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Gotta Be Smooth When You’re in Music City

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Official Release
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Cody Ware Looks To Strike the Right Chord at Nashville

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (May 28, 2025) – To make it in Music City, you’ve got to be smooth. The same is true when it comes to turning consistently fast laps at Nashville (Tenn.) Superspeedway, the 1.33-mile oval in the Nashville suburb of Lebanon.

Whether it’s strumming a six-string or wheeling a 3,400-pound racecar at 160 mph around Nashville’s concrete-clad surface, a patient and polished approach yields success. Cody Ware, driver of the No. 51 Arby’s Ford Mustang Dark Horse for Rick Ware Racing (RWR) in the NASCAR Cup Series, is familiar with both. The 29-year-old is an avid guitarist who uses music to offset the cacophony of rumbling V8 engines, each producing 670 horsepower.

“Music is almost as big a part of my life as racing,” said Ware, owner of a Dean Z custom guitar and a Gibson Les Paul Classic guitar. “It’s therapeutic. When you’re playing, it kind of takes you into your own little world. It’s a great way to unwind.”

When you compete in the longest season in all of professional sports, finding a way to unwind is important. The Cup Series is in the midst of 28 straight weeks of racing, with the lone off-weekend in the entirety of the 38-race schedule coming six weeks ago during the Easter holiday.

Nashville marks the 14th points-paying race on the Cup Series calendar, but it is actually the 16th race this year when you count the pre-season Clash Feb. 2 at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and the non-points NASCAR All-Star Race May 18 at North Wilkesboro (N.C.) Speedway.

“Twenty-eight straight weeks isn’t easy, but that’s why not everyone’s out here doing it,” Ware said. “I’ve got a great family and a great support system, and all of us just love racing. We’re committed to it, so we just make it happen.”

Ware and his Cup Series counterparts are coming off the longest race on the schedule – the Coca-Cola 600 last Sunday at Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway. After 400 laps around the 1.5-mile oval, Ware finished 25th. Now, he visits a Nashville track that is .17 of a mile shorter than Charlotte with 100 fewer laps.

“Nashville is a little bit of a hybrid racetrack,” Ware said. “It’s not quite an intermediate-style track like Charlotte, but it’s also not like the two other concrete tracks – Bristol and Dover.”

Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway and Dover (Del.) Motor Speedway are high-banked behemoths. The .533-mile Bristol oval has corners banked between 24-28 degrees, and the 1-mile Dover oval has corners banked at 24 degrees. Nashville, on the other hand, has just 14 degrees of banking, and its added length provides much more room in the corners, allowing drivers to try different lanes to find the fastest line around the track.

“Nashville is a lot more forgiving,” Ware said. “It’s a very wide racetrack, not quite as fast as a full-blown mile-and-a-half, and it’s a little bit shorter, so the speeds aren’t quite as high. But because it’s a little bit bigger, you kind of get sucked into the feeling of it being a mile-and-a-half, so overdriving the corners is very easy.

“You think you can drive a lot deeper into the corners than you really can, so it’s almost about reeling yourself in as a driver and being patient, and remembering that it’s about getting speed off the corner versus getting speed going into the corners.

“So, you have to have the entry patience of a short track with the discipline of an intermediate track, where you have to be consistent with your inputs, both with steering and your right foot. It’s a game of patience with smoothness in your steering, your throttle inputs and your braking inputs. The driver who looks the least out of control is typically the fastest there. It’s all about smoothness and consistency at Nashville.”

It is the same kind of smoothness and consistency emanating from the guitar ballads that are heard from the time one lands at Nashville International Airport and throughout walks along Lower Broadway’s Honky Tonk Highway.

“I appreciate and respect the blood, sweat and tears that musicians put into their craft, just like we do as racers,” Ware said. “That being said, I grew up on heavy metal and rock-and-roll. Megadeth, Metallica, Led Zeppelin and Iron Maiden are on my playlist.

“I’ve been playing on and off for about 15-16 years now. It’s kind of my hidden hobby. I play a lot of electric stuff, and I do a little bit of acoustic, but I’ve still got some work to do there. I don’t show off too much. I’ve probably only posted about it a few times, but it’s definitely a fun way to relax and unwind.”

With Sunday’s Coca-Cola 600 in the rearview mirror – a race that took nearly four-and-a-half hours to complete – and a few new chords strummed on his guitars, Ware is refreshed and ready for Nashville.

Practice begins Saturday at 3:30 p.m. CDT/4:30 p.m. EDT, followed by qualifying at 4:40 p.m. CDT/5:40 p.m. EDT. The 300-lap race goes green on Sunday at 6 p.m. CDT/7 p.m. EDT. All of the action will be broadcast live by Prime Video and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

About Rick Ware Racing:

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

My Classic Car Lacks Modern Safety Features. Am I Liable in an Accident?

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SM
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Photo by believeinme at https://depositphotos.com/

Many classic cars are undoubtedly cool and an expensive hobby for their owners. While classic car owners take extreme care to drive safely and protect their babies, accidents still happen. When one does, they often wonder if the lack of modern safety features will play a role in an insurance claim or lawsuit. Like most legal questions, the answer is that it depends. 

Many classic cars lack modern life-saving features, like airbags and crumble zones, but that does not mean they are illegal to drive. Nor does it make an owner of one automatically liable for an accident or the injuries involved. The fact that most classic cars were manufactured before modern safety features were required does not erase a careless driver’s negligence. The lack of these features would not be an issue without the other driver acting negligently and causing the accident. 

Can I Be Held at Fault for an Accident if My Classic Car Lacks Modern Safety Features? 

Not having certain safety features will undoubtedly make a classic car more unsafe, but many states make exceptions, allowing owners to take their rides on the street legally. Some states might require owners to install seatbelts and rearview mirrors at a minimum. Other states, like Texas, might allow a classic car to lack even those features if it was manufactured without them, as long as you have your vehicle inspected annually and have classic car license plates. 

Comparative Fault 

Still, that likely will not stop an insurance company from using these missing features to reduce accident victims’ compensation. After a collision, it is a good idea to work with a car accident lawyer in Arlington to ensure that you do not lose money unfairly. Nearly every state has some form of what is known as a “comparative fault” rule, allowing insurance companies to lower the amount of compensation a crash victim receives depending on their degree of negligence. 

Texas refers to its rule as “proportional responsibility.” Under this principle, individuals cannot recover damages from an accident if their percentage of fault is more than 50%. If the plaintiff is found less than 50% responsible for the collision, they can recover damages minus the percentage of responsibility they were determined to share. While driving a classic car does not necessarily make you liable, the insurance company will investigate the vehicle to see if it contributed to your injuries. 

An Example of Proportional Responsibility 

Perhaps your classic car lacked seatbelts when it should have had them, and you skipped the annual inspection. This would open the door for an insurance company to argue that your injuries would not have been as bad had you installed the safety feature and would have been compelled to do so had you submitted to state inspections. If, after reviewing the evidence, they determined that this contributed to your injuries by 40%, they will lower your settlement amount by that proportion. 

