Noah Gragson | Todd Gilliland | Zane Smith Watkins Glen International Race Report Go Bowling at The Glen Date: Sunday, August 10, 2025 Event: Race 26 of 38 Series: NASCAR Cup Series Location: Watkins Glen International (2.45-miles) Length of Race: 90 laps over two hours, 10 minutes, 39 seconds
“I’m happy we were able to finally get a clean race under our belts after the last month we’ve had,” said Smith. “The car definitely wasn’t what we needed on Saturday, and it put us in a hole, but our guys did a great job making gains with the limited stops we had today to get a decent run.”
“Practice didn’t go as planned, and we made an adjustment that went the wrong direction for qualifying,” said Gragson. “During the race, we just didn’t have any lateral grip and the car was pretty loose. With the way our season has been going, we’ve got to find the little wins where we can and build on that momentum. I’m really proud of the team for fighting all day and bringing home a 21st-place finish.”
“It was another one of those races where we just couldn’t quite get the car where it needed to be on Sunday,” said Gilliland. “We had top-10 speed in practice, but being in Group A for qualifying meant the track wasn’t as quick for us as it was for Group B, so our starting position suffered. In the race, we made some adjustments during our limited stops, but it wasn’t enough to make big gains. On a positive note, we stayed out of trouble and brought home a clean Overplay Ford.”
ABOUT FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS
Front Row Motorsports (FRM) is a winning organization in the NASCAR Cup and Craftsman Truck Series. The team is the 2021 Daytona 500 and 2022 Craftsman Truck Series champions. The team was founded in 2004 and is owned by successful entrepreneur, Bob Jenkins. FRM fields the No. 4, No. 34, and the No. 38 NASCAR Cup Series teams along with the No. 34 and No. 38 Craftsman Truck Series teams from its Mooresville, N.C. headquarters. Visit teamfrm.com and follow FRM on social media: Twitter at @Team_FRM, Instagram at @teamfrm and Facebook at facebook.com/FrontRowMotorsports.
Black’s Tire Service to Promote Upcoming Annual Boys & Girls Homes of North Carolina Charity Golf Tournament
Lexington, N.C. (August 11, 2025) – AJ Allmendinger will return to familiar colors this weekend for the Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway with an extended partnership with Black’s Tire Service (BTS). Allmendinger will drive the blue and yellow No. 16 Black’s Tire Chevrolet under the lights this Saturday, August 16, and again in the Cook Out Southern 400 at Darlington Raceway on Sunday, August 31.
BTS remains a family owned and operated tire seller and wholesaler with over 70 locations in North and South Carolina. Earlier this year, BTS partnered with Kaulig Racing and Christian Eckes in the NASCAR Xfinity Series at Darlington Raceway and Rockingham Speedway, as well as with AJ Allmendinger in the NASCAR Cup Series at Martinsville Speedway.
This weekend, the No. 16 Black’s Tire Chevrolet will have the addition of the Boys and Girls Homes of North Carolina logo on the deck lid. An initiative that extends BTS belief in families supporting families, BTS is using their partnership with Kaulig Racing to continue raising awareness for the Boys and Girls homes of North Carolina and to promote the upcoming BTS Boys and Girls Homes of North Carolina Charity Golf Tournament on September 18, 2025, at the Myrtle Beach National Golf Course. Donations and registration information for the event can be found at: https://www.blackstire.com/charity. For more information on the Boys and Girls Homes of North Carolina, visit: https://boysandgirlshomes.org/.
Coverage for the Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway will be on USA, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR: Channel 90.
Coverage for the Cook Out Southern 400 at Darlington Raceway, on Sunday, August 31, 2025, will be on USA, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR: Channel 90.
About Kaulig Racing
Kaulig Racing™ is a full-time, multi-car NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) and NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) team, owned by award winning entrepreneur, Matt Kaulig. Established in 2016, Kaulig Racing™ has earned 27 NXS wins, made the NXS Playoffs consecutively each season since the playoff system started, and won two regular-season championships. In 2021, the team competed in select NCS events, before expanding to a two-car, full-time NCS team in 2022 and adding a third, part-time entry during the 2023 season. Since its first NCS start in 2021, the team has earned two wins. Kaulig Racing is currently fielding two full-time entries in the NCS and continues to field three full-time NXS entries. To learn more about the team, visit kauligracing.com.
About Black’s Tire Service:
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 1,100 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. If any Independant tire dealer or automotive facility interested in becoming a BTS Partner Dealer contact BTS at 800-253-5716 or facebook.com/btspartnerdealers.
INDIANAPOLIS (August 11, 2025) – The Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals is undoubtedly the most prestigious race on the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series tour. Legends are made at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park every year during Labor Day Weekend, making a victory and a Wally at The Big Go so coveted.
Some drivers have multiple Indianapolis wins, while others work their whole careers to secure the coveted Wally at The Big Go. Regardless, a first victory at Indy is always special and what dreams are made of.
Last year saw a unique winner’s circle with four first-time Indy winners, as Clay Millican (Top Fuel), Austin Prock (Funny Car), Aaron Stanfield (Pro Stock), and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) forged their Indy legacy with victories.
Heading into 2025’s Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals on Aug. 27-Sept. 1 and with several big names still without their trademark moment in Indy, will we see a new group of first-time winners at the world’s biggest drag race?
