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The Most Iconic Car Numbers in NASCAR History

Photo by Sean P. Twomey on Pexels

In NASCAR, a car number is much more than a simple way to identify a vehicle on the track. Over time, certain numbers have become closely connected with legendary drivers, unforgettable races, and major moments in American motorsport history. For many fans, seeing a familiar number immediately brings back memories of a specific driver or era.

Some numbers have become so famous that they are now part of NASCAR culture itself. Even after a driver retires, fans may continue to associate a particular number with that person for decades.

No. 3 – Dale Earnhardt

Few numbers in NASCAR are as recognizable as the No. 3. The number is most strongly associated with Dale Earnhardt, one of the most successful and influential drivers in the history of the sport.

Earnhardt’s aggressive driving style and ability to compete at the highest level helped turn the No. 3 into one of NASCAR’s most famous symbols. His black Chevrolet became instantly recognizable to racing fans across the United States.

Even people who do not follow NASCAR closely may recognize the No. 3 because of Earnhardt’s popularity and long-lasting influence on American racing culture.

No. 43 – Richard Petty

Another legendary number is No. 43, forever connected with Richard Petty. Known as “The King,” Petty became one of NASCAR’s most successful drivers and one of its most recognizable personalities.

The No. 43 car became famous for its distinctive appearance and long history in the sport. Petty’s success helped make the number a symbol of NASCAR’s early growth and development.

For many longtime racing fans, No. 43 represents the classic era of NASCAR, when the sport was becoming increasingly popular across the United States.

No. 24 – Jeff Gordon

During the 1990s and 2000s, the No. 24 car became one of the most recognizable vehicles in NASCAR thanks to Jeff Gordon.

Gordon helped introduce NASCAR to a new generation of fans and became one of the sport’s biggest stars. His colorful cars and consistent success made the No. 24 easy to recognize both on television and at the racetrack.

The number became especially popular with younger fans who began following NASCAR during Gordon’s career. Today, No. 24 remains strongly connected with one of the most successful periods in modern NASCAR history.

No. 48 – Jimmie Johnson

The No. 48 is closely associated with Jimmie Johnson, another driver who became one of NASCAR’s all-time greats.

Johnson’s long period of dominance helped turn No. 48 into a symbol of consistency and success. His championships and race victories made the car one of the most familiar sights in NASCAR during the 2000s and 2010s.

Like many famous NASCAR numbers, No. 48 became part of the driver’s identity. Fans often remember the number just as easily as they remember the name.

No. 11 – A Number With a Long NASCAR History

While some numbers are mainly linked to one driver, others have been used by several successful racers. No. 11 is a good example.

The number has appeared throughout NASCAR history and has been driven by multiple well-known competitors. Its long presence in the sport makes it one of the more recognizable numbers on the grid.

This shows how NASCAR car numbers can develop their own history over time, even when different drivers use them.

Why NASCAR Numbers Matter So Much

NASCAR numbers are important because they help fans quickly identify cars at high speed. During a race, drivers may be difficult to recognize from a distance, but a large number on the side and roof of the car makes identification much easier.

Numbers also become part of a team’s branding. Fans buy hats, shirts, die-cast models, and other merchandise featuring their favorite driver’s number.

Over time, the connection between a driver and a number can become so strong that the number itself becomes part of motorsport history.

From Racing Numbers to License Plates

Numbers are also an important part of everyday automotive life. Outside the racetrack, vehicles are identified using registration plates rather than racing numbers.

The appearance and format of these plates can vary significantly between countries. Some use long combinations of letters and numbers, while others use shorter formats or distinctive colors and symbols. Anyone interested in automotive design and vehicle identification can explore license plates from around the world and compare how different countries approach vehicle registration.

The United States is especially interesting because each state creates its own license plate designs. This results in a huge variety of colors, slogans, symbols, and layouts. Automotive enthusiasts can also browse U.S. license plates by state to see how plates differ across the country.

In a way, both NASCAR numbers and license plates serve a similar basic purpose: they make vehicles easy to identify. The difference is that NASCAR numbers are designed for racing, branding, and fan recognition, while license plates are part of official vehicle registration systems.

More Than Just Numbers

The most iconic NASCAR numbers have become much more than identifiers. They represent drivers, teams, victories, rivalries, and entire eras of racing history.

