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Transparency First: Why Real-Time Stats are the New Standard for Sports Betting

By
SM
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Photo by depositphotos at https://depositphotos.com/

Sports betting has become more than fixed odds and pre-match. It is now a real-time environment where speed, accuracy, and transparency are the measures of user trust. Bettors have ceased to be passive consumers: they study real data in real-time, evaluate the dynamics of matches, and modify strategies within a few seconds.

This change has made real-time statistics a fundamental aspect of contemporary betting sites. More to the point, it has redefined transparency not as a characteristic, but as a minimum requirement.

The Shift Toward Data-Driven Betting Experiences

Modern gamers need live data to make informed choices. The shift to data-driven betting indicates the transition from intuition-based wagering to analytical strategy.

For example, in a football game, a team that has 65 % possession and several shots on target in the first 20 minutes of the game usually causes a quantifiable change in live odds. Live betting analytics allow bettors to track value before the market has adjusted fully.

Core Features of Modern Data Platforms

Platforms that facilitate this approach provide:

  • Live match statistics: Possession, shots, and pass accuracy.
  • Instant odds recalibration: Live event-based updates.
  • Contextual overlays: Visual descriptions of momentum changes.

Onboarding simplicity is a factor as a user navigates such platforms. The w88 sign up process must be a seamless experience to make sure that users are not delayed in accessing these data-rich environments without any difficulties.

Building Trust and Credibility Through Real-Time Analytics

Transparency is a direct result of user confidence. Users might doubt the integrity of a platform when odds change without cause. Real-time statistics will eliminate this uncertainty by matching on-screen data with betting results.

For instance, A tennis game where a player’s first-serve % decreases from 75 % to 48 %. This downfall is usually associated with more break-point opportunities, thereby impacting live odds. The logic behind odds movement becomes obvious when users are able to see this information immediately while betting.

Critical Trust Signals Enabled by Live Data

  • Conditional odds justification: Explaining shifts due to injuries, cards, or scoring opportunities.
  • Coordinated market updates: Ensuring data and odds move in sync.
  • Reduced perception of algorithmic bias: Providing the “why” behind the numbers.

Such transparency in sports data guarantees that users do not guess; they interpret.

The Emergence of In-Play Betting and Real-Time Accuracy

In-play betting has essentially changed wagering behavior. As per industry trends, a large percentage of wagering is currently done during live events as opposed to prior to kickoff. This model is entirely based on the accuracy of data in real-time.

Advantages of In-Play Betting with Live Data

  • Quick response to game-changing situations.
  • Prospect to take advantage of short-run inefficiencies in odds.
  • Better involvement by making decisions continuously.

For example, in a cricket match, an unexpected drop in run charge blended with the lack of key wickets can shift healthy possibilities dramatically within mins. Bettors leveraging in-play wagering tendencies can capitalize on those micro-moments before betting odds stabilize.

Without real-time stats, such opportunities might be invisible to bettors.

How Platforms Leverage Advanced Predictive Analytics

Betting sites are becoming advanced analytics centers. They combine real-time information with proactive modeling to increase precision in decision-making.

Core Analytical Enhancements for Bettors

  • Predictive probability engines: Determining the probability of outcomes through live inputs.
  • Data visualization tools: Heat maps and shot charts to straighten intricate match dynamics.
  • Player-specific tracking: Allowing for micro-betting (e.g., next goal scorer, total runs).

Sport-Specific Data Visuals

Indicatively, basketball systems tend to utilize shot distribution heat maps to reveal scoring efficiency regions. When combined with fatigue signs (mins played), this information provides a predictive aspect.

These innovations transform systems from passive interfaces into selection-help systems.

Consider User Expectations: Accuracy, Accessibility, and Speed

Current consumers live in a modern digital world where waiting is not an option. Even a couple of seconds of data delay can cause lost opportunities or doubt.

Essential Requirements for User Retention

  • Faster-than-second data refresh rates.
  • Live tracking dashboards optimized for mobile use.
  • Personalized stat displays for various sports.
  • Graphical depiction of trends and momentum.

Also, users are demanding consistency. It can easily destroy trust when there is a discrepancy between reported statistics and odds movement. Places that fulfill these expectations not only retain users but also enhance the time spent and frequency of betting.

The Competitive Advantage of Transparency

Transparency is now a measurable competitive advantage. Services that deliver real-time and verifiable data outperform those that use slow or obscure systems.

Business and Regulatory Impact

  • Enhanced loyalty: A direct result of greater trust.
  • Increased activity: Based on informed, confident decisions.
  • Regulatory correspondence: Greater compliance in strictly oriented markets.

Besides, transparency minimizes cognitive friction. Users act more quickly when they know the reason why something occurs. Fast decision-making is directly proportional to profitability in the world of betting. In this context, real-time statistics transcend simple information; they become a performance tool.

Real-Time Stats as the New Industry Standard

Real-time statistics integration has remodeled sports betting standards. A feature that used to be viewed as advanced is currently an essential criterion for credibility and competitiveness.

Bettors demand platforms provide seamless, precise, and transparent information that is a reflection of actual gameplay. Any shortcut establishes a gap between user expectations and platform performance.

After all, whether they are examining live match dynamics or completing a seamless w88 sign-up for the first time, the expectation is the same: access to live, trustworthy information that allows for smarter, faster, and more confident bets.

Can Kaulig Racing bounce back from early season adversity and lead the Ram resurgency in NASCAR this season?

By
Mike Gambill
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Kaulig Racing

There’s an old proverbial saying of “three steps forward and two steps back,” which seems to summarize the Kaulig Racing season so far in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (NCTS) in 2026. The only thing that seems certain in racing is that unforeseen events can bring down the best in the business, and the Kaulig team is far from the best this year- so far. It’s only early April, and there’s plenty of races ahead, starting with Rockingham tomorrow late afternoon on Good Friday.

However, like a duck gracefully gliding across pond water, the Kaulig team no doubt has its feet kicking and paddling fast like a duck to stay afloat after self-inflicted driver wounds tarnished the team’s name (more about that later in this article) recently. Can this team kick it into fifth gear quickly and start taking care of the business of winning? Time will tell, but the 2026 clock is already ticking.

The 2026 season heralds the return of Ram trucks, with Kaulig Racing as the brand’s anchor.

