Home Blog Page 292

LEGACY MOTOR CLUB: NORTH WILKESBORO All-STAR RACE PREVIEW

By
Official Release
-

EVENT: All-Star Race
DATE: May 18, 2025
TRACK: North Wilkesboro (N.C.) Speedway | 0.625-mile short track oval
CLUB MINUTES:

JJ IN THE ALL-STAR RACE: LEGACY MOTOR CLUB co-owner Jimmie Johnson has a record four wins in the NASCAR All-Star Race, making him the most successful driver in the history of the event. His All-Star Race wins came in 2003, 2006, 2012, and 2013 -all on the 1.5-mile oval at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

KENSETH IN THE ALL-STAR RACE: LEGACY MC competition advisor Matt Kenseth won the NASCAR All-Star Race in 2004 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. He made a race-winning pass on Ryan Newman’s car in the closing laps.

THE KING AT NORTH WILKESBORO: “The King” Richard Petty had a significant and successful history at North Wilkesboro Speedway, winning 15 Cup Series races, a record for the track. The track was a favorite of his, and he considered it almost like a home track. He also recently participated in the 2023 NASCAR All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro, serving as Co-Grand Marshal.

“LED BY LEGACY” NUMBERS REVEALED: LEGACY MOTOR CLUB today revealed via social media a bold update to its car number aesthetics moving forward, blending modern design with timeless legacy. Beginning at the All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro, the CLUB’s iconic car numbers will now carry individualized, heritage-inspired color treatments, and shadowing to honor the LEGACY of those who made the numbers famous. Starting this weekend, the No. 42 will honor Lee Petty and the Petty family with a red drop shadow; the No. 43 returns to its legendary “Parts Blue” drop shadow made famous by Richard Petty, and the No. 84 channels its origins through the Hendrick Motorsports No. 48 “Neon Yellow” drop shadow which shared tremendous success with Johnson at the helm. The full suite of updated car designs will debut in-person during the All-Star event for the Nos. 42 and 43, and Johnson will race his No. 84 Carvana Toyota Camry XSE for this 700th start at the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 25.

WHAT’S IN A NUMBER ‘COLOR’?: The new stylized number color treatments will be integrated into the LEGACY MC car liveries, team merchandise, and digital branding, while retaining the modern, shaded number font introduced last season, which is a blend of traditional Petty numbers and Johnson’s historic number fonts. The move is designed to reflect the evolution of LEGACY MOTOR CLUB — merging its deep-rooted history with a sharp, forward-looking identity. Branding elements of the CLUB’s cars and digital branding include a 14-degree slant, paying homage to the combination of Richard Petty and Jimmie Johnson’s seven championships (7 + 7 = 14).

GOAT RIDE: As announced this morning via the NTT INDYCAR Series and Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Tom Brady, the winningest quarterback in NFL history with seven Super Bowl championships and the lead FOX NFL analyst, will ride in the Fastest Seat in Sports at the 109th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 25, live on FOX. In fitting fashion, the Fastest Seat will be driven by seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and 2022 Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year Jimmie Johnson.

“I love the Indy 500. There is an energy and excitement around the ‘500’ that is unlike anything I have experienced before,” Johnson said. “Certainly, pre-race ceremonies are the ultimate racing experience that I’ve had outside of the car. I’m thrilled to be a part of the program and to see the stands full one more time. I’m extremely honored to come back and do it and to be able to also share this experience with another seven-time champion.”

Coverage of the 109th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge begins at 10 a.m. ET on FOX.
RED ON 42: The No. 42 returns to its earliest roots, donning the deep red that Lee Petty, NASCAR’s first three-time champion and team founder, made iconic in the sport’s earliest decades. Petty was nicknamed “Squirrel” and won 53 of his 54 wins in the No. 42 starting in 1949. Grandson Kyle Petty raced the No. 42 in 286 starts and won six times with that number on the side. Nemechek’s father Joe even piloted the No. 42 for 90 races from 1997-1999 and had his first career win in that number.

PRETTY IN PARTS BLUE: There is no color more synonymous with NASCAR than Petty Blue. Petty wanted his darker blue number to be the drop shadow, a color he refers to as “Parts Blue”. The No. 43 will proudly wear its traditional hue in 2025, now complemented by the updated shaded styling. The No. 43 car has started more races than any other number. Mostly by drivers with the last name Petty but others, including Jones, Bubba Wallace, and John Andretti. The number has started in 2,240 races and has 200 wins, 122 poles, 580 top five, and 854 top 10 finishes.

NEON YELLOW ON 84: Johnson’s legendary career with the No. 48 and its unmistakable neon glow now lives on through the 84. This modern evolution reflects Johnson’s legacy as a seven-time champion — now continuing in a leadership role with LEGACY MOTOR CLUB. Winning 83 times, with seven championships and 686 starts with that number, Johnson will honor his past as he makes his 700th career start.

QUOTING JIMMIE JOHNSON: “I see the No. 84 as the bridge between where I’ve been and where we’re going as LEGACY MOTOR CLUB. That neon yellow of the No. 48 is a tribute to all the people who helped me get to where I am today.”

