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NASCAR at COTA Unveils First Responder Appreciation Weekend Initiative for Upcoming DuraMAX Grand Prix

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Official Release
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  • Multi-faceted program features free race tickets, dedicated appreciation event and featured pre-race roles for local and regional first responders during the Feb. 27-March 1 DuraMAX Grand Prix NASCAR weekend at Circuit of The Americas.
  • NASCAR Cup Series star Chase Briscoe honors Austin’s award-winning first responders Phill Johnson, Amber Price and Tanner Cilento during a special on-site announcement.

AUSTIN, Texas (January 15, 2026) – NASCAR Cup Series star Chase Briscoe joined Austin police, fire and EMS staff along with recruiting personnel at Austin Fire Station #53 / EMS #42 on Thursday to reveal its “First Responder Appreciation Weekend” initiative for the February 27-March 1 DuraMAX Grand Prix at Circuit of The Americas.

The three-day event featuring America’s premier motorsports series will celebrate greater Austin and regional Central Texas first responders while offering attendees an opportunity to engage with recruiters and learn more about public safety careers.

The announcement outlined the program’s highlights and Briscoe applauded the city’s 2025 award-winning first responders from the fire, EMS and police departments. Those honored were Phill Johnson, 2025 Austin Firefighter of the Year; Austin-Travis County EMS Captain Amber Price, 2025 National Community Paramedic of the Year; and Austin police officer Tanner Cilento, a 2025 Star of Texas Award recipient

“Thank you to the first responders serving Austin and Central Texas,” said 2025 Austin Mayor Pro Tem Vanessa Fuentes, councilwoman for District 2 that includes COTA. “Our police officers, firefighters and EMS professionals put themselves in harm’s way every day to keep our community safe and they deserve recognition year-round. I’m grateful to NASCAR at COTA for being a strong community partner and for turning appreciation into action.”

Following a motorcycle-led procession featuring a fire truck, EMS unit, police cruiser and NASCAR at COTA pace car for the arrival of the first-responder honorees and Briscoe, NASCAR at COTA Vice President of Events Kenton Nelson outlined the key program highlights:

  • NASCAR at COTA is recognizing the recruitment efforts for the Austin fire, police and EMS departments by providing an expansive and highly visible display area in the Fan Zone for race weekend. First responder representatives will be on site throughout the weekend to visit with individuals interested in career opportunities in any of the three respective departments.
  • All greater Austin and regional first responders are eligible for up to six complimentary tickets each to enjoy with their families for any or all of the days of NASCAR racing action.
  • Appreciation event Friday, Feb. 27, at COTA’s amphitheater for first responders and their families, featuring complimentary food and beverages; a NASCAR driver autograph session; on-stage driver Q&As with co-hosts Kenny Wallace and Jose Castillo; and a live concert. More than 1,800 RSVPs already have been received in early sign-up for the opening celebration event.
  • Pre-race activities incorporating first responders throughout the weekend, including National Anthem performances Saturday and Sunday; Color Guard presentations both days; bagpipe performance and video tribute Sunday; and special recognition of Johnson, Price and Cilento at the Cup Series drivers’ meeting and pre-race activities.

“NASCAR at COTA is proud to shine a spotlight on the first responders who protect this community year round as well as increasing awareness for public safety career opportunities,” Nelson said. “This program is about more than tickets or ceremonies – it’s about meaningful appreciation, inclusion and giving these heroes and their families a memorable race weekend experience while putting them front and center on a national stage.”

Briscoe applauded the honorees and then presented each with an autographed Joe Gibbs Racing crew shirt. He also joined Johnson in a lighthearted yet educational comparison of firefighter and NASCAR helmets and protective gear, highlighting the shared commitment of safety across both professions.

“Police officers, firefighters and EMS professionals are absolutely essential to everything we do on race weekends,” Briscoe said. “From keeping fans safe to being there the moment we need them on track, they’re a huge part of why NASCAR events run as smoothly and safely as they do. What they provide for this community every day – and for us as drivers when we’re racing – is something we never take for granted. It’s an honor to help recognize such talented individuals like Amber, Phill and Tanner today, along with all of their dedicated and courageous colleagues at the upcoming NASCAR at COTA weekend.”

DuraMAX, recently announced as the entitlement sponsor of the NASCAR Cup Series race at COTA, is proud to support NASCAR at COTA’s “First Responder Appreciation” initiatives.

“Partnering with NASCAR at COTA to recognize Austin’s fire, police and EMS teams reflects the values we stand behind as an organization,” said Mike Cooper, Chief Commercial Officer of RelaDyne. “Alongside race fans across the country and around the world, we look forward to honoring and celebrating these community heroes during the DuraMAX Grand Prix on March 1.”

For race fans, individual race tickets and weekend packages, along with camping options, are available by visiting NASCARatCOTA.com. The race weekend offers family-friendly affordability, including tickets for children ages 12 and under at $10 for the NCS race and free for the Focused Health 250 (with a ticketed adult required for either race).

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Brody Roa Returns to the Chili Bowl Nationals for the First Time Since 2022

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Official Release
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Cypress, CA – January 13, 2026 — For the first time since 2022, Brody Roa, the 2023 USAC/CRA Sprint Car Champion and 2019 USAC Southwest Series titleholder, will return to the prestigious Chili Bowl Midget Nationals in Tulsa, Oklahoma. As he has in previous appearances, Roa will drive for Texas-based car owner Kevin Ramey. He is scheduled to compete in his preliminary night on Friday, January 16, with the all-important finals taking place 24 hours later.

