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Dubai Used Car Market Guide

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

I remember the first time I stepped into the sprawling Al Aweer Auto Market — the air was thick with heat and the metallic scent of sunbaked engines. I wasn’t just browsing; I was hunting. Dubai’s reputation as a car lover’s paradise had reached me years before I landed there, but nothing prepared me for the actual experience — a world where Lamborghinis gather dust beside mid-range Japanese sedans, and negotiation feels like a blood sport conducted under neon lights.

I’d spent weeks researching before I even set foot on the desert pavement. Everyone talks about how “cars are cheaper in Dubai,” but few mention the unspoken ecosystem that sustains that claim — a web of import taxes, expat ownership cycles, and a cultural obsession with status. Beneath the glossy exterior of car showrooms lies a complex, often opaque market that rewards the informed and punishes the naive. This is my first-hand account of learning that lesson.

Understanding the Layers: Why Dubai’s Car Market Is Unlike Anywhere Else

The first truth I uncovered was that Dubai’s automotive landscape runs on three distinct economies: the new car market, the certified pre-owned sector, and the independent used car trade. Each operates with its own rhythm, and choosing between them depends less on your budget and more on your appetite for risk.

In the new car market, prices are generally lower than in most Western countries because of Dubai’s near-zero import duties. But the real edge comes from dealer competition — luxury brands like Mercedes, BMW, and Lexus often cut margins aggressively just to move inventory. However, this advantage hides an inconvenient truth: resale value in Dubai drops faster than anywhere else I’ve seen. The climate, transient population, and a glut of similar models all conspire to drive depreciation through the sand.

Then there’s the certified pre-owned segment — my personal sweet spot. Here, you’ll find cars less than three years old, serviced exclusively at agency workshops, often with low mileage because many expats leave after a short contract. The vehicles are mechanically sound and cosmetically flawless, though priced about 10–15% higher than what you’ll find in the wild jungle of Al Quoz or Sharjah lots.

Which brings me to the independent dealers — where dreams, deals, and deception mingle freely. This is where I encountered the real soul of Dubai’s car trade, a place where you learn to spot a repainted fender from a meter away and to read the twitch of a salesman’s eyebrow before he quotes his price. It’s also where I learned that the words “cars for sale” are both a promise and a warning — they represent opportunity, but also an entire underworld of hidden histories, rolled-back odometers, and “GCC specs” that sometimes aren’t.

The Fine Print: GCC vs. American vs. European Specs

You’ll see “GCC spec” written on almost every windshield, and at first, I thought it was just a marketing slogan. It isn’t. It’s everything.

A GCC-spec vehicle is designed for the Gulf’s punishing climate — reinforced cooling systems, stronger air conditioning, and specific engine calibrations to handle desert heat. In contrast, American imports — often flood-damaged or previously leased — can suffer from air conditioning issues or electrical problems after just one summer. The European imports fare better but often come with software configurations incompatible with local fuel blends.

I made the rookie mistake of assuming a “2019 Range Rover Sport, US import” would be fine because it looked immaculate. It wasn’t. After six months, a sensor failure cascaded into a nightmare of overheating and transmission errors. The repair bill made me wish I’d paid the extra 20% for a GCC model.

That’s when I understood that in Dubai, specs dictate survival. Cars aren’t just machines here; they’re a negotiation with the climate.

Where Deals Are Made — and Lost

When you enter a dealership in Dubai, the first thing to remember is that price tags are merely starting points. Bargaining isn’t optional — it’s ritual. Sellers expect it. If you don’t haggle, you’re considered either naïve or rich, and both make you a target.

In the independent lots, every negotiation follows a dance: the salesman swears on his “brother’s life” that this is the best price, you shake your head and start walking away, and then he calls you back with a lower offer before you reach the door. You might think it’s theatrics, but beneath the performance lies an intricate cultural rhythm. Knowing when to counter — and when to shut up — often determines whether you save 2,000 dirhams or lose 10,000.

One insider trick I learned: never visit a lot in the evening. Heat-fatigued mechanics and slick-talking dealers make poor judgment partners. Morning inspections reveal oil leaks and paint inconsistencies that afternoon glare conceals. I also carry a small flashlight — not for show, but to check panel gaps and suspension components. Dust hides a thousand sins in this city.

The Middle of My Journey: A Lesson from Zorendi

It was during my fourth month of searching that I met Zorendi, a quiet Sudanese mechanic in Al Qusais. He wasn’t a salesman — he was the whisperer behind many showroom deals. For a modest fee, he’d inspect cars for buyers who wanted an honest verdict. His eyes could detect accident repairs invisible to scanners.

I remember him running his fingertips over a BMW’s door frame, pausing, and saying softly, “The metal’s been baked — not from the sun, from a spray booth.” He was right. The car had been in a side collision, masterfully repaired and repainted. Without him, I’d have bought trouble dressed as opportunity.

Zorendi taught me that trust is the real currency in Dubai’s car market. Forget bank loans or flashy down payments — your best investment is a reliable inspector. I began referring to my search not as car shopping but as “mechanical anthropology.” Every vehicle told a story — some tragic, some triumphant, all revealing the city’s restless churn of ownership.

Paper Trails and Pitfalls: The Bureaucratic Desert

Buying the right car is only half the battle; registering it is another. The RTA (Roads and Transport Authority) handles all vehicle paperwork, and while their system is efficient, it’s ruthlessly unforgiving. Miss one document — an insurance certificate, a passing test, or a valid Emirates ID — and you’ll find yourself sweating in a queue behind fifty people all arguing in different languages.

If you’re purchasing from a dealer, they usually handle this. But if it’s a private sale, brace yourself. You’ll need:

  • A valid Emirates ID and UAE driving license
  • The seller’s original Mulkiya (registration card)
  • A passing certificate from an RTA-approved testing center
  • Active car insurance (required before transfer)

Testing centers in Al Barsha or Deira can complete the inspection in 20 minutes, but during peak hours, it can stretch to two hours. I learned to go early, before 9 a.m., when the inspectors are fresh and less likely to nitpick minor cosmetic flaws.

Financing, Insurance, and the Mirage of “Zero Down Payment”

One of the flashiest traps in Dubai’s car scene is the “Zero Down Payment” financing offer. It sounds magical — drive away today, pay later — but the fine print usually includes inflated interest rates and mandatory insurance packages that cost twice the normal rate.

Insurance here isn’t just about legality; it’s about climate resilience. Sandstorms, flash floods, and reckless supercar drivers all coexist on the same roads. Comprehensive coverage is non-negotiable. I use a broker who specializes in expat policies — they know which insurers actually honor claims versus those who vanish behind automated hotlines.

Final Thoughts: The Art of Knowing When to Walk Away

By the end of my six-month journey, I didn’t just buy a car — I earned a degree in Dubai’s unspoken automotive culture. I learned to trust mechanics more than salesmen, to read registration cards like financial statements, and to listen to engines as if they spoke a second language.

The car I finally bought wasn’t the fastest, nor the flashiest. It was a 2018 Lexus GS350 GCC-spec, single owner, full-service history, verified by Zorendi himself. It’s been two years, and it still runs like a desert falcon — poised, resilient, and quietly proud.

Dubai taught me that buying a car isn’t about possession; it’s about perception. The real luxury isn’t horsepower — it’s peace of mind earned through patience, research, and the humility to admit you don’t know everything.

Key Takeaways from My Journey

  • Always prioritize GCC-spec vehicles unless you enjoy mechanical roulette.
  • Inspect under morning light, not evening glare.
  • A trusted mechanic is worth more than any extended warranty.
  • Avoid “too good to be true” financing. In Dubai, it usually is.
  • And most importantly, remember: every deal is a test — not of your wallet, but of your wisdom.

Will you trust performance vehicle parts suppliers from China?

By
SM
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As a vehicle parts purchaser, I often hear complaints from peers about their experiences with Chinese suppliers—delayed shipments, quality issues, and communication breakdowns. However, having sourced parts from China for years, my experience has been mostly positive. Deliveries are on time, and the quality is consistently good. This raises the question: Is it just luck on my part, or should we be more confident in trusting Chinese performance vehicle parts suppliers?

The Role of Chinese Vehicle Parts Suppliers

Chinese suppliers now account for over 30% of the world’s auto parts exports. Their dominance has grown due to competitive pricing, scalable production, and improving quality control. As the global auto parts industry is valued at nearly $1 trillion, China continues to be a leading supplier. With advanced manufacturing capabilities, Chinese suppliers are critical for businesses aiming to stay competitive in the performance vehicle parts sector.

Why Some Chinese Performance Vehicle Parts Suppliers Disappoint

While many Chinese suppliers offer excellent products, some can leave buyers frustrated. Here are common issues:

  • Inconsistent Quality Control: Not all suppliers maintain the same quality standards. Some cut corners to save costs, leading to performance or durability issues.
  • Misleading Listings: Some suppliers present their products with glossy images or descriptions that don’t match the actual parts, resulting in disappointment when the products don’t meet expectations.
  • Poor Communication: Slow response times and language barriers can lead to delays and misunderstandings, making transactions difficult to manage.
  • Lack of Transparency: Some suppliers are vague about manufacturing processes, materials, or certifications, making it hard to assess whether the parts meet required performance standards.
  • Hidden Costs: Unexpected shipping delays and additional fees can lead to frustrations when final prices exceed initial quotes.
  • Manipulated Reviews: Some suppliers may manipulate ratings on e-commerce platforms to appear more reliable than they actually are, leading buyers to trust unreliable suppliers.

