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Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup Docuseries Premieres March 25 on Prime Video

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Official Release
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First to the Finish follows the journey of drivers Heather Hadley and Sally Mott and team owner Shea Holbrook through the exhilarating 2024 Mazda MX-5 Cup Championship Season

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (Feb. 28, 2025) — The Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin will be the focus of a new docuseries on Prime Video debuting March 25. The premiere date and first trailer were revealed during a private screening Thursday evening in St. Petersburg, Florida, where the series is holding Rounds Three and Four alongside the IndyCar season opener. Titled ‘First to the Finish,’ the series premieres exclusively on Prime Video in North America.

First to the Finish follows the trials and tribulations of drivers Heather Hadley and Sally Mott as they navigate the 2024 Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup season and the non-stop schedule of BSI Racing team owner Shea Holbrook.

With experience creating sports-focused documentaries like Welcome to Wrexham and Cheer, Boardwalk Pictures, the show’s producers, have a keen eye for the struggles and sacrifices athletes make to be the best.

“The Mazda MX-5 Cup gave us a rich backdrop for storytelling,” said Sarina Roma, EVP of Originals at Boardwalk Pictures and executive producer. “We had incredible access to passionate characters competing in a high risk, high reward environment who put their actual lives on the line in pursuit of the checkered flag.”

First to the Finish will feature a behind the scenes look at the stories of Heather, Sally and Shea within Mazda MX-5 Cup. The series will cover the key players’ preparation for each race, the incomparable thrills of racing, as well as in-depth interviews with drivers, pit crews, coaches, owners and family members.

“The Mazda MX-5 Cup Championship is widely regarded as some of the best automotive racing on the planet and predominantly features younger drivers looking to prove themselves.” said Mazda North American Operations, Chief Marketing Officer and executive producer, Brad Audet. “Mazda believes in the power of human potential and supports those who choose to pursue what makes them happy rather than just simply move through life. This series demonstrates the potential these young drivers have and what it looks like when it’s transformed into action.”

The series is executive produced by Andrew Fried, Caitlin McGinty, Dane Lillegard, and Sarina Roma from Boardwalk Pictures, Brad Audet from Mazda North American Operations, and Chet Fenster from GroupM Motion Entertainment. First to the Finish is directed by award-winning director Annetta Marion.

AM Racing | Harrison Burton Circuit of the Americas Xfinity Race Preview

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Official Release
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AM Racing | NASCAR Xfinity Series
Circuit of the Americas | Focused Health 250

Fast Facts

No. 25 AM Racing Team:
Driver: Harrison Burton
Primary Partner(s): DEX Imaging
Manufacturer: Ford Mustang
Crew Chief: Danny Efland
Spotter: Kevin Hamlin
Chassis Intel: AMR Chassis No. 079
Engine: Roush-Yates Engines

Notes of Interest:

● Junior Journey: AM Racing will embark on its junior year journey in the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2025 with driver Harrison Burton for the entire 33-race tour, continuing with Saturday afternoon’s running of the Focused Health 250 at Circuit of the Americas (COTA).

The Statesville, N.C.-based team hopes to expand its footprint in the NASCAR Xfinity Series by running two cars throughout the season with its No. 76 AM Racing entry.

● Future Focused: In September, AM Racing announced that NASCAR Cup Series winner Harrison Burton would join the family-owned operation to pilot the team’s No. 25 Ford Mustang, beginning with the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series season-opener from Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway on February 15, 2025.

Burton, a native of Huntersville, N.C., has been a staple in the NASCAR Cup Series for the past three seasons but will embrace a return to the NASCAR Xfinity Series and continue his relationship as a driver of the Ford blue oval.

Burton, 24, arrives on the scene at AM Racing after a 108-race stint driving for the historic Wood Brothers Racing team.

● Best with DEX: DEX (DEX Imaging) will continue its long-standing partnership with Harrison Burton and join AM Racing for several races this season, including Saturday afternoon’s Focused Health 250 at Circuit of the Americas.

DEX Imaging is the largest independent dealer of document imaging technology in the United States. DEX sells and services the broadest selection of copiers, printers and data management solutions in the industry, such as Konica Minolta, Canon, Sharp, Ricoh, Xerox, and Kyocera, with annual revenue exceeding $500 Million.

What makes DEX unique is its people, whose combined knowledge of cutting-edge business technologies and depth of service experience are unmatched. DEX Imaging’s success is directly tied to its mission: to help customers of all sizes drive down document-related expenses while improving productivity.

● Harrison Burton NASCAR Xfinity Series Circuit of the Americas Stats: Saturday afternoon’s Focused Health 250 will mark Burton’s second Xfinity Series start at the newly reconfigured 2.3-mile road course.

In his lone Xfinity Series start at the Austin, Texas-based race track, Burton delivered a sixth-place finish after starting 10th in the 2021 running of the Pit Boss 250.

Additionally, the Huntersville, N.C. native does have three Cup Series starts at COTA, delivering a track-best of 17th after starting 19th in the 2022 edition of the EchoPark Automotive Texas Grand Prix driving for Wood Brothers Racing.

● Harrison Burton NASCAR Xfinity Series Career Stats: Entering COTA, Burton has 77 career NASCAR Xfinity Series starts to his credit with four wins, 26 top-five and 51 top-10 finishes, and a championship best result of eighth, twice in 2020 and 2021, respectively.

Burton’s four wins in the NASCAR Xfinity Series occurred during the 2020 season. Burton, the son of former NASCAR driver and current television analyst Jeff Burton, captured the checkered flag at Auto Club (Calif.) Speedway, Homestead-Miami (Fla.) Speedway, Texas Motor Speedway and Martinsville (Va.) Speedway, respectively.

In addition to the 77 Xfinity Series starts, he has achieved 109 NASCAR Cup Series starts, 40 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series starts and 52 career starts across the ARCA Menards Series platforms.

● Keep it Rolling: The new combination of Harrison Burton and AM Racing has given the organization the best start to its Xfinity Series program in the team’s young history.

After two races, the team stands sixth in both the driver and owner championship standings and maintains an average finish of eighth with 100 percent of the laps completed.

The team’s finish at Atlanta Motor Speedway marked just the second time in their history that they recorded back-to-back top-10 finishes in NASCAR Xfinity Series competition, since the 2023 season when Brett Moffitt scored top-10 results consecutively at New Hampshire Motor Speedway and Pocono (Pa.) Raceway respectively.

