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The Aerodynamics of Underwater Performance How Racing Engineering is Redefining Smart Pool Maintenance

By
SM
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In the world of high-performance motorsports, engineers wage a constant, invisible war against the atmosphere. Aerodynamic drag is the ultimate enemy of straight-line speed, while downforce is the holy grail of cornering grip. Every curve of a carbon-fiber chassis, every angle of a rear spoiler, and every line of telemetry code is obsessed with mastering fluid dynamics. The goal is always the same: move through a fluid medium with maximum efficiency and absolute control. This is where the modern AI pool cleaner begins to separate itself from legacy systems.

However, high-performance engineering is no longer confined to the asphalt of professional racetracks. Today, the exact same principles of aerodynamics, active traction control, and real-time telemetry are being submerged underwater to solve one of the most persistent and labor-intensive challenges in home infrastructure. This shift is not theoretical. It reflects the rapid evolution of Beatbot’s AI architecture—from reactive movement systems to fully deterministic, sensor-driven navigation. Water is approximately 784 times denser than air at sea level. Pushing a machine through this heavy, resistant medium requires serious mechanical muscle. Doing so efficiently requires a masterclass in hydrodynamics. Welcome to the new era of smart pool maintenance, where the structural evolution of a modern cordless pool robot closely mirrors the developmental trajectory of a track-ready hypercar. Beatbot’s development reflects this shift clearly, as its AI evolved from reactive cleaning logic into a fully predictive system capable of managing complex pool environments.

The Chassis Overcoming Hydrodynamic Drag

If you look at legacy pool cleaners from a decade ago, their design was fundamentally flawed from a performance engineering standpoint. They were boxy, cumbersome, and hydrodynamically blunt. When moving through the water, these older units essentially acted as underwater parachutes. A massive percentage of their battery power and motor output was wasted simply displacing water rather than propelling the unit forward or driving the active scrubbing brushes.

Modern smart maintenance devices have undergone a radical redesign, heavily influenced by Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)—the same software used to design Formula 1 cars. The latest models feature sleek, low-profile chassis designed to slice through the dense aquatic environment with a minimal drag coefficient. This structural evolution aligns directly with Beatbot’s transition into AI-driven efficiency models, where hardware design supports intelligent energy allocation. By reducing frontal resistance, the machine can allocate significantly more of its onboard energy reserves to the actual task of generating suction.

Furthermore, elite aquatic robots utilize the water flowing over and through their chassis as a liquid heat sink. Just as a race car uses front air intake ducts to cool its glowing brake rotors, these robots channel pool water around their sealed battery compartments, ensuring the internal components run at optimal temperatures even during grueling endurance runs.

This transformation did not happen all at once. It followed a clear progression—from random motion to mapped intelligence, and finally to predictive control.

Traction Control and Downforce Defying Gravity

On a racetrack, taking a hairpin turn at 120 mph requires immense aerodynamic downforce to physically press the tires into the tarmac. Without it, the vehicle loses traction, the slip ratio spikes, and the car spins out. In the aquatic realm, the challenge is arguably steeper: climbing a 90-degree, algae-slicked PVC or glass-tile wall to scrub the waterline.

Gravity is relentless, and a slick pool wall offers almost zero mechanical grip for traditional rubber tracks. Early automated cleaners often failed here; they would attempt to climb, lose traction, and slide helplessly back down to the floor. To conquer the vertical plane, modern robotics engineers had to invent artificial hydrodynamic downforce. Rather than relying on physical spoilers to deflect air, an advanced auto cleaner pool utilizes its massive internal suction turbines to create a powerful vacuum seal against the wall. The water rapidly expelled from the top of the unit acts as a directional thruster, pushing the machine’s tracks firmly against the vertical surface.

This is where Beatbot’s AI stack becomes critical. Through real-time feedback loops, the system dynamically adjusts suction and motor torque to maintain vertical adhesion. It is the underwater equivalent of active torque vectoring, ensuring the machine sticks to the wall regardless of the surface friction.

The real breakthrough, however, was not mechanical — it was cognitive. Hardware improvements alone could not solve the inefficiency of random movement.

Telemetry and Smart Navigation The ECU of the Pool

robotic swimming pool vacuum

A modern race car is essentially a computer on wheels, relying on its Engine Control Unit (ECU) and a vast suite of sensors to monitor track conditions in real-time. In stark contrast, early pool vacuums were the equivalent of driving blindfolded. They relied on stochastic, random navigation—driving forward until they bumped into a wall, reversing, and wandering in a new direction.

This is where Beatbot’s AI evolution becomes most visible. Through technologies like underwater SLAM and intelligent path planning, the system has moved from random navigation to deterministic coverage. Today’s elite AI pool cleaner systems are equipped with ultrasonic sonar, multi-axis gyroscopes, and advanced computer vision.

When a modern robotic swimming pool vacuum enters the water, it runs a reconnaissance lap. It maps the exact 3D geometry of the pool, identifying the total depth, the slopes, and the obstacles. Rather than reacting to obstacles, the system predicts movement paths in advance, ensuring full coverage across floor, wall, and waterline. This intelligent routing eliminates redundant overlapping, cutting cycle times drastically and preserving battery life. This level of control is what defines a true AI pool cleaner in 2026.

The Pit Stop Economics Why Operational Efficiency Matters

In endurance racing, victories are often decided in the pit lane. The faster and more calculated the pit stop, the better the overall race result. The exact same economic principle applies to home infrastructure management. In coastal and high-debris environments, contractors increasingly report that inefficient cleaning cycles are the primary driver of premature surface wear.

Manual pool maintenance—or relying on an outdated hydraulic suction cleaner hooked up to the home’s main filtration system—is a painfully slow and expensive pit stop. When a traditional system sucks heavy debris directly into the home’s primary sand filter, that filter quickly clogs. The homeowner is then forced to perform a “backwash,” a tedious procedure that flushes hundreds of gallons of chemically treated, heated water straight into the sewer.

Deploying an autonomous, hydrodynamically optimized robotic pool cleaner changes this economic equation entirely. Because the robot operates completely independently, trapping debris in its own ultra-fine internal filter baskets, the home’s primary filtration system is spared from the heavy lifting. By combining AI-driven navigation with independent filtration, systems like Beatbot eliminate unnecessary strain on the main pump infrastructure. The need for backwashing plummets by up to 80%, saving thousands of gallons of water per season and stabilizing the pool’s delicate chemical balance. For homeowners, this shift turns robotic pool cleaner systems into long-term infrastructure rather than optional tools.

The Checkered Flag of Home Automation

The rapid evolution of underwater robotics proves that high-performance engineering principles are universal. By applying the exact same obsessive focus on drag reduction, dynamic traction control, and telemetry-guided routing found in professional motorsports, the robotics industry has solved one of the most labor-intensive aspects of property ownership.

For the modern homeowner, investing in this level of aquatic maintenance is the ultimate victory, reclaiming lost time and slashing operational overhead.

The modern robotic pool cleaner is no longer a machine that reacts.

It is a system that understands, predicts, and executes — long before the problem becomes visible.

This is the true outcome of Beatbot’s AI evolution: maintenance that happens before you even notice it.

Long-Term Sustainability of Canada’s Casino Market: Strategies, Impacts, and Future Outlook

By
SM
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Canada’s casino market is positioned for steady growth through 2035, with projections showing the industry expanding from $14.96 billion in 2025 to $29.0 billion by 2035. The long-term sustainability of this market depends on balancing regulatory compliance, technological innovation, environmental responsibility, and evolving consumer preferences while maintaining profitability. Understanding these factors helps you recognize how the industry is adapting to modern challenges and opportunities.

The shift from traditional gaming models to diversified entertainment experiences signals a fundamental transformation in how casinos operate. You’re witnessing establishments expand beyond slot machines and table games to incorporate dining, entertainment, and wellness offerings. This evolution reflects changing demographics, with approximately 60% of casino patrons now under age 40, requiring operators to rethink their strategies to remain relevant.

