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NHRA FUNNY CAR SUPERSTAR RON CAPPS BECOMES 24TH LEGEND OF THUNDER VALLEY HONOREE SUNDAY AT BRISTOL DRAGWAY

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Official Release
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2026 Thunder Valley Legend honoree Ron Capps (left) is officially inducted by Bristol Motor Speedway & Dragway president Jerry Caldwell during pre-race ceremonies at the Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals.

BRISTOL, Tenn. (June 14, 2026) – NHRA Funny Car legend Ron Capps became the 24th member of the prestigious Legends of Thunder Valley Sunday as he was inducted into Bristol Dragway’s hall of fame. He is only the third driver to be inducted while still a full-time driver.

Capps, 60, joins the exclusive club that also includes Don “The Snake” Prudhomme, “Big Daddy” Don Garlits, NHRA founder Wally Parks, John Force, Don Schumacher, Shirley Muldowney, Tony “The Sarge” Schumacher, Scotty Cannon, and last year’s inductee Del Worsham, to name a few.

During pre-race ceremonies, Capps was presented with the customary Legends of Thunder Valley plaque by Bristol Motor Speedway & Dragway president and general manager Jerry Caldwell. The accompanying signage showcasing his name in brilliant red was installed upon the grandstand Tribute Wall as part of the ceremony.

“It’s very rare that we induct an active driver, but you’re in rare company when you’re with Ron Capps,” Caldwell said. “The other two that have been inducted as active (full-time) drivers are John Force and Tony Schumacher.

“So we are thrilled to be able to induct someone who it’s kind of long overdue, but you’re also trying to see how much he’s going to accomplish and how many things he’s going to do. And eventually you have to say, ‘He’s going to keep going, but we need to induct him.’”

Capps has earned an incredible eight NHRA Funny Car victories during NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals competition over parts of three decades. The Carlsbad, Calif. driver claimed wins in 2001, 2006, 2012, 2017, 2018, 2022, 2023 and 2025. What’s most impressive, is that he’s won those races with a variety of different team owners and crew chiefs over the years, showing his versatility as a pilot of the challenging 12,000-plus horsepower short-wheel-base machine where the engine sits in front of the driver and the flip-up body closes down and latches before each 330-mph run down the dragstrip.

In addition to recently making the move to become his own team owner, Capps previously drove for a pair of the sport’s legends: Don “The Snake” Prudhomme and Don Schumacher. Both Prudhomme and Schumacher are already members of the Legends of Thunder Valley. His roster of all-star crew chiefs over the years have included Ed McCulloch, Rahn Tobler, John Medlen and Dean Antonelli.

In addition to his Bristol victories, Capps has also earned a Bristol runner-up finish to Matt Hagan in 2015 and a No. 1 Qualifying Award at Bristol in 2016. Capps also holds the Bristol Dragway track ET record at 3.884 seconds, set in June of 2016.

In his career, Capps is a three-time NHRA Funny Car World Champion and has scored 79 career Funny Car victories. He has career-best performances of 3.821 seconds (2024 Pomona, California) and 339.28 mph (2019 Reading, Pa.). With two victories this season, coming at Phoenix and Charlotte, Capps is the current Funny Car points leader in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series.

“I read about Larry Carrier, all the history,” Capps said. “For me as a kid, I read more about the Pro Modified, Modified Production and Pro Stock history because back in that day that was big out here. It was all I read about as a kid.”

“When I got the call (from Bristol Dragway) I had to sit down,” Capps said. “I was like, ‘God, I can’t even believe I’m going to be up on that grandstand. I will retire and be old in a rocking chair someday watching NHRA and have grandkids running around and be as proud as ever to say, ‘I’m the second-winningest to a guy named John Force at everything, right? But I did win more than John at a certain place.’ And that place is Bristol. That’s probably the coolest feather in my cap for sure.”

LEGENDS OF THUNDER VALLEY

2026 – Ron Capps, Funny Car

2025 – Del Worsham, Funny Car / Top Fuel

2024 – Shirley Muldowney, Top Fuel

2023 – Tony Schumacher, Top Fuel

2022 – Don Prudhomme, Funny Car / Top Fuel

2021 – Scotty Cannon, Pro Mod / Funny Car

2019 – Ted Jones, promoter / drag racing visionary

2018 – Mark Oswald, Funny Car / Top Fuel

2017 – Doug Herbert, Top Fuel

2016 – John Force, Funny Car

2015 – Carl Moore, Bristol Dragway founder

2015 – Connie Kalitta, NHRA pioneer/Top Fuel/Funny Car

2014 – Don Schumacher, NHRA team owner / Funny Car pioneer

2013 – Warren Johnson, Pro Stock

2012 – Gene Fulton, Engine Builder

2011 – Jeff Byrd, Bristol President and GM / RJ Reynolds marketing

2010 – Shirl Greer, Funny Car

2009 – Dale Pulde, Funny Car

2008 – Ronnie Sox & Buddy Martin, Pro Stock

2007 – Bruton Smith, Speedway Motorsports / Bristol Dragway owner

2007 – Wally Parks, NHRA founder

2007 – Don Garlits, Top Fuel

2007 – Larry Carrier, Bristol Dragway founder

2007 – Rickie Smith, Pro Stock / Pro Mod

Cadillac finishes solid fourth in 94th 24 Hours of Le Mans

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Official Release
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LE MANS, FRANCE (June 14, 2026) – Cadillac finished a strong fourth in the 94th running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans today. Having led large portions of the race in their Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA V-Series.R, Norman Nato, Will Stevens and Louis Deletraz were ultimately unlucky to be deprived of a well-deserved podium finish.

The Dex WTR Cadillac V-Series.R driven by Ricky Tayor, Jordan Taylor and Filipe Albuquerque finished ninth overall.

Local veteran Sébastien Bourdais, who shared a Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA V-Series.R with Earl Bamber and Jack Aitken, was leading at the midway point but suffered a power steering issue which brought the car into the garage minutes past the midway point. The team investigated and changed key components including the control unit.

The car resumed the race in P17 with over 11 hours remaining, but after further investigation it was deemed that the issue couldn’t be resolved and the car was retired at 8.00 am on Sunday morning.

The next WEC race is at 9:30 am (BRT) in Sao Paulo, Brazil on July 12 the Autódromo José Carlos Pacewith with the ROLEX 6 Hours of São Paulo.

The next IMSA GTP event is the Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen on June 25. The Six-Hour race starts at 12:10 pm EDT and will be streamed on Peacock and streamed on IMSAs YouTube page (outside United States). IMSA Radio will stream live audio coverage on XM 206, Channel 996 on the SiriusXM app and IMSA.com.

What they’re saying

No. 12 Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA V-Series.R:

Will Stevens: “It’s pretty disappointing to come away with fourth place. I think, honestly, we deserved more than that. With the pace we showed we should have been on the podium at least. But we were more in the mix than last year, which is a positive. But coming here we had higher hopes than the result we ended up with, so we can’t help but be disappointed. But we’ll come back again next year stronger.”

Norman Nato: “We knew coming into this week that we were going to be in a good position. The team has worked very hard and made some big improvements to the car compared to last year. We have the top speed we were missing before, and overall, the package is a step forward. I’m really enjoyed these 24 Hours. We’ve had some great battles out there with the BMW, the sister car and the Toyota, and that’s what we like. For the team and for the fans, it’s amazing to be in this position with a chance to fight for the win.”

Louis Deletraz: ”First of all, a huge thank you to Cadillac Racing and JOTA, all the crew, mechanics, engineers, for the hard work last ten days. Obviously, it’s a great result, but after leading so much of the race and being up front the whole week, it’s still disappointing for sure. But I think we did the maximum we could, the circumstances made it that way. We came here to fight for a win, we never gave up, and we’ll be back for more because we are hungry to win this race.

No. 38 Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA V-Series.R:

Sebastien Bourdais: “As we all know, Le Mans can be really cruel. We did everything we could and gave ourselves a chance. So big thanks to GM, JOTA and Cadillac and everybody involved. We had the car to win and the race decided otherwise so it’s a tough one to swallow, but that’s racing.”

Earl Bamber: “We had a great number 38 car and led a lot of the race, but unfortunately technical issues put us out, so it’s a shame.”

Jack Aitken: “A very sad way to end the weekend after such a strong event for us. It was looking really good. We led the race at various times and were quick. We were really in the fight with the rest of the field, but this is the race that brings out all the small weaknesses in a car and in the end, the power steering issue was not something you could really continue with. We tried everything we could to get the car back out, but we eventually decided against running the car. Really gutting for everyone on the 38 side, but as a team I think we can still be very proud of what we’ve achieved this year.”

No. 101 Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing V-Series.R

Wayne Taylor: “We would have loved to be on a podium. This year at Le Mans, we arrived here and we were competitive throughout the weekend. I want to thank Cadillac and General Motors for all the effort and assistance and passion they put into this. They are real partners. The team was awesome, and we had no mechanical failures of the car during the entire week of practice and then qualifying and everything. Though we had issues during the race, the whole Cadillac team worked well with all three cars. Thanks to Dex, our commercial partner, and the drivers, and everybody on the team. It felt like a podium finish, because this team has only been here twice, and got everything right, made no mistakes.”

Jordan Taylor: “I think the result is a little disappointing, but I think there’s a lot of positives that we can take away from the whole week in Le Mans. I think, last year, our first year, we struggled a lot, just on pace, and obviously a lot to learn, and this year, we came back with a lot of knowledge, and I felt like we were really prepared for the event. We showed great speed the whole time, which was really exciting, you know, fighting at the front, and every practice, and every qualifying was exciting for the team, and for Cadillac. So, yeah, the race itself, we were kind of put on the back foot early with a poorly timed, full course yellow and then a couple of penalties in the morning, which took us off the lead lap for that safety car. So, unfortunate, but, yeah, good experience for everyone. I think we learned a lot that we can take back to the IMSA side and, you know, hopefully close out the IMSA side with some good results for Cadillac.”

Ricky Taylor: “It was another good learning weekend unfortunately. I think the full-course yellow, and a couple of penalties took us off the lead lap and once you lose a lap in WEC, it’s not like IMSA where you can play the yellows and come back, you are kind of stuck. Unfortunately, that was our story from about the early hours of the morning. But we had a good car and everyone at Cadillac did a nice job and it was nice driving with Jordan (Taylor) and Filipe (Albuquerque) again and having the guys here in Le Mans together. Now we’ll go to Watkins Glen and hopefully move on quickly.”

