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RFK Advance | Texas

Texas Event Info:
Date: Sunday, May 4
Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
Series: NASCAR Cup Series (NCS)
Location: Fort Worth, Texas
Format: 267 Laps, 400.5 miles, Stages: 80-165-267
TV: FS1
Radio: PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Channel 90)

  • Weekend Schedule:
  • Saturday: 11:05 a.m. ET, Cup Practice (Prime, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
  • Saturday: 12:10 p.m., Cup Qualifying (Prime, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
  • Sunday: 3:30 p.m. ET, Cup Race (FS1, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)

Pace Laps:

  • Texas Motor Speedway hosts its lone race date of the season this weekend as the NASCAR Cup Series embarks on the 11th race of 2025.
  • There have been eight different winners in the last eight NASCAR Cup Series races at TMS.
  • Jack Roush has 18 wins all-time at Texas, including nine in the NASCAR Cup Series.
  • Brad Keselowski has 14 career top-10 finishes at Texas Motor Speedway, the third most among all active Cup drivers behind Joey Logano (15) and Kyle Busch (19).
  • Chris Buescher’s 12.3 average starting position across the first 10 races is the sixth highest of any driver in the NASCAR Cup Series this season.

6 Team Info:
Driver: Brad Keselowski
Crew Chief: Jeremy Bullins
Partner: Consumer Cellular

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

  • Obsidian Chemicals is always committed to customer service and has been serving the basin since 2018.
  • Obsidian Chemicals is the premier chemistry manufacturer in the oil and gas industry, and is 100% Texas based and blended.

60 Team Info:
Driver: Ryan Preece
Crew Chief: Derrick Finley
Partner: Kroger / Sara Lee / Kraft Singles

Keselowski at Texas
Starts: 29
Wins: —
Top-10s: 14
Poles: 2 (2015, 2022)

  • Keselowski makes his 30th Cup Series start at Texas this weekend. He has a 15.3 average finish at the 1.5-mile track with 14 top-10s, and three runner-up results in 2012, 2015 and 2024.
  • He’s coming off six-straight top-10 finishes in Fort Worth, including a P2 result last fall after starting 22nd.
  • Despite no victories at TMS, Keselowski has led 685 laps at the track, fourth-most of any track in his career.
  • Keselowski earned the pole in 2022 and went on to lead 31 laps, one of two Texas poles in his Cup career (2015).
  • He’s also qualified inside the top-10 in six of the last seven Texas races with an overall average starting position of 13.5.
  • He made an additional 23 combined starts at Texas in the Xfinity and Truck Series with two NXS victories in 2013 and 2015.

Buescher at Texas
Starts: 15
Wins: —
Top-10s: —
Poles: —

  • Buescher makes his 16th Cup start at his home track of Texas this weekend. He’s coming off a 15th-place finish last spring.
  • He qualified P2 at TMS in 2023, his best career qualifying effort at the track, and holds an average starting position of 21.7.
  • Buescher also made five Xfinity starts at Texas with a best finish of ninth (2015).

Preece at Texas
Starts: 8
Wins: —
Top-10s: —
Poles: —

  • Preece is set for his 9th Cup start at Texas this weekend, where he posted a career-best finish of 12th at the track last spring.
  • Preece holds a 28.1 average starting position at TMS, and is looking for his first start inside the top 20.
  • Preece also made four Xfinity starts at Texas with a best finish of fifth (2018).

RFK Historically at Texas
Cup Wins: 9 (Jeff Burton, 1997; Mark Martin, 1998; Matt Kenseth, 2002, 2011; Greg Biffle, 2005, 2012; Carl Edwards, 2008, 2008)

  • Dream Season: RFK won both the first NCS (Jeff Burton) and NASCAR Xfinity Series (Mark Martin) races at Texas in 1997. Burton began the afternoon from the fifth position and led 60 laps en route to the inaugural victory.
  • Houston, We Don’t Have a Problem: RFK has earned nine NCS victories at Texas, dating back to the inaugural event in 1997. Former drivers Burton, Martin, Greg Biffle, Carl Edwards and Matt Kenseth have captured the checkered flag in the Lone Star State.
  • J.R.’s ’08 Sweep: Edwards swept the 2008 NCS races for RFK at Texas, leading 335 laps in the two events.
  • 9 a.m. in Dallas: RFK has started 156 NCS races at Texas, recording a total of nine victories, 39 top-five finishes, 62 top-10 finishes, an average finish of 15.9 and has led 2,557 laps. Biffle earned RFK’s most recent victory at Texas in the April 2012 event.
  • North Dallas Forty: RFK has earned eight victories, 26 top-five finishes, 47 top-10 finishes and an average finish of 13th at Texas in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. RFK won three of the first four races at the 1.5-mile oval.
  • Jack Roush: TMS Hall of Famer: Based on the strength of RFK’s numerous accomplishments at Texas, team owner Jack Roush was inducted into the Texas Motor Sports Hall of Fame in 2013.
  • Tale of the Tape: RFK has started 307 races all-time at Texas Motor Speedway, recording 18 wins, 77 top-fives and 136 top-10s. RFK Fords have captured 10 poles at the 1.5-mile track and led 3500+ laps while turning more than 113,000 miles.

RFK Texas Wins

1997 Burton Cup

1997 Martin NXS

1998 Martin Cup

1999 Martin NXS

2000 Martin NXS

2000 Biffle Truck

2002 Kenseth Cup

2005-1 Biffle Cup

2005-2 Edwards Cup

2007-1 Kenseth NXS

2008-1 Edwards Cup

2008-2 Edwards Cup

2010-2 Edwards NXS

2011-1 Edwards NXS

2011-2 Bayne NXS

2011-1 Kenseth Cup

2012-1 Biffle Cup

2012-1 Stenhouse NXS

Last Time Out & Where They Stand
Talladega: Buescher: 34th, Keselowski: 36th, Preece: 38th.

Points Standings (17: 13th, 60: 18th, 6: 32nd): Buescher dropped one position to P13, while Preece is 18th and Keselowski is 32nd entering Texas next weekend.

Noah Gragson Heading to Texas Off His Best Finish of 2025

Ford Performance Notes and Quotes
NASCAR Cup Series
Texas Media Availability
Wednesday, April 30, 2025

Noah Gragson, driver of the No. 4 Front Row Motorsports Ford Mustang Dark Horse in the NASCAR Cup Series, is coming off a season-best fourth-place finish at Talladega Superspeedway. As the series shifts to Texas this weekend, Gragson took some time this morning to answer questions from the media about the race and his season to date.

NOAH GRAGSON, No. 4 Front Row Motorsports Ford Mustang Dark Horse – HOW DOES YOUR FINISH AT TALLADEGA HELP IN TERMS OF CONFIDENCE FOR THE REST OF THE SEASON? “I feel like it’s good motivation for our team. It’s not been a great year result-wise. I think we’ve had some good runs and good speed throughout the races, just closing them out and finishing them off we haven’t finished the way we need to be. Hopefully, it’s a good building moment for our group and good motivation and confidence that we can take to these next handful of racetracks.”

