Home Blog Page 63

Colin Braun returns for second Truck start with Kaulig Racing at Lime Rock Park

Photo by Tim Jarrold for SpeedwayMedia.com.

Colin Braun returns for a second campaign in Kaulig Racing’s No. 25 ‘Free Agent’ RAM 1500 entry for the upcoming NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series’ LiUNA 150 event at Lime Rock Park in Lakeville, Connecticut, on July 11.

Braun, a three-time IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar champion and four-time Rolex 24 at Daytona winner from Ovalo, Texas, makes his second Truck start of the 2026 season with Kaulig four months after he made his first start at the Streets of St. Petersburg, Florida, where he finished in ninth place. By then, he recorded the first top-10 result for Kaulig’s No. 25 ‘Free Agent’ entry.

“Racing at Lime Rock Park feels special, because of its deep history and pure road course challenge,” Braun said. “It’s exciting to see the Truck Series compete here and add another chapter to this track’s legacy. I enjoyed racing with the Kaulig team in St. Petersburg and look forward to joining them again. We’re going there to compete for the win.”

Braun made his NASCAR Truck Series debut at Martinsville Speedway in October 2007 with Roush Fenway Racing (RFR). He then campaigned as a full-time Truck competitor with RFR over the next two seasons, during which he achieved the Rookie-of-the-Year title in 2008 and claimed his first career victory at Michigan International Speedway in June 2009. During the latter season, Braun recorded a total of nine top-five results and 14 top-10 results before he settled in fifth place in the standings.

Prior to 2026, Braun’s latest campaign in the Truck Series was in 2011, where he competed in two events with Billy Ballew Motorsports and achieved a season-best ninth-place result at Michigan. He previously competed in a total of 31 O’Reilly Auto Parts Series events with RFR and made a single NTT IndyCar Series start with Dale Coyne Racing at the Streets of St. Petersburg in 2024.

Today, Braun competes for Meyer Shank Racing and co-drives an Acura ARX-06 entry in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship series. In addition to winning three championships and four Rolex 24 at Daytona events, including the overall victory in the GTP class in 2023, the Texan’s resume includes victories in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the 24 Hours of Spa, the 12 Hours of Sebring, the Asian Le Mans Series title (2023-24) and the Fanatec GT World Challenge America Pro-Am (2023).

Kaulig Racing launched its free-agent driver program ahead of its inaugural Craftsman Truck Series campaign in November 2025. The program features various competitors from multiple racing divisions and disciplines. Each will compete in at least a single Truck event in one of Kaulig’s RAM 1500 entries numbered 25. The competitors who compete in the entry would not compete for the 2026 Truck Series driver’s championship. They will, however, be evaluated by their on-track performance for a season-ending program prize.

Currently, Kaulig Racing’s No. 25 entry, led by crew chief Alex Yontz, is ranked in 25th place in the 2026 owner’s standings after 13 of the 25-race schedule. The entry is one of five that is fielded by Kaulig. It competes alongside the No. 10 entry piloted by Corey LaJoie, the No. 12 entry piloted by rookie Brenden “Butterbean” Queen, the No. 14 entry piloted by newcomer Timothy “Mini” Tyrrell and the No. 16 entry piloted by Justin Haley.

Tony Stewart, Ty Dillon, Corey LaJoie, Carson Ferguson, Parker Kligerman, AJ Allmendinger, Clint Bowyer, Travis Pastrana and Jamie McMurray have piloted the No. 25 entry at least once. Dillon, Ferguson and Kligerman have piloted the entry twice each. Allmendinger has recorded the entry’s highest-finishing result of sixth place at Watkins Glen International in early May.

Ryan Newman is scheduled to pilot Kaulig’s No. 25 ‘Free Agent’ entry at North Wilkesboro Speedway on July 18. Conor Daly is then scheduled to pilot the entry the following event at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park on July 24. Kaulig’s selection and reveal of drivers for the remainder of this season remains to be determined.

The 2026 LiUNA 150 at Lime Rock Park is scheduled to occur on July 11 at 1 p.m. ET on FS1, NASCAR Racing Network and SiriusXM.

TOYOTA RACING Weekly Preview – Chicagoland Speedway – 07.01.26

This Week in Motorsports: June 29 – July 5, 2026

NCS/NOAPS/ARCA: Chicagoland Speedway – July 3-5

PLANO, Texas (July 1, 2026) – For the first time since 2019, NASCAR’s Cup and O’Reilly Auto Parts Series make their highly-anticipated return to Chicagoland Speedway this July 4th weekend. Joining them back in Joliet, Illinois, will be the ARCA Menards Series.

NASCAR National Series – NCS/NOAPS

Hamlin overtakes Reddick in points … Five months into the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season, and for the first time, Tyler Reddick is not the Cup Series driver’s points leader. Now sitting second in the standings, just one point behind, Reddick finds himself looking up at his 23XI Racing team co-owner Denny Hamlin and the No. 11 Toyota Camry XSE team with Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) in first place. With three straight wins at Nashville Superspeedway, Michigan International Speedway and Pocono Raceway in late May and early June, along with a third-place result at the Coca-Cola 600, Hamlin carved into the massive points lead Reddick held from his historic start to 2026. Hamlin and Reddick are both more than 100 points clear of third-place in the point standings entering this weekend.

