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Best Casino Games to Master in 2025

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Casinos may seem intimidating with so many flashing lights, loud noises, and options to choose from. However, there are particular games that give smart players a legitimate fighting chance to walk away as a winner. In 2025, here are the top casino games worth mastering and why:

Blackjack

Blackjack, also known as 21, continues to be one of the most popular table games due to its relatively low house edge. When played properly by an expert, the house edge can be reduced to around just 0.5%. Below is a comparison of house edges across common casino games on such platforms as VegasNow:

GameTypical House Edge
Slots5%-15%
Roulette5.26%
Craps1.41% (with optimal strategy)
Blackjack0.5% (with card counting)

As shown, blackjack offers the lowest house advantage when card-counting techniques are properly used. This extra edge makes it one of the best games to learn as a player. As well, there are so many game variations that you will never feel bored with this abundance.

Video Poker

Video poker has continued to grow in popularity since 2020. These electronic machines offer some of the best odds in the casino if you learn the optimal strategy for the variation you play.

The video poker games below have some of the highest potential payouts:

  • Jacks or Better
  • Deuces Wild
  • Double Bonus

For example, when using the perfect strategy in full-pay Jacks or Better games, the house edge is just 0.46%. This makes it comparable to blackjack for offering players extremely favorable odds.

Baccarat & Mini-Baccarat

Baccarat tends to attract high rollers at casinos with its glitz and glamour. However, beneath the surface, both baccarat and mini-baccarat, as noted on 먹튀검증사이트 먹튀스팟, offer some of the lowest house edges of any game on the casino floor.

The banker bet in standard baccarat gives the house only a 1.06% advantage. If you play mini-baccarat instead, this drops even further to 1.01%. Combined with the simple rules and faster pace of mini-baccarat, this high-stakes game is approachable for any level of player looking to gain an edge.

You’ll love a great number of baccarat options, including No Commission, Speed, Squeeze, and others.

Why Learning Games Matter

Taking time to properly learn casino games with already reasonable odds makes a significant difference. You can dramatically cut down the inherent house edge when using the right strategies.

Card counting in blackjack, perfect strategy in video poker, and betting with the banker in baccarat turn these games from likely losses into potentially reliable winners. Mastering any of these will position you better for casino success in 2025 than playing random slot machines or table games.

Start Small Before High Stakes

When first learning these advantageous casino games, consider practicing online for free or start with low table minimums. Mastering proper techniques requires repetition before you are ready to play for higher stakes.

But once you have developed expertise, you can leverage that extra edge to aim for comped hotel rooms, free meals, and serious cash prizes. Just remember – the casinos aren’t building those towering hotels by giving money away easily. It takes skillful play at the right games to come out as a consistent winner.

Conclusion

The best advice for picking casino games in 2025 is to focus on the options that offer rule variations, player decisions, and proven winning strategies. Start with blackjack, video poker, and baccarat as three approachable games to study and practice first.

By becoming knowledgeable about the above games, you can enter casinos in 2025 with the confidence that your skill makes a significant difference in gaining an advantage that the house does not expect. That fighting chance is all you need to potentially walk away a big winner.

96ACE – The Most Trusted Online Casino in Singapore (2025)

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In the rapidly evolving world of online gaming, few platforms have managed to establish long-term credibility and consistent user satisfaction. 96ACE has done exactly that, earning a reputation as the most trusted online casino Singapore by 2025. With its commitment to security, diverse gaming options, lightning-fast payouts, and excellent customer support, 96ACE continues to raise the bar for digital casinos in the region.

Whether you’re a newcomer looking to try your luck or a seasoned player seeking high-stakes action, 96ACE delivers an unmatched casino experience from the comfort of your device. Here’s a comprehensive look at why 96ACE is the top choice for Singaporean players.

A Licensed and Regulated Platform You Can Trust

One of the key reasons behind 96ACE’s rise to prominence is its commitment to legal compliance and transparency. The platform operates under licenses from reputable international authorities such as PAGCOR and Curacao Gaming, ensuring all games and financial transactions are fair and secure.

Players can enjoy peace of mind knowing that 96ACE uses advanced SSL encryption, two-factor authentication, and random number generator (RNG) certifications. This means you’re getting a secure, transparent gaming experience, with all results determined fairly and independently audited by third-party agencies.

A Wide Range of Casino Games for All Types of Players

96ACE offers one of the most diverse selections of online casino games in Singapore, catering to both casual players and high rollers. Their library includes:

Slot Games

With thousands of titles from leading developers like Mega888, 918Kiss, Pussy888, Nextspin, JILI, and PG Soft, slot fans are truly spoiled for choice. Whether you prefer classic three-reel machines, cascading reels, or progressive jackpots, 96ACE has it all.

