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Big Sipz Teams Up with AJ Allmendinger at Sonoma

Allmendinger Partners with Ready-to-Drink Cocktail Brand for Sonoma Weekend

Lexington, N.C. (July 1, 2025) – Big Sipz, a wine-based ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktail at 16% alcohol-by-volume, will join Kaulig Racing and be featured on the No. 16 Chevrolet driven by road-racing ace AJ Allmendinger during the July 13 NASCAR Cup Series race at Sonoma Raceway.

Big Sipz, one of the fastest growing RTD brands in the country, offers a variety of bold flavors, including margaritas, fruit punch and ‘Merica flavored wine-based cocktails, and is available in many retail and convenient store locations across the country.

California native, Allmendinger, will feature a bright neon green scheme that highlights Big Sipz’ new 1-liter Jugz, while he chases a 15th-career NASCAR national series road-course victory. During the weekend, Kaulig Racing will be hosting Big Sipz and Patco Brands executives from their nearby Sausalito, CA, headquarters as well as Big Sipz brand ambassador, globally recognized hip hop artist and influencer, Waka Flocka.

“Big Sipz is one of the fastest growing brands in the country and they are very bold marketers, which aligns perfectly with where we are taking Kaulig Racing,” said Ty Norris, Kaulig Racing Chief Business Officer. “Introducing NASCAR to new brands, which introduces us to a new audience, is important for the growth of the sport and of Kaulig Racing. It will be fun to measure the reach and impact of this event.”

“Anyone who knows me knows I love to have fun, and Big Sipz is a fun brand,” said Allmendinger. “Since nothing is more fun than a victory lane celebration, that is the goal in Sonoma. I’m excited to show the Big Sipz people what NASCAR and Kaulig Racing is all about. Being a road course in my home state, Sonoma is very special to me. I have friends and family who come every year, and it will be great to have Big Sipz as part of the weekend with us. We are ready to go big.”

To catch the No. 16 Big Sipz Chevy on track at Sonoma Raceway tune in to TNT Sports on Sunday, July 13, at 3:30 p.m. ET.

Big Sipz can be found at various convenience stores, grocery stores and liquor stores. To find a store near you, visit https://www.bigsipz.com/store-locator.

About Kaulig Racing

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

Big Sipz

At Big Sipz, we believe Biggerz Better. Created for people who want to go BIG, Big Sipz are as bold as the people we make them for. Big Sipz is currently available at retail stores across 46 states including Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Nevada, North Carolina, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas with future market expansion slated throughout 2025. To learn more, please visit www.bigsipz.com.

NHRA ADDS NEW PARTNERS TO RACER ADVANTAGE PROGRAM FOR RACERS AND MEMBERS

INDIANAPOLIS (July 1, 2025) – The NHRA is excited to announce a number of new partner additions to its NHRA Racer Advantage program, which is part of every NHRA membership and offers a large number of benefits and special offers designed specifically for NHRA racers and members.

By earning an NHRA Competition License and becoming an NHRA member, racers can unlock exclusive benefits with the NHRA Racer Advantage program, which includes the following:

  • The addition of major new partners, including WELD Customer Racing Wheels, ABRO and Mechanix Wear, as well as Stormin Normin’s Nitro Pickles, GEN-Y Hitches, Crocodile Cloth and Harvest Hosts. NHRA members and racers can get exclusive discounts from these companies to NHRA Members and Racers, only available through the Racer Advantage page on their membership home at NHRA.com.
  • Exclusive discounts with NHRA partners like Summit Racing Equipment, Goodyear Tires, which offers a 20 percent discount for NHRA members, a 15 percent off first-time purchases at Cordova Coolers, Right Trailers, Speedmaster, Racing Electronics and others.
  • A 25 percent discount on NHRA.tv, which streams live championship drag racing action at NHRA national events and divisional events across the country.
  • Excess medical insurance coverage for all NHRA participants and members up to $600,000 at all NHRA Member Tracks.

NHRA is also working closely with additional partners to offer new offers and discounts, all aimed at helping racers and members on and off the track.

“It’s great to see our Racer Advantage program continue to grow,” NHRA Sportsman Manager Jason Galvin said. “The NHRA recognizes the importance of building and maintaining partnerships that are beneficial for our core customer, the sportsman racer and NHRA members.

“These new partners offer a range of benefits, from quality components for the cars, to gear and supplies to work on the cars, trucks, motorcycles and trailers. We even have partnerships to help escape and take a break with your family. The future of this program is very exciting.”

A full list of perks and benefits is available to NHRA racers and members through the online NHRA Membership Portal. For more info on the NHRA Racer Advantage program, visit www.nhra.com/nhra-racer-advantage. For more on the NHRA, including the 2025 schedule, visit www.NHRA.com.


About NHRA

NHRA is the primary sanctioning body for the sport of drag racing in the United States. NHRA presents 20 national events featuring the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series and NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, as well as the Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series, NHRA Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown™, NHRA Holley EFI Factory X and Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage NHRA Mountain Motor Pro Stock at select national events. NHRA provides competition opportunities for drivers of all levels in the NHRA Summit Racing Series and NHRA Street Legal™. NHRA also offers the NHRA Jr. Street® program for teens and the Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League® for youth ages 5 to 17. With more than 110 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.

