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ASHLEY, PROCK, ENDERS & HERRERA GET WINS AT CORNWELL QUALITY TOOLS NHRA U.S. NATIONALS

By
Official Release
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  • Ashley holds off Stewart with TF holeshot win
  • Prock finishes off flawless FC victory
  • Enders earns 50th national event win
  • Herrera repeats at Indy, wins PSM regular-season crown

INDIANAPOLIS (Sept. 1, 2025) – Top Fuel’s Justin Ashley won the prestigious Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals for the first time in his career, defeating racing legend Tony Stewart on a holeshot in the final round on Monday at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park.

Austin Prock (Funny Car), Erica Enders (Pro Stock) and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also won the 14th of 20 races during the 2025 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season.

Ashley went 3.839-seconds at 326.16 mph in his 12,000-horsepower Scag Power Equipment dragster to hold off Stewart, who went 3.815 at 321.88, as his .027 reaction time made the difference in a thrilling side-by-side finale on drag racing’s grandest stage.

It is the third victory of the year for Ashley, who now has 18 career wins. He defeated Antron Brown, Doug Kalitta and Tripp Tatum to reach the final round and the young phenom was incredible on the starting line during eliminations, posting reaction times of .036, .035, .034 leading into the championship round.

Ashley dialed it up even more against Stewart and he needed every bit of it to hold off the points leader and win The Big Go for the first time.

“I think I’m still processing everything. I’ve dreamed about this moment over and over and over again, and then to actually live it right now, right here, is truly special,” Ashley said. “When you win Indy, it’s just something that nobody can take away from you and the fact that my father won here 18 years ago, to have him here now and to win this event in Top Fuel, it really is special. It’s just different than any other race.

“I tried to do my best all day to just treat it as another race, because that probably is really the only thing you can do and not get caught up in the moment, but now to step back and to actually get that victory, you realize how truly incredible it is.

“The hardest thing is not to cut a good light. The hardest thing is to cut a good light over and over and over again. For me, what I try and do, and what works for me, is not focus on the outcome, but focus on the process. That process for me is what I do during the week, physically and mentally, to prepare for a race weekend like this. It’s definitely satisfying, but no matter how you get a win, it’s still a team win.”

Stewart advanced to the final round for the fifth time in 2025 after defeating Steve Torrence, Kyle Wurtzel and Jasmine Salinas. Coupled with the victory over Wurtzel and Kalitta’s loss against Ashley, Stewart won the regular-season championship for the first time, netting a stout $150,000 payday.

He will start the six-race Countdown to the Championship playoffs in the Top Fuel points lead, carrying plenty of momentum into the postseason as he seeks his first Top Fuel world championship.

“Winning the Top Fuel regular season championship is massive for us in my eyes. It took 14 weeks to win a regular-season championship,” Stewart said. “I’m extremely proud of what we did for 14 weeks to win the regular-season championship. I think there are things this weekend that we hit on for the Countdown. We realized what we were missing in the last few races. I feel that we are in as good a spot as we can be for the next six races. We just need to execute in these next six races.”

In Funny Car, Prock finished off a flawless weekend that netted the points leader $330,000, defeating John Force Racing teammate Jack Beckman in the final round after a run of 3.903 at 332.92 in his 12,000-horsepower Cornwell Quality Tools Chevrolet SS.

A day after winning the PlayNHRA All-Star Callout, Prock finished off the regular-season championship, with those two wins handing Prock $230,000. He added the $100,000 U.S. Nationals victory for a second straight year, continuing a remarkable season that may be even more dominant than last year’s championship season.

Prock, who defeated Julie Nataas, Bob Tasca III and Blake Alexander earlier in the day, now has seven victories this season and an unbelievable 15 wins in his last 32 Funny Car races. He also has 19 victories, with the majority coming during this impressive run over the past two seasons. Prock powered past Beckman in the final round, capturing another special Indy moment and taking the points lead into the Countdown to the Championship.

Prock’s big points lead will reset in the playoffs, but he enters the postseason as a dominant champ, winning back-to-back races and taking plenty of momentum into the postseason as he seeks a second straight world title.

“To win Indy in my rookie season (in Funny Car) was obviously really special. We came out guns blazing, and it just put a little bit of an extra pep in our step, and to go out there and execute and do the job and have a dominant performance like we did last year, and then to come back again this year and do it is just surreal,” Prock said.

“It was a dream of mine to win a championship, but you never know if that’s going to happen. So many stars have to align. You have to get the right opportunity. You have to be surrounded by the right people. You have to have the right sponsors backing you. So, to get a U.S. Nationals win last year and then win the championship, and then come back and win the U.S Nationals again, I don’t even know what to say. You know, they say when you win the U.S. Nationals once, it puts you in an elite group. When you do it back-to-back, it’s an even more elite group.”

Beckman, who was the No. 1 qualifier, drove to his fourth final round of 2025 after defeating Justin Scheiefer, Paul Lee and Alexis DeJoria. He’ll open the playoffs second in points, with Matt Hagan in third.

After a tumultuous regular season, Pro Stock’s Erica Enders persevered at The Big Go, snapping a 30-race winless streak and winning her 50th national event after going 6.564 at 209.95 in her Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage/Melling Performance car to hold off Matt Hartford.

It’s the fourth Indy win for the six-time world champion, but this one will certainly rank as one of the most memorable. Her last victory came at the opener in 2024 and this season has been particularly tough, as Enders entered the weekend 12th in points. But Enders and the Elite Motorsports team has shown promise as of late, and she made it happen in a major way on Monday in Indy, moving all the way to eighth in points as well.

She qualified third and then knocked off Greg Stanfield, defending event winner Aaron Stanfield – using a .014 reaction time – and then points leader Dallas Glenn before the matchup with one of her main rivals. Hartford left first, but Enders chased him down, again tasting Indy glory and picking up a milestone victory in the process.

“That monkey’s been on my back since Gainesville, the season opener 2024, and it’s been grueling,” Enders said. “We left last year doing well collectively as a team, and we came out this year and the scoreboard did not tell us what the dyno is telling us. So, it’s super challenging. You know, it kind of reminds me of the beginning of my career when I was just gunning for that first one, and it took seven years and seven final rounds. Granted, this wasn’t that long, but it sure felt like it and it’s mentally tough. You lose confidence in yourself and your equipment, but my guys didn’t lose confidence in their abilities or in me.

“Without them, I wouldn’t be here and I kind of wondered if I still had it, you know what I mean? It took a lot of overcoming and a lot of help from my inner circle, my dad, my sister, my family and the boys that stand behind me. We finally got number 50. As a little girl in 1994, rolling under that arch right there for my first final round at the inaugural Junior Dragster Nationals. The feelings are very similar, and here we are, 30-something years later. So, to get my 50th here at Indy, at the US. Nationals, I don’t know a better book that can be written.”

