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Jesse Palmer Joins Ryan Ellis and Young’s Motorsports for Groundbreaking NASCAR Event at Naval Base Coronado

SAN DIEGO, Calif. (June 15, 2026) – As NASCAR prepares to make history with its inaugural event at Naval Base Coronado, Tablo TV, Ryan Ellis and Young’s Motorsports have joined forces with GOVX to launch a new partnership celebrating military members, veterans and their families.

The collaboration will debut at the United Rentals Driven to Serve 250 on June 20, where GOVX and Tablo TV will introduce a special offer that provides eligible GOVX members with $30 off the Tablo Total System.

The partnership will be showcased throughout race weekend on the No. 02 Young’s Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro driven by Ellis as NASCAR hosts its first event on an active military base.

As an added spotlight for the partnership, Ellis and the No. 02 Young’s Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro will also carry one of The CW’s in-car cameras during the inaugural United Rentals Driven to Serve 250, giving viewers a unique behind-the-wheel perspective as NASCAR makes history on the Qualcomm Circuit.

The historic setting provides a fitting backdrop for the launch, bringing together two organizations dedicated to serving military communities while connecting race fans with affordable access to live sports, news and entertainment.

“We’re thrilled to be part of racing on a Navy base — it’s an honor to participate in an event that brings together San Diego’s military and racing community,” said Alicia Hackett, Vice President of Platform Sales & Partnerships for Tablo TV.

“Tablo delivers a simple, subscription-free way to access live TV, local news and sports, helping military households stay connected with their communities in an affordable way.”

“We’re also proud to launch our GOVX partnership in San Diego, offering military members and veterans $30 off the Tablo Total System. We’re excited to demonstrate an additional way for people to discover subscription-free TV and celebrate the service, dedication and resilience of our military community.”

For Ellis and Young’s Motorsports, the partnership represents an opportunity to help connect two brands committed to supporting those who serve while participating in one of the most anticipated events of the NASCAR season.

“As a driver, you dream about competing at iconic venues and being part of moments that make history, and that’s exactly what San Diego represents,” said Ellis.

“The opportunity to race at Naval Base Coronado is something I’ll never forget, and it’s made even more special by being surrounded by the incredible men and women who serve our country. It’s an honor to represent Tablo TV, GOVX and Young’s Motorsports during such a memorable event.”

For Young’s Motorsports team principal and founding driver Tyler Young, the inaugural event at Naval Base Coronado represents more than just another race on the schedule.

It provides an opportunity to celebrate those who serve while helping introduce a collaboration focused on delivering value to military members, veterans and their families.

“The inaugural race at Naval Base Coronado represents a unique opportunity to bring together NASCAR, our partners and the military community in a truly meaningful way,” said Young.

“GOVX and Tablo TV share a commitment to serving military members, veterans and their families, and we’re proud that Ryan Ellis and the No. 02 Young’s Motorsports team can help showcase that commitment during NASCAR’s historic debut on an active military installation.”

Tablo TV will also welcome television personality and sports broadcaster Jesse Palmer to Naval Base Coronado for race weekend festivities. Palmer has partnered with Tablo TV over the past four years to help TV lovers across America discover subscription-free TV with Tablo.

NASCAR has also invited Palmer to be Honorary Race Official and will be introduced on the pre-race stage and will take a lap in the General Motors Pace Car. Palmer will be on-hand to experience NASCAR’s historic debut on an active military installation and help celebrate the partnership’s launch alongside military members, veterans and race fans.

“From quarterback to broadcaster, I’ve seen football from every perspective — but NASCAR is a whole different kind of rush,” said Palmer. “I’m excited to experience that adrenaline up close as Honorary Race Official in San Diego.

“Just like how Tablo TV brings viewers closer to the action by making free over-the-air television more accessible and convenient, being at the track puts you right in the heart of the excitement. There’s something special about witnessing these incredible moments live and in person.”

In addition to the exclusive $30 discount available through GOVX, Tablo TV offers military families and race fans an affordable, subscription-free way to access live local broadcast television, including NASCAR races on The CW, football games, local news and America’s most popular entertainment programming.

Through Tablo, fans can also enjoy The NASCAR Channel, which delivers 24/7 programming and content for free, including classic races, delayed broadcasts from the current season, select live events, NASCAR Studios original content and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio’s The Morning Drive.

With a simple one-time purchase of a Tablo device, TV antenna and the free Tablo TV app, users can access more than 125 channels, including NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX, ION and The CW, without a monthly subscription fee.

Tablo also features pause and recording functionality with more than 50 hours of onboard storage, allowing fans to relive their favorite moments long after the checkered flag flies.

Designed with families in mind, a single Tablo device can stream free over-the-air television to multiple compatible devices simultaneously throughout the home, making it easy to catch the big race in one room while another family member enjoys different programming elsewhere in the house.

The inaugural United Rentals Driven to Serve 250 marks a landmark moment for NASCAR and the military community, bringing one of America’s premier motorsports series to one of the nation’s most recognizable naval installations while celebrating the service, sacrifice, and dedication of active-duty military personnel, veterans, and their families.

All NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series races are broadcast live on The CW, with practices and qualifying available on The CW App. Through Tablo TV, viewers can watch, pause and record The CW and more than 125 major broadcast and free streaming channels without a monthly subscription.

Content and channel availability may vary by location.

For more on Ryan Ellis, please visit ryanellisracing.com, like him on Facebook (Ryan Ellis), and follow him on Instagram (@ryanellisracing), TikTok (@ryanellisracing), and X | Twitter (@ryanellisracing).

For more on Young’s Motorsports, please visit YoungsMotorsports.com, like them on Facebook (Young’s Motorsports), and follow them on Instagram (@youngsmotorsports) and X |Twitter (@youngsmtrsports).

For media availability and bookings with Jesse Palmer, please contact Alicia Hackett at marketing@tablotv.com.

The United Rentals Driven to Serve 250 (60 laps | 204 miles) is the 18th of thirty-three (33) NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series races on the 2026 schedule. Practice will occur on Fri., June 19, 2026, from 12:30 p.m. to 1:20 p.m. Qualifying will follow on race day, Sat., June 20, beginning at 10:00 a.m. The field will take the green flag shortly after 2:00 p.m. (5:00 p.m. ET), with live coverage on The CW Network, the Motor Racing Network (Radio) and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90. All times are local (PT).

The NHRA Finals in Bristol brought the Thunder to the Mountains

Antron Brown broke through for his first Bristol Dragway victory by racing to the win at the Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals.

What’s better than one weekend of great NHRA drag racing? How about two championships for the price of one? Fans in attendance at the NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals in Bristol, TN, were actually treated to two different sets of finals given the rainout in the New England Nationals in Epping, NH last Sunday. Fans and pundits alike were treated to a sensory explosion of nitro fuel, noise, heat, humidity, and rain-sometimes at the same time but what else can you ask for from a great early summer weekend of drag racing?

Pruett, Beckman cap off big wins to complete the NE Nationals.

With Mother Nature playing her early summer tricks last Sunday, the New England Nationals in Epping, NH were rained out in the finals and as a result both the Top Fuel and Funny Car championships had to be moved to the beginning of the Thunder Valley Nationals so fans were treated essentially to a two-for-one weekend. In short order, Leah Pruett got her first “W” for the 2026 season by beating out overall points leader Shawn Langdon with a 3.794 second/332.43 final run to claim the Epping Nationals Diamond Wally trophy. Pruett hasn’t won a race since 2023 when she stepped away from drag racing to start a family with husband Tony Stewart. With this victory over a red-hot Langdon, Pruett made a major statement that she’s “back” and will continue to be a major factor in the Top Fuel overall standings this season.

In the Funny Car category, “Fast” Jack Beckman brought home his 38th total win in an all John Force Racing final against teammate Jordan Vandergriff. While Vandergriff is an up-and-coming star in his own right in the NHRA Funny Car ranks, Beckman raced like a veteran driver and took care of business with this major win for both himself and for JFR.

Antron Brown brought down the lightning in Thunder Valley with a convincing Top Fuel win.

