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Niece Motorsports NCTS Race Recap: Watkins Glen International

By
Official Release
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NIECE MOTORSPORTS
NCTS RACE RECAP: WATKINS GLEN INTERNATIONAL
Event: Mission 176 at The Glen (72 laps / 176.4 miles)
Round: 17 of 25 (Regular Season)
Track: Watkins Glen International
Location: Watkins Glen, New York
Date & Time: Friday, August 8 | 5:00 PM ET

No. 42 Utilitra / J.F. Electric Chevrolet Silverado RST
Driver: Matt Mills | Crew Chief: Mike Shiplett

Start: 25th
Stage 1: 20th
Stage 2: 20th
Finish: 9th
Driver Points: 18th
Owner Points: 23rd

  • Key Takeaway: Matt Mills and the Utilitra team snuck away with an impressive top-10 result at Watkins Glen. Mills fought through adversity by overcoming fuel pickup issues which plagued a large amount of the field. After swapping a fuel pump out on pit road, and narrowly avoiding carnage on the track, Mills picked up his best finish ever on a road course in ninth-place.
  • Matt Mills’ Post-Race Thoughts:

Interviewer: First top 10 ever on road course and you guys had to fight for it. What’d you think of your race?

“Yeah, the truck was better than the driver for most of the race. At the end of stage two, we had a fuel pickup issue start to affect us. It sputtered pretty bad, especially going up the hill and on the right handers. But, the team worked really hard and got that fixed after a couple of stops. The caution kind of helped us out and gave us some more time to fix it. We knew we weren’t the fastest truck and didn’t have the fastest driver, but we were the smartest today. It was great to take advantage of what was given to us. We fought hard and honestly, had some speed there at the end. The way our season has been, we can’t complain with ninth. We’ll take it onto my favorite racetrack next week in Richmond and try to win it.”

About Utilitra: Utilitra is a woman-owned firm specializing in utility and technology solutions with a diverse team of specialized professionals. Utilitra is committed to solving their client’s unique challenges, whether one expert or a team of experts is needed. By adapting to the needs of their respective industries, Utilitra has built a range of services for their utility and technology partners.
About J.F. Electric: J.F. Electric is an electrical contractor that provides engineering expertise, backed by construction and installation know-how in a diverse range of service offerings, from utilities and commercial projects, to industrial and telecommunications customers. When having a long family history in an industry, a company not only builds on its knowledge and experience, it takes pride in cultivating a solid understanding of client needs, all the while nurturing strong relationships with its employees. Evolving through five generations of the Fowler family, J.F. Electric has matured into a well-managed and thoughtfully diversified electrical contractor which is poised to continue its growth and expansion into the future.

No. 44 Protect Your Melon New York Chevrolet Silverado RST
Driver: Ross Chastain | Crew Chief: Wally Rogers

Start: 7th
Stage 1: 2nd
Stage 2: 17th
Finish: 30th
Driver Points: N/A
Owner Points: 17th

  • Key Takeaway: Ross Chastain and the Protect Your Melon team had a truck that contended for the lead early on, but became victims of a common fuel pickup issue which ended their day. Chastain started inside the top-10 and finished second in stage one, but were forced to change a fuel pump at the end of stage two. Unfortunately, the issue continued to plague the No. 44 for the rest of the event, and the team retired in 30th-place.
  • Ross Chastain’s Post-Race Thoughts: “That was a shame to end our day the way we did. The Niece Motorsports guys brought me a really fast Protect Your Melon Chevy, and I thought we had a chance to run up front all race. Just unfortunate for us to have those fuel pickup issues. I wish I could have ended my truck season by giving these guys a win, but I’ll be cheering them on for the rest of the season. Thanks to Al, Cody, and everyone that’s supported us this year!”

About The New York State Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee: The New York State Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) coordinates traffic safety activities in the state and shares useful, timely information about traffic safety and the state’s highway safety grant program.

The Committee is comprised of thirteen agencies who have missions related to transportation and safety. The GTSC is chaired by the Commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles and acts as the state’s official liaison with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

No. 45 Niece Motorsports Chevrolet Silverado RST
Driver: Connor Zilisch | Crew Chief: Phil Gould
Connor Zilisch
@ConnorZilisch
@ConnorZilisch
Website
Start: 14th
Stage 1: 4th
Stage 2: 28th
Finish: 8th
Driver Points: N/A
Owner Points: 6th

  • Key Takeaway: Connor Zilisch and the No. 45 team took the scenic top-10 finish in Watkins Gien. Zilisch started off strong by finishing fourth in stage one and was on his way to a repeat performance in stage two before getting punted off the track by another competitor. After getting stuck in the gravel pit, Zilisch was trapped a lap down for a good portion of the race. Finally, the team earned the free pass to get back in contention, and the No. 45 charged towards the front once again. Though the truck was battered at the checkered flag, Zilisch and team carried it home to an eighth-place finish.
  • Connor Zilisch’s Post-Race Thoughts: “That was a wild race. It felt like it never ended, and I think I got hit on every corner of the truck. So, that was less than ideal, but still to come away with decent points and a decent finish is something to take away from it. I hate that we couldn’t have a clean day and I felt like we had a truck that was able to contend for the win at the beginning of the race, but as soon as we got damage, it just kind of took away from what we had.”

About Niece Motorsports: Niece Motorsports is a professional auto racing team founded by United States Marine Corps Veteran Al Niece. In 2025, the team celebrates its 10th consecutive season competing in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series (NCTS) where it fields the Nos. 41, 42, 44 and 45. Since its founding in 2016, Niece Motorsports has garnered nine wins, 50+ top-fives, 100+ top-10s, 200+ top-15 finishes and made five playoff appearances. At its 80,000 sq. ft. headquarters in Salisbury, NC, Niece Motorsports is a trusted build shop for the Chevrolet Silverados of multiple NCTS teams as well as a customizable fabrication shop for any manufacturing needs.

Follow the Team: To keep up to date with the latest team news, visit niecemotorsports.com or connect on Facebook and Instagram (@NieceMotorsports) as well as X (@NieceMotorsport).

Best 8 Advanced Automotive Detailing Techniques for Motorsports Enthusiasts

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

Professional automotive detailing uses advanced cleaning methods to make your vehicle look as good as new. Whether getting hands-on experience in detailing or not, these specific motorsports techniques will give you excellent results.

Every car detailer working with high-performance vehicles must master these fundamental paint protection and car polishing strategies to achieve consistent, professional-grade outcomes that maintain performance and appearance.

1 – Start with a Strategic Car Wash

Proper car cleaning is the foundation of all automotive detailing work for motorsports vehicles that endure extreme conditions. Use a safe car shampoo and high-quality car wash soap to remove debris, brake dust, and contaminants.

The Two-Bucket Method

Use a two-bucket washing system for race cars to prevent scratches that harm aerodynamics and appearance. One bucket should contain pH-balanced car shampoo, like Chemical Guys or Meguiar’s, and the other should be for clean rinse water with grit guards. Premium microfiber towels and wash mitts designed for high-performance finishes ensure proper paint protection.

Always use a third bucket for wheels and brake components to prevent cross-contamination from metallic brake dust when using wheel cleaner and non-acidic wheel cleaner products.

Top-to-Bottom Washing

Following gravity’s natural flow is especially important for vehicles with aerodynamic components. Start with the roof and spoilers to clean airflow surfaces, then move to the main body sections’ hood, trunk, and side panels. Lower panels and splitters come last as high-contamination areas, followed by wheels and brake components, using dedicated detailing brushes and soft-bristle brush tools.

Invest in 500+ GSM waffle-weave microfiber towels for drying. Track vehicles require gentle pat-drying motions instead of dragging to preserve delicate paint finishes and maintain optimal protection.

2 – Decontaminating Your Paint

Race tracks can leave dirt on cars that regular washes can’t clean. Small bits of metal can stick to the paint and make it bumpy, making the car look bad and not go as fast. To fix this, you need special cleaning methods for the paint.

Clay Barring

Test contamination levels by running a plastic bag over freshly washed surfaces. The detailing clay bar process effectively removes bonded contaminants. Choose clay grade based on track exposure, from fine for weekend track cars to heavy grade for endurance racing vehicles. Work clay until soft using generous lubricant spray, maintain gentle pressure in straight lines, and schedule clay barring every 2-3 months for active track vehicles.

Iron Removal

Brake systems under extreme conditions create excessive ferrous particle buildup, requiring iron-removing products. These solutions effectively dissolve particles that cause rust spots and damage your vehicle’s finish. CarPro Iron X is pH-neutral and safe for wraps, while Chemical Guys Decon Pro is stronger for heavy-duty use.

Apply iron removal products to cool surfaces, allow 3-5 minutes for work, and look for a purple color change indicating the dissolution of active ferrous particles and the removal of sticky contaminants.

Using a Dual-Action Polisher

Professional car polishing requires quality equipment. The Porter Cable 7424XP offers entry-level performance for weekend warriors, while the Griots Garage 6″ provides serious enthusiast capabilities. The Rupes LHR15ES delivers professional-grade results for show cars requiring perfect finishes.

Work in 2×2 foot sections at speed 2-3 using appropriate polishing pad combinations with 50% overlap patterns for consistent results that achieve professional showroom shine standards.

Choosing the Right Polish

Match the aggressiveness of the light polish or heavy polish to the paint condition and vehicle use requirements. Light polish removes 90-95% of defects on daily drivers with minimal swirls, while heavy polish handles visible scratches from track use and racing incidents. Consider paint hardness when selecting products, as German and Japanese paints require stronger formulations than softer domestic paint finishes.