CAN YOU TALK ABOUT FINDING OUT THERE WAS AN INSPECTION ISSUE AND YOU WERE MOVED UP, AND HOW DID YOU AVOID THE SPIN WITH BUSCH AND KESELOWSKI? “Yeah, I saw the smoke coming and then I saw the cars appear and then more smoke and then I’m like, ‘Oh, man. They’re right here,’ and luckily I felt like Cole Trickle. I was able to miss the wreck and able to drive through the smoke. Going back to finding out the inspection issues and getting moved up into the top five, we were landing on the flight home and got word of it that we ended up fourth. I was like, ‘Heck, yeah.’ That’s good for the racing reference. You take some top fives any way you can get them, but we ran good at Talladega last year. We finished third and then ultimately to come home in sixth and then get moved up to fourth, Talladega in the spring has been pretty good to us. It’s good to get a top five.”

DO YOU FEEL YOU HAVE CHANGED AND YOU CAN EVENTUALLY BE YOURSELF PUBLICLY? CAN YOU BE THAT EDGY DRIVER OR HAVE YOU TONED THAT DOWN? “I think a little bit of both. It’s definitely one of those things where you answer to so many different partners that might have different views. Within the partners that you have, they have different views. You kind of just have to tone it down and I’m probably a little more edgier than most drivers, and I try to live every day like it’s my last, and I try to enjoy it, but at the same time there’s so many partners that you’ve kind of got to walk that middle road.”

WHAT IS YOUR PERSPECTIVE ON THE SURFACE AT TEXAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY? SOME DRIVERS HAVE SAID THEY DON’T FEEL LIKE IT IS WEARING LIKE SOME OTHER PLACES? “Yeah, there are no beaches around. That’s why the place doesn’t age, in my opinion. You look at Darlington and Homestead, I don’t know if they’re using asphalt from around those places, but it seems like the sand peels away and then you’ve got those sharp, jagged rocks that stick out of the surface and that is what, in my opinion, caused the tire wear. I don’t really think it’s too sandy out in the middle of Texas, so with that being said, I don’t know where they get their asphalt, but it certainly is a one maybe two lane track, and it definitely feels like ice out there.”

YOU DID A BACKFLIP ON A MOTORBIKE, AND YOU JUMPED THE EV DEMONSTRATOR TRUCK. WHAT’S NEXT? “I don’t know. It just kind of comes to me in the moment. I guess we’re just gonna have to wait and see. It’s one of those things with the Ford Switchgear, the F-150 Lightning, I was like, ‘Man, this thing looks pretty sweet. I should go jump it.’ And I didn’t really get permission. I kind of was hoping to ask for some forgiveness afterwards, and then the dirt bike thing was at (Travis) Pastrana’s house. I got to do a back flip on the dirt bike. That was pretty cool, but I didn’t plan that either. I just asked him, ‘Hey, could I flip a dirt bike?’ And he was like, ‘Heck, yeah.’ So, I don’t know what the next thing in store is. We’ll see.”

WHAT IS IT GOING TO TAKE FOR FRONT ROW TO ALL CONNECT THE DOTS AND GET THOSE MORE CONSISTENT FINISHES? “I don’t know. It’s hard to say. Vegas, we were running sixth or seventh and got in a wreck with Blaney down the back straightaway with maybe 60 to go, so we were having a pretty solid run there. Atlanta, we were kind of biding our time there and Suarez comes up the racetrack and clips us. It’s just kind of silly wrecks and getting involved with them, but it really just comes down to we need to go faster so we’re not in those positions. If you’re leading the race, the odds are you’re not gonna be around that stuff. Ultimately, we just have to go faster and I think we’ve got a team to do it.”

YOU’VE WON THE FAN VOTE AT THE ALL-STAR RACE THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO HAVE THAT KIND OF SUPPORT? “It means a lot. It’s cool to be able to take part in it and participate in that race, and then to make the main event and you walk out for driver intros with your pit crew guys it’s a good time. There are a ton of fans there and they’re all pretty hyped up, so it’s pretty sick to be able to take part in it.”

A YEAR AGO THE SHR RUMORS WERE STARTING AND NOW WE SEE ALL FOUR OF YOU GUYS HAVE LANDED ON YOUR FEET. WHERE WOULD YOU EVALUATE THE FOUR OF YOU NOW WITH ALL OF THE UNCERTAINTY YOU GUYS FACED? “Yeah, I think we’re all kind of settled into that new home we’re at. Josh obviously has done a great job this year getting the win at Vegas. Preece has had a lot of speed that he might not have had last year. Myself, I feel like I’m in a better position here at Front Row Motorsports. I have a lot of similar crew guys that I had on my team last year, but just really enjoying what we’ve got here at Front Row, and then Chase Briscoe has had a lot of speed. He sat on the pole at the Daytona 500 and stuff like that is pretty cool to see. I’m happy for all of their success. Preece obviously had a shot at the win this past weekend, but all of us going in our own separate directions, still at the end of the day it’s pretty cool to see those guys having success and I’m happy for them as well. I feel like I’m in a great spot here at Front Row Motorsports. Bob Jenkins and Jerry Freeze have a great vision and I’m thankful for the opportunity to race here. Our cars are fast. We haven’t had the results we want, but in racing when you don’t have speed, you’re really scratching your head. Right now, I feel like we have some decent speed, it’s just putting the whole race together. I’m probably not as stressed out right now as maybe I was around this time last year, just because I feel like we’re in a good spot.”

IF I TOLD YOU A YEAR AGO THE SHR WOULD SHUT DOWN, WOULD YOU THINK ALL FOUR OF YOU WOULD BECOME AS SETTLED AS YOU APPEAR TO BE NOW? “Yeah, I really didn’t know what was gonna happen, so I would have been pretty surprised by that statement had you told me 365 days ago, but we’re all in really good spots and just very grateful.”

HOW DO YOU VIEW SOME OF THE CHANGES GOING ON IN NASCAR. DO YOU VIEW THIS AS A TRANSITION PERIOD FOR NASCAR OR BUSINESS AS USUAL? “For me, it’s business as usual. I look at the task at hand and, for example, this weekend is Texas and I’m gonna go out there and try to be the best race car driver for our team as possible. I don’t really get caught up on all the different formats. I just try to control what I can control and focus on what I can control. With Mexico, that will be a new experience. It will be something that’s really cool and something that’s different for NASCAR. They haven’t been down to Mexico in the premier series of NASCAR at the Cup level, so that will be super exciting, but as far as the playoff format and all that kind of stuff I just kind of do what I’m told and try to control things I can control.”

DO YOU LIKE THIS CHANGE AND NOT NECESSARILY KNOWING THERE MIGHT BE SOMETHING NEW NEXT YEAR OR THE YEAR AFTER? “I don’t lose sleep over it. It’s cool, I guess, but they just kind of tell me what we’re doing and I just try to be the best race car driver for our team and whatever scenario we’re in, whether it be a different points format and/or going to new tracks, I just try to show up and do the best job I can.”

CAN YOU DESCRIBE WHAT THE BUMPS ARE LIKE IN TURNS THREE AND FOUR AT TEXAS? “You kind of just lose the nose a little bit through three and four at Texas. Just being mindful of being aimed and pointed in the right direction that you want to be to be able to finish the corner with throttle – definitely timing on the steering wheel and timing on where you let out of the throttle to get your car pointed in that direction. I would compare it a little bit to a hiccup. You hit it and you’re like, ‘Oh.’ It’s a little hiccup of a bump, but it’s not too bad.”

