Home Blog Page 624

Arby’s Joins Rick Ware Racing as a Primary Partner Across its NASCAR and NHRA Teams

By
Official Release
-

‘We Have The Meats’

Arby’s Joins Rick Ware Racing as a Primary Partner Across its NASCAR and NHRA Teams

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (Feb. 20, 2025) – Arby’s, the largest sandwich drive-thru restaurant brand in the world, has partnered with Rick Ware Racing (RWR) and will be featured across its teams in the NASCAR Cup Series and NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series.

The bulk of the partnership will be in the NASCAR Cup Series where Arby’s will serve as an anchor sponsor of RWR’s No. 51 Ford Mustang Dark Horse driven by Cody Ware. The first of Arby’s 12 races on the No. 51 machine comes this weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

“We’re extremely proud to expand our partnership with Arby’s for 2025 and beyond,” said Rick Ware, team owner. “This renewed commitment is a testament to the hard work, dedication and progress we’ve made as an organization. From the shop to the track, every member of this team has been focused on improving our performance, strengthening our brand and delivering value to our partners. To have Arby’s recognize that effort and invest in an even bigger way speaks volumes to the commitment we’ve made to motorsports and the partners who support us. We’re ready to build on this momentum and achieve even greater success.”

Sandwiched amid Arby’s calendar of NASCAR races are two NHRA events, including the sport’s biggest – the 71st U.S. Nationals Aug. 27-Sept. 1 at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park – where RWR driver Clay Millican and Arby’s are the defending event winners. Millican powered his 11,000-horsepower Arby’s Top Fuel dragster to a final round win in last year’s U.S. Nationals, eclipsing 327 mph to take his seventh career NHRA victory. Millican, a native of Drummonds, Tennessee, will debut Arby’s 2025 NHRA livery in his home state when he competes in the Thunder Valley Nationals June 6-8 at Bristol (Tenn.) Dragway.

“The U.S. Nationals is where our partnership with RWR began, and you couldn’t have scripted it any better,” said Jeff Baker, chief marketing officer, Arby’s. “Clay Millican won and Rick Ware was there, hands on with his race team. It was eye-opening to see the teamwork, the attention to detail and the dedication everyone at RWR put into their respective roles. It’s why we partnered with RWR again for the NASCAR Cup Series race last October at Talladega, where Cody Ware put the Arby’s car out front. Both races were on network television, and the excitement it generated among our franchisees was palpable. It was an easy decision to come back with RWR in a much greater capacity in 2025.”

Founded in 1964, Arby’s has more than 3,600 restaurants in eight global markets. Part of the Inspire Brands family of restaurants, Arby’s has a presence in every location where NASCAR and NHRA competes, allowing the brand to activate nationally and locally.

“RWR provides Arby’s with a high-profile platform to engage both our customers and franchisees in an exciting and meaningful way,” Baker said. “It’s a high-speed opportunity to fuel fan engagement and reward those who foster great customer experiences.”

Arby’s RWR partnership gets into gear on Saturday at Atlanta Motor Speedway when NASCAR Cup Series qualifying begins at 11 a.m. EST, which will be broadcast live on Prime Video. Those speeds will set the field for Sunday’s Ambetter Health 400, which goes green at 3 p.m. with live coverage on FOX and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

Fans coming to Atlanta can easily grab lunch and dinner at Arby’s before and after all of the racing action. There are six Arby’s locations within 10 miles of Atlanta Motor Speedway: Griffin, Georgia (1612 N. Expressway), McDonough, Georgia (1963 Jonesboro Rd. and 1116 Hampton Rd. West), Fayetteville, Georgia (170 Glynn St.), Stockbridge, Georgia (1460 Hudson Bridge Rd.), and Jonesboro, Georgia (8490 Tara Blvd.).

About Rick Ware Racing:

Rick Ware has been a motorsports mainstay for more than 40 years. It began at age 6 when the third-generation racer began his driving career and has since spanned four wheels and two wheels on both asphalt and dirt. Competing in the SCCA Trans Am Series and other road-racing divisions led Ware to NASCAR in the early 1980s, where he finished third in his NASCAR debut – the 1983 Warner W. Hodgdon 300 NASCAR Grand American race at Riverside (Calif.) International Raceway. More than a decade later, injuries would force Ware out of the driver’s seat and into fulltime team ownership. In 1995, Rick Ware Racing was formed, and with wife Lisa by his side, Ware has since built his eponymous organization into an entity that competes fulltime in the elite NASCAR Cup Series while simultaneously campaigning successful teams in the Top Fuel class of the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, Progressive American Flat Track and FIM World Supercross Championship (WSX).

Parker Kligerman, Henderson Motorsports denied overturn of Daytona Victory DQ’d

By
Andrew Kim
-
Photo by Patrick Sue-Chan for SpeedwayMedia.com.

Parker Kligerman and Henderson Motorsports lost their single appeal attempt to have the National Motorsports Appeals Panel overturn their NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series’ Daytona victory-turned-disqualification on Thursday, February 20th.

The storyline surrounding the Kligerman and Henderson Motorsports disqualification from winning at Daytona spans back to this past Friday, February 14. During the main event, Kligerman initially steered his way to win the Fresh From Florida 250 to commence a new NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series competition season. The victory was initially Kligerman’s fourth of his career, his first at Daytona International Speedway, and his first since retiring from full-time NASCAR competition following the 2024 season’s conclusion.

