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SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT EXTENDS TITLE SPONSORSHIP OF NHRA JR. DRAG RACING LEAGUE

INDIANAPOLIS (April 22, 2025) – NHRA and Summit Racing Equipment teamed up to announce a long-term extension of the title rights sponsorship for the NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League, a popular racing league for kids ages 5-17.

As a longtime partner of the NHRA, Summit Racing Equipment will continue to be the title sponsor and supporter of the NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League. As the NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League enters its 33rd season this year, young drivers from across the country will once again compete in thrilling eight-car shootouts that will be held at seven NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series national events.

“Summit Racing Equipment is thrilled to remain the title sponsor of the NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League. This continues to be an important partnership for our company and this league is such a terrific and vital program for young racers,” said Jim Greenleaf, Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports & Events Manager. “There are so many great opportunities for all these talented young competitors to shine and it’s exciting to see such tremendous growth in these areas. We’re looking forward to a great 2025 and beyond as these young drivers look to live out their dreams.”

The eight-car shootouts debuted three years ago and will take place at NHRA national events across all seven divisions, beginning with the American Rebel Light NHRA 4-Wide Nationals on April 25-27 at zMAX Dragway in Charlotte. The final round takes place on Sunday and will be included on the television broadcast on FS1, with racers running alongside the stars in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series and Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series.

“The NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League plays a key role in our sport, and we’re excited that Summit Racing Equipment continues to provide outstanding support for young drag racers,” NHRA Vice President and Chief Development Officer Brad Gerber said. “Summit Racing Equipment is passionate about giving young racers a platform to showcase their love for NHRA drag racing and with opportunities to compete in major events across the country, we can’t wait to see these talented young drivers showcase their skills.”

The special eight-car shootouts for NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League will also take place at Pacific Raceway in Seattle on July 18-20, Brainerd International Raceway on Aug. 14-17, Maple Grove Raceway on Sept. 11-14, World Wide Technology Raceway in St. Louis on Sept. 26-28, Texas Motorplex in Dallas on Oct. 9-12 and In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip on Nov. 13-16.

Other annual highlights are the conference finals events. Texas Motorplex will host the Right Trailers NHRA Jr. Drag Racing League Western Conference Finals for the second time on June 13-15, while Bristol Dragway continues as the site of the Eastern Conference Finals on July 17-19. Each event’s schedule includes a full slate of racing activities, culminating in the crowning of eight individual champions.

The division championship competition continues to grow at a strong rate as well, with all seven divisions hosting a Summit Jr. Drag Racing League Division Finals. Division 2 and Division 6 finals in the category will take place in conjunction with the Summit E.T. Finals. All seven divisions will host a season championship points series throughout their season and complete schedules are available at jrdragster.nhra.com.

NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League competitor’s race cars, called Jr. Dragsters, are half-scale versions of the iconic Top Fuel dragsters. They go as fast as 85 mph and as quick as 7.90 seconds in the eighth-mile using a five-horsepower, single-cylinder engine, though younger age groups are restricted to slower times and speeds.

Since its start in 1992, the NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League has provided a place for young racers to compete and been the start for many top NHRA professional drivers. The list includes world champions like Pro Stock’s Erica Enders and Top Fuel driver Shawn Langdon, who won a JDRL national championship in 1997, as well standouts such as Top Fuel’s Leah Pruett, Jasmine Salinas and Justin Ashley; Funny Car driver J.R. Todd; Pro Stock competitors Deric Kramer and Chris McGaha; Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Gaige Herrera and many more.

For more information on the NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League, please visit http://jrdragster.nhra.com/.

2025 NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League National Shootout Schedule

  • April 25-27 (Division 2): American Rebel Light NHRA 4-Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway in Charlotte, NC.
  • July 18-20 (Division 6): Muckleshoot Casino Resort NHRA Northwest Nationals at Pacific Raceways in Seattle, Wash.
  • August 14-17(Division 5): Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway in Brainerd, MN. NHRA
  • September 11-14 (Division 1): NHRA Nationals at Maple Grove Raceway in Reading, PA.
  • September 26-28 (Division 3): NHRA Midwest Nationals at World Wide Technology Raceway in St. Louis, MO.
  • October 9-12 (Division 4): Texas NHRA FallNationals at Texas Motorplex in Dallas, TX.
  • November 13-16 (Division 7): In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip in Pomona, CA.


About Summit Racing Equipment

Summit Racing Equipment has been the World’s Speed Shop® for 56 years! Summit Racing offers a huge selection of in-stock parts for drag racing like drivetrain and suspension components, safety gear, wheels and tires, and brakes. It also carries tools and shop equipment, plus storage upgrades for your trailer and performance upgrades for your tow vehicle. Summit Racing offers fast ground service shipping to most areas of the country and same-day shipping on in-stock items. Summit Racing has the industry’s top-rated customer service and a full-time technical department to answer your questions. With headquarters in Tallmadge, Ohio, Summit operates distribution and retail stores in Tallmadge, Sparks, NV, McDonough, GA, and Arlington, TX.

