Shop for Kyle Larson 2025 NASCAR Cup Champs gear at the NASCAR Shop
Home Blog Page 16

WALLY PARKS 75TH ANNIVERSARY APPRECIATION FUND PART OF $27 MILLION OVERALL PURSE FOR NHRA RACERS DURING MILESTONE YEAR

By
Official Release
-

INDIANAPOLIS (Feb. 9, 2026) – NHRA announced the introduction of the Wally Parks 75th Anniversary Appreciation Fund for 2026’s milestone season, a special initiative that will pay out $500,000 over the course of the celebratory year and recognize teams in the Mission Foods Drag Racing Series who continue to carry forward Parks’ illustrious legacy.

In all, more than $27 million in purse and payouts will be awarded to teams during the 20-race schedule for 2026’s 75th anniversary season.

The multi-million dollar payout, which is also an increase from 2025, includes the event purse for drivers in the Mission Foods and Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series on the national event tour, as well as the year-end championship purse for the Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, payouts for the All-Star Callout races in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle, the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge in the four professional categories and other incentive programs.

It also includes payouts for the regular season championship, which was introduced last season in the four professional categories (Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle) and will continue in 2026.

The total purse and payout features the Wally Parks 75th Anniversary Appreciation Fund, which will only be available during the 2026 campaign. The special campaign honors the vision of Wally Parks, who founded NHRA in 1951. Teams will be rewarded and incentivized for promoting each race during the 2026 season, displaying a 75th anniversary decal on their car and flying a 75th anniversary flag on their haulers at races.

“Supporting and rewarding our racers at every level has always been a priority for NHRA. During our milestone 75th anniversary season, we’re excited and proud to take that commitment further,” NHRA President Glen Cromwell said. “The introduction of the Wally Parks 75th Anniversary Appreciation Fund is a fitting way to honor Wally and NHRA’s legacy, while directly giving back to the competitors who are currently part of it.

“With a total purse of more than $27 million for 2026, we’re thrilled to award the incredible drivers and teams who compete at the highest level in our sport and deliver an amazing show for NHRA fans across the country. With programs like the regular-season championship, specialty races and more, we’re excited about what will be a truly remarkable and historic 2026 season.”

The 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Series season opens March 5-8 with the 57th annual Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals at legendary Gainesville Raceway, the first of 14 races during the regular season and 20 overall events during the historic 75th anniversary season.

In 2025, Doug Kalitta (Top Fuel), Austin Prock (Funny Car), Dallas Glenn (Pro Stock) and Richard Gadson (Pro Stock Motorcycle) all claimed world championships in the Mission Foods Drag Racing Series. Kalitta won his second title in three years in the loaded category, while Prock rolled to a second straight championship in dominant style. Both Glenn and Gadson claimed their first career world titles.

Racing legend Tony Stewart (Top Fuel), Prock, Glenn and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) all won the first-ever regular season championships a year ago in their respective categories.

For more information on NHRA, including the full 2026 schedule, visit www.NHRA.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.

ALEX LABBÈ PARTNERS WITH LIBERTY BREW AT WATKINS GLEN

By
Official Release
-

Partnership to honor veterans while celebrating America’s 250th birthday

MOORESVILLE, NC, February 9, 2026 – NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Alex Labbé announced today that he is partnering with Liberty Brew Coffee for the Mission 200 at The Glen NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race at Watkins Glen. Labbé will drive the #0 of SS-GreenLight Racing sporting a livery, dubbed “The Liberty Torch,” that features the iconic American flag colors of red, white and blue with stars and stripes.

“Liberty Brew Coffee has sponsored several drivers at SS-GreenLight Racing over the past three years. They’ve been a tremendous supporter of our team, and they truly embody the spirit of honoring those who have given so much,” said Labbé. “It’s always a pleasure to represent a brand that focuses on serving its community.”

Liberty Brew Coffee is more than just a coffee shop – it’s a mission. Founded by veterans and proudly based in Conway, SC, they serve locally roasted, specialty coffee with a focus on quality, community and freedom. Every cup they brew is rooted in service and purpose, honoring those who have served while creating a welcoming space for friends, families and neighbors. From handcrafted espresso drinks to fresh pastries and breakfast favorites, Liberty Brew Coffee is your local gathering place to recharge, connect and be inspired.

“Liberty Brew Coffee is thrilled to partner with the Snow Belt team. Together, we’re honoring veterans and first responders this year in a truly unique way,” said David Steadman, CEO of Liberty Brew Coffee. “Through our Hero Honor Cup program and permanent digital tribute at heroes.libertybrewcoffee.com, we’re preserving stories of service with a lasting memorial experience. Each laser-engraved cup features your hero’s photo, service details, and a QR code that opens their personal story page so their legacy can be shared and remembered with every scan.”

