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ARCA Menards Series at Daytona International Speedway: Daytona Pre-race Practice Friday Notes, Results

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Official Release
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DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (January 9, 2026) – Gus Dean (No. 25 Nitro Motorsports Toyota) made his first laps at Daytona International Speedway since he won the race in 2024. “It feels good to be back. I can’t thank my Nitro Motorsports team enough for their hard work. Nick (Tucker, co-car-owner), Shane (Wilson, crew chief), and the rest of the Nitro Motorsports have worked hard to bring six competitive and fast race cars to the track. We made changes throughout the day that allowed us to be in a great position to turn that fast lap in the draft. It felt great to get back on the track at Daytona for the first time since the win in 2024 and I’m looking forward to tomorrow and helping the entire organization get ready for the season-opener next month.”

  • Nitro Motorsports fielded six cars on the opening day of the two-day pre-race practice session, and all six were at the top of the leaderboard. Dean led the way followed by Gavan Boschele (No. 90B Nitro Motorsports Toyota), Jake Finch (No. 15 Phoenix Toyota), Thomas Annunziata (No. 70 Nitro Motorsports Toyota), Isabella Robusto (No. 55 Mobil 1 Toyota), and Jake Bollman (No. 20 Nitro Motorsports Toyota).
  • YouTube superstar Garrett Mitchell (No. 30 Kennetix Ford), known to his millions of fans as Cleetus McFarland, was seventh on the opening day, the first non-Nitro Motorsports driver.
  • Andy Jankowiak (No. 71 KLAS Motorsports Chevrolet) was eighth quickest on the first day of activity.
  • Amber Balcaen (No. 24 Sigma Performance Services Ford) was evaluated and released from the Infield Care Center after an incident in turn three left her car with significant nose damage. Balcaen reported a cut tire at the end of the straightaway and said the car jumped out from under her as she entered the turn. Balcaen returned to the track later in the day in the backup car and was ninth quickest.
  • Taylor Reimer (No. 77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet) was tenth quickest, the third of the eight female drivers entered to finish the day in the top ten.
  • The two Joe Gibbs Racing entries for Giovanni Ruggiero (No. 18G JBL Toyota) and Max Reaves (No. 18M Cook Out Toyota) ended the day in 13th and 14th on the charts, but were separated by just 0.012 of a second on the stopwatch. Reaves will compete for the in the ARCA Menards Series East title in 2026 while Ruggiero, a full-time driver in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, will race for JGR in the ARCA Menards Series opener at Daytona in February.
  • CARS Tour late model regular Timothy “Mini” Tyrell (No. 17 Cook Racing Technologies Chevrolet) made his first laps at Daytona International Speedway, ending the day in 20th position.
  • Bob Martin (No. 52 Martin Racing Toytota) was also evaluated and released after an incident exiting turn two. Martin said he had been fighting a loose condition all day and the car stepped out from under him and he couldn’t catch it.
  • Alex Clubb (No. 03 A. Clubb Lawncare Ford) had a transmission failure on his first run of the day. He will replace the transmission overnight with plans to be on track for Saturday’s session.
  • A total of 79 drivers and 49 cars are registered for the pre-race practice; a total of 65 drivers made at least one lap in Friday’s session.

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.

2026 Monster Energy SMX World Championship Playoffs and Final Locations Announced

By
Official Release
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Historic Crew Stadium, Dignity Health Sports Park, and Thunder Ridge Nature Arena named as host locations; introducing all new cities and venues

ANAHEIM, Calif. (January 9, 2026) – During today’s Monster Energy SMX World ChampionshipTM season-opening press conference in Anaheim, CA, the SMX LeagueTM announced that Historic Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio; Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California; and Thunder Ridge Nature Arena in Ridgedale, Missouri will host the 2026 SMX World Championship Playoffs and Final in September.

Last year’s historic post‑season saw two-time SMX World Champion Jett Lawrence secure his third world title, once again edging out his brother Hunter and remaining the only premier-class athlete to win the coveted championship since its inception in 2023. In the 250SMX Class, Japan’s Jo Shimoda captured his first championship, defeating two-time titleholder Haiden Deegan in a thrilling, winner‑take‑all showdown under the lights in Las Vegas. Shimoda also became the sport’s first-ever Japanese champion.

SMX World Championship Playoff 1 will take place on Saturday, September 12 at Historic Crew Stadium in Columbus, OH. Playoff 2 will take place on Saturday, September 19 at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, CA. The SMX World Championship Final will take place on Saturday, September 26 at Thunder Ridge Nature Arena in Ridgedale, MO.

Columbus sits at the heart of the Midwest, a region long known for its passionate motorsports fan base and deep grassroots racing culture. Ohio has produced generations of riders and racing fans, making Historic Crew Stadium a natural fit for the SMX World Championship Playoffs. Ohio is home to the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame and will also host Round 14 of the 2026 series at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland.

