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SLCC Joins as Primary Partner of Garrett Smithley, SS-Greenlight Racing

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Official Release
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Mooresville, North Carolina, Southeastern Line Constructors Chapter Named Primary Sponsor of Garrett Smithley and SS-Green Light Racing for Three NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Events.

The Southeastern Line Constructors Chapter(SLCC NECA) has announced a primary sponsorship partnership with Garrett Smithley and SS-Green Light Racing in collaboration with BRK Racing for three NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series events during the 2026 season.

SLCC NECA will serve as the primary sponsor for the following races:
Atlanta Motor Speedway – Saturday, February 21 at 5:00 PM ET
Bennett Transportation & Logistics 250
Talladega Superspeedway – Saturday, April 25 at 4:00 PM ET
NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Race at Talladega
Atlanta Motor Speedway – Saturday, July 11 at 7:00 PM ET
Focused Health 250

This partnership brings together two industries built on precision, teamwork, and performance. Just as NASCAR teams rely on preparation and execution at the highest level, SLCC contractors operate in demanding environments where safety, coordination, and resilience are critical.

The Southeastern Line Constructors Chapter represents powerline contractors throughout the Southeast who build, maintain, and restore the electrical infrastructure that powers communities across America. Through advocacy, leadership, and workforce development initiatives, SLCC NECA provides a unified voice for the outside electrical construction industry while supporting the next generation of skilled trades professionals.

From race tracks to transmission lines, both industries depend on disciplined crews working together under pressure. When severe weather impacts communities, SLCC contractors respond quickly and safely to restore power. That same commitment to performance and reliability is reflected on the NASCAR stage.

Garrett Smithley driver of the #0 Chevrolet said of the partnership: “I’m very excited to represent SLCC this year. It’s going to be a fun partnership at some great racetracks. Working with a blue-collar organization is perfectly aligned with our team and the sport!”

Through this partnership, SLCC NECA will leverage the national visibility of NASCAR to highlight career opportunities in the outside electrical industry, promote apprenticeship pathways, and showcase the essential work performed by line contractors across the Southeast.

Fans and industry partners can learn more about the Southeastern Line Constructors Chapter and available career opportunities by visiting www.slccneca.org (http://www.slccneca.org/).

Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Roadster: The Ultimate Open-Top Supercar Experience in Dubai

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

In the world of automobiles, certain models inspire genuine admiration and captivate enthusiasts with their performance and presence. The Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Roadster is one of those rare icons – a symbol of power, exclusivity, and uncompromising Italian engineering.

In Dubai, a city known for its skyline of supercars and architectural ambition, the Aventador feels perfectly at home. With one of the largest exotic car rental markets in the world, Dubai offers unparalleled access to elite performance machines. For enthusiasts and visitors alike, the opportunity to rent Lamborghini Aventador Dubai transforms a trip into an unforgettable automotive experience.

Engineering Excellence: The Power of a V12

At the heart of the Lamborghini Aventador SVJ lies a naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 engine producing approximately 770 horsepower in the SVJ Roadster version. This immense power allows the car to accelerate from 0–100 km/h in just 2.9 seconds, and from 0–200 km/h in only 8.8 seconds.

With a top speed exceeding 350 km/h and a braking distance of just 31 meters from 100–0 km/h, the SVJ Roadster delivers extreme performance balanced with advanced stability and control.

Unlike turbocharged engines, the naturally aspirated V12 offers immediate throttle response and a distinctive sound signature – a defining characteristic that makes driving the Aventador as emotional as it is technical.

Advanced Technical Characteristics

The Aventador platform incorporates technologies designed for both track capability and road confidence:

  • All-wheel drive for maximum traction
  • 7-speed ISR (Independent Shifting Rod) transmission for lightning-fast gear changes
  • Carbon fiber monocoque chassis
  • Active magnetorheological suspension
  • Aerodynamic system derived from the SVJ Coupe

The Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Roadster inherits the aerodynamic superiority of the coupe version, including advanced airflow management and a prominent rear wing for enhanced downforce.

These features ensure exceptional handling, high-speed stability, and confidence even during aggressive driving.

Design and Personalization

A single glance at the Aventador SVJ Roadster confirms that it is more than just a car – it is automotive art.

The aggressive body lines, wide wheel arches, sharp LED headlights, and extensive use of exposed carbon fiber create an unmistakable presence. For the Roadster model, designers at Lamborghini’s Centro Stile and the Ad Personam personalization division developed nearly limitless color and trim combinations.

The removable roof panels, engine cover, air vents, windshield frame, and mirror housings are crafted from matte or glossy carbon fiber, reinforcing the car’s lightweight and performance-focused identity.