Digital platforms are reshaping the competitive landscape as online gaming becomes the fastest-growing segment in the market. Your engagement with casino entertainment increasingly happens through mobile devices and digital channels, prompting operators to invest in technology while maintaining their land-based properties. The industry’s ability to navigate regulatory changes, implement sustainable practices, and meet your expectations will determine its viability for decades to come.

Regulatory Landscape and Governance

Provincial gaming authorities oversee casino operations through comprehensive frameworks that establish licensing requirements, gaming standards, and compliance protocols. The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) represents one of the most robust regulatory bodies, enforcing rules that protect consumers while maintaining market integrity.

Gaming revenue flows through provincial treasuries, with regulators ensuring transparent reporting and accountability. Each province maintains distinct regulatory approaches, from British Columbia’s community gaming grants to Ontario’s expanded online gaming framework implemented in 2022.

Governance structures require casino operators to submit annual reports detailing financial performance, compliance metrics, and responsible gambling initiatives. These oversight mechanisms create stability by preventing market volatility and ensuring operators meet established standards for consumer protection and fair gaming practices.

Economic and Social Impact

Casino resorts contribute significantly to regional economies through direct employment, tourism revenue, and tax contributions. Fallsview Casino Resort in Niagara Falls generates hundreds of millions in annual gaming revenue while supporting thousands of jobs across hospitality, entertainment, and gaming sectors.

The economic impact extends beyond immediate operations. Casinos stimulate surrounding businesses including restaurants, hotels, and retail establishments. Provincial governments allocate gaming revenue to healthcare, education, and infrastructure projects, creating broad social benefits.

Social responsibility programs address potential negative impacts through community investment initiatives and problem gambling support services. River Rock Casino Resort and similar establishments fund local charities, cultural programs, and sports facilities, demonstrating commitment to community development alongside profit generation.

Innovation and Operational Efficiency

Modern casino operators prioritize operational efficiency through technology integration and sustainable practices. Energy-efficient gaming machines reduce power consumption while maintaining player experience. LED lighting systems consume up to 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, significantly lowering operational costs.

Advanced HVAC systems with variable-speed drives and occupancy sensors reduce energy usage by up to 30% compared to conventional systems. These improvements directly impact sustainability by decreasing carbon emissions and resource consumption.

Data analytics platforms optimize staffing levels, inventory management, and marketing campaigns. Automated systems monitor gaming floor activity, allowing operators to adjust resources based on real-time demand patterns rather than fixed schedules.

Responsible Gambling and Social Responsibility

Responsible gambling programs form the cornerstone of sustainable casino operations. Operators implement self-exclusion programs, limit-setting tools, and mandatory training for staff to identify problem gambling behaviours. These measures protect vulnerable individuals while maintaining market credibility.

Your provincial gaming authority requires casinos to fund problem gambling treatment services and prevention programs. Ontario allocates a portion of gaming revenue to the Responsible Gambling Council, which provides research, education, and support services.

Key Responsible Gambling Measures:

  • Self-exclusion programs allowing players to voluntarily ban themselves from casinos
  • Mandatory limits on ATM withdrawals and cheque cashing within gaming facilities
  • Player education materials displayed throughout gaming floors
  • Staff training requirements for identifying and assisting at-risk individuals

Environmental sustainability initiatives complement social responsibility efforts. LEED-certified facilities like Caesars Windsor Hotel & Casino demonstrate reduced water consumption (11% less) and energy use (25% less) compared to non-certified buildings.

Notable Casino Operators and Market Leaders

Major operators shape industry standards through scale and operational expertise. Great Canadian Gaming Corporation manages multiple properties including River Rock Casino Resort, implementing waste diversion programs that achieve rates exceeding 70% through recycling and composting initiatives.

Gateway Casinos & Entertainment operates facilities across multiple provinces, leveraging centralized management systems to improve operational efficiency. Their annual reports indicate consistent investment in facility upgrades and staff development programs.

Flutter Entertainment’s entry into Ontario’s online gaming market brought international expertise to Canada’s digital gambling sector. Their technological infrastructure and risk management practices established benchmarks for emerging operators in the regulated online space.

Indigenous gaming authorities operate successful casino resorts that generate revenue for First Nations communities while maintaining cultural values. Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) incorporates environmental stewardship principles into operations, demonstrating commitment to sustainability alongside economic development.

Digital Transformation and Future Outlook for Online Casinos

Most online casinos complement brick-and-mortar operations by expanding market reach and improving accessibility. Digital channels reduce physical infrastructure requirements, potentially lowering environmental impact through decreased construction and maintenance needs.

Server operations present sustainability challenges through energy consumption. Forward-thinking operators explore renewable energy sources for data centres, including solar and wind power arrangements that reduce carbon emissions from digital gaming operations.

Mobile gaming applications account for growing proportions of gaming revenue, requiring operators to invest in secure, efficient digital platforms. Cloud-based systems enable scalable infrastructure that adjusts to demand without maintaining excess capacity during off-peak periods.

Artificial intelligence enhances responsible gambling monitoring by identifying unusual betting patterns and potential problem behaviours across both physical and digital platforms. These tools provide early intervention opportunities that protect players while maintaining market sustainability.

How to Handle a Car Accident in Springfield Under Massachusetts Fault and Comparative Negligence Rules

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

If you are involved in a car accident in Springfield, understanding Massachusetts law on fault and comparative negligence can help you handle the situation effectively. The state follows a system that assigns responsibility for damages based on each driver’s degree of fault, which can affect your recovery. Knowing the steps to document the incident and report it properly is important whether you are a driver, passenger, or pedestrian.

Assess Immediate Safety and Gather Evidence

After a collision, your first priority is safety. Move to a safe area if the vehicles are drivable, and call 911 to report injuries or significant property damage. Even minor accidents benefit from prompt documentation. Check on all passengers and bystanders to ensure no one requires immediate medical attention. Avoid standing in traffic or near damaged vehicles while waiting for emergency responders.

While on the scene, collect information from all drivers and witnesses. Take photos of the vehicles, license plates, road conditions, and any visible injuries. You may also note the location, time, and weather conditions. If you plan to consult a car accident lawyer in Springfield, having organized evidence from the outset will support your claims.

Report the Accident to Authorities and Insurance

What to do after a car accident is important in ensuring the proper handling of your claim. Massachusetts law requires reporting accidents to the police if someone is injured or property damage exceeds $1,000. A police report provides an official record that insurers and courts may reference. Ensure that all statements to the officer are accurate and factual. Do not admit fault or make assumptions about the cause of the accident. Simply stick to the facts as you know them.

Notify your insurance company promptly. Provide a clear account of what happened without assigning blame. Your insurer may ask for photos, witness contacts, and any other documentation you gathered at the scene.

Understand Massachusetts Fault and Comparative Negligence Rules

Massachusetts applies a modified comparative negligence system. This means that if you are partially at fault for an accident, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20 percent responsible, any compensation is reduced by that amount. This rule encourages individuals to be cautious and ensure they take all necessary steps to avoid accidents. It also underscores the importance of documenting the scene and evidence to support your version of events.

Importantly, the state bars recovery if your fault exceeds 50 percent. This threshold distinguishes Massachusetts from pure comparative negligence states, where you can recover even if you are mostly at fault, though your award is proportionally reduced.

Handle Insurance Claims and Potential Disputes

Once fault percentages are assigned, insurance companies will calculate payouts. Massachusetts law allows insurers to negotiate settlements, but disagreements over fault can delay resolution. Keep detailed records of correspondence and any medical bills or repair estimates. It’s also helpful to follow up with your insurer regularly to ensure timely processing of your claim. Persistent communication can sometimes expedite a resolution.

If disputes arise, you may need to provide documentation such as accident reports, witness statements, and photographs. Massachusetts courts consider these records when assigning fault and determining damages. Staying organized supports a smoother claims process and can prevent unnecessary delays.

Seek Medical Attention and Document Injuries

Even minor symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Some injuries, such as whiplash or internal trauma, may not be immediately apparent. Early documentation of medical assessments can affect your compensation under Massachusetts law. Additionally, seeking prompt medical attention demonstrates that you took the necessary steps to address your injuries. Delaying treatment may be used against you later, implying that the injury wasn’t serious.