Five Toyota drivers move on in In-Season Challenge … After last Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series In-Season Challenge opener at Sonoma Raceway, five Toyota drivers are moving onto Round 2 this weekend at Chicagoland Speedway. Hamlin, the No. 2 overall seed, will take on LEGACY MOTOR CLUB’s Erik Jones, while Christopher Bell will face Chris Buescher. The defending In-Season Challenge winner Ty Gibbs competes against his JGR teammate, Chase Briscoe.

More Chicagoland success yearned by Hamlin … Before NASCAR left Chicagoland in 2019, Hamlin had a knack for the 1.5-mile oval in Joliet. The Virginia native had five top-10s in the last six Chicagoland races, including his victory in 2015. Hamlin has finished inside the top-10 in half of his 14 career starts at Chicagoland, as well as three top-fives. Hamlin also seeks his fourth consecutive win on an oval this season, after those triumphs at Nashville, Michigan and Pocono.

Heim seeks second straight win … After his monumental first career Cup Series win at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego two weeks ago, Corey Heim returns to the 23XI Racing No. 67 Toyota Camry XSE this weekend in Chicagoland. This will be Heim’s 14th career Cup Series start and seventh of the 2026 season as he continues his development ahead of his full-time debut in 2027.

Crews continues strong debut … Another top-five result (third) last weekend at Sonoma gave Brent Crews his seventh top-five and 10th top-10 finish in his debut season in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. The result was also Crews’ third top-three finish in the last four races, as he now sits 11th in the series point standings with five races remaining before “The Chase.”

NASCAR Regional Series – ARCA Menards Series

Team Toyota eyes another Chicagoland triumph … Heading into this weekend’s ARCA Menards Series race at Chicagoland, Team Toyota eyes its seventh series triumph at the 1.5-mile oval, and its third in the last four races there. Entered this weekend for RAFA Racing in the No. 2 Toyota Camry is Kyle Steckly, who makes his third start of the season. Piloting the No. 18 Camry for JGR is William Sawalich, who takes on double duty with his full-time efforts in the O’Reilly Series. This will be Sawalich’s first ARCA national start since Charlotte Motor Speedway in May 2025. For Nitro Motorsports, the lineup is Jade Avedisian in the No. 15, points leader Jake Bollman in the No. 20, Gavan Boschele in the No. 25, Isabella Robusto in the No. 55 and Thomas Annunziata in the No. 70.

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. for nearly 70 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our nearly 1,500 dealerships.

Toyota directly employs approximately 48,000 people in the U.S. who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of more than 36 million cars and trucks at our 11 manufacturing plants. In 2025, Toyota’s plant in North Carolina began to assemble automotive batteries for electrified vehicles.

For more information about Toyota, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.

How Can You Vacuum Algae Out of an Above Ground Pool?

Yes, you can vacuum algae out of an above-ground pool, but there is one important catch. Vacuuming removes algae debris. It does not kill active algae or fix the water problem that caused it.

The best process is usually simple: brush the pool, treat the water, let dead algae settle, then vacuum slowly. If you skip the first steps and only vacuum, the pool may look better for a day and turn green again soon after.

Can You Really Vacuum Algae Out of a Pool?

A vacuum can remove dead algae, loose green dust, and settled debris from the pool floor. It can also help clear cloudy-looking residue after algae has been brushed from the walls and treated.

Active algae is different. If the water is still green, the walls feel slippery, or algae keeps spreading, vacuuming alone will not solve it. The water needs proper sanitizer, balanced pH, enough circulation, and a working filter.

Above-ground pools can be more sensitive to this problem because circulation may be weaker in corners, around ladders, and along wall seams. That is why algae often collects in the same places again and again.

What You Need Before Vacuuming Algae

Before you begin, gather the right tools. You will need a pool brush, water test kit, shock treatment or sanitizer based on test results, and either a manual vacuum setup or a robotic cleaner.

For manual vacuuming, make sure the hose, pole, vacuum head, and skimmer connection are working properly. If your system has a waste setting, know how to use it before starting. Heavy algae can clog filters quickly, so being prepared matters.

Test the water first. Check chlorine, pH, and alkalinity at minimum. Guessing from color alone can lead to wasted chemicals and repeated algae.

Brush the Pool to Loosen Algae

Brushing is not optional. Algae sticks to walls, corners, seams, ladders, steps, and shaded spots. If you vacuum before brushing, much of the algae may stay attached and keep growing.

Brush the walls from top to bottom. Pay extra attention to the waterline, ladder area, floor edges, and any place that feels slick. After brushing, the water may look worse for a while because algae is suspended in it. That is normal.

This is also where a robotic pool cleaner should be understood correctly. It can help with cleanup, but the pool still needs brushing and water treatment when algae is active.

Shock the Pool and Let Algae Settle

Shock treatment helps kill active algae when used according to the product directions and your test results. Run the pump while the treatment works, and keep filtering as recommended for your pool system.

Do not rush to vacuum immediately. After algae dies, it often turns gray, brownish, or cloudy green and settles on the floor as fine dust. That settled material is what you want to vacuum.

If you vacuum too soon, you may stir the algae around instead of removing it. If the pool is very green, more than one treatment and cleaning cycle may be needed.

Vacuum Algae Slowly and Systematically

When it is time to vacuum, move slowly. Fast movement kicks dead algae back into the water and makes the pool cloudy again.

For light algae, vacuuming through the filter may be fine if the filter is clean and working well. For heavy algae or fine sediment, vacuuming to waste may be better if your system allows it. That sends dirty water out of the pool instead of pushing fine algae into the filter.

