INDIANAPOLIS (Monday, May 4, 2026) – The NTT INDYCAR SERIES and Indianapolis Motor Speedway announced May 4 a sponsorship with Sam’s Club, a leading membership retail club, that will see the company become the Official Sponsor and Official and Exclusive Warehouse Club Retail Store of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge.
Sam’s Club also will be the entitlement sponsor of the Indy 500 Fan Midway. The Sam’s Club Fan Midway will feature a premium retail environment with interactive elements and giveaways for fans.
Andretti Global recently announced Sam’s Club will serve as the primary sponsor for the No. 27 Sam’s Club Honda piloted by Kyle Kirkwood for the Month of May and beyond.
Expanding its presence in the high-energy world of INDYCAR racing is a natural fit for Sam’s Club, as it is pioneering the future of retail by creating seamless, connected experiences, whether in the club or online. This sponsorship arrangement also underscores the mission of Sam’s Club’s Member Access Platform (MAP).
“Sam’s Club’s continued involvement with the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, including their expanded presence with IMS and the Indy 500, is an exciting opportunity for our fans,” INDYCAR and IMS President J. Douglas Boles said. “Sam’s Club is all about engaging with fans in meaningful ways, and there’s no better platform than INDYCAR.”
As the first Retail Experience NetworkTM, Sam’s Club MAP is redefining retail media by connecting brands with both members and non-members through integrated experiences. By connecting physical, digital and media touchpoints, MAP creates unified moments that audiences can see, hear and engage with, while delivering measurable results for brands.
Sam’s Club MAP is bringing the club into communities, showing up in culturally relevant moments to connect with both current and prospective members. Building on last year’s success, Sam’s Club is scaling its experiential platform, expanding Race to the Club to more locations while extending into additional cultural moments across sports, seasonal and community-driven events.
Sam’s Club, a division of Walmart Inc., is a membership club that is pioneering the future of retail experience, providing exclusive access to value, convenience and modern omnichannel shopping options to millions of members in more than 600 clubs across the U.S. and Puerto Rico.
The next event for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES is the Sonsio Grand Prix on the road course at IMS. Live coverage begins at 4:30 p.m. ET Saturday, May 9 on FOX, FOX One and the FOX Sports app. Live coverage of the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge will begin at 10 a.m. ET Sunday, May 24 on FOX, FOX Deportes, FOX One and the FOX Sports app.
Coverage of all races is also provided by INDYCAR Radio powered by OnlyBulls on SiriusXM channel 218 and the INDYCAR App powered by NTT DATA.
Reflective conspicuity tape plays an indispensable role in automotive safety, significantly enhancing visibility and reducing collision risks, particularly under low-light conditions. Its importance extends beyond basic illumination, offering comprehensive benefits for drivers of all vehicle types, and even including bikes or motorcycles.
The Beginning of Reflective Materials
In 1933, British engineer Percy Shaw observed the phenomenon of cat pupils reflecting car light on rainy nights, which inspired the idea of applying retroreflection to road safety. In 1937, 3M developed the first glass bead reflective tape and Reflexite invented micro-prismatic reflective in the 1960’s. Afterwards, the reflective sheeting material industry has undergone a fast development in the road safety field until now.
Key Benefits of Conspicuity Tape for Your Vehicle
Enhanced Nighttime and Low-Light Visibility
Utilizing retroreflective technology, reflective tape brightly reflects light from other vehicles’ headlights. This allows your car, truck, trailer, bikes, or motorcycles to be detected earlier and more clearly by drivers behind or to the side during night, rain, fog, dawn or dusk conditions. The increased reaction time for following drivers is a critical factor in preventing rear-end and side-swipe collisions.
Clear Delineation of Vehicle Contour and Size
Especially for larger vehicles like trucks and trailers, applying reflective tape to designated areas (such as the rear and sides) effectively outlines the vehicle’s complete shape and dimensions. This helps other road users accurately judge the vehicle’s size, length, and position, minimizing accidents caused by misjudging distances or clearance in tight spaces.
Increased Safety for All Road Users
By making your vehicle more conspicuous, you contribute to overall road safety for you and others around you. Pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers of smaller vehicles can spot a properly marked vehicle from a greater distance, allowing for safer interactions and maneuvers.
Choosing the Right Reflective Tape for Your Optimal Safety
Suggested Brands to Ensure Durability, Performance, and Long-term Value
Select high quality, durable reflective tapes from reputable manufacturers like 3M, Avery Dennison, Oralite, or Nikkalite, and consider other reliable manufacturers such as Toptend, for cost efficient suppliers, which offer reflective tapes that meet essential industrial standards. Toptend supplies various grades of reflective sheeting, conspicuity tapes, and also a reflective tape online check tool, to help you make informed choices.. The above brands are engineered to withstand harsh weather, strong UV, and wear over long term applications.