Southern California is a staple in the Supercross and Motocross racing history books, making the area highly desirable for racing when the opportunity presents. The 2026 regular season will host four rounds in Southern California, including this weekend’s opener, before returning for the post-season in September. Situated in the greater Los Angeles area, Dignity Health Sports Park brings the Monster Energy SMX World Championship Playoffs to a market with a long-standing connection to the sport and a strong motorsports and media presence.

Announced earlier today as part of a larger partnership with Bass Pro Shops, the SMX series will culminate in a special World Championship Final at Thunder Ridge Nature Arena in Ridgedale, Missouri, which has already drawn rave reviews as one of the most picturesque and jaw-dropping venues in North America. Set within a stunning natural amphitheater, Thunder Ridge Nature Arena presents a one-of-a-kind outdoor experience that promises to create unforgettable memories by combining the natural beauty of the Ozarks with the striking architecture that seamlessly integrates into the surrounding environment. The SMX Finals will deliver world-class racing alongside a premier stay at Big Cedar Lodge, the Official Accommodations partner, featuring championship-level golf, exceptional restaurants and an immersive outdoor experience across its iconic resort.

Three New Venues – SMX World Championship Playoff and Final Teaser

The SMX World Championship Playoffs and Final will feature the best athletes in the world as the top 20 in combined Supercross and Pro Motocross points are automatically seeded into the playoff rounds. As in other sport playoffs, athletes will be competing for the sport’s ultimate World Championship title, and the prestige that comes from overcoming adversity through a 28-round, dual-discipline (indoor and outdoor) season, plus two SMX Playoffs and a Final.

All 17 rounds of the 2026 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship and 11 rounds of the Pro Motocross Championship are on sale. Tickets for the SMX World Championship Playoff Rounds and Final will go on pre-sale Tuesday, Jan. 27, with general tickets on-sale to the public on Tuesday, Feb. 3 at SuperMotocross.com. Saturday FanFest will take place at all postseason races, Friday FanFest and camping will be available in Columbus and Ridgedale, additional details to follow.

For information about the Monster Energy SMX World Championship, please visit www.SuperMotocross.com and be sure to follow all of the new SMX social media channels for exclusive content and additional information on the latest news:
Instagram: @supermotocross
Facebook: @supermotocross
X: @supermotocross
YouTube: @supermotocross
TikTok: @supermotocross

About the Monster Energy SMX World Championship:
The Monster Energy SMX World Championship™ is the premier off-road motorcycle racing series in the world that combines the technical precision of stadium racing with the all-out speed and endurance of outdoor racing. Created in 2022, the Monster Energy SMX World Championship Series combines the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship and the AMA Pro Motocross Championship into a 28-round regular season that culminates with the season-ending SMX World Championship Playoffs. Visit SuperMotocross.com for more information.

About Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship:
Monster Energy AMA Supercross is the most competitive and highest-profile off-road motorcycle racing championship on the planet. Founded in America and sanctioned by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) since 1974. Over 17 weeks, Supercross attracts some of the largest and most impressive crowds inside the most recognizable and prestigious stadiums in North America to race in front of nearly one million live fans and broadcast to millions more worldwide. For more information, visit SupercrossLIVE.com.

About Pro Motocross Championship:
The Pro Motocross Championship features the world’s fastest outdoor motocross racers, competing aboard homologated bikes from one of seven competing manufacturers on a collection of the roughest, toughest tracks on the planet. Racing takes place each Saturday afternoon, with competition divided into two classes: one for 250cc machines, and one for 450cc machines. MX Sports Pro Racing, the industry leader in off-road powersports event production, manages the Pro Motocross Championship. For more information, visit ProMotocross.com.

About Feld Motor Sports, Inc.:
Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting specialized arena and stadium-based motorsports entertainment. Properties include Monster Jam®, Monster Energy AMA Supercross, and the Monster Energy SMX World Championship. Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is a subsidiary of Feld Entertainment, Inc. Visit monsterjam.com, SupercrossLIVE.com, and feldentertainment.com for more information.

About MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.:
MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc., manages and produces the world’s premier motocross racing series – the Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing. MX Sports Pro Racing is an industry leader in off-road powersport event production and management, its mission is to showcase the sport of professional motocross competition at events throughout the United States. Through its various racing properties, partnerships and affiliates, MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc., organizes events for thousands of action sports athletes each year and attracts millions of motorsports spectators. Visit MXSportsProRacing.com for more information.

American Communications Construction and Aloha Beauty Lounge Extend Primary Sponsorship With NHRA Top Fuel Driver Tony Schumacher Through 2032

By
Official Release
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TOMBALL, Texas (Jan. 9, 2026) – Texas-based American Communications Construction (ACC) and Aloha Beauty Lounge have each extended its primary sponsorship of NHRA Top Fuel driver Tony Schumacher and the No. 15 Top Fuel dragster he pilots for Rick Ware Racing (RWR) through the 2032 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season.

