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21 Team Looking for Solid Run at Talladega

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Official Release
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After a weekend off for Easter, Josh Berry and the No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane team are headed to Talladega Superspeedway hoping to build on what they’ve accomplished in the nine points-paying Cup Series races so far this season. Entering Sunday’s Jack Link’s 500, Berry and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane team have a win at Las Vegas and a fourth-place finish at Phoenix, have led 116 laps and qualified in the top five in a third of the races so far this year. They enter this weekend 17th in the overall points standings and own six Playoff points.

Berry says racing at Talladega presents a unique set of hurdles for drivers and crews.

“Speedway racing has its own style and challenges, but you see the same guys up front at these tracks for a reason,” Berry said. “They know how to position themselves and make the right moves. For us, it’s about continuing to build off the momentum we’ve had this year. The communication and chemistry within the No. 21 team has been strong, and that’s a big part of putting ourselves in a position to contend. You need a car that handles well – one that can push, be pushed, and execute the right strategy when it counts.”

Per NASCAR rules for superspeedways like Talladega, there is no pre-race practice scheduled. Qualifying is set to start at 9:30 a.m. Central Time (10:30 Eastern Time) on Saturday with TV coverage on Amazon Prime. Sunday’s 188-lap, 500.8-mile race is scheduled to get the green flag just after 2 p.m. (3 p.m. Eastern) with TV coverage on FOX. Stage breaks are planned for Laps 60 and 120.

About Motorcraft®
Motorcraft offers a complete line of replacement parts that are recommended by Ford Motor Company. From routine maintenance to under hood repairs, Motorcraft parts offer value with high quality and the right fit at competitive prices. Motorcraft parts are available nationwide at Ford Dealers and Lincoln Retailers, independent distributors and automotive-parts retailers, and are backed by the Service Parts Limited Warranty* of Ford Motor Company. For more information, visit www.motorcraft.com.
*See your dealer for limited-warranty details.

About Quick Lane® Tire & Auto Center
Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center offers extraordinary service for routine maintenance, serving all vehicle makes and models. Quick Lane provides a full menu of automotive services, including tires, oil change and maintenance, brakes, batteries, alternator and electrical system, air conditioning system, cooling system, transmission service, suspension and steering, wheel alignment, belts and hoses, lamps and bulbs and wiper blades plus a thorough vehicle checkup report. Service is performed by expert technicians while you wait at any of nearly 800 locations in the U.S., with evening and weekend hours available and no appointment necessary. For more information about Quick Lane, please visit www.quicklane.com.
*See your dealer for limited-warranty details.”

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for customers and deepen their loyalty. Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and Lincoln luxury vehicles, along with connected services. The company does that through three customer-centered business segments: Ford Blue, engineering iconic gas-powered and hybrid vehicles; Ford Model e, inventing breakthrough EVs along with embedded software that defines exceptional digital experiences for all customers; and Ford Pro, helping commercial customers transform and expand their businesses with vehicles and services tailored to their needs. Additionally, Ford is pursuing mobility solutions through Ford Next, and provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. Ford employs about 177,000 people worldwide. More information about the company and its products and services is available at corporate.ford.com.

About Ford Performance
Ford Performance is based in Dearborn, Mich. It is responsible for Ford’s performance vehicle development and major racing operations globally, including NASCAR, IMSA, SRO British GT, FIA World Rally Championship, Supercars Championship, World of Outlaws, Ultra4, SCORE-International, FIA Rally-Raid, Formula Drift, NHRA, Rebelle Rally, Thailand Super Series and our latest commitment in Formula 1 with RedBull Ford Powertrains. Ford Performance also maintains a constantly evolving fleet of electric performance demonstrators to showcase the limits of electrification technology. In addition, the organization also oversees the development of Ford’s racing engines, as well as the outreach programs with all Ford Clubs and Ford enthusiasts. For more information regarding Ford racing’s activities, please visit Performance.Ford.com or follow @FordPerformance on Facebook, Instagram, X, Threads, TikTok and YouTube.

About Wood Brothers Racing
Founded in 1950 by Hall of Famer Glenn Wood in Stuart, Virginia, Wood Brothers Racing holds a special place in NASCAR history as the sport’s longest-running team. Over eight decades, the team has earned 101 victories in the NASCAR Cup Series, along with 120 poles, and remains proud of its longstanding relationship with Ford Motor Company, fielding only Ford products since its inception. Glenn’s brother, Leonard Wood, played a key role in shaping modern racing by developing the techniques behind today’s pit stops. With a rich legacy rooted in innovation and tradition, Wood Brothers Racing continues to honor its heritage while adapting for the future as it competes in NASCAR’s premier series with Josh Berry.

HFT Advance | Talladega I

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Official Release
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Talladega I Event Info:
Date: Sunday, April 27
Time: 3 p.m. ET
Series: NASCAR Cup Series (NCS)
Location: Talladega, Alabama
Format: 188 Laps, 500.8 miles, Stages: 60-120-188
TV: FOX
Radio: MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Channel 90)

Weekend Schedule:
Friday: 5:30 p.m. ET, Xfinity Qualifying (CW App, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
Saturday: 10:30 a.m. ET, Cup Qualifying (Prime, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
Saturday: 4 p.m. ET, Xfinity Race (CW, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
Sunday: 3 p.m. ET, Cup Race (FOX, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)

Pace Laps:

  • Talladega hosts its first of two race dates this weekend as the Cup Series embarks on its third Superspeedway race of the 2025 season.
  • There have been nine different winners in each of the last nine Talladega NASCAR Cup Series races.

Cole Custer Team Info:
Crew Chief: Aaron Kramer
Partner: Haas / Andy’s

Sheldon Creed Team Info:
Crew Chief: Jonathan Toney
Partner: Ollie’s

Sam Mayer Team Info:
Crew Chief: Jason Trinchere
Partner: Audibel

Custer at Talladega (Cup)
Starts: 6
Wins: —
Top-10s: 1
Poles: —

  • Custer makes his 7th Cup start at Talladega this weekend, where he has a 21.0 average finish. His lone top-10 finish came in the spring of 2021 when he finished 10th.
  • He has started inside the top-20 once, a P18 start in the fall of 2020. He boasts a 26.3 average starting position.
  • Custer has also made six NXS starts at Talladega, including three top-10 finishes.

Creed at Talladega (Xfinity)
Starts: 5
Wins: —
Top-10s: 3
Poles: —

  • Creed is set to make his 6th Xfinity start at Talladega on Saturday, where he has three career top-10 finishes. His best finish came in the spring of 2023 when he finished 2nd and led 11 laps.
  • He has started inside the top 10 in all five career starts at Dega, and he boasts an average starting position of 4.6. For Creed, it’s the second highest mark of any track in the Xfinity Series behind only Pocono (3.3).