Inside, luxury meets sport: Alcantara, premium leather, carbon fiber accents, and digital instrumentation create a cockpit designed for both comfort and control.

Why Rent a Lamborghini Aventador in Dubai?

Dubai is one of the few cities where driving a supercar feels natural rather than extraordinary. The city’s wide highways, immaculate road surfaces, and dramatic skyline provide the perfect environment for high-performance vehicles.

The demand to rent Lamborghini Aventador remains consistently strong for several reasons:

  • Experience one of the world’s most iconic V12 supercars
  • Make a powerful impression at special events
  • Elevate weddings, celebrations, and VIP evenings
  • Enjoy open-top driving under Dubai’s clear skies

For visitors searching to rent Lamborghini Aventador in Dubai, the market offers a wide selection of exotic rental companies specializing in supercars. Dubai has become a global hub for luxury mobility, with numerous providers offering flexible rental terms and short-term access to elite vehicles.

Choosing a Lamborghini Aventador for rent allows drivers to combine performance, luxury, and status in one unforgettable experience.

The Appeal of the Aventador SVJ Roadster

The opportunity to rent a Lamborghini Aventador Roadster is especially appealing in Dubai’s year-round warm climate. Open-top driving amplifies the raw sound of the naturally aspirated V12 engine and deepens the connection between driver and machine, transforming every acceleration into a visceral experience.

Whether cruising along Sheikh Zayed Road, gliding through Palm Jumeirah, or arriving in Downtown Dubai against the illuminated skyline, the Aventador SVJ Roadster effortlessly commands attention.

Its bold presence and uncompromising performance align seamlessly with Dubai’s culture of ambition, scale, and excellence – a city where extraordinary vehicles feel perfectly at home.

Dubai: A Global Supercar Rental Capital

Dubai’s luxury rental market stands out globally for its accessibility, scale, and diversity. The city hosts one of the highest concentrations of exotic and high-performance vehicles available for short-term hire anywhere in the world. From limited-production hypercars and V12 flagships to track-focused Lamborghinis and open-top roadsters, the selection often rivals – and sometimes surpasses – private automotive collections.

This highly competitive environment benefits clients directly. Those looking to rent Lamborghini Aventador Dubai can typically choose from multiple configurations, exterior colors, interior trims, and even rare performance variants. Whether the preference is a bold matte finish, exposed carbon fiber detailing, or a vibrant factory specification, Dubai’s rental landscape offers flexibility rarely seen in other global markets.

For many travelers, driving a Lamborghini in Dubai is not simply about transportation – it is about immersing themselves in the supercar lifestyle. Against a backdrop of futuristic skyscrapers, luxury resorts, and wide multi-lane highways, the experience feels authentic rather than staged. In a city built for spectacle, performance, and ambition, the supercar dream becomes part of everyday reality.

Conclusion

The Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Roadster represents the pinnacle of naturally aspirated V12 performance, bold design, and uncompromising Italian craftsmanship. Its technical sophistication, explosive acceleration, and unmistakable styling place it among the most desirable supercars in the world.

For those visiting the UAE, choosing the Aventador is more than selecting a vehicle – it is an opportunity to experience automotive excellence in one of the most dynamic cities on the planet.

Dubai provides the roads, the skyline, and the atmosphere. The Aventador SVJ Roadster delivers the sound, the power, and the emotion.

Together, they create a driving experience that is nothing short of unforgettable.

DIGNITARIES FOR AUTOTRADER 400 AT ECHOPARK SPEEDWAY ANNOUNCED

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Official Release
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HAMPTON, Ga. (Feb. 18, 2026) – As NASCAR visits Atlanta for its second race of the 2026 season, several special guests and dignitaries have roles to play leading up to the start of Sunday’s Autotrader 400.

Here’s the dignitaries and notable guests for the Autotrader 400:

Grand Marshal: On behalf of his father, the late Captain Claude Levinge, and to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, retired naval flight office and aerospace engineer Commander Charles Levinge will say the most famous words in motorsports.

Honorary Pace Car Driver: Leading the NASCAR Cup Series field to the green flag from behind the wheel of the Ford Mustang on Sunday will be Brigadier General Kris Marshall, United States Army National Guard.

Honorary Starter: Cox Automotive Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing and Sales Officer Ken Kraft will wave the green flag to begin the Autotrader 400 on Sunday.

National Anthem Singer: Atlanta’s Operatic Tenor Timothy Miller will perform the Star Spangled Banner during Autotrader 400 pre-race ceremonies Sunday.

Flyover: Punctuating Miller’s performance of the national anthem with a flyover is a C-130 from the 189th Airlift Wing based at Little Rock Air Force Base.

