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Todd Lesenko Joins Jim Dunn Racing

Canadian Returns to Funny Car in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series

Long Beach, Calif. (January 21, 2026) – Jim Dunn Racing has announced that Todd Lesenko will pilot the team’s Funny Car for the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season.

A native of Edmonton, Alberta, Lesenko competed in the NHRA Funny Car class in 2012 for Jim Dunn Racing, so 2026 marks a homecoming for Lesenko and the iconic racing team.

Lesenko ran a full season of 23 races in 2012 and he was the only rookie to qualify at every national event. He made his professional debut in 2011, running the final three events of the season. From 2009 to 2011, Lesenko owned and drove the Jolly Rogers Nitro Funny Car and Top Fuel Dragster. In 2010, he placed fifth in points in the 2010 NHRA Hot Rod Heritage Series in Nitro Funny Car.

“I am blessed to have the opportunity to spend a year of racing with my friends and race family,” said Lesenko. “I look forward to great results and to have a full year of vigorous competition. I’m honored to get to represent so many great partners on the track. We’re ready to get to Gainesville for the first event of the season.”

Joining Lesenko will be crew chiefs Jim Dunn and Jon Dunn. As the NHRA celebrates its landmark 75th season in 2026, Jim Dunn Racing is celebrating 76 years of success in drag racing. Jim started drag racing when he was 15 years old and at 91 years old, he plans to keep going as long as he can. In 2024, Jim received the NHRA Lifetime Achievement Award. He has won some of the sport’s most significant races and has provided driving opportunities for some of the biggest names in the sport. Jim’s son, Jon Dunn, wears many hats on the nitro Funny Car team. He is the team’s Business Manager and also assists his dad with crew chief responsibilities.

“We’re looking forward to Todd reuniting with Jim Dunn Racing,” said Jon Dunn. “We shared some great moments together in 2012. There are so many amazing partners that Jim Dunn Racing has had for many years, so we’re excited to achieve more success together. Also, Jim Dunn Racing is proud to announce team and technical support from AB Motorsports. We look forward to this relationship to increase our racing performance. Jim Dunn Racing will be parked alongside Antron Brown’s Top Fuel dragster throughout the 2026 season.”

Primary sponsors on the Jim Dunn Racing Funny Car in 2026 include Lescure Mechanical, True Brand, Blaze Technical Services, KGC Construction, MOON Equipment, USD Parts, and Crow Safety Gear.

Associate partners for Jim Dunn Racing include Lincoln Electric, Compass Facility Services, Wiley X, Gates, XRP, McLeod, CP-Carrillo, Racing Electronics, Darton Sleeves, Manton, ARP, Control Cables, Twin Palms Storage, Koppl Pipeline Services, Hussey Performance, and Frosted Frog. Additional partners will be named at a later date.

The 2026 NHRA season kicks off March 5-8 for the NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville, Florida. Lesenko will participate in pre-season testing in February, where he will also re-license in the Jim Dunn Racing Funny Car.

Common Causes Behind E-bike Fatalities According to US Statistics

The majority of e-bike fatalities occur after high-speed vehicle crashes. They often also occur due to not wearing a helmet or wearing a helmet incorrectly. E-bike accidents can also happen due to loss of vehicle control on busy urban roads. National safety records frequently show that these deaths cannot be attributed to a single cause. 

In the United States, e-bike riding has surged because cities encourage usage for commuting and recreation. With more riders sharing roads with cars, buses, and pedestrians, accidents are more frequent.

Safety agencies often employ e-bike fatality data analysis to determine the causes of the most devastating collisions. Riders, policymakers, and urban planners need to understand these causes. Here are the most common factors associated with deadly e-bike crashes in the U.S. 

Motor Vehicle Collisions

Deaths due to crashes with cars and trucks are the top cause of fatal e-bike crashes. Statistics indicate that most deaths take place when a vehicle crashes into an e-bike at intersections or on multi-lane roads. High speeds and low visibility also play a major role. 

Even at low speeds, the weight and physical impact of vehicles pose a devastating risk to unprotected riders.

Helmet Use

Use of a helmet is one of the most frequent causes reported in U.S. crash data. Fatality reports typically mention that riders did not wear helmets at the time of the crash. Head injuries make up a significant portion of all deaths. 

Though helmets may not prevent all injuries, the risk of traumatic brain injury during impact is greatly reduced. 