During the post-race inspection process, however, Kligerman and Henderson Motorsports were stripped from winning due to the team’s race-winning No. 75 Chevrolet Silverado RST entry failing to meet the ride-height requirements and measuring too low in the rear sections, which violated Section 14.17.3.2.2.2.A within the NASCAR Rule Book. As a result, Kligerman was demoted to the bottom of the final running order in 36th place. At the same time, TRICON Garage’s Corey Heim, the event’s initial runner-up finisher, was declared the official winner.

Henderson Motorsports would swiftly respond to the disqualification by announcing plans to appeal. In addition, photos of Kligerman were shown of the driver keeping the race-winning checkered flag.

In a hearing made by the National Motorsports Appeals Panel earlier on Thursday, the panel, which made the final decision to retain the disqualification of not rewarding the victory back to Kligerman and Henderson Motorsports, provided the following statement: “The panel confirms it is more likely than not a rules violation did occur and the disqualification penalties in Rule 10.5.2.4 necessitate a race disqualification.”

The three-member panel included Bill Mullis, Tommy Wheeler, and Kevin Whitaker.

The ruling made by the National Motorsports Appeals Panel is final, and no additional appeal attempts will be allowed since the hearing was an expedited appeal of a disqualification. Amid the final ruling, Henderson Motorsports will take to social media to post its acceptance of the decision.

The 2025 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season will continue this Saturday, February 22, at Atlanta Motor Speedway for the Fr8 208. The event will be broadcast on FS1 at 1:30 p.m. ET.

The All-American Rejects, Bret Michaels To Co-Headline Miller Lite Carb Day Concert

By
Official Release
-

INDIANAPOLIS (Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025) – Music icons Bret Michaels and The All-American Rejects will rock fans at the Miller Lite Carb Day Concert on Friday, May 23 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Miller Lite Carb Day is a full day of on- and off-track action and entertainment. All general admission, concert pit and VIP Deck concert tickets include admission to the concert and to on-track activities that day at IMS, which include the final practice for the 109th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge and the Indy 500 Pit Stop Challenge.

Tickets are on sale now at IMS.com, by calling 317-492-6700 or by visiting the IMS Ticket Office at the IMS Administration Building.

“Miller Lite Carb Day is not just the official party to kick off race weekend, it’s really the kickoff event of the summer,” IMS President J. Douglas Boles said. “The day has everything to make the perfect party: 33 drivers in the final practice before the ‘500,’ the Pit Stop Challenge, people watching and a fun and entertaining concert to put an exclamation point on the party. It really is a day like no other at the Racing Capital of the World. Many of our fans take the day off work and spend it at IMS, which is a tradition we can all celebrate.”

The All-American Rejects quickly rose to prominence in the early 2000s with their infectious blend of pop-punk and emo rock. Their self-titled debut album, released in 2002, featured the hit single “Swing, Swing,” which propelled them into the mainstream. This success was followed by their sophomore album, “Move Along” (2005), which trophied three chart-topping singles like “Dirty Little Secret,” “Move Along” and “It Ends Tonight.”

In 2008, the band released “When the World Comes Down,” featuring the stratospheric and generational smash hit “Gives You Hell,” which became its most successful single to date, reaching No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The All-American Rejects continue to create and perform, solidifying their place as one of the most beloved bands of their genre. Their journey from early 2000s hitmakers to enduring rock icons is a testament to their talent, resilience, and the deep connection they share with their fans.

Well-known as an avid Indy 500 and racing fan, Bret Michaels returns to IMS after a record-setting party at his last Carb Day. As one of music’s most iconic singer/songwriters, Michaels consistently brings his iconic energy and star power to every project. He has sold more than 100 million records, digital downloads and streams worldwide, and his numerous hit singles include “Every Rose Has Its Thorn,” “Go That Far” and “Nothing But A Good Time.”

Michaels also has a robust television career with record-breaking hits including “Rock of Love with Bret Michaels” and a recent turn as the audience-favorite Banana on FOX’s hit “The Masked Singer.” As a well-known creative entrepreneur, Michaels took his “Celebrity Apprentice”-winning Trop-A-Rocka Iced Tea and turned it into a bestselling global product.

Despite his busy career, Michaels still finds time to give back through his Life Rocks Foundation, which supports a myriad of charities and causes around the globe.

Miller Lite Carb Day general admission tickets start at just $40. A limited number of concert pit package upgrades that include general admission are available for $75. A very limited supply of exclusive VIP platform tickets also is available for $270, including concert pit access, snacks, two complimentary drinks, dedicated bars and restroom trailers. Ticket prices will increase as the concert draws closer, so fans are encouraged to buy now.

The 109th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge is scheduled for Sunday, May 25. Tickets are on sale at IMS.com or by calling or visiting the IMS Ticket Office.

Ford Motor Company Named Official Car and TruckFor NASCAR Race Weekends At Four Speedway Motorsports Venues

By
Official Release
-
Ford Motor Company has been named the Official Car and Truck for NASCAR race weekends at four Speedway Motorsports venues, starting with the Ambetter Health 400 this weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway. (AMS photo)
  • Ford begins new partnerships with the upcoming Feb. 21-23 Ambetter Health 400 race weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway and the May 16-18 NASCAR All-Star Race weekend at North Wilkesboro Speedway
  • Ford returns with official status for the May 30-June 1 NASCAR Cup Series race weekend at Nashville Superspeedway and the July 18-20 Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400 NASCAR race weekend at Dover Motor Speedway

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Feb. 20 2025) – Officials with Speedway Motorsports and Ford Motor Company today announced new partnerships as the Official Car and Truck for NASCAR race weekends at Atlanta Motor Speedway and North Wilkesboro Speedway, as well as extended partnerships as the Official Car and Truck of NASCAR race weekends at Nashville Superspeedway and Dover Motor Speedway.