“And we’re taking that mission to the track with our NASCAR VIP Hero program at heroes.libertybrewcoffee.com/nascar-vip, where people can nominate a Military Hero or First Responder to be a special guest of Liberty Brew Coffee and Snow Belt MGMT at Watkins Glen. America turns 250 this year, and Liberty Brew Coffee is honoring the generations who built it and defended it – our veterans – by carrying their names and their legacy on this car. Every lap is a tribute. Every cup is a thank you. We’re also inviting fans to submit a hero’s story for a chance to be featured in our ‘This Lap is For…’ hero recognition.”

Liberty Brew Coffee has several opportunities for fans to honor veterans through this partnership.

The Hero Honor Cup is a 20oz insulated tumbler with a laser-engraved photo and details of the veteran the purchaser wishes to honor. The cup also has a QR code that opens a personal memorial story page. The Hero Honor Cups are available for $24.99 at https://heroes.libertybrewcoffee.com/.

Additionally, fans can nominate a veteran or first responder to win VIP passes to this year’s Mission at The Glen race. The entry form can be found at https://heroes.libertybrewcoffee.com/nascar-vip. Every veteran who is nominated is entered into a chance to have a race lap dedicated to them. The entry period ends on April 24.

Liberty Brew Coffee is also selling limited edition products to commemorate this partnership. There are two new coffee blends: Founders Reserve – America 250 Blend, which features a bold, classic American profile, and Liberty Roast – Veteran Honor Edition. A portion of the proceeds of Liberty Roast will be donated to veteran support organizations. The first 22 fans who order a coffee bundle will get to see their name on the decklid of the race car at Watkins Glen. Fans can also purchase “America 250 – Brewed by Freedom” tees featuring the Liberty Torch car and challenge coins to commemorate this partnership. All of these can be purchased at https://www.libertybrewcoffee.com/online-store.

The Mission 200 at The Glen (82 laps | 200.9 miles) is the 13th of 33 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series races on the 2026 schedule. Practice starts on Saturday, May 9 at 10:30 a.m., followed immediately by qualifying. The field is set to take the green flag later that day at 4:00 p.m. with live coverage on The CW, the Performance Racing Network (Radio), and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90. All times are Eastern Standard Time.

For more information on Alex Labbé, follow him on X (https://twitter.com/AlexLabbe36) or Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/AlexLabbe36/).  

For more information on Liberty Brew Coffee, https://www.libertybrewcoffee.com/ or follow them on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/sc.libertybrew.coffee/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/libertybrewcoffee/) or TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@libertybrewcoffee?lang=en).

Take 5 Oil Change Named Presenting Sponsorof Pennzoil 250

By
Official Release
-

INDIANAPOLIS (Monday, Feb. 9, 2026) – Take 5 Oil Change, a leading provider of fast, friendly and simple car maintenance, has been named the presenting sponsor of the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Pennzoil 250 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The Pennzoil 250 presented by Take 5 Oil Change will take place Saturday, July 25 as part of Brickyard Weekend, which also includes the NASCAR Cup Series Brickyard 400 presented by PPG on Sunday, July 26 and additional practice and qualifying Friday, July 24.

“The Saturday of Brickyard Weekend provides fans with a lot of racing in a single day at IMS,” IMS President J. Douglas Boles said. “From qualifying for both the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and Cup Series and then the Pennzoil 250 presented by Take 5 Oil Change, it’s an action-packed day. The addition of Take 5 Oil Change, a brand that delivers high-quality service in a short amount of time, is a perfect partner for this exciting day of on-track activity.”

“Racing is about eliminating wasted seconds, and so are we,” said Doug Zarkin, chief marketing officer of Take 5 Oil Change. “Partnering with IMS during Brickyard Weekend puts us in the heart of a culture that values speed, trust and performance – exactly how our customers experience Take 5 every time they stay in their cars and drive out ready for what’s next.”

At Take 5 Oil Change, customers stay comfortably in their cars while technicians complete a high-quality oil change in approximately 10 minutes. Every service includes free tire pressure checks, fluid top-offs and complimentary bottled water. This simple, customer-first model has helped Take 5 Oil Change build loyalty and fuel strong growth across nearly 1,300 locations nationwide.

Visit IMS.com for ticket information for Brickyard Weekend on July 24-26.

For additional information about Take 5 Oil Change, visit take5.com.

Front Row Motorsports Lands Partnership with Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission

By
Official Release
-

FWC to Ride with Chandler Smith at Daytona 250

 MOORESVILLE, N.C. (February 9, 2026) – Chandler Smith and the No. 38 Ford F-150 team will sport a new look on the high banks of the Daytona International Speedway for the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series season opener, partnering with Go Outdoors Florida from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission for the 100-lap race.