Intersections

Intersections are high-conflict areas where vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians meet. A notable percentage of e-bike casualties happen when riders get hit while crossing or turning at intersections. 

Common contributing factors among drivers include inattention, failure to yield, and limited sightlines. Complicated traffic patterns also create the risk of judgement errors. 

Road Conditions 

Many e-bike accidents result from poor infrastructure. Narrow shoulders, fewer bike lanes, potholes, and uneven pavement can cause riders to lose control or be pushed into traffic. This is also true of higher fatality rates on high-speed arterial roads, where there’s little road separation between vehicles and e-bikes. Poor lighting makes nighttime riding even more dangerous. 

Rider Behavior and Experience

Rider behavior frequently determines outcomes. This includes riding against traffic, ignoring traffic signals, or operating under the influence of alcohol. Inexperience in managing e-bikes could also influence it. 

The additional weight and acceleration are not something you’d get on an ordinary bike. It’s something new riders might be surprised by during emergencies. 

Visibility and Time of Day 

Visibility is a common factor in crash severity. It is an established component in fatality statistics. Most fatal accidents occur at night or in low-light situations, when riders are less visible to drivers. 

Inadequate use of reflective gear, lights, or brightly colored clothing means motorists have less time to identify the vehicle. Lower visibility reduces reaction times and reaction windows, particularly at higher speeds. 

Key Takeaways

  • Motor vehicle accidents are the main cause of fatal e-bike accidents.
  • Higher speeds increase the severity of injuries and reduce reaction time.
  • Helmet use reduces the risk of head injury that would otherwise become fatal.
  • Intersections and inadequate road infrastructure are major causes for accidents.
  • Visibility, rider experience, and behavior have a big impact on accident outcomes.

The Plate Racing Paradox: Why the Road to the Harley J. Earl Trophy is NASCAR’s Biggest Test

Photo by Mike Biskupski for SpeedwayMedia.com.

The haulers are being polished, the wraps are being applied, and the engine shops in Mooresville are humming with that specific, nervous energy that only arrives in late January. We’re just weeks away from the pilgrimage to Florida, and you can already feel the shift in the air.

Daytona International Speedway isn’t just a race track. It’s a cathedral of speed, history, and heartbreak. As we prepare for the 68th running of the Great American Race, the conversation in the garage area is, as always, dominated by the unique nature of superspeedway racing.

We spend 35 weeks of the year analysing downforce ratios, tire wear, and technical grip. We talk about who hit the setup, who missed the balance, and whose pit crew gained three tenths on a four-tire stop.

But Daytona? Daytona is different. Daytona doesn’t care about your setup. Daytona cares about your luck.

The Great Equalizer

There is a reason why the Daytona 500 remains the hardest trophy to capture, even for the sport’s titans. Just ask Kyle Busch. Just ask Tony Stewart (who retired without one). You can have the fastest car, the best spotter, and the perfect strategy, and still end up in the catchfence on Lap 198 because the guy three rows back missed a shift.

In many ways, strapping into a Cup car at a superspeedway is the motorsports equivalent of chancing your arm (and wallet) at a casino. You can know the odds, you can count the cards, and you can play the game perfectly, but ultimately, you’re at the mercy of the house. While players like to believe they’re smarter than they used to be, thanks to information resources like Sister Site, the reality is that the house almost always wins. 

The “House,” in this case, is the draft. The Next Gen car has only amplified this volatility. With the locked bumpers and the inability to pull away from the pack, the drivers are essentially playing a 200mph game of roulette. Every time they make a move to the high line, they’re placing a stack of chips on a number. If a teammate goes with them, they hit the jackpot. If they get hung out to dry, the wheel spins against them, and they’re shuffled to the back – or worse, into the wall.

This “gambler’s anxiety” is what makes Speedweeks so compelling. We aren’t just watching an engineering test; we’re watching a test of nerve. Who’s willing to bluff? Who is willing to go all-in on a gap that barely exists? And who knows when to fold ’em, riding around in the back to avoid the inevitable “Big One” before making a charge at the end?

The Manufacturer Chess Match

While the drivers are playing roulette, the manufacturers are playing chess.

The dynamic between Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota has never been more intense. In recent years, we’ve seen the “manufacturer orders” become almost militant. The days of Dale Earnhardt drafting with whoever was fast, regardless of the badge on the hood, are long gone.

