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

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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.

Young’s Motorsports Darlington Raceway NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Team Preview

By
Official Release
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Young’s Motorsports | NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series
Darlington (S.C.) Raceway | Sport Clips Haircuts VFW Help A Hero 200

Fast Facts

No. 02 Young’s Motorsports Team:
Driver: Ryan Ellis
Primary Partner(s): Sweetwater Construction
Manufacturer: Chevrolet Camaro
Crew Chief: Eddie Troconis
2026 Driver Points Position: 26th
2026 Owner Points Position: 28th
Engine: Earnhardt-Childress Racing

Notes of Interest:

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

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

Ellis will pilot the No. 02 Young’s Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro across the full 33-race schedule, continuing with Saturday night’s Sport Clips Haircuts VFW Help A Hero 200 at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway and culminating with the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Championship Race at Homestead-Miami (Fla.) Speedway in November.

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

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

The 35-year-old Virginia native is coming off his first career NASCAR top-10 finish in 2025 and looks to build on that momentum while continuing to expand his résumé, which includes 169 career starts in series competition.

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

● All-Aboard!: For the sixth of 33 O’Reilly Auto Parts Series races this season, Young’s Motorsports welcomes Sweetwater Construction as the primary partner on the No. 02 Chevrolet Camaro for Saturday’s 147-lap event.

Sweetwater Construction is a Cranbury, N.J.-based construction management and general contracting firm delivering high-quality construction solutions throughout New Jersey.

Founded in 1988 by the late Ronald C. Witt Sr., the company has built a reputation for excellence through its commitment to integrity, craftsmanship, and client-focused service.

Today, under the leadership of President and CEO Ronald C. Witt Jr., Sweetwater continues to expand its footprint across a diverse range of market sectors, including corporate interiors, healthcare, biopharma, life sciences, multi-family, senior living, institutional, and hospitality.

Specializing in out-of-ground construction, additions and renovations, and interior construction projects, Sweetwater Construction remains dedicated to delivering projects safely, efficiently, and with the highest level of quality.

● Ryan Ellis O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Darlington Raceway Stats: Saturday’s first of two 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series trips to the track dubbed ‘Too Tough To Tame’ will mark Ellis’s 11th career start at the 1.366-mile egg-shaped oval.

In his previous 10 Darlington Raceway starts, Ellis’s best result was delivered in his third trip in the 2021 edition of the Steakhouse Elite 200, where he earned a track-best 16th, driving for Alpha Prime Racing.

Overall, he holds an O’Reilly Auto Parts Series average finish of 28.9 at the famed track in the heart of South Carolina.

The NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series returns to action Saturday, March 21, for the sixth race of the 2026 season at Darlington Raceway.

As part of a triple-header weekend at the historic South Carolina oval, the action begins Friday night with the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, continues with the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series on Saturday night and concludes Sunday, March 22, with the NASCAR Cup Series Goodyear 400.

The 1.366-mile egg-shaped oval at Darlington Raceway presents one of the toughest challenges on the schedule, demanding precision, patience and discipline as drivers manage the track’s narrow racing groove, uneven corners and ever-present risk of earning the infamous “Darlington Stripe.”

The weekend features a full slate of NASCAR national series competition at Darlington Raceway, with the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series opening the show Friday night, the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series taking center stage Saturday and the NASCAR Cup Series closing the weekend with the Goodyear 400 on Sunday afternoon.

Ryan Ellis and Young’s Motorsports look to reset at Darlington Raceway as the No. 02 team continues its push through the 33-race campaign.

With one of NASCAR’s most demanding and historic tracks on deck, the weekend provides another opportunity for Ellis to strengthen his position in the championship standings and showcase the organization’s continued growth at the national level.

● Ryan Ellis NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Career Stats: Entering Darlington, Ellis has 169 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series races to his credit, earning a career-best sixth-place finish after starting 32nd in the 2026 edition of the United Rentals 300 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway for Young’s Motorsports.

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

● Las Vegas (Nev.) Motor Speedway | LiUNA! NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Race Recap: The NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series concluded its first of two West Coast swings this past weekend with a stop at the ever-popular Las Vegas (Nev.) Motor Speedway.

Young’s Motorsports turned to Sin City, looking to rebound from a tough weekend at Phoenix (Ariz.) Raceway and climb back into the championship picture.

After starting 35th in his No. 02 Tablo TV Chevrolet, Ellis steadily worked his way through the field and, despite battling the balance of his race car throughout the event, persevered in the first of two visits to Las Vegas Motor Speedway by earning a 30th-place finish.

Although the result wasn’t what the team had hoped for, Young’s Motorsports heads to Darlington Raceway this weekend looking to reset its early-season momentum and build toward a strong spring stretch in NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series competition.

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

On Saturday afternoon, he will be the crew chief in his 27th NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race. In his previous 26 races, he has two top-10 finishes, most recently in the 2026 season-opener at Daytona International Speedway.

The season’s sixth race will serve as his third event atop the pit box at Darlington Raceway in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, and his first appearance there since 2021.

● Young’s Motorsports’ NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Overview at Darlington Raceway: This weekend will mark Young’s Motorsports’ fourth start in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series at Darlington Raceway.

In the organization’s three previous races, the team has earned a track-best 23rd-place finish during the 2024 edition of the Sport Clips Haircuts VFW Help A Hero 200, with then series rookie Leland Honeyman Jr. behind the wheel.

In Darlington, the organization’s three previous starts in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series have produced an average starting position of 29.0 and an average finish of 28.0.

Beyond its O’Reilly Auto Parts Series efforts, the team has also made 17 starts at Darlington Raceway in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series since 2020, producing a 24.0 average finish.

That stretch is highlighted by the organization’s best track Truck Series finish of 10th, earned by Kaden Honeycutt in the series’ ninth race of the 2023 Truck Series season.

● Young’s Motorsports’ NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series History: Since entering the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series in 2024, the family-owned organization has logged 76 starts and earned one top-five and four top-10 finishes while maintaining an average starting position of 26.6 and an average finish of 24.0.

