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Thienes Finishes Third Overall in 2026 VP Racing SportsCar Challenge Championship

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Official Release
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Photo by Brayan Urtado

Forte Racing Closes Competitive LMP3 Season at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta

Monrovia, California (Saturday, October 3, 2026) – Forte Racing brought its 2026 IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge season to a close Friday at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, capping a competitive year that saw Brian Thienes finish third in the overall LMP3 drivers’ championship following a season-long battle among one of the series’ strongest fields of Bronze-rated drivers.

Driving the No. 77 Thienes Engineering Ligier JS P325, Thienes entered the season finale tied for the Bronze Cup championship, setting up a winner-take-all battle across the final two sprint races at Road Atlanta. The fight ultimately came down to the closing minutes of Friday’s finale, with Thienes running ahead of his championship rival for much of the race before a late Full Course Yellow erased the gap and set up one final restart. The championship was decided following the restart, bringing a closely contested season-long battle to an end.

Despite narrowly missing the Bronze Cup title, Thienes completed another successful season with Forte Racing, finishing third in the overall drivers’ championship while demonstrating consistency across both the sprint and endurance portions of the schedule.

Brian Thienes: “Not one of my better years, but I’m still happy to be third in the overall drivers’ championship. This year had the best group of Bronze drivers. We were all very competitive, usually running within tenths of a second of each other, and the Bronze championship came down to the last 10 minutes of the last race. I’m very proud of the team this year for providing a very reliable car and honored to be working with Pete Jacobs, one of the greatest race car engineers in the world.”

Thienes was joined at Road Atlanta by Jon Hirshberg in the No. 86 Revenge Dakine Ligier JS P325. Competing in five events during the 2026 season, Hirshberg continued to build experience with the new-generation Ligier while showing steady progress throughout the year. He closed his partial-season campaign ninth in the overall championship standings.

Jon Hirshberg: “I want to thank everyone at Forte for a great 2026 season. It took some time for us to adjust to the new car, but we got up to speed quickly and enjoyed a few podiums this season. I’m looking forward to getting more testing in this winter and going for gold next year.”

Road Atlanta provided a demanding final test for both Forte Racing Ligiers. The 2.54-mile circuit combines high-speed corners, significant elevation changes and rapid directional transitions, requiring the team to find a balance between aerodynamic stability and mechanical grip.

Technical Director Peter Jacobs saw encouraging signs from both cars from the beginning of the weekend, with Thienes immediately competitive and Hirshberg continuing to make gains as the event progressed.

Peter Jacobs: “Road Atlanta is an exercise in extreme vehicle balance, managing high aerodynamic load against steep elevation changes and high-speed directional transitions.

“Turn 1 High-Speed Uphill Compression. Coming off the main straight, drivers enter Turn 1 at high speed. As the suspension compresses up the hill, the aero load spikes, heavily loading the front left and rear tires. Mechanically, the dampers must manage this extreme vertical compression to prevent bottoming out the front splitter without making the ride rate so stiff that it destabilizes the car over the curbs.

“The Esses require lightning-fast direction changes. Engineers must dial in mechanical roll stiffness carefully.

“High roll stiffness, stiffer anti-roll bars, improves initial turn-in response and transient stability through Turns 3, 4 and 5. However, making it too stiff reduces compliance over the aggressive curbs, risking upset of the aerodynamic platform, which relies on consistent ground clearance to generate underbody ground effect.

“Turn 12 Downhill Compression onto the Front Straight. Turn 12 drops dramatically downhill into a sweeping right-hander. Because the car unweights over the crest before compressing at the bottom, mechanical grip drops temporarily, making the rear aero balance critical. If the rear wing isn’t producing stable downforce here, the rear end will easily step out at over 130 mph.

“Straight out of the box, both cars were outpacing competitors that had just recently been testing.

“Jon Hirshberg made huge strides, improving throughout the weekend.

“Brian Thienes never disappoints as he battles it out with drivers more than half his age.

“I have to thank my little brother from another mother for giving me all the tools that make our cars competitive.”

Team Manager David Cozart echoed Jacobs’ assessment of the weekend while pointing to the progress made throughout the 2026 campaign and the foundation the team has established heading into next season.

David Cozart: “Atlanta was a solid finish to our 2026 season. Both Brian and Jon drove exceptionally well at this last event. It was really fun to watch Brian handle the car with such authority. Jon was equally impressive. He has truly grown this season and is putting all the pieces together.

“With that momentum, we look forward to testing and a competitive 2027 season. Lastly, I want to thank my crew and drivers for a great and memorable season.”

For Team Owner Shane Seneviratne, the season-ending weekend was an opportunity to recognize both the results and the work behind them as Forte Racing continued developing its LMP3 program throughout 2026.

Shane Seneviratne: “I’m very proud of what Brian, Jon and the entire Forte Racing team accomplished this season. Brian fought for the Bronze championship all the way to the final minutes of the final race, and that says a lot about the level of competition this year and the consistency he showed throughout the season. Jon made tremendous progress every time he got in the car, and it was great to see that development over the course of the year.

“Pete, David and the entire crew put a tremendous amount of work into this program, especially as we continued learning and developing the new Ligier. We have a strong foundation to build on, and I’m excited about what we can accomplish together in 2027.”

Forte Racing now turns its attention to offseason testing and preparation for the 2027 VP Racing SportsCar Challenge season. The new season will begin February 26-28 at Sebring International Raceway in Sebring, Florida.

Additional details regarding Forte Racing’s 2027 program will be announced at a later date.

For updates, behind-the-scenes coverage, and live action from the paddock, follow @ForteRacing on Instagram.

ABOUT FORTE RACING (Formerly US RaceTronics)

Founded in 2023, Forte Racing is a motorsports team based in Los Angeles and Charlotte. Under the watchful eye of Shane Seneviratne, the team competed in various racing series, including the IMSA WeatherTech GTD Championship, the IMSA VP Racing Sportscar Challenge, and Lamborghini Super Trofeo and, in 2025, expanded by adding a single-car entry in the inaugural McLaren Trophy America Championship.

Building on the foundation of US RaceTronics, the team has quickly built a strong reputation with multiple podium finishes, race wins, and several North American and World Championships. The team expands to a four-car McLaren Trophy America program for 2026 in addition to continuing their presence in the IMSA VP Racing Sportscar Challenge.

For more information on driving opportunities, series details, or event attendance, visit www.forteracing.com.