Having experienced attorneys on your side is the best way to fight these claims. They can gather inspection records, vehicle specifications, and other evidence to show that you were not violating the law. Your legal team will also get evidence, like accident reports, witness statements, and expert analyses, to show that the other driver is responsible for your damages regardless of your classic car’s lack of modern safety features. 

How Can I Make My Classic Car Safer? 

Again, a classic car without safety features that it was not manufactured with should not be a contributing factor in your legal claim. That said, there a several modifications you can make to your classic vehicle that will make it safer and close off any arguments that you contributed to your damages, such as adding seatbelts, anti-lock brakes, and modern headlights. 

Add Seatbelts 

Adding seatbelts is one of the most important modifications you can do to make your classic car safer. Cars were not required to have seatbelts until 1968, so your car likely will not have them if it was manufactured before then. If so, lacking seatbelts should not be used against you in a legal claim, but installing them could save your life. 

Install New Headlights 

Many classic cars have sealed-beam headlights installed, which lack the brightness of modern LED and halogen lights. Replacing older lights with these modern designs will greatly improve visibility, thereby reducing your chances of getting in an accident. 

Install Anti-Lock Brakes 

Anti-lock brakes were introduced in 1978 but did not become a common feature until later, so your classic car might not have them. An anti-lock braking system stops your wheels from locking up in a crash, allowing you to maintain greater control of your car. 

Upgrade the Steering 

Older classic cars will likely lack a power steering system, reducing a driver’s ability to turn their vehicle quickly and avoid an accident. Installing a power steering system will make your classic car much easier to handle. 

Add a Dashcam 

Adding a dashcam or rearview camera can capture a negligent driver’s actions and be used as evidence against them in your claim. The footage can also help show how lacking a modern safety feature did not play a significant role in how the crash occurred. 

Driving a Classic Car Should Not Be Used to Deny Your Compensation 

Insurance companies will do almost anything to save their bottom line, but driving a classic car should not be one of them to deny the compensation you are owed. Be sure to have yours inspected annually to ensure your vehicle complies with the law and any changes that might be made from year to year. If you can, upgrade your classic car with the modern safety features mentioned above to further protect yourself from injuries and possibly being held partially at fault for your damages. 

HFT Advance | Nashville

By
Official Release
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Nashville Event Info:
Date: Sunday, June 1
Time: 7 p.m. ET
Series: NASCAR Cup Series (NCS)
Location: Lebanon, Tennessee
Format: 300 Laps, 399 Miles, Stages: 90-185-300
TV: Prime
Radio: PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Channel 90)

Weekend Schedule:
Saturday: 1:05 p.m. ET, Xfinity Practice (CW App, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
Saturday: 2:10 p.m. ET, Xfinity Qualifying (CW App, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
Saturday: 3:30 p.m. ET, Cup Practice (Prime, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
Saturday: 4:40 p.m. ET, Cup Qualifying (Prime, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
Saturday: 6:30 p.m. ET, Xfinity Qualifying (CW, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
Sunday: 7 p.m. ET, Cup Race (Prime, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)

Pace Laps:

  • Nashville Superspeedway – the 1.33-mile tri-oval – hosts its fifth Cup race this weekend as race No. 14 in the 2025 slate.
  • This weekend marks the second of five races in the “Driving 4 a Difference presented by the Gene Haas Foundation,” a new in-season Ford tournament within the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
  • There have been four different winners in four Nashville NASCAR Cup Series races.

Cole Custer Team Info:
Crew Chief: Aaron Kramer
Partner: HaasTooling.com

Sheldon Creed Team Info:
Crew Chief: Jonathan Toney
Partner: Ollie’s

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

Custer at Nashville (Cup)
Starts: 2
Wins: —
Top-10s: —
Poles: —

  • Custer makes his third Cup start at Nashville this weekend, where he has a 28.0 average finish. His best finish came in 2022 when he placed 26th after starting 17th.
  • He has started inside the top-10 once, rolling off P7 in 2021 which is his best start. He boasts a 12.0 average starting position.
  • Custer also has two top-10 finishes in both his NXS starts at NSS, including a pole in 2023.

Creed at Nashville (Xfinity)
Starts: 3
Wins: —
Top-10s: —
Poles: —

  • Creed is set to make his fourth Xfinity start at Nashville on Saturday, where he has a best finish of 17th in 2023.
  • His best career starting position was P14 last season, and he holds an average starting position of 17.3.

Mayer at Nashville (Xfinity)
Starts: 3
Wins: —
Top-10s: 3
Poles: —

  • Mayer is in line for his fourth Xfinity start at Nashville this weekend, coming off a 10th-place finish in last season’s race after starting 24th. He has three career top-10 finishes at NSS, and has an average finish of 6.0.
  • He has never started inside the top-20, and holds an average starting position of 26.3.

Where They Stand

Cup Points Standings (41: 35th): Custer is 35th in the Cup Series points standings through 13 races this season with 139 points.

Xfinity Points Standings (41: 3rd, 00: 11th): Mayer sits second in the Xfinity points standings with 428 total points on the season, while Creed is in 11th place with 332 points heading into Nashville this Saturday.

RFK Advance | Nashville

By
Official Release
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Nashville Event Info:
Date: Sunday, June 1
Time: 7 p.m. ET
Series: NASCAR Cup Series (NCS)
Location: Lebanon, Tennessee
Format: 300 Laps, 399 Miles, Stages: 90-185-300
TV: Prime
Radio: PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Channel 90)

Weekend Schedule:
Saturday: 3:30 p.m. ET, Cup Practice (Prime, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
Saturday: 4:40 p.m. ET, Cup Qualifying (Prime, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
Sunday: 7 p.m. ET, Cup Race (Prime, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)

Pace Laps:

Nashville Superspeedway – the 1.33-mile tri-oval – hosts its fifth Cup race this weekend as race No. 14 in the 2025 slate.
Jack Roush won six times in the Xfinity Series at Nashville, and Brad Keselowski has a pair of wins at NSS himself in the NXS.
Brad Keselowski finished fifth at Charlotte last weekend, his first top-5 and top-10 finish of the season.
Ryan Preece made his 200th career start at CMS and earned his second consecutive top-10 finish (9th).
There have been four different winners in the four Nashville NASCAR Cup Series races.

6 Team Info:
Driver: Brad Keselowski
Crew Chief: Jeremy Bullins
Partner: Solomon Plumbing

17 Team Info:
Driver: Chris Buescher
Crew Chief: Scott Graves
Partner: Kroger / OIKOS

60 Team Info:
Driver: Ryan Preece
Crew Chief: Derrick Finley
Partner: Trimble

Keselowski at Nashville
Starts: 4
Wins: —
Top-10s: —
Poles: —

  • Keselowski makes his fifth start at Nashville this weekend, where he posted his best finish there two years ago (P11). Last season, he qualified fifth in the five-overtime thriller.
  • He has 12 additional starts otherwise at the 1.333-mile track and is a former winner in the Xfinity Series. He went to victory lane twice in Nashville – once in 2008 and again in 2010 – with seven overall top-10 finishes and an average result of 10.9.
  • Outside of the pair of wins, Keselowski also has finishes of fourth (2008), third (2009), second (2009), fifth (2010) and third (2011).

