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Ryan Blaney and Todd Gilliland Indianapolis Media Availability Transcript

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Official Release
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Ford Racing Notes and Quotes
NASCAR Cup Series
Brickyard 400 Media Availability — Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Friday, July 24, 2026

Ford drivers Ryan Blaney and Todd Gilliland will be squaring off against each other in the final round of the In-Season Challenge in Sunday’s Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Both drivers participated in a press conference in the IMS infield media center before today’s practice session to talk about their chance at winning the $1 million bonus.

TODD GILLILAND, No. 34 Front Row Motorsports Ford Mustang Dark Horse – CAN YOU TALK ABOUT GOING FOR THIS $1 MILLION ON SUNDAY? “For me, it’s just been a really cool opportunity with just the media. Our opportunities that have come out of it the last week to two weeks have been fun, so, for us, we’ve caught a lot of lucky breaks. We’ve been barely skating by all these rounds, but now that we’re here, it feels a little bit more real and you never know. Over the course of 400 miles anything can happen, so we’re all just gonna go give our best effort. I’ve been trying not to think about what it would be like if we won, just trying to put ourselves in position to do so.”

RYAN BLANEY, No. 12 Team Penske Ford Mustang Dark Horse – “I got knocked out of it the first round last year in Atlanta, so it was nice to be part of it and see who you’re facing every single week and go through the gauntlet. It’s nice to end it here at Indy. I think this is a great place to end it – at a really amazing racetrack, so it should be an exciting one on Sunday.”

TODD GILLILAND CONTINUED – WHAT DID YOU THINK OF RYAN’S PICKLE HYPE VIDEO? “I thought that was one of the funniest things I’ve seen in a long time. I absolutely loved that. I was just at home folding laundry and I opened up my phone and I was like, ‘Ryan, posted something.’ And I was like, ‘Whoa, whoa. No, he’s eating a pickle.’ And then I was like, ‘No way, that’s my voice, too.’ And then I watched the whole thing and I was like, ‘Oh, boy. That’s awesome.’ I didn’t know you guys could do stuff like that at Penske.” RYAN INTERJECTS: “It was their idea. I couldn’t believe it.” TODD CONTINUES: “I like it. That was more of a Front Row video, so I was super impressed about it. I loved it because I love talking a little trash, and I thought that was the perfect way of getting on social media, so it was fun.”

RYAN BLANEY CONTINUED – “I thought it was a good idea when Penske brought it to me, and they didn’t know that I absolutely, and this is an actual thing, I hate pickles. I absolutely despise pickles. All pickles. Not just Grillo’s. I hate every single one of them. So they were like, ‘Hey, we need you to take a bite out of this pickle.’ And I was like, ‘That’s gonna be a really big ask for me.’ That took me 10 minutes to wash it out of my moustache after I ate it, but it was fun. I was happy that Penske had some fun with it and it was fun to play around.”

TODD GILLILAND CONTINUED – DO YOU FEEL LIKE RYAN NEEDS TO SUFFER AN ISSUE FOR YOU TO WIN? “I’d be good either way, but we beat him here last year, so I don’t know why we can’t do it again. Overall, I think it’s fair to say that we’re big underdogs, but, at the same time, anything can happen. We’ll have to go out and see.”

RYAN BLANEY CONTINUED – HOW DO YOU VIEW THIS STRETCH WITH ONLY ONE TOP FIVE IN THE LAST 11 RACES? WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO DO TO TURN THOSE INTO TOP FIVES? “We’ve been grinding away. I feel like a lot of those races just kind of maximized our day, and you don’t want to have those maximized day be a seventh-place finish, but if that’s what we have that day, can we turn a ninth or 10th-place car and tweak on it all race and get a little bit better, then that’s what we’ve been doing. I’ve been proud of the effort there. I thought we had a good shot at running third or fourth last week until I sped, so I think we’ve been doing a good job of maximizing where we need to, and then trying to execute the best where we can, like Atlanta, where we were incredibly fast and was able to execute that night. I think we’re creeping up on it. I think the speed that we’ve shown out of our race shop from Atlanta, which is a different animal, but the 22 speed last week to dominate that race like they did, I think we’re in a good spot in our building right now, and you just hope to build it over the next five races until we get going here in the Chase.”

TODD GILLILAND CONTINUED – YOU’VE GOT SIXTH-PLACE FINISHES THE LAST TWO YEAR AND YOU’VE RUN WELL ON THE ROAD COURSE TOO. WHY HAS THIS PLACE BEEN SO GOOD TO YOU? “I don’t really know why it’s been good to us. I think, like Ryan said earlier, this is just an amazing racetrack, amazing facilities, and it’s always just been a lot of fun to come here, so I’ve enjoyed my time here. I do think it always helps when you run well and finish well. I think the finishes are probably blown out of the water of where we ran those days with just all of those late-race restarts, but it seems like that’s a theme here year over year, so I don’t really know. I’ve just always loved our time here. I think before we came back to the oval I was able to do a test here for two full days, and I also think that helped me just get my feet under me pretty early and just start to figure out this place.”

RYAN BLANEY CONTINUED – WHY DO YOU FEEL THIS PLACE DEMANDS EXCELLENCE? “I think everything has to be right here. I think it’s hard to come back after a mistake here, so I think that speaks to a lot of teams who can execute a full day, who can qualify well on Saturday, who can run a good race on the racetrack and on pit road and on the pit box. Teams that have all of that in line, I think those teams are very deserving of winning championships. That’s just a good functioning group. Here, you can’t afford any mistakes and the best teams, while they are able to overcome a lot of mistakes, it’s just hard to do here with the way the track is. So, those guys who execute full days on and off the racetrack, I think, are the best teams.”

TODD GILLILAND CONTINUED – IT APPEARS DAYS OF THUNDER 2 IS GOING AHEAD. WHAT WAS IT LIKE FOR BOTH OF YOU TO SEE THAT AND KNOW IT’S MOVING FORWARD? “For me, I love the first Days of Thunder. My wife hates watching it with me because I think I know literally every single word. I think it’s just a fun movie that, for the most part, represents NASCAR well. I’ve always really enjoyed that movie and I’m interested to see what the whole plot will be for the second one.”

RYAN BLANEY CONTINUED – “I think what they’ve been doing, especially Tom Cruise with bringing Top Gun back and the way they made that movie was incredible, so I’m excited to see what they do with Days of Thunder 2 because I know they’re gonna do it right. In talking with some of the writers about it, they feel really good about the direction they want to go. Mr. Cruise seems incredibly excited about doing a second Days of Thunder, so that part, I think, is gonna be good. It’s gonna be good for our sport and who knows? I think the next year or two is gonna be pretty fascinating seeing what they implement, what they want to do in the garage area and things like that – kind of like what they did with the first one. I think it’s great for the sport all around.”

RYAN, YOU HAVE SOME FILM EXPERIENCE. DO YOU HAVE A CASTING AGENT AND TO WHAT EXTENT HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED IN THE PLANNING PHASE FOR DAYS OF THUNDER 2? “Yeah, my casting agent’s name is Ryan Blaney. No, I don’t have one. I’ve just been fortunate to talk to one of the writers that has been really involved at the racetrack. He’s been at a ton of tracks last year and this year, and they’re doing it right. They’re not doing it themselves. They’re asking a lot of opinions from drivers and owners and things like that of, ‘Hey, what is the sport’s inner workings like now in situations that come up?’ So, that part has been fun to just give a little input. That’s really all I can do is, ‘Hey, what input from a driving standpoint can I give you,’ for them to do their job in it. It’ll be fun. I don’t know. Maybe some of us will be in it. We’ll see.”

