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Spire Motorsports Hollywood Casino 400 Race Advance

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Official Release
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  • In 25 NASCAR Cup Series starts at Kansas Speedway, Spire Motorsports has logged one top-10 and three top-20 finishes. Zane Smith earned a team-best 10th-place result at the Kansas City, Kan.-venue last June. Spire Motorsports fields the Nos. 7, 71 and 77 Chevrolet ZL1s with Justin Haley, Michael McDowell and Carson Hocevar, respectively.
  • The Hollywood Casino 400 presented by ESPN Bet will be televised live on USA Sunday, Sept. 28 beginning at 3 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). The 31st of 36 points-paying events on the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series calendar will be broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Channel 90.

Justin Haley – Driver, No. 7 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet ZL1

  • Justin Haley will pilot Spire Motorsports’ No. 7 NationsGuard Chevrolet ZL1 in Sunday’s Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kan.
  • In nine previous Cup Series starts at Kansas Speedway, dating to May 2021, Haley has earned three top-20 finishes and calls a pair of 18th-place efforts a series/venue career best. He has logged a 26.2 average start, a 27.1 average finish and has been running at the finish of all but two of those nine races.
  • The 26-year-old has four NASCAR Xfinity Series starts at Kansas Speedway where he posted two fourth-place finishes (October 2019 and 2021). He’s recorded a 9.8 average starting position, a 5.3 average finishing position, and has never finished worse than seventh on NASCAR’s junior circuit at the popular mile-and-a-half quad-oval.
  • In CRAFTSMAN Truck Series competition at Kansas (2017–2018), Haley led four laps and recorded ninth- and 10th-place finishes, respectively. In his single ARCA Menards Series race at Kansas, he started fourth and finished sixth in October 2017.
  • Last Sunday at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Haley started 21st but was collected in a multi-car incident on Lap 118. Following extensive repairs, he returned to the track multiple laps down to the leaders but soldiered home to a 33rd-place finish.
  • NationsGuard is an innovator in the Automotive F&I space. Its programs are designed to maximize sales, profit, CSI and customer retention. NationsGuard delivers consistent, measurable results through disciplined monitoring and continuous improvement. The process measures every key element of an automotive dealership’s program – from vehicle inspection efficiency to service advisor performance. NationsGuard targets and eliminates waste and inefficiency wherever it’s found while maintaining process improvements, making changes where necessary and relentlessly pursuing perfection.
  • Sunday’s race at Kansas Speedway will mark Haley’s 175th career NASCAR Cup Series start. Over the course of the last seven seasons, the 26-year-old has collected one win, six top five, 18 top 10s and led 123 laps. He made his first premier series start with Spire Motorsports at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway in April 2019 and has since made 74 Cup Series starts with the team.

Justin Haley Quotes
You’ve had solid showings on intermediate tracks this year. How do you feel heading into Kansas this weekend?
“We’ve had lots of speed at the mile-and-a-half tracks this year and that’s credit to the team at Spire Motorsports and their remarkable attention to detail. I feel really comfortable at Kansas and we were fast in the Spring. Hopefully, we can get luck back on our side and have a good day.”

Atop the No. 7 Box – Crew Chief Ryan Sparks

  • Ryan Sparks serves in a dual role as both Spire Motorsports Competition Director and Crew Chief for driver Justin Haley. The potent duo was first paired together at Bristol Motor Speedway last September.
  • The Winston-Salem, N.C., native has stood atop the pit box for 196 NASCAR Cup Series races, where he’s called four top-five and 10 top-10 finishes over six seasons.
  • Sparks has called 11 previous Cup Series races at Kansas Speedway, where he’s earned two top-20 and six top-25 finishes.

Michael McDowell – Driver, No. 71 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet ZL1

  • Michael McDowell will pilot Spire Motorsports’ No. 71 Gainbridge Chevrolet ZL1 in Sunday’s Hollywood Casino 400 Presented by ESPN Bet at Kansas Speedway.
  • In 28 NASCAR Cup Series starts at the 1.5-mile tri-oval, McDowell has posted an average starting position of 24.8 and an average finish of 26.8. Over his last 11 starts, he has improved to a 16.5 average start, including four top-10 qualifying efforts, and a 20.0 average finish.
  • The No. 71 Chevrolet will return to its black and yellow Gainbridge livery for Sunday’s 400 miler.
  • McDowell’s front tire changer, Max Marsh, spent his college years playing football at Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas. Marsh earned varsity letters all four seasons, finding a home as the team’s backup safety and on special teams before shifting gears for his pit-road duties on NASCAR’s senior circuit.
  • Last weekend at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, McDowell qualified 11th and earned his fourth top-10 finish of the season. It was his first career top-10 finish at the one-mile venue and first top 10 on a track measuring one mile or less this season.
  • Founded in 2018, Gainbridge® is an insurtech subsidiary of Group 1001 that empowers consumers to take control of their financial future with solutions that are accessible to everyone, no matter their budget or financial knowledge. Its platform provides access to financial products that are simple, intuitive, and backed by smart technology with no complexity or hidden fees. Gainbridge® is headquartered in Zionsville, Ind. For more information, visit gainbridge.com or follow and connect with Gainbridge on X and LinkedIn.
  • McDowell qualified 11th for May’s AdventHealth 400 at Kansas Speedway, a team/venue best at the Kansas City, Kan., racecourse for the No. 71 Gainbridge Chevrolet.
  • The 18-year Cup Series veteran has claimed three Xfinity Fastest Lap awards this season, clocking the fastest lap in the Daytona 500, Phoenix Raceway and Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway. The team is one of just three in the series to tally three or more bonus points via the program.
  • The No. 71 team secured Spire Motorsports’ first Busch Light Pole Award in March at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. McDowell’s 28.833-second lap marks the fastest lap recorded in NASCAR’s seventh-generation Cup Series car (2022-present) at the 1.5-mile Nevada oval. The team also earned Spire Motorsports’ first stage win during the Grant Park 165 on the streets of downtown Chicago.
  • McDowell’s team earned a handsome $100,000 payday and a trip to Victory Lane after winning the Mechanix Wear Pit Crew Challenge during May’s NASCAR All-Star Weekend at North Wilkesboro (N.C.) Speedway. The crew’s blistering 12.587-second stop topped all entries for both the NASCAR All-Star Open and NASCAR All-Star Race, earning the title of the fastest team on pit road.
  • Michael McDowell Quote
  • A lot of drivers refer to Kansas Speedway as the perfect 1.5-mile track, what makes it so versatile and dynamic?
  • “I think it’s probably because it’s the easiest to get multiple lanes going, even Lap 1 in practice you can run the top there where you know places like Charlotte, Texas, and other 1.5-mile tracks, you don’t you have to build up to it. So, the track has multiple lanes, multiple grooves and that all comes together fairly early in the run. In general, Kansas seems to produce a pretty good race.
I’d mostly say because you can move around.”

Atop the No. 71 Box – Crew Chief Travis Peterson

Across five Cup Series races at Kansas Speedway, McDowell’s crew chief Travis Peterson has led his driver to a 14.0 average start paired with a 22.8 average finish.
As a race engineer at JR Motorsports, the West Bend, Wis., native played a key role in Regan Smith’s third-place result in 2013. After qualifying fifth, the team dominated the race and led 81 of the 200 laps en route to his seventh-of-eight top-five finishes during the 2013 season.
Prior to his time as a crew chief, the 33-year-old worked as a race engineer for Dale Earnhardt Jr., at Hendrick Motorsports where he played a key role in Earnhardt’s third-place result at Kansas Speedway in 2015.

