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NASCAR at Charlotte Motor Speedway Weekend Schedule

By
SM Staff
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The NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series head to Charlotte Motor Speedway this weekend. The Craftsman Truck Series kicks off the weekend in the Ecosave 200 on Friday at 5:00 p.m. ET on FOX. On Saturday, the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Blue Cross NC 300 begins at 4:00 p.m. ET on the CW Network. Then the Cup Series wraps up the weekend on Sunday in the Bank of America 400 at 3:00 p.m. ET on the USA Network.

Following the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Ecosave 200 on Friday, the Kyle Busch Celebration of Life will take place on the frontstretch. Fans are welcome to sit as close as possible in the grandstands. Guest speakers include Samantha Busch, Joe Gibbs, Kurt Busch, Christopher Bell, Noah Gragson, Daniel Suarez, Kyle Larson, Austin Dillon, and Mike Joy. Ten of Kyle Busch’s most iconic race cars will be displayed on the front stretch along with a drone show. Gifts will be handed to the first 15,000 guests on the way out.

NASCAR Cup Series Notes for Charlotte Motor Speedway:

Bank of America 400

The Charlotte oval previously hosted a Chase race every season, and this season is the first time since 2017 that the Charlotte oval (400-mile) is part of the Chase.

Kyle Larson’s second-place finish at Las Vegas extended his points lead to 40 over Denny Hamlin. After Las Vegas, five drivers gained points on series leader Kyle Larson, with Chase Briscoe gaining the most at 39 points.

Ryan Blaney is the only Chase driver to score stage points in all 10 stages of the five Chase races, and Carson Hocevar is the only driver to have an issue/incident in all five.

Eleven of the last twelve stage winners finished in the top-five, with only Christopher Bell (2024) winning, and ten different drivers won the last 10 races. The pass for the win came in the final six laps in five of the last twelve races.

Joey Logano will be making his 500th career NCS start with Team Penske this weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Notes for Charlotte Motor Speedway:

Blue Cross NC 300

This is the 82nd NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway since the inaugural race in 1982, and Charlotte has hosted an NOAPS race every season since 1982.

After Vegas, Sheldon Creed gained eight points in the series standings and now leads Justin Allgaier by 19 points. Corey Day gained 51 points on the leader, the most of any driver in the Chase.

Creed and Brent Crews (non-Chase) are tied with the best average finish in the Chase with 4.25, and Sam Mayer, Taylor Gray, and Brent Crews (non-Chase) are the only drivers to finish Top 10 in all four Chase races.

Charlotte has featured six last-lap passes for the win, most recently by Kyle Busch, who passed Austin Cindric in May 2020. The driver leading the most laps went on to win the race 44% of the time

JR Motorsports (3) and Hendrick Motorsports (2) combined have won the last five Charlotte races. JR Motorsports won with four of their five cars and six of their 12 drivers this season.

NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Notes for Charlotte Motor Speedway:

Ecosave 200

This is the 25th Truck race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, and this season marks the first time the Charlotte oval will host two Truck Series races and the first time it has been part of the Chase.

Every driver third in points is more than 70 points behind points leader Kaden Honeycutt, who took the lead after the Kansas win. The maximum points available in a race is 76.

Kaden Honeycutt, Layne Riggs and Ty Majeski have earned stage points in all four stages in the Chase.

The Weekend Schedule for Charlotte Motor Speedway:

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9

1:00 PM – 1:50 PM: NCTS PRACTICE
2:05 PM – 3:00 PM: NCTS QUALIFYING (IMPOUND)
4:40 PM: NCTS DRIVER INTRODUCTIONS
5:00 PM: NCTS ECOSAVE 200 RACE (STAGES 30/60/134 LAPS = 201 MILES) ON FOX

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10

10:30 AM – 11:20 AM: NOAPS PRACTICE
11:35 AM – 12:30 PM: NOAPS QUALIFYING (IMPOUND)
1:00 PM 1:50 PM: NCS PRACTICE (IMPOUND) (ALL ENTRIES)
2:05 PM – 3:00 PM: NCS QUALIFYING (IMPOUND)
3:25 PM: NOAPS DRIVER INTRODUCTIONS
4:00 PM: NOAPS BLUE CROSS NC 300 RACE (STAGES 45/90/200 LAPS = 300 MILES) ON THE CW NETWORK

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11

2:35 PM: NCS DRIVER INTRODUCTIONS (PIT ROAD STAGE)
3:00 PM: NCS BANK OF AMERICA 400 RACE (STAGES 80/165/267 LAPS = 400.5 MILES) ON THE USA NETWORK

*All times are Eastern. NASCAR Cup Series (NCS), NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series (NOAPS), NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (NCTS), ARCA Series (AMS)

Community Leaders, Sports Stars, Special Guests Named Dignitaries for Bank of America 400 Weekend

By
Official Release
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● Charlotte Motor Speedway celebrates its 20th anniversary of partnership with Bank of America during NASCAR Weekend; Tom Scrivener, Chief Operations Executive at Bank of America, will serve as Grand Marshal for the Bank of America 400

● NFL Hall of Fame nominee, seven-time Pro Bowler, N.C. State All-American and North Carolina native Torry Holt will serve as Honorary Pace Car Driver for Sunday’s event

● Fans can purchase weekend race tickets online at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com or call 1-800-455-FANS (3267). Kids 12 and under get in for just $10 on Sunday.

CONCORD, N.C. (Oct. 8, 2026) – Charlotte Motor Speedway is gearing up for an exciting Bank of America 400 NASCAR Chase Weekend, Oct. 9-11, featuring a distinguished lineup of community leaders, sports figures and entertainment personalities who will take part in pre-race ceremonies and special on-track moments throughout the weekend.

Sunday’s Bank of America 400 marks the 20th anniversary of the partnership between Bank of America and Charlotte Motor Speedway, making it NASCAR’s fourth-longest active Cup race sponsorship. In recognition of the milestone, Bank of America Chief Operations Executive Tom Scrivener will serve as Grand Marshal for Sunday’s Bank of America 400. A member of the executive management team, Scrivener is responsible for delivering integrated operations solutions for all lines of business, staff support areas and the broader enterprise. He oversees operations teams around the world, including Global Business Services.

One lucky fan will become the Honorary Starter and drop the green flag to start Sunday’s main event, courtesy of Bank of America. In an interactive fan zone display that will carry fans from the start of the race to Victory Lane, fans will have the opportunity to practice waving the green flag for photo opportunities from a replica flag stand. Bank of America will randomly select one fan in the fan zone to be the Honorary Starter and waive the flag to start Sunday’s Bank of America 400.

