Kaden Honeycutt crowned first Truck Series championship; wins finale at Homestead

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November 6, 2026

i-1 — Photo by Patrick Sue-Chan for SpeedwayMedia.com.

Kaden Honeycutt executed a 14-lap dash to the finish with fresh tires to perfection that enabled him to earn his first NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series championship and win the finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Friday, November 6.

The 23-year-old Honeycutt from Willow Park, Texas, led three times for 15 of 134 scheduled laps in a finale where he managed through early concerns of having alternator issues and received strong mentorship and guidance from championship-winning crew chief Scott Zipadelli to preserve his entry while battling at the front. With his championship rival Layne Riggs having his title hopes evaporated early due to an on-track incident that cut Riggs’ right-rear tire and pinned him multiple laps down far from recovery, all Honeycutt had to do was steer his entry to the event’s distance.

After notching a pair of top-five results throughout the finale’s first two stage periods and steadily racing towards the front, Honeycutt pitted with nearly the entire field for fresh tires during a late-race caution with 24 laps remaining. After navigating his way into the runner-up spot during a brief restart with 21 laps remaining, Honeycutt turned up the notch during the final restart with 14 laps remaining to outduel Christian Eckes. With the lead in his possession, Honeycutt grew it by a second and maintained the top spot for the finale’s remainder as he proceeded to win the final Truck event of the 2026 season and etch his name as a first-time Truck Series champion.

With on-track qualifying determining the starting lineup on Friday, Nick Sanchez secured the final Truck pole position of the 2026 season with a pole-winning lap of 164.855 mph in 32.756 seconds. Chandler Smith qualified in second place with a lap of 164.424 mph in 32.842 seconds. Championship contenders Layne Riggs and Kaden Honeycutt started fourth and fifth, respectively.

When the green flag waved and the finale commenced, early three-wide action commenced as Corey Heim, who started in third place, was one of a handful of competitors to dive to the left-side bottom of the track. He along with Chandler Smith pinned pole-sitter Nick Sanchez in the middle lane as the former two duked for the lead for nearly a full lap in front of a fanned-out field. As Sanchez reeled in and tried to get beneath both Heim and Smith with a run entering Turns 3 and 4, Smith used the outside lane to motor ahead from Turns 3 and 4, which enabled Smith to lead the first lap.

During the second lap, Layne Riggs briefly got loose entering the backstretch when he made right-side contact with Sanchez amid close-quarters racing. Amid the contact that occurred in the top-five mark, Riggs, who sustained slight right-side damage to his No. 34 Love’s Ford F-150 entry, managed to motor forward despite dropping to fifth place. By then, Kaden Honeycutt, his title rival, overtook him to move into to fourth place. Riggs would then be overtaken by Stewart Friesen for fifth place before the former was challenged by Ty Majeski for more. Amid Riggs’ early adversity, Sanchez, who regained the lead on the third lap, was leading ahead of a hard-charging Smith by a tenth of a second while Heim and Honeycutt followed suit by the fifth lap mark.

Through the first 10 scheduled laps, Sanchez was leading by two-tenths of a second over Heim while Smith dropped to third place. Meanwhile, Honeycutt, who trailed the lead by a second in fourth place, was two spots and two seconds ahead of Riggs, with Riggs mired in sixth place in front of Majeski, Daniel Hemric, Giovanni Ruggiero and Tanner Gray, respectively. Heim and Sanchez then duked and battled for the lead a lap later before the former outdueled the latter. As Heim proceeded to lead the Lap 15 mark, Honeycutt was in third place while Riggs dropped to eighth place.

On Lap 16, Riggs’ championship hopes took an early hit when he made an unscheduled pit stop under green to have a flat right-rear tire and damage to his right-rear fender, which was a result of the earlier contact with Sanchez that cut the tire, addressed. By the time Riggs returned to the track, he was down two laps to the leaders and mired at the rear of the field in 35th place. Meanwhile, Honeycutt retained third place on the track and first place in the championship battle while teammate Heim continued to lead the finale over Sanchez. With Honeycutt reeling in Sanchez for the runner-up spot, Heim led by one-and-a-half seconds at the Lap 25 mark.

When the first stage period concluded on Lap 30, Heim cruised to his fourth Truck stage victory of the 2026 season. Sanchez settled in second ahead of Honeycutt while Hemric, Chandler Smith, Majeski, Grant Enfinger, Christian Eckes, Stewart Friesen and Jake Garcia were scored in the top 10, respectively. Meanwhile, Riggs, who was trying to reel in Heim to regain one of his two lost laps back, was unable to do so as he remained mired in 34th place on the finale while Honeycutt notched eight stage points to his championship lead.

Under the finale’s first stage break period, the lead lap field led by Heim pitted for a first round of pit service. Following the pit stops, Heim retained the lead by exiting pit road first while Sanchez, Honeycutt, Smith, Hemric, Majeski, Eckes, Ruggiero, Friesen and Connor Mosack followed suit, respectively. During the break, Riggs used the wave around to regain one of his two lost laps.

The second stage period started on Lap 37 as Heim and Sanchez occupied the front row. At the start, Honeycutt, who radioed a possible alternator issue to his entry and briefly pushed Heim ahead from the inside lane, made a left-handed move beneath Heim to motor his No. 11 Safelite Toyota Tundra TRD Pro entry into the lead through the first two turns. As the field fanned out and jostled for spots through the backstretch, Hemric, who restarted behind Heim and Honeycutt, motored his way into the runner-up spot. Behind, Heim and Sanchez, who stumbled at the second stage’s start from the outside lane, were mired in third and fourth in front of Majeski and a stacked field as Honeycutt led the next lap.

Hemric then used a bold charge from the inside lane through Turns 3 and 4 to overtake Honeycutt and assume the lead prior to Lap 39. As Hemric led the Lap 40 mark, Sanchez moved into the runner-up spot while Honeycutt settled in third place in front of Heim and Majeski. Meanwhile, Riggs was mired the third competitor a lap down in 34th place and Heim would overtake Honeycutt for third place while both Heim and Majeski overtook Honeycutt for third and fourth, respectively.

At the Lap 45 mark, Hemric continued to lead by three-tenths of a second over a hard-charging Sanchez and Heim as the latter two battled against one another and reeled in Hemric for the lead. Behind, Majeski was up to fourth place while Honeycutt dropped to fifth place. Amid Honeycutt’s steady run at the front, Riggs, who was mired a lap down at the tail end of the field, pitted under green to have another flat right-rear tire and more damage to the right-rear area addressed.

Amid Riggs’ issues, which cost him an additional five laps and dwindled his hopes of winning his first championship, Heim reassumed the lead over Hemric by Lap 47 while Sanchez and Majeski followed suit, respectively. With Honeycutt retaining fifth place on the track, Heim led Hemric by four-tenths of a second on Lap 50 before the duo dueled dead even for the lead five laps later.

When the second stage period concluded on Lap 60, Heim, who prevailed in his battle with Hemric, earlier, captured his second consecutive Truck stage victory of the finale and his fifth of this season. Hemric settled in second ahead of Sanchez and Eckes while Majeski, Honeycutt, Smith, Friesen, Ruggiero and Tanner Gray were scored in the top 10, respectively. By then. Riggs was mired at the tail of the field, 37th, and seven laps behind while Honeycutt notched an additional five points to his championship lead.

During the finale’s second stage break period, the field led by Heim returned to pit road for service. Following the pit stops, Heim retained the lead by exiting pit road first for a second consecutive break period. Heim was followed by Eckes, Sanchez, Smith, Majeski, Enfinger, Friesen, Honeycutt, Mosack and Landen Lewis, respectively. Following the pit stops, Majeski along with Matt Crafton and Spencer Davis were penalized for uncontrolled tire violations. Hemric was also sent to the tail end of the field as a penalty for speeding on pit road while Sanchez made an extra trip to pit road to have loose lug nuts addressed.

With 68 laps remaining, the final stage period commenced as Heim and Eckes occupied the front row. At the start, a tight four-wide action occurred at the front as Chandler Smith aggressively navigated his way into the lead beneath Heim, Eckes and Grant Enfinger through the first two turns. As Smith led the next lap over a stacked field, Enfinger rocketed his way into the runner-up spot before he battled Smith for the lead. Eckes then bolted his way past Smith and Enfinger amid a tight, bold move in between the latter two starting through the exit of the backstretch to lead the next lap. As Eckes led, Smith, who threw a block on Eckes amid Eckes’ charge and three-wide move to the lead, tried to reel in the latter back from the runner-up spot while Enfinger, Honeycutt, Friesen, Heim and Hemric followed suit, respectively.

As the finale reached its final-60 mark, Eckes led Smith by seven-tenths of a second while Heim, Enfinger and Honeycutt, the latter of whom continued to lead the championship battle, followed suit in the top five, respectively. Behind, Friesen, Hemric, Mosack, Tanner Gray and Landen Lewis trailed in the top 10 on the track while Riggs was mired seven laps down in 35th place.

Ten laps later, Eckes added another tenth of a second to his lead, with the latter leading by eight-tenths of a second over Heim while Honeycutt trailed in third place by three-and-a-half seconds. Behind Honeycutt were Enfinger, Hemric, Smith, Friesen, Mosack, Garcia and Sanchez while Riggs was still mired seven laps down in 35th.

With 40 laps remaining, a late cycle of green flag pit stops slowly started to commence Chandler Smith pitted under green. More names like Jake Garcia, Corey LaJoie and Conner Hall pitted before Sanchez pitted a lap later. Friesen, Andres Perez De Lara, Tanner Gray and Crafton pitted before Hemric pitted. Amid the pit stops, Sanchez pitted before more names like Ben Rhodes, Heim, Honeycutt and Enfinger pitted over the next two laps.

Then with 37 laps remaining, the leader Eckes pitted from the lead. Amid Eckes’ pit stops and the leaderboard being shuffled with the occurrences of pit stops by the competitors and front-runners on the track, Eckes managed to cycle ahead of Heim and be the first competitor scored on the track with fresh tires on his entry. Eckes would then cycle back as the leader with nearly 30 laps remaining, with Heim trailing by a second and Honeycutt trailing by three seconds in third place.

Then with 30 laps remaining, the caution flew due to fluid on the course. This happened when Sanchez dropped off the pace, pulled his No. 77 Modo Super Gaming App Chevrolet Silverado RST entry off the track through the first two turns and stopped when his entry caught on fire, thus terminating his strong event from further contention. During this caution period, nearly the entire lead lap field led by Heim pitted while Mosack, Justin Haley, Parker Kligerman and Leland Honeyman Jr. remained on the track.

The following restart with 21 laps remaining only lasted for nearly a lap when the caution returned for a multi-truck incident through Turns 3 and 4. The incident occurred when Tanner Gray, who was racing within the top-15 mark, got loose underneath Landen Lewis and slid sideways while barely clipping Lewis through the turns. Amid Gray’s spin, he was hit by Tyler Reif, Andres Perez de Lara and Tyler Ankrum, which left all four competitors with damaged trucks while the rest of the scattered field dodged the carnage. Meanwhile, Eckes used fresh tires to rocket past Mosack and fend off Honeycutt for the lead.

During the next restart with 14 laps remaining, the field fanned out and jostled for late spots as Eckes motored away from Honeycutt, Chandler Smith and Heim to retain the lead for half a lap. Then through Turns 3 and 4, Honeycutt threw his entry beneath Eckes and tried to motor ahead of the latter, but was unable to clear Eckes through the frontstretch as they dueled for the lead. Amid Eckes’ charge from the outside lane through the first two turns, Honeycutt made the inside lane prevail to draw even with Eckes through the backstretch and rocket ahead with the lead entering Turns 3 and 4. Honeycutt then slid in front of Eckes and had all lanes to his control by the next lap.

Down to the final 10 laps, Honeycutt continued to lead by two-tenths of a second over Eckes with 10 laps remaining, with Heim, Hemric, Smith, Friesen, Majeski, LaJoie, Garcia and Enfinger trailing in the top 10, respectively. Over the next five laps, Heim scraped the wall and briefly dropped off the pace, but continued in the top-10 mark. By then, teammates Eckes and Hemric trailed in second and third ahead of Majeski, Friesen and Smith while Honeycutt stretched his late lead by more than a second over Eckes with five laps remaining. Honeycutt’s lead stabilized by more than a second over the next four laps.

When the white flag waved and the final lap started, Honeycutt remained in the lead by more than a second over Eckes. With no competition reeling in from behind, Honeycutt smoothly navigated around Homestead-Miami Speedway for a final circuit before he cycled back to the frontstretch and took home both the finale victory and the championship.

Overall, Honeycutt, who won the title by 83 points over Layne Riggs, became the 23rd competitor to win a championship in the Truck Series division and the first from Texas to achieve the feat since James Buescher made the first in 2012. Honeycutt, who notched the fifth victory of the 2026 season and of his Truck career by winning the finale at Homestead, recorded the second consecutive championship for TRICON Garage, the organization’s No. 11 Toyota team that won the title a year ago with Corey Heim and the third overall for veteran crew chief Scott Zipadelli. Speaking of the number 11, Honeycutt, driver of the No. 11 entry, delivered the 11th Truck driver’s title for Toyota and TRICON’s No. 11 team doubled down with both the driver’s and owner’s championship for a second consecutive year.

Honeycutt, who joined TRICON Garage at the start of this season and finished in third place in the 2025 standings after making the Championship 4 round amid a mid-season swap from Niece Motorsports to Halmar Friesen Racing, caps off his first championship-winning season with 16 top-five results, 19 top-10 results, 592 laps led and an average-finishing result of 7.6 through 25 scheduled events. He will remain at TRICON to defend his Truck Series title in 2027.