TODD GILLILAND CONTINUED – HOW SPECIAL IS IT THAT A NASCAR DRIVER STARTED THE KISSING THE BRICKS TRADITION AND HOW MUCH DO YOU LOVE RACING AT IMS? “I definitely love my time here at Indianapolis. I think the city is great. There are tons of good restaurants. Just the overall experience is a lot of fun, and then back to the kissing the bricks. I got to see my teammate, Michael McDowell, do it four or five years ago. It was on the road course, but just to see all of the pictures hung up around the shop and how much that meant to our whole team, I think that opened my eyes to it a little bit. Yeah, obviously, I would love to do it for myself one day, but I think just the respect for this place and obviously, like I said, I ran the road course a few times before getting on the oval, but my first time going down that frontstretch on the oval you can feel the history. The massive scoring pylon, you kind of feel going over the yard of bricks, it’s a special place.”

RYAN BLANEY CONTINUED – WHAT IS YOUR APPROACH AS THE FAVORITE IN THIS IN-SEASON CHALLENGE, AND THEN GOING TO IOWA IN A COUPLE OF WEEKS? “For this weekend, we obviously understand what we’re going for with the In-Season Challenge, but at the same time you’re going to try to win the race, too. That’s the big one here and trying to win for Roger at this place is incredibly important at our race shop and to everyone on this team. I’ve looked at it, and I’ve looked at it all through this In-Season thing is like, just go try to run the best you can in the race and try to focus on that, and then if there are certain situations where you’re running next to the guy you’re up against, then it might change a little bit, but if you just go execute a really good day, then you hope that stuff is gonna work itself out and you’ll kind of go from there. Getting back to Iowa, I’m extremely excited that we’ve continued to go to Iowa. I think it was very deserving of a Cup race when they announced it a couple years ago. It was neat to win the first one there. I have a lot of family ties to just outside of that racetrack, so it’s been a really cool place and the fan draw there is fantastic. It puts on a really good show and I hope we continue to go back there because that’s a really important part of the country. There are a lot of race fans in that area and that’s a big staple for people in that Iowa region to go see a bunch of NASCAR racing.”

TODD GILLILAND CONTINUED – “I think for me going back to Iowa it’s a super unique racetrack of obviously the bottom kind of three lanes are paved and the rest is really old. You’re driving through cornfields and then a racetrack pops up, so it’s much different than a lot of the racetracks we go to. Like Ryan said, it’s in a great part of the country where they deserve to see some racing.”

DOES YOUR STRATEGY CHANGE AT ALL FOR THIS RACE NOW THAT THE MILLION DOLLARS IS ON THE LINE? “I think I’m really aligned with Ryan on that. I think going through the whole In-Season Challenge you really have to focus on yourself. That’s kind of what makes NASCAR so unique. Even when we get to the Chase here and the old playoffs. Those guys are fighting for something much bigger, but also each one of these race wins or a good finish means so much that I think that’s always top of your mind. From there, like Ryan said too, I think if everything goes your way and you execute to the best of your ability, in the back of your mind you would hope that things would work out for you. I think that’s been our goal this whole time is just go out and run the best we can with the 34 car and see where everything pans out.”

RYAN BLANEY CONTINUED – HOW MUCH WOULD YOU LIKE TO GET SOME RUBBER, ROAD GRIT, AND MAYBE SOME BRICK DUST ON THAT MOUSTACHE? “I would take that. I would like pickle juice off the bricks if I have to. I’ll take that.”

Why More Ontario Drivers Try Detailing for Convenient Mobile Car Care

By
SM
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Owning a vehicle today is a vastly different experience than it was just a decade ago. With average new car prices reaching historic highs and drivers keeping their vehicles on the road longer than ever, automotive care has shifted from a simple weekend chore into a high-tech discipline focused on long-term asset preservation. Modern vehicle owners are moving away from traditional drive-through car washes and temporary wax treatments in favor of advanced chemical coatings, precision paint correction, and deep interior restoration techniques.

Whether you are navigating harsh seasonal weather, protecting the high-tech surfaces of a modern electric vehicle, or preparing a car for resale, understanding current automotive care trends is essential to keeping your vehicle looking and performing like new.

1. The Death of Traditional Wax and the Rise of Ceramic Coatings

For decades, car enthusiasts relied on natural carnauba wax to give their paint a wet, glossy look. While wax provides temporary shine, its organic structure degrades quickly under sunlight, rain, and road debris—often lasting no more than 4 to 6 weeks.

Today, liquid ceramic coatings and graphene technology have revolutionized external paint protection.

How Nanotechnology Works

Ceramic coatings utilize silicon dioxide (SiO2​) or titanium dioxide (TiO2​) nanoparticles that chemically bond with the clear coat of a vehicle’s paint. Rather than sitting on top of the paint like traditional wax, a professional ceramic coating fills in microscopic valleys and pores in the clear coat, forming a smooth, rigid, hydrophobic surface.

  • Hydrophobic Action: Water beads immediately and slides off, carrying surface dirt and dust with it.
  • UV Degradation Resistance: Blocks ultraviolet rays from oxidizing clear coat layers, preventing paint fading and clear coat peeling.
  • Chemical Immunity: Resists harsh road salt, bug splatter, bird droppings, and acid rain that would normally etch raw paint.
  • Extended Durability: Unlike wax, professionally applied ceramic coatings last anywhere from 2 to 7 years with basic maintenance.

2. Precision Paint Correction: Restoring Factory Clarity

Before applying any long-term protective layer, the underlying paint must be flawless. Even brand-new vehicles straight from the dealership showroom often suffer from factory sanding marks, shipping scratches, and swirl marks caused by improper prep washes.

Paint correction is the skilled process of removing microscopic layers of clear coat using dual-action polisher machines, specialized microfiber pads, and diminishing abrasive compounds.

Understanding the Stages of Paint Correction

  1. One-Stage Correction: Uses a single finishing polish to remove light haze, minor oxidation, and up to 50% of surface swirl marks. Ideal for newer vehicles with minor defects.
  2. Two-Stage Correction: Begins with a heavy cutting compound to eliminate deeper scratches, water spots, and heavy swirl marks, followed by a fine polish to restore deep optical clarity.
  3. Multi-Stage Restoration: Reserved for heavily oxidized, neglected, or custom paint jobs. Involves wet-sanding select areas followed by multiple compounding and polishing steps.

Investing in multi-stage paint correction before sealing the surface ensures that imperfections are permanently eliminated rather than trapped beneath a durable protective coating.

3. Interior Sanitization and Material-Specific Care

Vehicle interiors have transformed dramatically. Modern cars blend traditional leather and carpets with synthetic Alcantara, piano-black trim, capacitive touchscreens, and eco-friendly synthetic textiles. As a result, interior detailing has evolved from simply vacuuming carpets to technical deep cleaning and material preservation.

Hot Water Extraction and Steam Cleaning

Standard vacuuming leaves behind trapped bacteria, allergens, and odors embedded deep within seat foam and carpet fibers. Professional interior detailers use commercial hot-water extractors that inject heated water mixed with eco-friendly bio-enzyme cleaners into the fabric, then instantly vacuum the suspended dirt out.

Simultaneously, high-pressure steam units sanitize air vents, cupholders, and door seams at temperatures exceeding 200°F (93°C), killing bacteria and eliminating stubborn odors without saturating delicate electronic components.

4. Defending Against Environmental Extremes and Road Salt

Regions that experience cold winters, heavy snowfall, and chemical de-icing face severe vehicle corrosion risks. Road salt (sodium chloride) and magnesium chloride brine sprayed on icy highways create an accelerated electrochemical reaction when combined with moisture, leading to rust formation on undercarriages, suspension components, and lower body panels.

To combat this, modern maintenance programs emphasize quarterly or seasonal detailing cycles:

  • Spring Decontamination: Thorough undercarriage flushing, iron-decontamination wash treatments (which chemically dissolve embedded brake dust and metallic fallout), and clay bar treatment to remove grit from the paint.
  • Fall Preparation: Deep paint cleaning, application of hydrophobic sealant or ceramic toppers, and interior rubber mat installations to contain melting slush and road salt.