Mayer at Talladega (Xfinity)
Starts: 6
Wins: —
Top-10s: 1
Poles: —

  • Mayer is in line for his 7th Xfinity start at Talladega this weekend, a track where he has finished in the top-10 one time, a P2 finish in the fall of 2022.
  • His best career starting position is 12th,which he has done twice, and he holds an average qualifying effort of 13.7.

Where They Stand

Cup Points Standings (41: 35th): Custer is 35th in the Cup Series points standings through nine races this season with 85 points.

Xfinity Points Standings (41: 2nd, 00: 10th): Mayer sits second in the Xfinity points standings with 324 total points on the season, while Creed is in 10th place with 254 points heading into Talladega this Saturday.

RFK Advance | Talladega I

By
Official Release
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Talladega I Event Info:
Date: Sunday, April 27
Time: 3 p.m. ET
Series: NASCAR Cup Series (NCS)
Location: Talladega, Alabama
Format: 188 Laps, 500.8 miles, Stages: 60-120-188
TV: FOX
Radio: MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Channel 90)

Weekend Schedule:
Saturday: 10:30 a.m. ET, Cup Qualifying (Prime, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
Sunday: 3 p.m. ET, Cup Race (FOX, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)

Pace Laps:

  • Talladega hosts its first of two race dates this weekend as the Cup Series embarks on its third Superspeedway race of the 2025 season.
  • Overall, Jack Roush has eight wins at Talladega Superspeedway, including five in the NASCAR Cup Series.
  • There have been nine different winners in each of the last nine Talladega Cup races.
  • Brad Keselowski was one of two drivers last season, along with Ricky Stenhouse Jr., to finish top 5 in both Talladega races.
  • At drafting tracks, Keselowski’s seven wins are most among all active drivers in the Cup Series entering this weekend.
  • Chris Buescher’s 14.0 average finishing position across the first nine races is the seventh highest of any driver in the NASCAR Cup Series this season.
  • Ryan Preece has three career top-10 finishes at Talladega Superspeedway, tied for the most of any track in the Cup Series (Daytona, 3).

6 Team Info:
Driver: Brad Keselowski
Crew Chief: Jeremy Bullins
Partner: BuildSubmarines.com

17 Team Info:
Driver: Chris Buescher
Crew Chief: Scott Graves
Partner: Travel Centers of America

60 Team Info:
Driver: Ryan Preece
Crew Chief: Derrick Finley
Partner: Kroger / Celsius

Keselowski at Talladega
Starts: 32
Wins: 6 (2009, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2021)
Top-10s: 16
Poles: —

  • Keselowski enters the weekend as the winningest active driver at Talladega with six wins in the NCS, tied for second all-time with Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Jeff Gordon.
  • Since 2014 Keselowski has four wins – two each in the spring race (2016, 2021) and two each in the fall race (2014, 2017). He finished runner-up in both races at Dega last season.
  • Keselowski won his first-ever start at Talladega back in 2009 in the No. 09 car, and again won the spring race three years later in 2012.
  • He has an average starting position of 12.4 with 14 starts inside the top-10.
  • Keselowski also made five Xfinity Series starts at Talladega with one win (2010).

Buescher at Talladega
Starts: 19
Wins: —
Top-10s: 3
Poles: —

  • Buescher makes his 20th Cup start on the high banks of Talladega this weekend where he has three top-10s. He posted his best finish to date at Talladega in 2023, a P3 result in the spring. He finished sixth twice, first in the 2020 spring race, and again in the 2021 fall event.
  • Buescher has an average starting position of 24.3 with a career-best 8th starting spot in this race a year ago.
  • He also made a pair of NXS starts in the No. 60 with finishes of second (2014) and sixth (2015).

Preece at Talladega
Starts: 10
Wins: —
Top-10s: 3
Poles: —

  • Preece is set for his 11th Cup start at Talladega this weekend, where he has a career-best finish of 3rd at the track in 2019.
  • He has three top-10s at Talladega, with a 14th-place finish in the 2023 fall race. Overall, Preece has a 18.3 average finish which is the fifth highest mark of any track in the Cup Series.
  • Preece posted his best career qualifying effort last spring, 11th, and holds an average starting position of 23.6.

RFK Historically at Talladega
Cup Wins: 5 (Mark Martin, 1995, 1997; Jamie McMurray, 2009; Matt Kenseth, 2012; Ricky Stenhouse Jr., 2017)

  • Running Clear Across Alabama: RFK has seen its fair share of success at the Alabama track, amassing 289 starts, eight wins, 48 top-fives and 99 top-10s across NASCAR’s three major touring series. Roush machines have also tallied seven poles, including three in cup action, and have led more than 1500 laps.
  • Winning in Greenbow: RFK has won in all three of NASCAR’s major series at Talladega. The team won its first race at Talladega in the NCS event in the spring of 1995. Former RFK driver Mark Martin won for the organization in all three series at the 2.66-mile oval. Most recently, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. piloted his Fifth Third Bank Ford to victory lane four years ago when the NCS rolled through Talladega for the organization’s eighth win at the historic track.
  • Fastest Chicken in the South: Former RFK driver Mark Martin won the fastest Cup race ever recorded on May 10, 1997 at Talladega piloting the No. 6 Ford. Martin, who held off NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt, started from the 18th position and led 47 laps en route to the victory. The race saw 26 lead changes and had an average speed of 188.354 mph.
  • Tale of the Tape: RFK has started 230 NCS races at Talladega with 82 top-10 and 41 top-five finishes along with three poles. Former drivers Mark Martin (1995, 1997), Jamie McMurray (2009), Matt Kenseth (2012) and Stenhouse are responsible for RFK’s combined five Cup wins and overall, a Jack Roush Ford has led 1,190 laps at the 2.66-mile track.

RFK Talladega Wins

1995-1 Martin Cup
1997-1 Martin Cup
1997 Martin NXS
2006 Martin Truck
2009 Ragan NXS
2009-2 McMurray Cup
2012-2 Kenseth Cup
2017-1 Stenhouse Cup

Last Time Out & Where They Stand
Bristol: Keselowski: 16th, Preece: 20th, Buescher: 25th.

Points Standings (17: 13th, 60: 15th, 6: 31st): Buescher and Preece both hold playoff spots in 13th and 15th, respectively, while Keselowski remained in 31st after Bristol.

The Jack Link’s 500 at Talladega Superspeedway Outlook

By
SM Staff
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Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images

The NASCAR Cup Series is at the high banks of Talladega Superspeedway in Talladega, Alabama, for the Jack Link’s 500 on Sunday, April 27 at 3 p.m. ET on FOX, MRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Channel 90).

Michael McDowell won the pole on April 20, 2024, with a lap of 182.022 mph (52.609 secs.) and Tyler Reddick won the race. Reddick raced his way to a wild, overwhelming NASCAR Cup Series victory in the GEICO 500 at Talladega Superspeedway. The two-time Xfinity Series champion started 18th, led five times for 13 of the 188 scheduled laps, and kept his No. 45 Toyota Camry XSE intact while working closely with his Toyota teammates amid the draft and the three-wide packed action towards the front.

