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Eranova Joins Matt DiBenedetto, Young’s Motorsports for Charlotte Motor Speedway

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Official Release
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MOORESVILLE, N.C.: Matt DiBenedetto’s return to NASCAR competition with Young’s Motorsports is expanding.

One week after the veteran driver makes his anticipated return to the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series at Las Vegas (Nev.) Motor Speedway, DiBenedetto will return to the No. 42 Young’s Motorsports Chevrolet for the Blue Cross NC 300 at Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway on Saturday, Oct. 10.

The additional race comes through a new partnership with Eranova, a Charlotte-based enterprise AI software company making its first venture into NASCAR competition.

Eranova’s entry into the sport provides the growing company an opportunity to introduce its brand to NASCAR’s passionate fan base while strengthening its presence and developing new relationships throughout the transportation and logistics industries.

As an enterprise AI software company, Eranova provides a platform and suite of AI agents that automate work across supply chain and back-office finance operations.

Eranova’s agents work across existing core systems to automate workflows ranging from shipment quoting, booking and tracking to document processing, accounts payable and accounts receivable.

Headquartered in the heart of NASCAR country, Eranova sees a natural connection between its roots in supply chain and NASCAR’s deep ties to transportation, technology and innovation.

The partnership with DiBenedetto and Young’s Motorsports provides the company with a national platform to connect with new customers, build relationships and continue expanding its growing brand.

“We’re incredibly excited to partner with Matty D and Young’s Motorsports for our first NASCAR sponsorship,” said Eranova Head of Engineering & Deployment Ethan Barnes. “NASCAR has an incredibly loyal fan base and strong connections throughout the transportation and logistics industries, making it a great fit for Eranova.

“We look forward to becoming part of the NASCAR community, building new relationships and showcasing how AI agents can automate the work behind supply chain and finance operations.”

For DiBenedetto, the addition of Charlotte extends his NASCAR return to consecutive weekends after previously announcing plans to compete for Young’s Motorsports at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Oct. 3.

The Las Vegas race will mark DiBenedetto’s first NASCAR national-series start since October 2025 and his debut with the Mooresville, N.C.-based Young’s Motorsports organization.

“I’m really excited to add Charlotte to our schedule and incredibly thankful to Eranova for stepping up and making another race possible,” said DiBenedetto.

“What makes this partnership even cooler is that Eranova is based right here in Charlotte, so having their first NASCAR sponsorship happen at their home track makes a lot of sense.

“They’re doing some really innovative things with AI in the transportation and logistics industries, which have such strong connections throughout NASCAR.

“I’m looking forward to helping introduce their brand to our fans, representing them well on and off the track and hopefully giving them a memorable first experience in the sport.”

Young’s Motorsports team principal Tyler Young also welcomed Eranova to the organization.

“We’re excited to welcome Eranova to Young’s Motorsports and NASCAR,” said Young. “Having a Charlotte-based company choose its hometown race for its first involvement in the sport makes this partnership even more meaningful.

“Matt brings a tremendous amount of experience to our No. 42 program, and having him behind the wheel for consecutive weekends gives us an opportunity to build some continuity from Las Vegas into Charlotte.

“We appreciate Eranova believing in Matt and our organization, and hopefully this is the beginning of a relationship that can continue growing well beyond Charlotte.”

DiBenedetto, 35, brings more than 240 NASCAR Cup Series starts and 127 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series appearances to his upcoming Young’s Motorsports debut. His NASCAR résumé also includes a NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series victory at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway in 2022.

The NASCAR veteran will make his return to Charlotte Motor Speedway’s 1.5-mile oval, where he has competed in each of the past two NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series spring events.

DiBenedetto earned a 26th-place finish after qualifying 14th with RSS Racing in 2024 before returning with Viking Motorsports in 2025, qualifying 16th before a suspension issue prematurely ended his afternoon.

For more on Matt DiBenedetto, please visit mattdracing.com, like his Facebook page (Matt DiBenedetto Racing), or follow him on Instagram (@mattdracing) and TikTok (@mattdracing).

For more on Young’s Motorsports, please visit YoungsMotorsports.com, like them on Facebook (Young’s Motorsports), and follow them on Instagram (@youngsmotorsports) and X |Twitter (@youngsmtrsports).

The Blue Cross NC 300 (200 laps | 300 miles) is the 29th of thirty-three (33) NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series races on the 2026 schedule. Practice will occur on Sat., Oct. 10, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:20 a.m. Qualifying will begin immediately after, at 11:35 a.m. The field will take the green flag later in the day, shortly after 4:00 p.m., with live coverage on The CW Network, the Performance Racing Network (Radio), and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90. All times are local (ET).

REIGNING WORLD CHAMPIONS DALLAS GLENN, RICHARD GADSON GEAR UP FOR FIRST RACE OF COUNTDOWN TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP

By
Official Release
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MARTIN, Mich. (Sept. 17, 2026) – Reigning Pro Stock world champion Dallas Glenn enters this weekend’s inaugural Dodge NHRA Great Lakes Nationals presented by MOPAR leading the ultra-competitive field as the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series heads into its Countdown to the Championship playoffs.

Glenn secured the regular season championship in Indianapolis with a victory in his RAD Torque Systems Chevrolet Camaro at the legendary race. With four wins on the 2026 season, he hopes to carry his success in Indy into the first race of the Countdown at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park.

“Going into Monday at the U.S. Nationals, I was more focused on trying to win the race than worrying too much about points,” said Glenn. “After my early exit in Brainerd, I decided to just focus on Indy and not even think about the points. Greg (Anderson) was going to have to lose early, and I didn’t want to root against anybody on my team. I just set out to do my job, and then Greg lost early and it was like, ‘Okay, now it’s time to do my job.’”

