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Spire Motorsports to Showcase Modo Super Gaming App, John Daly Themed Paint Schemes at Homestead

By
Official Release
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Modo Super Gaming App Unveils Livery Featuring Golf Legend for NASCAR Season Finale

Mooresville, N.C. (Nov. 3, 2026) – Spire Motorsports and Modo, America’s Super Gaming App, will showcase John Daly, one of professional golf’s most charismatic personalities, during NASCAR’s 2026 Championship Weekend at Homestead-Miami (Fla.) Speedway.

Daniel Suárez will sport the Modo Super Gaming App’s John Daly colors on his No. 7 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for the NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race on Nov. 8. Two days prior, Nick Sanchez, a two-time NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race winner, will debut the scheme aboard Spire Motorsports No. 77 Chevrolet Silverado RST in the Nov. 6 Baptist Health 200.

Both Spire Motorsports entries will feature a bold palette of hot pink, electric cyan, violet and orange highlighted by a racing stripe built from small Daly portraits in loud pop-art color.

“Some paint schemes are designed to blend in. This isn’t one of them,” said Spire Motorsports President Bill Anthony. “Modo has never been shy about having fun with this sport, and John Daly is the perfect fit for that personality. We’re proud to carry their colors on both the No. 77 and the No. 7 at Homestead, and we are confident fans will spot them from the top row of the grandstands. We’re grateful to Modo for bringing this kind of energy to the finale and giving fans one more reason to smile at Homestead.”

Separate from the win column, Sanchez, a Miami native, will make his third NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series start of 2026 with Spire Motorsports at Homestead-Miami Speedway. He won the pole for the track’s 2023 race and came home with a series/venue-best 13th-place finish a year later.

Suárez has assembled a noteworthy season all the while qualifying for NASCAR’s version of the playoff’s – The Chase. He earned his third-career win at Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway and wrapped up the regular season with three top fives and seven top 10s. The Monterrey, Mexico native currently sits 15th in The Chase standings heading into the season finale. In nine previous Cup Series starts at Homestead, Suárez earned a venue-best 10th-place finish in 2022.

Daly, a brand ambassador for Modo, America’s Super Gaming App, since 2024, will attend Sunday’s race at Homestead and will join Suárez and the No. 7 team on the starting grid before the green flag.

“I’ve had my face on a lot of things over the years, but never on a NASCAR Cup car doing 180 mph,” said Daly. “Usually, it’s my pants getting all the attention, but now I’ve got a race car stealing the show. I’ll be at Homestead cheering on Daniel and watching a few hundred of me flying around the track. Hopefully, they can go faster than I can walk to the 19th hole!”
 
“NASCAR fans deserve more than a logo on a quarter panel, so we took the boldest personality in golf and turned him into the loudest car on the grid,” said David Jumper, Chief Marketing Officer of ARB Interactive. That is how Modo, America’s Super Gaming App, operates. Go bigger than anyone expects, then show up in person.”
 
Racing action at Homestead-Miami Speedway kicks off with the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Championship race on November 6. Live coverage begins at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on FS1, with radio coverage provided by the NASCAR Radio Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90. The NASCAR Cup Series Championship race begins at 3 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on November 8. The 267-lap event will be broadcast live on NBC, with live radio coverage provided by Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

About the Modo Super Gaming App…
Modo, America’s Super Gaming App, is one destination where every player picks their Modo moment: play Social+ games and Modo Arcade, rip collectible boxes and chase grail cards and one-of-one pulls with Modo Rips, and soon, predict the outcomes of real-world events. Proudly American-owned and operated, the Modo Super Gaming App is built entirely in-house by ARB Interactive. Learn more at modo.us.
 
About Spire Motorsports …
Spire Motorsports fields full-time entries in the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series and Interstate Batteries 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 first NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series win April 7, 2022, at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway. The team’s most recent victory came October 23, 2026, when Sammy Smith won the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway. 

In 2026, Spire Motorsports campaigns 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 also fields the No. 77 410 sprint car in Interstate Batteries High Limit Racing competition.

Long-Term Consistency Is Christopher Bell’s Calling Card

By
Official Release
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Another Year, Another Championship Charge From Interstate Batteries Driver

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. (Nov. 3, 2026) – When 76 points is the maximum a driver can earn in a single NASCAR Cup Series race, overcoming a 67-point deficit is indeed a tall order.

That is what faces Christopher Bell in the Cup Series season finale this Sunday at Homestead-Miami Speedway. The driver of the No. 20 Interstate Batteries Toyota Camry XSE for Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) is second to championship leader Kyle Larson, who has crafted a Tony Stewart-esque drive during the 10-race Chase by winning three times and having only one finish outside the top-nine.

Bell is still focused forward, but the 31-year-old racer from Norman, Oklahoma, must also keep an eye on his rearview mirror. His JGR teammate Denny Hamlin is just three points behind in third, and 17 points back in fourth sits another JGR teammate, Chase Briscoe. Fifth-place Joey Logano lurks 36 points away, sixth-place Tyler Reddick is 58 points out, and seventh-place Ryan Blaney is a distant 66 points behind. Those are the only drivers still eligible to overtake Bell.

Bell has finished among the top-five in points for the past five seasons. A sixth season beckons. It is a remarkable run of consistency, but one that is also bittersweet. Most of Bell’s counterparts have spent entire seasons chasing what Bell considers an average Sunday.

“I’m proud of where we’re at, and certainly proud that we’ve been so close year in and year out, but we do want to get that golden egg,” Bell said.

Like Interstate Batteries, the leading replacement battery brand in the United States, Bell has been outrageously dependable in his seven-year Cup Series career. He finished 20th in his rookie season in 2020, and then won his first race in 2021 on his way to a 12th-place points finish. From 2022 onward, Bell has always been in the championship conversation.

“My team has done a really good job,” Bell said. “They’re resilient, they’re just really resilient. They’ve shown throughout the years that whenever it matters the most, they show up in the biggest ways.”

