Rette Jones Racing team captured a checkered flag in ASA STARS National Tour competition.

With a significant step in the overall direction of the team’s program in the second half of the season, Steckly believes his team still possesses the ingredients to return to Victory Lane; they just need a complete race to go their way.

“Absolutely, the growth of the Rette Jones Racing team gives me some tremendous confidence for this weekend,” he said. “I know we have a good team, a good car, and a good driver. We have to go out there and put a whole race together.

“I’m confident in every part of the Rette Jones Racing team, and I know we can go and win the race. It will be our team’s complete focus once the hauler arrives and we begin unloading. Together, I know we can do this, and I can’t wait to get the weekend underway.

“That’s why I’m going to the track, and I know we can do it as a team.”

Auto Parts Centres (APC) | Canusa will again be featured on Steckly’s No. 30 Ford Mustang this year in ASA STARS National Tour competition.

APC Auto Parts Centres | Canusa is a family-owned automotive parts business started in 1981 with over 65 branches stretching across Ontario.

APC’s target market is purely trade-based, supplying garages, specialty installers, dealerships, and muffler shops throughout the province.

Auto Parts Centres takes full advantage of the marketing power of motorsports by sponsoring numerous race cars and speedways around the province.

APC is the proud title sponsor in the APC Pro Late Model Touring Series that has been recognized as one of Canada’s top series.

Mark Rette, Steckly’s crew chief and co-owner of Rette Jones Racing, knows how important it is to end the 2025 ASA STARS National Tour season on a high note.

A former ARCA championship-winning crew chief, Rette has watched his young driver and team steadily build confidence and performance throughout the year — capped by a strong top-10 finish at Winchester that has everyone at Rette Jones Racing energized for Nashville.

“We’ve had speed and shown real progress over the last several races, and our finish at Winchester was a great boost for everyone on this team,” said Rette. “The guys have worked extremely hard to put us in a position to compete, and it’s paying off at the right time.

“Nashville is a challenging place, but also one where preparation and execution really matter. I feel like this is another opportunity to show how far this team has come this year.

“If we can stay out of trouble and execute, I believe Kyle and this No. 30 group are capable of a big finish to our 2025 season.”

In addition to back-to-back APC United Late Model Series championships (2023 – 2024), Steckly’s accolades include seven APC United Late Model Series wins, the 2023 Grisdale Triple Crown Champion and Gold Rush 123 winner, along with multiple podium finishes in the NASCAR Canada Series.

The All-American 400 presented by Appalachian Sucker Punch will mark race 12 on the Appalachian Sucker Punch ASA STARS National Tour calendar, drawing an elite field of national champions, short track standouts and rising stars.

With the prestigious race on deck, the team will have two rounds of practice on Friday, November 7 and a final one-hour session on Saturday, November 8, followed by qualifying that evening, launching at 5:00 p.m.

On Sunday, November 9, at 11:30 a.m., fans will have the opportunity to meet their favorite drivers during an on-track autograph session —just ahead of the green flag for the race at 1:00 p.m. CT (2:00 p.m. ET).

Fans unable to attend in person can watch the races live via TrackTV.com, providing full flag-to-flag event coverage.

For more on Kyle Steckly, like him on Facebook (Kyle Steckly Racing) and follow him on Instagram (@kyle_steckly) and X | Twitter (@KyleSteckly).

For more on Rette Jones Racing, please visit RetteJonesRacing.com, like them on Facebook (Rette Jones Racing), or follow them on Instagram (@RetteJones30) and X | Twitter (@RetteJones30).

About Auto Parts Centres (APC) | Canusa:

Auto Parts Centres (APC) | Canusa is a family-owned automotive parts business started in 1981 with over 65 branches stretching across Ontario. APC’s target market is purely trade-based, supplying garages, specialty installers, dealerships, and muffler shops throughout the province.

Auto Parts Centres takes full advantage of the marketing power of motorsports by sponsoring numerous race cars and speedways around the province. APC is the proud title sponsor in the APC Pro Late Model Touring Series that has been recognized as one of Canada’s top series.

About Rette Jones Racing:

Headquartered in Mooresville, North Carolina, Rette Jones Racing (RJR) was founded in 2015 with the mission of building a competitive racing organization grounded in hard work, perseverance, and a racer’s mentality.

Owned by veteran racers Terry Jones and Mark Rette, the team is set to field full-time entries in both the 2025 ASA STARS National Tour and the NASCAR Euro Series.

Additionally, RJR plans to compete in select events across the ARCA Menards Series and NASCAR national series platforms.

Beyond its own racing efforts, Rette Jones Racing provides technical support and setup intelligence through its growing technical alliance partnership program.

LAS VEGAS, NV (November 16, 2025) – Two-time BITNILE Open Wheel Showdown runner-up Bobby Santos kicked off his drive for Saturday’s $50,000 payday by leading Thursday’s practice action at the Bullring at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Santos roared around the .375-mile speedway in the Elliott’s Custom Trailer & Carts Winged Sprints action at 12.054 seconds, averaging 111.99 miles per hour.

Opening practice was led by Kingsburg, Calif.’s Kody Swanson, the defending winner. 2023 winner Aaron Willison of British Columbia, Canada paced the second session.

“It’s tough. I mean a lot of great race cars here. Davey and his crew have put on an unbelievable event. As far as I’m concerned it is the biggest race of the year. Just been working hard to have a good car to get here. Practice went well today. The next two days are more important than today,” Santos said. “Tomorrow’s all about going fast for a couple laps and putting ourselves in position to start up front. Then we will put this thing into race mode Saturday morning.”

The opening session saw wild swings of pace, with JoJo Helberg of Rohnert Park initially unloading several tenths ahead before the rest of the pack grabbed hold of the speedway. Warm 80 degree temperatures presented a challenging surface for the winged machines. British Columbia, Canada’s Jeff Montgomery continued his tradition of strong opening practice day performances as well, ending the night session in fifth.

Colorado’s Kyle Ray dominated both practices for the inaugural Larry Trigueiro Memorial for the Firstline Systems Super Modifieds. Ukiah, California’s Kyle Tellstrom and Las Vegas’ Jaron Giannini split the Klotz Synthetics Modifieds practices. Both sessions saw at least the top-five cars separated by less than a tenth of a second.

Windshield Defense INEX Legends made their debut laps with New York racer and 2025 Young Lions Nationals feature winner Ben Morbadito leading the first session. California Legends stalwart Jeremy Doss paced the night session. 14-year-old Liam Hammond of Denver, Colorado and Indiana’s Chase Bohannon led the INEX Bandolero trials.

BR Motorsports Qualifying Night is on tap for Friday night. Admission gates open at 10:45am followed by final practices for all five divisions. Elliott’s Custom Trailers & Carts Winged Sprint Cars kick off time trials at 1:40pm followed by Klotz Synthetics Modifieds and Windshield Defense Legends in qualifying activities. Opening ceremonies are at 4:35pm followed by a full slate of heat races, C-Mains, and the Firstline Systems Pole Shuffle for Winged Sprints.

Tickets are available via the Las Vegas Motor Speedway website or at the gates. Pit Passes will be sold at the gate and include grandstand access.

Speed Sport TV returns as the Open Wheel Showdown media partner with live coverage of the entire event on Speed Sport 2.

For more information, visit www.OpenWheelShowdown.com

About the Open Wheel Showdown:
The Open Wheel Showdown is the premier pavement open wheel event in the country, attracting top drivers and teams from across the country to compete for record-breaking purses and national attention.