Home Blog Page 472

Kaulig Racing Welcomes Supercars Champion Will Brown for the Chicago Street Race

By
Official Release
-

Lexington, N.C. (May 27, 2025) – The city of Chicago has lured another Supercars champion to its streets.

Kaulig Racing announced today it will enter reigning Supercars Australia Champion Will Brown in the NASCAR Cup Series race at the July 6 Chicago Street Race, one of the most anticipated races of the year.

Brown, a 26-year-old Australian, will drive Kaulig Racing’s No. 13 Chevrolet, joining teammates AJ Allmendinger and Ty Dillon. Brown won the 2024 Supercars title, scoring five wins and 19 podium finishes, the first time in 40 years that a driver earned a podium finish in every round.

For his first outing with Kaulig Racing, Brown and the No. 13 Chevrolet will be heavily supported by long-time partners of the Aussie. MobileX, the most customizable wireless service designed to save customers money, available at Walmart, will serve as the primary partner along with financial services leader, Shaw and Partners Financial Services. Additional partners featured on the No. 13 car include QuadLock, KMC Wheels, Direct Plasterboard Outlet (DPO), Complete Parts & Equipment Solutions, Southern Cross Truck Rentals (SCTR), Wurth, Supercars Championship Repco, Xpress Fleet (XF) and Leaf Filter Gutter Protection.

“After watching SVG (Shane van Gisbergen) win the 2023 Chicago NASCAR race and getting to drive myself at Sonoma last year, I’ve been really keen to have a go at the Grant Park 165,” said Brown. “The Supercars calendar aligned this year to give me time to get over to Charlotte early to prepare and give the race a crack! I have watched Kaulig Racing closely this season and I’m really excited to get behind the wheel of the MobileX and Shaw and Partners Financial Services No. 13!”

This year, NASCAR returns to Chicago for its third season racing the famed streets of Chicago. The inaugural event was won by three-time Supercars champion, Shane van Gisbergen, when he shocked the motorsports world by winning the inaugural event in just his first NASCAR start.

In the inaugural event in 2023, Kaulig Racing scored a runner up finish to van Gisbergen with Justin Haley and the No. 31 team. Haley led 23 of 78 laps before coming up just shy of the win.

“This is an amazing opportunity for Kaulig Racing to compete for a win in one of the most prestigious events on the calendar,” said owner Matt Kaulig. “We are so excited to have Will (Brown) race with us and compete for the trophy. The team is ready, and we know he has the talent.”

Brown made his NASCAR Cup Series debut at Sonoma Raceway in 2024, driving a third entry for Richard Childress Racing (RCR). With a strong Chevy, Brown was third after the first practice, but an electrical issue hindered his qualifying effort. He started the race from 24th, but a similar electrical issue during the race caused the team to fall off the lead lap and unable to make up the ground, Brown finished the race in 31st.

The Grant Park 165 at the Chicago Street Course kicks off at 3:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, July 6, live on TNT Sports. The race will be broadcast on the Motor Racing Network and SIRIUS XM’s NASCAR Channel.
 
About Kaulig Racing

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

Spire Motorsports Rackley Roofing 200 Race Advance

By
Official Release
-
  • In three NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series starts at Nashville (Tenn.) Superspeedway, Spire Motorsports has earned one top-five and a pair of top-10 finishes. Rajah Caruth, driver of the team’s No. 71 HENDRICKCARS.COM Chevrolet Silverado, collected a team-best fourth-place result in the 2024 Rackley Roofing 200. The Mooresville, N.C., organization fields the Nos. 07, 7, 71 and 77 Chevrolets full time in the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. The Nos. 07 and 7 entries will see a rotating roster of all-star caliber drivers throughout the season, while Caruth and Sunoco Rookie of the Year contender Andres Perez de Lara will pilot the Nos. 71 and 77, respectively, for the full slate of races.
  • The Rackley Roofing 200 will be televised live on FS1 Friday, May 30 beginning at 8 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). The 12th of 25 races on the 2025 CRAFTSMAN Truck Series calendar will be broadcast live on the NASCAR Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

Kyle Busch – Driver, No. 07 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet Silverado

  • Kyle Busch will pilot Spire Motorsports’ No. 07 Gainbridge Chevrolet Silverado in Friday’s Rackley Roofing 200 at Nashville Superspeedway.
  • The 40-year-old has tallied two CRAFTSMAN Truck Series starts at the Lebanon, Tenn., oval, both ending with a trip to Victory Lane. Busch dominated back-to-back appearances in April 2010 and April 2011, leading 271 of 300 laps contested (90.33 percent) and collecting a pair of Sam Bass-designed Gibson guitars.
  • Busch’s 2010 CRAFSMAN Truck Series victory at Nashville marked the first of 100 wins for Kyle Busch Motorsports. The team would serve as a launching pad for some of the biggest names in the Cup Series, today, while clinching two driver’s championships and seven owner’s championships.
  • In addition to his impressive resume behind the wheel of a truck at Nashville, two of the NASCAR Xfinity Series’ all-time winningest driver’s 102 checkered flags came at the D-shaped oval in June 2009 and June 2021. In 11 Xfinity Series appearances at the track, the 2010 series champion collected five top fives, six top 10s, led 612 laps and averaged an 11.7 finishing position.
  • The Las Vegas native holds the record for most CRAFTSMAN Truck Series wins (67) and lowest average finish in series history (6.5), while ranking second on the series’ all-time laps led list (8,130).
  • In his past 14 CRAFTSMAN Truck Series appearances, Busch has finished first or second nine times, six of which concluded with a trip to Victory Lane.
  • Founded in 2018, Gainbridge® is an insurtech subsidiary of Group 1001 that empowers consumers to take control of their financial future with solutions that are accessible to everyone, no matter their budget or financial knowledge. Its platform provides access to financial products that are simple, intuitive, and backed by smart technology with no complexity or hidden fees. Gainbridge® is headquartered in Zionsville, Ind. For more information, visit www.gainbridge.io or follow and connect with us on X and LinkedIn.
  • Earlier this season, Busch defended his 2024 victory in the Fr8 208 at Atlanta Motor Speedway, spending all 135 laps in the top 15, leading a race-high 80 laps and recording both a field-leading average running position (3.2) and driver rating (124.6).
  • In five starts in the 2024 campaign with Spire Motorsports, Busch snagged two wins (Atlanta and Texas Motor Speedway), three top fives and led 263 laps.
  • Busch will round out his five-race CRAFTSMAN Truck Series slate in Spire Motorsports’ No. 07 Silverado at Watkins Glen International on August 8.
  • “Rowdy” will be at the controls of Spire Manufacturing chassis SMT-087 Friday night. Kyle Larson drove the truck to Victory Lane at Homestead-Miami Speedway in March and a runner-up finish at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway.

Kyle Busch Quote
What are your thoughts heading into your first Truck Series race at Nashville since 2011?
“It’s been several years since I’ve raced a truck at Nashville, but being in a truck there brings back good memories. I was able to get my first win as an owner-driver with KBM there in 2010 — in what I think was just our fourth or fifth race in the Truck Series. We haven’t had the results that we’ve wanted the last few weeks, but I’m hopeful that we can get things headed back in the right direction and park our Gainbridge Silverado in Victory Lane Friday night.”