These challenges highlight the importance of thorough research and supplier vetting before making large orders. While there are trustworthy suppliers in China, due diligence is essential to avoid pitfalls.

The Case for Trusting Chinese Performance Vehicle Parts Suppliers

Despite some challenges, there are many compelling reasons to consider Chinese suppliers:

  • Cost-Effectiveness: China’s large-scale manufacturing and efficient production methods enable suppliers to offer high-quality parts at much lower prices than competitors in other regions.
  • Manufacturing Expertise: With years of experience, Chinese suppliers specialize in precision parts and use advanced machinery, ensuring reliable performance and high standards.
  • Scalability: Chinese suppliers can quickly scale production to meet large orders, making them ideal for businesses with high-volume needs.
  • Customization and Product Range: Many suppliers offer a broad range of parts and can customize components for specific needs, whether for racing, off-roading, or street performance.
  • Improved Quality Standards: Many suppliers now adhere to international certifications, such as ISO 9001, ensuring the parts meet global quality expectations.
  • Global Reputation: Chinese suppliers are gaining global recognition, with a growing presence in markets like the U.S. and Europe, thanks to their ability to deliver quality products and reliable service.

While challenges exist, the benefits of working with Chinese suppliers—such as cost savings, manufacturing expertise, and flexibility—make them a viable and competitive option for sourcing performance vehicle parts.

How to Ensure a Satisfactory Purchasing Experience

Over the years, I’ve developed a set of practices to ensure a smooth and reliable purchasing process. Here’s a quick summary of the steps that have worked well for me:

  • Search Company Name on Google: Start by searching the supplier’s name online. This will help you find reviews, news, and any potential red flags that may arise from other customers’ experiences.
  • Check Their Website: A professional, well-maintained website often reflects a supplier’s credibility. Look for clear information about their products, contact details, and business operations.
  • Make a Phone Call or Video Call: Direct communication is essential. Calling or arranging a video call gives you a chance to gauge the supplier’s professionalism and clarify any doubts in real-time.
  • Check Business Licenses: Verify the company’s legitimacy by checking their business licenses. In China, tools like Qichacha allow you to verify a company’s legal standing and track record.
  • Ask for a Sample Before Formal Order: Always request a sample before placing a large order. This helps you verify product quality and ensure it meets your standards.
  • Get Products Picked Up by Agent from Supplier’s Address: To minimize risk, have your agent pick up the products directly from the supplier’s address. This ensures the goods are exactly what you ordered.
  • Factory Audits: If possible, arrange for a factory audit. This allows you to see the manufacturing process firsthand and assess the supplier’s facilities.
  • Visit Company or Factory: If you can, visit the supplier’s company or factory in person. A visit builds trust and allows you to inspect the operation and products more thoroughly.

By following these steps, you can greatly reduce the risk of a negative experience and ensure that you’re dealing with a reliable, trustworthy supplier.

3 Supplier Recommendations

Here are three trusted suppliers in the performance vehicle parts industry that have proven themselves globally.

SYZ Machine

Founded in 2012, SYZ Machine has established a strong reputation in the performance vehicle parts sector, particularly in the custom vehicle modification industry. With a focus on high-quality rod ends and spherical bearings, the company has earned recognition in the U.S. market, where it has gained a solid customer base. The company exports globally and continues to grow as a trusted name in the racing and aftermarket vehicle markets.

OSSCA China

Founded in 1994, OSSCA Auto Parts specializes in high-performance automotive parts, particularly suspension systems, brake components, and drivetrain parts. With a strong engineering background, OSSCA serves markets in North America, Europe, and Australia. Their products include coilovers, shock absorbers, and control arms, designed for enhanced performance in racing and off-road vehicles. Known for precision and durability, OSSCA is a trusted supplier of aftermarket performance parts.

DENSO China

DENSO is a leading global supplier of advanced automotive technology and components, with its China division established in 1997. Known for high-quality engine control units, air conditioning systems, and electrical parts, DENSO serves markets in North America, Europe, and Asia. Committed to cutting-edge technology and sustainability, DENSO remains a trusted supplier for top-tier vehicle manufacturers and aftermarket businesses worldwide.

Final Notes

When sourcing performance vehicle parts, many buyers hesitate to trust Chinese suppliers due to past negative experiences. However, after years of working with them, I’ve found that while challenges exist, Chinese suppliers offer numerous advantages, such as cost-effectiveness, manufacturing expertise, and scalability. This article explores whether you should trust them.

Verstappen’s Road to Greatness: What the Formula 1 Odds Reveal

By
SM
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Photo by Gergana Stefanova on Unsplash

Max Verstappen’s rise to Formula 1 greatness is not just a story of dominance; it’s a masterclass in focus, adaptability, and relentless execution. As the 2025 season hits its decisive stretch, the reigning champion continues to redefine what excellence looks like behind the wheel. 

Fresh off another commanding performance at the United States Grand Prix, Verstappen’s trajectory points toward another title run, and the Formula 1 odds reflect that growing inevitability. Beyond statistics and podiums lies something more profound: a driver transforming not only his legacy but the sport itself.

The Evolution of a Legend

In a sport where milliseconds define careers, Verstappen has built a reputation for turning perfection into habit. 

Since claiming his first championship in 2021, the Dutch driver has elevated every aspect of his craft, from race strategy to tire management and mental composure. Each lap feels calculated yet instinctive, revealing a driver in complete command of his machinery and mindset.

Red Bull’s engineering excellence plays a role, but Verstappen’s success transcends the car. His ability to maximize performance even under imperfect conditions, whether managing tire degradation in Texas or navigating unpredictable weather in Suzuka, underscores why he remains the benchmark for every other driver on the grid.

Analysts at Sporting News note that Verstappen’s post-Austin comments reflect a rare combination of confidence and perspective. After his win at the U.S. GP, he stated he was “Optimistic about finishing strong and clinching another championship,” emphasizing continuous improvement even in victory. That mindset separates champions from legends.

A Season Defined by Precision

The second half of the 2025 Formula 1 season showcases Verstappen at his most complete. Every race, since Monza, reveals a meticulous balance of aggression and control. He no longer wins through sheer pace alone; he wins through discipline. His starts are cleaner, pit-stop communication sharper, and decision-making more clinical.

Across circuits like Bahrain, Imola, and Austin, Verstappen has turned potential pressure points into opportunities. When challengers close the gap, he responds not with recklessness but with calculated brilliance. It’s this mental evolution that keeps him ahead in the standings and in the perception of bookmakers tracking the Formula 1 odds.

For fans and bettors alike, the odds don’t just measure probability; they quantify dominance. Verstappen’s consistent odds-on status across sportsbooks speaks volumes about the trust the market places in his ability to perform under any scenario.

The Pursuit of History

Every era in Formula 1 produces its defining driver, and Verstappen is fast becoming the emblem of this generation. With each victory, he climbs further up the record books, closing in on the benchmarks set by Hamilton, Schumacher, and Vettel. What makes his pursuit fascinating isn’t only the numbers but the method.

Verstappen doesn’t simply accumulate wins; he dismantles narratives. Early critics questioned his composure under pressure, yet recent seasons have turned that critique into his greatest strength. When rivals falter, Verstappen executes. When strategies fail around him, he adjusts on instinct.

His command in Austin highlighted that adaptability. Despite tire wear issues and late-race challenges, Verstappen held off rivals with precision braking and intelligent corner management. It was less about speed and more about control, proof that greatness in Formula 1 is as much psychological as mechanical.

Rivals and the Shifting Landscape

While Verstappen’s dominance appears overwhelming, the rest of the grid isn’t conceding quietly. Ferrari continues to make strategic strides, Mercedes shows flashes of its former self, and McLaren’s young drivers are pushing harder than ever. Yet what defines the season’s Verstappen-centric storyline is how each team now measures progress through proximity to Red Bull’s No. 1 car.

Even the fiercest rivals, from Charles Leclerc to Lando Norris, admit that Verstappen’s consistency sets the benchmark. His qualifying laps often redefine track limits. His race pace establishes the ceiling. His calm under pressure reshapes expectations of what’s possible.

This ripple effect is central to how the Formula 1 odds evolve week by week. Bettors and analysts aren’t just tracking who can win a race; they’re gauging how close anyone can get to Verstappen.

The Technical Edge

While Verstappen’s skill is the nucleus of his success, Red Bull’s engineering brilliance remains his silent co-pilot. The RB21 continues to excel in straight-line speed, aerodynamics, and race-day balance. 

The car’s dominance doesn’t diminish Verstappen’s contribution; it amplifies it. His feedback loop with race engineers is renowned for its precision. He identifies micro-flaws others might overlook, then translates that data into measurable performance gains.

