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Sanchez wins the Xfinity Series Focused Health 250 at EchoPark Speedway

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

Nick Sanchez held off Carson Kvapil by 0.139 seconds in the final seven laps to secure his first NASCAR Xfinity Series victory in Friday night’s Focused Health 250 at EchoPark Speedway.

The 24-year-old from Miami, Florida, overcame a spin through the frontstretch grass on lap 68, caution flags, race chaos, and inclement weather delays to win and earn a berth in the Xfinity Series Playoffs.

Sanchez’s win marks Big Machine Racing’s second Xfinity Series team victory.

“A weight is lifted off my shoulder, and now we can just go chase checkered flags,” said Sanchez. He continued, “I think we just have super strong cars here at Big Machine Racing that do a great job at the race track, and I feel like when we come here, it’s not me. I just got it done tonight and I’m happy to drive fast cars here.”

Lightning forced NASCAR to halt the race after 36 laps, which delayed the race one hour and 18 minutes.

Carson Kvapil, who started from the rear of the field after unapproved adjustments, held on to second place in his No. 1 JR Motorsports Chevrolet.

“To be that close really does sting,” said Kvapil, “I couldn’t really generate a run there. I didn’t feel like we had enough cars nose-to-tail and organized. We were all kind of just too far away from each other.

He explained, “I tried backing up on the last lap, and I probably could have made a move earlier. I just felt like, if we got side-by-side, we’d get swallowed up by somebody.”

Sam Mayer finished third, Connor Zilisch fourth for his sixth straight in the series, and Taylor Gray rounded out the top five.

The race featured nine caution flags for 58 laps and 12 lead changes among nine drivers.

After EchoPark Speedway, Justin Allgaier leads the series standings by 63 over Sam Mayer, 76 over Austin Hill, 83 over Jesse Love, and 98 over Connor Zilisch.

Next, the Xfinity Series heads to Chicago, Illinois, for the Chicago Street Race on Saturday, July 5, at 4:30 pm ET on CW.

NASCAR Xfinity Series Race – Focused Health 250
EchoPark Speedway in Hampton, Georgia
|Friday, June 27, 2025

FinStNoDriverS1S2S3PointsStatus
11148Nick Sanchez #47051Running
2241Carson Kvapil #92046Running
3341Sam Mayer20043Running
4688Connor Zilisch #60038Running
5754Taylor Gray #10042Running
652Jesse Love03039Running
71019Aric Almirola00030Running
82210Daniel Dye #30037Running
92128Kyle Sieg08031Running
102651Jeremy Clements00027Running
112926Dean Thompson #56037Running
121970Leland Honeyman80028Running
13925Harrison Burton00024Running
14420Brandon Jones01033Running
153399Matt DiBenedetto104030Running
162727Jeb Burton00021Running
173244Brennan Poole75030Running
183435Joey Gase00019Running
191716Christian Eckes #00018Running
203745Mason Massey00017Running
212871Ryan Ellis010017Running
221531Blaine Perkins09017Running
233614Garrett Smithley00014Running
24357Nick Leitz00013Running
25315Kris Wright00012Running
26221Austin Hill00012Running
273853Mason Maggio00010Running
28891CJ McLaughlin0009Accident
292542Anthony Alfredo0008Accident
301339Ryan Sieg0007DVP
31167Justin Allgaier0006Accident
3210Sheldon Creed0005Accident
33148Sammy Smith0004Accident
342332Katherine Legge(i)0000Accident
352024Patrick Staropoli0002Accident
361218William Sawalich #0001Accident
37184Parker Retzlaff0001Accident
383011Josh Williams0001Accident

Nick Sanchez scores first Xfinity Series wins in wild Focused Health 250

By
Official Release
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Nick Sanchez celebrates his win in the Focused Health 250 on June 28, 2025. (Photo credit: Harold Hinson Photography)

HAMPTON, Ga. (June 28, 2025) – Nick Sanchez conquered the Focused Health 250 early Saturday morning, overcoming chaos, cautions, and weather delays to earn his first career NASCAR Xfinity Series victory at EchoPark Speedway.

The 24-year-old rookie wheeled his No. 48 Big Machine Racing Chevrolet through a race that was stalled both by cautions and inclement weather, ultimately holding off Carson Kvapil and Sam Mayer in a spirited spring to the checkered flag. Kvapil and Mayer finished 2nd and 3rd, respectively.

“I’m gonna be honest, this is all just a reminder of my 2023 debut in a truck,” said Sanchez. “I spun and I finished second; this year, I spun and I won, so that’s awesome.”

Starting 11th, Sanchez methodically worked his way through the field amidst a race filled with attrition. Several of Sanchez’s competitors fell out of contention in incidents that caused nine cautions and constant shuffling of the running order.

Sanchez’s night was not without incident though. A spin on Lap 96 shuffled his No. 48 Chevrolet back in the field. While he wasn’t in the top mix through the opening two stages, the penultimate caution with 25 laps remaining set the stage for Sanchez’s late-race charge.

He lined up on the front row for the restart and powered into the lead with 17 to go. Jesse Love and Sanchez swapped the top spot over the next several laps, racing side-by-side in a thrilling duel. Just as it looked like Love might seize control of the race, a Lap 153 caution bunched the field once more and set up a 10-lap dash to the finish.

On the restart, Sanchez held the outside lane with Love to his inside and Kvapil and Zilisch looming behind. Love briefly cleared the field for the lead, but Sanchez responded immediately, retaking the lead as the final laps wound down.

With four laps to go, the field closed in once more. Aric Almirola made one last charge to the inside, but Sanchez defended the move and began to stretch his advantage. On the final lap, he pulled away just enough to survive a final charge from Kvapil, crossing the finish line 0.139 seconds ahead to capture his first Xfinity win and lock himself into the postseason.

