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KALITTA, WILKERSON & HERRERA WIN MISSION #2FAST2TASTY CHALLENGE AT SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT NHRA NATIONALS

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Ashley, Pedregon, Anderson and M. Smith all qualify No. 1 at Summit Motorsports Park

NORWALK, Ohio (June 28, 2025) – Top Fuel’s Doug Kalitta continued his magic in the Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge on Saturday at Motorsports Park, defeating Tony Stewart in the final round to win the bonus race for the fourth time this season at the 19th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals.

Daniel Wilkerson (Funny Car) and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also won the Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge, while Justin Ashley (Top Fuel), Cruz Pedregon (Funny Car), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle) qualified No. 1 at the 10th of 20 races during the 2025 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season.

Kalitta entered the final round of the bonus race not qualified and needed every part of his run of 3.953-seconds at 294.37 mph in his 12,000-horsepower Applied Innovations dragster to get into the show. It was plenty enough to beat points leader Stewart, who smoked the tires almost immediately, and Kalitta slipped into the field in the No. 15 position.

It was a tense moment, but Kalitta continues to thrive in the Challenge specialty race, winning for the fourth time in and already earning 18 bonus points for the Countdown to the Championship playoffs.

“We have Applied Innovations on our car this weekend. Usually, it’s just a one-race thing, but it’s our home track and we’ve got our pits are full with all of our guests,” Kalitta said. “So, as you can imagine, the timing was good to get down the track and get in the show.

“Obviously, we appreciate everything Mission Foods does. We’re able to race on Saturday, the whole concept is good and we’re real fortunate that we got down to track. It seems a little tricky out there right now, it was just one of those lucky moments in life. I’ve got such confidence in my group. Alan Johnson tuning and making the final adjustments, that’s very reassuring for a guy like me. I was just really hoping to get the win and then make it down the track.”

Justin Ashley’s run of 3.752 at 330.88 in his 12,000-horsepower Scag Power Equipment dragster easily held up on a warm Saturday, handing the young standout his first No. 1 qualifier of the season and seventh in his career.

He’ll open eliminations against Scott Farley looking for his second straight victory of the season. Ashley is on an impressive tear, advancing to the finals at five of the past six years.

“Yeah, it’s pretty neat, our first number one qualifier of the year, and it’s important,” Ashley said. “We try to use qualifying the right way, to use it as an opportunity to set ourselves up for Sunday and we feel like we did a good job of that.

“All that stuff really gets thrown away tomorrow. It doesn’t matter who you’re racing, whether you’re one, 16, or somewhere in between, anybody can win, especially in today’s Top Fuel class. But it speaks volumes of the guys that we have, they like qualifying number one. So, great job all the way around by our group.”

Antron Brown qualified second with a 3.755 at 333.33 and Stewart is third, going 3.755 at 327.11.

For the second straight race, Daniel Wilkerson found success on Saturday, winning the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge on consecutive weekends, this time beating points leader Austin Prock in the final round of the specialty race with a run of 4.151 at 305.56 in his 12,000-horsepower Scag Power Equipment Ford Mustang.

Both of these wins have come in warm conditions, but Wilkerson and his team, led by his dad, crew chief Tim Wilkerson, have navigated it well, picking up the bonus purse and valuable championship bonus points. He took out both John Force Racing drivers on Saturday, defeating Jack Beckman earlier in the day before driving past Prock in the final round.

“It’s exciting and it almost compounds because I knew this race car we’ve got has been in there the whole time,” Wilkerson said. “This is really important and now for this team, having not won anything ourselves yet since I took over driving, these wins are a serious morale boost and a serious confidence boost.

“Getting to run on Saturday, actually, I think it’s starting to help me a little bit, too. On Sunday, for whatever reason, it is different. The feeling in the atmosphere is different. Everything’s different. So, to get to practice racing is going to help me a lot.”

Funny Car’s Cruz Pedregon earned his first No. 1 qualifier in more than two years thanks to Friday’s impressive run of 3.890 at 318.39 in his 12,000-horsepower Snap-On Makers and Fixers Dodge Hellcat.

That run handed the two-time world champion his 65th career No. 1 qualifier, but the first since early in the 2023 season. He’ll open eliminations against Buddy Hull, as the veteran is looking for his first win since the final race of the 2022 campaign.

“It really means a lot to the team and to all of our sponsors, you get to say you’re number one before the race. So, yeah, it was we enjoyed it,” Pedregon said. “I’m confident we’ll get our heads together and make the right adjustments. We’re starting to get there and there’s nothing like turn on win lights on Sundays.”

Points leader and defending world champion Prock qualified second with a 3.900 at 331.28 and Bristol winner Ron Capps took third after going 3.908 at 325.06 on Friday.

In Pro Stock, Matt Hartford defeated Greg Anderson in the final round of the GETTRX Pro Stock All-Star Callout, going 6.609 at 207.88 in his Total Seal Chevrolet Camaro. Anderson qualified No. 1 thanks to Friday’s 6.594 at 206.78.

Gaige Herrera won the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge in Pro Stock Motorcycle for the third time this season, defeating a red-lighting Angie Smith in the final round of the bonus race with a run of 6.831 at 198.15 on his RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Suzuki.

“I’m thrilled. Yesterday, we were kind of scratching our heads especially after the last two runs. We were here late working on the bikes, just trying to figure out what we needed to do,” Herrera said. “I was actually glad today that on the second round the air got a little worse because it gets us ready for tomorrow.

“Getting the Mission Foods win here for the third time is awesome. It gives me a little cushion and a lot of confidence going in tomorrow.”

Matt Smith was the only provisional No. 1 qualifier to improve on Saturday, going an even better 6.816 at 200.86 on his Denso Auto Parts Buell. It gives the six-time world champion his first No. 1 qualifier of the season and 59th in his career, and plenty of confidence heading into Sunday.