YOUR VOICE IS REALLY ROUGH. ARE YOU SICK? “Yeah, I’ve kind of been sick since last Wednesday or Thursday. It’s been kind of hitting me really hard today. I have a little bit of a sore throat.”

ARE YOU GOOD FOR THE WEEKEND? “Oh, yeah. We’ll be alright.”

HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE AT AN ORGANIZATION THAT HAS SOME STABILITY COMPARED TO A YEAR AGO? “Like you said, it’s kind of business as usual. You’ve got stability and it’s a good place for me. I really enjoy my teammates, Todd and Zane. I really enjoy the people I work with. When you go to work and you’re having fun and you’re enjoying yourself, I think it makes it that much better and you can take it up an extra notch. Just showing up with excitement every day makes it better.”

Toyota GAZOO Racing Weekly Preview 04.30.25

This Week in Motorsports: April 28 – May 4, 2025

  • NCS/NXS/NCTS: Texas Motor Speedway – May 2-4
  • ARCA EAST: Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway – May 3

PLANO, Texas (April 30, 2025) – NASCAR is back in the Lone Star State, this time at Texas Motor Speedway as the Cup, Xfinity and Truck Series take on the mile-and-a-half oval this weekend. The ARCA Menards Series East is also in action this weekend at the Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway for its third race of 2025.

NASCAR National Series – NCS/NXS

Wallace continuing strong run … With an eighth-place finish at Talladega last weekend, Bubba Wallace has three top-10 finishes in the last five Cup Series races, currently sitting seventh in the series points standings. The driver of the No. 23 Toyota Camry XSE for 23XI Racing comes to Texas Motor Speedway, where he’s found recent success with back-to-back top-10 finishes and a pole position in 2023.

Jones makes 300th Cup Series start … Sunday afternoon’s race at Texas Motor Speedway will be the 300th in the Cup Series career for Erik Jones of LEGACY MOTOR CLUB. The driver of the No. 43 Toyota Camry XSE in his ninth full-time Cup Series season, and has three race victories, 38 top-fives and 90 top-10s to his credit. This will also be Jones’ 14th career start at Texas, where he’s found success in the past with seven top-10 finishes in his previous 13 starts.

Herbst back in No. 19 GR Supra … For the second time this season, Riley Herbst is piloting the No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) Toyota GR Supra in the Xfinity Series – adding double duty to his plate with his full-time efforts in the Cup Series with 23XI Racing this weekend in Texas. Herbst ran for JGR in the Xfinity Series race earlier this season at Circuit of the Americas (COTA). Herbst has made eight previous Xfinity Series starts at Texas Motor Speedway, with a career-best finish of fifth in 2022.

Heim aims to continue strong streak … Corey Heim has had a strong start to the 2025 Truck Series season, with six top-10 finishes or better in the first seven races, including five straight, which includes his two wins at Daytona International Speedway and Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Heim’s top-10 streak dates back to last season as well, with the Toyota Development Driver scoring such finishes in 12 of the last 14 Truck Series races going back to the Milwaukee Mile last August. Heim makes his fourth Truck Series start at Texas Motor Speedway on Friday, where he’s finished inside the top-10 in each of the previous three races.

Friesen back at favorable Texas … Stewart Friesen and his No. 52 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro team return to Texas Motor Speedway this weekend – a track that has served the Canadian driver well over the course of his career. Friesen has top-10 finishes in six of his 12 career starts at the mile-and-a-half oval, which includes his 2022 win. Another top-10 finish would be paramount for Friesen as he pushes for a Playoff spot, currently sitting 10th in the series points standings.

NASCAR Regional Series – ARCA Menards Series East

Reaves goes for another victory … After his historic win at Five Flags Speedway last month, where he became the youngest ARCA Menards Series East winner in history, Max Reaves is back with JGR and the No. 18 Toyota Camry this weekend at the Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway. In that race, which was his ARCA Menards Series East debut, Reaves led 92 of the 150 race laps from pole to capture victory. Another win by Reaves this weekend would also give Toyota and JGR its third consecutive ARCA Menards Series East victory to begin the season, as Brent Crews took home victory at Rockingham Speedway two weeks ago.

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.

NHRA CELEBRATES 25 YEARS OF RACING AT ROUTE 66 RACEWAY WITH GERBER COLLISION & GLASS NHRA ROUTE 66 NATIONALS

CHICAGO (April 29, 2025) – The NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series is set for a big weekend in Chicago, celebrating 25 years at Route 66 Raceway at the upcoming Gerber Collision & Glass NHRA Route 66 Nationals presented by PEAK on May 15-18.

Since its return to the facility in 2023, the event has been a highlight on the schedule of the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing circuit. The stadium-style facility has been a popular destination for race fans, with this year’s race serving as the sixth event during the 20-race 2025 season..

Over its 25 years, the Gerber Collision & Glass NHRA Route 66 Nationals presented by PEAK has been synonymous with some of NHRA’s biggest moments, including in 2000 when John Force won his 86th Funny Car race, making him the winningest driver in NHRA history. He went on to win 157 races and 16 championships, cementing Force as an NHRA legend.

Chicago is also home to Erica Enders’ first Pro Stock win, which took place in 2012. She’s gone on to win six world titles and is now the winningest female in motorsports. Other big winners at Route 66 Raceway include eight-time world champion and Chicago native Tony Schumacher, six-time champion Jeg Coughlin, Funny Car champion and Fox broadcast lead analyst Tony Pedregon, and NHRA legend Kenny Bernstein.

With four rounds of qualifying (two each on Friday and Saturday), the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge on Saturday and eliminations on Sunday at the special milestone race, more incredible moments – and plenty of 330-mph, 12,000-horsepower excitement – will take place this year at Route 66 Raceway.

In 2024, Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Matt Hagan (Funny Car) and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) all secured victories. This year’s race will again feature the popular Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge, where semifinalists from the American Rebel Light NHRA 4-Wide Nationals in Charlotte will rematch for a battle for bonus cash and bonus championship points. Justin Ashley, J.R. Todd and Herrera each claimed wins in their respective Challenge last season. This year’s event will again be broadcast on FS1, with final elimination coverage on Sunday May 18 beginning at 2:00 p.m. ET.

Antron Brown earned his fourth Chicago win last season over Shawn Langdon, going on to win his fourth NHRA Top Fuel world title. Brown has already claimed a win in Gainesville and is third in points behind Langdon who has two wins in 2025. Motorsports legend and NHRA 2024 Rookie of the Year Tony Stewart is second in points following his first career Top Fuel win in Las Vegas. Other Top Fuel drivers to watch will be former champs Doug Kalitta and Brittany Force, who went 341 mph in Charlotte, as well as Pomona winner Clay Millican and Ashley.

Matt Hagan, a four-time Funny Car world champion, won three races in 2024, including in Chicago when he defeated 16-time Funny Car champion John Force to claim his fourth Chicago win. Hagan is fourth in points, while John Force Racing’s Austin Prock, the reigning world champ, moved into the points lead following a perfect, two-win April. The star-studded category also includes Paul Lee, who won in Phoenix, Jack Beckman, who is driving for Force, Bob Tasca III, Ron Capps, Chad Green and Daniel Wilkerson.