Summit Racing Equipment
www.summitracing.com
1-800-230-3030

About NHRA

NHRA is the primary sanctioning body for the sport of drag racing in the United States. NHRA presents 20 national events featuring the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series and NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, as well as the Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series, NHRA Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown™, NHRA Holley EFI Factory X, Pingel Top Fuel Motorcycle and Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage NHRA Mountain Motor Pro Stock at select national events. NHRA provides competition opportunities for drivers of all levels in the NHRA Summit Racing Series and NHRA Street Legal™. NHRA also offers the NHRA Jr. Street® program for teens and the Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League® for youth ages 5 to 17. With 110 Member Tracks, NHRA allows racers to compete at a variety of locations nationally and internationally. NHRA’s Youth and Education Services® (YES) Program reaches over 30,000 students annually to ignite their interest in automotive and racing related careers. NHRA’s streaming service, NHRA.tv®, allows fans to view all NHRA national events as well as exclusive features of the sport. In addition, NHRA owns and operates three racing facilities: Gainesville Raceway in Florida; Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park; and In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip in Southern California. For more information, log on to www.NHRA.com, or visit the official NHRA pages on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Ford Teams Start Stretch of 28 Straight Races Weekends at Talladega Superspeedway

TALLADEGA 1

Saturday, April 26 — NASCAR Xfinity Series, 4 p.m. ET (CW)
Sunday, April 27 — NASCAR Cup Series, 3 p.m. ET (FOX)

The NASCAR Cup Series embarks on 28 consecutive weekends of racing to close out the 2025 season as Talladega Superspeedway hosts the Jack Link’s 500 on Sunday afternoon. Ford has 32 all-time Cup wins at the Alabama facility and has won at least one race in 11 of the last 13 years.

TALLADEGA GOOD FOR FORD AND BLANEY

Ford’s Ryan Blaney has won three times at Talladega Superspeedway, which is a personal best and one of three tracks where he has registered multiple victories. Martinsville and Pocono are the others with two each. Blaney’s streak started with consecutive triumphs, winning the playoff race in 2019 and then the following event in the spring of 2020. He capped off the streak in 2023 with a dramatic photo finish victory over fellow Ford driver, Kevin Harvick. Ford dominated the event, leading 121-of-188 laps after sweeping the top three spots in qualifying and eight of the top 11 positions. The win marked Ford’s 12th win at the superspeedway in the last 19 races, which included a seven-race winning streak from 2015-18.

DECADE OF EXCELLENCE

Ford and Team Penske have won 10 of the last 21 NCS races at Talladega Superspeedway. Brad Keselowski started this run by winning in 2014 and registered four victories at the track before joining Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing in 2022. Joey Logano won in back-to-back seasons (2015-16) while Ryan Blaney followed suit, winning three times in the last five years at Talladega.

TEAM PENSKE WINS AT TALLADEGA SINCE 2014

2014 – Brad Keselowski (Talladega 2)

2015 – Joey Logano (Talladega 2)

2016 – Brad Keselowski (Talladega 1)

2016 – Joey Logano (Talladega 2)

2017 – Brad Keselowski (Talladega 2)

2018 – Joey Logano (Talladega 1)

2019 – Ryan Blaney (Talladega 2)

2020 – Ryan Blaney (Talladega 1)

2021 – Brad Keselowski (Talladega 1)

2023 – Ryan Blaney (Talladega 2)

KESELOWSKI

ACTIVE TALLADEGA WIN LEADER

Brad Keselowski is the winningest active driver at Talladega with six NASCAR Cup Series victories and is tied for second on the all-time list with Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Jeff Gordon. The track’s all-time winner is Dale Earnhardt Sr., who won 10 times during his NASCAR Hall of Fame career.

MARTIN LEFT HIS MARK

Mark Martin is the only Ford driver to have won in all three of the major series offered by NASCAR at Talladega. Martin won the Cup series race in 1995 and 1997, Xfinity in 1996 and lastly in the Truck series’ debut 2006 event. Current blue-oval branded drivers Joey Logano (2015 Xfinity) and Aric Almirola (2017 Xfinity) have won in both the Cup and Xfinity series, most recently sharing a sweep of the 2018 Cup double-header. David Ragan is also a part of the list, having won a Cup race in 2013 and an Xfinity event in 2009.

JOEY LOGANO: “Talladega is kind of a beast of its own. It’s really about the draft. The track is pretty wide, so it’s quite a bit different than Daytona and handling isn’t as big of a factor, at least through the corners. What ends up happening is the pushes and shoves, the draft itself becomes more aggressive so definitely a unique one, but Talladega, people show up there, too. Everyone knows it as the party track, but I will never see that. I just race there.”

RYAN PREECE: “With how fast the Fords are on superspeedways and with all the preparation that we all put in, to me, it’s just another opportunity to really listen to Brad and his point of view of how we should be preparing and working together and doing all those things to execute so an RFK car can win that. Ford would love it if a Ford won, but we’re selfish. We want it to be one of our team guys, so I think that, for me, is something that’s just as exciting as how fast our cars are.”

ZANE SMITH: “I’m always excited for the superspeedways with the speed that Front Row brings and the power the Fords bring. I personally think the Fords work really well together. I think we’re able to push a little better than others and I think that’s a big reason for the success that the Fords have had on the superspeedways, so just being around at the end and sticking together will be the key. FRM has always had two cars, so now we have three and I feel like you’re on par with the Penske cars, which they obviously really work well together, and Brad and the whole RFK group always work well together. Hopefully, we can add our names to that list.”

BAKER PROVIDES MOORE SUCCESS

The first time Ford went to victory lane at Talladega Superspeedway was May 4, 1975 when Buddy Baker, driving for Hall of Fame car owner Bud Moore, held off David Pearson on the final lap. The win was Baker’s ninth career victory and came after he took the lead with 18 laps to go. One of the key decisions in getting Baker to the checkered flag first came when his team opted for two tires on its final pit stop of the day while Pearson and the Wood Brothers decided on gas only. Even though Pearson steadily gained ground on the final lap, Baker was able to hold on by half a car length to win. That started a streak which saw Baker and Moore win three straight Talladega races.

