Home Blog Page 3

NASCAR at Texas Weekend Schedule

By
Angie Campbell
-
Carson Hocevar, driver of the #77 Chili's Ride the 'Dente Chevrolet, and William Byron leads the field to the green flag to start the NASCAR Cup Series Würth 400 at Texas Motor Speedway on May 04, 2025 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)

This weekend, NASCAR travels to Texas Motor Speedway for a full schedule of racing action. All three national series will compete on the 1.5 Mile Asphalt Oval.

Friday, May 1

2:30 p.m.: Craftsman Truck Series Practice – FS2
3:35 p.m.: Craftsman Truck Series Qualifying – FS2

5 p.m.: O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Practice – CW App
6:05 p.m.: O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Qualifying – CW App

8 p.m.: Craftsman Truck Series SpeedyCash.com 250
Stages end on laps: 40/80/167 = 250.5 miles
FS1/SiriusXM
Purse: $789,700
Post-Race: NASCAR Press Pass

Saturday, May 2

12:30 p.m.: Cup Series Practice – Prime/SiriusXM/PRN
1:40 p.m.: Cup Series Qualifying – Prime/SiriusXM/PRN
Post Cup Qualifying: NASCAR Press Pass

3:30 p.m.: O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Andy’s Frozen Custard 340
Stages end on laps: 45/90/200 = 300 miles
CW/PRN/SiriusXM
Purse: $1,753,590
Post-Race: NASCAR Press Pass

Sunday, May 3

3:30 p.m.: Cup Series Würth 400 presented by LIQUI MOLY
Stages end on laps: 80/165/267 = 400.5 miles
FS1/PRN/SiriusXM
Purse: Purse: $11,233,037
Post-Race: NASCAR Press Pass

*All times are Eastern

Cup Series Notes

2025 Pole Winner: Carson Hocevar
2025 Race Winner: Joey Logano

Eight previous Cup Series winners at Texas Motor Speedway will compete on Sunday:

Kyle Busch: 4 – 2020, 2018, 2016, 2013
Denny Hamlin: 3 – 2019, 2010 sweep
Joey Logano: 2 – 2025, 2014
Chase Elliott: 1 – 2024
William Byron: 1 – 2023
Tyler Reddick: 1 – 2022
Kyle Larson: 1 – 2021 Austin Dillon: 1 – 2020

O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Notes

Texas is the final 2026 Dash 4 Cash program. Sheldon Creed, Sammy Smith, Corey Day and Brent Crews are eligible for the $100,000 bonus.

JR Motorsports had at least one car finish in the Top 10 in 68 consecutive races. It’s the second-longest streak all-time.

Ford will not have an O’Reilly Auto Parts entry at Texas this weekend. It will mark the first time this has happened since October 27, 1991, at Martinsville.

Craftsman Truck Series Notes

Six of the last seven Truck Series races had a pass for the win in the final nine laps. Three of those occurred in the previous four races.

There have been 14 overtime finishes at Texas, the most of all tracks in the series.

Seven of the last nine Texas races were won by the driver who led the most laps.

Connor Zilisch Ready For Double Duty Texas Debut

By
Briar Starr
-
Photo by Ron Olds for SpeedwayMedia.com

Looking to better his Talladega Superspeedway finish the weekend before, Connor Zilisch heads to another new track on the schedule, Texas Motor Speedway. Zilisch was originally scheduled to race at the 1.5-mile speedway in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race last year, but sat out due to the late-race Talladega crash, which resulted in a back injury.

In doing so, Texas is one of the last tracks that Zilisch doesn’t have experience on. Despite not competing in the race last year, two-time Cup Series champion Kyle Larson, subbed in for the No. 88, won the race by leading the last 32 laps en route to victory. This weekend, Zilisch returns again to JR Motorsports, but this time to pilot the No. 1 Registix Chevrolet.

“I got to work with Rodney (Childers, crew chief) for the first time this year and got the opportunity to see how hard he works, how smart he is, and how much he loves this sport,” Zilisch said in a team release. “It’s been really, really cool to see that first-hand, and I’m honored to be the driver he got his first JRM win with. He has a lot of knowledge and loves the O’Reilly-style car. That’s what he came up working on with the old Cup cars, and that’s kind of his bread and butter. It’s been cool for me to get to work with him as the young guy.”

In his previous outing with the team, Zilisch is coming off a victory at Bristol earlier this month, where he led 24 laps by staying out on a late race caution and not coming down to pit road for fresh tires. Interestingly, when piloting the Registix car as the main sponsor, Zilisch won at Pocono last summer by leading 34 laps and at Watkins Glen after leading 60 laps.

NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series practice and qualifying begin Friday at 5 p.m. ET, live on the CW App, weather permitting. Should qualifying get in, Zilisch will be the 24th car to go out in the qualifying order. You can watch the Andy’s Frozen Custard 340 at 3:30 p.m. ET. live on the CW Network.

Meanwhile, on the Cup Series side, the young 19-year-old phenom will be making his first Cup Series Texas start, piloting the No. 88 Choice Privileges Chevrolet. It’ll be the third time this season Zilisch will drive the Choice Privileges machine. His most recent outings occurred at Kansas and Martinsville. In those two starts with the sponsor, he finished 26th at Martinsville, three laps down. He finished 29th at Kansas, two laps down.

While Zilisch may not have any starts at Texas, he is hopeful to have a solid result.

“Both ends are really different, and it’s pretty much single groove,” Zilisch said. “It’s going to be a challenge figuring it out, but we’re trying some new things and hopefully see results right away.”

Track time will be crucial this weekend for the Mooresville, North Carolina native, balancing two different series and gaining experience. However, Zilisch claims he has no problem racing two different cars on two different days.

“You carry more yaw in the O’Reilly car,” he added. “The Cup car wants you to stay disciplined. Track time is track time – I don’t struggle going back and forth.”

The NASCAR Cup Series practice and qualifying at 12:30 p.m./ET live on Prime Video. Zilisch will be the ninth car to go out to qualify. You can tune in to The WURTH 400 on Sunday at 3:30 p.m.ET. It will air live on Fox Sports 1 and MRN Radio.

Rookie Collet Tows to Top on Final Day of Indy 500 Open Test

By
Official Release
-
Indianapolis 500 Open Test

INDIANAPOLIS (Wednesday, April 29, 2026) – One day after veterans dominated the speed chart, rookie Caio Collet rode the aerodynamic wave to the fastest overall speed of the Indianapolis 500 Open Test on Wednesday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

2025 INDY NXT by Firestone series runner-up Collet turned a top lap of 226.381 mph in the No. 4 A.J. Foyt Enterprises Chevrolet during the early moments of testing Wednesday, the start of which was delayed 75 minutes by damp track conditions created by overnight and morning rain. That speed was better than Tuesday’s best of 225.394 by Conor Daly in the No. 23 Dreyer & Reinbold Racing Chevrolet, as drivers with at least 10 Indy 500 starts posted the five fastest speeds on the first day of the test.

“No, no, never expected that,” Brazilian driver Collet said. “Obviously, the team has a good background here and has done really, really well the last couple of years, especially last year. As a rookie, I was just trying to learn things and see how everything went. But the team, they did a really good job and got me up to speed quickly, and I got really comfortable.

“Obviously, a lot of things I still have to learn, especially in traffic. I have to understand how to manage traffic and how to get by people. But I think by myself I felt really good, and the team gave me a really good car both days.”