About O’Gara Motorsport

O’Gara Motorsport was founded in 2014 by owner Tom O’Gara and celebrated winning the 2015 North American Lamborghini Super Trofeo driver and team Championships. The team goal is to achieve victories in the Series as well as showcasing the brands of their sponsors both on and off the track. With a vertically integrated platform that starts at the dealership and accelerates to the top levels of professional sports car racing, everyone at O’Gara is dedicated to providing a comprehensive program for anyone, from the casually curious to the dedicated racer.

ARCA Menards Series West at The Bullring at Las Vegas Motor Speedway: Kyle Busch Classic 151 Post-race Notes

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Official Release
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  • It took two overtime attempts to get there, but Taylor Mayhew (No. 17 MMI Services Toyota) pulled off an improbable victory in the ARCA Menards Series West Kyle Busch Classic 151 at The Bullring at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Mayhew started at the tail of the field after a clutch issue after practice necessitated an engine change that preventing him from making a qualifying attempt. He worked his way through the field and lined up third for the second, one-lap overtime attempt. He nudged his way past Robbie Kennealy (No. 1 Jan’s Towing / Jan’s Racing Ford) to win by inches at the stripe.
  • Mayhew’s victory came in his fourth series start. He led only the final lap, which is the first, and so far only, lap he’s led in his ARCA Menards Series West career.
  • Mayhew’s victory marks the fourth consecutive ARCA Menards Series West race decided by a last-lap pass.
  • Kennealy held on for second in a three-wide finish, just behind Mayhew and just ahead of his Jan’s Racing teammate Cole Denton (No. 71 Jan’s Towing / Jan’s Racing Ford). Kennealy was racing in memory of his father Gary, who passed away two years ago this week. Denton finished third, rebounding from a 21st-place result at Madera Speedway last week. It was Kennealy’s seventh top-five finish of the season and his tenth top-ten in eleven starts.
  • Vito Cancilla (No. 20 Home Smiles / Impact Transportation Chevrolet) finished fourth in his ARCA Menards West debut, a day after he turned 15 and became eligible to compete within the ARCA Menards Series platform. Cancilla’s great-grandfather Cos Cancilla was the championship winning car owner in the Pacific Coast Late Model division, the series that is now known as the ARCA Menards Series West.
  • ARCA Menards West championship points leader Trevor Huddleston (No. 50 High Point Racing / Racecar Factory Ford) led coming to the white flag, but instead of seeing the signal he was about to begin his final lap the caution was displayed for an incident in turn two involving Madera winner Hailie Deegan (No. 16 Monster Chevrolet). Huddleston led when the white flag was displayed the first time, but he was taken three wide into turn three coming to the checkered with Kennealy on the bottom and Mason Massey (No. 19 NAPA Auto Care Chevrolet) in the middle. Contact was made between Massey and Kennealy, which sent Massey up the track and into Huddleston, with both drivers spinning to bring out the caution. Huddleston recovered to finish fifth, with Massey one spot back in sixth.
  • Tyler Tomassi (No. 72 Mad Rbt Energy Patch / Third Gen Racecars / Phils Toyota) scored a career-best seventh-place finish. It was Tomassi’s third top-ten finish of the season and first since he finished ninth at Tri-City Raceway in June.
  • Eric Johnson, Jr. (No. 5 Pacific Office Automation / Sherwin-Williams Toyota) rebounded from involvement in the Huddleston / Massey spin to finish eighth, his sixth top-ten finish of the season.
  • Eric Rhead (No. 66 Champ Transport / Turnkey Leasing Ford) had a stellar run, avoiding at least two incidents, including a narrow miss when Gavin Ray (No. 7 Southwest Specialty Contractors Toyota) and Andrew Champman (No. 55 High Point Racing / Racecar Factory Ford) came together on turn four on lap 120. Rhead finished ninth, Chapman was tenth, and Ray came home eleventh. It was Rhead’s third top-ten finish in four starts in 2026.
  • Helio Meza (No. 28 Allesandros / Heraldo Media Chevrolet) earned the Sioux Chief PowerPEX Pole Award in his ARCA Menards Series West debut, but made an unscheduled pit stop for a flat left rear tire early in the race that left him at one point as many as ten laps behind the leader. Meza recovered three of those lost laps and finished 18th.
  • There were 6 caution flags for a total of 52 laps. The race was extended by 16 laps by two overtime attempts.
  • Mayhew’s margin of victory was 0.045 seconds. His winning average speed was 56.788 miles per hour.
  • Huddleston led 153 laps, Kennealy led nine, Meza led four, and Mayhew led only the final lap. There were six lead changes among four drivers.
  • The next race for the ARCA Menards Series West is Desert Diamond Casino West Valley 100 at Phoenix Raceway on Saturday, October 17. The race, set to begin at 10 pm ET / 8 pm MT, will be streamed live on FloRacing. ARCARacing.com will have live timing & scoring data throughout all on-track activity and live race audio. Follow @ARCA_Racing on X (formerly Twitter) for up-to-the-minute updates.

About ARCA 
The Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA), founded in 1953 by John and Mildred Marcum in Toledo, Ohio, and acquired by NASCAR in April 2018, is the leading grassroots stock car sanctioning body in the United States. Bridging the gap between NASCAR’s top three national touring series and weekly and regional tour racing all across the country, the organization to sanctions over 100 races per year in the ARCA Menards Series, ARCA Menards Series East, ARCA Menards Series West, ASA STARS National Tour, ASA CRA Super Series, ASA Midwest Tour, ASA Southern Super Series plus weekly racing at Toledo and Flat Rock Speedways. For more information about ARCA visit , or follow ARCA on Facebook (@ARCARacing) and Twitter (@ARCA_Racing). 

About Menards
A family-owned and run company started in 1958, Menards is recognized as the retail home center leader of the Midwest with 236 stores in 15 states.  Menards is truly a one-stop shop for all of your home improvement needs featuring a full-service lumberyard and everything you need to plan a renovation or build a home, garage, cabin, shed, deck, fence or post frame building.  You’ll find a large selection of lumber, roofing, siding, construction blocks, trusses, doors and windows, plus cabinets, appliances, countertops, flooring, lighting, paint, plumbing supplies and more.  To complete the job, Menards has quality hand tools, power tools, fasteners, electrical tools plus storage options and supplies for everyone from the weekend warrior to the pro!
 
