Home Blog Page 52

Questions to Ask a Used Car Dealer Before You Buy

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

Every question you ask a used car dealer helps you judge the car and the terms of the sale. Clear answers matter, especially when they come with paperwork you can see.

Who are you actually buying from?

It sounds basic, but the seller’s identity can be less clear than you’d expect. Some sellers trade from a forecourt but invoice you as a private sale.

Others sell on behalf of a previous owner and won’t put their own name on the receipt. Ask directly: are you the owner of this car and will your dealer name be on the invoice? Get the full trading name and address in writing.

A dealer should be able to explain that. If the name on the advert and the name on the paperwork don’t line up, ask why. Trading and legal names can differ, but you need to understand who you’re buying from.

Then ask how the car came to them. Was it a part exchange from a local driver or bought at auction? Was it ex-fleet or ex-rental? None of those answers rules out the car on its own. Fleet and rental cars often have strict service schedules because downtime costs money, so ask for evidence that the schedule was kept. Look for maintenance records that match the story.

Ask why the last owner let it go and listen for an explanation that fits the available records. Dealers may not know the full story, particularly for cars bought at auction. That alone is not evidence of a fault, but it is a reason to rely on documents and inspection rather than reassurance. Take your time.

What does the paperwork say about this car?

Don’t take mileage or history on trust. Ask to see the file for the car and take your time with it.

You want to see a paid history check that covers finance, mileage records, write-off markers and theft markers. Ask the dealer to pull it up in front of you and explain each section. If there is a mileage jump between old test records and the current odometer, ask for an explanation. Look for old certificates and service invoices that support the reading. An excuse won’t resolve a mileage discrepancy.

You also want the official test history. The free GOV.UK MOT history service lets you search by registration number and review recorded mileages, results and listed defects. Look for mileage changes that need explaining and ask about gaps in the timeline. Low recorded mileage with heavy wear on seats and pedals should prompt further questions, not an immediate accusation.

Then ask for the service book and the matching receipts. Stamps alone don’t prove much. Receipts show what oil and parts were used and which garage did the job. If the book shows the last full service was eighteen months ago and the current mileage is already past the interval stated in the owner’s manual, you have a fair reason to request a fresh service before you pay. Use that to discuss pre-sale work or money off.

Has the car had outstanding finance or accident damage?

Direct questions here can help you avoid expensive surprises. Don’t be shy about asking.

Has any finance ever been secured against this car and has it been fully cleared? A car that still has money owed on it can cause real trouble for the next keeper, as the previous lender may still have a claim. You need more than a quick yes. Ask to see the clearance letter or the live history check that shows no outstanding balance. Give the dealer time to produce it if needed. If they dodge the question, leave it.

Then ask about accidents and paintwork. Has this car ever been declared a total loss by an insurer? Has it had structural repairs or airbag deployment? Dealers must answer truthfully when you ask directly, so make the questions specific. Look past fresh shine.

Check panel gaps and paint match in daylight. Open the boot and bonnet to look for overspray and creased seams. A car with repaired damage isn’t always a bad buy and the price should reflect it. You need a clear account of what was damaged and who repaired it, with invoices where possible. Without that, you can’t judge safety or value properly.

What service is due and what will the dealer fix before you pay?

Maintenance requirements don’t pause for paperwork. Some service intervals depend on time as well as mileage, so a car can need attention even if it has covered few miles since its last service.

Ask when the last full service was done and what was changed. Then ask what’s due next and when. If brake pads are thin or the cambelt interval is close, raise it. Ask whether the dealer can put the car on a ramp or arrange an inspection, and have them point out tyre dates and brake wear. Access may vary, but you still need a clear account of the condition.

Now pin down pre-sale work. Will they service it and replace worn tyres? Will they fix that scuff and the warning light? Get it in writing on the order form with dates. That note should list each job and state that collection depends on completion.

Also ask who does their prep and whether it is done in-house or by a local garage. A named garage with invoices is more useful than a vague promise about preparation. If the tyres are near the legal limit, discuss replacements or a price cut that covers the cost at a local shop you trust. Lipped brake discs need assessment rather than an automatic replacement demand. If they won’t commit to work on paper, don’t count on it happening.

Can you test it properly and bring your own mechanic?

Photos hide rattles and cold-start smoke. You need time behind the wheel.

Ask for a proper test drive, not a quick loop round the block. You want a cold start so you can hear the engine from dead cold, followed by town traffic to test brakes and gearbox. You also need a faster road where you can safely reach cruising speed and a rough side street that shows up suspension knocks. Confirm the insurance arrangements before driving; do not assume your own policy or the dealer’s policy covers you. Ask who provides cover, whether you meet its conditions and what excess applies. Discuss the route and whether a member of staff must accompany you.

Buying from photos alone leaves you guessing about all of that. Seeing shortlisted cars in person gives you a chance to assess them before deciding. A search such as “car showrooms Essex” can help you find local sites you can actually travel to, read reviews and check opening hours before setting off to see two or three cars back to back.

Then ask about inspection. Can you book an independent check by a motoring association or your own trusted mechanic? A clean report can help the dealer as well as you. If they refuse or stall, consider that when deciding whether to proceed.

A varied test drive can reveal symptoms a short loop misses, but neither a drive nor an inspection can guarantee the car is free of faults.

What is the full price and what is your old car worth?

Make sure you understand the advertised figure. Ask what it includes before discussing payment.

Ask for an itemised breakdown in writing. Does the price include taxes and registration, and are there admin charges or delivery charges? How much for number plates and fuel? You want one drive-away total so you can see the full cost before agreeing to buy. If a fee appears late, question it. Ask the dealer to explain each line and give you time to read it.

Then keep your old car out of it at first. Ask for the price of the car you’re buying on its own. Then ask what they’ll pay for yours as a separate cash bid. That way neither number can hide behind the other. Separate the two numbers and you’ll see which side needs discussion. If the dealer quotes one figure that rolls the new price, the part exchange shortfall, finance charges and fees into one payment, ask them to split it so you can see the price and the amount financed side by side.

Ask how they valued your part exchange. Have they considered its condition and service history, including any tyre or bodywork costs? A bid below your expectations isn’t automatically unfair, and cars lose value with age and miles. Ask for the reasoning so you can assess the offer rather than guessing.

Don’t hand over your old car early. It weakens your position. Get the maths straight.

What warranty, finance and backup do you get?

Warranty and finance are where vague promises can cost real money. Read the terms carefully.

Does it cover engine and gearbox plus electrics and sensors? What is excluded as wear and tear? Ask where you can get repairs done and how you make a claim. Do you call the dealer first or a claims line? Is there a limit per repair? A clear sheet with time limits and claim steps is more useful than verbal reassurance. Keep in mind that a dealer warranty sits beside your normal consumer rights when you buy from a dealer. Those rights are separate and don’t depend on the warranty booklet.

Then turn to finance if you need it. What is the APR and the total interest over the term? Is there a final balloon payment and is there a penalty for early settlement? Ask what happens if you want to settle early. Ask for time to compare that quote with your own bank rather than deciding on the spot. Pressure to sign today is no reason to skip that comparison.

Finally, cover deposits and aftercare. How much deposit secures the car and is it refundable if the inspection fails? Who do you call if a fault shows up in the first weeks? Get a name and a direct number.

Don’t be rushed.

You don’t need perfect answers. You need straight ones backed by paperwork.

Keep your own file with the history printout and test readings, alongside service invoices and the signed order form that lists pre-sale work and the drive-away price. If a dealer gets vague or pushes back on inspection and itemised figures, take that into account. There are other cars to consider.

Ask calmly and write things down. The right car with the right backup is worth the extra hour.

The Chase Is Back, and Kyle Larson Is Off to a Record Start: Has NASCAR’s Format Change Delivered?

By
SM
-

NASCAR reintroduced the Chase for the 2026 championship. This rewards performance across ten races instead of deciding it all in a single finale. Six races in, it’s Kyle Larson who has shown just how much consistency matters, with a 49-point lead despite not winning a single race.

Larson’s opening five races produced an average finish of 2.2, the best start to a Chase since NASCAR introduced the concept in 2004. His sixth-place finish at Charlotte on 11 October extended his championship advantage, even as Chase Briscoe secured a second consecutive victory.

The question is whether the revised format has delivered a fairer championship without sacrificing the excitement of the closing races.

Why NASCAR Brought Back the Chase

NASCAR abandoned its elimination-style playoffs after the 2025 season, ending a system introduced in 2014. Under the old rules, drivers faced successive elimination rounds before four finalists contested the championship in one race.

The returning Chase features 16 drivers competing across the final ten races. Nobody is eliminated, and winning a race doesn’t automatically guarantee progression because there are no elimination rounds.

Instead, drivers earn points throughout the postseason, and the highest total determines the champion. The system places greater importance on repeated strong performances, so a one-off poor performance doesn’t carry as much weight as it used to. 

How the New Format Changes the Championship

The revised structure brings with it three important differences:

  • No eliminations: All 16 qualifying drivers remain in championship contention throughout the Chase.
  • No automatic advancement: Race victories earn points but don’t provide guaranteed progression.
  • Cumulative scoring: Every finishing position and available stage point contributes towards the final standings.

The result is a championship in which finishing second repeatedly can matter more than winning once and struggling elsewhere. Larson’s performances provide an early demonstration of just how that works.

Larson’s Record-Breaking Start

Larson built his advantage through remarkable consistency in the first five Chase races. He finished in the top two four times, averaging 2.2.

That was the strongest five-race start to a Chase since its 2004 introduction. His second-place finish at Las Vegas left him 40 points ahead of Denny Hamlin heading into Charlotte.

The advantage grew even though Larson missed out on another top-five finish. He started from pole position at Charlotte, won the opening stage and led a race-high 97 laps before finishing sixth.

Those extra stage points helped increase his lead to 49. Under the previous championship system, consistent performances could have been overshadowed by individual elimination-race results.

Chase Briscoe Shows Why Wins Still Matter

While some have argued that this approach removes aggressive racing and ruins the excitement, Briscoe has clearly shown that it doesn’t. His Las Vegas win was followed by another in Charlotte, putting him back in the championship with a real shot.

Briscoe had a tough start to the Chase, which makes his recovery remarkable. He started with a sixth-place finish, then followed it with two races where he didn’t even finish. This left his championship prospects looking remote, to say the least.

Two victories have changed that position considerably. Although he remains 65 points behind Larson, his recent form shows how quickly the standings can shift when a driver delivers consecutive strong results.

Can the Final Four Races Still Decide the Title?

