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Pit Crews Battle for $100,000 During NASCAR Pit Crew Challenge Presented by Mechanix Wear

The winning Joe Gibbs Racing pit crew, including front tire changer Blake Houston, tire carrier Jacob Holmes, jackman Derrell Edwards and fueler Peyton Moore, celebrate their second consecutive NASCAR Pit Crew Challenge victory at North Wilkesboro Speedway in 2024’s Pit Crew Challenge. (NWS/HHP photo)
  • The fan-favorite NASCAR Pit Crew Challenge presented by Mechanix Wear will hit pit road Friday, May 16, as part of the jam-packed NASCAR All-Star Race Week schedule
  • Winning crew receives a signature jack and air gun pit crew trophy and $100,000
  • Race week packages, single-day tickets and camping to all NASCAR All-Star Race Week events are on sale at northwilkesborospeedway.com

NORTH WILKESBORO, N.C. (May 12, 2025) – NASCAR fans already know the names of the stars on track, but in May, the often unsung heroes on pit road will get their moment to shine.

The NASCAR Pit Crew Challenge presented by Mechanix Wear returns to North Wilkesboro Speedway on Friday, May 16, as part of NASCAR All-Star Race Week festivities. Held exclusively at the historic short track, this high-octane, timed pit stop event is more than just a sideshow, it’s a full-blown battle of speed, precision and composure under pressure.

For one night only, the spotlight shifts from the drivers to the crew members, giving fans a front-row seat to the raw adrenaline that happens behind the wall. And the stakes? Huge. The fastest crews don’t just win bragging rights, they secure top starting positions for the Open and heat races for the NASCAR All-Star Race, setting the tone for the weekend. It’s strategy and execution at their rawest, all under the Friday night lights in Wilkes County.

For two consecutive years, the same Joe Gibbs Racing crew has taken top honors. Front tire changer Blake Houston, tire carrier Jacob Holmes, jackman Derrell Edwards and fueler Peyton Moore powered Ty Gibbs to victory in 2023 and helped Christopher Bell win the pole for the 2024 All-Star Race heats on the strength of a 13.223-second pit stop. The crew returns in 2025 alongside Bell, who is already locked into the All-Star field.

“We are excited to defend our back-to-back title in North Wilkesboro,” said Edwards. “It’s a great event to showcase the pit crews. The goal is for the trophy to stay at JGR for as many years as possible. You don’t want to miss it as the 20 (car) pit crew go for three in a row.”

Steeped in history, the Pit Crew Challenge dates back to 1967 at Rockingham Speedway, where it continued until 2003. In 2005, it was reimagined in a bracket-style format and hosted at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte during All-Star Week. Although it was discontinued in 2012, the challenge made a triumphant return in 2023 as a marquee event at North Wilkesboro’s throwback-style All-Star weekend.

“It’s always fun for the guys to have a moment. Every week, they’re in stressful situations and they really don’t get rewarded for any of the good they do, it’s expected,” said RCR Pit Crew Coach Ray Wright. “We look forward to having the ability to just go out there and lay it all on the line and see how fast stuff we can do, so we’re looking forward to it.”

All-Star weekend kicks off with All-Star Friday presented by Raymer Oil, featuring a combined All-Star/Open qualifying session and the Pit Crew Challenge. New this year, pit crews from all entered teams, both All-Star and Open, will be eligible. Open cars will go out first to set the lineup for the Open, followed by All-Star cars to determine the heat race lineups.

Drivers will take the green flag, complete one lap at speed, and on the second lap enter one of two designated pit stalls for a four-tire stop (no fuel). Once complete, they’ll race back to the checkered flag. The qualifying time will be the total elapsed time from the green to the checkered, and the overall fastest team will claim the pole for Heat Race 1 and the All-Star Race.

The pit crew with the fastest stop during the qualifying run (with no penalties) wins the Pit Crew Challenge, receiving the signature pit crew trophy and a $100,000 prize. Timing lines are set one box before and one box after the designated stop areas. Challenge results will also determine pit selection order.

The 2025 NASCAR All-Star Race will feature more on-track action than ever before. In addition to all the NASCAR Cup Series activity, fans can enjoy zMAX CARS Tour feature races both Thursday (The Reverend Whiskey 75) and Friday (Late Model Stock Cars) nights, along with the Window World 250 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race and a Jake Owen concert presented by Raymer Oil on the frontstretch Saturday. Sunday’s racing action begins with the FaithFest Evangelistic Ministries 150 preceding the All-Star Open and All-Star Race.

TICKETS:
May 16-18 NASCAR All-Star Race Week ticket packages — including eight races, the Pit Crew Challenge, Jake Owen concert, and all NASCAR qualifying sessions — start at just $150. 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.

Repeat-Repeat Race Win for Winward Racing at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca

MONTEREY, California – Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Customer Racing team Winward Racing – the reigning IMSA GT Daytona (GTD) class champions – turned in a “perfect” performance for a “repeat-repeat” GTD class race win Sunday in IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship competition at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca (WRLS). The win from fourth on the grid was a GTD class-leading second victory of the season for the Winward No. 57 drivers and second consecutive at WRLS after winning on the 3.238-mile road course for the first time last year. Winward’s first 2025 victory in the 12 Hours of Sebring in March was also a repeat performance after winning the classic endurance at Sebring International Raceway for the second-straight time in March.

Starting driver Ward rolled off from the outside of the second row and immediately began the move to the front right after the green flag dropped. Ward advanced to third on the first lap and pitted from second just before the race’s one-hour mark to hand the No. 57 off to closing driver Ellis.

