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Ricky Stenhouse Jr. inks multi-year contract extension with Hyak Motorsports

By
Andrew Kim
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Photo by John Knittel for SpeedwayMedia.com.

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. has inked a multi-year contract extension to continue to drive the No. 47 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 entry in the NASCAR Cup Series division for the foreseeable future and beyond the 2026 season.

The news comes as Stenhouse, the 2023 Daytona 500 champion from Olive Branch, Mississippi, is currently campaigning in his 14th consecutive season in the Cup Series division and seventh with Hyak Motorsports. He is currently in 27th place in the 2026 driver’s standings. and has recorded a runner-up result in this year’s 68th running of the Daytona 500, two top-10 results with an average finish of 22.5 through 12 scheduled events.

“I’m thrilled to finally get this contract extension done,” Stenhouse said. “It’s something we’ve been working on for a while, and I’m really thankful to everyone at Hyak Motorsports, especially Gordon [Smith, owner of Hyak Motorsports]. His vision for this race team and the passion he brings to it every single day is special. A lot of people may not know Gordon that well yet, but he truly cares about motorsports, NASCAR, and this No. 47 team, and that shows in everything he does.”

Stenhouse joined Hyak Motorsports, formerly known as JTG-Daugherty Racing, at the start of the 2020 Cup season. His first start with the organization was the 62nd running of the Daytona 500, in which he won the pole position and finished in 20th place.

Through 228 starts with Hyak (including the first 12 events of the 2026 season), Stenhouse has won twice: the 2023 Daytona 500 and the 2024 YellaWood 500 at Talladega Superspeedway. He has also recorded 12 top-five results, 31 top-10 results, 261 laps led and one Playoff appearance, which was during the 2023 season as he settled in 16th place in the standings.

In November 2024, Hyak Motorsports rebranded to its current name from JTG-Daugherty Racing. In addition, Gordon Smith, who joined the organization as a principal owner in late 2023, became a majority owner of Hyak from former owners Tad and Jodi Geschickter, both of whom have left the organization since. Brad Daugherty, Mark Hughes and Ernie Cope complete the ownership stake of Hyak.

Under the Hyak brand name, Stenhouse has registered two top-five results and five top-10 results through 48 starts. After finishing in 30th place in the 2025 standings, both Stenhouse and Hyak strive to gain momentum that would enable them to contend for victories and be in contention to make the Chase later in the 2026 season.

“Along with Gordon, Brad [Daugherty], Mark [Hughes], Ernie [Cope], and everyone at Hyak Motorsports, I feel like we’re continuing to improve week after week,” Stenhouse added. “It’s never easy being a single-car team, but the experience we’re gaining and the notebook we’re building is helping us get better and better.

“More than anything, this team feels like one big family. On and off the racetrack, we’re building something that has me really excited about the future of Hyak Motorsports and what we can accomplish together moving forward.”

“Ricky has been a huge part of what we’re building at Hyak Motorsports, and we’re proud to continue this partnership for years to come,” Gordon Smith added. “He brings experience, leadership, and a competitive mindset every weekend, and we believe there’s still a lot ahead for this team with Ricky in the No. 47.”

With his future set, Ricky Stenhouse Jr.’s 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season continues with the NASCAR All-Star Race at Dover Motor Speedway in Dover, Delaware. The event is scheduled for next Sunday, May 17, at 1 p.m. ET on FS1, MRN Radio, SiriusXM and HBO MAX.

Driving to the Hamptons: Routes, Timing, and the Quieter Towns Worth a Detour

By
SM
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The drive to the Hamptons is its own subject. Friday afternoon traffic out of Manhattan is well-documented and well-cursed, and the difference between a relaxed arrival and a four-hour ordeal often comes down to timing rather than route.

For travelers planning a first or second visit, a few tactical choices about when to leave, which roads to take, and where to stop along the way change the entire feel of the weekend.

The Two Realistic Routes

The southern route runs through the Long Island Expressway (I-495) and exits onto either Sunrise Highway (Route 27) or the smaller Montauk Highway. This is the dominant route on weekends because it is the most direct approach to the South Fork.

The northern route runs through Northern State and Sunrise to the same destinations but spends less time in central Long Island traffic. It is slightly longer in total distance but often shorter in actual travel time on Friday afternoons.

For travelers driving on Saturday morning or weekday off-peak hours, the southern route is the simplest. For Friday departures during peak weeks, the northern routing usually wins.

When to Leave

Friday morning, before 11 AM, is the cleanest departure window from Manhattan. Friday afternoons between 2 PM and 7 PM are the slowest, with the worst stretches between 3 PM and 5 PM.