“We ran really good and have all weekend,” Smith said. “We’ve had some strong runs this weekend and I can’t say enough about our team. I mean, I think we qualified five bikes in the top seven, so it’s pretty impressive.

“When the track gets this hot and there’s a lot of humidity in the air, it’s just really hard to get off the line. You want to try to kill it every time, but sometimes you got to back up and just lay one up and that’s kind of what we’re doing, just letting the bike do the work down the racetrack. I feel like we have the best bike from eighth-mile to finish line.”

Herrera’s 6.820 at 199.11 puts him second and John Hall took third with a 6.832 at 199.35.

Eliminations for the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals begin at 11 a.m. ET on Sunday at Summit Motorsports Park.

NORWALK, Ohio — Sunday’s first-round pairings for eliminations for the 19th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals at Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park, the 10th of 20 events in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series. Pairings based on results in qualifying, which ended Saturday. DNQs listed below pairings.

Top Fuel — 1. Justin Ashley, 3.752 seconds, 330.88 mph vs. 16. Scott Farley, 3.973, 257.48; 2. Antron Brown, 3.755, 333.33 vs. 15. Doug Kalitta, 3.953, 294.37; 3. Tony Stewart, 3.755, 327.11 vs. 14. Kyle Wurtzel, 3.895, 305.29; 4. Brittany Force, 3.784, 334.65 vs. 13. Lex Joon, 3.882, 313.73; 5. Shawn Langdon, 3.789, 324.59 vs. 12. Doug Foley, 3.841, 317.49; 6. Steve Torrence, 3.812, 329.34 vs. 11. Shawn Reed, 3.826, 322.42; 7. Dan Mercier, 3.813, 330.15 vs. 10. Clay Millican, 3.823, 324.20; 8. Spencer Massey, 3.816, 319.37 vs. 9. Josh Hart, 3.818, 325.37.

Did Not Qualify: 17. Will Smith, 3.997, 283.85.

Funny Car — 1. Cruz Pedregon, Dodge Charger, 3.890, 318.39 vs. 16. Buddy Hull, Charger, 4.127, 276.75; 2. Austin Prock, Chevy Camaro, 3.900, 331.28 vs. 15. Dale Creasy Jr., Charger, 4.087, 312.57; 3. Ron Capps, Toyota GR Supra, 3.908, 325.06 vs. 14. Paul Lee, Charger, 4.079, 306.26; 4. Jack Beckman, Camaro, 3.913, 321.35 vs. 13. Chad Green, Ford Mustang, 4.072, 311.56; 5. Matt Hagan, Charger, 3.926, 329.67 vs. 12. J.R. Todd, GR Supra, 4.061, 322.50; 6. Alexis DeJoria, Charger, 3.960, 327.11 vs. 11. Dave Richards, Mustang, 4.040, 317.19; 7. Hunter Green, Charger, 3.972, 322.50 vs. 10. Bob Tasca III, Mustang, 4.012, 322.73; 8. Daniel Wilkerson, Mustang, 3.997, 321.50 vs. 9. Spencer Hyde, Mustang, 4.005, 314.97.

Did Not Qualify: 17. Julie Nataas, 4.148, 294.11; 18. Chris King, 4.267, 249.72; 19. Bobby Bode, 4.386, 205.19; 20. Mike McIntire, 4.927, 173.14; 21. Joe Morrison, 5.248, 147.04.

Pro Stock — 1. Greg Anderson, Chevy Camaro, 6.594, 207.30 vs. 16. Derrick Reese, Ford Mustang, 6.721, 203.98; 2. Dallas Glenn, Camaro, 6.596, 207.37 vs. 15. Val Smeland, Camaro, 6.703, 204.82; 3. Matt Hartford, Camaro, 6.603, 207.88 vs. 14. Chris McGaha, Camaro, 6.652, 207.59; 4. Greg Stanfield, Camaro, 6.613, 206.73 vs. 13. Mason McGaha, Camaro, 6.650, 207.53; 5. Cory Reed, Camaro, 6.616, 208.17 vs. 12. Troy Coughlin Jr., Camaro, 6.640, 205.32; 6. Eric Latino, Camaro, 6.619, 206.45 vs. 11. Deric Kramer, Camaro, 6.632, 209.07; 7. Cody Coughlin, Camaro, 6.626, 206.57 vs. 10. Jeg Coughlin, Camaro, 6.631, 205.66; 8. Aaron Stanfield, Camaro, 6.626, 207.05 vs. 9. Erica Enders, Camaro, 6.630, 206.95.

Pro Stock Motorcycle — 1. Matt Smith, Buell, 6.816, 200.86 vs. Bye; 2. Gaige Herrera, Suzuki, 6.820, 199.11 vs. 13. Odolph Daniels, Suzuki, 7.336, 182.85; 3. John Hall, Beull, 6.832, 199.35 vs. 12. Wesley Wells, Suzuki, 7.233, 183.69; 4. Angie Smith, Buell, 6.839, 198.32 vs. 11. Chris Bostick, Suzuki, 6.970, 193.32; 5. Richard Gadson, Suzuki, 6.853, 197.28 vs. 10. Chase Van Sant, Suzuki, 6.922, 195.76; 6. Ron Tornow, Victory, 6.862, 197.88 vs. 9. Marc Ingwersen, EBR, 6.901, 192.99; 7. Jianna Evaristo, Buell, 6.886, 199.08 vs. 8. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 6.891, 195.05.

NORWALK, Ohio — Saturday’s final results from of the Mission #2fast2Tasty Challenge and GETTRX Pro Stock All-Star Callout from the 19th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals at Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park.

GETTRX Pro Stock All-Star Callout — Matt Hartford, Chevy Camaro, 6.609, 207.88 def. Greg Anderson, Camaro, 6.652, 207.30.

Top Fuel Challenge — Doug Kalitta, 3.953 seconds, 294.37 mph def. Tony Stewart, 11.598 seconds, 72.03 mph.