“We did it, mom and dad!” Honeycutt exclaimed on the frontstretch on FS1. “This [No. 11] team is a freakin’ Hall of Fame team. Scott Zipadelli is the best damn crew chief on that pit road, and he’s the best man out there. He’s not just a Hall of Fame crew chief. He’s a Hall of Fame man, and he has done nothing but mentor me and make me better every single week. Man, this is amazing. I worked so damn hard to be here. Thank you to every owner, thank you to everybody that’s let me drive their race car for them, whether it was dirt, asphalt, road course, it didn’t matter. That is because of you guys, and I’m sitting here with this group behind me as champions…I was saving [my truck] the first half of the race. I didn’t want to push it too hard and then, [the finale] fell in our hands and I put my nuts on the dash and wanted to win the race.”

“This is for all the dirt track racers back at home in Texas that I raced with when I was 12 years old all the way til 17,” Honeycutt added while on the championship stage. “I worked with my daddy in the shop for so dang long to even be in the dirt track business. Running on Friday and Saturday, running a stock car, running a modified, anything I can hop in. I moved to North Carolina to work on the trucks, and the only opportunity I had was to work on the vehicles I was going to drive. Man, I’m so fortunate. Last year, I’ve transitioned to the driver, and man, we’re a champion. First time together with this No. 11 team…I was not a champion driver to start the season. I was very out of my comfort zone. I was caving into the pressure so much just from the team that had the success last year. I finally found my comfort zone halfway through the year, and we racked up some amazing numbers. It’s not because of me, it’s because of this race team and the trucks they build that I’m so lucky to drive.”

As Honeycutt celebrated the 2026 championship, Layne Riggs was left disappointed on pit road after having his bid for his first championship evaporated right from the finale’s start amid his on-track contact with Nick Sanchez and two separate trips to pit road to have flat right-rear tires and damage assessed. Riggs, who finished six laps down in 32nd place, settles in a career-best runner-up result in the final standings and caps off his third full-time Truck campaign with a series-best seven victories, five poles, 13 top-five results, 15 top-10 results, 988 laps led and an average-finishing result of 10.9.

Amid the disappointment, Riggs focused more on the positives, the achievements and fight he exhibited both on and off the track that enabled him to contend for the title. Like Honeycutt, Riggs will remain in the Truck Series and at Front Row Motorsports as he will strive for redemption next season.

“I had plenty of time to think about it when I tried [to rally] about 10 laps down out there,” Riggs said. “[I was] Just kind of thinking about the year that we had. The success that we had. Obviously, we weren’t able to put the consistency together to be champions tonight. We knew [that when] we were gonna have to come out here, we were gonna have to run an almost perfect race. That’s hard to do any time at any series and any level of [motorsports] division. I’m just proud of the entire team that we were even in the [championship] talk. We were in the mix. We even had a chance to become a champion. It was just disappointing to know, I really didn’t even know what my truck was gonna be because after that initial contact, I don’t know what happened with [Sanchez]. I thought I was good, the next thing I knew, we were really close together and I got super free up under him, and the next thing I knew, we cut a tire down. The pressures weren’t even up yet, and I already didn’t know what the balance was gonna be at the end of the race.”

“[Me and my team will] Regroup, be better, look at all the positives that we have,” Riggs added. “[We’re] Excited for next year. I have made solid progression every single year I’ve been in the Truck Series, and I feel like I’m still progressing and maturing every single race as a driver. I’m just super thankful to even be on the racetrack and have top-notched equipment. Obviously, today was a disappointment, but I’m not gonna put a bad look on the entire year as a season just from this one race. We knew it was gonna be a Hail Mary to get it done anyways. Congrats to [Honeycutt]. They did a great job. They had a very consistent season. Hopefully, we can do it again next year.”

Christian Eckes and Daniel Hemric, both of whom inked contract extensions to remain at McAnally-Hilgemann Racing for the 2027 Truck season, finished second and third on the track behind Honeycutt while Ty Majeski and Stewart Friesen finished in the top five, respectively. Corey Heim, Chandler Smith, Jake Garcia, Grant Enfinger and Corey LaJoie completed the top 10.

Notably, Chandler Smith finished in third place in the final standings and in his final event with Front Row Motorsports, as Ty Majeski and Christian Eckes finished in the top-five mark in the final standings. Giovanni Ruggiero, Daniel Hemric, Ben Rhodes, Grant Enfinger and Tyler Ankrum, all of whom made the 2026 Chase along with Honeycutt, Riggs, Smith, Majeski and Eckes, completed the final top-10 mark in the driver’s standings, respectively.

No. 12 — Photo by Mitchell Pavel for SpeedwayMedia.com.

Jake Garcia, who is replacing Smith in the No. 38 Front Row Motorsports Ford entry, emerged as the highest-finishing non-Chase contender in the 2026 final standings in 11th place over Stewart Friesen, while Brenden Queen, driver of the No. 12 RAM 1500 entry for Kaulig Racing, wrapped up the 2026 Truck Series’ Rookie-of-the-Year title. While Toyota achieved the 2026 Truck driver’s title, Ford achieved the manufacturer’s title.

Lastly, the 2026 finale at Homestead marks the final time Craftsman will serve as the Truck Series’ title sponsor, as FedEx Freight will assume the title in 2027.

The 2026 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Championship Race generated 20 lead changes for nine different leaders, and four cautions for 25 laps. In addition, 27 of 35 starters finished on the lead lap.

Results:

Kaden Honeycutt, 15 laps led
Christian Eckes, 46 laps led
Daniel Hemric, eight laps led
Ty Majeski
Stewart Friesen
Corey Heim, 45 laps led, Stages 1 & 2 winner
Chandler Smith, three laps led
Jake Garcia
Grant Enfinger
Corey LaJoie
Giovanni Ruggiero, one lap led
Mason Massey
Ben Rhodes
Landen Lewis
Parker Kligerman
Connor Mosack, five laps led
Timmy Hill
Connor Hall
Justin Haley
Brenden Queen
Tyler Reif
Cole Butcher, one lap led
Mini Tyrrell
Kris Wright
Matt Crafton
Spencer Davis
Tanner Gray
Frankie Muniz, one lap down
Leland Honeyman Jr., one lap down
Spencer Boyd, two laps down
Clayton Green, three laps down
Layne Riggs, six laps down
Andres Perez De Lara – OUT, Accident
Tyler Ankrum – OUT, Accident
Nick Sanchez – OUT, Driveshaft, 10 laps led

*Bold indicates Chase Drivers

Final Chase Standings:

Kaden Honeycutt
Layne Riggs -83
Chandler Smith -131
Ty Majeski -152
Christian Eckes -163
Giovanni Ruggiero -219
Daniel Hemric -222
Ben Rhodes -230
Grant Enfinger -261
Tyler Ankrum -275

The NASCAR Truck Series’ teams and competitors enter an off-season period before returning to action at Daytona International Speedway on February 19, 2027, to commence a new season of competition.

TOYOTA RACING – NCS Homestead-Miami Quotes – Christopher Bell and Denny Hamlin – 11.06.26

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Official Release

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November 6, 2026

TOYOTA RACING – Christopher Bell and Denny Hamlin
NASCAR Cup Series Quotes

HOMESTEAD, Fla. (November 6, 2026) – Joe Gibbs Racing drivers Christopher Bell and Denny Hamlin were made available to the media on Friday prior to the NASCAR Cup Series race from Homestead-Miami Speedway.

DENNY HAMLIN, No. 11 Progressive Insurance Toyota Camry XSE, Joe Gibbs Racing

CHRISTOPHER BELL, No. 20 Rheem Toyota Camry XSE, Joe Gibbs Racing

How do you maintain a sense of optimism that the championship is still possible?

DENNY HAMLIN: “I mean, I don’t have any optimism. I don’t. I’m here to try to have fun and try to win the race if possible. But I don’t, yeah, I just, no matter what, I mean, there’s obviously a chance you can win the lottery as well (laughter), but can you really count on that?”

How do you put the errors behind you and move forward from those things?

CHRISTOPHER BELL: “Yeah, I mean, it was certainly not ideal. I mean, we had the had the car performance, had the speed, and yeah, just execution, lack of it, was a reason why we’re not in it and they’re in the spot that they are.”

Do you feel like 2026 was your last best shot at winning the championship?
DENNY HAMLIN: “I would think next year would be my last best shot, but, I mean, we obviously had a great regular season, and the Chase tracks lined up great, but obviously we just did not perform at a championship level the last nine races. So, this is what you get.”

From your team owner hat was there anything from the State of the Sport that stood out in a good way or a bad way?

DENNY HAMLIN: “Not in particular. I thought that it was pretty straightforward. Some of the things that he talked about for the first time with y’all those conversations had been had a few months ago. So, we kind of knew some of the things that are coming along around the bend for next year. But no, not really. Nothing, nothing really surprised me or caught me off guard or anything like that.”

Do you do anything this weekend for 2027 or are you still looking at Sunday?

DENNY HAMLIN: “I don’t. I think probably both just kind of, like, really focus on trying to qualify as good as we can, race as good as we can and win the race. I certainly, from my standpoint, I’m not thinking about ‘27 this weekend by any means.”

How valuable has the Progressive relationship meant to the team?

DENNY HAMLIN: “I mean, the number one car insurer in the U.S. is on our car, and I don’t know if it’s because of my lack of DNF’s really turns them on (laughter) or what it is, but it’s really been a great partnership. I think that right from the beginning, I think things kicked off really well with us in ‘25 winning in our first few races with them, and building that relationship, on and off the racetrack. It is a blue-chip brand, my car is going to be far more recognizable with three quarters of the races being back to one car again. I’m really looking forward to that. If they had their way, it’d probably be all, all races, but we’ve got some great people on 11 car that has been very loyal to us over the years, and I’m looking forward to representing them as well, but regardless of the landscape, it just seems like we went from 2025, beginning of the year, having an all-white hauler to, again, the momentum just took off. Now, winning races helps. Really does help, but obviously, JGR (Joe Gibbs Racing) does a great job of making sure that the return on investment for them is has really been good, and obviously they’ve done a lot with commercials that they’ll continue in doing next year. So, I’m really happy that I’m going to be in that Progressive blue most of the year.”

What is one takeaway from this year’s Chase that you will carry into next year’s Chase?

CHRISTOPHER BELL: “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the new format for sure. I guess one thing that I’ll take away is just the optimism of it doesn’t matter where you finish the regular season it comes down to 10 weeks, winning races. I forgot who was asking me at that media day, but someone, one of you guys was asking of like, what’s the final seed that can win the championship Chase, and that number, I think, got blown out of the water by most of our picks. So, yeah, it’s just all about winning races, that bonus for the wins is really important, especially whenever it’s only 10 races. So, yeah, it truly is not how you start, but how those 10 races go.”

DENNY HAMLIN: “It’s a really good journalistic question, Jeff (Gluck). I think as long as the season is, this Chase can be defined by a few really small, short moments, and you just don’t really know what they are until it happens, or it’s postmortem, but, yeah, it’s a long, grueling season, and, but there’s just little moments that just was, like, the turning point that you’re either going to end up winning the championship or not. So that, for me, is my biggest takeaway.”

Toyota won 18 races. How disappointing is it for them not to win the championship?

CHRISTOPHER BELL: “Yeah, I mean, I was probably, I was very confident that it was going to be a Toyota driver, that won the championship, and ultimately, I think whenever we got into the Chase, the 5 (Kyle Larson) car had a pickup in performance, but I still think by the numbers, there have been guys in Toyota cars specifically that have been faster than them, but just we all shot ourselves in a foot, one way or the other. All of us, myself, Chase (Briscoe), and Denny (Hamlin) all have unique circumstances that got us to where we’re at today, and the 5 team just had the cleanest 10 races or nine races, and, and they put themselves in the right spot.”

DENNY HAMLIN: “I think it needs to be looked at personally, internally with Toyota and JGR (Joe Gibbs Racing) and LEGACY (MOTOR CLUB) and 23XI, I think we have to figure out that the win ratio to the championship ratio, is just not been as good as it needs to be. So, I think that that needs to be a deep dive and honestly figure out what needs to be changed. I don’t think we should just rinse and repeat and let’s just do this all again next year. I think we really should think about what it’s going to take to win the big prize at the end because our cars are too fast for there to be just a few, I think, two, and Martin (Truex Jr) is in there. It’s three championships in 20 years. We got to fix that.”

“There’s a disconnect there that some and it could be all different things. Is it engine failures, one year? I’d love to see how it all gets broken down into how it didn’t end up happening year after year.”

The last person to clinch a championship at Homestead was Kyle Busch. How does that effect you as you come back to the track?

DENNY HAMLIN: “When you lose someone that’s obviously as big as he was to this sport, I think that it’s tragic and very unfortunate. The only positive is that you actually get to hear how he’s affected other people, and then, hopefully, it inspires you to be a better person yourself. I mean, that’s kind of my takeaway from it. I think that hearing the stories of how he’s affected so many people within this sport, and even out the sport, it certainly was eye opening to me, because all we see sometimes is the clips or we see within the walls, when we’re teammates, and there’s definitely a different side of people that you just don’t know until something like that happens.”

How has execution affected this Chase for you?

DENNY HAMLIN: “It was a few times. I mean, I had a role. I think Vegas is certainly one. Now did I love pitting? No, and did I feel a sense of urgency to make up for that? Yes, but those are mistakes no one, no one on the team’s fault for a couple of the incidents I had, the (Michael) McDowell one, I mean, I don’t know, that probably could have gone either way, but it’s, yes, we have an execution problem, but I’m not going to totally remove myself from that problem.”

