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Tony Stewart & Matt Hagan – Brainerd Advance for the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals

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Official Release
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Tony Stewart & Matt Hagan
Top Fuel | Funny Car
Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals
Aug. 15-17 | Brainerd, Minnesota

Event Overview
Friday, Aug. 15 (Nitro Qualifying, streamed live on NHRA.TV)

Nitro qualifying session (Q1): 4:30 p.m. CDT/5:30 p.m. EDT
Nitro qualifying session (Q2): 6:45 p.m. CDT/7:45 p.m. EDT

Saturday, Aug. 16 (Nitro Qualifying & Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge, streamed live on NHRA.TV)

Top Fuel qualifying session (Q3) & Mission #2Fast2Tasty Top Fuel Challenge – Round 1: 12 p.m. CDT/1 p.m. EDT
Funny Car qualifying session (Q3) & Mission #2Fast2Tasty Funny Car Challenge – Round 1: 12:35 p.m. CDT/1:35 p.m. EDT
Top Fuel qualifying session (Q4) & Mission #2Fast2Tasty Top Fuel Challenge – Finals: 2:30 p.m. CDT/3:30 p.m. EDT
Funny Car qualifying session (Q4) & Mission #2Fast2Tasty Funny Car Challenge – Finals: 3:05 p.m. CDT/4:05 p.m. EDT

Sunday, Aug. 17 (Nitro Eliminations, streamed live on NHRA.TV)

Round 1: 10:30 a.m. CDT/11:30 a.m. EDT
Round 2: 12:40 p.m. CDT/1:40 p.m. EDT
Semi-Finals: 2:10 p.m. CDT/3:10 p.m. EDT
Finals: 3:50 p.m. CDT/4:50 p.m. EDT

TV coverage on FS1/FOX

Friday, Aug. 15: Qualifying show (9 p.m. CDT/10 p.m. EDT on FS1)
Saturday, Aug. 16: Qualifying show (6 p.m. CDT/7 p.m. EDT on FS1)
Sunday, Aug. 17: Finals show (2 p.m. CDT/3 p.m. EDT on FOX)

Notes of Interest

  • The Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd (Minn.) International Raceway serves as the 13th event on the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series’ 20-race calendar. Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) brings its two full-time entries – one in Top Fuel for Tony Stewart and one in Funny Car for 53-time Funny Car winner and four-time champion Matt Hagan – to the second-to-last race of the regular season before the Countdown to the Championship begins Sept. 12-14 with the 40th NHRA Reading Nationals presented by Nitro Fish at Maple Grove Raceway in Mohnton, Pennsylvania.
  • After the 14th and final regular-season event on Sept. 1 with the NHRA U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, the top-10 drivers in the standings in each of the four professional categories of the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series – Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle – qualify for the Countdown to the Championship. The top-10 drivers in each class then compete in the final, six-race playoffs to vie for the title. Coming into Brainerd, Stewart is second in the Top Fuel championship standings, 48 points behind leader Shawn Langdon. Hagan, meanwhile, is second in the Funny Car championship standings, 201 points behind leader Austin Prock.
  • American Rebel Beer is the primary sponsor of both Hagan and Stewart in Brainerd. American Rebel Beer was founded in April of 2024 by American Rebel CEO Andy Ross. American Rebel Beer is All Natural, Crisp, Clean and has a Bold Taste with a Lighter Feel. It does not use corn, rice or other sweeteners typically found in other mass-produced beers. American Rebel Beer is currently offered in 14 states (Connecticut, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, and Virginia), with additional states being announced soon. You can also find American Rebel in various legendary bars like Kid Rock’s, Tootsies, Honky Tony Central, and many others in the entertainment district in Nashville, as well as retail outlets, venues and music festivals throughout the United States. American Rebel Beer is America’s Patriotic, God-Fearing, Constitution-Loving, National Anthem Singing, Stand Your Ground Beer.
  • The Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals will serve as Stewart’s 33rd career Top Fuel start and his second at Brainerd. For Hagan, this will be his 365th career Funny Car start and his 16th at Brainerd.
  • Stewart is eyeing his first victory in the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals, as well as his first No. 1 qualifier at the event. In 2024, Stewart secured the No. 2 qualifying position and advanced to Round 2 of eliminations, where his 9.435 ET at 78.54 mph lost to Justin Ashley’s 3.763 ET at 328.30 mph. Stewart’s wife, Leah Pruett, is a two-time winner of the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals (2017 and 2019) and was runner-up to Antron Brown in her last appearance (2023).
  • Hagan has one win at Brainerd, which came in 2021. His run of 3.923 ET at 327.98 mph defeated Cruz Pedregon (3.935 ET at 324.83 mph). In 2024, Hagan advanced to the Finals, where his 5.615 ET at 129.77 mph (red light) lost to Blake Alexander’s 3.927 ET at 324.67 mph. Hagan also has four No. 1 qualifiers at Brainerd, which came in 2011 (4.101 ET at 303.57 mph), 2016 (3.822 ET at 333.82 mph), 2019 (3.890 ET at 328.46 mph) and 2022 (3.843 ET at 331.36 mph).
  • By advancing to the Semifinals at the DENSO NHRA Sonoma Nationals, Hagan qualified to participate in the Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge at Brainerd, where he will face a rematch against Austin Prock. The Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals will mark Hagan’s eighth #2Fast2Tasty Challenge of the season. Coming into Brainerd, Hagan has earned the most #2Fast2Tasty Challenge points in the Funny Car category with 14 points total. Those points are added to his total at the points reset leading into the Countdown to the Championship playoffs.
  • Hagan will participate in the Mission #2Fast2Tasty autograph session on Saturday at 9 a.m. CDT. The session will take place at the Mission Foods Display.
  • Hagan and Stewart will participate in Tony Stewart Store merchandise trailer signings. Stewart will be signing on Friday from 3:15-3:45 p.m. CDT and again on Saturday from 9:45-10:15 a.m. CDT. Hagan will be signing on Saturday from 5:30-6:00 p.m. CDT.

