Shop for Kyle Larson 2025 NASCAR Cup Champs gear at the NASCAR Shop
Home Blog Page 33

Winward Racing Secures Third Rolex 24 At Daytona Race Win in Six Years in the No. 57 Winward Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3

By
Official Release
-

The Mercedes-AMG GT3 once again proved its competitiveness with strong results by Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Customer Racing teams at this weekend’s 64th Rolex 24 At Daytona at Daytona International Speedway: First and Sixth place in the GT Daytona (GTD) class and Second, Third and 11th place in the GTD Pro category. A hard-fought GTD victory was secured by two-time and reigning IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar GTD Champions Russell Ward, Philip Ellis and endurance race co-drivers Indy Dontje and Lucas Auer in the No. 57 Winward Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3.

The GTD Pro double podium included the No. 75 SunEnergy1 75 Express Mercedes-AMG GT3 team with Kenny Habul, Chaz Mostert, Will Power and Maro Engel in second and the debuting No. 48 Winward Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3 of Scott Noble, Jason Hart, Maxime Martin and Luca Stolz in third place. It was the first double podium showing at the Rolex 24 for Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Customer Racing teams since Winward and 75 Express secured a one-two finish in GTD in 2021.

With Ellis starting the race, the No. 57 moved into the early GTD lead in the race’s opening hour to lead a strong performance by all five competing Mercedes-AMG GT3 entries. The No. 80 Lone Star Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3 of Scott Andrews, Lin Hodenius, James Roe Jr. and Ralf Aron joined Winward in GTD while the No. 69 Bartone Bros. Racing with Team GetSpeed Mercedes-AMG GT3 team of Anthony Bartone, Fabian Schiller, Jules Gounon and Maximilian Götz joined 75 Express and Winward in the GTD Pro division.

As night fell, thick fog descended on the Daytona International Speedway. Due to increasingly poor visibility, the race continued behind the safety car just before Midnight and continued to circulate under the yellow flag for six hours and 33 minutes – the longest full-course caution period in the history of the Rolex 24. The previous record was three hours and 58 minutes in 1989.

After the race went back to green flag conditions Sunday morning, the Mercedes-AMG Customer Racing teams continued their strong performances. All five Mercedes-AMG GT3s continued to hold their own within the leaders in their classes during this phase.

With just under four hours remaining until the end of the race, the No. 69 Bartone/GetSpeed entry dropped from winning contention after losing several laps resolving an electronics issue.

In the dramatic final hours, the lead in the two GTD classes changed hands several times due to different fuel and pit stop strategies. Ellis took the lead in the GTD field in his final stint and successfully fended off all challengers until he crossed the finish line with a 1.367-second margin of victory. The winning Winward entry led the race eight different times for a total of 69 laps.

Lone Star finished sixth in GTD, the team’s best result to date as it starts its third season of IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup GTD competition at the Rolex 24. The team’s previous best Rolex 24 finish was eighth in its 2024 debut in the race.

The victory was Winward’s third Rolex 24 triumph since winning in its GTD debut in 2021. The No. 57 team and drivers also won the Rolex 24 in 2024.

Including 32 points earned by Ellis and the No. 57 team by qualifying second for the Rolex 24 At Daytona, the No. 57 Winward Racing team and drivers leave the season-opening race already with a comfortable 46-point GTD championship lead over the nearest challengers, 382 – 336. The No. 57 team and drivers earned 350 points for the Rolex 24 race win. Mercedes-AMG has in turn built an early 27-point lead in the GTD manufacturer standings, 382 – 355, over the nearest challenger.

Winward also left IMSA’s season-opening races at Daytona as the only team to secure a podium finish in every series and class in which it competed. In addition to the GTD win and GT Pro P3, the No. 57 Winward Racing Mercedes-AMG GT4 of Bryce Ward and Daan Arrow secured third in the Grand Sport (GS) class in Friday’s four-hour IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge race. In his Daytona debut, Arrow pulled off a last lap pass for the final podium finishing position.

The Friday GS race also marked the return of Murillo Racing to IMSA with the newlywed driving duo of Aurora Straus and Kenny Murillo. Murillo Racing is back in partnership with the P1 Motor Club and Straus and Murillo co-drive the No. 24 Murillo Racing P1 Motor Club Mercedes-AMG GT4. The No. 24 showed top-10 pace early in Friday’s four-hour race and persevered to a lead-lap finish after rebounding from some typical endurance racing setbacks.

Next up for Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Customer Racing teams in IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship competition is the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, March 18 – 21 at Sebring International Raceway.

Stefan Wendl, Head of Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Customer Racing: “I am simply overwhelmed by the performances of our four teams and all the drivers. Winward Racing with their third victory here at Daytona – incredible. In the GTD Pro class, 75 Express and Winward Racing were rewarded with podium places. But Bartone Bros with GetSpeed and Lone Star Racing also did a great job. We certainly did not have the fastest car over the entire race distance, but we were fast enough at the right time to finish on the podium, which is just great! I am very proud that we got all five cars to the finish line. It was a strong performance all around from all the teams. I can only thank everyone involved.”

Russell Ward, Driver – No. 57 Winward Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3: “When we walked into this weekend, just the atmosphere of the team felt just like 2021 and 2024. So, I just knew that we had a chance. From the moment the race started, you could see the pace in the car. The guys did an incredible job, just keeping it clean. I mean, we went from the back to the front more times than I thought were possible. We had to take two emergency service penalties, endure some bad luck throughout the whole race and really had to fight for this one. The boys earned this in pit lane and on the track and hats off to the entire team and Philip for that final stint. He managed to get by for the lead and stay in front and just drove the wheels off that thing! This race went by as one of the quickest I can remember, but those last few minutes felt like another 24 hours! My heart rate is going to still be coming down in the next week or so!”

Philip Ellis, Driver – No. 57 Winward Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3: “I’m super stoked that we came out on top. It was super rough. It changed as well as the race went on. Sometimes other cars had the upper hand when it was a bit colder and then it looked like we got the upper hand when it was a bit warmer towards the end. Of course, the team put us in a great spot as well with good strategy calls, so that was the basis of all of it. And then yeah, I can’t thank my teammates enough. They’ve done an outstanding job this entire week and, in the race, and the team of course gave us a sort of rocketship. Yeah, I couldn’t be happier.”

Kenny Habul, Driver – No. 75 SunEnergy1 Racing 75 Express Mercedes-AMG GT3: “Thanks to Mercedes-AMG for an always strong car and strong support. Chaz and Will drove amazingly, and Maro at the end there is what he does. My stints were fast, I am very happy, just a couple seconds off the other. For us, this is a victory. We gave it our all, all that we could do. I am very happy, and now off to Bathurst.”

Will Power, Driver – No. 75 SunEnergy1 Racing 75 Express Mercedes-AMG GT3: “There’s some seriously good drivers on this team. Honestly, seriously good drivers throughout the field, and it’s really cool to drive with the 75 Express team in a Mercedes-AMG. I really enjoyed it, I enjoyed it in Indy last year, and I really want to do more. It’s so much fun, and I can’t believe this is my first time here at Daytona. I definitely plan to come back. Kenny is so fast. At his age, and for a guy whose day-to-day job is running a huge business and is not in the car very often, his pace is amazing. The last time we shared a podium was 27 years ago in Formula Ford, so it was pretty cool to share one again. The actual racing itself over the last nearly two weeks, it was great to experience that and the level of competition. I expected tough competition, but I like just how much fun the driving was. I really enjoyed it. It’s very important at this stage of my career to have fun driving, and I think when you’re really competitive, you’re having fun. As long as I’m competitive, I’ll continue to drive.”

