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Popular Used Cars in Florida 2026: Smart Buyer’s Guide

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

Florida’s used car market in 2026 gives drivers more choice and better value than in the last few years. Prices are slowly stabilizing, inventories are healthier, and patient shoppers can land reliable, late‑model cars without overpaying.

Why 2026 is a smart time to buy used

New‑car prices and interest rates are still high, so many Floridians are shifting to nearly new, pre‑owned vehicles instead of buying brand‑new. You get modern safety tech and comfort, but let the first owner absorb the steepest depreciation.

Shopping used also means more flexibility: you can choose from multiple brands, trims, and body styles that fit your lifestyle and budget. Whether you commute across Jacksonville, run a small business, or just need a family hauler, the used market has options ready to go.

Why buy used instead of new?

Top reasons to choose a used car in Florida:

  • Lower purchase price and slower depreciation, so you keep more of your money.
  • Often smaller insurance costs compared to brand‑new models.
  • Plenty of late‑model vehicles already tested on the road, with common issues well known.
  • Higher trims and better features for the same budget you would spend on a base new car.
  • Fewer surprises like early recalls, because many have already been addressed.

If you pick a well‑maintained vehicle from a trusted dealer, you get most of the benefits of a new car with far less financial stress.

Why choose a local dealer in Jacksonville

Buying from a local dealership rather than a private seller offers you more protection and less hassle. You can see multiple cars in one place, get professional advice, and often arrange financing and trade‑ins on the spot.

A good dealership will:

  • Inspect and recondition vehicles before they hit the lot.
  • Provide vehicle history reports so you know what you’re buying.
  • Help with all the Florida paperwork: title, registration, and tags.
  • Offer trade‑in options and financing under one roof.

If you are shopping in Northeast Florida, consider working with a trusted local partner like Jacksonville’s Autoland Jax for your next used auto.

Best used vehicle types for Florida in 2026

Instead of long descriptions for each model, here’s a more natural, skim‑friendly overview by segment. You can easily plug in current inventory examples or your own picks.

Best used sedans

Great for daily commuting, students, and anyone focused on fuel economy and easy parking.

Popular picks include: Toyota Camry, Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra,Nissan Altima.

Best used SUVs and crossovers

Perfect for families, road‑trippers, and drivers who want more cargo space and a higher driving position.

Popular picks include: Toyota RAV4, Honda CR‑V, Mazda CX‑5, Subaru Outback

Best used luxury & near‑luxury

Ideal for drivers who want comfort and premium features without a premium new‑car payment.

Popular picks include: Lexus ES and RX, BMW X5, Audi Q3.

Best used trucks for Florida

A smart choice for contractors, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone who tows boats or trailers.

Popular pickup trucks are Ford F‑150, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, RAM 1500,Toyota Tacoma and Tundra.

Smart tips for buying used in Florida in 2026

A few simple moves can protect you from costly mistakes and help you drive away with confidence:

  • Always test drive the car on both city streets and highways.
  • Get an independent pre‑purchase inspection, especially on higher‑mileage or older vehicles.
  • Check for possible flood or storm damage (look for musty smells, water marks under carpets, rust in hidden areas).
  • Review the vehicle history report for accidents, title issues, and past ownership.
  • Compare a few similar vehicles before deciding; don’t feel rushed into the first option you see.

With a clear budget, a short list of models, and a reliable local dealership, finding the right used car in Florida in 2026 becomes a straightforward, low‑stress process rather than a gamble.

Ultimate Guide for Parents About Child Car Seat Laws in Nevada

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SM
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All infant and toddler parents know how difficult it is to handle them. What is more difficult is travelling in a car with them, as we need to ensure that they are safe and secure. This is the reason why many states in the United States, such as Nevada, have specific rules about the various types of car seats to be used according to the age of the child.  

By choosing the right seat for your child, you are not only following Nevada’s child car seat laws but also ensuring that you are able to travel with your child without any worry. If you are a new parent or someone who is new to Nevada and loves driving around with your child, understanding the child car seat requirements is necessary. 

So, here are a few points that can help you understand Nevada’s child car seat laws and also help you choose the right car seat according to your child’s age and height. 

What Does Nevada’s Child Car Seat Law Say? 

According to Nevada law, children who are under the age of 6 and under 57 inches tall or weigh under 60 pounds must be secured in an approved child restraint system or a car seat at all times when travelling in a car. Failing to follow these rules can get you a fine that starts from $100 for a first-time offense. 

However, these rules are not applicable to public transport, such as taxis and school buses. If there is a medical necessity that prevents your child from sitting in a car seat, you can get a certificate from a doctor. 

What Car Seat Should My Child Use? 

According to the age and height of your child, here are a few types of car seats that you can use. 

1. Rear-facing car seat 

In Nevada, your child is required to be kept in a rear-facing car seat at least until the age of 2. This is because a rear-facing seat helps in supporting your child’s head, neck, and spine in case of any issues, like a crash. 

If possible, it is best to keep your child in a rear-facing car seat until they reach the limit mentioned on the seat label. In fact, there are many car seats that allow rear-facing for a longer time. 

2. Forward-facing car seat with harness 

Once your child has outgrown the rear-facing seat or is at least 2 years old, you can shift to a forward-facing seat with a 5-point harness. You can keep your child in a harnessed seat as long as they fit within the seat limits. 

3. Booster Seat 

Booster seats are basically car seats that help you adjust the car’s seat belt so that the belt is correctly adjusted around your child. These booster seats can be used for toddlers and preschoolers who no longer fit into forward-facing harness seats. 