Hartford advanced to the final round for the second time this season and the 19th time overall thanks to round wins against David Cuadra, Cristian Cuadra and Fernando Cuadra Jr. He’ll open the playoffs third in points.

Dallas Glenn clinched the regular-season title in Pro Stock during the second round when he defeated Jeg Coughlin Jr. and Greg Anderson fell to Fernando Cuadra Jr. Along with the championship and payday, Glenn will take the points lead into the Countdown to the Championship on the strength of four victories and nine visits to the final round thus far in 2025. Glenn will now try to pick up his first overall world title, with Anderson opening the playoffs in second.

Pro Stock Motorcycle’s Gaige Herrera was again clutch when it counted, using an incredible .003 reaction time to defeat teammate Brayden Davis in the final round on a holeshot. Herrera’s 6.834 at 199.32 on his RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines held up thanks to the stellar reaction time, holding off Davis’ 6.799 at 198.93 at the finish line.

It was another picture-perfect weekend for the back-to-back world champion, who qualified No. 1 and set the track E.T. record twice in qualifying. Herrera had seemed vulnerable earlier this summer, but put an emphatic stamp on the regular season, defeating Chris Bostick, Angie Smith and Matt Smith to reach the final round. On drag racing’s grandest stage, Herrera then hung on for a second straight year at Indy.

“It’s very exciting, you know, especially to get a holeshot win like that,” Herrera said. “To get back-to-back wins here in the U.S. Nationals is very special to me and it was crazy. I mean, I almost was in the sand because I was more excited and cheering than being on the brakes.

“I have a strong level head on my shoulders, and I must thank my parents for that. It has not been easy. You know, it’s always nerve-wracking, especially when I know what kind of bikes are in the other lane, caliber-wise.”

Herrera also added another first in his spectacular run, winning the regular-season title and taking the points lead into the playoffs. He’ll open the Countdown to the Championship in first for a third straight year as he seeks a third consecutive world title.

Davis reached the final round for the first time in his career after defeating Dystany Spurlock, Hector Arana Jr. and Richard Gadson, who enters the Countdown to the Championship second in points.

The NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series opens the Countdown to the Championship playoffs with the 40th annual NHRA Reading Nationals presented by Nitro Fish on Sept. 11-14 at Maple Grove Raceway in Reading, Pa.

INDIANAPOLIS — Final finish order (1-16) at the 71st annual Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park. The race is the 14th of 20 events in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series.

TOP FUEL:

  1. Justin Ashley; 2. Tony Stewart; 3. Tripp Tatum; 4. Jasmine Salinas; 5. Kyle Wurtzel; 6. Doug Kalitta; 7. Clay Millican; 8. Brittany Force; 9. Antron Brown; 10. Tony Schumacher; 11. Steve Torrence; 12. Shawn Langdon; 13. Jordan Vandergriff; 14. Josh Hart; 15. Ida Zetterstrom; 16. T.J. Zizzo.

FUNNY CAR:

  1. Austin Prock; 2. Jack Beckman; 3. Alexis DeJoria; 4. Blake Alexander; 5. Ron Capps; 6. Paul Lee; 7. Matt Hagan; 8. Bob Tasca III; 9. Spencer Hyde; 10. J.R. Todd; 11. Cruz Pedregon; 12. Daniel Wilkerson; 13. Chad Green; 14. Julie Nataas; 15. Bobby Bode; 16. Justin Schriefer.

PRO STOCK:

  1. Erica Enders; 2. Matt Hartford; 3. Fernando Cuadra Jr.; 4. Dallas Glenn; 5. Jeg Coughlin; 6. Cristian Cuadra; 7. Greg Anderson; 8. Aaron Stanfield; 9. Cory Reed; 10. Deric Kramer; 11. Greg Stanfield; 12. Eric Latino; 13. David Cuadra; 14. Stephen Bell; 15. Mason McGaha; 16. Cody Coughlin.

PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE:

  1. Gaige Herrera; 2. Brayden Davis; 3. Matt Smith; 4. Richard Gadson; 5. John Hall; 6. Angie Smith; 7. Hector Arana Jr; 8. Chase Van Sant; 9. Dystany Spurlock; 10. Kelly Clontz; 11. Chris Bostick; 12. Malcolm Phillips Jr.; 13. Steve Johnson; 14. Jianna Evaristo; 15. Ryan Oehler; 16. Marc Ingwersen.

INDIANAPOLIS — Monday’s final results from the 71st annual Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park. The race is the 14th of 20 in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series:

Top Fuel — Justin Ashley, 3.839 seconds, 326.16 mph def. Tony Stewart, 3.815 seconds, 321.88 mph.

Funny Car — Austin Prock, Chevy Camaro, 3.903, 332.92 def. Jack Beckman, Camaro, 4.553, 236.09.

Pro Stock — Erica Enders, Chevy Camaro, 6.564, 209.95 def. Matt Hartford, Camaro, 6.609, 209.04.

Pro Stock Motorcycle — Gaige Herrera, Suzuki, 6.834, 199.32 def. Brayden Davis, Suzuki, 6.799, 198.93.

Top Alcohol Dragster — Shawn Cowie, 5.254, 276.69 def. Jamie Noonan, 9.954, 88.75.

Top Alcohol Funny Car — Shane Westerfield, Chevy Camaro, 5.674, 260.46 def. Annie Whiteley, Camaro, 14.185, 57.23.

Competition Eliminator — Robert Bailey, Dragster, 6.661, 183.77 def. Doug Engels, Dragster, 7.290, 180.86.

Super Stock — Tyler Caheely, S-10, 9.277, 127.10 def. Joe Santangelo, Camaro, Foul – Red Light.

Stock Eliminator — Jimmy DeFrank, Camaro, 10.024, 130.39 def. Todd Hoven, Coronet, 9.881, 128.11.

Super Comp — Landon Exner, Dragster, 8.908, 178.28 def. Vance Houston, Dragster, 8.908, 179.80.

Super Gas — Mike McMasters, Camaro, 9.897, 164.61 def. Bob Locke, Corvette, 9.896, 163.47.

Top Sportsman — Darian Boesch, Camaro, 6.261, 228.77 def. Jimmy Lewis, GXP, 6.371, 207.02.

Top Dragster — Jim Prevo, Dragster, 6.187, 216.10 def. Holden Laris, Dragster, 6.204, 216.17.

Pro Modified — Mike Stavrinos, Chevy Camaro, 5.719, 251.63 def. Derek Menholt, Camaro, 5.943, 245.27.

Factory X — Conner Statler, Chevy Camaro, 6.927, 199.17 def. Lenny Lottig, Camaro, 6.969, 197.83.

Factory Stock Showdown — Taylor Dietsch, Ford Mustang, 7.719, 178.35 def. Raymond Nash, Dodge Challenger, 13.077, 65.34.

