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The Iowa Corn 350 at Iowa Speedway Outlook and Picks

The NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) heads to Iowa Speedway in Newton, Iowa, for the Iowa Corn 350 Powered by Ethanol this Sunday, August 9 at 3:30 p.m. ET on USA, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Channel 90).

In 2025, William Byron led 141 laps and utilized a fuel strategy to win the Iowa Corn 350 at Iowa Speedway. Chase Briscoe finished second, Brad Keselowski won the first two stages and finished in third, while Ryan Blaney and Ryan Preece rounded out the top five finishers.

The Chase For The NASCAR Cup Series Standings Outlook after Indianapolis Motor Speedway

RankDriverPointsLdrNext+/- Chase CutoffStartsWinsStage WinsTop 5Top 10Poles
1Denny Hamlin88600Clinched224512145
2Tyler Reddick802-8484Clinched225110146
3Ryan Blaney766-12036Clinched22244153
4Ty Gibbs751-13515Clinched22159141
5Carson Hocevar638-2481131582210592
6Chase Elliott635-25131552222580
7Chase Briscoe623-2631214322109110
8Kyle Larson617-269613722048110
9Chris Buescher613-273413322002100
10Christopher Bell609-277412922039101
11Daniel Suarez583-303261032211260
12William Byron568-31815882203490
13Joey Logano545-34123652211481
14Bubba Wallace540-34656022023100
15Shane Van Gisbergen537-3493572221572
16Austin Cindric518-36819382201140

Track & Race Information for the Iowa Corn 350

Season Race #: 23 of 36 (August 9, 2026)
Race Purse: $11,233,037
Track Size/Type: 0.875 Mile – Asphalt Paved Oval
Number of Turns: 4
Degrees of Banking Turns: 12-14 degrees (progressive banking)
Degrees of Frontstretch: 10 degrees
Degrees of Backstretch: 4 degrees

Race Schedule, Length and Stages for the Iowa Corn 350

Race Length: 350 laps (306.25 miles)
Stage 1 Length: 70 laps (Ends on Lap 70)
Stage 2 Length: 140 laps (Ends on Lap 210)
Final Stage Length: 140 laps (Ends on Lap 350)

THE IOWA SPEEDWAY WEEKEND SCHEDULE

FRIDAY, AUGUST 7
2:30 PM – 3:15 PM: AMS PRACTICE (TIMED – 45 MINUTES)
3:30 PM – 3:50 PM: AMS QUALIFYING (IMPOUND) (TIMED – ALL ENTRIES)
5:35 PM: AMS DRIVER INTRODUCTIONS
6:00 PM: AMS RACE (150 LAPS, 131.25 MILES)

SATURDAY, AUGUST 8
10:30 AM – 11:20 AM: NOAPS PRACTICE
11:35 AM – 12:30 PM: NOAPS QUALIFYING
1:05 PM – 1:55 PM: NCS PRACTICE (COMBINED GROUP 1 & 2 (IMPOUND))
2:10 PM – 3:00 PM: NCS QUALIFYING (IMPOUND)
3:25 PM: NOAPS DRIVER INTRODUCTIONS
4:00 PM: NOAPS RACE (STAGES 60/120/250 LAPS = 218.75 MILES

SUNDAY, AUGUST 9
1:50 PM: NCS DRIVER INTRODUCTIONS
2:30 PM: NCS RACE (STAGES 70/210/350 LAPS = 306.25 MILES)
*All times are Eastern. NASCAR Cup Series (NCS), NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series (NOAPS), NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (NCTS), ARCA Menards Series (AMS)

Who and what should you look out for at Iowa Speedway?

The second starting position or outside front row has led to winning both 2024 and 2025 races in the NCS.

Both William Byron (2024) and Chase Briscoe (2025) have finished in the runner-up spot, and Ryan Blaney and Byron are the only two drivers that have finished inside the top five in both NCS races.

A total of eight different drivers have finished in the top five in the two NCS races: Blaney (2), Byron (2), Brad Keselowski (1), Chase Briscoe (1), Chase Elliott (1), Christopher Bell (1), Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (1), and Ryan Preece (1).

Blaney leads the NCS in laps led with 230 laps led (33% of his laps completed).

The Driver Picks for the Iowa Corn 350 at Iowa Speedway

Driver Picks for the Iowa Corn 350 at Iowa Speedway
  • Christopher Bell has one top five, one top 10, and an average finish of 10.500.
  • Joey Logano has two top 10s and an average finish of 7.500.
  • Ryan Blaney has one win, two top fives, two top 10s, and an average finish of 2.500.
  • Chase Elliott has one top five, one top 10, and an average finish of 8.500.
  • William Byron has one win, two top fives, two top 10s, and a series-best average finish of 1.500.

Sowing Speed in Corn Country: Cody Ware Brings Firsthand Experience to Iowa Corn 350

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (Aug. 4, 2026) – Ahead of last year’s Iowa Corn 350 at Iowa Speedway in Newton, all Cody Ware had to go on was his work in the simulator. The NASCAR Cup Series driver had never made a start at Iowa in any series.

In 2026, Ware returns to the .875-mile oval with firsthand experience, allowing the 30-year-old racer to juxtapose his sim sessions with the reality of what he felt a year ago in the Hawkeye State.

“I learned the track is very abrasive,” said Ware when asked about the difference between racing Iowa in simulation and turning actual laps on its asphalt. “They’ve done some asphalt work, but it’s disconnected as far as where the new patches of pavement are compared to the old, and so that created a lack of forward drive. It definitely was one of the tougher races we had last year. But it was also tangible experience, too. We didn’t have that before.”