Carson Hocevar – Driver, No. 77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet ZL1

  • Carson Hocevar, driver of the Delaware Life Chevrolet ZL1 for Spire Motorsports, will make his fifth NASCAR Cup Series start in Sunday’s Hollywood Casino 400 presented by ESPN Bet at Kansas Speedway.
  • This May, Hocevar took the checkered flag in the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Heart of Health Care 200 at Kansas Speedway driving for the Brian Pattie-led No. 7 Spire Motorsports team. He led 75 of the event’s 134 laps and survived last-lap contact with another competitor to earn his fifth victory in the series and first aboard a Spire-prepared Chevy Silverado.
  • The 2024 NASCAR Cup Series Rookie of the Year has a best finish of 20th in four prior Cup Series starts at Kansas.
  • Hocevar owns six CRAFTSMAN Truck Series starts at Kansas, including one win, two top fives and three top 10s. He’s led a total of 135 laps at the Kansas City, Kan., venue.
  • In 18 starts on 1.5-mile tracks in NASCAR’s premier series, the Portage, Mich., native owns one top-five and three top-10 finishes. He has combined to lead 32 laps this season at Homestead-Miami Speedway, Texas Motor Speedway, Kansas Speedway and Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway.
  • Last weekend at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Hocevar registered a venue-best sixth-place qualifying effort. He spent a majority of the day racing inside the top five until handling issues during the race’s final segment left him with an 11th-place result. The finish marked his fourth-consecutive top 15.
  • Delaware Life is an insurance and annuity company that empowers financial professionals with a wide array of customizable solutions. A subsidiary of Group 1001 Insurance Holdings LLC, Delaware Life focuses on delivering a seamless experience for advisors. The company understands how important it is to find the right fit for every client, every situation and every individual need. Delaware Life is passionate about equipping advisors with annuities that give their customers peace of mind and a successful future, allowing them to plan with confidence for whatever’s next

Carson Hocevar Quotes
You’ve expressed your excitement for this weekend’s race at Kansas Speedway. Given your team’s recent performance and your personal preference for mile-and-a-half tracks, what do you think will be key to success?
“I’ve always loved mile-and-a-half tracks. They’re where I feel most comfortable and our team’s been showing a lot of speed the last few weeks. We won the truck race at Kansas in May, and I’m hoping we can translate that into success in the Delaware Life Chevy this weekend. I love running on the fence, but you really have to move around and try different lanes. I think we’re in a good position to have a strong weekend.”

Atop the No. 77 Box – Crew Chief Luke Lambert

  • Crew chief Luke Lambert has called 23 Cup Series races at Kansas, collecting three top-10 finishes and a pole position with driver Daniel Hemric in Oct. 2019.
  • Lambert has stood atop the box for two Kansas races in Xfinity Series competition where he led Noah Gragson to Victory lane in Sept. 2022.
  • Following a seventh-place result with Hocevar at Bristol, Lambert now owns 100 top 10s in the Cup Series, ranking eighth among active Cup Series crew chiefs.

About Spire Motorsports …
Spire Motorsports earned its inaugural NASCAR Cup Series victory in its first full season of competition when Justin Haley took the checkered flag in the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway on July 7, 2019. Less than three years later, William Byron drove Spire Motorsports’ No. 7 Chevrolet Silverado to its inaugural NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series win on April 7, 2022, at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway. The team’s most recent CRAFTSMAN Truck Series win came on May 30, 2025, when Rajah Caruth took the checkered flag in the Rackley Roofing 200 at Nashville (Tenn.) Superspeedway.

In 2025, Spire Motorsports campaigns the Nos. 7, 71 and 77 Chevrolets in the NASCAR Cup Series. The team also fields the Nos. 7, 71 and 77 Chevrolet Silverados in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series and an ARCA Menards Series Chevrolet in select events.

CHAMPIONSHIP HUNT COMES TO THRILLING CONCLUSION AT 60TH ANNUAL IN-N-OUT BURGER NHRA FINALS

By
Official Release
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POMONA, Calif. (Sept. 23, 2025) – With NHRA’s 75th anniversary celebration on deck for next season, the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series closes out a thrilling 2025 season at the historic 60th annual In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals at famed In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip on Nov. 13-16.

The In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals stands as the final race on the 2025 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season and all eyes will be on Pomona. For six decades, the World Finals has been home to some of drag racing’s biggest moments and with the stakes at a fever pitch – and more than a $2 million championship purse up for grabs – who will make history this year?

The drama will almost certainly go down to the wire, as championships have been decided on a winner-take-all final round the last two years.

The weekend starts with two rounds of qualifying on Friday – as well as a special Veteran’s Day ceremony – the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, all leading into eliminations on Sunday, where championships will be decided, legends will be made and legacies will be forged, all at one of the most historic venues in motorsports.

Plus, it’s also the final opportunity to watch Brittany Force in action, as the two-time Top Fuel star announced she will be retiring from full-time racing at the end of 2025. With one race left at her home track, the record-breaking Force could have one more magical moment in store at Pomona.

Last season, Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Jack Beckman (Funny Car), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle) won the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals while Brown, Austin Prock (Funny Car), Anderson and Gaige Herrea (Pro Stock Motorcycle) each secured world titles. The 2025 race will again be broadcast on FS1, including eliminations coverage starting at 5 p.m. ET on Sunday, Nov. 16.

Brown secured his fourth Top Fuel world championship last season at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip and also won his third In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals. Doug Kalitta leads the points in a loaded field, where things could come down to the wire in Pomona. Close behind are a flurry of standouts, including teammate Shawn Langdon, racing legend Tony Stewart, Charlotte winner Justin Ashley and Clay Millican.

Beckman, a Southern California native, won for the third time at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip over Prock, who secured his first world title earlier in the day at the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals and also made a jaw-dropping 341-mph run. Prock secured the regular season title in Indy and went on to win the NHRA U.S. Nationals. He picked up a playoff win in Charlotte to maintain the lead, hoping to hold off the likes of three-time champ Ron Capps and four-time champ Matt Hagan in Pomona.

In Pro Stock, reigning world champ Greg Anderson and points leader Dallas Glenn appear headed for another collision course. Last year featured a thrilling winner-take-all final between the KB Titan Racing teammates, with Anderson coming out on top. Thus far, Glenn has dominated the playoffs, winning the first two races. Anderson looms in second and is ready for another late-season run, while the likes of Aaron Stanfield, Matt Hartford and Cory Reed have their own championship aspirations.

Once again, the Pro Stock Motorcycle ranks has been a battle between the Vance & Hines team and Matt Smith Racing. Richard Gadson moved into the points lead with his victory in Charlotte, but Gadson’s teammate, back-to-back world champ Gaige Herrera, six-time champ Matt Smith and MSR rider John Hall all remain in contention on what will be a heated, must-see battle in Pomona.

Race fans will also see action in the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, featuring some of the world’s best drivers, along with the Summit Jr. Drag Racing League Shootout and the LASD Racing exhibition.

This year’s In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals also features a can’t-miss experience for racing and car enthusiasts alike. The Top Eliminator Club offers the best seats in the house, a premium experience and several exclusive benefits at one of the biggest races of the season, including a members-only hospitality center, complimentary food and beverages, members-only souvenir store, exclusive driver appearances, a gift bag, a premium view of the staging lanes and much more.

