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CHEVROLET NCS AT SONOMA: Kyle Larson Media Availability Quotes

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Official Release
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NASCAR CUP SERIES
SONOMA RACEWAY
TEAM CHEVY DRIVER QUOTES
JULY 12, 2025

 Kyle Larson, driver of the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, met with the media in advance of the NASCAR Cup Series practice and qualifying session at Sonoma Raceway.

The 32-year-old Elk Grove, California, native returns to his home track as a two-time winner in NASCAR’s top division, including the series’ most recent appearance at the circuit one year ago.

Media Availability Quotes:

How’s it like to be back here where it all began for you?

“Yeah… or near where it kind of began because I didn’t grow up doing this stuff. But, no, it’s good to be back home, or close to it, and good to be in the Napa Valley; hanging out with friends and doing all the fun stuff that Napa has to offer. And yeah, come back to a track that I enjoy and have ran decently at in the past. Hopefully we can have another solid weekend.”

Your qualifying average here is 3.8, which is absolutely ridiculous. How are you such a good qualifier here?

“I really don’t know…. I’m not sure. But yeah, it’s always gone well for me here — from the first times I’ve been here to qualify, and then we went on a string of, I don’t know, four or five poles in a row. Last year, I think we qualified fifth. So, I don’t know. We had one where we were pretty bad, I think, in the Next Gen car and qualified in the teens. But other than that, it’s been really good.”

Your crew chief, Cliff Daniels, is known for his motivational pep talks, sometimes, you know, before races and during races. As a driver, how do they resonate with you? Are there times where they really kind of, like, pump you up, or are there other times when you’re, like, you just kind of shrug them off? What’s your reaction to those in general?

“I think he’s really good at articulating words and thoughts and all that. He seems to always know kind of the right thing to say at the right time.

So, yeah, I would say, if anything, not that it gets me pumped up or anything, but it just kind of gets me refocused or more focused on what’s ahead. I would say the same goes for probably everybody on our team, you know, that works with Cliff.”

Kyle, this battle for the regular season championship has really tightened up over the last couple of weeks. There are now five guys within 48 points. How do you perceive that battle, especially with a couple of road courses like here and Watkins Glen still to come where there are points on the table if you don’t want to flip the stages? What’s your perception on how that battle has shaped up now with seven or eight races left?

“Yeah, it’s really tight. Hopefully we can kind of get back on a run of being consistent and getting stage points. I feel like, you know, we’ve still kind of been consistent. We just haven’t finished as high as we have early in the year, and then we’ve been missing out on stage points. So, you know, we’ve kind of lost track a little bit there, and others have been doing a good job. Chase (Elliott) is always consistent, so he’s just quietly kind of there. You know, after his win that he had, I was shocked. I didn’t even know he was that close in points. And then, yeah, William’s (Byron) been really strong, but he’s had some bad luck here in a couple races lately. So it’s just kind of, when the leader of the points can’t really get away, it just kind of brings it all together.

There’s still a lot of racing left, though. If you go on a good run, you can stretch out here pretty quickly.”

Is there anything you can point your finger toward as far as like why you guys as a team have maybe, I don’t know — you guys have set such exceptionally high standards for yourselves over these past couple of years. Is there anything you can point to in this recent stretch that you feel like you haven’t been executing collectively at that same level?

“I don’t know. Honestly, I feel like we’ve been — for what we have on the racetrack, I feel like we’ve executed really well. You know, just on paper, it looks like we’re just very average, which we have been. But, you know, we’ve taken days where we’ve been not a top-ten car and finished in the top-10 or even top-five.

And, you know, those days, although they’re not fun, they are rewarding at the end of it because I think , a lot of times in my past, I’ll try even too hard and make big mistakes and crash, which I’ve done that here lately some also. But, yeah, I don’t know. We just haven’t been as strong as we’ve wanted to be here lately. We’ve gone to some tracks where when you look at results from the past, we haven’t been quite competitive or have race winning speed and it’s kind of carried over to this year at some of those places too.

I’m confident when we come here to Sonoma. It’s a good track for us. But, you know, it’s a different tire than we had here last year, so I’m sure that will present some differences and challenges. But yeah, just got to try to have some car speed and then execute along with it.”

Cliff (Daniels) decided to pit you kind of late last year. You had fresher tires than the guys that you were attempting to pass there at the end. How did that help you attack in the closing laps?

“Well yeah, I mean any time you’re on a tire advantage like that, it helps. But, you know, at any point it can kind of go sideways if a caution comes out, so then you’re restarting mid-pack again. So, yeah, the race just kind of played out in our favor last year with the strategy that we committed to. And, yeah, you know, it just worked out. We had a great car, too, so we could have been on other strategies and probably would have been okay also.

But the strategy that we were on, without having the cautions at the end, it really helped me be on offense and make the moves I needed to. And really when I had that much of an advantage, people weren’t really fighting me off. You know, I’d catch them and they’d just let me go, so it didn’t really limit me on lap time as I was coming through.”

Since you grew up in Northern California, and I think you came out Tuesday or something, what do you do up here to have fun, relax, just kind of get away from the grind?