This long-term agreement will have the winningest Top Fuel driver in NHRA history in a 12,000-horsepower dragster for a fourth decade, allowing Schumacher to add to his 88 event wins and series-best eight championships.

“This commitment allows us to be strategic and make the necessary investments in procuring the best and brightest crew, team leadership and equipment that will allow us to compete for championships beginning in 2026,” said Schumacher, a 2025 Motorsports Hall of Fame of America inductee.

ACC and Aloha partnered with RWR and Schumacher for the final seven races of 2025, debuting in the NHRA U.S. Nationals.

“My wife, Summer, and I have gotten to know American Communications Construction president Aven McBride, and his wife Tracey, and their incredible employees, all last season when we first partnered together. It was quickly apparent how well we all got along, and had the same goals and ideals about family, business and enjoying life,” Schumacher said.

“Anyone who knows the McBrides all say the same thing – that they’re kind, philanthropic, driven people who care about their employees and the success of their respective companies. They love to have fun and win, which is what this race team is all about. It makes for a perfect match. I’m excited for the future.”

Schumacher will have veteran tuner Jim Oberhofer as his crew chief, and a strong teammate in Top Fuel driver Clay Millican, the winningest driver in IHRA history and a six-time IHRA champion.

“This long-term partnership with Tony Schumacher and American Communications Construction allows our Top Fuel program to compete at the highest level. It provides continuity and confidence for our entire operation,” said team owner Rick Ware.

“Pairing Tony with Clay Millican gives us one of the most experienced driver lineups in NHRA. Both of them raise the bar every time we unload and they’re integral to the success of our race team.”

McBride, owner and president of American Communications Construction, is adamant this multiyear commitment will pay dividends on the racetrack.

“We’re building this team into one that is a threat to win at every race we enter, and this extension shows our commitment to doing just that. We can keep our focus on having the best people and getting all the parts and pieces we need to make this ACC/Aloha Top Fuel dragster go fast and straight down the track,” McBride said.

“Tracey and I are committed to our driver, Tony Schumacher. His records are unmatched, and he has many more wins and championships to come. We want to be part of that, and our employees at ACC and Aloha love racing, and they want to be a part of it too. It’s a natural fit for our family to be a part of this racing family.

“Rick Ware Racing is a class-act organization, and we have the best of everything. The best team, the best driver, the best crew chief – we have it all. We’re excited to get to Gainesville and get the season started.”

The NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series kicks off its milestone 75th season with the NHRA Gatornationals March 5-8 at Gainesville (Fla.) Raceway. Livestreaming of every round can be seen on NHRA.tv with FS1 providing tape-delayed coverage.

About American Communications Construction:

Since 2001, American Communications Construction, Inc., has been a trusted leader in building the backbone of communication across the greater Houston, Texas, area and beyond. ACC specializes in every aspect of the communications industry, including aerial and underground fiber optic placement, single-mode and multi-mode fiber splicing, cable testing, structured wiring, and complete infrastructure design for both commercial and residential projects.

Our experienced team – many with more than 20 years in the industry – takes pride in delivering precision, safety and efficiency on every job. Whether it’s connecting entire communities through large-scale fiber optic networks or providing tailored solutions for businesses and homes, our mission is to ensure reliable, high-quality communication systems that stand the test of time.

Beyond our technical expertise, we are deeply committed to giving back, supporting local organizations, and investing in the communities we serve. At American Communications Construction, we don’t just build networks – we build connections that last.

About Aloha Beauty Lounge:

Since 2007, Aloha Beauty Lounge has been a trusted destination for beauty, self-care and connection in the heart of Tomball, Texas. Offering a full range of services – all delivered by a skilled and passionate team dedicated to helping clients look and feel their absolute best.

Our philosophy is simple: every guest who walks through our doors is treated like family. We take pride in creating a welcoming, relaxing environment where beauty meets genuine care. Beyond our services, we are committed to giving back, supporting local schools, sponsoring community events and partnering with charities that make a difference. At Aloha Beauty Lounge, beauty is just the beginning. Our true passion lies in uplifting our community, one client at a time.

About Rick Ware Racing:

Rick Ware has been a motorsports mainstay for more than 40 years. It began at age 6 when the third-generation racer began his driving career and has since spanned four wheels and two wheels on both asphalt and dirt. Competing in the SCCA Trans Am Series and other road-racing divisions led Ware to NASCAR in the early 1980s, where he finished third in his NASCAR debut – the 1983 Warner W. Hodgdon 300 NASCAR Grand American race at Riverside (Calif.) International Raceway. In 1995, Rick Ware Racing was formed, and with wife Lisa by his side, Ware transitioned out of the driver’s seat and into fulltime team ownership. He has since built his eponymous organization into an entity that competes fulltime in the elite NASCAR Cup Series while simultaneously campaigning winning teams in the Top Fuel class of the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, Progressive American Flat Track (AFT), FIM World Supercross Championship (WSX) and zMAX CARS Tour.