The highly anticipated debut at US 131 Motorsports Park is the first of six playoff races and the 15th of 20 events during NHRA’s 75th anniversary season. The 2026 Dodge NHRA Great Lakes Nationals presented by MOPAR will also be broadcast on FS1, with elimination coverage beginning at 2 p.m. ET on Sunday, Sept. 20.

Glenn knows the importance of kicking off the Countdown on a high note. En route to his first world championship last season, Glenn won four of the five playoff races. The inaugural Dodge NHRA Great Lakes Nationals presented by MOPAR will be an equal playing field for the Pro Stock class as it is NHRA’s first trip to the standout facility. With only 24 rounds of competition left in the 2026 season, Glenn and the rest of the field will try to capitalize on every possible point.

“It’s definitely going to be a lot different going to Martin, where we’ve never been down the track before,” Glenn said. “I’ve never set foot on that property, so I’m excited to add a new track to the list. We also have a short turnaround between Martin and Rockingham, so we’ve been working to make sure everything is ready to go.”

Also on track this weekend will be Glenn’s teammate and six-time world champion Greg Anderson. Anderson has four wins this season and is second in points. Others to watch include Greg Stanfield in third place as well as Matt Hartford, Aaron Stanfield and six-time champ Erica Enders.

Reigning Pro Stock Motorcycle world champion Richard Gadson secured the 2026 regular season championship in Indy and with another world championship in sight, Gadson knows he has a steep road ahead of him during the Countdown to the Championship playoffs.

“Winning the regular-season championship was definitely big,” said Gadson. “Gainesville was one stamp, but the regular season championship was the period at the end of the sentence. People could say I got saved by the Countdown, but not this time. At the same time, I know it’s not finished. You enjoy it for a short period of time, and then you have to funnel your energy and focus into the Countdown and continue doing the same things that kept you in front.”

Gadson rides for Pro Stock Motorcycle powerhouse Vance & Hines on the RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Suzuki. The team has 16 world championships to its credit, including the last three with Gaige Herrera in 2023 and 2024 and Gadson in 2025. Gadson will face plenty of competition in the Countdown, including teammate Herrera, who has wins in Charlotte and Bristol this season, as well as longtime Vance & Hines rival and six-time world champion Matt Smith, who enters the playoffs second in points following his Indy victory.

Other riders in at the Dodge NHRA Great Lakes Nationals presented by MOPAR will be Maryland winner Angie Smith, John Hall, Ryan Oehler and Chase Van Sant.

The Top Fuel ranks have been dominated this season by Michigan-based Kalitta Motorsports. Reigning world champion Doug Kalitta secured the regular season championship, while teammate Shawn Langdon won in Indy after setting the NHRA speed record at 345 mph earlier this season in Valdosta. The two will be up against the likes of longtime Dodge driver Leah Pruett, Top Fuel rookie standout Maddi Gordon, four-time world champ Antron Brown and motorsports legend Tony Stewart.

To add to the magnitude of the weekend, Doug, Connie and Scott Kalitta will all be honored during the weekend as part of NHRA’s 75th anniversary celebration. Connie and Doug will both be recognized as two of the Top 75 drivers in NHRA history.

The Funny Car class is currently led by longtime Dodge driver Matt Hagan, who locked up the regular-season championship in Indy. Three-time world champion Ron Capps enters the Countdown second in points, with Indy winner Jack Beckman in third. The loaded Funny Car field will also feature J.R. Todd, Jordan Vandergriff and reigning world champion Austin Prock.

Race fans at US 131 Motorsports Park can enjoy the special pre-race ceremonies that introduce each driver and includes the fan favorite SealMaster Track Walk. They are also invited to congratulate the event winners at the winner’s circle celebration on Sunday to crown the first-ever national event winners in Martin. 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 12:15 and 2:45 p.m. ET on Friday, Sept. 18 and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, Sept. 19 at 12 and 2:30 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. ET on Sunday, Sept. 20. Television coverage includes qualifying on FS1 at 12 p.m. ET on Sunday before eliminations action at 2 p.m.

To purchase tickets to the Dodge NHRA Great Lakes Nationals presented by MOPAR, fans can visit www.NHRA.com/tickets. Children 12 and under are free in general admission areas with the purchase of an adult ticket. For more information about the NHRA, visit www.nhra.com.

About Mission Foods

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

About NHRA

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

Layne Riggs awarded 2026 Truck Chase opener pole at Bristol

By
Andrew Kim
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Photo by Logan Allen for SpeedwayMedia.com.

Layne Riggs has been awarded the pole position for the UNOH 250 at Bristol Motor Speedway on Thursday, September 17, to commence the 2026 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series’ Chase.

The event’s starting lineup was initially going to be determined through an on-track qualifying session that consisted of a single-truck, two-lap qualifying format. During the session, each of the 37 competitors vying for 36 starting spots would cycle around Bristol twice to post the fastest lap amongst one another. The competitor who posted the single fastest lap was awarded the pole position.

Thursday’s qualifying session, however, was canceled in its final stages due to inclement weather. As a result, the lineup was determined using a qualifying metric formula from the NASCAR rulebook. This resulted in Riggs being awarded the first-place starting spot as he is coming off a victory in the series’ recent event at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on August 22 and is leading the updated Chase standings.

With the pole, Riggs, who was fastest in practice earlier on Thursday, will lead the field to the start of a Truck event from first place for a fifth time this season. Riggs enters the 2026 Chase with six victories, 10 top-five results, 11 top-10 results, 598 laps led and 217 stage points accumulated throughout the series’ 18-race regular-season stretch. With the top seed and 2,100 points, the 24-year-old native of Bahama, North Carolina, will commence his seven-race postseason stretch to his first championship by contending for his third consecutive victory in the UNOH 250 in Bristol, Tennessee.