Roa and his wife, Tailor, flew to Oklahoma on Wednesday morning in preparation for the event. For the talented Garden Grove, California, racer, this year marks his sixth career appearance at what has grown into the largest and most competitive midget race in the world. Roa will be one of 406 drivers all chasing the iconic prize — the coveted Golden Driller Trophy.

Work obligations prevented Roa from arriving earlier in the week, forcing him to miss Sunday’s pre-race practice. In his absence, Ramey’s 22-year-old son Dylan shook down the car and helped get the #7N dialed in ahead of Roa’s arrival.

“It has been a few years,” Roa chuckled about returning to the Chili Bowl. “Kevin Ramey called and asked if I wanted to go racing. He put another car together. He has six cars running, and I am one of his fleet.

A past USAC Southwest Series champion, Roa understands that success at the Chili Bowl often hinges on a strong preliminary night. A solid performance can position a driver well for Saturday’s alphabet soup of mains, while a tough night can mean starting deep in the program early Saturday morning.

“With that many cars on hand, it is always important to go forward every time you are on the track,” Roa said. “The heat race is important to keep your nose clean, pass cars, and have a decent race to get yourself in a qualifier. That is the name of the game on the prelim. night. If you get yourself in a C Main, that is a lot of cars to pass on a prelim night. I think it was the last time I was there driving for Ramey; we had a terrible heat race. We had to go from the C, to the B, and to the A that night.”

“I think my worst year was the D main on Saturday,” Roa recalled. “When I first went there, I said, ‘If I still have my suit on when they went to live TV, I am good.’ (MAVTV would go live about the D main time).”

Looking ahead to Saturday, Roa is aiming to maximize the opportunity in what he believes is the best equipment he has had at the event.

“I would like to get as far as I can on Saturday,” Roa enthused. “Have a good prelim night. I would like to run top 10 on our prelim night. That is doable for us. Put us in a B or C on Saturday and see what we can do there. The A would be ideal on Saturday.”

Roa feels confident heading into the week, believing this year’s entry gives him his strongest chance yet at the Tulsa indoor classic. He will pilot a Spike chassis powered by an Ed Pink Ford engine.

“This is the best midget program Ramey has had since I began driving for him. I think this is the seventh different engine I have run in a midget,” Roa laughed. “And I am pretty sure I have only ran about 10 different midget races. I have been through a bunch of engine packages.”

Preparation for the race has gone beyond equipment, as Roa has also focused on his physical conditioning.

“I have lost about 20 pounds since I got the call from Ramey,” Roa enthused. “Just to try and be my best version of a midget driver.”

Fans can hear more from Roa in a recent interview on Racer Radio Show with Dave Stall, where he discussed his return to the Chili Bowl:
http://www.perrisautospeedway.com/radio26/RACERRADIO260104.mp3
(Roa’s segment begins around the 25-minute mark).

For fans unable to attend in person, every night of the Chili Bowl will be streamed live on FloRacing.

Roa would like to thank Kevin Ramey and his entire crew for the opportunity to compete in the Chili Bowl, along with the marketing partners supporting the effort: Precise Racing Products, Smiley’s Racing Products, American Fire Extinguisher, Jambo Barbeque Pits, Kiwi Landscaping, HWY 360 Pawn, Bluemax Pay, The BLRH Group, Mow Time, Graham’s Wrecking Service, Ten Hagen Excavating, and Big Dog Printing.

@roygamityanauctioneer @burris_racing_usa @mikeburrisoc @csishocks @theoriginalloosebruce @alrvirtualservices @simpsonracegear @moleculesports @rodendsupply @baldwinfilters @ngkracing @originalngksparkplugs @usacnation @usac_cra @perrisautospeedway @b_roa91 @tai_xoxo_roa @joegibb83, @caltrolinc @drivenracingoil

Why Hull Drivers Are Choosing Manual Over Automatic in 2025

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

The debate between manual and automatic transmission has taken an interesting turn in Hull this year. Despite the national shift towards automatic vehicles, a significant number of Hull residents are actively choosing to learn manual driving—and the reasons might surprise you.

The Practical Advantages of Manual Transmission

Greater Vehicle Choice and Affordability

Manual cars continue to dominate the second-hand market in Hull and across the UK. For new drivers on a budget, this presents a compelling advantage. Manual vehicles typically cost £1,000 to £3,000 less than their automatic counterparts, both in purchase price and insurance premiums. This financial consideration remains crucial for young drivers and families managing tight budgets.

Enhanced Control in Hull’s Varied Terrain

Hull’s unique geography—from the flat city centre to the undulating approaches of the Yorkshire Wolds—benefits from manual transmission’s superior control. Drivers can select the optimal gear for conditions, particularly valuable during winter months when the region experiences challenging weather. The ability to engine brake on descents and control power delivery on slippery surfaces provides tangible safety benefits.

The Skills Development Factor

Learning to drive a manual isn’t just about operating a gearbox—it’s about developing a comprehensive understanding of vehicle dynamics. Driving Lessons Hull instructors frequently note that manual learners develop stronger observational skills and better anticipation, as they must constantly assess road conditions to select appropriate gears.

This enhanced awareness often translates to safer driving habits that persist long after the test. Manual drivers typically demonstrate better hazard perception and smoother traffic integration, skills that benefit all road users.

Career and Travel Flexibility

For Hull residents with career ambitions requiring driving, manual licenses open more doors. Many commercial vehicles, company fleets, and specialist equipment still operate with manual transmission. Van drivers, delivery personnel, and those in trades often find their employment prospects enhanced by holding a full manual license.