The belief is mutual within the No. 20 team, as crew chief Adam Stevens, who has been paired with Bell since 2021, explains.

“Christopher brings his best every weekend, and his resilience has really impressed me,” Stevens said. “It’s been a very odd year for us to be as competitive as we’ve been and really not have a lot to show for it. He doesn’t get too distracted by whatever happened last week or the week before that, and that’s a big part of the sport. You race a lot of times every year. It’s 38 times we show up, and even the guys who’ve had outstanding years, 30 times they go home disappointed. And it’s been a few more than 30 for us.

“But having a season like this is something we can certainly build off of. We’ve been bringing competitive cars and Christopher’s been doing a fantastic job. Sometimes that’s just not enough, but I think that’s meant a lot of growth for him, especially through some of the trials and tribulations we’ve had this year. That’s something that’s going to pay dividends in his future.”

The near future is Sunday at Homestead. The 1.5-mile oval at the gateway to the Florida Keys is a driver’s track. It is a favorite among competitors because of its weathered asphalt, long straightaways and variable banking. It allows drivers to search different racing lines while managing their tires.

“Homestead is a driver’s track, for sure,” Bell said. “It’s really slippery, and you have to be able to drive the car loose. You have to be able to move your line around. You have to be able to adapt to changing conditions. It takes two pedals and a steering wheel to go fast there. Some of these other tracks, it doesn’t.”

Bell knows what he’s talking about. He clinched a NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series championship at Homestead in 2017 and won the sixth of his 14 career Cup Series victories at the South Florida track in 2023.

“I love Homestead, and I think it’s a really good place to crown a champion,” Bell said.

“There’s a lot on the line for everyone. There’s a lot of money invested, and we have partners who expect results.

“Interstate Batteries has been with Joe Gibbs Racing since its very beginning, and they’re on the car at Homestead, sharing it with DEWALT. Between them and the 600-plus employees at Joe Gibbs Racing that put effort into this racecar, we go in with our best foot forward to try and win.”

The championship race weekend at Homestead begins Friday with a 50-minute practice session starting at 5:30 p.m. EST. Teams will have Friday evening and Saturday morning to debrief and make changes to their cars before qualifying Saturday at 2:30 p.m. The final race of the 2026 season goes off Sunday at 3 p.m. truTV will provide live coverage of practice and qualifying, with NBC broadcasting the 267-lap race. SiriusXM NASCAR Radio will serve as the audio home for the entire race weekend.

About Joe Gibbs Racing:

Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) is one of the premier organizations in NASCAR with four NASCAR Cup Series teams, four NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series teams, an ARCA Menards Series team, and a driver development program. JGR is based in Huntersville, North Carolina, and owned by 2020 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee Joe Gibbs, who also earned his place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame and was named as one of the NFL’s top-10 coaches of all time with a winning career that included three Super Bowl championships as head coach of the Washington franchise. JGR has competed in NASCAR since 1992, capturing more than 400 wins over that span. No team has more combined wins across the sport’s three national series in the history of NASCAR. In addition, JGR has won five Cup Series championships along with four O’Reilly Auto Parts Series driver championships and seven O’Reilly Auto Parts Series owners’ championships. The organization also has captured four Daytona 500 titles, considered to be NASCAR’s premier event.

About Interstate Batteries:

For more than 70 years, Interstate Batteries® has powered people down roads, trails and waterways and businesses to succeed. Best known for its starting, lighting and ignition (SLI) batteries, this product has been under car hoods since 1952, each one backed by the company’s service, quality and value. Interstate All Battery Center® provides portable power in both retail and commercial markets. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, Interstate Batteries is an industry leader in recycling efforts, as well as a global leader in safe lead handling practices. Guided by a set of common values, the company’s purpose is to glorify God and enrich lives while delivering the most trustworthy source of power to the world. For more information, visit www.InterstateBatteries.com.

Replacing a Headlight Bulb: DIY Job or Time for a Mechanic?

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

A failed headlight does not always mean a garage visit, but it is not automatically a simple driveway job either. Some cars provide easy access to a replaceable halogen bulb. Others require removing surrounding parts, diagnosing an electrical fault, or working on a headlamp with no ordinary replacement bulb.

The useful distinction is between replacing a known failed part and investigating an unfamiliar lighting system. Check what the job involves before deciding whether to tackle it at home.

Read the access procedure before buying parts

Start with the owner’s manual. Find the affected light, its bulb specification, and the replacement procedure. Dipped beam, main beam, and daytime running lights may sit together but need different parts or repair methods.

Then inspect the available space with the car parked safely and the engine and lights switched off. Allow hot components to cool. Can the rear cover be reached comfortably? Is the retaining mechanism visible? Does the manual describe a normal owner replacement, or direct the driver to a workshop?

A removable cover is encouraging, but it is not enough on its own. There must also be room to release the connector and retainer without pulling wires or working blindly around delicate parts. Follow the vehicle-specific instructions rather than assuming a video of a similar model applies.

When a DIY replacement is reasonable

A straightforward home job generally has three features: an accessible replaceable halogen bulb, a clearly identified matching replacement, and no signs of damage around the connector or housing.

The tools and procedure should also be familiar. A simple job stops being simple if it requires equipment that is unavailable or dismantling beyond the driver’s experience. Being uncomfortable with a stiff clip is a reasonable reason to seek help.

For a suitable job, follow the manual’s handling and fitting instructions. Keep fingers off halogen bulb glass, support connectors rather than pulling their wires, and avoid forcing a retainer that will not release. The replacement must locate correctly, and the rear cover must close as designed.

A dashboard bulb-out warning does not automatically rule out DIY. It may simply be reporting the failed bulb. A warning that remains after a correct replacement, however, needs further investigation rather than repeated parts swapping.