CARVANA RELEASES JJ’s 700th START SCHEME: On Wednesday, longtime partner Carvana an industry pioneer for buying and selling used cars online, today unveiled a special paint scheme for NASCAR legend Jimmie Johnson’s No. 84 Toyota, commemorating his historic 700th career start at the upcoming Coca-Cola 600, at the very track where he made his first NASCAR Cup Series start in 2001. After a strong third-place finish at the 2025 Daytona 500, Johnson returns to Charlotte Motor Speedway, a venue where he has earned eight Cup Series victories, including four in the prestigious Coca-Cola 600. The design honors Johnson’s storied career with Hendrick Motorsports and now as co-owner and driver with LEGACY MOTOR CLUB. This milestone start is commemorated with a dynamic throwback design featuring Johnson’s signature neon yellow numbers, a nod to his championship-winning No. 48, alongside Carvana’s distinctive branding and American flag-inspired stripes for a modern, patriotic look. See HERE for the design. (link to website)

NEVER SETTLE: Join ESPN’s Marty Smith and LEGACY MOTOR CLUB’s co-owner Johnson for their weekly podcast, “Never Settle”. The podcast airs live on SIRIUS XM NASCAR Radio Ch. 90 at 2 p.m. ET every Wednesday and can be downloaded wherever fans source their podcasts. This week’s guest is Tony Kanaan, 2004 INDYCAR Champion, 2013 Indianapolis 500 Champion, 2015 Rolex 24 at Daytona overall winner, and current team principal for Arrow McLaren.

JOHN HUNTER NEMECHEK
NO. 42 FAMILY DOLLAR TOYOTA CAMRY XSE
TOP-10s: Following last weekend’s race at Kansas Speedway, the No. 42 team and John Hunter Nemechek notched back-to-back top-10 finishes, marking Nemechek’s fourth top-10 of the season. It also marked the first time in his NASCAR Cup Series career that he’s earned consecutive top 10 finishes at intermediate tracks.

POINTS: After the 10th race of the 2025 NCS season, Nemechek had dropped to 26th in the driver standings. However, thanks to back-to-back top 10 finishes at Texas Motor Speedway and Kansas Speedway, he has climbed back up to 19th, now just 24 points shy of the playoff cut line.

NEMECHEK AT NWS: Nemechek cut his teeth at the North Wilkesboro (N.C.) Speedway, where he got some of his first racing experience in an Allison Legacy Racing Series Car. Last year, he returned to the 0.625-mile oval for the first time since those early days of racing. This weekend will mark his third attempt at a NASCAR All-Star Open event to qualify for Sunday’s main event.

JOHN HUNTER NEMECHEK QUOTE:

“I really enjoy the Series returning to our roots—North Wilkesboro is such a unique and historic track. Having grown up racing there in the Allison Legacy Cars, it’s always special to come back to a place where it all started for me.

Our LEGACY MOTOR CLUB team has built up a lot of momentum over the past few weeks, and I’d love nothing more than to deliver a strong qualifying effort in our Family Dollar Toyota Camry XSE and earn a spot in the main event on Sunday night.”

TRAVIS MACK QUOTE:

“We have been struggling with our short track package, but it’s a good opportunity to take something to the race track and try to learn something. Obviously, we want to make the All-Star race, but we’re taking two cars and just learning from each other and building for our short track program.

Coming from a short track background, North Wilkesboro is like going home. There are a lot of great cars that we need to beat to make the main race but we’re up for the challenge.”

ERIK JONES
NO. 43 DOLLAR TREE TOYOTA CAMRY XSE
JONES AT NORTH WILKESBORO: Sunday’s All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro (N.C.) Speedway will mark the series’ third time at the track for the non-points paying at the 0.625-mile oval. When the NASCAR Cup Series first returned to the track in May 2023, Jones was already locked into the main event by virtue of his Southern 500 victory in Sept. 2022. He started the race 21st but finished an impressive eighth in the No. 43 Toyota Camry XSE. The following year, Jones had to race his way into the main event via the All-Star Open. Jones qualified 11th for the 100-lap race but fell back to finish 18th. He did not advance to the 2024 All-Star Race.

JONES ON ZIGAZOO: As part of his ongoing initiatives with the Erik jones Foundation, Erik Jones has entered a partnership with Zigazoo, a popular social media app for children, to help spread awareness during the month of Math for Social Media Wellness Month and to further his reach of the #READwithErik program. This month, Zigazoo will be releasing videos on their app with videos from Jones and other celebrities challenging kids to start conversations about healthy online habits. Jones will also release an exclusive #READwithErik on the app this month as part of his partnership. For more information, visit Zigazoo.com.

JONES IN THE OPEN: The Byron, Michigan-native will once again have to race his way into the All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway. He joins his teammate John Hunter Nemechek and all but 20 full-time NASCAR Cup Series drivers who locked in their spots in this year’s All-Star Open. Since his rookie season in 2017, Jones has qualified for the All-Star Race four times – two of those coming from racing his way into the race via the All-Star Open.

BESHORE AT NORTH WILKESBORO: Beshore only has one race at North Wilkesboro on top of the pit box with the May 2024 NASCAR All-Star Open with John Hunter Nemechek. The team started ninth and finished 14th, not advancing to the All-Star Race.

ERIK JONES QUOTE:

“I think North Wilkesboro has changed so much over the last couple of years that we’ve held the All-Star Race there. Obviously with the repave, that changes the approach, for sure. It’s a tough place with the repave as it changes year by year. It’s super hard to qualify your way in through the Open now. There are obviously a lot of good cars in the Open field every year to challenge you for the win. I hope we can do it though. It’s been a couple of years since we’ve had the chance to run in the All-Star Race, so I’m looking forward to getting up there again just for not just the nostalgic show it puts on but also to have a shot to make it into the big race.”