Saturday early-morning departures, before 9 AM, are also light. Sunday returns mirror the Friday pattern in reverse: late mornings and early afternoons are the worst, while leaving the South Fork before 9 AM or after 8 PM tends to be the smoothest.

Travelers reserving Hamptons rental homes for an extended weekend usually save themselves the most time by adjusting departure hours rather than scheme on routes.

Towns Along the Way Worth a Stop

Once you cross past Manorville, the small towns of central Long Island open up. Riverhead is the obvious crossover point between the North Fork and South Fork. It is a useful lunch stop with a working downtown.

The Pine Barrens, between Manorville and the South Fork, are an underrated detour. State park trails cut through scrub pine forest with little foot traffic. A thirty-minute walk between hours of driving resets the day in a meaningful way.

For travelers willing to add a small detour, Sag Harbor sits between East Hampton and the bays. The whaling-era waterfront and a slower main street make it a useful alternative to the busier Hampton villages on a Saturday afternoon.

Hampton Towns at a Glance

Westhampton Beach is the closest of the Hampton villages and tends to feel more residential. Quogue and Remsenburg are even quieter and lean local. Southampton is the historic anchor, with a denser walkable downtown.

Bridgehampton, Water Mill, and Wainscott sit in the middle. They are quieter than Southampton and East Hampton, with a heavier presence of farm stands, vineyards, and back-road bike rides.

East Hampton and Amagansett carry the loudest weekend energy. Montauk, at the far eastern tip, has its own personality: surf culture, lighthouse, fishing boats, and a slower main street than its reputation suggests.

Coffee at one of the smaller roasters, a farm stand for tomatoes or corn, and a thirty-minute walk on a side beach all hold up under any traffic conditions because they do not require a precise schedule. Restaurants are the variable to manage carefully; booking dinner at the destination, before leaving Manhattan, takes the late-arrival pressure off the driver.

Returning Without Losing Sunday

The cleanest Sunday return is a pre-9 AM departure. The next-cleanest is a late-evening departure after 8 PM, which trades dinner-out for an unhurried drive.

If neither of those is realistic, planning the bulk of Sunday around the home base, leaving by 4 PM, and accepting that the drive will be slow is the third option. Eating dinner along the way at a town like Riverhead works well in that scenario.

Cell coverage along the LIE and Sunrise Highway is reliable. Gas is easy to find west of Riverhead and gets sparser east of Bridgehampton. Filling up earlier rather than later avoids a small hassle on Sunday departures.

The roads east of Wainscott, especially the back roads connecting the small farm communities, are narrow and dark at night. Daylight driving on those stretches is significantly easier.

Nine Past Winners, Five Series Champs Starting ‘500’ Preparation

By
Official Release
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Indianapolis 500 Open Test

INDIANAPOLIS (Monday, May 11, 2026) – Practice for the 110th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge starts Tuesday, May 12 with a field consisting of nine past winners of “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” and five NTT INDYCAR SERIES champions.

There are 33 entries for this year’s edition of the “500.” Practice is scheduled to start at noon ET Tuesday with PPG Presents Armed Forces Qualifying on May 16-17. All track activity on the historic 2.5-mile oval leads into Race Day, Sunday, May 24.

Alex Palou earned the first oval race victory of his career in the 2025 Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge, completing a sweep of the Month of May after winning the Sonsio Grand Prix on the IMS road course.

Chip Ganassi Racing driver Palou went on to win his fourth NTT INDYCAR SERIES championship and third in a row in 2025, becoming the first driver since Dario Franchitti in 2010 to win “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” and the series title in the same season.

Other past winners aiming for a spot in the race this year include four-time winner Helio Castroneves (2001, 2002, 2009, 2021), two-time winners Takuma Sato (2017, 2020) and Josef Newgarden (2023, 2024), and single winners Scott Dixon (2008), Ryan Hunter-Reay (2014), Alexander Rossi (2016), Will Power (2018) and Marcus Ericsson (2022). The record for winners in one field is 10, set in 1992.

Castroneves earned a spot with A.J. Foyt, Al Unser and Rick Mears in the most prestigious club in motorsports – four-time winners of the Indianapolis 500 – with his emotional victory in 2021, for Meyer Shank Racing. A record-breaking fifth would put Castroneves alone at the top with the most victories. Additionally, Castroneves is 51 years old, and a victory would make him the oldest winner in “500” history, a record held by Unser, who won the 1987 edition just five days shy of his 48th birthday.

