Home Blog Page 234

AM Racing | Harrison Burton EchoPark Speedway Xfinity Race Preview

By
Official Release
-

AM Racing | NASCAR Xfinity Series
EchoPark (Ga.) Speedway | Focused Health 250

Fast Facts

No. 25 AM Racing Team:

Driver: Harrison Burton

Primary Partner(s): DEX Imaging

Manufacturer: Ford Mustang

Crew Chief: Danny Efland

Spotter: Kevin Hamlin

Chassis Intel: AMR Chassis No. 031

Engine: Roush-Yates Engines

2025 Driver Points Position: 13th | 2025 Owner Points Position: 14th

Notes of Interest:

● Junior Journey: AM Racing will embark on its junior year journey in the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2025 with driver Harrison Burton for the entire 33-race tour, continuing with Friday night’s running of the Focused Health 250 at EchoPark (Ga.) Motor Speedway.

● Future Focused: In September 2024, AM Racing announced that NASCAR Cup Series winner Harrison Burton would join the family-owned operation to pilot the team’s No. 25 Ford Mustang, beginning with the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series season-opener from Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway on February 15, 2025.

Burton, a native of Huntersville, N.C., has been a staple in the NASCAR Cup Series for the past three seasons but will embrace a return to the NASCAR Xfinity Series and continue his relationship as a driver of the Ford blue oval.

Burton, 24, arrives on the scene at AM Racing after a 108-race stint driving for the historic Wood Brothers Racing team.

● Best with DEX: DEX (DEX Imaging) will continue its long-standing partnership with Harrison Burton and join AM Racing for several races this season, including Friday night’s 163-lap challenge at the track formerly known as Atlanta (Ga.) Motor Speedway.

DEX Imaging is the largest independent dealer of document imaging technology in the United States.

DEX sells and services the broadest selection of copiers, printers and data management solutions in the industry, such as Konica Minolta, Canon, Sharp, Ricoh, Xerox, and Kyocera, with annual revenue exceeding $500 Million.

What makes DEX unique is its people, whose combined knowledge of cutting-edge business technologies and depth of service experience are unmatched. DEX Imaging’s success is directly tied to its mission: to help customers of all sizes drive down document-related expenses while improving productivity.

● Quenching Our Thirst: For the fourth time this season, AM Racing marketing partner NO DAYS OFF Premium Water will expand its presence on Harrison Burton’s No. 25 Ford Mustang.

NO DAYS OFF Premium Water is more than just a can of water; it’s a symbol of dedication and commitment. It represents the idea that success is not achieved overnight but through consistent effort and hard work.

By drinking NO DAYS OFF Premium Water, you make a statement that you are serious about your goals and are willing to do whatever it takes to achieve them.

NO DAYS OFF Premium Water will be featured in a prominent location for the 17th Xfinity Series race of the season.

● Critical Summer Stretch: EchoPark Speedway continues a pivotal nine-week stretch that will help shape the NASCAR Xfinity Series Playoff picture ahead of the postseason opener at Bristol Motor Speedway in September.

The series will visit a wide variety of tracks over the coming weeks, offering a mix of challenges and styles. The stretch includes a return trip this weekend to the hybrid superspeedway of EchoPark Speedway, the Chicago Street Course and another road course at Sonoma Raceway in Northern California.

From there, teams will take on the high-banked concrete of Dover Motor Speedway, then head to the iconic yard of bricks at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, followed by Iowa Speedway, before wrapping up the stretch on August 9 at Watkins Glen International — a renowned road course in the Finger Lakes region of New York.

● Harrison Burton NASCAR Xfinity Series EchoPark Speedway Stats: Friday night’s Focused Health 250 will mark Burton’s fifth Xfinity Series start at the hybrid 1.5-mile superspeedway.

In his previous four Xfinity Series starts at Atlanta Motor Speedway, he has delivered two top-five and three top-10 finishes, including a Xfinity track-best of third in the 2021 edition of the Echo Park 250 driving for Joe Gibbs Racing.

Earlier this year, Burton, in his second start with AM Racing, delivered a 10th-place finish in the Bennett Transportation & Logistics 250 after starting 19th. The race marked back-to-back top-10 finishes for Burton in his first season driving for the family-owned race team.

Burton carries an average Xfinity track finish of 10.5.

Additionally, he has six NASCAR Cup Series starts at Atlanta, including a top-10 finish in 2022, and one prior start in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series at Atlanta.

● Harrison Burton NASCAR Xfinity Series Career Stats: Entering Atlanta, Burton has 91 career NASCAR Xfinity Series starts to his credit with four wins, 27 top-five and 55 top-10 finishes, and a championship-best result of eighth, twice in 2020 and 2021, respectively.

Burton’s four wins in the NASCAR Xfinity Series occurred during the 2020 season. Burton, the son of former NASCAR driver and current television analyst Jeff Burton, captured the checkered flag at Auto Club (Calif.) Speedway, Homestead-Miami (Fla.) Speedway, Texas Motor Speedway and Martinsville (Va.) Speedway, respectively.

Burton maintains a solid Xfinity Series average finishing position of 12.4 in four years of competition.

In addition to the 91 Xfinity Series starts, he has achieved 109 NASCAR Cup Series starts, 40 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series starts and 52 career starts across the ARCA Menards Series platforms.

● Pocono Raceway | Explore The Pocono Mountains 250 Race Recap: Following an international journey to Mexico City for the NASCAR Xfinity Series’ return to Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, Harrison Burton and the Danny Efland-led AM Racing team made the long haul to the Pocono Mountains for Saturday’s quick-hitting 100-lap dash at Pocono Raceway.

Optimism was high after Burton posted the fifth-fastest lap in practice aboard his No. 25 DEX Imaging Ford Mustang. However, a 16th-place qualifying effort forced the team to pivot their original strategy for the series’ lone visit to the Tricky Triangle.

A setback emerged during the pre-race warm-up when the team discovered an engine issue, prompting a last-minute scramble to install a backup motor. The unapproved adjustment relegated Burton to the rear of the field for the start, intensifying the team’s focus on maximizing opportunities throughout the event.

Despite aiming for stage points in the opening two stages, circumstances dictated a shift in focus to the final stage. Charging through the field, Burton positioned himself for what could have been his eighth top-10 finish of the season.

Unfortunately, his momentum was disrupted when a car bounced off the wall and into his path, resulting in damage that hampered the No. 25 team’s pace in the closing laps.

Still, Burton managed to fight to a 14th-place finish, salvaging a solid result from a day filled with adversity.

● Thanks For Your Support: With 48 percent of the 2025 Xfinity season complete, AM Racing and Harrison Burton would like to thank their partners for their continued support: AIRBOX Air Purifier, Blue Wolf Cleaner & Degreasers, Dead On Tools, DEX Imaging, Eagle Rentals, Flying Circle, Mechanix Wear, Morton Buildings, Racing Radios, Volt Batteries and WIX Filters.

● From the Pit Box: Veteran race engineer and former NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Danny Efland is Harrison Burton’s crew chief.

He will be the crew chief for his 21st career NASCAR Xfinity Series race, his third at the Hampton, Ga. EchoPark Speedway, on Friday night.

In his previous 20 Xfinity Series starts, he has collected one pole (Daytona International Speedway | February 2016), two top-five and eight top-10 finishes.

● Follow on Social Media: For more on Harrison Burton, please visit theharrisonburton.com, like his Facebook page (Official Harrison Burton), or follow him on Instagram (@harrisonburton12) and X | Twitter (@hburtonracing).

● Follow on Social Media: For more on AM Racing, please visit AMRacingteam.com, like their Facebook page (AM Racing), or follow them on Instagram and X | Twitter @AMRacingNASCAR.

For more on Harrison Burton, please visit theharrisonburton.com, like his Facebook page (Official Harrison Burton), or follow him on Instagram (@harrisonburton12) and X | Twitter (@hburtonracing).

Harrison Burton Quoteboard:

On EchoPark Speedway: “I’m really looking forward to getting back to EchoPark Speedway this weekend. It’s a place I’ve been to a few times now, and every race there brings its own challenges.

“The track has some unique characteristics that make it a lot of fun to drive, and I’m excited to see what we can do in our fourth trip there.

“We had a solid top-10 finish in the spring, and I’m confident we can build on that and come back even stronger this time around.”

On Keys to Success at EchoPark Speedway: “EchoPark Speedway is all about rhythm and being disciplined behind the wheel,” Burton said. “It’s a track where corner exit really matters, and you’ve got to stay ahead of the balance changes as the race goes on.

