The primary thing to do while driving is focus on the road. Being careless while driving leads to accidents. This accident not only affects the victim but also the driver and everyone involved in the accident. The main reason for accidents to happen is distraction. Nowadays, distraction has become a silent pandemic killing millions of people.
Distracted driving accidents contribute to thousands of injuries and fatalities every year. Certain studies show that a huge number of accidents could have been avoided with greater awareness.
Here is a list of distractions that cause accidents.
Usage of Mobile Phones While Driving
One of the top distractions leading to accidents is using mobile phones. Texting or calling someone takes a driver’s eye, hand, and mind off driving. Especially, texting is very dangerous because it distracts the driver for several seconds. Many states have laws against handheld phone use while driving. In order to stay safe, drivers should avoid looking at the phone while driving.
Talking With the Passenger
Having long conversations with the passengers behind can cause accidents. Engaging in emotional debates and handling noisy kids can divert a driver’s attention. In such situations, it’s better to park the vehicle somewhere on the roadside to prevent any huge collisions.
Eating and Drinking While Driving
A very common distraction while driving is eating or drinking food items while driving a vehicle. Reaching for a snack or sipping a drink can take a driver’s hand and eyes off the road. This act eventually leads to an accident.
To avoid such situations, you can eat before or after the trip. Smoking inside the car can also be dangerous. While smoking, you hold a cigarette, flick the ashes, and try to drop it. For doing this, at least one of your hands is constantly occupied.
Personal Grooming While Driving
Personal grooming while driving, such as applying makeup or brushing hair, could be very risky. Grooming often requires looking into the mirrors or taking a hand off the wheel. This limits the driver’s ability to drive properly. Grooming should be done before or after driving to keep attention on the road.
Fatigue While Driving
Tired drivers may zone out while driving, especially at nighttime. This gradually increases the chances of a crash. Tiredness cannot be completely considered as distraction. If a driver feels fatigued, they can’t apply the brakes at the right time, which can lead to a crash. To prevent this, the driver can take breaks, hydrate themselves, or better yet, avoid driving at such times.
Daydreaming
Daydreaming might seem like a minor distraction but, in reality, is highly dangerous. A driver can daydream about anything, like thinking about work, planning the day, or overthinking a recent argument. This cognitive distraction can reduce the ability of the driver to react quickly.
Pets in the Vehicle
Having pets in the car can also sometimes be hard to handle. Pets can create chaos while driving. A dog or cat jumping onto a driver’s lap can make the driver lose control. Even smaller actions like scratching your cat or a dog barking loudly can distract a driver. This results in fatal accidents.
Tips to Minimize Risk:
Before you start driving, secure your kids and pets.
Set the radio, adjust your mirrors, and set up your GPS to reduce risk.
Put your phone in “Do Not Disturb” mode.
Whether you’re walking or driving, always give the work at hand your whole concentration. The cost of being distracted is just too high.
Key Takeaways
Distraction during driving causes a lot of accidents across the world.
Using mobile phones while driving is the major cause of a lot of fatal accidents.
Another common distraction while driving a vehicle is eating or drinking.
While driving, one can stop doing personal grooming to stop deadly crashes from happening.
Taking pets and kids for the trip can also cause huge distractions, as they are hard to control.
Corey Heim gained extra momentum in his quest for this year’s NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series championship at Martinsville Speedway after winning the Playoff’s Round of 8 finale, Sim Jim 200, at Martinsville Speedway on Friday, October 24, amid a dominant run and an overtime shootout.
The 23-year-old Heim from Marietta, Georgia, led three times for a race-high 77 of 203 overscheduled laps. He qualified in fourth place and led for the first time on Lap 48. After sweeping the event’s first two stage periods, he pitted his entry for the first time prior to the final stage period. Despite restarting in 10th place for the final stage, he kept his No. 11 TRICON Garage Toyota entry intact and methodically worked his way back to the front through three restarts amid on-track chaos.
During a brief restart with 15 laps remaining, Heim outdueled teammate Brent Crews to return atop the leaderboard. He then retained the top spot through two late-race cautions that sent the event into overtime. He also fended off the competition through a single overtime shootout to notch his unprecedented 11th victory of the 2025 season and gain another late-season momentum entering next weekend’s season-finale event at Phoenix Raceway.
With on-track qualifying that determined the starting lineup occurring on Friday, Playoff contender Layne Riggs claimed his third pole position of the 2025 season with a pole-winning lap at 97.217 mph in 19.478 seconds. Riggs shared the front row with rookie Giovanni Ruggiero, the latter of whom clocked in his fastest time at 97.063 mph in 19.509 seconds.
Prior to the event, veteran racer Casey Mears, who made his 600th NASCAR national touring series career start, started at the rear of the field due to a transmission change to his No. 69 MBM Motorsports entry. Clayton Green also dropped to the rear of the field for repairs and unapproved adjustments to his No. 2 Reaume Brothers Racing entry.
When the green flag waved and the event commenced, Layne Riggs used the inside lane through the first two turns to muscle ahead of Giovanni Ruggiero. With both lanes to his advantage, Riggs cycled back to the frontstretch and proceeded to lead the first lap while Ruggiero and a host of Playoff competitors that included Ty Majeski, Corey Heim, Kaden Honeycutt, Tyler Ankrum, Rajah Caruth, Grant Enfinger and Daniel Hemric followed suit.
Over the next four laps, Riggs proceeded to stretch his lead to nearly a second over Ruggiero while Majeski, Heim, Honeycutt, Caruth, Ankrum, Hemric and Enfinger followed suit within the top-eight spots on the track. Then on the sixth lap, the event’s first caution flew when Andres Perez de Lara, who was locked in a three-wide battle with Matt Crafton and Connor Mosack for a top-15 spot, spun after he got hit in the left rear by Crafton, to which Perez proceeded to hit the outside wall in Turn 4.
The start of the next restart on the 12th lap featured Riggs fending off Ruggiero through the first two turns as the former then led the next lap. As Riggs led, Ruggiero and Majeski battled for the runner-up spot in front of Heim, Honeycutt and Caruth while Ankrum, Enfinger, Hemric, Tanner Gray and Ben Rhodes followed suit, respectively.
On the 20th lap, the event’s second caution flew due to fluid being reported on the track and coming out from Matt Mills’ entry. During the recent caution period, select names that included Jake Garcia, Corey LaJoie, Norm Benning and Frankie Muniz pitted their respective entries while the rest led by Riggs remained on the track.
As the event restarted under green on Lap 28, Riggs, who restarted as the lead competitor on the inside lane, struggled to launch at the start due to a shifting issue. This allowed Majeski, who started on the outside lane alongside Rigggs, to rocket ahead with the lead. Heim, Ankrum, Enfinger and Tanner Gray all followed suit while Riggs dropped back to sixth place. Amid the restart scramble, Hemric sustained rear end damage and Logan Bearden hit the inside wall while Majeski led the next lap over a hard-charging Heim.