“Our success is built on relationships, and Speedway Motorsports has always been a tremendous partner with Ford,” said Mark Rushbrook, global director of Ford Performance. “This announcement is proof of that. Not only are we renewing as the official vehicles of Nashville Superspeedway and Dover Motor Speedway, but we are expanding to North Wilkesboro and the first NASCAR race weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway. It’s natural to see our Ford Mustang and F-150 products at these world class facilities, and we are pleased to continue in that role.”

The new partnerships will include Ford serving as the Official Pace Car and Official Truck for the upcoming Feb. 21-23 Ambetter Health 400 race weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway and the May 16-18 NASCAR All-Star Race weekend at historic North Wilkesboro Speedway. Fords will also pace the fields for the May 30-June 1 NASCAR race weekend at Nashville Superspeedway and for the July 18-20 Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400 race weekend at Dover Motor Speedway.

Ford will also receive exclusive marketing and promotional opportunities on the aforementioned Speedway Motorsports NASCAR race weekends as well as VIP hospitality. Terms of the multi-year agreement were not disclosed.

“Ford has not only been a partner with Speedway Motorsports for decades, but it has been a significant part of NASCAR competition since cars first hit the tracks in 1948,” said Speedway Motorsports President and CEO Marcus Smith. “It’s our honor and privilege to not only extend this partnership but to expand it to new venues this year. We look forward to working with Ford to entertain NASCAR fans throughout 2025 and beyond.”

About Speedway Motorsports:

Speedway Motorsports is a leading marketer, promoter and sponsor of motorsports entertainment in the United States. The Company, through its subsidiaries, owns and operates the following premier facilities: Atlanta Motor Speedway, Bristol Motor Speedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Dover Motor Speedway, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Nashville Superspeedway, New Hampshire Motor Speedway, North Wilkesboro Speedway, Sonoma Raceway, Texas Motor Speedway and Kentucky Speedway. Speedway Motorsports provides souvenir merchandising services through its SMI Properties subsidiaries; manufactures and distributes smaller-scale, modified racing cars and parts through its U.S. Legend Cars International subsidiary; and produces and broadcasts syndicated motorsports programming to radio stations nationwide through its Performance Racing Network subsidiary.

Ford Performance in NASCAR:

Ford has been competing in NASCAR since the organization was formed in 1948, winning more than 700 races in NASCAR’s top division, now known as the NASCAR Cup Series. The automotive manufacturer, which competes today with the Ford Mustang Dark Horse, has won 12 championships, including three in a row going into the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season.

DEX Imaging Follows Harrison Burton to AM Racing for the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series Season

By
Official Release
-

STATESVILLE, N.C.: AM Racing proudly confirmed today that DEX Imaging, a premier provider of managed print services, will support Harrison Burton for multiple events throughout the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series season, beginning with the Bennett Transportation and Logistics 250 at Atlanta (Ga.) Motor Speedway on February 22, 2025.

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.

AM Racing announced last September the addition of Burton, the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series winner of the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway would drive for the team in its third full-time competition season this year.

“I am proud to continue my relationship with DEX Imaging this season,” said Burton. “Winning the Wood Brothers’ 100th NASCAR Cup Series race last August at Daytona with DEX Imaging on board was a special milestone in our journey together and a testament to what we’ve achieved along the way. With their continued support, I’m focused on leading AM Racing to its first NASCAR Xfinity Series win this season.

“Their dedication and belief in me as a driver fuel my determination to succeed. Together, we’re not just aiming for victories — we’re continuing to build a partnership that represents excellence on and off the track. I’m excited to see what we can achieve this year.”

Wade Moore, president of AM Racing, added, ‘We are thrilled to add another partner of Harrison’s to AM Racing this season. DEX Imaging has a longstanding relationship in the sport and has become a recognizable brand that aligns perfectly with our team’s values and goals.

“Their commitment to excellence and support of Harrison’s career is invaluable as we aim to make a strong impact in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. We look forward to building a successful partnership and celebrating many milestones together in the future.’”

Additional details on Burton’s Xfinity Series program with AM Racing will be announced in due course.

For more information on DEX Imaging, visit deximaging.com.

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).

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.

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

Building the Ultimate Off-Road Recovery Kit: What Every Racer Needs

By
SM
-

You’ve probably been stuck in a sticky situation when off-roading, especially if you’re a racer. With various challenging obstacles and terrains. If it has never happened to you, this is bound to happen.

This is why when ordering motorsports merchandise from online stores like FMS, you must also order an off-road recovery kit. It will help you as a racer or off-road enthusiast.

The Importance of Recovery Gear for Off-Roading

For racers, a different trail, a different day, and a different situation may change everything. This is why having recovery gear for your off-roading endeavors is important. Whether you occasionally hit trails or are a hard-core off-roader, a recovery kit is an important part of your capability to do it safely and go off-roading.

Besides, we never know when we will encounter a washout, soft spot, bigger rock than we anticipated, or even another racer who is stuck on the trail and requires help to get out. In addition, you will need a recovery kit for your safety and that of other people on the trail.

Essentials in Your Recovery Kit

Among the most important things we need when off-roading is a recovery kit. This is true, especially if you are exploring high countries or remote areas where trail conditions and temperatures widely fluctuate. In this kit, we need to include the following:

  1. Maxtrax

A Maxtrax recovery board is the original and is made from different fibrous nylon. According to most off-roading racers, it is one of the easiest and safest ways to resolve our simple traction issues.

