ROVAL Finish Marks Allmendinger’s Seventh Top-10 Finish in 2025
Lexington, N.C. (October 5, 2025): After a weekend of top tier speed from the No. 16 team, AJ Allmendinger scored another top 10 finish at the Charlotte Motor Speedway ROVAL.
Unloading Saturday at the top of the practice scoreboard and ultimately qualifying ninth, the team carried confidence to compete at the front of the field during Sunday’s hometown race.
A strategy call by crew chief, Trent Owens, brought Allmendinger to pit road for scheduled service twice in the opening stage. By splitting the stage, Owens and the No. 16 team put Allmendinger in the lead for the start of Stage 2.
Allmendinger led a total of 13 laps before being passed for the lead and coming to pit road to continue the team’s race strategy.
In the final stage while running in sixth, Allmendinger reported his No. 16 Chevy was handling freer than it had all day. Opting to gamble, Owens called Allmendinger to pit road on lap 81 to prevent from losing track position with an ill-handling Chevy. Allmendinger cycled back into the top 10 as the strategy played out and continued to gain positions as the laps winded down.
On the final lap, Allmendinger was making the pass for seventh place when he was clipped by a competitor, spinning him around in the final corner. The No. 16 crossed the finish line ninth, in reverse, earning their seventh top-10 of 2025 in dramatic fashion.
“A respectable day for our team but obviously having AJ’s talent at the ROVAL, we expect more,” said Owens. “Our car was fast in the early laps of a tire run but tire wear was a little excessive requiring us to pit one more time than originally planned. Proud of team though and AJ’s driving. Top-10 finishes in this garage are always an achievement, but we want more.”
About Kaulig Racing
Kaulig Racing™ is a full-time, multi-car NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) and NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) team, owned by award winning entrepreneur, Matt Kaulig. Established in 2016, Kaulig Racing™ has earned 27 NXS wins, made the NXS Playoffs consecutively each season since the playoff system started, and won two regular-season championships. In 2021, the team competed in select NCS events, before expanding to a two-car, full-time NCS team in 2022 and adding a third, part-time entry during the 2023 season. Since its first NCS start in 2021, the team has earned two wins. Kaulig Racing is currently fielding two full-time entries in the NCS and continues to field three full-time NXS entries. To learn more about the team, visit kauligracing.com.
CONCORD, NC (October 5, 2025) – RFK Racing put together a solid showing at the Charlotte ROVAL on Sunday, led by Chris Buescher’s fourth-place finish and Ryan Preece scoring a career-best sixth at the road course. Both drivers ran inside the top five during the final stage, using smart strategy and consistent pace to climb through the field. Brad Keselowski also showed strong speed, racing into the top 10 before a mechanical issue cut his day short and left him 35th.
17 Chris Buescher Chris Buescher and the No. 17 team delivered another strong performance Sunday at the Charlotte Motor Speedway ROVAL, securing a fourth-place finish in the 109-lap road course event. After starting fifth, Buescher ran solidly in the top five early, even assuming the race lead on lap 15 during green-flag pit stops. He paced the field for five laps before yielding the lead back to Shane van Gisbergen on fresher tires. The team chose to short-pit Stage One, sacrificing stage points in favor of long-run strategy, and Buescher wrapped the stage in 18th.
Buescher stayed out under the stage break and restarted Stage Two from the front row in his No. 17 Fifth Third Ford. He maintained a top-three position for much of the segment, briefly advancing to second before tire wear began to affect his lap times. Despite finishing Stage Two in 12th, a strategic stop on lap 47 set the team up for a stronger position in the final stage.
The No. 17 team executed a clean final stage, balancing pit strategy with competitive pace. Buescher restarted fifth and cycled out fourth after a round of green-flag stops. A final stop for fresh tires on lap 96 gave him an edge for the closing push, and he quickly worked back into fourth with strong lap times. He held that position through the checkered flag, notching his fifth top-five finish of the 2025 season and continuing his impressive run on road courses.
“That’s where we ran all day right there, sitting around fourth. I’m proud of this team for bringing up a Ford Mustang that was this good. Today’s race was a big step in the right direction at the ROVAL,” Buescher said. “It was a lot more fun to drive this go-around, and I’m sure we want more and have a bit more to go, but it was much better than last week. We’re proud to take a top five.”
60 Ryan Preece Ryan Preece turned in one of his strongest performances of the season at the ROVAL, driving the No. 60 Kroger / Totino’s Ford to a sixth-place finish — his career-best result at the road course. Starting deep in the field in 29th, Preece immediately went to work, gaining three spots on the opening lap and methodically advancing through the pack. After a pit stop on lap 13 for four tires and fuel, he found speed, climbing to 13th by the end of Stage One and showing strong pace on clean tires.
Preece restarted Stage Two in 21st but quickly moved back into the top 15 with a fast car and calculated moves in traffic. Staying out while others pitted, he briefly ran as high as seventh, showcasing tire management and consistent lap times. A strategic pit stop on lap 47 set him up for a solid final stage, where he continued to match the pace of the frontrunners and ended Stage Two in 16th.
Preece restarted eighth in the final stage and stayed inside the top 10 through the early laps. He moved up to fourth by lap 69 as others began to pit, then came in for tires on lap 71. After cycling back to seventh, he passed Brad Keselowski and AJ Allmendinger to reach fifth by lap 80. A final stop on lap 85 dropped him to sixth, where he settled in for the closing laps on older tires. Despite pressure and tire wear, Preece held strong and finished sixth — his best career result at the ROVAL.
“I feel like at many of these road courses, Mexico, Watkins Glen, COTA and here, we’ve had strong days for it being my first time at these tracks with RFK Racing,” Preece said. “This result with our Ford Mustang is definitely something to build on and keep progressing from. It also felt good to get out of that ten-week slump and get back to where I feel like we can be on the racetrack.”
6 Brad Keselowski Brad Keselowski showed solid pace and forward progress in Sunday’s race at the Charlotte ROVAL before a mechanical failure ended his day early. Starting 22nd, Keselowski moved into the top 20 within the opening laps and noted the car was handling better than it had in practice. He stayed out during Stage One to conserve a set of tires for later, finishing 30th as part of a long-run strategy.
After restarting 32nd in Stage Two, Keselowski steadily climbed through the field in his No. 6 Castrol Ford, reaching 18th by lap 44 as one of the biggest movers in the stage. A scheduled stop on lap 47 helped set the No. 6 team up for the final segment, and he ended Stage Two in 23rd while preserving fresher tires for the closing laps.
Keselowski restarted 11th in the final stage and quickly broke into the top 10. He cycled as high as sixth following green flag stops, but a pit stop on lap 82 went wrong when the jack fell mid-stop. Shortly after, on lap 90, Keselowski reported a broken transaxle — believed to have occurred during that final stop — which ended his race. He was credited with a 35th-place finish despite showing strong potential throughout the day.
Up Next: Las Vegas Motor Speedway (Las Vegas, NV), Sunday, October 12, 2025, on USA Network 5:30 p.m. ET
About RFK Racing RFK Racing, in its 38th season in 2025, features an ownership lineup pairing one of the sport’s most iconic names, Jack Roush, along with NASCAR Champion Brad Keselowski and Fenway Sports Group owner John Henry. Roush initially founded the team in 1988, and it has since become one of the most successful racing operations in the world, propelling him to be the first NASCAR owner to amass 300 wins and capturing eight championships, including back-to-back NASCAR Cup titles in 2003 and 2004. Keselowski, a former owner in the NASCAR Truck Series, is the 2012 NASCAR Cup Series Champion. In 2007, Roush partnered with Henry, who also owns Major League Baseball’s Boston Red Sox, English Premier League’s Liverpool F.C., and the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins, to form Roush Fenway Racing. Off the track, RFK is a leader and proven winner in NASCAR marketing solutions, having produced multiple award-winning social media, digital content, and experiential marketing campaigns. Visit rfkracing.com and follow the team on all social platforms @rfkracing.