The No. 38 will feature the FWC’s TrophyCatch program. An avid fisherman, Smith invites anglers of all skill levels to join the citizen-science initiative, which rewards fishermen for documenting largemouth bass weighing eight pounds or more. Since its launch, TrophyCatch has logged thousands of trophy bass across the state, giving scientists valuable insight into Florida’s bass population while giving anglers the chance to win prizes, from top-tier fishing gear to a Phoenix Bass Boat. Anglers can sign up for free at TrophyCatch.com, grab a fishing license, and submit photo or video evidence of their catches for even more chances to win.

“We’re proud to partner with NASCAR and bring Florida’s conservation story to one of the largest audiences in American sports,” said Roger Young, Executive Director, FWC. “This collaboration is an exciting opportunity to connect with outdoor enthusiasts and highlight the importance of protecting our state’s world-class fisheries and wildlife.”

“This is going to be a fun partnership”, said Smith. “TrophyCatch celebrates the excitement of landing a trophy fish while helping preserve Florida’s fisheries for future generations. It’s kind of like racing; it takes skill, passion, and a love for the thrill of the chase.”

The Fresh From Florida 250 is scheduled for Friday, February 13th at 7:30 PM ET. Fans can watch the action live on FS1 or listen in from SiriusXM channel 90.

ABOUT FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS

Front Row Motorsports (FRM) is a winning organization competing in the NASCAR Cup Series and the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. Founded in 2004 by entrepreneur Bob Jenkins, FRM has earned top honors including a 2021 Daytona 500 victory and the 2022 CRAFTSMAN Truck Series championship. Based in Mooresville, N.C., FRM fields the No. 4, No. 34, and No. 38 entries in the NASCAR Cup Series, along with the No. 34 and No. 38 teams in the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. For more information, visit teamfrm.com and follow Front Row Motorsports on social media — X: @Team_FRM, Instagram: @teamfrm, Tik Tok: @Team_FRM, YouTube: @FrontRowNASCAR, and Facebook: facebook.com/FrontRowMotorsports.

ABOUT FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s mission is to conserve fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of people. Florida’s fish and wildlife belong to the people of Florida, and the FWC is entrusted to take care of these precious resources. The FWC protects and manages more than 575 species of wildlife, over 200 native species of freshwater fish and more than 500 native species of saltwater fish while balancing these species’ needs with the needs of approximately 19 million residents and the millions of visitors who share the land and water with Florida’s wildlife. Learn more at MyFWC.com.

Freedom Warranty Returns for Eighth Season Sponsoring Spencer Boyd

By
Official Release
-

Freedom Warranty will serve as an anchor partner in 2026

Mooresville, NC (February 9, 2026) – Spencer Boyd is proud to share that Freedom Warranty will return as an anchor partner and sponsor for Freedom Racing Enterprises in 2026. This marks the eighth season together going back to Boyd’s win at Talladega in 2019. Freedom Warranty will serve as the primary sponsor for the No. 76 Chevrolet Silverado driven by Spencer Boyd in the season opening NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Daytona International Speedway.

“The unwavering commitment from Freedom Warranty to my career is humbling,” remarked Boyd. “Sports and particularly racing has its ups and downs so to have the same group of people believe in me for eight years truly means the world to me. As I embark on my eleventh year in NASCAR, I still pinch myself that I get to do this knowing that it is partners like Freedom Warranty that allow me to chase my dreams.”

The first time Freedom Warranty sponsored Boyd was the October 12, 2019 race at Talladega Superspeedway in which Boyd won.

Freedom Warranty is the nation’s fastest-growing provider of Extended Vehicle Service Contracts and Protection Plans. New and older car warranties are available in 37 states and sold only by authorized auto dealers, licensed repair facilities, established lenders, and accredited insurance agencies.

“The momentum that Spencer has built in the past few years is turning heads,” said CEO Chris Miller. “I knew early on that he was scrappy but didn’t realize just how driven he is to succeed. I believe that supporting someone through thick and thin is the only way to achieve long term success. And this couldn’t be more true heading into 2026. All of us at Freedom Warranty are proud to be part of Spencer’s journey!”

As the expansion of Freedom Warranty continues into new states, the stage of the Daytona 500 weekend is the exposure Miller is looking for to grow the company’s dealer and agent network.