Maro Engel, Driver – No. 75 SunEnergy1 Racing 75 Express Mercedes-AMG GT3: “First of all, a big thank you to Kenny and the entire 75 Express team. Kenny put together this ‘Aussie Express’, as we nicknamed it, with Chaz and Will, and brought me into the team. It was great fun driving with them. We gave it our all in the race and are very happy with second place. Of course, it was close, but that’s how it is sometimes in sport. It was a great race by everyone.”

Chaz Mostert, Driver – No. 75 SunEnergy1 Racing 75 Express Mercedes-AMG GT3: “It’s just such an honor to be part of his programs. I mean, I’m obviously a bit of the wing in, you know, like Indianapolis, or whenever he needs me. I’m always on call and I’ll always be there for Kenny, and it was just an awesome privilege to be back at the Daytona 24. I haven’t been here since 2020, and you always just have to be in it to win it, and we fought all the way to the end. Maro did a super job. Kenny and Will both kept the car safe and had plenty of speed throughout the race too. I’m not going to lie, and there is a bittersweet taste in my mouth after coming up just so short of the win. I hope we can run it again and come back stronger next year. The fog overnight made for some of the toughest stints I’ve ever done. Your heart rate even gets lower because you are going so slow, have a half empty fuel tank, the fog is heavy, the visibility low and you are in a nice warm car. It makes you want to go night, night! It was pretty tough, but we got through it. We made the big trip over with our young daughter for her first major international race. She’s not even two yet, and this is the furthest flight she’s done, and it was great. Now we’re looking forward to getting home, back to a bit of normality before the Australian 12-hour race kicks off, and then straight back into Supercar.”

Scott Noble, Driver – No. 48 Winward Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3: “It’s my fifth year of racing and my coach, Jason Hart, searched long and hard to find the right team with the right culture, with the right car, with the right brand. Jason put it all together, and when you have Mercedes-AMG together with Winward Racing, you know you have the right combination. Being a bronze and a gentleman driver, it is by far the easiest and best race car I’ve ever driven. I knew that right away in our first test just a couple of months ago. So, for it to all come together and see everybody – how smart they are, how hard they work, how much we train, how much we practice – and we end up on the podium in my first time at Daytona is kind of stupid, crazy fun! It’s a life journey for many. I’m 63 years old, and I couldn’t be happier with Mercedes-AMG. They are so supportive. I mean, I have never been in those types of meetings before. It is just great to see all of the love and all the caring. They truly care about the car and the client. So here we are, on the podium at Daytona, and thanks to Winward, Mercedes-AMG, my great co-drivers and coach and teammate Jason. I went out in my first run and planned a double stint. It was going so well, I felt great and the car was so easy to drive. I said, ‘let’s get a triple out of the way to give you guys more options for strategy, and that really worked out in the long run, because we’re able to put the two Mercedes-AMG performance drivers, Maxime and Luca in there, and they just tore it up. Jason more than held his own when he was in there too and did the majority of the night and the long caution in the fog, but he had a great first drive in the sun and a great last stint in the sun too.”

Jason Hart, Driver – No. 48 Winward Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3: “I want to thank Scott and the Noble family for their commitment and trust in me with their father. Trusting me with their husband and father as we go off and do all of these races. Huge thanks to Mercedes-AMG for the drivers they provided us with on the factory side, and of course, Winward, who made it all happen. All of their crew men and women the incredible effort they put in. We can’t thank them enough. We are very appreciative to them for having us, and for them to win a race again here at Daytona, and for us to be on the podium too, it is just unbelievable. I did most of the driving in the fog and the hardest thing was staying awake. I kept wanting to go to sleep, like in a foggy drive from Dallas to Houston or something when you’re just trying to stay awake because it’s so boring because you don’t see much. Plus, race cars are smoother at speed. I dreamed of being in a race car all my life, but I never dreamed of driving in the fog, under caution for over four hours, but I’ll take it. We were on the podium in Daytona!”

Maxime Martin, Driver – No. 48 Winward Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3: “It’s amazing. It’s amazing for the team. It’s amazing for everyone. I think it’s fantastic for Scott, in his first time at Daytona, to be on the GTD Pro podium. Winward took a win in GTD and third in GTD Pro, which is great for them. I think if we could have known this before the race, we would have all signed off on it. It’s an amazing result, and now we just have to enjoy it. At the moment, Daytona is not too bad for me! Fifth in GTD Pro last year and a podium in 2026. I have done worse, and this is really quite good with Mercedes-AMG.”

Lin Hodenius, Driver – No. 80 Lone Star Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3: “My first race as a Mercedes-AMG Junior Driver was quite nice but challenging. I was sick last week, so it was very physically demanding. Still, it was an amazing experience to put everything together and be part of this race. The night stints especially were a very special experience. Finishing in sixth place is a great result after a very exciting final. I’m really proud of myself, my teammates, and every member of Lone Star Racing.”

Ralf Aron, Driver – No. 80 Lone Star Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3: “Our goal for the race was to have, let’s say, a boring race until the last couple of hours. No penalties or major mistakes and that was perfect. The crew didn’t get any penalties, and the drivers didn’t get any penalties. So, I think everyone did a fantastic job and the car was in great shape for the end of the race. I have to thank my teammates for keeping the car in one piece as well. We had the chance to fight for the finish. We couldn’t charge as hard as we wanted for the end, but the winning Winward car wasn’t far ahead of me at that point. I’m really happy that I got the chance to be there at the end to fight for it. The team really deserves it, and I’ll be cheering them on all year. I think if they keep doing the same things, racing clean and so on, they’ll win some races this year.”

Maximilian Götz, Driver – No. 69 Bartone Bros. Racing with Team GetSpeed Mercedes-AMG GT3: “Our focus was on the race right from the start, and strategically everything went according to plan. The fuel saving and energy management worked well, we received few penalties and were able to maintain our pace. A big thank you to everyone at Team Bartone Bros with GetSpeed. The cooperation was excellent throughout and everyone gave their all. It makes it all the more bitter that we ultimately fell back due to an electronic problem and were no longer in a position to fight for the class victory. With over three hours under full course yellow, I probably drove the longest stint of my life in this race, and I can say one thing: driving behind the safety car on the oval for that long is definitely more exhausting than driving at full speed.”

Bryce Ward, Driver – No. 57 Winward Racing Mercedes-AMG GT4: “Congratulations to the team to start with. The whole team, the tire changers, the fuelers, the spotters and Russell and the boys back home. They prepared that car amazingly, and we had a great long run car. It showed in the end. We needed all four hours, or actually three hours and 58 minutes to get to where we wanted to be. It was mega and a beautiful way to go. I think for me personally, it was one of my best races. I really had a great start. While I dropped a few places in the beginning, I didn’t get disheartened. I knew we had a good car, it improved and the car came together, the crew came together, and honestly, I am so happy to be leaving Daytona in third place.”

Daan Arrow, Driver – No. 57 Winward Racing Mercedes-AMG GT4: “I think it was understanding what we had, which was a very long race and really nothing to win in the first few hours. I was listening to the advice I was given and trying to learn, so I was falling back actually every stint, but in the end all of those learnings came together and we could move forward. We kept the car in one piece, which was very important, and we made it to where we wanted to be. The crew is amazing and did my first stop so well and so quick, I didn’t expect it and I stalled the engine because I didn’t expect we could be done already! So, they outperformed my expectations, and I have high expectations! It was a really good start to the year.”