Multiple Polishing Rounds

To make your surface shine, follow these three easy steps. First, use a microfiber pad and go over the area 4 to 6 times to fix significant scratches. Next, use a foam pad and polish 3 to 4 times to make it smoother. Finally, use a soft pad and do 2 to 3 light passes to make it shiny.

Use LED inspection lights to reveal defects that sunlight misses during your car polishing process.

4 – Protecting Your Paint

Track exposure demands superior protection systems that withstand extreme temperatures and debris impact through ceramic coating applications, synthetic sealant treatments, and advanced paint protection methods.

Car Tint Application

Quality car tint application provides crucial benefits for motorsports vehicles. Professional installation blocks 99% UV protection radiation, protecting interior components while reducing cabin heat by 60% for improved driver comfort. Enhanced privacy protects valuable equipment from potential theft.

Wait 3-7 days before cleaning new tint installations and use only ammonia-free glass cleaner products to prevent damage to your automotive window treatments.

Sealants for Longevity

Synthetic sealant products offer superior durability over traditional car wax formulations. Wolfgang Deep Gloss provides 8+ months protection with excellent chemical resistance, while Chemical Guys JetSeal delivers track-proven durability that serious enthusiasts demand. Meguiar’s Ultimate offers easy application with consistent results for regular maintenance schedules.

Apply sealants in controlled temperatures between 60-75°F for optimal bonding and maximum paint protection barrier effectiveness.

Ceramic Coatings

Professional ceramic coating service provides 2-5+ year paint protection, ideal for high-value motorsports vehicles. These advanced formulations offer superior chemical resistance against track cleaning products, enhanced UV protection for extended outdoor storage, and easier maintenance between track events. Professional installation costs $800-2,000 but provides exceptional long-term value through dramatically reduced maintenance requirements.

5 – Interior Detailing Secrets

Race car interiors face problems because of safety gear, frequent getting in and out, and changes to make the car go faster. This means they need special cleaning and care.

Deep Vacuuming

Standard house vacuums lack sufficient power for thorough car cleaning applications. Invest in high-powered vacuum systems rated at 6+ horsepower for effective debris removal from roll cage joints, safety equipment mounting points, seat rail mechanisms, and HVAC systems. Use specialized nozzle attachments with soft brush tools for tight spaces around safety equipment without causing damage.

Work systematically from top to bottom using proper detailing brushes and crevice tools designed for motorsports applications.

Steam Cleaning

Steam cleaning systems sanitize surfaces, killing 99.9% of bacteria without harsh chemicals that might damage safety equipment. The Dupray Neat offers professional versatility for serious detailing applications, while the McCulloch MC1385 provides budget-conscious performance for weekend warriors.

Using overlapping passes, maintain a 2-4 inch distance from surfaces, then follow immediately with clean microfiber towels for optimal results and complete moisture removal.

Leather Conditioning

Take care of racing seats and steering wheel covers by cleaning them with a special soap for leather. Clean them once a month when you are racing. Use a leather conditioner every few months to keep them nice.

6 – Special Attention to Windows Care and Wheels Care

These important safety parts need special maintenance to work well and ensure visibility and safety in high-speed motorsports.

Cleaning Automatic Tinted Windows

To protect the tint, use ammonia-free glass cleaner. Apply the cleaner to a microfiber towel instead of spraying it on the windows. Clean the outside with vertical strokes and the inside with horizontal strokes to easily spot streaks. During regular maintenance inspections, check weekly for tint bubbling or peeling, which indicates replacement needs.

Anti-Fog Treatment for Windshields

Use anti-fog treatments like Rain-X Anti-Fog or Invisible Glass Anti-Fog every 4-6 weeks to maintain visibility in varying temperatures typical in motorsports. Reapply before each track event for consistent performance and safety.

Wheel Detailing

Match your wheels care approach to wheel materials using appropriate non-acidic wheel cleaner formulations. Clear-coated aluminum wheels require non-acidic cleaners exclusively and should be treated like painted surfaces for optimal protection. Chrome wheels need specialized cleaners with immediate drying requirements, while powder-coated wheels are chemical-sensitive and require mild soap solutions only.

Never clean Hot Wheels immediately after track use.

7 – Advanced Techniques and Final Touches

Professional-level finishing techniques separate show-quality results from basic maintenance through comprehensive engine bay cleaning, headlight restoration, and odor elimination.

Engine Bay Cleaning

Track engines accumulate oil and debris, and cleaning product residue requires careful attention using appropriate degreaser products and engine dressing applications. Work on warm but not overheated engines while covering sensitive components, techniques to protect electronics, and air intake systems. Remove loose debris with a low-pressure rinse, apply degreasers appropriate for racing fluids, and finish with engine dressing on plastic and rubber components for a professional appearance.

Headlight Restoration

Track lighting demands optimal visibility for safety. Cloudy headlights reduce nighttime performance by 40% requiring professional headlight restoration techniques. Light yellowing responds to UV protection treatment applications, while moderate oxidation requires car polishing compounds for correction. Heavy oxidation demands progressive wet sanding using 400, 800, 1000, and 2000-grit sequences, though deep pitting requires professional replacement for safety.

With proper technique, expect 80-95% clarity restoration. Apply trim restorer to plastic components for comprehensive rejuvenation.

Odor Elimination

Racing environments introduce persistent odors from fuel, oil, and exhaust, requiring enzymatic odor eliminator products to thoroughly eliminate them without masking chemicals. To keep your car interior fresh, use baking soda and activated charcoal. Change the cabin air filter regularly and apply protectants to vinyl, plastic, and leather surfaces.

8 – Ongoing Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Car in Top Shape

Consistent scheduled detailing sessions prevent major issues and maintain peak appearance between events through systematic maintenance approaches and continuing education.

Regular Checks for Car Tint and Automatic Tinted Windows

Inspect weekly during racing season for tint bubbling, peeling, edge lifting, color consistency changes, adhesive failure points, and electronic component interference that could affect performance or safety.

Using Anti-Fog Treatment for Windshields Routinely

Fresh anti-fog reapplication is applied before each track event. Temperature differentials during high-performance driving can create dangerous visibility issues without proper preparation and maintenance.

Scheduled Detailing Sessions

Maintain a consistent cleaning schedule with pre-event preparations, including a quick car wash and dry, streak-free glass cleaners application, and anti-fog treatment for optimal visibility. Post-event maintenance requires thorough decontamination, car wash, brake dust removal, interior cleaners and conditioners application, and damage assessment.

Monthly maintenance includes complete clay barring treatment, iron removal processes using iron-removing product applications, paint protection renewal, and comprehensive interior detailing using upholstery cleaner and leather conditioning systems. Seasonal maintenance involves complete paint correction and car polishing, ceramic coating evaluation, engine bay cleaning with proper degreaser applications, and professional inspection services.

Education and Experimentation

Stay current with evolving products and techniques through ongoing detailing training opportunities. Join motorsports forums for technique sharing, attend workshops and detailing classes for skill development, network with professional car detailer experts servicing race teams, and document successful techniques for your specific vehicle and usage patterns.

Use detailing spray for quick clean-ups. Keep air fresheners for a pleasant smell inside. Protect plastic and rubber parts from track conditions with quality products.

Boost Your Motorsports Performance with Mobile Car Detailing Tampa, FL Techniques

Mobile Car Detailing Tampa brings these advanced techniques directly to your location, whether at the track, garage, or home—Tampa’s motorsports community benefits from specialized services that understand the unique demands of high-performance vehicles.

Corey Heim Survives Triple-Overtime to claim Watkins Glen Truck Series Victory

By
Angie Campbell
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Photo by Patrick Sue-Chan for SpeedwayMedia.com.

Corey Heim persevered through three overtime restarts at Watkins Glen International to capture his 17th career victory in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Mission 176 at The Glen.

He started on the pole and led 44 of 81 laps in the number 11 Tricon Garage Toyota to claim his sixth victory this season.  

However, it was not all smooth going for Heim.

On Lap 57, he had an issue with his brakes and came to a complete stop. He was in sixth place when the incident occurred and lost 3 spots. But he made the most of 7 caution periods and three overtimes.

“Just never give up,” Heim said. “I got behind in that last stage and was scratching and clawing, trying to get back through the field.”

“I had my brakes pretty much go out on me completely on that long green-flag run, was beating them up trying to get back through the field, blew the bus stop chicane between turns four and five, and made a lot of mistakes myself. I’ve had a lot of them get away from us this year by cautions or whatever else, finally had one go our way.” Heim said.

Daniel Hemric finished second, and Gio Ruggiero finished in third.

Christopher Bell, who was filling in for the injured Stewart Friesen, started in second place and led 30 laps. However, due to the multiple overtimes, he had to pit for fuel. Bell finished fourth, and Tyler Ankrum finished fifth to round out the top five finishers at Watkins Glen.

Sammy Smith, Ty Majeski, Connor Zilisch, Matt Mills, and Layne Riggs rounded out the top 10 in the finishing order.

After the Mission 176 at The Glen, Corey Heim leads the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series standings by 178 over Layne Riggs, 186 over Chandler Smith, 210 over Daniel Hemric, and 243 over Grant Enfinger

There is only one more regular-season race before the Playoffs begin. The Craftsman Truck Series heads to Richmond Raceway for the regular-season finale in the eero 250 on Friday, August 15th at 7:30 pm ET on FS1.

NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Race Number 17
Race Results for the Mission 176 at The Glen – Friday, August 8, 2025
Watkins Glen International – Watkins Glen, NY – 2.45 – Mile Road
Total Race Length – 81 Laps – 198.45 Miles

PosStNoDriverTeamLapsS1S2S3PointsStatus
1111Corey HeimMobil 1 Toyota8114057Running
21719Daniel HemricNAPA Nightvision Chevrolet8180038Running
3517Giovanni Ruggiero #First Auto Group Toyota8160039Running
4252Christopher Bell(i)Halmar International Toyota813500Running
51318Tyler AnkrumLiUNA! Chevrolet8109034Running
637Sammy Smith(i)TMC Transportation Chevrolet810200Running
73398Ty MajeskiSoda Sense/Curb Records Ford8107034Running
81445Connor Zilisch(i)DQS Solutions & Staffing Chevrolet814000Running
92542Matt MillsUtilitra/J.F. Electric Chevrolet8100028Running
10634Layne RiggsLove’s RV STOP Ford8190029Running
11161William Sawalich(i)Soundgear Toyota817300Running
122962Wesley SlimpHNTB Toyota8100025Running
132488Matt CraftonRepel/Menards Ford8100024Running
142226Dawson Sutton #Rackley Roofing Chevrolet8100023Running
151513Jake GarciaQuanta Services Ford8100022Running
161081Connor Mosack #Friends of Jaclyn Foundation Chevrolet811010023Running
171970Brent CrewsPristine Auction Toyota8100020Running
183076Spencer BoydFreedom Warranty Chevrolet8100019Running
193169Derek WhiteOCR Gaz bar Ford8100018Running
202656Timmy HillUNITS Storage Toyota8100017Running
21477Andres Perez De Lara #Telcel Chevrolet8100017Running
222166Chris Buescher(i)Farm Paint Ford780000Running
23838Chandler SmithLong John Silver’s Ford7700014Running
24329Grant EnfingerChampion Power Equipment Chevrolet7600013Accident
253622Gian BuffomanteGoodridge Ford7500012Running
26999Ben RhodesTSPORTS Trucks Ford6851027Accident
273433Frankie Muniz #More Core Ford6600010Running
281215Tanner GrayPlace of Hope Toyota6406014Accident
29285Toni Breidinger #Dave & Buster’s Toyota580008Engine
30744Ross Chastain(i)TrafficSafety.ny.gov Chevrolet512000Fuel Pump
311875Parker KligermanFood Country USA Chevrolet470809Suspension
322071Rajah CaruthHendrickCars.com Chevrolet360005Brakes
332391Jack WoodAdaptive One Calipers Chevrolet350004Accident
34352Kaden HoneycuttRANDCO Chevrolet290003Drivetrain
35272William LambrosSkip Barber Ford210002Suspension
36117Kyle Busch(i)Gainbridge Chevrolet130000Steering

Hauger Sends Message by Leading Opening Portland Practice

By
Official Release
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PORTLAND, Ore. (Friday, Aug. 8, 2025) – It looks like Dennis Hauger is ready to right the title ship.

Hauger led the opening practice for the INDY NXT by Firestone Grand Prix of Portland on Friday with a top lap of 1 minute, 2.8638 seconds in the No. 28 Nammo car fielded by Andretti Global. That was more than six-tenths of a second quicker than his closest pursuer, teammate Lochie Hughes, whose best lap was 1:03.5003 in the No. 26 McGinley Clinic/USF Pro Championship machine.

“Good session,” Hauger said. “A few things to work on but a good start to the weekend.”

Rookie Hauger won four of the first five races of the season in the INDYCAR development series and appeared to be on cruise control to the championship. But he has won only one of the last six races, with veteran Caio Collet capturing three of those races and jumping to second in the standings, 42 points behind Hauger.

There are three races left this season, starting with this event at 1 p.m. ET Sunday (FS1, FOX Sports app, INDYCAR Radio Network) on the 12-turn, 1.964-mile road course.

Portland native Josh Pierson fared well in practice on his home track, ending up third at 1:03.5927 in the No. 14 HMD Motorsports car. Callum Hedge was fourth at 1:03.6196 in the No. 17 Abel Motorsports machine.

Michael d’Orlando was another bright spot during the 45-minute session, ending up fifth at 1:03.6454 in the No. 3 Priority/Rising Stars car of Andretti – Cape Motorsport. This is d’Orlando’s first start in the series since the season finale last September at Nashville Superspeedway.

“It feels great to be back,” d’Orlando said. “There’s been a smile on my face nonstop. Going down the backstraight, I was just laughing. It’s really great to be back. I wish I had the whole season.

“Coming from the couch to what was P1 for a time and ending the session P5, I think we’re in a good place to start the weekend.”

Collet ended up sixth at 1:03.7455 in the No. 76 HMD Motorsports car despite missing part of the session with a broken roll bar.

Up next is pre-qualifying practice at 4:30 p.m. ET Saturday (FS1, FOX Sports app, INDYCAR Radio Network), followed by qualifying at 8:30 p.m. ET Saturday (FS2, FOX Sports app, INDYCAR Radio Network).

ARCA Menards Series at Watkins Glen International: General Tire 100 at The Glen Post-race Notes

By
Official Release
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Photo by Patrick Sue-Chan for SpeedwayMedia.com
  • Tristan McKee (No. 77 Gainbridge Chevrolet) scored the victory in Friday’s General Tire 100 at The Glen, winning in his ARCA Menards Series debut. McKee became the 38th driver to win in his series debut since 1979. McKee, who turned 15 on August 3, also became the series’ second-youngest winner ever, behind only Todd Gilliland who won at Toledo Speedway two days after his 15th birthday in 2015.
  • Brent Crews (No. 18 JBL Audio Toyota) dominated the race, leading until the last caution flag of the day with less than five laps remaining. As the field was reassembling for the restart, Crews slowed to a stop with an alternator issue. Crews came to the pits for a battery change and rejoined the field; he finished ninth.
  • Tyler Reif (No. 23 Vegas Fastener / Sigma Performance Services Chevrolet) finished second, his best career ARCA Menards Series finish since he won at Phoenix Raceway in March 2023.
  • Kris Wright (No. 15 FNB Corporation Toyota) finished third, his best ARCA Menards Series finish since he finished third in the 2024 season finale at Toledo Speedway.
  • Glen Reen (No. 71 New Wave Homes Chevrolet) finished fourth, his best career series finish and first career top-five finish in two series starts; he finished 21st in his debut at Lime Rock Park in June.
  • Dale Quarterley (No. 4 Van-Dyk Recycling Solutions Chevrolet) finished fifth ; matching his best career ARCA Menards Series finish, set at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course and Watkins Glen in 2023.
  • Ryan Gemmell (No. 29 Multibuilding Inc. / TC3 Turf Toyota) finished sixth driving for team owner Joe Nemechek.
  • Andy Jankowiak (No. 73 Whelen Chevrolet) finished seventh, and with Reen’s fourth-place finish gave KLAS Motorsports two finishers in the top ten.
  • Isabella Robusto (No. 55 Mobil 1 Toyota) finished ninth, her ninth top-ten finish of the season.
  • Lavar Scott (No. 6 Max Siegel Inc. Chevrolet) recovered from a flat left rear tire with six laps remaining to finish tenth, his 12th top-ten finish in 13 starts this season.
  • There was a 46-year age gap between the winner and the driver who finished fifth.
  • ARCA Menards Series championship points leader Brenden Queen (No. 28 BestRepair.net Chevrolet) suffered a broken transmission on the initial start and lost 19 laps while the Pinnace Racing Group team made repairs; he finished 21st.
  • Alex Clubb (No. 03 A. Clubb Lawn Care Ford) finished 16th driving the same car that less than a week ago was involved in a roll-over crash on I-80 returning home from the race at Iowa Speedway.
  • The next race for the ARCA Menards Series is the Allen Crowe 100 at the Illinois State Fairgrounds. The race will be televised live on FS1 starting at 3 pm ET. Live timing and scoring data and live race audio will be available at ARCARacing.com.

About ARCA 
The Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA), founded in 1953 by John and Mildred Marcum in Toledo, Ohio, and acquired by NASCAR in April 2018, is the leading grassroots stock car sanctioning body in the United States. Bridging the gap between NASCAR’s top three national touring series and weekly and regional tour racing all across the country, the organization to sanctions over 100 races per year in the ARCA Menards Series, ARCA Menards Series East, ARCA Menards Series West, ASA STARS National Tour, ASA CRA Super Series, ASA Midwest Tour, ASA Southern Super Series plus weekly racing at Toledo and Flat Rock Speedways. For more information about ARCA visit , or follow ARCA on Facebook (@ARCARacing) and Twitter (@ARCA_Racing). 

About Menards
A family-owned and run company started in 1958, Menards is recognized as the retail home center leader of the Midwest with 236 stores in 15 states.  Menards is truly a one-stop shop for all of your home improvement needs featuring a full-service lumberyard and everything you need to plan a renovation or build a home, garage, cabin, shed, deck, fence or post frame building.  You’ll find a large selection of lumber, roofing, siding, construction blocks, trusses, doors and windows, plus cabinets, appliances, countertops, flooring, lighting, paint, plumbing supplies and more.  To complete the job, Menards has quality hand tools, power tools, fasteners, electrical tools plus storage options and supplies for everyone from the weekend warrior to the pro!
 