The selection of Kaulig Racing as the anchor team to reinvigorate the Ram truck product starting this season in the NCTS should be a dream come true for any truck racing outfit affiliated with NASCAR. After all, NASCAR hasn’t seen any new original equipment manufacturers (OEM) since Toyota joined the truck series 22 years ago, and the absence of a major truck builder like Ram seemed like an odd situation to say the least. In addition to re-entering the Truck Series, Ram also brought back production of their celebrated 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engines as a nod to returning to NASCAR. Fans can see this Ram resurgence in action every time they catch the ubiquitous Ram truck commercials that are purposely over-the-top “Hell Yeah” nod to truck lovers and NASCAR fans alike.

Kaulig Racing is now the Ram factory team for 2026 and beyond.

In addition, Ram has pledged their support for Kaulig Racing as the “poster children” for their return to NASCAR with a nod to Kaulig as their official factory team. With this kind of support, Kaulig has a direct line to the Ram engineers and production staff for technical support and, more importantly, spare parts to keep a NASCAR team running each week. Since Kaulig has full-time entries in the Cup Series and three drivers in the O’Reilly Series, the expansion of this team into a potential juggernaut in the Truck Series is no doubt the goal, ultimately. With no less than five Ram trucks in the NCTS, Kaulig Racing is making a commitment to keeping the Ram brand at the forefront of NASCAR racing this season and into the future. Kaulig has three drivers so far finishing in the top ten in races up to this point, and betting the farm that partnering with Ram will pay dividends this season and into the future for both the truck manufacturer and for this racing team.

Kaulig Racing’s leap of faith with Ram trucks has brought its share of setbacks as well.

As I alluded to at the beginning of this article, Kaulig Racing is taking the leap of faith with Ram this season, and that journey carries plenty of pitfalls and perils along the way. With the social media controversy surrounding Daniel Dye and his subsequent suspension from the Kaulig team, the No. 10 truck has lost its driver for this season at a minimum. While Dye was in the middle of the pack so far this season in terms of the overall NCTS standings, leaving a truck in this Series without a driver opens up the rumor mills, as Kaulig represents both its team and Ram trucks every time they set foot on a NASCAR track.

When NASCAR hands you lemons, learn how to make lemonade – fast.

Photo by Adam Lovelace for SpeedwayMedia.com.

In order to keep a fleet of five full-time drivers in their seats for the 2026 Truck Series season, Kaulig Racing made a bold move by creating the driver each race of their number 25 truck as a “free agent.” In essence, this truck remains open to “guest” drivers who want some seat time in truck racing this year. With this novel concept, Kaulig Racing has been able to keep four drivers going (minus the issue with Dye) and still find a fill-in driver to round off the Kaulig race entry for each race this season. For the race in Rockingham this Friday, no less than veteran racer Ty Dillon will be stepping in to keep all of the Ram trucks in action. By utilizing the free agent concept, Kaulig plans to rotate both veterans and young racers in the number 25 truck each race, which, of course, generates more fan interest and keeps Ram trucks well represented each race night.

With the loss of Daniel Dye as a driver, Kaulig Racing had to scramble and find another driver to fill the number 10 truck seat for the rest of 2026. Corey LaJoie has been tapped to join the Kaulig team for the rest of the season and keep Ram in the mix each race week by keeping all five trucks with drivers. LaJoie brings experience and winning ways and has driven in all three NASCAR series. In addition, LaJoie may well be suited to be some sort of “reserve” driver for Kaulig in the O’Reilly and Cup series should the need arise.

Is the return of Ram trucks a sign of things to come in the other NASCAR series?

It’s probably way too early to assess whether Dodge will follow suit with Ram and jump back into NASCAR. While the addition of Ram trucks brings back another iconic American auto manufacturer to the racetrack, there are mixed reports that Dodge may want to re-enter the Cup or O’Reilly Series as early as 2027. Ram trucks are a logical choice to affiliate with the Truck Series; however, the elimination of the Challenger by Dodge leaves only the Charger platform to help rebrand Dodge back into NASCAR in the near future. NASCAR represents the epitome of traditional American stock car racing, and welcoming Ram and Dodge back into the racing fold makes sense from both an OEM standpoint and from a fan base standpoint as well.

Reigning ARCA East Champion Isaac Kitzmiller Riding Momentum to Rockingham Speedway

By
Official Release
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ROCKINGHAM, N.C.: Fresh off a career-best third-place finish in the ARCA Menards Series East at Hickory (N.C.) Motor Speedway, reigning champion Isaac Kitzmiller carries strong momentum into Rockingham (N.C.) Speedway, aiming for his first career victory and a second consecutive championship.

Kitzmiller’s debut at the historic Hickory Motor Speedway saw him execute nearly a flawless race, capitalizing on tire conservation and applying pressure when it mattered most en route to a third-place finish behind pre-race favorites Tristan McKee and Max Reaves.

The podium result puts Kitzmiller — the son of full-time ARCA Menards Series driver Jason Kitzmiller — in a stronger position than he was a year ago, improving by two spots while extending his streak of consecutive ARCA Menards Series East top-10 finishes to nine.

“I felt like we had a really solid car all day at Hickory,” reflected Kitzmiller. “We focused a lot on saving our tires early and putting ourselves in position for the long run, and that paid off. To come away with a third-place finish against that level of competition gives us a lot of confidence heading into Rockingham.”

The 17-year-old rising phenom is set to tackle Rockingham Speedway’s demanding 0.94-mile oval layout, eager to apply the knowledge he gained last April and put his A.L.L. Construction Racing — CR7 Motorsports team in contention for his first career victory in the NASCAR-owned series.

“I learned a lot racing at Rockingham last year,” said Kitzmiller. “It’s a tough track that really challenges you to manage your tires and stay disciplined over a long run. I feel like we’ve made a lot of progress since then, and everyone at A.L.L. Construction Racing — CR7 Motorsports has been working hard to put us in a position to succeed.

“If we execute the way we’re capable of, I think we can put ourselves in position to contend for the win.”

With Rockingham Speedway sharing several characteristics with Hickory Motor Speedway, the Maysville, West Virginia, native has a clear understanding of what to expect in Saturday afternoon’s 125-lap showdown.

However, he knows the laps will click off quickly, making execution critical not only to extend his streak but also to keep himself firmly in the hunt for the ARCA Menards Series East championship.

“Races like this really come down to execution,” said Kitzmiller. “Rockingham is a place that rewards drivers who stay disciplined and manage their tires throughout a run, and you can’t afford to make mistakes because the laps go by so fast.

“With how competitive this series is, every point matters, so for us it’s about putting a full race together, staying consistent and making the most of every opportunity.”

Ahead of Saturday morning’s Rockingham ARCA Menards Series East 125, Kitzmiller credits his continued success to the efforts of his A.L.L. Construction Racing — CR7 Motorsports team, led by crew chief Doug Howe.