About Freedom Warranty
Freedom Warranty is the fastest-growing vehicle service contract administrator in the nation, offering a variety of products sold exclusively through authorized auto dealers, certified repair facilities, established lenders, and accredited insurance agencies in 37 states and the District of Columbia. Their goal is to provide a valuable service to automobile owners who want to protect their investment and shield them from unexpected repairs. By providing superior service to contract holders, they strive to provide dependable coverage with customer care that goes above and beyond. Call Freedom Warranty at 823-927-2689 for quotes or if you are an existing customer 844-307-9944 for customer assistance.

Visit Freedom Warranty at https://www.freedomwarranty.com

CELSIUS® Joins 23XI Racing and Corey Heim as an Official Partner for 2026 Season

By
Official Release
-

CELSIUS to be featured as exclusive energy drink and energy-providing product of Heim and the No. 67 team

Huntersville, N.C. (Feb. 9, 2026) – 23XI Racing announced today that premium, functional energy drink brand, CELSIUS, has joined the team as an Official Partner and the Exclusive Energy Drink and Energy-Providing Product of Corey Heim and the No. 67 team. The partnership will include CELSIUS branding with Heim and the No. 67 team throughout the season, as well as CELSIUS branding and color scheme on Heim’s No. 67 Toyota Camry XSE for the NASCAR Cup Series race at Daytona International Speedway on Aug. 29. The partnership continues a relationship between CELSIUS and Heim that began last season.

As an associate partner with Heim and the No. 67 team, CELSIUS will be featured throughout the season on the No. 67 team’s uniforms, equipment, pit box and hauler, as well as on Heim’s driver uniform. In his second season as a development driver for 23XI, Heim’s Cup Series schedule has expanded significantly from the previous year to include 12 races. With CELSIUS’ refreshing, zero-sugar energy drink and LIVE. FIT. GO.™ mantra, the partnership will support the team on and off the track throughout the season.

“We’re proud to have CELSIUS on board to support Corey and the No. 67 team this season,” said Steve Lauletta, 23XI team president. “CELSIUS has been a key supporter of Corey, and we look forward to working together as Corey and the team continue to grow and progress.”

“I’m very grateful to continue my relationship with CELSIUS and look forward to representing the brand when the No. 67 team races this season,” said Corey Heim, driver of the No. 67 Toyota Camry XSE. “Whether it’s on the track or off, CELSIUS has been a great partner, and I’m excited to have them alongside me again for what I expect will be a memorable season.”

About CELSIUS
CELSIUS is a premium, functional energy drink brand born in fitness and built for powering active lifestyles. Driven by its LIVE. FIT. GO.™ mantra, CELSIUS delivers refreshing, zero-sugar energy drinks designed to keep people moving — from elite athletes to everyday achievers.

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.

ARCA Menards Series at Daytona International Speedway: General Tire 200 Pre-race Notes & Stats Update

By
Official Release
-

THE RACE: 63rd Annual General Tire 200
THE PLACE: Daytona International Speedway
THE DATE: Saturday, February 14, 2026
THE TIME: 12:00 PM ET
TV: FOX, Live
RADIO: MRN Radio / SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90, Live