If you get stuck in snow, mud, or sand, Maxtrax will be your first tool to help you. It is faster and easier than any technique that needs tension.

To use Maxtrax, you just need to shove it under the tires and drive out of obstacles slowly. You may also use a similar technique to minimize forces and snatch or winch.

  1. Spade

A good spade needs to be on your shopping list for your recovery kit. Trying to free up buried wheels out of snow, sand, or mud using only your hands is not just ineffective and time-consuming. It is also dangerous. Apart from its multiple recovery uses, the spade’s versatility extends to campsites, too, for things like the following:

  • Digging latrines
  • Leveling a tent-pitching site
  • Putting out fires safely
  1. Tire Deflator

Lower tire pressure helps improve traction in muddy and sandy conditions. If you are stuck, deflating your tires slightly can help you get out of trouble.

When you return to rough terrain, remember to re-inflate your tires. Experts recommend a new Campboss Boss Air Tire Deflator. It is a super tire deflator that comes in handy, and it is effective in deflating tires to the exact pressure you need.

  1. Tree Straps

Tree straps, sometimes called tree savers, are pieces of gear that we often forget but are very important in some recovery situations. If we get stuck during an off-roading race, we can tie tree straps around our vehicle’s trunk to pull us free.

Tree straps are also specifically made for this and help ensure trees aren’t damaged when used for reinforcement.

  1. Tire Repair Kits

Investing in a good tire repair kit can help a lot, especially when something, such as a stick, screw, or stray nail, punctures the tires. This will make repairs much easier.

A tire repair kit consists mainly of plug insertion tools, self-vulcanizing repair cords, and reamer tools.

  1. Navigation Aids

Getting lost can make a killer story or a solid adventure. However, it can also be dangerous and frustrating. Knowing where we’re heading, how we can get there, and how to return is a way of mastering off-roading. And the best way to master it is to have navigation aids.

  1. Winches

Winches are the ultimate self-recovery tool. We simply find the nearest piece, wrap the winch’s cables around it, and presto.

However, winches can be useless if we have nothing around. An alternative is to use what is called a Dead Man’s Anchor. It involves buying something inside the ground to act as our anchor points when there is no other option.

  1. Jump Starter

You no longer have to depend on another car to jump-start your vehicle. A high-capacity, simple, and affordable lithium-ion battery pack can do the job.

The best part is that it can charge off cigarette lighters and even provide portable power for our phones. Just ensure it is fully charged.

  1. Snatch Blocks

A snatch block is a pully with a side that swings open. Since the sides often open, we don’t need to threaten our winch cables through the openings.

Instead, we can open the side plates, align cables over the pully, and close the side plates. Snatch blocks have two key functions.

One function is to change the winch cable’s direction when anchor points are offset. Another one is to increase the pulling power of our winch cables.

  1. Farm Jack

We must use a farm jack combined with running boards and off-road bumpers with a dedicated locking slot for this jack in particular. But be careful when using a farm jack. When on unstable ground, it may easily topple your vehicle.

  1. Shovel

Having a good shovel in your arsenal is important. Perhaps you have experienced it before—a truck gets stuck, and the driver doesn’t have a good shovel.

Using credit cards or hands won’t work well, especially if the vehicle is deep in slushy snow or soft sand. So, when buying a shovel, ensure you consider the following:

  • Stowing opportunities. These can be packaged in storage totes, spare tire carriers, roof racks, trucks, or under the seat.
  • Determine your handle height: Examples include short, full-length, or folding handles.
  • Choose the right material to meet your needs: Good examples include fiberglass, aluminum, steel, or wood.

The bottom line is that all overlanding experiences are different. Therefore, if you could, carry all the important tools you will need for your off-roading race, including a tree strap, shovel, and space, to name a few.

Women in Off-Road Racing: Trailblazers Changing the Sport

By
SM
-
Photo by Patrick Robert Doyle on Unsplash

When we think of off-road racing, what comes to our minds? Mostly, we think of rugged cars or vehicles powering through rocky terrains, mud, or dirt.

Usually, we imagine the drivers behind those daring adventures to be men who are fearless and strong with adventurous spirits. However, this stereotype has started to change very quickly.

Today, we don’t just see more and more women buying motorsport merchandise from online stores like FMS. We also see many women behind the wheel, thus proving that off-road races aren’t for men alone.

Women Off-Roading: Its Rise

Historically, men have dominated off-roading. However, this narrative is shifting steadily. Globally, women are getting involved in it and becoming serious racers. For these women, it is not about driving alone. It is also about breaking barriers, empowerment, and creating communities where women feel challenged and supported.

Most women who are off-roaders share their experiences and how they overcome various challenges, including mechanical difficulties and societal expectations. This, in turn, changes their off-roading passion into a lifestyle. If you ask them, this is what they will tell you – we see off-roading as the best way to enjoy nature, forge new friendships, challenge ourselves, and build more confidence.

Community & Empowerment

The most positive thing about women and off-roading is the sense of community. From local meetups to online forums, women in off-roading come together to support each other, share knowledge, and discuss their experiences. Good examples are She-Can-Camp and The Off-Road Women’s Association. These groups share a comfortable space where women can feel empowered to join off-roading communities without fearing exclusion or judgment.

We need to note that these groups are not about camaraderie alone; they are also about the many opportunities that come with it. Thanks to meetups and events, women are no longer spectators. They are taking part in shaping the sport’s future. Whether competing in an off-road event, participating in a vehicle recovery workshop, or attending an off-road expo, women have started to step into important roles of influence and leadership in the world of off-roading.