Keep replacement separate from upgrading

Matching the existing bulb is a different task from changing the lighting technology. Before ordering, confirm the precise bulb code and the headlamp variant fitted to the car. The vehicle-based catalog at Xenons Online is one way to begin that comparison, alongside the owner’s manual and existing part information.

A physically compatible socket does not make a halogen-to-LED or HID conversion a routine replacement. Space, cooling, electrical compatibility, beam formation, and road-use approval all matter. An adapter that suppresses a dashboard warning does not settle those other questions.

Great Britain now permits certain approved LED replacements in compatible halogen headlamps under specific MOT conditions, including a required secure approval sticker. That does not extend to every product marketed as an LED upgrade. Anyone considering a technology change should establish the exact approval and fitting requirements separately.

Factory HID systems involve high-voltage components and are best left to properly equipped professionals. Integrated LED faults may also need diagnosis or module work rather than a bulb purchase.

Signs that a mechanic should take over

Access is a strong dividing line. If the specified procedure involves removing a bumper, moving major components, or disturbing wiring that is not familiar, a workshop is usually the more sensible choice. Saving the fitting charge is less attractive if the attempt damages a housing or connector.

Stop if there is a melted plug, corrosion, damaged wiring, or repeated failure on the same side. Those symptoms call for diagnosis; another bulb may not address the cause. Flickering can also come from several faults, so it should not automatically be treated as a bulb problem.

Light misting inside a lamp is not the same as standing water. Persistent droplets, pooling, or moisture around electrical connections warrant investigation. A technician can assess covers, seals, vents, and other possible causes rather than assuming every trace of condensation means the housing has failed.

A garage is also a good choice when there is no safe, well-lit place to work. Poor visibility and pressure to finish before a journey make damaged clips and incorrect seating more likely.

Check the result before calling the job finished

After a replacement, confirm that the affected light works and that any disturbed cover or connector is secure. Check the other lighting functions too, especially where access involved moving parts near the same assembly.

A comparison against a wall can reveal an obviously distorted or uneven beam, but it is not a calibrated alignment test. If the pattern has changed, the bulb may be seated incorrectly or the lamp may need professional checking. Do not compensate for poor seating by casually adjusting the headlamp aim.

The decision comes back to scope: a documented, accessible, like-for-like halogen replacement can be a reasonable DIY task. Difficult access, damaged parts, or an uncertain diagnosis favor a mechanic. Knowing where to stop is part of doing the job properly.

How to Create a Racing-Inspired Digital Wrap for Your Tesla

By
SM
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Racing liveries work because they make a car recognizable at a glance. A contrasting stripe, a clear number, and a limited color palette can communicate more than a body covered in competing graphics.

That approach also works for a Tesla digital wrap. You can develop an original racing-inspired design, preview how it follows the vehicle’s shape, and prepare it for the on-screen vehicle appearance in compatible Tesla Paint Shop setups.

The project starts with a few visual decisions: choose a theme, match the correct vehicle template, and decide which parts of the design deserve the most attention.

Choose a Racing Theme You Can Make Your Own

Start with a direction rather than a collection of unrelated images. A retro endurance theme might use cream, navy, and a single orange stripe. A modern club-racing concept could combine a dark base, bright accents, and a simple number panel.

Write a short brief before opening the editor. For example:

“Create an original weekend-racing design with a navy base, cream side panels, orange accents, and the number 27.”

This gives you a reference when judging later changes. If a new graphic introduces another color or competes with the number, ask whether it improves the original idea.

For inspiration, browse Tesla wrap ideas and compare how different designs use color blocks, stripes, and empty space. Filter or browse by the relevant model where available, because a layout that suits a Cybertruck may behave differently on a Model 3.

Use references to understand composition. Build your own identity instead of copying a racing team’s logos, sponsor graphics, or complete livery.

Match the Vehicle Template Before Adding Artwork

Choose the correct Tesla model and the corresponding version offered by the tool. Body shapes and panel layouts affect where artwork appears, so a template mismatch can undermine an otherwise strong design.

Vehicle-specific templates use a flattened layout to map artwork onto the 3D model. A shape that looks continuous on that layout may cross a seam when displayed on the vehicle.

Begin with broad color areas. Rotate the preview and identify where the hood, doors, rear panels, and bumpers sit. This is easier to understand before the design becomes crowded with graphics.

For the navy-and-cream example, first establish the navy base. Then add the cream side area and check whether it follows the doors cleanly. Save smaller accents for the next stage.

Build the Design Around One Main Feature

A racing-inspired wrap needs a clear visual hierarchy. Decide whether the main feature will be a central stripe, a side number panel, or a large geometric shape.

For this example, the number 27 can become the focal point on each side. The orange accent should guide attention toward it without crossing through the digits.

Keep secondary details quieter. Thin lines and small lettering may look attractive when enlarged but become difficult to read in the vehicle’s on-screen representation.

View the design from several angles before adding more. A stripe that looks balanced from the side might appear too wide across the hood. Adjust the major shapes while the layout is still simple.

Create and Refine the Wrap in the Browser

In Tesla Wrap Designer, the Tesla wrap editor lets you select a vehicle template, arrange images, text, and patterns, and examine the composition on a 3D model.

Work through the design in a deliberate order:

  1. Select the matching model and template version.
  2. Establish the base color and main contrasting areas.
  3. Add the principal stripe or number panel.
  4. Position text and supporting graphics.
  5. Rotate the preview and inspect the layout before export.

If you use AI generation, describe the composition as well as the style. “Navy racing design with cream side panels and restrained orange accents” gives a clearer direction than “make it sporty.”

AI generation spends credits; manual editing, 3D previewing, and PNG export are free. Examine generated lettering and numbers before keeping them. If the number 27 is unclear, replace it with a clean text element rather than building the design around malformed digits.

Check Seams and Text Direction

The most useful review often happens away from the first flattering angle. Inspect the front, rear, both sides, and the upper surfaces.

