Home Blog Page 20

Where to Buy a Pop-Up Canopy Tent?

Most guides on this topic give you the same list. Marketplace, local shop, specialty supplier, repeat.

That’s not wrong, exactly. It’s just not that useful, because the best place to buy depends entirely on who’s buying and why. A weekend market vendor and a company doing twenty trade shows a year have completely different needs, even if they’re both typing the same search into Google.

So instead of another generic list, here’s where to buy based on who you actually are.

If you’re a first-time exhibitor

You don’t need the most advanced tent on the market. You need something reliable, reasonably priced, and simple enough to set up without a rehearsal.

Look for a supplier that offers complete packages, frame, canopy, and carrying bag together, rather than piecing components together yourself. A Pop Up Canopy Tent is usually the right fit here, since these are built specifically around fast, tool-free setup, which matters most when you’re still learning the ropes.

If you’re a small business doing a handful of events a year

At this stage, durability starts to matter more than it did the first time around. You’ve probably already felt what a flimsy frame does after one windy afternoon.

This is where it’s worth paying slightly more for a proper aluminum frame and a fabric rated for repeated outdoor use. Shop from a supplier who can walk you through frame options directly, rather than a marketplace listing with one generic spec sheet.

If you’re a growing business scaling up your event presence

Once you’re doing events regularly, consistency becomes the priority. You want every setup to look identical, whether it’s your third show or your thirtieth.

At this point, it’s worth buying from a supplier who can keep your design on file and reprint or replace pieces without starting from scratch each time. A dedicated source for custom canopy tents makes this a lot easier than reordering through a different vendor every time your old tent wears out.

If you’re buying for a franchise or multi-location brand

This one’s less about the tent and more about control. You need every location’s booth to look the same, down to the exact Pantone match.

Buy from a supplier that offers centralized ordering and consistent color matching across multiple orders. Avoid marketplaces here entirely. Consistency across locations isn’t something you can guarantee when different franchisees are ordering from different random sellers.

If you’re an event rental or staffing company

You’re not buying one tent. You’re building an inventory that needs to survive constant transport, different renters, and inconsistent care.

Prioritize frame strength above almost everything else here. A supplier who talks you through weight capacity, wind ratings, and repair or replacement parts is worth more than one offering the flashiest print options.

If budget is the deciding factor, not use case

Sometimes it really does just come down to price, and that’s fine. If that’s you, focus less on where you buy and more on what you’re checking before you do.

Confirm the fabric weight, ask if the frame is steel or aluminum, and look for real customer photos instead of renderings. A cheap tent that’s honest about being basic is a better buy than an expensive one hiding weak materials behind good marketing.

The Summary 

There’s no universal answer to where you should buy a pop-up canopy tent. There’s only the right answer for how you’ll actually use it.

Figure out how often you’re setting up, how much consistency you need across events, and how much setup speed matters to your team. Then buy from the type of supplier built around that specific need, not just whichever result shows up first.

ARCA Menards Series Spruce 212 at Salem Speedway to be Televised Live on FOX 

TEMPERANCE, Mich. – (August 10, 2026) – The ARCA Menards Series Spruce 212 at Salem Speedway will be broadcast live over-the-air on FOX on Saturday, September 12. The 212-lap race at the high-banked oval, located in southern Indiana between Indianapolis and Louisville, is scheduled for an 8 pm ET green flag.

“We are thrilled to have a second ARCA Menards Series race broadcast on FOX in 2026,” said ARCA president Ron Drager. “It provides our drivers, teams, sponsors, and fans a tremendous opportunity to see one of the most unique and exciting race tracks on the ARCA Menards Series schedule. No track has hosted more ARCA Menards Series races, and we look forward to adding another exciting chapter to that history live on FOX.”

The race will start at sundown but the track will be bathed in light provided by Musco, the company that revolutionized race track lighting to allow superspeedway racing at night in the 1990s.

“Having the ARCA Menards Series live on FOX puts the series under an incredible spotlight and it will be even brighter thanks to our friends at Musco,” Drager continued. “Thanks to Musco’s support it will be the brightest night race in Salem’s long history and our fans will have a chance to see racing under the lights as they’ve never seen it at Salem before.”

Brenden “Butterbean” Queen won last year’s race at Salem Speedway on his way to the 2025 ARCA Menards Series championship. He joined a distinguished list of winners that includes Indianapolis 500 winner Troy Ruttman, former series champions Nelson Stacy, Jack Bowsher, Benny Parsons, Iggy Katona, Ron Hutcherson, Dave Dayton, Marvin Smith, Bob Keselowski, Bob Brevak, Tim Steele, and Frank Kimmel. NASCAR Hall of Famer Bobby Allison also scored his one and only ARCA Menards Series victory at Salem Speedway, as did the two most recent NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series champions Jesse Love and Justin Allgaier, NASCAR Cup Series winners Alex Bowman, Chris Buescher, and Christopher Bell, and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series winner Grant Enfinger.

“With 111 previous races at Salem, the list of winners is a who’s who of ARCA Menards Series history,” Drager said. “To celebrate that history, we’re extending the race by 12 laps to 212 laps to honor our 112th ARCA Menards Series race at Salem. Salem Speedway is one of the most demanding tracks not only on the ARCA schedule, but in the entire country. To win here, you have to not only beat the competition but the race track as well. The 35-degree banking and the unique line, especially in turns three and four where you run inches off the outside wall, are as imposing a challenge as the ARCA Menards Series drivers and teams see every year.”

The ARCA Menards Series race at Daytona International Speedway has been broadcast on FOX in each of the last two years. This will be the first time a series’ short track race has ever been broadcast on national broadcast television.

For more information including the complete Spruce 212 event schedule and live timing & scoring data, please visit ARCARacing.com; for up-to-the-minute updates follow @ARCA_Racing on X (formerly Twitter).

About ARCA

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

About Menards

A family-owned and run company started in 1958, Menards is recognized as the retail home center leader of the Midwest with 236 stores in 15 states.  Menards is truly a one-stop shop for all of your home improvement needs featuring a full-service lumberyard and everything you need to plan a renovation or build a home, garage, cabin, shed, deck, fence or post frame building.  You’ll find a large selection of lumber, roofing, siding, construction blocks, trusses, doors and windows, plus cabinets, appliances, countertops, flooring, lighting, paint, plumbing supplies and more.  To complete the job, Menards has quality hand tools, power tools, fasteners, electrical tools plus storage options and supplies for everyone from the weekend warrior to the pro!

