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Adult Driver Education: How to Get Your License and Drive with Confidence

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

Learning to drive as an adult can be an exciting yet intimidating experience. Whether you’re starting from scratch or returning to driving after a long hiatus, taking an adult driver education course can help you gain the knowledge and skills necessary to drive safely and confidently. In many cases, adult drivers may face unique challenges, but with the right guidance and practice, anyone can become a skilled and responsible driver.

This article will explore how to navigate the process of getting your license as an adult, the benefits of enrolling in an adult driver education course, and key tips to ensure you drive with confidence.

Why Adult Driver Education is Important

For many adults, the decision to get a driver’s license is an important step toward gaining independence, improving career opportunities, and enhancing quality of life. Whether you’re new to driving or need to refresh your skills, an adult driver education course is essential for several reasons:

  • Personalized Instruction: Unlike traditional driving courses for teens, adult driver education is tailored to the individual’s learning pace and needs. This allows for a more comfortable and effective learning experience.
  • State Compliance: Some states require adult learners to complete driver education before obtaining a license, ensuring they understand the rules of the road and have the skills necessary to drive safely.
  • Building Confidence: Driving can be a daunting task, especially for those who are nervous or have had past experiences that created fear. An adult education course can help build confidence through structured lessons and practice.
  • Understanding Modern Vehicles: Modern cars come equipped with advanced features, such as GPS systems, backup cameras, and lane-keeping assist. A driver education course helps you become familiar with these technologies and how to use them effectively.

Getting Started with an Adult Driver Education Course

The first step to becoming a confident and licensed driver is enrolling in an adult driver education course. These courses are designed to teach you everything from basic vehicle operation to more advanced driving techniques.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

  1. Research Available Courses: Begin by researching adult driver education programs in your area. Many states have approved driving schools that offer in-person or online courses, and some even provide specialized training for adults. When selecting a course, consider factors such as flexibility, course duration, and student reviews.
  2. Check Your State’s Requirements: While not all states require adults to take a driver education course, it’s essential to check the local requirements. Some states may require only that adults pass a driving test, while others may mandate completion of a course before issuing a license. Be sure to understand the specific steps required in your state to avoid any surprises during the process.
  3. Enroll in the Course: Once you’ve chosen the right adult driver education course, it’s time to enroll. Many courses are flexible and allow you to schedule sessions that fit your availability. Whether you prefer classroom instruction or online learning, you’ll find options that meet your needs.
  4. Complete the Classroom Instruction: The classroom portion of the course typically covers the theoretical aspects of driving, including road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices. Some courses may include interactive elements, videos, and quizzes to help reinforce your knowledge.
  5. Behind-the-Wheel Training: In addition to classroom instruction, most adult driver education courses also require behind-the-wheel training. This practical instruction allows you to apply what you’ve learned in real-world driving situations. An experienced instructor will guide you through basic maneuvers, parking, navigating intersections, and handling various road conditions.
  6. Schedule Your Driving Test: After completing the course and logging the required behind-the-wheel hours, you’ll be ready to take the driving test. This test is typically administered by your state’s department of motor vehicles (DMV) and evaluates your ability to operate a vehicle and obey traffic laws. If you pass the test, you’ll be issued a driver’s license.

Tips for Driving with Confidence

While completing the adult driver education course is a vital part of the process, building confidence behind the wheel requires additional practice and patience. Here are some key tips to help you feel more confident when you’re out on the road:

  1. Start Slowly: If you’re nervous about driving, start in less busy areas, such as parking lots or quiet streets. This gives you a chance to get comfortable with the car’s controls and the basics of maneuvering without the pressure of heavy traffic.
  2. Practice Regularly: The more you practice, the more confident you’ll become. Try to drive regularly, even if it’s just for short trips. Consistent practice is the key to mastering your driving skills and reducing anxiety, especially when taking automatic driving lessons in Sevenoaks.
  3. Stay Calm in Traffic: For many new drivers, traffic can be intimidating. If you find yourself in heavy traffic, remember to stay calm and focus on your surroundings. Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, use your mirrors frequently, and avoid distractions.
  4. Take Advantage of Technology: Modern vehicles are equipped with a variety of safety features, such as lane-departure warnings, backup cameras, and parking sensors. Use these technologies to help you feel more confident while driving. If your car has advanced features, make sure you’re familiar with how to use them before hitting the road.
  5. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help: If you’re feeling unsure about a particular driving skill or maneuver, don’t hesitate to ask your instructor or an experienced driver for help. They can offer valuable insights and advice that will help you feel more comfortable on the road.

Continuing Education After Your Course

After you’ve completed your adult driver education course and passed your driving test, your journey as a driver is just beginning. To maintain and improve your skills, consider participating in additional driving courses or defensive driving classes. These courses can help you stay up to date on the latest driving laws and techniques and enhance your overall driving skills.

Additionally, many insurance companies offer discounts to drivers who complete defensive driving or other advanced driving courses, so continuing your education can save you money on insurance premiums.

Conclusion

Getting your driver’s license as an adult doesn’t have to be a stressful process. By enrolling in an adult driver education course, you can gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence you need to drive safely and independently. Remember to take things at your own pace, practice regularly, and stay calm behind the wheel. With the right approach and plenty of practice, you’ll be on the road to driving with confidence in no time.

3 Emergency Situations Every Driver Has to Be Able to Deal With

By
SM
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Photo by RDNE Stock project at pexels.com

Whether you’re a new driver eager to get out on the open road, or a seasoned veteran who thinks they’ve seen it all, every driver needs to be prepared for emergency situations. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are over 6 million car accidents in the United States each year, resulting in around 2.5 million injuries. Being able to handle emergencies can mean the difference between life and death. Here are 3 emergency situations that every driver should know how to deal with.

Flat Tire

Getting a flat tire is one of the most common roadside emergencies. According to data from the American Automobile Association, they receive over 4 million calls per year to assist drivers with flat tires. 

When you feel your vehicle start to wobble or pull to one side, slowly come to a stop on the shoulder of the road. Turn on your hazard lights and carefully exit the vehicle to inspect the tires. Identify which one is flat by looking for one that is completely flat or has a large nail or other puncture stuck in the tread. If you have a spare tire and a jack, you can change the tire yourself. First, loosen the lug nuts before jacking up the car. Once the flat tire is raised off the ground, finish removing the lug nuts and change out the flat for the spare. Re-tighten the lug nuts securely before lowering the car. If you don’t have the equipment to change a flat yourself, call for roadside assistance.

Engine Trouble

Another common emergency is engine trouble. This could present as the engine stalling, shaking, smoking, or making strange noises. According to many different studies, around 12% of all car breakdowns are engine-related. 

If you experience any sign of engine trouble, safely pull over as soon as you can. Turn on your hazard lights. If you see smoke coming from under the hood, popping the hood could allow oxygen to fuel the fire. Only open the hood once smoke has dissipated. Be prepared to move away from the vehicle quickly if needed. Do not try to restart the engine. Call for a tow truck to transport your vehicle to a mechanic.

Getting into an Accident

Despite your best efforts, sometimes accidents happen. Aaron Tillman, owner of Tillmann Law LLC, a well-known car accident lawyer in Portland, suggests that if you are involved in a minor collision, move to a safe location and turn on your hazard lights. Check on any passengers in your vehicle and the other vehicle to see if medical attention is needed. 