Selection Criteria for High-quality Reflective Tape
Material type
Acrylic materials are always preferred, with strong durability and excellent weather resistance capabilities.
And cheaper types like PET or PVC are not suggested due to their less durable nature under sun. However, for low budget or short term uses for months, the cheaper options are also could be considered.
It is suggested to choose prismatic rather than glass bead technology options to ensure max. reflectivity.
Certification and Standards
Confirm that the product has passed industrial certification and complies with local traffic safety standards like DOT-C2 or ECE-104, as required in your country or market.
Durability
The service life of high quality conspicuity tape brands, like 3M, Avery Dennison, Orafol Oralite, Nikkalite or Toptend is expected to be at least 8-10 years outdoor.
The cheaper options like PVC or PET can only work for months or at most 1 year or so.
Specifications
The standard width is 5cm, and the standard roll length is 45.7 meters while small meters are often supplied at retail shops. The more or larger area you use for your cars, trucks, bikes, or motorcycles, the better for increased visibility at night or other crucial weather conditions.
Proper Application and Maintenance are Key
Follow manufacturer guidelines for placement on your vehicle’s rear, sides, and critical edges to maximize visibility while the following are suggested to extend the product lifespan.
1. Apply reflective tape only to a clean, dry, and smooth surface, free from dust, dirt, rust, oil, grease, and moisture.
2. When applying reflective tape, avoid excessively hot or cold conditions to ensure optimal adhesion and performance and should be cut around rivets, seems or similar areas in application.
3. Because the backing glue is pressure sensitive adhesive, apply firm pressure across the entire surface of the reflective tape after placement to ensure full adhesion.
4. Reflective tape bonds effectively with metal substrates, but exhibits reduced adhesion on plastics due to material compatibility limitations. For instance:
4.1 Polyethylene (PE) typically requires adhesives specially formulated for low surface energy polymers to achieve reliable bonding.
4.2 PVC may experience adhesive degradation from plasticizer migration or UV exposure.
5. Allow a minimum 24-hour curing period after application to achieve full bond strength.
6. Avoid High-pressure washing and prolonged immersion, as both can compromise adhesive integrity.
7. Avoid harsh detergents (use mild detergent or water), chemical solvents, continuous exposure to moisture or rain, abrasion, other mechanical damage, water soaking, snow burial or any other burial.
8. Large fluctuations in temperature can cause the tape to expand and contract, causing cracks, peeling or lifting.
Conclusion
Investing in quality reflective conspicuity tape is a simple, proactive measure that drastically improves your safety on the road. It transforms your vehicle into a more visible entity in challenging conditions, directly reducing the likelihood of accidents. Whether opting for premium brands or vetted economical solutions, ensuring your vehicle is adequately marked is a responsible step toward safer journeys for yourself and others.
Track will be named Qualcomm Circuit for historic first NASCAR race at Naval Base Coronado
SAN DIEGO (May 4, 2026) – San Diego-based technology leader Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. has been named as the Official Circuit Partner of NASCAR San Diego Weekend presented by Anduril and will serve as the naming rights partner of the soon-to-be constructed race track at Naval Base Coronado. The 16-turn, 3.4-mile circuit — the first NASCAR track ever constructed on an active military base — will officially be known as the Qualcomm Circuit.
Qualcomm Technologies, NASCAR and its partners are also working to deploy intelligent computing and advanced connectivity to elevate the fan experience and team performance throughout NASCAR San Diego Weekend.
“Qualcomm is synonymous with innovation, and there could not be a more fitting partner to put its name on this groundbreaking circuit,” said Amy Lupo, President of NASCAR San Diego. “The Qualcomm Circuit represents the future of motorsports — built with precision, purpose and performance in mind — all while paying tribute to the extraordinary history of Naval Base Coronado and celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States Navy. We are proud to partner with a San Diego-born global technology leader as we make history together on this remarkable stage.”
Engineered in America and built for the world, Qualcomm’s innovations are critical to maintaining U.S. technology leadership in AI and 6G and advancing the country’s global competitiveness, revolutionizing what’s possible across AI, mobile, automotive, robotics, data center, and advanced communications. With over four decades of technological leadership rooted in the region, Qualcomm Technologies’ sponsorship underscores the spirit of innovation that defines both San Diego and this historic NASCAR weekend.
“Qualcomm Circuit represents the perfect intersection of breakthrough innovation, high-performance competition, and deep community pride. For more than 40 years, San Diego has been home to Qualcomm’s pioneering spirit, and this partnership honors that legacy while celebrating the extraordinary men and women of the U.S. Navy. Just as our AI-powered technologies are driving the future of mobility and connectivity, the Qualcomm Circuit will showcase the pinnacle of racing performance on one of the most unique and innovative tracks in NASCAR history. We’re honored to be part of this groundbreaking venue and bring this historic moment to our hometown,” said Don McGuire, EVP and Chief Marketing Officer, Qualcomm Incorporated.