HFT Advance | Chicago

Chicago Street Event Info:
Date: Sunday, July 6
Time: 2 p.m. ET
Series: NASCAR Cup Series (NCS)
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Format: 75 Laps, 165 Miles, Stages: 20-45-75
TV: TNT
Radio: MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Channel 90)

Weekend Schedule:
Saturday: 10:30 a.m. ET, Xfinity Practice (CW App, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
Saturday: 11:30 a.m. ET, Xfinity Qualifying (CW App, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
Saturday: 1 p.m. ET, Cup Practice (TruTV, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
Saturday: 2 p.m. ET, Cup Qualifying (TruTV, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
Saturday: 2:30 p.m. ET, Xfinity Race (CW, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
Sunday: 2 p.m. ET, Cup Race (TNT Sports, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)

Pace Laps:

  • The streets of Chicago hosts the NASCAR Cup Series this weekend for the third Chicago Street Race. The 12-turn course spans 2.2 miles and is settled along some of the city’s top tourist attractions.
  • According to NASCAR Insights, Sheldon Creed’s pole at Atlanta was the first on a drafting track for Ford in the Xfinity Series since Dakoda Armstong at Daytona in July 2014.

Cole Custer Team Info:
Crew Chief: Aaron Kramer
Partner: Haas / Andys

Sheldon Creed Team Info:
Crew Chief: Jonathan Toney
Partner: Road Ranger

Sam Mayer Team Info:
Crew Chief: Jason Trinchere
Partner: Audibel

Custer on Road Courses (Cup)
Starts: 18
Wins: —
Top-10s: 3
Poles: —

  • Custer makes his 19th NCS road course start this weekend, where he has a best finish of 8th in Mexico City earlier this season.
  • He has two career NXS road course wins, coming at Portland (2023) and the Chicago Street Race (2023).

Creed on Road Courses (Xfinity)
Starts: 22
Wins: —
Top-10s: 9
Poles: —

  • Creed is set to make his 23rd career road course start in the Xfinity Series this Saturday at the Chicago Street Course, where he has nine career top-10 finishes.
  • He finished 11th in the NXS debut race in Chicago two years ago after starting on the front row.

Mayer on Road Courses (Xfinity)
Starts: 24
Wins: 4
Top-10s: 16
Poles: —

  • Mayer is in line for his 25th career road course start in the Xfinity Series this weekend, where he has 16 top-10 finishes, including nine in the top five.
  • He has NXS victories at the Charlotte Road Course (2023 & 2024), Watkins Glen (2023), and Elkhart Lake (2023).

Where They Stand
Cup Points Standings (41: 34th): Custer is 34th in the Cup Series points standings through 18 races this season with 237 points.

Xfinity Points Standings (41: 8th, 00: 12th): Mayer sits seventh in the Xfinity points standings with 561 total points on the season, behind the seven winners, while Creed is in 10th place with 425 points heading into Chicago this Saturday.

RFK Advance | Chicago

Chicago Street Event Info:
Date: Sunday, July 6
Time: 2 p.m. ET
Series: NASCAR Cup Series (NCS)
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Format: 75 Laps, 165 Miles, Stages: 20-45-75
TV: TNT Sports
Radio: MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Channel 90)

Weekend Schedule:
Saturday: 1 p.m. ET, Cup Practice (TruTV, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
Saturday: 2 p.m. ET, Cup Qualifying (TruTV, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
Sunday: 2 p.m. ET, Cup Race (TNT Sports, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)

Pace Laps:

  • The streets of Chicago hosts the NASCAR Cup Series this weekend for the third Chicago Street Race. The 12-turn course spans 2.2 miles and is settled along some of the city’s top tourist attractions.
  • Ryan Preece is the only driver in the NASCAR Cup Series to win a stage in both road-course races this season (Circuit of the Americas & Mexico City).
  • Chris Buescher leads the Cup Series this season with an average starting position of 10.4, anchored by nine starts inside the top 10.
  • He has four straight top-10 finishes dating back to Michigan, and over the last five races he leads the NASCAR Cup Series with 183 points earned.
  • All four of Brad Keselowski’s top-10 finishes this season have come in the previous six weeks, including a runner-up result in Atlanta last weekend.

The NASCAR In-Season Tournament continues this weekend at Chicago, with all three RFK Fords advancing into the “Sweet 16”. The second-round matchups are as follows:
No. 3 Chris Buescher vs. No. 14 Zane Smith
No. 15 Ryan Preece vs. No. 31 Noah Gragson
No. 17 Brad Keselowski vs. No. 32 Ty Dillon

6 Team Info:
Driver: Brad Keselowski
Crew Chief: Jeremy Bullins
Partner: Kroger / Blue Buffalo

17 Team Info:
Driver: Chris Buescher
Crew Chief: Scott Graves
Partner: Fastenal

60 Team Info:
Driver: Ryan Preece
Crew Chief: Derrick Finley
Partner: BuildSubmarines.com

Keselowski on Road Courses
Starts: 48
Wins: —
Top-10s: 11
Poles: 1

  • Keselowski is set to make his third start at the Chicago Street Course, where he finished 24th in the debut race and 18th a year ago.
  • In 48 starts otherwise on road courses in his Cup career, Keselowski has a 17.2 average finish with 11 top-10s.
  • Thus far in 2025, Keselowski has finishes of 15th (COTA) and 25th (Mexico City) on road courses.