Josh Berry and the No. 21 DEX Imaging team overcame a 33rd-place start to finish 16th in Sunday’s Bank of America ROVAL 400 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Berry and the DEX Imaging Mustang Dark Horse began working their way forward not long after the green flag flew to start the 109-lap race on the 17-turn road course. Berry had to serve a penalty for missing a turn on Lap 5 but battled back to finish the first 25-lap Stage in 24th place.
In the second Stage, they worked their way into the top 20, but made a pit stop just prior to the Stage break and ended that segment in 30th place.
The third Stage saw one of the best road-course performances by Berry and the No. 21 team. As the running order ebbed and flowed with teams employing various strategies and most pit stops coming under the green flag, the No. 21 Mustang Dark Horse was rarely outside the top 25 and then inside the top 10 at other times.
The team made its final pit stop with just under 20 laps remaining. Back on the track, Berry moved into the top 20 on Lap 94 then steadily moved forward, cracking the top 15 with 10 laps to go.
He got as high as 12th with five laps to go, but lost ground to drivers on fresher tires in the closing laps before finishing 16th, the second-best road-course finish of his relatively brief Cup Series career. (The best was a 13th at Sonoma Raceway earlier this year.)
Berry and the team now turn their attention to Las Vegas Motor Speedway, where they won the most recent Cup race back in March.
About DEX Imaging DEX Imaging is the digital document imaging division of Staples, the world’s largest business solutions provider. DEXsells and services the broadest selection of copiers, printers and data management solutions, such as HP, Konica Minolta, Canon, Kyocera and numerous others.
COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES: Reducing Operating Costs Reducing Paper Consumption Increasing Productivity
DEX Imaging has been the recipient of virtually every industry award since the company’s inception, including the JD Power & Associates Award for Best Customer Experience, the prestigious ProTech Service award by Konica Minolta, the Diamond Premier Dealer Award by Kyocera, and the Elite DEALER Award by ‘ENX’ magazine. Other accolades include being named ‘Best Place to Work’ by numerous business journals in the markets DEX serves.
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.
Few vehicles manage to inspire both collectors and racers the way the Classic Ford Bronco does. First introduced in the 1960s, the Bronco wasn’t just another utility vehicle—it was a machine that blurred the line between rugged trail performance and competitive racing potential.
Decades later, its influence is still felt in motorsports culture. From Baja deserts to mountain trails, the Bronco’s story goes beyond nostalgia. It’s about engineering, resilience, and the racing legacy that continues to shape off-road culture today.
The Birth of a Legend: The Classic Bronco Enters the Racing World
The Ford Bronco’s 1960s Launch
When Ford unveiled the Bronco in 1966, the goal was simple: create a versatile off-road vehicle that could rival Jeep and Land Rover. But what no one expected was how quickly it would make its mark on the racing world.
Baja 1000 and Early Wins
By the late 1960s, the Bronco was already dominating rugged events like the Baja 1000. Legendary figures like Bill Stroppe and Parnelli Jones turned the Bronco into a desert racing powerhouse, proving that it could take on some of the harshest environments on earth.
These victories didn’t just showcase performance—they established credibility. Suddenly, the Bronco wasn’t just a utility vehicle; it was a competitive force with a racing pedigree.
The Classic Bronco set a new standard for trucks and SUVs in competition. Its balance of power, simplicity, and durability became a blueprint for off-road racing vehicles that followed.
Trail Meets Track
More importantly, it bridged the gap between everyday driving and competitive performance. Owners could take their Broncos on family trips during the week and still put them through punishing races on the weekend. That crossover spirit became a hallmark of motorsports culture—adventure and racing fused into one.
Today, you can still see its influence in modern rally racing and desert endurance events, where versatility and ruggedness are celebrated as much as speed.
Engineering That Endures: Why Racers Still Respect the Bronco
Durability and Simplicity
Its lightweight frame, short wheelbase, and solid suspension made it perfect for brutal terrains. Unlike overengineered race cars, the Bronco’s straightforward design meant fewer breakdowns and faster repairs—a crucial factor in endurance racing.
Lessons for Modern Motorsports
Even today, off-road race trucks and SUVs borrow from those same principles: keep it simple, keep it durable. For many racers, the Classic Bronco isn’t just history—it’s a reminder that smart engineering often outperforms unnecessary complexity.
This is why the Bronco still commands respect. It wasn’t just a machine; it was a statement about what endurance racing should be.
From Collector’s Dream to Cultural Symbol
Classic Broncos as Investments
Over the years, the Classic Bronco has evolved from a rugged competitor into a cultural icon. Restored models are now highly sought after, often selling for six figures. Collectors recognize that they’re not only buying a vehicle, but also a slice of motorsports history.
Motorsport Heritage Driving Value
It’s the racing legacy that makes these Broncos more than just vintage SUVs. Their value comes from the stories they carry—the desert victories, the engineering breakthroughs, and the cultural shift they helped inspire.
For enthusiasts seeking a meticulously restored classic Bronco, companies like Gateway Bronco continue to honor this legacy while making it accessible for modern drivers. This connection between heritage and modern craftsmanship ensures that the Bronco’s spirit lives on.
The Bronco Revival: Connecting Past to Present
Ford’s Modern Bronco and Nostalgia Marketing
Ford’s decision to revive the Bronco wasn’t just about design—it was about legacy. When the new Bronco hit the market, it leaned heavily into the nostalgia of the original. Its boxy design, off-road focus, and adventure-driven branding all drew directly from the Classic Bronco’s heritage.
Why Legacy Still Matters Today
For modern buyers, that racing history isn’t just a footnote—it adds credibility. It reminds enthusiasts that the Bronco isn’t a trend-driven SUV, but a machine with proven DNA in motorsports.
This heritage-driven approach is why the Bronco revival resonates so strongly with fans. It connects past achievements with present-day passion.
Conclusion: Why the Racing Legacy Still Matters
The Classic Bronco’s story isn’t frozen in the past. Its victories in Baja, its engineering genius, and its cultural influence continue to ripple through motorsports today.
Collectors treasure it, racers respect it, and new generations rediscover it. The Bronco proves that a racing legacy isn’t just about trophies—it’s about shaping culture, inspiring innovation, and fueling adventure across decades.
From the track to the trail, the Classic Bronco still matters. And in motorsports culture, few legacies run deeper.
Amazing and useful tips and tricks for all students to help you easily balance your car expenses and academic costs to ensure that you remain mobile and focused throughout your academic life.
College life is full of responsibilities, and one of the most significant struggles for many students is managing their budget. Tuition, textbooks, housing, and the cost of living can make owning a car and its maintenance a costly addition to an already tight budget. However, to most students, a vehicle is not just a luxury; it is a means of transportation to college, a job, an internship, or a part-time job. Meeting these financial commitments takes planning, discipline, and intelligence. Time management is as valuable as money management. Professional essay writers save many students time, which they can use on part-time employment or paying off cars. By adopting the proper attitude and behaviour, students can also be taught to manage their finances effectively without compromising their academic or economic success.
The Real Cost of Car Ownership.
Students need to know that owning a car at college is much more than just the price of the vehicle. The actual costs include insurance payments, gasoline, periodic maintenance, parking charges, and unscheduled repairs. For example, simple tasks, such as changing the oil or replacing tires, can easily accumulate over the course of a semester. One factor that can also be a significant recurring expense is insurance; this is dependent on one’s age, location, and driving record. Moreover, gas prices fluctuate regularly, and commuting costs can represent a substantial monthly expense. With these recurring costs accurately computed, students will be able to assess the sustainability of owning a car more accurately. Learning about long-term investments, which offer the right to own a car, can help prevent financial strains and unexpected debts throughout the academic year.
Budgeting for Success
Financial management for students who must balance various expenditures is based on budgeting. Write down a solid, detailed monthly budget so that academic expenses and car expenses are separated. The students should begin by listing all sources of income, including part-time jobs, scholarships, and parent subsidies, and then contrasting them with fixed and variable costs. Spreadsheets or smartphone applications can help track expenses and make adjustments as needed. When creating a budget, it’s also essential to set aside some money for emergencies, as unexpected expenses such as a car breakdown or additional charges can occur at any time. Spending changes, such as cooking at home or reducing entertainment costs, can free up more money to purchase necessities like fuel or college fees. The budgeting field not only creates financial independence but also makes it less stressful to cover monthly financial bills.