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

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

Ryan Ellis Pre-Race Quotes:

On Darlington Raceway: “Darlington is one of the toughest tracks we go to all year, and it definitely keeps you on your toes. You have to respect the place, stay disciplined and take care of your equipment because it can get away from you in a hurry.

“We’re looking forward to the challenge and hopefully using this weekend as a chance to get our momentum headed back in the right direction.”

On Keys to Darlington Raceway Success: “The biggest key to success at Darlington is patience and tire management. “That place is tough on tires, so you have to be smart throughout the race and not overdo it early in a run.

“It’s also important to stay disciplined, avoid mistakes and keep working on the balance of the car so you’re in a good spot when it counts at the end.”

On Sweetwater Construction Partnership: “Sweetwater Construction has been an incredible partner over the past three seasons.

“They’ve really embraced the motorsports environment and what NASCAR can offer from a marketing and relationship standpoint.

“I’m proud to represent their brand again in 2026, and I’m grateful for their continued belief in what we’re building with Young’s Motorsports starting at Darlington Raceway this weekend.”

On Las Vegas Motor Speedway Finish: “Las Vegas wasn’t the finish we were hoping for, but I’m proud of the way this Young’s Motorsports team kept fighting all day.

“We had our hands full with the balance, but everybody stayed focused and kept making adjustments to help me. We’ll take what we learned from the weekend, keep digging and get ready for Darlington.”

On 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Goals: “Our goal for 2026 and beyond is simple — keep improving every weekend and build something sustainable together.

“Young’s Motorsports has been putting in the work to establish itself in this series, and I want to help take that next step. If we can stay consistent, run Wcompetitively every week, and continue to close the gap to the front, the results will follow. It’s about progress, chemistry and execution.

No. 42 Young’s Motorsports Team:

Driver: Nathan Byrd

Primary Partner(s): Young’s Building Systems | Randco Industries Inc.

Manufacturer: Chevrolet Camaro

Crew Chief: Andrew Abbott

2026 Driver Points Position: 38th

2026 Owner Points Position: 33rd

Engine: Earnhardt-Childress Racing

Notes of Interest:

● Year Three, Driven Forward: Young’s Motorsports continues its campaign in the newly rebranded NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, aiming to make an immediate impact with its second full-time entry, continuing this weekend at Phoenix Raceway.

Nathan Byrd returns to the organization for the third consecutive race and will pilot the No. 42 Young’s Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro in the sixth of 33 races on the 2026 schedule.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Byrd’s most recent NASCAR national series start came under the lights at Phoenix Raceway on October 31, 2025 — a Halloween night showdown in the desert.

● All-Aboard! For the 33 O’Reilly Auto Parts Series races this season, Young’s Motorsports welcomes back Texas-based Young’s Building Systems and Randco, who partner with the Mooresville, N.C.-based team as the primary partners on the No. 42 Chevrolet Camaro for the 167-lap race on Saturday night.

Since 1981, Young’s Building Systems has been providing West Texas with all their metal building needs. This family-owned and operated business has become an industry favorite due to the experience gained and the professional results completed.

Young’s Building System is a division of Randco Industries, Inc. We have expanded into a company that has the ability to erect any type of building, from a small single-story to a city high-rise.

Our customers have multiple uses for our buildings, including commercial, residential, agricultural, industrial, skid-mounted buildings and compressor station buildings.

We also have a team that specializes in stairs and railings of all shapes and sizes. Young’s Building Systems is fully insured for your peace of mind, so we carry workmen’s compensation and general liability coverage that goes above and beyond State requirements.

Our company is fully equipped with moving and lifting equipment along with compressors, generators and welding equipment. We have the tools and equipment needed to support large, demanding projects.

Our work ethic is based on the principles of quality, promptness, and customer experience.

Young’s Building Systems continuously raises our standard of excellence and works hard to make sure that each and every one of your needs are met.

● Nathan Byrd O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Darlington Raceway Stats: Saturday’s first of two 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series visits to the track dubbed “Too Tough To Tame” will mark Byrd’s first career series start at the 1.366-mile egg-shaped oval.

However, Byrd did make his Darlington Raceway debut last August in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, qualifying his No. 02 Young’s Motorsports Chevrolet Silverado RST on speed and using the race to gain valuable experience at one of the sport’s most demanding racetracks en route to a hard-fought 27th-place finish in the 147-lap contest.

The NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series returns to action Saturday, March 21, for the sixth race of the 2026 season at Darlington Raceway.

As part of a triple-header weekend at the historic South Carolina oval, the action begins Friday night with the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, continues with the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series on Saturday night and concludes Sunday, March 22, with the NASCAR Cup Series Goodyear 400.

The 1.366-mile egg-shaped oval at Darlington Raceway presents one of the toughest challenges on the schedule, demanding precision, patience and discipline as drivers manage the track’s narrow racing groove, uneven corners and ever-present risk of earning the infamous “Darlington Stripe.”

The weekend features a full slate of NASCAR national series competition at Darlington Raceway, with the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series opening the show Friday night, the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series taking center stage Saturday and the NASCAR Cup Series closing the weekend with the Goodyear 400 on Sunday afternoon.

With one of NASCAR’s premier intermediate venues on deck, Saturday night’s race at Darlington Raceway presents Byrd with another opportunity to continue building his national series résumé while contributing to Young’s Motorsports’ continued presence on the national stage.

● Nathan Byrd NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Career Stats: Entering Darlington, Byrd has five NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series starts to his credit, highlighted by a career-best 21st-place finish in his series debut after starting 35th in the 2024 Pacific Office Automation 147 at Portland International Raceway for DGM Racing.

Since his 2024 debut, Byrd has recorded an average finish of 29.0 in series competition, adding starts at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, New Hampshire Motor Speedway, the Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course and Phoenix Raceway for DGM Racing, SS-GreenLight Racing and Young’s Motorsports, respectively.

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

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

On Saturday, he will be the crew chief in his 168th NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race. In his previous 167 races, he has four top-five and 14 top-10 finishes.

The season’s sixth race will be his ninth tango at Darlington Raceway as crew chief in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.

In his eight previous leadership efforts at Darlington, Abbott has earned a track-best 12th-place finish twice, most recently with driver Jeremy Clements in the 2020 spring edition of the Toyota 200.