Buescher on Road Courses
Starts: 37
Wins: 1 (Watkins Glen, 2024)
Top-10s: 16
Poles: —

  • Buescher has been one of the most consistent drivers on road courses over the past three seasons, registering 15 top-10 finishes in the last 18 events.
  • In two road course events thus far in 2025, Buescher has two top-10s with a P7 result in COTA, and a 10th-place finish in Mexico City just a few weeks ago.
  • In 37 races on road courses, Buescher has a 12.8 average finish and 16 top-10s, including his first win on a road course at Watkins Glen last season.

Preece on Road Courses
Starts: 23
Wins: —
Top-10s: 2
Poles: —

  • Preece makes his third start at the Chicago Street Course where he finished 34th last season, and has a career-best finish of 15th in 2023.
  • Across 23 career races on road courses, Preece has two top-10s and a 22.5 average finish.

RFK Historically on Road Courses
Cup Wins: 6 (Mark Martin, 1993-94-95, Watkins Glen; Mark Martin, 1997, Sonoma; Carl Edwards, 2014, Sonoma, Chris Buescher, 2024, Watkins Glen)

RFK on the Road: As an organization, RFK has made 263 starts on road courses in the Cup Series with five wins, 92 top-10s and 43 finishes inside the top five with a 17.4 average finish.
Martin Goes Three-Straight in N.Y.: NASCAR Hall of Famer Mark Martin is responsible for four of Jack Roush’s road course wins all-time, including three-straight at Watkins Glen from 1993-95. Martin dominated the three years, leading a combined 183 laps, and won all three from the pole. He also won once in Sonoma, in 1997, after also starting from the point to lead 69 of the 74 laps.
Edwards Victorious Four Times, at Four Different Road Courses: Carl Edwards also visited victory lane for Jack Roush at Sonoma, driving to the win in 2014 after starting fourth. In Xfinity action, Edwards was victorious at WGI in 2012, Road America in 2010, and Montreal in 2009. In the 2012 event in New York, current crew chief Scott Graves was atop the box for one of his two Xfinity wins all-time on road courses.
Buescher, Graves Former Road Course Winners: In Buescher’s first full-time Xfinity season in 2014, he and Graves found victory lane at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in August, after leading 25 laps that day in the No. 60 entry for Roush. Last season, Buescher led 19 laps and fought off Shane van Gisbergen at Watkins Glen to secure the sixth victory under the RFK banner (since 2022) and 143rd overall for Jack Roush in NASCAR Cup Series action.

Last Time Out & Where They Stand
Atlanta: Keselowski 2nd; Buescher 9th; Preece 15th.

Points Standings (17: 14th, 60: 17th, 6: 28th): Buescher sits 52 points above the cutline while Preece remains 23 points behind Bubba Wallace for the final playoff spot. Keselowski gained three spots last weekend after earning a season-high points total at Atlanta.

Java House Named Grand Prix of Monterey Title Sponsor

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca welcomes new sponsor for its sixth annual NTT INDYCAR SERIES event

MONTEREY, Calif. (July 1, 2025) – Java House, the innovative Indianapolis-based cold brew coffee brand, has been named title sponsor of this month’s NTT INDYCAR SERIES event at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.

The Java House Grand Prix of Monterey, which will take place July 25-27 at the iconic road course, marks the only visit to Northern California for America’s premier open-wheel series. This is Java House’s first event title sponsorship.

“We are delighted to welcome Java House as a sponsor for our INDYCAR event weekend,” said Mel Harder, president and general manager of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. “Cars and coffee is a classic combination and we’re excited to share this fantastic coffee with our guests.”

Race fans will have a chance to enjoy samples of Java House’s full line of beverages, including their Amazingly Smooth cold brew coffees, lattes, teas, hydration drinks and more, throughout the race weekend. Java House products will also be integrated throughout all hospitality areas, including premium luxury suites and club style pavilions. The fun won’t just stop at the track, as Java House Cold Brew Espresso Martinis will be served at select restaurants in the Monterey area leading up to and during the race.

In addition to its support of the Monterey event, Java House serves as a primary sponsor on Alexander Rossi’s No. 20 and Christian Rasmussen’s No. 21 Ed Carpenter Racing (ECR) Chevrolets throughout the 2025 season.

“We are thrilled for Java House to become the title sponsor of the Grand Prix of Monterey,” said Ted Gelov, owner and CEO of Heartland Food Products Group. “INDYCAR has been an outstanding platform to grow our brand and connect with a passionate fanbase. This partnership continues our commitment to expanding Java House’s presence on a national stage – with more big things to come in 2025 and beyond.”

For more information or to purchase tickets for the Java House Grand Prix of Monterey, visit www.weathertechraceway.com. Learn more about Java House at javahouse.com.

About WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca is a world-renowned motorsport facility located in Monterey, California, operated and managed by Friends of Laguna Seca, a 501c(3) non-profit. Nestled among scenic hills, it has a rich history of hosting premier racing events, making it a favorite destination for motorsport enthusiasts from around the world. The raceway features challenging turns and elevation changes, including the world-famous Corkscrew, providing a thrilling experience for both drivers and fans. Friends of Laguna Seca is committed to delivering top-tier racing and entertainment experiences year after year. Find out how you can get involved at FriendsOfLagunaSeca.org.