Atop the No. 07 Box – Crew Chief Allen Hart

  • Allen Hart calls the shots for the No. 07 team, an entry that has seen a rotating roster of drivers throughout the 2025 campaign.
  • As a race engineer at JR Motorsports, Hart helped Justin Allgaier to a runner-up finish in the 2021 NASCAR Xfinity Series event at Nashville Superspeedway. Ironically, Kyle Busch was the one driver to best Allgaier on the sizzling June afternoon.
  • Last Friday at Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway, the No. 07 team and driver B.J. McLeod managed a top-15 result despite considerable damage to the left-front corner of the Pigeon Forge Racing Coaster Chevrolet.
  • The Midland, Mich., native earned his first career win in a crew chief role in March’s Baptist Health 200 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. After a spin midway through the Final Stage, Kyle Larson made an impressive run through the field over the event’s final 40 circuits, chasing down the leaders with two laps remaining to make the winning move.
  • Through 11 races, No. 07 team sits sixth in the division’s owner’s championship point standings on the strength of one win, three top-five and four top-10 finishes.

Corey Day – Driver, No. 7 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet Silverado

  • Corey Day will drive Spire Motorsports’ No. 7 HENDRICKCARS.COM Chevrolet Silverado in Friday’s Rackley Roofing 200 at Nashville Superspeedway.
  • Day will pull double duty this weekend, also racing Hendrick Motorsports’ No. 17 Chevrolet in Saturday’s NASCAR Xfinity Series’ Tennessee Lottery 250.
  • Friday’s 150-lap event will mark the Clovis, Calif., native’s 10th CRAFTSMAN Truck Series start and sixth with Spire Motorsports. Day competed in four races last season with McAnally-Hilgemann Racing.
  • Last time out at Rockingham (N.C.) Speedway, an optimistic afternoon turned sour when contact with another competitor early in the event caused fender damage to the HENDRICKCARS.COM Silverado. The resulting damage created myriad issues throughout the 200-lap affair but the team rallied and, with an assist from attrition, came away with a workman-like 22nd-place finish.
  • In his first CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race for Spire Motorsports at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Day secured his first career Kennametal Pole Award and led the field to the green flag. One week later, he earned a career-best 15th-place finish at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
  • HENDRICKCARS.COM is the online home for everything Hendrick Automotive Group. Visitors can shop more than 30,000 new or pre-owned vehicles, locate centers for service and collision repair, receive a value to sell or trade their car, chat online with customer service, discover career opportunities, learn more about vehicle protection programs, and explore how the company gives back to the community.
  • Day will round out his eight-race CRAFTSMAN Truck Series slate with Spire Motorsports at Indianapolis Raceway Park (July 25) and Darlington (S.C.) Raceway (Aug. 30).
  • The talented teenager will contest two more ARCA Menards Series events in Spire Motorsports’ No. 77 Chevrolet later this season at Sonoma (Calif.) Raceway (July 11) and Kansas Speedway (Sept. 26).
  • The open-wheel phenom will race Spire Manufacturing chassis SMT-083 Friday night, the same truck he qualified on the pole with at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in March. Connor Mosack scored a chassis-best third-place finish at Homestead-Miami Speedway last October.

Corey Day Quote
What are your thoughts heading into the double-duty weekend at Nashville this weekend?
“It’s been a few weeks since I raced on pavement, but especially in the truck. I’m ready to get back though. I’ve been at the Chevy simulator getting ready and I think we should have a good weekend. Nashville seems like a track that will suit me and my driving style, so I’m excited to see if that’s the case.”

Atop the No. 7 Box – Crew Chief Brian Pattie

  • Brian Pattie stands atop of the No. 7 pit box, an entry that has seen a plethora of all-star caliber drivers behind the wheel throughout the 2025 season.
  • The 50-year-old is familiar with Nashville Superspeedway Victory Lane, propelling Reed Sorenson to a dominant first-career Xfinity Series victory in the March 2005 Pepsi 300. Sorenson qualified on the pole, led 197 of the event’s 225 laps, lapped up to the eighth position and managed a whopping 14.417 second margin of victory.
  • In last season’s Rackley Roofing 200, the Zephyrhills, Fla., native reunited with longtime friend and former Cup Series start Clint Bowyer for a one-off CRAFTSMAN Truck Series event. Bowyer was competing for a position within the top 10 when front-end damage sustained on a restart hindered his performance the remainder of the evening. The duo was credited with a 17th-place result.
  • Last Friday at Charlotte Speedway, Kyle Busch kept the No. 7 Silverado within the top five for a majority of the night. A slow stop during a late-race green-flag pit cycle relegated the Las Vegas native to a fifth-place finish.
  • Through 11 races, the No. 7 team sits ninth in the division’s owner’s championship point standings on the strength of two wins, four top-five and five top-10 finishes.
  • The No. 7 team defended its 2024 victory in the Fr8 208 at Atlanta Motor Speedway in February with Busch behind the wheel. The Las Vegas driver spent all 135 laps in the top 15 while leading a race-high 80 laps and recording a field-leading average running position (3.2) and driver rating (124.6).
  • Earlier this month, Pattie called Carson Hocevar to victory at Kansas Speedway as the Michigan-native led 75 of the event’s 134 laps. The win marks Spire Motorsports’ eighth CRAFTSMAN Truck Series triumph.
  • The 24-year industry veteran spent 14 seasons in NASCAR’s premier division. As a crew chief, he has amassed six wins in Cup Series competition, 11 in the Xfinity Series and seven in the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. He stands as one of 11 crew chiefs to win races across all three of NASCAR’s national touring series.

Rajah Caruth – Driver, No. 71 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet Silverado

  • Rajah Caruth will be behind the wheel of Spire Motorsports’ No. 71 HENDRICKCARS.COM Chevrolet Silverado in Friday evening’s Rackley Roofing 200 at Nashville Superspeedway.
  • The 22-year-old has made two CRAFTSMAN Truck Series starts at Nashville, highlighted by fourth-place result last season.
  • In the 2024 event, Caruth qualified fifth and registered an average running position of 4.74 en route to a fourth-place finish, his third top five of the campaign.
  • After a then career-best qualifying effort prior to the 2023 Rackley Roofing 200, the Washington, D.C. native led his first lap in a NASCAR national series race after battling in the top-two with former Rev Racing teammate, Nick Sanchez, for the opening 36 circuits. Caruth led the field across the stripe on Lap 36, only to immediately report fuel pick-up issues and drop outside the top 20 the next time around. He ultimately fell 32 laps down as the team addressed the issue.
  • After qualifying eighth last week at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Caruth secured his sixth top 10 of the season with a ninth-place finish.
  • Caruth has shown prowess on concrete ovals in the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, collecting five top 10s in the last six events on similar surfaces dating back to last season.
  • Through the first 11 events on the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series calendar, Caruth has earned two top fives and six top 10s, while pacing the field for 115 circuits – doubling his total of 56 from the 2024 campaign.
  • HENDRICKCARS.COM is the online home for everything Hendrick Automotive Group. Visitors can shop more than 30,000 new or pre-owned vehicles, locate centers for service and collision repair, receive a value to sell or trade their car, chat online with customer service, discover career opportunities, learn more about vehicle protection programs, and explore how the company gives back to the community.
  • The 2024 season marked a career year for Caruth, tallying one win, a pair of Cometic Gasket Pole Awards and five top-five finishes, all of which were the first of his young career. The 12 top-10 finishes on the season tripled Caruth’s total of four in 2023, while his average starting position of 10.7 was four positions higher than 2023 and his 11.6 average finish was an impressive seven positions higher.
  • With his first career CRAFTSMAN Truck Series win at Las Vegas Motor Speedway last season, Caruth became the third African-American driver to win a NASCAR National Touring Series race, joining 2015 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee Wendell Scott and current Cup Series star Bubba Wallace.
  • Caruth and the No. 71 team qualified for the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series playoffs in 2024, the first such appearance for the former Washington, D.C., resident. Despite reaching the Round of 8, mechanical issues stalled his championship bid in the season’s penultimate event at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway.
  • The blue and white HENDRICKCARS.COM colors will wrap Spire Manufacturing chassis SMT-078. Nick Sanchez piloted the truck to victory last May at Charlotte.