BEN BESHORE QUOTE:

“For us, the All-Star Open is a shorter race, and we don’t have a ton of time to drive our way through the field. A lot of our emphasis will be on Friday’s qualifying session and getting a good starting position in order to protect that and race our way into the All-Star Race. It’s a unique style of track with the repave and it being a short track. It’s also an opportunity for us to learn about our short track program in a non-points race. We can be a bit more experimental with our cars to hopefully learn more about our short track program for future races.”

CLUB APPEARANCES:
On race day, Nemechek will visit the NASCAR Classics merchandise hauler and connect with fans and sign some autographs. The appearance on Sunday will start at 3:30 p.m.

TUNE IN:
Practice and qualifying for the 2025 NASCAR All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway will take place on Friday, May 16 beginning at 4 p.m. ET with coverage on Fox Sports 2, MRN Radio and SIRIUS XM NASCAR Ch. 90. Coverage for the main All-Star events will take place on Fox Sports 1, MRN Radio and SIRIUS XM NASCAR Ch. 90 on Sunday, May 18th starting at 5 pm ET. The two heat races are 75 laps each. The All-Star Open is scheduled for 100 laps, 62.5 miles; the main All-Star Race will follow and will be 250-laps, 156.25-miles.

ABOUT LEGACY MOTOR CLUB: (LEGACY MC) is a premier auto racing organization co-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 Gazoo 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.

Thrilling racing, great entertainment on tap for Atlanta’s Night Race

By
Official Release
-

HAMPTON, Ga. (May 14, 2025) – Atlanta’s Night Race will not only feature some of the most thrilling racing on the NASCAR circuit – it’ll also include great live entertainment to compliment the high-speed action.

Fan-favorite attractions and events return for the June 26-28 Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Here’s a few of the highlights:

THOR Camper Appreciation Party

Race weekend kicks off with a massive party at the Speedway Experience Powered by EchoPark Automotive in the AMS Fan Zone. Revamped for 2025, the THOR Camper Appreciation Party now occupies this larger, more centralized space – with more room for the games, attractions, live music and special guest appearances that longtime fans look forward to every year.

Canine Stars Stunt Dog Show

The Canine Stars have become a staple of the AMS Fan Zone and the Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart weekend will be no exception! These high-flying dogs will dazzle fans with their tricks and skills with shows all weekend long. The best part? These shows are all free to enjoy in the AMS Fan Zone!

Party in the Peach Pit

Another fan-favorite is this massive party in the middle of Atlanta Motor Speedway’s infield – happening Friday night, June 27, following the conclusion of the Focused Health 250! The Peach Pit packs laser lights, fireworks, games, live music, and more all into one awesome party in the heart of the speedway.

Sea Lion Splash

New for the 2025, the sea lions made quite a splash in their first trip to Atlanta Motor Speedway earlier this year. The Sea Lion Splash returns to captivate crowds with an entertaining and informative presentation showcases the relationship between an “adopted family” of rescued sea lions and their handlers.

These lovable and playful sea lions will be performing all weekend in the AMS Fan Zone as another free attraction for fans in attendance to enjoy!

Speedway Experience Powered by EchoPark Automotive

Before the green flag drops, the Speedway Experience Powered by EchoPark Automotive is where race fans want to be!

This massive, free attraction in the AMS Fan Zone features live music, special guest appearances, and games all weekend long. Its headline attraction – Trackside Live! with Kenny Wallace, John Roberts, and Jose Castillo – brings the stars of NASCAR to the fans before they hit the track for 400 miles of racing.

High-speed, action-packed racing

Race weekend’s entertainment compliments a slate of thrilling NASCAR action at AMS, which has established itself as one of NASCAR’s most exciting tracks. The atmosphere of racing under the lights on Friday and Saturday night, June 27 and 28, will only add to the intensity and excitement for fans in attendance.

The NASCAR Xfinity Series kicks off the on-track thrills Friday night in the Focused Health 250. NASCAR’s brightest stars will shine under the lights Saturday night in the Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart in the first-ever Saturday night NASCAR Cup Series race at AMS.

More information on the June 26-28 Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart weekend and ticket availability can be found online at AtlantaMotorSpeedway.com.

About the Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart:

Atlanta’s Night Race returns with the Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart on Saturday night, June 28, 2025. Sparks will fly as NASCAR’s best duel under the lights on Atlanta Motor Speedway’s challenging high banks.

The rising stars of the NASCAR Xfinity Series bring the action Friday night in the Focused Health 250 on June 27.

Adding even higher stakes to the weekend is the first running of NASCAR’s $1 million In-Season Tournament. 32 of NASCAR’s stars will be paired against each other in a bracket-style elimination tournament that begins at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

More information on the June 26-28 Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart weekend and ticket availability can be found online at AtlantaMotorSpeedway.com.

About Atlanta Motor Speedway:

Atlanta Motor Speedway is a premier entertainment venue located about 30 miles south of Atlanta, Ga.

Since 1960, AMS has been a staple of the NASCAR calendar and currently hosts two weekends of racing in the spring and fall each year. When NASCAR isn’t in town, Atlanta Motor Speedway’s versatile facility hosts an assortment of events that attract visitors from near and far, from Monster Jam to the Georgia State Fair and everything between.

For more information on Atlanta Motor Speedway and to see upcoming events at the facility, visit www.AtlantaMotorSpeedway.com.

NICK LEITZ PARTNERS WITH DOOBIE AT NASHVILLE SUPERSPEEDWAY

By
Official Release
-

MOORESVILLE, NC, May 14, 2025 – NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Nick Leitz today announced he is partnering with recording artist Doobie for the Tennessee Lottery 250 NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Nashville Superspeedway on May 31.