Two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Josef Newgarden was second at 226.223 in the No. 2 Team Penske Chevrolet, also turned early in the session. Newgarden also led the afternoon session at 225.617.

Reigning Indianapolis 500 winner and NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion Alex Palou stepped up the speed chart by ending up third at 225.272 in the No. 10 Chip Ganassi Racing Honda. Two-time “500” runner-up Pato O’Ward was fourth at 225.109 in the No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet.

Two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Takuma Sato rounded out the top five today at 224.957 in the No. 75 Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing Honda.

All the top speeds over the two-day test on the historic 2.5-mile oval were boosted by a “tow,” the phenomenon when cars deeper in a line gain speed due to the leading cars creating a slipstream.

Once again, veteran Jack Harvey was the fastest driver running without a “tow.” His top solo lap of 221.112 in the No. 24 Dreyer & Reinbold Racing Chevrolet was even faster than his best solitary lap of 220.318 that led the “no-tow” charts Tuesday.

But there was a damper to Harvey’s continued solo speed. A large, billowing plume of white smoke erupted from the rear of his car between Turns 3 and 4 in traffic midway through the afternoon, and Harvey hurried into the pits. His day was over due to a mechanical problem.

“I had a little bit of a hesitation on the exit of (Turn) 3 and just looked down and saw the smoke immediately,” Harvey said. “I’ve had engines that have had issues here in the past, and when it happens it’s normally very obvious. What happened then wasn’t.

“Not how we wanted to end the day, but I still think overall it’s been a pretty productive test.”

Katherine Legge completed her veteran refresher test in the No. 11 HMD Motorsports with AJ Foyt Racing Chevrolet. All 33 drivers are eligible to participate when practice for the 110th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge opens Tuesday, May 12, as all four rookies and four other veterans completed their required testing Tuesday.

All 33 cars combined to turn 4,697 incident-free laps – 11,742.5 miles – over the two-day test. Other than Harvey’s mechanical problem, the closest thing to an incident Wednesday occurred when a fox ran on the racing surface from the infield, triggering an immediate caution flag until the animal scurried from the facility.

Up next for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES is the Sonsio Grand Prix, which opens the Month of May on May 8-9 on the IMS road course. The 110th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge is scheduled for Sunday, May 24.

For more information or to buy tickets for both events, visit IMS.com.

5 Red Flags That Catch 90% of Odometer Fraud in Europe

By
SM
-

By Bertram Sargla, Co-founder of [Carlytics](https://www.carlytics.eu)

Last month, a customer sent us a screenshot from a Romanian marketplace: a 2018 VW Passat with 94,000 km, priced at EUR 14,500. Looked like a solid deal. He ran the VIN through our system before driving four hours to see it. The Czech inspection database showed 187,000 km recorded ten months earlier. That’s 93,000 km shaved off in under a year.

He didn’t buy the car. The seller blocked him when he asked about the mileage discrepancy.

This isn’t a rare case. The European Parliament’s 2018 CARS study estimated that odometer fraud costs EU buyers around EUR 5.3 billion annually. In cross-border markets — where a car changes countries between inspections — roughly one in three vehicles shows signs of mileage tampering. The fraud is simple, cheap, and hard to prosecute across borders.

But it’s also predictable. Most mileage fraud follows a handful of patterns. Know them, and you’ll catch it before you hand over any money.

1. The Germany Export Pipeline

Germany exports more used cars than any other country in Europe. Platforms like mobile.de and AutoScout24 list hundreds of thousands of vehicles that end up in Romania, Poland, Bulgaria, Croatia, and Greece. And that pipeline is where most of the fraud happens.

It works like this: a BMW 320d with 215,000 km gets bought at a German auction for EUR 8,000. Someone plugs a EUR 30 OBD cable into the diagnostic port and types in 118,000 km. Twenty minutes of work. The car gets listed in Sofia or Bucharest for EUR 15,000. The buyer sees a well-maintained German car with reasonable mileage and thinks they’re getting a bargain.

If you’re buying any car that came from Germany — especially one with a VIN starting with W (Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes, Porsche) — [run the VIN first](https://www.carlytics.eu/vin-check-germany). It takes sixty seconds and it will show you what the car was doing before it crossed the border.

2. The Missing Service Book Pages

Sellers who roll back odometers aren’t stupid. They know buyers look at service books. So they keep the early stamps — the 15,000 km service, the 30,000 km service — and the recent ones that match the new, lower number. What goes missing is everything in between.

Pay attention to the 60,000 to 130,000 km window. That’s when European cars hit their expensive services: timing belt or chain, dual-mass flywheel, turbo hoses, suspension bushings. If the book jumps from 45,000 km to “last service at 90,000 km” with nothing in between, ask yourself where those stamps went.

Paper books are easy to fake — blank service book stamps sell on eBay for EUR 15. Digital records are harder to forge but not impossible. I’ve seen cases where aftermarket diagnostic tools were used to insert fake digital entries. The only records that genuinely can’t be touched are government inspection databases, where the mileage was recorded by a third-party inspector with no stake in the sale.

3. Wear That Doesn’t Match the Numbers

Forget the dashboard for a second. Look at the car.

A car with genuinely 75,000 km on it looks different from one with 200,000 km. The odometer can be rewritten, but these can’t:

  • Brake and gas pedals: Rubber wears down with every press. Smooth, shiny pedal surfaces on a “low mileage” car are a dead giveaway.
  • The driver’s seat bolster: That outer edge where your hip slides in and out — on leather seats, it cracks and creases with use. On cloth, it pills and flattens.
  • Steering wheel at 10 and 2: Leather develops a glossy, worn patch where hands grip. A steering wheel that’s smooth and shiny doesn’t belong in a car with 60,000 km.
  • Gear knob on manuals: The pattern wears off. The surface gets polished. You can’t fake 200,000 gear changes.

The opposite is just as suspicious. A 2016 car with “65,000 km” that has a brand-new steering wheel, fresh pedal rubbers, and a recently re-covered seat — those replacements weren’t for aesthetics. Someone was covering tracks.

4. Government Inspection Records Don’t Lie

Every EU country requires periodic vehicle inspections — TÜV in Germany, STK in the Czech Republic, APK in the Netherlands, Katsastus in Finland. The examiner records the odometer reading every single time. Those numbers go into government databases that no seller, no dealer, and no diagnostic tool can touch.

The Czech STK database alone holds over 52 million inspection records. Finland’s Traficom has another 5 million. The Netherlands’ RDW publishes its inspection data openly. Put these together and you can trace a car’s mileage across years and borders — even if it changed owners and countries three times over.

This is where most fraud unravels. A seller can reset the dashboard, replace the cluster, write a new number into the ECU. But they can’t reach into the Czech transport ministry’s server and edit the 174,000 km that was recorded during a 2022 STK inspection. That number stays forever, waiting for someone to look it up.

A [vehicle history report](https://www.carlytics.eu) pulls these inspection records into a single mileage timeline. One inconsistency is all it takes.

5. Marketplace Listing History

This one catches sellers who aren’t even trying to be careful. Before you meet anyone, search the VIN on Google — put it in quotes: “WVWZZZ3CZWE123456”. You’ll sometimes find previous listings on mobile.de, AutoScout24, Otomoto, or OLX where the same car was advertised at a completely different mileage.