The field includes five past INDYCAR SERIES champions: Dixon, Hunter-Reay, Newgarden, Palou and Power.

Katherine Legge is the sole female driver in the field, competing in the event for the first time since 2024.

Four drivers are competing for Rookie of the Year honors in 2026: Jacob Abel, Caio Collet, Dennis Hauger and Mick Schumacher.

Live Race Day coverage begins on FOX, FOX Deportes, FOX One and INDYCAR Radio powered by OnlyBulls at 10 a.m. (ET), with the green flag set for 12:45 p.m.

2026 ENTRY BREAKDOWN:

Winners (9): Helio Castroneves, Scott Dixon, Marcus Ericsson, Ryan Hunter-Reay, Josef Newgarden, Alex Palou, Will Power, Alexander Rossi, Takuma Sato

Rookies (4): Jacob Abel, Caio Collet, Dennis Hauger, Mick Schumacher

U.S. drivers (12): Jacob Abel, Ed Carpenter, Conor Daly, Santino Ferrucci, Ryan Hunter-Reay, Kyle Kirkwood, David Malukas, Josef Newgarden, Graham Rahal, Sting Ray Robb, Alexander Rossi, Nolan Siegel

International drivers (21, from 14 countries): Marcus Armstrong, Helio Castroneves, Caio Collet, Scott Dixon, Marcus Ericsson, Louis Foster, Romain Grosjean, Jack Harvey, Dennis Hauger, Katherine Legge, Christian Lundgaard, Scott McLaughlin, Pato O’Ward, Alex Palou, Will Power, Christian Rasmussen, Felix Rosenqvist, Takuma Sato, Mick Schumacher, Kyffin Simpson, Rinus VeeKay

Engines (33): Chevrolet 18, Honda 15 (all cars use Dallara chassis and Firestone tires)

Young’s Motorsports Welcomes CJ McLaughlin and Howell for a One-Race Effort at Dover Motor Speedway

By
Official Release
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MOORESVILLE, N.C.: Every driver learns to look ahead — and for CJ McLaughlin, that includes anticipating the strength of a new partnership.

As the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series heads to Dover (Del.) Motor Speedway for Saturday afternoon’s BetRivers 200, McLaughlin will showcase a new name on his No. 42 Young’s Motorsports Chevrolet.

Pennsylvania-based Howell is supporting McLaughlin for the first time this season, in what looks to be the start of a partnership built on shared momentum and a strengthening friendship.

Headquartered in West Chester, Pennsylvania, the Howell companies include Howell Engineering, Howell Surveying, Howell Construction Stakeout, Howell Environmental, ePhase, Nave Newell, Landforms, Terrain and Smith & Howell.

Howell understands the importance of comprehensive research and planning. Technical skills and groundbreaking ideas allow the companies to interpret land use regulations, meet zoning requirements and determine a project site’s ideal use.

With more than 30 years of experience, their knowledge of local, state, and federal permitting allows clients to plan cost-effective projects.

Through strategic growth and acquisitions over the past 27 years, Howell has handpicked the key Civil Engineering disciplines to take any project from due diligence through construction, regardless of scale.

The Howell companies are uniquely equipped to complete Phase 1 ESA’s, Field Surveying, Environmental Sampling, Geotechnical Drilling/Investigations/Analysis, Land Planning, Land Development Plan Preparation, Stormwater Management, Grading & Erosion Control Design, NPDES Permitting, PADEP General Permitting, Structural and Wall Design, Landscape Design, Public Meeting Representation, Planning Modules, Stakeout Surveying, Critical Stage Inspections, Geotechnical Inspections During Construction and Project Closeout, all in house.

Certified and licensed in Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey and Delaware, the Howell team is comprised of 17 Licensed Engineers (PE), 2 Land Surveyors (PLS), 5 Landscape Architects (RLA), a Geologist (PG) and 5 drone pilots.

Howell has built its reputation by combining experience with the information and design skills needed to communicate decades of know-how into sound plans, controlled timelines, and strengthened relationships along the way to development approvals.

For McLaughlin, the support from Howell carries significance in 2026 as he shares his engineering background with the sponsor to bring new interest and experience to Young’s Motorsports.

“We’ve had the chance to hang out with Denny Howell and his team at events in and around Philadelphia. We were blown away by the support of his whole staff – it’s been great to see how much they’re rooting for our team,” said McLaughlin. “It’s becoming more than a partnership at this point — it’s a friendship.