“It honestly feels like a dream to be teaming up with NASCAR Driver Nick Leitz in the Xfinity series,” said Doobie. “From growing up rooting for Dale Earnhardt Jr. to watching Nick Leitz race a car with my own face on it, this is something I’ll cherish forever! My album “Give ‘Em Hell Until You Get to Heaven” comes out everywhere May 30th!”

Columbus, Ohio, native Doobie is making waves with his bold transition from hip-hop to rock. Known for his raw, self-produced music, Doobie earned platinum status with his breakout hit, “When the Drugs Don’t Work.” Now he’s diving deeper into his rock influences, inspired by bands like Alice In Chains, Shinedown and Kiss.

Doobie’s first rock single, “Early Bird Gets the Whiskey,” marked the start of this evolution, with its follow-up, “Worth a Shot,” gaining traction on radio and SiriusXM’s Octane. With a full rock album on the horizon, Doobie is bringing a fresh twist to the genre, channeling his struggles and stories into what he calls the best music of his career.

Fueled by a relentless DIY spirit, Doobie has built his career from the ground up, refusing to follow the industry’s rulebook. His transition into rock is more than a genre shift – it’s a bold step toward redefining his artistry while staying true to his authentic storytelling. For Doobie, this next chapter is about taking risks, breaking barriers, and leaving his mark on a new stage.

“It’s awesome that I get to help Doobie launch his latest album by partnering with him at Nashville,” said Leitz. “I’ll definitely be using some of his tracks for pump-up music before the race.”

Doobie’s newest album “Give ‘Em Hell Until You Get To Heaven,” produced by Andrew Baylis, will be released on May 30 in partnership with Revolver magazine. Three singles from the album have already been released: “Early Bird Gets The Whiskey,” which announced Doobie’s transition into rock music; “Worth A Shot,” which became Doobie’s first ever radio hit and currently sits in the top 30 on Mediabase and Billboard rock radio charts; and the most recent “Until I Get To Heaven,” which announced the debut rock album from Doobie. On May 9, Doobie will release the fourth and final single before the album drops, called” Stone Cold” featuring Jonny Hawkins of Nothing More. 

The Tennessee Lottery 250 (188 laps | 250.04 miles) is the 14th of 33 NASCAR Xfinity Series races on the 2025 schedule. Practice starts on Saturday, May 31 at 2:05 p.m. followed immediately by qualifying. The field is set to take the green flag that evening at 7:30 p.m. with live coverage on The CW, the Performance Racing Network (Radio), and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90. All times are Eastern Daylight Time.

For more information on Nick Leitz, visit https://www.nickleitzracing.com/ or X (https://twitter.com/NickLeitz_) or Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/nickleitz/). 

For more about Doobie, visit https://www.doobieofficial.com/ or follow him on Spotify or Instagram.

NASCAR Stars To Battle Short Track Standouts Throughout NASCAR All-Star Week

By
Official Release
-
  • Big Names, Big Battles: Kyle Busch, Josh Berry, Ryan Newman, Corey LaJoie, Bobby Labonte and others join stacked fields of rising stars in lead-up events to All-Star Race
  • Additional races include the zMAX CARS Tour Reverend Whiskey 75 Pro Late Model race on Thursday; the zMAX CARS Tour Window World 100 Late Model Stock Car race on Friday; the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series’ Window World 250 on Saturday; and the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour’s FaithFest Evangelistic Ministries 150 on Sunday
  • Quadruple and Triple Duty Drivers: Young talents like Connor Jones, Kaden Honeycutt and Luke Baldwin will attempt multiple events throughout the week; Fans can get tickets to all the action by visiting www.NorthWilkesboroSpeedway.com

NORTH WILKESBORO, N.C. (May 14, 2025) — In addition to the fan-favorite cars and stars of the NASCAR Cup Series, a packed lineup of grassroots racers will take on North Wilkesboro Speedway during NASCAR All-Star Race Week. Fans can expect more on-track action than ever before, including the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series’ Window World 250 on Saturday, the zMAX CARS Tour’s Reverend Whiskey 75 Pro Late Model race on Thursday, the Window World 100 Late Model Stock Car race on Friday and the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour’s FaithFest Evangelistic Ministries 150 on Sunday afternoon, prior to the All-Star Open and All-Star Race main events.

The zMAX CARS Tour fires up the weekend with back-to-back nights of racing on Thursday and Friday, featuring a lineup packed with notable names. Thursday, up-and-coming stars of the Pro Late Model division will compete in the Reverend Whiskey 75, where defending winner Kaden Honeycutt looks to hold off challengers such as Cup Series driver Josh Berry, as well as Keelan Harvick, Tristan McKee, Ben Maier and other promising young talents.

Friday’s Window World 100 for Late Model Stock Cars will showcase the next generation of stock car stars, including Xfinity Series driver and past winner Carson Kvapil, Connor Hall, Landon Huffman, Ronnie Bassett Jr. and Mini Tyrrell, as they battle for bragging rights and the trophy on the historic short track.

On Saturday afternoon, NASCAR’s top truckers take center stage in the Window World 250. Rising stars like Corey Heim, Rajah Caruth and Chandler Smith will face off against veterans including Kyle Busch, Daniel Hemric and Matt Crafton in 250 laps of hard-nosed, short-track racing.