Riggs will share the front row with Chandler Smith, teammate of Riggs at Front Row Motorsports and a 2026 Chase contender. Smith, who is a two-time Truck winner at Bristol and has won twice this season, is ranked in third place in the Chase standings with 2,065 points as he too commences his pursuit for his first championship. Kaden Honeycutt, who has also won twice and is ranked in the runner-up spot in the Chase standings with 2,075 points, will start in third place as he pursues his first championship and second in a row for TRICON Garage’s No. 11 team.

Tristan McKee and Stewart Friesen, the two-highest non-Chase competitors to start on the grid, will line up in fourth and fifth, respectively. William Sawalich, Daniel Hemric, Ty Majeski, Justin Haley and Grant Enfinger complete the top-10 starting grid, respectively.

Overall, six of 10 Chase contenders (Riggs, Smith, Honeycutt, Hemric, Majeski and Enfinger) will start in the top 10 for Thursday’s Chase opener at Bristol. The remaining Chasers that include Tyler Ankrum, Ben Rhodes, Giovanni Ruggerio and Christian Eckes will start 13th, 14th, 19th and 21st, respectively.

With 37 competitors vying for 36 starting spots, Justin Carroll was the lone competitor who did not make the main event.

Starting lineup:

  1. Layne Riggs
  2. Chandler Smith
  3. Kaden Honeycutt
  4. Tristan McKee
  5. Stewart Friesen
  6. William Sawalich
  7. Daniel Hemric
  8. Ty Majeski
  9. Justin Haley
  10. Grant Enfinger
  11. Parker Etamon
  12. Jake Garcia
  13. Tyler Ankrum
  14. Ben Rhodes
  15. Corey LaJoie
  16. Bayley Currey
  17. Brenden Queen
  18. Cole Butcher
  19. Giovanni Ruggiero
  20. Tanner Gray
  21. Christian Eckes
  22. Connor Mosack
  23. Regan Smith
  24. Mini Tyrrell
  25. Nick Leitz
  26. Connor Hall
  27. Andres Perez De Lara
  28. Landen Lewis
  29. Dawson Sutton
  30. Frankie Muniz
  31. Timmy Hill
  32. Kris Wright
  33. Jackson Macenko
  34. Caden Kvapil
  35. Luke Baldwin
  36. Nick Sanchez

*Bold indicates Chase Drivers

The 2026 UNOH 250 at Bristol Motor Speedway is scheduled to occur on Thursday, September 17, at 8 p.m. ET on FS1, NASCAR Racing Network and SiriusXM.

LEGACY MOTOR CLUB: BRISTOL NIGHT RACE PREVIEW

By
Official Release
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LEGACY MOTOR CLUB:
BRISTOL PRE-RACE ADVANCE
EVENT: Bass Pro Shops Night Race
DATE: September 19, 2026
Race: NASCAR Cup Series 29 of 36
TRACK: Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway | .533-Mile, Concrete Oval

JOHN HUNTER NEMECHEK
NO. 42 PYE-BARKER FIRE & SAFETY TOYOTA CAMRY XSE
JHN AT BRISTOL: John Hunter Nemechek has seven starts at Bristol Motor Speedway in the NASCAR Cup Series. He earned a highest finish of sixth in March 2024. In the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, he made four starts at Bristol, earning two top-three finishes in his last two races at the track in August 2019 and September 2023. He earned a best finish of third, earned twice in August 2019 and September 2023. Nemechek also has ten starts at Bristol in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series where he has earned five top-three finishes and a pole in the Bristol dirt race in March 2021.

JOHN HUNTER NEMECHEK QUOTE:
“Bristol is a fun one. The night race is always special. Looking forward to a strong run this weekend.”

ERIK JONES
NO. 43 DOLLAR TREE TOYOTA CAMRY XSE
JONES BRISTOL STATS: Saturday’s Bass Pro Shops Night Race will mark Erik Jones’ 17th NASCAR Cup Series start at Bristol Motor Speedway on the concrete oval. In his prior 16 starts, he earned four top-fives, five top-10s, and led 293 laps at the .533-mile oval. He earned a best finish of second from the pole in August 2017 during his rookie season. He led 260 of the 500 laps and finished 1.422 seconds behind race winner Kyle Busch. Jones has an additional three starts on the dirt at Bristol where he has a best finish of ninth in the inaugural direst race in March 2021. He has an additional seven starts outside of the Cup Series at Bristol – six in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and one in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Jones has an impressive career at Bristol in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series – earning three pole positions (April 2015, April 2016, and August 2016), two wins (April 2016 and April 2017), three top-fives, and four top-10s. In his lone Truck Series start at Bristol in August 2015, Jones started fourth and finished sixth.

WINNER AT BRISTOL: Early in his career, Jones was a contender to win each time he rolled into Bristol in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. Besides his three back-to-back poles between April 2015 and August 2016, Jones owns two victories at Bristol. He found himself in victory lane for the first time in April 2016 during his only full-time season in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. He started on the pole, led 62 laps, and beat runner-up Kyle Busch by .418 seconds to find his first of four victories during the 2016 season. He followed that up in April 2017 while he was running his rookie season in the NASAR Cup Series. Jones returned to the series and started fourth in the race at Bristol. He led 27 laps en route to his .344 second win over runner-up Ryan Blaney.

ERIK JONES QUOTE:
“Hopefully, we can continue to build on our progress at Bristol. Last week was a tough one, but we battled through it and survived to bring home a top-15 finish, so I think we can continue to move in a better direction. Bristol has been a somewhat challenging track for me in this NextGen car. I don’t feel like we’ve really hit on it yet. It’s just kind of been a wild card with the tire situation – some races have high tire fall off and shred tires after 50 laps and some races it doesn’t seem like that’s an issue. There are some things you can do to help conserve tires, but it can take away from performance. There are a lot of variables and unknowns going into Bristol, but hopefully we’ve made enough progress this year on our short-track program to help. It can be a fun track and a really cool one to drive in general, so I want to have a strong weekend.”