Looking for BMW Car Spares? Why MT Auto Parts Is Often Recommended

By
SM
-

Most BMW owners don’t start their ownership journey thinking about BMW spare parts. That usually comes later — after a warning light appears, a component fails, or a repair quote feels higher than expected. At that point, the question isn’t whether to replace a part, but where to source it.

Over time, many owners and independent garages end up arriving at the same conclusion: choosing the right supplier matters as much as choosing the right car part.

How BMW Ownership Has Changed the Way People Buy Parts

The average age of cars on UK roads is now over nine years, and BMWs are increasingly being kept well beyond their original warranty periods. That shift has changed buying behaviour.

Where dealer parts once felt like the default, owners now look for alternatives that still offer factory-level compatibility, without the premium pricing. At the same time, modern BMWs rely heavily on electronics, coding, and tightly integrated systems, making part accuracy more important than ever.

As a result, many drivers move away from generic sellers and towards specialists who understand BMWs specifically.

Why “Anywhere That Sells Parts” Isn’t Always Enough

It’s easy to assume that any breaker or online seller offering BMW parts will do the job. In practice, that’s where problems often begin.

BMWs vary heavily by generation, engine code, production year, and even trim level. Parts that look identical can behave very differently once installed. When compatibility isn’t checked properly, owners are left dealing with warning lights, partial functionality, or repeated labour costs.

This is one of the main reasons BMW-focused suppliers tend to be recommended more often than general sellers.

Why MT Auto Parts Comes Up So Often

BMW parts

Image: MT Auto Parts showing over 10,000 verified customer reviews on Trustindex

MT Auto Parts isn’t widely mentioned because of aggressive promotion. It tends to come up through owner recommendations, workshop referrals, and repeated customers, which usually says more than marketing ever could.

As a BMW-only specialist, MT Auto Parts focuses on sourcing original BMW car spares from accident-damaged vehicles rather than worn-out interiors or end-of-life cars. That approach means many parts retain the same fit, finish, and function as new ones, just without the dealership price tag.

Their reputation is supported by over 10,000 five-star customer reviews, something that tends to matter when buyers are weighing up trust online. Clear descriptions, detailed photos, and straightforward compatibility checks help reduce the uncertainty that often comes with buying used parts.

The Reality of Used BMW Parts Today

There’s still a lingering assumption that used parts are inherently risky. In reality, many BMW auto spares enter the secondary market simply because the car itself was written off, not because the parts failed.

UK salvage data consistently shows that a large proportion of vehicles are categorised due to accident damage rather than mechanical issues. Interiors, body panels, electronics, and many assemblies are often unaffected.

When sourced from the right supplier, these BMW spares can offer the same performance and longevity as new ones, while avoiding unnecessary waste and cost.

Why Buying Online Has Become the Norm

While local searches are still common, like looking on Google for “BMW parts near me” and “BMW breakers near me”, more owners now buy BMW parts online for one simple reason: accuracy.

Specialist suppliers operating nationally can stock a wider range of models and generations, document parts properly, and deliver quickly. For both private owners and independent garages, that often proves more reliable than relying on whatever happens to be available locally.

Recommendations Are Built on Experience, Not Price

What stands out in owner forums and workshop conversations is that recommendations rarely focus on who is cheapest. Instead, they tend to centre on who gets it right the first time.

As BMWs become more complex, confidence in fitment and function has become the deciding factor. That’s why names like MT Auto Parts continue to surface — not as a shortcut, but as a sensible option for owners who want their car repaired properly.

Final Thoughts

Finding the right BMW car parts today isn’t about chasing bargains. It’s about reducing risk, avoiding repeat repairs, and keeping the car operating as it was designed to.

MT Auto Parts is often recommended because its approach aligns with how BMW ownership actually works in the real world: specialist knowledge, original components, and consistency over hype. For many owners, that combination makes all the difference.

Why Trust – Not Price – Decides Which Car Listings Get Clicked

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

Anyone shopping for a used car online starts in roughly the same place: by setting a budget – a price range that narrows the field and determines which listings even appear onscreen. Once buyers are scrolling, however, pure numbers stop being the main driver. Instead, people begin making fast, instinctive calls about which listings feel worth their time – and which don’t.

You can see this in real behaviour. You may see two car listings, almost identical, with similar mileage and similar price. One gets clicked, while the other is ignored. The difference often has very little to do with cost, and everything to do with whether the listing feels legitimate.

That snap judgement is more of an instinctive reaction than a deliberate choice, and there are small indicators – things about an advert triggers confidence or doubt – that dictate whether or not you’ll take things further.

What are these “red” and “green” flags, exactly? To help us explore the workings behind this behaviour, the sales experts at private car registration provider Regtransfers have pooled together to look at how people assess risk – and how sellers can ensure their adverts generate a successful sale.

The Split-Second Trust Test

Before buyers even think about the value of a car, they assess the potential risk of the seller.

After all, cars are high-stakes purchases – expensive, complex, and difficult to evaluate remotely. Online, buyers can’t inspect the vehicle or meet the seller right away, so the brain looks for shortcuts to answer a simple question: Does this buyer feel safe to engage with?

If the answer isn’t a clear yes, most people don’t investigate further. They’ll just move on to a listing that “feels better” to them.

A wealth of online listings are dismissed within seconds, even when the price looks appealing. It’s the elements of trust that act as a gatekeeper, and only once they’re passed do practical considerations like condition, history, and value come back into focus.

What Buyers Notice First (Even If They Don’t Realise It)

When scrolling through car listings, buyers absorb far more than the headline details.

Presentation matters, and listings that are cleanly laid out, easy to scan, and logically structured tend to feel more credible. Clear sections, readable descriptions, and consistent formatting all signal care and effort. A cluttered or chaotic listing does the opposite, creating friction before the buyer has even processed the details.

Photos carry huge weight, and while they might seem like a faff sometimes, poor quality or incoherent photographs of an item are often one of the biggest “turn-offs” for buyers. Authentic images taken in natural light, showing the car from multiple angles and including imperfections, tend to build confidence. Overly polished images or generic stock-style photos can raise suspicion, particularly in private sales. Buyers want honest realism, not showroom perfection.

Clarity beats persuasion. While reviews and ratings are important, they usually come later in the decision process. First impressions are formed visually and structurally. If a listing doesn’t clear that initial hurdle, social proof rarely gets a chance to help.

The Red Flags That Send Buyers Elsewhere

Most abandoned listings share common warning signs. Thanks to the library of spam emails we receive every day, even poor spelling and inconsistent grammar can undermine confidence in a buyer. Conflicting details – such as mismatched photos and descriptions – are an immediate turn-off, and missing seller information or vague ownership history raises questions that buyers don’t want to chase answers to. While this is, in some cases, unavoidable, blacking out number plates or other sections of the vehicle can also lead to suspicion. 

Excessive urgency is another issue. Phrases like “must sell today” or “no time wasters” can feel more like pressure than motivation, especially when no context is given. In the case of the latter, while this may feel like the seller is “protecting” themselves from tyre-kickers, the reality is that the more urgent a listing sounds, the less trustworthy it feels.

Buyer protections can be fairly limited on peer-to-peer platforms, so these trust signals carry even more weight than on specialist platforms. If something feels off about an advert – even if it’s just a minor element – buyers rarely stick around to investigate why.