For drivers in urban centers with demanding weather conditions, working with dedicated local specialists who have access to specialized equipment, climate-controlled wash bays, and professional-grade chemical treatments tailored to regional climate challenges.

5. Electric Vehicles and Modern High-Tech Detailing Requirements

As electric vehicles (EVs) become increasingly dominant on roadways, auto detailing procedures have adapted to accommodate their unique architectural characteristics.

Fragile Paint Solutions

Many popular EV models feature softer, thinner clear coats compared to traditional combustion vehicles. This makes them significantly more susceptible to rock chips, swirl marks, and micro-marring from automatic car wash brushes. Detailers working on EVs often employ softer foam pads, lower-abrasion polishes, and immediate paint protection film (PPF) application on high-impact front bumpers and hoods.

Sensitive Sensor and Camera Calibration

Modern vehicles rely on arrays of ultrasonic sensors, radar modules, and optical cameras for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) like lane-keeping assistance and automatic emergency braking. Detailers must exercise extreme care when polishing around camera housings, ensuring clean coatings do not streak optical lenses or interfere with sensor recalibrations.

Key Benefits: DIY Washing vs. Professional Auto Detailing

While weekly home washing helps maintain baseline cleanliness, it cannot replace the deep restoration and chemical protection provided by professional detailing studio workflows.

Feature / AspectBasic Home WashProfessional Auto Detailing
Tooling UsedGarden hose, sponge, bucketPressure washer, foam cannon, dual-action polishers, steam extractors
Defect RemovalNone (may introduce swirls)Full paint correction (removes 70–95% of scratches)
Protection Duration1 to 2 weeks1 to 7 years (Ceramic / Graphene coatings)
Interior TreatmentBasic surface vacuumingHot water extraction, steam sanitization, leather conditioning
Resale Value ImpactNeutralHigh (preserves factory clear coat and interior condition)

6. Maximize Long-Term Vehicle Resale Value

Vehicle depreciation is one of the largest single expenses of car ownership. However, a vehicle with immaculate paint, a damage-free interior, and documented maintenance records commands a significantly higher market price when sold privately or traded in at a dealership.

By treating vehicle care as a proactive maintenance schedule rather than a reactive fix, owners preserve the structural and cosmetic integrity of their investment for years to come. Integrating professional paint correction, hydrophobic surface protection, and routine interior sanitization ensures your vehicle delivers pride of ownership every time you get behind the wheel.

Pit Strategy for Homebuyers: What the 2026 Mortgage Market Looks Like for Race Fans on the Move

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

Most fans picture the big money in racing as sponsor decals, multi-million-dollar rides, and offseason ownership deals. The reality closer to home is less glamorous. From Charlotte to Indianapolis to Daytona, and every bullring in between, plenty of the sport’s traveling audience is also house-hunting, refinancing, or wrestling with whether 2026 is the year to pull the trigger.

So what does the mortgage board actually look like heading into the season?

The Numbers on the Board Right Now

Borrowing costs have driven the story all year. For the week ending June 26, MBA data put refinances at 41.4% of total mortgage applications, with adjustable-rate loans at 7.6%. Translation: a big share of the field is still trying to reshape the loans they already have rather than chase new ones.

Loan sizes tell the other half of the story. Average purchase loan sizes have climbed to survey highs this spring as buyers with smaller balances get priced out by higher rates. Bigger tickets, fewer entrants. Same pattern you see in any sport where the cost of showing up keeps climbing.

What a Monthly Payment Looks Like in 2026

For anyone about to sign paperwork, the monthly number matters more than the sticker. Per the Motley Fool’s roundup of MBA data, the median monthly payment for new purchase applicants hit $2,152 in April. Existing homeowners are paying less on average because they locked in earlier.

Balances are climbing too. Average U.S. mortgage balances have kept rising year over year, and 2025 origination volume bounced back from 2024’s lows. People are still buying. They’re writing bigger checks to do it.

Who’s Actually Owning Homes

The homeownership rate sat in the mid-60s in early 2026, with the Midwest out front of every other region. That’s Indianapolis, Kansas Speedway country, the short-track heartland. It also lines up with a hard generational split: the vast majority of householders 65 and older own their homes, compared with roughly a third of those under 35.

Translation for younger fans: the field you’re racing in is tougher than the one your parents ran. Not impossible, but tougher.

How to Run Your Own Race

Racing rewards preparation, and mortgages are no different. A few practical moves before you walk into a lender’s office:

  • Know your fuel window. Pull your credit reports, check your debt-to-income ratio, and set a realistic payment ceiling before you fall in love with a house.
  • Shop the field. Rate quotes vary more than most buyers expect. Compare offers from banks, credit unions, and independent brokers before you commit.
  • Pick the right loan type. Self-employed borrowers, veterans, investors, and retirees each have programs built for their situation. A generic 30-year fixed isn’t always the fastest lap.
  • Get a spotter. A broker or advisor who can walk you through loan options and homebuyer resources is worth the phone call, especially if your income doesn’t fit a standard W-2 profile.

The Long View

Nobody wins a championship on one hot lap. Buying, refinancing, or holding a mortgage in 2026 works the same way. Rates will move. Prices will move.

The buyers who do best aren’t the ones who guess the market perfectly. They’re the ones who know their numbers, keep their credit clean, and pick a loan structure that fits the life they’re building around it.

Green flag’s out. Run your own race.

What’s New in Online Pokies Australia: Recent Releases Explained

By
SM
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Releases have been landing almost weekly through 2026, and a good chunk of the new slots lean on cluster pays and cascading grids instead of the usual paylines. For anyone tracking new online pokies Australia, mechanics are evolving faster than many comparison pages can document them.

What’s changed in the mechanics

Cascading grids and cluster pays are slowly pushing fixed paylines aside. Instead of set combinations, symbols drop in groups, and winning cells clear out to make room for the next drop. Nolimit City and Relax Gaming both put out cinematic titles this year; Supersized and Beast Gains look more like video games than traditional reels.

Bonus Buy has also become a common feature in high-volatility releases, allowing players to enter a bonus round directly where the option is available. Nearly every premium release lets you pay to jump straight into free spins, skipping the long grind through the base game.

Big Time Gaming, the studio that started in Australia, still holds ground thanks to Megaways, where the number of ways to win can stretch up to 117,649. A lot of new pokie games from other studios run on that same logic, just dressed differently.

Nolimit City runs its own set of signature mechanics: xWays, xNudge, xSplit. The themes lean dark, not for everyone, but the tech behind them is solid.

Play’n GO and NetEnt aren’t chasing new maths this season; they’re going deeper on bonus rounds instead. Multi-tier free spins that get harder as they progress are showing up more than they did a year ago.

What matters when picking a new one

96% RTP and above is still the benchmark, though the number on paper won’t guarantee anything in one session. Checking for independent lab certification, iTech Labs or eCOGRA, usually sits in the casino’s footer, and it’s worth a look before betting, not after.

For Aussie players, whether the platform runs AUD natively and supports PayID matters just as much. Nothing to do with the slot itself, but it decides how fast winnings actually land.

Mobile versions of most major 2026 releases match the desktop build exactly: HTML5, no app required, RTP doesn’t shift depending on the device. Load times sit at a few seconds even on average mobile data, which isn’t a given for titles carrying this much animation.

Where to keep an eye on new releases

Casino aggregators and provider release pages remain the main source. Forums and Telegram channels tend to post impressions before the official reviews go up.

Anyone specifically after Australian online pokies should look for sections sorted by release date rather than popularity; otherwise, new titles get buried under older hits.

FAQ

What mechanics show up most in new pokies online right now?

Cluster pays, cascading grids, and bonus buy. Payline slots haven’t disappeared, but there are noticeably fewer new ones built that way.

Can you trust the advertised RTP on online pokies Australia?

Yeah, as long as it’s confirmed by an independent lab. Worth double-checking that the game’s running the top-tier RTP build too, not a reduced one.

Do you need an app to play new pokie games?

