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RAFA Racing Team partners with Omniscope to unlock immune performance at Daytona

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  • Immune intelligence enters endurance racing at the Daytona
  • Real-time biomarker insights support drivers and performance teams
  • Science-driven approach targets recovery, resilience, and race-week health

DAYTONA BEACH, FL (January 20, 2026) – RAFA Racing Team and Omniscope, a leading techbio company pioneering high-resolution immune intelligence, today announced a strategic partnership to profile driver and pit crew immune dynamics.

As part of this collaboration, Omniscope will conduct deep immune profiling on RAFA Racing Team drivers competing at the Daytona International Speedway.

The project aims to capture how the extreme physiological and psychological demands of motorsport impact the immune system – a critical yet often overlooked driver of performance, recovery, and long-term health.

This study will integrate Omniscope’s immune system analysis with additional physiological data, including blood biomarkers, heart rate, G-force exposure, and recovery metrics.

By combining immune intelligence with real-time performance and stress data, the partnership seeks to build a multidimensional understanding of how elite motorsport stressors shape human biology.

RAFA Racing Team opened its 2026 season last weekend in the IMSA VP Racing SportsCar challenge with Westin Workman taking a pair of victories and Rafael Martinez scoring two podiums aboard their Toyota GR Supra GT4 EVO2 entries, while Kiko Porto and Varun Choksey joined forces aboard the team’s IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge entry, which opens its season with a four hour endurance race on January 23 as part of the Rolex 24 at Daytona.

Racing as a living laboratory for human performance

Endurance motorsport represents one of the most extreme stress environments in professional sport: sustained cognitive load, high G-forces, sleep deprivation, inflammation, and metabolic strain, all compressed into a single race weekend.

Through its proprietary immune profiling platform, Omniscope will track dynamic changes into immune repertoire, enabling detection of subtle shifts associated with fatigue, inflammation, immune suppression, and recovery capacity – signals that often precede performance decline or illness.

“Racing is a discipline where victory is determined by milliseconds and human and machine become one,” said Vijay Vaswani, Omniscope Co-founder & CEO (pictured above right).

“By mapping the immune system under these extreme conditions, Omniscope confers a competitive advantage at the cellular level — unlocking the ultimate data set for human performance and recovery.”

By comparing drivers to non-driving team members exposed to the same race environment, Omniscope and RAFA Racing Team aim to isolate the unique biological cost of driving at the limit and identify opportunities to more precisely optimize training, nutrition, sleep, and recovery strategies.

“We are always looking for ways to improve the performance of the car and spend so much time analyzing data to extract that last 10th of a second,” RAFA Racing Team founder, Rafael Martinez said.

“Now in partnership with Omniscope, we’ll be able to take that same philosophy to analyze data from the drivers – looking for ways we can continue to make improvements from race to race.”

Driving performance, recovery, and longevity — From the immune system up
Professor Holger Heyn, Omniscope Co-founder & Chief Scientific Officer (pictured above center), highlights: “We are treating Daytona as a living laboratory to map how the immune system responds to the absolute limits of human endurance.

“This partnership with RAFA Racing Team allows us to translate elite performance data into the personalized insights that power our osLifetime platform. As we open our early access waiting list, we are excited to offer this same clinical-grade immune intelligence to athletes and high-performers worldwide who want to optimize their own recovery and longevity.”

Insights generated from this project will inform how immune health correlates with sustained focus, reaction time, resilience, and recovery; all decisive factors in elite motorsport success.

Omniscope’s work with RAFA Racing Team builds on its clinical heritage, where its immune technologies have been validated in diagnostics, therapeutic development, and response prediction. The application of this scientific rigor to sports represents a growing frontier where elite athletes serve as powerful models for peak human health.

From the track to the public: Early access now open
Insights derived from elite performance environments like Daytona are foundational to Omniscope’s broader mission: democratizing access to immune intelligence.

Individuals interested in understanding their own immune system dynamics (whether for performance, recovery, or longevity) can now sign up for early access to Omniscope´s technologies

Early Access Sign-Up: https://www.omniscope.ai/lifetime

About Omniscope

Omniscope is a techbio company building the world’s most advanced immune intelligence platform. Originating from clinical immunology, Omniscope combines patented laboratory technologies, deep T- and B-cell receptor sequencing, and AI-driven models to generate high-resolution, dynamic insights into the immune system.
Omniscope’s mission is to empower clinicians, researchers, and athletes with predictive, personalized immune data — improving diagnostics, therapeutic development, performance, and healthspan.

Learn more: https://www.omniscope.ai/about-us

About RAFA Racing Team

RAFA Racing Team and the RAFA Racing Club is a global motorsport and lifestyle brand founded by Rafael Martinez on the principle of “Race As Family Always.”

The team manages professional racing programs across IMSA, Lamborghini Super Trofeo, and GT4 series with the club providing a world-class community for automotive enthusiasts.

By integrating cutting-edge techbio and performance science, RAFA Racing Club offers its members and clients exclusive access to the future of human performance and elite driver development.

Stanton Barrett Motorsports Signs Rafa Matos for 2026 TA2 Championship Campaign, Beginning at Sebring

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SEBRING, Fla. — Stanton Barrett Motorsports (SBM) proudly announces a new partnership with three-time Trans-Am Series champion Raphael “Rafa” Matos for the 2026 CUBE3 Architecture TA2 season.

Backed by strong technical alliances, experienced leadership, and championship-proven talent, Stanton Barrett Motorsports and Matos head into the 2026 campaign as immediate title contenders, opening their championship bid at Sebring (Fla.) International Raceway next month.