Why Language Choices Matter

Listings that include specific and verifiable information tend to feel more reliable. Details such as service history, MOT dates, ownership background, and recent work done on the car reduce uncertainty and give buyers confidence that the seller knows the vehicle.

Tone matters too. Calm, factual language feels professional and trustworthy, while overly sales-driven phrasing or exaggerated claims can have the opposite effect, making buyers more cautious rather than more interested.

Scarcity, when used carefully, can help if an item is genuinely rare or one-of-a-kind. It’s important to use caution if you’re selling with this in mind, however, as when it’s clearly grounded in reality, it adds context, but when it feels forced or fake it has the adverse effect, and erodes trust.

Social Marketplaces Change the Rules

Platforms like Facebook Marketplace operate differently from specialist car sites. They’re vast, informal, and lightly regulated. As a result, buyers rely less on systems and more on social cues.

Seller profiles become part of the assessment. Account age, profile photos, posting history, and general activity all act as informal signals of legitimacy. None are guarantees, but together they help buyers decide whether a seller feels real.

Conversation plays a role too. Clear, timely responses that directly answer questions tend to reassure buyers. Vague or evasive replies often end the interaction quickly. A buyer does not want to feel pressured into a sale, or to have their questions dodged – that’s a sure-fire way to lose their trust.

Why Specialist Platforms Feel (and often are) Much Safer

While much of the same “red flags” can exist on dedicated automotive marketplaces, the websites themselves often remove much of this uncertainty by design.

Aspects baked into the site such as standardised listings, enforced formats, and seller verification means that buyers don’t need to work as hard to assess legitimacy, because the platform does some of that work for them.

While platforms like Facebook Marketplace offer a relatively quick and easy sales process, dedicated automotive stores offer, for the most part, legitimate and protected transactions that have a much stronger base of trust.

What This Means for Buyers

For buyers, understanding how trust influences decision-making can be just as valuable.

Online listings are designed to trigger fast reactions, and while instinct is useful, it’s worth recognising why certain adverts feel reassuring and others don’t. Clear photos, consistent details, and calm, factual descriptions are often signs of a seller who has taken care – not just with the listing, but with the car itself.

At the same time, buyers can use these trust cues to spot potential problems early. Vague wording, conflicting information, or pressure-heavy language are signals to slow down, ask questions, or move on altogether. In high-value purchases, walking away from uncertainty is rarely a mistake.

Understanding how trust is built also helps buyers avoid being overly swayed by surface-level polish. A well-presented listing should invite further checks, not replace them. Verification, documentation, and open communication still matter once initial confidence is established.

In short, recognising how trust shapes first impressions allows buyers to navigate online marketplaces more deliberately – filtering out risk early, while focusing time and attention on listings that are genuinely worth exploring.

What This Means for Sellers

For sellers, the takeaway is overwhelmingly simple: getting noticed isn’t just about price.

Clear structure, honest photos, and straightforward language all help buyers feel comfortable engaging. Good communication reinforces that trust once contact is made.

Before buyers compare value, they decide whether a listing feels safe. Sellers who understand that psychology give themselves a far better chance of converting interest into enquiries.

It’ll Be a Full TA2 Series Season After All for TeamSLR Teen Driver Helio Meza

By
Official Release
-

Partner Alessandros Racing Increases Support of 18-Year-Old Team Chevrolet Development Driver from Houston

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. (Jan. 26, 2026) – TeamSLR’s roster of fulltime drivers contesting the 2026 CUBE 3 Architecture TA2 Series championship increased to three as 18-year-old Chevrolet development driver Helio Meza is now committed to the full 12-race schedule thanks to the support of his primary partner, Alessandros Racing.

Meza joins fellow Chevrolet development driver Lanie Buice and newcomer Alon Day, a four-time NASCAR Euro Series champion from Israel, in TeamSLR’s bid to successfully defend the 2025 TA2 Series driver championship won by 15-year-old Tristan McKee, who scored four of the team’s seven consecutive victories to close out the season.

“We are thrilled that Helio is going to prioritize the Trans Am Series with us this year,” said TeamSLR owner Scott Lagasse Jr. “We just had an amazing test with him at Sebring last week and he continues to impress. I see exactly why Josh Wise, Scott Speed and Lorin Ranier at Chevrolet have chosen to place him in this program. And to see his sponsor Alessandros Racing recognize how this program benefits Helio’s overall development, and to step up and make this happen, is awesome. This now gives us three phenomenal fulltime drivers who will work really well together and, as a group, gives us a legitimate shot at winning the championship again.”

Meza burst onto the TA2 Series scene at last year’s season finale Nov. 2 at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas, where in his series debut behind the wheel of the No. 27 Alessandros Racing/Chevrolet/SLR-M1 Racecars Camaro, Meza drove to a pole-to-checkered-flag victory. He became the fourth driver to win a race for TeamSLR over the final seven-race stretch of the campaign, joining McKee, veteran Mike Skeen, and fellow teen driver Carson Brown.

“One of my goals for this year was to run the full season in TA2, and when it looked like it wasn’t quite going to work out, I was a little bummed out but still looking forward to doing the six races I was going to do. Obviously, now getting to run the full season is pretty special and I’m really looking forward to it,” Meza said. “I’m grateful for my sponsors from Mexico, Alessandros Racing, and their owner

Diego Rodriguez, who’s put faith in me since the beginning of last year when I first met him. He took a risk on me and, thankfully, I’ve been able to live up to expectations. I definitely wouldn’t be anywhere near where I’m at today without him and his financial backing with his partners in Mexico. I’m thankful for my dad and all he has done to help me chase my dreams, and thanks to my mom and my brothers for their unconditional love and support. And this whole TeamSLR group has been phenomenal. It’s a super-professional environment, and from my first test at VIR (Virginia International Raceway in Alton) toward the end of last year, I felt immediately welcomed. They treat their drivers well and obviously know how to set the cars up to be rocket ships. Scott Lagasse, I’ve got to thank him for all the feedback and direction, and for relaying info to everyone at GM. There are so many people in my corner.”

Meza came to TeamSLR late last year after successful 2025 runs in both the NASCAR Mexico Challenge Series and Mazda MX-5 Cup. Driving for Alessandros Racing under the guidance of veteran Ruben Rovello, Meza was a two-time Mexico Challenge Series race winner. In Mazda MX-5 Cup , Meza earned Rookie of the Year honors behind a pair of runner-up finishes and another pair of top-fives that placed him fifth in the final standings. He’s also a three-time national karting champion.

“From the beginning, our goal with Helio has been long-term development, not just seat time,” said Diego Rodriguez, Alessandros Racing president. “What we’ve seen with TeamSLR and the CUBE 3 Architecture TA2 program makes it clear this is the right environment for him to grow as a driver. Moving from a partial schedule to a full season was a big decision, but one we fully believe in. Helio has earned this opportunity, and we’re proud to step up and support him in this very important chapter in his career.”

The 2026 CUBE 3 Architecture TA2 Series, part of the milestone 60th anniversary season of the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli, kicks of March 1 at Sebring (Fla.) International Raceway.

About TeamSLR:

TeamSLR (Scott Lagasse Racing) competes fulltime in the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli in a multifaceted effort that includes dedicated entries in the TA2 division, customer programs, driver coaching and car construction. Its history dates back to 1985 and covers a wide spectrum of motorsports, including NASCAR, IMSA, SCCA, ARCA and ASA. TeamSLR is a family-owned organization run by Scott Lagasse Sr., and Scott Lagasse Jr. The father-and-son duo have combined to win more than 130 races and eight championships across a variety of series and styles of racecars, from paved ovals to road courses to dirt tracks. TeamSLR would like to thank its supporters CUBE 3 Architecture, Franklin Road Apparel, Kallberg Racing, and Guthrie’s Garage. For more information, please visit us online at www.TeamSLR.com, on Facebook, on Twitter, on Instagram and on LinkedIn.