Funny Car Challenge — Daniel Wilkerson, Ford Mustang, 4.151, 305.56 def. Austin Prock, Chevy Camaro, 5.015, 155.11.

Pro Stock Motorcycle Challenge — Gaige Herrera, Suzuki, 6.831, 198.15 def. Angie Smith, Buell, Foul – Red Light.

NORWALK, Ohio — GETTRX Pro Stock All-Star Callout and Mission #2fast2Tasty Challenge final round-by-round results from the 19th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals at Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park.

GETTRX PRO STOCK ALL-STAR CALLOUT:

ROUND ONE — Jeg Coughlin, Chevy Camaro, 6.637, 205.44 def. Aaron Stanfield, Camaro, 6.647, 204.82; Matt Hartford, Camaro, 6.615, 206.89 def. Eric Latino, Camaro, 6.653, 204.60; Dallas Glenn, Camaro, 6.596, 206.92 def. Troy Coughlin Jr., Camaro, 6.646, 204.63; Greg Anderson, Camaro, 6.587, 205.98 def. Erica Enders, Camaro, 6.600, 205.54;

SEMIFINALS — M. Hartford, 6.603, 207.82 def. D. Glenn, 6.611, 207.18; G. Anderson, 6.611, 206.80 def. J.

Coughlin, 7.038, 158.11;

FINAL — M. Hartford, 6.609, 207.88 def. G. Anderson, 6.652, 207.30.

TOP FUEL CHALLENGE:

ROUND ONE — Tony Stewart, 4.601, 167.05 def. Shawn Langdon, Foul – Red Light; Doug Kalitta, 4.384, 186.05 def. Justin Ashley, 6.300, 97.12;

FINAL — D. Kalitta, 3.953, 294.37 def. T. Stewart, 11.598, 72.03.

FUNNY CAR CHALLENGE:

ROUND ONE — Daniel Wilkerson, Ford Mustang, 4.275, 218.94 def. Jack Beckman, Chevy Camaro, 4.500, 192.60; Austin Prock, Camaro, 4.130, 244.83 def. J.R. Todd, Toyota GR Supra, 4.764, 172.21;

FINAL — D. Wilkerson, 4.151, 305.56 def. A. Prock, 5.015, 155.11.

PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE CHALLENGE:

ROUND ONE — Angie Smith, Buell, 6.839, 198.32 def. Richard Gadson, Suzuki, Broke; Gaige Herrera, Suzuki, 6.820, 199.11 def. Matt Smith, Buell, 6.816, 200.86;

FINAL — G. Herrera, 6.831, 198.15 def. A. Smith, Foul – Red Light.

Niece Motorsports NCTS Race Recap: Lime Rock Park

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Official Release
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NIECE MOTORSPORTS
NCTS RACE RECAP: LIME ROCK PARK
Event: LiUNA! 150 (100 laps / 147.8 miles)
Round: 15 of 25 (Regular Season)
Track: Lime Rock Park
Location: Lakeville, Connecticut
Date & Time: Saturday, June 28 | 1:00 PM ET

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

Start: 21st
Stage 1: 23rd
Stage 2: 24th
Finish: 26th
Driver Points: 19th
Owner Points: 24th

Key Takeaway: Matt Mills and the No. 42 team fought hard all afternoon at Lime Rock, but lost all their track position after going off course at the end of the race. Mills started the 100-lap event in 21st, and battled a tight-handling truck in the opening two stages. After making wholesale changes to the setup ahead of the final stage, the J.F. Electric Chevy gained speed. Unfortunately for Mills, once he locked up the brakes and slid off in turn one, his results were shot down, finishing in 26th.

Matt Mills’ Post-Race Thoughts:

“By the end there, I felt like we made up some ground. The first two stages, we were struggling being really tight. The third stage, we actually made some adjustments that seemed to really make the truck react to it a lot better. Turn one just kept kicking my butt all weekend. I went off once in practice and three more times in the race and then back. The third time we got stuck. We couldn’t get pulled out and lost a couple of laps, and that just kind of killed our day. It was so hard to pass, but I felt like we don’t have that moment, we’re right there with the No. 44. We were running with them all day. I should have ended up the top 10, but we’ll just move onto IRP.”

About J.F. Electric: J.F. Electric is an electrical contractor that provides engineering expertise, backed by construction and installation know-how in a diverse range of service offerings, from utilities and commercial projects, to industrial and telecommunications customers. When having a long family history in an industry, a company not only builds on its knowledge and experience, it takes pride in cultivating a solid understanding of client needs, all the while nurturing strong relationships with its employees. Evolving through five generations of the Fowler family, J.F. Electric has matured into a well-managed and thoughtfully diversified electrical contractor which is poised to continue its growth and expansion into the future.

About Utilitra: Utilitra is a woman-owned firm specializing in utility and technology solutions with a diverse team of specialized professionals. Utilitra is committed to solving their client’s unique challenges, whether one expert or a team of experts is needed. By adapting to the needs of their respective industries, Utilitra has built a range of services for their utility and technology partners.

No. 44 Trim-Tex Drywall Solutions Chevrolet Silverado RST
Driver: Josh Bilicki | Crew Chief: Wally Rogers

Start: 18th
Stage 1: 21st
Stage 2: 18th
Finish: 7th
Driver Points: N/A
Owner Points: 17th

Key Takeaway: Josh Bilicki and the No. 44 team successfully parlayed a mid-range day into a top-10 finish. Bilicki qualified 18th and noted that his truck lacked front end grip in the opening two stages, but the team made big swings on adjustments to make it better. Not afraid to think outside the box, Wally Rogers called for a four-tire pit stop with five laps left in the race. Once chaos ensued on the opening lap, Bilicki maneuvered his way around the carnage to sneak away in seventh-place.