Menards has what you need to complete your outdoor projects and keep your yard in tip-top shape including mowers, trimmers, blowers, pressure washers and more, plus a beautiful garden center stocked with plants, shrubs, trees, landscaping tools, grass seed, fertilizer options, outdoor décor and patio furniture.  Menards also has everyday essentials like health & beauty products, housewares, pet and wildlife supplies, automotive items and even groceries.  And at Christmas, an Enchanted Forest display area with impressive trees, lighting, decorations, ornaments, inflatables and more. 

Menards is known for friendly Customer Service and as the place to “Save Big Money” with low prices every day, and sales too!  For more information, please visit Menards.com to learn about our store locations, offerings and services.

DEJORIA RACES TO PROVISIONAL NO. 1 TO OPEN NAPA AUTO PARTS NHRA MIDWEST NATIONAL

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Official Release
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ST. LOUIS – John Force Racing Funny Car standout Alexis DeJoria took the provisional No. 1 qualifier spot at World Wide Technology Raceway, kicking off the NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals.

DeJoria, driver of the Bandero Café Chevrolet SS, clocked a 3.882-second pass at 334.65 mph to land in the provisional No. 1 qualifying position on Friday. With only seven qualifying days left in the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season, DeJoria and her team know the importance of performing well during qualifying leading into race day.

“Our car is set up exactly the way it should be, and this is the right time to get hot in the season,” DeJoria said. “We have the consistency, but we needed to step it up. We needed to run those faster numbers, those quicker numbers, especially on where we stand. So, we’re off to a good start.”

Shawn Langdon (Top Fuel), Troy Coughlin Jr. (Pro Stock) and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) are also the provisional No. 1 qualifiers at the 17th of 20 races of the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season and the third of six races in the Countdown to the Championship playoffs.

Langdon, Matt Hagan, Coughlin and Herrera each won the inaugural “Top Dog” competition, presented by USEDHOTDOGS.com, during Friday’s second qualifying session, running best in their respective categories. The winners will receive a custom Hot Dog Trophy, exclusive USEDHOTDOGS.com swag, a ceremonial winner’s check and bonus cash awards totaling $7,500.

Prize payouts include:

Top Fuel: $2,500
Funny Car: $2,500
Pro Stock: $1,500
Pro Stock Motorcycle: $1,000

DeJoria has two No. 2 qualifier positions this season, and if her qualifying effort stays atop the field at World Wide Technology Raceway, it will give her first No. 1 of the year and seventh of her career.

“Friday night qualifying sessions are key,” said DeJoria. “You want to throw down Friday night, and we’re grateful we did that.”

DeJoria edged out No. 2 qualifier and Funny Car points leader Hagan. Hagan also ran a 3.882 at 331.85, while her John Force Racing teammate Jack Beckman is third with a 3.888 at 332.10.

Top Fuel points leader Langdon ran a 3.679 at 339.87 to land in the No. 1 spot. With back-to-back playoff wins in Martin and Rockingham, he is on course for his seventh low qualifier of the season.

“I just try to do the task at hand, take each run for what it is and address each run in that moment,” said Langdon, who has set two new national speed records this season. “The records and the speeds and all that are cool to see, but more importantly, you just want the points.”

Langdon has seven wins on the year and currently leads his Kalitta Motorsports teammate and reigning world champion Doug Kalitta by 25 points. Langdon has one Funny Car win at World Wide Technology Raceway and will be looking for his first Top Fuel win at the facility.

Four-time world champion and five-time St. Louis winner Antron Brown is currently second with his 3.704 at 334.90, with Top Fuel rookie standout Maddi Gordon in third with her 3.708 at 335.90.

Coughlin powered to a 6.473 at 211.69 in his JEGS Pro Stock car. If it stays best of the field, it will give him his first No. 1 of the season and first since 2023.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve been low qualifier,” said Coughlin. “It feels good. Now the focus is on tomorrow, making two more solid passes that really help our race day setup. We’re gaining momentum and consistency, that’s important. I just want to make sure I can be the best for these guys. They’ve given me the race car to get the job done, I just want to be the driver that can get the job done for this team.”

Coughlin kicked off the playoffs with a win at Martin, giving him his first win since 2024. He currently sits fifth in the overall points standings.

Last weekend’s winner Greg Stanfield is provisionally second with his 6.474 at 210.93, while six-time world champion Greg Anderson is third with a 6.479 at 210.50.

Two-time Pro Stock Motorcycle world champion Herrera is currently No. 1 after going 6.666 at 202.03 on his Suzuki. Herrera enters World Wide Technology Raceway as the three-time consecutive NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals winner. If his qualifying effort holds, it will be his third No. 1 of the 2026 season.

“My bike’s been on rails,” Herrera said. “It’s just coming down to me doing my job and running a 6.66 here in St. Louis is very cool, especially at night under the lights. Tonight was the premium track conditions where we could lay it all out. Tomorrow is going to get us ready for Sunday.”

Maryland winner Angie Smith is currently second with her 6.696 at 199.88, while Joey Gladstone is third with a 6.697 at 202.15.

In JBS Equipment NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Elite Motorsports, Justin Bond broke the national elapsed time record with his impressive 5.619 at 256.06. Bond is currently second in the overall Pro Mod champion points, with only St. Louis and Las Vegas to go on the 2026 season.

Qualifying continues at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday at the NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals at World Wide Technology Raceway.

MADISON, Ill. — Friday’s results after the first two of four rounds of qualifying for the 15th annual NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals at World Wide Technology Raceway, 17th of 20 events in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series. Qualifying will continue Saturday for Sunday’s final eliminations.

Top Fuel — 1. Shawn Langdon, 3.679 seconds, 339.87 mph; 2. Antron Brown, 3.704, 335.90; 3. Maddi Gordon, 3.708, 335.90; 4. Spencer Massey, 3.715, 332.67; 5. Billy Torrence, 3.716, 334.82; 6. Josh Hart, 3.717, 333.41; 7. Shawn Reed, 3.721, 331.69; 8. Kyle Wurtzel, 3.723, 332.59; 9. Doug Kalitta, 3.728, 333.66; 10. Leah Pruett, 3.730, 331.69; 11. Justin Ashley, 3.737, 331.36; 12. Jasmine Salinas, 3.741, 327.11; 13. Will Smith, 3.742, 332.75; 14. Tony Stewart, 3.742, 332.59; 15. Clay Millican, 3.760, 323.19; 16. Tony Schumacher, 3.842, 320.20. Not Qualified: 17. Keith Murt, 3.862, 307.09; 18. Brian Inouye, 4.159, 247.47; 19. Cameron Ferre, 4.169, 228.34; 20. Scott Palmer, 7.366, 95.71; 21. Charles Loftin, 10.778, 64.65.