Tony Stewart, Driver of the American Rebel Beer Dodge//SRT Top Fuel Dragster

At the previous event, the NHRA Sonoma Nationals, you punched your ticket into the NHRA’s Countdown to the Championship and you enter Brainerd 48 points behind Shawn Langdon. How special would it be to bring home the regular season championship with two races remaining prior to the Countdown?

“It’s a big deal and it’s a big deal to our team. To make it through 14 races in the regular season and have a chance to win a championship like that, even though it’s not the world championship you win at the end of the season, is still special. It means a lot to not only myself as an owner and driver, but it means a lot of these crew guys as well so it’s definitely a big deal.”

American Rebel Beer has now expanded into 14 states, with more states being added soon. You and Matt Hagan will both be representing the brand at Brainerd. How special will that be, especially given the atmosphere at the track?

“I think Brainerd is the perfect place to have American Rebel Light. In my opinion, it’s the best race of the year and it has the best parties. The fans are amazing there, so it’s my favorite stop on the tour. I think it’s great that American Rebel is going to be there and that Andy Ross is going to be playing with his band. It’s going to be an awesome weekend.”

Matt Hagan, Driver of the American Rebel Beer Dodge//SRT Hellcat Funny Car

You’ll be participating in your eighth Mission Foods #2Fast2Tasty Challenge of the season at Brainerd. You have earned the most #2Fast2Tasty Challenge points in the Funny Car category with 14 points total. How valuable is that specialty event as we get ready to reset points after the next two events as the NHRA heads to Maple Grove, knowing they get added to your points total?

“It’s incredible that we’ve gathered that many #2Fast2Tasty points. I figured with (Austin) Prock’s five wins that they would have the most. It just shows that even though we’ve been on the back side of some good drag races, we’ve been consistent. Hopefully that is changing for the better and we are peaking at the right time. The Mission Foods points add up and we can always use those once the points reset. We want to fight our way through it. (Mike) Knudsen (crew chief) has that first win under his belt and I think the confidence is growing. Our team has a lot of synergy and I’m excited about that. Moving forward, we’ll have more Wallys pile up. We’ve been showing the last couple races that we can be aggressive, earning a number one qualifier and advancing to two Finals. Everything takes time and we’re doing the things we need to be doing to grow as a team.”

American Rebel Beer has now expanded into 14 states, with more states being added soon. You and Tony Stewart will both be representing the brand at Brainerd. How special will that be, especially given the atmosphere at the track?

“Andy Ross and all the folks from American Rebel are great. They’ve been very excited to be represented on the car the last couple years. Overall, they are salt of the earth people and good guys that are excited to be in drag racing. They’ve recently expanded to dirt racing, so it’s nice to see their involvement in motorsports. I would love nothing more than to win another championship with those guys. I think there will be a lot of American Rebel Beer drank in the Zoo at Brainerd. Andy will be playing for the FOX broadcast in the Zoo, so that’s huge. The weather is usually great there and we can lay down some fast numbers. I’m excited to get after it.”

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SM
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Van Gisbergen, Zilisch, and Heim win at Watkins Glen International

By
SM Staff
-

The NASCAR Cup Series, Xfinity Series, and Craftsman Truck Series were at Watkins Glen International. All of the races had exciting racing, along with one unexpected victory lane celebration.

Go Bowling at The Glen

Shane van Gisbergen captured his fourth consecutive road-course victory in the NASCAR Cup Series Go Bowling at The Glen at Watkins Glen International. It was also his fifth career win in the series and his first win at the 2.45-mile track.

Photo by Patrick Sue-Chan for SpeedwayMedia.com

He was dominant throughout the race in the No. 88 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet and led 38 of 90 laps and won by a margin of 11.116 seconds. He has won four of the five NASCAR Cup Series road-course races on the schedule this season.

Christopher Bell finished second, Chris Busher finished third, William Byron finished fourth, and Chase Briscoe rounded out the top-5 finishers. Polesitter Ryan Blaney, who led 35 laps, finished in sixth.

The race featured three caution flags for eight laps, and eight lead changes among six drivers.

Top-10 drivers in the Go Bowling at The Glen

PosStNoDriverTeamLapsS1S2S3PointsStatus
1288Shane Van GisbergenWeatherTech Chevrolet9080043Running
2920Christopher BellDEWALT Toyota9003043Running
31217Chris BuescherBuildSubmarines.com Ford9010044Running
41024William ByronRaptor Chevrolet9002042Running
5319Chase BriscoeBass Pro Shops Toyota9090034Running
6112Ryan BlaneyMenards/Richmond Water Heaters Ford9071045Running
71999Daniel SuarezFreeway Insurance Chevrolet9000030Running
81523Bubba WallaceMcDonald’s Toyota9000029Running
92145Tyler ReddickThe Beast Toyota9000028Running
1041Ross ChastainBusch Light Chevrolet9000027Running

Mission 200

Photo by Patrick Sue-Chan for SpeedwayMedia.com

Connor Zilisch cruised to victory in the NASCAR Xfinity Series Mission 200. Zilisch earned his sixth win of the season and is in a prime position to start the playoffs.

However, the victory lane celebration was short-lived after Zilisch took a nasty fall that landed him in an ambulance and at the hospital. He broke his collarbone.

Sam Mayer finished second, Sammy Smith third, Austin Hill fourth, and Carson Kvapil rounded out the top 5 finishers.

The race featured 17 lead changes among nine drivers, and seven caution flags for 20 laps.