Simulation is incredibly valuable. The immersive, full-motion platform technology allows drivers and their teams to optimize their setups for individual track configurations, and for drivers to log practice laps ahead of an upcoming race weekend. It is as close to the real thing as drivers and teams can get, with a massive wrap-around, high-definition video screen that mimics the track from a driver’s perspective, complete with all the markers needed to note brake points and acceleration zones.

“For any race weekend, the sim is crucial,” Ware said. “It gives the team a chance to get the car dialed in, get us right for qualifying and, hopefully, get us a decent starting position. Without the sim, it would take me all of practice and qualifying to even have a semblance of what I need in the car.”

In this brave new world of computer and video technology, simulation is incredibly realistic, and drivers go to extra lengths to make it even more authentic.

“I wear my driving shoes to replicate the pedal feel inside the racecar, but the main thing is just the repetition and learning,” Ware said. “For me, the biggest thing is just the muscle memory, getting visuals, picking up markers, knowing what I need to look for on the racetrack before I actually get to the racetrack.”

Located less than 40 miles east of Des Moines, Iowa Speedway is a D-shaped oval that features variable banking. Its turns are banked between 12-14 degrees, the frontstretch is banked at 10 degrees, and the backstretch has just 4 degrees of banking.

Its layout was designed by NASCAR Hall of Famer Rusty Wallace, and its similarity to the .75-mile Richmond (Va.) Raceway is no coincidence. Wallace claimed Richmond as one of his favorite tracks, and when he joined Iowa’s design team in 2003, Wallace used Richmond as his baseline.

Construction of Iowa began on June 21, 2005, and the facility made its public debut on Sept. 15, 2006, with a Hooters Pro Cup Series race during which driver Woody Howard became the track’s first victor. ARCA Menards Series races followed in 2006 and the IndyCar Series joined Iowa’s lineup in 2007.

The facility hosted the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series from 2009 through 2019, holding a total of 33 races (20 O’Reilly Series races and 13 Truck Series races). NASCAR had been absent from Iowa since 2020, with the 2024 Cup/O’Reilly double bill providing a welcome return to a track many in the industry have come to love.

“I was probably one of the only guys last year that hadn’t competed in a national series race at Iowa before, so to be able to go back with a Cup race under my belt is going to be pretty huge. That will definitely lessen that learning curve this time around,” Ware said.

Ware brings this familiarity to Iowa along with a familiar partner on his No. 51 Chevrolet for Rick Ware Racing (RWR) – Costa Oil 10-Minute Oil Change and its growing line of Costa Oil Filters.

With a national footprint of more than 70 locations, Costa Oil specializes in no-appointment, drive-through, 10-minute oil changes. It is one of the fastest-growing models in the quick-lube space, and Iowa represents a strategic race for Costa Oil, with multiple 10-Minute Oil Change locations throughout the state, including one less than a 10-minute drive from Iowa Speedway at 1217 1st Ave. East in Newton.

“Founder and CEO Costa Kapothanasis is a big fan of the sport and a big supporter of RWR,” Ware said. “My brother, Carson, did a really good job cultivating the relationship. Today, they’re a primary partner of our Cup program, and every race I wear my Costa Oil helmet.

“Costa 10-Minute Oil Change is a family-run business, just like us, and they’re using motorsports to grow their business. We have similar mindsets and that’s what makes it such a good partnership.”

Ware’s Iowa race weekend begins with practice at 1:05 p.m. CDT/2:05 p.m. EDT on Saturday followed by qualifying at 2:10 p.m. CDT/3:10 p.m. EDT. TruTV and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio will provide live coverage of both. The Iowa Corn 350 goes green on Sunday at 2:30 p.m. CDT/3:30 p.m. EDT with flag-to-flag coverage delivered by USA Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

About Rick Ware Racing:

Rick Ware has been a motorsports mainstay for more than 40 years. It started at age 6 when the third-generation racer began his driving career and has since spanned four wheels and two wheels on both asphalt and dirt. Competing in the SCCA Trans Am Series and other road-racing divisions led Ware to NASCAR in the early 1980s, where he finished third in his NASCAR debut – the 1983 Warner W. Hodgdon 300 NASCAR Grand American race at Riverside (Calif.) International Raceway. In 1995, Rick Ware Racing was formed, and with wife Lisa by his side, Ware transitioned out of the driver’s seat and into full-time team ownership. He has since built his eponymous organization into an entity that competes full-time in the elite NASCAR Cup Series while simultaneously campaigning winning teams in the Top Fuel class of the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, Progressive American Flat Track (AFT), FIM World Supercross Championship (WSX) and zMAX CARS Tour.

Black’s Tire Teams with Tanner Gray for Black’s Tire 250 at Richmond

Down East Heating & Air Joins BTS on No. 15 Toyota Tundra for Black’s Tire 250

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (August 4, 2026) – TRICON Garage (TRICON) is excited to have Black’s Tire (BTS) as primary partner on Tanner Gray’s No. 15 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro at Richmond Raceway, featuring a distinct “Black Magic” livery to celebrate their entitlement partnership for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (NCTS) race, the Black’s Tire 250.

BTS will also welcome Down East Heating & Air as a partner on the truck, marking the second time the two companies have teamed up with Gray during the 2026 season. For more than 40 years, Down East Heating & Air has kept homes and businesses comfortable across coastal North Carolina and South Carolina, providing heating and cooling systems built to withstand the region’s salt air, humidity, and severe storms.