Heading to COTA, Burton is five points behind cousin Jeb Burton for fifth in the Xfinity Series championship standings and 23 markers behind championship leader Austin Hill.

● Atlanta Motor Speedway | Bennett Transportation & Logistics 250 Race Recap: The start of the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series season continued last weekend with the first of two races at Atlanta (Ga.) Motor Speedway.

Without the benefit of practice, Burton qualified his No. 25 DEX Imaging Ford Mustang solidly into the field in the 19th position.

From the drop of the green flag, Burton quickly maneuvered his blue oval forward through the field and contended for crucial stage points in Stage 1. He finished ninth and collected two stage points along the way.

Despite an ill-handling race car, Burton refused to be denied his second top-10 finish of the season. At times, he was jammed in traffic, but he avoided another last-lap accident to finish 10th.

The finish made Burton and the AM Racing team the only team to finish inside the top-10 together in the opening two races of the season.

● Thanks For Your Support: With the start of the 2025 season underway, AM Racing and Harrison Burton would like to thank their associate marketing partners for their support: AIRBOX Air Purifier, Castle Products, Dead On Tools, Eagle Rentals, Flying Circle, Mechanix Wear, Morton Buildings, No Days Off Premium Water, Racing Radios, Volt Batteries and WIX Filters.

● From the Pit Box: Veteran race engineer and former NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Danny Efland is Harrison Burton’s crew chief.

On Saturday afternoon, he will be crew chief for his seventh career NASCAR Xfinity Series race, his first race at Circuit of the Americas.

In his previous six Xfinity Series starts, he has collected one pole (Daytona International Speedway | February 2016), one top-five and three top-10 finishes.

● Follow on Social Media: For more on AM Racing, please visit AMRacingteam.com, like their Facebook page (AM Racing), or follow them on Instagram and X | Twitter @AMRacingNASCAR.

For more on Harrison Burton, please visit theharrisonburton.com, like his Facebook page (Official Harrison Burton), or follow him on Instagram (@harrisonburton12) and X | Twitter (@hburtonracing).

Harrison Burton Quoteboard:

On Circuit of the Americas: “I am looking forward to Circuit of the Americas this weekend. It is a newly reconfigured course, but I think it should be a track layout that we should be able to capitalize on with our No. 25 DEX Imaging Ford Mustang.

“We’ve had a good start to the season, and as a team, we want nothing more than to continue that ahead of the upcoming west coast swing.”

On Top-10 Finish at Atlanta Motor Speedway: “I am really proud of everyone on this AM Racing team. Getting another top-10 finish came from a lot of hard work. Our car was fast, but it was so hard to get it back when we lost the track position.

“We never gave up, though, and we were able to bring back another top-10 finish. Hopefully, our strong start to the season continues at Circuit of the Americas this weekend.”

On 2025 Season Outlook: “I believe we can turn some heads in 2025. I think our goals and expectations are not only obtainable, but we can execute them well and put this AM Racing team into the Playoffs in 2025.

“We have a lot of people and partners who believe in what we are doing this season, and I’d love nothing more than to deliver AM Racing their first career Xfinity Series win, join the Playoffs and hunt for a championship.

“I believe it’s going to be a fun year.”

Race Information:

The Focused Health 250 (65 laps | 156 miles) is the third of thirty-three (33) NASCAR Xfinity Series races on the 2025 schedule. Practice will occur on Fri., February 28, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 4:50 p.m. Qualifying will immediately follow, beginning at 5:00 p.m. The field will take the green flag the next afternoon, Sat., March 1, shortly after 1:30 p.m. (2:30 p.m. ET), with live coverage on The CW Network, the Performance Racing Network (Radio), and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90. All times are local (CT).

About AM Racing:

AM Racing is a multi-tiered, multi-faceted Motorsports program headquartered in Statesville, N.C.

Established in December 2015, AM Racing is prided on faith, honesty and intelligent performance.

In its ninth year of competition, the family-owned team will compete in the ARCA Menards Series, the NASCAR Xfinity Series and various Dirt Modified events.

Selling Your Car Online? Do This Before Putting It On The Market

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SM
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Selling your car online is the quickest and most effective way to reach potential buyers, but to get the best price and ensure a smooth transaction, you need to consider some additional steps before listing. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through essential tips, including simple upgrades to help you present your vehicle in the best possible light and attract serious buyers.

Selling your car online

Online sales offer the benefit of reaching a wide audience. You have the flexibility to set your price and manage the entire sale process on your terms. However, as a private seller, your car will likely need to be priced lower than a dealer’s offer due to the perceived risk involved for buyers. 

If your listing isn’t getting much attention, it’s important to compare your car to others with similar specs, mileage, and price to ensure it remains competitive. 

Selling your car to a dealership

On the flip side, selling your car to a dealership is typically quicker and less hassle. 

Dealerships handle all the paperwork, and the sale is usually completed within a day, which is ideal if you’re looking to upgrade or sell quickly. 

However, you may not get as much for your car as you would when selling privately, as dealerships typically offer lower prices to account for their overhead and profit margins.

Must do’s before listing your car online

Take High-Quality Photos

High-quality photos are everything when selling your car online. It ultimately makes a good first impression. 

Capture your car from multiple angles, ensuring you show the exterior, interior, engine bay, and boot. 

If buyers don’t see certain areas, like the engine bay, they might assume you’re hiding something, which can raise doubts—it’s always better to be honest and upfront.

It’s important to present your car clean and tidy; a dirty vehicle with a cluttered interior can give the impression that you’ve neglected it. By taking clear, well-lit photos, you put yourself in good stead for a lucrative sale. 

Avoid crappy buzzwords

Avoid overused and vague buzzwords like “never let me down” or “runs great”. These terms don’t offer real insight into the car’s condition and can come across as unprofessional. 

Instead, focus on providing specific details about the work that has been done on the vehicle, any upgrades or repairs, and any existing faults. Clear, factual descriptions of the car’s condition will attract serious buyers who appreciate transparency and are more likely to engage with your listing.

Be realistic about it’s worth

Pricing your car realistically is one of the most important factors in getting it sold. Often, the reason a car doesn’t sell is because the price is too high. 

A good rule of thumb is to price your car slightly below the average asking price to make it more appealing, especially if you need to sell quickly. 

Be honest with yourself about what you need to get for the car—if the price isn’t right for your budget or if you’re holding out for a certain amount, it may be worth waiting until you can adjust your expectations.