Jeromy Moore, Chief Engineer – Cadillac Racing: “I think overall we were pretty happy with our performance. We brought a competitive car to the battle and certainly had a chance to win it. But as always you don’t get selected to win Le Mans, Le Mans selects you. The guys performed well in the car, the crew and the staff, they did an amazing job. The competition was strong as always. I’m just happy that we could put up a fight for so long, almost down to the wire. So pretty happy, exhausted as always, but we’ll look forward to coming back even stronger next year.”

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.

GM Motorsports, including the Cadillac Formula 1® Team develops and proves advanced technologies in the most demanding environments, accelerating innovation in performance, safety, efficiency, and electrification for its production vehicles. Cadillac Racing is one of the leading manufacturers in the IMSA and FIA World Endurance Championships (WEC). Chevrolet competes in single seaters in the US IndyCar series, and in NASCAR with multiple team partners and drivers. Corvette customer teams compete in GT series across the globe including IMSA and WEC. Learn more at GM.com.

Jett Lawrence Seizes Control of Pro Motocross Championship Points Lead with Statement Victory at Thunder Valley

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Official Release
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Jo Shimoda Prevails in 250SMX Class After Another Unpredictable Afternoon

LAKEWOOD, Colo. (June 13, 2026) – The Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, headed to the Rocky Mountains for its third stop of the summer and Round 20 of the 2026 Monster Energy SMX World Championship, where the mile-high altitude of Thunder Valley Motocross Park provided one of the season’s most unique challenges. The Toyota Thunder Valley National Presented by American Petroleum Institute featured another captivating afternoon of racing, which saw Honda HRC Progressive’s Jett Lawrence [#1] put forth a statement performance with a pair of wire-to-wire motos to claim back-to-back wins and seize control of the 450SMX Class points lead. In the 250SMX Class, the unpredictability continued for the third straight race as Honda HRC Progressive’s Jo Shimoda [#30] became the third different winner in as many races, albeit without winning a moto. It signified Honda’s first sweep of class victories this season.

Honda HRC Progressive’s Jett Lawrence [#1]

450SMX Class

Timed Qualifying

  • The most competitive qualifying session of the young season saw several riders put themselves in the mix for pole position. While Jett Lawrence topped the charts after the first session, it was his Honda HRC Progressive teammate and older brother Hunter [#96] who ultimately led the way at the end of the second session with a time of 2:01.727, which put him a half-second ahead of the 2:02.201 by Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Lucas Coenen [#104], the MXGP points leader who took advantage of an off weekend to make his Pro Motocross debut. Jett Lawrence’s 2:02.489 from the first session placed him third.

Moto 1 [30 Minutes + 2 Laps]

  • The opening moto of the afternoon got underway with Jett Lawrence out front with the holeshot over Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Cooper Webb [#2] and Hunter Lawrence, the championship leader. Lawrence pushed on the opening lap to get around Webb and looked to close in on his younger brother. Meanwhile, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan [#38] was able to climb his way up to third.
  • The Lawrences engaged in a spirited fight for the lead, with Jett able to keep Hunter at bay. For a moment Hunter appeared to have the pass made on his brother, but Jett responded immediately to prevent Hunter from completing it. That allowed Deegan to make it a three-rider battle. Deegan then made the pass for second and pressured for the lead for the first time this season. The highly anticipated showdown between Jett Lawrence and Deegan unfolded, to the roar of the crowd. While Deegan kept Lawrence honest, the gap between them soon stabilized as the moto reached its halfway point.
  • Deegan overcame a couple minor miscues to close back in on the lead and brought Hunter Lawrence with him to reignite the three-rider battle. However, with a little more than 12 minutes to go Deegan slid out and dropped to third. He then went down again a short time later and dropped to fourth, which allowed Coenen to take third.
  • The final 10 minutes turned into a Lawrence versus Lawrence affair, with Coenen gaining ground from third. The siblings traded momentum throughout various parts of the racetrack, which ultimately prevented Hunter from getting close enough to mount a challenge. As the clock wound down, Jett seemingly ended the threat and opened up a lead of more than three seconds, while Coenen settled into third.
  • As time ran out on the race clock Hunter Lawrence went down and remounted in third, which moved Coenen up to second. Lawrence reentered the race just ahead of Deegan to set up a last lap battle for the final podium spot.
  • As Jett Lawrence took the white flag he held a mere two second advantage over Coenen, who made one final push. In the end, Lawrence held on to take his third straight moto win by 1.4 seconds over the Belgian in his first ever gate drop. Hunter Lawrence followed in third, with Deegan fourth and Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jorge Prado [#26] in fifth. 
  • At the conclusion of the moto race officials reviewed an inside line that several riders used across multiple laps that took them beyond the track limits. The racing line was deemed illegal, and three riders were subsequently penalized for cutting the track, with each lap infraction taken into account. The top-finishing rider to receive a penalty was Hunter Lawrence, who was docked one position from third to fourth. Deegan was penalized seven positions, dropping him from fourth to 11th, while Prado received a two-position penalty, dropping from fifth to seventh. The updated top five following the penalties was 1. Jett Lawrence; 2. Coenen; 3. Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Garret Marchbanks [#36]; 4. Hunter Lawrence; 5. Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s RJ Hampshire [#24].

Moto 2 [30 Minutes + 2 Laps]

  • Jett Lawrence completed off a sweep of the holeshots to begin the second moto with the lead ahead of his brother and Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Aaron Plessinger [#7]. As he looked to apply pressure on the lead, Hunter Lawrence went down. He remounted quickly but resumed deep in the top 10.
  • The clear track allowed Jett Lawrence to establish a two-second lead at the conclusion of the opening lap over Coenen, who quickly fought his way up to second. Plessinger settled into third. Meanwhile, Hunter Lawrence made an impressive recovery to fight back up to fifth place in a matter of a couple laps.
  • Jett Lawrence was able to stabilize the lead at about 3.5 seconds through the middle of the moto as Coenen strengthened his grasp of second. The fight for third saw Deegan methodically close in on Plessinger and successfully take the position. Hunter Lawrence followed into fourth several laps later.
  • As the lead duo continued on in their respective positions Hunter Lawrence was determined to complete his comeback from the early tip over. He closed in on Deegan and made a quick, aggressive move with less than two minutes to go to take over third. Moments later, he fell again, which gave the position back to Deegan. Lawrence resumed in fourth, but just ahead of Prado and Marchbanks.
  • Jett Lawrence completed a perfect afternoon by extending his moto win streak to four, taking the checkered flag 9.6 seconds ahead of Coenen. Deegan finished more than 30 seconds back in third, with Hunter Lawrence able to salvage fourth.

Overall

  • A pair of wire-to-wire performances and the 20th 1-1 result of his career gave Jett Lawrence his 26th win in 30 premier class starts. With back-to-back victories, he has also grabbed control of the 450SMX Class points lead. It’s his fourth straight win at Thunder Valley, where he remains unbeaten, and marks the sixth consecutive year Honda has claimed victory in Colorado.
  • Coenen’s Pro Motocross debut resulted in an impressive runner-up effort (2-2) as he’ll now return overseas to defend his lead in the MXGP championship. He’ll race once more this summer, at Southwick on July 11th.
  • Despite numerous bouts of adversity and the penalty in the first moto, Hunter Lawrence still secured a podium finish (4-4) to minimize the points lost in the championship.
  • A 14-point swing at Thunder Valley has moved Jett Lawrence atop the points standings with an eight-point lead over Hunter. Deegan remains third, 32 points out of the lead.

Results & Standings

450SMX Class Overall Results (Moto Finishes // Points)

  1. Jett Lawrence, Landsborough, Qld., Australia, Honda (1-1 // 50)
  2. Lucas Coenen, Brussels, Belgium, KTM (2-2 // 44)
  3. Hunter Lawrence, Landsborough, Qld., Australia, Honda (4-4 // 36)
  4. Garrett Marchbanks, Coalville, Utah, Kawasaki (3-6 // 36)
  5. Jorge Prado, Lugo, Galicia, Spain, KTM (7-5 // 32)
  6. Haiden Deegan, Temecula, Calif., Yamaha (11-3 // 31)
  7. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, KTM (6-7 // 31)
  8. RJ Hampshire, Hudson, Fla., Husqvarna (5-8 // 31)
  9. Dylan Ferrandis, Avignon, France, Ducati (8-9 // 27)
  10. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., Yamaha (10-10 // 24)

450SMX Class Championship Standings (Race 3 of 11)

  1. Jett Lawrence, Landsborough, Qld., Australia, Honda – 138
  2. Hunter Lawrence, Landsborough, Qld., Australia, Honda – 130
  3. Haiden Deegan, Temecula, Calif., Yamaha – 106
  4. RJ Hampshire, Hudson, Fla., Husqvarna – 94
  5. Dylan Ferrandis, Avignon, France, Ducati – 86
  6. Jorge Prado, Lugo, Galicia, Spain, KTM – 85
  7. Garrett Marchbanks, Coalville, Utah, Kawasaki – 83
  8. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, KTM – 68
  9. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., Yamaha – 68
  10. Mikkel Haarup, Silkeborg, Denmark, Triumph – 66

SMX World Championship Regular Season Standings (Round 20 of 28)

  1. Hunter Lawrence, Landsborough, Qld., Australia, Honda – 476
  2. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., Yamaha – 383
  3. Ken Roczen, Mattstedt, Germany, Suzuki – 349
  4. Justin Cooper, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., Yamaha – 323
  5. Chase Sexton, La Moille, Ill., Kawasaki – 298
  6. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., KTM – 275
  7. Jorge Prado, Lugo, Galicia, Spain, KTM – 274
  8. Dylan Ferrandis, Avignon, France, Ducati – 262
  9. Garrett Marchbanks, Coalville, Utah, Kawasaki – 225
  10. Malcolm Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Husqvarna – 214

Quotes

1st Place – Jett Lawrence | #1 Team Honda HRC Progressive (1-1)
“I felt a lot better in Moto 2, with a lot better lines and better flow. It was a really tricky track. It was a good 1-1 weekend and I’m happy with that. I’m getting more used to riding with my foot, but it wasn’t easy on a track like this. But it was still good enough for a 1-1.”
 