“I can’t say enough about this team and everything they’ve done to put me in a position to succeed,” added Kitzmiller. “Doug and all the guys at A.L.L. Construction Racing — CR7 Motorsports have been working hard every week, and it shows. It definitely gives me a lot of confidence knowing we have the speed and the people behind me to contend.”

Of course, Kitzmiller’s biggest fan is his father, Jason Kitzmiller, who will once again have the opportunity to compete alongside his son in ARCA Menards Series East and ARCA Menards Series national combined events throughout the 2026 season.

“It means a lot to have my dad at the track and be able to compete alongside him,” said Kitzmiller. “He’s been a huge influence on me and someone I’ve always looked up to, so to share these moments together is really special.

“At the same time, we’re both out there to compete, and that makes it even more meaningful when we can both go out and perform at a high level.”

Kitzmiller will continue to adorn the colors of A.L.L. Construction and Carter Machinery in his 10th career ARCA Menards Series East start.

Carter Machinery’s humble start began in 1928, serving Virginia and southeastern West Virginia.

As our customers’ needs changed over the years, we evolved by continually adding new products, services, and locations, with exponential growth occurring after our 2020 acquisition of Alban Tractor Company.

Today, our footprint spans the Mid-Atlantic, with over 30 locations throughout Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, and the District of Columbia.

We sell, rent, and support the full line of Cat® equipment, engines, and electric power generation systems, backed by the best parts availability, the most diverse rental fleet, and an expert service team working together to enable our customers’ highest level of success.

Our ongoing investment in people, infrastructure, technology, and tooling continues to position us as one of Caterpillar’s leading dealers in North America and throughout the world.

“Carter Machinery has been such an important partner for my family and our race team, and we’re really proud to represent them every time we hit the track,” said Kitzmiller. “To be able to carry their colors at a place like Rockingham Speedway makes this weekend even more special.

“They’ve built an incredible company with a strong reputation across the Mid-Atlantic, and for us, the goal is to put Carter Machinery and A.L.L. Construction in Victory Lane in 2026. We’re working hard to make that happen this season.”

Since 2025, Kitzmiller has made nine ARCA Menards Series East starts, earning four top-five and nine top-10 finishes, including a career-best third-place result at Hickory (N.C.) Motor Speedway in March 2026.

Through two years of ARCA Menards Series East competition, Kitzmiller owns an impressive 6.4 average finish and returns in 2026 as the reigning series champion.

For more on Isaac Kitzmiller, please follow him on Instagram (@isaackitzmillerracing) and X |Twitter (@isaackitzmiller).

The Rockingham ARCA Menards East 125 (125 laps | 200 miles) is the second of eight races on the 2026 ARCA Menards Series East schedule. Practice begins Saturday, April 4, from 9:00 a.m. to 9:50 a.m. ET. Sioux Chief PowerPEX Pole Qualifying follows at 10:05 a.m. with the race scheduled to take the green flag shortly after 11:30 a.m. ET. The race will be televised live on FloRacing and the NASCAR Channel, while ARCARacing.com will provide live timing and scoring throughout the day’s activities. All times are local (ET).

Brad Keselowski’s Checkered Flag Foundation Continues Partnership with RFK Racing and BuildSubmarines.com to Honor Military Heroes

By
Official Release
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Concord, NC (April 2, 2026) – Brad Keselowski’s Checkered Flag Foundation announced today the return of its Tribute to Veterans program presented by BuildSubmarines.com, continuing a meaningful partnership now in its second year. The initiative, now in its eighth year overall and fifth alongside RFK Racing, will once again honor America’s heroes with a special tribute scheme featured on the No. 6 BuildSubmarines.com Ford Mustang driven by NASCAR champion Brad Keselowski.

Beginning April 2, 2026, friends and family can submit the name of a hero to be displayed on Keselowski’s No. 6 BuildSubmarines.com Ford Mustang for the NASCAR Cup Series race at Darlington Raceway in Darlington, South Carolina, on September 6, 2026.

The Tribute to Veterans program provides a platform for individuals to recognize and celebrate those who have served, including veterans, active-duty military members, military families, and their caregivers. Each name featured on the car represents a story of sacrifice, dedication, and service to our nation.

“Tribute to Veterans has become one of the most meaningful programs we do through the foundation,” said Keselowski. “Every name on the car represents someone who has given so much in service to our country. Being able to honor those individuals at a place as special as Darlington makes this program incredibly powerful. I’m grateful for the continued support from BuildSubmarines.com and RFK Racing in helping us recognize these heroes and share their stories.”

Submissions to be part of the program are $125 per honoree, with proceeds supporting the Checkered Flag Foundation’s mission to honor and assist veterans, active-duty military members, first responders, and their families. In addition to having their hero’s name featured on the car, participants will receive a personalized certificate and commemorative gift following the Darlington race weekend.

Those wishing to submit the name of a veteran, service member, or military family member can do so via THIS LINK. Submissions will be accepted through July 13, 2026.

Participants are encouraged to share their involvement by using #TributeToVeterans and #WeveGotYour6 on social media. For additional information about the Checkered Flag Foundation and updates on the Tribute to Veterans program, visit CheckeredFlagFoundation.org or follow the Foundation on X (@BKCFF), Instagram (@CheckeredFlagFoundation), and Facebook (@CheckeredFlagFoundation).

About Brad Keselowski’s Checkered Flag Foundation

Brad Keselowski’s Checkered Flag Foundation honors and assists those who have sacrificed greatly for our country and communities. Since 2010, the foundation has supported hundreds of organizations and individuals in order to help veterans and first responders. Visit www.CheckeredFlagFoundation.org for details.

About BuildSubmarines.com

BuildSubmarines.com is the national platform created to help people find careers in maritime manufacturing- the skilled work that powers the Navy’s next generation of ships and submarines. The site connects candidates with thousands of career opportunities and includes an education hub for K-12 educators, as well as a training page for individuals looking to learn a trade skill. BuildSubmarines.com also partners with government, industry, and educational institutions to highlight the critical need for workforce in supporting the U.S. Navy’s national defense efforts. For more information, visit www.BuildSubmarines.com.

About Roush Fenway Keselowski 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.

HUGE STAKES FOR FUNNY CAR STANDOUTS AT 1,000TH FUNNY CAR RACE AT LUCAS OIL NHRA WINTERNATIONALS IN POMONA

By
Official Release
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POMONA, Calif. (April 2, 2026) – Two-time Funny Car world champion Cruz Pedregon has the unique distinction of winning NHRA’s 1,000th race (Las Vegas, 2021) as well as the 900th race in Funny Car history (Norwalk, 2021).

