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NASCAR Top-10 Power Rankings: Nashville

By
Jeffrey Boswell
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Photo by Simon Scoggins for SpeedwayMedia.com

Denny Hamlin tops the list of the Power Rankings after the Cup Series race at Nashville.

1. Denny Hamlin: 

Hamlin won Stage 1 but couldn’t best Ryan Blaney for the win and settled for second at Nashville.

“That was my 700th career Cup start,” Hamlin said. “Most drivers will tell you that’s 699 more starts than you need to have a negative interaction with Carson Hocevar.”

2. William Byron:

Byron started second and finished fifth in the Cracker Barrel 400.

“It looks like Carson Hocevar has established himself as a force to be reckoned with,” Byron said. “And I reckon Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. will use force to reckon with Hocevar for wrecking him.”

3. Ryan Blaney: 

Blaney won Stage 2 at Nashville and finally broke through, holding off Carson Hocevar for Blaney’s first win of the season.

“Considering the number of DNF’s I had this season,” Blaney said, “my goal was just to finish the race. So finishing first is just gravy.”

4. Chase Elliott: 

Elliott finished 15th at Nashville.

“Ryan Blaney was awarded a Gibson guitar for winning the race,” Elliott said. “I think Ryan should get up with some people in the Penske Indy Car program and start a band, and maybe call themselves the ‘Modified Attenuators.'”

5. Christopher Bell:.

Bell survived a spin and finished 10th in the Cracker Barrel 400.

“I love going to Cracker Barrel,” Bell said. “When I visit Cracker Barrel, I feel like a kid again, because everyone there is at least 30 years older than me.”

6. Kyle Larson: 

Larson fought an ill-handling car for the duration of the Cracker Barrel 400, but surged late to post a solid eighth-place finish.

“After my experiences last week at Indy and Charlotte,” Larson said, “I think I’ll just stick with the ‘single’ next Memorial Day weekend. I learned that when you swing for the fences, sometimes you hit a ‘double.’ And sometimes, when you swing for the fences, you actually hit the fences.”

7. Joey Logano: 

Logano finished fourth at Nashville as Penske teammate Ryan Blaney snatched the win.

“That means all three Penske cars have qualified for the playoffs,” Logano said. “And I’m happy for just one of them.”

8. Tyler Reddick: 

Reddick finished ninth at Nashville.

“Me and my wife just welcomed a baby boy named ‘Rookie George Reddick,'” Reddick said. “That’s right, we named our baby ‘Rookie.’ He’s going to be the first kid forced to change his name on his second birthday.”

9. Ross Chastain: 

Chastain finished 11th at Nashville.

“I was looking for my second straight win,” Chastain said. “Watermelons were looking for a place to hide.”

10. Chase Briscoe: 

Briscoe started on the pole at Nashville and finished 17th.

“I had an early brake issue at Nashville,” Briscoe said. “My crew chief advised me to pump the brakes before I used them, and it all meant I had to pump the brakes on thoughts of winning the race.”

Note: The quotes in this article are fictional.

Cadillac at Le Mans: Test Day assignment

By
Official Release
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Four-car factory program aims to quickly work through programs for qualifying, race

DETROIT (June 3, 2025) – The 24 Hours of Le Mans is an evolving story. Quiet moments of contemplation and dreams of glory. Exhilaration powered by teamwork and execution. Emotion fueled by speed and competition.

Each will play out over 10 engaging days with the crescendo June 15. For 12 experienced and championship-winning drivers representing three Cadillac Racing teams and four Hypercars, the journey begins anew this weekend in western France.

Test Day on June 8 is the initial opportunity for drivers to stretch their legs on the 13.626-kilometer (8.467-mile) Circuit de la Sarthe. A pair of three-hour sessions is the allotment for the 21-car Hypercar field until they return three days later for the 90-minute qualifying practice.

The top 15 by lap time in that session advance to the June 12 dual Hyperpole – new for 2025 – in which the top 10 in the 20-minute first stage moves on to compete for the pole in the 15-minute second stage. Cadillac Racing qualified second and third in 2024.

“Test Day is important for us to make sure we understand what the Cadillac wants and doesn’t want for that track,” said Will Stevens, who will team with Alex Lynn and Norman Nato to drive the No. 12 Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA V-Series.R.

“We’re coming from a good foundation of what they’ve been using for the last few years. It’s just about us learning the car as quickly as we can and building going into race week because once you get to race week there’s only one session before qualifying. I feel we have good momentum on the team coming from Spa and looking to build on that with a good Test Day.”

Earl Bamber, Sebastien Bourdais and Jenson Button will share seat time in the No. 38 Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA V-Series.R, which is the second full-season Cadillac Racing representative in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC).

The 93rd edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans is the fourth round of the campaign, offering double points to the top 10-finishing full-time competitors. The No. 12 entry finished fifth and the No. 38 car placed sixth in the most recent race at Spa-Francorchamps.

The No. 101 Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing V-Series.R driven by Jordan Taylor, Ricky Taylor and Filipe Albuquerque and the No. 311 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R driven by Jack Aitken, Felipe Drugovich and Frederik Vesti are full-season IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship contenders entered to comprise the unprecedented four-car Cadillac Racing factory roster.

Bamber, who also drives the Whelen Cadillac in eight of the nine IMSA races, will see seat time in the No. 311 as Aitken’s time will be limited to the morning session because of a DTM race commitment.