Buescher at Nashville
Starts: 4
Wins: —
Top-10s: 1
Poles: —

  • Buescher makes his fifth start at NSS this weekend. He finished fifth a season ago after starting ninth, his best finish there to date.
  • He’s qualified top-17 or better in each of the four Cup races dating back to 2021, carrying a 13.3 average starting position into the weekend.

Preece at Nashville
Starts: 3
Wins: —
Top-10s: 1
Poles: —

  • Preece is set to make his fourth Cup start at Nashville this Sunday, coming off a P4 finish in last season’s race.
  • Preece also made one NXS start at Nashville in 2022, finishing sixth. He went to victory lane in back-to-back seasons in the Truck Series at Nashville in 2021 and 2022.

RFK Historically at Nashville
Cup Wins: —

  • Roush Responsible for Marquee Wins at Nashville: NASCAR’s initial tenure at Nashville lasted around a decade, and Jack Roush not only opened but closed out the run the Xfinity Series had there with victories. In the very first NXS race back in 2001, Greg Biffle led 133 of the 225 laps to capture one of his five series wins that season. Carl Edwards, responsible for five NXS wins at Nashville Superspeedway, won the very last NASCAR Xfinity race there, leading 124 of the 225 laps in July of 2011.
  • Cousin Carl Dominates in Music City: Edwards dominated in his 13 starts at Nashville, finishing top-10 in all but once race, and top five in all but two. He averaged a finish of 3.5 with five overall wins, including three-straight from 2006-07, and the final two in 2011. Driving the No. 60 entry in all 13 events, Edwards led a combined 247 laps in the first three wins, then went on to lead a combined 272 laps in the 2011 races, which stands as the last time NASCAR visited the facility.
  • Tale of the Tape: Overall at Nashville SS, 15 different drivers have driven for Jack Roush at the 1.33-mile track. RFK has 29 top-10s in 54 starts, 17 of which were inside the top five.

RFK Nashville Wins

2001 Biffle

2006 Edwards

2007 Edwards

2011 Edwards

2011 Edwards

2007 Edwards

Last Time Out & Where They Stand
Charlotte: Keselowski 5th, Preece 9th, & Buescher 22nd.

Points Standings (60: 16th, 17: 23rd, 6: 32nd): Preece holds onto the last playoff spot in 16th, while Buescher is in 23rd and Keselowski sits in 32nd.

Toyota GAZOO Racing Weekly Preview 05.28.25

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Official Release
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This Week in Motorsports: May 26 – June 1, 2025

· NCS/NXS/NCTS: Nashville Superspeedway – May 30-June 1
· NHRA: New England Dragway – May 30-June 1
· FORMULA DRIFT: Orlando Speedworld – May 30-31

PLANO, Texas (May 28, 2025) – NASCAR heads to the Music City and Nashville Superspeedway where all three national series take on the concrete, 1.330-mile oval. NHRA is back in action at New England Dragway in Epping, New Hampshire. And after a few weekends off, Formula DRIFT hits the track again in Orlando.

NASCAR National Series – NCS/NXS/NCTS

Hamlin hits 700 starts … This weekend in Nashville is a special race for Denny Hamlin, as the driver of the No. 11 Toyota Camry XSE for Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) hits his 700th career Cup Series start. Hamlin’s storied career to-date has 56 wins – with two already this season – 239 top-fives and 364 top-10s. Hamlin seeks his first win at Nashville Superspeedway this weekend, as he has two top-10s, as well as two pole positions, in the four previous Cup Series races there.

Heim back in the No. 67 … For the second time this season, Corey Heim will be behind the wheel of the No. 67 Toyota Camry XSE for 23XI Racing as he continues his development plan with the team. In his first start of the 2025 season, the Toyota Development Driver managed a solid run at Kansas Speedway, coming home in the 13th position. Nashville Superspeedway is another track Heim has Cup Series experience in as he ran the race last season for 23XI Racing.

Almirola, Earnhardt back in GR Supras … At Nashville Superspeedway this weekend, Aric Almirola and Jeffrey Earnhardt return the cockpits of Toyota GR Supras with Almirola in the No. 19 for JGR and Earnhardt in the No. 24 for Sam Hunt Racing. This will be the sixth Xfinity Series start of the season for Almirola, who also makes his fifth at Nashville where he’s accrued three top-10s. For Earnhardt, this will be his second start of the season after running at Talladega in April.

Heim looking for more in the Truck Series … Along with running the Cup Series race on Sunday, Heim resumes his regular duties in the Truck Series with TRICON Garage where he’s been the man to beat this season. The driver of the No. 11 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro has dominated the season so far, with four wins, seven top-fives and nine top-10s, along with 752 laps led. He goes for his first career win at Nashville Superspeedway where he has two consecutive top-five finishes, including a third last season.

NHRA – Top Fuel/Funny Car

Kalitta goes for Epping repeat … As NHRA begins its summer stretch, Doug Kalitta returns to New England Dragway in search of a repeat victory as he looks to get his championship push in full gear. The 2023 Top Fuel World Champion swept the weekend in Epping last year as he earned the No. 1 qualifier and followed that with the race victory. A win on Sunday would be the 56th of Kalitta’s career, which would put him alone in fourth all-time in Top Fuel wins.

Formula DRIFT

Aasbø looks for big points weekend in Orlando … After a runner-up result at Road Atlanta a few weeks ago, Fredric Aasbø looks for a big weekend in Orlando as he pushes on for the Formula DRIFT PRO category title. The Norwegian started off 2025 with a win in Long Beach, and then followed up with the runner-up in Atlanta, currently tied atop the PRO points standings. A win or even runner-up again this weekend would be paramount as Aasbø pushes for championship number four this season.

About Toyota

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

Toyota directly employs nearly 64,000 people in North America who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 49 million cars and trucks at our 14 manufacturing plants. In spring 2025, Toyota’s plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, Toyota currently offers 32 electrified options.

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

Logano Pursuing Second Straight Nashville Cup Victory This Weekend

By
Official Release
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NASHVILLE

Friday, May 30 — NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, 8 p.m. ET (FS1)
Saturday, May 31 — NASCAR Xfinity Series, 7:30 p.m. ET (CW)
Sunday, June 1 — NASCAR Cup Series, 7 p.m. ET (PRIME)

For the ninth time this season, all three of NASCAR’s top touring series will be in action at the same venue with Nashville Superspeedway serving as host this weekend. Joey Logano captured Ford’s first series victory at the track, saving enough fuel over the final 110 laps and record five overtime attempts to take the checkered flag.

LOGANO EYEING CONSECUTIVE CUP WINS AT NASHVILLE SUPERSPEEDWAY

Joey Logano went the final 110 laps without pitting and survived five overtimes to win last year’s Ally 400 at Nashville Superspeedway, clinching a spot in the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs. Logano was seemingly out of it, running 16th with two laps remaining, but when the caution came out it gave everybody in the field new life. Logano continued to climb through the field as accidents created multiple restarts and cars either started to run out of fuel or were forced to pit. Crew chief Paul Wolfe gambled and kept his driver out until the very end and it worked as Logano was able to jump out on the fifth overtime restart and hold off Tyler Reddick at the finish line. Logano, who led the final nine laps, had just enough fuel as the tank emptied in the middle of his post-race burnout.