The veteran has another rare opportunity next weekend at his home track, when In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip hosts the Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals on April 9-12. It is the third of 20 races during NHRA’s 75th anniversary season in 2026, but it also carries the distinction of being the 1,000th race in NHRA Funny Car history.

A loaded Funny Car field will race for not only the special 75th anniversary diamond Wally, but also a special 1,000th Funny Car race trophy, with it all happening at the historic track in Pomona. For Pedregon, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in his 12,000-horsepower Snap-On Tools Dodge SRT Hellcat.

“The 900th was special, no doubt, but winning the 1000th at Pomona, my home track, would be on another level! It would mean a lot to me, my family and our fans,” Pedregon said.

Funny Car made its first-ever appearance at the 1966 World Finals in Tulsa, with Eddie Schartman picking up the victory. Sixty years of incredible history has followed, but only one driver will win the 1,000th Funny Car race. Heading into the 1,000th Funny Car race, here’s the list of milestone winners thus far:

  • Eddie Schartman, 1966 Tulsa Finals
  • Tripp Shumake, 1981 Atlanta
  • Bruce Larson, 1989 Winternationals
  • John Force, 1994 Topeka
  • Tim Wilkerson, 1999 Chicago
  • Wilkerson, 2003 U.S. Nationals in Indy
  • Jack Beckman, 2008 Phoenix
  • Johnny Gray, 2012 Englishtown
  • Force, 2016 Denver
  • Cruz Pedregon, 2021 Norwalk

Beckman enters with plenty of Pomona momentum, winning last year’s Winternationals and the In-N-Out Burger Finals to close out 2024. He’s always performed well at his home track and, as a strong historian of the sport, Beckman knows how big this victory would be in his 12,000-horsepower PEAK Chevrolet SS for John Force Racing.

“Pomona happens to be my home track, just happens to be the 1,000th Funny Car race, and I happen to be the defending race champion. I’m hoping the planets are going to line up,” Beckman said. “It’s a nice feeling to be a part of this history. I’m a historian who’s also getting to put my thumbprint on some of the history. That’s pretty cool.

“I just didn’t think I’d be a part of this. I mean, I’ve done 30 races for John Force Racing, so 31 races ago I wasn’t racing. The fact that I’m back in the cockpit to have a chance to win the 1,000th Funny Car race is the greatest news.”

It’s part of a loaded weekend that includes two rounds of qualifying on Friday and Saturday, the Mission #2Fast2Tasty bonus race on Saturday and 75th anniversary celebrations like:

  • An appearance from NHRA legend and six-time champion Kenny Bernstein, in honor of his historic 310-mph pass at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip in 1994.
  • Other legends scheduled to appear include milestone Funny Car winners Larson, Gray, Wilkerson and Force, as well as legends like Don Prudhomme, Richard Tharp, Gary Beck, Jim Dunn and more.
  • On Friday, the first 4,000 fans in attendance will receive a special NHRA 75th anniversary Winternationals event poster.

In 2025, Beckman (Funny Car), Clay Millican (Top Fuel) and Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) claimed Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals wins. This year’s race will be broadcast on FS1, with elimination coverage on Sunday, April 12, beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET.

Top Fuel’s Clay Millican took out Tony Stewart in the final round last year in Pomona. Josh Hart won in Gainesville to open 2026 in his first race with John Force Racing, while Shawn Langdon picked up the Phoenix win. Past Pomona winners include reigning champ Doug Kalitta, Antron Brown, Justin Ashley and Tony Schumacher.

Greg Anderson won his 16th race at the famed track last season over KB Titan Racing teammate Dallas Glenn. The duo battled all season, but it was Glenn who earned his first world title. Matt Hartford opened 2026 with a win, while Glenn won in Phoenix. Others to watch include Erica Enders, Aaron Stanfield and Cody Coughlin.

All weekend, fans also get to see racing action in the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series.

The Nitro Alley Stage is the main entertainment hub in the pits, hosting Nitro School, meet and greets, and much more. As always, fans get a pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet. Fans can see their favorite teams in action and servicing their hot rods between rounds and get autographs from their favorite NHRA drivers. They can also visit NHRA’s Manufacturers Midway, where sponsors and race vendors create an exciting atmosphere.

Race fans at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip can enjoy the special pre-race ceremonies that celebrate each of the drivers racing for the prestigious Wally on Sunday and includes the fan favorite SealMaster Track Walk. The final can’t-miss experience of any NHRA event is the winner’s circle celebration on Sunday after racing concludes, where fans are invited to congratulate the event winners.

NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series qualifying features qualifying at 1:30 and 4 p.m. PT on Friday, April 10, and the final two rounds on Saturday, April 11 at 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 11 a.m. PT on Sunday, April 12. Television coverage includes eliminations on Sunday at 6:30 p.m. ET.

To purchase tickets to the 2026 Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals, fans can visit www.NHRA.com/tickets. Children 12 and under are free in general admission areas with the purchase of an adult ticket.

About Mission Foods

MISSION®, owned by GRUMA, S.A.B. de C.V., is the world’s leading brand for tortillas and wraps. MISSION® is also globally renowned for flatbreads, dips, salsas and Mexican food products. With presence in over 112 countries, MISSION® products are suited to the lifestyles and the local tastes of each country. With innovation and customer needs in mind, MISSION® focuses on the highest quality, authentic flavors, and providing healthy options that families and friends can enjoy together. For more information, please visit https://www.missionfoods.com/

About NHRA

NHRA is the primary sanctioning body for the sport of drag racing in the United States. NHRA presents 20 national events featuring the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series and NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, as well as the JBS Equipment NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Elite Motorsports and NHRA Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown™ at select national events. NHRA provides competition opportunities for drivers of all levels in the NHRA Summit Racing Series and NHRA Street Legal™. NHRA also offers the NHRA Jr. Street® program for teens and the Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League® for youth ages 5 to 17. With more than 100 Member Tracks, NHRA allows racers to compete at a variety of locations nationally and internationally. NHRA’s Youth and Education Services® (YES) Program reaches over 30,000 students annually to ignite their interest in automotive and racing related careers. NHRA’s streaming service, NHRA.tv®, allows fans to view all NHRA national events as well as exclusive features of the sport. In addition, NHRA owns and operates three racing facilities: Gainesville Raceway in Florida; Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park; and In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip in Southern California. For more information, log on to www.NHRA.com, or visit the official NHRA pages on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Front Row Motorsports: Rockingham Speedway NCTS Race Advance (Layne Riggs / Chandler Smith)

By
Official Release
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Layne Riggs | Chandler Smith
Rockingham Speedway NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Race Advance
Black’s Tire 200

Date: Friday, April 3, 2026
Event: Race 5 of 25
Series: NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series
Location: Rockingham Speedway (1.0-mile)
#of Laps: 200
Time/TV/Radio: 4:30 PM ET on FS1/SiriusXM channel 90

FRM Points Standings:

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

Layne Riggs Notes

Layne Riggs and the No. 34 team are back in action this Friday, April 3 as the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series heads to the Rockingham Speedway. Following a 12th place finish at the Darlington Raceway, Riggs now sits third in the Driver Championship points standings. In last year’s event at the 1.0-mile track, Riggs swept both stage one and two before crossing the start/finish line in 11th.