“With all the Cadillac teams working together, it is a real strength to us this year, and I think with that four-car attack it brings us that edge,” Bamber said.

What they’re saying

No. 12 Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA V-Series.R

Alex Lynn: “Test Day is a crucial day, but at the same time it’s the third year of the car and we have good knowledge of the car around this track. I have to say if there’s one track that is a benchmark for JOTA, it is Le Mans. I’ve raced against them many times in LMP2 and know how good they are there. I have a lot of faith that we’re going to hit the ground running. I know the car well. I know the track well, and I know both of them together as well. We’re going there with good experience and quietly confident and try to put it together. The atmosphere is going to be great and it’s always good fun.”

Norman Nato: “Most exciting week of the year for the 24 hours of Le Mans. First time in Le Mans as a Cadillac driver, we obviously have big expectations as we are a top team, and Le Mans is the main target. We’ve shown great pace on different occasions this season despite the fact we are a new team. Collaboration between JOTA Cadillac is going well but still early process. We’ve consistently improved first couple of races to be ready for Le Mans. Good preparation in the simulator before the test day where it will be important to take as much information as possible before the race week. We feel ready for this big challenge and can’t wait to hit the track.”

Will Stevens: “A lot of preparation has gone into the race already. Le Mans as a whole seems like there’s a lot of track time, but it always ends up being a lot less track time than you think. The Test Day is important for us to make sure we understand what the Cadillac wants and doesn’t want for that track. We’re coming from a good foundation of what they’ve been using for the last few years. It’s just about us learning the car as quickly as we can and building going into race week because once you get to race week there’s only one session before qualifying. I feel we have good momentum on the team coming from Spa and looking to build on that with a good Test Day.”

No. 38 Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA V-Series.R

Earl Bamber: “I think we had a good Spa race and are going in the right direction. We scored our first points of the year as well, so to grab some points and fight back there was good to give us some momentum. Test Day is going to be a big one. It will be important to get Jenson a lot of laps in the Cadillac V-Series.R around there.”

Sebastien Bourdais: “I think Spa was a good rehearsal for the entire team with the 12 finishing fifth and the 38 finishing sixth. It was not straightforward; we dealt with the situations that were thrown at us. It felt like I raced and got in a bit of a groove. And I think we got some decent directions as well as far as setups are concerned with a car that I was a bit more used to last year. There will be an extensive test program on Test Day, so a lot of get done. If you manage to go through that day with a good rhythm, a good feel with the car and decent pace, then you set yourself up well for the big one. Looking forward to getting back on that awesome track and getting going with the program.”

Jenson Button: “I’m looking forward to returning to Le Mans with JOTA in the Cadillac Hypercar. The team has had great success at Le Mans in LMP2, and we’re quietly confident that the experience we collectively have at the track and with the car will benefit us. Test Day is important because of the limited track time before we move right into qualifying, so working through our program efficiently and effectively will go a long way in setting up the car for qualifying and the race. Le Mans always is a great atmosphere leading up to the race and then we get down to business.”

No. 101 Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing V-Series.R

Ricky Taylor: “It’s a big week for the whole team. We have a lot that we want to learn and get out of the team. Everybody on the team has so much to learn. It’s so much to get accomplished in one short day. And if experience tells us anything, you always leave that day wanting more. The track is dirty and there’s normally yellows and red flags, and the plan never works out like you think it will. But at least we kind of know that going into it. We’ll accomplish as much as we can and learn before the big week comes around.”

Jordan Taylor: “For us, as a team going to Le Mans for the first time, getting a day before the race week starts is super valuable. Every lap is going to be important. We’re going to be learning and gathering data. We’ll be trying to get as many laps as possible, just so in those days between Test Day and the race week the guys can kind of dig through data and understand what the car’s doing and what the drivers are asking for. So, it’s probably the most valuable data that we’ll have because it’s the most amount of track time. The track will be a little bit green because obviously no one’s done any laps on it. But we’re going to be learning the car on that track and the team’s going to be adjusting and learning what it’s like to be there, so it’s going to be an important day.”

Filipe Albuquerque: “Test Day is a relaxed day, but at the same time is a super important day. You need to straightaway do work, go through the drivers to get climatized to the track. I know Le Mans very well but, still, it’s going to be with a different car. We have settings on the car to adjust through all the corners. It’s 13 kilometers, so it’s a lot of settings to be adjusting on these complex cars. I’m proud to be part of Cadillac Racing to be working with 11 other drivers and go forward and bring the fight to the other guys. Again, we don’t want to be on a back foot on Test Day. We want to learn as much as we can and be more prepared as well for the race because, if you see the race week, you don’t have so much time to drive because you have one session and then it’s straightaway working for Hyperpole. It’s a long week, but it goes fast.”

No. 311 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R

Jack Aitken: “Testing is very limited at Le Mans with the nature of it being a street circuit rather than a permanent track, so every lap really matters even if the track will be quite dirty. It’s going to be very early in the week and there’s going to be a lot of track evolution as the week goes on, so it’s just to get our feet on the ground, hopefully have a strong start and get into improving the car early on. Laps are precious there and you want to build up a confidence as much as possible before you get to qualifying on Wednesday evening.”