Numbers such as 3, 24, 43, and 48 continue to be recognized because of the legendary drivers who made them famous. They show how something as simple as a number can become a powerful symbol in automotive culture.

Whether it appears on the side of a race car or on the back of an everyday vehicle, a number can tell a story. In NASCAR, some of those stories have become an unforgettable part of American motorsport history.

Dark Brown Hair Filter: Try a Natural and Stylish New Look

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

Dyeing your hair is a fun way to try out a new look without committing to it permanently! Many people choose dark brown hair because it looks organic, elegant, and is very versatile. You can use a dark brown hair filter to see what this lovely color looks like on your pictures before you finalize your choice.

What Is a Dark Brown Hair Filter?

A dark brown hair filter is a digital photo effect that renders your hair a rich brown color. You can try a variety of hair colors using AI-powered editing tools while maintaining a natural look of your face and appearance. It is an easy way to try something new without going to a salon or using hair dye.

Why Try Dark Brown Hair?

Dark brown is an ideal neutral if you want your hair to look warm, rich and elegant all at the same time. In contrast to very light tones, it has the potential to make a more significant change without looking too far away from natural. That said, it can also work with a variety of hairstyles, from long waves to short cuts, straight hair and layered styles.

Applying a dark brown hair filter lets you get a glimpse of how this hue would look with your skin tone, eye color and overall style. You can see the different versions of your photo and select the look that you prefer. 

How to Use a Dark Brown Hair Filter

Even for beginners, applying a hair color filter is usually easy. To begin, follow these steps:

  • Upload a clear photo: Select a photo in which your hair is clearly visible and your face is brightly lit.
  • Select the hair color: In your favorite photo editing app or online tool, select the dark brown shade.
  • Preview the result: See how the new color looks with your characteristics and hairstyle.
  • Customize the effect: If the tool allows customization, adjust the color intensity for a natural-looking finish.
  • Save your photo: Once you are satisfied with the outcome, download or share the edited picture. 

For optimal results, use a bright, high-quality photo without many shadows. 

Who Can Benefit From This Filter?

A dark brown hair filter is handy for those wondering about a hair color change. This can be useful for anyone who is: Planning a trip to the salon Creating content for social media Empresas o Alguien Que Haya Querido Cambiar Su look O simplemente quieren verse diferentes. It’s also useful when you want to compare dark brown to lighter brown or to black or caramel.

But digital preps may not result in the exact same outcome as real hair dye. Your natural hair color, hair texture and lighting will all have an impact on the finished look. 

Final Thoughts

A dark brown hair filter lets you try a classic hair color option without the commitment. For a subtle update or a total change of look, this easy-to-use digital tool lets you see what’s possible. Try out different pictures and colors and see if you can find a style that fits your personality and gives you confidence for your next move. 

Kostecki and Hazelwood snatch Bathurst 1000 victory with 22 corners to go

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

Brodie Kostecki and Todd Hazelwood won the Bathurst 1000 on 11 October 2026, driving the #17 Shell V-Power Racing / Dick Johnson Racing Ford Mustang.

The crew completed the 161 laps in 5:54:04.749. They didn’t hit the front until the final lap, 22 corners before the chequered flag.

Mount Panorama in New South Wales doesn’t let a comfortable lead hold up the way it might on a flatter circuit. The narrow track, an elevation change of about 174 metres and the fast run down Conrod Straight leave almost no room for error over a distance of just over a thousand kilometres. The result here comes down to more than raw speed: pit stops, fuel strategy and how the Safety Car falls all play their part. In some years the winning margin has stretched out to half an hour; this time it came down to less than a second.

It’s the season’s marquee event on the Supercars Championship calendar. Grandstands along Mount Panorama fill from Friday, and the race goes to air nationwide. In Australia it’s long been known as The Great Race. Any slip-up here costs more than at any other round on the calendar. Teams value Bathurst separately from the championship points. A single win here means just as much for a team’s prestige as a strong finish in the overall standings.

Kostecki and Hazelwood made a strong start, qualifying second and running in the lead group for almost the whole race. On lap 125, a pit stop nearly undid their race. A front brake change ran more than 25 seconds over and dropped the crew from first to fifth. Kostecki made his final stop on lap 150, leaving him an 11-lap dash to the flag. On laps 152 and 153 he set back-to-back lap records for Gen3 cars, clawing back the time lost in the pits.