At the Lap 35 mark, Majeski was leading by four-tents of a second over Heim while Ankrum, Enfinger and Riggs followed suit ahead of Tanner Gray, Honeycutt, Ruggiero, Brent Crews and Caruth. Meanwhile, Hemric, who sustained damage to his entry amid the restart jumble, was down in 13th place behind Ben Rhodes and Brenden “Butterbean” Queen while Majeski retained the lead by seventh-tenths of a second on Lap 40.
Shortly after on Lap 40, the event’s third caution flew after Queen collided and sent the lapped competitor of Norm Benning sideways in Turn 1. Amid the contact between Queen and Benning, Hemric sustained more cosmetic damage to his entry after he ran into the rear of Queen while Hemric himself was run into by Conner Jones. During the latest caution, some including Jones, Hemric, Mosaic, Garcia, Timmy Hill, Mears, Chandler Smith, Breidinger, Crafton, Spencer Boyd and Alan Waller pitted while the rest led by Majeski remained on the track. During his pit services for repairs, Hemric lost a lap to the field.
With four laps remaining in the first stage period, Majeski retained the lead over Heim following a strong launch through the first two turns and the backstretch. Heim then got underneath Majeski through the first two turns during the following lap. Heim’s move allowed the Georgian to clear Majeski through Turn 4. As Heim led ahead of Majeski, Enfinger moved up to third place in front of Ankrum and Gray while Riggs, Honeycutt, Ruggiero, Crews and Caruth were in the top 10, respectively.
When the first stage period concluded on Lap 50, Heim captured his 20th Truck stage victory of the 2025 season. Majeski settled in second ahead of Enfinger, Ankrum and Gray while Riggs, Honeycutt, Ruggiero, Caruth and Brent Crews were scored in the top 10, respectively. With seven of eight Playoff contenders racking up the event’s first round of stage points, Hemric was the lone contender who did not as he was mired in 30th place and scored a lap down.
Under the first stage break period, Crews, Queen, Wood, Sutton, Patrick Staropoli, Justin Carroll, Timmy Hill, Casey Mears, Muniz and Waller pitted while the rest led by Heim remained on the track. Meanwhile, Hemric cycled back on the lead lap as he was the first competitor scored a lap down at the conclusion of the first stage break period.
The second stage period started on Lap 61 as Heim and Majeski occupied the front row. At the start, Heim used the inside lane through the first two turns to muscle ahead of Majeski. With the lead in his possession through the backstretch along with Turns 3 and 4, Heim led the next lap while Majeski, Enfinger, Ankrum, Gray and Riggs followed suit, respectively.
At the Lap 70 mark, Heim, who led since the start of the second stage period, was leading by half a second over Majeski while Enfinger, Ankrum, Riggs, Gray, Caruth, Honeycutt, LaJoie and Conner Jones followed suit in the top 10, respectively. Meanwhile, Hemric was mired in 29th place.
Two laps later, the caution returned when Caruth, who made contact with Honeycutt in Turn 4 a lap prior while battling for seventh place, spun and made hard contact into the Turn 1 outside wall as he sustained a cut left-rear tire from the contact with Honeycutt. The incident was enough to terminate Caruth’s event due to the damage to his entry. It was also enough to terminate his hopes of securing a Championship 4 berth.
During the caution period, some including LaJoie, Ruggiero, Honeycutt, Chandler Smith, Mosaic and Timmy Hill pitted while the rest led by Heim remained on the track.
The start of the next restart on Lap 80 featured Heim muscling ahead and retaining the lead over Majeski, Enfinger and the field through the first two turns and the backstretch. As Heim stretched his lead to half a second during the following lap, Majeski retained the runner-up spot over Riggs while Enfinger, Gray, Ankrum, Honeycutt, Jones, Crews and Rhodes followed suit, respectively.
Just past the Lap 90 mark, Heim stretched his lead to nine-tenths of a second over Majeski while third-place Riggs followed suit by more than a second. Behind, Enfinger and Gray remained in the top five while Ankrum occupied sixth place ahead of Crews, Honeycutt, Jones and Rhodes. Meanwhile, Hemric was mired in 20th place behind LaJoie while Matt Crafton, Todd, Queen, Sutton and Ruggiero were racing in the top 15.
When the second stage period concluded on Lap 100, Heim notched his second Truck stage victory of the event and his 21st of the 2025 season. Majeski followed suit in second for a second consecutive stage by eight-tenths of a second while Riggs, Enfinger, Gray, Ankrum, Crews, Honeycutt, Jones and Rhodes racked up the event’s second round of stage points by being scored in the top 10, respectively. Meanwhile, Hemric remained in 20th place behind Garcia.
During the second stage break period, nearly the entire field led by Heim pitted while the rest that included Crews, Ruggiero, Wood, Chandler Smith, Bayley Currey, LaJoie, Garcia, Hemric and Mosaic remained on the track.
With 89 laps remaining, the third and final stage period commenced as teammates Crews and Ruggiero occupied the front row. At the start, Ruggiero dueled with Crews for a full lap as the former managed to lead the next lap. As Ruggiero proceeded to lead ahead of Crews, the field fanned out to multiple lanes through every turn and straightaway as Wood, Currey, Chandler Smith and Hemric followed suit.
Down to the final 80 laps of the event, Ruggiero retained the lead by two-tenths of a second over teammate Crews while Wood, Currey and Chandler Smith continued to race in the top five, respectively. Behind, Hemric occupied sixth place ahead of LaJoie, Mosaic, Majeski, Heim, Honeycutt, Riggs and Enfinger while Ankrum was mired in 19th place.
Fifteen laps later, Crews overtook Ruggiero to assume the lead. As Crews proceeded to lead with 60 laps remaining, Heim, who restarted in 10th place, carved his way up to fourth place behind Chandler Smith. Riggs, Majeski and Honeycutt followed suit from sixth through eighth on the track. Meanwhile, Hemric and Enfinger, both of whom were placed in “must-win” situations to make the Championship 4 round, were racing in 10th and 11th on the track.
Shortly after, the caution flew with 60 laps remaining due to Alan Waller spinning through the first two turns. During the caution period, some, including Hemric, LaJoie, Timmy Hill, Garcia, Bayley Currey and Wood pitted while the rest led by Crews, remained on the track.
When the event restarted under green with 52 laps remaining, Crews retained the lead over teammates Ruggiero and Heim, along with Chandler Smith, through the first two turns and the backstretch. As Crews retained the lead over the next three laps, Smith navigated his way into the runner-up spot over Ruggiero and Heim while Riggs, Majeski, Honeycutt and Enfinger all followed suit within the top-eight mark, respectively.
The caution then returned with 46 laps remaining due to a three-truck accident through the first two turns that started when LaJoie made contact with Breidinger, sending the latter and Patrick Staropoli spinning, with Breidinger wrecking against the outside wall. During the latest caution period, select names led by Ruggiero and including Enfinger and Hemric pitted while the rest led by Crews remained on the track.
The start of the next restart, with 38 laps remaining, featured Crews retaining the lead while teammate Heim battled Chandler Smith for the runner-up spot. As the field jostled for late positions, Heim prevailed in his late battle against Smith for the runner-up spot while Crews continued to lead by a second with 35 laps remaining. Meanwhile, Hemric’s hopes of advancing to the Championship 4 round diminished as he took his entry to the garage due to a mechanical issue.
