Home Blog Page 29

RFK Racing – Daytona II Advance

Daytona II Event Info:
Date: Saturday, Aug. 29
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Series: NASCAR Cup Series (NCS)
Location: Daytona Beach, Florida
Format: 160 Laps, 400 Miles, Stages: 35-90-160
TV: NBC
Radio: MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Channel 90)

Weekend Schedule:
Friday: 5:00 p.m. ET, Cup Qualifying (TruTV, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
Saturday: 7:30 p.m. ET, Cup Race (NBC, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)

STORYLINES:

Brad Keselowski – For Brad Keselowski, this isn’t just another race at Daytona, sixty-six points below the cutoff; the veteran knows the math is brutal, but Daytona has never been a place where the impossible feels impossible especially for the championship winning driver. He’s already shown he can run at the front of this place, finishing fifth in the Daytona 500 earlier this year. Now, Keselowski needs the kind of wild, late-race shakeup that can turn a long shot into a Chase berth.

Chris Buescher – Buescher heads to Daytona International Speedway with a secured spot in the 2026 Chase. Sitting tenth in the standings, Saturday night presents an opportunity to shift the focus from securing his spot to climbing the ladder to the championship. Buescher won the annual summer race in 2023 after leading the final two laps, he additionally has eleven top 10s overall at DIS with a 17.7 average finish.

Ryan Preece – 31 points. That’s all that stands between Ryan Preece and his spot in The Chase. In a season where the odds at times seemed stacked against him, Preece is ready to give it his all —his final swing at a shot at a championship dream that is within reach. Now, with the final Chase spot just 31 points away, Preece isn’t chasing a miracle… he’s chasing destiny.

Pace Laps:

  • The NASCAR Cup Series heads to Daytona International Speedway this weekend for the annual summer event, and the last regular-season race before the start of the Cup Series playoffs.
  • Jack Roush has 12 wins overall at Daytona, including eight in the NASCAR Cup Series.
  • Chris Buescher makes his 22nd Cup start at Daytona this weekend where he won the annual summer race in 2023 after leading the final two laps. He has eleven top 10s overall at DIS with a 17.7 average finish.
  • Brad Keselowski makes his 35th Cup start at ‘The World Center of Racing’ this weekend. He is the 2016 winner of the summer race just ten years ago and overall has nine top 10s and a 21.7 average finish. Three seasons ago in the summer race, he pushed teammate Buescher to win as RFK earned a 1-2 finish.
  • Keselowski has led laps in each of his last five races and is the 2016 Coke Zero 400 winner at Daytona where he led 115 laps. His crew chief Jeremy Bullins won last season’s summer event with Harrison Burton to lock the No. 21 car into the playoffs.
  • Ryan Preece’s best Daytona finish came in the summer of 2021 when he placed fourth in the No. 37 car for JTG-Daughtery Racing. Preece also finished in the top 10 in both Daytona races in 2021, one of two drivers that season to do so alongside Chase Elliott.

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

  • The No. 6 Consumer Cellular Ford will honor Cora “Granny” Norton on the nameplate this weekend at Daytona as part of the NASCAR Foundation’s Honor a Cancer Hero Initiative. Cora was chosen by her family to be represented by Brad Keselowski as he was her upmost favorite NASCAR driver.

17 Team Info:
Driver: Chris Buescher
Crew Chief: Scott Graves
Partner: Fifth Third

The No. 17 Fifth Third Bank Ford will carry the name of Jimmy C. Spencer on the nameplate this weekend at Daytona, as part of the NASCAR Foundation’s Honor a Cancer Hero Initiative. Chris Buescher was selected for the tribute, as Jimmy worked hauling for Roush Protofab Racing in the early 80s, and Watkins Glen was his favorite track.
This weekend Bonnie Plants adorns the decklid of the No. 17 Fifth Third Bank Ford; Bonnie Plants believe growing your own garden should be simple, accessible, and attainable. With over a century of experience growing fresh, quality plants, we want to be your go-to partner in successfully growing delicious, fresh food, right at home.
100+ Years of Growing Expertise: Bonnie Plants has been helping people grow their own food since 1918, starting with Bonnie and Livingston Paulk selling cabbage plants from a buggy in Union Springs, Alabama.
Making Gardening Accessible: Bonnie believes growing your own food should be simple, accessible, and attainable, whether you’re planting your first garden or have decades of experience.
More Than Just Plants: Bonnie aims to be a trusted gardening resource, providing growing guides, tips, inspiration, and advice to help gardeners succeed from planting through harvest.
Growing the Next Generation: Through programs like the 3rd Grade Cabbage Program, Bonnie provides more than a million free cabbage plants annually to students, helping inspire the next generation of gardener
Today, Bonnie Plants are available in all 50 states and on BonniePlants.com. They come in nearly 300 plant varieties (including Organics!). Our plants don’t have to travel far to make it to you, either, as we now have over 70 growing stations across the country.
60 Team Info:
Driver: Ryan Preece
Crew Chief: Derrick Finley
Partner: Kroger / OIKOS

The No. 60 Kroger / OIKOS Ford will feature the name of Jimmy C. Spencer on the nameplate this weekend at Daytona, as part of the NASCAR Foundation’s Honor a Cancer Hero Initiative. Jimmy’s family also chose Ryan Preece for the honor, as his grandfather once hauled cars for Roush Protofab Racing, and the family has long been fans of Preece.

Keselowski at Daytona
Starts: 34
Wins: 1 (July 2016)
Top-10s: 9
Poles: —

Keselowski makes his 35th Cup start at ‘The World Center of Racing’ this weekend. He is the 2016 winner of the summer race just ten years ago and overall has nine top 10s and a 21.7 average finish.
Three seasons ago in the summer race, he pushed teammate Buescher to win as RFK earned a 1-2 finish.
Keselowski has 11 starts inside the top 10 at Daytona with a career-best P3 starting position (four times).
In Xfinity Series action, Keselowski made 15 starts at DIS with seven top 10s and a best finish of second (twice – 2012, 2014). He also made three Truck Series starts with a seventh-place run in 2005.
Buescher at Daytona
Starts: 21
Wins: 1 (2023)
Top-10s: 11
Poles: —

Buescher makes his 22nd Cup start at Daytona this weekend where he won the annual summer race in 2023 after leading the final two laps. He has eleven top 10s overall at DIS with a 17.7 average finish.
In the 2024 summer race, he led 10 laps and earned a top 10 finish after starting 24th. He finished 7th in this season’s Daytona 500.
Buescher has four starts inside the top 10 at Daytona, all of which came in the last seven races.
He also made three NXS starts at DIS with a best finish of second (2015).

Preece at Daytona
Starts: 13
Wins: —
Top-10s: 3
Poles: —

Preece makes his 14th overall start at DIS, where he has three top 10 finishes. Earlier this season, he was involved in an incident on the final lap of the race, finished the race in reverse and brought home a P25 finish.
His best Daytona finish came in the summer of 2021 when he placed fourth in the No. 37 car for JTG-Daughtery Racing.
Preece also finished in the top 10 in both Daytona races in 2021, one of two drivers that season to do so alongside Chase Elliott.
RFK Historically at Daytona
Cup Wins: 8 (Jeff Burton, 2000; Greg Biffle, 2003; Jamie McMurray, 2007; Matt Kenseth, 2009, 2012; David Ragan, 2011; Ricky Stenhouse, Jr., 2017; Chris Buescher, 2023)

Shining Bright in the Sunshine State: In 234 NCS starts at Daytona, RFK has recorded eight wins, 45 top five, 86 top 10s and has led 1021 laps. RFK also has five poles in the Cup series at Daytona, with the most recent coming in 2016 with Greg Biffle.
Two Trips to Victory Lane in 2017: Just two years after earning his first ever NASCAR win, Ryan Reed survived a wild kickoff to the 2017 season. He survived multiple on-track incidents after starting on the outside of the front row and led only nine laps, but the final two, en route to the win over a host of Cup regulars.
Then, in July of 2017, Stenhouse found himself in victory lane for the second time after leading 17 laps in his Fifth Third Ford. Stenhouse first led at lap 86, and from there survived a total of 14 cautions for 51 laps in what was his second win of the season.
Born in the USA: RFK has recorded six victories in the Summer event at Daytona, including the organization’s first at the high-banked oval with former driver Jeff Burton in 2000. Former RFK drivers Greg Biffle, Jamie McMurray, and David Ragan earned victories in 2003, 2007 and 2011, respectively. Stenhouse, Jr. earned the fifth in 2017, and Buescher most recently in 2023.

RFK Daytona Wins

2000-2 Burton Cup

2003-2 Biffle Cup

2004 Edwards Truck

2006 Martin Truck

2007-2 McMurray Cup

2009-1 Kenseth Cup

2011-2 Ragan Cup

2012-1 Kenseth Cup

2015-1 Reed NXS

2023-2 Buescher Cup

Last Time Out & Where They Stand
New Hampshire: With the regular season winding down, and Chase implications on the line, Roush Fenway Keselowski (RFK) Racing turned up the intensity in New Hampshire. It was a day that helped punch Chris Buescher’s ticket to the Chase and moved Ryan Preece and Brad Keselowski closer to the cutline heading into Saturday’s regular season finale’ at Daytona. Among the highlights was stage two, when all three RFK cars earned stage points with top ten finishes. Leading the way on the afternoon was a native New Englander, Preece, who led 17 laps and finished 9th. Keselowski battled from his 25th starting spot to finish 11th. Buescher finished 18th and in doing so became championship eligible, clinching a Chase berth.