Top picks include:

  • Great Blue
  • Candy Bonanza
  • Starlight Princess
  • Lightning Dragon
  • Tree of Wealth

Live Casino Games

96ACE partners with trusted live dealers from Evolution Gaming, AllBet, and Asia Gaming to offer premium live casino experiences. Games like:

  • Live Baccarat
  • Roulette
  • Blackjack
  • Dragon Tiger
  • Sic Bo

Streamed in HD with real-time interaction, these games bring the thrill of Marina Bay Sands directly to your screen.

Fishing Games & Arcade

Unique to many Asian platforms, 96ACE offers fast-paced, skill-based fishing games like Fishing God and Da Sheng Nao Hai. These games combine reflexes and betting for a refreshing change of pace.

Sportsbook & Esports Betting

Sports fans can enjoy betting on a wide variety of events including:

  • Premier League football
  • NBA basketball
  • Tennis
  • Dota 2
  • CS:GO

The live betting feature allows players to place bets in real-time as events unfold, enhancing the excitement.

Seamless Mobile Experience

The 96ACE platform is built with mobile-first design, ensuring fast, seamless access across all devices. Whether you use Android or iOS, you can play on the go without missing a beat. Games are optimized for smaller screens, offering:

  • Quick load times
  • Intuitive navigation
  • Easy deposit/withdrawal access

There’s also an APK download available for Android users, which provides faster login and additional features compared to browser-based access.

Fast & Secure Payment Options

One of the standout features of 96ACE is its payment system, which is built around speed, reliability, and security. The platform accepts all major local payment methods in Singapore, including:

  • PayNow
  • Bank Transfers
  • E-wallets (GrabPay, Touch ’n Go, Boost)
  • Cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, USDT, Ethereum)

Withdrawals are processed within minutes to hours, depending on the method. 96ACE also has no hidden charges and clear withdrawal limits, offering full transparency to players.

Welcome Bonuses & Promotions

96ACE is known for its generous welcome packages and continuous promotions tailored for slot lovers, live casino players, and sports bettors alike.

Current Promotions (2025):

  • 150% Welcome Bonus: For new users making their first deposit
  • 100% Reload Bonus: Weekly reloads to boost gameplay
  • Rescue Bonus: Up to SGD 2888 to cover weekly losses
  • VIP Cashback Program: Up to 5% cashback every week for loyal players

These offers keep the excitement high while also providing added value, especially for returning users.

96ACE VIP Club – A Premium Experience

The 96ACE VIP program rewards loyal players with exclusive benefits that increase as you climb the tiers. The VIP levels include:

  1. Bronze
  2. Silver
  3. Gold
  4. Platinum
  5. Diamond

VIP Perks:

  • Personalized account manager
  • Higher withdrawal limits
  • Birthday rewards
  • Invitations to exclusive promotions and tournaments
  • Weekly rebates and cashback

This makes 96ACE ideal for high-stakes players who want more personalized service and bigger returns.

24/7 Professional Customer Support

96ACE offers around-the-clock customer service via:

  • Live Chat
  • WhatsApp
  • Telegram
  • Email

Their multilingual support team is trained to resolve issues quickly, whether it’s a login problem, a delayed payment, or game-related inquiries.

The team is responsive, professional, and committed to providing a smooth user experience—one of the many reasons 96ACE ranks high among trusted platforms.

Why Singaporean Players Trust 96ACE in 2025

Here are the top reasons why 96ACE has become Singapore’s most trusted online casino:

  • Fully licensed and regulated by reputable gaming authorities
  • Transparent terms, fair play, and secure transactions
  • Thousands of games from leading providers
  • Fast payouts and safe local payment methods
  • Mobile-optimized for seamless gameplay
  • Generous promotions and VIP rewards
  • Excellent support with multilingual access

With strong user ratings, partnerships with leading game studios, and years of proven credibility, 96ACE remains the gold standard in Singapore’s iGaming market.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a safe, entertaining, and feature-rich online casino, 96ACE is hands-down the most trusted choice in Singapore for 2025. With its massive game library, lightning-fast withdrawals, trusted licenses, and superior mobile experience, it’s the ultimate destination for both casual players and seasoned bettors.

Join thousands of satisfied players—register at 96ACE today, claim your welcome bonus, and discover why it’s the #1 online casino trusted across Singapore and Southeast Asia.

Palou Fastest in Return to Race Trim in Indy 500 Practice

INDIANAPOLIS (Monday, May 19, 2025) – Three-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion Alex Palou returned to the top of the speed charts Monday in 109th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge practice, as drivers and teams focused on race setups after two fast and feverish days of qualifying.

Series points leader Palou, who has won four of the first five races this season, led at 226.765 mph in the No. 10 DHL Chip Ganassi Racing Honda as drivers ran in thick packs of traffic around the 2.5-mile oval, a marked contrast from the solo contests of pure speed during the last two days of PPG Presents Armed Forces Qualifying. Palou will start sixth in the race Sunday, May 25.

”A great day for the No. 10 DHL Honda,” Palou said. “Back to traffic running, and the car felt really good. We ended up P1. It doesn’t mean much, but you always take a P1 in any session at the Speedway.