75TH NHRA SEASON KICKS OFF IN MAJOR WAY AT NHRA GATORNATIONALS IN GAINESVILLE

By
Official Release
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Incredible list of legends scheduled to appear, special Sunday giveaway, Saturday Callout and much more help open landmark year

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (Jan. 9, 2026) – One of the biggest seasons in NHRA history is set for a massive opening, as the 75th anniversary season in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series officially gets underway with the NHRA Gatornationals on March 5-8 at legendary Gainesville Raceway.

The historic race and venue will get an added touch this season to kick off NHRA’s milestone year, with a lineup full of legends scheduled to appear to start the celebration.

Some of the sport’s biggest names – including Kenny Bernstein, Don Garlits, Joe Amato, Don Prudhomme, Shirley Muldowney, Darrell Gwynn and Bob Frey – will be on hand at the famed venue, ensuring the 75th season in NHRA gets started on a thrilling note.

Bernstein’s magical 300-mph run – which came in Gainesville in 1992 – will also be celebrated throughout the weekend as the race’s historic moment, a theme that will take place at all 20 races during the spectacular 2026 campaign. Bernstein will also be featured in the unique commemorative ticket for the Gatornationals. Fans can scan the onsite signs in Gainesville to purchase the commemorative ticket, which will be available for purchase online all season and will be distinctive to each race in 2026.

On Sunday, the first 6,500 fans in attendance will also get a free limited-edition NHRA 2026 season poster, detailing the full schedule for the special 75th anniversary season and capping off what’s sure to be a memorable kick-off to the 2026 season.

Of course, all the current stars in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle will be on hand to open the season as well, as the biggest names will look to try to win the sport’s most coveted prize, the Wally trophy, which will be a special 75th diamond Wally in 2026.

The special NHRA 75th anniversary Diamond Wally will only be available in 2026, which makes it a coveted item for all competitors this year – along with the Gatornationals traditional Golden Gator trophy.

Fans can also look forward to a multitude of items celebrating the NHRA’s 75th anniversary and the series’ remarkable history at the track. From a new-look Nitro Mall to special displays, the 75th anniversary stage in Nitro Alley and much more, it will be an unforgettable weekend for every fan in attendance.

Plus, they’ll have a chance to meet some of NHRA’s biggest names and those who played pivotal and amazing roles in NHRA’s 75-year history. The iconic Garlits was named the No. 1 driver in NHRA history during the 50th anniversary celebration, while legends Bernstein and Prudhomme enjoyed illustrious careers, with Bernstein claiming six championships and Prudhomme winning four world titles.

Muldowney was a trailblazer as a dominant female in drag racing, winning three world championships in Top Fuel, while Amato was a dominant force in Top Fuel en route to a remarkable five championships. Gwynn was a star in the Top Fuel ranks, winning 18 times, and Frey’s legendary calls as the voice of the NHRA helped bring the sport to new levels.

All will be honored throughout the weekend in Gainesville, adding a special scene to what will be can’t-miss action on the track, including Friday qualifying, the Top Fuel All-Star Callout specialty race on Saturday, eliminations on Sunday and action all weekend long in the Pro Mod Drag Racing Series, NHRA Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown and the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series.

The Gatornationals – long one of the biggest races on the NHRA tour – have drawn massive crowds for more than five decades and helped make legends in the sport. Last year, Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Chad Green (Funny Car), Dallas Glenn (Pro Stock) and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) all won on the hallowed grounds of Gainesville Raceway to open the year. This year’s race will again be broadcast on FS1, including eliminations at 12 p.m. ET on Sunday, March 8.

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

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

Upgraded experiences in the Gainesville Top Eliminator Club – which features a premium experience and a number of exclusive benefits at one of the biggest races of the season – are also available for purchase. Fans are encouraged to purchase early as TEC tickets will sell out.

Before the race, fans will again be invited to a special “Gatornationals Kickoff Party and Fanfest” at Josh Hart’s Burnyzz Speedshop in Ocala. In what’s become an exciting pre-event tradition, the event will take place on Wednesday, March 4. The fun-filled kickoff event will include driver appearances and autographs at the state-of-the-art facility and much more.

A host of additional special events – both off and on the track – as well as the full event schedule for the 57th annual NHRA Gatornationals will be announced in the coming weeks.

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

About 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.

Bennett Family of Companies Extends Partnership with Richard Childress Racing

By
Official Release
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Austin Hill Returns to RCR to Pilot No. 21 Bennett Transportation & Logistics Chevrolet in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series in 2026

WELCOME, NC (January 9, 2026) – Bennett Family of Companies, a leader in the transportation and logistics industry with over five decades of expertise, will continue their multi-year partnership with Richard Childress Racing as anchor primary partner of the No. 21 Bennett Transportation & Logistics Chevrolet in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. Austin Hill, who has found record-setting success at RCR during his tenure as driver of the No. 21 Chevrolet, will rejoin the team for his fifth consecutive year.