Additionally, you must call the police to file a car accident report. Exchange driver’s license and insurance information with the other driver. Get contact information of any witnesses. Take photos of damage and the accident scene. If the accident is more serious with injuries or significant damage, call 911. Do not exit your vehicle if it is not safe to do so. Follow any instructions from emergency responders. Attorney Tillman, also recommends getting the contact details of a good car accident lawyer that could help you with your legal claim.

Being prepared with knowledge and equipment for emergency situations can help every driver stay safe on the road. Don’t let inexperience or overconfidence get in the way of driving defensively and reacting quickly. With some preparation and practice, you’ll be ready to handle whatever the road throws your way.

NASCAR penalty report from Martinsville; Sammy Smith issued fine and points reduction for Xfinity final-lap incident

By
Andrew Kim
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Photo by John Knittel for SpeedwayMedia.com.

NASCAR revealed the penalty report following this past weekend’s triple-header events involving the Craftsman Truck, Xfinity and Cup Series divisions at Martinsville Speedway between March 28-30.

In the Xfinity Series division, Sammy Smith, driver of the No. 8 JR Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro entry, received a fine and was issued a points deduction. The penalty resulted from Smith igniting a final-lap accident amid an overtime shootout in Saturday’s Xfinity event at the Paperclip-shaped venue in Ridgeway, Virginia.

During the final lap of the overtime shootout, Smith, who was reeling in race leader Taylor Gray, gassed up his entry, and ran into Gray’s rear bumper. The contact caused Gray to slip up the track and spin towards the outside wall in Turns 3 and 4. As Smith tried to proceed with the lead, he then made contact with teammate Justin Allgaier. This allowed Richard Childress Racing’s Austin Hill to sneak by both entering the frontstretch. Hill proceeded to win both the event and the second Dash 4 Cash bonus of $100,000 of the 2025 campaign. Smith, however, wrecked along with several competitors and crossed the finish line in 10th place.

Gray confronted Smith in the aftermath of the carnage and the drivers exchanged harsh words. They ere subsequently separated by NASCAR officials. While Gray minced his words over the incident, Smith did not. Smith had planned his move due to an earlier on-track altercation with Gray.

As a result of Smith’s on-track actions during the final lap, NASCAR fined Smith $25,000 and he was docked 50 driver points. With the points deduction, Smith drops from sixth to 13th in the 2025 Xfinity driver standings. He now trails the top-12 Playoff cutline by a single point.

Both Gray and Jeb Burton received $5,000 fines each for confronting other competitors in the infield care center following the event. Gray was initially in position to notch his first Xfinity career victory before his run-in with Smith. He finished in 29th place on the track and is currently in 12th place in the standings. Burton, who confronted Kaulig Racing’s rookie competitor, Daniel Dye, over an earlier run-in, settled in 11th place and is in 10th place in the standings.

Mired beneath a trio of competitors penalized during Saturday’s Xfinity event, the No. 00 Haas Factory Team (HFT) Ford Mustang team was found to have violated Sections 8.8.10.4a of the NASCAR Rule Book. The section pertains to a team found to have at least one lug nut not properly installed on their respective entry, which was the case for the No. 00 HFT team during the post-race inspection process.

As a result of the lug nut penalty, the No. 00 HFT team received a $5,000 fine. During Saturday’s Xfinity event, the No. 00 HFT Ford entry, piloted by Sheldon Creed, finished in second place behind race winner Hill.

In the Cup Series, Aslan Pugh and Jonpatrick Kealy, the jackman and tire changer, respectively, for Trackhouse Racing, received a two-race suspension. The suspension was due to a right-rear wheel that rolled out of rookie Shane van Gisbergen’s No. 88 Trackhouse Chevrolet entry during Sunday’s event at Martinsville. The incident occurred with 126 laps remaining as van Gisbergen spun in between Turns 3 and 4 as a result of the wheel being loose before it completely rolled off the car as the driver drove away from his carnage scene. Ultimately, van Gisbergen finished in 34th place and is currently in 34th place in the Cup driver standings.

Photo by Mike Biskupski for SpeedwayMedia.com.

In the Craftsman Truck Series division, the No. 71 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet Silverado RST team was fined $2,500 due to a lug nut violation. A single lug nut was found not to be properly installed on the entry. Rajah Caruth, who drives the No. 71 Chevrolet entry, finished in eighth place during Friday’s event at Martinsville and he is ranked in 15th place in the standings.

The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series teams and competitors have this upcoming weekend off from competition. They will return to action at Bristol Motor Speedway on April 11. Meanwhile, the Xfinity Series returns to action at Darlington Raceway this Saturday, April 5, at 3:30 p.m. ET on the CW Network. The Cup Series will follow suit at Darlington on Sunday, April 6, at 3:30 p.m. ET on FS1.

Hauger Leads Nashville Open Test in First Oval Laps

By
Official Release
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LEBANON, Tenn. (Tuesday, April 1, 2025) – No previous oval experience, no problem for Dennis Hauger.

Andretti Global rookie Hauger led the INDY NXT by Firestone Open Test on April 1 at Nashville Superspeedway on his first-ever day of driving on an oval, turning a top lap of 187.564 mph in the No. 28 Rental Group car. Hauger, from Norway, leads the standings in the INDYCAR development series after winning the season opener March 2 on the streets of St. Petersburg, Florida.

“First test on an oval, and it was a really cool experience,” Hauger said. “I had a lot of fun out there. Good day at the office, and I’m looking forward to coming back here later in the season.”

Series veteran Myles Rowe was second fastest on the 1.33-mile concrete oval, which will host the 2025 series finale Music City Grand Prix on Sunday, Aug. 31. Rowe’s best lap was 187.491 in the No. 99 Abel Motorsports/Force Indy car.

Rookie Lochie Hughes helped Andretti Global produce a 1-3 finish on the speed charts, as he was third at 186.651 in the No. 26 McGinley Clinic/USF Pro Championship entry.

Veteran Salvador de Alba kept the good times rolling for Andretti Global, fourth at 186.602 in the No. 27 Group Indi car. Fellow veteran Caio Collet rounded out the top five at 186.054 in the No. 76 HMD Motorsports machine. Collet was the only one of the top five to turn his fastest lap during the morning session.

A total of 19 drivers turned 2,953 laps without incident today. Series veteran Jonathan Browne was the busiest driver, recording 194 laps in the No. 9 Chip Ganassi Racing car.

The next INDY NXT by Firestone event is the Grand Prix of Alabama on Sunday, May 4 at Barber Motorsports Park (11:30 a.m. ET, FS1, INDYCAR Radio Network).

LEGACY MOTOR CLUB: DARLINGTON RACEWAY RACE PREVIEW

By
Official Release
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EVENT: Goodyear 400
DATE: April 6, 2025
RACE: Goodyear 400 | Race 8 of 36
TRACK: Darlington Raceway, Darlington S.C. | 1.366-mile Speedway
CLUB MINUTES
THE LADY AND THE KING’S HAT: “The Kings Hat” at Darlington Raceway is located in the Fan Zone in the Midway. Fans are encouraged to pay homage to the Petty family by taking photos with the landmark at each track.