  • The ARCA Menards Series opens its 74th season with the 63rd Annual General Tire 200 at Daytona International Speedway. It is the first of 20 races at 19 tracks in 15 states.
  • Nelson Stacy, who won four NASCAR Cup Series races including the 1961 Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway, won the first ARCA Menards Series race at Daytona International Speedway in 1964. Two qualifying races to set the field, similar in fashion to the current America 250 Florida Duel at Daytona for the NASCAR Cup Series, were held prior to the race; they were won by Earl Balmer and Jack Bowsher.
  • Defending series championship team Pinnacle Racing Group returns in 2026 with Jack Wood (No. 28 PRG Chevrolet) opening their defense of the owners championship. Wood has 85 career NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series starts, including four at Daytona. Pinnacle won the Daytona race last year on its way to the series championship with Brenden “Butterbean” Queen. Wood has two previous ARCA Menards Series starts at Daytona; he finished ninth in 2021 and eighth in 2023. Taylor Reimer (No. 77 BuzzBallz Chevrolet) will join the team for her first attempt at Daytona; she finished third in her series debut at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in 2024 and notched a fifth-place finish at Kansas Speedway in 2025.
  • Nitro Motorsports has six drivers entered for the General Tire 200: 2024 Talladega Superspeedway winner Jake Finch (No. 15 Phoenix Toyota), 2025 ARCA Menards Series West winner at Colorado National Speedway Jake Bollman (No. 20 Nitro Motorsports Toyota), 2024 Daytona winner Gus Deal (No. 25 Nitro Motorsports Toyota), reigning Bounty Rookie of the Year Isabella Robusto (No. 55 Mobil 1 Toyota), Lime Rock Park winner Thomas Annunziata (No. 70 JBL Toyota), and newcomer Wesley Slimp (No. 90 Nitro Motorsports Toyota).
  • Dean will make his first start at Daytona since visiting victory lane in 2024; in addition to his win at Daytona, he scored the first of his three career series wins at Talladega Superspeedway in 2016. He set the fastest lap in the Pre-Race Practice at Daytona, leading the other five Nitro Motorsports entries to the top of the speed charts in a tight formation draft at the end of the first day of activity.
  • Gio Ruggiero (No. 18 1st Auto Toyota) will take the reins of the Joe Gibbs Racing ride on superspeedways and intermediate tracks in 2026. Ruggiero showed superspeedway prowess in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2025, finishing second at Daytona and winning from the pole at Talladega. Ruggiero, the reigning Trucks rookie of the year, finished third in the ARCA Menards Series East standings in 2024 with one win at Five Flags Speedway.
  • Greg Van Alst (No. 19 Michael Maples Motorsports Chevrolet), the 2023 ARCA Menards Series winner at Daytona, will make his first series appearance since 2024 at Kansas Speedway. Van Alst has four career ARCA Menards Series starts at Daytona, with a third-place finish in 2024 to go along with his victory in 2023.
  • Jason Kitzmiller (No. 97 A.L.L. Construction / Carter CAT Chevrolet) will make his seventh career series start at Daytona, returning after a career-best third in 2025. Kitzmiller had a career season last year, finishing third in the series championship standings with a pair of top-five finishes and 14 top-tens.
  • Garrett Mitchell (No. 30 Kenetik Ford), known to his legion of fans on YouTube as Cleetus McFarland, will make his second start at Daytona. Mitchell, who owns the Freedom Factory – formerly known as DeSoto Speedway – in nearby Bradenton, finished 30th last year after being swept into a pair of incidents. He rebounded to score his first career top-ten finish at Talladega Superspeedway. Mitchell was seventh fastest in the recent Pre-Race Practice at Daytona, the first non-Nitro Motorsports driver in the combined two-day results.
  • Sean Corr (No. 8 Nesco / STS / The Trans Group Chevrolet) has been strong at Daytona throughout his career, which dates to 2010. In 16 career starts at Daytona, he has five top-five finishes, including a career-best third in 2023. Corr also started from the Sioux Chief PowerPEX Pole in 2012 and led 14 laps before engine troubles sidelined him early. Corr was also fighting for the overtime victory in 2018 when he was taken out in a multi-car crash not of his making.
  • Timothy “Mini” Tyrell (No. 17 RAM Trucks Chevy) will make his ARCA Menards Series debut a day after he welcomes RAM Trucks back into the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series with Kaulig Racing. Tyrell, a consistent championship contender in the CARS Tour, will drive in the ARCA Menards Series for Cook Racing Technologies, the team that earned the 2023 ARCA Menards Series West owners championship.
  • Reigning ARCA Menards Series West Bounty Rookie of the Year Robbie Kennealy (No. 41 Jan’s Towing Ford) will make his first Daytona appearance in a race that was added to his calendar after participating in the ARCA Menards Series “Road to Daytona” program at the series’ annual Pre-Race Practice in January. Kennealy took to the high speeds at the 2.5-mile tri-oval quickly, impressing 1995 series champion and two-time Daytona winner Andy Hillenburg. Team owner Jan Qualkenbush quickly arranged to acquire a car from Hillenburg, who will offer some expertise and advice to Kennealy and Qualkenbush throughout the week.
  • Two drivers, Alli Owens (No. 68 Bighorn Outdoors Ford) and Logan Misuraca (No. 86 Orlando Health / City Garage Motorsports Ford) have very close local ties. Owens, who has taken a 12-year break from racing to raise her family as a single mother, is from South Daytona, while Misuraca, a member of four state championship-winning high school dance teams, is from nearby Sanford. Owens, with 32 career ARCA Menards Series starts, has raced at Daytona three times previously; she started a career-best second in 2009 and has a best finish of 23rd in 2010. Misuraca, a driver for the NASCAR Racing Experience at Daytona with thousands of laps at the track, started ninth and finished 18th in her only previous Daytona start in 2023.
  • Former NASCAR Cup Series team owner and current ARCA Menards Series crew chief Bob Rahilly made his return to the track at Daytona for the series’ Pre-Race Practice in January after suffering third-degree burns in a house fire in early 2025. Rahilly, who co-owned RahMoc Enterprises with partner Butch Mock, won four Cup races with Neil Bonnett driving and also scored the win in the 1983 Busch Clash. RahMoc notched a total of five top-five finishes at Daytona, including Lake Speed’s runner-up finish to Bill Elliott in the 1985 Daytona 500. Bonnett finished fourth in 1988 version of the race, Joe Ruttman finished third in 1991, and Dick Trickle fifth in the 1992 Daytona 500.
  • The 40-car field will be set by each car’s fastest lap in Sioux Chief PowerPEX Pole Qualifying on Friday. The field will be split into groups by random draw, with each group then given four minutes on the track which should translate to three laps on the track at speed. The top 32 speeds will be locked in with the final eight positions determined via the highest in 2025 owners points who are not already in on speed.
  • On-track activity for the ARCA Menards Series at Daytona International Speedway starts with practice at 4 pm ET on Thursday, February 12. The field will be set in Sioux Chief PowerPEX Pole Qualifying at 1:30 pm ET on Friday, February 13. The 63rd Annual General Tire 200 is set for noon on Saturday, February 14 and will be televised live on FOX. The race will also be broadcast live on select affiliates of the MRN Radio network, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90, and on MRN.com. Live timing & scoring data and live race audio will be available on ARCARacing.com; for up-to-the-minute updates please follow @ARCA_Racing on X (formerly known as Twitter).

