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Jason Kitzmiller Looks to Toledo Speedway to Get ARCA Season Back on Track

By
Official Release
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TOLEDO, Ohio: No one would deny that ARCA Menards Series veteran Jason Kitzmiller and his A.L.L. Construction Racing — CR7 Motorsports team have showcased plenty of speed over the last several weeks. Unfortunately, the finishes haven’t reflected the effort.

After showing strong pace at both Talladega Superspeedway and last weekend’s road course battle at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International, late-race incidents in consecutive events erased what appeared to be promising top-10 opportunities.

Now, the focus shifts to Toledo Speedway for Saturday night’s Owens Corning 200, where Kitzmiller hopes to turn speed into results and rebound with his third top-10 finish of the 2026 ARCA Menards Series season.

In Friday’s return to Watkins Glen, Kitzmiller positioned himself inside the top-10 conversation throughout the afternoon. After receiving the free pass to return to the lead lap late in the race, the veteran driver mounted a determined charge through the field before his day abruptly ended as an innocent victim in an accident with just seven laps remaining.

With hopes that the recent stretch of bad luck is finally behind them, Kitzmiller and the No. 97 team head to the first short track event of the season, eager to capitalize on their speed and leave Northern Ohio with momentum back on their side.

“Honestly, I feel like we’ve had a lot more speed than the results show the last few weeks,” said Kitzmiller. “At Talladega and Watkins Glen, our A.L.L. Construction Racing — CR7 Motorsports team proved we can run with some of the best cars in the field, but circumstances just didn’t fall our way at the end.

“Watkins Glen especially was frustrating because we fought hard to get back on the lead lap and were making progress before getting caught up in someone else’s mess. That’s racing sometimes, but I’m proud of the effort from everyone on this team.

“I’m looking forward to getting back to a short track at Toledo. It’s a place where patience and execution matter, and hopefully we can finally put together the kind of finish this team deserves and build some momentum heading into the busy summer stretch of the season.”

Kitzmiller, a native of Petersburg, W.Va., will make his second career start at the famed half-mile oval, long regarded as the home track of the ARCA Menards Series. In his debut appearance at Toledo Speedway last season, Kitzmiller showed impressive speed throughout the weekend, posting a strong qualifying effort of ninth before backing it up with a ninth-place finish — one of his 14 top-10 finishes during the 2025 campaign.

Returning to Northern Ohio this weekend, Kitzmiller hopes to build on the experience gained from last year’s event and elevate the performance of the A.L.L. Construction Racing — CR7 Motorsports team as they continue their pursuit of a breakthrough top-five finish in 2026.

“I’m really looking forward to getting back to Toledo,” added Kitzmiller. “Last year, we unloaded with good speed right away, qualified inside the top-10 and came away with a solid finish, so that gives our team a lot of confidence heading into the weekend.

“Toledo is one of those racetracks where experience really matters. Knowing what to expect this time around should help me communicate better with the team and hopefully give us a chance to improve on what we did there a year ago.

“We’ve shown we’re capable of running up front this season, and I truly believe if we can put together a clean race and stay out of trouble, we have the potential to contend for a top-five finish on Saturday night.”

Kitzmiller’s ambitious goal, however, won’t come without a challenge. For the first time this season, the ARCA Menards Series and ARCA Menards Series East divisions will compete together in a combination event, creating a larger field and one of the most competitive entry lists of the year.

Among those entered is Kitzmiller’s son, Isaac Kitzmiller, the defending ARCA Menards Series East champion, adding another layer of intrigue to Saturday night’s showdown at Toledo Speedway.

With additional competition and limited room for error on the tight half-mile oval, Jason Kitzmiller knows execution, patience and track position will be more important than ever if the No. 97 team hopes to contend near the front of the field.

“We know this weekend is going to be a tough challenge,” said Kitzmiller. “When you combine the ARCA Menards Series and East cars together, the competition level goes up immediately, and there are a lot of talented drivers and strong teams in the field.

“At a place like Toledo, things happen fast, and you have to stay ahead of the track all night long. Track position, keeping the fenders on it and making the right adjustments will all be critical if we want to be there at the end.

“It’s also special to race against Isaac again. As a father, I’m proud of everything he’s accomplished, especially winning the East championship, but once the helmets go on, we’re both competitors trying to get the best finish possible. Hopefully, both of us can put on a good show Saturday night.”

Of course, the 52-year-old Kitzmiller won’t have to look far for advice when it comes to navigating the challenges of Toledo Speedway.

Serving atop the pit box is his crew chief, Frank Kimmel, widely regarded as

one of the greatest drivers ever to compete at the historic half-mile oval.

In 37 career starts at Toledo, Kimmel compiled an impressive résumé that included nine victories, 24 top-five finishes, 27 top-10s and an impressive average finish of 7.3 across 25 years of competition.

With Kimmel’s experience and notebook guiding the No. 97 team this weekend, Kitzmiller hopes the veteran leadership can help translate speed into the organization’s strongest short track performance of the season.

“Having someone like Frank in my corner is a continued huge advantage for our team,” said Kitzmiller. “There probably isn’t anybody who understands Toledo Speedway better than Frank. The success he had there during his career speaks for itself, and anytime you can lean on that kind of experience, it’s invaluable.

“He’s been a tremendous asset to our program, but at a place like Toledo, his knowledge becomes even more important. From race setup to tire management to understanding how the track changes throughout the night, he knows exactly what it takes to be successful there.

“As a driver, it gives you confidence knowing you have someone atop the pit box who has won at that racetrack as many times as he has,” added Kitzmiller.

“Hopefully, we can take everything he’s learned over the years and continue applying it to our No. 97 team this weekend.”

For the second straight year, Kitzmiller and company welcome Carter Machinery, promoting the Caterpillar® (Cat®) brand as the primary partner aboard the No. 97 Chevrolet for Saturday night’s 200-lap anticipated slugfest at Toledo Speedway.

Carter Machinery’s humble beginnings date back to 1928, serving customers throughout Virginia and southeastern West Virginia. As customer needs evolved, the company expanded its offerings by adding new products, services, and locations, with significant growth following its 2020 acquisition of Alban Tractor Company.

Today, Carter Machinery’s footprint spans the Mid-Atlantic, with more than 30 locations across Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, and the District of Columbia. The company sells, rents, and supports the full line of Cat® equipment, engines, and electric power generation systems, backed by strong parts availability, a diverse rental fleet, and an expert service team committed to customer success.

Continued investment in people, infrastructure, technology, and tooling has positioned Carter Machinery as one of Caterpillar’s premier dealers in North America and around the globe.

“We’re excited to welcome Carter Machinery back on board for Toledo,” said Kitzmiller. “They’re a tremendous partner for our program and a company that understands hard work, reliability and performance — values that fit perfectly with what we strive for every week as a race team.

“We’ve shown a lot of speed lately, especially at places like Talladega and Watkins Glen, even if the finishes haven’t reflected the effort. Our team continues to improve, and now the focus is on putting together a complete race at Toledo and capitalizing on the opportunities in front of us.

“It’s also a great opportunity for Carter Machinery to continue strengthening its presence in the northern market, especially in a region where construction, heavy equipment and infrastructure are such a big part of the community.

“We’re proud to represent the Cat® brand again this weekend and hopefully deliver the kind of run this team and partnership deserve Saturday night.”

In addition to Carter Machinery, A.L.L. Construction Inc., Grant County Mulch, A&J Excavating, Cobra Mining, Champion Power Equipment and Volt Battery Technology will all serve as associate marketing partners for his 53rd career ARCA Menards Series start.

Entering Toledo, Kitzmiller, 52, sits fifth in the ARCA Menards Series championship standings, 40 points behind championship leader Jake Bollman with 15 races remaining.

The A.L.L. Construction Racing — CR7 Motorsports team also holds a respectable 10th place in the championship owner standings.

Since 2020, Kitzmiller has earned two top-five and 24 top-10 finishes in 52 ARCA Menards Series starts, including a career-best third-place effort at Daytona International Speedway in February 2025.

