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Todd Gilliland and the No. 34 Dairi-O / Jerry Hunt Supercenter

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Official Release
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Ford Mustang Dark Horse Team
Clash at Bowman Gray Competition Notes
Clash at Bowman Gray

Date: Sunday, February 1, 2026
Event: Race 1 of 38
Series: NASCAR Cup Series
Location: Bowman Gray Stadium (0.25-miles)
#of Laps: 200
Time/TV/Radio: 8:00 PM ET on FOX/MRN/SiriusXM channel 90

Todd Gilliland Notes

NASCAR’s back as Todd Gilliland and the No. 34 team head to Winston-Salem, North Carolina for the Clash at Bowman Gray. Gilliland will partner with Dairi-O and Jerry Hunt Supercenter for the 200-lap exhibition race.

Founded in 1947, the North Carolina–based restaurant has built deep roots in its home state while growing into a trusted family destination for quick, high-quality meals without sacrificing its values. The restaurant balances classic drive-in favorites with modern menu options, creating an experience that appeals to multiple generations of guests. With a strong emphasis on hospitality culture and employee development, the company is equally committed to giving back, maintaining long-standing support of local schools, nonprofits, and community initiatives throughout the region.

Jerry Hunt Supercenter, a leading pre-owned automotive dealership in North Carolina, will also partner with Gilliland and the No. 34 team. Jerry Hunt Supercenter’s racing legacy at Bowman Gray Stadium spans more than six decades. It began in the 1960s with Jerry Hunt, continued through Todd Hunt, and now carries forward with Chase Hunt. Across generations, the Hunt family has fielded racing teams and backed competitors in the trenches of short-track warfare, accumulating more than 25 Bowman Gray track championships along the way. That commitment to winning at the grassroots level remains strong today. From the early days of local racing to today’s national-stage spotlight, Jerry Hunt Supercenter continues to stand behind the drivers, teams, and traditions that make Bowman Gray Stadium one of the most respected proving grounds in American motorsports.

“We’re proud to partner with Jerry Hunt Supercenter in sponsoring Todd Gilliland and the No. 34 Front Row Motorsports team for The NASCAR Clash,” said Jeff Speaks, owner of Dairi-O. “With our shared North Carolina roots and commitment to community, this event is especially meaningful. Bowman Gray Stadium is close to where Dairi-O began, making this race feel like home. We look forward to supporting Todd Gilliland on the NASCAR Cup Series stage.”

“I think the whole team is excited for the season to start,” said Gilliland. “We made a few key changes that I think will really make a difference this season. The Clash really tests your patience. There’s not a lot of room to pass and a ton of beating and banging. Hopefully we can start the season off with a strong finish.”
Road Crew

Driver: Todd Gilliland

Hometown: Sherrills Ford, North Carolina

Crew Chief: Chris Lawson

Hometown: Medway, Ohio

Car Chief: Joe Marra

Hometown: Somers, New York

Engineer: Marc Rullo

Hometown: Ringwood, New Jersey

Engineer: Kevyn Rebolledo

Hometown: Mooresville, North Carolina

Spotter: Brit Andersen

Hometown: Branford, Connecticut

Underneath Mechanic: Michael Brookes

Hometown: Columbus, Ohio

Interior Mechanic: Ethan Deguevara

Hometown: Las Vegas, Nevada

Tire Specialist: Billy John

Hometown: Pitman, New Jersey

Engine Tuner: Kyle Moon

Hometown: Troy, New York

Transporter Co-Driver: Randy Bernier

Hometown: Mooresville, North Carolina

Transporter Co-Driver: Rick Grissom

Hometown: Bakersfield, California

ABOUT DAIRI-O

Founded in 1947, Dairi-O has been serving wholesome food made fresh and delivered fast for more than 70 years. What began as a small hamburger and hot dog stand has grown into a beloved family restaurant known for quality ingredients, classic favorites, and healthier options for guests of all ages. Every meal is made fresh daily and prepared to order for life on the go.

Dairi-O is guided by four core values: Genuine, Family, Service, and Spiritual. From preparing food with care and authenticity to supporting team members and giving back to the communities it serves, Dairi-O is committed to hospitality, compassion, and doing things the right way. With an open-kitchen concept and trusted partners, Dairi-O takes pride in food you can feel good about — made true, every day.

ABOUT JERRY HUNT SUPERCENTER

Our family owned and operated business was founded in 1982. Our relentless pursuit of 100% customer satisfaction is what drives us still to this day. Our lifetime powertrain warranty along with our stringent reconditioning process and no haggle pricing is what separates us from all others. Now you know the story behind our statement.

We buy more, we sell more, you save more. Give us chance and we will prove it.

Our core values:

  • Integrity
  • Urgency
  • Totally committed
  • Customers first
  • Lifelong learner

ABOUT FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS

Front Row Motorsports (FRM) is a winning organization in the NASCAR Cup and CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. The team is the 2021 Daytona 500 and 2022 CRAFTSMAN Truck Series champions. The team was founded in 2004 and is owned by successful entrepreneur, Bob Jenkins. FRM fields the No. 4, No. 34, and the No. 38 NASCAR Cup Series teams along with the No. 34 and No. 38 CRAFTSMAN Truck Series teams from its Mooresville, N.C. headquarters. Visit teamfrm.com and follow FRM on social media: Twitter at @Team_FRM, Instagram at @teamfrm and Facebook at facebook.com/FrontRowMotorsports.

How Fans Use Betting Platforms to Stay Up To Date With NASCAR Events?