CLUB NOTES:
JJ AT BRISTOL: LEGACY MOTOR CLUB owner and seven-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion Jimmie Johnson owns 38 starts in the Cup Series at Bristol Motor Speedway. He collected two wins, 13 top-fives, and 22 top-10s over his career as well as led 914 laps. He scored his first win at Bristol in March 2010 when he started fourth in the Food City 500. Johnson led a total of 84 laps to finish .894 seconds ahead of Tony Stewart. He won his second race at Bristol in April 2017. He started 11th for the 500-lap race and led 81 laps en route to a 1.199 second margin of victory of Clint Bowyer. Johnson has an additional five starts outside of the Cup Series – four in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and one in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. He earned a best finish of fourth in his March 2001 O’Reilly Auto Parts Series start. In his lone career Truck Series start, Johnson started ninth in August 2008 and led 29 laps prior to being involved in a wreck on Lap 101 that ended his Truck Series debut early.

KENSETH BRISTOL STATS: LEGACY MOTOR CLUB competition advisor and 2003 NASCAR Cup Series Champion Matt Kenseth also owns 38 NASCAR Cup Series starts at Bristol. He accumulated a total of four victories, 15 top-fives, and 22 top-10s as well as 1,583 laps led. Kenseth scored his first victory in the August 2005 Bristol Night Race. He started from the pole and led 415 of 500 laps to finish .511 seconds ahead of Jeff Burton. He followed that up in the August 2005 night race where he started fourth and found himself in victory lane once again after leading 117 laps. He finished .591 seconds ahead of runner-up Kyle Busch. In the August 2013 night race, Kenseth started fifth and led 149 laps to finish .188 seconds ahead of runner-up Kasey Kahne. His fourth and final victory came in the April 2015 Food City 500 where he once again started on the pole. Kenseth led 47 laps en route to a .287 second margin of victory over Jimmie Johnson. Kenseth has an additional 18 starts at Bristol in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. He owns three victories (August 1999, March 2001, and August 2006), 11 top-fives, and 11 top-10s as well as 504 laps led.

THE KING AT BRISTOL: LEGACY MOTOR CLUB ambassador and seven-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion Richard Petty owns 60 starts in the Cup Series at Bristol dating back to July 1961. During his legendary career, Petty earned three wins, 26 top-fives, and 37 top-10s at Bristol in addition to leading 2,212 laps. He earned his first victory from the pole in July 1967 where he led 225 laps. He won again in March 1975 when he started second, led 243 laps, and bested Benny Parsons. His final win came in November 1975 where Petty started fourth and led 218 laps to find victory lane.

DAY WITH THE CLUB: Join LEGACY MOTOR CLUB on Thursday, October 8 at the shop in Statesville, N.C. to help celebrate the 2027 season and prepare for the race weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Stay tuned for more details and a schedule for the day.

SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT:

Stepping into a new NASCAR Cup Series ride doesn’t happen overnight. This film follows Riley Herbst through the journey leading to his announcement as the driver of the No. 84 for LEGACY MOTOR CLUB in the 2027 NASCAR Cup Series season.

CLUB APPEARANCES:
John Hunter Nemechek will visit the trackside merchandise trailer on Friday, September 18 at 2 p.m. local time for an autograph session before visiting the Dollar Tree display in the fan zone at 2:30 p.m. local time.

Erik Jones will visit the Cracker Barrel fan stage on Saturday, Sept. 19 at 2 p.m. local time for a Q&A session before heading over to the Dollar Tree display in the fan zone for an autograph at 2:15 p.m. local time.

TUNE IN:
Fans can tune in to watch the Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway on Saturday, September 19 at 7:30 p.m. EDT on USA Sports, HBO MAX, PRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Channel 90).

ABOUT LEGACY MOTOR CLUB: (LEGACY MC) is a premier auto racing organization 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 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. The No. 84 Toyota Camry XSE driven by Riley Herbst will debut full time in the 2027 season, while Johnson will make his final NASCAR Cup Series start at the 2027 DAYTONA 500 in the No. 48 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.

Kyle Larson Is Good Again

By
Official Release
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Photo by Simon Scoggins for SpeedwayMedia.com

NASCAR 26 Cover Athlete Back to Being the Class of the Field since Knoxville Win

Editor’s Note: This is the third in a semi-regular series of fun, storyline-driven releases. We skipped last week because Hocevar and Keselowski already did the heavy lifting for us, and we didn’t want anyone to lose their minds about us promoting a rivalry that may later lead to a penalty. We’re glad that decision paid off, everyone remained calm and it wasn’t a topic of conversation.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (September 17, 2026) – There is no cover jinx in NASCAR, as NASCAR 26 Cover Athlete Kyle Larson turned up the heat just days prior to the flagship game’s official release date with a statement win at World Wide Technology Raceway. (By the way, download it on PS5, Xbox and PC today!)

But toward the latter end of the season’s summer stretch, the reigning NASCAR Cup Series Champion was frigid.

In the five races that spanned across Chicagoland through Iowa, the driver of the No. 5 Chevrolet ranked 35th among full-time NASCAR Cup Series drivers in average finish (31.0), 36th in average positions gained (-22.2), 25th in average running position (21.4), and 35th in laps completed on the lead lap (669 of possible 1,490). Add this to a nagging winless streak dating back to Kansas Speedway last May, and any hope for a third Larson title felt mildly laughable – he was 10th points at the time, after all.

Then, the weekend of Richmond came along, scheduled concurrently with a prestigious dirt sprint car race happening over 1,100 miles away: the Knoxville Nationals. Those who know Larson understand that the only thing keeping Kyle Larson away from a dirt track is another race on a different track. And thus, it seemed as if he’d solely be strapping in for a night of racing on asphalt in the Commonwealth of Virginia amidst one of the worst slumps of his career.