Menards has what you need to complete your outdoor projects and keep your yard in tip-top shape including mowers, trimmers, blowers, pressure washers and more, plus a beautiful garden center stocked with plants, shrubs, trees, landscaping tools, grass seed, fertilizer options, outdoor décor and patio furniture.  Menards also has everyday essentials like health & beauty products, housewares, pet and wildlife supplies, automotive items and even groceries.  And at Christmas, an Enchanted Forest display area with impressive trees, lighting, decorations, ornaments, inflatables and more. 

Menards is known for friendly Customer Service and as the place to “Save Big Money” with low prices every day, and sales too!  For more information, please visit Menards.com to learn about our store locations, offerings and services.

Corey Heim captures his fourth Craftsman Truck Series pole of 2025 at Watkins Glen

By
Angie Campbell
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Corey Heim at Watkins Glen by Patrick Sue Chan for SpeedwayMedia. com

Corey Heim collected his fourth Craftsman Truck Series pole of the season Friday afternoon at Watkins Glen International in the No. 11 Tricon Garage Toyota. He has been dominant on road courses, scoring three straight wins this year.

Five drivers in the Cup race are also competing in the Truck race. Cup Series driver Christopher Bell will start beside Heim on the front row. Bell is filling in for the injured Stewart Friesen in the No. 52 Halmar Friesen Racing Toyota.

Cup Series drivers Kyle Busch, Ross Chastain, Christopher Bell, Chris Buescher and Connor Zilisch will also compete in the Truck Series Mission 176 at The Glen.

Only two races are remaining in the Truck Series regular season, this evening at Watkins Glen and Richmond Raceway on August 30.

The Craftsman Truck Series race is scheduled for Friday at 5 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on FS1 with radio overage provided by MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

Qualifying Results

Watkins Glen International
Mission 176 at The Glen

PosNoDriverTeamTimeSpeed
111Corey HeimMobil 1 Toyota70.953124.308
252Christopher Bell(i)Halmar International Toyota71.145123.972
37Sammy Smith(i)TMC Transportation Chevrolet71.391123.545
477Andres Perez De Lara #Telcel Chevrolet71.554123.264
517Giovanni Ruggiero #First Auto Group Toyota71.579123.22
634Layne RiggsLove’s RV STOP Ford71.587123.207
744Ross Chastain(i)TrafficSafety.ny.gov Chevrolet71.591123.2
838Chandler SmithLong John Silver’s Ford71.614123.16
999Ben RhodesTSPORTS Trucks Ford71.725122.97
1081Connor Mosack #Friends of Jaclyn Foundation Chevrolet71.739122.946
117Kyle Busch(i)Gainbridge Chevrolet71.955122.577
1215Tanner GrayPlace of Hope Toyota71.966122.558
1318Tyler AnkrumLiUNA! Chevrolet72.043122.427
1445Connor Zilisch(i)DQS Solutions & Staffing Chevrolet72.134122.272
1513Jake GarciaQuanta Services Ford72.146122.252
161William Sawalich(i)Soundgear Toyota72.18122.195
1719Daniel HemricNAPA Nightvision Chevrolet72.342121.921
1875Parker KligermanFood Country USA Chevrolet72.361121.889
1970Brent CrewsPristine Auction Toyota72.432121.769
2071Rajah CaruthHendrickCars.com Chevrolet72.481121.687
2166Chris Buescher(i)Farm Paint Ford72.514121.632
2226Dawson Sutton #Rackley Roofing Chevrolet72.517121.627
2391Jack WoodAdaptive One Calipers Chevrolet72.551121.57
2488Matt CraftonRepel/Menards Ford72.701121.319
2542Matt MillsUtilitra/J.F. Electric Chevrolet73.088120.676
2656Timmy HillUNITS Storage Toyota73.659119.741
272William LambrosSkip Barber Ford73.98119.221
285Toni Breidinger #Dave & Buster’s Toyota74.18118.9
2962Wesley SlimpHNTB Toyota74.408118.536
3076Spencer BoydFreedom Warranty Chevrolet76.362115.502
3169Derek WhiteOCR Gaz bar Ford79.626110.768
329Grant EnfingerChampion Power Equipment ChevroletOwner Points0
3398Ty MajeskiSoda Sense/Curb Records FordOwner Points0
3433Frankie Muniz #More Core FordOwner Points0
352Kaden HoneycuttRANDCO ChevroletOwner Points0
3622Gian BuffomanteGoodridge FordOwner Points0

AMERICAN REBEL FRIDAY NIGHT “BATTLE FOR THE REBEL AXE” COMING TO NHRA LUCAS OIL NATIONALS IN BRAINERD

By
Official Release
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BRAINERD, Minn. (Aug. 8, 2025) – Always a festive atmosphere, Friday night at Brainerd International Raceway during the 43rd annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals will have an extra dose of fun and excitement with the introduction of the American Rebel Light Friday Night “Battle for the Rebel Axe.”

The Friday night qualifying session at Brainerd, which starts at 6:15 p.m. CT on Aug. 15, will award the low qualifier in Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock a special cash bonus, as well as a unique Rebel Axe trophy to kick off what will be another incredible weekend at Brainerd International Raceway.

The Rebel Axe trophy will be a fully functional electric cigar box guitar, custom-built in the shape of a 12-pack of American Rebel Light. Branded with the event and sponsor logos, the unique trophy also serves as a nod to Brainerd’s rich heritage and roots to Paul Bunyan. The top qualifier in the three NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series classes will sit on a special “Throne of the North” – made from American Rebel Light cases – until they are dethroned or they take the low qualifier of the session.

The bonus payouts include $4,000 to the No. 1 qualifier of Friday’s second session in Top Fuel and Funny Car, and $2,000 for the Pro Stock standout who takes the top spot. It’s all part of a lively, thoroughly entertaining Friday night at Brainerd, which has brought a special atmosphere and excitement level for more than 40 years.

“Brainerd has always had its own magic, but Friday’s ‘Battle for the Rebel Axe’ takes it to another level,” Brainerd International Raceway owner Kristi Copham said. “With the incredible support of American Rebel Light and Andy Ross, we’re able to give fans and racers an awesome Friday night with a bonus payout, a one-of-a-kind trophy, and some special Brainerd bragging rights. We’re grateful to Andy and American Rebel Beer for helping us create what will be an awesome Friday at BIR to kick off what is always a great weekend.”

The second qualifying session leads right into Friday night’s live music schedule at the Zoom entrance band shell, which kicks off at 8 p.m. and includes Andy Ross’ headline set at 10 p.m.

For more than four decades, Brainerd International Raceway has been one of the most unique stops on the NHRA tour and this year will include several can’t-miss moments on and off the track. The Mud Rhythm Truck Series will be running in the famed “Zoo” campground at the dirt track during the weekend, along with The Patriot monster truck and drift cars on display, cementing the track’s status as a major multi-functional facility.

Leading into the national event is this weekend’s double-divisional in the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series at Brainerd, featuring nearly 500 entries. It is one of the largest car counts the facility has ever hosted for a LODRS event, creating plenty of excitement for an unbelievable two-week stretch at the standout track.

The 43rd annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals is the 13th of 20 events in 2025. The event will be broadcast on FS1, with elimination coverage on FOX on Sunday, Aug. 17, as world title hopefuls look to build momentum for the Countdown to the Championship playoffs. Last year, Justin Ashley (Top Fuel), Blake Alexander (Funny Car) and Dallas Glenn (Pro Stock) all won in Brainerd, while Antron Brown, Austin Prock and Greg Anderson took home Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge wins.

Ashley picked up his first Brainerd win last season when he defeated Shawn Langdon. Langdon leads the points on the strength of three wins, while Top Fuel standouts include Tony Stewart, Brittany Force, who went 343 mph in Sonoma, Sonoma winner Doug Kalitta, reigning world champion Brown and Clay Millican.

This season, the Funny Car ranks have again been dominated by reigning Funny Car champion Prock, who leads the class with five wins on the season. Others to watch in Brainerd will be Jack Beckman, J.R. Todd, Paul Lee, Seattle winner Matt Hagan and Ron Capps, the winningest active driver at BIR with seven wins to his credit.

Pro Stock’s Glenn won his second consecutive Brainerd race last season and he leads the way in Pro Stock, holding a 37-point advantage over KB Titan Racing teammate and reigning world champion Anderson, who is a Duluth native. Greg Stanfield won the most recent event in Sonoma, snapping KB Titan’s 11-race winning streak.

The event will also feature thrilling competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, as well as action in Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage Mountain Motor Pro Stock and Pingel NHRA Top Fuel Motorcycle Series.

Fans are invited to the Nitro Alley Stage, the entertainment hub in the pits, hosting Nitro School, meet and greets, music and more. Brainerd race fans can enjoy the special pre-race ceremonies that introduce and celebrate each of the drivers racing for the prestigious Wally on Sunday and includes the fan favorite SealMaster Track Walk. The final can’t-miss experience of any NHRA event is the winner’s circle celebration on Sunday after racing concludes, where fans are invited to congratulate event winners.

As always, fans get an exclusive pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet. Fans get a unique chance to see teams in action and service their hot rods between rounds, get autographs from their favorite NHRA drivers, and more. They can also visit Manufacturers Midway, an exciting atmosphere that includes interactive displays, merchandise, food and fun for the entire family.

NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series qualifying features two rounds at 4 and 6:15 p.m. CT on Friday, Aug. 15 and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, Aug. 16 at 12 and 2:30 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. CT on Sunday, Aug. 17. Television coverage includes qualifying action on FS1 at 10 p.m. ET on Friday and 7 p.m. ET on Saturday on FS1, and eliminations on FOX at 3 p.m. ET Sunday.