How do you look at this collectively and say how do you clean this up?

DENNY HAMLIN: “Yeah, because you just don’t know how long that you’re going to continue, most of my career I’ve had fast cars, capable of winning championships, but, I mean, if anyone really did a deep dive in the sea, what happened in the Playoffs or Chase for the 11 year after year, it’s an anomaly of things that just doesn’t make sense, that just don’t happen. So, that’s just unfortunate, and some of it’s just execution of, we’re not performing as well, and we’re not executing as well, like you talked about. So, it’s so frustrating because you know that you’re definitely capable, but you have to still play the game. No one’s going to go out there and score for you.”

Can you compare this championship to last year’s Championship 4?

DENNY HAMLIN: “I felt like last year was like a sudden death, and this one was just a slow bleed. Truthfully. I mean, that really was how it was. I mean, I just was in shock for that, I don’t know, 10- minute period from 3 to go to the checker waves. I’m behind the 5 (Kyle Larson) somehow. I hadn’t seen them all day, that was a shock moment for me. Then this year, through each Playoff race, I mean, I’m on the way home, just thinking, gosh, it’s all right, though, we’ll have to just make up for it next week, and then we’ve just been tricking, trickling along and staying somewhat mathematically possible by being solid, but this one was definitely a cut to the wrist and just watch it bleed.”

After Michigan, if you were told that you would have a mathematical shot at the Championship, how do you think your emotion would have been?

CHRISTOPHER BELL: “Yeah, I mean, in that moment, like leaving Michigan, I think, if you’d have told me, hey, you’re going to go into Homestead, second in point, 67 back, be like, okay, yeah, that’s pretty good, but, yeah, just the way that we got here, the way that the Chase unfolded, obviously has been disappointed, and yeah, I mean, overall, I think, I don’t know, three months from now, it, I’ll look back at it and maybe, I don’t know, man. Don’t know. It’s just we’re in the moment today and it is what it is. So, we’ll go out there and race hard.”

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.

CHEVROLET NCS AT HOMESTEAD: Connor Zilisch Media Availability Quote

By

Official Release

-

November 6, 2026

NASCAR Cup Series
Homestead-Miami Speedway
Team Chevy Driver Quotes
November 6, 2026

Connor Zilisch, driver of the No. 88 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet, met with the media in advance of the season finale race weekend of his NASCAR Cup Series rookie campaign at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

Media Availability Quotes:

Connor, just how do you assess what this rookie year has been and what you’ve learned from where you were in February to where you are now in November?

‘Yeah, I’d be lying if I said it was what I hoped for. It certainly hasn’t been a picture-perfect year by any means, but I’m just glad the last few months we’ve started to show some growth and I feel like I’ve gotten better as the year has gone on. It’s certainly taken time. There’s been some rough patches for me, for sure, and that’s been mentally and inside the racecar. It’s definitely taken a toll on me, but these last few months, I feel like we’ve been qualifying better, running better, and at least in the game; staying on the lead lap and just doing the basics. Hopefully we can continue that going into next year. But yeah, certainly not the year I hoped for or wanted, but I’m proud of myself for sticking through it and getting some results on the back end.”

What specifically, if anything, do you feel like has changed the last couple months? You’ve had more top-20s, a top-10 at Gateway, so what do you feel has changed the last couple months?

“I would say the biggest thing is starting our weekends off right on Saturday. We’re unloading better. We’re not swinging through the fences Saturday afternoon trying to figure out what we’re going to do to the racecar for Sunday to make it better. We’re qualifying better, which is a huge thing in the Cup Series. You qualify outside the top-25 at a lot of racetracks and your chances of staying on the lead lap in Stage 1 are slim to none. It’s so hard when the leaders get to the back of the field so quick and you’re kind of stuck back there. You’re in dirty air. You can’t do a ton. You see a lot of the fast cars that are able to do it and make a decent day out of it, but it’s just very difficult to dig yourself out of a hole if you don’t have a good day on Saturday.

We’ve done a better job of that. We’ve had some really good qualifying runs lately, at least in my perspective. We’ve been starting better on Sunday’s, which just completely changes your outlook on your day. You get a better pit stall. You have a track position to start the race. It’s kind of crazy how much it does, and I didn’t realize that coming into the year and probably didn’t put enough emphasis on it. I feel like I’ve done a better job of that.”

Ever since your announcement that you’re going to Hendrick Motorsports in 2028, it seems that people are trying to find a way for you to get there in 2027. Has that just been noise, or has there been any discussions or anything about you trying to get over to Hendrick Motorsports or a Hendrick Motorsports affiliate team?

“Yeah, it’s been a lot of noise. Alex (Bowman) has a commitment to run one more year. I have sponsors to fulfill obligations for another season. I’m excited about that. I think it’d be great to go race for Hendrick Motorsports next year and get that opportunity quicker, but at the same time, I’m happy in the spot I’m in. I get to learn in a lower-pressure situation with less eyeballs on me. I feel like I can just go out and focus on myself. I’m focused on results right now, but I feel like in that position, it would be a lot more stressful each weekend. I feel like it’s good for me to be able to learn in this situation and get to race with Trackhouse Racing for one more year and finish what we started. I would not want to leave Trackhouse after a season like this. I want to end on a good note. I want to be able to leave saying that we achieved all we could and gave it our best effort, which we have. Hopefully next year can go better; we can take something away from it and have a good last season together.”

Is there any one thing that you really learned this year? Something that really sticks out that you maybe weren’t anticipating or something that you felt like, okay, this is what I have to do.

“Yeah, I would say mostly mental. I think for me, I didn’t realize how hard it is. My entire life racing, I’ve raced for wins. I’ve been the guy to beat. I’ve showed up to the track and expected to win. This year, I haven’t had that. I think trying to find motivation when you’re not racing for the win every weekend is something that I’ve never experienced in my life. I’ve never dealt with that kind of adversity. I had to find a way to keep myself motivated and my team motivated through races where you’re not contending for wins every week. I’d say that’s been the biggest thing that I’ve learned is just trying to find goals that are achievable and just focus on those and block out the outside noise because it’s really easy to focus on the results sheet Sunday night and see where you finish. At the end of the day, that is important, but for me, my first year and being a rookie and just trying to learn, it’s not important. I just want to be a better racecar driver, and I think that’s been the biggest thing that I’ve had to learn is to not focus so much on where I’m finishing and just try and allow myself to learn without listening to the noise around me.”

Knowing that you’re going to be going into Hendrick Motorsports, does it give you some sort of comfort in that you can learn and you can learn these things… inaudible?

“It helps, but I still put pressure on myself every weekend to perform, and I expect a lot out of myself. Although I know that I have at least a couple more years of getting to do this, it’s still important to me to run well every weekend. I’m not taking it easy because I know that I have a couple of years of racing in the Cup Series ahead of me.

Yeah, I would say I still put as much pressure on myself, but it is nice knowing that I can have bad weeks and not have to worry about losing my job.”

What do you want to do and accomplish next season?

“Yeah, I just want to do better than I did this year, honestly. I put it as simple as that, and that doesn’t mean I want to finish 32nd in points instead of 33rd. I want to see a larger jump than that. I want to race for wins. I want to get to be on the lead lap each weekend and feel like I’m in the fight. I just want to feel more at home and be able to have confidence in myself to go out and do my job every week and succeed. I’m not setting any goals of amounts of top-10s or where in the points I want to finish. Certainly, I just want to have more confidence in myself to run up front and do better than I did this year.”

Last week on the pit road at Martinsville, Shane (van Gisbergen) mentioned that there were some big team changes coming to Trackhouse Racing next year. Without getting into details, what do you expect to see from Trackhouse from a performance standpoint next year?

“Yeah, it’s not my position to talk about it, but I wouldn’t expect anything major.”

On crew chief Randall Burnett:

“Yeah, I think the plan right now is to stick with Randall (Burnett). Randall’s been great for me. Obviously, the results haven’t been good, but he’s been very helpful for me. It takes time. When you put two new people together, it’s never easy right away. He doesn’t know what I like and what I want to feel out of the racecar every weekend. As we start to build that relationship, it’s only going to get better. I don’t want to have to restart that from square one. I think Randall’s done a good job of progressing as the year has gone on. We’ve made some changes internally in our team, outside of the crew chief position, just to try and help our team and make things better. We’ve seen gains. We just have to try and continue that.”

How has that personal relationship with Randall Burnett grown over this year?

“It has a lot. Randall and I are good friends away from the racetrack, which is super important. We get along well. I’ve gotten close with his kids and watch his son’s racing. He’s just been a great person for me to lean on. He stays pretty even through all the good days and bad days. We try and make fun of it, even when the weeks aren’t going great.”

First off, how many times did you have to pay for losers dinner this year?

“I paid for 12 of the 36. Not bad, but hopefully we can get that number down next year.”

So it’s going to continue?

“Yeah, I hope so. We all love it. After every single race, I always look at the scoring pylon and make sure that I at least beat one of them. It’s a battle within a battle.”

Secondly, talking about this year and going through the journey of a rookie season, is there anything that you can look at and say you’re grateful for having gone through this year?

“Yeah, there’s a lot I’m grateful for. First of all, the opportunity. I don’t think many drivers have raced in the Cup Series at 20 years old, so the fact that I was able to do this at this age and get a jump start on it is great. It hasn’t been great, but I’d rather learn it at a young age than wait until later. I’m grateful for Justin Marks and believing in me; Red Bull and everybody who was a part of it for giving me the opportunity. I’ve tried to take in every experience, whether it was walking out and seeing how many fans were in the stands. I still remember the Daytona 500 walking out with Jimmie Johnson. It was like my childhood dream. It was kind of crazy.

At the end of the day, I’m still living out my dream. I’m grateful for everything that I’ve been able to do, but it’s tough to remember that sometimes.”

The whole Rookie of the Year thing, it’s just kind of funny to me because I feel like every time you’re here or at a media scrum or whatever, it’s always just man, it’s a struggle, I hope I do better next year. But for all that, you’re going to have this title for the rest of your career, the rest of your life. What do you hope the prevailing emotions is when you either look at the trophy that was collecting dust or see your name as Rookie of the Year. What do you expect that emotion to be?

“Yeah, I just hope the stat sheets never show how many were racing for it in parentheses next to it because if that happens, then it’ll be a little embarrassing (laughs). But yeah, I guess I have to accept my award and take it. If I was a betting man, I would have put a lot of money on the fact that I would have won Rookie of the Year in February. But unfortunately, I can’t bet on our sport. If I could, then I probably wouldn’t have made much money because there would have been great odds.

But yeah, it’s kind of just comical after the year I’ve had to have to go to the banquet and collect an award. I feel like I shouldn’t be going, but here we are. I’ll take it.”

I think it was New Hampshire in August that we started having longer practice sessions. As a rookie driver, how does that help you guys as you’ve rolled through this final dozen or so races as you get these longer practice sessions?

“Yeah, I mean, it helps having two sets of tires and everybody goes out together. You can kind of gauge yourself off the fast guys. It’s a little bit easier to know where you are on Saturday afternoon when everybody’s in one group and you all go out there together. And also, getting two sets of tires, you’re able to make changes and put another set of tires on and see if it makes your car better or not. It certainly hasn’t hurt us as a team and just getting myself ready for qualifying. So yeah, I’ve enjoyed it.”

Can you just talk a little bit about your relationship with Jeff Gordon? I know he’s talked about not wanting to interfere with the rest of your time at Trackhouse, but what kind of role has he played with your transition?

Yeah, I mean, Jeff (Gordon) is somebody I look up to. I’ve known him for a little bit, but I really haven’t gotten to spend much time with him until the last few months. Getting to spend time with him and hear from him and his experiences is super valuable for me. Not only was he a great racecar driver, but he’s a very smart businessman, as well, and that’s something that I want to be myself. So yeah, I look forward to spending more time with him and as time goes, I’m sure I will, but I certainly look up to him and the person he is.”

You’re talking about some of the moments throughout your rookie season. Are there any that stand out to you that you’ll kind of look back on going forward or anything like that? “You know, I wouldn’t point to one situation in particular, but I kind of just look back on the entire season of the experiences I’ve gotten to live through. There’s nothing very glamorous that I’m going to point back to and remember, but just the hard times and trying to get through it all and figuring things out week by week is something that I’ll cherish and remember.”

About General Motors

General Motors (NYSE:GM) is driving the future of transportation, leveraging advanced technology to build safer, smarter, and lower emission cars, trucks, and SUVs. GM’s Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC brands offer a broad portfolio of innovative gasoline-powered vehicles and the industry’s widest range of EVs, as we move to an all-electric future.

GM Motorsports, including the Cadillac Formula 1® Team develops and proves advanced technologies in the most demanding environments, accelerating innovation in performance, safety, efficiency, and electrification for its production vehicles. Cadillac Racing is one of the leading manufacturers in the IMSA and FIA World Endurance Championships (WEC). Chevrolet competes in single seaters in the US IndyCar series, and in NASCAR with multiple team partners and drivers. Corvette customer teams compete in GT series across the globe including IMSA and WEC. Learn more at GM.com.

Nick Sanchez wins final Truck pole of 2026 at Homestead

By

Andrew Kim

-

November 6, 2026

20261106155318-88fd5f87-la — Photo by Mitchell Pavel for SpeedwayMedia.com.

Nick Sanchez won the pole position for the 2026 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Championship Race at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Friday, November 6.

The event’s starting lineup was determined through an on-track qualifying session that consisted of a single-truck, single-lap qualifying format. During the session, each of the 35 competitors vying for 35 starting spots cycled around Homestead once to post the fastest lap amongst one another. The competitor who posted the fastest lap earned pole position.