Construction of the Qualcomm Circuit begins in late May and represents a bold fusion of technology, patriotism and competition, all set against the dramatic backdrop of Naval Base Coronado. Designed to challenge the best drivers in the world, the course blends high-speed straights with technical, precision-driven turns that will test teams across all three national series.
The 16-turn, 3.4-mile layout integrates meaningful landmarks and tributes throughout the course.
The Ellyson Start/Finish Line, named in honor of Commander Theodore Ellyson, Naval Aviator Number One, whose training at North Island laid the foundation for its commissioning as a naval air station in 1917 and eventual recognition as the “Birthplace of Naval Aviation.” Turn 5, Carrier Corner, is a sharp left-hand turn positioned between the docking location of two aircraft carriers, creating one of the most visually striking and technically demanding sections of the track. Turn 8, the Coronado Chicane, begins a challenging sequence that will force drivers to navigate a series of technical turns as they speed toward the interior of the base. Turn 14, Runway Road, sits near the north end of Runway 18/36 at Halsey Field, blending racing action with the operational heartbeat of the installation. In addition, NASCAR has refined the original course design unveiled last October to maximize competitive opportunity. Adjustments include the addition of a small kink at Turn 12 and a chicane prior to Turn 16, both strategically implemented to maximize the circuit’s effectiveness and create more opportunities that will challenge NASCAR’s finest. NASCAR San Diego Weekend presented by Anduril begins with Navy Community Day on Friday, June 19, 2026. Access that day will be open exclusively to members of the U.S. Navy stationed at Naval Base Coronado and a limited number of Coronado residents, culminating with the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race.
Ticket holders from the general public will be welcomed aboard June 20–21, 2026. The NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series will take center stage on Saturday, June 20, and the stars of the NASCAR Cup Series will compete in the Anduril 250 Race the Base on Sunday, June 21.
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 15 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 Local Racing Series powered by O’Reilly Auto Parts). 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 Qualcomm
Qualcomm relentlessly innovates to deliver intelligent computing everywhere, helping the world tackle some of its most important challenges. Building on our 40 years of technology leadership in creating era-defining breakthroughs, we deliver a broad portfolio of solutions built with our leading-edge AI, high-performance, low-power computing, and unrivaled connectivity. Our Snapdragon® platforms power extraordinary consumer experiences, and our Qualcomm Dragonwing™ products empower businesses and industries to scale to new heights. Together with our ecosystem partners, we enable next-generation digital transformation to enrich lives, improve businesses, and advance societies. At Qualcomm, we are engineering human progress.
Qualcomm Incorporated includes our licensing business, QTL, and the vast majority of our patent portfolio. Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., a subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated, operates, along with its subsidiaries, substantially all of our engineering and research and development functions and substantially all of our products and services businesses, including our QCT semiconductor business. Snapdragon and Qualcomm branded products are products of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. Qualcomm patents are licensed by Qualcomm Incorporated.
Qualcomm is a trademark or registered trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated.
About Naval Base Coronado
Naval Base Coronado is home to 17 squadrons, three aircraft carriers, four SEAL Teams, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command squadrons, and other air, surface and subsurface commands. Notable commands include Commander Naval Air Forces, Naval Surface Force Pacific, Commander Naval Special Warfare, and the Fleet Readiness Center Southwest. For more information about Naval Base Coronado and its tenant commands, visit cnrsw.cnic.navy.mil/Installations/NAVBASE-Coronado and follow Naval Base Coronado on Facebook.
About Sports San Diego
Recognizing that San Diego is a premier tourist destination, the mission of Sports San Diego, a non-profit 501c3 organization, is to generate tourism, visibility, and economic impact for the San Diego region by producing the Rady Children’s Invitational, Holiday Bowl, California State Games, and recruiting outstanding sports events and experiences to San Diego. Since 1978, the association has generated more than $1 billion in economic benefit for the San Diego region.
Jeff Arend Solid Start/True Brand Funny Car Driver for Jim Dunn Racing NHRA Southern Nationals May 1-3 | Adel, Georgia
Event Recap
Jeff Arend, driver of the Jim Dunn Racing Solid Start/True Brand Funny Car:
Earned No. 6 provisional qualifying position in Q1 on Friday (4.035 ET at 311.41 mph)
Fell to No. 12 provisional qualifying position based off of Friday’s Q1 run. The team elected to not make a qualifying run in Q2 on Friday.
Maintained No. 12 provisional qualifying position based off of Friday’s Q1 run. The team elected to not make a qualifying run in Q3 on Saturday.
Secured No. 12 qualifying position based off of Friday’s Q1 run. NHRA canceled Q4 on Saturday due a weather-shortened day.