● Young’s Motorsports’ NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Overview at Darlington Raceway: This weekend will mark Young’s Motorsports’ fourth start in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series at Darlington Raceway.

In the organization’s three previous races, the team has earned a track-best 23rd-place finish during the 2024 edition of the Sport Clips Haircuts VFW Help A Hero 200, with then series rookie Leland Honeyman Jr. behind the wheel.

In Darlington, the organization’s three previous starts in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series have produced an average starting position of 29.0 and an average finish of 28.0.

Beyond its O’Reilly Auto Parts Series efforts, the team has also made 17 starts at Darlington Raceway in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series since 2020, producing a 24.0 average finish.

That stretch is highlighted by the organization’s best track Truck Series finish of 10th, earned by Kaden Honeycutt in the series’ ninth race of the 2023 Truck Series season.

● Young’s Motorsports’ NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series History: Since entering the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series in 2024, the family-owned organization has logged 76 starts and earned one top-five and four top-10 finishes while maintaining an average starting position of 26.6 and an average finish of 24.0.

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

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

Nathan Byrd Pre-Race Quote:

On Darlington Raceway: “Darlington is a tough place to make your first NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series start, but I think having some prior experience there in the Truck Series should help.

“It’s a track that really challenges you as a driver because of how unique both ends are and how much tire wear comes into play. I learned a lot there last year, and hopefully I can carry some of that over this weekend and keep building experience with the team.”

On Darlington Raceway Goals: “The biggest goal for us this weekend is to keep making progress and put together a clean race from start to finish.

“Darlington is a really challenging place, so it’s important to stay disciplined, manage tire wear and avoid mistakes. If we can do that, keep working on the balance of our race car and be in a good position at the end, I think that would be a successful weekend for us.”

On Consecutive O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Starts with Young’s Motorsports: “It means a lot to come back with Young’s Motorsports for a third consecutive race this weekend at Darlington.

“Any time you can build some consistency with the same team, it helps from every standpoint — communication, comfort and continuing to understand what I need in the race car. Darlington is a huge challenge, but I’m excited for the opportunity and ready to keep building on what we’ve started.”

Race Information:

The Sport Clips Haircuts VFW Help A Hero 200 (147 laps | 200.8 miles) is the sixth of thirty-three (33) NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series races on the 2026 schedule. Practice will occur on Sat., March 21, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 12:50 p.m. Qualifying will immediately follow, beginning at 1:05 p.m. The field will take the green flag later in the day, shortly after 5:30 p.m., with live coverage on The CW Network, the Motor Racing Network (Radio), and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90. All times are local (ET).

NHRA MARKS 75 YEARS OF CHAMPIONSHIP DRAG RACING WITH SIGNATURE FILIPPO LORETI TIMEPIECES

By
Official Release
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Two commemorative watches celebrate the 75th anniversary of the NHRA, uniting precision watch design with motorsport performance

INDIANAPOLIS (March 19, 2026) — In celebration of a defining milestone in American motorsports, the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) has partnered with contemporary watch brand Filippo Loreti to unveil a collection commemorating NHRA’s 75th anniversary.

This NHRA watch collaboration introduces two exclusive models, each available on a stainless-steel bracelet or performance rubber strap, designed to celebrate seven-plus decades of speed, engineering excellence, and championship legacy in professional drag racing. The licensing partnership was brokered by JRL Group, NHRA’s licensing agency.

Celebrating 75 Years of NHRA Heritage

Since its founding in 1951, the NHRA has grown into the world’s premier drag racing authority, setting standards for competition, speed, and innovation across the motorsports industry. The 75th anniversary represents a historic moment for drivers, teams, and fans alike.

To commemorate this milestone, the Filippo Loreti x NHRA 75th Anniversary collection captures the spirit of the dragstrip through bold design language, technical precision, and commemorative detailing worthy of the occasion.

Two Distinct Models, Four Configurations

The collection features two celebratory references:

Performance Chronograph

A royal blue dynamic chronograph engineered with racing-inspired aesthetics and a highly legible dial layout. The design reflects the instrumentation and intensity of professional drag racing, emphasizing timing precision and visual impact.

Heritage Chronograph

A two-tone sport-driven chronograph model that blends contemporary design with refined detailing, offering a versatile tribute to the NHRA’s enduring legacy and evolution. Each model is offered in two configurations:

  • Stainless steel bracelet for a classic, structured presence
  • High-performance rubber strap for a sport-forward, track-ready look

This dual offering ensures flexibility for collectors and enthusiasts who move seamlessly between events at the track and everyday wear.

Complimentary Custom Caseback Engraving

In keeping with the personal connection many fans share with the sport, every watch in the NHRA 75th Anniversary collection includes complimentary caseback engraving.

Customers may personalize their timepiece with a name, commemorative date, racing number, or meaningful message, transforming the watch into a bespoke tribute to NHRA history. This added customization reinforces the commemorative nature of the release while enhancing long-term collector value.

Anniversary Detailing

Both models prominently feature official NHRA 75th anniversary insignia and dedicated case back markings to celebrate this historic date. Designed for durability and precision, the watches combine motorsport-inspired aesthetics with everyday functionality.

A Convergence of Precision and Performance

The partnership between Filippo Loreti and the NHRA underscores a shared commitment to performance, precision engineering, and design excellence. By translating the energy of the dragstrip into a wearable mechanical instrument, the collaboration offers enthusiasts a tangible symbol of racing heritage.

As the NHRA marks 75 years of championship moments and record-breaking runs, this collection stands as a lasting tribute to the athletes, innovators, and fans who have propelled the sport forward.

Availability

The Filippo Loreti x NHRA 75th Anniversary watches are available now. Each model is available with a stainless-steel bracelet or rubber strap, with complimentary engraving included for all purchasers. This NHRA watch collection can be purchased at https://filippoloretiwatches.com/collections/nhra.