Get it Valeted

Before listing your car for sale, get it valeted if you can. A clean and well-presented car creates a positive first impression and can significantly increase its appeal to potential buyers. 

A thorough valet will remove dirt, stains, and unpleasant odours from both the interior and exterior. When buyers see a spotless car, they’re more likely to see value in it and will feel more confident in making an offer.

Buy some affordable car accessories to finish it off

Adding a few affordable car accessories can help enhance the appeal of your vehicle and make it stand out from the competition. 

Simple upgrades like a fresh set of floor mats can go a long way. Vauxhall car mats, VW car mats, BMW car mats, you name it, they all exist. Just make sure you do a bit of background research on the brand to make sure you’re getting good-quality stuff. 

These accessories don’t have to be expensive, but they can elevate the car’s appearance and create the impression that the car has been cared for. Even just an air freshener can do wonders. 

Get Your MOT Done (if it’s coming up)

Having a valid MOT on your car is a significant selling point, especially if the MOT is due soon. 

If your car’s MOT is close to expiring, it’s worth getting it renewed before putting your car on the market. A fresh MOT can make your car much more attractive to potential buyers, giving them one less thing to worry about.

If you have a fresh MOT done already, list it! It’s a massive point to make in your listing. 

To Conclude

Keep in mind that the car market tends to slow down during the winter and around Christmas, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t sell immediately. However, by following the previously mentioned to-do list—taking high-quality photos, pricing realistically, and presenting your car in its best condition—you’ll be in a strong position when the market picks back up. 

A well-prepared listing can make all the difference, no matter the time of year. For more tips on selling your car, click here. 

FANFEST AT BURNYZZ SPEED SHOP TO HELP KICK OFF AMALIE MOTOR OIL NHRA GATORNATIONALS

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Official Release
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GAINESVILLE, Fla. (Feb. 27, 2025) – As part of the 2025 NHRA Foods Drag Racing Series season kick-off at the 56th annual Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals, NHRA fans will once again be treated to the third annual Gatornationals Kickoff Party and Fanfest at Burnyzz Speed Shop in Ocala on Wednesday March 5 from 6-9 p.m.

The free event offers an epic fanfest to head into one of the biggest events of the year in Gainesville. Featuring a massive car show, live music, food trucks and a driver autograph session from 7-8:30 p.m. that will include NHRA legends and current standouts, the fanfest at the state-of-the-art facility owned by Brittanie Hart and her husband, Top Fuel driver Josh Hart, promises something special to help kick off the 2025 season.

Fans will also get an up-close look at the “Golden Gator” trophy that will be awarded to the winners of Gatornationals.

“This year we have well over 40 drivers signed up to be here, autographing hero cards and items that fans may bring,” said Brittanie Hart co-owner of Burnyzz Speed Shop. “We’re super excited. This is our first year that we’ve had a sponsor for the event. Citizens First Bank reached out, and they just thought that it was such a great event, so they wanted to be a part of it. We have a different charity this year.

“We try to choose a different one each year that we put on this event. So, all funds we raise will be donated to EARS, a local endangered animal sanctuary. We’ll have the live band, about eight food trucks, balloon animals, face painting and tons of cool cars. There will be handmade trophies for the car show. It should be a lot of fun.”

The autograph session will feature more than 30 NHRA drivers, as fans will have the opportunity to meet their favorite drivers before the 2025 season kicks off. Drivers include past Gainesville winners Josh Hart, Brittany Force and Jack Beckman, as well as reigning Funny Car champion Austin Prock. Also on the roster is NHRA legend and Florida native Don “Big Daddy” Garlits, as well as NHRA drivers Justin Ashley, Jasmine Salinas, Shawn Reed, Cruz Pedregon, Paul Lee, Daniel Wilkerson, Jeg Coughlin Jr., Camrie Caruso, Aaron Stanfield and many more.

In 2024, Shawn Langdon (Top Fuel), J.R. Todd (Funny Car), Erica Enders (Pro Stock) and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) all won the Gatornationals to open the year. This year’s race will again be broadcast on FS1, including eliminations at 7 p.m. on Sunday, March 9. Fans will also get to see the Right Trailers Top Fuel All-Star Callout on Saturday, as eight star drivers take part in the bonus race that promises big money and bragging rights. Antron Brown is the defending winner of the specialty race.

The Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals will see the season debut in the highly competitive Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series and the Flexjet NHRA Factory Stock Showdown class, as well as a full slate of sportsman classes in the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, which features some of the sport’s top drivers.

Race fans at Gainesville Raceway can enjoy the special pre-race ceremonies that introduce and celebrate each of the drivers racing for the prestigious Wally on Sunday and includes the fan favorite SealMaster Track Walk, which benefits the Darrell Gwynn Foundation in Gainesville. The final can’t-miss experience of any NHRA event is the winner’s circle celebration on Sunday after racing concludes, where fans are invited to congratulate the event winners of the season-opener.

The Nitro Alley Stage is a huge attraction all weekend and is the main entertainment hub in the pits when the Mission Foods Drag Racing Series competitors are not on the track, hosting Nitro School, NHRA Insider Live, meet and greets and much more. Before the first round of eliminations on Sunday, fans can enjoy a C-17 flyover from the Mississippi Air National Guard’s 172nd Airlift Wing.

NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series qualifying features two rounds at 2 and 4:30 p.m. ET on Friday, March 7, and the final two qualifying rounds on Saturday, March 8 at 12:30 and 3:10 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. ET on Sunday, March 9.

The first round of the Right Trailers Top Fuel All-Star Callout takes place on Saturday at 12:15 p.m. ET and the semifinals are at 2:20 p.m. The finals are slated for 3:30 p.m. A special Callout broadcast will air at 9 p.m. ET on Saturday on FS1.

To purchase tickets to the 2025 Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals, visit www.NHRA.com/tickets. Children 12 and under are free in general admission areas with the purchase of an adult ticket. General parking is free and limited preferred parking is available for purchase. Get your tickets now for the Top Eliminator Club because these will sell out. For more info on NHRA, including the full weekend schedule in Gainesville, 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.