About ARCA 
The Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA), founded in 1953 by John and Mildred Marcum in Toledo, Ohio, and acquired by NASCAR in April 2018, is the leading grassroots stock car sanctioning body in the United States. Bridging the gap between NASCAR’s top three national touring series and weekly and regional tour racing all across the country, the organization sanctions over 100 races per year in the ARCA Menards Series, ARCA Menards Series East, ARCA Menards Series West, ASA STARS National Tour, ASA CRA Super Series, ASA Midwest Tour, ASA Southern Super Series plus weekly racing at Toledo and Flat Rock Speedways. For more information about ARCA visit www.arcaracing.com, or follow ARCA on Facebook (@ARCARacing) and Twitter (@ARCA_Racing). 

About Menards
A family-owned and run company started in 1958, Menards is recognized as the retail home center leader of the Midwest with 236 stores in 15 states.  Menards is truly a one-stop shop for all of your home improvement needs featuring a full-service lumberyard and everything you need to plan a renovation or build a home, garage, cabin, shed, deck, fence or post frame building.  You’ll find a large selection of lumber, roofing, siding, construction blocks, trusses, doors and windows, plus cabinets, appliances, countertops, flooring, lighting, paint, plumbing supplies and more.  To complete the job, Menards has quality hand tools, power tools, fasteners, electrical tools plus storage options and supplies for everyone from the weekend warrior to the pro!
 
Menards has what you need to complete your outdoor projects and keep your yard in tip-top shape including mowers, trimmers, blowers, pressure washers and more, plus a beautiful garden center stocked with plants, shrubs, trees, landscaping tools, grass seed, fertilizer options, outdoor décor and patio furniture.  Menards also has everyday essentials like health & beauty products, housewares, pet and wildlife supplies, automotive items and even groceries.  And at Christmas, an Enchanted Forest display area with impressive trees, lighting, decorations, ornaments, inflatables and more. 
Menards is known for friendly Customer Service and as the place to “Save Big Money” with low prices every day, and sales too!  For more information, please visit Menards.com to learn about our store locations, offerings and services.

Trackside Trauma: The Importance of Preparedness

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

Motorsports are built on speed, precision, and adrenaline. From local speedways to professional racing circuits, the thrill of competition brings drivers, crew members, officials, and fans closer to the action. But where speed exists, risk follows closely behind. Trackside trauma—whether from crashes, mechanical failures, or spectator incidents—can occur without warning, making preparedness a critical component of motorsport safety.

The Reality of Trackside Emergencies

Racing environments are unique. High speeds, heavy machinery, fuel exposure, and close-quarter viewing areas create conditions where injuries can escalate rapidly. Drivers may experience impact trauma, burns, or loss of consciousness, while crew members and spectators are also vulnerable to falls, debris, or medical emergencies.

In these situations, the first few minutes are crucial. Before emergency responders fully intervene, immediate action by trained individuals can stabilize injuries, control bleeding, and prevent conditions from worsening.

Why Preparedness Matters at the Track

Trackside trauma often requires fast, informed decisions. Panic or hesitation can cost valuable time, especially when dealing with:

  • Severe bleeding after collisions
  • Head, neck, or spinal injuries
  • Cardiac or breathing emergencies
  • Heat exhaustion or dehydration during long race events

Preparedness ensures that the people closest to the incident—officials, staff, or trained bystanders—can respond effectively until professional medical teams take over.

First Aid Training: A Core Safety Tool in Motorsports

First aid training transforms bystanders into capable first responders. Proper training teaches individuals how to assess a scene safely, protect themselves, and deliver care without causing further harm.