It’s why Red Bull maintains a strategic stranglehold over rivals. Verstappen’s technical fluency allows him to adapt the car’s handling to specific circuit demands, minimizing setup experimentation and maximizing qualifying potential.

This synergy between man and machine is what turns good teams into dynasties. In the broader Verstappen narrative, it’s proof that greatness isn’t built in isolation but in collaboration.

A Psychological Advantage

Beyond raw talent and technology lies an often-underestimated factor: mindset. Verstappen’s mental strength has become one of his defining weapons. He races with a mix of intensity and composure rare even among elite athletes. Critics once accused him of being overly aggressive; now that edge feels refined, channeled, and purposeful.

His post-race demeanor reflects a driver unfazed by external noise. While rival teams publicly strategize and speculate, Verstappen focuses inward, recalibrating constantly, never complacent. That approach echoes through Red Bull’s paddock culture, creating an environment where excellence feels inevitable.

In a sport that demands perfection 23 weekends a year, that mental consistency might be Verstappen’s most unbreakable advantage.

Bettors Takeaway

For bettors assessing the 2025 championship landscape, Verstappen’s dominance creates both opportunities and challenges. His short prices in the Formula 1 odds market limit outright value, but deeper insight lies in race-specific props, fastest lap, qualifying margin, or team-matchup bets. 

Can he catch Piastri? Savvy bettors are paying close attention to circuits where Red Bull historically underperforms, where street-circuit unpredictability can level the field. In those weeks, contrasting Verstappen’s odds against teammate and rival performance insights may uncover value.

An Active Legend

Max Verstappen’s road to greatness is far from complete, but his direction feels unmistakable. With each race, he pushes Formula 1 closer to a new era, one defined by precision, dominance, and unrelenting control. The Formula 1 odds mirror that truth: a reflection of confidence not just in results but in inevitability.

What makes Verstappen’s journey so compelling isn’t the trophies or records; it’s the transformation of potential into permanence. He’s not chasing greatness anymore; he’s living it.

*Content reflects information available as of 2025/10/22; subject to change.

Paul Wolfe Turning the Page to Martinsville This Weekend

By
Official Release
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Ford Racing Notes and Quotes
NASCAR Cup Series
Martinsville Playoff Media Availability
Tuesday, October 21, 2025

Paul Wolfe, crew chief for Joey Logano and the No. 22 Shell/Pennzoil Ford Mustang Dark Horse for Team Penske in the NASCAR Cup Series, answered questions from the media this afternoon about Sunday’s race at Martinsville Speedway and what his team needs to do in order to win and advance to the Championship 4.

PAUL WOLFE, Crew Chief, No. 22 Shell/Pennzoil Ford Mustang Dark Horse – THIS IS A WIN TO GET IN SCENARIO. HOW WILD COULD WE SEE STRATEGY AT THE END OF THE RACE ON SUNDAY? “I think it’s hard to say right now with bringing a new tire to this race, something we haven’t seen yet on track. I think we’ve got to wait and see how some of the practice stuff look and obviously longer stages than we had in the spring race. Are you gonna see guys try to split that stage and all of those types of scenarios, so really it’s hard until we get on track and really see what we have with that tire, it’s hard to make some of those decisions, but obviously at the end of the day points don’t matter a whole lot to a few of us here. It comes down to the end of the race, you’re gonna have to do what you’ve got to do to try to make something happen. I’m sure you can see guys get aggressive, but ultimately until we know what we’re gonna have with this new tire it’s hard to say what that may be.”

HOW IMPORTANT WOULD IT BE FOR ONE OF THE TEAM PENSKE CARS TO GIVE ROGER A GOOD SEND OFF TO THE OFFSEASON WITH A CHAMPIONSHIP? “It’s important every year, really. It’s unfortunate that on the Indy Car side they weren’t able to have more success, but it doesn’t really change what we’re doing. Yes, it would be great and we’re the only team that’s been able to win a championship with this generation car, so it would be big. Unfortunately, as we sit right now neither one of us are locked in, but with that being said, the good thing is we’re both capable of winning at Martinsville. Blaney has done it twice now in this scenario and we have a really strong car in the spring and feel like we’ve really gained more on our short track program throughout this season, so we’re as confident as we can be going into the weekend. With that being said, we’re racing against other cars that this is one of their strengths as well, so it’s not gonna be easy by any means, but that’s where we are at this point in the season.”

YOU AND JOEY HAD SOME TIME WITH THIS NEW LEFT SIDE TIRE DURING THE NEW HAMPSHIRE TEST IN THE SUMMER. HOW MUCH OF A HELP WAS THAT AND DOES IT GIVE YOU A LEG UP FOR THIS WEEKEND? “I wouldn’t say it hurt at all. I think it was a good thing that we got an opportunity to run on it. We didn’t spend much time on it. Obviously, it was one of the option tires. I guess total we maybe did two runs on it and, yes, the conditions are different and the track is different, but we at least have an idea going into the weekend, which, obviously the other manufacturers do as well with having cars at that test. With that being said, I’ve been part of a couple tests, one this year and one last year at North Wilkesboro and as we’ve seen at Bristol with it being very sensitive to weather conditions, ambient temp, track temp, those types of things, there’s no guarantees that what we saw at New Hampshire is gonna act the same this weekend as the temps will be much cooler from what we see right now. I don’t know that we’re gonna get a whole lot of sun either on Sunday at the moment, so track temps down, temperatures only in the sixties, like I said, I’ve been a part of these tests and seen tire wear drastically change based on temperature and we’ve seen it at Bristol as well, so it’s a little bit of a question mark, but that’s what we have to prepare for is the unknown and trying to put our best foot forward with the most educated guess we can of what’s gonna happen and how much does that really change the setup in the car. There are things potentially that you’re gonna do differently if you knew exactly what was gonna happen, so you find yourself making compromises potentially with that unknown.”

IF THE PERSON DOING YOUR TIRE MODELING IS OFF, HOW BADLY DOES THAT UPSET YOUR SIMULATION PACKAGE FOR THE RACE YOU’RE GOING INTO? “It’s very important, obviously, the tire model. We talk about it all the time when you look at simulators and those types of things and what you get out of them, it really depends on what you’re starting with. You hit on one of the most important parts of all of that and that’s modeling the tire and something that I don’t know that we ever get it perfect. You’re trying to get it the best that you can and move forward with it. Obviously, we’ve had a lot of time with this right side tire, which is definitely a little bit unique because many years past I don’t think we’d typically have the same right side tire at Martinsville as we do at Phoenix or New Hampshire. I always feel like it’s been a little bit unique, so the fact that we have tested with this right side and have a lot of experience with it and been able to find good speed and success with it, that’s encouraging, but Martinsville is a little bit of its own animal and when I talk about testing at New Hampshire, to me, that fits more in line of Phoenix, Richmond, those style of tracks, where Martinsville is a little bit of its own animal. I still think there are things that carry over and, like I said, understanding the tire is good. The left side, basically the way I understand it is it’s nothing more than a compound change, so that’s more of a tire wear and how that may affect the run length and how the balance may swing throughout the run. I feel fairly good about what we have in that area, but track temp and those will dictate a lot of what happens to the wear and the run length.”

IF YOU MISS THE TIRE MODEL AND IT SKEWS YOUR SIM, HOW MUCH WILL THAT DESTROY YOUR ABILITY TO COME OFF THE TRUCK FAST AND QUALIFY WELL? “I think it’s probably different. You could ask different teams or crew chiefs and how that may affect them differently. I think my approach and what’s worked for me is not just relying on that, I guess. There’s a lot of different things that I look at and put into our baseline or what we’re gonna unload with each and every week, and trying not to rely on just one tool to solely make those decisions and how we plan. I think over time it averages out to be a better approach for me and not finding ourselves getting way off in left field too much, so just try to keep a balance of what I’m looking at and what I’m using because you’re right, if something is off in the tool that you’re using to prepare, yeah, it could send you down the wrong path real easily and get you off. And with this format of how practice goes and what you’re allowed to change, sometimes it’s hard to get back on the rails if you don’t start off correctly. I feel good about where we’ll be getting going and we’ll be able to get ourselves tuned in from there.”