Legends Nitro Funny Car presented by Extreme Steel — Nathan Sitko, Pontiac Firebird, 4.757, 235.15 def. Jon Capps, Chevy Camaro, 11.868, 52.76.

INDIANAPOLIS — Final round-by-round results from the 71st annual Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, the 14th of 20 events in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series:

TOP FUEL:

ROUND ONE — Clay Millican, 3.749, 284.69 def. Shawn Langdon, 3.767, 265.74; Justin Ashley, 3.721, 328.46 def. Antron Brown, 3.706, 333.66; Kyle Wurtzel, 3.766, 321.73 def. Jordan Vandergriff, 4.385, 255.87; Brittany Force, 3.690, 343.51 def. Ida Zetterstrom, 7.434, 79.06; Jasmine Salinas, 3.759, 331.53 def. T.J. Zizzo, 8.287, 80.09; Doug Kalitta, 3.706, 337.41 def. Tony Schumacher, 3.736, 336.49; Tony Stewart, 3.716, 334.65 def. Steve Torrence, 3.741, 331.20; Tripp Tatum, 3.724, 327.74 def. Josh Hart, 5.610, 119.65;

QUARTERFINALS — Salinas, 3.780, 329.10 def. Millican, 6.095, 110.56; Stewart, 3.802, 328.06 def. Wurtzel, 4.454, 177.65; Tatum, 4.603, 215.13 def. Force, 11.057, 45.56; Ashley, 4.087, 293.15 def. Kalitta, 4.486, 234.61;

SEMIFINALS — Ashley, 3.808, 327.74 def. Tatum, 8.317, 86.04; Stewart, 3.837, 325.85 def. Salinas, 10.754, 73.87;

FINAL — Ashley, 3.839, 326.16 def. Stewart, 3.815, 321.88.

FUNNY CAR:

ROUND ONE — Blake Alexander, Dodge Charger, 3.911, 329.02 def. Chad Green, Ford Mustang, 3.964, 327.03; Alexis DeJoria, Charger, 3.901, 333.16 def. Bobby Bode, Mustang, 9.136, 82.84; Ron Capps, Toyota GR Supra, 3.876, 333.16 def. Spencer Hyde, Mustang, 3.869, 325.37; Jack Beckman, Chevy Camaro, 3.881, 328.78 def. Justin Schriefer, Charger, Foul – Red Light; Austin Prock, Camaro, 3.883, 333.66 def. Julie Nataas, GR Supra, 4.308, 241.54; Matt Hagan, Charger, 3.887, 334.73 def. Cruz Pedregon, Charger, 3.912, 309.34; Bob Tasca III, Mustang, 3.868, 337.24 def. J.R. Todd, GR Supra, 3.898, 334.82; Paul Lee, Charger, 3.912, 321.42 def. Daniel Wilkerson, Mustang, 3.934, 330.96;

QUARTERFINALS — DeJoria, 3.935, 331.85 def. Hagan, 5.936, 146.80; Prock, 3.894, 332.92 def. Tasca III, 8.108, 77.35; Alexander, 3.925, 326.24 def. Capps, 3.914, 333.66; Beckman, 3.920, 330.47 def. Lee, 3.946, 300.26;

SEMIFINALS — Beckman, 4.123, 248.66 def. DeJoria, 4.923, 160.37; Prock, 3.930, 331.12 def. Alexander, 10.452, 66.39;

FINAL — Prock, 3.903, 332.92 def. Beckman, 4.553, 236.09.

PRO STOCK:

ROUND ONE — Fernando Cuadra Jr., Chevy Camaro, 6.538, 207.82 def. Eric Latino, Camaro, 6.544, 209.95; Jeg Coughlin, Camaro, 6.554, 207.94 def. Cody Coughlin, Camaro, Foul – Red Light; Aaron Stanfield, Camaro, 6.521, 211.20 def. Deric Kramer, Camaro, 6.533, 209.79; Matt Hartford, Camaro, 6.522, 210.77 def. David Cuadra, Camaro, 6.552, 209.01; Cristian Cuadra, Ford Mustang, 6.564, 209.52 def. Cory Reed, Camaro, 6.531, 209.72; Dallas Glenn, Camaro, 6.498, 211.79 def. Stephen Bell, Camaro,

6.557, 209.82; Greg Anderson, Camaro, 6.496, 210.60 def. Mason McGaha, Camaro, 6.573, 208.55; Erica Enders, Camaro, 6.513, 211.10 def. Greg Stanfield, Camaro, 6.542, 203.06;

QUARTERFINALS — Hartford, 6.995, 207.82 def. C. Cuadra, 7.344, 204.91; Enders, 6.540, 211.00 def. A. Stanfield, Broke; Glenn, 6.524, 210.11 def. J. Coughlin, 6.572, 209.98; Cuadra Jr., 6.756, 207.88 def. Anderson, 11.685, 74.67;

SEMIFINALS — Hartford, 6.551, 209.17 def. Cuadra Jr., 6.593, 210.08; Enders, 6.566, 211.00 def. Glenn, Broke;

FINAL — Enders, 6.564, 209.95 def. Hartford, 6.609, 209.04.

PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE:

ROUND ONE — Angie Smith, Buell, 6.838, 197.86 def. Kelly Clontz, Suzuki, 6.886, 197.22; Chase Van Sant, Suzuki, 6.833, 196.67 def. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 6.936, 193.65; Hector Arana Jr, 6.872, 197.65 def. Jianna Evaristo, Buell, 7.128, 195.22; John Hall, 6.821, 185.41 def. Marc Ingwersen, Broke – No Show; Matt Smith, Buell, 6.776, 199.97 def. Ryan Oehler, Foul – Red Light; Brayden Davis, Suzuki, 6.770, 200.17 def. Dystany Spurlock, Buell, 6.877, 196.85; Richard Gadson, Suzuki, 6.744, 200.80 def.

Malcolm Phillips Jr., Suzuki, 6.905, 196.33; Gaige Herrera, Suzuki, 6.744, 200.65 def. Chris Bostick, Suzuki, 6.895, 195.00;

QUARTERFINALS — M. Smith, 6.825, 199.14 def. Hall, 6.844, 198.82; Davis, Broke def. Arana Jr, Foul – Red Light; Herrera, 6.778, 199.79 def. A. Smith, 6.853, 197.33; Gadson, 6.824, 199.70 def. Van Sant, Foul – Red Light;

SEMIFINALS — Davis, 6.813, 199.11 def. Gadson, 6.867, 198.64; Herrera, 6.825, 199.02 def. M. Smith, Foul – Red Light;

FINAL — Herrera, 6.834, 199.32 def. Davis, 6.799, 198.93.