Choosing the Right Vehicle Wisely
Deciding to buy a budget-friendly, fuel-efficient vehicle that suits your budget and lifestyle is one of the best moves a student can make. A new car may look attractive, but higher insurance premiums, depreciation, and loan repayments may also accompany it. Instead, buying a used car in good condition with a good history can be a great way to save money in both the short and long run. The students need to focus on long-lasting cars that require less maintenance and consume less fuel. Conducting comprehensive research, comparing prices, and having pre-purchase checks done by reliable mechanics are the best means of avoiding an expensive error. Additionally, shopping around and finding student discounts or safe-driving bonuses can lead to substantial savings. Ultimately, the right car is not a matter of luxury; one must be thoughtful and practical, and should be able to afford that particular car.
Part-Time Jobs and Income Management
A combination of school and work is another essential tool to balance car and school costs. Part-time employment, whether on or off campus, can also help offset recurring expenses such as fuel, insurance, and maintenance. Other students even transform their cars into profit-making assets by offering ridesharing services or delivery services, as long as they can utilize their time efficiently and remain compliant with the law. Yet, it is essential to ensure that there is no conflict between work and academic activities. Priorities must be placed on coursework and establishing a clear line between work and study time, which will ensure not only a sound financial situation but also good academic performance. Students may also consider internships with stipends or transportation allowances, which can alleviate some of the financial burden as they gain professional experience.
Scholarships, Grants, and Financial Aid Awareness
Most students overlook the fact that grants and scholarships are available to cover tuition or even living expenses, leaving them with some money to travel and cover other personal expenses. Financial aid is commonly given to universities, community organizations, and government programs, depending on academic performance, need, or particular interests. The time spent researching and applying to these opportunities can be a substantial benefit to overall financial security. Furthermore, certain institutions provide emergency loans to students whose finances are impacted by unforeseen costs, such as auto repair or a travel crisis. These resources can help students better manage academic and financial challenges in the future.
Time Management and Financial Discipline
Managing finances requires not only money management, but also proper time management. Students who make adequate use of their time during classes, part-time jobs, and personal lives are less likely to be under financial pressure. It is better to make a weekly schedule to avoid spending money on last-minute purchases and missing school assignments. Moreover, long-term financial discipline can be cultivated by creating the habit of restraint, including not spending money on things one doesn’t really need or acting on impulse. It is worth learning how to allocate money to the most essential things, such as tuition, rent, and car repairs. This combination of time and money management prepares students to be even more successful in college and beyond.
In conclusion, the decision not to drive a car to college can be both empowering and challenging. As long as they think before they spend and budget wisely, students will be able to afford a car without having to sacrifice their academic ambitions. By learning the real cost of ownership, considering alternative forms of transportation, and having a realistic budget, students can enjoy the convenience of mobility without incurring financial distress. Finding a balance between finances and academics is crucial in life skills that go beyond college. Regardless of whether tuition fees are being saved, gasoline bills are paid, or the future is planned, the skills gained in dealing with the costs of cars and books contribute to the overall growth and self-sufficiency of a student.
Massage therapy is more than just relaxation—it’s a therapeutic approach that supports the body’s natural healing process. Professional massage techniques help relieve pain by improving circulation, reducing inflammation, and releasing tension in muscles and connective tissues. This is especially beneficial for individuals recovering from injuries, surgeries, or chronic muscle strain.
Massage increases blood flow to affected areas, delivering oxygen and nutrients that promote faster tissue repair. It also helps flush out metabolic waste, reducing soreness and stiffness after intense physical activity. Many people find regular sessions improve flexibility, restore range of motion, and prevent future injuries by addressing muscle imbalances early.
For those struggling with back pain, neck stiffness, or joint discomfort, working with trained therapists ensures each session is tailored to the body’s specific needs. Practices like Copper Wellness use evidence-based methods to combine therapeutic touch with holistic care, addressing both physical and emotional aspects of recovery. You can explore more at https://copper-wellness.com/services/massage-therapy/. With consistent treatment, massage becomes a cornerstone of long-term wellness, complementing physical therapy, chiropractic care, and exercise for complete pain management.
Benefits of Massage for Stress, Muscle Tension, and Posture
Chronic stress and modern lifestyles often lead to muscle tension, poor posture, and fatigue. Massage therapy addresses these issues by relaxing tight muscles, calming the nervous system, and restoring balance to the body. When tension builds up in the shoulders, neck, and back, it can pull the spine out of alignment, causing discomfort and posture problems. Massage helps release these tight areas, allowing the body to return to its natural alignment.
Stress relief is another major benefit. Therapeutic massage lowers cortisol levels while increasing serotonin and endorphins—hormones that promote relaxation and improve mood. This not only helps manage daily stress but also supports better sleep, focus, and mental clarity. For individuals with desk jobs or sedentary routines, massage alleviates stiffness from prolonged sitting and reduces the risk of repetitive strain injuries.
Over time, regular massage sessions improve posture by training muscles to stay relaxed and balanced. Combined with stretching and mindful movement, it encourages long-term musculoskeletal health. At Copper Wellness, therapists design sessions that target both physical tension and emotional stress, helping clients feel lighter, more mobile, and mentally refreshed after each treatment.
When to Schedule Massage Therapy for Chronic Conditions
For those living with chronic conditions such as fibromyalgia, arthritis, or chronic back pain, scheduling massage therapy regularly can provide significant relief. The key is consistency. Weekly or bi-weekly sessions help manage symptoms by reducing pain flare-ups, improving circulation, and promoting relaxation of overworked muscles. Over time, this reduces reliance on pain medications and enhances overall quality of life.
Massage is also beneficial for individuals with chronic stress-related conditions like migraines or tension headaches. By releasing muscle knots and improving blood flow, therapy helps reduce the frequency and intensity of these episodes. People recovering from long-term injuries or managing degenerative conditions can also use massage as a complementary therapy alongside medical treatment or physical rehabilitation.
It’s best to consult a licensed therapist who understands how to adapt pressure, techniques, and session frequency to your specific needs. Clinics such as Copper Wellness specialize in personalized care, integrating massage into broader wellness plans. Regular scheduling—especially during high-stress periods or when symptoms worsen—keeps the body in balance and prevents discomfort from escalating. For chronic conditions, proactive therapy is far more effective than waiting for pain to return.
Let’s be honest. Free stuff always grabs attention. Doesn’t matter if it’s a free cookie at a bakery, a trial month of Netflix, or a couple of spins in an online casino. When something is free, people lean in. And in gambling, this is where the no deposit bonus shines.
So What’s the Deal?
It’s exactly what it sounds like. You sign up, maybe confirm your email, and the casino says, “Here you go, have some spins” or “Here’s a small amount of credit.” No money leaves your pocket. You’re already in the game.
It could be 20 spins on a popular slot. It could be $15 in bonus cash. Sometimes it’s even timed credits, like “Here’s $50, but you’ve got one hour to burn through it.” Different flavors, same idea: play first, decide later.
Why Free Feels Different
We all know free coffee samples taste better. It’s not the flavor, it’s the fact you didn’t pay for it. The same thing happens here. Free lowers the barrier. You don’t hesitate, you don’t stress. You just play.
And in gambling, that’s huge. Normally, every bet comes with the thought: “What if I lose?” But with a no deposit bonus, losing means… nothing. Zero. Which means you can relax and maybe even take bigger risks.
Player Reactions in Real Life
I remember seeing a guy in a casino chat bragging he turned $10 in free spins into $250. Was it luck? Of course. But the chat went wild. People love those stories. Even if you don’t hit big yourself, it’s proof that it can happen.
Others use these bonuses differently. Some players treat them like a test drive. They try out the site, see how fast it loads, check if payouts are smooth. If they like it, they stick around and deposit. If not, they move on. No harm done.
The Not-So-Hidden Catch
Now, here’s the part casinos don’t shout about: wagering requirements. Almost every no deposit bonus comes with them.
Say you get $20 free. The terms say 30x wagering. That means you need to place $600 worth of bets before you can withdraw winnings. Sounds heavy, right? It is.