Rajah Caruth Quotes
It is no secret you’ve had speed and ran up front at Nashville. How do you look to replicate that speed this weekend?
“I really like Nashville. It is definitely one of my favorite tracks. I have had the good fortune of running up front both times I raced there in trucks. I took the lead from Nick (Sanchez) in 2023, then I broke. Last year, we qualified and ran in the top five all night long. There is no reason we can’t lead laps and compete for the win on Friday.”

You continue to close the gap to the playoff cutline. How has this year gone after a pair of DNFs to start the year put you in a deficit right out of the gate?
“It has been a grind this year for sure. Even though we were in a tough points’ spot after Atlanta, neither the team nor I changed anything about our approach. Truth be told, we didn’t really do anything wrong at Daytona or Atlanta, simply wrong place at the wrong time. That’s just how it goes at those wildcard tracks. We have had a bunch of really good days, and a couple tough finishes throughout the rest of the year. But I am still living week-to-week and only worrying about the next race. My team has done a great job building me fast Silverados, and I know we are close to breaking through and getting ourselves a victory.”

Atop the No. 71 Box – Crew Chief Kevin “Bono” Manion

  • Veteran crew chief Kevin “Bono” Manion has called two CRAFTSMAN Truck Series events at Nashville Superspeedway, highlighted by a fourth-place finish with Zane Smith in 2021. The Boylston, Mass., native adds five Xfinity Series appearances in the “Music City,” collecting two pole awards and two top fives with driver Martin Truex, Jr., at Chance 2 Motorsports.
  • Manion, a 31-year veteran of the sport, founded Spire Motorsports’ CRAFTSMAN Truck Series program alongside industry veteran Mike Greci in 2022. The team claimed their first victory in their second outing with William Byron behind the wheel at Martinsville Speedway.
  • The 53-year-old has racked up six Cup Series victories – including the 2010 Daytona 500 – 17 NASCAR Xfinity Series triumphs and 11 CRAFTSMAN Truck series wins. Manion is also one of 11 crew chiefs to have called wins across all three of NASCAR’s national touring series.
  • In 2023, Manion became one of few to call a race in all three of NASCAR’s national series in a single season, all of which came under the Spire Motorsports umbrella. He led the part-time effort on the No. 7 Silverado in the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, helped in limited starts for Carson Hocevar in the Xfinity Series and took the reigns during the second half of the Cup Series season for Ty Dillon and the No. 77 team.

Andres Perez de Lara – Driver, No. 77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet Silverado

  • Andres Perez de Lara will pilot the No. 77 Telcel Chevrolet Silverado for Spire Motorsports in this weekend’s Rackley Roofing 200.
  • Last week at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Perez de Lara showed top-10 speed throughout the event, but was stalled by a late-race, pit-road penalty. He eventually crossed the line in the 16th position, besting the field of rookie drivers.
  • The 20-year-old will make his first appearance at the Lebanon, Tenn., oval. Perez de Lara has made five intermediate starts in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, with a best finish of 16th coming last weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
  • The 2024 ARCA Menards Series Champion has made four career starts in the ARCA Menards Series on concrete tracks, three of which were came at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway and one at Dover (Del.) Motor Speedway. He tallied two top fives and three top 10s across those four races.
  • The Mexico City native competed on a comparable oval to Nashville Superspeedway during his time in the NASCAR Mexico Series. Óvalo Aguascalientes México, a 0.875 D-shaped oval, is the site of Perez de Lara’s lone win in NASCAR’s premier series south of the border in 2023. In four starts at the Aguascalientes venue, Perez de Lara logged three top fives and four top 10s.
  • Telcel is Mexico’s leading telecommunications company, providing nationwide coverage, cutting-edge mobile connectivity, and high-speed internet services to millions of users. With over 30 years of experience, Telcel continues to innovate in digital communication, offering solutions that keep people connected anytime, anywhere.
  • Beyond technology, Telcel is committed to supporting excellence in sports, particularly in motorsports. As a proud and long-time sponsor of Perez de Lara, Telcel fuels the passion for speed, precision and performance, driving success both on and off the track. Telcel will be a season-long partner with Perez de Lara and the No. 77 team.
  • The 20 year-old has made 13 CRAFTSMAN Truck Series starts, 12 of which were behind the wheel of a Spire Motorsports Chevy Silverado. He earned his first-career top 10 in his CRAFTSMAN Truck Series debut last June at World Wide Technology Raceway (Ill.) via a ninth-place result. His career-best seventh-place finish at Martinsville Speedway in March marked his second top 10 in the series.
  • The Sunoco Rookie of the Year Contender juggled his duties while also competing full time in the NASCAR Mexico Series. In 2023, he earned Rookie of the Year honors while finishing fourth in the division’s championship point standings and reaching the series’ version of the NASCAR playoffs.
  • Spire Manufacturing chassis SMT-079 will be driven by Perez de Lara Friday night. The truck has earned a pair of Kennametal Pole Awards at Kansas Speedway (September 2023 and May 2024) and a sixth-place finish at Pocono (Pa.) Raceway last July with Chase Purdy at the controls.

Andres Perez de Lara Quotes
You have never been to Nashville Superspeedway before. How do you feel about heading to yet another new track?
“I am excited for Nashville. It has the potential to be a good race for us. Spire has always brought really fast Silverado’s to the track there and has had very good results, as well. Chad (Walter) and Rajah (Caruth) ran well there last year, so that gives me the confidence that we will be competitive this weekend. For me personally, there is a track in Mexico that races similar to Nashville that I have been quite successful at. I picked up by first career win there in the NASCAR Mexico Series. When I first started running laps at Nashville in the simulator, I felt comfortable with everything I needed to do to make speed. Hopefully, everything will go our way this weekend and we can bring home a good result.”

Halfway through the season, how do you assess your rookie campaign so far?
“It has definitely been an up-and-down year. We have shown we have the speed to run up front, but we haven’t quite been able to put a full race together. Charlotte was the perfect example. We were one of the fastest trucks on track, but I made a few mistakes on pit road that cost us a good finish. I know we will continue to get better over the coming races. We are getting closer and closer to the front. I know my team won’t quit and we will continue to get better together.”

Atop the No. 77 Box – Crew Chief Chad Walter

  • Crew chief Chad Walter has called three CRAFTSMAN Truck Series events at Nashville Superspeedway, highlighted by a fourth-place finish last season with Rajah Caruth at the controls.
  • In nine NASCAR Xfinity Series events atop the box at Nashville, the Cornell (N.Y.) University graduate has collected three top fives and four top 10s.
  • Between NASCAR’s Xfinity Series and CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, the Albion, N.Y. native has racked up six wins, 52 top fives and 131 top 10s.