With less than 30 laps remaining, Crews continued to lead by more than a second over teammate Heim, while third-place Chandler Smith trailed by two seconds. Riggs and Honeycutt trailed in the top five by within three seconds while Gray, Majeski, Queen, Jones, and LaJoie were scored in the top 10, respectively. Meanwhile, Ankrum was racing in 11th place while Enfinger battled Jack Wood for 15th place.
Following another late caution that flew with 22 laps remaining due to Mosack wrecking in Turn 4 amid contact from Ruggiero, the next restart with 15 laps remaining featured Heim battling Crews for the lead for a full lap. As Crews and Heim continued to battle for the top spot in front of Honeycutt, the caution returned due to Currey spinning in Turn 4. At the moment of caution, Heim was ruled the leader over Crews.
Amid the next restart with nine laps remaining, where Heim led Honeycutt, Chandler Smith and Crews, another caution flew with six laps remaining when Jones, who was battling for a top-10 spot, spun and ignited a five-truck wreck in the backstretch that involved Garcia, Perez de Lara, Dawson Sutton and Ben Rhodes. The incident was also enough to send the event into overtime.
At the start of overtime, Heim used the inside lane through the first two turns to muscle ahead of Honeycutt while teammate Crews battled Honeycutt for the runner-up spot. Amid a stacked field that followed suit, Heim drove away with the top spot.
When the white flag waved and the final lap started, Heim remained in the lead over a tight three-truck battle that involved Honeycutt, Crews and Riggs. With a bevy of competition lurking behind him, Heim was able to navigate his No. 11 Safelite Toyota Tundra TRD Pro entry smoothly around Martinsville for a final time before he cycled back to the frontstretch and claimed the checkered flag by four-tenths of a second.
With the victory, Heim extended the series’ record of most Craftsman Truck Series victories recorded in a single season to 11. Heim also racked up his 22nd career victory, his second at Martinsville and his seventh over the previous 10 races to this year’s schedule.
Having clinched a Championship 4 berth earlier this month, Heim sets his sights on winning his first NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series championship at the conclusion of next weekend’s season-finale event at Phoenix Raceway. Even with a record-breaking season highlighted by 11 victories, Heim is not yet ready to call himself a champion before the finale.
Photo by John Knittel for SpeedwayMedia.com.
“I don’t want to jump to any conclusions yet,” Heim said on the frontstretch on FS1. “We got a big race next week. He continued, “I wanted the momentum going to Phoenix, to keep all our guys with heads held high and what they’re working on going into Phoenix. I feel like it was definitely a rocky race there, getting behind in track position, but we wanted to capitalize on our day and make the most of it. [I] Got a big one next week to close [the season] out, so it’s going to be tough, but I’m confident we can do it.”
Meanwhile, Kaden Honeycutt crossed the finish line for a career-best runner-up result while Layne Riggs edged Brent Crews to claim third place. As a result, both Honeycutt and Riggs were left tied in points for the fourth and final transfer berth to the Championship 4 round, but it was Honeycutt who claimed the tie-breaker and achieved the final berth.
In a season where he made a mid-season change to Halmar Friesen Racing to replace the injured Stewart Friesen prior to qualifying for his first Playoffs, Honeycutt will now contend for his first series title.
“It’s unbelievable, man,” Honeycutt said. “I should have very easily been on the couch in July after I made my decision on what to do. I’m so grateful to be a part of Toyota and this amazing manufacturer. To carry on this championship now, we got a 50% chance of winning it, at least. So I’m very much looking forward to next weekend. Regardless of how everything goes, I’m just extremely thankful.”
Amid Honeycutt’s emotional highs, Riggs was left dejected, both on missing the Championship 4 cutline and the Martinsville competition that had the North Carolina native navigating his way to the front, where on-track contact was involved to which Riggs did not want to utilize.
“I just don’t like racing that way, man,” Riggs said. “I want to race straight up and how it’s supposed to be, but I’m hearing, ‘got to get a spot; got to get one.’ I’m gonna do what my team tells me to do to get in this championship. And [I’m] roughing guys up I don’t really want to rough up. They’ve done nothing to me in the past. I just don’t like racing like that, man.”
Ty Majeski and Tyler Ankrum finished seventh and ninth, respectively, and join Heim and Honeycutt as the other two finalists to achieve Championship 4 berths. For Ankrum, this season marks his first-ever time reaching the final Playoff round as he will contend for his first championship. For Majeski, he will enter next weekend’s finale at Phoenix with an opportunity to defend his series title.
Riggs joins Grant Enfinger, Daniel Hemric, and Rajah Caruth as the remaining four Playoff contenders who did not advance to the Championship 4 round.
There were 10 lead changes for six different leaders. The event featured 11 cautions for 75 laps. In addition, 23 of 35 starters finished on the lead lap.
Results:
1. Corey Heim, 77 laps led, Stages 1 & 2 winner 2. Kaden Honeycutt 3. Layne Riggs, 27 laps led 4. Brent Crews, 53 laps led 5. Corey LaJoie 6. Chandler Smith, one lap led 7. Ty Majeski, 20 laps led 8. Tanner Gray 9. Tyler Ankrum 10. Brenden Queen 11. Giovanni Ruggiero, 25 laps led 12. Grant Enfinger 13. Jack Wood 14. Ben Rhodes 15. Patrick Staropoli 16. Timmy Hill 17. Spencer Boyd 18. Jake Garcia 19. Dawson Sutton 20. Justin Carroll 21. Bayley Curry 22. Conner Jones 23. Frankie Muniz 24. Casey Mears, two laps down 25. Logan Bearden, six laps down 26. Toni Breidinger, seven laps down 27. Matt Mills, nine laps down 28. Andres Perez de Lara, 14 laps down 29. Matt Crafton – OUT, Brakes 30. Connor Mosack – OUT, Accident 31. Daniel Hemric – OUT, Engine 32. Alan Waller – OUT, Accident 33. Norm Benning – OUT, Too Slow 34. Rajah Caruth – OUT, Accident 35. Clayton Green – OUT, Electrical *Bold indicates Playoff competitors.
Playoff standings:
1. Corey Heim – Advanced 2. Tyler Ankrum – Advanced 3. Ty Majeski – Advanced 4. Kaden Honeycutt – Advanced 5. Layne Riggs – Eliminated 6. Rajah Caruth – Eliminated 7. Grant Enfinger – Eliminated 8. Daniel Hemric – Eliminated
The 2025 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season is set to conclude at Phoenix Raceway in Avondale, Arizona, where a champion will be crowned. The finale is scheduled to occur next Friday, October 31, and air at 7:30 p.m. ET on FS1, NASCAR Racing Network and SiriusXM.
Ford Racing Notes and Quotes NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Slim Jim 200 Friday, October 24, 2025
MAJESKI ADVANCES TO CHAMPIONSHIP 4; RIGGS KNOCKED OUT ON TIEBREAKER
Ty Majeski will get a chance to defend his NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series championship after advancing to the Championship 4 with tonight’s seventh place finish.