Sunday’s FaithFest Evangelistic Ministries 150 brings the open-wheel excitement of the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, the sport’s oldest division and a longtime staple of the Northeast. After joining the North Wilkesboro schedule in 2023, the series returns with top contenders Patrick Emerling, Austin Beers and Justin Bonsignore taking on a field that includes NASCAR Hall of Famer Bobby Labonte, former Cup Series drivers Ryan Newman and Corey LaJoie and past Modified Tour winner Matt Hirschman.

While several drivers plan to compete in multiple events throughout the week, Connor Jones is currently the only one attempting to run four. He’s set to drive for Niece Motorsports in the Truck Series and is entered in both CARS Tour races as well as Sunday’s Whelen Modified Tour event. Third-generation racer Luke Baldwin is aiming for triple duty in the Window World 250, the Reverend Whiskey 75 and the Window World 100, while Kaden Honeycutt will also attempt a hat trick with both CARS Tour events and the Truck Series race. Corey Lajoie and several other drivers including Layne Riggs and Dawson Sutton will also attempt double duty.

TICKETS:

Fans can catch all 575 laps of supporting action, plus the All-Star Open, All-Star Heat Races and the main event with May 15-18 NASCAR All-Star Race Week ticket packages — including eight races, the Pit Crew Challenge presented by Mechanix Wear, Jake Owen concert presented by Raymer Oil, and all NASCAR qualifying sessions. Race week packages or individual event day tickets and camping can be purchased online at www.NorthWilkesboroSpeedway.com.

MORE INFO:

Fans can connect with North Wilkesboro Speedway and get the latest news regarding NASCAR All-Star Week and North Wilkesboro Speedway by following on X and Instagram or by becoming a Facebook fan.

Toyota GAZOO Racing Weekly Preview 05.14.25

By
Official Release
-

This Week in Motorsports: May 12 – 18, 2025

  • NCS/NCTS: North Wilkesboro Speedway – May 16-18
  • ARCA EAST: Flat Rock Speedway – May 16-17
  • NHRA: Route 66 Raceway – May 16-18
  • GR CUP: Sebring International Raceway – May 16-18

PLANO, Texas (May 14, 2025) – NASCAR returns to historic North Wilkesboro Speedway for the annual All-Star race weekend for the Cup Series, along with race number 10 of the 2025 season for the Truck Series. The ARCA Menards Series East is off to Flat Rock Speedway in Michigan for its fourth race of the season. NHRA is back in action at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, Illinois as the summer stretch of races begins. And finally, the GR Cup Series enters its third race weekend of the season at Sebring International Raceway.

NASCAR National Series – NCS/NCTS

Toyota bouts for inaugural Manufacturers Showdown … The 2025 NASCAR All-Star Race has some new elements included to amplify the excitement of the annual event, including the new “Manufacturer Showdown.” All three manufacturers in the Cup Series will compete against each other with the best combined overall finish among the three determining the winner. The number of cars per manufacturer will be determined once the All-Star main event field is set, with whichever manufacturer that has the least number of cars in the main event determining the amount the other two have in the challenge as well. The lowest cumulative score among the three OEMs determines the victor.

Crews makes Trucks debut … Toyota Development Driver Brent Crews arrives to North Wilkesboro Speedway this weekend to make his debut in the NASCAR Truck Series where he will pilot the No. 1 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro for TRICON Garage. The 17-year-old has thoroughly impressed in his young racing career so far, including the 2024 World Series of Asphalt Late Model championship; the 2023 SCCA TransAm TA2 Pro-Am championship; multiple wins in ARCA Menards Series competition – most recently at Rockingham Speedway in the East series – among other notable successes.

Heim seeks North Wilkesboro repeat … After another Truck Series top-five finish last weekend in Kansas and a solid season debut in the Cup Series, Corey Heim is back at North Wilkesboro Speedway looking for a repeat victory. The 22-year-old Toyota Development Driver led 62 laps on the way to victory the event last year at the 0.625-mile short oval for his eighth career Truck Series win at the time. The driver of the No. 11 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro for TRICON Garage has serious momentum entering the weekend, with six consecutive top-10 finishes and still standing as the Truck Series points leader.

NASCAR Regional Series – ARCA Menards Series East

Reaves goes for third straight win … Max Reaves has had a dazzling beginning to his career in the ARCA Menards Series East, with two victories in his first two career starts at Five Flags Speedway and Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway. Reaves and his No. 18 Toyota Camry head to Flat Rock Speedway this weekend in search of his third straight victory during the 2025 campaign.

NHRA – Top Fuel/Funny Car

Langdon continues as points leader heading to Chicago … With his win three weeks ago in Charlotte, Shawn Langdon enters race number six at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, Illinois, with a 59-point lead in the NHRA Top Fuel standings. The 2013 Top Fuel world champion has two event victories and 12 round wins already on the season to put him firmly in the top spot. Closely following him in the standings are Antron Brown in third, Doug Kalitta in fourth, and Justin Ashley in sixth entering the weekend.

Brown seeks Chicago repeat … Last year in Joliet, Brown captured the first of what would be six race victories in 2024 to propel him to his fourth NHRA Top Fuel world championship. Brown is back at the Illinois dragstrip in hopes of a repeat triumph and his fifth overall Top Fuel victory at Route 66 Raceway.

GR Cup

Championship battle heats up in Sebring … As the Toyota GR Cup Series enters its fourth race weekend of the 2025 season, the series championship battle is beginning to take shape. The top three in the series points – Jaxon Bell (first), Westin Workman (second) and Lucas Weisenberg (third) – are all within a seven-point gap entering Sebring this weekend. Bell and Weisenberg have both captured victories so far this season, while Workman has three podiums in four races so far this season.