INDIANAPOLIS — Point standings (top 10) following the 71st annual Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, the 14th of 20 events in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series –

Top Fuel

  1. Tony Stewart, 1,138; 2. Shawn Langdon, 1,099; 3. Justin Ashley, 1,084; 4. Doug Kalitta, 1,082; 5. Brittany Force, 909; 6. Antron Brown, 861; 7. Clay Millican, 786; 8. Josh Hart, 625; 9. Steve Torrence, 622; 10. Shawn Reed, 535.

Funny Car

  1. Austin Prock, 1,323; 2. Jack Beckman, 1,050; 3. Matt Hagan, 956; 4. Ron Capps, 931; 5. Paul Lee, 839; 6. J.R. Todd, 770; 7. Daniel Wilkerson, 720; 8. Alexis DeJoria, 689; 9. Spencer Hyde, 668; 10. Bob Tasca III, 648.

Pro Stock

  1. Dallas Glenn, 1,272; 2. Greg Anderson, 1,240; 3. Matt Hartford, 855; 4. Cory Reed, 706; 5. Aaron Stanfield, 661; 6. Eric Latino, 627; 7. Jeg Coughlin, 598; 8. Erica Enders, 563; 9. Greg Stanfield, 554; 10. Cody Coughlin, 512.

Pro Stock Motorcycle

  1. Gaige Herrera, 988; 2. Richard Gadson, 851; 3. Matt Smith, 789; 4. John Hall, 560; 5. Angie Smith, 525; 6. Chase Van Sant, 442; 7. Jianna Evaristo, 412; 8. Chris Bostick, 383; 9. Brayden Davis, 351; 10. Steve Johnson, 328.

Scott McLaughlin out-duels Kyffin Simpson for third at Nashville

By
Tucker White
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LEBANON, Tenn. - AUGUST 31: Josef Newgarden (C) sprays Scott McLaughlin (L) and Alex Palou (R) in victory lane after winning the NTT IndyCar Series Music City Grand Prix at Nashville Superspeedway on Aug. 31, 2025, in Lebanon, Tennessee. Photo: Simon Scoggins/SpeedwayMedia.com

LEBANON, Tenn. — Scott McLaughlin walked into the deadline room at Nashville Superspeedway with a bottle of champagne in his hand. As he sipped from a plastic cup, he spoke about how bittersweet his podium finish was.

“Third is great,” he said. “I’m glad I sort of held on to that at the end.

“Very good end to our season. Great team win. But I’m pissed off at myself.”

Considering he hit the wall late in the race, it’s understandable how he feels about a third-place finish.

After cycling off pit road behind 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion, Alex Palou, McLaughlin overtook him for the lead with 26 laps to go. With 22 to go in the Music City Grand Prix, McLaughlin led teammate, Josef Newgarden, and Palou.

Then McLaughlin hit the wall.

“I just turned a little late, got caught,” he said. “Nearly saved it. Once you’re sort of out there, it’s hard to get it back.”

Luckily for him, he straightened the wheel before hitting the wall and mitigated the damage he sustained. And he only lost a single spot in the process.

“The car was straight,” he said. “I was able to push on, yeah.”

The final restart came with 11 laps to go, and Palou ducked inside of McLaughlin heading into Turn 1 to take second. Coming down the backstretch, Kyffin Simpson followed his teammate’s lead and pulled to his inside. For five laps, the two drivers ran side-by-side the entire length of the 1.33 mile track.

With six to go, however, Simpson cleared him off Turn 2. Undeterred, McLaughlin kept the top lane open as much as possible.

“I didn’t care if I was the only one up there,” he said. “I used it until I couldn’t. Kept there, kept there.”

With one lap to go, McLaughlin got a good run in Turn 1 and ran high to psych Simpson into defense.

“I wasn’t going to pass him on the inside into three,” he said. “I wanted him to go so it cramped his entry.”

He got a strong run through Turns 3 and 4, lead foot through it all, and cleared him on his way to a podium finish.

“I have to give massive props to Kyffin Simpson,” he said. “Probably the best oval race I’ve had. Felt like 2006 or something. Pinned around the outside, gave me some room. If he came up, I was in the fence hard. Big props to Kyff. Really, really happy to race him.

“That kid raced me with a lot of respect. He’s getting better and better every week. I really did enjoy racing him. Like I said, probably my best battle ever on an oval.”

McLaughlin finished the 2025 NTT INDYCAR Series season 10th in points. Just one point behind teammate, Will Power.

Tasca Racing Battles Through Indy, Earns Round Win at NHRA U.S. Nationals

By
Official Release
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Indianapolis, IN – September 1, 2025 – Bob Tasca III and the Ford Performance Nitro Mustang Dark Horse Funny Car team put together a weekend of consistent progress and determination at the prestigious NHRA U.S. Nationals, highlighted by a first-round victory and the fastest speed of the entire Funny Car field on race day.

The team opened qualifying strong on Friday with a 3.935 ET at 299.93 mph, securing the ninth spot early. Saturday brought challenges, with tire smoke in Q2 and overpowering the track in Q3, but the crew gathered valuable data to fine-tune their setup.

Sunday was a turning point. In Q4, Tasca laid down the team’s smoothest run of the season with a 3.972 ET at 327.43 mph. That momentum carried into Q5, where a 3.961 ET at 327.74 mph locked the team into the No. 10 qualifying position heading into Monday eliminations.

On Labor Day, Tasca delivered one of the best runs of the weekend in round one, posting a blistering 3.868 ET at 337.24 mph to take out J.R. Todd. That run marked the quickest ET of the round and the top speed of the entire weekend for the Funny Car category. In round two, Tasca lined up against Austin Prock but smoked the tires almost immediately, ending the team’s bid for a deeper run into eliminations.

“We’ve been chipping away at this hot rod all year, and Indy showed what this Ford Mustang Dark Horse is capable of,” said Tasca. “That first-round pass was smooth, and to put up the top speed of the weekend shows we’re headed in the right direction. The data we’ve gathered here is going to pay off as we push into the Countdown.”

The Tasca Racing team now turns its focus to the next stop on the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series schedule, with confidence that their hard work and data from Indy will help them compete for wins in the final stretch of the season.

AM Racing to Launch Second NASCAR Xfinity Series Team at Worldwide Technology Raceway at Gateway

By
Official Release
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STATESVILLE, N.C.: AM Racing announced today the expansion of its NASCAR Xfinity Series program by adding a second entry for Saturday night’s Nu Way 200 Sauced by Blues Hog at Worldwide Technology Raceway at Gateway on September 6, 2025.

Kole Raz, a Late Model standout from Lake Oswego, Oregon, will drive AM Racing’s No. 76 Ford Mustang in the final race of the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series regular season, marking his highly anticipated series debut.

Raz, 22, competed in seven ARCA Menards Series events this season sponsored by Cyclum NextGen Travel Centers with AM Racing, highlighted by sixth-place finishes in his premier series debut at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway and in the second race of the season at Phoenix (Ariz.) Raceway.