International travel presents another consideration. Across Europe and much of the world, manual vehicles remain standard. Hull’s position as a port city means many residents travel regularly to the Continent, where rental cars are predominantly manual and significantly cheaper than automatic alternatives.

The Cost-Effectiveness of Manual Learning

Interestingly, learning manual can prove more economical overall. Whilst automatic lessons might seem easier initially, the restricted licence means drivers may eventually need additional training to drive manual vehicles. Starting with manual provides comprehensive skills from the outset, avoiding potential retraining costs later.

Manual test pass rates in Hull align closely with automatic rates, dispelling the myth that manual is significantly harder to master. With proper instruction, most learners achieve test readiness within a similar timeframe regardless of transmission choice.

FAQ Section

Is it worth learning manual if I’ll mainly drive automatic?

Yes, a manual licence allows you to legally drive both transmission types. This flexibility proves valuable when borrowing vehicles, hiring cars abroad, or if your circumstances change. You can always choose to drive automatic exclusively whilst maintaining the option for manual.

How much longer does it take to learn manual?

Most learners require 40-50 hours of instruction regardless of transmission type. Whilst manual involves additional skills initially, these typically become intuitive within the first 10-15 hours of practice.

Will manual driving become obsolete?

Despite electric vehicle growth, manual transmission remains prevalent in the UK vehicle fleet and will likely continue for decades. The current second-hand market is dominated by manual cars, particularly in Hull’s price-conscious market.

Can I switch from automatic to manual lessons?

Yes, though you’ll essentially start the learning process again regarding gear control. Most instructors recommend deciding early to avoid duplicating foundational lessons.

Are manual cars harder to maintain?

Modern manual transmissions are highly reliable. Clutch replacement is the primary maintenance concern, typically needed every 60,000-100,000 miles depending on driving style. This cost is generally offset by the lower purchase price.

Conclusion

Hull drivers’ preference for manual transmission in 2025 reflects practical wisdom rather than tradition. The combination of financial savings, enhanced vehicle control, broader career opportunities, and unrestricted driving flexibility makes manual learning an investment in comprehensive driving competence.

Whilst automatic vehicles certainly have their place—particularly for those with specific mobility needs—the manual option continues to offer tangible benefits that resonate with Hull’s pragmatic driving community. For learners weighing their options, manual transmission provides a solid foundation that opens doors rather than closing them, making it a choice that serves drivers well beyond their test day.

Why Professional Vehicle Transport Matters for Track Day and Event Vehicles

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

Track days and motorsport events leave little room for error. Schedules are tight, inspections follow fixed windows, and one delay can erase valuable track time. Because of that, how a car gets to the event matters just as much as how it performs once it arrives.

As a result, many experienced drivers are moving away from long highway drives and choosing professional vehicle transport instead. Not for convenience, but for control.

This article focuses on where long-distance driving creates hidden risk, how transport helps protect vehicle setup and timing, and why logistics have become part of serious event planning.

Long Drives Add Hidden Wear

Driving a performance car hundreds of miles before an event may seem manageable on paper, but in reality, the wear shows up quickly. Highway miles heat tires, load suspension components, and expose low-clearance cars to road debris. At the same time, traffic delays and shifting weather introduce timing pressure that events rarely accommodate.

Even when no mechanical issue appears, the car often arrives needing attention. Tire pressures change during extended highway driving, while subtle alignment movement can affect handling once the car is on track. As a result, preparation time gets consumed correcting issues that never needed to exist in the first place.

Professional transport removes those variables entirely. The car arrives as prepared, without added mileage or stress.

Transport Preserves Vehicle Setup

Track-focused cars aren’t built for long road trips. Ride height sits lower, tires prioritize grip over longevity, and brake components expect controlled heat cycles, not hours of highway cruising. Because of that, changing a setup just to survive the drive often means undoing careful prep before the first session even begins.

Professional transport avoids that compromise. The car stays exactly as prepared, without temporary adjustments or added wear. Enclosed trailers shield paint, aero parts, and exposed components from weather and debris. Meanwhile, open transport still removes mileage and mechanical strain, which keeps it practical for regional events.

In both cases, the result is the same. The car rolls into inspection ready to run, not in need of recovery.

Access and Timing Create Pressure

Event venues don’t make logistics easy, and residential pickup locations add another layer of complexity. Narrow streets, tight turns, restricted access, and fixed unloading windows are common, and none of them adjust simply because a car needs to arrive on time.

Because of that, planning stops being theoretical very quickly. Pickup points are chosen based on where a truck can actually operate. From there, staging is handled before the truck arrives, not after, since options disappear once the schedule starts moving. When that coordination is skipped, delays tend to show up fast.

Once a window is missed, the effects compound. Registration gets pushed back, inspections feel rushed, and track time starts slipping away. Over the course of a season, those moments add up. Drivers moving between events learn through experience that access and timing aren’t minor details. They’re what separate a smooth arrival from starting the weekend already behind.

Risk Management Starts in Transit

By the time a track car is loaded, a lot has already gone into it. Prep time. Parts. Scheduling. Missed workdays. That’s why protecting the car starts during the move.

Professional transport adds structure where things usually fall apart. Inspections are documented before pickup, coverage is verified against the actual carrier, and responsibility stays clear while the car is in transit. When something changes, there’s a process to handle it instead of guesswork.

That structure matters most when schedules are tight and alternatives are limited. Companies like Rivalane work within that framework, coordinating licensed carriers and planned pickup and delivery windows to keep logistics predictable.