CHEVROLET IN NTT INDYCAR SERIES: Team Chevy St. Petersburg Media Advance

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Official Release
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CHEVROLET IN NTT INDYCAR SERIES
FIRESTONE GRAND PRIX OF ST. PETERSBURG
STREETS OF ST. PETERSBURG
ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA
TEAM CHEVY RACE ADVANCE
FEBRUARY 28-MARCH 2, 2025

CHEVROLET ENTERS THE NTT INDYCAR SERIES’ SEASON-OPENING ST. PETERSBURG RACE PREPARED TO DEFEND ITS NINTH SERIES MANUFACTURER TITLE

Chevrolet Has Captured Nine Wins at St. Petersburg Since 2012, and Looks To Kick Off the Season In Winning Fashion

  • The 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season-opening event takes place on the Streets of St. Petersburg, Florida for the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. Team Chevy enters the event looking for their 10th victory as they kick off the drive for a 10th manufacturer title.
  • Chevrolet holds nine victories in the 2.2-liter twin turbo V6 era (since 2012) in St. Petersburg along with nine earned NTT P1 Pole Awards.
  • Team Chevy has raced to the podium at St. Petersburg 22 times in the V6 era, with 684 laps led on the 1.8-mile, 14-turn downtown street circuit.
  • Team Penske and Will Power hold the most earned NTT P1 Pole Awards of any Chevrolet driver on the Streets of St. Pete, capturing pole position seven out of 13 events since 2012.
  • Overall, Team Chevy has amassed 122 wins and 135 earned NTT P1 Pole Awards in the V6 era of the Series since 2012, in addition to seven wins and five earned poles in nine races with hybrid technology that was introduced mid-season 2024.

DETROIT (February 27, 2025) – The 2025 season-opening NTT INDYCAR SERIES sees Team Chevy take on the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on the Streets of St. Petersburg, Fla. After closing out 2024 by capturing a ninth Series Manufactures title, Team Chevy looks to start strong in St. Pete, a track the Bowtie brand has won nine times in 13 events since 2012.

The 1.8-mile, 14-turn street circuit that utilizes the nearby Alfred Whitted Airport tarmac, provides challenges for the field that include a long frontstretch into a tight right-hander, followed by a quick left turn. Last conquering the street circuit for Chevrolet, Pato O’Ward, driving the No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet, captured the victory after Josef Newgarden, driving the No. 2 Team Penske Chevrolet, led the field to the green in pole position.

“After a successful 2024 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season, we’re certainly looking forward to 2025 with anticipation in the opportunity to compete for a 10th manufacturers title, potentially a fourth-in-a-row,” said Chevrolet INDYCAR Program Manager Rob Buckner. “Heading into the new year, we’re carrying talent, positivity, and momentum, and look forward to a new year with new drivers, welcoming PREMA Racing, and working with our engineers and teams towards a successful 2025. We’re looking forward to getting the season started on track in St. Petersburg.”

St. Petersburg will also provide another street course test of the hybrid technology in competition, first introduced at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course last season, and running for the first time on the Streets of St. Petersburg in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. Last year, Chevrolet tackled the challenge, racing to victory seven times in nine hybrid technology events.

In 2024, Chevrolet captured 11 victories, including the prestigious 108th Running of the Indianapolis 500 by Team Penske’s Josef Newgarden, as well as eight earned NTT P1 Pole Awards and led 1,536 laps of a total turned of 2,551 by the NTT INDYCAR SERIES field. Team Chevy also swept the front row for May’s Indianapolis 500, and the podium in three events last season, including Road America, Iowa 1, and Milwaukee 1.

The season-opening Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg kicks off with first practice on Friday, February 28 at 3 p.m. ET on FOX Sports 1 (FS1). Saturday sees second practice at 10 a.m. ET on FS2, with qualifying airing at 2:30 p.m. ET on FS1. Sunday’s race day opens then with warm-up on FS2 at 9 a.m. ET. The 100-lap, 180-mile main event takes the green flag live with new NTT INDYCAR SERIES partner FOX on Sunday, March 2, live at 12 p.m. ET. All practice and qualifying sessions broadcast with INDYCAR Radio and SiriusXM Channel 218.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING

David Malukas, No. 4 AJ Foyt Racing Chevrolet:

“St. Pete is a great city to start off the season. The weather is amazing and the views are unbeatable. The fan show up is also always fantastic. It would be hard to beat for a season opener! For a street course, it isn’t that bumpy so you get the thrill of close wall to wall action that a street course gives you without the unpleasant bumps! From the fans to the track layout, it is already one of my favorite race tracks on the calendar and better yet, it is the first race back. So, the nerves and energy are at their highest! A successful weekend would be staying out of trouble and getting a good result in the end. Want to make sure to start the season off in the right direction!”

Santino Ferrucci, No. 14 AJ Foyt Racing Chevrolet:

“I’m very excited to be back with Chevrolet for my third full season with AJ Foyt Racing. After testing in Sebring, I believe Chevrolet has made some awesome improvements and I can’t wait to utilize them at our first round in St. Pete.”

Pato O’Ward, No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet:

“I’m pumped to be back in St. Pete for the season opener. This place always brings a great atmosphere and is a perfect spot to kick off the season. Coming back as the defending race winner is awesome, but it just makes us even hungrier to start the season strong and put the No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet up front again. We’re looking forward to kicking off the weekend with our car launch before getting back behind the wheel and give it everything we’ve got.”

Nolan Siegel, No. 6 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet:

“It’s been a busy offseason putting in the work to make sure we come into St. Pete ready to deliver. From all the simulator work to time in the gym and meetings with the crew, we’ve focused on every detail to maximize our performance this season. The car launch will be a cool moment for the team to kick off the weekend before we go racing for the first time, and I just can’t wait to get out there and compete again.”

Christian Lundgaard, No. 7 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet:

“We’ve been working hard all offseason to be ready for the green flag in St. Petersburg and now it’s finally here. I’m looking forward to kicking off my first race with Arrow McLaren and starting the season strong. We had a quality test at Sebring last week, so I think that’ll help us roll off the truck well into the first session on Friday. I’m looking forward to unveiling our new livery with our partners ahead of the race and kicking off the season the right way.”

Alexander Rossi, No. 20 Ed Carpenter Racing Chevrolet:

“It is finally here! After what seemed like a never-ending offseason, it is so nice to finally be able to go racing this weekend. I cannot wait to get to the track and get to work with everyone at ECR and welcome our new partners Java House and Splenda to the track for the first time. The team has had some very strong pace there in the past so we will be looking to capitalize on that and start the season off on a strong note.”

Christian Rasmussen, No. 21 Ed Carpenter Racing Chevrolet:

“I can’t wait to get back on track in St. Pete! It has been a long offseason with limited time in the car, so getting behind the wheel of the No. 21 Splenda Chevrolet will feel incredible. I’m excited to see what we can accomplish. ECR has gone through a lot of changes over the winter, and it’s been great to be part of that evolution. We all believe 2025 will be a step forward from 2024 and St. Pete is where we kick off that upward trajectory for the team!”