The special wrap will highlight key independent tire dealers, wholesale customers, and partner dealers that have helped fuel BTS’ company’s growth, reinforcing its commitment to supporting locally owned businesses and delivering industry-leading products and services. The event also showcases the company’s growing network of partner dealers throughout the Richmond market, Central Virginia, the Southeast, and beyond.

BTS Rewards, fueled by Elite Rewards, will be featured throughout the Black’s Tire 250 race weekend as the official rewards platform for Black’s Tire Service and BTS Tire & Wheel Distributors. The program rewards our partner dealers with exclusive benefits, VIP experiences, and valuable incentives while reinforcing our commitment to building stronger partnerships and delivering exceptional value.

“We’re honored to team up with both Tanner Gray and Richmond Raceway for this exciting event,” said Rick Benton II, Vice President of Black’s Tire Service. “The Black’s Tire 250 is an opportunity to celebrate the independent tire dealers, wholesale customers and BTS Partner Dealers who are the backbone of our business. As we continue expanding our wholesale presence throughout Virginia, we’re thrilled to bring our dealer partners on-board Tanner’s truck from across the region to Richmond for a weekend that recognizes the relationships that drive our success.”

The Black’s Tire 250 presented by BTS Rewards at Richmond Raceway will be televised live on FOX Sports 1 on Friday, August 14 at 7:30 P.M. ET, with radio coverage provided by SiriusXM and the NASCAR Racing Network.

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 celebrating 97 years of business in 2026. With more than 75 locations in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia & Eastern Tennessee, 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 15 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 1,200 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 Down East Heating and Air Conditioning

Down East Heating and Air Conditioning has proudly been keeping homes and businesses comfortable for over 40 years and proud to be the #1 Bryant Cooling and Heating Products Dealer of the Carolina’s. Down East is ready to help you with your Cooling or Heating needs offering quality products and service whenever the situation arises. Down East where employees and clients have always been treated like family. Integrity. Knowledge. Dedication. A family-first mindset. Teamwork. These principles guided the business in 1986 when it first opened, and they continue to guide it today.

NASCAR Names Wheatley American Vodka Official Vodka in New Multi-Year Partnership

One of the Fastest Growing Vodkas in the United States also becomes Entitlement Partner of the Wheatley Vodka Clash, Which Shifts to Daytona International Speedway in 2027

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Aug. 4, 2026) — NASCAR today announced a new multi-year partnership with Wheatley American Vodka, naming the premium American-made spirit the Official Vodka of NASCAR®.

As part of the partnership, Wheatley American Vodka will also become the entitlement partner of The Wheatley Vodka Clash, one of NASCAR’s signature annual events that kicks off the season as the first Cup Series exhibition race. As announced today, the annual preseason event will return to Daytona International Speedway on Saturday, Feb. 13, 2027.

Crafted at the historic Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Ky., Wheatley American Vodka is known for its commitment to quality, precision, American craftsmanship—values that closely align with NASCAR’s heritage and fan base.

“The strongest partnerships are built on authentic connections, and like many of the partnerships we’ve forged in recent months, Wheatley American Vodka shares the values that have defined NASCAR for generations—from a commitment to craftsmanship and American tradition to creating memorable experiences for our fans,” said Jake Krantz, Senior Director of National Sales, NASCAR. “From race weekends to the Wheatley Vodka Clash, this partnership gives us new opportunities to elevate the fan experience while introducing one of America’s premier vodka brands to one of the most passionate fan communities in sports.”

Wheatley American Vodka will hold vodka category rights for marketing and promotion, which will include year-round integration across NASCAR’s platforms and marquee events, highlighted by the title sponsorship of The Wheatley Vodka Clash. The partnership will also feature a custom 30-second promotional spot and elevated fan experiences through on-site activations at The Clash.

“Wheatley American Vodka was built with a focus on quality, hard work, and bringing people together, making NASCAR a natural fit for our brand,” said David Binder, Senior Brand Director, Wheatley American Vodka. “Whether fans are celebrating at the track, gathering with friends to watch the race, attending The Clash, or raising a glass after a memorable weekend, we’re proud to become part of those moments and to begin this partnership with one of America’s most iconic sports.”

Finally, as part of the partnership, NASCAR and Wheatley American Vodka will create a program to give back to service members and military veterans. Details around the program will be announced at a later date.

About NASCAR

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) is the sanctioning body for the No. 1 form of motorsports in the United States and owner of 14 of the nation’s major motorsports entertainment facilities. NASCAR sanctions races in three national series (NASCAR Cup Series™, NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series™, and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series™), four international series (NASCAR Brasil Series, NASCAR Canada Series, NASCAR Euro Series, NASCAR Mexico Series), four regional series (ARCA Menards Series, ARCA Menards Series East & West and the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour) and a local grassroots series (NASCAR Local Racing Series Powered by O’Reilly Auto Parts). The International Motor Sports Association™ (IMSA®) governs the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship™, the premier U.S. sports car series. NASCAR also owns Motor Racing Network, Racing Electronics, and ONE DAYTONA. Based in Daytona Beach, Florida, with offices in five cities across North America, NASCAR sanctions more than 1,200 races annually in 11 countries and more than 30 U.S. states.

For more information visit www.NASCAR.com and www.IMSA.com, and follow NASCAR on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, X and Facebook.