Sometimes, even after the age of 6, the child might not be tall enough for the adult belt to fit correctly. So, you may need to use a booster seat in such cases until the child is able to fit into the adult belt properly. 

When Can a Child Use a Regular Seat in Nevada?

In Nevada, a child can usually shift to a regular car seat once they are no longer under the child restraint requirement. So if your child is 6 years old or older and is at least 57 inches tall, you will be able to shift your child to a normal seat. 

But ensure that you check that the seat belt fits them correctly before shifting them to a regular seat. 

Conclusion 

  • In Nevada, a child is required to be secured in a child restraint system until they are 6 years old and at least 57 inches tall. 
  • Children under 2 must ride in the back, if available, in a rear-facing seat. 
  • Children who no longer fit in rear-facing seats should be shifted to front-facing seats with a harness. 
  • Booster seats can be used once the child outgrows the harness until the seat belt fits them well. 

Noah Harmon Earns First Mazda MX-5 Cup Victory in Spectacular Daytona Fashion

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Official Release
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DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Jan. 22, 2026) – Since 2021, Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin has never disappointed when it comes to outstanding racing at Daytona International Raceway. The start of the 2026 season continued this trend with another photo finish, where Noah Harmon (No. 12 Hendricks Motorsports) won his first-ever Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup race by 0.039-second over Justin Adakonis (No. 23 McCumbee McAleer Racing).

A record 45 cars took the green flag for Thursday’s Round One race at Daytona, so it’s not surprising that the lead pack consisted of roughly 16 cars running nose-to-tail for 45 minutes. That translated into a gaggle of eight cars crossing the finish line in a pack, with the first six cars covered by less than 0.15-second as they raced across the finish line.

Two favorites to win the race had problems early on that brought them to pit lane for repairs and cost them laps. Gresham Wagner (No. 5 JTR Motorsports Engineering) got hit and spun around entering the Le Mans Chicane. He eventually continued but was forced to make a trip to his pit box for checks.

Reigning champion and race polesitter Jeremy Fletcher (No. 22 McCumbee McAleer Racing) also endured some hard hits early on and even got two wheels in the air at one point. This ultimately brought him onto pit lane with damaged suspension.

It was Harmon’s teammate Westin Workman (No. 21 Hendricks Motorsports) who led the field to the white flag. Traditionally that is not where one wants to be to win the race and Workman was more than happy to give up the spot to Adakonis. He continued to lead the field through the Le Mans Chicane with the Hendricks teammates on his bumper.

Harmon, in third, presumed it would be his job to push Workman to the win, but the pair ended up splitting Adakonis coming to the finish line. Once that happened, it became a free-for-all for the rest of the pack, deciding to go low with Harmon or high with Workman.

At the line it was Harmon, by 0.039-second over Adakonis.

“I came out (of the Le Mans Chicane) in third,” Harmon said. “I knew I had a good shot. I could see a gap behind me and didn’t think they’d get a run. I had my teammate, Weston [Workman] ahead of me and I was committed to helping him. I came out of NASCAR Four. Justin [Adakonis] moved up and I cut left, and I got a push from Julian [DaCosta] and rode it all the way to the line.”

After narrowly missing out on Rookie of the Year honors last season and starting the week at Daytona with mechanical issues and a poor qualifying result, Harmon couldn’t have guessed he’d be standing on the top step of the podium Thursday evening.

The win is the first of his MX-5 Cup career and the first for Hendricks Motorsports.

“I’m so happy right now,” Harmon said. “This night race, I’ve gone from watching it to doing it the last three years but haven’t even come close to winning. This is the one I would have wanted to win over any other race on the schedule. So, it means so much to me. All my family’s here and all my friends are here. It is so cool and I can’t thank everybody at CUBE 3 and Hendricks for making it even possible to be here today.”

Starting fourth, Adakonis was surprised to lose Fletcher, his drafting teammate.

“I didn’t know he [Fletcher] had an issue,” Adakonis said. “I was looking for him the whole time, but I really didn’t know until I saw him on the last lap and we were lapping him.”

He may have narrowly missed out on the win, but Adakonis was still happy to start his sophomore season with a podium.

“I didn’t see Noah [Harmon] on the bottom,” Adakonis said. “I thought I’d got Weston [Workman] covered off and then I saw Noah and thought ‘Shoot, man. I missed that one,’ but it was super fun.

“We had issue with the water temps the whole race, so I had to keep going out to the front and leading to keep them cool,” he added. “It kept spiking up and down and I was just trying to manage it. So as long as I was up front, I was good. It was a fun race and thanks to all the MMR guys, they gave me a really good car, and Marcus [Gregory] for spotting and Dan [Lawrence] for working on the car.”

Gossett started the race in seventh but moved up and down the lead pack each lap and couldn’t be sure he’d be in the right spot at the finish.

“I would move back to 10th and then I’d go back to first,” Gossett said. “Then, I’d go back to 10th and then back to first. It was madness! I’d be sad. I’d be happy. It was a roller coaster! I don’t even know how we ended up in third at the end.”

Now starting his sophomore season, the third-place result is Gossett’s first podium finish.

“I had the bottom line, and then, in the end, I chose the high line,” Gossett said. “Jared [Thomas] behind me chose the bottom line. I think I made the right decision. I definitely flew around everybody on the outside! So yeah, a good start to the season.”

Thomas would go on to finish fourth, and Julian DaCosta (No. 95 BSI Racing) completed the top five.

Harmon’s run from 17th on the grid to first at the finish would normally be enough to claim the Penske Shocking Performance Award, but not with Cam Ebben (No. 55 Advanced Autosports) in the race! The rookie had a mechanical issue in qualifying and opted to change to new tires for the race, which automatically puts him last (45th) on the grid. The third-generation racer fought his way through the field and picked up 22 positions to finish 23rd.