No, most 2026 releases run straight in the browser on HTML5, with no drop in features compared to desktop.

How’s Megaways different from cluster pays?

Megaways changes the number of symbols on each reel every spin, boosting the ways to win. Cluster pays work on a grid, where adjacent groups of matching symbols pay out instead of set lines.

The Best Way Drivers Stay Prepared Throughout a Demanding Championship

By
SM
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Competing across an entire racing championship requires far more than exceptional driving skill. Top drivers face demanding travel schedules, changing weather conditions, media commitments, technical meetings, simulator work, and the physical intensity of race weekends. Maintaining peak performance over months of competition depends on preparation that extends well beyond the track.

The most successful drivers build routines that help them remain physically fit, mentally focused, and adaptable throughout the season. Rather than making dramatic changes before each race, they rely on consistent habits that allow them to recover quickly and perform at a high level from the opening round to the championship finale.

Physical Conditioning Is Built Year-Round

Although motorsport may appear less physically demanding than many traditional sports, drivers experience substantial forces while braking, cornering, and accelerating. Long races also require exceptional concentration, cardiovascular fitness, and muscular endurance.

Training programs typically include strength work, mobility exercises, cardiovascular conditioning, and reaction drills designed to prepare drivers for the unique demands of racing. Maintaining this fitness throughout the season helps reduce fatigue during races while supporting consistent decision-making under pressure.

Recovery sessions become just as important as workouts, allowing the body to adapt between race weekends without excessive strain.

Preparation Continues Long After Leaving the Circuit

Race weekends generate both physical and mental fatigue. Once the competition ends, many drivers shift their attention toward recovery before beginning preparations for the next event.

Home wellness spaces have become increasingly popular among athletes looking to establish consistent recovery routines. Homeowners interested in https://premiumsaunas.com/collections/indoor-saunas can explore a wide selection of traditional, infrared, and hybrid indoor sauna models available in sizes ranging from compact one-person units to larger family-friendly installations. The collection includes pre-built kits designed for residential use with options that fit a variety of spaces and heating preferences. 

Creating dedicated spaces for relaxation allows athletes to maintain structured recovery habits even when they are away from the race circuit.

Mental Focus Separates Consistent Performers

Championships are rarely decided by outright speed alone. Drivers must process large amounts of information while making split-second decisions lap after lap. Small lapses in concentration can have significant consequences over the course of a season.

Many competitors develop routines that include visualization, simulator practice, breathing exercises, or quiet reflection before races. These habits help maintain focus while reducing distractions created by travel, media responsibilities, and championship pressure.

Reviewing race data with engineers also strengthens confidence by allowing drivers to identify areas for improvement before the next event.

Team Communication Remains Essential

Modern motorsport depends heavily on collaboration. Drivers work closely with race engineers, mechanics, performance analysts, strategists, and fitness professionals throughout the championship.

Open communication allows the team to make informed adjustments based on changing track conditions, tire performance, weather forecasts, and vehicle setup. Trust built over months of collaboration often proves just as valuable as technical upgrades when championships become closely contested.

Strong relationships also make it easier to solve problems quickly during demanding race weekends.

Small Daily Habits Produce Championship-Level Results

Winning a championship rarely comes from extraordinary effort during a single race. Instead, success develops through hundreds of consistent decisions made over an entire season.

Nutritious eating, structured training, thoughtful recovery, quality sleep, and disciplined preparation all contribute to long-term performance. Drivers who remain committed to these routines are often better equipped to manage the physical, mental, and logistical challenges that accompany a demanding championship schedule.

By treating preparation as a continuous process rather than something reserved for race weekends, top drivers give themselves the best opportunity to perform consistently whenever they take to the track.

NASCAR Trucks returning to St. Petersburg in March 2027

By
Andrew Kim
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ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 28: A general view of racing during the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series OnlyBulls Green Flag 150 at Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on February 28, 2026 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images).

The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series will be competing at the Streets of St. Petersburg, Florida, for a second consecutive year on March 6, 2027.

The news was made by Green Savoree Racing Productions, the circuit’s track promoter, on July 23, 2026. As part of the announcement, the Truck event will serve as one of two major events occurring during the weekend and be part of a NASCAR-NTT IndyCar Series doubleheader feature. A day after the Truck event, the 2027 IndyCar season will commence on March 7 at St. Petersburg for the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.

The news also comes as both the NASCAR Truck Series and IndyCar Series divisions are coming off their first doubleheader feature at the Streets of St. Petersburg earlier this year (February 28-March 1), with the former series campaigning at the circuit for the first time ever.

“The 2026 event was our best yet,” Kim Green, CEO of Green Savoree, said in a released statement. “Spectator attendance was tremendous on all three days to witness history made with the NASCAR Trucks racing for the first time on a street circuit and INDYCAR kicking off its season once again. We look forward to having both of these series back together on track for our fans to enjoy at the 23rd annual Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg weekend.”

The St. Petersburg street circuit, which debuted in 1985 for sports cars, first featured IndyCar competition in 2003, which was won by Paul Tracy. After being removed from the racing calendar in 2004, the event has been featured again since 2005. It then became IndyCar’s season opener in 2009 for the first time and has remained as the series’ season opener, except in 2010, 2021 and 2022.

A total of 16 competitors have won at an IndyCar event at the Streets of St. Petersburg at least once, with four-time Indianapolis 500 champion Hélio Castroneves notching the most at three (2006-07 & 2012). This past March, Alex Palou joined Sébastien Bourdais, Castroneves, Juan Pablo Montoya, Josef Newgarden and Will Power as multi-race winning competitors at St. Petersburg with his second consecutive victory a year after winning his first in 2025.

Palou, the reigning four-time IndyCar champion and the 2025 Indianapolis 500 champion, is currently leading this year’s standings by 83 points. He has notched five victories through 12-scheduled starts, including this past Monday’s event at Nashville Superspeedway.

On February 28, 2026, the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series division etched a new chapter in its 32nd season of competition by competing on a street course circuit for the first time ever at St. Petersburg. A total of 36 competitors competed in the Truck Series’ inaugural event at St. Petersburg, with open-wheel/sportscar stars, including Colin Braun, Dario Franchitti and James Hinchcliffe, also joining the competition as competitors.

When the Truck Series’ first checkered flag at St. Petersburg flew, Layne Riggs etched his name as the first-ever winner of the event after he led a race-high 41 of 80-scheduled laps while also fending off Ty Majeski and Ben Rhodes through a fuel-mileage battle. Since then, Riggs added three additional victories to his resume this season (Charlotte Motor Speedway & Nashville Superspeedway in May, and San Diego’s Naval Base Coronado in June). He is currently leading the 2026 Truck standings by 59 points with 10 events remaining on the schedule.

As ticket sales for the 2027 Streets of St. Petersburg events commence this upcoming fall, the remainder of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and NTT IndyCar Series’ schedules for next season remain to be determined. St. Petersburg’s 2027 weekend details for the Truck-IndyCar doubleheader also remain to be determined, with specific details and the activities scheduled to commence on March 5.

The 2026 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series resumes this Friday, July 24, at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park for the TSport 200 at 8 p.m. ET on FS1, NASCAR Racing Network and SiriusXM.

The 2026 NTT INDYCAR Series season resumes on August 9 at Portland International Raceway for the OnlyBulls Grand Prix of Portland at 4 p.m. ET on FOX.

Alex Bowman to retire from full-time competition following the 2027 season

By
Official Release
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DRIVER OF THE NO. 48 ALLY CHEVROLET SIGNS ONE-YEAR CONTRACT EXTENSION WITH HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS

CONCORD, N.C. (July 23, 2026) – Alex Bowman will retire from full-time auto racing following the 2027 season after signing a one-year contract extension with Hendrick Motorsports, where he has spent the majority of his NASCAR Cup Series career.

Driving for Hendrick Motorsports, Bowman has earned eight points-paying Cup Series victories and qualified for the playoffs seven times since 2018. The Tucson, Arizona, native also started 10 Cup Series races for the team in 2016 while filling in for the injured Dale Earnhardt Jr. and served as its primary simulator testing driver in 2017.