Top Fuel
Among the Top Fuel stars who have yet to claim an Indianapolis win is two-time world champion and national record-holder Brittany Force. The Force name has been synonymous with Indianapolis for years, with John Force winning five times and Ashley Force Hood, Brittany’s sister, earning two Indy wins. But Brittany has yet to add her name to the list of Force family members who have conquered Indianapolis. The John Force Racing team has also won at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park several times, including Prock last year.
Other major names looking to win the Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals for the first time include Justin Ashley and racing legend Tony Stewart, who makes his second career Top Fuel start at the Big Go this year.
Funny Car
Funny Car veteran Bob Tasca III has seen a lot of success in the sport, but a Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals title is not yet on his win list. He has struggled in 2025, but an Indy win would certainly turn everything around.
Paul Lee won last year’s specialty NHRA Funny Car All-Star Callout but has yet to nab a win on Labor Day. Lee won his first career Funny Car race earlier this season in Phoenix. Could Indy be the home of his next win or will a young standout like Daniel Wilkerson or Spencer Hyde come up with a career-defining first-ever Funny Car victory?
Pro Stock
Undoubtedly, this year’s Pro Stock class has been dominated by the KB Titan Racing powerhouse, with reigning world champion Greg Anderson and Pro Stock standout Dallas Glenn winning eight of the 10 Pro Stock races so far this season. While Anderson has seven Indy race wins, Glenn is after his first at the prestigious race.
Glenn currently leads the points standings and will battle for the NHRA regular season championship with his teammate. An Indy win would clinch that and hand the former Rookie of the Year the biggest win in what has already been an impressive career.
Pro Stock Motorcycle
Reigning Pro Stock Motorcycle champion Gaige Herrera won his first Indy last season and once again leads the points this season.
But second place belongs to his Vance & Hines teammate Richard Gadson, who has won a pair of races in his second year in the category. It’s been a breakout year for Gadson and an Indy victory would be another major accomplishment for the championship contender.
Other riders looking for a first-time Indy win include standouts Angie Smith, Jianna Evaristo and Chase Van Sant.
This year’s race will once again be broadcast on FS1 and FOX, with Monday’s eliminations broadcast on FOX beginning at 2 p.m. ET.
For more than 70 years, the Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals has been the focal point of the NHRA season. Racers flock to Indy for their chance at drag racing glory, and NHRA greats, including Tony Schumacher, Bob Glidden, Don Garlits, Greg Anderson, Dave Shultz, and John Force have solidified themselves as Indianapolis royalty with multiple wins on drag racing’s grandest stage.
Top Fuel’s Schumacher has an amazing 10 victories at The Big Go, the most of any driver in NHRA history, while Force’s five Funny Car wins are tied with Ed “The Ace” McCulloch for the most in class history. Reigning Pro Stock world champion Greg Anderson won his seventh Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals in 2022, giving him his 100th career win. Reigning Top Fuel champ Antron Brown has five career wins across two classes at The Big Go in Top Fuel as well as Pro Stock Motorcycle.
Indy offers something for every racing fan, including:
Fans at the event who renew their tickets for the 2026 race will be given a special 75th anniversary replica championship ring. They will also be given the option to buy a commemorative ticket featuring several NHRA legends as NHRA looks to celebrate its diamond anniversary next season.
The Deecell NHRA Competition Eliminator Cash Clash is back at Indy, giving Comp Eliminator drivers a shot at a big payout on drag racing’s biggest stage.
The Sox & Martin Hemi Challenge returns as the longest-running continuous specialty race in NHRA history, and features exciting heads-up, wheelstanding, side-by-side racing of Hemi-powered ’68 Super Stock Dodge Darts and Plymouth Barracudas competing in the NHRA SS/AH class.
Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park will see more than 800 race cars competing for U.S. Nationals glory. From Top Fuel to Super Stock, there is a race car on track for any racing fanatic.
An unforgettable Top Eliminator Club experience, including NHRA driver appearances, food and drink, TEC gift bag, starting line seats and much more.
Free parking for all fans in attendance for the entire weekend.
SealMaster Track Walk before Monday’s eliminations.
Autograph sessions throughout the weekend and a can’t-miss Hot Rod Junction.
Children 12-and-under get in free to an event offering all-day entertainment for the entire family.
Also on the schedule is the final Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge race of the season, as drivers look to earn a bonus purse and bonus points for the upcoming Countdown to the Championship playoffs. Indy also features the world’s best in the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series, NHRA Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown and NHRA Holley EFI Factory X.
NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature one round at 6:15 p.m. ET on Friday, Aug. 29, two rounds at 12:30 and 3:15 p.m. ET on Saturday, Aug. 30 and the final two rounds of qualifying on Sunday, Aug. 31 at 12 and 2:45 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. ET on Monday, Sept 1.
Television coverage includes qualifying action on FS1 at 9:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, and eliminations at 12 p.m. on FS1 on Monday, shifting to FOX at 2 p.m.
The first round of the Funny Car All-Star Callout takes place at 12:45 p.m. ET on Sunday, Aug. 31, with the semifinals at 2:15 p.m. and the final round at 4 p.m. A special broadcast of the Callout takes place on FS1 at 5 p.m. ET on Sunday.
To purchase tickets to the 71st annual Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals, fans can visit www.NHRA.com/tickets. All children 12 and under will be admitted free in the general admission area with a paid adult. For more information about NHRA, visit www.NHRA.com.