Season Race Number: 10 of 36
Race Purse: 11,055,250
Race Length: 188 laps / 500.08 miles
Track Size: 2.66-miles
Banking/Turns (All 4): 33 degrees
Banking/Frontstretch: 16.5 degrees
Banking/Backstretch: 2 degrees
Length/Frontstretch: 4,300 feet
Length/Backstretch: 4,000 feet

Times

NASCAR Raceday will take the green flag on FS1 at 1:30 p.m. ET and transition to FOX at 2 p.m.
Time/TV/Radio: 3:00 PM ET on FOX/MRN/SiriusXM channel 90

Stages

Stage 1: Ends on Lap 60
Stage 2: 60 laps – Ends on Lap 120
Stage 3: 68 laps – Ends on Lap 188

Active Pole Winners (6)PolesSeasons
Michael McDowell22024 sweep
Christopher Bell22022 sweep
Chase Elliott22019, 2016
Denny Hamlin12023
Austin Dillon12019
Ricky Stenhouse Jr12017

Who and what should you look out for at Talladega Superspeedway?

Active Race Winners (10)WinsSeasons
Brad Keselowski62021, 2017, 2016. 2014, 2012, 2009
Ryan Blaney32023, 2020, 2019
Joey Logano32018, 2016, 2015
Ricky Stenhouse Jr22024, 2017
Kyle Busch22023, 2008
Chase Elliott22022, 2019
Denny Hamlin22020, 2014
Tyler Reddick12024
Ross Chastain12022
Bubba Wallace12021
  • William Byron has four top fives, six top 10s, and a series-best average finish of 14.5.
  • Ricky Stenhouse Jr. has one pole, two wins, eight top fives, 11 top 10s, and an average finish of 14.609.
  • Denny Hamlin has one pole, two wins, 11 top fives, 17 top 10s, and an average finish of 16.553.
  • Ryan Blaney has three wins, six top fives, eight top 10s, and an average finish of 15.905.
  • This race will be the 11th career start for Tyler Reddick at the 2.66-mile superspeedway, and he is looking for a repeat win after the dramatic triumph in 2024. That win by Reddick in his No. 45 Toyota was the sixth of his career and the first of three victories last season that propelled him to the NASCAR Cup Series regular season championship.
  • Brad Keselowski leads all active NASCAR Cup Series drivers in wins at Talladega with six victories (2009, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2021). He also finished in the top 5 in both Talladega races in 2024 and has an average starting position of 12.4 with 14 starts inside the top 10.

NASCAR, North Wilkesboro Speedway Announce 2025 NASCAR All-Star Race Format

By
Official Release
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Manufacturer Showdown, Promoter’s Caution, Extended Race, New Pit Crew Challenge Eligibility Among Fresh Format Elements

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (April 23, 2024) – NASCAR and Speedway Motorsports today announced details for the 2025 NASCAR All-Star Race to be held on Sunday, May 18, for the third consecutive year at iconic North Wilkesboro Speedway. This season’s format will again feature two heat races to set the All-Star Race starting lineup and a 100-lap All-Star Open, plus an extended 250-lap main event. In addition to a longer All-Star Race, several new aspects will debut including a Manufacturer Showdown, a Promoter’s Caution, modifications to Open qualifying, and Pit Crew Challenge eligibility. All eyes will be on the stars of the sport as they take on these new elements at the historic .625-mile track in the annual exhibition.

NASCAR All-Star Race Format

The signature new element in this season’s format shines a spotlight on the manufacturers, as drivers take on the Manufacturer Showdown. Manufacturer teams (Chevrolet, Ford, Toyota) will be equally represented. The members per team will be determined by the least represented manufacturer and an equal number of drivers from the other two manufacturers will be selected based on their final All-Star grid starting positions. Teams will be scored against each other and not by their overall All-Star finish. The lowest combined total of finishing positions will be the winning manufacturer. In the event of a tie, the single best overall finishing position will determine the winner.

“The NASCAR All-Star Race continues to evolve as one of the most fun and innovative events on our calendar,” said Executive Vice President and Chief Racing Development Officer, John Probst. “Returning to historic North Wilkesboro Speedway for the third year in a row allows us to honor our sport’s roots while pushing the envelope with fresh competitive elements. The introduction of the Manufacturer Showdown brings a new layer of intensity and pride for our OEM partners, and fans can expect even more strategy, teamwork, and drama on race day.”

The NASCAR All-Star Race will be 250 laps with a competition break at or near lap100 and an optional Promoter’s Caution that must be executed prior to lap 220. If the Promoter’s Caution has not yet occurred and a natural caution flag falls after lap 200, the optional caution will no longer be in play. This new twist adds an element of unpredictability and excitement as teams try to prepare for when – or even if – the Promoter’s Caution may occur.

Saturday’s All-Star Open will give drivers who are not guaranteed a spot in the main event a chance to lock into the All-Star Race. The 100-lap Open will have a competition break at or near lap 40 and will not only determine which drivers advance to the main event but could also change the number of drivers eligible from each manufacturer for the Manufacturer Showdown. The three Open drivers who will advance to the All-Star Race are the top two race finishers and the Fan Vote Winner. NASCAR All-Star Race fan voting is now open on NASCAR.com/fanvote.

“In the 40-year history of the All-Star Race there has never been so much on-track action across the entire event week,” said Jessica Fickenscher, executive director of the NASCAR All-Star Race. “And with so much competition–from the pit crews to the manufacturers to the race teams and drivers–the biggest All-Star winners will be the fans with all they get to see at what’s become America’s throwback racetrack, North Wilkesboro Speedway. The entire week is truly the most jam-packed entertainment value in all of motorsports.”

All-Star weekend festivities will begin on All-Star Friday presented by Raymer Oil with a combined All-Star/Open qualifying and Pit Crew Challenge presented by Mechanix Wear. New this season, Open and All-Star qualifying will be combined, and pit crews of all teams entered (All-Star and Open) are eligible for the pit crew challenge. Open cars will go first, and results will determine the lineup for the Open. All-Star cars will follow to set the lineups for the heat races. This format will again bring together traditional qualifying with the Pit Crew Challenge. Drivers will take the green flag, run one full lap at speed, and on the second lap proceed to one of two NASCAR-designated pit stalls for a four-tire stop (no fuel). When the pit stop is complete, the cars will exit pit road and race back to the checkered flag. Qualifying time will be the total elapsed time from green flag to checkered flag, and the pole sitter will start on the pole for Heat Race 1 and the All-Star.

The pit crew with the fastest stop during the All-Star qualifying attempt (no penalties) is the winner of the Pit Crew Challenge. Timing lines are established one box behind and one box ahead of the NASCAR designated pit stop boxes. Pit Crew Challenge results will determine pit-picking order.