Eliminated following Round 1 on Sunday:
Round 1: 4.154 ET at 309.77 mph, lost to Jordan Vandergriff (3.950 ET at 330.63 mph)
Notes of Interest
Arend represented Solid Start/True Brand this weekend in Georgia. They are a women-owned, family operated automotive additives manufacturer based in Lakeland, Florida. Founded in 2010 and built upon an automotive additives legacy dating back to 1976, the company produces a full line of performance-driven products designed to enhance engine performance and extend equipment life. Known for innovation, quality, and purpose-driven partnerships, Solid Start/True Brand proudly supports initiatives that strengthen families and communities nationwide.
True Brand is honored to partner with the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) to raise awareness and drive impact in the fight against breast cancer. NBCF is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to helping women now through early detection, education, and support services. Founded in 1991 by breast cancer survivor Janelle Hail, NBCF provides free, life-saving breast cancer screenings and educational resources to women in need, empowering individuals and families with hope, knowledge, and access to care year-round.
The NHRA Southern Nationals marked Jim Dunn Racing’s highest qualifying position of the 2026 season.
The NHRA visited a new location at South Georgia Motorsports Park for the historic 41st annual NHRA Southern Nationals. The track had a sellout crowd on both Saturday and Sunday. The race marked the first of four new facilities the NHRA will visit in 2026 for the NHRA’s 75th anniversary season.
Arend will be back behind the wheel of the Jim Dunn Racing Funny in Chicago May 14-17 for the Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by PEAK.
Jeff Arend, Driver of the Jim Dunn Racing Solid Start/True Brand Funny Car
“Back-to-back events have shown big improvements on the car heading in the right direction. Driving the True Brand car this weekend for Jim Dunn Racing was an honor. In addition, True Brand had some corporate guests attend the race. It was great getting them up to the starting line to see our car run. The car is going right down the track and not hurting any parts. The win lights will be turning on in our lane soon. We’re looking forward to the next event in Chicago.”
Next Up The next event on the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series schedule is the Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by PEAK May 14-17 at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, Illinois.
AUSTIN CINDRIC No. 2 MENARDS/FREIGHTLINER FORD MUSTANG DARK HORSE START: 13TH STAGE 1: 13TH STAGE 2: 16TH FINISH: 15TH POINTS: 15TH RACE RUNDOWN: Austin Cindric finished 15th in Sunday’s Würth 400 at Texas Motor Speedway, closing out a steady afternoon for the No. 2 Freightliner Ford Mustang Dark Horse. After starting 13th, Cindric battled a loose-handling condition through much of the opening run but remained within striking distance of the top 10. A late push in Stage 1 allowed him to recover to a 13th-place finish in the opening segment. The middle portion of the race was marked by multiple cautions that shuffled the field, with Cindric continuing to manage the balance of his Ford Mustang while maintaining track position. He finished Stage 2 in 16th. Over the closing laps, Cindric worked his way forward and put himself just outside the top 10 for a late restart. He continued to fight for positions in the final run to the checkered flag, ultimately crossing the finish line in 15th.
CINDRIC’S THOUGHTS: “Overall, a steady day for our Freightliner Ford. Mustang. We stayed out of trouble and kept it clean. Not quite where we want to be on speed, but these are the kind of clean days that help you stay in the hunt.”
RYAN BLANEY No. 12 MENARDS/KNAUF FORD MUSTANG DARK HORSE START: 31ST STAGE 1: 28TH STAGE 2: 27TH FINISH: 10TH POINTS: 4TH RACE RUNDOWN: Ryan Blaney and the No. 12 Menards/Knauf Ford Mustang Dark Horse team took advantage of a late-race caution to come away with a 10th-place finish Sunday at Texas, marking their seventh top-10 of the season. Despite starting 31st, Blaney worked his way through the field to reach 15th in the running order by lap 30 prior to the first green flag pit cycle of the day. Following a four tire stop under green on lap 37, Blaney was scored 15th by the time the cycle completed prior to the first caution of the afternoon with 11 laps remaining in Stage 1. Blaney was called to pit road for four fresh tires but stalled when exiting the pit box, miring him back to 27th for the ensuing restart in what amounted to a 28th-place finish in Stage 1. He continued to battle to regain track position over the course of the second segment when the caution flew on lap 160, prompting another four tire stop prior to the stage end. Due to a loose wheel following the stop, Blaney was forced to make an additional trip to pit road before the restart, resulting in a 27th-place finish in Stage 2. Crew chef Jonathan Hassler made the call to run long during the opening run of the final stretch, allowing Blaney to take the lead on lap 222 during the green flag pit cycle. Blaney was eventually called to pit road five laps later and was scored 19th when the cycle completed before a caution with 11 laps to go reset the field. A mix of the leaders opted to pit as Hassler made the call to stay out and gained 10 positions, setting up Blaney to take the green flag from the outside of row four with four laps remaining. Blaney was able to defend cars on fresher tires behind him in the closing laps to come away with a 10th-place finish when the checkered flag flew.
BLANEY’S THOUGHTS: “Proud of the effort from this 12 group to stay in it all day. We fought through some struggles early but slowly regained track position throughout those longer runs to get us in a decent spot for that final restart.”