Women Championing for Off-Roading

Off-road races, once a field regarded for men alone are now transformed. With dirt flying and engines roaring, new generations of trailblazing women have shattered barriers, setting new records and showing that off-roading thrill knows no boundaries. Here are women off-roaders who are worth celebrating:

  1. Michele Mouton

We know her as one of the best racers of all time. She terrified competitions and did great in the 1980s Group B rally period. 

As the first woman to win the World Rally Championship competition, Michele’s great skills behind the wheel of Audi Quattro gave her four victories. She also finished second in the Driver’s Championship in 1982.

  1. Danica Patrick

For more than ten years, Danica Patrick, who was born in Wisconsin, has blazed a trail that has left a legacy. She has had a chance to battle with the best off-roaders in IndyCar and NASCAR; regardless of her extracurricular activities, like appearing in FHM photoshoots and hip-hop videos that attract misogynistic abuse while on the race, she has shown her stunning feats.

In 2014, she claimed the pole sensationally at the Daytona 500, and in 2008, she became the only off-roading woman to win an IndyCar Series competition at the Japan 300.

  1. Mary McGee

Mary remains one of the most remarkable testaments to skill, determination, and gender-breaking barriers in the motorsport world that men have dominated. She was born in 1936 and turned from a car racer to one of the pioneering motorcyclists. For most, her journey is a story of resilience, passion, and relentless pursuit of excellence.

Because of her contribution, we can say her legacy goes beyond all the races she participated in. She also contributed to every door she opened for other female racers and future generations.

  1. Emily Mehmet

At 13, she entered and won her first race at the Junior Grand Prix kart competition. At 16, she consistently achieved lap records and podium finishes, which encouraged her to take part in more senior series.

When she was 17 years old, she joined Boundless Karting and was awarded the title of ‘Best Young Driver’ in 2016. Two years later, after becoming conversant with more advanced styles of Boundless karting, she became second best and finished second in the Under-70kg division.

According to Emilly, it hasn’t been easy being in the minority. But eventually, her perseverance proves that she is there because of her love for the sport.

  1. Lella Lombardi

Lella carved her name into sports history as the only off-roading woman to earn points in the Formula 1 World Championship. Lombardi’s six-place finish at the Spanish Grand Prix in 1975 proved her perseverance and skills. This also proved that women can do well in high-stakes and competitive arenas.

  1. Keiko Ihara

For the past few years, Japan has been responsible for one of the most innovative technologies on four and two wheels, from propelling Superbikes and Sportscars to world championships to powering McLaren’s dominance in the early 1990s and late 1980s.

We came to know Keiko Ihara from the same pioneering spirit. Keiko started racing in 1999 while dealing with prejudice in her homeland to get a drive in the Ferrari Challenge Championship. She eventually earned a drive in the European Formula Renault.

About ten years ago, Keiko became the first Asian off-roading woman to take part in a race at Le Mans. She got position 13 in the Labre Competition LMP2 machine.

  1. Christina Nielson

Christina became the first woman to get a professional sports car championship in North America. With her two GT Daytona titles that she got consecutively in the IMSA SportsCar event, Nielson has proven time to time that success on racetracks comes from the following:

  • Teamwork
  • Discipline
  • Talent

The bottom line is that the world of off-roading is changing, and now women have become part of this great transformation. Today, women don’t just drive dirt bikes. They also break stereotypes, pave the way for future women generations, and create new opportunities. So, if you are a woman dreaming of hitting the trail and being at the wheel, now is a perfect time to join this growing community and help blaze new paths.

Motorcraft/Quick Lane Team Optimistic Heading Into Atlanta

By
Official Release
-
#21: Josh Berry, Wood Brothers Racing, Motorcraft / Quick Lane Ford Mustang

After being collected in an early crash in the season-opening Daytona 500 this past Sunday, Josh Berry and the No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane team will try to rebound this weekend in the Ambetter Health 400 at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

AMS, which measures 1.54 miles in length, is no longer the typical intermediate-length race track it once was. A reconfiguration in 2021 saw the banking in the turns increased from 24 to 28 degrees and the width of the corners decreased from 55 to 40 feet and the backstretch dropped from 55 feet wide to 42. Between the changes and the rules package used there, Atlanta now races much like the superspeedways at Daytona and Talladega with large packs of cars the norm.

Miles Stanley, crew chief on the No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane Mustang Dark Horse, said that while racing at AMS will resemble the action at Daytona and Talladega, there will be differences.

“The start of the season this year is unique with Atlanta immediately following Daytona – two superspeedway-style races back-to-back,” Stanley said. “Coming out of Daytona, we anticipate some similarities in the draft and strategy, but I also expect handling to play a bigger role this time around.”

Stanley said he sees lots of positives as he and the team prepare for this weekend’s 400-miler.

“While we didn’t get the finish we wanted at Daytona, the speed we showed throughout the week – combined with the strong performance of the Fords at Atlanta in recent years – gives us confidence heading into the weekend,” he said.

And, over the years, Atlanta has been a good track for Stanley’s car owners, who this year are celebrating 75 years in the sport. The Wood Brothers have run 115 races at Atlanta, with 12 wins, nine poles, 33 top-five and 47 top-10 finishes.

There will be no pre-race practice this weekend, and qualifying is set for Saturday at 11:30 a.m., with TV coverage on Amazon Prime. Sunday’s 260-lap, 400.4-mile race is scheduled to get the green flag just after 3 p.m. with Stage breaks planned for Laps 60 and 160. FOX will carry the TV broadcast on Sunday.