McLaughlin, 33, will make his second NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series start at the Monster Mile, aiming to improve on his 34th-place finish in 2023, when he piloted the No. 53 Ford entry for Emerling-Gase Motorsports.

Denny Howell, PE, said, “The link to CJ McLaughlin was a natural one for us. We appreciate his grasp of engineering, and we’re thrilled to see his skills in action on Saturday.”

“It’s a perfect start with a growing driving team, to showcase the Howell enthusiasm, support our recruitment efforts, and forward our reach.”

Smith & Howell partner Eric Smith added, “This partnership is a strategic way to grow alongside CJ as he chases his dreams in NASCAR. For us, it’s an unbelievable opportunity to invest in a sport we love.”

“I’m definitely looking forward to getting back to Dover,” said McLaughlin. “The Monster Mile is one of those places that demands a lot of respect because it’s fast, physical and there’s really no room for mistakes.

“My first NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race there in 2023 didn’t go the way we wanted, but I learned a lot about the track and what it takes to be competitive there.

“Now, coming back with more experience and a better understanding of how to drive the car at the track, I feel like we can put together a much stronger weekend.

“Dover is such a unique place; hopefully, we can stay out of trouble, execute all day, and give ourselves a shot at a solid finish for the team and everyone at Howell.”

Now operating from a well-equipped facility in Mooresville, N.C., Young’s Motorsports team principal Tyler Young welcomes Howell to the organization as a valued partner.

“We’re proud to welcome Howell to Young’s Motorsports as a valued partner,” said Young, who made three NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series starts at Dover Motor Speedway, including a top-10 finish in 2015.

“It’s always important for us to align with partners who believe in what we’re building, both on and off the racetrack.

“Even though this is a one-race program, it’s an opportunity for us to showcase what we can do as an organization and deliver for our partners at a high level. We’re looking forward to representing Howell at Dover and making the most of the weekend together.”

The BetRivers 200 (200 laps | 100 miles) is the 14th of thirty-three (33) NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series races on the 2026 schedule. Practice will occur on Sat., May 16, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:20 a.m. Qualifying will immediately follow, beginning at 10:35 a.m. The field will take the green flag shortly after 4:00 p.m., with live coverage on The CW Network, the Performance Racing Network (Radio) and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90. All times are local (ET).

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

For more on CJ McLaughlin, please like him on Facebook (CJ McLaughlin Racing), and follow him on Instagram (@cjmclaughlin.racing) and X |Twitter (@CjMclaughlin3).

About Howell:

Since 1999, Howell has earned a reputation for efficient engineering, designing the everyday places where people live and work, to the sites they visit and the roadways and passages that make it easier in and around Chester County.

Howell is hired because their designs are efficient and cost-effective to build.

For more information, visit knowhowell.com

Front Row Motorsports: Watkins Glen International NCS Race Report – Noah Gragson, Todd Gilliland, Zane Smith

By
Official Release
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Noah Gragson | Todd Gilliland | Zane Smith
Watkins Glen International NASCAR Cup Series Race Report
Go Bowling at The Glen
Date: Sunday, May 10, 2026
Event: Race 13 of 38
Series: NASCAR Cup Series
Location: Watkins Glen International (2.45-miles)
Length of Race: 100 laps over two hours, 29 minutes, 11 seconds

FRM Finish:

● Todd Gilliland (Started 22nd, Finished 17th / Running, completed 100 of 100 laps)

● Zane Smith (Started 33rd, Finished 18th / Running, completed 100 of 100 laps)

● Noah Gragson (Started 35th, Finished 22nd / Running, completed 100 of 100 laps)

FRM Points Standings:

Zane Smith (23rd)
Todd Gilliland (26th)
Noah Gragson (30th)

Todd Gilliland Key Takeaways

Stage One: 25th / Stage Two: 37th / Race Result: 17th

“It was a blue-collar day, for sure,” said Gilliland. “The No. 34 Farm Rich Ford was probably one of the best road course cars I have ever had, but the race didn’t pan out exactly how we needed it to. Still a good day, though, bringing home a top-20 finish.”

Zane Smith Key Takeaways

Stage One: 34th / Stage Two: 21st / Race Result: 18th

“I think that 18th place finish is a really good spot for us considering how our Saturday went,” said Smith. “We just chipped away at it with strategy throughout the race, guys on pit road did their job today, and we were able to escape really without any errors.”

Noah Gragson Key Takeaways

Stage One: 37th / Stage Two: 20th / Race Result: 22nd

“Up and down day for our Long John Silver’s / Frank’s RedHot Ford Mustang Dark Horse,” said Gragson. “I felt like we had decent speed. We went back and forth on how we wanted to approach the final stage and felt like we made the best choice to maximize the day, based on where we were running. Solid result heading into the All-Star Race.”

