LEBANON, Tenn. (Tuesday, April 1, 2025) – No previous oval experience, no problem for Dennis Hauger.
Andretti Global rookie Hauger led the INDY NXT by Firestone Open Test on April 1 at Nashville Superspeedway on his first-ever day of driving on an oval, turning a top lap of 187.564 mph in the No. 28 Rental Group car. Hauger, from Norway, leads the standings in the INDYCAR development series after winning the season opener March 2 on the streets of St. Petersburg, Florida.
“First test on an oval, and it was a really cool experience,” Hauger said. “I had a lot of fun out there. Good day at the office, and I’m looking forward to coming back here later in the season.”
Series veteran Myles Rowe was second fastest on the 1.33-mile concrete oval, which will host the 2025 series finale Music City Grand Prix on Sunday, Aug. 31. Rowe’s best lap was 187.491 in the No. 99 Abel Motorsports/Force Indy car.
Rookie Lochie Hughes helped Andretti Global produce a 1-3 finish on the speed charts, as he was third at 186.651 in the No. 26 McGinley Clinic/USF Pro Championship entry.
Veteran Salvador de Alba kept the good times rolling for Andretti Global, fourth at 186.602 in the No. 27 Group Indi car. Fellow veteran Caio Collet rounded out the top five at 186.054 in the No. 76 HMD Motorsports machine. Collet was the only one of the top five to turn his fastest lap during the morning session.
A total of 19 drivers turned 2,953 laps without incident today. Series veteran Jonathan Browne was the busiest driver, recording 194 laps in the No. 9 Chip Ganassi Racing car.
The next INDY NXT by Firestone event is the Grand Prix of Alabama on Sunday, May 4 at Barber Motorsports Park (11:30 a.m. ET, FS1, INDYCAR Radio Network).
EVENT: Goodyear 400 DATE: April 6, 2025 RACE: Goodyear 400 | Race 8 of 36 TRACK: Darlington Raceway, Darlington S.C. | 1.366-mile Speedway CLUB MINUTES THE LADY AND THE KING’S HAT: “The Kings Hat” at Darlington Raceway is located in the Fan Zone in the Midway. Fans are encouraged to pay homage to the Petty family by taking photos with the landmark at each track.
LEGACIES ARE MADE AT DARLINGTON: LEGACY MC co-owner Jimmie Johnson and competition advisor Matt Kenseth have both found success at Darlington Raceway. Johnson, in 24 starts, swept both races in 2004, leading a combined 193 laps. He returned to victory lane in 2012 after leading 134 laps from the second starting position, securing Hendrick Motorsports’ 250th NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) win. The seven-time champion boasts three Darlington victories, including two prestigious Southern 500 wins, along with nine top five and 13 top 10 finishes, leading a total of 563 laps. Kenseth, meanwhile, claimed victory in the 2013 spring race and holds a record of three top five and 13 top 10 finishes, leading 193 laps over 28 starts.
PETTY AT DARLINGTON: The Petty family raced at the Darlington Raceway since the inaugural Southern 500 in 1950. Lee Petty qualified 35th for the 400-lap marathon and entered the top 10. Of the 75 cars that qualified for the race, only 28 made it to the finish line, living up to the nickname “Too Tough to Tame.” Lee Petty crossed the line in 6th position at the first running of one of NASCAR’s most historic tracks. Richard Petty has tangled with the “Lady in Black” 65 times throughout his career and has amassed over 23,000 miles of on-track experience. “The King” conquered Darlington Raceway three times; the wins came in the spring of 1966 and during both contests during the 1967 season. Petty led 2,391 laps while earning 25 top five and 34 top 10 finishes at Darlington Raceway.
HOW OLD WERE THE DRIVERS IN 1998? How old were the LEGACY MC drivers when the throwback schemes that you will see on the track this weekend hit the track at Darlington’s race on March 22, 1998? Nemechek was under 1 year old coming in at just 284 days old (born June 11, 1997). Jones wasn’t much older, coming in at 661 days or 1 year 9 months, and 27 days old. (May 30, 1996).
NEVER SETTLE: This week on Never Settle, the podcast with Johnson and Marty Smith, the duo sits down with Lyn St. James. St. James is a former racecar driver who competed in the IndyCar series. She is one of nine women who have qualified for the Indianapolis 500 and became the first woman to win the Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year award. The new episode drops on Wednesdays at 2 p.m. ET on SIRIUS XM and then is available for download wherever you source your podcasts.
JOHN HUNTER NEMECHEK NO. 42 DOLLAR TREE TOYOTA CAMRY XSE DARLINGTON NOTES AND QUOTES: THROWBACK TO DAD: This weekend, John Hunter will throwback to his father, Joe who ran various colorful schemes during the 1998 season. The BellSouth scheme was something that certainly popped at each track and was iconic to the era.
JOE NEMECHEK HISTORY: “Front Row Joe” Nemechek earned the nickname from then teammate, Wally Dallenbach for his knack of qualifying on the front row of the starting grid. In his 674 NCS starts, Joe earned 10 pole starts. He has four victories in the NCS with his first coming at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in 1999.
LEAD LAP STREAK: After seven races of 2025, Nemechek’s streak for finishing on the lead lap has come to an end when he finished 25th, one lap down this past weekend at Martinsville. Six races is the longest streak for Nemechek in his early NCS career.
NEMECHEK AT DARLINGTON: Nemechek returns to the Lady in Black for his 15th career start in NASCAR’s top-three touring series, marking his sixth Cup Series race at Darlington. Over 14 previous starts, he has earned one victory in the 2022 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and five top-five finishes across the Truck and Xfinity Series.
T-MACK AT DARLINGTON: Crew chief Travis Mack has eight NCS starts and four NXS starts under his belt at the track Too Tough to Tame. Of those starts, he has two total top-10 finishes, one in each of the series.
QUOTING JOHN HUNTER NEMECHEK:
“The throwback scheme looks great, black base, bright green neon colors, thank you to Dollar Tree for bringing the idea to us and being able to execute that. As a kid growing up and being able to watch my Dad race – it’s really neat to be able to throwback to an old BellSouth scheme. [Joe] was able to get his first win in the 42 in a BellSouth scheme which is super neat and hopefully, we can continue that tradition. As a kid growing up, it was one of my favorite schemes growing up and still one of my favorite schemes to this day.”
QUOTING TRAVIS MACK:
“The Spring race is a little quicker, Darlington is a tough place, trying to make it to the end and not having any issues. We’re trying to build off Homestead, I felt our car was really good at Homestead. We qualified in the top 10 (seventh), so we’re going to build off that setup and work towards Darlington a little bit. We’ve been pretty good in practice and qualifying, so now we need to carry that over into the race – the start of the race and get that balance correct. The start of the race is going to be key for here.”
“This race is one my favorites. I think our scheme looks awesome – the black and neon green, our LEGACY MC cars are going to stand out this weekend.”
ERIK JONES NO. 43 ADVENTHEALTH TOYOTA CAMRY XSE DARLINGTON NOTES AND QUOTES: “CHECK IT 4 ANDRETTI”: This year for the throwback scheme, partner AdventHealth decided to honor the 1998 No. 43 paint scheme driven by the late John Andretti. The rear bumper of the No. 43 will have a special message this week for Andretti which simply states, “Check It 4 Andretti”. The Check It 4 Andretti Charitable Foundation, Inc.’s mission is to save lives by increasing awareness of the importance of screenings in hopes of the prevention and early detection of colorectal cancer, and by providing funding to high-risk, low-income patients who are uninsured, underinsured, or too young for insurance to cover the cost of screening. For more information: www.checkit4andretti.org/
1998 NO. 43 STATS: Andretti, who drove the familiar STP entry for Petty Enterprises and crew chief Robbie Loomis, had 33 Cup Series starts in 1998. On track he accumulated three top five and 10 top 10 finishes, leading 137 laps that season.
JONES BOY AT DARLINGTON: With two victories in the crown jewel Southern 500 in 2019 and 2022, Jones has enjoyed remarkable success at the South Carolina track. Since joining the Cup Series full-time in 2016, he has secured two wins, three top five finishes, and three top 10 finishes at Darlington.