During the session, Sanchez, who was the third-fastest competitor during practice that occurred on Thursday, November 5, utilized his one-lap session to post a lap at 164.855 mph in 32.756 seconds. Sanchez’s lap was enough for the Miami native to secure the top-starting spot at his home track to cap off the 2026 Truck Series season.

With the pole, Sanchez notched his eighth career pole in the Craftsman Truck Series division, his second at Homestead and his first since Darlington Raceway in 2024. The 2026 finale will mark Sanchez’s fourth Truck start of this season, including one with Henderson Motorsports and three, including Homstead, with Spire Motorsports, as his plans for next season remains to be determined.

Sanchez will share the front row with Chandler Smith, the latter of whom won last weekend’s event at Martinsville Speedway. Smith, who is making his final Truck start with Front Row Motorsports for Friday night’s finale, qualified in second place with a lap of 164.424 mph in 32.842 seconds. Corey Heim, who is making his ninth Truck start of 2026, will start in third place with a lap of 164.244 mph in 32.878 seconds. Smith is set to drive for Richard Childress Racing in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series while Heim will drive for 23XI Racing in the Cup Series next season.

Championship contenders Layne Riggs and Kaden Honeycutt will start in fourth and fifth, respectively. Riggs, who trails Honeycutt by 20 points, will start in fourth place with a lap of 164.224 mph in 32.882 seconds. Honeycutt, who leads the standings, will start one position behind Riggs in fifth place with 163.820 mph in 32.963 seconds. One of the latter two will be crowned the Truck Series championship for the first time ever at the conclusion of Friday night’s finale.

Stewart Friesen, Giovanni Ruggiero, Tanner Gray, Connor Mosack and Ty Majeski (fastest in practice) complete the top-10 starting grid, respectively. With five Chase contenders (Smith, Riggs, Honeycutt, Ruggiero and Majeski) qualifying in the top 10, the remaining Chasers that include Grant Enfinger, Daniel Hemric, Christian Eckes, Tyler Ankrum and Ben Rhodes will start 13th, 16th, 17th, 18th and 20th, respectively.

With 35 competitors vying for 35 starting spots, all made the main event.

Homestead – Starting Lineup:

Nick Sanchez, 164.855 mph, 32.756 seconds
Chandler Smith, 164.424 mph, 32.842 seconds
Corey Heim, 164.244 mph, 32.878 seconds
Layne Riggs, 164.224 mph, 32.882 seconds
Kaden Honeycutt, 163.820 mph, 32.963 seconds
Stewart Friesen, 163.681 mph, 32.991 seconds
Giovanni Ruggiero, 163.676 mph, 32.992 seconds
Tanner Gray, 163.404 mph, 33.047 seconds
Connor Mosack, 163.241 mph, 33.080 seconds
Ty Majeski, 162.896 mph, 33.150 seconds
Leland Honeyman Jr., 162.827 mph, 33.164 seconds
Connor Hall, 162.827 mph, 33.164 seconds
Grant Enfinger, 162.758 mph, 33.178 seconds
Landen Lewis, 162.651 ph, 33.200 seconds
Cole Butcher, 162.548 mph, 33.221 seconds
Daniel Hemric, 162.450 mph, 33.241 seconds
Christian Eckes, 162.109 mph, 33.311 seconds
Tyler Ankrum, 161.725 mph, 33.390 seconds
Justin Haley, 161.614 mph, 33.413 seconds
Ben Rhodes, 161.522 mph, 33.432 seconds
Brenden Queen, 161.021 mph, 33.536 seconds
Andres Perez De Lara, 160.954 mph, 33.550 seconds
Parker Kligerman, 160.810 mph, 33.580 seconds
Jake Garcia, 160.729 mph, 33.597 seconds
Tyler Reif, 160.333 mph, 33.680 seconds
Corey LaJoie, 159.891 mph, 33.773 seconds
Timmy Hill, 159.877 mph, 33.776 seconds
Matt Crafton, 159.622 mph, 33.830 seconds
Kris Wright, 159.593 mph, 33.836 seconds
Spencer Davis, 159.316 mph, 33.895 seconds
Mini Tyrrell, 159.039 mph, 33.954 seconds
Mason Massey, 158.983 mph, 33.966 seconds
Frankie Muniz, 158.702 mph, 34.026 seconds
Clayton Green, 157.932 mph, 34.192 seconds
Spencer Boyd, 153.200 mph, 35.248 seconds

*Bold indicates Chase Drivers

The 2026 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Championship Race at Homestead-Miami Speedway is scheduled to ocur on Friday, November 6, at 7:30 p.m. ET on FS1, NASCAR Racing Network and SiriusXM.

AJ Allmendinger, Ty Dillon to drive for Kaulig Racing’s Dodge program for 2027 Cup season

By

Andrew Kim

-

November 6, 2026

20261005010929-dfd4dc6a-la — Photo by Brecken Stock for SpeedwayMedia.com.

AJ Allmendinger and Ty Dillon will be returning as NASCAR Cup Series competitors for Kaulig Racing that will be fielding Dodges for the 2027 season.

The news comes four days after Kaulig Racing was revealed to be switching manufacturers from Chevrolet to Dodge in 2027, thus bringing Dodge back as a manufacturer in the Cup Series division for the first time in 15 years. As part of Kaulig Racing’s flagship team partnership with Dodge, Dillon and Allmendinger will continue to pilot the organization’s Nos. 10 and 16 entries on a full-time basis next season.

“We just celebrated the 10th anniversary of Kaulig Racing, and I have never been more confident and excited about our future,” Matt Kaulig, Kaulig Racing’s founder and owner, said. “This is a landmark moment for our organization, our partners and the Dodge brand. From our humble beginnings to being named the anchor team for the fifth-largest automaker in the world is an incredible honor and a challenge our team is ready to face.”

Kaulig Racing debuted in 2016 and in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series division, a series in which the organization competed through the conclusion of the 2025 season, before expanding to the Cup Series division in 2020. The organization spent the next two seasons competing in the Cup level on a part-time basis before debuting as a full-time Cup program with two entries in 2022, in which it remains as a full two-car program while also fielding a third part-time Cup entry from 2023 to 2025.

This season, the organization partnered with Stellantis and fielded five RAM 1500 entries in the Craftsman Truck Series division. The first-year campaign in the Truck division was a part of Kaulig’s and Stellantis’ efforts to bring Dodge back into NASCAR competition as the latter duo prepare to elevate the effort to the ultimate height within NASCAR’s premier series’ competition in 2027.

“Bringing Dodge back to the NASCAR Cup Series is a massive responsibility and one we don’t take lightly,” Chris Rice, Kaulig Racing’s CEO, said. “We knew we needed to put proven veterans behind the wheel to build this program, and no one knows Kaulig Racing better than AJ and Ty. We are introducing a lot of new parts, pieces and variables into our program, so being able to keep some consistency behind the wheel was important for our inaugural season with Dodge. I look at 2027 like we are pouring the foundation for our future.”

Allmendinger, an accomplished motorsports competitor and NASCAR veteran from Los Gatos, California, first joined Kaulig Racing for two part-time O’Reilly campaigns in 2019 and 2020, where he notched three victories, before competing on a full-time basis for the organization in 2021. Over the next two seasons, he won an additional 10 events, finished in the top-five mark in the final standings and made the Championship 4 round in 2021. During the latter season, Allmendinger also recorded Kaulig’s first Cup career victory at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course.

Allmendinger then went full-time Cup racing with Kaulig in 2023, where he scored his third and latest Cup victory at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course. After returning to the O’Reilly division for a full-time campaign in 2024, he has since moved back up to full-time Cup racing at Kaulig, beginning in 2025. Allmendinger is currently ranked in 25th place in the 2026 standings with a single top-five result, four top-10 results, nine laps led and an average-finishing result of 21.7.

To date, Allmendinger stands as Kaulig Racing’s winningest competitor at 19 victories (17 in O’Reilly and two in Cup) as he continues his pursuit for additional victories and his first NASCAR championship. Next season will mark a reunion between Allmendinger and Dodge, with the former having piloted the manufacturer for his first eight O’Reilly career starts (2007-08) and a combined 35 starts between two Cup seasons (20 with Richard Petty Motorsports in 2009 & 15 with Team Penske in 2012).

“Kaulig Racing has been my home for years, and the belief Matt Kaulig and Chris Rice have placed in me means everything,” Allmendinger said. “To be chosen to help bring Dodge back to the NASCAR Cup Series is special for me. I’ve been fortunate throughout my career to drive a lot of different race cars, but being on the front lines of building a new OEM program with a brand as iconic as Dodge is a unique challenge. We’re building something special here, and I can’t wait to get to work in 2027.”

Dillon, the 2011 ARCA Menards Series champion and race winner across the Truck and O’Reilly divisions from Welcome, North Carolina, first drove for Kaulig as a part-time Cup competitor in 2024, where he made five starts, before he became a full-time competitor in 2025. This past season, he recorded a single top-10 result, that being an eighth-place run at EchoPark Speedway, along with an average-finishing result of 24.6. He also competed for the inaugural In-Season Tournament Challenge title during the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where he settled in the runner-up spot behind Ty Gibbs.

This season, Dillon is ranked in 34th place in the standings with an average-finishing result of 25.9. Next season will mark his first time competing in Dodge across NASCAR’s top-three national touring series as he continues his bid for his first victory and championship in the Cup division.

Photo by Logan Allen for SpeedwayMedia.com.

“Opportunities like this don’t come around often in a driver’s career,” Dillon said. “To extend my time with Kaulig Racing and be part of Dodge’s return to the Cup Series is a dream scenario. Matt and Chris have built a world-class culture here, and the commitment everyone is putting into this transition is unmatched. Dodge has a rich winning history in stock car racing, and our entire organization is focused on honoring that heritage when we hit the track in 2027.”

To date, Kaulig Racing has achieved two victories through a combined 378 starts in the Cup Series division, 27 victories through 732 O’Reilly Auto Parts Series starts and 18 top-10 results through 120 Craftsman Truck Series starts as the organization remains in pursuit of its first NASCAR championship.

Kaulig Racing’s Truck Series driver lineup will be revealed at a later date. The organization’s Dodge race car and the brand’s 2027 livery will also be revealed during the 59th running of the Snowball Derby and The Dodge Sno-Brawl on December 4.

The 2027 NASCAR Cup Series season for Kaulig Racing is scheduled to commence at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida, in February 2027. The series will run the non-points Wheatley Vodka Clash on February 13 followed by the 69th running of the Daytona 500 on February 21.

7 Mistakes That Can Make a Roll-Off Container Rental More Complicated Than Necessary

By

SM

-

November 6, 2026

depositphotos_497635700-stock-photo-row-of-covered-garbage-bins — Photo by depositphotos at https://depositphotos.com/

A delivery truck arrives at a house where the driveway is blocked by parked cars. The crew working inside has already begun tearing out old flooring, and a stack of debris is growing beside the garage. The container cannot be placed where everyone expected, so work stops while someone figures out another location. Nothing about the cleanup materials changed, yet the schedule is suddenly behind.

Situations like this explain why arranging a roll off dumpster involves more than selecting a size and picking a delivery date. A few decisions made before the truck arrives can affect the entire project, from how safely people carry debris to whether the load can be collected on time.

Before discussing arrangements with American Dumpster Co, it helps to recognize the mistakes that commonly cause avoidable delays. The following seven issues are worth checking, whether you are clearing a property, renovating a room, or coordinating several trades on a worksite.

1. Guessing the Amount of Waste From How the Room Looks

A crowded room does not necessarily produce a large amount of disposal waste. Several full cabinets may contain mostly items worth keeping, while a nearly empty room can generate piles of drywall, flooring, and broken fixtures once demolition begins.

The better starting point is the work itself. Identify what will actually be removed, including hidden layers. A kitchen renovation might involve cabinets, countertops, damaged wallboard, packaging from new materials, and flooring under an old appliance. Each material occupies space differently, and dense debris adds weight quickly.

Think About the Load, Not Only the Container

A large container is not automatically suitable for every type of material. Heavy concrete or masonry can reach a weight restriction well before the sides are full. Conversely, old furniture and large cardboard pieces may use up volume without adding comparable weight.

Write a short description of the waste and share it when requesting container guidance. Being specific is more useful than saying the project is simply “a medium cleanup.” Ask whether the proposed container handles both the expected volume and material type.

2. Assuming Any Open Patch of Ground Is Suitable for Delivery

An empty section of driveway may appear convenient from a homeowner’s perspective. A delivery driver, however, must approach the location, set down the container, and later return to retrieve it. Space above and around the placement area matters as much as the area beneath it.

Low tree branches, overhead cables, gates, steep slopes, and tight turns can interfere with delivery. Soft ground may not support the truck or loaded container safely. Even a seemingly level driveway can become difficult to access if other vehicles remain parked nearby.

Walk the proposed route before ordering. Look upward for obstructions, inspect the surface, and consider whether family members, workers, or neighboring vehicles will still need access. If the container must sit on a street or other public area, check permit and placement rules with the relevant authority.

Ask the provider about clearance and surface precautions rather than improvising on delivery day. American Dumpster Co can be part of that advance conversation about the proposed drop-off location, but the property owner still needs to identify site-specific obstacles.

3. Mixing Restricted Materials Into Ordinary Cleanup Debris

This mistake often starts innocently. Someone finds an old paint can during a garage cleanup and places it beside broken shelving. Later, another helper tosses everything into the same load without checking what is permitted.

