For most bettors, the sportsbook is a phone. They check odds on the move, place a bet from the stands, and follow in-play action on the same screen they use for everything else. Any operator still treating mobile as a smaller version of the desktop sportsbook is designing for where bettors used to be, not where they actually are.
Getting this right shapes what an operator should expect from a sports betting software provider, whose platform has to treat the phone as the primary screen rather than an afterthought. Soft2Bet, a leading iGaming turnkey solutions provider delivering high-quality products and services for online gambling operators, builds its sportsbook so the mobile experience is a first-class one, not a scaled-down copy.
The Phone Is Where Betting Happens
Betting behaviour has moved decisively to mobile. Much of it happens in the moment, at the event, in front of the television, in the spare minutes around a match. That context shapes what a mobile sportsbook needs to be: fast to open, easy to navigate with a thumb, and responsive enough that placing a bet in a live moment never feels like a struggle.
Designing for that reality is different from shrinking a desktop layout onto a smaller screen. A mobile-first sportsbook is built around the constraints and rhythms of phone use from the start, so it feels native to the device rather than adapted to it. The operators who accept that the phone is where betting happens design accordingly, and bettors feel the difference. There is a visible gap between a sportsbook built for the phone and one merely made to fit on it. Bettors may not name which they are using, but they feel the one designed for a thumb in a live moment rather than reluctantly shrunk from a desktop layout.
What Mobile Betting Demands
The phone imposes its own requirements, and meeting them is what separates a sportsbook made for mobile from one that merely runs on it.
A strong mobile betting experience calls for:
fast loading on everyday connections
navigation that works with one thumb
in-play betting that responds instantly
odds and markets that display cleanly on a small screen
the same reliability bettors get on any device
In-Play Makes Speed Non-Negotiable
Mobile betting and in-play betting have grown up together, and in-play is where mobile speed becomes non-negotiable. When a bettor wants to back something as the action unfolds, a screen that hesitates or a bet that is slow to accept can mean missing the moment entirely. On mobile, in the middle of a live match, speed is the whole experience.
That makes performance a central design concern rather than a technical footnote. A mobile sportsbook that responds instantly keeps the bettor in the moment, one that lags hands them a reason to give up on the bet. Getting the phone experience to feel immediate, on ordinary connections and everyday devices, is among the highest-value things an operator can get right.
One Sportsbook Across Every Screen
Mobile-first does not mean mobile-only. Bettors move between phone and larger screens and expect the sportsbook to feel the same on each. The goal is one coherent experience that adapts to the device rather than separate versions that feel like different sportsbooks sharing a name.
Delivering that takes a platform built to serve every screen from one foundation. When the same core drives phone and desktop alike, consistency is automatic, and a bettor enjoys a sportsbook that feels whole however they reach it, with the phone treated as the primary way in rather than the exception to it.
Conclusion
If an operator holds on to one fact about where betting happens, it should be that the phone is not a secondary screen but the main one. Designing mobile-first, and demanding that the phone experience be fast, native, and consistent with everything else, is simply designing for reality. The sportsbooks that treat mobile as the main event are the ones meeting bettors exactly where they already are.
Skins in Counter Strike have long been more than colorful decorative pixels. A huge ecosystem has grown around them, with its own set of rules, both written and unwritten, that can have a major impact on how much a particular skin is worth.
It is only natural that skins have also become digital assets that can be sold for real money. So today, let us look at how to turn CS2 skins into cash.
Steam does not let you withdraw your money
There is one important thing to know right away: you can put money into Steam, but you cannot take it back out.
If you sell a skin on the Steam Community Market, the money goes straight to your Steam Wallet. That balance can only be spent on other games, skins, or items available through Steam.
That does not mean cashing out your skins is impossible, though. Quite the opposite. Steam limitations helped create an entire ecosystem around CS2 skins, with individual traders and large third party marketplaces offering ways to turn skins into real money. That is what we will look at next.
Third party marketplaces let you cash out
Since Steam does not allow withdrawals and charges a fairly hefty 15% fee on Community Market transactions, individual traders started appearing in the CS2 community. Eventually, entire marketplaces followed. These platforms let you withdraw your money to a bank card or PayPal, while generally charging lower fees than Steam.
Many of the biggest platforms let you sell a skin either directly to the marketplace or to another user. Let us take CS.MONEY, one of the largest platforms in the space, as an example. It has been operating in the skin market for more than 10 years.
You can list your skin for other users to buy at a price you set yourself. This can be especially profitable for skins that carry a premium because of a rare pattern, valuable stickers, or extremely low wear. Collectors are often willing to pay significantly more for a great looking skin, especially when its float value comes with a few impressive zeros.
Once a buyer is found, the platform facilitates the trade and acts as the middleman. This also helps protect both sides from common payment tricks, such as chargebacks or cancelled transfers.
Selling a skin directly to the marketplace is even simpler. The platform shows the price it is willing to pay, and if the offer works for you, the trade can happen immediately.
Keep the seven day Trade Protection period in mind
Valve introduced Trade Protection, which allows certain recent trades to be reversed during a seven day period. Because of this, marketplaces hold the money from completed sales until the protection period ends. Once Trade Protection expires, the money becomes available in your account.
Waiting seven days is not always convenient, which is why some platforms offer instant cashout. Depending on the marketplace and your account status, loyal customers may be able to withdraw part of the funds from their sales without waiting for the full protection period to end.
Available withdrawal methods depend on the marketplace, but the biggest platforms generally support popular payment options.
How not to lose money when selling a skin
Figuring out the exact value of a skin is not always easy. As mentioned above, patterns, wear, and stickers can all have a significant impact on the final price. Before selling a skin, it is worth learning as much about it as possible.
This is where dedicated skin websites and resources can come in handy. They provide reliable information that can help you understand what you have in your inventory and what it might actually be worth.
One such resource is the CS.MONEY Blog. It offers a huge collection of guides and articles covering everything from skin valuation and scam prevention to lists of the best skins based on different criteria, including weapon, color, price, and rarity.
A little research can go a long way, especially when it directly affects how much money you get for your skin.
If your car breaks down, get to a safer stopping place if the vehicle can still move safely. Warn other drivers with hazard lights when appropriate, protect your passengers, and contact the right help. Roadside assistance procedures differ between a motorway, a fast A-road and a quiet street. If you are trapped in a live motorway lane, call 999.
Here is how to report your location and choose between a roadside repair and recovery.
Immediate Car Breakdown Safety Checklist
Start with safety, not the mechanical fault. Adapt these steps to the road and the position of your vehicle; do not try to get out into moving motorway traffic.
Stop somewhere safer. If the car is controllable, reach an exit or parking area without driving it dangerously.
Warn traffic. Use hazards if obstructing the road and sidelights in poor visibility.
Check before exiting. Assess traffic speed, barriers, verges and door clearance.
Protect occupants. Exit away from traffic when safe. If unable to leave a live motorway lane safely, remain belted in and call 999.
Locate yourself. Record road number, direction, junction and any marker signs.
Get help. Call 999 for immediate danger or injury; otherwise arrange assistance once safe.
Prepare booking details. Give registration, symptoms and destination.
Choose your response by road type:
Road type
Immediate priority
Key risk
Motorway
Reach an exit, service area or designated stopping place if possible
Live high-speed traffic
Fast A-road or dual carriageway
Avoid exposed lanes; seek a safer stopping position
Traffic speed and limited visibility
Residential street
Stop clear of moving traffic and junctions where possible
Obstructing other road users
Country lane
Avoid blind bends and unstable verges
Poor sightlines and limited access
What to Do If Your Car Breaks Down on a Motorway
Get left, get safe and get help. In Great Britain, this is the core sequence in the Highway Code and motorway safety advice.
If the car remains safe to drive, reach an exit or service area. Otherwise, move left into an emergency area or hard shoulder where available; not every stretch has one.
Stop far left, turn wheels left, switch on hazards and use sidelights in poor visibility. A hard shoulder is not safe for repairs.
If safe, exit away from traffic and move well clear, preferably behind a barrier after checking for hidden hazards. Wear accessible high-vis clothing. Do not return for belongings.
Use an emergency telephone where provided. In England, National Highways also advises on 0300 123 5000. In a motorway emergency area, use its telephone and follow instructions before rejoining.
Never place a warning triangle on a motorway or attempt roadside repairs beside fast-moving traffic.
What If You Break Down in a Live Motorway Lane?
If the car cannot reach a place of relative safety and you cannot exit safely away from traffic, stay inside with seatbelts fastened, switch on hazard warning lights and call 999 immediately, asking for the police. A vehicle’s emergency SOS system is another option where available. Tell the call handler which lane you are in and whether anyone needs additional support.