“Yeah, you know, it’s definitely been a grind for me lately, so it was good to get out here and not have any extra races and whatnot. So, yeah, we came out on Tuesday; met up with Abreu’s, had dinner at Mustard’s Grill, and then Wednesday laid by the pool. Rico, David and their family, they had like a fundraising thing that they had sold earlier in the year or last year. So we got to run go-karts at their track and they had dinner on their property with a lot of people, so that was a lot of fun. On Thursday, we did some wine tasting, and yesterday we didn’t do anything. I brought my bike out here, so I rode my bike, so that was nice and relaxing, too.”

Did this week kind of help your mindset a little bit preparing for this weekend and kind of how you plan to break some of the issues you’ve had in the past and help you reset maybe in a way to kind of prepare for this weekend? How did that kind of affect your overall mindset?

“I mean, we’ll see. A lot of times, I don’t think it matters, you know, for results on the track. But for me, I think Sonoma kind of always falls at a good time of year to enjoy some nice weather and things off the track to kind of just be a normal person again and take your mind off competition because it’s so easy to just immerse yourself in it every day. Some people thrive on that, and I would say I typically am that guy, too. But a lot of times, it’s good to get away from racing. I think that can really recharge you. So, yeah, I feel ready to go. I’m happy to be here and happy to be back on the track that we ran so well at last year.”

What can you tell me just about the track — what you like about it, where you found success, and really what you think probably separates you from the other drivers and the reason why you’ve had so much success?

“Yeah, I don’t know. I mean, I definitely enjoy it. It’s a flowy track, and although you can call it a lot of corners, there’s really not. I feel like the less corners on a road course, the better off I am. But yeah, I think the repave really helped me. I don’t think I excel at tracks on road courses that wear out tires because I just sling the car around a lot, so I feel like I’m hard on the tires. So the repave I thought last year really helped me, and we’ll see if it does again this year. But yeah, it’s just a good track.”

As you bring your dirt racing and you’re bringing other guys into NASCAR, such as Corey Day and guys like that, how do you think your influence is effecting both sports? And also, I see we also understood Roto Rooters is also sponsoring your dirt racing. How does that affect you as, obviously, you being a champion in NASCAR, and, you know, you’ve been through all these things. How does that work with you?

“I don’t know. I mean, I’ve always kind of done it, so I don’t really think or feel like I’m doing anything different. Since joining Hendrick Motorsports, I’ve had a lot of success, and then now there’s more eyes, I feel like, on me in both NASCAR as well as dirt racing. And then, yeah, guys like Corey Day — he’s young and up and coming, and it was great. It wasn’t just me that got him into Hendrick Motorsports, his family had a relationship with Jeff Andrews and Jeff Gordon and all that. So, yeah, it’s neat to see him here and learning. Trying to get better and learn a completely different discipline, especially with the road course stuff. It’s always neat when you can see other dirt racers try and find their way up the ladder.”

You’re a world-class driver. When you see a guy like SVG come along, are you kind of amazed at his technique and his race craft?

“Yeah, absolutely, for sure. You know, he’s so good, and it’s rare that you see somebody stand out and distance himself from the competition as much as he is. You know, he’s way, way, way better than us at the road course stuff.

And he’s got his own technique, you can call it. Not his own because the rest of the world does it – you know, right-foot braking, clutching and all that stuff. You can’t teach an old dog new tricks… like there’s zero chance I can learn how to do that. And even if I did, like there’s zero chance that I can have it be better than what I’m probably doing with left-foot braking. So yeah, he’s just so good. He’s still new to the oval stuff, so he’s going to continue to get better at that. And, yeah, I mean, if he can figure out the ovals, he’s going to be dominant.”

Do you think here at Sonoma, the rest of the Cup Garage has a little bit more forshame because this is a track that we’ve been coming to for a really long time, and this will be the first time that he’s (Shane van Gisbergen) racing in a Cup car here?

“I’d hope that we’re a little closer, but he’s still going to be the fastest, I think. You know, you look at Xfinity – he dominated the weekend here last year, and he’s going to dominate it again today, you know, being on the pole and all that. I don’t know why he would be any different in the Cup car. I would say the competition’s a little closer to him as we come to more normal road courses, like COTA and hopefully Sonoma. Watkins Glen, he was still the fastest there last year, but it’s a race. But yeah, in Mexico, he was super good. And then, yeah, Chicago, I think he’s just really, really, really familiar with the size of his car and what it takes to push the limits and not be over the limit. So, yeah, I don’t know. We’ll see. I hope that we’re much closer to him this week, but as good as he is, I expect him to be fastest in qualifying and execute in a good race again.”

About General Motors

General Motors (NYSE:GM) is driving the future of transportation, leveraging advanced technology to build safer, smarter, and lower emission cars, trucks, and SUVs. GM’s Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC brands offer a broad portfolio of innovative gasoline-powered vehicles and the industry’s widest range of EVs, as we move to an all-electric future. Learn more at GM.com.

Rowe Breaks Through with First Series Win

By
Official Release
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NEWTON, Iowa (Saturday, July 12, 2025) – Myles Rowe took a historic INDY NXT by Firestone victory at Iowa Speedway and then took a bow.