“I’m incredibly excited and honored to be driving for SBM Motorsports in the T2 class for the 2026 season,” said Matos.

“Stanton’s energy and the way he thinks — strategically, logically, and quickly — stood out immediately.”

Matos will compete in the No. 12 Ford Mustang, showcased in the striking Concord American Flagpole livery, with international support led by Memo Corse and principal Marcelo Occhionero of Argentina, alongside primary partner CNA Fiber Optic.

Stanton Barrett Family Wines — an award-winning winery — has also committed key resources to finalize Matos’ addition to the SBM lineup as he pursues a fourth career Trans-Am championship in 2026.

The program unites two of the most accomplished competitors in American motorsports: Matos, a proven champion across multiple disciplines, and Stanton Barrett, a former IndyCar and NASCAR driver and the owner of Stanton Barrett Motorsports.

The partnership is focused on contending for the 2026 championship alongside SBM drivers Graham Jacobson, Barrett and Matos.

The organization is built on Cope Racing Chassis and powered by PME engines.

The principals are long-time friends, customers and competitors of team owner and driver Stanton Barrett, forming a foundation built on trust, experience and shared success.

“This is a very strong program,” added Matos. “The car is proven, the partners are aligned, and the team is motivated.

“With SBM running the operation and this Cope-PME package, we know we have everything we need to fight for wins and the championship.

“I’m extremely proud to represent this No. 12 race car with CNA Fiber Optic and Concord American Flagpole, who have provided valuable sponsorship and B2B partnerships. Seeing the stars align once again reinforces my belief that talent, preparation and hard work belong at the front of the T2 series.”

Barrett believes the addition of Matos immediately elevates Stanton Barrett Motorsports’ championship outlook for the 2026 CUBE3 Architecture TA2 season, strengthening an already formidable driver lineup and technical program.

“Rafa is the kind of driver who can contribute to SBM building a championship-caliber program,” said Barrett.

“His experience, discipline, and work ethic align perfectly with what we’re building at SBM. This partnership strengthens our ability to contend for podiums in TA2 at Sebring and throughout the 2026 season.”

The 2026 Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli season opener is scheduled for Feb. 26 – March 1 at Sebring (Fla.) International Raceway.

For more information on Stanton Barrett Motorsports, please visit stantonbarrettmotorsports.com, or like them on Facebook (Stanton Barrett) or Instagram at @stantonbarrettmotorsports.

Visit Rafa Matos on Instagram at @rafamatos2.

Tohatsu Returns as an Anchor Partner with Spencer Boyd in 2026

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This marks the outboard boat motor company’s third season of partnership with Boyd

Mooresville, NC (January 20. 2026) – NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series mainstay, Spencer Boyd announced that Tohatsu will return as an anchor partner for the 2026 season. The award-winning outboard motor company is celebrating 70 years of outboard engine production in 2026 and is entering their third season of partnership with Boyd.

A beaming Spencer Boyd commented on the news, “Tohatsu is a great brand and an even better partner. Their return as an anchor partner means a lot to me personally and even more to our team as our trajectory continues to point upward. The Tohatsu diecast just landed and I’ve been playing NASCAR 25, as myself driving the Tohatsu truck of course, so their blue and white paint seems to be everywhere!”

Since the first mass-produced “OB” model debuted in 1956, Tohatsu Corporation has delivered more than 5 million reliable outboard engines to boaters across the world, supporting countless adventures along the way. They have unveiled a special commemorative logo to celebrate this milestone.

“For generations we have we have had a commitment to progress and innovation,” said Vice President of Tohatsu American Corporation, Kuniharu Maki. “We see the same drive in Spencer. His ability to broadcast our brand to millions of NASCAR fans is unmatched and his interactions with our customers and clients goes beyond what we ever expected. We are proud to continue this partnership through 2026 and look forward to celebrating milestones together.”

Tohatsu America Corporation, headquartered in Coppell, Texas has been a reliable partner for many in the public safety realm, powering many swift-water rescue boats in emergency situations across the country.

Last summer, Tohatsu powered Robert Younes in his record-setting run of The Great Loop. He set a solo, single engine record by completing the 6000-mile circuit in 19 days, 13 hours, and 1 minute with his 16’ Jon boat and 60HP Tohatsu hand tiller motor.

Tohatsu will have the primary paint scheme at a number of races in 2026 including the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series return to Dover Motor Speedway.

About Tohatsu

Tohatsu is Japan’s oldest outboard manufacturer, producing reliable outboard motors since 1956. Recently celebrating 100 years of history, Tohatsu innovations have made waves that change the world. We are uncompromising in our pursuit of high-quality outboard motors and the promise to deliver an inspirational engine experience. See it. Hear it. Feel the Wind.

Xfinity and 23XI Racing Announce Partnership Expansion

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Xfinity to Debut First-Ever Branded Car in the Daytona 500 and Serve as the Majority Primary Partner with Bubba Wallace for the 2026 Season

Philadelphia, Pa. (January 20, 2026) – Xfinity and 23XI Racing today announced an expansion of their partnership, reinforcing Xfinity’s long-term commitment to the team, the sport, and NASCAR fans. The renewed agreement marks the next chapter in a relationship built on innovation, performance, and creating unforgettable fan experiences.

As part of the expanded partnership, Xfinity will debut its first-ever branded car in the season-opening Daytona 500, serving as the primary paint scheme on Bubba Wallace’s No. 23 Toyota Camry XSE for NASCAR’s most iconic race. Xfinity will also serve as Wallace’s majority primary partner for the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season, with multiple races featuring the Xfinity-branded No. 23 car, delivering season-long visibility and deeper integration with the team. Xfinity will continue as a primary partner with Tyler Reddick and the No. 45 team for select races this season.

