Home Blog Page 331

Magnus Racing Confirms Petit Le Mans Return, Heylen to Join Team

By
Official Release
-

SALT LAKE CITY, UT (September 16, 2025) – Adding another edition to their limited 2025 campaign, Magnus Racing is pleased to announce their commitment to the upcoming MOTUL Petit Le Mans, the final round of this year’s IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship. Joining team veterans John Potter and Spencer Pumpelly in the No. 44 Aston Martin Vantage GT3 EVO, long-time IMSA competitor Jan Heylen will join the team at the historic Road Atlanta circuit.

“It’s great to return to competition during our limited season,” stated Magnus Racing owner and driver John Potter. “Petit Le Mans is something well engrained in the roots of our team, going back to our origins, and we’re excited to push for another result. Adding Jan Heylen to the team should be a great addition, he’s someone we’ve competed against for many years and it will be nice to finally have him under our tent.”

Hailing from Belgium, but with a long established career in the United States, Jan Heylen has become a staple of IMSA competition. A winner of the Rolex 24 at Daytona as well as multiple races in both the WeatherTech Sports Car Championship and Michelin Pilot Challenge, Heylen is one of the most versatile and adaptable drivers in the paddock, although this event will mark his debut both with the team and Aston Martin machinery.

“I’m really looking forward to joining everyone at Magnus Racing and Aston Martin,” stated Heylen. “I’ve raced against the team for many years, so it will be nice to finally join the group and help them achieve the ultimate goal at Petit. The Aston Martin is a very different car from what I’ve been competing with over the last several years, but it’s always been a strong car and one I look forward to getting more time with.”

This year’s MOTUL Petit Le Mans will mark the third for Magnus in 2025, who has been on a partial season due to business commitments for team owner John Potter. At the season opening Rolex 24 at Daytona, an engine failure would sideline the team early in the race, which was followed most recently by the Six Hours of the Glen in June, where the team was forced to retire due to another car striking them and creating terminal damage.

Practice for this year’s race will begin on Thursday, October 9, with the 10-hour race taking place on Saturday, October 11.

Charlotte Advance for the NHRA Four-Wide Carolina Nationals

By
Official Release
-

Tony Stewart & Matt Hagan
Dodge Direct Connection Top Fuel & Funny Car Drivers
NHRA Four-Wide Carolina Nationals
Sept. 19-21 | Charlotte, North Carolina

Event Overview
Friday, Sept. 19 (Nitro Qualifying, streamed live on NHRA.TV)
Nitro qualifying session (Q1): 4:45 p.m. EDT
Nitro qualifying session (Q2): 7 p.m. EDT

Saturday, Sept. 20 (Nitro Qualifying, streamed live on NHRA.TV)
Nitro qualifying session (Q3): 12:30 p.m. EDT
Nitro qualifying session (Q4): 3 p.m. EDT

Sunday, Sept. 21 (Nitro Eliminations, streamed live on NHRA.TV)
Round 1: 11:30 a.m. EDT
Round 2: 1:30 p.m. EDT
Finals: 3:20 p.m. EDT

TV coverage on FS1
Sunday, Sept. 21: Qualifying show recapping Friday and Saturday’s action (10 a.m. EDT)
Sunday, Sept. 21: Finals show (12 p.m. EDT)

Notes of Interest

The NHRA Four-Wide Carolina Nationals near Charlotte, North Carolina, is the 16th race on the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series’ 20-race schedule and it serves as the second race in the six-race Countdown to the Championship. Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) drivers Tony Stewart and Matt Hagan are eyeing a title run in their respective Top Fuel and Funny Car divisions. This year’s Countdown marks Stewart’s second appearance in the NHRA postseason and Hagan’s 13th consecutive appearance.

Stewart is currently second in the Top Fuel standings heading into the second round of Countdown, 18 points behind leader Doug Kalitta. Hagan is fifth in the Funny Car standings, 55 points behind leader Austin Prock.

Direct Connection is the primary partner of Stewart and Hagan this weekend in Charlotte. With muscle car enthusiasts looking for “ready to run” parts, Direct Connection serves as the source for high-performance parts and technical expertise straight from the factory.

Stewart and Hagan competed at Charlotte April 25-27 in the NHRA Four-Wide Nationals. Stewart secured the No. 8 qualifying position after four qualifying sessions, and advanced to the Finals on Sunday, where he finished third behind Shawn Langdon and Justin Ashley. Antron Brown finished fourth. Hagan secured the No. 8 qualifying position at the Four-Wide Nationals and advanced to the Finals. Hagan finished third behind Austin Prock and Ron Capps. Alexis DeJoria finished fourth.

2025 marks the first time the NHRA has held four-wide events at Charlotte in both the Spring and Fall events.

The Four-Wide Carolina Nationals will serve as Stewart’s 36th career Top Fuel start. It’ll be his fourth overall start at Charlotte and his second in the Carolina Nationals. For Hagan, the Carolina Nationals will be his 368th career Funny Car start. It’ll be his 32nd overall start at Charlotte and his 17th in the Carolina Nationals.

Stewart is seeking his first victory in the Four-Wide Carolina Nationals, as well as his first No. 1 qualifier at the event. In 2024, Stewart secured the No. 14 qualifying position and his 4.299 ET at 220.48 mph lost to Doug Kalitta’s 3.894 ET at 306.67 mph in Round 1 of eliminations.

Converting the Carolina Nationals to the four-wide format could prove fortuitous for Tony considering the success he has had in such events. Although he has yet to win a four-wide race at Charlotte, he won his very first drag race on April 16, 2023 at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway when he prevailed in Top Alcohol Dragster in the four-wide event at that facility. Two years later, on April 13, 2025, he won his first Top Fuel trophy in the same event on the same track. Earlier this year, he reached the final quad at the spring four-wide at Charlotte. In his first appearance in the Carolina Nationals last September, he qualified 14th but was ousted in round one.

Hagan has four career wins at Charlotte – two in the Carolina Nationals and two in the Four-Wide Nationals. His Carolina Nationals wins came in 2011 and 2014 while his Four-Wide triumphs were earned in 2013 and 2024. In his first Carolina Nationals win on Sept. 18, 2011, Hagan’s 4.130 ET at 301.06 mph defeated Mike Neff’s 4.431 ET at 202.79 mph. Hagan scored his second Carolina Nationals win on Sept. 20, 2014 when he defeated John Force. Hagan ran a 4.212 ET at 297.81 mph while Force fouled at the start, negating his run of 4.140 ET at 309.77 mph.

Hagan has two No. 1 qualifiers at the Carolina Nationals, which came in 2011 (3.995 ET at 316.23 mph) and 2024 (3.832 ET at 333.25 mph).

In four-wide racing, Hagan has won more quads (22) and advanced to more final quads (15) than any other driver, regardless of category, and his three wins (two a zMAX Dragway and one at Las Vegas Motor Speedway) are the most by an active Funny Car driver (John Force and Robert Hight also have three wins). Overall, he’s won four times at zMAX Dragway. At only two tracks has he won more often – Pomona (7 times) and Dallas (5 times).