About Filippo Loreti

Filippo Loreti is a contemporary watch brand known for performance-inspired design and limited-edition collaborations that connect with global enthusiast communities. https://filippoloretiwatches.com/

About JRL Group

JRL Group is a full-service licensing and marketing agency specializing in the development and extension of corporate brands, trademarks, and sports and entertainment properties. JRL Group represents a broad range of clients in food, automotive, retail, sports, entertainment, publishing, and home fashion industries. www.jrlgroup.com

About NHRA

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

Private Chauffeur Saint-Tropez: Luxury, Comfort, and Exclusive Travel on the French Riviera

By
SM
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Saint-Tropez, located on the famous French Riviera, represents luxury, elegance, and high-end living. Known for its stunning beaches, lively nightlife, and glamorous lifestyle, it attracts travelers from all over the world. From celebrities to business professionals, visitors come here expecting a premium experience. To complement this level of sophistication, many rely on a private chauffeur Saint-Tropez service for smooth, comfortable, and stylish transportation.

The Appeal of Saint-Tropez

The town, once a quiet coastal village, has grown into a world-renowned destination. Visitors enjoy walking through the old harbor, relaxing on sandy beaches, and dining at exclusive restaurants. However, during peak travel seasons, the streets become crowded, and transportation can quickly turn into a challenge. This is where a private chauffeur Saint-Tropez service becomes an essential part of the experience, offering convenience and peace of mind.

What Is a Private Chauffeur Service?

A private chauffeur service is far more than just transportation. It provides a personalized and premium travel solution designed around your schedule and preferences. Unlike regular taxis or ride-hailing services, chauffeurs deliver a higher standard of professionalism, privacy, and comfort. Whether you need airport transfers, daily transportation, or customized travel plans, these services are tailored to meet individual needs.

Travelers often use a private chauffeur Saint-Tropez for a variety of purposes. These include transfers from nearby cities, transportation to beaches and restaurants, and even guided tours of the region. Having a dedicated driver allows you to enjoy your trip without worrying about directions, parking, or traffic.

Luxury Fleet and Premium Comfort

One of the standout features of chauffeur services is the luxury fleet of vehicles available. Clients can choose from high-end sedans, spacious SUVs, and premium vans depending on their needs. These vehicles are designed to deliver maximum comfort and are often equipped with modern amenities such as air conditioning, plush seating, and advanced entertainment systems.

Popular vehicle choices include executive sedans for business travel and larger vans for families or groups. No matter the option, a private chauffeur Saint-Tropez ensures that every ride is smooth, relaxing, and stylish. This level of comfort enhances the overall travel experience and allows passengers to enjoy every moment of their journey.

Professionalism and Local Expertise

Professionalism is another key advantage of chauffeur services. Drivers are highly trained, punctual, and dedicated to providing excellent service. Many are multilingual and have strong knowledge of the local area. This allows them to recommend the best places to visit, suggest efficient routes, and help clients avoid unnecessary delays.

In addition to driving, chauffeurs often act as local experts. They can guide you to hidden gems, exclusive venues, and lesser-known attractions that are not always easy to find. This insider knowledge adds significant value to your trip and helps create a more memorable experience.

Convenience and Flexibility

Flexibility is another major benefit. With a private chauffeur Saint-Tropez, you are not restricted by fixed schedules or routes. You can plan your day as you wish, whether it includes visiting beaches, shopping in town, or attending events. Your chauffeur remains available to adjust plans as needed, ensuring complete convenience.

For example, you might start your day with a scenic drive, spend the afternoon by the sea, and finish with a dinner reservation at a high-end restaurant. With a chauffeur at your service, transitions between these activities are effortless. This flexibility allows you to focus on enjoying your time rather than managing logistics.

Airport Transfers and Seamless Travel

Airport transfers are another important aspect of chauffeur services. Since Saint-Tropez does not have a major international airport, most visitors arrive from nearby cities. A private chauffeur Saint-Tropez provides seamless transfers, ensuring a comfortable journey from the airport to your destination.

Instead of dealing with crowded public transportation or long taxi queues, you are greeted by a professional driver who assists with luggage and ensures a smooth ride. This is especially beneficial for those traveling long distances or arriving after a tiring journey.

Perfect for Events and Special Occasions

Chauffeur services are also ideal for special occasions. Saint-Tropez is a popular location for weddings, corporate gatherings, and private events. Having a private chauffeur Saint-Tropez adds a level of sophistication and ensures that transportation is handled efficiently.

Whether transporting guests or arriving in style, these services contribute to a well-organized and elegant event. The reliability of professional chauffeurs ensures that everything runs smoothly, allowing you to focus on enjoying the occasion.

Exploring Beyond Saint-Tropez

Another advantage is the opportunity to explore nearby destinations. The French Riviera is filled with beautiful locations that are easily accessible with a private chauffeur. You can visit neighboring towns, enjoy scenic coastal drives, or plan a full-day excursion without worrying about navigation or parking.

Customized travel experiences make it possible to see more of the region in less time while maintaining comfort and convenience. This makes a private chauffeur Saint-Tropez an excellent choice for travelers who want to make the most of their visit.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing a private chauffeur Saint-Tropez is about more than transportation. It is about enhancing your entire travel experience. With luxury vehicles, skilled drivers, and flexible services, you can explore Saint-Tropez in a way that is both comfortable and stress-free.

Whether you are visiting for leisure, business, or a special event, a private chauffeur provides the reliability and elegance needed to enjoy every moment. It transforms ordinary travel into a refined and memorable journey, perfectly suited to the sophistication of Saint-Tropez.

Making History: Professional Racer Dystany Spurlock Set for ARCA Menards Series East Debut

By
Official Release
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The motorcycle drag racing standout will become the first Black woman to compete in a NASCAR-affiliated series when she lines up at Hickory Motor Speedway on March 28.

NEWTON, N.C. — A historic moment in American motorsports will unfold March 28 at Hickory Motor Speedway when professional racer Dystany Spurlock becomes the first Black woman to compete in a NASCAR-affiliated series.

Spurlock, originally from Richmond, Va., will make her debut in the ARCA Menards Series East, one of NASCAR’s premier developmental divisions and a traditional launching pad for drivers pursuing the sport’s highest levels.

Her breakthrough start in the Hickory ARCA Menards East 200 marks both a personal milestone and a significant step toward her goal of competing in a national ARCA Menards Series event this spring, with plans to run additional races throughout 2026. Ultimately, Spurlock hopes to fulfill a lifelong dream of racing in the NASCAR Cup Series.