BESHORE AT DARLINGTON: Beshore has an impressive record when it comes to calling races at Darlington Raceway. With 10 trips to a 1.5-mile oval, across the NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR Xfinity Series, Beshore has amassed seven total top 10 finishes. In 2023, Beshore teamed up with Nemechek, the duo swept the pole positions at Darlington and brought home two-five finishes as a result. Beshore has coached his NXS drivers to 183-laps led around the place they call Too Tough to Tame.
ANDRETTI NASCAR HISTORY: Andretti won two times in his NASCAR Cup Series career, one of which was at Martinsville for Petty Enterprises. At Darlington he raced 19 times, with one top five and four top 10 finishes and had one pole position.
QUOTING ERIK JONES:
“I always look forward to Darlington, I look forward more to the fall race because we always run well there. The spring and fall races are so different. Darlington is similar to Homestead where there is a lot of tire fall of, and you have to set yourself up for the long run. You still get to race the track and that is how I grew up racing.”
QUOTING BEN BESHORE:
“Going to Darlington with Erik is always fun. He has a knack for the track and it’s such a tough event. Every morning when you walk into the shop, you walk past that Southern 500 trophy he won in 2022, so it’s a constant reminder of how bad we want to be back in contention for wins.”
CLUB APPEARANCES
PARADE: Prior to racing on Sunday afternoon, LEGACY MC teammates Jones and Nemechek, along with other NASCAR stars and legends, will participate in the Darlington Raceway Throwback Parade. The parade takes place on Saturday, April 5 following the NASCAR Xfinity Series race at approximately 6:30 p.m. The parade will begin at the South of Pearl restaurant in downtown Darlington and will end in the NASCAR Xfinity Series garage.
SIGNING FOR THE FANS: This weekend, Nemechek will stop out at the NASCAR Classics merchandise rig and sign autographs for the NASCAR fans on race day morning at 11:00 a.m.
HOW TO WATCH
The Goodyear 400 will take place on Sunday, April 6 at 3 pm ET. The racing action is set to broadcast on Fox Sports 1, MRN Radio, SIRIUS XM NASCAR Ch. 90, and through the NASCAR Driver Cam on MAX.
ABOUT LEGACY MOTOR CLUB: (LEGACY MC) is a premier auto racing organization co-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.
In 22 NASCAR Cup Series starts at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway, Spire Motorsports has logged one top-10 and two top-15 finishes. Corey LaJoie earned a team-best ninth-place result in last August’s Southern 500. Spire Motorsports fields the Nos. 7, 71 and 77 Chevrolet ZL1s in the Cup Series for Justin Haley, Michael McDowell and Carson Hocevar, respectively.
The Goodyear 400 will be televised live on FS1 Sunday, April 6, beginning at 3 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). The eighth of 36 points-paying races on the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series schedule will be broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90. FOX’s NASCAR Raceday will take the green flag at 2 p.m. EDT.
Justin Haley – Driver, No. 7 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet ZL1
Justin Haley will pilot Spire Motorsports’ No. 7 Gainbridge Chevrolet ZL1 in Sunday’s Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway.
Last Sunday at Martinsville (Va.) Raceway, Haley started 30th and drove inside the top 15 to start the second stage. The No. 7 team hit pit road on Lap 266 to short-pit the field and gain track position in the long run, but a caution flag 10 laps later interrupted the pit cycle and trapped the Gainbridge Chevy two laps down. The team was credited with a 29th-place finish.
Haley has recorded eight previous Cup Series starts at Darlington where he earned a career-best finish of third in May 2022. He owns three top 10s at the 1.366-mile track including an eighth-place result last May.
In Xfinity Series competition, Haley has logged five Darlington starts resulting in one pole, one top-five and two top-10 finishes with 11 laps led. The 25-year-old has a 4.6 place average start and 10.4 finish.
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Sunday will mark Haley’s 152nd career NASCAR Cup Series start. Over the course of the last seven seasons, the 25-year-old racer has notched one win, five top fives, 17 top 10s and led 103 laps. He made his first start in NASCAR’s premier division for Spire Motorsports at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway on his 20th birthday.
The veteran racer has collected four NASCAR Xfinity Series checkered flags and three NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series wins, making him one of just 41 drivers in history to have earned victories across all three of NASCAR’s National Touring Series.
In total, Haley has made 48 Cup Series starts for Spire Motorsports, with the bulk of races coming during the 2021 season behind the wheel of the team’s No. 77 machine.
Justin Haley Quote What are your expectations for this weekend at Darlington? “Darlington is one of my favorite tracks. I’m excited to get there this weekend and continue to make gains with the No. 7 team. We’ve shown a lot of speed and I think that will show again this weekend.”
Atop the No. 7 Box – Crew Chief Rodney Childers
Crew Chief Rodney Childers has called 24 races at Darlington Raceway. Childers-prepared cars have led 764 laps and earned three wins, 12 top-five and 14 top-10 finishes.
In their inaugural season as a team, Childers and driver Kevin Harvick dominated the 2014 Southern 500 at “The Lady in Black,” starting from the pole position and leading 238 of the event’s 374 laps en route to victory. The win marked the second of five trips to victory lane in the No. 4 crew’s championship season.
The 48-year-old earned a pair of victories at Darlington during the 2020 season. When NASCAR returned to action following a six-week hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Childers and Harvick led 159 laps to claim victory in May. They returned four months later to earn their second Southern 500 crown.
The Mooresville, N.C., native has called 683 NASCAR Cup Series races where he’s earned 34 poles, 40 wins, 178 top-five and 299 top-10 finishes. He also earned 2014 championship honors with Kevin Harvick.
Childers’ 40 wins at NASCAR’s premier level ties him for second-most amongst all active crew chiefs in the Cup Series garage.
Michael McDowell – Driver, No. 71 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet ZL1
Michael McDowell will pilot Spire Motorsports’ No. 71 Delaware Life Chevrolet ZL1 in Sunday’s Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway.
McDowell has secured three top-10 finishes in 19 career starts at “The Lady in Black,” all of which have come in the six events with NASCAR’s seventh generation Cup Series car.
Last May, the father of five and crew chief Travis Peterson topped the charts in practice prior to the 2024 Goodyear 400. The pairing secured their second top 10 in as many weeks with a 10th-place finish.
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Last week at Martinsville Speedway, the 40-year-old drove the No. 71 RaceTheRock.com Chevrolet to a venue-best 12th-place result in 25 attempts at the Virginia half-mile.
McDowell has claimed two Xfinity Fastest Lap awards, clocking the fastest lap in the Daytona 500 and earlier this month at Phoenix Raceway. Through seven weeks, McDowell stands as the only driver in the NASCAR Cup Series to have secured multiple bonus points through the newly-unveiled program. The NASCAR Xfinity Series’ Justin Allgaier has also scored two of the awards this season.
The Arizona native secured Spire Motorsports’ first Busch Light Pole Award last month at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. His 28.833 second lap marks the fastest lap in the Gen 7 era (2022-present) at the 1.5-mile Nevada oval.
Michael McDowell Quotes What are your thoughts about heading into Darlington? “Darlington has been a good track for us. It’s so tough; it is everything that we promote it to be as far as the level of difficulty. You’re right up against the limit, right up against the wall and tires still fall off, even in this NextGen era. It’s one of those races where you earn your money, and the driver has a lot of value for taking care of the tires in the long run, managing pace, and all those things. I enjoy Darlington. It’s one of the races that I need to add to my Crown Jewel collections because I got the 500 and the Brickyard. The Southern 500 is the one you need, right? I know it’s not the Southern 500 this weekend, but a Darlington win would be enough to cover it. If I can check the box, I would love to.”
Atop the No. 71 Box – Crew Chief Travis Peterson
Crew chief Travis Peterson joined Spire Motorsports following the 2024 season after spending 2023-2024 alongside McDowell at Front Row Motorsports.
As a race engineer at JR Motorsports, the West Bend, Wis., native helped Chase Elliott to Xfinity Series victory lane at “The Lady in Black” in 2014. After lining up sixth for a green-white-checkered restart, Elliott made the race winning move on Elliott Sadler entering Turn 3 on the final lap. The win came one week removed from his first series victory at Texas Motor Speedway and seven months prior to clinching the 2024 division championship crown.
