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TPC Racing’s Shaun McKaigue Scores Career-Best USAC Porsche Sprint GT3 Cup Finish at Sonoma

Third-Season Type 992 Porsche Competitor Secures Near Top-Five Finish Friday in the No. 234 TPC Racing Porsche 911 GT3 Cup

SONOMA, California (April 16, 2026) – TPC Racing driver Shaun McKaigue delivered the finest result of his current Porsche GT3 Cup racing career last weekend in California, finishing sixth in the Masters class in his No. 234 TPC Racing Porsche 911 GT3 Cup in the USAC Porsche Sprint Challenge North America by Yokohama race weekend at Sonoma Raceway.

McKaigue’s career-best finish in a current generation Type 992 Porsche GT3 came in his third season of select Sprint Challenge races in the top-tier Porsche GT3 Cup category with TPC Racing. He bested his previous high-water mark of 10th place, set last year at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta.

The strong in-class showing in the weekend’s opening race on Friday saw a similarly solid 11th place overall finish for McKaigue in the competitive Porsche Sprint Challenge field, which also features typically quicker competitors in the Pro-Am division.

By comparison, McKaigue’s best finish in his most recent previous Porsche Sprint Challenge race in March at the season-opening weekend in Sebring was 11th in the Masters class. His lead-lap Sebring finish just shy of the class top-10 also saw McKaigue finish 19th overall in the packed Porsche Sprint Challenge field.

McKaigue’s next Porsche Sprint Challenge race weekend with TPC Racing will be the doubleheader at VIRginia International Raceway, June 19 – 21.

Meanwhile, next up for TPC Racing in USAC road racing series action is May 7 – 9 at Circuit of The Americas (COTA) in Texas. The team’s Porsche Sprint Challenge hopes at COTA ride with veteran team driver Tom Kerr, who will be back in the series for his third race weekend of the year in his No. 74 Porsche Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport.

The TPC Racing Mustang Cup America team will also be back in action at COTA with Cliff Elliott and Harris Levitas set for the weekend with TPC Racing’s pair of Mustang Dark Horse R entries. Elliott drives the No. 65 TPC Racing/DSC Sport Ford Mustang Dark Horse R while Levitas competes in the No. 36 TPC Racing/DSC Sport Mustang Dark Horse R.

Harris Levitas, TPC Racing Director of Race Operations: “The TPC Racing team did a great job all weekend in tricky conditions. Shaun’s progression has been rewarding and even fun to watch. He’s put in the time between events and on race weekends works non-stop with the TPC Racing team and his coach and co-driver LP Dumoulin. We’re seeing all of that effort and focus translate directly into on-track results. Finishing sixth in a more competitive Masters field this year in just his second race of the season is certainly something to build on in our next race together in Virginia.”

Shaun McKaigue, Driver – No. 234 TPC Racing Porsche 911 GT3 Cup: “We had some great weather for the first couple of days, which really gave an opportunity to get right into some good times on the track. It was wonderful and the guys from TPC gave us a great car right out of the box, so we didn’t have to chase the setup at all. That was really nice and really helps us to get to where we want to be and just learn the track some more. Then the weekend ended up with a lot of rain and different and changing conditions. It certainly made it interesting and exciting. We had some great results, and were really happy with where we placed in the first race. We also did the Porsche Endurance Challenge race and it was great. We had a lot fun, and I drove again with LP Dumoulin. It was wet weather conditions again and completely changing and I ended up out there on rain tires on a drying track, which is always challenging. It was a fun weekend, and I think all of the competitors, considering the conditions, did very, very well.”

About TPC Racing: TPC Racing is the Mid-Atlantic’s premier maintenance, service, tuning and modification center dedicated solely to Porsche sports cars. TPC Racing specializes in R&D and sales of high-performance modifications for Porsche sports cars and race cars, offering a wide range of vehicle upgrades. Best known for a line of forced induction solutions for the Porsche 911, Cayman and Boxster, a long-time focus on only one make, Porsche, has enabled TPC Racing to become experts in Porsche service, tuning, and racing. In 2000, TPC Racing began entering races under its own banner, scoring an SGS-class Championship in 2004 in the Grand-American Rolex Series and was a class winner in the 2006 Rolex 24 At Daytona, and captured the 2013 and 2016 IMSA Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge USA Gold Cup Championships. More information can be found at www.TPCRacing.com.

NEFCO Partners with McDowell, Spire Motorsports for Select Races in 2026

Trusted Construction Supply Partner to Serve as Primary Sponsor for Brickyard 400

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (April 16, 2026) – NEFCO, a leading provider of specialty construction supplies, will take center stage as Michael McDowell’s primary sponsor for the July 26 NASCAR Cup Series Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS).

NEFCO will partner with Spire Motorsports’ No. 71 team for a total of 10 races in 2026, including team co-owner Jeff Dickerson’s home track in Indianapolis where McDowell owns one top-10 finish on the famed venue’s oval configuration. The 2021 Daytona 500 winner claimed his second Cup Series victory in 2023 when the division raced on the speedway’s Grand Prix Circuit.

In addition to being the focal point on McDowell’s No. 71 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for the NASCAR Cup Series’ 30th visit to the legendary 2.5-mile oval, NEFCO will also serve in an associate sponsor capacity for a host of races throughout the 2026 season.

NEFCO will have prominent branding throughout Spire Motorsports’ Mooresville headquarters, including the newly branded NEFCO Parts Department as a reflection of the commitment to building alongside customers and supporting contractors nationwide.

With more than 70 locations across the United States, the company delivers industry expertise, large local inventories, fast and dependable jobsite delivery, engineering support, and turnkey specialty fabrication and assembly services. Recently named a Great Place to Work®, NEFCO is also recognized for its SHARP® portfolio (Strut channel & fittings, Hardware, Anchors, threaded Rod and Pipe hangers), as well as an extensive mix of power tools, safety equipment, and general jobsite supplies, all designed to help contractors succeed on every project.

“On behalf of nearly 2,000 NEFCO employees, we are incredibly excited to partner with Michael McDowell and Spire Motorsports in 2026,” said Scott Collins, Director of Marketing, NEFCO. “As a growing organization, this marks a milestone as the NEFCO brand reaches a national stage alongside a championship-caliber competitor. With continued investment in engineering capabilities, SHARP® product expertise, TOOLS+, and Safety offerings, this partnership supports the next phase of growth and expands how NEFCO delivers for contractors across the country.”

The partnership between NEFCO and Spire Motorsports reflects a shared commitment to teamwork, precision and delivering results. It brings a contractor-first mindset to a national stage while reinforcing NEFCO’s position as a trusted construction partner. The family-operated company will also support McDowell’s entry beginning May 3 at Texas Motor Speedway.

“I’m thankful for the opportunity to represent NEFCO,” said McDowell. “It feels like the perfect crossover between industries. Our sport is built on hard work, reliability, teamwork, and delivering results, just like NEFCO. Those same principles show up on every jobsite NEFCO supports across the country. There’s a strong foundation to build on this season and the focus is on executing at a high level every time out. Indy is always a key moment and the goal is to head to Victory Lane after the checkered flag.”

The 30th running of the Brickyard 400 will be televised live on TNT Sunday, July 26 at 2 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. The 22nd of 36 points-paying races on the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series schedule will be broadcast live on the IMS Radio Network, HBO Max and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

About NEFCO…
NEFCO is a family-operated, value-added construction supply company serving professional contractors nationwide. A leading provider of specialty construction products and solutions, NEFCO delivers contractor-centric services including extensive industry expertise, large local inventories, fast and dependable jobsite delivery, engineering services, and turnkey specialty fabrication and assembly—anchored by its SHARP® product portfolio. With more than 70 locations across the United States, NEFCO is committed to building a “championship team” environment where team members are empowered to deliver superior results for customers and communities. For more information, visit www.GoNEFCO.com.

About Spire Motorsports…
Spire Motorsports fields full-time entries in the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series and Interstate Batteries High Limit Racing.

The team, co-owned by longtime NASCAR industry executive Jeff Dickerson and TWG Motorsports CEO Dan Towriss, earned its inaugural NASCAR Cup Series victory in its first full season of competition when Justin Haley took the checkered flag in the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway on July 7, 2019. Less than three years later, William Byron drove Spire Motorsports’ No. 7 Chevrolet Silverado to its inaugural NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series win on April 7, 2022, at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway. The team’s most recent win came on Feb. 21, 2026, when Kyle Busch took the checkered flag in the Fr8 Racing 208 at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

In 2026, Spire Motorsports will campaign the Nos. 7, 71 and 77 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1s in the NASCAR Cup Series and the Nos. 7 and 77 Chevrolet Silverado RSTs in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. The Mooresville, N.C., organization will also field the No. 77 410 sprint car in Interstate Batteries High Limit Racing competition.