Josh Bilicki’s Post-Race Thoughts:

Interviewer: You made a nice run in the final five laps to finish seventh out here today. The key was that final caution out there for you. You guys came in, took some fresh tires. What was it like over the final five laps out there?

“Yeah, we needed that. You know, we made a lot of changes throughout the race and still were tight. We were probably a 15th-place race car. It was hard to pass, so we were running in 19th when that caution came out. We were the first ones to come in, so props to Wally (Rogers) and our guys to making that call because that saved our race. We were the first ones on fresh tires, so I kind of knew that we’d get a good restart, but I didn’t expect to go from 19th to seventh in a lap.

We definitely could have had more there at the end, but I’m not the guy to go run over people. But we were definitely fast and in the game. We were faster than the next couple trucks in front of us. I played it smart, because if I move these guys and they come back on track behind me, who’s to say they’re not going to move me back and we go from sixth to 20th? So, I just wanted to play smart; It was a good point to say for us. Again, props to these guys for making that call because I don’t think we would have gotten to seventh had not happened.”

About Trim-Tex: Trim-Tex Drywall Solutions, a world recognized manufacturer of drywall corner bead and accessories, is no stranger to the motorsports industry. Along with their CEO, Joe Koenig, Trim-Tex has been involved in the motorsports industry as a sponsor, team owner, and a competitor for nearly three decades.

About Lemons of Love: Lemons of Love is a nonprofit organization that delivers care packages to individuals undergoing cancer treatment to provide comfort and support. Each package is thoughtfully filled with items that help ease the side effects of chemotherapy and remind recipients they’re not alone. In addition to care packages, Lemons of Love offers free programs and resources to build community and spread hope.

No. 45 DQS Solutions & Staffing Chevrolet Silverado RST
Driver: Kaden Honeycutt | Crew Chief: Phil Gould

Start: 6th
Stage 1: 6th
Stage 2: 6th
Finish: 12th
Driver Points: 5th
Owner Points: 5th

Key Takeaway: Kaden Honeycutt and the No. 45 team had impressive speed all throughout the day in Lime Rock, but were collected in a crash on the final restart. Honeycutt started sixth and finished there in both stages, earning a total of 10 extra points. The team appeared to be en route to a top-five there at the end, but were punted off the race track and had to settle back in 12th-place.

Kaden Honeycutt’s Post-Race Thoughts:

“We were pretty solid the whole day, man. We were in fifth to sixth all day and I couldn’t be more proud of my team. I’m proud of Phil, everyone at Niece Motorsports, DQS, Precision, AutoVentive, J.F. Electric, and Utilitra. I just got cleaned out on the last restart. We’re running top-five all the way going to turn one, and the end was just a typical truck road course race. You just get plowed into, and this stuff happens. Thankfully, we finished sixth in both stages and got points and finished 12th. So, it wasn’t a terrible day, but I put a lot of time and effort into this, and to not have the result like we were supposed to, it’s really frustrating. Going onto IRP, we got some weeks off for my guys to go and chill and just have a good couple weeks to themselves and come back swinging. Only three races left to keep in the Playoffs.”

About DQS Solutions & Staffing: Guided by a mission to achieve excellence and adaptability, DQS partners with clients to create custom solutions that address unique business challenges. Recognized as Michigan’s fastest-growing company and #22 in the nation on the Inc. 5000 list, DQS drives industry growth while giving back through its nonprofit, Foundation for Pops, and partnerships like the River Rouge School District.

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

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

HARTFORD DEFEATS ANDERSON, WINS GETTRX PRO STOCK ALL-STAR CALLOUT AT SUMMIT MOTORSPORTS PARK

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Official Release
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Matt Hartford

NORWALK, Ohio (June 28, 2025) – Pro Stock’s Matt Hartford avenged last year’s final-round defeat and picked up his first victory in the GETTRX Pro Stock All-Star Callout on Saturday at Summit Motorsports Park, defeating reigning world champion Greg Anderson in the final round of the bonus race as part of this weekend’s 19th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals.

In a rematch of last year’s final round in the bonus race, which Anderson won, Hartford led wire-to-wire this time, going 6.609-seconds at 207.88 mph in his Total Seal Chevrolet Camaro to knock off the points leader and claim the $40,000 prize.

It was a thrilling moment for Hartford, who left first on Anderson and never trailed en route to a massive victory in the bonus race, which took place at Norwalk for the first time.

“First of all, let’s just be clear, this is (Bill) Bader country here. He has the best track in the country, he has the best staff, the best people, everything about this facility is top notch, so to come here and be able to race is just a great feeling,” Hartford said. “To be able to win here is even better. We beat (Eric) Latino, Dallas Glenn and Greg Anderson – three really tough competitors who all have the same power that we have.”

Hartford called out KB Titan Racing teammate Eric Latino for the opening-round matchup and defeated him with a run of 6.615 at 206.89. After Anderson went 6.587 at 205.98 to defeat six-time world champion Erica Enders, Anderson called out Jeg Coughlin Jr., leaving a standout matchup between Hartford and Glenn.

Anderson took down Coughlin with 6.611 at 206.80, while Hartford went a better 6.603 at 207.82 to defeat Glenn and set up the final round. He put together another strong run against Anderson and will now try to sweep the weekend on Sunday.

“These conditions are very difficult. It’s just when you have that big ball of fire in the sky shining down like it is, it makes it very tricky for everybody,” Hartford said. “We made some really good calls today. We ran consistent and I think that’s what it’s going to take for tomorrow. We won this race two years ago and we were consistent in qualifying. If we can go out and be consistent on a tree and make good laps, you know, we’re looking for a long day tomorrow.”

Anderson ended up with the No. 1 qualifier in Pro Stock thanks to Friday’s 6.594 at 206.78. It is his fourth No. 1 spot of the season, giving him a chance to add to a season that has already included four wins.