Bare Knuckle Boxing (BKB) returns with Layne Riggs this Friday at the Rockingham Speedway. The partnership marks Bare Knuckle Boxing’s continued support of Riggs as he builds momentum early in the Truck Series season, aligning one of combat sports’ fastest-growing brands with one of the sport’s rising young drivers. Originating in South Florida with combat sports legend Dada 5000 and Mike Vazquez (who in 1999 formed HRT Motorsports, NASCAR’s first Hispanic racing team), BKB is the oldest professional bare knuckle boxing company in the world and its largest in terms of roster, library and distribution. BKB is broadcasted in millions of homes across the globe. Fans can learn more about BKB by visiting https://www.bkbbareknuckle.com/.

Lorawnt-T Nelson will be in attendance this Friday to promote the upcoming Bare Knuckle Boxing event, “The Harder They Fall”. The match is scheduled for April 17th and will take place at Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino in Niagara Falls, New York. Fans can watch on VICE TV and Telemundo Desportes in the US, and in the UK with TalkSport.

Tedder Trash Solutions will also join Riggs and the No. 34 team as an associate partner for Friday’s race. A locally owned and operated company serving the greater Sandhills area since 2020, Tedder Trash Solutions provides dependable weekly trash pickup, roll-off dumpster rentals, and a variety of solid waste solutions tailored to meet the needs of both residential and commercial customers. Learn more by visiting TedderTrashSolutions.com.

“We’re confident in our chances at Rockingham,” said Riggs. “We showed a lot of speed in the test, which gives us a lot of optimism for Friday. We had a dominant truck here last year and just came up short on fuel at the end. If we can put a full race together, I know we’re capable of getting it done.”
Road Crew

Driver: Layne Riggs

Crew Chief: Dylan Cappello

Truck Chief: Brandon Selph

Engineer: Jonathan Coates

Mechanic: Clark Houston

Mechanic: Robert Benzenhafer

Interior Specialist: Brian Sliney

Spotter: Josh Williams

Transport Driver: James O’Neal

Pit Crew

Front Tire Changer: Blake Hickman

Rear Tire Changer: Steven Chereek

Tire Carrier: Alvin Wilson

Jackman: Kendall Futrell

Fueler: Patrick Gaddy

Chandler Smith Notes

Chandler Smith heads to the Rockingham Speedway for 200 laps at the Richmond County, NC oval. Through the first four races of the season, Smith has scored one win, two top-five, and three top-10 finishes and currently leads the Truck Series Driver Championship points standings.

QuickTie™ will return with Chandler Smith and the No. 38 team this Friday. The patented structural tie-down system continues its partnership with Front Row Motorsports, supporting Smith and the No. 38 Ford F-150 as he builds on early-season momentum.

“We’re in a strong position leading the points standings, and with a solid run-or a win-this Friday, we have a great opportunity to build on that lead,” said Smith. “With the Chase format, it’s all about maximizing points throughout the race, not just the finish. Our focus is on starting up front, scoring in both stages, and putting together a complete race to bring home a strong result.”
Road Crew

Driver: Chandler Smith

Crew Chief: Jon Leonard

Truck Chief: Ron Schutte

Engineer: Roland Kummel

Mechanic: Rowan Mason

Mechanic: Mahlon Borkholder

Interior Specialist: Kyle Clark

Spotter: Ryan Blanchard

Transport Driver: Mark Hadley

Pit Crew

Front Tire Changer: Josh Francos

Rear Tire Changer: Curtis Thompson

Tire Carrier: Drew Baum

Jackman: Shane Perry

Fueler: Anthony Bryarly

ABOUT BARE KNUCKLE BOXING

Originating in South Florida as BYB Extreme with Mike Vazquez and backyard legend Dada 5000, whose backyard fights gained worldwide popularity online, BKB was founded to harness the excitement of bare knuckle fighting into a more structured product for a wider, more mainstream audience. Since 2015, BBB has worked diligently to grow the reach of bare knuckle on both a domestic and international level, and is continuing to work with athletic commissions throughout the United States and globally to expand the fanbase growing sport of bare knuckle fighting. In the past two years, BKB has purchased the UK-based BKB, the world’s oldest professional bare knuckle boxing company, and in doing so merged the organizations to create the largest global bare knuckle boxing organization in the world in terms of roster, library and distribution; ushered in ethical and legalized gambling to the sport; acquired the rights to the historic and prestigious Police Gazette Diamond Belt which now serves as the Bare Knuckle Boxing World Championship; and brought bare knuckle boxing to lineal television on both sides of the Atlantic, including the recent deal with VICE TV and Telemundo Desportes in the US, and in the UK with TalkSport. Fans can learn more about BKB by visiting https://www.bkbbareknuckle.com/.

ABOUT TEDDER TRASH SOLUTIONS

As a locally owned and operated company serving the greater Sandhills area since 2020, we are honored to align with a team that shares our commitment to hard work, performance, and community.

At Tedder Trash Solutions, we provide dependable weekly trash pickup, roll-off dumpster rentals, and a variety of solid waste solutions tailored to meet the needs of both residential and commercial customers. Our business is built on a service-first, people-focused approach — delivering reliability, responsiveness, and hometown customer care every step of the way.

As we continue to grow, we remain committed to the values that started it all: family, customer service, and doing the job right. We are grateful for the support of our customers, our community, and above all, we give thanks to Jesus Christ for His guidance and blessings every step of the way.

ABOUT QUICKTIE

Quick Tie Products, Inc., (“QuickTie”) manufactures and distributes the QuickTie™ System (a proprietary, patented hold-down system for high wind and seismic construction) and a full line of framing hardware including u-hangers, hurricane clips, straps, structural wood screws, truss connectors and foundation connectors.

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 teamfrm.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.