About Mission Foods
MISSION®, owned by GRUMA, S.A.B. de C.V., is the world’s leading brand for tortillas and wraps. MISSION® is also globally renowned for flatbreads, dips, salsas and Mexican food products. With presence in over 112 countries, MISSION® products are suited to the lifestyles and the local tastes of each country. With innovation and customer needs in mind, MISSION® focuses on the highest quality, authentic flavors, and providing healthy options that families and friends can enjoy together. For more information, please visit https://www.missionfoods.com/
About NHRA
NHRA is the primary sanctioning body for the sport of drag racing in the United States. NHRA presents 20 national events featuring the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series and NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, as well as the Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series, NHRA Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown™, NHRA Holley EFI Factory X and Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage NHRA Mountain Motor Pro Stock at select national events. NHRA provides competition opportunities for drivers of all levels in the NHRA Summit Racing Series and NHRA Street Legal™. NHRA also offers the NHRA Jr. Street® program for teens and the Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League® for youth ages 5 to 17. With more than 100 Member Tracks, NHRA allows racers to compete at a variety of locations nationally and internationally. NHRA’s Youth and Education Services® (YES) Program reaches over 30,000 students annually to ignite their interest in automotive and racing related careers. NHRA’s streaming service, NHRA.tv®, allows fans to view all NHRA national events as well as exclusive features of the sport. In addition, NHRA owns and operates three racing facilities: Gainesville Raceway in Florida; Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park; and In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip in Southern California. For more information, log on to www.NHRA.com, or visit the official NHRA pages on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
MOORESVILLE, N.C. (August 11, 2025) – Spire Motorsports is permitting Andrés Pérez de Lara to explore other opportunities for the final eight races of 2025 and beyond, following the August 8 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race at Watkins Glen International. The Mooresville, N.C., team has yet to solidify its 2026 CRAFTSMAN Truck Series plans.
“Andrés has made meaningful progress this season, and we remain confident in his future,” said Spire Motorsports President Bill Anthony. “While we haven’t finalized our 2026 plans for the No. 77 team, we wanted to give him the opportunity to look ahead and pursue other options for the remainder of this year and beyond. He’s a hard worker, carries himself with humility, and brings a consistently positive attitude to the garage. He comes from a great family, and we fully expect him to continue making strides as part of Chevrolet’s driver development program. We’re proud to have been part of his journey and will continue cheering him on.”
Pérez de Lara has made 17 CRAFTSMAN Truck Series starts for Spire Motorsports in 2025, earning a pair of top 10s including a season-best seventh-place finish at Martinsville Speedway. The 2025 Sunoco Rookie of the Year contender is currently 17th in points and third in the rookie standings.
Spire Motorsports, in consultation with NASCAR, will shift the owner’s points from the team’s No. 07 entry to the No. 77 team with veteran Corey LaJoie at the controls for the final eight races of the season, beginning at Richmond Raceway.
The team will compete as a three-truck operation for the remainder of the 2025 campaign, fielding the Nos. 7, 71 and 77 Chevrolet Silverados in pursuit of the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series owner’s and driver’s titles.
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 May 30, 2025, when Rajah Caruth took the checkered flag in the Rackley Roofing 200 at Nashville (Tenn.) Superspeedway.
In 2025, Spire Motorsports campaigns the Nos. 7, 71 and 77 Chevrolets in the NASCAR Cup Series. The team also fields the Nos. 07, 7, 71 and 77 Chevrolet Silverados in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series and an ARCA Menards Series Chevrolet in select events.
Imagine this: you’re watching a thrilling NASCAR race, feeling the adrenaline as cars zoom around the track, and instead of merely hoping your favorite driver wins, you’re actively participating by placing real-time bets. This is no longer a fantasy—this is the reality that online casino Australia and mobile casinos are bringing to NASCAR fans. By integrating virtual betting with live races, NASCAR has tapped into a groundbreaking trend in online gambling, offering fans a chance to interact with the sport in a completely new way.
The global online gambling market is poised to exceed $150 billion by 2026, with Australian online casinos playing a significant role in this expansion. As mobile gaming continues to rise, bettors have access to more opportunities than ever to engage with their favorite sports. NASCAR’s collaboration with online casino sites has opened doors for fans to place real-time bets, not just on the race winner but on everything from lap times to pit stop predictions.
Whether you’re a seasoned gambler looking to refine your strategies or a newcomer exploring online casino Australia real money options, NASCAR’s partnership with online betting platforms offers a unique and exciting opportunity. In this article, we’ll dive into how NASCAR’s integration with online casinos is transforming the fan experience and how you can leverage these changes to enhance your betting skills.
The Growing Trend of Virtual Betting in Online Casinos
The online casino Australia landscape has evolved dramatically, with mobile betting now being a key player in the industry. The rise of mobile casinos has reshaped how people approach online gambling, allowing users to place bets on the go, anytime, anywhere. With online gambling expected to continue growing exponentially, the incorporation of live betting into sports like NASCAR has created a whole new level of excitement for fans and bettors alike.
Virtual betting allows fans to place wagers not only before the race begins but throughout the entire event. This means you can bet on which driver will take the fastest lap, which car will make the first pit stop, or even how many yellow flags will be waved. Online casino sites are now offering live, in-play betting, turning a traditional viewing experience into an interactive and highly engaging one. For example, if a driver falls behind after a pit stop but starts making a comeback, you can place a bet on them to finish in the top 5, adjusting your wagers in real-time.
This shift has proven to be a game-changer for both new and experienced gamblers. It offers a chance to apply strategy, analyze in-race data, and refine your betting techniques. For those eager to enhance their betting knowledge, this dynamic form of betting provides immediate feedback, helping you learn how to predict outcomes more accurately. Whether you’re looking for the best payout online casino Australia offers or exploring new online casinos, the opportunity to bet as the race unfolds gives you the chance to perfect your craft while enjoying the thrills of the race.