“We are proud to continue our partnership with Richard Childress Racing and Austin Hill in 2026,” said Lynette Mathis, vice president of the Bennett Family of Companies. “Bennett customers, drivers, agents and employees continue to find value in the relationship. We love watching the No. 21 Bennett Transportation & Logistics Chevrolet on the track and seeing the sense of community it creates within our company. Our partnership with RCR and Austin Hill continues to reflect the teamwork, performance and professionalism that define success in both racing and transportation and complex logistics.”

Headquartered in McDonough, Georgia, Bennett Family of Companies provides innovative logistics and transportation services for companies across America. Bennett offers a suite of trucking and specialized logistic services, from flatbed and step deck trucking and manufactured housing transport to RV delivery, customs brokerage and warehousing. Bennett’s network provides the safest and best possible service to all their business partners. Since launching the partnership in conjunction with Hill’s rookie season at RCR in 2022, the Bennett brand has seen steady growth by utilizing their partnership to strengthen customer relationships, highlight core values, emphasize their culture of safety, recruit drivers and develop new business opportunities.

“The Bennett Family of Companies’ long-standing partnership with Richard Childress Racing is a testament to our shared core values and we are thrilled to welcome them back to the No. 21 team for their fifth consecutive year of partnership,” said Mike Verlander, president of RCR. “Bennett has done an exceptional job integrating our racing program into their broader business strategy. We look forward to continuing the momentum we have built over the last four years.”

Hill returns to RCR and will continue his successful tenure as driver of the No. 21 Bennett Transportation & Logistics Chevrolet. Hill has found notable success in NASCAR’s second tier division while competing under the RCR banner. He captured the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series regular season championship in 2023 and qualified for the NASCAR Playoffs each of the four seasons he has driven for RCR. He locked the No. 21 Chevrolet into the Championship 4 owner points championship race after earning his fourth win of the 2025 season at Talladega Superspeedway, his 14th win in the Series since joining the Welcome, North Carolina-based organization in 2022.

During his tenure at RCR, Hill has been particularly exceptional on drafting-style tracks, surpassing records set by NASCAR Hall of Fame drivers Dale Earnhardt and Tony Stewart for number of wins on speedways.

“We’ve built something special both on and off the track with Bennett Transportation and Logistics,” said Hill. “Thank you to Marcia, Lynette and everyone at Bennett Family of Companies for their partnership and friendship over the years. It means a lot to have their support, as well as the support of Richard Childress, Danny Lawrence and everyone at Richard Childress Racing and ECR Engines as I continue to grow in my career.”

The 2026 season begins with the United Rentals 300 at Daytona International Speedway on Saturday, February 14, live on the CW Network at 5 p.m. ET.

For more information, please visit rcrracing.com.

About Bennett Family of Companies

McDonough-Ga. based Bennett Family of Companies is a woman-owned, Women’s Enterprise Business Council (WBENC) certified, diversified transportation and logistics company. Through its 14 affiliated operating companies, the Bennett Family of Companies delivers integrated transportation and supply chain management solutions worldwide. Bennett has 4,625 drivers/owner-operators, over 1,000 employees and 600 agents located across the United States. For more information, visit www.bennettig.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).

TIBBETTS LUMBER COMPANY BUILDS NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH SPIRE MOTORSPORTS AND MICHAEL MCDOWELL

By
Official Release
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MOORESVILLE, N.C. (January 9, 2026) – Spire Motorsports and Michael McDowell will partner with Tibbetts Lumber Company for the season-opening Fresh From Florida 250 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway.

McDowell will represent the family-owned organization when he makes just his fifth career CRAFTSMAN Truck Series start and second at the “World Center of Racing.” McDowell, a veteran of over 500 NASCAR Cup Series starts, is looking to capture his first series’ win at the controls of Spire Motorsports’ No. 7 Chevrolet Silverado RST and add his name to the exclusive register of drivers who have earned victories across all three of NASCAR’s national touring series.

Florida-based Tibbetts Lumber Company has grown into the largest independently-owned lumber and building materials supplier in the Sunshine State, while building its legacy as one of the largest roof and floor truss companies in the Southeast. Founded in 1949 by Linton N. Tibbetts, the Tibbetts team members live by the core values of faith, family, employee growth and development, integrity, and stewardship.

“Tibbetts Lumber Co. is thrilled to be the primary sponsor of the Spire Motorsports No. 7 Chevrolet Silverado driven by Michael McDowell,” said Russ Hallenbeck, CEO of Tibbetts Lumber Company. “Being that we are headquartered in Florida, Daytona International Speedway has become a very special place for us come springtime. We are honored to be teaming up with Spire Motorsports and Michael this February.”

With over 5,400 customers served, and 838,000-plus customer deliveries, including McDowell, the Tibbetts family has continued to expand their reach of home remodeling and construction while offering competitive pricing and superior service.