Larson’s 49-point advantage is substantial, but it isn’t insurmountable. A driver can collect as many as 76 points in one race by winning both stages, taking the race victory, and recording the fastest lap.

This means a leading contender can lose significant ground when trouble strikes. A retirement, mechanical failure, or poor finish could substantially reduce Larson’s advantage, particularly if Hamlin or Bell delivers a strong result.

Does a Large Lead Reduce the Excitement?

The previous playoff system guaranteed a championship battle at the final race because four drivers entered with their points effectively reset. The Chase offers no such guarantee, meaning the title could theoretically be decided before the finale.

That possibility is part of the trade-off. NASCAR has chosen to reward sustained performance rather than manufacture a winner-takes-all conclusion.

What Drivers and Fans Think About the Change

When NASCAR announced the return of the Chase in January, there was considerable support. Former driver Mark Martin saw the format as a compromise that would require the eventual champion to combine speed and consistency.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. also supported the change. He believed that a championship decided through repeated performances would be easier for fans to follow. He argued that making every race important would be better than concentrating attention on elimination weekends.

Chase Elliott welcomed the decision, while Ryan Blaney also took part in the announcement alongside other prominent figures. Their support reflected a desire to give championship performance greater significance across the season.

Fan opinion is less easily summarised. Supporters of traditional points racing have welcomed the emphasis on consistency, while those who enjoyed the elimination format may miss its guaranteed final-race confrontation.

What the Standings Mean for Title Contenders

Larson enters the remaining races as the clear points leader, but Hamlin and Bell remain close enough to capitalize on mistakes. Briscoe’s consecutive victories also make him difficult to dismiss despite his larger deficit.

For readers following sports betting markets, the standings provide more useful context than race victories alone. Larson’s consistency, Bell’s proximity to Hamlin and Briscoe’s recent recovery all deserve consideration when assessing championship prospects.

Has NASCAR’s New Chase Delivered?

After six races, the evidence supports NASCAR’s decision to restore a championship that rewards consistency. Larson leads because he has repeatedly finished near the front, while Briscoe’s recovery shows that winning still matters.

The remaining question concerns the finale. A close championship battle would strengthen the case for the format, but even an early title decision wouldn’t necessarily make the system unsuccessful.

Anyone betting on the championship should set a spending limit and avoid chasing losses.

Paying with Mastercard at Online Casinos: Deposits, Blocks and the Withdrawal Problem

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

A player in Oslo tops up a casino account with a Mastercard. The deposit clears, but the line on the bank statement names a company in Malta or Cyprus that has nothing to do with the casino brand. Two weeks later the same card is declined at the same casino for the same amount. Nothing changed on the player’s side, and nothing changed in the casino’s cashier.

That pattern is the entire story of card payments at offshore operators, and it has very little to do with which card scheme is printed on the plastic. Three separate mechanisms are at work: what the casino accepts, what the bank permits, and what the card scheme allows on the way back out. Only the third one produces a real difference between Visa and Mastercard.

Casinos accept both cards, so acceptance explains nothing

A Norwegian-run review database covering 140 offshore casinos records payment methods per operator. Of those 140, 121 cashiers list Mastercard. The same 121 list Visa. Not one operator in the set accepts a single one of the two schemes without the other.

That result is not a coincidence of sampling. Casino payments run through acquirers and payment service providers that sell Visa and Mastercard processing as one bundled product. An operator that has secured card acquiring at all has secured both. There is no commercial reason to take one and refuse the other, and card acquiring in this market is not sold that way.

The practical conclusion matters more than the number: when a card deposit fails at an offshore casino, the cashier is almost never the cause. Switching from Mastercard to Visa at the same operator changes essentially nothing about whether the deposit goes through. The failure is happening upstream.

The bank is the gatekeeper, and Norwegian law tells it what to do

Norway operates a payment intermediation ban — the betalingsformidlingsforbudet — which obliges Norwegian banks and payment institutions to refuse gambling transactions to operators without a Norwegian licence. Enforcement sits with the Norwegian Gambling Authority, Lotteritilsynet, which supervises compliance and follows up on payment flows that reach unlicensed operators.

The mechanism is blunt: card transactions carry a merchant category code, and gambling merchants are coded MCC 7995. A bank that sees an MCC 7995 authorisation request destined for an unlicensed operator is required to block it. The rule is written around the transaction category, not the card brand. It hits Visa and Mastercard identically, which is why players who reach for the other card in their wallet after a decline usually get the same result.

Offshore operators respond the way merchants always respond to category-level blocking: they route the transaction through third-party payment intermediaries. The transaction reaches the bank under a different merchant identity, and often a different category, which is why the statement line reads as an unfamiliar company name rather than a casino. It also explains the inconsistency. Some intermediaries are recognised and blocked, some are not, and the same card can succeed on Monday and fail on Friday depending on which route the operator’s PSP happened to select. Because routing changes without warning, Norwegian players maintain dedicated Mastercard casino lists tracking which operators actually process their cards at any given time.

Two things follow. A declined deposit is usually a bank decision, not a casino one. And a successful deposit under an unfamiliar merchant name is not evidence of fraud — it is the normal shape of an intermediated gambling payment.

The real Visa–Mastercard split is the payout, and it favors Visa

Deposits are where players expect a difference and do not find one. Withdrawals are where the difference actually sits.

Visa supports pushing funds back to a card through Original Credit Transactions, the same rail used for insurance payouts and gig-economy earnings. Mastercard has historically not permitted gambling winnings to be paid back to a card in most markets, which means an offshore casino generally cannot return a payout to the Mastercard the player deposited with.

The nuance is worth stating precisely, because this is changing at the edges. Mastercard has been opening up gambling-related payouts in some regulated markets, so the rule is not absolute everywhere. But at offshore operators serving Norwegian players, the practical position holds: winnings go back to a Visa card, or they go out through an entirely different channel — bank transfer, e-wallet, or crypto.

For a Mastercard depositor, that has a concrete consequence. The withdrawal will not be a mirror image of the deposit, so the route has to be chosen before the money goes in, not after a win. It also moves the verification burden. KYC checks attach to whatever channel actually pays out, which means the casino will want documents tied to the bank account or e-wallet receiving the funds — not the Mastercard that funded the account. Players who skip that step discover it at the worst possible moment, with a balance sitting in a pending withdrawal while they hunt for a bank statement in the right name.

The summary is unglamorous. Card brand barely matters going in, because acceptance is universal and blocking is category-based. Card brand matters going out because only one of the two schemes routinely returns gambling payouts to plastic. Everything in between is intermediary routing that neither the player nor the casino fully controls. As a result, bank transfer is usually the withdrawal method of choice for card players.

Austin Green to make Truck debut with Spire Motorsports at Talladega

By
Andrew Kim
-
Photo by Chad Wells for SpeedwayMedia.com.

Austin Green will be making his NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series debut with Spire Motorsports next weekend at Talladega Superspeedway.

The 25-year-old Green from Concord, North Carolina, will pilot the No. 77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet Silverado RST entry sponsored by GUNK for his first tackle in NASCAR’s third national touring series division at the sport’s largest venue on the schedule in Lincoln, Alabama.

Green, a former Legends Young Lions Winter Heat champion and Trans-Am competitor, commenced the 2026 season as a full-time O’Reilly Auto Parts Series competitor for Peterson Racing. He recorded a pair of top-10 results and four top-20 results through 16-scheduled events before he scaled back as a part-time competitor. Since being scaled as a part-time competitor, he competed at San Diego’s Naval Base Coronado and Sonoma Raceway, respectively, in June before he recently competed this past weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway, all of which occurred with Peterson Racing. Green’s 2027 racing plans remains to be determined as Peterson Racing has signed Lee Pulliam and Harrison Burton to compete for the organization as full-time competitors next season.

To date, Green has made 40 career starts in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and two in the ARCA Menards Series division. He notched his first ARCA career victory at Charlotte in May 2025 and has finished in the top-10 mark 11 times in the O’Reilly division, with his best results being a runner-up result at the Charlotte Roval in October 2025 and a fourth-place run at Sonoma Raceway in June 2023.

Spire Motorsports’ No. 77 entry in the Truck Series division is currently ranked in sixth place in the owner’s standings while trailing the points lead by 133 points. The entry, which is led by crew chief Chad Walter, has been piloted by a total of nine competitors (Rajah Caruth, James Hinchcliffe, Carson Hocevar, Parker Kligerman, Jesse Love, Justin Marks, Tristan McKee, Nick Sanchez and Connor Zilisch) through 21-scheduled events. Throughout the latter span, the entry has finished in the top-10 mark 11 times and was piloted by Victory Lane at Texas Motor Speedway by Carson Hocevar in early May. 

A total of seven competitors (Parker Kligerman, Grant Enfinger, Spencer Booyd, Raphael Lessard, Tate Fogleman, Matt DiBenedetto and Giovanni Ruggiero) won for the first time ever in the Truck division at Talladega as Green strives to join the elite list next weekend.

Austin Green’s NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series debut is scheduled to occur next Friday, October 23, at Talladega Superspeedway for the Love’s RV Stop 225. The event’s broadcast time is slated to commence at 4 p.m. ET on FS1, NASCAR Racing Network and SiriusXM.

Ryan Ellis inks multi-year reunion with Alpha Prime Racing for 2027 O’Reilly season

By
Andrew Kim
-
Photo by Logan Allen for SpeedwayMedia.com.

Ryan Ellis has inked a multi-year deal with Alpha Prime Racing and drive for the organization, beginning in the 2027 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season.

The 36-year-old Ellis from Torrance, California, is currently campaigning with Young’s Motorsports in the O’Reilly division. He is currently ranked in 27th place in the 2026 driver’s standings with a single top-10 result, that being a sixth-place result during this year’s season-opening event at Daytona International Speedwat, and an average-finishing result of 27.1 through 29-scheduled starts.

Ellis’ move to Alpha Prime Racing next season will mark a reunion for the driver and organization, with Ellis having previously competed with Alpha Prime Racing from 2022 to 2024. He made a combined 75 starts with the organization in a three-year span, including the entire 33-race schedule in 2024 as he proceeded to notch a career-best 23rd-place result in the standings.

“I’m incredibly excited to be back at Alpha Prime Racing,” Ellis said. “This team has been a massive part of my NASCAR career. The last time we were together, my NASCAR career grew from a few races each season to competing full time in NASCAR, something I thought I’d never get the chance to do. My first handful of races with Alpha Prime Racing were ones that I will never forget. I felt like I was given a massive opportunity back then, and I feel the same way about this opportunity five years later.”