“This moment means everything to me,” Spurlock said. “Since I was a little girl, I’ve dreamed of racing in NASCAR. I’ve worked so hard for this, so many opportunities that have come and gone, but now I’m really here, and I’m ready. I’m excited to build my racecraft and learn, and hopefully make it to the Cup level.”

Her path to ARCA is an unconventional one. Before transitioning to stock cars, Spurlock built her reputation in motorcycle drag racing, becoming the first woman to win the Real Street class in the XDA Motorcycle Drag Racing Series and setting a world record in the process. In 2025, she also became only the second Black woman to compete in the NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle category and is finalizing plans to race again this season.

Dystany Spurlock

Spurlock will pilot the #66 Ford Mustang for MBM Motorsports and Garage 66, led by former NASCAR driver and longtime team owner Carl Long. Based in Statesville, N.C., MBM also fields cars in all three of NASCAR’s national touring series. Supporting Spurlock off the track is veteran motorsports performance coach Phil Horton, Director of Athletic Performance, who has trained NASCAR drivers, pit crews, and teams for years in strength, conditioning, and reaction skills.

“Dystany competing in the ARCA Series is more than a milestone; it presents an exciting opportunity for NASCAR’s development pipeline,” added Brandon Thompson, NASCAR’s Vice President of Growth, Engagement & Inclusion. “Having a world record holder from another discipline join the series speaks to the sport’s continued growth and ability to appeal to a wide range of motorsports fans.”

Spurlock’s journey is being documented by her management team and primary sponsor Foxxtecca in a docuseries titled Driven by Dystany: The Road to NASCAR. Based in Detroit and co-founded by Chris Harris and Kellie Crawford, Foxxtecca is an experiential media and events company operating at the intersection of mobility, culture, and technology. It connects the automotive industry with new and diverse audiences through storytelling, education, and live experiences.

Known as the “Birthplace of the NASCAR Stars,” Hickory Motor Speedway is one of the sport’s most iconic short tracks, with victories by legends such as Junior Johnson, Ralph Earnhardt, Ned Jarrett, and Richard Petty since its opening in 1951. The ⅓-mile paved oval hosts weekly racing for late models, modifieds, super trucks, and other classes, in addition to major touring series like the CARS Tour and Pro All Stars Series.

For the March 28 race, Spurlock’s supporters are organizing a dedicated grandstand section called “Ryders Row.” There, her fan community—known as The Ryders—will be joined by families, schools, and community groups to cheer her on. A $20 group ticket rate is available for the section through March 23, 2026.

Tickets can be purchased at: https://tickets.foxxtecca.com/event/dystany-spurlock—witness-history

Event Details

Event: Hickory ARCA Menards East 200
Date: March 28, 2026
Gates Open: 4 PM
Race Start: 7:30 PM

Location:
Hickory Motor Speedway
3130 US Hwy 70 SE, Newton, NC 28658

Area Accommodations

Courtyard by Marriott Hickory
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Statesville
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Conover

ABOUT FOXXTECCA

Foxxtecca is a Detroit-based experiential events and media company operating at the intersection of mobility, culture, and technology. Co-founded by Chris Harris and Kellie Crawford, Foxxtecca amplifies underrepresented voices in the mobility and technology industries through motorsports, education, and culturally driven experiences.

Advance Discount Tickets on Sale March 27 at Toledo-Area Menards Locations for ARCA Menards Series Owens Corning 200 at Toledo Speedway

By
Official Release
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TEMPERANCE, Mich. – (March 19, 2026) – Advance discount tickets for the May 16 ARCA Menards Series Owens Corning 200 at Toledo Speedway will be available at all Toledo-area Menards locations starting on Friday, March 27. The tickets are just $20, a savings of $10 per adult general admission ticket.

The race has moved back to its traditional May date after having served as the season finale for the ARCA Menards Series from 2022 through 2025. A new twist has been added for 2026: in addition to moving to the month of May, the race will serve as a full-points championship event for both the ARCA Menards Series and ARCA Menards Series East.

Defending race winner, 16-year-old Max Reaves will look to return to Victory Lane in the potent Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota as he contends for the ARCA Menards Series East crown, while ARCA Menards Series regulars Thomas Annunziata, Jake Bollman, and Isabella Robusto, all of whom drive for Nitro Motorsports, will be looking to strengthen their championship hopes. They will be challenged by the talented teenage Pinnacle Racing Group Chevrolet teammates, 15-year-old Tristan McKee and 17-year-old Carson Brown, both of whom won in their ARCA Menards Series debut, McKee last August at Watkins Glen International and Brown in March at Phoenix Raceway.

“The ARCA Menards Series has a long history at Toledo Speedway dating back to 1963, and for many of those years the races were held in the month of May,” said ARCA president and Toledo Speedway owner Ron Drager. “We had a terrific run determining our series champion for the last four years, but we are thrilled to return back to our traditional May date for 2026. We encourage all of our passionate fans to head to any of the Menards locations throughout northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan now to get their tickets early.”

On-track activity is scheduled to begin on Saturday, May 16 with practice from 3 to 3:45 pm ET followed by Sioux Chief PowerPEX Pole Qualifying at 4:30 pm. An on-track autograph session is scheduled from 6 to 6:30 pm, with the Owens Corning 200 to follow at 7:00. The race will be televised live on FS1 and live timing & scoring data will be available on ARCARacing.com. For up-to-the-minute updates, follow @ARCA_Racing on X (formerly Twitter).

For more information, please visit ARCARacing.com and ToledoSpeedway.com.

25 YEARS OF SERVICE: FIRST HORIZON BANK AND BRISTOL MOTOR SPEEDWAY CELEBRATE OFFICIAL SPONSORSHIP MILESTONE

By
Barry Albert
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MEMPHIS, Tenn. – (March 19, 2026) – First Horizon Bank (NYSE: FHN or “First Horizon”) is proud to celebrate 25 years as the “Official Bank of Bristol Motor Speedway”. Since 2001, the Memphis-based bank has been one of Bristol Motor Speedway’s longest active sponsorship partners.