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NASCAR Cup Series at Kansas Speedway. Photo by Ron Olds for SpeedwayMedia.com.

How Big Data and Betting Platforms Help NASCAR Fans To Make Predictions During Race Day?

Race day in the world of NASCAR racing is no longer just about cars and who is about to be the fastest racer. For millions of people around the world, it is about the opportunity to analyze the event, learn all of the available data, statistics, news, and here is where betting platforms play a huge role. In some sense, even bigger than car pilots. Modern fans of NASCAR are not just side viewers; they are analytics, who know why numbers are important, and they can compare different metrics to make their own conclusions.

The active development of digital technologies has dramatically changed the way people approach autosport. If back in the days, forecasts were built on intuition and the reputation of racers, today everything has changed as they rely more on massive data and the information on all seasons from previous years. 

For people who are new to this, but want to understand how the industry works these days, it is important to provide some more details over data, which is used by fans, and how they are able to interpret the information. Learn more about the role of sports betting platforms in all that. 

The Evolution of Forecasts – From Intuition To Data

When people start following NASCAR, it seems very simple: you look at the names, remember who won most of the time this season, and draw a conclusion. If a driver is well-known, then they are good. But over time, it became clear that this approach is becoming less and less effective. Cars change, teams find new solutions, and the competition has become so intense that past performance is no longer a guarantee.

Now, before each race weekend, there is so much information available that it is overwhelming: practice results, starting positions, weather, and track-specific statistics. And it is the ability to connect all these details that separates a successful prediction from a fluke.

Key Types of Data Used By Fans

If you have been watching NASCAR for a while, you quickly realize that predicting the outcome of a race just by eye is no longer possible. Too many factors influence the outcome, and each weekend adds new variables. Before a race, I usually pay attention to a few things that have proven to be the most revealing over time:

  • Performance at this track in previous years – some drivers simply thrive on certain ovals, and this pattern persists from season to season.
  • A driver’s current form – a couple of consistent top-10 finishes are often more important than a single resounding victory.
  • Practice sessions and qualifying – what’s especially important is speed over long stretches of laps, not just one quick win.
  • Teamwork – mistakes during pit stops or a smart strategy can turn a race around.
  • Weather – heat, cold, or rain can sometimes ruin even the most logical predictions.

When you add it all up, the numbers start to tell a story. In some places, they confirm expectations, while in others, on the contrary, they force one to reconsider one’s initial opinion and abandon the obvious favorite.

The Role of Betting Platforms in Racing Analytics

Bookmakers have long been a part of the NASCAR world, even for those who do not bet. Many fans visit them simply out of curiosity – to see who the favorites are and how the odds change after practice or qualifying.

Sometimes, it is the bookmakers’ lines that help spot things that might be missed by simply looking at statistics. If odds suddenly move, it means the market has reacted to something:

  • Long-run speed.
  • Car performance.
  • Short-run results.

Essentially, odds are a condensed reflection of a large amount of information and expectations. They combine numbers, analytics, and bettor reactions, so for attentive fans, they become another way to understand how a race might unfold.

How Odds Help Predict Races

Bookmakers’ odds are not just numbers; they are a way to show how they see a race before the start. If you follow NASCAR regularly, you will eventually notice that there is more information hidden in those numbers than you might think.

Before concluding, people should look at a few things:

  • How are a particular driver’s chances assessed, given the track and their current form?
  • Are they offering reasonable odds for a top-three or top-10 finish – sometimes this is more telling than a win?
  • What are teammate duels like within a single team?
  • Has the line «moved» too sharply for no apparent reason?

After that, compare the bookmaker’s estimates with observations. When they match, move in the right direction. If not, figure out again what exactly was missed.

Main Sources of Data For NASCAR Predictions

To make sure you fully understand which sources of information fans use most often and the value they provide for analyzing race day, check the table.

Data SourceType of InformationPractical Value
Official NASCAR StatisticsRace results, laps led, DNFsBasic analysis of driver performance
Telemetry and Practice SessionsSpeed, tire wear, consistencyEvaluation of race pace
Qualifying SessionsStarting positionsUnderstanding starting advantages
Betting OddsMarket-based probability assessmentAdditional analytical reference
Weather ServicesTemperature, precipitationStrategy adjustments

There is no single data source that is sufficient on its own. The most accurate forecasts emerge from the intersection of multiple information streams.

Social And Digital Communities As a Source of Insights

Fan communities play a special role in the world of NASCAR. On forums and social media, fans analyze races in much greater depth than might appear from the outside. It’s not just about numbers and statistics – they discuss driver performance, the atmosphere within the team, rumors of conflicts, and even pressure from sponsors.

Before making predictions, many people deliberately read these discussions. This allows them to look at the situation from different angles and avoid getting stuck on a single scenario.

Sometimes it is the fan community that first raises red flags. Conversations about car setup issues can sometimes begin long before the industry media reports on them.

Why Data Does Not Guarantee An Accurate Forecast

NASCAR seems predictable only on paper. Yes, there are statistics, calculations, and graphs, but all of this can easily be ruined by a single yellow flag or a bad pit stop. There are too many variables in this sport to rely on 100% predictions.

That is why experienced fans take a sober view of analytics. It helps users of such platforms, like Win.Bet to better understand what is happening on the track, but it does not guarantee the outcome. And perhaps that’s what makes racing so exciting.