Saturday night will feature two 60-lap heat races that will determine the starting lineup for the All-Star Race among drivers already locked into the field. The results of Heat 1 will establish the inside row, and the results of Heat 2 will establish the outside row. The action-packed weekend will conclude Sunday night with the All-Star Open and All-Star Race.

Drivers eligible for the NASCAR All-Star Race include those who’ve won a points event in either 2024 or 2025, drivers who’ve won a NASCAR All-Star Race and compete fulltime, and drivers who’ve won a NASCAR Cup Series championship and compete fulltime.

Drivers already locked in the All-Star Race include: William Byron, Daniel Suárez, Kyle Larson, Christopher Bell, Denny Hamlin, Chase Elliott, Tyler Reddick, Brad Keselowski, Joey Logano, Austin Cindric, Ryan Blaney, Alex Bowman, Austin Dillon, Harrison Burton, Chase Briscoe, Chris Buescher, Ross Chastain, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Josh Berry, and Kyle Busch.

The NASCAR All-Star Race will air live on FS1, MRN Radio and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, with coverage beginning at 5:00 p.m. ET on Sunday, May 18.

In addition to all the NASCAR Cup Series activity, fans can enjoy zMAX CARS Tour feature races both Thursday (The Reverend Whiskey 75) and Friday (Late Model Stock Cars) nights, along with the Window World 250 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race and a Jake Owen concert presented by Raymer Oil on the frontstretch Saturday. Sunday’s on-track action begins with a NASCAR Whelen Modified Series race preceding the All-Star Open and All-Star Race. May 15-18 NASCAR All-Star Race Week ticket packages including eight races, the Pit Crew Challenge, Jake Owen concert and all NASCAR qualifying sessions start at just $130. Race week packages or individual event day tickets and camping can be purchased online at www.NorthWilkesboroSpeedway.com.

Fans can connect with North Wilkesboro Speedway and get the latest news regarding NASCAR All-Star week and North Wilkesboro Speedway by following on Twitter and Instagram or becoming a Facebook fan.

About NASCAR

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) is the sanctioning body for the No. 1 form of motorsports in the United States and owner of 14 of the nation’s major motorsports entertainment facilities. NASCAR sanctions races in three national series (NASCAR Cup Series™, NASCAR Xfinity Series™, and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series™), four international series (NASCAR Brasil Series, NASCAR Canada Series, NASCAR Euro Series, NASCAR Mexico Series), four regional series (ARCA Menards Series, ARCA Menards Series East & West and the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour) and a local grassroots series (NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series). The International Motor Sports Association™ (IMSA®) governs the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship™, the premier U.S. sports car series. NASCAR also owns Motor Racing Network, Racing Electronics, and ONE DAYTONA. Based in Daytona Beach, Florida, with offices in five cities across North America, NASCAR sanctions more than 1,200 races annually in 11 countries and more than 30 U.S. states.

For more information visit www.NASCAR.com and www.IMSA.com, and follow NASCAR on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, X and Facebook.

Young’s Motorsports Talladega Superspeedway April Team Preview

By
Official Release
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Young’s Motorsports | NASCAR Xfinity Series
Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway | Ag-Pro 300

Fast Facts

No. 42 Young’s Motorsports Team:
Driver: Anthony Alfredo
Primary Partner(s): DUDE Wipes
Manufacturer: Chevrolet Camaro
Crew Chief: Andrew Abbott
2025 Driver Points Position: 23rd
2025 Owner Points Position: 24th
Engine: Earnhardt-Childress Racing

Notes of Interest:

● Year Two, Full Throttle: In January, Young’s Motorsports announced that NASCAR Xfinity Series veteran Anthony Alfredo would compete full-time for the team in its second year of Xfinity Series competition.

Alfredo is driving the No. 42 Chevrolet Camaro for the entire 33-race schedule, which continues this Saturday afternoon with the Ag-Pro 300 at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway.

The 2025 season marks Young’s Motorsports’ sophomore campaign in the series, following a promising debut year with rookie Leland Honeyman Jr. behind the wheel.

● About Anthony: A popular driver, Alfredo, a native of Ridgefield, Connecticut, joins Young’s Motorsports with an array of Motorsports experience, including starts in the NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series, respectively.

The 2025 season will mark Alfredo’s fourth full-time Xfinity Series campaign, and he joins the Mooresville, N.C.-based team after spending the 2024 season with Our Motorsports.

The 25-year-old finished the 2024 Xfinity season 15th in the championship driver standings, collecting an Xfinity Dash 4 Cash win at Dover (Del.) Motor Speedway and adding two more top-fives and seven top-10s to his impressive statistics in 126 career Xfinity Series starts.

● All-Aboard!: For the 11th of 33 Xfinity Series races this season, Young’s Motorsports welcomes back Young’s Motorsports welcomes back DUDE Wipes as the primary partners on the No. 42 Chevrolet Camaro for the 113-lap race on Saturday afternoon.

DUDE Wipes is the flagship product of DUDE Products, a men’s hygiene company that was founded in 2012 by lifelong friends in Chicago.

The U.S.-based company introduced DUDE Wipes as the first flushable wipe for adults, marketed as a better hygiene solution to dry toilet paper.

The brand is available online and in 20,000 stores nationwide, including Walmart, Target and Amazon.

● Anthony Alfredo Xfinity Series Talladega Superspeedway Stats: Saturday’s Ag-Pro 300 will mark Anthony Alfredo’s seventh career NASCAR Xfinity Series start at the legendary Talladega Superspeedway.

In his previous six starts at the 2.66-mile Alabama oval, Alfredo has tallied one top-five and three top-10 finishes. His best result came in the spring 2024 edition of the Ag-Pro 300, where he powered from 11th to a career-best third-place finish while driving for Our Motorsports.

Overall, he holds a solid Xfinity Series average finish of 15.6 at Talladega.

The Ridgefield, Connecticut native also brings NASCAR Cup Series experience to the high banks of Talladega. He’s made four Cup starts at the track, highlighted by a sixth-place finish in the 2024 GEICO 500 after starting 24th for Beard Motorsports.

Now 10 races into the 2025 season and 23 to go, Alfredo and the Young’s Motorsports team are focused on making a push toward the NASCAR Xfinity Series Playoffs. A strong performance—or a breakthrough win—in Saturday’s race could be a defining moment in their postseason pursuit.

The Ag-Pro 300 is part of a stacked triple-header weekend at Talladega.

The action begins Saturday, April 26, with the ARCA Menards Series General Tire 200, followed by the Xfinity Series showdown.

The weekend wraps on Sunday, April 27, with the return of the NASCAR Cup Series in the Jack Link’s 500, marking their first race back from a rare off-weekend.

● Anthony Alfredo Xfinity Series Career Stats: Entering Talladega, Alfredo has 128 NASCAR Xfinity Series races to his credit, earning a career-best third-place finish twice, most recently at Talladega Superspeedway after starting 11th in the 2024 edition of the Ag-Pro 300 for Our Motorsports.