After an on-point and well executed pit stop by the Winward Racing crew, Ellis returned to the race as the rest of the GTD field and leading contenders dashed into the pits for their stops. As the full-field pit cycle completed, Ellis moved into first place to take a race lead he would essentially hold to the finish.

Ellis and the Winward team were among the earliest to pit for second and final stops just over an hour from the finish, but they once again were back up front and in the GTD lead at the end of the pit cycle. Ellis maintained a steady gap on the field in the final run the checkered flag, crossing the finish line with a 5.459 second margin of victory.

Winward came into the WRLS race with a 91-point lead in the GTD driver and team championship standings and leaves Monterey with an increased 124-point margin in both championships, 1,372 – 1,248, over the nearest challengers.

The weekend’s success also returned Mercedes-AMG to the top of the GTD manufacturer championship rankings, but more than the Winward victory played a role in AMG leading that championship for the second time this season.

The No. 32 Korthoff Competition Motors Mercedes-AMG GT3 team, and co-drivers Seth Lucas and Kenton Koch, used a reverse driver qualifying and race strategy that produced the team’s first pole of the year and a season-best finish in the Pro-Am-structured GTD class.

The 35 points earned for Koch’s pole was enough to put Mercedes-AMG back in the GTD manufacturer championship lead, and Winward added to the margin with the race win. Mercedes-AMG now has a 95-point lead over the nearest challenger, 1,404 – 1,309.

Korthoff Competition shifted from the usual GTD protocol of teams qualifying and starting the race with their “Am” or sportsman drivers before the professional drivers take over for the fight to the finish.

Koch won the pole in Saturday qualifying and twice led the GTD field in a double driving stint to open the race. Lucas, 18, took over with an hour to go and returned to the race in third, a position he capably held until the final race lap when one of the top professional international GT drivers in the world pulled off a pass for the final podium spot.

While Lucas was justifiably a bit disappointed after coming so close to a top-three result, he and his first-year Korthoff Competition teammates celebrated the fourth-place showing that topped last month’s sixth place at Long Beach as their best finish to date.

Combined, the Winward and Korthoff Competition Mercedes-AMG GT3 teams led 88 of the 114-lap GTD race, the most laps up front for any manufacturer in any of the race’s three competing classes.

Next up for Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Customer Racing teams in IMSA competition is the Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen at Watkins Glen International, June 19 – 22.

Russell Ward, Driver – No. 57 Winward Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3: “In order to win one of these races you really just have to have perfect execution. The Winward Racing team is always the best, and Philip and I did a good job keeping out of trouble. I mean, we don’t have a scratch on the car, and I was happy to do my part with a pretty decent qualifying position and a good start. The Mercedes-AMG GT3 performs really well at this place, and so does Winward Racing. It all just came together for us today and it was great to win here again.”

Philip Ellis, Driver – No. 57 Winward Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3: “I think we had the perfect race. We knew we had to have long stints with all green racing, and that was our strong suit today. Some of the other competitors were strong out of the box on new tires, but the Mercedes-AMG GT3 is the best at long runs. Then we just needed a great strategy, to keep the car clean and have very good pit stops. We had some good out laps from the pits and were able to just jump everybody and lead in clean air. I just had to hold the position after the team put me in front, and Russell had a great opening stint and picked up two positions for us. So, from our side, just a perfect race.”

Seth Lucas, Driver – No. 32 Korthoff Competition Motors Mercedes-AMG GT3: “I would have taken one finishing position more, but it was fun. Coming out here, it was my first time at Laguna, I have never been here before, so it was interesting. I didn’t have as much driving time before the race as I would have liked, but that’s racing. We had a great starting position, and we were P1 when I got in, but I was careful on the new cold tires out of the pits and dropped to third, which I held for a while. I had a couple battles with some people, just raced with all the fast guys, got some experience with how they treat you and how aggressive you have to be. A new experience on a new track and it was a good time.”

Kenton Koch, Driver – No. 32 Korthoff Competition Motors Mercedes-AMG GT3: “Maybe there was some question outside of the team on the strategy, but I had full faith in the Korthoff Competition team decision, and it made sense. This race has been known to go green for long periods of time, that was what we needed to happen, and it did. We were green the whole time. We were able to execute the strategy we planned, and it worked out. It ended up being a good deal. Seth got thrown to the wolves and had to battle against some of the top-level GT guys in the country and from all over the world. Seth defended his entire stint and kept the competition behind him through all the GTP traffic, and it was awesome to see. It was so cool to watch.”

WIX® Filters Is Gearing Up as Associate Sponsor for Dreyer and Reinbold Racing at the 2025 Indianapolis 500

GASTONIA, N.C. – WIX Filters has been named an official associate sponsor of Dreyer and Reinbold Racing (DRR) for the upcoming 2025 Indianapolis 500 on May 25th.

WIX Filters will be partnering with the No. 23 and No. 24 cars, driven by Ryan Hunter-Reay and Jack Harvey. The WIX Filters logo will be present on the DRR Indy cars, drivers and crews, as well as on the interiors and exteriors of DRR garages at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Gasoline Alley.

“WIX Filters is known far and wide in the racing community, not just with drivers, but with the fans as well,” said Dennis Reinbold, team owner of Dreyer and Reinbold Racing. “It was a no-brainer to invite them back as an associate sponsor. They have proven time and time again that they are dedicated to the motorsports community, showing their unwavering support both on and off the racetrack.”