“We take great pride in our 25-year relationship with the NASCAR racing legacy that is Bristol Motor Speedway,” said Greg Perdue, Tri-Cities Market President for First Horizon. “Marking this key sponsorship milestone as the “Official Bank of Bristol Motor Speedway” aligns with our commitment to investing in places that give people great experiences and serving our communities in unique ways that help grow our brand.”

“At Bristol, the best partnerships feel like family traditions and First Horizon has earned that place here,” said Jerry Caldwell, President and General Manager of Bristol Motor Speedway. “This 25th anniversary is a big moment for two Tennessee brands, and our shared values keep us moving forward together with the same focus on growth, service and community.”

Race fans will notice the First Horizon brand is visible at strategic points around the Bristol Motor Speedway campus, including inside the world-famous oval in addition to designated exterior locations at the Entrance 3 Dragway marquee sign and on the Elevator E tower near Gates 6 and 7 at the oval. The bank also enhances the fan experience with a convenient ATM in the track’s North Lot, at BMS Entrance #1 near the “It’s Bristol, Baby” monument.

About First Horizon
First Horizon Corp. (NYSE: FHN), with $83.9 billion in assets as of December 31, 2025, is a leading regional financial services company, dedicated to helping our clients, communities and associates unlock their full potential with capital and counsel. Headquartered in Memphis, TN, the banking subsidiary First Horizon Bank operates in 12 states concentrated in the southern U.S. The Company and its subsidiaries offer commercial, private banking, consumer, small business, wealth and trust management, retail brokerage, capital markets, fixed income, and mortgage banking services. First Horizon has been recognized as one of the nation’s best employers by Fortune and Forbes magazines and a Top 10 Most Reputable U.S. Bank. More information is available at www.FirstHorizon.com.

About Bristol Motor Speedway
Bristol Motor Speedway, known as The Last Great Colosseum, sits in the mountains of Northeast Tennessee near the Virginia state line. The 0.533-mile concrete oval, with 28-degree banking, hosts two major NASCAR Cup Series weekends each year, the tradition-rich Food City 500 weekend in April and the crown jewel Bass Pro Shops Night Race Chase weekend in September. The venue has staged iconic moments such as the 2016 Pilot Flying J Battle at Bristol football game between the University of Tennessee and Virginia Tech (NCAA-record 156,990 fans), the 2025 MLB Speedway Classic between the Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds (MLB regular-season record crowd of 91,032), the 2020 NASCAR All-Star Race, the rebirth of NASCAR Cup Series racing on dirt from 2021–2023 and sold-out concerts for Morgan Wallen and Kenny Chesney. Fans enjoy Colossus TV, the world’s largest outdoor center-hung four-sided screen video board. The adjacent Bristol Dragway is the home to the NHRA Super Grip Thunder Valley Nationals, and the dragway can transform into the Thunder Valley Amphitheatre for music concerts. Opened in 1961 and acquired by Speedway Motorsports in 1996, BMS remains one of America’s most unique and versatile sports and entertainment destinations. For more information, please visit www.bristolmotorspeedway.com.

JR Motorsports, TruckClub Join Forces for Rockingham

By
Official Release
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Brand to be Featured on Sammy Smith’s No. 8 Chevrolet in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Event on April 4

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (March 19, 2026) – JR Motorsports today announced that TruckClub™, the aftermarket warranty provider for used commercial trucks serving owner-operators and small fleets, will be the primary partner for Sammy Smith and the No. 8 Chevrolet in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series event at Rockingham Speedway on April 4.

“It’s awesome to welcome TruckClub™ to JRM and our No. 8 team,” said Smith, the defending NOAPS race winner at Rockingham. “We were fortunate enough to go to Victory Lane at Rockingham last year, and hopefully we can do that again this year with everyone at TruckClub™. I really appreciate them joining our team and I can’t thank them enough for their support.”

TruckClub™ is built by owner-operators, for owner-operators in the support of small fleets with some of the most comprehensive coverage available for used commercial trucks. TruckClub™ helps members manage the financial impact of unexpected repairs with clear terms, fast support, and flexible payment options with no long-term commitments, designed for real-world operations. This new partnership with JRM and TruckClub™ brings together a shared focus of performance, preparation, and delivering results.

“Our customers depend on their trucks to earn a living, and that’s what TruckClub™ is built around,” said Chad Melnik, Executive Director of Go-To-Market & Growth for TruckClub™. “Rockingham is a great stage to kick-off our partnership with JRM. We’re proud to be on the No. 8 with Sammy and JRM, and we’re committed to showing up for the owner-operators and small fleets who keep freight moving every day.”

Be sure to catch Smith and the No. 8 TruckClub™ Chevrolet at Rockingham Speedway on Saturday, April 4 at 2:30 p.m. ET on The CW, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90.

ABOUT TRUCKCLUB™

TruckClub™ is an aftermarket warranty provider for used commercial trucks, built to support owner-operators and small fleets across the United States. Through its flagship offering, TruckProtect™, TruckClub™ delivers transparent coverage and flexible payment options with no long-term commitments providing some of the most comprehensive coverage available, backed by a customer experience designed for speed, clarity, and dependability. For more information, visit https://truckclub.com.

ABOUT JR MOTORSPORTS:

JR Motorsports is the racing operation co-owned by NASCAR Hall of Fame member and 15-time Most Popular Driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kelley Earnhardt Miller and NASCAR Hall of Famer Rick Hendrick. Now in its 25th year of overall competition, JR Motorsports competes in multiple divisions, including the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series where it currently fields four full-time teams and earned championships in 2014, 2017, 2018 and 2024. The company also owns seven titles in regional Late Model divisions with consecutive championships in 2022-23 and a prized national title in 2020. To learn more about the organization, its drivers and its sponsorship opportunities, visit www.jrmracing.com.

JBS EQUIPMENT NHRA PRO MOD SERIES RETURNS TO PHOENIX AT RACE POWERED BY LAT RACING OILS

By
Official Release
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PHOENIX (March 19, 2026) – Derek Menholt’s hot streak in the JBS Equipment NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Elite Motorsports started late last year and after his second win in three races – this one to open the 2026 season – Menholt has no plans of slowing down this weekend at Firebird Motorsports Park.