To purchase tickets to the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway, fans can visit www.birmn.com. Tickets will also be available for purchase on the day of the event at the gate. For more information on the NHRA, please visit www.NHRA.com.

About Mission Foods

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

About NHRA

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

RCR Race Preview: Watkins Glen International

By
Official Release
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Richard Childress Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series at Watkins Glen International… The NASCAR Cup Series returns to Watkins Glen International this weekend for the Go Bowling at The Glen, marking the 42nd Cup Series appearance at the 2.45-mile road course. Richard Childress Racing boasts two NASCAR Cup Series wins among eight top-five finishes, 23 top-10 finishes and three poles, having led 275 laps. Robby Gordon won the 2003 event, leading the final 30 laps and scoring his third victory with RCR over the span of three seasons. Kevin Harvick captured the 2006 race, edging Tony Stewart for the victory, and claiming his first win at Watkins Glen. The victory was Harvick’s first on a road course and came in his 200th career Cup start. Dale Earnhardt won three poles (1990, 1992, 1996) for the Welcome, N.C.-based organization. Last year at The Glen, Austin Dillon started 23rd and finished 28th, while Kyle Busch began the race 13th and finished 30th.

RCR in the NASCAR Xfinity Series at Watkins Glen International… RCR has captured one victory in NASCAR Xfinity Series competition at Watkins Glen: Kevin Harvick (2007). Harvick dominated the race, leading 49 of 82 laps and led a one-two finish with RCR teammate Jeff Burton scoring a second-place finish. RCR owns 10 top-five and 25 top-10 finishes at the road course. In last year’s Xfinity Series race at Watkins Glen, Jesse Love started 11th and finished eighth, while Austin Hill began the race 10th and finished 33rd.

The Cowboy Way… The Carolina Cowboys, a professional bull riding team in the PBR Teams league, an elite league featuring the world’s top bull riders competing in games throughout the country, are third in the PBR Teams standings following the first two events of the season. The team, co-owned by Richard Childress and Jeff Broin, is managed by Austin Dillon. The Carolina Cowboys return home on September 12-14 for their fourth annual Cowboy Days homestand at First Horizon Coliseum. Tickets for the event are on sale now, and start at $20, taxes and fees not included. They can be purchased online at TicketMaster.com and PBR.com, at the First Horizon Coliseum Box Office, or by calling PBR customer service at (800) 732-1727.

For more information on Carolina Cowboys, and for updates on the upcoming PBR Cowboy Days, visit https://pbr.com/teams/carolina-cowboys, Carolina Cowboys on Facebook, @carolinacowboyspbr on Instagram, or @CARCowboysPBR on Twitter.

Catch the Action on Saturday… The NASCAR Xfinity Series at Watkins Glen International will be televised live Saturday, August 9, beginning at 3 p.m. ET on The CW. The race will be broadcast live on Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90. Saturday’s practice and qualifying sessions will be shown for free on The CW App.

Watch Us on USA Network… The Go Bowling at The Glen at Watkins Glen International will be televised live on Sunday, August 10, beginning at 2 p.m. ET on USA Network. The race will be broadcast live on Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90. The NASCAR Cup Series practice and qualifying sessions on Saturday will be broadcast on truTV. Ride shotgun all season long with live, in-car camera feeds and scanner audio with a paid subscription to Max as part of their NASCAR driver cam experience during the race.

Austin Dillon and the No. 3 BREZTRI AEROSPHERE® (budesonide, glycopyrrolate, and formoterol fumarate) Chevrolet at Watkins Glen International… Sunday’s Go Bowling at The Glen will mark Austin Dillon’s 11th career NASCAR Cup Series start at Watkins Glen International. Dillon delivered his best finish at the road course in 2021 when he finished 15th. The following year, Dillon led six laps of the race, his first at the track, en route to a 17th-place finish. Last year at Watkins Glen International, Dillon started the race 23rd and finished 28th. Outside of the Cup Series, Dillon has four Xfinity Series starts at the New York road course.

Going the Distance… Dating back to 2014, Dillon has completed 898 of a possible 902 laps in Cup Series competition at Watkins Glen International. This marks a 99.6 percent overall completion percentage at the 11-turn road course.

BREZTRI AEROSPHERE® (budesonide, glycopyrrolate, and formoterol fumarate) Teams Up with Dillon… Dillon and the No. 3 Richard Childress Racing team will be supported by BREZTRI AEROSPHERE®, an AstraZeneca product, at Watkins Glen International. This partnership is about more than just racing. You can learn more about Dillon and his family’s personal connection to the brand at Breztri.com. AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialization of prescription medicines in Oncology, Rare Diseases, and Biopharmaceuticals, including Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism, and Respiratory & Immunology. AstraZeneca operates in over 100 countries and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide.

Meet Dillon… Dillon is scheduled to make an appearance at the RCR Merchandise Hauler in the Watkins Glen International Fan Midway on Sunday, August 10 at 10:45 a.m. Local Time. Stop by to meet the driver of the No. 3 BREZTRI Chevrolet and purchase gear for race day.

AUSTIN DILLON QUOTES:

What are some of the things you like about Watkins Glen International, and what are some of the things that are difficult about that track?

“Watkins Glen International is very fast for a road course. The bus stop, the esses, a big chunk of the speed at Watkins Glen comes from those two sections. The other sections are more self-explanatory, but it’s a tough track. It’s been my hardest track to get a grip on, but I feel like going there does present some opportunities because you have some strategy and different things that can play out. Qualifying is pretty important there as well. I’m looking forward to getting there in our BREZTRI AEROSPHERE® (budesonide, glycopyrrolate, and formoterol fumarate) Chevrolet.”

It’s been quite the year for this race team. You’ve had your share of ups and downs. Where does the No. 3 team stand currently in your mind?

“I feel like Richard Boswell has built an amazing team, and I like the direction we are going. We are really just starting to click. We have potential. We have to work on our race car pace, but we are heading in the right direction that we need. We’ve had a lot of changes at the beginning of the year, some engineer swapping, and now I feel like everybody is on the same page and going in the right direction. From the team aspect, I feel like this is one of the strongest teams I’ve ever worked with and I’m super excited about the finish of this year and what we can do together in 2026. We had a streak of three straight top-10s at one point, and that was a good streak for us.”

Have you ever had a chance to race around and observe Shane Van Gisbergen, and if so, what have your learned from him?

“I think you have to go back to the first race he ran with us at the Chicago Street Course a few years ago. I pulled out in front of him during practice and I thought ‘oh this is no big deal. Who is this guy they are all talking about?’ A lap later he goes by me in the hardest and tightest section of the track in Turns 8 and 9 around the fountain area, and I’m like ‘oh man. This guy is going to win the race.’ I didn’t think it was even possible to pass in the section that he passed me in. I ended up chatting with him afterwards and he was really helpful. I was actually in a different gear than he was and he helped me in terms of what gear I needed to be in. His thought process about road course racing has changed the game for everyone, and the way you go about getting ready. The stuff that you value is different then the stuff that they value, because in Australian V8 cars the tire is smaller, has more degradation, and they think about the life of the tire more than what we have been, and I think more and more teams are looking at their process and changing it to keep up. He’s pretty impressive for sure.”

Kyle Busch and the No. 8 zone Chevrolet at Watkins Glen International… Sunday’s Go Bowling at The Glen will mark Kyle Busch’s 20th NASCAR Cup Series start at Watkins Glen International, and 63rd career start on a road course. At Watkins Glen, Busch will tie Terry Labonte for most Cup Series road course starts of all time. Over his career at the 2.45-mile road course, Busch has completed 1,694 of 1,716 laps (98.7 percent), led 249 laps, claimed three pole positions, and earned two race wins. He holds an average starting position of 8.1 and an average finishing position of 11.7 at the track.

Victory at The Glen… Starting from pole position, Busch led 52 laps and held off Tony Stewart on a late-race restart to claim his first premier series win at Watkins Glen International in 2008. Busch earned his second win at the road course in 2013, leading 29 laps.

Beyond the Ovals… Busch has made 62 starts on road courses at the highest level of NASCAR competition. The seasoned veteran has recorded 22 top-five finishes, 34 top-10 finishes, and four victories, including two at Watkins Glen International. Thus far in 2025, Busch has found the most success on road courses, with both of his top-five finishes to date having been on road courses.

Consistent Contender… Busch’s success at the track is not limited to the Cup Series. He has one win, six top-five finishes, seven top-10 finishes, and has led 155 laps in the NASCAR Xfinity Series at The Glen.

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Meet Busch… Busch is scheduled to make an appearance at the RCR Merchandise Hauler in the Watkins Glen International Fan Midway on Sunday, August 10 at 11:25 a.m. Local Time. Stop by to meet the driver of the No. 8 zone Chevrolet and purchase gear for race day.

KYLE BUSCH QUOTES:

Are all road courses the same, or does Watkins Glen International come with its own unique challenges?

“Setups are a little bit different at some of the road courses you go to. You would think road course, turn right, turn left, it’s the same thing, just run the same thing and go, but, no, Watkins Glen is more the superspeedway of road courses. Spring packages are a little different, bars are a little different, stuff like that. Looking at what the No. 16 ran there last year, they were really fast, they had a great race up there last year. So I’m leaning on some of our Kaulig friends on some advice on putting ourselves in a good spot to go up there and have a fast racecar.”

Do you like racing at Watkins Glen International?

