Home Blog Page 21

Bad Tire Alignment Is Costing You More Than You Think

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

Most drivers take their car in for an oil change, maybe a tire rotation if they remember, and call it a day. But there’s one maintenance service that quietly affects your safety, fuel economy, and the lifespan of your tires—and most people skip it entirely until the damage is already done.

Wheel alignment may not sound dramatic, but ignoring it can cost you hundreds in repairs and fuel. If you’re in Texas, getting a professional tire alignment in Plano is one of the smartest, most affordable things you can do to keep your vehicle running the way it’s supposed to.

Why Does Tire Alignment Matter?

Alignment isn’t just a technical checkbox on a maintenance list. It’s the foundation of how your vehicle interacts with the road. When your wheels are properly aligned, your tires wear evenly, your car drives straight, and your fuel economy stays where it should be. When they’re not, things start breaking down in ways you might not immediately connect to alignment at all.

Here’s why it deserves more attention than most drivers give it:

  • It protects your tires: Misaligned wheels cause uneven tire wear. Tires that should last 50,000 miles can wear out in 25,000 or less, that’s money straight out of your pocket.
  • It affects your fuel economy: When your tires aren’t rolling cleanly, your engine works harder to compensate. That extra effort burns more fuel on every single trip.
  • It impacts your safety: Poor alignment reduces traction and affects how your vehicle handles sudden maneuvers or emergency braking  on highways, that matters enormously.
  • It prevents expensive repairs: Prolonged misalignment puts stress on your ball joints, tie rods, and steering components  parts that cost far more to replace than a routine alignment service.
  • It keeps your drive comfortable: A well-aligned car simply feels better. No pulling, no vibration, no constantly correcting your steering just to hold a straight line.

What Exactly Is Tire Alignment?

There’s a common misunderstanding worth clearing up: tire alignment isn’t about straightening your tires. It’s about adjusting your vehicle’s suspension system, the components that connect your car to its wheels so that every tire sits at the precise angle your manufacturer intended.

Three angles are measured and corrected during a professional alignment:

  • Toe -Whether your tires point slightly inward or outward when viewed from above. Even a small deviation causes your tires to scrub against the road with every mile.
  • Camber -The inward or outward tilt of your tire when viewed from the front. Too much camber causes the inner or outer edge of your tire to wear down rapidly.
  • Caster – The angle of your steering axis, which influences stability and how well your vehicle holds a straight line at speed.

These angles shift gradually not from one dramatic event, but from thousands of small impacts: potholes, curbs, rough pavement, and the general wear of daily driving. By the time most drivers notice something is wrong, the misalignment has already been doing damage for months.

Signs Your Car Is Telling You It Needs an Alignment

Your vehicle won’t send you an alert  but it will communicate. The key is knowing what to look for:

  • Your car pulls to one side: On a flat, straight road, a properly aligned car drives straight with minimal input. If yours drifts consistently left or right, your alignment is likely off.
  • Your steering wheel isn’t centered: If your steering wheel sits slightly crooked when driving straight, that’s a classic alignment symptom.
  • Uneven or rapid tire wear: If one edge of your tire is far more worn than the other, alignment is almost always the cause.
  • Vibration through the steering wheel: Misalignment causes tires to drag rather than roll cleanly, and that friction often translates into vibration, especially at highway speeds.
  • Loose or wandering steering: If your steering feels vague or you’re making constant small corrections to stay in your lane, get an inspection.
  • Squealing tires in normal turns: Tires that squeal during regular everyday turns are often scrubbing sideways due to improper toe settings, a direct alignment issue.

Even one of these signs is reason enough to book a professional check. Alignment problems don’t fix themselves; they compound with every mile.

The Challenges of Knowing When to Act

One of the biggest obstacles to staying on top of alignment is that the warning signs develop so gradually that drivers adapt to them without realizing it. Here are the most common reasons people delay:

“It doesn’t seem that bad yet,” but a misalignment rarely will announce itself loudly. It creeps in slowly until a slight pull or extra vibration starts feeling normal. By then, the damage to your tires and suspension is already significant.

“I just got new tires.” This is actually one of the most critical times to get an alignment. Installing new tires on a misaligned vehicle is like putting new shoes on someone who walks with a limp. The shoes wear out faster because the underlying problem was never fixed.

“It seems like an unnecessary expense.” A standard four-wheel alignment costs between $75 and $150. A set of four tires costs $600 to $1,200. Skipping the cheaper service to save money is exactly how drivers end up spending ten times more down the road.

How Often Should a Tire Alignment be completed?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here are the most reliable guidelines:

  • Once a year or every 12,000–15,000 miles as part of routine maintenance
  • Whenever you install new tires  always pair new tires with a fresh alignment
  • After any significant impact  a deep pothole, a hard curb strike, or road debris collision
  • After any suspension or steering repair, even minor ones
  • Any time you notice the warning signs listed above, regardless of your last service date

Drivers who frequently use highways or navigate roads with heavy traffic and rough surfaces may benefit from a check every six months. Even if no adjustment is needed, the inspection itself is worth it for peace of mind.

What Happens During a Alignment?

Knowing the process helps you ask the right questions and understand what you’re paying for.

  • Pre-alignment inspection: A qualified technician inspects your tires, suspension, and steering components before anything else. Worn ball joints or damaged tie rods must be addressed first  skipping this step is a red flag at any shop.
  • Computerized measurement: Your vehicle is placed on a precision alignment rack and sensors are attached to each wheel. Software measures your current camber, caster, and toe angles against your manufacturer’s exact specifications.
  • Adjustment: The technician adjusts the relevant angles using specialized tools until everything falls within spec.
  • Verification: The alignment is re-measured to confirm accuracy, followed by a test drive to ensure the vehicle drives straight and the steering wheel is properly centered.

The whole process typically takes 45 minutes to an hour, a small investment of time that protects a very large investment in your vehicle.

Final Thoughts

Tire alignment is one of those services that never feels urgent right up until it is. By the time the damage is obvious, you’ve already lost hundreds of dollars in preventable wear on your tires and suspension. The good news is that staying ahead of it is genuinely simple and affordable.

A once-a-year check, a fresh alignment with every new set of tires, and paying attention to how your car feels on the road that’s really all it takes. These small habits protect your tires, your fuel economy, and most importantly, your safety. If it’s been a while since your last check, or you’ve noticed any of the signs mentioned above, don’t wait any longer. 

From Trackside Energy to Car Club Identity: What Connects Enthusiasts Today

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

Car enthusiasm has never been limited to horsepower figures or polished bodywork. People stay close to cars because they like the feeling that comes with them. A busy paddock, a crowded parking lot before a weekend meet, and a late evening conversation around an open hood can create the same kind of pull. The setting changes, yet the connection feels familiar.