Do not push the car or cross lanes. Police and road authorities may need to protect the lane before recovery; private operators cannot independently close it.
England’s National Highways does not manage roads throughout the UK. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have separate road-management arrangements. Northern Ireland also prohibits motorway warning triangles.
What to Do After a Breakdown on an A-Road or Dual Carriageway
Treat a high-speed A-road or dual carriageway as potentially hazardous even if it is not a motorway. A narrow verge, central reservation or blind approach can leave very little protection from passing traffic.
Aim for a lay-by or safe exit rather than a running lane. Use hazards when obstructing traffic; exit only when safe and avoid walking on exposed verges.
A warning triangle is permitted off motorways only when safe to place at least 45 metres behind the car on the same side. Avoid it if fast traffic makes placement dangerous.
If anyone faces immediate danger, call 999. Give recovery dispatch the road number, direction and access point.
What to Do If Your Car Breaks Down on a Residential Road
On a quieter street, make the stopped vehicle visible without creating a second hazard. Where possible, pull towards the kerb and avoid blocking a junction, pedestrian crossing or driveway. Use hazard lights if the car obstructs other traffic.
Wait on a safe pavement, checking cycle lanes before opening doors. A warning triangle may be placed at least 45 metres back on the same side only when safe.
Give dispatch the address, postcode and access restrictions. If the vehicle is a dangerous obstruction, seek police assistance.
What If Your Car Breaks Down on a Country Lane or Remote Road?
The priority on a remote road is to avoid a hidden or unstable stopping point. Blind bends, narrow passing places, loose verges and weak phone reception can make even a quiet lane difficult for recovery vehicles.
Stop where drivers can see the car, without driving onto soft ground. Use hazards where appropriate and reflective clothing if safe to exit.
Give the road, nearby village, landmark and map coordinates. Report locked gates or unmade tracks. Never risk walking into traffic for reception; call emergency services if in danger.
How to Share Your Exact Breakdown Location
A location pin alone does not always tell a recovery driver how to reach you. On divided roads, it can point to the correct spot but the wrong carriageway. Give both the map location and the practical access route.
From safety, share your map pin and check that it marks the car rather than somewhere you walked to get signal.
Add the following details verbally:
Road and direction: for example, an A-road heading northbound or a motorway travelling clockwise.
Nearest junction or exit: the number you last passed, or the next one shown on a sign.
Roadside identifier: letters and numbers on a driver location sign or marker post, if visible without leaving safety.
Postcode, landmark or GPS coordinates: useful for urban streets and remote lanes.
Pickup position: hard shoulder, emergency area, lay-by, retail car park or kerbside.
Access limits: closed gates, restricted vehicle height, steep ground or traffic officers managing the scene.
For example: “Northbound A-road, just past the signed junction, in a lay-by. Rear wheel damaged; I can send a pin.”
Roadside Assistance or Car Recovery — Which Do You Need?
Roadside assistance aims to resolve a problem at or near the stopped vehicle; car recovery moves it somewhere suitable when it cannot continue safely. Which one is appropriate depends on the fault, the location and what a provider actually offers.
A patrol might diagnose a fault. Serious mechanical failure, crash damage, locked wheels or unsafe tyres may instead require transport.
Recovery On Call describes its vehicle recovery services as transport for cars and other vehicles to a garage, home or another agreed destination. Its service descriptions should not be taken as a promise of mobile tyre fitting, jump-starting or mechanical repairs at every roadside location.
If a warning suggests serious damage, do not keep driving simply to avoid recovery.
How to Arrange Emergency Car Recovery in the UK
After securing everyone’s safety, book recovery with enough detail for the operator to assess the vehicle and access. The process should establish where the car is, what equipment may be needed and where it will go.
Contact a provider. Explain whether you are in a safe car park, on a street or in a motorway-managed incident. You can enquire about vehicle recovery with Recovery On Call using the contact details on its website.
Give exact pickup information. Include direction, junction, safe access point and any instructions already issued by road authorities.
Identify the vehicle. Supply registration, make, model, fuel type and any relevant modifications or unusually low clearance.
Describe its condition. Say whether it starts, rolls, steers or can be placed in neutral. Mention accident damage, locked wheels or problems with an electric parking brake.
Choose the destination. Confirm the garage, home or other suitable address and postcode. Check whether the destination can accept delivery at that time.
Ask about loading and passengers. Check whether specialist equipment is needed and how people will travel; a recovery truck does not necessarily have seats for every passenger.
Confirm the quote and arrival window. Ask what is included, whether there are additional access or waiting charges, and how you will be updated if plans change.
Availability and road-authority access affect collection; 24-hour service does not guarantee an arrival time.
Can You Get Roadside Assistance Without Breakdown Cover?
Yes, although your options and prices depend on the provider. Membership-based breakdown cover is usually purchased before a breakdown. Some organisations offer help to new customers after a fault, sometimes on different terms from an existing policy.
A separate option is pay-as-you-go car recovery: paying for a specific vehicle move without buying an annual membership. Recovery On Call advertises one-off recovery without a membership requirement, with the quotation agreed before work begins. Confirm that the operator can collect from your exact location and that your vehicle type is accepted.
Newly purchased cover may have different costs or restrictions. Check whether your bank, insurer or warranty already provides assistance.
How Much Does Emergency Car Recovery Cost in the UK?
A reliable quote requires the vehicle, pickup point and destination; a single UK-wide recovery price would be misleading. Charges can change with distance, vehicle size, time of day, access restrictions and equipment required.
Locked wheels, winching, motorway access, night-time attendance and long-distance transport can increase complexity.
Check whether VAT, loading, mileage and waiting charges are included, and what happens if extra equipment is needed.
What Should You Do While Waiting for Breakdown Assistance?
Wait in the safest practical position for the road, not automatically inside or beside the vehicle. On an exposed motorway stopping area, remain well clear of the vehicle and traffic when you have safely exited. If you are trapped in a live motorway lane, stay belted in and follow the police’s instructions.
On quieter roads, wait away from traffic and remain available for updates. If immediate danger develops, call 999.
Frequently Asked Questions About Roadside Assistance in the UK
Who should I call first if my car breaks down?
Call 999 if there is immediate danger, a serious injury or an unsafe live-lane motorway breakdown. Otherwise, move to a place of relative safety and contact your breakdown provider or a vehicle recovery service. In England, National Highways can advise about motorway incidents on 0300 123 5000 once you are safely stopped.
Can I get roadside assistance at night?
Some providers operate overnight, but availability varies by area and service. Make the vehicle visible with hazard lights where appropriate and sidelights in poor visibility. Keep away from moving traffic and share your exact location. Ask about late-night pricing and whether a truck can reach the pickup point safely.
Is roadside assistance the same as breakdown recovery?
Not exactly. Roadside assistance may involve assessing or resolving a vehicle fault where the car stopped. Breakdown recovery means moving the vehicle to another place when it cannot safely continue. Some companies offer both; others mainly provide transport. Confirm what is included before booking.
Can I leave my broken-down car at the roadside?
Do not assume it can remain there indefinitely. A dangerously positioned or obstructing vehicle may need urgent removal, and police or road authorities may intervene. Tell the relevant authority and recovery provider where it is, follow their instructions and check any parking or removal restrictions that apply.
What if my car breaks down on a dual carriageway?
Move into a safer stopping place if possible and use hazards if obstructing traffic. Do not walk along exposed lanes or attempt repairs beside fast-moving vehicles. If you cannot get clear of an active lane or face immediate danger, call 999. Provide the carriageway direction when arranging help.
What if my car cannot be repaired at the roadside?
Arrange vehicle recovery to a garage, home or another suitable destination. Tell the operator whether the car rolls, steers and selects neutral, as this can affect loading. Agree the drop-off postcode, quotation and passenger arrangements before authorising transport. Do not try to drive an unsafe vehicle to the garage.
How long does vehicle recovery usually take?
There is no universal arrival time. It depends on the provider, your precise location, traffic, equipment availability and whether road authorities must first protect the scene. Ask for a current estimated arrival window and a way to receive updates. Never treat a quoted estimate as permission to wait somewhere unsafe.
What if my phone has no signal after a breakdown?
If you are on a motorway and can safely access a designated emergency telephone, use it. On other roads, remain in a safe place and consider an emergency call if there is immediate danger; emergency calls may connect through another available network, but cannot be guaranteed. Do not put yourself at risk searching for reception.
Need Car Recovery After a Breakdown?