But players still take the deal. Why? Because hey, it’s free. Even if you don’t cash out, you got to play, you had some fun, maybe learned a new game.
Adrenaline Without the Bill
Here’s the funny thing. Even when it’s not your money, the rush is still real.
Spin a slot with free credits, watch the reels line up, feel your pulse rise. That’s adrenaline. You don’t sit back thinking, “Oh, it’s just a free spin.” No — you lean in, waiting, hoping. The excitement doesn’t care who put up the money.
That’s why no deposit bonuses are powerful. They give players the buzz without the financial sting.
Where to Find Them
Not every casino offers this. Some do it all the time, others use it as a special promo. And quality matters. A flashy “100 free spins” might sound amazing, but if the terms are impossible, players get frustrated.
A smarter option? Look for offers with fair rules and actual usability. One example that often pops up is casino adrenaline no deposit bonus. It shows how a freebie can feel exciting and worth your time, not just bait.
Keeping It Healthy
Quick reminder: free doesn’t mean unlimited. It’s easy to get caught chasing the rush, even when you started with no risk. Responsible play still matters. Take breaks. Set limits. If you’re not having fun, stop. Simple as that.
Casinos now offer tools to help: reminders, spending caps, self-exclusion if needed. Use them. Gambling should be entertainment, not stress.
What’s Next for Free Play?
These bonuses aren’t going anywhere. But the format will evolve. I wouldn’t be surprised to see:
Gamified bonuses – complete small missions to unlock spins.
Personalized gifts – based on your playing style.
VR freebies – credits to explore a virtual reality casino floor.
Casinos know players love “free,” so they’ll keep reinventing it.
One More Thing: Stories Make It Real
Let’s face it, the best part about no deposit bonuses isn’t just the free spins or the bonus cash. It’s the stories people walk away with. You’ve probably seen it in forums: someone writes, “I signed up, got 25 free spins, didn’t expect much, but somehow cashed out $120.” That kind of post gets replies for days.
And here’s the truth: most people won’t hit a big win with a no deposit deal. But the fun is in the trying. The shared excitement makes it feel like you’re part of something bigger than just sitting at your laptop. The little rush of, “What if this is the one?” is what keeps players coming back.
Even the losses don’t sting. Why would they? It wasn’t your cash. You walk away with a few minutes of excitement, maybe a funny story, and the knowledge that you got to play for free. Compare that to spending $50 on a dinner you barely remember — at least with a no deposit bonus, you get entertainment and a shot at luck.
So yeah, these offers aren’t magic tickets to riches. But they are one of the rare times in life where the phrase “nothing to lose” is actually true. And that’s exactly why people love them.
Wrapping It Up
At the end of the day, no deposit bonuses are simple: free play, real thrills. You won’t always win, but you’ll always get something — experience, fun, maybe even a lucky story to tell.
So, next time you see one, why not? Worst case, you walk away with nothing lost. Best case, you turn free spins into real cash. And even if it’s somewhere in between, the ride itself is worth it.
Shane van Gisbergen capped off the NASCAR Cup Series’ Round of 12 Playoff battle by winning the eighth annual running of the Bank of America Roval 400 at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course (Royal) on Sunday, October 5.
The three-time Supercars champion from Auckland, New Zealand, led a race-high 57 of 109-scheduled laps in an event where he started alongside pole-sitter Tyler Reddick. After assuming the lead from Reddick for the first time on the fourth lap, van Gisbergen preserved both his tires through various pit strategies and his entry amid a bevy of on-track actions to remain in contention for the lead. Amid a late-race battle with Playoff contenders Kyle Larson and Christopher Bell, van Gisbergen executed his race-winning pass on Larson with 12 laps remaining, which occurred not long after the latter two competitors made on-track contact. From there, van Gisbergen proceeded to notch his unprecedented fifth consecutive road-course victory in the Cup Series division.
With on-track qualifying that determined the starting lineup occurring on Saturday, October 4, Playoff contender Tyler Reddick notched his second Cup pole position of the 2025 season and the 11th of his career with a pole-winning lap at 95.510 mph in 85.939 seconds. The competitor who started alongside Reddick on the front row was Shane van Gisbergen, the latter of whom clocked in his best qualifying lap at 95.474 mph in 85.971 seconds.
Prior to the event, Riley Herbst, who nearly flipped amid a wild wreck during Saturday’s practice session, and Erik Jones dropped to the rear of the field due to unapproved adjustments that were made to their respective entries.
When the green flag waved and the event commenced, pole-sitter Tyler Reddick gained the upper advantage from the outside lane as he led Shane van Gisbergen and the field through the first turn. Behind, Kyle Busch, who was racing in the middle of the field and with new crew chief Andy Street, wrecked against the Turn 1 barriers, but the race remained under green flag conditions as Busch nursed his damaged entry around the Roval and took his car to the garage for repairs.
Back at the front of the field, Reddick retained the lead over van Gisbergen through the infield turns and the Charlotte Roval’s oval turns, including the backstretch and frontstretch chicanes. When Reddick returned to the frontstretch, he led the first lap over van Gisbergen while Playoff contender Kyle Larson, Ty Gibbs and Chris Buescher followed suit in the top five, respectively.
Over the next two laps, Reddick maintained a reasonable advantage over van Gisbergen through every turn and straightaway. Then on the third lap through the backstretch chicane, van Gisbergen got underneath Reddick. Both dueled through the remaining oval turns before van Gisbergen rocketed his No. 88 WeatherTech Chevrolet entry ahead of Reddick’s No. 45 Jordan Toyota Camry XSE entry and assumed the lead for the first time just past the frontstretch chicane. Van Gisbergen proceeded to stretch his lead to more than a second during the fifth lap while Larson, Gibbs and Buescher continued to trail in the top five, respectively.
Through the first 10-scheduled laps, van Gisbergen was leading by more than two seconds over Larson, the latter of whom assumed the runner-up spot from Reddick three laps earlier, while Gibbs and Buescher occupied the remaining top-five spots ahead of Michael McDowell and AJ Allmendinger along with a host of Playoff contenders that include Christopher Bell, Ross Chastain and Chase Briscoe. Behind, Playoff contenders Ryan Blaney, Chase Elliott, Bubba Wallace, William Byron and Denny Hamlin trailed in the top-15 mark ahead of Ty Dillon, Playoff contender Joey Logano, Brad Keselowski, Zane Smith and Cole Custer while Austin Cindric, who missed the backstretch chicane and spun shortly after amid contact from Justin Haley, plummeted to 36th place.
Shortly after, green flag pit stops commenced as Daniel Suarez and Cindric pitted their respective entries. By Lap 11, a host of names that included Briscoe, Blaney, Elliott, Byron, Ty Dillon, Alex Bowman, Carson Hocevar and Erik Jones all pitted before more names that included Ty Gibbs, Michael McDowell, Christopher Bell, Ross Chastain, Denny Hamlin, Joey Logano, John Hunter Nemechek, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Riley Herbst and Josh Berry pitted by Lap 12. Amid the pit stops, van Gisbergen continued to lead before he pitted for the first time on Lap 14. Larson also pitted with van Gisbergen while Buescher cycled to the lead.
At the Lap 20 mark and amid a series of on-track battles and jostling for spots within the field, van Gisbergen, who was reeling in Buescher on four fresh tires, returned atop the leaderboard after he overtook Buescher through Turn 7. Van Gisbergen proceeded to lead by two seconds over Buescher, the latter of whom continued to remain on the track on his current set of worn tires. Behind, Larson, Gibbs and Bell charged their way up into the top-five mark while Reddick, who has yet to pit, dropped to eighth place behind Chastain and McDowell.
Two laps later, a host of names that included Buescher, Allmendinger, Blaney, Reddick, Bubba Wallace, Bowman, Cole Custer, Cindric and Nemechek pitted their respective entries under green. Another lap later, pit road became inaccessible to the field as the first stage period was coming to a conclusion. Meanwhile, van Gisbergen retained the lead by more than six seconds over Larson.
