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TOP FUEL REIGNING CHAMP ANTRON BROWN LOOKS TO CONQUER BRISTOL FOR FIRST TIME AT SUPER GRIP NHRA THUNDER VALLEY NATIONALS

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BRISTOL, Tenn. (June 2, 2025) – Antron Brown has put together one of the most impressive resumés in NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series history, racking up four Top Fuel world championships – including the latest in 2024 – and 81 event wins.

After this weekend’s 24th annual Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals at Bristol Dragway, Brown hopes to add another note to his lengthy list of achievements – his first win in Thunder Valley.

Brown has accomplished nearly everything in NHRA drag racing, but a win at Bristol Dragway is remarkably one of the few things that has evaded him over the years. In the midst of a rigorous stretch that includes four races in five weeks, now would be the perfect time for Brown to get one in his 12,000-horsepower Matco Tools dragster.

Coming off a semifinal appearance on Sunday in Epping and currently sitting third in points on the strength of one win and three final-round appearances in 2025, Brown is eager to get to Bristol and hopefully mark one more item off his NHRA bucket list.

“Bristol is a track that sticks out to us because we’ve had a lot of success there, been to a few finals, but we’ve never got the job done,” Brown said. “When we go there, we want to get the job done for the first time because it’s one of the only tracks where we’ve never won. We’ll go in there with guns blazing and getting a win, that’s our goal.

“Bristol is one of those places that can make or break you. It can be really hot or it can be cool, and when it’s cool, the track can be very forgiving. We have to go in there and qualify well in that night session, but then we have to race mid-day on Sunday, so we’re going to see all kinds of conditions.”

In 2024, Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel), Austin Prock (Funny Car), Jeg Coughlin (Pro Stock) and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) all won in Bristol. Clay Millican, Prock, Erica Enders and Matt Smith each won the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge, while semifinalists from the NHRA New England Nationals will rematch in Bristol in 2025. It is the eighth of 20 events in 2025 and the race will be broadcast on FS1, including eliminations starting at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday, June 8.

Brown will be part of the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge on Saturday, facing off with points leader and racing legend Tony Stewart in one matchup. The other will feature Doug Kalitta and Epping winner Brittany Force, setting the stage for an epic weekend at the standout facility.

Of course, Brown will also have to deal with the likes of Shawn Langdon, who is second in points, Josh Hart, Steve Torrence, Clay Millican and Justin Ashley at scenic Bristol Dragway. But Brown is on a good path, posting a series of consistent results and fast runs, which is critical for this point in the season, especially as the schedule starts to pick up with the Countdown to the Championship playoffs quickly approaching.

“I think when we come out in Bristol, our Matco Tools/Lucas Oil/FVP Toyota is going to be on mean, so we’re looking forward to it and looking forward to getting out (this) weekend,” Brown said. “The next 4-5 weeks, our main deal is to qualify well and get to the semifinals or finals to get where we need to be. Consistency is going to be a big factor and I think we’re onto some really good stuff. We have to race smart and concentrate on doing things strategically and smart.”

Austin Prock has dominated since moving to Funny Car and currently leads the points heading to Bristol. Others to watch include his John Force Racing teammate Jack Beckman, Epping winner J.R. Todd, former champs Matt Hagan and Ron Capps, and Phoenix winner Paul Lee.

Jeg Coughlin, a five-time Pro Stock champ, earned his third Bristol win over reigning champ Greg Anderson last year. Anderson is in the points lead thanks to three wins, while teammate Dallas Glenn also has three wins for KB Titan Racing.

Pro Stock Motorcycle first appeared at Bristol Dragway in 2021 and each year has seen a new winner. Two-time reigning champion Gaige Herrera won last year, while other standouts include Matt Smith, Angie Smith, Richard Gadson and Chase Van Sant.

The event will also feature thrilling competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, the Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series, Flexjet NHRA Factory Stock Showdown and Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage Mountain Motor Pro Stock. After final qualifying on Saturday, fans will also be treated to a special autograph session and fanfest at the Bristol Dragway Welcome Tent in the midway.

All weekend, fans will be invited to the Nitro Alley Stage, which is the main entertainment hub in the pits. The stage hosts Nitro School, meet and greets, autograph sessions and more. Bristol race fans can enjoy the special pre-race ceremonies that introduce each driver and includes the fan favorite SealMaster Track Walk. Fans are also invited to congratulate the winners at the winner’s circle celebration on Sunday.

As always, fans get a pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet. Fans can see their favorite teams in action and servicing their cars, get autographs and more. They can also visit NHRA’s Manufacturers Midway, where sponsors and vendors create an exciting atmosphere.

NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 5 and 7:30 p.m. ET on Friday, June 6, and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, June 7 at 12:30 and 3 p.m. Eliminations will begin at 12 p.m. ET on Sunday, June 8. Television coverage includes qualifying action at 7:30 p.m. ET on Friday and 8 p.m. on Sunday on FS1, leading into eliminations at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday.

To purchase tickets to the NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals, fans can visit www.NHRA.com/tickets. For more information on NHRA, please 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.

Corey LaJoie to Wheel Spire Motorsports No. 07 Chevy Silverado for nine CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Races

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Official Release
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Third-Generation Racer Returns to Team for CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Playoff Stretch

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (June 2, 2025) — Corey LaJoie will return to Spire Motorsports to campaign the team’s No. 07 Chevrolet Silverado for nine of the final 13 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck races of 2025, beginning with Saturday’s DQS Solutions and Staffing 200 at Michigan International Speedway.