Rowe earned the INDY NXT by Firestone at Iowa Speedway win by executing a stirring late-race pass for the lead, then held on to become the first Black driver to win a race in this series. His margin at the finish was 1.3927 seconds.

This is the second season in the series for the 25-year-old Georgia native who resides in New York and in 2023 captured the USF Pro 2000 Championship.

“It’s so good,” Rowe said after driving the No. 99 Abel/Force Indy entry to victory lane. “We’ve been working a minute for this, and we knew we had the pace. It was about waiting for the last half of the race and seeing what we could do with it.”

Fourteen laps from the finish, Rowe went around series points leader Dennis Hauger on the outside in Turn 4 as they came upon lapped traffic. Rowe’s experience paid off as Hauger, a series rookie, was competing in just his second oval race.

“We don’t stop here — I’m looking for a lot more than this,” said Rowe, who is fourth in the standings. “But I’m glad we could get this (win), for sure.”

The race featured 130 on-track passes and 55 passes for position, both figures ranking in the top three of INDY NXT by Firestone races staged at this short oval track.

Hauger’s strong run in Andretti Global’s No. 28 Nammo machine helped extend his series lead to 73 points over teammate Lochie Hughes, a rookie driving the No. 26 McGinley Clinic/USF Pro Championship entry. Hughes finished 16th in the 19-car race after being penalized for a Lap 3 incident with Rowe.

Hughes, the winner of last month’s oval race at World Wide Technology Raceway, was trying to hold off Rowe for second place when Rowe moved to the inside on the backstretch. Their cars touched, with Hughes’ left rear tire taking a brush from Rowe’s front wing. Race control deemed that Hughes moved defensively, drawing a drive-through penalty that dropped him down a lap to the field.

Andretti Global’s Salvador de Alba, who had turned the fastest lap in Friday’s practice, finished third in the No. 27 Grupo Indi entry.

Several drivers had spins off Turn 4 without contact. HMD Motorsports’ Josh Pierson tried to take the high line around teammate Caio Collet for third place on Lap 26, but he lost the back end of the car. On the ensuing restarts, Juan Manuel Correa of HMD Motorsports and Ricardo Escotto of Andretti-Cape Motorsport spun on Lap 30 while Davey Hamilton Jr. of HMD Motorsports did the same on Lap 34.

The series will be back in action at the end of the month when a doubleheader is staged at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca on Saturday, July 26 and Sunday, July 27. Those represent the 10th and 11th races of the 14-race season.

Roto-Rooter Expands into Multi-Year Relationship with JR Motorsports, Dale Earnhardt Jr.

By
Official Release
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Partnership with Leading Plumbing Company to Include Multiple JRM Properties

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (July 12, 2025) – JR Motorsports announced today that Roto-Rooter, a leading provider of plumbing, drain cleaning, and water cleanup services will return to the organization as a primary partner for seven NASCAR Xfinity Series events each year beginning in 2026, including races with Justin Allgaier and additional JRM drivers to be established at a later date. In addition to their return to the NXS and full-season associate with the team’s Late Model program, Roto-Rooter will also expand their partnership to include a personal service agreement with NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr.

“We are excited to continue growing our relationship with Roto-Rooter,” said Earnhardt Jr. “I feel like JR Motorsports offers an amazing marketing platform across the board and it’s great when partners see the value that our companies provide. I’m looking forward to seeing how we can continue to deliver for Roto-Rooter on and off the track.”

Roto-Rooter’s partnership expansion looks to drive brand, product and service awareness for commercial and residential needs by utilizing JRM and Earnhardt Jr. in various programs. One focus is educating home and business owners on Roto-Rooter’s recently launched mobile app. The app allows consumers to easily schedule plumbing services, track service orders, and access exclusive coupons.

“We couldn’t be more excited to continue our relationship with Dale, Kelley, and everyone at JR Motorsports. Partnering with JR Motorsports means more than just sponsorship — it’s about being part of a true team,” said Roto-Rooter President, Thad Reinhard. “We share the same values; reliability, hard work, and a drive to succeed, both on and off the track. We’re especially thrilled to be working more closely with Dale on a personal level and to follow his journey in the Late Model series. I’m looking forward to watching our relationship continue to grow.”

The origins of Roto-Rooter can be traced back to 1933, when Samuel Blanc invented the first electromechanical sewer cleaning machine from a 1/6 HP washing machine motor, roller skate wheels, and a spinning steel cable with cutting blades on its tip. The Roto-Rooter machine was a breakthrough device because for the first time, sewers could be cleared and cleaned of tree roots and other debris without the need to dig up the pipes. By 1935, Roto-Rooter Corporation was established, becoming one of the earliest franchised businesses in the country.

Connor Zilisch and the No. 88 Roto-Rooter Chevrolet are set to take the green flag from Sonoma Raceway on Saturday, July 12, at 4:30 p.m. ET on the CW, PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

ABOUT ROTO-ROOTER

Founded in 1935, Roto-Rooter is the largest provider of plumbing, drain cleaning, and water cleanup services in North America. Roto-Rooter provides services to homeowners and businesses in 121 company-owned territories and more than 345 franchise territories; serving over 92% of the U.S. population and approximately 40% of the Canadian population.