When the first stage period concluded on Lap 25, van Gisbergen captured his third Cup stage victory of the 2025 season. Larson followed suit in second place by more than eight seconds, which was enough for him to clinch a Playoff Round of 8 berth. Gibbs, Bell, Chastain, McDowell, Briscoe, Elliott, Byron and Ty Dillon followed suit in the top 10, respectively. While six of 12 Playoff contenders racked up the event’s first round of stage points, the remaining Playoff contenders that included Hamlin, Logano, Blaney, Reddick, Wallace and Cindric were mired back in 11th, 12th, 19th, 26th, 33rd and 36th, respectively.
Under the first stage break period, nearly the entire field led by van Gisbergen pitted for service while the rest led by Allmendinger and including Buescher, Blaney, Suarez, Bowman, Reddick, Custer, Wallace, Nemechek and Cindric remained on the track. During the pit stops, Chastain overshot the turn to exit pit road just after he crossed the exit commitment line, which dropped Chastain from 15th to 30th in the running order.
The second stage period started on Lap 29 as Allmendinger and Buescher occupied the front row. At the start, Allmendinger muscled ahead with the lead while Blaney charged his way into the runner-up spot over Buescher and Suarez through the first turn. As the field fanned out through the infield turns, Allmendinger retained the lead through Turn 7 and the oval turns, including the chicanes, before he navigated his way back to the frontstretch and led the following lap over Blaney, Buescher, Suarez and Reddick.
Then on Lap 32, Hocevar, who was racing within the top-20 mark, locked up the tires and overshot the frontstretch chicane. In the process, Hocevar made contact and spun Cindric, which left Cindric with a broken rear toe link as he took his entry to the garage. Amid the incident that evaporated Cindric’s hopes of advancing to the Playoff’s Round of 8, the race remained under green flag conditions as Allmendinger continued to lead.
Just past the Lap 35 mark, Allmendinger stabilized his lead to four-tenths of a second over Blaney while Buescher and Suarez remained in third and fourth, respectively. Meanwhile, van Gisbergen, who started the second stage period in 11th place, was up in fifth place, but trailing the lead by three seconds, while Reddick, Larson, Bell, McDowell and Bowman followed suit in the top 10 ahead of Byron and Elliott. Meanwhile, Wallace and Logano were mired in 16th and 17th while Chastain, Briscoe and Hamlin were racing from 21st to 23rd, respectively.
Then on Lap 37, another cycle of green flag pit stops commenced as Blaney, who was slowly reeling in Allmendinger for the lead, led a host of names that included Elliott, Wallace, Custer, Logano, Reddick, Zane Smith and Nemechek to pit road for service. Meanwhile, Allmendinger continued to lead before he was overtaken by van Gisbergen on Lap 40. Not long after van Gisbergen assumed the lead, Allmendinger, who was told to pit a lap prior, pitted. As van Gisbergen started to stretch his lead, Larson also started to reel in on Buescher for the runner-up spot.
Just past the Lap 45 mark, more pit strategies ensued as a host of names that included Byron, Bell, Suarez, Buescher, Allmendinger, Ryan Preece, McDowell, Justin Haley, Keselowski, Briscoe, Wallace, Hamlin, Bowman, Berry, Noah Gragson, Zane Smith and Austin Dillon all pitted their respective entries under green. The leader van Gisbergen then pitted on Lap 47 along with Larson as Blaney cycled to the lead.
When the second stage period concluded on Lap 50, Blaney captured his ninth Cup stage victory of the 2025 season. Reddick settled in second ahead of Elliott, Chastain and van Gisbergen while Larson, Bell, Logano, Suarez and Custer were scored in the top 10, respectively. With his seventh-place result in the second stage period, Bell officially secured his spot to the Round of 8.
With seven of 12 Playoff contenders racking up the event’s second round of Playoff points, the remaining Playoff contenders that included Byron, Briscoe, Wallace and Hamlin were mired in 22nd, 24th, 25th and 26th, respectively. In addition, Cindric was strapped in 37th place and still in the garage with his damaged entry. During the second stage break period, some led by Blaney and including Reddick, Elliott, Chastain and Logano returned to pit road for service while the rest led by van Gisbergen, Larson and Bell remained on the track.
With 54 laps remaining, the final stage period commenced as van Gisbergen and Larson occupied the front row. At the start, van Gisbergen retained the lead through the first turn while Bell navigated his way into the runner-up spot over Larson, Buescher and Suarez. The field behind the leader van Gisbergen fanned out, bumped and jostled for spots through the infield turns and the tight left-hand turn of Turn 7 before they navigated their way through the oval turns. At the front, van Gisbergen retained the lead over a hard-charging Bell through the chicanes on the backstretch and frontstretch before he led the next lap.
Then with 52 laps remaining, the caution flew due to Austin Dillon wrecking into the tire barriers in Turn 5. Prior to the caution, van Gisbergen, Bell and Larson had engaged in a heated battle for the lead through Turns 13 and 14, with the former just managing to outduel and fend off the latter two through the frontstretch chicane. During the latest caution period, select names that included Byron and Wallace pitted while the rest led by van Gisbergen remained on the track.
The start of the next restart with 48 laps remaining featured van Gisbergen fending off Larson, Bell and the field as he led through the first turn and the infield turns. The field continued to fan out and jostle for positions through the infield turns, Turn 7 and back on the oval circuit as van Gisbergen proceeded to lead the following lap. Shortly after, Larson, who intimated van Gisbergen starting in Turn 7, overtook van Gisbergen through the backstretch chicane and assumed the lead. Bell then followed pursuit in the runner-up spot as van Gisbergen dropped to third place in front of Allmendinger and Buescher.
With 42 laps remaining, select names that included Buescher, Gragson, Zane Smith and Custer pitted under green. Stenhouse pitted during the following lap before more names that included Allmendinger, Keselowski, Bowman and Ty Dillon pitted during the next. Amid the pit stops, Larson led by more than a second over Bell while van Gisbergen, Preece and McDowell followed suit with 40 laps remaining.
During the next two laps, more names that included Briscoe, Gibbs, Cody Ware, Suarez, Bell, Reddick, Preece and Haley pitted their respective entries under green before Larson surrendered the lead to pit with 38 laps remaining. Two laps later, van Gisbergen, who cycled to the lead, pitted along with Playoff bubble drivers Logano and Chastain, which allowed Larson to return atop the leaderboard with 35 laps remaining.
Down to the final 30 laps of the event, Larson was leading by more than three seconds over runner-up Bell and by four seconds over third-place van Gisbergen, with Buescher, Allmendinger, Keselowski, Preece, McDowell, Briscoe and Suarez racing in the top 10. Meanwhile, Chastain, who was mired in 14th place, held sole possession of the eighth and transfer berth to the Playoff’s Round 8 by three points over Logano, the latter of whom had a slow pit service under green and was mired in 20th place.
Two laps later, select names that included Allmendinger, Bowman, Stenhouse and Zane Smith pitted under green as van Gisbergen, who overtook Bell for the runner-up spot three laps earlier, trailed Larson by two seconds. More names that included Keselowski, Reddick and Buescher, Bell, Briscoe and Gibbs pitted over the next three laps while van Gisbergen proceeded to decrease Larson’s advantage to more than a second.
Then with 23 laps remaining, van Gisbergen, who had been reeling in Larson for the lead, overtook Larson as he returned atop the leaderboard. As van Gisbergen led the next lap, Chastain pitted along with Todd Gilliland under green. Shortly after, Chastain was penalized for speeding on pit road.
With 20 laps remaining and as more green flag pit stops occurred, Larson pitted from the runner-up spot while Chastain, who was racing in 19th place following his pit service, served a drive-through penalty as a result of speeding on pit road. By the time Chastain returned on the track, he was down in 24th place behind Logano, the competitor whom Chastain was battling for the final transfer berth to the Round of 8. As Keselowski pulled his car off the course in the backstretch due to power issues, van Gisbergen pitted with 18 laps remaining and he managed to blend back on the track in third place behind Larson and Bell.