The extension builds on Xfinity’s continued investment in 23XI Racing, including the previously announced Xfinity Speed Center, which provides the organization with advanced technology and performance resources. Together, these initiatives underscore Xfinity’s commitment to helping 23XI compete at the highest level while bringing fans closer to the action on and off the track.

“From day one, our partnership with 23XI Racing has been about imagining what’s possible in the sport and creating experiences that connects fans to the moments that mean the most to them,” said Jessica Muir, Senior Director of Brand Partnerships & Amplification, Comcast. “This extension reflects our long-term belief in this team, in Bubba and Tyler, and in our fans. We’ll be celebrating a historic milestone with our first-ever branded car in the Daytona 500 and showing fans what’s possible when imagination meets momentum as we continue to invest in the future of NASCAR.”

“Xfinity has been an incredible partner in helping 23XI Racing grow both on and off the track,” said Steve Lauletta, President at 23XI Racing. “Their continued support gives us the resources to jointly create unforgettable experiences for our fans while also competing at the highest level. With Xfinity, we’re not just building an elite team, we’re building a partnership that puts fans first and helps the sport grow for everyone who loves racing.”

For Bubba Wallace, the expanded partnership represents an exciting new phase of the relationship with Xfinity and an opportunity to further connect with fans throughout the season.

“Having Xfinity on the car for the Daytona 500 and doing more with our team for the 2026 season is an incredible honor,” Wallace said. “What really excites me is how this partnership gives fans a front-row seat to everything we do. They’re right there for every mile of the season, celebrating the milestones, and feeling like part of the team. Xfinity’s support gives us the resources to compete at the sport’s biggest stages while keeping fans at the heart of every race.”

The partnership extension further strengthens Xfinity’s presence in NASCAR and reinforces its commitment to a long-term partnership that combines innovation, competition, and fan-driven storytelling.

About Comcast
Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company. From the connectivity and platforms we provide, to the content and experiences we create, our businesses reach hundreds of millions of customers, viewers, and guests worldwide. We deliver world-class broadband, wireless, and video through Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky; produce, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through brands including NBC, Telemundo, Universal, Peacock, and Sky; and bring incredible theme parks and attractions to life through Universal Destinations & Experiences. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.

About 23XI Racing
23XI Racing – pronounced twenty-three eleven – was founded by NBA legend Michael Jordan and three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin in 2020. With rising NASCAR star Bubba Wallace selected to drive the No. 23 Toyota Camry, the team made its NASCAR Cup Series debut in the 2021 Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Wallace made history on October 4, 2021, when he captured his first career Cup Series win, becoming just the second African American to win in the Cup Series, and earning 23XI its first-ever victory. 23XI expanded to a two-car organization in 2022 with Cup Series Champion and Hall of Famer Kurt Busch driving the No. 45 Toyota Camry. With a win at Kansas Speedway in May of 2022, Busch earned 23XI the team’s first-ever playoff berth. Tyler Reddick joined the team in 2023 to drive the No. 45 car. In 2024, Reddick won the Regular Season Championship and raced to a spot in the Championship 4, a first for both the team and Reddick. 23XI currently features the lineup of Bubba Wallace in the No. 23 Toyota Camry XSE, Tyler Reddick in the No. 45 Toyota Camry XSE and Riley Herbst in the No. 35 Toyota Camry XSE. Corey Heim currently serves as the team’s development driver and races occasionally in the No. 67 Toyota Camry XSE. The team operates out of Airspeed, a state-of-the-art facility in Huntersville, N.C.

Ross Chastain Set for Four-Race Slate with Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport

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STATESVILLE, NC (January 20, 2026) – Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport announced today that Ross Chastain will compete in four events during the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season, driving the #32 Chevrolet.

A multi-time NASCAR Cup Series race winner, Chastain will bring top-level experience to the #32 entry while competing at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Circuit of The Americas, Watkins Glen International, and Sonoma Raceway. Known for his versatility and competitive driving style, Chastain has proven himself across ovals, road courses, and superspeedways at NASCAR’s highest level.

Chastain’s path to the Cup Series included building his career with challenger teams, giving him first-hand understanding of the effort, preparation, and resourcefulness required to compete week in and week out. That background makes him a natural fit for the team’s multi-driver program and continued push to elevate performance across all disciplines.

GFL Environmental will serve as the primary partner for Chastain’s start at Circuit of The Americas, with additional partner announcements for the remaining races to be shared at a later date.

“We’re excited to welcome Ross to the #32 for these races,” said team owner Jordan Anderson. “He’s a proven winner at the Cup level, but he’s also someone who understands what it takes to grow within a team and build results through hard work. His experience and perspective will be valuable for everyone in our organization.”

The #32 Chevrolet will continue to operate as a multi-driver entry during the 2026 season, with additional driver and partner updates to be announced in the coming weeks.

About Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport

Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito AutoSport is a NASCAR team, owned by owner/driver Jordan Anderson and Bommarito Automotive Group President, John Bommarito. Established in 2017 the organization is fueled by an incredible, close-knit team of employees, fans, and sponsors with a focus on integrity in the pursuit of excellence. Our goal is to embrace the journey we’re on and to never give up – whether on the track, in the pits, or in life. Every single team partner, and fan of ours, is what keeps our race cars running strong and our team performing at the highest level.