After Kostecki’s stumble, the lead passed to Anton De Pasquale and Lee Holdsworth in the #18 Chevrolet Camaro. The crew made their final refuelling stop on lap 139 and emerged 15.5 seconds clear of Zach Bates. The gap looked comfortable. With ten laps to go, though, the team took a gamble and asked De Pasquale to save fuel rather than hold the pace. Punters would call that kind of logic volatility. A high-volatility pokie can sit without paying out for ages; then one spin suddenly lands a big combination, and there’s no picking it in advance. The fuel-saving plan was meant to get De Pasquale’s car home first; instead, it decided the race against him. Supercars liveries and team colours have long since moved beyond the track, turning up in merchandise, video games and, increasingly, online pokies, including whole ranges of themed motorsport slot games. Supercars liveries and team colours have long since moved beyond the track, turning up in merchandise, video games and, increasingly, online pokies, including whole ranges of themed motorsport slot games. Releases in this genre are tracked by Wild Tokyo Casino, whose figures show that these games have long overtaken roulette and live dealer tables in popularity.

On lap 156, Chaz Mostert’s crash at Forrest’s Elbow brought out the race’s only Safety Car. That left the drivers with a three-lap sprint instead of a steady run to the flag. Kostecki made the most of the restart. On lap 159 he passed Bates at Murray’s Corner to move into second, within sight of the leader.

The decisive moment came on the final lap, lap 161. De Pasquale ran out of fuel on Mountain Straight and the Camaro slowed abruptly. Kostecki moved into the lead with 22 corners left to run. De Pasquale never made it to the chequered flag.

Will Brown and Scott Pye crossed the line second, 1.184 seconds back. Zach Bates and Aaron Seton took third, 1.927 seconds off the pace. It’s the second Bathurst 1000 win together for Kostecki and Hazelwood, and the fifth in the race’s history for Dick Johnson Racing. The Queensland team has long ranked among the most successful at Mount Panorama. As it turned out, even a lengthy pit stop on lap 125 doesn’t rule a crew out of the fight, not when there’s pace in reserve for a late charge.

Three episodes in a row decided the outcome, not a steady pace across the distance: the botched pit stop on lap 125, the leader’s risky fuel-saving gamble and Kostecki’s pass in the closing metres. It was that combination, not the fastest lap of the race, that the #17 Ford Mustang carried home.

Liên Quân Mobile in Vietnam: How Arena of Valor Became an Esports Phenomenon

Competitive gaming has become a popular pastime among the Vietnamese public due to the success of Liên Quân Mobile. Domestic and international tournaments have drawn large fan bases to professional esports. The mobile game, known internationally as Arena of Valor, is a 5-player team strategy game that can be played with a smartphone. Vietnamese esports players have made international showcases and title wins that have brought them recognition across the world. Find out how Liên Quân has become one of the most well known esports games in Vietnam.

Liên Quân Mobile Became More Competitive Through the Establishment of a Pro League

The Đấu Trường Danh Vọng professional league launched in Vietnam in 2017, strengthening Liên Quân Mobile’s competitive structure. It gave clubs opportunities to develop player rosters, improve coaching methods, and establish recognizable identities. To stay connected during matches, many supporters run Melbet Android for instant score tracking, smooth mobile performance, and fast payouts. Supporters could follow familiar players and teams across multiple competitions throughout the season. Regular league matches also allowed fans to watch professional organizations without waiting for major international tournaments.

With the establishment of the league, the top teams in Vietnam faced greater competition. Teams were no longer able to rely solely on style and individual play to achieve success. Teams would analyze prior play, communication, drafts, and strategies to formulate their own. Coaches focused more on communication, team play, drafting, and game preparation. The pros provided a structure through which skilled mobile players could compete at a high level as part of an organized esports organization.

Liên Quân has made use of both accessible gameplay and competitive mechanics which depend on teamwork and experience. The following have played a part in Liên Quân establishing a large fan base in Vietnam;

  • Mobile friendly – Can be played on mobile phones and does not require expensive gaming computers or other specific gear.
  • Team oriented – Teams of five allow for individual strengths, diverse tactics and specific roles.
  • Local Tournaments – Provide an ongoing competitive scene with well known teams and major events happening constantly throughout the year.
  • International competition – Allows Vietnamese pros to compete against the top from other regions in Arena of Valor.

This has allowed for a successful transition from casual to professional gaming in a manner that is identifiable. The game allows for fans to grasp the core gameplay and also the differences between pros and casual players.