“There’s a ton of positive momentum at Alpha Prime Racing right now,” Ellis added. “Not only with the speed they show each week, but also the way they’re positioning for the future. The opportunity with Ford made it even more enticing to return to my first NASCAR ‘home,’ and a multi-year deal lets us build our team and program the right way, creating value for our partners on and off the track over multiple seasons. I’m very familiar with their group, and I feel like I gel really well with the way their cars drive. That’s a huge part of this decision. I think the familiarity will help us get off to a fast start and show that speed consistently year after year.”

Ellis, a former Virginia State Legends Pro and NASA SU National champion, made his first O’Reilly Auto Parts Series career start at Road America with Hamilton Means Racing in June 2012. Since then, the Californian has made a total of 193 series’ starts over 14 years and with 14 organizations, including Young’s Motorsports and Alpha Prime Racing. Ellis made select O’Reilly starts from 2012 to 2023, where he notched 18 top-20 results. Since becoming a full-time O’Reilly competitor in 2024, he recorded 19 top-20 results, including a career-best sixth-place result at Daytona in February 2026 and an eighth-place run at Charlotte Motor Speedway in May 2025. His best average-finishing result throughout a full O’Reilly campaign is 23.7, which occurred in 2024. During the latter season, he also led a career-high 11 laps.

Ellis will have sponsorship support from Tablo TV that will include a 10-race primary sponsorship appearance next season. He is Alpha Prime Racing’s first full-time competitor announced for the 2027 season as the organization prepares to switch manufacturers from Chevrolet to Ford while receiving engine support from Roush Yates Racing.

“Ryan has a strong history with Alpha Prime Racing, and we’re excited to welcome him back as we continue building for the future,” Jusan Hamilton, President of Alpha Prime Racing, said. “He understands what it takes to compete at this level, but just as importantly, he understands the value of building lasting relationships with partners. As we prepare for our transition to Ford in 2027, having Ryan return on a multi-year agreement brings valuable experience, continuity and a strong commercial foundation to our program. We look forward to building on that together.”

“We’re signing a friend,” Tommy Joe Martins, Founder of Alpha Prime Racing, added. “When we started APR in 2022, he was the first person that believed in our program, and in a lot of ways he helped lay the foundation of our team and helped me understand how to shape our organization. He’s part of the family here. There’s a lot of trust on both sides.”

With his future plans set, Ryan Ellis’ 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season resumes this Saturday, October 17, at Phoenix Raceway in Avondale, Arizona, for the Timberland PRO 200. The event’s broadcast time is slated to commence at 7:30 p.m. ET on the CW Network, MRN Radio and SiriusXM.

RCR Race Preview: Phoenix Raceway

By
Official Release
-

Richard Childress Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series at Phoenix Raceway… In 150 NASCAR Cup Series starts at Phoenix Raceway, Richard Childress Racing has scored six victories, led by Kevin Harvick with four wins (including a sweep of both races in 2006 plus fall races in 2012 and 2013). Ryan Newman was victorious in the 2017 Spring event. Dale Earnhardt won in 1990 to claim his ninth victory of the season en route to his fourth of seven Cup Series championships. The Welcome, N.C.-based race team has 21 top-five finishes and 47 top-10 finishes.

Richard Childress Racing in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series at Phoenix Raceway… Richard Childress Racing has four NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series wins by four different drivers at Phoenix Raceway: Harvick (2006), Clint Bowyer (2007), Elliott Sadler (2012) and Jesse Love (2025). The win by Harvick was one of nine victories he claimed on the way to his second O’Reilly Auto Parts Series title with RCR. Bowyer led the most laps (120 of 200) on the way to Winner’s Circle, while the victory by Sadler ended a 91-race winless streak. Love’s victory earned him the championship title, giving the storied organization their sixth NOAPS driver championship (2001, 2006, 2008, 2013, 2019, 2025) – surpassing RFK Racing for the most all-time.

Catch Saturday’s Action… The O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race at Phoenix Raceway will be televised live on Saturday, October 17 at 7:30 p.m. ET on The CW and stream live on the ESPN App with ESPN Unlimited. The live radio broadcast can be heard on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90. Saturday afternoon’s practice and qualifying session will be shown for free on The CW App and stream live on the ESPN App with ESPN Unlimited beginning at 1 p.m. ET.

Watch Us on USA Network… The Cup Series race at Phoenix Raceway will be televised on Sunday, October 18 at 3 p.m. ET on USA Network. The live radio broadcast can be heard on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90. Saturday afternoon’s practice and qualifying session will be shown live on truTV beginning at 3:30 p.m. ET. Ride shotgun all season long with live, in-car camera feeds and scanner audio with a paid subscription to Max as part of their NASCAR driver cam experience during the race.

Facebook X Instagram

Austin Dillon and No. 3 Dow/ARM & HAMMER™ Chevrolet at Phoenix Raceway… Austin Dillon has 25 NASCAR Cup Series starts at Phoenix Raceway to his credit, earning two top-10 finishes. The North Carolina native has 11 starts at the one-mile oval in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, with a career-best finish of second in November 2016. Dillon has three top-10 finishes and one top-five finish in three starts in the NASCAR Truck Series at Phoenix Raceway.

Dow & ARM & HAMMER™… Dow is a global materials science company with an ambition to lead through innovation, customer focus, inclusion, and sustainability. Helping bring that ambition to life are strong partnerships that combine expertise with a shared goal of pushing the boundaries of innovation. For 180 years, the ARM & HAMMER™ brand has delivered trusted, practical solutions for everyday life. From its iconic Baking Soda, the brand has expanded across laundry care, cat litter, oral care, cleaning solutions and more, while remaining a symbol of quality, value, and performance.

Through partnerships with companies like ARM & HAMMER, Dow provides materials science expertise that helps optimize its collaborators’ products while gaining real-world insights that strengthen its own knowledge base and capabilities. Together, the companies share a focus on continued innovation, performance and developing solutions that meet the evolving needs of consumers.

Dow and ARM & HAMMER are bringing that partnership to the racetrack through a co-branded paint scheme on RCR’s No. 3 Chevrolet. Through its collaboration with RCR, Dow can spotlight partners like ARM & HAMMER and demonstrate what’s possible when trusted brands bring their expertise together.

To learn more about Dow’s Sports partnerships, visit: https://corporate.dow.com/en-us/collaborations/dow-sports.html.

For more information on ARM & HAMMER™, visit: https://www.armandhammer.com/en/about-us.

Meet Dillon… On Sunday, October 18 beginning at 8:25 a.m. Local Time, Dillon is scheduled to stop by the RCR Merchandise Hauler in the Fan Zone to sign autographs. Be sure to stop by and stock up on all your race day gear. For fans unable to travel to the race, visit the official RCR Team Store to purchase Austin Dillon merch: https://store.rcrracing.com.

AUSTIN DILLON QUOTES:

What are your thoughts on Phoenix Raceway?

“Phoenix Raceway is a tough place. We’ve worked really hard on getting good finishes at the track, but it’s one of those places where you hit on the setup or you don’t. It’s a very challenging short track, but everyone on the No. 3 Dow Arm & Hammer Chevrolet team loves a good challenge. It’s a fun track for drivers because the track is so unique. You try and turn it into a short track, but the aero platform in the car really matters. One end of the track is flat, one end is banked, and you’re just trying to get the car neutral in both. You have to constantly work on improving there, but we’re always optimistic.”

How much do you think you’ll be able to take from the Spring Phoenix Raceway race and apply to this weekend?

“I would say some things will probably change, but not a whole lot. We just need to take good notes. Anytime we go to a track, we’re going to be writing notes and talking about ways we can get better and improve. There’s always something you can learn and take to the next event.”

Austin Hill and the No. 33 FICO Chevrolet at Phoenix Raceway… On Sunday, Austin Hill will make his second career start at Phoenix Raceway. Hill previously ran at the Arizona racetrack in March where the 32-year-old overcame a flat tire in the final stage to finish in the 21st position. The veteran racer’s best finish in nine starts in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series is fourth place in Spring 2024.

About FICO… FICO powers decisions that help people and businesses around the world prosper. Founded in 1956, the company is a pioneer in the use of predictive analytics and data science to improve operational decisions. FICO holds more than 200 US and foreign patents on technologies that increase profitability, customer satisfaction and growth for businesses in financial services, insurance, telecommunications, health care, retail and many other industries. Using FICO solutions, businesses in more than 80 countries do everything from protecting 4 billion payment cards from fraud, to improving financial inclusion, to increasing supply chain resiliency. The FICO® Score, used by 90% of top US lenders, is the standard measure of consumer credit risk in the US and has been made available in over 40 other countries, improving risk management, credit access and transparency.

Meet Hill… On Sunday, October 18 at 8:55 a.m. Local Time, Hill is scheduled to sign autographs at the RCR Merchandise Hauler in the Fan Zone at Phoenix Raceway. Stop by to meet the racer before the green flag waves in the desert.

AUSTIN HILL QUOTE:

What are your overall thoughts of NASCAR Cup Series racing at Phoenix Raceway?

“My approach will certainly be different from the O’Reilly race on Saturday to the Cup race on Sunday. Practice will be key to stay ahead of the racetrack. The track changes a lot in temperature and the way rubber is laid down, so we need to make sure we are not fighting the track and focusing only on the drivability of our FICO Chevrolet. You have to know where the track is going to go. We raced here in the spring and had ourselves inside the top-20 when we cut a tire down under green. We needed the car to be loose for speed, so we’ll remember that for this weekend.”

Jesse Love and the No. 2 Whelen Chevrolet at Phoenix Raceway… Jesse Love will look for his second career win at Phoenix Raceway in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series this weekend. Throughout his career at the Arizona oval, the Menlo Park, California native has completed more than 1,300 laps at the one-mile track. Love has made four career O’Reilly Series starts at Phoenix, earning one win (2025-fall) and four top-10 finishes, including a runner-up result in the Spring. Additionally, Love has one NASCAR Truck Series start at Phoenix, posting a fourth-place result (2023) in just his third series event. The 21-year-old has also made seven starts in ARCA Menards Series competition at the facility, posting a best finish of second (2022) and three top-10 results.

Last Time at Phoenix… This Spring, Love started on the front row at Phoenix Raceway and led a race-high 114 laps and won Stage 2. The young gun lost the race lead with 13 laps to go to eventual race winner Justin Allgaier and finished runner-up. Love finished with 55 points, the second highest total amongst all drivers that night. Love continued his streak finishing in the top-10 in each of his five starts at the Avondale oval in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.