“With the hotter temps this weekend, the track’s going to be slicker than it was in the spring, so managing tire wear and keeping the car underneath you will be a big part of staying competitive. We’ve got to be smart, make the right adjustments, and execute when it counts.”

On Goals for EchoPark Speedway: “This weekend is an important one for us. We’re heading back to EchoPark Speedway with a lot of motivation and a clear goal — to have a strong run and climb back into the top-12 in points.

“Every race matters at this stage of the season, and if we can execute the way we know we’re capable of, I think we can take a big step forward toward the Playoffs.”

On Pocono Raceway Finish: “It was definitely a battle from start to finish. We had good speed in practice, but the engine issue before the race really put us behind. I’m proud of the team for getting the backup motor in so quickly and giving us a shot.

“We were in position for a top-10 there at the end but just got caught up when another car bounced off the wall into us. It’s frustrating, but we salvaged a decent finish, and we’ll keep digging as we head into a key stretch of the season.”

On 2025 Season Outlook: “I still genuinely believe we can continue to turn some heads in 2025. Now that we’re past the halfway point, our goals haven’t changed, they’re still within reach. This AM Racing team has what it takes to fight our way above the Playoff cutline and stay there.

“We’ve got a great group of people and partners who continue to believe in what we’re building. Nothing would mean more to me than delivering AM Racing its first Xfinity Series win, locking into the Playoffs, and making a serious run at the championship.”

Race Information:

The Focused Health 250 (163 laps | 251.02 miles) is the 17th of thirty-three (33) NASCAR Xfinity Series races on the 2025 schedule. Qualifying will launch on Friday, June 28, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. The 38-car field will take the green flag shortly after 7:30 p.m., with live coverage on The CW Network, the Performance Racing Network (Radio), and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90. All times are local (ET).

About AM Racing:

AM Racing is a multi-tiered, multi-faceted Motorsports program headquartered in Statesville, N.C.

Established in December 2015, AM Racing is prided on faith, honesty and intelligent performance.

In its ninth year of competition, the family-owned team will compete in the ARCA Menards Series, the NASCAR Xfinity Series and various Dirt Modified events.

Road America Next Up for TeamSLR, M1 Racecars

By
Official Release
-

Teen Tristan McKee Looks To Add to Last Weekend’s First Career TA2 Win;
HendrickCars.com’s Corey Day Riding Momentum After First TA2 Pole;
Barry Boes, Jared Odrick in a Battle Atop Pro-Am Challenge Standings;
Mike Skeen’s M1 Racecars Entry To Include Special ‘Visit Palatka’ Salute

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. (June 26, 2025) – Just a matter of days removed from his much anticipated first career Cube 3 Architecture TA2 Series win, 14-year-old Tristan McKee and his fellow TeamSLR (Scott Lagasse Racing) drivers Barry Boes and Corey Day turn their attention to the iconic Road America circuit in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin for Sunday’s renewal of the annual Road America SpeedTour.

Last Sunday at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, McKee, the Chevrolet Motorsports development driver from Kannapolis, North Carolina, started second and led all 42 race laps in his No. 28 Spire/Gainbridge/SLR-M1 Racecars Chevrolet Camaro, crossing the finish line 2.088 seconds ahead of three-time series champion Rafa Matos. In just his eighth career TA2 outing, McKee became the second-youngest driver to win a Trans Am race at 14 years, 10 months and 19 days. Only Brent Crews, who won the June 2022 race at Road America at the age of 14 years, three months and four days, was younger.

The second half of the 12-event TA2 Series campaign begins with Sunday’s 25-lap, 75-minute race around the 4.048-mile, 14-turn Road America layout, and the latest driver standings show McKee leading all competitors, 24 points ahead of second-place Thomas Annunziata, after scoring his fourth consecutive podium finish with his Mid-Ohio win. His first career TA2 podium came in his fifth career start April 26 at Sonoma (Calif.) Raceway, followed by back-to-back third-place finishes May 3 at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca near Monterey, California, and May 24 at Lime Rock Park in Lakeville, Connecticut. He opened the season with a seventh-place finish Feb. 22 at Sebring (Fla.) International Raceway, followed by a fifth-place result March 23 at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta.

Day returns to the No. 17 HendrickCars.com/SLR-M1 Racecars Chevrolet Camaro that he qualified on the pole last weekend at Mid-Ohio in just his third career TA2 Series outing. Despite never having seen the track before Friday’s opening test session, the 19-year-old from Clovis, California, laid down the fastest lap of the 24 entries for the race followed by McKee and Boes in the second and third positions. The trio kept up that torrid pace through the remaining on-track sessions and, in Saturday qualifying, Day led a TeamSLR sweep of the top three spots on the grid. Sunday was not as kind to Day, however, as a brief off-course excursion on the opening lap dropped him to 15th, from where he battled back into the top-10 in relatively short order, but then saw his bid come to an end with a suspension issue. This weekend marks the Hendrick Motorsports driver’s final tune-up before making his ARCA Menards Series and NASCAR Xfinity Series road-course debut two weekends hence at Sonoma (Calif.) Raceway. Day posted a solid qualifying effort of fourth in the rain-marred April 26 TA2 Series race at Sonoma.

Meanwhile Boes, the 54-year-old defending TA2 Pro-Am Challenge-class champion from Ooltewah, Tennessee, and driver of the No. 27 Accio Data/SLR-M1 Racecars Chevrolet Camaro, is coming off what he called the best race weekend of his career. His third-place qualifying effort was his best in seven seasons on the TA2 Series tour, eclipsing his sixth-place effort on the same Mid-Ohio circuit in June 2024. Boes ran second behind McKee for the first third of Sunday’s race before being overtaken by Matos on a restart, but he held his position in the top-three before an electrical issue late in the race sent him to pit lane. He resumed a lap down and finished 15th overall, seventh among the Pro-Am competitors.

Sunday’s Pro-Am winner was M1 Racecars driver Jared Odrick, the 37-year-old from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, who played seven seasons with the NFL’s Miami Dolphins and Jacksonville Jaguars from 2010 through 2016. His second class win in three events behind the wheel of the No. 00 Black Underwear/M1 Racecars Chevrolet Camaro for Troy Benner Autosport springboarded him to one point behind leader Boes atop the Pro-Am standings. Odrick drove to his first Pro-Am victory at Road America a year ago this weekend.

Completing the M1 Racecars contingent is Mike Skeen, the 38-year-old from Durham, North Carolina, and driver of the No. 2 Franklin Road Apparel/Cube 3/Guthrie’s Garage/SLR-M1 Racecars entry that this weekend will pay a special tribute to the city of Palatka, Florida, which happens to be the hometown of TeamSLR co-owner Scott Lagasse Sr., situated some 30 miles south and west of the team’s headquarters in St. Augustine. “Visit Palatka” will appear on the rear quarter panels and rear end of Skeen’s car, celebrating the historic city, established in 1821, that is nicknamed the Gem of the St. Johns River and is known for its Old Florida charm and vast waterways.

“It’s certainly something special to see my hometown represented on the racetrack,” said Lagasse, who lives just across the St. Johns River from Palatka in Federal Point. “We just want to recognize all the family, friends and supporters who have helped shape my driving career and that of my son (Scott Lagasse Jr.), as well as our current efforts as a race team and chassis manufacturer. It would be incredible to see that car, with the “Visit Palatka” paint scheme, carry Mike Skeen to the top step of the podium on Sunday.”

Skeen qualified on the front row at his most recent outing Memorial Day weekend at Lime Rock. Best of his five outings this season was his first, when he qualified TeamSLR’s No. 48 Cube 3 Architecture/Guthrie’s Garage/Franklin Road Apparel/SLR-M1 Racecars Chevrolet Camaro on the pole in track-record time and drove it to a runner-up finish.

The TA2 Series portion of the weekend kicks off Friday with a pair of TA2 test sessions at 11:30 a.m. and 3:05 p.m. CDT. Official TA2 practice is set for 10:25 a.m. Saturday, followed by qualifying at 3:30 p.m. Sunday’s 25-lap, 75-minute race starts at 1:05 p.m. with live coverage provided by series broadcast partner Speed Sport 1, augmented by a live stream on the Trans Am channel on YouTube.