Menards has what you need to complete your outdoor projects and keep your yard in tip-top shape including mowers, trimmers, blowers, pressure washers and more, plus a beautiful garden center stocked with plants, shrubs, trees, landscaping tools, grass seed, fertilizer options, outdoor décor and patio furniture.  Menards also has everyday essentials like health & beauty products, housewares, pet and wildlife supplies, automotive items and even groceries.  And at Christmas, an Enchanted Forest display area with impressive trees, lighting, decorations, ornaments, inflatables and more. 

Menards is known for friendly Customer Service and as the place to “Save Big Money” with low prices every day, and sales too!  For more information, please visit Menards.com to learn about our store locations, offerings and services.

Front Row Motorsports: Iowa Speedway NCS Race Report – Noah Gragson, Todd Gilliland, Zane Smith

Noah Gragson | Todd Gilliland | Zane Smith
Iowa Speedway NASCAR Cup Series Race Report
Iowa Speedway 350
Date: Sunday, August 9, 2026
Event: Race 25 of 38
Series: NASCAR Cup Series
Location: Iowa Speedway (0.875-mile)
Length of Race: 350 laps over two hours, 57 minutes, 49 seconds

FRM Finish:

● Zane Smith (Started 14th, Finished 16th / Running, completed 349 of 350 laps)
● Noah Gragson (Started 15th, Finished 17th / Running, completed 349 of 350 laps)
● Todd Gilliland (Started 17th, Finished 22nd / Running, completed 349 of 350 laps)

FRM Points Standings:

Todd Gilliland (23rd)
Zane Smith (24th)
Noah Gragson (31st)

Zane Smith Key Takeaways

Stage One: 10th / Stage Two: 9th / Race Result: 16th

“Tough end to a promising day,” said Smith. “Had good speed, just needed strategy to play more in our favor at the end there. I think we came out of the break strong, and Ford Racing in general had a pretty good weekend, so that’s encouraging for this last stretch of the season. Richmond was good for us last year, so hopefully this moves us in the right direction.”

Noah Gragson Key Takeaways

Stage One: 20th / Stage Two: 14th / Race Result: 17th

“A solid result for this team after the off-week,” said Gragson. “We chipped away at it all race, making the right adjustments throughout the day to keep us competitive. Hopefully, we can bring the same speed to Richmond next week.”

Todd Gilliland Key Takeaways

Stage One: 13th / Stage Two: 24th / Race Result: 22nd

“Not the result we were hoping for, but still a decent finish for this group,” said Gilliland. “We unloaded with a lot of speed in Saturday’s P&Q session, but we had a couple of things not go our way on Sunday, with a bad pit stop and wrong adjustments, that hindered us from a better result. Still happy with the progress we showed, though, so I’m excited for Richmond.”

ABOUT FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS

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

Five Brands, One Block: How Brooklyn Drivers Shop Hyundai the Efficient Way

Brooklyn’s One-Block Test Drive: Shopping Hyundai Without Crossing the Borough

Hyundai spent the last decade convincing skeptics. The N division put launch control, rev-matching and genuinely playful chassis tuning into cars priced for real budgets, while the brand’s motorsport program proved the engineering wasn’t just marketing. For anyone in New York who follows racing on Sunday and still has to find street parking in Brooklyn on Monday, that combination is hard to ignore.

The catch has always been buying one in the five boroughs. Lots are small, inventory is thin, and “we can get it for you” usually means a three-week wait.

One Brooklyn lot, three ways to buy

Plaza Hyundai on Nostrand Avenue stocks new, used and Certified Pre-Owned Hyundai vehicles on site — the Elantra and Sonata, the Tucson and Santa Fe, and the IONIQ electric range. CPO matters more than most shoppers realize: a factory-backed inspection and warranty extension turns a three-year-old Tucson into a much safer buy than a private-party gamble, and it closes the gap between the new-car budget and the new-car experience.

Anything on the lot can be delivered free within 25 miles, which covers most of Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Manhattan and a decent stretch of Long Island — worth knowing if the idea of a Saturday spent at a dealership is what has kept you in your current car.

Five brands on one block

Plaza Hyundai is part of Plaza Auto Mall, family owned and operating on the same Brooklyn block since 1975. Over 1,000 vehicles sit there at any given time across five franchises — Hyundai, Toyota, Honda, Kia and Acura — plus a multi-brand used car lot carrying everything else that comes through on trade.

That density changes how you shop. Cross-shopping a Tucson against a RAV4 and a CR-V normally means three dealerships, three appointments and three sales pitches spread across a weekend. Here you drive all three back to back in an afternoon and decide with the seat time still fresh. Nobody has to talk you out of the competition, because the competition is parked forty feet away.

Plaza Kia and used cars lot Brooklyn, NY

What happens after you sign

The part that matters at year three: factory-trained service departments, genuine OEM parts, and EV charging on site for IONIQ and hybrid owners. Same-day trade-in appraisals and cash offers are available whether or not you buy, which is useful if you just want to know what your current car is worth before committing to anything.

Financing pre-approval doesn’t require a Social Security number or date of birth to get started, so your credit score stays untouched during the shopping stage.

Worth the trip

Brooklyn traffic is its own kind of endurance event. If you’re going to spend a Saturday car shopping, spending it somewhere you can drive five brands without moving your own car beats a tour of the borough. Whether you want the hot hatch or the family crossover — or want to test both before deciding which one you are this year — it’s all on one block.

What South Florida Drivers Should Review Before Renewing Auto Insurance

Auto insurance can be easy to overlook until a renewal notice arrives, a vehicle is damaged or a driver needs to file a claim. Yet a policy that was appropriate several years ago may no longer match the vehicle, household, commute or financial risks it is supposed to protect.

This is especially relevant in South Florida, where motorists regularly contend with dense traffic, heavy rainfall, coastal weather, flooded streets and expensive vehicle repairs. Instead of renewing automatically or choosing a policy based only on the lowest monthly payment, drivers should review what is covered, what is excluded and how much they could be required to pay after a loss.