But due to the grace of Mother Nature and the ever-so kind, considerate, and intuitive thinking of NASCAR Communications, Larson was told midway through the race that he’d be able to forgo his post-race media responsibilities in an attempt to get him to Knoxville in time to race. After a sixth-place result, he booked it to his plane, traveled to the Heartlands, and made it to start from the pole and earn his second coveted Knoxville Nationals title.

Since that night, Yung Money has been cashing in.

In the five races between Richmond and Gateway, Larson has improved massively to fourth in average finish (9.6), fourth in average positions gained (5.6), second in average running position (10.1) while being third in laps led (201) and fifth in laps in the top five and top 10 (551 & 888, respectively). He has also yet to finish outside the top six in this stretch apart from Daytona, which if you ask his son Owen, he just needs to try harder “because he’s not good at superspeedways.”

Larson was most recently able to end his notable winless drought at 51-races at a track Hendrick Motorsports had only two top-fives at in four previous trips to St. Louis.

“Feel like we got our swagger back a little bit,” he said on the frontstretch after his 33rd career victory, and simultaneously moving up five positions in the Chase standings to second – nine points behind Denny Hamlin.

And if his outing at Gateway wasn’t enough to put his competitors back on notice, Larson and the No. 5 team head to Bristol Motor Speedway this weekend where no group has been more dominant at a certain track in the Next Gen era.

On the traditional, paved configuration since 2022, Kyle Larson is tied for first in wins (2) while outright ranking first in top fives (6), average finish (7.0), and laps led (1,230) in the last seven races among all Cup drivers.

The outlook doesn’t get much better for the rest of the Cup field as you look at the rest of the Chase as a whole either, as 14 of his 33 total career wins come at seven of the eight remaining tracks on the schedule, while being a heavy favorite at a handful such as Kansas, Las Vegas, and most certainly Homestead-Miami Speedway.

Watch as Larson looks to make his competitors further fear what might be: a late rally to a third championship with plenty of checkered flags to go with it. The Bass Pro Shops Night Race from Bristol Motor Speedway marks the third race of the Chase and fires off Saturday night (7:30 p.m. ET on USA Network, PRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio).

About NASCAR    

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) is the sanctioning body for the No. 1 form of motorsports in the United States and owner of 15 of the nation’s major motorsports entertainment facilities. NASCAR sanctions races in three national series (NASCAR Cup Series™, NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series™, and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series™), four international series (NASCAR Brasil Series, NASCAR Canada Series, NASCAR Euro Series, NASCAR Mexico Series), four regional series (ARCA Menards Series, ARCA Menards Series East & West and the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour) and a local grassroots series (NASCAR Local Racing Series Powered by O’Reilly Auto Parts). The International Motor Sports Association™ (IMSA®) governs the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship™, the premier U.S. sports car series. NASCAR also owns Motor Racing Network, Racing Electronics, and ONE DAYTONA. Based in Daytona Beach, Florida, with offices in five cities across North America, NASCAR sanctions more than 1,200 races annually in 11 countries and more than 30 U.S. states.

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

Nick Sanchez replacing Parker Kligerman for Truck’s Chase opener at Bristol

By
Andrew Kim
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Photo by Chad Wells for SpeedwayMedia.com.

Nick Sanchez will be replacing Parker Kligerman as the driver of the No. 75 Henderson Motorsports Chevrolet Silverado RST entry for Thursday’s NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series’ Chase opening event, UNOH 250, at Bristol Motor Speedway.

The news was shared on social media by Kligerman, who also revealed that he is recovering from an illness from the previous week. In the message, Kligerman stated that his condition has improved, but not to the point of competing with Henderson at Bristol, as he will also cover the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series’ Chase event at Bristol a day later for the CW Network.

Sanchez, the 2022 ARCA Menards Series champion from Miami, Florida, has finished in the top 10 in two previous Truck starts at Bristol. He finished ninth in 2023 and fifth in 2024, both of which occurred with Rev Racing. Having made a total of 48 starts and notching both a pair of victories and the 2023 Rookie-of-the-Year title in the series, Sanchez has finished fifth in his first and only Truck start to date this season at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park in mid-July, where he finished fifth while driving for Spire Motorsports.

Henderson Motorsports has made a single Truck start this season, which occurred at Daytona International Speedway with Corey LaJoie, the latter of whom finished 34th following a late retirement due to an engine failure. The organization, which last went to Victory Lane with Kligerman at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in July 2022, has competed in the Truck Series’ fall Bristol event since debuting in 2012, with Kligerman achieving the organization’s best result of third at the track in September 2022. 

The 2026 UNOH 250 at Bristol Motor Speedway is this year’s Chase opener in the Craftsman Truck Series division, where 10 competitors will commence over a seven-race stretch for this year’s championship. The Chase opener at Bristol is scheduled to commence on Thursday, September 17, at 8 p.m. ET on FS1, NASCAR Racing Network, and SiriusXM.

RFK Racing – Bristol II Advance

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Official Release
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Bristol Event Info:
Date: Saturday, September 19th
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Series: NASCAR Cup Series (NCS)
Location: Bristol, TN

Format: 500 Laps, 266.5 miles, Stages: 125-250-500
TV: USA Sports
Radio: MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Channel 90)

Weekend Schedule:
Friday: 4:30 p.m. ET, Cup Practice (TruTV, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
Friday: 5:40 p.m. ET, Cup Qualifying (TruTV, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
Saturday: 7:30 p.m. ET, Cup Race (USA Sports, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)

Storylines:

Brad Keselowski – After leading 55 laps a race ago at World Wide Technology Raceway, Brad Keselowski proved that he and his team have what it takes to play spoiler during the Chase. Keselowski returns to a track where he has three career wins, and nearly a fourth victory in this race one year ago. In 2025, he led 33 laps in the Bristol night race and came within a mile of victory, ultimately finishing second.