A prolific winner in Late Model competition, Raz also impressed in his ARCA Menards Series East debut at Five Flags (Fla.) Speedway, qualifying third, leading 57 laps and finishing second in the Pensacola 150.

Cyclum NextGen Travel Centers continues its partnership with the ARCA Menards Series West winner, Raz, providing support from AM Racing’s development ARCA program to the team’s Xfinity Series efforts.

Cyclum NextGen Travel Centers, a one-stop destination for drivers and commercial fleets, is redefining reliability on the road by offering a wide range of fuel options — including Traditional Diesel, Transitional Renewable Diesel and Renewable fuels — to meet the evolving needs of today’s travelers.

Operating 100% off-grid, Cyclum locations remain fully functional and capable of fueling even during power outages, ensuring dependability regardless of conditions.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to attempt my NASCAR Xfinity Series debut with AM Racing at World Wide Technology Raceway,” said Raz, a two-time NASCAR Arizona state champion. “This team has believed in me since my first ARCA start with them last November, and to now take the next step together means a lot.

“Having Cyclum NextGen Travel Centers continue their support as we make this move up the ladder is special and I’m excited to represent them on this bigger stage now and in the future.

“Gateway is a challenging track, but I’m ready to learn, compete and make the most of this opportunity.”

That same commitment to innovation and reliability continues on the track, as Cyclum builds on its ARCA Menards Series involvement with AM Racing and Kole Raz by expanding its partnership into the NASCAR Xfinity Series for his anticipated debut at Worldwide Technology Raceway in Madison, Ill.

“We are proud to support and sponsor Kole as he takes this exciting step up to the Xfinity Series with AM Racing,” said Brian Profitt, CEO of Cyclum NextGen Travel Centers.

“Kole has shown tremendous dedication, and with the team behind him, his future looks bright. Our partnership is more than just a sponsor on his car; he is a member of the Cyclum family. We’re excited to cheer on his continued growth and success at Gateway.”

Gateway marks a pivotal weekend for the family-owned AM Racing organization. In addition to debuting its second NASCAR Xfinity Series entry, the team will be battling for one of the final spots in the series’ Playoff grid.

An impressive season built on consistency and strong results has propelled the Statesville, N.C.-based team into contention for its first-ever Xfinity Series Playoff berth with driver Harrison Burton — just two years after the organization made its series debut in February 2023.

“Expanding to two NASCAR Xfinity Series cars has been part of AM Racing’s long-term vision,” said AM Racing team president Wade Moore.

“While we recognize the timing comes as our primary focus is securing a Playoff spot with Harrison (Burton), we also know we have the equipment, the people and the commitment to field two competitive teams. This step represents growth for our organization, and we’re confident it will strengthen our program both now and in the future.”

Moore added, “We believe strongly in Kole’s abilities and his potential to grow within our organization. He has already shown maturity and speed in the ARCA Menards Series and giving him the opportunity to take the next step into the Xfinity Series reflects the trust we have in him.

“At the same time, we’re proud to strengthen further our relationship with Cyclum NextGen Travel Centers, whose commitment and vision align with our own. Their continued support is instrumental in making this expansion possible.”

The team plans to enter the No. 76 Ford Mustang in additional races later this season, with exciting details to be shared soon.

For more on AM Racing, please visit AMRacingteam.com, like their Facebook page (AM Racing), or follow them on Instagram and X | Twitter @AMRacingNASCAR.

For more on Kole Raz, like him on Facebook (Kole Raz Racing) and follow him on Instagram (@koleraz) and X | Twitter (@koleraz27).

The Nu Way 200 Sauced by Blues Hog (160 laps | 200 miles) is the 26th of thirty-three (33) NASCAR Xfinity Series races on the 2025 schedule. Practice will take place on Friday, September 5, 2025, from 4:05 p.m. to 4:55 p.m. Qualifying will follow on race day, Saturday, September 6, launching at 2:00 p.m. The 38-car field will take the green flag shortly after 6:30 p.m. (7:30 p.m. ET), with live coverage on The CW Network, the Motor Racing Network (Radio) and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90. All times are local (CT).

About Cyclum NextGen Travel Centers:

Cyclum NextGen Travel Centers is building a next-generation network of 400 truck stops across the United States, offering a comprehensive suite of traditional Diesel and transitional Renewable Diesel fueling options, alongside all available renewable fuels, including Renewable CNG, hydrogen and EV charging.

TRUCK FLEET FUEL OPPORTUNITIES AND PARTNERSHIPS: Contact Cyclum.com or 833.462.9258

About AM Racing:

AM Racing is a multi-tiered, multifaceted motorsports program headquartered in Statesville, N.C.

Established in December 2015, AM Racing is prided on faith, honesty and intelligent performance.

In its ninth year of competition, the family-owned team will compete in the ARCA Menards Series, the NASCAR Xfinity Series, and various Dirt Modified events.

Early Spin Derails Berry’s Night at Darlington

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Official Release
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#21: Josh Berry, Wood Brothers Racing, Motorcraft Quick Lane Ford Mustang

Josh Berry’s third-place starting position in the Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway offered plenty of promise, but that promise disappeared almost immediately when a first-lap spin in Turn 2 left the No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Mustang Dark Horse battered in the opening race of the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs.

Berry was able to drive the car to the garage, where the Wood Brothers Racing crew went to work on repairs. He said the car bottomed out several times before the spin.

“It was definitely unexpected,” Berry said. “We didn’t really fight that too bad in practice. I saw a replay of it (from the camera in Ross Chastain’s car) and you could tell that it bottomed out four or five times. You can’t save them when they’re like that.”

After spending more than 100 laps in the garage, Berry returned to the track in 38th position with little opportunity to recover. The team instead focused on securing a bonus point for the fastest lap of the night, and on Lap 114 Berry delivered with a speed of 169.351 miles per hour.

He carried on to finish 38th, collecting two points and leaving Darlington 16th in the Playoff standings, 19 points behind the cutoff line.

After two more races – at World Wide Technology Raceway and Bristol Motor Speedway – the bottom four drivers in the standings will be eliminated from championship contention. Despite the setback, Berry remains confident that he and the No. 21 team can rebound.

“It looked like a lot of people had a bad night, which we know how this goes,” he said. “We just need to avoid a bad night ourselves. I feel like we’re still within striking distance. If we just go have two good weeks, we’ll at least be in the mix once we get to Bristol.”

Berry and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane team now turn their focus to Sunday’s Enjoy Illinois 300 at World Wide Technology Raceway.