This season Gossett is racing with his twin sister Ellie (No. 77 BSI Racing), who took home the highest finishing female driver award in her debut MX-5 Cup race by finishing 32nd.

Longtime MX-5 Cup driver Peter Atwater (No. 26 JTR Motorsports Engineering) finished 19th and earned the Takumi Award for the highest finishing driver over the age of 40.

Round two of Mazda MX-5 Cup is set for 10am ET, Friday, January 23, and will be streamed live on the IMSA and RACER YouTube channels.

About: The Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin is the signature spec series for Mazda Motorsports. The series has been operated by Andersen Promotions since 2017 and is currently sanctioned by IMSA. Mazda-powered grassroots champions can earn Mazda scholarships for this pro-level series. The Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup awards more than $1 million in prizes and scholarships.

Find out more at http://www.mx-5cup.com.

NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Race at World Wide Technology Raceway: New Look, New Distance and New Name for 2026

By
Official Release
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The Nu Way 225 Sauced by Blues Hog gives fans more action and joins the NASCAR Championship Chase on Saturday, Sept. 12 

MADISON, Ill. (Jan. 22, 2026) – The intensity and excitement for the Sept. 12 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race has been amplified with World Wide Technology Raceway added as the second race in the NASCAR O’Reilly Series Chase and with the addition of 25 miles for the event. 

The new race length will be 225 miles, 180 laps and known as the Nu Way 225 Sauced by Blues Hog. The increased race distance and championship battles brings a new intensity with drivers battling to finish the season on the top of the leaderboard.

After a 15-year hiatus from WWT Raceway, the series came back in 2025 with the Nu Way 200 Sauced by Blues Hog, where the battle ended with Connor Zilisch victorious. The new format for 2026 will bring an even bigger challenge and battle for the top 12 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series drivers as their championship schedule has been increased two races in The Chase. 

Set for more action than ever before with increased laps and a championship flair, Nu Way Concrete Forms will return as title sponsor for the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Chase race as part of a multiyear agreement. In addition to Nu Way’s entitlement role, the St. Louis award-winning barbeque company Blues Hog will return as presenting sponsor. 

“With the success of the 2025 Nu Way 200 Sauced by Blues Hog, it was important to continue partnering with local companies to show how critical it is to have the communities support for these events,” said WWT Raceway Vice President of Business Development Declan O’Neill. “We are excited to continue our partnership with both of these great companies for the next years.”  

Nu Way continues to be a leader in the St. Louis region’s construction industry by providing premium supplies, equipment and expert services. The company played a key role in making the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series’ return after 15 years to WWT Raceway a tremendous success. 

“Nu Way is extremely excited to return as the Title Sponsor for the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race this September at WWT Raceway,” Nu Way Director of Sales Mike Townsend said. “Last year’s event was a tremendous success. Many of our customers are avid race fans, and we look forward to welcoming them back again this year for the Nu Way 225 Sauced by Blues Hog.”

Returning as presenting sponsor, Blues Hog barbeque company continues to earn national recognition for its award-winning sauces and seasonings. The 2025 midway showcased some of the company’s best offerings, treating guests to exceptional, flavor-packed barbeque.  

“We’re excited to be returning to World Wide Technology Raceway. There’s nothing better than pairing great racing with great barbecue,” Blues Hog Owner Tim Scheer said. “We’ll be outside sampling our sauces, doing some pre-race tailgating, and bringing that championship-level flavor to the fans. We’re looking forward to a great weekend.”

The Nu Way 225 Sauced by Blues Hog will once again be complimented by the NASCAR Cup Series Enjoy Illinois 300 on Sunday, Sept. 13. The weekend full of NASCAR action will also feature national acts as part of the Confluence Music Festival. 

To purchase tickets please visit TIXR. For more information, please visit wwtraceway.com, nuwayinc.com or blueshog.com. 

About World Wide Technology Raceway

World Wide Technology Raceway (WWTR) is the home of NASCAR, INDYCAR and NHRA racing in St. Louis’ Metro East region. Located just five minutes from downtown St. Louis and covering 700 acres, WWTR is the largest outdoor entertainment facility in the area. WWTR’s facilities include a 1.25-mile superspeedway; 1/4-mile drag strip; 2.0-mile road course; the Gateway Kartplex state-of-the-art karting facility; and the adjacent Gateway National Golf Links. WWTR and Owner & CEO Curtis Francois have been recognized with several awards, including: 2023 St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame induction; 2023 Innovation in Philanthropy Award by the St. Louis Business Journal; 2022 Explore St. Louis Hospitality Hero Recognition; 2022 Best in Show and Best Event & Festival from the Illinois Governor’s Conference on Tourism; 2021 Comcast Community Champion of the Year; 2021 Jack Buck Award; 2020 NASCAR Drive for Diversity Track Award; 2018 Innovator Award from the St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission; 2017 Outstanding Facility of the Year Award from the Race Track Business Conference; and the 2017 Spirit of St. Louis Award from the St. Louis Attractions Association. Our mission: We are committed to making a difference in our community, while providing first-class entertainment and memories that last a lifetime.

About Nu Way

Nu Way.  Everything for the Contractor.  Since 1955, Nu Way Concrete Forms, Inc. has been family-owned and committed to supporting the success of builders throughout the Midwest.  Now celebrating 71 years in business, Nu Way has grown to six locations and is recognized as the region’s premier provider of construction materials, equipment and form rentals, along with expert estimating and rebar fabrication services. Our legacy is built on quality, reliability, and the strong relationships we’ve formed with contractors over generations — and we’re proud to keep building the future, one project at a time.