Riding along with TeamSLR drivers and their M1 Racecars once again this season is Nashville, Tennessee-based Franklin Road Apparel Company, which has been a longtime team supporter and serves as associate partner on all TeamSLR entries. Also continuing its support of the overall TeamSLR effort is Cube 3 Architecture, as well as Kallberg Racing, and Guthrie’s Garage.

Tristan McKee, Driver, No. 28 Spire Gainbridge/SLR-M1 Racecars Chevrolet Camaro:

You’ve had several days to digest the goings on at Mid-Ohio last weekend in getting your first TA2 win. What are your takeaways from all you and the team were able to accomplish there?

“I haven’t thought any differently about it than I would any other race weekend. It was obviously really cool and I’m glad to have finally been able to win after we’ve been running up front for most of the races, so it feels good to get that over with. Hopefully, we can go for more for the rest of the season. We just have to keep having consistent finishes like we’ve been doing and we’ll be fine when it comes down to the end of the year for the championship battle.”

What are the key ingredients that came together to enable you to get that win last weekend?

“Well, to begin with, Scott (Lagasse) and Scotty (Scott Lagasse Jr.) have figured something out about Mid-Ohio with these M1 Racecars, so we definitely were really good there. It’s definitely been our best track so far, maybe hard to beat that at another track. We obviously want to do that, but it’s going to be hard to do. All three of our cars were good there – Barry, Corey, and I, we were all really fast. It also comes back to Scott Speed and Josh Wise at the Chevy Tech Center with Corey and I, all the preparation we did with Scott in the office as far as pre-race stuff and working with the sims. That definitely helps a lot. We unloaded and we were really fast immediately. We were fastest from the first practice all through the weekend.”

Now you turn your attention to Road America, which is a drastically different track in a lot of ways than Mid-Ohio. What are your and the team’s expectations this weekend?

“We’ve done a lot of work in the sim and the things we did to get ready for Mid-Ohio, so we’re going to Road America with the same kind of plan. Hopefully, we can unload just as fast as we did at Mid-Ohio and be comfortable right away. It’s obviously a different track and a really long track, just everything about it is completely different, but I think we’ve prepared well. I think once we unload, we’ll be fine. We’ve just got to play it out and see how it goes when we get there. The key will be getting the most out of the car and keep an eye on the big picture. If we’re a third-place car, we’ve got to finish third and not fifth. We have to manage what we can do and run our own race, stay out of trouble and get all the points we can.”

Barry Boes, Driver, No. 27 Accio Data/SLR-M1 Racecars Chevrolet Camaro:

You’re coming from a race weekend at Mid-Ohio that you called the best of your career to Road America, a completely different style of track. How are you approaching this weekend?

“You know, I’ve done well at Road America but I have not done fantastic at Road America. Where a track like Mid-Ohio caters to all of my strengths as a driver, Road America exposes my weaknesses. It requires a completely different driving style than Mid-Ohio does. It’s got some very high-speed corners that have always been a challenge for me, so when I look at a track that is really challenging for me, Road America is going to be at the top of the list for a tough track for me to get around fast. I’ve got to completely change how I drive and completely change what I ask out of the car. And I’ve got to do it in just a few days after being at the track that is perfectly suited to my driving style. So that’s what I’ve been working on this week – I’ve been getting on the simulator, and I’ve been rooting out all of the habits that work well at a track like Mid-Ohio and working on those habits that work well at a track like Road America.”

As you’ve continued to master that track over the years, do you find yourself wiping the slate clean and building the racecar driver you feel you have to be there from scratch?

“Yes. I’ve got to drive Road America differently from any other track that we drive. So I’ve got to reprogram myself, and that’s what I’ve been working on ever since I left Mid-Ohio – as I was flying back from Mid-Ohio, as I was driving back, I was mentally thinking about the new way that I need to drive for Road America. As soon as I got home, I got on the sim and I started working on driving the way that I need to drive for Road America.”

Do you study other drivers, especially in this case other drivers who tend to do well at Road America?

“Absolutely. It’s a really big, critical thing for me to do. I’ve had the good fortune to be coached by some good drivers and get to learn the different driving styles that are required at the different tracks, so I fall back on that learning. And any video that I can get my hands on of a fast driver, I’m going to be watching it and reviewing it and then trying to incorporate that into my practice.”

Corey Day, Driver, No. 17 HendrickCars.com/SLR-M1Racecars Chevrolet Camaro:

You’re back in the HendrickCars.com Camaro at Road America after your first TA2 Series pole-winning effort at Mid-Ohio last weekend. What’s your outlook for this weekend?

“I’m excited to race on back-to-back weekends, for sure. I’m hoping it’ll be beneficial. We were good last weekend with that style of track, and this is a different one, so we’ll have to see how it goes. But I’m excited to get to Road America. It looks really cool and definitely seems challenging. It was super cool to have got the pole at Mid-Ohio. I always thought I would win a race before I got a pole because I’m not usually a one-lap guy, I’m better when it comes to racing. It just shows how good these M1 Racecars are and how good of a job the team does that I could show up and lay down a pole lap. It was unfortunate the way the race went down, to be honest, but I made mistakes that I 100-percent learned from and, if I get that opportunity to start on pole again, I won’t make that mistake because now I have the situational awareness to know what to do and what not to do.”

What stands out to you about the Road America layout?

“It’s definitely way different than Mid-Ohio, and not in a bad way. I think it’s pretty cool. It’s got more elevation change, it’s got some long straightaways, just a lot more different characteristics than Mid-Ohio, so I’m excited. Like I said, it’s definitely going to be challenging with a lot of variety on that track with high-speed corners, also some really tight, slow stuff that’s technical. The whole point of me racing here is to learn and get the reps, so definitely what I’ll go and do this weekend.”

You’re making your stock car road-course debut in both the ARCA and NASCAR Xfinity Series races July 11 and 12, respectively, at Sonoma. Are you treating this weekend as a final tune-up for those races?

“Definitely, just the chance to continue getting reps is super important. I’m really glad I was able to get laps at Sonoma during Trans Am weekend (in April), and really glad I’m getting to do all this road racing, in general. Before this season, it was just a really foreign and unorthodox thing for me. So the reps that I’ve been able to get at it before going to the NASCAR stage has been nice. I’m curious how different those cars will be line-wise, and what other differences there will be. We’ll find out soon enough.”

About TeamSLR:

TeamSLR (Scott Lagasse Racing) competes fulltime in the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli’s newly renamed Cube 3 Architecture TA2 Series in a multifaceted effort that includes dedicated entries in the TA2 division, customer programs, driver coaching and car construction. Its history dates back to 1985 and covers a wide spectrum of motorsports, including NASCAR, IMSA, SCCA, ARCA and ASA. TeamSLR is a family-owned organization run by Scott Lagasse Sr., and Scott Lagasse Jr., The father-and-son duo have combined to win more than 120 races and seven championships across a variety of series and styles of racecars, from paved ovals to road courses to dirt tracks. TeamSLR would like to thank its supporters Cube 3 Architecture, Franklin Road Apparel, Kallberg Racing, and Guthrie’s Garage. For more information, please visit us online at www.TeamSLR.com, on Facebook, on Twitter, on Instagram and on LinkedIn.

Sports Titan Secures Tethering Partnership to Establish Sports Betting Operations in North Carolina

By
Official Release
-

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (June 26, 2025) – Sports Titan, a North Carolina-based leader in sports betting technology, proudly announces a strategic tethering partnership with North Wilkesboro Speedway. This collaboration marks a pivotal step in Sports Titan’s expansion within North Carolina’s regulated sports betting market.

Under North Carolina law, sports betting operators must establish partnerships with local entities, such as professional sports teams or venues, to obtain a license. This requirement ensures that betting platforms are integrated with the state’s sports infrastructure, fostering responsible gaming practices and community engagement.

“Partnering with North Wilkesboro Speedway enables us to meet state requirements and bring our innovative betting solutions to the market,” said Katie Winter, Communications Director at Sports Titan. “This partnership not only facilitates Sports Titan’s compliance with state regulations, it also underscores our dedication to supporting local businesses, North Carolina’s rich history in racing, and contributing to the state’s growing sports betting industry,” Ms. Winter said.

In addition to an online option, Sports Titan will provide onsite kiosks in the Fan Zones during major North
Wilkesboro Speedway events providing a secure, user-friendly platform that enhances the sports betting experience for North Carolinians.

For more information about Sports Titan and its offerings, please visit SportsTitan.com.