The Pro Stock Motorcycle class is also in action in Chicago, with Matt Smith taking over the points lead following his Charlotte win. Reigning world champ Gaige Herrera once again won the season opener in Gainesville race and also won his second straight Gerber Collision & Glass NHRA Route 66 Nationals a year ago. Others to watch include Chase Van Sant, Angie Smith, Steve Johnson and Jianna Evaristo.

The race will also feature competition in the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series and the Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series, Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown division, Holley EFI NHRA Factory X and the Pingel NHRA Top Fuel Motorcycle Series.

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 Chicago 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 will feature two rounds of qualifying at 1:30 and 4:00 p.m. CT on Friday, May 16, and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, May 17 at 12:00 and 2:30 p.m. CT. Eliminations will begin at 10:30 a.m. CT on Sunday, May 18. Television coverage includes qualifying action at 9:30 p.m. ET on Friday and Sunday at 11:00 a.m. before eliminations coverage at 2:00 p.m. ET.

To purchase tickets to the Gerber Collision & Glass NHRA Route 66 Nationals presented by PEAK Performance on May 16-18 at Route 66 Raceway, fans can visit www.NHRA.com/tickets. All children 12 and under will be admitted free in the general admission area with a paid adult. For more information about NHRA, including the full 2024 schedule, 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.

JR Motorsports — NXS Texas Motor Speedway Preview

JR Motorsports Xfinity Team Preview
TRACK – Texas Motor Speedway (1.5-mile quad-oval)
NXS RACE – Andy’s Frozen Custard 300 (200 laps / 300 miles)
TUNE IN – CW, PRN, SiriusXM Channel 90 at 2:00 p.m. (ET)

Carson Kvapil

No. 1 – Carolina Carports Chevrolet

Kvapil 2025 NXS Stats

Starts: 11

Wins: 0

Top 5s: 3

Top 10s: 4

Laps Led: 56

Avg. Finish: 14.8

Points:5th

  • Carson Kvapil will make his first NASCAR Xfinity Series start at Texas Motor Speedway this weekend.
  • On active intermediate tracks in the NXS, Kvapil has 10 starts with a best finish of second at Dover in 2024.
  • According to NASCAR Loop Data Statistics, the 21-year-old Mooresville native ranks fifth in quality passes this season.
  • Carolina Carports, America’s leader in carports and garages since 1997, will make its debut on Kvapil’s Chevrolet this weekend.

Carson Kvapil

“I am looking forward to getting to Texas and checking another track off the list. JRM does well at intermediate tracks and we have had luck at them as well so hopefully we can get a great finish for Carolina Carports. I know this No. 1 team will give me a solid piece, so we just need to be smart and be there at the end when it counts.”

Justin Allgaier

No. 7 Jarrett Chevrolet

Allgaier 2025 NXS Stats

Starts: 11

Wins: 2

Top 5s: 8

Top 10s: 8

Laps Led: 335

Avg. Finish: 8.2

Points: 1st

  • Justin Allgaier has earned a best NXS finish of second at the 1.5-mile quad-oval, coming in the spring of 2021.
  • Overall, in 27 career NXS starts at Texas, Allgaier has amassed seven top fives and 15 top 10s.
  • In this event last year, the JRM driver started sixth and led a race-high 117 laps before ultimately taking the checkered flag in the third position.
  • Over the last two races in Fort Worth, Allgaier has paced the field for 250 of the 400 total laps (62.5 percent).

Justin Allgaier

“Texas has been a strong track for us the last few years. We were close last year, and I know that we are going to have that same speed when we unload on Friday. Everyone on this Jarrett team is ready to go, and we know what we need to do to be just those couple spots better at the end on Saturday.”

Sammy Smith

No. 8 Pilot Chevrolet

Smith 2025 NXS Stats

Starts: 11

Wins: 1

Top 5s: 3

Top 10s: 5

Laps Led: 35

Avg. Finish: 13

Points: 8th

  • Sammy Smith has raced at Texas twice with the NXS, where he has one top-five and two top-10 finishes. His best finish of third came in 2023.
  • Smith has 46 starts on tracks up to 1.5 miles in length. Of those starts, he has two wins, 11 top-fives and 25 top-10s.
  • The 20-year-old driver is currently ranked third in the series for best average running position so far this year according to NASCAR’s Loop Data Statistics.
  • Pilot will share the TV panel this weekend with Hurricane Express; one of America’s leading providers of temperature-controlled transportation for food-grade shipments.

Sammy Smith

“We had a fast Pilot Chevrolet at Talladega until we got caught up in an incident so I’m looking forward to Texas this weekend where we can redeem ourselves and get the finish this team deserves.”

Connor Zilisch

No. 88 Blues Hog Chevrolet

Zilisch 2025 NXS Stats

Starts: 11

Wins: 1

Top 5s: 1

Top 10s: 3

Laps Led: 168

Avg. Finish: 16.8

Points: 6th

  • Connor Zilisch will make his first Texas start in the NXS on Saturday afternoon. Earlier this season at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, a track very similar to Texas, Zilisch started third and led 28 laps on the way to a ninth-place finish.
  • Zilisch has four starts on non-drafting tracks larger than one mile this season. He has two top-10 finishes, highlighted by a sixth-place effort at Darlington Raceway. The driver of the Blues Hog Chevrolet has led 32 laps and has qualified fourth or better in three of those races, giving him an average starting position of 6.25.
  • Zilisch was sidelined by an incident on the final lap of last week’s race at Talladega Superspeedway, leaving him with a 27th-place finish. He is sixth in the NXS driver standings, 150 points behind leader Justin Allgaier.
  • The chase for Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors is a tight battle between Zilisch and JR Motorsports teammate Carson Kvapil. Kvapil leads Zilisch by seven points (306-299) entering this weekend’s race at Texas.

Connor Zilisch

“I’m excited to go to Texas for the first time. It’s a high-speed track and I feel like we’ve been really good at tracks like that this year. We ran well at Las Vegas earlier this season and hopefully we can back up that good run at Texas. We have Blues Hog on our car for the first time this weekend at Texas and hopefully we can have a good run for them on Saturday. It’s important to go into the off-week with some momentum. We’ve had some bad luck lately but hopefully we can have a good, clean day and learn the track as quickly as possible. This is also going to be one of the hotter races of the season as we get into the summer months and getting ready for that physically is important as well.”

JRM Team Updates

JR Motorsports at Texas Motor Speedway: JR Motorsports has competed at Texas Motor Speedway a combined 106 times in the NXS since 2006. In those starts at the 1.5-mile quad-oval, the organization has recorded three wins, 31 top-fives and 67 top-10s. The average finish is 11.0.

Souvenir Rig: JRM drivers will be signing autographs at the JR Motorsports / HMS-Byron/Bowman souvenir rig on Saturday, May 3 at the following times.

Carson Kvapil and Justin Allgaier – 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. CT
Sammy Smith – 10:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. CT
Connor Zilisch – 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. CT

3 Most Common Causes of Vehicle Accidents

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No one gets in a car and expects to be in a car accident. It’s one of those things that happens when you least expect it. Yet, millions of car accidents happen every single year, everywhere around the world. 