About Java House:

Java House is redefining how people enjoy coffee with Amazingly Smooth Java House Cold Brew — crafted through a 12+ hour steeping process that delivers rich, bold flavor without the bitterness. More than just a great cup of coffee, Java House is revolutionizing the beverage experience with our innovative Peel ‘n Pour Pod System — the easiest way to enjoy a barista-quality cold brew in seconds with no machine or brewer required. Each 100% recyclable pod makes it easy to enjoy an Amazingly Smooth cup of coffee anytime, anywhere — just peel & pour into hot or cold water. From cold brews and lattes to teas, energy drinks and hydration beverages, Java House offers a full line of options perfect for home, office or on-the-go. Find out how to get Amazingly Smooth cold brew at javahouse.com.

R3 and Richard Childress Racing Announce Strategic Technology Partnership

Cloud-First Technology Solutions Company Partners with RCR to Provide Real-Time, Responsive Results as IT Managed Services Provider

WELCOME, NC (July 7, 2025) – Fans of Richard Childress Racing may have noticed a new logo on the A Post of the race team’s iconic No. 3 Chevrolet this season. Technology solutions provider R3 made its on track debut this year as part of a newly announced partnership with the legendary NASCAR organization.

R3 collaborates with RCR to provide solutions in managed IT, cybersecurity, strategy and consulting, and governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) services. More than a traditional managed services provider, R3 acts as a true managed solutions partner — integrating innovative, mission-aligned technology strategies that drive successful business outcomes and operational resilience.

“We’re proud to partner with Richard Childress Racing and help unlock the full potential of their cloud-based technology operations,” said Robert McGowan, chief executive officer for R3. “We are looking forward to providing solutions in managed IT while working in tandem to build a comprehensive marketing plan.”

The partnership underscores RCR’s ongoing commitment to embracing forward-thinking technology and fostering innovation at every level of the race team. In addition to associate placement on the No. 3 Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series, RCR and R3 will work together to build real-world solutions to the race team’s IT managed services.

“RCR continues explore ways to utilize technology to enhance operations and become more secure, more agile and more intelligent,” said Mike Verlander, president of RCR. “Our partnership with R3 helps to elevate our IT strategy and operational resilience. We welcome R3 to RCR and look forward to building successful business outcomes together.”

For more information, please visit rcrracing.com and r3-it.com.

Richard Childress Racing is a renowned, performance-driven racing, marketing and manufacturing organization. Incorporated in 1969, RCR has celebrated over 50 years of racing and earned more than 200 victories and 16 championships, including six in the NASCAR Cup Series with the legendary Dale Earnhardt. RCR was the first organization to win championships in the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Truck Series and is a three-time winner of the Daytona 500 (1998, 2007, 2018). Its 2025 NASCAR Cup Series lineup includes two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch (No. 8 Chevrolet) and 2017 Coca-Cola 600 winner and 2018 Daytona 500 champion Austin Dillon (No. 3 Chevrolet). RCR fields a full-time NASCAR Xfinity Series program with Jesse Love (No. 2 Chevrolet) and Austin Hill (No. 21 Chevrolet).

R3: Founded in 2007 in the Washington, DC Metro region, R3 is a cloud-first technology solutions company specializing in managed IT, cybersecurity, strategy and consulting, and governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) services. More than a traditional managed services provider, R3 acts as a true managed solutions partner — integrating innovative, mission-aligned technology strategies that drive successful business outcomes and operational resilience.

As a multi-time Inc. Regional Company, Inc. Fastest-Growing Company, and Washington Business Journal Best Places to Work honoree, R3 is recognized for both its industry leadership and its workplace culture. We hold multiple Microsoft partner designations and are a preferred Microsoft solutions partner, delivering secure, scalable, and future-ready cloud services.

At R3, we believe technology isn’t just a support function — it’s embedded in the very fabric of how and why our clients operate. We are the single, comprehensive partner for organizations seeking to modernize, secure, and optimize their technology environments. We are R3 — welcome to the R3VOLUTION. Learn more about R3 at www.R3-IT.com.

Young’s Motorsports Chicago Street Course Team Preview

Young’s Motorsports | NASCAR Xfinity Series
The Chicago Street Course | The Loop 110

Fast Facts

No. 42 Young’s Motorsports Team:
Driver: Anthony Alfredo
Primary Partner(s): DUDE Wipes
Manufacturer: Chevrolet Camaro
Crew Chief: Eddie Troconis
2025 Driver Points Position: 21st
2025 Owner Points Position: 23rd
Engine: Earnhardt-Childress Racing

Notes of Interest:

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

Alfredo is driving the No. 42 Chevrolet Camaro for the entire 33-race schedule, which continues this Saturday afternoon with The Loop 110 at the Chicago Street Course.

The 2025 season marks Young’s Motorsports’ sophomore campaign in the series, following a promising debut year with rookie Leland Honeyman Jr. behind the wheel.

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

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

The 25-year-old finished the 2024 Xfinity season 15th in the championship driver standings, collecting an Xfinity Dash 4 Cash win at Dover (Del.) Motor Speedway and adding two more top-fives and seven top-10s to his impressive statistics in 135 career Xfinity Series starts.

● All-Aboard!: For the 18th of 33 Xfinity Series races this season, Young’s Motorsports welcomes DUDE Wipes as the primary partner on the No. 42 Chevrolet Camaro for the 50-lap race on Saturday afternoon.

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

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

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

● Anthony Alfredo NASCAR Xfinity Series Chicago Street Course Stats: Saturday afternoon’s The Loop 110 will mark Anthony Alfredo’s third trip to the Windy City.

In his previous two starts at the 2.140-mile street course, Alfredo has been running at the finish of both races, including the monstrous downpour in the inaugural race in 2023.