About Motorcraft®
Motorcraft offers a complete line of replacement parts that are recommended by Ford Motor Company. From routine maintenance to under hood repairs, Motorcraft parts offer value with high quality and the right fit at competitive prices. Motorcraft parts are available nationwide at Ford Dealers and Lincoln Retailers, independent distributors and automotive-parts retailers, and are backed by the Service Parts Limited Warranty* of Ford Motor Company. For more information, visit www.motorcraft.com.
*See your dealer for limited-warranty details.

About Quick Lane® Tire & Auto Center
Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center offers extraordinary service for routine maintenance, serving all vehicle makes and models. Quick Lane provides a full menu of automotive services, including tires, oil change and maintenance, brakes, batteries, alternator and electrical system, air conditioning system, cooling system, transmission service, suspension and steering, wheel alignment, belts and hoses, lamps and bulbs and wiper blades plus a thorough vehicle checkup report. Service is performed by expert technicians while you wait at any of nearly 800 locations in the U.S., with evening and weekend hours available and no appointment necessary. For more information about Quick Lane, please visit www.quicklane.com.
*See your dealer for limited-warranty details.”

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for customers and deepen their loyalty. Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and Lincoln luxury vehicles, along with connected services. The company does that through three customer-centered business segments: Ford Blue, engineering iconic gas-powered and hybrid vehicles; Ford Model e, inventing breakthrough EVs along with embedded software that defines exceptional digital experiences for all customers; and Ford Pro, helping commercial customers transform and expand their businesses with vehicles and services tailored to their needs. Additionally, Ford is pursuing mobility solutions through Ford Next, and provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. Ford employs about 177,000 people worldwide. More information about the company and its products and services is available at corporate.ford.com.

About Ford Performance
Ford Performance is based in Dearborn, Mich. It is responsible for Ford’s performance vehicle development and major racing operations globally, including NASCAR, IMSA, SRO British GT, FIA World Rally Championship, Supercars Championship, World of Outlaws, Ultra4, SCORE-International, FIA Rally-Raid, Formula Drift, NHRA, Rebelle Rally, Thailand Super Series and our latest commitment in Formula 1 with RedBull Ford Powertrains. Ford Performance also maintains a constantly evolving fleet of electric performance demonstrators to showcase the limits of electrification technology. In addition, the organization also oversees the development of Ford’s racing engines, as well as the outreach programs with all Ford Clubs and Ford enthusiasts. For more information regarding Ford racing’s activities, please visit Performance.Ford.com or follow @FordPerformance on Facebook, Instagram, X, Threads, TikTok and YouTube.

About Wood Brothers Racing
Founded in 1950 by Hall of Famer Glenn Wood in Stuart, Virginia, Wood Brothers Racing holds a special place in NASCAR history as the sport’s longest-running team. Over eight decades, the team has earned 100 victories in the NASCAR Cup Series, along with 120 poles, and remains proud of its longstanding relationship with Ford Motor Company, fielding only Ford products since its inception. Glenn’s brother, Leonard Wood, played a key role in shaping modern racing by developing the techniques behind today’s pit stops. With a rich legacy rooted in innovation and tradition, Wood Brothers Racing continues to honor its heritage while adapting for the future as it competes in NASCAR’s premier series with Josh Berry.

Madeline Stewart Returns to JDX Racing for 2025 Porsche Carrera Cup Season

By
Official Release
-

Stewart Part of the Colorado-Based Team’s Porsche Single-Make Effort for the Third Consecutive Season

LOVELAND, Colorado (February 20, 2025) – Madeline Stewart returns to JDX Racing for a second season in Porsche Carrera Cup North America, with the New Zealand-born driver continuing her racing career in the United States.

Stewart has been a regular for JDX since moving to Indianapolis in 2023 to expand her career opportunities, starting with Porsche Sprint Challenge North America where she finished third in a 992-generation Porsche 911 GT3 Cup. She moved with JDX Racing to Porsche Carrera Cup North America as a rookie in 2024, where she finished 15th in a competitive championship.

She came to grips with the championship in the second half, finishing in the points in six of the final eight races and returns to a championship, including a series of tracks, that she’s now familiar with entering this season where she’ll remain a part of the Porsche Mobil 1 Female Driver Program.

“I’m really excited to be back with JDX Racing for another season and to continue building on the progress we made last year,” Stewart said. “Staying with the same team gives us great consistency, which is huge in a championship as competitive as this. Last season was all about learning—getting comfortable with the car, the tracks, and the level of competition. Now, with that foundation in place, we’re setting bigger goals and pushing to be even more competitive every weekend. Having now raced at every track on the calendar, I feel much more prepared, and that experience will be a big advantage. The team has been working hard in the off-season, and I know we have everything we need to take the next step.”

The season opens officially at Sebring International Raceway, March 12-14, with a doubleheader in support of the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, but actually begins with the official series test in early March at the same track.

“We’re thrilled to have Madeline back with us for a second season in Porsche Carrera Cup,” JDX Racing team principal Jeremy Dale said. “Carrera Cup is the most difficult and competitive GT development series in North America, and Madeline worked very hard last year to improve and was able to continuously learn from the start of the season. There were so many times we could see the huge potential she has, and that was proven in her results. We are planning for another leap forward straight from round one in 2025.”

The Porsche Carrera Cup season features 16 races across eight weekends, including three in support of the Formula One races at Miami, Montreal and Circuit of the Americas. Stewart’s season will include support from JDX Racing partners Byers Imports and Porsche Columbus.

“I’m incredibly grateful to Harrison Brix and Jeremy Dale for making this opportunity possible and for believing in me,” Stewart said. “A huge thank you as well to all of the sponsors who have come on board for the 2025 season. I can’t wait to get back on track and get to work.”