LaJoie will be back at the controls for the August 15 Clean Harbors 250 at Richmond Raceway and pilot the No. 07 machine for the final seven races, as the team looks to compete for a CRAFTSMAN Truck Series owner’s title playoff berth.

With seven teams currently positioned for a bid in the Truck Series owner’s playoffs and six races remaining before the 10-team field is locked, LaJoie looks to pick up a win at either Michigan or Richmond to further solidify the No. 07 team’s position in the seven-race championship runoff.

The No. 07 team earned a win in the fourth race of 2025 when Kyle Larson claimed the checkered flag in the March 21 Baptist Health 200 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

LaJoie brings a wealth of experience and rich history with the organization and has been a fixture in the NASCAR Cup Series for the last decade. He drove Spire Motorsports’ No. 7 Chevrolet ZL1 from 2021 through last September before taking over the controls of Rick Ware Racing’s (RWR) No. 51 machine for the final eight races of the 2024 season.

“I’m looking forward to getting back in the seat and chasing some NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series wins,” said LaJoie. “I put in a lot of work in the early days to help shape Spire Motorsports, and I still have some friends that have been there since day one, so it’ll be good to see them. The No. 07 team has been bringing some fast trucks to the track this year and are looking for a spot in the owner’s playoffs. It’ll be nice to have some consistency with the team to get acclimated to these vehicles, chase some wins and hopefully, a CRAFTSMAN Truck Series owner’s championship.”

The third-generation driver has run a limited schedule in 2025 and competed in three NASCAR Cup Series races behind the wheel of RWR’s No. 01 machine, earning a season-best 22nd-place finish in the season-opening Daytona 500. Over the course of his three-plus year run with Spire Motorsports, LaJoie logged four top fives, eight top 10s and led 165 laps on NASCAR’s senior circuit.

The affable racer also made his broadcast debut during Amazon Prime’s coverage of the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway and will serve as an analyst throughout Prime’s five-race run.

While LaJoie has nearly 300 starts in NASCAR’s premier division, he has just five CRAFTSMAN Truck Series starts on his resume, three of which were recorded under the Spire Motorsports banner. His most recent race came at the 2024 season opener at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway where he started third, led five laps but was relegated to a 20th-place result after being collected in a last-lap, multi-truck incident.

“While discussing our best path to bring Spire our first CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Championship and describing what we needed in a driver, the driver we were all talking about without saying his name was Corey LaJoie,” explained Spire Motorsports co-owner Jeff Dickerson. “So, when I ran into Corey in the motorhome lot one morning earlier this spring, I asked him what he thought about coming home and doing this. He is synonymous with what we’ve built here over the last few years and deserves this opportunity. I’m looking forward to getting him in the truck at Michigan to work out some kinks and start getting a game plan together for the playoffs.”

The DQS Solutions and Staffing 200 from Michigan International Speedway will be televised live on FOX Saturday June 7, beginning at noon Eastern Daylight Time. The race will also be broadcast live on the NASCAR Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Channel 90.

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 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 the No. 77 Chevrolet in the ARCA Menards Series in select events.

Signs You Need to Get Your Vehicle Body Repaired

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Photo by dimas8308 at https://depositphotos.com/

Your vehicle’s body isn’t just about aesthetics; it plays a crucial role in safety, structural integrity, and even its resale value. Ignoring damage can lead to more serious and sometimes expensive problems down the road. But how do you know when it’s time to visit a professional auto body shop? Here are a few of the key signs that your car needs body repairs.

Visible Dents, Minor Scratches, or Minor Paint Damage

Even minor dents and scratches can be more than just a cosmetic issue. Deep scratches that expose bare metal can lead to rust, while dents can affect panel alignment or even structural integrity. Rust is a car’s worst enemy. Once rust starts, it spreads quickly and can lead to weakened metal and compromised safety. If you notice:

  • Paint peeling, or chipping
  • Large or small dents
  • Deep scratches
  • Rusty Wheel arches
  • Rusty Door edges
  • Rust underneath the vehicle, due to road salt and moisture.

Misaligned Body Panels or Weird Gaps

After an accident, body panels can shift or move out of it’s original place. If you notice:

  • Uneven body gaps
  • Doors that don’t open or close properly
  • A crooked bumper or misalignment

While not strictly “body damage,” a cracked windshield can weaken your car’s structural strength, especially in a rollover accident. Minor chips can often be repaired, but long cracks usually necessitate a complete replacement for safety reasons.

Strange Noises and Bad Paint Finish or Fading

Faded or peeling paint isn’t just aesthetically unappealing; it also leaves your car vulnerable to rust and UV damage. Or if you hear creaking, rattling, or grinding noises when driving over bumps or turning, it could indicate:

  • Loose or rattly body panels
  • Damaged or loose suspension components
  • Unsecured body parts
  • Chalky looking or a dull finish
  • Bubbling or rough paint

Accident Damage (Even If It Seems Minor)

After a collision, even if the damage looks superficial, hidden issues like:

  • Bent or cracked frame components
  • Damaged vehicle sensors or safety features
  • Internal or external corrosion from exposed metal

Water Leaks or Moisture Inside the Vehicle

If you notice damp or wet-looking carpets, the problem could be:

  • Damaged door seals
  • Rust holes in the floor pan
  • Cracked windows or rotten sunroof seals

Why Doing Quick Repairs Really Does Matter

Delaying the body repairs can lead to:

  • Higher repair bills
  • Reduced safety features
  • Lower vehicle resale value

Final Thoughts

If you spot any of these signs, don’t wait and visit a trusted auto body repair specialist. A professional can assess the damage, recommend the best repair method, and restore your car’s appearance, safety, and value.