His best result came during the 2023 edition of The Loop 110, where he earned a track-best 27th after starting 34th, while driving for B.J. McLeod Motorsports.

Overall, he holds an Xfinity Series average finish of 28.5 at the 12-turn Chicago Street Course.

Now 17 races into the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series season — with 16 events remaining — Anthony Alfredo and the Young’s Motorsports team remain focused on making a strong push toward the Playoffs.

A solid performance, or perhaps a breakthrough win in Saturday afternoon’s race, could serve as a pivotal moment in their postseason campaign.

The Loop 110 headlines a high-stakes doubleheader weekend featuring left and right turns through the heart of downtown Chicago.

The action kicks off Saturday, July 5, with a 50-lap Xfinity Series showdown — a gritty, high-speed battle through tight corners and unforgiving walls where precision, patience and street savvy can mean the difference between glory and heartbreak.

Then on Sunday, July 6, the NASCAR Cup Series takes center stage with the Grant Park 165. The marquee event not only showcases the sport’s premier talent but also continues the in-season $1 million challenge, serving as the sixth race in the second leg of the regular season.

● Anthony Alfredo Xfinity Series Career Stats: Entering Chicago, Alfredo has 135 NASCAR Xfinity Series races to his credit, earning a career-best third-place finish twice, most recently at Talladega Superspeedway after starting 11th in the 2024 edition of the Ag-Pro 300 for Our Motorsports.

Since 2020, he has earned one pole, five top-five, and 23 top-10 finishes and has an average finish of 19.7.

● EchoPark Speedway | Focused Health 250 Race Recap: Returning to EchoPark Speedway for the second time in the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series season, the Young’s Motorsports team entered the weekend optimistic about their chances on the hybrid superspeedway.

With no practice session available, Anthony Alfredo wasted no time getting up to speed, clocking the 25th-fastest lap in qualifying behind the wheel of his No. 42 Brand South Africa Chevrolet.

From the drop of the green flag, Alfredo showed promise with a car capable of contending for a top-10 finish. Despite the constant jostling for position that has become a hallmark of EchoPark Speedway, the team’s early efforts unraveled when Alfredo was swept up in a multi-car incident on Lap 53.

The resulting damage forced the No. 42 team to retire early, leaving them with a 29th-place finish.

Seventeen races into the 2025 campaign, Alfredo and the Young’s Motorsports crew remain determined to rebound and build momentum through the critical summer stretch, where rhythm, reliability and resilience will be key to staying in the Playoff hunt.

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

On Saturday, he will be crew chief in his 147th NASCAR Xfinity Series race. In his previous 146 races, he has four top-five and 14 top-10 finishes.

The season’s 18th race will be his second tango at the Chicago Street Course as crew chief in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.

● Young’s Motorsports’ NASCAR Xfinity Series at the Chicago Street Course: This weekend’s The Loop 110 will mark Young’s Motorsports’ second NASCAR Xfinity Series appearance at the Chicago Street Course.

Last summer, rookie Leland Honeyman Jr. finished 31st after starting 21st, after being collected in a late-race accident, six laps from the checkered flag.

Overall, between road courses and street courses, Young’s Motorsports has participated in eight NASCAR Xfinity Series races, with a best effort of 16th last summer at Watkins Glen (N.Y.). International with driver Leland Honeyman Jr.

● Young’s Motorsports’ NASCAR Xfinity Series History: Since entering the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2024, the family-owned organization has logged 50 starts and maintains an average starting position of 26.1 and an average finish of 23.1.

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

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

Anthony Alfredo Pre-Race Quotes:

On the Chicago Street Course: “I am pumped to return to Chicago this weekend for the Street Course. It’s right in DUDE Wipes’ backyard, and it’s one of the coolest events of the year.”

On Preparation for the Chicago Street Course: “A lot of sim time and film study have been important for me to prepare for this weekend. It’s a good opportunity for us to score points and finish well.”

On A Street Course Compared to a Road Course: “The Chicago Street Course is even more difficult than your traditional road course because of how narrow and bumpy it is. There is limited to no runoff, which makes precision critical.”

On Keys to Success at the Chicago Street Course: “I believe for our No. 42 DUDE Wipes’ Chevrolet Camaro, will be staying out of trouble and capitalizing on track position will be key. If we can do that, we should be in contention for a strong finish.”

On Potentially Racing in the Rain at the Chicago Street Course: “Because of the limited runoff and addition of concrete walls on all sides of the track, racing in the rain is even more difficult.

“There aren’t any additional track limits to use, and it can be even more slick than other road course tracks because of the oils and fluids from street cars being washed out of the pavement all over the racing surface.”

On Back-to-Back Weekends of Road Course Racing (Sonoma Next Weekend): “There aren’t a lot of similarities between Chicago and Sonoma, but both are opportunities for us to be competitive and turn some heads.

“It’ll be nice to get in a bit of a rhythm, having back-to-back road course races.”

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

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

Race Information:

The Loop 110 (50 laps | 110 miles) is the 18th of thirty-three (33) NASCAR Xfinity Series races on the 2025 schedule. A 50-minute practice will take place on Saturday, July 5, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:20 a.m. Qualifying will immediately follow, launching at 10:35 a.m. The 38-car field will take the green flag shortly after 3:30 p.m. (4:30 p.m. ET), with live coverage on The CW Network, the Motor Racing Network (Radio) and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90. All times are local (CT).