Down to the final 15 laps of the event, Larson was leading by nine-tenths of a second over Bell while van Gisbergen, Buescher, Reddick, Preece, McDowell, Allmendinger, Briscoe and Suarez were scored in the top 10, respectively. Meanwhile, Chastain, who was mired in 16th place, trailed Logano for the eighth and final spot to the Round of 8 by five points, with Logano racing in 14th place on the track. By then, Reddick, who was racing in fifth place, trailed the cutline by 13 points while Wallace, who was mired in 13th place, trailed the cutline by 30 points.
Shortly after, the battle for the lead intensified as van Gisbergen, who trailed Larson by eight-tenths of a second, muscled his way back ahead of Larson for the lead. Van Gisbergen’s pass for the lead occurred with 14 laps remaining after he made contact with Larson through Turn 7 before he drew alongside Larson and rubbed the latter through the backstretch chicane to reclaim the top spot.
Larson then returned the favor during the following lap by overtaking van Gisbergen and reassuming the lead through Turn 1 as Bell joined the battle. As Bell pitted for tires and dropped back to fifth place with 12 laps remaining, van Gisbergen zipped past Larson through the backstretch chicane to reassume the lead, this time with no contact. Amid the battles at the front, Logano, who was overtaken by Chastain on the track, opted to strategically pit for fresh tires with 11 laps remaining. Logano’s move allowed Chastain, who has not yet pitted, to overtake Logano for the final transfer berth by two points as van Gisbergen led by more than a second over Larson with 10 laps remaining.
With eight laps remaining, Larson pitted from the runner-up spot under green. Larson’s moved allowed Bell to assume the runner-up spot from him as van Gisbergen continued to remain on the track for the lead. Meanwhile, Chastain, who was mired in 13th place, was seven points ahead of Logano and above the cutline while Logano was mired in 24th place despite racing on four fresh tires. As Chastain maintained his points cushion ahead of a bevy of competitors who were racing on fresh tires, Larson, who dropped to fourth place, overtook Buescher for third place, but he trailed van Gisbergen by 21 seconds as Bell trailed the lead by 18 seconds in the runner-up spot with five laps remaining.
When the white flag waved and the final lap started, van Gisbergen remained in the lead by 17 seconds over Larson, the latter of whom overtook Bell for the runner-up spot. Having a huge lead to his advantage, van Gisbergen was able to smoothly navigate his way around the Charlotte Roval for a final time before he cycled back through to the frrontstretch and claim the checkered flag by 15 seconds over Larson.
With the victory, van Gisbergen notched his fifth consecutive NASCAR Cup Series win on road-course events. He also achieved his sixth career win in NASCAR’s premier series and his first at the Charlotte Roval.
Photo by John Knittel for SpeedwayMedia.com.
“What an awesome race,” van Gisbergen said on the frontstretch. “Kyle [Larson] and Christopher [Bell] driving really good. [The battle] got a little rough, but man, the battle was awesome. I lost [the car] a little bit at the start of Stage 3 and whatever [the crew] did for the rest of the race. Unbelievable. Really enjoyed that and was a long time waiting, hoping the yellow wasn’t going to come out. I got [Larson] in a little bump at [Turn] 7 by accident and he just slammed me, and that sort of set it off. It was fun. I’m all for it. I hope he’s not too pissed off, but I hope it was good to watch, too.”
Amid van Gisbergen’s dominant victory, Chastain, who was initially a single point ahead of Logano for the final transfer spot to the Round of 8, had his hopes of transferring in jeopardy after Hamlin overtook him for 18th place on the track. Hamlin’s move placed Chastain and Logano in a tie for the final spot, with Logano being awarded the tie-breaker.
Then after trailing Hamlin from Turn 7 to entering the frontstretch chicane, Chastain sent his No. 1 Busch Light Chevrolet entry into the rear of Hamlin’s No. 11 Progressive Toyota Camry XSE entry. Chastain’s move resulted with both him and Hamlin spinning through the chicane. As Chastain quickly placed his car in reverse to cross the finish line, he was overtaken by Bowman, Stenhouse and Logano.
As a result, Logano, who beat Chastain’s reversed entry to the finish line for 20th place, claimed the final transfer berth to the Round of 8 by four points over Chastain. The result enabled Logano to maintain his hopes of defending his championship from the previous season while Chastain had his Playoff hopes evaporated following the Round of 12 for a second time in three years.
Photo by Kevin Ritchie for SpeedwayMedia.com.
“We’re still alive, baby,” Logano said. “We’re still going. I’m so excited. Such a close finish there. I knew it was within a point there and I knew we were going to be tied there at the end, and Ross is going to do whatever he had to do to make it happen. [I] Just wasn’t quite fast enough today with our car. But overall, man, it’s the drama of the Playoffs, right? If you want drama, the Playoffs bring it every time.”
“I’m proud of [crew chief] Paul Wolfe,” Logano added. “We made some really hard [pit] calls today. Three stop [strategy] in the end there. Kind of an audible there at the end. Our falloff was a little bit too much, so making that call there at the end was ultimately what kept us there in the game. So as a championship performance from the team. [I] Wish I was a little faster, but overall, we’re proud of the team and we still got a shot.”
“I’d restart the whole day,” Chastain said. “For Trackhouse Racing, they expect so much more out of me. To speed on pit road, I went off the end of pit road and didn’t turn. I had more room and just trying to get to the yellow line, and just completely started the downfall there and then came out of the pit stall and double clicked up into third [gear] and just unforced errors. It’s just terrible…[Team owner] Justin [Marks] hired me to carry this 1 car and to drive it and to be the leader, and I just completely unraveled our day. So, yeah, not acceptable. Like, just completely unacceptable.”
With the Round of 12 concluded, Logano joins Kyle Larson, Christopher Bell, Chase Elliott, William Byron, Ryan Blaney, Denny Hamlin and Chase Briscoe as the eight Playoff contenders who will square off against one another in the Round of 8 next weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Meanwhile, Chastain joins Tyler Reddick, Bubba Wallace and Austin Cindric as the next round of four Playoff contenders who were eliminated from title contention.
Behind van Gisbergen on the track, Larson, who led 27 laps compared to van Gisbergen’s race-high 57, settled in second place ahead of Bell, Chris Buescher and Michael McDowell. Ryan Preece, Daniel Suarez, Chase Elliott, AJ Allmendinger and Tyler Reddick completed the top 10 in the final running order.
*Notably, Riley Herbst, who initially finished in 30th place, was demoted to the tail end of the field in 37th place due to his entry failing the height measurements during the post-race inspection process.
There were 15 lead changes for six different leaders. The event featured three cautions for 10 laps. In addition, 26 of 37 starters finished on the lead lap.
Results:
1. Shane van Gisbergen, 57 laps led, Stage 1 winner 2. Kyle Larson, 27 laps led 3. Christopher Bell 4. Chris Buescher, five laps led 5. Michael McDowell 6. Ryan Preece 7. Daniel Suarez 8. Chase Elliott 9. AJ Allmendinger, 13 laps led 10. Tyler Reddick, three laps led 11. William Byron 12. Ty Gibbs 13. Ryan Blaney, four laps led, Stage 2 winner 14. Chase Briscoe 15. Bubba Wallace 16. Josh Berry 17. Todd Gilliland 18. Alex Bowman 19. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. 20. Joey Logano 21. Ross Chastain 22. Cole Custer 23. Denny Hamlin 24. Zane Smith 25. Justin Haley 26. John Hunter Nemechek 27. Ty Dillon, one lap down 28. Noah Gragson, one lap down 29. Carson Hocevar, one lap down 30. Erik Jones, one lap down 31. Austin Dillon, one lap down 32. Josh Bilicki, one lap down 33. Cody Ware, one lap down 34. Kyle Busch, nine laps down 35. Brad Keselowski – OUT, Drivetrain 36. Austin Cindric, 22 laps down 37. Riley Herbst – Disqualified *Bold indicates Playoff contenders.
The Round of 8 in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs commences next Sunday, October 12, at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in Las Vegas, Nevada, for the South Point 400. The event’s broadcast time is slated to commence at 5:30 p.m. ET on USA Network, PRN Radio, SiriusXM and HBO Max.