Niece Motorsports to Highlight Partnership Impacts at Michigan International Speedway

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Official Release
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Salisbury, NC (June 2, 2025) – In a unique showing, the Nos. 42, 44 and 45 trucks of Niece Motorsports will take to the track June 7 bearing corresponding paint schemes to highlight the power of collaboration and partnership as the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series (NCTS) returns to Michigan International Speedway (MIS) for the DQS Solutions & Staffing 250 Powered by Precision Vehicle Logistics.

As it celebrates its tenth consecutive season of competition, Niece Motorsports and its partners look to underscore the value of B2B connections and opportunities for growth through investment in the sport. The schemes will carry the logos of AutoVentive, DQS Solutions & Staffing, J.F. Electric, Precision Vehicle Logistics and Utilitra — brands which are now working together utilizing complementary competencies thanks to introductions through the team.

“We knew there would be some business opportunity when we first got involved in sponsoring Niece Motorsports,” said Jason Wilson, Vice President of Precision Vehicle Logistics. “But we didn’t expect there to be so many connections with like-minded companies who could fill the gap we needed to execute on strategic business initiatives. We’ve particularly enjoyed engaging more broadly with General Motors, through Niece’s OEM relationship, to explore opportunities for us to better support their EV charging needs, among others.”

Michigan-based DQS Solutions & Staffing and Precision Vehicle Logistics have not only deepened existing ties thanks to their sponsorships with Niece Motorsports — they’ve now paired with Utilitra, the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)-Certified cross-disciplinary technology, engineering, management, and construction brand affiliated with J.F. Electric, to utilize Niece’s fabrication capabilities to build and deliver security trailers for job sites, storage facilities and other projects where remote monitoring is a practical, scalable solution.

The collaborative investment by DQS and Precision to entitle the race at MIS further reinforces their commitment to one another and underscores the opportunities both see in connecting with NASCAR fans and brands alike.

“The NASCAR audience is the most brand-loyal of any sport and many of them work in automobile manufacturing, facility, and distribution supply chains, so it makes perfect sense that we’re working to connect with them at the track and expose them to DQS’s capabilities both in Michigan and nationally,” said Josh Morris, CEO of DQS. “It’s been practical business development spend for us, because we know we’re going to get back what we put in, and more, as we really dial in our sponsorship program year over year. We appreciate that a team like Niece, with their decade-plus of experience, has been so thoughtful in their recommendations for how we can effectively reach the right decision makers.”

Since its founding in 2016, Niece Motorsports has worked with more than 35 brand partners and built a marketing platform tailored to driving business value for sponsors beyond logo exposure at track. As it enters its second decade, the team continues to expand its own competencies – from training its own pit crews to completing the entire build for its competition vehicles in house – ensuring it can evolve as both motorsports and current and future sponsor needs change.

“We want to be able to deliver what our partners need from us — whether that’s making introductions to the right people in the garage or extending our in-house capabilities to meet their needs,” said Cody Efaw, President and CEO of Niece Motorsports. “We are a smaller team, but I think because of that, we’re more invested in our partnerships and take a holistic approach to making sure their investment with us goes beyond just race exposure — we want to help them achieve their business goals so they’re able to stay partnered with us for the long run. It’s fun for us to get a little outside our comfort zone sometimes, too, and get creative with the ways we can think about leveraging our assets for them.”

In addition to the three corresponding schemes on track in Michigan, current Niece Motorsports sponsors will come together to engage in the Fan Zone throughout race weekend, hosting meet-and-greets with Niece drivers and showing off equipment including snowmobile/charging vehicles/lift trucks/etc.

The DQS Solutions & Staffing 250 Powered by Precision Vehicle Logistics is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. ET on Saturday, June 7; the race will air on FOX and SiriusXM.
About AutoVentive: AutoVentive is an industry-leading Software as a Service (SaaS) applications developer providing customized solutions to the automotive logistics industry. The company is part of Liberty Hill Equity Partners, LLC, a Cincinnati-based private equity firm.

About Precision Vehicle Logistics: Precision Vehicle Logistics is a customer-focused group of professionals committed to service excellence in finished vehicle logistics. Precision offers a unique combination of talented experience, industry-leading software and systems, and a network of partners and resources to deliver customized solutions to the world’s leading automakers.

About DQS Solutions & Staffing: Guided by a mission to achieve excellence and adaptability, DQS partners with clients to create custom solutions that address unique business challenges. Recognized as Michigan’s fastest-growing company and #22 in the nation on the Inc. 5000 list, DQS drives industry growth while giving back through its nonprofit, Foundation for Pops, and partnerships like the River Rouge School District.

About J.F. Electric: J.F. Electric is an electrical contractor that provides engineering expertise, backed by construction and installation know-how in a diverse range of service offerings, from utilities and commercial projects, to industrial and telecommunications customers. When having a long family history in an industry, a company not only builds on its knowledge and experience, it takes pride in cultivating a solid understanding of client needs, all the while nurturing strong relationships with its employees. Evolving through five generations of the Fowler family, J.F. Electric has matured into a well-managed and thoughtfully diversified electrical contractor which is poised to continue its growth and expansion into the future.