In Pomona, the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series will feature two qualifying rounds at 12:30 and 3 p.m. PT on Friday, Nov. 14, and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, Nov. 15 at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 11 a.m. PT on Sunday, Nov. 16. Television coverage includes qualifying action on FS1 at 10 a.m. ET on Sunday and then eliminations on FS1 at 5 p.m. ET on Sunday.

To purchase tickets to the 60th annual In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals, fans can visit www.NHRA.com/tickets. All children 12 and under will be admitted free in the general admission area with a paid adult. For more information about NHRA, visit www.NHRA.com.

About Mission Foods

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

About NHRA

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

Front Row Motorsports: Kansas Speedway Competition Notes- Todd Gilliland

By
Official Release
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Todd Gilliland and the No. 34 Dean’s Dip Ford Team
Kansas Speedway Competition Notes
Hollywood Casino 400

Date: Sunday, September 28, 2025
Event: Race 33 of 38
Series: NASCAR Cup Series
Location: Kansas Speedway (1.5-mile)
#of Laps: 267
Time/TV/Radio: 3:00 PM ET on USA/MRN/SiriusXM channel 90

Todd Gilliland Notes

After a 19th-place finish last Sunday at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Todd Gilliland and the No. 34 team now turn their focus to the Kansas Speedway. In seven Cup Series starts at the 1.5-mile track, Gilliland has earned two top-15 finishes, including a career-best 12th-place run in the spring after starting 23rd. He’s also found success at Kansas in the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, recording one top-five and three top-10’s in five starts.

Dean’s Dip will make their NASCAR debut this weekend with Gilliland and the No. 34 team. Famous for their coveted French Onion Dip, Dean’s Dairy Dip delivers the best tasting dip to race fans. With the perfect amount of spices and cool ‘n creamy mouthfeel, Dean’s Dip offers bold flavor and smooth texture that no dipper can resist. Try Dean’s Dip’s new flavors: Jalapeño Popper and Creamy Dill! “The team and I are pumped about the new partnership with Dean’s Dip,” said Gilliland. “We did a taste test with all their different dips, and the shop floor loved them. Hopefully, I can deliver them a good performance in their debut.” For more information, fans can visit www.DeansDip.com.

“I’ve faced some challenges at Kansas in the past, but we had a strong run there in the spring with a 12th-place finish, so I’m optimistic heading into the weekend,” said Gilliland. “To get the results we want, we need to put together a solid weekend all around, and that starts with qualifying well on Saturday. If we can get that dialed in, I’m confident we can execute on Sunday.”

Road Crew

Driver: Todd Gilliland

Hometown: Sherrills Ford, North Carolina

Crew Chief: Chris Lawson

Hometown: Medway, Ohio

Car Chief: Joe Marra

Hometown: Somers, New York

Engineer: Marc Rullo

Hometown: Ringwood, New Jersey

Engineer: Kevyn Rebolledo

Hometown: Mooresville, North Carolina

Spotter: Brit Andersen

Hometown: Branford, Connecticut

Underneath Mechanic: Michael Brookes

Hometown: Columbus, Ohio

Interior Mechanic: Chance Burke

Hometown: Siler City, North Carolina

Tire Specialist: Billy John

Hometown: Pitman, New Jersey

Engine Tuner: Tim Meyer

Hometown: Beatrice, Nebraska

Transporter Driver: Randy Bernier

Hometown: Mooresville, North Carolina

Pit Crew

Front Tire Changer: Danny Olszowy

Hometown: Lexington, Kentucky

Rear Tire Changer: Justin Fox

Hometown: Concord, North Carolina

Tire Carrier: Paul Steele

Hometown: Wichita, Kansas

Jackman: Landon Honeycutt

Hometown: Mount Pleasant, North Carolina

Fueler: Zeke Nance

Hometown: Calhoun, Georgia

ABOUT DEAN’S DIP

Famous for their coveted French Onion Dip, Dean’s® Dairy Dip delivers the best tasting dip to race fans. With the perfect amount of spices and cool ‘n creamy mouthfeel, Dean’s Dip offers bold flavor and smooth texture that no dipper can resist. Try Dean’s® Dip’s new flavors: Jalapeño Popper and Creamy Dill! For more information, please visit www.DeansDip.com.

ABOUT FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS

Front Row Motorsports (FRM) is a winning organization in the NASCAR Cup and Craftsman Truck Series. The team is the 2021 Daytona 500 and 2022 Craftsman Truck Series champions. The team was founded in 2004 and is owned by successful entrepreneur, Bob Jenkins. FRM fields the No. 4, No. 34, and the No. 38 NASCAR Cup Series teams along with the No. 34 and No. 38 Craftsman Truck Series teams from its Mooresville, N.C. headquarters. Visit teamfrm.com and follow FRM on social media: Twitter at @Team_FRM, Instagram at @teamfrm and Facebook at facebook.com/FrontRowMotorsports.

HFT Advance | Kansas II

By
Official Release
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Kansas II Event Info:
Date: Sunday, Sept. 28
Time: 3 p.m. ET
Series: NASCAR Cup Series (NCS)
Location: Kansas City, Kansas
Format: 267 Laps, 400.5 Miles, Stages: 80-165-267
TV: USA
Radio: MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Channel 90)

Weekend Schedule:
Saturday: 10:30 a.m. ET, Xfinity Practice (CW App, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
Saturday: 11:35 a.m. ET, Xfinity Qualifying (CW App, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
Saturday: 1 p.m. ET, Cup Practice (TruTV, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
Saturday: 2:10 p.m. ET, Cup Qualifying (TruTV, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
Saturday: 4 p.m. ET, Xfinity Race (CW, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
Sunday: 3 p.m. ET, Cup Race (USA, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)

Pace Laps:

  • The NASCAR Cup Series heads to Kansas Speedway this weekend as the track hosts its second race of the 2025 season and the opening race of the Round of 12 in the Cup Series playoffs.
  • Kansas is also the site for the second race in the Round of 12 of the NASCAR Xfinity Series playoffs following a week off.
  • Sam Mayer sits third in the playoff standings with 2066 points, +35 points to the cutline, while Sheldon Creed is in seventh place with 2038 points, +7 above the cutline.
  • Mayer (10.3) holds the second highest average finish among full-time NASCAR Xfinity Series drivers this season, behind only Connor Zilisch (8.3).
  • Mayer has finished inside the top five in five of his previous seven and has tied his career-high with 13 top-five finishes this season (also: 2023).
  • Mayer (7.2) also has the third highest average starting position among full-time NASCAR Xfinity Series drivers this season, behind Zilisch (6.2) Justin Allgaier (6.9).
  • He has started inside the top five in each of his last seven starts dating back to his lone pole of the season at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in July.
  • Creed’s only career Cup Series start came at Kansas in 2023, when he finished 29th while driving the No. 78 for Live Fast Motorsports.

Cole Custer Team Info:
Crew Chief: Aaron Kramer
Partner: Haas/Andy’s

Sheldon Creed Team Info:
Crew Chief: Jonathan Toney
Partner: Ollie’s

Sam Mayer Team Info:
Crew Chief: Jason Trinchere
Partner: Audibel

Custer at Kansas (Cup)
Starts: 8
Wins: —
Top-10s: 1
Poles: —

  • Custer makes his ninth Cup start at Kansas this weekend, where he has a 19.5 average finish. His lone top-10 result came in the fall of 2020 when he finished seventh.
  • His best start was P10 in the spring of 2021, and he boasts a 21.5 average starting position.
  • Custer has also made six NXS starts at Kansas, and is coming off a P2 finish last fall after leading 48 laps.