“I’m feeling really comfortable. There’s still a lot of work to do, and I guess for everybody else, as well. It’s not easy to be in traffic and overtake, but I’m really comfortable. I’m able to overtake. I’m ready for Carb Day.”

This was the last on-track session until the final two-hour practice before Race Day, Miller Lite Carb Day this Friday. That session takes place from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., followed by the annual Indy 500 Pit Stop Challenge (FS1, FOX Sports app, INDYCAR Radio Network).

Four-time “500” winner Helio Castroneves was second at 226.441 in the No. 06 Cliffs Honda of Meyer Shank Racing w/Curb-Agajanian. Castroneves, starting 22nd, is attempting to become the first driver to win “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” five times.

Two-time “500” winner Takuma Sato was third at 226.087 in the No. 75 AMADA Honda of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing. Sato, 48, or Castroneves, 50, would become the oldest winner in “500” history this Sunday (10 a.m. FOX, FOX Deportes, FOX Sports app, INDYCAR Radio Network).

Jack Harvey, who will start 26th, jumped to fourth in race setup at 226.048 in the No. 24 DRR CUSICK INVEST Chevrolet, the fastest Chevy-powered driver of the day. His teammate, 2014 “500” winner Ryan Hunter-Reay, rounded out the top five at 225.969 in the No. 23 DRR CUSICK WEDBUSH SECURITIES Chevrolet.

Shock pole winner Robert Shwartzman, a “500” rookie in his first-ever oval race, ended up 26th at 222.561 in the No. 83 PREMA Racing Chevrolet.

The two-hour practice took place under partly cloudy skies and air temperatures in the mid-70s. There was one incident, 12 minutes into the session, involving Christian Rasmussen of Ed Carpenter Racing.

Rasmussen made light contact with the SAFER Barrier in Turn 2. His No. 21 ECR Splenda Chevrolet then wobbled and spun into the grass on the backstretch and made secondary contact with the inside wall. The car suffered minor damage. Rasmussen was unhurt.

CHEVROLET INDYCAR AT INDIANAPOLIS 500: 7 OF TOP 10 IN PRACTICE CHEVY POWERED

CHEVROLET IN NTT INDYCAR SERIES
INDIANAPOLIS 500
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA
TEAM CHEVY PRACTICE REPORT
MONDAY, MAY 19, 2025

Dreyer & Reinbold Racing’s Jack Harvey and Ryan Hunter-Reay lead Team Chevy in Monday practice
Chevrolet powered drivers take seven of top ten on the timesheet

INDIANAPOLIS (May 29) After three days of chasing speed with higher boost for qualifying, the 18 Team Chevy drivers were back in race trim, working on the handling of their Chevrolet-powered NTT INDYCAR SERIES cars in traffic.

  • Dreyer & Reinbold Racing duo Jack Harvey in the No. 24 DRR CUSICK INVST Chevrolet with a lap of 226.048mph and Ryan Hunter-Reay in the No. 23 DRR CUSICK WEDBUSH SECURITIES Chevrolet with a lap of 225.969mph had the fourth and fifth quickest lap of the penultimate practice. Nolan Siegel in the No. 6 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet, Will Power in the No. 12 Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet, Josef Newgarden in the No. 2 Shell Chevrolet, Christian Rasmussen in the No. 21 ECR Splenda Chevrolet and Conor Daly in the No. 76 Juncos Hollinger Racing Chevrolet made it seven Chevrolet powered drivers in the top 10.
  • The busy practice had one minor incident involving a Turn 2 spin and slight wall contact by Christian Rasmussen in the No. 21 ECR Splenda Chevrolet.
  • The 34 drivers completed 2038 laps, with Team Chevy drivers turning 1237 circuits of the 2.5-mile oval. Callum Ilott at the wheel of the No. 90 PREMA Racing Chevrolet and Will Power, driving the No. 12 Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet, each completed 88 laps, which is the most of the drivers.
  • After a Tuesday off – except for the rookies, who will participate in the ADA Fastest Rookie Event – the field will participate in Indianapolis 500 Community Day, which includes school visits and porch party visits, on Wednesday. A day full of media activities on Thursday, followed by a final two-hour practice and pit stop competition on Friday, May 23, better known as Carb Day.