Watch where stripes approach door edges and other panel boundaries. A graphic may appear interrupted or change direction unexpectedly after it is mapped onto the vehicle.

Check both sides independently. Text or asymmetric artwork can look correct on one side and reversed on the other, depending on how it has been positioned.

The number panel also needs enough contrast. Cream digits on an orange background might be less readable than navy digits on cream. Test the simplest version first, then add detail only when it remains clear.

Export and Apply the Digital Design

Once the design is settled, download the Paint Shop PNG and retain an unchanged copy. Give revisions distinct filenames so you can identify which version you are testing.

For a compatible setup, upload through the Tesla app under Creations → Wrap → Upload; the app route requires version 4.59.0 or later. Alternatively, place the PNG in a folder named Wraps at the root of a supported USB drive. Select the transferred design in the vehicle under Toybox → Paint Shop → Wraps.

Check the applicable image and filename requirements before transferring the file. Avoid resizing or converting the downloaded PNG unless you are deliberately preparing another compatible export.

With the car parked, examine the number 27, stripe transitions, and lettering on the touchscreen. If a correction is needed, return to the source design and change the affected element before producing another export.

Keep Digital Design Separate From Physical Installation

A digital wrap changes the vehicle representation on screen. It does not change the paint or add vinyl to the actual car.

If you later want a physical version, use the digital concept to explain your preferences to a wrap professional. The installer will need to assess dimensions, production files, material choices, and installation requirements.

Screen previews also cannot establish exactly how printed colors or finishes will look on vinyl. Treat that discussion as a separate stage.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make a racing-inspired design without copying a real team?

Create your own palette, number panel, and graphic arrangement. Avoid reproducing a team’s complete livery or using sponsor logos without permission.

What makes a racing number easier to read?

Use simple digits with strong contrast against their background. Leave space around the number and keep stripes from crossing through it.

Should the front and sides use identical graphics?

They should share a visual identity, but their layouts can differ. Repeat selected colors or accents while adapting the composition to each surface.

Finish With a Design That Reads Clearly

A successful racing-inspired digital wrap has a recognizable identity from several angles. Keep the strongest feature clear, check both sides, and confirm the final appearance after import. A restrained palette and a well-placed number often give the design more character than another layer of decoration.

Tesla Wrap Designer is an independent tool and is not affiliated with Tesla, Inc.

Dodge returning as a Cup Series manufacturer with Kaulig Racing in 2027

By
Andrew Kim
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Photo by John Knittel for SpeedwayMedia.com.

Dodge will be returning as a manufacturer in the NASCAR Cup Series division with Kaulig Racing in 2027.

The announcement was made at this year’s SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) Event in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Monday, November 2, by Tim Kuniskis, head of American Brands, SRT Performance and Direct Connection division, Stellantis North America. The 2027 season will mark the first time since Dodge, owned and managed by Stellantis, will be fielded as a full-time NASCAR manufactured team since 2012. Next season will also officially be Kaulig Racing’s first being fielded by a different manufacturer aside from Chevrolet since the organization’s inception in 2016.

“Everyone said it was impossible to get back in one year. We said, ‘watch this,’” Kuniskis said. “Sure, we could spend three years planning, testing and perfecting … or we could do all three in real time, on the track. It’s going to be exponentially harder this way. But slow has never been part of Dodge DNA. LFG.”

As part of Dodge’s return with Kaulig Racing, the organization will reveal its 2027 driver lineup during this upcoming weekend’s championship festivities at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Ty Dillon and AJ Allmendinger currently compete in Kaulig’s two entries numbered 10 and 16, respectively. Then on December 4, 2026, Dodge will hold The Dodge Sno-Brawl and reveal the Charger livery that will be sported throughout the 2027 Cup season during the 59th annual Snowball Derby late model event at Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, Florida.

“Dodge’s return to the NASCAR Cup Series is a significant milestone for the sport,” Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR Chief Executive Officer. said. “This commitment speaks to Dodge’s belief in our sport and gives fans another reason to be excited about what’s ahead. The partnership between NASCAR, Tim Kuniskis and the entire team at Stellantis has been nothing short of phenomenal. They have a deep passion for NASCAR and its ability to showcase the world’s top brands, and we can’t wait to see Dodge on the race track for the Daytona 500 and beyond.”

“This is a very exciting moment for both [general manager] Chris Rice and me,” Matt Kaulig, Kaulig Racing’s founder and team owner, added. “We launched Kaulig Racing a decade ago and have overcome so many challenges together, which makes it even more remarkable to be announced as the anchor team for Dodge’s return to the NASCAR Cup Series. What a monumental time to be a member of Kaulig Racing. We realize what a responsibility this opportunity presents to the men and women of Kaulig Racing, and we are ready to rise to the occasion. I am proud of the stability and support this partnership brings to our organization, which allows us to build a winning program for many years to come.”

This season, Stellantis returned to NASCAR through one of its brands with Kaulig as the organization fielded five RAM 1500 entries throughout this year’s NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season. Corey LaJoie, Brenden Queen, Timothy “Mini” Tyrrell and Justin Haley pilot Kaulig’s Nos. 10, 12, 14 and 16 RAM entries, respectively. A fifth entry numbered 25 serves as the organization’s Free Agent Program entry that has been fielded and piloted by multiple competitors from various racing divisions and disciplines. AJ Allmendinger, Clint Bowyer, Colin Braun, Conor Daly, Ty Dillon, Carson Ferguson, Parker Kligerman, Corey LaJoie, Jamie McMurray, Ryan Newman, Travis Pastrana, Elliott Sadler, Regan Smith and Tony Stewart have each piloted the entry at least once, with Kligerman set to compete in this weekend’s Truck finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

Photo by John Knittel for SpeedwayMedia.com.