WE’VE HEARD HOW HARD IT IS TO FIND MAJOR GAINS WITH THIS CAR. HOW TINY CAN GAINS BE TO HELP LAUNCH YOU UP THROUGH THE FIELD? “I agree with what you’re saying that obviously it’s gotten closer and harder, so finding an advantage or speed compared to your competitors the separation is really small. I think even for us and if you look at Talladega last week I feel like with this car and this aero package the Fords have kind of been the superspeedways have been our strength, but eventually guys keep working to try to catch up and I think you can look at the Toyotas and say they have definitely closed that gap. Even the Chevrolets as well, but we didn’t sit on the pole at Talladega. It wasn’t a Ford and those guys had speed, so it’s hard to keep those advantages for very long as maybe everyone thought the Fords had on the superspeedways. It’s really no different where we go now and when we say little changes, yeah, the difference between contending for wins and running in the top five and running 15th is small. Whether that’s something in your setup or your balance of your car, or little aero gains that you’re always trying to find, which that gets harder and harder because we haven’t had any major rules updates or changes. That’s really what keeps somewhat of separation amongst the field is when there are rules changes and when everything is status quo for so long, and then you look at guys moving amongst the garage from one team to the next, which is just part of the sport and how it happens. ‘Well, this is what we did here. These are different areas to look,’ and it just brings new ideas and thoughts and the next thing you know everyone has the same race car. Now, with that being said there is still some differences aero-wise amongst the manufacturers and how the cars react and maybe different setups to go along with that aero package, but the basic thought and ideas of how you approach this car and trying to maximize settings, camber settings, air-pressures, those types of things, everyone eventually gets in that same area and then it’s pushing the limits and finding those limits. Unfortunately, we’ve had some issues here in the playoffs with tire failures and what-not and that’s just trying to find that little bit more. That’s what we’re down to, so it’s pushing those limits without going over them and we’ve had our struggles there a little bit here in the playoffs with that.”

YOU HAVE A GREAT RESUME AT PHOENIX. WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO WIN A CHAMPIONSHIP THERE AND WHAT CHALLENGES DO YOU EMBRACE AT THAT TRACK? “The first thing is having a good short track program, which where the championship race has been the last few years that’s just fit what we have going on with this car, not that we haven’t had speed on mile-and-a-halves, but our strength has been short tracks, so I think having a great short track package is obviously key to having a shot at it. From there, then it’s just as a company how do we continue to as we talk about trying to find gains continue to ramp up and make sure that we’re maximizing every last little detail on these cars as we get ready for that championship race. We talk all the time about how important winning early in this round is and we’ve been able to do that and this year obviously the 11 has and that just gives you those extra days to go over all the little details. I mean, we have the basics. You’re gonna get all the basics, whether you win earlier or if we win this week, we have the basics, but it’s just trying to cover off on all of those last little details that you can drive yourself crazy working on to make sure you don’t miss anything and have maximized it. From there, then it’s just how you plan out what little bit of practice we do get, which is unique to our schedule. That’s different than what we do every week at this point, so you’re trying to understand how to get the most out of that condition and some of that comes down to how well do your teammates work with you and how do you work as a company, and do you have more than one car in the playoffs, which we’ve seen before here at Penske, but making the most out of the track time that we do have and then as you get into the race, for me, the challenge or the part that I spend a lot of time on as well is the strategy side of it and making sure we’re ready and can respond to anything that comes up during the race as it can change throughout the day. It’s a short race, but there’s still opportunity there to get that right or get it wrong, so there obviously needs to be a lot of thought going into how all of that will play out and understanding that you’re only racing three other competitors and that potentially could change your approach, no different than we talk about Talladega being in this round and how that had a different feel and look to the manufacturers and teammates and who is willing to help who and what you’re willing to sacrifice ultimately at a speedway race that’s in the Round of 8 versus one during the regular season or even just in an earlier round. I think, in my eyes, the race was different last Sunday because of that, so you have to keep that in mind as you go into the race on Sunday at Phoenix as well.”

LOOKING AHEAD TO THE WILKESBORO HORSEPOWER TEST IN DECEMBER. GIVEN THAT NASCAR WANTS TO TRY SOME AERODYNAMIC THINGS AS WELL, DO YOU HAVE A DIRECTION YOU WANT TO SEE THEM OR LEAD THEM TOWARDS TO GET THE SHORT TRACK PROGRAM BETTER? “I haven’t spent a lot of time. Obviously, the horsepower thing has been on the radar for awhile. I’m excited about that direction. I think it’s good. I’m not aware of much of the aero stuff that’s been talked about. Right now, we’re on two different aero packages when we talk about mile-and-a-halves versus short track. We’ve run both packages on short tracks and it’s hard to say that anything has been a big mover on the aero side, but I think with all of this being said, I think we need to keep in mind not one change is gonna be huge. It’s gonna be to continue stacking small changes and directionally making the racing better. I’ve seen comments. Some guys believe we’re not gonna see anything out of the 750, well is it gonna be night and day? No, but directionally as you talk about how you use your tires and manage your tires, those types of things, adding horsepower is not gonna make that worse. It’s not gonna make the wear better, it’s gonna make it worse, which, ultimately, that’s what we’re going for and those types of things, so I’m a fan of continuing to try to move the whole thing forward, but we’ve got to do it in a smart way and understand that not every change is gonna be night and day. It’s no different than we’re trying to find speed in our race cars. It’s about stacking a bunch of small things to get a result and this is no different, I don’t feel like, in the approach and trying to continue to make it better. I’m excited to see the 750 package. I don’t believe it’s gonna be worse and directionally it should make things better. I think we’ve done some good things with tires this year. Goodyear has obviously pushed the boundaries there, and I think, at times, we’ve seen good results because of it, so I’m excited to continue down that path. That’s a tough one and I don’t know that we’re always, as a sport, gonna hit it out of the park on that one. That’s gonna be continuing to evolve and try to figure that out, but I think we’ve gone in the right direction with it as well and I’m excited to continue down that path as well.”

STEVE O’DONNELL INDICATED THAT NASCAR WAS OPEN TO TARGETING AN AREA OR TWO ON THE NEXT GEN CAR TO MOVE IT AWAY FROM BEING TOTALLY SPEC AND SINGLE-SOURCE SUPPLIED, AND MAYBE GIVING YOU GUYS MORE THINGS TO TINKER AND DEVELOP. DO YOU HAVE AN IDEA OR SUGGESTION TO WHAT AREAS THEY SHOULD TARGET? “I hadn’t heard about that, that that was even on the radar to open things back up like that, so I would probably want to put a little thought into that before I answer the question. But as I spoke earlier, I enjoy change. I think it’s healthy for competition. When we talk about different rules packages or things over time that I’ve been in the series it creates opportunity and maybe at times you see some separation and find teams that find the speed right away and others that are working on it. It’s healthy for the competition side of it and I look forward to things like that. Like I said, we’ve gone quite a while now with this generation car with things that have been pretty stagnant, not that the racing has been bad because of it, but I think from the guys that have been in the sport a long time and enjoy that, I think once in a while it’s fun – the creativity side and bring some of that back and giving guys the opportunity to try to make something happen or find an advantage even if it’s just for a short time.”

DO YOU GO BACK AND DIGEST WHAT HAPPENED ON SUNDAY AT TALLADEGA SO THE DRIVER UNDERSTANDS? “We debrief after every race weekend. You have to while it’s fresh on your mind, so we do that typically on Mondays and there was a lot of discussion around it as we know how important this weekend is and looking forward, while things are still fresh we at least got to get a little bit of a download and get everyone’s thoughts and review what did happen, what went wrong because obviously we didn’t get the result any of us wanted or what we expect or thought we were capable of, so, yeah, there was a lot of frustrations that go along with that, which I think you sensed from both of our drivers post-race. But we sat down as a group and look at it all and try to understand what exactly went on. Some things at this moment we don’t understand why guys did what they did and I don’t know that we ever will understand some of it, but we can see what happened and why we weren’t able to do what we thought we were capable of, but that doesn’t answer for everyone else and what was going through their mind at the moment and what they were trying to accomplish. We thought we put ourselves in a good position to the point, but some things just didn’t line up for us exactly and unfortunately we weren’t able to get a win, so, for now, we downloaded on it. We’ve kind of put it behind us. We’ll revisit that in the offseason as far as how we approach the speedway stuff. Like I spoke earlier, there’s definitely not that advantage maybe you would have said we had a year or two ago. I think guys obviously have continued to work hard and there are some that have caught up to us, so it makes it even harder to do the things you want to do when you don’t have an advantage anymore, when you’re accustomed to having that advantage you expect certain things to work and happen and it just didn’t. We’ll be smarter from it. That’s all you can do as a team of this caliber is make sure we continue to learn from it and be smarter and better next time we go to a speedway race. That’s kind of where it’s at and we’ve turned our focus to Martinsville this weekend, which is obviously another great opportunity for both of us.”

RANDOM STUFF CAN HAPPEN ANYWHERE, SO HOW DO YOU LOOK AT THAT KIND OF STUFF AS YOU HEAD TO MARTINSVILLE? “I think you just have to accept that’s gonna be part of it and for sure on the speedway races as long as we’ve been doing this now, unfortunately, it’s a big part of it – the things out of your control. At times, I feel like where we’re at with this car right now on the superspeedways it’s maybe a little worse, I don’t know. Maybe that’s not true. It feels that way to me just because we’ve crashed out of a lot of these and I feel like it’s hard to move past cars, so that’s where the pushing and shoving starts because that’s really the only way to get these cars to move and the minute that starts, that’s when we keep seeing guys get turned around. That’s what causes these wrecks and it happens at the front as much as it does the middle of the pack anymore, so at this stage I’ve kind of just accepted that’s part of it, unfortunately. You try and go out there and get what you can when you can and then it’s just gonna be what it is. Martinsville, obviously, to your point, sure, there are things, it’s tight quarters there with guys racing hard, so there are gonna be things that can happen out of your control, but I think the biggest thing you can do is just go maximize your day, make sure you’re doing everything you can on pit road like we spoke strategy-wise, a little bit of an unknown at the moment. I’m curious to see how practice goes and then we’ll have a rough plan of what we think we need to do as we start the race on Sunday. You’ll have to be fluid with it, especially in this scenario. That day won’t be about maximizing points for us, it will be about winning the race, so your approach could be very different than what ours was in the spring potentially or what other guy’s are, so we’ll adjust on the fly if need be and hopefully we’ll be in Victory Lane.”