The Owens Corning 200 (200 laps | 100 miles) is the sixth of 20 races on the 2026 ARCA Menards Series schedule. Practice begins Saturday, May 16, from 3:00 p.m. to 3:45 p.m., while Sioux Chief PowerPEX Pole Qualifying is slated to begin shortly thereafter at 4:30 p.m. The race is scheduled to take the green flag shortly after 7:00 p.m. ET. The continuation of the 74th season of ARCA competition will be televised live on FOX Sports 1 (FS1). ARCARacing.com will also stream live timing and scoring throughout the entire day’s festivities. All times are local (ET).

Spire Motorsports Welcomes Race Fans Ahead of Coca-Cola 600 Weekend

By
Official Release
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MOORESVILLE, N.C. (May 12, 2026) – Spire Motorsports will hold its fifth-annual Spring Fan Day event Thursday, May 21, at the team’s Mooresville, N.C., headquarters leading up to NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600 race weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

The day’s events will run from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., beginning with driver autograph sessions. Beginning at 8 a.m, 200 wristbands for autographs will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Following the autograph session, the “Spire Showdown” will feature select drivers alongside four lucky fans who will compete in a multi-station challenge for the chance to win a variety of prizes.

Daniel Suárez, Michael McDowell, Carson Hocevar, Kyle Busch, and Connor Mosack will be available for autographs.

Spire Motorsports’ team store will open at 8 a.m., giving fans the chance to shop exclusive driver and team merchandise, including race-used body panels. In honor of Memorial Day Weekend, original military-themed Spire Motorsports’ “Respect Our Troops” apparel will also be available for purchase, including custom hoodies, tee shirts and hats. The team will donate 25 percent of the day’s proceeds to the USO.

Complimentary chips and salsa from Chili’s Grill & Bar will be available along with promotional giveaways from Freeway Insurance, Go Bowling, Workforce, Miner Docks, Doors and more, Hooey, IKEA, and NEFCO. Katz Coffee and Coca-Cola will both provide sampling opportunities.

The Greenville (S.C) Swamp Rabbits, a member of the Spire Hockey family, will also be on-site with official team merchandise. Festivities will also include an exciting lineup of attractions, including Kennametal’s experiential marketing display, show cars and trucks.

Attendees will have a chance to win four grandstand tickets to the Coca-Cola 600 with proceeds also benefiting the USO. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital will also be on-site with special co-branded Spire Motorsports tee shirts.

The event will conclude with raffles featuring body panels, crew attire and much more. Spire Motorsports is located at 351 Mazeppa Road, Mooresville, NC 28115.

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

The team, co-owned by longtime NASCAR industry executive Jeff Dickerson and TWG Motorsports CEO Dan Towriss earned its inaugural NASCAR Cup Series victory in its first full season of competition when Justin Haley took the checkered flag in the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway July 7, 2019. Less than three years later, William Byron drove Spire Motorsports’ No. 7 Chevrolet Silverado its first NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series win April 7, 2022, at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway. The team’s most recent victory came May 1, 2026, when Carson Hocevar won the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series’ SpeedyCash.com 250 at Texas Motor Speedway.

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

RCR Race Preview: Dover Motor Speedway

By
Official Release
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Richard Childress Racing in the NASCAR All-Star Race… Richard Childress Racing has four wins in the NASCAR All-Star Race, three with Dale Earnhardt (1987, 1990, 1993) and one with Kevin Harvick (2007). All four of RCR’s All-Star Race wins came at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Earnhardt is tied with Jimmie Johnson and Joey Logano for the most top-five finishes in the All-Star Race (nine).

All-Star Format… This weekend marks the first time the NASCAR All-Star race is taking place at Dover Motor Speedway. In addition to a new venue, the format for this year’s All-Star weekend is all-new, with a greater emphasis on qualifying than in previous years. The three-segment, 350-lap event consists of two opening segments of 75 laps each, followed by a 200-lap final segment featuring 26 drivers with a competition break taking place at or around lap 225. Qualifying on Saturday sets the starting lineup for Segment 1, while Segment 2 begins with the top 26 finishers from Segment 1 inverted and the rest lined up by their finishing positions. The final 200-lap segment will consist of 26 drivers featuring all 2025 and 2026 NASCAR Cup Series race winners, the Fan Vote winner, full-time past series champions and All-Star Race winners, along with the remaining positions determined by the combined finishing results from Segments 1 and 2. Both Austin Dillon and Kyle Busch are locked into the final segment.

Richard Childress Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series at Dover Motor Speedway… Richard Childress Racing has four NASCAR Cup Series victories at Dover Motor Speedway. Dale Earnhardt won three times, including a sweep of both races in 1989 and the 1993 spring event. Jeff Burton won the 2006 fall race to claim his first and only win at Dover Motor Speedway. The Welcome, N.C. based organization has recorded 25 top-five and 60 top-10 finishes at the Monster Mile. RCR will look to continue to improve from last year’s results after finishing 11th (Kyle Busch) and 15th (Austin Dillon) at the one-mile oval.

Richard Childress Racing in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series at Dover Motor Speedway… Richard Childress Racing owns three NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series wins at Dover Motor Speedway, two of which belong to Clint Bowyer (fall races in 2006 and 2009). Burton won the spring event in 2006, rallying from the 36th-place starting position and giving RCR a sweep of O’Reilly Auto Parts Series races that season. RCR has earned six poles, 24 top-five and 53 top-10 finishes in 107 starts.

Veterans Coffee… This past Wednesday, RCR, alongside Veterans Bridge Home, hosted Veterans Coffee as part of RCR’s ongoing commitment to honor and support those who served our country. Please join us on Wednesday, June 10 at 9 a.m. for our next Veterans Coffee event. All veterans are encouraged to attend.

Catch Saturday’s Action… The O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race at Dover Motor Speedway will be televised live on Saturday, May 16 at 4 p.m. ET on The CW. The live radio broadcast can be heard on the Performance Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90. Saturday morning’s practice and qualifying sessions will be shown for free on The CW App beginning at 9:30 a.m. ET.

Catch Us on FS1… The Cup Series’ All-Star Race at Dover Motor Speedway will be televised live on Sunday, May 17 at 3 p.m. ET on FS1. The live radio broadcast can be heard on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90. Friday’s practice session at 3 p.m. ET will be televised live on FS2 and Saturday’s qualifying session at 12 p.m. ET will be shown live on FS1. Ride shotgun all season long with live, in-car camera feeds and scanner audio with a paid subscription to Max as part of their NASCAR driver cam experience during the race.

Austin Dillon and the No. 3 BREZTRI AEROSPHERE® (budesonide, glycopyrrolate, and formoterol fumarate) Chevrolet at Dover Motor Speedway… Austin Dillon has made 20 career NASCAR Cup Series starts at Dover Motor Speedway, earning three top-10 finishes at the track, including a best finish of seventh in October 2018.

Beyond the Cup Series… Dillon has made eight NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series starts at Dover Motor Speedway, highlighted by one pole award in 2013, one top-five and six top-10 finishes. He earned his best O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Dover finish of fourth in the fall 2015 race. Dillon has made two NASCAR Truck Series starts at the Monster Mile with a best finish of fourth and has one ARCA Menards Series East race under his belt at the one-mile concrete oval.

All Star History… Dillon has made five previous All-Star Race appearances, earning a best finish of seventh in 2019 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Earning His Spot… Dillon secured his spot in this year’s All-Star Race with his victory in the 2025 Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway.

Last Week… Starting 25th in last Sunday’s race at Watkins Glen International, Dillon and crew chief Richard Boswell leaned on strategy during Stage 1 when Boswell made the call to bring the six-time Cup Series winner to pit road early in an effort to gain valuable track position for the start of Stage 2. The strategy proved successful, as Dillon raced to a fourth-place finish in Stage 2 to earn his first stage points of the season. In the final stage, Dillon combined smart fuel saving with consistent pace to bring the car home to a sixth-place finish — his first top-10 result of the season and a career-best finish both at Watkins Glen and on a road course.

BREZTRI AEROSPHERE® (budesonide, glycopyrrolate, and formoterol fumarate) Teams Up with Dillon… Dillon and the No. 3 Richard Childress Racing team will be supported by BREZTRI AEROSPHERE®, an AstraZeneca product, at Dover Motor Speedway. This partnership is about more than just racing. You can learn more about Dillon and his family’s personal connection to the brand at Breztri.com. AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialization of prescription medicines in Oncology, Rare Diseases, and Biopharmaceuticals, including Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism, and Respiratory & Immunology. AstraZeneca operates in over 100 countries and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide.