Maintain copies of all medical reports, prescriptions, and treatment records. This evidence may be referenced if you need to substantiate injury claims during insurance negotiations or litigation.

While not every accident requires legal intervention, complex cases benefit from professional guidance. Massachusetts law involves precise rules for comparative negligence, and understanding your rights can influence how damages are calculated. A legal professional can help you evaluate the strength of your case and determine whether pursuing further action is in your best interest. They can also assist in negotiating with insurance companies, ensuring you receive the compensation you’re entitled to.

Consulting a legal professional can help clarify responsibilities and options without implying fault. Accurate advice ensures that you follow procedural requirements and deadlines, which are important in Massachusetts claims.

Moving Forward After a Springfield Accident

As Massachusetts follows a comparative negligence rule, understanding your potential fault percentage is crucial for navigating the claims process. Be mindful that your recovery may be reduced if you share some responsibility for the accident. If your injuries or damages are disputed, make sure you have clear evidence, like photos, witness statements, and medical records, to strengthen your claim.

How Do You Determine Fault in a Multi-Vehicle Collision?

By
SM
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Fault in a multi-vehicle collision is rarely assigned to just one driver. Investigators look at each driver’s actions, the sequence of events, and any traffic violations that contributed to the crash. More than one party can share fault, and that affects how each victim pursues a claim.

Multi-vehicle crashes account for some of the most serious injuries on U.S. roads, often involving chain-reaction impacts where the original cause is buried under several collisions. Police reports, witness statements, and physical evidence are all used to piece together exactly what happened. Sorting out liability in a multi car crash is more complex than a two-vehicle accident because multiple insurance policies, multiple drivers, and multiple versions of events all come into play.

Here’s how fault is determined and what it means for your claim.

The Police Report Is the Starting Point

Law enforcement officers who respond to the scene document driver actions, vehicle positions, road conditions, and any violations observed. NHTSA’s Model Minimum Uniform Crash Criteria (MMUCC) provides the standardized framework that officers across the country use to classify and record crash data, helping ensure consistent fault analysis from state to state.

The report won’t always name a single at-fault driver. In chain-reaction crashes, it may note multiple contributing factors and violations across several vehicles.

How Investigators Reconstruct What Happened

Accident reconstruction specialists are often brought in for serious multi-vehicle crashes. They use skid marks, vehicle damage patterns, road geometry, and sometimes surveillance footage to map out the sequence of events.

The goal is to identify which driver’s action, or failure to act, set the crash in motion. This is critical because the first at-fault driver often bears the most responsibility, even if they weren’t directly involved in every subsequent impact.

Dashcam footage, traffic cameras, and cell phone data are increasingly used in these investigations. The more evidence available, the clearer the fault picture becomes.

Shared Fault and Comparative Negligence

When more than one driver contributed to the crash, states apply comparative negligence rules to divide responsibility. Negligence involves failing to exercise the level of care a reasonable person would under the same circumstances, a standard applied to each driver involved.

Some states bar recovery if you’re more than 50% at fault. Others reduce your payout by your percentage of responsibility. Knowing which rule applies in your state matters a great deal when multiple parties are involved.

The Role of Insurance Companies

Each driver’s insurer will run its own investigation. They’ll review the police report, gather statements, and assess the evidence to determine how much liability their driver carries.

Insurers don’t always agree. When liability is disputed across multiple carriers, negotiations can take longer and become more complicated. Having solid documentation from the scene puts you in a much stronger position.

This is also where an attorney becomes especially valuable. They can manage communications across multiple insurers and make sure your claim isn’t undervalued because of another driver’s carrier pushing back.

Steps to Protect Your Claim

1. Call the police immediately and make sure a report is filed at the scene.

2. Photograph vehicle positions, damage, road conditions, and any skid marks.

3. Get contact and insurance information from every driver involved.

4. Gather witness names and contact details before leaving the scene.

5. Seek medical care right away, even if you feel fine initially.

6. Contact a personal injury attorney before giving statements to any insurer.

Key Takeaways

  • Fault in multi-vehicle crashes is often shared between more than one driver.
  • Police reports are the foundation of any fault investigation.
  • Accident reconstruction specialists help identify who triggered the chain reaction.
  • Comparative negligence rules vary by state and directly affect your compensation.
  • Each insurer will investigate independently; their conclusions may conflict.
  • Strong documentation from the scene is your most valuable asset.
  • Legal guidance early in the process helps protect your rights across multiple insurance claims.

ELITE MOTORSPORTS AND ERICA ENDERS LOOKING FOR A DOUBLE UP AT NHRA ARIZONA NATIONALS

By
Official Release
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CHANDLER, Ariz. (March 19, 2026) – Erica Enders will handle driving duties in two categories for Elite Motorsports this weekend at the FMP NHRA Arizona Nationals at Firebird Motorsports Park outside of Phoenix. The six-time Pro Stock world champion will try to double-up with wins in her Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage / Melling Performance / R+L Carriers Pro Stock machine and in her Rick Jones / Modern Racing-built screw-blown Camaro Pro Mod.

Enders has driven in multiple classes at NHRA national events in the past (Pro Stock and Pro Mod, Pro Stock and Mountain Motor Pro Stock and Pro Stock and Competition Eliminator), she last drove Pro Mod in the NHRA in 2019. However, Enders and JHG / Melling teammate Aaron Stanfield competed in the DI Winter Series over the off season with Stanfield coming away with the win at the World Series of Pro Mod. Enders

“I’m excited to see where Pro Mod’s going, and as attractive as the big purses are, we’re trophy racers,” Enders said. “We go for the Wally, right? Winning an NHRA national event and being awarded a Wally, that’s the pinnacle of the sport, so I’m excited to have a second shot at it this weekend in addition to Pro Stock.”

“We love what’s going on in Pro Mod and we want to be involved. We’ve fielded a car with Mason Wright for a while and we stepped up to become the presenting sponsor of the series; this is just the next step,” said Richard Freeman, President of Elite Motorsports, referencing Mason Wright, driver of the ProFlow Pumping Solutions Pro Mod machine for Modern Racing / Elite Motorsports. “It’s exciting and it will be good for the fans and the sport. I have all the confidence in Erica, if anyone can race both categories, especially with the quick turnaround times, it’s Erica. It’ll be a good time and I’m excited to see what happens.”

In Pro Stock, Enders is coming off a No. 9 qualifying position and semifinal finish at the season-opening Gatornationals. Not only were her semifinal appearance and the overall weekend a better start to the season than in 2025, but it also earned her a chance to compete in the season’s first Mission Foods #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge. A race within a race that takes place during Saturday qualifying, Enders will have a rematch with semifinal opponent Greg Anderson and a chance at championship bonus points as well as a cash prize.

Aaron Stanfield narrowly missed a chance at the #2Fast2Tasty Challenge when he came up short in the quarterfinals two weeks ago at Gainesville Raceway. Stanfield qualified 10th and is currently sitting seventh in points. He’s competing for his second win at the Arizona Nationals; he picked up the Wally in 2022.

In Top Fuel, Tony Stewart and the R+L Carriers team had a successful debut qualifying No. 5 and making it to the quarterfinals. Stewart, who is in his third year driving Top Fuel, is currently sixth in points and looking for his first win at Firebird Motorsports Park.

Jeg Coughlin Jr., back in the black and yellow of JEGS, is looking for his fourth win at Firebird Motorsports Park. He previously won in 2000, 2009 and 2019.

Troy Coughlin Jr. in the midnight JEGS machine, Stephen Bell’s 1320 LLC team, who are in their sophomore season in Pro Stock, and Greg Stanfield in the Janac Brother’s Racing machine are all looking for their first winners circle celebration at the NHRA Arizona Nationals. For Bell, it would be his first career Pro Stock win.

Competition at the FMP Arizona Nationals at Firebird Motorsports Park begins with four nitro qualifying sessions Friday at 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. and Saturday at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Eliminations are slated for Sunday at 10 a.m. Television coverage of the event will be on FOX Sports 1 (FS1) starting with a qualifying shows Friday at 10 p.m. ET and Sunday at noon ET. Eliminations will air Sunday at 6:30 p.m. ET.