LEGACIES ARE MADE AT DARLINGTON: LEGACY MC co-owner Jimmie Johnson and competition advisor Matt Kenseth have both found success at Darlington Raceway. Johnson, in 24 starts, swept both races in 2004, leading a combined 193 laps. He returned to victory lane in 2012 after leading 134 laps from the second starting position, securing Hendrick Motorsports’ 250th NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) win. The seven-time champion boasts three Darlington victories, including two prestigious Southern 500 wins, along with nine top five and 13 top 10 finishes, leading a total of 563 laps. Kenseth, meanwhile, claimed victory in the 2013 spring race and holds a record of three top five and 13 top 10 finishes, leading 193 laps over 28 starts.

PETTY AT DARLINGTON: The Petty family raced at the Darlington Raceway since the inaugural Southern 500 in 1950. Lee Petty qualified 35th for the 400-lap marathon and entered the top 10. Of the 75 cars that qualified for the race, only 28 made it to the finish line, living up to the nickname “Too Tough to Tame.” Lee Petty crossed the line in 6th position at the first running of one of NASCAR’s most historic tracks. Richard Petty has tangled with the “Lady in Black” 65 times throughout his career and has amassed over 23,000 miles of on-track experience. “The King” conquered Darlington Raceway three times; the wins came in the spring of 1966 and during both contests during the 1967 season. Petty led 2,391 laps while earning 25 top five and 34 top 10 finishes at Darlington Raceway.

HOW OLD WERE THE DRIVERS IN 1998? How old were the LEGACY MC drivers when the throwback schemes that you will see on the track this weekend hit the track at Darlington’s race on March 22, 1998? Nemechek was under 1 year old coming in at just 284 days old (born June 11, 1997). Jones wasn’t much older, coming in at 661 days or 1 year 9 months, and 27 days old. (May 30, 1996).

NEVER SETTLE: This week on Never Settle, the podcast with Johnson and Marty Smith, the duo sits down with Lyn St. James. St. James is a former racecar driver who competed in the IndyCar series. She is one of nine women who have qualified for the Indianapolis 500 and became the first woman to win the Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year award. The new episode drops on Wednesdays at 2 p.m. ET on SIRIUS XM and then is available for download wherever you source your podcasts.

JOHN HUNTER NEMECHEK
NO. 42 DOLLAR TREE TOYOTA CAMRY XSE
DARLINGTON NOTES AND QUOTES:
THROWBACK TO DAD: This weekend, John Hunter will throwback to his father, Joe who ran various colorful schemes during the 1998 season. The BellSouth scheme was something that certainly popped at each track and was iconic to the era.

JOE NEMECHEK HISTORY: “Front Row Joe” Nemechek earned the nickname from then teammate, Wally Dallenbach for his knack of qualifying on the front row of the starting grid. In his 674 NCS starts, Joe earned 10 pole starts. He has four victories in the NCS with his first coming at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in 1999.

LEAD LAP STREAK: After seven races of 2025, Nemechek’s streak for finishing on the lead lap has come to an end when he finished 25th, one lap down this past weekend at Martinsville. Six races is the longest streak for Nemechek in his early NCS career.

NEMECHEK AT DARLINGTON: Nemechek returns to the Lady in Black for his 15th career start in NASCAR’s top-three touring series, marking his sixth Cup Series race at Darlington. Over 14 previous starts, he has earned one victory in the 2022 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and five top-five finishes across the Truck and Xfinity Series.

T-MACK AT DARLINGTON: Crew chief Travis Mack has eight NCS starts and four NXS starts under his belt at the track Too Tough to Tame. Of those starts, he has two total top-10 finishes, one in each of the series.

QUOTING JOHN HUNTER NEMECHEK:

“The throwback scheme looks great, black base, bright green neon colors, thank you to Dollar Tree for bringing the idea to us and being able to execute that. As a kid growing up and being able to watch my Dad race – it’s really neat to be able to throwback to an old BellSouth scheme. [Joe] was able to get his first win in the 42 in a BellSouth scheme which is super neat and hopefully, we can continue that tradition. As a kid growing up, it was one of my favorite schemes growing up and still one of my favorite schemes to this day.”

QUOTING TRAVIS MACK:

“The Spring race is a little quicker, Darlington is a tough place, trying to make it to the end and not having any issues. We’re trying to build off Homestead, I felt our car was really good at Homestead. We qualified in the top 10 (seventh), so we’re going to build off that setup and work towards Darlington a little bit. We’ve been pretty good in practice and qualifying, so now we need to carry that over into the race – the start of the race and get that balance correct. The start of the race is going to be key for here.”

“This race is one my favorites. I think our scheme looks awesome – the black and neon green, our LEGACY MC cars are going to stand out this weekend.”

ERIK JONES
NO. 43 ADVENTHEALTH TOYOTA CAMRY XSE
DARLINGTON NOTES AND QUOTES:
“CHECK IT 4 ANDRETTI”: This year for the throwback scheme, partner AdventHealth decided to honor the 1998 No. 43 paint scheme driven by the late John Andretti. The rear bumper of the No. 43 will have a special message this week for Andretti which simply states, “Check It 4 Andretti”. The Check It 4 Andretti Charitable Foundation, Inc.’s mission is to save lives by increasing awareness of the importance of screenings in hopes of the prevention and early detection of colorectal cancer, and by providing funding to high-risk, low-income patients who are uninsured, underinsured, or too young for insurance to cover the cost of screening. For more information: www.checkit4andretti.org/

1998 NO. 43 STATS: Andretti, who drove the familiar STP entry for Petty Enterprises and crew chief Robbie Loomis, had 33 Cup Series starts in 1998. On track he accumulated three top five and 10 top 10 finishes, leading 137 laps that season.

JONES BOY AT DARLINGTON: With two victories in the crown jewel Southern 500 in 2019 and 2022, Jones has enjoyed remarkable success at the South Carolina track. Since joining the Cup Series full-time in 2016, he has secured two wins, three top five finishes, and three top 10 finishes at Darlington.

BESHORE AT DARLINGTON: Beshore has an impressive record when it comes to calling races at Darlington Raceway. With 10 trips to a 1.5-mile oval, across the NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR Xfinity Series, Beshore has amassed seven total top 10 finishes. In 2023, Beshore teamed up with Nemechek, the duo swept the pole positions at Darlington and brought home two-five finishes as a result. Beshore has coached his NXS drivers to 183-laps led around the place they call Too Tough to Tame.

ANDRETTI NASCAR HISTORY: Andretti won two times in his NASCAR Cup Series career, one of which was at Martinsville for Petty Enterprises. At Darlington he raced 19 times, with one top five and four top 10 finishes and had one pole position.

QUOTING ERIK JONES:

“I always look forward to Darlington, I look forward more to the fall race because we always run well there. The spring and fall races are so different. Darlington is similar to Homestead where there is a lot of tire fall of, and you have to set yourself up for the long run. You still get to race the track and that is how I grew up racing.”

QUOTING BEN BESHORE:

“Going to Darlington with Erik is always fun. He has a knack for the track and it’s such a tough event. Every morning when you walk into the shop, you walk past that Southern 500 trophy he won in 2022, so it’s a constant reminder of how bad we want to be back in contention for wins.”

CLUB APPEARANCES

PARADE: Prior to racing on Sunday afternoon, LEGACY MC teammates Jones and Nemechek, along with other NASCAR stars and legends, will participate in the Darlington Raceway Throwback Parade. The parade takes place on Saturday, April 5 following the NASCAR Xfinity Series race at approximately 6:30 p.m. The parade will begin at the South of Pearl restaurant in downtown Darlington and will end in the NASCAR Xfinity Series garage.