Now, it’s about brand loyalty. We saw it last season, and we’ll see it again next month. The Fords, known for their superspeedway prowess, will likely try to control the bottom lane. The Toyotas, often outnumbered but highly organised, will look to link up in a train to slice through the field.

But this strategy is fragile. It relies on trust, and trust is a scarce commodity when you’re coming off Turn 4 with the checkered flag in sight. It’s the Prisoner’s Dilemma at 190mph. Do you stick with your manufacturer teammate and settle for second, or do you pull the move that wins you the race but burns a bridge for the rest of the season?

The “Wild Cards” of the Field

One of the beautiful things about the Daytona 500 is that the entry list actually matters. Unlike the charter-locked fields of the regular season, the 500 brings out the one-offs, the ringers, and the dreamers.

These “Open” entries add a layer of spice to the Duels. For these teams, just making the race is their Super Bowl. They bring a level of desperation to the qualifying races that you don’t see anywhere else. They have to race their way in, which means they’re willing to take risks that a points-counting regular might avoid.

The Favorites (and Why They Don’t Matter)

If we were heading to Darlington or Phoenix, we could give you a solid list of favorites. We’d talk about Kyle Larson’s rim-riding ability or William Byron’s consistency.

But heading into Daytona, “favorite” is a relative term. Sure, Denny Hamlin is a superspeedway savant. He sees the air differently than everyone else. Ryan Blaney is arguably the best blocker in the business right now, capable of mirroring the rearview mirror with uncanny precision. Brad Keselowski – now firmly settled into his role as the elder statesman of Ford – will drive through a brick wall if it means winning a plate race.

However, listing them as favorites comes with a massive asterisk. The randomness of the draft means that a driver like Michael McDowell or Ricky Stenhouse Jr. has just as legitimate a shot at victory lane as the Hendrick Motorsports quartet.

This parity is frustrating for the purists who want the “best” car to win, but it’s intoxicating for the fans. It is the only race of the year where hope is truly distributed equally across the grid.

The Mental Toll

We often overlook the mental exhaustion of this style of racing. For three hours, a driver’s heart rate rarely drops below 160 beats per minute. They are processing information at a rate that would crash a computer.

One lapse in concentration doesn’t just mean a lost position; it means a twenty-car pileup. The mental discipline required to stay tucked in a draft, staring at a bumper sticker for 500 miles while your car vibrates violently, is immense.

It’s why you see drivers physically drained after Daytona in a way they aren’t after a road course. It’s not the G-forces; it’s the stress. It’s the stress of holding a winning hand and being terrified that the dealer is about to flip a card that ruins everything.

The Countdown Begins

So, as we check the calendar and count down the days until the haulers leave for Florida, let’s embrace the chaos.

We can analyze the wind tunnel numbers all we want. We can dissect the new nose designs and the spoiler angles. But once the green flag drops, all of that goes out the window.

Daytona isn’t about science. It’s about survival. It’s about being in the right place when the smoke clears. It’s about taking the gamble, rolling the dice, and hoping that when the field comes screaming off Turn 4 for the final time, you’re the one holding the aces.

Welcome back to racing season. We’ve missed the noise.

How To Create CS2 Skins Without Artist Skills?

At first glance, creating weapon skins for Counter-Strike 2 might seem like a task reserved for professional artists or experienced designers. In reality, the CS2 skin ecosystem is far more accessible. Thanks to modern tools, templates, and Valve’s workshop system, it’s entirely possible to create CS2 skins even if you don’t have traditional art skills.

Many community creators started with no design background at all. What they had instead was curiosity, patience, and a willingness to learn. This CS2 skin creation guide explains how beginners can approach skin design, which tools matter most, and how to make CS2 skins without design skills by working smart rather than trying to be perfect – while also understanding how finished designs enter the marketplace, where players buy and sell CS2 skins based on demand and visual appeal.

How CS2 Skins Actually Work

A CS2 skin is not a new weapon model. It’s a texture applied to an existing gun. This is an important distinction because it dramatically lowers the skill barrier. You are working in two dimensions, designing how a flat image wraps around a weapon’s surface.

Once applied, that texture reacts to lighting, wear levels, and in-game movement. Understanding this basic structure helps beginners avoid overthinking the process. You are not sculpting or animating – you are designing a surface.

Why Artistic Talent Isn’t Required

One of the biggest misconceptions about skin creation is that you need to draw detailed illustrations. In practice, many popular skins rely on clean geometry, simple color contrasts, or repeating patterns. Minimalist and tactical designs are often more successful than complex artwork.