If your car cannot safely continue, contact Recovery On Call on 07441 954587 to discuss collection, an agreed destination and the quotation. The business advertises round-the-clock, no-membership recovery; confirm availability for your road and vehicle. Request car recovery from Recovery On Call after dealing with any urgent safety or emergency-service requirements.
Conclusion
A breakdown needs different decisions depending on the road. On motorways and high-speed routes, getting away from live traffic matters more than inspecting the fault; a dangerous live-lane stop calls for 999. On streets and rural roads, look for a visible, accessible stopping point without creating a further hazard. Give any roadside assistance or recovery provider your exact location, vehicle condition and destination, not just a nearby town. If the vehicle cannot safely continue or be repaired where it stands, confirm the loading arrangements, passenger plan and quote before booking transport.
High speeds are something NASCAR and Formula 1, both have in common, but the similarities between these racing series largely end there. Their cars follow different technical principles, and drivers face different challenges. Changes to the regulations in 2026 have made these differences even more noticeable. Here is why Formula 1 cars are faster on traditional circuits and what makes NASCAR just as demanding in terms of driving skill.
Top Speed Does Not Always Determine the Result
The main advantage of Formula 1 cars is their ability to handle challenging sections of a circuit at high speeds. Their low weight, efficient aerodynamics, and hybrid power units help them maintain strong performance even on tracks with many corners. On straights, these cars can exceed 330 km/h.
NASCAR Cup Series vehicles are heavier and use simpler aerodynamic components. They can reach speeds above 300 km/h on fast oval tracks, but they cannot match Formula 1 performance on traditional road circuits.
In 2026, NASCAR increased engine power to 750 horsepower for short ovals and road courses. This improved the cars’ acceleration and overall performance, although it did not significantly change the speed difference between the championships.
Ultimately, racing is about more than raw speed, as strategy and timing often determine the winner. The same principle applies to other competitive activities: someone learning how to play poker online, for example, quickly discovers that making smart decisions matters more than acting fast.
Why Do the Racing Series Use Different Technologies?
The 2026 Formula 1 season introduced a new approach to power unit design. The electric component became more powerful, while active aerodynamic elements allow cars to change their characteristics across different sections of a circuit.
NASCAR follows a different approach to vehicle construction. Next Gen cars run on naturally aspirated V8 engines, and many components are identical across teams. This limits opportunities to develop completely different technical solutions.
These regulations reflect each series’ goals. In Formula 1, teams compete both on the track and through technological development. NASCAR aims to keep car performance more closely matched so results depend more on driver competition.
Different Tracks Create Different Challenges
In Formula 1, much of the physical strain comes from fast corners and heavy braking. Drivers must handle high G-forces, steer with precision, and manage tire wear and electric energy consumption at the same time.
For NASCAR competitors, one of the biggest challenges is racing in tight packs. When cars run close together, changes in airflow affect handling. Tire wear and the possibility of collisions add further difficulties.
Race duration also varies. NASCAR events generally last longer, requiring drivers to maintain concentration and handle physical demands for extended periods.
What Matters More for Winning: Precision or Endurance?
It is impossible to call one championship more difficult than the other because they test different skills. Formula 1 demands precise car control and an understanding of advanced systems. In NASCAR, endurance, quick judgment, and the ability to fight for position are especially important.
Formula 1 usually delivers faster lap times than NASCAR on road circuits. However, closer contact between competitors in NASCAR often creates unpredictable situations that can change a race’s course.
Much like understanding the rules of poker helps players make informed decisions at the table, knowing racing regulations and choosing the right strategy can make a significant difference on the track.
In 2026, both series continue to represent different approaches to motorsport. Formula 1 demonstrates what advanced technology can achieve, while NASCAR shows that exciting racing depends on more than a car’s technical capabilities.
Zane Smith was levied a hefty fine by NASCAR following his on-track actions from this past weekend’s Cup Series’ Freeway Insurance 500 event at Phoenix Raceway.
During the cooldown lap at the conclusion of Sunday’s event at Phoenix, Smith accelerated his No. 38 Front Row Motorsports Ford entry into the rear of Carson Hocevar’s No. 77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet entry prior to both reaching pit road. The Huntington Beach, Californian’s action towards Hocevar was a retaliatory act after the latter made contact with the former and Josh Berry through Turns 3 and 4 while both were battling for positions amid a 19-lap dash to the finish. Ultimately, Hocevar’s actions was caused by Ross Chastain bumping and sending Hocevar into both Smith and Berry. Hocevar proceeded to finish in 12h place behind Berry while Smith ended up in 15th place.
The post-race run-in at Phoenix between Smith and Hocevar marks an additional chapter amid a feud between both competitors who have had previous run-ins. Notable incidents between both competitors include Iowa Speedway in August 2025 and Chicagoland Speedway this past July. Following the latest run-in, both competitors were warned by NASCAR during the next-scheduled event at EchoPark Speedway.
As a result of Smith’s post-race actions at Phoenix, NASCAR found Smith to have violated Sections 4.4a & 10.5.2.5a of the NASCAR Rule Book that highlights behavioral actions and safety violations. While Smith was not issued any points penalty, he was levied a $50,000 fine. Smith is currently ranked in 26th place in the 2026 Cup Series standings while Hocevar, who is a Chase contender, is ranked in 11th place and trailing the points lead by 158 points with three-scheduled events remaining.
No additional penalties were levied towards any teams and competitors between NASCAR’s top-three national touring series divisions during this past weekend’s triple-header events at Phoenix.
The NASCAR Craftsman Truck, O’Reilly Auto Parts and Cup Series divisions return for a triple-header weekend of racing at Talladega Superspeedway in Lincoln, Alabama, between October 23-25.
The Truck Series competes at Talladega for the Love’s RV Stop 225 this upcoming Friday, October 23, at 4 p.m. ET on FS1, NASCAR Racing Network and SiriusXM while the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series competes the following date, October 24, for The Progress Group 250 at 3:30 p.m. ET on the CW Network, MRN Radio and SiriusXM. The Cup Series caps off the weekend with the YellaWood 500 on Sunday, October 25, at 2 p.m. ET on NBC, MRN Radio, SiriusXM and HBO MAX.
In 31 previous NASCAR Cup Series starts at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway, Spire Motorsports has one pole, one win, two top fives and five top 10s. Carson Hocevar earned his first career Cup Series victory at Talladega April 26. Spire Motorsports fields the Nos. 7, 71 and 77 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1s in the Cup Series with Daniel Suárez, Michael McDowell and Hocevar, respectively.
The NASCAR Cup Series will contest the eighth race of The Chase Sunday at Talladega. Hocevar and Suárez sit 11th and 13th, respectively, in the championship standings. McDowell is 20th in points following last week’s race at Phoenix Raceway.
The YellaWood 500 from Talladega Superspeedway will be televised live on NBC Sunday, Oct. 25 beginning at 2 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. The 34th of 36 points-paying races on the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series calendar will also be broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.
Daniel Suárez – Driver, No. 7 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
Daniel Suárez will pilot Spire Motorsports’ No. 7 Freeway Insurance Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 in Sunday’s YellaWood 500 at Talladega Superspeedway.
Freeway Insurance was established in 1987. Freeway Insurance is one of the largest and fastest-growing personal lines insurance brokers in the United States, offering coverage through a “click, call, or come in” approach that connects customers nationwide. The company continually researches, grows, and diversifies its product offerings to stay responsive to the evolving insurance market. Freeway provides a wide range of options—from basic to premium coverage—in auto, truck, commercial vehicle, homeowners, renters, small business, motorcycle, recreational vehicle, fire, and flood insurance. In 2008, Freeway Insurance became part of Confie, the nation’s leading personal lines insurance distribution company. Customers can access Freeway Insurance through neighborhood offices, online at www.freeway.com, or by calling (800) 300-0227.
In addition to its traditional Freeway Insurance branding, Suárez’s No. 7 Chevy will showcase Omega Auto Care this weekend at Talladega. Omega Auto Care is built on one idea: life happens, and getting a car fixed should be simple. For more than a decade, its vehicle service contracts have helped pay for major repairs at any licensed facility, and plans include roadside assistance, towing, rental car benefits, and a maintenance program. Learn more at omegaautocare.com.
Suárez has made 19 Cup Series starts at the legendary 2.66-mile superspeedway where he has earned five top-10 and 11 top-20 results while leading 51 laps. He carries an average starting position of 19.9 and an 18.7 average finish. His series/venue best came in Oct. 2022, when he came home eighth.