Ranging from minor fender benders to serious accidents, the United States is home to over five million crashes a year alone. That’s a pretty staggering figure when you think about it, which is why many people find themselves asking, “what is behind all of these crashes?” 

By understanding the most common causes of car accidents, you can be a little more cautious and hopefully avoid getting into accidents yourself. Here are some of the most common reasons people get in car accidents, and how to avoid them.

Neglected Car

As much as you might like to believe that your car is going to last forever, the truth is that it can break down just like anything else. Transformers need to be replaced, lawnmowers eventually lose their mowing power, and cars are no different. And while you can’t make your car last forever, you can extend its life by taking care of it. 

You need to regularly change the oil, get tune-ups, and, of course, check the pressure of your tires. Failing to do this can put you at risk for an accident. When your car is not properly maintained, you can put yourself at risk for all sorts of scenarios, from weather conditions to lack of visibility at night. Your car is ultimately an extension of yourself, so take care of your car as you would your own body.

Distracted Driving

We live in an age where people can be more distracted than ever. It’s no secret that our phones have practically become a third arm, but unfortunately, that third arm can be deadly. Distracted driving is a major problem on the road and is currently the leading cause of car accidents. 

That text can wait, and that phone call isn’t as urgent as you might think when you compare it to potentially losing your life. Keep your eyes on the road and focus on driving alone. That isn’t just referring to sending texts or making calls, either. You should avoid doing anything else other than driving — from eating, to changing the radio — don’t do it while driving!

Speeding

We live in a day and age where we’re more in a rush than ever. It’s a fast-paced world, and as such, we can find ourselves rushing and consequently speeding in our cars. Speeding is a major risk, however, and kills over 10,000 people a year in the United States alone. 

Unfortunately, even though you may think it’s harmless to go a little above the speed limit, the truth is that you multiply your chances of not only hurting yourself but also hurting someone else. Do yourself a favor and leave a little earlier rather than putting lives at risk.

Where to Get a Windshield Replaced? Top Local Solutions

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A cracked or shattered windshield is more than just an eyesore—it’s a major safety hazard. If you’re wondering where to get a windshield replaced, you’re not alone. Finding a trustworthy, efficient, and affordable service is crucial for ensuring your vehicle stays safe and roadworthy. In this comprehensive guide, we explore the best local solutions and what you should look for when replacing your windshield.

Why Timely Windshield Replacement Matters

Your windshield provides structural integrity to your vehicle and acts as a protective barrier against external elements. Delaying its replacement can lead to several risks:

  • Reduced visibility: Cracks and chips can obstruct your line of sight.
  • Compromised safety: A damaged windshield may fail to support airbag deployment or collapse in a collision.
  • Legal issues: Many states have laws against driving with a damaged windshield.

Prompt action is crucial, but the next big question is—where to get a windshield replaced efficiently and reliably?

Top Local Solutions for Windshield Replacement

1. Auto Glass Repair Shops

Local auto glass specialists are a reliable option. These shops focus solely on glass-related services, ensuring expertise in windshield replacement. Many provide mobile services, meaning they can come to your location for added convenience.

Pros:

  • Specialized knowledge
  • Often faster turnaround times
  • Competitive pricing

Cons:

  • Quality can vary between shops
  • Limited warranty offerings at some locations

Tip: Always check reviews and ask about warranty options.

2. Dealership Service Centers

If your car is still under warranty or you drive a newer model, visiting your dealership might be a good idea. They use OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts, ensuring a perfect fit.

Pros:

  • OEM parts
  • Certified technicians familiar with your vehicle brand

Cons:

  • Higher costs
  • Longer wait times

If you prioritize brand-specific parts and factory standards, this could be your best bet for where to get a windshield replaced.

3. Mobile Auto Glass Services

Convenience is king. Mobile services have grown in popularity because they bring the service to your home, workplace, or even roadside.

Pros:

  • Ultimate convenience
  • Same-day service options
  • Often competitively priced

Cons:

  • Limited in extreme weather conditions
  • Quality can vary

Ensure that the mobile service you choose is licensed and insured to protect yourself and your vehicle.

4. Insurance-Recommended Providers

If your auto insurance policy covers windshield replacement, your provider likely has a network of approved vendors. Choosing an insurance-recommended shop can streamline the claims process.

Pros:

  • Hassle-free claims
  • Potentially lower out-of-pocket costs

Cons:

  • Limited choice in vendors

Always verify whether the suggested provider uses OEM or aftermarket parts, and whether they honor lifetime warranties.

5. National Auto Glass Chains

Big-name companies like Safelite AutoGlass have locations nationwide and offer comprehensive services.

Pros:

  • Nationwide warranty coverage
  • Online scheduling and estimates
  • Extensive experience

Cons:

  • Can be more expensive than local shops

National chains can be an excellent solution if you’re looking for reliability and broad warranty protection.

Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Replacement Service

When you’re deciding where to get a windshield replaced, keep these key considerations in mind:

1. Quality of Materials

Always inquire about the type of glass and adhesives being used. OEM parts are generally preferable, though high-quality aftermarket glass can also be reliable.

2. Technician Certification

Technicians should be certified by recognized bodies such as the Auto Glass Safety Council (AGSC). Certification ensures adherence to industry safety standards.

3. Warranty Coverage

A strong warranty can protect you against leaks, cracks, and installation errors. Ideally, look for services offering a lifetime warranty on parts and labor.

4. Insurance Assistance

Handling claims paperwork can be a hassle. Many reputable auto glass companies will manage insurance claims directly with your provider.

5. Customer Reviews

Customer feedback can be a goldmine of information. Look for consistent praise related to punctuality, professionalism, and post-service support.

How Much Does Windshield Replacement Cost?

Prices vary based on factors like vehicle make and model, glass type, and whether you opt for mobile service. Here’s a general breakdown:

  • Standard vehicle windshield: $200–$400
  • Luxury vehicles/OEM parts: $500–$1,000+
  • Insurance deductible: Often $0 with full glass coverage

Getting multiple quotes is smart, but remember—the cheapest option isn’t always the best.

DIY Windshield Replacement: A Risky Proposition

You might be tempted to save money with a DIY kit. However, this route is generally not advisable unless you have professional training. Incorrect installation can:

  • Lead to leaks
  • Compromise structural integrity
  • Void insurance coverage

When considering where to get a windshield replaced, professional service is almost always the safer, smarter choice.

Final Thoughts: Finding the Best Local Solution

Selecting the right service depends on your priorities—whether it’s cost, convenience, or brand-specific parts. By carefully considering quality, warranty options, and customer feedback, you can confidently answer the question of where to get a windshield replaced.

Take the time to research your options, get multiple quotes, and don’t hesitate to ask detailed questions about materials, technician training, and warranty coverage. A clear view and safer drive are worth the effort.

The Role of Expert Predictions in Racing Results

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Motorsports isn’t just a test of speed—it’s a collision of precision, strategy, and anticipation. These days, expert predictions shape far more than casual debates or office pools; they influence million-dollar sponsor decisions, betting odds from London to Las Vegas, and even how teams plan for race day.

As data science collides with gut instinct on the grid, trusted forecasts now drive excitement for everyone from seasoned punters to rookie fans. Understanding this evolving landscape is essential for anyone who wants an edge—on or off the track.