Top-10 drivers in the Mission 200

PosStNoDriverTeamLapsS1S2S3PointsStatus
1188Connor ZilischRegistix Chevrolet8201051Running
2441Sam MayerAudibel Ford8203043Running
368Sammy SmithPilot Chevrolet8209036Running
41021Austin HillBennett Transportation Chevrolet8204040Running
5141Carson KvapilBass Pro Shops/Clarience Tech Chevrolet8205038Running
697Justin AllgaierBRANDT Chevrolet8218044Running
71832Austin Green3Dimensional.com Chevrolet82010031Running
83616Christian EckesCelsius Chevrolet8200029Running
91320Brandon JonesMenards/Pelonis Toyota8200028Running
101725Harrison BurtonAirBox Ford8260032Running

Mission 176

Photo by Patrick Sue-Chan for SpeedwayMedia.com.

Corey Heim survived three overtime restarts to capture his 17th career victory in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Mission 176.

He started on the pole and led 44 of 81 laps to claim his sixth victory this season.  

Daniel Hemric finished second, and Gio Ruggiero finished in third.

Christopher Bell started in second place and led 30 laps. However, due to the multiple overtimes, he had to pit for fuel and finished fourth, and Tyler Ankrum finished fifth to round out the top five finishers.

Top-10 drivers in the Mission 176

PosStNoDriverTeamLapsS1S2S3PointsStatus
1111Corey HeimMobil 1 Toyota8114057Running
21719Daniel HemricNAPA Nightvision Chevrolet8180038Running
3517Giovanni Ruggiero #First Auto Group Toyota8160039Running
4252Christopher Bell(i)Halmar International Toyota813500Running
51318Tyler AnkrumLiUNA! Chevrolet8109034Running
637Sammy Smith(i)TMC Transportation Chevrolet810200Running
73398Ty MajeskiSoda Sense/Curb Records Ford8107034Running
81445Connor Zilisch(i)DQS Solutions & Staffing Chevrolet814000Running
92542Matt MillsUtilitra/J.F. Electric Chevrolet8100028Running
10634Layne RiggsLove’s RV STOP Ford8190029Running

Front Row Motorsports: Watkins Glen International Race Report – Noah Gragson, Todd Gilliland, Zane Smith

By
Official Release
-

Noah Gragson | Todd Gilliland | Zane Smith
Watkins Glen International Race Report
Go Bowling at The Glen
Date: Sunday, August 10, 2025
Event: Race 26 of 38
Series: NASCAR Cup Series
Location: Watkins Glen International (2.45-miles)
Length of Race: 90 laps over two hours, 10 minutes, 39 seconds

FRM Finish:

● Zane Smith (Started 33rd, Finished 17th / Running, completed 90 of 90 laps)
● Noah Gragson (Started 35th, Finished 21st / Running, completed 90 of 90 laps)
● Todd Gilliland (Started 27th, Finished 28th / Running, completed 90 of 90 laps)

FRM Points Standings:

Zane Smith (27th)
Todd Gilliland (31st)
Noah Gragson (33rd)

Zane Smith Key Takeaways

Stage One: 35th / Stage Two: 36th / Race Result: 17th

“I’m happy we were able to finally get a clean race under our belts after the last month we’ve had,” said Smith. “The car definitely wasn’t what we needed on Saturday, and it put us in a hole, but our guys did a great job making gains with the limited stops we had today to get a decent run.”

Noah Gragson Key Takeaways

Stage One: 36th / Stage Two: 16th / Race Result: 21st

“Practice didn’t go as planned, and we made an adjustment that went the wrong direction for qualifying,” said Gragson. “During the race, we just didn’t have any lateral grip and the car was pretty loose. With the way our season has been going, we’ve got to find the little wins where we can and build on that momentum. I’m really proud of the team for fighting all day and bringing home a 21st-place finish.”

Todd Gilliland Key Takeaways

Stage One: 29th / Stage Two: 26th / Race Result: 28th

“It was another one of those races where we just couldn’t quite get the car where it needed to be on Sunday,” said Gilliland. “We had top-10 speed in practice, but being in Group A for qualifying meant the track wasn’t as quick for us as it was for Group B, so our starting position suffered. In the race, we made some adjustments during our limited stops, but it wasn’t enough to make big gains. On a positive note, we stayed out of trouble and brought home a clean Overplay Ford.”

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.

Kaulig Racing Teams Up with Black’s Tire Service for Richmond and Darlington

By
Official Release
-

Black’s Tire Service to Promote Upcoming Annual Boys & Girls Homes of North Carolina Charity Golf Tournament

Lexington, N.C. (August 11, 2025) – AJ Allmendinger will return to familiar colors this weekend for the Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway with an extended partnership with Black’s Tire Service (BTS). Allmendinger will drive the blue and yellow No. 16 Black’s Tire Chevrolet under the lights this Saturday, August 16, and again in the Cook Out Southern 400 at Darlington Raceway on Sunday, August 31.

BTS remains a family owned and operated tire seller and wholesaler with over 70 locations in North and South Carolina. Earlier this year, BTS partnered with Kaulig Racing and Christian Eckes in the NASCAR Xfinity Series at Darlington Raceway and Rockingham Speedway, as well as with AJ Allmendinger in the NASCAR Cup Series at Martinsville Speedway.

This weekend, the No. 16 Black’s Tire Chevrolet will have the addition of the Boys and Girls Homes of North Carolina logo on the deck lid. An initiative that extends BTS belief in families supporting families, BTS is using their partnership with Kaulig Racing to continue raising awareness for the Boys and Girls homes of North Carolina and to promote the upcoming BTS Boys and Girls Homes of North Carolina Charity Golf Tournament on September 18, 2025, at the Myrtle Beach National Golf Course. Donations and registration information for the event can be found at: https://www.blackstire.com/charity. For more information on the Boys and Girls Homes of North Carolina, visit: https://boysandgirlshomes.org/.

Coverage for the Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway will be on USA, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR: Channel 90.

Coverage for the Cook Out Southern 400 at Darlington Raceway, on Sunday, August 31, 2025, will be on USA, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR: Channel 90.
 