While Shawn Langdon has been the go-to winner in the Top Fuel category so far this season, Bristol brought out a new champion in the form of a familiar driver: Antron Brown. Brown, a veteran NHRA Top Fuel competitor, had never won at Thunder Valley, but this past Sunday he was able to best the overall points leader Langdown with a 3.788 second/331.61 mph throw down going into the final round. For Brown, earning his first Diamond Wally of the season (and the 82nd total win of his career) is more about righting a ship as the summer NHRA heats up literally and figuratively.

Matt Hagan tops off a great weekend for Tony Stewart Racing.

What is better than winning a Diamond Wally for your racing team during a drag racing weekend? How about winning two top-class trophies? For Matt Hagan, another “W” was another cap in the feather for the four-time NHRA Funny Car champion as he brought home a second winning trophy to add to teammate Leah Pruett’s first win of the season. With the 57th win of his career, Hagan successfully denied finals challenger Daniel Wilkerson his chance to earn his first Diamond Wally trophy as Hagan took care of business with Jon Capps and Austin Prock in the qualifying rounds and then beat Wilkerson with a 4.125 second/310.81 finals race time.

Racing Stars Unite to support veterans and children as the 2026 Elkhart Lake Welcome Party returns to Siebkens

Photo courtesy of Kate Shoup

INDYCAR personalities headline fan-favorite charity event benefiting Racing for Kids and The American Legion on June 18

ELKHART LAKE, Wis. — June 15, 2026 — Some of the biggest names in motorsports will trade their race suits for bar aprons at the annual Elkhart Lake Welcome Party, which supports The American Legion, at the Siebkens Stop-Inn Tavern on Thursday, June 18.

Former Indianapolis 500 champions Dario Franchitti and Tony Kanaan will be among the celebrities participating in the beloved race-week tradition that features live music, classic cars and charitable giving. The event’s signature attraction, the INDYCAR Celebrity Bartender Challenge, raised more than $26,000 in 2025 and organizers are aiming even higher this year.

The concept is simple: racing celebrities step behind the bar and compete to raise the most money through tips and donations, with every dollar supporting Racing for Kids and The American Legion Veterans & Children Foundation.

Details:

What: Elkhart Lake Welcome Party
When: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. June 18
Where: Siebkens Stop-Inn Tavern, 284 South Lake Street. Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin
Admission: Free and open to the public

Highlights:

  • INDYCAR Celebrity Bartender Challenge, 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Live music on the outdoor bandstand
  • Classic car show
  • Racing celebrity appearances
  • Exclusive merchandise and charitable fundraising opportunities

“This party is one of my favorite stops of the entire season,” said James Hinchcliffe, six-time INDYCAR race winner and FOX Sports analyst. “There’s nothing quite like being behind the bar at Siebkens, surrounded by the best fans in racing, all while raising money for two incredible causes. Bring your friends, bring your family and don’t forget to tip your bartenders.”

“Racing For Kids®, a long-time partner with INDYCAR, is very pleased to again be a beneficiary of the popular Elkhart Lake Welcome Party,” said Pat Wright, CEO of Racing for Kids. “We are especially honored this year to be partnering with The American Legion during our country’s yearlong 250th birthday celebration. Nothing says America better than caring for our sick and hospitalized children as well as our veterans in need.”

Funds raised through the Celebrity Bartender Challenge will support Racing for Kids and The American Legion. Racing for Kids uses the popularity of motorsports to raise awareness and funding for children’s healthcare initiatives, while The American Legion’s Veterans & Children Foundation provides services for disabled veterans and grants for military families in need.

“We are pleased that INDYCAR and others are supporting The American Legion through this initiative,” said American Legion Marketing Commission Chairman Paul Evenson. “This is a fun way to support our nation’s veterans and children, as well as celebrating 250 years of America. We are honored to be part of this.”

Fans are encouraged to arrive early, enjoy the festivities and tip generously during the Celebrity Bartender Challenge to help make 2026 the most successful fundraising year in the event’s history.
In addition to Franchitti, Kanaan and Hinchcliffe, this year’s celebrity lineup includes:

  • Jack Harvey – Indianapolis 500 veteran and FOX Sports pit reporter
  • Kevin Lee – Veteran motorsports broadcaster and FOX Sports pit reporter
  • Michael Shank – Co-owner of Meyer Shank Racing and winning team owner of the 2026 Indianapolis 500
  • Louis Foster – 2025 INDYCAR Rookie of the Year and Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing driver
  • Rinus VeeKay – INDYCAR driver, Juncos Hollinger Racing
  • David Hobbs – Motorsports Hall of Fame inductee, former Formula 1 and IndyCar driver, longtime television commentator, and proud Elkhart Lake resident.
  • Augie Pabst Jr. – Owner, Pabst Racing
  • Bryce Aron, Carson Etter and James Roe – Rising INDY NXT stars
  • Hunter McElrea – IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship driver and former INDY NXT competitor

For more event information, please go to here

About The American Legion
The American Legion is the nation’s largest veterans service organization with 1.4 million members in more than 11,000 posts across the nation. Chartered by Congress in 1919, The American Legion is committed to mentoring youth and sponsoring wholesome community programs, advocating for veterans’ health care and other benefits, promoting a strong national security and continued devotion to servicemembers and veterans.

About Racing for Kids
Racing For Kids® was founded at the Children’s Hospital of Michigan in 1989 by pediatric cardiologist William Pinsky, MD, with INDYCAR racer Robbie Buhl and award winning journalist J. Patrick Wright. Racing For Kids is a Detroit-based national charity that uses the popularity of motorsports to focus public awareness and funding on the health care needs of children. Over the past 37 years, Racing For Kids has visited more than 45,000 children in more than 750 children’s hospital visits in the United States, Canada, Australia, Brazil, Japan and Mexico. It has raised $8.5 million for the hospitals visited and other children’s health institutions.

Major sponsors of Racing For Kids include Douglas E. Fregin, Benson Ford, Jr., Benson and Edith Ford Fund, Michael B. McCallister and the Bridgestone Firestone Trust Fund. Racing For Kids is a charity partner of the IndyCar Series. Since 2018 the Elkhart Lake Welcome Party proceeds have benefitted the Racing For Kids’ hospital visit program, Kids At The Track events and Children’s Hospitals grants for playroom development.

For more information visit: www.racingforkids.org

About Siebkens Resort
Good Times Are Our Heritage
Siebkens Resort has been home to welcoming hospitality for nearly 110 years. Family-owned since its founding and stewarded through five generations and two families, we believe in the value of community, lasting relationships, and welcoming guests as friends.

Our charming, turn-of-the-century gem, now on the National Register of Historic Places, blends historic character with modern comforts, all wrapped in a laid-back, welcoming vibe. Whether you’re here for a stay in our inviting hotel rooms, an inventive dinner in PAM’S, or a lively visit to the Stop-Inn Tavern, Siebkens promises a one-of-a-kind experience where the good times roll and the memories last.

Front Row Motorsports: San Diego Street Course NCTS Race Advance (Layne Riggs / Chandler Smith)

Layne Riggs | Chandler Smith
San Diego Street Course NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Race Advance
Navy 250

Date: Friday, June 19, 2026
Event: Race 13 of 25
Series: NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series
Location: Naval Base Coronado (3.4-miles)
#of Laps: 50
Time/TV/Radio: 7:00 PM ET on FS1/SiriusXM channel 90
FRM Points Standings:

Layne Riggs (1st)
Chandler Smith (3rd)

Layne Riggs Notes

Layne Riggs and the No. 34 Ford F-150 team will reach the halfway point of the 2026 season this Friday as the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series heads to Naval Base Coronado for the inaugural San Diego Street Course race. Riggs enters Friday’s race leading the points standings and with a 26-point buffer to Kaden Honeycutt. Riggs and the team have an advantage over the rest of the field at the 3.4-mile street course, having earned his first win of the season on the streets of St. Petersburg, the only other street course race of the season.