Florida Car Accidents: What Every Driver Needs to Know

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

Florida is one of the most dangerous states in the country to drive in. It ranks near the top of national lists for traffic fatalities, serious injury crashes, and pedestrian deaths year after year. It is unpredictable, congested, and on any given day, the driver next to you might be from another state, another country, operating a rental car, and completely unfamiliar with where they are going. That combination of factors makes Florida roads uniquely hazardous. If something goes wrong and you were not at fault, it’s important to contact an experienced Florida car accident lawyer to assist with your case.

The Unique Challenges Florida Drivers Face

Florida driving is unlike any other state, and not just because of the heat. The combination of factors that make it dangerous is not one thing in isolation. It is everything happening at the same time.

Traffic volume is the foundation of the problem. Florida is the third most populous state in the country, and its population continues to grow rapidly. The Orlando metro area alone adds thousands of new residents each year. Layered on top of the resident population are roughly 140 million tourists who visit Florida annually, and all of those people are on the roads. Highways designed decades ago now carry far more vehicles than they were ever built to handle. Construction zones are a near-constant presence, and merges that would be manageable at moderate volumes become dangerous at peak hours.

The road design itself creates its own hazards. Florida uses traffic configurations that are uncommon in much of the rest of the country. The diverging diamond interchange, jughandle turns, and the median U-turn design known informally as the Florida Left appear throughout the state and regularly confuse drivers who have never encountered them. Roundabouts continue to replace traditional intersections across Central Florida, particularly in Seminole and Orange counties. When used correctly, they reduce serious crashes. When approached by a driver encountering one for the first time, they produce abrupt stops, wrong-way entries, and dangerous hesitation. The I-4 Ultimate interchange in Orlando is one of the most complex highway structures in the southeastern United States, and it continues to disorient even experienced local drivers during ongoing construction phases.

Florida’s weather adds another layer of risk. Afternoon thunderstorms develop with little warning and can drop several inches of rain in under an hour. Standing water on flat roads leads to hydroplaning. Reduced visibility in heavy rain causes rear-end collisions at highway speeds. Morning fog is common near water and in low-lying areas. Sun glare is a year-round problem, particularly during the morning and late afternoon commutes. The flat terrain offers no natural shading, and drivers heading east or west during those hours frequently cannot see traffic signals, vehicles stopped ahead of them, or pedestrians in crosswalks.

Distracted driving compounds all of it. Florida passed a hands-free law in 2019 restricting phone use while driving and requiring hands-free devices in school and work zones. Despite that, phone use behind the wheel remains common. Aggressive driving is also a persistent issue. Long commutes, construction delays, and the general unpredictability of Florida traffic contribute to short tempers, and the resulting behaviors, including tailgating, sudden lane changes, and failure to yield, turn everyday congestion into serious accident scenarios.

Tourists and Out-of-State Drivers

Florida is the most visited state in the country. Disney World, Universal Studios, the beaches, the cruise ports, and the theme parks of Central Florida draw visitors from every state and dozens of countries. That is a significant economic benefit. It also means that on any given day, a substantial portion of the drivers on Florida roads have no familiarity with where they are, how the roads work, or what Florida traffic law requires of them.

Out-of-state drivers bring the traffic rules of their home states with them, and those rules are not always the same as Florida’s. Requirements around school zone speeds, pedestrian right of way, move-over obligations for stopped vehicles, and how fault is assigned after a crash vary from state to state. Drivers who have never encountered a Florida U-turn median or a diverging diamond interchange respond to them the way anyone would encountering something unfamiliar at highway speed: they hesitate, brake suddenly, or make the wrong decision.

Rental cars add another dimension to the problem. A large share of tourists in Central Florida are driving vehicles they have never operated before, with unfamiliar controls, mirror positions, and blind spots. Many are simultaneously navigating with a phone or a dashboard GPS system, making routing decisions in real time while trying to stay in the correct lane. Every time navigation announces a turn, the driver is processing new information under time pressure, and that cognitive load takes attention away from the road.

International visitors create additional complexity. Travelers from countries where driving is on the left side of the road must consciously override instinct every time they get behind the wheel. In low-stress situations, that works well enough. In a high-stress moment, such as an unexpected merge, a sudden stop, or an unfamiliar intersection, instinct can override conscious adjustment. Beyond that, speed limits, road markings, yield conventions, and right-of-way rules differ significantly from country to country. An honest mistake rooted in unfamiliarity with American traffic law can still cause a serious crash.

Seasonal patterns intensify all of this. Florida’s tourist traffic is not evenly distributed across the year. Winter months bring snowbirds from the Northeast and Midwest. Summer brings peak theme park attendance. During those periods, the concentration of unfamiliar drivers on Central Florida roads reaches its highest point, and the crash statistics reflect it. The stretch of I-4 between Tampa and Daytona Beach is consistently ranked among the most dangerous interstates in the country, and tourist traffic is a significant contributing factor.

Being hit by an out-of-state or international driver does not eliminate your ability to recover compensation. Florida law applies to accidents that occur on Florida roads regardless of where the other driver is from. What it does mean is that tracing insurance coverage, dealing with out-of-state policies, and ensuring the responsible party is held accountable can be more complicated than a typical in-state accident. It’s important to work with a top Florida car accident lawyer to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

Florida’s No-Fault System and Personal Injury Protection

One of the most important things to understand about car accidents in Florida is that the state operates under a no-fault insurance system. This changes the process in ways that surprise many people, including lifelong Florida residents.

In a no-fault state, your own auto insurance policy is the first source of payment for your medical expenses after a crash, regardless of who caused it. You do not go after the other driver’s insurance first for your medical bills. You go to your own. The coverage that handles this is called Personal Injury Protection, or PIP. Florida Statute 627.736 requires every registered vehicle in the state to carry a minimum of $10,000 in PIP coverage. This coverage extends to you, your household members, and passengers in your vehicle, and in some circumstances to pedestrians and cyclists as well.

PIP pays 80 percent of your reasonable and necessary medical expenses up to the policy limit. It also covers 60 percent of lost wages if your injuries prevent you from working. These benefits apply regardless of fault. Even if you caused the accident, your PIP covers your medical bills. That is the core of what no-fault means.

There is a critical distinction in how PIP benefits are structured that directly affects how much money is available to you. If your treating physician determines that you have an Emergency Medical Condition, your full $10,000 in PIP coverage is available for medical expenses. If your condition does not meet that threshold, your PIP benefits are capped at $2,500. That is a reduction of $7,500 from what you might otherwise have access to, and it turns on a determination made at your first medical visit. This is why going to an emergency room or urgent care center immediately after a crash, and seeing a provider who can make that determination, matters so much.

The 14-day rule is equally important and far less forgiving. Florida law requires you to seek initial medical treatment within 14 days of the accident to access any PIP benefits at all. There are no extensions. There are no exceptions. If you wait longer than 14 days, even by one day, you forfeit your right to use your PIP coverage entirely. The $10,000 is simply gone. This catches people every week. They feel okay after the crash, they decide to see how things develop, and by the time the pain becomes undeniable, the window has closed. The adrenaline response that masks pain in the immediate aftermath of a collision is not an indication that you are uninjured. It is a reason to get checked out before you know for certain.

PIP is a starting point, not a complete solution. It does not cover property damage to your vehicle. It does not cover pain and suffering. And it does not provide full coverage when medical bills exceed $10,000, which happens regularly in serious accidents. To pursue the at-fault driver for those additional damages, including pain and suffering, future medical expenses, and full lost wages, you must meet Florida’s serious injury threshold under F.S. 627.737 and build a documented case that supports those damages. That is where the legal process becomes more involved and where having experienced representation makes a significant difference.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Florida consistently ranks among the highest states in the country for uninsured drivers. Estimates put the percentage of Florida drivers carrying no auto liability insurance somewhere between 20 and 26 percent. On a busy Florida highway, roughly one in four or five drivers around you may have no coverage at all.

What that means practically is that if one of those drivers causes an accident and injures you, there is no liability policy to make a claim against. Your PIP will cover the first $10,000 in medical bills. Beyond that, without the right coverage in place, you may have nowhere to turn.

Uninsured Motorist coverage, commonly called UM coverage, is the protection that fills that gap. It is a type of coverage you purchase as part of your own auto insurance policy. When an at-fault driver has no insurance, or when their insurance limits are too low to cover the full extent of your injuries and losses, your UM coverage steps in. It pays for medical expenses beyond your PIP benefits, pain and suffering that PIP does not cover at all, lost wages beyond the 60 percent PIP provides, future medical treatment and long-term care, and permanent impairment or disability.

The underinsured motorist variation of this coverage applies when the at-fault driver has some insurance, just not enough. Florida law sets a minimum liability requirement, but many drivers carry only that minimum. If your injuries result in damages well above that threshold, the at-fault driver’s policy can be exhausted long before your losses are covered. Underinsured motorist coverage bridges the gap between what their policy pays and what your actual damages are.