JOEY LOGANO No. 22 DISCOUNT TIRE FORD MUSTANG DARK HORSE START: 23RD STAGE 1: 23RD STAGE 2: 36TH FINISH: 37TH POINTS: 17TH RACE RUNDOWN: Joey Logano and the No. 22 Discount Tire Ford Mustang Dark Horse team were involved in an incident on pit road on lap 94 that brought an early end to the afternoon in Texas Sunday, resulting in a 37th-place finish. After starting 23rd, Logano maintained track position over the course of the opening run before getting the call to pit road on lap 37 during the first green flag pit cycle of the day. A caution with 11 laps left in Stage 1 saw Logano hit pit road in order to stay out prior to the start of the second segment as the Discount Tire Ford lined up to restart 20th with six laps remaining, but was held up in the top lane as he was scored 23rd to cap off the opening stage. Logano began to make a charge towards the top-10 during the first run of Stage 2 when the No. 24 spun off the exit of turn four right in front of him, but narrowly avoided contact before the caution flag flew. Several teams opted to only take right side tires when pit road opened – including the No. 22 team – but when Logano was exiting his stall, his made contact with the No. 41 who was stopped on pit road to allow the No. 54 to exit its stall. The contact resulted in heavy damage around the left front tire as Logano brought it back down pit road the following lap, but was unable to continue on from that point.
LOGANO’S THOUGHTS: “Everyone was trying to take two tires and they were just checked up and stopped ahead of me. You’re trying to look and get up out of the way and I just couldn’t stop in time. Proud of the speed we had today. The Discount Tire Mustang had good speed and was capable of getting up there which makes it hurt even more.”
The NASCAR Cup Series heads to Watkins Glen International on Sunday, May 10 for the second road course event of the 2026 season. Coverage of the Go Bowling at The Glen begins at 3:00 p.m. ET on FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.
Josh Berry and the No. 21 Würth team came away with a 29th-place finish in Sunday’s Würth 400 at Texas Motor Speedway.
Berry lined up 24th in the No. 21 Würth Ford Mustang Dark Horse and showed early progress, working his way into the top 20 within the opening 10 laps.
The team opted to extend the opening green-flag pit cycle, briefly taking the lead before making their stop on Lap 42. The strategy ultimately netted little track position, as Berry cycled back to 24th once the field completed stops. He remained in the mix inside the top 25 for the remainder of Stage 1, finishing 25th.
Track position continued to be a challenge in Stage 2. Despite that, the team stayed on the lead lap and again finished 25th in the segment.
In the final stage, Berry climbed as high as 14th during another round of green-flag pit stops while running long, but the caution needed to capitalize on the strategy never materialized.
A late caution set up a four-lap sprint to the finish, but Berry was unable to regain ground and slipped from 24th to a 29th-place result.
Berry and the Wood Brothers Racing team now shift their focus to next Sunday’s Go Bowling at The Glen at Watkins Glen International.
RFK RACING TEXAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY – EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Date: May 3, 2026 Series: NASCAR Cup Series Location: Texas Motor Speedway (1.5-mile oval) – Fort Worth, TX Format: 400 miles, broken into three stages (completed at lap 80 / lap 165 / lap 267)
RFK RACING RACE SUMMARY:
Roush Fenway Keselowski (RFK) Racing showcased a combination of speed and race strategy Sunday at the Texas Motor Speedway. Led by native Texan Chris Buescher, who qualified third and backed it up with a determined run that placed him among the top 5 finishers, the RFK Racing trio netted solid finishes across the board. Behind Buescher’s fifth place finish, were Brad Keselowski and Ryan Preece, who both rallied late to score finishes inside the top 15. Keselowski rebounded from a challenging opening stage to become a factor up front, using bold strategy calls to lead late in Stage Two before charging to a strong 13th-place finish. Preece showcased steady pace and smart fuel strategy, climbing through the field across each stage and positioning himself for a solid 14th-place finish. With solid finishes, all three teams remain very much in contention for NASCAR’s Chase.
DRIVER HIGHLIGHTS
Chris Buescher – No. 17 Fifth Third Ford Mustang Dark Horse
Finish: 5th Start: 3rd Laps Led: 0 Stage Results: S1 – 11th, S2 – 7th Headline takeaway: Chris Buescher was a consistent contender throughout the afternoon, overcoming a pit road setback early to run inside the top five late. With a bold strategic call, crew chief, Scott Graves elected to stay out and not pit during a late caution break, taking a shot at contending for the win. While Buescher threatened to win he ultimately came home with a very respectable 5th place finish.