“Obviously, a great thing to have a number one qualifier going into Sunday,” Anderson said. “The final round of the Callout didn’t go the way we wanted. I had a good run going today, until I didn’t.

“It just didn’t get a hold of anything in low gear and it went left real hard, got on the center line, and I was all over the racetrack trying to get it straight. I’m telling you, anybody in the class can beat anybody and Matt slapped me around like he slapped me around pretty much every Saturday this year.”

Glenn qualified second with a 6.596 at 207.15 and Hartford took third with a 6.604.

Eliminations for the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals begin at 11 a.m. ET on Sunday at Summit Motorsports Park.

Heim dominates at Lime Rock Park

By
SM Staff
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Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images

Corey Heim dominated the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Lime Rock Park on Saturday. He started on the pole and led 99 of 100 laps on the 1.478-mile road course en route to his fifth victory of the 2025 season.

Heim, driver of the No. 11 TRICON Garage Toyota, posted the fastest lap of 54.941 seconds and swept both stages.

This was also Heim’s third consecutive Truck Series road-course win, and the 16th victory of his career. He becomes the youngest driver in Truck Series history to score 16 victories.

“Yeah, that was nothing short of incredible,” Heim said. “These road courses—I really look forward to them, pre-event and whatnot, and I really prepare for them, so to see all that pay off with (sponsor) Safelite, TRICON, Toyota, it’s super special. Obviously, the truck was so good today. I can’t complain one bit about that. A flawless day, and we will take that and move forward, and try, and collect some wins that we should have had this year.”

Ty Majeski finished 1.381 seconds behind Heim.

“Honestly, we struggled with the truck a little bit to fire off,” Majeski said. “We kept getting it better progressively each and every run. So, got it close at the end, had a shot at Corey and probably got a little over-zealous in Turn 4, hit the curb and kind of ruined my shot to make him at least a little nervous and try to force him into a mistake.”

Rookie Giovanni Ruggiero ran third, Ben Rhodes fourth, and Cam Waters rounded out the top five.

The race featured three caution flags for 13 laps, and two lead changes among two drivers (Layne Riggs and Heim).

After Lime Rock Park, Corey Heim leads the Truck Series standings by 144 points over Chandler Smith, 165 over Layne Riggs, 176 over Daniel Hemric, and 199 over Kaden Honeycutt.

Next, the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series heads to Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park for the TSport 200 on Friday, July 25 at 8:00 pm ET on FS1.

NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Race Number 15
Race Results for the LIUNA 150 – Saturday, June 28, 2025
Lime Rock Park – Lakeville, CT – 1.478 – Mile Paved
Total Race Length – 100 Laps – 147.8 Miles

FinStNoDriverS1S2S3PointsStatus
1111Corey Heim11061Running
2498Ty Majeski97041Running
31217Giovanni Ruggiero #00034Running
41999Ben Rhodes00033Running
51666Cam Waters00032Running
6938Chandler Smith75041Running
71844Josh Bilicki(i)0000Running
851Brent Crews40036Running
91119Daniel Hemric00028Running
101518Tyler Ankrum00027Running
11149Grant Enfinger010027Running
12645Kaden Honeycutt66035Running
13334Layne Riggs22042Running
142415Tanner Gray00023Running
15137Thomas Annunziata(i)10800Running
16881Connor Mosack #54034Running
171077Andres Perez De Lara #00020Running
18202Ben Maier00019Running
192388Matt Crafton00018Running
2027Jordan Taylor33033Running
21771Rajah Caruth89021Running
223491Jack Wood00015Running
232252Stewart Friesen00014Running
241713Jake Garcia00013Running
252756Timmy Hill00012Running
262142Matt Mills00011Running
27292William Lambros00010Running
283033Frankie Muniz #0009Running
29285Toni Breidinger #0008Running
302526Dawson Sutton #0007Running
313276Spencer Boyd0006Running
323132Dale Quarterley0005Electrical
333362Wesley Slimp0004Ignition
342622Alex Labbe(i)0000Rear Gear

Toyota GAZOO Racing – NCTS Lime Rock Post-Race Report – 06.28.25

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Official Release
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HEIM LEADS NEARLY EVERY LAP ON HIS WAY TO VICTORY AT LIME ROCK
The Toyota Development Driver earns a series-record third consecutive road-course victory

LAKEVILLE, Conn. (June 28, 2025) – Corey Heim had a dominate performance at Lime Rock Park as the Georgia-native won the pole, led 99 of 100 laps and scored his fifth victory of the season. It is Heim’s third consecutive Truck Series road-course win, and the 16th victory of his career. He is the youngest driver in Truck Series history to score 16 victories.

Fellow Toyota Development Drivers Gio Ruggiero and Brent Crews had strong performances as well. Ruggiero, a New England-native, drove through the field on the final restart to finish third, while Brent Crews followed a top-five qualifying effort with an eighth-place finish in just his second Truck Series start.

Toyota GAZOO Racing Post-Race Recap
NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series (NCTS)
Lime Rock Park
Race 15 of 23 – 147.8 Miles, 100 Laps

TOYOTA FINISHING POSITIONS

1st, COREY HEIM
2nd, Grant Enfinger*
3rd, GIO RUGGIERO
4th, Ben Rhodes*
5th, Cam Waters*
8th, BRENT CREWS
14th, TANNER GRAY
23rd, STEWART FRIESEN
25th, TIMMY HILL
29th, TONI BREIDINGER
33rd, WESLEY SLIMP
*non-Toyota driver

TOYOTA QUOTES

COREY HEIM, No. 11 Safelite Toyota Tundra TRD Pro, TRICON Garage

Finishing Position: 1st

What can you say about that performance?

“Yeah, that was nothing short of incredible. These road courses – I really look forward to them, pre-event and what not, and I really prepare for them, so to see all that pay off with Safelite, TRICON, Toyota – it is super special. Obviously, the truck was so good today – I can’t complain one bit about that. A flawless day and we will take that move forward and try and collect some wins that we should have had this year.”