It Lets Drivers Focus on Driving

Once transport is handled, everything else settles down. Drivers who have dealt with late arrivals or last-minute fixes recognize the shift immediately. Instead of tracking routes, weather, or how the car held up on the drive, attention moves back to preparation. Event rules can be reviewed calmly, tire strategy planned with intention, and arrival becomes about getting set.

That separation makes a real difference. When logistics stop competing for focus, decisions come easier and energy stays consistent through the weekend. As events stretch across wider regions, professional transport becomes part of how experienced drivers manage a season.

Comparison of bonuses: licensed vs unlicensed casinos

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

Bonuses are one of the most visible differences between licensed Swedish casinos and their unlicensed competitors. Swedish regulations severely restrict what licensed operators can offer, creating a clear competitive disadvantage but also protecting players from potentially exploitative offers. Understanding these differences is important for players considering their options.

Regulatory restrictions for licensed casinos include caps on bonus values, bans on recurring bonuses in ways that may encourage excessive gambling, and requirements for clear and transparent presentation of bonus terms and conditions. The Swedish Gambling Authority closely monitors operators’ compliance with these rules and has issued fines for violations.

Welcome bonuses at licensed casinos in Sweden are typically in the range of SEK 1,000-5,000 in matching funds, plus perhaps 50-200 free spins. This is significantly lower than before regulation, when bonuses of SEK 10,000 or more were common. The restriction is designed to prevent new players from being lured in with unrealistically generous offers that then lead to losses.

Wagering requirements are strictly regulated. Licensed Swedish casinos must present wagering requirements clearly and may not have unreasonably high requirements. Typical requirements are 20-35x the bonus amount, and all terms and conditions must be transparent and easy to find. Hidden clauses or misleading terms can lead to regulatory sanctions.

Unlicensed casinos often offer welcome bonuses of $1,000-$5,000 plus hundreds or even thousands of free spins. These extremely generous offers are designed to compensate for the lack of a Swedish license and attract players from the regulated system. But behind the big numbers, there are often complex terms and conditions.

Recurring promotions differ dramatically. Licensed Swedish casinos are limited in how often they can offer bonuses to existing customers. Yogonet’s analysis shows that unlicensed operators can offer daily or weekly reload bonuses, cashback programs, and other incentives that would be prohibited under Swedish rules.

Transparency in terms and conditions is a key area where licensed casinos must excel. All bonus terms and conditions must be presented before the player accepts the bonus, in clear Swedish, with all important information visible without having to scroll through long documents. Unlicensed casinos may have important clauses buried deep in long terms and conditions documents.

Maximum bet limits during bonus play are common at both licensed and unlicensed casinos, but are implemented differently. Licensed operators must clearly communicate these limits, while some unlicensed casinos may confiscate winnings if the player unknowingly exceeds limits that were not clearly communicated.

Time limits on bonus usage vary. Licensed casinos must allow a reasonable amount of time to meet wagering requirements (usually 30 days), while some unlicensed casinos may have shorter periods (7-14 days), making it more difficult to actually meet the requirements before the bonus and winnings expire.

Game contributions to wagering also differ. At licensed casinos, different game types contribute differently to wagering requirements (slots 100%, table games maybe 10-20%), and this must be clearly communicated. Unlicensed casinos may have complex systems where certain games are completely excluded without this being obvious.

No-deposit bonuses (bonuses without deposit requirements) are almost non-existent at licensed Swedish casinos but common at unlicensed alternatives. These small bonuses (SEK 100-200) allow players to try out the casino without risk, but often come with extremely high wagering requirements and low maximum withdrawal limits.

Cashback programs are severely restricted at licensed casinos. Swedish regulations view cashback on losses as potentially problematic because it encourages continued gambling after losses. Unlicensed casinos often offer 10-25% cashback, sometimes daily, which can be attractive but also problematic for vulnerable players.

VIP bonuses and exclusive offers are an area where unlicensed casinos really excel. The highest VIP tiers can receive personalized bonuses worth tens of thousands of kronor, exclusive tournaments, and other benefits that would be impossible to offer under Swedish regulations that prevent excessive personalization.

Free spins offers at licensed casinos are usually limited to 10-200 spins with a value of $1-10 per spin. Winnings from free spins are often subject to wagering requirements. Unlicensed casinos can offer thousands of spins, but these often come with extremely low value per spin and high wagering requirements that make actual withdrawals difficult.

Players’ perspectives vary. Experienced players who can navigate complex bonus terms and have the discipline not to be tempted into excessive gambling can actually get significant value from unlicensed casinos’ generous bonuses. For average or vulnerable players, however, licensed casinos’ transparent and fair (if less generous) bonuses offer better protection.

Long-term economics are also important. A large bonus with unattainable wagering requirements is worthless. A smaller bonus with reasonable terms at a licensed casino may actually provide a better expected return than a large bonus at an unlicensed casino with hidden clauses.

In summary, the bonus difference between licensed and unlicensed casinos represents a clear trade-off: generosity and flexibility versus transparency and protection. Swedish regulators have deliberately chosen to limit bonuses to prevent player exploitation, but this creates a competitive disadvantage that drives some players to unregulated alternatives. For players, the choice is between prioritizing short-term value or long-term security.