A careful policy review does not require becoming an insurance expert. It begins with understanding Florida’s basic requirements and comparing policies using the same information.

Start With Florida’s Basic Insurance Requirements

Before registering a privately owned vehicle with at least four wheels in Florida, the owner generally must show proof of at least:

  • $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection, commonly called PIP
  • $10,000 in Property Damage Liability, commonly called PDL

PIP is designed to pay a portion of qualifying medical expenses and lost income following a covered motor vehicle accident, regardless of who caused the crash. Property Damage Liability helps pay for damage the insured driver is legally responsible for causing to another person’s vehicle or other property, up to the policy limit.

These are minimum requirements, not necessarily appropriate coverage levels for every household. A driver can satisfy the registration requirement while still having limited protection against a serious accident, a lawsuit or extensive vehicle damage.

Bodily Injury Liability is not generally part of Florida’s basic registration requirement for most private vehicles. However, it may be required in certain situations under the state’s financial responsibility laws, including after particular crashes or driving violations.

Minimum Coverage and Adequate Coverage Are Not the Same

A $10,000 Property Damage Liability limit can be exhausted quickly when a crash damages a newer vehicle, multiple vehicles, roadside infrastructure or a building. Once a policy limit is reached, the responsible driver may remain personally exposed to additional costs.

Bodily Injury Liability can help cover injuries the policyholder or another covered driver causes to other people, subject to the policy’s terms and limits. It may also provide a legal defense when a covered claim leads to a lawsuit.

Drivers should consider their income, savings, assets, vehicle use and potential legal exposure when selecting liability limits. The cheapest option may meet a legal requirement while providing little protection against a costly accident.

Insurance professionals cannot determine the right limit without knowing the household’s circumstances. Consumers should ask what each limit covers, how much additional protection would cost and what financial responsibility would remain after the insurer reaches its limit.

Do Not Rely on the Phrase “Full Coverage”

“Full coverage” is commonly used in advertising and informal conversations, but it is not a standardized insurance policy. One person may use the phrase to describe liability, comprehensive and collision coverage, while another policy described the same way may include rental reimbursement, roadside assistance or higher limits.

Instead of asking whether a quote provides full coverage, drivers should request a written list of:

  • Liability coverage and limits
  • Personal Injury Protection
  • Collision coverage
  • Comprehensive coverage
  • Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage
  • Medical payments coverage
  • Rental reimbursement
  • Towing or roadside assistance
  • Deductibles and exclusions

This makes it easier to compare actual protection rather than relying on a vague label.

Understand Comprehensive and Collision Coverage

Florida generally does not require drivers to purchase comprehensive or collision coverage. A lender or leasing company, however, will commonly require both while it has a financial interest in the vehicle.

Collision coverage generally helps pay for damage to the insured vehicle after it collides with another vehicle or object, subject to the deductible and policy terms.

Comprehensive coverage generally applies to certain non-collision losses. Depending on the policy, covered events may include:

  • Theft
  • Vandalism
  • Fire
  • Windstorm damage
  • Flooding
  • Falling objects
  • Broken glass
  • Contact with an animal

Comprehensive coverage can be particularly relevant in South Florida, but drivers should not assume that every weather-related loss is automatically covered. The cause of the damage, policy language, exclusions and deductible all matter.

For example, comprehensive coverage may address direct flood damage to a vehicle, but it does not turn an auto policy into protection for personal belongings, a home or other property damaged by the same flood.

Choose a Deductible the Household Could Actually Pay

The deductible is the amount the policyholder generally pays toward a covered comprehensive or collision loss before the insurer’s payment applies.

Increasing a deductible may reduce the premium, but it also increases the amount needed immediately after a claim. A driver who selects a $1,000 deductible should be reasonably confident that the household could pay that amount if the car were damaged tomorrow.

When comparing deductibles, consider:

  • The vehicle’s current value
  • The household’s emergency savings
  • The premium difference between deductible options
  • Whether the vehicle is financed or leased
  • How difficult it would be to repair or replace the vehicle

Carrying collision and comprehensive coverage on a low-value vehicle may not always make financial sense. However, dropping those coverages means the owner may receive no payment from their own insurer if the car is stolen, flooded or damaged in an at-fault collision.

Review Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Protection

When a Florida auto policy includes Bodily Injury Liability coverage, the insurer generally must offer Uninsured Motorist coverage at limits equal to the selected bodily injury limits. The named insured may reject the coverage or select lower limits in writing.

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist coverage may help compensate covered people who suffer bodily injury because an at-fault driver has no Bodily Injury Liability insurance or does not carry enough insurance to cover the resulting damages.

Florida consumers may encounter stacked and non-stacked versions of Uninsured Motorist coverage. The differences can affect how coverage applies across vehicles and policies. Drivers should ask the insurer or licensed agent to explain:

  • The available limits
  • Whether the coverage is stacked or non-stacked
  • Which household members are protected
  • How the coverage applies when occupying another vehicle
  • The premium difference between available options

A rejection or limitation of Uninsured Motorist coverage should not be signed without understanding what protection is being declined.

Remember Florida’s 14-Day PIP Rule

Florida’s PIP system contains an important deadline. To qualify for PIP medical benefits after a motor vehicle accident, an injured person generally must receive initial medical services and care within 14 days.

Waiting longer can affect eligibility for benefits, even when symptoms become more noticeable after the accident. Anyone injured in a crash should prioritize health and obtain appropriate medical guidance rather than relying on general internet information.

PIP does not necessarily pay every medical bill in full. Subject to the policy and Florida law, it generally pays 80% of qualifying medical expenses and 60% of qualifying lost income. Medical benefits may be available up to the $10,000 PIP limit when an authorized provider determines that the injured person had an emergency medical condition. Without that determination, medical benefits are generally limited to $2,500.

Deductibles, exclusions, provider requirements and other statutory conditions may also affect the amount paid. Drivers should review their policy and notify the insurer promptly after an accident.

Make Sure All Regular Drivers Are Properly Disclosed

Insurance applications and renewal documents should accurately identify licensed household members, regular vehicle operators, the garaging address and how each vehicle is used.