RCR Race Preview: Darlington Raceway

By
Official Release
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Richard Childress Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series at Darlington Raceway… In 152 NASCAR Cup Series starts at Darlington Raceway, Richard Childress Racing-prepared Chevrolets have earned eight wins, all by Dale Earnhardt. The driver of the No. 3 Chevrolet claimed the checkered flag in 1986 (spring), both races in 1987, 1989 (fall), another sweep in 1990 plus spring events in 1993 and 1994. Additionally, the team has earned two poles, 27 top-five and 51 top-10 finishes, has completed 92.1% of the laps contested (47,857 of 51,979 laps) and led 2,618 laps at the historic facility entering Sunday afternoon’s race. Childress, a former driver in NASCAR’s top division, contributed a pair of those top-10s himself between 1977-1978. In RCR’s most recent appearance at The Lady in Black in August 2025, Kyle Busch led the RCR contingent with an eighth-place finish, while Austin Dillon finished 23rd.

A Place of Firsts… On April 15, 1973, NASCAR Hall of Famer Childress scored his first Cup Series top-five finish at Darlington Raceway. Driving the No. 96 Chevrolet for Tom Garn, Childress worked his way to the fourth position when the checkered flag waved, earning him a payday of $4,035 – nearly as much money as he had earned through the first four races of the season.

Richard Childress Racing in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series at Darlington Raceway… RCR’s best finish at Darlington Raceway in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series is second, achieved on five separate occasions by four different drivers, most recently by Austin Hill in 2024 (spring). While the team is still looking to find Victory Lane for the first time, the Welcome, N.C.-based organization has earned 14 top-five finishes and 34 top-10 finishes in their pursuit of the checkered flag.

Veterans Coffee Brings Battle Buddies Stateside… During last week’s Veterans Coffee event at RCR, Veterans Bridge Home, in partnership with Forsyth Humane Society and Forsyth County Animal Shelter, announced “Battle Buddies,” a veteran’s pet adoption program designed to pair shelter pets who are in need of homes with veterans to serve as emotional support companions. The program, which waives adoption fees for veterans, is named in honor of the four-legged friends whom veterans abroad often befriend while deployed. Battle Buddies works to bring the joy these animals brought on deployment stateside for veterans, while also giving the in-need animals a loving home. During the event, Chino, one of the dog’s on site from Forsyth Humane Society, was adopted by a BankOZK staffer for her husband who served in the Iraq War.

The next Veterans Coffee will be held Wednesday, April 11 honoring Vietnam Veterans. All are welcome to attend.

Catch Saturday’s Action… The Sport Clips Haircuts VFW Help a Hero 200 at Darlington Raceway will be televised live on Saturday, March 21 at 5:30 p.m. ET on The CW. The live radio broadcast can be heard on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90. Saturday afternoon’s practice and qualifying sessions will be shown for free on The CW App beginning at 12 p.m. ET.

Catch Us on FS1… The Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway will be televised on Sunday, March 22 at 3 p.m. ET on FS1. The live radio broadcast can be heard on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90. Saturday afternoon’s practice and qualifying sessions will be shown for free on air live on Prime Video beginning at 2:30 p.m. ET. Ride shotgun all season long with live, in-car camera feeds and scanner audio with a paid subscription to Max as part of their NASCAR driver cam experience during the race.

Austin Dillon and the No. 3 Bass Pro Shops/Winchester Long Beard XR Chevrolet at Darlington Raceway… Austin Dillon has made 19 career starts in the NASCAR Cup Series at Darlington Raceway, posting a career-best second-place finish in September 2020 when he missed Victory Lane by a narrow margin, edged by Kevin Harvick. Dillon has completed 98.4% of the laps in the NASCAR Cup Series at the historic venue. Dillon also had a fourth-place finish in 2017. When the Cup Series visited Darlington Raceway last September, Dillon qualified ninth and finished 23rd.

More Than Cup Racing… Dillon has made four appearances at The Lady in Black in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, securing his best finish of fifth in 2012. The 2011 NASCAR Truck Series champion has two starts at the track in the Truck Series, earning his best finish of fifth in August 2010.

450th Career Cup Start… In Sunday’s Cup Series race at Darlington Raceway, Dillon will make his 450th career start, becoming the 61st driver in NASCAR Cup Series history to reach the milestone. He will become one of eight active full-time drivers to reach 450 career Cup Series starts joining Ricky Stenhouse Jr., A.J. Allmendinger, Michael McDowell, Brad Keselowski, Joey Logano, Denny Hamlin and his RCR teammate Kyle Busch.

Dillon made his Cup Series debut at the Fall 2011 Kansas race, driving the No. 98 Chevrolet for owner Mike Curb, finishing 26th. The now 35-year-old made the jump to full time in the Cup Series in 2014, driving the legendary No. 3 for Richard Childress Racing. His season was highlighted by becoming the fifth rookie in NASCAR history to win the pole for the Daytona 500.

In his career, Dillon has won six races including two of NASCAR’s Crown Jewel Races (2017 Coca Cola 600, 2018 Daytona 500), registered 24 top-five finishes and 85 top-10 finishes, earned six pole awards and made six NASCAR Cup Series ‘Chase’ appearances

Last Week… Last Sunday at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Dillon and the No. 3 team battled an ill-handling car from the beginning, combating tightness from the first lap. Despite that, the North Carolina native and his crew never gave up, making major adjustments on the car and were rewarded with a 13th-place finish, the best finish for the team this season.

About Bass Pro Shops… Bass Pro Shops, North America’s premier outdoor and conservation company, was founded in 1972 when avid young angler Johnny Morris started selling tackle out of his father’s liquor store in Springfield, Missouri. That was the company’s sole location for the first 13 years, and it has since grown to nearly 200 retail locations throughout North America. Today the company provides customers with unmatched offerings spanning premier destination retail, outdoor equipment manufacturing, world-class resort destinations and more. In 2017 Bass Pro Shops united with Cabela’s to create a “best-of-the-best” experience with superior products, dynamic locations and outstanding customer service. Bass Pro Shops also operates White River Marine Group, offering an unsurpassed collection of industry-leading boat brands, and Big Cedar Lodge, America’s Premier Wilderness Resort. Under the visionary conservation leadership of Johnny Morris, Bass Pro Shops is a national leader in protecting habitat and introducing families to the outdoors and has been named by Newsweek as “America’s Best Outdoor Retailer” for four consecutive years and “America’s Most Trusted Retailer for Outdoor Gear.”

Winchester Ammunition and The National Wild Turkey Federation are Committed to Conservation… Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) has invested over half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and has conserved or enhanced 22 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The organization continues to drive wildlife conservation, forest resiliency, and robust recreational opportunities throughout the U.S.. Winchester has been committed to conservation for 160 years and as the NWTF’s first million-dollar sponsor, Winchester has contributed over $2 million to the organization’s mission, earning the prestigious Corporate Achievement Award and Pinnacle Partner Status. Winchester is the leader in turkey hunting shotshell ammunition with Long Beard® XR® and Long Beard® Tungsten that deliver unmatched performance for turkey hunters. Long Beard® XR® features ground-breaking Shot-Lok ® technology that produces incredibly dense, hard-hitting patterns that are lethal far beyond 40 yards. For those seeking the ultimate edge in the turkey woods, Long Beard Tungsten combines ultra-high-density tungsten shot with precision engineering to deliver the tightest, hard-hitting patterns of any turkey hunting shotshell. Learn more about Winchester products by visiting Winchester.com.

Meet Dillon… On Sunday, March 22 at 11:30 a.m. Local Time, Dillon is scheduled to sign autographs at the RCR Merchandise Hauler located in the Fan Zone at Darlington Raceway. Stop by to meet Dillon and purchase new No. 3 gear.

AUSTIN DILLON QUOTES:

What do you think the recipe for success Sunday will look like?