Ford Performance NASCAR – 2025 Chicago Street Race Advance

CHICAGO STREET RACE

Saturday, July 5 — NASCAR Xfinity Series, 4:30 p.m. ET (CW)
Sunday, July 6 — NASCAR Cup Series, 2 p.m. ET (TNT)

The NASCAR Cup and NASCAR Xfinity Series will compete on the streets of downtown Chicago for the third consecutive year this weekend. In addition to those two races, fans will also be treated to a showcase event featuring the Ford Mustang Mach-E NASCAR Prototype electric vehicle and driver David Ragan.

CHICAGO TOP 10 FINISHERS

Ford is still looking for its first NASCAR Cup Series win on the streets of Chicago, but five drivers have managed top 10 finishes through the first two years of the event. In 2023, Austin Cindric led the way with a sixth-place finish while Team Penske teammate Joey Logano was eighth and RFK’s Chris Buescher 10th. Last season, Front Row Motorsports driver Todd Gilliland led the way in seventh while Team Penske’s Ryan Blaney was 10th.

FORD IN-SEASON

TOURNAMENT ADVANCERS

Five Ford drivers advanced to the Round of 16 and four of those drivers will be involved in matchups against each other this weekend, meaning no more than three will make it to the quarter finals. There’s a chance all three could be from RFK Racing because Brad Keselowski goes against Ty Dillon while Ryan Preece squares off against Noah Gragson and Chris Buescher faces Zane Smith.

RAGAN PART OF ELECTRIC ATMOSPHERE

David Ragan may be retired from full-time NASCAR Cup Series racing, but he’s been a consistent part of Ford Performance’s development with the Mustang Mach-E NASCAR Prototype. This weekend, Ragan will be driving the electric vehicle as part of a three-car exhibition showcase that will also feature models from NASCAR and General Motors. All three cars will turn laps together on the Chicago Street Course Sunday morning for fans. It will mark the second time Ragan has run the car on a NASCAR weekend after doing it a few weeks ago at North Wilkesboro Speedway.

RYAN PREECE – “I’ve enjoyed the fact that it’s rained and the reason I’ve enjoyed it is it kind of shakes things up. A street course is really tough. It’s very tough to pass, so when you have moments like rain and other things you can’t predict, it makes it a little bit more exciting and opens up the box for strategy, so I’ve enjoyed it. I think it’ll be different if we go there and there isn’t rain.”

CHRIS BUESCHER – “We’re heading to another road course. For us, I love road racing. It’s a lot of fun for me. The Chicago Street Course. I’d love to be there when it’s dry one time. Surely, that can happen and we don’t have to go through some monumental rain, but if we can do that, we’ve had some good speed there. It’s been a better passing racetrack than I anticipated going in and so that does give us some options and I appreciate that. From where I’m at behind the wheel, I like the fact that I feel like we have some options to make some big passes there and be able to move through the field. We’re ready for it.”

AUSTIN CINDRIC – “I really look forward to going to Chicago because I feel like, one, I hope it doesn’t rain. Let’s be honest, it’s rained every time we’ve gone there, so it’s a place that I feel like deserves a good run in dry weather for us and the fans. I love street course racing. We haven’t had the best results the last couple of years, so we’re definitely looking to improve on where we’ve been at that track, but otherwise it’s a fun event. It’s cool and it’s definitely different from the norm.”

ZANE SMITH – “It’s very unique and pretty cool to say the least. I heard a lot about Chicago because I had never been there, but I thought it was awesome. The track is like nothing I had ever done, so hopefully we’ll be able to run inside the top 10 and have a good day. I enjoy road courses and enjoy things that are different like racing through a city. I feel we learned some things in Mexico before we wrecked, and I feel like we can apply those to Chicago, and I feel confident in some speed we’ll bring there.”

SOLDIER FIELD CUP HISTORY

NASCAR hosted one Cup Series race inside historic Soldier Field on July 21, 1956. The 200-lap race was held on a half-mile track and Fireball Roberts led a Ford Motor Company sweep of the top three positions as only five cars finished on the lead lap. Roberts drove to victory in a ‘56 Ford while Jim Paschal was second in a ‘56 Mercury and Ralph Moody third in a ‘56 Ford. Both Roberts and Moody were driving for owner Pete DePaolo, winner of the 1925 Indianapolis 500, as part of Ford’s first full season of factory-backed stock car racing. The end result that season was 14 series victories and Ford’s first manufacturers’ championship.

SOLDIER FIELD CONVERTIBLE HISTORY

In addition to the Cup Series race, NASCAR also held three convertible races at Soldier Field – two in 1956 and one more in 1957. NASCAR Hall of Famers Curtis Turner (left in photo above) and Glen Wood both drove their respective ‘56 Fords to victory during that time. Turner, driving for DePaolo, led a race-high 329-of-500 laps while teammate Joe Weatherly led the other 171 circuits to give Ford a 1-2 finish on Sept. 9, 1956. Wood beat Possum Jones on June 29, 1957 as those were the only two drivers to take the checkered flag on the lead lap.

MAYER POSTS ANOTHER TOP 5

Sam Mayer’s third-place finish last weekend at EchoPark Speedway marked his eighth Top 5 run and solidified his spot in the point standings. Mayer, who is still looking for his first win with Haas Factory Team, is second overall and 137 points above the cut line for the 12-driver playoff with nine races remaining in the regular season. Ford has three other drivers in contention for the postseason and all of them are currently on the bubble as Sheldon Creed (11th), Ryan Sieg (12th) and Harrison Burton (13th) are separated by only one point.