DAVEY ALLISON’S FIRST WIN

Ford has had many milestone moments at Talladega Superspeedway, including the first NASCAR Cup Series win for the late Davey Allison, who won the Winston 500 on May 3, 1987. The race came down to a restart with 10 laps to go in which Allison found himself behind Dale Earnhardt in the outside lane. Earnhardt bolted to the lead when the green flew and Allison tucked in right behind him through turns one and two. As they came off the second corner, Allison went to the inside and easily passed Earnhardt for what proved to be the winning pass. Terry Labonte ended up finishing second with Earnhardt third. Allison went on to win 19 NCS races, including three at Talladega.

ROBERT YATES RACING’S FINAL WIN

When Dale Jarrett won the UAW-Ford 500 on Oct. 2, 2005 it ended up being the final trip to victory lane for Robert Yates Racing. This race came down to a green-white-checker restart, where Jarrett was positioned fourth. He was still in that spot when they came around to start the final lap, but quickly moved to the outside as Tony Stewart grabbed the lead on the inside lane. The two drivers battled side-by-side down the backstretch before Jarrett powered his way in front. Seconds after getting the lead, Kyle Petty was involved in a single-car accident that brought out the caution as the cars entered turn three. Jarrett was declared the winner after NASCAR verified that he was in front at the time the yellow flag was thrown. The win was RYR’s 57th triumph in the NASCAR Cup Series, and came six years after the team won its only championship with Jarrett in 1999.

BURTON COMING OFF SEASON BEST RUN

Harrison Burton, driving in his first season with AM Racing, successfully maneuvered his way through a pair of late-race multi-car accidents to post his best finish of the year in Saturday’s race at Rockingham Speedway. Burton’s third-place finish marked his fourth top-10 run of the year and kept him 12th in the series point standings. For AM Racing, it represented the organization’s second all-time top-five run and doubled the number of top-10 finishes from a year ago. This weekend will be the fifth time Burton has run a NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Talladega Superspeedway. His best result came in 2021 when he finished 10th in the spring race.

FORD’S NASCAR CUP SERIES WINNERS

AT TALLADEGA

1975 – Buddy Baker (Sweep)

1976 – Buddy Baker (1)

1979 – Bobby Allison (1)

1983 – Dale Earnhardt (2)

1985 – Bill Elliott and Cale Yarborough

1987 – Dave Allison and Bill Elliott

1989 – Davey Allison and Terry Labonte

1992 – Davey Allison (1)

1994 – Jimmy Spencer (2)

1995 – Mark Martin (1)

1997 – Mark Martin (1)

1998 – Dale Jarrett (2)

2005 – Dale Jarrett (2)

2009 – Jamie McMurray (2)

2012 – Matt Kenseth (2)

2013 – David Ragan (1)

2014 – Brad Keselowski (2)

2015 – Joey Logano (2)

2016 – Brad Keselowski and Joey Logano

2017 – Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Brad Keselowski

2018 – Joey Logano and Aric Almirola

2019 – Ryan Blaney (2)

2020 – Ryan Blaney (1)

2021 – Brad Keselowski (1)

2023 – Ryan Blaney (2)

FORD’S NASCAR XFINITY SERIES WINNERS

AT TALLADEGA

1995 – Chad Little

1997 – Mark Martin

2002 – Jason Keller

2009 – David Ragan

2015 – Joey Logano

2017 – Aric Almirola

PATRICK EMERLING ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH ZERO BREEZE

MOORESVILLE, NC, April 22, 2025 – Patrick Emerling today announced a new partnership with portable air conditioning company ZERO BREEZE for the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series. Emerling will utilize ZERO BREEZE’s Mark 3 Portable Air Conditioner at the track throughout the rest of the season to keep cool.

“I’m so stoked to partner with ZERO BREEZE! Having a Mark 3 unit at the track each week is going to be a game-changer,” said Emerling. “The temp inside a race car can get close to 130 degrees, especially during those summer races. Even with a cool suit it can be brutal. It will be such a relief to get out of a stifling hot race car and immediately feel fresh cool air.”

ZERO BREEZE is a leading provider of portable air conditioning solutions designed to handle extreme outdoor conditions. The Mark 3 is the most advanced portable air conditioner, offering high-efficiency cooling for outdoor enthusiasts, racers, campers, and professionals in demanding environments. Known for its portability, performance, and battery-powered feature, ZERO BREEZE continues to revolutionize the way people stay cool under pressure.

“Our collaboration with Patrick is not only a testament to our shared commitment to excellence, but also an exciting opportunity to bring the power of cooling technology to the racetrack,” said Max Ma, the founder of ZERO BREEZE. “The Mark 3 portable AC is a true innovation in outdoor technology, offering both drivers and spectators a chance to enjoy the same level of cooling comfort. While the driver uses the Mark 3 on the track, spectators can experience that same cool comfort at the raceway’s camping areas, sharing in the speed, excitement, and coolness.”

To launch the partnership, ZERO BREEZE is sending two lucky fans to Talladega Superspeedway for the Ag-Pro 300 NASCAR Xfinity Series race on April 26. Fans can also get a special discount by subscribing to ZERO BREEZE by April 30.

For more information on Patrick Emerling, visit https://www.patrickemerlingracing.com/ or follow him on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/PatrickEmerling07), X (https://twitter.com/PatrickEmerling) or Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/patrickemerling/).

For more information on ZERO BREEZE, visit https://www.zerobreeze.com/ or follow them on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/Zero-Breeze-1114968945208202/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/zerobreezeofficial/) or YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu67ms6tiDFP4GZ0GoCJ2og).