If you can work with layers, shapes, and basic color balance, you already have enough skill to begin. This is why so many creators manage to make CS2 skins without design skills in the traditional sense. Creativity in CS2 is more about structure and consistency than drawing ability.

Using CS2 Skin Workshop Tools

Valve provides official Source 2 workshop tools that allow creators to preview skins directly on weapons. These tools show how your texture behaves in real time, including how it looks under different lighting conditions and wear levels.

To design the skin itself, you only need basic image-editing software. Free programs are more than sufficient. What matters most is access to CS2 skin templates, which show how each weapon’s surface is laid out in a flat format. Designing inside these templates ensures your work aligns properly in-game. Templates eliminate guesswork and are one of the biggest reasons beginners succeed.

Start Simple and Improve Over Time

New creators often fail by trying to do too much too early. Instead of aiming for a masterpiece, start with simple ideas. Limited color palettes, clean lines, gradients, or subtle textures are easier to control and usually look better in-game. Many iconic skins became popular precisely because they were readable, consistent, and timeless – qualities that influence which designs players choose to buy CS2 skins for long-term use. Complexity does not equal quality in CS2 skin design.

Learning From Existing Skins

Studying existing skins is one of the best ways to improve. Pay attention to how colors are distributed, how wear affects visibility, and how patterns repeat across the weapon. While copying is not allowed, learning from structure and technique is encouraged.

The CS2 community thrives on iteration. Most creators refine ideas across multiple submissions before achieving something truly polished.

Testing Wear Is Crucial

A skin that looks good in Factory New condition might fall apart visually when worn. That’s why testing wear levels is essential. Workshop tools allow you to preview every wear state so you can adjust contrast and texture placement accordingly. This step is often what separates amateur designs from professional-looking skins.

Submitting Your Skin

Once your skin is ready, you can submit it to the Steam Workshop with preview images and a description. Community engagement helps visibility, but Valve ultimately decides which skins make it into the game. Rejection is common, even for experienced creators. Treat each submission as part of the learning process rather than a final judgment.

Market Insight and LIS-SKINS

Understanding how skins perform after release can be just as valuable as creating them. This is where platforms like LIS-SKINS fit naturally into the ecosystem. LIS-SKINS provides a secure marketplace where players can buy CS2 skins, monitor prices, and observe which styles hold long-term value.

For aspiring creators, studying market trends offers insight into player preferences. Seeing which designs trade well helps align future creations with actual demand, not just personal taste.

Common Beginner Pitfalls

Many first-time creators struggle not because of lack of talent, but because they overcomplicate designs or ignore how textures behave in-game. Poor contrast, cluttered visuals, and misaligned patterns are common mistakes. Focusing on clarity and consistency solves most of these issues.

Can Skin Creation Become Profitable?

While some creators earn significant money, success is not guaranteed. Only a small percentage of skins are accepted. However, many creators enjoy the process as a creative outlet, learning experience, or portfolio project. Financial rewards come later – if at all. Skill development comes immediately.

Corey LaJoie to pilot fourth RFK Racing entry for 2026 Daytona Speedweeks

Photo by John Knittel for SpeedwayMedia.com.

Corey LaJoie has joined forces with Roush Fenway Keselowski (RFK) Racing for this year’s Daytona Speedweeks festivities.

LaJoie, a 34-year-old native of Concord, North Carolina, will be piloting RFK Racing’s fourth entry, the No. 99 Ford Mustang Dark Horse entry, sponsored by Trimble. He will attempt to enter the 2026 Daytona Speedweeks festivities at Daytona International Speedway as an open entry and earn a starting spot for this year’s 68th running of the Great American Race, the Daytona 500.

To qualify for this year’s Daytona 500, LaJoie would have to be the highest-finishing open competitor at the conclusion of the Daytona 500 Qualifying session on February 11 or through one of two America 250 Florida Duel events on February 12.

The announcement comes as LaJoie, who last competed as a full-time competitor during the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season, is coming off part-time campaigns between the Cup and Craftsman Truck Series divisions. Between the campaigns, LaJoie made nine Truck starts with Spire Motorsports and four Cup starts with Rick Ware Racing. The latter series included LaJoie competing in the 67th running of the Daytona 500, where he finished 22nd after he was collected in a final-lap multi-car wreck while battling for the victory.