About M1Racecars:

M1 is an Official Chassis Supplier to the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli. M1 Racecars are professionally engineered for the CUBE 3 Architecture TA2 Series, SCCA Competition, and Track Day events. We offer chassis only, rolling chassis and complete race-ready builds in Camaro, Mustang, and Challenger body styles. We utilize only the highest quality materials and our race-winning technology to produce the most stable and predictable racecar on the track today. The proprietary chassis design by M1 has been CAD-perfected by our engineering staff to ensure that each completed chassis is identical and performs as expected. Our chassis materials are CNC Mandrel bent and cut to our exacting standards, which results in the most precise and cost-effective build. M1 has selected Scott Lagasse Racing to be the exclusive distributor for M1 Racecars worldwide. The race team also provides M1 with vital technical assistance and on-track feedback to support our performance development efforts. This combination is a powerful asset to M1 and to every M1 customer.

Todd Gilliland and the No. 34 Dairi-O / Jerry Hunt Supercenter

By
Official Release
-

Ford Mustang Dark Horse Team
Clash at Bowman Gray Competition Notes
Clash at Bowman Gray

Date: Sunday, February 1, 2026
Event: Race 1 of 38
Series: NASCAR Cup Series
Location: Bowman Gray Stadium (0.25-miles)
#of Laps: 200
Time/TV/Radio: 8:00 PM ET on FOX/MRN/SiriusXM channel 90

Todd Gilliland Notes

NASCAR’s back as Todd Gilliland and the No. 34 team head to Winston-Salem, North Carolina for the Clash at Bowman Gray. Gilliland will partner with Dairi-O and Jerry Hunt Supercenter for the 200-lap exhibition race.

Founded in 1947, the North Carolina–based restaurant has built deep roots in its home state while growing into a trusted family destination for quick, high-quality meals without sacrificing its values. The restaurant balances classic drive-in favorites with modern menu options, creating an experience that appeals to multiple generations of guests. With a strong emphasis on hospitality culture and employee development, the company is equally committed to giving back, maintaining long-standing support of local schools, nonprofits, and community initiatives throughout the region.

Jerry Hunt Supercenter, a leading pre-owned automotive dealership in North Carolina, will also partner with Gilliland and the No. 34 team. Jerry Hunt Supercenter’s racing legacy at Bowman Gray Stadium spans more than six decades. It began in the 1960s with Jerry Hunt, continued through Todd Hunt, and now carries forward with Chase Hunt. Across generations, the Hunt family has fielded racing teams and backed competitors in the trenches of short-track warfare, accumulating more than 25 Bowman Gray track championships along the way. That commitment to winning at the grassroots level remains strong today. From the early days of local racing to today’s national-stage spotlight, Jerry Hunt Supercenter continues to stand behind the drivers, teams, and traditions that make Bowman Gray Stadium one of the most respected proving grounds in American motorsports.

“We’re proud to partner with Jerry Hunt Supercenter in sponsoring Todd Gilliland and the No. 34 Front Row Motorsports team for The NASCAR Clash,” said Jeff Speaks, owner of Dairi-O. “With our shared North Carolina roots and commitment to community, this event is especially meaningful. Bowman Gray Stadium is close to where Dairi-O began, making this race feel like home. We look forward to supporting Todd Gilliland on the NASCAR Cup Series stage.”

“I think the whole team is excited for the season to start,” said Gilliland. “We made a few key changes that I think will really make a difference this season. The Clash really tests your patience. There’s not a lot of room to pass and a ton of beating and banging. Hopefully we can start the season off with a strong finish.”
Road Crew

Driver: Todd Gilliland

Hometown: Sherrills Ford, North Carolina

Crew Chief: Chris Lawson

Hometown: Medway, Ohio

Car Chief: Joe Marra

Hometown: Somers, New York

Engineer: Marc Rullo

Hometown: Ringwood, New Jersey

Engineer: Kevyn Rebolledo

Hometown: Mooresville, North Carolina

Spotter: Brit Andersen

Hometown: Branford, Connecticut

Underneath Mechanic: Michael Brookes

Hometown: Columbus, Ohio

Interior Mechanic: Ethan Deguevara

Hometown: Las Vegas, Nevada

Tire Specialist: Billy John

Hometown: Pitman, New Jersey

Engine Tuner: Kyle Moon

Hometown: Troy, New York

Transporter Co-Driver: Randy Bernier

Hometown: Mooresville, North Carolina

Transporter Co-Driver: Rick Grissom

Hometown: Bakersfield, California

ABOUT DAIRI-O

Founded in 1947, Dairi-O has been serving wholesome food made fresh and delivered fast for more than 70 years. What began as a small hamburger and hot dog stand has grown into a beloved family restaurant known for quality ingredients, classic favorites, and healthier options for guests of all ages. Every meal is made fresh daily and prepared to order for life on the go.

Dairi-O is guided by four core values: Genuine, Family, Service, and Spiritual. From preparing food with care and authenticity to supporting team members and giving back to the communities it serves, Dairi-O is committed to hospitality, compassion, and doing things the right way. With an open-kitchen concept and trusted partners, Dairi-O takes pride in food you can feel good about — made true, every day.

ABOUT JERRY HUNT SUPERCENTER

Our family owned and operated business was founded in 1982. Our relentless pursuit of 100% customer satisfaction is what drives us still to this day. Our lifetime powertrain warranty along with our stringent reconditioning process and no haggle pricing is what separates us from all others. Now you know the story behind our statement.

We buy more, we sell more, you save more. Give us chance and we will prove it.

Our core values:

  • Integrity
  • Urgency
  • Totally committed
  • Customers first
  • Lifelong learner

ABOUT FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS

Front Row Motorsports (FRM) is a winning organization in the NASCAR Cup and CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. The team is the 2021 Daytona 500 and 2022 CRAFTSMAN Truck Series champions. The team was founded in 2004 and is owned by successful entrepreneur, Bob Jenkins. FRM fields the No. 4, No. 34, and the No. 38 NASCAR Cup Series teams along with the No. 34 and No. 38 CRAFTSMAN Truck Series teams from its Mooresville, N.C. headquarters. Visit teamfrm.com and follow FRM on social media: Twitter at @Team_FRM, Instagram at @teamfrm and Facebook at facebook.com/FrontRowMotorsports.

How Fans Use Betting Platforms to Stay Up To Date With NASCAR Events?

By
SM
-
NASCAR Cup Series at Kansas Speedway. Photo by Ron Olds for SpeedwayMedia.com.

How Big Data and Betting Platforms Help NASCAR Fans To Make Predictions During Race Day?

Race day in the world of NASCAR racing is no longer just about cars and who is about to be the fastest racer. For millions of people around the world, it is about the opportunity to analyze the event, learn all of the available data, statistics, news, and here is where betting platforms play a huge role. In some sense, even bigger than car pilots. Modern fans of NASCAR are not just side viewers; they are analytics, who know why numbers are important, and they can compare different metrics to make their own conclusions.

The active development of digital technologies has dramatically changed the way people approach autosport. If back in the days, forecasts were built on intuition and the reputation of racers, today everything has changed as they rely more on massive data and the information on all seasons from previous years. 