Points Standings: Buescher: 10th, Preece: 17th, Keselowski: 18th

Buescher has clinched his spot in The Chase, whereas teammates Preece and Keselowski sit just outside the cutline for the final Chase spot as they enter the final race of the regular season.

SUPER GRIP NHRA THUNDER VALLEY NATIONALS RETURNS TO BRISTOL DRAGWAY JUNE 11-13; NHRA TO CELEBRATE 50 YEARS OF JOHN FORCE IN 2027

BRISTOL, Tenn. (Aug. 27, 2026) – Tickets are on sale now for the 26th anniversary edition of the fan-favorite Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals at historic Bristol Dragway, June 11-13, 2027, it was announced today by NHRA officials, who released their full 2027 season schedule.

The tradition-rich event at legendary Bristol Dragway is the eighth of 20 events in next year’s NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series. NHRA announced it will celebrate the life and legacy of iconic Funny Car driver John Force, a 16-time NHRA world champion and also a four-time winner at Bristol Dragway.

Full details for the “50 Years of Force” celebrations, which will take place at all 20 races during the 2027 season, will be released in the coming weeks and months.

Force, 77, from Yorba Linda, Calif., is a 157-time winner on the NHRA circuit and posted a career-best speed of 337.33 mph during his famed career. He currently serves as team owner for John Force Racing and is the father of retired NHRA racers Ashley Force-Hood, Courtney Force and Brittany Force.

One of his biggest moments at Bristol Dragway came in 1999 during an exhibition race called the Winston No Bull Showdown when he drove his ‘Superman’ Funny Car to the $200,000 victory over Bob Vandergriff Jr.’s Top Fuel dragster in a much-hyped race featured Top Fuel dragsters vs. Funny Cars. Force was inducted into the Legends of Thunder Valley, Bristol Dragway’s Hall of Fame in 2016.

The NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series is headlined by jaw-dropping performances by the ultra-powerful Top Fuel Dragsters and Funny Cars, as they routinely post performances in the 330-mph zone, covering 1,000-foot distances on the dragstrip in less than four seconds.

Motorsports icon Tony Stewart, who has won NASCAR and IndyCar championships and NHRA national event titles, is among the star drivers in the Top Fuel category, along with Antron Brown, Maddi Gordon, Leah Pritchett, Doug Kalitta, Shawn Langdon, Clay Millican and Tony Schumacher.

In Funny Car, eight-time Bristol winner Ron Capps leads the way in that 12,000-horsepower class where his rivals are Austin Prock, Jack Beckman, Alexis DeJoria, Jordan Vandergriff, J.R. Todd, Daniel Wilkerson, Cruz Pedregon and Virginia cattle rancher Matt Hagan, among others.

The series also showcases Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle. Greg Anderson, Matt Hartford, Erica Enders, Dallas Glenn and Jeg Coughlin Jr. pace the 200 mph doorslammer class, while Richard Gadson, Gaige Herrera, Matt Smith, Steve Johnson and Chase VanSant are the top contenders in the two-wheel category.

As always, every ticket is a pit pass, as fans are invited into the NHRA pro pits to watch the teams service their race cars between rounds. On Saturday evening, Bristol fans are treated to a massive driver autograph session in the pits at the conclusion of nitro qualifying. Prior to Sunday’s eliminations, there is a special fan track walk, pre-race ceremonies with driver introductions and the Legend of Thunder Valley presentation. After the race, fans are also encouraged to celebrate in the NHRA Winner’s Circle.

Tickets are available by calling Bristol Dragway at 866-415-4158 or click here to purchase your tickets online. For more information, please visit the NHRA website by clicking here.

About Bristol Motor Speedway
Bristol Motor Speedway, known as The Last Great Colosseum, sits in the mountains of Northeast Tennessee near the Virginia state line. The 0.533-mile concrete oval, with 28-degree banking, hosts two major NASCAR Cup Series weekends each year, the tradition-rich Food City 500 and the crown jewel Bass Pro Shops Night Race. The venue has staged iconic moments such as the 2016 Pilot Flying J Battle at Bristol football game between the University of Tennessee and Virginia Tech (NCAA-record 156,990 fans), the 2025 MLB Speedway Classic between the Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds (MLB regular-season record crowd of 91,032), the 2020 NASCAR All-Star Race, the rebirth of NASCAR Cup Series racing on dirt from 2021–2023 and sold-out concerts for Morgan Wallen and Kenny Chesney. Fans enjoy Colossus TV, the world’s largest outdoor center-hung four-sided screen video board. The adjacent Bristol Dragway is the home to the NHRA Super Grip Thunder Valley Nationals, and the dragway can transform into the Thunder Valley Amphitheatre for music concerts. Opened in 1961 and acquired by Speedway Motorsports in 1996, Bristol remains one of America’s most unique and versatile sports and entertainment destinations. For more information, please visit www.bristolmotorspeedway.com.

Daniel Sasnett Ready to Turn Madison ARCA Return into Launchpad for 2027

Oregon, Wisc. — After weeks of preparation and anticipation, Daniel Sasnett is ready to climb back behind the wheel of an ARCA Menards Series race car Friday night at Madison (Wisc.) International Speedway.

For Sasnett, Friday night’s Atlas 200 represents more than an opportunity to return to competition. The Florida native views the 200-lap race as the first on-track building block toward an expanded ARCA Menards Series campaign in 2027.

Driving the No. 06 Ford for Wayne Peterson Motorsports, Sasnett plans to use Madison to reacclimate himself to ARCA competition, maximize valuable seat time and begin building momentum toward next season.

That roadmap includes participating in the annual ARCA Menards Series open test at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway in January before returning to the “World Center of Racing” for the season-opening race in February.

“I’ve been looking forward to getting back in the race car, and now that race week is finally here, I’m ready to get to work,” said Sasnett.

“Madison is important to me because this isn’t just about Friday night. This is really the first step toward everything we’re trying to accomplish in 2027.

“We want to go to Daytona for the open test in January, come back for the season opener in February and continue building our ARCA Menards Series program from there. To do that, I need laps, experience and momentum, and Madison gives us an opportunity to start putting all of those pieces together.”

Sasnett made his ARCA Menards Series debut at Daytona International Speedway in 2018 and has remained determined to build his racing resume despite the challenges of securing opportunities at the national level.

His return at Madison represents the culmination of that persistence and, Sasnett hopes, the beginning of a more active presence in the ARCA Menards Series garage next season.

Before looking too far ahead, however, Sasnett knows there is plenty to accomplish Friday night.

Madison International Speedway’s challenging half-mile paved oval will provide an immediate test. Rather than placing unnecessary expectations on a specific finishing position, Sasnett intends to approach the day methodically by getting comfortable in the car, communicating with Wayne Peterson Motorsports, and improving with every opportunity on the track.

Above all, Sasnett wants to be around for all 200 laps.

“Seat time is going to be incredibly valuable for me,” Sasnett continued. “I’m excited to get back behind the wheel and put everything we’ve been working toward into action. The focus is on being productive every time we’re on the racetrack, communicating well with the team and continuing to improve throughout the day.

“I’m confident in what I can do behind the wheel, and I’m looking forward to showing that at Madison. Every lap is an opportunity to perform, build momentum and put ourselves in a strong position for what we’re working toward in 2027.

“Ultimately, we want to run all 200 laps, keep the car clean and be in a position to compete for the best finish possible. If we can execute and have a strong night, we’ll leave Madison with something positive to build on as we continue preparing for Daytona in January.”

Wayne Peterson Motorsports has long provided opportunities for veteran competitors and developing drivers throughout the ARCA Menards Series, making the organization a natural fit as Sasnett works toward the next chapter of his racing career.

Sasnett appreciates the opportunity and hopes to reward the organization with a productive, clean and complete night at Madison.

“I’m extremely thankful to Wayne Peterson, Nate Moeller and everyone at Wayne Peterson Motorsports for giving me this opportunity,” added Sasnett.

“There are a lot of people who have helped make this weekend possible, and I don’t take any of that support for granted.

“We’re trying to build this the right way and show people that Daniel Sasnett Racing is serious about being part of the ARCA Menards Series in 2027. Hopefully, we can have a solid night Friday, leave Madison with some momentum and keep pushing forward toward Daytona.”

Away from the track, Sasnett and Daniel Sasnett Racing continue working to secure the partnerships and resources necessary to support the team’s expanded 2027 plans.

With the Daytona open test and season opener as the first major objectives, Sasnett hopes his Madison return can also give prospective partners an opportunity to get involved early in the program’s growth.

Partnership opportunities are available for companies interested in joining Daniel Sasnett Racing on its road to Daytona and throughout the 2027 ARCA Menards Series season.

Companies interested in joining Daniel Sasnett Racing as the team begins its journey toward an expanded 2027 ARCA Menards Series campaign are encouraged to contact Daniel Sasnett at daniel@danielsasnettracing.com for additional information and package availability.

Follow Daniel Sasnett Racing on Facebook (Daniel Sasnett Racing) to stay up to date on his journey back to the ARCA Menards Series, including race updates, photos, behind-the-scenes content and partnership announcements.

The Atlas 200 (200 laps | 100 miles) is the 16th of 20 races on the 2026 ARCA Menards Series schedule. Practice begins Friday, August 28, from 3:30 p.m. to 4:15 p.m., while Sioux Chief PowerPEX Pole Qualifying is slated to begin shortly thereafter at 5:15 p.m. The race is scheduled to take the green flag shortly after 8:00 p.m. CT (9:00 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 (CT).