Leading the field to that green flag as the Honorary Pace Car driver will be NFL Hall of Fame nominee and North Carolina native Torry Holt. The N.C. State All-American from Gibsonville, N.C. played wide receiver for 11 years in the NFL, winning the Super Bowl as a St. Louis Ram in 2000. Holt holds the NFL record with six straight 1,300+ yard receiving seasons and was named a member of the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team. Inducted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame in 2022, Holt co-founded the Holt Brothers Foundation with his brother, Terrance, to support children who have a parent diagnosed with cancer.

Dignitaries for Sunday’s Bank of America 400:

● Grand Marshal: Tom Scrivener, Chief Operations Executive, Bank of America

● Honorary Starter: Fan selected from Bank of America fan zone display

● Honorary Pace Car Driver: Torry Holt, NFL Hall of Fame Nominee, Super Bowl Champion & North Carolina Native

● Invocation: Madyson Stenhouse, Wife of NASCAR Cup Series Driver, Ricky Stenhouse Jr.

● Presentation of Colors: Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard

● National Anthem: Brooke Lee, Charlotte Native & Rising Music Artist/Songwriter

● Honorary Race Officials:

○ Alshon Jeffrey, Former NFL Player, Super Bowl Champion, South Carolina Native

○ Blake Whiten, Artist

○ Laura Ingraham, host of FOX News’ The Ingraham Angle

Dignitaries for Saturday’s Blue Cross NC 300:

● Grand Marshal: North Carolina Food is Medicine Coalition, Representatives Dru Zucchino, Meredith Mastromauro, Rashim Gupta and Rochelle Bellin

● Honorary Starters: Colleen Briggs, Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility, Blue Cross NC & President of the Blue Cross NC Foundation

● Invocation: Cami Parsons Creed, Wife of O’Reilly Auto Parts Driver, Sheldon Creed

● National Anthem: Tyler White, Netflix’s Hit Series, Love on the Spectrum & Pursuing Country Music Artist

● Presentation of Colors: Concord Fire Department Honor Guard

Dignitaries for Friday’s Ecosave 200:

● Grand Marshal: Kevin Keenan, Vice President of Engineering, Ecosave

● Honorary Starter: Lisa Vitale, Senior Business Development Manager, Ecosave

● Invocation: Evan Albertyn, Motor Racing Outreach & Charlotte Motor Speedway Chaplain

● Presentation of Colors: York Comprehensive High School Navy ROTC Color Guard

● National Anthem: Persona Bell, GRAMMY-nominated recording artist & Singer/Songwriter

TICKETS:

Fans can purchase weekend race tickets online at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-455-FANS (3267). Kids 12 and under get in free on Friday and Saturday and for just $10 on Sunday.

MORE INFO:

Fans can connect with Charlotte Motor Speedway and get the latest news by following on X and Instagram, or becoming a Facebook fan. Keep up with all the latest news and information with the Charlotte Motor Speedway mobile app.

iLex Funding Group Joins Spencer Boyd Sponsor Lineup

By
Official Release
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Mooresville, NC (October 8, 2026) Spencer Boyd announced today that iLex Funding Group will join the team as a Co-Primary sponsor with Amthor International at Martinsville Speedway. iLex Funding Group provides commercial financing solutions designed to help businesses acquire equipment, expand operations, and manage working capital.

“Speaking while wearing my owner hat,” commented Spencer Boyd driver/owner for Freedom Racing Enterprises. “Equipment funding is key to growing a business that depends on assets to increase revenue. As iLex (Funding Group) and Amthor (International) work together already, it was natural for them to come together on a race truck.”

At iLex Funding Group, the goal is simple: help businesses access the financing they need to move forward.

Alexander Perez, President and CEO of iLex Funding Group commented on the company’s first foray into NASCAR, “There is so much passion in racing! The fans are definitely loyal and so many of them own businesses in construction and related industries, so we had to get into the fold by sponsoring Spencer. I got to hang out with him and his wife recently and confirmed they are salt of the earth people that we are delighted to work with.”

Martinsville Speedway is a stone’s throw away from Amthor International’s headquarters in Gretna, VA and the location of Spencer’s first-ever NASCAR start on April 2, 2016.

The multi-year and multi-race partner of Boyd, Executive Vice President of Amthor International, Brian Amthor added, “This race is about connecting with our local community as well as the equipment community nationwide. The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series is exactly the platform that fits both. We’re excited to introduce iLex (Funding Group) to NASCAR racing while continuing building our businesses.”

Spencer Boyd will be short track racing the iLex Funding Group/Amthor International No. 76 Chevrolet Silverado at the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Race at Martinsville Speedway on Friday, October 30 2026, at 6:00 PM ET. The race will be broadcast live on FS1.

Landen Lewis Honors Ron Hornaday with Tribute Paint Scheme at Martinsville

By
Official Release
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SALISBURY, NC (Oct. 8, 2026) – Landen Lewis will pay homage to his mentor and close friend, Ron Hornaday, with a special tribute paint scheme on his No. 45 J.F. Electric Chevrolet Silverado on October 30 at Martinsville Speedway.

With an incredible career highlighted by a record-setting four NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series (NCTS) championships (‘96, ‘97, ‘07, and ‘09) and 51 race wins, Hornaday was inducted into the North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame earlier this week.

In 2018, Hornaday was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame and in 2023 was formally recognized as one of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers, cementing his legacy as one of the all-time greats.

In recent years, Hornaday has served as a mentor and driver development coach for Lewis. Hornaday’s influence has been invaluable in molding Lewis into a rising star on and off the race track.

Lewis’ truck will sport an iconic look which harkens back to Hornaday’s No. 33 Camping World Silverado that he raced for Kevin Harvick Inc. in 2007 and 2008. This paint scheme visited victory lane on nine occasions with Hornaday behind the wheel, and was the primary design for his 2007 NCTS championship run.

“This scheme brings back some great memories for me, and I know it will for Ron, too,” said Harvick. “He won a lot of races and a championship for KHI in these colors. It’s a fitting way to celebrate all he’s accomplished. There’s no doubt Landen is going to be especially proud to race this truck.”