“Watkins Glen has always been a favorite, I really enjoy it. I’ve always enjoyed the technicalities of that place, the high speeds of that place. The bus stop back there, being as sketch as it is, trying to go through there and blast through there as fast as you can, hopping all the curbs. It’s just a really fun place and you can be on attack mode there and find some speed.”

Just three races remaining before the NASCAR Playoffs. Assess your chances of winning at one of the next three races to lock yourself in.

“I have won at all those places, so let’s go do it again. Watkins Glen is probably my favorite road course we go to. Richmond is statistically one of my best racetracks that we go to. And then Daytona has been one of my best racetracks since I’ve been at RCR with Team Chevrolet. I feel really good about our opportunities the next three weeks. It’s all about execution and being able to do our job right. And that includes me, going out there and setting some fast laps and being in control of being able to do that, and having good pit stops on pit road and having good strategy and the race falling our way.”

Jesse Love and the No. 2 Samsara Chevrolet at Watkins Glen International… Jesse Love has made one career NASCAR Xfinity Series start at Watkins Glen International, driving the No. 2 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet last season. The Menlo Park, California native qualified 11th and raced his way to an eighth-place finish. Additionally, Love has completed two ARCA Menards Series races at the New York road course, earning a win and third place result, respectively. In 2023, Love started from the fourth position, led only one lap, and captured the victory.

Standings Update… Through 22 regular season events, Love currently holds the fourth position in the Xfinity Series driver championship point standings – 54 points behind third-place Sam Mayer and 70 points behind standings leader Conner Zilisch.

Pole Position, Again… Last weekend at Iowa Speedway, Love secured this third Xfinity Series pole position of the season. Love had previously earned the pole at Atlanta Motor Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway. In the Hawkeye State, Love led 31 laps of the race before finishing second, his sixth top-five finish of the year.

About Samsara… Samsara (NYSE: IOT) is the pioneer of the Connected Operations® Cloud, which is a platform that enables organizations that depend on physical operations to harness Internet of Things (IoT) data to develop actionable insights and improve their operations. With tens of thousands of customers across North America and Europe, Samsara is a proud technology partner to the people who keep our global economy running, including the world’s leading organizations across construction, transportation and warehousing, field services, manufacturing, retail, logistics, and the public sector. The company’s mission is to increase the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of the operations that power the global economy.

Meet Love… Love is scheduled to make an appearance at the RCR Merchandise Hauler in the Watkins Glen International Fan Midway on Saturday, August 9 at 12:30 p.m. Local Time. Stop by to meet the driver of the No. 2 Samsara Chevrolet and purchase gear for race day.

JESSE LOVE QUOTE:

What makes Watkins Glen different from other road courses, and what will it take for the No. 2 team to make it to Victory Lane in New York?

“At Watkins Glen, track position is important. It’s not very tight, it’s a very flowy track, long straightaways, not a lot of stop and goes. Last year we were tight, and it prohibited our lap time speed being too bound up. It takes grit and tenacity to win at Watkins Glen. You need to have speed. Your car has to be handling well, you have to have lateral grip and you have to qualify well and have good track position. The No. 2 Samsara Chevrolet is coming off a strong race last weekend in Iowa and we’re excited to build on that here in New York at a track that I know how to win at.”

Austin Hill and the No. 21 Bennett Transportation & Logistics Chevrolet at Watkins Glen International… Austin Hill has made three career NASCAR Xfinity Series starts at Watkins Glen International, posting a best finish of 14th in 2023 after the No. 21 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet received contact in the closing laps while battling for the win. Last season in the 2024 event at the New York road course, the Winston, Georgia native qualified inside the top-10 and fought a loose-handling balance, before being collected in a multi-car incident.

Previous WGI Winner… Hill has competed in one NASCAR Truck Series race and one ARCA Menards Series event (started third, finished second) at Watkins Glen International. In his lone Truck Series start at the 2.45-mile circuit, the now 31-year-old started from the pole, led 35 laps, and captured the checkered flag.

Road Course Success… With four road course events complete in the 2025 Xfinity Series campaign, Hill has scored three top-five results – fourth at Circuit of The Americas, third at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, and fourth at the Chicago Street Race – and never finished worse than 14th (at Sonoma Raceway). A road course victory is the only style of track that the veteran racer has not won at thus far into his series career.

Family Affair… Danny Lowry, Vice President of Bennett Family of Companies and President of Bennett Truck Transport and Bennett Distribution Services, will compete in the Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) NASCAR Classic events on Saturday, August 9 at Watkins Glen International. Connecting the past with the present, multiple Bennett executives will be in attendance supporting both Lowry and Hill.

About Bennett Family of Companies… McDonough-Ga. based Bennett Family of Companies provides industry-leading logistics solutions that help businesses thrive. Whether you need specialized trucking, warehousing, 3PL, exporting, importing, or crane services, Bennett has the expertise to handle your most complex and time-sensitive freight. From LTL to over-dimensional truckloads, Bennett ensures safe, reliable, and on-time deliveries around the world. With a legacy of excellence since 1974, their family and woman-owned company is dedicated to providing personalized, flexible solutions that meet your unique business needs. Trust Bennett to deliver when it matters most – discover how we can help your business grow at www.bennettig.com. Together we can move anything.

Drive4Bennett… Build your truck driving career with Bennett. The Bennett Family of Companies offers a variety of trucking jobs. As a predominantly owner operator career, the company recognizes the integral role out drivers play in the ability to deliver customer’s freight. Driven by their commitment to excellence, Bennett backs up their tailored logistics and transportation solutions with dedicated support to their independent drivers and owner-operators. This is how Bennett works hard each day to meet the rapidly shifting needs of their customers in today’s dynamic environment. Browse the available truck driving jobs and become an integral part of the logistics industry’s future.

Meet Hill… On Saturday, August 9 at 12:45 p.m. Local Time, Hill is scheduled to sign autographs at the RCR Merchandise Hauler located in the Fan Zone at Watkins Glen International. Stop by to get your No. 21 gear and meet the 13-time Xfinity Series winner.

AUSTIN HILL QUOTES:

Where does Watkins Glen International stack up on your list of road courses?

“Watkins Glen International is by far my favorite road course that we go to, because of the high speed that we carry around the track. I’ve won there in the Truck Series, which always gives you confidence heading into the weekend. Unfortunately, that success hasn’t transferred over to the Xfinity Series yet, but our No. 21 team has been so close to getting a road course win over the last few seasons. Watkins Glen is such a high-speed circuit. It doesn’t really have any technical corners like other road courses, but it’s extremely fun as a driver.”

Describe racing at Watkins Glen International.

“When you go into Turn 1, you go down to second gear and get on the brakes hard. But when you throttle up coming out of the hill and through the esses, if your car is good, you are really close to wide open. You carry a lot of speed down the backstretch and through the bus stop. If you hit it right, there is so much time you can make there. If you can get through the bus stop and carousel well, you can put the rest of the racetrack together. The guys who typically win at Watkins Glen can get through that section the best.”

Young’s Motorsports Watkins Glen International Team Preview

By
Official Release
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Young’s Motorsports | NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series
Watkins Glen International | Mission 176 at The Glen

Fast Facts

No. 02 Young’s Motorsports Team:
Driver: Kaden Honeycutt
Primary Partner(s): Young’s Building Systems | Randco Industries Inc.
Manufacturer: Chevrolet Silverado RST
Crew Chief: Jason Miller
2025 Driver Points Position: Sixth
2025 Owner Points Position: 29th
Engine: Ilmor Racing Technologies

Notes of Interest:

● Welcome Back: After a one-week break, the 2025 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series roars back to life, with Young’s Motorsports proud to welcome the return of veteran driver Kaden Honeycutt.

He’ll take the wheel of the team’s flagship No. 02 Chevrolet Silverado RST for Friday night’s Mission 176 at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International.

● About Kaden: Kaden Honeycutt is 22 years old and a native of Willow Park, Texas. Kaden started racing in 2012 in the Bandolero Division, compiling multiple wins throughout Alabama and Texas.

In 2016, he moved into the INEX Legend Car Young Lions Division, where he visited victory lane multiple times. In 2017, he advanced to the INEX Pro Series, where he won the Las Vegas Bullring Showdown.

2017 also saw Honeycutt competing in the Pro Truck Series that included the 2017 Pro truck, Snowball Derby event at Five Flags (Fla.) Speedway.

From 2018 to 2020, he graduated to the ARCA Menards Series, as well as competing in select Super Late Model and IMCA Dirt Modified events.

Over the past few seasons, he has participated in the CARS Tours Late Model program, picking up eight victories, while also continuing to compete in select IMCA Dirt Modified events.

Since 2022, Honeycutt, who recently got married, has participated in 50 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series races, including the first 16 of 2025, with a best finish of third, twice at Charlotte (N.C). Motor Speedway and most recently at Pocono (Pa.) Raceway in June 2025.

Honeycutt returns to the Young’s Motorsports platform for the first time since the season-finale at Phoenix (Ariz.) Raceway in November 2023.

● All Board: For the 17th of 25 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series races this season, Young’s Building Systems and Randco Industries Inc. will serve as the primary marketing partner for Friday evening’s No. 02 Chevrolet Silverado RST for the 72-lap race.

Since 1981, Young’s Building Systems has been providing West Texas with all their metal building needs. This family-owned and operated business has become an industry favorite due to the experience gained and the professional results completed.

Young’s Building System is a division of Randco Industries Inc. We have expanded into a company that has the ability to erect any type of building, from a small single-story to a city high-rise.