The 33-year-old secured a top 10 finish in last May’s Goodyear 400 with Michael McDowell.
Carson Hocevar – Driver, No. 77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet ZL1
Carson Hocevar will make his fourth NASCAR Cup Series start at Darlington Raceway in Sunday’s Goodyear 400. The driver of the No. 77 Zeigler Auto Group Chevrolet ZL1 boasts a venue-best finish of 17th in his first Darlington appearance in September 2023.
In the September 2024 race at Darlington, Hocevar became the youngest driver to start on the front row at the 1.366-mile egg-shaped oval with a second-place qualifying effort. Despite spending a majority of the evening within the top 10, a Lap 335 incident dealt significant damage to the No. 77 Chevrolet, forcing the team to retire from the event.
The 22-year-old driver finished 19th in last Sunday’s 400-lap race at Martinsville Speedway. The result breaks a streak of bad luck and marked Hocevar’s best finish since he crossed the line in 13th at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas on March 2.
In four NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Trucks Series starts at “The Lady in Black”, Hocevar has collected three top fives including a runner-up finish in May 2022.
The Portage, Mich., native contested Spire Motorsports’ first Xfinity Series start at Darlington in May 2023. Hocevar secured his first top 10 in the series with a sixth-place result.
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Carson Hocevar Quotes You had a great run at Darlington last September. How does that translate to the Spring race? “I would say the day race is probably more difficult. It’s a shorter race and you don’t have a drastic change in the track from day to night. You can’t bank on those extra laps or the track getting tighter and allowing you to get caught up on the handling. Everyone wants to win the Southern 500, but a win at Darlington in either scenario is really special. We’ve improved a lot as team since that last race at Darlington where we qualified well, and I think we have a good chance to show speed in practice, qualify decent and have another good points day.”
Atop the No. 77 Box – Crew Chief Luke Lambert
Crew Chief Luke Lambert has called 16 Cup Series races at Darlington dating back to the 2013 season. He led Ryan Newman to four top-10s, while collecting a ninth-place result with Chris Buescher in both 2021 events.
The Mount Airy, N.C., native led Noah Gragson to victory at Darlington in the September 2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series race after a runner-up finish that May. The win marked their first of four-consecutive triumphs in the series.
Last Sunday’s race at Martinsville marked 50 races together for the Lambert-Hocevar duo. They have united to earn two-top five and six top-10 finishes, highlighted by a runner-up result earlier this season at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
About Spire Motorsports … Spire Motorsports earned its inaugural NASCAR Cup Series victory in its first full season of competition when Justin Haley took the checkered flag in the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway on July 7, 2019. Less than three years later, William Byron drove Spire Motorsports’ No. 7 Chevrolet Silverado to its inaugural NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series win on April 7, 2022, at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway. The team’s most recent win came on March 21, 2025, when Kyle Larson took the checkered flag in the Baptist Health 200 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
In 2025, Spire Motorsports will campaign the Nos. 7, 71 and 77 Chevrolets in the NASCAR Cup Series. The team will also field the Nos. 07, 7, 71 and 77 Chevrolet Silverados in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series and the No. 77 Chevrolet in the ARCA Menards Series in select events.
Ford Performance Notes and Quotes NASCAR Cup Series Darlington Midweek Media Availability Tuesday, April 1, 2025
Todd Gilliland, driver of the No. 34 Front Row Motorsports Mustang Dark Horse, is coming off a 10th-place finish last Sunday at Martinsville Speedway. He answered questions from the media about last weekend and what lies ahead for Sunday’s race at Darlington Raceway.
TODD GILLILAND, No. 34 Front Row Motorsports Ford Mustang Dark Horse – HOW HAS IT BEEN HAVING ZANE AND NOAH AS TEAMMATES AND HOW HAVE THEY HELPED YOU? “It’s been a great time. That was the part I was sure of, that we were gonna have fun. Whether you’re running good or bad those guys are a lot of fun to hang out with. I’ve hung out with them for years now off the racetrack. I would say I’ve raced more with Noah along the way. We were teammates back in the Truck Series before, so I had more of an idea with him and Zane with his personality and to hang out with him it’s the same thing. He’s a lot of fun. He’s much different than Noah. Both of them have great personalities, but very different. I think the thing I’ve been most impressed with is all three of our abilities to focus and lock in when it’s time to do so. We had our competition meeting this morning and every Tuesday, and I think that’s the most important part when we can all focus and get to the bottom of racing ideas. The fun aspect is definitely gonna happen with all three of us together at any time.”
WE SAW A LOT OF TIRE FALL OFF LAST YEAR AT BRISTOL. WHAT ARE YOUR EXPECTATIONS IN A COUPLE OF WEEKS? “I don’t really know. I think it’ll still take a couple times to really trust what I think we’re gonna see going to Bristol. My gut tells me what we’ll see is more like the fall of last year when it was kind of back to normal. It was kind of the same tire all along and we kind of had this one outlier, so I would say percentagewise it’s probably more likely to be a lower fall off race where the track moves around and kind of opens up every lane a little bit more.”
WHAT’S IT BEEN LIKE WORKING WITH CHRIS LAWSON THIS YEAR? “I think that last part you mentioned is a big part of it – at the Cup level. It’s been a long time since I’ve worked with him in the past. We kind of gone through spells. He was my late model crew chief from the time I was 13 years old all the way through the K&N Series with I was 17 years old. Then we had a couple years off and then he started the Truck Series program here at Front Row Motorsports with me again for two years, and then we were separated again for another three or four years. It’s great to have him back. It’s just really comforting and an exciting thing. In my opinion, I know that there’s never gonna be someone that works harder, puts more of their heart and soul into it, so, for me, that’s all you can ask for out of a team. I think we’ve got everyone banding together really well. You mentioned the rut, we’ve had a couple really bad runs coming into Martinsville. To be honest, Vegas, like I said, our car was really fast, but I just made a really dumb mistake and wrecked it, and then at Homestead we just ran really bad all day, so it was really nice to rebound. I think even though it’s early in the year, it’s really nice to see us trying to turn the page and get back up to a good note pretty quickly.”
WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED IN THE XFINITY RACE LAST SATURDAY? “I think from my side of it, it was a tough one to watch. I think that’s for most people in the industry. It was not the prettiest sight. As a whole sport, I don’t think that’s what any of us want it built on. I think all of the answers are above my head, to be honest with you. I don’t know what the right thing to do is. For me at least, I’ve definitely made some dumb moves in my time. From the driver’s seat, all you can do is ask, ‘Why did I do that? What was my decision-making process that went so wrong?’ I think the biggest thing is just looking yourself in the mirror and figuring out at the least how to make yourself better. From the officiating side, I don’t really know what the right thing is. There’s a lot of people that are very opinionated on it, but I think the biggest thing is that’s not what anyone in the sport probably wanted to see.”
WHAT KIND OF SETUP ADJUSTMENTS HAVE YOU AND YOUR TEAM FOCUSED ON FOR DARLINGTON? “We’ve been working on that a lot today. We debriefed Martinsville and then immediately went into Darlington and thinking about what we had last year. I feel like Darlington was probably one of our better racetracks last year. We ran pretty well and I feel like long runs were really our specialty. It’s hard because you need a balance of short run and long run, especially at Darlington. You’re gonna see tons of green flag pit stops most likely, just lots of pit stops in general even if they’re under caution. It’s all a balance of having to fire off well, having long run speed. The balance that you need to make speed on new tires versus if you build really loose as the tires wear out you’re gonna be hanging on at the end of the run. There is tons of stuff to balance there. It’s more of an intermediate type racetrack, so you still need all the downforce and all the horsepower you can get as well. Darlington is a very tough place because it takes all aspects of the race car to be good to definitely run up front.”