Suárez sits 13th in points, 188 behind the leader. Through 33 races, Suárez has recorded one win, three top fives, eight top 10s and 26 top-20 finishes. He’s logged an average starting position of 14.3 and a 15th-place average finish.
Last week at Phoenix Raceway, the Monterrey, Mexico native earned his eighth top-10 finish of the season. After starting 14th and and falling two laps down to the leader, Suárez rallied to finished seventh.
Suárez has recorded three NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series starts at Talladega where he’s earned two top 10s and paced the field for five laps. He finished seventh – a venue/series-best – in the 2016 Sparks Energy 300.
The 34-year-old driver has made 356 Cup Series starts, highlighted by victories at Sonoma (Calif.) Raceway (June 2022), Atlanta Motor Speedway (February 2024) and Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway (May 2026). A 10-season veteran of NASCAR’s premier division, he has earned 27 top-five and 83 top-10 finishes since making his Cup Series debut in 2017. Suárez has also led 949 laps and collected three career poles.
Daniel Suárez Quote In the spring you finished 12th, and your past three races at Talladega all resulted in top 15s. What are your thoughts going to Talladega? “I feel good heading back to Talladega. We finished 12th in the spring race and that gives us a lot of confidence going into this weekend. Superspeedway racing can be unpredictable, so we just need to stay patient. Hopefully, we can put ourselves in a good position and bring home an even better finish this time.”
Ryan Sparks – Crew Chief, No. 7 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
Ryan Sparks is the Crew Chief of Spire Motorsports’ No. 7 Freeway Insurance Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 with driver Daniel Suárez in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Sparks has called 235 Cup Series races, earning one victory, seven top-five and 18 top-10 finishes since keying the mic for the first time in NASCAR’s premier division in 2020.
The Winston-Salem, N.C., native has called 13 races at Talladega, earning one top-five and two top-10 finishes with his best showing coming alongside driver Corey LaJoie who took the checkered flag fourth in October 2023.
Sparks joined Spire Motorsports in 2021, where he served as both Crew Chief and Competition Director, leading the organization’s competitive and technical efforts. In 2026, Sparks serves in a singular role as crew chief for Daniel Suárez. He brings more than a decade of experience across all three of NASCAR’s national touring series, highlighted by 13 seasons at Richard Childress Racing and contributions to title-winning campaigns in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series (2011) and O’Reilly Auto Parts Series (2013).
Michael McDowell – Driver, No. 71 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
Michael McDowell will pilot Spire Motorsports’ No. 71 RCA Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 in Sunday’s YellaWood 500.
RCA is one of the most recognized names in the electronics industry, delivering innovative and reliable technology that has been entertaining families for over 100 years. Consumers throughout the world depend on the RCA brand to provide products and services that feature the latest technology and design, are easy to use, and deliver the highest value and longevity. Generations of families continue to rely on the RCA brand for their home entertainment and lifestyle. RCA is a global trademark of established, Inc.
RCA has its own celebrated, winning history in the NASCAR Cup Series and previously sponsored Cale Yarborough Motorsports. Drivers Jeremy Mayfield and John Andretti both spent time in an RCA-sponsored entry throughout the mid-90’s, with Andretti taking the company to Victory Lane in the 1997 Pepsi 400 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway after holding off NASCAR Hall of Famers Terry Labonte and Dale Earnhardt to collect the checkered flag.
In addition to its vibrant red RCA livery, McDowell will showcase K9s for Warriors on the rear bumper of his No. 71 Chevy. K9s for Warriors is the nation’s leading supporter of trained service dogs for veterans.
McDowell owns three top-five and four top-10 finishes at Talladega, highlighted by a pair of third-place results in May 2021 and October 2022.
After a rained out qualifying session this spring, the 41-year-old started 31st but was involved in a single-car wreck, leaving him 32nd when the checkered flag waved.
The two-time Cup Series race winner led the field to the green flag at both Talladega races in 2024 and combined to lead 78 laps. Unfortunately, he was collected in late-race incidents at both events, erasing his hopes for a trip to Victory Lane.
Across his last six starts at the famed 2.66-mile high-banked superspeedway, McDowell has combined to lead 99 laps. In 31 Talladega races in NASCAR’s premier series, he has topped the scoring pylon for 101 total laps, a career-high at any venue, while winning the pole position in three of the last five races.
In last October’s YellaWood 500, the 2021 Daytona 500 Champion earned Spire Motorsports’ third pole award in team history and second of the 2025 season where he finished 17th.
McDowell posted a fourth-place finish in the team’s most recent superspeedway outing – the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway. The solid effort marked the 19-year Cup Series veteran’s third top-five of the year.
Over the first 33 races of the season, the Glendale, Ariz., native, has led 24 laps and logged three top-five and six top-10 finishes. McDowell is currently 20th in points with three races remaining in the 2026 season.
Michael McDowell Quote How does fuel conservation continue to shape superspeedway racing? “You’re still going to save fuel at some point. Fuel saving is just part of superspeedway racing. The changes in stage length will make the end of the race more exciting and we’ll still want to bring home as many stage points as possible. Making the last stage shorter has made things more ‘hammer-down’ in the end. Heading into Stage 3, you’re still going to want the shortest stop you can get. The last few superspeedway races we have really hit the strategy with fuel saving in the last stage. That’s just going to be a part of what we do. Regardless, I feel really good about our chances going into this weekend. We have had a ton of speed at Talladega in the past, sat on the pole a few times, led a lot of laps, and had some shots to win the race, but ended up wrecked or just short of the checkers. I am eager to get back to Talladega. I feel like we didn’t get the shot we deserved in the spring so hopefully, we can have a Spire Motorsports sweep at Talladega this time.”
Travis Peterson serves as the Crew Chief for driver Michael McDowell and Spire Motorsports’ No. 71 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Across 146 starts serving in the crew chief role, Peterson has called eight poles, one win, 10 top-five and 29 top-10 finishes. He’s prepared two pole-winning cars at Talladega.
As a race engineer at JR Motorsports, the 34-year-old played a key role in Regan Smith’s 2013 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series win at Talladega where Smith survived a late-race, multi-car incident to win in a three-wide, photo finish.
The West Bend, Wis., native earned his first Cup Series victory at Talladega Superspeedway in May 2015 as a race engineer at Hendrick Motorsports, working alongside Crew Chief Greg Ives and driver Dale Earnhardt, Jr., on the No. 88 team. After qualifying fourth, Earnhardt, Jr., led 67 laps en route to the win.
Peterson led McDowell to back-to-back pole awards at Talladega in 2024. The potent Peterson/McDowell combination backed up their 2024 efforts by winning their third pole in four Talladega races last fall.
Carson Hocevar will drive Spire Motorsports’ No. 77 Spectrum Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 in Sunday’s YellaWood 500, the eighth of 10 races in The Chase.
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Sunday’s 500-miler will mark Hocevar’s first return to the site of his first-career Cup Series victory. The third-year driver survived a late-race restart with three laps remaining in April’s Jack Link’s 500 and brought home the checkered flag to register Spire Motorsports’ second Cup Series win and first since the 2019 Coke Zero Sugar 400. He also became the 13th driver to earn their first-career victory at Talladega – the first since Bubba Wallace in 2021 – also joining Ron Bouchard, Davey Allison, Ken Schrader and Brad Keselowski on the elite list of first-time winners.
Hocevar and the No. 77 team, alongside teammate Daniel Suarez and Spire Motorsports’ No. 7 team, are competing for 2026 NASCAR Cup Series Championship honors. The opportunity marks the first appearance in The Chase for Hocevar and the first time Spire Motorsports will compete for a Cup Series title. Through seven of 10 races in The Chase – NASCAR’s playoff-style format – the No. 77 team sits 11th in points, nine markers outside 10th.
Through 33 races, the Portage, Mich., native has already set career-highs in multiple categories:
Season-to-date results – one win, six top fives, 11 top 10s
198 laps led
837 points scored
12.6 average start
16.0 average finish
The 23-year-old driver has been one of the most improved on the circuit throughout the 2026 campaign with average starting and finishing positions that have improved by over five spots compared to this point in 2025. Hocevar is on pace to best his average finish by 5.6 positions by season’s end and his 11th position in points is a 12-position increase compared to the end of 2025 – both of which are the second-largest improvements in the field.
The 2024 NASCAR Cup Series Rookie of the Year owns six career NASCAR Cup Series starts at Talladega where he’s logged one win and three top-10 finishes.
In 18 combined Cup Series starts at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Daytona and Talladega – all drafting-style racetracks – Hocevar has notched one win, four top fives, seven top 10s and 13 top 20s.