Florida law requires insurers to offer UM and UIM coverage to every auto policyholder. It does not require you to accept it. If you decline it, you typically must do so in writing. Many people sign that waiver without fully understanding what they are giving up. If you are not certain whether your current policy includes UM or UIM coverage, check your declarations page. If that coverage is not there, adding it is relatively inexpensive and could matter enormously if you are ever hit by an uninsured driver.

Florida also allows you to choose between stacked and non-stacked UM coverage. Stacked coverage lets you combine the UM limits across multiple vehicles on your policy, multiplying the protection available. Non-stacked limits your coverage to the policy limit on the specific vehicle involved in the accident. Stacked coverage costs more, but the additional protection it provides is substantial, particularly if you have more than one vehicle insured under the same policy.

Hit-and-run accidents are another situation where UM coverage becomes your primary resource. When a driver strikes your vehicle and leaves the scene without stopping, there is no insurance company to file a claim against. Your own UM policy handles the recovery for damages beyond PIP. In Florida, where hit-and-run crashes are not uncommon, this is not a hypothetical risk. It is a real one that happens regularly. A 

What to Do After a Florida Car Accident

The steps you take in the hours immediately following a crash have a direct impact on both your health and your legal rights. The most important actions are straightforward, but they need to happen quickly. Here’s what you should do after a Florida car accident:

Get medical attention on the day of the accident if at all possible, and no later than within the 14-day window. Go to an emergency room or urgent care center where a physician can evaluate you, document your injuries, and make an Emergency Medical Condition determination if warranted. That visit creates the medical record your case is built on and preserves your access to the full $10,000 in PIP benefits.

Call the police and request an accident report, regardless of how minor the crash appears. Do not rely on an informal exchange of information at the scene. An official report documents the facts while they are fresh and provides your insurance company with something concrete to work from.

Photograph everything you can at the scene: the positions of the vehicles, damage to all cars involved, road conditions, skid marks, traffic signals, and any visible injuries. Collect the other driver’s insurance information, driver’s license number, and license plate. Get contact information from any witnesses before they leave.

Notify your own insurance company of the accident, but be cautious about giving recorded statements to any insurer, including your own, before you understand your rights. Insurance adjusters are experienced at asking questions in ways that can reduce the value of your claim. You are not required to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company at all. Before you do so, speaking with an attorney is worth the time.

Florida’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident under the current law. That window sounds generous, but building a strong case takes time, evidence disappears, and witnesses become harder to locate. The sooner you take action, the better positioned you are to protect your recovery. If you were involved in a car crash in Florida, contact a Florida car crash lawyer as soon as possible.

True Brand Partners With Rick Ware Racing

Company Will Promote Its Fuel Juels Product on Cody Ware’s No. 51 Chevrolet at Kansas

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (April 16, 2026) – True Brand, a women-owned automotive additive manufacturer, has joined Rick Ware Racing (RWR) with its product line featured across RWR’s diverse motorsports platform, which includes the NASCAR Cup Series, NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, Progressive American Flat Track, FIM World Supercross Championship and grassroots Late Model racing.

True Brand and its Fuel Juels product – the only time-released fuel treatment on the market – will serve as the primary partner for driver Cody Ware and his No. 51 Chevrolet in the AtriumHealth 400 NASCAR Cup Series race Sunday at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City.

“We’re proud to welcome True Brand to Rick Ware Racing,” said team owner Rick Ware. “They’re a forward-thinking, women-owned company, and their Fuel Juels product is a perfect example of the kind of innovation they bring to the automotive industry. Having True Brand represented across all of our programs speaks to the strength of this partnership.”

True Brand performance additives and treatments can be used in all types of engines, fuel systems, gear/transmissions and hydraulic systems. True Brand’s patent-pending formula in Fuel Juels restores fuel mileage, increases engine compression, and safely removes water attraction commonly found in ethanol-blended fuels.

“RWR’s reach across multiple racing disciplines gives us an incredible platform to introduce our technology-driven products to passionate fans and automotive enthusiasts who understand the importance of performance, reliability and innovation,” said Amber Kossak, co-founder of True Brand with Crystal Mathews. “Fuel Juels was developed to deliver real-world performance benefits, and there is no better environment to highlight that than motorsports.”

Since 1976, True Brand’s family of products have been used in the automotive, phosphate, citrus, railroad, steel, coal and entertainment industries. Today, True Brand has more than 30 distributors with an international footprint spanning 21 countries.

“Partnerships like this are always special because they connect what we do on the racetrack with products people use in the real world,” said Cody Ware, who made his milestone 150th career NASCAR Cup Series start last Sunday at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway. “In racing, everything is about maximizing efficiency and getting the most out of your equipment, and that’s exactly what True Brand and Fuel Juels represent. It’s an honor to have them on our No. 51 Chevrolet this weekend at Kansas.”

Ware always looks forward to racing at Kansas. The 1.5-mile oval on the outskirts of Kansas City has produced high speeds and daring, side-by-side racing since debuting on the NASCAR Cup Series schedule in 2001. Its sweeping, D-shaped layout allows drivers to explore multiple racing lines, and its smooth surface provides a consistent feel, instilling much-needed confidence when throwing a 3,400-pound racecar into a corner at around 170 mph.

“Kansas is a mile-and-a-half track that’s in great condition. No bumps, no wear, you can pretty much run that track from top to bottom,” Ware said. “If you want to run the apron, you can run the apron. If you want to run the wall, you can run the wall. And you can run any combination of lanes in between.”

Ware’s Kansas weekend begins Saturday with a one-hour practice at 3 p.m. CDT/4 p.m. EDT followed by qualifying at 4:10 p.m. CDT/5:10 p.m. EDT. Prime Video and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio will provide live coverage of both. Sunday’s AtriumHealth 400 goes green at 1 p.m. CDT/2 p.m. EDT with live, flag-to-flag coverage delivered by FOX and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

About Rick Ware Racing:

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

ROCKSTAR ENERGY PARTNERS WITH 23XI RACING AND NASCAR STAR TYLER REDDICK, MARKING BOLD NEW ERA IN MOTORSPORTS

23XI Racing driver Tyler Reddick’s historic start to the 2026 season marks a powerful beginning to Rockstar’s renewed investment in NASCAR

LOS ANGELES, April 16, 2026 — Rockstar Energy has partnered with NASCAR Cup Series star Tyler Reddick and 23XI Racing, announcing the brand’s return to NASCAR and becoming the first of many new brand investments in elite sports performance.

Reddick, driver of the No. 45 Toyota Camry XSE for 23XI Racing, has electrified the racing world to open the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season. He became the first driver in the sport’s 78-year history to win the first three races of the season and only the third driver in Cup history to win four of the first six races. Reddick and 23XI’s breakout start to the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season makes them a powerful partner to Rockstar, which is opening its own new chapter in motorsports.

Reddick’s grit and determination on the track embody Rockstar’s LIVE LOUD™ identity – core to the brand’s evolution. The partnership with Reddick and 23XI marks the first of many moves as Rockstar expands deeper into music and sport, championing artists and athletes who are redefining culture by embodying the LIVE LOUD™ identity.

“Joining Rockstar Energy now is the right fit for both of us,” Reddick said. “From day one, it was clear we share that winner-take-all attitude. I’m fired up to rep the yellow star with the No. 45 team and bring Rockstar to victory lane this season.”

As part of the partnership with Rockstar, Reddick will be featured in the brand’s marketing campaigns, digital content, and on-track integrations. Reddick will compete in the Rockstar-branded No. 45 Toyota at select races during the 2026 Cup Series season, starting April 26th at Talladega Superspeedway, wearing a Rockstar-branded fire suit and helmet. Rockstar branding will be seen across the No. 45 team’s equipment and hauler throughout the season.

“Partnering with Tyler Reddick brings authenticity to a brand built around our LIVE LOUD™ culture and embracing life to the fullest. He’s fearless, high-energy, and thrives in high-stakes moments,” said Steve Mateus, Senior Director of Sports and Music at Rockstar Energy. “His relentless drive mirrors a mindset of pushing limits, making him a natural extension of a brand that celebrates intensity, individuality, and unapologetic ambition.”

23XI Racing leadership also emphasized the significance of the partnership as the team continues to expand its competitive and commercial footprint.

“Our goal is always to surround our drivers with partners that reflect their discipline, grit, and commitment to excellence and Rockstar’s ambition and support for Tyler signaled exactly that. Aligning with an athlete and team performing at this level speaks volumes to where the brand is headed in this new chapter,” said Steve Lauletta, 23XI team president. “Together, Rockstar and Tyler are poised to bring a lot of excitement to the track this season, and we look forward to seeing the partnership come to life.”

Reddick’s historic start to the season positions him as a championship frontrunner and one of the most talked-about athletes in motorsports. With Rockstar’s aggressive return to the sport, the partnership is poised to bring even more excitement to NASCAR this year.