AO Racing Returns to GTD Competition as Roxy Takes on Long Beach Grand Prix

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Official Release
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LONG BEACH, Calif., (April 2, 2026) – AO Racing will once again return to the GTD class in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship for April’s Grand Prix of Long Beach, with Roxy, the prehistoric pink Porsche 911 GT3 Rawr continuing her time in the spotlight. Mikkel Pederson will join full season AO driver Harry King to race on the downtown street circuit.

“It’s great to be bringing Roxy to Long Beach this year after Rexy’s win in 2025,” said Team Principal Gunnar Jeannette. “Harry is no stranger to the team, but it will be Mikkel’s first time driving our dino-Porsche. We were impressed by Mikkel’s driving as teammates in the WEC RSR’s and are looking forward to his IMSA debut with us.”

While Rexy continues to take some personal time to recover emotionally from his Daytona incident, his sister will once again step in, determined to make him proud. Leaving behind the spring break atmosphere of Sebring, Roxy heads from the East Coast to the West Coast, answering the call of California’s bright lights, embracing the glitz and glamour of Hollywood before taking on the tight, unforgiving streets of Long Beach.

The return to GTD comes one year after AO Racing captured victory on the streets of Long Beach with Rexy, alongside Laurens Vanthoor and Jonny Edgar. Roxy carries strong momentum into Long Beach, following an impressive run at the Twelve Hours of Sebring, where she lead 130 laps, battled for the win in the final hours, and ultimately secured a GTD PRO podium alongside co-drivers Nick Tandy, Harry King, and Alessio Picariello.

The move from GTD PRO to GTD requires a driver change, with AO ace Harry King to be joined by Danish racing driver Mikkel Pederson. The FIA-silver rated driver has his early sports car roots in Porsche Supercup, and experience racing Porsches in GT World Challenge Europe and the World Endurance Championship. His entry into the Long Beach Grand Prix with AO will mark his IMSA WeatherTech debut.

The event will feature both GTP and GTD classes, and takes place Saturday, April 18 at 1:05 PM PT, with live coverage available on Peacock (USA) and IMSA’s YouTube channel (International audiences).

Carson Brown On a Roll Heading to ‘The Rock’

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Official Release
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17-Year-Old Racer Has Eyes Set on Second Straight ARCA Victory

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (April 2, 2026) – Carson Brown’s racing arc in the ARCA Menards Series is stout. Sixth in his debut last March at Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, Florida, second in his second career start in November at Phoenix Raceway, and first in his third and most recent ARCA start March 5 at Phoenix.

This Saturday at Rockingham (N.C.) Speedway, the 17-year-old from New London, North Carolina, aims to maintain his impressive level of performance in just his fourth career ARCA start.

“At just under a mile, Rockingham will be one of the biggest tracks I’ve run,” said Brown, whose first taste of a mile oval came at Phoenix. “With the banking Rockingham has, it will be a lot faster than Phoenix. It’ll help me get used to driving with more downforce in a race that will be more aero involved.

“I really look forward to these opportunities to get on bigger racetracks. It’s good experience to learn the aero part of ARCA cars and NASCAR-style racing in general.”

Brown is a development driver for Richard Childress Racing. His time in ARCA is preparation for when he gets the eventual nod to make select starts in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, the two stepping-stone divisions to the elite NASCAR Cup Series.

That preparation also involves a lot of work outside the racecar. Brown is a regular inside the 130,000-square-foot GM Tech Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he is embedded with Wise Optimization, the driver training program founded by 2005 USAC National Midget Series champion Josh Wise and former Formula 1 driver Scott Speed.

“The guys at Chevy and Wise Optimization have helped me prepare like I’ve never prepared before,” Brown said. “I work out through the week at the GM Tech Center, and then I sim pretty much every day. That simulator time is very important. It helps a lot when I arrive at the track to have gotten many reps in during the week.

“Josh and Scott are absolutely invaluable to my learning process. Their combined experience and knowledge is something that is hard to replicate. They’re definitely accelerating my learning curve. Even little details, like just going through historical notes, looking at previous races, and helping me read and understand the data. They’re really showing me what to look for and where I need to focus my attention. I cannot thank them enough for their support.”

Also helping is that Brown comes to Rockingham with the same team he’s been racing with since November – Pinnacle Racing Group (PRG), the reigning ARCA champions.

“The guys over at PRG bring me a proven, championship-winning car,” Brown said. “It gives me peace of mind knowing that we’ll be showing up with a good, consistent racecar, with the same crew guys working on it who I worked with at Phoenix.

“Working with the same guys and being able to develop those relationships makes the communication so much smoother. Everybody’s on the same page. That makes the car better and it makes me better. It also helps make our mid-race adjustments that much easier. It allows me to just go out there and execute and do my job.”

Brown’s job is full-time. Even though it’s been a month since his last ARCA start, the driver of the No. 28 Distributor Wire & Cable Chevrolet has kept busy. In addition to running 15 ARCA races this year, Brown is competing for dual championships on the ASA Stars National Tour and the zMAX CARS Tour. In fact, he already has two Super Late Model wins this year. He won the Clyde Hart Memorial Feb. 10 at New Smyrna (Fla.) Speedway, which served as the season opener for the ASA Stars National Tour, and the Sunshine State 200 March 14 at Five Flags Speedway.

“I started running Late Model Stocks on the CARS Tour this year just to get more used to the stock car feel. The brakes, the heaviness of the car, the power, it’s a lot different than what I’m used to in a Super Late Model,” Brown said. “I wanted to develop as much as possible before transitioning to that next step in my career, and the Late Model racing has definitely helped my learning curve.

“Lee Pulliam has done a great job on the Late Model Stock side. We’ve run really well. Just raced Wake County last weekend and was running fourth when I had a mechanical problem with eight laps to go, so that was a little unfortunate. On the Super Late Model side with Anthony Campi Racing, we’ve had some great races. We’re two-for-two with the ASA Stars National Tour. All of this Late Model racing every weekend definitely helps my development, even though it is on shorter racetracks.”

Brown is scheduled for more than 50 pavement races in 2026 across ARCA, the ASA Stars National Tour, and the CARS Tour.

“I feel like I’m the most sharp when I’m constantly racing,” Brown said. “I used to do close to 100 races a year, including dirt, and this year we’ve actually toned it down to somewhere in the 50s.

“I want to be in the seat as much as possible. When I used to run dirt, that was my weekday filler, and it just kept me in the seat every week, almost every other day between testing, practice and racing. But now it’s a different kind of prep with all of the sim work and development I’m doing with the guys at Chevrolet and Wise Optimization outside of the racecar.”

Brown’s dirt-track background remains beneficial. Before he takes the green flag for Saturday’s ARCA race, he will have only 50 minutes of practice before a 20-minute qualifying session.