About Utilitra: Utilitra is a WBENC-Certified woman-owned firm specializing in technology, engineering, management, and construction solutions with a diverse team of specialized professionals. Utilitra is committed to solving their client’s unique challenges, whether one expert or a team of experts is needed. By adapting to the needs of their respective industries, Utilitra has built a range of services for their utility and technology partners.
About Niece Motorsports: Niece Motorsports is a professional auto racing team founded by United States Marine Corps Veteran Al Niece. In 2025, the team celebrates its 10th consecutive season competing in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series (NCTS) where it fields the Nos. 41, 42, 44 and 45. Since its founding in 2016, Niece Motorsports has garnered nine wins, 50+ top-fives, 100+ top-10s, 200+ top-15 finishes and made five playoff appearances. At its 80,000 sq. ft. headquarters in Salisbury, NC, Niece Motorsports is a trusted build shop for the Chevrolet Silverados of multiple NCTS teams as well as a customizable fabrication shop for any manufacturing needs.

Follow the Team: To keep up to date with the latest team news, visit niecemotorsports.com or connect on Facebook and Instagram (@NieceMotorsports) as well as X (@NieceMotorsport).

RYAN BLANEY WINS IN MUSIC CITY

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Official Release
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Photo courtesy of NASCAR Media & Getty Images

LEBANON, TN – June 2, 2025 – Team Penske’s Ryan Blaney won Sunday’s Cracker Barrel 400 at Nashville Superspeedway, marking his first win of the 2025 season and the 14th of his NASCAR Cup Series career. This victory also represents Ford’s 745th all-time win in NASCAR Cup Series history and the 104th Cup Series triumph for Team Penske with Ford.

“Congratulations to Roger, Michael, Jonathan, Ryan, and everyone at Team Penske on the race win at Nashville Superspeedway,” said Doug Yates, President and CEO of Roush Yates Engines. “It was an impressive performance by the entire No. 12 Ford Mustang Team —executing race strategy, pit performance, and speed throughout the race. We’re honored to provide the horsepower behind another hard-fought victory.”

“We drove up to seventh there in the first stage, and I thought two tires were great. I thought my car was really good, and that really set us up for the rest of the race, so great job by him (Jonathan Hassler), as always, all the 12 boys, appreciate what they do pit crew was great. Appreciate Menard’s, Cardell, Ford, Ford Motor Company, Roush Yates Engines, Discount Tire, Wabash, Worth, Snap-on, DEX Imaging, Body Armour, Advance Auto Parts, everything what they do. It’s nice that it’s finally happening, so I’m ready to go celebrate,” commented Blaney.

Three Ford Performance drivers rolled off from the top 10 to start Sunday’s Cracker Barrel 400 at Nashville Superspeedway: Brad Keselowski (P6) and Chris Buescher (P10) from RFK Racing, and Joey Logano (P9) from Team Penske. The opening stage featured a blend of strategy and long-run speed as drivers settled into the slick concrete surface. The field stayed tightly packed with clean, competitive racing. Team Penske’s Ryan Blaney and Joey Logano earned stage points, finishing Stage 1 in seventh and ninth, respectively. Blaney took command in Stage 2, showing strong pace during extended green-flag runs. Despite several lead changes during pit cycles, he led the most laps and secured the Stage 2 win. Four Ford drivers finished Stage 2 inside the top 10: Blaney (P1), Logano (P4), Austin Cindric (P6), and Josh Berry (P9). In the final stage, Blaney maintained control through multiple restarts, managing his tires and track position and closed out a dominant performance—leading a race-high 139 of 300 laps to take the checkered flag 2.830 seconds ahead of second place Carson Hocevar.

Team Penske’s Joey Logano finished the race in P4.

The Xfinity Series also raced at Nashville Superspeedway on Saturday, where Haas Factory Team’s Sam Mayer finished in P3 and Sheldon Creed finished in P4.

The Xfinity Series takes a one-week break while the Cup Series travels to Brooklyn, Michigan this week and races at Michigan International Speedway.

41 CHAMPIONSHIPS – 481 WINS – 439 POLES

About Roush Yates Engines
Roush Yates Engines is a leading-edge engine development company based in Mooresville, NC consisting of two state-of-the-art facilities – Roush Yates Engines and Roush Yates Manufacturing Solutions, a world class AS9100 Rev D/ISO 13485 certified CNC manufacturing facility. The company’s core business includes designing, building and testing purpose-built race engines.

Ford Performance in partnership with Roush Yates Engines is the exclusive engine builder of the NASCAR FR9 Ford V8 engine.

With an unparalleled culture of winning and steeped in rich racing history, Roush Yates Engines continues to follow the company’s vision to lead performance engine innovation and staying true to the company’s mission, provide race winning engines through demonstrated power and performance.

Late Penalty Drops Berry to 30th at Nashville

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#21: Josh Berry, Wood Brothers Racing, Freightliner Ford Mustang

Josh Berry and the No. 21 Freightliner team showed solid pace through the opening two segments of Sunday night’s Cracker Barrel 400 at Nashville Superspeedway, but a costly pit road penalty derailed a promising run and led to a 30th-place finish.