Sellers forget to delete old listings. Cached versions survive on Google for months after the original comes down. Marketplace aggregator sites hold historical records. I’ve seen a Skoda Octavia listed in Poland at 89,000 km that still had a cached German eBay Kleinanzeigen ad showing 156,000 km from eight months earlier. The seller had no explanation.

Some [VIN check services](https://www.carlytics.eu/odometer-fraud-check) now pull these marketplace records automatically and flag mileage mismatches before you even have to search.

The Real Cost

A car with double the real mileage isn’t just a bad deal — it’s a safety issue. Suspension components, brake lines, wheel bearings, and drivetrain parts all have service lives measured in kilometers. A car the seller claims has 30,000 km of useful life left might actually need immediate work you haven’t budgeted for.

And getting your money back across borders is almost impossible. Filing a complaint against a Romanian seller from Poland — or a German dealer from Greece — means navigating a different country’s legal system in a language you probably don’t speak. Prevention is the only realistic play here.

A [full vehicle history check](https://www.carlytics.eu/go) costs EUR 8.90. A rolled-back odometer costs EUR 3,000 to EUR 8,000 in lost value, repairs, and resale hit. Run the VIN check before you drive four hours to see the car. It takes sixty seconds.

—

*Bertram Sargla is co-founder of [Carlytics](https://www.carlytics.eu), a European vehicle history service covering 47 countries. He previously built VIN decode systems for European registration data and has spent the better part of a decade tracking how mileage fraud moves across borders.

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

By
Official Release
-

Layne Riggs | Chandler Smith
Texas Motor Speedway NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Race Advance
SpeedyCash.com 250
Date: Friday, May 1, 2026
Event: Race 7 of 25
Series: NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series
Location: Texas Motor Speedway (1.5-miles)
#of Laps: 167
Time/TV/Radio: 8:00 PM ET on FS1/SiriusXM channel 90

FRM Points Standings:

Chandler Smith (1st)
Layne Riggs (4th)

Layne Riggs Notes

The NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series is back in action this Friday with the series heading to the Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, Texas. Following the race at the Bristol Motor Speedway on April 10th, Layne Riggs is fourth in the Truck Series Driver Championship points standings, just four points behind points leader and teammate, Chandler Smith.

Aaron’s Rent to Own will bring their iconic Lucky Dog scheme to the No. 34 Ford F-150. The nostalgic Lucky Dog design carries a rich history in NASCAR and has been piloted by multiple race winners and championship contenders, making it one of the most recognizable and celebrated paint schemes in the sport.

“The team and I have had a few weeks to regroup and refocus, so I know we’re going to come out swinging in Texas,” said Riggs. “I have a love/hate relationship with the Texas Motor Speedway. As a racecar driver, it’s a super fun track to race at, but on the other hand, it’s very challenging to navigate. There’s not a lot of room for error, but I know were capable of locking in and putting together a full race.”
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 will make his fifth Texas Motor Speedway Truck Series start this Friday night. In his four previous truck starts at the 1.5-mile track, Smith has a career best finish of fifth. The 23-year-old driver also has two starts at the track in the O’Reilly Auto Parts series. His best finish came in the 2023 event where he started ninth and finished fourth. Following a second-place finish at the Bristol Motor Speedway on April 10th, Smith is back to leading the Truck Series Driver Championship points standings.

The Speedy Cash branding will join a different No. 38 this Friday night, partnering with Chandler Smith and the No. 38 Ford F-150 team for the 167-lap race. Smith will run the same scheme that Front Row Motorsports Cup Series driver, Zane Smith, will run on Sunday. Part of the Community Choice Financial Family of Brands, Speedy Cash is an omni-channel lender that specializes in short-term and medium-term secured and unsecured loan products.

“I have always enjoyed Forth Worth,” said Smith. “It’s a cool town and the track produces some great racing. We recaptured the point’s lead, but not by a whole lot. We need to continue to maximize our points gained with strong stage finishes and race results. We have some good tracks coming up this month, and I think we can continue to lead the standings if we keep our heads down and grind.”
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 AARON’S

Headquartered in Atlanta, The Aaron’s Company, Inc. is a leading, technology-enabled, omnichannel provider of lease-to-own and retail purchase solutions of appliances, electronics, furniture, and other home goods. Aaron’s offers a direct-to-consumer lease-to-own solution through its approximately 1,200 Company-operated and franchised stores in 47 states and Canada, as well as its e-commerce platform, Aarons.com.

ABOUT SPEEDY CASH

Speedy Cash is an omni-channel lender that specializes in short-term and medium-term secured and unsecured loan products. Speedy Cash is part of the Community Choice Financial Family of Brands.

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.

LEGACY MOTOR CLUB: TEXAS RACE PREVIEW

By
Official Release
-

LEGACY MOTOR CLUB:
TEXAS PRE-RACE ADVANCE
EVENT: Würth 400
DATE: May 3, 2026
RACE: NASCAR Cup Series 11 of 36
TRACK: Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth | 1.5-Mile Oval

JOHN HUNTER NEMECHEK
NO. 42 DOLLAR TREE TOYOTA CAMRY XSE
JHN AT TEXAS: John Hunter Nemechek has made five NASCAR Cup Series starts at Texas Motor Speedway, highlighted by an eighth-place finish in last year’s race. In the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, he has six starts at the track, earning two wins (October 2021 and September 2023), along with four top-five and five top-10 finishes. Across seven NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series starts at Texas, Nemechek has collected one win (June 2021), two pole awards (June 2021 and May 2022), and three top-10 finishes.

DOMINATING AT TEXAS: Nemechek has made six starts at Texas Motor Speedway in the NASCAR O’Reilly Series. Of those six starts, he finished inside the top-10 five times, including two race wins. His first win came in October 2021, where he led 92 of 200 laps and finished 1.316 seconds ahead of Daniel Hemric. He took home the checkered flag once again in September 2023, where he finished with a 1.005 second margin of victory over Parker Kligerman. In the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, he started on the pole for two of his seven races and earned three top-10 finishes. He visited victory lane in June 2021 after starting on the pole and leading 64 of 147 laps, besting Chase Elliott by a 3.361 second margin of victory.

COWBOY UP: Nemechek will visit with the Texas Rattlers at their training ranch in Bowie, Texas ahead of Sunday’s race at Texas. He will meet with riders Brady Fielder and Daniel Keeping to learn about the preparation that goes into Professional Bull Riding. The Ariat Texas Rattlers are the inaugural team in the PBR Team Series, led by PBR and Rodeo legend Cody Lambert. Fans can follow along with the collaboration on social media.

T-MACK AT TEXAS: Sunday’s race will be crew chief Travis Mack’s seventh NASCAR Cup Series race at Texas. His first outing came in 2018 with Kasey Kahne. Mack returned to Texas with Daniel Suárez in the 2021 season. The duo competed in three races together and earned two top-10 finishes (October 2021 and September 2023). In 2024, Mack competed with Ty Dillon, and he returned in May 2025 with Nemechek where the pair earned an eighth-place finish. In the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, Mack has five starts with Michael Annett where the pair earned one pole award in 2020, as well as three top-10 finishes and one top-five.