SIGNING FOR THE FANS: This weekend, Nemechek will stop out at the NASCAR Classics merchandise rig and sign autographs for the NASCAR fans on race day morning at 11:00 a.m.

HOW TO WATCH

The Goodyear 400 will take place on Sunday, April 6 at 3 pm ET. The racing action is set to broadcast on Fox Sports 1, MRN Radio, SIRIUS XM NASCAR Ch. 90, and through the NASCAR Driver Cam on MAX.

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

Spire Motorsports Goodyear 400 Race Advance

By
Official Release
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  • In 22 NASCAR Cup Series starts at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway, Spire Motorsports has logged one top-10 and two top-15 finishes. Corey LaJoie earned a team-best ninth-place result in last August’s Southern 500. Spire Motorsports fields the Nos. 7, 71 and 77 Chevrolet ZL1s in the Cup Series for Justin Haley, Michael McDowell and Carson Hocevar, respectively.
  • The Goodyear 400 will be televised live on FS1 Sunday, April 6, beginning at 3 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). The eighth of 36 points-paying races on the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series schedule will be broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90. FOX’s NASCAR Raceday will take the green flag at 2 p.m. EDT.

Justin Haley – Driver, No. 7 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet ZL1

  • Justin Haley will pilot Spire Motorsports’ No. 7 Gainbridge Chevrolet ZL1 in Sunday’s Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway.
  • Last Sunday at Martinsville (Va.) Raceway, Haley started 30th and drove inside the top 15 to start the second stage. The No. 7 team hit pit road on Lap 266 to short-pit the field and gain track position in the long run, but a caution flag 10 laps later interrupted the pit cycle and trapped the Gainbridge Chevy two laps down. The team was credited with a 29th-place finish.
  • Haley has recorded eight previous Cup Series starts at Darlington where he earned a career-best finish of third in May 2022. He owns three top 10s at the 1.366-mile track including an eighth-place result last May.
  • In Xfinity Series competition, Haley has logged five Darlington starts resulting in one pole, one top-five and two top-10 finishes with 11 laps led. The 25-year-old has a 4.6 place average start and 10.4 finish.
  • Founded in 2018, Gainbridge® is an insurtech subsidiary of Group 1001 that empowers consumers to take control of their financial future with solutions that are accessible to everyone, no matter their budget or financial knowledge. Its platform provides access to financial products that are simple, intuitive, and backed by smart technology with no complexity or hidden fees. Gainbridge® is headquartered in Zionsville, Ind. For more information, visit www.gainbridge.io or follow and connect with us on X and LinkedIn.
  • Sunday will mark Haley’s 152nd career NASCAR Cup Series start. Over the course of the last seven seasons, the 25-year-old racer has notched one win, five top fives, 17 top 10s and led 103 laps. He made his first start in NASCAR’s premier division for Spire Motorsports at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway on his 20th birthday.
  • The veteran racer has collected four NASCAR Xfinity Series checkered flags and three NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series wins, making him one of just 41 drivers in history to have earned victories across all three of NASCAR’s National Touring Series.
  • In total, Haley has made 48 Cup Series starts for Spire Motorsports, with the bulk of races coming during the 2021 season behind the wheel of the team’s No. 77 machine.

Justin Haley Quote
What are your expectations for this weekend at Darlington?
“Darlington is one of my favorite tracks. I’m excited to get there this weekend and continue to make gains with the No. 7 team. We’ve shown a lot of speed and I think that will show again this weekend.”

Atop the No. 7 Box – Crew Chief Rodney Childers

  • Crew Chief Rodney Childers has called 24 races at Darlington Raceway. Childers-prepared cars have led 764 laps and earned three wins, 12 top-five and 14 top-10 finishes.
  • In their inaugural season as a team, Childers and driver Kevin Harvick dominated the 2014 Southern 500 at “The Lady in Black,” starting from the pole position and leading 238 of the event’s 374 laps en route to victory. The win marked the second of five trips to victory lane in the No. 4 crew’s championship season.
  • The 48-year-old earned a pair of victories at Darlington during the 2020 season. When NASCAR returned to action following a six-week hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Childers and Harvick led 159 laps to claim victory in May. They returned four months later to earn their second Southern 500 crown.
  • The Mooresville, N.C., native has called 683 NASCAR Cup Series races where he’s earned 34 poles, 40 wins, 178 top-five and 299 top-10 finishes. He also earned 2014 championship honors with Kevin Harvick.
  • Childers’ 40 wins at NASCAR’s premier level ties him for second-most amongst all active crew chiefs in the Cup Series garage.

Michael McDowell – Driver, No. 71 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet ZL1

  • Michael McDowell will pilot Spire Motorsports’ No. 71 Delaware Life Chevrolet ZL1 in Sunday’s Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway.
  • McDowell has secured three top-10 finishes in 19 career starts at “The Lady in Black,” all of which have come in the six events with NASCAR’s seventh generation Cup Series car.
  • Last May, the father of five and crew chief Travis Peterson topped the charts in practice prior to the 2024 Goodyear 400. The pairing secured their second top 10 in as many weeks with a 10th-place finish.
  • Delaware Life is an insurance and annuity company that empowers financial professionals with a wide array of customizable solutions. A subsidiary of Group 1001 Insurance Holdings, LLC (“Group 1001 Insurance”), our focus is to deliver a seamless experience for advisors. We understand how important it is to find the right fit for every client, every situation, and every individual need. We’re passionate about equipping you with annuities that give your customers peace of mind and a successful future—allowing them to plan with confidence for whatever’s next.
  • Last week at Martinsville Speedway, the 40-year-old drove the No. 71 RaceTheRock.com Chevrolet to a venue-best 12th-place result in 25 attempts at the Virginia half-mile.
  • McDowell has claimed two Xfinity Fastest Lap awards, clocking the fastest lap in the Daytona 500 and earlier this month at Phoenix Raceway. Through seven weeks, McDowell stands as the only driver in the NASCAR Cup Series to have secured multiple bonus points through the newly-unveiled program. The NASCAR Xfinity Series’ Justin Allgaier has also scored two of the awards this season.
  • The Arizona native secured Spire Motorsports’ first Busch Light Pole Award last month at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. His 28.833 second lap marks the fastest lap in the Gen 7 era (2022-present) at the 1.5-mile Nevada oval.

Michael McDowell Quotes
What are your thoughts about heading into Darlington?
“Darlington has been a good track for us. It’s so tough; it is everything that we promote it to be as far as the level of difficulty. You’re right up against the limit, right up against the wall and tires still fall off, even in this NextGen era. It’s one of those races where you earn your money, and the driver has a lot of value for taking care of the tires in the long run, managing pace, and all those things. I enjoy Darlington. It’s one of the races that I need to add to my Crown Jewel collections because I got the 500 and the Brickyard. The Southern 500 is the one you need, right? 
I know it’s not the Southern 500 this weekend, but a Darlington win would be enough to cover it. If I can check the box, I would love to.”

Atop the No. 71 Box – Crew Chief Travis Peterson

  • Crew chief Travis Peterson joined Spire Motorsports following the 2024 season after spending 2023-2024 alongside McDowell at Front Row Motorsports.
  • As a race engineer at JR Motorsports, the West Bend, Wis., native helped Chase Elliott to Xfinity Series victory lane at “The Lady in Black” in 2014. After lining up sixth for a green-white-checkered restart, Elliott made the race winning move on Elliott Sadler entering Turn 3 on the final lap. The win came one week removed from his first series victory at Texas Motor Speedway and seven months prior to clinching the 2024 division championship crown.
  • The 33-year-old secured a top 10 finish in last May’s Goodyear 400 with Michael McDowell.