Understanding Expert Predictions in Racing

When we talk about expert predictions in racing, we mean more than a friend’s race-day guesswork. True experts—think professional bettors, retired drivers with years on the circuit, or accredited tipsters—base their forecasts on deep industry knowledge and systematic research.

Their edge comes from granular insight: they track car setups across different tracks, examine weather reports, analyze previous season data, and often have connections within teams to catch rumors before they hit Twitter.

Unlike casual fans or instinctive punters who might pick favorites based on charisma or recent headlines, experts present evidence-backed reasonings for every recommended bet or forecast. In Europe’s vibrant motorsports scene, some of the most relied-upon voices are ex-racers turned analysts whose picks can shift betting odds overnight.

Trust in expert insights has soared as more fans discover dedicated communities like Stake Hunters. Here, transparent records show all past predictions—wins and losses included—which separates seasoned professionals from keyboard theorists. These platforms helped elevate expert predictions from forum folklore to respected tools shaping fan debates and global betting markets.

In a world where anyone can claim expertise online, credentials—and cold hard data—are now the gold standard for prediction credibility. This increased transparency means genuine experts stand out not by shouting the loudest but by turning raw statistics into actionable intelligence fans actually trust.

Next up: why that trust depends on solid analytics just as much as personal experience.

The Science Behind Race Outcome Predictions

Successful racing predictions are grounded in a blend of data analytics and rigorous statistical modeling. Today’s experts use everything from past driver performance to the smallest shifts in weather or track temperature. Sophisticated models process hundreds of variables—team consistency, qualifying results, pit stop histories—aiming to forecast who will come out on top.

Researchers have taken this further: “A machine learning approach to race outcome prediction in motorsports” (International Journal of Computer Applications, 2021) demonstrates that by feeding machines historical lap times, team stats, and even tire selection data, algorithms can achieve surprisingly accurate forecasts.

But the real insight comes when numbers meet context—a lesson the South Korean KBO stock car scene emphasizes in its embrace of both big data tools and local “pit whispers.” This intersection defines predictive success and leads into the next layer: what actual information powers these models?

Key Data Points Used in Race Predictions

Every detail matters in motorsport—and expert analysts know exactly which ones change a race’s narrative.

They start with core factors:

  • Driver performance history: Longitudinal records reveal not just speed but patterns under pressure.
  • Track characteristics: Each venue has quirks—bank angles at Daytona or narrow curves at Monaco—that impact results.
  • Weather conditions: Sudden rain at Spa-Francorchamps has rewritten many F1 storylines.
  • Tire strategy and wear: Pit crews’ calls on soft vs medium compounds often swing NASCAR outcomes late in races.
  • Pit stop efficiency: Seconds saved—or lost—inflame French Grand Prix discussions annually.

The 2021 study cited above found that algorithms integrating such variable-rich datasets didn’t just guess winners—they mapped likely positions for multiple drivers using weighted factors. For example, an unexpected downpour would shift result probabilities instantly; if optimal tire changes followed (as seen repeatedly during Japan’s Super GT series), predictors flag new favorites as laps unfold.

Qualitative inputs also matter. Analysts scan interviews for subtle insights—a driver showing nerves before Silverstone? That rarely ends well. It’s this synthesis—hard numbers plus human nuance—that keeps Finnish bettors glued to pre-race analytics shows every Sunday morning.

The Human Element: Intuition vs Analytics

No algorithm can fully capture race-day chaos—the gut feel is still king for seasoned tipsters. Even with world-class data feeds spitting out probable podiums for Le Mans or Talladega, veteran observers like former F1 driver Damon Hill remind us some moves defy prediction because they hinge on instinct under pressure.

Intuitive judgments draw from experience: Did a rival crack last year after back-to-back cautions? Is there tension between teammates affecting garage morale? Local legends thrive here—the Italian Tifosi communities listen just as closely to paddock rumors as technical reports before Monza races.

Top predictions emerge when intuition meets strong analytics:

  • A handicapper might downgrade odds if he senses overconfidence during Aussie V8 Supercars trials—even if model outputs suggest otherwise.
  • During Singapore night races, split-second track sweeps missed by sensors but caught “by eye” help recalibrate expert calls mid-broadcast.

Algorithms often handle volume better—but humans add color from unseen sources and chalkboard smarts honed across seasons. As experts combine both approaches, their recommendations carry more weight—and engage fans beyond spreadsheets alone.

Impact of Expert Predictions on Racing Communities and Betting

Expert predictions do more than just inform bets—they shape the culture, excitement, and conversation around motorsports. Accurate forecasts from trusted voices influence wagering trends and set off lively debates among fans, especially in communities deeply invested in outcomes like NASCAR’s U.S. fanbase or Britain’s racing circuit devotees.

According to The Influence of Sports Betting on Fans’ Engagement with Sports, expert analysis drives higher engagement: bettors participate more actively when reliable picks are available, fueling both online forum discussions and real-world viewing parties.

This trust ripples across betting platforms—shaping odds, inspiring confidence among casual punters, and giving die-hard fans common ground for spirited exchanges about drivers, teams, and strategy. As localized examples show—from Formula 1 pubs in Monaco to Kentucky dirt-track tailgates—expert predictions become part of each region’s distinctive race-day rituals.

Betting Strategies Shaped by Expertise

Expert predictions have fundamentally changed how racing fans wager—with many now favoring structured strategies over gut feelings alone. Techniques like value betting hinge on identifying odds where analysts spot a gap between bookmaker lines and true probabilities; consistent tipster insight makes this possible for motivated followers browsing European motorsports forums or Australian Supercars groups.

Seasoned bettors often hedge their wagers by using competing tips (a favorite driver versus a promising underdog), lessening risk while keeping payouts within reach if results swing unexpectedly—a dynamic commonly seen during tense British Touring Car Championship weekends.

Statistical arbitrage—the pursuit of tiny but near-certain profits by placing bets across several markets—is gaining steam thanks to data-driven content shared by respected forecasters online. Findings from The Influence of Sports Betting on Fans’ Engagement with Sports back this up: exposure to well-argued predictions increases both technical skillsets and overall betting participation rates throughout European racing communities.

Ultimately, these approaches turn the act of wagering into a tactical endeavor rather than pure speculation—a trend echoed everywhere from Italian Formula E chatrooms to Sunday parties at Daytona Beach.

Community Trust and Transparency in Tipster Platforms

Trust is everything when it comes to following expert picks—especially as crowdsourced platforms multiply across the web. Genuine credibility depends on open statistics: proven hit rates published publicly for all users to examine before risking money themselves.

Platforms like Stake Hunters set an industry standard here; they require verified track records for every tipster posting recommendations globally—and make historical success (or failure) easily searchable via transparent dashboards accessible from São Paulo lounges or Tokyo race-watching meetups alike.

Reputation quickly separates respected veterans from flashy newcomers pushing risky “insider” info without receipts—which matters not just for financial safety but also community cohesion in places such as Scottish rally clubs or Singaporean F1 bars that rely heavily on honest guidance amid fierce local rivalry.

Transparent systems foster accountability: users can follow pros who match their style—or call out exaggerators whose claims don’t survive scrutiny—incentivizing everyone involved with global networks like Stake Hunters to play fairer games together wherever they watch races unfold.