Should LaJoie qualify for this year’s Daytona 500 event, it would mark his 10th consecutive appearance in the Great American Race. It would also mark the first time that RFK Racing would field four entries in an event since the team’s rebranding in 2022.

LaJoie’s best result during his previous nine starts in the Daytona 500 is fourth, which occurred in 2024. LaJoie would also become the 10th competitor overall to notch a first Cup Series career victory in the Great American Race, should he achieve the feat in 2026.

“This is a dream come true to get an opportunity with RFK Racing at the Daytona 500,” Lajoie said in a released statement. “This is, without a doubt, the best car and opportunity I’ve had at Daytona. I’m grateful for the trust they’ve placed in me.”

The decision to field the No. 99 entry for LaJoie during the Daytona Speedweeks will mark a reunion for RFK Racing and the No. 99. It has competed with Roush Racing and Roush Fenway Racing from 1996 to 2014. During 19 years, the No. 99 achieved 39 victories (17 with Jeff Burton and 23 with Carl Edwards). The No. 99 had been sported by Trackhouse Racing’s Daniel Suarez over the previous five Cup seasons, capturing two wins in 2022 and 2024.

Before this year’s Daytona Speedweeks, LaJoie will compete in the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium on February 1. He will field the entry as an interim competitor for his teammate and co-owner of RFK Racing, Brad Keselowski. Keselowski, the 2012 Cup Series champion from Rochester Hills, Michigan, is recovering from a broken leg he sustained during a skiing accident in mid-December. He is expected to recover in time to compete in this year’s Daytona 500. It will mark his 17th bid to win the event for the first time.

“From a competition standpoint, having a fourth car gives us and Ford Racing a better chance to win the Daytona 500,” Keselowski said. “It’s not just about adding another entry. Superspeedway racing is about cooperation and having an additional car allows us to be more effective in forming drafting alliances, controlling lanes, and putting ourselves in position when it matters most.”

The 2026 Daytona 500 Qualifying session will occur on February 11. The America 250 Florida Duel events are scheduled for February 12 and begin at 7 p.m. ET on FS1, MRN, SiriusXM and HBO MAX.

The 68th running of the Daytona 500 is scheduled for February 15 and will air at 2:30 p.m. ET on FOX, MRN, SiriusXM and HBO MAX.

Rajah Caruth splitting No. 88 entry with Hendrick Cup drivers for 2026 O’Reilly season

Photo by Patrick Sue-Chan for SpeedwayMedia.com.

JR Motorsports (JRM) revealed the full driver lineup of the organization’s No. 88 Chevrolet Camaro entry for the upcoming NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts (OAP) Series season.

Rajah Caruth, an incoming OAP Series’ Rookie-of-the-Year candidate from Washington, D.C., will be piloting the No. 88 entry in 23 of the 33-race schedule. Hendrick Motorsports’ competitors Alex Bowman, William Byron, Chase Elliott, and Kyle Larson will split driving responsibilities of the No. 88 entry in the remaining 10 events that Caruth does not drive. HendrickCars.com will serve as a primary sponsor for the entry, led by crew chief Mardy Lindley.

Caruth’s OAP campaign with JRM commences with the first of three-scheduled events of the 2026 season that include the season opener at Daytona International Speedway (February 14), EchoPark Speedway (February 21), and Circuit of the Americas (February 28). He will then return for back-to-back events at Martinsville Speedway (March 28) and Rockingham Speedway (April 4) before he competes at Talladega Superspeedway (April 25), Watkins Glen International (May 9), Dover Motor Speedway (May 16), Charlotte Motor Speedway (May 23), Naval Base Coronado (June 20) and Sonoma Raceway (June 27). 

Beginning at Iowa Speedway (August 8), Caruth will assume the No. 88 entry for the remainder of the 2026 OAP Series season. This stretch includes the nine-race Chase schedule that commences at Darlington Raceway (September 5).

Byron, the 2017 OAP Series champion and the reigning two-time Daytona 500 champion from Charlotte, North Carolina, will make his first OAP Series start of the 2026 season in the No. 88 entry at Phoenix Raceway (March 7) before he returns to compete at Kansas Speedway (April 18) and Pocono Raceway (June 13). Larson, the reigning two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion from Elk Grove, California, will drive the No. 88 entry at Las Vegas Motor Speedway (March 14), Bristol Motor Speedway (April 11), and Texas Motor Speedway (May 2).