Pre-race entertainment: Country musician Drake Milligan will get fans revved up for the Autotrader 400 with a pre-race concert Sunday at 1 p.m. New for the Autotrader 400, Milligan’s pre-race concert will be held at the Speedway Experience with Cracker Barrel with free stage-front access for all fans attending the race.

Honorary Race Official: Attending the Autotrader 400 as an honorary race official is Michael Waddell, outdoor enthusiast and creator of the “Bone Collector” hunting show.

Tickets and camping accommodations for the Feb. 20-22 Autotrader 400 NASCAR weekend are available at www.EchoParkSpeedway.com.

About the Autotrader 400 weekend:

Atlanta’s spring NASCAR weekend is headlined by the Autotrader 400 on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, with intense superspeedway pack racing that challenges NASCAR’s best and dazzles fans.

The race weekend also features the 12th year of Atlanta’s same-day NASCAR doubleheader on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. The thrills of the Fr8 Racing 208 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race and the Bennett Transportation and Logistics 250 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race all happen in one action-packed day.

More information on the Feb. 20–22, 2026 Autotrader 400 weekend and ticket availability can be found online at EchoParkSpeedway.com.

About EchoPark Speedway:

EchoPark Speedway is a premier entertainment venue located about 30 miles south of Atlanta, Ga.Since 1960, EchoPark Speedway has been a staple of the NASCAR calendar and currently hosts two weekends of racing in the spring and fall each year. When NASCAR isn’t in town, EchoPark Speedway’s versatile facility hosts an assortment of events that attract visitors from near and far, from Monster Jam to the Georgia State Fair and everything in between.

For more information on EchoPark Speedway and to see upcoming events at the facility, visit EchoParkSpeedway.com.

TOYOTA RACING Weekly Preview 02.18.26

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Official Release
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This Week in Motorsports: February 16 – 22, 2026

NASCAR: EchoPark Speedway (Atlanta) – Feb. 20 – 22

PLANO, Texas (Feb. 18, 2026) – NASCAR heads to week two of the 2026 season as all three national series take on EchoPark Speedway for another high-intensity weekend of speedway racing around the 1.5-mile-oval just outside of Atlanta.

NASCAR National Series – NCS/NOAPS/NCTS

Reddick coming off historic victory … With his dramatic last lap pass in the Daytona 500 last Sunday, Tyler Reddick captured his first career win in the “Great American Race” and the fourth for Toyota – its first since his team co-owner Denny Hamlin won in 2020. Reddick’s triumph also gave 23XI Racing its first Daytona 500 win and marked his first visit to victory lane in the Cup Series since his victory at Homestead-Miami Speedway in October 2024.

23XI looks to build on momentum from Daytona … Along with Reddick’s incredible victory, 23XI also had a stellar Daytona 500 across its four entries last Sunday. Bubba Wallace captured a stage win and led 40 laps (a race high), and finished in 10th, while Riley Herbst also captured a top-10 with an eighth-place finish – the best result of his young Cup Series career. Corey Heim, who made his Daytona 500 debut last weekend, led eight laps down the stretch of the race and was in contention for victory as well. The team looks to continue that momentum this weekend in Atlanta with Reddick, Wallace and Herbst on the grid.

Ruggiero pilots No. 19 GR Supra again … For the second consecutive weekend, and second time in his career, Gio Ruggiero will drive the No. 19 Toyota GR Supra for Joe Gibbs Racing in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series at EchoPark Speedway. Ruggiero started 16th last weekend in Daytona and was running a solid race before being caught up in an early-race incident that ended his day after 29 laps. Ruggiero will also once again take on double duty, with two races on Saturday, as he’ll also pilot his full-time No. 17 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro in the Truck Series for TRICON Garage. In Trucks, Ruggiero is coming off a second-place finish at Daytona International Speedway last weekend, his second consecutive runner-up result at the 2.5-mile superspeedway.

Heim returns to Truck Series … For the first time since capturing the championship in Phoenix last November, Heim will pilot a Toyota Tundra TRD Pro in the Truck Series this weekend at his home track, EchoPark Speedway. The Toyota Development Driver is back with TRICON Garage, this time in the No. 1 entry, and will make his 90th career Truck Series start on Saturday. The Marietta, Georgia native has had success at his home track, capturing his first career Truck Series win at EchoPark Speedway in 2022.

Andretti joins Toyota, TRICON Garage … In the first of a multi-race Truck Series schedule in 2026, Adam Andretti will be behind the wheel of the No. 5 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro this weekend in Atlanta. Andretti is slated to make four appearances in the No. 5 this season – this weekend at EchoPark Speedway; St. Petersburg, Florida (Feb. 28); Watkins Glen International (May 8) and San Diego, California (June 19). Andretti is the nephew of Mario Andretti and the cousin of Michael Andretti and John Andretti. He has competed in the ARCA Menards Series and the NASCAR Canada Series, as well as captured multiple victories in Trans-Am racing.