That is why trackside energy still matters far beyond race day. It gives enthusiasts something deeper than visual appeal. It offers shared attention, strong memory, and a sense that everyone present is there for the same reason. Car clubs grow from that same source. They turn passing interest into regular contact and regular contact into identity. What keeps both spaces alive is not a single brand, model, or event. It is the feeling of belonging to a group that notices the same details and values the same effort.

Why the Track Still Feels Like Home

A race venue has its own pull. The crowd watches closely. Small details matter. Tire choice, braking points, body movement through a corner, and changes in pace all become part of the experience. Even people who do not follow every series or every driver can recognize the appeal. There is a level of focus in that setting that feels rare in everyday life.

Car enthusiasts respond to that atmosphere because it reflects the way they already think. They pay attention to setup, sound, balance, and response. They notice what others might miss. At the track, that habit feels normal instead of excessive. The same mindset appears in local meets and club gatherings. Members may talk about fitment, maintenance, paint condition, or suspension feel with the same level of care. The topic shifts, yet the attention stays the same.

How Club Identity Takes Shape

That same energy often finds a longer home in organized communities. In spaces connected to Automotive Club, the bond between enthusiasts can grow through repeated conversation, shared standards, and a clear sense of what the group values. A car club becomes more than a place to show a vehicle. It becomes a place where taste, behavior, and trust begin to matter as much as the machine itself.

Identity usually forms through small actions rather than grand statements. Members show up on time. They help each other diagnose problems. They remember what another owner is building and ask about the next step. They notice effort. Over time, that creates a community with its own tone. Some clubs lean toward period-correct builds. Others admire performance upgrades or clean street setups. The strongest groups make room for these differences while keeping a shared standard for respect and involvement.

What Enthusiasts Carry From the Track to the Street

Motorsport leaves a mark even on people who never plan to race. It changes the way they look at preparation, consistency, and care. A well-run team does not leave things to chance, and many enthusiasts bring that same attitude into club culture. They think ahead. They check the car before a drive. They take pride in the work that no one else sees right away.

That way of thinking shapes club identity in several clear ways:

  • It gives more value to preparation than to empty display.
  • It rewards members who stay engaged over time.
  • It creates respect for detail, patience, and mechanical awareness.

These habits help explain why some communities feel grounded while others fade quickly. The stronger ones are built around a shared standard of attention. Cars may be the visible center, but consistency is what keeps the group together.

Why Real Communities Still Matter

Modern car culture lives partly online, and that brings clear benefits. People can find rare parts, learn from technical discussions, and discover builders from other cities or countries. Still, online visibility alone does not create a real connection. A community becomes meaningful when people know each other beyond usernames and polished photos.

That is where clubs still hold real value. They offer continuity. They create space for repeated interaction, which is something the internet cannot always replace. A member who helps during a roadside issue, stays late after a meet, or shares honest advice earns trust in a way that a polished feed never can. Enthusiasts remember who shows up, who listens, and who adds something useful to the group.

This is also why many people drift away from empty automotive spaces and stay close to ones that feel grounded. They are looking for genuine exchange. They want places where people care about the work behind a build and the story behind a long-term project. When that feeling is present, club identity becomes stronger with each meet instead of wearing thin over time.

Where the Bond Continues to Grow

The strongest connection between track culture and car club life comes from shared experience. Both spaces reward attention, patience, and participation. Both invite people to care about more than appearance. A fast lap, a clean build, and a thoughtful conversation after an event may seem different on the surface, yet they create the same sense of involvement.

That is why communities linked with Automotive Club can feel familiar even to enthusiasts who came from very different corners of car culture. Some arrive through racing. Some come through weekend drives, restoration work, or local meets. What keeps them there is usually the same thing. They have found a place where their interest makes sense, where details are noticed, and where effort is respected.

Trackside energy does not disappear when the grandstands empty. It stays with people and shows up later in the way they gather, talk, build, and return. That is what connects enthusiasts today. The bond starts with cars, yet it lasts because of the people who keep showing up around them.

Reddick wins Darlington Goodyear 400, notches fourth victory of the season 

By
Angie Campbell
-
Photo by John Knittel for SpeedwayMedia.com.

Tyler Reddick claimed his fourth win of the season in the Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway on Sunday afternoon. But it was not without its obstacles.

After leading the first 45 laps, the team had a problem with the right-front tire change, resulting in a 16-plus pit stop. Reddick, however, rallied to finish second in Stage 1. 

But that was not the only problem that Reddick’s team had to address. 

They also had to change the battery and a faulty alternator before pit road was open, resulting in a penalty. for pitting before pit road opened. Reddick had to restart Stage 2 at the back of the field. 

With a malfunctioning alternator, Reddick had to conserve power by turning off any unnecessary electrical drains, including his cool suit.

Brad Keselowski won Stage 1, followed by Reddick, Ryan Blaney, Bubba Wallace, Kyle Larson, Chris Buescher, Chase Elliott, Austin Cindric, Daniel Suárez and William Byron. 

Keselowski also won Stage 2. Buescher finished second as Larson, Chase Briscoe, Ryan Preece, Byron, Cindric, Ty Gibbs and Suárez completed the top 10.

“All in all, a great day for us,” Keselowski said. “Won two stages, led a lot of laps, scored a bunch of points. So, a lot to be proud of. The team just needs a little pace. All three of our cars are executing really well and getting good finishes. With a little bit of pace, we can win these races. We’re showing ourselves as a team that is highly capable.”

Despite all the obstacles he faced, a relentless Reddick pursued Keselowski, passing him for the lead on Lap 266, and claiming the victory. 

Yeah, I mean, ever since I made my first lap here in an O’Reilly Auto Parts car, there’s just something about this racetrack that’s so special, so challenging. It’s been really fun for my evolution as a driver over the years, my time in O’Reilly Auto Parts car, my time at RCR and what we’ve perfected, my time here at 23XI.

“Just really proud of everybody, and it’s cool to get boss man his fourth win on the year.

“I know never to give up,” Reddick said. “I think it’s very fitting that when we finally get our first win here at Darlington that the Lady in Black would test us like that. We’ve been so close so many times. 

“I mean, Lap 1, we had the charging problem where the battery wasn’t charging at all. All day long, just not running fans. Sweat my tail off inside the race car, and we knew it was going to be physical. Really worn out, but I guess I don’t need as much of that cooling stuff as I normally have.”

Keselowski finished second as Ryan Blaney, Carson Hocevar, Austin Cindric, Ty Gibbs, Daniel Suárez, William Byron, Chris Buescher and Erik Jones rounded out the top 10.