About Rockstar Energy
Since 2001, Rockstar has stood for more than just energy – it’s a movement built for the bold, for those who defy limits and refuse to blend in. Our 16oz fearless flavors continue to break the mold and fuel a culture of creativity, inspiring you to live life at full volume and become legendary.  Get Ready. LIVE LOUD™. Rockstar Energy. Visit www.rockstarenergy.com and follow Rockstar Energy on InstagramFacebook, and TikTok for more information.

About 23XI Racing
23XI Racing – pronounced twenty-three eleven – was founded by NBA legend Michael Jordan and three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin in 2020. With rising NASCAR star Bubba Wallace selected to drive the No. 23 Toyota Camry, the team made its NASCAR Cup Series debut in the 2021 Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Wallace made history on October 4, 2021, when he captured his first career Cup Series win, becoming just the second African American to win in the Cup Series, and earning 23XI its first-ever victory. 23XI expanded to a two-car organization in 2022 with Cup Series Champion and Hall of Famer Kurt Busch driving the No. 45 Toyota Camry. With a win at Kansas Speedway in May of 2022, Busch earned 23XI the team’s first-ever playoff berth. Tyler Reddick joined the team in 2023 to drive the No. 45 car. In 2024, Reddick won the Regular Season Championship and raced to a spot in the Championship 4, a first for both the team and Reddick. In 2026, Reddick made history by winning the first three Cup Series races of the season, including the Daytona 500. 23XI currently features the lineup of Bubba Wallace in the No. 23 Toyota Camry XSE, Tyler Reddick in the No. 45 Toyota Camry XSE and Riley Herbst in the No. 35 Toyota Camry XSE. Corey Heim currently serves as the team’s development driver and races occasionally in the No. 67 Toyota Camry XSE. The team operates out of Airspeed, a state-of-the-art facility in Huntersville, N.C.

The difference between watching football and understanding it

Think back to how you first got into football.

It probably wasn’t about tactics or analysis. It was simpler than that. You watched games because of the atmosphere, the noise, the goals, the feeling that anything could happen at any moment. You followed the ball, you celebrated when it hit the net, and that was enough.

And honestly, for a long time, that’s exactly how football is meant to be enjoyed.

But if you stick with it long enough, something changes without you really noticing.

You stop watching just for the big moments.

You start paying attention to everything in between.

The game slows down the more you watch it

At first, football feels fast.

Almost too fast. The ball moves quickly, players are constantly shifting, and it’s hard to take in everything that’s happening at once. You focus on the obvious things — who has possession, where the danger is, whether a goal might come.

But over time, the game doesn’t actually slow down.

You just start seeing it differently.

You begin to notice things earlier. A pass that looks simple suddenly feels important. A player drifting into space doesn’t go unnoticed anymore. You start spotting problems before they turn into chances.

That’s usually the moment when you realize you’re not just watching anymore.

You’re starting to understand.

It’s not about knowing tactics — it’s about noticing habits

There’s a common idea that understanding football means knowing formations, systems, or tactical names.

But most of the time, it’s much simpler than that.

It’s about habits.

You notice that a team keeps building down the same side. That a midfielder always looks for the same pass. That is a defense that gets uncomfortable when pushed back quickly. These aren’t complicated ideas, but they repeat often enough that they start to matter.

And once you see them once, you begin to see them again.

Some matches tell you everything — if you look twice

There are games where nothing really stands out at first.

A quiet first half, a few chances, maybe a goal, nothing spectacular. If you watch it once, you might say it was average and move on.

But if you think about it again later, or watch similar matches, you realize something was there.

Maybe one team kept finding space in the same area. Maybe the other side struggled to deal with a certain type of movement. It didn’t lead to much at the time, but it was building.

That’s the kind of thing you don’t fully catch when you’re just watching casually.

The difference shows up before the goals

Goals are what everyone reacts to.

But if you really watch closely, most goals don’t come out of nowhere.

There’s usually a warning.

A similar move a few minutes earlier. A chance that almost worked. A moment where the defense looked unsure but got away with it. Then it happens again, and this time it leads to something.

When you start recognizing those early signs, the game feels different.

You don’t just react to the goal.

You see it coming.

Why some results don’t feel right

Every fan has watched a match where the result just didn’t sit right.

You’ve probably said it yourself: “they didn’t deserve to lose” or “that scoreline doesn’t reflect the game.”

That feeling usually comes from noticing something beyond the result.

Maybe one team looked more comfortable on the ball. Maybe they created better chances but didn’t take them. Maybe the other team just had one moment and made it count.

When you understand football a bit more, those situations stand out more clearly.

You realise that results don’t always tell the full story.

You stop judging teams on one game

One of the biggest changes in how you see football is how you judge teams.

When you’re just watching casually, it’s easy to go from one extreme to another. A big win makes a team look great. A bad loss makes them look weak.

But once you start understanding the game, you look at things differently.

You start asking whether what you saw is something that happens often, or just something that happened once. Whether a performance is repeatable or just one of those games.

That shift is small, but it changes everything.

It becomes about “how” more than “what”

At some point, the question changes.

Instead of asking “what happened?”, you start asking “how did that happen?”

How did that team create those chances? How did they lose control of the midfield? Why did one side look comfortable and the other didn’t?

Those questions don’t always have simple answers.

But asking them is what moves you from watching to understanding.

This is where modern tools come in naturally

You don’t need tools to enjoy football.

But once you start asking those kinds of questions, it helps to have something that gives you a clearer picture.

Not opinions, not reactions, but something that looks at matches over time and shows you what keeps happening, not just what happened once.

That’s why more fans now turn to platforms like NerdyTips, not because they replace watching the game, but because they add context to it.

It’s like going back to a match and seeing the parts you missed the first time.

It fits into the routine without changing it

No one is changing how they watch football.

You still sit down for the match, still react to goals, still follow your team the same way.

But around that, small habits start to build.

You check a bit of context before the game. You look back at what actually happened afterwards. You compare what you felt during the match with what tends to happen over time.

That’s why many fans now look at football matches predictions and tips before games — not to “know the result”, but to have a better sense of what kind of match they’re about to watch.

The game becomes less random, but not less exciting

One of the surprising things about understanding football better is that it doesn’t make it boring.

If anything, it makes it more engaging.

Because even when a match is quiet, you can still see what’s happening underneath. You notice the small changes, the adjustments, the moments where something might shift.

And when it does, it makes sense.

Not completely, not perfectly, but enough to feel connected to what you’re watching.

You start trusting what you see — but differently

At the beginning, you trust what you see in a very direct way.

If a team wins, they were better. If they lose, they weren’t.

Later on, that trust becomes more layered.

You still believe what you see, but you question it more. You look for confirmation across different matches. You try to understand whether something is real or just temporary.

That doesn’t make you less of a fan.

It makes you a more aware one.

The gap isn’t huge — but it matters

The difference between watching and understanding football isn’t dramatic.

It’s not like flipping a switch.

It’s small things. Noticing a run. Recognizing a pattern. Questioning a result. Seeing a moment before it fully develops.

But those small things add up.

And over time, they completely change how you experience the game.

Conclusion

Football will always be about the feeling of the match.

The goals, the tension, the moments that stay with you long after the final whistle.

That part never changes.

But beneath all of that, there’s another layer — one that becomes clearer the more you watch, the more you think about it, the more you start connecting what you see from one match to the next.

Watching football is about being in the moment.

Understanding it is about seeing what links those moments together.

And once you get a glimpse of that, even just a little, you realize you’ve been looking at the same game all along — just not in the same way.

TEAM CHEVY INDYCAR RACE ADVANCE – Grand Prix Of Long Beach

CHEVROLET IN THE NTT INDYCAR SERIES
Grand Prix Of Long Beach
1.968-mile, 11 turn, Long Beach street circuit
Long Beach California
Race Advance
April 17-19, 2026

DETROIT (April 15, 2026) – The 2026 edition of the Acura Grand Prix Of Long Beach will be the 42nd NTT INDYCAR SERIES held on the Streets of Long Beach. After a small break, the Team Chevy drivers and teams are back to work on the 1.968-mile, 11 turn, Long Beach street circuit for the fifth round of 18 rounds that make up the championship.

An Important First

In 1984, the Chevrolet Indy V8, a 2.65L (162 cubic inch) turbocharged bespoke V8 racing engine began life as a contract with Ilmor to build an engine to take on the dominant engine in INDYCAR, the Cosworth DFX. While recovering from serious foot injuries suffered at Sanair in 1984, Rick Mears spent much of late 1985 and early 1986 developing the new engine through the paces at airfields in the United Kingdom.

Team Penske, with Al Unser at the wheel, debuted the first full factory-backed Chevrolet at Phoenix on April 6, 1986. Mears and Unser split development for the first half of the 1986 season, before Mears took over in the second half.

When the 1987 Championship Auto Racing Teams season opener got underway in April, three teams with five drivers were utilizing the Chevrolet Indy V8.