WIX Filters has served as an associate sponsor for DRR for many years, dating as far back as 2011. This year’s sponsorship reaffirms WIX Filter’s dedication to supporting excellence in motorsports and the racing community, backed by a history of successful partnerships and accomplishments.

“The Indianapolis 500, also known as The Greatest Spectacle in Racing, is one of the most prestigious and respected events in motor racing,” said Carmina Lopez, marketing manager of WIX Filters. “Dreyer and Reinbold Racing is the epitome of what WIX Filters stands for. The drivers—and the fans who support them—are resilient, hardworking individuals who share our commitment to performing under pressure.”

WIX Filters will be present at both qualifying and race weekend and will be scheduling activations for each of these events.

About Dreyer and Reinbold Racing
Dreyer & Reinbold Racing was founded in 1999 by Indianapolis car dealer Dennis Reinbold. The legacy of the Dreyer and Reinbold family dates back to the 1920s with Reinbold’s grandfather, the legendary Floyd “Pop” Dreyer, a former Indian factory motorcycle racer. Dreyer served as a crewman and mechanic on the famed Duesenberg team. Dreyer went on to build Indy 500 cars in the 1930s, many of which started on the front row. In addition, Dreyer constructed championship-winning sprint cars and midgets. Dreyer & Reinbold Racing captured its first win in 2000 with driver Robbie Buhl at Walt Disney World Speedway in Orlando, FL, and has fielded a variety of drivers, including Al Unser Jr., Buddy Rice, Buddy Lazier, Sarah Fisher, Ryan Hunter-Reay and J.R. Hildebrand. Dreyer & Reinbold Racing has successfully qualified 48 drivers for the Indy 500 in its history. DRR competed in Rallycross for the first time in 2015 and captured the 2016 Lites rallycross championship. The team competed in the Nitro RX series with a 1-2-3 Championship win in the 2022-23 Nitro RX Group E class with Robin Larrson, Andreas Bakkerud and Fraser McConnell.

About WIX Filters
Since 1939, WIX Filters has been an innovator in filtration products. WIX Filters designs, manufactures and distributes products for automotive, diesel, agricultural, industrial and specialty filter markets. Its product line includes oil, air, cabin interior, fuel, coolant, transmission and hydraulic filters for automobiles, trucks, off-road equipment and manufacturing applications.

For more information, visit www.wixfilters.com.

Flying Lizard Motorsports Celebrates Triple Podium Weekend at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca

MONTEREY, Calif. (May 12, 2025) – It was a victorious weekend in California for Flying Lizard Motorsports, as the iconic team secured three podium finishes across two action-packed rounds of Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Highlighted by a win in Race One for the No. 14 Sparklefarts Lamborghini Huracán Super Trofeo EVO2, the team continued its momentum in Race Two with a double podium, finishing second and third.

Race One

Slade Stewart took the green flag in Race One from 11th position in the No. 14 Sparklefarts Lamborghini, while Marc Miller started from second in the No. 41 entry. A full-course caution slowed the action early, but not before Stewart had already picked up two positions and Miller held strong in the top three. Once the race resumed with 34 minutes remaining the pit lane window opened. Miller took advantage of his speed and stayed out as long as possible, working his way up to first overall, followed by the team executing a well-timed driver change. Stewart handed the wheel to Andy Lee, and Miller switched out with Paul Nemschoff in the No. 41.

Lee immediately went on the attack, storming through the field with precision. With just eight minutes remaining, he surged into the lead and never looked back, claiming a hard-fought victory at the same track where he and Stewart celebrated their first win together in 2024. Nemschoff held off heavy pressure in the closing laps to secure a solid seventh-place finish for the No. 41.

Race Two

Sunday’s Race Two saw Lee start from third and Nemschoff from tenth. Both drivers delivered clean, strategic opening stints, with Lee advancing to second and Nemschoff moving up several positions. As the pit window approached, Lee closed in on the class leader, maintaining pressure before handing the Sparklefarts car to Stewart. Miller took over for Nemschoff and re-entered in eighth position.

A full-course yellow with 15 minutes remaining reset the field, setting up a nail-biting sprint to the finish. When the green flag flew with seven minutes to go, Miller charged forward, delivering a thrilling drive to secure second place. Stewart followed closely, bringing the No. 14 home in third, adding a second podium to the team’s tally for the weekend.

Flying Lizard Motorsports will look to carry this momentum into the next rounds of the Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America championship at Watkins Glen International June 19-22 , with eyes firmly set on the championship title.

About Flying Lizard Motorsports

Flying Lizard Motorsports is a premier motorsport team known for its unwavering commitment to excellence and success on the racing circuit. With a rich history spanning over two decades, Flying Lizard Motorsports has earned a formidable reputation as a powerhouse in the world of motorsports, boasting 24 championship titles and a legacy of podium finishes across North America and at the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans. Fueled by passion, expertise, and a relentless drive for perfection, the team continues to push boundaries and set new standards of performance in every competition it enters. Through strategic partnerships and a dedicated team of professionals, Flying Lizard Motorsports remains at the forefront of motorsport innovation, delivering thrilling racing experiences and unforgettable moments for fans worldwide.

Apex Motor Club

Apex Motor Club is Arizona’s premier motorsports club located just 35 miles southwest of Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport and the only private motorsports club located within a major metropolitan area. APEX is the ultimate country club for automotive enthusiasts where car culture, racing and country club lifestyles converge. Enjoy an hour of track time in your latest acquisition, drive off track, into your privately-owned garage and join like- minded enthusiasts in the clubhouse for food, beverages, and activities.