Strategic Partnerships Between NASCAR and Online Casinos
The success of virtual betting in NASCAR is largely due to the strategic partnerships between NASCAR and top online sportsbooks and casinos. Brands like BetMGM, FanDuel, and DraftKings have recognized the opportunity to engage NASCAR’s passionate fanbase through online betting platforms. These collaborations have opened new doors for fans to place live bets on everything from race outcomes to individual driver performances.
For example, FanDuel—NASCAR’s official sportsbook partner—offers various betting options, including traditional bets on the race winner and more detailed in-race bets, such as predicting which car will have the fastest lap or whether a driver will finish in the top 10. These options provide a more immersive experience for fans, allowing them to engage with the race beyond simply watching it unfold. The integration of casino bonuses and promotions makes this partnership even more appealing, offering fans incentives to place bets and get involved in the action.
These collaborations are mutually beneficial. NASCAR gains exposure to a new audience of bettors, while online casinos benefit from the massive fan base that NASCAR attracts. This synergy helps grow both industries, enhancing the fan experience and expanding the reach of online casinos. For bettors, it means more betting options, more bonuses, and a better overall experience. Whether you’re interested in online casino games, or looking for the best online casino Australia, these partnerships offer something for everyone.
The Power of In-Play Betting on NASCAR
One of the standout features of online gambling in NASCAR is the ability to place in-play bets. This type of betting allows fans to place wagers during the race, reacting to live events and adjusting their bets as the race unfolds. Traditional betting methods require placing all bets before the race starts, but in-play betting opens up a world of dynamic possibilities, giving fans the opportunity to wager based on real-time data and events.
For instance, if a driver takes an early lead but later struggles due to a pit stop, you can place a bet on that driver to make a comeback. Conversely, if a driver starts slowly but begins to gain momentum, you might place a bet on them to finish in the top 5. The ability to make quick, real-time decisions based on the unfolding race keeps bettors engaged and on their toes.
This form of virtual betting presents an incredible opportunity for bettors to hone their skills. By tracking the race’s flow, analyzing driver performance, and adjusting your bets accordingly, you can fine-tune your strategies. For those new to online casinos, real money betting during a live event like NASCAR offers hands-on experience, helping you learn the ropes in an interactive and fun way. If you’re using online casino sites in Australia, the integration of real-time wagering adds excitement and strategic depth to your betting experience.
Security and Regulation in Online Casino Betting
As online gambling continues to grow, the security and regulation of online casinos are more important than ever. In Australia, safest online casino Australia platforms are licensed by reputable regulatory bodies, ensuring that they operate fairly, securely, and transparently. This is crucial for bettors, especially when placing real money bets during live NASCAR races, where data accuracy and security are paramount.
Licensed online casinos are required to implement strict measures to protect players’ personal and financial data. They use advanced encryption technologies to safeguard transactions and ensure that bettors’ information remains secure. In addition to this, the regulation of casino online Australia platforms ensures that all betting practices are fair, with transparent odds and payouts.
For new online casinos, entering the market with a strong reputation for security and fairness is essential. Bettors can feel confident when placing their bets with regulated platforms, knowing their information is protected and that the betting experience is secure. By choosing licensed online casinos in Australia, fans can enjoy the race without worrying about the integrity of the betting platform.
Benefits for Fans and Online Casinos
The rise of virtual betting in NASCAR brings immense benefits to both fans and online casinos. For fans, the ability to place in-play bets on live races turns each event into a more interactive and engaging experience. Rather than just watching the race, fans become active participants, making wagers as the action unfolds. This dynamic interaction keeps bettors engaged from start to finish, adding excitement to every lap.
For online casinos, partnering with NASCAR provides access to a massive and loyal audience. These partnerships attract new bettors who might not have previously been interested in NASCAR, thus increasing the platform’s customer base. Additionally, casino bonuses, promotions, and special offers help bettors maximize their experience, offering them more chances to win and lessening the risk of loss. Whether you’re using mobile casinos or betting from a desktop, these benefits create a highly engaging and rewarding experience for players.
Moreover, online gambling platforms benefit from having access to a passionate fanbase that enjoys the thrill of NASCAR, which helps to drive engagement and increase brand recognition. By offering best payout online casino Australia options and exciting bonuses, online casinos create a seamless and enjoyable betting experience that keeps fans coming back for more.
The Future of NASCAR and Online Casinos
Looking ahead, the integration of online casinos with NASCAR is likely to grow even further. As technology continues to advance, we can expect even more immersive features, such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), to enhance the betting experience. Imagine being able to watch a race from the driver’s perspective or placing bets with real-time data overlayed directly onto the race itself. These technologies could revolutionize how fans engage with both the sport and the betting process.
Additionally, as new online casinos continue to enter the market, they will likely offer even more innovative features, making the experience even more engaging for fans. Expect to see more live betting options, creative betting formats, and even better integration with race-related data, providing bettors with the most up-to-date information and better opportunities to place smart, informed bets.
For fans eager to enhance their betting skills, the future holds incredible opportunities. Whether you’re exploring the best online casino Australia offers or testing out a new online casino Australia, these developments promise to bring even more value and excitement to your experience.
Experience NASCAR Like Never Before with Virtual Betting
The integration of online casinos in Australia with NASCAR is changing the way fans experience racing. With real-time wagers available throughout the race, fans can engage with the action in an entirely new way. The ability to place in-play bets adds a layer of excitement and strategy, turning each race into an interactive, thrilling event.