Lone Star Racing Returns to IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup GTD Championship

By
Official Release
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  • The No. 80 Lone Star Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3 Team Begins Third Year of IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup (IMEC) at the Rolex 24 At Daytona
  • Scott Andrews, Lin Hodenius and James Roe Jr. Set for Full IMEC GTD Campaign; Ralf Aron Returns for Second-Consecutive Year at the Rolex 24 At Daytona
  • Lone Star Racing Partners with the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America (MSHFA) SPARK Internship Program for the Third-Consecutive Year at the Rolex 24 At Daytona

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida (January 14, 2026) – The No. 80 Lone Star Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3 team begins is third-consecutive season of IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup (IMEC) GT Daytona (GTD) competition this week at Daytona International Speedway at the annual Roar Before the Rolex 24 test in preparation for the 64th running of the Rolex 24 At Daytona, January 22 – 25. Returning team drivers Scott Andrews, Lin Hodenius and Ralf Aron welcome IMEC-experienced Lone Star Racing newcomer James Roe Jr. to the No. 80 at Daytona in what will be Lone Star’s third attempt in America’s premier 24-hour race.

The Lone Star Racing team, with Andrews among the drivers, made both its IMEC GTD and overall Rolex 24 At Daytona debut in 2024. The No. 80 led the race at three different periods before taking the checkered flag in eighth place after some typical final-hour endurance race drama. The team also led twice in last year’s Rolex 24 At Daytona before voluntarily retiring the No. 80 just hours from the finish after returning to the race following a Sunday morning incident while battling in the lead GTD pack.

“The IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup is one of the hardest championships to win in sports car racing,” said AJ Petersen, Lone Star Racing Team Manager and Technical Director. “The races are long, but with only five events in the championship, it is unforgiving and more difficult in many ways than racing for an IMSA WeatherTech Championship title. We have met the challenges and lessons of the Michelin Endurance Cup head on the last two years and are proud of the fact that we have provided a competitive Lone Star Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3 at each and every race to date. Along with our great driver lineup and the fantastic support of our team owner Dan Knox, that same always-competitive effort returns this year. We are confident 2026 will be our best Michelin Endurance Cup season yet.”

Andrews, an Australian now living in Texas, has been a fixture at Lone Star Racing in both GT3 and GT4 competition in recent IMSA seasons. The Australian was the final driver to lead the GTD class in the 2024 Rolex 24 before giving way to the eventual class winner just 23 laps from the finish. Andrews also won his and Lone Star’s first IMSA Motul Pole Award later in the 2024 season in the No. 80 in the season-ending Motul Petit Le Mans at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta.

Estonia native Aron joins Andrews as Lone Star’s other Rolex 24 returning driver after debuting in the No. 80 and in the Rolex 24 in last year’s race. A Mercedes-AMG Performance driver, Aron joins Andrews as FIA Gold rated drivers on the team and looks forward to having a chance to fight to the finish his second attempt at the twice around the clock classic in two weekends. Aron made his first major impressions in a Mercedes-AMG GT3 in 2023 in ADAC GT Masters and GT World Challenge, taking runner-up honors in the ADAC driver championship and helping Haupt Racing secure the team championship.

Hodenius is set for his Rolex 24 debut but is another returning driver to the Lone Star Racing team after opening some eyes late last season at the Battle on the Bricks at Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) and Petit Le Mans. Hodenius qualified an impressive third at IMS in across-the-board debuts in IMSA, at Indianapolis and with Lone Star Racing. He continued to give the paddock notice when he charged to the lead at the race start, pacing the GTD field for the first 44 laps for more than an hour.

In addition to the Battle on the Bricks and Petit Le Mans, Hodenius – who was named a Mercedes-AMG Junior Driver in mid-December – also raced with Lone Star in last October’s Indianapolis 8 Hour Intercontinental GT Challenge race.

“I’m really excited to be continuing with Lone Star Racing after finishing the final three races of the 2026 season together, and to be heading into the Rolex 24 At Daytona as a Mercedes-AMG Junior Driver makes it even more special,” said Hodenius, who is from Holland. “Daytona is such a historic event and it feels like it gets bigger and more competitive every single year, so to be part of it is honestly a dream come true for me. I’m very grateful to Lone Star Racing and Mercedes-AMG for the trust they’ve put in me as well as my sponsors and partners who’ve made this possible.”

Roe is the newest and only debuting driver with Lone Star for the 64th Rolex 24 but brings a level of experience on par with his other international teammates. An Irishman based in the U.S., Roe contested four of the five 2025 IMEC season races in the LMP2 class, including the Rolex 24. He also closed out the year in GT3 competition in the Asian Le Mans Series round at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia. Earlier career GT3 experience came in the Italian GT Championship and International GT Open in Europe in 2022. The majority of Roe’s U.S. experience has come in junior level single-seat, open-wheel car competition.

“Nothing like Daytona for sure, and I’m excited to join Long Star Racing for this legendary race,” Roe said. “Having LMP2 experience in IMSA, as well as GT3 experience in the Asian Le Mans Series, I’m really looking forward to driving the Mercedes-AMG GT3 for the first time. With stellar teammates and Lone Star’s past success, it should be a great combo. The Roar always gives a great idea of where each team stacks up, and it’s a time to gel with the crew and my fellow drivers. Then we can dig into the details of 24 hours, like how can we stay clean, stay in the mix and be in a position to win when Sunday rolls around. Thankful to our amazing partners for their continued support, and proud to be taking on one of the world’s most iconic races together.”

Lone Star Racing also confirmed it will partner with the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America (MSHFA) and its SPARK student education program again this month for the third straight Rolex 24. Standing for Students Preserving American Racing Knowledge, SPARK connects high school, trade school and college students to motorsports careers through mentorship, at-track experience and internships, bridging the gap for future talent in the areas of engineering, technical operations, marketing and communications and logistics and administrative coordination.