Hagan was the first Funny Car driver to break the four-second barrier when he completed a run of 3.995 seconds in 2011 at Charlotte. His milestone run was commemorated with a sign on the retaining wall near the starting line.

The Mopar CAP (Career Automotive Program) will be partnering with TSR on Friday for the fourth of seven events this season. CAP consists of strategic alliances between Stellantis and over 100 colleges and trade schools teaching technical curriculum integrated into the school’s general automotive program, so that students can become certified Stellantis technicians.

Leah Pruett will be available to speak with the media in the zMAX Dragway Media Center on Friday from 2:00-2:30 p.m. EDT. It was recently announced that Pruett will be returning to Top Fuel competition in 2026 after stepping out the last two seasons to start a family with Stewart.

Tony Stewart, Driver of the TSR Dodge//SRT Direct Connection Top Fuel Dragster

The NHRA will be competing in a four-wide event for the first time during the Countdown at Charlotte. What dynamic will that bring to the fight for the Championship?

“Charlotte is going to be an interesting weekend. It’ll be the first time we’ve had a four-wide event in the Countdown. We’ll have to bring out a backup car. It’s a car that’s ran before, so Monday we tested with Leah behind the wheel just to make sure all the systems ran correctly. It’s an unfortunate situation, but I have a lot of confidence in PBRC (Precision Built Race Cars). They build our chassis, so going from one car to another is no drama. They build very repeatable cars, so that’s a strength for us to have that second car in the bullpen. You hate to have to get it out in the Countdown, but it’s the cards we were dealt and I have the confidence the car will be just as good as the one we crashed last weekend in Reading. Doug (Kalitta) gained points on us last weekend, but we have a chance in Charlotte to win another four-wide event like we did in Last Vegas. I love the four-wides, so if we have a race to rebound, this is the one to do it at.”

Matt Hagan, Driver of the TSR Direct Connection Dodge//SRT Hellcat Funny Car

The NHRA will be competing in a four-wide event for the first time during the Countdown at Charlotte. What dynamic will that bring to the fight for the Championship?

“The four-wide events create their own challenges because you can’t see when the other two cars leave the starting line. In the Countdown, you have to go to the end. Whether your car has a hole out or it’s on fire, you have to go to the end. The racing is risky, but we’ll be pushing everything to the limit. We’ll have one less round of racing, so everything will count. We stayed over in Reading to test, so that gave us a better idea of where the car is at heading into Charlotte.”

Tom Sheehan Prepared to Tackle VIR in Trans Am Weekend

By
Official Release
-

Alton, VIRGINIA – September 16, 2025 – Trans Am driver Tom Sheehan is set to return to the cockpit of his No. 97 Vixen Cycle / LTK Insulation Technologies Damon Racing Ford Mustang this weekend as the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli rolls into Virginia International Raceway (VIR) for one of the most anticipated events of the season on September 19 – 21.

The 3.27-mile natural terrain road course at VIR is a driver’s track in every sense, featuring a demanding mix of high-speed straights, technical corners, and elevation changes. It has long been a favorite stop on the Trans Am calendar, offering a perfect showcase for the Cube 3 Architecture TA2 Series, where Sheehan continues to compete against some of the most challenging fields in modern road racing.

“This place really has everything,” said Sheehan ahead of the weekend. “VIR is fast, it’s technical, and it always brings out the best in the competition. We’ve been working hard as a team to maximize our setup, and I’m looking forward to getting after it.”

The action begins Thursday, September 18, with registration, pre-tech, and two optional TA2 test sessions in the afternoon. Friday, September 19, brings the first official practice at 12:35 PM before qualifying is split into two sessions later that evening. Saturday marks the centerpiece of the weekend for the TA2 class, with Sheehan and his competitors set for 31 laps or 75-minutes of door-to-door racing, beginning at 12:35 PM following a fan walk and pre-race ceremonies.

Fans can expect a full weekend of racing excitement, with both the TA2 and TA/GT classes competing. The TA/GT drivers will cap off the event on Sunday afternoon with their feature race. Off-track, the Trans Am paddock will host a number of community and series traditions, including the Barry Boes Memorial Service on Thursday evening and a chapel service Saturday morning, reflecting the close-knit nature of the Trans Am family. Boes competed alongside Sheehan in the ProAm Challenge before his tragic death in a plane crash in Arkansas last month.

For Sheehan, VIR represents another chance to battle within one of the most competitive grids in North American road racing and improve on his current standing in the ProAm Drivers Championship where he currently sits in P5 out of 21 competitors with 635 points. The Damon Racing crew has been dialing in improvements throughout the season, and the former Iron Man is eager to translate that progress into results on one of the sport’s most challenging circuits.

“Every weekend is about building momentum, finding speed, and executing as a team,” added Sheehan. “VIR is a race where you can’t leave anything on the table. It’s about focus, consistency, and making sure you’re ready when it counts.”

The Trans Am Championship presented by Pirelli continues to grow its fan base, with VIR expected to draw strong crowds to watch Sheehan and the rest of the TA2 competitors push the limits. The race is broadcast live on Sep 20, 12:00 PM ET on SPEED SPORT 1. Fans can also follow along via Trans Am’s live streaming coverage throughout the weekend on YouTube.

Follow Tom’s social media channels via his Facebook page, Damon Racing, Instagram account (@TomSheehanTA97), and X account (@TomTA2_97).

About Vixen Cycle Co.
Founded by women with a passion for motorcycles, Vixen Cycle Co is a trailblazing brand that not only caters to female riders but also empowers and equips them with a unique blend of stylish clothing and motorcycle parts. Our clothing line is a testament to meticulous design, offering a wide range of trendy and functional apparel that allows women to embrace their love for motorcycles without compromising on style. From sleek and stylish designs to powerful and efficient motorcycle parts, Vixen Cycle Co is committed to enhancing both the look and performance of Harley Davidson motorcycles.

About LTK Insulation Technologies:
Putting LTK insulation jackets & covers to work on your project saves your firm real money and time. The LTK Insulation products are so fast and easy. Installation is as fast as identification. Our carefully designed products line allows; fast, sure fit, 100% clean, no tool installation. GOLTK!

Cadillac at Indy: Aiming for home victory

By
Official Release
-

Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing enters six-hour race with built-in support

DETROIT (Sept. 16, 2025) – Cadillac Racing returns this week to Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the TireRack.com Battle on the Bricks, and for Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing it’s a homecoming.

The Brownsburg, Indiana-based IMSA team will contest the six-hour race on the 2.439-mile, 14-turn road course with the Nos. 10 and 40 entries, complementing the No. 31 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R campaigned by Action Express Racing in the 12-car Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) lineup amongst the 53-car roster in four classes.