Berry rolled off 20th in the Freightliner Ford Mustang Dark Horse and maintained position through the first 90-lap Stage, ultimately finishing 19th. In Stage Two, the team hit its stride. Berry steadily worked his way forward, breaking into the top 10 for the first time on Lap 126. He held his ground from there, closing out the segment in ninth and collecting two valuable Stage points.

During the Stage break, the team was penalized for a crew member going over the wall too soon during a pit stop. The penalty sent Berry to the rear of the field for the final segment, leaving him just over 100 laps to try and recover.

He worked his way up to 26th with 78 laps to go, and the team made a strategic gamble by staying out under green, hoping for a caution. Berry climbed to second during the cycle, but the yellow flag never came. He was forced to pit with 32 laps remaining, which dropped him to 30th, one lap down—where he ultimately finished.

The night ended with former Wood Brothers driver and Ford teammate Ryan Blaney earning a hard-fought and popular victory, his first of the season.

“We were glad to see Ryan get the win,” said team co-owner Eddie Wood. “He’s come so close this season, and it was good to see it all come together for him.”

Next up for Berry and the No. 21 team is a return to Michigan International Speedway—Ford Motor Company’s home track—for the FireKeepers Casino 400.

About Wood Brothers Racing
Founded in 1950 by Hall of Famer Glenn Wood in Stuart, Virginia, Wood Brothers Racing holds a special place in NASCAR history as the sport’s longest-running team. Over eight decades, the team has earned 101 victories in the NASCAR Cup Series, along with 120 poles, and remains proud of its longstanding relationship with Ford Motor Company, fielding only Ford products since its inception. Glenn’s brother, Leonard Wood, played a key role in shaping modern racing by developing the techniques behind today’s pit stops. With a rich legacy rooted in innovation and tradition, Wood Brothers Racing continues to honor its heritage while adapting for the future as it competes in NASCAR’s premier series with Josh Berry.

Team Penske NASCAR Cup Series Race Report – Nashville

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Official Release
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#2: Austin Cindric, Team Penske, Discount Tire Ford Mustang

Cracker Barrel 400 – Nashville Superspeedway
Lebanon, Tenn. – June 1, 2025

AUSTIN CINDRIC No. 2 DISCOUNT TIRE FORD MUSTANG
START: 16TH STAGE 1: 15TH STAGE 2: 6TH FINISH: 18TH POINTS: 13TH
RACE RUNDOWN: Austin Cindric and the No. 2 Discount Tire team showed early strength in Sunday night’s Cracker Barrel 400 at Nashville Superspeedway, ultimately finishing 18th when the checkered flag waved. After starting 16th, Cindric reported being fairly happy with the car in the early going and executed a long-run strategy in Stage 1, making his first trip to pit road on Lap 70. He closed out the opening segment in 15th. During the stage break, crew chief Brian Wilson called for two tires and fuel, positioning Cindric second for the restart alongside teammate Ryan Blaney. Cindric maintained solid pace throughout Stage 2, running inside the top five for much of the segment before finishing sixth to collect valuable stage points. The team opted for four tires and an air pressure adjustment ahead of the final stage and Cindric restarted seventh. Just past Lap 200, he reported the car didn’t fire off well but began to come to him over the run, describing the handling as “squirmy” while running in 13th. In the closing laps, Cindric battled through a shifting issue and made his final pit stop with under 50 laps to go. From there, he soldiered on to finish 18th in the Discount Tire Ford Mustang Dark Horse.

CINDRIC’S THOUGHTS: “I thought our strategy early really put us in a great position to control our race with some track position. I felt like my car, and all of our cars, had some really great long run speed and I felt like we weren’t able to capitalize on some of those restarts, kind of in the mess, but then I lost the capability to shift and that kind of put us in a box, honestly. I’m super happy for Ryan [Blaney], everybody at Team Penske—that’s a big win to get all of our guys in the playoffs and well-deserved for that bunch.”

RYAN BLANEY No. 12 MENARDS/CARDELL CABINETRY FORD MUSTANG
START: 15TH STAGE 1: 7TH STAGE 2: 1ST FINISH: 1ST POINTS: 7TH
RACE RUNDOWN: Ryan Blaney led a race-high 139 laps en route to his 14th-career Cup Series win Sunday night at Nashville Superspeedway as all three Team Penske entries have now clinched playoff berths 14 races into the 2025 season. Sunday night’s victory marks the fourth of Blaney’s career in which he’s led over 100 laps, culminating in he and crew chief Jonathan Hassler’s seventh win as a driver-crew chief pairing. Hassler’s strategy call to run the opening stage long and take right side tires only prior to the start of Stage 2 paid huge dividends Sunday night as Blaney ran in the top-five the remainder of the night, ultimately taking the lead with 17 laps to go in the second segment following a three-car battle with the Nos. 11 and 24 before picking up his third stage win of the season. Following a caution on lap 193, Blaney restarted from the outside of row one and cleared the field off of turn two to take over the top spot and maintained the lead up until the final green flag pit cycle began to take shape. Hassler called Blaney to pit road for one last four tire stop with 53 laps remaining and eventually cycled back to the lead with 31 laps to go and over a three-second advantage on the field. The race remained the green the rest of the way as Blaney made his way through lapped traffic, eventually taking the checkered flag to send the Menards/Cardell Cabinetry Ford Mustang to victory lane.