“I have a great deal of respect for the Tibbetts Lumber team,” said McDowell, “They’ve helped me on my own property and their team truly combines outstanding service with a high-quality product. It’s special to have them racing with us at Daytona, and earning a win in all three national series is something I’ve wanted to make happen for a long time. I think we’ll have a real opportunity to do that on Friday night in Daytona in our Tibbetts Lumber Chevy Silverado.”

The 2021 Daytona 500 winner has collected one win, three top-five, and eight top-10 finishes in NASCAR’s premier division at the legendary high-banked Daytona Beach oval.

With nearly 540 NASCAR Cup Series starts under his belt, across 18 seasons, McDowell is regarded as one of the most respected drivers in the garage.

While the Glendale, Ariz., native continues to pursue his first victory since joining Spire Motorsports following the 2024 season, McDowell’s 2025 campaign featured career highs and firsts for the organization including two pole positions, a career-high three top-five finishes and six top-10 results. The NASCAR veteran also claimed the first stage win in team history at the Chicago Street Race last July.

The Fresh From Florida 250 from Daytona International Speedway will be televised live on FS1 Friday, Feb. 13 beginning at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. The first of 25 races on the 2026 CRAFTSMAN Truck Series schedule will be broadcast live on the NASCAR Radio Network and SIRIUS XM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

About Tibbetts Lumber …
As one of the largest independently owned lumber and building materials suppliers in the Southeastern United States, Tibbetts Lumber Company continues to grow with a vision to be recognized by customers, employees and vendors as the region’s preferred independent truss and building materials supply partner.

About Spire Motorsports …
Spire Motorsports fields full-time entries in the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series and High Limit Racing.

The team, co-owned by longtime NASCAR industry executive Jeff Dickerson and TWG Motorsports CEO Dan Towriss, earned its inaugural NASCAR Cup Series victory in its first full season of competition when Justin Haley took the checkered flag in the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway on July 7, 2019. Less than three years later, William Byron drove Spire Motorsports’ No. 7 Chevrolet Silverado to its inaugural NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series win on April 7, 2022, at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway. The team’s most recent win came on May 30, 2025, when Rajah Caruth took the checkered flag in the Rackley Roofing 200 at Nashville Superspeedway.

In 2026, Spire Motorsports will campaign the Nos. 7, 71 and 77 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1s in the NASCAR Cup Series and the Nos. 7 and 77 Chevrolet Silverado RSTs in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. The Mooresville, N.C., organization will also field the No. 77 410 sprint car in High Limit Racing competition.

Ross Chastain Returns to Niece Motorsports for Eight Races in the 2026 Season

By
Official Release
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Salisbury, NC (January 9, 2026) – Niece Motorsports proudly welcomes multi-time winner and defending Coca-Cola 600 champion, Ross Chastain, back to its NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series (NCTS) driver roster in 2026.

Chastain, who enters his ninth year competing for the organization, remains a mainstay since joining in 2018. The Alva, Florida native has driven a Niece Motorsports truck to victory lane on five occasions – the most of any driver – and delivered the team’s first win at Kansas Speedway in 2019.

Throughout the 2025 season, the veteran driver made five NCTS starts with Niece Motorsports, finishing as high as second at Charlotte Motor Speedway. In each of his races, Chastain posed a threat as a contender for the race win.

Over the offseason, NASCAR adjusted the rules to allow Cup Series drivers with three or more years of experience to participate in eight races instead of five. Chastain plans to take full advantage of the opportunity by competing in as many races as possible.

“It’s great to be back with Niece Motorsports in a larger capacity this year,” said Chastain. “When I heard about the rule change, I knew we had to run more races together. We’ve got a great core group of people here in Salisbury and I want to bring them all back to victory lane. I’m thankful to have the opportunity and appreciate the ownership group and our partners for making it happen, along with everyone at Trackhouse for allowing me to run in the Truck Series.”

Driving the No. 45 Chevrolet Silverado this year, Chastain will reunite with Phil Gould as his crew chief, who guided him to a runner-up points finish in 2019. He will share the ride with series newcomer, Landen Lewis, along with a third driver, who will be announced in the near future.

“We’re thrilled to have Ross (Chastain) in our trucks for more races this year,” said Cody Efaw, CEO of Niece Motorsports. “Ross has been a huge part of our team since he first joined us, and his input is invaluable. Considering the young group of drivers we have in the fold this year, Ross will be a tremendous asset for those guys to learn from. We look forward to having him contend for wins each time he straps into the No. 45 truck this year.”

Chastain’s race schedule will be revealed as the season progresses, along with primary partner announcements for the campaign.

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 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).

Front Row Motorsports Announces Changes to Competition Staff for 2026 Season

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Official Release
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Front Row Motorsports Announces Changes

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (January 9, 2026) – Front Row Motorsports (FRM) today announced several leadership updates within its Competition department ahead of the 2026 NASCAR Cup and Truck Series’ seasons.