2nd Place – Lucas Coenen | #104 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing (2-2)
“It was an amazing experience. I was able to get a good start [in Moto 2] and went from there. I’m so grateful for the team and everything they did to make this happen. The second moto was hectic with the lappers, but I’m racing against the best rider in the world. I can’t wait to come back [at Southwicjk], but we’ll go back [to MXGP] and try to win there.”
 
3rd Place – Hunter Lawrence | #96 Team Honda HRC Progressive (4-4)
“It was a tough one today. I felt like my riding was really good, but I struggled with the connectivity of the track and my motorcycle. I struggled a lot more than I usually do in keeping the bike under me. All good, we’ll move on to the next one.”

250SMX Class

Timed Qualifying

  • The morning sessions kicked off with an impressive debut for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Sacha Coenen [#109], the MX2 points leader from Belgium who joined his twin brother for a guest appearance and Pro Motocross debut. Coenen paced the field after the opening session but was surpassed by Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Cole Davies [#37], who led the way in the second session to top the overall classification with a time of 2:04.463. That was seven tenths ahead of Coenen (2:05.217), who also bettered his time in the second session.

Moto 1 [30 Minutes + 2 Laps]

  • The first moto began with Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Seth Hammaker [#10], the championship leader, ahead of the pack with the holeshot ahead of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Julien Beaumer [#13] and Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing rookie Caden Dudney [#82] in third.
  • Hammaker and Beaumer battled for the lead throughout the opening laps, while Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Nick Romano [#141] slotted into third. Up front, the KTM rider kept the pressure on his Kawasaki counterpart as Romano and Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Levi Kitchen [#47] lurked behind them. Ten minutes into the moto the top four were separated by just three seconds.
  • As Hammaker slowly inched away his teammates went on the attack, as both Romano and Kitchen stormed past Beaumer to put the Kawasakis 1-2-3.
  • Hammaker maintained his hold of the lead as the top three settled in briefly, but just past the halfway point of the moto Kitchen picked up the pace and made the pass on Romano for second. With about 13 minutes left in the moto, Kitchen faced a 2.5 second deficit to his teammate. Behind them, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Michael Mosiman [#23] made the pass on Romano for third.
  • Inside the final 10 minutes, the battle for the lead intensified as Kitchen closed in on Hammaker’s rear fender. Kitchen was the faster rider but found difficulty in finding the right lines on the rut-filled track to get alongside his teammate. This allowed Hammaker to keep Kitchen at bay and hold onto a slim lead. Kitchen lost touch briefly but made one final push after time ran out on the race clock. He closed in, found better lines, and made the move by Hammaker with two laps to go. As that unfolded a change for third also took place as Shimoda made the pass on Mosiman.
  • Once into the lead, Kitchen ran away from Hammaker and stormed to his second moto win of the season by 8.1 seconds for a Kawasaki 1-2 finish. Shimoda earned his second moto podium in third, with Romano fourth and Mosiman fifth.

Moto 2 [30 Minutes + 2 Laps]

  • The deciding second moto started with Coenen out front for the holeshot ahead of Romano and Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Ryder DiFrancesco [#34]. As the field entered the first turn, contact between Hammaker and Kitchen took the teammates to the ground with several other riders and dropped them deep in the field.
  • Out front, Romano gave a brief challenge to Coenen but almost went down, which allowed Coenen to secure the position and pull away from the field. Romano and DiFrancesco settled into second and third, respectively. As Coenen was able to open a lead of more than five seconds, DiFrancesco made the pass on Romano for second.
  • As the leaders settled in through the first 10 minutes of the moto the attention shifted to Kitchen and Hammaker as they looked to claw their way through the field. Kitchen gained significant ground and fought his way into the top 15, while Hammaker followed several positions behind, just inside the top 20.
  • Back up front, a battle for third started to take shape between Romano and Shimoda, which carried major implications in the overall standings. After several laps of patience Shimoda made his move with a little more than 10 minutes left in the moto, which was enough to put him in the winning position.
  • Further back, Kitchen continued his march forward and battled up to ninth place, while Hammaker made slower progress and moved up to 15th.
  • As time ran out on the race clock Shimoda closed in on DiFrancesco for second. He showed patience and made the move just before the final lap.
  • While a wild race unfolded behind him, Coenen dominated his second-ever moto and never faced a challenge after the opening lap. He took the win by 6.1 seconds over Shimoda, with DiFrancesco in third. Kitchen fought all the way up to eighth, while Hammaker finished just outside the top 10 in 12th.

Overall

  • Another wild afternoon of 250SMX Class racing saw Shimoda emerge victorious following 3-2 moto finishes. It’s the seventh win of the Japanese rider’s career and gives Honda four Thunder Valley wins in the past five years.
  • Kitchen’s resilient second moto salvaged a runner-up finish (1-8) and gives the Kawasaki rider back-to-back podiums.
  • Romano enjoyed a career breakthrough with the first overall podium finish of his career (4-5) in his 22nd career start. He’s the third different Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki rider to finish on the podium through the first three races.
  • Hammaker finished seventh overall (2-12) for his first finish off the overall podium this season.
  • Hammaker and Kitchen now sit tied atop the 250SMX Class standings with a share of the red plate. Shimoda now sits third, six points behind the teammates.

Results & Standings

250SMX Class Overall Results (Moto Finishes // Points)

  1. Jo Shimoda, Suzuka, Japan, Honda (3-2 // 42)
  2. Levi Kitchen, Washougal, Wash., Kawasaki (1-8 // 39)
  3. Nick Romano, Bayside, N.Y., Kawasaki (4-5 // 35)
  4. Sacha Coenen, Brussels, Belgium, KTM (14-1 // 33)
  5. Ryder DiFrancesco, Bakersfield, Calif., Husqvarna (9-3 // 33)
  6. Julien Beaumer, Lake Havasu City, Ariz., KTM (7-4 // 33)
  7. Seth Hammaker, Bainbridge, Pa., Kawasaki (2-12 // 32)
  8. Kayden Minear, Perth, Western Australia, Yamaha (13-6 // 25)
  9. Michael Mosiman, Sebastopol, Calif., Yamaha (5-14 // 25)
  10. Cole Davies, Waitoki, New Zealand, Yamaha (6-15// 23)

250SMX Class Championship Standings (Race 3 of 11)

  1. Seth Hammaker, Bainbridge, Pa., Kawasaki – 117
  2. Levi Kitchen, Washougal, Wash., Kawasaki – 117
  3. Jo Shimoda, Suzuka, Japan, Honda – 111
  4. Julien Beaumer, Lake Havasu City, Ariz., KTM – 104
  5. Nick Romano, Bayside, N.Y., Kawasaki – 96
  6. Cole Davies, Waitoki, New Zealand, Yamaha – 93
  7. Ryder DiFrancesco, Bakersfield, Calif., Husqvarna – 80
  8. Kayden Minear, Perth, Western Australia, Yamaha – 69
  9. Chance Hymas, Pocatello, Idaho, Honda – 67
  10. Carson Mumford, Simi Valley, Calif., KTM – 58

SMX World Championship Regular Season Standings (Round 20 of 28)

  1. Cole Davies, Waitoki, New Zealand, Yamaha – 324
  2. Seth Hammaker, Bainbridge, Pa., Kawasaki – 297
  3. Levi Kitchen, Washougal, Wash., Kawasaki – 294
  4. Ryder DiFrancesco, Bakersfield, Calif., Husqvarna – 244
  5. Haiden Deegan, Temecula, Calif., Yamaha – 233
  6. Jo Shimoda, Suzuka, Japan, Honda – 211
  7. Max Vohland, Sacramento, Calif., Yamaha – 203
  8. Daxton Bennick, Morganton, N.C., Husqvarna – 184
  9. Max Anstie, Newbury, England, Yamaha – 168
  10. Nick Romano, Bayside, N.Y., Kawasaki – 168

Quotes

1st Place – Jo Shimoda | #30 Honda HRC Progressive (3-2)
“I just needed to start up front. I wasted too much energy in the first moto, so I didn’t have as much in the second moto. We still have a lot of things to work on but still got a win. Coming back from my [offseason] neck injury, this win means a lot. Let’s keep the ball rolling.”
 
2nd Place – Levi Kitchen | #47 Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki (1-8)
“I just can’t put a day together. It was a bummer [to start Moto 2]. I got up and saw a red plate in front of me and realized I just need to beat this guy [Hammaker]. I just put my head down and charged. I wasn’t really happy with how it was going, but I gave it my all. We’ve just got to keep going and keep fighting.”
 
3rd Place – Nick Romano | #141 Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki (4-5)
“This is so unreal. I don’t even know where to start. I want to thank my family, friends, and Mitch Payton for giving me this opportunity. I’ve been working for this my whole life and hope I can do it again next weekend.”

WMX

The third round of the 2026 Women’s Motocross Championship Powered by Synchrony also took place at Thunder Valley, with a pair of motos contested across Friday and Saturday. Reigning back-to-back series champion and current points leader Lachlan “Lala” Turner [#1] completed another 1-1 sweep of the motos aboard her Altus Motorsports bLU cRU Yamaha to secure a second straight win to open the season and her seventh in-a-row dating back to last season. Quad Lock Honda’s Charli Cannon [#7] once again finished in the runner-up spot (2-2), while Partzilla Blaster Power PRMX Kawasaki’s Taylah McCutcheon [#10] put Australians 2-3 with her first career podium result following 3-4 finishes.

WMX

WMX Overall Results (Moto Finishes // Points)

  1. Lachlan Turner, Gardnerville, Nev., Yamaha (1-1 // 50)
  2. Charli Cannon, Maroochy River, Qld., Australia, Honda (2-2 // 44)
  3. Taylah McCutcheon, Cornubia, Qld., Australia, Kawasaki (3-4 // 38)
  4. Jordan Jarvis, Leesburg, Fla., Yamaha (5-5 // 34)
  5. Lotte van Drunen, Gorinchem, The Netherlands, Yamaha (4-6 // 34)
  6. Piper Bell, Sault Sainte Marie, Mich., KTM (6-7 // 31)
  7. Lilly-Ann Pettus, Hanceville, Ala., Triumphi (8-8 // 28)
  8. Emma Milesevic, Lal Lal, Victoria, Australia, Yamaha (7-9 // 28)
  9. Mikayla Nielsen, Riverside, Calif., Honda (16-3 // 26)
  10. Ava Silvestri, Tahoe City, Calif., Husqvarna (9-10 // 25)

The 2026 Pro Motocross Championship will continue next Saturday, June 20, with Round 21 of the SMX World Championship regular season and the East Coast debut from Pennsylvania’s famed High Point Raceway. The Father’s Day tradition that is the UFO Plast High Point National will shown live in its entirety on Peacock, beginning with Race Day Live at 7 a.m. PT / 10 a.m. ET, followed by coverage of the motos at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET.