About Spire Motorsports …
Spire Motorsports earned its inaugural NASCAR Cup Series victory in its first full season of competition when Justin Haley took the checkered flag in the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway on July 7, 2019. Less than three years later, William Byron drove Spire Motorsports’ No. 7 Chevrolet Silverado to its inaugural NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series win on April 7, 2022, at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway. The team’s most recent win came on May 10, 2025, when Carson Hocevar took the checkered flag in the Heart of Health Care 200 at Kansas Speedway.

In 2025, Spire Motorsports campaigns the Nos. 7, 71 and 77 Chevrolets in the NASCAR Cup Series. The team also fields the Nos. 07, 7, 71 and 77 Chevrolet Silverados in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series and the No. 77 Chevrolet in the ARCA Menards Series in select events.

ERIK JONES PARTNERS WITH ZIGAZOO FOR SOCIAL MEDIA WELLNESS MONTH AND BEYOND

By
Official Release
-

LEGACY MOTOR CLUB DRIVER COLLABORATES WITH CHILDREN’S APP TO HELP GEN ALPHA STAY SAFE ON SOCIAL MEDIA

STATESVILLE, N.C. / MIAMI, Fl. (May 27, 2025) – As part of his ongoing initiatives with the Erik Jones Foundation, Erik Jones has now entered a partnership with Zigazoo, a popular social media app for children, to help spread awareness during the month of May for Social Media Wellness Month and beyond.

Zigazoo is the world’s largest social media platform made for kids, by parents and former educators. It’s a market leader for safe and positive social media. Founded during the COVID-19 Pandemic as a daily challenge app for children who were stuck at home, it has since grown to be the No. 1 iOS app for children and provide more activities like online book readings, one of which Jones will host under his #READwithErik program within Zigazoo later this month.

Throughout May, Zigazoo dropped special celebrity challenges meant to start a conversation about social media wellness. These videos were provided by celebrities and showcased on the app. The celebrities included Jones, tennis legend and Zigazoo investor Serena Williams, and more. Jones dropped his first challenge video earlier this month, and his second one during Memorial Day yesterday.

Throughout Social Media Wellness Month, Zigazoo also featured a dynamic lineup of other activities to promote mental health wellness and start conversations. In addition to the challenge videos, they posted exclusive interviews, round table discussions, giveaways, and a curated toolkit designed to support families in fostering healthy online habits for the future.

“Gen Alpha doesn’t separate online and offline life—they live in a fully blended reality,” says Leah Ringelstein, Co-founder and Director of Digital Wellness at Zigazoo. “To truly support their safety, creativity, and mental health, we must design tools that meet their unique developmental needs and empower both them and their support systems with the skills to use social media in positive, meaningful ways.”

Jones and Zigazoo are a perfect pairing with his efforts at the Erik Jones Foundation which he founded in 2021. The foundation advocates for its three pillars – literacy, early cancer detection and prevention, and animal welfare. Prior to its launch, Jones had already started his mission to help others when he started the #READWithErik program on his social media during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, much like Zigazoo. While stuck at home, Jones began reading children’s books on Facebook Live to a growing audience of young fans. He posted weekly videos showcasing a new book each week throughout pandemic. Since then the program has hit the road as Jones started to visit local elementary schools and children’s hospitals along the NASCAR circuit to encourage reading from a young age.

“I’m really excited to get partnered up with Zigazoo and learn more about who they are plus everything that we’re going to be doing together. Going forward I think there are some really neat programs that we can be involved in to continue to encourage reading, healthy learning, and healthy social media use. I’m looking forward to being on the platform and continuing to learn more about it as I get involved,” said Jones, driver of the No. 43 Toyota Camry XSE for LEGACY MOTOR CLUB.

Children can find both challenge video from Jones on the Zigazoo app and a special #READwithErik as he starts his own reading channel on Zigazoo. As more comes from this partnership, Jones will continue to challenge young minds to think outside of the box, read, and be safe on social media.

To learn more about Zigazoo, visit Zigazoo.com.

ABOUT ZIGAZOO: Zigazoo is the world’s largest social platform for kids and the market leader in safe and positive social media, founded by parents and former educators who exited their last education technology company to Renaissance Learning. Zigazoo began during the pandemic as a daily challenge app for kids stuck at home and has since become the #1 iOS app for children. The video-first, challenge-based platform has empowered millions to express their authentic selves within a positive social media environment and has become a priority destination for top-tier creator talent, celebrities, and leading brands, including the NBA, MLB, WWE, DreamWorks, Paramount Pictures, Amazon, Apple TV+, Crayola, Penguin Random House, and Netflix. Zigazoo’s investors include the NBA, Serena Ventures, MaC Venture Capital, iHeartMedia, Charli D’Amelio, and Jimmy Kimmel.

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

CHASE WRIGHT TO SING NATIONAL ANTHEM AND PERFORM FREE POST-RACE CONCERT AT BOMMARITO AUTOMOTIVE GROUP 500 TO HONOR FIRST RESPONDERS

By
Official Release
-
Rising country music star Chase Wright will perform the national anthem and a free post-race concert at the Bommarito Automotive Group 500 on June 15. Photo by Rachel Deeb.

MADISON, Ill. (May 27, 2025) – Rising country music star Chase Wright is paying tribute to St. Louis area first responders and relief workers by performing a free concert following the ninth annual Bommarito Automotive Group 500 at World Wide Technology Raceway on Sunday, June 15. Wright was originally scheduled to perform the national anthem prior to the event but offered the free performance following last week’s tornado that affected the region.

The Indiana native has released two albums that feature energetic songs with a mix of traditional and modern sounds that will be on display during his post-race performance. Wright’s path into the country music scene is not the typical one—he picked up a guitar for the first time during his freshman year at DePauw University and graduated with a degree in economics before deciding to move to Nashville to pursue music full-time.

That leap paid off. With two albums under his belt—his 2021 debut Intertwined and 2024’s LETTING GO—Wright’s music has been streamed over 320 million times, and the number continues to grow. His latest single, “Country Side,” is out now on all major streaming platforms, showcasing his continued evolution as an artist with his signature blend of relatable lyrics and heartfelt storytelling.

Named one of Spotify’s Hot Country Artists to Watch, Chase Wright has built a reputation for connecting deeply with fans through music that feels both personal and universal.

World Wide Technology Raceway continues its tradition of hosting a first responder tribute parade prior to each INDYCAR event, and Wright’s post-race performance will conclude a weekend of racing and music that also features Soul Asylum, Cracker, and Sponge. Expect crowd favorites like “Hurt No More,” “Wish You’d Miss Me,” and “Why Should We,” along with new music from this exciting young voice in the Country genre.

About CHASE WRIGHT: CHASE WRIGHT is doing more than making his childhood dreams come true – he’s introducing himself as a bold new Nashville artist with a freewheeling approach to genre, firm footing in relatable storytelling, and a soft spot for big choruses. Respect for country music’s way around a story – without feeling bound to it – defines the Indiana native’s energetic songs, which lean on electric loops and pop-rock chords alongside more traditional sounds built from steel strings and wood.