To date, Dodge holds the fourth-most victories at 217 and the third-most poles at 254 in the Cup Series division. The manufacturer’s latest Cup pole was at Kansas Speedway in April 2012 by AJ Allmendinger. Keselowski recorded Dodge’s latest victory at Dover Motor Speedway in September 2012. The latter also proceeded to win Dodge’s fifth and latest championship in 2012 prior to the manufacturer’s initial departure at season’s end. 

With Dodge’s return with Kaulig Racing set, the 2027 NASCAR Cup Series season is scheduled to commence with the Wheatly Vodka Clash at Daytona International Speedway on February 13. This event will be followed by the 69th running of the Daytona 500 on February 21.

Justin Allgaier solidifies multi-year renewal with JR Motorsports, beginning in 2027

By
Andrew Kim
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Photo by Adam Lovelace for SpeedwayMedia.com.

Justin Allgaier and his longtime sponsor BRANDT are remaining at JR Motorsports (JRM) under a new multi-year deal that will commence in 2027 and prior to the start of a new season of NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series competition. 

The news was made by JRM on Monday, November 2, where Allgaier revealed his initial plans of retiring from full-time NASCAR competition at the conclusion of the 2026 season. All retirement speculations were put to rest through a social media video that featured Allgaier stating, “I wasn’t quite ready yet.”

The 2024 O’Reilly Auto Parts Series champion from Riverton, Illinois, is currently campaigning in his 16th season in the series and 11th in a row with JRM. This season, Allgaier has notched a season-high six victories, two poles, 19 top-five results, 23 top-10 results, 803 laps led and an average-finishing result of 9.6 through 32-scheduled events. As one of 12 competitors competing in this year’s Chase, he is currently leading the Chase standings by 22 points. He is also one of five contenders (featuring Jesse Love, Corey Day, Carson Kvapil and Sheldon Creed) who are set to compete for this year’s championship in this upcoming weekend’s finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

Allgaier first joined JRM for the 2016 O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season. By then, sponsor BRANDT, which first sponsored Allgaier in 2011, also followed suit to continue to sponsor the Illinois veteran. As the organization’s longest-tenured competitor, he has made the Chase/Playoffs throughout his JRM career and has finished in the top-five mark in the standings in all but one season, the latter of which was in 2018. Throughout the 11-year span, he notched his first championship in 2024 and 32 victories, the latter of which involved him winning in every season he has competed at JRM aside from 2016. Allgaier has also recorded 10 poles, 158 top-five results, 241 top-10 results, 7,327 laps led through 362 starts in JRM’s No. 7 Chevrolet entry, a ride in which he will continue to pilot for the foreseeable future.

At 536 current starts in the O’Reilly division, Allgaier holds the sixth-most victories in the series at 34 and has compiled 14 poles, 187 top-five results, 325 top-10 results, 7,944 laps led and an average-finishing result of 11.6. He is one of 35 competitors to win a championship in the series. Should Allgaier claim the top prize at the conclusion of this Saturday’s finale, he will become the 10th competitor to achieve multiple championships in the O’Reilly division.

With his future plans set, Justin Allgaier’s pursuit of the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series championship commences this upcoming Saturday, November 7, at Homestead-Miami Speedway in Homestead, Florida. The championship event’s broadcast time is scheduled to commence at 5 p.m. ET on the CW Network, MRN Radio and SiriusXM.

Lookin for Better Days, Lookin for Floridays

By
Official Release
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South Florida’s Homestead-Miami Speedway Hosts NASCAR Cup Series Season Finale

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (Nov. 2, 2026) – Jimmy Buffett lived many lives. Perhaps the singer, songwriter and businessman could’ve also been a NASCAR Cup Series driver. He at least knew the lingo.

Lookin’ to the left, lookin’ to the right
Lookin’ to the stars to shed some light
Hopin’ for a breath, hopin’ for a break
Hopin’ for the give without the take

Those lines were from his 1986 fan favorite “Floridays,” and 40 years later, they’re just as applicable to the Cup Series season finale this Sunday at Homestead-Miami Speedway, where drivers like Cody Ware are Lookin’ for better days, lookin’ for Floridays.

“I’m cautiously optimistic going into Homestead,” said Ware, driver of the No. 51 Super.com/Rocket Doctor Chevrolet for Rick Ware Racing. “Our intermediate-track package has definitely improved here in this last stretch of races between Kansas, Vegas and Charlotte, so I’m hopeful that will continue at Homestead.

“The track is a pretty unique mile-and-a-half oval. It’s its own animal. It’s not a traditional tri-oval, so we’ll see how much it translates. But for us to be able to hang our hat on some of the positives we’ve learned this season by just having a good run at Homestead – a no-frills, no-chaos weekend where we execute and earn a good result – that’ll give us all something to build off of for next year.”

It’s been seven years since Homestead last served as the final race on the Cup Series schedule. From 2002 through 2019, the 1.5-mile oval at the gateway to the Florida Keys was where Cup Series champions were crowned. Beginning in 2020, however, Phoenix Raceway hosted the season-ender. With this year’s final race back at Homestead, there’s a collective sense of belonging, where “dreamers,” “pale invaders” and “tan crusaders” gravitate down to U.S. 1 in a shared search for “better days.”

“I’ve raced the finale at Phoenix for all of my career, so it’s nice to have a little bit of a change,” Ware said. “It’s tough, though, because Homestead’s probably the racetrack where I have the least amount of experience in Cup.”

Ware has only three Cup Series starts at Homestead, and the first came in 2021 amid COVID-related restrictions, which meant no practice and no qualifying. His next start came in 2022 when there was just a 15-minute practice ahead of qualifying. In his most recent Homestead start last year, practice expanded to 25 minutes. Now in 2026, Ware and his Cup Series counterparts get a 50-minute session.

“There’s a lot of nuance to Homestead, and I’m still learning it,” Ware said. “For most of my starts there, it was just show up and race. I’m looking forward to getting back there this year with twice the practice time.”