Hornaday’s ties to Niece Motorsports are not exclusive to Lewis, having also worked alongside Ron Paradiso (NASCAR Winston West Series mechanic from 1992-1993), Phil Gould (NASCAR Busch Series car chief in 2004), Wally Rogers (NCTS crew chief from 2005-2006), and Gary Labretone (NCTS front tire changer in 2008).

“I am so excited to honor Ron by racing one of his most dominant and recognizable paint schemes on my truck at Martinsville,” said Lewis. “Ron and his family have meant so much to me on both a personal and professional level, and I am very thankful for everything they have done for me. Having J.F. Electric’s support to allow us to run these colors on their truck is awesome, and the team did a great job with the design. I hope we can be just as fast as Ron was when he raced it.”

The paint scheme, which was kept secret from Hornaday, was unveiled today at the team’s Fan Day. It was an emotional moment for the Palmdale, CA native, who was caught by surprise with the gesture.

“When I first saw the truck I thought, ‘Man, I didn’t think J.F. Electric was blue and yellow,’ but then I did a double take and realized – wow, that’s my championship truck!” said Hornaday. “It’s so special, and I can’t thank Landen and everyone at Niece Motorsports and J.F. Electric enough for surprising me like this.”

“This truck is one of my favorites that I ever raced. Kevin Harvick gave me a rocket ship at every race track, and the support that Camping World and Marcus Lemonis gave us was just unbelievable, Hornaday continued. “To see Landen bring this truck back to life and have my name on the side of it means so much to my family and I. I’m not an emotional guy, but once I see tire marks all down the side of it and a grandfather clock next to it, it will be hard to hold the tears back.”

The NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series returns to Martinsville Speedway on Friday, October 30 for the penultimate race of the season. Live coverage of the 200-lap race will air on FOX Sports 1, NRN Radio, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

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 Niece Motorsports: Niece Motorsports is a professional auto racing team that has competed in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series since 2016. The team is owned by Josh Morris of DQS Solutions and Staffing and the Fowler Family of J.F. Electric and Utilitra, and was founded by United States Marine Corps Veteran Al Niece. At its 80,000 sq. ft. headquarters in Salisbury, NC, Niece Motorsports is a full-service race vehicle build shop 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).

RFK Racing – Charlotte II Advance

By
Official Release
-

Charlote II Oval Event Info:
Date: Sunday, October 11th
Time: 3 p.m. ET
Series: NASCAR Cup Series (NCS)
Location: Concord, N.C.
Format: 267 Laps, 400.5 Miles
TV: USA
Radio: PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Channel 90)

Weekend Schedule:
Saturday: 1:00 p.m. ET, Cup Practice (TruTV, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
Saturday: 2:05 p.m. ET, Cup Qualifying (TruTV, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
Sunday: 3 p.m. ET, Cup Race (USA, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)

Pace Laps:

  • The NASCAR schedule turns to Charlotte Motor Speedway this weekend with its return to the Oval this fall, pivoting from the track’s road-course (the “ROVAL”), this will be the first time since 2017 the NASCAR Cup Series ran the oval at Charlotte twice in the same season.
  • RFK has 20 wins all-time at CMS including four in the Coca-Cola 600.
  • Brad Keselowski with 27 starts at CMS sits 3rd amongst the field in starts at the track as an active driver; Keselowski leads all active NASCAR Cup Series drivers in wins at Charlotte Motor Speedway with two victories (2013, 2020).

6 Team Info:
Driver: Brad Keselowski
Crew Chief: Mike Skarbowski
Partner: Trimble

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

Fifth Third Bank Pass Through Partner for Charlotte II; United Way of Greater Charlotte:

  • For 95 years, United Way of Greater Charlotte has strengthened our region by investing in local nonprofits, convening partners, and addressing the root causes of our community’s greatest challenges.
  • United Way brings together nonprofits, donors, businesses, and community leaders to create lasting solutions that expand opportunities and improve lives across Greater Charlotte.
  • Every gift to United Way fuels a stronger nonprofit network, providing the resources and support local organizations need to deliver greater impact.
  • Through neighborhood-based investments and grassroots partnerships, United Way helps communities build stronger futures from the ground up.

60 Team Info:
Driver: Ryan Preece
Crew Chief: Derrick Finley
Partner: Kroger/Blue Buffalo

Brad Keselowski at Charlotte
Starts: 27
Wins: 2 (2013, 2020)
Top-10s: 12
Poles: 1 (2011)

  • Keselowski makes his 28th overall start at CMS this weekend. He has 12 top-10 finishes – seven inside the top five – with two wins and a 13.6 average finish.
  • Keselowski is the 2020 winner of the 600-mile event, leading 21 laps after starting ninth. He also won on the oval in 2013, and in total has led in 15 different Charlotte oval events.
  • Last season, Keselowski finished 5th Coke 600 after starting 35th.
  • Keselowski has an average starting position of 16.9 with one pole (2011).
  • Keselowski also made a combined 25 additional starts in the Xfinity and Truck Series at CMS with a combined four wins – all in Xfinity – in 2010, 2012, 2014 and 2018.

Chris Buescher at Charlotte
Starts: 14
Wins: —
Top-10s: 4
Poles: —

  • Buescher makes his 15th Cup start at Charlotte this weekend in what will be his third race on the oval in the Fall.
  • He has four top-10s at Charlotte with a best finish of sixth in the 2019 Coca-Cola 600. He finished 10th a year later, and ran eighth in the 2021 event.
  • Buescher’s best starting position stands as 4th (2025) with a 20.6 overall average starting position.
  • He also made five Xfinity Series starts at CMS with three top-10s and a best finish of sixth (2014).

Ryan Preece at Charlotte
Starts: 9
Wins: —
Top-10s: 1
Poles: —

  • Preece is set to make his 10th Cup start at Charlotte this Sunday, and his first start for the Fall Oval race at the track.
  • Preece’s first start at CMS in the Cup Series was in 2019, a year after the track instated the Charlotte “ROVAL” would become the track’s Fall race.
  • His best finish at CMS is 13th in 2023 and is coming off a P9 finish on the Charlotte “ROVAL” road course in the fall.
  • Preece holds a 26.0 average starting position at Charlotte, with a best career start of 22nd in 2020 and 2023.
  • Preece also made three Xfinity starts at Charlotte, along with one truck start.