AMALIE MOTOR OIL RETURNS AS TITLE SPONSOR FOR NHRA GATORNATIONALS TO OPEN 75TH NHRA SEASON

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GAINESVILLE, Fla. (Jan. 20, 2026) – NHRA announced today that Amalie Motor Oil will continue as the title sponsor of this year’s 57th annual NHRA Gatornationals to open NHRA’s historic 75th anniversary season.

The Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals will take place March 5-8 at legendary Gainesville Raceway, opening the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season for the fourth consecutive year. It remains one of the biggest events in motorsports, as all the top stars in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle will look to win the famed race during NHRA’s landmark 75th season.

Amalie Motor Oil has been a longtime title sponsor of the iconic event, continuing a standout partnership with NHRA during the highly-anticipated 2026 event and kickoff to the NHRA’s 75th campaign.

“AMALIE Motor Oil is honored to be a part of NHRA’s diamond anniversary,” said President and CEO, Harry Barkett. “AMALIE was at the first Gatornationals, and proud to continue as the title sponsor of this marquee event at this incredible raceway.”

Last year, Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Chad Green (Funny Car), Dallas Glenn (Pro Stock) and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) all won on the hallowed grounds of Gainesville Raceway to open the year. This year’s race will again be broadcast on FS1, including eliminations at 12 p.m. ET on Sunday, March 8.

This year promises to be one of the biggest races in Gatornationals history. Along with a full slate of racing – including the Top Fuel All-Star Callout specialty race on Saturday and action in the Pro Mod Drag Racing Series, NHRA Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown and the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series – fans can expect a multitude of events to celebrate the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals and NHRA’s 75th anniversary, including:

  • Appearances from a host of NHRA legends during the event, including Kenny Bernstein, Don Garlits, Joe Amato, Don Prudhomme, Shirley Muldowney, Darrell Gwynn and Bob Frey.
  • A celebration of Bernstein’s historic 300-mph run from 1992.
  • A free, limited-edition NHRA 2026 season poster to the first 6,500 fans in attendance on Sunday.
  • A new-look Nitro Mall, special displays and a 75th anniversary stage in Nitro Alley.
  • Race winners will get the special NHRA 75th anniversary Diamond Wally, along with the Gatornationals traditional Golden Gator trophy.

“Amalie Motor Oil continues to be a fantastic NHRA partner and we’re so thrilled to have them continue as the title sponsor of the Gatornationals, especially as we open our 75th anniversary season in Gainesville this year,” NHRA Vice President and Chief Development Officer Brad Gerber said. “It’s the start of an exciting year and it doesn’t get much bigger than the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals. It’s a perfect way to kick off a landmark year and it’s great to have the continued support from Amalie Motor Oil for this massive event.”

The Gatornationals – long one of the biggest races on the NHRA tour – have drawn massive crowds for more than five decades and helped make legends in the sport. Top Fuel’s Tony Schumacher and Pro Stock’s Greg Anderson both have five Gatornationals wins, while veteran Ron Capps has four in the Funny Car ranks.

This year, fans will see a host of major stars, including Top Fuel reigning world champ Doug Kalitta, motorsports legend Tony Stewart, local standout Josh Hart, who joined John Force Racing, and the return of star driver Leah Pruett. In Funny Car, the stars include back-to-back world champ Austin Prock, Capps, Matt Hagan, Jack Beckman and new John Force Racing driver Jordan Vandergriff, while Pro Stock features champ Glenn, Anderson, Erica Enders, Jeg Coughlin Jr. and Aaron Stanfield.

In Pro Stock Motorcycle, Gaige Herrera is after a fourth straight Gatornationals win, while Richard Gadson begins his title defense against the likes of Matt Smith, Angie Smith and Chase Van Sant.

To purchase tickets to the 2026 NHRA Gatornationals, Including upgraded experiences in the Gainesville Top Eliminator Club, fans can visit www.NHRA.com/tickets. Children 12 and under are free in general admission areas with the purchase of an adult ticket. For more information about the NHRA, visit www.NHRA.com.

About Amalie Motor Oil

AMALIE Oil Company is the largest independent lubricant manufacturer in North America. Family owned and operated, AMALIE manufacturers premium-quality lubricants and greases for the automotive, industrial, agricultural, and motorsport markets. Our mission is is to provide the highest quality product and customer service… to be “Better than it has to be” since 1903. For more information, log on to www.AMALIE.com

About Mission Foods

MISSION®, owned by GRUMA, S.A.B. de C.V., is the world’s leading brand for tortillas and wraps. MISSION® is also globally renowned for flatbreads, dips, salsas and Mexican food products. With presence in over 112 countries, MISSION® products are suited to the lifestyles and the local tastes of each country. With innovation and customer needs in mind, MISSION® focuses on the highest quality, authentic flavors, and providing healthy options that families and friends can enjoy together. For more information, please visit https://www.missionfoods.com/

About NHRA

NHRA is the primary sanctioning body for the sport of drag racing in the United States. NHRA presents 20 national events featuring the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series and NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, as well as the NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series and NHRA Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown™ at select national events. NHRA provides competition opportunities for drivers of all levels in the NHRA Summit Racing Series and NHRA Street Legal™. NHRA also offers the NHRA Jr. Street® program for teens and the Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League® for youth ages 5 to 17. With more than 100 Member Tracks, NHRA allows racers to compete at a variety of locations nationally and internationally. NHRA’s Youth and Education Services® (YES) Program reaches over 30,000 students annually to ignite their interest in automotive and racing related careers. NHRA’s streaming service, NHRA.tv®, allows fans to view all NHRA national events as well as exclusive features of the sport. In addition, NHRA owns and operates three racing facilities: Gainesville Raceway in Florida; Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park; and In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip in Southern California. For more information, log on to www.NHRA.com, or visit the official NHRA pages on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