“Something about home races, it gives you more pressure. However, the pressure is already there from everybody that you need to win, no matter what,” said Filipe Albuquerque, co-driver with Ricky Taylor of the No. 10 Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing V-Series.R. “It is just nice when we win in front of our home crowd. But the mentality for any race is and should be the same. As Mario Andretti said, ‘Every race is important, and preparation must always be at a maximum effort.’ ”

Jordan Taylor will share driving duties with Louis Deletraz in the No. 40 Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing V-Series.R, while Jack Aitken, Earl Bamber and Frederik Vesti will get seat time in the No. 31 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R that placed fourth in the most recent IMSA race at Road America.

Cadillac earned the pole for the 2024 race, which was plagued by changing weather and track conditions that included a long full-course yellow in the opening hours. The weather forecast for the penultimate IMSA race this weekend is considerably more positive.

Deletraz, LMP2 runner-up at the track in 2023, and Jordan Taylor qualified second with another manufacturer. Ricky Taylor and Albuquerque placed fourth after qualifying sixth in the 11-car field.

Peacock will provide flag-to-flag streaming of the race Sunday for U.S. subscribers, while the IMSA YouTube channel will stream for the international audience. NBC will telecast the final three hours starting at 3 p.m. ET. IMSA Radio will broadcast the race in its entirety (imsa.com/radio, XM 206, Web/app 996).

What they’re saying

No. 10 Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing V-Series.R

Ricky Taylor: “It is late in the season; we do not have much to lose in the points. It is our home race, so everyone is really motivated to get a good result and have some momentum at the end of the year. It has been a hard year, but we have been improving and finding some gains. I think, after having a good test in Road Atlanta, having a great race at Indy to take some momentum into Petit is the approach. This is our last Indy six-hour since it is changing next year. A six hour is a hard balance in between a sprint race and an endurance race. It is not one you can take it easy but there is still a lot of opportunity to get behind and make a mistake. It is a hard balance between how much you push and how much you save. Indy is really hard to set the car up for. The track is very unique. It is not really like any other place we go. You could say it is a roval but it is nothing like Daytona. It is smooth but nothing like Watkins Glen or the other smooth tracks we go to. It is quite on its own, so in regard to car setup, it is unique and one of the few places we have not tested with the Cadillac, so it is a little bit of the unknown. Action Express has experience at Indy with the Cadillac, so we will lean on our teammates before going.”

Filipe Albuquerque: “Obviously, the expectation is to win. We are closing the gap, narrowing it down and increasing the performance of the Cadillac. We are getting more and more comfortable. We tested as well at Road Atlanta to unlock more knowledge about the Cadillac. We are looking forward to Indianapolis as we are looking forward to any time in the car because it makes us faster. We were pretty competitive in Road America and before that with two podiums. We are definitely looking for podiums at Indy and, obviously, you need to be a little bit lucky as well with the race strategy situation as well since you never know when a yellow comes. So, we look for a podium and a win.”

No. 31 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R

Jack Aitken: “It’s that time of year when you can get very mixed weather conditions and especially Indianapolis. It’s quite a low energy track, so it’s quite hard to fire up the tire and get temperature in. That’s really the challenge for us, and I think every year we’ve gone back there we’ve gotten better at it and that will be the hope again this year. While it’s not one of our strongest tracks, I think we can still do a good job there. Last year, we were in contention until we had a powertrain issue and that bodes well for this year.”

Earl Bamber: “I haven’t driven there in IMSA, but I’ve driven there before so I know the track. I think when you’re inside a racecar any time, it’s good because that’s what we need. We need miles. We need repetition. Like a tennis player, we need to be on the court all the time. So anytime you have that sort of extra knowledge and experience, it’s a good thing. I’m looking forward to getting back to Indianapolis. I think we had a good test in Atlanta (week of September 2), so I think we’ve got some good gains. Go in there and look to get the first podium of the season. We’ve been so close — fourth a couple of times. We’ve had the chance, honestly, at Watkins Glen and even Road America to win a race. So, if we just keep putting ourselves in those positions, we’re going to get one soon.”

Frederik Vesti: “I’m excited to head to Indianapolis for the race at this historic track. I went to the Indianapolis 500 this year for the first time and had an incredible time. We’re doing so much work in the Dallara simulator in Indy that I’ve been able to explore the area a bit. It’s good to finally get to race there. The road course will certainly bring some action, and the weather tends to have a role there. I’m excited to get back in the car. We had a good test at Road Atlanta. I have two great teammates and a great Cadillac, so I’m looking forward to the race at Indianapolis and going for the win.”

No. 40 Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing V-Series.R

Jordan Taylor: “We only have two races to go. It is another endurance race. It is our home race, so a lot of family and friends of the team will be there. And a lot of support from Dallara, being based in Indy as well. I think we had a decent run there last year and were in contention for the Indy for most of the race. We haven’t been able to test there with the Cadillac, but we will do two days in the sim to prep. Over the course of this year, we have learned a lot and the past couple of events, we have felt comfortable and confident with the car. I think we are arriving with some confidence and hopefully will get a win on the board for the 40 car. Indy is unique. It is not like any of the other endurance races. It is a short and condensed track, especially with the number of cars we have, so you are constantly in traffic. Throughout the race, you are trying to take care of the car and stay out of trouble and at the end of the race, there is a lot of risk versus reward in the traffic itself. It can make or break you there. Last year, we saw mixed conditions, so you kind of never know what you are going to get there, especially with it being six hours. We will be ready for whatever comes our way.”

Louis Deletraz: “Indy is always a fun race. It is a different race than usual. Traffic is always pretty crazy. It is a home race for us, so I am very excited. We want to be back on the podium, that is the goal. You need a lot of mechanical grip at Indy. I think that is the focus. We will not have tested there this year, but I think you can set up the car a bit differently than some of the other tracks. It is very smooth. It is a track that you want a well-balanced car with good mechanical grip and easy to drive in traffic.”

General Motors (NYSE:GM) is driving the future of transportation, leveraging advanced technology to build safer, smarter, and lower emission cars, trucks, and SUVs. GM’s Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC brands offer a broad portfolio of innovative gasoline-powered vehicles and the industry’s widest range of EVs, as we move to an all-electric future. Learn more at GM.com.

Crew Chief Nails Marquez’s Season With One Perfect Word

By
SM
-
Image by Jiří Rotrekl from Pixabay

Marc Marquez has turned 2025 into his personal showcase, and his Ducati crew chief, Marco Rigamonti, found the perfect way to sum it up. When asked to describe riders he works with in single words, Rigamonti called Marquez “complete.” That one word tells the whole story of this season.

The Spanish rider has made the championship look easy. What started as a potentially close fight between several top riders has become a masterclass in motorcycle racing. Marquez rides the factory Ducati like he built it himself, finding speed everywhere and making difficult tracks look simple.

His control over proceedings has caught the attention of betting markets worldwide. Offshore sportsbooks have watched their odds shift dramatically as Marquez continues his rampage through the calendar. Many betting sites now focus on alternative markets since the main championship appears settled. The Spanish veteran has removed most uncertainty from what is typically an unpredictable sport.