A premium may change when:

  • A teenager obtains a learner’s permit or license
  • An adult child returns to the household
  • A new roommate regularly uses the vehicle
  • A driver begins commuting farther
  • A vehicle is used for deliveries or rideshare activity
  • The vehicle is moved to a different ZIP code

Failing to disclose a regular driver or commercial use can create serious problems during a claim investigation. A lower premium obtained through inaccurate information is not a genuine saving if the policy later does not respond as expected.

South Florida Drivers May Face Vehicle Inspection Requirements

Drivers requesting comprehensive or collision coverage may be asked to complete a pre-insurance inspection that documents the vehicle’s existing condition.

Florida’s consumer insurance guidance identifies Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach among the counties covered by statutory pre-insurance inspection provisions for physical damage coverage. Insurer procedures and legal exemptions may apply, so consumers should follow the instructions provided by the company issuing the policy.

The inspection is intended to identify existing damage and reduce disputes or fraud involving damage that occurred before coverage began. Failure to complete a required inspection within the allowed period may affect physical damage coverage.

Compare Quotes Using Identical Information

Comparing only the final premium can be misleading. One quote may appear cheaper because it has lower liability limits, higher deductibles or fewer optional protections.

Each company should receive the same:

  • Driver information
  • Vehicle identification numbers
  • Garaging address
  • Estimated annual mileage
  • Coverage limits
  • Deductibles
  • Vehicle use
  • Requested optional coverages

Drivers researching policy options can consult the auto insurance guides available through LoyalInsurance.org as one starting point for understanding coverage concepts and preparing to compare quotes. Final pricing, eligibility and policy terms should always be confirmed with the insurer, licensed agent or quote provider handling the application.

When reviewing multiple quotes, create a simple comparison table containing:

  • Total premium for the complete policy term
  • Required first payment
  • Installment fees
  • Coverage limits
  • Deductibles
  • Excluded drivers
  • Rental coverage limits
  • Roadside assistance terms
  • Cancellation rules

A low advertised monthly payment may reflect a larger initial payment, a different policy term or additional installment fees. Consumers should compare the total premium for the complete policy period rather than relying only on the advertised monthly amount.

Verify the Company and Agent Before Paying

Before submitting payment or personal information, consumers should verify that the insurer and agent are authorized to conduct insurance business in Florida.

Drivers should be cautious when a seller:

  • Pressures them to pay immediately
  • Refuses to provide policy documents
  • Guarantees a rate without reviewing driver information
  • Requests payment through an unusual method
  • Cannot explain which company will issue the policy
  • Uses a name or logo that resembles another business

The Florida Department of Financial Services provides tools for checking insurance licenses and obtaining consumer assistance. A legitimate quote should clearly identify the insurer, coverage, policy period, premium and conditions.

Ask About Discounts Every Year

Some discounts are not automatically applied forever. Drivers should review available discounts at each renewal and report qualifying changes.

Possible discounts may relate to:

  • Multiple vehicles
  • Bundling auto and home or renters insurance
  • Low annual mileage
  • Good student performance
  • Approved driver education
  • Vehicle safety equipment
  • Automatic payments
  • Paperless documents
  • Usage-based driving programs

Eligibility and savings vary by insurer. Consumers should not purchase a device, course or membership based solely on an expected discount without confirming that the company recognizes it.

Usage-based programs may monitor mileage, braking, acceleration, speed, time of day, location or phone use. The potential discount should be considered alongside the program’s data collection and privacy terms.

Avoid an Insurance Lapse

Florida vehicle owners should not cancel insurance before properly surrendering or transferring the vehicle’s registration and license plate when required.

A lapse can lead to registration or driver’s license consequences, even if the vehicle is not being driven. It may also make future insurance more expensive or limit the companies willing to offer coverage.

When changing companies, the new policy should begin before the previous policy ends. Drivers should obtain written confirmation of the new effective date rather than relying only on a quote or payment receipt.

Keep Policy Records Accessible

Policyholders should retain electronic or printed copies of:

  • The declarations page
  • Insurance identification cards
  • Coverage forms and endorsements
  • Payment confirmations
  • Vehicle inspection records
  • Photos of the vehicle
  • Receipts for major upgrades or equipment
  • Claim correspondence

The declarations page provides a summary, but it does not contain every policy condition or exclusion. Drivers should keep the complete policy and ask questions about anything they do not understand.

Final Thoughts

Auto insurance should be reviewed as financial protection rather than treated only as a registration requirement. The lowest premium does not necessarily provide the best value, and an expensive policy is not automatically the most appropriate.

South Florida drivers should compare identical coverage, choose affordable deductibles, disclose regular operators accurately and pay particular attention to comprehensive coverage, liability limits and protection against uninsured drivers.

A policy review before every renewal can reveal outdated information, missing discounts, inadequate limits or coverages that no longer make sense. Taking time to understand those details before an accident is far easier than discovering a gap after a claim.

Sources

This article provides general educational information and is not individualized insurance or legal advice. Coverage, premiums, eligibility, discounts and policy terms vary. Consumers should verify current requirements and obtain guidance from the insurer or a licensed Florida insurance professional.

We Talking About Practice: Expanded Practice Sessions Welcomed by Cody Ware

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (Aug. 10, 2026) – With apologies to NBA Hall of Famer Allen Iverson, whose May 7, 2002, rant about practice remains meme-worthy, “We talking about practice.”

Richmond (Va.) Raceway, site of Saturday night’s Cook Out 400, will be the final time NASCAR Cup Series drivers have to split a 50-minute practice session, with two groups each getting 25 minutes of track time the day before the race. Beginning next weekend at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, all Cup Series drivers will get to use the entire 50-minute allotment.

It won’t be the pre-COVID glory days of three-day race weekends when teams had two to three hours of practice spread across Friday and Saturday before the Cup race on Sunday, but the added track time will still be massively valuable. Just ask Cody Ware, driver of the No. 51 Rocket Doctor Chevrolet for Rick Ware Racing.

“The added time will allow us to do mock qualifying runs and work on the car’s balance. That’s something I’ve never really had,” Ware said.

“My first full-time season was back in 2021, and that was during COVID when we had no practice or qualifying. We just went straight into the race. There were tracks where my first lap was in a Cup Series race.

“So, qualifying is where I feel like we can make some progress. The added practice time gives us the chance to make a mock run on our second set of tires. And just having that experience before we’re on the clock in qualifying will make us better.”