For information about the Monster Energy SMX World Championship, please visit www.SuperMotocross.com and be sure to follow all of the new SMX social media channels for exclusive content and additional information on the latest news:
Instagram: @supermotocross
Facebook: @supermotocross
X: @supermotocross
YouTube: @supermotocross
TikTok: @supermotocross

About the Monster Energy SMX World Championship:
The Monster Energy SMX World Championship™ is the premier off-road motorcycle racing series in the world that combines the technical precision of stadium racing with the all-out speed and endurance of outdoor racing. Created in 2022, the Monster Energy SMX World Championship Series combines the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship and the AMA Pro Motocross Championship into a 28-round regular season that culminates with the season-ending SMX World Championship Playoffs.
Visit SuperMotocross.com for more information.

About Pro Motocross Championship:
The Pro Motocross Championship features the world’s fastest outdoor motocross racers, competing aboard homologated bikes from one of seven competing manufacturers on a collection of the roughest, toughest tracks on the planet. Racing takes place each Saturday afternoon, with competition divided into two classes: one for 250cc machines, and one for 450cc machines. MX Sports Pro Racing, the industry leader in off-road powersports event production, manages the Pro Motocross Championship.
For more information, visit ProMotocross.com.

About Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship:
Monster Energy AMA Supercross is the most competitive and highest-profile off-road motorcycle racing championship on the planet. Founded in America and sanctioned by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) since 1974. Over 17 weeks, Supercross attracts some of the largest and most impressive crowds inside the most recognizable and prestigious stadiums in North America to race in front of nearly one million live fans and broadcast to millions more worldwide.
For more information, visit SupercrossLIVE.com.

About MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.:
MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc., manages and produces the world’s premier motocross racing series – the Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing. MX Sports Pro Racing is an industry leader in off-road powersport event production and management, its mission is to showcase the sport of professional motocross competition at events throughout the United States. Through its various racing properties, partnerships and affiliates, MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc., organizes events for thousands of action sports athletes each year and attracts millions of motorsports spectators.
Visit MXSportsProRacing.com for more information.

About Feld Motor Sports, Inc.:
Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting specialized arena and stadium-based motorsports entertainment. Properties include Monster Jam®, Monster Energy AMA Supercross, and the Monster Energy SMX World Championship. Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is a subsidiary of Feld Entertainment, Inc.
Visit monsterjam.com, SupercrossLIVE.com, and feldentertainment.com for more information.

Gastón Irazú Wins F4 U.S. Race 1 at Mid-Ohio

By
Official Release
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Photo courtesy of F4 U.S. Championship

LEXINGTON, Ohio (June 13, 2026) – Gastón Irazú led from the wave of the green all the way to the checkered during Formula 4 United States Championship’s (F4 U.S.) Race 1 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. Carrying the momentum of his Road America sweep into this weekend‘s round, the Uruguayan driver locked in his third-consecutive win in the series.

Notes of Interest:

  • Gastón Irazú earned his third F4 U.S. win of 2026. Last year, Irazú won the title in Ligier Junior Formula Championship and moved up to F4 U.S. this season with assistance from the Champion’s Scholarship.
  • Caleb Campbell continues his streak with a second-place finish, marking his sixth podium of the season and extending his championship lead.
  • Cole Medeiros tied his career-best finish with his second podium of 2026.
  • After racing in the inaugural F4 U.S. race at Mid-Ohio in 2016, Austin Kaszuba (No. 34 Crosslink Motorsports Ligier JS F422) returned to the field today to finish sixth for Crosslink Motorsports.
  • After making its debut on July 2, 2016, F4 U.S. is celebrating its 10th Birthday this weekend at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course—the same circuit where the series contested its first round.
  • Leading the field to the green as the polesitter, Irazú (No. 27 Elia Group / Baly / Canal 4 / Ancap / Champagne Racing Ligier JS F422) faced an early challenge from second-place starter Caleb Campbell (No. 68 Steele Auto Group / Kiwi Motorsport Ligier JS F422), but keeping a steady focus and consistent lap times, the Uruguayan was able to open a gap as the laps ticked by. As the race passed its halfway point, his two-second advantage was erased by a full-course caution, but the reigning Ligier JFC champion once again pulled away after the restart.

One of the best drives of the day came from Cole Medeiros (No. 77 MLT Motorsports Ligier JS F422), who had to roll off seventh after a five-spot grid penalty issued during qualifying. The MLT Motorsports driver had already reached the third position before the halfway point, but couldn’t complete the pass on Campbell before the checkered flag waved.

Crossing the line, it was Irazú, followed by Campbell and Medeiros.

“I’m really proud of my team,” said Irazú on the top step of the podium. “They gave me a really great car, so this win is for them. It feels really great. I want to thank my team, all my sponsors, my dad, my mom, my sister, my girlfriend, and all the people who give me the chance to compete.”

F4 U.S. will contest their final race of the Racing America at Mid-Ohio weekend tomorrow at 10:35 a.m. ET. Live timing and scoring will be available on the Race Monitor app, with additional news and updates posted on the series’ Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Edward Kennedy and Beckham Jacir Win Ligier JFC Race 1 at Mid-Ohio

By
Official Release
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Photo by Gavin Baker Photography

LEXINGTON, Ohio (June 13, 2026) – Edward Kennedy and Beckham Jacir claimed Ligier Junior Formula Championship (Ligier JFC) victories in Mid-Ohio’s Race 1 on Saturday. Kennedy’s dash through the field in the JFC Gen. 2 Class, paired with Jacir’s five-second lead in the JFC Gen. 1 Class clearly demonstrated the dominance of both drivers.

Notes of Interest:

  • Edward Kennedy took the Race 1 victory in the Ligier JFC Gen. 2 Class at Mid-Ohio to claim his fourth win of season.
  • Jack Speth retained the Ligier JFC Gen. 2 Class championship points lead with a runner-up finish, and holds a 22-point advantage following Race 1.
  • As the winner in the Ligier JFC Gen. 1 Class, Beckham Jacir crossed the finish line with a greater than five-second margin over his competition.
  • With a second-place result, Lazaro Bainotti finished on the podium for the fifth time this season.
  • AJ Abdullah captured his second podium of 2026 with a third-place finish in Race 1.
  • Tyler Wade (No. 9 Dante’s Inferno / Perlson LLP / Berg Racing Ligier JS F4) crossed the line fourth in class to score a career-best finish.
  • Beckham Jacir (No. 7 Stonica / Bell / OMP / P1DOKS / Behind the Wheel / Champagne Racing Ligier JS F4) led the field down the starting grid with Lazaro Bainotti (No. 11 Fundacion Fangio Rus seguros Cordoba deportes / Speed Factory Ligier JS F4) to his outside. With a great jump off the block, Jacir immediately took control of the race leaving Bainotti in his wake. In fact, the Champagne Racing driver had opened up more than a five-second gap before the Gen. 2 cars started to close in. Jacir continued to lead as the race neared the halfway point, but a safety car period bunched the field back up, giving the Gen. 2 cars another run at the overall race lead. With them completing the overtake when the race restarted, Jacir turned his focus to the Gen. 1 competition, steadily pulling away from the other cars in his class and taking the checkered flag with a 5.089-second advantage.

In the Ligier JFC Gen. 2 class, Kennedy (No. 30 MLT Motorsports Ligier JS F422) led the group down the starting grid, but a stall when the lights went out allowed Jack Speth (No. 07 Kiwi Motorsport Ligier JS F422) to take the early lead. Falling more than 12 seconds behind after the stall, Kennedy kept his focus forward and steadily chipped away at the gap while climbing through the field. Only 0.134-seconds behind Speth at the halfway mark, Kennedy completed the pass on Speth just before the safety car period, and then used the restart to overtake Jacir for the overall lead.

When the checkered flag waved, it was Kennedy and Speth, followed by Jacir, Bainotti and AJ Abdullah (No. 21 Freedom Detox / Grid State Digital / Berg Racing Ligier JS F4).

“It was a pretty good race for us,” said Jacir atop the podium. “The car was on rails the whole race—really, the whole weekend. We got a good start on used tires. I think we were the only ones on used tires in the front, so it was just building into that and having consistent laps. I was almost able to get the overall win—I was really hoping for that, but it’s all good. I can’t thank the team enough for giving me such an amazing car. All the guys at Champagne Racing are working nonstop, and working really well on the car. I also have to thank all my sponsors.”

“The race was really good,” Kennedy “The car was great. I just had a little rookie mistake on the start by stalling it, but we came back strong, so it was all good. Speth had really great pace and I was a little scared, but I ended up on top. I’d like to thank the whole MLT crew, my physical trainers and everyone for their support.”

Ligier JFC will contest a doubleheader tomorrow, as the lights go out at 9:15 a.m. and 2:05 p.m. ET for Races 2 and 3, respectively. Live timing and scoring is available on the Race Monitor app, with additional news and updates posted on the series’ Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Driver Telemetry & Data-Driven Vector Analysis: The Hidden Language of Race Car Engineering

By
SM
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NASCAR’s race at Pocono Raceway always brings a lot of excitement to the 2.5-mile “Tricky Triangle.” For 53 consecutive years, the Cup Series has tackled Pocono’s three distinct corners, each demanding a different compromise in chassis setup and driving technique. The unique geometry of Pocono – Turn 1 with 14° banking, Turn 2 as a long sweeper at 9°, and Turn 3 nearly flat at 6° – creates a wide range of lateral acceleration demands that shift dramatically from one corner to the next. But beneath the surface of this classic event lies a technology that has quietly reshaped how teams prepare, how drivers perform, and ultimately how the entire industry understands speed. That piece of technology is telemetry, and at its core, it is the science of vectors.

What does telemetry reveal?

Nowadays, racing cars can be considered data-generating machines. Several sensors distributed throughout the vehicle capture metrics such as speed, throttle position, braking pressure, tire behavior, and the directional forces acting on the chassis. In the NASCAR Cup Series, a race generates approximately 1.3 terabytes of high-frequency data, processed at 120 updates per second and made available to engineers in real time. This data stream is not only recorded for historical analysis. It is transmitted wirelessly from the car to the pit box during the race, enabling live adjustments to wedge, track bar, and tire pressures based on vector trends.