Roto-Rooter service technicians, plumbers, and water cleanup specialists benefit from solid careers with on-the-job training and high earnings potential. Roto-Rooter technicians work with the best equipment available, using proprietary sewer and drain cleaning machines, cables, and cutting blades manufactured in Roto-Rooter’s plant in West Des Moines, Iowa. Roto-Rooter has one of the most enduring and famous jingles in advertising history: “Call Roto-Rooter, that’s the name, and away go troubles down the drain!”

ABOUT JR MOTORSPORTS

JR Motorsports is the racing operation co-owned by NASCAR Hall of Fame member and 15-time Most Popular Driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kelley Earnhardt Miller and NASCAR Hall of Famer Rick Hendrick. Now in its 24th year of overall competition, JR Motorsports competes in multiple divisions, including the NASCAR Xfinity Series where it currently fields four full-time teams and earned championships in 2014, 2017, 2018 and 2024. The company also owns seven titles in regional Late Model divisions with consecutive championships in 2022-23 and a prized national title in 2020. To learn more about the organization, its drivers and its sponsorship opportunities, visit www.jrmracing.com.

Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport NASCAR Xfinity Series Race Overview- Sonoma Raceway

By
Official Release
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Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport
NASCAR Xfinity Series Race Overview-
Sonoma Raceway; July 12, 2025

Track: Sonoma Raceway
Race: Pit Boss / FoodMaxx 250; 79 Laps –20/25/34; 156.95 Miles
Date/Broadcast: Saturday; July 12, 2025 1:30 p.m PT (4:30 p.m. ET)
TV: CW Network
Radio: Peformance Racing Network (PRN) – Check Local Listings for affiliate, and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90
Social Media: Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito AutoSport; Facebook, Instagram, and X

Jordan Anderson Racing  Bommarito Autosport Prepares for Wine Country Challenge at Sonoma Raceway

Sonoma, Calif. (July 11, 2025) – Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport heads west to the rolling hills of California’s Sonoma Raceway for this weekend’s Pit Boss/FoodMaxx 250—a technical 79-lap battle around the 1.99-mile, 12-turn road course that’s quickly become a fan-favorite on the NASCAR Xfinity Series schedule.

Set against the backdrop of Northern California’s wine country, the team will field three entries in Saturday’s Pit Boss/ FoodMaxx 250: Jeb Burton in the No. 27 BG Chevrolet, Blaine Perkins driving the No. 31 Warrior Health Foundation Chevrolet, and Austin Green piloting the No. 32 3Dimensional.com Chevrolet.

The Pit Boss/FoodMaxx 250 is one of the newest additions to the Xfinity Series calendar, first introduced in 2023. It demands precision, patience, and poise—combining tight hairpins, elevation changes, and fast downhill corners that reward rhythm and track awareness. With just two prior Xfinity races at Sonoma, data is limited, and opportunities abound for up-and-coming teams to shine on equal footing.

Returning to the seat of the No. 27 BG Chevrolet, Jeb Burton brings a foundation of experience and grit to the road course. A former winner on superspeedways, Burton continues to build consistency in 2025, with Sonoma offering another shot to break into the top 10. His prior Sonoma starts saw him qualify mid-pack but show steady race pace and tire management—key elements for a strong finish. His focus will be on clean stages, smart pit strategy, and maximizing points toward the Playoffs.

Blaine Perkins, a California native from Bakersfield, embraces a homecoming of sorts as he suits up in the No. 31 Warrior Health Foundation Chevrolet. Representing the West Coast with pride, Perkins is eager to deliver in front of local fans and partners. With momentum building through the middle of the season, he sees Sonoma as a prime venue to elevate his best finish of the year. Familiarity with the area and natural comfort on road courses could help him capitalize on late-race chaos and move toward a Top-10 result.

Austin Green returns to the No. 32 3Dimensinoal.com Chevrolet after showcasing an impressive Top-10 at the Chicago Street Circuit last weekend. A relative newcomer to national NASCAR competition, Green has demonstrated poise and potential when given the opportunity. As a technical driver with strong car control, Sonoma’s rhythm-based layout plays well to his strengths. With limited Xfinity starts under his belt and a fourth place finish at , Green enters the weekend with a clean slate and a big opportunity to impress against a stacked field.

Team strategy this weekend centers around qualifying position, tire longevity, and staying clear of mid-pack mayhem. Sonoma rewards drivers who can adapt lap-to-lap, and all three Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport drivers will be tasked with balancing aggression with discipline across each of the race’s three stages. The pit crew’s execution during green-flag stops will be crucial, as position lost on pit road is often hard to regain on this narrow, technical circuit.

Saturday’s on-track schedule will see the green flag wave for the Pit Boss/FoodMaxx 250 at 1:30 p.m. PT. LIVE on the CW Network (Check your local listings for exact channel).

Perkins in the No. 31 will lead the JAR contingent starting from the 12th position, followed by Burton in 17th, and Green from 33rd.