Overlap each pass slightly. Work from the cleaner areas toward the dirtiest areas. Stop and clean the filter, basket, or pump strainer whenever flow drops. Algae can clog a system faster than leaves or ordinary dirt.

Why Above-Ground Pools Get Algae So Easily

Above-ground pools often have smaller circulation systems than larger in-ground pools. Water may not move evenly around ladders, corners, seams, and shaded wall areas. Those quiet zones give algae a place to start.

Warm water, sunlight, leaves, grass clippings, sunscreen, and low chlorine can make the problem worse. If the pump does not run long enough, or the filter is dirty, algae has even more time to grow.

Prevention usually means keeping chlorine in range, balancing pH, brushing weekly, removing debris quickly, and running the pump long enough to move water through the whole pool.

A Smarter Way to Remove Dead Algae Debris

A Smarter Way to Remove Dead Algae Debris

Beatbot AquaSense 2 Pro fits algae cleanup because the hard part is not only killing algae. It is removing the fine debris left behind before it resettles on the floor, walls, or waterline. After brushing and shock treatment, dead algae can spread like dust. In an above-ground pool with weaker circulation zones, that residue may collect quickly in the same areas.

A modern cleaner can support this stage by helping collect loosened debris while the pool’s filter system continues working. For someone comparing a pool vacuum robot, the useful question is not whether the robot “kills algae.” It does not. The better question is whether it can help remove visible algae residue after the water has been treated.

AquaSense 2 Pro is a practical example for broader cleanup support across common pool areas, which can help owners reduce repeated manual vacuuming during the recovery phase. Still, chemical balance comes first. Owners need to test chlorine, pH, and alkalinity, maintain filtration, clean baskets, remove large debris by hand, and call a professional if algae keeps returning, water stays cloudy, or equipment problems appear.

Keep Algae From Coming Back

After vacuuming, keep the pump running long enough to clear the water. Rinse or backwash the filter as needed. Test again after the water settles, because algae cleanup can change chlorine demand.

Do not let leaves, grass, and insects sit in the pool. Cover the pool when practical, especially during storms or long unused periods. Brush the walls and seams weekly, even when the water looks clean.

When Vacuuming Alone Is Not Enough

Vacuuming is not enough if the water stays green, algae returns in one or two days, walls remain slippery, or filter pressure acts strangely. Cloudy water after repeated cleaning can also mean the filter is struggling or the chemistry is still off.

Black algae, mustard algae, recurring stains, strong odors, eye irritation, or confusing test results need more than another vacuum pass.

Final Takeaway

Vacuuming algae out of an above-ground pool works best as part of a full process: brush, treat, filter, let residue settle, and vacuum slowly.

The vacuum removes the mess. Water chemistry and circulation fix the reason the mess appeared. For a cleaner above-ground pool, think beyond the floor and treat the whole system.

Donovan Strauss Partnering with Nightclubs Suck in Truck Series Debut

SALISBURY, NC (July 1, 2026) – Donovan Strauss and Niece Motorsports are proud to welcome a first-time partner into the sport for Strauss’ NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series (NCTS) debut at North Wilkesboro Speedway on July 18.

Nightclubs Suck, a performance lifestyle apparel company co-founded by Ty Martin and Clayton Wilson, will back Strauss’ efforts, serving as the primary sponsor on his No. 4 Chevrolet Silverado RST.

With a background in endurance sports, the co-founders of Nightclubs Suck created the apparel line in tandem with a rigorous training program to prepare athletes for triathlons. The brand produces quality activewear suited to take on challenging environments with style and durability.

“Our partnership with Niece Motorsports and Donovan Strauss means the world for our brand because we feel extremely aligned with our driver and the mission on what Nightclubs Suck is all about – which is really just living a different life,” said Martin. “Being a professional driver is a very atypical life, and we live a very atypical lifestyle with the training that we do as triathletes and IRONMAN racers. We’re all about people, and everyone here on the Niece Motorsports team has been great to work with, so we couldn’t be more pumped for this opportunity.”

Strauss, 20, has past experience at North Wilkesboro having competed in two zMAX CARS Tour Late Model Stock Series races at the historic track last year. He will pull double duty this year in both the CARS Tour and NCTS races in just over two weeks from now.

“This partnership that we’ve developed with Nightclubs Suck is very meaningful,” said Strauss. “Ty and Clayton live a lifestyle that I pursue as well, and I feel like we have very similar goals in where we want to go in life and what we’re trying to put out in the world. Having their support in my debut race at North Wilkesboro is very special to me. Racing in NASCAR has been something I’ve been pursuing since I was a little kid, and I’ve truly been dreaming of this opportunity my whole life.”

Fans can browse the full collection of merch offerings from the Nightclubs Suck website and enter a special promo code ‘STRAUSS’ to receive 15% off online orders.

The NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series heads to North Wilkesboro Speedway on Saturday, July 18th for the Faith Fest 250. Live coverage of the race will air on FOX Sports 1, the NASCAR Racing Network, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

About Nightclubs Suck: Nightclubs Suck (NC❌) is a performance apparel brand built for endurance athletes who live differently. Founded in 2025 by two triathletes, Ty and Clayton, NC❌ was born out of a simple but powerful idea: that serious athletes shouldn’t have to choose between technical performance and great design. From faster splits to longer distances, we make gear that matches the 24/7 commitment of the endurance lifestyle. For those who earn their Saturday morning PRs on Friday night, this is for you. For those who endure.