About Kaulig Racing

Kaulig Racing™ is a full-time, multi-car NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) and NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) team, owned by award winning entrepreneur, Matt Kaulig. Established in 2016, Kaulig Racing™ has earned 27 NXS wins, made the NXS Playoffs consecutively each season since the playoff system started, and won two regular-season championships. In 2021, the team competed in select NCS events, before expanding to a two-car, full-time NCS team in 2022 and adding a third, part-time entry during the 2023 season. Since its first NCS start in 2021, the team has earned two wins. Kaulig Racing is currently fielding two full-time entries in the NCS and continues to field three full-time NXS entries. To learn more about the team, visit kauligracing.com.

About Black’s Tire Service:

Black’s Tire Service (BTS) was founded as Black’s Service Station by W. Crowell Black in Whiteville, N.C. in 1929 and celebrated its 95th anniversary in 2024. With more than 70 locations in both North and South Carolina, Black’s remains a local, family owned- and -operated tire sales and service and vehicle repair business. In addition to the retail and commercial locations, Black’s also operates 10 warehouse/distribution centers, BTS Tire & Wheel Distributors, a commercial sales division, and a tire-retreading business, Carolina Retreads. Today, the Black’s Tire family includes more than 1,100 team members. To learn more about Black’s Tire or to find a location, visit www.blackstire.com. Follow Black’s Tire on social media: Twitter at @BlacksTire, Instagram at @BlacksTire and Facebook at facebook.com/blackstire. If any Independant tire dealer or automotive facility interested in becoming a BTS Partner Dealer contact BTS at 800-253-5716 or facebook.com/btspartnerdealers.

LEGENDS RETURN, NEW STARS RISE: THE RACE FOR GLORY AT THE 2025 CORNWELL QUALITY TOOLS NHRA U.S. NATIONALS

By
Official Release
-

INDIANAPOLIS (August 11, 2025) – The Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals is undoubtedly the most prestigious race on the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series tour. Legends are made at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park every year during Labor Day Weekend, making a victory and a Wally at The Big Go so coveted.

Some drivers have multiple Indianapolis wins, while others work their whole careers to secure the coveted Wally at The Big Go. Regardless, a first victory at Indy is always special and what dreams are made of.

Last year saw a unique winner’s circle with four first-time Indy winners, as Clay Millican (Top Fuel), Austin Prock (Funny Car), Aaron Stanfield (Pro Stock), and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) forged their Indy legacy with victories.

Heading into 2025’s Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals on Aug. 27-Sept. 1 and with several big names still without their trademark moment in Indy, will we see a new group of first-time winners at the world’s biggest drag race?

Top Fuel

Among the Top Fuel stars who have yet to claim an Indianapolis win is two-time world champion and national record-holder Brittany Force. The Force name has been synonymous with Indianapolis for years, with John Force winning five times and Ashley Force Hood, Brittany’s sister, earning two Indy wins. But Brittany has yet to add her name to the list of Force family members who have conquered Indianapolis. The John Force Racing team has also won at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park several times, including Prock last year.

Other major names looking to win the Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals for the first time include Justin Ashley and racing legend Tony Stewart, who makes his second career Top Fuel start at the Big Go this year.

Funny Car

Funny Car veteran Bob Tasca III has seen a lot of success in the sport, but a Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals title is not yet on his win list. He has struggled in 2025, but an Indy win would certainly turn everything around.

Paul Lee won last year’s specialty NHRA Funny Car All-Star Callout but has yet to nab a win on Labor Day. Lee won his first career Funny Car race earlier this season in Phoenix. Could Indy be the home of his next win or will a young standout like Daniel Wilkerson or Spencer Hyde come up with a career-defining first-ever Funny Car victory?

Pro Stock

Undoubtedly, this year’s Pro Stock class has been dominated by the KB Titan Racing powerhouse, with reigning world champion Greg Anderson and Pro Stock standout Dallas Glenn winning eight of the 10 Pro Stock races so far this season. While Anderson has seven Indy race wins, Glenn is after his first at the prestigious race.

Glenn currently leads the points standings and will battle for the NHRA regular season championship with his teammate. An Indy win would clinch that and hand the former Rookie of the Year the biggest win in what has already been an impressive career.

Pro Stock Motorcycle

Reigning Pro Stock Motorcycle champion Gaige Herrera won his first Indy last season and once again leads the points this season.

But second place belongs to his Vance & Hines teammate Richard Gadson, who has won a pair of races in his second year in the category. It’s been a breakout year for Gadson and an Indy victory would be another major accomplishment for the championship contender.

Other riders looking for a first-time Indy win include standouts Angie Smith, Jianna Evaristo and Chase Van Sant.

This year’s race will once again be broadcast on FS1 and FOX, with Monday’s eliminations broadcast on FOX beginning at 2 p.m. ET.

For more than 70 years, the Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals has been the focal point of the NHRA season. Racers flock to Indy for their chance at drag racing glory, and NHRA greats, including Tony Schumacher, Bob Glidden, Don Garlits, Greg Anderson, Dave Shultz, and John Force have solidified themselves as Indianapolis royalty with multiple wins on drag racing’s grandest stage.

Top Fuel’s Schumacher has an amazing 10 victories at The Big Go, the most of any driver in NHRA history, while Force’s five Funny Car wins are tied with Ed “The Ace” McCulloch for the most in class history. Reigning Pro Stock world champion Greg Anderson won his seventh Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals in 2022, giving him his 100th career win. Reigning Top Fuel champ Antron Brown has five career wins across two classes at The Big Go in Top Fuel as well as Pro Stock Motorcycle.