  • Rick Mears and Danny Sullivan for Team Penske
  • Kevin Cogan and Emerson Fittipaldi for Patrick Racing
  • Mario Andretti for Newman Haas Racing

It became evident that the new engine was strong when Andretti qualified on pole, with Fittipaldi (3rd), Cogan (4th), and Sullivan (9th) qualifying in the top ten.

Early in the 95-lap race, Andretti was stalked closely by Fittipaldi, but went on to win by a lap when the Brazilian had a mechanical issue.

Photo courtesy of Penske Entertainment

After the race, Andretti had the following things to say:

To NBC’s Gary Gerould – “Well, I tell you, the car just ran fantastic. I’m so happy, because this is the first win for the Chevy, Chevrolet Indy engine, and we have a lot of new people on board. (when asked if there were any issues) None whatsoever. The car just ran perfect. When Fittipaldi was behind me, I tried to just run his pace, tried to regulate the car the best way, and not use any more than I had to. He definitely kept me honest, but I had a little more to go if I really needed it.”

To the Indianapolis News – “I could hear the Chevrolet buzzing just perfectly. Everything was fantastic. This is what I was naturally thinking about. There was no reason we shouldn’t finish because of the testing we do. The engine ran just impeccably.”

To the Los Angeles Times – “The engine was absolutely fantastic. Toward the end of the race, when a driver usually hears funny sounds from his engine, all I heard was the Chevrolet buzzing just perfect. The chassis, the gearbox, the engine were perfect. It was just one of those days when everything goes perfectly.”

Notable Numbers

4.3 – the average starting position of David Malukas (Team Penske), who is tied for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES best with Álex Palou.
6 – the number of different countries represented by Team Chevy drivers – United States (6) – Denmark (2) – Brazil (1) – Mexico (1) – Netherlands (1) – New Zealand (1)
9 – the number of wins by current Team Chevy teams, Arrow McLaren and ECR
12 – the number of drivers representing Team Chevy at the Grand Prix Of Long Beach
13 – the number of driver championships won by Chevrolet all-time
32 – the number of spots Christian Lundgaard (Arrow McLaren), has finished ahead of where he has started, the highest in the series
33 – the number of wins by Josef Newgarden, the winningest Team Chevy driver all-time
40 – the number of different drivers that have won INDYCAR races while powered by Chevrolet
42 – the number of different tracks that Chevrolet-powered cars have won
42 – the number of drivers that have an earned pole for Team Chevy, after David Malukas added his name to the list at Phoenix Raceway
100 – the percentage of laps Team Chevy drivers Christian Lundgaard (Arrow McLaren), David Malukas (Team Penske), Scott McLaughlin (Team Penske), Josef Newgarden (Team Penske), Pato O’Ward (Arrow McLaren) and Alexander Rossi (ECR) have completed this season
125 – the number of Bowtie-backed wins by Team Penske since their first at Pocono Raceway by Rick Mears in 1987
128 – the number of wins by Chevrolet since the introduction of the 2.2L Twin-Turbo V6 in 2012
143 – the number of earned poles by Chevrolet-powered teams since the introduction of the 2.2L Twin-Turbo V6 in 2012
238 – the number of wins by Chevrolet-powered cars in INDYCAR all-time
247 – the number of earned poles by Chevrolet-powered cars in INDYCAR all-time
365 – the number of podiums by Chevrolet-powered teams since the introduction of the 2.2L Twin-Turbo V6 in 2012
681 – the number of podiums by Chevrolet-powered cars in INDYCAR all
What They’re Saying

A.J. Foyt Racing

Caio Collet, No. 4 Combitrans Amazonia Chevrolet:

You went back to Brazil after Barber, how did you celebrate your 24th birthday?

“I had dinner with family and friends, it was really nice.”

Since this will be your first time racing at Long Beach, how do you prepare for this weekend?

“Preparation has been focused on maximizing track knowledge before getting there. I’ve spent a lot of time on the simulator, studying onboard videos, braking references, and understanding how the track evolves over a weekend. Long Beach is very technical for a street circuit, so being precise and building confidence session by session will be key.”

Santino Ferrucci, No. 14 Homes For Our Troops Chevrolet:

Long Beach is such a tight and technical street circuit, what’s the biggest challenge you face there compared to other tracks?

“Some of the biggest challenges in Long Beach are getting the brake zones correct. With them being so long and the track not having a lot of grip like other street circuits, it’s very easy to gain or lose time in that area.”

How important is qualifying there, and how does it change your strategy going into the race?

“Qualifying is crucial. Last year I got into the wall and we had to start last, and we only ended up 11th primarily because of strategy and pace. It would be much better to start in the front and stay up front at this track.”

You’ve had some strong, aggressive drives on street circuits, how does the unique layout of Long Beach suit your driving style compared to other tracks?

“This track in particular is good for me because I do well with 90° corners and big brake zones. We have been struggling a little bit this year under braking, but it seems like in Barber, we’ve started to sort that out a little bit. We still have a little bit of work there and some gains to be made, but overall, I’m very confident in what we can bring this weekend.”

Arrow McLaren

Pato O’Ward, No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet:

“Long Beach fans always show up in a big way, and the atmosphere is amazing every time we come here. This circuit has always been a challenge for myself and the team. We know it won’t be an easy breeze of a weekend, but I’m looking forward to getting back into the car and making it a good one.”

Nolan Siegel, No. 6 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet:

“I’m looking forward to returning to my home state and to race at such a historic event in Long Beach. Last year, we earned a good starting position but fell short of a result that I felt we were capable of. We’ll look to capture that pace again and make our way forward.”

Christian Lundgaard, No. 7 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet:

“We’re building really good momentum with the 7 car group, and I’m excited to head back to Long Beach after finishing on the podium there last year. The goal is to be in the fight at the front again and take that next step. We’ve been close to that first win, and everyone is pushing hard to make it happen.”

ECR

Alexander Rossi, No. 20 ECR Liquid Science Orange Chevrolet:

“Racing in Long Beach is one of the things I look forward to the most each season! The event has an amazing atmosphere, and the track is awesome to drive. To top it off, being from California, this is a pseudo-home race for me, so it’s really great to be able to put on a show for friends and family.”

Christian Rasmussen, No. 21 ECR Liquid Science Arctic Freeze Chevrolet:

“We’ve shown strong pace to start the season, we just haven’t been able to put together the results yet. Long Beach feels like the perfect place to change that! It’s such a historic and iconic event, and I’m excited to be back in the Liquid Science car and ready for a strong weekend.”

Tune-In Guide

Friday

NTT INDYCAR SERIES Practice #1 – 6pm (ET)/5pm (CT)/4pm (MT)/3pm (PT) –FS1/ INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218
Saturday

NTT INDYCAR SERIES Practice #2 – 1:30pm (ET)/12:30pm (CT)/11:30am (MT)/10:30am (PT) – FS1/ INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218
NTT INDYCAR SERIES Qualifying – 6:30pm (ET)/5:30pm (CT)/4:30pm (MT)/3:30pm (PT) – FS1/ INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218
Sunday

NTT INDYCAR SERIES Warm Up – 1pm (ET)/noon (CT)/11am (MT)/10am (PT) – FS1/ INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218
Grand Prix Of Long Beach (90 laps) – 5:30pm (ET)/4:30pm (CT)/3:30pm (MT)/2:30pm (PT) – – FOX/INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218

Chevrolet History on the Streets of Long Beach

Wins – 12

2022 – Josef Newgarden – Team Penske

2016 – Simon Pagenaud – Team Penske

2015 – Scott Dixon – Chip Ganassi Racing

2014 – Mike Conway – ECR

2012 – Will Power – Team Penske

1993 – Paul Tracy – Team Penske

1992 – Danny Sullivan – Galles Racing

1991 – Al Unser Jr.. – Galles Racing

1990 – Al Unser Jr. – Galles Racing

1989 – Al Unser Jr. – Galles Racing

1988 – Al Unser Jr. – Galles Racing

1987 – Mario Andretti – Newman Haas Racing

Poles – 10

2021 – Josef Newgarden – Team Penske

2017 – Helio Castroneves – Team Penske

2016 – Helio Castroneves – Team Penske

2015 – Helio Castroneves – Team Penske

2012 – Ryan Briscoe – Team Penske

1991 – Michael Andretti – Newman Haas Racing

1990 – Al Unser Jr. – Galles Racing

1989 – Al Unser Jr. – Galles Racing

1988 – Danny Sullivan – Team Penske

1987 – Mario Andretti – Newman Haas Racing

Chevrolet Podiums: 32

Driver Podiums: Josef Newgarden (4), Al Unser Jr. (4), Emerson Fittipaldi (3), Will Power (3), Bob Rahal (3), Helio Castroneves (2), Scott Dixon (2), Danny Sullivan (2), Mario Andretti (1), Michael Andretti (1), Eddie Cheever (1), Mike Conway (1), James Hinchcliffe (1), Christian Lundgaard (1), Juan Montoya (1), Simon Pagenaud (1), Paul Tracy (1)