Riggs will bring a new partner aboard the No. 34 Ford F-150 for the event, partnering with Mattermost for the 50-lap race. The open-source, self-hostable collaboration platform built for mission-critical environments will make their NASCAR debut with Riggs and Front Row Motorsports. Trusted by the world’s leading military and security organizations worldwide, public sector organizations, and technology enterprises, Mattermost enables secure, compliant, and extensible team communication at scale. Learn more at mattermost.com.

“I’m excited to have Mattermost join us as a partner for this race,” said Riggs. “Their commitment to helping teams perform under pressure aligns perfectly with what we do every week in the Truck Series. It means a lot to have a partner that understands the importance of communication, teamwork, and execution at the highest level.”

“Mattermost is built for organizations that operate in the most demanding, high-security environments in the world — including active military installations,” said Leigh Dow, Chief Marketing Officer, Mattermost. “The people who serve at Naval Base Coronado operate in some of the most demanding environments imaginable. It’s an honor along with Layne and the entire Front Row Motorsports team to celebrate them.”

“We have a pretty diverse schedule the next two months,” said Riggs. “I think it’s great for the sport, and I think the fans like it too. I like the road courses and have a short-track background, so for as diverse as the schedule is, I think it was built for me. We’re leading the standings now, but we need to keep our foot on the gas and continue to execute and build that points gap.”
Road Crew

Driver: Layne Riggs

Hometown: Bahama, North Carolina

Crew Chief: Dylan Cappello

Hometown: Peoria, Arizona

Truck Chief: Brandon Selph

Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona

Engineer: Jonathan Coates

Hometown: Hudson, Ohio

Mechanic: Clark Houston

Hometown: Hickory, North Carolina

Mechanic: Robert Benzenhafer

Hometown: Niceville, Florida

Interior Specialist: Brian Sliney

Hometown: Milford, New Hampshire

Spotter: Josh Williams

Hometown: Mooresville, North Carolina

Transport Driver: James O’Neal

Hometown: Palm Bay, Florida

Pit Crew

Front Tire Changer: Blake Hickman

Hometown: Ocala, Florida

Rear Tire Changer: Stephen Chereek

Hometown: Tuckerton, New Jersey

Tire Carrier: Alvin Wilson

Hometown: Lexington, Mississippi

Jackman: Kendall Futrell

Hometown: Greenville, North Carolina

Fueler: Patrick Gaddy

Hometown: Kannapolis, North Carolina

Chandler Smith Notes

The Naval Base Coronado will be the second street course of the 2026 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series season for Chandler Smith and the No. 38 team. Smith is no stranger to street courses, having competed in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Chicago Street Course race in 2023 and 2024, earning an eighth-place finish in 2023 with Kaulig Racing. In the first street course of this season, the St. Petersburg Grand Prix, Smith started fifth and finished fourth in the inaugural event.

Hard Rock Casino Tejon will be the primary partner on the No. 38 Ford F-150 for Friday’s event. Recently opened as a new entertainment destination in Mettler, California, Hard Rock Casino Tejon is the California home for gaming, entertainment, and dining, including the famous Hard Rock Cafe and the Rock Shop. Hard Rock Casino Tejon features a 150,000-square-foot casino with over 2,100 slot machines and over 60 table games. It is the home for entertainment and gaming for those in Southern California and the Central Valley.

The famous Hard Rock Cafe, with a location inside the Hard Rock Casino Tejon, will also be a major associate partner on the No. 38 Ford F-150 during the Navy 250.

“Getting the opportunity to debut the Hard Rock Casino Tejon and Hard Rock Cafe livery first on the track is a privilege, and I hope to keep the momentum of firsts going for this amazing group as we bring them to victory lane in San Diego,” said Smith. “Our organization is building great momentum across the board and having new partners join us alongside that growth is something that truly gets me excited!”

“I can’t put in the words how excited I am to get out there to Coronado and put on a show for our Navy,” added Smith. “Shout-out to NASCAR for getting this put together and allowing the CRAFTSMAN Trucks Series to be a part of it. I’m encouraged by how the FRM road-course program has performed this season so far, it would be really cool to be the guy to win the first ever NASCAR race on a military base.”
Road Crew

Driver: Chandler Smith

Hometown: Talking Rock, Georgia

Crew Chief: Jon Leonard

Hometown: Vinton, Iowa

Truck Chief: Ron Schutte

Hometown: Shakopee, Minnesota

Engineer: Roland Kummel

Hometown: Mitterberg, Austria

Mechanic: Rowan Mason

Hometown: Lincoln, Nebraska

Mechanic: Mahlon Borkholder

Hometown: Ulysses, Pennsylvania

Interior Specialist: Kyle Clark

Hometown: Ashville, North Carolina

Spotter: Ryan Blanchard

Hometown: Bethlehem, Connecticut

Transport Driver: Mark Hadley

Hometown: Panama, New York

Pit Crew

Front Tire Changer: Josh Francos

Hometown: Weirton, West Virginia

Rear Tire Changer: Curtis Thompson

Hometown: Mooresville, North Carolina

Tire Carrier: Drew Baum

Hometown: Jersey Shore, Pennsylvania

Jackman: Shane Perry

Hometown: Holly Springs, North Carolina

Fueler: Anthony Bryarly

Hometown: Columbiana, Ohio

ABOUT MATTERMOST

Mattermost is an open-source, self-hostable collaboration platform built for mission-critical environments. Trusted by the world’s leading military and security organizations worldwide, public sector organizations, and technology enterprises, Mattermost enables secure, compliant, and extensible team communication at scale. Learn more at mattermost.com.

ABOUT HARD ROCK

Hard Rock International (HRI) is one of the most globally recognized companies with venues in nearly 80 countries spanning more than 300 venues including owned/licensed or managed Hotels, Casinos, Rock Shops®, Live Performance Locations and Cafes. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world’s largest and most valuable collection of authentic music memorabilia with more than 88,000 pieces displayed at locations around the globe. The Unity™ by Hard Rock global loyalty program rewards members for doing the things they love across participating properties. In addition, Hard Rock Digital spotlights the sports betting and iGaming experience with products remixed in the spirit of Hard Rock for players worldwide.

HRI has received numerous industry, destination and workplace awards across the travel, hospitality, gaming, entertainment and food & beverage sectors. HRI currently holds investment grades from primary investment-grade rating agencies: S&P Global Ratings (BBB) and Fitch Ratings (BBB). For more information on Hard Rock International, visit www.hardrock.com or shop.hardrock.com.

ABOUT FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS

Front Row Motorsports (FRM) is a winning organization competing in the NASCAR Cup Series and the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. Founded in 2004 by entrepreneur Bob Jenkins, FRM has earned top honors including a 2021 Daytona 500 victory and the 2022 CRAFTSMAN Truck Series championship. Based in Mooresville, N.C., FRM fields the No. 4, No. 34, and No. 38 entries in the NASCAR Cup Series, along with the No. 34 and No. 38 teams in the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. For more information, visit FrontRowMotorsports.com and follow Front Row Motorsports on social media — X: @Team_FRM, Instagram: @teamfrm, Tik Tok: @Team_FRM, YouTube: @FrontRowNASCAR, and Facebook: facebook.com/FrontRowMotorsports.

Jason Daskalos and Philip Ellis Secure First Race Win with New No. 27 JMF Motorsports Mercedes-AMG GT3 Team in Atlanta

Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Customer Racing Team JMF Motorsports Secures First Race Win with New No. 27 Mercedes-AMG GT3 Team and Co-Drivers Jason Daskalos and Philip Ellis at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta

First-Year JMF Motorsports Driver Jason Daskalos Joined “Super Sub” Philip Ellis to Secure a Milestone Victory in the No. 27 Mercedes-AMG GT3 Sunday in the Three-Hour GT World Challenge America Powered by AWS race at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta. Daskalos Led the Race in the Opening Hour and Closing Driver Ellis Took Control in the Race’s Final 20 Minutes to Secure the First GT World Challenge America Overall and Pro-Am Class Win for Daskalos in His Second GTWCA Season and First with JMF Motorsports. The JMF Team and Mercedes-AMG are the First Team and Manufacturer to Score Overall GT World Challenge Race Wins With Two Different Cars in the New Three-Hour Race Era. The No. 34 JMF Motorsports Mercedes-AMG GT3 Team and Co-Drivers Mikael Grenier and Michai Stephens – Which Extended its Pro Class Points Lead with a Second-Place Class Finish at Road Atlanta – Secured the Overall and Class Victories at the Season Opening and Inaugural Three-Hour Race at Sonoma Raceway in March.