Chris Buescher – After a slow start to the Chase Chris Buescher is looking to bounce back in a big way Saturday night. Of his six career wins, two have come on short tracks, including his 2022 Bristol win. That night he led 169 laps and snapped a 222 race winless streak. Bristol is among Buescher’s best tracks as he has led more laps there than he has at any other track – 187 laps led.

Ryan Preece – Beyond a doubt Ryan Preece’s Daytona win proved that you can never count him out. The Chase’s Cinderella has already moved up two spots in the standings and now has his sights set on Bristol’s Gladiator Sword Trophy. He’s already won one short track race (Cook-Out Clash at Bowman Gray) this season and now heads back to the type of layout that made him a Northeast Modified star. He’s also a proven winner at Bristol, having won an O’Reilly Series race in the high-banked half mile in 2018.

Pace Laps:

  • Roush Fenway Keselowski (RFK) Racing heads to Bristol Motor Speedway for the iconic night race with team co-owner and driver Brad Keselowski bringing a proven track record at the Last Great Colosseum, including three NASCAR Cup Series victories, 11 top‑10 finishes, and two career poles across 29 starts at the high‑banked half‑mile.
  • The NASCAR Cup Series returns to Bristol Motor Speedway for the second time this season as the 2026 Chase continues, putting the sport’s spotlight on one of its most demanding short tracks where experience aggression and endurance are rewarded.
  • 2022 victor at the Last Great Colosseum and 2026 NCS Chase driver Chris Buescher is coming to Bristol seeking redemption coming off an end to his day this past weekend in St. Louis due to a right rear rotor failure.
  • Buescher has added five top‑10 finishes at Bristol, showing steady progress and the ability to stay competitive through long, physical races.
  • Fellow 2026 NCS Chase driver Ryan Preece heads to Bristol Motor Speedway as one of the field’s most respected short‑track racers, bringing momentum from a recent short‑track victory in the season‑opening Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium.

6 Team Info:
Driver: Brad Keselowski
Crew Chief: Jeremy Bullins
Partner: BuildSubmarines.com

17 Team Info:
Driver: Chris Buescher
Crew Chief: Scott Graves
Partner: Kroger/Kool-Aid /Little Bites

60 Team Info:
Driver: Ryan Preece
Crew Chief: Derrick Finley
Partner: Body Guard

This weekend, the No. 60 Body Guad Ford Mustang Dark Horse features a unique high-vis orange paint scheme for this year’s Bristol Night Race. The scheme features silver reflective striping and a specific chevron pattern to help promote awareness for work zone visibility.

Keselowski at Bristol Motor Speedway

Starts: 30

Wins: 3
Top-10s: 11
Poles: 2

  • In the 2025 Bristol Night Race, the veteran driver led 33 laps and was poised to win before being passed in the closing laps leaving Bristol with a 2nd place finish.
  • In the most recent visit to Bristol in the spring, Brad Keselowski rolled off 21st and finished 14th.
  • Brad Keselowski brings a strong Bristol résumé into race week; with 29 career NASCAR Cup Series starts at the half‑mile.
  • The Michigan native is a three‑time Bristol victor, capitalizing on his precision and experience at one of NASCAR’s most demanding short tracks.
  • Keselowski has recorded eleven top‑10 finishes at Bristol Motor Speedway, underscoring his ability to consistently contend under the lights at the Last Great Colosseum.
  • He has also shown strong qualifying speed at Bristol, earning two career poles and routinely positioning himself near the front of the field.

Buescher at Bristol Motor Speedway

Starts: 19

Wins: 1
Top-10s: 5
Poles: —

  • Chris Buescher heads to Bristol Motor Speedway with a growing body of experience, making his 20th NASCAR Cup Series start at the high‑banked half‑mile.
  • The No. 17 driver broke through at the Last Great Colosseum in 2022, scoring a Cup Series victory, leading 169 laps of the race, and proving their ability to manage Bristol’s intensity and pace.
  • 187 Bristol laps led – Most of all tracks
  • Buescher has added five top‑10 finishes at Bristol, showing steady progress and the ability to stay competitive through long, physical races.
  • The Texas native has continued refining his approach and race execution, turning improved track position into solid results.

Preece at Bristol Motor Speedway

Starts: 11

Wins: —
Top-10s: 3
Poles: —

  • Ryan Preece heads to Bristol Motor Speedway as one of the field’s most respected short‑track racers, bringing momentum from a recent short‑track victory in the season‑opening Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium. (has 9 Short track top 10 finishes – 3 Top 10 finishes last 6 races)
  • In 11 career NASCAR Cup Series starts at Bristol, Preece has logged three top‑10 finishes, highlighting his ability to battle in the heavy‑traffic, high‑intensity environment of the half‑mile.
  • Known for his background racing modifieds Preece brings precision and patience to these tight layouts, the Connecticut native continues to apply his short‑track background to the fast‑paced challenges of Bristol.
  • As Preece’s Cup Series experience continues to grow, he remains a driver, trending upward on short tracks, carrying confidence and determination into the weekend at the Last Great Colosseum.

RFK at The Last Great Colosseum

Cup Wins: 12 (Mark Martin, 1993; Mark Martin, 1998; Kurt Busch, 2003; Kurt Busch, 2003; Kurt Busch, 2004; Matt Kenseth, 2005; Matt Kenseth, 2006; Carl Edwards, 2007; Carl Edwards, 2008; Greg Biffle, 2012; Carl Edwards, 2014; Chris Buescher. 2022)

Masters of Bristol: RFK Racing has built a legacy at Bristol Motor Speedway, earning 12 NASCAR Cup Series victories at one of the sport’s most iconic venues. From Mark Martin’s early success in the 1990s to Kurt Busch’s dominant mid‑2000s run and recent wins by Carl Edwards and Chris Buescher, RFK has consistently risen to the challenge at the high‑banked half‑mile.
Short‑Track Excellence: Known as the Last Great Colosseum, Bristol rewards bold, aggression, and commitment—qualities that have long defined RFK Racing. Over decades of competition, the organization has demonstrated an ability to contend in the physically demanding, fast‑paced environment that makes Bristol one of NASCAR’s toughest tests.
A Multi‑Series Presence: RFK Racing’s impact at Bristol extends beyond the Cup Series, with victories across multiple divisions emphasizing the organization’s depth and adaptability on the famed concrete short track.