About Wheatley American Vodka

Wheatley American Vodka is proudly crafted in America’s Heartland at the world’s most award-winning distillery. Distilled ten times and triple filtered for an exceptionally smooth, clean taste, Wheatley is made with American grains and distilled by a true heartlander. Delivering high-quality American vodka that consumers are proud to drink and share, Wheatley American Vodka is easy to enjoy in simple mixed drinks like vodka sodas, vodka lemonades and American mules. Wheatley American Vodka is rooted in moments that bring people together, like backyard BBQs, and celebrates the spirit of American craftsmanship.

TOM BAYER’S SCHOOL OF DRAG RACING COMING TO LUCAS OIL INDIANAPOLIS RACEWAY PARK AND FAMOSO

INDIANAPOLIS (Aug. 4, 2026) – The weekend after the world’s biggest drag race at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, Tom Bayer’s School of Drag Racing will host a special two-day licensing class in Indianapolis on Sept. 11-12.

The well-renowned school, which started more than 25 years ago, will also hold a two-day licensing class at Famoso Dragstrip on Oct. 15-16 in Bakersfield, Calif., offering participants a marquee opportunity to earn their NHRA competition license.

The two-day class in Indy takes place just after the Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals on Sept. 2-7, giving students a chance to license and learn the sport of NHRA drag racing just after the most prestigious race in the sport.

The classes are designed for everyone from beginners in the sport to established racers, helping experienced drivers improve and giving newcomers the chance to become NHRA licensed racers and competitive drivers.

The two-day program at Tom Bayer’s School of Drag Racing includes detailed and comprehensive classroom training to learn drag racing fundamentals and safety, as well as one-on-one instruction. Participants will also get to drive and license in a 150-mph dragster, building up to an eight-second run over the course of six passes to earn their license under expert supervision from Bayer and his team.

Bayer and his team have extensive experience in NHRA drag racing, bringing more than four decades of expertise to the track. He’s enjoyed impressive success on the track, too, as a multi-time NHRA event winner in the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, while his students have had significant accomplishments over the years as well.

The two-day event at Famoso Dragstrip takes place the weekend before another major event, with the California Hot Rod Reunion – featuring the thrilling Nitro Revival – taking place at the standout facility on Oct. 23-25.

For more information on Tom Bayer’s School of Drag Racing, visit www.tombayersschoolofdragracing.com. For more information on NHRA, including the full 2026 schedule, visit www.NHRA.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 presented by Hoosier 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.

The Clash Preseason NASCAR Cup Series Race Returns to World Center of Racing for 2027

Wheatley American Vodka to help kick off Speedweeks Presented by AdventHealth on Saturday, Feb. 13, as entitlement partner of the Wheatley Vodka Clash

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Aug. 4, 2026) – Back by popular demand, NASCAR’s season-opening exhibition race is returning to its original home. Daytona International Speedway announced today that the Wheatley Vodka Clash will kick off the 2027 edition of Speedweeks Presented by AdventHealth on Saturday, Feb. 13, bringing the fan-favorite event back to the World Center of Racing as part of the track’s 2027 NASCAR schedule.

The Clash was last contested in Daytona in 2021 on the road course configuration at the famed motorsports facility, won by the late Kyle Busch. Prior to that, the 2.5-mile high-banked superspeedway hosted The Clash from 1979-2020, with Erik Jones winning the last time it was raced on the oval. In recent years, the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum (2022-2024) and Bowman Gray Stadium (2025, 2026) hosted the exhibition event.

Simultaneously, NASCAR and Daytona International Speedway announced today a new multi-year partnership with Wheatley American Vodka, naming the premium American-made spirit the Official Vodka of NASCAR®.

As part of the partnership, Wheatley American Vodka will also become the entitlement partner of The Clash, one of NASCAR’s signature annual events that kicks off the season as the first Cup Series exhibition race.

“The pairing of a fan-favorite event like The Clash with a premier vodka brand in Wheatley American Vodka is the perfect way to welcome home one of NASCAR’s most beloved traditions to open Speedweeks Presented by AdventHealth for 2027,” said Daytona International Speedway President Frank Kelleher. “The Wheatley Vodka Clash adds another can’t-miss event to an already unforgettable week, creating even more opportunities for our fans to experience the energy and excitement that make Speedweeks so special. It all builds toward the DAYTONA 500—The Great American Race—and the start of another unforgettable NASCAR season at the World Center of Racing.”

The announcement comes as part of the release of the 2027 slate of NASCAR activity scheduled for Daytona International Speedway, with Speedweeks Presented by AdventHealth taking place from Saturday, Feb. 13, through the 69th running of The Great American Race on Sunday, Feb. 21. The August weekend, capped off by the Coke Zero Sugar 400, will take place August 27-28.

In addition to the traditional slate of on-track action over the nine-day stretch, Daytona Beach will see the return of Bert Kreischer’s “Full Throttle Festival” to the Ocean Center Convention Center on Saturday, Feb. 20. The pre-race bash on the eve of the DAYTONA 500 will feature a full night of music and comedy with a star-studded lineup curated by Bert. Fans can sign up now at FullThrottleFestival.com to be the first to learn the lineup and when tickets go on sale.

The ARCA Menards Series, NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series will also return to the World Center of Racing for their 2027 season openers in February. The NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series will also accompany the Cup Series during the August race weekend.