About Niece Motorsports: Niece Motorsports is a professional auto racing team that has competed in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series since 2016. The team is owned by Josh Morris of DQS Solutions and Staffing and the Fowler Family of J.F. Electric and Utilitra, and was founded by United States Marine Corps Veteran Al Niece. At its 80,000 sq. ft. headquarters in Salisbury, NC, Niece Motorsports is a full-service race vehicle build shop as well as a customizable fabrication shop for any manufacturing needs.

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

JR Motorsports O’Reilly Auto Parts Team Preview

TRACK – Chicagoland Speedway (1.52-mile oval)
NOAPS RACE – Cuervo 300 (200 laps / 300 miles)
TUNE IN – CW, MRN, SiriusXM Channel 90 at 5:30 p.m. (ET)

Connor Zilisch

No. 1 – KOA Chevrolet

Zilisch 2026 NOAPS Stats

Starts: 8

Wins: 2

Top 5s: 3

Top 10s: 6

Laps Led: 116

Avg. Finish: 8.5

Points: N/A

Connor Zilisch will make his ninth NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series start of the 2026 season Saturday afternoon and first at Chicagoland Speedway.

Chicagoland will be KOA’s first primary start of the 2026 season with Zilisch. In 2025, KOA and Zilisch teamed up for a fourth-place finish at Iowa Speedway.

Saturday’s race marks the final scheduled start for Zilisch at JR Motorsports this season. In 44 O’Reilly Series starts, dating back to 2024, Zilisch and JRM have 13 wins, 10 poles, and 26 top-five finishes, including two victories in 2026 at Bristol Motor Speedway and Watkins Glen International.

The driver of the KOA Chevrolet has reeled off four top-10 finishes in his last four NOAPS starts dating back to his victory at Watkins Glen in May.

Zilisch was impressive on intermediate-sized tracks in 2025. He scored four victories: Pocono Raceway, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Dover Motor Speedway, and World Wide Technology Raceway while also racking up nine top-five finishes. In 2026 Zilisch has collected three top-10s on intermediate-size tracks, entering Saturday’s race at Chicagoland with a best finish of sixth place at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Connor Zilisch

“It’s great to have the extra track time this weekend in the O’Reilly Series car since this is the first time I’ve been to Chicagoland. I’ve had a lot of fun this season with Rodney (Childers, crew chief) and everyone with the No. 1 team at JR Motorsports. We certainly want to end our season on a high note with another strong run. Everyone at KOA has been so supportive of me during my time at JR Motorsports, and it would be awesome to have a good run for them on Saturday.”

Justin Allgaier

No. 7 BRANDT Professional Agriculture Chevrolet

Allgaier 2026 NOAPS Stats

Starts: 19

Wins: 5

Top 5s: 12

Top 10s: 14

Laps Led: 457

Avg. Finish: 9.8

Points: 1st

Justin Allgaier is a two-time winner at Chicagoland in the NOAPS, having gone to Victory Lane in 2011 and 2017.

Overall, in 12 NOAPS starts at the 1.5-mile oval, Allgaier has amassed four top-fives and eight top-10s to accompany the two wins.

Heading into this weekend, Allgaier currently holds a 207-point lead in the NOAPS standings and leads the series in wins (five), top-fives (12), and laps led (457) among all full-time drivers.

This weekend is a home game for Allgaier, who hails from Riverton, Ill. Additionally, cornerstone partner BRANDT Professional Agriculture also calls Illinois home, with its headquarters located in Springfield, Ill.

This weekend, the No. 7 BRANDT Professional Agriculture Chevrolet will be featuring a scheme inspired by the American Flag that flies high above the BRANDT Research Farm in Pleasant Plains, Ill. The BRANDT Research Farm is home to over 300 acres dedicated to growing practices that can be implemented into everyday farming operations and help produce local data under the same conditions our customers face to assist in making informed decisions and offer the best information for customers profitability.

Justin Allgaier

“I’m so happy to be going back to Chicagoland. This has always been one of my favorite tracks, and it’s great to see it back on the schedule. Hopefully our notes from the past can help us get a good baseline for this weekend, but I know that Andrew (Overstreet, crew chief) and all the guys on this No. 7 group will be ready to go when we unload. It’s always great getting the chance to race back in the home state, not only for me but for everyone at BRANDT Professional Agriculture as well. We just need to go out and execute like we have throughout this season, and if we do, I think we can have an awesome homecoming on Saturday night and celebrate the 4th of July in style.”

Sammy Smith

No. 8 Patriotic Pilot Chevrolet

Smith 2026 NOAPS Stats

Starts: 19

Wins: 0

Top 5s: 6

Top 10s: 10

Laps Led: 17

Avg. Finish: 10.5

Points: 7th

Sammy Smith will make his first start at Chicagoland this Saturday with the NOAPS.

In 58 NOAPS starts on tracks measuring 1-2 miles in length, Smith has tallied two wins, nine top-fives, and 28 top-10 finishes.

Through the first 19 races of 2026, Smith is ranked fifth among the NOAPS field for most laps run in the top-15 at 79.1 percent.

The No. 8 Pilot scheme will include blue as well as its normal red and white color palette to celebrate the Fourth of July.

Sammy Smith

“I’m looking forward to Chicagoland, another new track for me. I feel pretty good about the track and the No. 8 Pilot Chevrolet the team is putting together, but I know if I need some guidance, Justin (Allgaier) will have some tips since he’s won there in the past. Can’t wait to get our patriotic Pilot Chevrolet to the track and hopefully to Victory Lane.”