ABOUT NORTH WILKESBORO SPEEDWAY
North Wilkesboro Speedway, located in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina, is a historic 0.625-mile oval track that has been a cornerstone of NASCAR since its inception. Established in 1947 by Enoch Staley and partners, the track held its first race before NASCAR was officially formed, and quickly became a favorite among drivers and fans. Originally a dirt track, it was paved in 1957 and hosted NASCAR Cup Series races until 1996. After dormancy, the speedway underwent significant renovations and reopened in 2022, preserving its vintage charm while updating facilities. Today, it hosts events like the NASCAR All-Star Race and the Window World 250, celebrating its rich legacy in stock car racing. For more information, please visit: NorthWilkesboroSpeedway.com.

Pit Boss and FoodMaxx Named Co-Entitlement Sponsors for NASCAR Xfinity Series Race

By
Official Release
-

SONOMA, Calif. (June 26, 2025) – Sonoma Raceway officials today announced Pit Boss® Grills and FoodMaxx as co-entitlement sponsors for the upcoming NASCAR Xfinity Series race on July 12. Pit Boss® Grills, a partner of Speedway Motorsports since 2021, joins FoodMaxx, the low-price leader of the grocery industry, in a prominent sponsorship role during the July 11-13 NASCAR weekend at Sonoma Raceway. This partnership marks an expansion of the raceway’s longstanding relationship with The Save Mart Companies, the parent company of FoodMaxx.

The new Pit Boss/FoodMaxx 250 will take place Saturday, July 12, beginning at 1:30 p.m. PT. The 79-lap race on the 10-turn, 1.99-mile permanent road course will be telecast live by The CW and broadcast nationally by radio partners PRN and SiriusXM.

“FoodMaxx is built on speed, value, and no frills-performance, so it’s a natural fit to put our name on the track at Sonoma Raceway,” noted Jim Perkins, President of The Save Mart Companies. “We’re proud to deepen our partnership with this iconic venue and bring race fans along for the ride in the Pit Boss/FoodMaxx 250!”

The Save Mart Companies has been one of Sonoma Raceway’s longest partners, spanning 33 years in motorsports and highlighted by its annual “Chase The Savings Sweepstakes” in advance of the Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Cup Series race. As one of the longest race entitlement sponsors in NASCAR, Save Mart, and now FoodMaxx, can fully activate alongside Pit Boss for the entire race weekend both at the track and in the marketplace.

“We’re proud to be a partner at this year’s NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Sonoma Raceway,” said Thomas A. Penner, Group President, Outdoor Cooking at W.C. Bradley Co. “NASCAR fans are some of the most passionate grillers in the country, and this partnership is a natural extension of our commitment to bold flavor and unforgettable race day moments. Pit Boss is excited to team up with FoodMaxx to elevate the fan experience.”

“Pit Boss is a perfect match for our passionate NASCAR fans who fill our campgrounds and fire up their grills all weekend long at Sonoma Raceway,” said Executive Vice President and General Manager of Sonoma Raceway Brian Flynn. “We’re excited to welcome them as the new entitlement sponsor of the NASCAR Xfinity Series race. It’s also a point of pride to have FoodMaxx join forces on this event, building on a relationship with The Save Mart Companies that’s been part of our race weekend tradition for decades.”

The Pit Boss/FoodMaxx 250 is part of a three-day event featuring NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series and ARCA Menards Series West races. Shane Van Gisbergen was the class of the field in last year’s NASCAR Xfinity Series race in Sonoma, leading every lap in the first stage. Van Gisbergen passed Los Gatos, California, native A.J. Allmendinger in the iconic Turn 11 hairpin with just 23 laps to go, then duked it out with Austin Hill on the final restart, bumping Hill out of the way in Turn 2 for a pass that led to victory.

Tickets:

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 only $10 for kids 12 and under. Tickets for Sunday’s Toyota/Save Mart 350 can also be purchased at the lowest price available at local Save Mart, Lucky California or FoodMaxx stores. Further details can be found on the Sonoma Raceway website.

About Sonoma Raceway: 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.

About FoodMaxx: FoodMaxx, along with Save Mart and Lucky California, is operated by The Save Mart Companies. The 54 FoodMaxx locations throughout the Bay Area and the Central Valley are proudly no-frills, bag-your-own groceries, warehouse-style stores that thrive on consistently bringing customers the best deals in town on everything from staples to well-known brands and private-label products. The Save Mart Companies operates over 200 stores across the West Coast with 194 Save Mart, Lucky, and FoodMaxx stores in neighborhoods throughout California and Western Nevada, and 11 Roth’s and Chuck’s Fresh Markets in Oregon and Washington. For more information on FoodMaxx stores, please visit: www.FoodMaxx.com

About Pit Boss® Grills: Pit Boss is a part of the W.C. Bradley Co. family of brands, a leading manufacturer of outdoor cooking solutions, crafted to bring people together every day. Pit Boss offers a full line of wood pellet, gas, charcoal, and combination-fueled grills, barbecues, smokers, and portable grills, as well as griddles, hardwood pellet fuel, and spices. Taking pride in its best-in-class value proposition, Pit Boss crafts quality grills that are Bigger, Hotter, Heavier® than the competition. For more information, please visit us online at PitBoss-Grills.com or via social media on Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube.

Front Row Motorsports: Lime Rock Park NCTS Race Advance- Layne Riggs / Chandler Smith

By
Official Release
-

Layne Riggs | Chandler Smith
Lime Rock Park NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Race Advance
LIUNA 150

Date: Saturday, June 28, 2025
Event: Race 15 of 25
Series: NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series
Location: Lime Rock Park (1.5-miles)
#of Laps: 100
Time/TV/Radio: 1:00 PM ET on FOX/SiriusXM channel 90

Layne Riggs Notes

After a dominating win at the Pocono Raceway last Friday, Layne Riggs and the No. 34 Ford F-150 team will return north, this time to Lakeview, Connecticut for a 100-lap race at Lime Rock Park. For the first time in its 68-year history, the 1.53-mile scenic Connecticut road course will host a NASCAR national touring series event as the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series makes its debut appearance at the track.

Bare Knuckle Boxing (BKB) will serve as the primary partner of Riggs and the No. 34 Ford F-150 team. Originating in South Florida with combat sports legend Dada 5000 and Mike Vazquez (who in 1999 formed HRT Motorsports, NASCAR’s first Hispanic racing team), BKB is the oldest professional bare knuckle boxing company in the world and its largest in terms of roster, library and distribution. BKB is broadcasted in millions of homes across the globe, including a recent groundbreaking live television deal with VICE TV in North America.

“There’s a lot of weight off our chests knowing that we’ve locked ourselves into the playoffs,” said Riggs. “While our main goal is to win races, we still want to score as many points as possible before the playoffs start. As a team, the momentum is strong, and I have a good feeling that we can execute this weekend and go back-to-back.”

Road Crew

Driver: Layne Riggs

Crew Chief: Dylan Cappello

Truck Chief: Alex Lacognata

Engineer: Jonathan Coates

Mechanic: Clark Houston

Mechanic: Brandon Selph

Tire / Interior Specialist: Robert Benzenhafer

Primary Spotter: Tyler Deering

Secondary Spotter: Kyle Taraska

Third Spotter: Jimmy Sloan

Transporter Driver: Joe Haresky

Chandler Smith Notes

Chandler Smith and the No. 38 team will face their first road course of the season as the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series heads to Lime Rock Park in Lakeview, Connecticut for a 100-lap race. In his 12 road course starts in the Xfinity Series, Smith has two top-five and six top-10 finishes.

Through the first 14 races of the season, Smith has earned two wins, four top-five, and 10 top-10 finishes. Following the race at the Pocono Raceway, Smith is still second in the Truck Series Driver Championship points standings.

“I’m pumped about racing at Lime Rock,” said Smith. “We haven’t raced a road course yet, but I’m confident in my team to bring a fast Long John Silver’s Ford F-150. We have a three-week break after Lime Rock, so I’d like to head into the break with a win.”
Road Crew

Driver: Chandler Smith

Crew Chief: Jon Leonard

Truck Chief: Ron Schutte

Engineer: Caleb Williams

Mechanic: Levy Bixler

Tire / Interior Specialist: Kyle Clark

Primary Spotter: Anthony Buzella

Secondary Spotter: Zachary Michael

Third Spotter: Alex Minton

Transport Driver: Mark Hadley

ABOUT BARE KNUCKLE BOXING

Originating in South Florida with combat sports legend Dada 5000 and Mike Vazquez. BKB is the oldest professional bare knuckle boxing company in the world and its largest in terms of roster, library and distribution. BKB is broadcasted in millions of homes across the globe, including a recent groundbreaking live television deal with VICE TV in North America.