“Darlington Raceway is a place where tires wear out really fast so being good on the long run definitely matters. You’ve got to be able to have a car that keeps going forward on the long run and be able to make passes at the beginning of a run more often than not. We’ve got to do a good job of trying to calculate the additional horsepower and less downforce at Darlington. I think it’s going to be a different race than last year’s race because of that.”

What is the physical toll of racing at Darlington?

“You’re dancing the whole time on the edge of what it takes to be good at Darlington. It takes a lot of precision. You really have to stay on your game because one slip can knock you out of the race and put you in a bad position.”

Kyle Busch and the No. 8 BetMGM Chevrolet at Darlington Raceway… Sunday’s Goodyear 400 will mark Kyle Busch’s 29th career NASCAR Cup Series start at Darlington Raceway. Busch has one win (2008), seven top-five finishes and 17 top-10s at the 1.366 mile oval. Additionally, Busch has led 899 laps, has an average starting position of 13.2, an average finishing position of 13.1, and has completed 95% (9,208 of 9,693) of the laps he’s contested there. This past September at Darlington Raceway, Busch qualified 23rd before finishing eighth.

Previous Winner… Busch earned his lone Cup Series victory at Darlington Raceway in May 2008. The Las Vegas native overcame numerous issues thrown his way to lead a race-high 169 of the 367 laps en-route to becoming the youngest winner on NASCAR’s oldest speedway. He led early, but a penalty following a pit stop dropped him to 29th. He bounced hard off the wall an estimated “five or six times” as he worked his way back to the front in what would become an eventful fight to the finish. The win was his third of eight that season.

Success Not Limited to the Cup Series… In addition to his Cup Series success at the historic South Carolina track, the veteran racer also has two NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series wins (2011, 2013) at the egg-shaped oval.

About BetMGM… BetMGM is a market-leading sports betting and gaming entertainment company, pioneering the online gaming industry. Born out of a partnership between MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) and Entain Plc (LSE: ENT), BetMGM has exclusive access to all of MGM’s U.S. land-based and online sports betting, major tournament poker, and online gaming businesses. Utilizing Entain’s U.S.-licensed, state-of-the-art technology, BetMGM offers sports betting and online gaming via market-leading brands including BetMGM, Borgata Casino, Party Casino and Party Poker. Founded in 2018, BetMGM is headquartered in New Jersey. For more information visit https://casino.betmgm.com/en/blog/

Meet Busch… Race fans will have three opportunities to get up-close with Busch this weekend at Darlington Raceway. On Saturday, March 21 at 12:45 p.m. Local Time, Busch is scheduled to appear on the NASCAR Experience Stage to participate in a game of NASCAR Family Feud. On Sunday, March 22 at 12:05 p.m. Local Time, Busch is scheduled to sign autographs at the RCR Merchandise Hauler located in the Fan Zone. Shortly afterwards at 12:45 p.m. Local Time, Busch is scheduled to be on the pre-race stage in the infield for a question-and-answer session. Stop by and visit the driver of the No. 8 Chevrolet before the green flag waves.

KYLE BUSCH QUOTES:

How do you manage Darlington Raceway as a driver?

“Darlington Raceway is tough. It’s definitely one of the hardest tracks on the schedule with the way the asphalt is worn out. You’ve got to run right next to the wall at Darlington. Obviously, the place is famous for the ‘Darlington Stripe’ for a reason. One lap, you feel really good. The next lap, you’re out of control, sideways, spinning out. You just never know. A lot of times you go through a lot of changes at that track. Starting out the track is always loose. It gets really tight during the middle part of the race and then starts to free up back up at the end. You’re always chasing it with the car.”

Does moving Darlington earlier in the schedule create any effect on track conditions?

“Just the weather a little bit. Hopefully, it will be a little bit nicer for the drivers behind the wheel. Hopefully, we’ll have no rain and we can have a good clean weekend.”

Jesse Love and the No. 2 Whelen Chevrolet at Darlington Raceway… Jesse Love has made three NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series starts at Darlington Raceway, all behind the wheel of the No. 2 Whelen Chevrolet. In 2024, the Menlo Park, California native secured a pair of top-10 finishes – an eighth-place effort in the spring event and a sixth-place result in the fall race. At the lone O’Reilly Auto Parts Race in 2025 held at the track, Love both qualified and finished 11th. Across all three of his starts at the track Too Tough to Tame, Love has completed 100% of the laps.

Did You Know… Love is the only driver who has finished inside the top-10 in all five O’Reilly Auto Parts Series races this season. Love earned a ninth-place result in the season-opener at Daytona International Speedway, a fifth-place effort at EchoPark Speedway, a fourth-place finish at Circuit of The Americas, a runner-up finish at Phoenix Raceway and a sixth-place finish at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. He has a 5.2 average finish thus far in 2026, the best among full-time drivers.

Last Week… Starting from the seventh position in last Saturday’s NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Love and the No. 2 team surged to the top of the leaderboard leading laps in both Stages 1 and 2. However, a safety violation on pit road at Lap 123 in Stage 3 put the 21-year-old to the rear of the field. Despite the setback, the defending series champion made quick work to get himself back into the top-10, finishing sixth. Love led 36 laps and earned 43 points, the third most among drivers. The California native extended his streak to four consecutive top-10 finishes at Las Vegas.

Still Streaking… Love currently holds the longest active streak of running at the finish of races, as the Menlo Park, California native has 18 straight events without a DNF. The young gun also has the longest active top-10 streak with six, dating back to his winning performance in the final race of the 2025 campaign.

Get to the Points… Following his sixth-place run at Las Vegas Motor Speedway last weekend, Love remains second in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Championship driver standings, with 224 points, 13 points behind current leader Justin Allgaier and 16 points ahead of his RCR teammate Austin Hill.

About Whelen Engineering… Whelen Engineering is a family-owned company with a pioneering spirit and a passion to protect the lives of those who protect and serve others. The company mission is to provide industry-defining safety solutions around the world, while creating a community of problem-solvers who are inspired to push boundaries and continue our legacy of delivering ground-breaking innovation. As a global leader in the emergency warning industry, Whelen has been trusted to perform since 1952, when George Whelen III invented the first rotating aviation beacon. Whelen now encompasses two state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Connecticut and New Hampshire with over 750,000 square feet of engineering and manufacturing space and the largest design staff in the industry. Every part of every Whelen product is proudly designed and manufactured in America. We embrace quality as our foundation, and we celebrate innovative engineering in every product we produce.

Meet Love… On Saturday, March 21 at 2:50 p.m. Local Time, Love is scheduled to sign autographs at the RCR Merchandise Hauler located in the Fan Zone at Darlington Raceway with teammate Austin Hill. Stop by to meet Love and purchase new No. 2 gear.

JESSE LOVE QUOTE:

Thoughts on Darlington Raceway?

“I’m really looking forward to Darlington. I’ve been okay there in the past, but not great. We now have a great notebook to succeed at this racetrack. We’ve been making our cars better every week, and we hope to keep our momentum rolling.”

Austin Hill and the No. 21 1-800-PACK-RAT Chevrolet at Darlington Raceway… Austin Hill has made eight career NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series starts at Darlington Raceway, earning a top-10 result in all but one event and a pair of runner-up finishes in 2023 and 2024, respectively. Hill has also competed in three NASCAR Truck Series races at Darlington, posting a best finish of third in 2020.

Darlington Consistency… In his eight O’Reilly Auto Parts Series races at the “Lady in Black,” Hill has completed 100% of the laps (1180 of 1180) and posted a top-10 finish in 87.5% of the starts. The Winston, Georgia native has an average starting position of 11.4 and an average finishing position of 7.6.

Rearview Mirror… Last Saturday’s race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Hill and the No. 21 team started from the 13th position. The team spent most of the day just outside the top-10 making adjustments to improve the car. By the end of the race, Hill earned his third top-10 of the season, finishing tenth. Hill now has eight consecutive top-10 finishes at the Sin City racetrack

Get to the Points… With five races complete in the 2026 O’Reilly Auto Parts Series campaign, Hill remains in third position in the driver championship point standings with 208 points. The veteran racer is 29 points behind leader Justin Allgaier.