Monday Practice Results

Indianapolis 500 Tune-In Alert – Carb Day and Race Day

Friday, May 20 (Carb Day)

NTT INDYCAR SERIES practice –11am-1pm (ET)/10am-noon (CT)/9am-11am (MT)/8am-10am (PT) – FS1/ INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218
NTT INDYCAR SERIES pit stop challenge –2:30pm-4pm (ET)/1:30pm-3pm (CT)/12:30pm-2pm (MT)/11:30am-1pm (PT) – FS1/ INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218

Sunday, May 25

109th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge pre-race – 10am-noon (ET)/9am-11am (CT)/8am-10am (MT)/7am-9am (PT) – FOX/FOX DEPORTES/ INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218
109th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge race broadcast – noon (ET)/11am (CT)/10am (MT)/9am (PT) – FOX/FOX DEPORTES/ INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218

A.J. Foyt Enterprises

David Malukas, No. 4 Clarience Technologies Chevrolet:

Monday is in the books for us, and another really good day. We tried a completely different flip set up from what we’ve been doing for all of the race running stuff, and we learned a lot with the car in another direction. In the two hours we went completely end to end and I think that was the best session we’ve had this month when it comes to learning a lot with the car. We have a lot of data to look over, but we have a lot of day to do that. I feel confident going into the (Indianapolis) 500 later this week.

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

“A solid day on Monday. It’s really the first time we got to drive the race car. It felt great. We made a ton of changes and a ton of progress. I’m feeling really good. I think we’re really competitive, with a couple of things to fine tune on Friday and then we’re ready to go.”

Arrow McLaren

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

“We only have one more practice on Carb Day, and we’ve got our game plan for the little issues we had here and there today. We’re going to see what we can make sure we get right to be prepared for the race.”

Nolan Siegel, No. 6 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet:

“It was a really positive day. We changed some things and found the speed that we were looking for earlier. I’m a little dissapointed that we didn’t find it earlier, but very happy that we did and the car is in a really good balance window. That was as competitive as I’ve felt, and we easily had front-running pace. It’s just about working our way up there, and we’ve got a long race to do it. Very, very promising day and I’m looking forward to continuing things on Friday.”

Christian Lundgaard, No. 7 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet:

“It’s always interesting to switch back from Qualifying mode back to race mode. I think we were okay. We tried a few things in the session and were one of the only cars that tried to do long runs where I definitely saw after the fact that many cars jumped back in and out trying different things. We’re where we are on pace from where we qualified, but we have a little bit of work to do on Carb Day. I definitely feel confident that we can find some speed and be even more competitive on race day.”

Kyle Larson, No. 17 HendrickCars.com Arrow McLaren Chevrolet:

“I feel like when we’re out there, everybody kind of looks pretty similar. We tried to get a bit racey at times to learn a few things for the race, but things are so different in practice. I feel like there’s more of an accordion and all of that opens passing, when in the race it’s more difficult to pass. The balance feels a bit different than last year, but it’s fun and seems more challenging.”

Ed Carpenter Racing

Christian Rasmussen, No. 21 Splenda ECR Chevrolet:

“Same thing as the other day. (Watching the video) I just touched the wall there and it started crabbing and it just touched the wall there. We went out with that same setup that we were running the other day when we spun, but we blamed it on being because of the old tires. Now, we were on new tires, so maybe something about that setup doesn’t really work. I’m just bummed for the guys. We’re into race week now, and it’s not where we want to be. There are always things you can do differently, but we’re trying to prepare for race week and to try to run as close to the cars in front of us as we can. Especially because it’s so hard to pass. You’ve got to try and do something. We have to look at what we have and reevaluate.”

PREMA Racing

Robert Shwartzman, No. 83 PREMA Racing Chevrolet:

“Today, we did two-hours of free practice putting myself in different positions in the grid, how it feels and how the car behaves, for my understanding. Overally, quite happy. We need to obviously work a little bit on, on getting the car a bit stronger. I was in a group with Alex (Palou) and Pato (O’Ward), and me and Pato seemed to be quite similar, but Alex was a tiny bit stronger feeling-wise. So we need to see what was different and try to get a bit more grip. But overall, it’s a cool thing that you have this separation of qualifying as one race and the actual race and battle as a different one.”

Kyle Larson

Press Conference

THE MODERATOR: We are currently joined by Kyle Larson, driver of the No. 17 Hendrickcars.com Arrow McLaren Chevrolet

Q. Kyle, it’s going to be a little bit different race for you because you’re starting mid pack. How big a challenge will that be? Do you look forward to, Hey, let’s see how this works driving up through the middle of the field?

KYLE LARSON: Yeah, it definitely presents challenges. I had that horrendous restart last year. I think I fell back to close to where I’m starting. We were able to get closer to the front by the three-quarter point of the race.

I think if you just normal kind of race stuff, execute good restarts and pit stops and things, you can work your way forward without having to work too hard.

Hopefully myself and our team can do a good job on Sunday and just chip away at it.

Q. Kyle, I know you’d probably rather start closer to the front. Was it nice to have yesterday morning as a little bit of a breather with this hectic schedule you’ve had?

KYLE LARSON: Yeah, I would have loved to have been going longer yesterday or getting to get back in the car yesterday to qualify. At the same point it was nice to have most of the day off before racing.

Yeah, it was good. Just relaxing last year on Sunday was crazy. Tight times like it would have been, the double weekend. But yeah, yesterday was very, very relaxed.