Brandon Jones extends with Joe Gibbs Racing for 2027 O’Reilly season

Photo by Jake Daugherty for SpeedwayMedia.com.

Brandon Jones will remain as the driver of the No. 20 Menards Toyota Supra entry for Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) for the 2027 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series division.

The news comes as the 29-year-old Jones from Atlanta, Georgia, is currently campaigning in his seventh season in the O’Reilly Series with JGR. Through 23-scheduled starts, he has recorded a single victory, which occurred at Chicagoland Speedway in early July. He has also notched a single pole position at Pocono Raceway in mid-June, five top-five results, 13 top-10 results, 126 laps led and an average-finishing result of 12.5. Jones is currently ranked in sixth place in the 2026 O’Reilly regular-season standings and is one of eight competitors who are currently guaranteed berths to this year’s Chase.

“(Joe Gibbs Racing) is home to me,” Jones said. “We’ve built a great relationship over the years, and it’s exactly where I want to be at this point in my career. Not only has this been the place where I’ve found most of my success in my career, but I also value the chemistry and relationships we’ve built as a team on the No. 20. I think we’re just scratching the surface of what we’re capable of as a group and I’m excited to keep building with this team in 2027.”

Jones first joined JGR prior to the 2018 O’Reilly season after spending the previous three seasons at Richard Childress Racing. From 2018 to 2022, he piloted JGR’s No. 19 Toyota entry. During the five-year span, he notched his first five career victories, 35 top-five results, 84 top-10 results and 765 laps led. He also made the Playoffs during the span, finishing as high as sixth in the 2020 standings.

At the conclusion of the 2022 season, Jones spent the next two seasons driving at JR Motorsports before he reunited with JGR this past season. During the latter season, he scored two victories (Darlington Raceway in early April and Kansas Speedway in mid-September), two poles, eight top-five results, 13 top-10 results, 156 laps led and an average-finishing result of 14.2. He then made the Playoffs and finished a career-best fifth in the standings.

With his plans for next season set, Jones will enter his 12th consecutive year as a full-time competitor in the O’Reilly division and his 13th year of partnership with Menards. He will also remain paired with crew chief Sam McAulay, the latter of whom has worked with Jones since the Atlanta native’s reunion with JGR in 2025. Above all, Jones’ extension with JGR finalizes the organization’s 2027 O’Reilly lineup that will include Brent Crews, Taylor Gray and William Sawalich.

Through 358 starts in the O’Reilly Series, Jones has achieved eight victories, 15 poles, 53 top-five results, 145 top-10 results, 1,203 laps led and an average-finishing result of 15.4 as he continues the pursuit of his first series championship.

”Brandon really provides a veteran presence to our O’Reilly Series program, and we’re excited to have him return next season,” Heather Gibbs, co-owner of Joe Gibbs Racing, said. “He has always done such a great job representing Menards, and we look forward to continuing that partnership.”

Brandon Jones’ 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season resumes this upcoming Friday, August 28, at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida, for the Winn-Dixie 250. The event’s broadcast time is slated to commence at 7:30 p.m. ET on the CW Network, MRN Radio, and SiriusXM.

Does Everybody Hate Carson Hocevar?

Photo by John Knittel for SpeedwayMedia.com

The Chase has 16 drivers. Carson Hocevar might have 15 enemies.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (August 27, 2026) – To paraphrase Corey Heim after winning the Brickyard 400, why are we talking about a driver who just finished 19th?

Well, that’s a fair question. Still … the garage can’t help but talk about Carson Hocevar, the polarizing 23-year-old who finished outside the top 15 at New Hampshire yet still garnered the most amount of ink. Or pixels. Or whatever it is that transfers the extended NASCAR podcast universe into your ear drums.

For instance…

Two days ago on Door Bumper Clear, Kyle Larson discussed Hocevar spinning at New Hampshire, saying, “Spinning out before the race? That was 1000% just to get on TV.”

Bubba Wallace warned him earlier this summer that his aggressive approach was “creating a lot of enemies.”

After Hocevar spun him in Atlanta, Ryan Blaney called him an “absolute weapon” and a “moron” over the radio.

And of course, earlier this month, Zane Smith used an appearance on Racin’ With The Boys to offer his own less-than-glowing review, saying Hocevar puts on “an act to get people to buy in” and didn’t hesitate to call him a “bum-[expletive]”.

Though that’s just a sampling of the negative rhetoric, it’s nowhere near unanimous – especially from those on the outside looking in.

At a time when reaching new fans means showing up in places beyond the traditional NASCAR landscape, Hocevar has done just that. From attending the Met Gala and TIME100 Sports Gala to regularly streaming on Twitch and turning the frontstretch of Talladega Superspeedway into his own personal playground, the young star has put himself and NASCAR in front of audiences that may not otherwise cross paths with the sport.

He has also found ways to turn his personality, and even the occasional controversy, into opportunities to engage with fans. When Smith criticized Hocevar earlier this summer, Hocevar responded with a t-shirt swap, inviting fans to bring another driver’s shirt in exchange for one of his own. Fans took him up on the offer, exchanging 77 shirts during the promotion, including newly purchased Smith merchandise.

The approach appears to be working. From January through May, Hocevar saw the largest percentage increase in cross-platform followers among NASCAR Cup Series drivers, growing his audience across Facebook, Instagram and X by 70.6% and adding nearly 200,000 followers.

The interest extends beyond social media. In the 24 hours following Hocevar’s first career NASCAR Cup Series victory at Talladega, sales of his Lionel Racing diecast ranked as the highest following any NASCAR race win since NASCAR and Lionel formed their joint venture in 2010. The mark surpassed the 24-hour sales following some of the sport’s biggest victories during that span, including Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s 2014 Daytona 500 win.

In addition, his merchandise sales continue to accelerate, making him the No. 1 driver currently in retail sales on the NASCAR Shop website and he’s ranked inside the top five of trackside sales. An impressive achievement considering he was ranked 32nd in trackside sales this time last season.

And, just for the record, there is indeed at least one driver who recognizes that the lightning rod nature of The Hurricane is helpful – one who also proudly wears the ‘love him or hate him’ badge.

“I think Carson’s great for the sport,” said three-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion Joey Logano on Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour. “I think he brings a ton of new fans, different fans. Just the way he is different than the rest of us. The way he speaks, he’s just, he’s younger. Yeah, I don’t know what he’s talking about half the time, I don’t know what these words mean. But people love it and there’s no denying that and that’s great, that’s great for our sport.”

Hocevar was unavailable for comment this week due to other distractions.

Love him or hate him, Carson Hocevar is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore… so catch him and all his enemies this Saturday night, August 29, during the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway (7:30 p.m. ET on NBC, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio).

About NASCAR    

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) is the sanctioning body for the No. 1 form of motorsports in the United States and owner of 15 of the nation’s major motorsports entertainment facilities. NASCAR sanctions races in three national series (NASCAR Cup Series™, NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series™, and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series™), four international series (NASCAR Brasil Series, NASCAR Canada Series, NASCAR Euro Series, NASCAR Mexico Series), four regional series (ARCA Menards Series, ARCA Menards Series East & West and the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour) and a local grassroots series (NASCAR Local Racing Series Powered by O’Reilly Auto Parts). The International Motor Sports Association™ (IMSA®) governs the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship™, the premier U.S. sports car series. NASCAR also owns Motor Racing Network, Racing Electronics, and ONE DAYTONA. Based in Daytona Beach, Florida, with offices in five cities across North America, NASCAR sanctions more than 1,200 races annually in 11 countries and more than 30 U.S. states.

For more information visit www.NASCAR.com and www.IMSA.com, and follow NASCAR on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, X and Facebook.

Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Race Preview – Daytona

Track: Daytona International Speedway
Race: Winn-Dixie 250 Powered by Coca-Cola
Date/Broadcast: Friday; August 28, 2026 7:30 P.M. ET
TV: CW Network, ESPN Unlimited
Radio: Motor Racing Network – Check Local Listings for affiliate, and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90
Social Media: Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito AutoSport; Facebook, Instagram, and X

Back in Daytona Beach – Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport

Ready to Race at Daytona International Speedway

Daytona Beach, FL. (August 27, 2026) – Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport returns to Daytona Beach, Florida to conclude the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series regular season schedule with the running of the Winn-Dixie 250 Powered by Coca-Cola.

The two-and-a-half mile superspeedway is one of NASCAR’s more historic tracks, that will feature all cars racing at top speeds within the draft. Car handling and areodynamics will be essential in navigating traffic and working one’s way to the front of the pack. Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport has experienced success in the past on drafting style tracks with the organization’s first victory coming at Talladega Superspeedway in 2023, a track very similar in layout to Daytona International Speedway.

The team will field three Chevrolets this weekend: Jeb Burton in the No. 27 Golden Coral / State Water Heaters Chevrolet, Blaine Perkins in the No. 31 EasyCare / Bommarito Automotive Group Chevrolet, and Daniel Dye in the No. 32 Champion Container Chevrolet.

Jeb Burton returns to Daytona currently sitting 21st in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series (NOAPS) points standings. The driver from Halifax, Virginia has become an accomplished superspeedway racer in his NOAPS career, with two wins to go along with 11 top-ten finishes. Burton looks to gain valuable points in an effort to get back inside the top 20 in the driver points.