Music Superstar Tim McGraw takes the stage for special pregame concert during MLB Speedway Classic in August at BMS

Music Superstar headlines celebration in Birthplace of Country Music with Special Guests to be Announced at Bristol Motor Speedway

BRISTOL, Tenn. (April 22, 2025) – Music superstar and three-time GRAMMY-Award winner Tim McGraw has been named the headliner in a special pregame concert event leading into the MLB Speedway Classic presented by BuildSubmarines.com at Bristol Motor Speedway on Saturday, August 2.

The performance promises to be a one-of-a-kind musical event where McGraw will take the stage with special guest artists and longtime collaborators for an unforgettable celebration of music and baseball. The exciting musical preamble to the first American or National League game ever played in Tennessee serves to honor the state’s rich country music history. For the MLB Speedway Classic, a baseball diamond ready for a Major League game will be built across the famed Bristol track at one of the largest standalone sporting venues in the nation. More information on guests scheduled to appear will be made later.

The special pregame concert, commencing approximately an hour before the first pitch, is part of the full day of events at Bristol Motor Speedway. All ticketholders to the MLB Speedway Classic baseball game have access to the show and can enjoy the performance from their seat, and on the iconic Colossus video board. New, limited ticket options for the MLB Speedway Classic will be available Wednesday, April 23 at 10 AM ET for fans looking to enjoy the performance even closer to the stage. For details on ticket options and upgrades, please visit mlb.com/speedwayclassic. FOX plans to feature portions of the special performance during their pregame event coverage.

McGraw’s unparalleled career includes sales of over 103 million records worldwide, 47 No. 1 radio singles, 19 No. 1 albums, and countless industry awards and accolades. He holds the record for second-most No. 1 country albums in the U.S., just behind George Strait. He has brought to life some of the biggest hit singles of all-time, including “Live Like You Were Dying” and “Humble and Kind,” a message that continues to impact fans worldwide. He has routinely been cited as one of the biggest touring artists in country music history.

Tim’s deep-rooted connection to baseball begins with his father, Tug McGraw, a celebrated Major League Baseball pitcher who played for the New York Mets and the Philadelphia Phillies, contributing to their World Series victories. Tim also pursued baseball in college, earning a scholarship at Northeast Louisiana University. Later this year, Tim is set to perform a historic concert at the iconic “Field of Dreams” movie site, honoring his father’s legacy through baseball by performing on Tug’s birthday.

Kevin Boehm and CrowdStrike Racing Return to Circuit of the Americas for GT4 America Endurance Battle in Upgraded BMW M4 GT4 EVO

Koch and Boehm win the 2024 inaugural Pirelli GT4 America Lone Star Enduro.

AUSTIN, TX (April 22, 2025) – CrowdStrike Racing’s Kevin Boehm is set to tackle the demanding Circuit of the Americas (COTA) for a thrilling three-hour endurance race in the Pirelli GT4 America series as part of the GT World Challenge COTA race weekend, taking place April 25-27. The event promises intense competition and strategic two-driver lineups with a maximum stint length of 50 minutes per driver.

Boehm, partnered with Kenton Koch, will be campaigning the upgraded #97 CrowdStrike / AWS BMW M4 GT4 Evo powered by Random Vandals Racing in this year’s endurance challenge. The three-hour format, with its mandatory driver changes within the 50-minute maximum stint, demands precision in pit stops, consistent driving, and seamless teamwork between the two drivers.

Strong Start to the 2025 Season at Sonoma Raceway

Kevin Boehm and co-driver Kenton Koch kicked off the GT4 America season impressively at Sonoma Raceway from March 28th-30th. Driving the #97 CrowdStrike / AWS BMW M4 GT4 Evo powered by Random Vandals Racing, the duo secured a strong second-place finish in Race 1. Race 2 proved to be a thrilling affair, starting in wet conditions and transitioning to a drying track. In a remarkable display of skill and strategy, Kevin Boehm made a decisive pass for the win on wet tires in the final five minutes of the race, securing the victory for the #97 CrowdStrike / AWS branded race car.

Looking Back at Last Year’s Success at COTA

Boehm and Koch made history at COTA on May 18, 2024, by securing a dominant first-place victory in the inaugural Pirelli GT4 America three-hour Lonestar Enduro. Driving the #97 CrowdStrike / AWS BMW M4 GT4 G82 powered by Random Vandals Racing, the duo expertly navigated the grueling conditions, including extreme heat that reached 120F inside the cockpit. Despite the challenges of the new three-stop format for tires and fuel, and starting from 12th on the grid, Boehm impressively took the lead within the first 25 minutes. Together, Boehm and Koch led well over half of the 74-lap event, with Koch ultimately bringing the #97 BMW across the finish line for a decisive overall and Silver Class win, earning valuable double championship points.

Returning to COTA with Momentum

Now, with momentum from their successful weekend in Sonoma and the memory of last year’s victory at COTA, all focus shifts to the GT World Challenge COTA race weekend and the upcoming Pirelli GT4 America three-hour endurance race. Kevin Boehm and CrowdStrike Racing are eager to tackle the challenges of the event in their updated BMW M4 GT4 Evo and build upon their past success at this iconic track.