Meet Dillon… Fans will have several opportunities to see Dillon this weekend at Dover Motor Speedway. On Saturday, May 16 at 7 p.m. Local Time, Dillon is scheduled to partake in the Monster Mile Bash located at Miles Beach in the Fan Zone. On Sunday, May 17 at 9 a.m. Local Time, the All-Star driver is scheduled to participate in a question-and-answer session at the Monster Monument located in the Fan Zone. At 9:45 a.m. Local Time, the veteran racer is scheduled to sign autographs at the RCR Merchandise Hauler, also in the Fan Zone. Stop by to meet Dillon and purchase new No. 3 gear.

AUSTIN DILLON QUOTES:

What was your experience at the Monster Mile when you came for the first time?

“The place is spectacular when you see it for the first time. It’s jaw dropping when you watch cars drive off into Turn 1 at those speeds and eat up the concrete. You move fast at a high rate of speed, so you need a car that can handle that. When you first come there in the lower series, you are pretty much told to run wide open with the lower horsepower. That is intimidating. It’s one of the most intimidating tracks you go to, especially when you go there for the first time.”

What is the sensation inside the car when driving at Dover Motor Speedway? Does it feel like a rollercoaster?

“It’s rough. It’s not a smooth track, so you feel a lot through the front end and tires. There is a common saying of the bouncy ball or basketball effect when the front tires grow air pressure and heat up. It’s definitely not a smooth place with the ripples of the concrete. You start to figure out that you have to relax from a physical standpoint though. If you stay tense when driving there, you are going to wear yourself out. You are constantly telling yourself to loosen up on the steering wheel and you find a comfortable spot during the rhythm of a race. I don’t think you ever get comfortable qualifying there, because the air pressures are up and the grip is high. You’re on the edge in qualifying so there is no way to calm yourself down for those two laps.”

Kyle Busch and the No. 8 Lucas Oil Chevrolet at Dover Motor Speedway… Sunday afternoon’s NASCAR All-Star Race will be Kyle Busch’s 38th career NASCAR Cup Series start at Dover Motor Speedway. The Las Vegas native has three wins, 14 top-five and 22 top-10 finishes. He has led 1,375 laps at the Monster Mile and holds an average finish of 13.9.

Monster Success… Busch earned his first Cup Series win at Dover Motor Speedway in the 2008 spring race after leading 158 laps and dominating the second half of the race. In May 2010, Busch captured his second victory at the Monster Mile, leading 131 laps. His most recent win at Dover Motor Speedway came in September 2017 when the two-time series Champion tracked down leader Chase Elliott in the closing laps of the race. Using lapped traffic to his advantage, Busch completed the pass for the lead with just three laps remaining to secure the checkered flag. In addition to his success in the Cup Series, Busch has also won races in both the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series (five) and the NASCAR Truck Series (four) at the Delaware facility.

Hey Now, You’re an All Star… Busch has one win, six top-five and 12 top-10 finishes in 20 career All-Star Race starts contested at Bristol Motor Speedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway, North Wilkesboro Speedway and Texas Motor Speedway.

Winner, Winner… Busch scored his lone All-Star victory at Charlotte Motor Speedway in 2017. He took control following the final restart with 10 laps remaining and pulled away to a 1.274-second victory to grab the million-dollar check.

Double Duty… In addition to his driving duties in Sunday’s All-Star race, Busch will pilot the No. 7 Chevrolet Silverado for Spire Motorsports in Friday’s Truck Series race.

Last Week… After qualifying 21st for last Sunday’s race at Watkins Glen International, Busch and the No. 8 team used strategy to their advantage by pitting prior to the end of Stage 1 to gain valuable track position for the start of Stage 2. The move paid off, as the 63-time Cup Series winner charged to a fifth-place finish in Stage 2 to collect stage points. During the final stage, the No. 8 team remained a fixture inside the top 10, and with effective fuel-saving strategy, Busch secured an eighth-place finish. The result marked his second top-10 finish of the season and his best finish at The Glen since 2021.

About Lucas Oil… For more than 35 years, Lucas has set the world standard in superior engine oils, additives, appearance and lubricant products – powering lifestyles across the automotive, trucking, marine, outdoor, motorsports, industrial and home product worlds. The hard-charging American brand’s commitment to bring the ultimate in performance solutions impacts every customer and partner equally – from jointly-engineered oil for racing teams like Richard Childress Racing (RCR), Monster Jam®, sports teams like the Dallas Cowboys and Indianapolis Colts, to additives that deliver unrivaled fuel economy, power and extended engine life to an everyday driver.

Based in Indianapolis, the company’s rapidly expanding global footprint is highlighted by cutting-edge research and development operations, evolving retail channels and high-tech manufacturing. More than 300 premium products make up the largest variety of shelf products of any oil company in the United States with a distribution network across 48 different countries and big-name retailers that include Amazon, Advance Auto Parts, AutoZone, O’Reilly Auto Parts, NAPA, Walmart, Home Depot, Harbor Freight, Rural King, Tractor Supply and more. For additional information, visit www.LucasOil.com and follow #TeamLucasOil on Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.

Meet Busch… Fans will have two opportunities to meet Busch this weekend at Dover Motor Speedway. On Saturday, May 16 at 3:25 p.m. Local Time, the three-time Dover race winner is scheduled to participate in a question-and-answer session at the Monster Monument located in the Fan Zone. Shortly afterwards at 3:45 p.m. Local Time, the former All-Star race winner is scheduled to sign autographs at the RCR Merchandise Hauler, also in the Fan Zone. Stop by to meet Busch and purchase new No. 8 gear.

KYLE BUSCH QUOTE:

What are your thoughts about Dover Motor Speedway hosting the All-Star Race for the first time?

“It’s certainly going to be interesting. Dover Motor Speedway has been a pretty good place for us here at RCR and for me. We finished fourth a couple years ago, 11th last year. We’ve been able to get some good top-five and top-10 finishes and are right there on the brink of doing well each time. We qualified on the pole there a couple times as well, so I’m looking forward to getting back to Dover. It’s always a great place to race and I’ve enjoyed that track for a long time. I’ve won there before in the Truck Series, the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, and in the Cup Series as well. I’ve got my own little family of monster trophies at home and at the shop.”

Jesse Love and the No. 2 Whelen Chevrolet at Dover Motor Speedway… Jesse Love has made two career NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series starts at Dover Motor Speedway. In his most recent appearance at the track, Love started 12th and finished fifth in last year’s rain-shortened event. The Menlo Park, California native has also competed in two ARCA Menards Series East events with a best finish of second in 2022 at the one-mile, concrete oval.

Last Week… During last Saturday’s race at Watkins Glen International, Love started eighth after qualifying was rained out and consistently ran inside the top-10 throughout the opening two stages, recording finishes of fourth and fifth. The complexion of the race changed following a caution with 33 laps remaining, when teams split on strategy. Love was one of the first to pit under caution, gambling on being able to save enough fuel to reach the finish and potentially the victory, while the remaining frontrunners opted to pit under green. After the leaders made their final pit stop, the 21-year-old inherited control of the race with 19 laps to go and methodically managed his fuel over the closing run. In the final laps, Love came under pressure from Connor Zilisch, who completed the pass in the final corner to take the victory, leaving Love with a hard-fought runner-up finish.

Consistency Continues… Love’s average finish of 8.5 is third-best among full-time drivers in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.

Still Streaking… Love currently holds the longest active streak of running at the finish of races, with 26 straight events without a DNF.

Get to the Points… Love remains third in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series driver championship point standings, 161 points behind leader Justin Allgaier and six points behind second-place Sheldon Creed.

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

Everyday Champion… You don’t have to wear a cape to be a hero. Sometimes, all it takes is a willingness to step forward, a commitment to others, and the determination to make a difference—day after day, year after year. That’s the spirit behind Whelen Engineering’s Everyday Champion program, which is now accepting nominations for 2026. Created to honor first responders and everyday citizens who rise to the occasion when it matters most, the program celebrates the quiet strength, compassion, and leadership that define true heroism. Each year, the Everyday Champion program recognizes those who go above and beyond – whether through a single act of heroism or a continued commitment to serving others. Past honorees have included law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedicine teams, and civilians whose actions made a life-saving difference.