“I’m excited to head to back Daytona, where I know that we can have a chance to win,” said Burton. “I’ve got a lot of people coming to support me, and I’ve got two great supporters on the car with Golden Corral and State Water Heaters. It’s been a tough year, but I feel like the last couple weeks we’ve been building some good momentum with speed.”

Blaine Perkins heads to Daytona International Speedway residing in 22nd in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series points standings. Perkins has been strong on superspeedways in his NOAPS career. The Bakersfield, California native has three top-tens to go along with a stage win on drafting style tracks. Perkins looks to add to those totals when the field takes the green flag on Friday evening.

“I’m very excited to get to Daytona this weekend. We ran really good there in the spring, so we’re looking to do that again,” said Perkins. “We’ve always had a really good superspeedway program here at Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport, so hopefully we can go and contend for another win. I’m happy to have EasyCare and Bommarito Automotive Group both on the car this weekend, as well as BG Products on the rear bumper. I’m looking forward to giving them all a good run!”

Daytona marks the return to the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series for Daniel Dye, as he prepares to make his debut with Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport (JAR) at the track known as “The World Center of Racing.” Friday will be a home race for Dye as he calls nearby Deland, Florida home. The young driver hopes he can deliver a strong performance for the hometown crowd, and start off his four race schedule with JAR on a positive note.

“I’m really looking forward to getting down to Daytona,” said Dye. “It’ll be a home race for me, but more importantly it’s the start to our handful of races with Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport and this No. 32 group. I’m hoping we can have a good, solid run and be there at the end with a chance to win.”
About Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport

Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport was built from the ground up, fueled by passion, persistence, and a bold vision for what an independent NASCAR team could become. Founded by driver and owner Jordan Anderson, the organization has grown from a grassroots operation hauling a single truck across the country into a competitive multi-car NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series team through a pivotal partnership with St. Louis automotive dealer John Bommarito. Along the way, the team has earned wins, poles, and a reputation for grit, growth, and opportunity within the NASCAR garage. Today, Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport is investing in talent, innovation, and culture to challenge the status quo and build a new kind of racing legacy.

Get your Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito AutoSport merchandise at the all new official team store! Visit jordanandersonracing.com to place your order today!

The Best NASCAR Collectibles for Fans Just Starting a Collection

Photo by Ron Olds for SpeedwayMedia.com

Starting a NASCAR collection can be almost as exciting as following the races themselves. Decades of drivers, teams, memorable cars, championship seasons, and iconic moments have created an enormous range of memorabilia, which means there is something for almost every type of fan.

That variety can also make getting started confusing. Rather than trying to buy everything associated with NASCAR, it is usually better to choose a direction and gradually build a collection around the drivers, eras, or types of memorabilia that mean the most to you.

Die-Cast Cars Are an Easy Place to Begin

Few NASCAR collectibles are as immediately recognizable as die-cast race cars. They recreate the paint schemes, sponsor designs, numbers, and other details associated with particular drivers and races, making them especially satisfying to display.

New collectors can begin with cars connected to a favorite current driver before exploring historic vehicles or memorable race editions. Collecting one scale consistently can make a display look more organized, although there is nothing wrong with mixing sizes if particular models catch your attention.

Collecting communities increasingly overlap across sports, gaming, cards, and other enthusiast hobbies, so specialist retailers such as https://www.danireon.com/ can also be useful places to explore the wider culture of physical collecting while deciding what kind of collection you want to build.

Trading Cards Work Well for Smaller Collections

NASCAR trading cards are a practical choice when you want plenty of variety without dedicating an entire room to memorabilia. Sets can feature drivers, cars, teams, rookies, racing statistics, and significant moments from different seasons.

Cards also give collectors several possible goals. You could focus on one driver, complete a particular set, collect rookie cards, or concentrate on cards from a specific period of NASCAR history.

Because condition matters, begin protecting cards properly from the start. Sleeves, suitable binders, and more rigid holders for favorite pieces are inexpensive compared with replacing a card that has been damaged through poor storage.

Autographed Items Add a Personal Connection

An autograph can transform an ordinary piece of memorabilia into something closely associated with a particular driver. Signed photographs, cards, hats, programs, and miniature cars can all become centerpiece items in a collection.

For beginners, the important issue is authenticity. A surprisingly inexpensive signature from a famous driver may look tempting, but collecting signed memorabilia becomes much more enjoyable when you can be confident about where an item came from.

Keeping certificates, receipts, packaging, and other documentation together with valuable signed pieces is a sensible habit to establish early.

Race Programs and Tickets Tell a Story

Not every worthwhile collectible needs to be expensive. Programs, ticket stubs, passes, brochures, and other materials connected to individual races can document NASCAR history in a particularly personal way.

These items become even more meaningful when they come from races you attended yourself. A ticket or program may have relatively modest monetary value while carrying memories that no expensive collectible could replace.

Older materials can also provide fascinating snapshots of the sport at different points in time. Driver lineups, advertisements, track information, photography, and graphic design all help capture the character of a particular racing era.

Clothing Can Become Collectible Too

Vintage NASCAR jackets, shirts, hats, and team apparel have developed an audience that extends well beyond traditional motorsports collecting. Bold graphics and sponsor-heavy designs make older racing clothing instantly distinctive.

If you intend to wear an item, condition requirements can be relatively flexible. A little fading may even contribute to the vintage appearance. If the goal is preservation, however, stains, damaged graphics, missing tags, and excessive wear deserve more attention.

New collectors should also avoid assuming that something is valuable simply because it is old. Driver popularity, rarity, condition, design, and provenance can all influence desirability.

Focus on One Driver or Era

One of the easiest ways to prevent a new collection from becoming chaotic is to establish a theme. A favorite driver provides an obvious starting point, allowing you to collect cars, cards, photographs, clothing, and other memorabilia without buying unrelated items.

An era can work just as well. Some fans may prefer the visual identity and drivers of earlier decades, while others want their collection to represent the NASCAR they currently follow.

You can also build around a team, manufacturer, track, or specific race. A narrow focus initially makes purchasing decisions easier, and the collection can always expand later.

Build a Collection You Actually Enjoy

It can be tempting to think about potential resale values as soon as you discover that certain NASCAR memorabilia commands significant prices. Value can certainly be interesting, but it does not need to determine what deserves a place in your collection.

Choose items that have a genuine connection to why you enjoy the sport. A relatively inexpensive model of your favorite driver’s car may mean more to you than a rare piece associated with someone you never followed.

Start with a manageable budget, learn how different collectibles are authenticated and preserved, and give your collection time to develop. The strongest NASCAR collections are not necessarily the largest. They are the ones where the individual pieces come together to tell a clear story about the fan who assembled them.

Snap-on Extends Partnership with Milwaukee Race, INDYCAR, IMS

INDIANAPOLIS (Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026) – Snap-on Incorporated, Wisconsin State Fair Park and INDYCAR announced Aug. 27 that Snap-on will continue as title sponsor of the Snap-on INDYCAR Weekend at the Milwaukee Mile for multiple years.

Snap-on also has renewed its multiyear partnership with INDYCAR and Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS), continuing as the Official Tools & Equipment Partner of both organizations.

Founded in Milwaukee in 1920, Snap-on operates 15 manufacturing facilities across the United States, including two in Southeast Wisconsin. Its partnerships with the Milwaukee Mile, INDYCAR and IMS reflect the company’s broader connection to professional motorsports and the skilled professionals who drive it.

“Bringing INDYCAR racing back to the legendary Milwaukee Mile in 2024 was a win for Wisconsin and a win for race fans everywhere,” said Shari Black, CEO of Wisconsin State Fair Park. “We’re extremely grateful for Snap-on’s continued support and its long-term commitment to this event. We look forward to working together to deliver the fastest racing on earth at the world’s most historic track.”

Said Nick Pinchuk, Snap-on chairman and chief executive officer: “Snap-on has been dedicated to celebrating the pride and dignity of Makers and Fixers performing critical work for over a century, and Milwaukee is a wellspring of the energy that has driven our enterprise from the very beginning. Extending our partnership with the Milwaukee Mile, INDYCAR and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway reflects our deep respect for the skilled professionals of motorsports who make spectacular race days possible.”

This weekend, the partnership will be in action at the Snap-on Makers and Fixers 250 on Saturday and the Snap-on Milwaukee Mile 250 on Sunday. Fans can visit the Snap-on Experience to see demonstrations and the popular Snap-on truck parade, collect driver autographs and much more in the Free Fan Zone.

“Our partnership with Snap-on reflects a shared commitment to the people, skills and technical excellence that drive INDYCAR,” said Mark Miles, chief executive officer of INDYCAR and Penske Entertainment. “This extension demonstrates the strength of our extensive relationship across INDYCAR, IMS and the Milwaukee Mile. We look forward to continuing our work together and celebrating the people behind the performance.”

The weekend also will celebrate Makers and Fixers whose skill and expertise keep society moving, from repair garages and aviation hangars to plant floors. Saturday’s Snap-on Makers and Fixers 250 will recognize technical education partners, students and instructors helping to address America’s critical skills gap. Sunday’s Snap-on Milwaukee Mile 250 will honor the Factory 15, select associates representing the thousands of Makers who produce the tools and equipment professionals rely on every day.

As part of race weekend, the winning pit crews will again be recognized with the Snap-on Makers and Fixers Award for their highly specialized work and performance. INDYCAR and IMS will continue this initiative, including presentation of a similar award to the winning Indianapolis 500 pit crew.