Since 2020, he has earned one pole, five top-five, and 22 top-10 finishes and has an average finish of 19.8.

● Double Duty: This weekend at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway, Anthony Alfredo will pull double duty by competing in Sunday’s Jack Links 500, driving the No. 62 Fortify Building Solutions Chevrolet for Beard Motorsports.

Alfredo will make his first NASCAR Cup Series start of the season and fifth Cup race at Talladega overall.

● Rockingham (N.C.) Speedway | North Carolina Education Lottery 250 Race Recap: The NASCAR Xfinity Series made its long-awaited return to Rockingham Speedway over Easter weekend, marking the series’ first visit to the historic North Carolina oval in more than two decades.

Young’s Motorsports entered the weekend with optimism, building on a top-20 showing in Friday’s practice session. However, qualifying on Saturday proved challenging, with Anthony Alfredo securing the 34th starting spot in the No. 42 Randco Chevrolet, near the rear of the 38-car field.

Despite the setback, Alfredo wasted no time making up ground. From the drop of the green flag, his pace improved dramatically. Through a combination of sharp racecraft and smart strategy, Alfredo climbed through the pack and earned valuable stage points in both Stage 1 and Stage 2—collecting 13 total stage points for the Mooresville, N.C.-based team.

Strategic calls left Alfredo buried in traffic to start Stage 3, but with calculated moves and a touch of good fortune, he navigated his way to an initial 16th-place finish at the checkered flag.

That result was later upgraded to 15th following the post-race disqualification of the original race winner, securing Alfredo’s second consecutive top-15 finish.

With 10 races now completed, the No. 42 team continues to build momentum and hopes for further improvement as the season heads into its summer stretch.

The group is focused on lowering its current average finish of 24.7 and continuing their upward trajectory.

● Calling the Shots: Guiding Alfredo as crew chief of the No. 42 Young’s Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro is longtime crew chief Andrew Abbott.

On Saturday, he will be crew chief in his 141st NASCAR Xfinity Series race. In his previous 140 races, he has four top-five and 13 top-10 finishes.

The season’s 11th race will be his eighth tango at Talladega Superspeedway as crew chief in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.

● Young’s Motorsports’ NASCAR Xfinity Series at Talladega Superspeedway: This weekend’s Ag-Pro 300 will mark Young’s Motorsports’ third NASCAR Xfinity Series appearance at the high-speed, high-stakes Talladega Superspeedway.

The team made headlines in their Talladega debut last April when rookie Leland Honeyman Jr. delivered a breakout performance. After starting 33rd, Honeyman surged through the field to finish fourth, earning the family-owned operation its best-ever result in the Xfinity Series.

They returned to the 2.66-mile Alabama superspeedway last October, aiming to replicate the spring success.

Despite a chaotic, attrition-filled race, Honeyman managed a respectable 14th-place finish after rolling off 19th.

Beyond their growing Xfinity résumé, the Mooresville, N.C.-based organization brings a wealth of experience at Talladega through their NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series program.

Since 2014, Young’s Motorsports has made 19 Truck Series starts at the track, earning two victories — most recently in October 2021 with Tate Fogleman.

Across those appearances, the team averages a starting position of 22.7 and a finishing position of 17.8.

● Young’s Motorsports’ NASCAR Xfinity Series History: Since entering the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2024, the family-owned organization has logged 43 starts and maintains an average starting position of 26.7 and an average finish of 23.7.

● Follow on Social Media: For more on Anthony Alfredo, please visit AnthonyAlfredo.com, like him on Facebook (Anthony Alfredo Racing), follow him on Instagram (@anthonyalfredo) and X | Twitter (@anthonyalfredo).

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

Anthony Alfredo Pre-Race Quotes:

On Talladega Superspeedway: “I can’t wait to get to Talladega Superspeedway this weekend because I know it’s an opportunity for my team and I to go to Victory Lane and punch our ticket to the NASCAR Xfinity Series Playoffs.”

On Keys to Success at Talladega Superspeedway: “Survival will be a huge part of succeeding this weekend. These races are often chaotic and hard to navigate. We must put ourselves in a position to execute at the end of the race.”

On Recent Superspeedway Success: “I’ve put a lot of work into becoming a competitive superspeedway racer because it’s been my best chance to go to Victory Lane with the smaller teams I’ve been driving for the last few years.

“I’ve learned how to time runs, make moves, and position myself at the end.”

On Goals for Talladega Superspeedway: “I won’t be satisfied this weekend unless we are standing in the Victory Lane. I’ve put a lot of focus on winning this race for my team, sponsors and everyone who supports me.”

On Momentum from Rockingham Speedway Finish: “We had a great car at Rockingham Speedway and have excellent momentum to carry into this weekend.

“We ran in the top five in the first two stages and got a top 15 finish despite heavy damage after being caught up in the last caution prior to the green-white-checkered finish. It’s a great confidence boost for the whole team.”

On The 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series Season: “My goal this year with Young’s Motorsports is simple: to win a regular-season race and make the Playoffs.

“It’s certainly a tall order, but we can make it happen. We will build this program from the ground up and make that goal a reality.”

Race Information:

The Ag-Pro 300 (113 laps | 300.58 miles) is the 11th of thirty-three (33) NASCAR Xfinity Series races on the 2025 schedule. Qualifying will begin on Friday, April 25, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. The field will take the green flag on Saturday, April 26, shortly after 3:00 p.m. (4:00 p.m. ET), with live coverage on The CW Network, the Motor Racing Network (Radio), and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90. All times are local (CT).

Toyota GAZOO Racing Weekly Preview 04.23.25

By
Official Release
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This Week in Motorsports: April 21 – April 27, 2025

  • NCS/NXS/ARCA: Talladega Superspeedway – April 25-27
  • NHRA: zMAX Dragway – April 25-27
  • GR CUP: Circuit of the Americas – April 25-27

PLANO, Texas (April 23, 2025) – NASCAR returns to the high banks of Talladega Superspeedway for the first of two visits in 2025 as the Cup and Xfinity Series are joined by the ARCA Menards Series in the heart of Alabama. NHRA is back on track for the second four-wide nationals of the season at zMAX Dragway outside of Charlotte. The Toyota GR Cup series returns to the track for its second race weekend of the season, taking on the Circuit of Americas (COTA) outside of Austin, Texas.

NASCAR National Series – NCS/NXS

Camry XSE drivers ready for Playoff push after break … With the Easter weekend break behind us, it’s now a 17-race run to the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs as six Toyota drivers find themselves within the top-20 of the series points and within a potential Playoff berth. Locked into the Playoffs with wins on the season are Denny Hamlin (two race victories) and Christopher Bell (three race victories) who currently sit second and third, respectively, in the point standings. They’re joined inside the top-10 by 23XI Racing teammates Tyler Reddick (seventh) and Bubba Wallace (eighth). Additionally, Chase Briscoe and Ty Gibbs are 13th and 20th, respectively, entering this weekend at Talladega.