Domestic Rivalries Have Created Recognizable Esports Teams

Liên Quân’s professional scene became more compelling as successful organizations developed loyal audiences and established competitive histories. Team Flash and Saigon Phantom have played important roles in that development. Their achievements show how domestic rivalries and international ambitions can strengthen the same esports community.

Team Flash Established Vietnam’s International Reputation

Team Flash became one of Vietnam’s most successful Arena of Valor organizations through strong domestic performances and international results. The team won both the Arena of Valor World Cup and Arena of Valor International Championship in 2019. Their legendary tournament runs inspired many fans to follow competitive match odds and fast payouts via nhà cái Melbet while supporting local teams. Those victories demonstrated that Vietnamese players could defeat leading opponents from other competitive regions.

Their success also changed expectations for professional teams competing in Vietnam. International championships required disciplined drafting, effective communication, and the ability to adapt during difficult series. Team Flash showed that domestic preparation could produce results against established international opponents. Their achievements gave younger competitors a clear example of what professional development could accomplish.

Saigon Phantom Built a New Period of Competitive Success

Saigon Phantom Built a New Period of Competitive Success

Saigon Phantom developed into another major organization through repeated domestic championship campaigns and strong international performances. The team became particularly recognizable for its aggressive play, coordinated team fights, and experienced competitive roster. Its continued presence near the top helped establish important rivalries within Vietnam’s professional league.

Winning the Arena of Valor Premier League in 2023 marked a significant achievement for Saigon Phantom. The title confirmed the team’s ability to compete successfully against strong regional opposition. Maintaining that standard required adjustments as opponents studied its strategies and individual players. Its progress demonstrated how new competitive leaders could emerge without weakening the overall professional scene.

Digital Coverage Has Made Professional Players More Accessible

Besides full tournament coverage, there are multiple ways to keep up with the popular game Liên Quân. Highlights for games, post-tournament interviews, and livestreams keep the public apprised of professional games. Brief highlight clips are made for surprise hero picks, key in-game team battles, and crucial events in the tournament finals.

Professional players also interact with the player base through individual livestreams and content between tournaments. This allows the audience to gain insight into the playing style of individual players and experienced players’ decision-making. Analysts can also provide content regarding map and draft choices, objective and hero control. These streams aid in the general comprehension of professional Liên Quân by providing content for players of all skill levels.

Vietnam’s Competitive Liên Quân Structure Provides a Strong Foundation for Future Growth

Vietnam already has a competitive ecosystem for mobile gamers that links amateur players to pros and global competitions. Saigon Phantom and Team Flash have both successfully competed outside of local competitions. Fans can also watch established and up-and-coming players through consistent events and online content. Continuing this ecosystem will aid in the growth of new talent and the expansion of Vietnam in the global esports scene.

Formula One 2026: The Risks Behind Red Bull’s New Engine Power

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

The introduction of new Formula 1 regulations in 2026 has changed how teams approach car development. Engineers now face different challenges as they work to meet the FIA’s updated technical requirements. One of the biggest developments is Red Bull’s decision to compete with a power unit created through its partnership with Ford. While strong engine performance could give the team an advantage, it also brings challenges that may affect its results.

Major Technical Changes for the 2026 Formula 1 Season

Power units are at the center of the latest regulatory changes. Electricity now accounts for a much greater share of the power produced by Formula 1 engines, with the electric system capable of delivering around 350 kW. Another major change is the removal of the MGU-H, a complex component used in previous engine designs.

The regulations also introduce sustainable fuel and active aerodynamic systems. Together, these changes make energy management an essential part of racing. Producing more power is no longer enough on its own. Teams must also decide how to use their available energy effectively across an entire lap.

The growing importance of energy management in Formula 1 highlights how strategic decision-making can influence results. A similar emphasis on timing, risk assessment, and adapting to changing circumstances can be found in an online poker cardroom, where players must carefully evaluate their options rather than rely on luck alone.

The Hidden Challenges of High Engine Performance

An engine capable of producing more power than its rivals may seem like a clear competitive advantage. However, the 2026 regulations place greater demands on overall car performance. A successful power unit must operate reliably, maintain suitable temperatures, use energy efficiently, and work smoothly with the rest of the vehicle.

Prioritizing outright power without considering these factors could leave a team struggling with consistency. The problem becomes particularly noticeable on tracks where drivers need to carefully manage electrical energy between periods of acceleration.