Carson Hocevar – Driver, No. 77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet ZL1

  • Carson Hocevar will make his fourth NASCAR Cup Series start at Darlington Raceway in Sunday’s Goodyear 400. The driver of the No. 77 Zeigler Auto Group Chevrolet ZL1 boasts a venue-best finish of 17th in his first Darlington appearance in September 2023.
  • In the September 2024 race at Darlington, Hocevar became the youngest driver to start on the front row at the 1.366-mile egg-shaped oval with a second-place qualifying effort. Despite spending a majority of the evening within the top 10, a Lap 335 incident dealt significant damage to the No. 77 Chevrolet, forcing the team to retire from the event.
  • The 22-year-old driver finished 19th in last Sunday’s 400-lap race at Martinsville Speedway. The result breaks a streak of bad luck and marked Hocevar’s best finish since he crossed the line in 13th at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas on March 2.
  • In four NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Trucks Series starts at “The Lady in Black”, Hocevar has collected three top fives including a runner-up finish in May 2022.
  • The Portage, Mich., native contested Spire Motorsports’ first Xfinity Series start at Darlington in May 2023. Hocevar secured his first top 10 in the series with a sixth-place result.
  • Zeigler Automotive Group is one of the largest privately-owned dealer groups in the U.S. with 84 franchises across 41 locations in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan. Vehicle brands represented include all the domestic and majority of the imported manufacturers. The family-owned and -operated organization has been a regular on the Cup Series tour since 2019.

Carson Hocevar Quotes
You had a great run at Darlington last September. How does that translate to the Spring race?
“I would say the day race is probably more difficult. It’s a shorter race and you don’t have a drastic change in the track from day to night. You can’t bank on those extra laps or the track getting tighter and allowing you to get caught up on the handling. Everyone wants to win the Southern 500, but a win at Darlington in either scenario is really special. We’ve improved a lot as team since that last race at Darlington where we qualified well, and I think we have a good chance to show speed in practice, qualify decent and have another good points day.”

Atop the No. 77 Box – Crew Chief Luke Lambert

  • Crew Chief Luke Lambert has called 16 Cup Series races at Darlington dating back to the 2013 season. He led Ryan Newman to four top-10s, while collecting a ninth-place result with Chris Buescher in both 2021 events.
  • The Mount Airy, N.C., native led Noah Gragson to victory at Darlington in the September 2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series race after a runner-up finish that May. The win marked their first of four-consecutive triumphs in the series.
  • Last Sunday’s race at Martinsville marked 50 races together for the Lambert-Hocevar duo. They have united to earn two-top five and six top-10 finishes, highlighted by a runner-up result earlier this season at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

About Spire Motorsports …
Spire Motorsports earned its inaugural NASCAR Cup Series victory in its first full season of competition when Justin Haley took the checkered flag in the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway on July 7, 2019. Less than three years later, William Byron drove Spire Motorsports’ No. 7 Chevrolet Silverado to its inaugural NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series win on April 7, 2022, at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway. The team’s most recent win came on March 21, 2025, when Kyle Larson took the checkered flag in the Baptist Health 200 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

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

Ford Performance Notes and Quotes – Gilliland Enjoying Leadership Role at Front Row Motorsports

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Official Release
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Ford Performance Notes and Quotes
NASCAR Cup Series
Darlington Midweek Media Availability
Tuesday, April 1, 2025

Todd Gilliland, driver of the No. 34 Front Row Motorsports Mustang Dark Horse, is coming off a 10th-place finish last Sunday at Martinsville Speedway. He answered questions from the media about last weekend and what lies ahead for Sunday’s race at Darlington Raceway.

TODD GILLILAND, No. 34 Front Row Motorsports Ford Mustang Dark Horse – HOW HAS IT BEEN HAVING ZANE AND NOAH AS TEAMMATES AND HOW HAVE THEY HELPED YOU? “It’s been a great time. That was the part I was sure of, that we were gonna have fun. Whether you’re running good or bad those guys are a lot of fun to hang out with. I’ve hung out with them for years now off the racetrack. I would say I’ve raced more with Noah along the way. We were teammates back in the Truck Series before, so I had more of an idea with him and Zane with his personality and to hang out with him it’s the same thing. He’s a lot of fun. He’s much different than Noah. Both of them have great personalities, but very different. I think the thing I’ve been most impressed with is all three of our abilities to focus and lock in when it’s time to do so. We had our competition meeting this morning and every Tuesday, and I think that’s the most important part when we can all focus and get to the bottom of racing ideas. The fun aspect is definitely gonna happen with all three of us together at any time.”

WE SAW A LOT OF TIRE FALL OFF LAST YEAR AT BRISTOL. WHAT ARE YOUR EXPECTATIONS IN A COUPLE OF WEEKS? “I don’t really know. I think it’ll still take a couple times to really trust what I think we’re gonna see going to Bristol. My gut tells me what we’ll see is more like the fall of last year when it was kind of back to normal. It was kind of the same tire all along and we kind of had this one outlier, so I would say percentagewise it’s probably more likely to be a lower fall off race where the track moves around and kind of opens up every lane a little bit more.”

WHAT’S IT BEEN LIKE WORKING WITH CHRIS LAWSON THIS YEAR? “I think that last part you mentioned is a big part of it – at the Cup level. It’s been a long time since I’ve worked with him in the past. We kind of gone through spells. He was my late model crew chief from the time I was 13 years old all the way through the K&N Series with I was 17 years old. Then we had a couple years off and then he started the Truck Series program here at Front Row Motorsports with me again for two years, and then we were separated again for another three or four years. It’s great to have him back. It’s just really comforting and an exciting thing. In my opinion, I know that there’s never gonna be someone that works harder, puts more of their heart and soul into it, so, for me, that’s all you can ask for out of a team. I think we’ve got everyone banding together really well. You mentioned the rut, we’ve had a couple really bad runs coming into Martinsville. To be honest, Vegas, like I said, our car was really fast, but I just made a really dumb mistake and wrecked it, and then at Homestead we just ran really bad all day, so it was really nice to rebound. I think even though it’s early in the year, it’s really nice to see us trying to turn the page and get back up to a good note pretty quickly.”

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED IN THE XFINITY RACE LAST SATURDAY? “I think from my side of it, it was a tough one to watch. I think that’s for most people in the industry. It was not the prettiest sight. As a whole sport, I don’t think that’s what any of us want it built on. I think all of the answers are above my head, to be honest with you. I don’t know what the right thing to do is. For me at least, I’ve definitely made some dumb moves in my time. From the driver’s seat, all you can do is ask, ‘Why did I do that? What was my decision-making process that went so wrong?’ I think the biggest thing is just looking yourself in the mirror and figuring out at the least how to make yourself better. From the officiating side, I don’t really know what the right thing is. There’s a lot of people that are very opinionated on it, but I think the biggest thing is that’s not what anyone in the sport probably wanted to see.”