Reddick eyes Talladega Spring repeat … Reddick returns to Talladega Superspeedway looking for a repeat win after the dramatic triumph in April 2024. That victory by Reddick in his No. 45 Toyota Camry XSE was the sixth of his career and the first of three victories last season that propelled him to the Cup Series regular season championship. Sunday will be the 11th career start for Reddick at the 2.66-mile superspeedway.

Nemechek looking to continue drafting track success … The 2025 Cup Series season has been a solid one so far for LEGACY MOTOR CLUB’s John Hunter Nemechek, in part to his successful runs at the two drafting tracks to-date. At the Daytona 500 and the following weekend in Atlanta, the driver of the No. 42 Camry XSE posted two top-10 results, finishing in the fifth and 10th positions. Sunday marks Nemechek’s fifth career Cup Series start at Talladega, where he’s accrued two top-10 finishes there as well.

Earnhardt returns to the Xfinity Series, Sam Hunt Racing … For the first time in 2025, Jeffrey Earnhardt is back behind the wheel of a Xfinity Series car, piloting the No. 24 Toyota GR Supra for Sam Hunt Racing this weekend in Talladega. Saturday is the first Xfinity Series start for Earnhardt since Phoenix last November, his 14th at Talladega Superspeedway and will also be the 175th start of his career.

NASCAR Regional Series – ARCA Menards Series

Sawalich taking on double duty … Saturday will be busy for William Sawalich as the Toyota Development Driver is doing double duty efforts this weekend at Talladega Superspeedway. The 18-year-old is not only piloting his normal No. 18 Toyota GR Supra for Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) in the Xfinity Series, but he’ll also drive the No. 18 Toyota Camry for JGR in the ARCA Menards Series race earlier in the afternoon, marking over 500 miles total in the two races. Sawalich has not run Talladega in the ARCA nor Xfinity Series but did compete in the Truck Series race last October where he became the youngest polesitter in the speedway’s history the day after his 18th birthday.

NHRA – Top Fuel/Funny Car

Toyota racers continue towards top of points standings … Now four races into the 2025 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season, Toyota drivers find themselves in the championship mix in both the Top Fuel and Funny Car categories. In Top Fuel, Shawn Langdon continues as the points leader, holding a 16-point advantage over second place. Antron Brown is third, Doug Kalitta is fourth, Justin Ashley is eighth and Steve Torrence is in 10th heading to Charlotte this weekend. In Funny Car, Ron Capps leads the GR Supra Funny Car contingent in the seventh position with J.R. Todd in 10th and Bobby Bode in 11th.

Ashley seeks Charlotte four-wide repeat … Ashley is back at the Charlotte Four-Wide Nationals in search of a repeat win after the thrilling victory at zMAX Dragway one year ago. Another triumph for Ashley would be the 16th of his career as he looks to climb up the Top Fuel points standings with the summer stretch of races on the horizon.

GR Cup

Rutledge Wood makes GR Cup debut … This weekend at COTA, TV personality Rutledge Wood will pilot the No. 18 GR86 car for Precision Racing LA in the GR Cup Series events at COTA. Along with this weekend at COTA, Wood is set to compete in GR Cup race weekends at Road America, Barber Motorsports Park and Indianapolis Motor Speedway this season.

Beginning of the Legends Cup … The race weekend at COTA also kicks off the Legends Cup presented by WWEX Group for the 2025 GR Cup series season, a class of drivers 45 years or older who get the chance to compete for victory at some of the most iconic racing venues in the U.S. The Legends Cup takes place during the COTA, Road America and Indianapolis Motor Speedway race weekends of the 2025 GR Cup series season, totaling out at six races. The winner at each race in the category receives $5,000, while the driver who accumulates the most points in the category by the end of the season will receive an additional $5,000. In total, $75,000 of prize money is available for these drivers to win, along with bragging rights.

Weisenberg, Robusto look for back-to-back weekend victories … Three weeks ago at Sonoma Raceway, Lucas Weisenberg and Will Robusto were victorious in the opening two races of the 2025 GR Cup series season. Weisenberg and his No. 46 Toyota GR86 captured victory in the first race at Sonoma, while Robusto in his No. 2 entry was victorious in the second 45-minute event the following day after coming home fourth in race one. Both drivers head to COTA in search of their second victory on the year as they set their sights on a championship push.

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in North America for nearly 70 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our more than 1,800 dealerships.

Toyota directly employs nearly 64,000 people in North America who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 49 million cars and trucks at our 14 manufacturing plants. In spring 2025, Toyota’s plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, Toyota currently offers 32 electrified options.

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

Flying Lizard Motorsports Ready to Tackle Circuit of the Americas in Multi-Series Weekend

By
Official Release
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SRO Sonoma 2025

AUSTIN, Texas (April 23, 2025) – Flying Lizard Motorsports heads to Circuit of the Americas (COTA) this weekend, continuing its three-series campaign in GT America powered by AWS, GT World Challenge America powered by AWS, and McLaren Trophy America. Coming off a strong season opener at Sonoma Raceway, followed by a successful weekend at Long Beach, the Lizards are dialed in for another competitive outing on the flowing Texas circuit.

“COTA is a tricky track with a mix of high speed and low speed sections that takes a compromise as far as the set-up of the car,” said Program Manager Darren Law. “We had a great test with the 511 Tactical BMWM4 GT3 car last week and look forward to implementing what we learned. For our McLaren Trophy program, both George and Brandon are learning and making great progress, they were both able to get some additional seat time between events at our home track Apex Motor Club and I am looking forward to watching their growth each weekend.”

GT World Challenge America

In GT World Challenge America, Elias Sabo and Andy Lee return behind the wheel of the No. 8 5.11 Tactical BMW M4 GT3. After a hard-fought pair of races at Sonoma, where the duo showcased strong recovery drives and overtaking skill, the pair looks to climb further up the Pro-Am ranks at COTA in the next two rounds of the championship. The weekend will feature two 90-minute races with a mandatory driver change, giving both Sabo and Lee ample time to shine this weekend and continue to build on their strong performance at Sonoma Raceway.

GT America

Sabo will also continue his solo campaign in the No. 80 BMW M4 GT3 in GT America. A second-place podium and a fourth-place finish in mixed weather conditions at Sonoma established him as an early contender in the GT3 class. He followed it up with a third-place finish in race two at the Long Beach Grand Prix and now sits fourth in the championship standings. With his growing confidence and familiarity with the new EVO platform, Sabo will look to push for another top finish in this weekend’s pair of 40-minute sprints.

McLaren Trophy America

After a promising debut in the new McLaren Trophy America series, Flying Lizard’s McLaren Artura Trophy Evo entries return to the track with sights set on podium contention. In the No. 3, rookie George Lawrence III pairs with Spencer Bucknum, while the No. 18 is driven by Brandon Kreutz and Canaan O’Connell. Both pairings showed competitive speed and composure in their series debut at Sonoma, with the No. 18 earning a fourth-place class finish. Race two was canceled due to dangerous weather conditions, and this weekend, the McLaren field will make up the postponed race, having a total of three races this weekend.