RISI COMPETIZIONE RETURNS TO IMSA GTD PRO CLASS FOR 2026 STARTING WITH ROLEX 24 AT DAYTONA

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The No. 62 Risi Competizione Ferrari 296 GT3 EVO on the banking of the track at Daytona International Speedway

Will Compete in 5-Race IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup

Risi Competizione Ferrari 296 GT3 No. 62:
Davide Rigon (ITA)
Daniel Serra (BRA)
Alessandro Pier Guidi (ITA)

Daytona Beach, Florida (January 20, 2026)…Risi Competizione is back! The popular Houston, Texas-based Ferrari team will compete in the 2026 IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup (IMEC), a five-race competition encompassing the marquee endurance races on the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship schedule.

The Risi team starts the season at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla., for the 64th Annual Rolex 24 At Daytona, January 24-25. They participated this past weekend at the Roar Before the 24 to get prepared for the twice-around-the-clock endurance classic this weekend.

Full endurance season drivers include Brazilian Daniel Serra and Italian Davide Rigon. Joining the duo for the Rolex 24 is 2025 FIA World Endurance Champion Alessandro Pier Guidi.

The last time the three drivers competed at Daytona with the Risi Competizione team, along with fourth driver and fellow Ferrari Competizioni GT factory driver, Brit James Calado, they won the GTD Pro class in 2024 securing a popular victory for the well-liked team.

The three drivers participated in the Roar testing, January 16-18, which offered six sessions for all four IMSA classes and all drives. Qualifying will take place this Thursday, January 22 between 2:10-3:25 p.m. GTD Pro qualifying is at 2:30 p.m. for 15 minutes. There are 60 entries for this year’s 64 annual Rolex 24 and 15 in the GTD Pro class, including two Ferrari 296 GT3 EVOs. Four additional Ferraris are competing on the 3.56-mile speedway road course in the GTD class.

The Risi Competizione team has competed at the 24 Hours of Daytona 18 times between 1999 and their last entry in 2024 brought a class victory in GTD Pro. Last year they sat out of competition and had a technical partnership with DragonSpeed on their Ferrari GTD Pro entry for the full IMSA season. The Risi Competizione history at the 24 Hours of Daytona is impressive, claiming two victories (in 2024 in GTD Pro and 1999 in SRPII class), five second place finishes and one third place to recap podiums. Four years they ran a two-car team at Daytona (2002, 2003, 2012, 2018).

Every year Team Principal Giuseppe Risi brought a Ferrari to Daytona except for two occasions, 2002 with a Lola B2K/40 and 2004 in a Maserati Trofeo Light. Classic Ferrari models who have gain 24 Hours of Daytona provenance under the Risi Competizione banner include the Ferrari 333SP, Ferrari 360GT and GTC, Ferrari 430, 430 GT, Ferrari 458 Italia, Italia GT, Ferrari 488 GTE, 488 GT3 Evo, Ferrari 296 GT3 and GT3 EVO.

Quotes:

Daniel Serra, driver, No. 62 Risi Competizione Ferrari 296 GT3:

“I’m very happy to be back with Risi and start this season in Daytona, which is one of my favorite races. I’m glad to be back with Davide and Ale. Last time in Daytona together we won so it’s a very nice memory. We did all the testing during the Roar. We have a lot of data to analyze and put everything together for the race weekend and I’m looking forward for the race.”

Davide Rigon, driver, No. 62 Risi Competizione Ferrari 296 GT3:

“It’s quite good here (at Daytona). We worked a lot during the Roar with the car and the data to find the best set up for the race and the season and we ended up pretty happy. Of course I’m not one hundred percent sure, but I’m happy about the car balance. Let’s see this week with the warmer temperature how it changes, but we’ll be prepared. Of course it’s been amazing to be back here with Giuseppe Risi and the team. We’re super motivated to do our best.”

Alessandro Pier Guidi driver, No. 62 Risi Competizione Ferrari 296 GT3:

“I’m happy to be back here with Risi Competizione. The last time here was a great memory, and I hope to repeat what we did in 2024. For the Roar testing the car was smooth. We did our usual program and now we will wait for the race weekend.”

Rigon and Serra will also compete in the remaining four IMEC races: 12 Hours of Sebring, 6 Hours of Watkins Glen, 6 Hours of Road America and Petit Le Mans 10-hour enduro.

The Rolex 24 television broadcast will be aired on NBC and full streaming live flag-to-flag on Peacock starting at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 24. NBC coverage is on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. and again Sunday, January 25 at 12:00 p.m. The international feed can be found on IMSA YouTube with live stream flag-to-flag. Thursday, January 22 will feature IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar qualifying on Peacock and YouTube streaming at 2:05 p.m. All times Eastern.

IMSA Radio will have live coverage throughout the weekend on IMSA.com, RadioLeMans.com and SiriusXM Radio. See imsa.com for more information.

Please follow Risi Competizione at www.risicompetizione.com and on social media at Instagram/RisiComp, Facebook/RisiCompetizione and Twitter @RisiComp.