Despite finishing third, Layne Riggs was eliminated on a tiebreaker with Kaden Honeycutt.
Ford Unofficial Finishing Results:
3rd – Layne Riggs 6th – Chandler Smith 7th – Ty Majeski 14th – Ben Rhodes 18th – Jake Garcia 23rd – Frankie Muniz 24th – Casey Mears 29th – Matt Crafton 32nd – AJ Waller 35th – Clayton Green
LAYNE RIGGS, No. 38 Bare Knuckles Boxing Ford F-150 – “I was dejected even when I thought we were in at first. I just don’t like racing that way. I’m hearing, ‘Gotta get one. Gotta get one.’ And everybody knows how it is. If I’ve got the opportunity to get in for my team, I’m gonna do it even if I don’t want to do it the way I do. I mean, I got there at the end. I hate I roughed up the 1 and I’m glad he still finished pretty good. It all kind of started with that missed shift on that restart. I’m not really sure what happened. I’ve never missed a shift in a truck in my whole career. We do have some new transmissions and I guess I’m just not quite used to them yet, so I’m pretty upset about that. I think things could have been a lot different, but it all started at the ROVAL and getting turned around on lap one. We go to Talladega and having all the issues we had. I’m definitely dejected. I would have been dejected if we were even in fourth. I just don’t like it.”
YOU ENDED UP LOSING OUT ON A TIEBREAKER. “Even that last lap I thought that we were in and it’s still just upsetting. I just don’t like racing like that. I want to race straight up and how it’s supposed to be, but I’m hearing, ‘Gotta get a spot. You’ve got to get one.’ I’m gonna do what my team tells me to do to get in this championship. Roughing guys up, I don’t really want to rough up – they’ve done nothing to me in the past. I just don’t like racing like that. I don’t like how it comes down to the end like this and how people have to race, especially at a track like Martinsville. It’s never been my favorite race of the year, but this 34 team did a great job all year. I would have been on the disappointed side even if we were in. It’s just really odd how it all plays out with these playoff formats, but I’m excited for the future with this race team – coming back with them and fighting for it again next year. We’ve been strong all year. I’m not gonna hang my head about today. We’ve had such a great year all year long and battled up front. I learned a lot and excited to see what our future holds.”
TY MAJESKI, No. 98 Soda Sense/Curb Records Ford F-150 – “Obviously, I have mixed emotions. We come to a short track and we expect to be a little bit more competitive than that, but we qualified good, got good stage points and that was the difference tonight. I knew once we got back in traffic we were in pretty big trouble. I kind of knew from when we unloaded this thing today that it wasn’t quite right, but we persevered and got good stage points. The crew guys had a hell of a pit stop and kept our track position and I was just kind of playing defense at the end. It was just good enough.”
WHAT WERE THOSE LAST 10 LAPS LIKE? “I was just trying to get every spot. I knew it was gonna come down to a handful of points, if not one or two and it did. Obviously, it wasn’t the fashion we wanted to do it in, but I’m proud of everybody for not giving up. We got a good restart at the end and was able to grab one or two spots I think and that was the difference.”
WHAT WAS THE BRAKE SITUATION LIKE AT THE END? “I’ve been in that position before. You lose brakes not often but enough to have some experience, just trying to get everything cooled down and trying to get the brake pedal back. Honestly, the stacked cautions at the end really helped us. I was able to get everything cooled down and get the brake pedal back.”
HOW HELPLESS IS THAT FEELING? “You’re just trying to do what you can to get every spot that you can. It looked like, for the most part, everybody raced pretty clean. Obviously, there was some bumping and banging to try and advance to Phoenix, which is to be expected, but it certainly didn’t turn into a mess like we’ve seen in the past with some of the other series.”
IT’S SO HARD TO GET TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP 4 AND NOW YOU GET TO DEFEND YOUR TITLE. WHAT DOES THAT MEAN? “It’s special. That’s three of the last four years now with this 98 group that we’re advancing to have a shot at a title in Phoenix and that’s something to be proud of. We probably would have been able to advance in 2023 if it wasn’t for a penalty that kind of derailed our playoff run, but I’m proud of the effort and so happy to be going into Phoenix with a shot.”
Harvey and Liddy Sweep Pro-Am; Race for RP Earns Podiums and Fuels Purpose Off Track
Monrovia, CA (October 24, 2025) – Forte Racing closed out its inaugural McLaren Trophy America season with a commanding performance at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The team’s No. 24 Cypress Land Co. McLaren Artura Trophy EVO, driven by Tanner Harvey and Patrick Liddy, captured the overall and Pro-Am victory in Race 1 before following up with a third place overall and another Pro-Am win in Race 2. The result marked a double class sweep and an emphatic finish to the 2025 season.
The team’s Race for RP entry, piloted by Neil Langberg and Kevin Madsen, added to the celebration with Papaya Cup podiums in both races. Beyond the track, the weekend also featured McLaren’s Finish Line Social Fueled by Race for RP on Friday evening, where partners, team owners and drivers, and program supporters gathered to celebrate the success of the inaugural McLaren Trophy America season and raise awareness and vital funds for autoimmune disease research, underscoring the team’s dual mission of racing for performance and for purpose.
Drivers Tanner Harvey and Patrick Liddy showed exceptional pace and teamwork throughout the weekend, combining to deliver RP Motorsports by Forte Racing’s first overall McLaren Trophy America victory.
“What a weekend at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway,” Harvey said. “From the moment we hit the track, everything just clicked. We qualified P1 in class and 3rd overall for Race 1, and P3 in class and 7th overall for Race 2 — setting us up for one of the most exciting weekends yet.
In Race 1, I started and jumped straight into the fight for the lead. After moving into P1 overall, I handed the car off to Patrick Liddy, who absolutely sent it in the second half — bringing it home 1st in class and 1st overall. Total team effort and pure execution.
For Race 2, Patrick started and charged through the field before handing the wheel to me to close it out. We finished 1st in class and 3rd overall, locking down another strong podium to cap off an unforgettable weekend.
I was also named Driver of the Weekend, which is a huge honor — and honestly, just the icing on the cake after everything we accomplished. As Ricky Bobby says, “If you ain’t first, you’re last.” Indy was all about pushing the limit, trusting the car, and leaving it all out there.
Huge thanks to Forte Racing, Cypress Land Co., McLaren, and our entire crew for giving us a car that was fast, reliable, and ready to fight. And of course, to Patrick, for being an absolute beast behind the wheel — couldn’t ask for a better teammate.”
Harvey’s teammate, Patrick Liddy, echoed his enthusiasm and credited the team’s preparation and execution for the dominant result.
“I have to thank everyone at Forte for a fantastic finale to McLaren Trophy,” Liddy said. “Doesn’t get better than winning both races and coming away with an overall win in Race 1. Tanner drove amazing races and very consistent, smart stints. I was also happy with the car and my pace, especially in race one. Looking forward to coming back next year!”