Another factor is the FIA’s approach to manufacturers that fall behind in engine performance. Under the new rules, those facing a significant disadvantage may be given additional development opportunities. This means a manufacturer that starts the season ahead of its competitors cannot assume that its lead will remain unchanged.

Red Bull Faces a New Engineering Test

For Red Bull, the 2026 championship represents a major change in how the team operates. Its Red Bull Ford Powertrains project brings engine development into the team’s own operations, creating new responsibilities for its engineers.

Building a competitive power unit involves more than achieving impressive performance figures. Different engineering departments must work closely together to ensure that every system functions as intended.

A powerful engine could still become a weakness if it suffers from technical failures, struggles to maintain the right operating temperature, or uses electrical energy inefficiently. Any of these issues could prevent Red Bull from turning its engine’s potential into strong race results.

Technical reliability and consistency will be crucial to Red Bull’s success throughout the 2026 season. Beyond Formula 1, the importance of preparation, calculated decisions, and adapting to unexpected challenges is also familiar to players exploring platforms such as poker-rooms.net, where strategic thinking plays a central role in competitive poker.

The Factors That Could Determine Red Bull’s Success

The new Formula 1 era places greater importance on the complete performance of a racing car rather than engine power alone. Teams need to combine strong acceleration with efficient energy use, effective aerodynamics, and dependable mechanical systems.

Red Bull’s position in the 2026 championship will therefore depend on how successfully it integrates its new power unit into the overall car package. Developing a fast engine is only part of the challenge. Maintaining reliable performance and responding quickly to the demands of the new regulations could ultimately determine whether the team remains among the championship’s leading contenders.

Christian Eckes NCTS Phoenix Raceway Preview

Race Information

Venue: Phoenix Raceway
Event: Zero Carbon Bioethanol 150
Date: Friday, October 16
Location: Avondale, AZ
Track Description: 1.0-mile tri oval
Distance: 150 laps, 150 miles (7:30 p.m. ET, FOX Sports 2 & FOX Business, Motor Racing Network, SiriusXM)

Eckes Dreaming of Desert Breakthrough in Phoenix

Closing In … Christian Eckes has generated tremendous momentum in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Trucks Series (NCTS) Chase and is closing in on a long-awaited return to victory lane. The driver of the No. 91 Columbia Bank Chevrolet Silverado RST is a former winner at Phoenix Raceway and looks to vault himself into championship contention on Friday evening in the desert. Eckes has recorded consecutive runner-up results in the last two events entering Arizona’s one-mile trioval. Four races remain in the NCTS Chase with Eckes still within reach of the title if he is able to extend his streak of elite performances.

Phoenix Front Runner … Phoenix Raceway is steeped in history with a heritage of hosting the Copper Classic, deciding six years of NASCAR champions, and hosting the first NCTS points race in 1995. Eckes has a piece of his own history at the diamond in the desert, where he drove to victory lane in the 2023 NCTS finale. That triumph was the first of three one-two finishes in MHR’s history. Over six NCTS outings in Phoenix since 2018, Eckes has been a mainstay near the front with three top-five’s and five top-10 finishes. Additionally, the 2024 regular season titlist has been a fixture at the front over the past eight races with five top-five results during that stretch. He looks to collect another Phoenix trophy on Friday night to renew his championship aspirations.

Season to Date … With four races remaining in the Chase, Eckes holds the fourth position in the standings, 88 points out of the lead. Through 21 races, Eckes has recorded eight top-five’s and 13 top-10 results, along with three stage victories and a whopping +319 pass differential.

Tune In … Friday’s NCTS duel in the desert will be simulcast on FOX Sports 2, FOX Business, and the FOX One app at 7:30 p.m. ET. On-track activity gets underway at 3:30 p.m. ET Friday afternoon with practice and qualifying on FOX Sports 2. Stay connected with the No. 91 Columbia Bank team by following @BMR_NASCAR on Twitter, @bmr_nascar on Instagram, and Bill McAnally Racing on Facebook.

Christian Eckes Quote:

On returning to Phoenix:

“We’ve elevated ourselves to have top-five speed just about every week now and we’ve been putting it together the last couple of races. We want to win, obviously, but the effort that’s translated to pace on the racetrack has been great to see. Our goal is to do that in Pheonix this week with our Columbia Bank Chevrolet and contend for a win. We feel like we’re close, but we’re pushing ourselves to have enough pace to control these races. Phoenix has been good for us in the past. Got a win and ran top-three a few years ago. Hopefully we can do it again this week.”