After the finish, you often find yourself going back over your predictions: where you overestimated the favorite, where you missed a small detail that could have decided everything. Over time, this turns watching NASCAR not just into entertainment, but a way to gain a deeper understanding of the sport.

A New Type of NASCAR fan

In a full-scale, modern NASCAR race day is a symbiosis of emotions and analytics. Fans use statistics and practical information to make their own predictions on sports betting platforms and get more knowledge on how to be more accurate with expectations over upcoming events.

It is possible to say that forecasts are no longer just entertainment. For many fans, they have become a way to better understand the team’s strategy, features of the route, and the subtleties of racing skill. Even if the prediction was inaccurate, the analysis process makes the viewing experience richer and more meaningful.

This is where the main paradox of autosport lies – the more data you have, the richer emotions you get from unexpected results while watching the race. This is exactly what makes people come back to NASCAR over and over again.

Celebrating Bold Originality and a Rebellious Spirit: Rebel Bourbon and Richard Childress Racing Amp Up Partnership

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Official Release
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Kyle Busch and the No. 8 Rebel Bourbon Team to Celebrate Real Rebels on and off The Track Throughout 2026 NASCAR Cup Series

WELCOME, N.C. (January 26, 2026) – Bardstown, Kentucky-based Rebel® Bourbon will continue their partnership with Richard Childress Racing in 2026, building upon a successful program that celebrates bold originality and a rebellious spirit. Rebel Bourbon’s award-winning wheated recipe, known for defying trends and being unapologetically bold, will continue to be the official bourbon of Richard Childress Racing and a multi-race primary sponsor of Kyle Busch and the No. 8 team in the NASCAR Cup Series.

“Rebel Bourbon celebrates real rebels like Kyle Busch whose rowdy spirit and fearless, unconventional approach to racing has defined his successful NASCAR career,” said Rebel Bourbon brand manager Philip Lux. “As the official bourbon of Richard Childress Racing, the No. 8 Chevrolet, and two-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion Kyle Busch for a third consecutive year – we’re revved up and ready to bring this year’s Rebel sponsorship to life on and off the track for fans.”

Rebel® Bourbon and RCR will work together on unique storytelling and content integration throughout the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season, beginning with the NASCAR Cup Series race at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, on March 1. Each of Rebel Bourbon’s primary races will celebrate the bold legacy of real rebels with custom paint schemes and fan-driven initiatives.

Since first partnering with RCR in 2024, Rebel Bourbon and RCR have worked together on several product launches and custom recipes, including a limited-edition release of Kyle Busch 108 Single Barrel Bourbon and Rebel 100 Childress Vineyards Cabernet Franc Barrel Finish. Rebel’s newest release, an unconventional twist on Rebel’s time-honored wheated recipe, is Rebel Root Beer featuring Straight Bourbon Whiskey infused with the bold and creamy flavor of root beer.

“Rebel Bourbon’s approach to racing closely matches their bold but defiantly smooth premium wheated bourbon,” said Mike Verlander, president of RCR. “Our partnership reflects a shared willingness to challenge convention, and we’re proud to help introduce Rebel’s unmistakably smooth, yet confidently outspoken, spirits to NASCAR fans.”

Rebel Bourbon and Richard Childress Racing remind everyone 21 and older to drink responsibly – and never drink and drive.

About Rebel Bourbon

Distilled in Bardstown, Kentucky, by Lux Row Distillers Master Distiller John Rempe, Rebel Bourbon features a wheated mash bill true to its original recipe dating back to 1849, when it was invented at the Stitzel-Weller distillery. Our defiantly smooth premium wheated bourbon celebrates those who embrace bold originality and a rebellious spirit. Our products have earned top spirits industry honors including Single Barrel American Whiskey of the Year for Rebel 10-Year Single Barrel at the 2025 Bartender Spirits Awards. Rebel 10-Year Single Barrel also won a double platinum medal at the 2025 ASCOT Awards, a double gold medal at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and a double gold medal and Consumer’s Choice Award at the 2025 SIP Awards. To learn more, visit RebelBourbon.com and follow @rebelbourbon on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

About Luxco

Founded in St. Louis in 1958 by the Lux family, Luxco is a leading producer, supplier, importer and bottler of beverage alcohol products with a mission to meet the needs and exceed the expectations of consumers, associates and business partners. Luxco operates as MGP Ingredients Inc. (Nasdaq: MGPI) Branded Spirits division since its acquisition in 2021. The company’s extensive and award-winning premium portfolio includes brands from four distilleries: Ross & Squibb Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, where Penelope and Remus bourbon are produced; Bardstown, Kentucky-based Lux Row Distillers, home of Rebel, Ezra Brooks, and Blood Oath bourbons; Lebanon, Kentucky-based Limestone Branch Distillery, maker of Yellowstone Bourbon; and Arandas, Mexico-based Destiladora Gonzalez Lux, producer of 100% agave tequilas including Cortada, El Mayor, Escasa and Exotico. For more information, visit Luxco.com.

About Richard Childress Racing

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).

NASCAR AT COTA Fan Zone Gets Splashy for Upcoming DuraMAX Grand Prix Powered by RelaDyne Race Weekend 

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Official Release
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The Sea Lion Splash will be one of the featured shows in the Fan Zone for the Feb. 27-March 1 DuraMAX Grand Prix Powered by RelaDyne NASCAR weekend at Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas. Photo credit: Sea Lion Splash.
  • Sea Lion Splash show headlines Fan Zone acts for the Feb. 27-March 1 DuraMAX Grand Prix Powered by RelaDyne NASCAR doubleheader weekend.
  • Circus acts, stilt walkers, magicians, NASCAR driver appearances and more will fill the Grand Plaza area at Circuit of The Americas with nonstop family-friendly fun.