Nominations are open from May 1 through August 14, 2026. Individuals can nominate a deserving hero by visiting whelen.com/everydaychampion and completing a brief submission form outlining their story. The selected 2026 Everyday Champion will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, North Carolina, where they will be honored during a special ceremony and inducted into the Whelen Hall of Champions. In addition, a generous donation will be made in their name to the charity of their choice.

Meet Love… On Saturday, May 16 at 1 p.m. Local Time, Love, joined by RCR teammate Austin Hill, is scheduled to sign autographs at the RCR Merchandise Hauler in the Fan Zone. Stop by to meet Love and purchase new No. 2 gear.

JESSE LOVE QUOTE:

What are your expectations for this weekend at Dover Motor Speedway?

“I’m excited to go back to Dover Motor Speedway. I ran second there in ARCA and the first time when I was in a NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series car there, I had a right front tire go flat, but I led laps. Last year I finished inside the top-five and was competitive. We just need to build a little bit off of our package from last year, and I think that if we do that, we should have a shot at the win. Dover is always a lot of fun and it’s even more fun when it’s hot outside because the track moves around a lot and rubber gets laid down pretty thick. It should be fun, it’s gonna be a dynamic weekend and you’re going to have to adapt and adjust the best you can to the track changing. I’m just excited to get back to the track.”

Austin Hill and the No. 21 1-800-PACK-RAT Chevrolet at Dover Motor Speedway… Austin Hill has made four career NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series starts at Dover Motor Speedway, earning a best finish of fourth in 2023 and completing 100 percent of laps competed (742). Hill has also driven in six NASCAR Truck Series races at the track, earning a pair of top-10 finishes (seventh in 2019 and eighth in 2020). The Winston, Georgia native made three ARCA Menards Series East starts at the high-banked, Delaware oval, scoring wins in 2013 and 2014.

Last Week… After qualifying was canceled due to weather, Hill started ninth last Saturday at Watkins Glen International. The veteran driver maintained a steady pace throughout the opening two stages and collected valuable stage points. In the closing laps, Hill securely held the third position, but despite the team’s best efforts to stretch fuel, the car ran out of fuel on the final lap. Hill and the No. 21 team crossed the finish line in 11th-place.

Get to the Points… Following last weekend at Watkins Glen International, Hill sits seventh in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series driver championship standings. The 15-time Series winner is 248 points behind leader Justin Allgaier and seven points behind sixth-place Sammy Smith.

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

Meet Hill… On Saturday, May 16 at 1 p.m. Local Time, Hill, joined by RCR teammate Jesse Love, is scheduled to sign autographs at the RCR Merchandise Hauler in the Fan Zone. Stop by to meet Hill and purchase new No. 21 gear.

AUSTIN HILL QUOTE:

Dover Motor Speedway is known as the Monster Mile. What makes it unique?

“Dover is a really fast, concrete track. You almost have a rollercoaster effect on entry in the corner, where you drop off into a hole. The whole car gets light on entry, and for a second, you don’t have front grip. Then it suddenly lands in the corner with a big compression, and you gain a lot of grip. You have to be ready to get back on throttle as soon as that happens. It’s a tough track to get around. If you are a little bit off, you’re really far off compared to the rest of the field. It can come out and bite you. They don’t call it the Monster Mile for nothing. The resin is going to throw us a new challenge this weekend, so we will see how the car reacts to even more grip and speed. I’ve had this one circled for a while and really want to get a monster trophy in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.”

Dover Motor Speedway Prepares for NASCAR All-Star Weekend

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Official Release
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  • Sunday’s NASCAR All-Star Race features a multi-segment format, mid-race inversion and a final 200-lap sprint for the $1 million prize.
  • NASCAR and track officials have implemented competition-focused track adjustments to widen the racing groove and increase passing opportunities at The Monster Mile.
  • The Mechanix Wear Pit Crew Challenge returns during All-Star qualifying, putting NASCAR’s pit crews in the spotlight with a $100,000 prize on the line.

DOVER, Del. (May 1, 2026) – NASCAR’s annual All-Star Race comes to Dover Motor Speedway this weekend for the first time at the World’s Fastest One-Mile Oval and the first time in the Northeast, bringing a $1 million prize along with several competition-focused changes to The Monster Mile.

In preparation for the NASCAR Cup Series’ return to Dover, NASCAR and track officials have been working to widen the racing groove and increase grip around the concrete oval.

Track crews will apply resin to the corners to help increase multiple racing lanes, and will then drag tires across the racing surface to lay down additional rubber throughout the corners.

Combined with Dover’s concrete surface and rubber buildup throughout the weekend, the added grip is expected to create more passing opportunities and encourage drivers to search for speed in multiple lanes.

The treated racing surface will also be paired for the first-time with 750-horsepower engines, part of a rules update NASCAR announced for Dover ahead of the 2026 season. The higher-horsepower package is expected to produce faster corner-entry speeds and place even more emphasis on throttle control and handling at the high-banked one-mile track.

Goodyear will also bring a concrete-tested tire combination for the NASCAR Cup Series’ first All-Star Race at Dover Motor Speedway. Cup Series teams will use a left-side tire that debuted at Bristol Motor Speedway in April alongside the specially designed right-side tire used at Dover last July, giving teams data from both concrete tracks heading into the weekend. Teams will also receive one additional set of tires during qualifying and the Mechanix Wear Pit Crew Challenge, for a mandatory four-tire pit stop as part of the format.

“The NASCAR All-Star Race is all about putting on the best possible show for the fans, and there’s no better place to do that than Dover Motor Speedway,” said Mike Tatoian, president and general manager of Dover Motor Speedway. “NASCAR has put a major focus on widening the racing groove and creating more opportunities for drivers to race side-by-side and make passes throughout the field. Combined with the added horsepower teams will have this weekend, fans should see even faster speeds and a very competitive race at The Monster Mile.”

Sunday’s NASCAR All-Star Race will begin with all 36 chartered drivers competing in two 75-lap opening segments before the field is reduced for a final 200-lap sprint to determine the winner.

To increase the challenge, NASCAR will invert the top 26 drivers following the opening segment, forcing contenders to race back through traffic during the second segment before the field is trimmed from 36 drivers to 26 ahead of the final stage.

Nineteen drivers are already locked into the final segment entering the weekend:

Christopher Bell, Josh Berry, Ryan Blaney, Chase Briscoe, Kyle Busch, William Byron, Ross Chastain, Austin Cindric, Austin Dillon, Chase Elliott, Ty Gibbs, Denny Hamlin, Carson Hocevar, Brad Keselowski, Joey Logano, Kyle Larson, Tyler Reddick, Shane van Gisbergen and Bubba Wallace.

Six additional drivers will race their way into the final segment based on performance during the opening two segments, while one more driver will advance through the NASCAR All-Star Fan Vote.

All-Star Weekend will also feature the annual Mechanix Wear Pit Crew Challenge during qualifying, the only event of the season dedicated specifically to pit crew performance.

Qualifying begins with drivers taking the green flag for one timed lap before entering pit road on Lap 2 for a mandatory four-tire pit stop. Following the stop, drivers will return to the track for one final timed lap to complete their qualifying run, with total elapsed time determining the starting lineup for Sunday’s race.

The quickest overall time from green flag to checkered flag will earn the pole position for the NASCAR All-Star Race, while the team with the fastest pit stop will win the Mechanix Wear Pit Crew Challenge and receive the first pit selection for the main event. As seen last season, two different teams could ultimately win each competition.

The challenge provides one of the few opportunities each season for NASCAR pit crew members to take center stage, competing not only for the Mechanix Wear Pit Crew Challenge trophy, but also a $100,000 prize.

With additional grip around the racing surface, higher horsepower and a format designed to keep drivers racing through traffic all afternoon, NASCAR All-Star Weekend is expected to bring an intense style of racing to The Monster Mile.

NASCAR TICKETS:
Visit DoverMotorSpeedway.com to purchase tickets for NASCAR All-Star Weekend, explore camping and parking options, or sign up for email updates.

FOLLOW US:
Follow Dover Motor Speedway on Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok (@MonsterMile) for the latest news and announcements.