Creed at Kansas (Xfinity)
Starts: 3
Wins: —
Top-10s: 2
Poles: —

  • Creed is set to make his fourth Xfinity start at Kansas on Saturday, where he is coming off a fifth-place finish in last season’s race. His other top-10 result came in 2023 when he finished third after starting 16th.
  • He has started inside the top 10 in one start – P3 in 2022 – and carries an 11.3 average starting position into the weekend.

Mayer at Kansas (Xfinity)
Starts: 4
Wins: —
Top-10s: 2
Poles: —

  • Mayer is in line for his fifth Xfinity start at Kansas this weekend, coming off a 13th-place finish in last season’s race. His two top-10 finishes in the NXS came in 2021 (8th) and 2022 (9th).
  • His best start was P5 last season, and he holds an average starting position of 9.5.

Where They Stand
Cup Points Standings (41: 33rd): Custer is 33rd in the Cup Series points standings with 380 points heading into Kansas this Sunday.

Xfinity Points Standings (41: 3rd, 00: 7th): Mayer sits third in the Xfinity Series playoff standings with 2066 points, +35 points to the cutline, while Creed is in 7th place with 2038 points, +7 points above the cutline.

St. Louis Advance for the 14th Annual NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals

By
Official Release
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Tony Stewart & Matt Hagan
Top Fuel | Funny Car
14th Annual NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals

Sept. 26-28 | St. Louis

Event Overview

Friday, Sept. 26 (Nitro Qualifying, streamed live on NHRA.TV)

Nitro qualifying session (Q1): 6 p.m. CDT/7 p.m. EDT
Nitro qualifying session (Q2): 8 p.m. CDT/9 p.m. EDT

Saturday, Sept. 27 (Nitro Qualifying, streamed live on NHRA.TV)

Nitro qualifying session (Q3): 12:15 p.m. CDT/1:15 p.m. EDT
Nitro qualifying session (Q4): 3 p.m. CDT/4 p.m. EDT

Sunday, Sept. 28 (Nitro Eliminations, streamed live on NHRA.TV)

Round 1: 11 a.m. CDT/12 p.m. EDT
Round 2: 1 p.m. CDT/2 p.m. EDT
Semifinals: 2:40 p.m. CDT/3:40 p.m. EDT
Finals: 4:15 p.m. CDT/5:15 p.m. EDT

TV coverage on FS1

Sunday, Sept. 28: Qualifying show recapping Friday and Saturday’s action (1:30 p.m. EDT)
Sunday, Sept. 28: Finals show (3 p.m. EDT)

Notes of Interest

The NHRA Midwest Nationals near St. Louis is the 17th race on the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series’ 20-race schedule and it is the third round in the six-race Countdown to the Championship. Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) drivers Tony Stewart (Top Fuel) and Matt Hagan (Funny Car) are both in the Countdown, with 2025 marking Stewart’s second appearance in the NHRA postseason and Hagan’s 13th consecutive appearance.

Stewart is fourth in the Top Fuel standings heading into St. Louis, 68 points behind championship leader Doug Kalitta. Hagan is currently second in the Funny Car championship standings, 79 points behind leader Austin Prock. Hagan is a four-time champion (2011, 2014, 2020 and 2023).

American Rebel Beer is the primary sponsor of both Hagan and Stewart in St. Louis. American Rebel Beer was founded in April of 2024 by American Rebel CEO Andy Ross. American Rebel Beer is All Natural, Crisp, Clean and has a Bold Taste with a Lighter Feel. It does not use corn, rice or other sweeteners typically found in other mass-produced beers. American Rebel Beer is currently offered in 15 states (Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, and Virginia), with additional states being announced soon. You can also find American Rebel in various legendary bars like Kid Rock’s, Tootsies, Honky Tony Central, and many others in the entertainment district in Nashville, as well as retail outlets, venues and music festivals throughout the United States. American Rebel Beer is America’s Patriotic, God-Fearing, Constitution-Loving, National Anthem Singing, Stand Your Ground Beer.

The NHRA Midwest Nationals will be Stewart’s 37th career Top Fuel start and his second at St. Louis. For Hagan, the NHRA Midwest Nationals will be his 369th career Funny Car start and his 16th at the track.

Stewart is seeking his first victory in the NHRA Midwest Nationals, as well as his first No. 1 qualifier at the event. In 2024, Stewart secured the No. 11 qualifying position and ran a 3.755 ET at 323.58 mph in Round 1 of eliminations, which lost to Shawn Reed’s 3.773 ET at 319.29 mph. Stewart’s wife, Leah Pruett, advanced to the Finals in 2023 in the Top Fuel Dragster, defeating Shawn Langdon, Doug Kalitta and Steve Torrence, before losing to Clay Millican in the Finals.

The Regular Season Champion in Top Fuel (Stewart clinched the title in Indianapolis) has won the overall championship five of the last eight years. No. 1 seeds have won 31 of the 68 series championships in the Countdown Era. Tony is seeking his first win light at St. Louis and is trying to become the 28th different Top Fuel driver to win a Countdown event.

Hagan enters the NHRA Midwest Nationals with two wins in 2021 and 2023. In 2021, his 3.933 ET, 333.49 mph run defeated Bob Tasca III (3.967 ET at 329.99 mph). In 2023, Hagan’s 3.991 ET at 324.90 mph defeated Ron Capps’ 4.025 ET, 306.88 mph run. Hagan has three No. 1 qualifiers at St. Louis, which came in 2013 (4.001 ET at 320.20 mph), 2015 (3.883 ET at 330.47 mph) and 2021 (3.875 ET at 327.03 mph). Hagan has gone to the finals six times at St. Louis, with runner-up finishes in 2012, 2014, 2015 and 2020. After posting a 7-10 record with no wins in his first 10 starts at St. Louis, Hagan has raced in the final round three of the last five years.

Hagan is coming off of a No. 1 qualifying position at the NHRA Four-Wide Carolina Nationals in Charlotte, the 54th of his career and second of the season (NHRA Sonoma Nationals was the first).

Tony Stewart, Driver of the American Rebel Beer Dodge//SRT Top Fuel Dragster

St. Louis marks three Countdown weekends in a row for the American Rebel Beer crew. What momentum does that give you?

“We always have a fun weekend when Andy Ross from American Rebel is with us. He’s an awesome cheerleader that cares about our teams as much as we do. To have him and the large amount of guests he’s bringing, we’re proud of that. We’re having three grueling weeks in a row. I like it because that’s what I’m used to in NASCAR, so you just grind it out. We’ll get through St. Louis, then it gives both the Top Fuel and Funny Car teams time to regroup to get ready for the last three races. You’re never out until they say you’re mathematically out of it. We’re still in a decent spot right now, but we have our work to do.”

Matt Hagan, Driver of the American Rebel Beer Dodge//SRT Hellcat Funny Car

You’re coming off a final-round appearance at the NHRA Four-Wide Carolina Nationals and St. Louis marks three Countdown weekends in a row. What momentum does that give you?

“We are now second in points and within striking distance. (Austin) Prock and his JFR team is very tough. The kid cuts a good light, and they run really strong. We need to keep doing what we do and not worry about anyone else. If we run the racetrack as hard as we can, and we look at what is in front of us, I know we can win. That has always been my thinking that we just go race the track in front of us. I’m just proud of our TSR crew guys since they have worked so hard in recent weeks. We have been through some tough explosions the last few weeks, but I know we are ready to put that American Rebel Beer Dodge Hellcat back in the winner’s circle at St. Louis next weekend.”