“A weight is lifted off my shoulder, and now we can just go chase checkered flags,” said Sanchez. “I think we just have super strong cars here at Big Machine Racing that do a great job at the race track and I feel like when we come here, it’s not me – I just got it done tonight, and I’m happy to drive fast cars here.”

Sanchez’s win marks Big Machine Racing’s second Xfinity Series victory as a team, following Tyler Reddick’s part-time tenure with the organization in 2022.

Kvapil (No. 1 JR Motorsports Chevrolet), Mayer (No. 41 Haas Factory Team Ford), Zilisch (No. 88 JR Motorsports Chevrolet) and Gray (No. 54 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota) all rounded out the top five. Zilisch’s top-five finish is his sixth straight in the series.

For fans there’s still one more opportunity this weekend to enjoy intense side-by-side racing. Tickets are still available for Sunday’s Quaker State 400 NASCAR Cup Series race at www.EchoParkSpeedway.com.

About the Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart:

Atlanta’s Night Race returns with the Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart on Saturday night, June 28, 2025. Sparks will fly as NASCAR’s best duel under the lights on EchoPark Speedway’s challenging high banks.

Adding even higher stakes to the weekend is the first running of NASCAR’s $1 million In-Season Tournament. 32 of NASCAR’s stars will be paired against each other in a bracket-style elimination tournament that begins at EchoPark Speedway.

More information on the Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart weekend and ticket availability can be found online at www.EchoParkSpeedway.com.

About EchoPark Speedway:

EchoPark Speedway is a premier entertainment venue located about 30 miles south of Atlanta, Ga.

Since 1960, EchoPark Speedway has been a staple of the NASCAR calendar and currently hosts two weekends of racing in the spring and fall each year. When NASCAR isn’t in town, EchoPark Speedway’s versatile facility hosts an assortment of events that attract visitors from near and far, from Monster Jam to the Georgia State Fair and everything between.

For more information on EchoPark Speedway and to see upcoming events at the facility, visit www.EchoParkSpeedway.com.

Kaulig Racing Race Recap | Focused Health 250

By
Official Release
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No. 10 broauto Chevrolet

Start: 22nd
Stage 1 Finish: 3rd
Stage 2 Finish: 25th
Finish: 8th

Avoiding the first major caution, Daniel Dye raced to 13th place before the caution flag was displayed on lap 34 for weather. When the field went back to green, Dye was in seventh place, avoiding another caution on the restart. Dye made it through unscathed and finished the opening stage in third place as it ended under caution. After pitting during the stage break, Dye restarted from 14th and sat 11th, before he was hooked in the right rear, bringing out the next caution on lap 80. The No. 10 team made repairs under caution, and Dye restarted in 22nd place. The field did not complete a lap when the next caution came out, ending the second stage under yellow, and Dye was scored 25th. He started the final stage from 24th place. When the caution flag came back out on lap 125, Dye elected to stay out, restarting from ninth place with 33 laps remaining. Staying out through a late caution, Dye fought to finish eighth, his sixth top-10 finish of the season.

“Another solid top 10 for this Kaulig Racing team. I felt like this No. 10 bproauto Chevy was fast running around fifth all day. Once we got that damage, it was tough; We had to come all the way from the back and drove our way back up into the top 10. We’ll continue trying to click off days like this.” – Daniel Dye

No. 16 Campers Inn RV Mobile Medic Chevrolet

Start: 17th
Stage 1 Finish: —
Stage 2 Finish: 26th
Finish: 19th

On lap four, Christian Eckes was involved in a wreck that caused severe damage to the right front and rear bumper of the No. 16 Campers Inn RV Mobile Medic Chevrolet. He pitted several times under caution, as the team fixed the damage, keeping Eckes on the lead lap. He restarted in 33rd on lap 15 and was back in the top 20 by lap 23. The caution flag came back out on lap 34 for weather, and the field was red flagged. When the yellow flag reappeared, Eckes did not pit, while the majority of cars ahead of him pitted. He restarted in ninth with five laps remaining in Stage 1, but a wreck on the restart brought the caution back out. Eckes was trapped between two cars, damaging the No. 16 even further, as the stage finished under caution. During the stage break, Eckes pitted multiple times for repairs and received a penalty for too many crew members over the wall. He was held for two laps, restarting from 27th place. Eckes sat in 26th and in the free-pass position when the caution flag came back out on lap 80, giving him one lap back. The field went back to green with four laps remaining in the stage but did not complete a lap before the next caution came out. Eckes steered clear of the wreck, once again sitting in the free-pass position. He was scored 26th, as the second stage ended under caution. Eckes pitted during the stage break for his final set of sticker tires and started the final stage back on the lead lap in 22nd place. Crew chief Alex Yontz reminded Eckes to be mindful of the damage but to “get what he can,” and Eckes did just that, maintaining position when a debris caution came out with 12 to go. Deciding it would be beneficial to make an adjustment, Eckes pitted for a chassis adjustment before restarting in 22nd with seven laps to go. After a trying day, he fought back with a 19th-place finish.

“It was an adversity-filled race that really showed the grit of this No. 16 team. A misjudgment on my part gave us some damage and set us back early. Fortunately, some luck fell our way, and we were able to catch a little bit of a break to get back on the lead lap. I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry at one point, but I couldn’t be more proud of this team to claw our way back.” – Christian Eckes

No. 11 Alloy Employer Services Chevrolet

Start: 30th
Stage 1 Finish: 38th
Stage 2 Finish: 38th
Finish: 38th

After a weather delay of close to an hour, the green flag flew at EchoPark Speedway with Josh Williams gaining nine spots in the opening lap. On lap four, Williams was involved in a wreck in turn four that terminally damaged the No. 11 Alloy Employer Services Chevy, ending his day. He finished 38th.