“The dirt racing background definitely comes in handy when it comes to ARCA racing,” Brown said. “In fact, the further I move up, it feels like you get less and less practice. In dirt racing, I’m used to having just three hot laps and then going straight into qualifying. So, 50 minutes is a luxury for me.”

That 50-minute ARCA practice begins Saturday at 9 a.m. EDT with qualifying at 10:05 a.m. The 125-lap race around Rockingham’s .94-mile layout goes green at 11:30 a.m. Livestreaming of the event will be carried by FloRacing with SiriusXM NASCAR Radio providing audio coverage.

Garrett Mitchell a.k.a. Cleetus McFarland Gears Up for Doubleheader Weekend at Rockingham Speedway

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Official Release
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ROCKINGHAM, N.C.: Ready or not, Rockingham (N.C.) Speedway race weekend is here.

Garrett Mitchell — better known as Cleetus McFarland — backed by his millions of YouTube subscribers, is set for a busy weekend at “The Rock,” competing in both the ARCA Menards Series East and making his NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series debut as part of a doubleheader day of racing in the Piedmont.

An extremely busy weekend of practice, qualifying and 375 laps of racing at Rockingham Speedway presents a new opportunity for McFarland to not only continue honing his craft, but also put himself in contention for two competitive finishes.

Mitchell is no stranger to the ARCA Menards Series East division. While this weekend marks his first start of the season, he competed in the combination event with the premier ARCA Menards Series and ARCA Menards Series East divisions last fall at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway, conquering the “World’s Fastest Half-Mile” with a solid top-20 finish.

This weekend’s Rockingham ARCA Menards East 125 will serve as his first standalone ARCA Menards Series East appearance under the tutelage of former ARCA Menards Series championship crew chief Mark Rette.

With five ARCA Menards Series national starts under his belt — including an 11th-place finish in the season opener at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway — McFarland is determined to keep absorbing the intel around him while delivering results that may give the naysayers reason to reconsider.

“Man, I’m just excited for the opportunity more than anything,” said Mitchell. “To be able to come to a place like Rockingham, run double duty and keep learning every time I’m on track — that’s what this is all about for me.

“I’ve got a great group around me with Mark and the team, and I’m just trying to soak up everything I can and put together two solid races. If we can do that, I think we’ll turn some heads this weekend.”

Just hours after taking the checkered flag in his second ARCA Menards Series platform race of the year, McFarland will climb aboard the No. 33 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing, aiming to capitalize on the laps gained in the ARCA car and translate that experience into a productive performance in his series debut.

“That’s the plan — get as many laps as I can in the ARCA car and carry that right over into the O’Reily Auto Parts Series race,” added Mitchell. “Track time is everything for me right now, so having that first race earlier in the day is huge.

“Then jumping into the RCR car, it’s about being smart, hitting my marks and putting together a clean day. If we can stay out of trouble and keep learning, I think we’ll have something to be proud of when it’s all said and done — and hopefully look ahead to more races as the season moves forward.”

While finishing well in both races is important to McFarland as he continues to build his racing résumé, he is equally focused on earning his competitors’ respect. With more than 50 different drivers expected to compete this weekend, he’ll be challenged to race hard — but also do so in a smart, productive manner.

“I know I’ve got a lot to prove out there,” sounded Mitchell. “These guys do this every week, so for me it’s about racing them the right way — giving respect and earning it back. I want to be competitive, but I also want people to know I’m not out there doing anything crazy.

“If I can leave this weekend with solid finishes and the respect of the guys I’m racing around, that’s a big win for me.”

McFarland is well aware that the competition between the two series will be vastly different, but he also understands that confidence is a key ingredient to success. His focus remains on earning his third career ARCA top-10 finish while building on his performance from the “World Center of Racing” earlier this year.

“I feel like every time I get in one of these ARCA cars, I’m getting more comfortable and understanding what I need to do,” explained Mitchell. “Daytona gave me a lot of confidence, and now it’s about building on that — being more consistent, making better decisions and putting together a full race. If we can do that, I think a top-10 is definitely within reach on Saturday afternoon.”

Kenetik, a ketone-based performance drink formulated to enhance energy, focus and mental clarity, will return to support McFarland in ARCA Menards Series competition this season.

Backed by science, Kenetik harnesses the power of bioidentical ketones to deliver clean, sustained energy without caffeine or sugar. Each serving contains 12 grams of pure bioidentical ketones, engineered to support brain function and overall performance.

“I’m excited to have Kenetik back with us for ARCA this season, especially for a big weekend like Rockingham,” said McFarland. “They believed in what we’re building, and I take a lot of pride in representing partners who invest in our program.

“It’s important to continue building their name both on and off the track while focusing on earning a strong finish that helps prepare us for additional races, including Talladega Superspeedway later this month.”

Rette Jones Racing co-owner and crew chief Mark Rette is confident McFarland can surpass expectations this weekend, especially while competing on another smaller race track.

“He’s done a great job of coming in with the right attitude and putting in the work to improve every time he’s on track,” offered Rette. “Racing at a place like Rockingham is going to be another good test for him, but I think it plays into his strengths of continuing to learn and adapt.

“We know this is a big weekend for him with the double duty, and our goal is to make sure he’s as prepared and comfortable as possible in the ARCA car so he can carry that confidence forward. We’ll also be right there to support him, not just this weekend, but later in the day as he makes his NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series debut.”

Rette Jones Racing and McFarland will also continue to honor the memory of former NASCAR icon Greg Biffle, who tragically died in a plane crash in December 2025 along with his wife, two children and three others in an accident in Statesville, North Carolina.

The NASCAR community has embraced the phrase “Be Like Biff” in recent weeks and months as a tribute to Biffle’s competitive spirit, generosity, selflessness and love of life — a mantra McFarland and the team plan to carry with them into this weekend’s event as they celebrate his legacy while pursuing success at Rockingham.

Just like at Daytona, McFarland will have a Rette Jones Racing teammate for Saturday afternoon’s Rockingham ARCA Menards East 125 at Rockingham Speedway. Fellow friend and internet influencer George Siciliano — known as LS George or on YouTube as “Squirrel McNutt” — will join him in the lineup.

Siciliano is fresh off his own debut in the ARCA Menards Series East last weekend at Hickory Motor (N.C.) Speedway, where he rebounded from an early off-track excursion to finish 13th. Rockingham will present a much different challenge in nearly every regard, as he looks to put together a clean, productive afternoon in a Rette Jones Racing-prepared car alongside McFarland.