Our customers have multiple uses for our buildings, including commercial, residential, agricultural, industrial, skid-mounted buildings and compressor station buildings.

We also have a team that specializes in stairs and railings of all shapes and sizes. Young’s Building Systems is fully insured for your peace of mind, so we carry workmen’s compensation and general liability coverage that goes above and beyond State requirements.

Our company is fully equipped with moving and lifting equipment along with compressors, generators and welding equipment. We have the tools and equipment needed to support large, demanding projects. Our work ethic is based on the principles of quality, promptness, and customer experience.

Young’s Building Systems continuously raises our standard of excellence and works hard to make sure that each and every one of your needs are met.

● Playoff Contention: Set for his sixth NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series start of the season with Young’s Motorsports, Kaden Honeycutt will look to solidify further his Playoff position as the series heads into the penultimate race of the regular season.

Barring any significant setbacks, Honeycutt appears poised to advance, entering Watkins Glen with a solid 73-point cushion above the cutline. Jake Garcia sits 11th in the standings, 61 points behind Ty Majeski, who currently holds the 10th and final Playoff spot.

The regular season concludes next weekend at Richmond Raceway on Friday, August 15, before the seven-race Playoff stretch begins at Darlington Raceway with the Sober or Slammer 200 on Saturday, August 30.

● Kaden Honeycutt Truck Series Watkins Glen International Stats: Friday night’s Mission 176 at The Glen will mark Honeycutt’s first career NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series start at the iconic 2.45-mile road course.

The NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series rolls into upstate New York for its 16th stop of the season — a pivotal Friday evening showdown at the popular Watkins Glen International, setting the stage for a packed weekend of road course action.

Friday’s penultimate event of the Truck Series regular season kicks off a tripleheader weekend at Watkins Glen International, with the ARCA Menards Series taking the green earlier in the day, followed by the NASCAR Xfinity Series on Saturday and the NASCAR Cup Series Go Bowling at The Glen headlining Sunday’s weekend finale.

Nestled in the scenic Finger Lakes region, Watkins Glen International serves as a demanding road course challenge for Truck Series competitors, marking the 16th race on the expanded 2025 schedule — which includes two additional events compared to 2024.

● Young’s Motorsports’ NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series at Watkins Glen International: This weekend marks Young’s Motorsports’ fourth NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series start at Watkins Glen International in the heart of upstate New York.

The organization recorded its best result at the famed road course on August 7, 2021, when veteran driver Kaz Grala powered the team to a 12th-place finish in the United Rentals 176 at The Glen.

Since that 2021 appearance, the Mooresville, N.C.-based organization has three Truck Series starts at Watkins Glen, with an average starting position of 23.3 and an average finish of 23.7.

Expanding its road course résumé, the team also made its NASCAR Xfinity Series debut at The Glen in 2024, fielding a car for rookie Leland Honeyman Jr. The effort yielded a strong 16th-place finish in the September 14th running of the Mission 200 at The Glen — an impressive result after starting deep in the field in 32nd.

Overall, Young’s Motorsports has competed in 39 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series road course events, tallying one top-five and five top-10 finishes, with an average finishing position of 21.8.

● Young’s Motorsports’ NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series History: Since entering the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series in 2012, the Mooresville, N.C., – based organization has logged 527 starts from 73 drivers, resulting in solid performances that include two victories (Talladega Superspeedway 2019 and 2021), seven top-five finishes and 33 top-10 finishes, with an average starting position of 23.3 and an average finishing position of 22.3.

● Follow on Social Media: For more on Kaden Honeycutt, please like him on Facebook (Kaden Honeycutt Racing) and follow him on Instagram (kadenhoneycutt10) and X |Twitter (@KadenWHoneycutt).

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).

Kaden Honeycutt Pre-Race Quotes:

On Joining Young’s Motorsports for Watkins Glen International: “I’m really thankful to Young’s Motorsports — Tyler, Randy, Becky and the entire Young family — for giving me the opportunity to race this weekend at Watkins Glen and help keep my Playoff hopes alive.

“I truly enjoy road course racing, and the Young’s Motorsports team has shown solid speed on these types of tracks throughout their history. Hopefully, we can contend for a strong finish on Friday and carry that momentum into the regular season finale at Richmond Raceway next weekend.”

                              Tyler Young, Young’s Motorsports Team Principal Pre-Race Quote:

“Kaden really turned heads in our truck a couple of years ago, and we couldn’t have been prouder of how he performed. “He came in and showed just how capable our equipment is when you put an experienced racer like him behind the wheel.

“He said it himself at Darlington in 2023 — our trucks are good, just underrated. I think he proved that in a big way and we’re looking forward to seeing what he can do this weekend at Watkins Glen.”

Race Information:

The Mission 176 at The Glen (72 laps | 176.4 miles) marks the 17th of 25 races on the 2025 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series schedule. It’s a packed one-day show on Friday, August 8, kicking off with a 50-minute group practice session from 11:35 am to 12:25 p.m. ET. Qualifying will roll off shortly after 12:40 p.m., setting the 36-truck field for their seventh appearance at WGI. The green flag is scheduled to wave just after 5:00 p.m. ET, with live coverage on FOX Sports 1, the NASCAR Racing Network (Radio) and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90.

Young’s Motorsports | NASCAR Xfinity Series

Watkins Glen International | Mission 200 at The Glen

Fast Facts

No. 42 Young’s Motorsports Team:

Driver: Anthony Alfredo

Primary Partner(s): DUDE Wipes

Manufacturer: Chevrolet Camaro

Crew Chief: Andrew Abbott

2025 Driver Points Position: 22nd

2025 Owner Points Position: 24th

Engine: Earnhardt-Childress Racing

Notes of Interest:

● Year Two, Full Throttle: In January, Young’s Motorsports announced that NASCAR Xfinity Series veteran Anthony Alfredo would compete full-time for the team in its second year of Xfinity Series competition.

Alfredo is driving the No. 42 Young’s Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro for the entire 33-race schedule, which continues this Saturday afternoon with the Mission 200 at The Glen at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International.

● About Anthony: A popular driver, Alfredo, a native of Ridgefield, Connecticut, joins Young’s Motorsports with an array of Motorsports experience, including starts in the NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series, respectively.

The 2025 season will mark Alfredo’s fourth full-time Xfinity Series campaign, and he joins the Mooresville, N.C.-based team after spending the 2024 season with Our Motorsports.

The 25-year-old finished 15th in the 2024 Xfinity Series driver standings, highlighted by a Dash 4 Cash victory at Dover (Del.) Motor Speedway. He added two more top-five finishes and seven top-10s to his career totals, further strengthening his résumé across 140 Xfinity Series starts.

● All-Aboard!: For the 23rd of 33 Xfinity Series races this season, Young’s Motorsports welcomes back DUDE Wipes as the primary partner on the No. 42 Chevrolet Camaro for the 82-lap race on Saturday afternoon.

DUDE Wipes is the flagship product of DUDE Products, a men’s hygiene company that was founded in 2012 by lifelong friends in Chicago.

The U.S.-based company introduced DUDE Wipes as the first flushable wipe for adults, marketed as a better hygiene solution to dry toilet paper.

The brand is available online and in 20,000 stores nationwide, including Walmart, Target and Amazon.

Watkins Glen marks the 12th race where DUDE Wipes has served as the anchor partner on the No. 42 Young’s Motorsports Chevrolet this season.

● Anthony Alfredo NASCAR Xfinity Series Watkins Glen International Stats: Saturday afternoon’s Mission 200 at The Glen will mark Anthony Alfredo’s fourth Xfinity Series trip to the Finger Lakes of New York.

In his previous three starts at the 2.45-mile road course, Alfredo’s best result came during the 2022 edition of the Sunoco Go Rewards 200 at The Glen, where he earned a track-best 18th after starting 26th, while driving for Our Motorsports.

Overall, he holds an Xfinity Series average finish of 27.7 at the seven-turn New York road course.

In addition to his three NASCAR Xfinity Series starts, Alfredo has also had a lone NASCAR Cup Series start at Watkins Glen International in 2021, finishing 26th after starting 31st for Frow Row Motorsports in the 90-lap Go Bowling at The Glen.

23 races into the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series season — with just 10 remaining — Anthony Alfredo and the Young’s Motorsports No. 42 team remain laser-focused on one mission: mounting a late-summer charge toward the Playoffs.

This weekend, that journey winds through the iconic turns of Watkins Glen International — one of the most revered road courses in all of motorsports. Known for its high-speed corners, elevation changes, and unforgiving layout,

The Glen presents a different kind of test: precision, poise, and road course mastery.

A breakthrough victory at Watkins Glen wouldn’t just ignite the team’s Playoff push — it would send a clear message to the rest of the Xfinity field and mark a defining moment in the momentum Alfredo and the No. 42 group have been building all season long.

Saturday’s NASCAR Xfinity Series race is more than just another stop on the schedule — it’s a showcase of strategy, rhythm and resilience on one of the sport’s most demanding road courses. Alfredo knows the opportunity ahead is significant.

The weekend kicks off on Friday with a full day of action, highlighted by the ARCA Menards Series and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series doubleheader — a rare road course treat featuring rising stars and seasoned veterans tackling The Glen’s 2.45-mile layout.

Then on Sunday, the NASCAR Cup Series takes center stage to close out the weekend with another marquee road course battle, marking the 11th event in the second leg of the regular season and building momentum toward the Playoffs, which launch at the end of the month.