It’s a confident blend that makes it easy to forget Chase didn’t pick up a guitar until his freshman year as a track athlete at DePauw University. After graduating with a degree in economics, he packed up and moved to Nashville, where he’s been carving his own path as an independent artist. Since then, he’s signed a publishing deal, released his debut album Intertwined, and followed it up with his sophomore album LETTING GO, released in 2024. Named one of Spotify’s Hot Country Artists to Watch, a SiriusXM Highway Find, and a Pandora Artist to Watch, Wright continues to roll out new music. So far, fans have streamed his songs more than 320 million times – and counting.

About World Wide Technology Raceway:

World Wide Technology Raceway (WWTR) is the home of NASCAR, INDYCAR and NHRA racing in St. Louis’ Metro East region. Located just five minutes from downtown St. Louis and covering more than 700 acres, WWTR is the largest outdoor entertainment facility in the area. WWTR’s facilities include a 1.25-mile superspeedway; 1/4-mile drag strip; 2.0-mile road course; the Gateway Kartplex state-of-the-art karting facility; and the adjacent Gateway National Golf Links. WWTR and Owner & CEO Curtis Francois have been recognized with several awards, including: 2023 St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame induction; 2023 Innovation in Philanthropy Award by the St. Louis Business Journal; 2022 Explore St. Louis Hospitality Hero Recognition; 2022 Best in Show and Best Event & Festival from the Illinois Governor’s Conference on Tourism; 2021 Comcast Community Champion of the Year; 2021 Jack Buck Award; 2020 NASCAR Drive for Diversity Track Award; 2018 Innovator Award from the St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission; 2017 Outstanding Facility of the Year Award from the Race Track Business Conference; and the 2017 Spirit of St. Louis Award from the St. Louis Attractions Association. Our mission: We are committed to making a difference in our community, while providing first-class entertainment and memories that last a lifetime.

Ryan Preece Working To Be A Winner In Two Series at Nashville Superspeedway

By
Official Release
-

Ford Performance Notes and Quotes
NASCAR Cup Series
Ryan Preece Nashville Midweek Advance
Tuesday, May 27, 2025

Ryan Preece, driver of the No. 60 RFK Racing Ford Mustang Dark Horse, is coming off a ninth-place finish in Sunday’s Coca-Cola 600. As the series shifts to Nashville Superspeedway this weekend, Preece talked about his two NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series wins at the track and what to expect in Sunday’s Cup race.

RYAN PREECE, No. 60 RFK Racing Ford Mustang Dark Horse – HOW DID YOU TAKE TO THE NASHVILLE TRACK SO WELL SO QUICKLY? “That’s a great question and, to be honest with you, I think it just somewhat fits the style that I have, the style that I grew up racing. It seems to be a little bit more forgiving when it comes to some of the things that I tend to do and I really like it. I enjoy racing there and a lot of it is about being disciplined with the line there. I don’t necessarily know other than when I’ve gone back and looked and really continue to go back and look, I just like it.”

ELTON SAWYER SAID THIS MORNING THAT THEY’RE HAVING DAILY CONVERSATIONS ABOUT INCREASING HORSEPOWER IN THE CUP CARS. IS THAT GOING TO BE THE FIX THAT FANS WANT, OR IS THERE STILL GOING TO BE MORE THAT NEEDS TO BE DONE TO MAKE SHORT TRACK RACING BETTER? “I think a lot of it is the power to weight ratio. A lot of short track cars, outside of if you’re racing a USAC sprint car or midget, super late models or open or tight modifieds, they’re 2600 or 2700 pounds and they make about 650-700 horsepower, so the horsepower number is about the same. The difference is that a Cup car is 3500 pounds, so in all reality, I don’t know the exact number, but essentially that would be like racing a pro late model, or an SK modified, where they’re about 500 horsepower if you’re looking at power to weight. To me, as a race car driver, it just gives you another tool. It would certainly benefit my style if we added horsepower because there are things I do with the brake pedal or the throttle or brake bias – another tool on how to help your car exit the corner or when you’re setting up a pass being able to clear, having that extra horsepower, but at the end of the day if the rules are the same for everybody, you’ve just got to figure out how to do it better than everybody else. But, to answer your question on fans and what they want or what not, I’m just gonna use the 600 as an example. I went back and watched it and that race was a great race to watch. When I look at North Wilkesboro and how that race was, that was a good race to watch. That usually comes from varying strategies. I think it comes from a whole bunch of different things, so if we continue to make adjustments, I think we’re definitely gonna keep fans entertained, but I’m obviously somebody that is always gonna be of the ‘give me more horsepower’ and not just a little bit. It’s not a 30 or 70 horsepower increase, it’s like guys way back in the day were racing 900 horsepower and now we’re in 2025, so I’m not speaking for the engine builders. I’m speaking selfishly as a race car driver who wants the challenge.”

THE TRACK AT CHARLOTTE IS TEMPERATURE SENSITIVE. HOW DO YOU FEEL YOUR CAR WILL TRANSLATE FROM CHARLOTTE TO THE ATLANTA TRACK IN A MONTH? “That’s a great question. I thought Charlotte definitely went through the swing that we all talk about throughout the race. My car benefitted from it pretty early on, but I got behind and that just kind of became a top 10 car where I felt like if we ever got that track position in the first 50 to 100, we had a really solid race car. But Atlanta, I think that’s gonna be a place where that track is aging. I think even though it’s a superspeedway style race, handling is becoming more and more of a thing. At the same time, I think with it being at night time, the track temp goes down as it does when you have a night race. That certainly could band aid some of those issues, so I’m not really sure. I just hope that we continue to unload and do the things that we’ve been doing as the 60 team and RFK and we’re gonna be real contenders here.”

BRAD HAD A GOOD RUN ON SUNDAY NIGHT. THAT MUST HAVE BEEN GOOD TO SEE. “Yeah, he does a really good job. He has plenty of experience, too, but he is really good at keeping up with race tracks, giving input to keep making the car better, so that’s something where all of us, we push each other to be pushing in certain areas and that’s one that I wish I did a better job at this weekend with communicating when I was starting to get loose. Brad did a great job at it and obviously I’m happy the 6 team and Brad get a good finish that they deserve because they had a great run going at Kansas and blew a tire and it ended their day. I’ve been on the other side where things don’t go your way and it’s really tough to dig out of that hole, but Brad is a team player and somebody that just keeps plugging away.”

YOU SAID THE OTHER DAY YOU NEED TO QUALIFY BETTER. CAN YOU ELABORATE ON THAT? “Yeah. I wish I could tell you, but, to be honest with you, the one thing that seems to be a normal occurrence is qualifying from 28th to 32nd. There have certainly been times where we qualify really well and then there are other times when we qualify really bad. There doesn’t seem to be much of an in-between and that’s just something we’re gonna continue to keep working on.”

IS THE RACE AT MICHIGAN MORE ELEVATED BECAUSE OF THE MANUFACTURER’S PRESENCE NEARBY? “When it’s in your OEM’s backyard, you want to be the guy that carries the flag and wins for them. With Jack and everybody with Roush being from Michigan, with Ford and being the guy – like Chris has been super, super fast at Michigan and been able to win – so I think when we go to Michigan as a company at RFK, we want to be the ones that win it for Ford and carry the banner, carry the flag. Obviously, having a teammate like him and Brad, we have a really solid baseline and with Chris doing the test a month or so ago, I feel really confident going in there that we have three really good chances to do that.”