Indy offers something for every racing fan, including:

  • Fans at the event who renew their tickets for the 2026 race will be given a special 75th anniversary replica championship ring. They will also be given the option to buy a commemorative ticket featuring several NHRA legends as NHRA looks to celebrate its diamond anniversary next season.
  • The Deecell NHRA Competition Eliminator Cash Clash is back at Indy, giving Comp Eliminator drivers a shot at a big payout on drag racing’s biggest stage.
  • The Sox & Martin Hemi Challenge returns as the longest-running continuous specialty race in NHRA history, and features exciting heads-up, wheelstanding, side-by-side racing of Hemi-powered ’68 Super Stock Dodge Darts and Plymouth Barracudas competing in the NHRA SS/AH class.
  • Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park will see more than 800 race cars competing for U.S. Nationals glory. From Top Fuel to Super Stock, there is a race car on track for any racing fanatic.
  • An unforgettable Top Eliminator Club experience, including NHRA driver appearances, food and drink, TEC gift bag, starting line seats and much more.
  • Free parking for all fans in attendance for the entire weekend.
  • SealMaster Track Walk before Monday’s eliminations.
  • Autograph sessions throughout the weekend and a can’t-miss Hot Rod Junction.
  • Children 12-and-under get in free to an event offering all-day entertainment for the entire family.

Also on the schedule is the final Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge race of the season, as drivers look to earn a bonus purse and bonus points for the upcoming Countdown to the Championship playoffs. Indy also features the world’s best in the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series, NHRA Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown and NHRA Holley EFI Factory X.

NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature one round at 6:15 p.m. ET on Friday, Aug. 29, two rounds at 12:30 and 3:15 p.m. ET on Saturday, Aug. 30 and the final two rounds of qualifying on Sunday, Aug. 31 at 12 and 2:45 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. ET on Monday, Sept 1.

Television coverage includes qualifying action on FS1 at 9:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, and eliminations at 12 p.m. on FS1 on Monday, shifting to FOX at 2 p.m.

The first round of the Funny Car All-Star Callout takes place at 12:45 p.m. ET on Sunday, Aug. 31, with the semifinals at 2:15 p.m. and the final round at 4 p.m. A special broadcast of the Callout takes place on FS1 at 5 p.m. ET on Sunday.

To purchase tickets to the 71st annual Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals, fans can visit www.NHRA.com/tickets. All children 12 and under will be admitted free in the general admission area with a paid adult. For more information about 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 Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series, NHRA Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown™, NHRA Holley EFI Factory X and Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage NHRA Mountain Motor Pro Stock 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.

Corey LaJoie to Pilot No. 77 Silverado for CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Owner’s Championship Effort

By
Official Release
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MOORESVILLE, N.C. (August 11, 2025) – Spire Motorsports is permitting Andrés Pérez de Lara to explore other opportunities for the final eight races of 2025 and beyond, following the August 8 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race at Watkins Glen International. The Mooresville, N.C., team has yet to solidify its 2026 CRAFTSMAN Truck Series plans.

“Andrés has made meaningful progress this season, and we remain confident in his future,” said Spire Motorsports President Bill Anthony. “While we haven’t finalized our 2026 plans for the No. 77 team, we wanted to give him the opportunity to look ahead and pursue other options for the remainder of this year and beyond. He’s a hard worker, carries himself with humility, and brings a consistently positive attitude to the garage. He comes from a great family, and we fully expect him to continue making strides as part of Chevrolet’s driver development program. We’re proud to have been part of his journey and will continue cheering him on.”

Pérez de Lara has made 17 CRAFTSMAN Truck Series starts for Spire Motorsports in 2025, earning a pair of top 10s including a season-best seventh-place finish at Martinsville Speedway. The 2025 Sunoco Rookie of the Year contender is currently 17th in points and third in the rookie standings.

Spire Motorsports, in consultation with NASCAR, will shift the owner’s points from the team’s No. 07 entry to the No. 77 team with veteran Corey LaJoie at the controls for the final eight races of the season, beginning at Richmond Raceway.

The team will compete as a three-truck operation for the remainder of the 2025 campaign, fielding the Nos. 7, 71 and 77 Chevrolet Silverados in pursuit of the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series owner’s and driver’s titles.

About Spire Motorsports …

Spire Motorsports 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 (Tenn.) Superspeedway.

In 2025, Spire Motorsports campaigns the Nos. 7, 71 and 77 Chevrolets in the NASCAR Cup Series. The team also fields the Nos. 07, 7, 71 and 77 Chevrolet Silverados in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series and an ARCA Menards Series Chevrolet in select events.

Virtual Betting on Real Races – How Online Casinos Are Revolutionizing NASCAR

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SM
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Imagine this: you’re watching a thrilling NASCAR race, feeling the adrenaline as cars zoom around the track, and instead of merely hoping your favorite driver wins, you’re actively participating by placing real-time bets. This is no longer a fantasy—this is the reality that online casino Australia and mobile casinos are bringing to NASCAR fans. By integrating virtual betting with live races, NASCAR has tapped into a groundbreaking trend in online gambling, offering fans a chance to interact with the sport in a completely new way.

The global online gambling market is poised to exceed $150 billion by 2026, with Australian online casinos playing a significant role in this expansion. As mobile gaming continues to rise, bettors have access to more opportunities than ever to engage with their favorite sports. NASCAR’s collaboration with online casino sites has opened doors for fans to place real-time bets, not just on the race winner but on everything from lap times to pit stop predictions.

Whether you’re a seasoned gambler looking to refine your strategies or a newcomer exploring online casino Australia real money options, NASCAR’s partnership with online betting platforms offers a unique and exciting opportunity. In this article, we’ll dive into how NASCAR’s integration with online casinos is transforming the fan experience and how you can leverage these changes to enhance your betting skills.

The Growing Trend of Virtual Betting in Online Casinos

The online casino Australia landscape has evolved dramatically, with mobile betting now being a key player in the industry. The rise of mobile casinos has reshaped how people approach online gambling, allowing users to place bets on the go, anytime, anywhere. With online gambling expected to continue growing exponentially, the incorporation of live betting into sports like NASCAR has created a whole new level of excitement for fans and bettors alike.