JOHN HUNTER NEMECHEK QUOTE:
“I’ve been successful at Texas, so I’m feeling good heading into this weekend. We’re looking to turn a corner, and we’ve continued to make progress in our intermediate program. It’s kind of a wild card, and track position will be critical, so as long as we can set ourselves up well in qualifying, we should be in a good spot at the end.”

TRAVIS MACK QUOTE:
“We had a top-10 finish in Texas last year. Qualifying is super important there. It’s a big track-position game. We had a good car in Kansas, but we went a lap down early and couldn’t get it back, so we’re ready to redeem ourselves on our mile-and-a-half program.”

GRAPHIC CREDIT: LEGACY MOTOR CLUB

ERIK JONES
NO. 43 ADVENTHEALTH TOYOTA CAMRY XSE
JONES TEXAS STATS: Sunday’s race at Texas Motor Speedway will mark Erik Jones’ 15th NASCAR Cup Series start at the track. He earned a best finish of fourth three times at Texas in April 2018, November 2018, and March 2019. In total, Jones has earned four top-fives and eight top-10s at Texas. Last May, Jones started 14th at Texas and showed off the No. 43 team’s strength at mile-and-a-half tracks to bring home a fifth-place result. He has an additional nine starts outside of the Cup Series – six in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and three in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. He won three races in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series in April 2015, April 2017, and November 2017. Jones has an average starting position of 1.8 at Texas in the series, and an average finish of 2.2, never finished outside the top-four in his career. In the Craftsman Truck Series, Jones earned one victory in November 2015.

WINNER AT TEXAS: Jones knows how to win at Texas. He has a total of four wins at the 1.5-mile oval in his career between the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and Craftsman Truck Series. His first win at the track came in his first O’Reilly Auto Parts Series start at Texas in April 2015 after starting on the pole and leading 79 laps to beat Brad Keselowski by 1.624 seconds. He followed that up in November in the Craftsman Truck Series when he started fifth and led 117 of the 147 laps to best Daniel Suarez by 2.855 seconds. Jones won the other two races in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series with the first one coming in April 2017 when he led 112 laps to best Ryan Blaney by .512 seconds. He followed that up in November 2017 where he started from the pole and led 142 laps to beat 1.018 seconds over Blaney.

READWITHERIK COMES TO TEXAS: In collaboration with AdventHealth, Jones is bringing his foundation’s #READwithErik program to the Dallas-Fort Worth area as he heads to Brenda Norwood Elementary School in Mansfield, Texas. On Friday morning, he’ll read “Buster’s Trip to Victory Lane” by Dale Earnhardt Jr. to the students before taking them outside to take photos with his No. 43 AdventHealth Toyota Camry XSE.

BOOT SCOOTIN’ BOOGIE: After bringing #READwithErik to the students at Brenda Norwood Elementary, Jones will make a pit stop at the Lucchese store in Arlington with his wife Holly and son David to try on the cowboy boots and shoot some content with the iconic brand. Founded in 1883 by the Lucchese family, the Western lifestyle brand is known for its artisan-crafted cowboy boots. Follow along for the weekend on both Lucchese and Jones’ social platforms.

ALEXANDER AT TEXAS: This weekend’s race at Texas will mark crew chief Justin Alexander’s 13th NASCAR Cup Series race at the 1.5-mile oval. In his prior starts on top of the box, Alexander earned one win in July 2020 with Austin Dillon and three top-10s. He has an additional three races in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series where he earned a best finish of fourth with Dillon in April 2017.

ERIK JONES QUOTE:
“I’m looking forward to Texas. It’s been a good track for us in the past. Our mile-and-a-half program is needing some work right now, but we’ve got a good plan to make some improvements on it. We’re excited to see some of the changes going into Texas to see how they’re going to perform. I’m looking forward to it though. Texas has historically been a better track for me both before and after the reconfiguration. Hopefully we can go there, have a good day, and find some speed at Texas.”

JUSTIN ALEXANDER QUOTE:
“We had a good run at Texas last year, but things have evolved since then. Both ends of the track are so different and the bumps keep you busy the entire run, so having the balance right is critical. We’ve been building on what we’ve learned this year, especially on the intermediates, and we’re looking to carry that over this weekend at Texas.”

GRAPHIC CREDIT: LEGACY MOTOR CLUB

CLUB MINUTES:
SEVEN-TIME’S TEXAS CV: LEGACY MOTOR CLUB owner Jimmie Johnson holds multiple records at Texas Motor Speedway, including the most wins with his seven victories (November 2007, November 2012, November 2013, November 2014, April 2015, November 2015, and April 2017), the most runner-up finishes of five (November 2006, April 2008, April 2009, April 2010, and April 2012), the most top-five finishes with 16, and a total of 1,152 laps led. Texas honored the seven-time champion is titled “Jimmie Johnson Winner’s Circle” after the seven-time champion.

KENSETH AT TEXAS: LEGACY MOTOR CLUB competition advisor and 2003 NASCAR Cup Series Champion Matt Kenseth also has a strong record at Texas Motor Speedway. He won two times in the NASCAR Cup Series in April 2002 and April 2011 and has three top-five finishes and five top-10 finishes at the track. He secured a pole position for the April 2009 race.

SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT:

CLUB APPEARANCES:
Erik Jones will make a pit stop at the trackside merchandise hauler on Saturday, May 2 at 9 a.m. local time to sign autographs for fans.

John Hunter Nemechek will be at the trackside merchandise trailer for an autograph session on Sunday, May 3 at 12 p.m. local time.

TUNE IN:
Fans can tune in to watch the Würth 400 at Texas Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 3 at 3:30 p.m. EDT on FS1, MAX, PRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Channel 90).

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

O’Reilly Auto Parts to Join JR Motorsports and Sammy Smith

By
Official Release
-

Automotive Parts Company to be Primary Partner on Smith’s No. 8 Chevrolet for Two Races in 2026

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (April 29, 2026) – JR Motorsports today announced that O’Reilly Auto Parts, the trusted leader in the automotive parts industry, will be partnering with the organization for two NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series events with driver Sammy Smith and the No. 8 Chevrolet, beginning at Pocono Raceway on June 13 and culminating with Las Vegas Motor Speedway on October 3.

“It’s really cool to have O’Reilly Auto Parts come onboard our No. 8 Chevrolet,” said Smith. “They have been a great series partner this season and I feel like they are a brand that’s a perfect fit for us as a race team, as well as for the fans and the series. I’m grateful to be a part of this and hopefully we can go out and give them some great runs.”

Founded in Springfield, MO. in 1957, O’Reilly Auto Parts is committed to delivering reliable automotive products at competitive prices with excellent customer service. By focusing on both everyday drivers and professional technicians, O’Reilly strives to build trust, ensure customer satisfaction, and remain the leading choice in the auto parts industry. This new partnership with JRM and O’Reilly Auto Parts brings together a shared focus of performance, delivering results and building a team first culture.

“This is such a great opportunity to partner with an established and finely tuned organization that runs exclusively in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series,” said Hugo Sanchez, O’Reilly vice president of Advertising and Marketing. “Additionally, aligning with an up-and-coming driver in Sammy Smith further deepens our roots in the sport and brings even more excitement for our team members, many of whom can identify with a young person who’s working their way up, just like them.”

Be sure to catch Smith and the No. 8 O’Reilly Auto Parts Chevrolet at Pocono on Saturday, June 13 at 4:00 p.m. ET on The CW, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90.