Funny Car — 1. Alexis DeJoria, Chevy Camaro, 3.882, 334.65; 2. Matt Hagan, Dodge Charger, 3.882, 335.07; 3. Jack Beckman, Camaro, 3.888, 332.10; 4. J.R. Todd, Toyota GR Supra, 3.898, 336.07; 5. Chad Green, Ford Mustang, 3.906, 329.99; 6. Jordan Vandergriff, Camaro, 3.906, 328.94; 7. Dave Richards, Mustang, 3.923, 333.74; 8. Cruz Pedregon, Charger, 3.933, 320.89; 9. Spencer Hyde, Mustang, 3.945, 327.35; 10. Terry Haddock, Mustang, 4.028, 315.19; 11. Blake Alexander, Toyota Supra, 4.115, 266.85; 12. Dale Creasy Jr., Charger, 4.234, 238.17; 13. Chris King, Charger, 4.265, 244.34; 14. Daniel Wilkerson, Mustang, 4.547, 180.91; 15. Austin Prock, Mustang, 4.923, 225.15; 16. Jack Wyatt, Charger, 7.299, 94.35. Not Qualified: 17. Bobby Bode, 7.900, 89.26; 18. Ron Capps, 8.006, 86.85.

Pro Stock — 1. Troy Coughlin Jr., Chevy Camaro, 6.473, 211.69; 2. Greg Stanfield, Camaro, 6.474, 210.93; 3. Greg Anderson, Camaro, 6.479, 210.50; 4. Aaron Stanfield, Camaro, 6.483, 210.24; 5. Matt Hartford, Camaro, 6.486, 210.54; 6. Eric Latino, Camaro, 6.488, 211.46; 7. Jeg Coughlin, Camaro, 6.488, 210.08; 8. Erica Enders, Camaro, 6.491, 211.63; 9. Cody Anderson, Camaro, 6.525, 209.46; 10. Kenny Delco, Camaro, 6.531, 209.95; 11. Stephen Bell, Camaro, 6.531, 209.36; 12. Mason McGaha, Camaro, 6.550, 210.87; 13. Dallas Glenn, Camaro, 6.555, 193.05; 14. Matt Latino, Camaro, 8.988, 104.03; 15. Deric Kramer, Camaro, 9.166, 129.50; 16. Chris Vang, Camaro, 10.279, 87.51.

Pro Stock Motorcycle — 1. Gaige Herrera, Suzuki, 6.666, 202.03; 2. Angie Smith, Buell, 6.696, 199.88; 3. Joey Gladstone, Buell, 6.697, 202.15; 4. John Hall, Buell, 6.707, 200.50; 5. Matt Smith, Buell, 6.710, 200.86; 6. Ryan Oehler, EBR, 6.712, 201.19; 7. Richard Gadson, Suzuki, 6.739, 200.20; 8. Chase Van Sant, Suzuki, 6.762, 199.76; 9. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 6.788, 196.10; 10. Clayton Howey, Buell, 6.803, 197.71; 11. Marc Ingwersen, EBR, 6.830, 197.10; 12. Kelly Clontz, Suzuki, 6.841, 198.23; 13. Geno Scali, Suzuki, 6.865, 194.32; 14. Malcolm Phillips Jr., Suzuki, 6.895, 191.29.

What Are the Penalties for Distracted Driving?

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SM
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Distracted driving penalties usually start with a fine and points on your driving record, and they climb with each repeat offense. If the distraction causes a crash, the case can move from a traffic ticket to a criminal charge.

Each state writes its own distracted driving law, so fine amounts, point values, and license consequences differ. Federal rules add a separate layer of penalties for commercial drivers.

Lawmakers raised these penalties to reduce the accidents caused by distracted driving, and enforcement grew along with them. Knowing how the penalty ladder works helps you understand what a citation actually means.

What Behavior Gets Punished?

Penalties depend on the conduct the officer records. Most laws target handheld phone use, texting, and other activity that pulls your eyes, hands, or attention away from driving.

Some states treat the violation as a primary offense, meaning an officer can stop you for that alone. Others allow a ticket only after a separate violation.

What a First Offense Usually Costs

Most first citations are civil infractions rather than crimes, and they are resolved by paying or contesting the ticket.

  • Base fines that commonly range from fifty to several hundred dollars
  • Court costs and surcharges added on top of the fine
  • Points or demerits recorded on your driving record
  • A required safe driving or distracted driving course
  • Increased penalties in school zones and work zones

Some courts dismiss a first offense if you finish a course and stay violation-free.

How Repeat Offenses Change the Outcome

Repeat violations follow a ladder that gets steeper at each step.

A second ticket inside a fixed window, often one to three years, frequently doubles or triples the fine. A third can bring a mandatory court appearance, license suspension, or misdemeanor treatment.

Points stack the same way. Enough points on your record can suspend your license even when no crash happened.

Do Younger Drivers Face Harsher Penalties?

Teen and provisional license holders are usually held to a stricter standard than fully licensed adults.

A single violation can delay a full license, extend the probationary period, or trigger suspension at a lower point total. Some programs also require a retest before full driving privileges return.

When Distracted Driving Becomes a Criminal Charge

A citation turns into a criminal case when the distraction causes harm.

Prosecutors may file reckless driving, vehicular assault, or vehicular homicide charges depending on the injuries involved. Penalties at that level include jail time, probation, long suspensions, and a felony record in the most serious cases.

Phone records are routine evidence in these cases, because carriers can show the exact minute of a call or text.

Federal Penalties for Commercial Drivers

Commercial drivers face federal consequences on top of state fines, no matter where they are stopped.

Under 49 C.F.R. § 392.82, holding a mobile phone to talk or dial while operating a commercial vehicle is prohibited, and civil penalties can reach into the thousands for the driver and the carrier that allows it.

Under 49 C.F.R. § 383.51, texting and handheld use count as serious traffic violations. A second conviction within three years can disqualify a driver for 60 days.

Costs That Arrive After the Ticket

The fine is often the smallest expense in the file.

Insurers treat distracted driving as a moving violation, so premiums frequently rise for three to five years. Employers that review driving records may limit or end jobs that require driving.

A conviction can also support a civil claim, since proof of the violation helps an injured person show negligence.