The category returns to Phoenix as part of this weekend’s FMP NHRA Arizona Nationals presented by NGK Spark Plugs and Menholt has proven to be the man to beat as of late. He won the penultimate race of 2025 in St. Louis and then impressed in Gainesville to start this year in strong fashion.

Next up is trying to conquer the heat and the loaded Pro Mod class in Phoenix to keep this string of remarkable performances going.

“That Gainesville win was a total team effort – everyone executed when it mattered,” Menholt said. “Now we turn the page to Arizona. It’s going to be hot and tricky, but we’ve got a strong combination and a lot of confidence right now. The goal is to keep that momentum rolling.”

This weekend’s event is the second of 11 races in the category during the 2026 campaign and this weekend’s race is powered by LAT Racing Oils.

LAT Racing Oils remains a top choice for many standouts in the category, including Menholt, Justin Bond, Lyle Barnett and Billy Banaka.

“We are proud to sponsor the NHRA Pro Mod class at Phoenix,” LAT Racing Oils’ Co-owner, Danny Vaca said. “As a leader in performance lubricants we support many high-profile Pro Mod teams with high-performance racing oils designed to help power these engines to the winner’s circle. We are looking forward to seeing first-hand how our lubricants perform at this race.”

Menholt won’t have an easy road for a second straight victory, as the loaded field includes the likes of reigning world champion J.R. Gray, defending race winner Michael Stavrinos, past world champions Stevie “Fast” Jackson and Mike Castellana, and standouts like Mason Wright, Alex Laughlin and Kevin Rivenbark.

The class will also see the return of six-time Pro Stock world champion Erica Enders. She holds the Pro Mod speed record (261.22 mph) and is back in the category for the first time since 2019.

Additionally, the weekend will feature the Pro Mod Showdown, which is sponsored by Total Seal for the event in Phoenix and offers an extra incentive for drivers in the category. The Total Seal Pro Mod Showdown rewards the driver who records the best cumulative E.T. average across all four qualifying sessions. The winner gets a $7,500 bonus from Total Seal, adding another high-stakes incentive to the Phoenix race.

The NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series features two qualifying rounds at 11:15 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. local time on Friday, and the final two qualifying rounds at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday. The first round of eliminations is slated for 11:25 a.m. on Sunday. The first qualifying session of the day on Friday and Saturday, as well as the first round of eliminations will be broadcast for free on NHRA’s YouTube page.

In the Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, Friday qualifying will begin at 9:30 a.m. local time on Friday with Pro Stock, followed by Funny Car and Top Fuel. The second session is slated to start at 12 p.m. On Saturday, Top Fuel will open the day at 10 a.m., followed by Funny Car and Pro Stock. The final qualifying session is scheduled to start at 12:30 p.m. with Top Fuel.

Sunday eliminations will begin at 10 a.m. local time and gates will open at 7 a.m. Friday through Sunday.

To purchase tickets to the FMP NHRA Arizona Nationals presented by NGK Spark Plugs, fans can visit www.NHRA.com/tickets. For more information on NHRA, please visit www.NHRA.com.

About LAT Racing Oils

LAT’s substantial investments, “at track” first-hand knowledge, and superior chemical engineering and blending capabilities, have proved to be more than empty claims as vehicles and watercraft competing in a vast array of competition venues, have worked their way to the top using LAT products. NHRA Pro Mod World Champions use LAT Oils to claim the Championship podium and many of their closest competitors are also relying on LAT engine, transmission, and gear oils. Founded in 2007 by a duo of professional racers in search of the elusive “edge”. They recognized the potential for increasing horsepower, reliability and longevity using advanced lubrication technology to fine tune engine transmissions and final drive gears. Based on that premise LAT was established with the sole purpose of developing superior performing synthetic and petroleum racing oils, regardless of cost. Since then, LAT has developed a complete line of high performance engine break-in oils to include PRO-15, 5w30 and 20w50. Additionally, the introduction of LAT’s Pro ATF caught even the most hardcore skeptics off guard by substantially reducing operating temperatures while providing stable, consistent pressure readings.

The LAT Oils dealer program gives racers access to over 30 dealer locations in the United States making your purchase of LAT Oils easier to access. Find your local LAT Racing Oils dealer at www.latracingoils.com.

About NHRA

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

RFK Racing – Darlington Advance

By
Official Release
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Darlington Event Info:
Date: Sunday, March 22
Time: 3 p.m. ET
Series: NASCAR Cup Series (NCS)
Location: Darlington, South Carolina
Format: 147 Laps, 200.8 miles, Stages: 45-90-147
TV: FS1
Radio: PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Channel 90)

Weekend Schedule:
Saturday: 2:30 p.m. ET, Cup Practice (Prime, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
Saturday: 3:40 p.m. ET, Cup Qualifying (Prime, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
Sunday: 3 p.m. ET, Cup Race (FS1, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)

Pace Laps:

  • As a tribute to Greg Biffle each of the RFK Racing cars will have throwback paints schemes, reminiscent of colors, numeric style, and markings of cars previously driven by Biffle.
  • 6 Car – Throws back to Daytona 2009
  • 17 Car – Throws back to Talladega in April 2011 and Texas November 2011
  • 60 Car – Throws back to the Biffle’s standard paint scheme of 2009
  • Darlington hosts its annual spring race this weekend as the NASCAR Cup Series embarks on the sixth points race of the 2026 campaign.
  • Darlington is a track where Jack Roush has had much success, including six wins in the Cup Series alone.