AS A DRIVER WHO HAS EXPERIENCE, HOW DID YOU LEARN WHEN TO FIGHT BACK AND WHEN IT WAS OK TO LET SOMEBODY GO IN A SITUATION WITHOUT BEING VIEWED AS A PUSHOVER? “That’s a great question. I 100 percent think it’s ongoing and learning for me at least and probably everybody to be honest. I would say just to not wreck race cars and everything, that’s the smartest move is to just move on from it, but I just don’t think that’s the human side of it. That’s not the mental side of it. We see it in everything. If you have a little brother, he pushes you and then you push him back. Then he pushes you harder and eventually somebody goes too far and somebody ends up crying or something like that when you’re dealing with your family. To that extent on the racetrack, you don’t want to see guys getting hurt. You don’t want to see them being put in bad situations, so I don’t know. I think it’s always gonna be ongoing and, to me, there are so many ways to make racing hard on somebody else by not just wrecking them and, honestly, I feel like the 54 definitely feels like the 8 won and there are ways to maybe just take little bites out of it. You don’t need to just go wreck the guy. I think it’s almost more beneficial to use it to your advantage over a long period of time, but I feel like guys definitely have more of a reputation. If you get into them, they’re gonna get you back hard. Or, other guys where you might get one or two chances and not viewed as a pushover necessarily, but I think there are definitely different guys with different reputations of ways to get back.”
IS THERE A SITUATION THAT COMES TO MIND WHERE YOU WOULD HAVE BEEN JUSTIFIED TO MAKE IT HARD ON SOMEBODY, BUT YOU WERE KINDER AND GENTLER AND THAT PAID OFF IN THE LONG RUN? “I’m sure there is probably. I’ve been definitely really mad at guys in the past, and I think for me, at least, that’s always been my approach. If someone is mad at me, you try and give it back as much as you can. It’s all give and take in the long run and when they see someone wreck someone else, it’s a massive take. That’s never something you want to be on the bad side of but you have to just keep giving it back. For me, I’ve always been better off racing guys super hard that I feel like don’t deserve to be raced easy and to let go, and then eventually time heals everything and you eventually feel like you’re back even with guys and can start fresh. For me, it’s more of racing guys hard, not letting people go and stuff like that than just blatantly wrecking people. I feel like that hurts reputations over the long run.”
DO YOU LIKE TO TALK SOMEBODY IMMEDIATELY IF YOU HAVE AN ISSUE WITH ANOTHER DRIVER OR WAIT UNTIL MONDAY? “The way I look at it is I always try and wait until Monday. It’s kind of the theory of is it better to rip off a band-aid or slowly rip your arm hairs off with it. I don’t know. For me, I like to let guys cool off a little bit. Nobody in the race car is probably in their clearest head space when you get out or right when an incident happens. That’s when we see guys make bad decisions on the racetrack and then maybe not so much out of their race car, but still probably a most heated time. We see guys all the time get out and say, ‘I haven’t seen exactly what happened,’ so I think over that time period you could probably have a really good idea of exactly what happened, for better or worse on both sides, and then at least probably talk things through a little bit more civil and see where you stand easier a little bit later on.”
WHY DO YOU THINK THE YOUNG DRIVERS ARE LEARNING TO RACE SO AGGRESSIVELY BECAUSE THE KEY TO FIXING IT IS WHERE IT’S COMING UP. DO YOU UNDERSTAND THAT? “Yeah, I do. That’s the million dollar question right now. How do you fix it? I think the biggest thing for me is probably respect of your equipment as well as other people’s. I do think that’s why my dad’s generation or Tommy Baldwin, all those guys, when I had my first late model we had only one car. That’s what a lot of race teams are and if we wrecked it, you’d have to work really hard. It’s expensive and you could possibly have to miss races. I think as you move up into the series all of that kind of gets lost a little bit more and more because all these top teams have enough cars. You’re not gonna miss a race and a lot of the times by the time I get to the shop on Mondays and Tuesdays the car is already torn apart and it looks like it’s all fine and it’s gonna be moved on, it’s not gonna put us behind that much. To me, I think it’s a respect thing. Even going to Darlington, I’ll hit the wall probably 10 times and then afterwards I’m like, ‘That just isn’t very smart.’ Taking care of my equipment and all that stuff going forward, so I don’t know. It’s easy to lose track of that and respect of your equipment, but, to me, that’s the biggest thing is you’ve got to appreciate what you’re driving and know there’s more to it in the long run.”
WOULD IT BE BETTER TO HAVE DRIVERS SELF POLICE OR SHOULD THERE BE PENALITIES FOR THOSE INFRACTIONS THAT REALLY STAND OUT? WOULD THAT WORK? “Penalties, especially in this instance from the Xfinity race, there are some very blatant incidents. I feel like that kind of gets into a gray area even in the Cup race and Xfinity races, especially at a place like Martinsville. Guys jam into line and you’re being very aggressive getting down and then your the guy behind that’s right on this guy’s bumper. You’re getting hit from behind and then it ends up causing what looks like a bigger wreck. In my mind, there’s still a big difference between what you can visually see. There are some very blatant ones and then more so racing incidents, but I think the self policing thing is interesting. I don’t want to get punched in the face, obviously, but I think that would definitely stop a lot of stuff. I don’t want to even see people fighting, to be honest. It’s just not really my thing, but when I get into guys the first thing I don’t want is to get into anything like that. It definitely deters you from doing some dumb stuff.”
DO YOU FEEL LIKE THE LEADER AT FRONT ROW NOW THAT MICHAEL HAS MOVED ON AND YOU HAVE THE MOST EXPERIENCE WITH THAT ORGANIZATION? I don’t really feel like anymore pressure or anything like that. I feel like the biggest thing I was focused on at the beginning was making sure that Zane and Noah knew their way around – everything. I kind of feel like I know how things work and all that stuff. Obviously, Zane has been here in a different role and won a lot of races with Front Row Motorsports on the truck side. More so, Noah is definitely a little bit different than how his old team was, so I wanted to make sure those guys were all ready for it coming over here. The biggest thing now is that I feel like all of our opinions are very trusted. I respect my teammates a lot and their experience and what they’re feeling, especially with all of us being the same age and getting along so well, I feel like we talk so much and bounce ideas off each other that a lot of times we really come to the same agreement in the end. I feel like that’s super collective on any feedback and all that stuff we give to the team.”
HAS ANYTHING SURPRISED YOU WORKING WITH THOSE TWO? “I think, like you said, how different all three of us are is very interesting – of how we explain stuff. I think that’s one thing going through our meetings. I’m listening to when Zane or Noah are explaining something, and then we talk about it and I’m like, ‘OK, that’s what I was feeling too,’ but we describe things very differently as different people. I think on the racetrack nothing has surprised me a ton. I’ve raced against them for a long time. I think all three of us are very aggressive at times and probably have other strengths as well. I think it’s been fun and everything has been great. I think nothing has surprised me in a bad way – only positive surprises in the way that we’re all able to work together and get focused on what we need to.”
FEATURE-LENGTH DOCUMENTARY FOLLOWING THE DRIVER’S HISTORIC QUEST TO HIT PRIME VIDEO NEXT YEAR
CONCORD, N.C. (April 1, 2025) – Amazon’s Prime Video will serve as presenting sponsor of Kyle Larson’s May 25 attempt to complete two of auto racing’s crown jewel events in a single day and will produce a feature-length documentary chronicling his two-year journey to pull off the feat.
For the second straight year, Larson will attempt to take on 1,100 miles of racing – dubbed the #Hendrick1100 presented by Prime Video – starting with the 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and concluding with NASCAR’s longest event, the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The Memorial Day weekend effort will feature Prime Video branding on both of Larson’s race cars: the No. 17 HENDRICKCARS.COM Chevrolet fielded by the Arrow McLaren IndyCar Team and the No. 5 HENDRICKCARS.COM Chevrolet stock car of Hendrick Motorsports.
In addition to its sponsorship, Prime Video has greenlit a feature-length documentary chronicling Larson’s quest to complete the two marquee races on the same day. Filming for the untitled project began in October 2023 and will encompass the driver’s pursuits in both 2024 and 2025. Slated to launch next year on Prime Video, the documentary is being directed by Emmy and Peabody Award-winning filmmaker Cynthia Hill. It is produced by Hill’s Markay Media, Imagine Documentaries and Hendrick Motorsports, in association with NASCAR Studios and Penske Entertainment.