AUSTIN, Texas (January 26, 2026) – The thunderous roar of stock-car engines will compete with the boisterous bark of sea lions as NASCAR at COTA adds a splash of surprise to its Fan Zone for the Feb. 27–March 1 DuraMAX Grand Prix Powered by RelaDyne at Circuit of The Americas.

Headlining the Fan Zone fun is the Sea Lion Splash show, bringing a whimsical and unforgettable experience to the Grand Plaza entrance of the venue. Free to all ticketed guests, these playful and lovable mammals with more charming whiskers than Ryan Blaney are sure to steal your heart with their antics and endearing nature. The sea lions will show off their skills by balancing balls, shooting hoops, dancing, handstands and more.

The sea lions, however, are not the only performers planning to make waves. In addition to NASCAR driver appearances and interactive Q&A sessions, the Fan Zone will feature a diverse mix of crowd-favorite entertainers, including:

  • KARDENNI the Magician: Already planning a magical NASCAR weekend? Let’s lock it in. This award-winning magician and regular performer at Walt Disney World will amaze fans with sleight of hand, mind-bending illusions and a dose of laugh-out-loud humor fueled by sharp storytelling.
     
  • Jason D’Vaude, The Circus Man: Step right up. Jason brings Big Top energy to the Fan Zone with a comedy-driven show blending fire artistry, juggling, balancing acts and heart-pounding stunts that keep fans on the edge of their seats.
     
  • Funkanometry: Back by popular demand, this dynamic hip hop and pop dance duo from Canada returns after wowing audiences on “America’s Got Talent.” Known for viral routines that rack up millions of views, Funkanometry delivers non-stop movement, rhythm and wow factor.
     
  • AmirrorCAN MEN: A can’t-miss fan favorite, this trio roams the grounds in custom mirrored suits representing our red, white and blue. Part performance art, part patriotic spectacle, they are impossible to miss – and impossible not to photograph.
     
  • Animal Stilt Walkers:  Yes, literally larger than life. These towering entertainers put a wild twist on a Fan Zone classic, dressed as safari favorites including giraffes, zebras, lions and more, delighting fans of all ages.

Of course, the main performers – the NASCAR drivers – will take center stage on the track, competing in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Focused Health 250 on Saturday, Feb. 28 (2 p.m. CT), and Cup Series DuraMAX Grand Prix Powered by RelaDyne on Sunday, March 1 (2:30 p.m.).

The Fan Zone’s lively, family-first atmosphere extends to ticket options as well. With the purchase of an adult ticket, children 12 and under get in free to the Focused Health 250 and for only $10 to attend the marquee DuraMAX Grand Prix Powered by RelaDyne. It’s big-time NASCAR action with small-time prices for families. Adults also can score a great deal as well, with the “2 for $99” ticket special for the DuraMAX Grand Prix Powered by RelaDyne while supplies last. For more information, visit NASCARatCOTA.com.

Follow Us:
Keep track of all things NASCAR at COTA by following on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@NASCARatCOTA). Keep up with all the latest information on the NASCAR at COTA website and mobile app.

Top eight finish for Racing to End Alzheimer’s at Daytona

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Official Release
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DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (26 January, 2026) – Building on the momentum of the 2025 season, the Racing to End Alzheimer’s with Stephen Cameron Racing team started off the 2026 IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge with a solid finish in the four-hour BMW M Endurance Challenge at Daytona International Speedway last week. After the kind of rough and tumble race that makes the series must-see TV, the effort paid dividends with a run to eighth place at the checkered flag for the No. 19 Ford Mustang GT4.

Drivers Sean Quinlan and Greg Liefooghe combined to keep the Racing to End Alzheimer’s Ford Mustang at or near the top of speed charts all week, earning significant TV time during Friday’s race broadcast (and with Racing to End Alzheimer’s founder Phil Frengs spending time in the IMSA Radio/YouTube broadcast booth with an hour remaining in the race to talk about the organizations work to “fund the care and find the cure”). Quinlan managed the race week well, despite suffering from the cold symptoms that had made their presence known throughout the Michelin Pilot Challenge paddock.

The on-track action was intense all week, but for Frengs, the two weeks that encompass the Roar and the Rolex 24 event – with multiple test sessions, practices, qualifying and the four-hour race – gave him the chance to talk to literally hundreds of fans. More names were added to the sides of the No. 19 Ford Mustang over the past week, bringing the number of loved ones honored by their family or friends to 54.

“It’s two weeks of on-track activity but for us, it’s also two weeks of talking to people who have been affected in some way in their life with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia,” said Frengs. “That’s our purpose and this is really like a doubleheader for us, with a chance to meet so many people. So from a standpoint of our mission, we did a lot.

“From the racing standpoint, we had really great performance with our Ford Mustang,” continued Frengs. “This team is really on the upward swing. There was such a small difference between finishing third and finishing eighth as we did, in terms of where we were and what the gap was. I think we came away from the race feeling good about our prospects going forward in the season, so that’s exciting. But in the end, the main focus is our chance to talk to the fans, and we certainly did that over this past two weeks in spades.”