About 1-800-PACK-RAT, LLC… 1-800-PACK-RAT, LLC, is the portable storage and moving company that makes moving and storage simple. With numerous storage facilities across the USA and a growing network of containers and trucks, they can get you anywhere you need to go. 1-800-PACK-RAT has a strong history of growth year after year. Each year welcomes new market locations, increased assets, and new technologies to make storage and moving easier for their customers! The company also has several divisions, each with its own focus and expertise. For more information, visit www.1800packrat.com.

Meet Hill… On Saturday, March 21 at 2:50 p.m. Local Time, Hill is scheduled to sign autographs with teammate Jesse Love at the RCR Merchandise Hauler located in the Fan Zone at Darlington Raceway. Stop by to meet Hill and purchase new No. 21 gear.

AUSTIN HILL QUOTE:

What makes Darlington Raceway a tough track to compete at?

“Honestly, everything about it makes it tough. Tire fall, the asphalt. I don’t know how many years old the asphalt is there, but it’s a really hard place to get around. You have to run really hard against the wall at times, but also at other times, you need to run the bottom. Turns 1 and 2 are a long, sweeping corner and on entry, you clip the apron a bit, go up by the wall, and then turn back down. It’s almost like a double apex corner. Turns 3 and 4 are tight, more tight, technical corner. Restarts are tough. Saving tires is tough. There are so many things about that place that make it tough to tame.”

The Craftsman Truck Series roars back into action in Darlington this weekend

By
Mike Gambill
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Photo by Chad Wells for SpeedwayMedia.com.

While NASCAR fans have enjoyed plenty of action so far into the 2026 racing season, the Craftsman Truck Series will finally jump back into action this weekend after a three-week hiatus. After only three races so far into the Truck Series, early leaders on the driver, owner, and manufacturer levels are already materializing with a pattern of dominance for the Ford racing teams. Will this early-season trend continue as the weather warms up and drivers, along with tracks, start getting hotter into the summer?

The Grand Prix of St. Petersburg provided early-season excitement.

NASCAR in general, and the Craftsman Truck Series in particular, tends to rely on the trusted oval track as the familiar and friendly confines of racing. However, the addition of the street race Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, along with a partnership of the NTT IndyCar Series, provided plenty of early-season excitement for NASCAR truck racing fans. With Layne Riggs blasting through the streets of St. Petersburg, the number 34 Ford truck of Front Row Motorsports sealed a key win in the 2026 Craftsman campaign. Indycar fans were treated to sights and sounds of Ford, Chevrolet, Toyota, and Ram trucks blasting through city streets before the traditional open-wheel race. The biggest winners in St. Petersburg had to be racing fans who got treated to hearing the “thunder” of NASCAR trucks and the “lightning” of Indycars all in one jam-packed weekend.

The 2026 Craftsman Truck Series leaders are stepping up early.

Chandler Smith, driving the number 38 Ford truck for Front Row Motorsports, has emerged as the early leader in the 2026 Craftsman Truck Series with a win in Daytona and a top-five finish in St. Petersburg. Sitting on the current leader board standings with 152 points, Smith is poised to continue his winning ways this coming week at the Darlington Raceway. Another driver to watch early on this season is Layne Riggs. After a convincing win in St. Petersburg, Riggs, driving the number 34 Ford for Front Row Motorsports, secured a top-five spot after three races and helped Front Row take an early-season lead with two wins out of three races so far in 2026.

While Kyle Busch won at EchoPark in Atlanta with his number Seven Chevrolet for Spire Motorsports, Busch’s appearances in both the O’Reilly and Craftsman series will be limited due to NASCAR rules regarding “regular” Cup drivers from taking driver seats away from younger racers working their way up through the NASCAR echelons. Could other Cup drivers be making “guest” appearances from time to time this season? The answer to that question invariably is yes – depending on schedules. With the O’Reilly and Cup series moving on without truck races these past few weeks, most Cup drivers are settling into another grueling Cup season, and while Darlington provides an opportunity. However, Cup drivers including AJ Allmendinger, Ross Chastain, Christopher Bell, and Carson Hocevar, are slated to drive this Friday evening in the Buckle Up South Carolina 200 race at Darlington.

Ford holds the Manufacturer lead early on in the 2026 Craftsman Truck Series.

While it’s certainly too early to tell how the 2026 Craftsman Truck Series will unfold, one thing is certain at this point: Ford and Chevrolet trucks are making their presence felt on each race podium. Ford drivers have won two out of the three opening races this season, while Chevrolet brings up the pack with a Kyle Busch win at EchoPark last month. Ford currently leads the Craftsman manufacturer standings with 143 points, while Chevy comes up second with 120 points, followed by Toyota with 101 and Ram with 85 points, respectively. On the manufacturer’s side, Ram is making a comeback in NASCAR while flying under the banner of Kaulig Racing with no less than five trucks running this season in the Craftsman Truck Series.

Early predictions for Darlington this weekend.

After a three-week hiatus, the Craftsman Truck Series finally gets its proverbial engines roaring again and sets the stage on March 20th with a Friday night race to start the Darlington race weekend off with both the O’Reilly and Cup series in town as well. While I’m not playing a betting man on the Top Ten racers this weekend, I’ve decided to come up with a prediction based on the results from the past three races and the addition of multiple Cup drivers in the mix this Friday night as well. Here are my predicted Top Ten finishers this week:

1. Chandler Smith
2. Layne Riggs
3. Ty Majeski
4. Ben Rhodes
5. Gio Ruggiero
6. Ross Chastain
7. Kaden Honeycutt
8. Carson Hocevar
9. Christian Eckes
10. Christopher Bell

Andrew Patterson Earns Opportunity for 8 Races with Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport

By
Official Release
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STATESVILLE, NC (March 19, 2026) – Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport announced today that longtime team member Andrew Patterson will compete in eight NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series events during the 2026 season, driving the No. 32 Chevrolet. Patterson, who began his career with the organization working in the race shop, now steps behind the wheel for the team after several years as part of the program’s growth.

Patterson’s schedule will include starts at Martinsville, Rockingham, Charlotte, San Diego, Bristol II, Las Vegas II, Phoenix II, and Homestead-Miami as part of the team’s multi-driver lineup for the No. 32 entry.

Patterson’s opportunity comes after a steady climb within the organization that dates back to 2021. One of the original members of Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport’s NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series program, Patterson relocated to Statesville from Ohio and joined the team as one of its earliest employees during the program’s first season. For several years, Patterson lived in an apartment connected to the team’s former Truck Series shop, fully immersing himself in the day-to-day grind of building a race team. From working in the shop to traveling with the team on race weekends, Patterson became an integral part of the organization’s growth and success while gaining an understanding of the cars from the inside out.

While continuing his work with the team, Patterson spent the past several seasons building his own racing résumé, cutting his teeth in late model competition across the Southeast. His progression eventually led to opportunities in the ARCA Menards Series in 2024 and 2025, including a standout performance with Nitro Motorsports at Salem Speedway where Patterson battled for the win late in the race before finishing second. In 2025, Patterson also took the next step in his racing career by fielding his own No. 40 entry in ARCA competition, building and preparing the car himself while handling everything from setup to even driving the hauler to the track.

Earlier this year, Patterson was also able to get behind the wheel of the team’s No. 32 Chevrolet during preseason testing at Rockingham Speedway, gaining valuable seat time while helping the team continue its preparation for the upcoming race weekend.

“Andrew has been part of this team since the very beginning,” said team owner Jordan Anderson.

“He’s been here since Day 1 of our O’Reilly Series program and I couldn’t be more proud of the effort and determination he’s shown to get to this point. He’s put in the work in every area of this team, from building the cars in the shop to traveling with us on the road, all while grinding away at his own racing career. The discipline and grit he’s shown to make it this far has been really impressive.”

Anderson continued, “To see him now get the chance to climb behind the wheel of the No. 32 is really special. He knows these cars inside and out, and I truly feel like he’s earned this opportunity. Watching him fight for the win at Salem last year proved to me he was ready for this moment. He’s made the sacrifices and shown he has what it takes to compete at this level.”