Team Podiums: Team Penske (15), Galles Racing (6), Chip Ganassi Racing (3), Newman Haas Racing (2), Rahal Hogan Racing (2), Andretti Global (1), Arrow McLaren (1), ECR (1), Patrick Racing (1)

Chevrolet Laps Led: 991

Driver Laps Led: Al Unser Jr. (395), Mario Andretti (108), Josef Newgarden (101), Paul Tracy (81), Helio Castroneves (78), Scott Dixon (68), Will Power (42), Simon Pagenaud (28), Christian Lundgaard (26), Danny Sullivan (24), Sting Ray Robb (12), Michael Andretti (5), Ryan Briscoe (5), Ryan Hunter-Reay (5), Augustin Canapino (3), Mike Conway (3), Charlie Kimball (3), Sebastian Saavedra (3), Sebastien Bourdais (1),

Team Laps Led: Galles Racing (402), Team Penske (352), Newman Haas Racing (113), Chip Ganassi Racing (71), Arrow McLaren (26), Juncos Hollinger Racing (15), Andretti Global (5), KV Racing Technology (4), ECR (3)

Manufacturer History on the Streets Of Long Beach

Wins (with competition)

15 – Honda (2025, 2024, 2023, 2021, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2013, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997, 1996)

12 – Chevrolet (2022, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2012, 1993, 1992, 1991, 1990, 1989, 1988, 1987)

3 – Cosworth (1986, 1985, 1984)

1 – Ilmor (1994)

1 – Mercedes (1995)

Poles (with competition)

13 – Honda (2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2019, 2018, 2014, 2013, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1997, 1996)

10 – Chevrolet (2021, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2012, 1991, 1990, 1989, 1988, 1987)

5 – Ford (2002, 1998, 1995, 1993, 1992)

3 – Cosworth (1986, 1985, 1984)

1 – Ilmor (1994)

Historical Chevrolet in the INDYCAR SERIES information

  • INDYCAR SERIES Manufacturer Championships (since 1979)
  • Chevrolet-Powered Wins in the Twin-Turbo 2.2L V6 Era (2012-present)
  • Chevrolet-Powered Wins – All-Time

About General Motors

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

GM Motorsports, including the Cadillac Formula 1® Team develops and proves advanced technologies in the most demanding environments, accelerating innovation in performance, safety, efficiency, and electrification for its production vehicles. Cadillac Racing is one of the leading manufacturers in the IMSA and FIA World Endurance Championships (WEC). Chevrolet competes in single seaters in the US INDYCAR series, and in NASCAR with multiple team partners and drivers. Corvette customer teams compete in GT series across the globe including IMSA and WEC. Learn more at GM.com.

Young’s Motorsports Kansas Speedway NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Team Preview

Young’s Motorsports | NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series
KansasSpeedway | Kansas Lottery 300

Fast Facts

No. 02 Young’s Motorsports Team:
Driver: Ryan Ellis
Primary Partner(s): Tablo TV
Manufacturer: Chevrolet Camaro
Crew Chief: Eddie Troconis
2026 Driver Points Position: 28th
2026 Owner Points Position: 33rd
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 Kansas Lottery 300 at Kansas Speedway 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 173 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 10th of 33 O’Reilly Auto Parts Series races this season, Young’s Motorsports welcomes back Tablo TV as the primary partner on the No. 02 Chevrolet Camaro for Saturday’s 200-lap event.

Tablo provides fans with an affordable way to access live, local broadcast television — including racing and other major sporting events — without a monthly subscription.

Through a simple setup that includes a Tablo device and antenna, viewers can enjoy major networks such as NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX, ION and The CW, along with recording functionality and multi-device streaming capability.

With just a one-time device purchase of about $100, an antenna, internet connection and the free Tablo TV app, customers can watch live, local broadcast coverage of racing, local news, live sports, classic shows and more for free.

Families can stream on multiple devices at once, making it easy to catch the big race in one room and a show in another. Simple, affordable, and endlessly entertaining — Tablo TV brings America’s most popular TV back to fans for free.

All NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series races will be broadcast live on The CW, and practices and qualifying can be streamed on The CW App. The CW can be watched, paused and recorded on Tablo TV, a subscription-free way to access 125+ broadcast and streaming channels.

Content and channels are subject to availability in your area.

Nuvyyo USA, a wholly owned subsidiary of The E.W. Scripps Company, is a successful technology company re-inventing the over-the-air television experience for the streaming age.

Tablo and Tablo TV are trademarks of Nuvyyo USA, LLC. All third-party trademarks, including logos, are the property of their respective owners.

For more information, visit TabloTV.com.

● Tablo Gives Fans More Ways to Watch NASCAR: Fans have even more ways to watch and record NASCAR action with Tablo, as 4th Generation Tablo DVR owners can now access and record The NASCAR Channel, delivering 24/7 free programming including classic races, delayed broadcasts of the current season, select live events, NASCAR Studios original content, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio’s The Morning Drive, bringing Tablo’s total to 106 free streaming channels — in addition to the ability to watch and record free local broadcast TV using a TV antenna and Tablo whole-home DVR.

● Now Available on Tablo: As recently announced, AMC Networks is excited to partner with Tablo TV to bring the AMC Thrillers brand onto the racetrack and showcase the free destination for a can’t-miss collection of heart-racing, edge-of-your-seat action.

Available to stream for free on Tablo TV, AMC Thrillers gives viewers access to pulse-pounding films, including Cabin Fever: Patient Zero, The Shed and more.

You can also stream some of TV’s most iconic shows for free, like the zombie apocalypse drama of The Walking Dead on The Walking Dead Universe channel, the golden age of advertising featured in Mad Men on the Stories by AMC channel, and more.

AMC Networks delivers the kind of can’t miss content that keeps audiences coming back, lap after lap.

● Ryan Ellis O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Kansas Speedway Stats: Saturday night’s battle under the lights in the Midwest marks Ellis’s sixth O’Reilly Auto Parts Series start at the 1.5-mile speedway.

In his previous five outings in the Heart of America, Ellis finished a track-best 17th after starting 23rd in the fall 2023 edition of the Kansas Lottery 300, driving for Alpha Prime Racing.

Overall, he holds an O’Reilly Auto Parts Series average finish of 26.4 at the track nestled in the City of Fountains.

The NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series returns to action Saturday, April 18, for the next race of the 2026 season with the running of the Kansas Lottery 300 at Kansas Speedway.

As part of a tripleheader weekend at the fast 1.5-mile intermediate oval, the action begins Saturday afternoon with the Tide 150 for the ARCA Menards Series before continuing Saturday night with the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series under the lights.

The weekend concludes Sunday, April 19, with the NASCAR Cup Series competing in the AdventHealth 400.

The 1.5-mile tri-oval of Kansas Speedway presents one of the fastest and most competitive challenges on the schedule, demanding precision, balance and patience as drivers search for speed across multiple grooves while navigating turbulent air and long green-flag runs.

With its progressive banking, wide racing surface and reputation for thrilling side-by-side battles, Kansas Speedway offers teams a unique challenge as they fight for track position while balancing tire wear and handling throughout the course of a run.

Ryan Ellis and Young’s Motorsports look to capitalize at Kansas as the No. 02 team continues its push through the 2026 campaign.

With one of NASCAR’s premier intermediate 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 Kansas, Ellis has 173 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 26.6 finish in series competition, including the past three seasons running full-time.

● Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway | Suburban Propane 300 Race Recap: The NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series made its traditional spring stop in western Tennessee at the famed Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway for last Saturday night’s Suburban Propane 300.

The second short track of the season presented further opportunities for Ellis and the Young’s Motorsports team to continue building their notebook while also learning more with their No. 02 Demco Chevrolet for the fall race in Thunder Valley.

After starting the 250-lap race in the 33rd position, Ellis maintained good pace and, through an array of strategies, was able to get back on the lead lap early in the race.

As the race progressed, Ellis began to adjust his race car’s handling, fighting for balance in the corners.

Despite that, Ellis remained composed, and in a race that featured minor attrition, Ellis was able to take the checkered flag in the 30th position.

Now, the team heads to Kansas Speedway for the second intermediate track race of the season, where the fast and wide 1.5-mile layout will offer Ellis and the Young’s Motorsports team another opportunity to apply what they learned earlier this year and continue building momentum in the 2026 campaign.

● 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 night, he will be the crew chief in his 31st NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race. In his previous 30 races, he has two top-10 finishes, most recently in the 2026 season-opener at Daytona International Speedway.

The season’s 10th race will serve as his first event atop the pit box at Kansas Speedway in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, although he has seven starts in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series at Kansas, which have produced a track-best of 13th with driver Austin Wayne Self in 2020.