RFK Historically at Charlotte
Cup Wins: 8 (Mark Martin, 1992, 1995, 1998, 2002; Jeff Burton, 1999, 2001; Matt Kenseth, 2000, 2011)

  • RFK in the 600: Across 112 NASCAR Cup Series starts in the prestigious Coca-Cola 600, RFK Racing has earned four victories along with 24 top-five and 42 top-10 finishes. Jeff Burton collected two Coke 600 wins for Jack Roush, while Mark Martin and Matt Kenseth each added one.
  • By the Numbers: In 222 Cup Series starts at Charlotte, RFK has totaled eight wins, 47 top-five finishes and 83 top-10s. RFK Fords have posted an all-time average finish of 16.4 while leading 2,640 laps.
  • 2006 Strength: RFK delivered one of its strongest Coca-Cola 600 performances in 2006, with its five-car lineup posting an average finish of 5.4. The organization finished third, fourth, fifth, seventh and eighth, while pacing the field for 52 laps. In 2002, RFK secured a one-two finish as Martin edged Kenseth after the pair combined to lead 67 laps.
  • Golden Stretch: RFK captured a record four straight Coca-Cola 600 victories from 1999-2002 with Jeff Burton, Matt Kenseth and Mark Martin. During that four-year run, the team led 427 laps, including 201 of the 400 circuits in the 1999 race.

RFK Charlotte Wins

1992-2 Martin Cup

1995-2 Martin Cup

1998-2 Martin Cup

1999-1 Burton Cup

2000-1 Kenseth Cup

2001-1 Burton Cup

2002-1 Martin Cup

2011-2 Kenseth Cup

1993-2 Martin NOAPS

1995-2 Martin NOAPS

1996-1 Martin NOAPS

1996-2 Martin NOAPS

1998-1 Martin NOAPS

1999-1 Martin NOAPS

2000-1 Burton NOAPS

2001-2 Biffle NOAPS

2002-2 Burton NOAPS

2006-1 Edwards NOAPS

2011-1 Kenseth NIOAPS

2011-2 Edwards NOAPS

2011-2 Edwards NOAPS

2015-1 Buescher NOAPS

Last Time Out & Where They Stand
Las Vegas: With his best points day of the 2026 Chase, Chris Buescher led Roush Fenway Keselowski (RFK) Racing in Las Vegas. The Prosper, TX native was able to parlay a solid starting position into stage points in the race’s second segment before finishing 13th. Three-time Las Vegas winner Brad Keselowsi, started the day displaying speed, climbing as high as seventh, early in Stage Two. Handling challenges though were difficult, resulting in a 24th place finish. Ryan Preece, who had scored top 10 finishes in three of the prior four Chase races, encountered a setback when he developed a wheel vibration during Stage Two. Using pit strategy, the team and Preece briefly regained lost track position but ultimately finished 28th.

Points Standings: Buescher: 15th, Preece: 16th, Keselowski: 18th

Choosing a Crew Van for a Motorsport Team: People, Kit and Paddock Time

By
SM
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Motorsport logistics has a habit of exposing weak vehicle choices. A team may have enough room for people but nowhere sensible for helmets and equipment. Or it may have a well-equipped support van that leaves drivers, engineers and guests travelling separately. Either way, the event begins with unnecessary complexity.

A crew van is designed to solve that middle-ground problem. It gives a team dedicated passenger seating while retaining a separate rear load area for the equipment that must arrive safely and be easy to unload.

For teams reviewing Ford Transit crew van options, the decision should start with the job list for an event weekend. The right vehicle is not necessarily the one with the highest seat count or longest load bay; it is the one that keeps the correct people and equipment moving together without compromising either.

A motorsport crew is more than a headcount

A track-day operation, race-support business or small competition team may travel with a driver, mechanic, coordinator, photographer, instructor and occasional guest. On paper, that can look like a simple seating calculation.

In practice, each person changes the van’s role. The mechanic may need quick access to tools on arrival. The photographer may carry sensitive cases that should not be stacked under wet equipment. An instructor needs enough comfort to be ready for a full day in the car. A guest should not be squeezed into an improvised seat between bags.

That is where a crew van differs from a standard panel van with an extra passenger seat. Its layout is designed around a genuine second row, allowing the team to travel together while keeping the rear of the vehicle available for work.

The result can be a more coherent event setup. Fewer vehicles need to be coordinated, fewer parking spaces are required and the team arrives with the same schedule and equipment plan.

The real comparison: one crew van or a two-vehicle setup?

A crew van is not automatically the best arrangement for every team. It is useful to compare it with the alternatives before deciding what will work over a full season.

Event transport approachWorks well whenMain limitation
Crew vanA small team needs seats and a separate load area in one vehicleRear cargo space is reduced by the extra seating
Panel van plus carEquipment needs are very heavy and passenger numbers varyMore fuel, parking, drivers and coordination
Passenger vehicle plus trailerThe team carries light equipment but needs flexible people transportA trailer can be inconvenient at busy circuits and tight venues
Large support vehicleA bigger operation carries extensive equipment or hospitality materialsHigher running costs and less everyday usability

For many small and mid-sized motorsport teams, the crew van sits in a practical sweet spot. It avoids the expense and planning burden of sending two vehicles while offering a more useful load area than a passenger-focused people carrier.

The important point is to measure the actual event load, not the idealised one. Include helmets, toolboxes, tyres or tyre bags, pop-up shelter components, tables, spare clothing, food, chargers, radios, camera equipment and cleaning supplies. The vehicle needs to work when the weather is poor and the schedule is busy, not only when packed for a promotional photograph.

Give every seat a purpose

It is tempting to choose the maximum possible seating layout, particularly for a team that occasionally brings extra people. Yet every additional seat changes the available room for cargo and can complicate how the rear of the van is organised.

Start with the minimum number of people who must travel to every event. Then consider the maximum number likely to travel together on the busiest dates. If the difference is large, a crew van may still be the best primary vehicle, with occasional alternative travel arrangements for extra guests or temporary staff.

Passenger comfort deserves proper attention too. Motorsport days are long, and the return journey often follows hours spent on foot in the paddock. Seating, ventilation, storage and sensible access all affect how well the team arrives and how manageable the drive home feels.

A crew van should help people begin work prepared, rather than simply get them to the gate.

Plan the rear load area before ordering

The rear compartment is where a crew-van purchase becomes specific to the team. A generic empty space is useful, but a carefully considered layout is better.

A race-support company might prioritise protected storage for tools and diagnostic equipment. A driving-experience provider may need a clear area for helmets, catering items and customer materials. A content team could require secure cases for cameras, batteries and laptops, all of which should be kept separate from wet boots or muddy canopy legs.