Ware and his Cup Series counterparts got a taste of the full 50-minute practice session last weekend at Iowa Speedway in Newton. With Goodyear introducing a new left-side tire compound at Iowa, NASCAR deemed it prudent to give teams the full breadth of practice.

“Saturday at Iowa was a positive day for us. The team brought a really good car to the track, and we had one of the most productive Saturdays that we’ve had in a long time. It showed what we can glean from these extended practice sessions,” said Ware, who turned 80 laps around the .875-mile oval.

“We got to do a 30-lap run and an almost 40-lap run with a couple of short runs in between. To be able to go to bed Saturday night after looking at the data and what we learned from those longer runs, it helped me as a driver and helped our team. Our notebook was bigger and our confidence was higher.”

When there are 1,440 minutes in a single day, how much of a difference can 25 extra minutes make?

“Everything matters. The field is so tight everywhere we go that nothing can be overlooked. You can miss things when you’re rushed. Fifty minutes compared to 25 minutes makes you a little less rushed,” Ware said.

In last year’s Cup Series race at Richmond, the difference between the fastest qualifier and the last-place qualifier was .703 of a second. And toward the sharp end of the spear, just .162 of a second separated the 10th-place driver from the pole winner.

The ability to shave those tenths of a second from one’s qualifying run begins in practice. The more practice you get, the better you can make your racecar and the faster you can go. That matters even more when you’re holding your breath for a lap against the clock.

“You have to go out and get all you can in qualifying,” Ware said. “You need to extract all the speed you can and find the car’s limits, all in a single lap. To better understand where the car’s limits are in practice just makes you more prepared for that white-knuckle lap.”

Since hosting its first Cup Series race in 1953, Richmond has evolved. It began as a half-mile dirt oval, transitioned in 1968 to a paved, .625-mile oval, and then underwent a massive reconfiguration in 1988 that created its current D-shaped, .75-mile layout.

Richmond is unique. Like all short tracks, it features close quarters and requires heavy braking with controlled use of the throttle. But it also rewards smoothness, as Richmond is a momentum track, akin to intermediate-style ovals.

“Richmond is a difficult racetrack because you have two corners that are wildly different. Finding a rhythm there is very tough,” Ware said. “It’s a place where I would definitely welcome a full 50-minute practice session.

“Going into turn one, you’ve got a lot of banking holding you into the corner. Then as you’re coming off the corner and getting down to the back straightaway, you transition onto the flat pretty aggressively. Your entry into turn three is completely different. It’s very flat, not a whole lot of banking. You’re braking very early and lifting very early because you can’t carry speed into the corner like you can in turn one. You don’t have that grip and that banking to hold you into the corner.”

With only 25 minutes of practice at Richmond, the track’s challenges are more pronounced.

“You don’t have much time for trial and error,” Ware said. “You need to maximize your time, so the prep work you put in beforehand, especially on the sim and what you see and feel as a driver, and what the team builds into the setup, is crucial.”

Practice at Richmond starts at 3:30 p.m. EDT on Friday, followed shortly by qualifying at 4:40 p.m. TruTV and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio will provide live coverage of both. The Cook Out 400 goes green at 7 p.m. on Saturday with live, flag-to-flag coverage delivered by USA Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

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.

Will Older Jeep Cherokee Floor Mats Fit the Redesigned 2026 Model?

Quick Answer

No. Floor mats made for the 2015–2023 Jeep Cherokee should not be assumed to fit the redesigned 2026 Jeep Cherokee. The new model uses a different interior layout and requires its own floor mat fitment, including the driver-side retention points, floor contours, rear footwell, and cargo area.

Lasfit offers dedicated 2026 Jeep Cherokee floor liners designed specifically for the redesigned model, with available protection for the front and rear floors, cargo area, and rear seatbacks. Lasfit also provides separate floor mat applications for 2015–2023 Jeep Cherokee models, reinforcing that the older and newer generations should be treated as different fitments.

Key Fitment Facts

QuestionAnswer
Will 2015–2023 Jeep Cherokee floor mats fit the 2026 model?They should not be assumed compatible. The 2026 Cherokee requires a new fitment.
Is the 2026 Jeep Cherokee a redesigned model?Yes. It is a new-generation Cherokee rather than a simple carryover from 2023.
Does Lasfit make floor mats for the 2026 Jeep Cherokee?Yes. Lasfit offers a dedicated 2026 Cherokee application.
Does Lasfit also make floor mats for older Cherokees?Yes. Lasfit has separate applications for 2015–2023 Jeep Cherokee models.
Can the 2026 Lasfit system protect more than the cabin floor?Yes. Available configurations can include floor, cargo, and rear seatback protection.

Why Older Cherokee Floor Mats Should Not Be Used in the 2026 Model

A floor mat does more than cover the area beneath your feet. A vehicle-specific liner is shaped around the floor, factory retention system, pedals, seat rails, center hump, and surrounding trim.

That means even a small interior redesign can affect whether a liner sits correctly.

The difference becomes even more important when a vehicle moves to a new generation. A mat designed for an older Cherokee may physically fit inside the footwell but still fail in the areas that matter most.

Driver-Side Pedal Clearance

The driver-side liner must stay clear of the accelerator and brake pedals.

If an older mat is too long, too wide, or unable to connect to the proper retention points, it may move forward or curl near the pedal area. A properly fitted liner should remain flat, stay secured, and allow both pedals to move freely.

Factory Retention Points

Custom-fit floor mats often use factory posts, clips, or hooks to reduce movement.

If those mounting points do not align with the holes or fasteners in an older mat, the liner cannot be installed as intended. This is especially important on the driver’s side, where movement should be minimized.

Floor and Rear-Row Shape

The shape around the door sill, center console, footrest, seat rails, and rear center hump can change between generations.

An older liner may leave exposed carpet, pull away from the edges, sit too high over the rear hump, or interfere with seat adjustment.

Cargo Area and Seatbacks

The cargo floor and rear seatbacks also require model-specific fitment.

A cargo liner that is too small can leave exposed areas around the perimeter, while one that is too large may fold or bunch against the trim. Seatback protectors must also match the shape and movement of the split-folding rear seats.

For owners who carry pets, groceries, luggage, sports equipment, or outdoor gear, these rear-area differences matter just as much as front-row floor coverage.