With the NASCAR Xfinity Series season nearing its midpoint, the Pit Boss/FoodMaxx 250 represents an opportunity for Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport to showcase its progress and push forward as a competitive independent operation. Rooted in grit and growth, the Statesville-based team continues to build momentum across its three-car program—and with Burton’s experience, Perkins’ home track motivation, and Green’s rising potential, all signs point toward a weekend full of promise in wine country.

About Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport

Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito AutoSport is a NASCAR team, owned by owner/driver Jordan Anderson and Bommarito Automotive Group President, John Bommarito. Established in 2017 the organization is fueled by an incredible, close-knit team of employees, fans, and sponsors with a focus on integrity in the pursuit of excellence. Our goal is to embrace the journey we’re on and to never give up – whether on the track, in the pits, or in life. Every single team partner, and fan of ours, is what keeps our race cars running strong and our team performing at the highest level.

ALL-STAR LINEUP OF DRIVERS TO APPEAR AT NHRA FANFEST ON JULY 17 IN AUBURN

By
Official Release
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SEATTLE (July 11, 2025) – The NHRA FanFest presented by Explore Auburn is back for a third consecutive year on Thursday, July 17, bringing an impressive NHRA driver lineup to officially kick off the race weekend for the 36th annual Muckleshoot Casino Resort NHRA Northwest Nationals at Pacific Raceways.

The event takes place from 5-7 p.m. PT on Thursday, July 17 in front of Dave & Buster’s at The Outlet Collection (1101 Outlet Collection Dr. SW, Auburn, WA 98001), with autographs and a meet and greet with NHRA standouts taking place from 6-7 p.m.

Scheduled to appear is an impressive list of drivers in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, including Top Fuel stars Ida Zetterstrom and Jasmine Salinas, Funny Car standouts Chad Green, Hunter Green, Alexis DeJoria, Buddy Hull, rookie Dylan Winefsky, Pro Stock’s Cory Reed, Mason McGaha and Chris McGaha, as well as Pro Stock Motorcycle points leader Gaige Herrera, Richard Gadson, defending event winner Chase Van Sant and Chris Bostick.

The NHRA FanFest also includes a Drag & Drive Hot Rod Show, car displays, live music and door prizes. It leads into the weekend’s Muckleshoot Casino Resort NHRA Northwest Nationals at Pacific Raceways, which kicks off with nitro under the lights on Friday, continues with three nitro qualifying sessions and the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge on Saturday and eliminations on Sunday.

Preceding that, the weekend kicks off with $15,000 Mission Foods Machine Tournament at Muckleshoot Casino Resort at 1 p.m. on Thursday, where fans can register for free. On Saturday following qualifying, race fans can visit Muckleshoot Casino Resort for the official NHRA after-party with live music from 7 p.m.-1 a.m. PT.

The Muckleshoot Casino Resort NHRA Northwest Nationals will again be broadcast on FOX with elimination coverage on Sunday at 4:30 ET p.m. Last year, Steve Torrence (Top Fuel), Austin Prock (Funny Car), Jeg Coughlin Jr. (Pro Stock) and Chase Van Sant (Pro Stock Motorcycle) all picked up victories, while Justin Ashley, Prock, Aaron Stanfield and Gaige Herrera won the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge bonus race.

NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds of qualifying on Friday, July 18 for the Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle classes at 6:40 and 8:15 p.m. PT, with Top Fuel and Funny Car taking to the track at 9:15 p.m. PT. On Saturday, July 19, nitro teams will qualify three times at 12:30 p.m., 2:45 p.m. and 5 p.m. Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle will qualify at 3:45 p.m. and 6:05. Race day will kick off with nitro eliminations on Sunday, July 20 at 10:30 a.m.

Television coverage includes qualifying action at 10 p.m. ET on Saturday and 2:30 p.m. on Sunday on FS1, leading into eliminations on FOX at 4:30 p.m. ET on Sunday.

Tickets for the 36th annual Muckleshoot Casino Resort NHRA Northwest Nationals are currently on sale at www.NHRA.com/tickets. All children 12 and under will be admitted free in the general admission area with a paid adult. For more information about NHRA, visit www.NHRA.com. For more information on Muckleshoot Casino Resort, visit https://muckleshootcasino.com.

About Muckleshoot Casino Resort

The Muckleshoot Casino Resort, celebrated as the “Biggest and Best in the Northwest,” has just become even more impressive with the unveiling of their new hotel tower. This exciting expansion features 401 elegant guestrooms, a more expansive casino floor, a serene indoor pool, a luxurious spa, and the exquisite rooftop steakhouse, Smoke & Cedar. From here, guests can indulge in breathtaking views of Mt. Rainier, the Olympic Mountain range, and the Seattle skyline. As one of Washington’s premier casino gaming destinations, Muckleshoot Casino offers the largest selection of games in the state, with over 3,500 machines, an array of table games, and one of the most extensive smoke-free gaming areas in the region. Muckleshoot Casino also tantalizes the taste buds with a variety of dining options that take guests on a culinary adventure around the world and provides world-class entertainment at the Muckleshoot Events Center and Galaxy! Guests can enjoy additional perks like complimentary valet service, Wi-Fi, covered parking, and electric vehicle charging stations, making every visit even more convenient and enjoyable.