Ford Going for Second Straight Playoff Win This Weekend in Kansas

By
Official Release
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KANSAS 2

Saturday, September 27 – NASCAR Xfinity Series, 4 p.m. ET (CW)
Saturday, September 28 – NASCAR Cup Series, 3 p.m. ET (USA)

It’s the middle race in the Round of 12 for both the NASCAR Cup and NASCAR Xfinity Series as Kansas Speedway serves as the host venue. Ford’s Ryan Blaney has already clinched a spot in the Round of 8 after his Cup victory last weekend in New Hampshire while defending champ Joey Logano and Austin Cindric remain in contention. After a week off, the Xfinity Series returns with all three Ford drivers – Sam Mayer, Harrison Burton, and Sheldon Creed – above the cut line.

BLANEY HEADING TO THE ROUND OF 8

Ryan Blaney clinched a spot in the Round of 8 after winning last weekend’s NASCAR Cup Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. It marked the continuation of a streak that has seen the 2023 champion finish eighth or better in nine of the last 10 races, including a pair of victories (Daytona and New Hampshire). Blaney has now won three races this season, which matches a personal best he’s done three other times (2021, 2023, and 2024).

LOGANO’S KANSAS PLAYOFF SUCCESS

Joey Logano will be looking for his fourth career win at Kansas Speedway this weekend, which would match a personal best as he has four at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and Phoenix Raceway. He won for the first time at Kansas in 2014, and then did it again one year later in a well-documented battle with Matt Kenseth that resulted in contact as the two entered turn one with five laps to go. That controversial finish marked Logano’s second straight playoff win and led to a sweep of the round as he took the checkered flag the following week at Talladega. His last Kansas win came in 2020 when he led the final 45 laps to beat Kevin Harvick across the finish line and clinch a spot in the Championship 4.

KESELOWSKI AND KANSAS

Brad Keselowski has won at 17 different racetracks during his NASCAR Cup Series career, including twice at Kansas Speedway. In 31 career Cup Series starts, the Michigan native has a pair of victories (2011 and 2019), seven top-5 and 14 top-10 finishes. He’s led at least one lap in three of the last four events and is looking to rebound from a crash that took him out of the spring race at Kansas after 194 laps.

FORD DRIVERS IN THE CUP PLAYOFFS

DRIVER – POINTS POSITION

Ryan Blaney – New Hampshire Winner (Clinched Round of 8)

Joey Logano – 6th (+24 above the cut line)

Austin Cindric – 10th (-19 below the cut line)

Note: Top 8 advance after Charlotte

FORD PLAYOFF DRIVERS AT KANSAS

Joey Logano: 32 starts, 3 wins, 9 top-5, 13 top-10

Ryan Blaney: 21 starts, 0 wins, 5 top-5, 9 top-10

Austin Cindric: 8 starts, 0 wins, 0 top-5, 0 top-10

RYAN BLANEY: “It’s been a long time since we’ve run a traditional mile-and-a-half and you hope that what we’ve learned at Charlotte and the previous mile-and-a-halves you apply. It’s the first time you’re gonna try like, ‘Maybe we should go down this path and we think it’s better.’ That’s what racing is. You think of directions that are better and you talk through them and you sim them and all of that stuff and then you have to make your decision. That could be good or it could be bad. That’s the beauty of showing up and you’ve got what you got. We’ll see where we stack up. I don’t really know what to expect, to be honest with you. It’s been a while and things could be massively different than what you saw at Charlotte, or it could be the exact same. I don’t know.”

MAYER LOOKS TO CONTINUE TOP FIVE ROLL

Sam Mayer is coming off a third-place finish two weeks ago in the playoff opener at Bristol Motor Speedway, continuing a streak that has seen him finish fifth or better in five of the last seven races. Included in that is a victory at Iowa and a pair of runner-up finishes at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Watkins Glen International. Overall, Mayer has 13 top-5 and 16 top-10 efforts this season.

FORD DRIVERS IN THE XFINITY PLAYOFFS

DRIVER – POINTS POSITION

Sam Mayer – 3rd (+35 above the cut line)

Harrison Burton – 5th (+9)

Sheldon Creed – 7th (+7)

Note: Top 8 advance after Charlotte

FORD PLAYOFF DRIVERS AT KANSAS

Sam Mayer: 4 starts, 0 wins, 0 top-10, 2 top-10

Sheldon Creed: 3 starts, 0 wins, 2 top-5, 2 top-10

Harrison Burton: 4 starts, 0 wins, 1 top-5, 1 top-10

FORD NASCAR CUP SERIES WINNERS

AT KANSAS

2005 – Mark Martin

2007 – Greg Biffle

2010 – Greg Biffle

2012 – Matt Kenseth (2)

2014 – Joey Logano (2)

2015 – Joey Logano (2)

2018 – Kevin Harvick (1)

2019 – Brad Keselowski (1)

2020 – Joey Logano (2)

FORD NASCAR XFINITY SERIES WINNERS

AT KANSAS

2001 – Jeff Green

2002 – Jeff Burton

2012 – Ricky Stenhouse Jr.

2020 – Chase Briscoe

The Ford Mustang, celebrating its 61st anniversary in 2025, is the world’s best selling sports car. It is also one of the planet’s most popular race cars. With Mustang-based race cars competing in international sports car competition (GT3 and GT4), NASCAR, NHRA, Formula Drift, in Australian Supercars, at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb and in its own bespoke one-make series – Mustang Cup and Mustang Challenge – the platform has an unprecedented global reach. This weekend, 21 Mustang race cars are scheduled to race across all disciplines. Learn more at FordRacing.com.

RFK Advance | Kansas II

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Official Release
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Kansas II Event Info:
Date: Sunday, Sept. 28
Time: 3 p.m. ET
Series: NASCAR Cup Series (NCS)
Location: Kansas City, Kansas
Format: 267 Laps, 400.5 Miles, Stages: 80-165-267
TV: USA
Radio: MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Channel 90)

Weekend Schedule:
Saturday: 1 p.m. ET, Cup Practice (TruTV, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
Saturday: 2:10 p.m. ET, Cup Qualifying (TruTV, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
Sunday: 3 p.m. ET, Cup Race (USA, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)

Pace Laps:

  • The NASCAR Cup Series heads to Kansas Speedway this weekend as the track hosts its second race of the 2025 season and the opening race of the Round of 12 in the Cup Series playoffs.
  • Jack Roush has four wins in the Cup Series at Kansas and nine overall, the most recent in 2012.
  • Chris Buescher is tied for the third highest average starting position (12.2) in the Cup Series this season, anchored by 11 starts inside the top 10.
  • Buescher is also one of eight drivers with 15+ top-10 results this season, and has an average finish of 13.8 which is the sixth highest among Cup drivers.
  • Keselowski has posted five top-10 finishes over his last 10 races, including three in the top five, with an average finish of 13.3 dating back to Dover.
  • Kansas is one of 12 tracks that Keselowski has driven to victory lane multiple times at during his Cup Series career.
  • Ryan Preece has set Cup Series career highs this season in top-fives (3) and top-10s (10), and has finished inside the top-20 in 14 of his last 16 starts.

6 Team Info:
Driver: Brad Keselowski
Crew Chief: Jeremy Bullins
Partner: Solomon Plumbing

17 Team Info:
Driver: Chris Buescher
Crew Chief: Scott Graves
Partner: Body Guard

60 Team Info:
Driver: Ryan Preece
Crew Chief: Derrick Finley
Partner: Kroger / Minute Rice

Keselowski at Kansas
Starts: 31
Wins: 2 (2011, 2019)
Top-10s: 14
Poles: 2 (2015, 2021)

  • Keselowski makes his 32nd start at Kansas this weekend, a track where he carries a 13.3 average finish. He led laps in both Kansas races a season ago, and took home an 37th-place finish in the spring despite running in the top five most of the afternoon.
  • Keselowski has an average starting position of 13.2 with 17 starts inside the top-10. He most recently qualified 36th in the spring, and has two career poles (2015, 2021) in Kansas.
  • He also made a combined 10 starts in the Xfinity and Truck Series with one win and five combined top-10s.