Next week, the NASCAR Cup Series heads to Martinsville Speedway for the Cook Out 400 on Sunday, March 29, at 3:30 pm ET on FS1.

Complete Results:

  1. (45) Tyler Reddick, 23XI Racing Toyota
  2. (6) Brad Keselowski, RFK Racing Ford
  3. (12) Ryan Blaney, Team Penske Ford
  4. (77) Carson Hocevar, Spire Motorsports Chevrolet
  5. (2) Austin Cindric, Team Penske Ford
  6. (54) Ty Gibbs, Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
  7. (7) Daniel Suarez, Spire Motorsports Chevrolet
  8. (24) William Byron, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
  9. (17) Chris Buescher, RFK Racing Ford
  10. (43) Erik Jones, Legacy Motor Club Toyota
  11. (11) Denny Hamlin, Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
  12. (19) Chase Briscoe, Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
  13. (60) Ryan Preece, RFK Racing Ford
  14. (97) Shane van Gisbergen, Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet
  15. (9) Chase Elliott, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
  16. (1) Ross Chastain, Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet
  17. (21) Josh Berry, Wood Brothers Racing Ford
  18. (88) Connor Zilisch, Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet
  19. (20) Christopher Bell, Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
  20. (71) Michael McDowell, Spire Motorsports Chevrolet
  21. (8) Kyle Busch, Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet
  22. (38) Zane Smith, Front Row Motorsports Ford
  23. (34) Todd Gilliland, Front Row Motorsports Ford
  24. (48) Justin Allgaier, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
  25. (3) Austin Dillon, Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet
  26. (4) Noah Gragson, Front Row Motorsports Ford
  27. (42) John Hunter Nemechek, Legacy Motor Club Toyota
  28. (41) Cole Custer, Haas Factory Team Chevrolet
  29. (47) Ricky Stenhouse Jr., HYAK Motorsports Chevrolet
  30. (16) AJ Allmendinger, Kaulig Racing Chevrolet
  31. (10) Ty Dillon, Kaulig Racing Chevrolet
  32. (5) Kyle Larson, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
  33. (22) Joey Logano, Team Penske Ford
  34. (23) Bubba Wallace, 23XI Racing Toyota
  35. (35) Riley Herbst, 23XI Racing Toyota
  36. (51) Cody Ware, Rick Ware Racing Chevrolet
  37. (66) Timmy Hill, Garage 66 Ford

Reddick captures his fourth win of the season in the Goodyear 400 at Darlington

By
SM Staff
-
Phot by John Knittel for SpeedwayMedia.com

Tyler Reddick started from the pole and won Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway, but it wasn’t that easy. Reddick reported a brake issue early in the stage and overcame early electrical issues to lead 77 laps en route to his fourth win of the 2026 Cup Series season.

“I know never to give up,” Reddick. “I think it’s very fitting that when we finally get our first win here at Darlington, that, the Lady in Black would test us like that. We’ve been so close so many times. I mean, Lap 1, we had the charging problem where the battery wasn’t charging at all. All day long, just not running fans. Sweat my tail off inside the race car, and we knew it was going to be physical. Really worn out, but I guess I don’t need as much of that cooling stuff as I normally have.”

With a malfunctioning alternator, Reddick had to conserve power by turning off any unnecessary electrical drains, including his cool suit.

But, Reddick battled back and erased a seven-second deficit to Brad Keselowski, and passed Keselowski for the lead on lap 266 and pulled away by 5.847 seconds to win the Darlington Goodyear 400 at the track too tough to tame for his 12th NASCAR Cup Series victory.

Tyler Reddick
Photo by John Knittel for SpeedwayMedia.com

“It means everything. Some of the guys and I were talking about – we have it pretty good as Cup drivers, but it seemed like today, it was going to be a blue-collar type of day – we were going to have to really work for it.

From lap 1, to have the alternator problems we were having, and just be cutting fans and not to be able to run things that I was counting on to keep me cool all day, was tough. Just an incredible Xfinity Camry. So proud of this team, and everyone that is a part of it.”

Keselowski led a race-high 142 of the 293 laps in the Goodyear 400 at Darlington and swept the first two stages, finishing second.

“We didn’t have the best car today,” Keselowski said. “Not compared to Tyler. Tyler drove a hell of a race, and he’s driving a rocket, and he’s making it count right now. I think we got the most out of the day we were getting to get, honestly, but we scored a lot of stage points, second place, first place loser, but that’s OK. We’re doing the things we need to do and making the most of the days we have.”

Ryan Blaney overcame a pit road penalty and finished third.

“I’m proud of the fight back to run third. I thought our car was pretty good; we just got set back too many times, and it was hard to make it back up. I’m proud of our effort. We made gains on it all day, so that’s good. I was third, and Austin was fifth, so a good showing for the Penske cars, and I’m proud of that comeback.” PIT ROAD? “It’s something we’ve got to work on,” Blaney said.

Carson Hocevar finished fourth after starting from the rear of the field.

“Super proud of this No. 77 Chili’s Marg Machine Chevrolet team. It hasn’t been a lack of effort, but just a lack of luck that takes us out of finishes, so it’s nice to take one today. Chili’s put a lot of effort into this throwback scheme, so it’s great to give it a good run.” Hocevar said.

Austin Cindric rounded out the top 5 finishers.

“It was a difficult weekend for the teams to kind of decide what to bring and the right things to do. My group proves time and time again that they come prepared, whether it’s changes or practice to race, things like that, so we really had a solid package to work with all day, something that we could adjust with and change with the conditions. We were overdue for this group to have a good run and I’m proud to be able to deliver it and get us to the finish line for the first time, it feels like all year without an issue, so I’m proud of the team and something to build on.” Cindric said.

Ty Gibbs finished sixth, Daniel Suarez seventh, William Byron eighth, Chris Buescher ninth, and Erik Jones finished tenth.

Kyle Larson, who was running in 11th place with 10 laps remaining, had a late issue and fell to 32nd place.

Notably, five-time winner at Darlington, Denny Hamlin, made contact with Erik Jones entering Turn 3. As Jones slid down the track, Hamlin slowed, while Bubba Wallace was unable to avoid hitting both Hamlin and the outside wall.

The Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway featured four caution flags for 26 laps, and 16 lead changes among 8 drivers.

After Darlington, Tyler Reddick leads the NASCAR Cup Series standings by 95 points over Ryan Blaney, 120 points over Bubba Wallace, 122 points over Denny Hamlin, and 131 points over Chase Elliott.

Up Next:

The NASCAR Cup Series heads to Martinsville Speedway for the Cook Out 400 on Sunday, March 29, at 3:30 pm ET on FS1.