BRASELTON, Georgia – Champion Mercedes-AMG Motorsport driver Philip Ellis received a late call to drive in this weekend’s GT World Challenge America race at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta and then joined teammate and co-driver Jason Daskalos and the No. 27 JMF Motorsports Mercedes-AMG GT3 team in sending a clear message to the competition with a convincing victory in Sunday’s three-hour race on the 2.54-mile road course. Daskalos led the majority of the race’s opening hour and then closing driver Ellis continued the fight up front, passing Mikael Grenier in the sister No. 34 JMF Motorsports Mercedes-AMG GT3 with less than 20 minutes remaining and then conserving fuel to finish for a 2.525-second margin of victory.

The overall and Pro-Am class victory was the first for veteran Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Customer Racing driver Daskalos in his second season in GT World Challenge America and comes in his first year with JMF Motorsports. The stage was set for the breakout victory last month at Sebring where Daskalos and full season co-driver Lorcan Hanafin – who was competing at Le Mans this weekend to open the door for Ellis – secured their first podium together with a third-place Pro-Am finish.

Sunday’s breakout victory was a nearly flawless performance on track and in the pits and began before the race even started when the No. 27 team made the strategy call to begin the race on slick tires despite a heavy rain shower just before the scheduled start time. One of the few contenders not on rain tires, Daskalos soon worked his way into the lead as the track dried and the majority of the field pitted for slicks.

The “slick” move gave the No. 27 team the key track position they would maintain for the entire race. Ellis moved into top three contention in the race’s final hour but made the move on his teammate for the lead only when other competitors pressured both JMF entries from behind and a clear track ahead was needed for fuel conservation.

Up to that point, Grenier and co-driver Michai Stephens led a majority of the race only to see a late power-loss issue emerge in the closing minutes. Grenier faded to sixth but was still classified second in the Pro class, surviving the late scare to not only make it to the finish but maintain and even increase the No. 34 team’s Pro division championship lead. Heading into the series’ traditional two-month summer break, the No. 34 team and drivers unofficially lead the Pro class championship standings with 78 points, eight clear of the nearest challengers.

Sunday’s victory gives both JMF Motorsports and Mercedes-AMG the distinction of being the first team and manufacturer to secure overall race wins with two different entries just four races into the new GT World Challenge America three-hour race era. Grenier, Stephens and the No. 34 team won the inaugural three-hour race in class and overall in March’s season-opening race at Sonoma Raceway.

This weekend’s milestone victory was also fueled by a large amount of family love and support, both at Road Atlanta and well removed from the track. Daskalos hosted seven family members at the track, including his mother Soula and father Pete. The elder Mr. Daskalos, at 91 years-old, even joined his son and Ellis on the victory lane podium for a picture that will no doubt be a keepsake for years to come.

Meanwhile, Ellis literally had to go the extra mile – hundreds of them actually – to be with and have the mutual support of his family. He and his fiancée had long planned an engagement party in St. Louis on Friday, and Ellis accepted the offer to race this weekend with the request to also make attending the festivities in Missouri a priority. He drove in Friday’s opening practice and then joined a new friend, an experienced pilot, who kindly flew him to St. Louis. Ellis enjoyed the party and then joined his pilot buddy in traveling back to Atlanta where he reached his hotel room near the track after a full day plus around 2:30 a.m. EDT early Saturday morning.

Two other Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Customer Racing teams were in action at Road Atlanta this weekend, including the No. 9 TR3 Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3 of Brayton Williams and Daniel Morad in Sunday’s three-hour race. After Williams turned in one of the best drives of his rookie season to open the race, Morad took over the No. 9 and had a clear shot at both the Pro-Am and overall victory, mixing it up with both JMF Mercedes-AMG GT3 entries and the other front runners.

Unfortunately, a slight miscue on the minimum driver time requirements forced some costly pit stops and an extra driver change. The No. 9 was knocked from winning contention after the extra time in the pits, but Morad still persevered to a seventh place Pro-Am and 10th place overall finish.

CJ Moses drove his No. 58 Random Vandals Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3 in the weekend’s twin 40-minute GT America powered by AWS races for his second drive of the season in his return to Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Customer Racing. Moses scored top-10 overall and ninth place class finishes in both weekend races as he continued to improve his lap times until the weekend’s final checkered flag as he gets reacquainted with the Mercedes-AMG GT3.

In the weekend’s Pirelli GT4 America doubleheader, Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Customer Racing pacesetters Dome Motorsport was joined by another competitive and locally based Mercedes-AMG GT4 team in a hot and harried but encouraging pair of 60-minute races.

Fresh off of their first podium finish of the year last month at Sebring, the Pro-Am class No. 39 Dome Motorsport Mercedes-AMG GT4 team of co-drivers Marc Miller and Allen Patten made it to victory lane again in Saturday’s final race. Miller took the checkered flag second in Pro-Am in the first race at Sebring, but at Road Atlanta Patten had the opportunity to take the No. 39 to the checkered flag for a third-place showing.

The Dome frontrunners were joined by Road Atlanta based team Off Leash Motorsports who truly had a breakout performance on their home track in what was essentially just the team’s second Pirelli GT4 race weekend. Team drivers Kevin Clifford and Harry Gottsacker both showed top pace in the No. 40 Off Leash Motorsports Mercedes-AMG GT4, with Gottsacker racing into the Pro-Am top three late in Friday’s opening race.

Unfortunately, a pit procedure penalty – not uncommon as teams learn the nuances of a new racing series – dropped the No. 40 out of the podium finishing position at the checkered flag. A rebound run was in the cards early in Saturday’s final race only to see Gottsacker knocked off course in a tight battle with several competitors. Clifford later took over and drove the stricken No. 40 to the finish and joined his team and co-driver in leaving Road Atlanta motivated by their strong performance despite the disappointments.

Dome’s Am-class entry with team owner and driver Eddie Killeen and teammate Laura Hayes also showed well once again at Road Atlanta in the No. 37 Dome Motorsport Mercedes-AMG GT4. After Hayes led the race briefly during pit stop sequencing in Friday’s first race, she joined Killeen in putting together their best result of the weekend with a fourth-place class finish on Saturday, just over eight seconds behind the first-place class finisher.

Next up for Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Customer Racing teams in SRO America is a full weekend of SRO America competition at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, August 28 – 30. More than two months away, the Road America event kicks off a final three-event stretch of races that will close out the 2026 season.

“Having my family here was great, and we are leaving for Europe this week and going to Greece for a month. Having Philip was incredible, it’s exciting, he is such a pleasure, and we are glad to have him. We are looking forward to more victories in this championship. I just can’t say enough about this JMF Motorsports team. It was challenging starting the race in the wet on slick tires, but I was fortunate that we did some testing and we had some wet conditions. They asked me before the start, and I said ‘slicks’ right away. It was challenging the first few laps but worked out well.”

Jason Daskalos, Driver – No. 27 JMF Motorsports Mercedes-AMG GT3

“We had high expectations. Jason is one of the best drivers in the series, so we were for sure going for the win. We had a difficult tire decision to make for his opening stint, and maybe slicks were a little bit riskier, but it was the only option really. I was surprised we were one of the few cars that went for slicks, but Jason did a great job staying on track and going to the lead. It was a little bit damp, but he built a big gap and gave me the car after a safety car period. There was a lot of tire management, and it seemed like a lot of competitors were really using their tires early in the stint even though it was super-hot and the track had a lot of tire degradation. I tried to manage as best I could without losing any track position. Then, with the late full course yellow, it became a fuel race as well, which made it a bit tough to really know what to do behind our sister car with some others coming. I opted to go for the overtake, tried to build a gap and was able to save fuel until the end. Family is your backbone, it is always super important to have their support, at or away from the track, and Jason had a big group here. In my case, I was supporting my family and my fiancée back in St. Louis and on Friday I flew to our engagement party between sessions. It was a no-brainer to try and get it done somehow. This opportunity was a late call-up to race, but it all worked out. I did practice one on Friday and then flew to St. Louis for the party with my fiancée, family and friends. Then I came back and gave Jason his first win and first overall victory as well. It was a perfect weekend.”