Rigamonti knows riders. He has worked with champions and also-rans throughout his career. When he labels Johann Zarco as “honest” and praises Aleix Espargaro’s “heart,” those descriptions fit. But calling Marquez complete goes deeper. It suggests a rider who has fixed every weak spot and maximized every strength.

The journey to this point makes the achievement even more impressive. Just a few years ago, Marquez was struggling with serious injuries and an uncompetitive Honda. Many wondered if he would ever return to his previous level. Moving to Gresini first, then to factory Ducati, he rebuilt his reputation race by race.

Francesco Bagnaia learned this lesson the hard way. The defending champion looked unstoppable until Marquez arrived with competitive machinery. Now Bagnaia appears to be fighting for second place rather than first. The psychological shift has been obvious to anyone watching closely.

Track conditions rarely matter to Marquez anymore. Wet weather, scorching heat, technical circuits, high-speed ovals; he adapts faster than his competition can react. When qualifying goes wrong, he fights back through the field. When everything goes right, he disappears into the distance.

Other riders have complained about the difficulty of the current Ducati. They struggle with tire management, electronics settings, or setup compromises. Marquez seems immune to these problems. He extracts pace from the bike in situations where teammates and rivals fall short.

The 32-year-old has reached a level of performance that recalls his most successful years. But this version might be even better. Experience has taught him patience and race management. He no longer needs to win every session or lead every lap. He picks his moments and strikes when it matters most.

Rigamonti’s assessment captures something important about greatness in motorcycle racing. Being fast is not enough. Being smart helps, but has limits. Being complete (having speed, intelligence, experience, and mental strength working together) creates the kind of dominance Marquez has shown this year.

The crew chief found the right word. Complete describes not just this season but perhaps the final evolution of one of racing’s greatest talents.

Dubai Car Rentals: From Economy Deals to Long-Term Comfort

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

Driving in Dubai is not only a way to get around, but also a way to experience the city. Incredible highways, smooth asphalt and the constant rhythm of business, leisure and luxury make a private car the most comfortable solution. Many travelers, especially those planning to spend more than a few days in the city, are looking for options that combine reliability, comfort and a clear rental procedure.

Short-term trips often end with a quick taxi ride, but life in Dubai rarely fits into this rhythm. Travelers who come for more than a week want to feel like their rented car is their own. This is why long term car rentals in Dubai are steadily growing in demand. Customers appreciate predictable prices, flexible contract terms and the ability to use the same car for weeks or months without having to change terms every few days.

Economy Cars as a Smart Choice

Not everyone needs a luxury sports model. For many visitors, practicality is more important than showing status. In this case, cheap car rental dubai offers a perfect balance. Economy cars in Dubai are reliable for city driving, efficient on fuel, and much easier to park in the busier parts of town.

Benefits of choosing economy rental include:

  • Transparent pricing without hidden extras.
  • Lower fuel consumption for daily use.
  • Enough comfort and technology for both short and long journeys.

Service Conditions That Matter

At alligator.rent, the company built its policy around convenience:

  1. Insurance included in the base price.
  2. Delivery of cars directly to hotel, office or airport.
  3. Flexible rental period — from one day up to several months.
  4. Round-the-clock support in case of questions.

Such conditions help customers avoid surprises and focus on enjoying their stay.

Matching a Car to a Trip

Choosing the right vehicle depends on the type of journey. A couple on holiday may pick a compact economy hatchback, while an executive on an extended stay might prefer a business sedan or crossover for comfort and image. Families benefit from larger vehicles with space for children and luggage. Thanks to the wide range on the platform, every group finds a solution suited to its lifestyle.

Dubai encourages freedom of movement, and a rented car gives exactly that. The choice between long-term comfort and economy savings does not have to be complicated when reliable service and transparent conditions are provided. alligator.rent offers both, leaving clients with the simple task of choosing the model that best fits their trip.

Going the Extra Mile at the ‘Magic Mile’: Cody Ware Embraces the Nuances of Racing at New Hampshire

By
Official Release
-

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (Sept. 15, 2025) – It’s time to get a drink at the bubbler, grab a grinder for lunch, and then have a frappe for dessert, or maybe some ice cream, but only if it has jimmies on top. Oh, and you can either go through the rotary or bang a ‘uey to get to the packie, just don’t do the latter in front of a statie. You’d earn a ticket wicked quick.

Ayuh, ahead of the leaf peepers, the NASCAR Cup Series is coming to New England, specifically, New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon. The 30th race of the marathon-like Cup Series schedule is this Sunday’s Mobil 1 301 where drivers must go the extra mile – literally and figuratively – to score a strong result.

“New Hampshire is definitely one of the more unique tracks we go to on the schedule,” said Cody Ware, driver of the No. 51 Parts Plus Ford Mustang Dark Horse for Rick Ware Racing. “It’s a mile, which we have plenty of on the Cup Series schedule, but nothing quite as flat, and between the cold winters and hot summers, there’s a decent amount of bumps and the pavement changes there in the corners.

“You need your car to turn really well through the corners, but a lot of times, you end up with a free racecar where the front end isn’t as planted as you want it to be. You lose grip and momentum, and that affects your drive off the corner. Finding the right balance is hard, and combine it with all the shifting we’re doing each lap, we’ve got a lot going on inside the racecar. I don’t think there’s another short track where we’re using our hands as much as we are at New Hampshire.”

The 1.058-mile oval has just 2-7 degrees of variable banking in its corners, each with a 450-foot turning radius. Those corners are attached by two 1,500-foot-long straights, simulating a drag race off one corner before drivers are hard on the brakes to navigate the opposite corner. It is a rhythm that gets repeated for approximately three hours over the course of the 301-lap race.

“New Hampshire has kind of turned into a pseudo road course,” Ware said. “We’re doing so much shifting to make the most of every lap and navigate the flat corners. Consistency is key. Perfection is required every lap because even the littlest change in the RPMs that you’re turning – whether you’re downshifting into the corner or grabbing your upshift out of the corner – it all affects your torque band and the balance of your racecar.

“If you don’t grab your shift right off the corner, you might not have enough torque to keep the momentum going, and that’ll hurt your time down the straightaway. So, it really requires laser focus and consistency to make that optimal lap time, lap after lap, for 301 laps.”

Beyond the track’s challenging nature, New Hampshire serves as a beacon for New England motorsports. The region is a quiet hotbed of racing, which is highlighted by the New England Racing Museum, located on track property by the South Entrance.

“The amount of racing, and the various styles of racing that are available in New England and Upstate New York, is pretty impressive,” Ware said. “The fans up there know it, and they’re proud of it too… and they should be.

“The Modified Tour is probably what I most associate with the Northeast, and that’s just an awesome series that has produced a ton of talent. But you’ve also got Supermodifieds, Super Late Models, Late Models, the ACT Tour, and they’re all competing at some really good, well-run short tracks. I think New Hampshire helps put a spotlight on all of that racing because, a lot of times, they’re right there with us as part of the NASCAR race weekend.”