APEX Motor Club features only the best in racing technology. The APEX phase one track is a 2.27-mile circuit with an additional 2.15-mile circuit in phase 2, beginning construction in 2023. APEX is paved using the latest techniques and premium materials, creating the smoothest and most durable racing surface, rarely found on most race tracks.

Furthermore, APEX incorporated extensive run off and installed an LED flag-lighting system to offer members a premium and safe racing atmosphere.

APEX has something for everyone from world-class racing circuits to private collection tours, as well as a clubhouse with amenities including a swimming pool, fitness center, restaurant and more. The APEX experience offers everything from the APEX Academy, which not only teaches members their new track, but provides the fundamentals in performance driving techniques, to private one-on-one coaching with industry experts and racing professionals. In addition, APEX features on-site fueling and offers concierge-level service for preparing your vehicle prior to as well as during lapping and racing sessions. The APEX off-track experience is just as valuable! APEX members enjoy special invitations to a variety of unique experiences throughout the valley and country all year long.

Website: www.apexmotorclub.com.

Louis-Philippe Dumoulin Confident Ahead of NASCAR Canada Season Opener This Weekend

© Dumoulin Compétition
EventClarington 200
TrackCanadian Tire Motorsport Park, May 18th, 2025
BroadcastREVTV (live) | TVA Sports (tape delayed)
Race2:00 PM E.T. – nascar.ca/race-center/

Trois-Rivières (Quebec), May 12, 2025.– The 2025 NASCAR Canada Series season will kick off this weekend on the Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (Mosport) road course, in Ontario. A legendary track where three-time series champion Louis-Philippe Dumoulin has won numerous races, including his most recent victory to date in NASCAR Canada. This upcoming season is eagerly anticipated by Dumoulin and his team, especially as it marks the beginning of a new three-year agreement with his title partner, WeatherTech Canada.

“I’m extremely proud to represent WeatherTech Canada. I’ve always been motivated to win races with their colors, and this new season gives me confidence. I want to start our new partnership strong! We recently carried out testing with our road course car and it looks like we found several issues that affected our performance during the 2024 season. We’ve been able to resolve them, and that’s promising for the new season — the car is really solid,” explains Louis-Philippe Dumoulin, who adds: “Anyone who’s tasted victory in this series wants to win the championship — it’s only natural. In my case, considering the incredibly high level of competition we can expect again this season in NASCAR Canada, my goal is to stay among the front-runners and take every opportunity to win again.”

To date, Dumoulin has 82 Top 5s and 124 Top 10s in NASCAR Canada over 166 races. An exceptional average that doesn’t add extra pressure for the driver of the #47 WeatherTech Canada | Groupe Bellemare | Omnifab car: “Winning a fourth title is definitely a goal, but you have to take things race by race. Each one is different. Enjoying the performance is also one of the missions for me and the entire Dumoulin Compétition team. It’s a bit like hockey — if you focus too much on the Stanley Cup, you might forget to have fun. In my case, I want to approach the 2025 season with the goal of winning races, thrilling our fans with exciting races, and then we’ll seize any opportunities that arise to aim for the championship.”

So far, the Trois-Rivières native has led 895 laps in NASCAR Canada. Reaching the 1,000-lap mark could very well happen this year. “Top 5s, podiums, wins — that’s our mission. The fact that the season begins at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park is also a plus. I love that track with its long and fast corners. It suits NASCAR Canada cars perfectly and allows for great overtaking. For the fans, it’s just a wonderful place. The weather can do anything there — it’s a microclimate. So, we have to take that into account, but one thing is clear: I can’t wait to be there and get the 2025 season started,” concludes the driver of the #47 WeatherTech Canada | Groupe Bellemare | Omnifab car.

ABOUT PARTNERS

WeatherTech is committed to designing, engineering and manufacturing the finest products possible for your vehicle, home and your pet. From the industry leading FloorLiner to the 100% non-toxic Pet Feeding System, WeatherTech has dedicated itself to exceed customer expectations of quality, craftsmanship and environmental sustainability for over 30 years. To see the full line of automotive, home and pet products that are guaranteed for life, visit weathertech.ca

Groupe Bellemare is a 3rd generation family business that has been serving clients since 1959. Today, the company has more than 500 employees and provides them with an innovative work environment facilitating work-family balance and a healthy and safe quality of life. With over a half century of experience and its sustained R&D efforts, the Company offers high-quality products and services in areas as diverse as concrete, abrasives and minerals, dimensional load transportation, and recycling. Groupe Bellemare is also very involved in its industry and attaches great importance to its social and environmental role as a member of the business community. Groupe Bellemare makes a positive contribution to the quality of life of citizens in the communities it serves by supporting numerous social causes and promoting local purchasing through its responsible procurement practices. For more information, visit groupebellemare.com

Omnifab has joined Dumoulin Compétition in June 2023. In less than twenty years, Omnifab has made its place in the mechanical manufacturing industry in Quebec. They have earned this place by offering a unique turnkey solution to large companies and SMEs that want to modernize their production line or have their industrial equipment repaired. No matter your industry, you can count on Omnifab team to manufacture custom industrial machinery or solve your mechanical problems with great precision, in a timely manner and with quality components, as pledged. Visit omnifab.ca for more information.