6 Team Info:
Driver: Brad Keselowski
Crew Chief: Jeremy Bullins
Partner: Solomon Plumbing

17 Team Info:
Driver: Chris Buescher
Crew Chief: Scott Graves
Partner: Fifth Third Bank

  • NASCAR fans are invited to a special community event at Palmetto Goodwill on Saturday, March 21st featuring an autograph session with Chris Buescher from 11AM-11:45 and a series of fan-focused giveaways. The No. 17 Fifth Third Ford Mustang Dark Horse will be on display from 10AM – 2PM. The first 100 attendees will receive a complimentary lanyard with ticket holder and a raffle entry for Palmetto Goodwill gift cards, with the drawing scheduled for noon. Palmetto Goodwill is located at 406 Lamar Hwy, Darlington, SC.
  • “We are grateful to be part of the Fueled by Fifth Third program and to join Fifth Third Bank and RFK Racing at Darlington Raceway to spotlight the impact that local nonprofits can make when communities show up and support their own,” said Palmetto Goodwill CEO, Brian Itzkowitz.
  • Palmetto Goodwill is a South Carolina locally based nonprofit whose purpose is to provide exceptional workforce development services. Palmetto Goodwill has more than 1,400 team members serving 18 South Carolina counties, including the Darlington community.
  • Revenue from their retail stores is reinvested locally to fund job training and career services that ensure every member of our community can thrive and change their life trajectory.
  • Last year, Palmetto Goodwill placed more than 4,200 people into jobs and impacted more than 16,000 individuals through training, education, and employment programs.

60 Team Info:
Driver: Ryan Preece
Crew Chief: Derrick Finley
Partner: Kroger / Oscar Mayer / Heinz

Keselowski at Darlington Raceway
Starts: 24
Wins: 2 (2018, 2024)
Top-10s: 12
Poles: 3 (2015, 2020, 2021)

  • Keselowski is on the precipice of a career milestone as he makes career start #599, at the track where he scored his most recent win (2024).
  • Keselowski returns to Darlington Raceway where he has led a total of 432 laps of his 24 starts at the track, most recently Keselowski brought home the victory for the No. 6 in the spring race at Darlington Raceway in 2024.
  • Keselowski is a two-time winner at Darlington Raceway, one of 12 tracks he has multiple wins at on the circuit. Overall, he has a 12.1 average finish and 12 top-10s.
  • The Michigan native has an average starting position of 11.7 with three poles (2015, 2020, 2021), and overall, he has fourteen top-10 qualifying efforts.

Buescher at Darlington Raceway

Starts: 17
Wins: —
Top-10s: 7
Poles: —

  • Chris Buescher carries momentum to Darlington, coming off his best finish of the season (6th in Las Vegas).
  • Buescher makes his 18th Cup start at Darlington this weekend, where he carries an average finish of 15.6 and seventop-10s.
  • His best qualifying effort stands as the P3 starting spot in the 2024 spring race. Overall, he has a 19.5 average starting position.

Preece at Darlington Raceway
Starts: 12
Wins: —
Top-10s: —
Poles: 1

  • Preece makes his 13th Cup start at Darlington this weekend, where he holds an average finish of 20.8.
  • Watch for Preece in qualifying. He started the spring race 2nd last year and won a pole award at Darlington in 2020.
  • The Connecticut native’s best qualifying effort is the P1 starting spot in the spring race of 2020. Overall, he has a 23.3 average starting position.

RFK Historically at Darlington Raceway
Cup Wins: 6 (Mark Martin, 1993; Jeff Burton, back-to-back in 1999, Biffle, 2005 & 2006, Keselowski, 2024)

  • Chasing the Lady in Black: RFK Racing has never shied away from the track Too Tough to Tame, scoring six Cup Series wins at Darlington thanks to legends like Mark Martin (1993), Jeff Burton’s back‑to‑back triumphs (1999–2000), Greg Biffle’s double victories (2005 & 2006), and Brad Keselowski’s 2024 victory—a tradition of toughness that defines RFK’s legacy. RFK has repeatedly stacked the board at Darlington through the years, proving that when the Lady in Black comes calling, RFK shows up ready to battle.
  • Tradition of Toughness: From Martin’s early dominance to Burton’s relentless pace and Biffle’s mid‑2000s muscle, RFK built a reputation for taming what others fear—an identity that still fuels today’s RFK lineup.
  • Legacy Lives On: Brad Keselowski’s 2024 win added a fresh chapter to RFK’s Darlington legacy, proving the organization still knows how to fight the Lady in Black and come out on top.

Back-to-Back at Darlington: RFK has won back-to-back Cup races at Darlington Raceway back in 1999 with Jeff Burton.

RFK Darlington Raceway Wins

1993 Martin Cup

1999 Burton Cup

1999 Burton Cup

2005 Biffle Cup

2006 Biffle Cup

2024 Keselowski Cup

1993 Martin NOAPS

1994 Martin NOAPS

1994 Martin NOAPS

1995 Martin NOAPS

1996 Martin NOAPS

1997 Burton NOAPS

1999 Martin NOAPS

2000 Martin NOAPS

2000 Martin NOAPS

2001 Burton NOAPS

2002 Burton NOAPS

2002 Burton NOAPS

2004 Biffle NOAPS

2005 Kenseth NOAPS

2009 Kenseth NOAPS

Last Time Out & Where They Stand
Vegas: RFK Racing lit it up in Las Vegas, with all three teams storming into the top 11 by the checkered flag. Chris Buescher led the charge with a sharp, season‑best sixth place finish after slicing his way through the field, Brad Keselowski put on a show by blasting from 28th to a gritty 10th, and Ryan Preece kept the momentum rolling with an impressive 11th‑place finish despite battling tire wear, dirty air, and long green‑flag runs. RFK left the desert looking fast and fired up.

Points Standings: Buescher: 9th, Keselowski: 12th, Preece: 13th

About RFK Racing
RFK Racing, in its 39th season in 2026, features an ownership lineup pairing one of the sport’s most iconic names, Jack Roush, along with NASCAR Champion, Brad Keselowski, and Fenway Sports Group owner John Henry. Roush initially founded the team in 1988 and it has since become one of the most successful racing operations in the world, propelling him to be the first NASCAR owner to amass three hundred wins and capturing eight championships, including back-to-back NASCAR Cup titles in 2003 and 2004. Keselowski, a former owner in the NASCAR Truck Series, is the 2012 NASCAR Cup Series Champion. In 2007, Roush partnered with Henry, who also owns Major League Baseball’s Boston Red Sox, English Premier League’s Liverpool F.C., and the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins, to form Roush Fenway Racing. Off the track, RFK is a leader and proven winner in NASCAR marketing solutions, having produced multiple award-winning social media, digital content and experiential marketing campaigns. Visit rfkracing.com, and follow the team on all social platforms @rfkracing.

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