Essential skills include:

  • CPR and AED use for cardiac emergencies
  • Bleeding control techniques to reduce shock risk
  • Spinal injury awareness to prevent secondary damage
  • Emergency response coordination while awaiting paramedics

These skills are not just for medical professionals—they are invaluable for anyone involved in motorsports environments.

Professional Training Builds Confidence and Readiness

Access to structured, professional first aid education plays a vital role in motorsports safety culture. Programs such as First Aid training near Scarborough provide Canadian Red Cross–approved courses designed to prepare individuals for real-world emergencies.

Training focuses on hands-on practice, realistic scenarios, and nationally recognized certifications. For race organizers, team members, and event staff, this knowledge adds an extra layer of protection, ensuring faster, calmer, and more effective responses when incidents occur.

Safety Beyond the Finish Line

Motorsports continue to evolve with improved safety technology, better track design, and stricter regulations. Yet no amount of equipment can fully eliminate risk. Prepared people remain one of the most powerful safety measures available.

By prioritizing first aid education, racing communities can ensure that when accidents happen, and they inevitably do, help is immediate, informed, and effective.

Final Thoughts

Trackside trauma is an unavoidable reality in motorsports, but its consequences don’t have to be devastating. Preparedness, training, and awareness make all the difference. Whether you’re part of a racing team, event staff, or an enthusiast close to the action, first aid knowledge empowers you to protect lives when it matters most.

Because at the track, safety isn’t just about speed control—it’s about readiness.

Fastenal Company and RFK Racing Announce Body Guard Brand as Primary Focus of Partnership

By
Official Release
-

WINONA, Minn. and CONCORD, N.C., February 9, 2026 — (BUSINESS WIRE) Fastenal Company (NASDAQ: FAST), a leading distributor of industrial and construction supplies, is launching a significant evolution to its partnership with RFK Racing. The iconic Fastenal blue paint scheme will be replaced with the striking black and orange colors of their Body Guard brand, aiming to increase awareness and engagement with this essential line of safety products.

“This change is more than just a new look; it’s a strategic move to align our marketing efforts with our commitment to providing top quality safety products to our customers. The orange and black scheme is bold and memorable, much like our Body Guard products themselves,” stated Pete Watkins, Marketing Strategist at Fastenal.

“Fastenal’s Body Guard brand has evolved from ‘engineered for survival’ to ‘engineered for safety’ to better reflect its core mission. Unlike typical private-label products, Body Guard offers high-quality safety solutions designed with extensive expertise,” said Brent Roeder, Vice President of Sales at Fastenal. “We leverage decades of experience and deep technical knowledge as we aim to ensure every product meets or exceeds market standards in quality and performance. By featuring the Body Guard paint scheme on the RFK Racing cars, we are confident that we will reach a broader audience and highlight the importance of safety in every industry.”

“Fastenal is one of RFK Racing’s longest-running partners, and we’re thrilled to continue that relationship with the Body Guard brand,” said RFK Racing President, Chip Bowers. “Body Guard represents exceptional performance standards and dependable quality. These are values that align naturally with what we demand in everything we do on and off the track.”

RFK Racing has run Body Guard schemes on special occasions in the past, including officially debuting a new 2025 Body Guard paint scheme at Talladega on April 27th. Starting with the 2026 season, fans can expect to see the Body Guard brand prominently represented on the car, team competition gear, and race hauler with Fastenal featured in an auxiliary position. Fastenal will remain a critical supplier and partner in RFK Racing’s supply chain, exemplifying partnership on and off the track.

About Fastenal

With approximately 1,600 branch locations spanning 25 countries, Fastenal supplies a broad offering of fasteners, safety products, metal cutting products, and other industrial supplies to customers engaged in manufacturing, construction, warehouse and storage, data centers, wholesale, and federal, state, and local government. By investing in local experts and inventory, customer-facing technology, wide-ranging services, and best-in-class sourcing and logistics, we offer a unique combination of capabilities to help our customers reduce cost, risk, and scalability constraints in their global supply chains. This “high-touch, high-tech” approach is reflected in our tagline, Where Industry Meets Innovation™. For more information about Fastenal and the Body Guard brand, please visit www.fastenal.com.