Carson Kvapil

No. 9 Arby’s Cheesesteak Chevrolet

Kvapil 2026 NOAPS Stats

Starts: 19

Wins: 0

Top 5s: 5

Top 10s: 11

Laps Led: 70

Avg. Finish: 12.7

Points: 6th

Carson Kvapil will make his debut at the 1.5-mile oval this weekend as Chicagoland returns to the NOAPS schedule for the first time since 2019.

In 31 career starts on tracks 1-2 miles in length, Kvapil has recorded seven top fives and 13 top-10s.

Accompanying Kvapil, crew chief Phillip Bell has made 36 NOAPS starts atop the box on tracks measuring 1-2 miles in length. In those starts, Bell has amassed two wins, five top-fives and 12 top-10s.

Kvapil currently sits in sixth on the championship leaderboard, just seven points from fifth.

The No. 9 will showcase Arby’s new cheesesteak, made with 100% Angus steak, white American Cooper® Cheese, thick-cut caramelized onions, and served on an authentic Amoroso’s® sesame seed sub roll, this Saturday at Chicagoland.

Carson Kvapil

“We have been working hard in the sim the last few weeks preparing for Chicagoland. We’re looking to keep building on the momentum we’ve had. Our cars have been strong all season, and we’re hoping that carries over to Saturday at Chicagoland with our Arby’s Cheesesteak Chevrolet. We’ve had the speed and have been running up front, competing for wins. It feels like everything is about to come together.”

Chase Elliott

No. 88 HENDRICKCARS.COM Chevrolet

Elliott Career NOAPS Stats

Starts: 87

Wins: 6

Top 5s: 39

Top 10s: 71

Laps Led: 754

Avg. Finish: 8.3

Points: N/A

Chase Elliott returns to JRM competition this weekend for the first time since the 2021 season at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where he earned a fourth-place finish driving the No. 1 Chevrolet

The No. 88 HENDRICKCARS.COM Chevrolet will carry a special patriotic “Salute to America” paint scheme as part of HendrickCars.com’s Four-Car Salute to America program.

In five O’Reilly Series starts at Chicagoland Speedway, Elliott has earned one victory (2014), three top-10 finishes, and has led 88 laps.

The No. 88 team has been one of the strongest on 1.5-mile tracks in 2026, earning two victories (Las Vegas Motor Speedway and Texas Motor Speedway) and three top-five finishes across its four intermediate-track starts.

Chase Elliott

“I’m excited to get back behind the wheel of a JR Motorsports Chevrolet this weekend. It’s been a while, so it’ll be fun to reunite with everyone at JRM. Chicagoland has been a good track for me in the past, and I’m looking forward to having the HENDRICKCARS.COM Salute to America paint scheme on our Chevrolet for this Fourth of July weekend. Hopefully we can unload with speed, execute all day, and put ourselves in contention for the win.”

JRM Team Updates

JR Motorsports at Chicagoland Speedway: JR Motorsports returns to Chicagoland Speedway with a strong history at the 1.5-mile oval. The organization has made 48 starts at the facility in the NOAPS, earning three wins, 12 top-fives, and 25 top-10s with an average finish of 11.9.

Souvenir Rig: JRM drivers Carson Kvapil, Justin Allgaier, Sammy Smith, and Rajah Caruth will be signing autographs at the JR Motorsports / HMS WB + AB souvenir rig on Saturday, July 4, from 11:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. CT.

Edwards Dominates Feature on Opening Night of BC39 at IMS

INDIANAPOLIS (Tuesday, June 30, 2026) – Checkout time came early Tuesday night for Drake Edwards at The Dirt Track at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Edwards drove from the fourth starting spot to the lead on Lap 7 and never trailed thereafter to win the 30-lap Stoops Star Spangled Showdown feature in the No. 40D Chase McDermand Racing car. It was the second career USAC NOS Energy Drink Midget National Championship victory for Edwards, from Peoria, Arizona.

“It’s pretty surreal,” Edwards said. “Very cool to be standing here. I knew there was a shot coming to the smaller tracks, but I felt pretty solid all night long. So, I think it’s really cool.”

Kevin Thomas Jr. finished a distant second in the No. 14 4 Kings Racing car on the 1/5th-mile dirt oval, followed by pole sitter Gavin Miller in the No. 97 Keith Kunz-Curb-Agajanian Motorsports entry. Zach Wigal was fourth in the No. 1 Pat O’Dell car, with BC39 rookie Jake Swanson rounding out the top five in the No. 14K 4 Kings Racing entry.

The 30-lap feature was the climax of the opening night of the two-night BC39 Presented by Avanti Windows & Doors, which will culminate in a 39-lap feature paying $20,039 to win Wednesday night on the track inside Turn 3 of the storied IMS asphalt oval.

There were only two suspenseful moments for Edwards, 23, the 2024 USAC Western States Midget Rookie of the Year.

The first came on Lap 6 when Edwards, charging toward the front, drove into the rear of teammate Briggs Danner in the No. 40x Chase McDermand Racing car in a duel for second place behind Miller. Edwards continued, but Danner spun and triggered a caution period.

“First and foremost, I want to apologize to Briggs,” Edwards said.

On the Lap 7 restart, Edwards drove under Miller in Turns 3 and 4 to take a lead he would never surrender despite multiple caution periods.