Frederik Vesti: “First of all, Test Day is a really important day. It’s a day where the driver is sort of starting to find that rhythm that you need to carry on into the race and through the race. Obviously, the track will be quite dirty. It’s going to be just about track time and just to find the initial setup on the car as well. For me, obviously, I drove there last year in the LMP2 car, which is already a quick car, but the Cadillac is going to be a step up from there and there will be some track learning and car learning for sure. But I think the three races I’ve done with Cadillac so far has been really good preparation for Le Mans. It’s a huge event, so excited to get started.”

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5 Maintenance Mistakes Even Hardcore Car Enthusiasts Still Make

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

Even the most passionate gearheads—those who spend weekends under the hood and follow motorsports religiously—aren’t immune to simple car maintenance mistakes. While hardcore car enthusiasts often go above and beyond with performance upgrades, tuning, and detailing, the basics can sometimes fall through the cracks.

Here are five maintenance mistakes even experienced drivers still make—and how to avoid them.

1. Overlooking Brake Fluid

Ask most enthusiasts about their brakes, and they’ll talk about rotor sizes, pad materials, or caliper upgrades. But the brake fluid? Often an afterthought.

Brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air over time. That moisture lowers the boiling point of the fluid and compromises braking performance—especially under stress, like aggressive driving or track days. If you haven’t flushed your brake fluid in the last two years (or after heavy use), you’re risking spongy pedal feel and brake fade.

Pro Tip: Flush your brake fluid every 1–2 years, or immediately after any hard track use.

2. Ignoring Alignment After Suspension Work

Upgrading your suspension with coilovers, lowering springs, or sway bars? Awesome. But here’s where many enthusiasts drop the ball: not getting a proper alignment afterward.

Modifying suspension geometry affects toe, camber, and caster angles. Without a precise alignment, your car might handle poorly, wear tires unevenly, or even become dangerous to drive.

Even if you’re just replacing worn components (like bushings or control arms), alignment should be part of the process.

Pro Tip: Anytime you change major suspension components, get a four-wheel alignment immediately afterward. You can check out Locanto’s automotive services section to find a good shop near you.

3. Forgetting to Clean or Replace Air Filters Regularly

High-performance air intakes and filters are common upgrades. But even washable, reusable filters require routine care. Over time, filters accumulate dust, debris, and oil residue that can restrict airflow, reducing power and fuel efficiency.

Some enthusiasts install an aftermarket intake and forget about it—thinking it’s “set and forget.” That’s not the case. A dirty air filter chokes performance and can let contaminants into the engine if neglected too long.

Pro Tip: Inspect your air filter every 10,000–15,000 miles. Clean or replace it as needed, depending on driving conditions and filter type.

4. Skipping Torque Specs (Or Guessing Them)

Whether you’re swapping wheels, installing a valve cover, or bolting in a strut tower brace, torque specs matter. Too much torque can strip threads or crack parts. Too little, and bolts may back out under stress.

Even seasoned wrenchers sometimes rely on “feel” instead of using a torque wrench. That shortcut can cost you—especially when working on components like cylinder heads, lug nuts, or drivetrain parts.

Pro Tip: Use a torque wrench and follow manufacturer specifications. It’s the difference between precision and guessing.

5. Letting Batteries Go Unchecked

Enthusiasts often park their weekend cars for long periods—especially during the off-season. The result? Dead or weak batteries when it’s time to fire it up again. Many also underestimate how quickly modern electronics (alarms, ECUs, GPS trackers) can drain a battery when a car sits unused.

Battery issues aren’t just inconvenient—they can also damage sensitive electronics if jump-started improperly.

Pro Tip: Use a smart battery maintainer when storing your car. Check voltage regularly, and replace batteries that show signs of weakness (slow cranks, dim lights, corrosion).

Final Thoughts

Being a car enthusiast means more than horsepower and aftermarket parts—it means respecting the fundamentals of vehicle maintenance. The best racers and mechanics in the world know that the small things matter, especially when performance and reliability are on the line.

Whether you’re building a track car, maintaining a weekend cruiser, or just keeping your daily driver sharp, avoiding these overlooked mistakes will keep your machine running strong—on and off the speedway.

Using NASCAR Strategy On and Off the Track

By
SM
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Photo by Patrick Sue-Chan for SpeedwayMedia.com.

NASCAR racing is not just about speed and flashy cars—it’s a high-stakes chess match at 200 miles per hour. The strategies employed by drivers and teams during races are carefully crafted to optimize performance, manage risks, and outmaneuver competitors. Interestingly, many of these tactics can be applied beyond the racetrack, offering valuable lessons for business, personal development, and everyday decision-making.

On the Track: Precision and Adaptability

At its core, NASCAR strategy revolves around precision and adaptability. Drivers and their pit crews constantly monitor factors such as tire wear, fuel levels, weather conditions, and track position. Pit stops, for example, are carefully timed not just to refuel or change tires, but also to gain track advantage by avoiding traffic or capitalizing on caution periods. These split-second decisions can make or break a race.

Fuel management is another crucial strategic element. Teams calculate exactly when to pit to maximize fuel efficiency and minimize time lost on the track. Some teams gamble on stretching fuel mileage to avoid an extra pit stop, while others choose the safer route with more frequent stops. Both approaches require deep knowledge of their car’s performance and competitors’ tendencies.