CORVETTE RACING AT DAYTONA: By the Numbers

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  • 0.034: As in seconds – the winning margin of victory in Corvette Racing’s 1-2 finish at the 2016 Rolex 24. Up until 2023’s LMP2 finish, it was the closest finish in race history
  • 2: Number of the overall winning Corvette C5-R in the 2001 Rolex 24. Ron Fellows, Johnny O’Connell, Chris Kneifel and Franck Freon completed 656 laps for 2335.36 miles in the winning effort
  • 2: Rolex 24 class wins for AWA (now 13 Autosport); the team won in LMP3 in 2023 and won in GTD with its Corvette in 2025. Three of the four drivers return to defend this year
  • 4: Rolex 24 wins for Corvette Racing as an entrant (run by Pratt Miller Motorsports): 2001 overall (Ron Fellows/Johnny O’Connell, Kelly Collins, Franck Freon), 2015 GTLM (Antonio Garcia/Jan Magnussen/Ryan Briscoe), 2016 GTLM (Oliver Gavin/Tommy Milner/Marcel Fässler) and 2021 GTLM (Garcia/Jordan Taylor/Nicky Catsburg)
  • 5: Number of Corvette Z06 GT3.R entries for the 2025 Rolex 24 – two from Corvette Racing by Pratt Miller Motorsports and one each from 13 Autosport, DXDT Racing and DragonSpeed (GTD). It’s the second straight year with five Corvettes in the race
  • 7: Corvette factory drivers piloting the Corvette Z06 GT3.R in this year’s race: Antonio Garcia, Alexander Sims, Marvin Kirchhöfer, Tommy Milner, Nicky Catsburg, Nico Varrone (Corvette Racing by Pratt Miller) plus Charlie Eastwood (DXDT Racing)
  • 15: Manufacturer Championships for Chevrolet and Corvette Racing since 2001
  • 16: Wins in 2025 for the Corvette Z06 GT3.R across six different series. Two of those came in IMSA competition
  • 33: Tracks at which Corvette Racing has won races – Baltimore, Charlotte Motor Speedway, COTA, Canadian Tire Motorsport Park/Mosport, Chang International Circuit (Thailand), Daytona, Detroit, Fuji, Houston, Imola, Indianapolis, Laguna Seca, Le Mans, Lime Rock, Long Beach, Lusail International Circuit (Qatar), Sepang International Circuit (Malaysia), Miami, Mid-Ohio, Monza, Portimão, Portland, Road America, Road Atlanta, Sebring, Sonoma, St. Petersburg, Texas, Trois Rivieres, Utah, VIR, Washington DC and Watkins Glen
  • 40: Number of drivers to win races in Corvette Racing entries since 1999. The latest to join the list was Tom Van Rompuy at Fuji in September
  • 43: Drivers who have driven Corvette Racing entries at Daytona – Earl Bamber, Justin Bell, Matt Bell, Ryan Briscoe, Nicky Catsburg, Kelly Collins, Pipo Derani, Dale Earnhardt, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Charlie Eastwood, Marcel Fässler, Ron Fellows, Orey Fidani, Franck Freon, Antonio Garcia, Oliver Gavin, John Heinricy, Daniel Juncadella, Ben Keating, Lars Kern, Marvin Kirchhöfer, Chris Kneifel, Robin Liddell, Alex Lynn, Jan Magnussen, Anthony Mantella, Scott McLaughlin, Thomas Merrill, Tommy Milner, Simon Pagenaud, John Paul Jr., Andy Pilgrim, Mike Rockenfeller, Scott Sharp, Alexander Sims, Marco Sorensen, Nick Tandy, Jordan Taylor, Alec Udell, Shane Van Gisbergen, Nico Varrone, Salih Yoluc and Connor Zilisch
  • 73: Years since Corvette was introduced to the world on Jan. 17, 1953 in New York City. A total of 300 cars were produced that year
  • 76: Number of drivers in Corvette Racing entries since 1999. Johor Motorsports Racing’s Yasser Shahin and TF Sport’s James Roe were the latest in December’s opening round of the Asian Le Mans Series in Sepang
  • 154: Victories worldwide for Corvette Racing – 118 in IMSA, nine at Le Mans, five in the FIA WEC, 13 in GT World Challenge America, three in GT World Challenge Asia and GT America and two in the European Le Mans Series
  • 359: Event starts by Corvette Racing since 1999
  • 74.013.04: Total number of racing miles completed by Corvette Racing entries at Daytona since 1999. That equates to 3,218 trips across the length of Daytona Beach – approximately 23 miles
  • 462,758.39: Total number of racing miles completed by Corvette Racing since its inception. The program should surpass the half-million mile mark midway through this season

Corvette Racing History at The Rolex 24

1999 – No. 2 Corvette C5-R: Ron Fellows/Chris Kneifel/John Paul Jr. – 3rd in GTS

No. 4 Corvette C5-R: Andy Pilgrim/Scott Sharp/John Heinricy – 12th in GTS

2000 – No. 3 Corvette C5-R: Ron Fellows/Chris Kneifel/Justin Bell – 2nd in GTS

No. 4 Corvette C5-R: Andy Pilgrim/Kelly Collins/Franck Freon – 10th in GTS

2001 – No. 2 Corvette C5-R: Ron Fellows/Johnny O’Connell/Chris Kneifel/Franck Freon – 1st in GTS (overall win)

No. 3 Corvette C5-R: Andy Pilgrim/Kelly Collins/Dale Earnhardt/Dale Earnhardt Jr. – 2nd in GTS

2014 – No. 3 Corvette C7.R: Jan Magnussen/Antonio Garcia/Ryan Briscoe – 10th in GTLM

No. 4 Corvette C7.R: Oliver Gavin/Tommy Milner/Robin Liddell – 5th in GTLM

2015 – No. 3 Corvette C7.R: Jan Magnussen/Antonio Garcia/Ryan Briscoe – 1st in GTLM (Magnussen fastest race lap)