“Kyle’s double attempt is one of the most exciting storylines in all of sports, and we’re thrilled to be part of it,” said Stacey Rosenson, Head of U.S. Sports Marketing, Prime Video. “As we prepare to broadcast our first NASCAR Cup Series race with the Coca-Cola 600, having this kind of historic moment unfold live on Prime Video – and capturing it in a documentary film – is a truly unique opportunity. We’re looking forward to sponsoring Kyle’s effort and taking fans inside the intensity and emotion that go with it.”
Prime Video, which recently joined Hendrick Motorsports as a sponsor of Chase Elliott’s No. 9 team, is expanding its presence ahead of becoming NASCAR’s first fully direct-to-consumer media partner. The platform will exclusively stream five NASCAR Cup Series races in 2025, kicking off with the Coca-Cola 600, and will provide practice and qualifying coverage for most of the season’s first half.
“We’re proud to grow our relationship with Prime Video,” said Rick Hendrick, the owner of Hendrick Motorsports who will again co-own Larson’s Indianapolis 500 entry with Arrow McLaren. “They’ve made a bold commitment to our sport, and this is a powerful way to promote their platform across two of the most iconic events in racing. We’re excited to welcome Prime Video to the effort, showcase their brand on such a big stage and collaborate on what will be an incredible documentary project. The film is going to show Kyle like people have never seen him – his preparation, his mindset and what it takes to pursue such a daunting challenge.”
Larson, 32, earned Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year honors in 2024 after an impressive debut that included a record-setting qualifying performance. The 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion became just the fifth driver to attempt the Indianapolis-Charlotte double and will be only the third to try it more than once, joining Tony Stewart and Robby Gordon. Last season, he led the Cup Series with six points-paying race wins and currently ranks second in the 2025 points standings.
“Last year gave us a great foundation, and now we get to build on it,” Larson said. “I’m excited to come back stronger in 2025 and give it everything we’ve got to finish all 1,100 miles. Having Prime Video on board – especially with them streaming the 600 and documenting my whole experience – is pretty special. May is going to be a crazy month, and I’m ready to get after it.”
On Wednesday at 10 a.m. ET, fans will get a first look at the 2025 liveries for Larson’s Nos. 5 and 17 race cars, exclusively at HENDRICKCARS.COM. The No. 17 Chevrolet will hit the track for the first time during the April 23-24 Indianapolis 500 open test.
ABOUT PRIME VIDEO SPORTS: Prime Video supports a growing lineup of live sports globally, including the NBA; Thursday Night Football, NASCAR, the New York Yankees, Seattle Kraken, and Overtime Elite in the United States; Premier Boxing Champions in the United States, United Kingdom and Canada; the NWSL, the WNBA, and ONE Championship in the United States and Canada; NHL Prime Monday Night Hockey and PWHL in Canada; UEFA Champions League football in Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom & Ireland; Roland-Garros in France; Wimbledon in Germany and Austria; Premier League in Sweden and Denmark; New Zealand Cricket in India; ICC Cricket in Australia; Copa do Brasilfootball, Serie A football and the NBA in Brazil; boxing and the 2023 World Baseball Classic in Japan; and Chivas in Mexico. While availability varies by marketplace, fans can also subscribe to streaming services such as FanDuel Sports Network, Eurosport, FOX Sports (Mexico), Viaplay Sport, MLB.TV, NBA League Pass, NBA TV, DAZN (Germany and Spain), and Premiere FC (Brazil) through Prime Video add-on subscriptions. This is in addition to a selection of Amazon Original documentaries including Kelce, Bye Bye Barry, Coach Prime, Giannis, and the Amazon Original All or Nothing franchise, including All or Nothing: Arsenal, All or Nothing: Juventus, All or Nothing: Toronto Maple Leafs, and All or Nothing seasons with various NFL teams, as well as the NCAA’s Michigan Wolverines football team.
ABOUT IMAGINE DOCUMENTARIES: Imagine’s documentary division, spearheaded by EMMY and Peabody Award-winning producer Sara Bernstein, has established itself as a powerhouse in the documentary landscape since its inception in 2018. Founded by Imagine Entertainment Co-Chairmen Brian Grazer and Ron Howard, alongside Imagine President Justin Wilkes, the division has redefined the industry with its unwavering commitment to producing impactful, socially conscious, and thought-provoking content. Its critically acclaimed and award-winning documentaries have resonated with audiences worldwide, solidifying Imagine as a driving force in the art of storytelling.
By embracing distinct perspectives in their storytelling, Imagine has expanded its footprint in the documentary genre, exploring a wide array of topics, from the EMMY Award-winning Best Documentary Jim Henson Idea Man (Disney+), and Critics Choice Documentary Award winner Music by John Williams (Disney+), the Peabody Award-winning Judy Blume Forever (Prime Video), Stormy, the critically acclaimed portrait of Stormy Daniels (Peacock), 2025 Oscars Shortlisted Frida (Prime Video), The Super Models (Apple TV+), the EMMY-nominated projects We Feed People (Disney+), Lucy and Desi (Prime Video), Downfall: The Case Against Boeing (Netflix); The Volcano: Rescue from Whakaari (Netflix), to the hit docuseries The Dynasty: New England Patriots (Apple TV+), Choir (Disney+), Harlem Ice (Disney+), Crime Scene: The Times Square Killer (Netflix), I Am Not a Monster (MAX), The Lost Children (Netflix), and Churchill at War (Netflix). Imagine Documentaries’ most recent releases are David Blaine Do Not Attempt which debuted March 23rd and 24th (NatGeo) and Fight for Glory: 2024 World Series which debuted March 28th on AppleTV+. The next highly anticipated release is Earnhardt (Prime Video).
ABOUT HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS: Founded by Rick Hendrick in 1984, Hendrick Motorsports is the winningest team in NASCAR Cup Series history. At the sport’s premier level, the organization holds the all-time records in every major statistical category, including championships (14), points-paying race victories (314) and laps led (more than 82,000). It has earned at least one race win in a record 41 different seasons, including an active streak of 40 in a row (1986-2025). The team fields four full-time Chevrolet entries in the NASCAR Cup Series with drivers Alex Bowman, William Byron, Chase Elliott and Kyle Larson. Headquartered on more than 150 acres in Concord, North Carolina, Hendrick Motorsports employs approximately 600 people. For more information, please visit HendrickMotorsports.com or interact on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X.
MOORESVILLE, N.C. (April 1, 2025) – TRICON Garage (TRICON) is excited to announce that it is joining forces with longtime partner Black’s Tire Service (BTS) to celebrate NASCAR’s return to the historic Rockingham Speedway. BTS will serve as the primary partner for Tanner Gray and the No. 15 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro for the company’s entitlement race, the Black’s Tire 200.
Black’s Tire, which celebrated its 95th anniversary in 2024, has more than 70 locations in both North and South Carolina and remains a local, family owned and operated tire seller and wholesaler. With many of those locations located in the backyard of Rockingham, BTS is partnering with Rockingham Speedway to celebrate the return of NASCAR to this historic track for the first time in over a decade. Black’s Tire will be the title partner for the Friday afternoon NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race and presenting partner for the NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) race on Saturday.
The premier tire dealer most recently partnered with the 25-year-old driver for three races in 2023 and accomplished a best finish of third at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway.
“On behalf of the over 1,000 team members at Black’s Tire & Auto Service and BTS Tire & Wheel Distributors, we are honored to continue our relationship with TRICON,” said Ricky Benton II, Vice President of Sales & Marketing with Black’s Tire. “We have a great relationship with Johnny, David and the entire TRICON team and we are excited to see what we can do together in our special event.”
National Finance Company (NFC) will join BTS as a sponsor of the #15 entry. NFC is a family-owned and operated company founded in Rockingham, North Carolina by Bobby Hall.
“It is always great to have Black’s Tire on one of our Toyota Tundra TRD Pros,” said David Gilliland, partner, TRICON Garage. “Ricky and the Benton family have supported us and Tanner a number of times now, so we are excited to represent them in their race and try to give them another great run.”
The Black’s Tire 200 from Rockingham Speedway will be televised live on FOX Sports 1 on Friday, April 18 at 5:00 P.M. ET, with radio coverage provided by the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
In honor of NASCAR returning to Rockingham, BTS will hold a special BTS family and customer hospitality event at the track prior to the NXS North Carolina Education Lottery 250 on Saturday, April 19.