Rousseau Metal has been manufacturing high-quality products for 70 years. Over the years the company become known as a leader in storage solutions. The quality, durability and reliability of their products have earned them a reputation as being among the best in the industry. Over the years, the quality of Rousseau products and excellence of the company’s business practices have been recognized through various certifications and membership in industrial and automotive organizations. To learn more about the company and its products, visit rousseau.com

Dumoulin Competition

Jean-François and Louis-Philippe Dumoulin founded the Dumoulin Competition Race Team in 2009. Working with financial, marketing, logistics and sports management experts, they built up a solid business structure. Dumoulin Competition prepares its own race cars in-house since 2016. Their motto: “Passion – Performance – Partnerships” expresses their will to perform on the track and offer their partners maximum visibility and profitability in return for their commitment. Their vision: To become Canada’s leader in motorsports through on-track performance, an entrepreneurial spirit and human values. dumoulincompetition.com

RFK Racing Continues Upward Trajectory With Strong Kansas Performance

Ryan Preece 7th, Chris Buescher 8th, Brad Keselowski 37th

Kansas City, KS (May 11, 2025) – Heading into NASCAR’s All-Star Race next weekend, RFK Racing appears poised for a strong run in the second half of the season. For the third straight week, the organization showcased impressive speed – this time at Kansas Speedway. All three drivers delivered strong performances. Ryan Preece charged from deep in the field to finish seventh, Chris Buescher continued his consistent run with a hard-fought eighth-place result, while Brad Keselowski rocketed from 36th to the front before a late-race tire failure dashed his hopes of a win. RFK’s performance continues to trend upward.

No. 60 – Ryan Preece

Ryan Preece delivered another strong performance Sunday, earning a hard-fought seventh-place finish at Kansas Speedway in the No. 60 Body Guard Ford Mustang. The result marked his fourth top-10 of the season reflecting both the team’s strategic execution and the car’s race pace.

After starting 30th, Preece’s climb began early when crew chief Derrick Finley made a key strategy call under a caution on lap six. Opting for four fresh tires while much of the field stayed out, the move paid immediate dividends. On the ensuing restart, Preece surged through traffic, breaking into the top 10 within just 15 laps. He completed Stage One in seventh, collecting three valuable stage points.

Preece restarted seventh to begin Stage Two and didn’t waste time making moves. An aggressive three-wide pass gained him two positions, briefly placing him inside the top five. As tire wear increased, he adjusted his line to the top groove, using it effectively to hold track position. He wrapped up the stage in 10th, earning another stage point and positioning himself for a strong final run.

The No. 60 team came through on pit road during the stage break, gaining Preece four spots to restart sixth. He took advantage of multiple cautions, and a perfectly executed restart on lap 230 enabled him to jump to fourth. On the final green-flag run, Preece managed tire wear and maintained rhythm, holding his position in the top 10 through the checkered flag. He scored a seventh-place finish, matching his second-best result of the season and continuing his upward momentum.

“I thought we did a really good job in the first stage, and we had a really good car that was able to stay up front for most of the day,” Preece said. “Once we put everything together, we’re going to be really good.”

No. 17 – Chris Buescher

A blistering fast qualifying run on Saturday – just shy of the pole – had Chris Buescher starting on the front row for Sunday’s race in Kansas. That qualifying speed carried over into the race’s first stage, as the Kroger/Kleenex Ford battled closely with the leaders. As the laps clicked off, Buescher attacked the corners aggressively. Progressively, though, the car became loose, forcing him to temporarily adopt a more conservative approach. He finished Stage One in 11th.

Crew chief Scott Graves called the No. 17 to pit road for adjustments between stages. While the stop cost some track position, the changes paid off, giving Buescher a better feel for the car. Restarting 17th, he soon radioed in that the adjustments gave him more security in the corners. He reclaimed several spots during the stage and climbed back to 13th.

Beginning Stage Three, Buescher felt confident with the car’s speed and balance. However, midway through the final segment, the car began to shake. During the next round of pit stops, Graves called for a shock adjustment. Although the repair cost time on pit road, it resolved the issue. Buescher was once again able to attack and steadily worked his way forward, ultimately finishing eighth – his sixth top-10 finish of the season.

“We had a pretty solid day. Definitely had some speed, and I’m pretty proud of that,” said Buescher. “Especially coming off of Texas. That’s two weeks in a row where we’ve had a lot of potential in the car. It was a fun day for us overall.”

No. 6 – Brad Keselowski

Sometimes, results don’t tell the whole story – and that was definitely the case for Brad Keselowski on Sunday. Keselowski came to the heartland looking for his third career Kansas Speedway win, and for much of the race, that goal looked achievable.

Due to a flat left-rear tire during practice that caused unrepairable damage before qualifying, Keselowski was forced to start 36th. But starting position proved to be deceptive. From the drop of the green flag, the Kroger/Alegra Ford showed speed, charging through the field. Keselowski picked up a remarkable 22 positions to finish Stage One in 14th.

More of the same followed in Stage Two. Speed was not an issue – practice times on Saturday (prior to the tire issue) had shown him with the fastest average speed. Drawing on that pace, plus the experience that helped him earn two previous Kansas wins, Keselowski continued climbing and finished Stage Two in sixth, 30 positions better than where he began.

Expectations rose entering the final stage, as Keselowski found his way to the front. With fewer than 100 laps to go, he had completely overcome his starting position and was running second, challenging for the lead. Unfortunately, another tire issue – a right-front failure – sent him hard into the wall, ending what had been a remarkably promising day.