Philip Ellis, Driver – No. 27 JMF Motorsports Mercedes-AMG GT3

“I am proud of the guys because we had a really challenging weekend from Friday on. We had some issues we had to fix. In practice we were nowhere, but in qualifying we were quite decent, but I made a mistake on my lap. The pace was fine, but in the race, we had some issues at the end, and we have to try to understand what happened. The win was possible, but we will regroup and Road America should be a good race for us.”

Mikael Grenier, Driver – No. 34 JMF Motorsports Mercedes-AMG GT3

“The challenge is what makes the journey. You have peaks and valleys that go with every accomplishment and every defeat. This weekend, we came out on top given the circumstances at hand. We had a lot going on with some elements within our control and some out of our control, but the team, Mercedes-AMG and all of our affiliated partners just continue to do an exceptional job. It’s unique in motorsports, particularly in our position, as you always have to think about both the big picture and the short term. You have to think the championship big picture but to be present in the moment and take what you can.”

Michai Stephens, Driver – No. 34 JMF Motorsports Mercedes-AMG GT3

“One of the things that we found, just like everybody else knows, is that the more seat time I can get back in the Mercedes-AMG GT3 the more it will help. You can actually see it progressing through the entire weekend, cutting seconds off with every session, and it is the same thing in the races. It wasn’t as much in Sunday’s final race because of the heat and running on qualifying tires, but overall, working sector by sector and zone by zone, we are getting better. The Mercedes-AMG GT3 is amazing. The only thing I need to tighten up on this car is the ‘loose nut’ behind the wheel! Road Atlanta is very much a big commitment track, and I’ve only driven Touring Cars here back in the day. GT America is a lot tougher now as well. We have a pretty deep and stacked group here, but Random Vandals Racing is kicking butt. My next race is the Indianapolis finale and that is a track where I feel very comfortable and have some good experience.”

CJ Moses, Driver – No. 58 Random Vandals Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3

“First of all, it is super fun to be back at Road Atlanta. This is the closest track to me and my home in Greenville, South Carolina. I don’t know if I can call it my home track, because I don’t drive it that much, but it’s definitely one of my favorites. It is super rewarding when you’re kind of on the back foot and fight forward with the team. Those are kind of like the best kind of weekends as far as driver development and team development. So, super happy with how it all turned out. Marc executed, the team executed, put me in the car in a nice timely yellow and back out right up there. I just had to battle through some chaos in front of me and ended up on the podium. It was all in-class cars battling, and you can’t ask for more at the end of the race.”

Allen Patten, Driver – No. 39 Dome Motorsport Mercedes-AMG GT4

“We definitely had to have a strategy because we knew some of our competitors would be good on the straight bits. We were strong in the brake zones, our car was good in braking and good just about everywhere else, but we knew that this track was going to be a little tough, especially after qualifying. It was a tough race. Some of the other cars are quick until they get hot, but our Mercedes-AMG GT4 comes in a little bit later. I did try to manage everything to give Allen as clean a car as possible, I never had any type of real incident, and I was happy with our track position when we pitted. I think at the point we knew if it went all green, we would end up on the podium. Allen went out and his pace was fantastic and he clearly drove his way into the podium position. I was pretty happy with the result. We should definitely be on the podium more, and we’re going to fight to do that at every race from here on out. Honestly, at all of the tracks ahead, I think we should have a good chance.”

Marc Miller, Driver – No. 39 Dome Motorsport Mercedes-AMG GT4

“I am super proud of our entire Off Leash Motorsports operation and all of the guys and girls on the team. We are working really tirelessly to get this program off the ground and to get the car to where it is competitive. In Friday’s first race, we had great pace and were probably on track for a podium until we had a slight slip up in the pit lane. We are new to the series, so these are kind of growing pains, but we will get better with that on our end. The car was phenomenal Friday and great again on Saturday. Our Mercedes-AMG GT4 was super fast and I am really proud to be working with such an awesome brand. We just had a little bit of an unfortunate incident with another competitor that damaged our car pretty heavily on Saturday. At the end of the race for me, unfortunately, it was either preserve the car and live to fight another day or potentially not have a car at the end of the session. We will get there, we will continue to grow as a team, continue to evolve, and we’ll get more competitive as the season goes on. This series takes a summer break for a couple of months after this race, and it was everything to get this result and have some momentum built up before we go into and carry through that. Then on top of it all, this was our home race. We are based like only a quarter of a mile down the road. We’ve got great testing data here. I love this track. This is my home track, and Harry had lots of success here in the past as well. We know what we need to work on and we know that we’re capable of doing it.”

Kevin Clifford, Driver – No. 40 Off Leash Motorsports Mercedes-AMG GT4

Complete Data Guide: Maximizing Performance with Heavy-Duty Overhaul Gasket Kits

When you manage a fleet of commercial trucks, construction equipment, or industrial machinery, unexpected engine failures are your biggest enemy. An engine breakdown means lost time, delayed projects, and lost revenue. When a major engine repair is required, you need a complete and reliable solution. This is where Heavy-Duty Overhaul Gasket Kits become vital to your business. In this article, we will explore the clear data, components, compatibility, and financial benefits of Heavy-Duty Overhaul Gasket Kits, showing you exactly how they protect your machinery and your bottom line.

Why Heavy-Duty Overhaul Gasket Kits Are Essential for Your Machinery

From a customer’s perspective, buying individual engine parts for a major repair is frustrating and time-consuming. Heavy-Duty Overhaul Gasket Kits solve this problem by providing a comprehensive, all-in-one package. These kits contain every seal and gasket required to completely rebuild and seal a heavy-duty engine. By using Heavy-Duty Overhaul Gasket Kits, you eliminate the risk of missing a small but critical seal during a complex engine rebuild. This guarantees that your engine is fully protected against the leakage of oil, coolant, and combustion gases.

Key Components Inside Heavy-Duty Overhaul Gasket Kits

The value of Heavy-Duty Overhaul Gasket Kits lies in their comprehensive contents. They are packed with specialized parts designed for extreme environments. The cylinder head gasket is the primary component, sealing the high-pressure combustion chamber. Intake and exhaust manifold gaskets are also included to manage high-heat airflow. Additionally, Heavy-Duty Overhaul Gasket Kits include valve cover gaskets and oil pan gaskets to ensure total fluid containment.

Below is a data table outlining the standard materials and temperature tolerances found in premium Heavy-Duty Overhaul Gasket Kits.

Component Material and Performance Data in Heavy-Duty Overhaul Gasket Kits

ComponentStandard Material UsedPeak Temperature ResistancePrimary Function in Engine
Cylinder Head GasketMulti-Layer Steel (MLS)Up to 1000°F (538°C)Seals combustion chamber and prevents coolant leaks
Exhaust Manifold GasketGraphite CompositeUp to 1200°F (648°C)Prevents hot exhaust gas leaks and resists high vibrations
Valve Cover GasketFKM (Fluoroelastomer)Up to 400°F (204°C)Prevents oil leaks from the top of the cylinder head
Oil Pan GasketHigh-Grade Silicone / RubberUp to 350°F (176°C)Seals the bottom crankcase to contain engine oil

Data-Driven Benefits

Using Heavy-Duty Overhaul Gasket Kits offers clear, measurable benefits. The most obvious advantage is cost-effectiveness. Purchasing a complete kit is significantly cheaper than buying each gasket individually. Furthermore, Heavy-Duty Overhaul Gasket Kits provide guaranteed parts compatibility. Because every piece is manufactured to work together, you avoid the mismatched tolerances that often cause post-repair leaks.