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in North America for nearly 70 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our more than 1,800 dealerships.

Toyota directly employs nearly 64,000 people in North America who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 49 million cars and trucks at our 14 manufacturing plants. In spring 2025, Toyota’s plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, Toyota currently offers 32 electrified options.

For more information about Toyota, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.

NFL Legend, Lead FOX NFL Analyst Tom Brady in Fastest Seat at Indianapolis 500,Driven by Jimmie Johnson

By
Official Release
-

Seven-Time Super Bowl Champion, Seven-Time NASCAR Cup Series Champion Pair Up for ‘G.O.A.T.’ Drive

INDIANAPOLIS (Wednesday, May 14, 2025) – Tom Brady, the winningest quarterback in NFL history with seven Super Bowl championships and the lead FOX NFL analyst, will ride in the Fastest Seat in Sports at the 109th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on Sunday, May 25 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, live on FOX. In fitting fashion, the Fastest Seat will be driven by seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and 2022 Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year Jimmie Johnson.

In addition to his record seven Super Bowl championships, Brady is a five-time Super Bowl MVP (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XLIX, LI, LV), three-time Associated Press Most Valuable Player (2007, 2010, 2017), 15-time Pro Bowler (2001, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2009-2018, 2021), two-time NFL Offensive Player of the Year (2007, 2010), Associated Press Comeback Player of the Year (2009), three-time Associated Press First-Team All-Pro Selection (2007, 2010, 2017), three-time Second-Team All-Pro (2005, 2016, 2021) and Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year (2007).

He was named to the NFL’s 2010s All-Decade Team and the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team. Brady was a two-time Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year (2005, 2021) and winner of the Bert Bell Award (2007), presented by the Maxwell Football Club to the player of the year in the NFL.

Brady joins a long list of celebrated INDYCAR Fastest Seat in Sports passengers as he leads the field to green in a custom INDYCAR SERIES car with a special back passenger seat. This high-speed, high-octane, super-charged thrill ride was taken by FOX MLB analyst and World Series champion Alex Rodriguez to open the season in St. Petersburg and has been taken by music superstars Lady Gaga, Diplo and Jon Bon Jovi, actors Mark Wahlberg and Simu Liu, and more.

Johnson, a member of the NASCAR Hall of Fame, drove for Hendrick Motorsports in the No. 48 for 19 seasons of his NASCAR career. After he gives Brady the ride of a lifetime, Johnson will fly to Charlotte and make his 700th career series start in the 600-mile event at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Johnson is the co-owner of LEGACY MOTOR CLUB, which fields two entries in the NASCAR Cup Series and one part-time entry for Johnson in the No. 84.

Johnson co-holds the record with Dale Earnhardt and Richard Petty for most premier series championships and is the only driver in NASCAR history to win five consecutive titles (2006-10). For two seasons, Johnson competed in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES for Chip Ganassi Racing and qualified in the fourth row at the 2022 Indianapolis 500. Johnson is the only race car driver to be named Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year (2009), an accomplishment that also ties him to Brady.

“I love the Indy 500,” Johnson said. “There is an energy and excitement around the ‘500’ that is unlike anything I have experienced before. Certainly, pre-race ceremonies are the ultimate racing experience that I’ve had outside of the car. I’m thrilled to be a part of the program and to see the stands full one more time. I’m extremely honored to come back and do it and to be able to also share this experience with another seven-time champion.”

Coverage of the 109th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge begins at 10 a.m. ET on FOX, FOX Deportes and the FOX Sports app.

The NTT INDYCAR SERIES is North America’s premier open-wheel racing series with drivers competing at speeds of 200+ mph across a thrilling and demanding set of ovals and road and street circuits.

University of North Carolina at Charlotte Enters into Partnership with Front Row Motorsports

By
Official Release
-

UNC Charlotte To Ride with Layne Riggs in Two CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Events

 MOORESVILLE, N.C. (May 14, 2025)- Front Row Motorsports and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte join forces in a partnership that will bring a new, bold look to Layne Riggs’ No. 34 Ford F-150 in two races for the 2025 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series.

UNC Charlotte’s branding will be featured at the North Wilkesboro Speedway on Saturday, May 17th and then again at the Charlotte Motor Speedway on Friday, May 23rd.

For Riggs, the relationship with the University extends beyond the partnership. In 2024, Riggs earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University while also making his rookie debut in the Truck Series with Front Row Motorsports and earning NASCAR’s Truck Series Rookie of the Year.

“My education is something I take a lot of pride in,” said Riggs. “When I started my journey at Charlotte, I put a big emphasis on taking what I learned in the classroom and applying it to my racing career, something I still do today driving for Front Row Motorsports. Both my crew chief and my engineers have an engineering background, so when I joined the team, I was able to apply my degree in not only SIM sessions but also at the track to help them make the proper adjustments. I owe a lot of my success to my Alma Mater and my former professors, so it’s special to me that I get to represent them on track. Hopefully, I can make current students and professors proud with a trip to Victory Lane.”

“At UNC Charlotte, we don’t just teach motorsports, we’re crafting the future of racing,” said William States Lee College of Engineering’s Harish Cherukuri, Department Chair of Mechanical Engineering. “Layne Riggs is a shining example of what happens when you combine engineering expertise with passion and grit. His success, both in class and on the track, reflects the strength of our hands-on approach and our deep ties to the heart of the motorsports industry right here in Charlotte.”