About TRICON Garage
TRICON Garage is a professional racing organization fielding five full-time NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series entries. Serving as the flagship Truck Series partner of Toyota Racing Development, the team plays an integral role in the NASCAR development ladder. Headquartered in Mooresville, North Carolina, TRICON has quickly established itself as the premier home for cultivating the next generation of motorsports industry professionals. Actively involved in three different industries – racing, fabrication and transportation, the team operates out of three buildings totaling 60,000 square feet.
About Black’s Tire
Black’s Tire Service (BTS) was founded as Black’s Service Station by W. Crowell Black in Whiteville, N.C. in 1929 and celebrated its 95th anniversary in 2024. With more than 70 locations in both North and South Carolina, Black’s remains a local, family owned- and -operated tire sales and service and vehicle repair business. In addition to the retail and commercial locations, Black’s also operates 10 warehouse/distribution centers, BTS Tire & Wheel Distributors, a commercial sales division, and a tire-retreading business, Carolina Retreads. Today, the Black’s Tire family includes more than 1,000 team members. To learn more about Black’s Tire or to find a location, visit www.blackstire.com. Follow Black’s Tire on social media: Twitter at @BlacksTire, Instagram at @BlacksTire and Facebook at facebook.com/blackstire.
About National Finance Company
National Finance Company Inc has been serving North Carolina since 1963. A family own company started in Rockingham NC. NFC specializes in starter and personal loans up to $5000.00. Apply online at NFCmoney.com or stop by one of our 24 branches for fast friendly service. For more info go to www.NFCmoney.com.
BFGoodrich has launched the Advantage Control HT tire with performance and sizing that fit the needs of everyday drivers. Clear-cut benefits and accessible pricing help make the tire-buying process easy for consumers.
Tire solution for CUVs, SUVs and light-duty pickups
BFGoodrich performance at an everyday price
Advantage Control HT adds 22 sizes to Advantage Control line
BFGoodrich has launched the Advantage Control HT tire with performance and sizing that fit the needs of everyday drivers. Clear-cut benefits and accessible pricing help make the tire-buying process easy for consumers.
“BFGoodrich created the Advantage Control HT tire to simplify tire buying for modern drivers,” said Andrew Besancon, Senior Director of Recreational Brands. “This new tire provides consumers a comfortable, dependable option for everyday driving.”
The Advantage Control HT tire features a redesigned tread pattern, designed for a quieter, smoother ride. The Advantage Control HT tire also boasts improved braking distances – in both wet and dry conditions – and a 10% improvement in tread life compared with its predecessor, the Advantage Sport LT tire.
Excellent wet traction: The Advantage Control HT tire stops up to 9 feet shorter in wet conditions than the predecessor tire. Active sipe technology, all-season rubber compounds and a proprietary groove network are engineered to evacuate water from the contact patch and deliver outstanding grip year-round.
Long life span: The Advantage Control HT tire offers increased tread life (vs. predecessor tire) for today’s larger CUVs, full-size SUVs, and light duty pickups. The Advantage Control HT tire features an optimized footprint, full-depth tread features and silica-infused compounds, which work together to help deliver consistent performance and a smooth ride for the life of the tire.
Quiet comfort: The Advantage Control HT tire is designed for a quiet, enjoyable ride, thanks to its redesigned tread pattern.
Sizes and availability BFGoodrich will unveil 22 sizes of the Advantage Control HT tire, bringing the total number of sizes in the Advantage Control line to 122. The Advantage Control HT tire carries a 70,000-mile limited mileage warranty and a 60-day satisfaction guarantee.
To find your size, availability and pricing, visit bfgoodrichtires.com or your local BFGoodrich dealer.
About BFGoodrich Tires BFGoodrich Tires is dedicated to providing high performance tires for those who have a passion for driving in virtually any environment. Combining technical expertise with 50 years of motorsports experience, BFGoodrich delivers tires for a full range of driving experiences from ultra-high-performance street to off-road terrain with one common theme – extreme performance. Come upgrade your performance with BFGoodrich and see where our tires can take you at BFGoodrichTires.com and BFGoodrichRacing.com, as well as on Facebook and Instagram at @BFGoodrichTires and TikTok at @BFGoodrich.
Saturday, April 5 — NASCAR Xfinity Series, 3:30 p.m. ET (CW) Sunday, April 6 — NASCAR Cup Series, 3 p.m. ET (FS1)
Ford comes into this weekend’s Throwback Weekend at Darlington Raceway with 34 all-time NASCAR Cup Series wins on the egg-shaped oval, including a sweep last year with Brad Keselowski and Chase Briscoe. Bill Elliott has the most wins in a Ford with five while David Pearson registered eight of his record 10 career wins in Ford Motor Co. products (6 Mercury and 2 Ford).
FORD GOING FOR THREE STRAIGHT
Ford won both NASCAR Cup Series races at Darlington last year and completed a season sweep for the first time since 1999. A win this weekend would also mark the first time Ford has won three straight at “The Lady in Black” since 1961-62 when it captured four in a row. Brad Keselowski (2018 and 2024) and Joey Logano (2022) are the only current Ford drivers to post a Cup win at Darlington.
KESELOWSKI SCORES FIRST WIN FOR MUSTANG DARK HORSE;
FIRST AS DRIVER/OWNER
In 2024, Brad Keselowski passed Chris Buescher and Tyler Reddick with nine laps to go after those two made contact battling for the lead to capture last year’s Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway. It was the first race win for the then new Ford Mustang Dark Horse. The win represented the first for Keselowski since he became co-owner with Jack Roush and snapped a 110-race winless streak. Keselowski qualified second and was a fixture at the front of the field all afternoon. He finished third in Stage 1, second in Stage 2, and completed the progression as he led five times for 37 laps on the day.
THROWING BACK TO FORD’S FIRST INDY 500 WIN WITH THE WOOD BROTHERS
In celebration of its 75th Anniversary, Wood Brothers Racing and driver Josh Berry will be competing with a paint scheme that Jim Clark won with in the 1965 Indianapolis 500. Ford recruited the Wood Brothers to pit Clark’s Lotus because of how they revolutionized NASCAR pit stops and the move paid off as the team’s quick stops were a factor in winning. The British Green and yellow livery was unveiled two weeks ago at The Henry Ford in Dearborn, MI, and highlights Ford’s first win at Indy and the first for a rear-engine car.
OTHER FORD CUP SERIES THROWBACK SCHEMES
Austin Cindric, No. 2 Dale Earnhardt (1979-80) Ryan Blaney, No. 12 Dave Blaney (2006 Xfinity) Joey Logano, No. 22 Cale Yarborough (1976) Cole Custer, No. 41 Jimmy Spencer (2000) Cody Ware, No. 51 Ward Burton (Late 1990s)
RYAN BLANEY: “It is a tough place. I think it’s one of the toughest places we go, more mentally than anything for me. I just feel like the mental mush that your brain is in after leaving that race is pretty high because your concentration level is at 110 percent the whole time. I kind of relate it to Homestead in a way, but Homestead is a lot wider. You have more room for error, unless you’re pinned on the fence, but Darlington it just sneaks up on you more. There’s less room to work, so I think that’s what makes that place so difficult and the two ends being vastly different is definitely a challenge. I haven’t finished a race at Darlington in about a year either, so I hope to do that.”
JOSH BERRY: “Darlington is always a tough one. If you have a good car, you look like a hero. If you have a bad car, you don’t. It’s that kind of thing. Last year, I had two really good cars there and ran really well. We didn’t get the finish we wanted in the Southern 500 with an accident there at the end, but I feel good about it. We ran third in the spring. If we can translate some of what I learned last year and apply it to the 21 car, hopefully we can have a good day.”
LOGANO PICKS UP FIRST DARLINGTON WIN
Joey Logano passed William Byron with two laps to go to win the Goodyear 400 in 2022 for his first NASCAR Cup Series victory of the season and first at Darlington Raceway. Logano dominated the Throwback Weekend, capturing the pole on Saturday and then winning the first stage before green flag pit stops and race strategy took over. He went on to lead eight times for 107 laps, most among all drivers, and dueled with Byron for the win over the final 26 laps.