Conor Daly, No. 77 Juncos Hollinger Racing Chevrolet:

“Obviously, it’s really nice to start the season here in St. Petersburg. One of the marquee events, I think, on our schedule. Such a great city, such a great event. I’ve enjoyed some good races here before, and to be back full-time in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, especially to be with Chevrolet and Juncos Hollinger Racing. After the success we had last year, it’ll feel good to get to start fresh like everyone else and try to assert the season strong.”

Sting Ray Robb, No. 78 Juncos Hollinger Racing Chevrolet:

“I’m really excited for St. Pete. It’s the first time going to be on a street course in quite some time but we had a really good test at Sebring. I was really, really happy with the team so far. It’s been a good integration back into a new team, another Chevy team which is nice. I felt like there was a lot to be gained from that test but still some very familiar things that were at play. No mechanical issues which was awesome. Very, very smooth running throughout that test. I’m excited to see what St. Pete’s like in that scenario if we are still able to challenge forward, but I have good high hopes.”

Robert Shwartzman, No. 83 PREMA Racing Chevrolet:

“It’s finally the first race of the season, and it’s definitely very exciting. We’re going into the unknown. It will be my first time in St Pete, experiencing this track, and it will be new for the team, which is racing for the first time in the series. Everything is going to be kind of a surprise for us, but I’m going to Florida in a happy mood to really enjoy my time there. I don’t want to put any hard expectations. I hope to complete as many laps as possible and gain as much information as possible to be in a good spot in the end. That would be a positive starting point for the rest of the season.”

Callum Ilott, No. 90 PREMA Racing Chevrolet:

“Heading into St. Pete, our first racing weekend as a team together with our competitors. Looking at the tests we had so far, we have been doing everything we can to be prepared for this race. It’s really exciting. I think Sebring was really positive along with the other tests at Thermal or Laguna Seca. I’m happy with how we are shaped up going into it. Hopefully, it’s going to be all swimmingly and good and we are prepared to improve whatever the starting point is. It’s going to be nice and warm down in Florida and It’s a privilege to be heading there with PREMA for the first event.”

Scott McLaughlin, No. 3 Team Penske Chevrolet:

“The Thirsty Threes have been ready for St. Pete for so long it feels great that it is finally here. We had a ton of momentum at the end of 2024 and it’s time to see how much we can carry over to this year. I can’t think of a better place to get our season started and the DEX Imaging Chevy has been quick there the last few years. Obviously, the move to FOX has created a different level of excitement heading into the start of the season that will only help this sport continue to grow.”

2025 Chevrolet by the Numbers:

9: NTT INDYCAR SERIES races as V6 engine supplier with hybrid technology integration.

7: Wins in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES as V6 engine supplier with hybrid technology integration since mid-2024.

216: NTT INDYCAR SERIES races as V6 engine supplier since 2012 return to INDYCAR.

122: Wins in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES since 2012.

135: Earned poles since 2012. Chevrolet holds 140 pole awards in total, with five recorded based on points for weather.

5: Earned pole in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES as V6 engine supplier with hybrid technology integration.

9: Manufacturer Championships since 2012.

7: Driver/entrant champions since 2012.

13: Indianapolis 500 victories by Chevrolet at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

6: Indianapolis 500 wins by Chevrolet since 2012 in the V6 2.2-liter twin turbo direct injected era.

35: Number of times Chevrolet has swept the podium in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES since 2012 in the V6 2.2-liter twin turbo direct injected era. In total, a manufacturer has swept the podium 56 times since 2012.

29: Wins by Will Power since 2012 – all with Chevrolet power – most of any driver with the same manufacturer.

9: Wins from the pole by Will Power with Chevrolet power since 2012, most by any driver.

46: Pole starts by Will Power since 2012 in a Chevrolet-powered car, most of any driver.

*Will Power’s career total of 70 poles makes him the all-time pole winner in INDYCAR.

About General Motors

General Motors (NYSE:GM) is driving the future of transportation, leveraging advanced technology to build safer, smarter, and lower emission cars, trucks, and SUVs. GM’s Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC brands offer a broad portfolio of innovative gasoline-powered vehicles and the industry’s widest range of EVs, as we move to an all-electric future. Learn more at GM.com.

RFK Racing Announces Strategic Corporate Restructuring

By
Official Release
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Veteran Sports Marketing Pro Dawn Turner Named SVP of Brand Strategy, Marketing and Communications

Concord, NC (February 27, 2025) – Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing (RFK) today announced a strategic corporate restructuring designed to fuel long-term growth. Effective mid-March, RFK will implement key organizational changes within Marketing, Communications and Partner Services.

As part of the restructuring, RFK is adding seasoned integrated marketing and communications executive Dawn Turner as Senior Vice President of Brand Strategy, Marketing and Communications. Turner brings a wealth of experience from Tepper Sports & Entertainment (TSE), the parent company of the Carolina Panthers (NFL), Charlotte Football Club (MLS), and Bank of America Stadium. Her career also includes stints with the Oklahoma City Thunder (NBA), American Airlines, Dallas Mavericks (NBA), and the Pro Bowlers Association (PBA), equipping her with a deep understanding of brand-building, fan and partner engagement across major sports and industries.

“We’re excited to have Dawn on our team,” said RFK President, Steve Newmark. “Her proven track record of enhancing brand identity, fan engagement, and integrated marketing across major sports teams and entertainment properties will be invaluable in strengthening RFK. We’re thrilled to be able to bring in someone with Dawn’s talent, character and experience to help us continue to evolve our sports marketing platform.”

Kevin Woods, with over 20 years of combined experience at the company, will transition from his current position leading the RFK marketing department and will continue to work with RFK as a consultant going forward. In this role, he will continue to support the team’s overall marketing efforts, with a focus on the social/digital and PR/communications areas. From 2001 to 2006, Woods served as the team’s senior account manager, coordinating and executing all facets of communications and marketing strategies for the No. 6 race team and Hall of Famers Mark Martin and Jack Roush. After two years with other organizations, Woods returned to RFK in 2009, where he led the award-winning marketing and communications team to achieve new heights.

“Kevin has been an integral part of RFK for over two decades, shaping our marketing and communications efforts through some of the most pivotal moments in our history,” said Newmark. “His leadership, creativity and deep understanding of the team will continue to be a valuable asset as he transitions to a consulting role. We’re grateful for Kevin’s passion and dedication, and his contributions in helping RFK grow to where it is today.”