The 2027 Cup Series campaign will be Bowman’s 10th with Hendrick Motorsports.

“Alex has meant so much to our organization for a long time,” said Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports. “He’s overcome adversity, won big races and represented our team and partners with professionalism, personality and class. Alex is a tremendous talent in the race car and an even better person outside of it. We’re proud he’ll have the opportunity to finish his full-time career with us on his terms. He’s family.”

Ally Financial has been Bowman’s primary sponsor since 2021.

“Ever since Alex became part of the Ally family, it was clear he was someone special – not just behind the wheel, but in the way he represents everything Ally stands for. We’ve been with him through the wins, the challenges and the moments that define a career, and we couldn’t be prouder of the legacy we’ve built together,” said Andrea Brimmer, chief marketing and PR officer at Ally. “The No. 48 Ally Chevrolet means something to our employees, our customers and our fans, and knowing we get one final season with Alex to compete for wins in 2027 makes it all the more meaningful. He will be deeply missed on the track, and we couldn’t be more supportive of him as he looks ahead to the next chapter of his life.”

Bowman, 33, will eclipse 400 career starts in the NASCAR Cup Series next season. He has competed in 307 races for Hendrick Motorsports, ranking sixth in team history.

“I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about what’s next, and this feels like the right decision at the right time,” Bowman said. “The sport asks a lot of you, and I’ve learned it’s important to listen to your body and make the right choices for yourself. To say I’m incredibly grateful to Mr. Hendrick, our partners at Ally and Chevrolet, and everyone at Hendrick Motorsports would be an understatement. They believed in me and gave me the biggest opportunity of my life.

“My focus now is on making the most of my time on the racetrack and competing for wins. We still have a lot to accomplish, and I want to close my career on a high note for our team and our fans. To have the chance to do that with this organization and these people is really special.”

ABOUT HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS:
Founded by Rick Hendrick in 1984, Hendrick Motorsports is the winningest team in NASCAR Cup Series history. At the sport’s premier level, the organization holds the all-time records in every major statistical category, including championships (15), points-paying race victories (322) and laps led (more than 86,000). It has earned at least one race win in a record 42 different seasons, including an active streak of 41 in a row (1986-2026). The team fields four full-time Chevrolet entries in the NASCAR Cup Series with drivers Alex Bowman, William Byron, Chase Elliott and Kyle Larson, and one in the NASCAR O’Reilly Series with newcomer Corey Day. Headquartered on more than 150 acres in Concord, North Carolina, Hendrick Motorsports employs approximately 500 people. For more information, please visit HendrickMotorsports.com or interact on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X.

ABOUT ALLY FINANCIAL:
Ally Financial Inc. (NYSE: ALLY) includes the nation’s largest all-digital bank and auto finance business, driven by a mission to “Do It Right” for its customers and communities. Ally is a U.S. financial holding company with $200 billion in assets and 9.6 million customers (June 30, 2026). Ally Bank, Member FDIC, offers online banking products, including high-yield savings and no hidden fee checking, and was the first major U.S. bank to eliminate overdraft fees. Ally also provides investing solutions through Ally Invest, including online brokerage, automated investing, IRAs and personal financial advice. As a leader in auto finance, Ally provides consumer and dealer financing, insurance, and vehicle remarketing services. Ally’s seasoned corporate finance business provides capital to equity sponsors and middle-market companies. Visit ally.com.

Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Race Preview – Indianapolis

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Official Release
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Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport
NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Race Overview-
Indianapolis Motor Speedway; July 23, 2026

Track: Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Race: Pennzoil 250 Presented by Take 5 Oil Change
Date/Broadcast: Saturday; July 25, 2026 4:00 P.M. ET
TV: CW Network
Radio: Performance Racing Network (PRN) – Check Local Listings for affiliate, and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90
Social Media: Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito AutoSport; Facebook, Instagram, and X

Racing at The Brickyard – Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport

Ready to Race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Indianapolis, IN. (July 23, 2026) – Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport travels to Indianapolis, Indiana to race at the historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The famous “Brickyard” is a two and a half mile oval that features four 90 degrees corners that will be taken at top speed. With the long straightaways, aerodynamics will play a large role in maintaining track position and navigating traffic.

The team will field three Chevrolets this weekend: Jeb Burton in the No. 27 Sprayway Chevrolet, Blaine Perkins in the No. 31 iHeart Chevrolet, and Rajah Caruth in the No. 32 HENDRICKCARS.COM Chevrolet.

Jeb Burton heads to Indianapolis currently sitting 21st in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series (NOAPS) standings. The Halifax, Virginia native has one top five and one top-10 on the Indianapolis oval in his NOAPS career, to go along with a 13.8 average finish. Burton looks to rebound from Atlanta and get the No. 27 team heading in the right direction with 12 races remaing in the 2026 season.

“I’m excited to get to Indy!” said Burton. “I finished fourth there a couple of years ago and have always enjoyed racing at that track. (I’m) excited to have Sprayaway on the car and also AO Smith and WinSupply, as they have been long term partners together. Hopefully we can get our season turned around.”

Blaine Perkins arrives in Indianapolis after a 20th place finish at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The driver from Bakersfield, California is residing in 22nd in the NOAPS points standings and is set to make his third career start on the track’s oval layout. Perkins will have iHeart on his No. 31 Chevrolet with local radio station Q95 Rocks along for the ride.

“I’m really excited to get to Indianapolis Motor Speedway this weekend. Appreciate iHeart and Q95 coming onboard our No. 31 Chevrolet. I’m looking forward to coming out of the off-week with some momentum, and carry it into this weekend, and have a good finish”

Rajah Caruth prepares to make his tenth and final start for Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport in the 2026 NOAPS season at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Caruth currently sits 13th in the NOAPS standings, just 17 points under “The Chase” cutline. The driver from Washington, D.C. is set to race on the track’s oval layout for the first time in his career, and hopes to have a strong run to keep his “Chase” hopes alive in 2026.

“Excited to get to Indy this weekend,” said Caruth. “It will be my first time racing on the big track. I’ve raced at IRP (Indianapolis Raceway Park) the last four years now in the Truck Series, and that’s been a super fun race track to go to, but it’s always special seeing the big track. I would drive over, whether it be after the truck race, or before to watch the NOAPS race or Cup (Series) practice. It is so cool seeing Gasoline Alley and the museum and the awesome facility that Indianapolis Motor Speedway is.

With that being said, hopefully we can have another solid run, and cap off a fun part of the season I’ve had at Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport. A huge thanks to Jordan Anderson, John Bommarito, and everybody involved, along with those at Chevrolet for helping me race this car and stay in the points fight being in the No. 32. Thank you to them and all of the partners who’ve helped me do this: Mr. Hendrick, Mrs. Linda, Brian Johnson, Darrell Jackson, Chase McBride, and everybody at HENDRICKCARS.COM and Hendrick Automotive Group as they celebrate their 50th anniversary. Thank you to iRacing, NASCAR, Donut Media, Charlemagne, Black Effect Media, and Events DC for all of their support in myself and what we are trying to do at the race track. Hopefully we can have a solid run, and keep me close in the fight to make “The Chase.”

Again, thank you to everyone at Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport. It’s been a fun time this season racing for this team. We’ve had some highs and had some lows, but I had fun going to the race track with this group and thankful for their hard work and sacrifice.”
About Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport

Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport was built from the ground up, fueled by passion, persistence, and a bold vision for what an independent NASCAR team could become. Founded by driver and owner Jordan Anderson, the organization has grown from a grassroots operation hauling a single truck across the country into a competitive multi-car NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series team through a pivotal partnership with St. Louis automotive dealer John Bommarito. Along the way, the team has earned wins, poles, and a reputation for grit, growth, and opportunity within the NASCAR garage. Today, Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito AutoSport is investing in talent, innovation, and culture to challenge the status quo and build a new kind of racing legacy.