In the past four drafting-style races, dating back to February at Atlanta, Hocevar owns an 11.5 average finish. Despite a race-ending accident at Daytona in August, he ranks fifth of all drivers in the series across that span.
Hocevar, a five-time CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race winner owns three previous starts in the series at Talladega, earning a venue-best 11th-place finish in 2023.
Last Sunday at Phoenix Raceway, Hocevar started 28th, and despite falling to 34th at the end of Stage 1 to make a suspension adjustment, he made forward progress throughout the day and finished 12th.
Carson Hocevar Quotes What are your thoughts as you return to Talladega for the first time since your victory? “Obviously, I’m looking forward to it. I already enjoyed going to Talladega, but coming back after winning will be a really fun experience. That was a big moment for Spire Motorsports, so I know there are a lot of people excited for us to head back there.
“Dale, Jr., was my favorite driver as a kid, and he swept the races in 2002. It would be really cool if I could join him on that list.”
What is your opinion on superspeedway racing, in general? “I love superspeedway racing. From my seat, it’s the most fun we have in the sport. I enjoy the fact you don’t have to worry about car speed. You either get awarded for making a good decision, or you make a bad decision and you go backwards. You aren’t dictated off handling or downforce numbers. It is really methodical racing.”
Luke Lambert – Crew Chief, No. 77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
Luke Lambert is the Crew Chief of Spire Motorsports’ No. 77 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 in the NASCAR Cup Series with driver Carson Hocevar.
Lambert is in his third season at Spire Motorsports and fourth with Hocevar. The duo has logged two pole awards, one win, nine top-five and 26 top-10 finishes in 113 races.
April’s victory at Talladega marked the Mount Airy, N.C., native’s second in NASCAR’s premier division and first since March 2017 with Ryan Newman at Phoenix Raceway. In total, Lambert has been atop the box for 14 victories across NASCAR’s Cup and O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.
The 16-year veteran crew chief has called 26 NASCAR Cup Series races at Talladega, earning four top fives and nine top 10s, highlighted by April’s victory with Hocevar. He also owns runner-up finishes with drivers Jeff Burton and Ryan Newman in Oct. 2011 and 2017, respectively. Meanwhile he’s credited with a pair of top fives with Burton during his time as a race engineer at Richard Childress Racing.
The 43-year-old has been atop the war wagon for three NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series races at Talladega, earning three top-10 results including a victory with Noah Gragson in April 2022. He also led Elliott Sadler to the pole position in May 2012.
About Spire Motorsports … Spire Motorsports fields full-time entries in the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series and Interstate Batteries High Limit Racing.
The team, co-owned by longtime NASCAR industry executive Jeff Dickerson and TWG Motorsports CEO Dan Towriss, earned its inaugural NASCAR Cup Series victory in its first full season of competition when Justin Haley took the checkered flag in the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway July 7, 2019. Less than three years later, William Byron drove Spire Motorsports’ No. 7 Chevrolet Silverado its first NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series win April 7, 2022, at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway. The team’s most recent victory came May 24, 2026, when Daniel Suárez won the NASCAR Cup Series’ Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway.
In 2026, Spire Motorsports campaigns the Nos. 7, 71 and 77 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1s in the NASCAR Cup Series and the Nos. 7 and 77 Chevrolet Silverado RSTs in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. The Mooresville, N.C., organization also fields the No. 77 410 sprint car in Interstate Batteries High Limit Racing competition.
POMONA, Calif. (Oct. 20, 2026) – The ultimate sendoff to NHRA’s 75th anniversary season comes at famed In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip, where champions will be crowned in thrilling fashion at the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals on Nov. 12-15.
The historic event at the legendary track serves as the season finale in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, as the sport’s biggest stars head to iconic In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip with championship dreams to close out the Countdown to the Championship playoffs.
For more than 60 years, the World Finals has provided storybook moments and incredible performances, with drivers enjoying championship celebrations and shaping their legacies on the hallowed grounds of Pomona. During NHRA’s milestone 75th season, who will be the next to make history to close out 2026?
The weekend begins Friday with two rounds of qualifying and a special Veterans Day celebration. The celebration will include a VIP parade and commemorative coins for all veterans in attendance. Track and event sponsor In-N-Out Burger will also offer all veterans and active military members a free combo meal on Friday during the race. Active duty military and veterans can pick up their free meal by showing their military ID on Friday at any of the In-N-Out food trucks at the famed facility.
The final two rounds of qualifying follow on Saturday, followed by eliminations on Sunday, where world champions will be crowned at one of motorsports’ most historic venues.
Doug Kalitta (Top Fuel), Austin Prock (Funny Car), Dallas Glenn (Pro Stock) and Richard Gadson (Pro Stock Motorcycle) were each crowned world champions to end last season. This year’s race will be broadcast on FS1, including eliminations coverage starting at 5 p.m. ET on Sunday, Nov. 15.
Southern California native Shawn Langdon has dominated the 2026 Top Fuel ranks as he looks to win a second world title. He has eight wins on the season, including three consecutive to open the Countdown to the Championship playoffs. He also made the fastest run in NHRA twice in 2026, including an incredible blast of 346.95 mph in September. His teammate, Kalitta, is second in points, while other top names include Tony Stewart, Leah Pruett, Antron Brown and rookie sensation Maddi Gordon.
Leading the loaded Funny Car ranks is four-time world champ Matt Hagan, who looks to join the legendary John Force as the only Funny Car drivers in NHRA history with five or more world titles. He’ll look to close the deal in Pomona, taking on the likes of class newcomer Jordan Vandergriff of John Force Racing, Dallas winner J.R. Todd, Ron Capps and back-to-back defending world champ Austin Prock.
Glenn won his first world title a year ago and is in the driver’s seat in the Pro Stock ranks. But his lead is just a mere 14 points over veteran Greg Stanfield as he looks to go back-to-back. Matt Hartford, Greg Anderson and Troy Coughlin Jr. are also in the mix in a battle that could come down to the final run of the season.
Gadson won his first Pro Stock Motorcycle world title a year ago and continues to lead the way. He’s the current points leader over teammate Gaige Herrera, a two-time world champ, as they’ve combined for six wins in 2026. Matt Smith is third and after a seventh world title, while others to watch include John Hall, Angie Smith and Ryan Oehler.
Race fans will also enjoy action in the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, along with the Summit Jr. Drag Racing League Shootout and the LASD Racing exhibition.
Pomona race fans can also enjoy special pre-race ceremonies on Sunday, along with the SealMaster Track Walk. Another can’t-miss experience is Sunday’s winner’s circle celebration, where fans are invited to congratulate the champs and event winners. As always, every ticket is a pit pass to the most powerful motorsports attraction. Fans can see their favorite teams in action, get autographs from their favorite drivers and more. They can also visit the midway for displays, merchandise, food and fun.
In Pomona, the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series will feature two qualifying rounds at 12 and 2:30 p.m. PT on Friday, Nov. 13, and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, Nov. 14 at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 11 a.m. PT on Sunday, Nov. 15. Television coverage includes qualifying action on FS1 at 11 a.m. ET on Sunday, followed by eliminations coverage at 5 p.m. ET.
To purchase tickets to the 61st 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
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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 JBS Equipment NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Elite Motorsports and NHRA Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown™ 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.
In six NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series starts at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway, Spire Motorsports has earned one top-five and three top-10 finishes. Rajah Caruth earned a team-best fourth-place finish in 2024.
The NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series will contend the fifth race of The Chase – NASCAR’s playoff format – Friday at Talladega. Spire Motorsports’ Nos. 77 and 7 teams sit sixth and ninth, respectively, in the owner’s point standings.
The 85-lap CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race from Talladega Superspeedway will be televised live on FS1 Friday, Oct. 23 beginning at 4 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. The 23rd of 25 points-paying races on the 2026 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series schedule will be broadcast live on the NASCAR Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.
Sammy Smith – Driver, No. 7 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet Silverado RST
Sammy Smith will pilot Spire Motorsports’ No. 7 Spectrum Chevrolet Silverado RST in Friday’s NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Race at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway.
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With just three races remaining to determine the 2026 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Owner’s Championship, Spire Motorsports’ No. 7 team sits ninth after last weekend’s race at Phoenix Raceway, 195 points behind the leader. The team enters race 23 of 25 with two wins, seven top-five and 11 top-10 finishes. In the team’s most recent start, Connor Mosack raced the No. 7 Chevy to an 11th-place finish.
Friday’s 85-lap event will mark Smith’s 11th CRAFTSMAN Truck Series start and 10th with Spire Motorsports. He has tallied two top fives and six top 10s while boasting a 9.7 average finish.