About Blues Hog

Blues Hog is a nationally recognized producer of premium barbecue products, trusted by top chefs, champion pitmasters, and restaurateurs around the world. Known as “The Award-Winning Choice of Champions,” Blues Hog offers a diverse lineup of sauces, seasonings, marinades, fuels, and meats crafted to elevate any barbecue experience—from backyard cookouts to elite competitions. With a commitment to exceptional taste and quality, Blues Hog delivers next-level flavor for every occasion. For more information, visit www.blueshog.com.

No. 31 Cadillac Wins Pole for Rolex 24 At Daytona

By
Official Release
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Jack Aitken Sets Fast Time of 1:33.939 for second Cadillac pole since 2024

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Jan. 22, 2026) — Jack Aitken, one of four drivers of the No. 31 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R, won the pole for the prestigious Rolex 24 At Daytona with a fast lap of one minute 33.939 seconds / 136.429 mph.

It’s the second pole for Cadillac in three years as the program swept the front row in 2024. Aitken’s teammates are Earl Bamber, Frederik Vesti and Connor Zilisch.

“There isn’t a better way to start,” Aitken said. “We had a great ROAR, and we knew that there was potential in the car and it was good to get that done over one lap. It’s nice to see that we are all performing well, but it’s only one lap and we have 24 hours this weekend. That is when the real meat comes, is this weekend. The Whelen Cadillac was just flying, and it got a bit hairy at times; through the Kink it had some movement and that was a bit hair-raising, but it was fast and that is all that matters.”

It carries the momentum for the No. 31 team as it won the final two IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship races in 2025, first with Aitken, Bamber and Vesti winning the Battle On The Bricks at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in September and then another victory in the No. 31 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R in the Motul Petit Le Mans at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta.

“Congratulations to the #31 Cadillac Racing V-Series.R on securing pole position in qualifying for the 2026 Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona,” said Jim Campbell, vice-president of Performance & Motorsports Commercial Operations for General Motors. “It is a proud moment for everyone at Cadillac Racing, and we will be doing all we can to convert the pole to victory at this iconic event.”

The No. 40 Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing V-Series.R sponsored by DEX driven by Louis Deletraz was third at 1:34.069 with a speed of 136.240 mph, while teammate Filipe Albuquerque, driver of the No. 10 Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing V-Series.R sponsored by DEX was seventh at 1:34.513 with a speed of 135.600.

Deletraz teammates are Jordan Taylor and Colton Herta, while Albuquerque’s teammates are Ricky Taylor and Will Stevens.

Coverage of the Rolex 24 At Daytona starts at 1:30 p.m. ET Saturday, Jan. 24, on NBC, with continuing network coverage on Peacock (U.S.) and IMSA’s YouTube channel (not in the U.S.) until NBC will pick up the broadcast at noon Sunday, Jan. 25, for the finish. Peacock (U.S.) and IMSA’s YouTube channel will stream the entirety of the race along with the IMSA Radio broadcast at IMSA.com, Sirius 211/XM 207, locally at 93.5 FM/1150 AM and 107.9 FM at the track.

Jack Aitken No. 31 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R run by Action Express Racing:

It looks like as I mentioned there from front to back a pretty close gap. What do you expect as you look ahead to the race, and what did you have to do to score the pole here today?

“Yeah, as always with qualifying here it’s a little bit going into the unknown because there’s not a big focus on qualifying through the practice sessions, and we’re very tight on our tire allocation and time on track frankly, so we don’t tend to want to spend it on qualifying sims. I know some guys did this morning, so we took what we could from those runs to learn as much as we could about this new tire and then just rolled the dice a little bit. It’s a lot of fun because you go into the unknown and you have to judge it lap by lap quite a lot. And the car was a bit loose, which made it a bit scary at times, but clearly, it’s fast. Yeah, the Whelen Cadillac guys did a really good job to sort out a great car for me. So yeah, it was a lot of fun.

Q. How confident were you? At one point, Renger van der Zande obviously took pole from you. You had it first, then he took it. How confident were you that you were going to be able to come back and get that, and were you surprised there wasn’t a little bit more at the very end of the session, that it wasn’t challenged even more so?

“I could see Renger in front of me actually, so it was a good gauge. When we finished the first laps, like flying laps, I could see it going away from me so I was like, that’s not good. Sort of got going after that and put a couple of good laps in even if they were scrappy, and I thought that’s as good as I can do. I peeled off into the pits because these tires do have a peak and then a drop, so I was just hoping nobody had done anything really weird and gone out super late or anything because if you’re just pounding around you’re not going to improve. But yeah, there was still nervous moments waiting in pit lane. It’s a big moment to get your first pole here.”

Q. This was the first qualifying with the new tire from Michelin. How was your experience with this one?

“I think most of the improvements and changes are something that you’ll see more in the race with cold tire performance and the long stint performance has changed a fair bit. But for qualifying over one lap, it peaks pretty hard just like it used to. Lap 4 or so is kind of when you get that peak grip and you’ve got a couple laps to do it, and if you don’t, then it does drop away quite sharply. It’s still a good tire in that sense, but not a lot of changes from last year I would say.”

Q. Jack, you mentioned the focus on race running. Kind of talk about your confidence level on long runs, particularly I know you haven’t had a lot of representative running yet but stuff like double and triple stints. What do you think that’s going to look like?