Moreover, NASCAR drivers must understand their opponents’ strategies and anticipate moves. Whether it’s drafting behind another car to reduce air resistance or blocking a rival’s passing attempt, these maneuvers require situational awareness and quick thinking.

Off the Track: Transferring NASCAR Wisdom

The intense focus and strategic mindset of NASCAR can translate well into life and business. For instance, the importance of adaptability in racing mirrors the need to stay flexible in a rapidly changing market environment. Just as teams adjust their race plans on the fly, businesses must pivot when customer preferences shift or unexpected challenges arise.

One of the most relevant lessons is the value of preparation combined with real-time analysis. NASCAR teams spend countless hours preparing for every possible scenario, yet they remain vigilant during the race to tweak strategies based on live data. In the business world, this equates to thorough planning supplemented by agile decision-making as new information becomes available.

Risk management, a staple in NASCAR strategy, also applies off the track. Drivers constantly weigh the risk of pushing too hard against the potential reward of gaining positions. Similarly, entrepreneurs and investors must balance ambition with caution, choosing when to take bold risks and when to play it safe.

Strategic Patience and Timing

Another key takeaway is the power of patience and timing. In NASCAR, not every opportunity should be seized immediately. Sometimes, waiting for the perfect moment to overtake a competitor or make a pit stop can yield a bigger payoff. This idea is equally valuable in negotiations, career moves, or launching a product—knowing when to act is just as important as knowing how.

Technology and Data-Driven Decisions

NASCAR teams rely heavily on technology and data analytics to optimize performance. Telemetry systems provide real-time feedback on engine performance, tire pressure, and driver behavior. This data-driven approach is increasingly important in many industries today, where leveraging analytics can lead to smarter, faster decisions.

For those interested in exploring how strategy plays out in other competitive environments, games and simulations can offer a unique perspective. Platforms like https://www.wolfwinner.fun/en blend strategic thinking with entertainment, helping users sharpen decision-making skills in dynamic settings.

Conclusion

NASCAR strategy is much more than fast cars and daring maneuvers—it’s a sophisticated blend of preparation, adaptability, risk management, and timing. By adopting these principles off the track, individuals and organizations can improve their decision-making processes, enhance performance, and navigate uncertainty with greater confidence. Whether you’re steering a race car or steering your career, the lessons of NASCAR provide a compelling roadmap to success.

TOP FUEL REIGNING CHAMP ANTRON BROWN LOOKS TO CONQUER BRISTOL FOR FIRST TIME AT SUPER GRIP NHRA THUNDER VALLEY NATIONALS

By
Official Release
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BRISTOL, Tenn. (June 2, 2025) – Antron Brown has put together one of the most impressive resumés in NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series history, racking up four Top Fuel world championships – including the latest in 2024 – and 81 event wins.

After this weekend’s 24th annual Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals at Bristol Dragway, Brown hopes to add another note to his lengthy list of achievements – his first win in Thunder Valley.

Brown has accomplished nearly everything in NHRA drag racing, but a win at Bristol Dragway is remarkably one of the few things that has evaded him over the years. In the midst of a rigorous stretch that includes four races in five weeks, now would be the perfect time for Brown to get one in his 12,000-horsepower Matco Tools dragster.

Coming off a semifinal appearance on Sunday in Epping and currently sitting third in points on the strength of one win and three final-round appearances in 2025, Brown is eager to get to Bristol and hopefully mark one more item off his NHRA bucket list.

“Bristol is a track that sticks out to us because we’ve had a lot of success there, been to a few finals, but we’ve never got the job done,” Brown said. “When we go there, we want to get the job done for the first time because it’s one of the only tracks where we’ve never won. We’ll go in there with guns blazing and getting a win, that’s our goal.

“Bristol is one of those places that can make or break you. It can be really hot or it can be cool, and when it’s cool, the track can be very forgiving. We have to go in there and qualify well in that night session, but then we have to race mid-day on Sunday, so we’re going to see all kinds of conditions.”

In 2024, Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel), Austin Prock (Funny Car), Jeg Coughlin (Pro Stock) and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) all won in Bristol. Clay Millican, Prock, Erica Enders and Matt Smith each won the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge, while semifinalists from the NHRA New England Nationals will rematch in Bristol in 2025. It is the eighth of 20 events in 2025 and the race will be broadcast on FS1, including eliminations starting at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday, June 8.

Brown will be part of the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge on Saturday, facing off with points leader and racing legend Tony Stewart in one matchup. The other will feature Doug Kalitta and Epping winner Brittany Force, setting the stage for an epic weekend at the standout facility.

Of course, Brown will also have to deal with the likes of Shawn Langdon, who is second in points, Josh Hart, Steve Torrence, Clay Millican and Justin Ashley at scenic Bristol Dragway. But Brown is on a good path, posting a series of consistent results and fast runs, which is critical for this point in the season, especially as the schedule starts to pick up with the Countdown to the Championship playoffs quickly approaching.

“I think when we come out in Bristol, our Matco Tools/Lucas Oil/FVP Toyota is going to be on mean, so we’re looking forward to it and looking forward to getting out (this) weekend,” Brown said. “The next 4-5 weeks, our main deal is to qualify well and get to the semifinals or finals to get where we need to be. Consistency is going to be a big factor and I think we’re onto some really good stuff. We have to race smart and concentrate on doing things strategically and smart.”