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THE UPCOMING MEXICO CITY RACE AND WHAT ARE YOUR EXPECTATIONS FOR THE WEEK? “I can tell you that we just got done with our meeting for Mexico, so I’ve been reading up on some stuff. I think there are a lot of things that we’re all thinking about, but as a race car driver one of them is gonna be staying hydrated. How the elevation is going to affect us as far as being in the race car and breathing enough, so I’m not entirely sure but I am excited to go there because after talking with Daniel and he obviously grew up over there and had a lot of great things to say. I’m looking at it as a glass half full. I’ve never been out of the country, so this is gonna be my first experience and I’m really hoping it’s a great one.”

Ty Gibbs Powering Through Robust Racing Schedule

By
Official Release
-

Interstate Batteries Driver Has a 50-Race Slate as NASCAR Cup Series Begins Second Half of Regular Season This Weekend at Nashville

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. (May 27, 2025) – The NASCAR Cup Series is in the midst of 28 straight weekends of racing, with the lone off-weekend on the entirety of the 38-race schedule coming six weeks ago during the Easter holiday.

Some in the NASCAR garage talk about managing their time and their overall schedule to ensure the grind of competing in the longest season in all of sports doesn’t wear them down.

Ty Gibbs, driver of the No. 54 Interstate Batteries Toyota Camry XSE for Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR), is not one of those people.

“Honestly, the Cup schedule is not that bad. Everybody makes it seem like it’s intense, but I think it’s pretty manageable,” said the 22-year-old Gibbs, currently in his third fulltime Cup season.

“I also race dirt stuff, so I probably have about 40-50 more races this year. I enjoy racing – all kinds of racing – and I think the more I do it, the sharper I am, so I should do as much as I can.”

Gibbs made his 100th career Cup Series start last Sunday in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway. It was a milestone moment that also served as the halfway mark of the Cup Series’ regular season. Thirteen races are in the books and just 13 remain before the NASCAR Playoffs begin Aug. 31 at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway.

Currently 25th in the championship standings, Gibbs is eyeing a playoff spot by either breaking into the top-16 in points or by winning a race to automatically punch his playoff ticket. The charge toward a points haul and, ideally, a win begins anew this Sunday in the Cracker Barrel 400 at Nashville (Tenn.) Superspeedway.

The 1.333-mile, concrete oval is relatively flat, with corners banked at just 14 degrees. Those corners, however, are wide, allowing drivers to use multiple lanes to navigate traffic and find the quickest line around the track.

“There are a couple of bumps that are pretty sketchy at Nashville. Off of (turn) four there are a couple of dips, like swells, down there. You have to stay away from those and kind of just go wide,” Gibbs said. “Last year, we were running fourth, fifth all day, and then got caught up in a wreck near the end. So if we can stay out of the wrecks, I feel like we can win.”

Three multicar accidents in the last 25 laps of last year’s Nashville race collected a total of 15 cars, including Gibbs. That experience, combined with his 14th-place finish in his first Cup Series race at Nashville in 2023, has led Gibbs to pinpoint the ultimate key to success in Music City.

“Track position,” Gibbs said. “You’ve got to have good track position all day, and that comes from having a well-executed day. You want to be fast, obviously, but you’ve got to have good pit stops and good restarts, and you’ve got to stay consistently fast.

“You can come from the back a little bit, but it’s really hard to pass. People throw blocks so easily. If you can be out front, you want to stay there. That’s where guys are good.”

Gibbs has proven to be more than good. He won in his very first NASCAR Xfinity Series start – Feb. 20, 2021 at the Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway road course – and then won the championship in 2022 during his first full season thanks to seven victories. Upon moving to Cup in 2023, Gibbs handily won the Rookie of the Year title.

At Nashville, Gibbs sports the bright green colors of JGR’s founding partner, Interstate Batteries. The leading replacement battery brand in the United States has been with JGR since its inaugural season in 1992. Now in its 34th year, it is the third-generation Gibbs carrying the torch for the most tenured team partnership in all of NASCAR.

“Interstate Batteries has been a part of my family’s team since the very beginning,” Gibbs said. “I’ve grown up with them. It’s cool to have such a long-standing partnership with them and to be able to carry on their legacy in NASCAR.”

Gibbs climbs into his No. 54 Interstate Batteries Toyota Camry XSE on Saturday when practice begins 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 Cracker Barrel 400 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 Joe Gibbs Racing:

Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) is one of the premier organizations in NASCAR with four NASCAR Cup Series teams, four NASCAR Xfinity Series teams, and a driver development program. JGR is based in Huntersville, North Carolina, and owned by 2020 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee Joe Gibbs, who also earned his place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame and was named as one of the NFL’s top-10 coaches of all-time with a winning career that included three Super Bowl championships as head coach of the Washington franchise. JGR has competed in NASCAR since 1992, capturing 400 wins over that span. No team has more combined wins across the sport’s three national series in the history of NASCAR. In addition, JGR has won five Cup Series championships along with four Xfinity Series driver championships and six Xfinity Series owners’ championships. The organization also has captured four Daytona 500 titles, considered to be NASCAR’s premier event.

About Interstate Batteries:

For more than 70 years, Interstate Batteries® has powered people down roads, trails and waterways and businesses to succeed. Best known for its starting, lighting and ignition (SLI) batteries, this product has been under car hoods since 1952, each one backed by the company’s service, quality and value. Interstate All Battery Center® provides portable power in both retail and commercial markets. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, Interstate Batteries is an industry leader in recycling efforts, as well as a global leader in safe lead handling practices. Guided by a set of common values, the company’s purpose is to glorify God and enrich lives while delivering the most trustworthy source of power to the world. For more information, visit www.InterstateBatteries.com.

Best Small Cars for First-Time Drivers

By
SM
-
Photo by Foto-VDW at https://depositphotos.com/

When you first start driving, you have to balance being excited with being responsible. If you’re a new car owner, selecting a model that is easy to use, affordable, and safe can help you get accustomed to it. Always consider how the car will fit your budget over its entire lifespan. With car finance calculators, you can easily see how much you will have to pay back and separate realistic options from those that are too expensive for you.

Prioritising Safety on the Road

New drivers have more protection thanks to additional safety features. Lately, compact vehicles are being equipped with features such as lane assist, automatic braking, and driver attention monitors, which were once found only in expensive cars. When searching for a vehicle on a budget, Euro NCAP ratings are a reliable way to assess the vehicle’s protection level. Driving a car equipped with multiple airbags, high crash ratings, and advanced stability control provides you with greater confidence.

Compact Dimensions, Big Advantages

Tight spaces, narrow streets, and busy parking areas often pose challenges for new motorists. That’s where smaller cars shine. Light steering, short wheelbases, and responsive handling make daily navigation far less stressful. Compact exteriors also lead to smoother parking experiences, particularly when paired with reversing sensors or cameras, now increasingly common, even in entry-level trims.

Standout Models Worth Exploring

Several makes and models are specifically designed to cater to the needs of learners and young drivers. The Hyundai i10 consistently impresses with its compact body and clever cabin layout. Its low insurance group and strong reputation for reliability make it a smart starter car.

Another strong contender is the Volkswagen Up!, praised for its build quality and fuel efficiency. With a surprisingly spacious interior despite its size, this car proves ideal for urban dwellers and students alike.

Meanwhile, the Ford Fiesta, while slightly larger, remains a longstanding favourite among first-time drivers. Its intuitive controls and balanced ride offer a solid introduction to motoring without overwhelming complexity.