About Kaulig Racing

Kaulig Racing™ is a full-time, multi-car NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) and NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) team, owned by award winning entrepreneur, Matt Kaulig. Established in 2016, Kaulig Racing™ has earned 27 NXS wins, made the NXS Playoffs consecutively each season since the playoff system started, and won two regular-season championships. In 2021, the team competed in select NCS events, before expanding to a two-car, full-time NCS team in 2022 and adding a third, part-time entry during the 2023 season. Since its first NCS start in 2021, the team has earned two wins. Kaulig Racing is currently fielding two full-time entries in the NCS and continues to field three full-time NXS entries. To learn more about the team, visit kauligracing.com.

Toyota GAZOO Racing – NXS Atlanta Post-Race Report – 06.28.25

By
Official Release
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GRAY SCORES STAGE WIN, ADDS ANOTHER TOP-FIVE FINISH
Toyota drivers sweep stages for first time this season

HAMPTON, Ga. (June 28, 2025) – Taylor Gray (fifth) continued his recent performance surge with his first stage win of the season. The Toyota Development Driver finished fifth to lead Toyota in the multi-time delayed NASCAR Xfinity Series race at EchoPark Speedway outside of Atlanta, which ran into the early hours on Saturday morning. With Gray and his teammate, Brandon Jones, winning the stages, Toyota drivers swept the stages for the first time this season.

Toyota GAZOO Racing Post-Race Recap
NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS)
EchoPark Speedway
Race 17 of 33 – 251.02 miles, 163 laps

TOYOTA FINISHING POSITIONS

1st, Nick Sanchez*
2nd, Carson Kvapil*
3rd, Sam Mayer*
4th, Connor Zilisch*
5th, TAYLOR GRAY
7th, ARIC ALMIROLA
11th, DEAN THOMPSON
14th, BRANDON JONES
35th, PATRICK STAROPOLI
36th, WILLIAM SAWALICH
*non-Toyota driver

TOYOTA QUOTES

TAYLOR GRAY, No. 54 Operation 300 Toyota GR Supra, Joe Gibbs Racing

Finishing Position: 5th

I know you had a fast car, and you were up there in the end. What moves do you think could you have done differently?

“Just not losing my track position late there in stage three. We would have definitely been better off not losing it and then had to fight back up there to regain it and put myself back in position. I don’t know necessarily what different moves I would have made. I was kind of getting knocked around when I lost it. I thought I wrecked into (turn) three and was able to save it, but I don’t know. I need to go back and look and see what moves I would make. I’m sure there are some. Overall, solid day for our Joe Gibbs Racing team. I felt like we brought a really fast Operation 300 Toyota GR Supra – as fast as Xfinity Mobile – just need things to work out better there in the end.”

WILLIAM SAWALICH, No. 18 Soundgear Toyota GR Supra, Joe Gibbs Racing

Finishing Position: 36th

What happened from your perspective?

“Just nowhere to go. We had a good Soundgear GR Supra, but I don’t know. It is what it is. The track was really slick, and I didn’t have any grip there in the first few laps, so I was kind of struggling with that and got dropped a few spots. It is what it is.”

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in North America for nearly 70 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our more than 1,800 dealerships.

Toyota directly employs nearly 64,000 people in North America who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 49 million cars and trucks at our 14 manufacturing plants. In spring 2025, Toyota’s plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, Toyota currently offers 31 electrified options.

For more information about Toyota, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.

RCR NXS Race Recap: Atlanta Motor Speedway

By
Official Release
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Jesse Love and the No. 2 Roland Chevrolet Team Earn Strong Sixth-Place Finish Under The Lights at Echo Park Speedway

Finish: 6th
Start: 5th
Points: 4th

“Our No. 2 Roland Chevrolet team survived a couple of early wrecks and still put ourselves in position to have a shot to win tonight at Echo Park Speedway, so hat’s off to Danny Stockman and everyone on the No. 2 team for bringing a fast race car to the track. I made no friends tonight and caused two crashes. I didn’t really expect to have much help at the end. We were in contention at the end of the race, but I chose the top and got passed by six cars and was just toast from there. If I had stuck to the bottom, I think I would have had a fighting chance. It’s a shame, but on the plus side we were able to lead some laps tonight and gain stage points. Our ECR engines run really well on these speedways and have a lot of horsepower. That makes it easier for us when we do have damage, like we did tonight. Overall, good to leave Atlanta with a sixth-place finish.” -Jesse Love

Austin Hill and the No. 21 Bennett Transportation & Logistics Chevrolet Team Show Perseverance After Early Mechanical Issue

Finish: 26th
Start: 2nd
Points: 3rd

“Such a bummer to have our race decided before it really even got started. Our Bennett Transportation & Logistics Chevrolet had speed and definitely could have had a shot at the win. We showed speed in qualifying and at the start of the race. Unfortunately, shortly into Stage 1, we think something happened with our regulator and it caused the car to cut off at random times. It got so bad that we were forced to pit under green to fix the issue, but in the process, it put us six laps down. After the weather delay, our No. 21 team gave it everything we had but couldn’t get the laps back. I wish we would have been able to lose it by our own doing and not a mechanical issue, but that happens. We will go back to the shop, diagnose the situation, and shift our focus to Chicago.” -Austin Hill

ASHLEY, PEDREGON, ANDERSON & M. SMITH RACE TO PROVISIONAL NO. 1 SPOTS AT SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT NHRA NATIONALS

By
Official Release
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NORWALK, Ohio (June 27, 2025) – Top Fuel’s Justin Ashley picked up the provisional No. 1 qualifier on Friday at Summit Motorsports Park, putting him in position for his first top spot of 2025 at the 19th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals.

Cruz Pedregon (Funny Car), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle) are also the provisional No. 1 qualifiers at the 10th of 20 races during the 2025 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season.