Tickets for the 2026 Snap-on INDYCAR Weekend at the Milwaukee Mile are available at MilwaukeeMile.com.

Snap-on Incorporated is a leading global innovator, manufacturer, and marketer of tools, equipment, diagnostics, repair information and systems solutions for professional users performing critical tasks, including those working in vehicle repair, aerospace, the military, natural resources, and manufacturing. From its founding in 1920, Snap-on has been recognized as the mark of the serious and the outward sign of the pride and dignity working men and women take in their professions.

Products and services are sold through the company’s network of widely recognized franchisee vans, as well as through direct and distributor channels, under a variety of notable brands. The company also provides financing programs to facilitate the sales of its products and to support its franchise business. Snap-on, an S&P 500 company, generated sales of $4.7 billion in 2025 and is headquartered in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

LEGACY MOTOR CLUB: DAYTONA RACE PREVIEW

LEGACY MOTOR CLUB:
DAYTONA PRE-RACE ADVANCE
EVENT: Coke Zero Sugar 400
DATE: August 29, 2026
Race: NASCAR Cup Series 26 of 36
TRACK: Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway | 2.5-Mile Oval

JOHN HUNTER NEMECHEK
NO. 42 PYE-BARKER FIRE & SAFETY TOYOTA CAMRY XSE
JHN AT DAYTONA: John Hunter Nemechek has seven starts at Daytona International Speedway in the NASCAR Cup Series. He earned his highest finish at the track of fifth in last year’s DAYTONA 500. Nemechek is also the best average finisher at Daytona among active drivers (13.14). In the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, he accumulated six starts at the track during his career, earning three top-10 finishes and a best finish of second in February 2023. Nemechek also has six starts at Daytona in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, earning two top-five finishes with a highest finish of fourth in February 2017.

T-MACK AT DAYTONA: Saturday night’s race will be crew chief Travis Mack’s 13th NASCAR Cup Series race at Daytona. His first outing came in February 2018 with Kasey Kahne. After a short gap, Mack was back at Daytona in February 2021 with Daniel Suárez, where the duo competed for six total races between 2021 and 2023, with their highest finish being seventh. He returned in the February 2024 DAYTONA 500 with AJ Allmendinger, where the pair finished sixth. Mack followed that up in August 2024 with Shane Van Gisbergen, who finished 35th. His highest finish came with Nemechek in February 2025 when the duo finished fifth after starting 18th. In the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, Mack has four starts at Daytona with Michael Annett, where the duo took home the race win in their first start together in February 2019 after starting third.

JOHN HUNTER NEMECHEK QUOTE:
“I’m really excited to get back to a superspeedway. Daytona is always a fun one, and we’ve been really good there and led some laps. The new package will definitely bring some uncertainty, but I’m looking forward to a strong run to turn things around after the past few weeks.”

TRAVIS MACK QUOTE:
“We’ve had really good superspeedway cars. The new package is going to create new opportunities and struggles. Trying to understand what the new package is going to do when we’re racing is very interesting. I don’t think the field is going to know until the drop of the green flag, so we’re going to have to adapt during the race to work on the handling issues and speed of the car. It should make for a good race, handling is going to be a lot more important, which could play into our favor. It’s a good combination of needing downforce and also needing to be trimmed out from drag, so there’s still a lot of work to be done for Daytona.”

ERIK JONES
NO. 43 ENERGIZER/DOLLAR TREE TOYOTA CAMRY XSE
JONES DAYTONA STATS: Erik Jones has 19 starts at Daytona in the NASCAR Cup Series. In total at Daytona, he’s earned one win, three top-five, and five top-10s at Daytona, including his fifth-place result last August. Jones has an additional seven starts outside of the Cup Series at Daytona – six in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and one in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. In the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, he earned a best finish of eighth in July 2015. He finished second in his one and only Craftsman Truck Series start in February 2015, finishing just 1.73 seconds behind race winner Tyler Reddick.

WINNING AT DAYTONA: Jones is a winner at Daytona in his career. In the July 2018 Coke Zero Sugar 400, Jones was starting 29th in his fourth Daytona NASCAR Cup Series career start in his second fulltime NASCAR Cup Series season. He led just one lap of the race – the final and most important lap of the race – to score at win in the summer race. He finished .125 seconds ahead of former teammate Martin Truex Jr.

ADVENTHEALTH AT DAYTONA: While the Florida-based AdventHealth will not adorn the hood of Erik Jones’ No. 43 Toyota Camry XSE this weekend at Daytona, they will have a massive activation and promotional weekend between a night at the Daytona Tortugas and a school visit in the local community. As the Healthcare partner of Daytona International Speedway, AdventHealth will also be working the care centers located all around the property providing medical services to the NASCAR garage and fans throughout the weekend.

THURSDAY NIGHT AT THE TORTUGAS: On Thursday, Jones will make a pit stop at the Daytona Tortugas baseball game at Jackie Robinson Ballpark in Daytona Beach. Jones and his family will have the opportunity to interact with the players prior to the game before heading to the pre-game autograph session on the concourse. In conjunction with AdventHealth’s involvement with the Daytona Tortugas, Jones will also throw out the ceremonial first pitch at 6:10 p.m. local time in their game against the St. Lucie Mets.

HELPING THE ADVENTHEALTH COMMUNITY: On Friday prior to the start of on-track activity at Daytona, Jones and AdventHealth will make a pit stop at John A. Crookshank Elementary School in St. Augustine, Fla. During their visit they will hold a special #READwithErik for the students and surprise them with a special gift to continue the mission of igniting a passion for reading in young minds.

ALEXANDER – A DAYTONA WINNER: Justin Alexander is not only a Daytona-winning crew chief but a DAYTONA 500 Champion. The accomplished crew chief was making the calls on top of the box for the No. 3 car of Austin Dillon in February 2018, when he was running second behind Aric Almirola as the race was coming to a close. In the end, Alexander kept his driver on course to cross the finish line in first and earn the crew chief his first DAYTONA 500 victory. In total, he’s been on top of the box for 16 NASCAR Cup Series races at Daytona and won twice – the 2018 DAYTONA 500 and the 2022 Coke Zero Sugar 400.

ERIK JONES QUOTE:
“I always look forward to Daytona. It’s a place where I feel like we always run up front, and we’ve had some really good chances to win recently. I’ve obviously won a couple of races there in the past so I hope we can turn things around. It’s been a bit of a stretch that hasn’t ended how we wanted it to, so we go to Daytona with some really high hopes. The plan is to go there, run up front, and hopefully challenge for a win. It would be a great race to get the final part of the year rolling to try to get the best points finish that we can.”

JUSTIN ALEXANDER QUOTE:
“Daytona is always a race where you have to put yourself in position and execute all the way to the end. With the new aero and engine package this weekend, there are going to be a lot of unknowns in how the cars race together and what that does to the draft, so we’ll have to learn and adapt quickly. We ran well here at this race last year and had a strong car, but we didn’t get the finish we deserved. The goal this time is to build on that performance, be there at the end and go to victory lane.”

CLUB NOTES:
JJ AT DAYTONA: LEGACY MOTOR CLUB owner and seven-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion Jimmie Johnson has 42 Cup Series starts at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway. In these starts, Johnson has collected a total of three wins, 13 top-fives, and 17 top-10s as well as 302 laps led at the 2.5-mile oval. His first victory came in the February 2006 Daytona 500 where Johnson started ninth and led 24 laps. He won under caution finishing ahead of Casey Mears. 2013 proved to be a year of success for Johnson at Daytona. In February’s Daytona 500, Johnson started ninth once again and found himself crossing the finish line .129 seconds ahead of runner-up Dale Earnhardt Jr. for his second win at Daytona. When the series returned in July, Johnson started eighth and finished .107 seconds ahead of Tony Stewart to win his third race at the superspeedway.

THE KING OF DAYTONA: LEGACY MOTOR CLUB Ambassador and seven-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion Richard “The King” Petty made 74 Cup Series starts at Daytona throughout his legendary career. Not only does he own the most DAYTONA 500 victories of any driver in the history of NASCAR with seven of his 10 Daytona wins coming in that race (1964, 1966, 1971, 1973, 1979, and 1981). He was also collected 28 top-fives, 37 top-10s and led 1,287 laps at the 2.5-mile oval in Florida.

KENSETH DAYTONA STATS: 2003 NASCAR Cup Series Champion and LEGACY MOTOR CLUB Competition Advisor Matt Kenseth owns 37 total Cup starts at Daytona International Speedway. He’s earned two victories in the 2009 DAYTONA 500 and the 2012 DAYTONA 500, plus six top-fives and 14 top-10s. When he won his first DAYTONA 500 in February 2009, Kenseth started 39th of 43 cars. He led the final seven laps to secure his victory. Three years later in February 2012, Kenseth started fourth for the Great American Race and led twice for 50 laps to earn a second victory in the iconic race. Throughout his career, he led a total of 383 laps. Kenseth owns an additional 14 starts at Daytona in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series where he won the February 2000 and July 2013 races.

BAYNE SETS A RECORD: LEGACY MOTOR CLUB ambassador Trevor Bayne is the youngest person ever to win the DAYTONA 500 at 20 years and one day old. In 2011, Bayne was making just his second career NASCAR Cup Series start in the No. 21 car for Wood Brothers Racing. On the final restart in NASCAR overtime, Bayne was deemed the race leader with Tony Stewart on his outside and Mark Martin and Kurt Busch looming behind him. The newly minted 20-year-old driver held off the entire field on the green-white-checkered finish to pull off one of the biggest upsets in the history of the “Great American Race.”