Buescher Quote: “That was another really strong day. Another great mile and a half. We were just outside of being able to compete for the win. We were in a good spot just before the last caution, that caution did give us an outside chance at it. Had a good start and pushed the 11 (Denny Hamlin) out but with old tires and dirty air we washed up in turn one. But it was a good fight. Everybody on this Fifth Third Ford Mustang Dark Horse to come out here and put in that work. Man, it’s killing me to get a win here in Texas but that’s the result of the days that we’ve had here quite a bit over the years so I’m proud of everybody for that.”
Brad Keselowski – No. 6 Body Guard by Fastenal Ford Mustang Dark Horse
Finish: 13th Start: 25th Laps Led: 4 Stage Results: S1 – 26th, S2 – 3rd Headline takeaway: Brad Keselowski and crew chief Jeremy Bullins strategically found ways throughout the day to gain track position, capture stage points and lead laps Sunday. A bold two tire change under caution during the closing laps, allowed Keselowski to rally and pick up several spots in the last 4 laps to finish 13th.
Keselowski Quote: “A good solid day of execution. We made the most of what we had. I would’ve like to have been a little bit faster but I thought our team did a good job of executing with all three cars.”
Ryan Preece – No. 60 Kroger / Ball Park Buns Ford Mustang Dark Horse
Finish: 14th Start: 20th Laps Led: 0 Stage Results: S1 – 14th, S2 – 5th Headline takeaway: It was a day filled with strategy for Ryan Preece and crew chief Derrick Finley. On several occasions the team elected for 2-tire pitstops that helped gain track position. That combined with an aggressive charge following a restart with only a handful of laps remaining, earned Preece a hard-fought 14th place finish.
Preece Quote: “I felt like we had a really fast Ford Mustang Dark Horse, but we ultimately never had the track position to show it. It was a good car and a good day.”
Point Standings:
Buescher: 5th Keselowski: 9th Preece: 12th
Next Up:
The next event on the NASCAR Cup Series schedule is Sunday, May 10 at Watkins Glen International (Watkins Glen, NY). The race begins at 3:00 p.m. EDT with live coverage provided by FS1 and the Motor Racing Network.
Stage 2 Winner: Chase Elliott of Hendrick Motorsports (Chevrolet)
RWR Finish:
● Cody Ware (Started 29th, Finished 30th / Running, completed 265 of 267 laps)
RWR Points:
● Cody Ware (35th with 92 points)
Race Notes:
● Chase Elliott won the Würth 400 to score his 23rd career NASCAR Cup Series victory, his second of the season and his second at Texas. His margin over second-place Denny Hamlin was .407 of a second.
● This was Chevrolet’s 884th all-time NASCAR Cup Series victory, its third of the season and second straight. Elliott won for the Bowtie Brigade March 29 at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway and Carson Hocevar won last Sunday at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway.
● This was Chevrolet’s series-leading 19th NASCAR Cup Series victory at Texas. Chevrolet won its first race at Texas on March 28, 1999 with NASCAR Hall of Famer Terry Labonte.
● There were seven caution periods for a total of 40 laps.
● Only 20 of the 38 drivers in the race finished on the lead lap.
● Tyler Reddick remains the championship leader after Texas with a 109-point advantage over second-place Hamlin.
Sound Bites:
“It was a long, tough day. Started to get the car handling decent and into a good spot there in the final stage, but it was too far into the race at that point. Had some pit road issues, including me making a mistake going through too many boxes. So, some stuff to clean up before we get to Watkins Glen next week.” – Cody Ware, driver of the No. 51 Parts Plus / Costa Oil 10-Minute Oil Change Chevrolet
Next Up:
The next event on the NASCAR Cup Series schedule is the Go Bowling at The Glen on Sunday, May 10 at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International. The race begins at 3 p.m. EDT with live coverage provided by FS1 and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
Heat-stressed vented brake disc on a track car — the engineering principle that bleeds into every road-going aftermarket disc. Image: CarParts247.
Motorsport is the world’s most expensive R&D lab. Every weekend, race engineers push brakes, suspension and drivetrains past breaking point so the rest of us inherit the lessons. The strange part? Most of those lessons end up in the parts catalogue you scroll past every time your daily driver needs a service. Here are five of the biggest, with a quick guide to recognising them when you’re ordering replacements.
1. Brake Discs: Cooling Geometry Is Everything
Walk through any race paddock, and you’ll see the same thing on every car: drilled, slotted, or internally vented brake discs glowing dull red after a stint. That heat is the enemy. Once a disc passes around 700°C, the pad compound begins to glaze and outgas, friction drops, and pedal feel goes spongy. Motorsport solved this in two ways: vane geometry inside the disc that pumps cooler air outwards under rotation, and surface drilling/slotting that vents the gas layer between the pad and the rotor.
On a road car, you don’t need full race-spec rotors, but the same physics decides whether your brakes still feel sharp on lap three of a B-road or after a long downhill in the Lake District. A decent vented OE-grade brake disc, the type any reputable factor will sell you, already inherits vane geometry from racing development. The mistake to avoid is buying the cheapest unit on a price filter; thinner cast iron warps faster and sheds heat slower. Spend 10–20% more for a name-brand disc, and the upgrade pays for itself in pedal feel before it pays for itself in pad life.