No. 4 Corvette C7.R: Oliver Gavin/Tommy Milner/Simon Pagenaud – 3rd in GTLM (Gavin pole)

2016 – No. 3 Corvette C7.R: Jan Magnussen/Antonio Garcia/Mike Rockenfeller – 2nd in GTLM (Garcia fastest race lap)

No. 4 Corvette C7.R: Oliver Gavin/Tommy Milner/Marcel Fässler – 1st in GTLM (Winner by 0.034 second)

2017 – No. 3 Corvette C7.R: Jan Magnussen/Antonio Garcia/Mike Rockenfeller – 4th in GTLM

No. 4 Corvette C7.R: Oliver Gavin/Tommy Milner/Marcel Fässler – 9th in GTLM

2018 – No. 3 Corvette C7.R: Jan Magnussen/Antonio Garcia/Mike Rockenfeller – 3rd in GTLM (Magnussen pole)

No. 4 Corvette C7.R: Oliver Gavin/Tommy Milner/Marcel Fässler – 4th in GTLM

2019 – No. 3 Corvette C7.R: Jan Magnussen/Antonio Garcia/Mike Rockenfeller – 6th in GTLM

No. 4 Corvette C7.R: Oliver Gavin/Tommy Milner/Marcel Fässler – 8th in GTLM

2020 – No. 3 Corvette C8.R: Antonio Garcia/Jordan Taylor/Nicky Catsburg – 4th in GTLM

No. 4 Corvette C8.R: Oliver Gavin/Tommy Milner/Marcel Fässler – 7th in GTLM

2021 – No. 3 Corvette C8.R: Antonio Garcia/Jordan Taylor/Nicky Catsburg – 1st in GTLM

No. 4 Corvette C8.R: Tommy Milner/Nick Tandy/Alexander Sims – 2nd in GTLM

2022 – No. 3 Corvette C8.R: Antonio Garcia/Jordan Taylor/Nicky Catsburg – 6th in GTD PRO

No. 4 Corvette C8.R: Tommy Milner/Nick Tandy/Marco Sorensen – 10th in GTD PRO

2023 – No. 3 Corvette C8.R: Antonio Garcia/Jordan Taylor/Tommy Milner – 2nd in GTD PRO

2024 – No. 3 Corvette Z06 GT3.R: Antonio Garcia/Alexander Sims/Daniel Juncadella – 5th in GTD PRO

No. 4 Corvette Z06 GT3.R: Tommy Milner/Nicky Catsburg/Earl Bamber – 8th in GTD PRO

No. 13 Corvette Z06 GT3.R: Matt Bell/Orey Fidani/Lars Kern/Alex Lynn – 21st in GTD

No. 17 Corvette Z06 GT3.R: Nico Varrone/Anthony Mantella/Thomas Merrill/Charlie Eastwood – 18th in GTD

2025 – No. 3 Corvette Z06 GT3.R: Antonio Garcia/Alexander Sims/Daniel Juncadella – 2nd in GTD PRO

No. 4 Corvette Z06 GT3.R: Tommy Milner/Nicky Catsburg/Nico Varrone – 7th in GTD PRO

No. 91 Corvette Z06 GT3.R: Ben Keating/Scott McLaughlin/Shane Van Gisbergen/Connor Zilisch – 9th in GTD PRO

No. 13 Corvette Z06 GT3.R: Matt Bell/Orey Fidani/Lars Kern/Marvin Kirchhöfer – 1st in GTD

No. 36 Corvette Z06 GT3.R: Charlie Eastwood/Alec Udell/Salih Yoluc/Pipo Derani – 19th in GTD

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

About General Motors

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

Motorsports Legend Travis Pastrana Returns to NASCAR with BRUNT Workwear

By
Official Release
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Pastrana is making a NASCAR comeback in the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series alongside multi-year partner BRUNT Workwear

NORTH READING, Mass., January 19, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) – BRUNT Workwear, the fastest growing work boot and apparel company for trade workers in the U.S., announces the return of motorsports icon and 11-time X Games gold medalist Travis Pastrana to NASCAR. To mark BRUNT and Pastrana’s second full year of partnership, Pastrana will race in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series season-opening Fresh From Florida 250 at Daytona International Speedway on February 13th, 2026 with BRUNT as his primary sponsor in the No. 42 Niece Motorsports Chevrolet.

Held annually at Daytona International Speedway during Speedweeks, the Fresh From Florida 250 is a 100-lap, 250-mile event, known for its thrilling drafting, aggressive driving, lead changes, and frequent multi-truck incidents. Pastrana joins the Niece Motorsports team for this year’s race, with whom he has had multiple high-profile appearances in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, including most recently at Daytona in 2023, where he finished in 11th place.

“I’m excited to get back on the track in Daytona with BRUNT Workwear and Niece Motorsports,” says Pastrana. “This is my first NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race since 2023, so it will be fun to get behind the wheel again and see what we can do. It’s great to work with BRUNT for the first time in NASCAR. They’ve been an amazing partner, getting behind all the good times and bad ideas we cook up at Pastranaland, and keeping myself and the Channel 199 crew safe and comfortable while we do it – expanding that partnership to the racetrack was a no-brainer and a great opportunity for all of us.”

Like Pastrana, BRUNT Workwear is no stranger to NASCAR and the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, having sponsored driver Mason Massey in both stock car and truck racing events with multiple teams since 2021. Expanding their presence in the sport with Travis Pastrana and Niece Motorsports has been a long time coming.