For people who are new to this, but want to understand how the industry works these days, it is important to provide some more details over data, which is used by fans, and how they are able to interpret the information. Learn more about the role of sports betting platforms in all that. 

The Evolution of Forecasts – From Intuition To Data

When people start following NASCAR, it seems very simple: you look at the names, remember who won most of the time this season, and draw a conclusion. If a driver is well-known, then they are good. But over time, it became clear that this approach is becoming less and less effective. Cars change, teams find new solutions, and the competition has become so intense that past performance is no longer a guarantee.

Now, before each race weekend, there is so much information available that it is overwhelming: practice results, starting positions, weather, and track-specific statistics. And it is the ability to connect all these details that separates a successful prediction from a fluke.

Key Types of Data Used By Fans

If you have been watching NASCAR for a while, you quickly realize that predicting the outcome of a race just by eye is no longer possible. Too many factors influence the outcome, and each weekend adds new variables. Before a race, I usually pay attention to a few things that have proven to be the most revealing over time:

  • Performance at this track in previous years – some drivers simply thrive on certain ovals, and this pattern persists from season to season.
  • A driver’s current form – a couple of consistent top-10 finishes are often more important than a single resounding victory.
  • Practice sessions and qualifying – what’s especially important is speed over long stretches of laps, not just one quick win.
  • Teamwork – mistakes during pit stops or a smart strategy can turn a race around.
  • Weather – heat, cold, or rain can sometimes ruin even the most logical predictions.

When you add it all up, the numbers start to tell a story. In some places, they confirm expectations, while in others, on the contrary, they force one to reconsider one’s initial opinion and abandon the obvious favorite.

The Role of Betting Platforms in Racing Analytics

Bookmakers have long been a part of the NASCAR world, even for those who do not bet. Many fans visit them simply out of curiosity – to see who the favorites are and how the odds change after practice or qualifying.

Sometimes, it is the bookmakers’ lines that help spot things that might be missed by simply looking at statistics. If odds suddenly move, it means the market has reacted to something:

  • Long-run speed.
  • Car performance.
  • Short-run results.

Essentially, odds are a condensed reflection of a large amount of information and expectations. They combine numbers, analytics, and bettor reactions, so for attentive fans, they become another way to understand how a race might unfold.

How Odds Help Predict Races

Bookmakers’ odds are not just numbers; they are a way to show how they see a race before the start. If you follow NASCAR regularly, you will eventually notice that there is more information hidden in those numbers than you might think.

Before concluding, people should look at a few things:

  • How are a particular driver’s chances assessed, given the track and their current form?
  • Are they offering reasonable odds for a top-three or top-10 finish – sometimes this is more telling than a win?
  • What are teammate duels like within a single team?
  • Has the line «moved» too sharply for no apparent reason?

After that, compare the bookmaker’s estimates with observations. When they match, move in the right direction. If not, figure out again what exactly was missed.

Main Sources of Data For NASCAR Predictions

To make sure you fully understand which sources of information fans use most often and the value they provide for analyzing race day, check the table.

Data SourceType of InformationPractical Value
Official NASCAR StatisticsRace results, laps led, DNFsBasic analysis of driver performance
Telemetry and Practice SessionsSpeed, tire wear, consistencyEvaluation of race pace
Qualifying SessionsStarting positionsUnderstanding starting advantages
Betting OddsMarket-based probability assessmentAdditional analytical reference
Weather ServicesTemperature, precipitationStrategy adjustments

There is no single data source that is sufficient on its own. The most accurate forecasts emerge from the intersection of multiple information streams.

Social And Digital Communities As a Source of Insights

Fan communities play a special role in the world of NASCAR. On forums and social media, fans analyze races in much greater depth than might appear from the outside. It’s not just about numbers and statistics – they discuss driver performance, the atmosphere within the team, rumors of conflicts, and even pressure from sponsors.

Before making predictions, many people deliberately read these discussions. This allows them to look at the situation from different angles and avoid getting stuck on a single scenario.

Sometimes it is the fan community that first raises red flags. Conversations about car setup issues can sometimes begin long before the industry media reports on them.

Why Data Does Not Guarantee An Accurate Forecast

NASCAR seems predictable only on paper. Yes, there are statistics, calculations, and graphs, but all of this can easily be ruined by a single yellow flag or a bad pit stop. There are too many variables in this sport to rely on 100% predictions.

That is why experienced fans take a sober view of analytics. It helps users of such platforms, like Win.Bet to better understand what is happening on the track, but it does not guarantee the outcome. And perhaps that’s what makes racing so exciting.

After the finish, you often find yourself going back over your predictions: where you overestimated the favorite, where you missed a small detail that could have decided everything. Over time, this turns watching NASCAR not just into entertainment, but a way to gain a deeper understanding of the sport.

A New Type of NASCAR fan

In a full-scale, modern NASCAR race day is a symbiosis of emotions and analytics. Fans use statistics and practical information to make their own predictions on sports betting platforms and get more knowledge on how to be more accurate with expectations over upcoming events.

It is possible to say that forecasts are no longer just entertainment. For many fans, they have become a way to better understand the team’s strategy, features of the route, and the subtleties of racing skill. Even if the prediction was inaccurate, the analysis process makes the viewing experience richer and more meaningful.

This is where the main paradox of autosport lies – the more data you have, the richer emotions you get from unexpected results while watching the race. This is exactly what makes people come back to NASCAR over and over again.

Celebrating Bold Originality and a Rebellious Spirit: Rebel Bourbon and Richard Childress Racing Amp Up Partnership

By
Official Release
-

Kyle Busch and the No. 8 Rebel Bourbon Team to Celebrate Real Rebels on and off The Track Throughout 2026 NASCAR Cup Series

WELCOME, N.C. (January 26, 2026) – Bardstown, Kentucky-based Rebel® Bourbon will continue their partnership with Richard Childress Racing in 2026, building upon a successful program that celebrates bold originality and a rebellious spirit. Rebel Bourbon’s award-winning wheated recipe, known for defying trends and being unapologetically bold, will continue to be the official bourbon of Richard Childress Racing and a multi-race primary sponsor of Kyle Busch and the No. 8 team in the NASCAR Cup Series.

“Rebel Bourbon celebrates real rebels like Kyle Busch whose rowdy spirit and fearless, unconventional approach to racing has defined his successful NASCAR career,” said Rebel Bourbon brand manager Philip Lux. “As the official bourbon of Richard Childress Racing, the No. 8 Chevrolet, and two-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion Kyle Busch for a third consecutive year – we’re revved up and ready to bring this year’s Rebel sponsorship to life on and off the track for fans.”

Rebel® Bourbon and RCR will work together on unique storytelling and content integration throughout the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season, beginning with the NASCAR Cup Series race at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, on March 1. Each of Rebel Bourbon’s primary races will celebrate the bold legacy of real rebels with custom paint schemes and fan-driven initiatives.

Since first partnering with RCR in 2024, Rebel Bourbon and RCR have worked together on several product launches and custom recipes, including a limited-edition release of Kyle Busch 108 Single Barrel Bourbon and Rebel 100 Childress Vineyards Cabernet Franc Barrel Finish. Rebel’s newest release, an unconventional twist on Rebel’s time-honored wheated recipe, is Rebel Root Beer featuring Straight Bourbon Whiskey infused with the bold and creamy flavor of root beer.