ABOUT FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS

Front Row Motorsports (FRM) is a winning organization competing in the NASCAR Cup Series and the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. Founded in 2004 by entrepreneur Bob Jenkins, FRM has earned top honors including a 2021 Daytona 500 victory and the 2022 CRAFTSMAN Truck Series championship. Based in Mooresville, N.C., FRM fields the No. 4, No. 34, and No. 38 entries in the NASCAR Cup Series, along with the No. 34 and No. 38 teams in the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. For more information, visit FrontRowMotorsports.com and follow Front Row Motorsports on social media — X: @Team_FRM, Instagram: @teamfrm, Tik Tok: @Team_FRM, YouTube: @FrontRowNASCAR, and Facebook: facebook.com/FrontRowMotorsports.

Team Penske NASCAR Cup Series Race Report – Watkins Glen

By
Official Release
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Go Bowling at The Glen
Watkins Glen, New York – May 10, 2026

AUSTIN CINDRIC No. 2 SNAP-ON TOOLS FORD MUSTANG DARK HORSE

START: 3RD STAGE 1: 4TH STAGE 2: 7TH FINISH: 9TH POINTS: 15TH

RACE RUNDOWN: Austin Cindric and the No. 2 Snap-on Tools Ford Mustang Dark Horse delivered a steady top-10 performance Sunday afternoon in the Go Bowling at The Glen at Watkins Glen International, coming home ninth. After qualifying third, Cindric remained inside the top 10 through the opening run despite reporting a tight overall balance as the field settled into rhythm on the historic road course. The No. 2 team continued to work on the handling during the race’s first pit stop following a fourth-place finish in Stage 1. Strategy shuffled the running order after several teams elected to pit before the stage break, forcing Cindric to restart 27th for the second segment. The Team Penske driver methodically climbed back inside the top 20 before a caution on Lap 40 allowed the team to pit for four tires and fuel. Cindric noted the balance was improved compared to the opening run as the Snap-on Tools Ford continued to gain speed through the middle portion of the race. Cindric closed out Stage 2 in seventh position, and the No. 2 team elected to stay on track during the caution to maintain track position entering the final stage. Following another caution for debris with just under 40 laps remaining, the team made its final stop for four tires and fuel. Restarting 16th for the final green-flag stretch, Cindric was able to work his way back forward and secure a ninth-place finish.

CINDRIC’S THOUGHTS: “In a lot of ways we maximized our day with points in most stages, and earning a Top-10 is a really good day for us. I would have been happy with that this morning. The strategy definitely got put into a really tight window, and we decided to go for it and get some fuel mileage out of this Ford Mustang and try to hold onto these rear tires. I feel that I may have left one or two spots on the table just trying to make it to the end. Otherwise, I’m proud of the effort and it’s another good points day for the No. 2 car.”

RYAN BLANEY No. 12 MENARDS/LIBMAN FORD MUSTANG DARK HORSE

START: 7TH STAGE 1: 3RD STAGE 2: 15TH FINISH: 11TH POINTS: 4TH

RACE RUNDOWN: Ryan Blaney and the No. 12 Menards/Libman Ford Mustang Dark Horse team rolled off seventh for Sunday’s race and showed solid speed from the outset. Blaney quickly worked his way forward, climbing to fourth and ultimately third, where he finished Stage 1 before heading to pit road. Blaney restarted 26th but steadily marched back through the field. In the second segment, the No. 12 climbed to 16th and avoided trouble when the No. 24 spun on track directly in front of him, only causing minimal damage. He continued to push forward, ultimately finishing Stage 2 in 15th. After a pit stop early in the final segment during a caution for debris, Blaney lined up 22nd for the restart and began working his way up the running order. Over the final run to the checkered flag, the No. 12 team continued to gain ground, with Blaney ultimately taking the checkered flag in 11th.

BLANEY’S THOUGHTS: “We did a good job getting points in the first stage. I thought we were in a really good spot until the No. 24 spun-out in the Bus Stop. I couldn’t go anywhere and caved the nose in. I was actually surprised how fast the Mustang was after that. Overall, we fought from the back a few times to a decent finish and a good points day.”