“I think, yeah, we’re pretty confident with what we can do in terms of the medium and double stinting because I think that’s — even though the temperatures are getting a bit higher over the weekend, it’ll be fun. It’s a little bit ugly, but you can get it done. The soft tire is also not looking bad, I would say. We haven’t gone outright for a long run stint equivalent during practice because again, we just don’t have the time, so it’s lots of short runs, and they never quite behave the same as one big stint. Looking at what others are doing, everyone was in the same boat a little bit. I think we’re in decent shape, but it’s very, very hard to tell, as always, at this point in the weekend. You’ll get your answers, I think, a few hours into the race.”

Q. Jack, a lot was made about this new “One Cadillac” mantra. What might that look like in the early stages of Saturday and Sunday’s race?

“I don’t think there’s going to be any changes. It worked well last year, so it’s good that we’ve got more than one Cadillac towards the front, and they have been strong all week. The Wayne Taylor cars, as well. I think the approach will be the same. We’ll help each other out where we can and try not to make life too difficult if there’s stuff that we can do to help each other in terms of strategy, we’ll always look at that, as well, and it’s just keeping the communication open. I doubt there will be a fixed plan. It’s always hard to do that with racing.”

Louis Deletraz No. 40 Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing V-Series.R sponsored by DEX:

“I’m very happy with qualifying. First, congrats to Cadillac and the No. 31 on pole position. I was just one-tenth shy of it. But qualifying is not the most important part here. We just need to be sure that we have a good race car. Honestly, it was a good session. From throughout the Roar to FP1, we kept improving the No. 40 Cadillac and felt confident and I think we have a great race car. Thanks to everyone at Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing. Now, we keep working and just a few hours to the race.”

Filipe Albuquerque No. 10 Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing V-Series.R:

“Congratulations to Cadillac and the No. 31. Qualifying was not great. We were expecting to be with the other Cadillacs so it was disappointing. In the morning session, we looked good, so we need to understand what happened there. P7, it just hurts my ego, not the race result so it’s all about that. Now, we will see come the race.”

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

CORVETTE RACING AT DAYTONA: GTD PRO Pole for Sims!

By
Official Release
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No. 3 Corvette leads strong effort from all five Z06 GT3.R in Daytona qualifying

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Jan. 22, 2026) – Alexander Sims sped to the GTD PRO pole position Thursday for the Rolex 24 At Daytona to lead a strong showing for all five Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.Rs to start the 2026 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season.

Sims set a time of 1:45.106 (121.934 mph) in Corvette Racing by Pratt Miller Motorsports’ No. 3 Z06 GT3.R that he will share this weekend with Antonio Garcia and Marvin Kirchhöfer. A Corvette will start from class pole position in the Rolex 24 At Daytona for the first time since 2021 when Sims was part of a qualifying race win for Corvette Racing.

Prior to that, the last time a Corvette qualified on pole position was 2018.

On Thursday, three for the Corvette GT3s qualified in the top-12 of the combined GT category. Charlie Eastwood was fourth in GTD with DXDT Racing’s No. 36 Corvette that he will drive with Mason Filippi, Salih Yoluc and Scott McLaughlin. His lap of 1:45.274 (121.739 mph) was 0.161 seconds off the class pole time.

Giacomo Altoé was sixth in GTD and less than a half-second to pole position for DragonSpeed in the first team’s first race as a Z06 GT3.R customer team. He will team this weekend with Henrik Hedman, Casper Stevenson and Matteo Cairoli.

Nicky Catsburg went eighth-quickest in GTD PRO for the second Corvette Racing by Pratt Miller Motorsports entry – the No. 4 that he will drive with Tommy Milner and Nico Varrone.

Defending Rolex 24 GTD winner 13 Autosport qualified 16th in class with Orey Fidani doing the honors Thursday. He will try to repeat with Matt Bell and Lars Kern plus team newcomer Ben Green in the No. 13 Corvette.

The Rolex 24 goes green at 1:40 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 24. Live coverage begins at 1:30 p.m. ET on NBC with full live coverage on Peacock in the United States and on IMSA.com for video outside the U.S. and global IMSA Radio coverage.

CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R QUALIFYING DRIVER QUOTES

ALEXANDER SIMS, NO. 3 CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R – GTD PRO POLE-WINNER: “It’s really something special around here to be able to do a low fuel qualifying run with new tires. The car just comes alive. What a wonderful experience that was. Our Corvette was really nicely balanced, very nice lap, nice and clear with no traffic, but I had Nicky (Catsburg) up ahead, maybe punching a little bit of a hole for me. Yeah, brilliant, really, really brilliant.

(The race outlook and converting pole into a win) “There is a long time between now and then, but nevertheless, it’s nice to start at the front of the field. Fingers crossed we can have a clean race because that’s really the No. 1 goal at the moment – try and maintain the car in one piece, no issues through the first 23-and-a-half hours, be there in the race at the end and then be ready to fight.”

(More on qualifying) “Our Corvette was working pretty nicely in the qualifying session. It’s honestly quite a privilege to be able to drive on low fuel. The car just comes alive compared to most of the states that you drive during practice where you’re focusing on race prep. It was just nice conditions, I was able to get a nice gap and just focus on my own driving for all the laps and hook it all together. The Corvette is working well and hopefully we can carry that through to the race.”

(Contending in this year’s race after Corvette GTD win in 2025) “We had a decent race last year as well and finished second behind the Ford. It was great to see the AWA car get the class win last year. Our focus is pretty much on our program and what we’re doing this year to try and optimize everything we’ve got. It seems like the car’s in a decent spot right now. Qualifying pace versus race pace is a bit of a different story, so quite quickly our focus goes back to high-fuel runs and trying to get the car dialed in for that.”