Previous Winner… Last year’s O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Championship race saw Love and RCR triumph by taking the checkered flag after leading the race’s final 25 laps enroute to his first Series championship. Love became the fifth driver to win the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series championship under the RCR banner, joining Harvick (2001, 2006), Bowyer (2008), Dillon (2013) and Tyler Reddick (2019).

Did You Know… In five starts at Phoenix Raceway, Love has earned three top-five and five top-10 finishes. The 21-year-old has an average finish of 4.0 at Phoenix Raceway, his best average finish at a track in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series (minimum of two starts).

Excelling on Pit Road… No one achieves success alone, and that’s certainly true for RCR’s pit department, who demonstrated what happens when preparation, teamwork and execution come together under pressure. This past Sunday evening at Charlotte Motor Speedway, the No. 2 Whelen Chevrolet pit crew recorded the fastest, four-tire pit stop of the 2026 O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season, recording an 11.81-second stop. The stop was one of many successes for the team who dominated on pit road all night long. While Love entered pit road second following the end of both Stage 1 and Stage 2, his team put out a fast stop and let him leave in first position.

Get to the Points… With just four races remaining in the 2026 Chase, Love is currently second in the standings, a mere 2 points behind leader Sheldon Creed. Last weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Love started from the third position after both practice and qualifying were rained out. Love led a race-high 80 laps, finishing second in both stages, en route to earning his second runner-up finish of the year at the North Carolina track. The gains on-track allowed Love to rise to No. 2 in the standings entering the final weeks of the season.

About Whelen Engineering… Since 1952, Whelen Engineering has been a proud ally and supporter of our nation’s first responders. Driven by a mission to protect those who protect others, Whelen provides the high-quality, reliable products and technology needed to aid them in their critical missions. From warning lights to white illumination, sirens, controllers, and software, every product that bears the Whelen name has been thoughtfully designed, manufactured, and tested right here in America to perform at the highest level in any condition. Whelen is honored to have earned the trust of first responders around the world as leaders of the emergency warning industry and carries that responsibility earnestly, always striving to ensure that the everyday heroes serving under the illumination and protection of Whelen products are equipped to do their jobs with enhanced efficiency, reliability, and safety. To learn more about Whelen Engineering, visit www.whelen.com.

Meet Love… This weekend at Phoenix Raceway, on Saturday, October 17, beginning at 1:30 p.m. Local Time, Love will participate in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series autograph signing in Victory Lane. Fans are encouraged to stop by, meet Love, along with numerous other drivers in the series, and get his autograph before the green flag waves.

JESSE LOVE QUOTE:

You’re travelling to Phoenix only two points behind Chase leader Sheldon Creed. How do you feel ahead of this weekend?

“Obviously I am really confident going to Phoenix Raceway because it is one of our best, and our cars have had alot of speed there. But at the same time we have to go there and execute a good weekend, and its hard to race anybody but yourselves at Phoenix. You can’t really manufacture a good result there – you kind of have to have it, or you don’t. So we’ll go to Phoenix and hopefully pick off a win there, and then go to the next couple of races and try to win the war.”

Austin Hill and the No. 21 Titan Cattle Company Chevrolet at Phoenix Raceway…  Austin Hill will look to reach Victory Lane for the first time in his career at Phoenix Raceway this weekend. Hill has made nine career NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series starts with six top-10 results and a best finish of fourth in Spring 2024. The veteran racer has five NASCAR Truck Series starts at the Arizona speedway, notching one pole (2019) and one top-10 result (2021).

Get to the Points…  Hill currently holds the eighth position in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Chase standings. The Winston, Georgia native is only seven points behind seventh-place Taylor Gray and 94 points behind leader Sheldon Creed.

About Titan Community Outreach… Titan Community Outreach was founded through the deep relationships and opportunities that have been cultivated within Titan Risk Solutions. With the ultimate goal of helping those who are in need, Titan has evolved into a dynamic group of community ambassadors across the country. Titan Community Outreach has a goal to support the communities, families, and individuals who keep our industry and neighborhoods moving. Built on principles of integrity, responsibility, and people-first leadership, Titan Community Outreach strives to be on the forefront of providing opportunities for all people regardless of their current situation. Titan Community Outreach exists to give back in meaningful, hands-on ways. By Partnering with groups such as Pitstops For Hope, Harvesters, Big Brothers / Big Sisters of America, Team Dillon Management, and Richard Childress Racing, Titan has been able to provide resources to schools, families, and children across the country. Through charitable programs, community partnerships, and volunteer engagement, Titan Community Outreach focuses on creating real impact where it matters most. From supporting families in need to investing in youth and community programs, our mission is rooted in service, collaboration, and long-term positive change. For more information, or to support our mission of helping others visit www.titanoutreach.org.

AUSTIN HILL QUOTE:

What are your thoughts on Phoenix Raceway?

“Phoenix is a cool track, it’s very unique with how the frontstretch is. You know on restarts we fan out five or six wide getting into Turn 1, so the frontstretch is unique in that aspect. It’s so much different compared to any other track we go to. Turn 1 and 2 are very flat and long corners, then you have Turns 3 and 4 are very tight and banked. As a driver, you have to have totally different techniques when you go to Turns 1 and 2 versus Turns 3 and 4 on how you attack the corner, your braking, your turn-in, all those things. And then you have your crew chief trying to figure out how to be good in both ends so it’s a challenge.”

LEGACY MOTOR CLUB: PHOENIX II RACE PREVIEW

By
Official Release
-

LEGACY MOTOR CLUB:
PHOENIX II PRE-RACE ADVANCE
EVENT: Freeway Insurance 500

DATE: October 18, 2026
RACE: NASCAR Cup Series 33 of 36
TRACK: Phoenix Raceway | 1-Mile Oval

JOHN HUNTER NEMECHEK
NO. 42 DOLLAR TREE TOYOTA CAMRY XSE
JHN AT PHOENIX: John Hunter Nemechek has eight NASCAR Cup Series starts at Phoenix, with a highest finish of 14th coming in March 2025. In the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, Nemechek has made eight starts, where he earned one pole in November 2018, six top-10 finishes, and two top-fives. He earned a best finish of fourth in November 2019. In his nine starts in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series at Phoenix, he earned six top-10 finishes, including three top-five finishes. He earned a best finish of second twice in November 2015 and November 2017.

SUNS UP IN PHOENIX: John Hunter Nemechek will visit the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix and take in the NBA action as the Suns face the Utah Jazz on Friday, October 16 ahead of the Freeway Insurance 500 on Sunday.

JOHN HUNTER NEMECHEK QUOTE:
“We had pretty consistent speed in Phoenix in the spring until we got caught up in a late-race wreck. Hopefully that can translate into our No. 42 Dollar Tree Toyota Camry XSE this weekend and we can bring home a solid finish.”

ERIK JONES
NO. 43 DOLLAR TREE TOYOTA CAMRY XSE
JONES PHOENIX STATS: Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Phoenix Raceway will mark Erik Jones’ 21st Cup Series start at the mile oval in the desert of Arizona. In his career, he’s collected one top-five, four top-10s, and led 25 laps at the track. He earned his best finish of fourth in November 2017 after starting 11th. He has an additional 10 starts outside of the Cup Series at Phoenix – three in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and seven in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. He won twice in the Truck Series in November 2013 and November 2014. He never finished worse than ninth in all three of those starts. In the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, Jones also never finished outside the top-10 with five top-fives and seven top-10s. He earned a best finish of second after starting from the pole in March 2016, finishing just 2.285 seconds behind race winner Kyle Busch.

JONES’ FIRST NASCAR WIN: In November 2013, Jones captured his first career NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series victory and his first win in NASCAR’s top-three series at Phoenix when he was just 16 years old. The Michigan native was running a limited five-race schedule for Kyle Busch Motorsports in 2013 and never finished worse than ninth in those starts. Jones qualified second for the race at Phoenix and led 84 laps en route to a 1.616-second margin of victory over Ross Chastain. He defended that win the following season in November 2014 with another victory at the track while once again running a part-time schedule. Jones started from the pole and led 114 of the 150 laps to best Matt Crafton. Across his three Truck Series starts at the track, he boasted an impressive average start of 1.3 and an average finish of 3.7.

ERIK JONES QUOTE:
“We’re hoping that Phoenix will be good for us after the past few weeks. This is a track where I think we saw a good bit of improvement in last year’s November race. The past few weeks haven’t turned out like we’ve wanted, but we’re not giving up. LEGACY MOTOR CLUB has put in a lot of work to try to figure out what went wrong the last two weeks and how we can continue to get better. I’m looking forward to this weekend as I’ve always liked Phoenix. We’ll see where we stack up on Saturday and Sunday.”

CLUB NOTES:
JJ AT PHOENIX: LEGACY MOTOR CLUB owner and seven-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion Jimmie Johnson owns 36 Cup Series starts at Phoenix Raceway. In his career, he has collected four victories, 16 top-fives, and 22 top-10s, and led 998 laps. Johnson scored three back-to-back wins at Phoenix between 2007 to 2008. His first victory came in November 2007 when he started sixth, led 55 laps, and finished .870 seconds ahead of Greg Biffle. He followed that up in April 2008 where he started seventh and led 120 laps en route to besting Clint Bowyer by 7.002 seconds. The series returned in November 2008 and saw Johnson as the victor for the third straight race. He started on the pole, led 217 of the 312 laps and finished .295 seconds ahead of Kurt Busch. Johnson scored his final win at Phoenix in November 2009 after starting third, leading 238 of 312 laps, and beating Jeff Burton by 1.033 seconds. He owns four additional starts at Phoenix in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series where he earned a best finish of 12th in March 2013.

KENSETH PHOENIX STATS: LEGACY MOTOR CLUB competition advisor and 2003 NASCAR Cup Series Champion Matt Kenseth has 32 career Cup Series starts at Phoenix where he scored two wins, seven top-fives, and 13 top-10s as well as led 29 laps. Kenseth scored his first win at Phoenix early in his career in November 2002 in just his third start at Phoenix. He started 28th, led 55 laps, and bested Rusty Wallace by 1.344 seconds. His second victory came in November 2017 where Kenseth started seventh, led 62 laps and beat runner-up Chase Elliott by 1.207 seconds. He has an additional 15 starts at Phoenix in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series where he scored a total of one win, six top-fives, and 13 top-10s. From November 2004 to his final O’Reilly Auto Parts Series start in March 2015, Kenseth never finished outside the top-10 at Phoenix. He won from the pole in November 2006 after leading 125 of 200 laps and besting Kevin Harvick by .337 seconds.

THE KING AT PHOENIX: LEGACY MOTOR CLUB ambassador and seven-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion Richard Petty owns five NASCAR Cup Series starts at Phoenix Raceway in his career between 1988 and 1992. He earned a best finish of 23rd in his November 1990 start after starting 36th.