Q. Kyle, you see a lot of weird stuff in NASCAR like this. New to this series, not as familiar, does any of this seem strange to you with the Penskes, how it’s being handled?

KYLE LARSON: No. I really don’t have, like, an opinion on it. I don’t. Even in the NASCAR side of it, Buescher got hit with his penalty, but I don’t even know what it was and don’t really care. It doesn’t affect me in our team, so…

I don’t really get too involved when it’s other teams.

Q. Do you think the Penske cars will be okay?

KYLE LARSON: Oh, yeah. Did you guys see Josef out there today? He’ll be just fine (smiling).

Q. You have any good North Wilkesboro stories, what you may have heard from fellow Cup drivers about your Indy 500 effort?

KYLE LARSON: No, I only talked to a couple of guys there that were curious about what’s going on here.

It was a really fun race. I really enjoyed it. That’s by far the best short track we have in NASCAR. It’s really racy. We have grip, can run multiple lines. Yeah, it was fun.

We were running third after taking two tires. Was just starting to rip the top really fast and got loose in and smashed the wall, ended our race.

Q. You drive anything anywhere anytime. Would you like to join Helio in the Brazilian stockcar series?

KYLE LARSON: I’m down. Brazil sounds fun. They’re older. I’m a little busy now. When I get older, I want to do a lot of cool things. Inspiration right here.

THE MODERATOR: Winter here is summer down there.

KYLE LARSON: Perfect. My wife will be all for that. Let’s go.

About General Motors

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

IndyCar penalizes two Team Penske entries for modified attenuators prior to Indy 500

Photo by James Black (Penske Entertainment).

Team Penske have been levied a pair of penalties for two of its three-car entries in the NTT IndyCar Series ahead of next weekend’s 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The Nos. 2 and 12 Dallara-Chevrolet entries piloted by Will Power and Josef Newgarden, respectively, were found to have violated Rule 14.7.8.16 from the IndyCar rule book. The rule pertains to the discovery of modified attenuators.

The issue between both entries were first made prior to the Top 12 qualification session on Sunday, May 18, when both entries withdrew from qualifying. According to Tim Cindric, Team Penske’s president, Power’s entry passed the pre-qualifying technical inspection procedure, but Newgarden’s No. 2 entry had inquiries. Due to both entries looking physically identical, the Penske organization opted to withdraw both from qualifying due to issues that involved the body fit on the rear attenuator.

Amid protests from their rivaled organizations and competitors to have the entries disqualified from competing, Penske’s Nos. 2 and 12 entries were initially slated to start 11th and 12th, respectively, due to both making the Top 12 qualifying session. At the conclusion of the qualifying sessions, however, IndyCar took the time to further review the violations from the entries before the penalties were announced on Monday, May 19.

As a result of the penalties for the violations, Newgarden’s No. 2 team and Power’s No. 12 team will both start this year’s Indy 500 at the rear of the field in 32nd and 33rd, respectively. In addition, the team strategists for both teams were suspended for the remainder of the event and each entry were fined $100,000 and had their qualification points revoked.

Penske’s third entry, the No. 3 Dallara-Chevrolet entry piloted by Scott McLaughlin, was not penalized. McLaughlin, the reigning Indy 500 pole winner who had also transferred to the Top 12 session, withdrew from qualifying due to being involved in an airborne accident in Turn 2 while practicing prior to qualifying. As a result, he is slated to start in 10th place for this year’s Indy 500.

Following the release of the penalty report, J. Douglas Boles, President of IndyCar and Indianapolis Motor Speedway, issued the following statement:

“The integrity of the Indianapolis 500 is paramount, and this violation of the INDYCAR rule against modification to this part and using it ‘as supplied’ is clear. The penalty should be more than simply starting where the cars might have qualified anyway, if given the opportunity. The cars belong in the field as two of the fastest 33; however, starting on the tail of the field is the appropriate penalty in this instance.”

“The positive momentum around the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and the Indianapolis 500 has been on a steep crescendo over the last several months, and we want it to be clear that our intent is to maintain that momentum and discourage teams from putting INDYCAR in positions where it calls into the integrity of our officiating and the levelness of the playing field. As we look to the remainder of the week and the race this weekend, we will do everything we can to make it clear that this is not only the best racing on the planet but racing where the best win under completely fair conditions.”

Meanwhile, Team Penske, the reigning 20-time Indy 500 race-winning organization, have not commented or released any statement involving the penalties of its two entries.

This year, Power is striving to become the 22nd competitor to win multiple Indy 500s after he won his first in 2018. Newgarden is striving to become the first-ever competitor to win the Indy 500 for a third consecutive season after he won the previous two.

Photo by Paul Hurley (Penske Entertainment).

The 2025 Indianapolis 500, which is set to mark the 109th running of the Greatest Spectacle in Racing at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, is scheduled to occur next Sunday, May 25. The event’s pre-race coverage is slated to air at 10 a.m. ET on FOX and the drop of the green flag is slated to occur at 12:45 p.m. ET.