Jordin Sparks To Perform National Anthem at Indianapolis 500

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Official Release
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Two-Time Grammy Nominee Returns to Must-Watch Pre-Race Show on FOX

INDIANAPOLIS (Thursday, May 14, 2026) – Jordin Sparks, a Grammy-nominated and multi-platinum singer-songwriter and actress, will perform the national anthem before the start of the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on Sunday, May 24 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Sparks is a familiar and celebrated figure at the world’s most famous racetrack. This will be her third time performing the anthem before the Indianapolis 500, as she also sang in 2015 and 2024.

Indy 500 Race Day coverage begins at 10 a.m. ET on FOX, FOX Deportes, FOX One and INDYCAR Radio powered by OnlyBulls.

“Jordin knows how important the national anthem performance is to the pre-race ceremonies of the Indianapolis 500, and we have been moved by her two previous renditions,” INDYCAR and IMS President J. Douglas Boles said. “This year’s performance will be a special moment as we mark the 250th birthday of our nation and prepare for another incredible edition of the world’s greatest race.”

Sparks garnered worldwide attention as the youngest winner of season six of “American Idol,” one of the show’s highest-rated seasons. Cumulatively, Sparks’ popular singles have sold over 10 million digital tracks in the U.S. Sparks is also a gifted songwriter. Ariana Grande’s smash single, “The Way,” was co-written by Sparks and earned her a B.M.I. songwriting award. She has toured with superstars Britney Spears, Alicia Keys, The Jonas Brothers, New Kids on The Block and Backstreet Boys, and headlined her own tour.

Sparks has earned two B.E.T. Awards, one American Music Award and one People’s Choice Award and has been nominated for two MTV Awards, a Dove Award, a Billboard Award and two Grammy Awards. In 2023, she received Dove, Billboard and Grammy nominations for her No. 1 single with FOR KING + COUNTRY, “Love Me Like I Am.” She also released the R&B single “Call My Name” and the holiday single “Candy Cane Lane.”

She made her Broadway debut starring in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Broadway smash “In the Heights” and her film debut playing the lead role in the SONY Pictures film “Sparkle,” opposite the legendary Whitney Houston. Sparks returned to the Broadway stage in 2019 to critical acclaim as the lead in the Tony Award-winning “Waitress” with music by Sara Bareilles, and executive-produced and starred in Hallmark’s “A Christmas Treasure.”

Sparks’ positive body image, message and success have impacted people worldwide. She considers philanthropy an integral part of her life and has been profiled by Dress for Success and CNN Heroes for her charity work.

She is a sought-after successful social media influencer due to her impressive social media following and has successfully transitioned into network broadcasting hosting/co-hosting on some of television’s most iconic programs, such as NBC’s “TODAY,” ABC’s “Good Morning America,” ABC’s “The View,” CBS’ “The Talk,” PBS’ “Great Performances” (with John Lithgow) and others.

Visit IMS.com for more information on the 110th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on Sunday, May 24 and the complete Month of May schedule at IMS.

RFK Racing – Dover All-Star Advance

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Official Release
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Dover Event Info:
Date: Sunday, May 17th
Time: 1 p.m. ET
Series: NASCAR Cup Series (NCS)
Location: Dover, Delaware
Format: Segment 1 – 75 Laps, Segment 2 – 72 Laps, Race – 200 Laps

TV: FOX Sports 1 (FS1)
Radio: MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Channel 90)Weekend Schedule:
Friday: 3:00 p.m. ET, Cup Practice (Prime, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
Saturday: 12:00 p.m. ET, Cup Qualifying + Pit Crew Challenge (FS1, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
Sunday: 1:00 p.m. ET, Cup Race (FS1, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)

Pace Laps:

Dover hosts this season’s All-Star race this weekend, a track where Jack Roush has nine wins in the Cup Series alone, tied for the third-most of any track on the circuit.

Brad Keselowski won the 2012 fall race in the No. 2 car, and additionally has two runner-up finishes, both of which came in 2014.

In 2023, Chris Buescher qualified fifth and went on to finish ninth, just a season after earning the pole (the first of his career) before finishing eighth.

The No. 17 Pit Crew heads to the All-Star Race and this weekend’s pit crew challenge feeling strong coming off being the fastest Cup Series crew this past weekend in Watkins Glen.

Chris Buescher and Ryan Preece made the top 5 for this season’s NASCAR All-Star Fan Vote.

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

17 Team Info:
Driver: Chris Buescher
Crew Chief: Scott Graves
Partner: BuildSubmarines.com

60 Team Info:
Driver: Ryan Preece
Crew Chief: Derrick Finley
Partner: Mohawk Northeast

Keselowski at Dover
Starts: 27
Wins: 1 (2012)
Top-10s: 12
Poles: 2 (2014, 2016)

Keselowski makes his 28th Cup start at Dover this weekend. He has a 13.4 average finish with one win (2012) and 12 top-10 finishes, most recently finishing 10th in last year’s Dover race.

Keselowski won the 2012 fall race in the No. 2 car, and additionally has two runner-up finishes, both of which came in 2014.

Keselowski’s average starting position stands at 11.9 with two poles (2014, 2016) and 14 top-10 startin`g efforts.

He also made 12 combined additional starts in the Xfinity and Truck series, earning an Xfinity win in 2009 in the No. 88 with seven overall top-10s in 10 starts.

Buescher at Dover
Starts: 15
Wins: —
Top-10s: 3
Poles: 1 (2022)

Buescher makes his 16th Cup start at Dover this weekend, where he has top-10 finishes in three of the last four seasons.

In 2023, he qualified fifth and went on to finish ninth, just a season after earning the pole (the first of his career) before finishing eighth.

He has an average starting position of 16.7, and has started inside the top-10 in four of the last five races.

He also made four Xfinity starts in the No. 60 entry, earning one win (2015) with three top-10s overall.

Preece at Dover
Starts: 9
Wins: —
Top-10s: —
Poles: —

Preece is set for his 10th Cup start at Dover this weekend, where he posted a career-best finish of 17th at the track in 2022.

He holds a 24.9 average starting position at Dover, including a 13th-place start in 2022.

Preece has also made three NXS starts at Dover, finishing fourth in 2018 while driving for JGR after starting 11th.

RFK Historically at Dover
Cup Wins: 9 (Mark Martin, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2004; Greg Biffle, 2005, 2008; Matt Kenseth, 2006, 2011; Carl Edwards, 2007)

The Monster Mash: RFK’s nine wins in the NCS at Dover is tied for the third most for the organization trailing only Bristol (12) and Michigan (14). Dover also ranks third in top-fives (52) and third in top-10s (87) for the organization.

Get the Broom: RFK swept the NCS and NASCAR Xfinity Series spring races at Dover in 2004 and 2011, and won both the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (NCTS) and NCS races at the track in 2006.

First in the First State: RFK has won in all three major NASCAR series at Dover (9 NCS, 6 NXS and 2 NCTS). RFK won its first race at Dover in the NCS from the pole in the fall of 1997 with former driver Mark Martin.

To Xfinity and Beyond: RFK has recorded six victories at the one-mile oval in the NASCAR Xfinity Series with drivers Chris Buescher, Greg Biffle and Carl Edwards. Buescher recorded his victory in June 2015, Biffle earned victories in the spring event in both 2002 and 2004, while Edwards took the checkered flag in the spring of 2007 and swept both races in 2011.

Tale of the Tape: RFK has started 226 NCS races at Dover with 87 top-10 and 52 top-five finishes along with seven poles. Former drivers Mark Martin (1997, 1998, 1999, 2004), Greg Biffle (2005, 2008), Matt Kenseth (2006, 2011) and Carl Edwards (2007) are responsible for RFK’s combined nine Cup wins at the 1-mile track. Overall, a Jack Roush Ford has led 3918 laps at Dover.

RFK Dover Wins

1997-2 Martin Cup
1998-2 Martin Cup
1999-2 Martin Cup
2000-1 Busch Truck
2002-1 Biffle NOAPS
2004-1 Martin Cup
2004-1 Biffle NOAPS
2005-1 Biffle Cup
2006-1 Kenseth Cup
2006-1 Martin Truck
2007-2 Edwards Cup
2007-1 Edwards NOAPS
2008-2 Biffle Cup
2011-1 Kenseth Cup
2011-1 Edwards NOAPS
2011-2 Edwards NOAPS
2015-1 Buescher NOAPS

Last Time Out & Where They Stand
Watkins Glen: Roush Fenway Keselowski (RFK) Racing’s Day was one of perseverance throughout the race. Chris Buescher consistently posted top five lap times and ran inside the top 10 for much of the day, ultimately finishing 12th. Brad Keselwoski fought persistent rear brake issues from the first stage, with the No.6 team making multiple adjustments to keep from going behind the wall and despite the challenges Keselowski brought it home on the lead lap. Ryan Preece worked through the field after starting 30th, relying on strong and fast pit stops and determination to secure a 14thplace finish for the No. 60 team.