WHERE DO YOU SEE AI IMPACTING YOUR LIFE PERSONALLY AND WHERE COULD IT HAVE A BIG EFFECT ON NASCAR PROFESSIONALLY, WHETHER IT’S IN COMPETITION, PREPARATION OR STRATEGY? “Obviously, I’m aware of it. I wouldn’t say it’s a big part of my life at the moment. I think you’ve always got to be open-minded and be prepared for what’s the next new thing coming along and how is it gonna impact us here at Team Penske? To answer your question, it could have an impact on every area. I don’t think there’s one part of the program where it couldn’t potentially impact us. It’s just weighing out in the positive ways or negative ways because there could be things that go both ways on that. I think it’s just continuing as we do with any tools at our disposal here at Penske, you’ve got to continue to be smart with them and maximize them, but understand that there’s not just one tool or one process or idea that’s gonna make it work, and I think as I look at our company and our teams here and how we work together and things we do, everyone’s got a little different approach to things and, at times, it can be frustrating or trying to understand my approach or how I look at a situation versus maybe one of the other crew chiefs, I think it’s healthy to have different approaches and mix it together if that makes sense. That was no different than when Todd Gordon was here and him and I worked close together. We didn’t always have the same approach or see things the same way, but I think we balance each other out pretty well, and I think that’s really what makes the strength of our team here and how everyone works together is having that different thought processes and bringing everyone together and making it all work because there’s not just one individual or one thought or one idea that’s gonna bring success to the company, so as I look at AI I think it could be useful in a lot of areas and it’s something that we’re mindful of and will use it as we see the need for it.”

Front Row Motorsports: Martinsville Speedway Competition Notes – Zane Smith

By
Official Release
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Zane Smith and the No. 38 Long John Silver’s Ford Team
Martinsville Speedway Competition Notes
Xfinity 500

Date: Sunday, October 26, 2025
Event: Race 37 of 38
Series: NASCAR Cup Series
Location: Martinsville Speedway (0.5-mile)
#of Laps: 500
Time/TV/Radio: 2:00 PM ET on NBC/MRN/SiriusXM channel 90

Zane Smith Notes

Following a ninth-place finish at the Talladega Superspeedway, Zane Smith and the No. 38 team return to the Martinsville Speedway with two races to go in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season. Smith has built a good reputation when it comes to racing at the 0.526-mile Virginia track. In the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, Smith has earned one win, three top-five, and four top-10 finishes. In the Cup Series, Smith has a career best finish of 16th at the track, earning the result earlier this season in March.

Long John Silver’s returns to the No. 38 Ford Mustang Dark Horse this weekend, partnering with Smith for the 500-lap event. Long John Silver’s putting chicken in the driver’s seat right alongside its legendary seafood. Fans know Long John Silver’s for wild-caught Alaskan fish and iconic seafood, but now the best chicken tenders in the industry are in pole position to get the attention they deserve with the No. 38 “Chick Yeah” scheme. This rebrand signals a modernized look and a focus on food innovation, like the new chicken wraps launching later this month, all while keeping Long John Silver’s seafood heritage firmly in the winner’s circle. Fans can find a Long John Silver’s location near them by visiting ljsilvers.com.

“We have a lot of momentum as a team coming off Talladega,” said Smith. “Martinsville is a fun but challenging track—it comes down to qualifying up front and executing on pit road. The season’s almost over, but there’s still plenty left to race for. We want to finish strong.”

Road Crew

Driver: Zane Smith

Hometown: Huntington Beach, California

Crew Chief: Ryan Bergenty

Hometown: Plainville, Connecticut

Car Chief: Will Norris

Hometown: Bells, Tennessee

Engineer: Jacob Clamme

Hometown: Hartford City, Indiana

Engineer: Chris Yerges

Hometown: Green Bay, Wisconsin

Mechanic: Steve Godfrey

Hometown: West Haven, Connecticut

Mechanic / Engine Tuner: Tyler Podlaski

Hometown: Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania

Interior Specialist: Matt Fowler

Hometown: Spartanburg, South Carolina

Spotter: Ryan Blanchard

Hometown: Bethlehem, Connecticut

Transport Co-Driver: Ernest Mullins

Hometown: Fayetteville, North Carolina

Transport Co-Driver: Rick Grissom

Hometown: Bakersfield, California

Pit Crew

Front Tire Changer: Ryan Flores

Hometown: Manasquan, New Jersey

Rear Tire Changer: Austin Chrismon

Hometown: China Grove, North Carolina

Tire Carrier: Drew Baum

Hometown: Williamsport, Pennsylvania

Jackman: Ryan Selig

Hometown: Lindenhurst, Illinois

Fueler: Chris Webb

Hometown: Concord, North Carolina

ABOUT LONG JOHN SILVER’S

Long John Silver’s was founded in 1969 and is on a mission to create treasured moments through high-quality food and bell-ringing service. With restaurants from sea to mouth-watering sea, Long John Silver’s continues building on a belief that the unique seafood experience from the coasts should be accessible to all. Learn more at ljsilvers.com or join the conversation via social media on X, Facebook, or Instagram.

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.

Front Row Motorsports: Martinsville Speedway Competition Notes – Noah Gragson

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Official Release
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Noah Gragson and the No. 4 Farm Rich Ford Team
Martinsville Speedway Competition Notes
Xfinity 500

Date: Sunday, October 26, 2025
Event: Race 37 of 38
Series: NASCAR Cup Series
Location: Martinsville Speedway (0.5-mile)
#of Laps: 500
Time/TV/Radio: 2:00 PM ET on NBC/MRN/SiriusXM channel 90

Noah Gragson Notes

Noah Gragson and the No. 4 team return to the Martinsville Speedway for the second time this season. Gragson’s tenure at Martinsville outside of the NASCAR Cup Series is impressive. In five career NASCAR Xfinity Series starts at the track, he only has one finish outside of the top-four, and that lone 20th-place result in April 2022 came after Gragson qualified third and led 23 laps before he was caught up in a 15-car accident on the frontstretch 10 laps short of the finish. From 2020 through 2022, Gragson’s finishes in the Xfinity Series at Martinsville were third (October 2020), second (April 2021), first (October 2021), 20th (April 2022) and fourth (October 2022).

Gragson’s Martinsville history in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series is just as impressive. In four career Truck Series starts from 2017 through 2018, Gragson never finished worse than seventh. He came home fourth in his Truck Series debut at the track in April 2017, won in his next Martinsville start in October 2017, and then finished fifth and seventh, respectively, in his last two Truck Series starts in March and October 2018.

Farm Rich, America’s go-to frozen snack brand, proudly serving up craveable, easy-to-make favorites since 1977, is revving up for race day with Gragson and the No. 4 team. Don’t miss the action—and don’t miss out on Farm Rich’s delicious lineup of snacks perfect for the race weekend. Whether you’re tailgating at the track or watching from home, Farm Rich has you covered with craveable favorites like Mozzarella Sticks made with 100% real cheese, Loaded Potato Skins, Jalapeño Peppers, and an all-new Breakfast line up! Fuel up with Farm Rich and make race day delicious! Explore the full lineup of delicious, satisfying snacks at FarmRich.com.

“I’ve had some good runs at Martinsville in the past, and it’s always a place where you’ve got to be smart and aggressive,” said Gragson. “We’re focused on finishing the season strong and keeping the car in one piece. If we can stay out of trouble, I think we’ll be in a good spot.”

Road Crew

Driver: Noah Gragson

Hometown: Las Vegas, Nevada

Crew Chief: Drew Blickensderfer

Hometown: Decatur, Illinois

Car Chief: Joey Forgette

Hometown: Iron Mountain, Michigan

Engineer: Dillon Silverman

Hometown: Chico, California

Engineer: Scott Bingham

Hometown: Lawrenceville, Georgia

Mechanic: Chris Trickett

Hometown: Grafton, West Virginia

Mechanic: Tony Infinger

Hometown: Fort Valley, Georgia

Tire Specialist: Chris Aunspaw

Hometown: Zelienople, Pennsylvania

Engine Tuner: Matt Moeller

Hometown: Monroe, New York

Spotter: Nick Del Campo

Hometown: Blauvelt, New York

Transporter Co-Driver: Nate “Cookie” Eller

Hometown: Granite Falls, North Carolina

Transporter Co-Driver: Matt Murphy

Hometown: Augusta, Georgia

Pit Crew

Front Tire Changer: Thomas Hatcher

Hometown: Middleburg, Florida

Rear Tire Changer: Adam Riley

Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia

Tire Carrier: Jarren Davis

Hometown: Jacksonville, Florida

Jackman: Nate McBride

Hometown: Vidalia, Georgia

Fueler: Ray Hernandez

Hometown: Orlando, Florida

ABOUT FARM RICH

Farm Rich is America’s go-to frozen snack brand, proudly serving up craveable, easy-to-make favorites since 1977. From the first Mozzarella Stick sold in grocery stores to today’s full lineup of cheesy, protein-packed snacks, Farm Rich is all about making life a little more delicious—whether you’re tailgating at the track or snacking at home.