JOEY LOGANO No. 22 SHELL-PENNZOIL FORD MUSTANG DARK HORSE

START: 6TH STAGE 1: 2ND STAGE 2: 18TH FINISH: 38TH POINTS: 18TH

RACE RUNDOWN: Joey Logano and the No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil Ford Mustang Dark Horse team started Sunday’s race from the sixth position and showed strong speed early in the event. Logano quickly worked his way toward the front of the field and remained in contention throughout the opening segment, ultimately finishing Stage 1 in the second position. Despite setbacks in track position throughout Stage 2, the No. 22 team continued to battle forward and capped off the segment with an 18th-place finish. Trouble struck early in the final stage when a left-front tire issue on Lap 61 brought out the caution flag. The No. 22 team initially changed the tire on pit road, but the team ultimately deemed the Shell-Pennzoil Ford Mustang Dark Horse needed further attention behind the wall for more extensive repairs. After returning to competition, Logano went on to finish 38th, 15 laps down.

LOGANO’S THOUGHTS: “It’s definitely been a frustrating stretch for our No. 22 team, but I’m proud of the way everyone continues to stay focused and keep fighting. We’ll regroup this week and look forward to getting to Dover for the All-Star Race.”

The NASCAR Cup Series heads to Dover Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 17, for the NASCAR All-Star Race. Coverage of the exhibition event begins at 1 p.m. ET on FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

Wood Brothers Racing – Race Report: Watkins Glen

By
Official Release
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Event: Go Bowling at The Glen
Location: Watkins Glen International, Watkins Glen, New York
Date: Sunday, May 10, 2026
Start: 34th
Finish: 32nd

After making steady progress throughout Sunday’s Go Bowling at The Glen at Watkins Glen International, Josh Berry and the No. 21 DEX team saw a promising afternoon unravel late and ultimately came away with a 32nd-place finish in the 100-lap NASCAR Cup Series event.

Berry rolled off 34th on the grid and the No. 21 team immediately went to work on strategy at the historic New York road course. The team made its first pit stop just before pit road closed at the conclusion of the opening 20-lap stage, allowing Berry to gain valuable track position when the remainder of the field pitted under the stage caution. The strategy vaulted the DEX Ford Mustang Dark Horse from 34th to 22nd for the restart.

The team utilized a similar approach in the second stage, pitting prior to the end of the 30-lap segment and cycling back to 23rd in the running order for the start of the final stage.

A caution on Lap 60 presented another opportunity for crew chief Miles Stanley and the No. 21 team to gain track position, electing to keep Berry on track while others headed to pit road. The call moved Berry up to eighth for the restart, and he maintained a solid top-10 presence over the next several laps.

Following a pit stop on Lap 76, Berry returned to the track in 33rd and methodically worked his way back through the field. He climbed to 21st before getting caught in a multi-car incident that shuffled him back several positions. Despite the setback, Berry remained in position for a top-25 result before additional contact in the closing laps relegated the No. 21 entry to a 32nd-place finish at the checkered flag.

Next up for Berry and the No. 21 team is next weekend’s NASCAR All-Star Race at Dover Motor Speedway.

RFK Racing – WGI Race Summary

By
Official Release
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RFK RACING
WATKINS GLEN INTERNATIONAL – EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Date: May 10, 2026
Series: NASCAR Cup Series
Location: Watkins Glen International (2.45-mile 10-turn road course) – Watkins Glen, NY
Format: 245 miles, broken into three stages (completed at lap 20 / lap 50 / lap 100)

RFK RACING RACE SUMMARY: Roush Fenway Keselowski (RFK) Racing’s Day was one of perseverance throughout the race. Chris Buescher consistently posted top five lap times and earn inside the top 10 for much of the day, ultimately finishing 12th. Brad Keselwoski fought persistent rear brake issues from the first stage, with the No.6 team making multiple adjustments to keep from going behind the wall and despite the challenges Keselowski brought it home on the lead lap. Ryan Preece worked through the field after starting 30th, relying on strong and fast pit stops and determination to secure a 14th place finish for the No. 60 team.

DRIVER HIGHLIGHTS

Chris Buescher – No. 17 BuildSubmarines.com Ford Mustang Dark Horse

Finish: 12th
Start: 14th
Laps Led: —
Stage Results: S1: 19th S2: 6th
Headline takeaway: Chris Buescher showed impressive speed throughout the race, consistently running some of the fastest lap times of the field and spending much of the field and spending most of his day in the top 10. Despite strong pace, track position proved difficult to maintain after pit cycles. The No. 17 team managed a solid 12th place finish with the performance showing much more speed than the result reflected.