Key Takeaways

  • First offenses usually mean fines, points, and court costs.
  • Repeat violations within a set period raise penalties sharply.
  • Crashes causing injury can bring criminal charges and jail.
  • Commercial drivers face federal penalties and disqualification.
  • Accumulated points can suspend a license without any crash.
  • Insurance increases often cost more than the original fine.
  • A conviction can strengthen an injured person’s civil claim.

Racing Liveries vs National Football Kits: How Colours Build Identity

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

Racing liveries and national football kits both use colour to create instant recognition, but they’ve followed very different paths. Motorsport began with national racing colours, such as British racing green, Italian red and French blue, before sponsorship transformed cars into moving advertisements from the late 1960s onwards. National football kits, by contrast, have largely stayed loyal to colours rooted in flags, royal houses and historic moments, like the Netherlands’ orange, Italy’s blue and Brazil’s yellow and green. The result is that football colours act as enduring symbols of national identity, while racing liveries often represent eras, sponsors and teams.

Both worlds show how powerful colour can be. A flash of red on a track or a sea of orange in a stadium tells fans exactly who they’re supporting before they see a name or a badge.

When Motorsport Raced in National Colours

In the early years of international motor racing, cars were painted in colours that represented their country. This tradition grew from events such as the Gordon Bennett Cup in the early 1900s, where national teams competed against each other. Britain adopted green, which became known as British racing green, Italy chose red, France used blue and Germany was initially associated with white.

The German colour later changed into one of motorsport’s most famous legends. In the 1930s, German cars became known as the Silver Arrows, racing in bare, polished metal. A popular story claims the white paint was scraped off to meet weight limits, although historians still debate how much of that tale is true. Either way, silver became closely linked to German racing and remains so today.

These colours created strong national pride. Spectators could recognise a country’s cars instantly, and success on the track was celebrated as a national achievement, much like football victories at major tournaments.

How Sponsorship Rewrote Racing Liveries

Everything changed in the late 1960s, when motorsport rules began allowing commercial sponsorship on cars. Teams quickly realised that sponsors could fund their increasingly expensive racing programmes, and national colours were replaced by company branding. In 1968, Lotus became one of the first Formula 1 teams to race in sponsor colours, marking the start of a new era.

Over the following decades, many liveries became iconic in their own right. The powder blue and orange of Gulf, the red, blue and white stripes associated with Martini and the black and gold of John Player Special became famous among fans, often more recognisable than the teams’ original national colours. These designs are now celebrated as part of motorsport history.

One team kept its link to national identity. Ferrari has remained closely tied to Italian red, known as rosso corsa, and its red cars are one of the strongest symbols in motorsport. That continuity has helped Ferrari build a deep emotional connection with fans around the world, similar to that between national football teams and their supporters.

Why National Football Kits Stayed Loyal to Their Colours

National football teams have been far more consistent. Kit designs change regularly, but core colours rarely do, because they’re tied to national symbols. The Netherlands wears orange in honour of the royal House of Orange-Nassau, while Italy’s blue, the famous azzurro, comes from the colour associated with the House of Savoy, the country’s former royal family.

Some colours come from dramatic moments. Brazil originally played in white, but after the shock defeat to Uruguay in the 1950 World Cup final at the Maracanã, the white kit was seen as unlucky. A design competition in the early 1950s led to the famous yellow shirt with green trim, which has since become one of the most recognisable kits in world sport.

National kits carry deep emotional meaning because they represent entire countries, not just teams. If you want to compare how different nations use their colours across home and away designs, take a look at the range of international shirts, from Argentina’s sky blue and white stripes to Germany’s classic white with black details and Japan’s distinctive blue.

Commercial pressures still exist in football, with kit suppliers producing new designs every couple of years and adding bold patterns or alternative colours for away and third kits. Yet the core colours remain untouched, because changing them would be seen as a break with national identity.

What Both Worlds Understand About Fans

Motorsport and football both show that fans become attached to colour. In racing, supporters often feel nostalgic about liveries from particular eras, and retro-inspired designs frequently appear at special events, delighting fans who remember the originals. Teams sometimes create one-off liveries for anniversaries or special races, which quickly become collectors’ items.

Football works in similar ways. Retro kits from famous tournaments are hugely popular, and supporters often associate shirts with specific memories, such as a first World Cup or a famous victory. Special edition kits for anniversaries or tributes often sell out quickly.

Both worlds also understand that colour connects fans across generations. A grandparent who watched a green British car in the 1950s and a grandchild cheering Ferrari red today are both part of the same story about colour and identity, just as generations of football fans share the same national shirt colours.

Where Colour Identity Goes Next

Motorsport has shown renewed interest in heritage colours. Some teams have introduced designs that nod to their history or national roots, and fans often respond positively to liveries that feel connected to tradition. As sponsorship continues to shape the sport, balancing commercial needs with heritage will remain an important challenge.

Football faces similar pressures. Kit designers want to create fresh, marketable designs, while supporters expect respect for tradition. National teams will likely continue to experiment with patterns, collars and away colours while keeping their core identity intact.

Sustainability and technology are also changing how both industries approach design, from recycled materials in football shirts to new paint and wrap technologies for racing cars. These changes may influence how colours are applied, but not necessarily what they mean.

Next time you watch a race or a national team match, notice how quickly colour tells you who’s who. Whether it’s Ferrari red flashing past or orange shirts filling a stadium, those colours carry decades of history, pride and emotion, and they’re a big part of why fans feel so connected to the teams they support.

MIKE STAVRINOS LOOKS TO STAY ON TOP IN JBS EQUIPMENT NHRA PRO MOD SERIES TITLE HUNT IN ST. LOUIS

By
Official Release
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MADISON, Ill. (Oct. 1, 2026) – Mike Stavrinos has enjoyed an impressive year in the JBS Equipment NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Elite Motorsports, but the standout has turned it on at a key time, leading the points race with only two events remaining heading into this weekend’s NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals at World Wide Technology Raceway.

It is the 10th of 11 races in the category and this weekend’s event is powered by M&M Transmission and Jerry Bickel Race Cars. It’s also the fourth of five races in Pro Mod’s Road to the Championship as the category closes in on the finale.

Stavrinos jumped into the lead with his victory on Sunday in Rockingham in his Al-Anabi Performance Camaro, giving him two wins this season and two final-round appearances over his last four races.

While the points lead is the ideal spot with two races remaining, Stavrinos knows not to get comfortable in the loaded NHRA Pro Mod field. Justin Bond is just nine points behind in second and Derek Menholt is 43 points back in third.

It will make for a thrilling final two races and Stavrinos is well aware of what he needs to do this weekend in St. Louis.