Connor Zilisch returning to NASCAR competition at Charlotte

Photo by John Knittel for SpeedwayMedia.com.

nnor Zilisch

Connor Zilisch took to social media to reveal that he will return to NASCAR competition this upcoming weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

The news comes after Zilisch, an 18-year-old Xfinity Series’ Rookie-of-the-Year candidate from Charlotte, North Carolina, was absent from the latest event at Texas Motor Speedway due to recovering from a lower back injury that he sustained following a last-lap accident at Talladega Superspeedway the event prior to Texas.

In his absence, Kyle Larson, the 2021 Cup Series champion from Elk Grove, California, piloted Zilisch’s No. 88 JR Motorsports Chevrolet entry to Victory Lane at Texas.

Through 11-scheduled starts in the 2025 Xfinity season, Zilisch notched his first victory of the year from pole position at Circuit of the Americas in early March. He had also racked up two additional poles and a total of three top-10 results. Despite being ranked in 12th place in the driver’s standings, he is currently guaranteed a spot into the Playoffs based on his Circuit of the Americas win and after receiving a Playoff waiver from his absence.

“I’m back,” Zilisch posted in a statement on X. “My back is all healed up and I’m ready for a big weekend at Charlotte. I’m pumped to make my second Cup start with Trackhouse and get back in the Xfinity car with JR Motorsports. Big thanks to everyone who helped me get back so soon!”

This upcoming weekend at Charlotte is also set to mark a big one for Zilisch. In addition to competing in the Xfinity event on Saturday, May 24, he will be making his second career Cup Series start on Sunday, May 25, for the prestigious Coca-Cola 600. For the latter event, he will be returning to pilot the No. 87 Red Bull Chevrolet entry for Trackhouse Racing.

Zilisch made his Cup debut with Trackhouse at Circuit of the Americas in early March. During his debut, he rallied from sustaining a flat right-front tire due to on-track contact on the opening lap to carve his way up towards the top-15 mark. During the start of the final stage period, however, he was involved in a vicious accident with teammate Daniel Suarez and finished at the rear of the 37-car field.

The NASCAR Xfinity Series division returns to action this upcoming Saturday, May 24, at Charlotte Motor Speedway for the BetMGM 300 that will occur at 4:30 p.m. ET on the CW Network.

Meanwhile, the Cup Series’ Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte will occur this upcoming Sunday, May 25, and air at 6 p.m. ET on Prime Video.

Boyd Brews Up Carolina Based Sponsor, Canal Coffee Co.

Mooresville, NC (May 19, 2025) NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Driver, Spencer Boyd announced today that Canal Coffee Co.™ has joined the team as a primary sponsor for the Memorial Day Weekend race at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Founded in 2023, Canal Coffee Co. is a family-owned, drive-thru coffee shop serving specialty drinks, hot breakfast, baked goods, and lunch.

“The words ‘coffee’ and ‘drive-thru’ are my love language,” laughed an early rising Spencer Boyd. “In our sport with early mornings and late nights, we are honestly fueled by two things, coffee and race fuel. The fact that I can drive through for my morning routine makes the moment I arrive at the shop that much more productive. This sponsorship launches at a great time given Canal Coffee’s commitment to the military and first responder community and the NASCAR Salutes campaign. I’m looking forward to all the fun things we will do together!”

Every day, Canal Coffee proudly offers a 10% discount to all active or retired firefighters, police, EMS, and military personnel at all locations, as a small way to thank them for their service.

Salina Millen, Regional Director for Community Relations commented, “As a small, family-owned business, we’re passionate about giving back to the communities that support us. Through our “Coffee that Cares” initiative, we partner with local schools, first responders, and nonprofit organizations to make a meaningful difference. To have our very own race truck racing on one of NASCAR’s crown jewel weekends is a great way to let people know about us as a company.”

Canal Coffee will be serving from their mobile coffee truck all race weekend long near Bruton Smith Blvd and Sandusky Blvd. Known for its small-batch coffees from artisan roasters, Canal Coffee Co.’s baristas are ready to serve hot or cold specialty drinks – Including Freedom Fuel, the Lotus-based drink created specifically for Spencer’s team and fans.

“We always get excited about this race,” continued Boyd. “It’s the home track for many of us. We honor our military. There is just a lot of buzz around it. As a race track, I love Charlotte Motor Speedway because of the character the surface has and the racing it produces. Our Freedom Racing Enterprises team has assembled a great piece for the No. 76 Canal Coffee Chevrolet Silverado to make it’s debut!”
Catch Spencer Boyd driving the Canal Coffee race truck at the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Race, the North Carolina Education Lottery 200, on Friday, May 23, 2025, at 8:30 PM ET. This exciting race, part of the Coca-Cola 600 weekend, will be broadcast live on FS1.