Buescher at Kansas
Starts: 19
Wins: —
Top-10s: 5
Poles: —

  • Buescher makes his 20th start at Kansas this weekend, a track that he has five top-10s at with a best finish of second last spring. He led 53 laps in that race in what stands as the closest finish ever in NASCAR history.
  • He’s coming off an eighth-place finish in the spring race earlier this season after qualifying on the front row.
  • Dating back to the 2022 fall event Buescher has qualified 14th or better in five of six races, with an average starting position of 18.5.
  • Buescher made three Xfinity starts at Kansas from 2013-15 with a best finish of sixth (2015).

Preece at Kansas
Starts: 11
Wins: —
Top-10s: 1
Poles: —

  • Preece is set for his 12th Cup start at Kansas this weekend, where he posted a career-best finish of seventh at the track earlier this spring.
  • Preece holds a 27.5 average starting position at Kansas, with a best career start of 12th in the spring of 2021.
  • Preece also made two Xfinity starts at Kansas, along with one truck start.

RFK Historically at Kansas
Cup Wins: 4 (Mark Martin, 2005; Greg Biffle, 2007, 2010; Matt Kenseth, 2012)

  • Follow the Yellow Brick Road: Overall, RFK has started 190 races across the three national series, earning nine wins, 42 top-five finishes, 80 top-10 finishes and has an overall average finish of 15th.
  • Winning at Kansas: RFK swept both the NASCAR Xfinity Series and NCS races at Kansas in the fall of 2012 with Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Matt Kenseth. Stenhouse became the sixth driver to win at the track for the organization via his Xfinity victory. NASCAR Hall of Famer Mark Martin earned RFK’s first NCS win at Kansas in 2005 and former driver Greg Biffle bested the 1.5-mile track in 2007 and 2010. RFK’s first overall win at Kansas came in 2002 via Jeff Burton in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. Three drivers (Jon Wood in 2003, Carl Edwards in 2004 and Erik Darnell in 2007) have won in the NCWTS at Kansas for RFK.
  • Tale of the Tape: RFK has started 121 NCS races at Kansas, recording four victories, 21 top-five finishes, 40 top-10 finishes, an average finish of 16.6 and has led 1051 laps. Kenseth earned the most recent victory at Kansas in the fall of 2012.

RFK Kansas Wins

2002 Burton NXS
2003 Wood Truck
2004 Edwards Truck
2005 Martin Cup
2007 Biffle Cup
2007 Darnell Truck
2010 Biffle Cup
2012-2 Kenseth Cup
2012 Stenhouse NXS

Last Time Out & Where They Stand
Loudon: Preece 14th; Buescher 18th; Keselowski 23rd.

Points Standings (17: 17th, 60: 18th, 6: 20th): Buescher and Preece sit 17th and 18th in points, respectively, while Keselowski remained 20th in the standings, just eight points behind Ty Gibbs.

Mobile Car Detailing: The Future of Automotive Care for Busy Drivers

By
SM
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Keeping a car looking sharp has always been part of responsible ownership, but finding the time for it is another story. Between long workdays, family commitments, and the daily grind of commuting, many drivers struggle to fit vehicle care into their schedule. That is where mobile car detailing comes in. Instead of making a trip to a workshop, customers can now book online and have the service arrive at their doorstep. Companies like Schmicko’s Sydney mobile car detailing are proving how well this works, combining professional results with unmatched convenience.

Why Mobile Car Detailing is on the Rise

Traditional car washes and detailing shops have always been around, but they come with one big downside: time. Even a quick wash can mean sitting in traffic, waiting in line, and losing part of your day. Mobile detailing removes that hassle. A trained technician arrives at your home, office, or fleet yard with everything needed to restore your vehicle.

The rise of on-demand services in other industries has set the stage for this shift. Just as people order food or book rides from their phone, car owners now expect the same level of ease when it comes to automotive care. Mobile detailing is the natural answer.

What Makes Mobile Detailing Different

Mobile car detailing is far more than a simple wash. Packages often include exterior cleaning, interior vacuuming, leather conditioning, polishing, and advanced paint protection such as ceramic or graphene coatings.

Is mobile detailing as good as a workshop detail?

Yes. Mobile detailers use the same professional-grade tools and products found in top workshops, including dual-action polishers and high-quality coatings. The only difference is location. Instead of you driving to them, they bring the service to your driveway or workplace.

Professionals also carry steam cleaners that sanitize interiors with minimal water and biodegradable chemicals designed to protect your car and the environment. Compared to DIY methods, the finish lasts longer and looks noticeably better.

A Smart Fit for Busy City Drivers

Time is the most valuable resource for today’s drivers, and mobile detailing is designed to save it. For professionals balancing long hours, parents with family responsibilities, or fleet managers overseeing multiple vehicles, having the service come to you makes perfect sense.

Do mobile detailers bring their own water and power?

Reputable operators do. Vans are equipped with water tanks, generators, and all the necessary tools. Customers don’t need to provide anything — the service is fully self-contained.

Sydney is a prime example of where this model works best. With heavy traffic, limited parking, and busy schedules, traditional workshop visits are often impractical. Schmicko has built its reputation by solving this exact problem. With more than 700 five-star reviews, it has become a trusted name for quality and convenience across the city.

Eco-Friendly Car Care Is The New Normal

Sustainability is now a major driver in the car care industry. Many mobile detailers use waterless or low-water wash systems that clean effectively while conserving resources. According to Future Market Insights, the mobile car wash and detailing sector is booming due to rising consumer demand for convenient, eco-friendly options such as waterless car wash technology and biodegradable cleaning products. The global market is projected to reach approximately USD 126.3 billion in 2025, nearly doubling to USD 282.9 billion by 2035, reflecting a strong Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8.4% during this period. Growth drivers include adoption of green cleaning methods, app-enabled booking platforms, urbanization, and investments in AI-powered scheduling and sustainable cleaning solutions.

Are eco-friendly cleaning methods effective?

Yes. Waterless and low-water wash products are designed with lubricants and biodegradable compounds that lift dirt safely. Paired with microfiber cloths, they prevent scratches while delivering a spotless finish. These methods meet both environmental standards and customer expectations.

Why Professional Care Outshines DIY

It is tempting to think a bucket of water and a sponge will get the job done, but DIY washes often lead to swirl marks, missed spots, and even scratches when the wrong products are used. Paint correction and protective coatings require training and experience to apply correctly.

How much does mobile detailing cost compared to a regular wash?

Mobile detailing usually costs more than a drive-through wash but less than high-end workshop services. The real value comes from professional-grade results, time saved, and the convenience of not having to leave home.

Professional detailers know how to treat different paint types, leather trims, and delicate surfaces. The result is not just a cleaner car but one that maintains its value and stands out on the road.

The Future of Car Care

Mobile detailing is not just about today’s convenience — it reflects where the industry is heading. Subscription packages are becoming popular, allowing drivers to keep their cars in top condition year-round without needing to rebook.

Operators are also expanding into add-ons like dash cam installations, odour removal, headlight restoration, and even paint protection film.