The most effective setup normally follows the order in which the team works. First-out items should be easy to reach. Heavier equipment should sit low and be restrained properly. Fragile cases need a protected location, while dirty or damp items should have their own zone for the journey home.

Any racking, shelving or flooring must also be assessed as part of the total vehicle specification. It adds useful organisation, but it also adds weight. Buyers should confirm the payload available for the exact model, seating arrangement and conversion before assuming that every item can travel legally and safely.

A paddock is a poor place to discover a bad layout

At a circuit, time and access are rarely generous. The van may be parked several metres from the garage, on a busy service road or in a crowded support area. Equipment needs to be removed without blocking others or forcing the whole team to unpack at once.

This is where rear-door access, side access and a clear internal arrangement prove their value. A good crew-van layout allows one person to retrieve tools while another sorts clothing or event materials, without everyone trying to use the same doorway.

It also helps the team pack down more efficiently. After a wet or demanding day, equipment tends to return to the van in a hurry. A planned storage system reduces the risk of loose items, damaged kit and the frustrating search for something essential at the next event.

Think beyond the circuit gate

The vehicle may serve more than race weekends. It might attend sponsor meetings, collect parts, travel to test days, move promotional displays or support customer events. That broader use is one reason crew vans can make commercial sense for teams that do not need a full-size transporter every day.

A well-presented van also gives a small operation a more professional base. It can carry a team to the venue, keep key equipment secure and present the business properly when customers, partners or event organisers are nearby.

That does not mean adding equipment simply for appearance. The strongest specification is still one built around function: enough seats, appropriate storage, useful access and a load area that remains organised after a long day.

Make the van part of the team’s operating system

A crew van should reduce the number of decisions that have to be made on event morning. The team knows who travels where, which cases are loaded first and where essential kit can be found on arrival.

Before choosing a Ford Transit crew van, list the regular passengers, weigh the usual equipment, map the likely load area and check the exact payload for the configuration under consideration. Then consider the events that put the most pressure on the team: the early starts, wet paddocks, long motorway runs and weekends when everyone needs to travel together.

A vehicle that handles those conditions well will not just transport the team. It will make the entire operation more organised, dependable and easier to scale.

The Evolution of Car Performance: From Old to New Innovations

By
SM
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Car performance used to mean one thing: raw engine power. Big V8 engines and heavy steel frames ruled the roads for decades. Drivers wanted speed, loud exhausts, and straight-line acceleration.

Things are very different today. Modern performance blends raw power with smart software, lightweight materials, and high efficiency. Mechanics and custom builders constantly work to maximize space inside packed engine bays. The goal is no longer just building bigger engines. It is about making every single part work smarter.

The Shift From Heavy Metal to Smart Power

Classic muscle cars relied on massive engine displacement. Custom builders often source slim fit parts for vehicles when working with tight engine bays. Modern sports cars take a completely different route to boost output without taking up extra space.

Car makers now use aluminum, carbon fiber, and lightweight alloys. Turbochargers and superchargers allow smaller engines to generate massive power without adding extra weight. Lower vehicle mass helps drivers achieve sharper handling around corners.

Digital fuel injection systems replaced old carburetors long ago. Electronic sensors monitor air flow and fuel mixtures instantly. This change gives drivers sharp throttle response and better gas mileage.

Software Taking Control of the Wheel

Hardware used to dictate everything a car could do on the asphalt. Today, lines of code control how a vehicle responds to the road. Engine control units manage fuel delivery, ignition timing, and boost pressure in real time.

Software updates can now change how a vehicle behaves overnight. Drivers can download performance tuning tweaks, new interface options, and active driving modes directly over the air. Vehicles no longer remain static after leaving the factory floor.

Custom tuning maps allow owners to switch between daily commuting and track days. A single button press alters suspension stiffness, exhaust volume, and throttle sensitivity. Connected car networks continue pushing vehicle capabilities forward.

Steering and Braking Go Digital

Old mechanical steering columns provided a physical link to front tires. Modern vehicles cut those heavy physical connections to save space and improve reaction times. Hydraulic fluid lines are quickly becoming a thing of the past.

New steer-by-wire setups use direct software solutions to adjust wheel angles. Digital signals send inputs from the steering wheel to electric actuators near the tires. This setup cuts down on heavy mechanical drag under the chassis.

Engineers can tune steering resistance based on vehicle speed. Electronic braking systems match this precision by applying exact stopping power to individual wheels. These digital pathways streamline the entire engine bay layout.

Combustion Engines Fight Back With New Tech

Gasoline power is far from dead in the performance world. Engineers keep finding clever ways to squeeze extra efficiency out of internal combustion setups. Synthetic fuels and thermal management lead this charge.

Custom engine optimization, bioethanol blends, and new synthetic e-fuels show that internal combustion still has plenty of mileage left. Advanced valve timing helps these engines burn fuel much cleaner. Drivers can enjoy classic engine sounds while reducing overall tailpipe emissions.

Final Thoughts

The path from heavy steel blocks to smart digital performance has changed driving forever. Today’s cars are faster, safer, and far more efficient than anything built in the past. High performance is no longer just about horsepower under the hood. It is about how well software, light materials, and smart design work together on the open road. Check out the rest of our articles for more information!

Hendrick Motorsports Media Advance: Charlotte

By
Official Release
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Charlotte Motor Speedway
Sunday, Oct. 11
1.5-Mile Quad-Oval
3 p.m. ET
Location: Concord, North Carolina
TV: Fox
Event: NASCAR Cup Series (Race 32 of 36)
RADIO: SiriusXM

5 KYLE LARSON
Age: 34 (July 31, 1992)
Hometown: Elk Grove, California
Last Race: 2nd (Las Vegas)
Crew Chief: Cliff Daniels
Standings: 1st

No. 5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet  

  • Last weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Kyle Larson and the No. 5 HendrickCars.com team started sixth on the grid. An ill-handling race car and a lengthy green-flag pit stop for adjustments early in the race dropped the team outside the top 30, one lap down. The team stayed focused and battled back to contention and Larson drove to a runner-up finish, extending his top-five streak to five races. He extended his points lead to 40 markers over second place.
  • Larson is the only driver to finish in the top five in all five 2026 NASCAR Cup Series Chase races. No other driver has recorded a top-10 finish in all five races.
  • Kyle Larson’s 2.2 average finish through the first five races of The Chase is the best through the first five races of any postseason since The Chase was introduced in 2004. He’s averaged 54.6 points per race in that span, nearly doubling his regular-season average.
  • Larson has led 2,192 laps on 1.5-mile tracks in the Next Gen car, more than double the next-closest driver.  