About Toyota

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

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

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

RFK Racing Advance – EchoPark Speedway

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Official Release
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EchoPark Speedway Event Info:
Date: Sunday, Feb. 22
Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
Series: NASCAR Cup Series (NCS)
Location: Hampton, Georgia
Format: 260 Laps, Stages ends: L60, L160 & L260
TV: FOX
Radio: PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Channel 90)

Weekend Schedule:
Saturday: 11 a.m. ET, Qualifying (FS1, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
Sunday: 3 p.m. ET, Race (FOX, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)

Pace Laps:

  • EchoPark Speedway hosts race No. 2 on the NASCAR Cup Series season this weekend, marking two-straight speedway races to kick off the 2026 campaign.
  • Jack Roush has 13 wins all-time at EchoPark Speedway including six in the NASCAR Cup Series.
  • All three RFK Racing teams led laps in the most recent EchoPark Speedway race.
  • Brad Keselowski led 46 laps and finished second in the most recent EchoPark Speedway race.
  • Chris Buescher led 15 laps and finished ninth in the most recent EchoPark Speedway race.
  • Ryan Preece led 3 laps and finished 15th in the most recent EchoPark Speedway race.

6 Team Info: 
Driver: Brad Keselowski 
Crew Chief: Jeremy Bullins  
Partner: BuildSubmarines.com

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

60 Team Info: 
Driver: Ryan Preece  
Crew Chief: Derrick Finley 
Partner: Kroger / Red Baron

Keselowski at EchoPark Speedway
Starts: 22
Wins: 2 (2017, 2019)
Top-10s: 12
Poles: —

  • Keselowski comes into race two of 2026 fresh off a strong 5th place Daytona 500 finish, in a race where he made a valiant return from a debilitating leg injury (broken femur).
  • Keselowski makes his 23rd Cup start at EchoPark Speedway this weekend where he is a two-time winner with an average finish of 15.6.
  • Keselowski won at the spring race in 2017 after starting fifth, and won again in 2019.
  • Overall, he’s led laps in 12 different EchoPark Speedway races and finished in the top 10, 12 times.
  • He carries an average starting position of 14.8 into the weekend with a career-best effort of P2 in 2014. Overall, he has eight top-10 starts, including a P4 starting spot in the spring of 2022.
  • He also has eight Xfinity Series starts with six top-10s including two P2 finishes. In the Truck series, he’s made four career starts.

Buescher at EchoPark Speedway
Starts: 15
Wins: —
Top-10s: 5
Poles: —

  • Buescher rides the momentum of a seventh place Daytona 500 finish into this weekend.
  • Buescher makes his 16th Cup start at EchoPark Speedway where he has posted five top-10s and a best finish of seventh (twice – 2021, 2022). He also finished ninth in 2019, 2024 and 2025.
  • Buescher has an average qualifying position of 16.9 and has qualified in the top 10 in each of the last three spring EchoPark Speedway races.

Preece at EchoPark Speedway
Starts: 10
Wins: —
Top-10s: —
Poles: —

  • Preece continues to show strength. Since February 4th he has won the Cook Out Clash, won a modified race at New Smyrna Speedway and led 38 laps in his Daytona Duel Race.
  • Preece makes his 11th Cup start at EchoPark Speedway where he has best finish of 15th in the fall last season.
  • He holds an average starting position of 20.5, including a fifth-place start last season.

RFK Historically at EchoPark Speedway
Cup Wins: 6 (Mark Martin, 1991, 1994; Kurt Busch, 2002; Carl Edwards, 2005 (Spring), 2005 (Fall) & 2008)

  • RFK at EchoPark Speedway: RFK has 288 starts at EchoPark Speedway in NASCAR’s three major touring series totaling 13 wins, 61 top fives, 117 top-10s and nine poles while leading more than 3,300 laps and turning over 111,000 miles.
  • EchoPark Speedway/RFK History: RFK competed in its first NASCAR event at AMS on March 20, 1988, finishing 31st after getting involved in an early crash. Just three years later the organization claimed its first win there in the fall of ‘91 with the No. 6 Ford. RFK won its first of seven NXS races at the track in the spring of ’97. The team’s top outing at AMS came in the fall of 2005, when the organization placed four cars inside the top seven, with three cars finishing in the top five including race winner Carl Edwards. Altogether, in the two races at AMS in 2005, RFK posted six top-five finishes and two wins.
  • Spring Forward: All but one of RFK’s Cup wins at AMS came in the fall, with the only spring win coming in 2005. Three of RFK’s seven NXS wins came in the fall.