Wood Brothers Racing – Race Week Briefing: Indianapolis Motor Speedway

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Official Release
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Event: Brickyard 400 presented by PPG
Date/Time: Sunday, July 26, 2026, 2 p.m. ET
Location: Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indianapolis, Indiana
Layout: 2.5-Mile Oval
TV/Radio: TNT, IMS Radio, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

One of NASCAR’s crown jewel events awaits Josh Berry and the No. 21 PPG team this weekend as they take on the historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway in the Brickyard 400 presented by PPG.

Like every driver in the field, Berry has a deep appreciation for the history and prestige of the famed 2.5-mile oval.

“The Brickyard is one of those races that every driver wants to win,” Berry said. “It’s such a special place with so much history, and anytime you get the chance to race there, you know what it means.

“Last year we had a really solid run going before we ran out of fuel at the end, so hopefully we can build on that this weekend.”

After another frustrating outing last Sunday night at North Wilkesboro Speedway, Berry remains confident the No. 21 team is capable of turning its season around.

“We’ve had some tough breaks lately, but I know this team is better than what our recent results have shown,” he said. “Hopefully this is the weekend we can put everything together. It’s also a big weekend for PPG, so it’d be great to deliver a strong run for them.

“I think our car looks awesome with the red, white and blue twist on the traditional PPG scheme.”

Practice for the Brickyard 400 is scheduled for Friday at 1 p.m. ET, with qualifying set for Saturday at 1:30 p.m. ET. Both sessions will be televised on truTV.

Sunday’s 160-lap, 400-mile race is scheduled for 2 p.m. ET, with stage breaks planned for Laps 50 and 100. TNT will provide race coverage.

Josh Berry

Age: 35 (Oct. 22, 1990)

Hometown: Hendersonville, Tennessee

Crew Chief: Miles Stanley

IG: @joshberry88

X: @joshberry

About PPG
At PPG (NYSE:PPG), we work every day to develop and deliver the paints, coatings and specialty products that our customers have trusted for more than 140 years. Through dedication and creativity, we solve our customers’ biggest challenges, collaborating closely to find the right path forward. With headquarters in Pittsburgh, we operate and innovate in more than 50 countries and reported net sales of $15.9 billion in 2025. We serve customers in construction, consumer products, industrial and transportation markets and aftermarkets. To learn more, visit www.ppg.com.

Young’s Motorsports Indianapolis Motor Speedway July NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Team Preview

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Official Release
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Young’s Motorsports | NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series
Indianapolis Motor Speedway | Pennzoil 250

Fast Facts

No. 02 Young’s Motorsports Team:

Driver: Ryan Ellis

Primary Partner(s): Tablo TV

Manufacturer: Chevrolet Camaro

Crew Chief: Eddie Troconis

2026 Driver Points Position: 28th

2026 Owner Points Position: 34th

Engine: Earnhardt-Childress Racing

Notes of Interest:

● Year Three, Driven Forward: In November 2025, Ryan Ellis was announced as Young’s Motorsports’ full-time driver in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series as the organization enters its third season of competition.

In a significant step for 2026, Young’s Motorsports will transition its flagship No. 02 — long synonymous with the organization’s success in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series — to the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series full-time, underscoring the team’s continued growth at the national level.

Ellis will pilot the No. 02 Young’s Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro across the full 33-race schedule, continuing with Saturday afternoon’s Pennzoil 250 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and culminating with the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Championship Race at Homestead-Miami (Fla.) Speedway in November.

● About Ryan: A respected veteran in the NASCAR garage, Ellis joins Young’s Motorsports with more than a decade of experience across NASCAR’s national ranks, including competition in the NASCAR Cup Series and the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series.

The 2026 season will mark Ellis’ fourth full-time campaign in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.

The 35-year-old Virginia native is coming off his first career NASCAR top-10 finish in 2025 and looks to build on that momentum while continuing to expand his résumé, which includes 185 career starts in series competition.

Known for his consistency, professionalism, and versatility both behind the wheel and in the garage, Ellis aims to apply his experience to elevate Young’s Motorsports’ competitive presence in its third season of the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series competition.

● All-Aboard!: For the 22nd of 33 O’Reilly Auto Parts Series races this season, Young’s Motorsports welcomes back Tablo TV as the primary partner on the No. 02 Chevrolet Camaro for Saturday’s 100-lap event.

Tablo provides fans with an affordable way to access live, local broadcast television — including racing and other major sporting events — without a monthly subscription.

Through a simple setup that includes a Tablo device and antenna, viewers can enjoy major networks such as NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX, ION and The CW, along with recording functionality and multi-device streaming capability.

With just a one-time device purchase of about $100, an antenna, internet connection and the free Tablo TV app, customers can watch live, local broadcast coverage of racing, local news, live sports, classic shows and more for free.

Families can stream on multiple devices at once, making it easy to catch the big race in one room and a show in another. Simple, affordable, and endlessly entertaining — Tablo TV brings America’s most popular TV back to fans for free.

All NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series races will be broadcast live on The CW, and practices and qualifying can be streamed on The CW App. The CW can be watched, paused and recorded on Tablo TV, a subscription-free way to access 125+ broadcast and streaming channels.

Content and channels are subject to availability in your area.

Nuvyyo USA, a wholly owned subsidiary of The E.W. Scripps Company, is a successful technology company re-inventing the over-the-air television experience for the streaming age.

Tablo and Tablo TV are trademarks of Nuvyyo USA, LLC. All third-party trademarks, including logos, are the property of their respective owners.

For more information, visit TabloTV.com.

● Tablo TV and GOVX Celebrate Those Who Serve: Tablo TV and GOVX will also continue their partnership this weekend at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

GOVX, the members-only platform serving U.S. military personnel, veterans, first responders, emergency medical professionals and government employees, provides exclusive access to premium brands and special pricing for those who serve.

Tablo TV and GOVX will continue to build on their new partnership this weekend, celebrating military members, veterans and their families through an exclusive offer for the military community.

Following the successful launch during the United Rentals Driven to Serve 250 on June 20, eligible GOVX members can receive $30 off the Tablo Total System, making it even easier to enjoy free over-the-air television at home.

● Tablo Gives Fans More Ways to Watch NASCAR: As a valued partner of Ellis and Young’s Motorsports, NASCAR fans have even more ways to watch and record racing action with Tablo.

Fourth-generation Tablo DVR owners can now access and record The NASCAR Channel, featuring 24/7 free programming, including classic races, delayed broadcasts of the current season, select live events, NASCAR Studios original content, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio’s The Morning Drive.

The addition brings Tablo’s lineup to 106 free streaming channels, complementing its ability to watch and record free local broadcast television with a TV antenna through its whole-home DVR platform.

● Ryan Ellis O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Indianapolis Motor Speedway Stats: Saturday afternoon’s stop in the Hoosier state will mark Ellis’ fourth career start at the 2.5-mile legendary speedway oval.

In his previous three Indianapolis starts, Ellis’s best result occurred during the 2025 edition of the Pennzoil 250, where he earned a track-best 21st, driving for DGM Racing.

Overall, he holds an O’Reilly Auto Parts Series average finish of 24.7 at the historic speedway.

In addition to his three NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series starts, Ellis has one NASCAR Cup Series start at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in the 2016 running of the Combat Wounded Coalition Brickyard 400, driving for BK Racing.

The Indianapolis area once again becomes the epicenter of the racing world this weekend as four of NASCAR’s premier touring divisions converge for three action-packed days of competition at two legendary venues just minutes apart.

Friday’s ARCA Menards Series and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series races at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park launch the festivities before the focus shifts to the historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway for Saturday’s Pennzoil 250 and Sunday’s prestigious Brickyard 400 presented by PPG, creating one of the most anticipated weekends of the NASCAR season.