Friday’s 85 lapper will mark Smith’s first CRAFTSMAN Truck Series start at Talladega. His lone superspeedway start in the division came in February 2023 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway where he raced the No. 17 entry to a 14th-place finish.
The Johnston, Iowa, native scored a dramatic victory in the 2024 O’Reilly Auto Parts Series United Rentals 250 at Talladega Superspeedway, charging from 27th to edge out Ryan Sieg by a scant 0.117 seconds to secure the win.
In 137 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series starts, Smith has earned 29 top fives and 65 top 10s, claiming victories at Phoenix Raceway (March 2023), Talladega Superspeedway (2024) and Rockingham (N.C.) Speedway (2025).
Smith will be at the controls of Spire Manufacturing chassis SMT-095 Friday afternoon. This is the same Chevy Silverado Michael McDowell qualified second in this year’s season opener at Daytona before a late-race incident relegated him to a 24th-place finish.
Sammy Smith Quote What have you learned from your previous Talladega win that you can carry into this weekend? “I feel like my approach has been just to put myself in positions where I feel like I can be aggressive. Obviously, Spire Motorsports will give me a great Chevrolet Silverado to do that. I’ve had a lot of experience and have been in some good situations to be able to win there, so I’m looking forward to this weekend.”
Brian Pattie – Crew Chief, No. 7 Chevrolet Silverado RST
Brian Pattie is the Crew Chief of Spire Motorsports’ No. 7 Chevrolet Silverado RST, an entry that’s seen an assortment of all-star caliber drivers behind the wheel throughout the 2026 season.
The Pattie-Smith duo owns an average 8.3 finish in eight CRAFTSMAN Truck Series starts with their best finish coming at Richmond (Va.) Raceway where they registered a fourth-place result last season.
The 51-year-old has called three CRAFTSMAN Truck Series races at the famed 2.66-mile venue, registering a series-best 13th-place finish last October with J.J. Yeley at the controls.
In NASCAR Cup Series competition, Pattie led Ricky Stenhouse, Jr., to Talladega’s Victory Lane in May 2017, Stenhouse’s first Cup Series win. They followed it up with a Coke Zero Sugar 400 triumph at Daytona later that season.
During his time at NEMCO Motorsports, Pattie led Joe Nemechek to NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series’ superspeedway wins at Talladega (April 2000) and Daytona (2002).
Through 99 CRAFTSMAN Truck Series races, the veteran crew chief has tallied nine wins, 30 top-five and 47 top-10 finishes, combined with a 9.9 average start and 13.5 average finish.
Austin Green – Driver, No. 77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet Silverado RST
Austin Green will race Spire Motorsports’ No. 77 Gunk Chevrolet Silverado RST in Friday’s NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race at Talladega Superspeedway. Green is the son of 1994 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Champion and nine-time race winner David Green.
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Green will make his NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series debut this weekend at Talladega where veteran Crew Chief Chad Walter will continue to lead the team’s efforts in the garage area and on pit road.
The Concord, N.C., resident has competed across multiple disciplines in his career including the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, ARCA Menards Series, Cube 3 Architecture TA2 Series (TA2), and INEX Legend Car Series.
Green has 40 O’Reilly Auto Parts Series starts on his resume and has collected two top-five and 11 top-10 finishes. His best finish on NASCAR’s junior circuit came last October on Charlotte Motor Speedway’s ROVAL configuration where he started 10th and finished second.
The 25-year-old driver started 31st and finished 10th this April in his lone O’Reilly Auto Parts Series start at the famed 2.66-mile Alabama superspeedway.
With just three races remaining to determine the 2026 CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Owner’s Championship, Spire Motorsports’ No. 77 team sits eighth in the standings, two markers behind seventh, with one win, seven top-five and 11 top-10 finishes. Last Friday at Phoenix Raceway, Tristan McKee raced the No. 77 Chevy to a 14th-place finish.
Green will be at the controls of Spire Manufacturing chassis SMT-093 Friday afternoon. This is the same truck Carson Hocevar raced at Daytona International Speedway in February.
Austin Green Quote What are your expectations heading into your first CRAFTSMAN Truck Series start this weekend at Talladega? “I’m beyond grateful and excited for my first CRAFTSMAN Truck Series start this weekend. I can’t thank everyone at Spire Motorsports enough for the opportunity. I know they deliver fast trucks every week and I’m looking forward to seeing what we can achieve together.”
Chad Walter – Crew Chief, No. 77 Chevrolet Silverado RST
Chad Walter is the Crew Chief of Spire Motorsports’ No. 77 Chevrolet Silverado RST, an entry that’s seen an assortment of all-star caliber drivers behind the wheel throughout the 2026 season.
In nine O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Talladega races, Walter has called two top-five finishes, including a pair of third-place results with Kyle Busch (2006) and Casey Mears (2007).
Walter guided Corey LaJoie to an eighth-place finish in the 2025 race at Talladega. The result marked Walter’s second top-10 CRAFTSMAN Truck Series effort at the legendary eastern Alabama tri-oval.
Between NASCAR’s O’Reilly Auto Parts and CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, Walter has dialed up seven wins, 61 top five and 149 top 10s.
About Spire Motorsports … Spire Motorsports fields full-time entries in the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series and Interstate Batteries High Limit Racing.
The team, co-owned by longtime NASCAR industry executive Jeff Dickerson and TWG Motorsports CEO Dan Towriss earned its inaugural NASCAR Cup Series victory in its first full season of competition when Justin Haley took the checkered flag in the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway July 7, 2019. Less than three years later, William Byron drove Spire Motorsports’ No. 7 Chevrolet Silverado its first NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series win April 7, 2022, at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway. The team’s most recent victory came May 24, 2026, when Daniel Suárez won the NASCAR Cup Series’ Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway.
In 2026, Spire Motorsports campaigns the Nos. 7, 71 and 77 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1s in the NASCAR Cup Series and the Nos. 7 and 77 Chevrolet Silverado RSTs in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. The Mooresville, N.C., organization also fields the No. 77 410 sprint car in Interstate Batteries High Limit Racing competition.
Ford Racing Notes and Quotes NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Ford Racing Media Zoom Call Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Frankie Muniz, driver of the No. 33 Team Reaume Ford F-150 in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, is coming off a championship with the Ford Mustang GT4 in the Pirelli GT4 America Am Class, clinching the title on Oct. 11 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Muniz is also one of the 12 drivers who will be competing in the inaugural Ford Proud to Honor Veterans Day Classic on Nov. 11 at Daytona International Speedway. He spoke about both events as well as his expectations for the rest of the NASCAR season earlier today on Ford Racing’s weekly media call.
FRANKIE MUNIZ, No. 33 Team Reaume Ford F-150 – HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT PARTICIPATING IN THE FORD PROUD TO HONOR VETERANS DAY CLASSIC NEXT MONTH? “I was at the event in San Diego when they announced the race and it was one of those where I was like, ‘Hey, I better be included in that,’ because it’s going to be a really fun event for an amazing cause for our military on Veterans Day. I obviously wanted to be involved if I could be and I’m thankful for my amazing relationship with Ford that they invited me and I’m excited to go race with some of the guys I don’t get to race with all the time. We’re ultra competitive. Even though it’s an exhibition race, no, it’s not. We’re there for the military, but I’m also there for the trophy. I’m not gonna lie.”
YOUR FAMILY HAS A MILITARY HISTORY. CAN YOU SHARE THAT? “My grandfather was in the Navy. My dad was also in the Navy and then the Air Force Reserve for my whole childhood growing up. I remember going to visit him out there, so I do have a military tie and I’m so grateful for my family and all the members of our military that sacrifice so much for us to live in the greatest country in the world. That was obviously the biggest yes. Yes, I get to race, and I get to race with guys that are Cup drivers, and I get to race with guys I don’t race all the time. The fact it’s for our military on Veterans Day, I knew I wanted to be a part of it and honor those who allow us to do what we do on the weekends and race.”