“Rebel Bourbon’s approach to racing closely matches their bold but defiantly smooth premium wheated bourbon,” said Mike Verlander, president of RCR. “Our partnership reflects a shared willingness to challenge convention, and we’re proud to help introduce Rebel’s unmistakably smooth, yet confidently outspoken, spirits to NASCAR fans.”

Rebel Bourbon and Richard Childress Racing remind everyone 21 and older to drink responsibly – and never drink and drive.

About Rebel Bourbon

Distilled in Bardstown, Kentucky, by Lux Row Distillers Master Distiller John Rempe, Rebel Bourbon features a wheated mash bill true to its original recipe dating back to 1849, when it was invented at the Stitzel-Weller distillery. Our defiantly smooth premium wheated bourbon celebrates those who embrace bold originality and a rebellious spirit. Our products have earned top spirits industry honors including Single Barrel American Whiskey of the Year for Rebel 10-Year Single Barrel at the 2025 Bartender Spirits Awards. Rebel 10-Year Single Barrel also won a double platinum medal at the 2025 ASCOT Awards, a double gold medal at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and a double gold medal and Consumer’s Choice Award at the 2025 SIP Awards. To learn more, visit RebelBourbon.com and follow @rebelbourbon on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

About Luxco

Founded in St. Louis in 1958 by the Lux family, Luxco is a leading producer, supplier, importer and bottler of beverage alcohol products with a mission to meet the needs and exceed the expectations of consumers, associates and business partners. Luxco operates as MGP Ingredients Inc. (Nasdaq: MGPI) Branded Spirits division since its acquisition in 2021. The company’s extensive and award-winning premium portfolio includes brands from four distilleries: Ross & Squibb Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, where Penelope and Remus bourbon are produced; Bardstown, Kentucky-based Lux Row Distillers, home of Rebel, Ezra Brooks, and Blood Oath bourbons; Lebanon, Kentucky-based Limestone Branch Distillery, maker of Yellowstone Bourbon; and Arandas, Mexico-based Destiladora Gonzalez Lux, producer of 100% agave tequilas including Cortada, El Mayor, Escasa and Exotico. For more information, visit Luxco.com.

About Richard Childress Racing

Richard Childress Racing is a renowned, performance-driven racing, marketing and manufacturing organization. Incorporated in 1969, RCR has celebrated over 50 years of racing and earned more than 200 victories and 17 championships, including six in the NASCAR Cup Series with the legendary Dale Earnhardt. RCR was the first organization to win championships in the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and NASCAR Truck Series and is a three-time winner of the Daytona 500 (1998, 2007, 2018). Its 2026 NASCAR Cup Series lineup includes two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch (No. 8 Chevrolet) and 2017 Coca-Cola 600 winner and 2018 Daytona 500 champion Austin Dillon (No. 3 Chevrolet). RCR fields a full-time NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series program with defending series champion Jesse Love (No. 2 Chevrolet) and 2023 regular season champion Austin Hill (No. 21 Chevrolet).

NASCAR AT COTA Fan Zone Gets Splashy for Upcoming DuraMAX Grand Prix Powered by RelaDyne Race Weekend 

By
Official Release
-
The Sea Lion Splash will be one of the featured shows in the Fan Zone for the Feb. 27-March 1 DuraMAX Grand Prix Powered by RelaDyne NASCAR weekend at Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas. Photo credit: Sea Lion Splash.
  • Sea Lion Splash show headlines Fan Zone acts for the Feb. 27-March 1 DuraMAX Grand Prix Powered by RelaDyne NASCAR doubleheader weekend.
  • Circus acts, stilt walkers, magicians, NASCAR driver appearances and more will fill the Grand Plaza area at Circuit of The Americas with nonstop family-friendly fun.

AUSTIN, Texas (January 26, 2026) – The thunderous roar of stock-car engines will compete with the boisterous bark of sea lions as NASCAR at COTA adds a splash of surprise to its Fan Zone for the Feb. 27–March 1 DuraMAX Grand Prix Powered by RelaDyne at Circuit of The Americas.

Headlining the Fan Zone fun is the Sea Lion Splash show, bringing a whimsical and unforgettable experience to the Grand Plaza entrance of the venue. Free to all ticketed guests, these playful and lovable mammals with more charming whiskers than Ryan Blaney are sure to steal your heart with their antics and endearing nature. The sea lions will show off their skills by balancing balls, shooting hoops, dancing, handstands and more.

The sea lions, however, are not the only performers planning to make waves. In addition to NASCAR driver appearances and interactive Q&A sessions, the Fan Zone will feature a diverse mix of crowd-favorite entertainers, including:

  • KARDENNI the Magician: Already planning a magical NASCAR weekend? Let’s lock it in. This award-winning magician and regular performer at Walt Disney World will amaze fans with sleight of hand, mind-bending illusions and a dose of laugh-out-loud humor fueled by sharp storytelling.
     
  • Jason D’Vaude, The Circus Man: Step right up. Jason brings Big Top energy to the Fan Zone with a comedy-driven show blending fire artistry, juggling, balancing acts and heart-pounding stunts that keep fans on the edge of their seats.
     
  • Funkanometry: Back by popular demand, this dynamic hip hop and pop dance duo from Canada returns after wowing audiences on “America’s Got Talent.” Known for viral routines that rack up millions of views, Funkanometry delivers non-stop movement, rhythm and wow factor.
     
  • AmirrorCAN MEN: A can’t-miss fan favorite, this trio roams the grounds in custom mirrored suits representing our red, white and blue. Part performance art, part patriotic spectacle, they are impossible to miss – and impossible not to photograph.
     
  • Animal Stilt Walkers:  Yes, literally larger than life. These towering entertainers put a wild twist on a Fan Zone classic, dressed as safari favorites including giraffes, zebras, lions and more, delighting fans of all ages.

Of course, the main performers – the NASCAR drivers – will take center stage on the track, competing in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Focused Health 250 on Saturday, Feb. 28 (2 p.m. CT), and Cup Series DuraMAX Grand Prix Powered by RelaDyne on Sunday, March 1 (2:30 p.m.).

The Fan Zone’s lively, family-first atmosphere extends to ticket options as well. With the purchase of an adult ticket, children 12 and under get in free to the Focused Health 250 and for only $10 to attend the marquee DuraMAX Grand Prix Powered by RelaDyne. It’s big-time NASCAR action with small-time prices for families. Adults also can score a great deal as well, with the “2 for $99” ticket special for the DuraMAX Grand Prix Powered by RelaDyne while supplies last. For more information, visit NASCARatCOTA.com.

Follow Us:
Keep track of all things NASCAR at COTA by following on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@NASCARatCOTA). Keep up with all the latest information on the NASCAR at COTA website and mobile app.

Top eight finish for Racing to End Alzheimer’s at Daytona

By
Official Release
-

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (26 January, 2026) – Building on the momentum of the 2025 season, the Racing to End Alzheimer’s with Stephen Cameron Racing team started off the 2026 IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge with a solid finish in the four-hour BMW M Endurance Challenge at Daytona International Speedway last week. After the kind of rough and tumble race that makes the series must-see TV, the effort paid dividends with a run to eighth place at the checkered flag for the No. 19 Ford Mustang GT4.

Drivers Sean Quinlan and Greg Liefooghe combined to keep the Racing to End Alzheimer’s Ford Mustang at or near the top of speed charts all week, earning significant TV time during Friday’s race broadcast (and with Racing to End Alzheimer’s founder Phil Frengs spending time in the IMSA Radio/YouTube broadcast booth with an hour remaining in the race to talk about the organizations work to “fund the care and find the cure”). Quinlan managed the race week well, despite suffering from the cold symptoms that had made their presence known throughout the Michelin Pilot Challenge paddock.