Despite his limited time at Homestead, Ware shares the widely held opinion that Homestead is a driver’s track. It is a favorite among competitors because of its weathered asphalt, long straightaways and variable banking. It allows drivers to search different racing lines while managing their tires.

“Homestead is super aggressive, super abrasive. It’s almost like Darlington times 10, where the track surface, after a lap or two, your tires are shot. Everyone’s got a terrible racecar 10 laps into a run. That’s why it’s a more driver-oriented track,” Ware said.

“It’s all about making the most of what you have. I think even the guy leading the race at Homestead is going to be complaining about how bad his car is, but he’s just the one who’s making the most of it.”

Those who make the most of it will have the kind of Floriday Buffett sang of, for Homestead is now the focal point of a once distant gaze.

The Homestead race weekend begins Friday with a 50-minute practice session starting at 5:30 p.m. EST. Teams will have Friday evening and Saturday morning to debrief and make changes to their cars before qualifying Saturday at 2:30 p.m. The final race of the 2026 season goes off Sunday at 3 p.m. truTV will provide live coverage of practice and qualifying, with NBC broadcasting the 267-lap race. SiriusXM NASCAR Radio will serve as the audio home for the entire race weekend.

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. More than a decade later, injuries would force Ware out of the driver’s seat and into full-time team ownership. In 1995, Rick Ware Racing was formed, and with his wife Lisa by his side, Ware has since built his eponymous organization into an entity that competes full-time in the elite NASCAR Cup Series while simultaneously campaigning successful teams in the Top Fuel class of the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, Progressive American Flat Track, FIM World Supercross Championship (WSX) and zMAX CARS Tour.

George Siciliano, Rette Jones Racing Set Sights on 2027 ARCA Menards Series Championship

By
Official Release
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Siciliano will compete full-time in the No. 0 Heat Wave Visual Chevrolet

MOORESVILLE, N.C.: After competing together on a partial schedule in 2026, Rette Jones Racing (RJR) announced today that George Siciliano will return for a full-season campaign in the ARCA Menards Series in 2027, beginning with the season opener at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway on Feb. 20.

Heat Wave Visual will continue its partnership with Siciliano for the full-season campaign.

An independent, passion-driven eyewear brand, Heat Wave Visual is committed to raising the bar in everything it does and supporting people who live and breathe their passions, where full immersion and excellence collide.

They feature specialized, removable lenses and offer Z87+ safety-rated options, popular in automotive, motorcycle, and off-road, and outdoor cultures.

Siciliano will drive the No. 0 Heat Wave Visual Chevrolet.

The move to Chevrolet marks a new chapter for Rette Jones Racing, which is looking forward to representing the Bowtie brand throughout the season.

“We’re proud to bring Chevrolet into this program and represent the Bowtie in 2027,” said Rette Jones Racing co-owner Terry Jones.

“We’ve built a good foundation with George, Rette and Heat Wave Visual, and we’re looking forward to taking that effort to the next level with a full-season campaign.”

Rette Jones Racing and Siciliano will begin their season at ARCA Menards Series preseason practice at Daytona International Speedway on Jan. 15–16, 2027.

Siciliano made two ARCA Menards Series East starts in 2026, finishing 13th at Hickory (N.C.) Motor Speedway and ninth at Rockingham (N.C.) Speedway.

In three ARCA Menards Series national starts, Siciliano finished 12th in his series debut at Kansas Speedway and 29th at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway after a crash. At Michigan International Speedway, he earned his first career speedway top-10 finish with a 10th-place effort.

Known to fans as LS George and Squirrel McNutt, Siciliano built his following through automotive and motorsports content and his friendship and collaborations with Cleetus McFarland.

McFarland drove the No. 30 for Rette Jones Racing on partial ARCA Menards Series schedules in 2025 and 2026. His results with the team include a career-best second-place finish at Talladega Superspeedway in April and his first pole position at Michigan International Speedway in June.

“We’ve seen how much George can learn and accomplish when he gets more time in the car,” said co-car owner Mark Rette.

“A full season gives us the chance to build from race to race, and we’re focused on giving him a strong Chevrolet program. We’re ready to get to Daytona, start working through the details and prepare for the season.”

Siciliano said the full-season opportunity gives him a clear goal for 2027.

“My expectation is to keep improving throughout the season and put ourselves in position to compete for the championship,” said Siciliano.

“Running a partial schedule taught me a lot, but being at the track every week will give me more opportunities to learn and build chemistry with the team.

“I’m grateful to Heat Wave Visual and Rette Jones Racing for the chance, and I’m ready to get started at Daytona.”

“After dipping our toes into ARCA in 2026, we are beyond excited to jump in headfirst for 2027 with George and Rette Jones Racing,” offered Graham Downey, Global Motorsports Manager for Heat Wave Visual.

“We had an exciting year and are looking forward to carrying that into a full-season program. Rette Jones Racing has been one of the most professional teams in the series, and we’ve integrated seamlessly with the entire organization.

“George has been an amazing personality for the brand and wins for us before the race even starts. We’re excited for Heat Wave Visual and George to continue making a meaningful impact and bringing positive attention to the ARCA and NASCAR community.”

Learn More and shop available Heat Wave Visual inventory at heatwavevisual.com.

For more on George Siciliano, like him on Facebook (george.siciliano.1) and follow him on Instagram (@ls__george).

For more on Rette Jones Racing, please visit RetteJonesRacing.com, like them on Facebook (Rette Jones Racing), or follow them on Instagram (@RetteJones30) and X | Twitter (@RetteJones30).

About Rette Jones Racing:

Headquartered in Mooresville, North Carolina, Rette Jones Racing (RJR) was founded in 2015 with the vision of building a competitive racing organization grounded in hard work, preparation and a relentless, never-give-up attitude.

Owned by veteran racers Terry Jones and Mark Rette, RJR continues to expand its footprint across multiple platforms.