The most revealing telemetry channels for understanding driver performance are those measuring longitudinal acceleration (braking and throttle) and lateral acceleration (cornering g-forces). When plotted together, these two channels form what engineers call a “g-g diagram” or, more commonly, a traction circle. The traction circle represents the maximum combined force available from the tires. Any combination of braking and turning that falls inside the circle is manageable; any combination that pushes the resultant vector beyond the circle’s boundary results in lost grip, either understeer or oversteer.

The vector physics of the traction circle

Every force acting on a race car can be expressed as a vector – a quantity possessing both magnitude and direction. During a race, acceleration, weight transfer, aerodynamic downforce, and tire grip vectors all interact simultaneously within a car. The resultant force of these vectors determines where the car goes and how fast it gets there.

If a driver, for instance, enters turn 1 at Pocono and simultaneously brakes while turning right, the car experiences two acceleration vectors: one longitudinal (braking represented by the vector  [-1.2×g, 0]) and one lateral (cornering with a lateral acceleration vector [0, 1.6×g]). These two vectors combine to create the resultant acceleration vector [-1.2×g, 1.6×g]. Engineers can quickly determine the magnitude of this resultant vector, whose value is 2.0×g. The maximum allowable magnitude before the tires lose grip is represented by the radius of the traction circle. If the driver exceeds that radius, the car slides. You can also compute the resultant vector easily by using an online vector calculator.

From telemetry to driver coaching

The practical value of vector analysis extends far beyond post-race engineering. Teams now use telemetry data to provide real-time and retrospective coaching for drivers. The data feeds different engineering roles: race engineers monitor lap times and tire pressures; drivers observe speed, steering angle, and throttle; engineering teams analyze acceleration, yaw rate, and suspension forces. By overlaying a driver’s acceleration vectors onto the traction circle, coaches can identify inefficiencies. If the driver consistently fails to use the full braking potential before turn-in, for instance, the longitudinal vector magnitude will be suboptimal. If they initiate cornering too early, the lateral vector will appear in the data trace prematurely. Conversely, an elite driver will trace a path that repeatedly touches the circle’s edge without exceeding it. This is a skill that vector analysis quantifies with mathematical precision.

Moreover, the broader impact of this data-driven approach extends beyond the tracks. Motorsports technology, including telemetry and the physics principles underlying it, has repeatedly translated into safer road vehicles. Aerodynamic stability, crumple zone design, and advanced braking systems all trace their lineage to racing engineering.

The future of data-driven racing

As telemetry systems evolve, artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms are increasingly analyzing historical race performance data to develop optimal race strategies. Nowadays, biometric monitoring, including gloves that measure driver stress levels and heart rate, is also emerging as a new way to collect real data from pilots. These technologies will further refine the vector-based models that underpin modern vehicle dynamics. In the near future, predictive vector modeling may allow engineers to simulate an entire Pocono race lap before the car hits the track, identifying the ideal braking point for Turn 1 to within a few feet simply by solving vector equilibrium equations.

Thus, when you see the Cup Series cars taking the green flag at Pocono, remember that every braking zone, every corner entry, and every throttle application will generate vector data. Engineers will analyze those vectors. Drivers will adjust based on that analysis. As a result, faster, safer, and more predictable performance will continue to demonstrate that in motorsports, vector addition is just as important as horsepower.

Why a Spray-On Bedliner Is the Smartest Upgrade Truck Owners Keep Overlooking

By
SM
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Ask anyone who has owned a pickup for more than a year or two, and they’ll tell you the same thing: the bed takes a beating. Hauling lumber, tossing in toolboxes, dragging cinder blocks across the metal, loading dirt bikes after a muddy race weekend — it all adds up. Before long, that factory paint is scratched, chipped, and quietly rusting where you can’t see it. That’s exactly the problem a bedliner is built to solve, and once you understand how these coatings work, it’s hard to justify leaving your truck bed bare.

What Actually Happens When You Spray a Bedliner

A spray-on bedliner isn’t a mat you drop in and hope stays put. It’s a liquid polymer that’s applied directly to the prepped surface of your truck bed, where it bonds and cures into a single, seamless layer of armor. Because it’s sprayed, the coating reaches into every corner, seam, and contour — the exact spots where drop-in liners trap water and let rust creep in unnoticed. There are no gaps, no rattling, and no moisture sneaking underneath.

Most of the best coatings on the market are based on polyurea chemistry, a fast-curing elastomeric material that forms when two components react almost instantly upon contact. The result is a finish that’s tough enough to take a hammer strike yet flexible enough to expand and contract with temperature swings without cracking. That combination of hardness and give is what separates a coating that lasts a decade from one that peels in a season.

Protection That Goes Beyond Good Looks

It’s easy to think of a bedliner as a cosmetic add-on, but the real value is what it prevents. A properly applied coating shields the metal from abrasion, blocks water intrusion that causes rust, and absorbs impacts that would otherwise dent or gouge bare steel. For anyone who actually uses their truck — contractors, farmers, weekend racers hauling gear to the track — that protection translates directly into a higher resale value down the road. A clean, rust-free bed tells a buyer the truck was cared for.

There’s a practical upside too. The textured, grippy surface keeps cargo from sliding around when you take a corner or hit the brakes, which is a small thing until the day it saves you from a load shifting at the worst possible moment.

Not Just for Truck Beds

One of the underrated things about these coatings is how versatile they’ve become. The same material that protects a pickup bed shows up on Jeeps and off-road rigs, commercial fleet vehicles, trailer floors, and even marine and industrial equipment. Companies like ArmorThane have spent more than 35 years refining polyurea and polyurethane formulations for exactly these kinds of demanding jobs, which is why you’ll see the technology used everywhere from off-road builds to heavy-duty work trucks that never get a day off.

Is It Worth Doing?

If you plan to keep your truck and actually work it, the math is pretty simple. A one-time coating costs far less than repeated paint repairs, rust remediation, or the resale hit that comes with a beat-up bed. It’s the kind of upgrade you do once and stop thinking about, because it just quietly does its job for years.

Whether you’re protecting a brand-new truck before the first scratch or rescuing an older one that’s already seen some abuse, a quality spray-on coating is one of the few upgrades that pays for itself in durability, functionality, and resale value all at once. For most truck owners, that’s about as close to a no-brainer as vehicle upgrades get.

Justin Allgaier wins chaotic O’Reilly event at Pocono

By
Andrew Kim
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Photo by Logan Allen for SpeedwayMedia.com.

Justin Allgaier capitalized on a two-lap shootout and a shove from teammate William Byron to drive away from the field. He motored his way to a wild victory in the MillerTech Battery 250 at Pocono Raceway on Saturday, June 13.

The 2024 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series champion from Riverton, Illinois, led four times for a race-high 35 of the 100-scheduled laps. He qualified in fourth place and notched top-five results between the event’s first two stages. He went on to survive an event that with a total of 10 caution periods and a series of on-track carnage. Afterr leading on two separate occasions through the first two stage periods, Allgaier spent the early portions of the final stage period battling with Sam Mayer for the lead. Then, he made his final green flag pit stop with 29 laps remaining. Amid the pit stops, Allgaier was overtaken by Haas Factory Team’s Sheldon Creed and Sam Mayer. But, through two late-race cautions and incidents, he utilized a push from Byron to storm past Mayer for the lead during a restart with eight laps remaining.

Then, following another late-race caution a lap later, Allgaier capitalized on another push from Byron during a two-lap shootout to drive away from the field. From there, Allgaier fended off Byron and Brent Crews to notch his unprecedented fifth O’Reilly Series victory of the 2026 season and accumulate maximum points to his points lead.

With on-track qualifying that determined the starting lineup occurring on Saturday, Brandon Jones notched his first O’Reilly pole position of the 2026 season with a pole-winning lap at 164.675 mph in 54.686 seconds. Teammate Taylor Gray started alongside Jones on the front row after the former posted the second-fastest qualifying lap at 164.387 mph in 54.749 seconds.

Prior to the event, the following names, including Cole Custer, Josh Bilicki, Dean Thompson, Blaine Perkins, Patrick Emerling, and Nathan Byrd, dropped to the rear of the field due to unapproved adjustments that were made to their respective entries. Joey Gase and Dexter Bean also dropped to the rear of the field due to an engine change and backup car, respectively.

When the green flag waved and the event commenced, teammates Brandon Jones and Taylor Gray dueled in front of two-stacked lanes through the frontstretch until Gray gained the upper advantage and led through the first turn from the inside lane. Seconds later, the event’s first caution flew when Corey Day, who was racing in 13th place, got loose exiting the first turn, spun down the track, and was hit by Jesse Love before the former made hard contact against the inside wall. The incident had major implications for both Love and Day, as they were ranked second and third, respectively, in the standings, but were knocked out of further contention for the Pocono event.

The start of the next restart on the sixth lap featured Gray and Jones dueling through the frontstretch and Gray gaining another strong advantage from the inside lane to motor ahead of Jones and lead both through the first turn and the Long Pond Straight. As the field behind jostled for early spots and navigated through Pocono for nearly a full cycle, Gray led the next lap just before the caution returned due to Ryan Sieg getting bumped and turned by Austin Hill towards the frontstretch’s outside wall. Despite sustaining right-front damage and veering sideways, Sieg was dodged by oncoming traffic while Nathan Byrd spun to the frontstretch’s inside wall after he was hit by Cole Custer.

As the event restarted on the 11th lap, Gray fended off Carson Kvapil and Jones to motor ahead and lead from the first turn through Long Pond Straightaway. As the field fanned out while a series of on-track battles ensued through the Tunnel Turn and the final turn of Turn 3, Gray led the next lap. Gray proceeded to lead by more than two seconds over Sam Mayer at the Lap 15 mark while Justin Allgaier, Jones, William Byron, Jeremy Clements, Kvapil, Brent Crews, Sammy Smith and Connor Zilisch trailed in the top 10, respectively.