● Young’s Motorsports’ NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Overview at Kansas Speedway: This weekend will mark Young’s Motorsports’ third and fourth starts in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series at Kansas Speedway.

In the organization’s previous races, the team earned a track-best 25th-place finish twice, most recently during last fall’s edition of the Kansas Lottery 300, with series veteran Anthony Alfredo behind the wheel.

In Kansas, the organization’s previous starts in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series have produced an average starting position of 30.0 and an average finish of 25.0.

Beyond its O’Reilly Auto Parts Series efforts, the team has also made 34 starts at Kansas Speedway in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series since 2012, with an average finish of 25.4

That stretch is highlighted by the organization’s best track Truck Series finish of 11th, earned by founding driver and current team principal Tyler Young in the series’ fourth race of the 2016 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 84 starts and earned one top-five and four top-10 finishes while maintaining an average starting position of 27.1 and an average finish of 24.4.

● 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 Quoteboard:

On Kansas Speedway: “Kansas Speedway is always a fun challenge because it’s a place where handling and track position matter so much throughout a run.

“It’s a fast, wide racetrack that gives drivers options, but you still have to stay ahead of the balance and make the right adjustments as the race goes on.

“Our team continues to learn every week, and I’m looking forward to getting to Kansas with Young’s Motorsports and seeing what we can build on this weekend.”

On Keys to Success at Kansas Speedway: “Kansas is one of those places where everything has to come together if you want to have a solid day.

“You have to keep up with the handling of your car throughout a run, execute on restarts and be ready to adjust because the track changes a lot, especially when the wind picks up.

“The wind can really affect how your car drives in the corners and change your balance from one lap to the next, so staying ahead of that and making the right adjustments will be a big key for us this weekend.”

On Night Racing at Kansas Speedway: “There’s always something special about racing at Kansas under the lights.

“Night races bring a different kind of energy and atmosphere, and as the sun goes down, the track changes quite a bit, so you have to stay on top of your adjustments throughout the race.

“Kansas is already a fast, exciting place to race, and when you add the nighttime element to it, it makes for a really fun challenge behind the wheel.”

On Continued Partnership with Tablo TV: “It’s always great to continue building our relationship with Tablo TV and have them back on board with our Young’s Motorsports team this weekend.

“They’ve been a tremendous partner, and I’m proud to represent a brand that continues to support both our team and my racing efforts.

“We’re grateful for their confidence in what we’re building together, and hopefully we can put together a strong run at Kansas and give them something to cheer about Saturday night.”

On 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Goals: “Our goal for 2026 and beyond is still the same — continue to improve every weekend and build something sustainable together.

“We know the start of the season hasn’t gone exactly how we’ve wanted, but I feel like we’re continuing to make progress each week.

“There’s been a lot of effort behind the scenes and more speed in the car than the results have shown, and I think we’re starting to see that come together.

“Young’s Motorsports is putting in the work to take that next step, and I want to be a part of that. If we stay focused, clean up the little things and execute, the results will come.

“It’s about progress, chemistry and continuing to move forward.”

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: 35th

2026 Owner Points Position: 29th

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 Kansas Speedway.

Fan-favorite and open-wheel standout Nathan Byrd returns to the organization and will pilot the No. 42 Young’s Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro in the 10th 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 during his seventh career NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race at Rockingham (N.C.) Speedway. He has made additional NOAPS starts this season at Phoenix (Ariz.) Raceway, Las Vegas (Nev.) Motor Speedway and Darlington (S.C.) Raceway, respectively.

● All-Aboard! For the 10th of 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 200-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 Kansas Speedway Stats: Saturday night’s feature event marks Byrd’s inaugural NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series start at the increasingly popular 1.5-mile Kansas Speedway oval.

Byrd, however, does have two prior starts at Kansas Speedway in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, finishing a track-best 19th after starting 32nd in the 2024 edition of the Kubota Tractor 200 for Young’s Motorsports.

The 1.5-mile tri-oval of Kansas Speedway presents one of the fastest and most competitive challenges on the schedule, demanding precision, balance and patience as drivers search for speed across multiple grooves while navigating turbulent air and long green-flag runs.

With its progressive banking, wide racing surface and reputation for thrilling side-by-side battles, Kansas Speedway offers teams a unique challenge as they fight for track position while balancing tire wear and handling throughout the course of a run.

Byrd and Young’s Motorsports look to capitalize at Kansas as the No. 42 team continues building chemistry and momentum throughout the 2026 campaign.

With one of NASCAR’s premier intermediate tracks on deck, the weekend provides another valuable opportunity for Byrd to gain experience, continue his development behind the wheel and further strengthen the team’s foundation as the season progresses.

● Nathan Byrd NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Career Stats: Entering Kansas, Byrd has seven NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series starts to his credit, highlighted by a career-best 16th-place finish in his series debut at Rockingham (N.C.) Speedway after starting 26th in the 2026 edition of the North Carolina Education Lottery 250 presented by Black’s Tire for Young’s Motorsports.

Since his 2024 debut, Byrd has recorded an average finish of 27.9 in series competition, adding starts at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course, Darlington (N.C.) Raceway, Las Vegas (Nev.) Motor Speedway, New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Rockingham (N.C.) Speedway and Phoenix (Ariz.) 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 night, he will be the crew chief in his 172nd NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race. In his previous 171 races, he has four top-five and 14 top-10 finishes.

The season’s 10th race will be his seventh tango at Kansas Speedway as crew chief in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.

In his previous leadership effort at Kansas, Abbott earned a track-best sixth-place finish, with driver Jeremy Clements in the 2019 edition of the Kansas Lottery 300.

● Young’s Motorsports’ NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Overview at Kansas Speedway: This weekend will mark Young’s Motorsports’ third and fourth starts in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series at Kansas Speedway.

In the organization’s previous races, the team earned a track-best 25th-place finish twice, most recently during last fall’s edition of the Kansas Lottery 300, with series veteran Anthony Alfredo behind the wheel.

In Kansas, the organization’s previous starts in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series have produced an average starting position of 30.0 and an average finish of 25.0.

Beyond its O’Reilly Auto Parts Series efforts, the team has also made 34 starts at Kansas Speedway in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series since 2012, with an average finish of 25.4

That stretch is highlighted by the organization’s best track Truck Series finish of 11th, earned by founding driver and current team principal Tyler Young in the series’ fourth race of the 2016 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 84 starts and earned one top-five and four top-10 finishes while maintaining an average starting position of 27.1 and an average finish of 24.4.

● 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 Quoteboard:

On Kansas Speedway: “I’m really looking forward to making my NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series debut at Kansas Speedway this weekend.

“Kansas is a fast, challenging racetrack, but thankfully, I’ve been able to get some laps there in the Truck Series before, so I’m hopeful I can take what I learned from those experiences and apply it this weekend.

“Every lap and every race is an opportunity to keep learning and improving, and I’m excited to get out there with Young’s Motorsports and see what we can accomplish together.”

On Kansas Speedway Goals: “My biggest goal for Kansas is to maximize every lap and continue learning throughout the weekend.

“Any time you go to a fast intermediate track like Kansas, experience is huge, so for me it’s about taking care of the car, staying disciplined and continuing to build confidence as the race goes on.

“If we can execute, stay out of trouble and be there at the end, I think it will be a successful weekend for our team.”

On Fifth O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Opportunity with Young’s Motorsports: “I’m excited for another opportunity with Young’s Motorsports as we head into my fifth NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race together.

“Every time I get behind the wheel, I feel like I’m learning more and getting more comfortable with the car, the competition and everything that comes with racing at this level.

“The team has done a great job helping me continue to grow, and I’m thankful for the confidence they’ve shown in me.

“Hopefully, we can keep building on what we’ve accomplished so far and continue trending in the right direction this weekend.”

On the Most Recent NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Race at Rockingham Speedway: “Rockingham was definitely a confidence boost for our whole team and me. To come away with a career-best finish in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and see the progress we’ve been making was really rewarding.

“We continue to learn every time we hit the track, and I feel like we’re building more chemistry and confidence each week.

“Hopefully we can keep carrying that momentum forward and continue putting together solid runs.”

Race Information:

The Kansas Lottery 300 (300 laps | 200 miles) is the 10th of thirty-three (33) NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series races on the 2026 schedule. Practice will occur on Fri., April 17, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 6:50 p.m. Qualifying will immediately follow, beginning at 7:05 p.m. The field will take the green flag the next evening, shortly after 6:00 p.m. (7:00 p.m. ET), with live coverage on The CW Network, the Motor Racing Network (Radio) and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90. All times are local (CT).