In the Papaya Cup division, driver Neil Langberg and coach Kevin Madsen capped a season of progress with back-to-back podium finishes. Despite an early setback in Race 1, the duo rebounded with a strong P2 finish in Race 2, continuing their mission to raise awareness for Relapsing Polychondritis and related autoimmune diseases.
“IMS is my new favorite track,” Langberg said. “Our strategy was to keep our position in the Papaya Cup. The team effort was huge and focused. In Race 1 we had good pace and held the position until I suffered a bad shunt from behind. This hit took me off track for a while, but we finished a P3 in the cup race. In Race 2 with the car repaired the results were better with a P2 result.
The weekend finished with the McLaren Finish Line Social which raised important donations to fund continuing research for RP.
Focus now shifts to the UK/MTC on 11/15 for the Trophy season-ending dinner and one more bite of the papaya to raise more awareness and accelerate research for autoimmune disease.
As for the season, many thanks to McLaren and Forte Racing. The season was transformative with a new series, new car and new team. What did not change was that we kept our eyes up on the prize of helping patients with RP and autoimmune diseases. Building on relationships old and new, the goal of why we race remains the same: finding a cure for RP and this race never ends. Looking forward to’26’.”
Langberg’s co-driver Kevin Madsen, reflected on the team’s performance and his driver’s steady growth throughout the season.
“It would have been hard to wrap up the season any better,” Madsen said. “Proud of Neil. He’s talked a lot about this transformative year and the most exciting part for me has been watching his continual transformation into a fully focused and improved driver on track. He’s stood on the podium more this year than any past racing season in his life and it just goes to show that hard work pays off.
The entire Forte team helped make that happen and they should be immensely proud as well. The team awards they’ve won and the overall win this weekend for Tanner and Patrick are further proof of the Forte’s dominant performance. I can’t wait to get to work on next season but let’s not forget we still have plenty to do for RP in the offseason! Thanks to all who have followed along, attended our fundraisers, shared and donated to this worthy cause. Let’s keep this momentum rolling at race pace!”
RP Motorsports by Forte Racing Team Manager Jon Miller commended the program’s growth and unity during its debut McLaren Trophy campaign.
“Our debut McLaren Trophy season has been a masterclass in growth, grit, and good racing,” Miller said. “Kevin and Neil showed the heart of this program every weekend and closing it out at Indy feels like the perfect punctuation mark on a remarkable first chapter for RP Motorsports by Forte.”
Forte Racing Team Program Manager David Cozart added praise for both the drivers and the team’s engineering effort throughout the year.
“The final race of the season was a great experience,” Cozart said. “Neil and Kevin had an excellent weekend, driving with intent, passion, and focus. Neil’s performance on the Papaya Cup podium truly reinforced the message that drives the Race for RP – what a class act!
Our Pro-Am entry absolutely excelled in its class. Tanner and Patrick worked together in beautiful harmony, setting a high standard for others to follow.
This last season the Forte Racing team truly rose to the occasion, taking on a new chassis development in the SRO racing format. I believe we successfully massaged and tuned the chassis to best suit our drivers, making them highly competitive. Thank you to all at McLaren, SRO, and all my Forte teammates for making this a season to remember.”
Team Principal Shane Seneviratne concluded by recognizing the group’s shared success on and off the track, as well as their continued commitment to the Race for RP mission.
“This weekend at Indianapolis was the perfect way to close out our first McLaren Trophy America season,” Seneviratne said. “The entire team executed at a high level, from Tanner and Patrick’s outstanding double wins to Neil and Kevin’s continued progress and podiums in the Papaya Cup. What makes me proud isn’t just the results, it’s how everyone came together around the Race for RP mission. The dedication, collaboration, and passion from every driver, crew member, and partner have made this season special. We’ve built a strong foundation with McLaren and look forward to growing this program even further in 2026, both on track and in support of the fight against autoimmune disease.”
With the McLaren Trophy America finale complete, RP Motorsports by Forte Racing now looks ahead to the McLaren Technology Centre awards on November 15, where champions and teams will gather to celebrate the season. The team’s purpose remains clear — to keep racing for awareness, funding, and a future free from autoimmune disease.
To learn more about the mission behind the team, watch the award-winning documentary The Race of Our Lives, now streaming on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0tZYRazk8U.
ABOUT RACE FOR RP
Race for RP is a motorsports initiative aimed at driving awareness and accelerating research for RP and other autoimmune diseases. Through collaboration with drivers, teams, and sponsors, Race for RP fuels education, accelerates research, and raises awareness of Relapsing Polychondritis and other related autoimmune diseases. For more information, visit raceforrp.org or follow @raceforrp on social media.
ABOUT FORTE RACING
Founded in 2023, Forte Racing is a motorsports team based in Los Angeles and Charlotte, supported by Lamborghini Squadra Corse. Under the watchful eye of Shane Seneviratne, the team competes in various racing series, including the IMSA WeatherTech GTD Championship, the IMSA VP Racing Sportscar Challenge, and Lamborghini Super Trofeo and, in 2025, plans to expand by adding a single-car entry in
the inaugural McLaren Trophy America Championship. Building on the foundation of US RaceTronics, the team has quickly built a strong reputation with multiple podium finishes, race wins, and several North American and World Championships. For more information about the team, its drivers, and race operations, visit www.forteracing.com.
ABOUT THE SERIES
The inaugural McLaren Trophy America Championship series launched in Spring 2025. The season features 10 rounds at five iconic U.S. tracks with each event coinciding with the Fanatec GT World Challenge America powered by AWS.
ABOUT RELAPSING POLYCHONDRITIS
RP is a rare and degenerative autoimmune disease that primarily affects cartilage in the body, causing inflammation that can lead to severe complications. RP affects multiple organs, including the ears, nose, airways, joints, and even the heart and brain. Research is essential to improve care and treatment options for those living with RP.
LAS VEGAS (Oct. 24, 2025) – It all comes down to Las Vegas for 32 standouts in the NHRA Summit Series, as world championships will be on the line for competitors in the Super Pro, Pro, Sportsman and Motorcycle categories as part of the upcoming Dodge NHRA Nevada Nationals powered by Direct Connection, which takes place Oct. 30-Nov. 2 at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
The ”Road to Vegas” featured eight hotly-contested Summit Racing Series E.T. Finals across the seven NHRA divisions and Canada, crowning E.T. Finals winners and setting the stage for a thrilling world championship battle in Las Vegas.
This year’s annual event features an incredible lineup of standout drivers in the NHRA Summit Series from the United States and Canada, and the stakes are at an all-time high in Las Vegas. For the first time, winners in each category will receive $6,000, while the runner-up in each class earns $2,000 and semifinalists earn $500. Along with the purse, winners get a national championship Wally trophy, a championship jacket and more.
“It was a fantastic season in the NHRA Summit Series and we’re extremely excited to see world champions decided in Las Vegas,” said Jim Greenleaf, Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports & Events Manager. “There continues to be incredible growth and participation in this series, extending to the first E.T. Finals in Canada this year and everyone at Summit Racing Equipment is thrilled to be part of this amazing program with so many talented drivers. The new team aspect to this year’s world championship is an added bonus for racers and we look forward to another huge weekend in Las Vegas.”