Selections were also made for the opening round of the GETTRX Pro Stock All-Star Callout, which takes place on Saturday. Top seed Anderson called out six-time champ Erica Enders, while Dallas Glenn picked Troy Coughlin Jr. Matt Hartford selected Eric Latino, setting the other first-round matchup as Aaron Stanfield against Jeg Coughlin Jr. The first round of the GETTRX Pro Stock All-Star Callout takes place at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, with the semifinals at 1:20 p.m. and the finals at 3:50 p.m.

Ashley went 3.752-seconds at 330.88 mph in his 12,000-horsepower Scag Power Equipment dragster, holding off points leader Tony Stewart and Antron Brown as he seeks his first No. 1 qualifier of the year and seventh in his career. Ashley heads to Norwalk on a strong note, having advanced to the final round at five of the past six races. He was also named the Top Fuel winner last Sunday in Richmond after Shawn Langdon’s final-round run against Ashley was disqualified.

“Unlike in years prior, I feel like we’ve kind of flown under the radar a little bit this year. When you look at the first nine races, we’ve been to a total of five final rounds and that’s a really difficult thing to do in today’s Top Fuel class,” Ashley said.

“You know, we want to win races. It’s our goal to win races, but we also want to pick up steam here, you know, midway through the year and make sure that we’re in a good position going into the Countdown. That was a really good lap for us tonight. Tomorrow and Sunday, obviously it will be different conditions, but a nice job all the way around by the team.”

Brown took the second spot with a run of 3.755 at 333.33 and Stewart is third, going 3.755 at 327.11 after a huge engine explosion during the first session.

Funny Car’s Cruz Pedregon appears headed for an impressive turnaround and made another strong step on Friday in Norwalk, grabbing the provisional No. 1 spot in a loaded 21-car field with a stellar run of 3.890 at 318.39 in his 12,000-horsepower Snap-On Makers and Fixers Dodge Hellcat.

That gives the veteran and two-time world champion a strong chance to pick up his first No. 1 qualifier in more than two years, which would be another big step for the team. Currently, Pedregon is 11th in points, but he could make up ground in a major way if he can repeat Friday’s performance the next two days.

“We rolled the dice. Going up there it was either going to make a good run or we were going to see a whole lot of tire smoke,” Pedregon said. “I thought to myself we might mess around and rip down there and make a good run. I know you’re probably tired of hearing me, but we’re right there.

“We just need a little racing luck. It goes a long way. I have a young group. Jason [Bunker] my crew chief, is a young guy and most of my crew member are as well. Austin Prock has the Prock Rocket and we have the Bunker Buster.”

Points leader and defending world champion Prock is right behind in second with a 3.900 at 331.28 and Bristol winner Ron Capps is third after going 3.908 at 325.06.

In Pro Stock, Anderson enjoyed an ideal Friday to get ready for the GETTRX Pro Stock All-Star Callout, making the quickest run in both qualifying sessions. That included a second session pass of 6.594 at 206.78 in his HendrickCars.com/Summit Racing Equipment as the points leader and reigning world champion continues to roll.

Should that hold, Anderson would take home his fourth No. 1 of the season and 136th in his career, but Anderson’s main focus was the confidence he’ll take into tomorrow’s Callout. The standout, who picked up his 1,000th career round win in Bristol, loved that it moved to Norwalk and he’ll be after a repeat win in the bonus race.

“I’ve got as much confidence as you can possibly take going into Saturday and Sunday but the truth is that in Pro Stock, cars are within .02-seconds and you never know who is going to win,” Anderson said. “We’ve got four [KB Titan] cars in the [GETTRX Callout] tomorrow so I like our chances.

“I was melting today. We all complain that it was too hot but it was a good day. My race car made two good runs. I’ve got a race winning horse, let’s just see if I can jockey it right.”

Glenn is currently second with a 6.596 at 207.15 and Matt Hartford’s 6.604 at 207.21 has him third.

Matt Smith put together a standout run to close the day in Pro Stock Motorcycle, going 6.824 at 200.68 on his Denso Auto Parts Buell. It puts the six-time world champion on track for his first No. 1 qualifier of the season and 59th in his career.

Smith led the points after the first two races but has suffered back-to-back losses in the second round at the most recent two events. Friday’s run is a sign he’s about to get on track and the veteran would love for it to happen in Norwalk.

“We’ve gotten beat up this year with the performance of the Vance & Hines bikes,” Smith said. “We’re behind about two or three hundredths but sometimes that’s all it takes. Today was very humid, and the air was bad, but track is very good and we made some nice runs. I’m No. 1 and John [Hall] is second and Ron [Tornow] is up there too.

“I think we’re in a good spot. We stayed Monday after Virginia to try and better ourselves. We tested in 101-degree heat and we’re focused on trying to get our four bikes in the top eight.”

Hall made two strong passes on Friday, including a 6.832 at 199.35 that puts him second, while Tornow is third after a 6.874 at 197.88.

Qualifying continues at 12 p.m. ET on Friday at the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals at Summit Motorsports Park.

NORWALK, Ohio — Friday’s results after the first two of four rounds of qualifying for the 19th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals at Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park, 10th of 20 events in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series. Qualifying will continue Saturday for Sunday’s final eliminations.

Top Fuel — 1. Justin Ashley, 3.752 seconds, 330.88 mph; 2. Antron Brown, 3.755, 333.33; 3. Tony Stewart, 3.755, 327.11; 4. Brittany Force, 3.784, 331.77; 5. Shawn Langdon, 3.789, 324.59; 6. Dan Mercier, 3.813, 327.82; 7. Spencer Massey, 3.816, 319.37; 8. Josh Hart, 3.818, 325.37; 9. Clay Millican, 3.823, 324.20; 10. Shawn Reed, 3.847, 322.42; 11. Steve Torrence, 3.858, 326.56; 12. Kyle Wurtzel, 3.895, 305.29; 13. Doug Foley, 3.912, 305.29; 14. Will Smith, 3.997, 283.85; 15. Doug Kalitta, 3.997, 270.32; 16. Lex Joon, 6.317, 112.11.