FORD DRIVING 4 A DIFFERENCE STANDINGS

Three more races remain in the Ford Driving 4 A Difference presented by the Gene Haas Foundation with Ford’s five NASCAR Xfinity Series drivers hoping to win as much as $20,000 for their charity of choice. The points each driver earns in races at Charlotte, Nashville, Mexico City, and Pocono will be added together with the winner being the one with the highest total. If a driver wins one of those events, their point total for that race is doubled.

In the debut race last weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Sam Mayer scored points in the first two stages en route to an 11th-place finish. That enabled him to assume the lead by six points over Ryan Sieg while Sheldon Creed is third, Harrison Burton fourth and Kyle Sieg fifth.

Sam Mayer 38
Ryan Sieg 32
Sheldon Creed 29
Harrison Burton 16
Kyle Sieg 4

RYAN PREECE: “Nashville is definitely a unique racetrack. It’s considered a mile-and-a-half and an intermediate, but it races similar to a short track – not entirely, but there are some characteristics about it that you can take from the background that I’ve been in and it just kind of fits my style. It’s definitely a place that I’ve grown to like and look forward to going to.”

CHRIS BUESCHER: “I think some of the first laps I ever made in a Cup car when I was 16 or 17 and testing for Roush was at Nashville. I’ve been there when it was eight degrees and there were icicles falling off the catchfence down the backstretch while we were testing and hitting the windshield. That will get your attention. On the flip side, it’s been one of the hottest races I’ve ever been a part of. I don’t know what we’re in for, but we’ve got a lot going on in Nashville during the week and I’m looking forward to it.”

FROM TRUCK TO CUP

Ryan Preece is still looking for his first NASCAR Cup Series win, but he knows where Victory Lane is located at Nashville Superspeedway. That’s because he won back-to-back NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series races with Ford in 2021 and 2022 while driving for owner David Gilliland. He passed Grant Enfinger with seven laps to go to win in 2021, and then captured the pole and led 74-of-150 circuits one year later to beat fellow Ford driver Zane Smith.

TOP 10 STREAK ON THE LINE

Sam Mayer has made three career NASCAR Xfinity Series starts at Nashville Superspeedway and has finished in the top 10 each time. Mayer, who is third in the point standings after an 11th-place run last weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway, has been fifth, third and 10th despite not starting any of those events in the top 20.

FORD WINS NASCAR DEBUT AT NASHVILLE SUPERSPEEDWAY

The first race held at Nashville Superspeedway for one of NASCAR’s top three touring series came on April 14, 2001 when Ford’s Greg Biffle won the Pepsi 300 in what was then known as the NASCAR Busch Grand National Series, now NASCAR Xfinity Series. Ford dominated the race up front as Biffle, Jason Keller and Jeff Green combined to lead 200-of-225 laps. Biffle, who was out front for a race-high 133 circuits, beat Keller to the checkered flag by just over a half-second as Ford finished one-two.

LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON?

Ford driver Layne Riggs comes into this weekend’s NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Nashville Superspeedway sixth in the point standings, but his focus on Saturday will be getting to Victory Lane. A win would put him in the same category as his dad, Scott, who won the very first series race ever held at the 1.33-mile facility in 2001. Layne enters the race with a pair of wins, both of which came on consecutive weeks last year at Milwaukee and Bristol, while Scott posted five career NCTS victories in 60 starts.

FORD NASCAR CUP SERIES WINNERS

AT NASHVILLE

2024 – Joey Logano

FORD NASCAR XFINITY SERIES WINNERS

AT NASHVILLE

2001 – Greg Biffle

2002 – Scott Riggs (1)

2003 – Scott Riggs (2)

2006 – Carl Edwards (2)

2007 – Carl Edwards (Sweep)

2011 – Carl Edwards (Sweep)

FORD NASCAR CRAFTSMAN TRUCK SERIES WINNERS AT NASHVILLE

2003 – Carl Edwards

2007 – Travis Kvapil

2021 – Ryan Preece

2022 – Ryan Preece

The Ford Mustang, celebrating its 61st anniversary in 2025, is the world’s best selling sports car. It is also one of the planet’s most popular race cars. With Mustang-based race cars competing in international sports car competition (GT3 and GT4), NASCAR, NHRA, Formula Drift, in Australian Supercars, at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb and in its own bespoke one-make series – Mustang Cup and Mustang Challenge – the platform has an unprecedented global reach. This weekend, 32 Mustang race cars are scheduled to race across all disciplines. Learn more at FordPerformance.com.

JR Motorsports — NXS Nashville Superspeedway Preview

By
Official Release
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JR Motorsports Xfinity Team Preview
TRACK – Nashville Superspeedway (1.33-mile tri-oval)
NXS RACE – Tennessee Lottery 250 (188 laps / 250.04 miles)
TUNE IN – CW, PRN, SiriusXM Channel 90 at 7:30 p.m. (ET)

Carson Kvapil

No. 1 – Bass Pro Shops / Clarience Technologies Chevrolet

Kvapil 2025 NXS Stats

Starts: 13

Wins: 0

Top 5s: 3

Top 10s: 4

Laps Led: 56

Avg. Finish: 15.3

Points: 8th

  • Carson Kvapil will make his second start at Nashville Superspeedway in the NASCAR Xfinity Series this weekend. In his previous start in 2024, he finished just outside the top 10 in 12th.
  • 13 of Kvapil’s 22 career starts in the NXS have come on tracks between 1-2 miles in length. Of those 13 starts, Kvapil has earned three top fives and four top 10s.
  • Kvapil’s best finish on a track between 1-2 miles in length came last season at Dover Motor Speedway when the JR Motorsports driver took the checkered flag in second.
  • The 21-year-old Mooresville native is currently ranked fourth in quality passes according to NASCAR Loop Data Statistics.

Carson Kvapil

“We plan to take everything we learned last year here to come back even better this weekend in Nashville. We have been working hard in the sim and Andrew (Overstreet, crew chief) and I have been working on our strategy, so hopefully we can be running up front in our Bass Pro Shops/Clarience Technologies Chevrolet when it counts.”

Justin Allgaier

No. 7 Hellmann’s Chevrolet

Allgaier 2025 NXS Stats

Starts: 13

Wins: 2

Top 5s: 9

Top 10s: 9

Laps Led: 537

Avg. Finish: 9.9

Points: 1st

  • Justin Allgaier is a previous NXS winner inthe “Music City,” having gone to Victory Lane in this event in 2022 after leading for a race-high 134 laps.
  • Overall, in 10 career NXS starts at Nashville, Allgaier has amassed five top-fives and six top-10s to accompany the win in 2022.
  • Allgaier enters this weekend as the series leader in top-five finishes thus far in 2025, with the JRM driver having placed fifth or better in nine of the opening 13 events.
  • According to NASCAR’s Loop Data Statistics, Allgaier currently ranks first in laps led (203), laps run inside the top 15 (1,860), quality passes (288) and in green flag passes (419) at Nashville.

Justin Allgaier

“Nashville has been a really good track for us since its return to the schedule. Jim (Pohlman, crew chief) and everyone on this Hellmann’s team has been working hard all week to give us a car that I know will be capable of running up front and contending for the win. We just need to go out there and execute the way we know we can and I see no reason why we won’t be where we want to be come the end of the race on Saturday.”