Petersen and the entire Lone Star team have provided hands-on and real-world experience for SPARK students at the Rolex 24 since 2024, and this year’s Daytona interns are Neil Troncoso and Jackson Shirey.

Troncoso is a Daytona-based student at nearby Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU), earning his undergraduate degree this year and moving straight into pursuing a Masters of Science Degree in Human Factors at ERAU. Shirey attends University of North Florida in Jacksonville where he is working on graduating in 2027 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. Learn more about SPARK at www.MSHF.com.

About Lone Star Racing: Based at Motorsport Ranch within the greater Dallas-Fort Worth area in Cresson, Texas, Lone Star Racing is competing in the No. 80 Lone Star Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3 in the 2026 IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup in the GTD class. Lone Star Racing and its team members have won races across North America spanning sprint and endurance racing formats. The crew has worked together on many different teams and various types of cars, developing a strong bond and proven capability that gives them a competitive and winning advantage. Lone Star Racing competes with the support of primary partner ACS Manufacturing, Inc. (www.ACSManufacturing.com). Look for Lone Star Racing and team owner/driver Dan Knox on Facebook and follow the team on YouTube at Lone Star Racing, on Twitter and Instagram at @LSRTeam and on the official team web site at www.LoneStarRacingTeam.com.

Distributor Wire & Cable Joins Richard Childress Racing’s NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Program for Multi-Car Partnership

By
Official Release
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Jesse Love and Austin Hill to race DWC-sponsored Chevrolets for Select Races in 2026

WELCOME, NC (January 14, 2026) – Distributor Wire & Cable (DWC), a master distributor of specialty electrical wire and cable products, has partnered with Richard Childress Racing (RCR) for a multi-car partnership in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. The Aurora, Colorado-based company will be positioned as a primary partner on both the No. 2 Chevrolet driven by Jesse Love and the No. 21 Chevrolet driven by Austin Hill.

“Every decision we make comes back to one question: does this help our customers win? Our new sponsorship of the No. 2 and No. 21 Chevrolets with Richard Childress Racing is no different,” said Travis Williams, CEO of Distributor Wire & Cable. “It gives us a platform to bring key customers together, strengthen the relationships that drive our business, and show them that we’re committed to going further than the competition. When our customers succeed, we succeed. That’s not a slogan. It’s how we operate.”

DWC is focused on making specialty wire and cable transactions seamless and successful. Throughout the life cycle of each order, DWC is laser-focused on providing great service and ensuring everything done is accurate, on-time, and easy to manage. From the initial quote to the final delivery, DWC maximizes efficiencies that save your time, increase your profits, and eliminate hassles. DWC makes wire and cable easy.

Throughout the 2026 season, DWC will be featured for select races as the primary sponsor on the No. 2 and No. 21 Chevrolets driven by Jesse Love and Austin Hill, respectively. Both drivers have found notable success in NASCAR’s second tier division while competing under the RCR banner. Love is the defending NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series champion and Hill captured the Series’ regular season Championship in 2023.

“We welcome Distributor Wire & Cable to Richard Childress Racing and look forward to utilizing our NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series program to help drive brand awareness and maximize customer engagement,” said Mike Verlander, president of RCR. “DWC’s highly driven team of wire and cable professionals aligns with the dedicated professionals driven to perform at RCR.”

Love will race the No. 2 DWC Chevrolet at Phoenix Raceway on Saturday, March 7 to kick off the partnership. The race airs live on the CW Network beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET.

For more information, please visit rcrracing.com.

About DWC

Distributor Wire & Cable (DWC) is a master distributor of specialty electrical wire and cable products headquartered in Aurora, Colorado. Founded in 2008, DWC serves wholesale electrical distributors nationwide through its network of Cable Distribution Centers, delivering specialty wire and cable products with industry-leading turnaround times, competitive pricing, and no cut charges or reel minimums. The company’s FastQuote portal provides customers with rapid pricing and streamlined order management, reinforcing DWC’s commitment to making electrical distributors more competitive in their markets. For more information, visit www.distributorwire.com.

About Richard Childress Racing

Richard Childress Racing (www.rcrracing.com) is a renowned, performance-driven racing, marketing and manufacturing organization. Incorporated in 1969, RCR has celebrated over 50 years of racing and earned more than 200 victories and 17 championships, including six in the NASCAR Cup Series with the legendary Dale Earnhardt. RCR was the first organization to win championships in the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and NASCAR Truck Series and is a three-time winner of the Daytona 500 (1998, 2007, 2018). Its 2026 NASCAR Cup Series lineup includes two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch (No. 8 Chevrolet) and 2017 Coca-Cola 600 winner and 2018 Daytona 500 champion Austin Dillon (No. 3 Chevrolet). RCR fields a full-time NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series program with 2025 champion Jesse Love (No. 2 Chevrolet) and 2023 regular season champion Austin Hill (No. 21 Chevrolet).

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. to Drive for Niece Motorsports in NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Debut

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Official Release
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Salisbury, NC (Jan. 14, 2026) – Niece Motorsports proudly welcomes DAYTONA 500 and two-time NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series champion, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., to drive for its NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series (NCTS) team.

Stenhouse Jr., an accomplished veteran, primarily competes in the NASCAR Cup Series driving the No. 47 Chevrolet for HYAK Motorsports. The Olive Branch, Mississippi, native has made nearly 600 starts in the top-three national series throughout his career, but has never raced a truck before.

That all changes on Feb. 13 at Daytona International Speedway, where he plans to make his NCTS debut driving the No. 45 Chevrolet Silverado RST led by Phil Gould.