Cost Efficiency and Engine Longevity

Data shows that utilizing Heavy-Duty Overhaul Gasket Kits reduces overall labor time by up to 25%. Mechanics do not have to pause their work to order missing seals. More importantly, these kits extend the lifespan of your heavy-duty machinery. By completely replacing all aging seals at once with the high-quality materials found in Heavy-Duty Overhaul Gasket Kits, you prevent future leaks, maintain optimal engine compression, and protect internal engine components from premature wear and tear.

Vehicle and Engine Compatibility Data

To ensure maximum performance, you must use parts that precisely match your engine. Heavy-Duty Overhaul Gasket Kits are engineered with strict parts replaceability in mind, matching or exceeding Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) specifications. They are available for a wide variety of compatible car brands, commercial trucks, and industrial models.

Below is a data table demonstrating the wide range of compatible engines and vehicles supported by our Heavy-Duty Overhaul Gasket Kits.

Compatibility and Replaceability Data for Heavy-Duty Overhaul Gasket Kits

Compatible Engine BrandCompatible Engine ModelsCompatible Vehicle / Equipment TypesParts Replaceability Standard
CumminsISX15, QSX15, N14Peterbilt, Kenworth, Heavy TractorsExact OEM Replacement
Caterpillar (CAT)C15, 3406E, C13Freightliner, Earthmoving EquipmentExact OEM Replacement
Detroit DieselSeries 60, DD15, DD13Western Star, Highway Freight TrucksExact OEM Replacement
Volvo / MackD13, MP8Volvo VNL Series, Mack AnthemExact OEM Replacement
KomatsuSAA6D114E, SAA6D125EExcavators, Wheel Loaders, MiningExact OEM Replacement

Parts Replaceability

The data above illustrates that Heavy-Duty Overhaul Gasket Kits offer total parts replaceability. Whether you are overhauling a highway freight truck or a massive mining excavator, there are specific Heavy-Duty Overhaul Gasket Kits tailored to your exact engine model. This ensures that every water pump seal, injector O-ring, and head gasket aligns perfectly with your engine block.

What Experts Say

Automotive and industrial experts rely on hard data to make maintenance decisions. In the recent “Global Commercial Vehicle Engine Gaskets Market Report,” researchers analyzed the failure rates of heavy machinery. The report concluded that utilizing complete overhaul kits significantly reduces the risk of secondary engine failures. The keyword “Gaskets” is highlighted throughout the report as the most critical barrier against fluid contamination in high-stress engines.

Here is what industry leaders have to say regarding Heavy-Duty Overhaul Gasket Kits:

“According to our long-term testing data, utilizing comprehensive Heavy-Duty Overhaul Gasket Kits made with Multi-Layer Steel (MLS) technology increases overall engine thermal efficiency and prevents catastrophic combustion gas leaks better than any individual aftermarket Gaskets available today.”

—Lead Mechanical Engineer

“We track the repair data for over five hundred commercial vehicles. Switching our repair protocol to exclusively use Heavy-Duty Overhaul Gasket Kits during routine engine rebuilds has decreased our unexpected breakdown rate by 30%. The reliability of these Gaskets is undeniable.”

—Fleet Maintenance Director

Proper Selection and Installation

To achieve the best results, you must choose the correct kit and install it perfectly. Proper preparation is just as important as the quality of the Heavy-Duty Overhaul Gasket Kits themselves.

Selection Criteria

When selecting Heavy-Duty Overhaul Gasket Kits, your primary criterion must be accurate engine model compatibility. You must verify your engine serial number to ensure a perfect fit. Secondly, review the material data. Ensure the Heavy-Duty Overhaul Gasket Kits you select utilize high-grade materials like Multi-Layer Steel and FKM rubber to resist severe heat and pressure. Finally, choose a reputable manufacturer that provides transparent product data and reliable customer support.

Installation Process

The installation of Heavy-Duty Overhaul Gasket Kits requires strict attention to detail. First, the engine block and cylinder head must be thoroughly cleaned. Any remaining dirt or old seal material will cause the new gaskets to fail. Second, carefully install the components from the Heavy-Duty Overhaul Gasket Kits without bending or scratching them. Finally, use a calibrated torque wrench to tighten all bolts to the manufacturer’s exact specifications. Proper torque ensures the gaskets compress correctly, creating an unbreakable seal.

Customer Success with Our Heavy-Duty Overhaul Gasket Kits

We listen closely to the businesses that use our products. The operational data from our clients proves the value of our Heavy-Duty Overhaul Gasket Kits. For example, a large regional logistics company was experiencing repeated coolant leaks on their fleet of Detroit Diesel trucks, leading to expensive downtime.

After upgrading to our premium Heavy-Duty Overhaul Gasket Kits, they completely eliminated their coolant leak issues. Their mechanics reported that having every single seal organized in one complete kit saved them hours of labor per truck. By relying on our Heavy-Duty Overhaul Gasket Kits, this logistics company increased their fleet availability, met their delivery deadlines, and significantly boosted their profit margins.

Choose VPGASKET for Your Heavy-Duty Overhaul Gasket Kits

You understand that heavy-duty machinery requires heavy-duty parts. Cutting corners on engine seals only leads to expensive disasters. You need a reliable partner who understands precise engineering, extensive vehicle compatibility, and long-term durability.

This is exactly why you should choose VPGASKET. We manufacture and supply top-tier Heavy-Duty Overhaul Gasket Kits that meet the highest industry standards. We use the most advanced materials to ensure our kits withstand the intense heat and pressure of your daily operations. Because we supply directly to our customers, we provide premium quality at highly competitive prices. We offer excellent customer service, rapid shipping, and the exact parts compatibility data you need. When you want to protect your machinery and your business, VPGASKET is the smart choice.

Contact Us

If you are ready to improve the reliability of your machinery, we are here to assist you. Our professional team is ready to help you find the exact Heavy-Duty Overhaul Gasket Kits for your specific engines and vehicles.

Contact VPGASKET today to request a quote, verify compatibility data, or place a wholesale order. Secure the future of your fleet with our premium Heavy-Duty Overhaul Gasket Kits.

FAQ

Are Heavy-Duty Overhaul Gasket Kits compatible with all types of commercial trucks?

No, Heavy-Duty Overhaul Gasket Kits are specifically engineered for distinct engine models and brands, such as Cummins, Caterpillar, or Volvo. You must verify your specific engine serial number to ensure the kit is perfectly compatible with your commercial truck.

Why should I buy complete Heavy-Duty Overhaul Gasket Kits instead of individual parts?

Purchasing complete Heavy-Duty Overhaul Gasket Kits is more cost-effective and ensures you have every exact seal required for a complete rebuild. This prevents repair delays caused by missing parts and guarantees that all gaskets are made from compatible, high-quality materials.

What materials provide the best seal in Heavy-Duty Overhaul Gasket Kits?

The most reliable Heavy-Duty Overhaul Gasket Kits utilize Multi-Layer Steel (MLS) for cylinder head gaskets to withstand massive combustion pressure, and high-grade FKM (Fluoroelastomer) rubber for valve and oil pan gaskets to resist extreme chemical and heat degradation.

Team Penske NASCAR Cup Series Race Report – Pocono

Great American Getaway 400
Pocono, Pa. – June 14, 2026

AUSTIN CINDRIC No. 2 MENARDS/IDEAL DOOR FORD MUSTANG DARK HORSE
START: 17TH STAGE 1: 36TH STAGE 2: 24TH FINISH: 14TH POINTS: 16TH
RACE RUNDOWN: Austin Cindric and the No. 2 Menards/Ideal Door Ford Mustang Dark Horse team put together a steady afternoon at Pocono Raceway, earning a 14th-place finish in Sunday’s Great American Getaway 400. Starting 17th, Cindric worked his way forward and reported a tight-handling condition during the opening stage while advancing to the edge of the top 10. As the stage wound down, he made a green-flag pit stop with less than five laps remaining in the segment for four tires, fuel and an air pressure adjustment. The strategy dropped Cindric to 36th at the conclusion of Stage 1, but because he had already serviced the car, crew chief Brian Wilson elected to stay out during the stage break. The move paid dividends, allowing Cindric to restart fifth when Stage 2 began. A pair of cautions early in the second segment shuffled the running order, and Cindric pitted for right-side tires and fuel under yellow on Lap 46. Despite continuing to battle a tight condition, he moved forward and climbed into the top 10 during the closing laps of Stage 2. Concerned about making the distance on fuel, the No. 2 team opted to pit with three laps remaining in the stage for four tires, fuel and an air pressure adjustment. The stop left Cindric 24th at the end of the segment but positioned the team for the final stage. Cindric restarted 17th to begin the final segment and remained in contention for a top-10 finish throughout the closing run. After making a green-flag stop for right-side tires and fuel with 40 laps remaining, the No. 2 team continued to march forward during the closing laps and ultimately crossed the finish line in 14th.