Racing at New Hampshire also means taking in all that the region has to offer. For this, Ware is going to lean on his wife, Emily, a traveling nurse who has spent time at select New Hampshire hospitals and knows the area well.

“Emily is excited to take me around because she was based in Concord and got to explore all the places there, in Manchester and near Lake Winnipesaukee,” Ware said. “I’m a big seafood guy – lobster rolls, crab, fish, you name it – and I know that’s one of the things New England is known for. Emily knows some good spots that I haven’t been to before, so we’re looking forward to checking them out amid the hustle and bustle of the race weekend.”

That hustle and bustle begins on Saturday with practice at 3 p.m. EDT followed by qualifying at 4:10 p.m. TruTV and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio will provide live coverage of both. The Mobil 1 301 goes green on Sunday at 2 p.m. EDT with flag-to-flag coverage delivered by USA and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

About Rick Ware Racing:

Rick Ware has been a motorsports mainstay for more than 40 years. It began at age 6 when the third-generation racer began his driving career and has since spanned four wheels and two wheels on both asphalt and dirt. Competing in the SCCA Trans Am Series and other road-racing divisions led Ware to NASCAR in the early 1980s, where he finished third in his NASCAR debut – the 1983 Warner W. Hodgdon 300 NASCAR Grand American race at Riverside (Calif.) International Raceway. More than a decade later, injuries would force Ware out of the driver’s seat and into full-time team ownership. In 1995, Rick Ware Racing was formed, and with his wife Lisa by his side, Ware has since built his eponymous organization into an entity that competes full-time in the elite NASCAR Cup Series while simultaneously campaigning successful teams in the Top Fuel class of the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, Progressive American Flat Track, FIM World Supercross Championship (WSX) and zMAX CARS Tour.

TeamSLR Contingent Poised To Tackle VIR

By
Official Release
-

Teen Rookie Tristan McKee Returns to Scene of First TA2 Series Start

Joined by Returning Carson Brown, Newcomers Lanie Buice and Naz Olkhovskyi

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. (Sept. 15, 2025) – Fifteen-year-old Tristan McKee, the Cube 3 Architecture TA2 Series points leader through nine of 12 rounds this season, returns to the scene of his series debut last October when he and a trio of TeamSLR and M1 Racecars teammates hit the track for Saturday’s VIR SpeedTour at Virginia International Raceway in Alton.

The young driver from Kannapolis, North Carolina, who was born and raised in Williamsburg, Virginia, three hours up the road from the 3.27-mile, 17-turn VIR circuit, will be joined by first-year TA2 competitor Carson Brown, as well as pair of drivers who will be making their TA2 Series debuts – Lanie Buice and Naz Olkhovskyi.

McKee’s first official outing in TA2 competition came when the series last visited VIR on Oct. 5, 2024. He qualified sixth and finished fourth, just .7 of a second off the final spot on the podium, kicking off a methodical and determined march to his string of recent successes. The driver of the No. 28 Spire/Gainbridge/SLR-M1 Racecars Chevrolet Camaro has won three of the last four rounds and finished second in the other, the wins coming July 22 at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, July 12 at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International, and the most recent round Aug. 30 at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in Bowmanville, Ontario. The runner-up finish came June 29 at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, and was part of a 1-2-3 TeamSLR finish led by the race-winning veteran Mike Skeen and third-place-finishing Corey Day, a fellow teen TA2 Series rookie who is part of the Hendrick Motorsports stable of drivers.

McKee arrives at VIR with a 182-point lead atop the TA2 standings over second-place Sam Corry and a 191-point lead over third-place Thomas Annunziata with three rounds remaining this season. The Chevrolet and Spire Motorsports development driver is riding a streak of seven consecutive podium finishes after coming home seventh and fifth in the season’s opening two events, respectively, at Sebring (Fla.) International Raceway in February and Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta in March. McKee returned to Watkins Glen to make his ARCA Menards Series debut Aug. 8, just five days after turning 15, and emerged with the victory after qualifying fourth. He finished second in the most recent ARCA event last Thursday at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway.

Returning to TeamSLR looking to improve upon his first career TA2 Series podium in his fourth career start two rounds ago at Watkins Glen is Brown, the recently turned 17-year-old from New London, North Carolina. He qualified third and finished third at Watkins Glen in his third race behind the wheel of the No. 8 PayCafe/Ebb Logistics/SLR-M1 Racecars Chevrolet Camaro. The versatile young driver opened the season with an eighth-place finish from the 12th starting position at Sebring, then followed it up with a fourth-place finish from the sixth starting position at Sonoma (Calif.) Raceway in April. Brown this weekend moves to the No. 2 PayCafe/Ebb Logistics/SLR-M1 Racecars entry for Guthrie’s Garage.

In March, the primarily dirt and asphalt short-oval specialist finished sixth in his ARCA Menards Series East debut at Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, Florida. He also drove to a Super Late Model victory at Madison (Wis.) International Speedway this season.

Taking over the No. 8 SLR-M1 Racecars Chevrolet Camaro this weekend, thanks to the support of Chevrolet, Franklin Road Apparel and Cube 3 Architecture, is Buice, the 18-year-old from Jackson, Georgia, who this summer joined the Chevrolet Motorsports roster of development drivers. Buice has been a regular on the zMAX CARS Tour this season, competing in the Late Model Stock Car class for Lee Pulliam Performance, for whom she’s posted a pair of top-five finishes and five top-10s through the season’s first 13 events. Buice also made her ARCA Menards Series debut this season, driving part-time for Rev Racing. She drove to top-12 finishes in all five events she’s entered with best finishes of eighth at both Rockingham (N.C.) Speedway in February and Kansas Speedway in Kansas City in April. Buice began racing go-karts at the age of 10, then progressed through the Legend car ranks, winning a pair of Georgia state championships, as well as the 2022 Race of Champions in Las Vegas, followed by competition in various Late Model divisions.

Also making his TA2 Series debut this weekend is the 38-year-old Olkhovskyi, a Ukraine native who toured the European shifter kart circuit as a teen and has dabbled in various SCCA regional classes since moving to the United States in 2008. He’ll pilot a TA2 car he owns and built that will take to the VIR circuit as the No. 48 TeamSLR-M1 Racecars Chevrolet Camaro. Olkhovskyi recently purchased an M1 Racecars chassis with an eye toward competing in the TA2 Series in 2026.

Representing the M1 Racecars contingent once again this weekend is Jared Odrick, the 37-year-old from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, who played seven seasons with the NFL’s Miami Dolphins and Jacksonville Jaguars from 2010 through 2016. The second-year Pro-Am Challenge competitor has logged five top-two Pro-Am finishes in the last seven events, including victories May 3 at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, California, and at Mid-Ohio behind the wheel of his No. 00 Black Underwear/CoolBoxx/M1 Racecars Chevrolet Camaro. He’s currently holds a 55-point lead over second-place Keith Prociuk atop the Pro-Am standings with three events remaining.