LOCAL TIES: Born in nearby Mesa, Ariz., pit crew fueler Kellen Mills is a former Arizona State football defensive end who has emerged as one of the top talents in the current pit crew lineup with the No. 42 Dollar Tree team. Before his NASCAR career, he played defensive end for Arizona State University in the early 2000s and was an all-state fullback at Mesa Mountain View High School. After college, Mills moved to North Carolina, where he has spent the last six years as a pit crew member beginning his career as a fueler before transitioning to a jackman in 2019, gaining experience with powerhouse teams like Team Penske and Joe Gibbs Racing. Along the way, he contributed to championship pursuits alongside drivers such as Joey Logano, Denny Hamlin, and Martin Truex Jr. In January, it was announced that Mills was the inaugural recipient of the Richard Petty Award of Excellence, a LEGACY MOTOR CLUB honor meant to recognize individuals who embody the values and enduring spirit of Richard Petty, “The King.” After being the jackman on the No. 43 Toyota Camry XSE for most of the season, Mills moved to serve as the fueler on the No. 42 Toyota Camry XSE to close out the 2026 season.

SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT:

LEGACY MOTOR CLUB proudly announced Kellen Mills, the No. 42 Fueler, as the inaugural recipient of the Richard Petty Award for Excellence, at the 2026 season kickoff in January. This newly created award is the organization’s highest internal honor recognizing individuals who embody the values and enduring spirit of Richard Petty, “The King.”

CLUB APPEARANCES:
John Hunter Nemechek will make an appearance at the NASCAR 26 Activation in the NASCAR Experience Fan Zone on Saturday, October 17 to test out the new game at 10:45 a.m. local time and follow that up with the trackside merchandise trailer at 11 a.m. local time for an autograph session. On Sunday, October 18, he will stop by the Toyota merchandise trailer at 9 a.m. local time for an autograph session.

TUNE IN:
Fans can tune in to watch the Freeway Insurance 500 at Phoenix Raceway on Sunday, October 18 at 3 p.m. EDT on USA Sports, HBO MAX, MRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Channel 90).

ABOUT LEGACY MOTOR CLUB: (LEGACY MC) is a premier auto racing organization 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 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. The No. 84 Toyota Camry XSE driven by Riley Herbst will debut full time in the 2027 season, while Johnson will make his final NASCAR Cup Series start at the 2027 DAYTONA 500 in the No. 48 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.

RFK Racing – Phoenix II Advance

By
Official Release
-

Phoenix II Event Info:
Date: Sunday, October 18th
Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
Series: NASCAR Cup Series (NCS)
Location: Avondale, Arizona
Format: 312 Laps, 312 miles, Stages: 60-185-312
TV: USA
Radio: MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Channel 90)

Weekend Schedule:
Saturday: 1:30 p.m. ET, Practice (TruTV, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
Saturday: 2:35 p.m. ET, Qualifying (TruTV, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
Sunday: 3:00 p.m. ET, Race (USA, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)

Pace Laps:

  • Phoenix hosts its annual fall date this weekend for the 33rd points race of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season.
  • Phoenix is the site of seven of Jack Roush’s Cup wins all-time, and 17 wins across NASCAR’s three series.

6 Team Info:
Driver: Brad Keselowski
Crew Chief: Mike Skarbowski
Partner: BuildSubmarines.com

17 Team Info:
Driver: Chris Buescher
Crew Chief: Scott Graves
Partner: Body Guard by Fastenal

60 Team Info:
Driver: Ryan Preece
Crew Chief: Derrick Finley
Partner: Fry’s / Cottonelle

Keselowski at Phoenix
Starts: 34
Wins: —
Top-10s: 15
Poles: 2 (2014, 2021)

  • Keselowski returns to Phoenix Raceway where in this race last season he nearly pulled off the victory, leading 6 laps and finishing 2nd – one of three 2nd place Phoenix finishes.
  • Keselowski makes his 35th Cup start in Phoenix this weekend where he has 15 top-10s with an average finish of 13.9.
  • He’s led 290 laps in 16 different Phoenix races and has ten top-5 finishes.
  • Still seeking his first Phoenix win although his last 11 wins have come on 11 different tracks.
  • Keselowski has two poles (2014, 2021) with an average starting position of 15.3. He has started inside the top-10 nine times at Phoenix throughout his career, including three on the front row.
  • He is a two-time Xfinity Series winner in Phoenix including winning the 2018 race in the No. 22 entry, and in 2014 for Team Penske. Overall, he has 21 NXS starts with fifteen top-10s. He also made two Truck Series starts in 2005 and 2008 with a best finish of sixth in his own No. 19 truck for BKR.

Buescher at Phoenix
Starts: 21
Wins: —
Top-10s: 5
Poles: —

“For a large part of my career, I wanted to burn Phoenix down to the ground,” said Buescher during his media availability at COTA earlier this season. “We are in a better headspace now because we have been good there. Fixes a lot of things as a race car driver when you go to a track and your more competitive.” – He has three top-5’s there, all in the past three seasons.

  • Buescher makes his 22nd Cup start in Phoenix this weekend where he has four top-10 finishes in his last six starts.
  • Buescher has an average starting position of 22nd.
  • Buescher also made four Xfinity Series starts in Phoenix for Jack Roush with a best finish of 12th (2014).

Preece at Phoenix
Starts: 14
Wins: —
Top-10s: 1
Poles: —

  • Preece is set to make his 15th Cup start in Phoenix this weekend.
  • His best Phoenix finish was 9th in last season’s finale.
  • Has led 38 laps at Phoenix.
  • Preece has an average starting position of 24th, including a P12 effort in the 2023 season finale.
  • 10 Top 10 finishes this season – 3 Top 10 finishes in 6 Chase races
  • 10 Top 10 finishes this season – 8 Top 10 finishes last 15 races

RFK Historically at Phoenix
Cup Wins: 7 (Mark Martin, 1993; Jeff Burton, 2000, 2001; Matt Kenseth, 2002; Kurt Busch, 2005; Carl Edwards, 2010, 2013)

  • Hooked on Phoenix: RFK has 318 combined starts at Phoenix, totaling 17 wins, 80 top-five and 142 top-10 finishes. RFK Fords have nine poles and have led 4,094 laps led at the 1-mile track.
  • Winning in the Desert: RFK has won at Phoenix in all three of NASCAR’s major divisions, with the organization’s first win coming in the fall of 1993 with NASCAR Hall of Famer and former driver Mark Martin in the NCS. RFK won the second-ever NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Phoenix in 2000 and former driver Greg Biffle claimed the organization’s 100th overall NASCAR Xfinity Series win at Phoenix in 2009.
  • Former driver Carl Edwards also won at the track that fall to give RFK the season sweep. All in all, six drivers have won NASCAR races for RFK at Phoenix (Martin, Biffle, Edwards, Kurt Busch, Matt Kenseth and Joe Ruttman). In addition, Edwards swept Phoenix in the fall of 2010, winning both the NXS and NCS events.
  • Xfinity Success: Phoenix was one of the strongest tracks for RFK’s Xfinity program. In 93 starts, the organization won eight times, earned 27 top-5s, 53 top-10s and has led 1,406 laps. RFK most recently went to victory lane with Edwards in Nov. 2010. Its eight wins rank most of any track on the circuit behind only Charlotte (12), Darlington (15), Richmond (9) and Rockingham (10).

RFK Phoenix Wins

1993 Martin Cup

1997-2 Ruttman Truck

2000 Burton Cup

2000 Burton NXS

2001 Biffle Truck

2001 Burton Cup

2001 Biffle NXS

2002 Kenseth Cup

2005-1 Busch Cup

2005-2 Edwards NXS

2006-2 Kenseth NXS

2008-2 Edwards NXS

2009-1 Biffle NXS

2009-2 Edwards NXS

2010-2 Edwards Cup

2010-2 Edwards NXS

2013-1 Edwards Cup

Last Time Out & Where They Stand
Charlotte: A loose wheel following a pitstop could’ve completely derailed Chris Buescher’s race but instead, determination and the assistance of Ryan Preece’s pit crew helped Buescher lead the way for Roush Fenway Keselowski (RFK) Racing in Charlotte. During pitstops between stages one and two a wheel was not completely tightened. Realizing this as he headed back to the track, his team quickly communicated the issue, and Buescher was able to back the car into his teammate’s pit stall where the 60 team remedied the issue. Buescher then stormed from the rear of the field to score a tenth place finish. Preece matched the level of determination, grappling through handling issues to score a 15th place finish. Brad Keselowski sustained unavoidable damage in Stage One, when a car directly in front of him slapped the wall and spun. Despite front splitter damage, Keselowski fought hard for a 29th place finish.

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

Young’s Motorsports Phoenix Raceway October NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Team Preview

By
Official Release
-

Young’s Motorsports | NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series
Phoenix (Ariz.) Raceway | Timberland® PRO 200

Fast Facts

No. 02 Young’s Motorsports Team:

Driver: Ryan Ellis

Primary Partner(s): Tablo TV

Manufacturer: Chevrolet Camaro

Crew Chief: Eddie Troconis

2026 Driver Points Position: 27th

2026 Owner Points Position: 34th

Engine: Earnhardt-Childress Racing

Notes of Interest:

● Year Three, Driven Forward: In November 2025, Ryan Ellis was announced as Young’s Motorsports’ full-time driver in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series as the organization enters its third season of competition.

In a significant step for 2026, Young’s Motorsports will transition its flagship No. 02 — long synonymous with the organization’s success in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series — to the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series full-time, underscoring the team’s continued growth at the national level.

Ellis will pilot the No. 02 Young’s Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro across the full 33-race schedule, continuing with Saturday afternoon’s Timberland® PRO 200 at Phoenix (Ariz.) Raceway and culminating with the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Championship Race at Homestead-Miami (Fla.) Speedway in November.

● About Ryan: A respected veteran in the NASCAR garage, Ellis joins Young’s Motorsports with more than a decade of experience across NASCAR’s national ranks, including competition in the NASCAR Cup Series and the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series.

The 2026 season will mark Ellis’ fourth full-time campaign in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.

The 35-year-old Virginia native is coming off his first career NASCAR top-10 finish in 2025 and looks to build on that momentum while continuing to expand his résumé, which includes 193 career starts in series competition.

Known for his consistency, professionalism, and versatility behind the wheel and in the garage, Ellis aims to apply his experience to elevate Young’s Motorsports’ competitive presence in its third season in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.