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

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

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

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

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

Honda to Provide Official Vehicles for World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25 as Official Global Partner

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Official Release
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Men’s/Women’s Marathon Chief Judge’s vehicle(Honda CR-V e:FCEV)

Contributing to the realization of an environmentally-responsible and safe event with a wide variety of mobility products

TOKYO, Japan, September 1, 2025 – (JCN Newswire) – Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (Honda), an official global partner of the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25 (WCH Tokyo 25), today revealed the list of Honda vehicles to be used as the official vehicles for WCH Tokyo 25, to be held September 13 through 21, 2025.

With its theme for WCH Tokyo 25 — “Maximizing the excitement and inspiration from the athletes’ great performance, through the realization of an environmentally-responsible and safe event by providing a wide variety of mobility products equipped with innovative technologies”— Honda will provide a diverse lineup of approximately 120 vehicles, mostly environmentally-responsible vehicles, including fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), battery electric vehicles (BEV) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). All Honda vehicles to be provided as official vehicles will feature a special wrap designed exclusively for the WHC Tokyo 25. 

Intended useModel
Competition operationMen’s and Women’s MarathonChief Judge’s vehicleCR-V e:FCEV
Official timing vehicleN-VAN e:
Course check vehicleAll-new Prelude
Course check vehicleN-ONE e:
Camera bikesCUV e:
Supplying electricity to antenna mats for measurement split timesPower Exporter e: 6000 / 9000
Throwing eventsRadio-controlled car for retrieval and transportation of throwing implements1/4 model of Honda 0 SUV Prototype
Overall event operationTransportation vehiclesCR-V e:FCEV
Step WGN e:HEV model
Odyssey e:HEV model
ZR-V e:HEV model
Personal mobility devicesUNI-ONE
Striemo (product of Striemo, Inc.*1)

*1 A company originated from the Honda new business creation program, IGNITION.

To support men’s and women’s marathon races, the CR-V e:FCEV fuel cell vehicle will serve as the Chief Judge’s vehicle, and N-VAN e: commercial-use mini-EV equipped with Seiko timing equipment will serve as the official timing vehicle. In addition, Honda will provide the Power Exporter e: 6000 and Power Exporter e: 9000 portable external power output devices, which will take electricity from the N-VAN e: and supply electricity to mat antennas stationed at each 5km point on the course to measure the 5km splits of each runner. 

The all-new Prelude specialty sport model and all-new N-ONE e: mini-EV will be used as course check vehicle to ensure a safe environment before each race. Both vehicles are all-new models scheduled to go on sale in fall 2025. Moreover, the CUV e: electric personal commuter model capable of two-up riding powered by the Honda Mobile Power Pack e: swappable battery will be used as camera bikes to capture the performances of the runners.

For the transportation of WCH Tokyo 25 personnel and participants, Honda will provide the CR-V e:FCEV fuel cell electric vehicle, as well as hybrid-electric models, including Step WGN e:HEV, Odyssey e:HEV and ZR-V e:HEV.

Furthermore, to enhance mobility and help reduce the workload of WCH Tokyo 25 staff and other stakeholders supporting operation of the WCH Tokyo 25, will utilize Honda UNI-ONE, a hands-free seated personal mobility device the user can steer simply by shifting body weight while sitting.

Vehicle exhibit inside the stadium and radio-controlled car for event operations support

During the WCH Tokyo 25, for the first time in the history of the World Athletics Championships, a vehicle exhibit will be placed inside the stadium. The vehicle to be on display at the Japan National Stadium is the Honda 0 SUV Prototype. The production model based on this prototype model is scheduled to go on sale first in North America in 2026, followed by global sales. In addition, Honda produced a 1/4 scale radio-controlled model of the Honda 0 SUV Prototype exclusively for the WCH Tokyo 25. This RC car will be used in the throwing events — javelin, hammer, and discus — to retrieve throwing implements and transport them quickly and safely, thereby reducing the workload of staff and contributing to the smooth operation of the throwing events. 

Honda mobility products exhibit outside the stadium 

Honda mobility products which will support the WCH Tokyo 25 will be exhibited in an area in front of the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium, adjacent to the National Stadium. The exhibit will feature immersive backgrounds and other effects to create the impression as if the vehicles are in motion, which will offer a unique photo spot for visitors. Moreover, visitors will be able to take photos on the CUV e:, the police motorcycle version of Honda NT1100, and the UNI-ONE. These exhibits are designed to offer experiences through which visitors can feel more connected to the WCH Tokyo 25

Honda vehicles and devices on display

Automobiles:

  • All-new Prelude,
  • N-VAN e: (with special WCH Tokyo 25 wrap)

Motorcycles:

  • CUV e: (with special WCH Tokyo 25 wrap)
  • NT1100 (police motorcycle version)

Next-generation mobility:

  • UNI-ONE (with special WCH Tokyo 25 wrap)

Radio-controlled car:

  • 1/4 scale radio-controlled model of Honda 0 SUV Prototype to be used for retrieval of throwing implements: 

About WCH Tokyo 25

  1. Event Name: World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25
  2. Organizer/Host: Organizer: World Athletics
  3. Host: Japan Association of Athletics Federations (JAAF)
  4. Event Period: September 13 – 21, 2025 (9 days)
  5. Number of Participating Countries and Territories: Approximately 200
  6. Number of Participating Athletes: Approximately over 2,000
  7. Event Venue: Japan National Stadium and other facilities in Tokyo, Japan

Honda special World Athletics website 

Honda will continuously share its stories and passion for supporting athletes who take on challenges in the WCH Tokyo 25 and introduce a wide variety of Honda vehicles serving active roles during the event.

URL:
https://global.honda/jp/WorldAthletics/ (Japanese)
https://global.honda/en/WorldAthletics/ (English)

Based on the Honda vision for its sports activities – “To increase the number of people who take on challenges through sports activities and make the lives of all people more enjoyable” – Honda will continue to support various athletes who take on challenges toward the realization of their own dreams.

Team Penske NASCAR Cup Series Race Report – Darlington 2

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Official Release
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Cook Out Southern 500 – Darlington Raceway
Darlington, S.C. – August 31, 2025

AUSTIN CINDRIC No. 2 DISCOUNT TIRE FORD MUSTANG DARK HORSE
START: 10TH STAGE 1: 8TH STAGE 2: 18TH FINISH: 12TH POINTS: 9TH
RACE RUNDOWN: Austin Cindric and the No. 2 Discount Tire Ford Mustang Dark Horse team delivered a solid, steady performance in Sunday night’s Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway, finishing 12th in the opening race of the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs. Cindric rolled off 10th and managed a loose condition in the opening segment, rallying to an eighth-place finish and banking valuable Stage points in the crown jewel event. The balance shifted to the tight side in Stage 2, but adjustments helped the team move in the right direction as Cindric crossed the line 18th while reporting improvement in the handling. In the final stint, the car continued to trend in a positive direction, allowing Cindric to hold his ground and secure a 12th-place finish under the lights at the track “Too Tough To Tame.” The result keeps him ninth in the NASCAR Playoffs standings, 12 points above the elimination line with two races remaining in the Round of 16.