“Coming into St. Louis in this position is exactly where we want to be,” Stavrinos said. “The AAP team has really found its stride and the momentum we’ve built over the last few races gives us a lot of confidence. But the points are incredibly tight, so there’s no room to take anything for granted.

“We’re going to St. Louis focused on doing what we’ve been doing – qualifying well, making good runs and going rounds. At this stage of the championship, every point matters and we’re ready for the fight.”

The annual Pro Mod stop in St. Louis always comes at a key time and this year is no different with the championship hunt in full effect. It’s another loaded field that includes the likes of Billy Banaka, reigning world champion J.R. Gray, Stan Shelton, Stevie Jackson, Mike Castellana, Lyle Barnett and Jason Collins, with everyone looking to get the win at the penultimate race of the season.

“St. Louis is our home track, and after four consecutive years of supporting NHRA Pro Mod, this event has become an important part of our commitment to the racers and customers in this class,” said Mark Micke, owner and CEO of M&M Transmission.

“Our trackside maintenance and support are an extension of what we stand for every day — delivering the reliability, performance and technology these teams need to compete at the highest level. We’re proud to play a part in helping the quickest and fastest doorslammers in the world win races and set records.”

NHRA Pro Mod qualifying at the NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals will also feature an added battle this weekend with the $7,500 Aeromotive Showdown. The special qualifying award will go to the driver with the quickest average elapsed time across all four qualifying rounds, rewarding consistency throughout qualifying.

The JBS Equipment NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Elite Motorsports features two qualifying rounds at 3:15 and 6:30 p.m. CT on Friday and the final two rounds of qualifying at 11 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. on Saturday. The first round of eliminations is slated for 4:15 p.m. CT on Saturday, with eliminations continuing on Sunday.

A qualifying session from both Friday and Saturday, and a round of eliminations will be broadcast for free on NHRA’s YouTube page. Fans can subscribe to the channel to be notified when the class goes live on NHRA’s YouTube page.

Tickets may be purchased at the WWTR ticket office, by phone at (618) 215-8888, or online at www.wwtraceway.com. All children 12 and under are free in the general admission area with a paid adult. For more info on NHRA, visit www.NHRA.com.

About M&M Transmission

When horsepower gets serious, racers turn to M&M Transmission. Founded by racer Mark Micke, M&M builds race-winning transmissions, torque converters and shifters trusted throughout drag racing. Designed, manufactured and tested in Jefferson City, Missouri — it’s proven performance, built by racers, for racers. Visit MandMTransmission.comand put M&M performance in your race program.

About NHRA

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

Gosset Builds Mazda MX-5 Cup Championship Lead with Victory at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta

By
Official Release
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BRASELTON, Ga. (Oct. 1, 2026) – After 45 minutes of elbows-out racing, seven lead changes, and multiple intense restarts, it was Bobby Gossett (No. 44 BSI Racing) who raced to the Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin Race 1 win on Thursday. His Road Atlanta victory helped to grow his lead in the championship fight.

The top three drivers in the championship battle, all fighting to secure the $250,000 prize from Mazda with just one race to go in the 2026 season, monopolized the podium as Justin Adakonis (No. 23 McCumbee McAleer Racing) finished in second and Jared Thomas (No. 96 JTR Motorsports Engineering) came home third.

Gossett, who entered the race weekend leading the championship, grew his advantage over both Adakonis and Thomas in the standings after a remarkable run that started from 22nd on the grid to earn him the Penske “Shocking Performance” award for his huge push forward to victory.

Pole-sitting Frankie Barroso (No. 48 Spark Performance) led the field to green, but it was Ethan Goulart (No. 29 Saito Motorsports Group) into the lead on lap one. At the close of the opening lap, the first of two full-course cautions came out to remove Charlotte Traynor’s (No. 43 Parker DeLong Racing) stranded machine in Turn 10.

The restart saw Nathan Nicholson (No. 56 Advanced Autosports) move to the point, before Barroso retook the lead. Race officials were not too happy with the interaction the two drivers had in that lead change and issued Barroso a 10-second post-race penalty. Luckily for Barroso, the penalty and subsequent 18th-place finish did not harm his campaign for Rookie of the Year, which he mathematically clinched.

Goulart was back in the lead before the second full-course caution, but the real story was Gossett who was up to eighth and directly ahead of Adakonis for the restart.

Adakonis picked his way to the front quicker than Gossett and briefly took the lead, but it might have been too soon. Barroso and Goulart were determined to get back to the race lead and fought the MMR driver for it. This was exactly what Gossett needed to get around Adakonis and into the lead.

On the final lap, Adakonis was back in fourth, but made his way back to Gossett’s bumper with a brave move into Turn 10. It wasn’t enough though and Gossett held the advantage to the checkered flag, taking victory by 0.320-second.

“I think we got lucky there,” Gossett said.” I made quite a few mistakes, but there were some good passes in there too. I was just picking them off and I had a lot of friends out there,” said Gossett. “I think a lot of people know we are in the championship battle and they respect that. I’m glad to have a lot of friends out there-I can’t say that enough.”

After losing his championship advantage when a mechanical issue in Indianapolis cost him significant points, Adakonis is putting that out of his mind and looking to return to the points lead when it matters—after Friday’s final race. He’ll need to overcome a 120-point gap to Gossett.

“You know, it’s just another race in the schedule, and that was kind of our approach going into it is ‘whatever happens, happens,’ said Adakonis about his approach for the penultimate race. “You know, if I think about where Bobby’s [Gossett] at, thinking about where Jared’s at, but it’s not going to make any difference to me. I’m going 100 percent anyway and can only control what I can control, and I think we had a really great race.

“Overall, it’s really solid race, it’s obviously unfortunate that Bobby won as far as the points because I think we ran a really good race. But congrats to Bobby, man. He’s done great this year. So we’ll get him tomorrow. I think it’s going to be a close one for sure. I know the points say otherwise, but I think it’s going to be a tight race.”

Looking at potentially taking a break from racing in the Championship next year, the two-time champion Thomas put himself in the mix midway through the race, holding the lead and running in podium contention through the final stages to add yet another podium to his remarkable Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup career. Despite losing ground to both, he keeps his hat in the ring for the title with a 190-point deficit to Gossett.

“That’s really been the way it has been all year,” Thomas said of the hard-fought race all the way through the field. “That’s pretty standard operating for these guys. So, it was just about trying to keep your equipment under you and not get it wrecked too bad. I am not thinking about the points, but you have to just focus to do the best you can. That’s the goal, and the points come out, how they come out.”