For Alfredo and the No. 42 team, every lap through the Finger Lakes countryside could bring them one step closer to the postseason. And should they find Victory Lane on Saturday, it wouldn’t just be a win — it would be a powerful statement in their Playoff pursuit.

● Anthony Alfredo Xfinity Series Career Stats: Entering Watkins Glen, Alfredo has 140 NASCAR Xfinity Series races to his credit, earning a career-best third-place finish twice, most recently at Talladega Superspeedway after starting 11th in the 2024 edition of the Ag-Pro 300 for Our Motorsports.

Since 2020, he has earned one pole, five top-five, and 23 top-10 finishes and has an average finish of 20.0.

● Iowa Speedway | Hy-Vee Perks 250 Race Recap: The NASCAR Xfinity Series made its lone Midwest visit to Iowa Speedway, taking on the iconic 0.875-mile oval for 250 laps of short track intensity, strategy and survival — all under the watchful eyes of a packed crowd in the heart of corn country.

The weekend began with promise for Anthony Alfredo and the No. 42 Wilde Protein Chips Chevrolet team, as the Young’s Motorsports driver showed solid pace in Saturday’s practice session at the Fastest Short Track on the Planet.

Momentum continued in time trials, where Alfredo secured a 19th-place starting position. From the drop of the green flag, Alfredo — like much of the field — found overtaking difficult, but remained determined to gain ground.

After finishing Stage 1 in 21st, crew chief Andrew Abbott and the team went to work on adjustments ahead of Stage 2. The car responded well early in the run, but Alfredo’s progress was disrupted when contact from another competitor sent the No. 42 Chevrolet into a spin. Fortunately, Alfredo avoided significant damage.

With his forward charge halted, Alfredo spent the remainder of the race recovering ground and salvaging what he could from the day. The team ultimately took the checkered flag in 26th.

Now 22 races into the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series season, Alfredo and the No. 42 Young’s Motorsports team remain focused and forward-looking as they approach the homestretch.

With the summer stretch winding down, every lap, every adjustment and every finish carries added weight as they chase a breakthrough historic win — one that could launch them into the Playoffs and shift the momentum in their favor.

● Calling the Shots: Guiding Alfredo as crew chief of the No. 42 Young’s Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro is longtime crew chief Andrew Abbott.

On Saturday, he will be crew chief in his 152nd NASCAR Xfinity Series race. In his previous 151 races, he has four top-five and 14 top-10 finishes.

The season’s 23rd race will be his fifth tango at Watkins Glen International as crew chief in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.

● Young’s Motorsports’ NASCAR Xfinity Series at Watkins Glen International: This weekend’s Mission 200 at The Glen will mark Young’s Motorsports’ second NASCAR Xfinity Series appearance at the southern tip of Seneca Lake.

Last summer, rookie Leland Honeyman Jr. finished an impressive 16th after starting 32nd on the lead lap in a very competitive race that finished under caution.

The Mooresville, N.C.-based team is no stranger to Watkins Glen International.

Since 2021, Young’s Motorsports has entered one NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race at the track, earning a best track finish of 12th with veteran driver Kaz Grala at the wheel in the 2021 edition of the United Rentals 176 at The Glen.

In the team’s history, they have participated in eight previous NASCAR Xfinity Series road course races, earning an average finishing position of 23.0.

● Young’s Motorsports’ NASCAR Xfinity Series History: Since entering the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2024, the family-owned organization has logged 55 starts and maintains an average starting position of 25.7 and an average finish of 23.4.

● Follow on Social Media: For more on Anthony Alfredo, please visit AnthonyAlfredo.com, like him on Facebook (Anthony Alfredo Racing), follow him on Instagram (@anthonyalfredo) and X | Twitter (@anthonyalfredo).

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).

Anthony Alfredo Pre-Race Quotes:

On Watkins Glen International: “Watkins Glen International is a really cool road course and a beautiful part of the country.

“It has been a challenging track for me as far as results over the past couple of years, but I’m looking forward to rebounding there with my Young’s Motorsports team.”

On Preparation for Watkins Glen International: “I’ve been turning extra laps on the simulator in preparation for this weekend. It is the next best option to being on the race track.

“Car positioning through the esses is so important to maximizing speed and carrying momentum down the back straightaway into the bus stop. I’ve been practicing that a lot on the simulator.”

On Watkins Glen International’s Most Unique Trait: “Watkins Glen is a very fast road course with a lot of grip. Carrying momentum around the track as well as managing your brakes is most important, but can be difficult.”

On Keys to Success at Watkins Glen International: “Track position will be prominent this weekend, but there was some calamity in this race last year, so staying out of trouble and keeping the car clean will also be key to a strong finish.”

On Watkins Glen International Performance Expectations: “We have had speed to run in the top-10 on road courses and although Watkins Glen is quite a bit different than most, that is my goal heading into this weekend.”

On Iowa Speedway Finish: “Iowa is a fun track, but unfortunately, we were behind after getting spun out and being down a set of tires the remainder of the race.

“Because they didn’t repave the whole surface, the racing groove is very narrow and it’s difficult to pass. It would be a phenomenal race if we could use all of the different lanes that used to be available.

“We certainly made the best of our situation, and we will regroup for Watkins Glen this weekend.”

On Goals for the Second Half of the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series Season: “We have had a lot of ups and downs throughout the first half of the race season, but I’m confident we can recover by bringing fast cars to the track and executing well throughout this second half.

“We need more top-10s and a couple of top-fives before the end of the season. Ideally, winning just one race before the Playoffs is our ultimate goal because it would completely save our season.”

Race Information:

The Mission 200 at The Glen (82 laps | 200.9 miles) is the 23rd of thirty-three (33) NASCAR Xfinity Series races on the 2025 schedule. Practice will take place on Saturday, August 9, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:20 a.m. Qualifying will follow, launching at 10:35 a.m. The 38-car field will take the green flag shortly after 3:00 p.m., with live coverage on The CW Network, the Motor Racing Network (Radio) and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90. All times are local (ET).

100 DAYS OUT: THE 60TH ANNUAL IN-N-OUT BURGER NHRA FINALS TO CROWN CHAMPS IN POMONA

By
Official Release
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POMONA, Calif. (Aug. 7, 2025) – In just 100 days, world champions will be awarded in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, as the thrilling conclusion to the 2025 campaign takes place at the 60th annual In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals on Nov. 13-16 at iconic In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip.

A cornerstone on the NHRA calendar, tickets are currently on sale for the epic finale in Pomona, where champions will be crowned, dreams will be realized and legacies will be forged on the hallowed grounds of In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip.

The historic setting has been home to championship excitement for six decades, delivering the ultimate in NHRA drama. The last two seasons have included winner-take-all final rounds to decide a championship, and with a multitude of contenders across Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle this year, the atmosphere in Pomona will again be electric to close out the Countdown to the Championship playoffs and a banner 2025 season.

The championship chase will undoubtedly be a spectacular one, with several storylines taking shape heading into the NHRA playoffs and Pomona, including:

Will Top Fuel points leader Shawn Langdon claim a second career world championship? Or will there be a first-time champion in motorsports legend Tony Stewart or Justin Ashley? Veterans like Doug Kalitta, who dramatically won the 2023 title, two-time champ Brittany Force and reigning world champion Antron Brown will also look to get hot at the perfect time and claim another title.

Is there any stopping Funny Car’s Austin Prock? The reigning world champion has enjoyed another dominant season, winning five times, as he seeks a second straight world title for John Force Racing. But there’s a host of worthy – and championship-proven – contenders, including his teammate, Jack Beckman, Ron Capps, Seattle winner Matt Hagan and J.R. Todd. That foursome has combined for nine world championships and will factor heavily into the can’t-miss finale.

Last year’s Pro Stock title came down to the final run of the season, with Greg Anderson edging out Dallas Glenn for the win and championship. As the pair have dominated 2025, will history repeat itself? The duo has impressed this year, combining for eight wins, but the competition gap has started to close. Can the likes of Aaron Stanfield, Matt Hartford, Greg Stanfield, Cory Reed and six-time champ Erica Enders make a late-season push?

Gaige Herrera has ruled the Pro Stock Motorcycle ranks the past two seasons. Will his reign continue with a three-peat? He’s the current points leader, but challengers like Richard Gadson, Matt Smith and John Hall have proven plenty worthy to be championship material in 2025.

Brown (Top Fuel), Beckman (Funny Car), Anderson (Pro Stock), and Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle) won last year’s event, while Brown (Top Fuel), Prock (Funny Car), Anderson (Pro Stock) and Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) all clinched world titles in Pomona. The race will again be broadcast on FS1 to close the season in style.

Action at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip will include a pair of qualifying runs on both Friday and Saturday, leading into eliminations on Sunday, where history will be made and champions will be crowned. The full weekend schedule will be released in the coming weeks as fans will get unparalleled access to the unforgettable 340-mph, 12,000-horsepower action to close out an incredible 2025 NHRA season.

This year’s In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals also features an amazing experience for racing and car enthusiasts alike. The Top Eliminator Club offers the best seats in the house, a premium experience and several exclusive benefits at one of the biggest races of the season. Included in the premium experience is a members-only hospitality center, complimentary food and beverages, a members-only souvenir store, exclusive driver appearances, a gift bag, a premium view of the staging lanes and much more.

To purchase tickets to the 60th annual In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals, fans can visit www.NHRA.com/tickets. All children 12 and under will be admitted free in the general admission area with a paid adult. For more information about NHRA, visit www.NHRA.com.

About Mission Foods

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

About NHRA

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

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