On Lap 18, the event’s third caution flew due to Natalie Decker dropping off the pace with a mechanical issue as she had smoke billowing out from her Joey Gase Motorsports entry before she stopped below the track in the first turn. During this caution period, some led by Allgaier and including Kvapil, Austin Hill, Harrison Burton, Anthony Alfredo, Parker Retzlaff, Kyle Sieg, Patrick Emerling, Brennan Poole, Patrick Staropoli, Josh Bilicki, Ryan Ellis, Carson Ware, Jeb Burton, Dean Thompson, Blaine Perkins, Lavar Scott and Cole Custer pitted while the rest led by Gray remained on the track.

With three laps remaining in the first stage period, the event restarted as Gray and Mayer dueled in front of the field entering the first turn. As the field fanned out through Long Pond Straightaway, Mayer, who was pinned on the outside lane, dueled with Gray for nearly a full lap before he motored ahead through Turn 3 and led the next lap while Byron tried to reel in from third place. Behind, Jones dropped to fourth place in front of Creed, and Allgaier used his fresh tires to motor up to sixth place. Allgaier moved up to fourth place during the next lap while Gray challenged Mayer to reassume the top spot.

Seconds later, the caution returned due to Zilisch spinning and wrecking into the first turn’s outside wall after he received contact from William Sawalich, with Sawalich also drifting up the track and hitting the wall on the right side. This caution was enough for the first-stage period to officially conclude under caution. At the time of caution, Gray, who motored ahead of Mayer through the first turn and prior to the caution, was ruled ahead of the field and was awarded his first O’Reilly stage victory of the 2026 season. Mayer settled in second ahead of Byron, Allgaier and Jones while Sheldon Creed, Sammy Smith, Crews, Kvapil and Austin Hill were scored in the top 10, respectively.

Under the event’s first stage break period, a majority of the front-runners led by Gray pitted while the rest, led by Allgaier and including those who pitted prior to the second stage’s conclusion, remained on the track, with Allgaier inheriting the lead.

The second stage period started on Lap 30 as teammates Allgaier and Kvapil occupied the front row. At the start, the field fanned out through the frontstretch as Kvapil used the outside lane to motor past Allgaier through the first turn and lead through Long Pond Straightaway. As the field behind jostled for spots, Kvapil took advantage of his early leap by leading the next lap while Austin Hill, Jeb Burton and Parker Retzlaff followed suit, respectively. Over the next five laps, Burton dropped to 13th place while Gray moved up to ninth place behind Byron and Crews. In addition, Allgaier and Kvapil were ahead of third-place Retzlaff by one-and-a-half seconds as Allgaier, who reassumed the lead on Lap 34 over Kvapil, led by four-tenths of a second.

On Lap 36, the caution returned for a three-car accident in Turn 3 that involved Leland Honeyman Jr., Patrick Staropoli and Brennan Poole. Select names that included Gray and Sawalich pitted while the rest led by Allgaier remained on the track. The next restart on Lap 42 did not last long as Patrick Emerling spun off the front bumper of Poole in the second turn. During the latest caution, most of the field pitted while the rest, led by new leader Crews and Retzlaff, Zilisch, Clements, Caruth, Thompson and Gray, remained on the track.

As the event restarted on Lap 45, Retzlaff managed to slide in front of Crews to lead through the first turn. Amid Crews’ challenge, Retzlaff led the next lap while Clements, Zilisch and Rajah Caught occupied the top-five spots over Allgaier, Dean Thompson, Byron, Nick Sanchez and Kvapil, respectively. Behind, Kyle Sieg barely scrubbed the outside wall in Turn 3 after he shot up the track and was sideways, but the event remained under green flag conditions.

When the second stage period concluded on Lap 50, Crews, who reassumed the lead two laps earlier, captured his second O’Reilly stage victory of the 2026 season. Allgaier, Retzlaff, Caruth, Byron, Zilisch, Mayer, Clements, Alfredo and Kvapil were scored in the top 10, respectively, while 31 of 38 starters were scored on the lead lap. During the event’s second stage break period, Crews, along with Retzlaff, Caruth, Clements, Sawalich, Poole, Ryan Sieg, Bilicki, Ryan Ellis, Zilisch and Thompson, pitted while the rest, led by Allgaier, remained on the track.

With 44 laps remaining, the final stage period commenced as teammates Allgaier and Byron occupied the front row. At the start, Allgaier received a shove from Mayer to motor ahead of Byron before Mayer attempted to get beneath Allgaier and challenge him for the lead entering the first turn. With Allgaier still out in front, Mayer drew alongside Allgaier in a battle for the lead through the Long Pond Straight, but Allgaier managed to fend off the latter to lead the next lap. With a series of late on-track battles ensuing within the field, Allgaier continued to lead by three-tenths of a second over Mayer with 40 laps remaining while Creed, Alfredo, Byron, Sammy Smith, Gray, Clements, Jones and Crews were racing in the top 10, respectively.

Down to the final 30 laps of the event, Mayer was locked in a heated battle with Allgaier for the lead. By then, names like Sammy Smith, Gray, Kvapil, Custer and Creed made pit stops under green before Allgaier pitted during the next lap. Mayer then pitted from the lead during the following lap, and he managed to blend back on the track and regain pace ahead of Allgaier, but both were trailing Creed as Creed pitted a lap prior to Allgaier and two laps prior to Mayer. During Mayer’s pit stop, more names like Byron, Alfredo, Caruth, Hill, Bilicki, Sanchez, Jones and Staropoli all pitted while Crews, who was among a handful of competitors who had yet to pit, was leading with 27 laps remaining.

As the event reached its final 24-lap mark, Mayer overtook teammate Creed on track through the third turn for fifth place. Behind, Allgaier, who reeled in the two Haas Factory Team entries, dueled with Creed before overtaking him entering the Tunnel Turn. By then, Dean Thompson, who assumed a brief lead from Crews, pitted while Ryan Sieg, Harrison Burton and Ryan Ellis were the trio of competitors still racing out in front of Mayer. Burton then assumed the lead from Sieg with 20 laps remaining while Mayer, Allgaier and Creed moved up to third from fifth in the leaderboard, with Mayer trailing the lead by more than two seconds.

Then with 18 laps remaining, the caution flew when Patrick Emerling was turned by Crews and sent for a spin through the frontstretch as he hit the inside wall head-on. By then, Burton had maintained a narrow advantage over a hard-charging Mayer while Allgaier, Sieg and Creed were in the top five. During this caution period, some led by Harrison Burton and including Sieg, Clements, Retzlaff, Sawalich, and Jeb Burton pitted while the rest, led by Mayer, remained on the track as Mayer inherited the lead.

The next restart with 13 laps remaining featured the field fanning out as Mayer used the inside lane to slide in front of Allgaier and maintain the lead from the first turn and through Long Pond Straightaway. Seconds later, the caution flew when Byron got loose beneath Gray and sent the latter spinning through the Tunnel Turn. As Gray proceeded to spin towards the bottom of the track, Sammy Smith also spun when he got loose beneath Alfredo as the rest of the field scattered to avoid the carnage. The incident occurred as both Byron and Gray were battling in the top five, leaving Gray with flat-spotted tires on the right side.

As the event restarted with eight laps remaining, Mayer received a brief upper advantage as he motored ahead of Allgaier through the frontstretch while being pushed by teammate Creed from the inside lane. Soon after, Allgaier, who was pushed by teammate Byron before both disconnected entering the first turn, used the outside lane to assume the lead from Mayer. Amid the stacked competition and late-race battles ensuing behind, Allgaier led the next lap over Mayer before the caution returned with six laps remaining. This was due to a three-car accident on the frontstretch that involved Jeb Burton, Lavar Scott and Dexter Bean as the event was placed in a red flag period for seven and a half minutes.

When the red flag lifted and the event restarted with two laps remaining, Mayer was pinned in the middle of a tight three-wide formation through the frontstretch as teammate Creed elected to drive beneath Mayer instead of drafting him. With Creed not receiving a strong shove from Crews, Allgaier received one from Byron on the outside lane that allowed Allgaier to clear the field through the first turn while Creed briefly got loose and held up teammate Mayer, which allowed Byron, Crews and Rajah Caruth to motor past the two Haas competitors. As Byron assumed the runner-up spot, Crews settled in third place, and Mayer reeled in on Caruth for fourth place while Creed dropped to sixth place. Meanwhile, Allgaier motored away from the field.

When the white flag waved and the final lap started, Allgaier remained in the lead by four-tenths of a second over Byron. With both Byron and Crews unable to mount a tandem to reel in Allgaier, the latter was able to cycle around Pocono’s trio of turns for a final time before he cycled back to the frontstretch and claimed the checkered flag by six-tenths of a second.

With the victory, Allgaier notched his 33rd career win in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, his fifth of the 2026 season and his second in a row in recent weeks after he won at Nashville Superspeedway in late May. In addition, Pocono Raceway became the 21st track in which Allgaier achieved an O’Reilly victory, and he achieved back-to-back victories for the fourth time in his illustrious career.

Allgaier’s Pocono victory marked the 15th O’Reilly victory of the 2026 season for the Chevrolet and the 11th for JR Motorsports as the organization notched its fifth victory at the Tricky Triangle.

No. 7 team
Photo by Logan Allen for SpeedwayMedia.com.

“First of all, I got to say a huge thank you to William Byron,” Allgaier said on the frontstretch on the CW Network. “Without that shove at the end of the race, it was probably game over. [I’m] Just so proud of this race team. This season has been special and [crew chief] Andrew Overstreet and this whole No. 7 team, this pit crew right here, the effort that goes into it. We’re gonna go celebrate this one, for sure.”

Brent Crews edged William Byron by 0.040 seconds to finish in the runner-up spot for a third time in his career while Sam Mayer and Sheldon Creed finished fourth and fifth, respectively. Anthony Alfredo, Rajah Caruth, Brandon Jones, Connor Zilisch and Carson Kvapil completed the top 10 in the final running order.

There were 18 lead changes for 10 different leaders. The event featured 10 cautions for 39 laps. In addition, 27 of 38 starters finished on the lead lap.

Following the 17th event of the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season, Justin Allgaier continues to lead the standings by 250 points over Jesse Love, 267 over Corey Day, 273 over Sheldon Creed and 295 over Brandon Jones.