2015–2023 vs. 2026 Jeep Cherokee Floor Mat Fitment

The model name may be the same, but the floor mat applications should be treated separately.

Fitment Area2015–2023 Jeep CherokeeRedesigned 2026 Jeep Cherokee
Vehicle generationPrevious Cherokee generationNew-generation Cherokee
Floor mat compatibilityUses older-generation applicationsRequires 2026-specific fitment
Driver retention systemMust match applicable older modelMust match the 2026 model
Rear floor shapePrevious-generation layoutRedesigned rear-floor layout
Cargo linerOlder-generation fitment2026-specific cargo fitment required
Seatback protectionDepends on older interior designMust match redesigned rear seats
Lasfit availabilitySeparate 2015–2023 applicationsDedicated 2026 application

The key point is simple: Cherokee floor mats should be selected by exact generation and model year, not by model name alone.

Lasfit Floor Mats for the 2026 Jeep Cherokee

Lasfit offers a vehicle-specific interior protection system for the redesigned 2026 Jeep Cherokee.

The product is designed as a dedicated 2026 application rather than being grouped with older Cherokee models. Depending on the selected configuration, Lasfit provides protection for the front and rear floors, cargo area, and rear seatbacks.

Key features of Lasfit floor mats for 2026 Jeep Cherokee include:

  • Custom-fit design for the redesigned 2026 Jeep Cherokee
  • 100% GRS-Certified TPE Material
  • Raised edges and channels to help contain water, mud, snow, and debris
  • Anti-slip and vehicle-retention features
  • Easy-to-clean surface
  • Available floor, cargo, and seatback protection
  • Lifetime hassle-free warranty
  • 45-day free return and money-back policy
Lasfit Floor Mats for the 2026 Jeep Cherokee

The TPE material provides a waterproof barrier between everyday messes and the factory carpet, while the raised perimeter helps contain spills and dirt until the liner can be removed and cleaned.

For family, pet, and outdoor use, the broader floor, cargo, and seatback coverage can be particularly useful. Muddy shoes may affect the front and rear footwells, while dog hair, strollers, groceries, and camping gear are more likely to affect the cargo area and folded rear seatbacks.

Lasfit’s approach also makes the generational distinction clear: the company offers a dedicated 2026 Cherokee application while maintaining separate products for older Cherokee model years.

What About 2015–2023 Jeep Cherokee Owners?

Owners of older Cherokees should continue using products designed for their specific year range.

Lasfit offers separate floor mat applications for 2015–2023 Jeep Cherokee models rather than treating all Cherokee years as one interchangeable fitment.

Depending on the model year, the older applications may be divided further based on interior configuration and design differences. For example, some applications distinguish the driver-side dead-pedal area or separate earlier and later model-year groups.

This is another reason buyers should avoid listings that simply say “Jeep Cherokee floor mats” without clearly identifying the supported years.

A floor mat designed for a 2019 or 2023 Cherokee should not automatically be transferred to a 2026 Cherokee, even if the general size appears similar.

How to Check Whether 2026 Cherokee Floor Mats Fit Properly

When shopping for floor mats for 2026 Jeep Cherokee, check more than the product title.

1. Confirm the Exact Model Year

The listing should explicitly identify the 2026 Jeep Cherokee.

Be cautious with products that group 2014, 2015, 2023, and 2026 together without explaining the generational difference.

2. Check Driver-Side Retention

The liner should connect properly to the vehicle’s factory retention system and remain stable when entering, exiting, and driving.

3. Check Pedal Clearance

With the vehicle parked, press the accelerator and brake through their normal range.

The mat should remain flat and should never touch or restrict either pedal.

4. Inspect Edge Coverage

Look around the door sill, center console, footrest, and seat rails.

A custom-fit liner should follow these areas closely without large exposed gaps or folded edges.

5. Check the Rear Row

Move the front seats through their normal range and make sure the rear liner does not interfere with the seat rails.

The center section should sit naturally over the rear floor rather than floating or pulling away from the sides.

6. Check Cargo and Seatback Pieces

If using a full interior protection set, confirm that the cargo liner sits flat and does not interfere with the liftgate.

Seatback protectors should also move naturally when the rear seats are folded and returned upright.

Can Universal Floor Mats Be Used in the 2026 Cherokee?

Universal mats can provide basic coverage, but they are not designed around the exact floor shape of the vehicle.

They may cover the central footwell but often leave more carpet exposed around the door sill, footrest, center hump, and seat rails. They may also lack properly aligned factory retention points.

For an older vehicle where low cost is the main priority, universal mats may be acceptable. For a newly purchased 2026 Cherokee, a vehicle-specific liner generally provides more complete protection and more predictable fitment.

Final Verdict

Older Jeep Cherokee floor mats should not be treated as compatible with the redesigned 2026 model simply because the vehicles share the Cherokee name.

The 2026 Cherokee requires its own floor mat application because fitment depends on details such as floor contours, pedal clearance, factory retention points, rear-row shape, and cargo-area dimensions.

Lasfit treats these generations as separate applications. The brand offers dedicated interior protection for the redesigned 2026 Jeep Cherokee while also providing separate floor mat options for 2015–2023 Cherokee models.

For buyers, the most important rule is straightforward: choose floor mats according to the exact Cherokee generation and model year, then verify retention, pedal clearance, and coverage after installation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will 2015–2023 Jeep Cherokee floor mats fit a 2026 Jeep Cherokee?

They should not be assumed to fit. The 2026 Jeep Cherokee is a redesigned model and requires its own floor mat application. Differences in floor shape, retention points, rear footwell design, and cargo layout can affect compatibility.

Does Lasfit make floor mats for the 2026 Jeep Cherokee?

Yes. Lasfit offers dedicated floor mats for the redesigned 2026 Jeep Cherokee. Depending on the configuration selected, the product can also include cargo-area and rear seatback protection.

Does Lasfit make floor mats for 2015–2023 Jeep Cherokee models?

Yes. Lasfit offers separate applications for 2015–2023 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. These older products are distinct from the dedicated 2026 Cherokee fitment.

Can a 2023 Jeep Cherokee cargo liner fit the 2026 model?

It should not be assumed to fit. Cargo-floor dimensions and rear interior contours can change when a vehicle is redesigned, so a liner made specifically for the 2026 Cherokee is the safer choice.