About Canal Coffee Co.
We are dedicated to supporting local communities by contributing a portion of our sales to causes we believe in. With locations in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Florida, Canal Coffee Co. continues to grow and spread joy.

For more information, visit canalcoffeecompany.com/contact
Follow us on Instagram: @canalcoffeecompany, Facebook: Canal Coffee Company X: @canalcoffeeco

Richard Childress Racing and Boot Barn Announce Partnership Extension

Content-Centric Partnership Includes Primary Race Sponsorship of Austin Dillon in Both the NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Cup Series

WELCOME, N.C. (May 19, 2025) – Boot Barn, the largest western and work wear retailer in the nation, will continue their partnership with Richard Childress Racing and driver Austin Dillon in 2025. Building upon an already successful relationship that includes impactful content creation and primary sponsorship of Dillon and the No. 3 Boot Barn Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series, the brand will also extend their reach into the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2025.

“Continuing our partnership with Richard Childress Racing and Austin Dillon allows us to further connect with fans who share a passion for the western lifestyle and motorsports,” said Stephen Loscko, vice president of marketing and media for Boot Barn. “From Charlotte to Mexico City, we’re excited to highlight our brand on the track and through influencer-generated content that brings our story to life. Last year’s cross-collaboration creative storytelling with Austin Dillon and Boot Barn-sponsored rodeo athlete Rocker Steiner has been incredibly well received. We’re excited to continue building on that success.”

Dillon, the 2013 NASCAR Xfinity Series champion, will race the No. 3 Boot Barn Chevrolet in the Xfinity Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway over Memorial Day weekend. The race will be broadcast live on The CW at 4:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, May 24.

“I’m honored to have the opportunity to continue RCR’s relationship with Boot Barn and I can’t wait to get back behind the wheel in the NASCAR Xfinity Series at Charlotte Motor Speedway,” said Dillon. “Charlotte has been good to me, and I’m thankful to Boot Barn for allowing me the opportunity to help showcase their brand within motorsports and beyond.”

As part of the partnership, RCR and Boot Barn will work together to host western lifestyle influencers later this summer when Dillon drives the No. 3 Boot Barn Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series’ highly anticipated race in Mexico City, Mexico.

“Austin Dillon’s authentic interests in western sports and the western lifestyle make him the perfect ambassador for Boot Barn as they continue to showcase their broad selection of cowboy boots and western wear to NASCAR fans,” said Mike Verlander, president of RCR. “Our entire team is looking forward to highlighting that connection and building upon the unique and engaging influencer-driven content that has become a pillar of the partnership.”

For more information and all that is going on at RCR, visit rcrracing.com.

About Boot Barn: Boot Barn is the nation’s leading lifestyle retailer of western and work-related footwear, apparel, and accessories for men, women, and children. The Company offers its loyal customer base a wide selection of work and lifestyle brands. Boot Barn now operates more than 460 stores in 49 states, in addition to an e-commerce channel www.bootbarn.com. For more information, call 888-Boot-Barn or visit www.bootbarn.com.

Richard Childress Racing (www.rcrracing.com) is a renowned, performance-driven racing, marketing and manufacturing organization. Incorporated in 1969, RCR has celebrated over 50 years of racing and earned more than 200 victories and 16 championships, including six in the NASCAR Cup Series with the legendary Dale Earnhardt. RCR was the first organization to win championships in the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Truck Series and is a three-time winner of the Daytona 500 (1998, 2007, 2018). Its 2025 NASCAR Cup Series lineup includes two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch (No. 8 Chevrolet) and 2017 Coca-Cola 600 winner and 2018 Daytona 500 champion Austin Dillon (No. 3 Chevrolet). RCR fields a full-time NASCAR Xfinity Series program with Jesse Love (No. 2 Chevrolet) and Austin Hill (No. 21 Chevrolet).

Weather-Ready Driving: Spring Safety Tips Beyond the Basics

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

Many people consider spring to be their favorite season. However, don’t allow the beautiful blooms and increased sunshine to fool you. The spring brings its own driving challenges. While behind the wheel, be sure to keep these critical safety tips in mind.

Watch Out for Two-Wheeled Vehicles

When the weather begins to get warmer, there will be more motorcycles and bikes on the road. This means you need to keep your eyes peeled at all times. Because these two-wheeled vehicles are smaller in size, they can easily become hidden in your blind spot. Develop a habit of double-checking your mirrors and using extra caution when making left turns. 

Keep an Eye Out for Pedestrians

Whether you’re cruising through a residential area or maneuvering around a shopping mall parking lot, expect to see a lot more people out during the spring. Always pay attention to your surroundings.

In the blink of an eye, a pedestrian could suddenly cross your path. In fact, pedestrian accidents are on the rise across the country. In 2021, just the state of Oklahoma saw 771 pedestrian accidents resulting in 104 deaths. Dangerous habits, such as texting on your phone and speeding, dramatically increase your chances of hitting someone. If your vehicle is equipped with pedestrian detection, take advantage of this modern safety technology. 