“Returning to Circuit of the Americas and the Lonestar Enduro format brings back some fantastic memories from last year’s victory,” said Kevin Boehm. “It’s a track I really enjoy, and I’m incredibly excited to team up with Kenton again. He’s a phenomenal co-driver, and our teamwork was key to our success last year. We know this race will be a tough battle against some very strong competition, so we’ll keep our heads down, focus on executing our race plan, and aim for another strong result. A huge thank you to CrowdStrike and AWS for their continued support, which makes all of this possible, and Random Vandals Racing for prepping a great car.”

The Pirelli GT4 America three-hour endurance race at Circuit of the Americas is part of the GT World Challenge COTA race weekend, taking place April 25-27 in Austin, Texas. Fans can follow Kevin Boehm’s progress and live timing throughout the weekend at YouTube.com/GTWORLD and on Kevin Boehm’s social media, linked at kevinboehm.com.

About Kevin Boehm

Driven by speed and fueled by innovation, Kevin Boehm is a force to be reckoned with whether he’s behind the wheel or fine-tuning a machine. As a championship-winning professional racer and an accomplished OEM principal engineer with more than 15 years of experience, Boehm embodies the perfect blend of talent and technical prowess. His ability to uncover automotive potential and translate it into on-track victories makes him a true standout. Discover more at https://kevinboehm.com.

About Random Vandals Racing

Random Vandals Racing is a BMW customer racing team based in Concord, NC. RVR competes professionally in both IMSA and SRO in multiple categories along with World Racing League and other Am/Pro series. For more information about Random Vandals Racing, visit https://randomvandals.racing.

For more information about CrowdStrike, visit https://www.crowdstrike.com/
For more information about AWS, visit https://aws.amazon.com/
For more information about Vbrick Systems, visit https://vbrick.com
For more information about BMW Motorsport, visit https://www.bmw-motorsport.com/
For more information about Pirelli GT4 America, visit https://www.gt4-america.com/

FEED YOUR WILD SIDE: JACK LINK’S® TEAMS UP WITH LEGACY MOTOR CLUB AT TALLADEGA SUPERSPEEDWAY

John Hunter Nemechek will pilot the No. 42 Jack Link’s Toyota Camry XSE at Talladega Superspeedway on Sunday, April 27

STATESVILLE, N.C. / MINONG, Wis., (April 21, 2025) – LEGACY MOTOR CLUB announced today that Jack Link’s®, the global leader in meat snacks and vendor partner of Dollar Tree will serve as the primary partner on John Hunter Nemechek’s No. 42 Jack Link’s Toyota Camry XSE for the Jack Link’s 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on Sunday, April 27.

“LEGACY MOTOR CLUB and Jack Link’s are the perfect duo for the race at Talladega Superspeedway. We’re excited about how this partnership came together through Dollar Tree and proud to represent both brands on track this weekend,” said Jimmie Johnson, co-owner of LEGACY MOTOR CLUB.

This partnership further strengthens Jack Link’s dedication to the sport, building on their recent designation as the “Official Meat Snack of NASCAR” through a multi-year agreement launched in 2025. Jack Link’s is also supporting as the entitlement partner for Talladega’s spring NASCAR Cup Series race, now named the Jack Link’s 500.

“I am looking forward to piloting the plaid No. 42 Jack Link’s Toyota Camry XSE. Hopefully, we can put Sasquatch out front of the field and let his hair blow in the wind!” said Nemechek.

Since its founding in 1985, Jack Link’s has earned a reputation as a leader in premium protein snacks, known for its popular lineup of protein-packed jerky and beef sticks. The brand’s legendary “Messin’ with Sasquatch” campaign has become a cultural phenomenon, striking a chord with fans nationwide.

“We’re thrilled to partner with LEGACY MOTOR CLUB and Dollar Tree for this exciting race at Talladega Superspeedway,” said Holly LaVallie, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Jack Link’s. “NASCAR fans embody the adventurous, bold spirit that defines our brand, and this partnership allows us to connect with them in a meaningful way. Our collaboration with Dollar Tree has been exceptional and now bringing that relationship to the track with John Hunter Nemechek and the No. 42 Toyota Camry XSE takes it to another level. We can’t wait to see Sasquatch represented at the Jack Link’s 500, feeding the wild side of NASCAR fans everywhere.”

Jack Link’s isn’t just bringing the flavor – they’re bringing the fun. All weekend long, fans can encounter the legendary Sasquatch on-site, hanging out with the LEGACY MOTOR CLUB team and mingling with fans for unforgettable moments, photos, and wild antics.

Tune into the Jack Link’s 500 at Talladega Superspeedway this weekend on Sunday, April 27. The race will be broadcast on FOX, MAX, MRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Channel 90).

ABOUT JACK LINK’S: Jack Link’s Protein Snacks is the #1 Meat Snack brand in the U.S. Headquartered in Minong, Wisconsin, and is a family-owned and operated company representing a heritage of quality, safety and innovation. The company is made up of passionate team members who share an uncompromising commitment to delivering awesome products. Sold in more than 40 countries, Jack Link’s owns a portfolio of consumer brands that includes Jack Link’s®, Lorissa’s Kitchen®, Wild River®, Golden Island®, Country Fresh Meats™ BiFi®, and Peperami®. www.jacklinks.com

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

TOP FUEL TURNS 1,000: LATEST TOP FUEL WINNER TONY STEWART HAS CHANCE AT HISTORY AT AMERICAN REBEL LIGHT NHRA 4-WIDE NATIONALS

Coming off first NHRA Top Fuel win, legendary Stewart can win at zMAX Dragway in 1,000th Top Fuel race in NHRA history

CONCORD, N.C. (April 21, 2025) – Tony Stewart, the 112th and latest winner in the NHRA’s Top Fuel ranks, now has a chance to make more history with a victory at the 1,000th Top Fuel race in NHRA history at this weekend’s American Rebel Light NHRA 4-Wide Nationals at state-of-the-art zMAX Dragway.