BLANEY’S THOUGHTS: “I never gave up hope, that’s for sure. We’ve had great speed all year, just hasn’t been the best year for us as far as good fortune. The 12 boys are awesome; they stick with it no matter how it goes, and it was great to finish one out tonight. We drove up to seventh there in the first stage, and I thought two tires were great. I thought my car was really good, and that really set us up for the rest of the race, so great job by [Jonathan Hassler], as always, all the 12 boys, appreciate what they do. The pit crew was great. Appreciate Menards, Cardell, Ford, Ford Motor Company, Roush Yates Engines, Discount Tire, Wabash, Wurth, Snap-on, DEX Imaging, BODYARMOR, Advance Auto Parts, everything that they do. It’s nice that it’s finally happening, so I’m ready to go celebrate.”

JOEY LOGANO No. 22 SHELL-PENNZOIL FORD MUSTANG
START: 9TH STAGE 1: 9TH STAGE 2: 4TH FINISH: 4TH POINTS: 8TH
RACE RUNDOWN: Joey Logano turned in a top-five result Sunday night at Nashville Superspeedway as the Shell-Pennzoil Ford Mustang took the checkered flag fourth in the Cup Series’ return to the 1.33-mile oval. Logano battled some handling issues early on after starting from ninth, but maintained his track position over the course of the opening run to come away with a ninth-place finish in Stage 1. Following a caution on lap 105, crew chief Paul Wolfe’s call for fuel only gained Logano five spots on pit road as Logano battled for the lead on the ensuing restart, but ultimately settled for a fourth-place effort in Stage 2. The No. 22 team’s four tire stop during the stage caution won Logano the race off pit road as the defending Nashville winner took the restart from the inside of row one with 102 laps to go, but was shuffled back to third in the running order. Following the final green flag pit cycle of the night with under 60 laps remaining, Logano cycled to fourth on the leaderboard and held the position the rest of the way in the top-five effort.

LOGANO’S THOUGHTS: “We did the details well. All but the one restart where I lost the lead there but I don’t think I would’ve maintained it anyways, that run [Ryan Blaney] had was just lights out which gave him that huge lead. The last run after the last pit stop was pretty solid, I thought, once we got going. It just took me 15-20 laps to get speed in the Shell-Pennzoil Mustang which is the same as what it was in practice. Proud of Team Penske, all of our cars have a win now and that’s pretty impressive. It shows all the teams are really strong. My guys were great on pit road today as well. That’s a solid, hard-earned top-five.”

The NASCAR Cup Series heads to the Michigan International Speedway on Sunday, June 8 for the Firekeepers Casino 400. Coverage begins at 2:00 p.m. ET on Amazon Prime Video and Sirius XM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

Kaulig Racing Race Recap | Cracker Barrel 400

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Official Release
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No. 16 LeafFilter Gutter Protection Camaro ZL1

Start: 17th
Stage 1 Finish: 36th
Stage 2 Finish: 25th
Finish: 20th

AJ Allmendinger and the No. 16 started at the rear of the field and performed a stop and go pit stop after taking the green flag as part of a penalty for unapproved adjustments. Allmendinger battled the handing of his LeafFilter Gutter Protection Chevy for the duration of race, reporting early the car was tight in traffic and the front end lacked feel. The team made air pressure and wedge adjustments throughout the race to continue to help Allmendinger with handling.

“Tough start to the day; we fought hard and executed our plan of what we needed to do to try to stay one lap down, and eventually get back on the lead lap. We just struggled all night with the car being a little bit too tight and we didn’t have a lot of raw speed. I felt like we maximized the day as best as we could but it was disappointing. We all expected to be a little bit faster, but with how the weekend went and how the race played out, I think we finished about as high as we should have finished.” – AJ Allmendinger

No. 10 Grizzly Nicotine Pouches Camaro ZL1

Start: 31st
Stage 1 Finish: 33rd
Stage 2 Finish: 24th
Finish: 26th

Ty Dillon and the No. 10 Grizzly Nicotine Pouches Chevrolet team started the Cracker Barrel 400 from the 31st position on Sunday evening. Gambling with pit stratagy early in the race, Dillon ran as high as fourth before making a green-flag pit stop late in stage one. When the caution flag waved at the end of the first stage, Dillon and the No. 10 team took the wave around to return to the lead lap. Restarting the race deep in the field at the start of stage two, Dillon made his way back in to the top 20 before finishing the second stage in 24th. Continuing to make routine stops throughout the remainder of the race and battling for position, Dillon was able to cross the finsih line in 26th place.

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.

RFK Racing’s Trio Led by Buescher in Music City

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Official Release
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Chris Buescher 14th, Brad Keselowski 23rd, Ryan Preece 28th

Lebanon, TN (June 1, 2025) – Roush Fenway Keselowski (RFK) Racing came to Music City looking to keep the rhythm going after a strong showing in Charlotte a week ago. Chris Buescher hit the high note Sunday night, leading the RFK charge with a strong run to a 14th-place finish. After leading the race at one point, Brad Keselowski finished 23rd, and Ryan Preece battled back from a spin to finish 28th.

No. 17 – Chris Buescher

Chris Buescher started 10th at Nashville Superspeedway on Sunday night and quickly settled into a steady rhythm with the Kroger/OIKOS Ford. Early in the 90-lap segment, Buescher reported the car was tight on corner exit, but as the laps clicked off, the handling came to him. This was evident during the stage in a fierce, side-by-side battle with Ross Chastain that lasted several laps and showcased Buescher’s tenacity. Buescher ended Stage One in 11th.