Use Caution During Severe Weather

During the spring season, thunderstorms tend to be a common occurrence. Always take the necessary precautions when caught out in severe weather. To make your vehicle more visible to other motorists, turn on your low-beam headlights. Most importantly, increase the distance between your car and the next vehicle ahead during rainy conditions.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), wet pavement causes 70% of weather-related car accidents. Not only can a heavy downpour cause your vehicle to hydroplane, but it can also decrease visibility. Don’t hesitate to pull over into a safe area until the storm passes. 

Watch Out for Crossing Animals 

Driving at certain times of the day can be a bit more hazardous. Wildlife, such as deer, are often more active during dawn and dust. So, use extra caution while traveling near wooded areas. Remember, even small animals can cause a significant amount of damage to your vehicle. 

Prioritize Vehicle Maintenance

When it comes to vehicle safety, routine maintenance is of the utmost importance. Have your mechanic perform a full vehicle inspection during the spring. From the brakes to the tires, everything needs to be in good condition.

Don’t overlook the performance of your headlights at night. UV-damaged headlights won’t illuminate the road nearly as well. If the sun has caused your headlights to become cloudy, you can either purchase a headlight restoration kit or have them cleaned by a professional. 

Stay Energized on Spring Road Trips

As spring weather can be unpredictable, it’s crucial to stay prepared for sudden changes. One effective way to ensure safety on the road is to hire hourly driver services, which can provide experienced professionals familiar with navigating various weather conditions. This option not only offers peace of mind but also allows you to focus on enjoying the journey without the stress of driving in unfamiliar or challenging environments. Whether you’re planning a long road trip or just need assistance for a few hours, having a skilled driver can make all the difference in maintaining safety and comfort.

The spring is the perfect time to plan a weekend road trip. However, don’t make the mistake of getting behind the wheel while fatigued. Research shows that thousands of drowsy driving-related fatalities are reported every year. When driving a long distance, take several breaks along the way. As soon as you begin to feel dozy, pull over immediately! 

Modern Distracted Driving: Beyond Texting – Apps, Infotainment Systems, and Driver Attention

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

Most people are aware these days that texting while driving is hazardous, and a number of states have banned any use of cell phones at all while behind the wheel. Despite this, distracted driving as a result of technology remains a problem. Cars today come equipped with infotainment systems which, along with apps, can be just as dangerous as texting on a cell phone. Unfortunately, the awareness of these dangers is not as widespread. 

Touch Screens in Cars

In fact, manufacturers argue that these screens are an improvement on the knobs and buttons found on older vehicles in terms of driver distraction. However, in 2022, Swedish journalists tested these claims and found that they took the least amount of time making changes using an older vehicle with knobs and buttons. The amount of time they took to make adjustments on vehicles with screens ranged from around 13 seconds to as much as 45 seconds. While even the latter number may not sound like a lot, this can be nearly a mile of distracted driving. In fact, in a mere three or four seconds, a car can travel the length of a football field. A lot can happen in that span of time. The likelihood of an accident can increase when a driver’s attention leaves the road for just seconds. 

Infotainment

A study by the AAA Foundation found that infotainment systems made demands that led to distractions ranging from moderate to very high, with no infotainment systems falling into the category of low demand. The Swedish study came to similar conclusions. The amount of distracted time was based on such factors as the angle of the screen and the complexity of the system. It’s important to note that screen size did not always reduce distraction time if the angle and complexity were an issue. Furthermore, the types of operations performed were also a factor. Drivers need to be able to easily change the heat and air conditioning in their vehicle or adjust the radio, so these controls should be simple. For more complex actions, such as putting in navigation information, drivers should pull over anyway because this requires too much attention away from the road. 

Then there are distractions that have no place in driving at all. Infotainment systems can offer the opportunity to not just respond to a text but to access social media. Sometimes, a call or text may come through while driving that it’s necessary to respond to, but drivers should stop before doing so. However, there is little justification for acts such as updating social media status while behind the wheel. Drivers should not make the mistake of assuming that because a feature has been included in a car, it is safe to use it. 

Apps, including those that assist drivers in being hands-free by offering voice control, do not eliminate the problem of distraction. These can still lead to inattention and accidents. Of course, larger tech-based distractions, such as playing videos on cell phones, should also be avoided. 

The Dangers of Distracted Driving

Distraction while driving comes in several forms. It can be visual, cognitive or physical. The most dangerous distractions combine all of these, but being distracted in even a single area can be enough to cause a crash. Car crashes can lead to devasting injuries and loss of life. In 2022, just the state of Florida saw nearly 400,000 car accidents, an untold number of which were likely caused by distracted drivers. It is impossible to avoid all distractions, but it’s important for drivers to understand the dangers and limits of technology. The best practice is to avoid using apps and car infotainment systems as much as possible and to find a place to stop safely for more complex tasks. While these tasks can take under a minute, this is more than enough time for a serious accident to happen.