A week after he makes his NCTS debut, Stenhouse Jr. will pilot the No. 45 truck at Echo Park Speedway on Feb. 21 before handing over driving duties to Landen Lewis and Ross Chastain who will split the rest of the season.

“I’ve always wanted to run a truck, but never had the opportunity to put something together,” said Stenhouse Jr. “When Cody (Efaw) called me, I definitely had a lot of interest to see what all they have been building here at Niece Motorsports, especially looking at their level of competition. With it being at Daytona, obviously winning the 500 was awesome, and I’d love to win a Truck Series race there, too. I’ve always wanted to race a truck, but I wanted it to be competitive – and this checks all of those boxes.”

Highly regarded as one of the sport’s top drivers on drafting tracks, Stenhouse Jr. has won four Cup Series events at Daytona and Talladega Superspeedway. He is also a past O’Reilly Auto Parts Series winner at Atlanta on the old track surface, before its recent reconfiguration.

“We are all very excited to welcome Ricky Stenhouse Jr. to our team for his first time racing in the Truck Series,” said Cody Efaw, Niece Motorsports CEO. “I’ve known Ricky for several years now dating back to our time at Roush (now RFK Racing), and he’s always been a natural on super speedways. I believe he will have a true shot at contending for the win at both Daytona and Atlanta.”

J.F. Electric will serve as Stenhouse Jr.’s primary sponsor in both of his scheduled NCTS races. Headquartered in Edwardsville, Illinois, J.F. Electric is a family-owned commercial electrical contractor operated by the Fowler family, whose company heritage dates back over 100 years.

Since initially partnering with the team in 2024, Greg Fowler (CEO & Chairman) and the Fowler family grew their investment into Niece Motorsports last year by becoming part of a new team ownership group with Josh Morris, CEO of DQS Solutions & Staffing.

A lifelong NASCAR fan whose passion for the sport began in high school, Greg Fowler has followed racing for decades—watching countless races while raising his family and turning that love of NASCAR into active involvement in the sport.

“Josh Morris and I are thrilled to welcome Ricky Stenhouse Jr. to Niece Motorsports for his NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series debut at Daytona,” Fowler said. “There’s no bigger stage for a debut than Daytona, and we believe Ricky gives our team a real opportunity to contend for the win. We’d love nothing more than to be celebrating together in Victory Lane at the end of the race.”

The 2026 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series season kicks off at Daytona International Speedway on Friday, Feb. 13 with live coverage airing on FS1. For all the latest news, please visit NieceMotorsports.com.

About J.F. Electric: J.F. Electric is an electrical contractor that provides engineering expertise, backed by construction and installation know-how in a diverse range of service offerings, from utilities and commercial projects, to industrial and telecommunications customers. When having a long family history in an industry, a company not only builds on its knowledge and experience, it takes pride in cultivating a solid understanding of client needs, all the while nurturing strong relationships with its employees. Evolving through five generations of the Fowler family, J.F. Electric has matured into a well-managed and thoughtfully diversified electrical contractor which is poised to continue its growth and expansion into the future.

About Niece Motorsports: Niece Motorsports is a professional auto racing team that has competed in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series since 2016. Founded by United States Marine Corps Veteran Al Niece, the team is owned by Josh Morris of DQS Solutions and Staffing and the Fowler Family of J.F. Electric and Utilitra. 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).

Richard Childress Racing Announces Cup Series Competition Leadership Appointments

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Official Release
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Mike Dillon Named Chief Operating Officer, John Klausmeier to Lead Competition Team as Technical Director and Andy Street Named Performance Director

Richard Boswell and Jim Pohlman to Lead NASCAR Cup Series Teams as Crew Chiefs of the No. 3 Chevrolet and No. 8 Chevrolet, Respectively

WELCOME, NC (January 14, 2026) – Richard Childress Racing announced this week several key NASCAR Cup Series competition leadership appointments ahead of the 2026 NASCAR season.

Mike Dillon has been named chief operating officer, a position for the company that will focus heavily on competition administrative functions. Dillon will provide forward thinking and direction in all areas of performance and operations, with an emphasis on recruiting and retaining top talent in the industry.

During his long career at RCR, Dillon has been involved in nearly every area in both the business and competition sides of the organization, taking a hands-on approach to leadership. He has served in key roles such as vice president of competition, director of team operations, driver, and spotter. Dillon helped launch RCR’s successful NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series program in the late 1990s and has been instrumental in RCR’s driver development program over the years.

John Klausmeier will focus on competition leadership for RCR as technical director, overseeing all technical engineering activities for the high-performance motorsports team and focusing his energies on vehicle systems engineering, design and metrology. The former Cup Series winning crew chief will continue to provide departmental oversight for RCR’s talented team of engineers and crew chiefs. Klausmeier has more than 20 years of motorsports experience. All competition departments report to Klausmeier, while Klausmeier reports to Dillon.

Andy Street has been named performance director for RCR, focusing on research and development and increasing overall on-track performance across the company. He will also serve as crew chief for RCR’s part time No. 33 Chevrolet entry in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2026. Street brings a wealth of experience to his new position at RCR, with experience as a crew chief, engineering manager, team engineer, and design engineer during his 20+ year career at the company.

Richard Boswell will continue his role as crew chief for the No. 3 Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series and will be paired with Austin Dillon. In their first year together, Boswell led Dillon to a dominating race win at Richmond Raceway in which Dillon led 107 laps, including the final 49 laps, to earn back-to-back wins at the Virginia short track. The win earned the No. 3 team a spot in the NASCAR Playoffs, where they ultimately finished 15th in the point standings.