Tired of sad snacks that leave you hungry and disappointed? Farm Rich delivers bold flavor and real satisfaction with hearty options like Loaded Potato Skins, Mozzarella Sticks made with 100% real cheese, Jalapeño Peppers, and our NEW Breakfast line up! Made with quality ingredients and designed to actually fill you up, Farm Rich snacks are the upgrade your snack game deserves.

With a legacy rooted in convenience and flavor, Farm Rich is here to rescue snack time from bland bites and empty calories. No rules—just bold flavor, satisfying bites, and snacks that always hit the spot.

Stay connected with Farm Rich!

Follow us on Instagram @farmrichsnacks and Facebook at Farm Rich for snack inspiration, exclusive offers, and behind-the-scenes fun. Explore our full lineup of delicious, satisfying snacks at FarmRich.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.

Niece Motorsports NCTS Race Advance: Martinsville Speedway II

By
Official Release
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NIECE MOTORSPORTS
NCTS RACE ADVANCE: MARTINSVILLE SPEEDWAY II
Event: Slim Jim 200 (200 laps / 105.2 miles)
Round: 24 of 25 (Playoffs Round of 8)
Track: Martinsville Speedway
Location: Ridgeway, Virginia
Date & Time: Friday, October 24 | 6:00 PM ET
Tune-In: FOX Sports 1 | NASCAR Racing Network (NRN) | SiriusXM Ch. 90

Team Stats & Notes

  • Niece Motorsports Martinsville Stats: Since 2017, Niece drivers have combined to make 34 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series (NCTS) starts at Martinsville Speedway. The team has garnered two top-fives and four top-10s, including a runner-up finish with Ross Chastain in fall, 2019. In the spring race, Matt Mills led the team with a 15th-place result.
  • Milestone Start: Friday’s Slim Jim 200 will mark the 600th combined start for Niece Motorsports drivers. The team is only behind one active organization, ThorSport Racing, with the most starts in the series.

No. 41 DQS Solutions & Staffing Chevrolet Silverado RST
Driver: Conner Jones | Crew Chief: Mike Shiplett

  • Jones Returns: Conner Jones will make his fifth and final NCTS start of the year with Niece Motorsports on Friday. Jones had previously driven for the team at North Wilkesboro Speedway, Pocono Raceway, Bristol Motor Speedway, and New Hampshire Motor Speedway, posting a best result of 18th at Bristol.
  • Jones’ Martinsville Stats: Jones made his NCTS debut at Martinsville Speedway in spring, 2023. In that race, the Virginian finished 18th. He did not compete in either of the two series’ events here last year, but has also made two starts in the famous Valley Star Credit Union 300 Late Model Stock race.
  • Shiplett’s Martinsville Stats: Mike Shiplett has called three NCTS races at Martinsville and picked up his track-best finish of 15th in the spring race while working with Matt Mills. Shiplett has also made one NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) start and 12 Cup Series starts here throughout his career.
  • On the Truck: Jones’ No. 41 Chevrolet Silverado RST will race with support from DQS Solutions & Staffing. This will be the company’s first time joining on as a primary sponsor for the 19-year-old.
  • Double Duty: On Thursday, Jones will compete in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Series race before he straps in his No. 41 truck. Jones has attempted two races with the tour this year – North Wilkesboro and Richmond.
  • Quoting Jones: What are some differences of driving a truck and a late model around Martinsville?

“The trucks and the late models are pretty different here. The weight distribution is similar, but outside of that, they’re pretty opposite. The pedals are a lot softer in the late model stocks compared to the trucks, and the brake pedal is especially stiffer in a truck. I’d say the late model stock turns quicker because it’s a lot lighter and the chassis are built different. They react quicker, but they’re both fun to race around Martinsville.”

About DQS Solutions & Staffing: Guided by a mission to achieve excellence and adaptability, DQS partners with clients to create custom solutions that address unique business challenges. Recognized as Michigan’s fastest-growing company and #22 in the nation on the Inc. 5000 list, DQS drives industry growth while giving back through its nonprofit, Foundation for Pops, and partnerships like the River Rouge School District.

No. 42 J.F. Electric Chevrolet Silverado RST
Driver: Matt Mills | Crew Chief: Landon Polinski

  • Mills’ Martinsville Stats: Matt Mills has competed in three NCTS races at Martinsville, all of which came while driving for Niece Motorsports. Mills earned his track-best finish back in the spring race where he crossed the line in 15th. He has also made six NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) starts here, finishing as high as 18th in spring, 2022.
  • Polinski’s Martinsville Stats: Landon Polinski will make his first NCTS start as a crew chief at Martinsville Speedway on Friday.
  • On the Truck: Mills’ No. 42 Chevrolet Silverado RST will race with support from longtime partners J.F. Electric, who will be featured as a co-branded primary sponsor along with DQS Solutions & Staffing and Precision Vehicle Logistics.
  • Recapping Talladega: Matt Mills and the No. 42 team survived Talladega and lived to see another day. Mills qualified in 23rd, but was forced to start at the tail of the field after the team changed a driveshaft following time trials. The team elected to play it safe through the opening two stages, and made it a mission to make it to the end. Late in the going, Mills suffered unbearable heat coming up through the pedals, but hung on to finish in 19th-place.
  • Points Rundown: Mills lost one position in the points standings after Talladega, now down to 18th-place. Entering Martinsville, Mills is six points behind Dawson Sutton in 17th, and 23 points ahead of Stewart Friesen in 19th.
  • Quoting Mills: How important is it to manage your brakes here at a track like Martinsville?

“For us, it’s more about managing the heat in your right-front tire, so that kind of plays into managing your brakes. You need to keep temperature out of your right-front to keep your long-run speed up. I think we have a good opportunity to build off what we ran with in the spring, and hopefully get a better finish in our J.F. Electric Chevy.”

About J.F. Electric: J.F. Electric is an electrical contractor that provides engineering expertise, backed by construction and installation know-how in a diverse range of service offerings, from utilities and commercial projects, to industrial and telecommunications customers. When having a long family history in an industry, a company not only builds on its knowledge and experience, it takes pride in cultivating a solid understanding of client needs, all the while nurturing strong relationships with its employees. Evolving through five generations of the Fowler family, J.F. Electric has matured into a well-managed and thoughtfully diversified electrical contractor which is poised to continue its growth and expansion into the future.

About Utilitra: Utilitra is a woman-owned firm specializing in utility and technology solutions with a diverse team of specialized professionals. Utilitra is committed to solving their client’s unique challenges, whether one expert or a team of experts is needed. By adapting to the needs of their respective industries, Utilitra has built a range of services for their utility and technology partners.

No. 44 Telcel Chevrolet Silverado RST
Driver: Andrés Pérez de Lara | Crew Chief: Wally Rogers

  • Pérez de Lara’s Martinsville Stats: Andrés Pérez de Lara made his first start at Martinsville back in the spring of this year, and in that event, the rookie picked up his best-career NCTS finish in seventh-place.
  • Rogers’ Martinsville Stats: Wally Rogers has called 13 NCTS races at Martinsville, including highlights of one top-five and four top-10 finishes. Rogers finished third here in 2005 while working with Ron Hornaday, and was 23rd in the spring with Matt Gould. He has also made one NXS start and nine Cup Series starts at ‘The Paperclip’.
  • On the Truck: Pérez de Lara’s No. 44 Chevrolet Silverado RST will race with support from Telcel, a Mexican telecommunications giant, along with associate partners, Claro and Infinitum.
  • Recapping Talladega: Andrés Pérez de Lara and the No. 44 team had promising speed at Talladega, but couldn’t catch a break at the end of the race to come away with the result they should have. For his first series start at the track, Pérez de Lara qualified mid-pack but made moves early on. Despite nearly getting cleaned out early on, the rookie climbed inside the top-five, but lost the pack on a green flag pit stop. In the end, the No. 44 crossed the line in 17th.
  • Points Rundown: Pérez de Lara dropped one position in points after Talladega, where he is now shown in 16th-place. The rookie is six points behind Matt Crafton in 15th, and 30 points ahead of Dawson Sutton in 17th heading into the penultimate race of the year.
  • Quoting Pérez de Lara: You got your best-career finish here back in the spring, so what does that do for your confidence coming back?

“That run in the spring definitely helps our motivation, but I feel like so many things have changed this year. I’m in a really good spot with the whole No. 44 team. We’ve been having some good results, so we just have to put everything together and go execute. I feel like this is a good track for me, and a good track for the team, so we are looking for a really good result. Hopefully we can have a better run than we even had in the spring.”