Stage Two took on a much different complexion than the opening segment. Avoiding trouble in a caution-filled stage was key. After a solid adjustment during the break between stages, Buescher restarted 16th and reported improved handling. A two-tire call on lap 106 gained track position, and despite battling a loose car on restarts, he kept the car clean and avoided multiple incidents. Buescher ended the stage 27th, still in the fight with a clean car.

When the final stage began, Buescher restarted 29th. Opportunity presented itself on lap 199. Capitalizing on a caution and intense restart, Buescher picked up positions and built momentum. By lap 246, he pitted for four tires and fuel, and after green-flag stops cycled through, he had worked his way up to 16th. With a strong final run, Buescher picked off a few more spots and scored a solid 14th-place finish, capping off a determined drive forward in the closing laps.

No. 6 – Brad Keselowski

Riding momentum from a 5th-place finish in last week’s Coca-Cola 600, Brad Keselowski started strong at Nashville Superspeedway on Sunday night. He rolled off sixth in pursuit of his 37th career win. Throughout most of the first stage, the Solomon Plumbing Ford consistently ran inside the top 10. As the laps wore on in the 90-lap segment, which ran caution-free, it became clear that track position would play a key role. Keselowski and Crew Chief Jeremy Bullins began devising ways to implement strategy and increase performance in the ensuing stages. Though Keselowski slipped to 13th by the end of Stage One, confidence remained high, with Bullins assuring him, “We’ll keep digging. We’ll be alright.”

Stage Two at Nashville brought challenges for the No. 6, but the team showed resilience throughout. After an early caution on lap 106, Keselowski pitted for two tires. However, as John Hunter Nemechek was entering his pit stall and Keselowski was exiting, the two collided. Fortunately, the car avoided major damage. A string of cautions followed, and on lap 130, contact from Corey Heim pushed Keselowski into the wall, forcing an unscheduled stop for quick repairs. Despite dropping to 32nd, Brad stayed focused, providing detailed feedback as the team worked to improve the car’s handling. With half the race still ahead, the team remained determined to fight back in the final stage.

Stage Three required strategy and perseverance. After taking extra time during the stage break for splitter repairs, Keselowski restarted 30th but quickly began moving forward, climbing to 27th as the car fired off with more strength than earlier in the race. With intensity building on a lap 199 restart, Keselowski steadily advanced to 23rd. As green-flag pit stops began, the No. 6 team rolled the dice, keeping Brad on track as long as possible in hopes of a timely caution. The strategy vaulted him to the lead with 34 laps to go. Unfortunately, the caution never came, and Brad had to pit on lap 267, dropping him back to 23rd, where he would ultimately finish.

“A long night,” said Keselowski, who had worked through multiple points of adversity. “We got run off the track several times and it got us in a hole that we couldn’t get out of.”

No. 60 – Ryan Preece

Coming off two straight top-10 finishes, Ryan Preece entered Nashville Superspeedway with momentum and sat right on the playoff cutline. The driver of the No. 60 Trimble Ford started 19th and steadily gained ground, advancing to 16th within the opening 25 laps. A green-flag pit stop on lap 45 for four tires and fuel helped him cycle up to 14th. Preece maintained a strong pace throughout the run and wrapped up Stage One in 16th, showing consistency even as the car challenged him on corner entry.

Preece restarted 16th to begin Stage Two, which was slowed by three consecutive cautions. When the race resumed on lap 155, he held his position using the bottom groove and found better balance in the closing laps of the stage. During the 95-lap segment, Preece gained five positions to climb to 11th.

During the final stage break, a longer stop to top off fuel dropped the No. 60 Ford to 24th. Just four laps into the final stage, while running in traffic, Preece got caught in dirty air entering turn one and spun, bringing out the caution, despite no significant damage. From there, Preece mounted a respectable recovery, working his way through the back of the field over the final 100 laps. He gained four positions over the final pit cycle to finish 28th.

“We had a really good run going until I just lost the car entering turn one,” Preece said. “I’m super proud of our team for battling and bringing me a fast car; I just didn’t finish there at the end.”

Up Next:
Michigan International Speedway (Brooklyn, MI): Sunday, June 8, 2025 @ 2:00 pm on Prime

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.

LEGACY MOTOR CLUB: NASHVILLE SUPERSPEEDWAY RACE RECAP

By
Official Release
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LEBANON, Tenn. (June 1, 2025) – The NASCAR Cup Series raced its way into Music City for Sunday’s Cracker Barrel 400 at Nashville Superspeedway, located just a half hour outside the big city. On the 1.33-mile, D-shaped oval, a total of 39 cars took the green flag for the race. Erik Jones, driving the No. 43 Dollar Tree Toyota Camry XSE, led the LEGACY MOTOR CLUB entries from the 14th starting position, with his teammate John Hunter Nemechek starting 36th in the No. 42 DriveValue.com Toyota Camry XSE. Chase Briscoe started from the pole, and when the checkered flag flew after 399 miles, Ryan Blaney found himself in victory lane.

Below is a look at how the LEGACY MOTOR CLUB entries fared:

JOHN HUNTER NEMECHEK
NO. 42 DRIVEVALUE.COM TOYOTA CAMRY XSE RACE RECAP:
START: 36TH | FINISH: 27TH | POINTS: 22ND
On Sunday evening, beneath a beautiful Tennessee sunset sky, the 39-car field took the green flag in front of a sold-out crowd. Starting deep in the field, the No. 42 DriveValue.com Toyota Camry XSE team knew they needed to gain track position early, with the leaders expected to come around quickly.