ABOUT O’REILLY AUTO PARTS

Since 1957, O’Reilly Automotive, Inc., has grown from a family-owned company to a leader in the automotive replacement parts industry. It supplies equipment, tools, parts, and accessories to professional service providers and do-it-yourself customers across the United States, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Canada. With more than 6,500 store locations and growing, the O’Reilly Professional Parts People deliver excellent customer service, knowledge and value to the communities they serve.

For more information, visit www.oreillyauto.com

ABOUT JR MOTORSPORTS:

JR Motorsports is the racing operation co-owned by NASCAR Hall of Fame member and 15-time Most Popular Driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kelley Earnhardt Miller and NASCAR Hall of Famer Rick Hendrick. Now in its 25th year of overall competition, JR Motorsports competes in multiple divisions, including the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series where it currently fields four full-time teams and earned championships in 2014, 2017, 2018 and 2024. The company also owns seven titles in regional Late Model divisions with consecutive championships in 2022-23 and a prized national title in 2020. To learn more about the organization, its drivers and its sponsorship opportunities, visit www.jrmracing.com.

A Full Weekend of Free Fan Zone Fun During NASCAR All-Star Weekend at The Monster Mile

By
Official Release
-
  • The best Fan Zone in NASCAR returns to The Monster Mile, bigger than ever
  • The NEW All-Star Village expands the footprint and fun of All-Star Weekend, creating the biggest Fan Zone in Dover Motor Speedway history
  • The largest variety of food and beverage options in Speedway history, plus nonstop entertainment and driver appearances all weekend

DOVER, Del. – The Fan Zone at Dover Motor Speedway has become one of the defining parts of NASCAR All-Star Weekend, and in 2026, it reaches another level. Built to match the scale and energy of the events at The Monster Mile, this year’s Fan Zone brings together returning fan-favorites and brand-new attractions, including live entertainment, along with a deep lineup of food and beverage options. What follows is a full look at everything happening across the property – with still more to come as race weekend approaches – combining every announcement into one place to showcase all the entertainment and offerings available to fans May 15-17.

Kyle Larson, Denny Hamlin, Ross Chastain, Kyle Busch, Connor Zilisch, Ty Gibbs and NASCAR Hall of Famer Donnie Allison are among the initial list of driver appearances across the Fan Zone on Sunday, May 17. Fans can catch appearances and interviews at the Monster Monument, along with autograph sessions and additional appearances at the Cracker Barrel Stage inside Miles Beach, presented by Visit Delaware, throughout the weekend.

The 2026 NASCAR All-Star Race weekend at Dover Motor Speedway will feature a full slate of NASCAR competition, including the ECOSAVE 200 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race on Friday, May 15, the BetRivers 200 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race on Saturday, May 16, and the NASCAR Cup Series All-Star Race on the high banks of The Monster Mile on Sunday, May 17.

ALL-STAR VILLAGE to Debut at Dover Motor Speedway During 2026 NASCAR All-Star Weekend

Dover Motor Speedway’s Fan Zone will expand in a BIG way during NASCAR All-Star Weekend with the debut of All-Star Village at The Monster Mile. Serving as a new entertainment hub, All-Star Village will bring together live entertainment, interactive attractions and NASCAR-themed displays, giving fans even more to explore across the property.

Spanning more than two acres and located just steps from the Monster Monument and adjacent to Miles Beach, presented by Visit Delaware, All-Star Village helps create the largest active Fan Zone footprint in Speedway history, adding even more entertainment, energy and space for fans throughout race weekend.

All-Star Village will be located adjacent to the Speedway’s Fan Zone, in the grassy area formerly known as “The Grove,” and will be open throughout race weekend.

All-Star Village Hours:
Friday, 12 noon to 5 p.m.
Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

FEATURED ALL-STAR VILLAGE ATTRACTIONS:

Timberworks Lumberjack Show: Featuring professional lumberjacks with experience competing across North America, the Timberworks Lumberjack Show brings authentic timber sports to The Monster Mile. Their performers have appeared on ESPN’s Great Outdoor Games, STIHL Timbersports Series and ABC’s Wide World of Sports, delivering fast-paced demonstrations of traditional skills like axe throwing, log rolling, speed climbing and chainsaw cutting throughout the weekend.

CAN’T MISS! Red, White & Brew Beer Garden: Grab a cold drink and take a break in All-Star Village at Red, White & Brew. Featuring a 2-level Busch Light bar and ample seating, this centrally located hub will become a destination to relax and recharge with friends and race fans.

NEW! NASCAR Driver Displays: Fans can find and support their favorite drivers with signage featuring every competitor in the NASCAR All-Star Race and their top career achievements. It’s a great way to celebrate the stars of the sport and capture photos throughout the village.

NEW! All-Star Highlights Displays: From “One Hot Night” to “The Pass in the Grass,” relive some of the most memorable moments in All-Star Race history. This interactive display takes fans through the history of the NASCAR All-Star Race, exploring the excitement, drama and legacy that have defined one of NASCAR’s most unique events.

Track Flags Display: All 26 NASCAR Cup Series tracks will be represented throughout All-Star Village with their official track flags on display, adding color and personality to the village atmosphere.

Music and Appearances: DJ Yarney will be spinning throughout the weekend in All-Star Village, keeping the energy high as fans move through the area. Fans can also expect driver appearances and special guests throughout race weekend.

Roaming Performers: Performers will be appearing throughout All-Star Village all weekend, interacting with fans and popping up when fans least expect them.

CAN’T MISS! Kiss My Axe: Step right up and test your aim with six lanes of axe throwing fun. Open all weekend and free to play, it’s a quick, hands-on activity where fans can compete against friends and family and see how they stack up against the rest.

Cast in Bronze: A one-of-a-kind musical performance, Cast in Bronze features a traveling carillon with 35 bells weighing a combined four tons, all played live by a single performer. Created by internationally trained carillonneur Frank DellaPenna, the act has performed everywhere from Walt Disney World’s Epcot to national television, delivering a visually striking and powerful show unlike anything else at race weekend.

The King’s Hat: A traveling, six-foot-tall handcrafted sculpture celebrating Richard Petty and the Petty family’s rich history in NASCAR, The King’s Hat features iconic Dover imagery from Petty’s legendary career.

RETURNING! World’s Largest Rubber Duck: A fan-favorite returns to The Monster Mile for its third consecutive appearance in the Fan Zone, this time headlining All-Star Village. Towering more than six stories tall, this iconic attraction remains one of the most popular and most photographed spots on property.

RETURNING in 2026! MILES BEACH, presented by Visit Delaware, brings summer atmosphere back to Dover Motor Speedway Fan Zone during NASCAR All-Star Weekend, May 15–17

Following a successful debut last season, Dover Motor Speedway and Visit Delaware have partnered again to bring a beach-inspired Fan Zone experience to The Monster Mile with the return of MILES BEACH, presented by Visit Delaware, during NASCAR All-Star Weekend, May 15–17.

MILES BEACH, presented by Visit Delaware, will again take over more than an acre of Dover’s famed Fan Zone, offering dozens of beach-themed, family-friendly attractions, including many FREE options, for fans to enjoy throughout All-Star Weekend.