Not Qualified: 17. Scott Farley, 10.120, 49.76.

Funny Car — 1. Cruz Pedregon, Dodge Charger, 3.890, 318.39; 2. Austin Prock, Chevy Camaro, 3.900, 331.28; 3. Ron Capps, Toyota GR Supra, 3.908, 325.06; 4. Jack Beckman, Camaro, 3.913, 321.35; 5. Matt Hagan, Charger, 3.926, 329.67; 6. Alexis DeJoria, Charger, 3.960, 327.11; 7. Hunter Green, Charger, 3.972, 322.50; 8. Daniel Wilkerson, Ford Mustang, 3.997, 321.50; 9. Spencer Hyde, Mustang, 4.005, 314.97; 10. Dave Richards, Mustang, 4.040, 317.19; 11. J.R. Todd, GR Supra, 4.061, 322.50; 12. Chad Green, Mustang, 4.072, 311.56; 13. Dale Creasy Jr., Charger, 4.087, 312.57; 14. Buddy Hull, Charger, 4.127, 276.75; 15. Bob Tasca III, Mustang, 4.150, 299.86; 16. Paul Lee, Charger, 4.229, 230.17.

Not Qualified: 17. Bobby Bode, 4.386, 205.19; 18. Julie Nataas, 5.037, 157.28; 19. Joe Morrison, 5.248, 147.04; 20. Mike McIntire, 5.617, 108.60; 21. Chris King, 6.759, 100.09.

Pro Stock — 1. Greg Anderson, Chevy Camaro, 6.594, 206.76; 2. Dallas Glenn, Camaro, 6.596, 207.15; 3. Matt Hartford, Camaro, 6.604, 207.21; 4. Greg Stanfield, Camaro, 6.613, 206.73; 5. Eric Latino, Camaro, 6.619, 205.57; 6. Cody Coughlin, Camaro, 6.626, 206.57; 7. Erica Enders, Camaro, 6.630, 206.95; 8. Cory Reed, Camaro, 6.631, 207.82; 9. Jeg Coughlin, Camaro, 6.631, 205.66; 10. Deric Kramer, Camaro, 6.632, 206.89; 11. Aaron Stanfield, Camaro, 6.639, 207.05; 12. Chris McGaha, Camaro, 6.652, 207.59; 13. Troy Coughlin Jr., Camaro, 6.653, 204.35; 14. Mason McGaha, Camaro, 6.677, 207.08; 15. Derrick Reese, Ford Mustang, 6.721, 203.98; 16. Val Smeland, Camaro, 6.747, 204.73.

Pro Stock Motorcycle — 1. Matt Smith, Buell, 6.824, 200.68; 2. John Hall, Beull, 6.832, 199.35; 3. Ron Tornow, Victory, 6.874, 197.88; 4. Gaige Herrera, Suzuki, 6.888, 195.59; 5. Angie Smith, Buell, 6.902, 196.73; 6. Richard Gadson, Suzuki, 6.906, 196.79; 7. Jianna Evaristo, Buell, 6.935, 199.08; 8. Marc Ingwersen, EBR, 6.964, 191.84; 9. Chase Van Sant, Suzuki, 6.966, 194.55; 10. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 6.990, 194.72; 11. Chris Bostick, Suzuki, 7.047, 192.63; 12. Wesley Wells, Suzuki, 7.385, 181.89; 13. Odolph Daniels, Suzuki, 7.483, 178.02.

Victory Lap Style: Jewelry Inspired by Racing Legends

By
SM
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Do you love fast cars, loud engines, and the thrill of the race? If so, you’re not alone. Many people enjoy the excitement of motorsports. But did you know you can show your love for racing in a stylish way? That’s right! Jewelry inspired by racing legends is becoming a hot trend. Whether you like a shiny chain, a bold bracelet, or a sparkling moissanite ring, there are plenty of options to make your outfit feel like a winner.

In this post, we’ll explore how racing and jewelry come together to create cool and meaningful fashion.

Why Racing Inspires Jewelry

Racing is all about speed, power, and style. When you watch a race, you see colorful cars, bold logos, and daring drivers. These things inspire many jewelry makers to create designs that reflect the sport.

From checkered flags to racing stripes, the designs are often simple but powerful. Jewelry inspired by racing isn’t just pretty—it tells a story. It shows that you’re brave, fast, and ready to take on anything, just like your favorite drivers.

Jewelry That Celebrates Racing Legends

Some jewelry pieces are made to honor famous drivers. These racing legends are renowned worldwide for their exceptional skill and courage on the track. Let’s take a look at how some of them have inspired unique styles of jewelry.

Ayrton Senna-Inspired Style

Ayrton Senna was one of the greatest racing drivers of all time. He was smart, fast, and very focused. Jewelry inspired by Senna is often clean and sharp in appearance. Some pieces even have yellow colors, just like his famous helmet. Others include quotes he said during his career.

You might find:

  • Thin silver rings with track designs
  • Necklaces with race map shapes
  • Bracelets with his famous quotes

Lewis Hamilton-Inspired Style

Lewis Hamilton is not only a top Formula 1 driver but also a fashion icon. His style is bold, modern, and always cool.

Jewelry inspired by him may include:

  • Chunky chains made with black metals
  • Earrings with dark stones or small diamonds
  • Bracelets that look sleek and powerful

Dale Earnhardt Jr.-Inspired Style

Dale Earnhardt Jr. is a legend in American racing. His style brings to mind the red, white, and blue of NASCAR. He inspires jewelry that feels bold and classic.

Look for:

  • Leather wristbands with car number charms
  • Dog tag necklaces with simple designs
  • Rings with stars or flag symbols

Materials That Make a Statement

What your jewelry is made of says a lot about your style. Racing jewelry often uses strong, cool-looking materials that remind you of car parts and speed.