9 CHASE ELLIOTT
Age: 30 (Nov. 28, 1995)
Hometown: Dawsonville, Georgia
Last Race: 7th (Las Vegas)
Crew Chief: Alan Gustafson
Standings: 13th
No. 9 UniFirst Chevrolet  

  • Chase Elliott heads to Charlotte Motor Speedway 13th in the NASCAR Cup Series Chase standings.
  • Elliott is riding a streak of two consecutive top-10 finishes, both of which were on 1.5-mile tracks. That brings the 30-year-old’s total to five top-10 results in seven races on mile-and-a-half tracks this season, including his victory at Texas Motor Speedway. His average finish across those seven races is 10.57, tied for fifth best.
  • The 2020 Cup Series champion is tied for fourth-most wins on 1.5-mile tracks in the Next Gen era (three).
  • Elliott has one Cup Series win at Charlotte, which he earned in a Thursday night 208-lap COVID-19 makeup race in May of 2020. He also won a NASCAR O’Reilly Series race at the track in May of 2024.
  • In his last nine premier series starts at Charlotte, Elliott has six finishes of seventh or better, including four top fives.  

24 WILLIAM BYRON
Age: 28 (Nov. 29, 1997)
Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina
Last Race: 6th (Las Vegas)
Crew Chief: Rudy Fugle
Standings: 12th

No. 24 Valvoline Blood Cancer United Chevrolet  

  • William Byron collected his fourth consecutive top 10 with a sixth-place finish at Las Vegas Motor Speedway last weekend, putting him 12th in the NASCAR Cup Series Chase standings.
  • In the Next Gen era on 1.5-mile tracks, Byron has an average finish of 9.1, best of all drivers. He has also led the third-most laps (1,006) on this track style in that span.
  • In the last 10 races on mile-and-a-half tracks, the Charlotte, North Carolina, native has nine top-10 finishes including being the only driver who has finished in the top 10 in all seven 1.5-mile races this season. Byron has the second most stage wins of any driver on this track type this season with three, and the second-best average finish of 6.29.
  • In 10 starts at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Byron has one pole award, four top-five finishes and six top 10s with 485 laps led. He has two runner-up results, both in the Coca-Cola 600 (2023 and 2025).
  • All four of Byron’s top-five finishes at the Charlotte oval have come in the last six events while his run of four straight top 10s is the longest active streak in the field. His 485 laps led are a personal best at a non-short track.
  • This weekend, Byron’s No. 24 scheme will have a special look thanks to Palmer Goforth, a 12-year-old blood cancer survivor. In collaboration with Valvoline and Blood Cancer United, he created the Charlotte livery including his signature logo, a beach scene and a soccer ball – his biggest loves in life – to draw attention to Blood Cancer Awareness month.  

48 ALEX BOWMAN
Age: 33 (April 25, 1993)
Hometown: Tucson, Arizona
Last Race: 11th (Las Vegas)
Crew Chief: Blake Harris
Standings: 26th

No. 48 Ally Chevrolet  

  • At Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Alex Bowman and the No. 48 Ally team started 15th and nearly scored a top-10 finish, coming home 11th. With the result, Bowman moved up to a season-high 26th in the NASCAR Cup Series points standings.
  • On 1.5-mile tracks during the 2026 season, the Tucson, Arizona, native has an average finish of 12th, which ranks eighth among all drivers.
  • The 33-year-old has five top-10 finishes in 15 Cup Series starts at Charlotte, with a best finish of fifth. All five of his top 10s at Charlotte have come in his last 10 races.
  • Bowman scored a NASCAR O’Reilly Series victory at Charlotte in 2017.  

17 COREY DAY
Age: 20 (November 28, 2005)
Hometown: Clovis, California
Last Race: 1st (Las Vegas)
Crew Chief: Adam Wall
Standings: 5th

  •  Last Saturday at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Corey Day and the No. 17 HendrickCars.com team earned their second pole and their third NASCAR O’Reilly Series win of 2026. The victory made Day the third driver to win three or more NOAPS races this season. He led six times for a career-high 136 laps.
  • The Clovis, California, native sits fifth in The Chase standings, 41 points behind the leader.
  • In eight NOAPS career starts on 1.5-mile tracks, the 20-year-old driver has earned one win, three top-five finishes and four top-10 finishes.
  • Weather delayed and shortened the spring race at Charlotte Motor Speedway to half its scheduled distance. With qualifying canceled, Day started second based on the metric and finished fifth.  

Hendrick Motorsports
 
*Most
**Tied for most

  • The NASCAR Cup Series returns to Charlotte Motor Speedway this weekend for the sixth race of The Chase. Hendrick Motorsports is the all-time leader in wins (21), top fives (73), top 10s (120), stage wins (13) and laps led (6,410) at the 1.5-mile quad-oval.
  • Among the 10 tracks in The Chase, Hendrick Motorsports has piled up 136 victories including 21 in the Next Gen era. The organization leads the field in postseason wins (64) and has won at least one race in The Chase/Playoffs in 23 of 24 seasons. That includes multiple victories in each of the last seven years.
  • The Hendrick Motorsports engine department enters the weekend with 583 victories across all three national NASCAR touring series including 22 of 28 events in the NASCAR O’Reilly Series this season.
  • Hendrick Motorsports remains the Cup Series’ all-time standard bearer in wins (324), poles (259), top-five finishes (1,351), top 10s (2,311), laps led (86,979) and championships (15).  

QUOTABLE
 
Kyle Larson, driver of the No. 5 Chevrolet, on leading The Chase points standings with five races left: “Do what we’ve been doing – keep fighting. Yeah, [the remaining Chase tracks] are all good tracks for us. Yes, I am surprised we got two wins and five top fives, but I also believe that we could run well. It’s gone way better than I thought it would. There are still five more races, but you can see how many points have been gained in five races – it could easily switch in the next five. No, I’m not comfortable with a 40-point lead, but we’ve got to keep advancing and distancing ourselves from the field. That would be great. Just need to make the most out of each day, fight through them, go to Charlotte next and not look too far ahead of ourselves. Just stay focused.”