Running Costs Matter

New drivers often underestimate the long-term costs of owning a car. Road tax, fuel, maintenance, and insurance all add up. Fortunately, many modern hatchbacks deliver exceptional fuel economy. Selecting models in lower insurance groups can also lead to significant annual savings. Keeping service records up to date and opting for fuel-efficient engines ensures smoother, less expensive ownership.

Inside Comfort and Connectivity

Smaller vehicles no longer mean stripped-back interiors. Many current compact cars come equipped with touchscreen infotainment systems, Bluetooth connectivity, and Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. These features help keep hands off phones while providing music, navigation, and calls on the go. Adjustable driver seating and ample visibility also help boost comfort for those still finding their confidence behind the wheel.

Ease of Maintenance and Reliability

For those without mechanical experience, a car that doesn’t demand constant attention is a blessing. Brands such as Toyota and Kia offer solid track records when it comes to reliability, while models with simple engine layouts often result in cheaper garage bills. Additionally, cars with widely available parts and nationwide dealer support reduce downtime in the event of an issue.

Start Smart, Drive Confident

The goal of your first car should be to get something reliable and low-cost rather than something fancy. Ensuring you are safe, efficient, and comfortable in your vehicle will last you many years. If you use a car finance calculator, you can ensure that the car you want fits within your budget, allowing you to start your search with no compromises.

Garner Trucking Partners with Haley, Spire Motorsports for Nashville, Michigan

By
Official Release
-

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (May 27, 2025) – Garner Trucking, the Official Transportation Partner of Spire Motorsports since 2023, will serve as Justin Haley’s primary sponsor in back-to-back NASCAR Cup Series races beginning with Sunday’s Cracker Barrel 400 at Nashville Superspeedway.

The Garner Trucking livery will return to the primary position aboard Haley’s No. 7 Chevrolet ZL1 the following weekend for the FireKeepers 400 at Michigan International Speedway.

Garner Trucking is celebrating its 65th anniversary in 2025 and provides Spire Motorsports with the semi tractors the team utilizes to transport its equipment across the country. The family-owned and -operated business was started in 1960 by Vern and Jean Garner. Headquartered in Findlay, Ohio, Garner Trucking is highly regarded in the industry for its excellent safety record and on-time delivery performance. Garner is now owned and operated by second generation daughter Sherri Garner Brumbaugh

“The Garner/Spire collaboration has been a highlight of our 65 years in business,” said Sherri Garner Brumbaugh, President, CEO and Owner of Garner Trucking, Inc. “Vern Garner, our founder, was a huge NASCAR fan. My dad would have enjoyed the thrill of sending our truck drivers as VIP’s to the races and seeing Garner on a premiere NASCAR Cup Series car! It is in that spirit the entire Garner team enjoys being part of Spire Motorsports. Truckers and NASCAR, we go together!”

Garner Trucking has been honored by leading freight transportation organizations including the Truckload Carriers Association, Women in Trucking, and the Next Generation in Trucking Association, solidifying its reputation as an industry leader.

In four previous NASCAR Cup Series starts at Nashville Superspeedway, Haley has a 21.0 average start, a 23.5 average finish and earned a series/venue-best 13th-place finish in last June’s visit to the daunting 1.33-mile oval. Haley also lays claim to four starts in NASCAR’s premier division at the famed two-mile Michigan oval where he’s logged a pair of top-20 finishes.

“Everyone at Spire Motorsports appreciates the support from Sherri and the entire team at Garner Trucking,” said Haley. “Our trucks stand tall going up and down the road and when they pull into the race track for the weekend. We’re looking forward to representing Garner for the next two weekends. I feel like our cars keep getting better and Nashville and Michigan should be good tracks for us, so I’m definitely looking forward to seeing how we stack up.”

The Cracker Barrel 400 from Nashville Superspeedway will be televised live on Amazon Prime Sunday June 1, beginning at 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. The 14th of 36 races on the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series schedule will also broadcast live on the Performance Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, channel 90.

About Garner Trucking …
Garner Trucking is a family-owned and operated business started in 1960 by Vernon E. Garner and Regina R. Garner, headquartered in Findlay, Ohio. Daughter Sherri Garner Brumbaugh currently owns and operates the business. Garner is a 100 percent woman-owned business. Since 2017, Garner Trucking has been named a Best Fleet to Drive For from trucking companies in North America. In 2022, Garner was named the Best Fleet to Drive For – Overall Small Carrier. The company’s dedication to its drivers earned it a spot in the Best Fleets to Drive For Hall of Fame in 2023. Continuing its legacy of excellence, Garner won the inaugural Best Fleets to Drive for Hall of Fame Stratosphere Award in 2024—and claimed the title again in 2025. Garner is celebrating its 65th anniversary in 2025.

About Spire Motorsports …
Spire Motorsports earned its inaugural NASCAR Cup Series victory in its first full season of competition when Justin Haley took the checkered flag in the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway on July 7, 2019. Less than three years later, William Byron drove Spire Motorsports’ No. 7 Chevrolet Silverado to its inaugural NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series win on April 7, 2022, at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway. The team’s most recent win came on May 10, 2025, when Carson Hocevar took the checkered flag in the Heart of Health Care 200 at Kansas Speedway.

In 2025, Spire Motorsports campaigns the Nos. 7, 71 and 77 Chevrolets in the NASCAR Cup Series. The team also fields the Nos. 07, 7, 71 and 77 Chevrolet Silverados in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series and the No. 77 Chevrolet in the ARCA Menards Series in select events.

Spears CARS Tour West Hires Chris Wright as Series Director

By
Official Release
-

Wright Takes the Reins May 31 at Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway

Bakersfield, Calif. (May 27, 2025) – Continuing to build a marque series, the Spears CARS Tour West announced today the hiring of veteran motorsports leader, Chris Wright, as the new series director. Wright joins the Spears CARS Tour West after most recently leading the ARCA Series East and West for NASCAR.

“I’m very thankful for Kevin and DeLana Harvick and Tim and Lisa Huddleston for reaching out to me and wanting me to be a part of their team to help continue to build the Spears CARS Tour West brand,” said Wright. “I’m also grateful for my time at NASCAR and the France family for giving me the opportunity to help build the ARCA Series, especially on the West Coast.”

“Given Chris’ racing background and knowledge, we think he will be an integral part of the CARS Tour West’s expansion and growth,” said series co-owner, Kevin Harvick. “This will give the competitors a lot of experience to lean on as we grow and reshape West Coast racing.”

Growing up in a racing family and with a career in motorsports that has spanned more than three decades, Wright has worked for his family-owned team and Hall of Famers. He has worked in multiple areas of motorsports including as a crew chief and series director, and with each transition, he has left the last place better than he found it. His career has provided him with the platform to be a part of race wins, championships and help shape the next generation of racers.

“Throughout my career, I’ve enjoyed working with veterans who knew what they wanted while in the driver’s seat and knew how to get it done, but later in my career, I’ve been able to work with a younger generation, male and females, and really found I had a knack for helping them develop their careers,” said Wright. “So, in this level of racing, particularly with the late model scene, you get to see both sides of that. You get to see the veterans, the Derek Thorn’s and Kevin Harvick’s, and you get to see the Keelan Harvick’s go through the ranks. I’ve been fortunate to see guys like Jesse Love come up through the ranks and are now making it in the higher series and making a name for themselves after coming up through the West Coast ranks.”