For bettors looking to take their online gambling skills to the next level, NASCAR offers a perfect opportunity. Whether you’re using mobile casinos or betting on online casino sites, NASCAR’s virtual betting options provide an exciting and dynamic way to hone your skills, engage with your favorite sport, and win real money.
Four-Time Funny Car Champion to Continue Piloting the Dodge//SRT Hellcat Funny Car in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series
BROWNSBURG, Ind. (August 11, 2025) –Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) has announced that Matt Hagan has signed a multi-year extension to continue driving the Dodge//SRT Hellcat Funny Car in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series.
A native of Christiansburg, Virginia, Hagan is a four-time NHRA Funny Car champion (2011, 2014, 2020 and 2023). The cattle rancher has recorded 53 NHRA national event wins in his legendary career and is currently second in the Funny Car championship standings.
Hagan first competed in Funny Car back in 2008, running in four events and qualifying No. 1 at the prestigious U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis. Shining in his limited schedule, Hagan earned a fulltime ride in 2009. With his rookie season behind him, Hagan broke out in 2010, winning the NHRA Spring Nationals in Houston to collect the first of his 53 career Funny Car victories. Hagan’s Funny Car prowess was a continuation of his straight-line racing form. He was the 2006 rookie of the year in the NHRA AMS Pro Mod Challenge, and as a driver/owner he continued that success in the IHRA’s Funny Car division, winning a class-best three races in 2008.
“Being able to extend my contract with Tony Stewart Racing is huge,” said Matt Hagan. “It’s one of the best teams to drive for in the NHRA. Tony (Stewart) is a great boss. I think it’s important to find a good group and lock it down and be able to build upon that. Tony makes sure we have all the parts and pieces to be able to do all we need to. It’s exciting to sign a multi-year contract so we can continue to build on what we have with Dodge. I’ve been with them for close to 20 years and it shows what a great relationship we have with them. We’ve been able to grow their brand and grow my career. I’m excited and humbled about it and looking forward to seeing what the future brings.”
Hagan is currently in his 18th year driving a Dodge//SRT car, with the Dodge brand having a long history of competing in and supporting motorsports. A large portion of their focus has been helping to deliver products like the Dodge Demon, 1320 and Super Stock. In addition, Direct Connection serves as the source for high-performance parts and technical expertise straight from the factory.
“Four-time NHRA World Champion Matt Hagan is the ultimate Dodge Badassador,” said Matt McAlear, Dodge CEO. “Matt has captured all four of his championships and all of his 53 NHRA career victories behind the wheel of a Dodge Funny Car and has helped grow the Dodge and Mopar drag racing program for nearly two decades. With the announcement of his contract extension with our amazing partners at Tony Stewart Racing, we look forward to cheering on Matt in his TSR Direct Connection Dodge//SRT Hellcat Funny Car for many more years to come.”
Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage (JHG) and American Rebel Light Beer will continue to partner with TSR. The Tennessee-based JHG highlights its world-class car collection on the Dodge//SRT Hellcat Funny Car of four-time champion Matt Hagan. JHG was formed in 2021 and brings a passion and flare to the automotive realm. They aim to inspire, drive and celebrate progress. JHG spans across Jason Johnson’s car collection featuring more than 200 sought after vehicles from classics to hot rods and supercars.
“I’m happy to continue partnering with TSR and Matt Hagan,” said Jason Johnson, Owner and President, Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage. “Together, we’ve achieved success on and off the track. The Tony Stewart Racing team has produced excitement in the drag racing world we all love and I’m glad JHG can be a part of it.”
American Rebel Beer was founded in April of 2024 by American Rebel CEO Andy Ross. American Rebel Beer is All Natural, Crisp, Clean and has a Bold Taste with a Lighter Feel. It does not use corn, rice or other sweeteners typically found in other mass-produced beers. American Rebel Beer is currently offered in 14 states (Connecticut, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, and Virginia), with additional states being announced soon. You can also find American Rebel in various legendary bars like Kid Rock’s, Tootsies, Honky Tony Central, and many others in the entertainment district in Nashville, as well as retail outlets, venues and music festivals throughout the United States. American Rebel Beer is America’s Patriotic, God-Fearing, Constitution-Loving, National Anthem Singing, Stand Your Ground Beer.
“We came into drag racing with Matt two years ago and have been thrilled with the return on investment; we can’t wait to see what the future holds in 2026 and beyond,” said Andy Ross, CEO, American Rebel Holdings, Inc. “We’re really excited about the direction of our American Rebel Light Beer and the partnership with Matt, Tony and TSR has further validated our brand and opened doors to multiple new markets.”
Hagan will remain with current crew chiefs Mike Knudsen and Phil Shuler. The 2025 season marks the first year as crew chief for Knudsen. He was previously Hagan’s co-crew chief and has been with Hagan since 2013, having made the move to TSR from Don Schumacher Racing (DSR) in 2022. Shuler joined TSR in 2025 and has a notable background in the NHRA, having worked for Maynard Family Racing, for Don Prudhomme, DSR, and Spencer Massey.
“Mike and Phil are amazing,” added Hagan. “They have worked together for a long time and have great chemistry. There’s not a lot of second-guessing each other and they feed off each other. It’s been neat watching them work together. They’ve been putting a great race car underneath us this season. It was awesome to get our first win of the 2025 season in Seattle together.”