HONORING CANCER HEROS: This weekend at Daytona, LEGACY MC will join the NASCAR Foundation in honoring cancer heroes. The “Honor a Cancer Hero” program has been around since 2020 and has allowed industry members, fans, and sponsors alike to bid for their chance to nominate a cancer hero whose name would ride above the driver side and passenger side doors. In total, the auction has raised more than $500,000 in total since 2020.

This year, John Hunter Nemechek will once again honor Tom Goddard, a cancer hero and father. Nemechek will also carry seven-year-old Noelle Franklin, who fought Osteosarcoma, on the driver’s side of his No. 42 Pye-Barker Fire & Safety Toyota Camry XSE.

Erik Jones will honor two names this year on his No. 43 Energizer/Dollar Tree Toyota Camry XSE. On the driver’s side, Jones will honor Phillip Sceiczina, a two-time cancer survivor from Ormond Beach, Florida. He first overcame prostate cancer in 2023, before a lump on his neck was confirmed to be head and neck cancer. After undergoing two surgeries in 2024 and then completing radiation treatment at AdventHealth in Daytona, he rang the bell as cancer free in November 2024. On the passenger side of his car, Jones will honor Bella Ward. Ward was diagnosed in May 2025 with Diffuse Midline Glioma (DMG), an aggressive form of brain cancer. After battling with the cancer for months, Ward passed away on December 22, 2025 after becoming a shining light to the world, her family, and her friends for her courage and determination.

SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT:

The Daytona 500 is more than just a race. It is the buildup, the preparation, and everything that leads to Sunday at Daytona International Speedway.

CLUB APPEARANCES:
John Hunter Nemechek will visit the trackside merchandise trailer for an autograph session on Friday, August 28 at 3 p.m. local time. On Saturday, August 29, he will visit the Grizzly Stage in the Hard Rock Bet Infield Fan Zone for a Q&A session at 4:15 p.m. local time.

Erik Jones will visit the fan midway for a Q&A session at the AdventHealth Fan Zone Display at 3 p.m. local time on Friday, August 28.

TUNE IN:
Fans can tune in to watch the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway on Sunday, August 29 at 7:30 p.m. EDT on NBC, HBO MAX, MRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Channel 90).

LEGACY MOTOR CLUB (LEGACY MC) is a premier auto racing organization owned by seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and 2024 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee, Jimmie Johnson and Knighthead Capital Management, LLC. Drawing from a rich tradition of success, LEGACY MC is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of motorsport and setting new standards of excellence. The CLUB competes under the Toyota Racing banner in the NASCAR Cup Series with the No. 43 Toyota Camry XSE piloted by Erik Jones and the No. 42 Toyota Camry XSE driven by John Hunter Nemechek. Johnson also races on a limited basis in the No. 84 Toyota Camry XSE. With NASCAR legend and Hall of Famer Richard Petty, “The King”, serving as CLUB Ambassador, LEGACY MC blends timeless racing traditions with a new forward-thinking vision. As an inclusive community for motorsport enthusiasts, LEGACY MC honors both its storied past and the promising future of its members, always striving for victory and championship glory at the pinnacle of NASCAR competition.

RCR Race Preview: Daytona International Speedway

Richard Childress Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series at Daytona International Speedway… The NASCAR Cup Series returns to the high banks of Daytona International Speedway this weekend to race under the lights of the 2.5-mile speedway. Saturday night’s Coke Zero Sugar 400 marks the last race of the regular season for the NASCAR Cup Series. Richard Childress Racing has made an impressive 207 starts at Daytona and counts four Coke Zero Sugar 400 victories among the organization’s impressive seven points-paying Cup Series wins at the track. Austin Dillon was RCR’s most recent Coke Zero Sugar 400 race winner, earning the win in 2022 to clinch a spot in NASCAR’s postseason. Other Coke Zero Sugar 400 race winners include Kevin Harvick (2010) and Dale Earnhardt (1990, 1993). RCR owns three Daytona 500 wins (Earnhardt – 1998, Harvick – 2007, Dillon – 2018). In addition, RCR has collected 43 top-five and 79 top-10 finishes including 12 poles in Cup Series competition at Daytona.

Richard Childress Racing in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series at Daytona International Speedway… In addition to its NASCAR Cup Series success, RCR has accumulated 11 wins with drivers Dale Earnhardt Jr. (2002, 2010), Harvick (2007), Clint Bowyer (2009), Tony Stewart (2013), Dillon (2015), Austin Hill (2022, 2023, 2024, 2026) and Jesse Love (2025) in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series at Daytona International Speedway. RCR enters the race as the most recent Daytona race winners in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, having visited Victory Lane with Hill in February.

Tech Talk… RCR and ECR have worked collaboratively with NASCAR in support of several technical changes that will be implemented at Daytona International Speedway this weekend to help enhance on-track competition and passing opportunities in the Coke Zero Sugar 400, including a newly mandated tapered spacer that will reduce engine output from approximately 510 horsepower to 465 horsepower, paired with a rear gear ratio change from 3.64 to 3.45 to better match engine speed and vehicle performance to the revised power level. The package also reduces rear spoiler height from seven inches to four inches, which matches the Cup Series’ current intermediate-track spoiler configuration. The new engine and aerodynamic changes are anticipated to increase single-car qualifying speeds by approximately 3 mph, while pack racing speeds are expected to remain relatively unchanged. The new rules were designed to improve the quality of racing and a driver’s ability to make moves within the pack. Specifically, the package is intended to give drivers a better opportunity to pull out of a drafting line, generate momentum, and complete clean passes for the lead.

Big Power… Building on past successes at superspeedway events, ECR Engines, the premier high-performance combustion engine research, development, and production company located on the RCR campus in Welcome, North Carolina, is preparing for this weekend’s race weekend at Daytona International Speedway with an expanded group of racing partners and a continued focus on bringing big power and performance to the track. The company will expand to 11 partner entries in the NASCAR Cup Series and 16 partner entries in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, equating to 27 ECR-powered race cars across the two series.

Shared Values… Richard Childress Racing is working closely with Campers Inn RV this weekend to host a military reenlistment ceremony, highlighting both company’s shared values and commitment to service members across the nation. Richard Childress, Austin Dillon and Austin Hill will join Campers Inn RV executives and other drivers to reenlist AWOC (NAC/AW) Zachary Haney alongside his commanding officer. Over his 15-year career as an Acoustic Operator, AWOC Haney has served with distinction. In November, he will be moving to Dallas, Texas, where he will serve the next four years at OPNAV Sea Duty Component, Dallas Detachment. The reenlistment ceremony will take place on Saturday at 3 p.m. in front of RCR’s Corporate Coach, a 2026 Newmar Dutch Star. Media are invited to cover the ceremony.

Did You Know… Since Austin Hill joined RCR in 2022, the team has won 13 of 27 drafting-track races, including nine of the last 16 in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series (Hill – seven, Jesse Love – two).

Honor a Cancer Hero… This weekend, Richard Childress Racing honors individuals and their families who have struggled with a cancer diagnosis by participating in the seventh annual Honor A Cancer Hero (HACH) program. This signature initiative of The NASCAR Foundation is designed to support the foundation’s mission of improving the lives of children and families in our racing communities by providing support, comfort, and care during some of their most challenging moments. Since its inception in 2020, The Honor A Cancer Hero program has raised nearly $600,000 to support children and families impacted by cancer. As part of the program, each RCR entry racing at Daytona International Speedway this weekend will run the name of a cancer hero above both the driver’s side door and the passenger’s side door of our Chevrolets.

Future Plans… Richard Childress Racing made a series of announcements this week, solidifying the race team’s 2027 driver lineups in the NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and continuing a long-standing tradition of developing and cultivating NASCAR talent. Beginning in 2027, Austin Hill will join Austin Dillon in the Cup Series full-time, driving the No. 33 Chevrolet. Rising stars Chandler Smith and Carson Brown will join the organization’s O’Reilly Auto Parts Series program in 2027, with Smith in the No. 21 1-800-PACK-RAT Chevrolet and Brown in the No. 2 Whelen Chevrolet. Both of RCR’s current O’Reilly Auto Parts Series drivers will graduate to full-time rides in the Cup Series next season, joining a long list of current and former NASCAR stars who have honed their talent with the 57-year-old race team.

Catch Friday’s Action… The O’Reilly Auto Parts Series’ Winn-Dixie 250 at Daytona International Speedway will be televised live on Friday, August 28 at 7:30 p.m. ET on The CW and streamed live on the ESPN App for viewers with an ESPN Unlimited subscription plan. The live radio broadcast can be heard on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90. Friday’s qualifying session will be shown on The CW App and on the ESPN App beginning at 3 p.m. ET.

Watch Us on NBC… The Cup Series’ Coke Zero Sugar 400 will be televised live on Saturday, August 29 beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC and will be broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90. Cup Series qualifying on Friday will be broadcast on truTV live at 4 p.m. ET. 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 Bass Pro Shops/Winchester Deer Season XP Chevrolet at Daytona International Speedway… With 27 previous starts in the NASCAR Cup Series at Daytona International Speedway, Austin Dillon heads to the World Center of Racing with experience on his side. So far in his career, Dillon has acquired two wins, one pole award, four top-five and nine top-10 finishes in the Cup Series at Daytona. The Welcome, North Carolina driver, who grew up attending races at Daytona International Speedway with his family, has 10 starts in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series at the track with one win, seven top-five and seven top-10 finishes. The 36-year-old driver has two starts at the track in the NASCAR Truck Series.