RFK EchoPark Speedway Wins

1991-2 Martin Cup

1994-2 Martin Cup

1997-1 Martin NXS

1998-2 Martin NXS

2000-1 Martin NXS

2002-2 Busch Cup

2005-1 Edwards Cup

2005-1 Edwards NXS

2005-2 Edwards Cup

2008-1 Kenseth NXS

2008-2 Edwards Cup

2011 Edwards NXS

2012 Stenhouse NXS

Last Time Out & Where They Stand
Daytona: The Daytona 500 delivered a strong opening statement for RFK Racing, highlighted by Brad Keselowski’s inspiring return and two RFK Racing top-10 finishes in NASCAR’s biggest race. Just weeks removed from a broken femur, Keselowski drove to a fifth place finish. He surged to the front multiple times and narrowly missed a shot at victory in a chaotic final-lap scramble. Chris Buescher rallied from the rear in a backup car, led laps, and finished seventh. Ryan Preece showcased race-winning speed all week, including leading 38 laps in his Duel qualifying race. He carried that pace into Sunday’s 500, raced inside the top five late, and was firmly in contention before late-race damage affected his finishing position.

Points Standings:

Brad Keselowski: 6th
Chris Buescher: 7th
Ryan Preece: 24th

ELITE MOTORSPORTS PARTNERS WITH HBOT4HEROES

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Official Release
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WYNNEWOOD, Okla. (Feb. 18, 2026) – Elite Motorsports is proud to announce a partnership with HBOT4Heroes, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) to veterans and first responders suffering from traumatic brain injuries (TBI), post‑traumatic stress (PTSD), and other invisible wounds of service. 

“HBOT4Heroes is doing life‑changing work, and we’re honored to help amplify their mission,” said Richard Freeman, Owner and President of Elite Motorsports. “The NHRA community includes countless veterans and first responders. Supporting an organization that is actively saving lives is something we’re proud to stand behind.”

HBOT4Heroes provides access to HBOT, an evidence‑supported therapy that delivers oxygen in a pressurized environment to help stimulate cellular repair, improve blood flow and reduce symptoms associated with TBI and PTSD. HBOT4Heroes’ mission is rooted in a critical and urgent reality: an estimated 44 veterans die by suicide each day — a number far higher than the traditional cited 17-22 per day —  and a driving force behind the organization’s work to expand access to care.

“Every day, we meet veterans and first responders who have been told their symptoms are permanent or that they’ve run out of options,” said Travis Burt, ambassador for HBOT4Heroes. 

“Our mission at HBOT4Heroes is to make sure no hero is left behind. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is restoring lives, restoring families, and giving people hope again. Partnering with Elite Motorsports helps us reach more of the men and women who desperately need this care.” 

Through this partnership, Elite Motorsports will welcome HBOT4Heroes’ guests, including veterans, first responders, and supporters, into the team’s hospitality areas at select NHRA national events during the 2026 season. These race‑day experiences offer a meaningful opportunity for recognition, connection, and community support. HBOT4Heroes’ first NHRA experience will be at the season-opening Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway, March 6-8 in Florida. 

About HBOT4Heroes:

HBOT4Heroes is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to helping veterans and first responders recover from traumatic brain injury (TBI), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other service-related conditions through access to Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT). By improving oxygen delivery to injured brain tissue, HBOT supports neuroplasticity, reduces inflammation, and promotes healing at the cellular level. Headquartered in Durham, North Carolina, HBOT4Heroes works to remove financial barriers to care, expand awareness of innovative treatment options, and restore hope to those who have sacrificed for our nation.

Learn more at www.hbot4heroes.org.

1-800-PACK-RAT Partners with Richard Childress Racing; Becomes Official Moving and Storage Partner of RCR

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Official Release
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Leaders in the Portable Storage and Moving Industry Kick Off Primary Race Schedule with Sponsorship of the No. 21 1-800-PACK-RAT Chevrolet and Driver Austin Hill at Las Vegas Motor Speedway

WELCOME, N.C. (February 18, 2026) – 1-800-PACK-RAT, LLC, the award-winning portable storage and moving company that makes moving and storage simple, has partnered with Richard Childress Racing for a multi-race, multi-series partnership.

As part of the partnership, 1-800-PACK-RAT will be a multi-race primary sponsor in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series (NOAPS) with Austin Hill and the No. 21 1-800-PACK-RAT Chevrolet, and a full-season associate sponsor of the No. 8 Chevrolet driven by Kyle Busch in the NASCAR Cup Series. 1-800-PACK-RAT will also sponsor defending NOAPS champion Jesse Love when he races the No. 33 1-800-PACK-RAT Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series at Talladega Superspeedway on April 26.