Tony Stewart Racing has earned 19 wins since the team’s inception in 2022. Hagan brought home 14 of those victories, as well as TSR’s first Funny Car championship in 2023, which marked the fourth of his career.
“I’m really excited and I think the world of Matt and his team,” said team owner Tony Stewart. “I’m glad to have someone driving for us that feels like a family member at this point, not just a teammate and friend. Signing this extension is great for our program. The relationship that Matt and Leah (Pruett) have with Dodge is very deep. Dodge intended for us to have a long relationship together when we started this team, so we really appreciate their partnership.”
The next event on the 2025 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series schedule is the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals, August 14-17 at Brainerd International Raceway in Brainerd, Minnesota.
WATKINS GLEN, NY (August 10, 2025) — Sam Mayer continued his winning momentum with a strong runner-up drive at Watkins Glen, leading a competitive weekend for Haas Factory Team. Sheldon Creed impressed with steady climbs through the field and key stage points before his race was cut short, while Cole Custer worked to overcome early handling issues in the Cup Series race.
Xfinity Series
41 Sam Mayer
Fresh off his Iowa victory and returning to the site of his 2023 Watkins Glen win, Sam Mayer started Saturday’s race from the fourth position and quickly showed speed in the Audibel Ford. Early on, he reported his biggest challenge was rolling the corners, noting some tire chatter, but his corner speed was comparable to the leader’s. He was fast and running inside the top five for much of the opening stage. With three laps remaining Mayer pitted from fourth to set up a strategic advantage for later. The stop dropped him in the order, and he finished Stage One in 21st.
That strategy paid off at the start of Stage Two, as pit stops by others cycled Mayer back to fourth for the restart. He quickly climbed to third and set his sights on leaders Shane Van Gisbergen and Connor Zilisch, though he needed more drive off the bus stop and carousel to close the gap. Mayer, however, maintained a strong pace and secured a third-place finish in the stage, adding valuable points.
Mayer stayed out between stages to restart third in the final segment, running hard until a caution came at a critical moment – just as his fuel was running low and his tires were heavily worn. He pitted under yellow, restarted 11th, and began working forward despite minor right-front damage from close-quarters racing. With 9 laps to go, Mayer had advanced to fourth before a multi-car crash brought out the red flag that halted the race and shuffled the order again. When racing resumed Mayer took advantage of the final laps, moving up to second to record an impressive runner-up finish.
“Just really proud of everybody at Haas Factory Team. Our Audibel Ford Mustang was really, really good today,” said Mayer. We obviously weren’t good enough to be up front leading the whole thing, but we were making gains on it and were kind of in the picture all day long.”
00 Sheldon Creed
After runner up finishes in each of his last two Watkins Glen races, Sheldon Creed entered Saturday among the favorites. He rolled off 11th and quickly reported feeling “pretty solid” and capable of challenging several cars ahead. Gradually working his way forward, Creed drove the Road Ranger Ford into the top 10 with 10 laps remaining in Stage One and advanced to ninth just a few laps later. Choosing not to pit before the stage break proved to be a smart strategic call, as others did stop, allowing Creed to finish the segment third and earn valuable stage points.
After pitting, Creed restarted Stage Two in 16th but wasted no time gaining positions, advancing to 14th within the opening five laps. He continued to work his way through the field, cracking the top 10 and earning a seventh-place finish in the stage.
With solid stage results to open the race, Creed appeared poised for a strong finish. Stage Three began with Creed restarting sixth and staying out during the break as part of a fuel-saving strategy. As he neared his pit window, Creed was battling Parker Retzlaff when contact sent him into the wall. The heavy damage ended his day prematurely, erasing the momentum from a promising run and leaving him with a 35th place finish despite his speed and execution in the opening stages.
“The car was pretty fast, especially in clean air,” said Creed. “We were just bleeding the new tires, getting ready to pit in the next few laps and, I don’t know, the 4-car, I don’t know. We just lose our patience I guess and want to make dumb decisions, and I got caught up in it.
Cup Series
41 Cole Custer
Cole Custer has won on a road course twice in the Xfinity Series – Portland (2023) and the Chicago Street Race (2023). On Sunday he was aiming to bring that type of Cup Series performance to Watkins Glen Sunday. He started 32nd in the HaasTooling.com Ford and, despite slipping a couple of spots early while battling handling issues, steadily worked his way forward as the opening stage unfolded. He reported tire chatter in several corners and a vibration under braking but managed the challenges well, climbing to 19th by the end of Stage One.
In Stage Two, the No. 41 team went to work diagnosing a steering issue, making several pit stops to ensure the car could finish strong. Evidence of contact on the right-front tire which led to a misaligned toe setting explained much of the early difficulty, but the crew’s persistence kept Custer in the race and was able to log competitive laps. Though the repairs cost track position, the team’s determination ensured the car continued battling during the closing segment.
Restarting 34th for the final stage, Custer focused on maximizing his run and gathering as much data as possible for future road course events. The team continued to fine-tune the car’s balance, addressing the need for more rear grip while allowing Custer to push in clean air. Despite the early setbacks, he brought the car home in 34th, gaining valuable experience and feedback to build on for the next road course challenge.
Up Next
The NASCAR Cup Series heads to Richmond Raceway next weekend. Race coverage is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, August 16, 2025, on USA Network. The Xfinity series returns to action Friday, August 22nd at Daytona International Raceway.