WHAT KIND OF SETUP ADJUSTMENTS HAVE YOU AND YOUR TEAM FOCUSED ON FOR DARLINGTON? “We’ve been working on that a lot today. We debriefed Martinsville and then immediately went into Darlington and thinking about what we had last year. I feel like Darlington was probably one of our better racetracks last year. We ran pretty well and I feel like long runs were really our specialty. It’s hard because you need a balance of short run and long run, especially at Darlington. You’re gonna see tons of green flag pit stops most likely, just lots of pit stops in general even if they’re under caution. It’s all a balance of having to fire off well, having long run speed. The balance that you need to make speed on new tires versus if you build really loose as the tires wear out you’re gonna be hanging on at the end of the run. There is tons of stuff to balance there. It’s more of an intermediate type racetrack, so you still need all the downforce and all the horsepower you can get as well. Darlington is a very tough place because it takes all aspects of the race car to be good to definitely run up front.”

AS A DRIVER WHO HAS EXPERIENCE, HOW DID YOU LEARN WHEN TO FIGHT BACK AND WHEN IT WAS OK TO LET SOMEBODY GO IN A SITUATION WITHOUT BEING VIEWED AS A PUSHOVER? “That’s a great question. I 100 percent think it’s ongoing and learning for me at least and probably everybody to be honest. I would say just to not wreck race cars and everything, that’s the smartest move is to just move on from it, but I just don’t think that’s the human side of it. That’s not the mental side of it. We see it in everything. If you have a little brother, he pushes you and then you push him back. Then he pushes you harder and eventually somebody goes too far and somebody ends up crying or something like that when you’re dealing with your family. To that extent on the racetrack, you don’t want to see guys getting hurt. You don’t want to see them being put in bad situations, so I don’t know. I think it’s always gonna be ongoing and, to me, there are so many ways to make racing hard on somebody else by not just wrecking them and, honestly, I feel like the 54 definitely feels like the 8 won and there are ways to maybe just take little bites out of it. You don’t need to just go wreck the guy. I think it’s almost more beneficial to use it to your advantage over a long period of time, but I feel like guys definitely have more of a reputation. If you get into them, they’re gonna get you back hard. Or, other guys where you might get one or two chances and not viewed as a pushover necessarily, but I think there are definitely different guys with different reputations of ways to get back.”

IS THERE A SITUATION THAT COMES TO MIND WHERE YOU WOULD HAVE BEEN JUSTIFIED TO MAKE IT HARD ON SOMEBODY, BUT YOU WERE KINDER AND GENTLER AND THAT PAID OFF IN THE LONG RUN? “I’m sure there is probably. I’ve been definitely really mad at guys in the past, and I think for me, at least, that’s always been my approach. If someone is mad at me, you try and give it back as much as you can. It’s all give and take in the long run and when they see someone wreck someone else, it’s a massive take. That’s never something you want to be on the bad side of but you have to just keep giving it back. For me, I’ve always been better off racing guys super hard that I feel like don’t deserve to be raced easy and to let go, and then eventually time heals everything and you eventually feel like you’re back even with guys and can start fresh. For me, it’s more of racing guys hard, not letting people go and stuff like that than just blatantly wrecking people. I feel like that hurts reputations over the long run.”

DO YOU LIKE TO TALK SOMEBODY IMMEDIATELY IF YOU HAVE AN ISSUE WITH ANOTHER DRIVER OR WAIT UNTIL MONDAY? “The way I look at it is I always try and wait until Monday. It’s kind of the theory of is it better to rip off a band-aid or slowly rip your arm hairs off with it. I don’t know. For me, I like to let guys cool off a little bit. Nobody in the race car is probably in their clearest head space when you get out or right when an incident happens. That’s when we see guys make bad decisions on the racetrack and then maybe not so much out of their race car, but still probably a most heated time. We see guys all the time get out and say, ‘I haven’t seen exactly what happened,’ so I think over that time period you could probably have a really good idea of exactly what happened, for better or worse on both sides, and then at least probably talk things through a little bit more civil and see where you stand easier a little bit later on.”

WHY DO YOU THINK THE YOUNG DRIVERS ARE LEARNING TO RACE SO AGGRESSIVELY BECAUSE THE KEY TO FIXING IT IS WHERE IT’S COMING UP. DO YOU UNDERSTAND THAT? “Yeah, I do. That’s the million dollar question right now. How do you fix it? I think the biggest thing for me is probably respect of your equipment as well as other people’s. I do think that’s why my dad’s generation or Tommy Baldwin, all those guys, when I had my first late model we had only one car. That’s what a lot of race teams are and if we wrecked it, you’d have to work really hard. It’s expensive and you could possibly have to miss races. I think as you move up into the series all of that kind of gets lost a little bit more and more because all these top teams have enough cars. You’re not gonna miss a race and a lot of the times by the time I get to the shop on Mondays and Tuesdays the car is already torn apart and it looks like it’s all fine and it’s gonna be moved on, it’s not gonna put us behind that much. To me, I think it’s a respect thing. Even going to Darlington, I’ll hit the wall probably 10 times and then afterwards I’m like, ‘That just isn’t very smart.’ Taking care of my equipment and all that stuff going forward, so I don’t know. It’s easy to lose track of that and respect of your equipment, but, to me, that’s the biggest thing is you’ve got to appreciate what you’re driving and know there’s more to it in the long run.”

WOULD IT BE BETTER TO HAVE DRIVERS SELF POLICE OR SHOULD THERE BE PENALITIES FOR THOSE INFRACTIONS THAT REALLY STAND OUT? WOULD THAT WORK? “Penalties, especially in this instance from the Xfinity race, there are some very blatant incidents. I feel like that kind of gets into a gray area even in the Cup race and Xfinity races, especially at a place like Martinsville. Guys jam into line and you’re being very aggressive getting down and then your the guy behind that’s right on this guy’s bumper. You’re getting hit from behind and then it ends up causing what looks like a bigger wreck. In my mind, there’s still a big difference between what you can visually see. There are some very blatant ones and then more so racing incidents, but I think the self policing thing is interesting. I don’t want to get punched in the face, obviously, but I think that would definitely stop a lot of stuff. I don’t want to even see people fighting, to be honest. It’s just not really my thing, but when I get into guys the first thing I don’t want is to get into anything like that. It definitely deters you from doing some dumb stuff.”

DO YOU FEEL LIKE THE LEADER AT FRONT ROW NOW THAT MICHAEL HAS MOVED ON AND YOU HAVE THE MOST EXPERIENCE WITH THAT ORGANIZATION? I don’t really feel like anymore pressure or anything like that. I feel like the biggest thing I was focused on at the beginning was making sure that Zane and Noah knew their way around – everything. I kind of feel like I know how things work and all that stuff. Obviously, Zane has been here in a different role and won a lot of races with Front Row Motorsports on the truck side. More so, Noah is definitely a little bit different than how his old team was, so I wanted to make sure those guys were all ready for it coming over here. The biggest thing now is that I feel like all of our opinions are very trusted. I respect my teammates a lot and their experience and what they’re feeling, especially with all of us being the same age and getting along so well, I feel like we talk so much and bounce ideas off each other that a lot of times we really come to the same agreement in the end. I feel like that’s super collective on any feedback and all that stuff we give to the team.”

HAS ANYTHING SURPRISED YOU WORKING WITH THOSE TWO? “I think, like you said, how different all three of us are is very interesting – of how we explain stuff. I think that’s one thing going through our meetings. I’m listening to when Zane or Noah are explaining something, and then we talk about it and I’m like, ‘OK, that’s what I was feeling too,’ but we describe things very differently as different people. I think on the racetrack nothing has surprised me a ton. I’ve raced against them for a long time. I think all three of us are very aggressive at times and probably have other strengths as well. I think it’s been fun and everything has been great. I think nothing has surprised me in a bad way – only positive surprises in the way that we’re all able to work together and get focused on what we need to.”