Meanwhile, Bowman, a three-time Daytona 500 pole winner from Tucson, Arizona, will compete in the No. 88 entry at Darlington Raceway (March 21) and Nashville Superspeedway (May 30). Elliott, the 2014 OAP Series champion and the 2020 Cup Series champion from Dawsonville, Georgia, will then cap off Hendrick Motorsports’ four-driver splitting duties of the No. 88 entry by competing at Chicagoland Speedway (July 4) and Indianapolis Motor Speedway (July 25).

During the 10-race stretch where all four Hendrick Motorsports’ competitors will be driving the No. 88 JRM entry, Caruth will be piloting the No. 32 Chevrolet Camaro entry for Jordan Anderson Racing. 

The announcement comes as Caruth is coming off three consecutive seasons of competition in the Craftsman Truck Series division, with his latest two seasons occurring at Spire Motorsports while sponsored by HendrickCars.com. Over the previous two seasons, Caruth scored his first two Truck career victories (Las Vegas Motor Speedway in March 2024 and Nashville Superspeedway in May), thus joining the late Wendell Scott and Bubba Wallace as the only African-American competitors to win across NASCAR’s top three national touring series divisions. He also made the Playoffs during both seasons before finishing seventh and sixth, respectively, in the final driver’s standings.

In addition to his success from the Truck Series division, Caruth has made a total of 22 starts in the OAP Series between the 2022 and 2023 seasons, along with the 2025 season. His current average-finishing result is 23.1 as he pursues his first victory and first opportunity to compete for the series’ championship on a full-time basis in 2026.

“We couldn’t be happier to welcome back all four of Hendrick Motorsports’ drivers into the JRM family to join Rajah (Caruth) behind the wheel of our No. 88 Chevrolet,” Kelley Earnhardt Miller, CEO of JR Motorsports, said in a released statement. “Chase, William, Alex, and Kyle all have such a unique history with us, and it’s just a testament to the relationship that we have built with Mr. Hendrick, Hendrick Motorsports, and HendrickCars.com that we can bring them all together with Rajah to race for an owner’s championship in 2026.”

This past season, Bowman, Byron, Elliott, and Larson accumulated a combined 10 top-10 results while splitting driving duties for Hendrick Motorsports in the OAP Series. During this stretch, Larson won at Bristol in April and Byron won at Charlotte in May. Now, the duo, along with Bowman and Elliott, will strive to achieve more on-track success in the No. 88 JRM entry that is technically affiliated with Hendrick Motorsports and was piloted to Victory Lane by Connor Zilisch 10 times in 2025.

“We’re looking forward to our program with JR Motorsports, both on and off the track,” Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports and chairman and CEO of Hendrick Automotive Group, added. “Having our four Cup Series drivers join Rajah in the No. 88 provides HendrickCars.com a powerful platform with a championship organization. This team is capable of competing for race wins throughout the 2026 season, and we’re excited about what’s ahead.”

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

Motul Joins Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup as Official Oil Parnter

January 20, 2026 – Motul, producer of high-quality performance motor oils and lubricants, is partnering with the Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin to provide participants with the best products in the industry.

As the official oil partner of Mazda Motorsports and the Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup, Motul will present the “Motul Pole Award” to each of the season’s 14 fastest qualifiers. At the end of the season, the driver who earned the most pole positions of the season will receive a year-end award and prize.

“Motul is honored to be a sponsor and technical partner of the Mazda MX-5 Cup and to be alongside this passionate community of automotive enthusiasts,” General Manager of Motul North America Amber Bates said. “Motul prides itself on its storied racing heritage and a partnership with Mazda perfectly aligns with our motorsports DNA. Motul offers a wide range of high performing lubricants and care products, and we look forward to showcasing these products via the Mazda MX-5 Cup and to the loyal community of Mazda racers, owners and fans across North America.”

Additionally, all cars entered in MX-5 Cup are now required to use Motul motor and gearbox oil. These Motul products will be provided through Mazda Motorsports and available from Flis Performance at the Customer Experience Center at all MX-5 Cup race events.

“We are extremely pleased to have Motul as a partner,” Mazda Motorsports Senior Manager Jonathan Applegate said. “Motul is a company recognized around the world for innovative products and a lot of their research and development comes from racing. We know our teams will be receiving the best product possible, from a brand that recognizes the importance of motorsports.”