Tony Stewart added to his Hall of Fame resumé with his first career Top Fuel victory at the most recent NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series event in Las Vegas. It was a noteworthy moment for the legendary racer who has won in nearly every form of racing and now Stewart will have a chance for another milestone moment in Charlotte.

The 1,000th Top Fuel race takes place in the unique four-wide style, some 62 years after the first Top Fuel race took place at the 1963 NHRA Winternationals. The legendary Don Garlits won that event and now another legend in Stewart will have the opportunity to pick up a significant and noteworthy victory in Top Fuel – all at the Bellagio of Dragstrips in Charlotte in his 12,000-horsepower Dodge//SRT Direct Connection dragster.

“To go be able to go back to Charlotte, where I’ve got a deep-rooted racing history, and as the previous race winner (in Las Vegas) is going to be a great feeling,” Stewart said. “It’s going to make going to Charlotte that much better, especially being the 1,000th Top Fuel race. Me being a part of the sport, going into their 1,000th race and knowing that NHRA’s 75th anniversary is next year and being a part of that in some capacity is really cool to be a part of and it’s awesome. I got to be a part of NASCAR’s 50th (anniversary), and I just know how important historic moments like these are.”

Justin Ashley (Top Fuel), Matt Hagan (Funny Car), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) claimed victories at the 2024 event and this year’s race will again be broadcast on FS1, including eliminations at 6 p.m. ET on Sunday, April 27. It is the fifth of 20 events during the 2025 season and it is loaded with special events to honor the 1,000th Top Fuel race, including a special trophy presented to the winner by Garlits on Sunday.

Will it be Stewart celebrating on the top end again? His track record in the wild, unpredictable and unique spectacle that is four-wide racing indicates he’s up for the challenge.

Stewart has performed well in the midst of the extreme sensory overload of nearly 50,000-horsepower thundering down four lanes at once and a second straight win this season, competing against standout talents like reigning world champ Antron Brown, Brittany Force, points leader Shawn Langdon, Doug Kalitta and Clay Millican would be another massive accomplishment.

The Vegas win pushed him to second in points and the team continues to gain confidence at an ideal time of the year.

“I feel like I’m very comfortable with the four-wide setup and for some reason, I’m very comfortable with it,” Stewart said. “I feel like I do a good job of paying attention to everything up on the line and I don’t let things distract me and that’s what you have to do in a four-wide. It’s a little more chaotic on the line and when you’re staging, but it’s something I’m comfortable with. (After winning a four-wide), it just makes you feel a little better going back-to-back with four-wide racing. I love these races and the best part of Charlotte is we get to do it at both Charlotte races this year.”

Every 100th winner in Top Fuel history – including Garlits – will all be on hand in Charlotte, as the winners of 1st, 100th, 200th, 300th, 400th, 500th, 600th, 700th, 800th and 900th Top Fuel races will gather together for a special autograph session at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday with an event-exclusive hero card.

One of Garlits’ Top Fuel cars will cackle before the first nitro qualifying session on both Friday at 3:30 pm. and Saturday at 10:30 a.m. in a must-see moment, while Garlits and the car will lead the SealMaster Track Walk on Sunday morning at 10:50 a.m.

On track, fans will see spectacular action, starting with Friday night Primetime under the lights. After nitro at night, fans will be treated to the Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge on Saturday, as the thrilling bonus race brings competitive racing – as well as a bonus purse and bonus points – to qualifying. That leads into Sunday eliminations, where winners will be crowned, including the 1,000th Top Fuel winner.

Funny Car’s Hagan picked up his 50th win in Charlotte last year but repeating won’t be easy against a loaded field that includes Jack Beckman, who took over driving duties for John Force last year, reigning world champ Austin Prock, Ron Capps, Phoenix winner and points leader Paul Lee, Gainesville winner Chad Green and Bob Tasca III.

Anderson continues to dominate in Pro Stock, winning twice in 2025 and breaking records. Others to watch include KB Titan Racing teammate Dallas Glenn, who has also been to four straight finals in 2025, Erica Enders, Jeg Coughlin Jr. and Matt Hartford.

Pro Stock Motorcycle’s Herrera ruled 2024 and he won in Gainesville as the class returns for the first time since then with a talented pool of riders like Matt Smith, Richard Gadson, Jianna Evaristo, Angie Smith and Chase Van Sant.

The NHRA 4-Wide Nationals will also feature the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, as well as the Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Series, Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage Mountain Motor Pro Stock, Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown and the season-opener in the Holley EFI Factory X category. The first Summit Racing Equipment Jr. Drag Racing League Shootout of 2025 will also take place in Charlotte.

Fans will be invited to the Nitro Alley Stage, which is the main entertainment hub in the pits. The stage hosts Nitro School, meet and greets, autograph sessions and much more. Race fans in Charlotte can enjoy the special pre-race ceremonies that introduce each driver and includes the fan favorite SealMaster Track Walk. Fans are also invited to congratulate the event winners at the winner’s circle celebration on Sunday.

As always, fans get a pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet. Fans can see their favorite teams in action and servicing their cars, get autographs and more. They can also visit NHRA’s Manufacturers Midway, where sponsors and vendors create an exciting atmosphere.

NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 4:30 and 7 p.m. ET on Friday, April 25 and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, April 26 at 12 and 2:30 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 12 p.m. ET on Sunday, April 27. Television coverage includes qualifying on FS1 at 11 a.m. ET on Sunday and then eliminations action at 6 p.m. ET to follow.