● All-Aboard!: For the 30th of 33 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series races this season, Young’s Motorsports welcomes back Tablo TV as the primary partner on the No. 02 Chevrolet Camaro for Saturday afternoon’s 200-lap event.

Tablo provides fans with an affordable way to access live, local broadcast television — including racing and other major sporting events — without a monthly subscription.

Through a simple setup that includes a Tablo device and antenna, viewers can enjoy major networks such as NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX, ION and The CW, along with recording functionality and multi-device streaming capability.

With just a one-time device purchase of about $100, an antenna, internet connection and the free Tablo TV app, customers can watch live, local broadcast coverage of racing, local news, live sports, classic shows and more for free.

Families can stream on multiple devices at once, making it easy to catch the big race in one room and a show in another. Simple, affordable, and endlessly entertaining — Tablo TV brings America’s most popular TV back to fans for free.

All NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series races will be broadcast live on The CW, and practices and qualifying can be streamed on The CW App. The CW can be watched, paused and recorded on Tablo TV, a subscription-free way to access 125+ broadcast and streaming channels.

Content and channels are subject to availability in your area.

Nuvyyo USA, a wholly owned subsidiary of The E.W. Scripps Company, is a successful technology company re-inventing the over-the-air television experience for the streaming age.

Tablo and Tablo TV are trademarks of Nuvyyo USA, LLC. All third-party trademarks, including logos, are the property of their respective owners.

For more information, visit TabloTV.com.

● Tablo TV and GOVX Celebrate Those Who Serve: Season-long partners Tablo TV and GOVX will once again support Ellis and Young’s Motorsports this weekend at Phoenix Raceway, with Tablo TV serving as the primary partner aboard the No. 02 Chevrolet and GOVX continuing its presence as a major associate partner.

GOVX, the members-only platform serving U.S. military personnel, veterans, first responders, emergency medical professionals and government employees, provides exclusive access to premium brands and special pricing for those who serve.

Tablo TV and GOVX will continue to build on their new partnership this weekend, celebrating military members, veterans and their families through an exclusive offer for the military community.

Following the successful launch during the United Rentals Driven to Serve 250 at Naval Base Coronado on June 20, eligible GOVX members can receive $30 off the Tablo Total System, making it even easier to enjoy free over-the-air television at home.

● Tablo Gives Fans More Ways to Watch NASCAR: As a valued partner of Ellis and Young’s Motorsports, NASCAR fans have even more ways to watch and record racing action with Tablo.

Fourth-generation Tablo DVR owners can now access and record The NASCAR Channel, featuring 24/7 free programming, including classic races, delayed broadcasts of the current season, select live events, NASCAR Studios original content and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio’s The Morning Drive.

The addition brings Tablo’s lineup to 106 free streaming channels, complementing its ability to watch and record free local broadcast television with a TV antenna through its whole-home DVR platform.

This week, fans can use promo code ELLIS to receive $20 off the purchase of a new Tablo TV device.

● Ryan Ellis O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Phoenix Raceway Stats: Saturday afternoon’s return to the Arizona desert for the second and final NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series visit of the 2026 season to Phoenix Raceway will mark Ellis’s ninth career start at the 1.0-mile oval in Avondale, Ariz.

In his previous eight Phoenix Raceway starts, Ellis’s best result came in his track debut in the 2022 United Rentals 200, where he earned a track-best 16th for Alpha Prime Racing.

Overall, he holds a 24.9 average finish in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series at the famed course in the Sonoran Desert.

Following its return to the Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway oval, the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series heads west this weekend for its second and final visit of the 2026 season to Phoenix (Ariz.) Raceway.

This weekend’s return to the Arizona desert carries added significance, as the popular 1.0-mile oval will not serve as the season finale for the first time since 2020, instead providing another important stop as teams continue their push toward the conclusion of the championship campaign.

The action-packed weekend begins Friday with the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series before the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series takes center stage Saturday afternoon.

The ARCA Menards Series West will follow with its own showdown Saturday night, while the NASCAR Cup Series closes the weekend Sunday with the Freeway Insurance 500.

Known for its distinctive layout, challenging corners and wide frontstretch dogleg, Phoenix Raceway presents competitors with a unique test that places a premium on braking, handling, tire management and track position.

Navigating the dogleg and capitalizing on aggressive restarts can create opportunities to gain valuable positions, while maintaining consistent speed through the flatter corners will be essential over longer green-flag runs.

Qualifying and pit-road execution will also matter, as teams work to maintain track position and make the adjustments needed to keep their cars competitive throughout the afternoon.

For Ryan Ellis and Young’s Motorsports, Saturday’s return to Phoenix offers another chance to build on their first visit to the Arizona oval earlier this season while continuing their pursuit of a strong finish to the 2026 campaign.

With only a handful of races remaining together, Ellis and the No. 02 Chevrolet team will look to recover from their spring-event experience and apply lessons learned throughout the season to Saturday’s return to the desert.

While the organization and Ellis will pursue separate paths following the conclusion of the season, their objectives remain unchanged: maximize every opportunity, execute complete races and deliver the strongest possible results for the partners and personnel who have supported their efforts throughout the year.

A strong performance at Phoenix would give Ellis and Young’s Motorsports another chance to add a positive result to their 2026 campaign as they continue their push toward the season finale.

● Ryan Ellis NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Career Stats: Entering Phoenix, Ellis has 193 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series races to his credit, earning a career-best sixth-place finish after starting 32nd in the 2026 edition of the United Rentals 300 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway for Young’s Motorsports.

Since his 2012 debut, Ellis has averaged a 26.6 finish in series competition, including the past three seasons running full-time.

● Charlotte Motor Speedway | Blue Cross North Carolina 300 Race Recap: Ryan Ellis and the No. 02 The Loaded Tea Shop Chevrolet team arrived at Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway hoping to build upon their 21st-place finish from the spring, but inclement weather forced the cancellation of practice and qualifying for the second consecutive event at the 1.5-mile oval, placing Ellis 33rd on the starting grid.

With the postponed Blue Cross North Carolina 300 pushed under the lights after the NASCAR Cup Series Bank of America 400, Ellis and his Young’s Motorsports team faced an added challenge as they worked to find the right balance and move up the field.

Despite the circumstances, Ellis stayed on the lead lap through the opening stages, and the No. 02 Chevrolet showed noticeable pace improvement in Stage 2 as the team continued refining its handling.

As the race moved into Stage 3, Ellis steadily advanced through the field and closed in on the top 20 when a flat tire sent him spinning, triggering a chain reaction that ultimately forced the team into the garage.

Ellis finished a disappointing 34th, a frustrating end to an otherwise encouraging run in which the No. 02 team overcame a challenging start and showed competitive pace before misfortune derailed their efforts.

● Calling the Shots: Guiding Ryan Ellis as crew chief of the No. 02 Young’s Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro is longtime crew chief, engineer and industry veteran Eddie Troconis.

On Saturday afternoon, Troconis will call his 51st NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race from atop the pit box. In his previous 50 starts, he has recorded two top-10 finishes, most recently in the 2026 season-opener at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway.

The season’s 30th race will mark Troconis’ third O’Reilly Auto Parts Series event at Phoenix Raceway and his second since 2020, when he guided series rookie Mason Diaz to a respectable 24th-place finish in the Desert Diamond Casino West Valley 200.

Additionally, Troconis has six NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series starts at Phoenix Raceway, earning a track-best fourth-place finish with driver Cameron Hayley in 2016.

● Young’s Motorsports’ NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series at Phoenix Raceway: This weekend’s Timberland® PRO 200 will mark Young’s Motorsports’ seventh and eighth NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series starts at Phoenix Raceway.

In the organization’s six previous appearances at the popular 1.0-mile oval, Young’s Motorsports earned a track-best 11th-place finish with rookie Leland Honeyman Jr. in the 2024 edition of the Call 811.com Every Dig. Every Time. 200.

Across those starts, the Mooresville, N.C.-based organization has recorded an average starting position of 28.7 and an average finishing position of 27.7.

Beyond its O’Reilly Auto Parts Series experience, Young’s Motorsports also brings an extensive NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series résumé to the Arizona desert, with 21 starts at Phoenix Raceway since 2014 and an average finish of 23.6.

Those efforts are highlighted by a team-best eighth-place finish from Kaden Honeycutt in the November 2023 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series season finale.

● Young’s Motorsports’ NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series History: Since entering the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series in 2024, the family-owned organization has logged 124 starts and earned one top-five and four top-10 finishes while maintaining an average starting position of 27.7 and an average finish of 25.1.

● Follow on Social Media: For more on Ryan Ellis, please visit ryanellisracing.com, like him on Facebook (Ryan Ellis), and follow him on Instagram (@ryanellisracing), TikTok (@ryanellisracing), and X | Twitter (@ryanellisracing).

For more on Young’s Motorsports, please visit YoungsMotorsports.com, like them on Facebook (Young’s Motorsports), and follow them on Instagram (@youngsmotorsports) and X |Twitter (@youngsmtrsports).

Ryan Ellis Quote Board:

On Return to Phoenix Raceway: “I’m looking forward to getting back to Phoenix. It’s a track I’ve raced at quite a few times over the years, and it’s definitely one of the more unique places we visit because it drives so differently from just about everywhere else on the schedule.

“We were there earlier this season, so hopefully we can take some of the things we learned in the spring and put them to good use this weekend. Phoenix is a place where having confidence in your car makes a huge difference, especially with how much you have to work the brakes and get through the corners.

“It’s also going to be different not having Phoenix as the season finale this year. There’s still plenty to race for, and I’d really like to have a strong weekend in the desert.”

On Keys to Success at Phoenix Raceway: “Phoenix is all about getting your car to rotate through the center of the corners without sacrificing too much drive off. You spend a lot of time on the brakes, and if you can’t get the car pointed in the right direction, it makes it really difficult to maintain your speed and make passes.

“The dogleg is another big part of what makes Phoenix so challenging. Everybody gets aggressive on restarts, and you can gain or lose several positions in a hurry depending on how things shake out.

“Track position is going to be important, but so is taking care of your tires over a long run. If we can unload with a good balance, make smart adjustments and keep ourselves out of trouble, hopefully we can be competitive throughout the afternoon.”

On Goals for Phoenix Raceway: “The biggest goal is to put together a complete race and get back to finishing where I feel like this team is capable of running. Charlotte was really frustrating because we had worked our way forward from 33rd, stayed on the lead lap and were getting close to the top 20 before the flat tire changed everything.

“That was disappointing because the finishing position didn’t reflect the progress we made throughout the night. The guys worked really hard, and I felt like we were finally getting ourselves into a pretty good position.