RFK Bristol Speedway Wins

1993 Martin Cup

1998 Martin Cup

2003 Busch Cup

2003 Busch Cup

2004 Busch Cup

2005 Kenseth Cup

2006 Kenseth Cup

2007 Edwards Cup

2008 Edwards Cup

2012 Biffle Cup

2014 Edwards Cup

2022 Buescher Cup

1996 Martin NOAPS

1997 Burton NOAPS

2006 Kenseth NOAPS

2007 Edwards NOAPS

2009 Ragan NOAPS

2004 Edward NCTS

2006 Martin NCTS

Last Time Out & Where They Stand

St. Louis: Roush Fenway Keselowski (RFK) Racing showed up ready for battle with all three teams, giving their absolute all from the drop of the green flag to the final lap. Brad Keselowski led 55 laps and stayed in the hunt for the win, backed by strong pit stops and a fast No. 6 Ford Mustang. Ryan Preece and the No. 60 team fought handling issues, making steady adjustments to improve the balance and score a top 20 finish. Chris Buescher and the No. 17 team battled tight handling but used adjustments and strategy to gain track position before a blown brake rotor with 18 laps to go ended Buescher’s day. RFK Racing showed the heart of a team that never backs down. Through every challenge, all three teams kept pushing, making adjustments, and battling for every position.

Points Standings: Buescher: 13th, Preece: 14th, Keselowski: 18th

PRODUCTION REVS UP ON AMC’S NEW NASCAR DRAMA, THUNDER ROAD

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Official Release
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Dennis Quaid as Duane Whitlock, Chase Stokes as Ronnie Whitlock, Josh MacQueen as Trey Whitlock, Matt Barr as Calvin Whitlock, Maggie Grace as Laney Whitlock, West Duchovny as Cassie Whitlock, MacKenzie Porter as Bonnie Taylor-Whitlock, Aspen Kennedy as Bobby ‘Breeze’ Roberts, James Wolk as Jordan Brandt, Shane McRae as Scooter Jakes, Sandra Ellis Lafferty as Mee-Maw, Ron Fallica as Tony Lateri - Thunder Road _ Season 1 - Photo Credit: Curtis Bonds Baker/AMC

Created by John Fusco and Featuring an All-Star Cast Led by Dennis Quaid, Chase Stokes, Maggie Grace and More

“For a sport born on the backroads, this might be the most fitting return to its storytelling roots yet.” – Forbes

NEW YORK, NY – September 17, 2026 – AMC Global Media today announced that production has shifted into ‘drive’ throughout the streets of Georgia on the highly anticipated new drama series, Thunder Road, which is set to premiere on AMC and AMC+ in 2027. Created by the lauded John Fusco (Young Guns, The Highwaymen) and led by showrunner and executive producer Taylor Elmore (Justified, Tulsa King), the scripted drama features an impressive ensemble cast with the award-winning Dennis Quaid at the helm. Joining Quaid as series regulars are Chase Stokes (Outer Banks), Maggie Grace (Taken, Fear the Walking Dead), Matt Barr (Hatfields & McCoys, Blood & Treasure), West Duchovny (Saint X, Painkiller), Shane McRae (Silo, Sneaky Pete) and Jake Manley (Do Not Enter, My Life with the Walter Boys).

Centered on family dynamics, fierce rivalries and the untold stories behind one of America’s most iconic sports, Thunder Road follows the multigenerational saga of the fictional Whitlock family, whose legacy in stock car racing is as deep as the family’s ties to the Southern hill country roots that shaped them.

Quaid stars as Duane Whitlock, Stokes as Ronnie Whitlock, Grace as Laney Whitlock, Barr as Calvin Whitlock, Duchovny as Cassie Whitlock, McRae as Scooter Jakes and Manley as Zak Farley. Michael Rooker (The Walking Dead, Guardians of the Galaxy), James Wolk (Mad Men, The Crazy Ones), Mackenzie Porter (9-1-1: Nashville), Aspen Kennedy (The Forge, A Day to Die), musician Devon Allman, Josh Macqueen (Motorheads, Surviving Summer), Sandra Ellis Lafferty (The Hunger Games, Walk the Line) and Haley Dillon (Blue Ridge: The Series) join the cast in recurring and guest star roles.

Thunder Road is created and executive produced by Fusco with Elmore serving as showrunner and executive producer. Additional executive producers include Cliff Roberts (Untamed) with Syndicate Entertainment, Mark L. Smith (Untamed, The Revenant, American Primeval), and Tim Clark and John Dahl (The Last Dance) from NASCAR Studios, with Gladys Cheng as producer.

Thunder Road is an AMC Studios production, with AMC Global Media holding the worldwide rights to the series.

AMC Global Media

AMC Global Media (Nasdaq: AMCX) is home to many of the greatest stories and characters in TV and film and the premier destination for passionate and engaged fan communities around the world. The Company creates and curates celebrated series and films across distinct brands and makes them available to audiences everywhere. Its portfolio includes targeted streaming services AMC+, Acorn TV, Shudder, Sundance Now, ALLBLK, HIDIVE and All Reality; cable networks AMC, BBC America (which includes U.S. distribution and sales responsibilities for BBC News), IFC, SundanceTV and We TV; and film distribution label Independent Film Company. The Company also operates AMC Studios, its in-house studio, production and distribution operation behind acclaimed and fan-favorite original franchises including The Walking Dead Universe and the Anne Rice Immortal Universe. AMC Global Media is headquartered in the United States, with international operations in Iberia, Latin America, Central Europe, the U.K., Australia and New Zealand.