Matt Novak (No. 11 Advanced Autosports) finished fourth ahead of Goulart who ended up fifth.

Gossett’s twin sister Ellie (No. 77 BSI Racing) joined him in the victory circle celebrations to collect her award for Highest Finishing Female.

Back in the series for the first time since St. Petersburg, Jameson Riley (No. 66 JTR Motorsports Engineering) took home the Takumi Award for the highest finishing driver over the age of 40.

Everything comes down to Friday at 9:35am ET when the green flag will fly on the final Mazda MX-5 Cup race of 2026. Watch live on the IMSA and RACER YouTube channels to see who the newest champion will be.

About: The Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin is the signature spec series for Mazda Motorsports. The series has been operated by Andersen Promotions since 2017 and is currently sanctioned by IMSA. Mazda-powered grassroots champions can earn Mazda scholarships for this pro-level series. The Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup awards more than $1 million in prizes and scholarships.

Find out more at http://www.mx-5cup.com.

FUNNY CAR’S RON CAPPS THINKING BIG AT NAPA AUTO PARTS NHRA MIDWEST NATIONALS

By
Official Release
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MADISON, Ill. (Oct. 1, 2026) – Needing a big weekend to get back in the thick of the world championship hunt, Funny Car standout Ron Capps likely couldn’t have picked a better destination than World Wide Technology Raceway, the site of this weekend’s 15th annual NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals.

For one, it’s a sponsor race for Capps and his NAPA Auto Care team, which automatically makes it a highlight for the three-time champ.

But it’s always a place where Capps has performed well over the years, winning a Funny Car-best four times. Entering the weekend fourth in points and 112 behind leader Matt Hagan, the past success in St. Louis gives Capps added confidence he can have a big weekend as the first half of the Countdown to the Championship comes to a close.

Ending on a positive – and perhaps winning – note would bode well for the final three races and Capps is hopeful his talented team can deliver this weekend in St. Louis, where he will also be honored as one of “Gateway’s Greatest” on Friday at the track.

“We’ve got some good events coming up, especially this weekend in St. Louis with the event being sponsored by NAPA,” said Capps, who has three Funny Car victories in 2026. “St. Louis has been a good track for me with a lot of wins, and a lot of great results. Of course, when you have so many NAPA people come out like they are, you want to show off.”

Last season, Doug Kalitta (Top Fuel), Hagan (Funny Car), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) each claimed wins, while this year’s coverage also includes qualifying at 6:30 p.m. ET on FS1 and 11 a.m. on Sunday. It also includes eliminations coverage on FOX on Sunday.

The majority of markets on Sunday, Oct. 4, will see NHRA action from St. Louis following football broadcasts early in the day. Those markets will air the NHRA playoff race from 4:30-6:30 p.m. ET following the football on FOX game, while some markets will air NHRA coverage from 2-4 p.m. ET, leading directly into football on FOX action.

The race is the 17th of 20 races during the 2026 season and marks the halfway point of the six-race Countdown to the Championship. It’s also a big one for Ron Capps Motorsports as Capps’ teammate, star rookie Maddi Gordon, will be sporting a NAPA Auto Parts Top Fuel dragster for the event.

That adds even more incentive for Capps, who will also try to leap past the likes of J.R. Todd, who sits in third, and Jordan Vandergriff, who is second in points and 84 back of Hagan. The three-time champ advanced to the quarterfinals at the first two Countdown races, but Capps knows he needs to advance further on raceday to have a chance to track down Hagan down the stretch.

“It’s a tight battle and we know who we’re going to have to fight for the championship,” Capps said. “But that being said, looking back at Rockingham and Michigan, you can’t count anybody out on race day. You don’t even want to not mention them, because you look at the top 12 cars in our class, and any of them are capable of winning on Sunday.”

Friday opens with two qualifying sessions, including a spectacular night session that includes the inaugural “Top Dog” competition presented by USEDHOTDOGS.com, as NHRA’s quickest qualifiers battle for $7,500 in bonus money. That leads into Saturday’s two sessions and final eliminations on Sunday at the key playoff race.

Kalitta will try to keep pace with Top Fuel teammate Shawn Langdon, who is riding another three-race winning streak into St. Louis. The likes of Tony Stewart, Antron Brown, Leah Pruett and Maddi Gordon will also look to stop Langdon’s hot streak.

Greg Stanfield moved into the points lead in Pro Stock after winning in Rockingham. He’ll look to hold off the likes of Matt Hartford, reigning world champ Dallas Glenn, Greg Anderson and Erica Enders in St. Louis.

Reigning Pro Stock Motorcycle champion Richard Gadson holds the points lead after winning Sunday in Rockingham. Other standouts include Matt and Angie Smith, Herrera and Chase Van Sant.

The NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals will also feature action in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, the JBS Equipment NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Elite Motorsports and Flexjet NHRA Factory Stock Showdown.

Fans can enjoy the special pre-race ceremonies that introduce and celebrate each driver racing for the prestigious Wally on Sunday and includes the fan favorite SealMaster Track Walk, as well as the winner’s circle celebration on Sunday after racing concludes, where fans are invited to congratulate the St. Louis event winners.

As always, fans get a pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction. Fans can see their favorite teams in action and servicing their cars between rounds, get autographs from their favorite drivers and more. They can also visit NHRA’s Manufacturers Midway, which includes interactive displays, merchandise, food and fun.

NHRA Mission Food Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 4:30 and 7 p.m. CT on Friday, Oct. 2, and the final two rounds on Saturday, Oct. 3 at 12 and 2:30 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 10 a.m. CT on Sunday, Oct. 4.

Tickets may be purchased at the WWTR ticket office, by phone at (618) 215-8888, or online at www.wwtraceway.com. All children 12 and under are free in the general admission area with a paid adult. For more info on NHRA, visit www.NHRA.com.

About Mission Foods

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

About NHRA

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

How NASCAR Teams and Sponsors Use Streamers and Creators to Reach New Fans in 2026

By
SM
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Photo by Jakub Zerdzicki on Pexels

NASCAR sponsorship used to mean a logo on the hood, a few TV mentions and a show car at the local store. In 2026, a growing share of sponsor money also goes to streamers and content creators who bring racing to fans who rarely sit through a full broadcast.

From sim racing streams to garage tour clips on TikTok, creators now sit alongside TV as one of the main ways teams and partners reach new fans. Here is how that shift works and what it means for teams, sponsors and fans.

Why are race teams working with creators?