About Haas Factory Team
The Haas Factory Team is a NASCAR Cup and Xfinity program owned by Gene Haas, founder of Haas Automation. Beginning in 2025, the team will feature Cole Custer driving the No. 41 Ford Mustang Dark Horse in the NASCAR Cup Series, while Sheldon Creed and Sam Mayer take on the Xfinity Series in the No. 00 and No. 41 Ford Mustangs, respectively. Based in Kannapolis, North Carolina, the Haas Factory Team reflects a commitment to performance and engineering excellence, carrying forward Gene Haas’s commitment to motorsports.
AJ Allmendinger qualified 18th for the Go Bowling at The Glen. On the first lap, Allmendinger gained two spots where he settled in 16th place. He reported his No. 16 Grizzly Nicotine Pouches Chevy was very loose before coming to pit road on lap 17 under green for a scheduled pit stop. By staying out under caution and running out the second stage, Allmendinger was able to earn seven stage points. He went on to finish in 11th place.
“Overall, I felt like we maximized our day. I wish we could have been a little bit faster all weekend. I’m proud of Trent [Owens] and the 16 group; we were able to make some good changes to be more competitive for the race. I messed up the strategy but honestly, I’m not sure how much that really impacted our race. We got stage points and earned an 11th place. We were hoping for better, but I’m proud of the effort from everyone to get the most out of our weekend.” – AJ Allmendinger
Ty Dillon and the No. 10 Sea Best Chevrolet team started the Go Bowling at the Glen from the 32nd position. With a solid car and speed, Dillon was running 24th when he made contact with the rear of a slower car on lap 28. The caution flag was displayed, but with no damage to the No.10 Chevy, Dillon was able to continue the race, making routine stops throughout the remainder of the 90-lap event. With a pit stragey call not working out to the advantage of the team, Dillon finished the race in the 30th position.
About Kaulig Racing
Kaulig Racing™ is a full-time, multi-car NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) and NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) team, owned by award winning entrepreneur, Matt Kaulig. Established in 2016, Kaulig Racing™ has earned 27 NXS wins, made the NXS Playoffs consecutively each season since the playoff system started, and won two regular-season championships. In 2021, the team competed in select NCS events, before expanding to a two-car, full-time NCS team in 2022 and adding a third, part-time entry during the 2023 season. Since its first NCS start in 2021, the team has earned two wins. Kaulig Racing is currently fielding two full-time entries in the NCS and continues to field three full-time NXS entries. To learn more about the team, visit kauligracing.com.
WATKINS GLEN, NY (August 10, 2025) – Chris Buescher’s spirited defense of his 2024 Watkins Glen crown set the tone for a strong showing by all three RFK Racing teams, as the BuildSubmarines.com Ford stormed to a Stage One win and kept the team in the mix all afternoon. Buescher, Ryan Preece, and Brad Keselowski each showcased race-winning speed, with all three leading laps and gaining stage points.
17 Chris Buescher
Chris Buescher’s thrilling Watkins Glen Victory a season ago, was among the top highlights of 2024. It was also a a huge confidence boost heading into Sunday. The defending race winner started 12th before quickly driving the BuildSubmarines.com Ford forward, cracking the top 10 by lap five. As pit strategy began to develop late in Stage One, Buescher stayed on track while others pitted, gaining hard to get track position. The call paid off as he surged to the front and claimed the Stage One win, adding a playoff point and setting an early tone for the day.
Buescher again stayed out to begin Stage Two, leading the field to green. The team initially aimed to stretch fuel to their pit window, but fading rear grip forced a stop that initially dropped him to 31st, but there would be a strong recovery. Fresh tires and the pit cycle allowed Buescher to climb to 15th before a late caution. He closed out the stage 13th, keeping himself in contention.
The No. 17 team held their track position into Stage Three, restarting ninth and sticking to their fuel strategy. Buescher pitted on lap 54 with teammate Ryan Preece. Together they rejoined deep in the field before, once again, cycling forward as others made their stops. With 24 laps remaining, he was up to 11th, and by the final 14 laps he had charged to second, setting his sights on Shane Van Gisbergen; the driver he outdueled for the win a year ago. Despite closing the gap, Buescher ultimately finished third, delivering a respectable defense of his 2024 victory.
“I’m really proud of everybody, to bring this BuildSubmarines.com Mustang back here and have this kind of speed,” said Buescher. “We had a really fast race car again, just definitely took the opportunity to capitalize on some big stage points there early. Still got back up into second there and was making some pretty good headway. But, just used it up really hard trying to get by a couple cars and get to that track position, and it fell off pretty hard there at the end.”
60 Ryan Preece
A year ago, Ryan Preece scored his career best finish of 9th at Watkins Glen. That mark though has been broken several times this year in his first season with RFK Racing, and on Sunday he was riding a streak of consecutive top-five finishes. Driving the Mohawk Northeast Ford, he started 17th and held steady in the opening laps. Strategy, like it has been several times for the 60-team this season, allowed him to gain track position. Opting not to pit in Stage one, he matriculated toward the front as others stopped. Preece closed out the stage third.
Like his teammate Chris Buescher, Preece stayed out to begin Stage Two, lining up second on the restart. On lap 24 he briefly lead the race. Prece made his scheduled stop on lap 30, which dropped him to 27th, but fresh tires allowed him to quickly climb back through the field. By the closing laps of the segment, he had worked his way into the top 10, securing a 10th-place finish in the stage and adding more stage points to his total.