PRIME VIDEO TO SPONSOR KYLE LARSON’S 2025 DOUBLE ATTEMPT, GREENLIGHTS UPCOMING FILM

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Official Release
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FEATURE-LENGTH DOCUMENTARY FOLLOWING THE DRIVER’S HISTORIC QUEST TO HIT PRIME VIDEO NEXT YEAR

CONCORD, N.C. (April 1, 2025) – Amazon’s Prime Video will serve as presenting sponsor of Kyle Larson’s May 25 attempt to complete two of auto racing’s crown jewel events in a single day and will produce a feature-length documentary chronicling his two-year journey to pull off the feat.

For the second straight year, Larson will attempt to take on 1,100 miles of racing – dubbed the #Hendrick1100 presented by Prime Video – starting with the 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and concluding with NASCAR’s longest event, the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The Memorial Day weekend effort will feature Prime Video branding on both of Larson’s race cars: the No. 17 HENDRICKCARS.COM Chevrolet fielded by the Arrow McLaren IndyCar Team and the No. 5 HENDRICKCARS.COM Chevrolet stock car of Hendrick Motorsports.

In addition to its sponsorship, Prime Video has greenlit a feature-length documentary chronicling Larson’s quest to complete the two marquee races on the same day. Filming for the untitled project began in October 2023 and will encompass the driver’s pursuits in both 2024 and 2025. Slated to launch next year on Prime Video, the documentary is being directed by Emmy and Peabody Award-winning filmmaker Cynthia Hill. It is produced by Hill’s Markay Media, Imagine Documentaries and Hendrick Motorsports, in association with NASCAR Studios and Penske Entertainment.

“Kyle’s double attempt is one of the most exciting storylines in all of sports, and we’re thrilled to be part of it,” said Stacey Rosenson, Head of U.S. Sports Marketing, Prime Video. “As we prepare to broadcast our first NASCAR Cup Series race with the Coca-Cola 600, having this kind of historic moment unfold live on Prime Video – and capturing it in a documentary film – is a truly unique opportunity. We’re looking forward to sponsoring Kyle’s effort and taking fans inside the intensity and emotion that go with it.”

Prime Video, which recently joined Hendrick Motorsports as a sponsor of Chase Elliott’s No. 9 team, is expanding its presence ahead of becoming NASCAR’s first fully direct-to-consumer media partner. The platform will exclusively stream five NASCAR Cup Series races in 2025, kicking off with the Coca-Cola 600, and will provide practice and qualifying coverage for most of the season’s first half.

“We’re proud to grow our relationship with Prime Video,” said Rick Hendrick, the owner of Hendrick Motorsports who will again co-own Larson’s Indianapolis 500 entry with Arrow McLaren. “They’ve made a bold commitment to our sport, and this is a powerful way to promote their platform across two of the most iconic events in racing. We’re excited to welcome Prime Video to the effort, showcase their brand on such a big stage and collaborate on what will be an incredible documentary project. The film is going to show Kyle like people have never seen him – his preparation, his mindset and what it takes to pursue such a daunting challenge.”

Larson, 32, earned Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year honors in 2024 after an impressive debut that included a record-setting qualifying performance. The 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion became just the fifth driver to attempt the Indianapolis-Charlotte double and will be only the third to try it more than once, joining Tony Stewart and Robby Gordon. Last season, he led the Cup Series with six points-paying race wins and currently ranks second in the 2025 points standings.

“Last year gave us a great foundation, and now we get to build on it,” Larson said. “I’m excited to come back stronger in 2025 and give it everything we’ve got to finish all 1,100 miles. Having Prime Video on board – especially with them streaming the 600 and documenting my whole experience – is pretty special. May is going to be a crazy month, and I’m ready to get after it.”

On Wednesday at 10 a.m. ET, fans will get a first look at the 2025 liveries for Larson’s Nos. 5 and 17 race cars, exclusively at HENDRICKCARS.COM. The No. 17 Chevrolet will hit the track for the first time during the April 23-24 Indianapolis 500 open test.

ABOUT PRIME VIDEO SPORTS:
Prime Video supports a growing lineup of live sports globally, including the NBA; Thursday Night Football, NASCAR, the New York Yankees, Seattle Kraken, and Overtime Elite in the United States; Premier Boxing Champions in the United States, United Kingdom and Canada; the NWSL, the WNBA, and ONE Championship in the United States and Canada; NHL Prime Monday Night Hockey and PWHL in Canada; UEFA Champions League football in Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom & Ireland; Roland-Garros in France; Wimbledon in Germany and Austria; Premier League in Sweden and Denmark; New Zealand Cricket in India; ICC Cricket in Australia; Copa do Brasilfootball, Serie A football and the NBA in Brazil; boxing and the 2023 World Baseball Classic in Japan; and Chivas in Mexico. While availability varies by marketplace, fans can also subscribe to streaming services such as FanDuel Sports Network, Eurosport, FOX Sports (Mexico), Viaplay Sport, MLB.TV, NBA League Pass, NBA TV, DAZN (Germany and Spain), and Premiere FC (Brazil) through Prime Video add-on subscriptions. This is in addition to a selection of Amazon Original documentaries including Kelce, Bye Bye Barry, Coach Prime, Giannis, and the Amazon Original All or Nothing franchise, including All or Nothing: Arsenal, All or Nothing: Juventus, All or Nothing: Toronto Maple Leafs, and All or Nothing seasons with various NFL teams, as well as the NCAA’s Michigan Wolverines football team.

ABOUT IMAGINE DOCUMENTARIES:
Imagine’s documentary division, spearheaded by EMMY and Peabody Award-winning producer Sara Bernstein, has established itself as a powerhouse in the documentary landscape since its inception in 2018. Founded by Imagine Entertainment Co-Chairmen Brian Grazer and Ron Howard, alongside Imagine President Justin Wilkes, the division has redefined the industry with its unwavering commitment to producing impactful, socially conscious, and thought-provoking content. Its critically acclaimed and award-winning documentaries have resonated with audiences worldwide, solidifying Imagine as a driving force in the art of storytelling.

By embracing distinct perspectives in their storytelling, Imagine has expanded its footprint in the documentary genre, exploring a wide array of topics, from the EMMY Award-winning Best Documentary Jim Henson Idea Man (Disney+), and Critics Choice Documentary Award winner Music by John Williams (Disney+), the Peabody Award-winning Judy Blume Forever (Prime Video), Stormy, the critically acclaimed portrait of Stormy Daniels (Peacock), 2025 Oscars Shortlisted Frida (Prime Video), The Super Models (Apple TV+), the EMMY-nominated projects We Feed People (Disney+), Lucy and Desi (Prime Video), Downfall: The Case Against Boeing (Netflix); The Volcano: Rescue from Whakaari (Netflix), to the hit docuseries The Dynasty: New England Patriots (Apple TV+), Choir (Disney+), Harlem Ice (Disney+), Crime Scene: The Times Square Killer (Netflix), I Am Not a Monster (MAX), The Lost Children (Netflix), and Churchill at War (Netflix). Imagine Documentaries’ most recent releases are David Blaine Do Not Attempt which debuted March 23rd and 24th (NatGeo) and Fight for Glory: 2024 World Series which debuted March 28th on AppleTV+. The next highly anticipated release is Earnhardt (Prime Video).