“We’ve been talking about making this happen ever since we started working with Travis,” said Eric Girouard, Founder & CEO of BRUNT Workwear. “If something has wheels and an engine, chances are Travis drives it better than most. He’s a motor and action sports legend that embodies BRUNT’s commitment to celebrating hard work and grit, and we can’t wait to see him in the BRUNT Truck at Daytona.”

“Travis and I first worked together at Roush back in 2013, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to see that relationship continue into the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series with Niece Motorsports,” adds Cody Efaw, CEO of Niece Motorsports. “Travis is one of the most genuine people you’ll ever meet, and we’re thrilled to welcome BRUNT Workwear to the Niece Motorsports family. Their brand is a natural fit for who we are and what we do, and we’re excited to take the green flag together at Daytona.”

Pastrana’s return to the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series with BRUNT Workwear and Niece Motorsports at the Fresh From Florida 250 will air live on Fox Sports 1 from Daytona International Speedway starting at 7:30 p.m. ET.

About BRUNT Workwear (www.bruntworkwear.com): Launched in 2020, BRUNT Workwear is retooling the way the workwear industry works by collaborating with trade workers to develop boots and apparel that provide the best performance, durability and comfort hard-earned money can buy. BRUNT products are developed to provide solutions that make real workers’ lives easier, a mission brought to life by the fact that each signature product is named after a real worker who inspired the design. BRUNT’s workwear lineup includes a range of waterproof, safety toe, and breathable boots for every worker, as well as a broad selection of apparel and accessories that are built to deliver performance and comfort on the job.

About Niece Motorsports: Niece Motorsports is a professional auto racing team that has competed in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series since 2016. The team is owned by Josh Morris of DQS Solutions and Staffing and the Fowler Family of J.F. Electric and Utilitra, and was founded by United States Marine Corps Veteran Al Niece. At its 80,000 sq. ft. headquarters in Salisbury, NC, Niece Motorsports is a full-service race vehicle build shop as well as a customizable fabrication shop for any manufacturing needs.

Follow the Team: To keep up to date with the latest team news, visit niecemotorsports.com or connect on Facebook and Instagram (@NieceMotorsports) as well as X (@NieceMotorsport).

Beard Motorsports Begins Ninth NASCAR Season With 2026 Daytona 500 Bid

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Official Release
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Driver Anthony Alfredo Returns With Backing From DUDE Wipes

MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. (Jan. 20, 2026) – Beard Motorsports announced today that it will attempt to qualify for the Feb. 15 Daytona 500 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway to kick off the team’s ninth season competing in the NASCAR Cup Series. For the third consecutive year, Anthony Alfredo will be behind the wheel of the No. 62 Beard Chevrolet, this time with primary sponsorship from DUDE Wipes.

Owned and operated by the Beard family and operating out of Mooresville, North Carolina, Beard Motorsports goes into 2026 under the leadership and guidance of Linda Beard, her daughter Amie Beard-Deja, son Mark Beard Jr., and crew chief Darren Shaw. Since making its debut in the Great American Race in 2017 with then driver Brendan Gaughan, Beard Motorsports has fielded a car in six of the last nine Daytona 500s.

“There is nothing like being in Daytona Beach in February for the Daytona 500,” said Beard-Deja, executive vice president of Beard Motorsports. “Our family and everyone at Beard Motorsports take pride in our NASCAR program and being part of this community. And when we go to the track, whether it’s Daytona, Talladega or another track, we go with the intention of performing well and contending for wins.

“The work Anthony (Alfredo) puts into his craft and his skill in the superspeedway races align with the goals we have for our racing program,” Beard-Deja added. “He and Darren (Shaw) have developed a great working relationship, so our expectations for Daytona are very high.”

For his part, Alfredo will be attempting to qualify for his third Daytona 500 start. It would mark the 44th Cup Series start for Alfredo, whose best work has taken place at the superspeedway races. The 26-year old has a pair of top-10 finishes at Daytona’s sister track – Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway.

“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to compete in the 2026 Daytona 500 with Beard Motorsports and DUDE Wipes,” Alfredo said. “Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series is always a thrill, but that feeling is amplified when it comes to the Daytona 500. It’s an iconic race and a win in that race places a driver in elite company. I’m thankful for the opportunity the Beard family gives me and a win in the Great American Race would be an amazing way to thank them.”

For DUDE Wipes, it will be the third time the brand has partnered with Beard Motorsports and Alfredo. DUDE Wipes has partnered with the Ridgefield, Connecticut, native since he began racing in NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts (formerly Xfinity) Series in 2020.

“We are thrilled to be part of the upcoming Daytona 500 with Beard Motorsports and Anthony,” said Ryan Meegan, co-founder of DUDE Wipes. “The work Anthony puts into racing and to representing our brand is unmatched. We consider him part of the family. He’s a big fan of our products, probably even more so since becoming a dad late last year. Being a part of the Daytona 500 starting field with Anthony is a great way to start 2026.”

As it has since 2017, the Beard-owned No. 62 DUDE Wipes Chevrolet will be powered by ECR Engines for its Daytona 500 effort. For nine years, Beard has relied on the power units built by ECR Engines – equipment that in recent seasons has helped to power drivers like Kyle Busch and Austin Dillon to victory at superspeedway races.

About DUDE Wipes. DUDE Wipes is the flagship product of DUDE Products, a men’s hygiene company that was founded in 2012 by lifelong friends in Chicago. The U.S.-based company introduced DUDE Wipes as the first flushable wipe for adults, marketed as a better hygiene solution to dry toilet paper. The brand is available online and in 20,000 stores nationwide, including Walmart, Target and Amazon.

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