The first Motul Pole Award of the 2026 Mazda MX-5 Cup season will be presented at Daytona International Speedway on January 22, following qualifying from 11:55am ET to 12:15pm ET.

About Motul
Motul specializes in the formulation, production, and distribution of high-quality lubricants that elevate performance in multiple usages from powersport to passenger cars, heavy duty, and industrial applications. Motul has pioneered synthetic oils with its flagship 300V, the first 100% synthetic multigrade lubricant. Building on this long-term know-how, Motul is now extending its expertise to care products for cars, motorbikes and bicycles, as well as advanced fluids for the thermal management of electric vehicle batteries and digital infrastructures such as data centers, addressing the performance and sustainability challenges of tomorrow.

Founded in 1853, Motul is a global company present in 160 countries. Over the years, the brand has built a solid reputation as a trusted partner to support the performance of leading manufacturers, top motorsport teams and major championships, such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the WEC, MotoGP, Dakar, Goodwood, or the UCI Mountain Bike World Series.

www.motul.com/corporate

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

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

SportScore will tell you everything about sports match results

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

If you are interested in sports, prefer active recreation, and want to stay up to date with the latest sporting events, know the results of games and team statistics, and surprise your friends with your knowledge of what is happening in the sports industry in real time, then sportscore.com is for you. Using this convenient online service, you will know everything about what is happening in the world of sports and even more.

Football is the key focus of SportScore!

The main task of this online information platform is to quickly and clearly display the results of sporting events around the world. The official SportScore site has earned the trust of soccer fans. This is because it is here that they can quickly find comprehensive, structured, and reliable information on tournaments of various levels.

You can easily use the SportScore football page to:

  • Find out the scores of completed matches;
  • Follow the progress of one or several games in real time;
  • Check the schedule of upcoming football battles;
  • See statistics on teams, tournaments, and the best players.

Football takes center stage on the SportScore website. It provides reliable information on a wide variety of categories. Thanks to the platform’s user-friendly interface, you will have an amazing opportunity to learn a lot of interesting facts about:

  • National championships in different countries and continents;
  • International tournaments;
  • National team games;
  • Secondary league matches.

Thanks to this coverage, SportScore match info is attracting more and more regular fans and more demanding sports enthusiasts who follow football on a regular basis.

Why choose the SportScore scores page?

Because even a beginner can easily find the right match or tournament here. In addition to real-time results, the official website sportscore.com can show:

  • Tournament tables;
  • History of previous matches between teams;
  • Season statistics;
  • Overall standings of teams in championships.

Thanks to this online platform, you can easily navigate sporting events and clearly understand the situation in the tournament in real time. 

Visit the SportScore main page and stay up to date with all the latest news in modern football and other areas of the sports industry. Use only a reliable source of sports information, here you can get information about sport events as quickly as possible, stay up to date with the world of sporting events, the whole world of sport on one website!

CUBE 3 Architecture Renews TA2 Title Sponsorship for 2026 Season

CHARLOTTE (January 20, 2026) — The Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli is thrilled to announce that CUBE 3 Architecture, the title sponsor of the CUBE 3 Architecture TA2 Series, has renewed its partnership for the 2026 season. The Official Architectural Firm of the Trans Am Series will continue to serve as the title sponsor of Trans Am’s TA2 class, which has produced motorsports stars like Connor Zilisch, Brent Crews, Tristan McKee and Thomas Annunziata.

Founded by visionaries Nik Middleton and Brian O’Connor, CUBE 3 Architecture has earned national acclaim as a leading design firm with a rich portfolio of master planning, architectural, interiors and design projects spanning over two decades. Headquartered in North Andover, Mass., with four additional offices strategically located in Boston, Miami, Princeton, and San Diego, CUBE 3 Architecture brings a wealth of creative expertise to the table.

CUBE 3 joined the Trans Am Series’ TA2 class five years ago as a team and driver sponsor, then came on as the title sponsor of the CUBE 3 Architecture TA2 Series in 2024. Since joining the series, CUBE 3 has actively sponsored emerging TA2 talents, including young drivers Noah Harmon, Jake Drew, Evan Slater and Australian TA2 champion Nathan Herne.

“The last two seasons as title sponsor of the CUBE 3 Architecture TA2 Series has been a rewarding experience, and we’re looking forward to continuing our partnership with the Trans Am Series,” said CUBE 3 Architecture Senior & Founding Partner and CEO Nik Middleton. “We’re so proud of what we’ve achieved and the relationships we’ve built with drivers, teams and series management, and we can’t wait to see our partnership grow in new ways going forward.”