Virtual betting allows fans to place wagers not only before the race begins but throughout the entire event. This means you can bet on which driver will take the fastest lap, which car will make the first pit stop, or even how many yellow flags will be waved. Online casino sites are now offering live, in-play betting, turning a traditional viewing experience into an interactive and highly engaging one. For example, if a driver falls behind after a pit stop but starts making a comeback, you can place a bet on them to finish in the top 5, adjusting your wagers in real-time.

This shift has proven to be a game-changer for both new and experienced gamblers. It offers a chance to apply strategy, analyze in-race data, and refine your betting techniques. For those eager to enhance their betting knowledge, this dynamic form of betting provides immediate feedback, helping you learn how to predict outcomes more accurately. Whether you’re looking for the best payout online casino Australia offers or exploring new online casinos, the opportunity to bet as the race unfolds gives you the chance to perfect your craft while enjoying the thrills of the race.

Strategic Partnerships Between NASCAR and Online Casinos

The success of virtual betting in NASCAR is largely due to the strategic partnerships between NASCAR and top online sportsbooks and casinos. Brands like BetMGM, FanDuel, and DraftKings have recognized the opportunity to engage NASCAR’s passionate fanbase through online betting platforms. These collaborations have opened new doors for fans to place live bets on everything from race outcomes to individual driver performances.

For example, FanDuel—NASCAR’s official sportsbook partner—offers various betting options, including traditional bets on the race winner and more detailed in-race bets, such as predicting which car will have the fastest lap or whether a driver will finish in the top 10. These options provide a more immersive experience for fans, allowing them to engage with the race beyond simply watching it unfold. The integration of casino bonuses and promotions makes this partnership even more appealing, offering fans incentives to place bets and get involved in the action.

These collaborations are mutually beneficial. NASCAR gains exposure to a new audience of bettors, while online casinos benefit from the massive fan base that NASCAR attracts. This synergy helps grow both industries, enhancing the fan experience and expanding the reach of online casinos. For bettors, it means more betting options, more bonuses, and a better overall experience. Whether you’re interested in online casino games, or looking for the best online casino Australia, these partnerships offer something for everyone.

The Power of In-Play Betting on NASCAR

One of the standout features of online gambling in NASCAR is the ability to place in-play bets. This type of betting allows fans to place wagers during the race, reacting to live events and adjusting their bets as the race unfolds. Traditional betting methods require placing all bets before the race starts, but in-play betting opens up a world of dynamic possibilities, giving fans the opportunity to wager based on real-time data and events.

poker

For instance, if a driver takes an early lead but later struggles due to a pit stop, you can place a bet on that driver to make a comeback. Conversely, if a driver starts slowly but begins to gain momentum, you might place a bet on them to finish in the top 5. The ability to make quick, real-time decisions based on the unfolding race keeps bettors engaged and on their toes.

This form of virtual betting presents an incredible opportunity for bettors to hone their skills. By tracking the race’s flow, analyzing driver performance, and adjusting your bets accordingly, you can fine-tune your strategies. For those new to online casinos, real money betting during a live event like NASCAR offers hands-on experience, helping you learn the ropes in an interactive and fun way. If you’re using online casino sites in Australia, the integration of real-time wagering adds excitement and strategic depth to your betting experience.

Security and Regulation in Online Casino Betting

As online gambling continues to grow, the security and regulation of online casinos are more important than ever. In Australia, safest online casino Australia platforms are licensed by reputable regulatory bodies, ensuring that they operate fairly, securely, and transparently. This is crucial for bettors, especially when placing real money bets during live NASCAR races, where data accuracy and security are paramount.

Licensed online casinos are required to implement strict measures to protect players’ personal and financial data. They use advanced encryption technologies to safeguard transactions and ensure that bettors’ information remains secure. In addition to this, the regulation of casino online Australia platforms ensures that all betting practices are fair, with transparent odds and payouts.

For new online casinos, entering the market with a strong reputation for security and fairness is essential. Bettors can feel confident when placing their bets with regulated platforms, knowing their information is protected and that the betting experience is secure. By choosing licensed online casinos in Australia, fans can enjoy the race without worrying about the integrity of the betting platform.

Benefits for Fans and Online Casinos

The rise of virtual betting in NASCAR brings immense benefits to both fans and online casinos. For fans, the ability to place in-play bets on live races turns each event into a more interactive and engaging experience. Rather than just watching the race, fans become active participants, making wagers as the action unfolds. This dynamic interaction keeps bettors engaged from start to finish, adding excitement to every lap.

For online casinos, partnering with NASCAR provides access to a massive and loyal audience. These partnerships attract new bettors who might not have previously been interested in NASCAR, thus increasing the platform’s customer base. Additionally, casino bonuses, promotions, and special offers help bettors maximize their experience, offering them more chances to win and lessening the risk of loss. Whether you’re using mobile casinos or betting from a desktop, these benefits create a highly engaging and rewarding experience for players.

Moreover, online gambling platforms benefit from having access to a passionate fanbase that enjoys the thrill of NASCAR, which helps to drive engagement and increase brand recognition. By offering best payout online casino Australia options and exciting bonuses, online casinos create a seamless and enjoyable betting experience that keeps fans coming back for more.

The Future of NASCAR and Online Casinos

Looking ahead, the integration of online casinos with NASCAR is likely to grow even further. As technology continues to advance, we can expect even more immersive features, such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), to enhance the betting experience. Imagine being able to watch a race from the driver’s perspective or placing bets with real-time data overlayed directly onto the race itself. These technologies could revolutionize how fans engage with both the sport and the betting process.

Additionally, as new online casinos continue to enter the market, they will likely offer even more innovative features, making the experience even more engaging for fans. Expect to see more live betting options, creative betting formats, and even better integration with race-related data, providing bettors with the most up-to-date information and better opportunities to place smart, informed bets.

For fans eager to enhance their betting skills, the future holds incredible opportunities. Whether you’re exploring the best online casino Australia offers or testing out a new online casino Australia, these developments promise to bring even more value and excitement to your experience.