As previously announced, Jim Pohlman will work with Kyle Busch as crew chief for the No. 8 Chevrolet. The 2026 season marks the veteran crew chief’s first year being paired with Busch and he joins the No. 8 team with more than 120 starts as a crew chief across the NASCAR Cup Series and the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. Pohlman led Justin Allgaier to a NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series championship in 2024.

“RCR has assembled a talented team of professionals to help lead our race team into the future,” said Richard Childress, Chairman and CEO of Richard Childress Racing. “Mike Dillon has already began assembling top talent for RCR and has a track record of success when working with the competition side of our race team. Similarly, John Klausmeier continues to elevate our competition program. Andy Street stepped up for us this year and will be a great asset for RCR as we focus on increasing performance across the company. I have full confidence in our crew chiefs this year. I know that both Richard Boswell and Jim Pohlman will do a good job leading our Cup teams.”

For more information, please visit rcrracing.com.

Richard Childress Racing (www.rcrracing.com) is a renowned, performance-driven racing, marketing and manufacturing organization. Incorporated in 1969, RCR has celebrated over 50 years of racing and earned more than 200 victories and 17 championships, including six in the NASCAR Cup Series with the legendary Dale Earnhardt. RCR was the first organization to win championships in the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and NASCAR Truck Series and is a three-time winner of the Daytona 500 (1998, 2007, 2018). Its 2026 NASCAR Cup Series lineup includes two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch (No. 8 Chevrolet) and 2017 Coca-Cola 600 winner and 2018 Daytona 500 champion Austin Dillon (No. 3 Chevrolet). RCR fields a full-time NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series program with defending champion Jesse Love (No. 2 Chevrolet) and 2023 regular season champion Austin Hill (No. 21 Chevrolet).

Cadillac Racing unveils GTP liveries

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Official Release
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Three entries in IMSA’s top class to challenge for victories with experienced lineups

DETROIT (Jan. 14, 2026) – Cadillac Racing, in conjunction with Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing and Cadillac Whelen, revealed today the liveries of its three Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) racecars that will contest the nine-race 2026 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship campaign.

The Roar Before the 24 this week leads into the season-opening 64th Rolex 24 At Daytona on January 24-25.

Cadillac Racing, which has four overall victories among 12 podiums in North America’s premier endurance race, welcomes the return of Wayne Taylor Racing for its second season as a Cadillac factory team and Action Express Racing for its 15th consecutive year campaigning a GM prototype in IMSA.

While the No. 31 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R livery is unchanged, the No. 10 Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing V-Series.R has transitioned from chrome blue to metallic blue with white accents while the No. 40 Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing V-Series.R has transitioned from chrome to black with white accents. The U.S. flag on all three GTPs has been moved to the front fender.

The championship-winning teams are aligned with major primary sponsors for the GTP entries.

U.S.-based Whelen Engineering enters its ninth year as primary sponsor of the No. 31 Action Express Racing-run entry. Since 1952, Whelen Engineering has been a proud ally and supporter of our nation’s first responders. Whelen provides the high-quality, reliable products, and technology needed to aid them in their critical missions — from warning lights to white illumination, sirens, controllers and software.

U.S.-based DEX Imaging, which is the primary sponsor of the Nos. 10 and 40 Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing entries, is the nation’s largest independent provider and servicer of office technology.

Cadillac Racing, entering its fourth year of GTP competition, won the final two races of the 2025 IMSA season and eight drivers return to challenge for 2026 victories:

Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing (No. 10)

  • Ricky Taylor, Filipe Albuquerque
  • Will Stevens (Daytona, Sebring, Road Atlanta)

Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing (No. 40)

  • Jordan Taylor, Louis Deletraz
  • Colton Herta (Daytona, Sebring, Road Atlanta)

Cadillac Whelen (No. 31)

  • Jack Aitken, Earl Bamber
  • Frederik Vesti (endurance races, Long Beach)
  • Connor Zilisch (Daytona)

Cadillac Racing updates for 2026 include joining other manufacturers in aligning timing of EVO use with aerodynamic homologation and introducing a new logo that honors our heritage of innovation, technology and performance while complementing the Cadillac Formula 1Ⓡ Team to ensure brand consistency.

For more than a century, racing has provided a testbed for Cadillac to transfer knowledge and technology between racecars and production vehicles, as well to build a fanbase for the brand around the world.

What they’re saying

Wayne Taylor, co-owner of Wayne Taylor Racing: “As excited as I was at the beginning of last season, I am more excited for this year. Both cars will be presented in a fresh livery with our traditional colors of blue and black. They look spectacular. The all-new bodywork and redesign by GM and Dallara is fantastic. It is also great news to have our long-time partner DEX back with us again on our two Cadillac GTPs. We are coming back stronger with our full-season drivers Ricky, Filipe, Jordan and Louis in place. This Rolex, we have elected to keep each of our cockpits to three drivers and are looking forward to having Colton Herta and Will Sevens join our efforts in the endurance races. Winning is part of Wayne Taylor Racing’s DNA and is our only focus in 2026.”

Geoff Marsh, CEO of Whelen Engineering: “As we enter our ninth year partnering with Cadillac Racing and Action Express, we’re proud to continue a collaboration built on trust, performance, and shared purpose,” said. “Everything we build at Whelen is designed to support and protect first responders, and our dedication to reliability and innovation is equally reflected in this program. The 2026 livery represents another exciting chapter together, and we look forward to seeing the No. 31 team compete at the highest level in the IMSA GTP class this season.”

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.

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