Can I book a regular detailing schedule?

Yes. Many companies now offer weekly, monthly, or quarterly plans. These subscriptions give drivers predictable costs and peace of mind, knowing their vehicles are always taken care of.

Technology will also push this industry forward. App-based bookings, cashless payments, and even AI-driven scheduling are becoming standard. As vehicles themselves get smarter, with sensors detecting dirt and wear, mobile detailers may soon respond directly to service alerts from the car.

Conclusion

Mobile car detailing is more than just a convenience. It is a smarter, eco-friendlier, and more efficient way to care for vehicles in a busy world. For drivers, it means saving time while protecting one of their most valuable assets. For businesses, it represents a growing opportunity to meet customers where they are.Companies like Schmicko in Sydney show how well this model works, combining digital booking with hands-on expertise to deliver results people can trust. To explore how this approach is shaping the future of car care, visi

CORVETTE RACING AT FUJI: Big Hopes in Far East

By
Official Release
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Title challenge for TF Sport Corvettes enters critical stage with two races left

DETROIT (September 23, 2025) – A return to the podium – hopefully on the top step – is on the mind TF Sport as the Corvette Z06 GT3.R program heads to Fuji Speedway for the Six Hours of Fuji and the next-to-last round for the FIA World Endurance Championship.

Title hopes remain alive for both of the team’s Corvettes, which sit third and sixth in the LMGT3 Drivers and Teams standings with 65 points available across the final two races.

Even better is that each lineup features at least one driver who has won a race at the 2.835-mile, 16-turn Fuji Speedway circuit in the past. That’s even more encouraging considering the pace that the TF Sport Corvettes showed a year ago plus the performance of the Corvette at Fuji earlier this year – including a race win and pole position in GT World Challenge Asia competition.

No. 33 TF Sport Corvette Z06 GT3.R

The trio of Daniel Juncadella, Jonny Edgar and Ben Keating are third in the Drivers Championship and 29 points out of the points lead. A season-opening victory at Qatar remains the group’s only podium finish of the season but the pace of the No. 33 Corvette has been strong the last three races.

Experience at Fuji varies between the three teammates. Edgar won’t just make his first start at Fuji… he’ll also make his first trip to Japan. Juncadella made his Fuji debut a year ago in a TF Sport Corvette that was running as high as fifth in class before a couple of mechanical issues forced the car’s retirement inside the final hour.

Keating’s past success at Fuji is one that TF Sport hopes will continue for this season. He’s finished on the class podium in each of his three previous race starts including a win with TF Sport in 2022. His last race at the circuit came two years ago in a Corvette C8.R, and he finished second in the race as part of his GTE Am championship-winning season.

No. 81 TF Sport Corvette Z06 GT3.R

Charlie Eastwood, Rui Andrade and Tom Van Rompuy are back for their second shot at a race win or podium at Fuji in the No. 81 Corvette. Van Rompuy qualified second and led twice in his stint before Andrade continued the strong run at the front.

Eastwood was at wheel late and charging toward a podium or race win when he was hit and spun by a Hypercar with more than hour left. He made up seven spots in that span to fourth at the end. Like Keating, Eastwood has previously won at Fuji with TF Sport but back in 2019. Andrade captured victory in LMP2 in the 2023 race and made his first GT-class start at Fuji last year with TF Sport.

The No. 81 Corvette finished second at Le Mans and third at Sāo Paulo earlier this year before finishing out of the points last time out at COTA. There’s still positive momentum within the 81 Corvette lineup as Eastwood and Andrade were part of a third-place class finish at Silverstone in the most recent round of the European Le Mans Series.

The Six Hours of Fuji scheduled for 11 a.m. JST Sunday and 10 p.m. ET Saturday. Full, live television coverage is available on the MotorTrend in the United States. Live streaming coverage of Free Practice 3, qualifying and the race will be available on the FIA WEC app and the MAX app in the United States.

TF SPORT PRE-EVENT QUOTES

DANI JUNCADELLA, NO. 33 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “We’re coming to the last two rounds of the year so it’s going to be key to score some big points. We’re still in the hunt for the championship. We’re a little on the back foot because we are a few points behind in third. But I believe we will have a good chance in Fuji. It was a very strong weekend last year in terms of pace. We couldn’t maximize it unfortunately because of an issue on the first pit stop. I love the track, I love the Japanese fans. They’re always very passionate about racing. Let’s see if we can score some big points to be in the hunt for Bahrain.”

JONNY EDGAR, NO. 33 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “It will be my first time in Fuji and first time in Japan. Last year the pace in the Corvette was pretty strong for the team, so that’s a good sign. I’m looking forward to driving the track for the first time. I’ve done it on a simulator before and it looks like a pretty cool track. The simulator helps to get a general idea of the flow of a track. Figuring out the bumps, some lines and curbs can take some time. It definitely helped at COTA and after a couple of laps I felt pretty comfortable. Hopefully I can do the same at Fuji as I learn a new track.”

BEN KEATING, NO. 33 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “I always enjoy going to Japan and racing at Fuji. I’ve never finished off the podium there so I’m excited to go back in the Corvette after a year away and three years after winning there with TF Sport. So this is an event that has been very good to me. Above all the results and success, what makes this event and trip special are the people of Japan and the fans at the racetrack. It’s an incredibly friendly and respectful atmosphere. I hope we can give the ones that are cheering for the Corvette a good result and gain ground in the championship.”

CHARLIE EASTWOOD, NO. 81 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “Fuji was a really good track for us last year. The Corvette felt phenomenal. We’ll be back on the medium tire for this one, which I think suits us a little bit better than the hard. We’re looking for a big result. In the last two races we really need to finish on a high to put a squeeze on the championship side of things and finish as good as we can.”

TOM VAN ROMPUY, NO. 81 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “We had good pace last year, especially in the last sector, and I think our car should be strong in the middle sector as well. The characteristics of the track suit the Corvette. We were in a good place and in contention last year so I hope we are in the same position as last year to start the race, and I can only hope for a strong result in Fuji.”

2025 FIA World Endurance Championship Points

LMGT3 Drivers Standings

  1. Riccardo Pera/Richard Lietz/Ryan Hardwick – 95
  2. Alessio Rovera/Francois Heriau/Simon Mann – 76
  3. Ben Keating/Daniel Juncadella/Jonny Edgar – 66
  4. Clemens Schmid/Jose Maria Lopez/Petru Umbrarescu – 57
  5. Ian James/Mattia Drudi/Zacharie Robichon – 57
  6. Charlie Eastwood/Rui Andrade/Tom Van Rompuy – 56

LMGT3 Teams Standings

  1. No. 92 Manthey 1ST Phorm – 95
  2. No. 21 Vista AF Corse – 76
  3. No. 33 TF Sport – 66
  4. No. 87 Akkodis ASP Team – 57
  5. Heart of Racing Team – 57
  6. No. 81 TF Sport – 56