The team roared out of the box on Wednesday, setting the quickest lap time of the first official practice – with a lap of 1:52.663 set in a solid draft of cars (note: the time ended up being the single fastest Pilot Challenge lap of the weekend). The second practice on Thursday morning saw the team post the sixth quickest time, while only staying on track for half of the 60-minute session. Quinlan took the wheel later that afternoon for the 15-minute qualifying session, putting the No. 19 Ford Mustang into 12th position on Friday’s starting grid.

Quinlan was ready to do battle at the green flag, despite feeling under the weather. He managed early traffic well, while looking for more front-end grip through the tight corners. A yellow 45 minutes into the race brought him to pit lane for four tires, fuel, and a change to Liefooghe. As soon as the race went back to green, Liefooghe set his sights forward, making solid passes and moving into the top five with two and a half hours remaining.

Liefooghe pitted from third position during a caution as the race reached the halfway point, then returned to the race in 10th. Alternating between caution and green through the next hour, Liefooghe made smart and steady passes, moving into fifth position with 50 minutes remaining, and into the lead moments later – before heading to pit lane for the final stop. He returned to the race in 15th position and quickly made his way back into the top 10. Moving into eighth with 20 minutes left, Liefooghe ran out of time to make a run to the front.

“We probably waited a lap longer than we should have to come in for that last stop,” said team owner Stephen Cameron. “Then we had a little bit of a glitch on the tire change and lost some time, since it was a green flag stop. We’ll go back to the shop and analyze all of that. But overall, lots of positives – Sean did a good job in his stint, he brought the car into a good position, and Greg really moved us forward. Now we need to go and make sure that we learn everything we can and get after it at Sebring.”

The No. 19 Racing to End Alzheimer’s Mustang gives families the chance to honor loved ones who have suffered from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. For a $250 donation, the family member’s name and hometown is placed on the car, and their photo can be posted on the Racing to End Alzheimer’s website’s tribute page. All donations are matched by Frengs’ company Legistics, with 100% going to the program’s two beneficiaries: the Nantz National Alzheimer Center at Houston Methodist, and the UCLA Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Program.

To date, Racing to End Alzheimer’s has donated over $1 million to those two programs.

Donate now at this link.

Next up for Racing to End Alzheimer’s and the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge will be the Alan Jay Automotive Network 120 at Sebring International Raceway March 18-21. The two-hour race will be broadcast live in the U.S. on Peacock TV, and internationally on IMSA.TV and on IMSA’s YouTube channel – ad-free courtesy of Michelin.

About Racing to End Alzheimer’s

In 2013, Phil Frengs’s late wife Mimi was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s Disease. Their experience with the disease led Frengs to a seminal moment: his company, Legistics, had long sponsored a team in IMSA sports car racing and he realized an opportunity to raise money and awareness for the fight against the disease. In 2017, he formed Racing to End Alzheimer’s, giving fans the opportunity to honor loved ones by putting their names on the race car via donation – with Legistics matching each donation. 100% of those donations go to the two organizations the team supports:

The Nantz National Alzheimer Center at Houston Methodist is exploring cutting edge strategies in therapy, care and research to find a cure for these dementias. NNAC was founded by longtime CBS Sports broadcaster Jim Nantz and his family in honor of his father, Jim, Jr., who passed away after a 13-year battle with Alzheimer’s.

The UCLA Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Program is a nationally-recognized grant-funded program designed to help patients and their families with the complex medical, behavioral and social needs associated with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia.

Racing to End Alzheimer’s social media

Facebook: Racing to End Alzheimer’s
Instagram: @racing2endalz

NOBULL and LEGACY MOTOR CLUB Announce High-Performance Partnership

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Official Release
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STATESVILLE, N.C. (January 26, 2026) — LEGACY MOTOR CLUB today announced a new partnership with NOBULL, the footwear brand known for its uncompromising training gear, modern minimalist style, and commitment to athletes who put in the work. The collaboration brings together two organizations built on discipline, grit, and a relentless drive to get stronger every single day.

As part of the partnership, NOBULL will become the Official Track Shoe of LEGACY MOTOR CLUB, supporting the CLUB’s drivers and pit crews throughout the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season. The partnership will feature NOBULL branding across select race weekends, including at-track content and behind-the-scenes training features.

NOBULL joins a growing roster of innovative, performance-driven brands aligned with LEGACY MOTOR CLUB’s forward-thinking approach to the future of NASCAR.

“This partnership with NOBULL fits perfectly with the culture we’re building at LEGACY MOTOR CLUB,” said Jimmie Johnson, seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and owner of LEGACY MOTOR CLUB. “Our drivers and pit crews spend countless hours training to be at their best—on pit road, in the shop, and in race conditions. NOBULL understands the work, the commitment, and the mindset required to compete at the highest level. They’re more than a brand; they’re a mentality and they set the standard for strength.”

NOBULL will outfit the LEGACY pit crews with performance footwear and apparel for their daily training routines, supporting agility, strength, and conditioning programs designed to maximize performance on and off the track.

The partnership will also introduce collaborative storytelling across social platforms, including all-access looks into LEGACY MOTOR CLUB’s driver workout routines and pit crew preparation showcasing the discipline behind the speed.

ABOUT NOBULL:
NOBULL is a footwear brand for training and for daily life. Built to support you in your pursuit of physical, mental, and emotional strength.

NOBULL is known for their best-in-class, award-winning footwear. With options across training and lifestyle, NOBULL has options for anyone who wants to be a better version of themselves and get stronger physically, mentally and emotionally.