NICKY CATSBURG, NO. 4 CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “Obviously not so good. The car was pretty good, I have to say. I just feel like I didn’t execute well. I had a massive oversteer moment on my first push lap and then the second left, I kind of underdrove it. So it was just not a clean run. I do feel like we need to work a bit on the car, but Alex showed what it’s capable of. I do not think we are far away. We are already quite similar (on setup). I was expecting a bit more for myself. We just need to look at it, see what happens tonight and tomorrow and take it from there.”

OREY FIDANI, NO. 13 CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “For me it’s just more seat time. Every time I drive the car, I feel quicker and more familiar with it. The team’s done an awesome job getting us set up and to this point. We just want to be consistent early, be in a good spot and then watch Ben (Green) and Matt (Bell) take it to the front.”

CHARLIE EASTWOOD, NO. 36 CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “What a difference a year makes. Last year’s qualifying was probably one of the low points of the whole year, I would say… realizing that we were nowhere close. We’re much and much better this year… barely two-tenths off pole in both GTD classes. I think we would still be second in PRO, as it were. So the Corvette felt great. We did struggle with a few bits this morning on the new tire, but our deg was really good over a stint, so that was a bit of a surprise in that regard. We did have a really clean Roar and that translated into that qualifying session, The Corvette seems to have the best deg of the field. At the end of the session, we’re still pumping in some strong times versus the competition that falls off. So that’s great when you do a lot of laps on every tire set and you probably have to double about six sets. Yeah, we’re looking good and still just chipping our way through it. I think going into it we were and we were going to be happy with a top-eight there so top-four was a bit of a surprise, but that came together really nice and now we’re rolling off the second row for the 24.”

GIACOMO ALTOE, NO. 81 CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “Today was the first time that I could actually drive the car in a low-fuel, new-tire session. Obviously we are focusing more on our race pace with such a long day coming Saturday and Sunday. So we didn’t know what to expect, honestly, and we are really happy with that result. Of course, I always want more. So I’m not really satisfied, but we still are early on in our learning process. I’ll take it as we start this project, so I’m really happy.”

About General Motors

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

Burt Myers Will Return to NASCAR Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium

By
Logan Allen
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Photo by Andrew Boyd for SpeedwayMedia.com

After an incident leaving Myers unable to finish the 2025 Clash, he looks to bounce back in 2026. Team AmeriVet will give Burt another attempt in 2026 while still racing in the #50.

Burt Myers and Tim Brown were two Bowman Gray Stadium Modified drivers who participated in the Clash in 2025. Myers is a staple at Bowman Gray Stadium, having over 100 modified wins and 11 track championships.

“Getting another shot in the Cup car at Bowman Gray means a lot to me,” said Myers. “Last time left us wanting more, and I’m grateful to Team AmeriVet and our partners for believing in me and giving us a chance to come back and do it right in front of these fans.”

According to Team AmeriaVet, Team AmeriVet & Burt Myers erase $250,000 in Veteran Debt at the 2025 Clash at Bowman Gray! Citrusafe Cleaners, Pinnacle Financial Partners, AmeriVet Securities, C3skids.com, Dairi-O, Chevrolet, and ECR Engines, we’re kicking off the 2025 season by wiping out $250,000 in veteran debt through our 50 Vets a Week program powered by ForgiveCo

The 2026 Clash will be on February 1st, with the Bowman Gray race being run on January 31st. Last season, Myers raced in both the NASCAR Cup Series race at the Clash and the Modified race.

With Burt Myers having 11 track Championships and over 100 wins. Burt knows the track from every perspective. Not only on the track, but in the stands as well. Growing up, his family had raced at Bowman Gray. Billy & Bobby started at Bowman Gray in the 1950s, continuing with Billy’s son Gary, then Gary’s sons Burt & Jason, and now Burt’s son Slate.

Out of the Myers family racing currently at Bowman Gray, it consists of Burt, Jason, and Burt Myers’ son, Slate.

Chandler Smith to Attempt 2026 Daytona 500 with Front Row Motorsports

By
Official Release
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MOORESVILLE, N.C. (January 22, 2026) – After a successful first season at Front Row Motorsports (FRM), highlighted by two wins in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, Chandler Smith will make his first attempt for the team in the Cup Series driving the No. 36 Ford Mustang Dark Horse in the Daytona 500.

“I’m really excited to take a shot at the Daytona 500 with the FRM Cup Series program,” said Smith. “This organization is known for its speed at superspeedways, and I am going to give it my best shot to win the Harley J. Earl Trophy or help my teammates if I am in the position to do so in the end. I greatly appreciate the opportunity and will do my part to get FRM off to a great start to the 2026 Cup season, while I pursue my primary goal this year in winning the 2026 Truck Series Championship.”

Statistically, the Daytona International Speedway has been a good track for Smith, averaging a 12.0 finishing position at the venue in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series and 10.3 in the O’Reilly Series.

There remain premier partnership opportunities available with Smith and the No. 36 team for “The Great American Race”. Please reach out to sponsorship@frontrowmotorsports.com for more details.

ABOUT FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS

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

Grizzly Nicotine Pouches Joins NASCAR as Official Partner and Official Partner of NASCAR-Owned Tracks

By
Official Release
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New partnership celebrates race-weekend traditions and brings added value to the heart of NASCAR fandom

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Jan. 22, 2026) – NASCAR today announced a new partnership with American Snuff Company LLC’s brand Grizzly Nicotine Pouches, as the brand becomes an Official Partner of NASCAR® and an Official Partner for all NASCAR-owned racetracks, including the naming rights for racetrack campgrounds—placing Grizzly Nicotine Pouches at the center of one of the most beloved and communal parts of the race-weekend experience.