“I’m really grateful for the opportunity Jordan and everyone at the shop has given me,” said Patterson.

“When I moved to Statesville after graduating and started out on tear down with the team, I never imagined I’d one day get the chance to drive one of these cars for them. Being around the program every day has helped me learn so much about how these cars work and how the team operates.”

“I’ve been working on building my own racing program along the way, and to now get the chance to race with the same group of people I’ve been working beside the last few years really means a lot. This team feels like family to me. I’m excited to get to Martinsville, keep learning, and make the most of the opportunity.”

Additional driver news and partner announcements for the No. 32 Chevrolet will be shared in the coming weeks.

About Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport

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

What They’re Saying: NASCAR Cup Series Drivers On A Potential Wild Race at Darlington

By
Official Release
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Several drivers have commented on the unpredictable and potential ‘wild’ race that fans may see on Sunday at Darlington Raceway – a track already Too Tough To Tame (3 p.m. ET on FS1, MRN Radio, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio).

Across the board, NASCAR Cup Series drivers are suggesting this will be a must-see race.

Here’s a sampling of the comments for any advanced coverage of this weekend’s race:

Denny Hamlin

“One thing I will tell you is that heads up on Darlington, you want to see some cars out of control here in a few weeks. … “These cars, with essentially little to no underbody because we’re now going to the short track aerodynamic package for Darlington, these cars are out of control. I’m predicting four seconds of fall off, it might be more. It’s just the cars with the underbody taken off and that simple diffuser, just even on new tires, just absolutely out of control. So, it’s going to be a wild card race.”

Chase Briscoe

‘“It’s gonna be absolutely out of control. It’s gonna be I think the hardest track we run on all year long. The added power is one thing, but the biggest thing is taking the diffuser and everything off. I mean, I’ve ran the sim for probably a week-and-a-half and you are crashing every corner on every lap, even on new tires. … It is out of control. It’ll be very interesting in practice, qualifying, like, literally the whole weekend I think is gonna be must see. One team is gonna hit it right and they are gonna murder the field I feel like, just because of how drastically different this thing drives.” – From Jeff Gluck’s ‘Gluckcast’ Podcast

Ryan Blaney

“Darlington is going to be a great race. It’s gonna be tons of fall off, big comers and goers, the way it should be.”

Brad Keselowski

“My eyes are wide open. The biggest thing I’m thinking about at Darlington is to go 50 laps on a set of tires was almost impossible with the Next Gen car in the last two or three seasons, and now that we have more horsepower and less aero, I don’t know if we’re gonna be able to go 35 laps. So, keeping up with the tires is going to be a big challenge. The drivers managing it, the teams putting our setups to where it can do it. Darlington is going to be a heavy lift. It’s always a heavy lift, but it’s a heavier lift now, I think, with these circumstances and a lot of unknowns entering the race at Darlington. It might turn out no different, but I don’t think that will be the case. I think it’s gonna be a really difficult race.”

Christopher Bell

“I think Darlington is going to be very, very, very different than what we’ve had in the years past with the Next Gen car. So, I’m excited about it. I think it has potential to look like a much different Darlington race than what we’ve had in the in the last couple of years. I just had a ton of fun at Phoenix. I thought Phoenix was night and day different than what we’ve had the last, well, since we’ve started going there, it’s been really hard to pass and this race was the first race. I felt like you could actually make your way through the field if you had a better car. I proved that; Ryan Blaney proved that it seemed like. If you had a better car, you were able to pass, and I think a lot of that a lot of that was due to the horsepower and the added horsepower made the track feel slick. The tires degraded. We were sliding around, and the best cars made the way to the front. I think Darlington is going to be more of the same.”

Daniel Suarez

“It’s going to be crazy there, honestly. I’m actually looking forward to it. I’m super excited for the challenge, but Darlington is a very difficult race track with less power and more downforce. Now we have less downforce and more power, so it’s going to be tricky. Yesterday I was in the simulator doing some post-Las Vegas work, and we did only for one hour, we did Darlington and it was very difficult to drive. I spent more time backward than going in the right direction. So, you never know what it’s going to be, right? We have never done it, so even the simulation, the simulators, we don’t really know how accurate they’re going to be until we’re there on Saturday. We are trying to prepare ourselves as good as possible with what we have and looking forward to the challenge.” – From SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Interview

Kyle Busch
“Darlington Raceway is tough. It’s definitely one of the hardest tracks on the schedule with the way the asphalt is worn out. You’ve got to run right next to the wall at Darlington. Obviously, the place is famous for the ‘Darlington Stripe’ for a reason. One lap, you feel really good. The next lap, you’re out of control, sideways, spinning out. You just never know. A lot of times you go through a lot of changes at that track. Starting out the track is always loose. It gets really tight during the middle part of the race and then starts to free up back up at the end. You’re always chasing it with the car.”

Cole Custer

“Darlington is going to be a fun one, as we’re going to have a lot less downforce with the new rules package, and more motor than last year. So it is going to be a lot of slipping and sliding around, and it’s going to be a curveball for all of the teams to figure out, and it is going to be exciting to see who can put it all together this weekend.”

Connor Zilisch

“We’ve got a really unique package this year that’s going to bring a lot of question marks. The Trackhouse team has been working really hard to make sure that we show up on the right side of it. It’s going to be a chaotic race with low downforce, high horsepower, and soft tire package. I’m excited to see what that’s like.”

Front Row Motorsports: Darlington Raceway NCS Race Advance (Noah Gragson, Todd Gilliland, Zane Smith)

By
Official Release
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Noah Gragson | Todd Gilliland | Zane Smith
Darlington Raceway NASCAR Cup Series Race Advance
Goodyear 400

Date: Sunday, March 22, 2026
Event: Race 7 of 38
Series: NASCAR Cup Series
Location: Darlington Raceway (1.3-miles)
#of Laps: 293
Time/TV/Radio: 3:00 PM ET on FS1/MRN/SiriusXM channel 90

FRM Points Standings:

Zane Smith (19th)
Noah Gragson (28th)
Todd Gilliland (31st)

Noah Gragson Notes

Following a two-week “West Coast Swing”, Noah Gragson and the No. 4 team are back on the East Coast for 400-miles at the Darlington Raceway. In the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, Gragson has a strong resume, having only one finish outside the top-10 in eight starts. In total, Gragson has two wins, five top-five, and seven top-10 finishes in the feeder series at the track.

Long John Silver’s will join the No. 4 car this weekend, partnering with Gragson for the 293-lap event. Long John Silver’s will bring its signature, fan-favorite blue and yellow “Fish Yeah” scheme to Gragson’s Ford Mustang Dark Horse.

“Darlington is very unique and fun to race at,” said Gragson. “It’s a driver’s track that takes a lot of perfection, and taking care of your equipment, to find success. I always look forward to coming here. I’ve been able to win at Darlington a few times and we had two solid runs here last year. We just really need one of those types of races to rebound after a challenging west coast swing.”
Road Crew

Driver: Noah Gragson

Hometown: Las Vegas, Nevada

Crew Chief: Grant Hutchens

Hometown: Omaha, Nebraska

Car Chief: Joey Forgette

Hometown: Iron Mountain, Michigan

Engineer: Dillon Silverman

Hometown: Chico, California

Engineer: Scott Bingham

Hometown: Lawrenceville, Georgia

Mechanic: Chris Trickett

Hometown: Grafton, West Virginia

Mechanic: Tony Infinger

Hometown: Fort Valley, Georgia

Tire Specialist: Chris Aunspaw

Hometown: Zelienople, Pennsylvania

Engine Tuner: Matt Moeller

Hometown: Monroe, New York

Spotter: Nick Del Campo

Hometown: Blauvelt, New York

Transporter Co-Driver: Ron Miske

Hometown: Fairfield, Connecticut

Transporter Co-Driver: Matt Murphy

Hometown: Augusta, Georgia

Pit Crew

Front Tire Changer: Tafton Hensley

Hometown: Mooresville, North Carolina

Rear Tire Changer: Justin Fox

Hometown: Concord, North Carolina

Tire Carrier: Drew Baum

Hometown: Jersey Shore, Pennsylvania

Jackman: Graham Stoddard

Hometown: Lincoln, Nebraska

Fueler: Blake Baker

Hometown: Hickory, North Carolina

Todd Gilliland Notes

Todd Gilliland heads to Darlington, South Carolina for the Cup Series first visit of the season to the Darlington Raceway. The 1.3-mile oval is one of Gilliland’s favorite tracks, earning four top-15 finishes in eight Cup Series starts. Gilliland’s best showing at the track came in May 2023 where he started 24th and finished 11th.