NASCAR Cup Series Race
Race Results for the Goodyear 400 – Sunday, March 22, 2026
Darlington Raceway – Darlington, SC – 1.366 – Mile Paved
Total Race Length – 293 Laps – 400.238 Miles

FinStNoDriverS1S2S3PointsStatus
1145Tyler Reddick25070Running
256Brad Keselowski11055Running
3712Ryan Blaney30042Running
41677Carson Hocevar00033Running
5122Austin Cindric88038Running
62854Ty Gibbs09033Running
7117Daniel Suarez910033Running
81324William Byron107034Running
9617Chris Buescher62042Running
102443Erik Jones00027Running
11911Denny Hamlin00026Running
122319Chase Briscoe04032Running
131760Ryan Preece06029Running
143397Shane Van Gisbergen00023Running
1539Chase Elliott70026Running
16251Ross Chastain00021Running
172621Josh Berry00020Running
183288Connor Zilisch #00019Running
192220Christopher Bell00018Running
202071Michael McDowell00017Running
2188Kyle Busch00016Running
221938Zane Smith00015Running
233134Todd Gilliland00014Running
241548Justin Allgaier(i)0000Running
25103Austin Dillon00012Running
26304Noah Gragson00011Running
272142John Hunter Nemechek00010Running
283541Cole Custer0009Running
291847Ricky Stenhouse Jr.0008Running
302716AJ Allmendinger0007Running
313610Ty Dillon0006Running
3245Kyle Larson53019Running
332922Joey Logano0004Running
34223Bubba Wallace40011Running
351435Riley Herbst0002Running
363451Cody Ware0001Running
373766* Timmy Hill(i)0000Handling

Brad Keselowski settles in runner-up spot following dominant run at Darlington

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

Brad Keselowski ended up one position shy of snapping a winless drought that spans nearly two seasons despite having a dominant run in the 2026 Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway on Sunday, March 22.

The 2012 NASCAR Cup Series champion from Rochester Hills, Michigan, made his presence at the front known in the early portions of Sunday’s 400-mile event in Darlington, South Carolina. After rolling off the starting grid in fifth place, Keselowski capitalized on a slow pit service from pole-sitter Tyler Reddick during a green-flag pit stop sequence, which started on Lap 38, to lead for the first time on Lap 45. He then proceeded to capture the first stage victory on Lap 90 and go from third to first during the second stage period’s first two restarts to reassume the lead, starting on Lap 117. 

Like the first stage period, Keselowski dominated the second stage period as he led a total of 63 laps compared to 44 throughout the first stage period. The only challenge he experienced was when his RFK Racing teammate, Chris Buescher, reeled in for the lead in the closing laps of the second stage period. Amid lapped traffic, Keselowski managed to fend off Buescher to sweep the event’s first two stage periods. By then, it marked the first time Keselowski swept the first two stages during a Cup event since Iowa Speedway in August 2025.

Keselowski did not dominate the third and final stage period as he led the third-most laps compared to teammate Buescher (38) and Tyler Reddick (28), but he placed himself in a race-winning position as he cycled to the lead for the sixth and final time with 45 laps remaining. This latest move occurred following a late cycle of green-flag pit stops. Ultimately, Keselowski was overtaken by Reddick, the latter of whom had a faster car, with 28 laps remaining. Afterwards, the former could not narrow the deficit for the event’s remainder as he settled in the runner-up spot while trailing race winner Reddick at the finish line by 5.847 seconds. 

Keselowski’s runner-up result at Darlington marks his second top-five result and third top-10 result through the first six events of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season. Having led a race-high 142 of 293 scheduled laps, this marks his first time leading the most laps in a Cup event since he led 170 laps at Martinsville Speedway in November 2024. Keselowski’s result also capped off a stellar run for RFK Racing as Buescher, who led 41 laps, navigated his way to ninth place while Ryan Preece, who ran as high as third place towards the event’s halfway mark, settled in 13th place.

With a total of 55 points accumulated, Keselowski jumps from 12th to ninth in the 2026 driver’s standings and is scored 43 points above the top-16 cutline to make the Chase. This marks a stark contrast to a year ago, when he was mired in 30th place in the standings after the first six scheduled events.

Amid the strong result and points he achieved, Keselowski was left disappointed as he had an opportunity to snap a 65-race winless drought at a track that marks his latest Cup victory to date. Nevertheless, he remained optimistic as he continues to strive both towards snapping his winless drought and marching his way back into Chase contention.

“We didn’t have the best car of the day compared to Tyler [Reddick],” Keselowski said on FS1. “Tyler drove a hell of a race and he’s driving a rocket and he’s making it count right now. I think we got the most out of the day we’re going to get honest. We scored a lot of stage points. Second place, first place loser, but that’s okay. We’re doing the thing we need to do and making the most of the days we have.”

Next weekend, Keselowski returns to action at Martinsville Speedway, a track to which he has previously won (2017 & 2019). He is also scheduled to make his 600th career Cup Series start during next weekend’s event. For next weekend’s event at Martinsville, Keselowski will attempt to join Richard Petty as the only competitors to win during the milestone start.

The 2026 Cook Out 400 at Martinsville Speedway is scheduled for next Sunday, March 29, at 3:30 p.m. ET on FS1, MRN Radio, SiriusXM, and HBO MAX.

RFK Racing Combines to Lead 183 Laps at Darlington

By
Official Release
-

Keselowski Led the Way With 2nd Place Finish

DARLINGTON, SC (March 22, 2026) – Roush Fenway Keselowski (RFK) Racing brought a lot of vibrant colors to the Lady in Black Sunday. Each of its three teams honored Greg Biffle with iconic paint schemes reminiscent of The Biff’s famous on-track identities. And the performance was a worthy tribute. Brad Keselowski led 142 laps and swept the opening two stages. Chris Buescher led 41 circuits of his own and Ryan Preece also contended inside the top five during the day.

Brad Keselowski #6 Solomon Plumbing Ford Mustang

Honoring Greg Biffle with a tribute paint scheme reminiscent of ‘The Biff’s’ 2009 July Daytona livery, Brad Keselowski was determined Sunday. After a season-best qualifying effort, he rolled off fifth in the Solomon Plumbing Ford Mustang. And it didn’t take long before he showed his strength, climbing to third in the opening laps. By lap 47 he was the leader. With spotter TJ Majors guiding him on lap times and tire management, Keselowski controlled the field and capped off a dominant opening run with a Stage One victory.

Stage Two only reinforced Keselowski’s strength. Although he restarted third, after pitting between stages, he wouldn’t be held back. Quickly, the two-time Darlington winner, moved to second and began posting faster lap times than the leader. A caution on lap 112 initiated pitstops. Keselowski took tires and restarted strong, as he catapulted from third to first almost immediately. In a statement moment for RFK Racing, he led a 1-2-3 formation with teammates Chris Buescher and Ryan Preece close behind. Even through green flag pit cycles, Keselowski maintained control, ultimately winning Stage Two.