Here are some popular materials:

Carbon Fiber

This material is used in race cars because it’s strong and light. In jewelry, it gives a sporty and high-tech look.

Titanium

Titanium is tough and doesn’t scratch easily. Rings and chains made of titanium are perfect for anyone who wants a lasting piece of jewelry.

Leather

Many racing-style bracelets use leather. It looks rugged and reminds people of driving gloves and steering wheels.

Stainless Steel

This is a shiny and modern material. It’s great for necklaces, rings, and bracelets that you wear every day.

Some special jewelry pieces even include real car parts, like metal from a race car or pieces from a track!

Custom Jewelry for Racing Fans

Want something one-of-a-kind? You can get custom racing jewelry made just for you. Many fans love to show support for their favorite driver, team, or racetrack.

Here are some fun ideas:

  • A necklace shaped like the outline of your favorite racetrack
  • A ring with your favorite driver’s number
  • A bracelet that looks like a tire or speedometer

Custom jewelry is a fun way to wear your racing pride.

Jewelry for Everyone

Racing jewelry isn’t just for men. Many women—and even kids—enjoy wearing jewelry that shows their love for the sport.

For Women

  • Necklaces with mini steering wheels or checkered flags
  • Earrings shaped like tiny tires
  • Bracelets with rose gold or glittery stones

For Men

  • Big rings with bold designs
  • Carbon fiber or black metal chains
  • Cufflinks shaped like race cars or helmets

Everyone can find something that matches their personality and style.

How to Wear Racing Jewelry

You don’t have to wait for race day to wear your racing-inspired jewelry. These pieces look great any time!

Everyday Wear

Choose something simple, like a small necklace or bracelet. It can go with jeans, t-shirts, or even school uniforms.

Race Day Look

Wear bolder pieces to stand out. Big rings, layered chains, or bright colored bracelets show you’re a true fan.

Dressing Up

Some racing jewelry can look fancy. Try a sleek titanium ring or carbon fiber cufflinks with your dress clothes.

Famous Brands and Designers

Some well-known brands are now creating racing jewelry. They mix motorsport themes with fine design to make special pieces.

Look out for:

  • TAG Heuer: Known for racing watches and now also stylish accessories
  • Etsy Artists: Handmade pieces that are creative and unique
  • Luxury Brands: Some high-end jewelry makers are making racing-inspired collections too

Whether you shop online or in stores, there are many places to find racing-style jewelry.

Why It’s More Than Just Style

Jewelry inspired by racing legends is more than just aesthetically pleasing. It represents strength, passion, and the thrill of the ride. When you wear it, you feel connected to the sport you love. It’s like taking a piece of the racetrack with you wherever you go.

You don’t need to be a driver to feel like a winner. A simple chain, a custom ring, or a bracelet with racing designs can make you think fast, fearless, and ready for your next big adventure.

Conclusion: Take a Victory Lap with Your Look

Jewelry inspired by racing is bold, meaningful, and full of energy. From Moissanite sparkle to carbon fiber coolness, there’s something for everyone in the fast lane of fashion. Whether you’re watching a race from the stands or cheering from your living room, you can wear your favorite sportswear with pride.

So go ahead—pick your favorite piece, put it on, and take a stylish victory lap of your own!

Pro Tip: Want to give someone a special gift? Racing jewelry makes an excellent gift for birthdays, holidays, or any occasion. It’s a great way to share the love of racing with someone close to you.

Rookie Nick Sanchez scores first career NASCAR Xfinity Series win at EchoPark Speedway

By
Official Release
-
Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

By Reid Spencer
NASCAR Wire Service

HAMPTON, Ga. – Nick Sanchez charged to the front after a restart with seven laps left in Friday night’s Focused Health 250 and held off fellow Sunoco rookie Carson Kvapil to secure his first NASCAR Xfinity Series victory.

Sanchez, who rallied from a spin through the frontstretch grass at EchoPark Speedway on Lap 68, lost the top spot to Jesse Love on the final restart on Lap 157 of 163, but regained it on the following circuit.

Sanchez spent the next five laps doing everything in his power to keep Kvapil behind him. The win earned the 24-year-old from Miami, Fla., a berth in the Xfinity Series Playoffs.

“It’s a weight lifted off my shoulders, that’s for sure,” Sanchez said after climbing from his car on the frontstretch. “Now we can go chase checkered flags.”

Kvapil was lined up in front of third-place finisher Sam Mayer, fourth-place Connor Zilisch and fifth-place Taylor Gray as he chased Sanchez over the closing laps, trying to find a way around the race winner.

“To be that close really does sting,” said Kvapil, who started from the rear of the field after unapproved adjustments to his No. 1 JR Motorsports Chevrolet. “I couldn’t really generate a run there. I didn’t feel like we had enough cars nose-to-tail and organized.

“We were all kind of just too far away from each other. I tried backing up on the last lap… I probably could have made a move earlier. I just felt like, if we got side-by-side, we’d get swallowed up by somebody.”

For his part, Sanchez was fortunate his No. 48 Big Machine Racing Chevrolet sustained minimal damage on the slide through the grass, which caused the fourth of nine cautions.

“I’m still a little embarrassed about that,” Sanchez said. “It was certainly a rookie mistake, but we rebounded.”

It was after midnight when Sanchez took the checkered flag, thanks to some threatening weather near the 1.54-mile track. Lightning forced NASCAR to halt the race after 36 laps.

After a delay of one hour, 18 minutes, 55 seconds, the race resumed. Sheldon Creed, who led the first 37 laps from the pole, tried to flip the stage by pitting under caution after the resumption, but the strategy backfired.

Creed was one of 10 drivers involved in a massive wreck on the backstretch moments after a restart on Lap 41. Contact from Sanchez turned Jesse Love across traffic near the front of the field.