The festive weekend in Las Vegas includes a first-time team competition, which includes all seven NHRA divisions and a Canadian team. Team points are accumulated by round wins and the winning team earns $2,000. There will also be the opportunity to win a piece of an extra $2,000 in bonus awards on-track during the weekend.
The must-see world championship features a diverse group of drivers competing in many types of vehicles, including dragsters, roadsters, sedans, coupes and motorcycles, offering thrilling action as part of the national event.
It all starts with a welcome dinner on Thursday, Oct. 30, which will also feature a chip draw for the first four positions, who will then call out the remaining drivers to set the first-round matchups.
Special prizes and experiences will be raffled off during the welcome dinner as well, including:
A chance to warm up Daniel Wilkerson’s 12,000-horsepower Funny Car
Joining Clay Millican’s crew and ride along with the crew during a qualifying run
A VIP experience with the Vance & Hines Pro Stock Motorcycle team
A VIP tour of the KB Titan Racing Pro Stock team with Greg Anderson
All finalists will have marquee access during Top Fuel and Funny Car qualifying sessions in Las Vegas, too, along with a parade in front of the grandstands and introductions during the official pre-race ceremonies.
“When it comes to bracket racing within the NHRA, this is the pinnacle,” NHRA Sportsman Manager Jason Galvin said. “To earn a trip to Las Vegas means you were the best of the best in your division, and for the first time, in Canada as well. We look forward to celebrating these racers all weekend, not just the four who will hold the Wally on Sunday, but the other 28 who fought for the right to be here and earned the VIP treatment the NHRA and Summit Racing Equipment will provide over the course of four great days in Las Vegas.”
Summit E.T. Series Champions in 2024 included Zach Meziere (Division 6) in Super Pro, Alvie Merrill (Division 4) in Pro, C.W. Hoefer (Division 7) in Sportsman, James Paulson (Division 5) in Motorcycle and Omar Leon (Division 7) in Street Legal EV.
For more information on the NHRA Summit Racing Series, visit www.nhra.com/sportsman. For more information on NHRA, including the 2025 schedule, visit www.NHRA.com.
2025 NHRA SUMMIT RACING SERIES WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP COMPETITORS
SUPER PRO
Division 1
Matt Witkowski
Division 2
Austin Logan
Division 3
Bob Cireddu
Division 4
Talon Farmer
Division 5
Tim Blatchford
Division 6
Toby Peterson
Division 7
Dennis Paz
Canada
Cody Levasseur
PRO
Division 1
Mike Fornwalt
Division 2
Tim Butler
Division 3
Austin Tewell
Division 4
Jimmy Denham
Division 5
Nick Engler
Division 6
Brian McGinnis
Division 7
Luis Ortiz
Canada
Gianni Cantusci
SPORTSMAN
Division 1
Bill Hakucsa
Division 2
Daniel Salyers
Division 3
Luke wiseman
Division 4
Gage Wilson
Division 5
Grant Pesola
Division 6
Devin Froud
Division 7
Mike Williams
Canada
Dennis Boyko
MOTORCYCLE
Division 1
Mark Schwalm
Division 2
Pablo Gonzalez
Division 3
Michael (MK) Schmalle
Division 4
Robert Sanders
Division 5
Pat Finder
Division 6
Cody Cumpton
Division 7
Jeremy Bates
Canada
Michael Konopacki
About Summit Racing Equipment
Summit Racing Equipment has been the World’s Speed Shop® for 56 years! Summit Racing offers a huge selection of in-stock parts for drag racing like drivetrain and suspension components, safety gear, wheels and tires, and brakes. It also carries tools and shop equipment, plus storage upgrades for your trailer and performance upgrades for your tow vehicle. Summit Racing offers fast ground service shipping to most areas of the country and same-day shipping on in-stock items. Summit Racing has the industry’s top-rated customer service and a full-time technical department to answer your questions. With headquarters in Tallmadge, Ohio, Summit operates distribution and retail stores in Tallmadge, Sparks, NV, McDonough, GA, and Arlington, TX.
Summit Racing Equipment www.summitracing.com 1-800-230-3030
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.
Current Championship Contender Love to Pilot the No. 2 Whelen Chevrolet for 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series
WELCOME, N.C. (October 24, 2025) – Whelen Engineering, a global leader in the emergency warning industry for over 70 years, will continue their partnership with Richard Childress Racing in 2026 as anchor sponsor on the No. 2 Chevrolet in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. Jesse Love will return to the organization to pilot the race-winning entry.
“Richard Childress Racing has been an excellent ambassador for Whelen Engineering over the years,” said Peter Tiezzi, general manager of motorsports for Whelen Engineering. “We’re excited to extend our partnership and continue to impact the communities we serve through our race team partnership in 2026. We both remain focused on providing industry-leading solutions. Jesse Love has done a phenomenal job representing our brand. We wish him the best in his NASCAR Playoffs run this season and look forward to competing alongside him and RCR for a championship in 2026.”
Since first partnering with RCR in 2022, Whelen has grown to become one of the most recognizable brands in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, building upon their overall success in motorsports. Whelen has utilized their partnership with RCR and Love to raise awareness for a variety of programs important to the core values of the company, such as the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, while also highlighting key segments of the company, such as Whelen Aerospace Technologies.
Driven by a mission to protect those who protect others, Whelen provides the high-quality, reliable products and technology needed to aid them in their critical missions. From warning lights to white illumination, sirens, controllers, and software, every product that bears the Whelen name has been thoughtfully designed, manufactured, and tested right here in America to perform at the highest level in any condition.
“Whelen’s unwavering commitment to motorsports and their focus on providing unsurpassed safety solutions to the communities they serve makes them a leader in their industry and everyone at RCR is proud to continue our partnership,” said Mike Verlander, president of RCR. “Jesse is a talented young racer that aligns with Whelen’s core mission and values. He has been a great ambassador for Whelen both on and off the track and we look forward to achieving more together in 2026.”
Love, the 2024 Xfinity Series Rookie of the Year, has found notable success in NASCAR’s second tier division while driving the No. 2 Whelen Chevrolet. The Menlo Park, Calif., native qualified for the NASCAR Playoffs back-to-back years. Both of Love’s Xfinity Series wins have come while driving the familiar white and red No. 2 Whelen Chevrolet. Love enters this weekend’s race in Martinsville, Va., the final race in the Round of Eight, 40 points ahead of the cutoff to advance into the Final Four and compete for a championship in Phoenix.
“I’m proud to continue my relationship with Richard Childress Racing and Whelen Engineering and look forward to building upon our already strong foundation,” said Love. “Whelen’s strong commitment to motorsports is unmatched. Thank you to Sonny, Geoff, Peter, and everyone at Whelen for their faith in me. My goal is to go out and win races and championships for RCR and Whelen.”
For more information, please visit rcrracing.com.