Christian Eckes 2026 NCTS Statistics

Starts: 21

Wins: 0

Top-5’s: 8

Top-10’s: 13

Poles: 0

Average Finish: 12.8

Laps Led: 173

Stage Wins: 3

Points Position: 4th

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Daniel Hemric NCTS Phoenix Raceway Preview

Race Information

Venue: Phoenix Raceway
Events: Zero Carbon Bioethanol 150
Date: Friday, October 16
Location: Avondale, AZ
Track Description: 1.0-mile trioval
Distance: 150 laps, 150 miles (7:30 p.m. ET – FOX Sports 2 & FOX Business, Motor Racing Network, SiriusXM)

Hemric’s Renewed Consistency Continues Into Phoenix

Renewed Consistency … Daniel Hemric is elevating his game at the most crucial time of the season as the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Trucks Series (NCTS) Chase arrives in the desert. The driver of the No. 19 CRC Brakleen Chevrolet Silverado RST returns to Phoenix Raceway fifth in the standings riding a season-high momentum streak of four top-10 results in the last five races and looks to score MHR’s second victory at the storied one-mile venue. Hemric arrives on the strength of a sixth-place finish at Charlotte Motor Speedway last week and has gained four positions in the standings over the last four races.

Phoenix Flair … The desert mile was the site of Hemric’s crowning achievement thus far in his NASCAR career. The North Carolinian underscored his underdog-type ascent when he scored his first NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) victory and the series championship in the 2021 finale. As he fights to thrust himself back into the NCTS title conversation, Hemric returns for his 22nd start at Phoenix Raceway across the three national series. He’s pursuing his first NCTS top-10 finish in Arizona but has the championship-winning victory, three top-five’s, and eight top-10’s from his NXS tenure, along with five NASCAR Cup Series starts. In the NCTS tour’s most recent stop at a one-mile venue, Hemric scored 41 points at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in August with an eighth-place finish.

Season to Date … Hemric’s late-season hot streak has advanced him from ninth to fifth-place in the NCTS Chase standings over the last four races. Through 21 races, and three of seven Chase events, the 2021 NXS champion has recorded three top-five’s and 10 top-10 results. After two straight finishes of sixth or better, Hemric still sits 109 markers out of the points lead.

Tune In … Friday’s showdown in Phoenix will be simulcast at 7:30 p.m. ET on FOX Sports 2, FOX Business, and the FOX One app. The day’s schedule gets underway with practice and qualifying on FOX Sports 2 at 3:30 p.m. ET. Stay connected with the No. 19 CRC Brakleen team by following @BMR_NASCAR on Twitter, @bmr_nascar on Instagram, and Bill McAnally Racing on Facebook.

Daniel Hemric Quote:

On his expectation at Phoenix:

“Everyone at MHR has been pulling the rope in the same direction and it’s been gratifying to see the results lately. Our No. 19 CRC Brakleen team has done a great job progressing throughout the year and got ourselves into the top-five in points. We need to keep that going this week at Phoenix. We felt good about our flat track pace at Loudon and Richmond a few weeks ago. Phoenix is a little different with the two ends of the racetrack so unique, but think we’ll have a good place to start the day. It’s a short race, track position will be important right off the bat. If we can execute to the level we’re capable of, we can have a great night for CRC, NAPA Auto Care, Gates Hydraulics, and everyone that makes this program possible.”

Daniel Hemric 2026 NCTS Stats

Starts: 21

Poles: 0

Wins: 0

Top-5’s: 3

Top-10’s: 10

Average Finish: 14.0

Laps Led: 5

Stage Wins: 1

Points Position: 5th

CRC BRAKLEEN®, the ORIGINAL aerosol brake parts cleaner, was developed in 1971. Brakleen was the very first brake cleaner product of its kind and is still the industry leader today. Hundreds of thousands of technicians and do-it-yourselfers rely on BRAKLEEN and CRC professional-grade brake maintenance products for fast and effective brake service solutions.

Blaine Perkins driving for Sam Hunt Racing for 2027 O’Reilly season

Photo by Ron Olds for SpeedwayMedia.com.