Sammy Smith

No. 8 Pilot Chevrolet

Smith 2025 NXS Stats

Starts: 13

Wins: 1

Top 5s: 3

Top 10s: 5

Laps Led: 35

Avg. Finish: 15.3

Points: 13th

  • Sammy Smith will take on Nashville for the third time in his NXS career this weekend.
  • In two previous starts at the 1.33-mile tri-oval, Smith has a best starting position of third, coming in 2023.
  • According to NASCAR’s Loop Data Statistics, Smith is ranked third for most laps run in the top-15 so far this season (2,047).
  • Western Express, a Nashville, Tenn.-based company will be on the TV panel this weekend. The innovative transportation company has been serving customers for more than 30 years across the United States.

Sammy Smith

“This No. 8 Pilot team is ready for this weekend in Nashville. We have had good speed all year long on these kind of tracks and I know we will again on Saturday. This group is ready to go.”

Ross Chastain

No. 9 Acceptance Insurance Chevrolet

Chastain 2025 NXS Stats

Starts: 2

Wins: 0

Top 5s: 1

Top 10s: 2

Laps Led: 23

Avg. Finish: 6

Points: N/A

  • Ross Chastain makes his second NXS start at Nashville this weekend and his third start overall this season for JRM.
  • In his first two NXS starts this season for JRM, Chastain has scored one top five and two top 10s, with a best finish of fourth coming at Darlington last month.
  • Chastain finished 27th in his lone start at Nashville in the NXS last season.
  • Chastain heads into the weekend coming off a Cup Series win at Charlotte Motor Speedway last Sunday. After piloting the No. 9 Acceptance Insurance Chevrolet in the NXS on Saturday night, he will drive the No. 1 Chevrolet in Sunday night’s Cup Series race.

Ross Chastain

“I love racing at Nashville Superspeedway and I love the Nashville area in general. I’m pumped to get back in a JRM car because they’re always so fast and I want to keep the top-10 finish streak alive. Nashville is one of the tracks that I circle every year to race at because it’s so fun. I always feel like the more laps I can get on the track is the best thing for me. Just to get those reps in is super important to me and I’m looking forward to the race Saturday night with Acceptance Insurance.”

Connor Zilisch

No. 88 Blues Hog Chevrolet

Zilisch 2025 NXS Stats

Starts: 12

Wins: 1

Top 5s: 2

Top 10s: 4

Laps Led: 171

Avg. Finish: 15.6

Points: 6th

  • Connor Zilisch will make his first Nashville start in the NXS on Saturday evening. Zilisch enters the event fresh off a second-place effort one week ago at Charlotte, his second top-five and fourth top-10 finish of the season.
  • The driver of the Blues Hog Chevrolet enjoyed one of his best performances of the season at Charlotte. He qualified second and ran near the front of the pack throughout the race. His average running position was 3.10 and Zilisch was one of just two drivers to run all 205 laps inside the top 15.
  • Nashville will be Zilisch’s sixth start on a non-drafting track that is one mile or greater in length. Zilisch has scored three top 10s in his five previous starts on these tracks one mile or greater.
  • Zilisch enters Nashville with three pole positions, the most by any NXS driver, and his average starting position this season is 6.25.
  • Zilisch used his strong run at Charlotte to climb six positions in the NXS driver standings, moving up to sixth place. He also leads the Sunoco Rookie of the Year standings by six points over JRM teammate Carson Kvapil (351-345).

Connor Zilisch

“I’m really looking forward to going to Nashville for the first time. It’s such a cool city and I’ve raced at the Fairgrounds before, but this will be my first time racing at the NASCAR track in Nashville. I have some laps on the simulator and it’s definitely a technical racetrack. I’m looking forward to figuring it out quickly and keeping the momentum up from Charlotte. The Blues Hog team is firing on all cylinders and I’m looking forward to putting races together and getting more good finishes through the summer.”

JRM Team Updates

JR Motorsports at Nashville Superspeedway: JR Motorsports has competed at Nashville Superspeedway a combined 35 times in the NXS since 2006. In those starts at the 1.33-mile tri-oval, the organization has recorded two wins, 11 top-fives and 19 top-10s. The average finish is 11.6.

Souvenir Rig: JRM drivers Carson Kvapil, Justin Allgaier, Sammy Smith and Connor Zilisch will be signing autographs at the JR Motorsports / HMS-Byron/Bowman souvenir rig on Saturday, May 31 from 3:45 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. CT.

Denny Hamlin to make 700th Cup career start at Nashville

By
Andrew Kim
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Photo by Andrew Boyd for SpeedwayMedia.com.

Denny Hamlin is on the verge of achieving a career milestone in his 20th consecutive full-time season as a NASCAR Cup Series competiton. By taking the green flag in this weekend’s event at Nashville Superspeedway, the driver of the No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) Toyota Camry XSE entry will make his 700th career start in NASCAR’s premier series.

A native of Chesterfield, Virginia, Hamlin made his Cup Series debut at Kansas Speedway in October 2005. By then, he was competing in his first full-time season in the Xfinity Series with JGR. He was also selected as the fourth competitor overall to pilot JGR’s No. 11 Chevrolet entry and fill in for the remaining seven events of the 2005 schedule.

Starting seventh, Hamlin finished 32nd in his Cup debut at Kansas. He proceeded to record his first three top-10 career results throughout his next six starts. During the span, he recorded a season-best seventh-place finish at Texas Motor Speedway in November and notched his first Cup career pole the following weekend at Phoenix Raceway, where he finished 13th despite leading 23 laps.

The following season, Hamlin was promoted to a full-time Cup Series ride in JGR’s No. 11 Chevrolet entry. By claiming his first career pole at Phoenix during the previous season, he also earned an automatic berth to the Budweiser Shootout at Daytona International Speedway in February. During the Shootout, Hamlin led three times for 16 of 72 laps and fended off the field during a two-lap restart to become the first rookie competitor to win the Shootout.

He commenced his first full-time Cup season with a 30th-place finish during the 48th running of the Daytona 500 before recording five top-10 results throughout his next 12 starts. Then at Pocono Raceway in June, the Virginia native, who led 83 of 200 laps, rallied from a Lap 50 spin due to blowing a left-rear tire to score his first Cup career victory.

Another six races later, he doubled down at Pocono in July by claiming his second career win after he led 151 of 200 laps. During both Pocono victories, he started on the pole. Finishing in the top 10 throughout the remaining five of six regular-season events, Hamlin clinched a berth into the Playoffs.

He became the first Cup Series rookie candidate to make NASCAR’s postseason battle for the championship. Hamlin finished in the top 10 seven times throughout the remaining 10 Playoff events. After accumulating a total of 20 top-10 results, he settled in third place in the final standings. Despite missing the title by 63 points, he sealed up the Rookie-of-the-Year title.

Throughout Hamlin’s sophomore Cup Series season in 2007, he achieved a single victory at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in June. He made his second career Playoffs, before settling in 12th place in the final standings. During his junior season in 2008, when JGR switched manufacturers from Chevrolet to Toyota, Hamlin notched a single victory of the year at Martinsville Speedway in March.