In 2023, Mike Repole invested in NOBULL. Repole, a successful serial entrepreneur with a track record of building and selling profitable, multi-billion-dollar businesses, acquired a majority stake in the growing brand. The partnership stems from Mike’s shared mentality and mindset with NOBULL’s brand ethos, which centers on hard work and no excuses.

ABOUT LEGACY MOTOR CLUB:
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 Gazoo 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.

CAL RIPKEN, SR. FOUNDATION RETURNS TO NO. 7 CHEVROLET WITH SPIRE MOTORSPORTS AND DANIEL SUÁREZ

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Official Release
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MOORESVILLE, N.C. (January 26, 2026) – The Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation (CRSF), dedicated to building character and teaching life lessons to at-risk youth through sports and mentoring programs, will return to Spire Motorsports in partnership with Monterrey, Mexico native Daniel Suárez.

The collaboration will launch at the NASCAR Cup Series season opener, The Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, N.C. The event marks Suárez’s debut season with Spire Motorsports and his ninth full-time campaign in the NASCAR Cup Series.

“I want to thank Dan Towriss and the Gainbridge team for this exciting partnership with Spire Motorsports and Daniel Suarez,” said Cal Ripken, Jr., Hall of Famer and Co-Founder of the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation. “Dan has been an incredibly generous and integral part of our board and this is just another example of that. The partnership with Spire and Daniel will take our 25th anniversary celebration to a new level and expose the work of the foundation to many more. The fact that he is driving the number seven car, dad’s old number, makes it that much more special. I look forward to cheering on Daniel and watching him in person at a race later this year.”

The CRSF empowers communities with clean, safe places for underserved youth to play, learn, and grow. Since 2018, Group 1001 and the CRSF have combined efforts to build 17 youth development parks and install 20 STEM centers nationwide. Group 1001 employees have joined CRSF to host and volunteer for four Community Enhancement Projects. CRSF and Group 1001 have impacted over 100,000 youth in their joint effort to promote active lifestyles and educational opportunities.

Suárez rose through the NASCAR Mexico Series and ARCA Menards Series East ranks before debuting on NASCAR’s national stage with Joe Gibbs Racing in 2014. In 2016, he captured the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series (formerly Xfinity Series) championship, becoming the first Mexican-born driver to win a title in NASCAR’s junior division.

He added another milestone in 2025 with an emotional victory at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, during the Cup Series’ inaugural visit to Mexico City. The 34-year-old has more than 300 Cup Series starts, with two wins, including victories at Sonoma Raceway in 2022 and Atlanta Motor Speedway in 2024. He’s also logged 24 top fives and 75 top 10s on NASCAR’s senior circuit. Suarez has led 907 laps and has earned three poles since 2017.

“Cal Ripken, Sr. had an amazing career and left behind an incredible legacy,” said Suarez. “The work the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation is doing to support younger generations, especially through its STEM programs and educational initiatives, is truly remarkable. I’m a strong believer in the next generation and seeing the positive impact these programs have on youth is inspiring. I’m very excited to be a part of this partnership and to start off at the Clash will be incredible.”

The Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation will continue to serve as Suarez and the No. 7 team’s primary partner at select races in 2026.

The Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium kicks of racing festivities for the 2026 season and will be televised live on FOX Sunday, February 1 at 8 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. NASCAR’s annual pre-season exhibition race will be broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

About Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation …
The Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation (CRSF), celebrating our 25th anniversary in 2026, helps to strengthen America’s most underserved and distressed communities by supporting and advocating for children, building Youth Development Parks and STEM Centers, partnering with law enforcement and youth-service agencies, and addressing community needs through its national program initiatives. In 2025, the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation impacted over 1.4 million kids from underserved communities. For more information about the foundation and its future initiatives, please visit www.ripkenfoundation.org.

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 (Tenn.) 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.

Early Race Predictions for the Cookout Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium

By
Logan Allen
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Photo by Andrew Boyd for SpeedwayMedia.com

Something new that I am looking to get started on this 2026 season is making early predictions for every race weekend. Whether we all agree or not, is completely fair and is up for discussion below!

Honorable Mention – Burt Myers – Didn’t show much in the Clash in 2025. Though has the most experience of anyone on the list and of those competing in 2026. 7 modified championships at Bowman Gray Stadium and over 100 career victories. This could be a surprising finish for Myers if he can figure out how to handle the Cup car.

Cookout Clash

Top Ten

10. Shane van Gisbergen – After having a couple of wins in 2025, he looks to get back into the playoffs in 2026. Although he has not had much success with short tracks, Bowman Gray Stadium is different. Gisbergen could find success as long as he stays out of trouble.

9. Ross Chastain – A mixture of wanting to be aggressive or be patient. Chastain will need to time his aggression to a tee. 200 laps give him a lot of time to make moves without crashing into himself.

8. William Byron – Being a part of Hendrick Motorsports will be able to help Byron. The speed is helpful, though Bowman Gray is a 1/4 mile track.

7. Denny Hamlin – A very solid pick for the Clash. A smart driver who has success at tracks of all sizes. He is also patient with short tracks, though he has a past of overthinking chaos. This could lead him to stay in the middle of the pack or to find his way to the front.

6. Joey Logano – A smart short track driver who loves being in contact races. That being said, contact with another car inches apart could be the difference in winning a race or wrecking out on lap 1.

Top Five

5. Bubba Wallace – A different pick from what most would put here, though it can’t be a prediction without having a bold call. There will either be momentum for Wallace or a lot of frustration. Bubba finished 5th in the 2025 running of the Clash at Bowman Gray.