“We blew a tire, and the next thing you know, we were in the fence. The good thing is we had speed and contended for the win. We’re doing all the right things; it just didn’t come together,” said Keselowski, who was scored 37th. “Today was a step forward for us even though the finishing order didn’t show it.”

Up Next:

North Wilkesboro Speedway (North Wilkesboro, NC): Sunday, May 18, 2025

NASCAR All-Star Open – 5:30 PM ET on FS1
NASCAR All-Star Race – 8:00 PM ET on FS1

About RFK Racing
RFK Racing, in its 38th season in 2025, features an ownership lineup pairing one of the sport’s most iconic names, Jack Roush, along with NASCAR Champion Brad Keselowski and Fenway Sports Group owner John Henry. Roush initially founded the team in 1988, and it has since become one of the most successful racing operations in the world, propelling him to be the first NASCAR owner to amass 300 wins and capturing eight championships, including back-to-back NASCAR Cup titles in 2003 and 2004. Keselowski, a former owner in the NASCAR Truck Series, is the 2012 NASCAR Cup Series Champion. In 2007, Roush partnered with Henry, who also owns Major League Baseball’s Boston Red Sox, English Premier League’s Liverpool F.C., and the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins, to form Roush Fenway Racing. Off the track, RFK is a leader and proven winner in NASCAR marketing solutions, having produced multiple award-winning social media, digital content, and experiential marketing campaigns. Visit rfkracing.com and follow the team on all social platforms @rfkracing.

Team Penske NASCAR Cup Series Race Report – Kansas 1

AdventHealth 400 – Kansas Speedway
Kansas City, Kan. – May 11, 2025

AUSTIN CINDRIC No. 2 MENARDS/ATLAS FORD MUSTANG
START: 13TH STAGE 1: 5TH STAGE 2: 22ND FINISH: 11TH POINTS: 14TH
RACE RUNDOWN: Austin Cindric and the No. 2 Menards/Atlas Ford Mustang team overcame a pit road penalty to come home with an 11th-place finish in Sunday’s AdventHealth 400 at Kansas Speedway. Cindric started 13th and stayed out under a lap 14 caution. He reported the balance of his Ford Mustang was on the snug side. Happy with his restart fire-off balance, Cindric worked his way to fifth by the end of Stage 1. Cindric started Stage 2 from the sixth position and got loose in pack of cars on the restart, subsequently falling back to 13th. A green flag stop on lap 120 for Cindric and the No. 2 team unfortunately resulted in a penalty for an uncontrolled tire as he went on to finish Stage 2 in the 22nd position. The final stage saw multiple early cautions which enabled the Menards/Atlas team to take the wave around to rejoin the lead lap prior to the final run of the afternoon. Cindric eventually got back on equal tires to the leaders and came back to finish 11th.

CINDRIC’S THOUGHTS: “It was good to get stage points in the first stage and make our way through the field. We had an unfortunate tire roll there that put us in the back. Fortunately we got a caution at the right time to take the wave around. I don’t think 11th was as good as our Menards/Atlas Ford Mustang was, but it was a solid effort and solid points. Another mile-and-a-half track with a lot of speed but kind of hoping for a little more.”

RYAN BLANEY No. 12 WURTH FORD MUSTANG
START: 10TH STAGE 1: 4TH STAGE 2: 3RD FINISH: 3RD POINTS: 5TH
RACE RUNDOWN: Ryan Blaney made a late charge Sunday at Kansas to come away with a third-place finish, marking his fourth top-five result in the last five races. The Würth Ford Mustang proved to be one of the better long-run cars on the afternoon as Blaney turned in a fourth-place finish in Stage 1 before crossing the line third in Stage 2. Following a caution on lap 192, the No. 12 team gained Blaney a pair of spots on pit road during its four tire stop as he lined up on the outside of row two with 67 laps to go. The caution flag flew on the opening lap of the next three restarts before the field took the green flag one last time with 49 laps remaining, allowing Blaney to put his long run speed on full display. The Würth Ford began to charge to the front of the field in the closing laps – cutting the deficit to the leader down to under two seconds with two to go – but Blaney ultimately settled for third, matching a career-best finish at Kansas.

BLANEY’S THOUGHTS: “Yeah, overall good day. I think we were third in both stages and finished third and, honestly, we were kind of running those guys down quick there at the end the last handful of laps. I just kind of restarted too far back and had to make up a lot of ground. But really proud of the 12 boys today. Appreciate the Würth Group being on board for it, Menards, BODYARMOR, DEX Imaging, everybody. Really good last couple weeks bringing fast race cars. Hopefully we can continue to do that, keep learning and move forward, but overall a really good weekend.”

JOEY LOGANO No. 22 SHELL-PENNZOIL FORD MUSTANG
START: 5TH STAGE 1: 9TH STAGE 2: 12TH FINISH: 9TH POINTS: 9TH
RACE RUNDOWN: Joey Logano turned in a top-10 finish Sunday afternoon at Kansas, wheeling the No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil Ford Mustang to a ninth-place result. After starting fifth, Logano dealt with a loose-handling condition during the opening run that saw him take the green-and-white checkered flag ninth in Stage 1. Logano continued to maintain top-10 pace in the second segment despite a 12th-place result in Stage 2, but the No. 22 team got him back in the mix by gaining four spots on pit road during the stage caution. A caution on lap 192 saw the leaders hit pit road one last time and the 22 crew delivered again, picking up three more spots on the four tire stop to allow Logano to restart on the second row with 67 laps remaining. Logano battled for the lead on the following three restarts as multi-car incidents unraveled one after the other before the field lined up one last time with 49 laps to go. The No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil Ford was shuffled out of the front of the field in the outside lane, but Logano battled back over the course of the final run to secure a top-10 result.