About RFK Racing

RFK Racing, in its 39th season in 2026, features an ownership lineup pairing one of the sport’s most iconic names, Jack Roush, along with NASCAR Champion, Brad Keselowski, and Fenway Sports Group owner John Henry. Roush initially founded the team in 1988 and it has since become one of the most successful racing operations in the world, propelling him to be the first NASCAR owner to amass three hundred wins and capturing eight championships, including back-to-back NASCAR Cup titles in 2003 and 2004. Keselowski, a former owner in the NASCAR Truck Series, is the 2012 NASCAR Cup Series Champion. In 2007, Roush partnered with Henry, who also owns Major League Baseball’s Boston Red Sox, English Premier League’s Liverpool F.C., and the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins, to form Roush Fenway Racing. Off the track, RFK is a leader and proven winner in NASCAR marketing solutions, having produced multiple award-winning social media, digital content and experiential marketing campaigns. Visit rfkracing.com, and follow the team on all social platforms @rfkracing.

Why Insurance Delays Are Becoming Common After Car Crashes in Temecula

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

Insurance claims after car crashes are taking longer to resolve across the United States, and drivers in Temecula are experiencing the same pattern. These delays often stem from procedural and regulatory factors rather than individual mistakes. Knowing why claims stall can help you better understand the process you are dealing with.

How Insurance Investigations Extend Claim Timelines

After a collision, insurers must determine liability and verify damages before issuing payment, and this process can take time. If you speak with a car accident lawyer in Temecula early in the process, you may hear that delays often occur while insurers gather police reports, scene photographs, vehicle damage assessments, and recorded statements from everyone involved. Each document must be reviewed for consistency, and missing or delayed materials can temporarily halt progress.

Adjusters also compare driver statements, witness accounts, and physical evidence to assess responsibility under California law. When accounts differ or technical questions arise, insurers may request supplemental reports, accident reconstructions, or additional inspections. This layered review process, especially in cases with disputed facts, often adds weeks or months before a claim moves toward resolution.

Medical Treatment and Claim Valuation Delays

Many crash-related injuries do not present full symptoms immediately after an accident, particularly soft tissue injuries, concussions, or conditions involving inflammation. Insurers often wait until your medical condition stabilizes, sometimes called maximum medical improvement, so they can estimate future care needs and long-term effects rather than issuing payments that may later prove incomplete.

Because of this approach, claims involving physical injuries may remain open while you attend follow-up visits, diagnostic testing, or physical therapy. Medical providers may submit records and billing in stages, and insurers typically review those materials carefully to confirm that treatment relates directly to the crash. This sequential information review can slow the valuation process even when liability is not disputed.

Policy Requirements and Documentation Reviews

Auto insurance policies contain specific notice, cooperation, and documentation requirements that insurers enforce closely. You may be asked to submit proof of loss forms, repair estimates, photographs, wage verification, and medical authorizations, sometimes in multiple stages as new information becomes available. Each submission is reviewed against policy language to confirm coverage applies to the type of loss claimed.

Insurers also conduct internal audits to ensure the claim complies with contractual terms and regulatory standards. If records are missing, inconsistent, or unclear, adjusters may request corrections or additional materials before proceeding. When this happens, portions of the review can restart, extending the overall timeline even if the underlying facts of the accident are straightforward.

Comparative Negligence Disputes in California

California applies a comparative negligence system that reduces compensation when a driver is partially at fault for a collision. Because payment depends on assigning fault percentages, insurers often take additional time reviewing accident mechanics, traffic signals, speed estimates, and right-of-way rules under the California Vehicle Code. Even small differences in fault allocation can significantly affect claim value, which leads to closer scrutiny.

When responsibility is disputed, adjusters may request supplemental police reports, interview additional witnesses, or consult accident reconstruction professionals. Insurers also compare physical evidence, such as vehicle damage patterns and roadway markings, against driver statements. Each step intended to support a precise fault determination can extend the time required to reach a final decision.

Claim Volume and Insurance Staffing Limits

Insurance companies nationwide are processing higher numbers of car accident claims than in earlier years, which places a strain on claims departments. When adjusters carry large caseloads, routine tasks such as reviewing documentation, returning calls, and issuing written decisions often take longer, even in cases where liability appears straightforward.

Administrative changes can also slow claim handling. Insurers may transition to new claims management software, consolidate regional offices, or rely on third-party administrators to handle overflow. These operational shifts can disrupt established workflows and delay internal approvals, affecting how quickly claims move forward, regardless of complexity.

Why Awareness of Claim Delays Matters

Insurance delays after car crashes are increasingly common due to investigation requirements, medical evaluations, policy reviews, and internal insurance operations. Understanding these causes helps you recognize that delays often stem from process steps rather than inaction, and it clarifies why insurers may request additional information at different stages.

Being informed about how claims move from investigation to valuation allows you to respond promptly and keep records organized. Awareness also helps you distinguish between routine delays and situations where follow-up may be appropriate, giving you more control over how you manage the claims process from start to finish.

1...151617...6,516Page 16 of 6,516

© SpeedwayMedia.com. All rights reserved.

Site Map

Archives

Popular Category