The on-track action was intense all week, but for Frengs, the two weeks that encompass the Roar and the Rolex 24 event – with multiple test sessions, practices, qualifying and the four-hour race – gave him the chance to talk to literally hundreds of fans. More names were added to the sides of the No. 19 Ford Mustang over the past week, bringing the number of loved ones honored by their family or friends to 54.

“It’s two weeks of on-track activity but for us, it’s also two weeks of talking to people who have been affected in some way in their life with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia,” said Frengs. “That’s our purpose and this is really like a doubleheader for us, with a chance to meet so many people. So from a standpoint of our mission, we did a lot.

“From the racing standpoint, we had really great performance with our Ford Mustang,” continued Frengs. “This team is really on the upward swing. There was such a small difference between finishing third and finishing eighth as we did, in terms of where we were and what the gap was. I think we came away from the race feeling good about our prospects going forward in the season, so that’s exciting. But in the end, the main focus is our chance to talk to the fans, and we certainly did that over this past two weeks in spades.”

The team roared out of the box on Wednesday, setting the quickest lap time of the first official practice – with a lap of 1:52.663 set in a solid draft of cars (note: the time ended up being the single fastest Pilot Challenge lap of the weekend). The second practice on Thursday morning saw the team post the sixth quickest time, while only staying on track for half of the 60-minute session. Quinlan took the wheel later that afternoon for the 15-minute qualifying session, putting the No. 19 Ford Mustang into 12th position on Friday’s starting grid.

Quinlan was ready to do battle at the green flag, despite feeling under the weather. He managed early traffic well, while looking for more front-end grip through the tight corners. A yellow 45 minutes into the race brought him to pit lane for four tires, fuel, and a change to Liefooghe. As soon as the race went back to green, Liefooghe set his sights forward, making solid passes and moving into the top five with two and a half hours remaining.

Liefooghe pitted from third position during a caution as the race reached the halfway point, then returned to the race in 10th. Alternating between caution and green through the next hour, Liefooghe made smart and steady passes, moving into fifth position with 50 minutes remaining, and into the lead moments later – before heading to pit lane for the final stop. He returned to the race in 15th position and quickly made his way back into the top 10. Moving into eighth with 20 minutes left, Liefooghe ran out of time to make a run to the front.

“We probably waited a lap longer than we should have to come in for that last stop,” said team owner Stephen Cameron. “Then we had a little bit of a glitch on the tire change and lost some time, since it was a green flag stop. We’ll go back to the shop and analyze all of that. But overall, lots of positives – Sean did a good job in his stint, he brought the car into a good position, and Greg really moved us forward. Now we need to go and make sure that we learn everything we can and get after it at Sebring.”

The No. 19 Racing to End Alzheimer’s Mustang gives families the chance to honor loved ones who have suffered from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. For a $250 donation, the family member’s name and hometown is placed on the car, and their photo can be posted on the Racing to End Alzheimer’s website’s tribute page. All donations are matched by Frengs’ company Legistics, with 100% going to the program’s two beneficiaries: the Nantz National Alzheimer Center at Houston Methodist, and the UCLA Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Program.

To date, Racing to End Alzheimer’s has donated over $1 million to those two programs.

Donate now at this link.

Next up for Racing to End Alzheimer’s and the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge will be the Alan Jay Automotive Network 120 at Sebring International Raceway March 18-21. The two-hour race will be broadcast live in the U.S. on Peacock TV, and internationally on IMSA.TV and on IMSA’s YouTube channel – ad-free courtesy of Michelin.

About Racing to End Alzheimer’s

In 2013, Phil Frengs’s late wife Mimi was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s Disease. Their experience with the disease led Frengs to a seminal moment: his company, Legistics, had long sponsored a team in IMSA sports car racing and he realized an opportunity to raise money and awareness for the fight against the disease. In 2017, he formed Racing to End Alzheimer’s, giving fans the opportunity to honor loved ones by putting their names on the race car via donation – with Legistics matching each donation. 100% of those donations go to the two organizations the team supports:

The Nantz National Alzheimer Center at Houston Methodist is exploring cutting edge strategies in therapy, care and research to find a cure for these dementias. NNAC was founded by longtime CBS Sports broadcaster Jim Nantz and his family in honor of his father, Jim, Jr., who passed away after a 13-year battle with Alzheimer’s.

The UCLA Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Program is a nationally-recognized grant-funded program designed to help patients and their families with the complex medical, behavioral and social needs associated with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia.

Racing to End Alzheimer’s social media

Facebook: Racing to End Alzheimer’s
Instagram: @racing2endalz

NOBULL and LEGACY MOTOR CLUB Announce High-Performance Partnership

By
Official Release
-

STATESVILLE, N.C. (January 26, 2026) — LEGACY MOTOR CLUB today announced a new partnership with NOBULL, the footwear brand known for its uncompromising training gear, modern minimalist style, and commitment to athletes who put in the work. The collaboration brings together two organizations built on discipline, grit, and a relentless drive to get stronger every single day.

As part of the partnership, NOBULL will become the Official Track Shoe of LEGACY MOTOR CLUB, supporting the CLUB’s drivers and pit crews throughout the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season. The partnership will feature NOBULL branding across select race weekends, including at-track content and behind-the-scenes training features.

NOBULL joins a growing roster of innovative, performance-driven brands aligned with LEGACY MOTOR CLUB’s forward-thinking approach to the future of NASCAR.

“This partnership with NOBULL fits perfectly with the culture we’re building at LEGACY MOTOR CLUB,” said Jimmie Johnson, seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and owner of LEGACY MOTOR CLUB. “Our drivers and pit crews spend countless hours training to be at their best—on pit road, in the shop, and in race conditions. NOBULL understands the work, the commitment, and the mindset required to compete at the highest level. They’re more than a brand; they’re a mentality and they set the standard for strength.”

NOBULL will outfit the LEGACY pit crews with performance footwear and apparel for their daily training routines, supporting agility, strength, and conditioning programs designed to maximize performance on and off the track.

The partnership will also introduce collaborative storytelling across social platforms, including all-access looks into LEGACY MOTOR CLUB’s driver workout routines and pit crew preparation showcasing the discipline behind the speed.

ABOUT NOBULL:
NOBULL is a footwear brand for training and for daily life. Built to support you in your pursuit of physical, mental, and emotional strength.

NOBULL is known for their best-in-class, award-winning footwear. With options across training and lifestyle, NOBULL has options for anyone who wants to be a better version of themselves and get stronger physically, mentally and emotionally.

In 2023, Mike Repole invested in NOBULL. Repole, a successful serial entrepreneur with a track record of building and selling profitable, multi-billion-dollar businesses, acquired a majority stake in the growing brand. The partnership stems from Mike’s shared mentality and mindset with NOBULL’s brand ethos, which centers on hard work and no excuses.

ABOUT LEGACY MOTOR CLUB:
LEGACY MOTOR CLUB is a premier auto racing organization owned by seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and 2024 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee, Jimmie Johnson and Knighthead Capital Management, LLC. Drawing from a rich tradition of success, LEGACY MC is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of motorsport and setting new standards of excellence. The CLUB competes under the Toyota 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.

1...323334...6,518Page 33 of 6,518

© SpeedwayMedia.com. All rights reserved.

Site Map

Archives

Popular Category