Below are the dates for the 2027 NASCAR season at Daytona International Speedway:

DAYTONA 500 race weekend (Speedweeks Presented by AdventHealth):

  • Saturday, Feb. 13 – Wheatley Vodka Clash
  • Wednesday, Feb. 17 – NASCAR Cup Series DAYTONA 500 Qualifying Presented by Busch Light
  • Thursday, Feb. 18 – NASCAR Cup Series Duel at Daytona
  • Friday, Feb. 19 – NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race
  • Saturday, Feb. 20 – NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and ARCA Menards Series races
  • Sunday, Feb. 21 – NASCAR Cup Series DAYTONA 500

Coke Zero Sugar 400 race weekend:

  • Friday, Aug. 27 – NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race
  • Saturday, Aug. 28 – NASCAR Cup Series Coke Zero Sugar 400

There is still plenty of thrilling NASCAR racing to come in 2026 at the World Center of Racing as the Cup Series and O’Reilly Auto Parts Series will contest their regular season finales in late August. The 2026 Coke Zero Sugar 400 race weekend kicks off on Friday night, Aug. 28th, with the Winn-Dixie 250 Powered by Coca-Cola taking the track. Then, on Saturday, Aug. 29th, the stars of the Cup Series battle in the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at 7:30 p.m. ET for the final opportunity to earn their spot in The Chase.

Earlier this year, Tyler Reddick captured his first DAYTONA 500 championship, setting off an incredible start to the season that saw him go on to win five of the first nine races. The win was also the first DAYTONA 500 victory for 23XI Racing. While Reddick has already clinched his spot in The Chase for this season, he’s aiming to become only the sixth driver overall and the first since Jimmie Johnson in 2013 to win both the DAYTONA 500 and the Coke Zero Sugar 400 in the same season.

Fans can enjoy a variety of exclusive hospitality experiences for the Coke Zero Sugar 400 and the 2027 DAYTONA 500, including the recently added NASCAR 1948. Blending the heritage of stock car racing with premium amenities, 1948 features behind-the-scenes access, dedicated parking and transportation, elevated dining, and personalized concierge service. Visit nascarexperiences.com/1948 to learn more.

Tickets for the Coke Zero Sugar 400 race weekend, as well as ticket and additional information for 2027 Speedweeks Presented by AdventHealth events, can be found at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.  Fans can also purchase an exclusive pre-race ticket package for the Coke Zero Sugar 400 with a reserved seat, admission to the Hard Rock Bet Fanzone, and pre-race access for LOCASH’s pre-race concert.

About Daytona International Speedway    
Daytona International Speedway is a state-of-the-art motorsports facility and was awarded the SportsBusiness Journal’s prestigious Sports Business Award for Sports Facility of the Year in 2016. Daytona International Speedway is the home of The Great American Race – the DAYTONA 500. Though the season-opening NASCAR Cup Series event garners most of the attention – as well as the largest audience in motorsports – the approximately 500-acre motorsports complex, also known as the World Center of Racing, boasts the most diverse schedule of racing on the globe. Some of the exciting racing events include January’s Rolex 24 At DAYTONA and Roar Before The Rolex 24, February’s DAYTONA 500 and Speedweeks Presented by AdventHealth, March’s Bike Week At DAYTONA Presented By GEICO, featuring DAYTONA Supercross and the DAYTONA 200, the August Coke Zero Sugar 400 weekend, and much more. The Speedway grounds are also used extensively for other events that include concerts (Welcome to Rockville, Heroes Honor Festival, etc.), sporting events (DAYTONA Soccer Fest, CLASH DAYTONA, etc.) civic and social gatherings, car shows, photo shoots, production vehicle testing and police motorcycle training.    

About NASCAR

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) is the sanctioning body for the No. 1 form of motorsports in the United States and owner of 14 of the nation’s major motorsports entertainment facilities. NASCAR sanctions races in three national series (NASCAR Cup Series™, NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series™, and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series™), four international series (NASCAR Brasil Series, NASCAR Canada Series, NASCAR Euro Series, NASCAR Mexico Series), four regional series (ARCA Menards Series, ARCA Menards Series East & West and the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour) and a local grassroots series (NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series). The International Motor Sports Association™ (IMSA®) governs the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship™, the premier U.S. sports car series. NASCAR also owns Motor Racing Network, Racing Electronics, and ONE DAYTONA. Based in Daytona Beach, Florida, with offices in five cities across North America, NASCAR sanctions more than 1,200 races annually in 11 countries and more than 30 U.S. states.     

For more information visit www.NASCAR.com and www.IMSA.com, and follow NASCAR on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, X and Facebook.    

About Wheatley American Vodka

Wheatley American Vodka is proudly crafted in America’s Heartland at the world’s most award-winning distillery. Distilled ten times and triple filtered for an exceptionally smooth, clean taste, Wheatley is made with American grains and distilled by a true heartlander. Delivering high-quality American vodka that consumers are proud to drink and share, Wheatley American Vodka is easy to enjoy in simple mixed drinks like vodka sodas, vodka lemonades and American mules. Wheatley American Vodka is rooted in moments that bring people together, like backyard BBQs, and celebrates the spirit of American craftsmanship.

Carson Brown, Tristan McKee set for NASCAR debuts in early August

Photo by John Knittel for SpeedwayMedia.com.

A pair of rising prospects are scheduled to make their first career starts between two of NASCAR’s top-three national touring series division to commence the opening pair of weekends in August.

The first is Carson Brown, who will make his NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series debut this upcoming Saturday, August 8, at Iowa Speedway in Newton, Iowa, for the HyVee Perks 250. Brown, whose announcement of his O’Reilly debut was made on August 3, will be driving the No. 32 Distributor Wire and Cable Chevrolet Camaro entry for Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport.