With two stage wins already, Keselowski and crew chief Jeremy Bullins set their sights on finishing the job. A caution, and subsequent pit stop, during the final stage briefly set them back to 11th, but Keselowski worked his way through the field. One by one he clicked off positions, finally retaking the lead with 44 laps to go. Though Keselowski finished second after leading an impressive 142 laps, his performance was a clear statement of speed.

“It was a good day for RFK Racing,” said Keselowski. “To have all three cars be super competitive. Win the first two stages. For a while it looked like Chris Buescher was going to win. For a while it looked like I was going to win, and Ryan wasn’t far behind us. But in the end, we didn’t quite have the pace, but the teams are executing really well and doing great work.”

Chris Buescher #17 Fifth Third Bank Ford Mustang

Sporting a paint scheme throwing back to Greg Biffle’s iconic imagery from Talladega and Texas in 2011, Chris Buescher aimed to honor ‘The Biff’ with a Darlington win. For much of the day Sunday that was very much in reach. Starting sixth, Buescher and the Fifth Third Ford Mustang wasted no time moving forward, jumping to fifth on the opening lap. Working in sync with teammate Brad Keselowski near the front of the field, Buescher was among the fastest on the track. Throughout the stage he maintained a presence among the leaders and finished the first segment 6th.

Between stages the 17-team made minor adjustments that paid off right away. Restarting second, Buescher quickly reestablished himself as a top contender. A caution on lap 112 gave the team another opportunity for a strong stop, and Buescher capitalized, restarting second and tracking directly behind Keselowski. Running the leader’s line and maintaining impressive speed, Buescher remained a constant threat at the front finishing second in Stage Two.

The final stage saw Buescher firmly in the fight for the win. Restarting third, he battled Keselowski for the top spot before settling into second and maintaining pressure. Strategy came into play on lap 198 when Buescher stayed out under caution to take over the lead, and he began to pull away from the field. During that stretch he led 41 laps. Unfortunately, contact from Tyler Reddick just before the final round of pit stops sent Buescher into the wall. Buescher held on to the car but lost track position, Buescher and the No. 17 team refused to fade, regrouping to finish ninth.

“It was a fun day. That was fantastic to come down here with this Fifth Third Bank Ford Mustang Dark Horse and run that well from practice, qualifying, race, to make improvements. The pit crew was awesome yet again,” said Buescher. “To be leading laps there late. Obviously, (the contact with Reddick) was a racing deal. That’s straight up all it is. We got caught by the guys that did come and take tires and made an aggressive move to try to get to pit road real fast and kind of jump it and it was a little bit of an aggressive move, and it didn’t work out. We’re trying to win races here. That’s what we we’re after and just came up a little bit short today.”

Ryan Preece #60 Kroger/Oscar Mayer/Heinz Ford Mustang

Honoring ‘The Biff’ with a throwback paint scheme to the classic colors and markings Greg Biffle ran during the majority of 2009, Ryan Preece was locked in. No. 60 Oscar Mayer/Heinz/Kroger Ford Mustang Dark Horse rolled off 17th Sunday. Preece quickly settled into a steady rhythm, telling the team the car felt similar to practice and seemed good for the first few runs. That confidence translated on track as he methodically picked his way forward, climbing to the edge of the top 10 and locking down an 11th place finish in Stage One.

Stage Two delivered the kind of momentum every team hopes for at Darlington. Restarting eighth, Preece and the No. 60 group capitalized on a timely caution, grabbing fresh tires and unleashing one of their strongest charges of the day. Running the high line with precision on the restart, he sliced through lap traffic and powered into the top five, eventually lining up with teammates Brad Keselowski and Chris Buescher to form a thrilling RFK Racing 1-2-3. Preece wrapped the stage in 6th, struggling with right rear grip but still showing the pace that kept the No. 60 in the fight.

A tight handling condition off throttle and a few tough pit cycles shuffled him back to 14th but kept the No. 60 on the lead lap all day. With 50 laps remaining, the team bolted on fresh tires for one last push. Preece clawed his way once more and came home 13th when the checker flag waved.

“Way too much right rear driving, I only got increasingly tighter with each adjustment. It was a good effort and we’ll keep rolling,” said Preece post-race. “Happy for my teammates and RFK Racing, was special to run up front with them there and pay tribute to Greg.”

Up Next:

Martinsville Speedway (Martinsville, VA)

The NASCAR Cup Series – Sunday, March 29 at 3:30pm EST on FS1

About RFK Racing 

RFK Racing, in its 39th season in 2026, features an ownership lineup pairing one of the sport’s most iconic names, Jack Roush, along with NASCAR Champion, Brad Keselowski, and Fenway Sports Group owner John Henry. Roush initially founded the team in 1988, and it has since become one of the most successful racing operations in the world, propelling him to be the first NASCAR owner to amass three hundred wins and capturing eight championships, including back-to-back NASCAR Cup titles in 2003 and 2004. Keselowski, a former owner in the NASCAR Truck Series, is the 2012 NASCAR Cup Series Champion. In 2007, Roush partnered with Henry, who also owns Major League Baseball’s Boston Red Sox, English Premier League’s Liverpool F.C., and the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins, to form Roush Fenway Racing. Off the track, RFK is a leader and proven winner in NASCAR marketing solutions, having produced multiple award-winning social media, digital content and experiential marketing campaigns. Visit https://www.rfkracing.com/ and follow the team on all social platforms @rfkracing.

CAPPS, LANGDON & GLENN ROLL TO WINS AT FMP NHRA ARIZONA NATIONALS

By
Official Release
-
  • Capps overcomes huge explosion for FC win
  • Langdon gets third straight TF win at FMP
  • Glenn gets PS redemption in Phoenix

PHOENIX (March 22, 2026) – Three-time Funny Car world champion Ron Capps recovered from a massive engine explosion in the second round at Firebird Motorsports Park, defeating Spencer Hyde in the final round to earn his 78th career win on Sunday at the 41st annual FMP NHRA Arizona Nationals presented by NGK Spark Plugs.

Shawn Langdon (Top Fuel) and Dallas Glenn (Pro Stock) also won the second of 20 races during the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season.

In the final round, Capps went 4.124-seconds at 303.24 mph in his 12,000-horsepower NAPA Auto Parts Toyota GR Supra, holding off Hyde to pick up his first victory of the season and fourth overall in Phoenix.

This was an emotional one for the veteran after he suffered a huge engine explosion at the finish line in his second-round win against Daniel Wilkerson. Capps and the team bounced back in impressive fashion to knock off defending event winner Paul Lee with a strong run and advance to the final round.