What should I check when buying 2026 Jeep Cherokee floor mats?

Check the exact model-year fitment, driver-side retention points, pedal clearance, edge coverage, rear-row fit, material, cargo compatibility, warranty, and available installation evidence.

Should I place a new floor liner over the original mat?

No. Remove existing removable mats before installing a replacement liner. Stacking mats can prevent proper attachment and increase the chance of movement.

Team Penske NASCAR Cup Series Race Report – Iowa

Iowa Corn 350
Newton, Iowa – August 9, 2026

AUSTIN CINDRIC No. 2 FREIGHTLINER FORD MUSTANG DARK HORSE

START: 12TH STAGE 1: 17TH STAGE 2: 25TH FINISH: 29TH POINTS: 16TH

RACE RUNDOWN: Austin Cindric and the No. 2 Freightliner Ford Mustang Dark Horse team finished 29th in Sunday’s Iowa Corn 350 at Iowa Speedway after battling handling issues throughout the afternoon. Cindric started 12th and quickly moved forward, advancing to ninth within the opening three laps. After reporting no major balance concerns during an early caution, Cindric began to fight a loose condition following the restart and slipped outside the top 10. He finished Stage 1 in the 17th position. The No. 2 team continued to work on the balance of the Freightliner Ford throughout Stage 2 as Cindric reported varying handling conditions, including a persistent chatter that affected the car over the course of a run. Crew chief Brian Wilson and the team made a series of adjustments during multiple pit stops in an effort to improve the car’s stability and help Cindric fire off stronger. He was scored 25th at the conclusion of Stage 2. Cindric restarted 25th for the final stage, but the handling challenges continued and the team made its final pit stop with 28 laps to go. Unable to make significant gains over the closing laps, Cindric ultimately crossed the finish line in the 29th position.

CINDRIC’S THOUGHTS: “Obviously not the day we wanted with our Freightliner Ford. We struggled with the balance for most of the race and just never got it where we needed it. I’m proud of everyone on the No. 2 team for continuing to work at it and making adjustments all day. Nobody gave up, and we stayed in the fight all the way to the end. We’ll learn from it, put it behind us and move on to Richmond.”

RYAN BLANEY No. 12 MENARDS/PENNINGTON FORD MUSTANG DARK HORSE

START: 1ST STAGE 1: 1ST STAGE 2: 8TH FINISH: 3RD POINTS: 3RD

RACE RUNDOWN: Ryan Blaney and the No. 12 Menards/Pennington Ford Mustang Dark Horse team led a race-high 129 laps and captured the Stage 1 victory en route to a third-place finish Sunday afternoon at Iowa Speedway. The result marked Blaney’s third top-five finish in three NASCAR Cup Series starts at Iowa, where he won the inaugural Cup Series event in 2024. After starting from the pole, Blaney maintained control through an early caution and built a commanding lead throughout the opening stage, navigating heavy lapped traffic to score his fifth stage win of the season, tying him for the series lead. Following a four-tire stop during the stage break, the No. 12 team took advantage of their first pit stall to maintain the lead off pit road and remain out front to begin Stage 2. A series of cautions and varying pit strategies throughout the second stage shuffled the running order as Blaney battled an inconsistent handling condition. After taking four tires and fuel under caution midway through the stage, Blaney restarted outside the top 10 but rallied back to finish eighth in the segment. Looking for track position to start the final stage, crew chief Jonathan Hassler called for two tires and fuel, allowing Blaney to restart second before quickly reclaiming the lead. Blaney paced the field until just under 100 laps remained, then later, made one of the first green-flag pit stops among the leaders on lap 285. Following the cycle of green-flag stops, Blaney settled into third and maintained his position to the checkered flag for another strong finish and valuable points day at the Midwest short track.

BLANEY’S THOUGHTS: “The No. 20 and the No. 54 were definitely better than me second half of the race. Still, Jonathan (Hassler) did a good job of putting two (tires) on it after the Stage 2 caution, got some track position back, then I just kind of sat in third and ran there. Overall, a really good weekend, good practice and qualifying, and strong showing in the race. Appreciate Menards and Ford for what they do, and it’s nice to get a good finish here. Even though it’s not a win, pretty decent day.”

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

START: 3RD STAGE 1: 2ND STAGE 2: 2ND FINISH: 14TH POINTS: 13TH

RACE RUNDOWN: A strong day for Joey Logano and the No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil Ford Mustang Dark Horse team ended with a 14th-place finish in Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Iowa Speedway. After qualifying third, Logano spent much of the afternoon racing near the front of the field, finishing second in both Stage 1 and Stage 2 while battling teammates and fellow contenders for the lead. The No. 22 team made adjustments throughout the race to improve rear grip and maintain track position, and strategic calls kept Logano firmly in contention. However, adversity struck during the Stage 2 break, when a slow pit stop and an additional trip to pit road to address an issue forced Logano to restart deep in the field. Undeterred, he methodically worked his way back through traffic, climbing from outside the top 25 to the edge of the top 10 as green-flag pit stops unfolded. Despite the strong recovery effort, there was not enough time to fully regain the lost track position, and Logano crossed the finish line in 14th. While the finishing result did not reflect the speed and performance of the No. 22 Ford Mustang throughout the race, Logano and the team continued to hold a solid position above the NASCAR Cup Series Chase cutline heading into the closing stages of the regular season.

LOGANO’S THOUGHTS: “We had a really strong Shell-Pennzoil Ford all weekend and showed solid speed throughout the race. We were able to contend toward the front, but unfortunately lost some track position there late and just didn’t have enough time to get it all back. Overall, there are a lot of positives to take from the day, and we’ll keep building on that as we head to Richmond.”

With three races remaining in the regular season, the Cup Series now heads to Richmond Raceway for the Cook Out 400 on Saturday, August 15. Coverage of the 300-mile event begins at 7 p.m. ET on USA, MRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

Wood Brothers Racing Race Report: Iowa Speedway

Event: Iowa Corn 350
Location: Iowa Speedway, Newton, Iowa
Date: Sunday, August 9, 2026
Start: 13th
Finish: 4th

Josh Berry and the No. 21 Menards/Masterforce Tools team turned a fast Ford Mustang Dark Horse and a late two-tire strategy call into a fourth-place finish in Sunday’s Iowa Corn 350 at Iowa Speedway.