Wright joined NASCAR in 2013 as the series director for the NASCAR ARCA East Series (previously the K&N Pro Series East) and in 2017, Wright became the series director for the NASCAR ARCA West Series (previously the K&N Series West). Wright became the first, and only person to date, to manage both the East and West NASCAR Touring Series at the same time, and leaves the ARCA East Series as the longest standing series director. During his time managing the ARCA West Series, Wright built relationships across the West Coast and helped to rebuild the NASCAR ARCA West Coast brand into what it is today.

“I really feel like there’s a lot of opportunity on the West Coast,” continued Wright. “I hope we are able to tap into the relationships I’ve built and continue to build the CARS Tour West into a premier racing series and create a series that people want to be a part of.”

The 2025 Spears CARS Tour West Series continues this weekend at Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway for the highly anticipated Harvick Showdown between father and son, Kevin and Keelan Harvick. NASCAR Hall of Famer and West Coast legend, Ron Hornaday Jr. will serve as the grand marshal. The Mission Bank 250 on Saturday, May 31, will air live on FloRacing.com.

About CARS Tour West

Founded in 2024, the CARS Tour West is the premier stock car series of the West Coast. Under the ownership of California natives Tim Huddleston and Kevin Harvick, the series aims to create an organized, structured, and competitive place for racers on the West Coast. Competing at the best tracks on the West Coast, the CARS Tour West provides the space and platform to crown champions and elevate West Coast racing to the top levels of motorsports.

For more information, please visit www.carstourwest.com.

Cadillac at Detroit: Driven from the start

By
Official Release
-

Three Cadillac V-Series.Rs aim for victory in home race on downtown circuit

DETROIT (May 27, 2025) – Brothers Jordan and Ricky Taylor, who have combined for nine sports car racing victories on temporary street circuits in Detroit, will attempt to add to that total with Cadillac Racing in the Chevrolet Detroit Sports Car Classic.

Ricky Taylor teamed with Filipe Albuquerque in 2024 to win the 100-minute IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship race on the temporary circuit around the Renaissance Center with another manufacturer. This weekend, they’ll be driving the No. 10 Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing V-Series.R.

A Cadillac DPi won four races and was runner-up in the other at Detroit (Belle Isle) since joining IMSA prototype competition in 2017. There was no race in 2020 because of the pandemic, and the Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) class did not compete on the 1.654-mile, nine-turn street course in 2023.

“The track is challenging. We had a great race last year, but so many things can happen here in just 100 minutes,” Taylor said. “But we’ll try to repeat the success we had last year and send ourselves for a good lead up to Le Mans.”

Jordan Taylor and Louis Deletraz, who placed fifth last year with another manufacturer, will share the No. 40 Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing V-Series.R. Jack Aitken, who won the DTM race Sunday at Lausitzring, and Earl Bamber will drive the No. 31 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R campaigned by Action Express Racing, which is seeking its 100th IMSA podium. 

Aitken teamed with Pipo Derani to recover from 10th on the starting grid to finish sixth in 2024, three positions lower than the No. 01 Cadillac V-Series.R.

“Detroit is one of the most important races of the year for us with it being in General Motors’ and Cadillac’s back yard,” said Jordan Taylor, who will be making his 180th IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship start. “We have high expectations for the weekend. I feel like we’ve been learning and making progress every time we are on track with this car, so hopefully we can roll off the truck in a good spot and have a strong weekend at home.”

The Taylors co-drove to victory on the Belle Isle circuit in 2014 and 2016 with the Corvette DP and in 2017 in the Cadillac DPi, which resonates as a career highlight in their IMSA championship season. They led a 1-2 Cadillac sweep in the No. 10 Cadillac DPi V.R for Wayne Taylor Racing for a fifth consecutive triumph.

“I actually crashed in qualifying and lost my best lap time. I had to start at the back, and so we thought it wasn’t going to happen. But it had a happy ending,” Ricky Taylor said.

Added Jordan, who has also won in the Motor City in 2013 with the Corvette DP and in 2012 in the GT class: “I think after the qualifying crash we thought that our win streak was going to be over, but I think that year we were so strong. It was the first year of DPi and I felt like as a team working with Cadillac and Dallara developing the car we felt like we were in such a good position performance-wise all through those races. Detroit came and I think Ricky made a couple positions on track and then the guys made a good strategy late in the race.”

Peacock will provide flag-to-flag coverage in the U.S. at 3:30 p.m. ET Saturday, May 31 (internationally via IMSA.TV and IMSA Official YouTube channel). IMSA Radio will broadcast the race live at IMSA.com, XM 206 and SiriusXM Online 996.

What they’re saying

No. 10 Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing V-Series.R

Filipe Albuquerque: “Last year we won on the new circuit in Detroit. Obviously, now being a Cadillac driver, it would mean much more for us to win in front of the GM building with the Cadillac V-Series.R. Let’s see how it goes. We have been learning more and more about the car, so let’s hope we are competitive. We are going to push for everything. It’s a short race and strategies can happen with short yellows. You cannot be unlucky there because you pay a big price. It’s obviously hard to overtake so we will see how it starts with qualifying. We will be heads down and try to bring a big result for Cadillac.”

Ricky Taylor: “Detroit is one of the biggest races of the year for us. Racing for Cadillac while racing around the Renaissance Center is so important for the team and for the brand. So hopefully we can repeat last year’s success and also turn the momentum of our year around for the second half of the season.”

No. 31 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R

Jack Aitken: “Very excited about the Detroit GP. A home race for Cadillac and GM in general. We’ve had a solid season but still looking to break through for that first result on the top step and it would be incredible if we could do it on home soil with so many of our fans and family in attendance. That always makes a race more special. I enjoyed it last year, even though we didn’t get the result we wanted. The racing was really competitive and close through streets, and the character of the circuit with the bumps and walls so close is a tough one to get right. It will be challenging and hopefully we will qualify stronger this time and not rely so much on our forward progress in the races that has been really good this year.”

Earl Bamber: “I’m looking forward to racing in Detroit. It’s a big weekend for the team and Cadillac, and a big opportunity for the 31 Whelen V-Series.R to get its first win of the season. The past three race results have been encouraging, but we want to consistently challenge for the victory. The street course is short, tight and the race is only 100 minutes, so anything can happen with yellows. Our car has shown proper race pace. Hopefully, we’ll qualify well and be at the front throughout the race.”

No. 40 Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing V-Series.R

Jordan Taylor: “Detroit is one of the most important races of the year for us with it being in General Motors’ and Cadillac’s back yard. We have high expectations for the weekend. I feel like we’ve been learning and making progress every time we are on track with this car, so hopefully we can roll off the truck in a good spot and have a strong weekend at home.”

Louis Deletraz: “I’m excited for Detroit, a street track but also a home race for Cadillac. We’re getting stronger and stronger as a team and I’m hoping we can get a good result. Detroit is bumpy and usually the Cadillac V Series GTP.R deals well with that. Let’s go get some silverware.”

General Motors (NYSE:GM) is driving the future of transportation, leveraging advanced technology to build safer, smarter, and lower emission cars, trucks, and SUVs. GM’s Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC brands offer a broad portfolio of innovative gasoline-powered vehicles and the industry’s widest range of EVs, as we move to an all-electric future. Learn more at GM.com.

1...471472473...6,652Page 472 of 6,652