Buescher Quote: “Watkins Glen is a track I really look forward to coming to, I’ve been good here, I’ve won here, and I thought we had a good car today thought we executed solid. Was trying my best to charge to the front but just didn’t get the chance to make it there.”

Ryan Preece – No. 60 Mohawk Northeast, Inc. Ford Mustang Dark Horse

Finish: 14th
Start: 30th
Laps Led: —
Stage Results: S1: 33rd S2: 13th
Headline takeaway: Ryan Preece battled through the field all day after starting deep in traffic, showing solid pace with top five lap times early while fighting for track position. Handling issues in the carousel slowed progress as the race went on, but the No. 60 team stayed resilient thanks to consistently fast pit stops and strong execution on pit road. To close out the race Preece needed brake cooling and more balance but still wheeled the No. 60 Ford Mustang to a top 15 finish!

Preece Quote: “I felt like we had a good car and just ultimately never had a cycle go our way but ultimately we had a really fast Mohawk Northeast Ford Mustang Dark Horse, one of these days we’ll break out of this 10th to 14th range.”

Brad Keselowski – No. 6 Modelo Ford Mustang Dark Horse

Finish: 31st
Start: 26th
Laps Led: —
Stage Results: S1: 35th S2: 32nd
Headline takeaway: Brad Keselowski battled persist4nt brake issues from the opening stage on, especially struggling with rear brake performance and overall balance in the carousel. The No 6 crew made multiple adjustments throughout the race, including bleeding the brakes during stage brakes and additional work on pit road to keep the car strong and on the lead lap. Even with the ongoing problems, Brad and the team avoided major setbacks and finished on the lead lap,

Keselowski Quote: “Bad finish, we had a lot of speed, had some brake problems, and well we just have some stuff to figure out, onto the All-Star and Charlotte next!”

Point Standings:

Buescher: 5th
Keselowski: 9th
Preece: 13th

Next Up:

The next event on the NASCAR Cup Series schedule is the 2026 All-Star Race, Sunday, May 17 at Dover Motor Speedway (Dover, DE). The race begins at 1:00 p.m. EDT with live coverage provided by FS1 and the Motor Racing Network.

Rick Ware Racing: Go Bowling at The Glen from Watkins Glen

By
Official Release
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RICK WARE RACING
Go Bowling at The Glen
Date: May 10, 2026
Event: Go Bowling at The Glen (Round 12 of 36)
Series: NASCAR Cup Series
Location: Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International (2.45-mile, seven-turn road course)
Format: 100 laps, broken into three stages (20 laps/30 laps/50 laps)

Race Winner: Shane van Gisbergen of Trackhouse Racing (Chevrolet)
Stage 1 Winner: Ross Chastain of Trackhouse Racing (Chevrolet)
Stage 2 Winner: Shane van Gisbergen of Trackhouse Racing (Chevrolet)

RWR Finish:

● Cody Ware (Started 36th, Finished 37th / Accident, completed 90 of 100 laps)

RWR Points:

● Cody Ware (36th with 93 points)

Race Notes:

● Shane van Gisbergen won the Go Bowling at The Glen to score his seventh career NASCAR Cup Series victory, his first of the season and his second at Watkins Glen. His margin over runner-up Michael McDowell was 7.288 seconds.

● This was Chevrolet’s 885th all-time NASCAR Cup Series victory, its fourth of the season and third straight. Chase Elliott won for the Bowtie Brigade March 29 at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway, Carson Hocevar won April 26 at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway, and Elliott won again last Sunday at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth.

● This was Chevrolet’s series-leading 24th NASCAR Cup Series victory at Watkins Glen. Chevrolet won the inaugural Cup Series race at The Glen on Aug. 4, 1957 with NASCAR Hall of Famer Buck Baker.

● There were four caution periods for a total of 12 laps.

● All but six of the 38 drivers in the race finished on the lead lap.

● Tyler Reddick remains the championship leader after Watkins Glen with a 129-point advantage over second-place Denny Hamlin.

Sound Bites:

“The team did a good job making adjustments on our Jacob Construction Chevrolet. Unfortunately, just got caught up in some other peoples’ mess. I was racing with the 47 (Ricky Stenhouse Jr.) there for a while and, finally, had an opportunity to pass him clean. I’m not sure if the 47 got into me because of contact with the 7 (Daniel Suárez). I think at one point there in that corner we were three-wide. I was on the outside, which meant if anything went wrong, I was gonna be on the short end of that stick. So, I’ll have to go back and watch it. I’m still proud of the guys. We were making gains all day, just not quite where we wanted to be, and definitely hate bringing home a torn-up racecar.” – Cody Ware, driver of the No. 51 Jacob Construction Chevrolet

Next Up:

The next event on the NASCAR Cup Series schedule is the non-points NASCAR All-Star Race on Sunday, May 17 at Dover (Del.) Motor Speedway. The race starts at 1 p.m. EDT with live coverage provided by FS1 and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

How to Build Endurance Without Constant High-Impact Movement

By
Barry Albert
-

Building endurance is important for athletes as well as people who are new to fitness. However, excessively high-impact activities such as constant running or jumping can place unnecessary stress on the joints and muscles over time. A better approach is to improve stamina gradually through controlled and sustainable movement.