CINDRIC’S THOUGHTS: “Overall, it was a solid day for our Menards/Ideal Door Ford team. We had decent speed and were able to work our way forward a few different times, but I feel like we were capable of a little more. We’ll take the positives from today and keep building on them as we head into a couple of road course races at San Diego and Sonoma.”

RYAN BLANEY No. 12 WABASH FORD MUSTANG DARK HORSE
START: 10TH STAGE 1: 35TH STAGE 2: 21ST FINISH: 10TH POINTS: 3RD
RACE RUNDOWN: Ryan Blaney and the No. 12 Wabash Ford Mustang Dark Horse team made a late charge to come away with their fourth-straight top-10 finish with a 10th-place effort Sunday at Pocono. Blaney maintained top-10 pace during the opening run before crew chief Jonathan Hassler made the call to flip the stage, bringing the Wabash Ford to pit road with three laps remaining in Stage 1 in order to maintain track position for the start of the second segment. Blaney took the ensuing green flag from the inside of row two before a caution on lap 47 split the field on strategy with Hassler opting to pit for right side tires only, situating the No. 12 16th in the running order for the following restart. The No. 12 team mirrored its strategy from the opening stage as Blaney took the lead during the green flag pit cycle on lap 90 before coming down pit road at the end of the same lap, resulting in a 21st-place finish in Stage 2 but setting him up to restart from 14th for the final run of the afternoon. Blaney hovered around the top-10 as varying fuel strategies began to unfold throughout the field, eventually cycling to fourth on the leaderboard with 40 laps to go with the start of green flag stops. After taking the lead with 25 laps remaining, Blaney was called to pit road two laps later for his final stop of the afternoon and blended back on the track scored 14th. Blaney was able to pick off a few positions over the final 20 laps before taking over the 10th spot on the final lap to secure another top-10 run.

BLANEY’S THOUGHTS: “I thought we were a seventh to 12th-place car all day and we kind of ended up right in the middle of that. We had a good strategy from [crew chief] Jonathan [Hassler] to keep us in the game. We just continue to work at places like this and find some decent speed to contend. Appreciate Wabash, Ford Racing, and Menards for everything that they do. We’ll keep rolling and going out west to see what we can do.”

JOEY LOGANO No. 22 SHELL-PENNZOIL FORD MUSTANG DARK HORSE
START: 11TH STAGE 1: 9TH STAGE 2: 35TH FINISH: 34TH POINTS: 18TH
RACE RUNDOWN: Joey Logano and the No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil Ford Mustang Dark Horse team sustained damage in a multi-car incident early in Stage 2 that culminated in a 34th-place finish Sunday at Pocono. After working his way into the top-10 to come away with a ninth-place finish in Stage 1, Logano was one of a handful of cars to pit following the caution on lap 41 for right side tires only before lining up 27th for the ensuing restart. As the field worked its way off of turn three, a three-wide battle ahead of Logano resulted in several cars spinning on the frontstretch – one of which was the Shell-Pennzoil Ford after contact to the right rear sent it into the outside wall. Logano made several extended stops on pit road for repairs to the right front and mechanical fixes to alleviate steering issues before rejoining the field a lap down. Logano worked to manage handling issues throughout the rest of the afternoon as the 22 team continued to make repairs during caution laps, ultimately resulting in a 34th-place finish.

LOGANO’S THOUGHTS: “Just a matter of wrong place, wrong time for us today. We were starting to build some good momentum over the last few weeks with some decent runs, so we need to get back in that rhythm again. Appreciate all the work from this 22 crew to keep us going until the end.”

The NASCAR Cup Series heads west to Naval Base Coronado for the inaugural Anduril 250 on Sunday, June 21. Coverage begins at 4 p.m. ET on Prime, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

RFK Racing Pocono Executive Summary

RFK RACING
POCONO RACEWAY – EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Date: June 14, 2026
Series: NASCAR Cup Series
Location: Pocono Raceway (2.5 mile triangle-shaped superspeedway) – Long Pond, PA
Format: 400 miles / 160 laps with three stages. Stage 1: Ends at lap 30, Stage 2: Ends at lap 95, Stage 3: Ends at lap 160

RFK Racing RACE SUMMARY: Chris Buescher led the way for Roush Fenway Keselowski (RFK) Racing Sunday afternoon in at Pocono Raceway. Following an impressive qualifying effort, Buescher kept the BuildSubmarines.com Ford at the front much of the day, turning in his eighth top 10 finish of the season. Ryan Preece and the 60 team parlayed strategy into a run that pushed the Trimble Ford into the top 15 during the race’s final laps. Fuel mileage though proved to be a factor, as Preece ran out of fuel less than a mile from the checkers, finishing 28th. Brad Keselowski also faced adversity, despite showing strength early. After charging from the rear of the field in the Castrol Ford, Keselowski was victimized by a crash ahead of him that he had no chance of avoiding, ending his day early with a 38th place finish.

DRIVER HIGHLIGHTS

Chris Buescher – No. 17 BuildSubmarines.com Ford Mustang Dark Horse

Finish: 7th
Start: 6th
Laps Led: —
Stage Results: S1-5th, S2-18th
Headline takeaway: Buescher delivered another steady, competitive performance, collecting stage points and bringing home a solid seventh-place finish.

Buescher Quote: “Strategy goes into this race and everybody did a good job. The BuildSubmarines.com Ford Mustang was strong and we had some really fast laps in clean air. I know it’s everyone’s least favorite term but it matters so much here. I was a little surprised that the track didn’t widen out as much as it did last year, which gave us a much better opportunity to move forward. Good work. Proud of everybody and another step in the right direction.”

Ryan Preece – No. 60 Trimble Ford Mustang Dark Horse

Finish: 28th
Start: 35th
Laps Led: —
Stage Results: S1-28th, S2-13th
Headline takeaway: Preece overcame a rear-of-the-field starting spot and the 60 team put itself in position for a top-10 result before fuel mileage heartbreak struck on the final lap.

Preece Quote: “Man, just so frustrated. Early on we needed to make adjustments. After the first two pitstops we really dialed the Trimble Ford in and we were making progress. But like so many Pocono races, fuel mileage became a factor. We were super close on fuel but unfortunately we came up a little short there at the end.”

Brad Keselowski – No. 6 Castrol Ford Mustang Dark Horse

Finish: 38th
Start: 37th
Laps Led: —
Stage Results: S1-24th, S2-DNF
Headline takeaway: During qualifying debris was caught in the airbox requiring necessary changes before the race. By rule the changes required Keselowski to start at toward the rear. Keselowski was carving his way through the field before an unavoidable crash cut short a promising recovery effort.

Keselowski Quote: “I thought we had decent pace and just trying to bide our time. The race is gonna crack open and different strategies. And just, some guys run really stupid races and where they’re like 3-wide on lap five in a race where the strategy is going to shuffle the filed three more times and you’re just trying not to get caught up in their junk. I missed the first wave of their junk but not the second.”

Point Standings:

Buescher: 7th
Keselowski: 17th
Preece: 19th

Next Up:

The next event on the NASCAR Cup Series schedule is June 21 at the San Diego Street Course ( Naval Base Coronado – San Diego, CA). The race begins at 4:00 p.m. EDT with live coverage provided by Amazon Prime and the Motor Racing Network.