Blaine Perkins will be driving for Sam Hunt Racing (SHR) for the 2027 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season.

The 26-year-old Perkins from Bakersfield, California, will assume driving responsibilities of the No. 24 SHR Toyota Supra entry led by crew chief Brian Gainey next season. Perkins is currently campaigning in his second consecutive O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season with Jordan Anderson Racing and driving the No. 31 Chevrolet Camaro entry. He is currently ranked in 22nd place in the 2026 driver’s standings after recording a single top-10 result and an average-finishing result of 23.1 through 29 of the 33-race schedule.

“I’m proud to announce that I will be joining Sam Hunt Racing in a multi-year deal starting in 2027,” Perkins said. “It’s a dream come true to have the opportunity to race for SHR and Toyota. I can’t thank my sponsors and supporters enough for helping make a longtime dream of mine into my new reality.”

Perkins, a three-race ARCA Menards Series West race winner who finished in the runner-up spot in the championship standings in 2020, debuted in the O’Reilly division on a part-time basis in 2021 with Our Motorsports. He made a total of 13 starts with the organization over two seasons (2021-22) before he competed in the first five events of the 2023 season with SS-Green Light Racing. Perkins would rejoin Our Motorsports by early April and remain with the organization for the remainder of the season as he competed in all but two of 27 events.

In 2024, Perkins competed the entire season with RSS Racing before joined Jordan Anderson Racing the following season. During this past season, Perkins notched four top-10 results, including a career-best sixth place at Talladega Superspeedway in October, and finished in a career-best 26th place in the final standings.

Through 137 current starts in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series division, Perkins has recorded six top-10 results, six laps led and an average-finishing result of 25.3 as he continues his pursuit for his first series’ victory. Perkins will take over the No. 24 SHR Toyota entry that is currently being driven by Harrison Burton while Burton is set to drive for Peterson Racing in 2027. Perkins will compete alongside Sheldon Creed, the latter of whom was announced to join SHR and drive the No. 26 Toyota entry next season.

“We’re extremely excited to have Blaine join the SHR family and continue his development with us into the future,” Sam Hunt, Owner and President of Sam Hunt Racing, said. “He’s a great person, has experience in these cars, and is extremely motivated to take the next step as a driver. We are excited to embed him into our culture and give him the tools and resources he needs to be successful both on and off the track.”

With his plans for next season set, Blaine Perkin’s 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season resumes this upcoming Saturday, Octobrer 17, at Phoenix Raceway in Avondale, Arizona, for the Timberland PRO 200. The event’s broadcast time is slated to commence at 7:30 p.m. ET on the CW Network, MRN Radio and SiriusXM.

‘Experience Circuit’ to Bring Fans Inside 18 NASCAR Race Weekends in 2027

Powered by Illuminate, the Tour Features Team Partners Across All Three NASCAR National Series

PHOENIX, AZ – October 14, 2026 –  Illuminate this week launched Experience Circuit, an 18-race tour designed to bring fans into the garage, onto the grid and up on the pit box throughout the 2027 season. Entries are now open at ExperienceCircuit.com.

Experience Circuit, Powered by Illuminate, features team partners across all three NASCAR national series: the Cup Series, O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and FedEx Freight Truck Series. Participating teams will be announced in the coming weeks.

The 2027 tour will take place at tracks nationwide, including marquee race weekends such as the Daytona 500 and Bristol Night Race. Each Experience Circuit weekend will offer activities for fans of all ages and conclude with a party, bringing enthusiasts closer to the teams, drivers and behind-the-scenes culture that make every race weekend so exciting.

Experience Circuit marks Illuminate’s expansion into motorsports. A leading sports marketing agency focused on fan development, Illuminate creates dynamic fan engagement and partnership programs across the NFL. Now, Illuminate will give NASCAR fans more opportunities to connect with the sport and become part of its community through participating team partnerships.

“Next season, Experience Circuit will create an unprecedented new level of access and authenticity both on and off the track,” said Cody Van Vliet, Illuminate Founder. “Some fans have followed a team or driver for their whole lives, but most are still looking for a home team to support. That’s exactly what we’ll deliver with this exclusive community.”

Launch Celebration in Scottsdale

Experience Circuit will team up with Bender Extender and its Phoenix Party Car for a preview of what’s ahead on Friday, October 16, during NASCAR’s fall race weekend in Phoenix. The celebration will take place from 5:30 to 11 p.m. at Barstool Scottsdale, 4321 N. Scottsdale Road, in Old Town Scottsdale.