TeamSLR will honor the memory of longtime supporter Tom Ellis on its racecars this weekend. Ellis, whose son Thomas drove for the team at selected events last season, passed away earlier this month. A celebration of life service is also scheduled for Thursday evening at VIR for the late TeamSLR driver Barry Boes, the defending Pro-Am Challenge champion who was involved in a fatal aviation accident Aug. 18.

VIR SpeedTour weekend kicks off Thursday with a pair of TA2 test sessions set for 12:55 and 4 p.m. EDT. Official TA2 practice is set for Friday at 12:35 p.m., followed by qualifying at 6 p.m. Saturday’s 31-lap, 75-minute race is set for 12:35 p.m. with series broadcast partner Speed Sport 1 providing live TV coverage, augmented by a live stream on the Trans Am channel on YouTube.

Riding along with TeamSLR drivers and their M1 Racecars once again this season is Nashville, Tennessee-based Franklin Road Apparel Company, which has been a longtime team supporter and serves as associate partner on all TeamSLR entries. Also continuing its support of the overall TeamSLR effort is Cube 3 Architecture, as well as Kallberg Racing, and Guthrie’s Garage.

Tristan McKee, Driver, No. 28 Spire Gainbridge/SLR-M1 Racecars Chevrolet Camaro:

You made your official TA2 Series debut last October at VIR with a near-podium finish. Talk about your evolution as a road racer in the time since. And could you have imagined then that you’d be coming back almost a year later having won three of your last four races and leading the championship?

“I feel like my road-racing skills have gotten so much better – how to race on a road course and just everything about it. I’ve learned a lot and feel like I’ve improved so much since then. And I feel like I’m just improving every race, going out there and getting better and better each time. The progress I’ve made between then and now is huge. I knew I had the potential to keep getting better and better and that it was just a matter of time before I got enough laps and experience to be able to do as well as we’re doing now.”

What are some of the factors that have contributed to the progress you’ve been able to make in the TA2 Series over the last year and a half?

“It’s been a lot of things. So much of it goes to Scott (Lagasse Sr.) and Scotty (Scott Lagasse Jr.), as well as Scott Speed and Josh Wise at GM and everyone at the Tech Center over there. Those are the people who’ve enable me to gain so much experience and learn all the techniques and every little thing that you need to know about road-course racing and how to be fast and how to drive the car, how it has to be driven in different types of corners. Oval racing, which is my background, is pretty standard, you’re basically turning left through two corners. Road racing is obviously completely different. So those four guys and the rest of the team have taught me so much.”

Describe what it takes to get around the VIR circuit.

“It’s a lot of fun. I think it’s probably one of the first road courses I ever ran on, I’ve gotten quite a lot of laps around there and it’s a really fun track. It’s a little bit narrow in some areas and, obviously, the esses are pretty wicked in a TA2 car as far as you’re just going pretty much flat out there and you’re going around 150 or 155 (mph), so you’re really getting it up there. There are a lot of high-risk parts of the track, so you have to kind of go about it in a methodical way. You’ve got to be aggressive in some areas and you also have to be a little bit careful in others, so it’s definitely a really, really fun track with some of the elevation, as well as going up the esses, then going down after that into Oak Tree. It’s just a really fun track and I enjoy going around it.”

Carson Brown, Driver, No. 2 PayCafe/Ebb Logistics/SLR-M1 Racecars/Guthrie’s Garage Entry:

You’re back in a TA2 car for the first time since your first career series podium at Watkins Glen in July. Do you feel like you can pick up where you left off in just your fourth-ever TA2 race?

“That was just a fun event, in general. It was my fourth TA2 race after we finished fourth at Sonoma, and Watkins Glen ended up being a little bit better, which is kind of what we were hoping for, and we ran a decent race. I fell back a little bit at the beginning but knew that we’d have that long-run speed that we needed and that we have with the M1 racecar and with SLR. I got passed by a few cars, but then we were able to make some ground back up on some restarts, and just later on in the race, the car really came alive and came to me there and we ended up on the podium, which was really fun. Hopefully, we can go even better at VIR. I definitely feel like we can win, we just need to have all the cards with us and everything has to fall in place. But it’s going to be cool racing at VIR. It’ll be my first time racing there. And I was born in California, but racing in the state that I was raised in Virginia will be really cool and is always fun. I was raised in Chesterfield, which is not too far outside of Richmond, so it’s always cool when I can race back up there in Virginia.”

You’re moving for the first time from the No. 8 Camaro to the No. 2 entered by Guthrie’s Garage, an M1 Racecars Camaro, with support from TeamSLR. Your thoughts on that?

“Well, I know that all the SLR M1 Racecars are good and, at the end of the race I feel like they all typically come alive. A car is a car to a certain extent, and I feel like the team does everything it can to keep all of them equal. We all drive each other’s cars at the test days so we know what’s what and how all the cars drive, but we always shoot for them to be pretty similar. Hopefully, it’s really good, kind of like the others that I’ve driven recently, and I’m hoping we can pull off a really good finish with it.”

How would you describe VIR compared to the other places you’ve driven so far in a TA2 car?

“It’s much more narrow than I’m used to. Watkins Glen was a little narrow in some parts of the Boot, but VIR is definitely going to be the most narrow racetrack of all of them, I’d say. But it’s a really cool racetrack with the esses and it should be a fun race and I’m looking forward to it. It’s especially fun going through the esses and up to the top of the hill and then down into Oak Tree. I feel like that’s a very narrow section and pretty high-speed, for the most part, right before you get to Oak Tree, so that’ll definitely be an interesting part of the racetrack where I’m going to have to learn how to drive it and be around cars. Aero will play a factor through those parts.”

Lanie Buice, Driver, No. 8 Chevrolet/Franklin Road/Cube 3/SLR-M1 Racecars Camaro:

Your thoughts on your TA2 Series debut with TeamSLR this weekend at VIR and working on your road-course race craft?

“I ran a WRL race with Low Country Motorsports about a month ago at Road Atlanta. That was kind of my first real taste of road-course racing, so I’ve had a little bit of experience, but nothing like working so intensely with a team like this. I had a chance to test with TeamSLR at VIR and it was really cool, very challenging. Road-course racing is very dependent on being super methodical with your feet and your hands and your shifting and all those things. I really enjoyed it. It was honestly one of my favorite things I’ve done in a while. I genuinely enjoyed every second of it, and I think that’s why I’m really excited to race the TA2 car at VIR, as well, just because of the challenge that comes along with it is so, so good, and it’s truly a blast.”

How would you describe the TA2 car compared to others that you’ve driven?

“It’s different, it drives different. I feel like it’s more reactive to the steering input, more reactive to the lefts and rights. There are a lot of big differences and it definitely took a few laps to get used to. It definitely gets up and going pretty good, it’s got a lot of power. You’ve got to be really methodical with your throttle input and just being consistent with that and not spinning the tires, especially coming from first gear. That’s something that surprised me, as well, how fast you can roll in first gear. Using all four of the gears throughout the whole course is definitely different. So I would say those are some of the big things, but I really enjoy it and I like the speed, I like the challenge of it and how it’s different than anything I’ve ever been in before.”