“We could not be happier to have Nik Middleton and the entire CUBE 3 Architecture team back with us for the 2026 season,” said Scott Duncan, Chief Partnership Officer for Racing America. “We are very excited about the continued partnership, which will drive our companies in the direction to be established as the most competitive road racing series in North America.”

“We are so pleased to be welcoming back CUBE 3 Architecture,” said Trans Am President Andy Lally. “The CUBE 3 Architecture TA2 Series has become such an important proving ground for young drivers beginning their motorsports careers, and a destination for world-class talent, and we couldn’t have done it without the support of CUBE 3. They are one of the best sponsors in the business, and we are thrilled to continue working with them.”

The Trans Am Series kicks off its 60th-anniversary season at Sebring International Raceway, February 26-March 1, 2026.

About CUBE 3 Architecture: Established in 2003, CUBE 3 has earned a nationwide reputation as an industry leader in design and innovation. The firm is renowned for its tailored solutions to a diverse array of architectural, interior design, and planning challenges. With expertise spanning across sectors such as residential, hospitality, student housing, commercial, and mixed-use projects, CUBE 3 consistently delivers visionary design. For more information, please visit www.cube3.com.

About the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli: The Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli is the longest-running professional road racing series in North America. Founded in 1966, the Trans Am Series and has excited audiences for 60 years with its combination of powerful American muscle cars and elite GT cars from around the world. With several diverse and competitive classes of racecars and both National and Western Championships, Trans Am offers something for every fan and every competitor. The series will host 11 events nationwide in 2026. For more information, visit GoTransAm.com.

Twin City Thunderbirds Host NASCAR Night

Twin City Thunderbirds looking to draw in the Nascar Audience

The Twin City Thunderbirds are located in the heart of Winston-Salem, NC. A location soon to be familiar with many NASCAR fans. The arena is located within the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds. The fairgrounds will be the starting location for the trailer parade for the NASCAR Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium on January 30th, 2026. For those wishing to attend, it will be free, with the prominent area for fans being right outside Bowman Gray Stadium on Research Parkway and MLK Jr. Drive.

With the NASCAR Clash coming back to Bowman Gray Stadium, the Thunderbirds are right in the heart of all Clash fans. The Clash, back in 2025, gave us all a race to remember. Chase Elliott came home with the race victory, though that wasn’t the thing that fans remember the most.

There were two drivers who stepped onto that track for their NASCAR Cup Series debut, but had more races started and won at Bowman Gray than anyone else. Tim Brown and Burt Myers took the track and found a way to push their way into the Clash. Brown and Myers both have over 100 wins at Bowman Gray Stadium in the Modified Series. Both came short of the win, and neither finished the race, but something that Winston-Salem fans will remember for a long time.

Thunderbirds bring in NASCAR drivers in front of the Clash

The Twin City Thunderbirds are currently in the midst of a strong season series against the Blue Ridge Bobcats (Wytheville, VA). This weekend is a home-and-home matchup against the Bobcats. Friday night will be in Wytheville, VA, while Saturday night will be NASCAR night at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds Arena.

Currently, there are two committed NASCAR Cup series drivers and two weekly drivers from the Modified Series that runs at Bowman Gray Stadium. Those drivers are Ty Dillon, Cole Custer, “the real deal” Riley Neal, and Mike Speeney. There will be more to announce as this week continues.

Halfway through the Thunderbirds season, they are looking to turn around their troubles and find a way to reach back to a .500 winning percentage. NASCAR night is looking to boost their season attendance and bring the atmosphere needed to push them into a playoff spot. Currently tied with the last playoff spot in the Continental Division with 36 points.

Tickets are starting to dissipate quickly. The Fairground arena holds a maximum capacity of just over 3,000. The season average currently sits at 2,402. Doors will be opening at 4 pm for a 6:05 puck drop. This will allow time for fans of not just hockey, but also NASCAR, to get their signatures and pictures with their favorite drivers.

The NASCAR Clash will be on Sunday, February 1st, 2026. Saturday, January 31st, will be the qualifying and practice runs for the Clash. Saturday will also be the day of the weekly track racing for the Modified and Sportsman Divisions. Friday, January 30th, will be driver introductions and autograph sessions. There will be sessions for both the Cup Series and the Weekly racing series.