“For Phoenix, I’d love to qualify better, stay competitive throughout the stages and give ourselves a chance to battle inside the top 20. If we can keep improving the car and execute a clean race, hopefully we can leave there with a result that reflects the effort everyone is putting in.”

On Continued Partnership with Tablo TV: “I’m incredibly thankful to have Tablo TV continuing to support me and our No. 02 Young’s Motorsports Chevrolet. They’ve been such an important part of our program this season, and I really appreciate the commitment they’ve made to our team.

“One of the things I’ve enjoyed most about this partnership is being able to introduce NASCAR fans to Tablo and show them how easy it is to enjoy live television without the traditional cable experience. It’s a product that makes a lot of sense for people who love watching sports and entertainment.

“We’re getting down to the final races of the season, and I want to make sure we continue representing Tablo TV the right way. They’ve believed in us throughout the year, and hopefully we can reward that support with a strong performance at Phoenix.”

On Goals for Remainder of 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Season: “My goals haven’t changed just because we’re getting closer to the end of the season. I still want to go out there every weekend, race as hard as I can and give everyone at Young’s Motorsports and all of our partners the best results possible.

“Obviously, we know that Tyler, Randy, Becky and I will be going in different directions after this year, but that doesn’t change how much respect and appreciation I have for everyone who has been part of this program. We’ve been through a lot together this season, and I want to make sure we finish things the right way.

“There are only a few opportunities left for us to create some more good memories together. I’d love nothing more than to put together a couple of strong runs, give these guys something to be proud of and close out our time together on a positive note.”

No. 42 Young’s Motorsports Team:

Driver: Brad Perez

Primary Partner(s): Santiam Rentals

Manufacturer: Chevrolet Camaro

Crew Chief: Andrew Abbott

2026 Driver Points Position: 46th (Six Races)

2026 Owner Points Position: 32nd

Engine: Earnhardt-Childress Racing

Notes of Interest:

● Year Three, Driven Forward: Young’s Motorsports continues its campaign in the newly rebranded NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series this weekend as the tour returns to Phoenix (Ariz.) Raceway for its second and final visit of the 2026 season, with the popular 1.0-mile oval hosting a fall race that will not serve as the season finale for the first time since 2020.

Motorsports polymath Brad Perez returns to the Mooresville, N.C.-based organization for his fourth NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series start of the season with Young’s Motorsports in Saturday afternoon’s Timberland® PRO 200, driving the No. 42 Chevrolet Camaro in the 30th of 33 races on the 2026 schedule.

● About Brad: Brad Perez is a versatile competitor within the motorsports industry, bringing a diverse background that extends well beyond his accomplishments behind the wheel.

A native of Hollywood, Fla., Perez has established himself as a multifaceted racing professional, balancing responsibilities as a driver, engineer, strategist and valued contributor throughout the NASCAR garage.

His racing résumé includes experience across NASCAR national and regional competition, sports cars and grassroots motorsports, where he has demonstrated an ability to capitalize on opportunities while competing with limited resources.

Beyond his driving career, Perez has gained valuable experience in engineering and competition-related roles, developing a technical understanding of race car performance, strategy and the demands of competing at NASCAR’s highest levels.

Known for his determination, adaptability and hands-on approach to motorsports, Perez continues to expand his racing résumé while bringing a unique combination of driving experience and technical knowledge to his NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series opportunity with Young’s Motorsports at Phoenix Raceway.

● All-Aboard! For the 30th of 33 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series races this season, Young’s Motorsports welcomes Santiam Rentals as the No. 42 Chevrolet Camaro’s primary partner for Saturday afternoon’s 200-lap Timberland® PRO 200 at Phoenix Raceway.

Based in Salem, OR, Santiam Rentals is a locally owned, customer-focused equipment rental company specializing in high-quality flatbed and dump trailer rentals.

Conveniently located in the Willamette Valley near I-5 and Highway 22, the company provides affordable, reliable, and fully insured hauling solutions for home improvement projects, construction material transport, and recreational needs.

Serving communities across Salem, Keizer, Albany, and the greater Willamette Valley region, Santiam Rentals is dedicated to delivering a hassle-free rental experience with well-maintained equipment and flexible rates.

To learn more or to reserve a trailer, visit santiamrentals.com.

● Brad Perez O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Phoenix Raceway Stats: Saturday afternoon’s return to the Arizona desert for the second and final NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series visit of the 2026 season to Phoenix Raceway will mark Perez’s first start at the 1.0-mile oval in Avondale, Ariz.

Following its return to the Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway oval, the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series heads west this weekend for its second and final visit of the 2026 season to Phoenix (Ariz.) Raceway.

This weekend’s return to the Arizona desert carries added significance, as the popular 1.0-mile oval will not host the season finale for the first time since 2020, instead serving as another key stop as teams push toward the end of the championship campaign.

The action-packed weekend begins Friday with the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series before the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series takes center stage Saturday afternoon. The ARCA Menards Series West will follow with its own showdown Saturday night, while the NASCAR Cup Series closes the weekend Sunday with the Freeway Insurance 500.

Known for its distinctive layout, challenging corners and wide frontstretch dogleg, Phoenix Raceway presents competitors with a unique test that places a premium on braking, handling, tire management and track position.

Navigating the dogleg and capitalizing on aggressive restarts can create opportunities to gain valuable positions, while maintaining consistent speed through the flatter corners will be essential over longer green-flag runs.

Qualifying and pit-road execution will also matter, as teams work to maintain track position and make the adjustments needed to keep their cars competitive throughout the afternoon.

For Brad Perez and Young’s Motorsports, Saturday’s Timberland® PRO 200 presents an opportunity to continue the recent improvement of the organization’s No. 42 Chevrolet program, which has enjoyed a productive stretch of performances with multiple drivers behind the wheel.

The No. 42 team enters Phoenix riding a streak of three consecutive top-23 finishes, including a top-20 result with Logan Bearden at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway and two solid performances with NASCAR veteran Matt DiBenedetto at Las Vegas (Nev.) Motor Speedway and Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway.

With Perez taking over driving duties this weekend, Young’s Motorsports hopes to maintain that consistency while capitalizing on the Hollywood, Fla., native’s diverse racing background and technical knowledge to navigate the challenges of the Arizona oval.

As the 2026 season approaches its conclusion, another competitive performance at Phoenix would further reinforce the No. 42 team’s recent progress and provide Perez an opportunity to contribute to the organization’s strong closing stretch.

● Brad Perez NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Career Stats: Entering Phoenix, Perez has 25 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series starts to his credit, highlighted by a career-best 18th-place finish after starting 31st in the 2024 Focused Health 250 at Circuit of The Americas for Alpha Prime Racing.

Since his 2022 debut, Perez has recorded an average finish of 28.3 in series competition at 16 different tracks, including Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course, the Chicago Street Course, Darlington Raceway, Homestead-Miami Speedway, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course, Kansas Speedway, Martinsville Speedway, Naval Base Coronado, Road America, Sonoma Raceway, Texas Motor Speedway and World Wide Technology (Ill.) Raceway for teams Alpha Prime Racing, Emerling-Gase Motorsports, Joey Gase Motorsports with Scott Osteen, SS-GreenLight Racing, Young’s Motorsports and most recently RSS Racing.

Further bolstering his NASCAR résumé, Perez has made five starts in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series since 2024.

With four races remaining in the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season, Perez will make his seventh start of the year this weekend at Phoenix Raceway, matching his career-high number of starts in a single season, established in 2025.

● Calling the Shots: Guiding as crew chief of the No. 42 Young’s Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro is longtime crew chief Andrew Abbott.

On Saturday afternoon, he will be the crew chief in his 192nd NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race. In his previous 191 races, he has four top-five and 14 top-10 finishes.

The season’s 30th race will be his 12th tango at Phoenix Raceway as crew chief in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.

In his 11 previous leadership efforts at Phoenix, Abbott has earned a track-best 10th-place finish with driver Jeremy Clements in the 2020 fall edition of the Desert Diamond Casino West Valley 200.

● Young’s Motorsports’ NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series at Phoenix Raceway: This weekend’s Timberland® PRO 200 will mark Young’s Motorsports’ seventh and eighth NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series starts at Phoenix Raceway.

In the organization’s six previous appearances at the popular 1.0-mile oval, Young’s Motorsports earned a track-best 11th-place finish with rookie Leland Honeyman Jr. in the 2024 edition of the Call 811.com Every Dig. Every Time. 200.

Across those starts, the Mooresville, N.C.-based organization has recorded an average starting position of 28.7 and an average finishing position of 27.7.

Beyond its O’Reilly Auto Parts Series experience, Young’s Motorsports also brings an extensive NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series résumé to the Arizona desert, with 21 starts at Phoenix Raceway since 2014 and an average finish of 23.6.

Those efforts are highlighted by a team-best eighth-place finish from Kaden Honeycutt in the November 2023 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series season finale.

● Young’s Motorsports’ NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series History: Since entering the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series in 2024, the family-owned organization has logged 124 starts and earned one top-five and four top-10 finishes while maintaining an average starting position of 27.7 and an average finish of 25.1.

● Follow on Social Media: For more on Brad Perez, please visit bradperez.com, like him on Facebook (Brad Perez Racing), and follow him on Instagram (@uhbrad), TikTok (@breadperez), and X | Twitter (@bradxperez).

For more on Young’s Motorsports, please visit YoungsMotorsports.com, like them on Facebook (Young’s Motorsports), and follow them on Instagram (@youngsmotorsports) and X |Twitter (@youngsmtrsports).

Brad Perez Quote Board:

On Phoenix Raceway: “I’m really excited to make my first start at Phoenix Raceway. It’s one of those tracks I’ve watched for years, and I’ve always wanted the opportunity to experience it from behind the wheel.

“It’s a really unique place with the flatter corners, the dogleg and some pretty aggressive restarts. I’ve watched plenty of races there, but I know there’s a big difference between watching it and actually being out there competing.

“I’m looking forward to learning the track, getting comfortable with our No. 42 Young’s Motorsports Chevrolet and hopefully putting together a solid afternoon in my Phoenix debut.”

On Keys to Success at Phoenix Raceway: “From everything I’ve studied about Phoenix, getting the car to rotate through the center of the corners without sacrificing drive off is going to be really important.

“Having worked on the technical side of racing, I understand how much goes into finding that balance, especially as the tires wear and the track conditions change. The biggest thing for me will be learning as quickly as possible and giving the team good feedback so we can make the right adjustments.

“Restarts are another area where I’ll have to be smart. The dogleg creates a lot of opportunities, but it can also get pretty chaotic. I want to be aggressive when the opportunity is there, but also make sure we’re taking care of our race car.”