Brown, an 18-year-old native of New London, North Carolina, is a development competitor for Richard Childress Racing. He currently competes on a part-time basis in both the ARCA Menards Series and ARCA Menards Series East divisions for Pinnacle Racing Group, where he scored his first career victory at Phoenix Raceway in March after he led all 157 laps from pole position.

Previoulsy, Brown made his first ARCA Menards Series East career start at Five Flags Speedway to commence the 2025 campaign, he notched a runner-up result at Phoenix during the 2025 ARCA West finale and he has five ASA STARS National Tour victories between 2025-26. He has also competed in the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing, the INEX Summer Shootout and the CARS Late Model Stock Tour divisions.

This upcoming Saturday, Brown is scheduled to become the sixth competitor to drive Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport’s No. 32 Chevrolet entry in at least one O’Reilly event in 2026. The entry is currently ranked in 18th place in the owner’s standings and has finished in the top-10 mark six times through 22-scheduled starts. The entry’s highest results are a pair of fourth-place runs with team owner Jordan Anderson at Daytona International Speedway in mid-February and with Ross Chastain at Watkins Glen International in early May.

“I’ve been fortunate to race with great teams, filled with really smart and driven people, who have prepared me for this moment,” Brown said. “The O’Reilly Series is a big step, but it’s the right step and I’m definitely ready for it. It’s an awesome opportunity and I’m proud to be doing it with Chevrolet, Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport and Distributor Wire & Cable.”

A week after Brown’s O’Reilly debut, Tristan McKee will make his Craftsman Truck Series debut next Friday, August 14, at Richmond Raceway in Richmond, Virginia, for the Black Tire’s 200. McKee, whose Truck debut’s announcement was made on July 30, will be piloting the No. 77 Chevrolet Silverado RST entry for Spire Motorsports.

McKee, a 16-year-old native of Williamsburg, Virginia, is currently competing on a full-time basis in the ARCA Menards Series East division for Pinnacle Racing Group. He also competes with the organization on a part-time basis between the ARCA Menards Series and ARCA Menards Series West divisions. He won in his ARCA debut at Watkins Glen International in August 2025 while driving for Spire Motorsports and has achieved ARCA West victories at Hickory Motor Speedway, Rockingham Speedway and Toledo Speedway this season, respectively. With five top-three results, McKee is currently ranked in the runner-up spot in the 2026 ARCA East driver’s standings and he trails the points lead by seven points with two events remaining on this year’s schedule.

Previously, McKee, who is a development competitor for Spire Motorsports, competed in CARS Late Model Stock Car Tour, CARS Pro Late Model Tour, Trans Am and the All-Pro Limited Late Model Series divisions. He also competes in the ASA STARS National Tour this season for Wauters Motorsports.

With McKee just celebrating his 16th birthday on August 3, he is also eligible to compete on road courses and racing venues that measure 1.25 miles or less in the Truck Series division. After making his debut at Richmond, he will drive the No. 77 entry in four additional events: New Hampshire Motor Speedway in August 22, Bristol Motor Speedway on September 17, Phoenix Raceway on October 16 and Martinsville Speedway on October 30. The latter trio of events occur during the series’ Chase.

McKee is scheduled to become the eighth competitor to drive Spire Motorsports’ No. 77 Chevrolet entry in at least one Truck start this season. The entry is ranked in ninth place in the owner’s standings and has finished in the top-10 mark eight times through 16-scheduled starts. The entry also achieved a win with Carson Hocevar at Texas Motor Speedway in early May as the team strives to remain above the top-10 cutline prior to the Chase’s start and contend for an owner’s championship.

“This is a huge step in my career and I’m incredibly thankful for the opportunity to drive for Spire Motorsports in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series,” McKee said. “I can’t thank Jeff Dickerson, Dan Towriss, Bill Anthony, and everyone at Spire Motorsports enough for believing in me and making this possible. I’ve worked for this opportunity my entire life and I’m thrilled to take this next step in my career.”

The 2026 HyVee Perks 250 at Iowa Speedway for Carson Brown’s O’Reilly Auto Parts Series debut is scheduled to occur this upcoming Saturday, August 8, at 5 p.m. ET on the CW Network, MRN Radio and SiriusXM.

The 2026 Black Tire 250 at Richmond Raceway for Tristan McKee’s Craftsman Truck Series debut is scheduled to occur next Friday, August 14, at 7:30 p.m. ET on FS1, NASCAR Racing Network and SiriusXM.

Why Local Expertise Matters When Choosing a Financial Advisor Salt Lake City

Choosing a financial advisor is a significant decision that can impact your financial well-being for years to come. In Salt Lake City, the unique economic landscape and community-driven culture mean a financial advisor who understands local nuances can make all the difference. This article explains why local expertise matters when choosing a financial advisor in Salt Lake City, covering everything from the city’s financial landscape to building trust through community connections. By the end, you’ll understand how a locally knowledgeable advisor can enhance your financial strategies and ultimately help you achieve your financial goals.

Local Financial Landscape in Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City boasts a diverse economy with robust sectors in technology, finance, and healthcare. This economic variety can influence financial strategies, particularly in areas like asset allocation, where local industry trends might affect investment choices. A financial advisor familiar with the city’s economic climate can provide insights that a non-local advisor might miss. For instance, understanding how the local job market influences the debt-to-income ratio is crucial for tailoring financial advice to your circumstances. Additionally, the city’s unique tax regulations and incentives are vital considerations for effective tax planning. A local advisor’s knowledge of these factors can strengthen strategies such as tax-loss harvesting, a technique that offsets capital gains by selling securities at a loss. Recent IRS analysis indicates that understanding regional tax nuances can significantly affect your financial outcomes, especially if you seek a Financial Advisor Salt Lake City skilled in these matters.