Austin Prock has dominated since moving to Funny Car and currently leads the points heading to Bristol. Others to watch include his John Force Racing teammate Jack Beckman, Epping winner J.R. Todd, former champs Matt Hagan and Ron Capps, and Phoenix winner Paul Lee.

Jeg Coughlin, a five-time Pro Stock champ, earned his third Bristol win over reigning champ Greg Anderson last year. Anderson is in the points lead thanks to three wins, while teammate Dallas Glenn also has three wins for KB Titan Racing.

Pro Stock Motorcycle first appeared at Bristol Dragway in 2021 and each year has seen a new winner. Two-time reigning champion Gaige Herrera won last year, while other standouts include Matt Smith, Angie Smith, Richard Gadson and Chase Van Sant.

The event will also feature thrilling competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, the Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series, Flexjet NHRA Factory Stock Showdown and Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage Mountain Motor Pro Stock. After final qualifying on Saturday, fans will also be treated to a special autograph session and fanfest at the Bristol Dragway Welcome Tent in the midway.

All weekend, fans will be invited to the Nitro Alley Stage, which is the main entertainment hub in the pits. The stage hosts Nitro School, meet and greets, autograph sessions and more. Bristol race fans can enjoy the special pre-race ceremonies that introduce each driver and includes the fan favorite SealMaster Track Walk. Fans are also invited to congratulate the winners at the winner’s circle celebration on Sunday.

As always, fans get a pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet. Fans can see their favorite teams in action and servicing their cars, get autographs and more. They can also visit NHRA’s Manufacturers Midway, where sponsors and vendors create an exciting atmosphere.

NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 5 and 7:30 p.m. ET on Friday, June 6, and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, June 7 at 12:30 and 3 p.m. Eliminations will begin at 12 p.m. ET on Sunday, June 8. Television coverage includes qualifying action at 7:30 p.m. ET on Friday and 8 p.m. on Sunday on FS1, leading into eliminations at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday.

To purchase tickets to the NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals, fans can visit www.NHRA.com/tickets. For more information on NHRA, please visit www.NHRA.com.

About Mission Foods

MISSION®, owned by GRUMA, S.A.B. de C.V., is the world’s leading brand for tortillas and wraps. MISSION® is also globally renowned for flatbreads, dips, salsas and Mexican food products. With presence in over 112 countries, MISSION® products are suited to the lifestyles and the local tastes of each country. With innovation and customer needs in mind, MISSION® focuses on the highest quality, authentic flavors, and providing healthy options that families and friends can enjoy together. For more information, please visit https://www.missionfoods.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 Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series, NHRA Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown™, NHRA Holley EFI Factory X and Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage NHRA Mountain Motor Pro Stock 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.

Corey LaJoie to Wheel Spire Motorsports No. 07 Chevy Silverado for nine CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Races

By
Official Release
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Third-Generation Racer Returns to Team for CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Playoff Stretch

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (June 2, 2025) — Corey LaJoie will return to Spire Motorsports to campaign the team’s No. 07 Chevrolet Silverado for nine of the final 13 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck races of 2025, beginning with Saturday’s DQS Solutions and Staffing 200 at Michigan International Speedway.

LaJoie will be back at the controls for the August 15 Clean Harbors 250 at Richmond Raceway and pilot the No. 07 machine for the final seven races, as the team looks to compete for a CRAFTSMAN Truck Series owner’s title playoff berth.

With seven teams currently positioned for a bid in the Truck Series owner’s playoffs and six races remaining before the 10-team field is locked, LaJoie looks to pick up a win at either Michigan or Richmond to further solidify the No. 07 team’s position in the seven-race championship runoff.

The No. 07 team earned a win in the fourth race of 2025 when Kyle Larson claimed the checkered flag in the March 21 Baptist Health 200 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

LaJoie brings a wealth of experience and rich history with the organization and has been a fixture in the NASCAR Cup Series for the last decade. He drove Spire Motorsports’ No. 7 Chevrolet ZL1 from 2021 through last September before taking over the controls of Rick Ware Racing’s (RWR) No. 51 machine for the final eight races of the 2024 season.

“I’m looking forward to getting back in the seat and chasing some NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series wins,” said LaJoie. “I put in a lot of work in the early days to help shape Spire Motorsports, and I still have some friends that have been there since day one, so it’ll be good to see them. The No. 07 team has been bringing some fast trucks to the track this year and are looking for a spot in the owner’s playoffs. It’ll be nice to have some consistency with the team to get acclimated to these vehicles, chase some wins and hopefully, a CRAFTSMAN Truck Series owner’s championship.”

The third-generation driver has run a limited schedule in 2025 and competed in three NASCAR Cup Series races behind the wheel of RWR’s No. 01 machine, earning a season-best 22nd-place finish in the season-opening Daytona 500. Over the course of his three-plus year run with Spire Motorsports, LaJoie logged four top fives, eight top 10s and led 165 laps on NASCAR’s senior circuit.

The affable racer also made his broadcast debut during Amazon Prime’s coverage of the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway and will serve as an analyst throughout Prime’s five-race run.

While LaJoie has nearly 300 starts in NASCAR’s premier division, he has just five CRAFTSMAN Truck Series starts on his resume, three of which were recorded under the Spire Motorsports banner. His most recent race came at the 2024 season opener at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway where he started third, led five laps but was relegated to a 20th-place result after being collected in a last-lap, multi-truck incident.