To purchase tickets to the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals, please visit www.charlottemotorspeedway.com or call 800-455-3267. For more information about NHRA, visit www.NHRA.com.

The Road to 1,000 Top Fuel races:

1: 1963 NHRA Winternationals – Don Garlits, winner
100: 1979 NHRA Mile-High Nationals – Kelly Brown, winner
200: 1987 Dallas NHRA Nationals – Darrell Gwynn, winner
300: 1993 Columbus NHRA Springnationals – Doug Herbert, winner
400: 1998 NHRA Mile-High Nationals – Cory McClenathan, winner
500: 2002 Dallas NHRA FallNationals – Doug Kalitta, winner
600: 2007 Atlanta NHRA Southern Nationals – Brandon Bernstein, winner
700: 2011 NHRA Mile-High Nationals – Spencer Massey, winner
800: 2015 NHRA Carolina Nationals – Antron Brown, winner
900: 2019 Las Vegas NHRA Nationals – Brittany Force, winner


About Mission Foods

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

About NHRA

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

A DELIGHTFUL DOZEN: NHRA MEMBER TRACK NETWORK ENJOYS STRONG RECENT GROWTH WITH ADDITION OF 12 FACILITIES

A DELIGHTFUL DOZEN: NHRA MEMBER TRACK NETWORK ENJOYS STRONG RECENT GROWTH WITH ADDITION OF 12 FACILITIES

INDIANAPOLIS (April 21, 2025) – A busy off-season and start to the 2025 campaign has led to tremendous recent success for NHRA and its NHRA Member Track Network, with now 12 tracks having joined the primary sanctioning body for drag racing in a matter of months.

The impressive number and growth across the NHRA’s seven divisions dates back to the end of the 2024 season in November, with a dozen race tracks joining the NHRA Member Track Network, many for the first time.

The full list of new additions includes the following facilities:

  • Luskville Dragway in Luskville, Quebec, Canada (Division 1)
  • Darlington Dragway in Hartsville, S.C. (Division 2)
  • Lead Foot City in Brooksville, Fla. (Division 2)
  • Fitzgerald Motorsports Park in Crossville, Tenn. (Division 3)
  • Prescott Raceway in Prescott, Ark. (Division 4)
  • Concho Valley Dragway in San Angelo, Texas (Division 4)
  • Paris Dragstrip in Paris, Texas (Division 4)
  • Wichita Raceway Park in Wichita Falls, Texas (Division 4)
  • Amarillo Dragway in Amarillo, Texas (Division 4)
  • Interstate Raceway in Glyndon, Minn. (Division 5)
  • Thunder Valley Dragways in Parker, S.D. (Division 5)
  • Albuquerque Dragway in Albuquerque, N.M. (Division 7)

It’s a strong sign of the dedication NHRA has given to its member tracks for nearly 75 years, providing safe, competitive and exciting racing environments at facilities across North America, and spurring future growth in the process.

“Everyone at NHRA is thrilled to welcome these new tracks into the NHRA Member Track family,” said Rob Park, NHRA Senior Director of Field Operations. “With NHRA’s dedicated team of 23 full-time employees solely focused on supporting our NHRA Member Tracks, as well as sportsman and grassroots racers, it’s incredibly rewarding to see these new facilities recognize the value not only in what NHRA offers, but also in the association network of NHRA Member Tracks across the country.

“Their confidence in NHRA’s mission to protect, preserve, and promote the sport of drag racing reflects the strength of our programs and our shared passion for delivering safe, competitive, and exciting drag racing experiences at the local level.”

By moving to the huge NHRA Member Track Network, each of the facilities are eligible to offer racers in the area a variety of NHRA-sanctioned racing opportunities in the future, including the NHRA Summit Racing Series, the NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League, NHRA Street Legal, NHRA Jr. Street and more. Additionally, the track will have the chance to host NHRA specialty events that offer racers the opportunity to win a Wally like the NHRA Summit King of the Track and more.

The 12 new NHRA Member Tracks play a key role in promoting grassroots NHRA drag racing, fostering a strong community of racers and fans in the area, and enabling for continued and lasting growth of NHRA drag racing for competitors of all levels.

Every facility in the NHRA Member Track Network also receives access to NHRA’s robust and unparalleled support programs, insurance benefits and national marketing platforms, and an extensive array of additional benefits.

Each track is part of NHRA’s “Become a Racer” program, where, through the Street Legal program, everyone can take their car from the street to the track, get licensed and race in a legal and controlled environment where racers of all skill levels can enjoy the sport of NHRA drag racing.

For just $78, a participant can sign up to earn their NHRA License and break into the Street Legal club, driving anything from a daily driver to a high-performance street-driven cars, while also receiving all the perks of being an NHRA member, like:

  • An Official NHRA Competition License Card.
  • Exclusive 9-second and 5-second decals for NHRA Level & Street Legal Racers recognizing your performance.
  • Exclusive Racer Advantage discounts with NHRA partners like Summit Racing Equipment and others.
  • A 25% off NHRA.tv, which streams live championship drag racing action at NHRA national events and divisional events across the country.
  • Excess medical insurance coverage of $600,000 at your NHRA Member Track.
  • NHRA National Dragster Magazine online.

For more information on NHRA, including the 2025 schedule, visit www.NHRA.com. To locate an NHRA Member Track, please click here.