He left first on Hyde and pulled away at the finish line, picking up one of the more memorable wins in Capps’ stellar career. A year ago, Capps also had a huge explosion and crash in Phoenix, but those two incidents are now a distant memory after Sunday’s incredible finish.

“We knew this was going to be a battle of attrition and dropped cylinders today,” Capps said. “A couple of those runs, there was no way I would imagine that would have got us lane choice, but it did. It was like a bracket car. This win reminded me a lot of first my win in St. Louis [1997] because it was hot and we had 150-degree track temps there and we dropped cylinders all day but still won the race.

“We burned a lot of stuff up. At that time it happened, we weren’t sure the win light was going to be worth it, but it wouldn’t have been worth it had it been a runner up. I have to thank Paul Lee and his team for waiting for us. We went to warm it up [in the pits], and it wouldn’t even fire, so we literally went up there not knowing was going to start. To get that win in the semis and have a blast down the road when it did was pretty cool.”

Hyde, NHRA’s reigning Rookie of the Year and the No. 1 qualifier in Phoenix, reached his third career final round after taking down Blake Alexander, J.R. Todd and Matt Hagan. Gainesville winner Chad Green is the points leader after two races.

Top Fuel’s Shawn Langdon stayed red-hot at Firebird Motorsports Park, winning for the third straight year in Phoenix and knocking off Leah Pruett in the final round with a run of 3.877 at 325.45 in his 12,000-horsepower Kalitta Air dragster. He’s now undefeated in his last 12 rounds at the fan-favorite facility and has found success in a variety of conditions over the years.

On Sunday and all weekend, he did it in extreme heat, as Langdon qualified No. 1 and was remarkably consistent in eliminations, making three runs in the 3.80s. He took down Tony Schumacher and then rookie sensation Maddi Gordon in the semifinals, setting up a marquee matchup with Pruett.

Langdon posted an .079 reaction time and delivered another impressive run, winning for the 23rd time in his career a day after getting his 23rd No. 1 qualifier. It gives the past world champion his first win of the year and plenty of early-season momentum as Langdon looks to stay near or at the top all season long.

“At the beginning of the year, we made some really good runs in testing under some really good conditions. One of the prime focuses for this year on is making good runs when it gets hot out, and being able to have a car that you can gain the small bonus points,” Langdon said. “So that’s been a big focus for the team and Brian [Husen, crew chief], and being able to come out here on some of the hottest conditions that we’ve really ever seen, for him to make the adjustments and the team to make the adjustments, that feels really good.

“That’s the cool thing about being a part of this team: even though you win a race, they’re still looking at the finer details. Brian leads the way and he demands perfection, and the car’s not perfect. We’re going to make it perfect.”

In just her second race since returning to the sport, Pruett reached her 26th career final round with victories against Cam Ferre, Josh Hart and reigning world champion Doug Kalitta, who leaves Phoenix with the points lead.

In Pro Stock, Dallas Glenn more than got redemption for last year’s final round in Phoenix, finishing off a magnificent weekend with a run of 6.627 at 206.39 in his RAD Torque Systems Chevrolet Camaro to hold off Cody Coughlin in the final round. It gives Glenn a clean sweep of the weekend after winning the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge on Saturday and also gives the reigning world champion his first victory of the season.

Last year, Glenn went red in a wild final round against KB Titan Racing teammate Greg Anderson, but there were no issues this time on Sunday. Glenn went .027 on the starting line and led wire-to-wire against Coughlin, collecting his first career win at Firebird Motorsports Park. Glenn, who qualified third, defeated Stephen Bell, Matt Latino and Greg Stanfield to reach the final round.

Glenn, who also took over the points lead, was quickest in each of the final three rounds, rolling to his 22nd career victory and getting his first diamond Wally during NHRA’s 75th anniversary season. He’s already reached 41 final rounds in his young career and even after winning a world title in 2025, Glenn has big plans for this season.

“It feels really good. Last year’s final was very ugly, and it was all caused by a mistake on my part and then a malfunction on Greg’s part. So to come here and do a much better job for the fans feels really great,” Glenn said.

“When we were driving here, I know I definitely screwed up last year and I really want to win Phoenix. I’ve never won here before and I really want to get one of those cool 75th anniversary trophies, so this takes the pressure off for the rest of the season. I definitely feel like I have a lot less pressure on me this year. I feel more relaxed on race day. I’m kind of just going with the flow and definitely not putting as much pressure on myself. I know what I can do, and I just trying to go out there and have fun and click some rounds off.”

Coughlin, who qualified No. 1 in Gainesville, reached his second career final round after defeating Eric Latino, Chris McGaha and Jeg Coughlin Jr.

The NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series returns to action April 9-12 with the Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip.

CHANDLER, Ariz. — Final finish order (1-16) at the FMP NHRA Arizona Nationals presented by NGK Spark Plugs at Firebird Motorsports Park. The race is the second of 20 events in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series.

TOP FUEL:

  1. Shawn Langdon; 2. Leah Pruett; 3. Doug Kalitta; 4. Maddi Gordon; 5. Tony Stewart; 6. Billy Torrence; 7. Tony Schumacher; 8. Josh Hart; 9. Will Smith; 10. Shawn Reed; 11. Jaren Mott; 12. Antron Brown; 13. Justin Ashley; 14. Clay Millican; 15. Cameron Ferre.

FUNNY CAR:

  1. Ron Capps; 2. Spencer Hyde; 3. Matt Hagan; 4. Paul Lee; 5. Daniel Wilkerson; 6. J.R. Todd; 7. Jordan Vandergriff; 8. Chad Green; 9. Jack Beckman; 10. Cruz Pedregon; 11. Austin Prock; 12. Dave Richards; 13. Blake Alexander; 14. Jason Rupert; 15. Dylan Winefsky; 16. Alexis DeJoria.

PRO STOCK:

  1. Dallas Glenn; 2. Cody Coughlin; 3. Greg Stanfield; 4. Jeg Coughlin; 5. Aaron Stanfield; 6. Matt Latino; 7. Chris McGaha; 8. Erica Enders; 9. Greg Anderson; 10. Troy Coughlin Jr.; 11. Deric Kramer; 12. Eric Latino; 13. Matt Hartford; 14. Stephen Bell; 15. Chris Vang; 16. Cody Anderson.

CHANDLER, Ariz. — Sunday’s final results from the FMP NHRA Arizona Nationals presented by NGK Spark Plugs at Firebird Motorsports Park. The race is the second of 20 in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series:

Top Fuel — Shawn Langdon, 3.877 seconds, 325.45 mph def. Leah Pruett, 3.930 seconds, 317.57 mph.