MILES BEACH, presented by Visit Delaware, hours:
Friday, May 15: Noon to 9 p.m.
Saturday, May 16: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday, May 17: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

MILES BEACH ATTRACTIONS:

600 Tons of Sand, Lighthouse, Boardwalk & Beach Features: MILES BEACH will again feature over 600 tons of sand to form a spacious beach area with seating and shade, surrounded by a boardwalk-style setting that includes palm trees, beach balls, Adirondack chairs, a boat and beach grasses. The area will be capped by the 25-foot-tall lighthouse overlooking the Fan Zone, and a large boardwalk will flank the area, echoing the look and feel of Delaware’s well-known beach towns.

NEW! Live Sea Lions: New for 2026, live sea lion shows will be featured inside the Fan Zone at MILES BEACH. Fans can interact and watch the sea lions up close as they perform interactive routines and take photos during appearances throughout the weekend.

NEW! Live Shark Display: A live shark exhibit will be part of the MILES BEACH experience, giving fans the opportunity to view sharks up close in a specially designed display while learning more about the ocean animals.

NEW! Stingray Experience: Fans will also be able to take part in a hands-on stingray experience, allowing guests to safely interact with stingrays and learn more about them with assistance from on-site staff.

RETURNING! WHITE LIGHTNING Bar + Arcade, Presented By BetRivers: White Lightning Bar + Arcade will return in 2026 as a popular indoor gathering space for campers and fans. Named after the original nickname of Dover Motor Speedway’s concrete track, the area features a full bar with Anheuser-Busch products, along with more than a dozen classic arcade games and seating available all weekend.

Live Appearances, Driver Q&As, Trivia and Games on The Miles Beach Stage: The MILES BEACH Stage will once again host live music, special driver appearances and interactive entertainment throughout All-Star Weekend. Ty Gibbs is expected to participate on Sunday morning, with additional drivers to be announced soon.

Huge Sand Sculpture Display: Fans can watch as a professional sand sculptor creates a large sand sculpture during All-Star Weekend, with the finished piece on display for fans to enjoy by Sunday, May 17.

MILES BEACH Patrol: MILES BEACH Patrol staff members will be stationed throughout the area to assist fans, answer questions and help guide guests.

Free Caricaturist & Selfie Stations: Complimentary caricature drawings will be available throughout the weekend, giving fans a personalized keepsake from their visit. A variety of notable photo opportunities will be available to fans to capture fun photos too.

Live Music Across the Fan Zone: Mariachi Arrieros Band, Trinidad North Steel Drum, The Red Hot Ramblers and Homestead Bluegrass will perform throughout the grandstand areas, adding a variety of musical styles across the property. At Miles Beach, Emily Moses McNatt will perform Saturday during the day, and the Philly Keys will bring high-energy dueling piano performances with crowd interaction and fan-favorite songs to the Monster Mile Bash, presented by Jayco, on Saturday evening beginning at 6:30. Fan-favorite Soul Chase will perform on Sunday to close out the weekend.

ADDITIONAL FAN ZONE ENTERTAINMENT:

The Fan Zone opens at the following times each day:
Friday, May 15: Noon
Saturday, May 16: 9 a.m.
Sunday, May 17: 8 a.m.

FEATURED FAN ZONE ENTERTAINMENT FOR 2026

NEW! Krazy Maze: This giant interactive maze dares fans to find their way through twists, turns and surprises at every step. Designed for all ages, the Krazy Maze delivers a fun mental challenge that keeps fans guessing at every corner. Its sprawling design creates a walk-through adventure that surprises fans with just how big and tricky it really is.

NEW! Frick Frack Blackjack: Forget cash and forget the rules. Frick Frack Blackjack is a comedy-driven game show where fans are invited to play a no-cash, no-limit version of blackjack by bartering everyday items, jokes or ridiculous dares. With nonstop banter between players, dealers and the crowd, no two hands are ever the same and the laughs keep coming.

RETURNING! Micro Wrestling: Back by popular request, Micro Wrestling brings big personalities, big energy and fast-paced action straight to the Fan Zone. Featuring live professional wrestling, crowd interaction and plenty of jaw dropping moments, this high-energy experience always draws a crowd and delivers a show fans won’t forget.

Dialed Action: High-flying, heart-pounding and impossible to ignore, Dialed Action brings extreme sports excitement to the Fan Zone all weekend long. Featuring BMX bikes, motorcycles and daring freestyle stunts, each performance delivers big air, jaw-dropping tricks and edge-of-your-seat moments that stop fans in their tracks.

Cracker Barrel Experience: Located in the Fan Zone, the Cracker Barrel Experience will offer a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere with seating, interactive activations and giveaways, giving fans a place to unwind while staying part of the action. Select driver autograph sessions will also be hosted at the Cracker Barrel Stage, featuring appearances from NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts and Truck Series drivers, providing additional opportunities for fans to meet their favorite drivers.

Bumper Cars: Before and after America’s best drivers go wheel-to-wheel on the high-speed Monster Mile, fans can jump behind the wheel of some low-speed vehicles themselves. The Fan Zone bumper cars offer classic fun and friendly, yet full-contact competition, making them a must-stop attraction for fans of all ages.

Lock-In Lounge: The lounge is your hub for renewing your Dover tickets all weekend long. Fans can stop in to chat with Dover staff and lock-in their plans to return to the Monster Mile in 2027. Fans who renew on-site will receive a special JLab gift as a thank you.

AmirrorCAN Man: Towering at nearly seven feet tall and dressed in red, white and blue mirror armor, the AmirrorCAN Man brings a patriotic presence to the Fan Zone as part of the celebration of America’s 250th anniversary of independence. Complete with a top hat, cane and American flag, this strolling performer creates fun photo opportunities while interacting with fans throughout race weekend.

NASCAR Kids Zone, presented by good2grow: Young race fans can burn off some energy in the NASCAR Kids Zone, a dedicated interactive play area designed for fans 12 and under. With plenty of hands-on activities and NASCAR-themed fun, the Kids Zone gives younger fans a place to play, explore and be part of the excitement throughout race weekend.

Rock-It Robot: Standing nine feet tall and powered by music, Rock-It Robot is a roaming Fan Zone favorite. This towering, dancing gentle giant moves through the crowd interacting with fans, striking poses and creating larger-than-life photo opportunities wherever he goes.

Little Farm: A slice of the barnyard right at The Monster Mile! Little Farm lets fans get up close with ponies, goats, donkeys and other friendly animals. With pony rides and free face painting for kids, it’s a fan-favorite stop that delivers smiles for families and animal lovers alike.

Del Rods Car Show: Taking place Saturday and Sunday, Del Rods will feature a collection of classic, custom and modern vehicles from the Del Rods Car Club, a Central Delaware-based group founded in 1974.

Plant Guy: Is he a plant? Or is he a performer? Fans won’t know until they come across him. Blending seamlessly into the scenery, Plant Guy suddenly comes to life, surprising unsuspecting guests and creating hilarious moments and photo opportunities throughout the Fan Zone.

A Full Plate at The Monster Mile: Food and Beverage Options

Race weekend 2026 marks the LARGEST variety of food and beverage selections that Dover Motor Speedway has ever had to offer! From quick bites to full meals, fans will find a wide variety of food and beverage options across the Fan Zone and frontstretch concourse throughout NASCAR All-Star Weekend.

Talkin Sweets: Fresh donuts and hot coffee make this a perfect stop to start the day or grab a quick sweet treat between activities.

Talkin Chicken: Serving up crispy chicken tenders paired with refreshing lemonade, this stand delivers a simple, fan-favorite combo.