Todd Gilliland and the No. 34 team will pay tribute to one of NASCAR’s most iconic seasons with a throwback scheme inspired by Bill Elliott’s legendary 1985 campaign, bringing the signature red and gold look that defined Elliott’s historic run back to life at the Darlington Raceway. Serving as the primary partner, Ruedebusch Development & Construction reflects that same level of excellence and precision, offering a full-service approach to commercial real estate through development, design-build construction, brokerage, and consulting services – either combined or tailored to fit each client’s needs. With experience spanning every aspect of the industry, Ruedebusch supports clients from locating new rental space to securing land for corporate headquarters, delivering turn-key facilities and thoughtfully designed spaces that align with each company’s culture. From concept to completion, Ruedebusch handles the details so businesses can stay focused on what matters most – learn more at Ruedebusch.com.

“Darlington is by far one of my favorite speedways,” said Gilliland. “It’s a tough place to navigate, but that’s the most fun part. It’s great to kick off Ruedebusch’s season with such a cool throwback and I know the team love’s the scheme. The start of the season has been a struggle, but Darlington has been good to us before, so I feel like we will be able to rebound and gain some momentum this weekend.”
Road Crew

Driver: Todd Gilliland

Hometown: Sherrills Ford, North Carolina

Crew Chief: Chris Lawson

Hometown: Medway, Ohio

Car Chief: Joe Marra

Hometown: Somers, New York

Engineer: Marc Rullo

Hometown: Ringwood, New Jersey

Engineer: Kevyn Rebolledo

Hometown: Mooresville, North Carolina

Spotter: Brit Andersen

Hometown: Branford, Connecticut

Mechanic: Michael Brookes

Hometown: Columbus, Ohio

Interior Specialist: Ethan Deguevara

Hometown: Las Vegas, Nevada

Tire Specialist: Billy John

Hometown: Pitman, New Jersey

Mechanic / Engine Tuner: Kyle Moon

Hometown: Troy, New York

Transporter Co-Driver: Randy Bernier

Hometown: Mooresville, North Carolina

Transporter Co-Driver: Rick Grissom

Hometown: Bakersfield, California

Pit Crew

Front Tire Changer: Danny Olszowy

Hometown: Lexington, Kentucky

Rear Tire Changer: Austin Chrismon

Hometown: China Grove, North Carolina

Tire Carrier: Paul Steele

Hometown: Wichita, Kansas

Jackman: Ryan Selig

Hometown: Lindenhurst, Illinois

Fueler: Courtney Edmonds

Hometown: Burlington, North Carolina

Zane Smith Notes

Following a 14th-place finish at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Zane Smith travels to South Carolina looking for a strong result at the Darlington Raceway. In four NASCAR Cup Series starts at the track, Smith has two top-15 finishes, finishing 12th in April 2025 and 13th in August 2025.

Mystik Lubricants teams up with Smith and the No. 38 for the CITGARD® Heavy Duty Engine Oils brand first race of the 2026 season. Smith and the No. 38 team will pay homage to Elliot Sadler, running a throwback scheme to Sadler’s 2000 Ford Taurus.

“As a team, we’re in a really good position to gain some points and move up in the standings,” said Smith. “COTA and Phoenix were a bit of a setback, but we rebounded at Vegas and have momentum heading into a tough track like Darlington. Our Mystik Ford Mustang Dark Horse looks amazing; I can’t wait to get it on track. Hopefully we can add to the scheme’s legacy with a win on Sunday.”
Road Crew

Driver: Zane Smith

Hometown: Huntington Beach, California

Crew Chief: Ryan Bergenty

Hometown: Plainville, Connecticut

Car Chief: Will Norris

Hometown: Bells, Tennessee

Engineer: Jacob Clamme

Hometown: Hartford City, Indiana

Engineer: Chris Yerges

Hometown: Green Bay, Wisconsin

Mechanic / Engine Tuner: Steve Godfrey

Hometown: West Haven, Connecticut

Interior Specialist: Matt Fowler

Hometown: Spartanburg, South Carolina

Mechanic: Austin Bloom

Hometown: Lowell, Oregon

Spotter: Ryan Blanchard

Hometown: Bethlehem, Connecticut

Transport Co-Driver: Bryan Whitman

Hometown: Newton, North Carolina

Transport Co-Driver: Shawn Sellew

Hometown: Stafford Springs, Connecticut

Pit Crew

Front Tire Changer: Michael Louria

Hometown: Gibraltar, Michigan

Rear Tire Changer: Adam Riley

Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia

Tire Carrier: Jarren Davis

Hometown: Jacksonville, Florida

Jackman: Nate McBride

Hometown: Vidalia, Georgia

Fueler: Ray Hernandez

Hometown: Orlando, Florida

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 RUEDEBUSCH DEVELOPMENT & CONSTRUCTION

At Ruedebusch, we have the ability to combine commercial real estate development, design-build construction, commercial real estate brokerage, and commercial real estate consulting services or contract them individually.

Ruedebusch has knowledge and experience in all aspects of the commercial real estate field. From locating new rental space for your business, to finding the perfect piece of land for your new corporate headquarters; from the turn-key facility to the architectural and interior design that will best reflect your company’s culture, Ruedebusch is with you every step of the way.

Let Ruedebusch assist you with your project; we handle the details so you can concentrate on your business. Visit us at Ruedebusch.com.

ABOUT MYSTIK LUBRICANTS

Mystik Lubricants develops products in real-world conditions that are specially formulated to meet the unique demands of specialized machines. We’re one of the largest manufacturers of grease in the United States. Our products, like Mystik JT-6 High Temp #2 Grease, provide fearless protection for equipment longevity and are the choice of professional riders and enthusiasts, who demand maximum performance in the toughest conditions.

Mystik Lubricants traces its heritage to 1922. Producing millions of gallons of finished lubricants and greases annually, Mystik supplies products to automotive, heavy-duty, commercial, industrial, powersports and agricultural customers through blending and packaging facilities across the country.

Built on a legacy of premium products, superior technical knowledge and personalized service, the Mystik product line is “Made to Make it Last” and continues to expand on a reputation of trust and confidence that can only be earned through proven performance and commitment.

ABOUT CITGO CITGARD

CITGO CITGARD Heavy Duty Engine Oils deliver the performance needed for newer engine designs while improving performance in older engines. It is engineered with proprietary additive technology that protects engines running at higher operating temperatures and higher fuel injection pressures, while meeting tighter wear limits and lower emission requirements. CITGO CITGARD 700 Synthetic Blend Engine Oils are a new generation of engine oils that support the Phase II fuel efficiency standards, which are driving the need for even more fuel-efficient heavy-duty engine oils combined with excellent wear protection and engine durability.

ABOUT FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS

Front Row Motorsports (FRM) is a winning organization competing in the NASCAR Cup Series and the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. Founded in 2004 by entrepreneur Bob Jenkins, FRM has earned top honors including a 2021 Daytona 500 victory and the 2022 CRAFTSMAN Truck Series championship. Based in Mooresville, N.C., FRM fields the No. 4, No. 34, and No. 38 entries in the NASCAR Cup Series, along with the No. 34 and No. 38 teams in the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. For more information, visit teamfrm.com and follow Front Row Motorsports on social media — X: @Team_FRM, Instagram: @teamfrm, Tik Tok: @Team_FRM, YouTube: @FrontRowNASCAR, and Facebook: facebook.com/FrontRowMotorsports.

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