The result marked Berry’s first top-five finish of the season and the seventh of his NASCAR Cup Series career. It also gave him back-to-back top-10 finishes following a seventh-place run at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and marked his fourth top-10 of 2026.

Berry started the 350-lap race from 13th on the 0.875-mile Iowa oval and quickly began working his way forward. He cracked the top 10 within the opening five laps and remained in contention there for much of Stage 1 before finishing the segment in 11th place.

After restarting 12th for Stage 2, Berry again worked his way into the top 10 and spent much of the Stage racing inside or just outside that group before taking the green-and-white checkered flag in 11th.

Berry lined up 14th to begin the final stage and once again steadily worked his way forward. As the field began cycling through its final round of green-flag pit stops, he climbed as high as second before making his final stop with 53 laps remaining.

Crew chief Miles Stanley made the call for two tires, positioning Berry and the No. 21 team to capitalize on track position during the closing run. Berry returned to the track in 14th and moved into fourth as the remainder of the field completed its stops.

Despite having only two fresh tires against several competitors on four, Berry maintained his position over the final laps to bring the Menards/Masterforce Tools Ford home fourth.

“We had a really solid day,” Berry told reporters after the race. “The car was great.”

Berry said the No. 21 showed plenty of speed during Saturday’s practice session, even though the team wasn’t able to fully capitalize on it in qualifying.

“I feel like everybody on the 21 car did a really good job all weekend,” Berry said. “We just unloaded good and definitely had great long-run pace throughout the race. We just needed it to run long enough to show it, and we were finally able to do that and overcome a lot of things.

“It makes it easy when your cars drive like they did this weekend, and we’ve just got to keep pushing. I think we’ve got a lot of good tracks coming up. I’m excited to get to Richmond next week and keep going after these good finishes.”

Berry and the Wood Brothers Racing team will look to carry the momentum of consecutive top-10 finishes to another short track when the Cup Series heads to Richmond Raceway for Saturday night’s Cook Out 400.

RFK Racing – Iowa Executive Summary

RFK RACING
IOWA SPEEDWAY – EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Date: August 9th, 2026
Series: NASCAR Cup Series
Location: Iowa Speedway – Newton, IA
Format: 306.25 miles / 350 laps with three stages. Stage 1: Ends at lap 70, Stage 2: Ends at lap 210, Stage 3: Ends at Lap 350

RFK RACING RACE SUMMARY: It was a hard-fought day for RFK Racing at Iowa Speedway, with all three teams battling to make the most of a challenging afternoon. Chris Buescher led the way, charging from 27th to a 13th place finish in the No. 17 Bodyguard Ford Mustang Dark Horse. Buescher and his team may not have had the raw speed they wanted, but they made their strategy count, stretching out a tank of fuel for an impressive 137 laps to salvage a strong finish. Ryan Preece also battled his way forward, climbing from 35th to 20th in the No. 60 Kroger/Force Factor Ford Mustang Dark Horse as the team continued to improve the car throughout the race. And for Brad Keselowski, it was a fight from the very beginning — after starting fourth, the No. 6 Trimble Ford Mustang Dark Horse ultimately crossed the line 27th, battling tire chatter after the team worked to repair the car following his qualifying crash. It wasn’t the day RFK Racing was looking for, but with three teams showing resilience and finding gains throughout the race, the focus now turns to taking those lessons and carrying that momentum into the final stretch of the season.

DRIVER HIGHLIGHTS

Brad Keselowski – No. 6 Trimble Ford Mustang Dark Horse

Finish: 27th

Start: 4th

Laps Led: —

Stage Results: Stage 1: 28th; Stage 2: 19th

Headline takeaway: Keselowski showed up ready for battle with some serious speed by qualifying fourth, but the No. 6 had to overcome a major setback after his qualifying crash. The team fought the entire race to get the car dialed in, but persistent tire chatter kept Keselowski from making the run he wanted, ultimately leaving him with a 27th-place finish.

Keselowski Quote: “It was a frustrating day because we started with a setback before the race even began, but I’m proud of this team for getting the car repaired after my qualifying crash and giving us a chance to compete. We fought it out all day and kept making adjustments, but we just couldn’t get the tire chatter completely under control. It’s not the result we wanted, but I appreciate everyone’s effort, and we’ll take what we learned here and move on to next week.”

Chris Buescher – No. 17 Bodyguard Ford Mustang Dark Horse

Finish: 13th

Start: 27th

Laps Led: —

Stage Results: Stage 1: 31st; Stage 2: 22nd

Headline takeaway: While the car didn’t have the pace to run with the leaders, Buescher and his team stayed aggressive on strategy and executed when it mattered most. A remarkable 137-lap fuel-saving run helped him climb 14 spots from his starting position and bring home RFK Racing’s best finish of the day in 13th.

Buescher Quote: “Didn’t have the speed that we wanted but there’s no quit on the team. Some real big strategy calls really made the difference, saving fuel was really my name of the game I somehow was able to master it and went 137 laps on one tank, so it ended up being a decent finish on the day.”

Ryan Preece – No. 60 Kroger/Force Factor Ford Mustang Dark Horse

Finish: 20th

Start: `35th

Laps Led: —

Stage Results: Stage 1: 32nd; Stage 2: 20th

Headline takeaway: Starting deep in the field in 35th, Preece steadily worked his way through traffic to finish 20th. The No. 60 got better as the race went on, and while there’s still work to do to find more short-track speed, the team leaves Iowa with valuable information and a positive step forward heading to Richmond Raceway.

Preece Quote: “Derek, everybody worked hard to make the car better, so I’m thankful for that. We got to be better at short tracks – Richmond, New Hampshire. These are all places that, you know, we got to work hard on. Our car got better today, but we weren’t any better than a lot of the other cars we were racing. I feel good about the work through and learning, just need to keep trending up.”

Point Standings:

Buescher: 9th

Preece: 17th

Keselowski: 19th

Next Up:

The next event on the NASCAR Cup Series schedule is Saturday August 15th at Richmond Raceway (Richmond, VA). The race begins at 6:00 p.m. EDT with live coverage provided by USA Sports and Motor Racing Network (MRN).