CINDRIC’S THOUGHTS: “It was a decent night. We got a little behind in Stage 2 – had a bad pit stop and kind of got pinballed around on a few restarts and had to hit the full reset button. We really drove our way up through under green through the duration of Stage 3. I thought Brian made some good adjustments and I feel like we got a somewhat of a representative finish. I wish we would have been able to hold onto the track position we qualified with, but getting Stage points early was good.”

RYAN BLANEY No. 12 MENARDS/DUTCH BOY FORD MUSTANG DARK HORSE
START: 12TH STAGE 1: 10TH STAGE 2: 31ST FINISH: 18TH POINTS: 7TH
RACE RUNDOWN: Ryan Blaney and the No. 12 Menards/Dutch Boy Ford Mustang Dark Horse team faced an up-and-down night in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs opener at Darlington Sunday night that ended in an 18th-place result. After starting 12th, Blaney settled into 10th on the leaderboard for the opening run of the night and, following a pair of green flag pit cycles, he went on to complete the pass for 10th with four laps remaining in the segment to cap off Stage 1. Following a caution on lap 152 while running ninth, Blaney found himself on the wrong end of contact between the Nos. 20 and 77 on pit road as the No. 77 slid in front of the 12 team’s stall, forcing Blaney to delay his exit and miring him back to 20th in the running order for the ensuing restart. He worked his way back up to 13th by the time the caution flag flew on lap 203 but the following restart altered the 12 team’s night as the No. 8 got loose in front of Blaney and the No. 3 made contact with his rear bumper, sending the Menards/Dutch Boy Ford spinning towards the inside wall on the frontstretch. After a pair of trips to pit road to remedy a flat right front tire and damage to the splitter, Blaney rejoined the field without losing a lap but came away with a 31st-place finish in Stage 2. The 12 team continued to make adjustments on each subsequent stop to offset the damage, allowing Blaney to climb back into the top-20 prior to lap 300, but an untimely caution while Blaney was on pit road trapped them a lap down. After taking the wave around to rejoin the lead lap prior to the final restart of the night with 48 laps to go, Blaney picked up seven positions over the course of the final run to salvage an 18th-place finish. Blaney enters the second race of the Round of 16 in seventh in the playoff standings, 22 points above the elimination line.

BLANEY’S THOUGHTS: “There were multiple instances, one on pit road. We had to start in the back and then getting spun off turn four killed the splitter, and then we came from the back to 19th and then the caution came out as soon as we got to pit road and sent us all the way back again. Just about everything that could go wrong tonight went wrong. At least we recovered to where we did, which is ok, I guess. It just wasn’t a smooth night.”

JOEY LOGANO No. 22 SHELL-PENNZOIL FORD MUSTANG DARK HORSE
START: 14TH STAGE 1: 16TH STAGE 2: 13TH FINISH: 20TH POINTS: 13TH
RACE RUNDOWN: Joey Logano and the No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil Ford Mustang Dark Horse team came away with a 20th-place finish in Sunday night’s Southern 500 at Darlington to open the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs. Logano battled handling issues throughout the opening 115-lap segment but managed to maintain track position over the course of two green flag pit cycles, resulting in a 16th-place finish in Stage 1. After falling outside the top-20 during the opening laps of Stage 2, Logano battled his way back inside the top-15 before the caution flag flew on lap 210, setting up a 16-lap run to the end of the stage that saw the No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil Ford cross the line 13th in Stage 2. As Logano continued to battle inside the top-20 over the course of the final run of the night, a caution on lap 312 set up one last restart with 48 to go before ultimately settling for a 20th-place finish. Logano enters the second race of the Round of 16 in 13th in the playoff standings, three points below the elimination line.

LOGANO’S THOUGHTS: “We just had no grip. There isn’t much to say outside of that. It wasn’t good enough. This has been a good track for us in the past, but I don’t know. Some of our cars were decent at times, but not like we have been here. It’s a bit of a head scratcher to try to understand. It’s obviously not the day we wanted.”

The NASCAR Cup Series heads to World Wide Technology Raceway for the second race of the Round of 16 on Sunday, September 7. Coverage of the Enjoy Illinois 300 begins at 3:00 p.m. ET on USA, MRN, and Sirius XM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

Buescher Leads Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing at Darlington

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Official Release
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Buescher 10th, Keselowski 15th and Preece 16th

DARLINGTON, SC (August 31, 2025) – The Southern 500 is one of the season’s most demanding races, and Roush Fenway Keselowski (RFK) Racing met the challenge. Chris Buescher, Brad Keselowski, and Ryan Preece each delivered strong efforts Sunday at Darlington Raceway. Buescher earned his 14th top-10 finish this year, Keselowski posted what was perhaps the comeback of the race, and Preece overcame late adversity to score a respectable finish.

17 Chris Buescher

Chris Buescher attacked the Track Too Tough to Tame Sunday night, starting from the 15th position. The Kroger / Tree Top Ford immediately showed speed but was forced to navigate early chaos when Josh Berry spun in the opening laps. The No. 17 team quickly assessed the possibility of right-rear damage, but Buescher confirmed the steering felt fine, and they escaped without significant issues. He managed to stay in contention, finishing Stage One in 21st.

In Stage Two, Buescher continued to displaying strength. Restarting 19th, he quickly picked off positions and climbed into the mid-pack before minor contact with the No. 77 scuffed his Ford but sustained no serious damage. A series of cautions gave the team chances to execute flawless pit stops, cycling Buescher as high as seventh on restarts. His now had forward momentum, and by the stage’s end, had gained 10 spots from Stage One to finish 11th.

The final stage saw Buescher continue his determined climb. Running 11th early, he surged into the top 10 thanks to consistently strong pit stops. Buescher climbed as high as sixth, but as the laps wound down, a three-wide battle with Ross Chastain and AJ Allmendinger shuffled him back to eighth. He kept his composure through the intensity of Darlington’s closing laps. After a final round of stops set him up 15th for the restart with 48 laps to go, he charged back to secure a very respectable 10th-place finish.

“A bad start getting caught up in that accident, it got us way behind,” said Buescher. “Overall, it was pretty decent. We got better during the day.”

6 Brad Keselowski

Brad Keselowski’s Southern 500 was defined by perseverance as he overcame early adversity to drive the BuildSubmarines.com Ford to a solid finish under the Darlington lights. After starting 32nd, Keselowski threaded his way through traffic, including an early spin by Josh Berry. The biggest obstacle, however, came on pit road when the left-front tire wasn’t completely tight as he left his box. Instead of returning to his stall, Keselowski was forced to stop in Joey Logano’s pit stall, where the loose wheel was tightened by the 22 team. He was still assessed a drive-through penalty for pitting outside his box and finished Stage One in 33rd, two laps down.