With the second round of the season taking place at one of the most technically demanding tracks in North America, the team’s young drivers will aim to build on their initial success and continue gaining critical experience in the Pro-Am class. Three 50-minute races are scheduled for the weekend and will be broadcast live on the McLaren YouTube channel.

Schedule and Coverage | All Times Central

Fans can catch live coverage of all three series on YouTube, hosted live and free on the GT World YouTube Channel.

Thursday, April 24

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM McLaren Trophy Practice 1

Friday, April 25

8:45 AM – 9:15 AM GT America Practice 1

9:30 AM – 9:45 AM McLaren Trophy Practice 1

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM GTWCA Practice 1

1:30 PM – 2:00 PM GT America Practice 2

2:15 PM – 3:05 PM McLaren Trophy Make Up Race

3:20 PM – 4:20 PM GTWCA Practice 2

Saturday, April 26

8:05 AM – 8:20 AM McLaren Trophy Qualifying for Race 1

8:30 AM – 8:45 AM GT America Qualifying for Race 1

9:20 AM – 9:35 AM GTWCA Qualifying for Race 1

9:40 AM – 9:55 AM GTWCA Qualifying for Race 2

11:20 AM – 12:20 PM GT America Race 1

1:05 PM – 2:35 PM GTWCA Race 1

2:50 PM – 3:40 PM McLaren Trophy Race 1

Sunday, April 27

9:00 AM – 9:15 AM McLaren Trophy Qualifying for Race 2

10:05 AM – 10:45 AM GT America Race 2

11:05 AM – 11:55 AM McLaren Trophy Race 2

2:15 PM – 3:45 PM GTWCA Race 2

About Flying Lizard Motorsports

Based out of Sonoma, California, Flying Lizard Motorsports is one of the most iconic sports car teams in motorsports, having celebrated ten driver and team championships, as well as competed internationally at the 24 Hours of Le Mans eight times.

The Lizards burst on the American Le Mans Series scene in 2004, competing in the GT class until 2012. In 2013, the team moved to the GTC class, still competing in legendary events such as the 12 Hours of Sebring and 24 Hours of Daytona. In 2014, the team expanded its program to include running two Audi R8 LMS in the TUDOR Championship, and in 2015, again expanded the program to include two Porsches in Porsche Club racing. Flying Lizard closed out the season with a dominating win at the 25 Hours of Thunderhill with Toyo Tires, a win they repeated in 2016, 2017, and 2018. The 2020 season proved the team’s most successful to date, earning four titles in the GT4 America championship. Flying Lizard Motorsports has proven to be a championship contender no matter the race series or race car. For more information, visit lizardms.com.

About 5.11
With offices around the globe, 5.11 ABR Corp. and its subsidiaries, including 5.11, Inc., work with end users to create purpose-built apparel, footwear and gear designed specifically to enhance the safety, accuracy, speed, and performance of tactical professionals and technical enthusiasts worldwide. 5.11 products exceed rigorous standards, which have allowed the brand to establish a reputation for innovation and authenticity, and become the premier choice for those who always have to be ready. 5.11 products can be purchased online, through authorized dealers and retailers, as well as at 5.11 company-owned retail stores.

Learn more about 5.11’s best-selling gear and accessories at www.511tactical.com. Find a full list of 5.11 company-owned retail stores at https://www.511tactical.com/locations/. Connect with 5.11 on Facebook, Twitter @511Tactical and on Instagram @511Tactical and #511tactical

5.11 ABR Corp. is a subsidiary of Compass Diversified (NYSE: CODI).

5.11, 5.11 Tactical and Always Be Ready are registered trademarks of 5.11, Inc. All rights reserved.

About Apex Motor Club

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

To learn more about the newest racing circuit in the country, visit https://apexmotorclub.com

Greg Van Alst and CB Fabricating Look to Deliver Stout Talladega Superspeedway Finish

By
Official Release
-

TALLADEGA, Ala.: NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Greg Van Alst and longtime partner CB Fabricating head to Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway hoping to turn their luck around in Saturday afternoon’s Ag-Pro 300.

It’s no secret that Greg Van Alst’s 2025 campaign with Joey Gase Motorsports and Scott Osteen has fallen short of off-season expectations. Still, the team remains determined and hopes Saturday’s second superspeedway race of the year provides the spark they need to get back on track.

Van Alst’s knack for superspeedway racing first turned heads in the ARCA Menards Series, highlighted by a dramatic last-lap pass in 2023 that carried the Anderson, Indiana native to Victory Lane at Daytona International Speedway.

While he’s continued to display strength on superspeedways, results across NASCAR’s top three national series have been mixed.

Still, with 113 laps on tap Saturday afternoon, Van Alst is optimistic he can draft his way to a career-best finish in his 15th Xfinity Series start.

“I’ve circled Talladega Superspeedway on my calendar since Daytona,” said Van Alst. “It hasn’t been a season to remember so far, but we still have the opportunity to change the tune. We had a good run going at Daytona. We were running in the main pack and definitely could have contended for a top-10 finish, but were collected in a late race accident.

“Still, I am confident with what we have learned that we can bounce back and get a good finish and put some points on the board.”

For the second time this season, the NASCAR Xfinity Series won’t have practice to start their race weekend. While Van Alst knows practice would undoubtedly be crucial for his race team, he is confident ahead of the first of two Xfinity Series races at Talladega this season.

“We leased an engine for this weekend, so I’m excited about that,” added Van Alst. “Everyone knows that you don’t have to have a leased engine to be competitive at Talladega, but it can make the difference to start near the front and put you in a good position throughout the race.

“That was important to us. I really want to have a good run for CB Fabricating. They’ve stuck it out with us through the good and bad, and I’d love nothing more than to deliver a finish I know we are capable of.”

Based in Anderson, Ind., CB Fabricating provides a full range of fabrication services, including design, laser cutting, CNC punching, forming, welding, powder coating and assembly.

Located in Van Alst’s hometown, the company returns as the primary partner for the fifth time in 2025.

Set to make his Xfinity Series debut at the 2.66-mile Talladega Superspeedway, Van Alst is also chasing a bit of redemption on behalf of his car owner, Joey Gase.

Last April, Gase was on the verge of securing his career-best Xfinity finish after surviving a wild race. However, he was spun out in the tri-oval while running inside the top five and ultimately settled for 18th.

This weekend, Van Alst hopes to avoid the late-race chaos and reel in a significant result for the team.

“Talladega’s the kind of place where you just have to be there at the end,” said Van Alst. “Joey had a great run going last year and just got caught up late. I’d love to help make up for that and bring home a finish this team deserves.

“I’ve had success on these types of tracks before, and I’m confident we can be in the mix when it counts.”