GIO RUGGIERO, No. 17 First Auto Group Toyota Tundra TRD Pro, TRICON Garage

Finishing Position: 3rd

Solid finish today, Gio. Can you tell us about your race?

“I feel like it was a long race for us. It was super hard to pass the whole time. I didn’t have track position. We tried working on our First Auto Group Tundra and made it a little bit better but just struggled being tight. That last restart there – I got to pick the bottom, I was pretty happy about that because I knew that they were going to do something crazy going into (turn) one, and obviously everyone got in the grass going down the frontstretch, and it is hard to slow down when you are in the grass, so I think they just got in there too deep and all tried to win with five to go. Everyone just washed up the track, and I just stayed out of the mess, and got to third. I think I had a good enough truck and good speed to hang with the 98 (Ty Majeski) for the last three or four laps but couldn’t really catch them. Was struggling being a little bit tight. Learned a ton, and ready to go get them at the next one.”

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in North America for nearly 70 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our more than 1,800 dealerships.

Toyota directly employs nearly 64,000 people in North America who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 49 million cars and trucks at our 14 manufacturing plants. In spring 2025, Toyota’s plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, Toyota currently offers 31 electrified options.

For more information about Toyota, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.

Sanchez wins the Xfinity Series Focused Health 250 at EchoPark Speedway

By
SM Staff
-
Photo by John Knittel for SpeedwayMedia.com

Nick Sanchez held off Carson Kvapil by 0.139 seconds in the final seven laps to secure his first NASCAR Xfinity Series victory in Friday night’s Focused Health 250 at EchoPark Speedway.

The 24-year-old from Miami, Florida, overcame a spin through the frontstretch grass on lap 68, caution flags, race chaos, and inclement weather delays to win and earn a berth in the Xfinity Series Playoffs.

Sanchez’s win marks Big Machine Racing’s second Xfinity Series team victory.

“A weight is lifted off my shoulder, and now we can just go chase checkered flags,” said Sanchez. He continued, “I think we just have super strong cars here at Big Machine Racing that do a great job at the race track, and I feel like when we come here, it’s not me. I just got it done tonight and I’m happy to drive fast cars here.”

Lightning forced NASCAR to halt the race after 36 laps, which delayed the race one hour and 18 minutes.

Carson Kvapil, who started from the rear of the field after unapproved adjustments, held on to second place in his No. 1 JR Motorsports Chevrolet.

“To be that close really does sting,” said Kvapil, “I couldn’t really generate a run there. I didn’t feel like we had enough cars nose-to-tail and organized. We were all kind of just too far away from each other.

He explained, “I tried backing up on the last lap, and I probably could have made a move earlier. I just felt like, if we got side-by-side, we’d get swallowed up by somebody.”

Sam Mayer finished third, Connor Zilisch fourth for his sixth straight in the series, and Taylor Gray rounded out the top five.

The race featured nine caution flags for 58 laps and 12 lead changes among nine drivers.

After EchoPark Speedway, Justin Allgaier leads the series standings by 63 over Sam Mayer, 76 over Austin Hill, 83 over Jesse Love, and 98 over Connor Zilisch.

Next, the Xfinity Series heads to Chicago, Illinois, for the Chicago Street Race on Saturday, July 5, at 4:30 pm ET on CW.

NASCAR Xfinity Series Race – Focused Health 250
EchoPark Speedway in Hampton, Georgia
|Friday, June 27, 2025

FinStNoDriverS1S2S3PointsStatus
11148Nick Sanchez #47051Running
2241Carson Kvapil #92046Running
3341Sam Mayer20043Running
4688Connor Zilisch #60038Running
5754Taylor Gray #10042Running
652Jesse Love03039Running
71019Aric Almirola00030Running
82210Daniel Dye #30037Running
92128Kyle Sieg08031Running
102651Jeremy Clements00027Running
112926Dean Thompson #56037Running
121970Leland Honeyman80028Running
13925Harrison Burton00024Running
14420Brandon Jones01033Running
153399Matt DiBenedetto104030Running
162727Jeb Burton00021Running
173244Brennan Poole75030Running
183435Joey Gase00019Running
191716Christian Eckes #00018Running
203745Mason Massey00017Running
212871Ryan Ellis010017Running
221531Blaine Perkins09017Running
233614Garrett Smithley00014Running
24357Nick Leitz00013Running
25315Kris Wright00012Running
26221Austin Hill00012Running
273853Mason Maggio00010Running
28891CJ McLaughlin0009Accident
292542Anthony Alfredo0008Accident
301339Ryan Sieg0007DVP
31167Justin Allgaier0006Accident
3210Sheldon Creed0005Accident
33148Sammy Smith0004Accident
342332Katherine Legge(i)0000Accident
352024Patrick Staropoli0002Accident
361218William Sawalich #0001Accident
37184Parker Retzlaff0001Accident
383011Josh Williams0001Accident

Nick Sanchez scores first Xfinity Series wins in wild Focused Health 250

By
Official Release
-
Nick Sanchez celebrates his win in the Focused Health 250 on June 28, 2025. (Photo credit: Harold Hinson Photography)

HAMPTON, Ga. (June 28, 2025) – Nick Sanchez conquered the Focused Health 250 early Saturday morning, overcoming chaos, cautions, and weather delays to earn his first career NASCAR Xfinity Series victory at EchoPark Speedway.

The 24-year-old rookie wheeled his No. 48 Big Machine Racing Chevrolet through a race that was stalled both by cautions and inclement weather, ultimately holding off Carson Kvapil and Sam Mayer in a spirited spring to the checkered flag. Kvapil and Mayer finished 2nd and 3rd, respectively.

“I’m gonna be honest, this is all just a reminder of my 2023 debut in a truck,” said Sanchez. “I spun and I finished second; this year, I spun and I won, so that’s awesome.”