Former Pole Winner… Dillon earned his career-first Cup Series pole award with a lap of 196.019 mph (45.914 seconds) in the 2014 edition of the Daytona 500. Dillon also started on the front row for the July 2015 Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona.

About Bass Pro Shops… Bass Pro Shops, North America’s premier outdoor and conservation company, was founded in 1972 when avid young angler Johnny Morris started selling tackle out of his father’s liquor store in Springfield, Missouri. That was the company’s sole location for the first 13 years, and it has since grown to nearly 200 retail locations throughout North America. Today the company provides customers with unmatched offerings spanning premier destination retail, outdoor equipment manufacturing, world-class resort destinations and more. In 2017 Bass Pro Shops united with Cabela’s to create a “best-of-the-best” experience with superior products, dynamic locations and outstanding customer service. Bass Pro Shops also operates White River Marine Group, offering an unsurpassed collection of industry-leading boat brands, and Big Cedar Lodge, America’s Premier Wilderness Resort. Under the visionary conservation leadership of Johnny Morris, Bass Pro Shops is a national leader in protecting habitat and introducing families to the outdoors and has been named by Newsweek as “America’s Best Outdoor Retailer” for four consecutive years and “America’s Most Trusted Retailer for Outdoor Gear.”

Deer Season XP®… Winchester Deer Season XP® is the most accurate and lethal bullet for deer hunting. For more than a decade, Deer Season XP® has been the choice of deer hunters looking to fill their tags. Deer hunters everywhere rely on the Extreme Point® bullet’s oversized impact diameter. The larger impact diameter means more impact trauma, better energy transfer, and larger wound cavities for faster knockdown. Learn more here.

Make it 700… This weekend at Daytona International Speedway, Dillon will achieve a career milestone as he makes his 700th career NASCAR national series start. Among his long list of accolades, the seasoned NASCAR veteran is a champion in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series (2013) and Truck Series (2011), a two-time Rookie of the Year (2010 in the Truck Series and 2013 in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series) and has won 21 races across all three national series. Amid his 13th fulltime season as the driver of the No. 3 Chevrolet in the Cup Series for Richard Childress Racing, Dillon has won two Crown Jewels (2017 Coca-Cola 600 and 2018 Daytona 500) and has six points paying victories and six pole awards, including the 2014 Daytona 500, to his name. Beyond the track, Dillon has not only taken on an increased leadership role within the race team, but he also leads the Carolina Cowboys as the professional bull riding team’s General Manager. However, in one of his most important roles, Dillon is a devoted husband to his wife Whitney, and father to his two kids, Ace and Blaize.

Gone Finishing with Huk… For the second consecutive season, Dillon will begin his weekend at Daytona International Speedway on the water, again taking to the Atlantic Ocean for a deep-sea fishing trip alongside Huk. Dillon will spend the day with Captain James Markovits, a Florida saltwater guide, award-winning host of Goliath Fishing, and Boca Grande tarpon expert who pursues everything from inshore favorites to offshore gamefish. Dillon will then welcome Captain Markovits to Daytona International Speedway as fans will get a first-hand look at the parallels the two athletes experience in their chosen sports. Fans should stay tuned to RCR and Huk social channels for a multi-part series documenting the weekend, and head to Huk.com to purchase the brand’s new Fall 2026 line, that both Dillon and Captain Markovits will don during their ocean excursion.

Honoring Ilene Robinson and Kristi Couch-Caldwell… This weekend at Daytona International Speedway, the No. 3 Bass Pro Shops/Winchester Deer Season XP Chevrolet will feature the names of Ilene Robinson (driver’s side door) and Kristi Couch-Caldwell (passenger’s side door) as part of the NASCAR Foundation’s Honor A Cancer Hero program. This signature initiative of The NASCAR Foundation is designed to support the foundation’s mission of improving the lives of children and families in our racing communities by providing support, comfort, and care during some of their most challenging moments. Since its inception in 2020, The Honor A Cancer Hero program has raised nearly $600,000 to support children and families impacted by cancer.

Beyond The Track… Beyond the driver’s seat, Dillon serves as the general manager of the Carolina Cowboys, a professional bull riding team in the PBR Teams league. Dillon is instrumental in all aspects of the team, from rider contracts to setting the operational budget, and has utilized various aspects of his racing background to help form the identity and structure of his bull riding team. Learn more about the team on their official YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/@CarolinaCowboysPBR. Don’t miss the Carolina Cowboys 2026 “Cowboy Days” home stand September 18-20 at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina. Tickets are on sale at PBR.com and Ticketmaster.com.

Dillon Featured Honoree at SMA Healthcare Foundation’s Annual Dinner Celebration and Auction… Dillon was the featured honoree for the SMA Healthcare Foundation’s Annual Dinner Celebration and Auction on Wednesday at Daytona International Speedway. Dillon provided a personal look at his life on and off the racetrack by participating in a fireside chat exploring his racing career, family, leadership and the experiences that have shaped him since his last time attending the dinner as an honoree nearly a decade ago in 2017. The SMA Healthcare Foundation’s Annual Dinner Celebration and Auction brought together community leaders, supporters and friends for an evening benefiting the Foundation and its mission to support SMA Healthcare programs and services. This year’s racing-inspired celebration continued the Foundation’s longstanding connection to the motorsports community while raising critical funds to support behavioral healthcare services. To learn more, visit www.smafoundation.com.

Meet Dillon… Fans will have multiple opportunities to meet the driver of the No. 3 Chevrolet this weekend in Daytona Beach. On Friday, August 28 beginning at 11 a.m. Local Time, Dillon is scheduled to be on-site at Walmart (1590 Dunlawton Avenue, Daytona Beach, FL) signing autographs and meeting fans on behalf of Coca-Cola. Later that afternoon, starting at 1 p.m. Local Time, Dillon is scheduled to make an appearance at Bass Pro Shops (1880 Checkered Flag Boulevard, Daytona Beach, FL) where fans will have their second chance to meet the two-time Daytona International Speedway Cup Series winner and stock up on all their outdoor needs.

Back at the track, Dillon is scheduled to make two trips to RCR’s Merchandise Hauler in the Fan Midway. He will be inside the rig on Friday, August 28 at 3:05 p.m. Local Time, and on Saturday, August 28, starting at 3:20 p.m. Local Time. Be sure to stop by and stock up on all your race day gear needs. For fans unable to travel to the race, visit the official RCR Team Store to purchase Austin Dillon merch: https://store.rcrracing.com.

AUSTIN DILLON QUOTES:

You’ve had success at Daytona International Speedway, both in February and in the summer race. What are you looking forward to for this year’s Coke Zero Sugar 400?

“I’m looking forward to getting to Daytona. It’s always an opportunity to try and bring home a trophy. Speedway racing with our ECR Engines is a lot of fun. The night race is usually pretty interesting. It gets wild out there. I thought our last speedway race in Atlanta went well, so hopefully we can capitalize on what we’ve learned.”

How important is teamwork at Daytona International Speedway?

“Teamwork is very important. I’ve got a great teammate in Austin Hill. He’s won a lot of races at Daytona, so I’m looking forward to working with him. Hopefully, we can push our Chevys to the front.”

Do you embrace the chaos of Daytona International Speedway or is it something you can’t stand?

“I definitely try to embrace it, because if you don’t, I feel like you’ll be part of the chaos. You’ve got to get in there and mix it up and try to put yourself in the best position possible. There’s a lot of luck involved in getting through some of those wrecks, but it can be very rewarding when you make it through.”

What’s it like entering Daytona International Speedway?

“Anytime you go through that tunnel, you see the sights and the scenes of Daytona, you kind of get excited, because you know where Victory Lane is located. You just want to get back there and visit it.”

Austin Hill and the No. 33 Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen at Daytona International Speedway… Austin Hill has made three career NASCAR Cup Series start at Daytona International Speedway, driving in the 2023, 2024 and 2025 editions of the Coke Zero Sugar 400. His best Cup Series Daytona finish to-date is a 14th-place result after starting 26th in 2023, but he heads into the race with experience in the form of an incredible four Daytona wins in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, and one NASCAR Truck Series win at the track.

About Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen… Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen is the homestyle casual dining restaurant where guests always Get a lot. For not a lot™. The restaurant offers a variety of homemade meals and generous portions served up in a warm, welcoming atmosphere – all at an unbelievable price. After being welcomed with a signature Honey Butter Croissant on the house, guests can enjoy signature entrées like hand-breaded Chicken Tenders, homemade Chicken Pot Pie and slow-smoked Baby Back Ribs. Cheddar’s operates more than 180 restaurants in 28 states. For more information or to locate the nearest restaurant, visit Cheddars.com. Fans can like or follow Cheddar’s on Facebook, X and Instagram.

The Next Chapter… Hill will take the next step in his racing career in 2027, driving the organization’s No. 33 Chevrolet full-time in the Cup Series and continuing RCR’s commitment to promote from within and develop talent within the sport. In his five seasons at RCR, Hill has made the most of his opportunities, establishing himself as one of the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series’ most consistent and accomplished drivers with 16 career wins in the Series. This season, Hill has continued to push himself while balancing a demanding double-duty schedule and shown poise while taking on a tough role for RCR during one of the most trying times in the race team’s history following the tragic passing of Kyle Busch in May.