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte will make their Truck Series debut at the North Wilkesboro Speedway on Saturday May 17th at 1:30 PM ET. Fans can watch the action live on FS1 or listen in from SiriusXM channel 90.

ABOUT UNC CHARLOTTE

More than 31,000 students choose to call North Carolina’s urban research university home. As Charlotte’s only R1 institution, UNC Charlotte drives innovation and discovery in one of the fastest-growing regions in the United States. The University has an award-winning focus on student success, internationally recognized research and creative activity, and a deep commitment to community engagement and cultural vibrancy that makes it one of U.S. News & World Report’s Top 100 Public Universities. Learn more about what’s great—only at Charlotte.

ABOUT FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS

Front Row Motorsports (FRM) is a winning organization in the NASCAR Cup and CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. The team is the 2021 Daytona 500 and 2022 CRAFTSMAN Truck Series champions. The team was founded in 2004 and is owned by successful entrepreneur, Bob Jenkins. FRM fields the No. 4, No. 34, and the No. 38 NASCAR Cup Series teams along with the No. 34 and No. 38 CRAFTSMAN Truck Series teams from its Mooresville, N.C. headquarters. Visit teamfrm.com and follow FRM on social media: Twitter at @Team_FRM, Instagram at @teamfrm and Facebook at facebook.com/FrontRowMotorsports.

CARVANA UNVEILS JIMMIE JOHNSON’S 700TH START TRIBUTE PAINT SCHEME FOR COCA-COLA 600, HONORING NASCAR LEGACY AND FALLEN HEROES

By
Official Release
-

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (May 14, 2025) – Carvana, an industry pioneer for buying and selling used cars online, today unveiled a special paint scheme for NASCAR legend Jimmie Johnson’s No. 84 Toyota, commemorating his historic 700th career start at the upcoming Coca-Cola 600, at the very track where he made his first NASCAR Cup Series start in 2001.

After a strong third-place finish at the 2025 Daytona 500, Johnson returns to Charlotte Motor Speedway, a venue where he has earned eight Cup Series victories, including four in the prestigious Coca-Cola 600. The design honors Johnson’s storied career with Hendrick Motorsports and now as co-owner and driver with LEGACY MOTOR CLUB™. This milestone start is commemorated with a dynamic throwback design featuring Johnson’s signature neon yellow numbers, a nod to his championship-winning No. 48, alongside Carvana’s distinctive branding and American flag-inspired stripes for a modern, patriotic look.

“This special throwback design celebrates Jimmie’s legendary NASCAR career,” said Ryan Keeton, Carvana Co-Founder and Chief Brand Officer. “Reaching 700 starts is a remarkable milestone, and we’re proud to celebrate it alongside him. We’re excited to share this meaningful tribute with fans and honor Jimmie’s lasting legacy in the sport.”

The tribute extends beyond racing history. As part of NASCAR’s “600 Miles of Remembrance” on Memorial Day weekend, Johnson’s No. 84 will carry the name of 1st Lt. Matthew Robert Davis, USMC, a fallen service member selected in partnership with CarVets, Carvana’s Veteran-focused Employee Resource Group, ensuring every lap is run in honor of a hero’s sacrifice.

“To reach my 700th start at the very race and track where my Cup career began makes this moment incredibly special,” said Jimmie Johnson, seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and co-owner of LEGACY MOTOR CLUB™. “It’s a full-circle journey, and to share it with fans on Memorial Day weekend while honoring a fallen service member adds even more meaning.”

Fans can see the No. 84 Carvana Toyota debut during Coca-Cola 600 activities on May 25, with race coverage beginning at 6:00 p.m. ET on Amazon Prime. For exclusive first looks and behind-the-scenes content, follow Carvana Racing on Instagram and X.

ABOUT CARVANA: Carvana’s mission is to change the way people buy and sell cars. Since launching in 2013, Carvana has revolutionized automotive retail and delighted millions of customers with an offering that is fun, fast, and fair. With Carvana, customers can find a car, get financing, trade-in, and complete a purchase entirely online with the convenience of delivery or local pick-up as soon as the same day. Carvana’s unique offering is powered by its passionate team, differentiated national infrastructure, and purpose-built technology.

For more information, please visit www.carvana.com.

ABOUT LEGACY MOTOR CLUB: (LEGACY MC) is a premier auto racing organization co-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 Gazoo 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.

Bommarito Automotive Group 500 Moves to Sunday Primetime on FOX

By
Official Release
-
Madison, IL- during the Bommarito Automotive Group 500 in Madison, Illinois (Photo by Travis Hinkle | IMS Photo)

INDYCAR, FOX Sports Announce Several Broadcast Time Updates for 2025 Season

INDIANAPOLIS (Wednesday, May 14, 2025) – FOX Sports and INDYCAR have announced updates to several broadcast start times for the 2025 INDYCAR season, including a move to a night race for the annual NTT INDYCAR SERIES event at World Wide Technology Raceway. The tune-in time for the Father’s Day Sunday, June 15 Bommarito Automotive Group 500 is now scheduled for 8 p.m. ET on FOX. It is the first-ever scheduled primetime network NTT INDYCAR SERIES race on a Sunday night.

Since its first race in 1997, WWT Raceway has been a fan favorite that has produced intense and thrilling wheel-to-wheel short-track racing, including an event record for most on-track passes in 2024. This year’s edition on the 1.25-mile oval is the first scheduled night race at the track since 2019 and the first to air on primetime broadcast television.