YOU MENTIONED YOU MAY OR MAY NOT BE IN NASCAR FULLTIME NEXT SEASON. HOW DO YOU VIEW THESE PAST TWO YEARS? “It’s been an amazing journey. When I do something, I do it fully. People always ask me what my hobbies are, I don’t have hobbies. When I do something, I want to do it at the highest level I can possibly do it and try to be the best. I still feel like I have a lot of unfinished business in the racing world, especially in the NASCAR world. It’s such a tough series. It’s such a tough sport. There are so many good drivers, so many good teams, and I feel like I’ve figured out a lot. I feel like I’m a much better racer and driver than I was when I came in, but I’m still not necessarily seeing the results that I expect to see or want to see. So, that’s why I’m not finished yet in the NASCAR world. Like I said earlier, I have an amazing relationship with Ford and I’m so grateful to have an amazing manufacturer supporting my racing journey, and they pushed me this year to give the sportscar world a try because they have the Mustang Challenge Series, the GT4 car, the GT3 car. They have the Hypercar coming out. They’re really putting an emphasis on their sportscar program and I went over there not knowing what to expect and won the championship and won a bunch of races. That felt incredible. That’s not something I’ve ever done in my racing career, like to really kind of be there and feel like you can win, and it feels really good. I’m not gonna lie. That said, I am not finished in the NASCAR world. I’m kind of getting guidance from them and guidance from a bunch of places of where I should focus most of my time and effort next year. Obviously, I want to continue in the sportscar world, but I will be racing NASCAR. As of right now, it’s not necessarily full-time, but it’s not that it won’t be. There’s a lot of moving pieces as always when it comes to everybody’s schedule in the racing world, and we’re ironing it out. I love Josh (Reaume). I love my team and if I’m back in the NASCAR world, it will be with them again, but I know we want to prove what we’ve been working on even more, so we’ll do that, whether it be a part-time basis or full-time, I will be in the NASCAR Truck Series next year in some capacity.”
CAN YOU TALK ABOUT THE EXCITEMENT OF THE 2026 SEASON FOR YOU IN SPORTSCAR AND WHAT DOES 2027 LOOK LIKE FOR YOU IN THAT SERIES? “It was a weird year just in general because, like I said, I’d never driven sportscars. I always wanted to, but when you focus on one discipline, like when I first started racing I was into open wheel stuff. I was doing CHAMP Car Atlantics with the intention of going CHAMP Car racing or Indy Car racing. I got hurt and stopped that for a while, but when I went back racing I wanted to go NASCAR racing. That’s like saying you want to be an Olympic diver or an Olympic swimmer. Sure, they both involve water, but it’s a way different sport. I kind of dove off the deep end with my first start being at Daytona in ARCA and had a good ARCA year. Moving to the Truck Series is obviously much tougher competition, but I really feel like I race a lot better. Even at Phoenix, we had a crappy result but it felt good in the car because we were battling with some good drivers side-by-side for most of the laps, which is exciting as a driver. So, going back to GT4, before Sonoma, which was the first event, we didn’t even do a single test. I don’t even think our Mustang GT4 car had ever even been turned on before the first practice session, so we really had no idea what our expectations should be or where we’d stack up and ended up that first race, Tyler (Stone) and I finished second. We were like, ‘What happened?’ I don’t even feel like I really started getting a grasp of the car or how it handles, or even all the technology that’s inside the car. There’s so many aids and we have longitudinal track control and latitudinal track control and 12 ABS settings and co-settings and throttle settings. We never even got to play with any of that, so by the time mid-season came and I really felt like I had a grasp of the car, I really was showing up with the intention of like, ‘We’re at least going to be on the podium and, if not, win races.’ Like I said, I’d never necessarily been in that position in my career. You do walk through the garage a little more confident, like when you know you’re the guy to beat. I know how Layne Riggs feels in the Truck garage, but I really, really loved it. I loved the racing. I loved SRO. I loved the different manufacturers competing against each other. I loved representing Ford in that world where you’re in a Mustang versus McLaren, BMW and Porsche. That was really exciting to get the championship for myself and Ford. I want to continue doing that. I want to continue doing the sportscars. I’d love to drive a GT3 car. I’d love to keep going in that world. I know there’s some talk of that even for next year, so there will be a big focus in the sportscar world for me, but I don’t want you guys to discount or think I’m dropping out of NASCAR. It’s not that. Racing in the NASCAR Truck Series is the most exciting racing I’ve ever experienced, like when you’re in the car. Driving the car is a little funny when you’re by yourself because it just doesn’t really do anything very good, but when you’re in the race, there’s nothing cooler than that. I’m out in Talladega right now looking at the grandstands and being here, this is amazing, but the racing and the skill in sportscar just fits my driving style really well. I’m just so confident in that car and I feel like that’s something I need to pursue because we did well and I feel like I’m just getting started in that world. I can’t wait for race one to start next year with what I finished this year.”
SO YOU’RE STAYING TO STAY TUNED. “Yeah. There’s gonna be a lot. I did 42 races this year and I may beat that next year which will be hard to do, but that’s what it’s like.”
GOING BACK TO THE DOUBLEHEADER AT BARBER, WHAT DID THOSE TWO RACES TEACH YOU ABOUT DEALING WITH ADVERSITY? “It’s hard when you care about something so much to forget about it, or just go, ‘It’ll be okay. Everything happens for a reason.’ People try to be positive like that, but my least favorite saying in racing is ‘That’s Racing.’ I literally can’t stand that. Sure, I know it is, but I don’t want it to be. I don’t want to wreck out of the race, or I don’t want a mechanical failure or whatever it may be. Barber was interesting because we went in, I’m trying to think what the points situation was at that point. I don’t even know if we necessarily knew we had a chance. I guess we were close in the points, but we still weren’t thinking championship because we had some things happen early in the year that took it out of our control, so when I had the car, I started the first race and I was fast. I was just passing cars and it’s really hard to pass at Barber. I was moving fast and I was right behind the leader and I had an opportunity to pass and I wasn’t even sure if I wanted to yet, but I wanted to look and I got into the ABS a little too much and rolled one foot too far and just got into the leader. That broke our tie rod and we were out of the race. At that point, I really felt like I just threw away the championship because we needed the points. We would have easily finished on the podium if I just got the car to Tyler and he’d finish the race. So, that was a tough mental thing to take, and then obviously to come back the next day, and I think we started pretty far down in the field. I think I passed like 14 cars in my 30-minute stint, which was pretty wild. It’s really fun to do that and to pass for the lead against the team that had been the strongest all year and then hold them off for most of my stint, that felt really good. It didn’t feel lucky. It didn’t feel like people broke. We literally beat them with our skill and with our speed and with the car and that felt really, really good. And it ended up that the other team that needed to have a bad day did, so we entered the last round leading by one point, so we were basically tied going into the final round. It really did prove to me that you cannot give up and even more than that, because I give long answers, Indy, we finished second the first race, which is the race I started. I got into the lead and had a decent gap, but when we made the change, Tyler lost one position and we finished second. If things were to continue that way, if the team that won, won again and we finished second, we would have tied for the points and they would have gotten the championship based on more wins. So, qualifying for race two ended up getting canceled because they had a timing and scoring issue, so not even weather or an accident. They just couldn’t get the timing and scoring to work for that 15-minute window that we had for qualifying, so they went based off practice times. We had a brake issue in practice, so we didn’t even put a time in, so we had to start like 34th of 35 cars and 13th in class while our competitors for the championship were first and second. Even that morning we were so disappointed thinking the championship is gonna be decided by the fact that we didn’t get to qualify or like a bad break. But, Tyler drove amazing. I think he handed me the car when we were seventh in class and we had a perfect pit stop. And then I could see the leader. I somehow caught him and I could see them, and then once I knew that we were in the championship lead I was like, ‘I’m just gonna ride right here.’ I think I still could have won the race, but I did not want to mess up. We had the championship and that was the greatest feeling in the world. I don’t think we ever really thought that we had the opportunity to do it, but, like I said, now we feel really confident going into next year and want to defend. I expect to win races next year, which is a pretty exciting feeling going into a season.”
HOW DO YOU STAY ON YOUR A-GAME AND KEEP EVERYTHING STRAIGHT BETWEEN ALL THE THINGS YOU DO? “If I’m being honest, I think from the outside it probably looks like I’ve got all of my stuff semi-together, but I’ve just learned how to operate in that state of absolute craziness at all times. Like even today, I was supposed to have someone drive my RV for my family for Talladega, but that fell through yesterday morning, so I got on a plane yesterday and flew to Charlotte, drove Charlotte to Talladega this morning. I’m doing this now. I’m going to the Birmingham airport and have to fly to Austin (TX) tonight to do something with the Red Bull Formula 1 team and Ford tomorrow. I fly back Thursday. I’m used to just kind of being so non-stop and operating at what has to be a high level at that to where it actually seems fairly easy. I will say this year, especially on the GT4 side, I did – and I know this is gonna sound weird and maybe not the best thing for me to say – but I did the least amount of prep I’ve ever done for any type of racing. I didn’t have time to go to the sim. I didn’t have time to even go on iRacing. I had never been to most of the tracks and I showed up and just allowed my body to do it and just drive. I realized that I know how to drive. Sometimes I get in my head so much or you’re thinking or you have an expectation of what you’re gonna feel or how the weekend is gonna go and you can make that happen, whether it be good or bad. By showing up and just driving, which I’ve done now for 20 years, I know how to race cars. I don’t know. It really, really worked this year. I know that’s probably not the thing most drivers say. They say, ‘I spent hours in the shop and the sim.’ But I feel like some of my best races are the ones that I just showed up and did what my body knows what to do. That helped me this year to ease on the timing. Last year, I was flying Monday, doing sim Tuesday, flying back Tuesday night, flying Thursday to the race, racing Friday. It was just maybe too much, where this year I got to focus on racing and then when I’m home being with my family, which is ultra important as well.”
WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE NEW DAYS OF THUNDER FILM AND HAVE YOU REACHED OUT TO ANYBODY ABOUT TRYING TO GET INVOLVED? “I know when it was an early rumor that it might happen, I think I tweeted something like, ‘If I’m not involved in that, there’s gonna be an issue,’ because you don’t even need to have a stunt guy for me. I literally do it. I race for real life, too. I haven’t heard anything. I’m not expecting it. I don’t really consider myself an actor anymore, if that makes sense. If it happens, they would be hiring the race car version of Frankie Muniz, not the actor side, but it just makes sense. I’ve already got my SAG card, but, no, I haven’t heard anything and, to be honest, I haven’t had time to even think about when they’re filming or how that would work. I’m just focused on the racing I have left and then getting ready for next year. I know it’s gonna be a busy year, so no Days of Thunder for me as of yet.”
THERE’S A REPORT THAT TOM CRUISE WAS INTERESTED IN DOING THE ARCA RACE. AS SOMEBODY WHO HAS GONE FROM ACTING TO RACING. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU HAVE FOR SOMEBODY IN THAT SITUATION? “I know he’s done some racing. I don’t know exactly what, but there’s a lot of people who have never done anything and think they can jump in a race car and do it. I mean, he’s such of a daredevil and does so many of his stunts, so you’re not really gonna be afraid. I remember me, who had raced a lot before I raced ARCA, sure I was new in the stock car world, but I remember being at Daytona about to start that race and trembling, like just being scared out of my mind because you don’t get to practice around people. They have the winter test that they do, which kind of gets you approved to do the race. You kind of run by yourself or maybe a car or two, and then even that afternoon or the first session, you’ve got one practice session, and that was really my first time in a little bit of a pack and it was maybe four cars. There’s nothing that can prepare you for what it’s like when you’re actually in the pack at Daytona or Talladega. Now that I’ve done it, I remember thinking when I did the ARCA race for the first time and I completed Daytona being shocked that I had to do it again at Talladega because it’s like, ‘I survived it. Oh, man that was crazy. Oh, no. Now I know what it’s like.’ It actually scares you even a little bit more if that makes sense. But going to Tom doing the ARCA race, I would love to see it. I don’t know how he would do, but I think people forget that it is so dangerous. I don’t care what series it is at Daytona, you’re going 200 miles an hour inches from each other and you’ve got to have amazing car control and make really, really smart decisions or you can hurt not just yourself but a lot of people. So, if it does happen, I hope they do whatever they need to do to figure out if he’s ready for it. If I’m being honest, it really didn’t do much for me to figure out that I was ready for it, so maybe I’m not one to talk, but I would love to see it. I’d be there watching, for sure.”
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BUCKET LIST ITEMS YOU HAVE? “I used to always have a goal I was trying to achieve, that I was trying to reach for, but then I realized every time I got to that goal, I wanted more or I felt like I wasn’t done yet, where now I am waiting until I feel it within me of like, ‘Yes, I feel like I’ve accomplished all that either I want to accomplish or maybe all that I’m going to accomplish.’ I don’t feel done in any way, shape or form. I’m about to be 41 years old. I’m not young in this sport. I’m one of the older drivers in the Truck Series or even in NASCAR in general and that’s interesting to me in my mind because I still feel like I want to do this for as long as I possibly can. But, at the same time, I want to be successful. I want to feel like the work that we are putting in as a team and me and Ford that we’re seeing progress there. I feel like we’ve seen glimpses of it at times, but I would be dissatisfied if I said I was done racing NASCAR and what I did is what I did. I feel like I still have a lot more to prove to myself and to everybody and I want to do that. Hopefully, it starts this weekend at Talladega. We have three more this year – Talladega, Martinsville and Homestead. I’ve had decent races at all of those, so hopefully we can finish the year really, really strong and be excited for Daytona.”
ANY INTEREST IN THE 24 HOURS OF LE MANS OR ANYTHING LIKE THAT? “Now that I’m in the sportscar world, 100 percent. I want to do all of them. I got to race at Le Mans last year with Ford. They did a Mustang Challenge race there and there were over 50 cars there. It was awesome. It was amazing to get to race there on the weekend of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It was an incredible experience, but I would obviously love to be in the big cars doing it. Now I feel like I can. Now I feel like, ‘You know what, I can. I’d be good on one of those teams. One of those GT3 or GTD Mustangs could use Frankie Muniz in there.’ I would love it, but we’ll see. Like I said, there are talks about more than just GT4 for next year, whether that be a part-time basis or just filling in for some of the longer races as a third driver I’ll be doing that, so I think that’s pretty exciting. Maybe I’ll get some of those bucket list races and locations knocked off too.”
BETWEEN YOUR ACTING CAREER, MUSIC CAREER AND NOW RACING, WHAT ATTRIBUTES HAVE YOU TAKEN FROM THOSE PROFESSIONS TO RACING AND VICE VERSA? “I used to say that there wasn’t much that you could take or if anything, like just the fact that I’d been interviewed my whole life so I didn’t really need much media training. I don’t know. You guys might say different like maybe I talk too much, so maybe I need to go back to media training. I would say now that I have done a lot of racing and gone back to the acting world, I would say the racing has made me better at performing in the moment, whether it be public speaking, whether it be ad-libbing, or whether it be going out of my comfort zone because I’m so used to just having to roll with the punches and perform. Where maybe I used to be in my head too much in the acting world or wanted to do it a certain way. Now I feel like I’m so much more confident in all aspects of my life as weird as that sounds because of what I’ve done racing, just because everything seems a little easy compared to that, or less stressful at least and I love that. Otherwise, I don’t know. I’m used to having to perform in the moment on the big stage when the cameras are watching, so I guess that helped coming from the acting world into the racing world but not much else.”
Cory Roper returns to Halmar Friesen Racing to pilot the No. 62 Drydene Toyota Tundra TRD Pro entry for this upcoming Friday’s NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series’ Love’s RV Stop 225 event at Talladega Superspeedway.
The 49-year-old Roper from Vernon, Texas, finished 34th in his first start with Halmar Friesen Racing at Texas Motor Speedway in May. This upcoming Friday, he will make his fourth Truck start at the 2.660-mile tri-oval superspeedway venue in Lincoln, Alabama.
Friday’s event is also scheduled to mark Roper’s 50th series’ start as this season marks his eighth year competing in at least a single event in the Truck division. Through 49 previous starts, the Texan has recorded an average-finishing result of 23.5, 16 top-20 results and three top-10 results. The latter stats includes a career-best third-place result during the 2021 season-opening event at Daytona International Speedway. Roper’s current highest-finishing result at Talladega is sixth, which occurred in 2021, as he attempts to become the eighth competitor to secure a first Truck career victory at Talladega on Friday.
Back for another round.
Cory Roper returns to the No. 62 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro this Friday at Talladega Superspeedway, with Drydene back on board for their second NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series start of the season with Halmar Friesen Racing. pic.twitter.com/dGxuGi5ESn
Halmar Friesen Racing’s No. 62 Toyota entry is currently ranked in 16th place in the 2026 Truck Series’ owner’s standings on the strengths of four top-five results and 10 top-10 results. The entry has been piloted by 10 different competitors through 22-scheduled starts, including one by Roper, and was piloted into Victory Lane by Christopher Bell at Bristol Motor Speedway in April. Kasey Kleyn and Leland Honeyman Jr. are scheduled to compete in the final two-scheduled events of this season at Martinsville Speedway and Homestead-Miami Speedway, respectively, following Friday’s Talladega event.
The 2026 Love’s RV Stop 225 at Talladega Superspeedway is scheduled to occur this upcoming Friday, October 23, at 4 p.m. ET on FS1, NASCAR Racing Network and SiriusXM.