Honoring Lieutenant Commander Jerry Shoemaker… This weekend at Daytona International Speedway, the No. 33 Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen Chevrolet will feature the name of Lieutenant Commander Jerry Shoemaker on the driver’s side door as part of the NASCAR Foundation’s Honor A Cancer Hero program. This signature initiative of The NASCAR Foundation is designed to support the foundation’s mission of improving the lives of children and families in our racing communities by providing support, comfort, and care during some of their most challenging moments. Since its inception in 2020, The Honor A Cancer Hero program has raised nearly $600,000 to support children and families impacted by cancer.

Questions, Please… Following this week’s announcement that Hill will join RCR’s Cup Series program fulltime in 2027, he is scheduled to be available to the media at Daytona International Speedway’s Infield Media Center on Friday at 1 p.m. Local Time.

Meet Hill… On Saturday, August 29 at 3:50 p.m. Local Time, Hill is scheduled to sign autographs at the RCR Merchandise Hauler located in the Fan Midway at Daytona International Speedway. Stop by to meet Hill and purchase new gear.

AUSTIN HILL QUOTES:

What are the expectations of the new superspeedway package at Daytona International Speedway this weekend?

“Honestly, no one really knows at this point. Folks think that the drafting effects should be similar to the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series car. If that is the case, then I feel very good about it. But will it actually end up that way? We aren’t sure because the Cup car is so much different with the diffuser and the way that the air flows. The O’Reilly car has the bubble effect, but we’ve never had that with the Cup car. The purpose of these changes is to make it have a bubble effect. Based on all the data that NASCAR has shown us, it should be closer to the O’Reilly car. Having a bubble creates better opportunities for guys who are not up front to be able to pull out of line and make something happen. You can position yourself with the air, get a run, pull out of line, and not stall out as easy. You should still have the momentum to move forward which is what the Cup car has been missing in the few races I’ve done so far. That should be a positive for our Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen Chevrolet.”

How important is teamwork at Daytona International Speedway?

“Teamwork is really important at these speedway races, so I’m looking forward to working with my teammate Austin Dillon. We’ll be working together and trying to do everything we can to be up front in the end. I think as long as we can do the things that we know how to do on the superspeedways, we’re going to have a really good shot at it, so it’s going to be a lot of fun.”

It’s a monumental task running double-duty every single weekend. Talk about some of those challenges, and what it’s like to go from one car to another every weekend?

“The way the NASCAR Cup Series car and the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series cars run is a lot different. When I’m driving an O’Reilly car, I’m driving off the front end, utilizing the front downforce and the front splitter while also using the right-rear to create downforce in the car. In the Cup car, you don’t have the right-rear quarter panel to lean on, instead you’re driving off the right-rear tire and when you slide that tire you’ve got to be ready to catch it. I’m used to driving a loose racecar and sliding the right-rear tire, and you just cannot do that in the Cup cars, so I have to change my driving style between the two series.”

Jesse Love and the No. 2 Whelen Chevrolet at Daytona International Speedway… Jesse Love has made five career NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series starts at Daytona International Speedway. In his O’Reilly Auto Parts Series debut at the World Center of Racing in February 2024, the Menlo Park, California native earned his first career pole position, led the most laps (34), and captured his first career stage win. Fast-forward to last February 2025 and Love led 30 laps en route to earning his first victory at the Florida speedway. Outside of the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, the 21-year-old has one career ARCA Menards Series start at Daytona International Speedway, where the young driver started from the second position, faced motor issues, and finished in seventh-place.

Did You Know… Love was the third youngest pole winner in O’Reilly Auto Parts Series history at Daytona International Speedway and just the 14th driver to claim the first starting position in their series debut.

Drafting Tracks Success… In 16 career O’Reilly Auto Parts Series drafting track races, Love has tallied eight poles, 11 top-10 finishes and an average finish of 9.6. Love has also led a combined total of 494 laps in those races.

Get to the Points… Love is currently fourth in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series driver championship point standings, 299 points behind leader Justin Allgaier and 61 points behind second-place Carson Kvapil.

Honoring Fallen Officers… For Friday’s O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race, Whelen Engineering and RCR have teamed up with the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) for the fifth consecutive season to honor fallen law enforcement officers. A special paint scheme was created for the No. 2 Whelen Chevrolet featuring the names of 363 officers killed in the line of duty. These names were added to the walls of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. in 2026. To learn more about the organization, visit NLEOMF.org.

About the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund… Established in 1984, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund is a nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring the fallen, telling the story of American law enforcement, and making it safer for those who serve. The first pillar of this mission, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C., honors the names of all the 24,775 officers who have died in the line of duty to date throughout U.S. history. Additionally, NLEOMF maintains and publishes comprehensive details on the circumstances surrounding official line-of-duty deaths. The Officer Safety and Wellness pillar uses that data, coupled with best-practice program models, to produce programming directed at solutions to improve survivability and enhance wellness. NLEOMF’s third pillar, the National Law Enforcement Museum (LawEnforcementMuseum.org) is committed to preserving the history of American law enforcement and sharing the experiences of service and sacrifice for generations to come.

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’s 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.

Honoring Michele Broadley and Curtis Lloyd… This weekend at Daytona International Speedway, the No. 2 Whelen Chevrolet will feature the names of Michele Broadley (driver’s side door) and Curtis Lloyd (passenger’s side door) as part of the NASCAR Foundation’s Honor A Cancer Hero program. This signature initiative of The NASCAR Foundation is designed to support the foundation’s mission of improving the lives of children and families in our racing communities by providing support, comfort, and care during some of their most challenging moments. Since its inception in 2020, The Honor A Cancer Hero program has raised nearly $600,000 to support children and families impacted by cancer.

Meet Love … On Friday, August 28 at 5 p.m. Local Time, Love is scheduled to sign autographs at the RCR Merchandise Hauler located in the Fan Midway at Daytona International Speedway. Stop by to meet Love and purchase new No. 2 gear.

JESSE LOVE QUOTE:

What are your thoughts ahead of this weekend’s regular season finale at Daytona International Speedway?

“I am excited to go to Daytona to try and finish the regular season strong and get some points and makeup ground in the standings. It’s been a rough end to the regular season, a lot of things out of my control, but I am trying to control all I can going into Daytona, putting us in the best possible position to race for a championship.”

Austin Hill and the No. 21 Global Industrial Chevrolet at Daytona International Speedway… Austin Hill has competed in 10 career NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series races at Daytona International Speedway, earning four victories – a resounding 40% of his starts. The Winston, Georgia native has started on the first or second row for the last seven events at the World Center of Racing. Hill also has six NASCAR Truck Series starts, securing the checkered flag in 2019.

Defending Winner… In February, Hill dominated the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series opener, sweeping both stages and leading a race-high 78 laps en route to capturing his fourth career season-opening win at the World Center of Racing. Looking to complete a season sweep at Daytona International Speedway, Hill will try to become the first driver to accomplish the feat since Dale Earnhardt Jr. won both races there in 2003.

Drafting Track Dominance… Hill is the all-time O’Reilly Auto Parts Series drafting track leader in wins (11), stage wins (18) and laps led (932). The veteran racer is the only O’Reilly Auto Parts Series driver to win on all three drafting tracks.

Get to the Points… Hill is seventh in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series driver championship standings and locked into the Chase leading into this weekend’s regular season finale.

About Global Industrial… Global Industrial Company (NYSE:GIC) is a leading distributor of high-quality, industrial-strength equipment and supplies, serving organizations of all sizes across a wide range of industries. With more than 75 years of experience, customers rely on Global Industrial for its broad portfolio of national and private brands, trusted service, and focus on value. We help customers keep their operations running by delivering the right products when they need them, because We Can Supply That™. Visit Globalindustrial.com, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Supporting Veterans and First Responders Through K9s For Warriors… Global Industrial Company and RCR will highlight the K9s For Warriors’ Station Dog Program and its work supporting Veterans and first responders this weekend through a number of activations. Hill is scheduled to visit the Daytona Beach Shores Department of Public Safety to meet Hunter, the department’s Station Dog and Emotional Support Animal on Thursday ahead of this weekend’s race weekend at Daytona International Speedway. Hunter joined the department through K9s For Warriors in 2021 and provides companionship and comfort to first responders, while also participating in community events and visits to a local elementary school. The partnership also extends to the racetrack, with the K9s For Warriors logo featured on the No. 21 Global Industrial Chevrolet this weekend at Daytona International Speedway, bringing the organization’s mission to NASCAR fans and the broader racing community.

Honoring Michele Broadley and Tim “Hodgie” Hodge, Sr… This weekend at Daytona International Speedway, the No. 21 Global Industrial Chevrolet will feature the names of Michelle Broadley (driver’s side door) and Tim “Hodgie” Hodge, Sr. (passenger’s side door) as part of the NASCAR Foundation’s Honor A Cancer Hero program. This signature initiative of The NASCAR Foundation is designed to support the foundation’s mission of improving the lives of children and families in our racing communities by providing support, comfort, and care during some of their most challenging moments. Since its inception in 2020, The Honor A Cancer Hero program has raised nearly $600,000 to support children and families impacted by cancer.

AUSTIN HILL QUOTE:

What is your mindset heading into Daytona International Speedway?

“Obviously, Daytona is Daytona. I feel good about it, but you just never know how those races are going to unfold. I would say, for us we just have to go try to maximize points and see if we can get ahead of one or two more guys who are ahead of us and be ready for the Chase.”