In 2026, the team plans to field a full-time entry in the ASA STARS National Tour, while also competing in the ARCA Menards Series and other motorsports disciplines as part of its continued growth and competitive expansion.

Beyond its on-track efforts, Rette Jones Racing provides technical and setup expertise through its technical alliance partnership program, supplying teams with engineering support, chassis consultation, and race-day insight designed to elevate performance and foster long-term success.

JUSTIN BOND WINS JBS EQUIPMENT NHRA PRO MOD SERIES CHAMPIONSHIP IN HIGH-STAKES FINAL AT LAS VEGAS

By
Official Release
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LAS VEGAS (Nov. 2, 2026) – Justin Bond clinched his first-ever championship in the JBS Equipment NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Elite Motorsports, beating Mike Stavrinos in a winner-take-all final round on Sunday at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway as part of this weekend’s MOPAR NHRA Las Vegas Nationals powered by Dodge.

It marked the final event of the 11-race season and the Road to the Championship playoffs, and the finale was powered by Penske Racing Shocks and presented by Precision Racing Suspension.

Bond and Stavrinos entered the weekend as the top two in points and they delivered throughout eliminations, setting up a thrilling winner-take-all final round in Vegas. Stavrinos left first, but ran into trouble with his car as Bond chased him down just past half-track, pulling away with a standout run of 5.660-seconds at 253.47 mph to Stavrinos’ 5.791 at 230.69.

It netted Bond his second win of the season, but more importantly, his first world championship in the JBS Equipment NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Elite Motorsports.

“I just want to thank my team. It’s been a wild ride,” Bond said following the victory and championship. “I don’t know what else to say. I’m trying to keep my composure.”

To get his eighth career NHRA Pro Mod victory, Bond took down Shane Gray, championship contender Derek Menholt and Billy Banaka to reach the final round, running in the 5.60s over the final three rounds. Bond also beat Banaka on a holeshot in the semifinals, setting up the winner-take-all matchup with Stavrinos.

Bond finished the season with two victories and four trips to the final round, advancing to the championship round at three of the final four races. He also finished as the No. 1 qualifier twice in 2026.

Stavrinos reached the finals for the fourth time this year, defeating Alex Laughlin, Nick Januik and J.R. Gray.

The 2027 schedule for the JBS Equipment NHRA Pro Mod Series presented by Elite Motorsports will be announced in the coming weeks.

LAS VEGAS — Final finish order (1-16) at the 26th annual MOPAR NHRA Las Vegas Nationals powered by Dodge at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The race is the final of 11 events in the JBS Equipment NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Elite Motorsports.

PRO MODIFIED:

  1. Justin Bond; 2. Mike Stavrinos; 3. Billy Banaka; 4. JR Gray; 5. Nick Januik; 6. Derek

Menholt; 7. Mike Thielen; 8. Stan Shelton; 9. Chip King; 10. Jason Collins; 11. Kevin Rivenbark; 12. Mike Castellana; 13. Alex Laughlin; 14. Shane Gray.

LAS VEGAS — Sunday’s final results from the 26th annual MOPAR NHRA Las Vegas Nationals powered by Dodge at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The race is the final of 11 events in the JBS Equipment NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Elite Motorsports.

Pro Modified — Justin Bond, Chevy Camaro, 5.660, 253.47 def. Mike Stavrinos, Camaro, 5.791, 230.69.

LAS VEGAS — Final round-by-round results from the 26th annual MOPAR NHRA Las Vegas Nationals powered by Dodge at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, the final of 11 events in the JBS Equipment NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Elite Motorsports.

PRO MODIFIED:

ROUND ONE — Nick Januik, Chevy Camaro, 7.725, 124.34 def. Kevin Rivenbark, Ford Mustang, Foul – Red Light; Mike Thielen, Mustang, 7.062, 139.20 def. Stan Shelton, Mustang, Foul – Red Light; Derek Menholt, Chevy Corvette, 5.694, 247.38 def. Chip King, Dodge Charger, Foul – Red Light; Justin Bond, Camaro, 5.684, 250.92 def. Shane Gray, Camaro, 8.336, 110.75; Billy Banaka, Camaro, 5.694, 252.28 def. Mike Castellana, Camaro, 5.809, 245.90; JR Gray, Camaro, 5.695, 251.02 def. Jason Collins, Camaro, 5.748, 248.48; Mike Stavrinos, Camaro, 5.693, 250.64 def. Alex Laughlin, Camaro, 5.947, 244.29;

QUARTERFINALS — Bond, 5.678, 251.44 def. Menholt, 6.011, 243.50; J. Gray, 7.594, 126.40 def. Thielen, Broke; Banaka, 5.702, 251.34 was unopposed; Stavrinos, 5.695, 250.64 def. Januik, 5.728, 249.76;

SEMIFINALS — Bond, 5.678, 251.49 def. Banaka, 5.667, 252.95; Stavrinos, 9.847, 66.17 def. J. Gray, Foul – Red Light;

FINAL — Bond, 5.660, 253.47 def. Stavrinos, 5.791, 230.69.

LAS VEGAS — Point standings (top 10) following the 26th annual MOPAR NHRA Las Vegas Nationals powered by Dodge at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, the final of 11 events in the JBS Equipment NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Elite Motorsports.

Pro Modified

  1. Justin Bond, 1,250; 2. Mike Stavrinos, 1,217; 3. JR Gray, 1,129; 4. Derek Menholt, 1,108; 5. Billy Banaka, 1,098; 6. Stan Shelton, 1,007; 7. Mike Thielen, 996; 8. Kevin Rivenbark, 917; 9. Chip King, 896; 10. Lyle Barnett, 890.