About RFK Racing 

RFK Racing, in its 39th season in 2026, 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 three hundred 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 https://www.rfkracing.com/ and follow the team on all social platforms @rfkracing.

Wood Brothers Racing – Race Report: Pocono Raceway

Event: Great American Getaway 400

Location: Pocono Raceway, Long Pond, Pennsylvania

Date: Sunday, June 14, 2026

Start: 20th

Finish: 33rd

A multi-car incident in the opening laps of Stage 2 proved costly for Josh Berry and the No. 21 Capgemini Ford Mustang Dark Horse team in Sunday’s Great American Getaway 400 at Pocono Raceway.

Berry was credited with a 33rd-place finish after damage sustained in the Lap 47 accident left the No. 21 team battling an uphill challenge for the remainder of the afternoon.

After taking the green flag from 20th on the starting grid, Berry settled in around the top 20 early and crossed the finish line 21st at the conclusion of the opening 30-lap stage.

Early in Stage 2, Berry found himself in the middle of a three-wide battle with Shane van Gisbergen and Austin Hill. Contact between the cars sent Berry into the outside wall and triggered a chain-reaction incident involving several competitors. Although the Capgemini Ford avoided a trip to the garage, the contact caused suspension damage that hindered the team’s ability to compete for track position.

Berry remained on track and continued to battle through the adversity, finishing Stage 2 in the 27th position. During the caution period between stages, the Wood Brothers crew made repairs to the damaged No. 21 Ford, but the work required additional time on pit road and resulted in the team losing two laps.

Returning to the race in 34th place, Berry and the No. 21 team pressed forward through the final stage. Despite the damaged race car, the team continued to fight to the finish, ultimately gaining one position before the checkered flag.

With Pocono in the rearview mirror, Berry and the Wood Brothers now turn their attention to next weekend’s Anduril 250 Race the Base at Naval Base Coronado near San Diego, California. The historic event will mark the first NASCAR race held on an active U.S. military installation.

7 Signs It’s Time to Sell Your Vehicle

Image by Rolf van de Wal from Pixabay

Owning a motor vehicle brings significant freedom and unmatched convenience to daily life. Every automobile eventually reaches a distinct point where keeping it makes less sense than letting it go. Recognizing these moments helps owners clear valuable space and optimize their personal finances.

Deciding to part with a longtime automobile requires careful thought and strategic planning. Clear indicators show up when a machine no longer serves its primary daily purpose. Exploring these common signals provides immediate clarity on the best path forward for your garage.

Repair Bills Outpace the Vehicle Value

Mechanical issues accumulate rapidly as an automobile accumulates mileage and experiences daily wear. Minor fixes eventually transform into major mechanical overhauls that drain personal bank accounts. Owners often face a difficult choice when garage visits become part of a costly weekly routine.

Financial experts suggest looking closely at the strict mathematics of your monthly garage invoices. A prominent automotive guide notes that repair costs exceeding 50% of the remaining market value serve as a primary indicator to trade or sell. Spending thousands of dollars on a machine worth less than the fix creates an ongoing financial deficit.

Neglecting these issues only compounds the total ownership penalties over consecutive seasons. A well-known car publication reported that maintenance backlogs represent the exact turning point at which keeping an aging machine becomes a liability. Postponing necessary service tasks leads to cascading failures throughout the primary mechanical systems.

Classic Models Clog Your Available Garage Space

Collectible automobiles require clean, dry storage areas to maintain their structural condition and exterior paint. Many collectors acquire multiple vintage items before realizing they lack the square footage to house them properly. Leaving a special vehicle exposed to external weather conditions accelerates structural deterioration and rust.

Browsing the internet reveals specialized digital networks dedicated exclusively to trading vintage automobiles. If you decide to Sell Your Classic Car Today through digital venues, finding the right platform simplifies the entire transaction. Specialized web destinations connect passionate collectors with serious buyers looking for particular makes and years.

Clearing out a packed storage bay provides immediate practical benefits for your home layout. Extra square footage allows for better organization or room for 1 reliable daily driver. Selling an unused vehicle frees up liquid capital that can fund other hobbies or property improvements.

Insurance Premiums for Extra Cars Keep Rising

Car coverage companies constantly adjust their annual underwriting algorithms to account for inflation. Maintaining active coverage on a collection of secondary vehicles becomes expensive as localized rates climb. These recurring bills accumulate when vehicles sit idle inside the driveway for months at a time.

Market researchers monitored these financial adjustments across the nation. Rising protection costs for older machines drive owners to liquidate secondary cars. Selling an underutilized vehicle provides instant relief from these monthly operational obligations.

Trimming your garage presence reduces several associated recurring costs:

  • Annually renewed registration fees required by regional transit departments.
  • Periodic scheduled fluid changes are needed to maintain mechanical readiness.
  • Localized property taxes assessed on registered motorized assets.

Market Conditions Favor Pre-Owned Transactions

Used automobile valuations experience major shifts based on supply chains and factory output. Capitalizing on favorable economic windows allows smart sellers to maximize their financial returns. Monitoring these valuation shifts helps you extract the highest possible amount from your past purchase.

Statistical data tracks these broader trends within the secondary marketplace quite accurately. A retail automotive study stated that used vehicle values started normalizing in 2024, representing a pivotal moment for owners to liquidate assets before depreciation accelerates. Waiting too long can cause a sudden drop in equity.

Favorable selling conditions do not last indefinitely in the automotive industry. Acting during a stable economic window protects your financial position from unexpected market drops. Buyers remain active when pricing stabilizes, creating a smooth path for completing a private sale.

High Demand Shifts Toward Older Collectibles

Consumer tastes change across generations, affecting which particular models become popular targets. Vehicles from recent decades frequently attract nostalgic interest from modern buyers. Such interest drives up competition for well-preserved machines across the country.

Recent analytical studies highlight particular areas of market growth within the collector community. A 12% increase in demand for well-maintained vehicles built during the 1980s and 1990s. Owners of these particular model years hold highly desirable assets.

Capitalizing on generational nostalgia yields excellent transaction terms for sellers. Buyers want to recapture memories associated with the popular cars of their youth. Selling during these demand peaks brings serious offers from dedicated enthusiasts.

Unrestored Original Cars Secure Steady Private Sales

Preserving an automobile in its factory state attracts a unique class of buyers. Original paint, factory interior components, and matching serial numbers possess undeniable historical appeal. Many collectors prefer these untouched examples over completely rebuilt alternatives.

Auction data confirms the persistent strength of unaltered automobiles. A specialized valuation report indicated that auction blocks in early 2025 witnessed a steady 8% rise in private party transactions for unrestored original vehicles. Buyers appreciate the historical accuracy found only in preserved machinery.

Selling an unmolested vehicle eliminates the need for expensive detailing or cosmetic restoration work. True enthusiasts value the genuine patina accumulated through decades of careful ownership. Presenting an authentic machine attracts people who respect historical preservation.

Extended Storage Causes Rapid Component Degradation

Vehicles require regular movement to keep their internal mechanical parts properly lubricated. Allowing a car to sit motionless for long durations invites mechanical trouble under the hood. Fluids settle, and a lack of circulation causes operational components to stiffen.

Automotive valuation experts warn against leaving machines completely dormant in driveways. An expert car advice guide noted that vehicles sitting idle for beyond 6 months lose value rapidly from component degradation, like dry-rotted seals. Mechanical breakdown happens silently when a vehicle stays parked indefinitely.

Dormant storage creates several distinct mechanical issues:

  • Flat spots are forming on the tire treads from holding weight in one position.
  • Water accumulation inside fuel tanks leads to internal rust.
  • Battery depletion caused by parasitic electrical drains.

Recognizing the perfect moment to transition away from an old automobile saves money and frustration. Evaluating repair costs, storage limitations, and market shifts guides your choices clearly.

Taking action gives you the chance to clean your garage and pocket extra funds. Your automotive journey benefits when you know exactly when to make a change.