He proceeded to make his third consecutive Playoffs before finishing in eighth place in the final standings. During both seasons, he recorded a pole and finished both in the top five 12 times and in the top 10 18 times apiece. By then, he surpassed 100 career starts in NASCAR’s premier series.

Hamlin’s next two Cup seasons were competitive. The driver of the No. 11 JGR Toyota going winless through the first 20-scheduled events of the 2009 season before he notched his first victory at Pocono. Five races later, he capped off the regular-season stretch by scoring a dominant victory at Richmond Raceway, his home track. Despite finishing outside the top 20 four times throughout the Playoffs that derailed his championship hopes of the 2009 season, he claimed victories at Martinsville and the season-finale event at Homestead-Miami Speedway to conclude the season in fifth place in the final standings.

Hamlin then doubled down on his win column by notching a career-high eight victories in 2010, where he swept both Martinsville and Texas Motor Speedway events. He also claimed his first crown jewel victory by winning the Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway and would also win at Pocono, Michigan International Speedway and the regular-season finale at Richmond. Amid the victories that drew him into championship contention and had him leading the championship standings with two-scheduled events remaining, Hamlin capped off the season with two consecutive finishes in the top 14, which relegated him back to a career-best second place in the 2010 final standings as he fell 39 points shy of winning his first Cup title to Jimmie Johnson.

Compared to the 2010 season, Hamlin managed to achieve only one victory in 2011, which occurred at Michigan in June. Despite making the Playoffs for a sixth consecutive season and surpassing 200 Cup career starts, he dropped back to ninth place in the final standings. He rebounded during the 2012 season by notching five victories, which included first-time trips to Victory Lane at Phoenix Raceway, Kansas Speedway, Bristol Motor Speedway and at Atlanta Motor Speedway. His fifth victory of the season occurred at New Hampshire in September during the Playoffs. Throughout the Playoffs, however, Hamlin finished outside the top 10 six times, which kept him out of the championship battle as he settled in sixth place in the final standings.

The 2013 Cup season generated Hamlin’s most difficult season to date. It began with the Virginia native recording a single top-three finish during the season’s first three scheduled events. He finished 23rd at Bristol in March. Then after enduring a run-in with ex-teammate Joey Logano, Hamlin was involved in a vicious head-on accident on the final lap amid contact with Logano while battling for the victory during the following event at Auto Club Speedway.

The incident left Hamlin with a severe L1 compression fracture and out of competition over the next four events. Despite returning by early May, Hamlin recorded only two top-four results and three top-10 results throughout the remaining 17 events on the regular-season schedule as he missed the Playoffs for the first time in his career. Despite accumulating three additional top-10 results through nine Playoff events, he capped off the season on a positive note by winning the finale at Homestead and maintaining his winning streak to eight consecutive seasons.

Poised for redemption, Hamlin commenced the 2014 Cup season with early momentum by winning the non-points Sprint Unlimited and the first Budweiser Duel at Daytona before finishing in second place during the 56th running of the Daytona 500.

Despite being absent from competing at Auto Club Speedway in March due to a sinus infection within the first nine-scheduled events, Hamlin claimed his first victory of the season at Talladega in April, which marked his first points-paying superspeedway victory and occurred in his 300th Cup career start.

After finishing in the top 10 eight times throughout the remaining 16 regular-season events, he recorded six top-10 results throughout the Playoffs, which enabled him to transfer all the way from the Round of 16 to the Championship 4 round. Amid a late pit strategy to remain on the track with the lead on old tires, Hamlin fell back to seventh place during the finale at Homestead as he settled in third place in the final standings.

Between the 2015 and 2017 seasons, Hamlin notched a total of seven Cup victories. During the 2015 season, he won at Martinsville in March before winning the 2015 Playoff opener at Chicagoland Speedway after rallying from an opening lap spin.

The team also utilized a late pit strategy to remain on the track on old tires. During the 2015 season, he also won the All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway. It was the first victory in the event for both Joe Gibbs Racing and Toyota. Hamlin, however, was eliminated from the Playoffs following the Round of 12 and settled in ninth place in the final standings.

He commenced the 2016 season on a high note by winning the 58th running of the Daytona 500 after edging Martin Truex Jr. by 0.010 seconds for his first Great American Race victory. After winning at Watkins Glen International and the regular-season finale at Richmond, Hamlin would make the 2016 Playoffs and end up in sixth place in the final standings after being eliminated from title contention at the conclusion of the Round of 8. Like the 2016 season, Hamlin, who won at New Hampshire and the Southern 500 for a second time, settled in sixth place in the 2017 final standings after he was eliminated from title contention following the Round of 8. By then, he surpassed 400 Cup career starts.

The 2018 Cup season featured Hamlin’s first winless season despite the Virginia veteran making the Playoffs for the 12th time in his career. Throughout the season, he finished as high as second twice at Dover Motor Speedway and at Martinsville during the Playoffs. After he was eliminated from title contention following the Round of 16, he settled in 11th place in the final standings.

Hamlin then rallied at the start of the 2019 season, winning the 61st running of the Daytona 500 and notching his second victory in the Great American Race. He claimed regular-season victories at Texas, Pocono and the Bristol Night Race before the Playoffs commenced.

After utilizing consistency throughout the Round of 16 to transfer into the Round of 12, Hamlin notched a victory at Kansas during the Round of 12 and another one at Phoenix during the Round of 8, which enabled him to transfer into the Championship 4 round for a second time in his career.

Initially poised to claim his first Cup title, Hamlin was mired with late overheating issues, where a nose tape was covering his front grille, that forced him to make an extra pit stop. As a result, he ended up in 10th place during the finale at Homestead and in fourth place in the final standings. By then, he notched the third-most victories in a Cup season at six, a career-high 19 top-five results, an average-finishing result of 9.5 and surpassed 500 Cup career starts.

Coming off a strong 2019 season, Hamlin remained competitive over his next two Cup seasons. It started by edging Ryan Blaney by a nose to win the 62nd running of the Daytona 500. It was Hamlin’s third time winning the Great American Race. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, he notched a rain-shortened victory at Darlington in May before claiming additional regular-season victories at Homestead, Pocono, Kansas and Dover.

Despite recording three top-10 results, including his seventh victory of the 2020 season at Talladega, through nine Playoff events, Hamlin managed to transfer all the way from the Round of 16 to the Championship 4 round, where he ended up in fourth place in the final standings. In 2021, Hamlin notched only two victories, which occurred in the Southern 500 and at Las Vegas Motor Speedway during the Playoffs.

Nonetheless, he made the Championship 4 round for a fourth time in his career and went on to finish in third place in the final standings. Through both seasons, he notched a combined 37 top-five results, 46 top-10 results, 2,585 laps led and average-finishing results of 9.3 in 2020 and a career-best 8.4 in 2021. Within the span, he recorded a career-high 19 top-five results, 25 top-10 results and led a career-best 1,502 laps throughout the 2021 season.