Whelen Engineering is a family-owned company with a pioneering spirit and a passion to protect the lives of those who protect and serve others. The company mission is to provide industry-defining safety solutions around the world, while creating a community of problem-solvers who are inspired to push boundaries and continue our legacy of delivering ground-breaking innovation. As a global leader in the emergency warning industry, Whelen has been trusted to perform since 1952, when George Whelen III invented the first rotating aviation beacon. Whelen now encompasses two state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Connecticut and New Hampshire with nearly 1,000,000 square feet of engineering and manufacturing space and the largest design staff in the industry. Every part of every Whelen product is proudly designed and manufactured in America. We embrace quality as our foundation, we celebrate innovative engineering in every product we produce.
Richard Childress Racing is a renowned, performance-driven racing, marketing and manufacturing organization. Incorporated in 1969, RCR has celebrated over 50 years of racing and earned more than 200 victories and 16 championships, including six in the NASCAR Cup Series with the legendary Dale Earnhardt. RCR was the first organization to win championships in the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Truck Series and is a three-time winner of the Daytona 500 (1998, 2007, 2018). Its 2025 NASCAR Cup Series lineup includes two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch (No. 8 Chevrolet) and 2017 Coca-Cola 600 winner and 2018 Daytona 500 champion Austin Dillon (No. 3 Chevrolet). RCR fields a full-time NASCAR Xfinity Series program with Jesse Love (No. 2 Chevrolet) and Austin Hill (No. 21 Chevrolet).
The NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) heads to Martinsville Speedway for the Xfinity 500 on Sunday, October 26, at 2 p.m. ET. Joe Gibbs Racing’s and now retired Martin Truex Jr. captured the pole for last season’s fall race with a lap of 96.190 mph (19.686 secs.). Ryan Blaney led three times for 32 laps and emerged triumphant with a thrilling late-race victory in the Xfinity 500 on Sunday, November 3, 2024, that secured his place in the championship 4.
Sunday, October 26, at 2 p.m. ET on NBC, MRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio
Stages
Stage 1 & 2 Length: 130 laps (each) Final Stage Length: 240 laps
Who and what should you look out for at the Martinsville Speedway?
Denny Hamlin (2009, 2010) and Ryan Blaney (2023, 2024) lead all active NCS drivers in postseason wins at Martinsville Speedway with two Playoff victories each. Hamlin (No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota) has four poles, six wins, 21 top fives, 27 top 10s, and an average finish of 9.821. Blaney (No. 12 Team Penske Ford) has two wins, ten top fives, 12 top 10s, and a series-best average finish of 8.474. Blaney won from the 11th starting position in 2023 and went on to win his first NCS championship.
Joey Logano (No. 22 Team Penske Ford) has five poles, one win, 11 top fives, 21 top 10s, and an average finish of 10.697.
Chase Elliott (No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet) has one pole, one win, eight top fives, 13 top 10s, and an average finish of 11.750.
Chase Briscoe (No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota) has two top fives, six top 10s, and an average finish of 12.333.
Kyle Larson (No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet) has two poles, one win, seven top fives, nine top 10s, and an average finish of 15.524.
This weekend, 10 of the 59 NCS Martinsville Speedway race winners are active.
Building a capable off-roader requires more than just throwing every upgrade you can find at your vehicle. You have to understand how each modification affects performance, strength, and reliability. Once your vehicle leaves the factory, it is tuned for everyday roads, not the rough tracks and demanding conditions many enthusiasts aim to conquer.
That is where quality 4×4 parts come in, helping bridge the gap between comfort and capability, and transforming a standard four-wheel drive into something far more resilient.
Upgrading Suspension and Lift Kits for Better Ground Clearance
Suspension is usually the first upgrade serious off-roaders tackle, and for good reason. Stock suspension is designed for smooth roads and fuel efficiency, but it tends to struggle when faced with unpredictable terrain. An aftermarket suspension kit increases ground clearance, improves load capacity, and allows for greater wheel travel, all of which are crucial when you are crawling over rocks or navigating deep ruts.
A modest two-inch lift is often the sweet spot for many drivers. It offers enough clearance to handle rough tracks without compromising stability on the highway. Pairing a lift kit with upgraded shocks and springs can make a big difference in how your vehicle behaves when the pressure’s on.
Choosing the Right Tyres, Wheels and Underbody Protection
Tyres are where your rig meets the ground, so choosing the right set determines how well it performs across different surfaces. All-terrain tyres handle a mix of road and dirt driving comfortably, while mud-terrain options provide the bite needed for deep clay or soft sand. Wheels also deserve attention, steel rims might be heavier, but they are more forgiving when the track gets rough, unlike some alloy options that can crack under stress.
What is under your vehicle matters just as much. Skid plates, bash guards, and rock sliders protect essential components like the sump, transmission, and fuel tank from damage.
Boosting Engine Power and Keeping It Reliable
A tough 4×4 needs a heart that can handle the heat. Upgrades like high-flow air intakes and performance exhaust systems help engines breathe better, improving torque and throttle response, particularly in turbo-diesel setups. ECU remapping or performance chips can also fine-tune power delivery and even enhance fuel efficiency when done properly.
Keeping the engine cool is just as important as boosting its performance. Aftermarket radiators, catch cans, and upgraded filtration systems can make a huge difference on long, demanding trips. They protect against heat build-up, oil contamination, and premature wear, giving your engine a longer, healthier life.
Essential Recovery Gear, Lighting and Electrical Additions
No matter how skilled you are behind the wheel, getting bogged or stuck eventually happens to everyone. The right recovery gear can turn a potential disaster into a quick fix. Winches, snatch straps, rated shackles, and solid recovery points are must-haves for any serious off-roader.
Lighting upgrades are another area that shouldn’t be overlooked. LED light bars and spotlights dramatically improve visibility when driving after dark or through dense bushland. A dual battery setup ensures you can power extra gear like fridges, compressors, or camp lights without draining your main supply.
Planning Your Build and Ensuring Seamless Integration
Always keep in mind that each upgrade affects another, so planning the build sequence is beyond important. Adding a heavy bull bar or roof rack might seem straightforward, but the extra weight could require suspension tuning to maintain balance. Likewise, fitting larger tyres might mean adjusting gearing or reprogramming the speedometer to keep everything in sync.
Choosing trusted suppliers with clear fitment information helps avoid headaches later. It ensures your upgrades not only meet performance expectations but also stay compliant with road and safety standards.
Final Thoughts
Building a dependable off-road vehicle takes patience and purpose. Every component you choose, from suspension to power upgrades, plays a role in how confidently your vehicle handles the challenges ahead. When each part works in harmony, the result is a vehicle you can trust when the terrain changes.
Alfa Romeos are more than just cars—they’re a fusion of Italian design, engineering, and passion. While the exterior and engine often take the spotlight, the interior deserves just as much care. It’s where you spend most of your time, and over the years, wear can affect comfort, style, and resale value. Here’s how to keep your Alfa’s interior in top condition.
Clean Frequently with the Right Tools and Products
Dirt and oils accumulate gradually, wearing down materials and dulling finishes. Regular cleaning stops this build-up. Vacuuming removes debris that might abrade surfaces, while gentle cloths and soft brushes prevent micro-scratches.