“At 1-800-PACK-RAT, we’re dedicated to delivering reliable, high-performance moving and storage solutions backed by precision, planning and exceptional service,” said James Burati, chief sales officer for 1-800-PACK-RAT. “Partnering with Richard Childress Racing aligns our brand with an iconic organization built on performance, integrity, and teamwork. Their legacy and commitment to doing things the right way reflect how we show up for our customers every day, and we’re proud to be a part of their journey.”

1-800-PACK-RAT makes moving and storage simple by providing customers with all-steel portable storage containers for local and long-distance moves, as well as convenient on- or off-site storage. The company has called North Carolina home since 2003, when its first locations opened in the state, and has grown significantly over the past two decades.

Now with more than 85 locations across the USA, and a growing network of containers and trucks, 1-800-PACK-RAT offers flexible solutions that can get customers anywhere they need to go. Their secure, all-steel containers make moving and storing belongings simple, convenient, and reliable for both residential and commercial customers. As a trusted partner to households, businesses, and major brands, 1-800-PACK-RAT continues to lead the industry with innovative service, customer-focused technology, and a commitment to providing the highest-quality moving and storage solutions.

“We’re proud to officially welcome 1-800-PACK-RAT to Richard Childress Racing and introduce their moving and storage solutions to our fans through on-track branding, content creation and unique marketing activations,” said Mike Verlander, president of RCR. “Together, we share a culture built on trust and providing the highest quality of service in our respective industries.”

For more information, please visit rcrracing.com.

1-800-PACK-RAT, LLC, is the portable storage and moving company that makes moving and storage simple. With numerous storage facilities across the USA and a growing network of containers and trucks, they can get you anywhere you need to go. 1-800-PACK-RAT has a strong history of growth year after year. Each year welcomes new market locations, increased assets, and new technologies to make storage and moving easier for their customers! The company also has several divisions, each with its own focus and expertise. For more information, visit www.1800packrat.com.

Richard Childress Racing is a renowned, performance-driven racing, marketing and manufacturing organization. Incorporated in 1969, RCR has celebrated over 50 years of racing and earned more than 200 victories and 17 championships, including six in the NASCAR Cup Series with the legendary Dale Earnhardt. RCR was the first organization to win championships in the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and NASCAR Truck Series and is a three-time winner of the Daytona 500 (1998, 2007, 2018). Its 2026 NASCAR Cup Series lineup includes two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch (No. 8 Chevrolet) and 2017 Coca-Cola 600 winner and 2018 Daytona 500 champion Austin Dillon (No. 3 Chevrolet). RCR fields a full-time NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series program with defending Series champion Jesse Love (No. 2 Chevrolet) and 2023 regular season champion Austin Hill (No. 21 Chevrolet).

JR Motorsports — NCS & NOAPS EchoPark Speedway Preview

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Official Release
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JR Motorsports O’Reilly Auto Parts Team Preview
TRACK – EchoPark Speedway (1.54-mile speedway)
NOAPS RACE – Bennett Transportation & Logistics 250 (163 laps / 251.02 miles)
TUNE IN – CW, PRN, SiriusXM Channel 90 at 5:00 p.m. (ET)

Carson Kvapil

No. 1 – Arby’s Chevrolet

Kvapil 2026 NOAPS Stats

Starts: 1

Wins: 0

Top 5s: 0

Top 10s: 1

Laps Led: 0

Avg. Finish: 7

Points: 3rd

Carson Kvapil will make his third career start at Atlanta in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series this weekend.

Kvapil finished runner-up the last time the NOAPS visited Atlanta last June.

On tracks 1-2 miles in length, the Mooresville, N.C. native has made 21 starts, accumulating four top-fives and seven top-10s.

This weekend will mark Arby’s first primary sponsorship with Kvapil and JR Motorsports for the 2026 NOAPS season.

Kvapil came home with a solid seventh-place finish last weekend in the season-opener event at Daytona International Speedway.

Carson Kvapil

“This No.1 Arby’s team gave me a fast car last weekend in Daytona and I hope we can continue that momentum into Atlanta this weekend. I have had success at Atlanta in the past, finishing runner-up last June. I am confident Rodney (Childers, crew chief) and this team will provide a fast Arby’s Chevrolet when we hit the tack on Friday.”

Justin Allgaier

No. 7 Registix Chevrolet

Allgaier 2026 NOAPS Stats

Starts: 1

Wins: 0

Top 5s: 1

Top 10s: 1

Laps Led: 0

Avg. Finish: 2

Points: 2nd

Justin Allgaier is a former NOAPS winner at Atlanta, taking the checkered flag on the old configuration in the spring of 2021 after leading 47 laps.