Waste rules exist for practical reasons. Batteries, chemicals, liquids, certain electronics, tires, and appliances may require separate collection or special handling. Accepted materials and restrictions vary among providers and disposal facilities, so never rely on a rule remembered from a different project.

Create a Separate Area for Questionable Items

Set aside anything that could be hazardous or prohibited until you confirm its proper disposal route. Keep containers closed and labeled when it is safe to do so, and avoid combining unidentified liquids or chemicals. Local waste authorities often provide information about household hazardous-waste programs and other collection options.

A designated holding area makes the job easier for everyone helping. Instead of asking each person to memorize every restriction, tell them not to load uncertain materials until someone has checked. This simple rule is especially helpful on projects with changing crews.

4. Treating the Fill Line as a Suggestion

As a project nears completion, there is a natural urge to squeeze in the last few boards, cabinet pieces, or bags. That extra pile may look harmless from the ground, but material extending above the container’s sides can create a transportation hazard and prevent pickup.

A roll off dumpster needs to be loaded according to the provider’s instructions, including any marked fill level and weight allowance. Sharp objects and long pieces should not stick out. Heavier permitted debris should be distributed appropriately, and no one should climb inside a partially loaded container to push material down.

If the container becomes full while substantial debris remains, stop and discuss the available options. An additional load or revised pickup arrangement may be more practical than trying to force everything into the original space. The apparent convenience of overfilling can quickly become a scheduling problem.

5. Booking Delivery Without Matching It to the Work Schedule

Consider a bathroom renovation that requires two days of preparation before demolition begins. If the container arrives too early, rental time may pass while the site is still being cleared. If it arrives after demolition, workers may have nowhere appropriate to place the removed materials.

Coordinate the delivery date with the actual debris-producing stages. Ask the people doing the work when the largest volume will appear, whether heavy items will be removed together, and how long loading is expected to continue. Weather, inspections, and unexpected repairs can change that schedule, so some flexibility is valuable.

When comparing terms with American Dumpster Co, clarify the included rental period and how extensions or changes are handled. Those details matter more than a calendar date chosen without speaking to the people performing the cleanup.

6. Comparing Prices Without Asking What They Include

Two quotes can look similar while covering different arrangements. One may include a particular weight allowance or rental period, while another may use different terms for excess weight, extra days, prohibited materials, or additional trips. Without understanding the conditions, the lowest initial figure may not represent the total expense.

For a roll off dumpster, ask what the quoted price covers and request clarification on charges that could apply to your project. Explain if the load will include bulky demolition debris or material that may be unusually heavy. Do not assume that every item accepted in one container is permitted in another.

It is also worth checking how rescheduling works. A crew might finish ahead of plan, or a renovation could pause because a replacement part has not arrived. Knowing the process for requesting changes keeps a small disruption from turning into a rushed decision.

7. Forgetting That Pickup Requires Clear Access Too

People often prepare carefully for delivery and forget about the return visit. By the end of a job, a contractor’s trailer may occupy the driveway, spare materials may surround the container, or a delivery of new cabinets may block the approach.

Before scheduling collection, confirm that the load is within the permitted level and that nothing has been leaned against the container. Remove vehicles and loose equipment from the access route. Make sure nobody plans to keep loading debris after the agreed pickup window.

A brief check with the crew can prevent confusion. Confirm that demolition is complete, identify any remaining waste, and ensure the person responsible for the site knows when collection is expected. If access has changed, tell the provider promptly instead of hoping the driver will find a workaround.

Make the Rental Fit the Project, Not the Other Way Around

Most container problems begin with assumptions: that the debris will fit, the driveway will work, or pickup can happen regardless of what is parked nearby. A short conversation about materials, access, timing, and rental terms can prevent many of those surprises.

Before placing a roll off dumpster order, record the expected waste types, inspect the delivery area, and confirm when the crew will finish loading. American Dumpster Co is one provider to include in that planning discussion, with questions tailored to the actual site rather than a generic request for a container. The result is a cleanup process that supports the work instead of interrupting it.

Young’s Motorsports Homestead-Miami Speedway November NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Team Preview

By

Official Release

-

November 6, 2026

Young’s Motorsports | NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series
Homestead-Miami (Fla.) Speedway | O’Reilly Auto Parts 300

Fast Facts

No. 02 Young’s Motorsports Team:

Driver: Ryan Ellis

Primary Partner(s): Tablo TV

Manufacturer: Chevrolet Camaro

Crew Chief: Eddie Troconis

2026 Driver Points Position: 27th

2026 Owner Points Position: 34th

Engine: Earnhardt-Childress Racing

Notes of Interest:

● Year Three, Driven Forward: In November 2025, Ryan Ellis was announced as Young’s Motorsports’ full-time driver in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series as the organization enters its third season of competition.

In a significant step for 2026, Young’s Motorsports will transition its flagship No. 02 — long synonymous with the organization’s success in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series — to the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series full-time, underscoring the team’s continued growth at the national level.

Ellis will complete his full 33-race NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series campaign aboard the No. 02 Young’s Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro in Saturday afternoon’s O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Championship Race at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

Just one race remains in the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season. Following last weekend’s penultimate event at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway, teams return to the Sunshine State for the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway, which will host the championship-deciding race for the first time since 2019, officially bringing the curtain down on the 2026 campaign.

● About Ryan: A respected veteran in the NASCAR garage, Ellis joins Young’s Motorsports with more than a decade of experience across NASCAR’s national ranks, including competition in the NASCAR Cup Series and the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series.

The 2026 season will mark Ellis’ fourth full-time campaign in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.

The 35-year-old Virginia native is coming off his first career NASCAR top-10 finish in 2025 and looks to build on that momentum while continuing to expand his résumé, which includes 196 career starts in series competition.

Known for his consistency, professionalism, and versatility behind the wheel and in the garage, Ellis aims to apply his experience to elevate Young’s Motorsports’ competitive presence in its third season in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.

● All-Aboard!: For the 33rd of 33 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series races this season, Young’s Motorsports welcomes back Tablo TV as the primary partner on the No. 02 Chevrolet Camaro for Saturday afternoon’s 200-lap season finale.

Tablo provides fans with an affordable way to access live, local broadcast television — including racing and other major sporting events — without a monthly subscription.

Through a simple setup that includes a Tablo device and antenna, viewers can enjoy major networks such as NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX, ION and The CW, along with recording functionality and multi-device streaming capability.

With just a one-time device purchase of about $100, an antenna, internet connection and the free Tablo TV app, customers can watch live, local broadcast coverage of racing, local news, live sports, classic shows and more for free.

Families can stream on multiple devices at once, making it easy to catch the big race in one room and a show in another. Simple, affordable, and endlessly entertaining — Tablo TV brings America’s most popular TV back to fans for free.

All NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series races will be broadcast live on The CW, and practices and qualifying can be streamed on The CW App. The CW can be watched, paused and recorded on Tablo TV, a subscription-free way to access 125+ broadcast and streaming channels.

Content and channels are subject to availability in your area.

Nuvyyo USA, a wholly owned subsidiary of The E.W. Scripps Company, is a successful technology company re-inventing the over-the-air television experience for the streaming age.

Tablo and Tablo TV are trademarks of Nuvyyo USA, LLC. All third-party trademarks, including logos, are the property of their respective owners.

For more information, visit TabloTV.com.

● Tablo TV and GOVX Celebrate Those Who Serve: Season-long partners Tablo TV and GOVX will once again support Ellis and Young’s Motorsports this weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway, with Tablo TV serving as the primary partner aboard the No. 02 Chevrolet and GOVX continuing its presence as a major associate partner.

GOVX, the members-only platform serving U.S. military personnel, veterans, first responders, emergency medical professionals and government employees, provides exclusive access to premium brands and special pricing for those who serve.

Tablo TV and GOVX will continue to build on their new partnership this weekend, celebrating military members, veterans and their families through an exclusive offer for the military community.

Following the successful launch during the United Rentals Driven to Serve 250 at Naval Base Coronado on June 20, eligible GOVX members can receive $30 off the Tablo Total System, making it even easier to enjoy free over-the-air television at home.

● Tablo Gives Fans More Ways to Watch NASCAR: As a valued partner of Ellis and Young’s Motorsports, NASCAR fans have even more ways to watch and record racing action with Tablo.

Fourth-generation Tablo DVR owners can now access and record The NASCAR Channel, featuring 24/7 free programming, including classic races, delayed broadcasts of the current season, select live events, NASCAR Studios original content and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio’s The Morning Drive.

The addition brings Tablo’s lineup to 106 free streaming channels, complementing its ability to watch and record free local broadcast television with a TV antenna through its whole-home DVR platform.

This week, fans can use promo code ELLIS to receive $20 off the purchase of a new Tablo TV device.

● Racing for a Healthier Tomorrow!: Young’s Motorsports is proud to welcome Baptist Health South Florida as an associate partner aboard Ryan Ellis’s No. 02 Chevrolet Camaro for Saturday afternoon’s NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Championship Race at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

As South Florida’s largest not-for-profit healthcare organization, Baptist Health serves communities throughout the region with a network of 12 hospitals, more than 200 outpatient centers, urgent care facilities and physician practices and more than 30,000 employees.

With specialized services ranging from cancer care and cardiovascular medicine to orthopedics, sports medicine and neuroscience, Baptist Health remains committed to providing compassionate, high-quality healthcare while promoting healthier communities.

The organization’s connection to motorsports runs deep. Baptist Health has maintained a longstanding partnership with Homestead-Miami Speedway, serving as its official healthcare provider while supporting NASCAR-related community initiatives, including the Speediatrics Children’s Emergency Center at Homestead Hospital.

As Ellis and Young’s Motorsports prepare to conclude their 2026 campaign together, Baptist Health’s continued commitment to the South Florida community adds a meaningful local connection to the team’s season-finale effort.

● Ryan Ellis O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Homestead-Miami Speedway Stats: Saturday afternoon’s return to Homestead-Miami Speedway will mark Ryan Ellis’s fifth career NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series start at the South Florida facility, affectionately known as “Racing’s Tropical Destination.”

In four previous appearances at the 1.5-mile oval, Ellis recorded his track-best 20th-place finish during his most recent visit in March 2025, competing for DGM Racing in the Hard Rock Bet 300.

Overall, Ellis has recorded an average finishing position of 26.3 at the popular intermediate track, nestled in Homestead, Fla., just south of Miami and within reach of South Florida’s famous beaches and tropical atmosphere.

Following last weekend’s Halloween showdown at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway, the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series heads south to Homestead-Miami Speedway this weekend for the 33rd and final race of the 2026 season.

Saturday afternoon’s return to the 1.5-mile South Florida oval marks the conclusion of a demanding 33-race campaign, with teams looking to close the year on a positive note while the championship contenders battle for the series title.

The action-packed championship weekend features a NASCAR national-series tripleheader, beginning Friday, November 6, with the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series season finale. The NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series takes center stage Saturday, November 7, before the NASCAR Cup Series brings the 2026 NASCAR season to a close Sunday, November 8.

Known for its progressive banking, multiple racing grooves and challenging tire management, Homestead-Miami Speedway presents one final test for drivers and teams as the season reaches its conclusion.

Unlike last weekend’s tight, flat corners at Martinsville, Homestead places a premium on maintaining momentum, managing tire wear and finding the fastest line around the high-banked intermediate oval.

With drivers frequently utilizing the outside groove near the wall, balancing speed with tire conservation and avoiding costly mistakes will be essential to securing a competitive finish in Saturday afternoon’s championship race.

For Ryan Ellis and Young’s Motorsports, Saturday’s return to Homestead carries additional significance, marking their final NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race together following a full-season campaign aboard the No. 02 Chevrolet Camaro.

With Homestead’s abrasive racing surface and multiple grooves placing a premium on handling and adaptability, Ellis and the No. 02 team will look to establish a competitive balance early and make the necessary adjustments to remain in contention throughout the afternoon.

As their 2026 campaign together reaches its conclusion, Ellis and Young’s Motorsports remain focused on maximizing their final opportunity to deliver a strong performance and finish the season with a result that reflects the effort invested throughout the year.

Although Ellis and Young’s Motorsports will pursue separate paths in 2027, their shared priority remains closing this chapter on a positive note while recognizing the partners, crew members and personnel who have supported their efforts throughout the season.

● Ryan Ellis NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Career Stats: Entering Homestead, Ellis has 196 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series races to his credit, earning a career-best sixth-place finish after starting 32nd in the 2026 edition of the United Rentals 300 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway for Young’s Motorsports.

Since his 2012 debut, Ellis has averaged a 26.6 finish in series competition, including the past three seasons running full-time.

● Martinsville Speedway | National Debt Relief 250 Race Recap: Ryan Ellis and the No. 02 Young’s Motorsports Chevrolet team arrived at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway for the penultimate race of the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season, looking to deliver a competitive performance at the historic Virginia short track while welcoming new partner Centurion aboard their Chevrolet Camaro.

The weekend began on a promising note, as Ellis and the team demonstrated encouraging speed during practice before qualifying 29th on speed for Saturday afternoon’s National Debt Relief 250.

From the drop of the green flag, Ellis methodically worked his way forward through the field, showing improved pace aboard his No. 02 Centurion Chevrolet Camaro while positioning himself to challenge for a stronger finish.

However, his early progress was interrupted on Lap 37 when Ellis became an innocent victim in a multi-car accident, forcing the team to regroup after sustaining minor damage.

Despite the setback, the No. 02 Chevrolet remained competitive, and Ellis was determined to recover the lost ground and work his way back through the field.

Unfortunately, those hopes were dashed on Lap 60 when an unexpected water pump failure forced Ellis to bring his Chevrolet to the garage, ending the team’s afternoon prematurely.