Edwards stretched the lead to 4.2 seconds over Thomas – a huge gap on a short track – by Lap 22 as he could place his car on any spot of the dirt oval and find speed almost at will.

“I was just watching him up there,” Thomas said of Edwards. “Honestly, I was enjoying the show. I know he’s pretty talented, but I was like, ‘There ain’t no way he makes 30 laps without a crash.’ It’s pretty remarkable, and they had a great race car. He did a phenomenal job.”

Leading by approximately four seconds, Edwards rocketed around thick lapped traffic on the high line of the oval in the last 10 laps. But Thomas’ prediction of possible calamity for Edwards almost came true with three laps to go in the second dramatic moment on his drive to Victory Lane.

Edwards approached a lapped car that changed lines in Turn 3 and 4, and he had to slow quickly to avoid a collision. But Edwards safely navigated that near-miss and cruised to the victory in a car owned by McDermand, who cruelly lost a BC39 victory with less than two laps remaining in 2024 when his car got hung up in ruts in Turn 4 while leading.

“I didn’t know where to go half the time,” Edwards said. “But luckily we made it through there pretty good, and I felt like I got through them all right.”

Championship night of the BC39 on Wednesday, July 1 will consist of a full program for the USAC NOS Energy Drink Midget National Championship. Public gates open at 4 p.m. with a driver autograph session in the Fan Zone. A public drivers’ meeting starts at 5 p.m. in the Fan Zone, with hot laps beginning at 6:30 p.m. Racing starts immediately after the opening ceremonies at 7 p.m., culminating in a 39-lap feature event paying $20,039 to win.

Cannon McIntosh will look to defend his BC39 victories from 2024 and 2025 and try to become the first three-time winner of the event, which honors late USAC champion and three-time Indianapolis 500 starter Bryan Clauson. McIntosh finished eighth in the feature tonight.

Tickets are on sale at IMS.com or at the gate. Spectators must enter IMS via Gate 10 off 30th Street to access The Dirt Track. No entrance will be allowed through Gate 2.

For more spectator information, fans should visit the Plan Ahead site for the BC39.

Watkins Glen Return Cut Short for Magnus Racing

WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (June 30, 2026) – Magnus Racing came into the Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen confident and prepared but was thrown several curveballs at Watkins Glen International. Ultimately, the team’s race ended two and a half hours early, when the No. 44 Virtual Energy Aston Martin Vantage GT3 EVO got trapped in someone else’s crash.

After two productive practice sessions, John Potter was ready to qualify on Saturday. Track repairs delayed the session by several hours and then, just when it got started, a car crashed in the Bus Stop and the session was red flagged. GTD qualifying did not resume, which meant the GTD starting grid would be determined by championship points. Magnus Racing is last in points, because it’s only race Daytona so far this season, so the No. 44 would be gridded last, only ahead of cars that incurred penalties.

Unfazed, Potter started from the back but quickly picked up several positions in the opening laps. After his second pit stop, Potter returned to the circuit, which was under a full-course yellow. As he re-entered, race control called for the Prototype class to move past any GT cars. Confusion among a group of Prototype cars caused them to run into the back of each other, nearly taking out Potter in the process. The car had a few new dents but was able to continue.

“It was hard starting from the back, but I think we were going the right direction,” Potter said. “I was pretty okay with my stint, and Spencer was doing great until something not his fault happened in front of him.”

Potter handed the car over to Spencer Pumpelly, who was making his 250th top-level IMSA race start. Pumpelly ran as high as fifth before his second pit stop, just after the halfway point of the race. On the following restart, Pumpelly was already in a three-wide pack when the cars ahead of them made contact, spinning across the track in the Esses. Pumpelly had nowhere to escape and clipped one of the spinning cars.

Pumpelly was okay, but the Aston Martin could not continue, and the team’s race came to an end.

It was a massively disappointing result to a race that had been playing into the team’s hand.

“Thanks to everyone at Magnus, because I felt like our effort, our preparation, our car, everything was really first class this weekend,” Pumpelly said. “Everyone did an awesome job and we were in position to have a good day. I was really excited about my 250th top-level start and was really hoping for a better finish. Coming to the Esses on the restart, cars were two wide ahead of me and the cars ahead of them crashed, and everyone checked up. I went left and straight into a car that already crashed. That ended our day, and it’s just really disappointing, because I think we could have had decent results today.”

Driver Mario Farnbacher was making his 100th top-level IMSA start but didn’t even get a chance to drive the car in the race.

“We had a great test here, which was looking very promising, and had a really good car out of the box,” Farnbacher said. “I would say it started good in the first free practice. The team, we were quite a new group together, so we needed to learn from each other, and I think we did a lot of work and improved a lot throughout the weekend, which was very positive. Unlucky qualifying, I would say, with the red flag, which basically forced us to start from the back. A lot of chaotic yellows in the beginning and then unfortunately, the pile up in the Esses where Spencer couldn’t avoid the carnage. It’s just a shame, because we had a good car strategy and it was coming to us at the end.”

The Long-Term Benefits of Professional Window Tinting That Most Vehicle Owners Overlook

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

What’s the article about? Learn how professional window tinting in Hamilton protects your vehicle, improves driving comfort, reduces UV damage, and delivers long-term value beyond appearance.