Throughout the 2022 and 2023 Cup seasons, Hamlin added an additional five victories to his resume, which started by winning at Richmond for a fourth time in April 2022 before he won the crown-jewel Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte for the first time in his career. The following season, his first victory of the year occurred at Kansas amid a final-lap battle with Kyle Larson. He then rallied from another late run-in with Larson to win at Pocono before he won the Bristol Night Race for a third time in his career. Despite making the Playoffs, Hamlin ended up falling one points position shy of transferring to the Championship 4 round during both seasons, with the Virginia native finishing in fifth place in the final standings during both seasons. By then, he surpassed 600 Cup career starts.

This past season, Hamlin achieved three victories, which occurred at Bristol, Richmond and Dover, respectively, throughout the first half of the regular-season stretch. He also won the third and final Busch Light Clash at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Despite notching six top-10 finishes through nine Playoff events, Hamlin’s Playoff hopes came to an end following the Round of 8 for a third consecutive season. With an 11th-place run during the 2024 finale at Phoenix, he settled in eighth place in the final standings.

Through 699 previous starts in the Cup Series division, Hamlin has achieved 56 victories, 43 poles, 239 top-five results, 364 top-10 results, 15,666 laps led and an average-finishing result of 13.2. He is currently ranked in sixth place in the 2025 driver’s standings on the strengths of two victories (Martinsville in March and Darlington in April). He also has recorded xix top-10 results through 13-scheduled starts.

For this upcoming weekend at Nashville, Hamlin is scheduled to become the 22nd competitor overall to reach 700 career starts in NASCAR’s premier series. In addition to being four victories away from becoming the 11th competitor overall to reach 60 victories in the Cup division, he also continues his pursuit for his first championship.

Denny Hamlin will make his 700th Cup Series career start at Nashville Superspeedway for the Cracker Barrel 400 on Sunday, June 1, and air at 7 p.m. ET on Prime Video.

The Evolution of Sports Championship Rings: Then & Now

By
SM
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Few symbols in the world of professional athletics carry as much prestige, sentiment, and history as sports championship rings. From humble beginnings to intricate modern masterpieces, these rings have transformed alongside the evolution of sports themselves, growing in symbolism, design complexity, and cultural significance.

Origins: The Humble Beginnings

The tradition of awarding sports championship rings dates back to the early 20th century, though the practice gained prominence in the 1920s with Major League Baseball. The 1922 New York Giants were among the first teams to be awarded rings instead of the customary World Series pocket watches, signaling a shift toward more personalized and wearable memorabilia.

Back then, the rings were relatively simple. Made of gold with a single gemstone—usually a diamond—they bore the team’s logo and the year of the championship. The goal was to create a tasteful keepsake that could discreetly reflect one’s athletic achievements.

Mid-Century Refinements

From the 1950s to the 1980s, sports championship rings steadily became more ornate. Corporate sponsorships and television exposure grew in influence, raising the profile of athletes and their accolades. This period saw the rise of multi-gemstone designs, larger face sizes, and more personalized engravings.

NFL teams embraced this shift, especially after the Super Bowl era began in 1967. Super Bowl rings started featuring team logos, championship scores, and multiple diamonds, which often symbolized the number of titles a team had won. College sports followed suit, using rings to recognize conference and national championships, instilling pride among student-athletes.

The Explosion of Bling in the 1990s and 2000s

The 1990s marked a turning point, both in terms of cultural importance and the physical opulence of sports championship rings. Fueled by the rise of celebrity athletes like Michael Jordan and the increasing glamour around sports, rings evolved into bold status symbols.

NBA and NFL championship rings, in particular, became dramatically larger and heavier. The Chicago Bulls’ six championships in the ’90s gave rise to six distinct ring designs, each grander than the last. The incorporation of team mottos, player names, and even personal statistics became common.

The trend wasn’t just about flash—it reflected a changing sports culture. Rings became more than awards; they were legacy markers, elements of storytelling, and visual representations of blood, sweat, and victory.

Today’s Rings: Engineering Marvels and Cultural Icons

In the modern era, sports championship rings are feats of design and engineering. They often feature hundreds of diamonds and other gemstones, intricately arranged in 3D designs that tell stories unique to each team and season.

Take the 2021 Milwaukee Bucks’ NBA Championship ring as an example. It featured over 400 diamonds, a removable top that revealed a QR code linking to a championship highlight reel, and other rich details. Similarly, the Los Angeles Rams’ 2022 Super Bowl ring had 20 carats of white diamonds and hidden compartments that honored their home stadium and key moments from their title run.

These modern rings are designed by top jewelers using CAD (computer-aided design) software, 3D printing, and hand-set stones. Teams often collaborate with jewelry companies like Jostens or Baron to ensure every design element is meaningful.

What Rings Mean Beyond the Game

Beyond their lavish appearance, sports championship rings hold deep emotional significance. For players, they represent career-defining moments. For franchises, they serve as milestones of success. For fans, they’re relics of seasons filled with unforgettable highs and lows.

Many players prize their rings above all other accolades. Hall of Fame speeches often include anecdotes about the grind it took to earn a ring. Some players, like Tom Brady or Bill Russell, own multiple rings, turning them into symbols of dynastic excellence.

Rings also serve as heirlooms, passed down through generations. When players auction them—often to raise money for charity or personal reasons—they can fetch hundreds of thousands of dollars, emphasizing their cultural and financial value.

Customization and Personalization

Modern sports championship rings are now tailored for each recipient. While the overall design is standardized, each player, coach, and sometimes even staff member receives a customized version. Player-specific elements might include their jersey number, name, or game highlights, such as a critical touchdown, three-point shot, or defensive play.

Even fans can get replicas. Teams often produce fan editions of their rings, which are sold or given away during commemorative nights. While these versions use more affordable materials, they still reflect the artistry and spirit of the original design.

The Role of Technology

Technology has revolutionized how sports championship rings are designed and produced. Jewelers use 3D modeling and simulation software to visualize complex ideas and test configurations. Laser engraving allows for precise detail, and augmented reality (AR) previews let teams see how the ring will look before it’s made.

This tech-forward approach has opened the door to storytelling elements, like removable tops, secret messages, and interactive features such as QR codes. These innovations have transformed rings into multimedia experiences that extend far beyond metal and stone.

Rings in Non-Professional Sports

While professional leagues continue to set the standard, championship rings are now common in high school, college, and even amateur sports. Winning a state title or conference championship can come with a custom-designed ring that instills pride and commemorates the achievement.

Youth leagues, eSports tournaments, and international competitions have also adopted the tradition. This democratization of sports championship rings reflects their widespread appeal and symbolic power across all levels of competition.

Controversies and Debates

Despite their splendor, these rings are not without criticism. Detractors argue that the escalating costs—often exceeding $30,000 per ring—are excessive, especially when publicly funded teams are involved. Some question whether teams should allocate resources toward such extravagance instead of community programs or player bonuses.

Additionally, debates persist about ring worthiness. Should bench players or injured athletes receive rings? What about staff, cheerleaders, or equipment managers? Most teams take an inclusive approach, awarding rings to everyone who contributed to the campaign, reinforcing the “team-first” ethos.

The Future of Championship Rings

Looking ahead, the future of sports championship rings is poised to be even more innovative and inclusive. We can expect increased integration of smart technology, augmented reality, and sustainable materials. As environmental concerns rise, some jewelers are turning to lab-grown diamonds and recycled metals, without compromising brilliance or craftsmanship.