In Stage Two, Keselowski and his RFK team clawed back with determination. After pitting between segments, he began turning competitive lap times and even passed some lead-lap cars. When an early caution came out, the No. 6 team stayed out, gaining one lap back as the leaders pitted. Keselowski finally returned to the lead lap by taking the wave-around in the next caution period. He ended the stage in 23rd and was eager to capitalize on the opportunity in the final stage.

Stage Three showcased Keselowski’s resilience. Restarting 23rd, he began picking his way forward, climbing into 19th before a caution on lap 316 gave him a chance to pit once more. Lined up 17th with under 50 laps remaining, Keselowski battled fiercely with playoff contenders and continued to gain ground. By the checkered flag, he had fought his way to a 15th-place finish, an impressive comeback from two laps down.

“We had really good long run speed,” Said Keselowski. “We needed all 500 miles today, that’s for sure. We passed some cars there towards the end and got ourselves a solid finish, but we want to be a little better.”

60 Ryan Preece

Ryan Preece lined up 27th for Sunday’s Southern 500 and wasted little time showing the Trimble Ford’s speed. After dodging early trouble, he began picking off positions, settling into the mid-20s by the midpoint of the opening stage. The way he flashed through the corners and posted fast, consistent lap times drew praise from crew chief Derrick Finley, and he ended Stage One in 23rd with confidence that his car would come alive as adjustments took hold.

That proved true in Stage Two, when Finley’s calls on pit road gave Preece the ability to surge forward. Restarting outside the top 20, he cracked the top 10 by lap 167, saying, “this is the best we’ve been, the car is coming to us.” Even a scrape with Cody Ware couldn’t slow his momentum, as Preece quickly regrouped and reestablished himself inside the front-running pack. By the end of the stage, he was ninth, earning valuable stage points and showcasing the form that has defined his strongest Cup Series season to date.

The final stage saw Preece continue to fight. He climbed as high as eighth, battling with Kyle Larson while navigating the challenges of Darlington’s narrow groove. A late caution set up a sprint to the finish, and Preece restarted eighth with 48 laps remaining. Although a brake issue hampered his drive over the closing stretch, he still managed to bring the No. 60 Ford home in 16th.

Up Next:

World Wide Technology Raceway (Madison, IL), Sunday, September 7, 2025, on USA Network @ 3:00pm ET

About RFK Racing

RFK Racing, in its 38th season in 2025, features an ownership lineup pairing one of the sport’s most iconic names, Jack Roush, along with NASCAR Champion Brad Keselowski and Fenway Sports Group owner John Henry. Roush initially founded the team in 1988, and it has since become one of the most successful racing operations in the world, propelling him to be the first NASCAR owner to amass 300 wins and capturing eight championships, including back-to-back NASCAR Cup titles in 2003 and 2004. Keselowski, a former owner in the NASCAR Truck Series, is the 2012 NASCAR Cup Series Champion. In 2007, Roush partnered with Henry, who also owns Major League Baseball’s Boston Red Sox, English Premier League’s Liverpool F.C., and the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins, to form Roush Fenway Racing. Off the track, RFK is a leader and proven winner in NASCAR marketing solutions, having produced multiple award-winning social media, digital content, and experiential marketing campaigns. Visit rfkracing.com and follow the team on all social platforms @rfkracing.

Allmendinger Earns Top-Five Finish in the Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway

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Official Release
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Lexington, N.C. (August 31, 2025): AJ Allmendinger and the No. 16 team earned a fifth-place finish Sunday night in the Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway.

The team qualified 22nd for the race after being scored as seventh fastest in NASCAR Cup Series practice.

Allmendinger rated his No. 16 pit crew “1,000 out of 10” after the race as they continually gained several spots on pit road, including nine spots on a pit stop in stage two that gave Allmendinger a sixth-place restart position. Later in the race, the crew gained another two spots, giving Allmendinger the opportunity to restart on the outside of the second row.

“It feels awesome to get a top-five finish with our No. 16 Black’s Tire Chevrolet,” said Allmendinger. “Darlington (Raceway) has owned me, and I’ve worked hard trying to study this place. Our Black’s Tire Chevy was awesome all night. Trent Owens (crew chief) did a phenomenal job on the adjustments. We just kept fighting all race long. I’m constantly trying to learn around this place. My pit crew were absolutely phenomenal and that’s what got us near the front, and then we could just hold the track position. I’m just so proud of everyone on this team. It was a well-executed night all around. It just feels good to get around this place decent and come out with a strong finish.”

Allmendinger’s finish at Darlington is his second top-five finish of the 2025 season, his first being at Charlotte Motor Speedway earlier this year.
 
About Kaulig Racing

Kaulig Racing™ is a full-time, multi-car NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) and NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) team, owned by award winning entrepreneur, Matt Kaulig. Established in 2016, Kaulig Racing™ has earned 27 NXS wins, made the NXS Playoffs consecutively each season since the playoff system started, and won two regular-season championships. In 2021, the team competed in select NCS events, before expanding to a two-car, full-time NCS team in 2022 and adding a third, part-time entry during the 2023 season. Since its first NCS start in 2021, the team has earned two wins. Kaulig Racing is currently fielding two full-time entries in the NCS and continues to field three full-time NXS entries. To learn more about the team, visit kauligracing.com.

Rick Ware Racing: Cook Out Southern 500 from Darlington

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Official Release
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RICK WARE RACING
Cook Out Southern 500
Date: Aug. 31, 2025
Event: Cook Out Southern 500 (Round 27 of 36)
Series: NASCAR Cup Series
Location: Darlington (S.C.) Raceway (1.366-mile oval)
Format: 367 laps, broken into three stages (115 laps/115 laps/137 laps)

Race Winner: Chase Briscoe of Joe Gibbs Racing (Toyota)
Stage 1 Winner: Chase Briscoe of Joe Gibbs Racing (Toyota)
Stage 2 Winner: Chase Briscoe of Joe Gibbs Racing (Toyota)

RWR Finish:

● Cody Ware (Started 36th, Finished 37th / Suspension, completed 249 of 367 laps)

RWR Points:

● Cody Ware (36th with 186 points)

Race Notes:

● Chase Briscoe won the Cook Out Southern 500 to score his fourth career NASCAR Cup Series victory, his second of the season and his second at Darlington. His margin over second-place Tyler Reddick was .408 of a second.

● There were seven caution periods for a total of 37 laps.

● Twenty-four of the 38 drivers in the race finished on the lead lap.

Next Up:

The next event on the NASCAR Cup Series schedule is the Enjoy Illinois 300 on Sunday, Sept. 7 at World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison, Illinois. The second race in the 10-race NASCAR Playoffs starts at 3 p.m. EDT with live coverage provided by USA and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

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