ABOUT LONG JOHN SILVER’S

Long John Silver’s was founded in 1969 and is on a mission to create treasured moments through high-quality food and bell-ringing service. With restaurants from sea to mouth-watering sea, Long John Silver’s continues building on a belief that the unique seafood experience from the coasts should be accessible to all. Learn more at ljsilvers.com or join the conversation via social media on X, Facebook, or Instagram.

ABOUT FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS

Front Row Motorsports (FRM) is a winning organization in the NASCAR Cup and Craftsman Truck Series. The team is the 2021 Daytona 500 and 2022 Craftsman Truck Series champions. The team was founded in 2004 and is owned by successful entrepreneur, Bob Jenkins. FRM fields the No. 4, No. 34, and the No. 38 NASCAR Cup Series teams along with the No. 34 and No. 38 Craftsman Truck Series teams from its Mooresville, N.C. headquarters. Visit teamfrm.com and follow FRM on social media: Twitter at @Team_FRM, Instagram at @teamfrm and Facebook at facebook.com/FrontRowMotorsports.

Young’s Motorsports EchoPark Speedway | Lime Rock Park Team Preview

By
Official Release
-

Young’s Motorsports | NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series
Lime Rock Park | LiUNA! 150

Fast Facts

No. 02 Young’s Motorsports Team:

Driver: Ben Maier

Primary Partner(s): Executive Chevrolet | Skip Barber Racing School

Manufacturer: Chevrolet Silverado RST

Crew Chief: Jason Miller

2025 Driver Points Position: N/A

2025 Owner Points Position: 30th

Engine: Ilmor Racing Technologies

Notes of Interest:

● NASCAR Debut: Young’s Motorsports is proud to announce that 16-year-old racing sensation Ben Maier will be behind the wheel of its flagship No. 02 Chevrolet Silverado RST for Saturday afternoon’s LiUNA! 150 at the legendary Lime Rock Park.

This weekend is the second and final race in the back-to-back weekend of competition. The NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series teams will enjoy a three-week break before returning to competition at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park on Friday, July 25 for the TSport 200.

● About Ben: Maier, a rising star in the Motorsports world, has spent years honing his skills in various racing series like Stadium Super Trucks with Robby Gordon, Trans Am, Cars Tour and Travis Pastrana’s NitroCross and now, with the support of Young’s Motorsports, he is ready to take on the competition in the highly competitive Truck Series.

His youthful enthusiasm and passion for racing have already garnered attention and fans can expect an exhilarating performance as he takes to the track.

● All Board: Executive Chevrolet will serve as the primary marketing partner of Maier’s No. 02 Chevrolet RST for Saturday’s 100-lap race.

At Executive Chevrolet, we’re passionate about connecting drivers around Wallingford, Hamden, and Cheshire, CT, with vehicles they’ll love. With a wide selection of the latest models and a team dedicated to exceptional client service, we’re here to make your automotive experience enjoyable and rewarding.

At our Chevrolet dealership, we carry a wide range of vehicles so that you can find the ideal combination of performance and practicality in our new car inventory.

If you’re searching for a powerful truck for tough jobs, the Chevrolet Silverado 2500 delivers top-tier, heavy-duty capability. For those needing a versatile SUV, the Chevy Trailblazer offers both comfort and efficiency for your daily drives and family outings.

Executive Chevrolet is a community where our team and clients share a passion for driving. Our commitment to exceptional client service has made us a trusted hub for drivers around Wallingford, Hamden, and Cheshire, Connecticut.

● Ben Maier Truck Series Lime Rock Park Stats: Saturday afternoon’s LiUNA! 150 will mark Ben Maier’s inaugural NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series track start at the iconic 1.53-mile, seven-turn, road course.

Lime Rock Park has a long history of hosting major motorsport events, and the arrival of NASCAR and ARCA in 2025 adds a new chapter to its storied legacy.

The Park hosted 20 NASCAR (the then Busch North Series) events from 1993 through 2011, with winners spanning from Ken Schrader to Ryan Truex. Now, after a 14-year hiatus, NASCAR returns to Lime Rock Park in what is set to be one of the most significant events in the track’s history.

The NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series rolls into Lime Rock Park for its 15th stop of the season, kicking off a jam-packed doubleheader weekend.

Lime Rock Park, nestled in the heart of the Constitution State, will host the 15th race on an expanded 2025 Truck Series calendar, which has grown by two races compared to 2024.

● Young’s Motorsports’ NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series at Lime Rock Park: This weekend will mark Young’s Motorsports’ inaugural NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series track start in Lakeville, Connecticut.

In the team’s history, they have participated in 38 previous NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series road course races, earning one pole, one top-five and five top-10 finishes, including a runner-up performance at Circuit of the Americas in 2021.

● Young’s Motorsports’ NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series History: Since entering the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series in 2012, the Mooresville, N.C., – based organization has logged 524 starts from 71 drivers, resulting in solid performances that include two victories (Talladega Superspeedway 2019 and 2021), seven top-five finishes and 33 top-10 finishes, with an average starting position of 23.3 and an average finishing position of 22.2.

● Follow on Social Media: For more information on Ben Maier, please like him on Facebook and follow him on Instagram.

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

Ben Maier Pre-Race Quote:

On Making NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series Debut with Young’s Motorsports: “I’m so thankful for Tyler and Young’s Motorsports for taking this chance on me. I’ll give them my best effort.

“I also need to thank Executive Chevrolet and our other partners for making it happen. I can’t wait to wheel the No. 02 Chevrolet Silverado truck around Lime Rock Park!”

Race Information:

The LiUNA! 150 (100 laps | 147.8 miles) is the 15th of 25 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series races on the 2025 schedule. The two-day show begins with practice on Friday, June 27, from 1:05 p.m. to 1:55 p.m. Qualifying will follow on race day, Saturday, June 28, launching at 9:30 a.m. The field will take the green flag shortly after 1:00 p.m., with live coverage on FOX, the NASCAR Racing Network (Radio), and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90.

Young’s Motorsports | NASCAR Xfinity Series

EchoPark (Ga.) Speedway | Focused Health 250

Fast Facts

No. 42 Young’s Motorsports Team:

Driver: Anthony Alfredo

Primary Partner(s): Brand South Africa

Manufacturer: Chevrolet Camaro

Crew Chief: Andrew Abbott

2025 Driver Points Position: 21st

2025 Owner Points Position: 23rd

Engine: Earnhardt-Childress Racing

Notes of Interest:

● Year Two, Full Throttle: In January, Young’s Motorsports announced that NASCAR Xfinity Series veteran Anthony Alfredo would compete full-time for the team in its second year of Xfinity Series competition.

Alfredo is driving the No. 42 Chevrolet Camaro for the entire 33-race schedule, which continues this Friday night with the Focused Health 250 at EchoPark Speedway (formerly Atlanta Motor Speedway).

The 2025 season marks Young’s Motorsports’ sophomore campaign in the series, following a promising debut year with rookie Leland Honeyman Jr. behind the wheel.

● About Anthony: A popular driver, Alfredo, a native of Ridgefield, Connecticut, joins Young’s Motorsports with an array of Motorsports experience, including starts in the NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series, respectively.

The 2025 season will mark Alfredo’s fourth full-time Xfinity Series campaign, and he joins the Mooresville, N.C.-based team after spending the 2024 season with Our Motorsports.

The 25-year-old finished the 2024 Xfinity season 15th in the championship driver standings, collecting an Xfinity Dash 4 Cash win at Dover (Del.) Motor Speedway and adding two more top-fives and seven top-10s to his impressive statistics in 133 career Xfinity Series starts.

● All-Aboard!: For the 17th of 33 Xfinity Series races this season, Young’s Motorsports welcomes Brand South Africa as the primary partner on the No. 42 Chevrolet Camaro for the 163-lap race on Friday night.

Brand South Africa is a South African government agency responsible for promoting the country’s image domestically and internationally.

Its primary goal is to manage South Africa’s brand reputation, ensuring that the country is recognized for its strengths and attractiveness as a destination for investment, tourism and international cooperation.

● Fueled by Support: In addition to primary partner Brand South Africa, Alfredo and Young’s Motorsports will once again enjoy significant secondary support from some of Brand South Africa’s strategic partners, including Brooklyn Biltong, Superformance LLC., 7th House, HERO (Healing the Environment, Regenerating Ourselves), The International Rhino Foundation and the Lekker Network.