Drew Blickensderfer will transition from his prior role as Crew Chief of the No. 4 and Noah Gragson and will become the organization’s Competition Director. In his new role, Blickensderfer will work alongside current Technical Director Seth Barbour, who will continue to lead the organization’s technical direction and engineering efforts. A 17-year NASCAR Cup Series Crew Chief veteran, Blickensderfer leaves the pit box with four wins, 30 top-five and 85 top-10 finishes, most notably winning the 2009 Daytona 500 with Matt Kenseth and 2021 Daytona 500 with Michael McDowell.

Grant Hutchens will assume the role of Crew Chief for Noah Gragson and the No. 4 team. A native of Omaha, Nebraska, Hutchens brings extensive NASCAR experience, beginning his career with Evernham Motorsports, where he spent five years. Hutchens later moved to Richard Childress Racing where he served as the race engineer for Paul Menard, Kevin Harvick, and Ryan Newman. Most recently, Hutchens worked at Team Penske, where he joined Ryan Blaney’s team during Blaney’s NASCAR Cup Series rookie season in 2016 and served in several different lead engineering roles before assuming the position as the organization’s test team Crew Chief in 2025.

FRM also announced that Jonathan DeHart has joined the organization as the Aerodynamics Manager, overseeing the team’s aerodynamic operations. DeHart brings a strong background to Front Row Motorsports, having previously held key roles most recently as the IndyCar Aero Car Chief for GM Racing and as Body Production Manager at Hendrick Motorsports.

“We are very fortunate, and I am extremely excited to add experienced, talented people like Grant and Jonathan to leadership roles in the organization”, said Front Row Motorsports team owner, Bob Jenkins. “With the inclusion of our Truck Series teams, we operate (5) full-time teams and I’m equally as excited to have Drew turn his attention to providing direction and guidance to our crew chiefs and competition group as a whole. Having Drew in this new role for us and Seth being able to focus on the technical aspects within our team, it puts us in a better position to execute on the track and achieve our goals in 2026.”

The changes go into effect immediately as the team has testing planned this month at North Wilkesboro (Cup) and Rockingham (Truck) heading into the season’s first Cup Series event at the Bowman Gray Clash on February 1st.

ABOUT FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS

Front Row Motorsports (FRM) is a winning organization in the NASCAR Cup and CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. The team is the 2021 Daytona 500 and 2022 CRAFTSMAN Truck Series champions. The team was founded in 2004 and is owned by successful entrepreneur, Bob Jenkins. FRM fields the No. 4, No. 34, and the No. 38 NASCAR Cup Series teams along with the No. 34 and No. 38 CRAFTSMAN Truck Series teams from its Mooresville, N.C. headquarters. Visit teamfrm.com and follow FRM on social media: Twitter at @Team_FRM, Instagram at @teamfrm and Facebook at facebook.com/FrontRowMotorsports.

Sponsorship Agreement Reached with LCR Honda; Full-Season MotoGP Entry as Pro Honda LCR

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Official Release
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Honda Genuine Oil and Chemical Brand “Pro Honda” to Serve as Title Sponsor –

TOKYO, Japan, January 9, 2026 – Honda has reached a sponsorship agreement with Honda LCR, which competes in the MotoGP class of the FIM* Grand Prix World Championship.

For the 2026 season, Honda LCR will campaign a two-bike lineup in MotoGP. Alongside Johann Zarco (France, age 35) aboard the CASTROL Honda LCR, the team will introduce a second entry titled Pro Honda LCR, with Pro Honda—Honda’s genuine oil and chemical brand—serving as title sponsor. Riding for Pro Honda LCR will be Diogo Moreira (Brazil, age 21), who captured the 2025 FIM Grand Prix World Championship Moto2 title.

*FIM: Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme

Lucio Cecchinello (left), Team Principal & CEO of Honda LCR,and Kotaro Shimizu (right), Executive Officer, Customer First Operations Division, Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

Under the Pro Honda brand, Honda made its first MotoGP appearance with Pro Honda liveries at the 2024 season finale, the Solidarity Grand Prix, in which Stefan Bradl (Germany, age 36) raced as a wildcard entry for the Honda HRC Test Team, riding the RC213V. During the 2025 season, Aleix Espargar (Spain, age 36), a test rider for Honda Racing Corporation (HRC), and Takaaki Nakagami (Chiba, Japan, age 33), competed in the MotoGP class as wildcard entries. Espargaro made four appearances and Nakagami two, for a total of six races, all entered by Honda HRC Test Team and raced in Pro Honda livery.

Pro Honda is Honda’s global unified brand of genuine oils and chemical products, developed to maximize the performance of Honda vehicles. Technologies honed under the extreme conditions of motorsports are fed back into commercial products, providing riders with confidence and reliability.