Bolstering the goal of servicing its partners and strengthening the overall marketing team, two internal promotions have also been announced. Amanda Palmer has been elevated to Vice President of Marketing Operations and Josh Neely to Vice President of Partner Services.

Palmer joined RFK in 2014 and has handled widespread responsibilities within the team’s retail, licensing and hospitality operations. As Senior Director of Marketing Operations since 2021, she has led all aspects of daily operations of RFK’s hospitality planning and execution, while also supporting partner activation initiatives.

Neely joined RFK in 2020, serving as Senior Director of Partnership Services. He has overseen the design, implementation and execution of sponsor activation programs to ensure that all sponsor objectives are met. Neely is a seasoned veteran in NASCAR who has helped lead and manage integrated marketing strategies in the motorsports industry since 2007.

“Amanda and Josh have been vital to RFK Racing’s success, each playing a key role in elevating our marketing operations and partner relationships,” added Newmark. “These well-deserved promotions reflect their exceptional work and commitment to our growth, and I’m confident they will continue to help drive RFK forward in their new roles.”

Looking ahead, RFK remains focused on servicing its partners, strengthening the organization and winning races.

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 three hundred 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.

The EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix at COTA Race Outlook

By
SM Staff
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Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images

The NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) heads to the Circuit of The Americas (COTA) for the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix on Sunday, March 2nd, at 3:30 p.m. ET on FOX and PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR (Channel 90). On Saturday, March 1st, the NCS practice and Busch Light Pole qualifying can be seen on Amazon Prime at 11 a.m. ET.

This will be the first time the NCS will run the shorter (2.40-mile) track configuration, an equally challenging 2.3-mile, 20-turn National Course. Previously, it was a longer configuration at 3.41 miles, a 20-turn full course layout.

The new reconfiguration will eliminate approximately a mile of the backside of the permanent road course’s traditional layout and is expected to shave roughly a minute off lap times.

EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix
Courtesy of Speedway Motorsports

The world’s top-ranked decathlete and Olympic medalist Leo Neugebauer will serve as Honorary Starter for the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix. Neugebauer won a silver medal in his 2024 Olympics debut in Paris. Riley Gaines will provide the pre-race invocation. Gaines was a 12-time NCAA All-American at the University of Kentucky and named the Southeastern Conference Women’s Swimming and Diving Scholar-Athlete of the Year in her final season.

Track Information

Season Race Number: 3 of 36
Next Race: EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix
The Place: Circuit of The Americas
Track Length: 2.40 Mile Asphalt Road Course
The Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
The Purse: $11,055,250
TV: FOX, 2:30 p.m. ET
Radio: PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR (Channel 90)
Distance: 228.0 miles (95 Laps); Stage 1 (Ends on Lap 20),
Stage 2 (Ends on Lap 45), Final Stage (Ends on Lap 95)

Read the Circuit of the Americas–NASCAR Schedule & Highlights for more information on the race weekend at the COTA.

Updated Cup Series Practice and Qualifying Procedure This Weekend

Practice

  • Two practice sessions run with two groups.
  • Each group gets 20 minutes per session.

Qualifying

  • Run with two groups.
  • Each group gets 20 minutes.
  • Times are blended back together after both groups are completed; the field is set fastest to slowest.

Who and what should you look out for at the COTA?

  • Bet on Byron: William Byron held off Christopher Bell by less than a second to win in 2024.
  • Likely pole winners: William Byron captured the NCS pole for the last two races at COTA in 2023 and 2024, Tyler Reddick in 2022, and Ryan Blaney in 2021.
  • Front Row Start Means Something: The race winner at COTA has started on the front row in the last two COTA races.
  • Elliott a Top Pick: With seven road course wins (third all-time), Chase Elliott has won at five different NASCAR Cup Series road course tracks (Charlotte ROVAL, COTA, Daytona Road Course, Road America and Watkins Glen), the most all-time.
  • Larson Has Good Odds of Winning: In 2021, Kyle Larson became the first driver in NCS history to win at three road course tracks in a single season (Sonoma, Watkins Glen, and the Charlotte ROVAL) and has six total road course wins.
  • Most Consistent So Far in 2025: John Hunter Nemechek and Ryan Blaney are the only two drivers who finished in the top 10 in both races this season.
  • Top-10 Finishes: Ross Chastain, Alex Bowman, and Tyler Reddick are the only drivers to finish in the top 10 in all four COTA races.

Young’s Motorsports Circuit of the Americas Team Preview

By
Official Release
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Young’s Motorsports | NASCAR Xfinity Series
Circuit of the Americas | Focused Health 250

Fast Facts

No. 42 Young’s Motorsports Team:
Driver: Anthony Alfredo
Primary Partner(s): Austin Gamblers
Manufacturer: Chevrolet Camaro
Crew Chief: Andrew Abbott
2025 Driver Points Position: 30th
2025 Owner Points Position: 31st
Engine: Earnhardt-Childress Racing

Notes of Interest:

● New Faces, New Places: In January, Young’s Motorsports announced that NASCAR Xfinity Series veteran driver Anthony Alfredo would join the team full-time for its sophomore season behind the wheel of the team’s No. 42 Chevrolet Camaro for the entire 33-race season continuing with Saturday afternoon’s Focused Health 250 at Circuit of the Americas (COTA).

2025 marks the sophomore season for the Young’s Motorsports team in NASCAR Xfinity Series competition after a healthy and competitive freshman season with rookie Leland Honeyman Jr. at the controls.

● About Anthony: A popular driver, Alfredo, a native of Ridgefield, Connecticut, joins Young’s Motorsports with an array of Motorsports experience, including starts in the NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series, respectively.

The 2025 season will mark Alfredo’s fourth full-time Xfinity Series campaign, and he joins the Mooresville, N.C.-based team after spending the 2024 season with Our Motorsports.

The 25-year-old finished the 2024 Xfinity season 15th in the championship driver standings, collecting an Xfinity Dash 4 Cash win at Dover (Del.) Motor Speedway and adding two more top-fives and seven top-10s to his impressive statistics in 120 career Xfinity Series starts.

● All-Aboard!: For the third of 33 Xfinity Series races this season, Young’s Motorsports welcomes back Texas-based Austin Gamblers, who will serve as the anchor partner on the No. 42 Chevrolet Camaro for the 65-lap race on Saturday afternoon.