Zeny’s Concessions Trailers: A wide-ranging menu featuring Philly cheesesteaks, Philly fries, cheeseburgers, Italian sausage and fresh-squeezed lemonades.

Mission BBQ: Classic barbecue favorites including brisket, pulled pork and a variety of hearty BBQ sandwiches, bringing bold flavors to race weekend.

Snell Ice Cream: Cool off with soft serve ice cream and classic sundaes, a go-to stop for a refreshing treat.

Buntings: A mix of savory and sweet options including pretzels, kettle corn, Italian sausage, cheeseburgers, fries and pretzel dogs.

Auntie Anne’s: Signature pretzels served hot, including cinnamon sugar, salted pretzels and pretzel dogs with cheese dipping cups.

Philly Cheesesteak: Authentic Philly cheesesteaks served hot off the grill, paired with classic fries.

White’s Concessions: A lineup of comfort food favorites including funnel cakes, chicken tenders, fries and chicken and waffles.

Rita’s: A refreshing stop for flavored Italian ice, perfect for staying cool throughout the day.

Woodson’s Wrap Shack: Offering buffalo chicken, veggie and Mediterranean wraps for fans looking for lighter or alternative options.

Wing King: Serving chicken wings, fries and cheeseburgers, delivering bold flavors and hearty portions.

Boardwalk Specials: Classic boardwalk-style eats including chicken tenders, funnel cakes, lemonades and Philly cheesesteaks.

Creative Concessions Carts: Convenient grab-and-go options located throughout the Fan Zone, featuring lemonades and pretzels.

Binner’s Acai Bowl Tent: A selection of acai bowls with a variety of toppings, offering a fresh and refreshing option for fans.

Travelling Tom’s: A full coffee lineup including iced and hot coffee, mochas and hot chocolate to keep fans energized all weekend.

Kona Ice: Shaved ice with a wide variety of flavored syrup options, a colorful and refreshing favorite for all ages.

Across the Property: Food and beverage options will be available throughout the Fan Zone and along the frontstretch concourse near the grandstands, making it easy for fans to grab something to eat without missing any of the action. At Miles Beach, fans can enjoy boardwalk-style bites along with a dedicated Orange Crush Bar, while inside All-Star Village, the Red, White & Brew Beer Garden will serve Busch Light products alongside classic concession items such as pretzels and hot dogs.

Bring Your Own Cooler: Fans are welcome to bring their own cooler into the track, one of the traditions that continues to make Dover Motor Speedway and NASCAR a uniquely fan-friendly experience.

Altogether, the 2026 Fan Zone isn’t just an addition to race weekend, it’s a destination in its own right. Whether fans are looking to relax, explore, eat, or stay fully immersed in nonstop entertainment, the Fan Zone delivers at every turn. It’s a reflection of how far the event has come and where it’s headed, continuing to grow into one of the most complete fan experiences in motorsports at The Monster Mile.

NASCAR TICKETS:
Visit DoverMotorSpeedway.com to purchase tickets for NASCAR All-Star Weekend, explore camping and parking
options, or sign up for email updates.

FOLLOW US:
Follow Dover Motor Speedway on Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok (@MonsterMile) for the latest news and
announcements.

TOYOTA RACING Weekly Preview 04.29.26

By
Official Release
-

This Week in Motorsports: April 27 – May 3, 2026

NCS/NOAPS/NCTS: Texas Motor Speedway – May 1-3
ARCA EAST: Nashville Fairgrounds – May 2
ARCA WEST: Shasta Speedway – May 1-2

PLANO, Texas (April 29, 2026) – NASCAR’s three national series return to the “Lone Star State” and Texas Motor Speedway for three days of racing around the mile-and-a-half oval. ARCA’s East and West Series are also in action this weekend, with the East Series taking on the Nashville Fairgrounds and the West Series out at Shasta Speedway in California.

NASCAR National Series – NCS/NOAPS/NCTSS

Reddick continues top-15 streak … With a 14th-place finish last weekend in Talladega, Tyler Reddick has finished within the top-15 in every Cup Series race this season. It’s been a historic start to 2026 for the 23XI Racing driver, who’s accrued five victories, six top-fives and seven top-10s in 10 races and holds a 110-point lead in the standings. This weekend marks the eighth start for Reddick at Texas Motor Speedway, where he’s a previous winner in 2022.

Bell, Jones look to extend Texas success … Joe Gibbs Racing’s (JGR) Christopher Bell and LEGACY MOTOR CLUB’s Erik Jones have both garnered success at Texas in their Cup Series careers to date. At the mile-and-half oval, Bell has made seven career starts, with three top-fives and four top-10s. For Jones, he’s made 14 career starts at the “Lone Star State” oval, with four top-fives and eight top-10s, including a fifth-place result last season. He also recorded six consecutive top-10s at Texas from 2017 to 2020.

Crews extends streak … In his first career superspeedway race at Talladega Superspeedway last weekend, Brent Crews just missed out on his first career O’Reilly Auto Parts Series win, but continued the amazing start to his series career. It was the third consecutive top-five result for the Toyota Development Driver, as well as his fifth top-10 in seven career starts. The 18-year-old will make his debut at Texas this weekend.

Jones, Sawalich doing double duty … JGR’s Brandon Jones and William Sawalich will both take on double duty this weekend in the O’Reilly Series and Truck Series races at Texas. Jones will make his 18th career O’Reilly Series start at Texas in his full-time No. 20 Toyota GR Supra, while also piloting the No. 1 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro for TRICON Garage in the Truck Series race, his fourth career start there. This is also Jones’ first Truck Series start of 2026. Sawalich makes his second career O’Reilly Series start at Texas in his full-time No. 18 Toyota GR Supra this weekend and will also drive the No. 5 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro for TRICON Garage on Friday. This will be his second Truck Series start of 2026 after competing at Darlington for TRICON Garage in the No. 1 Tundra TRD PRO, where he finished 10th.

Burton returns to favorable Texas … Texas has been a kind spot for Sam Hunt Racing’s Harrison Burton over the course of his O’Reilly Series career. The 25-year-old has made six career series starts at Texas, earning a win in 2020, along with two top-fives and five top-10s. Burton enters the weekend with two straight top-10s at Texas, with an eighth-place finish in 2024 and a sixth last season.

Honeycutt on the doorstep of points lead … Heading into Texas this weekend, Kaden Honeycutt sits second in the Truck Series points, just one point behind the leader in the standings. The driver of the No. 11 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro for TRICON Garage has three top-fives and four top-10s, along with poles at Darlington Raceway and Bristol Motor Speedway, in six starts so far this season. The Aledo, Texas, native returns to his home track this weekend, where he makes his second start around the 1.5-mile oval.

Toyota seeks another Texas triumph … This weekend, Team Toyota goes for another Truck Series victory around Texas, a track that has been very kind to the Toyota Tundra TRD Pros over the course of time. Toyota has won six of the last nine Truck Series races at Texas, including Corey Heim’s triumph last year. In total, a Toyota Tundra TRD Pro has won at Texas 23 times since 2004. There have also been three instances where Toyota has won three races or more in succession at Texas as well.