In addition to CB Fabricating, CBT (Car Boat Truck) Detail, Charity Plumbing, Top Choice Fence and Vern’s Concrete will all serve as associate marketing partners for Van Alst’s 15th career Xfinity Series race.

Since 2023, Van Alst has 14 NASCAR Xfinity Series starts, earning a career-best 26th-place finish twice, most recently at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway in February 2025.

For more on Joey Gase Motorsports with Scott Osteen, please like them on Facebook (Joey Gase Motorsports) and follow them on Instagram (@joeygasemotorsports) and X | Twitter (@J_G_Motorsports).

For more on Greg Van Alst and Greg Van Alst Motorsports, please visit GregVanAlst.com, like them on Facebook (Van Alst Motorsports) and follow him on X | Twitter (@GregVanAlst35).

The Ag-Pro 300 (113 laps | 300.58 miles) is the 11th of thirty-three (33) NASCAR Xfinity Series races on the 2025 schedule. Qualifying will begin on Friday, April 25, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. The field will take the green flag on Saturday, April 26, shortly after 3:00 p.m. (4:00 p.m. ET), with live coverage on The CW Network, the Motor Racing Network (Radio), and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90. All times are local (CT).

JR Motorsports — NXS Talladega Superspeedway Preview

By
Official Release
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JR Motorsports Xfinity Team Preview
TRACK – Talladega Superspeedway (2.66-mile superspeedway)
NXS RACE – Ag-Pro 300 (113 laps / 300.58 miles)
TUNE IN – CW, MRN, SiriusXM Channel 90 at 4:00 p.m. (ET)

Carson Kvapil

No. 1 – First Bank of Alabama Chevrolet

Kvapil 2025 NXS Stats

Starts: 10

Wins: 0

Top 5s: 3

Top 10s: 4

Laps Led: 56

Avg. Finish: 14.6

Points:5th

  • Carson Kvapil returns to Talladega Superspeedway this weekend for the second time in his NASCAR Xfinity Series career.
  • On tracks 2 miles or greater, Kvapil has made four starts with his best finish of fourth coming at Daytona International Speedway earlier this year.
  • After once again earning points in Stages One and Two last weekend, the 21-year-old Mooresville native moved up one more position in the points standings, now sits fifth, one point out of fourth.
  • Kvapil will sport the colors of First Bank of Alabama this weekend. The Talladega-based bank is the oldest continuously-operated bank in Alabama and has 13 full-service locations along with multiple stand-alone full-service ATM locations.

Carson Kvapil

“We didn’t have the best luck last time we were at Talladega, but this team has learned a lot since then. We’ve been in the SIM and Andrew (Overstreet, crew chief) and I have been working on our strategy, so hopefully we can stay out of the mess and get our First Bank of Alabama Chevrolet up front when it counts. We’re ready to reset and get our momentum back.”

Justin Allgaier

No. 7 Hellmann’s Chevrolet

Allgaier 2025 NXS Stats

Starts: 10

Wins: 2

Top 5s: 7

Top 10s: 7

Laps Led: 334

Avg. Finish: 8.6

Points: 1st

  • Justin Allgaier has made 18 previous starts in the NXS at Talladega, earning a best finish of second in this event in 2016.
  • Overall, Allgaier has scored four top fives and seven top 10s at the high-banked Alabama track.
  • Allgaier is a previous race winner on a drafting track like Talladega, taking the checkered flag in the fall of 2023 at Daytona. Allgaier additionally placed second at the most-recent NXS race on a drafting track at Atlanta Motor Speedway in February.
  • This weekend marks the first of six events with Hellmann’s onboard the No. 7 Chevrolet.

Justin Allgaier

“Anything can happen at Talladega. It’s definitely an unpredictable place, but I know that we are going to have a really strong Hellmann’s Chevrolet. JR Motorsports has always built incredible superspeedway cars, and I know that we will have that again on Saturday. We just need to be smart in the pack out there and be in position to fight for the win in the end. If we can do that, I know we will have a good day.”

Sammy Smith

No. 8 Pilot Chevrolet

Smith 2025 NXS Stats

Starts: 10

Wins: 1

Top 5s: 3

Top 10s: 5

Laps Led: 34

Avg. Finish: 11.2

Points: 8th

  • Sammy Smith is the most recent winner at Talladega in the NXS after starting 27th in the 2024 fall race and pacing the field for the final five laps enroute to the victory.
  • Smith looks to be the first driver to win two consecutive NXS races at Talladega since Justin Haley in 2020.
  • Smith has 17 career NXS starts on speedways 2 miles or longer in length, earning one win, two top-fives, and four top-10’s.
  • Smith finished fourth in the last NXS race on a drafting track in Atlanta in February.

Sammy Smith

“Although you never know what’s going to happen at Talladega, I’m looking forward to going back there with this No. 8 JR Motorsports team as the defending winners. We had a great car in the fall and coming off this past week at Rockingham, we’re even more hungry to keep the momentum rolling and get this Pilot Chevrolet in Victory Lane again.”

Connor Zilisch

No. 88 WeatherTech Chevrolet

Zilisch 2025 NXS Stats

Starts: 10

Wins: 1

Top 5s: 1

Top 10s: 3

Laps Led: 159

Avg. Finish: 15.8

Points: 7th

  • Connor Zilisch will make his first Talladega start in the NXS on Saturday afternoon. Zilisch was sidelined by incidents earlier this season at Daytona and Atlanta, drafting tracks similar to Talladega. Zilisch does have one previous NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series start at Talladega in the fall of 2024.
  • Zilisch rallied from two laps down to finish 13th last week at Rockingham Speedway. He is seventh in the NXS driver standings, 125 points behind leader Justin Allgaier.
  • The chase for Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors is a tight battle between Zilisch and JR Motorsports teammate Carson Kvapil. Kvapil leads Zilisch by just two points (286-284) entering this weekend’s race at Talladega.

Connor Zilisch

“I’m looking forward to Talladega this weekend. This race can be a tossup, but I know all of the JR Motorsports drivers and teams are going to work together and try to get good results for everyone. My goal is to survive and make it to the end of the race in our WeatherTech Chevrolet. I’ve run three superspeedway races in my career and I’ve yet to finish one. Hopefully we can get some stage points and stay up front all day on Saturday and stay out of the mess, but you never know at Talladega.”

JRM Team Updates

JR Motorsports at Talladega Superspeedway: JR Motorsports has competed at Talladega Superspeedway a combined 74 times in the NXS since 2006. In those starts at the 2.66-mile superspeedway, the organization has recorded four wins, 19 top-fives and 33 top-10s. The average finish is 16.4.

Souvenir Rig: JRM drivers Carson Kvapil, Justin Allgaier, Sammy Smith and Connor Zilisch will be signing autographs at the JR Motorsports / HMS-Byron/Bowman souvenir rig on Saturday, April 26 from 12:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. CT.

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