What has your experience been like working with TeamSLR so far?

“I really, really enjoyed working with Scott (Lagasse Jr.) and everybody at TeamSLR. They’re incredible people. I think a lot of times when I’m joining a new team or searching for a new place, another place to go, it’s always important to me to be around people that are really hard-working, no matter the circumstances, and just kind people, and I really feel that with TeamSLR. They all care for everyone’s best interest, which is really, really cool. I feel like they’ll be able to continue to help me develop and give me the things I need to be able to be a really good driver. All I have to do is listen and dive into the advice and the teaching that they’re giving me and just focus on that. I feel like it’ll pay off well and I’ll be able to be really good on the road courses one day, especially with a NASCAR career in mind. It’s super important to be good at any track you go to, so I don’t ever want to fall behind. I feel like their teaching and all their coaching is just going to make me a better driver, whether it be oval racing or road-course racing.”

Naz Olkhovskyi, Driver, No. 48 TeamSLR-M1 Racecars Chevrolet Camaro:

You’re stepping up to racing in the TA2 Series for the first time in your career. What are your thoughts about the weekend?

“I have a lot of experience racing shifter karts in Europe, but not so much in these types of cars, so I think this is going to be a big step up for me. I’ve done a good amount of testing with TeamSLR in the last year and that’s why I’m so excited. VIR is an iconic racetrack, a really nice place to make a debut, I think. There are a lot of places where you have to be spot-on, and I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

What would you consider a successful weekend at VIR, and how will you approach the challenges of the track and facing TA2 Series competition?

“I think the expectation is just to finish the race, to see the checkered flag and learn as much as I can and slowly build up to where I can actually race with people. That will be a 100-percent gold achievement. It’s an iconic track and it is really challenging. I think the most appealing part is all the different levels of drivers in TA2 but in the same cars, which I feel gives you an opportunity to build and grow. That’s why I appreciate this opportunity. And the cars look great. I cannot even ask for more. This is going to be the coolest thing I’ve ever done.”

What has your experience been like working with TeamSLR as a driver?

“It’s the feeling I get when I’m with them – it’s like a one, big family. They’re always welcoming and helpful. It makes me want to help them, and they are open all the time to help me and give me advice and give me this opportunity. I would never be able to do any of this by myself.”

About TeamSLR:

TeamSLR (Scott Lagasse Racing) competes fulltime in the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli’s newly renamed Cube 3 Architecture TA2 Series 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 120 races and seven 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.

Top Five: Storylines to Watch as the NASCAR Playoffs Make a Pit Stop in New England

By
Official Release
-
Christopher Bell, driver of the No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota, celebrates in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Cup Series race and completing the weekend sweep at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on June 23, 2024. Photo Credit: Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images

Can Bell go back-to-back and be the first to lock in to the Round of 8? Will Joe Gibbs Racing remain dominant to kick off the Round of 12? Will it be one of the few NCTS drivers with NHMS experience who takes the win, or will beginner’s luck come in to play when the series returns to NHMS after eight years? Will homefield advantage help New England drivers get to victory lane? Will one of NASCAR’s 40 Greatest take home his third consecutive Mohegan Sun 100 NWMT win?

LOUDON, N.H. – Fans headed to New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS) for New England’s only NASCAR Playoffs weekend are in for a wicked good time at “The Magic Mile” as drivers take to the track for three full days of action-packed racing this Friday through Sunday, Sept. 19-21. From one driver’s chance to go back-to-back and be the first to lock in to the NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) Playoffs Round of 8 to the majority of the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series (NCTS) field racing at NHMS for the very first time during a cutoff race, there will be no shortage of thrilling, white-knuckled excitement for fans to enjoy. Here are five must-watch storylines headed into the weekend:

BACK-TO-BACK BELL?

Christopher Bell earned himself a spot in the Round of 16 with back-to-back-to-back wins early in the season at EchoPark Speedway, Circuit of The Americas and Phoenix Raceway. He continued the 2025 season without earning another points-paying win (Bell won the NASCAR All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway in May) until this past Saturday at Bristol Motor Speedway (BMS), which locked him in to the Round of 12. Next up is the Mobil 1 301 at NHMS, where Bell has been dominant, so can he earn another set of back-to-back wins on the season and be the first to lock in to the Round of 8 in pursuit of his first championship?

JOE GIBBS RACING DOMINANCE

While Bell may be the favorite to win NHMS this Sunday, his stiffest competition may be his own teammates. Chase Briscoe and Denny Hamlin have also already earned wins in the Playoffs, with Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) sweeping the Round of 16. Hamlin has won at NHMS three times, while Briscoe earned a second-place finish at NHMS last year. JGR has taken home the last three NHMS NCS race wins (Bell in 2022 and 2024, Martin Truex Jr. in 2023), and even the fourth JGR driver, Ty Gibbs, earned his first career NASCAR win at NHMS in 2019 with the K&N Pro Series East.

TRUCKS RETURN TO NHMS

In the most recent NCTS race at NHMS (Sept. 2017), Noah Gragson won the pole, and Bell won the race – his first of many NHMS wins to follow. This Saturday, The Team EJP 175 will mark the first NCTS race at “The Magic Mile” in eight years. The majority of the field has never raced at NHMS, so with the added pressure of it being the Round of 10 cutoff race, practice will be more critical than ever. The only drivers in the field with NHMS experience will be NCTS veterans Matt Crafton, Grant Enfinger and Ben Rhodes.

Former NCS regular Corey LaJoie will be racing the No. 77 Truck for Spire Motorsports, and while he has plenty of NHMS experience from the NCS (10 starts) and NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) (one start), it will be his first NCTS start at “The Magic Mile.”

Full-time NXS driver Christian Eckes will make his second NCTS start of the season for McAnally-Hilgemann Racing, and while he enjoyed success in the NCTS prior to making the jump to NXS this season, he’s never raced at NHMS.

Most recent NCTS winner, Layne Riggs, will make his 50th career NCTS start at NHMS this Saturday, and while it will be his first time racing at “The Magic Mile,” he already has a good feeling about it, following his win at BMS saying “Man, I’m excited for New Hampshire. I’ve never even been there, and I already love that racetrack.”

LOCAL GUYS GET CALLED UP

New Englanders Blake Lothian (Wellesley, Mass.) and Mike Christopher Jr. (Wolcott, Conn.) will race in Saturday’s Team EJP 175 in front of a hometown crowd.

Lothian will pilot the No. 22 Reaume Brothers Racing Ford in his fourth NCTS start, his first since April 2024 at Martinsville Speedway. Lothian started his career competing in indoor karting from 2014-2017, where he won the F1 Boston Series and New Hampshire Karting Association Series championship in 2017. He made the jump to Legend Car racing in 2019 as part of the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Program and then into Late Models in 2021. Lothian made his NCTS debut at Martinsville Speedway in April 2022.