Steeped in more than a century of motorsports history, the 2.5-mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway remains one of the most iconic venues in all of racing. Its long straightaways, flat corners and unforgiving nature demand precision, discipline and flawless execution from both driver and team, making every lap a challenge.

Unlike the drafting-heavy style seen at superspeedways, Indianapolis rewards drivers who can maximize braking zones, maintain momentum through the corners and preserve tire life over the course of a long green-flag run.

Track position, clean pit stops and smart race strategy often prove to be the deciding factors on the famed Brickyard.

With another nationally televised opportunity on one of motorsports’ most recognizable stages, Ellis and Young’s Motorsports will look to build on the progress shown throughout the 2026 season as the No. 02 team continues its pursuit of valuable championship points during the second half of the schedule.

For Ellis and Young’s Motorsports, Indianapolis Motor Speedway presents another opportunity to execute a complete race, remain in contention throughout the afternoon and position the No. 02 team for a strong finish at one of the sport’s most prestigious venues.

● Ryan Ellis NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Career Stats: Entering Indianapolis, Ellis has 185 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series races to his credit, earning a career-best sixth-place finish after starting 32nd in the 2026 edition of the United Rentals 300 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway for Young’s Motorsports.

Since his 2012 debut, Ellis has averaged a 26.5 finish in series competition, including the past three seasons running full-time.

● EchoPark (Ga.) Speedway | Focused Health 250 Race Recap: The NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series returns to action this weekend following its visit to EchoPark Speedway two weeks ago, where Ryan Ellis and the No. 02 Young’s Motorsports team showed competitive speed before late-race misfortune spoiled a promising result.

Under the event’s single-car qualifying format, Ellis secured the 27th starting position, putting the No. 02 Chevrolet in the field on speed and setting the stage for another solid performance on the 1.54-mile oval.

A patient and calculated approach paid dividends throughout the opening two stages, and as the race entered its closing laps, Ellis found himself battling for a top-10 finish.

Unfortunately, he was collected in a late-race accident while fighting for position, relegating the team to a disappointing 23rd-place finish despite having one of its strongest runs of the season.

As the 2026 season enters its second half, Ellis and Young’s Motorsports head to Indianapolis Motor Speedway determined to build on the momentum gained over the past several weeks.

Strong performances at Sonoma Raceway, Chicagoland Speedway and EchoPark Speedway have the No. 02 team eager to capitalize on one of NASCAR’s marquee summer race weekends.

● Calling the Shots: Guiding Ryan Ellis as crew chief of the No. 02 Young’s Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro is longtime crew chief, engineer and industry veteran Eddie Troconis.

On Saturday, Troconis will call his 43rd NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race from atop the pit box. In his previous 42 starts, he has recorded two top-10 finishes, most recently in the 2026 season-opener at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway.

The season’s 22nd race will mark his first tango at Indianapolis Motor Speedway as crew chief in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.

● Young’s Motorsports’ NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series at Indianapolis Motor Speedway: This weekend’s Pennzoil 250 will mark Young’s Motorsports’ third and fourth NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series starts at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

In the organization’s two previous appearances at the 2.5-mile Speedway, Indiana oval, the team has earned a track-best finish of 20th, recorded by rookie driver Leland Honeyman Jr. in the 2024 edition of the Pennzoil 250.

Last season, the Mooresville, N.C.-based organization showcased impressive speed in both NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series events at IMS, but driver Anthony Alfredo fell short of a top-20 finish with a respectable lead lap 23rd-place finish.

Those efforts improved the organization’s average finishing position at Indianapolis Motor Speedway to 21.5, while carrying an average starting position of 23.5.

● Young’s Motorsports’ NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series History: Since entering the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series in 2024, the family-owned organization has logged 108 starts and earned one top-five and four top-10 finishes while maintaining an average starting position of 27.5 and an average finish of 25.0.

● Follow on Social Media: For more on Ryan Ellis, please visit ryanellisracing.com, like him on Facebook (Ryan Ellis), and follow him on Instagram (@ryanellisracing), TikTok (@ryanellisracing), and X | Twitter (@ryanellisracing).

For more on Young’s Motorsports, please visit YoungsMotorsports.com, like them on Facebook (Young’s Motorsports), and follow them on Instagram (@youngsmotorsports) and X |Twitter (@youngsmtrsports).

Ryan Ellis Quoteboard:

On Indianapolis Motor Speedway: “Indianapolis Motor Speedway is one of those places that every driver looks forward to racing at because of the history and prestige that comes with it.

“It’s a completely different challenge than anywhere else we race. You have to be disciplined, hit your marks every lap and make the most of every opportunity because track position is so important.

“We’ve had good speed the last few weeks, and while the finishes haven’t always shown it, I really believe our No. 02 team is headed in the right direction. Hopefully we can put together a clean race, execute all day long and give ourselves a chance to come home with a strong finish.”

On Keys to Success at Indianapolis Motor Speedway: “Indianapolis Motor Speedway is one of those tracks where everything has to come together.

“Track position is incredibly important because passing isn’t easy, so qualifying well, executing on pit road and staying out of trouble all play a huge role in the outcome.

“You also have to be patient, take care of your tires and keep making the car better throughout the race.

“We’ve had good speed over the last few weeks, and while the results haven’t always reflected that, I think our No. 02 team is building momentum. If we can put together a complete race and execute from start to finish, I think we’ll give ourselves a chance to come away with a strong result.”

On Goals for Indianapolis Motor Speedway: “The goal this weekend is to put together a complete race and keep building on the momentum we’ve created over the last few weeks. We’ve shown that our No. 02 team has the speed to compete, but now it’s about executing from the time we unload until the checkered flag.

“Indianapolis is one of the biggest stages we race on all season, and we’d love to reward everyone at Young’s Motorsports and our partners with a finish that reflects the effort this team has been putting in every week.

“If we can qualify well, execute on pit road and stay out of trouble, I think we’ll put ourselves in position for one of our strongest runs of the year.”

On Continued Support from Tablo TV: “We’re incredibly grateful to have Tablo TV continue supporting our program.

“They’ve been a tremendous partner and have been fantastic to work with throughout our relationship. It’s exciting to represent a company that’s changing the way people enjoy television while also connecting with passionate NASCAR fans.

“Indianapolis is one of the biggest stages we race on all season, so it’s a great opportunity to showcase the Tablo brand in front of race fans across the country.

“We appreciate the confidence they’ve placed in Young’s Motorsports and our No. 02 team, and hopefully we can reward that support with a strong performance this weekend.”

On Goals for Reminder of 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Season: “Our goals for the remainder of the season are pretty straightforward. We want to continue building on the speed we’ve shown recently, execute more consistently, and put ourselves in a position to capitalize on opportunities when they come.

“We’ve had several races where our speed has been better than the final result, so the focus now is on turning that potential into finishes.

“Everyone at Young’s Motorsports has continued to work hard and make improvements throughout the year, and if we can keep qualifying well, stay out of trouble and execute throughout the race, I believe we can close out the season with some of our strongest performances of the year and earn results that truly reflect the effort that’s gone into this program.”

No. 42 Young’s Motorsports Team:

Driver: Nathan Byrd

Primary Partner(s): Byrd Insurance Group

Manufacturer: Chevrolet Camaro

Crew Chief: Andrew Abbott

2026 Driver Points Position: 37th (Seven Races)

2026 Owner Points Position: 33rd

Engine: Earnhardt-Childress Racing

Notes of Interest:

● Year Three, Driven Forward: Young’s Motorsports continues its campaign in the newly rebranded NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, looking to build momentum with its expanding two-car effort as the season rolls on at Indianapolis Motor Speedway this weekend.

Fan-favorite and open-wheel standout Nathan Byrd returns to the organization and will pilot the No. 42 Young’s Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro in the 22nd race of the 33-race 2026 schedule.

● About Nathan: Byrd, 26, began racing go-karts in 2018, just after graduating High School, and he entered his first car race in February 2020.