Results:

  1. Justin Allgaier, 35 laps led
  2. Brent Crews, nine laps led, Stage 2 winner
  3. William Byron
  4. Sam Mayer, 14 laps led
  5. Sheldon Creed
  6. Anthony Alfredo
  7. Rajah Caruth
  8. Brandon Jones
  9. Connor Zilisch
  10. Carson Kvapil, four laps led
  11. Harrison Burton, five laps led
  12. Cole Custer
  13. Dean Thompson, two laps led
  14. Austin Hill
  15. Parker Retzlaff, two laps led
  16. Jeremy Clements, one lap led
  17. Taylor Gray, 24 laps led, Stage 1 winner
  18. Brennan Poole
  19. Sammy Smith
  20. Blaine Perkins
  21. William Sawalich
  22. Josh Bilicki
  23. Nick Sanchez
  24. Ryan Ellis
  25. Patrick Staropoli
  26. Ryan Sieg, four laps led
  27. Carson Ware
  28. Jeb Burton – OUT, Accident
  29. Lavar Scott – OUT, Accident
  30. Dexter Bean – OUT, Accident
  31. Patrick Emerling – OUT, Accident
  32. Kyle Sieg – OUT, DVP
  33. Leland Honeyman Jr. – OUT, Accident
  34. Natalie Decker – OUT, Engine
  35. Nathan Byrd – OUT, Accident
  36. Joey Gase – OUT, Engine
  37. Jesse Love – OUT, Accident
  38. Corey Day – OUT, Accident

Next on the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series schedule is the series’ inaugural United Rentals Drive to Serve 250 on San Diego’s Naval Base Coronado in San Diego, California. The event is scheduled to occur next Saturday, June 20, and air at 4 p.m. ET on the CW Network, MRN Radio and SiriusXM.

KALITTA, BECKMAN WIN MISSION #2FAST2TASTY CHALLENGE WHILE PRUETT, HAGAN, ANDERSON AND HERERRA ARE TOP QUALIFIERS AT SUPER GRIP NHRA THUNDER VALLEY NATIONALS

By
Official Release
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Doug Kalitta won another Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge in Top Fuel Saturday at Bristol Dragway.

BRISTOL, Tenn. (June 13, 2026) – There continues to be no stopping Doug Kalitta in the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge, as the reigning world champion defeated Leah Pruett in the final round of the bonus race on Saturday at historic Bristol Dragway as part of this weekend’s 25th annual Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals.

Jack Beckman (Funny Car), Matt Hartford (Pro Stock) and Richard Gadson (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also won the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge, while Leah Pruett (Top Fuel), Matt Hagan (Funny Car), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) qualified No. 1 at the ninth of 20 races during the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season and will lead their respective classes into tomorrow’s 10 a.m. eliminations.

Kalitta won for the fourth time this season in the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge and the ninth time since last year, going 3.922-seconds at 314.90 mph in his 12,000-horsepower Mac Tools dragster, beating Pruett on a holeshot in a thrilling side-by-side duel in front of a huge Thunder Valley crowd.

Pruett went 3.918 at 325.45, but Kalitta was a quicker .065 on the starting line, as he held off Pruett at the finish line. It was a standout race to close out final qualifying, adding more bonus points for Kalitta and more Saturday success.

“Whatever we’ve got going on for Saturdays, we’ve just got to keep it going,” Kalitta said. “The Mission Challenge points are important and we’re going to keep collecting as many of them as we can. The track is smooth and it seems really good. It’s just warm and a little bit challenging.

“It’s just so competitive out here. Some days you need a little luck, but mostly it’s about assembling a great team and continuing to do what we’re doing. This place has been good to me, and I’m definitely looking forward to tomorrow. With the earlier start and cooler conditions, it’s going to be a different element than what we’ve seen so far.”

Pruett held on to the No. 1 spot thanks to Friday’s 3.794 at 332.43 in her 12,000-horsepower Rush Truck Centers dragster. It’s the second top spot of the season for Pruett, who won the delayed Epping race on Friday in Bristol. She still has an opportunity for a big weekend by adding a second victory in three days with a Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals win. Antron Brown qualified second with a 3.801 at 329.50 and Tony Schumacher’s 3.803 at 326.16 puts him third.

“This is probably the No. 1 qualifier we’re most proud of all season,” Pruett said. “We raced for a final-round win Friday night, took everything the track had to give us, and still put up the number. The momentum is tangible right now. Winning races and proving you can beat the points leader reinforces what we already believed about this team. We’ve got a hot rod, a first-round bye, and in my opinion, one of the most consistent race cars out here. That’s a great place to be heading into race day.”

Funny Car’s Jack Beckman stayed perfect this weekend in Bristol, following up Friday’s victory with a win in the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge over John Force Racing teammate Jordan Vandergriff when Vandergriff crossed the centerline and hit a timing block.

Beckman defeated Vandergriff on Friday in the final round of the delayed NHRA New England Nationals and continued to have his number a day later, giving him the opportunity to pick up three wins in three days at Thunder Valley.

“Sometimes these cars are amazing to drive, and sometimes they’ll do anything except what you ask them to do. I think both of us experienced that in the final,” Beckman said.

“To close out the Epping race, win the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge and still have a shot at the Bristol trophy tomorrow — it’s an unbelievable opportunity. I’ve never been in a position where I could win three trophies in one weekend. I vote yes on trying it. It’s just an absolute blessing to be surrounded by people who are great at what they do and have a chance to win three trophies in one weekend.”

Four-time world champ Matt Hagan hung on to the No. 1 position for the first time this season and 55th time in his career thanks to Friday’s 4.009 at 319.60 in his 12,000-horsepower Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage Dodge Funny Car. It also gave Tony Stewart Racing a qualifying double-up in the nitro ranks, as Hagan looks to win again at his home track on Sunday. Alexis DeJoria qualified second with a 4.010 at 326.00 and Beckman is third with a 4.017 at 318.54.

“These No. 1 qualifiers mean a lot because they’re really for the crew guys. They’re the ones working over a 3,000-degree race car in brutal heat and putting a great machine underneath us,” Hagan said. “When you can hand those guys a yellow hat and a little bonus money, it goes a long way because they’re the true workhorses of this sport.”

Matt Hartford closed out a productive day in Pro Stock with his first Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge win of the year, exacting some revenge on Dallas Glenn, who went red in the final round on Saturday. A week ago, Glenn beat Hartford in the final round in Epping thanks to a reaction time of .002. This time, Glenn went red and Hartford went a strong 6.671 at 206.95 in his Total Seal Chevrolet Camaro. Hartford was a stellar .012 on the starting line, too, giving the veteran a chance to double-up this weekend in Thunder Valley.

“The Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge is one of the best things NHRA has done,” Hartford said. “The drivers love it, the fans love it and it adds a whole new level of adrenaline on Saturday.

“There’s money on the line, championship points on the line and we definitely love being part of the Mission deal. We especially love winning them. It’s really hard to win a round in Pro Stock. To win this race and beat the world champion in the final round makes me incredibly proud of our team. We take every single thing on that race car and use it as a tool. We stretch every part to its limit, trying to get every ounce of performance we can.”

Anderson slipped past Hartford in qualifying, securing his sixth No. 1 spot of 2026 after a run of 6.651 at 206.86 in his HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro during the final qualifying session. Hartford is second with a 6.658 at 206.95 and points leader Glenn is third with a run of 6.661 at 206.07.

“I’ve had a good run here. I messed up this morning, made a bad run, but we dug deep and got her back on the last run,” Anderson said. “These weren’t quite as good of conditions and we got her back so I know the car is fast. HendrickCars.com is looking good and I’ve got a great shot tomorrow.”

In Pro Stock Motorcycle, Richard Gadson returned to the site of his first professional victory and added another special Bristol moment, winning the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge over Jianna Evaristo with a run of 6.855 at 197.65 on his RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Suzuki.

It’s the first bonus race win of the season for the reigning world champion, who continues to have plenty of good vibes racing in Thunder Valley. That started his championship journey a year ago and the points leader is in a great position to repeat last season’s win on Sunday.

“This Challenge is a favorite among the racers because you go to sleep Saturday night feeling really good, and you wake up Sunday feeling really good,” Gadson said. “When your bike is running this well and you’re solid on the tree, this Challenge gives you a real boost of confidence heading into race day.

“This place is special to me because everything changed here.”

Herrera improved on Friday’s run to close out racing on Saturday, going 6.831 at 197.88 on his RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Suzuki to pick up his first No. 1 spot of the 2026 campaign. Gadson took second with a 6.839 at 197.74 and Angie Smith is third with a run of 6.858 at 198.17.

Eliminations for the Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals begin at 10 a.m. ET on Sunday at Bristol Dragway.

To purchase your reserved seats, call Bristol Dragway at (866) 415-4158. Tickets also are available online by visiting the BMS website.

                                                                         ***

BRISTOL, Tenn. — Saturday’s final results from the Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge at the 25th annual Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals at Bristol Dragway.

Top Fuel Challenge — Doug Kalitta, 3.922 seconds, 314.90 mph def. Leah Pruett, 3.918 seconds, 325.45 mph.

Funny Car Challenge — Jack Beckman, Chevy Camaro, No Time Recorded def. Jordan Vandergriff, Camaro, Foul – Centerline.

Pro Stock Challenge — Matt Hartford, Chevy Camaro, 6.671, 206.95 def. Dallas Glenn, Camaro, Foul – Red Light.

Pro Stock Motorcycle Challenge — Richard Gadson, Suzuki, 6.855, 197.65 def. Jianna Evaristo, Buell, 6.896, 197.10.

BRISTOL, Tenn. — Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge final round-by-round results from the 25th annual Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals at Bristol Dragway.

FINAL —

TOP FUEL CHALLENGE:

ROUND ONE — Doug Kalitta, 3.872, 313.29 def. Shawn Langdon, 4.230, 207.69; Leah Pruett, 4.017, 238.51 def. Billy Torrence, 4.515, 180.21;
FINAL — D. Kalitta, 3.922, 314.90 def. L. Pruett, 3.918, 325.45.

FUNNY CAR CHALLENGE:

ROUND ONE — Jordan Vandergriff, Chevy Camaro, 4.548, 191.73 def. J.R. Todd, Toyota GR Supra, 9.363, 85.18; Jack Beckman, Camaro, 4.244, 235.89 def. Ron Capps, GR Supra, 5.341, 137.96;
FINAL — J. Beckman, No Time Recorded def. J. Vandergriff, Foul – Centerline.