Use pH-neutral products suited to your interior—leather conditioners maintain softness and prevent cracking, while specialist cleaners protect Alcantara and other delicate finishes. A weekly clean keeps everything fresh, avoiding the deeper grime that leads to lasting damage.
Control Moisture to Avoid Long-Term Damage
Moisture from wet clothing, shoes, or spills can seep into carpets, fostering mould, mildew, or even rust in unseen areas. Prevention begins with awareness—dry mats thoroughly, check for window or door seal leaks, and clean up any spills immediately.
In colder climates or rainy seasons, watch for interior condensation, especially on glass and fabric surfaces. Keeping things dry ensures the cabin stays clean, healthy, and odour-free.
Keep Sun Exposure in Check to Protect Surfaces
Sunlight is a silent culprit behind faded dashboards, brittle plastics, and dried-out leather. Preventing damage starts with limiting exposure. Parking in the shade, using windscreen sunshades, or applying UV-filtering window film helps reduce the impact of UV rays.
The fascia of your Alfa Romeo is particularly susceptible to UV-induced fading and cracking. Applying protectants to leather, vinyl, and plastics helps maintain their texture and colour. Even brief daily exposure adds up, so consistent protection prevents premature ageing of key interior surfaces.
Minimise Friction and Contact Wear Over Time
Constant use leads to friction wear. Drivers often see this first on seat bolsters, steering wheels, and armrests. While inevitable, it can be reduced. Avoid dragging bags or clothing across sensitive areas, and be gentle when entering or exiting the car.
Empty your pockets of sharp or bulky items. For heavily used cars, consider using covers on high-contact zones as temporary protection that can be replaced when worn.
Limit Clutter and Avoid Storing Damaging Items
Clutter accelerates wear. Loose items like tools or takeaway containers can scratch or dent interior surfaces. Overloaded compartments may warp or stress hinges and plastics.
Keep storage light and tidy, and use the boot for bulkier items. Avoid storing harsh chemicals, which can spill or cause staining. A clean, minimalist cabin isn’t just visually appealing—it’s easier to maintain and less prone to accidental damage.
Know When It’s Time for Expert Attention
Even with careful maintenance, some wear is unavoidable. When seats crack or trim begins to sag, it’s best to consult professionals. DIY fixes often lead to more harm than good, especially in vehicles with high-end or custom interiors.
Choosing specialist Alfa auto repair services ensures restoration is sympathetic to the car’s design and materials. Trained experts can restore components without compromising originality, keeping your Alfa as authentic as it is refined.
Preserve the Passion Where It Matters Most
Caring for your Alfa’s interior is about more than looks—it’s about preserving the driving experience and respecting the car’s craftsmanship.
By limiting sun exposure, cleaning correctly, managing moisture, avoiding clutter, and addressing wear early, you can extend the life of your cabin and maintain its appeal.
An Alfa’s interior should reflect the passion and precision behind its design. With the right care, it will continue to do so for years to come.
Todd Gilliland and the No. 34 Grillo’s Pickles Ford Team Martinsville Speedway Competition Notes Xfinity 500
Date: Sunday, October 26, 2025 Event: Race 37 of 38 Series: NASCAR Cup Series Location: Martinsville Speedway (0.5-mile) #of Laps: 500 Time/TV/Radio: 2:00 PM ET on NBC/MRN/SiriusXM channel 90
Todd Gilliland Notes
Following a second-place finish at the Talladega Superspeedway last Sunday, Todd Gilliland and the No. 34 team turn their attention to the Martinsville Speedway for the NASCAR Cup Series’ second visit of the 2025 season to the famed short-track. In seven previous Cup Series starts at the track, Gilliland has two top-10 and four top-15 finishes. The Virgina track is also home to Gilliland’s first CRAFTSMAN Truck Series win, capturing the checkered flag with Kyle Busch Motorsports in 2019.
Grillo’s Pickles will partner with Gilliland and the No. 34 team for the 500-lap event in the iconic pickle company’s final race of the season. Grillo’s Pickles will beat and bang around the 0.5-mile track in their classic green and white scheme. Fans can shop for all Grillo’s Pickles products and merch by going to www.Grillos.com.
I have always enjoyed going to Martinsville,” said Gilliland. “I have the clock from my first truck win in my living room, so it’s a good reminder that I can get the job done. It’s a difficult track to navigate, with a lot of beating and banging and passing being a challenge, but I’m up for it, and I know my team is too. After Talladega, the team and I have a lot of good momentum heading into the final two races of the season, and we want to capitalize on it to finish out the season strong.”
Road Crew
Driver: Todd Gilliland
Hometown: Sherrills Ford, North Carolina
Crew Chief: Chris Lawson
Hometown: Medway, Ohio
Car Chief: Joe Marra
Hometown: Somers, New York
Engineer: Marc Rullo
Hometown: Ringwood, New Jersey
Engineer: Kevyn Rebolledo
Hometown: Mooresville, North Carolina
Spotter: Brit Andersen
Hometown: Branford, Connecticut
Underneath Mechanic: Michael Brookes
Hometown: Columbus, Ohio
Interior Mechanic: Kyle Moon
Hometown: Troy, New York
Tire Specialist: Billy John
Hometown: Pitman, New Jersey
Engine Tuner: Tim Meyer
Hometown: Beatrice, Nebraska
Transporter Driver: Randy Bernier
Hometown: Mooresville, North Carolina
Pit Crew
Front Tire Changer: Danny Olszowy
Hometown: Lexington, Kentucky
Rear Tire Changer: Justin Fox
Hometown: Concord, North Carolina
Tire Carrier: Paul Steele
Hometown: Wichita, Kansas
Jackman: Landon Honeycutt
Hometown: Mount Pleasant, North Carolina
Fueler: Zeke Nance
Hometown: Calhoun, Georgia
ABOUT GRILLO’S PICKLES
For people who want freshness, Grillo’s is the pickle company that is changing the game. That’s because Grillo’s uses only clean, garden-fresh ingredients to make deliciously simple foods that deliver all the crunchy, tangy, satisfying flavor you’ve been searching for, with none of the junk. How do we do it? Our products are made cold, shipped cold, and consumed cold. You get an incredible crunch, and we never have to mess with artificial preservatives. In fact, the only thing traditional about us is our 100-year-old family recipe. The rest? It’s fresh. Grillo’s offers mouthwatering bites nationwide with their selection of spears, chips, wholes and Pickle de Gallo. For more information, visit GrillosPickles.com or contact grillos@autumncommunications.com.
ABOUT FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS
Front Row Motorsports (FRM) is a winning organization in the NASCAR Cup and Craftsman Truck Series. The team is the 2021 Daytona 500 and 2022 Craftsman Truck Series champions. The team was founded in 2004 and is owned by successful entrepreneur, Bob Jenkins. FRM fields the No. 4, No. 34, and the No. 38 NASCAR Cup Series teams along with the No. 34 and No. 38 CRAFTSMAN Truck Series teams from its Mooresville, N.C. headquarters. Visit teamfrm.com and follow FRM on social media: Twitter at @Team_FRM, Instagram at @teamfrm and Facebook at facebook.com/FrontRowMotorsports.