Funny Car — Ron Capps, Toyota GR Supra, 4.124, 303.23 def. Spencer Hyde, Ford Mustang, 4.326, 259.76.

Pro Stock — Dallas Glenn, Chevy Camaro, 6.627, 206.39 def. Cody Coughlin, Camaro, 6.674, 207.30.

Super Stock — Tim Seymour, Chevy Camaro, 9.208, 145.20 def. Evan Kowalski, Chevy Cobalt, 9.229, 136.22.

Stock Eliminator — Justin Lamb, Chevy Camaro, 9.512, 139.80 def. Leo Glasbrenner, Camaro, Foul – Red Light.

Super Comp — Doug Johnson, Dragster, 8.888, 176.63 def. Tanner Theobald, Dragster, 8.880, 173.38.

Super Gas — Val Torres Jr., Chevy Camaro, 16.241, 62.66 def. Chris Gabbard, Plymouth Duster, Foul – Red Light.

Top Sportsman — Rob Mendenhall, chevy Camaro, 6.969, 196.73 def. Will Yakimetz, Camaro, 6.864, 172.28.

Top Dragster — Cooper Chun, Dragster, 7.741, 152.21 def. Dylan Hough, Dragster, Foul – Red Light.

Pro Modified — Justin Bond, Chevy Camaro, 5.736, 251.81 def. Steve Jackson, Camaro, Foul – Red Light.

Legacy Nitro Funny Car — Nathan Sitko, Pontiac Firebird, 4.799, 236.71 def. Ryan Horan, Chevy Camaro, Broke.

CHANDLER, Ariz. — Final round-by-round results from the FMP NHRA Arizona Nationals presented by NGK Spark Plugs at Firebird Motorsports Park, the second of 20 events in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series:

TOP FUEL:

ROUND ONE — Tony Stewart, 3.823, 329.99 def. Shawn Reed, 3.932, 316.38; Maddi Gordon, 3.852, 324.98 def. Jaren Mott, 3.962, 281.07; Leah Pruett, 3.827, 327.74 def. Cameron Ferre, 4.670, 178.47; Shawn Langdon, 3.832, 331.04 was unopposed; Doug Kalitta, 3.791, 331.94 def. Will Smith, 3.852, 320.97; Billy Torrence, 3.844, 329.10 def. Antron Brown, 4.109, 250.13; Josh Hart, 4.000, 280.02 def. Justin Ashley, 4.115, 269.03; Tony Schumacher, 4.329, 239.82 def. Clay Millican, 4.595, 170.13;

QUARTERFINALS — Langdon, 3.859, 329.02 def. Schumacher, 3.987, 282.24; Pruett, 3.887, 319.52 def. Hart, 4.081, 275.62; Gordon, 3.851, 324.83 def. Stewart, 3.950, 311.13; Kalitta, 3.874, 327.59 def. Torrence, 3.953, 321.96;

SEMIFINALS — Pruett, 3.887, 316.52 def. Kalitta, 3.926, 314.75; Langdon, 3.979, 297.68 def. Gordon, 4.396, 187.31;

FINAL — Langdon, 3.877, 325.45 def. Pruett, 3.930, 317.57.

FUNNY CAR:

ROUND ONE — Spencer Hyde, Ford Mustang, 4.014, 315.64 def. Blake Alexander, Dodge Charger, 4.583, 198.70; Daniel Wilkerson, Mustang, 4.001, 322.04 def. Jack Beckman, Chevy Camaro, 4.021, 273.88; Chad Green, Mustang, 4.011, 320.97 def. Dylan Winefsky, Charger, 5.369, 138.73; Matt Hagan, Charger, 4.031, 322.34 def. Cruz Pedregon, Charger, 4.100, 299.53; Jordan Vandergriff, Camaro, 3.984, 318.62 def. Alexis DeJoria, Camaro, Foul – Red Light; Paul Lee, Charger, 4.054, 318.17 def. Dave Richards, Mustang, 4.548, 206.83; Ron Capps, Toyota GR Supra, 3.980, 323.19 def. Jason Rupert, Mustang, 4.672, 186.05; J.R. Todd, GR Supra, 4.043, 321.19 def. Austin Prock, Mustang, 4.307, 261.88;

QUARTERFINALS — Lee, 4.252, 286.32 def. Green, 7.845, 90.76; Hagan, 4.621, 189.71 def. Vandergriff, 4.650, 181.86; Capps, 4.144, 274.39 def. Wilkerson, 4.157, 307.30; Hyde, 4.145, 301.27 def. Todd, 4.160, 297.88;

SEMIFINALS — Hyde, 4.185, 292.65 def. Hagan, 4.211, 286.92; Capps, 4.124, 303.09 def. Lee, 4.240, 271.30;

FINAL — Capps, 4.124, 303.23 def. Hyde, 4.326, 259.76.

PRO STOCK:

ROUND ONE — Cody Coughlin, Chevy Camaro, 6.621, 207.05 def. Eric Latino, Camaro, 6.611, 208.59; Aaron Stanfield, Camaro, 6.620, 206.73 def. Chris Vang, Camaro, Broke; Matt Latino, Camaro, 6.625, 208.55 def. Matt Hartford, Camaro, 6.612, 205.98; Jeg Coughlin, Camaro, 6.606, 206.95 def. Deric Kramer, Camaro, 6.609, 207.98; Erica Enders, Camaro, 6.593, 207.02 def. Cody Anderson, Camaro, Foul – Red Light; Dallas Glenn, Camaro, 6.587, 207.43 def. Stephen Bell, Camaro, 6.631, 207.34; Chris McGaha, Camaro, 6.625, 209.39 def. Greg Anderson, Camaro, 6.577, 207.24; Greg Stanfield, Camaro, 6.585, 206.80 def. Troy Coughlin Jr., Camaro, 6.595, 206.80;

QUARTERFINALS — C. Coughlin, 6.646, 207.11 def. C. McGaha, 7.779, 143.64; J. Coughlin, 7.962, 183.54 def. Enders, 12.697, 69.50; Glenn, 6.610, 207.59 def. M. Latino, 6.645, 208.39; G. Stanfield, 6.633, 206.54 def. A. Stanfield, 6.642, 207.34;

SEMIFINALS — C. Coughlin, 6.697, 206.10 def. J. Coughlin, 6.728, 206.99; Glenn, 6.646, 205.91 def. G. Stanfield, 6.685, 206.73;

FINAL — Glenn, 6.627, 206.39 def. C. Coughlin, 6.674, 207.30.