Experience NASCAR Like Never Before with Virtual Betting

The integration of online casinos in Australia with NASCAR is changing the way fans experience racing. With real-time wagers available throughout the race, fans can engage with the action in an entirely new way. The ability to place in-play bets adds a layer of excitement and strategy, turning each race into an interactive, thrilling event.

For bettors looking to take their online gambling skills to the next level, NASCAR offers a perfect opportunity. Whether you’re using mobile casinos or betting on online casino sites, NASCAR’s virtual betting options provide an exciting and dynamic way to hone your skills, engage with your favorite sport, and win real money.

Matt Hagan Signs Multi-Year Extension With Tony Stewart Racing

By
Official Release
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Four-Time Funny Car Champion to Continue Piloting the Dodge//SRT Hellcat Funny Car in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series

BROWNSBURG, Ind. (August 11, 2025) – Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) has announced that Matt Hagan has signed a multi-year extension to continue driving the Dodge//SRT Hellcat Funny Car in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series.

A native of Christiansburg, Virginia, Hagan is a four-time NHRA Funny Car champion (2011, 2014, 2020 and 2023). The cattle rancher has recorded 53 NHRA national event wins in his legendary career and is currently second in the Funny Car championship standings.

Hagan first competed in Funny Car back in 2008, running in four events and qualifying No. 1 at the prestigious U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis. Shining in his limited schedule, Hagan earned a fulltime ride in 2009. With his rookie season behind him, Hagan broke out in 2010, winning the NHRA Spring Nationals in Houston to collect the first of his 53 career Funny Car victories. Hagan’s Funny Car prowess was a continuation of his straight-line racing form. He was the 2006 rookie of the year in the NHRA AMS Pro Mod Challenge, and as a driver/owner he continued that success in the IHRA’s Funny Car division, winning a class-best three races in 2008.

“Being able to extend my contract with Tony Stewart Racing is huge,” said Matt Hagan. “It’s one of the best teams to drive for in the NHRA. Tony (Stewart) is a great boss. I think it’s important to find a good group and lock it down and be able to build upon that. Tony makes sure we have all the parts and pieces to be able to do all we need to. It’s exciting to sign a multi-year contract so we can continue to build on what we have with Dodge. I’ve been with them for close to 20 years and it shows what a great relationship we have with them. We’ve been able to grow their brand and grow my career. I’m excited and humbled about it and looking forward to seeing what the future brings.”

Hagan is currently in his 18th year driving a Dodge//SRT car, with the Dodge brand having a long history of competing in and supporting motorsports. A large portion of their focus has been helping to deliver products like the Dodge Demon, 1320 and Super Stock. In addition, Direct Connection serves as the source for high-performance parts and technical expertise straight from the factory.

“Four-time NHRA World Champion Matt Hagan is the ultimate Dodge Badassador,” said Matt McAlear, Dodge CEO. “Matt has captured all four of his championships and all of his 53 NHRA career victories behind the wheel of a Dodge Funny Car and has helped grow the Dodge and Mopar drag racing program for nearly two decades. With the announcement of his contract extension with our amazing partners at Tony Stewart Racing, we look forward to cheering on Matt in his TSR Direct Connection Dodge//SRT Hellcat Funny Car for many more years to come.”

Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage (JHG) and American Rebel Light Beer will continue to partner with TSR. The Tennessee-based JHG highlights its world-class car collection on the Dodge//SRT Hellcat Funny Car of four-time champion Matt Hagan. JHG was formed in 2021 and brings a passion and flare to the automotive realm. They aim to inspire, drive and celebrate progress. JHG spans across Jason Johnson’s car collection featuring more than 200 sought after vehicles from classics to hot rods and supercars.

“I’m happy to continue partnering with TSR and Matt Hagan,” said Jason Johnson, Owner and President, Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage. “Together, we’ve achieved success on and off the track. The Tony Stewart Racing team has produced excitement in the drag racing world we all love and I’m glad JHG can be a part of it.”

American Rebel Beer was founded in April of 2024 by American Rebel CEO Andy Ross. American Rebel Beer is All Natural, Crisp, Clean and has a Bold Taste with a Lighter Feel. It does not use corn, rice or other sweeteners typically found in other mass-produced beers. American Rebel Beer is currently offered in 14 states (Connecticut, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, and Virginia), with additional states being announced soon. You can also find American Rebel in various legendary bars like Kid Rock’s, Tootsies, Honky Tony Central, and many others in the entertainment district in Nashville, as well as retail outlets, venues and music festivals throughout the United States. American Rebel Beer is America’s Patriotic, God-Fearing, Constitution-Loving, National Anthem Singing, Stand Your Ground Beer.

“We came into drag racing with Matt two years ago and have been thrilled with the return on investment; we can’t wait to see what the future holds in 2026 and beyond,” said Andy Ross, CEO, American Rebel Holdings, Inc. “We’re really excited about the direction of our American Rebel Light Beer and the partnership with Matt, Tony and TSR has further validated our brand and opened doors to multiple new markets.”

Hagan will remain with current crew chiefs Mike Knudsen and Phil Shuler. The 2025 season marks the first year as crew chief for Knudsen. He was previously Hagan’s co-crew chief and has been with Hagan since 2013, having made the move to TSR from Don Schumacher Racing (DSR) in 2022. Shuler joined TSR in 2025 and has a notable background in the NHRA, having worked for Maynard Family Racing, for Don Prudhomme, DSR, and Spencer Massey.

“Mike and Phil are amazing,” added Hagan. “They have worked together for a long time and have great chemistry. There’s not a lot of second-guessing each other and they feed off each other. It’s been neat watching them work together. They’ve been putting a great race car underneath us this season. It was awesome to get our first win of the 2025 season in Seattle together.”

Tony Stewart Racing has earned 19 wins since the team’s inception in 2022. Hagan brought home 14 of those victories, as well as TSR’s first Funny Car championship in 2023, which marked the fourth of his career.