The Austin Gamblers is one of eight Professional Bull Riding (PBR) teams in the PBR Teams Series. Based in Austin, Texas, it represents the Capital City in the world of Western professional sports and competitive bull riding.

For complete information about who we are, our schedule of events, our partners and sponsors, where to buy Gambler gear and more, visit austingamblers.com.

● Anthony Alfredo Xfinity Series Circuit of the Americas Stats: Saturday afternoon’s first road course of the season will mark Alfredo’s fourth career start at the newly reconfigured 2.3-mile road course.

Alfredo earned a track-best 12th after starting 30th in the 2024 edition of the Focused Health 250 for Our Motorsports.

In his three previous starts, Alfredo has tailed three straight top-16 finishes with a 100 percent lap completion of 142 laps.

With two down and 31 races to go, Alfredo and the Young’s Motorsports team look to punch their ticket toward the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series Playoffs with a victory in the second race of the year.

The NASCAR Cup Series will follow the Xfinity Series rumble with their main event, the EchoPark Texas Grand Prix, on Sunday, March 2.

After two straight weekends of racing, the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series will take a breather over the next two weekends before returning to action in Sin City at Las Vegas (Nev.) Motor Speedway on Friday, March 14, 2025.

The Xfinity Series veteran driver will look to improve his overall Circuit of the Americas average Xfinity finish of 13.7.

● Anthony Alfredo Xfinity Series Career Stats: Entering COTA, Alfredo has 120 NASCAR Xfinity Series races to his credit, earning a career-best third-place finish twice, most recently at Talladega Superspeedway after starting 11th in the 2024 edition of the Ag-Pro 300 for Our Motorsports.

Since 2020, he has earned one pole, five top-five, and 22 top-10 finishes and has an average finish of 19.4.

● Atlanta Motor Speedway | Bennett Transportation & Logistics 250 Race Recap: The first of two NASCAR Xfinity Series races from the “Peach State” kicked off on Saturday, February 22, 2025.

Without the benefit of practice, Anthony Alfredo stormed to a strong qualifying lap aboard his No. 42 Young’s Building Systems | Randco Industries Inc. Chevrolet, making the field on his qualifying time in the 18th position.

From the drop of the green flag, Alfredo guided his Young’s Motorsports team toward the front of the pack, keeping the team in the hunt for its first top-10 finish of the season.

Unfortunately, 22 laps from the checkered flag, Alfredo was an innocent victim in a multicar accident, which caused terminal damage to his No. 42 Young’s Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro.

Thankfully, Alfredo was evaluated and quickly released from the infield care center, but the team was left with a frustrating 37th-place finish.

After two races, the team is hungry to boost its average finish of 29.5 after a season-high 22nd in the season-opening race at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway.

● Calling the Shots: Guiding Alfredo as crew chief of the No. 42 Young’s Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro is longtime crew chief Andrew Abbott.

On Saturday, he will be crew chief in his 133rd NASCAR Xfinity Series race. In his previous 132 races, he has four top-five and 13 top-10 finishes.

The season’s third race will be his third tango at Circuit of the Americas as crew chief in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.

● Young’s Motorsports’ NASCAR Xfinity Series at Circuit of the Americas: This weekend will mark Young’s Motorsports’ second NASCAR Xfinity Series start at Circuit of the Americas.

The team earned a track-best finish of 20th after starting 34th in the 2024 edition of the 2024 Focused Health 250 with rookie driver Leland Honeyman Jr. behind the wheel.

Also, the Mooresville, N.C.-based team has 11 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series starts in the Lone Star State.

The organization posted a team-best second-place finish at the track on May 21, 2021, with Kaz Grala at the wheel in the Toyota Tundra 225.

The team also won the Truck Series pole with NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Sheldon Creed in 2022.

Since 2021, the Mooresville, N.C.-based Young’s Motorsports team has had an average starting position of 23.7 and an average finish of 25.8 in 11 Circuit of the Americas Truck Series starts overall between nine drivers.

● Young’s Motorsports’ NASCAR Xfinity Series History: Since entering the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2024, the family-owned organization has logged 35 starts and maintains an average starting position of 27.0 and an average finish of 23.8.

● Follow on Social Media: For more on Anthony Alfredo, please visit AnthonyAlfredo.com, like him on Facebook (Anthony Alfredo Racing), follow him on Instagram (@anthonyalfredo) and X | Twitter (@anthonyalfredo).

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).

Anthony Alfredo Pre-Race Quotes:

On Circuit of the Americas: “I am excited to go to Circuit of the Americas this weekend, especially with the new layout. I think it will be an exciting race with some new challenges for the drivers.

“I’ve come to enjoy road course racing and feel like it’s a good opportunity to score stage points and bring home a good finish.”

On New Circuit of the Americas Configuration: “Fortunately, with all the laps with Hendrick Motorsports in the simulator, I have gotten a lot of laps on the new layout and feel confident heading to the track this weekend.

“It cuts out a good portion of the track and honestly simplifies the track some but probably gives up a passing zone or two. We will see for sure on Saturday afternoon.”

On Early Season Bad Luck: “Honestly, we have done a good job controlling what’s in our control, and the team has been bringing fast cars to the track. Sometimes, that’s all you can really ask for.

“We will get better results starting this weekend and dig out of this hole. I cannot thank the Young’s Motorsports team for their hard work and our partners’ continued support.”

On The 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series Season: “My goal this year with Young’s Motorsports is simple: to win a regular-season race and make the Playoffs.

“It’s certainly a tall order, but we can make it happen. We will build this program from the ground up and make that goal a reality.”

Race Information:

The Focused Health 250 (65 laps | 156 miles) is the third of thirty-three (33) NASCAR Xfinity Series races on the 2025 schedule. Practice will occur on Fri., February 28, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 4:50 p.m. Qualifying will immediately follow, beginning at 5:00 p.m. The field will take the green flag the next afternoon, Sat., March 1, shortly after 1:30 p.m. (2:30 p.m. ET), with live coverage on The CW Network, the Performance Racing Network (Radio), and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90. All times are local (CT).

NHRA UNVEILS EXCITING OPPORTUNITIES FOR DIGITAL MEDIA AND CONTENT CREATORS FOR 2025 SEASON

By
Official Release
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Influencer Justin Nunley at Las Vegas

Cornwell Tools Burnout Box Content Creator Zone and digital media access provide new ways for influencers and media to experience NHRA drag racing

INDIANAPOLIS (Feb. 27, 2025) – NHRA today announced a pair of exciting opportunities for digital media members and content creators heading into the 2025 Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season.