When compared to treating window tinting Hamilton as a pure makeover, there are numerous long-term benefits. People only come close to knowing the benefits when they get full information about the subject matter with practical experience. The truth is that many car owners just focus on the immediate visual impact and completely overlook the forthcoming advantages.

Over months and years, a professionally installed tint in Hamilton will not only improve driving comfort but also protect your vehicle, reduce maintenance costs, and even help preserve resale value. So, let’s explore some of the benefits that often go unnoticed.

A Cleaner And Clearer Car Appearance

A freshly tinted vehicle will no doubt look good. However, the real value of car window tinting Hamilton begins after you leave the shop. Your vehicle might’ve been exposed to direct sunlight, regardless of whether it is parked outside at work, sitting in a driveway, or travelling on highways. Over time, this exposure causes dashboards to crack and lose their original appearance.

For this, a professionally done vehicle window tinting by Insta Tints Canada acts as a protective barrier that helps reduce the environmental impacts. This means your interior stays in better condition for longer, maintaining a new appearance over the years.

A More Comfortable Drive Every Day

One of the biggest reasons why car owners choose professional window tinting Hamilton is comfort. During the hot summer months, sunlight enters through untreated glass. This turns a vehicle into an uncomfortable environment, even for short trips. Modern ceramic window tint technology helps to reduce heat transfer through the glass, allowing the interiors to stay cooler, even during long periods of sun exposure.

But honestly, it’s more than just a comfortable drive. Car window tinting also reduces dependency on air conditioning, saving more vehicle fuel. Therefore, for motorists who spend a lot of time commuting, this daily comfort becomes one of the most appreciated benefits of tinting.

Reduced Glare Means Less Motorist Fatigue 

Many car owners underestimate the impact of glare on their ability to concentrate. Bright sunlight, reflections from wet roads, and headlights can all create visual strain. Over time, this constant exposure contributes to eye fatigue, particularly during longer journeys. 

Professional automotive window tinting in Hamilton helps to minimize the glare without compromising visibility. This creates a more relaxed driving experience, allowing you to focus more comfortably on the road ahead. Honestly, it’s a benefit that many people don’t fully appreciate until they’ve experienced it themselves.

Quality Installation Makes the Difference

Actually, not all tinting companies are the same. Insta Tints Canada uses window tinting solutions from 3M, XPEL, and Ozone, which are given priority in the list of hundreds. The quality of the film and the skill of the installer are important to know how well the tint will perform over time. 

Always focus on high-quality films and proper installation techniques that are designed for long-term performance rather than short-term results. Also, when installed correctly, modern heat rejection window tint solutions can continue to deliver benefits for years.

Conclusion: Look Beyond the Immediate Benefits

Window tinting is commonly regarded as a simple vehicle upgrade, but it provides long-term benefits to car owners.  Ceramic window tint will always protect your car’s interior and preserve its value for sale. Window tinting services are one such automotive upgrades that enhance both the driving experience and the overall condition of your vehicle. Regardless of whether you are thinking about getting car window tinting in Hamilton done for either comfort or appearance, investing in a quality installation from reputable companies like Insta Tints Canada will provide highly satisfactory results.

What Car Dealerships Can Learn from NASCAR’s Fan-First Marketing

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

NASCAR has never been just about fast cars. It is about loyalty, identity, access, and the feeling that fans are part of something bigger than a race weekend. For car dealerships, that fan-first approach offers valuable lessons. While most dealerships are focused on selling vehicles, the most successful ones also know how to build relationships, create memorable experiences, and keep customers engaged long after they leave the lot.

Make Customers Feel Part of the Brand

NASCAR fans often support a driver, team, or manufacturer for years. That loyalty does not happen by accident. It is built through storytelling, consistency, and emotional connection. Dealerships can apply the same thinking by giving customers reasons to connect with the business beyond price.

This could mean sharing customer stories, highlighting local partnerships, introducing staff members, or showing behind-the-scenes moments from the dealership. When people feel familiar with a business, they are more likely to trust it.

Create Experiences, Not Just Transactions

Race day is designed around the fan experience. From merchandise and meet-and-greets to tailgating and live entertainment, NASCAR understands that the event matters as much as the result.

Car dealerships can learn from this by improving the customer journey. A dealership visit should feel smooth, helpful, and welcoming, not stressful or rushed. Test-drive events, family-friendly open days, new model launch evenings, and community fundraisers can turn a dealership into a local destination rather than just a place to buy a car.

Stay Visible Between Big Moments

NASCAR does not only communicate with fans on race day. Teams, drivers, and sponsors stay active through social media, video content, interviews, email updates, and fan communities. This keeps interest alive throughout the season.

Dealerships should take the same approach. Customers may only buy a vehicle every few years, but they still need maintenance reminders, financing advice, trade-in tips, seasonal driving content, and updates on new models. Staying visible helps ensure that when someone is ready to buy, the dealership is already front of mind.

This is also where digital visibility matters. Investing in car dealer SEO services can help dealerships appear when local shoppers are actively searching for vehicles, servicing, finance options, and trusted automotive advice.

Understand the Power of Community

NASCAR has a strong community culture. Fans gather online and offline, share opinions, support favorite drivers, and return year after year because they feel connected to the sport.

Dealerships can build similar local loyalty by supporting schools, sports teams, charities, and community events. These efforts show that the business is not just operating in the area, but actively contributing to it. That can make a major difference when customers are choosing between similar dealerships.

Use Data Without Losing the Human Touch

NASCAR teams rely heavily on data, from vehicle performance to fan engagement. However, the sport still feels personal because the data is used to improve the experience, not replace it.