Points Standings: Buescher – 5th, Keselowski – 9

Hendrick Motorsports Media Advance: Dover

By
Official Release
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Dover Motor Speedway
Sunday, May 17
1-Mile Oval
1 p.m. ET
Location: Dover, Delaware
TV: Fox
Event: NASCAR All-Star Race
RADIO: SiriusXM

5 KYLE LARSON
Age: 33 (July 31, 1992)
Hometown: Elk Grove, California
Last Race: 23rd (Watkins Glen)
Crew Chief: Cliff Daniels
Standings: 8th

No. 5 HENDRICKCARS.COM Chevrolet

  • Kyle Larson has won three of his last seven starts in the NASCAR All-Star Race and finished in the top two in four of his last eight.
  • In nine All-Star Races, Larson has an average finish of 8.56.
  • Larson and Hendrick Motorsports vice chairman Jeff Gordon are tied with Dale Earnhardt for the second-most All-Star Race victories with three each. Seven-time champion Jimmie Johnson has the most with four.
  • The Elk Grove, California, native has finished sixth or better in six of his last seven starts at Dover Motor Speedway including five finishes of fourth or better.

9 CHASE ELLIOTT
Age: 30 (Nov. 28, 1995)
Hometown: Dawsonville, Georgia
Last Race: 24th (Watkins Glen)
Crew Chief: Alan Gustafson
Standings: 3rd

No. 9 Prime Video Chevrolet

  • Chase Elliott will make his 11th consecutive appearance in the NASCAR All-Star Race this weekend.
  • In 2020, Elliott earned his first career All-Star Race victory, claiming the checkered flag at Bristol Motor Speedway. Elliott led 60 laps en route to capturing the $1 million prize. He became the third-youngest winner of the event at 24 years, seven months and 17 days.
  • The Dawsonville, Georgia, native has finished in the top 10 in eight of his 10 All-Star Race appearances. His average finish of 7.7 ranks third among active drivers and sixth all time among drivers with at least four starts.
  • This weekend, the All-Star Race will be held at Dover Motor Speedway for the first time. Elliott is a two-time winner at the track, most recently visiting victory lane there in May 2022.
  • He has finished sixth or better in four of his last five Cup Series races at Dover. He led 238 of 407 laps in the most recent points-paying event at the track, finishing sixth.

24 WILLIAM BYRON
Age: 28 (Nov. 29, 1997)
Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina
Last Race: 36th (Watkins Glen)
Crew Chief: Rudy Fugle
Standings: 12th

No. 24 Axalta Solar Boost Chevrolet

  • For the first time, the NASCAR All-Star Race is heading to Dover Motor Speedway. William Byron has finished top 10 in three of his seven career starts in the event, including sixth last year at North Wilkesboro Speedway.
  • Currently, the No. 24 is in a five-way tie for the second-most wins by a car number in the All-Star Race with three, just behind the No. 48 with four wins.
  • In his Cup Series career at Dover, Byron has three top-five finishes and four top 10s across 11 starts. He has a track-best finish of fourth on three occasions (August 2020, May 2021, May 2023).
  • This weekend, Byron will sport a new paint scheme highlighting Axalta’s Color of the Year, Solar Boost. Now in its 12th year, Axalta’s color experts select a standout color that will resonate with car buyers and future coating trends. Byron’s radiant orange, champagne and white scheme will run multiple times in 2026.

48 ALEX BOWMAN
Age: 33 (April 25, 1993)
Hometown: Tucson, Arizona
Last Race: 25th (Watkins Glen)
Crew Chief: Blake Harris
Standings: 34th

No. 48 Ally Chevrolet

  • Alex Bowman and the No. 48 team are not currently locked into the final segment of Sunday afternoon’s NASCAR All-Star Race. The 33-year-old driver will seek to be among the top six drivers not otherwise qualified with the best average finish in the first two segments combined to advance to the final stage.
  • Also, NASCAR announced on Monday that Bowman is among the top five in the All-Star Race Fan Vote. The winning driver will earn entry into the final segment. Fans can vote up to five times per day per unique email address until 9 a.m. ET on Sunday. Bowman won the Fan Vote in 2019.
  • Bowman has finished inside the top 10 in his last five All-Star Races. This includes events at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Bristol Motor Speedway, Texas Motor Speedway and North Wilkesboro Speedway.
  • Bowman has the best average finish (5.33) among active drivers at Dover Motor Speedway in the Next Gen era. In seven of his last eight Cup starts there, he’s finished inside the top eight, including a win in 2021. In 14 starts at the track, he has earned six top fives, seven top 10s and has led a total of 143 laps.
  • As a nod to the fans, the Ally 48 Chevrolet will sport a new, dragon-themed paint scheme at Dover. This scheme was unveiled last week after the fan reaction to the original 2026 primary paint scheme unveil.

17 COREY DAY
Age: 20 (November 28, 2005)
Hometown: Clovis, California
Last Race: 15th (Watkins Glen)
Crew Chief: Adam Wall
Standings: 5th

  • Corey Day makes his 14th NASCAR O’Reilly Series start of the 2026 season this weekend at Dover Motor Speedway, marking his first career appearance at the one-mile oval.
  • The No. 17 NOAPS entry has made 14 starts at Dover, with multiple drivers behind the wheel at the Monster Mile. Brian Vickers won a NOAPS race at Dover during his championship season for Hendrick Motorsports in 2003.
  • In 24 NOAPS starts, Day has recorded five top-five finishes, 11 top 10s, and led 191 laps.

Hendrick Motorsports
 

2026All-TimeDover
Races121,42979
Wins2322*22*
Poles0259*10
Top 5121,334*83*
Top 10212,281*130*
Laps Led72986,096*7,863*
Stage Wins51425
  • Hendrick Motorsports enters this weekend’s NASCAR All-Star Race at Dover Motor Speedway as the facility’s all-time leader in wins (11), poles (eight), and laps led (760). Chase Elliott is a two-time winner at the 1-mile oval while Kyle Larson and Alex Bowman have each visited victory lane once.
  • The organization has combined to win three of the last six All-Star Races (Larson twice, Elliott once). Hendrick Motorsports’ 11 wins in the event are six more than any other team.
  • The Hendrick Motorsports engine department enters the weekend with 568 victories across all three national NASCAR touring series including 10 of 13 events in the NASCAR O’Reilly Series this season.
  • Hendrick Motorsports remains the premier series’ all-time standard bearer in wins (322), poles (259), top-five finishes (1,334), top 10s (2,281), laps led (86,096) and championships (15).

 
QUOTABLE
 
Kyle Larson, driver of the No. 5 Chevrolet, on the All-Star Race: “I think the format will make for good racing. Dover is the type of track where you need long runs and traffic to produce good racing. I feel like the higher-horsepower, lower-downforce car package will positively impact the on-track product. I think the racing will be better, and the drivers will definitely have their hands full. We get to race for a million bucks, and that is something we all love. Hopefully, the No. 5 HENDRICKCARS.COM team can figure it out better than everyone else and get back to victory lane.”

Chase Elliott, driver of the No. 9 Chevrolet, on the evolution of the No. 9 team “We’ve been together a long time. I think with that, we’ve experienced a lot together. We’ve experienced a lot of good, fortunately. We’ve also experienced a lot of bad, unfortunately. But I think in all of that, it certainly has helped shape us to be who we are today. I think that’s a team that has experienced enough that we should know better in just how to handle things; how to handle bad days, as well as how to handle good days, if you’re fortunate enough to have them.”

William Byron, driver of the No. 24 Chevrolet, on the NASCAR All-Star Race: “I feel like the All-Star Race is a little bit of a reset point for teams. With no points on the line, and the fact that we only race at Dover [Motor Speedway] once this year, it means you can go out on a limb and try more than you might normally do if it was a normal race weekend. You obviously don’t want to go too far out and not be competitive, but there isn’t much that’s probably going to translate to another track. It’s kind of a ‘why not go for it’ kind of situation.”