ABOUT HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS:
Founded by Rick Hendrick in 1984, Hendrick Motorsports is the winningest team in NASCAR Cup Series history. At the sport’s premier level, the organization holds the all-time records in every major statistical category, including championships (14), points-paying race victories (314) and laps led (more than 82,000). It has earned at least one race win in a record 41 different seasons, including an active streak of 40 in a row (1986-2025). The team fields four full-time Chevrolet entries in the NASCAR Cup Series with drivers Alex Bowman, William Byron, Chase Elliott and Kyle Larson. Headquartered on more than 150 acres in Concord, North Carolina, Hendrick Motorsports employs approximately 600 people. For more information, please visit HendrickMotorsports.com or interact on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X.

Black’s Tire Teams Up With TRICON for The Rock

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Official Release
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Tanner Gray to Drive BTS Tundra at Rockingham

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (April 1, 2025) – TRICON Garage (TRICON) is excited to announce that it is joining forces with longtime partner Black’s Tire Service (BTS) to celebrate NASCAR’s return to the historic Rockingham Speedway. BTS will serve as the primary partner for Tanner Gray and the No. 15 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro for the company’s entitlement race, the Black’s Tire 200.

Black’s Tire, which celebrated its 95th anniversary in 2024, has more than 70 locations in both North and South Carolina and remains a local, family owned and operated tire seller and wholesaler. With many of those locations located in the backyard of Rockingham, BTS is partnering with Rockingham Speedway to celebrate the return of NASCAR to this historic track for the first time in over a decade. Black’s Tire will be the title partner for the Friday afternoon NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race and presenting partner for the NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) race on Saturday.

The premier tire dealer most recently partnered with the 25-year-old driver for three races in 2023 and accomplished a best finish of third at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway.

“On behalf of the over 1,000 team members at Black’s Tire & Auto Service and BTS Tire & Wheel Distributors, we are honored to continue our relationship with TRICON,” said Ricky Benton II, Vice President of Sales & Marketing with Black’s Tire. “We have a great relationship with Johnny, David and the entire TRICON team and we are excited to see what we can do together in our special event.”

National Finance Company (NFC) will join BTS as a sponsor of the #15 entry. NFC is a family-owned and operated company founded in Rockingham, North Carolina by Bobby Hall.

“It is always great to have Black’s Tire on one of our Toyota Tundra TRD Pros,” said David Gilliland, partner, TRICON Garage. “Ricky and the Benton family have supported us and Tanner a number of times now, so we are excited to represent them in their race and try to give them another great run.”

The Black’s Tire 200 from Rockingham Speedway will be televised live on FOX Sports 1 on Friday, April 18 at 5:00 P.M. ET, with radio coverage provided by the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

In honor of NASCAR returning to Rockingham, BTS will hold a special BTS family and customer hospitality event at the track prior to the NXS North Carolina Education Lottery 250 on Saturday, April 19.

About TRICON Garage

TRICON Garage is a professional racing organization fielding five full-time NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series entries. Serving as the flagship Truck Series partner of Toyota Racing Development, the team plays an integral role in the NASCAR development ladder. Headquartered in Mooresville, North Carolina, TRICON has quickly established itself as the premier home for cultivating the next generation of motorsports industry professionals. Actively involved in three different industries – racing, fabrication and transportation, the team operates out of three buildings totaling 60,000 square feet.

About Black’s Tire

Black’s Tire Service (BTS) was founded as Black’s Service Station by W. Crowell Black in Whiteville, N.C. in 1929 and celebrated its 95th anniversary in 2024. With more than 70 locations in both North and South Carolina, Black’s remains a local, family owned- and -operated tire sales and service and vehicle repair business. In addition to the retail and commercial locations, Black’s also operates 10 warehouse/distribution centers, BTS Tire & Wheel Distributors, a commercial sales division, and a tire-retreading business, Carolina Retreads. Today, the Black’s Tire family includes more than 1,000 team members. To learn more about Black’s Tire or to find a location, visit www.blackstire.com. Follow Black’s Tire on social media: Twitter at @BlacksTire, Instagram at @BlacksTire and Facebook at facebook.com/blackstire.

About National Finance Company

National Finance Company Inc has been serving North Carolina since 1963. A family own company started in Rockingham NC. NFC specializes in starter and personal loans up to $5000.00. Apply online at NFCmoney.com or stop by one of our 24 branches for fast friendly service. For more info go to www.NFCmoney.com.

BFGoodrich’s new Advantage Control HT tire offers welcome solution for consumers

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Official Release
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BFGoodrich has launched the Advantage Control HT tire with performance and sizing that fit the needs of everyday drivers. Clear-cut benefits and accessible pricing help make the tire-buying process easy for consumers.

  • Tire solution for CUVs, SUVs and light-duty pickups
  • BFGoodrich performance at an everyday price
  • Advantage Control HT adds 22 sizes to Advantage Control line

BFGoodrich has launched the Advantage Control HT tire with performance and sizing that fit the needs of everyday drivers. Clear-cut benefits and accessible pricing help make the tire-buying process easy for consumers.

“BFGoodrich created the Advantage Control HT tire to simplify tire buying for modern drivers,” said Andrew Besancon, Senior Director of Recreational Brands. “This new tire provides consumers a comfortable, dependable option for everyday driving.”

The Advantage Control HT tire features a redesigned tread pattern, designed for a quieter, smoother ride. The Advantage Control HT tire also boasts improved braking distances – in both wet and dry conditions – and a 10% improvement in tread life compared with its predecessor, the Advantage Sport LT tire.

Excellent wet traction: The Advantage Control HT tire stops up to 9 feet shorter in wet conditions than the predecessor tire. Active sipe technology, all-season rubber compounds and a proprietary groove network are engineered to evacuate water from the contact patch and deliver outstanding grip year-round.

Long life span: The Advantage Control HT tire offers increased tread life (vs. predecessor tire) for today’s larger CUVs, full-size SUVs, and light duty pickups. The Advantage Control HT tire features an optimized footprint, full-depth tread features and silica-infused compounds, which work together to help deliver consistent performance and a smooth ride for the life of the tire.

Quiet comfort: The Advantage Control HT tire is designed for a quiet, enjoyable ride, thanks to its redesigned tread pattern.

Sizes and availability
BFGoodrich will unveil 22 sizes of the Advantage Control HT tire, bringing the total number of sizes in the Advantage Control line to 122. The Advantage Control HT tire carries a 70,000-mile limited mileage warranty and a 60-day satisfaction guarantee.

Sizes and availability

To find your size, availability and pricing, visit bfgoodrichtires.com or your local BFGoodrich dealer.

About BFGoodrich Tires
BFGoodrich Tires is dedicated to providing high performance tires for those who have a passion for driving in virtually any environment. Combining technical expertise with 50 years of motorsports experience, BFGoodrich delivers tires for a full range of driving experiences from ultra-high-performance street to off-road terrain with one common theme – extreme performance. Come upgrade your performance with BFGoodrich and see where our tires can take you at BFGoodrichTires.com and BFGoodrichRacing.com, as well as on Facebook and Instagram at @BFGoodrichTires and TikTok at @BFGoodrich.

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