● Anthony Alfredo NASCAR Xfinity Series EchoPark Speedway Stats: Friday night’s Focused Health 250 will mark Anthony Alfredo’s ninth trip to Hampton, Ga.

In his previous eight starts at the 1.5-mile hybrid superspeedway, Alfredo has recorded two top-10 finishes.

His best result came during the 2024 edition of the Raptor King of Tough 250, where he powered to a track-best seventh after starting 15th, while driving for Our Motorsports.

Overall, he holds a solid Xfinity Series average finish of 18.3 at EchoPark Speedway.

The Ridgefield, Connecticut native also brings NASCAR Cup Series experience to the incredibly fast asphalt layout, having made two Cup starts at the track, with a respectable Cup track best of 26th in the 2021 Quaker State 400 presented by Walmart for Front Row Motorsports.

Now 16 races into the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series season — and with 17 events remaining — Anthony Alfredo and the Young’s Motorsports team are keeping their focus squarely on building momentum in their push toward the Playoffs.

A strong performance, or potentially a breakthrough win in Friday night’s race, could mark a pivotal turning point in their postseason campaign.

The Focused Health 250 headlines a high-stakes doubleheader weekend at the newly rebranded EchoPark Speedway. The weekend opens Friday night, June 27, with a 163-lap Xfinity Series showdown—often described as a high-speed chess match—where drafting, precision, and pit strategy typically dictate the path to Victory Lane.

On Saturday night, June 28, the NASCAR Cup Series takes center stage with the Quaker State 400. The event not only showcases the sport’s top-tier talent but also kicks off the highly anticipated in-season $1 million challenge, as part of the fifth race in the second leg of the regular season.

● Anthony Alfredo Xfinity Series Career Stats: Entering Atlanta, Alfredo has 134 NASCAR Xfinity Series races to his credit, earning a career-best third-place finish twice, most recently at Talladega Superspeedway after starting 11th in the 2024 edition of the Ag-Pro 300 for Our Motorsports.

Since 2020, he has earned one pole, five top-five, and 23 top-10 finishes and has an average finish of 19.7.

● Pocono Raceway | Explore The Pocono Mountains 250 Race Recap: Following an international journey to Mexico City for the NASCAR Xfinity Series’ return to Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, Anthony Alfredo and the Young’s Motorsports team made the long haul to the Pocono Mountains for Saturday’s quick-hitting 100-lap dash at Pocono Raceway.

For Alfredo, the afternoon was defined by strategic execution and precision on track. From the drop of the green flag, he methodically worked his way forward in the No. 42 Clancy Relocation & Logistics Chevrolet, leaning on pit strategy to gain track position and positioning the team within striking distance of the top-10 in the race’s final stage.

Despite running out of laps to notch his second top-10 of the season, Alfredo kept his car clean and capitalized on opportunities, bringing home a solid 13th-place finish — Young’s Motorsports’ best result since Texas Motor Speedway in May.

Now 16 races into the 2025 campaign, Alfredo and the No. 42 team remain focused on gaining momentum during a crucial summer stretch, where rhythm, reliability and resilience will play key roles in their Playoff pursuit.

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

On Saturday, he will be crew chief in his 146th NASCAR Xfinity Series race. In his previous 145 races, he has four top-five and 14 top-10 finishes.

The season’s 17th race will be his seventh tango at EchoPark Speedway as crew chief in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.

● Young’s Motorsports’ NASCAR Xfinity Series at EchoPark Speedway: This weekend’s Focused Health 250 will mark Young’s Motorsports’ fourth NASCAR Xfinity Series appearance at EchoPark Speedway.

Last summer, rookie Leland Honeyman Jr. finished 17th after starting 35th, showcasing an impressive rally from the rear of the field to a lead lap finish.

In the team’s three previous Xfinity Series performances, the team earned a track-best effort of 17th during the 2024 edition of the Focused Health 250 on September 7, 2024.

Beyond its growing Xfinity résumé, the Mooresville, N.C.-based organization brings experience to Atlanta through its NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series program.

Since 2015, the Mooresville, N.C.-based Young’s Motorsports team has had an average starting position of 23.1 and an average finish of 22.0 in 21 starts at EchoPark Speedway overall.

● Young’s Motorsports’ NASCAR Xfinity Series History: Since entering the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2024, the family-owned organization has logged 49 starts and maintains an average starting position of 26.1 and an average finish of 23.0.

● Follow on Social Media: For more on Anthony Alfredo, please visit AnthonyAlfredo.com, like him on Facebook (Anthony Alfredo Racing), follow him on Instagram (@anthonyalfredo) and X | Twitter (@anthonyalfredo).

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

Anthony Alfredo Pre-Race Quotes:

On EchoPark Speedway: “I am pumped to return to EchoPark Speedway because we had a really great car in the spring race there. We unfortunately got taken out late in the race, so I plan to see this one through to the end and have a shot to win.”

On Keys to Success at EchoPark Speedway: “Having track position and a good drafting partner will be important to get to the front and ultimately stay there.”

On Racing at EchoPark Speedway in the Summer: “The track will have a lot less grip and track position will be even more important since it should be more single-file with less grooves to move around in.

“Tire wear will likely be more of an issue because of this as well.”

On Racing at EchoPark Speedway Without Any Practice: “I’d like to have multi-car practice to work on our balance in traffic, but qualifying is pretty easy there, similar to Daytona and Talladega.

“You just need to get a good launch and through the gears well, then hope the car is fast from there. Balance in the pack is more important than single-car speed, though.”

On Strategy at EchoPark Speedway: “I think there will be a few opportunities for strategizing track position or a tire advantage late in the race. That should play into our favor.”

On Goal for EchoPark Speedway: “A top 10 would be a great day at Atlanta. You never know what can happen there, so I have faith that if we stay out of trouble, we can be in legitimate contention at the end.

“From there, my spotter and I will just need to execute.”

Race Information:

The Focused Health 250 (163 laps | 251.02 miles) is the 17th of thirty-three (33) NASCAR Xfinity Series races on the 2025 schedule. Qualifying will launch on Friday, June 28, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. The 38-car field will take the green flag shortly after 7:30 p.m., with live coverage on The CW Network, the Performance Racing Network (Radio), and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90. All times are local (ET).

ECHOPARK SPEEDWAY ANNOUNCES QUAKER STATE 400 AVAILABLE AT WALMART DIGNITARIES

By
Official Release
-

HAMPTON, Ga. (June 26, 2025) – Leading up to Atlanta’s Night Race, several special guests and dignitaries will help kick off the Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart. Here’s the roles each will be filling at EchoPark Speedway Saturday.

Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart (Saturday, June 28) Dignitaries:

Grand Marshals: EchoPark Automotive CMO Dino Bernacchi and 8-time NASCAR Cup Series winner Kyle Petty will be the Grand Marshals for Saturday night’s Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart.

Honorary Pace Car Driver: All Elite Wrestling Star Swerve Strickland will lead the 40-car starting field to the green flag as the honorary pace car driver.

Honorary Starter: Walmart Market Manager Lisa Israel will waive the green flag to start 400 miles of racing action Saturday night.

National Anthem Singer: TV personality, comedian, and singer Jessie Woo will sing the Star Spangled Banner during pre-race ceremonies.

Flyover: During Saturday’s national anthem, a C-130 out of Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta, Ga., will streak across the sky above EchoPark Speedway.

Pre-race entertainment: Southern rock band Jet Black Roses will get fans revved up for the Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart with a live concert on the pre-race stage Saturday evening.

Tickets and camping accommodations for the June 26-28 Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart NASCAR weekend are available 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.

The rising stars of the NASCAR Xfinity Series bring the action Friday night in the Focused Health 250 on June 27.

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 June 26-28 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.

Jason Kitzmiller and A.L.L. Construction Racing Team Ready to Embrace Road Course Challenge

By
Official Release
-

LAKEVILLE, Connecticut: In his quest to compete in the full ARCA Menards Series season, veteran racer Jason Kitzmiller came prepared for a year of firsts.

From tackling unfamiliar short tracks and navigating road courses to getting down and dirty on the dirt ovals at Springfield and DuQuoin later this season, Kitzmiller and his A.L.L. Construction Racing team are embracing the thrills and challenges of the ARCA Menards Series’ diverse schedule.