CORVETTE RACING AT Fuji: By the Numbers

  • 1: One manufacturer, one brand and one race program for 26-plus years – Chevrolet, Corvette and Corvette Racing
  • 1: Number of wins at Fuji this year for the Corvette Z06 GT3.R. Ben Green and Prince Jefri Ibrahim won for Johor Motorsports Racing earlier in GT World Challenge Asia
  • 2: Number of TF Sport Corvettes that advanced to Hyperpole last year in LMGT3. Tom Van Rompuy qualified on the outside of the front row in the No. 81 Z06 GT3.R
  • 2: Pole positions for Corvette Racing entries at Fuji since 2023. Ben Keating claimed pole for the Six Hours of Fuji in 2023 in a Corvette C8.R, and Ben Green was on pole for GTWC Asia Race 2 earlier this year for JMR
  • 4: Previous appearances at the Six Hours of Fuji for the Corvette Racing program
  • 13: Victories so far this year for the Corvette Z06 GT3.R
  • 13: Hours difference between Fuji and Detroit in the Eastern Time Zone. That means this weekend’s race will begin Sunday morning in Japan but late Saturday night Eastern Time
  • 14: Manufacturer Championships for Chevrolet and Corvette Racing since 2001
  • 32: Tracks at which Corvette Racing has won races – Baltimore, Charlotte Motor Speedway, COTA, Canadian Tire Motorsport Park/Mosport, Chang International Circuit (Thailand), Daytona, Detroit, Fuji, Houston, Imola, Laguna Seca, Le Mans, Lime Rock, Long Beach, Lusail International Circuit (Qatar), Sepang International Circuit (Malaysia), Miami, Mid-Ohio, Monza, Portimão, Portland, Road America, Road Atlanta, Sebring, Sonoma, St. Petersburg, Texas, Trois Rivieres, Utah, VIR, Washington DC and Watkins Glen
  • 35: Hours of racing left in the Corvette Z06 GT3.R season covering WEC, ELMS, IMSA and GT World Challenge America, Europe and Asia
  • 39: Number of drivers to win races in Corvette Racing entries since 1999. The latest to join the list was Ross Chouest in GT America at Road America
  • 72: Years since Corvette was introduced to the world on Jan. 17, 1953 in New York City. A total of 300 cars were produced that year
  • 73: Number of drivers in Corvette Racing entries since 1999. The latest to join the list was Konsta Lappalainen for Johor Motorsports Racing at the Suzuka 1000K
  • 151: Victories worldwide for Corvette Racing – 118 in IMSA, nine at Le Mans, four in the FIA WEC, 13 in GT World Challenge America, three in GT World Challenge Asia, two in GT America and one in the European Le Mans Series
  • 350: Event starts by Corvette Racing since 1999
  • 452,308.80: Total number of racing miles completed by Corvette Racing since its inception. To put that in perspective, Corvette Racing is more than halfway to the distance traveled by Apollo 13 – the longest manned spaceflight in history: 622,268 miles. That means Corvette Racing has raced to the moon and more than halfway back!

Corvette Racing at Fuji Speedway (wins in bold)

2022: No. 64 Corvette C8.R: Tommy Milner/Nick Tandy – 5th in GTE Pro

2023: No. 33 Corvette C8.R: Nicky Catsburg/Ben Keating/Nico Varrone –2nd in GTE Am

2024: No. 81 Corvette Z06 GT3.R: Charlie Eastwood/Rui Andrade/Tom Van Rompuy – 4th in LMGT3

No. 82 Corvette Z06 GT3.R: Daniel Juncadella/Sebastien Baud/Hiroshi Koizumi –18th in LMGT3 (DNF)

2025 GTWC Asia: No. 66 Corvette Z06 GT3.R: Prince Abu Bakar Ibrahim/Jordan Love – 3rd, 11th in Pro-Am

No. 99 Corvette Z06 GT3.R: Prince Jefri Ibrahim/Ben Green – 6th, 1st in Pro-Am (Green pole Race 2)

Team Chevy high-resolution racing photos are available for editorial use.

About General Motors

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

Nerea Martí joins Team AlUla for E1 in Lagos

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Official Release
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Team AlUla Championed by LeBron James has signed Nerea Martí for the upcoming UIM E1 World Championship presented by PIF (E1) race in Lagos, Nigeria (4-5 October).

Regular pilots Catie Munnings and Rusty Wyatt are unable to compete in Lagos due to previous commitments so Team AlUla has recruited Spanish racing driver Nerea Martí and Norwegian powerboat racer Andrè Solvang to step in for the penultimate round of the 2025 E1 season.

Nerea Martí began karting at the age of nine, winning regional karting championships before transitioning to the Spanish F4 Championship in 2019. From 2021-2022, Nerea competed in W Series before transitioning to the F1 Academy for the next two years with Campos Racing where she finished fourth in the overall standings. In 2025, Nerea was selected for BMW’s new customer racing development programme, the BMW M Racing Academy. She is also competing for BMW Spain in the Iberian Supercars (GT4 sub-class) series and took the win at the latest race in Valencia.

Lagos marks E1’s African debut with the all-electric E1 RaceBirds competing for outright victory on the Lagos Lagoon in the heart of the city. The E1 Lagos GP is dedicated to positioning Nigeria’s largest city as a premier destination for sustainable innovation and international sporting events.

In the overall standings, Team AlUla is currently sixth – just two points adrift of Westbrook Racing in fifth position. With three top five finishes including one podium result already this season, Team AlUla is eager to break into the top five leaderboard with two rounds and 90 points remaining.

Nerea Martí: “This is a new challenge in my racing career, and I can’t wait to face it. I’ve always raced on asphalt, so doing it on water will definitely be something thrilling. I already felt that excitement during the licence tests, and now I’m really looking forward to competing against the rest of the drivers in what I’m confident will be a great weekend for me and for the whole team. I also want to thank Team AlUla Championed by LeBron James for giving me this opportunity to compete in E1. I’ve always been committed to electric racing — it truly excites me. I already had the chance to drive a Formula E car, and now being able to race an E1 raceboat on a competition weekend will be an unforgettable experience.”

John Marlow, Team AlUla Co-Team Principal: “We’re really pleased to welcome André and Nerea to Team AlUla for the E1 Lagos GP. Nerea’s motorsport pedigree gives her a great foundation for this new challenge. With Lagos being a brand-new venue for everyone, it levels the playing field and makes for an exciting weekend ahead. After a couple of months away from racing, we’re looking forward to getting back on the water with a strong line-up.”

Barny Whitwham, Team AlUla Co-Team Principal: “With Catie and Rusty unable to compete in Lagos due to prior race commitments, we’ve secured what we believe to be an exciting line-up for this event with Nerea and Andrè. Nerea brings a wealth of single-seater and circuit racing experience. As a young team, we can only benefit from having these new perspectives and feedback. We only have a limited time on water before their first competitive E1 sessions, but it’s already clear that they are both highly professional and talented athletes and we’re working hard to deliver a strong weekend.”

About Team AlUla Championed by LeBron James

Team AlUla Championed by LeBron James was officially launched in January 2025, with the squad making its competitive debut the same month in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – the season-opener to this year’s UIM E1 World Championship presented by PIF.

Rusty Wyatt (Canada) and Catie Munnings (UK) have been enlisted to drive for the team throughout the season, the duo sharing piloting duties on the all-electric E1 RaceBird. AlUla – an ancient oasis city in Saudi Arabia with rich cultural landscapes and breathtaking landscapes – is the team’s title partner.

American professional basketball player LeBron James is the NBA’s all-time leading scorer and his entry into the E1 Series extends his thirst for competition. The team adds to his expansive investment portfolio across sport and entertainment which includes stakes in Fenway Sports Group, Beats by Dre, PGA Tour Enterprises and Liverpool FC.

Team AlUla Championed by LeBron James is led by Co-Team Principals John Marlow and Barny Whitwham, who have a combined 30 years’ experience working in commercial and technical roles across blue chip organisations, Formula 1 and World Rally Championship motorsport teams. They are joined by a crew with equally strong sporting, technical and partnerships prowess across global motorsport and sports categories.

For more information, please visit www.teamalula.com

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