2. Brake Pad Compounds: There Is No Universal Pad
Race teams run as many as four pad compounds across a season qualifiers, sprint, endurance, wet, because no single friction material is good at everything. Cold bite, high-temp stability, dust, noise, rotor wear: every variable is a trade-off. Road-car compounds are tuned to a different point on that curve (low noise, low dust, decent cold bite, modest peak grip), but the trade-off still applies.
If you commute mostly in town, a low-metallic OE brake pad set will outlast a “performance” ceramic and feel better at 6 a.m. when the discs are cold. If you do trackdays or live somewhere with serious elevation, step up to a fast-road compound — they don’t bite as hard from cold, but they hold friction past 500°C where a standard pad has already started to fade. The point is to match the pad to how you actually drive, not to the spec sheet of a car you wish you owned.
3. Suspension: Damping Is About Body Control, Not Comfort
Race engineers don’t tune suspension for plushness — they tune it for the time the contact patch spends pressing on the road. A loose, under-damped car loses tyre load every time it pitches over a bump; an over-damped car loses load by skipping. The compromise that motorsport teaches is progressive damping: soft early travel for compliance, firmer mid-stroke for body control, hydraulic bump-stops at the end.
On a road car, this lesson shows up in two places. First, the difference between an OE-equivalent strut and a budget shock you’ll find for £29.99: cheaper units use simpler valving, lose damping after 15–20k miles, and let the front of the car float over uneven motorway surfaces. Second, modern adaptive systems (air struts, electronically controlled dampers) inherit their multi-stage valving philosophy directly from endurance racing. If your car has air suspension, replacement isn’t optional — when the seal degrades, ride height drops on the affected corner overnight, and everything else (geometry, tyre wear, ABS calibration) goes with it.
Multi-stage damper assembly — race-derived valving in a road-car package. Image: CarParts247.
4. Drivetrain: Clutch and Timing Belt Service Is Not Optional
The dirty secret of road-car servicing is that the clutch and timing belt are the two components most likely to take an engine with them when they fail, and both are the components most often skipped to save money. Race teams replace clutches and belts on a calendar interval because they can’t afford a Sunday-morning DNF. Most owner’s manuals tell you the same intervals; most owners don’t follow them.
A timing belt failure on an interference engine is engine-out repair territory, easily £2,500 in labour and parts, yet a quality belt kit (belt + tensioner + idler + water pump) is a few hundred pounds installed. A worn clutch eats your dual-mass flywheel if you keep driving on it, doubling the bill. The motorsport principle here is simple: do the service before the part fails, not after. The catalogue carries kits specifically because mixing belt brands with old tensioners is the single most common reason a ‘fresh’ belt job fails six months later.
Timing belt kit with tensioner, idler and water pump — the calendar-interval service that prevents engine-out repairs. Image: CarParts247.
The last lesson is the most useful for everyday drivers. Race teams don’t always run main-dealer parts — they run the same component, made by the same Tier-1 supplier, sold without the dealer’s markup. Brembo, Bosch, ZF, Sachs, Mahle, Mann-Filter, NGK: most of what comes off the OE assembly line is built by these names, then box-stamped with the carmaker’s badge. The aftermarket version is the same physical part, often the same casting line, just packaged differently.
What you want to avoid is the bottom 20% of the aftermarket — unbranded parts that copy the shape but not the metallurgy or the tolerances. The middle 60% (OE-supplier parts) is where you save money without sacrificing reliability. Any decent online catalogue lets you filter by manufacturer; do that filter before you sort by price, not after.
Where to Apply These Lessons
If you’re servicing a car this month, the highest-leverage upgrades are the ones that change the feel: discs, pads, dampers, belts, and clutches. None of them requires modifying the car. They simply ask you to choose the part that fits you a little more carefully than the price filter would suggest.
We run CarParts247, a UK aftermarket parts catalogue with full Tier-1 supplier filtering, fitment by registration, and the four motorsport-derived categories above all stocked from name-brand manufacturers. Worth a look the next time a service light comes on.
You see the phrase casinos not on Gamban quite a bit now, especially when people start researching how blocking software works. Some are trying to understand what Gamban covers. Others are just curious why certain sites still appear even after restrictions are installed.
And honestly, the topic around casinos not on Gamban is more layered than people expect. It isn’t just about access. It’s about software limits, licensing systems, how websites operate internationally, and how fast the internet changes compared to filtering tools.
Most people think internet blocking works like a locked door. Either open or closed. But online systems are rarely that clean.
What Gamban Actually Does?
Gamban is designed to stop access to gambling-related websites and apps across devices.
Once it’s installed, it works quietly in the background.
It usually blocks:
Gambling websites
Sports betting apps
Casino platforms
Related promotional pages
Certain downloadable gaming apps
For many users, that layer of restriction creates distance between them and online betting environments.