https://muckleshootcasino.com

About Muckleshoot Indian Tribe

The Muckleshoot Indian Tribe is composed of descendants of the Native people who inhabited the Duwamish and Upper Puyallup watersheds of central Puget Sound for thousands of years before non-Indian settlement. The word, Muckleshoot, is derived from the Native name for the prairie on which the tribe’s reservation was established in 1857. Today, the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe is a major contributor to the local economy and community providing resources to other governments, schools, nonprofits, and churches throughout Washington. The benefits of the Muckleshoot Tribe’s economic revival go well beyond financial contributions. From landmark agreements protecting fish and wildlife habitats and innovative educational programming to hundreds of partnerships with organizations serving those in need throughout the state, the Muckleshoot Tribe is committed to improving the quality of life of its citizens, neighbors and work force while preserving its culture and laying the groundwork for a bright future.

https://www.muckleshoot.nsn.us

About Mission Foods

MISSION®, owned by GRUMA, S.A.B. de C.V., is the world’s leading brand for tortillas and wraps. MISSION® is also globally renowned for flatbreads, dips, salsas and Mexican food products. With presence in over 112 countries, MISSION® products are suited to the lifestyles and the local tastes of each country. With innovation and customer needs in mind, MISSION® focuses on the highest quality, authentic flavors, and providing healthy options that families and friends can enjoy together. For more information, please visit https://www.missionfoods.com/

About NHRA

NHRA is the primary sanctioning body for the sport of drag racing in the United States. NHRA presents 20 national events featuring the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series and NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, as well as the Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series, NHRA Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown™, NHRA Holley EFI Factory X and Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage NHRA Mountain Motor Pro Stock at select national events. NHRA provides competition opportunities for drivers of all levels in the NHRA Summit Racing Series and NHRA Street Legal™. NHRA also offers the NHRA Jr. Street® program for teens and the Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League® for youth ages 5 to 17. With more than 100 Member Tracks, NHRA allows racers to compete at a variety of locations nationally and internationally. NHRA’s Youth and Education Services® (YES) Program reaches over 30,000 students annually to ignite their interest in automotive and racing related careers. NHRA’s streaming service, NHRA.tv®, allows fans to view all NHRA national events as well as exclusive features of the sport. In addition, NHRA owns and operates three racing facilities: Gainesville Raceway in Florida; Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park; and In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip in Southern California. For more information, log on to www.NHRA.com, or visit the official NHRA pages on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Shane van Gisbergen scores back to back Xfinity poles at Sonoma

By
Angie Campbell
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Shane van Gisbergen Secures Back-to-Back Xfinity Poles at Sonoma, (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
Shane van Gisbergen claimed the top starting spot at Sonoma Raceway, earning the pole position for Saturday’s upcoming NASCAR Xfinity Series Pit Boss/FoodMaxx 250. It marks the fifth pole of his Xfinity Series career in 34 starts.

“Last weekend was epic,” van Gisbergen said. “JRM built me a rocket, and I’m glad our strategy ended up working out and we were able to get the win. I’m a lucky guy to be able to drive some fast Chevrolets.

“Looking forward to Sonoma this weekend. It’s an awesome track and I had a blast racing there last season and even brought home the win. Hoping to do it again this weekend for my No. 9 JRM team.”

He will share the front row with JR Motorsports teammate Connor Zilisch, a three-time Xfinity Series race winner. It will be an interesting matchup as Zilisch and van Gisbergen finished 1-2 last week at the Chicago Street Course, with van Gisbergen taking home the trophy.

Rounding out the top five in the qualifying session were Sam Mayer in third, Jesse Love in fourth, and William Sawalich in fifth.

Sammy Smith, Carson Kvapil, Brandon Jones, Sheldon Creed and Justin Allgaier completed the top 10.
Eight races are remaining in the Xfinity Series regular season and five available remaining Playoff spots.

If van Gisbergen takes the checkered flag on Saturday, it would be his third win of the 2025 season.

You can tune into The Pit Boss/FoodMaxx 250 at 4:30 p.m. ET. Fans can watch the race live on The CW with radio coverage provided by PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. The green flag will signal the start of the race at 4:50 p.m. ET.

Thunderstorms Send Hauger to Pole at Iowa Speedway

By
Official Release
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NEWTON, Iowa (Friday, July 11, 2025) – INDY NXT by Firestone points leader Dennis Hauger will start from the No. 1 position for the INDY NXT by Firestone at Iowa Speedway race after the qualifying session was rained out. The field for the 75-lap race will take the green flag based on entrant points entering the event.

Hauger had the third-fastest lap in Friday’s abbreviated practice, turning a lap of 165.073 mph in Andretti Global’s No. 28 Nammo entry. His lap was part of the Andretti organization’s strong start to the weekend. Four of the team-related drivers turned laps among the session’s top five.

Hauger will start from the top spot for the seventh time in nine races this season. He started second in the other two.

Salvador de Alba posted the fastest lap of the 30-minute session at 165.518 mph in the No. 27 Grupo Indi car of Andretti Global. Myles Rowe was second driving the No. 99 Abel/Force Indy machine (165.421 mph).