Stewart is the third of four drivers confirmed for the 2025 season, joining Sabré Cook and Paul Bocuse in the line-up.

JDX Racing has been a stalwart of Porsche Carrera Cup North America since its inception in 2021, and in the Porsche GT3 Cup championship prior to that. The team claimed the driver’s championship with Parker Thompson in 2022 and has been a multi-time winner in each season of the championship.

Each round of the Porsche Carrera Cup North America season is available live, through the subscription streaming service Peacock as well as IMSA.tv, and IMSA’s YouTube Channel.

2025 Porsche Carrera Cup North America Season Schedule

March 12 – 15, Sebring International Raceway, Sebring, FL

May 2 – 4, Miami International Autodrome, Miami, FL

June 13 – 15, Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Montreal, Canada

June 19 – 22, Watkins Glen International, Watkins Glen, NY

July 31 – August 2, Road America, Elkhart Lake, WI

September 19 – 21, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indianapolis, IN

October 8 – 11, Road Atlanta, Braselton, GA

October 17 – 19, Circuit of the Americas, Austin, TX

About JDX Racing:

Founded in 2008 and based outside of Denver, CO, JDX Racing represents the very best in professional motorsports. Competing in the IMSA sports car series, JDX Racing campaigns cars in events throughout North America. JDX Racing features world-class drivers, outstanding crew members and dynamic marketers from Champ Car, IndyCar, NASCAR, ALMS and the Champ Car Atlantic Championship series. For more information, follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/jdxracing, on Twitter @JDXRACING and on Instagram @jdxracing.

Hendrick Motorsports Media Advance: Atlanta

By
Official Release
-

Atlanta Motor Speedway
Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025
1.54-Mile Quad-Oval
3 PM ET
Location: Hampton, Georgia
TV: Fox
Event: NASCAR Cup Series (2 of 36)
RADIO: SiriusXM

5 KYLE LARSON
 Age: 32 (July 31, 1992)
Hometown: Elk Grove, California
Last Week: 20th (DAYTONA 500)
Crew Chief: Cliff Daniels
Standings: 24th

 No. 5 HENDRICKCARS.COM Chevrolet

2025Cup CareerAtlanta
Races136714
Wins0290
Poles0210
Top 501192
Top 1001824
Laps Led09,256440
Stage Wins0623
Average Finish20.014.120.1
  • Kyle Larson and Cliff Daniels have 22 victories in 136 races, most of any active driver/crew chief pairing.
  • The driver of the No. 5 HENDRICKCARS.COM Chevy has 23 wins driving for Hendrick Motorsports which ranks behind only Jeff Gordon (93) and Jimmie Johnson (83).
  • Since Larson joined Hendrick Motorsports in 2021, he has the most wins (23) for the 14-time NASCAR Cup Series championship organization – 10 more than William Byron who ranks second.
  • The 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion has the most wins in the NextGen car with 13.

9 CHASE ELLIOTT
 Age: 29 (Nov. 28, 1995)
Hometown: Dawsonville, Georgia
Last week: 15th (DAYTONA 500)
Crew Chief: Alan Gustafson
Standings: 10th

No. 9 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet

2025Cup CareerAtlanta
Races132312
Wins0191
Poles0120
Top 501042
Top 1001718
Laps Led25,528164
Stage Wins0382
Average Finish15.012.911.5
  • Chase Elliott heads to Atlanta Motor Speedway tied for 10th in the NASCAR Cup Series points standings. He’s just 18 points behind the leader following his 15th-place finish in the DAYTONA 500.
  • The driver of the No. 9 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet has one victory at Atlanta Motor Speedway, coming in the summer of 2022. Elliott led 96 laps and swept the stages en route to securing the checkered flag.
  • Elliott has three points-paying wins on drafting tracks in NASCAR’s top series including his victory at Atlanta (the track was reconfigured ahead of the 2022 season and reclassified as a drafting track). The other two both came at Talladega Superspeedway (2019 and 2022).
  • The Dawsonville, Georgia, native is tied for the fourth-most top 10s (three) on the 1.54-mile oval since its reconfiguration, has the fourth-most laps led (125), the second-best average running position (10.53) and the third-best average finish (8.6).
  • Elliott and crew chief Alan Gustafson are in their 10th season together and are the longest active driver/crew chief duo in the Cup Series garage.

24 WILLIAM BYRON
 Age: 27 (Nov. 29, 1997)
Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina
Last Week: 1st (DAYTONA 500)
Crew Chief: Rudy Fugle
Standings: 2nd

No. 24 Liberty University Chevrolet

2025Cup CareerAtlanta
Races125311
Wins1142
Poles0130
Top 51552
Top 1011054
Laps Led102,988175
Stage Wins0231
Average Finish1.015.116.9
  • With his second consecutive DAYTONA 500 victory on Sunday, William Byron became the youngest driver to win the prestigious event multiple times, breaking the previous record held by Hendrick Motorsports vice chairman Jeff Gordon.
  • Byron has nine top-10 finishes in the last 11 drafting track races, with three wins (Atlanta Motor Speedway in 2023, Daytona International Speedway in 2024 and 2025) and an average finish of 7.55 in that span. He also holds the longest active streak of three straight top-10 results on drafting tracks.
  • The 27-year-old has finished in the top six in the last eight Cup Series races, becoming the third youngest driver to do so behind Gordon and Richard Petty. It’s the longest top-six streak by a Hendrick Motorsports driver since Jimmie Johnson had 11 in a row (2004-2005).
  • Byron is a two-time winner on the reconfigured Atlanta Motor Speedway, earning victories in 2022 and 2023. He has led the second-most laps (173), is tied for the fourth-most top 10s (three) and has the fourth-best average running position (11.86) in that time.
  • With four victories, the Charlotte, North Carolina, native has more wins than any other driver on drafting tracks in the Next Gen car.
  • Nine of Byron’s 14 premier series wins have come in the first eight races of a season.