LOGANO’S THOUGHTS: “This Shell-Pennzoil team battled all day long. We had a chance to control the race on a couple of those late restarts but we’ll take a top-10 and build on it. The 22 crew was on it today and got us the track position we needed to have a shot at the front. Great day for those guys on pit road.”

The NASCAR Cup Series heads to North Wilkesboro Speedway for All-Star Weekend. The weekend kicks off with qualifying and the Pit Crew Challenge on Friday, May 16 at 6 p.m. ET on FS1 ahead of two, 75-lap heat races on Saturday beginning at 5 p.m. ET on FS2. The 100-lap All-Star Open will take place on Sunday, May 18 at 5 p.m. ET on FS1 before the All-Star Race gets underway at 8 p.m. ET on FS1.

The Weird Start to the 2025 Formula One Season

Image by Michael Kastelic from Pixabay

Excitement was at an all-time high ahead of the start of the 2025 Formula One season. Reigning four-time world champion Max Verstappen suddenly appeared vulnerable to the blisteringly quick McLarens. Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari had fans dreaming that the GOAT could claim a record-breaking eighth world championship. But seemingly out of nowhere, a new contender has emerged. Oscar Piastri, the Australian, is in just his third season in the sport, and many considered him to be McLaren‘s second-tier driver behind team lead Lando Norris.

Piastri Builds an Early Lead 

Following the recent Miami Grand Prix, Piastri has already amassed a 16-point lead at the top of the driver standings, prompting online gambling sites to install him as the favorite to win the world championship. But how has the 24-year-old placed himself in such a strong position? 

The championship leader spun in the opening race of the season in Melbourne. That untimely mistake saw Piastri finish ninth, while Norris emerged victorious. Piastri, however, would strike back and won the second race of the season in China, before Verstappen’s victory in Japan turned the title race into a three-way fight. This kind of situation created a point of conflict among the fans of the three on who deserves the title the most; however, regardless of who you root for, the Bet365 bonus code can come in handy for the upcoming races, providing the newly registered users a head start with a deposit match-up.

Three straight victories in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Miami have seen Piastri claim top spot in the championship standings. His most recent triumph was perhaps the most impressive, as he battled his way past pole-sitter Verstappen and ultimately on to victory.

Hamilton’s Ferrari Move Becomes a Nightmare 

In the preseason, all the talk revolved around Lewis Hamilton’s blockbuster move from Mercedes to Ferrari. The British superstar has claimed six of his seven world championships with the Silver Arrows, helping build a dynasty unlike before.

However, following his failure to claim an eighth world championship in 2021, in controversial fashion, Mercedes’ vice-like grip over the rest of the grid was weakened, allowing Red Bull and Verstappen to take center stage. 

The States Interest 

Following Logan Sargeant’s departure from Williams at the end of last season after two disappointing years in the cockpit, no American driver is lined up on the grid this season.

Outside of Haas, numerous American races are scheduled for the 2025 calendar. The Miami Grand Prix has just taken place, while further races in Austin and Las Vegas are scheduled for later in the year. 

The First 5 Upgrades Every Stock F-150 Owner Should Prioritize

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The Ford F-150 is built to handle just about anything—tough job sites, weekend getaways, rugged trails—but with a few smart upgrades, it can feel like an entirely new machine. Picture your F-150 rumbling down a backroad with a deeper growl, gripping the trail with serious authority, and turning heads with a tougher stance. A few targeted changes are all it takes to bring out the truck’s full personality.

Out of the factory, the stock F-150 delivers solid performance, durability, and comfort. Still, many owners see even more potential waiting to be unlocked. Fine-tuning performance, sharpening style, and adding extra capability starts with a handful of upgrades designed to match your driving style and your goals behind the wheel.

Upgrade Your Exhaust System for Better Sound and Style

Changing the exhaust system is a great first step for truck enthusiasts. A performance exhaust can seriously improve engine sound, giving it a deeper, more aggressive tone that grabs attention. Materials like stainless steel or a stylish F150 exhaust tip adds toughness while making the truck look sharper. These parts resist rust and wear, handling all kinds of driving conditions without losing their edge.

Going for a muffler delete or a performance muffler cuts back pressure, making the throttle feel quicker. This upgrade leads to a more responsive, exciting drive. With these improvements, owners will notice a big jump in how the truck sounds and moves.

Install a Performance Cold Air Intake for More Throttle Response

Upgrading to a performance cold air intake is an easy way to add a noticeable kick to your F-150. By pulling in cooler, denser air, aftermarket systems improve combustion and help the engine breathe more freely. The result is quicker throttle response, stronger acceleration, and a livelier feel across all driving conditions. 

Most kits are installed with basic tools and feature reusable filters that cut down on maintenance costs, especially for drivers who spend time on dusty trails. A well-chosen intake keeps your truck running strong while adding serious energy to your everyday drive.

Replace Stock Tires with All-Terrain or Performance Tires

Stock tires on the F-150 are usually made with comfort first, but they might not be ready for real adventures. Swapping them for all-terrain tires can completely change the truck’s grip on different surfaces. These tires shine on loose gravel, wet roads, and rocky paths, helping drivers stay in control wherever they go.