Fresh off a strong sixth-place finish in his short track debut at Elko (Minn.) Speedway, Jason Kitzmiller and his Statesville, N.C.-based team now head to the heart of the Northeast, eager to take on ARCA’s newest addition to the schedule — Lime Rock Park.

The first road-course race of the 2025 ARCA Menards Series season will take place at a new venue and state, featuring the 1.53-mile complex of Lime Rock Park in Lakeville, Connecticut.

Built in 1955, Lime Rock has hosted events for numerous prestigious auto racing divisions that have attracted many of the best competitors in United States history. The list of drivers who have won events at Lime Rock include Mario Andretti, Mark Donohue, Rodger Ward, Scott Pruett, Ron Fellows and Dorsey Schroeder, among many others.

Although Saturday marks the first race of the national ARCA Menards Series at Lime Rock, the East Series boasts a storied history at the facility. From 1993-2010, Lime Rock was a regular venue on the East Series calendar, with Butch Leitzinger and Matt Kobyluck tallying the most wins of any competitor there with three apiece.

While grateful to be part of a historic moment on the 2025 ARCA Menards Series tour, Kitzmiller admits he’s uncertain about what to expect on Saturday afternoon.

“Road course racing is going to be a new challenge for me in the ARCA Menards Series,” said Kitzmiller. “It’s a completely different discipline that I don’t have a lot of experience in, but we’re heading to Lime Rock Park upbeat and optimistic that we can deliver a solid finish.”

Fortunately, Kitzmiller isn’t alone in his inexperience, as many of his fellow competitors also enter the fast, seven-turn road course with little to no track time. The Petersburg, W.Va., native hopes that shared learning curve will help ease his transition into road course racing.

“Pretty much, a lot of us on the track this weekend will be learning the track layout for the first time,” added Kitzmiller. “That helps. I know there are a couple of road course ringers who know how to navigate around Lime Rock Park, and I think it’s going to be important for our team to learn from their laps and how they tackle the racetrack.

“We haven’t set any real expectations this weekend, other than to stay on the track and finish the race. If we can make gains on track with our lap times—from practice to qualifying and then from qualifying to the race—that’s all positive. If we can escape our first road course with a top-10 finish, that would definitely feel like a win.”

Lime Rock Park also serves as valuable preparation for the family-owned team ahead of the second and final road course of the season, less than two months away at the beautiful and iconic Watkins Glen International in the Finger Lakes region of New York.

“There’s no doubt that having experience at Lime Rock will help when it comes to Watkins Glen,” said Kitzmiller. “I’ll be able to learn the dos and don’ts of road course racing, and hopefully, by the time I hit the track at Watkins Glen for the first time, I’ll have a better idea of what to expect.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge this weekend and hope we can continue the solid season we’ve had so far.”

For Lime Rock Park, the team welcomes the continued support of Carter Machinery, promoting the Caterpillar (Cat®) brand as the primary partner aboard his No. 97 Chevrolet SS.

Carter Machinery’s humble start began in 1928, serving Virginia and southeastern West Virginia.

As our customers’ needs changed over the years, we evolved by continually adding new products, services, and locations, with exponential growth occurring after our 2020 acquisition of Alban Tractor Company.

Today, our footprint spans the Mid-Atlantic, with over 30 locations throughout Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, and the District of Columbia.

We sell, rent, and support the full line of Cat® equipment, engines, and electric power generation systems, backed by the best parts availability, most diverse rental fleet, and an expert service team working together to enable our customers’ highest level of success.

Our ongoing investment in people, infrastructure, technology, and tooling continues to position us as one of Caterpillar’s leading dealers in North America and throughout the world.

“Having Carter Machinery and the Cat® brand on board for nine straight races has meant a lot to our team,” said Kitzmiller. “Their support gives us the resources and confidence to keep pushing forward every week. It’s been a true partnership, and we’re proud to represent such a respected name both on and off the track as we take on this new challenge at Lime Rock Park in the Northeast.”

In addition to Carter Machinery, A.L.L. Construction Inc., Grant County Mulch, A&J Excavating, Cobra Mining, Champion Power Equipment and Volt Battery Technology will all serve as associate marketing partners for the first ARCA race held at Lime Rock Park.

Entering Lime Rock Park, Kitzmiller, 51, sits fourth in the ARCA Menards Series championship standings, 51 points behind third-place Lavar Scott and 65 points behind leader Brenden Queen, with 12 races remaining.

The A.L.L. Construction Racing team also holds a solid sixth place in the championship owner standings.

Since 2020, Kitzmiller has made 35 ARCA Menards Series starts, earning two top-five and 14 top-10 finishes, including a career-best third-place finish at Daytona International Speedway in February 2025.

The Lime Rock Park 100 (68 laps | 100.5 miles) marks the ninth race of 20 on the 2025 ARCA Menards Series schedule. On Friday, June 27, teams will hit the track for a one-hour session from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. General Tire Pole Group Qualifying will immediately follow at 3:45 p.m. ET, with the green flag expected to wave shortly after 4:00 p.m. ET on Saturday, June 28. The race will be televised live on FOX Sports 2 (FS2) and the Motor Racing Network (Radio), while ARCARacing.com will provide live timing and scoring throughout the day’s activities. All times are local (ET).

Straight Outta Hampton: After Successful TV Stint, Corey LaJoie Returns to Race Seat at Hampton, Georgia’s EchoPark Speedway

By
Official Release
-

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (June 26, 2025) – After enjoying five consecutive victory lane celebrations, Corey LaJoie aims to make it six straight when the checkered flag falls on Saturday night’s Quaker State 400 at EchoPark Speedway in Hampton, Georgia.

This one, however, would be the sweetest.

LaJoie comes into the 260-lap race around the 1.54-mile oval on the outskirts of Atlanta after a very successful and universally praised performance as a race analyst during Prime Video’s five-week foray into broadcasting NASCAR Cup Series races. From the Coca-Cola 600 on May 25 at Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway to The Great American Getaway 400 last Sunday at Pocono (Pa.) Raceway, LaJoie and his Prime Video cohorts – host Danielle Trotta and fellow analysts Carl Edwards, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Steve Letarte and Adam Alexander – highlighted backstories, spotlighted strategies and reveled in teams’ triumphs.

After 10 years of analyzing Cup Series races from the windshield of a racecar, LaJoie viewed races through the lens of live television. It provided a perspective that has made the 33-year-old a better racecar driver, despite eight races having passed since his last Cup Series start April 13 at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway.

“Driving the racecar can be a really lonely place. You have all this weight of expectations to deliver for your team and your sponsors and yourself and your fans, and when you feel like you’re not doing that, it feels like everybody is looking at you,” LaJoie said. “But what I realized these last five weeks during my time on Prime, I’m intently watching the race, but I’m really only focused on three guys’ races. The other guys who are there grinding away, unless they somehow factor into the main storylines of the race, they’re not top of mind.

“Before this opportunity to see the race from a TV perspective, I would feel like if I wasn’t running well, then I was letting a lot of people down. I think that I cared too much, and I would hold the outcome too tightly, as opposed to just enjoying it when I was doing it.”

Like a batter who had been pressing at the plate before finally earning a hit, the freedom to swing away is liberating for LaJoie.

“Now that I’m back in the seat, I’m going to enjoy it,” LaJoie said. “I really like the atmosphere at Rick Ware Racing, and now we’re going back to a place where I’ve been close to winning before. It’s a great opportunity for me to run well and have some fun.”

LaJoie, driver of the No. 01 Schluter-Systems Ford Mustang Dark Horse, nearly won at Atlanta in July 2022. He led 19 laps and lined up second for the green-white-checkered dash to the finish.

“We led the final restart of the day, and then Chase Elliott got a big push, got to the lead, and I should’ve worked a bit harder to block that run for the lead,” LaJoie said. “I thought I made the right move on the last lap to get to his right-rear quarter, but he just threw his block a bit later, and he threw the block to win, right? It didn’t work for me and the help didn’t go my way, but that was pretty close to career victory number one.

“But that’s why I keep showing up, especially here at Atlanta. I feel that we can find ourselves in the same spot.”

EchoPark Speedway features the kind of pack-style racing seen at the behemoth, 2.5-mile Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway and the even bigger 2.66-mile Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway. Yet the track is a mile shorter in length, making each race a frenzied affair.

“Atlanta is like a speedway on steroids. Things happen so quickly, and you can get yourself into a bad spot,” LaJoie said.

LaJoie returns to EchoPark Speedway with an ally in his Rick Ware Racing teammate, Cody Ware.