Chase Elliott, driver of the No. 9 Chevrolet, on the fall race returning to the Charlotte Motor Speedway oval: “I’m glad we’re back on the oval. I think it fits. I think it’s produced better racing with this car. While the ROVAL put on some good racing, particularly with the last gen car, I don’t think it was as good since we’ve had this car. So, I can appreciate the recognition of the reality of that. I think the Coca-Cola 600 has been a great race on our calendar the last two or three years, so why would you not want to have one more of those on our calendar? Particularly, having it fall in the last 10, I think is super healthy. So, I’m happy about all of that.”

William Byron, driver of the No. 24 Chevrolet, on Charlotte Motor Speedway this weekend: “I mean, I’m optimistic about this weekend for sure. We have a great notebook for Charlotte [Motor Speedway] and we’ve shown that as an organization, we’ve improved our intermediate program. We just need a little bit more, I feel like, to be consistently in the front five, but I know we can get there. And what better place than at home?”

Alex Bowman, driver of the No. 48 Chevrolet, on heading to Charlotte Motor Speedway: “Headed to Charlotte, we don’t have a great notebook to go off from our Ally 48 group. I’ve spent time in the simulator this week so even if we aren’t able to get practice in with the possible weather, I’m optimistic about what we’ll have for the race.”

Corey Day, driver of the No. 17 Chevrolet, on heading to Charlotte Motor Speedway after a win at Las Vegas Motor Speedway: “Winning [at Las] Vegas [Motor Speedway] last weekend was exactly what our No. 17 HendrickCars.com team needed heading into these final five races. Hopefully, we can carry that momentum into Charlotte and have another strong weekend. Charlotte [Motor Speedway] was my first time on the oval back in the spring, and I felt like we had a really good Chevrolet. It was disappointing to have the race cut short because I thought we had a shot at a really good finish at the track. I’m looking forward to getting back there and, hopefully, getting to run the whole race this time.”

Hardee’s Renews Multi-Year Partnership with 23XI Racing as Primary Partner of Bubba Wallace and the No. 23 Team

By
Official Release
-

Franklin, Tenn. – (Oct. 8, 2026) – Hardee’s, the iconic American quick-service restaurant brand, today announced the renewal of its multi-year partnership with 23XI Racing and Bubba Wallace’s No. 23 team. The renewed partnership builds on Hardee’s longstanding connection to NASCAR and its commitment to bringing memorable experiences to racing fans across the country. Through the renewal, Hardee’s branding will continue to be featured on Wallace’s No. 23 Toyota Camry XSE at select races and will be included all season on the No. 23 team’s uniforms and equipment, as well as Wallace’s firesuit.

“Hardee’s has a proud history in NASCAR, and we are thrilled to continue our partnership with 23XI Racing and Bubba Wallace,” said Alisa Gmelich, President of Hardee’s. “Bubba embodies the passion, determination and authenticity that make NASCAR so special, and we look forward to creating even more meaningful experiences alongside 23XI for fans while building on the momentum of this partnership for years to come.”

In the partnership’s first year, Hardee’s saw increased engagement across its social media platforms, while Bubba-themed digital offers for My Rewards™ members ranked among the most successful for the brand. The collaboration also brought fans the popular Bubba Wallace Full Throttle Meal, featuring Bubba’s favorite Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders™ and exclusive No. 23 Hardee’s collectible die-cast car.

“I’m excited to continue our partnership with Hardee’s and represent the brand on the No. 23 Toyota,” said Bubba Wallace, driver of the No. 23 Toyota Camry XSE. “Hardee’s has a special place in NASCAR history, and it means a lot to carry that legacy forward together. I look forward to making more memories with Hardee’s and the fans.”

In celebration of the partnership renewal and in honor of Bubba Wallace’s birthday on Oct. 8 and this weekend’s race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, where Hardee’s-branding will be featured on the No. 23 car, Hardee’s is offering My Rewards members an offer for a complimentary No. 23 Hardee’s collectible die-cast car with any $15 qualifying purchase from Oct. 8 – Nov. 10 at participating locations. Join the Hardee’s My Rewards loyalty program here.

Hardee’s is also an official NASCAR partner, with a multi-year relationship announced earlier this year. Through its partnerships with NASCAR and 23XI Racing, Hardee’s is connecting with the sport’s passionate fan base and celebrating the shared traditions, energy and community that bring fans together every race weekend.

Get the latest news and exclusive app offers by downloading the Hardee’s app and joining My Rewards, available here.

Offer Terms All registered My Rewards members will receive an offer for a collectible Bubba Wallace 23XI diecast car with any qualifying purchase of $15 or more. Offer will run from 10/8/26 through 11/10/26.  While supplies last. Tax, fees, and tips not included. Offer redeemable in the app or order.hardees.com, or in restaurant by scanning offer in app. Limit one redemption per registered user per day. Not valid for use within any other offer or discount. Some exclusions may apply. Offer not available for redemption with 3rd party vendors or delivery partners. Subject to cancellation at any time. © 2026 Hardee’s Restaurants LLC. All rights reserved.

About Hardee’s

Hardee’s, owned by CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc. based in Franklin, Tennessee, is known for premium and innovative menu items such as charbroiled burgers, Made from Scratch™ Biscuits and Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders™. For 65 years, Hardee’s has been bringing people together with classic flavors and homestyle comfort food. Hardee’s Restaurants LLC has over 1,600 franchised or company-operated restaurants in 31 states. For more information about Hardee’s, please visit www.hardees.com.

About CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc.
CKE, a privately held company based in Franklin, Tennessee, franchises, owns and operates Carl’s Jr.® and Hardee’s® restaurants, two beloved brands, known for premium and innovative menu items such as iconic charbroiled Burgers, Made from Scratch™ Biscuits and Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders™. With both a U.S. and international footprint, Carl’s Jr. Restaurants LLC and Hardee’s Restaurants LLC have more than 3,800 franchised or company-operated restaurants in 44 states and more than 35 foreign countries and U.S. territories. For more information about CKE, please visit www.ckr.com or its brand sites at www.carlsjr.com and www.hardees.com.