“(A) shortened practice, but happy to be where we are,” de Alba said. “All the Andretti cars are pretty fast. We (turned) good laps at the very end with the used tires, so that gives us even more confidence.”

Ricardo Escotto was fourth in the No. 3 Frank’s Red Hot car of Andretti Cape Motorsports (164.623 mph). Rookie Lochie Hughes was fifth in Andretti Global’s No. 26 McGinley Clinic/USF Pro Championship entry (164.291 mph).

Andretti Global’s James Roe, who won the pole for last year’s race at this .894-mile oval, had the eighth-fastest lap in the No. 29 Topcon entry (163.267 mph).

Jordan Missig had the session’s only spin, a lazy excursion off Turn 2. He did not make contact with the No. 48 Abel Motorsports car, enabling him to continue after pitting.

The field was expected to include Sebastian Murray in the No. 2 DREAM RACING DUBAI entry of Andrett Cape Motorsport, but he was not medically cleared to participate in the wake of last weekend’s accident with Escotto at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.

Saturday’s 75-lap race starts at 1:30 p.m. ET. FS1, the FOX Sports app and the INDYCAR Radio Network will have the broadcasts.

ARCA Menards Series West Announces New Series Director 

By
Official Release
-

Steve York Named ARCA Menards Series West Series Director

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (July 11, 2025) – The ARCA Menards Series announced today that Steve York has been selected as the new ARCA Menards Series West Series Director, effective immediately.

York enters the position following years of experience working in the motorsports industry. As a long time promoter, track owner and NASCAR Appeals Panelist, York brings a wealth of knowledge to the ARCA Menards Series West. York will be based out of Twin Falls,
Idaho, and will report to Ron Drager, ARCA President.

“We’re excited to welcome Steve York as the new Series Director for the ARCA Menards Series West,” Drager said. “Steve brings with him an abundance of experience, and a deep passion for motorsports. We’re confident that under his leadership, the series will
continue to grow and thrive, delivering the best possible racing to our fans across the region where he is based. We look forward to the energy and vision Steve will bring to this role as we continue building a strong future for the ARCA Menards Series West.”

With more than four decades of experience in the motorsports industry, York has held a wide range of leadership roles throughout his career. A native of Tifton, Georgia, York earned his business degree from Valdosta State University in the 1960s before beginning his professional journey at UPS. However, it was in motorsports where he found his true calling—as a race promoter. In 1985, York built and began operating Magic Valley Speedway in Twin Falls, Idaho, transforming it into a premier NASCAR-sanctioned facility before selling the venue in 2007. Under his leadership, the speedway thrived, culminating in York being named RPM Promoter of the Year in 2005. Though no longer a track owner, York has remained active in the sport, serving as a NASCAR Appeals Panelist since 2015.

“I’m honored to return and contribute to the racing industry in any way I can,” said York. “This opportunity is an exciting one for me, and I’m looking forward to collaborating closely with the series, competitors, promoters, and officials to deliver great racing in the West region. I’m especially eager to work with the car owners to support their continued growth and development within the sport.”

This Friday’s ARCA Menards Series West General Tire 200 race at Sonoma Raceway will be simulcast on FloRacing and NASCAR’s new free streaming platform, The NASCAR Channel on Tubi and Amazon Prime Video starting at 6:30 pm ET / 3:30 pm PT.

For complete event information, including live timing and scoring data for all on-track sessions and live race audio, please visit ARCARacing.com. For up-to-the-minute updates, follow @ARCA_Racing on X (formerly Twitter).

About ARCA  

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

About Menards 

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

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

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

The Toyota / Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway Outlook

By
SM Staff
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Kyle Larson
Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)

The NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) heads to Sonoma Raceway, a 1.99-mile NASCAR configuration, multi-elevational paved road course, and drag strip located just outside of Sonoma, California.

Joey Logano won last season’s pole on June 8, 2024, with a lap of 97.771 mph (73.273 secs), and Kyle Larson executed a late pit strategy for a wild Cup victory. Larson led twice for 19 laps in an event where he dodged a series of on-track carnages within the first two stage periods. Larson was able to pace his No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 entry smoothly around Sonoma’s 12-turn circuit for the final eight laps for his second win at his home track.

Toyota / Save Mart 350

Track & Race Information for the Toyota / Save Mart 350

Purse: $11,055,250
Track Size: 1.99 miles
Number of Turns: 12
Track: Multi-Elevational Paved Road Course
Race Length: 110 laps / 218.9 miles

Time

July 13 at 3:30 p.m. ET on TNT, PRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

Stages

  • Stage 1 Length: 25 laps
  • Stage 2 Length: 30 laps (ends on Lap 55)
  • Final Stage Length: 55 laps (ends on Lap 110)

Who and what should you look out for at Sonoma Raceway?

The top 10 average starting positions at Sonoma for active drivers:

PosActive DriverAverage Start# Races
1Kyle Larson3.810
2Tyler Reddick4.754
3Chase Elliott6.1258
4Ty Gibbs82
5Daniel Suárez10.2867
6William Byron10.8336
7AJ Allmendinger10.92313
8Joey Logano10.93315
9Ryan Blaney148
10Kyle Busch14.05319

Seven of the last eight NASCAR Cup Series races have been from a top-10 starting position at Sonoma.