Custer Battles Through Adversity on Challenging “Roval”
CONCORD, NC (October 5, 2025) – It was homecoming weekend for the Haas Factory Team (HFT), returning to Charlotte Motor Speedway. The Cup and Xfinity Series took on the 2.3-mile, 17-turn course with plenty at stake. It was an elimination weekend for HFT’s Xfinity Series playoff cars, and Sam Mayer and Sheldon Creed both rose to the challenge, advancing to the next round. While they kept HFT’s championship hopes alive, Cole Custer carried the organization’s Cup Series banner high on Sunday, fighting to the finish of the 400-mile race.
Xfinity Series
00 Sheldon Creed
Riding a streak of consecutive top-five finishes, Sheldon Creed was looking to close out the Round of 12 strong and advance to the next round in the Xfinity Series Playoffs. Starting 13th in the Road Ranger Ford, he steadily climbed the leaderboard in the opening stage. Creed cracked the top 10 just before a mid-stage caution gave the team a chance to pit. He restarted 14th but was able to navigate traffic and charged back to finish the stage ninth, gaining important stage points.
In Stage Two, Creed built on that momentum with a strong restart from eighth, picking up multiple positions in the opening laps. After a brief caution, he lined up sixth with 10 laps to go and remained aggressive. Even after contact with Conor Kvapil resulted in minor quarter panel damage that impacted his turning ability, Creed maintained his composure and pace. He powered through the closing laps of the stage to finish fourth, again collecting stage points.
After pitting for adjustments between stages, Creed restarted 22nd to begin the final stage. He quickly mounted a charge, climbing all the way to eighth with 11 laps to go. By the closing laps, he was running as high as fifth. A late caution led to a strategic decision to pit for four fresh tires, dropping him to 20th for a green–white–checkered overtime finish. Creed used the final laps to pick off several more cars and crossed the line in 11th, capping off a strong day that propelled him to the next round of the playoffs.
“I thought we were going to sweep this first (playoff) round with top-fives,” said Creed. “I really didn’t want to see that last caution, but it was just your classic, stressful Roval with a lot of chaos, and we survived it. We worked really hard through this first round to get good finishes, and now we can focus on the next three.”
41 Sam Mayer
With victories in the previous two Charlotte road course races, Sam Mayer entered Saturday looking for a Roval three-peat. After starting seventh in the Audibel Ford, he wasted no time picking up positions, quickly moving into sixth on lap two and then passing Jessie Love for fifth. After a caution, Mayer pitted and restarted ninth, but a chaotic restart forced him off track, causing him to miss the chicane and draw a stop-and-go penalty with just two laps remaining in the stage. Despite the setback, he charged back through the field to finish 12th.
In Stage Two, Mayer began his comeback from 11th and steadily worked his way forward. Following a brief caution, he restarted in the same spot with 10 laps to go and began making moves. He passed Conor Mosack for eighth and then climbed to seventh, closely trailing Haas Factory Team teammate Sheldon Creed. By the end of the stage, Mayer had powered his way to a sixth-place finish.
The final stage brought a challenge. Mayer was hit with a penalty for a crew member over the wall too soon during pit stops, forcing him to restart 29th. Undeterred, he mounted an aggressive charge, slicing through the field to 15th with 11 laps remaining and maintaining an impressive pace. A late caution presented another chance, but after pitting from 12th, he restarted 18th and ultimately finished 19th. While the result didn’t reflect his car’s speed or his determination, Mayer was excited to advance to the next round of the playoffs.
“The biggest thing is we made it to the next round, and I’m really proud of the Haas Factory Team. They did a great job of sticking with me all day,” Mayer said. “Literally everything that you could have thrown at us got thrown at us, and we still managed to make it to the next round. So I’m really looking forward to the next round. We’re going to some tracks that Ford Racing has been really good at in the past, and hopefully we can get the Audibel Ford Mustang into the Championship Four.”
Cup Series
41 Cole Custer
Cole Custer showed determination early at Charlotte Motor Speedway as he and his team worked to dial in the HaasTooling.com Ford during Stage One. After starting 18th, Custer focused on finding the right balance as the team looked for ways to give the car more drive off the corners and long-run speed. A pair of pit stops during the stage allowed the crew to address those challenges. The final stop came with only two laps remaining in the stage, and while Custer crossed the line 27th, he was in position to restart much higher.
Stage One strategy turned into Stage Two opportunity. The team flipped the stage, allowing Custer to restart seventh. He fought to maintain track position throughout the run, but as the laps wore on, tire wear became a factor. The team made a strategic pit stop to put on qualifying scuffs and regain grip. Custer’s perseverance paid off as he worked back through the field to finish the stage 10th — a 17-position swing from the conclusion of Stage One.
After pitting between stages, Custer restarted the final — and longest — segment in 24th. To close out the day, he sought more overall grip to attack corners more aggressively. A pit stop on lap 67 allowed the team to make further adjustments, but a speeding penalty on pit road forced a pass-through that shuffled his track position. Custer remained focused to the end, holding steady in the closing laps to bring the car home in 22nd.
“Overall I felt we had a solid Haas Tooling Ford Mustang, just wished we didn’t speed there at the end,” said Custer. I felt like we had a solid car and could’ve had a solid finish. I just put us to far behind with the speeding penalty. We’ll move on to the next one and try to rebound.”
Up Next
Las Vegas Motor Speedway (Las Vegas, NV)
The Xfinity series – Saturday, October 11th at 7:30pm on the CW Network.
The NASCAR Cup Series – Sunday, October 12th at 5:30pm on USA Network
About Haas Factory Team
The Haas Factory Team is a NASCAR Cup and Xfinity program owned by Gene Haas, founder of Haas Automation. Beginning in 2025, the team will feature Cole Custer driving the No. 41 Ford Mustang Dark Horse in the NASCAR Cup Series, while Sheldon Creed and Sam Mayer take on the Xfinity Series in the No. 00 and No. 41 Ford Mustangs, respectively. Based in Kannapolis, North Carolina, the Haas Factory Team reflects a commitment to performance and engineering excellence, carrying forward Gene Haas’s commitment to motorsports.
NASCAR Cup Series Charlotte ROVAL Round of 12: Elimination Race Team Chevy Post-Race Report October 5, 2025
Van Gisbergen Drives Chevrolet to Third-Straight Charlotte ROVAL Victory Three Team Chevy Drivers Advance to Round of Eight
Team Chevy’s Shane van Gisbergen added onto an already banner rookie campaign in NASCAR’s premier series – driving his No. 88 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet to the win at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course. With now five-consecutive road course wins in the division, Van Gisbergen sits just behind career Chevrolet driver Jeff Gordon’s all-time record streak of six-straight road course triumphs.
The victory marks Chevrolet’s sixth win in eight NASCAR Cup Series events on the Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course, with Shane van Gisbergen extending the manufacturer’s streak to three-straight on the 2.28-mile circuit.
Joining Chase Elliott in the NASCAR Cup Series Round of Eight are his two Hendrick Motorsports teammates, Kyle Larson and William Byron, who were able to point their way into the next round at the conclusion of the second elimination race of the postseason. With the playoff rankings reset, Larson and Byron will head to Las Vegas Motor Speedway above the cutline in the third- and fourth-positions, respectively.
Setting out in his quest for five-straight road course wins in NASCAR’s top division, Shane van Gisbergen turned in a front-row qualifying effort for the Bank of America ROVAL 400. Wheel-to-wheel with polesitter, Tyler Reddick, coming to the green-flag, Van Gisbergen settled into the second position for just a handful of laps before quickly making a pass for the lead. Van Gisbergen went on to pace the field with the defending race winner and Team Chevy playoff contender, Kyle Larson, in tow. Continuing to click away laps, the first green-flag pit cycle began at Lap 11 by Trackhouse Racing’s Daniel Suarez. The duo of Team Chevy drivers, Van Gisbergen and Larson, were among the last cars to hit road – bringing their Chevrolet-powered machines in for their first scheduled stop of the day with 12 laps to go in the opening stage. With both crew chiefs making a call to put on a set of scuff tires, the pair quickly cycled back up through the field with the No. 88 Chevrolet regaining the top position with five laps to go in the stage. While a portion of pit road opted to flip the stage, Van Gisbergen and Larson were called to run out the opening stage with Van Gisbergen going on to collect the first green-white checkered flag of the race. Earning second-place stage points, Larson officially earned an early berth into the Round of Eight.