Love’s Chevrolet collided with Ryan Sieg’s Ford, turning it into the outside wall. A broken axle eliminated Sieg’s No. 39 RSS Racing Ford. Other victims included series leader Justin Allgaier, who exited the race in 31st place, Sammy Smith, Katherine Legge, Patrick Staropoli, Jeb Burton and Christian Eckes.

Creed, credited with 32nd place, suffered his fifth DNF (did not finish) in the last nine races and sixth of the season.

“It was probably the best car I’ve had all year,” Creed said ruefully after leaving the infield care center. “Just really fast, could control lanes and felt really good up front. So we were just trying to keep ourselves up front by short-pitting there, and it didn’t work out.”

Notes: Sanchez led 32 laps to Aric Almirola’s 48 and Creed’s 37… The nine cautions put the race under yellow for 58 laps… Mayer was the only non-rookie to finish in the top five… Love, Almirola, Daniel Dye, Kyle Sieg and Jeremy Clements finished sixth through 10th, respectively… Austin Hill, trying for his fourth straight win at EchoPark Speedway, lost six laps early with fuel pickup issues and finished 26th.

NASCAR Xfinity Series Race – Focused Health 250
EchoPark Speedway
Hampton, Georgia
Friday, June 27, 2025

(11) Nick Sanchez #, Chevrolet, 163.
(24) Carson Kvapil #, Chevrolet, 163.
(3) Sam Mayer, Ford, 163.
(6) Connor Zilisch #, Chevrolet, 163.
(7) Taylor Gray #, Toyota, 163.
(5) Jesse Love, Chevrolet, 163.
(10) Aric Almirola, Toyota, 163.
(22) Daniel Dye #, Chevrolet, 163.
(21) Kyle Sieg, Ford, 163.
(26) Jeremy Clements, Chevrolet, 163.
(29) Dean Thompson #, Toyota, 163.
(19) Leland Honeyman, Chevrolet, 163.
(9) Harrison Burton, Ford, 163.
(4) Brandon Jones, Toyota, 163.
(33) Matt DiBenedetto, Chevrolet, 163.
(27) Jeb Burton, Chevrolet, 163.
(32) Brennan Poole, Chevrolet, 163.
(34) Joey Gase, Chevrolet, 163.
(17) Christian Eckes #, Chevrolet, 163.
(37) Mason Massey, Chevrolet, 163.
(28) Ryan Ellis, Chevrolet, 163.
(15) Blaine Perkins, Chevrolet, 163.
(36) Garrett Smithley, Chevrolet, 163.
(35) Nick Leitz, Chevrolet, 163.
(31) Kris Wright, Chevrolet, 163.
(2) Austin Hill, Chevrolet, 158.
(38) Mason Maggio, Ford, 153.
(8) CJ McLaughlin, Chevrolet, Accident, 138.
(25) Anthony Alfredo, Chevrolet, Accident, 53.
(13) Ryan Sieg, Ford, DVP, 46.
(16) Justin Allgaier, Chevrolet, Accident, 42.
(1) Sheldon Creed, Ford, Accident, 41.
(14) Sammy Smith, Chevrolet, Accident, 40.
(23) Katherine Legge(i), Chevrolet, Accident, 40.
(20) Patrick Staropoli, Toyota, Accident, 40.
(12) William Sawalich #, Toyota, Accident, 4.
(18) Parker Retzlaff, Chevrolet, Accident, 3.
(30) Josh Williams, Chevrolet, Accident, 3.

Average Speed of Race Winner: 96.402 mph.

Time of Race: 2 Hrs, 36 Mins, 14 Secs. Margin of Victory: .104 Seconds.

Caution Flags: 9 for 58 laps.

Lead Changes: 12 among 9 drivers.

Lap Leaders: S. Creed 1-37;S. Mayer 38-40;T. Gray # 41-50;C. Zilisch # 51-82;C. Kvapil # 83-85;B. Jones 86-90;T. Gray # 91-94;A. Almirola 95-142;N. Sanchez # 143-145;J. Love 146-147;N. Sanchez # 148-156;J. Love 157;N. Sanchez # 158-163.

Leaders Summary (Driver, Times Lead, Laps Led): Aric Almirola 1 time for 48 laps; Sheldon Creed 1 time for 37 laps; Connor Zilisch # 1 time for 32 laps; Nick Sanchez # 3 times for 18 laps; Taylor Gray # 2 times for 14 laps; Brandon Jones 1 time for 5 laps; Sam Mayer 1 time for 3 laps; Carson Kvapil # 1 time for 3 laps; Jesse Love 2 times for 3 laps.

Stage #1 Top Ten: 54,41,10,48,26,88,44,70,1,99

Stage #2 Top Ten: 20,1,2,99,44,26,48,28,31,71

Joey Logano claims first Cup pole of 2025 in tie-breaker at EchoPark Speedway

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

Joey Logano claimed his first Busch Light Pole Award of the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season for the Quaker State 400 at EchoPark Speedway on Friday, June 27.

The reigning three-time Cup Series champion from Middletown, Connecticut, posted a pole-winning lap at 178.960 mph in 30.979 seconds in his No. 22 AutoTrader/Team Penske Ford Mustang Dark Horse entry. Ironically, Josh Berry, a Penske-aligned competitor who drives the No. 21 DEX Imaging/Wood Brothers Racing Ford Mustang Dark Horse entry, posted a qualifying lap that matched Logano’s.

Ultimately, Logano was awarded the top-starting spot on a tie-breaker as he is higher in the standings, in 10th place, while Berry is ranked in 16th place.

With the pole award, Logano notched his 32nd career pole position in NASCAR’s premier series. It marks his third overall at EchoPark Speedway and his first pole at the track since March 2023. Logano is also a two-time Cup race winner at Atlanta. His latest victory at the track occurred in September 2024 during the Playoffs. This weekend, he will attempt his bid for a third victory at a track where his racing career first began.