Key Characteristics of a Knowledgeable Financial Advisor

When selecting a financial advisor, certain key characteristics stand out. A strong grasp of fiduciary duty, where the advisor acts in your best interest, is crucial. Local advisors in Salt Lake City are often more attuned to community standards and expectations, helping ensure they prioritize clients’ needs.

Moreover, a capable advisor will conduct a thorough risk tolerance assessment. This process involves evaluating how much financial risk you are comfortable taking, which is particularly relevant in a city with a dynamic economy like Salt Lake City. Advisors who understand local investment opportunities can better tailor their advice to your personal financial situation, ensuring your investment strategy reflects both your risk tolerance and local conditions.

Furthermore, Salt Lake City advisors are likely to be familiar with local behavioral finance trends. This understanding can help them guide you in making informed decisions that align with your long-term goals, including strategies for achieving financial independence, retire early (FIRE).

How Local Insights Enhance Investment Strategies

Local insights can significantly enhance your investment strategies. For instance, understanding how the Salt Lake City real estate market affects asset allocation can help you make more informed decisions. A knowledgeable advisor will understand the local implications of economic shifts, such as how rising home values affect the broader investment landscape.

Furthermore, local advisors can provide valuable insights into cash flow forecasting, a critical component of effective investment management. Their understanding of the regional economy allows them to anticipate changes and adjust strategies accordingly. A recent report from The Federal Reserve highlights the importance of localized economic knowledge in financial planning.

Additionally, local advisors might employ tools like the Monte Carlo simulation, a method used to predict future financial trends by simulating different economic scenarios. This technique is particularly useful in a city like Salt Lake, where market conditions can fluctuate rapidly.

Building Trust Through Community Connections

Trust is a cornerstone of any successful advisor-client relationship, and local financial advisors often have an edge because they are ingrained in the community. Their involvement in local events and organizations builds credibility and trustworthiness, making them more approachable to clients.

Community connections also enhance an advisor’s understanding of local financial challenges and opportunities, allowing them to offer more personalized advice. For example, a Financial Advisor in Salt Lake City with community ties might know of emerging local businesses that could present unique investment opportunities.

Moreover, local advisors often establish lasting relationships with clients, fostering an environment where open communication and tailored estate planning strategies can thrive. This community-based trust ensures that clients receive advice that not only meets their financial needs but also resonates with their personal values and aspirations.

Conclusion

Choosing a financial advisor with local expertise in Salt Lake City offers substantial advantages. From understanding the local economic landscape to building trust through community involvement, a knowledgeable advisor can tailor strategies that align with your financial goals. For anyone seeking to optimize their financial planning, partnering with a local advisor is a smart move that leverages both regional insights and personal connections.

Dunearn Green Secures Highest Land Rate Among Recent Dunearn Road GLS Plots

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Dunearn Green Exemplifies Premium Value on Dunearn Road

In a striking testament to its premium valuation, Dunearn Green, developed by esteemed names Wing Tai Holdings and Metro Holdings, recently clinched the highest land rate among Government Land Sales (GLS) plots along the coveted Dunearn Road. This noteworthy achievement not only underscores the intrinsic value of the property but also highlights its allure as a top-tier residential investment.

Dunearn Green: A Benchmark of Luxurious Living

The acquisition of Dunearn Green at such a commendable land rate reflects its positioning as a pinnacle of luxurious living. By securing a prime location near the Sixth Avenue MRT station, Dunearn Green promises ease of access blended with serene exclusivity. This combination is highly prized in the real estate market, often attracting discerning buyers looking for both convenience and tranquility in one package.

Strategic Development by Wing Tai Holdings and Metro Holdings Enhances Value

Wing Tai Holdings and Metro Holdings bring their formidable expertise to Dunearn Green, ensuring that every aspect of the development is crafted to meet the highest standards of luxury and functionality. Their involvement is a clear indicator of the project’s reliability and potential for high returns on investment. The high land rate is not just a cost but a reflection of the anticipated value these top developers are poised to infuse into every square foot of Dunearn Green.

Location as a Pillar of Investment Attractiveness

The strategic location of Dunearn Green on Dunearn Road, near the Sixth Avenue MRT station, plays a pivotal role in its valuation. Accessibility to major transport links is a significant factor that enhances the desirability of residential properties in Singapore, and Dunearn Green is perfectly placed to take advantage of this. The proximity to the MRT station not only promises convenience but also boosts the potential for capital appreciation, making it an attractive prospect for both local and international investors.

Investor Confidence Boosted by Dunearn Green’s Prime Positioning

The record-setting land rate achieved by Dunearn Green reflects a strong vote of confidence from the investor community. It signifies a robust demand for high-quality residential units in prime locations, which Dunearn Green exemplifies. Investors are not merely buying into a residential property but into an area that is expected to see substantial growth and development, further enhancing the investment’s value over time.

A Promise of Exclusivity and High Returns

Dunearn Green offers an exclusive living experience that goes beyond the standard offerings of many high-end condominiums. This exclusivity is a key factor in its high land rate, as it appeals to those who seek a differentiated lifestyle. Moreover, the promise of high returns on investment due to its location and development quality makes it a compelling choice for investors.