From sunrise tailgates to late-night campfire conversations, campgrounds are where NASCAR fans gather, connect, and live the sport beyond the grandstands. Through this partnership, Grizzly Nicotine Pouches will engage adult fans in these moments with custom activations and experiences designed for adult nicotine consumers to enhance the traditions that make race weekends unforgettable.

“NASCAR fans don’t just come to the track—they make it a weekend, a tradition, and a community,” said Craig Stimmel, NASCAR Chief Commercial Officer. “Grizzly Nicotine Pouches understands that connection, and this partnership allows us to create authentic touchpoints where fans are already spending time together. It’s another example of how our flexible, fan-first partnership model helps brands show up in ways that feel natural and meaningful.”

As an Official Partner, Grizzly Nicotine Pouches will have a presence across NASCAR-owned track campgrounds, creating opportunities to interact with adult fans in relaxed, social settings that are core to NASCAR culture. The partnership reflects NASCAR’s commitment to working with brands that value authenticity and want to engage fans on their terms—where they celebrate, connect, and build lifelong memories.

“We are extremely excited to be coming on board to the NASCAR family as an official partner. NASCAR fans are among the most passionate in the world, and we’re proud to share in that passion. This partnership gives us an authentic presence at race weekends and the opportunity to be a meaningful part NASCAR’s rich culture,” said Austin DeLucia, Senior Manager, Partnerships, American Snuff Company.

To celebrate this announcement, Grizzly Nicotine Pouches is hosting a special promotion to kick off the season for age 21+ nicotine pouch consumers. Starting Jan. 28, adult nicotine consumers age 21+ can visit grizzlynicotinepouches.com for more information on this promotion.

“It’s a privilege to be an official partner with NASCAR. Our introduction to the sport last season validated that NASCAR is an extension of who our adult consumers are, and the values which we share. We look forward to the 2026 season and creating memorable experiences for adult NASCAR fans across the country,” said John Merritt, Senior Manager Brand Marketing, American Snuff Company.

The addition of Grizzly Nicotine Pouches further highlights NASCAR’s ability to attract major brands by offering customized partnership platforms that go beyond traditional sponsorships. By creating opportunities across campgrounds, tracks, and fan experiences, NASCAR continues to deliver innovative ways for partners to engage one of the most loyal fan bases in sports.

Grizzly Nicotine Pouches joins a growing lineup of brands that are tapping into NASCAR’s unique ability to connect commerce, culture, and community—on and off the track.

The 2026 NASCAR season gets underway next Sunday, Feb. 1 with the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium at 8 p.m. ET on FOX, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. Then, The Great American Race, the DAYTONA 500, will air live on FOX on Sunday, Feb. 15 at 2:30 p.m. ET.

About NASCAR

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) is the sanctioning body for the No. 1 form of motorsports in the United States and owner of 14 of the nation’s major motorsports entertainment facilities. NASCAR sanctions races in three national series (NASCAR Cup Series™, NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series™, and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series™), four international series (NASCAR Brasil Series, NASCAR Canada Series, NASCAR Euro Series, NASCAR Mexico Series), four regional series (ARCA Menards Series, ARCA Menards Series East & West and the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour) and a local grassroots series (NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series). The International Motor Sports Association™ (IMSA®) governs the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship™, the premier U.S. sports car series. NASCAR also owns Motor Racing Network, Racing Electronics, and ONE DAYTONA. Based in Daytona Beach, Florida, with offices in five cities across North America, NASCAR sanctions more than 1,200 races annually in 11 countries and more than 30 U.S. states.

For more information visit www.NASCAR.com and www.IMSA.com, and follow NASCAR on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, X and Facebook.

About Grizzly Nicotine Pouches

Grizzly Nicotine Pouches is a brand of American Snuff Company, LLC (ASC), a subsidiary of Reynolds American Inc. Grizzly Nicotine Pouches are a tobacco leaf-free nicotine product available to adult nicotine consumers nationwide (where permitted)

Lanie Buice, Alon Day Anchor TeamSLR Lineup for 2026 Trans Am TA2 Series Season

By
Official Release
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Chevrolet Development Driver Joined by Four-Time NASCAR Euro Series Champ;
2025 COTA Finale Winner Helio Meza Returns for Six Rounds

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. (Jan. 22, 2026) – TeamSLR’s mission to deliver a second consecutive CUBE 3 Architecture TA2 Series driver championship will be in the hands of a pair of fulltime drivers for 2026 – 18-year-old Chevrolet development prodigy Lanie Buice of Jackson, Georgia, and four-time NASCAR Euro Series champion Alon Day of Israel.

They’ll tackle the 12-race campaign with an eye on building upon a banner 2025 run by TeamSLR and M1 Racecars, which netted seven consecutive victories to close out the season, the TA2 national driver championship for teen Tristan McKee, and the Pro-Am Challenge-class and TA2 Western Championship titles by M1 Racecars competitors Jared Odrick and Brody Goble, respectively.

In addition, the team’s most recent race winner, 17-year-old Helio Meza of Houston, is the first of TeamSLR’s part-time drivers to be announced for 2026.

“I’m excited to start the year. I think we’ve got as good of a lineup as we’ve ever had, and our group’s probably better prepared than we’ve ever been,” said TeamSLR and M1 Racecars co-owner Scott Lagasse Jr., whose operation rolled to three championships, seven national series race wins (four for McKee, and one apiece for veteran Mike Skeen, teen Carson Brown, and Meza) among 20 total wins, 38 podiums and 23 pole positions in 2025.