DARLINGTON MASTER
David Pearson holds the record for most NASCAR Cup Series wins at Darlington Raceway with 10. Eight of those wins came in Ford Motor Co. products, winning six times driving the famed No. 21 Wood Brothers Mercury (1972,’74,’76-2,’77). He won the Southern 500 twice in that span (1976-77), and two more times in a Holman-Moody Ford (1968 and ’70). Pearson won three Southern 500 titles, capturing his third in 1979.
CREED AND MAYER RINGING UP TOP FIVE FINISHES
Haas Factory Team teammates Sheldon Creed and Sam Mayer continued their consistent starts when they both registered top five finishes at Martinsville for the second straight week. Creed was able to survive the final lap mayhem to finish second while Mayer ended up fifth, flipping their results from the previous week at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Mayer is second in the point standings and has finished in the top 10 six times in seven races, including five straight, while Creed is fourth overall with back-to-back top five runs. The two have finished in the top five of the same race three times.
MARTIN ALL-TIME DARLINGTON NXS WINNER
Mark Martin is Darlington’s all-time winningest driver in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, having won eight times during his Hall of Fame career. He won 8-of-15 series races from 1993-2000, which included a pair of three-race winning streaks (1993-94, 1999-2000) and consecutive triumphs in 1995-96. Overall, Ford has won 19 times at the “Track Too Tough to Tame”, including a stretch where Martin (3), Jeff Burton (3) and Jeff Green (1) combined to win seven straight.
Huntersville, N.C. (Apr. 1, 2025) –23XI Racing announced today that Robinhood has joined the team as an official partner. As a leading financial services platform that has democratized access to the markets for millions of investors, Robinhood enables customers to take control of their finances, putting them in the driver’s seat of their financial futures.
At select NASCAR Cup Series races this season, Bubba Wallace and 23XI development driver Corey Heim will pilot Robinhood-branded cars. For the remainder of the season, Robinhood branding will also be placed on Wallace’s and Heim’s uniforms and team equipment.
With a shared interest in relentless innovation and creating platforms that are accessible to all, the partnership will showcase both brands to current fans and new audiences throughout the season. The paint scheme, inspired by Robinhood’s bold and disruptive spirit and highlighted with Robin Neon, will debut with Heim and the No. 67 team at Kansas Speedway in May and run at three subsequent events this season with the No. 67 and No. 23 teams. Robinhood will also continue to put fans first through brand activations and premium race experiences.
“We’re excited to welcome Robinhood to 23XI and look forward to introducing another new brand to NASCAR,” said team president Steve Lauletta. “As Robinhood continues to expand their presence in sports, we’re proud to partner with them and look forward to bringing the intensity of NASCAR racing to their growing customer base.”
“Our team continues to do a great job of partnering with exciting brands that share our values and believe in us,” said Bubba Wallace, driver of the No. 23 Toyota Camry XSE. “Robinhood’s dedication to market accessibility and financial literacy is important for so many people, and I look forward to representing them on track this season.”
“Robinhood is excited to enter into the motorsports space, and there’s no better partner who shares our relentless drive to innovate in bold and unique ways than 23XI,” said Steve Quirk, Chief Brokerage Officer at Robinhood. “By expanding our presence into motorsports, we’re able to reach a passionate, engaged fanbase that’s hungry to take control of all aspects of their lives, including their finances, while also supporting Bubba Wallace, Corey Heim and the rest of the 23XI team as they continue their success this racing season.”
The partnership with 23XI will be Robinhood’s first entry into motorsports. The company also has jersey patch partnerships in the NBA with the Miami Heat, Memphis Grizzlies, and Washington Wizards. KLUTCH Sports Group played a key role in advising throughout the deal process.
About Robinhood Robinhood Markets, Inc. (NASDAQ: HOOD) transformed financial services by introducing commission-free stock trading and democratizing access to the markets for millions of investors. Today, Robinhood lets you trade stocks, options, futures (which includes options on futures, swaps, and event contracts), and crypto, invest for retirement, and earn with Robinhood Gold. Headquartered in Menlo Park, California, Robinhood puts customers in the driver’s seat, delivering unprecedented value and products intentionally designed for a new generation of investors. Additional information about Robinhood can be found at www.robinhood.com.
About 23XI Racing 23XI Racing – pronounced twenty-three eleven – was founded by NBA legend Michael Jordan and three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin in 2020. With rising NASCAR star Bubba Wallace selected to drive the No. 23 Toyota Camry, the team made its NASCAR Cup Series debut in the 2021 Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Wallace made history on October 4, 2021, when he captured his first career Cup Series win, becoming just the second African American to win in the Cup Series, and earning 23XI its first-ever victory. 23XI expanded to a two-car organization in 2022 with Cup Series Champion Kurt Busch driving the No. 45 Toyota Camry. With a win at Kansas Speedway in May of 2022, Busch earned 23XI the team’s first-ever playoff berth. In 2024, Tyler Reddick won the Regular Season Championship and raced to a spot in the Championship 4, a first for both the team and Reddick. 23XI currently features the lineup of Bubba Wallace in the No. 23 Toyota Camry XSE, Tyler Reddick in the No. 45 Toyota Camry XSE, Riley Herbst in the No. 35 Toyota Camry XSE and Corey Heim as the team’s development driver. The team operates out of Airspeed, a state-of-the-art facility in Huntersville, N.C. that opened in January of 2024.
Ever found yourself stranded in a parking lot, frantically searching for your car key fob that seemingly vanished into thin air? In that moment, a key programming machine could have been the difference between a minor inconvenience and a full-blown ordeal for you or your locksmith! As automotive security systems grow increasingly sophisticated, key programming machines have become essential tools for working with virtually all car types on the market today. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore exceptional key programming machines that offer outstanding compatibility across a wide range of vehicles.
Key Programming Machines at a Glance
Machine Name
Price Range
Vehicle Coverage
Best Feature
Ideal User
Autel MaxiIM IM608 Pro
$3,000–$3,500
Extensive
All-in-one solution
Professional locksmith
XTOOL X100 PAD3
$1,200–$1,500
Very Good
Tablet interface
Mobile technician
OBDSTAR X300 DP Plus
$1,200–$2,100
Excellent
Multi-brand support
General auto shop
Launch X431 IMMO Elite
$1,500–$2,000
Very Good
Diagnostic integration
Full-service garage
Xhorse VVDI Key Tool Max
$500–$800
Good
Portability
Small shop/mobile service
CGDI Prog MB
$600–$900
Mercedes + Others
Mercedes specialization
Luxury car specialist
Autel MaxiIM IM508
$800–$1,000
Good
Value for money
Entry-level professional
Yanhua Mini ACDP Master
$300–$1,000
Modular
Precision for luxury brands
Boutique specialist
Lonsdor K518ISE
$1,200–$1,800
Excellent
Global vehicle support
International service center
SKP-900
$200–$400
Basic
Affordability
DIY enthusiast
Why Key Programming Machines Are a Must-Have
The humble car key has undergone a remarkable transformation over the decades. What began as a simple piece of cut metal has evolved into complex transponder chips and smart fobs that communicate wirelessly with your vehicle’s computer systems. This evolution has created new demands for specialized equipment capable of interfacing with these advanced security features.
Key programming machines have become indispensable for:
Professional locksmiths need to quickly service diverse client vehicles
Auto repair shops seeking to expand their service offerings
Car owners who frequently need replacement keys or additional copies
Dealerships handling multiple makes and models
The ability to work with “all cars” is perhaps the most valuable feature of modern key programming machines, offering versatility and convenience that specialized tools simply cannot match.
What Makes a Great Key Programming Machine?
Before diving into specific models, let’s establish what separates the best key programming machines from the rest:
Vehicle Coverage
A truly outstanding key programming machine works seamlessly across multiple makes and models, including domestic, Asian, and European vehicles. The broader the coverage, the more valuable the tool becomes for professionals and car owners alike.
Functionality
Top-tier machines go beyond basic key programming to offer comprehensive functionality, including:
Transponder programming and cloning
Remote control programming
Immobilizer system diagnostics
ECU coding capabilities
All-key-lost solutions
User-Friendliness
Even the most feature-rich programmer is worthless if it’s too complicated to use. The best key programming machines balance powerful capabilities with intuitive interfaces suitable for both experienced professionals and relative beginners.