LEGACY MOTOR CLUB Promotes Chais Eliason to No. 42 Crew Chief

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Official Release
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Eliason to assume crew chief responsibility for the remainder of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season and will lead No. 42 team in 2027 with Josh Berry at the wheel.

STATESVILLE, N.C. (September 17, 2026) – LEGACY MOTOR CLUB announced today that Chais Eliason has been promoted to crew chief of the No. 42 NASCAR Cup Series team, beginning with the Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway on Saturday, Sept. 19. Eliason, who has served as strategy manager and senior performance engineer on the No. 42, will lead the team alongside John Hunter Nemechek for the final eight races of the 2026 season and continue as crew chief of the No. 42 team when Josh Berry joins LEGACY MOTOR CLUB in 2027.

Eliason brings more than a decade of race engineering and shock development experience to LEGACY MOTOR CLUB. A Michigan Technological University graduate, Eliason grew up in a racing family in Duluth, Minn., and began building his technical foundation working on dirt-track cars before joining Hendrick Motorsports as an intern in 2012. During his time at Hendrick, Eliason contributed to Jimmie Johnson’s 2016 NASCAR Cup Series championship and Kyle Larson’s 2021 championship season before becoming lead engineer for the No. 48 team. He later held engineering roles with Trackhouse Racing. In 2025, Eliason served as interim crew chief for Shane van Gisbergen at Kansas Speedway, helping the team overcome an opening-lap penalty en route to van Gisbergen’s first Cup Series top-10 finish on an oval.

This promotion is the culmination of a goal Eliason has spent his career working toward and aligns with LEGACY’s ongoing commitment to developing talent from within and intentionally building for the organization’s future.

“Promoting from within and giving our people the opportunity to grow is central to how we’re building LEGACY,” said Jimmie Johnson, co-owner of LEGACY MOTOR CLUB. “Chais has shown throughout this season that he’s ready for this. We’re looking forward to seeing what he and the No. 42 team can accomplish over these final eight races and into 2027.”

“Chais has done everything we’ve asked of him and more,” said Jacob Canter, SVP, Sporting Director of LEGACY MOTOR CLUB. “He knows this team, he knows these people, and he knows what it takes to compete at this level. This is his moment and we’re confident he’s ready for it.”

“I’m grateful to LEGACY for the opportunity to take this next step in my career,” said Eliason. “I’ve learned a lot working with this group throughout the season, and I’m looking forward to putting that experience to work as we finish out 2026 with John Hunter and begin preparing for 2027. We have a strong group of people around this team, and I’m excited to lead them through the remainder of the season.”

Travis Mack will depart as crew chief of the No. 42 team. Mack has played an important role in building the people and culture of the No. 42 team during his time with LEGACY.

“We’re thankful to Travis for his many contributions to LEGACY and the No. 42 team,” said Johnson. “He has played a pivotal role in this organization and helping the CLUB during an important period of growth. We appreciate the foundation for excellence that he has helped build at LEGACY and wish him continued success in his next endeavor.”

As LEGACY MOTOR CLUB continues to build for the future, the organization is excited about the progress in building out the No. 84 team for its first full-season campaign in 2027. LEGACY will announce the complete 2027 lineup for the No. 84 team in the coming weeks.

ABOUT LEGACY MOTOR CLUB: (LEGACY MC) is a premier auto racing organization 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 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. The No. 84 Toyota Camry XSE driven by Riley Herbst will debut full time in the 2027 season, while Johnson will make his final NASCAR Cup Series start at the 2027 DAYTONA 500 in the No. 48 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.

North Georgia Natural Springs Partners With SS-Green Light and BRK Racing for Bristol Motor Speedway Along With CrampZero and CXP

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Official Release
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MOORESVILLE, N.C. (September 16, 2026) — Garrett Smithley and SS GreenLight Racing announced a new partnership with North Georgia Natural Springs for Friday night’s Food City 300 at Bristol Motor Speedway. North Georgia Natural Springs, CrampZero and CXP will be featured on Smithley’s No. 0 Chevrolet as the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series races under the lights in Bristol, Tennessee.

The Bristol program marks Dr. Saadiq F. El-Amin III’s first opportunity to bring his companies into NASCAR. The partnership will introduce the brands to a national motorsports audience through the No. 0 car and the race broadcast on The CW.

“I’m very excited to partner with Garrett Smithley and his team. I have not had the opportunity to expand into NASCAR until now, so I’m eager to bring my companies to a new market and industry!” — Dr. Saadiq F. El-Amin III, owner of North Georgia Natural Springs

“Having the support of Dr. El-Amin means a lot. Of course, we need sponsors to get to the racetrack, but beyond that, I’m excited to introduce our sport to new partners. I’m very excited to grow this relationship.” — Garrett Smithley

Smithley will compete in the 300-lap, 159.9-mile Food City 300 on Bristol Motor Speedway’s 0.533-mile concrete oval. The race is scheduled for Friday, September 18.

Tune In
Race Food City 300
Date Friday, September 18, 2026
Broadcast 7:30 p.m. ET on The CW

About North Georgia Natural Springs
At North Georgia Natural Springs, our mission is to provide the highest-quality bottled water products to our customers while promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility. We believe everyone deserves access to clean, refreshing water, and we strive to make that a reality.

About CrampZero
CrampZero® is designed to provide fast and effective temporary relief from nagging leg cramps and symptoms associated with restless legs syndrome. Its advanced formula is created to help customers reduce discomfort, sleep more comfortably and return to the activities they enjoy.

About CXP
Engineered in the lab and built for performance, CXP is where comfort meets performance. Developed with elite athletes and sports medicine experts, every piece is designed to enhance support, reduce distraction and unlock full potential. Perform. Recover. Repeat.

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