In Season Challenge Begins at EchoPark

Saturday’s main event at EchoPark Speedway is the first of five newly formed In-Season Challenge events. Logano will square off against Alex Bowman in the first round with a goal to finish ahead of Bowman and transfer to the second round, which will occur next weekend at the Chicago Street Course.

“[I’m] Proud of everyone at the shop,” Logano said. “Proud of Roush Yates Engines. This is always a test of how close you can build all the cars, but how much speed you can put in them. He continued, “(Our cars) are fast for qualifying. We’ll see what we got in the race, but neat to have AutoTrader upfront again.”

Berry, who fell short of claiming his first Cup career pole on a tie-breaker to Logano, will start in the runner-up spot for a second time in 2025. Berry, who will share the front row with Logano, also qualified in second place at Homestead-Miami Speedway in March.

Ford Leads the Way

Logano and Berry will lead an eight-car brigade of Ford competitors. Ryan Blaney, Austin Cindric, Ryan Preece, Brad Keselowski, Cole Custer and Zane Smith will start from third to eighth, respectively, in the starting lineup. Alex Bowman was the highest-qualifying Chevrolet competitor and will start in ninth place. Chase Briscoe, the highest-qualifying Toyota competitor, will start in 10th place. Briscoe is coming off his first Cup victory of the 2025 season at Pocono Raceway.

Qualifying position, best speed, best time:

  1. Joey Logano, 178.960 mph, 30.979 seconds
  2. Josh Berry, 178.960 mph, 30.979 seconds
  3. Ryan Blaney, 178.937 mph, 30.983 seconds
  4. Austin Cindric, 178.626 mph, 31.037 seconds
  5. Ryan Preece, 178.092 mph, 31.130 seconds
  6. Brad Keselowski, 177.960 mph, 31.153 seconds
  7. Cole Custer, 177.949 mph, 31.155 seconds
  8. Zane Smith, 177.920 mph, 31.160 seconds
  9. Alex Bowman, 177.675 mph, 31.203 seconds
  10. Chase Briscoe, 177.635 mph, 31.210 seconds
  11. Kyle Larson, 177.482 mph, 31.237 seconds
  12. Austin Dillon, 177.453 mph, 31.242 seconds
  13. Chris Buescher, 177.425 mph, 31.247 seconds
  14. Ty Dillon, 177.323 mph, 31.265 seconds
  15. Chase Elliott, 177.215 mph, 31.284 seconds
  16. Ty Gibbs, 177.136 mph, 31.298 seconds
  17. Todd Gilliland, 177.113 mph, 31.302 seconds
  18. William Byron, 177.068 mph, 31.310 seconds
  19. John Hunter Nemechek, 177.040 mph, 31.315 seconds
  20. Riley Herbst, 177.040 mph, 31.315 seconds
  21. AJ Allmendinger, 176.961 mph, 31.329 seconds
  22. Justin Haley, 176.961 mph, 31.329 seconds
  23. Tyler Reddick, 176.949 mph, 31.331 seconds
  24. Bubba Wallace, 176.825 mph, 31.353 seconds
  25. Corey LaJoie, 176.808 mph, 31.356 seconds
  26. Erik Jones, 176.797 mph, 31.358 seconds
  27. Noah Gragson, 176.696 mph, 31.376 seconds
  28. Christopher Bell, 176.532 mph, 31.405 seconds
  29. Kyle Busch, 176.521 mph, 31.407 seconds
  30. Carson Hocevar, 176.510 mph, 31.409 seconds
  31. Daniel Suarez, 176.302 mph, 31.446 seconds
  32. Michael McDowell, 176.213 mph, 31.462 seconds
  33. Denny Hamlin, 176.207 mph, 31.463 seconds
  34. Ross Chastain, 176.089 mph, 31.484 seconds
  35. Shane van Gisbergen, 176.084 mph, 31.485 seconds
  36. Connor Zilisch, 176 mph, 31.500 seconds
  37. Ricky Stenhouse Jr., 175.794 mph, 31.537 seconds
  38. BJ McLeod, 175.721 mph, 31.550 seconds
  39. Cody Ware, 175.643 mph, 31.564 seconds
  40. David Starr, 162.519 mph, 34.113 seconds.

The 2025 Quaker State 400 at EchoPark Speedway is scheduled to occur on Saturday, June 28, with a start time of 7 p.m. ET on TNT.

Sheldon Creed Wins Xfinity Series Pole at EchoPark Speedway

By
Angie Campbell
-
Sheldon Creed wins Xfinity Series pole at EchoPark Speedway by John Knittel for SpeedwayMedia.com.

Sheldon Creed will lead the field to green on Saturday for the NASCAR Xfinity Series race at EchoPark Speedway after a qualifying lap of 32.107 seconds at 172.673 mph..

Creed won the pole position by a margin of 0.071 seconds in the Haas Factory Team No. 00 Ford after Round 1 of qualifying. Lightning in the area canceled the second round of qualifying. It marks Creed’s fourth Xfinity Series career pole award and his eighth top-10 start of 2025.

“Just extremely proud of everyone,” Creed said. “We’ve had some ups and downs in the last few weeks,” he continued. “The strategy for the race, he said, is to ‘keep ourselves up front in the fight, good pit stops all night and just be there at the end for a chance.”

Austin Hill will start beside Creed on the front row for his 11th top 10 start of the season. He is followed by Sam Mayer who will start third in his sixth top-10 start at the track. Brandon Jones and Jesse Love complete the top five.

Connor Zilisch was the fastest qualifying rookie as Taylor Gray, CJ McLaughlin, Harrison Burton and Aric Almirola rounded out the top 10 fastest drivers in the qualifying session.  

The Xfinity Series Focused Health 250 will air Saturday at 7:30 p.m. on the CW. Radio coverage will be provided by PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

Starting Xfinity Series Lineup at EchoPark Speedway

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