Among those that short-pitted the opening stage was road course ace, AJ Allmendinger, who lined up on the front-row to bring the field to the start of Stage Two. The No. 16 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet quickly set sail for the next 22-lap run. Looking to run-out the stage, Allmendinger was fighting too much fall off – forcing crew chief, Trent Owens, to give up the track position to bring his driver to pit road with nine laps to go in the stage. Looking to optimize points earned in Stage Two, Team Chevy playoff contenders, Chase Elliott and Ross Chastain, remained on the course to lead the Bowtie brigade with a third – and fourth-place stage finish, respectively.
Choosing to flip the stage, it was a Team Chevy front-row with Van Gisbergen and Larson leading the field to the green-flag for the final stage to mark 55 laps to go in the race. Taking the lead on the restart, Van Gisbergen held onto position through a tight three-way battle before the first natural caution of the day fell. Unwavered by the restart, the pair found their way back to the top-two positions, but Larson quickly challenged the road course king – ultimately driving his No. 5 Chevrolet to the lead at the 64-lap marker to lead his first laps of the day. Larson pulled away to a nearly 2.5-second lead before getting the call from crew chief, Cliff Daniels, to come down pit road for a scheduled stop with 38 laps to go – quickly taking over the lead once again just three laps later. The defending ROVAL winner continued to pace the field before a quickly-approaching Van Gisbergen closed the gap to make the pass for the lead at Lap 86. Van Gisbergen went on to ultimately accumulate 57 laps lad en route to his sixth career NASCAR Cup Series victory.
Team Chevy Unofficial Top-10 Results
Pos. Driver
1st – Shane van Gisbergen 2nd – Kyle Larson 5th – Michael McDowell 7th – Daniel Suarez 8th – Chase Elliott 9th – AJ Allmendinger
Chevrolet’s season statistics with 32 NASCAR Cup Series races complete:
UP NEXT: The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs Round of Eight will get underway at Las Vegas Motor Speedway with the South Point 400 on Sunday, October 12, at 5:30 p.m. ET. Live coverage can be found on the USA Network, PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90. Post-Race Driver Quotes:
Ross Chastain, No. 1 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet
Finished: 21st
If you got that last lap back, what would you have done differently?
“I would restart the whole day for this No. 1 Busch Light Chevrolet team. They expect so much more out of me. I went off the end of pit road and didn’t turn. I thought I had more room and I was just trying to get to the yellow line. I just completely started the downfall there. And then I came out of the pit stall, double-clicked up into third and sped on pit road. It was just unforced errors. It’s heartbreaking for almost 200 employees at Trackhouse Racing, our teammates, ECR engines, everybody that makes this go around. Justin (Marks) hired me to drive this No. 1 Chevrolet and be a leader, and I just completely unraveled our day. We definitely had the speed. On the last lap in turn seven, I downshifted into third, slid the rear tires and let the No. 11 (Denny Hamlin) by. It’s just not acceptable.”
“I would say a month before the playoffs until now, this team gave me everything I needed to get to the Round of Eight. We have a team that could go fight for the top-four. We had a top-four car, and we were a top-eight car a month ago and I just took that away from us today with some unforced errors. A terrible body of work today. When you work 20 years, studying and try to be ready for these moments and you fail, it’s a terrible feeling. But I will get up tomorrow and get back to work.”
Austin Dillon, No. 3 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet
Finished: 32nd
“Tough weekend for our Titan Risk Solutions/Carolina Cowboys Chevrolet team. During our qualifying run, the left front locked up which put us at the rear of the field for the start of today’s race. We knew it was going to be a battle with having to pass a lot of cars in the race. Our Chevy fired off loose at the initial start but the adjustments crew chief Richard Boswell made on our first stop definitely helped. Forward drive stayed with us the entire run after that, and we were playing the long game with taking care of our tires. Unfortunately in Stage 3, we got contact from behind and ended up in the tire barrier. From that point on, it was a grind to the end.”
Kyle Larson, No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
Finished: 2nd
“I’m happy with a second-place finish for this No. 5 HENDRICKCARS.COM Chevrolet team. Shane van Gisbergen (race winner) is just so good. It was a fun battle with Christopher (Bell), too. To start the final stage, we were trying to break up his (SVG) rhythm and race, and I thought it was playing out well. He was just so fast. I tried riding. I tried saving my tires, but I just can’t do it as well as he does. But overall, it was a great finish and momentum to head into the Round of Eight.”
Kyle Busch, No. 8 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet
Finished: 35th
“It was a rough start for the No. 8 Bank OZK Chevrolet today at the Charlotte Motor Speedway ROVAL, getting wrecked in Turn 1 on the first lap. Despite the early damage, the entire Richard Childress Racing team never quit and we were able to get our Chevy running better as the race progressed. This wasn’t the finish we all thought we’d have today, but we’ll take some learnings from this week and focus on getting a win next weekend in front of my hometown crowd in Las Vegas.”
Chase Elliott, No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
Finished: 8th
“We were just trying to do something different on the strategy side, and unfortunately, it never really went our way. I thought the pace in our No. 9 UniFirst Chevrolet was respectable, restarting in the mid-20s there on a couple of occasions and getting back into the top-10. I felt like we were decent, but we just needed to have something go our way with the way we were running it. Overall, it was a solid day for our team. We certainly gave it our best effort and I’m excited to get to Las Vegas Motor Speedway.”
William Byron, No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
Finished: 11th
You’ll enter the Round of Eight 39-points above the cutline. It sounded like your car just didn’t have the speed you wanted today. What else did you need?
“I think I was just kind of out there trying to figure out something that would work. We were just kind of sliding around too much, especially on the restarts. We really needed green-flag runs. Once we got green-flag laps in, I felt like our No. 24 Valvoline Blood Cancer United Chevrolet was pretty decent. I’m not sure, but overall, we came home with an 11th-place finish. I felt like we got better there at the end, which is a good thing.”
Michael McDowell, No. 71 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet
Finished: 5th
You’re walking away with a top-five finish. How do you feel about your day, and were you surprised by any of the strategies with the way it went down?
“I’m proud of the effort today by this No. 71 Delaware Life/FIG Chevrolet team. We executed really well. We had top-five speed, and we sort of stayed there all day long. There wasn’t a lot of excitement for us with just managing our track position. I’m bummed we didn’t have a little bit more speed to contend. When I would push hard, I could hang with the No. 88 (Shane van Gisbergen), No. 5 (Kyle Larson) and the No. 20 (Christopher Bell) for a little while. But then I would fade, so I sort of had to run my pace to keep the tires underneath me.
I’m proud of the top-five effort, but we come to these road courses to try and win. Today, we just didn’t quite have enough to do that. We were close. We were definitely in the game. The tire was fun. It was a tough 15 to 18 laps, depending how long you had to run your tires. They were falling off so hard and so fast, so that was cool. Goodyear did a good job of that. It mixed up the strategies, as we saw. I felt like we played that right. I think we ended up where we should have, as far as our speed goes. Proud of Travis (Peterson, crew chief) and everyone on this No. 71 team. We’ll keep building on our road course program. A couple top-fives this year, so that’s good. We’ve got good speed, but we just need a little bit more.”
Shane van Gisbergen, No. 88 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet
Finished: 1st
You said last year you struggled with the ROVAL, but you dominated today. A great strategy today
“Yeah, it’s unbelievable. Kyle (Larson) and Christopher (Bell) were racing really well today. They had a bit of speed on me and then got going at the end. Thank you to WeatherTech, Chevrolet, everyone at Trackhouse Racing. Our car was fast and really amazing today. Just an unreal year that we have had.”
If I had told you at the beginning of the season that you would not only have five wins, but five-in-a-row at road courses, what would you have told me?
“I don’t know. It’s just been unbelievable. We executed all of them, except for COTA. I am just over the moon.”
Now you have the ROVAL and you got your first top-10 on an oval last week, so the sky is the limit now, right?
“Yes, things are going well. We are getting better and better, and we’re having a blast doing it. Just speechless. It was certainly a good race, and I am so happy for everyone.”
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