Kotaro Shimizu, Executive Officer, Customer First Operations Division, Automobile Business, Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

“We are truly delighted to have entered into a sponsorship agreement with Honda LCR under the Pro Honda brand. Built on a strong relationship of trust with CEO Lucio Cecchinello and HRC, we will fully support the challenge undertaken by Diogo Moreira and Pro Honda LCR from the 2026 season onward, doing our utmost to contribute to both the team and the rider. We are deeply grateful for this opportunity, and as Honda’s genuine oil and chemical brand, Pro Honda will continue to deliver proven technology and reliability designed to maximize the performance of Honda vehicles, while communicating the value of Pro Honda to Honda users around the world.”

Lucio Cecchinello, Team Principal & CEO, Honda LCR

“Establishing a new partnership with Pro Honda, the official Honda brand for genuine oil and chemical products, represents a profoundly significant milestone for part of our project. By sharing common values, we are committed with this racing program to pursuing the perfect balance between competitive performance and reliability.”

Honda LCR Overview
Team Principal & CEO: Lucio Cecchinello
Founded: 1996
Base: Principality of Monaco
MotoGP class wins: 5

News URL: https://www.acnnewswire.com/press-release/english/104542/

URL: https://plus.google.com/110355594819754396833
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/HondaJP
Twitter : https://twitter.com/HondaJP
Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/user/HondaJPPR
Linkedin : https://jp.linkedin.com/company/honda

RAFA Racing Team confirms Porto and Choksey for 2026 Michelin Pilot Challenge campaign

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Official Release
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HOUSTON, Texas (Thursday, January 8, 2026) – RAFA Racing Team is coming out swinging in 2026, locking in a full-season IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge assault with championship winner Kiko Porto and proven GT standout Varun Choksey sharing the Toyota GR Supra GT4 EVO2.

The pairing brings together recent championship success and proven GT experience as RAFA Racing Team continues to strengthen its presence in North American endurance racing.

Porto enters the Michelin Pilot Challenge season following a title-winning 2025 campaign in the IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge with RAFA Racing Team, carrying momentum into one of the most competitive GT4 championships in the world.

“Man, I’m excited,” Porto said. “The Michelin Pilot Challenge grid is stacked, and every weekend is a real fight. That’s what makes this series so good, and that’s exactly the kind of environment I want to be racing in.”

The Brazilian driver is also eager to return to a shared-car format, with the championship placing a strong emphasis on teamwork, strategy, and execution.

“I’m really excited to be sharing a car again,” Porto said.

“Everybody speaks very highly of Varun when his name comes up. I’m looking forward to meeting him properly, understanding how he works as a driver, and seeing how we can work together toward the goal of winning races.”

The 2026 season opens with a four-hour endurance race at Daytona International Speedway, immediately setting the tone for a championship that rewards consistency, communication, and strategic discipline.

“The longer races change everything,” Porto explained. “You have to think differently about strategy, communication, and how you manage the race as a group. It’s much more of a team effort, and that’s something RAFA is very strong at.”

For Porto, the Michelin Pilot Challenge represents an important step in his continued development as an endurance racer.

“This is the right place for me to keep building that endurance mindset,” he said. “Being smart with traffic, managing tires and fuel, and understanding the bigger picture of the race – all of that is going to make me a more complete driver for where I want to go long term.”

Choksey joins RAFA Racing Team following two seasons competing in the GT World Challenge America, adding GT endurance experience to a racing background that also includes multiple seasons in Porsche Carrera Cup North America

“I’m looking forward to it massively,” Choksey said. “It’s a new program, a new car, and Rafa (Martinez) and Kevin (Conway) have been really welcoming so far. I’m excited to get started and see what we can build together.”

Having raced in some of the most competitive one-make and GT environments in North America, Choksey expects the Michelin Pilot Challenge to demand maximum commitment from the opening round.

“There are a lot more competitors, and I expect it to be very hard-nosed racing,” he said.

“You’re fighting every lap out there, but that’s nothing I’m not used to from Carrera Cup. Between Kiko and I, I think we can fight at the front on any given weekend.”

Choksey was also drawn to RAFA Racing Team’s growing footprint across multiple championships and its long-term vision.

“I think what RAFA is building is really exciting,” he said.

“I don’t see many teams doing what they’re doing across so many series, and I think it’s great for the sport. I’m excited to be a part of that.”

The Daytona season opener will mark Choksey’s first competitive laps at the iconic Florida circuit.

“I’ve never raced at Daytona before,” he said.

“I’ve been there as a fan and loved the atmosphere. I expect drafting to be important and the pack to stay close, and for me it’s about learning as much as possible early in the season.”

With Porto’s recent championship success and familiarity with the Toyota GR Supra GT4 platform, combined with Choksey’s GT World Challenge America experience and Porsche Carrera Cup North America foundation, RAFA Racing Team enters the 2026 IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge season with a driver pairing built for performance, execution, and long-term growth.

The team will open its 2026 campaign with the four-hour season opener at Daytona International Speedway.

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