Price Point
Key programming equipment represents a significant investment. The ideal machine delivers maximum value relative to its cost, with the most expensive option not necessarily being the best for every user’s needs.
Support and Updates
As manufacturers continuously release new vehicle models with updated security systems, regular software updates are essential to maintain compatibility. Strong customer support and consistent update availability significantly enhance a programmer’s long-term value.
Top 10 Key Programming Machines for All Cars
1. OBDStar – DC706
From the innovative OBDStar key programmer collection, the DC706 model has established itself as a powerful and versatile key programming solution for professional locksmiths and automotive technicians looking for comprehensive coverage across multiple vehicle platforms.
Key Features:
Wide compatibility with both domestic and imported vehicles, including specialized support for commercial vehicles
Advanced ECU coding and immobilizer bypass capabilities
Built-in transponder generation for multiple key systems
Integrated VIN recognition and key matching systems
Portable design with ruggedized housing for field operations
One-click firmware updates via Wi-Fi connectivity
Pros: Exceptional value for comprehensive vehicle coverage, intuitive menu navigation, and robust construction designed for daily professional use.
Cons: Advanced features may require additional training for novice users, and certain specialized vehicles may need optional adapter purchases.
2. Autel MaxiIM IM608 Pro
The Autel MaxiIM IM608 Pro stands as the undisputed flagship choice for professional locksmiths and auto technicians who demand comprehensive immobilizer and diagnostic capabilities. This powerhouse tool has established itself as the gold standard in the industry.
Key Features:
Exceptional vehicle coverage spanning North American, European, and Asian manufacturers
Advanced IMMO functions, including key learning, ECU coding, and all-key-lost solutions
Intelligent mode that guides users through complex programming procedures
Regular cloud-based updates that keep pace with new vehicle releases
Integrated XP400 key programmer and IMMO adapter set
Pros: Unmatched comprehensive functionality, professional-grade build quality, intuitive interface, and extensive support resources.
Cons: Premium price point may be prohibitive for individual users or small operations.
3. XTOOL X100 PAD3
The XTOOL X100 PAD3 delivers impressive tablet-style programming capabilities at a significantly more approachable price point, making it a favorite among mid-sized shops and mobile technicians.
Key Features:
Support for both CAN FD and DOIP protocols for newer vehicles
Multi-system diagnostic capabilities beyond just key programming
Android-based operating system with regular OTA updates
Supports both basic key programming and advanced immobilizer functions
User-friendly tablet interface with vivid display
Pros: Excellent value proposition, convenient form factor, and quick operation for common vehicles.
Cons: May require additional adapters for certain luxury models and specialized functions.
4. Launch X431 IMMO Elite
The Launch X431 IMMO Elite approaches key programming from a diagnostics-first perspective, offering strong all-around capabilities that make it ideal for full-service automotive shops.
Key Features:
Anti-theft matching systems for complex security protocols
Multi-language support for international technicians
Comprehensive bi-directional control capabilities
Combined OBD diagnostic and key programming functions
Regular manufacturer-supported updates
Pros: Excellent versatility across multiple automotive systems beyond just key programming.
Cons: Updates for rare or exotic models sometimes lag behind competitors.
5. Xhorse VVDI Key Tool Max
The Xhorse VVDI Key Tool Max delivers impressive functionality in a compact, portable solution that’s perfect for quick key jobs and mobile locksmiths.
Key Features:
Remote key generation for multiple vehicle types
Transponder chip copying and programming
Bluetooth connectivity for mobile device pairing
Budget-friendly pricing with optional expansion modules
VVDI Mini OBD Tool supports expanded capabilities
Pros: Highly portable, excellent cost-to-capability ratio, and perfect for small shops with space constraints.
Cons: Limited diagnostic capabilities compared to full-sized units.
6. CGDI Prog MB (Mercedes-Benz Key Programmer)
While the CGDI Prog MB specializes in Mercedes-Benz vehicles, its adaptable platform supports other brands, making it an excellent choice for luxury vehicle specialists.
Key Features:
Ultra-fast key programming for Mercedes models
All-key-lost support without disassembly
Online calculation services for security data
ELV simulator functionality for advanced repairs
Expanding compatibility with non-Mercedes vehicles
Pros: Unparalleled Mercedes-Benz support with growing capabilities for other manufacturers.
Cons: Primary focus remains on Mercedes, making it less ideal as an all-purpose solution.
7. Autel MaxiIM IM508
As the more affordable sibling to the IM608, the Autel MaxiIM IM508 delivers core immobilizer programming functions without the premium price tag.
Key Features:
IMMO key programming for most common vehicle models
Basic diagnostic capabilities for related systems
XP200 key programmer compatibility
Wide coverage of domestic and imported vehicles
Regular software updates via Autel’s support network
Pros: Cost-effective entry into the Autel ecosystem with solid fundamental capabilities.
Cons: Lacks some of the advanced features found in professional-grade models.
8. Yanhua Mini ACDP Master
The Yanhua Mini ACDP Master takes a modular approach to key programming, allowing technicians to purchase only the specific modules needed for their clientele.
Key Features:
Supports specialized programming for BMW, Porsche, Mercedes, and more
Smartphone app-based interface for modern technicians
Key programming without vehicle disassembly in many cases
Module-based expansion system for customized capabilities
Detailed step-by-step guidance for complex procedures
Pros: Highly specific and effective for supported vehicles with excellent technical depth.
Cons: Requires additional module purchases for comprehensive coverage.
9. Lonsdor K518ISE
The Lonsdor K518ISE has established itself as a robust all-in-one programmer with exceptional compatibility across global vehicle brands.
Key Features:
Advanced key programming across European, American, and Asian vehicles
Pros: Broad functionality across multiple systems and excellent international vehicle support.
Cons: Some users report a steeper learning curve compared to other programmers.
10. SKP-900 Key Programmer
The SKP-900 is the budget-friendly option in our lineup, offering basic programming capabilities at an accessible price.
Key Features:
Supports older model vehicles with less complex security
Simple operation is ideal for beginners
No tokens or limitations on programming attempts
Compact size for easy storage and transport
Multilingual menu system for international users
Pros: Highly affordable entry point for basic key programming needs.
Cons: Limited support for newer vehicle protocols and advanced security features.
Tips for Maximizing Your Key Programming Machine
To get the most from your key programming investment, consider these practical tips:
Always verify your car’s make/model compatibility via VIN before attempting programming
Update your programmer’s software regularly to ensure compatibility with the latest security protocols
If you’re new to key programming, start with basic functions before attempting advanced procedures
Create a database of successful programming procedures for future reference
Consider purchasing additional adapters for specialized vehicles in your service area
Key programming machines represent a serious financial commitment — entry-level units like the SKP-900 start around $200, while professional-grade solutions such as the Autel MaxiIM IM608 Pro can exceed $3,500. Before purchasing, experienced technicians recommend cross-referencing independent review platforms to verify real-world compatibility claims and user-reported reliability, much like how players in adjacent industries vet platforms through resources like casinostrider-it before committing funds. Checking verified buyer feedback, update frequency history, and manufacturer support response times can save thousands in poor investment decisions.
Safety Tip: Always follow manufacturer guidelines precisely when working with vehicle electronics. Improper procedures can potentially damage sensitive systems and lead to costly repairs.
For additional guidance, many key programming machine manufacturers offer extensive video tutorials and technical support resources that can help you master your specific device.
Summing Up
In today’s automotive landscape, key programming machines have become indispensable tools for anyone working with car keys and security systems. For locksmiths handling dozens of vehicles each day or auto shops seeking to enhance their offerings, a suitable key programming system boosts their ability to service all cars effectively.
Your specific needs should guide your selection process. Professional locksmiths might gravitate toward comprehensive solutions such as the Autel IM608 Pro or the OBDSTAR X300 DP Plus. DIY enthusiasts and occasional users might find the Xhorse VVDI Key Tool Max or SKP-900 more appropriate. Luxury-vehicle specialists will appreciate the precision of the CGDI Prog MB or the Yanhua Mini ACDP Master.
Whatever your choice, investing in a quality key programming machine that works with all cars will quickly pay dividends through expanded service capabilities and customer satisfaction.