Alex Bowman, driver of the No. 48 Chevrolet, on heading to a strong track at Dover Motor Speedway: “Dover is one of my best tracks by far and it is a good one for Hendrick Motorsports overall. We’ve had success there and we’ve been in the hunt recently. This season, we’ve been off at a lot of tracks that have been good for us in the past. For me, it’s important to run well this weekend, and use it to find the benchmark of where we are at to continue building on that. We all wish Watkins Glen (International) was a better weekend for us, but that’s racing; you can’t let the highs get too high because this sport will bring you back down.”

Corey Day, driver of the No. 17 Chevrolet, on Dover Motor Speedway: “I’m hoping Dover will be a good track for me and the No. 17 HENDRICKCARS.COM Chevrolet. We’ve had a lot of speed on ovals so far this season so I’m looking forward to building on that momentum and seeing where we end up. It’s another new track for me so practice will be crucial to get a feel for the visuals, but I learn a ton at each new track I run at. I’m excited to run some laps at another one.”

“TEAM PENSKE 60” EXHIBIT COMING TO THE NASCAR HALL OF FAME

By
Official Release
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New exhibit showcases six decades of Team Penske history through iconic race cars, artifacts and defining moments

CHARLOTTE, NC (May 14, 2026) – Team Penske and the NASCAR Hall of Fame have partnered to present “Team Penske 60: A NASCAR Hall of Fame Exhibit”, a new exhibit showcasing a special collection of Team Penske historical artifacts and stories. The exhibit opens to the public on Thursday, May 21, and will remain on display for a limited time.

Centered in the Great Hall, the exhibit celebrates Team Penske’s 60th anniversary and highlights the people, milestones and defining moments that have shaped one of the most successful organizations in motorsports history. Founded in 1966 by Roger Penske (NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2019 Inductee), Team Penske has built a record of sustained excellence in its six decades, earning 48 national championships and more than 660 race victories across multiple racing disciplines including NASCAR, open-wheel racing and sports car competition.

“Team Penske is among the most respected, admired, and successful organizations in global motorsports history,” said Winston Kelley, Executive Director of the NASCAR Hall of Fame. “Since before we opened the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2010 and continuing to this day, I have often highlighted Team Penske as an organization we should emulate for its professionalism and consistent results. Partnering with Team Penske to celebrate their remarkable legacy, accomplishments and contributions over the past 60 years, and sharing so many of their one-of-a-kind treasures with our guests, is truly an honor for the NASCAR Hall of Fame team.” 

Visitors will be taken on an immersive journey through Team Penske’s history via a thoughtfully curated collection that brings to life pivotal moments, as well as the drivers and team members who influenced – and continue to influence – the organization’s enduring success and foundational pillars. Anchored by six team-defining race cars spanning four disciplines, the exhibit features more than 50 artifacts and dynamic video elements that illustrate Team Penske’s impact across multiple racing series.

“When I think about Team Penske and competing in motorsports for 60 years, I think about the people that have helped get us to this point,” said Roger Penske. “Our ‘human capital’ is our biggest asset. Some of our team members have been with the organization more than 20 or 30 years, and the value of that collective experience and dedication is immeasurable. That, paired with terrific drivers and partners who support us – along with our drive to race with respect and integrity – has been the foundation of our success. To have our team’s legacy and the contributions of so many people recognized through the Team Penske 60 exhibit at the NASCAR Hall of Fame means so much to me and our entire organization.”

Team Penske’s NASCAR legacy is prominently featured in the exhibit including the first NASCAR Cup Series car designed and built by the team¸ the 1996 Ford Thunderbird chassis PRS-001. Also on display is the 2012 Dodge Charger that Brad Keselowski drove to win the organization’s first of five NASCAR Cup Series titles in a 13-year span. The 2024 No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil Ford Mustang Dark Horse driven by three-time Cup Series Champion Joey Logano represents the team’s most recent NASCAR Championship success.

Other vehicles featured include a 1975 Penske PC-1 Formula One (F1) car, the first chassis built in-house by Penske Cars as the team expanded into international competition. To this day, Team Penske remains the last American constructor to win an F1 race.

The 1982 Penske PC-10 represents a dominant CART Series season in which Rick Mears earned his third championship in four years. The 2025 Porsche 963 that delivered Porsche an IMSA Sports Car Championship for Porsche Penske Motorsport represents the most recent national title for the team in its 60 years.

The display is one of several initiatives marking Team Penske’s 60th anniversary, which includes throwback schemes, digital content, fan activities and more. Fans are encouraged to join the celebration and contribute to the team’s story by sharing their favorite Team Penske milestones and memories on social media using #Penske60.

Access to the “Team Penske 60: A NASCAR Hall of Fame Exhibit” is included with general admission to the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Tickets to the NASCAR Hall of Fame may be purchased online at nascarhall.com or in-person. Additionally, the Gear Shop inside the NASCAR Hall of Fame features apparel, die-cast cars and other memorabilia to commemorate a visit.

For more details about the NASCAR Hall of Fame and Team Penske 60 exhibit, visit nascarhall.com and follow @NASCARHall and @Team_Penske on Facebook, X and Instagram.

About Team Penske
Team Penske is one of the most successful teams in the history of professional sports and is celebrating its 60th Anniversary during the 2026 season. From its first race in the 1966 24 Hours of Daytona, cars owned and prepared by Team Penske have produced more than 660 major race wins, over 700 pole positions and 48 National Championships across open-wheel, stock car and sports car racing competition. In its storied history, the team has also earned 20 Indianapolis 500 victories, three Daytona 500 Championships, a Formula 1 win, victories in the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring, along with a win in Australia’s legendary Bathurst 1000 race. More than 100 drivers have raced for Team Penske in its six decades. The team currently competes in the NASCAR Cup Series and NTT INDYCAR Series, as well as IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship through its global partnership, Porsche Penske Motorsport. For more information about Team Penske, please visit teampenske.com.

About the NASCAR Hall of Fame
Located in Uptown Charlotte, North Carolina, the NASCAR Hall of Fame is an interactive entertainment attraction honoring the history and heritage of NASCAR. The high-tech venue, designed to educate and entertain race fans and non-fans alike, includes artifacts, hands-on exhibits, a 278-person state-of-the-art theater, Hall of Honor and the NASCAR Hall of Fame Gear Shop. Opened on May 11, 2010, the NASCAR Hall of Fame is owned by the City of Charlotte, licensed by NASCAR and operated by the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority. For more information, visit nascarhall.com.

How Mobile Car Paint Repairs Are Changing the Automotive Industry

By
SM
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The automotive repair industry is evolving quickly. Drivers no longer need to leave their vehicles at body shops for days just to repair small paint imperfections. Mobile car paint repair services are changing how vehicle owners maintain their cars by delivering professional cosmetic repairs directly to homes, workplaces, garages, and trackside locations.

This shift goes beyond convenience alone. Improvements in portable repair equipment, paint technology, and digital communication now allow technicians to complete high-quality repairs outside traditional workshops. As demand for faster and more flexible services grows, mobile paint repair is becoming an increasingly important part of the automotive industry.

The Rise of Mobile Repair Services

Consumer expectations have changed across nearly every service industry, including automotive care. Drivers now expect fast communication, flexible scheduling, and minimal downtime. Mobile car repair services have grown significantly over the past decade thanks to improved portable tools, advanced paint-matching systems, and smartphone-based quoting.

Customers can often send photos of damaged areas and receive repair estimates within minutes. Companies like Pro Mobile Touch Ups demonstrate that professional cosmetic repairs can be completed at a customer’s preferred location, whether at home, at work, or at a motorsport facility.

By repairing scratches, dents, paint chips, and bumper damage on-site, mobile technicians eliminate many of the frustrations associated with traditional body shops. Vehicle owners no longer need to organise alternate transport, take time away from work, or leave their cars unavailable for extended periods over relatively minor cosmetic issues.

This convenience is especially valuable for racing and enthusiast communities, where owners often invest heavily in maintaining their vehicles’ visual condition between events.