Aiming to change the way influencers, content creators and digital media members experience drag racing, NHRA is working to expand its reach across social media platforms with its Cornwell Tools Burnout Box Content Creator Zone.

The Cornwell Tools Burnout Box Content Creator Zone is an exclusive on-track area that gives social media content creators an unmatched chance to create incredible content near the starting line. NHRA is inviting social media influencers with 25,000 or more followers on any platform to experience this VIP opportunity, helping NHRA reach new audiences.

Influencers across industries are encouraged to apply, allowing them to bring a fresh perspective to the high-powered thrill ride that is NHRA drag racing.

NHRA is also aiming to expand its reach in the digital media world, offering media members – regardless of medium – the opportunity to cover NHRA drag racing at any of its 20 national events across the country.

If it’s a podcast, blog, YouTube, TikTok page or any other form of online digital media or medium, NHRA is eager to provide an exhilarating backdrop to those media members, offering up-close access to the 11,000-horsepower, 330-mph nitro machines on the track and a diverse group of NHRA drivers and stars in the media center.

Digital media members interested in applying for media credentials – which includes access to the driver pits and media center – can apply for specific races by clicking here.

“Our goal is to provide digital media members and content creators an unparalleled platform to capture the unrivaled energy of NHRA events and connect with new audiences,” NHRA Vice President of Marketing and Communications Jeffrey Young said. “We’re dedicated to creating these opportunities for media members across all mediums, while the Cornwell Tools Burnout Box Creator Zone offers content creators an extraordinary chance to capture spectacular content not available anywhere else.”

Interested applicants can click here to apply for either of these opportunities. For more information on NHRA, including the 2025 schedule, 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.

Firestone to continue as title sponsor of the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg through 2028

By
Official Release
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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Feb. 27, 2025) – Bridgestone Americas (Bridgestone) today announced a three-year extension for its Firestone brand as the entitlement sponsor of the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. This agreement with Green Savoree Racing Promotions marks the continuation of a successful relationship that began in 2014. The new deal keeps the Firestone name on the opening race of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES season through 2028.

“St. Pete is always an exciting event as we reconnect with fans and wave the green flag for a new season of racing,” said Lisa Boggs, Director, Bridgestone Americas Motorsports. “We take great pride in Firestone’s rich history in the sport, and starting each season at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg has become a big part of that. We’re excited to extend this tradition as part of our ongoing commitment to driving excitement and innovation in racing for years to come.”

The renewed entitlement agreement for the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg continues to reinforce the Firestone brand’s support for the fastest racing on earth. In September 2024, Bridgestone and Penske Entertainment announced a long-term extension for Firestone as the exclusive tire supplier for all INDYCAR-sanctioned racing.

“Firestone has been an integral part of the growth and success of the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg as title sponsor. This latest extension will take our partnership to a remarkable 15-year span,” said Kim Green, co-owner, chairman and CEO of Green Savoree Racing Promotions, organizers of the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding. “It’s an iconic brand that’s helped champions redefine limits in racing for generations, which aligns perfectly with the energy and excitement that embody this event.”

The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding has become a marquee event, combining the excitement of INDYCAR racing with a stunning waterfront backdrop and a unique urban street circuit. This year’s event is scheduled for Feb. 28-March 2 to open the 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season.

The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg marks the start of the 26th consecutive season for Firestone as the exclusive tire supplier. This year is also the 125th anniversary of Firestone’s founding in Akron, Ohio on August 3, 1900. Known for its durability, dependability, and unwavering dedication to quality, Firestone remains a trusted name in tire performance both on the road and on the track.

The brand’s storied history in motorsports began in 1911 with a win at the inaugural Indianapolis 500®, and its roots run nearly as deep in the Tampa/St. Petersburg area. Firestone Complete Auto Care opened its first local retail location in 1933 on Kennedy Boulevard in downtown Tampa. For more than 90 years, it has continued to grow and strengthen its legacy as a trusted tire and automotive service provider for the local community.

Both the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and the INDY NXT by Firestone development series races on the streets of St. Petersburg will be televised on Sunday, March 2. The INDY NXT by Firestone race will air on FS1 at 10 a.m. ET, and the NTT INDYCAR SERIES will make its debut on FOX network television beginning at 12 noon ET.

Bridgestone motorsports activities are leveraged globally as co-creation platforms to help deliver the values of the Bridgestone E8 Commitment. This corporate commitment outlines eight areas where the company is focused on contributing to a more sustainable world. The ongoing relationship with the NTT INDYCAR SERIES supports the values of emotion, energy, ecology, and empowerment.

For more company news, visit BridgestoneAmericas.com

About Bridgestone Americas, Inc.:

Bridgestone Americas, Inc. is the U.S.-based subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation, a global leader in tires and rubber, building on its expertise to provide solutions for safe and sustainable mobility. Headquartered in Nashville, Tenn., Bridgestone Americas employs more than 50,000 people across its worldwide operations. Bridgestone offers a diverse product portfolio of premium tires and advanced solutions backed by innovative technologies, improving the way people around the world move, live, work and play.

About Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding:

The 21st annual Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding is a race event held during Florida’s spring break season. Traditionally the site of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES’ season-opening race, St. Pete is a destination city hosting this annual motorsports tradition and offering a festival atmosphere with its downtown location. The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding airs live on a national broadcast on FOX. FOX Sports named the race one of its “50 Events You Can’t Miss in 2025.” The temporary circuit is a 1.8-mile, 14-turn configuration that uses the streets circling Pioneer Park, the Duke Energy Center for the Arts, The Dali Museum and extending onto the runway at Albert Whitted Airport, and borders the waterfront of Tampa Bay and picturesque St. Petersburg Harbor and Marina. The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding is owned and operated by Green Savoree St. Petersburg, LLC. Green Savoree St. Petersburg, LLC is owned by Green Savoree Racing Promotions 2, LLC whose other subsidiaries also promote three additional NTT INDYCAR SERIES races, The Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio (July 4-6, 2025), Ontario Honda Dealers Indy Toronto (July 18-20, 2025) and BITNILE.COM Grand Prix of Portland (Aug. 8-10, 2025).

For more information, visit gpstpete.com, ‘like’ its Facebook page @GPSTPETE or follow the event on X at @GPSTPETE and Instagram at @GPSTPETE using #FirestoneGP.

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