For the opening run, the No. 42 team opted for a long pit strategy, becoming one of the last teams to make their green-flag stop. After pitting on lap 70, Nemechek rejoined the 1.33-mile speedway just ten car lengths ahead of the leader, running 35th. It was crucial for the Mooresville, North Carolina native to stay ahead and remain just one lap down. He managed to build a small gap and finished Stage 1 in 35th, one lap off the pace. At the stage break, the team took the wave-around to get back on the lead lap, hoping for a quick caution to make a much-needed pit stop for fresh tires.

That caution came on lap 106. As the team prepared to pit, chaos unfolded on pit road as several cars opted for two-tire stops, creating congestion. As the No. 42 entered its stall, the No. 6 car exited his pit box and made contact with the left side of the 42. Crew chief Travis Mack assessed the situation and, seeing no significant damage, the team completed their stop for tires and fuel.

Stage 2 was a dramatic shift from the green-flag-only first stage. Multiple cautions early in the segment allowed Nemechek to work his way up through the field, restarting 22nd by lap 122 and breaking into the top 20 by lap 130. As Stage Two came to a close under the night sky, Nemechek had slipped back to 28th.

During the stage break, Nemechek reported handling differences between the top and bottom lanes, saying the car was loose and needed more rear grip. Mack called him in for four tires, fuel, and a chassis adjustment to tighten up the handling. The No. 42 restarted the final stage in 26th.

With 80 laps remaining in the 300-lap event, Nemechek radioed in that he was feeling pretty good but stuck in traffic during a long green-flag run. On lap 248, the team made their final green-flag pit stop, rejoining the race in 34th. The final 52 laps ran caution-free, and Nemechek brought the No. 42 DriveValue.com Toyota Camry XSE home in 27th.

JOHN HUNTER NEMECHEK QUOTABLE:

“Unfortunately not the night that we needed. We got caught with bad track position and that means a lot on these type of tracks. We’ll learn from this and move on to the next one.”

ERIK JONES
NO. 43 DOLLAR TREE TOYOTA CAMRY XSE RACE RECAP:
START: 14TH | FINISH: 7TH | POINTS: 24TH
After qualifying 14th for Sunday night’s Cracker Barrel 400 at Nashville Superspeedway, Jones was ready to tackle the concrete oval under the lights. He was 13th within a lap and held steady there in the opening segment of the race. Despite feeling like he lacked grip in his No. 42 Dollar Tree Toyota Camry XSE, he still put down similar lap times to the front of the field. He pitted on lap 43 during green flag pit stops for four tires, fuel, and an air pressure adjustment. When the field cycled through, he was 17th and still battling a free racecar.

In the final laps of Stage 1, he was able to move his way up a couple of spots to finish 12th, just outside the top-10. Jones told his crew that he was a little too free from entry to middle at both ends of the 1.33-mile oval. The team pitted for four tires, fuel and another air pressure adjustment.

He restarted the second stage in 11th and entered the top-10 in just two laps. Jones ran there until the lap 106 caution where he took a chance to pit for right side tires and fuel only. After restarting 11th, he quickly found himself in seventh throughout a flurry of cautions during the second stage. After some contact on lap 118 with the No. 20, he held his position as the team reported no damage. Jones felt like the car was better and proved it as he moved up to fifth by lap 138. He held this position as the rest of the stage went green to finish there and earn six valuable stage points.

During the stage break, the No. 43 Dollar Tree team pitted for four tires, fuel, and another air pressure adjustment. Thanks to the help of his quick crew, Jones gained two spots on pit road to restart third in the final stage.

He took the outside row on the second row on top for the Stage 3 restart. While he struggled on the initial launch, he settled into fourth as the caution came out just one lap into the run. On the next restart, Jones was battling for second with the No. 22 for several laps before settling for third. He defended his position for several laps before the No. 11 passed him, but he was able to hold off the No. 24 as his long run speed kicked in. He held that position as the rest of the field battled it out.

Jones visited pit road for his final pit stop on lap 242 under green with 58 laps to go in the race. He was the first of the field to visit and cycled through to eighth as pit stop strategies varied. As the laps counted down, Jones found himself struggling with a loose car. He fell back to seventh with just over 20 laps to go in the race. He held that position until the checkered flag to earn his second top-10 of the 2025 season,

ERIK JONES QUOTABLE:

“I think our mile-and-a-half stuff has been pretty good all year. I feel like it is a matter of we have to put it together. Today was a good day of putting it together. We didn’t have any mistakes. We had good pit stops. It just is cleaning everything up, and continuing to improve on these cars. Like at the end there, that was all we had. Our balance was pretty good, so we still need to get a little faster. We’ve done a great job. We are getting there. We are optimizing the speed. The mile-and-a-halves are our strong suit, so hoping we have more of it in Michigan. That would be a fun one to be up front again.”

NEXT UP: The NASCAR Cup Series heads to Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn for the Firekeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway.

Practice and qualifying take place on Saturday, June 7 starting at 9:35 a.m. EDT. The Firekeepers Casino 400 will cap off the weekend on Sunday, June 8 starting at 2 p.m. EDT.

Catch all the action on Amazon Prime, MAX, MRN Radio, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Channel 90).

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

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