DateRace WinnerPole Winner
06/09/2024Kyle LarsonJoey Logano
06/11/2023Martin Truex Jr.Denny Hamlin
06/12/2022Daniel SuarezKyle Larson
06/06/2021Kyle LarsonKyle Larson
06/23/2019Martin Truex Jr.Kyle Larson
06/24/2018Martin Truex Jr.Kyle Larson
06/25/2017Kevin HarvickKyle Larson
06/26/2016Tony StewartCarl Edwards
06/28/2015Kyle BuschA.J. Allmendinger
06/22/2014Carl EdwardsJamie McMurray
  • Kyle Larson leads the NCS in average starting position at Sonoma with a 3.8 in 10 starts. Larson also has four poles, two wins, two top fives, four top 10s, and the fifth-best average finish of 13.0. With the four poles (2017, 2018, 2019, 2022), Larson leads all active NCS drivers in poles at Sonoma.
  • Kyle Busch (2008, 2015) and Kyle Larson (2021, 2024) lead all active drivers in wins at Sonoma in the NCS with two victories each. Busch, Larson, and Daniel Suárez (2022) are the only three active winners at Sonoma. The deepest in the field that an active race winner has started to win the race is 30th, which was by Busch in 2008.
  • Chase Elliott has four top fives, six top 10s, and an average finish of 11.125.
  • Ross Chastain has one top five, four top 10s, and an average finish of 12.400.
  • Chris Buescher has three top fives, three top 10s, and an average finish of 12.750.
  • Joey Logano has two poles, four top fives, six top 10s, and an average finish of 13.467.

Celebrity Chef Tyler Florence Named Grand Marshal For Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway

By
Official Release
-
Tyler Florence

SONOMA, Calif. (July 10, 2025) – Sonoma Raceway officials announced today that celebrity chef, restaurateur and television personality Tyler Florence will serve as the Grand Marshal for the Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Cup Series race on July 13. As Grand Marshal, Florence will deliver the iconic command, “Drivers, start your engines,” ahead of NASCAR’s only stop in Northern California.

“Tyler’s infectious energy and deep-rooted connection to Sonoma County makes him a perfect fit to be a part of the Toyota/Save Mart 350 and celebrate NASCAR’s return to wine country,” said Brian Flynn, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Sonoma Raceway.

A beloved figure in the culinary world, Florence has deep ties to the Bay Area and Sonoma County. Born in Greenville, South Carolina, Florence has called the Bay Area home for over two decades, where he has become a cornerstone of the region’s vibrant food scene. His passion for local, sustainable ingredients resonates with Sonoma’s wine country spirit, and his commitment to the community has made him a celebrated figure in the region.

Florence owns and operates several acclaimed restaurants in the Bay Area, including Wayfare Tavern in San Francisco and Miller & Lux at Chase Center, where he showcases his modern take on American cuisine. His connection to Sonoma is further strengthened through his advocacy for the region’s farmers, winemakers and artisans, often featuring their products in his dishes and public appearances.

As a television personality, Florence has been a fixture on Food Network for over 25 years, starring in and hosting numerous shows. He first gained fame on Food 911, where he helped home cooks solve culinary dilemmas and later hosted Tyler’s Ultimate, showcasing his quest for the perfect recipes. Other notable appearances include The Great Food Truck Race, Worst Cooks in America and Iron Chef America, where he competed as a guest chef. Florence also starred in Unchopped, a digital series celebrating amateur cooks, and has made guest appearances on shows like Chopped and Guy’s Grocery Games. His engaging on-screen presence has made him a household name and a fan favorite.

Also a prolific author, Florence has penned nearly 20 books that reflect his approachable yet innovative culinary style. Notable titles include Tyler Florence Fresh (2012), which highlights seasonal ingredients, Inside the Test Kitchen (2014), exploring cutting-edge cooking techniques and American Grill (2024), a tribute to outdoor cooking. His books have inspired home cooks worldwide and cemented his reputation as a leading voice in American cuisine.

Tickets for the July 11-13 Sonoma Raceway NASCAR weekend are on sale now at SonomaRaceway.com or by calling (800) 870-RACE [7223]. Three-day weekend packages for adults start at just $130, and kids 12 and under are only $10. Tickets for Sunday’s Toyota/Save Mart 350 can also be purchased at the lowest available price at local Save Mart, Lucky California or FoodMaxx stores. For further details, please visit the Sonoma Raceway website.

Sonoma Raceway is a 2.52-mile, 12-turn road course and quarter-mile drag strip located at Sears Point in Sonoma County, California. Built in 1968 the track is carved into rolling hills with 160 ft of total elevation change. It is host to one of the few NASCAR Cup Series races each year that are run on road courses. It is one of the world’s busiest racing facilities, with track activity scheduled an average of 340 days a year. A complete and versatile motorsports complex, it is home to one of the nation’s only high-performance automotive industrial parks with approximately 70 tenants.

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