“While discussing our best path to bring Spire our first CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Championship and describing what we needed in a driver, the driver we were all talking about without saying his name was Corey LaJoie,” explained Spire Motorsports co-owner Jeff Dickerson. “So, when I ran into Corey in the motorhome lot one morning earlier this spring, I asked him what he thought about coming home and doing this. He is synonymous with what we’ve built here over the last few years and deserves this opportunity. I’m looking forward to getting him in the truck at Michigan to work out some kinks and start getting a game plan together for the playoffs.”

The DQS Solutions and Staffing 200 from Michigan International Speedway will be televised live on FOX Saturday June 7, beginning at noon Eastern Daylight Time. The race will also be broadcast live on the NASCAR Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Channel 90.

About Spire Motorsports …
Spire Motorsports 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 May 30, 2025, when Rajah Caruth took the checkered flag in the Rackley Roofing 200 at Nashville Superspeedway.

In 2025, Spire Motorsports campaigns the Nos. 7, 71 and 77 Chevrolets in the NASCAR Cup Series. The team also fields the Nos. 07, 7, 71 and 77 Chevrolet Silverados in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series and the No. 77 Chevrolet in the ARCA Menards Series in select events.

Signs You Need to Get Your Vehicle Body Repaired

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SM
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Photo by dimas8308 at https://depositphotos.com/

Your vehicle’s body isn’t just about aesthetics; it plays a crucial role in safety, structural integrity, and even its resale value. Ignoring damage can lead to more serious and sometimes expensive problems down the road. But how do you know when it’s time to visit a professional auto body shop? Here are a few of the key signs that your car needs body repairs.

Visible Dents, Minor Scratches, or Minor Paint Damage

Even minor dents and scratches can be more than just a cosmetic issue. Deep scratches that expose bare metal can lead to rust, while dents can affect panel alignment or even structural integrity. Rust is a car’s worst enemy. Once rust starts, it spreads quickly and can lead to weakened metal and compromised safety. If you notice:

  • Paint peeling, or chipping
  • Large or small dents
  • Deep scratches
  • Rusty Wheel arches
  • Rusty Door edges
  • Rust underneath the vehicle, due to road salt and moisture.

Misaligned Body Panels or Weird Gaps

After an accident, body panels can shift or move out of it’s original place. If you notice:

  • Uneven body gaps
  • Doors that don’t open or close properly
  • A crooked bumper or misalignment

While not strictly “body damage,” a cracked windshield can weaken your car’s structural strength, especially in a rollover accident. Minor chips can often be repaired, but long cracks usually necessitate a complete replacement for safety reasons.

Strange Noises and Bad Paint Finish or Fading

Faded or peeling paint isn’t just aesthetically unappealing; it also leaves your car vulnerable to rust and UV damage. Or if you hear creaking, rattling, or grinding noises when driving over bumps or turning, it could indicate:

  • Loose or rattly body panels
  • Damaged or loose suspension components
  • Unsecured body parts
  • Chalky looking or a dull finish
  • Bubbling or rough paint

Accident Damage (Even If It Seems Minor)

After a collision, even if the damage looks superficial, hidden issues like:

  • Bent or cracked frame components
  • Damaged vehicle sensors or safety features
  • Internal or external corrosion from exposed metal

Water Leaks or Moisture Inside the Vehicle

If you notice damp or wet-looking carpets, the problem could be:

  • Damaged door seals
  • Rust holes in the floor pan
  • Cracked windows or rotten sunroof seals

Why Doing Quick Repairs Really Does Matter

Delaying the body repairs can lead to:

  • Higher repair bills
  • Reduced safety features
  • Lower vehicle resale value

Final Thoughts

If you spot any of these signs, don’t wait and visit a trusted auto body repair specialist. A professional can assess the damage, recommend the best repair method, and restore your car’s appearance, safety, and value.

Niece Motorsports to Highlight Partnership Impacts at Michigan International Speedway

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Official Release
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Salisbury, NC (June 2, 2025) – In a unique showing, the Nos. 42, 44 and 45 trucks of Niece Motorsports will take to the track June 7 bearing corresponding paint schemes to highlight the power of collaboration and partnership as the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series (NCTS) returns to Michigan International Speedway (MIS) for the DQS Solutions & Staffing 250 Powered by Precision Vehicle Logistics.

As it celebrates its tenth consecutive season of competition, Niece Motorsports and its partners look to underscore the value of B2B connections and opportunities for growth through investment in the sport. The schemes will carry the logos of AutoVentive, DQS Solutions & Staffing, J.F. Electric, Precision Vehicle Logistics and Utilitra — brands which are now working together utilizing complementary competencies thanks to introductions through the team.

“We knew there would be some business opportunity when we first got involved in sponsoring Niece Motorsports,” said Jason Wilson, Vice President of Precision Vehicle Logistics. “But we didn’t expect there to be so many connections with like-minded companies who could fill the gap we needed to execute on strategic business initiatives. We’ve particularly enjoyed engaging more broadly with General Motors, through Niece’s OEM relationship, to explore opportunities for us to better support their EV charging needs, among others.”

Michigan-based DQS Solutions & Staffing and Precision Vehicle Logistics have not only deepened existing ties thanks to their sponsorships with Niece Motorsports — they’ve now paired with Utilitra, the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)-Certified cross-disciplinary technology, engineering, management, and construction brand affiliated with J.F. Electric, to utilize Niece’s fabrication capabilities to build and deliver security trailers for job sites, storage facilities and other projects where remote monitoring is a practical, scalable solution.