Culturally, rings will continue to evolve as storytelling tools. Designs may feature dynamic elements, like rotating parts or embedded videos, offering immersive ways to relive iconic moments.

Final Thoughts

The journey of sports championship rings from modest gold bands to technologically advanced, gem-encrusted masterpieces mirrors the evolution of sports themselves—from pastime to powerhouse industry. They are more than jewelry; they are symbols of perseverance, teamwork, excellence, and legacy.

Whether tucked away in a velvet-lined case or proudly worn to reunions and parades, these rings speak volumes. They whisper tales of hard-fought victories, season-long grinds, locker-room camaraderie, and the ultimate pursuit of glory. As sports continue to innovate and inspire, so too will the rings that crown their champions.

TOP FUEL’S DOUG KALITTA EAGER TO FIND WIN COLUMN AGAIN AT NHRA NEW ENGLAND NATIONALS

By
Official Release
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EPPING, N.H. (May 27, 2025) – New England Dragway was the only track on the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series tour where Top Fuel veteran Doug Kalitta had not won before last year’s impressive triumph.

This season has been a year filled with No. 1 qualifiers but no wins yet for the former Top Fuel world champ, something Kalitta hopes to change this weekend at the 12th annual NHRA New England Nationals at New England Dragway.

Kalitta has qualified No. 1 the past three races in his 12,000-horsepower Mac Tools dragster and at four of the six events during the 2025 season. Of those, the last two have resulted in track-record runs at the two most recent races in Charlotte and Chicago. Eliminations haven’t gone totally as planned thus far, but Kalitta’s car has performed at a high level – including victories in the Right Trailers All-Star Callout and two wins in the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge specialty race – which he hopes means a first event win is right around the corner.

“It was definitely nice to check that one off the list last year (in Epping), and this Mac Tools Toyota team is definitely looking forward to going there to see what we can do,” Kalitta said. “We’re hoping to get to the final to have a shot at winning it again. The Mac Tools car has really been great this season. We went to the semifinals in Chicago so close to the final; it’s been nice.

“Going to these races each weekend, it’s definitely nice knowing you have a good-running car and a shot at the win. It’s all a guy could hope for; it’s real exciting that our Mac Tools car is running like it is, and everybody’s doing their job really well so far.”

The sold-out crowd at last year’s race in Epping saw John Force (Funny Car), Kalitta (Top Fuel) and Troy Coughlin Jr. (Pro Stock) claim race wins. It was Force, Steve Torrence (Top Fuel) and Dallas Glenn (Pro Stock) who picked up Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge wins. Eliminations on FOX will be broadcast on Sunday, June 1 at 6 p.m. ET.

It is the seventh of 20 races during the 2025 season and Kalitta will be part of this weekend’s Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge in Top Fuel, along with Chicago event winner and points leader Tony Stewart, Justin Ashley and four-time champion Torrence.

The “No. 1 Clawifier Award presented by NAPA” will also be on the line on Friday during the second qualifying session under the lights. A special chair made of lobster pots will await drivers on the top end, with the evening’s No. 1 qualifier sitting in the chair until they are replaced by a new No. 1 qualifier or claim the award. The driver will receive a large lobster, while the teams will be given lobster dinners.

Qualifying No. 1 has been a strength for Kalitta and his team this year, but there’s another strong Top Fuel field awaiting in Epping, a group that also includes Brittany Force, Clay Millican, teammate Shawn Langdon, who has a pair of wins this year, and Josh Hart.

“The Mac Tools car qualified well (in Chicago), but I’m still kind of struggling with my lights for some crazy reason. We just have to keep going rounds and keep working it,” Kalitta said. “(Epping) is an interesting place – it’s a little off the beaten path but an incredible history of what they do there. They have this lobster challenge in Friday night qualifying so that’ll be cool. Hopefully we’ll have a shot at that opportunity.”

Jack Beckman took over driving duties for Force after the legend’s crash in Richmond, and has won four times, including twice this year. He’s second in points with John Force Racing teammate and reigning champ Austin Prock sitting in first. Other standouts include Ron Capps, Matt Hagan, Paul Lee and local native Bob Tasca III.

Troy Coughlin Jr. earned the event win last season, but the Pro Stock ranks have been dominated by KB Titan Racing Dallas Glenn and reigning world champ Greg Anderson in 2025. The pair have been in all six finals this season, with Glenn leading the points after wins in Gainesville, Las Vegas and Charlotte.

Fans will be invited to the Nitro Alley Stage, which is the main entertainment hub in the pits. The stage hosts Nitro School, meet and greets, autograph sessions and much more. Race fans in Epping can enjoy the special pre-race ceremonies that introduce each driver and includes the fan favorite SealMaster Track Walk. Fans are also invited to congratulate the event winners at the winner’s circle celebration on Sunday.

As always, fans get a pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet. Fans can see their favorite teams in action and servicing their cars, get autographs and more. They can also visit NHRA’s Manufacturers Midway, where sponsors and vendors create an exciting atmosphere.

NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series qualifying features two rounds at 5 and 7:30 p.m. ET on Friday, May 30 and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, May 31 at 12:30 and 3 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 11 a.m. ET on Sunday, June 1. Television coverage includes qualifying action on FS1 at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, 7 p.m. on Saturday, and then eliminations action from 6-9 p.m. ET on Sunday on FOX.

Friday’s second qualifying session will be broadcast for free on the NHRA’s Facebook and YouTube channels, as well as NHRA.tv.

To purchase tickets to the NHRA New England Nationals, fans can visit www.NHRA.com/tickets. For more information about NHRA, visit www.NHRA.com.

About Mission Foods

MISSION®, owned by GRUMA, S.A.B. de C.V., is the world’s leading brand for tortillas and wraps. MISSION® is also globally renowned for flatbreads, dips, salsas and Mexican food products. With presence in over 112 countries, MISSION® products are suited to the lifestyles and the local tastes of each country. With innovation and customer needs in mind, MISSION® focuses on the highest quality, authentic flavors, and providing healthy options that families and friends can enjoy together. For more information, please visit https://www.missionfoods.com/

About NHRA

NHRA is the primary sanctioning body for the sport of drag racing in the United States. NHRA presents 20 national events featuring the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series and NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, as well as the Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series, NHRA Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown™, NHRA Holley EFI Factory X and Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage NHRA Mountain Motor Pro Stock at select national events. NHRA provides competition opportunities for drivers of all levels in the NHRA Summit Racing Series and NHRA Street Legal™. NHRA also offers the NHRA Jr. Street® program for teens and the Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League® for youth ages 5 to 17. With more than 100 Member Tracks, NHRA allows racers to compete at a variety of locations nationally and internationally. NHRA’s Youth and Education Services® (YES) Program reaches over 30,000 students annually to ignite their interest in automotive and racing related careers. NHRA’s streaming service, NHRA.tv®, allows fans to view all NHRA national events as well as exclusive features of the sport. In addition, NHRA owns and operates three racing facilities: Gainesville Raceway in Florida; Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park; and In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip in Southern California. For more information, log on to www.NHRA.com, or visit the official NHRA pages on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

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