About Telcel: Telcel is Mexico’s leading telecommunications company, providing nationwide coverage, cutting-edge mobile connectivity, and high-speed internet services to millions of users. With over 30 years of experience, Telcel continues to innovate in digital communication, offering solutions that keep people connected anytime, anywhere.

No. 45 DQS Solutions & Staffing Chevrolet Silverado RST
Driver: Bayley Currey | Crew Chief: Phil Gould

  • Currey’s Martinsville Stats: Bayley Currey made his NCTS debut at Martinsville in 2017, and has competed in a total of three series races here. Currey’s best finish at the track is 16th, which came last October. In five NXS starts at ‘The Paperclip’, Currey’s best result was 17th in spring, 2022.
  • Gould’s Martinsville Stats: Phil Gould has called nine NCTS races at Martinsville, resulting in two top-fives and three top-10 finishes. Gould’s best result – a runner up finish, was picked up in the fall race of 2019 with Ross Chastain, and his team finished 26th in the spring with Kaden Honeycutt.
  • On the Truck: Currey’s No. 45 Chevrolet Silverado RST will race with support from DQS Solutions & Staffing, who will be featured as a co-branded primary sponsor along with J.F. Electric and Precision Vehicle Logistics.
  • Recapping Talladega: Bayley Currey and the No. 45 team strategized a late push to move up front, but mechanical issues ended their race early. Currey started in 20th and hung around the middle of the pack to let the chaos subside through the first two stages. After overcoming a couple of speeding penalties on pit road, Currey was ready to drive through the field. Unfortunately, the driveshaft snapped under caution and the team went behind the wall, done for the day. They were scored in the 31st position.
  • Points Rundown: After falling out of the race early in Talladega, the No. 45 team slipped two spots in the points standings to 13th-place. Entering Martinsville, the team is five points behind Spire Motorsports’ No. 77 team in 12th, and is 53 points ahead of ThorSport Racing’s No. 13 team. Currey remains 22nd in driver points.
  • Quoting Currey: Your team had a great run going for them in the spring before a late-race crash, so do you think they’ll bring a similar setup this time?

“Yeah, I think for sure. In the simulator, we basically went with what they left with in the spring and maybe made a few tweaks here or there to try and get a little bit better. Obviously, Martinsville is really tough; it’s really close quarters and easy to get tore up. So, I think if we don’t do that, and stay out of trouble, we’ll be alright. I think we should come home with a good finish in our DQS Solutions & Staffing Chevrolet.”

About DQS Solutions & Staffing: Guided by a mission to achieve excellence and adaptability, DQS partners with clients to create custom solutions that address unique business challenges. Recognized as Michigan’s fastest-growing company and #22 in the nation on the Inc. 5000 list, DQS drives industry growth while giving back through its nonprofit, Foundation for Pops, and partnerships like the River Rouge School District.

About Niece Motorsports: Niece Motorsports is a professional auto racing team that has competed in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series (NCTS) since 2016. Fielding the Nos. 41, 42, 44 and 45 trucks, the team has garnered nine wins, 50+ top-fives, 100+ top-10s, 200+ top-15 finishes and made five playoff appearances. Founded by United States Marine Corps Veteran Al Niece, the team is owned by Josh Morris of DQS Solutions and Staffing and the Fowler Family of J.F. Electric and Utilitra. At its 80,000 sq. ft. headquarters in Salisbury, NC, Niece Motorsports is a full-service race vehicle build shop as well as a customizable fabrication shop for any manufacturing needs.

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

HFT Advance | Martinsville II

By
Official Release
-

Martinsville II Event Info:
Date: Sunday, October 26
Time: 2 p.m. ET
Series: NASCAR Cup Series (NCS)
Location: Speedway, Virginia
Format: 500 Laps, 263 Miles, Stages: 125-250-500
TV: NBC
Radio: MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Channel 90)

Weekend Schedule:
Saturday: 1 p.m. ET, Xfinity Practice (CW App, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
Saturday: 2:05 p.m. ET, Xfinity Qualifying (CW App, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
Saturday: 4:30 p.m. ET, Cup Practice (TruTV, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
Saturday: 5:40 p.m. ET, Cup Qualifying (TruTV, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
Saturday: 7:30 p.m. ET, Xfinity Race (CW, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
Sunday: 2 p.m. ET, Cup Race (NBC, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)

Pace Laps:

  • Martinsville Speedway hosts the penultimate race in the 2025 NASCAR season this weekend as the final event in the Round of 8 of the NASCAR Cup Series and Xfinity Series Playoffs.
  • Sam Mayer sits seventh in the playoff standings with 3051 points, -22 below the cutline, while Sheldon Creed is in eighth place with 3032 points, -41 points below the cutline.
  • Mayer (11.6) holds the third highest average finish among full-time NASCAR Xfinity Series drivers this season, behind only Connor Zilisch (8.2) and Jesse Love (11.0).
  • Mayer has finished inside the top 10 in five of his previous 11 starts and has tied his career-high with 13 top-five finishes this season (also 2023).
  • Mayer (7.5) also has the third highest average starting position among full-time NASCAR Xfinity Series drivers this season, behind Zilisch (5.9) and Justin Allgaier (6.5).
  • He has started inside the top 10 in nine of his last 11 starts dating back to his lone pole of the season at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in late July.
  • Creed finished runner-up at Martinsville in the spring race earlier this season, and has five career top-10 finishes at “The Paperclip”.
  • Cole Custer earned his second top-five finish of the season last weekend at Talladega.

Cole Custer Team Info:
Crew Chief: Aaron Kramer
Partner: Texas A&M

Sheldon Creed Team Info:
Crew Chief: Jonathan Toney
Partner: Friends of Jaclyn

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

Custer at Martinsville (Cup)
Starts: 7
Wins: —
Top-10s: —
Poles: —

  • Custer makes his eighth Cup start at Martinsville this weekend, where he has a 21.6 average finish.
  • He started inside the top-five in two of his last three starts, firing off P3 last spring and P5 last fall.
  • Custer had three top-10 runs in four career NXS events at Martinsville over the last two seasons, with an average finish of 8.5. He also has six Truck Series starts at the track.

Creed at Martinsville (Xfinity)
Starts: 7
Wins: —
Top-10s: 5
Poles: —

  • Creed is set to make his eighth Xfinity start at Martinsville on Saturday, where he has five career top-10 finishes. He has two career runner-up finishes, including in the spring earlier this season.
  • He has started inside the top-10 in six of his seven career starts at Martinsville, and holds an average starting position of 6.7, the fourth highest of any track.

Mayer at Martinsville (Xfinity)
Starts: 8
Wins: —
Top-10s: 5
Poles: —

  • Mayer is in line for his ninth Xfinity start at Martinsville this weekend, a track where he has finished in the top-10 five times, including four in the top five.
  • His four top-five finishes at Martinsville are the most for Mayer at any track in the Xfinity Series.
  • His best career starting position is fifth in the 2023 spring race, and he boasts an average qualifying effort of 14.1.

Where They Stand
Cup Points Standings (41: 33rd): Custer is 33rd in the Cup Series points standings with 454 points heading into Martinsville this Sunday

Xfinity Points Standings (41: 7th, 00: 8th): Sam Mayer sits seventh in the playoff standings with 3051 points, -22 below the cutline, while Sheldon Creed is in eighth place with 3032 points, -41 points below the cutline.

LOGAN BEARDEN PARTNERS WITH SBG RECORDS AT MARTINSVILLE SPEEDWAY

By
Official Release
-

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (October 21, 2025) – NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Logan Bearden announced he will compete in this Friday night’s NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Slim Jim 200 at Martinsville (VA.) Speedway.

Sacramento-based SBG Records will join Bearden as the primary marketing partner on the No. 02 Chevrolet Silverado of Young’s Motorsports.

Texas-based Bearden Automotive will serve as an associate marketing partner.

“At SBG Records, hard rock and metal are all about power, passion, and pushing limits – just like NASCAR,” said Shan Dan Horan, owner of SBG Records.

“Teaming up with Logan Bearden for the October 24th CRAFTSMAN Truck series is a natural fit. This partnership brings the raw intensity of the track and the stage together, and we’re ready to turn up the volume on race day.”

SBG Records is an independent rock record label founded by Shan Dan Horan. With a passion for raw, authentic music and a dedication to fostering emerging talent, SBG Records has carved out a unique space in the rock music scene.

The label’s mission is to empower artists, nurture creativity, and bring powerful, genre-defying sounds to the forefront. SBG Records continues to champion bold, innovative rock music that pushes boundaries and connects with listeners on a deeper level.

Whether through gritty, high-energy rock anthems or introspective, melodic masterpieces, SBG Records is committed to supporting artists who stay true to their craft and vision.

SBG Records current roster includes: Drowning Pool, Woe Is Me, Nerv, Archers, Awaken I Am, Sorry X, Jonny Craig, REDDSTAR and A Foreign Affair.