NASCAR Regional Series – ARCA Menards Series East & West

Reaves takes on Nashville … For this weekend’s ARCA Menards Series East race at the Nashville Fairgrounds, JGR will have Max Reaves behind the wheel of its No. 18 Toyota Camry. This will be Reaves’ third start in the East series this season, where he’s finished inside the top-10 in both previous starts and earned a pole at the season opener at Hickory Motor Speedway. Reaves won the East race at Nashville last year, leading 147 of the 150 laps from pole in dominant fashion.

Lovell, DaCosta pilot Toyota Camrys at Shasta … At Shasta Speedway this weekend, Mia Lovell and Julian DaCosta will be behind the wheel of the No. 15 and 25 Toyota Camrys, respectively, for Nitro Motorsports in the ARCA Menards Series West race. Lovell makes her fourth start in the West Series this season, where she’s coming off an eighth-place finish at Tucson Speedway a few weeks ago. For DaCosta, this will also be his fourth start in the West Series this season, and he’s also coming off a 10th-place finish at Tucson.

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. for nearly 70 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our nearly 1,500 dealerships.

Toyota directly employs nearly 48,000 people in the U.S. who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of more than 35 million cars and trucks at our 11 manufacturing plants. In 2025, Toyota’s plant in North Carolina began to assemble automotive batteries for electrified vehicles.

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

Transforming Workspaces: The Role of Commercial Interior Designers in Toronto

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

Toronto is one of North America’s most dynamic business hubs, home to a diverse mix of industries ranging from finance and technology to retail and hospitality. In such a competitive environment, the design of a commercial space is no longer just about aesthetics it’s a strategic tool that can influence productivity, brand identity, and customer experience. This is where commercial interior designers in Toronto play a critical role, helping businesses create spaces that are both functional and visually compelling.

Understanding Commercial Interior Design

Commercial interior design focuses on creating and enhancing interior spaces used for business purposes. Unlike residential design, which is centered around personal comfort and lifestyle, commercial design must balance functionality, safety regulations, branding, and the needs of employees and customers. Offices, retail stores, restaurants, hotels, and healthcare facilities all fall under the scope of commercial interior design.

In Toronto, the demand for well-designed commercial spaces continues to grow as businesses recognize the value of thoughtful design. A well-planned space can improve workflow, increase employee satisfaction, and leave a lasting impression on clients and customers. You can also check this out Condo Interior Designer Toronto.

Why Businesses in Toronto Invest in Professional Designers

Toronto’s fast-paced business landscape requires companies to stand out. Commercial interior designers bring expertise that goes beyond choosing furniture and color palettes. They analyze how a space is used, identify inefficiencies, and create designs that align with a company’s goals.

One of the main reasons businesses invest in professional designers is efficiency. Designers understand spatial planning, ensuring that every square foot is used effectively. This is particularly important in Toronto, where commercial real estate can be expensive and space optimization is essential.

Another key factor is branding. A company’s physical space is an extension of its identity. Designers help translate brand values into tangible elements such as layout, materials, lighting, and decor. Whether it’s a sleek corporate office or a cozy boutique, the design communicates a message to anyone who walks through the door.

Key Elements of Commercial Interior Design

Commercial interior designers in Toronto focus on several core elements to create successful spaces:

1. Space Planning
 Effective space planning ensures that a layout supports the activities taking place within it. Designers consider traffic flow, accessibility, and functionality. For example, in an office setting, they may create collaborative areas, quiet zones, and meeting spaces to support different work styles.

2. Lighting Design
 Lighting has a significant impact on mood and productivity. Designers carefully select natural and artificial lighting to enhance the environment. In retail spaces, lighting can highlight products, while in offices, it can reduce eye strain and improve focus.

3. Material Selection
 Durability and aesthetics both play a role in choosing materials. High-traffic areas require materials that can withstand wear and tear while still looking appealing. Designers also consider sustainability, often opting for eco-friendly options.

4. Furniture and Fixtures
 Furniture must be both comfortable and functional. Ergonomic office chairs, modular workstations, and custom fixtures are commonly used to improve efficiency and comfort.

5. Compliance and Safety
 Commercial spaces must adhere to building codes and safety regulations. Designers ensure that layouts meet these requirements, including fire safety, accessibility standards, and proper ventilation.

The commercial design landscape in Toronto is constantly evolving. Several trends are currently shaping how spaces are designed:

Flexible Workspaces
 With the rise of hybrid work models, offices are being redesigned to accommodate flexibility. Open layouts, shared desks, and multi-purpose rooms are becoming more common.

Sustainability
 Businesses are increasingly prioritizing environmentally responsible design. This includes using recycled materials, energy-efficient lighting, and sustainable furniture.

Biophilic Design
 Incorporating natural elements such as plants, natural light, and organic materials helps create a calming and productive environment. This approach is particularly popular in office settings.

Technology Integration
 Modern commercial spaces are equipped with advanced technology, from smart lighting systems to integrated communication tools. Designers ensure that these technologies are seamlessly incorporated into the design.

Employee Well-being
 There is a growing focus on creating spaces that support mental and physical health. This includes comfortable seating, quiet zones, and wellness areas.

The Design Process

Commercial interior designers in Toronto follow a structured process to bring a project to life. It typically begins with a consultation, where they gather information about the client’s needs, goals, and budget. This is followed by concept development, where designers create initial ideas and layouts.

Once a concept is approved, designers move on to detailed planning. This includes selecting materials, creating drawings, and coordinating with contractors and suppliers. During the implementation phase, designers oversee construction and installation to ensure that the project stays on track.

The final stage involves a walkthrough and adjustments, ensuring that every detail meets the client’s expectations.

Benefits of Hiring Commercial Interior Designers

Hiring a professional designer offers several advantages:

Expertise and Creativity
 Designers bring a fresh perspective and innovative ideas that can transform a space.

Time and Cost Efficiency
 While hiring a designer is an investment, it can save money in the long run by avoiding costly mistakes and ensuring efficient use of resources.

Access to Resources
 Designers have access to a wide network of suppliers, contractors, and materials that may not be available to the general public.

Project Management
 Managing a commercial design project can be complex. Designers handle coordination, timelines, and problem-solving, allowing business owners to focus on their operations.

Choosing the Right Designer in Toronto

Selecting the right commercial interior designer is a crucial step. Businesses should look for designers with experience in their specific industry, as different sectors have unique requirements. Reviewing portfolios can provide insight into a designer’s style and capabilities.

Communication is also key. A good designer listens to the client’s needs and collaborates effectively throughout the project. Transparency in pricing and timelines is equally important to ensure a smooth process.

The Impact of Design on Business Success

The design of a commercial space can have a direct impact on a company’s success. In retail environments, an attractive and well-organized store can increase customer engagement and sales. In offices, a thoughtfully designed workspace can boost employee morale and productivity.

In a city like Toronto, where competition is high, investing in professional design can provide a significant advantage. A well-designed space not only attracts customers but also helps retain employees and build a strong brand identity.

Final Thoughts

Commercial interior designers in Toronto play an essential role in shaping the city’s business environments. Their expertise goes beyond aesthetics, focusing on functionality, branding, and user experience. As businesses continue to evolve, the demand for innovative and strategic design solutions will only grow.

Whether it’s a startup looking to create its first office or an established company seeking a redesign, partnering with a skilled commercial interior designer can make a meaningful difference. By transforming spaces into efficient, inspiring environments, designers help businesses thrive in one of the world’s most vibrant cities.

1234...6,648Page 3 of 6,648