PRO STOCK CHALLENGE:

ROUND ONE — Matt Hartford, Chevy Camaro, 6.658, 206.95 def. Greg Stanfield, Camaro, 6.665, 204.20; Dallas Glenn, Camaro, 6.671, 206.32 def. Greg Anderson, Camaro, 6.659, 206.61;
FINAL — M. Hartford, 6.671, 206.95 def. D. Glenn, Foul – Red Light.

PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE CHALLENGE:

ROUND ONE — Richard Gadson, Suzuki, 6.839, 197.74 def. Angie Smith, Buell, 6.858, 198.17; Jianna Evaristo, Buell, 6.899, 196.33 def. Ryan Oehler, 6.884, 198.06;
FINAL — R. Gadson, 6.855, 197.65 def. J. Evaristo, 6.896, 197.10.

BRISTOL, Tenn. — Sunday’s first-round pairings for eliminations for the 25th annual Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals at Bristol Dragway, the ninth of 20 events in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series. Pairings based on results in qualifying, which ended Saturday. DNQs listed below pairings.

Top Fuel — 1. Leah Pruett, 3.794 seconds, 332.43 mph vs. Bye; 2. Antron Brown, 3.801, 329.50 vs. 15. Will Smith, 4.219, 227.57; 3. Tony Schumacher, 3.803, 326.16 vs. 14. Keith Murt, 3.943, 311.27; 4. Tony Stewart, 3.807, 332.10 vs. 13. Justin Ashley, 3.929, 319.37; 5. Billy Torrence, 3.814, 338.17 vs. 12. Maddi Gordon, 3.922, 313.29; 6. Josh Hart, 3.815, 327.03 vs. 11. Doug Kalitta, 3.872, 314.90; 7. Shawn Reed, 3.821, 319.60 vs. 10. Clay Millican, 3.852, 308.57; 8. Jasmine Salinas, 3.822, 326.00 vs. 9. Shawn Langdon, 3.852, 328.54.

Funny Car — 1. Matt Hagan, Dodge Charger, 4.009, 319.60 vs. 14. Jon Capps, Charger, 6.284, 106.99; 2. Alexis DeJoria, Chevy Camaro, 4.010, 326.00 vs. 13. Jordan Vandergriff, Camaro, 4.548, 191.73; 3. Jack Beckman, Camaro, 4.017, 318.54 vs. 12. Jeff Arend, Charger, 4.429, 212.86; 4. Spencer Hyde, Ford Mustang, 4.030, 319.07 vs. 11. Cruz Pedregon, Charger, 4.304, 224.51; 5. Austin Prock, Mustang, 4.101, 305.42 vs. 10. Dave Richards, Mustang, 4.177, 281.13; 6. Daniel Wilkerson, Mustang, 4.126, 309.06 vs. 9. J.R. Todd, Toyota GR Supra, 4.154, 310.20; 7. Ron Capps, GR Supra, 4.131, 304.53 vs. 8. Chad Green, Mustang, 4.136, 309.49.

Pro Stock — 1. Greg Anderson, Chevy Camaro, 6.651, 206.86 vs. 14. Kenny Delco, Camaro, 6.785, 203.65; 2. Matt Hartford, Camaro, 6.658, 206.95 vs. 13. Shane Tucker, Camaro, 6.781, 206.13; 3. Dallas Glenn, Camaro, 6.661, 206.32 vs. 12. Stephen Bell, Camaro, 6.699, 205.19; 4. Greg Stanfield, Camaro, 6.665, 205.26 vs. 11. Troy Coughlin Jr., Camaro, 6.696, 204.94; 5. Matt Latino, Camaro, 6.666, 205.60 vs. 10. Eric Latino, Camaro, 6.692, 206.07; 6. Erica Enders, Camaro, 6.675, 206.04 vs. 9. Aaron Stanfield, Camaro, 6.691, 205.41; 7. Jeg Coughlin, Camaro, 6.682, 205.16 vs. 8. Cody Anderson, Camaro, 6.687, 205.60.

Pro Stock Motorcycle — 1. Gaige Herrera, Suzuki, 6.831, 197.88 vs. Bye; 2. Richard Gadson, Suzuki, 6.839, 197.74 vs. 15. Wesley Wells, Suzuki, 7.188, 183.15; 3. Angie Smith, Buell, 6.858, 198.17 vs. 14. Geno Scali, Suzuki, 7.049, 193.38; 4. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 6.883, 194.24 vs. 13. Marc Ingwersen, EBR, 6.972, 184.75; 5. Ryan Oehler, EBR, 6.884, 198.52 vs. 12. Kelly Clontz, Suzuki, 6.956, 194.58; 6. Jianna Evaristo, Buell, 6.896, 197.10 vs. 11. Chris Bostick, Suzuki, 6.950, 193.07; 7. Brayden Davis, Buell, 6.903, 197.08 vs. 10. Chase Van Sant, Suzuki, 6.946, 196.85; 8. Joey Gladstone, Buell, 6.935, 195.79 vs. 9. John Hall, Beull, 6.937, 197.77.

About Bristol Dragway

Affectionately known as “Thunder Valley,” Bristol Dragway is nestled between two mountains in northeast Tennessee near the Virginia state line and sits adjacent to the iconic Bristol Motor Speedway. In 2026, the historic dragstrip is celebrating its 61st anniversary and is scheduled to play host to numerous major events including the fan-favorite Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals, a marquee event in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series. Other key events at the Dragway in 2026 include the DER Bracket Series, Summit Racing Equipment Thunder Valley Street Fights series, BTE World Footbrake Challenge races, PDRA Thunder Valley Throwdown, JEG Summer Fling, RAD Fall Fling 500K, and the NHRA Jr. Drags Eastern Conference Finals. Bristol Dragway also transforms into a premier outdoor concert venue for the world’s greatest music performers and becomes The Thunder Valley Amphitheatre presented by Ballad Health. With more than 50 event days each season and serving as the longtime starting point for The Food City Speedway in Lights holiday spectacular, Bristol Dragway continues to be one of the busiest drag racing facilities in the nation. For more information, please visit www.bristolmotorspeedway.com/dragway.

TOYOTA RACING – NOAPS Pocono Post-Race Report – 06.13.26

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Official Release
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CREWS TALLIES ANOTHER STAGE WIN, FINISHES SECOND AT POCONO
Brandon Jones earns milestone pole for Toyota

LONG POND, Penn. (June 13, 2026) – Brent Crews continued his stellar rookie season as he won the second stage and finished second to race winner Justin Allgaier in the NASCAR O’Reilly Series race at Pocono Speedway on Saturday evening.

Brandon Jones (eighth) won the pole for the first time this season and delivered the 200th NASCAR O’Reilly Series pole for Toyota. It is the second major milestone for Toyota that Jones has earned in his career as he also won Toyota’s 500th NASCAR race at Phoenix in March 2020.

Sam Hunt Racing also had a strong performance at Pocono as both of their entries led laps in the same race for the first time ever, and both scored solid top-15 finishes with Harrison Burton in 11th and Dean Thompson in 13th.

TOYOTA RACING Post-Race Recap
NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series (NOAPS)
Pocono Raceway
Race 17 of 33 – 250 miles, 100 laps

TOYOTA FINISHING POSITIONS

1st, Justin Allgier*

2nd, BRENT CREWS

3rd, William Bryon*

4th, Sam Mayer*

5th, Sheldon Creed*

8th, BRANDON JONES

11th, HARRISON BURTON

13th, DEAN THOMPSON

17th, TAYLOR GRAY

21st, WILLIAM SAWALICH

34th, NATALIE DECKER

*non-Toyota driver

TOYOTA QUOTES

BRENT CREWS, No. 19 Mobil 1 Toyota GR Supra, Joe Gibbs Racing

Finishing Position: 2nd

How did you get back to the top-five and how did the end of the race play out for you?

“Yeah, we were really good all day. I just want to thank everyone at Mobil 1, TOYOTA RACING – this no. 19 Toyota GR Supra was really, really good today, just kind of never got us in the right spots there. I kind of did that on my own. That was on me, but the car was really good all day. Got on some different strategies and got some good stage points and ended up running p2 there. Tired of running second to Justin (Allgaier) but guess that is the best place to be if we aren’t in Victory Lane.”

BRANDON JONES, No. 20 Menards/Ortho Toyota GR Supra, Joe Gibbs Racing

Finishing Position: 8th

Another top-10. How was your run?

“Yeah, and dang, I don’t think our guys did anything wrong on that penalty but that kind of hurt our day. It is hard to put a day together, it really is. You look back at the start of race and the 2 (Jesse Love) and the 17 (Corey Day) – they were both out on lap one of the race. It is so hard to get there at the end of these races. I was happy with at least a top-10 and getting a rebound after that penalty in that stage. Had a decent stage one, I think we got to fifth there and had some decent points, so certainly wasn’t a loss. It was a slight climb, a slight gain overall. We will continue to plug away it. This has been a tough track and today was interesting. They didn’t say that we had a different right-side tire, but it just seemed different for whatever reason. Just very, I don’t know what the right word is, I guess sensitive on tire heat. You had to be very cognizant of how you were driving the car today. It was very easy to overdo it. It was very easy to under do it; it was hard to find that sweet spot at what the car really wanted today, so I thought our restarts went really well. There were some good ones towards the end that continued to get us back to the front there. Brent (Crews) did good. We are had good speed in our Toyotas today; just hard to put a day together. Right now, there is a lot of competitive cars. We will keep plugging along. We’ve got a big unknown coming up here next week in San Diego. We are prepping hard. Thank you to TRD and Toyota – I think they’ve done a great job at getting their track map in their simulator really good. I feel like we are going to start out with a leg up on the field.”

HARRISON BURTON, No. 24 DEX/SHARP Toyota GR Supra, Sam Hunt Racing

Finishing Position: 11th

Just a positive day overall. Solid finish.

“Yeah, it is good. Not still the end result we want but just been a tough year. I can’t tell you how many times we’ve done the right things and have had it go wrong. So that has been emotionally draining. I’m proud of our guys for fighting, and starting to get in a little rhythm, and starting to feel like we’ve got our cars better. Thankful for everyone at TRD, DEX Imaging, Dead On Tools, Bulovas Restorations – all of these people that come on and help us for sticking with us. It has been a tough year and we’ve kind of started this second half as a new season, and so good start to our new season. We’ve just got to keep it going.”

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in North America for nearly 70 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our more than 1,800 dealerships.

Toyota directly employs nearly 64,000 people in North America who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of over 50 million cars and trucks at our 14 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.

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