4. Ryan Blaney – One of the best short track racers in the Cup Series. Calm, smooth, and sneaky when it comes to short track racing. His last win came on November 2nd, 2025, at Phoenix.

3. Ty Gibbs – Gibbs is another driver who is very aggressive on short tracks. Though he is also smart enough to stay out of trouble. Will his aggression help or hurt him?

2. Kyle Larson – Hard to displace him at second. One of three things will happen with Larson: either driving for the win, finishing just short, or wrecking himself.

Top Spot – Chase Elliott – Winner of the Clash in 2025, and has the momentum to do it again in 2026. He’s a crowd favorite, very comfortable in short track racing, and a part of a very strong Hendricks team. Elliot also has a lot of experience at Bowman Gray Stadium, aside from his Cup Series win last season.

Top Spot - Chase Elliott
Photo by Andrew Boyd for SpeedwayMedia.com

NASCAR Clash will be at Bowman Gray Stadium on February 1st, 2026. 8:00 pm is the scheduled start time. The next race will be the Duels at Daytona, three days before the Daytona 500 on February 15th, 2:30 pm.

Back Home at Bowman Gray: Greensboro Native Cody Ware Grew Up at ‘The Madhouse’

By
Official Release
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MOORESVILLE, N.C. (Jan. 26, 2026) – Growing up in a racing family in Greensboro, North Carolina, means frequent trips to Bowman Gray Stadium in neighboring Winston-Salem.

For Cody Ware, it began like it does for many – sitting in the grandstands to watch the track’s premier Modified division. Ultimately, it led to Ware sitting behind the wheel of a Modified at Bowman Gray, and then various kinds of racecars across all kinds of tracks. Today, Ware is a fulltime driver in the elite NASCAR Cup Series.

“There’s not another racetrack where I can say that I went from its grandstands to its weekly lineup to the NASCAR Cup Series,” said Ware, who attended Ragsdale High School in the suburb of Jamestown. “Bowman Gray is a part of my racing roots, and now with the Clash, I’m able to go back as a Cup driver. It’s a full-circle moment.”

It makes this weekend’s Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium a homecoming for Ware. The 30-year-old racer is back at “The Madhouse” for the NASCAR Cup Series’ soft opening of its 78th season, with the non-points exhibition race kicking off the longest season in all of sports – a 10-month campaign that concludes Nov. 8 with the championship finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

Ware enters his old stomping ground with a new look and feel to his familiar No. 51 from Rick Ware Racing (RWR). It’s now a Chevrolet Camaro powered by an ECR-built R07 engine – a thumping 358 cubic-inch V8 that puts out 750 horsepower. Ware got to sample his updated ride Jan. 13 during a test session at North Wilkesboro (N.C.) Speedway, where RWR’s new technical alliance with Richard Childress Racing (RCR) was on display.

“Having to make the transition from Ford to Chevrolet was a big undertaking for the whole team,” Ware said. “The integration with RCR, their engineers and, really, all of their employees, has been impressive, and the test was another good example. It gave us renewed confidence that the direction we’re heading as a race team is the right one.

“Partnering with Chevrolet was the right choice. Everything from the engine package to the aerodynamics of the new body, there are just so many positives. It’s early, but we feel like it’s already paying dividends.”

Ware will look to cash in those dividends at the Clash. He needs to advance from his heat race into the 200-lap main event. Only 23 cars advance to the feature, meaning of the 38 expected entries, 15 will miss the cut.

A strong qualifying effort earns an up-front starting spot in a driver’s respective heat. That’s important, as passing on the quarter-mile, asphalt oval is a rough-and-tumble affair. A clean racecar has a better chance of finishing among the top-five, the cutoff position in each of the four heats to make the headlining Clash. Those outside the top-five in their respective heat get one final shot to make the race via a 75-lap Last Chance Qualifier (LCQ). Only the top-two finishers in the LCQ go on to compete in the primetime feature.

“You have to be aggressive. If you’re not going to be the person who’s making the aggressive moves, you’re probably going to be the person who’s going to have said moves used on you,” Ware said.

“You have to separate the ties and dynamics and relationships you have off the racetrack. Anyone who goes into Bowman Gray thinking it’s all going to be rainbows and sunshine where everyone’s going to walk away happy, they’re very much living in a fantasy. When you’re on the track, you have no friends, only enemies.”

It’s a race of rivalries at the country’s longest-running weekly racetrack. For Ware, it has included a good-natured sibling rivalry.

“My brother, Carson, in his first time ever in a Modified, won at Bowman Gray. He held off Burt Myers in the feature and won the race,” Ware said.

“So, last year he said to me, ‘If you don’t win this, there’s still only going to be one Ware brother with a win at Bowman Gray.’ You’d think he’d won the Daytona 500 or Indianapolis 500 with how he holds that Bowman Gray win over my head.”

It’s all in good fun, as the Ware brothers support one other in their racing pursuits.

“We both have family history at Bowman Gray,” said the elder Ware. “We’ve both raced Modifieds there, and any opportunity we have to race, we’re beyond grateful for. As my brother gets to race more and more here in 2026 and beyond, I want to be the biggest asset that I can be for him. He supports me every weekend. He’s watching the Cup races, cheering me on and texting me and talking to me after the races. And I do the same for him.”