“Last year was amazing. We had a ton of talent in our cars, and a couple of those guys moved on to the next step, which is how this program works. Change is a part of it, and we’re proud to play our part of the development process with Josh Wise, Scott Speed and Lorin Ranier at Chevrolet. So now we’re on to this year, and I think we have an excellent mix of youth and experience.

“Lanie impressed everyone last year, and her work ethic over the winter has been incredible. Alon brings a ton of stability from a veteran driver’s standpoint week in and week out. And Helio shocked us all at COTA (Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas), obviously. Everyone’s focused and we’re ready to benefit from the momentum we built last year.”

Buice, driver of the No. 8 Sunoco/Chevrolet SLR-M1 Racecars Camaro, returns after a taste of TA2 Series competition last season. She showed speed at both the Sept. 20 race at Virginia International Raceway (VIR) in Alton, where she qualified sixth, and the Nov. 2 finale at COTA, where she qualified ninth.

“I’m just super excited and grateful for the opportunity to race for TeamSLR with the support of Chevrolet and all the people that I’ve had behind me to be able to run the full season,” said Buice, who will also contest five ARCA Menards Series races in 2026, as well as a mix of Late Model weekly series events.

“I’m excited to compete fulltime in the TA2 Series. It’s just a really good series to be a part of. I’m motivated by the challenge of trying to figure out all the different places we go to across the country and trying to be the best that I can behind the wheel every single weekend. I always reach really high and shoot for the stars, so I feel like as long as I do what I’m supposed to do behind the scenes, and with all of us at TeamSLR where we just work really well together, the possibilities are endless.”

Day, the 34-year-old from Ashdod, Israel, brings a diverse and highly successful racing background into his rookie TA2 Series season. He’s the winningest driver in NASCAR Euro Series history with 32 victories to go with his championships in 2017, 2018, 2020 and 2022. He was on an open-wheel path at the start of his career, which featured an Israeli national karting championship and a Formula Renault Asian Championship title, followed by a six-race run in the North American-based INDY NXT Series in 2012 before the lion’s share of his attention turned to stock cars.

Over the last decade, the former Athlete of the Year in his native Israel has also run a dozen races across NASCAR’s top-three series – Cup (two), O’Reilly Auto Parts (formerly Xfinity, four), and Craftsman Truck (two) – and the ARCA Menards Series (four). Six of those races took place at tracks Day will visit during this year’s TA2 Series campaign.

“While this is my first year in a TA2 car, the fundamentals remain the same – it’s four wheels and a steering wheel,” Day said. “Having raced everything from single-seaters and Indy NXT to stock cars, I’m comfortable and confident in my ability to adapt quickly. Driving for a top-tier program with TeamSLR, and with the incredible support of Jet Support Services, Inc. (JSSI), the Chicago-based aircraft maintenance support and finance company, I know I have the right environment and equipment to get up to speed immediately.”

“We are excited to partner with Alon Day for a third consecutive year,” said Neil Book, JSSI Chairman and CEO. “Alon is a champion on and off the track, and having joined him at every race last season, I’ve seen firsthand the excellence, grit, and relentless preparation he brings to his craft. These are the same values we strive to embody at JSSI. I am thrilled that Alon will be driving for TeamSLR this year, led by Scott Lagasse Jr., whose high‑performance culture strongly resonates with our own. Scott is a proven powerhouse in this sport and a mentor to the next generation. Joining such a championship‑caliber team will provide Alon with the elite infrastructure necessary to compete at the highest level.”

Meza is another of the stable of young Chevrolet development drivers alongside Buice and McKee. He made his TA2 Series debut at last season’s finale Nov. 2 at COTA, where he led from pole to checkered flag to become the fourth TeamSLR driver to occupy the top step of the podium over the final seven races. Meza is slated for six TA2 rounds this season beginning with the March 1 opener at Sebring (Fla.) International Raceway, with a mix of drivers including TeamSLR’s 2021 and 2022 championship contender Connor Mosack expected to run the remaining events in that car. Meza will also contest the full NASCAR Mexico Challenge Series schedule for the second consecutive year, as well as a mix of CARS Tour and other short-track events, and an occasional appearance in Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup, where he earned Rookie of the Year honors in his first full season on that circuit in 2025.

“I really didn’t know what to expect when I stepped into the TA2 car last year at COTA, but everyone at TeamSLR just made it super easy for me, and obviously it doesn’t hurt to have great equipment underneath you, either,” Meza said. “TA2 is probably the most fun I’ve had driving a racecar. I don’t know what it is about it, but I just love how raw the car is – no traction control, no ABS, really good power – so I’m really looking forward to doing more races this year. I have Chevrolet, Alessandros Racing, some of Alessandros’ partners on board, as well, and Telmex jumped on board to help me chase my dreams. It’s going to be a good year.”

Riding along with the TeamSLR contingent and its M1 Racecars this season will be partners CUBE 3 Architecture, Guthrie’s Garage, Sunoco, Franklin Road Apparel Company and Kallberg Racing.

Following the March 1 season-opener at Sebring, the 2026 CUBE 3 Architecture TA2 Series continues March 14 at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, April 15-16 with a doubleheader weekend at Sonoma (Calif.) Raceway, May 23 at Lime Rock Park in Lakeville, Connecticut, June 21 on the road course at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, June 28 at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, another doubleheader July 18-19 at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International, Sept. 5 at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in Bowmanville, Ontario, Sept. 20 at VIR, and concludes Nov. 8 at COTA.

About TeamSLR:

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

About M1Racecars:

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

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