About NASCAR

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

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

About 23XI Racing

23XI Racing – pronounced twenty-three eleven – was founded by NBA legend Michael Jordan and three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin in 2020. With rising NASCAR star Bubba Wallace selected to drive the No. 23 Toyota Camry, the team made its NASCAR Cup Series debut in the 2021 Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Wallace made history on October 4, 2021, when he captured his first career Cup Series win, becoming just the second African American to win in the Cup Series, and earning 23XI its first-ever victory. 23XI expanded to a two-car organization in 2022 with Cup Series Champion and Hall of Famer Kurt Busch driving the No. 45 Toyota Camry. With a win at Kansas Speedway in May of 2022, Busch earned 23XI the team’s first-ever playoff berth. Tyler Reddick joined the team in 2023 to drive the No. 45 car. In 2024, Reddick won the Regular Season Championship and raced to a spot in the Championship 4, a first for both the team and Reddick. 23XI currently features the lineup of Bubba Wallace in the No. 23 Toyota Camry XSE, Tyler Reddick in the No. 45 Toyota Camry XSE and Riley Herbst in the No. 35 Toyota Camry XSE. Corey Heim currently serves as the team’s development driver and races occasionally in the No. 67 Toyota Camry XSE. The team operates out of Airspeed, a state-of-the-art facility in Huntersville, N.C.

Coca-Cola Consolidated, Speedway Children’s Charities, 23XI Racing Celebrate Room Renovations at Boys & Girls Club of Cabarrus County

By
Official Release
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23XI driver Bubba Wallace, Coca-Cola Consolidated, Speedway Children's Charities and 23XI Racing representatives participate in a ribbon-cutting to unveil newly renovated Teen and Esports Rooms at Boys & Girls Club of Cabarrus County. (CMS Photo)
  • Speedway Children’s Charities and Coca-Cola Consolidated granted $50,000 to enhance teen and esports rooms at Boys & Girls Club of Cabarrus County
  • Team members from Coca-Cola Consolidated, Charlotte Motor Speedway and 23XI Racing spent days ahead of the Bank of America 400 painting, building furniture and helping create spaces for youth to excel

CONCORD, NC (October 8, 2026) – Speedway Children’s Charities (SCC) and Coca-Cola Consolidated joined 23XI Racing and NASCAR Cup Series driver Bubba Wallace to celebrate the opening of newly enhanced spaces at the Boys & Girls Club of Cabarrus County, made possible through a $50,000 grant designed to give local children more opportunities to connect, learn and grow.

The grant funded renovations to the teen and esports rooms at the Club where Wallace spent time as a kid. Earlier this year, in April, Wallace was inducted into the Boys & Girls Clubs of America Alumni Hall of Fame. As part of the recognition, Wallace drove a Boys & Girls Clubs-branded car, supported by Coca-Cola Consolidated, during the NASCAR Cup Series race at Kansas Speedway. With a shared commitment to supporting our local community, the renovations extend recognition of Wallace’s achievement, as the next generation of Club kids is inspired by their experiences at the Boys & Girls Club of Cabarrus County.

The renovated spaces are designed to enhance the experience for teens at the Club, providing modernized spaces and additional equipment that encourage connection, creativity, teamwork and exploration through esports, entrepreneurship and other activities.

Charlotte Motor Speedway, Coca-Cola Consolidated and 23XI Racing team members spent the week leading into the Bank of America 400 pouring into the community as they painted, built furniture, installed new equipment and assisted in creating multiple spaces for local youth to thrive.

Speedway Children’s Charities continues its mission of caring for children in educational, financial, social and medical need. The $50,000 grant reflects a shared commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for young people and strengthening the communities they call home.

“Creating environments where area youth feel welcomed, supported and inspired is at the heart of what Speedway Children’s Charities is all about,” said Taylor Kirby, SCC North Carolina Director. “We are grateful to partner with Coca-Cola Consolidated and 23XI Racing to help positively impact the next generation.”

“Being able to partner with Speedway Children’s Charities, Coca-Cola Consolidated and my team at 23XI to give back to a place that means a lot to me is a special feeling,” said Wallace. “The Alumni Hall of Fame event earlier this year really reminded me how vital Boys & Girls Clubs can be for kids, so I’m super proud to have played a small role in helping to enhance the experience that local kids will have here in Cabarrus County.”

The community partnership with Coca-Cola Consolidated, Speedway Children’s Charities and 23XI Racing helps to make a lasting difference in the lives of children and families in the Charlotte area.

About Speedway Children’s Charities

At Speedway Children’s Charities, we believe every child deserves the chance to thrive, no matter the obstacles they face. SCC is a driving force for change, partnering with local organizations to meet the most pressing needs of children in communities across the country. From supporting kids battling illness to providing resources for those facing adversity at home or in school, our mission is rooted in action and compassion. Since 1982, we’ve distributed over $79 million in grants, ensuring that children in need have the support, care, and opportunities to build brighter futures.

About 23XI Racing

23XI Racing – pronounced twenty-three eleven – was founded by NBA legend Michael Jordan and three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin in 2020. With rising NASCAR star Bubba Wallace selected to drive the No. 23 Toyota Camry, the team made its NASCAR Cup Series debut in the 2021 Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Wallace made history on October 4, 2021, when he captured his first career Cup Series win, becoming just the second African American to win in the Cup Series, and earning 23XI its first-ever victory. 23XI expanded to a two-car organization in 2022 with Cup Series Champion and Hall of Famer Kurt Busch driving the No. 45 Toyota Camry. With a win at Kansas Speedway in May of 2022, Busch earned 23XI the team’s first-ever playoff berth. Tyler Reddick joined the team in 2023 to drive the No. 45 car. In 2024, Reddick won the Regular Season Championship and raced to a spot in the Championship 4, a first for both the team and Reddick. In 2026, Reddick made history by winning the first three Cup Series races of the season, including the Daytona 500. 23XI currently features the lineup of Bubba Wallace in the No. 23 Toyota Camry XSE, Tyler Reddick in the No. 45 Toyota Camry XSE and Riley Herbst in the No. 35 Toyota Camry XSE. Corey Heim currently serves as the team’s development driver and races occasionally in the No. 67 Toyota Camry XSE. The team operates out of Airspeed, a state-of-the-art facility in Huntersville, N.C.

About Coca-Cola Consolidated, Inc.

Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Coca-Cola Consolidated (NASDAQ: COKE) is the largest Coca-Cola bottler in the United States. We make, sell and distribute beverages of The Coca-Cola Company, and other partner companies, in nearly 300 brands and flavors across 14 states and the District of Columbia, to approximately 60 million consumers.

For over 124 years, we have been deeply committed to the consumers, customers and communities we serve and passionate about the broad portfolio of beverages and services we offer. Our Purpose is to honor God in all we do, to serve others, to pursue excellence and to grow profitably.  

More information about the Company is available at www.cokeconsolidated.com. Follow Coca-Cola Consolidated on Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn. 

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