Low-impact training allows the body to improve endurance while reducing physical strain. Activities that promote steady movement and cardiovascular engagement can help individuals remain active without putting too much pressure on the knees or ankles. Equipment such as a rebounder trampoline may support this type of training by encouraging controlled movement patterns. Some individuals also prefer options like the BCAN soft land pro rebounder for structured low-impact workouts.

Improving Stamina Through Safe Movement

Safe and controlled exercises are often more sustainable than extremely intense workouts. Gradual movement helps improve cardiovascular health while reducing the likelihood of overuse injuries.

Low-impact bouncing exercises can support circulation, coordination, and rhythm without creating excessive impact on the lower body. This makes endurance training easier to maintain consistently over long periods.

Cardio Training for Steady Stamina Development

Endurance improves most effectively through regular activity instead of occasional extreme exercise sessions. Consistency allows the body to adapt gradually and build stamina naturally.

Moderate cardio sessions, walking, cycling, or controlled rebound-based exercises can all contribute to better endurance. The goal is to keep the body active without creating excessive fatigue.

Maintaining Heart Health Without Excessive Strain

Cardiovascular training does not always require exhausting workouts. Mild and steady activity can still improve circulation, breathing efficiency, and heart function.

Low-impact routines are especially useful for individuals who want to remain active while minimizing pressure on their joints. Structured movement patterns also help maintain energy levels during training.

Reducing Stress on the Body During Exercise

One major advantage of low-impact training is the reduced stress placed on the knees, hips, and ankles. High-impact movement performed repeatedly can sometimes lead to discomfort or recovery issues.

Exercises performed with controlled rhythm help individuals stay active for longer durations while protecting the body from unnecessary strain. This makes endurance training more comfortable and sustainable.

Developing an Effective Endurance Training Program

A good endurance program should include balanced activity, recovery, and movement variety. Instead of relying only on intense sessions, individuals should combine moderate exercise with recovery-focused training.

This balanced structure helps the body adapt steadily while reducing exhaustion and burnout. Recovery days are just as important as active training days.

Mixing Intensity Levels for Better Results

Different intensity levels help the body improve endurance more efficiently. Low-intensity workouts can be combined with moderate training sessions to create a balanced routine.

This approach allows the body to improve stamina gradually without becoming overly fatigued. Controlled progression is often more effective than pushing the body too hard too quickly.

Why Consistency Matters More Than Intensity

Many people stop training because their workouts become too difficult to maintain. Endurance development depends more on consistency than extreme intensity.

Creating a routine that feels manageable increases the chances of long-term success. Even short sessions performed regularly can produce noticeable improvements over time.

Recovery Plays an Important Role in Endurance

Recovery is an essential part of endurance training, although it is often overlooked. Without proper recovery, the body cannot fully adapt to exercise.

Light movement on recovery days can help maintain circulation and reduce stiffness while still allowing the body to rest. Balanced recovery supports better long-term stamina development.

Conclusion

Building endurance does not require constant high-impact movement or exhausting workouts. Sustainable progress comes from consistent, low-impact training that supports the body instead of overloading it.

A rebounder trampoline can provide a practical way to stay active while reducing stress on the joints. Likewise, the BCAN soft land pro rebounder may help individuals maintain structured endurance-focused workouts through controlled movement and balanced exercise routines.

FAQs

Can low-impact workouts really improve endurance?

Yes. Low-impact exercises can effectively improve cardiovascular fitness and stamina when performed consistently. Activities that keep the body moving steadily over time help develop endurance without excessive strain on the joints.

Why is consistency important for endurance training?

Consistency allows the body to gradually adapt to physical activity. Regular moderate workouts are often more effective for long-term endurance than occasional intense training sessions.

How can I build endurance without stressing my joints?

You can focus on controlled, low-impact exercises such as walking, cycling, swimming, or rebound-based workouts. These activities help improve stamina while minimizing pressure on the knees and ankles.

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