The Clash weekend begins at 1:15 p.m. EST on Saturday with the Madhouse Classic, the 125-lap Modified race featuring the kind of cars the Ware brothers first raced at Bowman Gray. After the checkered flag drops on the Madhouse Classic, on-track activity for the Cup Series begins with practice at 6:10 p.m. before the heat races start at 8:30 p.m. FloRacing will stream the Madhouse Classic while FS1 will broadcast Cup action. Sunday’s LCQ race goes green at 6 p.m. to set the final lineup for the Cook Out Clash. FOX will broadcast the LCQ, transition to its NASCAR RaceDay studio show at 7:30 p.m., and then cover the Clash, which goes green at 8 p.m. SiriusXM NASCAR Radio will also provide live coverage throughout the event.

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, FIM World Supercross Championship (WSX) and zMAX CARS Tour.

How Digital Marketing Services Help Car Dealers Grow

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

In the 2026 automotive market, the traditional “showroom floor” has fundamentally shifted from a physical tiles-and-glass location to a digital-first environment. With over 90% of vehicle shoppers starting their journey with a search engine and spending an average of 13 hours researching online before ever setting foot in a dealership, the digital landscape is where the sale is won or lost. For car dealers aiming to scale their operations and outperform local competitors, leveraging professional digital marketing services is no longer a luxury but a foundational operational necessity. These services provide the data-driven infrastructure and creative storytelling required to navigate a market defined by high-intent buyers and rapid technological shifts. In this article, we will explore how digital marketing enables dealerships to capture demand, build lasting customer trust, and utilize emerging technologies like AI and first-party data to drive sustainable growth.

Mastering Local Visibility through SEO and GEO

In 2026, being “visible” online has evolved beyond simple keyword ranking. While Search Engine Optimization (SEO) remains critical for appearing in “near me” searches, the rise of AI-driven search engines has introduced Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) and Generative Engine Optimization (GEO). Modern buyers don’t just search for “trucks for sale”; they ask AI assistants questions like, “What is the best hybrid SUV for a family of five in Auburn?” or “Which local dealer offers the best trade-in value for a 2022 F-150?”

Digital marketing services help dealers win in this new era by structuring website data so that AI and search engines can easily pull direct answers. This includes optimizing Google Business Profiles with real-time inventory, high-quality photos, and detailed service descriptions. By dominating the “local pack” on Google Maps and ensuring their dealership is the primary answer for complex AI queries, dealers can capture high-intent traffic at the exact moment a buyer is ready to visit a showroom.

Precision Targeting and Demand Capture with PPC

While SEO builds long-term authority, Pay-Per-Click (PPC) advertising provides the immediate “faucet” for lead generation. However, the “spray and pray” approach of previous years has been replaced by hyper-targeted, inventory-specific campaigns. Digital marketing experts now use dynamic ad sets that automatically sync with a dealer’s live inventory. If a specific model is sitting on the lot for too long, the system can automatically increase the ad spend for that vehicle to targeted demographics within a 20-mile radius.

Furthermore, retargeting has become more sophisticated. When a user views a specific Silverado on a dealership’s website and then leaves, digital marketing services ensure that user sees dynamic display ads of that exact truck—along with a localized incentive—on their Facebook feed, Instagram Reels, or even through Connected TV (CTV) apps. This multi-channel “surround sound” effect keeps the dealership top-of-mind during the critical 4.2 websites an average buyer visits before making a decision.

Building Trust through Social Proof and Reputation Management

Trust is the most valuable currency in the automotive industry, and in 2026, that trust is built through digital social proof. Online reviews have a direct impact on search rankings and consumer confidence; a dealership with a 4.8-star rating is statistically far more likely to convert a web visitor than one with a 4.1 rating. Digital marketing services implement automated systems to capture positive reviews from satisfied customers immediately after a sale or service appointment.

Beyond reviews, social media has shifted from a broadcast tool to a community engagement platform. Successful dealers use video marketing—specifically TikTok and Instagram Reels—to provide “behind-the-scenes” looks at their service departments, walkthroughs of new arrivals, and customer delivery stories. This humanizes the brand and reduces the “friction” buyers often feel when dealing with a large organization. By positioning the dealership as a transparent, community-focused expert, digital marketing helps turn one-time buyers into lifelong service customers.

Leveraging AI and First-Party Data for Personalized Journeys

The most significant shift in 2026 is the move away from third-party cookies toward a reliance on first-party data. A dealership’s most valuable asset is the data it already owns: service records, website interactions, and past purchase history. Digital marketing services utilize Customer Data Platforms (CDPs) and AI to analyze this information and create “predictive journeys.”

For example, an AI-powered system can identify a customer who bought a lease three years ago and is now reaching their mileage limit. Instead of a generic email, the system can trigger a personalized “upgrade offer” for a newer model with the specific features the customer has been browsing on the website. This level of hyper-personalization—showing the right car to the right person at the right time—significantly increases conversion rates and reduces the cost per lead, allowing the dealership to grow its revenue while optimizing its marketing budget.

Conclusion

Digital marketing has transformed from a supplemental support role into the primary engine of automotive retail growth. In an era where the customer journey is fragmented across dozens of digital touchpoints, the ability to maintain a consistent, visible, and trustworthy presence is what separates thriving dealerships from those that struggle. By mastering the nuances of local SEO, capturing demand through precision PPC, and fostering community trust through social media and AI-driven personalization, dealers can create a resilient marketing ecosystem. The goal of these digital efforts is ultimately to simplify the path from the screen to the showroom, providing the transparency and convenience that 2026 buyers demand. For the modern car dealer, the path to growth is paved with data, and digital marketing is the vehicle that drives them toward long-term success.

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