Starting 11th, Sanchez methodically worked his way through the field amidst a race filled with attrition. Several of Sanchez’s competitors fell out of contention in incidents that caused nine cautions and constant shuffling of the running order.

Sanchez’s night was not without incident though. A spin on Lap 96 shuffled his No. 48 Chevrolet back in the field. While he wasn’t in the top mix through the opening two stages, the penultimate caution with 25 laps remaining set the stage for Sanchez’s late-race charge.

He lined up on the front row for the restart and powered into the lead with 17 to go. Jesse Love and Sanchez swapped the top spot over the next several laps, racing side-by-side in a thrilling duel. Just as it looked like Love might seize control of the race, a Lap 153 caution bunched the field once more and set up a 10-lap dash to the finish.

On the restart, Sanchez held the outside lane with Love to his inside and Kvapil and Zilisch looming behind. Love briefly cleared the field for the lead, but Sanchez responded immediately, retaking the lead as the final laps wound down.

With four laps to go, the field closed in once more. Aric Almirola made one last charge to the inside, but Sanchez defended the move and began to stretch his advantage. On the final lap, he pulled away just enough to survive a final charge from Kvapil, crossing the finish line 0.139 seconds ahead to capture his first Xfinity win and lock himself into the postseason.

“A weight is lifted off my shoulder, and now we can just go chase checkered flags,” said Sanchez. “I think we just have super strong cars here at Big Machine Racing that do a great job at the race track and I feel like when we come here, it’s not me – I just got it done tonight, and I’m happy to drive fast cars here.”

Sanchez’s win marks Big Machine Racing’s second Xfinity Series victory as a team, following Tyler Reddick’s part-time tenure with the organization in 2022.

Kvapil (No. 1 JR Motorsports Chevrolet), Mayer (No. 41 Haas Factory Team Ford), Zilisch (No. 88 JR Motorsports Chevrolet) and Gray (No. 54 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota) all rounded out the top five. Zilisch’s top-five finish is his sixth straight in the series.

For fans there’s still one more opportunity this weekend to enjoy intense side-by-side racing. Tickets are still available for Sunday’s Quaker State 400 NASCAR Cup Series race at www.EchoParkSpeedway.com.

About the Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart:

Atlanta’s Night Race returns with the Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart on Saturday night, June 28, 2025. Sparks will fly as NASCAR’s best duel under the lights on EchoPark Speedway’s challenging high banks.

Adding even higher stakes to the weekend is the first running of NASCAR’s $1 million In-Season Tournament. 32 of NASCAR’s stars will be paired against each other in a bracket-style elimination tournament that begins at EchoPark Speedway.

More information on the Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart weekend and ticket availability can be found online at www.EchoParkSpeedway.com.

About EchoPark Speedway:

EchoPark Speedway is a premier entertainment venue located about 30 miles south of Atlanta, Ga.

Since 1960, EchoPark Speedway has been a staple of the NASCAR calendar and currently hosts two weekends of racing in the spring and fall each year. When NASCAR isn’t in town, EchoPark Speedway’s versatile facility hosts an assortment of events that attract visitors from near and far, from Monster Jam to the Georgia State Fair and everything between.

For more information on EchoPark Speedway and to see upcoming events at the facility, visit www.EchoParkSpeedway.com.

Kaulig Racing Race Recap | Focused Health 250

By
Official Release
-

No. 10 broauto Chevrolet

Start: 22nd
Stage 1 Finish: 3rd
Stage 2 Finish: 25th
Finish: 8th

Avoiding the first major caution, Daniel Dye raced to 13th place before the caution flag was displayed on lap 34 for weather. When the field went back to green, Dye was in seventh place, avoiding another caution on the restart. Dye made it through unscathed and finished the opening stage in third place as it ended under caution. After pitting during the stage break, Dye restarted from 14th and sat 11th, before he was hooked in the right rear, bringing out the next caution on lap 80. The No. 10 team made repairs under caution, and Dye restarted in 22nd place. The field did not complete a lap when the next caution came out, ending the second stage under yellow, and Dye was scored 25th. He started the final stage from 24th place. When the caution flag came back out on lap 125, Dye elected to stay out, restarting from ninth place with 33 laps remaining. Staying out through a late caution, Dye fought to finish eighth, his sixth top-10 finish of the season.

“Another solid top 10 for this Kaulig Racing team. I felt like this No. 10 bproauto Chevy was fast running around fifth all day. Once we got that damage, it was tough; We had to come all the way from the back and drove our way back up into the top 10. We’ll continue trying to click off days like this.” – Daniel Dye

No. 16 Campers Inn RV Mobile Medic Chevrolet

Start: 17th
Stage 1 Finish: —
Stage 2 Finish: 26th
Finish: 19th

On lap four, Christian Eckes was involved in a wreck that caused severe damage to the right front and rear bumper of the No. 16 Campers Inn RV Mobile Medic Chevrolet. He pitted several times under caution, as the team fixed the damage, keeping Eckes on the lead lap. He restarted in 33rd on lap 15 and was back in the top 20 by lap 23. The caution flag came back out on lap 34 for weather, and the field was red flagged. When the yellow flag reappeared, Eckes did not pit, while the majority of cars ahead of him pitted. He restarted in ninth with five laps remaining in Stage 1, but a wreck on the restart brought the caution back out. Eckes was trapped between two cars, damaging the No. 16 even further, as the stage finished under caution. During the stage break, Eckes pitted multiple times for repairs and received a penalty for too many crew members over the wall. He was held for two laps, restarting from 27th place. Eckes sat in 26th and in the free-pass position when the caution flag came back out on lap 80, giving him one lap back. The field went back to green with four laps remaining in the stage but did not complete a lap before the next caution came out. Eckes steered clear of the wreck, once again sitting in the free-pass position. He was scored 26th, as the second stage ended under caution. Eckes pitted during the stage break for his final set of sticker tires and started the final stage back on the lead lap in 22nd place. Crew chief Alex Yontz reminded Eckes to be mindful of the damage but to “get what he can,” and Eckes did just that, maintaining position when a debris caution came out with 12 to go. Deciding it would be beneficial to make an adjustment, Eckes pitted for a chassis adjustment before restarting in 22nd with seven laps to go. After a trying day, he fought back with a 19th-place finish.