“This is a massive primetime showcase under the lights for the stars of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES,” INDYCAR President J. Douglas Boles said. “This is also a tremendous display of partnership from both FOX Sports and our friends at World Wide Technology Raceway, who’ve worked with us to generate this exciting opportunity for our sport. Race weekend in St. Louis is just a month away, and fans in venue and around the country are in for a real treat when INDYCAR arrives in town.”

Adjustments to broadcast times have also been announced at four other venues.

In collaboration with FOX Sports and INDYCAR promoters, the tune-in time adjustments capitalize on opportunities to further build an audience for North America’s premier open-wheel series. The NTT INDYCAR SERIES is the only premier motorsports series in North America with all races broadcasting live on network television. So far in 2025, the average race audience has grown 15 percent across the NTT INDYCAR SERIES season, significantly higher than comparable trendlines across professional sports.

Updated 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES races (All Times EASTERN):

DateVenueTVPrevious TimeNew Time
Sunday, June 15World Wide Technology RacewayFOX3 p.m.8 p.m.
Sunday, June 22Road AmericaFOX3:30 p.m.1:30 p.m.
Sunday, July 6Mid-Ohio Sports Car CourseFOX2 p.m.1 p.m.
Sunday, July 13Iowa Speedway Race 2FOX2 p.m.1 p.m.
Sunday, July 20Streets of TorontoFOX2 p.m.Noon

The full 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES schedule can be found here.

INDY NXT by Firestone Updates

With broadcast times adjusted for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, times for FOX Sports’ coverage of INDY NXT by Firestone at three venues also have been updated. As part of the new media rights deal between FOX Sports and INDYCAR announced last June, the entire INDY NXT season is available live on television for the first time. In addition to the new times, the adjusted 2025 schedule moves the race at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course from FS2 to FS1 resulting in 13 of the 14 races of the INDY NXT championship to be featured on that network.

INDYCAR NXT by Firestone is also gaining significant momentum through exposure via FS1 and FS2, reaching more than five times its comparable audience from the previous season.

Updated 2025 INDY NXT by Firestone Races (All Times EASTERN):

DateVenueTVPrevious TimeNew Time
Sunday, June 15World Wide Technology RacewayFS1Noon4:30 p.m.
Sunday, June 22Road AmericaFS11 p.m.11 a.m.
Sunday, July 6Mid-Ohio Sports Car CourseFS111:30 a.m.10:30 a.m.

The full 2025 INDY NXT by Firestone schedule can be found here.

The next race in the 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES championship is the 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge Sunday, May 25. Coverage begins at 10 a.m. ET on FOX, FOX Deportes and the FOX Sports app. The award-winning INDYCAR Radio Network is available on SiriusXM channel 218 and the INDYCAR App powered by NTT DATA.

How to Protect Your Car Seats from Kids, Pets, and Spills

By
SM
-

Families with children and dogs might have great difficulty keeping vehicle seats clean and unbroken. Regular activities like eating food inside the car combined with spilled drinks and dirty paws and scratchy claws create quick damage to automotive upholstery surfaces. A combination of strategic protective measures allows you to maintain fresh-looking seats for multiple years until they reach maximum longevity. Careful planning now helps you avoid costly repairs and extensive cleanings down the road.

Common Threats to Your Car Seats

Before you decide on protection, you need to know precisely what can compromise the state of your seats. The primary offenders are:

  1. Spills and stains. Kids regularly spill juice, milk, or snacks; dogs might put dirt, slobber, or water over the seat.
  2. Scratches and tears. Pet claws, pointed toys, even zippers on clothes may scrape or damage the seat material.
  3. Dirt and debris. Shoes, sports gear, and pet hair all help to create grime and smells.
  4. Sun and moisture damage. While moisture from rain-soaked clothing or animals speeds wear, prolonged sunshine may fade and degrade textile or leather.
  5. Pressure marks. If car seats and boosters are laid straight on the seat without a protective covering, they may permanently damage or mark the seat.

Knowing these typical hazards helps you to act early and stop major harm.

Best Protective Accessories for Active Families

Active families that wish to combine convenience with long-term care for their automobiles must choose appropriate extras. Consider these alternatives:

  • Durable seat covers

Investing in durable seat covers is a great way to safeguard the inside of your car. Over your original seats, these covers hide spills, scratches, and daily wear and provide a layer of easily cleaned material. Choose variants that are both waterproof and machine washable for maximum ease.

  • Waterproof liners and mats

Raised edge floor mats help trap dirt, spills, and pet hair before they have time to spread. If you often move outdoor equipment or pets, cargo liners are especially handy.

  • Carrier and pet seat hammocks

Special hammocks stop your dogs from climbing onto the front seat or ruining the upholstery and provide a safe, limited area for them.

  • Backseat organizers

Storage organizers hanging behind the chairs keep toys, books, food, and devices neat, reducing the possibility of spills and accidents from loose objects.

  • Booster seat mats

A protective pad beneath your child’s car seat or booster protects against dents, pressure marks, and dropped food.

  • UV-protective sunshades

Particularly in hot weather, use window coverings that filter off damaging UV light to prevent fading and cracking of your chairs.

The affordable yet basic products are essential for preserving your car’s interior quality. Regular cleaning and maintenance efforts combined with these reasonable measures will deliver exceptional results for creating an appealing driving experience.

1...291292293...6,448Page 292 of 6,448

© SpeedwayMedia.com. All rights reserved.

Site Map

Archives

Popular Category