Since then, the Goodyear, Ariz. native has raced over 30 types of cars in 348 total races at 67 different race tracks, effectively becoming one of the most diverse and interesting race car drivers in the world.

Completing more than 300 races in the first four years of his career, Byrd is no stranger to piloting race cars.

In 2024, the Indianapolis, Ind. resident turned his attention to NASCAR. He successfully made his NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series debut at Portland International Raceway and delivered a respectable 21st-place finish for DGM Racing.

In September 2024, Byrd made his NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series debut at Kansas Speedway, earning a respectable 19th-place finish after starting 32nd.

Last year, Byrd continued his foray into the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, making 15 starts for Young’s Motorsports. His campaign was highlighted by three top-15 finishes, including a career-best 14th-place result in back-to-back races at Rockingham Speedway and Texas Motor Speedway, respectively.

Byrd’s most recent NASCAR national series start came during his ninth career NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race at Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway. He has made additional NOAPS starts this season at Phoenix (Ariz.) Raceway, Las Vegas (Nev.) Motor Speedway, Darlington (S.C.) Raceway and Rockingham (N.C.) Motor Speedway, respectively.

● All-Aboard! For the 22nd of 33 O’Reilly Auto Parts Series races this season, Young’s Motorsports welcomes Byrd Insurance Group, who partner with the Mooresville, N.C.-based team as the primary partner on the No. 42 Chevrolet Camaro for the 100-lap race on Saturday afternoon.

Byrd Insurance Group is a family-owned and operated insurance agency focused primarily on healthcare benefits, tax savings and employee coverage for small to mid-sized businesses.

Founded by brothers Nathan and Noah Byrd, the firm utilizes their Your Big Plans platform and Champion Health plans to help employers’ lower healthcare costs.

● Nathan Byrd O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Indianapolis Motor Speedway Stats: Saturday afternoon’s stop in the Hoosier state will mark Byrd’s first career start at the 2.5-mile legendary speedway oval.

The Indianapolis area once again becomes the epicenter of the racing world this weekend as four of NASCAR’s premier touring divisions converge for three action-packed days of competition at two legendary venues just minutes apart.

Friday’s ARCA Menards Series and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series races at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park launch the festivities before the focus shifts to the historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway for Saturday’s Pennzoil 250 and Sunday’s prestigious Brickyard 400 presented by PPG, creating one of the most anticipated weekends of the NASCAR season.

Steeped in more than a century of motorsports history, the 2.5-mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway remains one of the most iconic venues in all of racing. Its long straightaways, flat corners and unforgiving nature demand precision, discipline and flawless execution from both driver and team, making every lap a challenge.

Unlike the drafting-heavy style seen at superspeedways, Indianapolis rewards drivers who can maximize braking zones, maintain momentum through the corners and preserve tire life over the course of a long green-flag run. Track position, clean pit stops and smart race strategy often prove to be the deciding factors on the famed Brickyard.

With the eyes of the motorsports world focused on one of NASCAR’s most prestigious weekends, Nathan Byrd and the No. 42 Young’s Motorsports team will look to capitalize on the opportunity at historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Building on the progress shown throughout the 2026 season, the team aims to put together another strong performance while continuing to add valuable notes as the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series enters the second half of its schedule.

● Nathan Byrd NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Career Stats: Entering Indianapolis, Byrd has 10 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series starts to his credit, highlighted by a career-best 16th-place finish in his series debut at Rockingham (N.C.) Speedway after starting 26th in the 2026 edition of the North Carolina Education Lottery 250 presented by Black’s Tire for Young’s Motorsports.

Since his 2024 debut, Byrd has recorded an average finish of 28.0 in series competition, adding starts at Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway, the Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course, Darlington (N.C.) Raceway, Kansas Speedway, Las Vegas (Nev.) Motor Speedway, New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Pocono (Pa.) Raceway, Rockingham (N.C.) Speedway and Phoenix (Ariz.) Raceway for DGM Racing, SS-GreenLight Racing and Young’s Motorsports, respectively.

Further bolstering his NASCAR résumé, Byrd has made 18 starts in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series since 2024.

● Calling the Shots: Guiding Byrd as crew chief of the No. 42 Young’s Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro is longtime crew chief Andrew Abbott.

On Saturday, he will be the crew chief in his 183rd NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race. In his previous 182 races, he has four top-five and 14 top-10 finishes.

The season’s 22nd race will be his fourth tango at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway as crew chief in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.

In 2019, Abbott guided veteran driver Jeremy Clements to a strong 11th-place finish in the Indiana 250.

● Young’s Motorsports’ NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series at Indianapolis Motor Speedway: This weekend’s Pennzoil 250 will mark Young’s Motorsports’ third and fourth NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series starts at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

In the organization’s two previous appearances at the 2.5-mile Speedway, Indiana oval, the team has earned a track-best finish of 20th, recorded by rookie driver Leland Honeyman Jr. in the 2024 edition of the Pennzoil 250.

Last season, the Mooresville, N.C.-based organization showcased impressive speed in both NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series events at IMS, but driver Anthony Alfredo fell short of a top-20 finish with a respectable lead lap 23rd-place finish.

Those efforts improved the organization’s average finishing position at Indianapolis Motor Speedway to 21.5, while carrying an average starting position of 23.5.

● Young’s Motorsports’ NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series History: Since entering the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series in 2024, the family-owned organization has logged 108 starts and earned one top-five and four top-10 finishes while maintaining an average starting position of 27.5 and an average finish of 25.0.

● Follow on Social Media: For more on Nathan Byrd, please visit byrdracing.com, like him on Facebook (Nathan Byrd), and follow him on Instagram (@nathanjbyrd) and X |Twitter (@nathanjbyrd).

For more on Young’s Motorsports, please visit YoungsMotorsports.com, like them on Facebook (Young’s Motorsports), and follow them on Instagram (@youngsmotorsports) and X |Twitter (@youngsmtrsports).

Nathan Byrd Quoteboard:

On Indianapolis Motor Speedway: “Any time you get the opportunity to race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, it’s something special. “It’s one of the most iconic racetracks in the world, and as a rookie, I’m excited to make my first start there.

“There’s so much history behind this place, and it’s a chance I don’t take for granted. I know there’s going to be a lot to learn, but I’m looking forward to working with the team, improving every time we hit the track and making the most of every lap this weekend.”

On Keys to Success at Indianapolis Motor Speedway: “I think the biggest key this weekend is making the most of every opportunity we’re given.

“Indianapolis is such a unique place, and as a rookie, every lap is a chance to learn something new. We’ll focus on communicating with the team, making good adjustments, taking care of the car and improving every time we hit the track.

“If we can execute the little things and keep building throughout the weekend, I think we’ll put ourselves in a good position by the end of the race.”

On Goals for Indianapolis Motor Speedway: “The goal this weekend is to make the most of every opportunity and continue building as a driver.

“Racing at Indianapolis Motor Speedway is a huge opportunity, and I want to leave knowing we maximized our weekend.

“If we can keep improving every session, execute as a team, stay out of trouble and put together a complete race, I think we’ll have something to be proud of and plenty to build on for the rest of the season.”

On Another NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Opportunity with Young’s Motorsports: “I’m incredibly grateful to Tyler Young and everyone at Young’s Motorsports for giving me another opportunity to compete in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.

“Every race weekend is another chance to learn, gain experience and continue building chemistry with the team. They’ve been great to work with, and I appreciate the confidence they’ve shown in me.

“Hopefully we can keep making progress together and put together another solid weekend at Indianapolis.”

Race Information:

The Pennzoil 250 presented by Take 5 Oil Change (100 laps | 250 miles) is the 22nd of thirty-three (33) NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series races on the 2026 schedule. Practice will occur on Fri., July 24, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 12:50 p.m. Qualifying will occur on race day, Sat. July 25, launching at 12:00 p.m. The 38-car field will take the green flag shortly after 4:00 p.m., with live coverage on The CW Network, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Racing Network (Radio) and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90. All times are local (ET).

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