“It was an adversity-filled race that really showed the grit of this No. 16 team. A misjudgment on my part gave us some damage and set us back early. Fortunately, some luck fell our way, and we were able to catch a little bit of a break to get back on the lead lap. I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry at one point, but I couldn’t be more proud of this team to claw our way back.” – Christian Eckes

No. 11 Alloy Employer Services Chevrolet

Start: 30th
Stage 1 Finish: 38th
Stage 2 Finish: 38th
Finish: 38th

After a weather delay of close to an hour, the green flag flew at EchoPark Speedway with Josh Williams gaining nine spots in the opening lap. On lap four, Williams was involved in a wreck in turn four that terminally damaged the No. 11 Alloy Employer Services Chevy, ending his day. He finished 38th.

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.

Toyota GAZOO Racing – NXS Atlanta Post-Race Report – 06.28.25

By
Official Release
-

GRAY SCORES STAGE WIN, ADDS ANOTHER TOP-FIVE FINISH
Toyota drivers sweep stages for first time this season

HAMPTON, Ga. (June 28, 2025) – Taylor Gray (fifth) continued his recent performance surge with his first stage win of the season. The Toyota Development Driver finished fifth to lead Toyota in the multi-time delayed NASCAR Xfinity Series race at EchoPark Speedway outside of Atlanta, which ran into the early hours on Saturday morning. With Gray and his teammate, Brandon Jones, winning the stages, Toyota drivers swept the stages for the first time this season.

Toyota GAZOO Racing Post-Race Recap
NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS)
EchoPark Speedway
Race 17 of 33 – 251.02 miles, 163 laps

TOYOTA FINISHING POSITIONS

1st, Nick Sanchez*
2nd, Carson Kvapil*
3rd, Sam Mayer*
4th, Connor Zilisch*
5th, TAYLOR GRAY
7th, ARIC ALMIROLA
11th, DEAN THOMPSON
14th, BRANDON JONES
35th, PATRICK STAROPOLI
36th, WILLIAM SAWALICH
*non-Toyota driver

TOYOTA QUOTES

TAYLOR GRAY, No. 54 Operation 300 Toyota GR Supra, Joe Gibbs Racing

Finishing Position: 5th

I know you had a fast car, and you were up there in the end. What moves do you think could you have done differently?

“Just not losing my track position late there in stage three. We would have definitely been better off not losing it and then had to fight back up there to regain it and put myself back in position. I don’t know necessarily what different moves I would have made. I was kind of getting knocked around when I lost it. I thought I wrecked into (turn) three and was able to save it, but I don’t know. I need to go back and look and see what moves I would make. I’m sure there are some. Overall, solid day for our Joe Gibbs Racing team. I felt like we brought a really fast Operation 300 Toyota GR Supra – as fast as Xfinity Mobile – just need things to work out better there in the end.”

WILLIAM SAWALICH, No. 18 Soundgear Toyota GR Supra, Joe Gibbs Racing

Finishing Position: 36th

What happened from your perspective?

“Just nowhere to go. We had a good Soundgear GR Supra, but I don’t know. It is what it is. The track was really slick, and I didn’t have any grip there in the first few laps, so I was kind of struggling with that and got dropped a few spots. It is what it is.”

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in North America for nearly 70 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our more than 1,800 dealerships.

Toyota directly employs nearly 64,000 people in North America who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 49 million cars and trucks at our 14 manufacturing plants. In spring 2025, Toyota’s plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, Toyota currently offers 31 electrified options.

For more information about Toyota, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.

RCR NXS Race Recap: Atlanta Motor Speedway

By
Official Release
-

Jesse Love and the No. 2 Roland Chevrolet Team Earn Strong Sixth-Place Finish Under The Lights at Echo Park Speedway

Finish: 6th
Start: 5th
Points: 4th

“Our No. 2 Roland Chevrolet team survived a couple of early wrecks and still put ourselves in position to have a shot to win tonight at Echo Park Speedway, so hat’s off to Danny Stockman and everyone on the No. 2 team for bringing a fast race car to the track. I made no friends tonight and caused two crashes. I didn’t really expect to have much help at the end. We were in contention at the end of the race, but I chose the top and got passed by six cars and was just toast from there. If I had stuck to the bottom, I think I would have had a fighting chance. It’s a shame, but on the plus side we were able to lead some laps tonight and gain stage points. Our ECR engines run really well on these speedways and have a lot of horsepower. That makes it easier for us when we do have damage, like we did tonight. Overall, good to leave Atlanta with a sixth-place finish.” -Jesse Love

Austin Hill and the No. 21 Bennett Transportation & Logistics Chevrolet Team Show Perseverance After Early Mechanical Issue

Finish: 26th
Start: 2nd
Points: 3rd

“Such a bummer to have our race decided before it really even got started. Our Bennett Transportation & Logistics Chevrolet had speed and definitely could have had a shot at the win. We showed speed in qualifying and at the start of the race. Unfortunately, shortly into Stage 1, we think something happened with our regulator and it caused the car to cut off at random times. It got so bad that we were forced to pit under green to fix the issue, but in the process, it put us six laps down. After the weather delay, our No. 21 team gave it everything we had but couldn’t get the laps back. I wish we would have been able to lose it by our own doing and not a mechanical issue, but that happens. We will go back to the shop, diagnose the situation, and shift our focus to Chicago.” -Austin Hill

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