48 ALEX BOWMAN
 Age: 31 (April 25, 1993)
Hometown: Tucson, Arizona
Last Week: 6th (DAYTONA 500)
Crew Chief: Blake Harris
Standings: 5th

 No. 48 Ally Chevrolet
 

2025Cup CareerAtlanta
Races132613
Wins080
Poles050
Top 50403
Top 101974
Laps Led111,3795
Stage Wins070
Average Finish6.019.317.4
  • Alex Bowman finished sixth in the season-opening DAYTONA 500 last week, marking his third-straight, top-six showing in the Great American Race.
  • Bowman has 13 starts, three top-five finishes, four top 10s and five laps led in his career at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The Tucson, Arizona native has an average start of 18.7 and finish of 17.4 at the track and finished fifth in the fall race last season, his best career showing.
  • The 2025 season marks the fifth year Ally and Bowman have teamed up to try to #SaveThemAll by donating a combined $4,800 each week, benefiting both Best Friends and a partner shelter in each race market.  If Bowman wins, Ally will up their portion of the donation to $10,000. Since 2021, Ally and Bowman have helped raise over $725,000 and hope to reach $1 million by 2026. This weekend, their charitable donation will go to Moultrie-Colquitt Humane Society, located in Moultrie, Georgia.
  • Ally and HENDRICKCARS.COM are teaming up again to give fans the chance to win prizes with this year’s “Open Road Sweepstakes.” Fans can win VIP experiences at various races throughout the season and one lucky winner will hit the open road in a Chevy Silverado LT Trail Boss with an Airstream camper. Fans can stop by the Ally Fan Zone to enter the sweepstakes in-person and check out the camper. Fans can also enter at ally.com/sweepstakes/nascar.

Hendrick Motorsports
 

2025All-TimeAtlanta
Races11,38272
Wins1*313*17*
Poles0253*5
Top 511,280*66*
Top 102**2,189*105*
Laps Led2383,335*3,666*
Stage Wins01155


*Most all time
**Tied for most all time

  • William Byron’s win in last week’s DAYTONA 500 marked the 40th straight season in which Hendrick Motorsports has won at least one NASCAR Cup Series race. That’s the longest streak by any organization in the sport’s history.
  • The victory was also Hendrick Motorsports’ 10th in the Great American Race, breaking a tie with Petty Enterprises for the most wins in the history of the event. Hendrick Motorsports is now the all-time leader in wins in all four of NASCAR’s crown jewel events (Coca-Cola 600, Southern 500, Brickyard 400).
  • Hendrick Motorsports has now opened the season by winning the Clash (Chase Elliott) and the DAYTONA 500 for the fourth time, also the most by any company ever.
  • In each of the past nine seasons in which a Hendrick Motorsports driver won the DAYTONA 500, the organization went on to win at least eight races that year.
  • Hendrick Motorsports leads most statistical categories at Atlanta Motor Speedway including wins (17), top-five finishes (66), top 10s (105) and laps led (3,666). Its won three times since the track’s most recent reconfiguration in 2021 with Byron winning twice and Elliott going to victory lane once.

QUOTABLE /
 
Kyle Larson, driver of the No. 5 Chevrolet, on racing at Atlanta Motor Speedway: “I haven’t had much success on drafting-style tracks, but I really enjoy racing at (the recently reconfigured) Atlanta. It’s a lot different than racing at Daytona and Talladega, and I hope the No. 5 HENDRICKCARS.COM team can put together a complete race and grab a solid finish.”

Chase Elliott, driver of the No. 9 Chevrolet, on racing at Atlanta Motor Speedway: “It is my home track. I always look forward to racing there. I’m really happy that we have two dates at Atlanta. I think that it’s a track that made a large investment to try and improve their product. And I think they have successfully created a lot of chatter, you know, down there around the racetrack and around the events. And I hear it and I see it firsthand, which I don’t typically see and feel that firsthand from other racetracks. But being from around the area, you run into people that went and they’re like, ‘man, that was awesome,’ you know, the finish at the race last year or whatever it was. So, I think that their investment has ultimately paid off. Selfishly, I think it’s great that they have two races because I don’t have to go as far to go to the track, which is great. But in all seriousness, I do think that it is a good thing (that they have two races), and it’s resulted in some great finishes for our sport. I hope that we can continue to put on the good racing that it has been over the last two or three trips or more now.”

William Byron, driver of the No. 24 Chevrolet, on heading to Atlanta Motor Speedway after a DAYTONA 500 win: “Yeah it’s a short week for our group, for a good reason, but I still think we’re ready for Atlanta. I think you’re going to see similar racing to what we saw this past weekend and probably another crazy finish. I really think Atlanta has become one of the best tracks we have.”

Alex Bowman, driver of the No. 48 Chevrolet, on returning to Atlanta Motor Speedway: “I’m excited to head to Atlanta this weekend. I feel like we have some good momentum coming off Daytona with a strong points day and good finish. Last year in the Atlanta spring race, it wasn’t our best showing but we really improved in the fall and have that notebook to build off of now. With no practice, we will see how we unload.”

1...623624625...6,661Page 624 of 6,661