Limitations and Responsible Use of Expert Predictions

Expert predictions may sharpen our view of who’s likely to win or lose a race, but motorsports is an arena where chaos often defeats the cleverest algorithms. Even meticulously crafted forecasts—rooted in mountains of data—can unravel in seconds. The unpredictable nature of racing shouldn’t be underestimated, whether you’re a passionate fan or someone with money riding on each outcome.

Tips from seasoned analysts are most valuable when seen as starting points, not promises. A wise approach is to use expert insights as part of a broader toolkit—cross-check with your research, know the track record behind any tipster, and remember that surprises lurk around every corner. While studies show that fans enjoy more engagement (and sometimes higher returns) when following experts, it’s essential to view predictions as guideposts instead of guarantees.

Motorsports enthusiasts should also make use of responsible betting resources tailored for their context—a crucial step given how easily excitement can spill into riskier behaviors during high-stakes events like Monaco’s Grand Prix or Daytona’s season opener.

Unpredictability in Racing: When Predictions Fall Short

The heart-pounding thrill of racing comes partly from its sheer uncertainty. One moment a favorite dominates; the next, disaster strikes without warning—weather shifts suddenly at Silverstone; debris punctures a tire at Talladega; mechanical glitches end Max Verstappen’s run just laps before glory.

Take the iconic 2016 Spanish Grand Prix: both Mercedes drivers were predicted by nearly every analyst to sweep the podium. Instead, an opening-lap collision eliminated both cars instantly—a shock echoed across F1 paddocks and punter chats alike. Or look at NASCAR’s Bristol Night Race in 2022: Chase Elliott seemed unstoppable based on every metric until late-race contact sent him spinning out.

These moments aren’t rare exceptions—they’re reminders that motorsport is guided by probability but ruled by chance and durability under pressure. Weather systems shift minutes before green flag drops; pit crews fumble what looks routine; even cutting-edge simulations can’t anticipate wildcards like mid-race engine failures or controversial officiating calls.

This unpredictability makes victory sweeter—and prediction tougher—showcasing why even top-tier expertise must coexist with humility about limits.

Ethical & Responsible Prediction Consumption

Following tips adds spice to race days—but gambling always carries risk wherever you call home. British bookies string up bold promotions for Formula 1 weekends while Italian regulators warn daily against reckless behavior near Monza season highlights.

Regulations differ massively from country to country: Sweden pushes strict deposit caps through state-run platforms while American states let individual tracks set their own guidelines (with unique rules for series like IndyCar). This means bettors everywhere need local awareness alongside trust in tipsters’ reputations.

Responsible consumption starts with honest self-assessment—is this bet adding fun or causing stress? Leading sites and broadcasters feature hotlines after major races so fans have support if patterns tip toward compulsion rather than enjoyment or analysis-driven play.

Above all else, let expert forecasts heighten your experience—not dictate it outright—and seek credible support channels if wagering ever feels less like entertainment and more like obligation (or obsession). Remember: even Lewis Hamilton has bad days on circuit…so bettors deserve some grace too when luck refuses their forecast!

Conclusion: The Future of Expertise in Racing Predictions

Expert predictions have fundamentally changed the way fans, bettors, and teams engage with racing. By blending sophisticated analytics with race-day experience, these forecasts bring deeper understanding to both performance on the track and betting strategies off it.

As new technologies—like AI-powered models—continue to sharpen prediction accuracy, their role will only grow. The motorsports community is moving toward more data-driven dialogue while keeping expert intuition at its heart—a combination that will define how races are understood and enjoyed in years ahead.

Erik Jones to make 300th Cup career start at Texas

Photo by John Knittel for SpeedwayMedia.com.

Erik Jones is on the verge of achieving a milestone start in his ninth full-time season competing in the NASCAR Cup Series division. By competing in this weekend’s event at Texas Motor Speedway, the driver of the No. 43 Legacy Motor Club Toyota Camry XSE entry will make his 300th career start in NASCAR’s premier series.

A native of Byron, Michigan, Jones made his inaugural start in the Cup Series division at Kansas Speedway in May 2015, where he filled in as an interim competitor for the injured Kyle Busch and in the No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) Toyota Camry entry. By then, Jones, a four-time race winner in both the Craftsman Truck Series and Xfinity Series divisions, had made his unofficial Cup debut at Bristol Motor Speedway in April, where he relieved Denny Hamlin early in the event due to Hamlin suffering neck spasms and finished in 26th place. Starting in 12th place for his official Cup debut at Kansas, Jones was having a strong start towards the front before he snapped loose while racing in the top-five mark and hit the outside wall entering the frontstretch with 72 laps remaining. The incident relegated him to 40th place in the final running order.

Six months later, Jones, who would proceed to win the 2015 Truck Series championship, returned to the Cup Series as an interim competitor for JGR’s No. 20 Toyota team, where he replaced Matt Kenseth for two events after the latter was issued a two-race suspension for intentionally wrecking Playoff contender Joey Logano from the lead during the previous weekend at Martinsville Speedway. Ultimately, Jones would notch a season-best 12th-place run at Texas Motor Speedway before he finished 19th at Phoenix Raceway.

In 2017, Jones, who was coming off a four-race winning season in the Xfinity Series with JGR as he also claimed the Rookie-of-the-Year title and made the Championship 4 round, graduated to the Cup Series for the first time in his career, where he piloted the No. 77 Toyota Camry entry for Furniture Row Racing as the organization expanded to fielding two full-time entries for the first time. Commencing his rookie Cup campaign by being involved in a multi-car wreck on Lap 90 and finishing in 39th place during the 59th running of the Daytona 500, Jones recorded a total of five top-10 results, including a strong third-place finish at Pocono Raceway in June, through the first 20-scheduled events.

Jone would then ignite a six-race hot streak to cap off the regular-season stretch by finishing in the top 10 in all of them. Mired within the results were a third-place finish at Michigan International Speedway in August and a career-best runner-up result at Bristol Motor Speedway during the following weekend despite starting on pole position for the first time and leading a race-high 260 of 500 laps. His late hot streak was not enough for him to make the 2017 Cup Series Playoffs. With three additional top-10 results accumulated for the remaining 10 events on the schedule, the Michigan native proceeded to finish in 19th place in his rookie Cup campaign and claim the Rookie-of-the-Year title. By then, he became the first competitor to achieve the rookie title across NASCAR’s top three national touring series (Cup, Xfinity and Truck).

After Furniture Row Racing scaled back down to a single-car entry in 2018, Jones replaced Matt Kenseth in the No. 20 Toyota entry for his sophomore Cup campaign. Like his rookie season, Jones commenced the season by being involved in a multi-car wreck, this time on Lap 59, during the 60th running of the Daytona 500 as he ended up in 36th place in the final running order. Over the next 16 events on the schedule, he notched a total of seven top-10 results.

Then at Daytona for the Coke Zero 400 in July, Jones survived two overtime attempts and received a drafting help from Chris Buescher to overtake former teammate Martin Truex Jr. during the latest attempt, which was enough for him to muscle his way to his first Cup Series career victory. By then, Jones became the first competitor to achieve a first Cup career win in Daytona’s 400-mile event since Aric Almirola made the last accomplishment in 2014.