“It’s always good to have a teammate out there on the racetrack,” said Ware, driver of the No. 51 Jacob Construction Ford Mustang Dark Horse. “Corey is a very good superspeedway racer. He’s someone you can lean on and work with before the race even starts, and that alone is an advantage.”

Both Ware and LaJoie raced together in the Cup Series’ first visit to EchoPark Speedway in late February. Each had their competitive runs tour sour when they were collected in separate, multicar accidents.

“Going back and looking at the things that went wrong in Atlanta back in February will be a good thing to learn and prepare for how we’re going to strategize at Atlanta this time around,” Ware said.

Another big difference will be the weather. Late February was cool. Late June is hot and humid, with the stifling heat wave currently engulfing the Southeast only exacerbating the massive change in track conditions.

“I think it’ll make for tighter racing. Handling’s definitely going to be of importance,” LaJoie said.

LaJoie still has the feel of a racecar despite last racing a Cup car at Bristol.

“I’ve driven some Modified races and I ran a Truck just a few weeks back at Michigan,” said LaJoie, who nearly won the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race June 7 at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, as he was leading seven laps short of the finish.

“So, I’m going to drive that Schluter-Systems Ford Mustang as fast as it’ll go. It’s just a matter of executing the day and putting ourselves in good track position, and we did that well at the first Atlanta race this year.

“We drove into the top-15 and we got crashed, but that’s right about the point where you can start to maneuver and get a sniff of clean air. Anything outside the top-15 is really turbulent and hard to make gains, so we want to have a car that has the pace to be able to do that.”

It comes from a perspective that is now two-fold – from the driver’s seat and the analyst’s chair.

“Prior to my time with Prime, all I’ve ever known was driving racecars or working toward trying to drive racecars, so going to the racetrack with a different mission was originally uncomfortable, but over the last five weeks, I really got settled in and it was really fun to have that perspective on the sport,” LaJoie said.

“Working with Stevie and Dale and Carl and Danielle and Double-A (Adam Alexander) – they all answered any dumb questions I had, and everybody from the Prime side kind of gave me the tools to figure out how to become good at it.

“I didn’t know what to expect, but I knew that it was going to be fun.”

LaJoie brings that same mindset to EchoPark Speedway when qualifying for the Quaker State 400 begins Friday at 5:05 p.m. EDT. The green flag drops Saturday at 7 p.m. with TNT and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio providing live, flag-to-flag coverage.

About Rick Ware Racing:

Rick Ware has been a motorsports mainstay for more than 40 years. It began at age 6 when the third-generation racer began his driving career and has since spanned four wheels and two wheels on both asphalt and dirt. Competing in the SCCA Trans Am Series and other road-racing divisions led Ware to NASCAR in the early 1980s, where he finished third in his NASCAR debut – the 1983 Warner W. Hodgdon 300 NASCAR Grand American race at Riverside (Calif.) International Raceway. More than a decade later, injuries would force Ware out of the driver’s seat and into full-time team ownership. In 1995, Rick Ware Racing was formed, and with his wife Lisa by his side, Ware has since built his eponymous organization into an entity that competes full-time in the elite NASCAR Cup Series while simultaneously campaigning successful teams in the Top Fuel class of the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, Progressive American Flat Track and FIM World Supercross Championship (WSX).

NASCAR Weekend schedule at EchoPark Speedway and Lime Rock Park

By
Angie Campbell
-
HAMPTON, Ga. - FEBRUARY 24: Christopher Bell (L), Carson Hocevar (C) and Kyle Larson (R) race to the finish line of the NASCAR Cup Series Ambetter Health 400 at Atlanta Motor Speedway (EchoPark Speedway) on Feb. 23, 2025, in Hampton, Georgia. Photo: John Knittel/SpeedwayMedia.com

On June 3, the track known as Atlanta Motor Speedway for 35 years, announced a new name, EchoPark Speedway. NASCAR travels to the 1.54-mile track this weekend with the Cup Series and Xfinity Series.

The Craftsman Truck Series will compete for the first time at Lime Rock Park in Lakeville, CT, on Saturday afternoon, along with the ARCA Menards Series.  

All times are Eastern.

Friday, June 27

EchoPark Speedway:

3 p.m.: Xfinity Series Qualifying – CW App
Qualifying (Impound) Single Vehicle /1 Lap/2 Rounds

5:05 p.m.: Cup Series Qualifying – truTV
(Impound) Single Vehicle /1 Lap/2 Rounds
Post Cup Series Qualifying: NASCAR Press Pass

7:30 p.m.: Xfinity Series Focused Health 250
Stages 45/90/163 Laps = 251.02 Miles – CW/PRN/SiriusXM
Purse:: $1,651,939
Post Xfinity Series Qualifying: NASCAR Press Pass

Lime Rock Park:

1:05 p.m.: Truck Series Practice – FS2
2:30 p.m.: ARCA Menards Series Practice – No TV
3:45 p.m.: ARCA Menards Series Qualifying – No TV

Saturday, June 28

Lime Rock Park:

9:30 a.m.: Truck Series Qualifying – FS1
1 p.m.: Truck Series LiUNA! 150 – FOX/SiriusXM/MRN
Purse: $782,900
Post Truck Series Race: NASCAR Press Pass
4 p.m.: ARCA Menards Series Lime Rock Park 100

EchoPark Speedway:

7 p.m.: Cup Series Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart
Stages 60/160/260 Laps = 400.4 Miles – TNT Sports/Max/PRN/SiriusXM
Purse: $11,055,250
Post Cup Series Race: NASCAR Press Pass

Cup Series Notes

Quaker State 400

8-time NASCAR Cup Series winner Kyle Petty, along with EchoPark Automotive CMO Dino Bernacchi, will be the Grand Marshals for Saturday night’s Quaker State 400, Available at Walmart.

Fireball Roberts won the first Cup Series race at Atlanta. He won from the pole position on July 31, 1960, with an average speed of 112.653 mph. Fireball Roberts also won the first Cup Series pole at Atlanta in 1960 with a speed of 133.870 mph.

Richard Petty leads the NASCAR Cup Series in starts at Atlanta with 65, and Kyle Busch leads all active drivers with 31 Cup Series starts.

Joey Logano is the returning race winner at the 1.54-mile track, and Michael McDowell is the returning pole winner. Terry Labonte is the youngest Cup Series EchoPark Speedway (Atlanta) pole winner at 24 years, 3 months, and 27 days.

Harry Gant is the oldest Cup Series EchoPark Speedway (Atlanta) pole winner at 53 years, 10 months, 4 days.

Dale Earnhardt leads the Cup Series with nine wins at Atlanta Motor Speedway (1980, 1984, 1986, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1995, 1996, 2000).

26 drivers have won more than one race at Atlanta. William Byron (2022, 2023), Brad Keselowski (2017, 2019), and Kyle Busch (2008, 2013) lead all active NASCAR Cup Series winners at Atlanta Motor Speedway with two wins each.

The top five ranked drivers at Atlanta are William Byron, Kyle Larson, Denny Hamlin, Christopher Bell, and Chase Elliott.

Xfinity Series Notes

Focused Health 250

This weekend will be the 39th Xfinity Series race at EchoPark Speedway (Atlanta). It will be the eighth race since the track was redesigned into a drafting track in 2022.

JR Motorsports is only four wins away from 100. There have only been three teams that have won at least 100 Xfinity Series races. Joe Gibbs Racing leads with 217 wins, Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing has 138, and Richard Childress Racing has 100.

There are 10 races left in the regular season and six open Playoff spots.

Austin Hill won five of the last six races at Atlanta and is tied with Kevin Harvick for the most Atlanta wins all-time. Harvick won five races before the track reconfiguration in 2021, while Hill has won five after the reconfiguration.

Truck Series Notes

LiUNA! 150

This weekend will be the first Truck Series race at Lime Rock Park, and the first held in Connecticut.

Lime Rock is the first of three Truck Series road course races scheduled this season. The stages will end on Laps 35, 70, and 100.

Corey Heim has won the last two Truck Series road course races. No driver has ever won three road course races in a row.

Only four races remain in the regular season, and only three Playoff positions are available based on points. Of those four races, two are road courses and two are short tracks.

Only two drivers have clinched a spot in the 10-driver playoff field: Corey Heim and Chandler Smith.

1...233234235...6,453Page 234 of 6,453

© SpeedwayMedia.com. All rights reserved.

Site Map

Archives

Popular Category