The mechanical issue led to a frustrating 36th-place finish, a disappointing outcome after the team had shown encouraging speed and the potential for a much stronger result.

While the finish did not reflect the effort or performance shown throughout the weekend, Ellis and Young’s Motorsports remained encouraged by the pace of their No. 02 Chevrolet and appreciative of Centurion’s support during its first race with the organization.

With Martinsville in the rearview mirror, Ellis and Young’s Motorsports turn their attention to Homestead-Miami Speedway for Saturday afternoon’s NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season finale, determined to close their final race together with a competitive performance and a positive result.

● Calling the Shots: Guiding Ryan Ellis as crew chief of the No. 02 Young’s Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro is longtime crew chief, engineer and motorsports veteran Eddie Troconis.

Saturday afternoon’s race at Homestead-Miami Speedway will mark Troconis’ 54th career NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series start atop the pit box. In his previous 53 races, he has earned two top-10 finishes, most recently in the 2026 season opener at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway.

The 33rd race of the 2026 season will also mark Troconis’ second event atop the pit box at Homestead-Miami Speedway in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, and his first appearance there since 2021.

Beyond his O’Reilly Auto Parts Series experience, Troconis has called seven NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series races at Martinsville, highlighted by a track-best ninth-place finish with Justin Lofton in 2012.

● Young’s Motorsports’ NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series at Homestead-Miami Speedway: This weekend will mark Young’s Motorsports’ third and fourth starts in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

In the organization’s two previous races, the team has earned a track-best 18th-place finish during the spring 2025 edition of the Hard Rock Bet 300, with series veteran Anthony Alfredo behind the wheel.

In Homestead, the organization’s two previous starts in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series have produced an average starting position of 25.5 and an average finish of 24.0.

Beyond its O’Reilly Auto Parts Series efforts, the team has also made 20 starts at Homestead-Miami Speedway in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series since 2014, producing a 23.1 average finish.

That stretch includes the organization’s best Truck Series finish: a 10th-place finish by Timothy Peters in the series’ 23rd and final race of the 2017 season.

● Young’s Motorsports’ NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series History: Since entering the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series in 2024, the family-owned organization has logged 128 starts and earned one top-five and four top-10 finishes while maintaining an average starting position of 27.7 and an average finish of 25.2.

● Follow on Social Media: For more on Ryan Ellis, please visit ryanellisracing.com, like him on Facebook (Ryan Ellis), and follow him on Instagram (@ryanellisracing), TikTok (@ryanellisracing), and X | Twitter (@ryanellisracing).

For more on Young’s Motorsports, please visit YoungsMotorsports.com, like them on Facebook (Young’s Motorsports), and follow them on Instagram (@youngsmotorsports) and X |Twitter (@youngsmtrsports).

Ryan Ellis Quote Board:

On Homestead-Miami Speedway: “I’m looking forward to getting back to Homestead-Miami Speedway. It’s a really fun racetrack because there are so many different ways to get around it, and you can move around to find where your car works best.

“I’ve had some decent runs there in the past, including my best finish of 20th last year, and I feel like it’s a place where we can put together a competitive weekend.

“It’s hard to believe we’re already at the final race of the season, but I’m excited to get down to South Florida and hopefully give our No. 02 Young’s Motorsports Chevrolet a strong run to close out the year.”

On Keys to Success at Homestead-Miami Speedway: “Homestead is one of those tracks where managing your tires is going to be a huge part of the race. The surface is pretty abrasive, and you can really wear your stuff out if you’re too aggressive early in a run.

“You have to be smart about how you approach each corner, especially when you’re running up near the wall.

“I think having a car that handles well over a long run is going to be important. You want to have good speed, but you also need something that’s going to stay underneath you as the tires fall off.

“If we can get our balance right, make good adjustments and have solid pit stops, hopefully we’ll have a chance to race our way toward the front.”

On Goals for Homestead-Miami Speedway: “More than anything, I want us to have a clean race and finish the season with a result we can all feel good about.

“Martinsville was really disappointing because we had some decent speed, but getting caught up in that accident and then having the water pump failure ended our day way too early.

“We’ve had some weekends this year where I felt like our finishing position didn’t really show what we were capable of, and I’d love to change that at Homestead.

“A top-15 or top-20 finish would be a great way to close things out, but the biggest thing is making sure we get everything we can out of the car and give our team and partners something positive to celebrate.”

On Returning to Homestead-Miami Speedway for Season Finale: “I think it’s pretty cool that we’re going back to Homestead for the championship weekend.

“There’s something about that place that makes it feel like a fitting location to finish the NASCAR season. The racing is usually really good, the atmosphere is great, and there’s always a lot of excitement with all three national series wrapping up their seasons.

“For us, it’s a little bittersweet because it’s also our final race together as a team.

“I want to enjoy the weekend, appreciate the opportunity to be part of the championship finale and hopefully make some good memories before we all head in different directions.”

On Season Finale Partnership with Tablo TV: “I’m really excited to have Tablo TV back with us for the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway. They’ve been a tremendous supporter of our program, and I’m incredibly grateful for the confidence they’ve shown in me and everyone at Young’s Motorsports throughout the season.

“Having partners who believe in what we’re building means everything, especially in a sport as competitive as NASCAR. Tablo TV has been a big part of our journey this year, and I want to make sure we finish our final race together on a positive note.

“Hopefully, we can put together a strong run on Saturday, give everyone at Tablo TV something to cheer about and show our appreciation for everything they’ve done to support our No. 02 team.”

On the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Season with Young’s Motorsports: “This season has meant a lot to me, and I’m really thankful for the opportunity Tyler Young and his family gave me to drive the No. 02 Chevrolet for the entire year.

“We knew there were going to be challenges, and we definitely had our share of them, but there were also some really good moments that I’m proud of.

“I can’t say enough about the effort Eddie Troconis and everyone on this team have put in week after week. There have been plenty of long days at the shop, late nights at the racetrack and weekends where things didn’t go our way, but nobody ever stopped trying to make our program better.

“I also want to thank Randy, Becky and all of our partners who believed in us and helped make this season possible. I know we all wanted to accomplish more, but I’m grateful for the relationships we’ve built and the experiences we’ve shared.

“Even though we’re going in different directions after Homestead, I have a lot of respect for everyone at Young’s Motorsports. I want to finish this chapter the right way, hopefully with a really good run on Saturday, and be able to shake everyone’s hand afterward knowing we gave it everything we had.”

No. 42 Young’s Motorsports Team:

Driver: Brad Perez

Primary Partner(s): KSDT Advisors

Manufacturer: Chevrolet Camaro

Crew Chief: Andrew Abbott

2026 Driver Points Position: 45th (Seven Races)

2026 Owner Points Position: 32nd

Engine: Earnhardt-Childress Racing

Notes of Interest:

● Year Three, Driven Forward: Young’s Motorsports continues its campaign in the newly rebranded NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series this weekend as the tour returns to Homestead-Miami (Fla.) Speedway for the final stop of the 2026 season.

Motorsports polymath Brad Perez returns to the Mooresville, N.C.-based organization for his fifth NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series start of the season with Young’s Motorsports in Saturday afternoon’s O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Championship Race, driving the No. 42 Chevrolet Camaro in the 33rd of 33 races on the 2026 schedule.

● About Brad: Brad Perez is a versatile competitor within the motorsports industry, bringing a diverse background that extends well beyond his accomplishments behind the wheel.

A native of Hollywood, Fla., Perez has established himself as a multifaceted racing professional, balancing responsibilities as a driver, engineer, strategist and valued contributor throughout the NASCAR garage.

His racing résumé includes experience across NASCAR national and regional competition, sports cars and grassroots motorsports, where he has demonstrated an ability to capitalize on opportunities while competing with limited resources.

Beyond his driving career, Perez has gained valuable experience in engineering and competition-related roles, developing a technical understanding of race car performance, strategy and the demands of competing at NASCAR’s highest levels.

Known for his determination, adaptability and hands-on approach to motorsports, Perez continues to expand his racing résumé while bringing a unique combination of driving experience and technical knowledge to his NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series opportunity with Young’s Motorsports at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

● All-Aboard! For the 33rd of 33 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series races this season, Young’s Motorsports welcomes KSDT Advisors as the No. 42 Chevrolet Camaro’s primary partner for Saturday’s 200-lap event on Nov. 7.

KSDT (Kabat, Schertzer, De La Torre, Taraboulos & Co.) is a full-service, nationally ranked accounting and advisory firm. Recognized as an Inside Public Accounting (IPA) Top 200 firm, KSDT has served clients for over 40 years with comprehensive solutions across tax planning, accounting, assurance, and forward-focused advisory services.

Operating under an alternative practice structure, KSDT CPA LLP provides independent attest services, while KSDT Advisors LLC delivers customized non-attest tax, operational, risk, and transaction advisory solutions. Combining an employee-centric, people-first culture with advanced technology,

KSDT is dedicated to providing cost-effective, secure, and friction-free financial strategies that help business owners scale, manage risk, and confidently achieve their long-term financial goals.

● From the Gridiron to the Racetrack: Florida native and lifelong Miami Dolphins fan Brad Perez will bring a special throwback paint scheme to Homestead-Miami Speedway aboard the No. 42 KSDT Advisors Chevrolet Camaro.

Featuring the Dolphins’ iconic aqua and orange colors, the design pays tribute to Jerry Nadeau’s No. 13 FirstPlus Financial Ford Taurus, fielded by NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino’s Elliott-Marino Motorsports team during the 1998 NASCAR Cup Series season.

The nostalgic scheme celebrates Perez’s South Florida roots while honoring a unique connection between NASCAR and Miami sports history.

● Still in the Cards! Luckiest Man Sports Cards will continue its support of Young’s Motorsports as an associate partner aboard Brad Perez’s No. 42 KSDT Advisors Chevrolet Camaro for Saturday afternoon’s NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

Founded in 2022 and based in Orange Park, Fla., Luckiest Man Sports Cards is a brick-and-mortar trading card destination specializing in sports, entertainment and trading card game collectibles.

The store offers cards representing NASCAR, MLB, NFL, NBA and NHL, along with products from some of the industry’s most recognizable brands, including Topps, Panini, Leaf and Upper Deck.

Committed to keeping the hobby fun, accessible and affordable, Luckiest Man Sports Cards serves collectors of all ages and experience levels, continuing its support of Young’s Motorsports as the 2026 season reaches its conclusion.

● Putting a Little Sun in the Sunshine State: In addition to the highly popular partnership with KSDT Advisors, Perez and Young’s Motorsports will welcome additional support from Sunbelt Rentals.

Sunbelt Rentals Holdings Inc. is an international leader in the industrial equipment rental and plant hire industry.

Headquartered operationally in Fort Mill, South Carolina, Sunbelt Rentals provides an extensive, multi-billion-dollar fleet of tools, machinery and specialty engineered solutions across North America and the United Kingdom.

● Brad Perez O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Homestead-Miami Speedway Stats: Saturday afternoon’s return to Homestead-Miami Speedway will mark Brad Perez’s third career NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series start at the South Florida facility, affectionately known as “Racing’s Tropical Destination.”

In two previous appearances at the 1.5-mile oval, Perez recorded back-to-back 28th-place finishes, including his most recent visit in March 2025, when he competed for Alpha Prime Racing in the Hard Rock Bet 300.

Overall, Perez has recorded an average finishing position of 28.0 at the popular intermediate track, located in Homestead, Fla., just south of Miami and a short drive from South Florida’s renowned beaches and tropical attractions.

In addition to his NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series experience at Homestead-Miami Speedway, Perez also has a NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series start at the South Florida oval for Young’s Motorsports.

Competing in the October 2023 Baptist Health 200, Perez turned in an impressive 18th-place qualifying effort before finishing 24th in the 200-mile event.

Following last weekend’s Halloween showdown at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway, the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series heads south to Homestead-Miami Speedway for Saturday afternoon’s season finale, bringing the curtain down on the 2026 championship campaign.

The championship weekend features a NASCAR national-series tripleheader, beginning Friday, November 6, with the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. The NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series takes center stage Saturday, November 7, before the NASCAR Cup Series concludes the season Sunday, November 8.

Known for its progressive banking, abrasive racing surface and multiple racing grooves, Homestead-Miami Speedway presents a challenging final test, with tire management, maintaining momentum and adapting to changing track conditions essential to success.

For Brad Perez and Young’s Motorsports, Saturday’s championship race presents an opportunity to build upon the No. 42 Chevrolet team’s encouraging performances over the past several weeks, despite utilizing a rotating lineup of drivers.

During that stretch, the organization has demonstrated improved competitiveness with Logan Bearden, Matt DiBenedetto, Perez and Nick Leitz, who delivered an impressive top-15 finish at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway in October.

The team’s recent momentum carried into last weekend’s National Debt Relief 250 at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway, where Argentine driver Baltazar Leguizamón returned to the No. 42 Chevrolet for his first NASCAR national-series oval-track appearance.

With several drivers contributing to the program’s late-season progress, Young’s Motorsports enters Homestead-Miami Speedway with renewed confidence and a determination to finish the 2026 campaign on a positive note.

For Perez, Saturday’s return to the South Florida oval offers an opportunity to improve upon his previous results while helping the No. 42 team carry its recent momentum into the offseason.

● Brad Perez NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Career Stats: Entering Homestead, Perez has 26 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series starts to his credit, highlighted by a career-best 18th-place finish after starting 31st in the 2024 Focused Health 250 at Circuit of The Americas for Alpha Prime Racing.