Stronger sidewalls in all-terrain tires also lower the chance of blowouts—important for anyone who loves off-roading. Plus, picking the right size aftermarket tires gives the truck a tougher, more rugged look. Upgrading tires delivers real benefits for everyday driving and weekend getaways into the wild.

Upgrade the Suspension with Leveling Kits or Shocks

Stock suspensions on F-150s often lean forward, favoring towing but not always looking the best. Using a front leveling kit straightens out the stance, giving the truck a stronger, more balanced appearance. This change also makes it easier to tackle different terrains.

Quality shocks and a pairing leveling kit makes a huge difference in how the truck feels on and off the road. It softens rough rides during off-road trips and makes space for bigger tires without needing complicated adjustments. Checking out trusted brands helps make sure the upgrades fit right and perform well, making every trip smoother.

Add a Tonneau Cover for Utility, Protection, and Better MPG

Adding a tonneau cover brings a lot of practical perks to the F-150. It protects cargo from rain, snow, and sun, keeping gear safe and dry. Different styles are available—hard-folding ones for extra strength or low-profile roll-up types for easier access. No matter which style you choose, a cover helps the truck bed look cleaner and more organized.

It also helps with gas mileage by making the truck more aerodynamic and cutting down drag at highway speeds. Some high-end covers can even hold extra gear on top, making them perfect for camping trips or long drives. A tonneau cover is a simple way to boost both utility and mileage.

Upgrading your Ford F-150 isn’t just about adding new parts—it’s about unlocking everything the truck is capable of. The roar of a better exhaust, the sharper punch from a cold air intake, and the confidence of tougher tires bring real changes you’ll feel every time you drive. A leveled suspension and a sturdy tonneau cover add even more strength and practicality to your setup. Start with one or two upgrades that fit your style and needs, and watch your F-150 transform. Ready to take the first step? Choose your first upgrade and feel the difference on your next drive.

Betting Types & Tips to Succeed at Racing Sportsbook Platforms

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It’s hard to think of something more exciting than racing. Sure, this isn’t necessarily about Formula 1, which can get a bit boring and repetitive, but it’s mainly about other forms of racing, whether they involve cars or motorcycles.

Fans got high speeds, thrilling duels, and tight competition, let alone the unpredictable outcomes. That’s probably why the betting industry has also become so popular lately. Pretty much every sportsbook platform NuxGame includes different types of racing bets these days.

And if you run such a business or are thinking of opening one, you need to make sure your punters get all the possible bets they may think of. After all, that’s one of the reasons behind the success associated with major platforms. Diversity is the key.

With these thoughts in mind, here are some useful types of bets you need to consider adding to ensure you keep on top of other sports betting platforms and keep your customers entertained.

Different sportsbook software providers and sportsbook websites have different bets. Some of them go even further, only to draw more interest and get more customers. However, some bets are more common and easy to find pretty much everywhere.

These are basically the core of your platform, so make sure they don’t miss, regardless of the competition, country, or type of racing.

  • Race winner: This is a classic for most sportsbook platform providers. It’s the simplest type of bet and allows customers to place a wager on who they think will win the race. Odds can give them a good idea about the favorite, too.
  • Podium finish: Motor racing competitions are often difficult to predict, despite having some favorites. If your customers aren’t confident to bet on the race winner, they can also place a wager on the podium finish. Basically, this bet covers the first three positions, so make sure to include it.
  • Matchups: Often available as head-to-head matchups, these bets normally give players two different racers who are quite similar in terms of odds. Players have to decide which one of them will finish in a higher position. Normally, this bet offers some customization, so you may have a word to say when picking the matchups. Customization varies from one platform to another.
  • Pole position: Which rider or racer could qualify first? Not all competitions have this type of qualification race, so players may not always find it. It’s like a race winner, but it’s only for the qualification round. When you run a betting platform, you need to make it one of your priorities, as it gains more and more popularity.
  • Futures: Almost every turnkey sportsbook solution will allow this type of bet. It relates to the long-term winner of a competition. Obviously, betting at the beginning of the tournament will give punters higher odds. They can also bet later on, but odds may decrease proportionally. As a business owner, you need to ensure you offer it for most competitions, leagues, or tournaments.

Several Aspects to Consider Before Choosing a Software Provider

There are quite a few things to pay attention to when looking for a turnkey sportsbook for motor racing.

For example, whether it comes to car or motorcycle racing, players need to consider their form. Make sure your platform offers access to news, statistics, historical performance, and so on. You want to keep people on your platform, rather than have them look elsewhere for info.

Weather conditions may also make a difference. Some riders or drivers perform better in rainy conditions. But at the same time, rainy conditions can also bring in even more volatility, as crashes are more likely to occur. Tire choices are extremely important as well.

Including such data in racing insights will showcase your dedication to excellent customer service, so your customers are more likely to stick. The same goes for the track.

Most turnkey sport & entertainment websites won’t give out such details, but some circuits are relatively tight and require excellent maneuverability and skills. Some others are more about high speeds, rather than maneuverability. Including this data in your insights will show your customers that you care.

Last, but not least, include some data about the team as well. Different teams have different strategies. Besides, some teams have higher budgets, meaning they can invest in better technologies. Sure, the actual racer does make the difference in the long run, but the people behind them are just as important.

Bottom line: when looking for a turnkey sportsbook website for sale, most operators will also try to enhance it by introducing news sections and even guides. Pay attention to these sections as well, as they can make or break a deal. Your customers want access to anything, so include as much data as possible.