The audience is changing. Younger fans often discover drivers through short clips, podcasts and live streams before they ever watch a full race. A 20 second clip of a last-lap pass or a perfect pit stop can travel much further on social platforms than a three hour broadcast.

Drivers have also become creators themselves. Many now stream sim racing, post behind-the-scenes videos and host their own shows. That gives sponsors a direct line to fans that did not exist a decade ago.

What does creator content look like in motorsport?

FormatWhere it livesWhat sponsors get
Sim racing streamsTwitch, YouTube, KickLong watch time, live chat and natural product use
Garage and shop toursYouTube, TikTokTechnical credibility and real product demos
Race weekend vlogsYouTube, InstagramAccess, personality and relaxed brand placement
Short race clipsTikTok, Shorts, Reels, XReach far beyond the core fan base
Podcasts and live showsYouTube, SpotifyDeep engagement with loyal fans

How do sponsors fit into creator content without annoying fans?

Racing fans are used to sponsors. Paint schemes, firesuits and post-race interviews have always carried brands. The difference with creators is that fans can tell instantly when a mention feels forced.

  • Let the creator lead. A sponsor product used during a real sim race or shop build lands better than a scripted read.
  • Match the moment. A tool brand fits a garage video. An energy drink fits a late night sim race.
  • Go long term. A season-long partnership builds familiarity. One-off posts are quickly forgotten.
  • Disclose clearly. Fans respect an honest paid partnership label far more than a hidden ad.

Which brands are moving into motorsport creator marketing?

Automotive parts makers, energy drinks, tool brands and apparel companies moved first. Fan apps, fantasy games, sports media and, in states where it is legal, sportsbooks have followed, since race fans overlap heavily with fans of other sports.

Specialist creator agencies such as 3Bet Media plan these campaigns across streamers, YouTubers and short-form clippers, matching each brand with creators whose audience sits in the markets it can legally reach.

How do teams and sponsors measure the results?

TV exposure is still measured in airtime and logo visibility. Creator campaigns need different numbers:

  • Average live viewers and total watch time on streams
  • Views and shares on short clips
  • Clicks and sign-ups from unique creator links or codes
  • Follower growth for the team or driver during the campaign
  • Comment sentiment, which shows how fans feel about the partnership

The best partnerships track these from day one, so a sponsor can compare a creator campaign with a traditional activation at the track.

What should fans expect next?

Expect more drivers streaming between races, more teams running their own creator programs and more sponsor content built for phones first.

Race day will stay at the center of the sport. The conversation around it will keep moving to creators.

FAQ

Do NASCAR drivers stream on Twitch?

Many drivers and team members stream sim racing or behind-the-scenes content on platforms like Twitch, YouTube and Kick, especially during the off-season.

Why do sponsors pay motorsport creators?

Creators reach younger fans who watch clips and streams more than full broadcasts, and their recommendations often feel more personal than traditional ads.

How are creator sponsorships measured?

With watch time, clip views, unique links or codes, follower growth and audience sentiment, rather than airtime alone.

Is creator content replacing TV for racing?

No. It adds to TV. Broadcasts remain the main event, while creators keep fans engaged between races.

How to Keep Motion and Visual Style Consistent in Seedance 2.5 Videos

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SM
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Photo by Jakob Owens on Unsplash

Three attractive clips can become a confusing sequence when edited together. A vehicle travels left in one shot and right in the next, the lighting shifts from cool morning to orange evening, and the camera suddenly moves much faster. Each clip may work alone, but the combined video loses its sense of place.

Planning a Seedance 2.5 video workflow around shared visual rules gives creators a clearer basis for reviewing those changes. Consistency begins with decisions made before generation, then continues through selection and editing.

Write a continuity brief before the first clip

List the elements that should stay stable: subject identity, movement direction, palette, lighting, camera height, and overall pace. Keep the list short enough to use during every review.

For a hypothetical motorsport event teaser, the brief might specify a fictional red race car, grey track surroundings, overcast light, and forward movement from left to right. This is an illustrative concept rather than footage of a real race.

Separate those fixed elements from details that may change. The camera can move from a wide track view to a closer wheel shot while the car’s color and travel direction remain consistent. That distinction leaves room for variety without making each shot feel unrelated.

Give each reference a clear purpose

If the selected interface supports reference uploads, use a small, coherent set. One image might define the car’s appearance, another the color palette, and another the intended framing. Confirm supported inputs before preparing a larger collection.

Avoid mixing references with different weather, lighting, or body designs unless the change is intentional. More material can introduce competing instructions when the purpose of each asset is unclear.

Keep a written description of important details alongside the references. A reviewer should know which visible characteristics are required even when a reference image contains distracting background elements.

Plan motion continuity across the cut

Movement direction helps viewers connect separate shots. If a subject exits toward the right, a following shot that continues that direction usually provides an easier visual connection than an unexplained reversal.

In the fictional race teaser, a wide shot could establish the car approaching a bend. A closer shot could continue the same travel direction, followed by a stable view of the car leaving the corner.

Decide where each action starts and ends. A close-up should not show the car stationary immediately after a wide shot suggests rapid movement unless there is a clear reason for the change. Review the relationship between shots, not only the quality of each generated clip.

Keep camera instructions comparable

Describe camera movement in plain, specific terms. “Low side view with a gentle tracking movement” gives a more reviewable intention than “dynamic cinematic action.”

Use similar language for related shots. If one instruction asks for slow tracking and another requests dramatic movement, the resulting sequence may have inconsistent energy.

Distinguish subject motion from camera motion. A car can move through a fixed frame, or the camera can follow it. Asking for both without explaining their relationship makes it harder to judge whether the shot matches the plan.

Review visual consistency side by side

Compare opening and closing frames for color, subject shape, scale, and background. Then place the selected clips in a rough sequence and watch at normal speed.

Look for changes that pull attention away from the event: different bodywork, flickering track markings, unexplained shadows, or a sudden increase in motion blur. Name the specific mismatch before revising instructions.

A useful correction might be “keep the same overcast lighting and grey track surface.” “Make it more consistent” leaves the problem undefined.

Use editing to finish the sequence

Trim clips to match action and rhythm, then adjust color carefully where a modest correction can bring shots closer together. Reject footage with major identity or geometry changes rather than trying to conceal every defect.

Add event names and other essential text during editing if generated lettering is unreliable. For a real event, verify sponsor details and avoid presenting invented racing scenes as documentary footage. The finished sequence should make its setting and movement easy to follow from the first shot to the last.

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