Since his 2022 debut, Perez has recorded an average finish of 28.2 in series competition at 17 different tracks, including Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course, the Chicago Street Course, Darlington Raceway, Homestead-Miami Speedway, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course, Kansas Speedway, Martinsville Speedway, Naval Base Coronado, Phoenix (Ariz.) Raceway, Road America, Sonoma Raceway, Texas Motor Speedway and World Wide Technology (Ill.) Raceway for teams Alpha Prime Racing, Emerling-Gase Motorsports, Joey Gase Motorsports with Scott Osteen, RSS Racing, SS-GreenLight Racing and Young’s Motorsports.

Further bolstering his NASCAR résumé, Perez has made five starts in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series since 2024.

With just one race remaining in the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season, Perez will make his eighth start of the year this weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway, establishing a new single-season career high since making his series debut in 2022.

● Calling the Shots: Guiding Perez and the No. 42 Young’s Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro team at Homestead-Miami Speedway is veteran crew chief Andrew Abbott.

Saturday afternoon’s NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Championship Race will mark Abbott’s 195th career NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series start atop the pit box. In his previous 194 races, he has recorded four top-five and 14 top-10 finishes.

The final race of the 2026 season will also mark Abbott’s seventh career NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series appearance as crew chief at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

In six previous starts at the famed intermediate track, Abbott has recorded a track-best 12th-place finish, with driver Jeremy Clements in the 2020 Hooters 250.

Beyond his O’Reilly Auto Parts Series experience, Troconis has called six NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series races at Homestead, highlighted by a track-best 22nd-place finish with driver Scott Lagasse Jr. in 2016.

● Young’s Motorsports’ NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series at Homestead-Miami Speedway: This weekend will mark Young’s Motorsports’ third and fourth starts in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

In the organization’s two previous races, the team has earned a track-best 18th-place finish during the spring 2025 edition of the Hard Rock Bet 300, with series veteran Anthony Alfredo behind the wheel.

In Homestead, the organization’s two previous starts in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series have produced an average starting position of 25.5 and an average finish of 24.0.

Beyond its O’Reilly Auto Parts Series efforts, the team has also made 20 starts at Homestead-Miami Speedway in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series since 2014, producing a 23.1 average finish.

That stretch includes the organization’s best Truck Series finish: a 10th-place finish by Timothy Peters in the series’ 23rd and final race of the 2017 season.

● Young’s Motorsports’ NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series History: Since entering the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series in 2024, the family-owned organization has logged 128 starts and earned one top-five and four top-10 finishes while maintaining an average starting position of 27.7 and an average finish of 25.2.

● Follow on Social Media: For more on Brad Perez, please visit bradperez.com, like him on Facebook (Brad Perez Racing), and follow him on Instagram (@uhbrad), TikTok (@breadperez), and X | Twitter (@bradxperez).

For more on Young’s Motorsports, please visit YoungsMotorsports.com, like them on Facebook (Young’s Motorsports), and follow them on Instagram (@youngsmotorsports) and X |Twitter (@youngsmtrsports).

Brad Perez Quote Board:

On Return to Homestead-Miami Speedway: “I’m really excited to get back to Homestead-Miami Speedway. It’s a track I’ve always enjoyed because you can move around and try different lines to find speed.

“I’ve raced there a couple of times before, so having that experience should help me get comfortable pretty quickly when we unload.

“Being back in South Florida is always special, and I’m looking forward to getting behind the wheel of the No. 42 Young’s Motorsports Chevrolet and hopefully putting together a strong weekend.”

On Keys to Success at Homestead-Miami Speedway: “Homestead is definitely a place where you have to be smart about managing your tires. The surface is really abrasive, and if you use everything up too early in a run, you’re going to pay for it later.

“You also have to be willing to move around the racetrack. Sometimes the bottom works, sometimes you have to get right up against the wall, and that can change throughout the race.

“I think if we can get our Chevrolet handling well over a long run, stay out of trouble and execute on pit road, we’ll give ourselves a good opportunity to be competitive.”

On Goals for Homestead-Miami Speedway: “The biggest goal is to go out there and make the most of this opportunity. The No. 42 team has been putting together some really encouraging runs lately with different drivers, and I want to keep that momentum going.

“We’ve shown that this program is capable of being competitive, and I’d love to help these guys finish the year with another solid result.

“If we can have a clean race, make the right adjustments and be in position to fight for a good finish, I think that would be a great way to end the season.”

On Returning to Homestead-Miami Speedway for Season Finale: “It’s pretty cool to have Homestead back as the season finale.

“There’s always a different kind of energy when all three NASCAR national series are wrapping up their championships on the same weekend, and I’m excited to be part of it.

“It’s also a little extra special for me because this will be my eighth O’Reilly Auto Parts Series start of the year, which is the most I’ve ever made in a single season.

“That’s something I’m really proud of, and I’d love nothing more than to finish the year with a strong run in front of the South Florida crowd.”

On KSDT Advisors Partnership: “I’m really thankful to have KSDT Advisors supporting us this weekend at Homestead.

“Having partners who believe in what we’re doing and want to be part of these opportunities means a lot, especially in a sport where it takes so much support just to get to the racetrack.

“It’s great to have them involved for the season finale, and I want to do everything I can to represent them well.

“Hopefully, we can give everyone at KSDT Advisors something to cheer about on Saturday and make this a really positive experience for everyone involved.”

On Another NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Opportunity with Young’s Motorsports: “I’m really grateful to Tyler Young and everyone at Young’s Motorsports for giving me another opportunity to drive the No. 42 Chevrolet.

“Every time I get behind the wheel of one of these cars, I’m learning something, and having the chance to work with this team again is something I don’t take for granted.

“The guys have been working really hard, and I think the recent performances show that the program is heading in a good direction. We’ve had several different drivers in the car, but everyone has been working toward the same goal of making the team better.

“I’m excited to get back with the group, build on what we’ve learned and hopefully help them close out 2026 on a high note.

“I’m thankful for every opportunity I’ve had this season, and I’d love to make this final one count.”

Race Information:

The O’Reilly Auto Parts 300 (200 laps | 300 miles) marks the 33rd and final race of the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season. On-track activity begins Friday, November 6, with a 50-minute practice scheduled for 4:00 p.m. Qualifying follows Saturday, November 7, beginning at 1:00 p.m. The green flag is scheduled to wave shortly after 5:00 p.m. Saturday, with live coverage on The CW Network, the Motor Racing Network (MRN) and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90. All times are local and Eastern Standard Time (EST).

What to Expect During the Truck Accident Lawsuit Process

By

SM

-

November 6, 2026

depositphotos_52394823-stock-photo-road-accident — Photo by depositphotos at https://depositphotos.com/

Navigating the aftermath of a commercial truck accident can be an overwhelming experience. Unlike typical motor vehicle collisions, accidents involving heavy commercial trucks often result in severe injuries, substantial financial loss, and complex legal challenges. Understanding the stages of a truck accident lawsuit can help demystify the process and prepare you for what lies ahead as you seek fair compensation for your injuries and damages.

Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation

The legal process usually begins with an initial consultation between you and a personal injury attorney specializing in truck accidents. During this preliminary meeting, the attorney will review the details of the crash, assess the extent of your injuries, and evaluate the feasibility of your claim. You will be asked to share all available evidence, such as police reports, photograph collections from the scene, medical bills, and contact information for witnesses.

This initial meeting also provides an opportunity to discuss the potential legal theories supporting your case. Commercial trucking involves strict state and federal regulations, and determining liability often requires analyzing whether the truck driver, the trucking company, or another party violated safety standards. If the attorney determines that you have a viable claim, you will sign a representation agreement, formally initiating the legal relationship.

Comprehensive Investigation and Preserving Evidence

Once an attorney is retained, a thorough investigation begins immediately. Speed is critical in truck accident cases because valuable evidence can quickly disappear or be destroyed. Trucking companies often send rapid response teams to collision sites to gather evidence and protect their interests, making a prompt investigation by your legal team essential.

During this phase, your Missouri truck accident lawyer will issue spoliation letters to the trucking company and other involved parties. These legal notices demand the preservation of crucial evidence, including black box electronic logging data, maintenance records, driver qualification files, dashcam footage, and post-accident drug test results. Your legal team may also inspect the vehicles involved, re-examine the accident scene, and consult accident reconstruction experts to build a clear picture of how the collision occurred and who was at fault.

Filing the Complaint and Legal Pleadings

After gathering sufficient preliminary evidence, your attorney will draft and file a formal legal document known as a complaint or petition in the appropriate court. This document outlines the facts of the accident, names the defendants, alleges specific acts of negligence, and details the financial compensation you are seeking.

The defendants, which typically include the truck driver, the motor carrier, and potentially insurance companies or equipment manufacturers, are formally served with the lawsuit. They are granted a specific period to file a written answer responding to each allegation. The filing of these initial pleadings officially begins the litigation process in the court system.

The Discovery Phase

The discovery phase is usually the longest and most detailed stage of a truck accident lawsuit. During discovery, both sides exchange information, documents, and evidence relevant to the case. This formal exchange helps prevent surprises at trial and allows each party to evaluate the strength of the opposing arguments.

Discovery involves several specific procedures, including written interrogatories, requests for production of documents, and requests for admissions. Additionally, depositions are conducted during this period. Depositions are sworn, out-of-court testimonies where attorneys question parties, eyewitnesses, medical providers, and expert witnesses. In commercial truck cases, expert testimony regarding trucking industry standards, biomechanics, and vocational rehabilitation often plays a vital role during discovery.

Pre-Trial Motions and Settlement Negotiations

As discovery progresses or nears completion, both parties typically evaluate the possibility of reaching a settlement outside of court. Insurance providers for trucking companies frequently attempt to settle claims to avoid the expense and unpredictability of a jury trial. Negotiations may occur informally through direct communication between attorneys or formally through mediation and arbitration sessions.

Concurrently, attorneys may file pre-trial motions with the court. These motions can address procedural disputes, request the exclusion of certain evidence, or seek a summary judgment on specific legal issues. If a fair settlement agreement is reached during this phase, the lawsuit ends, and the terms of the settlement are formalized in a binding release agreement.

Proceeding to Trial

If settlement discussions prove unsuccessful, the case proceeds to trial. A truck accident trial involves several distinct stages, beginning with jury selection. Once the jury is impaneled, both sides present opening statements summarizing their evidence and legal theories.

Your legal team will present your case first, calling witnesses, introducing exhibits, and demonstrating the extent of your physical, emotional, and financial injuries. The defense then presents its case, attempting to disprove liability or minimize the claimed damages. Following closing arguments and jury instructions from the judge, the jury deliberates to reach a verdict regarding liability and the amount of damages to be awarded.

Post-Trial Motions and Appeals

The conclusion of a trial does not always mark the end of the legal process. Either party may file post-trial motions seeking to modify or set aside the verdict. Furthermore, the losing party has the right to appeal the court decision to a higher appellate court if they believe significant legal errors occurred during the proceedings. The appeals process involves reviewing trial records and submitting written briefs, which can add substantial time to the final resolution of the case.

Navigating a commercial truck accident lawsuit requires patience, diligence, and expert legal guidance. While the legal journey can be lengthy and complex, understanding each step allows injured victims to make informed decisions and work effectively with their legal team toward achieving a favorable outcome.

Why Race Fans Wanted a Bronze Badge for a Race They Couldn’t Attend

By

SM

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November 6, 2026

unnamed (5) — (NWS/Michael Anderson photography)

The 2020 Indianapolis 500 ran on August 23, three months late, with no fans in the grandstands. A Bronze Badge that year couldn’t get you into Gasoline Alley or anywhere else at the Speedway.

People called and asked for one anyway. Speedway president Doug Boles told WRTV in Indianapolis that fans phoned in with the same request: “Hey I need to keep my collection.”

Nobody on those calls wanted access. They had badges from the years before, and they didn’t want a hole in the row. That phone call explains most of what you need to know about why race fans keep things.

A pass that turned into a collection

The Speedway has issued metal badges since 1938. The Bronze and Silver Badges started in 1947, but they weren’t sold to the general public until the early 1990s.

The Bronze Badge gets you through the gate and into the garage area on open days during the month of May. The Silver Badge adds pit lane. In 2023 the Bronze sold for $150 before April and $160 after, and the Silver was $500.

Every year’s badge has a different design. The 2019 badge marked 50 years since Mario Andretti won the 500. The 2022 badge showed Helio Castroneves climbing the fence after his fourth win, the first time a driver who was still racing appeared on one. In 2023 it was the Pagoda with a flyover overhead.

So the badge does two jobs. In May it’s a credential. After that it’s a dated piece of metal with a picture of that year on it. The Speedway’s credentials office says a lot of fans renew for next year on the day after the race.

Why the row matters more than any one badge

One badge is a souvenir. Ten in a row on a hat brim tells people how long you’ve been coming, and nobody has to ask. Miss a year and the gap shows.

That’s what the 2020 callers were protecting. The badge itself bought them nothing that year. The streak was the point.

It’s also why the design has to change. If every badge looked the same, you’d own a stack of duplicates. Because each one carries its own year and its own picture, the row reads like a timeline of the races you were part of.

Your track can do the small version

Most racing doesn’t happen at Indianapolis. It happens on Saturday nights at quarter-mile ovals and dirt tracks, and in fan clubs and race teams that never get on TV. Every one of them has a season worth remembering and a champion at the end of it.

A season pin is the cheapest way to turn that into something people keep. Pick a shape and size and stick with it. Then change two things each year: the year, and one detail from that season. It could be the champion’s car number, or the night the feature took four restarts to finish.

Hand one to every season ticket holder or crew member on opening night, and sell the rest at the souvenir stand. After three or four seasons, your regulars will start to care about their row. A few of them will come asking about the years they missed, and that’s how you know it’s working.