Team Penske NASCAR Cup Series Race Report – Martinsville

By
Official Release
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Xfinity 500
Martinsville, Virginia – November 1, 2026

AUSTIN CINDRIC No. 2 MENARDS/DELTA FORD MUSTANG DARK HORSE

START: 4TH STAGE 1: 7TH STAGE 2: 36TH FINISH: 36TH POINTS: 11TH

RACE RUNDOWN: Austin Cindric and the No. 2 Menards/Delta Ford Mustang Dark Horse team saw a promising afternoon come to a premature end following an incident that resulted in a 36th-place finish in Sunday’s Xfinity 500 at Martinsville Speedway. Cindric started fourth in the penultimate race of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season but struggled with a loose-handling condition in the opening laps, slipping to 10th by Lap 20. Following a green-flag pit stop for four tires, fuel and an air pressure adjustment on Lap 66, Cindric continued to work with crew chief Brian Wilson to improve the handling of the No. 2 Mustang. The adjustments proved beneficial as Cindric worked his way back through the field to finish Stage 1 in seventh. The team elected to pit during the stage break, positioning Cindric fifth for the ensuing restart. As the race progressed, Cindric reported improved handling and continued to battle for position before making another green-flag pit stop just prior to Lap 200. A lengthy pit stop cost the No. 2 team valuable time, and a caution shortly after Cindric returned to the track left him two laps down. After taking the wavearound, Cindric restarted 16th, one lap behind the leaders. Shortly after the restart, Cindric was caught in an incident that caused significant damage to the front-end of the No. 2 Mustang. The damage ultimately forced Cindric behind the wall, ending his afternoon prematurely. He was credited with a 36th-place finish.

CINDRIC’S THOUGHTS: “It’s unfortunate to have our day end early like that. We had a fast Menards/Delta Ford Mustang and made some good progress throughout the race. Brian and the guys worked hard all weekend to give us a competitive car, so it’s disappointing not to get the finish we felt we were capable of. We’ve got one more opportunity next weekend at Homestead, and we’re looking forward to closing out the season on a high note.”

RYAN BLANEY No. 12 DISCOUNT TIRE FORD MUSTANG DARK HORSE

START: 13TH STAGE 1: 13TH STAGE 2: 32ND FINISH: 35TH POINTS: 7TH

RACE RUNDOWN: Ryan Blaney entered Sunday’s Xfinity 500 at Martinsville Speedway looking to keep his championship hopes alive, but damage sustained to the No. 12 Discount Tire Ford Mustang Dark Horse ultimately derailed a promising afternoon and resulted in a 35th-place finish. Seeking his third fall Martinsville victory in the last four seasons, Blaney started the 500-lap race from the 13th position and ran among the top 15 for much of Stage 1. Following a cycle of green-flag pit stops, Blaney ended the opening segment in 13th. A series of cautions early in Stage 2 provided Blaney with an opportunity to work his way forward, as he broke into the top 10 before making contact with another competitor on Lap 252. The incident resulted in significant front-end damage to the No. 12, forcing Blaney to the garage for repairs. The Team Penske crew worked diligently to repair the Mustang Dark Horse, allowing Blaney to return to the track on Lap 310. Despite the setback, Blaney continued to the checkered flag, ultimately finishing 35th. With the result, Blaney was officially eliminated from contention for his second career NASCAR Cup Series championship. He enters next Sunday’s season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway seventh in the points standings, looking to close out the 2026 season on a strong note.

BLANEY’S THOUGHTS: “We were definitely getting better. The first stage we weren’t great, but that run where (the on-track contact) happened, I thought we finally got pretty good. I was passing some cars and really running kind of the front group down a little bit, so I felt like we made good gains (before the incident).”

JOEY LOGANO No. 22 SHELL-PENNZOIL FORD MUSTANG DARK HORSE

START: 5TH STAGE 1: 16TH STAGE 2: 5TH FINISH: 18TH POINTS: 5TH

RACE RUNDOWN: Joey Logano started fifth and finished 18th in Sunday’s penultimate NASCAR Cup Series race of the season at the Martinsville Speedway in Virginia. Hopes were high after a strong practice and qualifying effort for the former Martinsville winner. Logano and the No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil Ford Mustang Dark Horse team showed strong pace, steadily working their way forward while he reported he was happy with the car’s turn. The team gained valuable track position through strategy, climbing to fourth on Lap 65 after passing Kyle Larson and moving into third by Lap 81 while staying out during the green-flag pit cycle. Logano continued to maximize track position before eventually dropping outside the top 10 as competitors on fresher tires worked their way forward. He would ultimately finish Stage 1 in 16th. In Stage 2, the No. 22 crew made a four-tire stop with fuel and air pressure adjustments on Lap 193. After being trapped a lap down during a caution on Lap 200, Logano received the wave-around to return to the lead lap. Restarting eighth on Lap 217, he quickly charged back through the field, advancing to fifth by Lap 241 where he would conclude Stage 2. During the final stage, Logano reported that the car could stand to be tighter before the team made a scheduled four-tire stop for fuel and adjustments on Lap 344. However, the No. 22 team was forced to make a second stop on the following lap after encountering an issue on pit road. The setback proved costly, and difficulties during the final pit sequence relegated Logano to an 18th-place finish at the checkered flag. With the result, Logano was eliminated from championship contention heading into next Sunday’s season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

LOGANO’S THOUGHTS: “We kind of had them where we wanted them. They were trying to give it to us and we gave it right back, so just frustrating is what it is. You win as a team and lose as a team and today we’re gonna lose as a team. It just stings when you do that. When we look at the last couple of weeks the opportunity was there at the end of those races to do it. We’re out of it now, which stings. On one hand, you look at the comeback we had from the regular season and have a chance to win a championship all down to one race to go. That’s something to be proud of, but, at the same time, it’s really easy to find 60-plus points sitting on the table over the last three or four weeks. It is what it is. That’s racing for you. We’ll move on.”

The NASCAR Cup Series Chase for the Championship concludes next Sunday, November 8, at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Race coverage begins on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET on NBC, MRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

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