But like most software, it relies on updates.
And updates never happen on a perfectly frozen internet.
Why People Search for Casinos Not on Gamban
This is where assumptions usually start.
Not everyone searching this phrase is trying to avoid restrictions.
Some people are simply trying to understand:
Why certain websites remain visible
How filtering software works
Whether blocking systems are universal
How international licensing works
Why some platforms operate differently from UK-based services
Curiosity plays a bigger role than people think.
There’s also confusion.
A lot of users install blocking software expecting every possible website to disappear immediately.
But internet ecosystems don’t really work that way.
The Internet Moves Faster Than Most Filters
This is probably the biggest reason behind the topic.
Websites appear constantly.
Domains change.
Companies rebrand.
New operators launch under different addresses.
Blocking software has to keep up with all of that.
And keeping up is not always instant.
Think about it like spam filters in email.
Some junk messages get blocked immediately.
Others slip through briefly before detection systems update.
The same logic exists here.
How Some Platforms Sit Outside Gamban Databases
This part matters because people often misunderstand how blocking software functions.
Gamban doesn’t manually inspect every website every second.
Instead, it relies on:
System Component
What It Does
Domain databases
Identifies known websites
Blocklists
Stores flagged URLs
Detection rules
Finds gambling-related patterns
Continuous updates
Expands protection over time
That means newer sites may sometimes exist outside recognition temporarily.
It’s not necessarily intentional.
It’s often just timing.
Licensing Plays a Bigger Role Than Most People Realise
This part gets overlooked.
Not every platform online follows the same licensing structure.
Some operate under UK regulations.
Others exist under international licenses.
And those differences matter.
Here’s a basic comparison:
Licensing Authority
Typical Characteristics
UK Gambling Commission
Strict compliance rules
Malta Gaming Authority
European licensing
Curacao
International operator access
Offshore jurisdictions
Broader global reach
This wider licensing landscape creates variation.
And variation often explains why some websites remain outside certain blocking environments.
Are Casinos Not on Gamban Automatically Unsafe?
No.
But they’re not automatically trustworthy either.
This is where people sometimes oversimplify things.
A website existing outside a blocklist doesn’t instantly mean danger.
But it also doesn’t mean reliability.
The same rules still apply.
Things worth checking include:
Clear licensing information
Transparent payment methods
Privacy policies
Responsible gaming tools
Customer support availability
Security encryption
The presence or absence of Gamban coverage shouldn’t be the only deciding factor.
Why This Topic Keeps Growing
Search interest around this topic has increased because people want answers.
And honestly, there’s still confusion.
Questions usually sound like:
Does Gamban block everything?
Why do some sites still appear?
Are these websites different?
Is blocking software permanent?
People want certainty.
But the internet rarely gives certainty.
It gives systems that constantly adapt.
A Lot of People Expect Technology to Be Perfect
This is true across almost everything online.
People expect software to work instantly and flawlessly.
But even advanced systems rely on maintenance.
Updates.
Recognition.
Human oversight.
New websites launch daily.
Some disappear quickly.
Others change addresses.
Filtering software has to react to that movement.
And reaction naturally comes after change.
That’s not failure.
It’s simply how digital monitoring works.
The Human Side of Blocking Software
What often gets ignored in conversations like this is why people use blocking tools in the first place.
For many users, software becomes part of a bigger support system.
Not the only solution.
Just one layer.
People often combine Gamban with:
Spending limits
Self-exclusion tools
Support communities
Therapy or counselling
Accountability methods
Because behaviour change rarely comes from one app alone.
Technology helps create friction.
But support creates long-term structure.
One Thing That’s Rarely Mentioned
The internet doesn’t stand still.
That sounds obvious, but it explains almost everything.
Blocking software works best in environments that remain predictable.
The online world isn’t predictable.
A platform disappears.
Another launch.
A domain changes.
A company rebrands.
And detection systems adjust behind the scenes.
That constant movement explains why topics like this keep appearing in searches.
People notice gaps.
Then they want to understand why those gaps exist.
Closing Thought
The conversation around casinos not on Gamban isn’t really about bypassing software.
It’s about understanding how filtering technology works in a fast-moving internet.
Some platforms are detected quickly.
Some take longer.
And some operate in spaces that don’t fit neatly into one system.
Understanding that makes the topic easier to look at without assumptions.
FAQs
Does Gamban block every gambling-related website instantly?
No. Gamban updates continuously, but newer domains may appear before they’re added to blocklists.
Why do some websites still appear even with Gamban installed?
Some websites may operate under new domains or international networks that haven’t yet been added to filtering databases.
Are casinos not on Gamban always offshore?
Not always. Some may operate internationally, while others simply exist outside current detection systems.
Is Gamban enough on its own?
For many people, Gamban works best alongside additional support tools such as financial limits or self-exclusion services.