About NHRA

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

Haas Factory Team Announces Four Race Partnership With Ollie’s For 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Season

[KANNAPOLIS, NC] – Haas Factory Team announced on Monday that Ollie’s Bargain Outlet will serve as the primary sponsor for its No. 00 Ford Mustang and driver Sheldon Creed across four NASCAR Xfinity Series races this season.

Ollie’s season debut will be this weekend at Talladega Superspeedway, a track that Creed has posted top-10 finishes at in each of his last three races. America’s largest retailer of closeout merchandise and excess inventory will also sponsor Creed at Nashville Superspeedway (May 31), Daytona International Speedway (August 22), and Kansas Speedway (September 27).

Founded in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania in 1982, Ollie’s has been spreading the thrill of bargain hunting to customers for over 42 years! Find incredible savings on the brands you love at a fraction of what you’d pay at the fancy stores! Inventory is always changing, so you never know what you’ll find, but you know it’ll be Good Stuff Cheap!®

About Haas Factory Team:
The Haas Factory Team is a NASCAR Cup and Xfinity program owned by Gene Haas, founder of Haas Automation. Starting in 2025, the team will feature Cole Custer driving the No. 41 Ford Mustang Dark Horse in the NASCAR Cup Series, while Sheldon Creed and Sam Mayer take on the Xfinity Series in the No. 00 and No. 41 Ford Mustangs, respectively. Based in Kannapolis, North Carolina, the Haas Factory Team reflects a commitment to performance and engineering excellence, carrying forward Gene Haas’s commitment to motorsports.

About Ollie’s Bargain Outlet, Inc.
We are America’s largest retailer of closeout merchandise and excess inventory, offering Real Brands and Real Bargain prices®! We offer extreme value on brand name products in a variety of departments, including housewares, food, books and stationery, bed and bath, floor coverings, toys, health, and beauty aids, and more. We currently operate 579 stores in 31 states and growing! For more information, visit www.ollies.com.

Keeping Your Vehicle Road Safe: From Tires to Coolant and More

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

When was the last time you looked at your vehicle’s tires? What about an oil change? Sure, your car may be running just fine right now. 

However, this can quickly change if you’re not keeping up with basic vehicle maintenance. Not to mention, ignoring basic vehicle maintenance can be dangerous. Your lack of maintenance may ultimately lead to a vehicle accident. 

Taking advantage of things like tire rotation services is a great start. However, don’t stop there. Keeping your vehicle road-safe means doing more than checking the tires. Here’s a quick checklist to get you started.

Pay Attention to Your Tires

When was the last time you replaced your tires? Has it been several months or possibly years? Tires are rated for a specific number of miles. Once you’ve reached the mileage noted on the tires, it’s usually time for replacements.

You can extend the life of your tires with regular rotation, usually every 5,000 to 8,000 miles. Tire rotation can help improve vehicle performance and reduce tread wear. So pay attention to tread depth when you go in for a tire rotation. If the tread is worn down by 2/32nds, it’s time to start thinking about replacements.

Driving on worn tires can easily result in an accident. Your vehicle is harder to control, especially on slick roads. Tire pressure is just as important as tread depth. Cold weather causes a drop in tire pressure. Warm weather does the opposite. You’re going to find it harder to control your vehicle when the tire pressure is off.

So, how do you check tire pressure? If you have an emergency roadside kit, it’s likely to include a tire pressure gauge. If not, you can usually find inexpensive gauges at a local auto parts store. Plan on repeating this step pretty regularly. When you’re filling the gas tank, you may want to check your tire pressure. Most gas stations have an air pump, and some even have tire pressure gauges.

Time to Change the Oil

Oil viscosity is a term tossed around that you may not pay attention to. Viscosity refers to the thickness of the oil. In the winter, you want to use a lighter-weight oil since cold temperatures cause oil to thicken, and this can cause problems. On the other hand, switch to a heavier weight one when temperatures start to climb.

If you’re not sure which oil weight to use, check your vehicle’s owner’s manual. If you’ve misplaced the manual, don’t panic. Almost any certified automotive technician can make some recommendations based on your engine’s make and model.

Are You Using the Right Coolant?

Worrying about the engine’s coolant in the winter may seem unnecessary. After all, don’t cooler temperatures help keep your vehicle’s engine from overheating? Your engine can stay a little cooler in the winter, but this isn’t why you’re checking the coolant.

Coolant, most commonly known as antifreeze, can be a concern when temperatures drop below freezing. The last thing you want is for your engine to freeze up. If this happens, you’re probably looking at hefty repairs. You may even need to replace your engine, and this can cost almost as much as a gently used car.

You should plan on checking not only coolant levels in the radiator but also the type. Some coolants are formulated for warmer temperatures and should not be used in winter. Don’t slack off in the summer. A warm-weather coolant can keep your vehicle’s AC blowing cold air.

How Are Your Brakes?

Roads can often be slick, making it difficult to stop. You need your vehicle’s brakes to function without any issues. Checking your car’s brakes is usually a multi-step process. You’re also going to need to do a little more than stick your head underneath your vehicle.

Everything, from the brake pads to the rotors and calipers, needs a quick inspection. If your brake pads are wearing thin, replace them. This also applies if the rotors or calipers show signs of wear and tear. Is your vehicle equipped with ABS? If so, have your anti-locking brakes thoroughly inspected before freezing temperatures hit.

Staying Safe On the Road

The maintenance you take care of now can affect your safety. Freezing temperatures, ice, and snow can make it challenging to do everything, from starting your vehicle to maintaining control on slick roads. Summer driving also comes with unique hazards. Don’t forget to keep up with vehicle maintenance throughout the year. You’ll be glad you did when you’re not facing expensive repairs.