With an automatic berth to his first Cup Series Playoffs by winning at Daytona, Jones capped off the regular-season stretch with six top-10 results and a runner-up result in the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway through an eight-race span. Despite notching the pole position for the Playoff opener at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, he ended up in 40th place, dead last, during the main event after he wrecked into Playoff contender Kevin Harvick through the first two turns towards the Lap 150 mark.

Jones would then be eliminated from the Playoffs after finishing 11th and 30th, respectively, during the following two Round of 16 events. Nonetheless, he proceeded to finish fourth three times over the final seven events on the schedule, which was enough to claim a career-best 15th place in the final standings. Overall, he capped off his sophomore Cup campaign with a career-high 18 top-10 results and a career-best average-finishing result of 14.0.

Remaining at Joe Gibbs Racing’s No. 20 Toyota team for the 2019 Cup season, Jones commenced his junior season by finishing in third place behind teammates Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch during the 61st running of the Daytona 500. He proceeded to rack up an additional seven top-five results and 11 top-10 results throughout the next 23 events on the schedule. Then at Darlington Raceway for the Southern 500 in September, Jones, who was sporting a special black late model throwback scheme to his No. 20 Toyota entry, led 79 of 367-scheduled laps and held off a late charge from Kyle Busch to score his second Cup career victory and first of the season.

The Southern 500 victory occurred in Jones’ 100th career start in NASCAR’s premier series. It automatically guaranteed him a spot into the 2019 Playoffs. His second Playoff appearance ended following the Round of 16 for a second consecutive season after he finished 36th, 38th and 40th, respectively, during the first Playoff round. During the second Round of 16 event at Richmond Raceway, Jones initially finished fourth as part of a 1-2-3-4 finish for Joe Gibbs Racing, but was demoted to 38th place due to his car failing the post-race inspection process. After recording four top-10 results during the remaining seven events on the schedule, Jones settled in 16th place in the final standings. Despite ending up one spot lower in the final standings compared to the previous season, he managed to obtain a career-high 10 top-five results and lead a career-high 172 laps in a season.

Jones commenced the 2020 Cup Series season on a wild note by winning the Busch Clash at Daytona after rallying from being involved in three multi-car, overtime wrecks and receiving a strong drafting push from teammate Denny Hamlin, who was a lap down, to rocket his battered No. 20 Toyota away from the field of six competitors on the final lap. Amid the early celebrations, the 2020 season would end up being a winless season for Jones, who racked up a total of nine top-five results and 13 top-10 results throughout the 36-race schedule. After missing the Playoffs, he settled in 17th place in the final standings.

Jones transitioned to Richard Petty Motorsports to pilot the No. 43 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 entry after he was replaced by Christopher Bell at JGR. In the 2021 Cup season, Jones would only record a total of six top-10 results and settle in 24th place in the final standings. He remained in the No. 43 Chevrolet entry after Richard Petty Motorsports rebranded to Petty GMS Motorsports in 2022.

The Michigan native recorded nine top-10 results, including a strong third-place finish at Auto Club Speedway in February, throughout the 26-race regular-season stretch. Despite missing the Playoffs for a third consecutive season, Jones served as the ultimate spoiler to commence the Playoffs by winning the Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway for the second time in his career after leading the final 23 laps and taking advantage of Playoff contender Kyle Busch losing an engine in the closing laps.

The Southern 500 victory marked Jones’ third Cup career victory and the 200th win for the No. 43. Jones’ victory in three seasons also occurred 55 years to the day when team owner Richard Petty celebrated his latest victory at Darlington. The Michigan native proceeded to finish in the top 10 three additional times over the remaining nine scheduled events, finishing in 18th place in the final standings. By then, the 2022 season marked his fifth season where he achieved double-digit top-10 results in a season as he also tied his second-best average-finishing result of 16.3 to the 2019 season. He had also surpassed 200 Cup career starts.

Returning to Petty GMS Motorsports that rebranded to Legacy Motor Club in 2023, Jones, who had also inked a multi-year contract extension to remain with the organization during the previous season, only recorded a total of seven top-10 results and a season-best third-place run at Kansas Speedway in September before finishing in 27th place in the final standings.

This past season, Legacy Motor Club switched manufacturers from Chevrolet to Toyota. Jones endured a difficult campaign, where he recorded a single top-10 result throughout the first 10 scheduled events. Then at Talladega in April, he suffered a compression fracture in his lower vertebra. The fracture occurred during a late multi-car wreck with his Toyota teammates. It resulted in Truck Series competitor Corey Heim filling in for Jones over the next two events.

Returning to Darlington in May, Jones finished no higher than 13th over the remaining 14 regular-season events on the schedule. He also missed the Playoffs for a fifth consecutive season. Managing a fifth-place run at Talladega in October and throughout the final 10 events on the schedule, he settled in 28th place in the 2024 final standings.

This season, Jones has racked up two top-15 results and five top-20 results through the first 10 scheduled events. His highest result of 2025 is a 12th-place finish during the 67th running of the Daytona 500 in February. Jones is currently in 30th place in the 2025 driver’s standings and he trails the Playoff cutline by 72 points.

Through 299 previous Cup starts, Jones has achieved three victories, two poles, 38 top-five results, 90 top-10 results, and 828 laps led. He has an average finishing result of 18.0 as he continues his pursuit of his first Cup Series championship.

Erik Jones will make his 300th Cup Series career start at Texas Motor Speedway for the Würth 400. The event will occur this upcoming Sunday, May 4, and air at 3:30 p.m. ET on FS1.

NASCAR issues penalities to Nos. 87, 99 Xfinity teams

Photo by John Knittel for SpeedwayMedia.com.

NASCAR revealed the penalty report following this past weekend’s actions between the Xfinity and Cup Series divisions at Talladega Superspeedway.

In the Xfinity Series, the No. 87 Jordan Anderson Racing Chevrolet team and the No. 99 Viking Motorsports Chevrolet team received L1-level penalties. The issues were discovered on the entries during the pre-race inspection process. The penalties were due to parts modifications involving the rear bumper covers and w. The modifications resulted in both entries violating Sections 14.4.A; 14.4.11.C&D in the NASCAR Rule Book, which highlighted the rear bumper covers.

Both teams received penalties and were docked 20 points and five Playoff points as a result of the pre-race infractions. The teams also received fines of $25,000 apiece.

During the Xfinity event at Talladega, which occurred on April 26, Matt DiBenedetto drove the No. 99 Viking Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro entry to a fifth-place result. It was his first career top-five in the series, ranking him in 24th place in the driver’s standings. Meanwhile, Austin Green, a part-time racer, did not qualify on time , who was scheduled to drive the No. 87 Jordan Anderson Racing Chevrolet Camaro entry, to make the main event.

The NASCAR Xfinity Series, Craftsman Truck Drtird and Cup Series divisions return to action next weekend at Texas Motor Speedway. The Truck Series will commence next weekend’s triple-header feature at Texas on Friday, May 2, at 8 p.m. ET on FS1. The Xfinity Series will follow suit on Saturday, May 3, at 2 p.m. ET on the CW Network. The Cup Series will cap off the weekend on Sunday, May 4, at 3:30 p.m. ET on FS1.