The collaborative investment by DQS and Precision to entitle the race at MIS further reinforces their commitment to one another and underscores the opportunities both see in connecting with NASCAR fans and brands alike.

“The NASCAR audience is the most brand-loyal of any sport and many of them work in automobile manufacturing, facility, and distribution supply chains, so it makes perfect sense that we’re working to connect with them at the track and expose them to DQS’s capabilities both in Michigan and nationally,” said Josh Morris, CEO of DQS. “It’s been practical business development spend for us, because we know we’re going to get back what we put in, and more, as we really dial in our sponsorship program year over year. We appreciate that a team like Niece, with their decade-plus of experience, has been so thoughtful in their recommendations for how we can effectively reach the right decision makers.”

Since its founding in 2016, Niece Motorsports has worked with more than 35 brand partners and built a marketing platform tailored to driving business value for sponsors beyond logo exposure at track. As it enters its second decade, the team continues to expand its own competencies – from training its own pit crews to completing the entire build for its competition vehicles in house – ensuring it can evolve as both motorsports and current and future sponsor needs change.

“We want to be able to deliver what our partners need from us — whether that’s making introductions to the right people in the garage or extending our in-house capabilities to meet their needs,” said Cody Efaw, President and CEO of Niece Motorsports. “We are a smaller team, but I think because of that, we’re more invested in our partnerships and take a holistic approach to making sure their investment with us goes beyond just race exposure — we want to help them achieve their business goals so they’re able to stay partnered with us for the long run. It’s fun for us to get a little outside our comfort zone sometimes, too, and get creative with the ways we can think about leveraging our assets for them.”

In addition to the three corresponding schemes on track in Michigan, current Niece Motorsports sponsors will come together to engage in the Fan Zone throughout race weekend, hosting meet-and-greets with Niece drivers and showing off equipment including snowmobile/charging vehicles/lift trucks/etc.

The DQS Solutions & Staffing 250 Powered by Precision Vehicle Logistics is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. ET on Saturday, June 7; the race will air on FOX and SiriusXM.
About AutoVentive: AutoVentive is an industry-leading Software as a Service (SaaS) applications developer providing customized solutions to the automotive logistics industry. The company is part of Liberty Hill Equity Partners, LLC, a Cincinnati-based private equity firm.

About Precision Vehicle Logistics: Precision Vehicle Logistics is a customer-focused group of professionals committed to service excellence in finished vehicle logistics. Precision offers a unique combination of talented experience, industry-leading software and systems, and a network of partners and resources to deliver customized solutions to the world’s leading automakers.

About DQS Solutions & Staffing: Guided by a mission to achieve excellence and adaptability, DQS partners with clients to create custom solutions that address unique business challenges. Recognized as Michigan’s fastest-growing company and #22 in the nation on the Inc. 5000 list, DQS drives industry growth while giving back through its nonprofit, Foundation for Pops, and partnerships like the River Rouge School District.

About J.F. Electric: J.F. Electric is an electrical contractor that provides engineering expertise, backed by construction and installation know-how in a diverse range of service offerings, from utilities and commercial projects, to industrial and telecommunications customers. When having a long family history in an industry, a company not only builds on its knowledge and experience, it takes pride in cultivating a solid understanding of client needs, all the while nurturing strong relationships with its employees. Evolving through five generations of the Fowler family, J.F. Electric has matured into a well-managed and thoughtfully diversified electrical contractor which is poised to continue its growth and expansion into the future.

About Utilitra: Utilitra is a WBENC-Certified woman-owned firm specializing in technology, engineering, management, and construction solutions with a diverse team of specialized professionals. Utilitra is committed to solving their client’s unique challenges, whether one expert or a team of experts is needed. By adapting to the needs of their respective industries, Utilitra has built a range of services for their utility and technology partners.
About Niece Motorsports: Niece Motorsports is a professional auto racing team founded by United States Marine Corps Veteran Al Niece. In 2025, the team celebrates its 10th consecutive season competing in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series (NCTS) where it fields the Nos. 41, 42, 44 and 45. Since its founding in 2016, Niece Motorsports has garnered nine wins, 50+ top-fives, 100+ top-10s, 200+ top-15 finishes and made five playoff appearances. At its 80,000 sq. ft. headquarters in Salisbury, NC, Niece Motorsports is a trusted build shop for the Chevrolet Silverados of multiple NCTS teams as well as a customizable fabrication shop for any manufacturing needs.

Follow the Team: To keep up to date with the latest team news, visit niecemotorsports.com or connect on Facebook and Instagram (@NieceMotorsports) as well as X (@NieceMotorsport).

RYAN BLANEY WINS IN MUSIC CITY

By
Official Release
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Photo courtesy of NASCAR Media & Getty Images

LEBANON, TN – June 2, 2025 – Team Penske’s Ryan Blaney won Sunday’s Cracker Barrel 400 at Nashville Superspeedway, marking his first win of the 2025 season and the 14th of his NASCAR Cup Series career. This victory also represents Ford’s 745th all-time win in NASCAR Cup Series history and the 104th Cup Series triumph for Team Penske with Ford.