RFK Racing – Kansas I Advance

Kansas Event Info:
Date: Sunday, April 19th
Time: 2 p.m. ET
Series: NASCAR Cup Series (NCS)
Location: Kansas City, Kansas
Format: 267 Laps, 400.5 miles, Stages: 80-165-267
TV: FS1
Radio: PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Channel 90)

Weekend Schedule:
Saturday: 4:00 p.m. ET, Cup Practice (Prime, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
Saturday: 5:10 p.m. ET, Cup Qualifying (Prime, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
Sunday: 2 p.m. ET, Cup Race (FS1, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)

Pace Laps:

  • The NASCAR Cup Series heads to Kansas Speedway this weekend as the track hosts its first race of the 2026 season.
  • Jack Roush has four wins in the Cup Series at Kansas and nine overall, the most recent in 2012.
  • Kansas is one of 12 tracks that Brad Keselowski has driven to victory lane multiple times at during his Cup Series career. 2 Wins (6/11 & 5/19)
  • Chris Buescher enters Kansas Speedway ranking among the Cup Series leaders in average starting position and top‑10 finishes. In 20 career Cup starts at Kansas, Buescher has recorded five top‑10s, using consistent execution and track position to stay competitive.
  • Arriving at Kansas amid a career‑best season Ryan Preece highlighted by multiple top‑10s to start the 2026 season. In 12 Cup starts at Kansas Speedway, Preece owns one top‑10, with continued gains on intermediate tracks positioning the No. 60 team to build on that foundation this weekend.

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

17 Team Info:
Driver: Chris Buescher
Crew Chief: Scott Graves
Partner: Dillons / Gold Peak

60 Team Info:
Driver: Ryan Preece
Crew Chief: Derrick Finley
Partner: Kickstand Cocktails

Keselowski at Kansas Speedway
Starts: 32
Wins: 2 (2011, 2019)
Top-10s: 15
Poles: 2 (2015, 2021)

· Keselowski has made 32 NASCAR Cup Series starts at Kansas Speedway, where he is a two-time race winner (2011, 2019).

· The Michigan native has recorded 15 top-10 finishes at the 1.5-mile track, showcasing consistent performance throughout his career.

· Keselowski has also earned two pole awards at Kansas (2015, 2021), highlighting his qualifying strength at the venue.

· Overall, Kansas stands as one of Keselowski’s more successful intermediate tracks, combining race-winning speed with long-term consistency.

Buescher at Kansas Speedway
Starts: 20
Wins: —
Top-10s: 5
Poles: —

· Buescher enters Kansas Speedway with 20 career Cup Series starts, continuing to look for his first victory at the track.

· He has recorded five top-10 finishes at Kansas, demonstrating steady improvement over recent seasons.

· Buescher’s Kansas résumé reflects solid race-day execution with the ability to stay competitive throughout long green-flag runs.

· With prior success on intermediate tracks, Kansas presents another opportunity for the No. 17 team to contend inside the top-10 and even for the victory.

Preece at Kansas Speedway
Starts: 12
Wins: —
Top-10s: 1
Poles: —

· Preece has made 12 NASCAR Cup Series starts at Kansas Speedway, gaining valuable experience at the high-speed intermediate track.

· His best Kansas result to date is a top-10 finish, showing flashes of competitiveness as his program continues to progress.

· Kansas remains a key venue for Preece and the No. 60 team to build momentum and improve on mile-and-a-half performance.

· With continued gains on intermediate tracks, Preece looks to convert experience into stronger finishes at Kansas.

RFK Historically at Kansas
Cup Wins: 4 (Martin, 2005; Biffle, 2007; Biffle, 2010; Kenseth, 2012)

· Early Success at Kansas: RFK Racing found early success at Kansas Speedway, earning its first Cup Series victory at the 1.5-mile track in 2005 with Mark Martin behind the wheel. That win marked the organization’s breakthrough moment at the Kansas venue and set the stage for future success.

· RFK in Victory Lane at Kansas: RFK has recorded four NASCAR Cup Series victories at Kansas Speedway, accomplished by three different drivers — Mark Martin (2005), Greg Biffle (2007, 2010), and Matt Kenseth (2012). Those wins highlight the organization’s sustained competitiveness at the intermediate track.
· Continued Multi‑Series Success: In addition to Cup success, RFK has visited victory lane at Kansas across multiple NASCAR divisions. The team earned two O’Reilly Auto Parts Series (Xfinity) wins at the track with Matt Kenseth (2002) and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (2012). RFK also claimed three NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series victories at Kansas with Jimmy Wood (2003) and Carl Edwards (2004, 2007).
· Kansas Consistency Across Eras: From the early 2000s through the 2010s, RFK has consistently contended at Kansas Speedway, producing victories in the Cup, Xfinity, and Truck Series over a span of more than a decade. That longevity underscores the organization’s ability to adapt and perform at the high-speed intermediate venue.
RFK Kansas Wins

2005 Martin Cup 2007 Biffle Cup

2010 Biffle Cup

2012 Kenseth Cup

2002 Kenseth NOAPS

2012 Stenhouse NOAPS

2003 Wood NCTS

2004 Edwards NCTS

2007 Edwards NCTS

Last Time Out & Where They Stand
Bristol: Bristol Motor Speedway once again delivered a bruising, high‑intensity battle, and RFK Racing rose to the challenge with all three teams fighting through adversity to finish inside the top 15. Ryan Preece led the RFK charge with an impressive late‑race rally, surging forward in the final stage to secure an eighth‑place finish after steady gains throughout the night. Chris Buescher showed consistent speed and discipline, working through handling challenges and leveraging smart strategies including a late two‑tire call — to bring home a solid 13th. Brad Keselowski capped the night with another gritty performance, rebounding from an early spin and a late pit‑road speeding penalty to recover and finish 14th, underscoring the team’s resilience on one of the sport’s most demanding tracks.

Points Standings: Buescher: 10th, Keselowski: 11th, Preece: 14th

How Technology Reliability is Important

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

In motorsports, the difference between winning and losing is often measured in fractions of a second. Teams spend millions optimizing engines, aerodynamics, and driver performance to gain even the smallest advantage.

But there’s another factor that plays a critical role on race day technology reliability.

Behind every car on the track is a network of digital systems working in real time. From telemetry data to communication tools, modern racing depends heavily on technology operating without interruption.

The Digital Backbone of Racing Teams

Today’s race teams rely on more than just mechanical engineering. Each vehicle is equipped with sensors that collect and transmit data throughout a race.

This includes:

– Engine performance metrics 
– Tire wear and temperature 
– Fuel consumption 
– Braking patterns 
– Track conditions  

Engineers analyze this data instantly to make decisions that can impact race outcomes. Whether it’s adjusting strategy, calling for a pit stop, or managing tire usage, these decisions depend on accurate and timely information.

If the system delivering that data fails, even briefly, the consequences can be immediate.

When Seconds Matter, Systems Must Be Reliable

Motorsports operate in an environment where delays are unacceptable.

A minor disruption, such as a lag in data transmission or a communication breakdown, can lead to missed opportunities. Drivers may receive outdated instructions, engineers may make decisions based on incomplete data, and teams can lose their competitive edge.

Reliability is not just about performance, it’s about consistency.

The teams that succeed are often the ones that can trust their systems to perform under pressure, every single time.

Communication Is Everything on Race Day

Clear and uninterrupted communication between drivers and pit crews is essential. Strategy changes, safety alerts, and timing decisions all rely on fast and accurate communication channels.

Even a short interruption can create confusion during critical moments.

Maintaining these systems requires constant attention, monitoring, and updates. It’s not just about having advanced tools; it’s about ensuring they work when it matters most.

Interestingly, this same principle applies across industries. Whether managing a race team or handling sensitive client operations, reliable it support for law firms highlights how consistent system performance is critical wherever precision and trust are required.

The Risk of Digital Vulnerabilities

As racing becomes more connected, it also becomes more exposed.

Data transmission, remote systems, and cloud-based tools introduce potential vulnerabilities. Unauthorized access, system interference, or data disruption could impact not only performance but also competitive integrity.

Teams must now think beyond mechanical reliability and consider digital resilience as part of their overall strategy.

This includes:

– Securing communication channels 
– Monitoring system performance in real time 
– Maintaining updated software and hardware 
– Controlling access to sensitive data  

In a sport where information is a competitive advantage, protecting that information is essential.

Technology as a Competitive Edge

While technology introduces risks, it also provides opportunities.

Teams that effectively manage their digital infrastructure gain a significant advantage. Reliable systems allow for better decision-making, faster response times, and more efficient race execution.

Over time, this consistency becomes part of a team’s identity.

Just as drivers train for peak performance, the systems supporting them must also be maintained at the highest level.

Looking Ahead

Motorsports will continue to evolve as technology advances. Data analytics, artificial intelligence, and more sophisticated communication systems will play an even larger role in shaping race strategies.

With this evolution comes increased reliance on digital infrastructure.

Teams that prioritize reliability. Both mechanical and digital will be better positioned to compete at the highest level. Those who overlook it risk falling behind, not because of driver skill, but because of system performance.

In modern racing, speed is only part of the equation. Consistency, precision, and reliability complete it.