Electing not to pit between stages, Preece restarted sixth for the final run and advanced to fifth while chasing down Christopher Bell. Although he was doing a masterful job racing on worn tires, he slipped to seventh before pitting on lap 54. Needing to insure they got a full fuel load, the stop was longer than usual and he rejoined the field 37th. Persevering, he steadily worked forward as the pit cycle played out. Preece reached as high as ninth before ultimately earning for a 13th-place finish.
6 Brad Keselowski
Riding a wave of momentum, fresh off consecutive top-five finishes, Brad Keselowski was ready for Watkins Glen. Ready to continue his surge toward winning a race and securing a playoff spot. He rolled off 16th in the Nexlizet Ford and wasted no time gaining a spot on the opening lap. Keselowski maintained a steady pace in the early going, opting for a conservative approach to preserve his equipment. A strategically planned pitstop on lap 16, four laps from the end of the segment, dropped him in the running order but set him up to gain spots when others filtereded through their pit cycle later. Keselowski was 21st at the end of Stage One.
Stage Two saw Keselowski’s strategy begin to pay off. While running 19th a caution flew, bringing many to pit road. Keselowski stayed out, gaining track position, allowing him to restart 15th and continue climbing. With his previous stop dating back to lap 16, he cycled forward as pit stops unfolded, cracking the top five by the closing laps of the segment. He held that position to finish the stage fifth, collecting valuable stage points.
Keselowski pitted during the stage break and restarted 27th to being the final stage and quickly began making up ground. As the final pit cycle developed, he stayed on strategy and steadily picked off positions, climbing into the top three by lap 64 and moving into second with 25 laps to go. Running strong on older tires, he took the lead on lap 7, before making his final pit stop on lap 74. Although he returned to the track in 22nd, confidence was high that the plan would allow him once again to surged back to the front as pit stops unfolded. That plan though was thwarted when Keselowski had a flat left rear tire, leaving him with an unrepresentative 31st place finish.
Up Next: Richmond Raceway (Richmond, VA) Saturday, August 16, 2025, on USA Network @ 7:30pm ET
About RFK Racing RFK Racing, in its 38th season in 2025, features an ownership lineup pairing one of the sport’s most iconic names, Jack Roush, along with NASCAR Champion Brad Keselowski and Fenway Sports Group owner John Henry. Roush initially founded the team in 1988, and it has since become one of the most successful racing operations in the world, propelling him to be the first NASCAR owner to amass 300 wins and capturing eight championships, including back-to-back NASCAR Cup titles in 2003 and 2004. Keselowski, a former owner in the NASCAR Truck Series, is the 2012 NASCAR Cup Series Champion. In 2007, Roush partnered with Henry, who also owns Major League Baseball’s Boston Red Sox, English Premier League’s Liverpool F.C., and the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins, to form Roush Fenway Racing. Off the track, RFK is a leader and proven winner in NASCAR marketing solutions, having produced multiple award-winning social media, digital content, and experiential marketing campaigns. Visit rfkracing.com and follow the team on all social platforms @rfkracing.
It was probably in California, USA, in the 1960s that the artistic discipline of custom painting was born. All available techniques were used to decorate and personalise motorcycles. This could include the application of plastic glitter (Metal Flakes), the use of products derived from printing inks (Candy), and it was also at this time that the small tool called the airbrush found its main application.
In Europe, the decoration and customisation of vehicles with motorcycle paint is unfortunately quite rare. In countries and regions such as Asia, Russia, the Gulf countries, Australia, and of course the United States, it is much more common to see murals on tanks, designs showing flames or flags, skulls, etc.
Custom paint is not limited to the creation of designs, graphics, or drawings made with an airbrush and airbrush paints. For colour enthusiasts, it is possible to apply special effect paints on a motorcycle, with pearlescent or metallic colours, or even holographic or chameleon effects. Today, special effect paints are in fashion in Europe, and bicycle manufacturers in particular are engaged in fierce competition in the field of special colours for bicycle frames.
The practice of airbrushing in motorcycle painting
The airbrush is a kind of mini spray gun, the size of a pen, with a small cup placed on the top or bottom, which draws the paint by suction or gravity, to spray it in a very precise pattern on the bodywork.
By pressing a small trigger on top of the airbrush, a very fine needle is moved back and forth to release the paint or not.
Airbrush paints produce quite extraordinary results that cannot be compared to any other conventional painting technique. This is a discipline in which anyone can excel, as it is not necessary to have a talent for drawing to create designs that can reach a very impressive level of realism.
Motorcycle custom paint specialists
Today, many motorcycle paint specialists master this technique and include it in their motorcycle bodywork customisation services. The airbrush can be used for simple work such as making logos, stripes, or graphics.
It can also be used to create complex stencils, and some custom painters offer freehand airbrush painting services. This could be a Wild West design, a portrait of your favourite star, or even a depiction of a mascot. A common theme in the field of custom painting often revolves around flames and devilish figures (skulls, demons, etc.).
How to get started with airbrush paints
For those who want to try airbrush paint, it is very simple: just get a small air compressor with an airbrush. In this field, there are very affordable tools, as well as some that can cost several hundred euros.
As it is a complex tool to master, it is best to avoid adding problems caused by a poor-quality tool to the beginner’s learning difficulties! Then, when it comes to choosing automotive paints, it is simple: you can use any liquid paint. This can be motorcycle paints, which can be freely diluted, or specialised acrylic water-based airbrush paints.
If motorcycle paints in general are a subject you are passionate about — beyond just airbrush paints — we recommend reading this very interesting article: Treat Yourself To A Special Effect Motorcycle Paint.