“I’m stoked to have SBG Records on the No. 02 Young’s Motorsports Chevrolet this weekend,” said Bearden. “SBG represents some incredible bands. I’m going to have one hell of a playlist this weekend to power us through the race.

“I’m also looking forward to returning to the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series and having an opportunity to compete with Young’s Motorsports. I’m hoping we have a respectable performance on Friday night that would continue the momentum for the team heading to the season finale at Phoenix Raceway next weekend.”

The Slim Jim 200 (200 laps | 105.2 miles) is the 24th of 25 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series races on the 2025 schedule. Practice begins on Friday, October 24 at 2:05 p.m. Qualifying immediately follows at 3:10 p.m. The 36-truck field is set to take the green flag later in the day shortly after 6:00 p.m. with live coverage on FS1, the NASCAR Racing Network (Radio), and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90. All times are local (Eastern).

For more information on Logan Bearden, visit loganbearden.com or follow him on Facebook (facebook.com/loganbeardenracing), X (x.com/LoganBearden_) or Instagram (instagram.com/logan_bearden).

For more information on SBG Records, visit sbgrecords.co or follow them on Instagram (instagram.com/sbgrecords.rocks) or TikTok (tiktok.com/@sbg.records).

LEGACY MOTOR CLUB: MARTINSVILLE SPEEDWAY RACE PREVIEW

By
Official Release
-

LEGACY MOTOR CLUB:
MARTINSVILLE SPEEDWAY PRE-RACE ADVANCE
EVENT: Xfinity 500

DATE: Oct. 26, 2025
RACE: NASCAR Cup Series 35 of 36
TRACK: Martinsville (Va.) Speedway | .526-Mile Oval

CLUB MINUTES:

JJ THE CLOCK WHISPERER: LEGACY MOTOR CLUB co-owner and seven-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion Jimmie Johnson knows how to win at Martinsville Speedway. In 38 starts, he collected a total of nine wins, 19 top-fives, and 25 top-10s in addition to his 2,932 laps led. He had an average finish of 9.9 at Martinsville. His wins are the most of any track he raced on during his fulltime career on the Cup Series circuit. Johnson scored his first win in Oct. 2004 after starting 18th. He led 67 laps en route to a 1.225 second margin of victory over Jamie McMurray. Between April 2006 and Oct. 2009, Johnson won five of the eight races run there and never finished outside the top-five. His final win at Martinsville came in Oct. 2016 after Johnson started third, where he led 92 laps to best Brad Keselowski by 1.291 seconds.

KENSETH AT MARTINSVILLE: LEGACY MC competition advisor and 2003 NASCAR Cup Series Champion Matt Kenseth owns a total of 39 Cup Series starts at Martinsville Speedway. During his career, he collected six top-fives, 15 top-10s and 641 laps led at the .524-mile oval. He earned a best finish of second twice in his career – April 2002 and Oct. 2013.

THE KING OF MARTINSVILLE: LEGACY MC ambassador and seven-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion Richard Petty has a total of 67 career starts at Martinsville Speedway. He’s earned 15 victories, 30 top-fives, and 37 top-10s as well as led 2,823 laps. He earned his first win in April 1960 after starting fourth. The King’s final win at Martinsville came in April 1975 when he started sixth and bested Darrell Waltrip by six seconds after leading 240 of 500 laps.

NEVER SETTLE: Join ESPN’s Marty Smith and LEGACY MOTOR CLUB’s co-owner Jimmie Johnson for their weekly podcast, “Never Settle”. Fans can find Never Settle on YouTube and watch the behind the scenes clips as well as full episodes. Click HERE to watch and subscribe.

JOHN HUNTER NEMECHEK
NO. 42 PYE-BARKER FIRE & SAFETY TOYOTA CAMRY XSE
JHN AT MARTINSVILLE: John Hunter Nemechek has five NASCAR Cup Series starts at Martinsville Speedway. He earned a best finish of 25th, earned twice in his career – June 2020 and March 2025. In the NASCAR Xfinity Series, Nemechek has two starts, including a race win in April 2023. In the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, he has 14 starts where he earned one pole award in Oct. 2021, and five top-five finishes, including a race win in March 2018.

WINNER AT MARTINSVILLE: Nemechek has two race wins at Martinsville in his career, one in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and one in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. His Xfinity Series win came in April 2023, where he started from second and led 198 of 250 laps to best Sammy Smith under caution. His Truck Series victory came in March 2018, where he started from eighth and won with a .106 of a second margin of victory over Kyle Benjamin.

T-MACK MARTINSVILLE STATS: Sunday’s race will be crew chief Travis Mack’s 10th NASCAR Cup Series race at Martinsville. His first outing came in March 2018 with Kasey Kahne. Mack returned to Martinsville with Daniel Suárez in the 2021 season, and the duo competed in six races together through the end of 2023, earning a Mack’s highest finish of 12th in Oct. 2022. In 2024, Mack returned with Josh Williams for the spring race. In March of this year, Mack competed with Nemechek. In the NASCAR Xfinity Series, Mack has one start with Michael Annett, where the pair started 11th and finished eighth in Oct. 2020.

JOHN HUNTER NEMECHEK QUOTE:
“We haven’t had the strongest short track program this season, but we’ve learned a lot throughout the year. We set ourselves up with a decent spot in the qualifying order, which will be important since qualifying makes such a difference here. I’m excited to put our notebook to the test and capitalize on some of our key learnings from earlier in the season.”

TRAVIS MACK QUOTE:
“We weren’t bad in the spring. We battled some issues, but we have a good baseline for Martinsville. It’s going to be chaos, of course, with playoff cars trying to make it into the Championship Four but we still want to run up front and would like to finish off the year with a good run to lead into next year. We’re taking something a little different to Martinsville this weekend, so I’m feeling good about our chances.”

ERIK JONES
NO. 43 DOLLAR TREE TOYOTA CAMRY XSE
JONES MARTINSVILLE STATS: Sunday’s Xfinity 500 at Martinsville Raceway will mark Erik Jones’ 18th NASCAR Cup Series start on the track nicknamed the “Paperclip.” He earned a best finish of eighth at Martinsville in Oct. 2021 after starting 28th. While Jones never made an Xfinity Series start at Martinsville, he does have five starts in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series where he earned two top-fives and four top-10s. He earned his best finish of third in the March 2015 race at the track.

BESHORE AT MARTINSVILLE: Crew chief Ben Beshore has been on top of the box for six NASCAR Cup Series races at Martinsville with Kyle Busch, John Hunter Nemechek, and Jones. He earned a runner-up finish in Oct. 2021 with Busch who finished .472 of a second behind race winner Alex Bowman. He has an additional three starts in the NASCAR Xfinity Series at Martinsville after the series made its return to the track in Oct. 2020. Beshore won that race with Harrison Burton after the duo started 10th. Burton finished .355 of a second ahead of Justin Allgaier. Beshore won again in April 2021 with Nemechek after starting second, leading 198 of 250 laps, and besting Sammy Smith and Cole Custer to capture the checkered flag.

ERIK JONES QUOTE
“Martinsville is definitely a difficult racetrack. We haven’t been as strong in our short track program as our intermediate, but I feel like we’ve made progress throughout the year. Qualifying is really important at Martinsville because of how short the track is – you can get lapped pretty quickly since it’s so hard to pass. We’ve been looking at our notes from all of the short tracks this year so hopefully we can find some speed this weekend.”

BEN BESHORE QUOTE
“Martinsville has been a tough racetrack for us. We didn’t really have a great run there in the Spring, so we’re really putting our heads together to see if we can come up with a good package this time around that makes sense for that track. The main goal this weekend is to learn something that we can use to build on our program for next season. As a company, short tracks have kind of been our Achilles heel. Hopefully, we can get a direction on something and be able to build on it for next year.”

CLUB APPEARANCES:
Nemechek will be at the NASCAR Classics trackside merchandise rig to sign for fans at 10 a.m. local time on Sunday, Oct. 26.

TUNE IN:
Fans can tune in to watch the Xfinity 500 at Martinsville Speedway on Sunday, Oct. 26 at 2 p.m. EDT on NBC, MAX, MRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Channel 90).

ABOUT LEGACY MOTOR CLUB: (LEGACY MC) is a premier auto racing organization owned by seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and 2024 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee, Jimmie Johnson and Knighthead Capital Management, LLC. Drawing from a rich tradition of success, LEGACY MC is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of motorsport and setting new standards of excellence. The CLUB competes under the Toyota Gazoo Racing banner in the NASCAR Cup Series with the No. 43 Toyota Camry XSE piloted by Erik Jones and the No. 42 Toyota Camry XSE driven by John Hunter Nemechek. Johnson also races on a limited basis in the No. 84 Toyota Camry XSE. With NASCAR legend and Hall of Famer Richard Petty, “The King”, serving as CLUB Ambassador, LEGACY MC blends timeless racing traditions with a new forward-thinking vision. As an inclusive community for motorsport enthusiasts, LEGACY MC honors both its storied past and the promising future of its members, always striving for victory and championship glory at the pinnacle of NASCAR competition.

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