Making a pin that lasts the season

For this kind of pin, custom soft enamel pins are the usual choice. The color sits slightly below raised metal lines, so the design has some texture to it, and it holds up fine on a cap for a full season. About an inch across is enough. Keep the lettering to the track name and the year, because small text is the first thing to fill in.

You don’t need a big run. MZIHO makes them from 25 pieces per design, so a small track or a five-person crew can afford a year of its own. Plan on about six weeks before opening night. You approve a digital proof first, and production starts only after that.

Use your own name, not the series logo

The Speedway can put its own marks on its badge. You can’t put a series or team logo on yours without permission, and a reputable pin maker will turn that design down.

You don’t lose much. Your track’s name, its length, the town it sits in, and the year are what make the pin yours. A series logo would only make it look like something from the merchandise trailer.

Somewhere in Indiana, there’s a cap with a 2020 Bronze Badge pinned between 2019 and 2021. It never got anyone through a gate. It’s on the cap because the row would look wrong without it.

Brand loyalty is about more than marketing: Has retail lost sight of the customer experience?

By

SM

-

November 6, 2026

Brand loyalty is about more than marketing: Has retail lost sight of the customer experience?

For years, consumer packaged goods companies have invested heavily in understanding what makes customers loyal. They have commissioned research, refined brand identities, developed rewards programs and built increasingly sophisticated advertising campaigns designed to keep their products at the forefront of consumers’ minds. Yet while manufacturers have become remarkably good at measuring how people feel about their brands, an important part of the relationship remains surprisingly vulnerable: what happens when a customer walks into a store and tries to buy the product.

That disconnect is becoming more consequential in Canadian retail, where consumers are paying closer attention to prices and showing a greater willingness to change their shopping habits when expectations are not met. A familiar brand name may still influence the initial purchasing decision, but recognition offers little protection when the product is unavailable, the advertised promotion cannot be found or the customer encounters repeated frustrations at the shelf.

Recent Canadian consumer research suggests the industry has good reason to pay closer attention. A 2026 GroceryIQ study of 1,000 Canadian grocery shoppers found that 68% were very or somewhat likely to visit another store to find an unavailable item. Meanwhile, a separate study commissioned by Retail Council of Canada found that 37% of consumers switch retailers when products are out of stock. These findings do not mean every unavailable product results in a permanently lost customer, but they demonstrate that purchasing inconvenience can influence behaviour well beyond the immediate transaction.

For manufacturers, the question is whether the industry has become so focused on creating brand preference that it sometimes overlooks the operational experience required to sustain it.

The customer experience begins long before the checkout

Brand loyalty is often discussed as an emotional relationship between consumers and products. Advertising reinforces familiarity, packaging creates recognition, and positive product experiences encourage repeat purchases. These elements matter, but they represent only part of the relationship. For everyday consumer goods, loyalty also depends on a practical expectation that the product will be reasonably easy to purchase whenever it is needed.

Consider a customer who has purchased the same coffee brand for several years. The manufacturer may have succeeded in building a strong preference through quality, consistency and effective marketing. However, if that customer encounters repeated stockouts, incorrect shelf prices or poorly communicated promotions, the relationship begins to involve more effort than expected. At some point, convenience may become more important than preference, particularly when competing products offer acceptable alternatives.

The significance of this problem is that the customer does not necessarily stop liking the original brand. Instead, the experience of purchasing it becomes unreliable. Traditional brand tracking may continue to show positive awareness and sentiment even as store-level problems create opportunities for competitors.

For consumer packaged goods manufacturers, this distinction should influence how loyalty is measured. Brand preference describes what consumers would like to purchase, while retail execution helps determine whether that preference becomes an actual sale. A complete understanding of customer loyalty requires both perspectives.

Canadian shoppers are becoming less forgiving of retail friction

The economic environment has made the quality of the shopping experience particularly relevant. Statistics Canada reported that grocery prices increased 1.7% year over year in September 2026, a moderation from the 2.8% increase recorded in August. However, grocery prices remained 33% higher than in September 2020, demonstrating why affordability continues to influence purchasing decisions despite slower inflation.

When consumers are spending more on household essentials, they have stronger incentives to compare prices, evaluate promotional offers and reconsider habitual purchases. Retailers and manufacturers therefore face greater pressure to ensure that the value communicated through marketing is reflected in the actual shopping experience.

Research released by Retail Council of Canada in July 2026 found that 72% of surveyed shoppers had experienced at least one retail problem during the preceding three months. Out-of-stock products were among the most frequently reported issues, affecting 30% of respondents, while poor customer service was another significant reason for switching retailers.

These findings suggest that customer experience problems are not limited to occasional inconveniences. They form part of the environment in which consumers decide where to shop and which products to purchase.

For manufacturers, the consequences are complicated by the fact that the retailer often controls the final customer interaction. A consumer may become frustrated with a supermarket because a product is unavailable, but the manufacturer can still lose the sale. Responsibility for the problem may be shared, while its commercial consequences extend across the supply chain.

Marketing creates expectations that merchandising must fulfil

A successful advertising campaign creates demand by giving consumers a reason to choose a particular product. The campaign may emphasize quality, convenience, innovation or affordability, but each message establishes an expectation that must be supported when the customer reaches the store.

This is where the relationship between marketing and merchandising becomes particularly important. A manufacturer may promote a new product nationally while individual stores experience delayed replenishment, inconsistent display installation or missing promotional information. Consumers responding to the campaign may arrive with clear purchasing intentions, only to encounter an experience that contradicts the advertising.

The commercial problem is not simply that the product is missing. The manufacturer has invested in generating demand that the retail environment is unable to convert, potentially allowing competing brands to benefit from the interest created by the original campaign.

This disconnect can be difficult to identify when marketing and retail operations are evaluated separately. Advertising teams may report strong engagement, while sales teams observe disappointing results without a complete understanding of store-level conditions. The organization may respond by changing its marketing strategy even though the underlying issue is product availability or promotional execution.

Better coordination between these functions would allow manufacturers to evaluate the purchasing journey more comprehensively. Retail performance should not be treated as an outcome that begins only after marketing has finished its work. It is part of the same customer experience.

The overlooked damage caused by inaccurate pricing

Product availability receives considerable attention because an empty shelf is easy to recognize. Pricing accuracy, however, can be equally important to the customer experience, particularly when shoppers are actively searching for value.

A consumer who selects a product based on an advertised promotion expects the discount to be reflected accurately at checkout. When the shelf label differs from the scanned price, or promotional conditions are unclear, the experience can create frustration even if the discrepancy is eventually corrected.

For manufacturers, these incidents are particularly problematic because consumers may associate the experience with the product as well as the retailer. A brand promoted as affordable or convenient becomes less appealing when purchasing it requires additional effort or uncertainty.

Premium brands face a related challenge. Their pricing is often justified through product quality, ingredients or specialized benefits, but inconsistent presentation and unclear shelf information can weaken the perceived value of those characteristics.

The issue is not that every merchandising imperfection permanently damages loyalty. Rather, repeated inconsistencies introduce friction into a relationship that depends partly on familiarity and convenience. Over time, that friction can make alternatives more attractive.

Retail loyalty programs cannot compensate for a disappointing experience

Retailers have invested extensively in loyalty programs, personalized offers and digital tools intended to encourage repeat visits. These programs have become deeply embedded in Canadian shopping behaviour, particularly as consumers look for ways to manage household expenses.

Research conducted for Retail Council of Canada in August 2026 found that 95% of surveyed Canadians belonged to or used at least one loyalty program, while 81% agreed that such programs helped them save money on groceries. The findings demonstrate the importance consumers place on tangible financial benefits, but they also raise an important distinction between loyalty to a retailer’s rewards program and loyalty to the shopping experience itself.

Points and discounts may encourage a customer to return, but they do not eliminate the frustration of finding an empty shelf or discovering that an advertised product is unavailable. A retailer can offer attractive rewards while still losing individual purchases to competitors that provide a more reliable experience.

For manufacturers, loyalty programs can generate valuable promotional opportunities, but those opportunities must be supported by consistent execution. A personalized discount on an unavailable product creates little commercial value and may undermine the convenience the offer was intended to provide.

The broader lesson is that loyalty incentives work best when the fundamentals of retail operations are dependable. Rewards can strengthen a positive relationship, but they are a poor substitute for delivering what the customer expected to purchase.

Why merchandising deserves a place in the customer experience conversation

Retail merchandising is frequently evaluated through operational measures such as planogram compliance, display installation and product availability. These indicators are important, but they can obscure the larger purpose of merchandising, which is to make products accessible and purchasing decisions straightforward.

From the consumer’s perspective, successful merchandising is often almost invisible. Customers find the product where they expect it, recognize the packaging, understand the price and complete the purchase without unnecessary effort. The absence of friction is itself an important part of the experience.

Organizations operating in the retail execution sector, including Marketsupport Canada, work within this critical connection between manufacturers, retail environments and the consumer purchasing experience. The commercial relevance of merchandising extends beyond shelf presentation because the condition of a product’s retail presence can influence whether brand preference translates into repeat purchases.

For manufacturers managing distribution across numerous grocery and pharmacy locations, this creates a need for better visibility into store-level conditions. Sales data may indicate that a product is underperforming, but it cannot always explain whether the cause is weak demand, inconsistent replenishment or poor promotional execution.

Combining sales information with merchandising observations can help identify problems that would otherwise remain hidden. It also allows companies to distinguish between challenges requiring additional marketing and those that can be addressed through better retail coordination.

The cost of losing a customer is not always immediately visible

When a product is unavailable, the immediate commercial consequence may be a missed sale. However, the longer-term implications depend on what the customer does next and whether the alternative purchase changes future behaviour.

Some shoppers will visit another store to find their preferred product, while others will purchase a substitute or postpone the transaction. The 2026 GroceryIQ findings indicate that many Canadian consumers remain willing to make an additional trip for unavailable merchandise, but this behaviour should not be interpreted as unlimited patience.

Every additional effort required to purchase a preferred product creates another opportunity for the consumer to reconsider the relationship. A competing brand may be easier to find, offer better value or provide a sufficiently similar experience.

For products purchased frequently, these decisions can gradually alter purchasing habits. A manufacturer may not immediately recognize the change because lost loyalty can appear as a slow decline in sales rather than a sudden customer departure.

This makes retail execution an important consideration in customer retention analysis. Companies that measure loyalty exclusively through consumer attitudes may overlook operational factors influencing actual purchasing behaviour.

A more complete approach to brand loyalty

As Canadian manufacturers plan for 2027, the relationship between marketing investment and retail execution deserves greater attention. Companies should evaluate whether products are consistently available across their existing distribution networks, whether promotional campaigns are supported by accurate pricing and whether consumers encounter a reliable purchasing experience across participating retailers.

This does not mean manufacturers should abandon traditional brand-building activities. Advertising, product innovation and consumer engagement remain essential to creating preference and attracting new customers. The opportunity lies in connecting these investments more closely with the operational conditions that determine whether customers can act on that preference.

Retailers also have an important role because the customer experiences the store and the product together. Better communication between manufacturers, distributors and retail teams can help identify recurring problems and establish clearer accountability for corrective action.

For business leaders, the most useful question may be whether the organization is measuring the complete customer journey or only the portions directly controlled by marketing. A product can be well regarded, widely advertised and commercially competitive while still underperforming because purchasing it has become unnecessarily difficult.

Loyalty is earned when the brand delivers on its promise

Brand loyalty is ultimately a relationship built through repeated experiences. Marketing can create recognition, communicate benefits and establish emotional connections, but those achievements must be reinforced whenever a customer decides to purchase the product.

The Canadian retail environment is making that relationship more demanding. Consumers are comparing prices carefully, using loyalty programs to manage expenses and showing a willingness to change retailers when basic expectations are not met. In this context, availability, pricing accuracy and consistent presentation are not minor operational details. They are part of how a brand demonstrates reliability.

For CPG manufacturers, the opportunity is to recognize that the customer experience does not end when advertising succeeds or distribution is secured. It continues through the store aisle, the shelf and the checkout, where purchasing intentions are either fulfilled or frustrated.

The brands that protect loyalty over time will need to do more than remain memorable. They will need to remain dependable.

SpeedwayMedia.comOnline Resource for Motorsports Information

SpeedwayMedia.comOnline Resource for Motorsports Information

Results:

Final Chase Standings:

Homestead – Starting Lineup:

1. Guessing the Amount of Waste From How the Room Looks

Think About the Load, Not Only the Container

2. Assuming Any Open Patch of Ground Is Suitable for Delivery

3. Mixing Restricted Materials Into Ordinary Cleanup Debris

Create a Separate Area for Questionable Items

4. Treating the Fill Line as a Suggestion

5. Booking Delivery Without Matching It to the Work Schedule

6. Comparing Prices Without Asking What They Include

7. Forgetting That Pickup Requires Clear Access Too

Make the Rental Fit the Project, Not the Other Way Around

A pass that turned into a collection

Why the row matters more than any one badge

Your track can do the small version

Making a pin that lasts the season

Use your own name, not the series logo

Brand loyalty is about more than marketing: Has retail lost sight of the customer experience?

The customer experience begins long before the checkout

Canadian shoppers are becoming less forgiving of retail friction

Marketing creates expectations that merchandising must fulfil

The overlooked damage caused by inaccurate pricing

Retail loyalty programs cannot compensate for a disappointing experience

Why merchandising deserves a place in the customer experience conversation

The cost of losing a customer is not always immediately visible

A more complete approach to brand loyalty

Loyalty is earned when the brand delivers on its promise

SpeedwayMedia.comOnline Resource for Motorsports Information

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