On Goals for Phoenix Raceway: “My biggest goal is to make the most of my first opportunity to race at Phoenix and help this No. 42 team continue the solid performances they’ve been putting together lately.

“Logan Bearden and Matt DiBenedetto have done a really nice job with this car over the last few races, and three consecutive finishes of 23rd or better is something this team should feel good about. That tells me the guys have been working hard and making progress.

“I’d love to keep that streak going and hopefully challenge for another top-20 finish. I know there’s going to be a learning curve with this being my first race at Phoenix, but if we can get comfortable early, stay on the lead lap and execute a complete race, hopefully we can leave with a result everyone can be proud of.”

On Santiam Rentals Partnership: “I’m incredibly thankful to have Santiam Rentals supporting our No. 42 Young’s Motorsports Chevrolet this weekend at Phoenix Raceway.

“Partnerships like this mean so much, especially for someone like me who has worked really hard to earn every opportunity I’ve had in NASCAR. Having a company willing to believe in what we’re doing and help make these races possible is something I never take for granted.

“I’m excited to represent Santiam Rentals on and off the track, introduce them to NASCAR fans and hopefully give them a performance they can be proud of.

“Making my Phoenix Raceway debut with their support makes this opportunity even more special.”

On Another NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Opportunity with Young’s Motorsports: “I’m really grateful to Tyler Young and everyone at Young’s Motorsports for giving me another opportunity to compete in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.

“I’ve been fortunate to experience this sport from a lot of different perspectives, whether that’s driving, working on the technical side or helping teams behind the scenes. Every time I get the chance to climb behind the wheel, it reminds me why I love racing so much and how much these opportunities mean.

“This weekend is especially meaningful because it’ll be my seventh start of the season, matching my career-high from 2025. To reach that milestone while also making my first career start at Phoenix Raceway is something I’m really proud of, but I’m certainly not satisfied.

“I want to keep building on these opportunities, continue learning and show that I belong competing at this level. Hopefully, we can put together a strong run for Young’s Motorsports and Santiam Rentals and make the most of another chance to do what I love.”

Race Information:

The Timberland® PRO 200 (200 laps | 200 miles) is the 30th of thirty-three (33) NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series races on the 2026 schedule. Practice will occur on Sat., Oct. 17, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 11:50 a.m. Qualifying will begin immediately after, at 12:05 p.m. The field will take the green flag later in the day, shortly after 4:30 p.m. (7:30 p.m. ET), with live coverage on The CW Network, the Motor Racing Network (Radio), and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90. All times are local (MT).

Hendrick Motorsports Media Advance: Phoenix

By
Official Release
-

Phoenix Raceway
Sunday, Oct. 18
1-Mile Dog-Legged Oval
3 p.m. ET
Location: Avondale, Arizona
TV: Fox
Event: NASCAR Cup Series (Race 33 of 36)
RADIO: SiriusXM

5 KYLE LARSON
Age: 34 (July 31, 1992)
Hometown: Elk Grove, California
Last Race: 6th (Charlotte)
Crew Chief: Cliff Daniels
Standings: 1st

 No. 5 Valvoline Chevrolet  

  • Last weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Kyle Larson continued his impressive NASCAR Cup Series Chase run with a sixth-place finish. Larson extended his points lead to 49, giving him his largest lead of The Chase so far.
  • Larson’s average finish of 2.83 through the first six races of The Chase is the best for any driver through the first six races of any postseason since the format was introduced in 2004.
  • Larson is riding the season’s longest active top-10 streak at six races and has also recorded six top-five finishes in the last seven races. His six consecutive top-six results are tied for the longest such streak of his career.
  • In nine starts at Phoenix Raceway during the Next Gen era, Larson has the third-best average finish at 8.56. Entering this weekend, he owns the longest active top-10 streak in the desert with four.
  • According to Racing Insights, the No. 5 pit crew ranks second in the Cup Series.  

9 CHASE ELLIOTT
Age: 30 (Nov. 28, 1995)
Hometown: Dawsonville, Georgia
Last Race: 12th (Charlotte)
Crew Chief: Alan Gustafson
Standings: T-11th

No. 9 Kelley Blue Book 100th Anniversary Chevrolet  

  • This weekend, Chase Elliott heads to Phoenix Raceway where he won in 2020 to secure his first NASCAR Cup Series title.
  • Elliott is currently tied for 11th in The Chase standings, 185 points behind the leader.
  • Of the four tracks remaining in The Chase, the 30-year-old has won on three of them. In addition to his victory at Phoenix, he has two wins at Talladega Superspeedway (2019 and 2022) and two wins at Martinsville Speedway (2020 and 2026).
  • According to Racing Insights, the No. 9 pit crew ranks fifth in the series this season.  

24 WILLIAM BYRON
Age: 28 (Nov. 29, 1997)
Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina
Last Race: 39th (Charlotte)
Crew Chief: Rudy Fugle
Standings: 13th

 No. 24 Axalta Chevrolet

  • William Byron is 13th in the NASCAR Cup Series Chase standings with four races remaining.
  • In the Next Gen era at Phoenix Raceway, Byron has run the most laps in the top five (1,963) and the top 10 (2,510) of any driver. The Charlotte, North Carolina, native has the sixth-best average finish (10.67) in that span and has also led the third-most laps (326).
  • Byron has one win (March 2023), three top-five finishes and 10 top 10s at Phoenix. He has finished seventh or better in six of the last eight races there.
  • This weekend, Byron will climb behind the wheel of a No. 24 Axalta throwback paint scheme paying tribute to the first Axalta-branded Chevrolet that was run by Jeff Gordon in 2013. The throwback will close an unforgettable chapter with the brand before they prepare for the next step for the 2027 season.  

48 ALEX BOWMAN
Age: 33 (April 25, 1993)
Hometown: Tucson, Arizona
Last Race: 38th (Charlotte)
Crew Chief: Blake Harris
Standings: 26th

 
No. 48 Ally Chevrolet  

  • Alex Bowman has earned three top-10 finishes in the NASCAR Cup Series at Phoenix Raceway, two coming in his last six races there. The Tucson, Arizona, native earned his best finish of sixth at the track in 2016.
  • Bowman has led 196 laps at his home venue, his second-most among tracks on the Cup Series schedule.  

17 COREY DAY
Age: 20 (November 28, 2005)
Hometown: Clovis, California
Last Race: 1st (Charlotte)
Crew Chief: Adam Wall
Standings: 3rd

  •  Corey Day and the No. 17 HendrickCars.com team earned their fourth NASCAR O’Reilly Series win of the season Sunday at Charlotte Motor Speedway, advancing Day to third in The Chase standings, just seven points behind the leader.
  • The 20-year-old driver’s back-to-back wins at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and Charlotte mark the first time since 2004 that a Hendrick Motorsports driver has won consecutive NOAPS races. Kyle Busch was the first to accomplish the feat.
  • The Clovis, California, native returns to Phoenix Raceway for his third NOAPS start on the 1-mile track, where he has recorded an average starting position of 11.5. He finished ninth at the track this past spring and 14th in the fall of 2025.

Hendrick Motorsports  

2026All-TimePhoenix
Races321,44960
Wins4324*13*
Poles0259*16*
Top 5291,351*61*
Top 10522,312*113*
Laps Led1,70987,076*3,736*
Stage Wins141519


 
*Most
**Tied for most

  • The NASCAR Cup Series returns to Phoenix Raceway this weekend for the seventh race of The Chase. Hendrick Motorsports is the all-time leader in wins (13), poles (16), top fives (61), top 10s (113) and laps led (3,736) at the 1-mile dog-legged oval.
  • Among the 10 tracks in The Chase, Hendrick Motorsports has piled up 136 victories including 21 in the Next Gen era. The organization leads the field in postseason wins (64) and has won at least one race in The Chase/Playoffs in 23 of 24 seasons. That includes multiple victories in each of the last seven years.
  • The Hendrick Motorsports engine department enters the weekend with 584 victories across all three national NASCAR touring series including 23 of 29 events in the NASCAR O’Reilly Series this season.
  • Hendrick Motorsports remains the Cup Series’ all-time standard bearer in wins (324), poles (259), top-five finishes (1,351), top 10s (2,311), laps led (87,076) and championships (15).  

QUOTABLE
 
Kyle Larson, driver of the No. 5 Chevrolet, on finding consistency in The Chase: “Consistency wasn’t something we had throughout the regular season, but we’ve been really consistent during The Chase, and I’m proud of everyone’s effort. I think our race cars have gotten a little better, and the pit crew has been solid and consistent all year. Having a slightly faster race car has allowed me to be a bit calmer behind the wheel, which helps with consistency. Cliff [Daniels] and the engineers have also done a really good job with strategy and calling races. The combination of all those factors has been good and has translated into results.”

Chase Elliott, driver of the No. 9 Chevrolet, on his outlook for the remainder of The Chase: “Catching the leaders, realistically, that’s probably out the window, I think, for us, but we can get a good ways up the road. If we could put together four really good weeks, I think we can get to seventh or sixth, you know, if we knock it out of the park. I think just getting ourselves back inside the top 10 solidly would be a really nice goal to have, and one that I think is extremely attainable for us right now. And also, an opportunity to go win, right? A win in the closing four weeks of the year would probably be a bigger deal than wherever our points position ends up being. So, yeah, just trying to put that together, and be really strong, be improving, and try and end the season on a note that gets us in a good spot going into ’27.”

William Byron, driver of the No. 24 Chevrolet, on Phoenix Raceway: “Last week’s race was a tough one just knowing how good of a car we had. But it’s part of racing. Phoenix [Raceway] has been tough for us, but we definitely have had some success there and a good notebook from the last three years being in the [Championship 4]. It will be different racing there and it not being the finale, but it will also be nice to really just focus on the race at hand and go for a win.”

Alex Bowman, driver of the No. 48 Chevrolet, on heading to Phoenix Raceway: “It’s always fun to get back to my home track [Phoenix Raceway]. We had decent runs last season with our Ally 48 group. We’re continuing to put in work and staying focused on building momentum and putting together strong runs.”

Corey Day, driver of the No. 17 Chevrolet, on heading to Phoenix Raceway: “Phoenix [Raceway] hasn’t been my strongest track in the past, and I’ve struggled there in my last two starts, so I’ve been working on reviewing footage to make sure I’m as prepared as possible. I know my team will bring a fast No. 17 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet, so the goal is to keep it clean, execute throughout the race and come away with a strong points day.”

1...515253...6,984Page 52 of 6,984