For more on Cleetus McFarland, like him on Facebook (Cleetus McFarland) and follow him on Instagram (@garrett_1320video), TikTok (@cleetusmcfarland) and YouTube.

For more on Rette Jones Racing, please visit RetteJonesRacing.com, like them on Facebook (Rette Jones Racing), or follow them on Instagram (@RetteJones30) and X | Twitter (@RetteJones30).

The Rockingham ARCA Menards East 125 (125 laps | 200 miles) is the second of eight races on the 2026 ARCA Menards Series East schedule. Practice begins Saturday, April 4, from 9:00 a.m. to 9:50 a.m. ET. Sioux Chief PowerPEX Pole Qualifying follows at 10:05 a.m. with the race scheduled to take the green flag shortly after 11:30 a.m. ET. The race will be televised live on FloRacing and the NASCAR Channel, while ARCARacing.com will provide live timing and scoring throughout the day’s activities. All times are local (ET).

About Rette Jones Racing:

Headquartered in Mooresville, North Carolina, Rette Jones Racing (RJR) was founded in 2015 with the vision of building a competitive racing organization grounded in hard work, preparation and a relentless, never-give-up attitude.

Owned by veteran racers Terry Jones and Mark Rette, RJR continues to expand its footprint across multiple platforms.

In 2026, the team plans to field a full-time entry in the ASA STARS National Tour, while also competing in the ARCA Menards Series and other motorsports disciplines as part of its continued growth and competitive expansion.

Beyond its on-track efforts, Rette Jones Racing provides technical and setup expertise through its technical alliance partnership program, supplying teams with engineering support, chassis consultation, and race-day insight designed to elevate performance and foster long-term success.

SAFETY-KLEEN SET TO CONTINUE OFFICIAL PARTNERSHIP WITH NHRA

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Official Release
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INDIANAPOLIS (April 2, 2026) – NHRA officials announced today that Safety-Kleen will continue as “Official Provider of Environmental Services for NHRA” and “Official Absorbent of NHRA” as part of a multi-year extension.

The agreement continues a longtime partnership between NHRA and Safety-Kleen, which dates back nearly two decades. Safety-Kleen has also enjoyed lengthy partnerships with most of the professional NHRA teams.

As an official sponsor, Safety-Kleen will provide environmental services for NHRA-owned facilities – Gainesville Raceway, In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip in Pomona, Calif., and Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park – which includes coordinating waste management procedures and collections of all oil, solvents, fuels and absorbent materials from events.

At all NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series events, Safety-Kleen will staff a portable recycling center for the track and race teams to collect oil, solvents, absorbents, and filters. NHRA will also continue to use Safety-Kleen’s oil absorbent and other spill cleanup materials during each national event.

“We are excited to extend our long relationship with the NHRA. Helping to bring the unmatched excitement of professional drag racing to fans across the country is an integral part of our overall Motorsports Marketing Plan,” said Drew Patey, Safety-Kleen Motorsports Manager.

“Making sure that the drag strips all across the USA are handling the used fluids from Top Fuel competition and are ready for any type of clean up needed at events is the best way I can think of to actively show our customers and prospects in attendance the capabilities we have – and how we can and will assist them with any of their environmental service needs,” added Buddy Judy, Safety-Kleen Marketing Director.

Celebrating NHRA’s 75th anniversary season this year, the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series continues April 9-12 with the historic Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip, as part of the thrilling 20-race schedule during this milestone year.

As part of the partnership, Safety-Kleen will receive in-venue marketing items, including trackside signage, a designated space for the recycle center and a Safety-Kleen branded safety drum at the starting line.

Safety-Kleen will also have in-venue and television commercial spots during broadcasts and social media activation across NHRA’s channels.

“I have been involved in racing my whole life and the NHRA could find no better product to ensure the shortest down times for oil clean up on track! Safety-Kleen’s Oil Absorbent is amazing,” said Warren White, lifelong Racer and Safety-Kleen at-track representative for IndyCar and NHRA events.

“Safety-Kleen has been an outstanding partner with NHRA for many years, consistently demonstrating a strong commitment to performance, sustainability and safety at our events and tracks,” NHRA Vice President of Racing Administration Josh Peterson said. “From their products that help maintain a great racing surface, to their ongoing work in waste management and environmental services, Safety-Kleen helps ensure our events operate at a high level. We’re proud to work together with them to deliver the cleanest and safest experience possible for our racers and teams.”

For more information about Safety-Kleen, visit www.safety-kleen.com. For more information on NHRA, including the full 2026 75th anniversary schedule, visit www.NHRA.com.

About Safety-Kleen

Safety-Kleen A Clean Harbors Company is a leading North American provider of environmental services, specializing in used oil recycling and re-refining, parts cleaning, and waste management solutions. The company processes more than 200 million gallons of used oil annually and operates nine re-refineries, including the world’s largest in East Chicago, Indiana. Safety-Kleen employs approximately 4,200 employees and serves over 200,000 customer locations across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. The company’s product portfolio includes oils and lubricants, part washers, storage and accessories, absorbents and wipers, cleaning products, windshield liquids, and more. Safety-Kleen’s efforts contribute to a cleaner and safer environment by balancing operational needs with sustainability objectives.

About Mission Foods

MISSION®, owned by GRUMA, S.A.B. de C.V., is the world’s leading brand for tortillas and wraps. MISSION® is also globally renowned for flatbreads, dips, salsas and Mexican food products. With presence in over 112 countries, MISSION® products are suited to the lifestyles and the local tastes of each country. With innovation and customer needs in mind, MISSION® focuses on the highest quality, authentic flavors, and providing healthy options that families and friends can enjoy together. For more information, please visit https://www.missionfoods.com/

About NHRA

NHRA is the primary sanctioning body for the sport of drag racing in the United States. NHRA presents 20 national events featuring the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series and NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, as well as the JBS Equipment NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Elite Motorsports and NHRA Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown™ at select national events. NHRA provides competition opportunities for drivers of all levels in the NHRA Summit Racing Series and NHRA Street Legal™. NHRA also offers the NHRA Jr. Street® program for teens and the Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League® for youth ages 5 to 17. With more than 100 Member Tracks, NHRA allows racers to compete at a variety of locations nationally and internationally. NHRA’s Youth and Education Services® (YES) Program reaches over 30,000 students annually to ignite their interest in automotive and racing related careers. NHRA’s streaming service, NHRA.tv®, allows fans to view all NHRA national events as well as exclusive features of the sport. In addition, NHRA owns and operates three racing facilities: Gainesville Raceway in Florida; Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park; and In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip in Southern California. For more information, log on to www.NHRA.com, or visit the official NHRA pages on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

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