“I’m really excited and I think the world of Matt and his team,” said team owner Tony Stewart. “I’m glad to have someone driving for us that feels like a family member at this point, not just a teammate and friend. Signing this extension is great for our program. The relationship that Matt and Leah (Pruett) have with Dodge is very deep. Dodge intended for us to have a long relationship together when we started this team, so we really appreciate their partnership.”

The next event on the 2025 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series schedule is the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals, August 14-17 at Brainerd International Raceway in Brainerd, Minnesota.

Mayer Leads Haas Factory Team Effort at Watkins Glen

By
Official Release
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WATKINS GLEN, NY (August 10, 2025) — Sam Mayer continued his winning momentum with a strong runner-up drive at Watkins Glen, leading a competitive weekend for Haas Factory Team. Sheldon Creed impressed with steady climbs through the field and key stage points before his race was cut short, while Cole Custer worked to overcome early handling issues in the Cup Series race.

Xfinity Series

41 Sam Mayer

Fresh off his Iowa victory and returning to the site of his 2023 Watkins Glen win, Sam Mayer started Saturday’s race from the fourth position and quickly showed speed in the Audibel Ford. Early on, he reported his biggest challenge was rolling the corners, noting some tire chatter, but his corner speed was comparable to the leader’s. He was fast and running inside the top five for much of the opening stage. With three laps remaining Mayer pitted from fourth to set up a strategic advantage for later. The stop dropped him in the order, and he finished Stage One in 21st.

That strategy paid off at the start of Stage Two, as pit stops by others cycled Mayer back to fourth for the restart. He quickly climbed to third and set his sights on leaders Shane Van Gisbergen and Connor Zilisch, though he needed more drive off the bus stop and carousel to close the gap. Mayer, however, maintained a strong pace and secured a third-place finish in the stage, adding valuable points.

Mayer stayed out between stages to restart third in the final segment, running hard until a caution came at a critical moment – just as his fuel was running low and his tires were heavily worn. He pitted under yellow, restarted 11th, and began working forward despite minor right-front damage from close-quarters racing. With 9 laps to go, Mayer had advanced to fourth before a multi-car crash brought out the red flag that halted the race and shuffled the order again. When racing resumed Mayer took advantage of the final laps, moving up to second to record an impressive runner-up finish.

“Just really proud of everybody at Haas Factory Team. Our Audibel Ford Mustang was really, really good today,” said Mayer. We obviously weren’t good enough to be up front leading the whole thing, but we were making gains on it and were kind of in the picture all day long.”

00 Sheldon Creed

After runner up finishes in each of his last two Watkins Glen races, Sheldon Creed entered Saturday among the favorites. He rolled off 11th and quickly reported feeling “pretty solid” and capable of challenging several cars ahead. Gradually working his way forward, Creed drove the Road Ranger Ford into the top 10 with 10 laps remaining in Stage One and advanced to ninth just a few laps later. Choosing not to pit before the stage break proved to be a smart strategic call, as others did stop, allowing Creed to finish the segment third and earn valuable stage points.

After pitting, Creed restarted Stage Two in 16th but wasted no time gaining positions, advancing to 14th within the opening five laps. He continued to work his way through the field, cracking the top 10 and earning a seventh-place finish in the stage.

With solid stage results to open the race, Creed appeared poised for a strong finish. Stage Three began with Creed restarting sixth and staying out during the break as part of a fuel-saving strategy. As he neared his pit window, Creed was battling Parker Retzlaff when contact sent him into the wall. The heavy damage ended his day prematurely, erasing the momentum from a promising run and leaving him with a 35th place finish despite his speed and execution in the opening stages.

“The car was pretty fast, especially in clean air,” said Creed. “We were just bleeding the new tires, getting ready to pit in the next few laps and, I don’t know, the 4-car, I don’t know. We just lose our patience I guess and want to make dumb decisions, and I got caught up in it.

Cup Series

41 Cole Custer

Cole Custer has won on a road course twice in the Xfinity Series – Portland (2023) and the Chicago Street Race (2023). On Sunday he was aiming to bring that type of Cup Series performance to Watkins Glen Sunday. He started 32nd in the HaasTooling.com Ford and, despite slipping a couple of spots early while battling handling issues, steadily worked his way forward as the opening stage unfolded. He reported tire chatter in several corners and a vibration under braking but managed the challenges well, climbing to 19th by the end of Stage One.

In Stage Two, the No. 41 team went to work diagnosing a steering issue, making several pit stops to ensure the car could finish strong. Evidence of contact on the right-front tire which led to a misaligned toe setting explained much of the early difficulty, but the crew’s persistence kept Custer in the race and was able to log competitive laps. Though the repairs cost track position, the team’s determination ensured the car continued battling during the closing segment.

Restarting 34th for the final stage, Custer focused on maximizing his run and gathering as much data as possible for future road course events. The team continued to fine-tune the car’s balance, addressing the need for more rear grip while allowing Custer to push in clean air. Despite the early setbacks, he brought the car home in 34th, gaining valuable experience and feedback to build on for the next road course challenge.

Up Next

The NASCAR Cup Series heads to Richmond Raceway next weekend. Race coverage is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, August 16, 2025, on USA Network. The Xfinity series returns to action Friday, August 22nd at Daytona International Raceway.

About Haas Factory Team

The Haas Factory Team is a NASCAR Cup and Xfinity program owned by Gene Haas, founder of Haas Automation. Beginning in 2025, the team will feature Cole Custer driving the No. 41 Ford Mustang Dark Horse in the NASCAR Cup Series, while Sheldon Creed and Sam Mayer take on the Xfinity Series in the No. 00 and No. 41 Ford Mustangs, respectively. Based in Kannapolis, North Carolina, the Haas Factory Team reflects a commitment to performance and engineering excellence, carrying forward Gene Haas’s commitment to motorsports.

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