Overall, in 20 career starts at Atlanta across both configurations, Allgaier has amassed four top-fives and 10 top-10s to accompany the 2021 victory.

In eight starts on the new drafting-style configuration dating back to 2022, Allgaier has earned a best finish of second, coming in this event last year.

The Illinois native kicked off the 2026 season on a strong note last weekend at Daytona, running up front throughout the night and taking the checkered flag in the second position.

Justin Allgaier

“Atlanta has become such a unique challenge. With it being much more like Daytona and Talladega, you really have to be on your toes throughout the race to make sure you are there at the end. We started the year off strong last weekend in Daytona, and I know that Andrew (Overstreet, crew chief) and all the guys on this Registix team will give me another great car again this weekend that can hopefully get us that one spot better when the checkered flag falls Saturday night.”

Sammy Smith

No. 8 Pilot Chevrolet

Smith 2026 NOAPS Stats

Starts: 1

Wins: 0

Top 5s: 1

Top 10s: 1

Laps Led: 1

Avg. Finish: 5

Points: 5th

After a top-five finish last Saturday at Daytona, Sammy Smith heads to Atlanta this Saturday for the seventh time in his NOAPS career.

Smith qualified for the pole position his first time at Atlanta in 2023 and then, in six starts has tallied one top-five and four top-10 finishes.

In Smith’s 48 starts on tracks 1-2 miles in length, he has two wins, eight top-fives and 23 top-10s.

Pilot will share the TV panel this weekend with B.A.H. Express, a transportation company founded in 1990. The family-run business is headquartered in Atlanta with additional terminals in Tennessee and Louisiana.

Sammy Smith

“Cory (Shea, crew chief) made great calls and this No. 8 Pilot team gave me a fast Chevrolet last week at Daytona and even after getting caught up in a wreck, they did a great repair job that kept us competitive, even fighting for the lead. I’m looking forward to continuing that in Atlanta this weekend.”

Rajah Caruth

No. 88 HENDRICKCARS.COM Chevrolet

Caruth 2026 NOAPS Stats

Starts: 1

Wins: 0

Top 5s: 0

Top 10s: 1

Laps Led: 1

Avg. Finish: 10

Points: 8th

Rajah Caruth continues his NASCAR O’Reilly Series campaign at Atlanta, looking to build momentum early in the 2026 season following a top-10 finish last week at Daytona.

Caruth enters Atlanta with valuable drafting experience at the reconfigured 1.54-mile superspeedway-style layout, a track that rewards precision, patience, and smart positioning throughout the race.

In the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series at Atlanta, Caruth has made two starts, highlighted by a best finish of eighth.

Last week’s 10th-place finish at Daytona marked a career best for Caruth in the O’Reilly Series in 23 starts.

Rajah Caruth

“Atlanta races a lot like Daytona now, so the focus doesn’t really change — it’s about staying disciplined and putting yourself in the right spots all day. We learned a lot as a team at Daytona, and I’m proud of the effort from everyone at HENDRICKCARS.COM, JR Motorsports, and the No. 88 group. Now it’s about keeping that momentum going. If we stay aggressive when we need to be, protect our track position, and execute on pit road, we can put ourselves in contention again. That’s the goal every week.”

JRM Team Updates

JR Motorsports at EchoPark Speedway: JR Motorsports has competed at EchoPark Speedway a combined 79 times in the NOAPS. In those starts at the 1.54-mile speedway, the organization has recorded four wins, 22 top-fives and 45 top-10s. The average finish is 12.8.

Souvenir Rig: JRM drivers Carson Kvapil, Justin Allgaier, Sammy Smith and Rajah Caruth will be signing autographs at the JR Motorsports /

HMS WB + AB souvenir rig on Saturday, Feb. 21 from 12:45 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. ET.

Earl Bamber Returns to Mazda MX-5 Cup Competition at Grand Prix of St. Petersburg

By
Official Release
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ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (February 18, 2026) – After making his Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin debut at Martinsville Speedway last October, Earl Bamber (No. 21 Hendricks Motorsports) has returned for another crack at the series. The two-time 24 Hours of Le Mans winner will rejoin Hendricks Motorsports for Rounds Three and Four at the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg street course.

Bamber checked off racing on an oval from his bucket list last year, now it’s time to check ‘race Grand Prix of St. Petersburg’ off the list, and he’s going to do it with Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup once again.

“I’m really looking forward to getting back into the Mazda field and into the car,” Bamber said. “I had a great time at Martinsville and it’s such a welcoming paddock. I’m looking forward to Saint Pete. It’s a track I’ve never been at, but I’m looking forward to the challenge of street racing one of these machines.”