CUSTER CLAIMS FIRST CHICAGO STREET RACE

Cole Custer became the first NASCAR driver to win on the streets of Chicago when he captured the rain-shortened The Loop 121 last year. Custer started on the pole and led all 25 laps before rain and standing water forced the race to be called three laps before the scheduled 55-lapper would have been official. The win was Custer’s second of the season and second straight on a road/street course after taking the race in Portland a few weeks earlier.

The Ford Mustang, celebrating its 61st anniversary in 2025, is the world’s best selling sports car. It is also one of the planet’s most popular race cars. With Mustang-based race cars competing in international sports car competition (GT3 and GT4), NASCAR, NHRA, Formula Drift, in Australian Supercars, at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb and in its own bespoke one-make series – Mustang Cup and Mustang Challenge – the platform has an unprecedented global reach. This weekend, 27 Mustang race cars are scheduled to race across all disciplines. Learn more at FordPerformance.com.

WorkMoney Joins LEGACY MOTOR CLUB as Official Partner in Bold Push to Empower Working Americans

STATESVILLE, N.C. (July 1, 2025) – LEGACY MOTOR CLUB today announced a new partnership with WorkMoney, the nonprofit organization dedicated to lowering costs and raising wages for working people across America. The collaboration marks WorkMoney’s first foray into NASCAR and represents a shared commitment to community, hard work, and making everyday life more affordable.

As a partner of LEGACY MOTOR CLUB, WorkMoney branding will debut on the No. 43 Toyota Camry XSE in select NASCAR Cup Series races throughout the 2025 season. The partnership will also include digital content integration, grassroots fan activations, and storytelling that spotlights everyday Americans and their financial challenges and victories.

“We’re excited to welcome WorkMoney to the LEGACY MOTOR CLUB family,” said Jimmie Johnson, co-owner of LEGACY MOTOR CLUB. “They’re doing meaningful work to support working people across the country, and that aligns with everything we believe in—family, perseverance, and building a better future.”
WorkMoney is a nonprofit that advocates for policies and provides tools to help families save money on essentials like groceries, utilities, and healthcare. With over 8 million members nationwide, WorkMoney helps everyday Americans spend less and save more—and now, they have a presence in the fast-paced, fan-driven world of NASCAR.

“At WorkMoney, we believe everyone who works hard deserves a good life,” said Carrie Joy Grimes, CEO of WorkMoney. “That’s why we’re proud to partner with NASCAR and LEGACY MOTOR CLUB. We share the same values: hard work, grit, pride in where you’re from, and deep love for family and country. NASCAR fans are WorkMoney members. And we’re showing up for them—on the track and in their everyday lives—to help make that good life a little more affordable.”

The partnership will kick off officially at the Chicago Street Course on July 6 with the presence of the LEGACY MC No. 43. The partnership is a collaboration rooted in the American spirit—working hard, lifting others up, and driving change.

ABOUT WorkMoney: WorkMoney is a national organization dedicated to lowering costs and raising incomes for all Americans, making American life more affordable and American families financially secure. We provide information, products, services, perks, benefits, tips, and tools to help our more than 8+ million members improve their financial lives.

ABOUT LEGACY MOTOR CLUB: LEGACY MC is a premier auto racing organization co-owned by seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and 2024 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee, Jimmie Johnson and Knighthead Capital Management, LLC. Drawing from a rich tradition of success, LEGACY MC is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of motorsport and setting new standards of excellence. The CLUB competes under the Toyota Gazoo Racing banner in the NASCAR Cup Series with the No. 43 Toyota Camry XSE piloted by Erik Jones and the No. 42 Toyota Camry XSE driven by John Hunter Nemechek. Johnson also races on a limited basis in the No. 84 Toyota Camry XSE. With NASCAR legend and Hall of Famer Richard Petty, “The King”, serving as CLUB Ambassador, LEGACY MC blends timeless racing traditions with a new forward-thinking vision. As an inclusive community for motorsport enthusiasts, LEGACY MC honors both its storied past and the promising future of its members, always striving for victory and championship glory at the pinnacle of NASCAR competition.

Arby’s Brings The Meats and More to Chicago Street Race

Arby’s ‘Race for the Cheesesteak’ Campaign Includes Track Signage, On-Air Sponsorship, Onsite Experiential Display and Full Primary Partnership with Rick Ware Racing

Largest Sandwich Drive-Thru Restaurant Brand in the World Will Launch National 100,000 Angus Cheesesteak Giveaway at Start of Grant Park 165 NASCAR Cup Series Race on Sunday

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (June 30, 2025) – Chicago is home to big personalities and big ideas, and for the third annual NASCAR Chicago Street Race, founding partner Arby’s is emulating the style of the Windy City by going big in its activation.

Knowing NASCAR Cup Series drivers are always hungry to win, Arby’s is using the downtown street circuit to debut a winning menu innovation – the new Angus Cheesesteak Sandwich. The largest sandwich drive-thru restaurant brand in the world has literally painted the track red via signage, on-air sponsorship, an onsite experiential display and, of course, a car in Sunday’s headlining Grant Park 165 NASCAR Cup Series race. Arby’s has also created a one-of-a-kind trophy featuring an edible Arby’s Angus Cheesesteak that immortalizes this weekend’s “Race for the Cheesesteak.”