“Congratulations to Roger, Michael, Jonathan, Ryan, and everyone at Team Penske on the race win at Nashville Superspeedway,” said Doug Yates, President and CEO of Roush Yates Engines. “It was an impressive performance by the entire No. 12 Ford Mustang Team —executing race strategy, pit performance, and speed throughout the race. We’re honored to provide the horsepower behind another hard-fought victory.”

“We drove up to seventh there in the first stage, and I thought two tires were great. I thought my car was really good, and that really set us up for the rest of the race, so great job by him (Jonathan Hassler), as always, all the 12 boys, appreciate what they do pit crew was great. Appreciate Menard’s, Cardell, Ford, Ford Motor Company, Roush Yates Engines, Discount Tire, Wabash, Worth, Snap-on, DEX Imaging, Body Armour, Advance Auto Parts, everything what they do. It’s nice that it’s finally happening, so I’m ready to go celebrate,” commented Blaney.

Three Ford Performance drivers rolled off from the top 10 to start Sunday’s Cracker Barrel 400 at Nashville Superspeedway: Brad Keselowski (P6) and Chris Buescher (P10) from RFK Racing, and Joey Logano (P9) from Team Penske. The opening stage featured a blend of strategy and long-run speed as drivers settled into the slick concrete surface. The field stayed tightly packed with clean, competitive racing. Team Penske’s Ryan Blaney and Joey Logano earned stage points, finishing Stage 1 in seventh and ninth, respectively. Blaney took command in Stage 2, showing strong pace during extended green-flag runs. Despite several lead changes during pit cycles, he led the most laps and secured the Stage 2 win. Four Ford drivers finished Stage 2 inside the top 10: Blaney (P1), Logano (P4), Austin Cindric (P6), and Josh Berry (P9). In the final stage, Blaney maintained control through multiple restarts, managing his tires and track position and closed out a dominant performance—leading a race-high 139 of 300 laps to take the checkered flag 2.830 seconds ahead of second place Carson Hocevar.

Team Penske’s Joey Logano finished the race in P4.

The Xfinity Series also raced at Nashville Superspeedway on Saturday, where Haas Factory Team’s Sam Mayer finished in P3 and Sheldon Creed finished in P4.

The Xfinity Series takes a one-week break while the Cup Series travels to Brooklyn, Michigan this week and races at Michigan International Speedway.

41 CHAMPIONSHIPS – 481 WINS – 439 POLES

About Roush Yates Engines
Roush Yates Engines is a leading-edge engine development company based in Mooresville, NC consisting of two state-of-the-art facilities – Roush Yates Engines and Roush Yates Manufacturing Solutions, a world class AS9100 Rev D/ISO 13485 certified CNC manufacturing facility. The company’s core business includes designing, building and testing purpose-built race engines.

Ford Performance in partnership with Roush Yates Engines is the exclusive engine builder of the NASCAR FR9 Ford V8 engine.

With an unparalleled culture of winning and steeped in rich racing history, Roush Yates Engines continues to follow the company’s vision to lead performance engine innovation and staying true to the company’s mission, provide race winning engines through demonstrated power and performance.

Late Penalty Drops Berry to 30th at Nashville

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Official Release
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#21: Josh Berry, Wood Brothers Racing, Freightliner Ford Mustang

Josh Berry and the No. 21 Freightliner team showed solid pace through the opening two segments of Sunday night’s Cracker Barrel 400 at Nashville Superspeedway, but a costly pit road penalty derailed a promising run and led to a 30th-place finish.

Berry rolled off 20th in the Freightliner Ford Mustang Dark Horse and maintained position through the first 90-lap Stage, ultimately finishing 19th. In Stage Two, the team hit its stride. Berry steadily worked his way forward, breaking into the top 10 for the first time on Lap 126. He held his ground from there, closing out the segment in ninth and collecting two valuable Stage points.

During the Stage break, the team was penalized for a crew member going over the wall too soon during a pit stop. The penalty sent Berry to the rear of the field for the final segment, leaving him just over 100 laps to try and recover.

He worked his way up to 26th with 78 laps to go, and the team made a strategic gamble by staying out under green, hoping for a caution. Berry climbed to second during the cycle, but the yellow flag never came. He was forced to pit with 32 laps remaining, which dropped him to 30th, one lap down—where he ultimately finished.

The night ended with former Wood Brothers driver and Ford teammate Ryan Blaney earning a hard-fought and popular victory, his first of the season.

“We were glad to see Ryan get the win,” said team co-owner Eddie Wood. “He’s come so close this season, and it was good to see it all come together for him.”

Next up for Berry and the No. 21 team is a return to Michigan International Speedway—Ford Motor Company’s home track—for the FireKeepers Casino 400.

About Wood Brothers Racing
Founded in 1950 by Hall of Famer Glenn Wood in Stuart, Virginia, Wood Brothers Racing holds a special place in NASCAR history as the sport’s longest-running team. Over eight decades, the team has earned 101 victories in the NASCAR Cup Series, along with 120 poles, and remains proud of its longstanding relationship with Ford Motor Company, fielding only Ford products since its inception. Glenn’s brother, Leonard Wood, played a key role in shaping modern racing by developing the techniques behind today’s pit stops. With a rich legacy rooted in innovation and tradition, Wood Brothers Racing continues to honor its heritage while adapting for the future as it competes in NASCAR’s premier series with Josh Berry.

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