Christopher Jr., the 25-year-old nephew of the late NWMT legend Ted Christopher and son of veteran driver Michael Christopher Sr., will make his NCTS debut in the No. 62 Halmar Friesen Racing Toyota. Christopher Jr. has made a name for himself with multiple wins at Stafford Motor Speedway and Thompson Speedway in SK Modifieds and Tour-type modifieds. He’s also made seven NWMT starts since 2021 and earned one win and three top-fives.

40 GREATEST

Last month, NASCAR unveiled its list of the 40 Greatest Modern-Era NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour (NWMT) drivers. One driver included on that list and racing in this Saturday’s Mohegan Sun 100 at NHMS is two-time defending Mohegan Sun 100 winner Justin Bonsignore. The four-time NWMT champion is currently second in points with one win, six top-fives and 11 top-10s so far on the season. At “The Magic Mile,” Bonsignore has 26 starts, three wins, 11 top-fives and 15 top-10s.

Also on that list is 2013 NWMT champion and Berlin, Conn. native Ryan Preece, who currently runs full-time for RFK Racing in the NCS. Preece’s NWMT career includes 27 starts, one win, eight top-fives and 14 top-10s at NHMS alone, and while he won’t be racing in this year’s Mohegan Sun 100, fans can cheer for him on Sunday during the Mobil 1 301.

On-track action kicks off Friday, Sept. 19 with practice and qualifying sessions for the NWMT and NCTS plus SIG SAUER Academy Dirt Duels at The Flat Track. The action continues on Doubleheader Saturday with the Mohegan Sun 100 NWMT race, the Team EJP 175 NCTS Playoffs race and NCS practice and qualifying. The on-track action culminates Sunday with the NCS taking on “The Magic Mile” to kick off the Round of 12 with the Mobil 1 301. Don’t miss all of the exciting off-track action including “The Magic Mile” Happy Hour Show, Trackside Live, The Groove fan hangout, concerts from Draw the Line and Being Petty: The Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers Experience, Family Movie Night featuring “Captain America: Brave New World,” driver appearances, a variety of live performances, fireworks and much more.

For a full NASCAR weekend schedule, visit NHMS.com/Events/Mobil-1-301/Schedule/.

Tickets:

For tickets and camping for New England’s only NASCAR Playoffs weekend, featuring the Mobil 1 301 NCS and Team EJP 175 NCTS Playoffs races, Mohegan Sun 100 NWMT race and SIG SAUER Academy Dirt Duels, fans should visit NHMS.com or call 833-4LOUDON. Tickets for kids 12 and under are just $10 on Sunday, free on Doubleheader Saturday and start at $10 on Friday.

Follow Us:

Keep track of all of New Hampshire Motor Speedway’s events by following on Facebook (@NHMotorSpeedway), X (@NHMS) and Instagram (@NHMS). Keep up with all the latest information on the speedway website (NHMS.com) and mobile app.

COUNTDOWN TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP HITS HALFWAY POINT AT NAPA AUTO PARTS NHRA MIDWEST NATIONALS IN ST. LOUIS

By
Official Release
-

ST. LOUIS (Sept. 15, 2025) – Every NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series driver knows the importance of NHRA Countdown to the Championship and its six playoff races. The 14th NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals, Sept. 26-28, marks the halfway point of the playoffs and drivers have their sights set on a big weekend at World Wide Technology Raceway in St. Louis.

It is the 17th of 20 races during the 2025 season and the third of six races in the NHRA Countdown to the Championship playoffs, putting a premium on standout performances. All the star drivers in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle will look to put on a show in front of a passionate St. Louis fanbase, one that has packed the standout facility year after year.

The weekend will be heavy on intensity and action, starting with nitro at night on Friday, as the second session features the 12,000-horsepower, 340-mph nitro machines under the lights. Racing continues with two more qualifying sessions on Saturday, leading into eliminations on Sunday, where every round – and every point – matters.

Last season, Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel), Jack Beckman (Funny Car), Dallas Glenn (Pro Stock) and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) each claimed wins, while this year’s race will once again be broadcast on FS1, with elimination coverage airing at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday, Sept. 28.

Schumacher is Top Fuel’s winningest driver, winning for the 88th time with his St. Louis triumph. Schumacher returned to racing this season in Indianapolis, joining Rick Ware Racing, while Doug Kalitta moved past regular-season champion and racing legend Tony Stewart in the opening round of the playoffs. Others to watch in St. Louis include Shawn Langdon, Justin Ashley, Brittany Force, and reigning champ Antron Brown.

Beckman took over for NHRA legend John Force last season and went on to win twice in the Countdown, including the NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals. This year, Beckman is second in points in a loaded field, trailing teammate and reigning Funny Car champion Austin Prock. He has an impressive seven wins this season, while multi-time champions Matt Hagan and Ron Capps are also close behind.

Glenn won last season’s race in St. Louis when he defeated Aaron Stanfield and the young standout has had a banner season in 2025, winning five times. That includes the playoff opener in Reading and he’ll look to stay on track for a first world championship while taking on KB Titan Racing teammate Greg Anderson, the reigning world champion, six-time champ Erica Enders, who has six St. Louis wins, and Matt Hartford.

Herrera won his second consecutive St. Louis race last season, defeating Chase Van Sant in the final round. Herrera won the regular season championship after winning five races, but John Hall opened the Countdown to the Championship with the win to make things tight in the class. Herrera has his eye on a third straight title, but he’ll have to get past Hall, six-time champion Matt Smith and teammate Richard Gadson.

The NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals also will feature thrilling competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, as well as the Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series, Flexjet NHRA Factory Stock Showdown, Holley EFI Factory X and Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage Mountain Motor Pro Stock. It is the final race of the season in Factory Stock Showdown and Mountain Motor Pro Stock.

Fans will be invited to the Nitro Alley Stage, which hosts Nitro School, meet and greets, music and more. Race fans at World Wide Technology Raceway can enjoy the special pre-race ceremonies that introduce and celebrate each driver racing for the prestigious Wally on Sunday and includes the fan favorite SealMaster Track Walk. The final can’t-miss experience of any NHRA event is the winner’s circle celebration on Sunday after racing concludes, where fans are invited to congratulate the St. Louis event winners.

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 hot rods between rounds, get autographs from their favorite NHRA drivers, and more. They can also visit NHRA’s Manufacturers Midway, which includes interactive displays, merchandise, food, and fun.

NHRA Mission Food Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 5 and 7 p.m. CT on Friday, Sept. 26, and the final two rounds on Saturday, Sept. 27 at 12:15 and 3 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 11 a.m. CT on Sunday, Sept. 28. Television coverage includes qualifying action on FS1 at 2 p.m. ET on Sunday and then eliminations coverage starting at 3 p.m. ET.

Tickets may be purchased at the WWTR ticket office, by phone at (618) 215-8888, or online at www.wwtraceway.com. All children 12 and under will be admitted free in the general admission area with a paid adult. For more information on NHRA, visit www.NHRA.com.

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.

1...330331332...6,666Page 331 of 6,666