Dealerships can use customer data in the same way. Service history, browsing behavior, email engagement, and previous purchases can help deliver more relevant communication. The key is to make customers feel understood, not targeted.

Build a Strong Customer Base

NASCAR’s fan-first marketing works because it focuses on loyalty, experience, and connection. Car dealerships that adopt the same mindset can build stronger customer relationships and stand out in a competitive market. Selling cars will always be the core goal, but creating fans of the dealership is what keeps people coming back.

Innovation in the Fast Lane: How Technology Is Transforming Modern Motorsports

Motorsports have always been driven by innovation. Every NASCAR season showcases not only the talent of drivers but also the remarkable engineering, data analysis, and strategic planning that take place behind the scenes. While fans often focus on dramatic finishes and thrilling overtakes, the technology supporting every race continues to evolve at an incredible pace, making competition faster, safer, and more exciting.

Success on race day is rarely determined by horsepower alone. Teams rely on advanced software, real-time telemetry, predictive analytics, and efficient communication to gain even the smallest competitive advantage. In today’s racing environment, every fraction of a second matters, and technology has become just as valuable as mechanical expertise.

That same emphasis on innovation extends well beyond the racetrack. Businesses and technology platforms are constantly improving their digital infrastructure to deliver better user experiences, stronger security, and greater reliability. Whether evaluating software solutions or researching digital services such as spacehills betrouwbaar, informed decision-making and dependable technology remain essential qualities in today’s connected world.

Data Has Become Every Team’s Competitive Edge

Modern race teams collect enormous amounts of information during every practice session, qualifying lap, and race. Engineers analyze this data to understand how the car performs under different track conditions and identify opportunities for improvement.

Key performance metrics include:

  • Tire wear throughout long runs.
  • Fuel consumption rates.
  • Corner entry and exit speeds.
  • Suspension performance.
  • Brake temperatures.
  • Driver throttle and steering inputs.

These insights allow teams to make adjustments that can significantly improve race performance.

Technology Is Reshaping Race Strategy

Today’s race strategy depends heavily on real-time information rather than instinct alone.

Predictive Analytics

Sophisticated models help teams estimate fuel windows, tire degradation, and potential caution periods. While racing always contains uncertainty, predictive tools help crews prepare for multiple scenarios.

Instant Communication

Drivers remain connected to crew chiefs throughout the event, receiving updates on lap times, competitor strategies, weather changes, and track conditions. Fast communication enables quicker decision-making during critical moments.

Continuous Vehicle Monitoring

Advanced sensors monitor numerous systems throughout the race, allowing engineers to detect mechanical concerns before they become race-ending failures.

Comparing Traditional and Modern Racing Operations

Racing ElementTraditional ApproachModern Technology
Vehicle SetupDriver feedbackDriver feedback plus telemetry
Race StrategyExperience-based decisionsData-supported predictions
Mechanical ChecksManual inspectionsReal-time sensor monitoring
Team CommunicationBasic radio updatesContinuous data integration
Performance AnalysisPost-race reviewLive analysis throughout events

Technology has enhanced nearly every aspect of professional motorsports while preserving the competitive spirit that fans love.

Innovation Isn’t Limited to Race Teams

Many lessons learned in racing eventually benefit everyday industries. Automotive manufacturers, software companies, startups, and engineering firms often draw inspiration from motorsports because racing pushes innovation under extreme conditions.

Several business principles shared by successful race teams include:

  • Continuous improvement.
  • Fast problem-solving.
  • Efficient teamwork.
  • Data-driven decisions.
  • Long-term planning.

These same qualities help technology companies remain competitive in rapidly changing markets.

The Human Element Still Matters

Despite rapid technological progress, drivers continue to make the biggest difference when the green flag drops. Data may recommend the ideal racing line, but executing it consistently requires remarkable skill, concentration, and confidence.

Elite drivers excel because they combine instinct with information. They understand when to trust the numbers and when to rely on experience developed over thousands of racing laps.

Teamwork Behind Every Victory

Winning a NASCAR race involves far more than one talented driver. Success depends on collaboration across an entire organization.

Every department contributes:

  • Engineers optimize performance.
  • Crew chiefs develop strategy.
  • Pit crews execute lightning-fast stops.
  • Mechanics prepare reliable cars.
  • Analysts interpret race data.
  • Drivers deliver consistent performance.

When every member performs at a high level, small advantages accumulate into race-winning results.

Why Motorsport Continues to Inspire Technology

Many innovations that originated in racing have influenced consumer vehicles and broader technology industries. Improved safety systems, advanced materials, aerodynamic research, and performance analytics all demonstrate how competition accelerates innovation.

Technology companies appreciate motorsports because the racing environment provides immediate feedback. Every adjustment produces measurable results, creating an ideal setting for testing ideas under pressure.

Looking Toward the Future

The future of motorsports promises even greater technological advancement. Artificial intelligence, enhanced simulation software, cloud computing, and increasingly sophisticated data analysis will continue shaping how teams prepare for races.

At the same time, the essence of racing will remain unchanged. Fans will still celebrate daring passes, strategic brilliance, close finishes, and unforgettable performances from the sport’s biggest stars.

Innovation has always fueled motorsports, but technology serves only as a tool. The excitement still comes from talented people working together, making smart decisions under pressure, and delivering the unforgettable moments that keep racing fans eagerly anticipating the next green flag.