CHANDLER, Ariz. — Point standings (top 10) following the FMP NHRA Arizona Nationals presented by NGK Spark Plugs at Firebird Motorsports Park, the second of 20 events in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series –

Top Fuel

  1. Doug Kalitta, 176; 2. Josh Hart, 174; 3. Shawn Langdon, 170; 4. Leah Pruett, 158; 5. Maddi Gordon, 152; 6. Tony Stewart, 108; 7. Antron Brown, 107; 8. Tony Schumacher, 101; 9. Billy Torrence, 78; 10. (tie) Justin Ashley, 65 and Shawn Reed, 65.

Funny Car

  1. Chad Green, 174; 2. Spencer Hyde, 156; 3. Ron Capps, 151; 4. J.R. Todd, 140; 5. Matt Hagan, 135; 6. Alexis DeJoria, 126; 7. Jordan Vandergriff, 125; 8. Paul Lee, 111; 9. Daniel Wilkerson, 107; 10. Jack Beckman, 64.

Pro Stock

  1. Dallas Glenn, 195; 2. Matt Hartford, 160; 3. Cody Coughlin, 158; 4. Greg Anderson, 142; 5. Erica Enders, 128; 6. Greg Stanfield, 118; 7. Matt Latino, 109; 8. Jeg Coughlin, 107; 9. Aaron Stanfield, 106; 10. Cody Anderson, 83.

Tasca Racing Shows Progress and Resilience at NHRA Arizona Nationals

By
Official Release
-

Chandler, AZ – Tasca Racing demonstrated steady progress and determination throughout the 2026 NHRA Arizona Nationals weekend at Firebird Motorsports Park, with Austin Prock driving the Motorcraft Quick Lane Nitro Mustang Dark Horse Funny Car to a ninth-place qualifying position and a competitive showing in Sunday eliminations.

The weekend opened with difficult track conditions that tested teams across the Funny Car field. In Q1, Prock recorded a 4.452-second pass at 295.46 MPH after dropping a cylinder early in the run, forcing him to pedal the car and recover from a move toward the centerline. The effort positioned Tasca Racing 13th after the first session.

In Q2, the team showed incremental improvement with a 4.427 ET. Prock advanced further down track before encountering tire spin near the top end, navigating multiple directional corrections to complete the pass. Tasca Racing ended Friday in the 14th position, continuing to gather critical data under challenging conditions.

Saturday marked a turning point for the team. In Q3, Prock delivered a clean and controlled A-to-B run, posting a 4.041 ET at 320.05 MPH. The pass represented a significant step forward in performance and stability, moving Tasca Racing into the top half of the field in ninth position.

Despite the momentum, Q4 presented a new challenge. The car dropped a left-side cylinder immediately at the hit, limiting the run to a 9.246 ET. Even with the setback, the team maintained its ninth-place qualifying position heading into eliminations.

Tasca Racing faced J.R. Todd in the opening round. Prock delivered a strong reaction time and held the starting line advantage, but tire spin developed near the 330-foot mark, impacting overall performance. The team recorded a 4.307 ET at 261.88 MPH, while Todd advanced with a 4.043 ET at 321.19 MPH.

While the result did not yield a round win, the Arizona Nationals marked measurable progress for Tasca Racing. From early struggles on Friday to a strong Q3 performance and a competitive first-round effort, the team established a clear trajectory of improvement.

Prock emphasized the team’s mindset moving forward, noting that the performance gains made throughout the weekend provide a foundation to build on as the season continues.

Tasca Racing leaves Chandler with valuable data, increased confidence, and a continued focus on refinement as they prepare for the WinterNationals in Pomona, CA April 10th, the next stop on the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series schedule.

RCR NCS Race Recap: Darlington Raceway

By
Official Release
-

Austin Dillon and the No. 3 Bass Pro Shops/Winchester Long Beard XR Chevrolet Team Challenged at Darlington Raceway Enroute to 25th-Place Finish

Finish: 25th
Start: 10th
Points: 26th

“Our No. 3 team had another solid start to the weekend with qualifying inside the top-10, which puts us in a better spot to start the race and have a better pit stall selection. Once the race started, we just went to battle with our Bass Pro Shops/Winchester Long Beard XR Chevrolet. Tires are key at this place with the fall off and we tried to play strategy in Stage 3, hoping for a quick caution. Unfortunately, that didn’t fall our way but we netted out where we were before, maybe a few positions lower. The balance was extremely tight at the end so we powered through to the checkered.” -Austin Dillon

Kyle Busch and the No. 8 BetMGM Chevrolet Team Showcase Never-Give-Up Mentality at Darlington Raceway

Finish: 21st
Start: 8th
Points: 23rd

“Today wasn’t our day. We had a good practice and qualifying session with the No. 8 BetMGM Chevrolet, but that didn’t convert once we got out on Darlington Raceway this afternoon. With that said, the team never quit and we made some adjustments that at times let us race inside the top-15. It’s time now to focus on Martinsville Speedway and continuing to make strides with the No. 8 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet.” -Kyle Busch

Rick Ware Racing: Goodyear 400 from Darlington

By
Official Release
-

RICK WARE RACING
Goodyear 400
Date: March 22, 2026
Event: Goodyear 400 (Round 6 of 36)
Series: NASCAR Cup Series
Location: Darlington (S.C.) Raceway (1.366-mile oval)
Format: 293 laps, broken into three stages (90 laps/95 laps/108 laps)

Race Winner: Tyler Reddick of 23XI Racing (Toyota)
Stage 1 Winner: Brad Keselowski of RFK Racing (Ford)
Stage 2 Winner: Brad Keselowski of RFK Racing (Ford)

RWR Finish:

● Cody Ware (Started 34th, Finished 36th / Running, completed 285 of 293 laps)

RWR Points:

● Cody Ware (35th with 53 points)

Race Notes:

● Tyler Reddick won the Goodyear 400 to score his 12th career NASCAR Cup Series victory, his series-leading fourth of the season, and his first at Darlington. His margin over second-place Brad Keselowski was 5.847 seconds.

● There were four caution periods for a total of 26 laps.

● Only 18 of the 37 drivers in the race finished on the lead lap.

● Reddick remains the championship leader after Darlington with a 95-point advantage over second-place Ryan Blaney.

Sound Bites:

“Today was probably one of the toughest days in a racecar, probably ever. First green flag pit stop, we had a wheel come off, and so our day was kind of shot, but we fired off swinging. I was really impressed by the team, the car they built, the speed that we had. We’ve unloaded strong in practice three weeks in a row now, and that’s a testament to these guys. Hopefully, we can just mitigate mistakes and get a good result next week in Martinsville.” – Cody Ware, driver of the No. 51 Jacob Construction Chevrolet

Next Up:

The next event on the NASCAR Cup Series schedule is the Cook Out 400 on Sunday, March 29 at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway. The race begins at 3:30 p.m. EDT with live coverage provided by FS1 and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

1...202122...6,605Page 21 of 6,605