A decorated sportscar veteran, Bamber has won an FIA World Endurance Championship and an IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. He won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in his first try, in 2015, and backed it up with another win in 2017. He won the 24 Hours of the Nürburgring in 2023 and the 12 Hours of Sebring in 2022. Most recently he finished runner-up in the Rolex 24 at Daytona with the No. 31 Whelen Action Express Cadillac team.

Bamber is no stranger to street courses, having won the IMSA GTLM class at Long Beach in 2019. In 2022, he finished on the DPi podium at both Long Beach and Detroit. Making the podium at St. Pete amongst a talented MX-5 Cup grid will be a much tougher task for the Kiwi.

One of his rivals is his WEC teammate, Sebastien Bourdais (No. 38 McCumbee McAleer Racing), who is making his MX-5 Cup debut at St. Pete as a fundraiser for the Karts4Kids charity.

Bamber and Bourdais will only have one practice session at St. Pete before qualifying on Friday, February 27. Race 1 is scheduled for 7:30am ET on Saturday, February 28. Race 2 goes green at 4:00pm ET on Sunday, March 1. Both races will be live streamed on the RACER and IMSA YouTube channels.

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

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

Malukas Opens Penske Tenureby Leading First Day of Phoenix Open Test

By
Official Release
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AVONDALE, Arizona (Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026) – That was quite an entrance from David Malukas.

Malukas led the first day of the Unser INDYCAR Open Test at Phoenix Raceway on Tuesday, his first official NTT INDYCAR SERIES test session since joining Team Penske after the 2025 season. Malukas was fastest on the 1-mile desert oval with a lap of 172.605 mph in the No. 12 Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet.

“It feels good to be P1, but at the end of the day, we just ran through our test items,” Malukas said. “From that perspective, that’s what truly matters, and everything went very well. We’ve learned so many different things. Everything felt very clear. We got a lot of answers.”

Chicago-area native Malukas, 24, joined Team Penske after four seasons with three teams, including AJ Foyt Racing in 2025. His pace on short ovals shouldn’t come as a surprise, though, as two of his three career podium finishes have come on the 1.25-mile World Wide Technology Raceway oval near St. Louis.

Malukas paced a 1-2 result for Team Penske on the opening day of the two-day test at Phoenix Raceway as the winningest team in INDYCAR SERIES history looks to rebound from a sub-par 2025 season. Two-time series champion Josef Newgarden was second overall among 25 drivers on track at 172.201 in the No. 2 XPEL Team Penske Chevrolet.

2018 series champion Will Power, who Malukas replaced at Team Penske, was third at 171.706 in the No. 26 TWG AI Honda as he begins his tenure at Andretti Global after 16 full-time seasons with the Penske team. Power’s teammate Kyle Kirkwood was fourth at 171.423 in the No. 27 Siemens Honda.

Reigning and four-time series champion Alex Palou rounded out the top five at 171.357 in the No. 10 DHL Chip Ganassi Racing Honda.

Meyer Shank Racing w/Curb Agajanian, which put two drivers in the top 10 of the final standings for the first time last season, also opened 2026 with speed. Marcus Armstrong was sixth at 170.919 in the No. 66 Meyer Shank Racing w/Curb Agajanian Honda, followed by Felix Rosenqvist at 170.489 in the team’s No. 60 Honda.

2025 INDY NXT by Firestone champion Dennis Hauger was the fastest of the three rookies on track, ending up 17th overall at 169.259 in the No. 19 Ault Block Chain Honda fielded by Dale Coyne Racing.

Another rookie, Formula One veteran Mick Schumacher, was 23rd at 164.006 in the No. 47 Rahal Letterman Lanigan Honda. Schumacher, son of Formula One legend Michael Schumacher, was turning oval laps for just the second time in his career after his first circle-track test Feb. 4 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. His 109 laps completed were the third-highest total today, behind ECR teammates Christian Rasmussen (128 laps) and Alexander Rossi (118).

The other rookie, 2025 INDY NXT runner-up Caio Collet, was involved in the only incident of the day. Collet made slight contact in Turn 4 in his No. 4 COMBITRANS AMAZONIA Chevrolet fielded by AJ Foyt Racing. He climbed from the car without help and was unhurt.

Testing will continue Wednesday in the final dress rehearsal for the 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season. Cars will be on track from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. ET and 3:30-6:30 p.m. ET.

The 2026 season starts with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on Sunday, March 1 on the streets of St. Petersburg (noon on FOX, FOX One, FOX Deportes, FOX Sports app, INDYCAR Radio Network), followed by the Good Ranchers 250 on Saturday, March 7 at Phoenix. It’s the first INDYCAR SERIES race at Phoenix since 2018.

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