How the Technology Has Caught Up

Mobile paint repair once faced criticism over concerns about quality and durability. Many drivers believed that professional results were only possible inside fully equipped workshops. Advances in repair technology have significantly changed that perception.

Modern mobile technicians now use advanced colour-matching systems, precision spray equipment, UV-curable products, and high-quality refinishing materials that closely match factory standards. Industry organisations continue to report increased adoption of portable repair technologies that support high-quality cosmetic work outside traditional repair facilities.

Paint blending techniques have also improved considerably. Skilled technicians can now repair scratches, scuffs, chips, and bumper damage with finishes that closely match surrounding paintwork. For many cosmetic repairs, drivers can achieve workshop-level visual results without the inconvenience of visiting a repair centre.

This progress has made mobile repair services increasingly appealing to owners of sports cars, modified vehicles, and track-focused builds where appearance remains an important part of ownership pride.

Colour Matching in the Field

Accurate colour matching remains one of the most important aspects of paint repair. Performance and enthusiast vehicles often feature custom finishes, specialty paints, or carefully maintained factory colours that require precision during repairs.

Modern mobile technicians use digital colour-matching tools and manufacturer paint databases to identify the correct paint formula for individual vehicles. This helps repairs blend closely with surrounding panels while reducing the risk of visible mismatches.

Advanced blending methods also allow technicians to feather repaired areas naturally into existing paintwork, helping minimise visible transitions. The result is a more consistent finish that maintains the overall appearance of the vehicle while preserving long-term visual quality.

For enthusiasts who take pride in presentation, this level of accuracy has increased confidence in mobile repair services as a serious alternative to traditional cosmetic repair methods.

Cost Advantages for Vehicle Owners

Traditional body shops typically carry substantial operating costs, including facility expenses, equipment maintenance, staffing, and administration. These overhead costs often contribute to higher repair pricing for customers.

Mobile repair businesses generally operate with lower overheads, allowing them to offer competitive pricing for smaller cosmetic repairs. For vehicle owners dealing with minor scratches, scuffs, or paint chips, the savings can be significant without necessarily sacrificing repair quality.

This affordability appeals to a wide range of drivers, including owners of performance cars, leased vehicles, show cars, and weekend track builds who want to maintain appearance standards while managing overall ownership costs.

Easier access to affordable repairs may also encourage drivers to address cosmetic damage sooner rather than postponing repairs. Prompt repairs can help maintain resale value while preventing minor damage from becoming more noticeable over time.

Environmental Considerations

Environmental concerns are also influencing changes within the automotive repair industry. Traditional body shops often generate substantial waste through excess paint usage, chemical solvents, and energy-intensive spray booth operations.

Mobile repair services generally operate on a smaller scale, which can help reduce overall material waste and energy consumption. Many technicians now use water-based paints and low-VOC products that are considered safer for both technicians and the surrounding environment.

Because mobile repairs often focus only on damaged sections rather than repainting entire panels, less material is typically required for each repair. This targeted repair process reduces unnecessary waste while still delivering high-quality cosmetic results.

As sustainability becomes a greater consideration for both businesses and consumers, environmentally conscious repair methods may continue gaining popularity across the automotive industry.

What This Means for the Future of Auto Body Repair

The growth of mobile paint repair reflects broader changes in how drivers approach vehicle maintenance. Convenience, flexibility, and faster turnaround times are becoming increasingly important across all areas of automotive care.

For cosmetic paint repairs and minor bodywork, many drivers now view mobile services as a practical alternative to traditional body shops. This trend is particularly relevant for racing and performance car enthusiasts who value both appearance and efficiency when maintaining their vehicles.

Looking ahead, continued improvements in portable repair equipment, paint technology, and digital communication will likely make mobile repair services even more efficient and widely adopted. With the combination of professional results, flexible scheduling, and reduced downtime, mobile paint repair is positioned to play a major role in the future of vehicle cosmetic maintenance.

As the industry continues evolving, mobile repair services are reshaping expectations around convenience, accessibility, and vehicle care standards for drivers worldwide.

Race Day in Las Vegas: How the Entertainment Capital Became a Motorsports Powerhouse

By
SM
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Nothing happens quietly in a city like Las Vegas. It built its reputation on spectacle — neon strips, casino floors, headline acts, and the kind of excess that draws people in from every corner of the world. So when motorsports started making a serious claim on the city, it shouldn’t have come as a surprise to anyone. High speeds and high stakes have always made a natural pairing here.

That connection between Vegas entertainment and racing runs deeper than it might seem at first glance. Race fans who come for a weekend often find themselves swept up in everything the city offers, long after the checkered flag drops. Many tap into the gaming culture that made Vegas famous — and those who want to keep that energy going remotely can visit The Online Casino for slots, live dealer tables, and card games that carry the same buzz the Strip is known for.

Both activities offer excitement, adrenaline rushes, and a very special feeling of waiting impatiently for results. So, let’s take a look at how Vegas expanded its entertainment focus and what it offers to motorsports fans.

Two Very Different Circuits

Las Vegas actually hosts two distinct racing environments, and it’s worth understanding what separates them:

  • Las Vegas Motor Speedway: A traditional 1.5-mile oval built for speed. NASCAR Cup, Xfinity, and other series run here. The track sits north of the city with large camping areas and a proper infield. Capacity is around 80,000.
  • The Las Vegas Street Circuit: A 3.8-mile temporary layout that cuts through the Strip. Built specifically for Formula 1, it goes up and comes down each year. Hospitality options sit inside some of the city’s biggest hotel casinos.

The crowds at each event don’t overlap as much as you might expect. LVMS regulars tend to be committed NASCAR fans who return year after year. The F1 audience skews more international and includes a lot of first-time racing attendees who came at least partly for the Vegas experience itself.

From Dirt Track to Major Venue

Las Vegas Motor Speedway didn’t start out as the 80,000-seat facility it is today. The original track complex on the site dates back to the early 1970s, but it took decades of development — and serious investment after Speedway Motorsports acquired it in 1999 — to shape it into a destination-level venue. 

The 1.5-mile tri-oval opened in 1996 and quickly attracted top-tier competition. NASCAR arrived the same year, and the Pennzoil 400 became a fixture from 1998. For a long stretch, LVMS quietly established itself as one of the more reliable stops on the calendar — wide, fast, smooth asphalt, and a track that rewards both strategy and raw horsepower. Drivers tend to like it. Big runs are possible, but the wall stays close enough to keep things honest.

The speedway sits about 15 miles north of the Strip, which means it operates somewhat independently from the tourist corridor. That actually works in its favor — LVMS has its own identity as a racing venue rather than just a backdrop for a photo opportunity.

What the F1 Return Changed

Formula 1 had raced in Las Vegas before, back in 1981 and 1982, on a temporary circuit inside Caesars Palace. Those events weren’t particularly loved — the layout was slow, the racing dull, and the whole thing felt like an afterthought. The city and the sport moved on.

The 2023 return was a different story. F1 built a street circuit along Las Vegas Boulevard, past casinos and hotels. The race runs at night, under artificial light, with landmark buildings visible in the background. Whatever anyone thought of the event’s logistics in its first year, the visual case for the location was hard to dispute.

That race sparked real debate about whether Formula 1 was prioritizing glamour over substance. But it also pulled a wave of new fans toward the sport in the United States. As this analysis of the NASCAR vs. F1 ratings rivalry shows, the two series were competing for overlapping American audiences in ways that hadn’t happened before — and Vegas sat at the center of that push.

Why Vegas Works for Racing

Other cities have tried blending entertainment culture with motorsports — Miami, Austin, and Monaco all make their own version of that pitch. Vegas does it at a different scale because the infrastructure was already there before racing showed up.

The hotels can absorb 150,000 visitors without breaking a sweat. Restaurants stay open past 3 a.m. The city runs on late nights and big spending, and nobody bats an eye at a crowd that’s there to watch fast cars and then wander into a casino for four hours afterward. For race promoters and sponsors, that financial ecosystem is genuinely hard to replicate anywhere else.

A race in Vegas sells an entire trip. That model made Formula 1’s investment in the street circuit easier to justify, and it explains why NASCAR’s rounds consistently draw strong numbers. The same things that make Vegas function as an entertainment destination — scale, energy, round-the-clock activity — turn out to be exactly what major race weekends need.

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