Dunearn Green’s Contribution to the Dunearn Road Prestige

The distinction of securing the highest land rate among recent GLS plots is not only a testament to the value of Dunearn Green itself but also contributes to the overall prestige of Dunearn Road. Known for its upscale residential environment, Dunearn Road’s reputation is further enhanced by having Dunearn Green among its landmarks, reinforcing the area’s status as a top choice for luxury real estate in Singapore.

Future Prospects and Continued Growth

The continuing development and enhancement around Dunearn Road, coupled with strategic initiatives by Wing Tai Holdings and Metro Holdings, suggest that Dunearn Green’s value will only escalate. This upward trajectory makes it a smart acquisition for those looking to invest in Singapore’s luxury real estate market, promising not just a home but a growth asset.

As Dunearn Green continues to develop, it stands as a paragon of how strategic location, expert development, and a commitment to luxury combine to create real estate that is not just a place to live, but a place to thrive. The exceptional land rate it commands is just the beginning of its story.

Why Championship Racing Teams and Digital Businesses Win Through Operational Precision

Photo by DENIS MAROSAN on Unsplash

Motorsports may be known for breathtaking overtakes, lightning-fast pit stops, and dramatic finishes, but every race is ultimately won through preparation. Behind every successful NASCAR, Formula 1, or IndyCar team is an operation built on precision, teamwork, and flawless execution. Drivers may stand on the podium, but engineers, strategists, mechanics, and analysts all contribute to victory long before the green flag drops.

The same principle applies to today’s digital industries. Whether operating an online entertainment platform, managing financial transactions, or serving customers across multiple markets, businesses rely on coordinated systems working seamlessly behind the scenes. In competitive sectors such as iGaming, operational efficiency has become just as valuable as innovation because every customer interaction depends on reliable processes.

Organizations seeking to optimize complex transaction management often evaluate solutions like the Kyzen Payment suite, which demonstrates how payment orchestration can simplify workflows, improve operational visibility, and support scalable business growth. Just as race engineers coordinate every detail of a race weekend, effective payment management ensures every transaction reaches the finish line smoothly.

Every Winning Team Depends on More Than the Driver

Race fans naturally focus on the driver, but championships are earned through the collective efforts of an entire organization. Engineers interpret data, mechanics execute flawless pit stops, strategists make split-second decisions, and crew chiefs coordinate every aspect of race execution.

Modern businesses follow a remarkably similar model.

Successful organizations rely on:

  • Operations teams
  • Customer support specialists
  • Technology experts
  • Compliance professionals
  • Payment specialists
  • Business leadership

Each department contributes to delivering consistent performance across the entire customer journey.

Precision Creates Competitive Advantages

In racing, fractions of a second often determine victory. A slow pit stop, poor tire strategy, or minor mechanical issue can quickly eliminate a championship contender.

Businesses also compete on precision.

Operational excellence helps organizations achieve:

  • Faster transaction processing
  • Improved customer experiences
  • Better internal coordination
  • Reduced operational delays
  • More efficient workflows
  • Greater business scalability

Small improvements accumulated over time often separate market leaders from their competitors.

Comparing Race Operations and Business Operations

Although motorsports and digital businesses operate in different industries, both depend on careful planning and disciplined execution.

Motorsports TeamDigital Business
Crew chiefOperations manager
Race strategyBusiness strategy
Pit crewCustomer operations team
Telemetry analysisPerformance analytics
Race engineeringPayment orchestration and workflow management

In both environments, every role contributes toward achieving consistent, high-quality results.

Data Drives Better Decisions

Modern motorsports teams collect enormous amounts of information throughout every race. Tire temperatures, fuel consumption, lap times, weather conditions, and vehicle performance all influence strategic decisions.

Businesses increasingly rely on similar data-driven approaches.

Organizations monitor:

  • Customer satisfaction
  • Payment performance
  • Service response times
  • Operational efficiency
  • Workflow productivity
  • Business performance metrics

Analyzing this information helps leaders identify opportunities for continuous improvement before small issues become larger challenges.

Continuous Improvement Wins Championships

Championship-winning teams never stop improving. Even after successful races, engineers carefully review performance data to identify opportunities for further optimization.

Businesses benefit from adopting the same mindset.

Continuous improvement often includes:

  • Refining internal workflows
  • Improving communication
  • Automating repetitive tasks
  • Optimizing operational processes
  • Strengthening customer support
  • Monitoring key performance indicators

Consistent refinement helps organizations remain competitive in rapidly changing markets.

Reliability Builds Customer Confidence

Fans admire racing teams that consistently perform under pressure. Reliability often determines championship outcomes just as much as outright speed.

Businesses build trust in much the same way.

Customers appreciate organizations that consistently provide:

  • Reliable payment experiences
  • Clear communication
  • Fast issue resolution
  • Secure transactions
  • Consistent service quality

Dependability encourages long-term customer relationships while strengthening brand reputation.

Preparing for the Next Race in Digital Business

Technology continues reshaping industries at an incredible pace. Artificial intelligence, automation, cloud infrastructure, and advanced analytics are transforming how businesses operate, much like telemetry and simulation technologies have revolutionized professional motorsports.

However, technology alone cannot guarantee success. Long-term growth depends on disciplined execution, efficient teamwork, and operational systems capable of performing consistently under pressure. Organizations that invest in these foundations position themselves to adapt quickly, deliver exceptional customer experiences, and remain competitive regardless of how rapidly the business landscape evolves.

Whether competing for a racing championship or expanding a digital enterprise, victory rarely belongs to the fastest alone. It belongs to the teams that prepare thoroughly, execute consistently, and continuously improve every aspect of their performance.