Cody Ware, driver of the No. 51 Arby’s Ford Mustang Dark Horse for Rick Ware Racing, leads the way for Arby’s with his red-and-white Arby’s Angus Cheesesteak-emblazoned racecar. Ware will be featured in a 15-second TV spot that will air during TNT’s broadcast of the Grant Park 165, which goes live on Sunday at 2 p.m. EDT. The start time coincides with Arby’s giving away 100,000 Angus Cheesesteaks nationally, available to all Arby’s Rewards Members. Sign up at Arbys.com/deals.

“The NASCAR Chicago Street Race is a marquee moment for Arby’s, and we’re proud to use this event to highlight our new Angus Cheesesteaks,” said Jeff Baker, Chief Marketing Officer, Arby’s. “With a Cheesesteak giveaway and a full track takeover, this activation reflects our fandom and enthusiasm for racing. Our new Cheesesteaks are packed with bold flavor and we’re excited to introduce them in a way only Arby’s can.”

Before Ware races around the 2.2-mile, 12-turn Chicago street circuit, he will turn laps at Arby’s experiential display in the fan zone, located directly inside the North Entry ticket gate on East Jackson Drive.

Fun is the name of the game, as adults can be kids again and race big wheels on a NASCAR-style oval. On Saturday and Sunday of the NASCAR Chicago Street Race weekend, Ware will compete against fans and his Rick Ware Racing counterpart, NHRA Top Fuel driver Clay Millican, who won last year’s U.S. Nationals near Indianapolis with Arby’s adorning his 12,000-horsepower dragster.

And when it’s time for Ware to take his No. 51 Arby’s Ford Mustang onto the Chicago street circuit, he will see red-and-white Arby’s “Race for the Cheesesteak” signage between turns 10-12, including the two pedestrian bridges that span the final corner of the track. Ware will also bring viewers along for all 75 laps of the race by carrying in-car cameras that will feature four distinct views – from the roof, the rear bumper, looking back at Ware behind the wheel, and an interior shot that turns 360 degrees.

“You can’t miss Arby’s this weekend. They’ve turned the Chicago Street Race into a full-on flavor takeover,” Ware said. “From the signage around the track to giving away 100,000 Angus Cheesesteaks, the activation is massive. It’s cool to see a brand go all-in like this, and I’m proud to represent Arby’s on and off the track.”

The NASCAR Chicago Street Race is a tentpole event for Arby’s and the launch of its new Angus Cheesesteaks, loaded with a quarter-pound of thin-shaved, 100-percent Angus steak that are available for a limited time at participating locations nationwide.

Known as the home of the meats, Arby’s Angus Cheesesteaks are built on a foundation of premium quality Angus steak – rich, marbled and tender, with a robust flavor that embodies the spirit of quality American beef and lives up to Arby’s name. Each sandwich features a generous portion of thinly shaved Angus steak blended with melted American cheese, topped with a diced bell pepper and onion blend, and finished with a creamy garlic spread on a toasted bun.

The NASCAR Chicago Street Race is the only event of its kind on the NASCAR schedule, and its bold inclusion on the calendar earned “Sports Event of the Year” recognition from the Sports Business Journal.

Ware relishes the opportunity to race on a street course. The 29-year-old has a diverse racing background that includes driving sportscars on a variety of road courses, both domestic and international.

Ware won the 2019-2020 LMP2 championship in the Asian Le Mans Series with co-driver Gustas Grinbergas. In a prelude to that title, Ware was the 2014 Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America Rookie of the Year. In January 2024 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway, Ware piloted a Ligier JS P320 to a podium finish in the IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge LMP3 class. Ware has also competed in Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup and the NTT IndyCar Series.

“Road racing is where I did a lot of my growing up and learning how to race,” Ware said. “There was a lot of back and forth between stock cars and GT cars and sportscars over the years as I found my place in NASCAR. So I’m always, ‘The more the merrier,’ when it comes to road racing.”

Practice for the Grant Park 165 begins Saturday at 12 p.m. CDT/1 p.m. EDT followed by qualifying at 1 p.m. CDT/2 p.m. EDT. The race goes green Sunday at 1 p.m. CDT/2 p.m. EDT with live, flag-to-flag coverage provided by TNT and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

About Arby’s:

Arby’s, founded in 1964, is a leading destination for high-quality meat-crafted sandwiches, with more than 3,500 restaurants in six global markets. Arby’s is part of the Inspire Brands family of restaurants. For more information, visit Arbys.com and InspireBrands.com.

About Rick Ware Racing:

Rick Ware has been a motorsports mainstay for more than 40 years. It began at age 6 when the third-generation racer began his driving career and has since spanned four wheels and two wheels on both asphalt and dirt. Competing in the SCCA Trans Am Series and other road-racing divisions led Ware to NASCAR in the early 1980s, where he finished third in his NASCAR debut – the 1983 Warner W. Hodgdon 300 NASCAR Grand American race at Riverside (Calif.) International Raceway. More than a decade later, injuries would force Ware out of the driver’s seat and into full-time team ownership. In 1995, Rick Ware Racing was formed, and with his wife Lisa by his side, Ware has since built his eponymous organization into an entity that competes full-time in the elite NASCAR Cup Series while simultaneously campaigning successful teams in the Top Fuel class of the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, Progressive American Flat Track and FIM World Supercross Championship (WSX).