Join the Experience

Visit ExperienceCircuit.com to enter and follow the latest tour updates. Additional announcements will follow throughout the remainder of the 2026 season, with major news planned at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

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NASCAR at Phoenix Raceway Weekend Schedule

The NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series head to Phoenix Raceway this weekend. The Craftsman Truck Series kicks off the weekend in the Zero Carbon Bioethanol 150 Powered by POET on Friday at 7:30 p.m. ET on FS2. On Saturday, the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Timberland PRO 200 begins at 7:30 p.m. ET on the CW Network. Then the Cup Series wraps up the weekend Sunday with the Freeway Insurance 500 at 3:00 p.m. ET on USA Network.

NASCAR Cup Series Notes for Phoenix Raceway:

Freeway Insurance 500

Kyle Larson’s 6th-place finish at Charlotte last week extended his points lead to 49 over Denny Hamlin. Hamlin remains second in points, but the 49-point gap is his biggest gap since June at Michigan. However, Chase Briscoe gained points on Larson, 19, from -84 to -65, and has gained 58 points over the last two races.

Briscoe’s crew has become the #1 pit crew of the season thanks to fast pit stops. Briscoe’s crew now has the three fastest four-tire pit stops of all time, all in the last three races, and 15 consecutive mistake-free races.

Kyle Larson’s average finish of 2.83 in the Chase is the best over the first six races of any postseason since the Chase was
introduced in 2004.

Both Phoenix races last year had a last-lap pass for the win, and 11 Phoenix races ended in overtime (3rd most among all
tracks), but only three in the last 18 races.

Denny Hamlin led 208 laps last November, the most since Kevin Harvick led 224 in March 2015, but finished sixth.

NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Notes for Phoenix Raceway:

Timberland PRO 200

Despite finishing third at Charlotte, Sheldon Creed lost 19 points to second place, scored only one stage point, and spent just 23 laps in the top-5. Corey Day gained 34 points on the leader and 85 points in the last two races.

Creed has the best average finish in the Chase with 4.0, and Taylor Gray is the only driver to finish Top 10 in every Chase race.

Four drivers on the entry list won at Phoenix: Justin Allgaier (3), Jesse Love (1), Brandon Jones (1), and Sammy Smith (1).

Eleven different drivers won the last 11 Phoenix races, and 10 different drivers won the last 10 fall races.

NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Notes for Phoenix Raceway:

Zero Carbon Bioethanol 150 Powered by POET

After Layne Riggs won at Charlotte, Kaden Honeycutt’s points lead was cut from 37 to 17. Riggs was the only driver to gain points on Honeycutt’s lead.

Eight Phoenix races have gone to overtime, including four of the last six, and in six of the last nine races, the final lead change came in the last five laps.

The Weekend Schedule for Phoenix Raceway:

RELATED: The Freeway Insurance 500 at Phoenix Raceway Outlook and Picks

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16

3:30 PM – 4:20 PM: NCTS PRACTICE
4:35 PM – 5:30 PM: NCTS QUALIFYING
7:10 PM: NCTS DRIVER INTRODUCTIONS
7:30 PM: NCTS ZERO CARBON BIOETHANOL 150 POWERED BY POET RACE (STAGES 45/90/150 LAPS = 150 MILES) ON FS2

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17

1:00 PM – 1:50 PM: NOAPS PRACTICE
3:05 PM – 4:00 PM: NOAPS QUALIFYING (IMPOUND)
4:30 PM – 5:20 PM: NCS PRACTICE (IMPOUND) (ALL ENTRIES)
5:35 PM – 6:30 PM: NCS QUALIFYING (IMPOUND)
7:10 PM: NOAPS DRIVER INTRODUCTIONS
7:30 PM: NOAPS TIMBERLAND PRO 200 RACE (STAGES 45/90/200 LAPS = 200 MILES) ON THE CW NETWORK

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18

2:15 PM: NCS DRIVER INTRODUCTIONS (STAGING IN CRESCENT)
3:00 PM: NCS FREEWAY INSURANCE 500 RACE (STAGES 60/185/312 LAPS = 312 MILES) ON THE USA NETWORK

*All times are Eastern. NASCAR Cup Series (NCS), NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series (NOAPS), NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (NCTS), ARCA Series (AMS)