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Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA receives 2026 DHL Sustainable Endurance Award

November 10th, 2026 – Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA has received the 2026 DHL Sustainable Endurance Award in the Hypercar category. The award recognises the team’s outstanding sustainability initiatives over the course of the 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship.

Inaugurated in 2023 as a joint initiative between FIA WEC, the Automobile Club de l’Ouest and the world championship’s official logistics partner, DHL, the annually-presented accolade evaluates competitors across six core areas – Sustainability Strategy, Environmental Commitment, Responsible Economy, Social Commitment, Communication and Carbon Footprint.

Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA’s entry was praised for its responsible procurement policy incorporating environmental, social and ethical criteria, its robust logistics framework, its progress monitoring and its in-depth approach to hospitality, featuring the reuse of structures, updated menus, local sourcing, reusable equipment and the donation of surplus food.

The accolade follows Cadillac Racing being honoured with the Sustainable Endurance Award in June, for measurable sustainability actions, operational credibility and community impact at Le Mans.

Key achievements for Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA in 2026 include;

  • Reducing the estimated carbon footprint of the shared hospitality menu to 6.49 kg CO₂e per meal in 2026, down from 7.13 kg in 2024, through three years of data-led menu design
  • Moving 57% of our intercontinental freight by weight by sea in 2025 (we estimate a similar share for 2026)
  • Dispensing 13,200 litres of drinking water through the refill stations operated at the 2026 24 Hours of Le Mans
  • Hosting 78 ninth-grade students from Del Valle High School in our garage at Lone Star Le Mans, as part of a two-day STEM programme supported by the FIA WEC
  • FIA 3 Star Environmental Accreditation awarded to the team’s Environment Policy, the highest level possible

What they’re saying:

Keely Bosn, Cadillac Racing Programme Manager; “Winning the 2026 FIA WEC DHL Sustainable Endurance Award is a proud moment for Cadillac and JOTA. The judges recognized practical steps taken by Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA and our partners. Small details matter in racing, and we feel the same way about sustainability. Reusable bottles and a lower-meat menu in hospitality are small things, but they, amongst other things, add up over a full season.”

“Our STEM programme is something we are very proud of and has continued to make a positive difference this year, with a highlight bringing 78 students to COTA to spend time with the different departments of the race team.”

“This award reflects action, not just intent, and we will continue to strive to make changes that have tangible effects. This award is a truly team effort – thank you to everyone whose work helped us earn this recognition.”

David Clark, JOTA Team Owner & Co-Founder; “To be recognised with the DHL Sustainable Endurance Award at Le Mans was a fantastic achievement, but to now receive this recognition across the entire FIA World Endurance Championship season is something we’re particularly proud of.

“As a team, we’ve always believed in constantly challenging ourselves to improve, both on and off the track. Competing at the highest level of endurance racing comes with significant logistical and operational challenges, but we have a responsibility to look at how we do things and where we can make positive changes. Often it’s the smaller, practical decisions that, when embraced by the whole team over the course of a season, can make a real difference.

“This award is a reflection of the commitment of everyone at Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA, and the strength of our partnership with Cadillac, General Motors and all those who have supported these initiatives. We’re proud of what we’ve achieved together, but we also recognise there’s always more we can do, and we’ll continue to look for ways to build on this progress.”

Carlos Fernandes, Head of Motorsport for global logistics leader, DHL; “Sustainability is a shared responsibility, and motorsport can play an important role in driving positive change. Together with the ACO and FIA WEC, we want to encourage and recognise teams that turn this ambition into tangible action. The DHL Sustainable Endurance Award is a great way to highlight these efforts and give innovative sustainability initiatives the recognition they deserve.”

FIA WEC Marketing and Communication Director, Marius Louvet; “First and foremost, I would like to congratulate all of our competitors for their focus on sustainability. Since the introduction of the DHL Sustainable Endurance Award three years ago, we have been impressed by the ever-increasing efforts made throughout the paddock to adapt processes and procedures to reduce environmental impact and promote good practice.

“As a championship, we have worked hard in this area, and we have been pleased to see teams engage so enthusiastically with activities such as our partnership with the Italian Red Cross at Imola, the food bank initiative in Austin and ‘Race Against Dementia’ at Fuji. Taking everything into account, Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA stood out in particular this season for their commitment to CSR, making them hugely deserving winners of the 2026 DHL Sustainable Endurance Award.”

To download our 2026 media materials, please visit: https://tracksideracingnews.egnyte.com/fl/Cvbw4pWh37QJ

About General Motors

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

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

Utah native Lincoln Larson wins fifth annual PT Autosport Aspiring Driver Shootout

Larson headed next to the Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup Shootout

MILLVILLE, NJ (November 10, 2026) – After three grueling days of fitness testing, interviews, sim work and racing, Lincoln Larson topped seven other finalists to capture PT Autosport’s Aspiring Driver Shootout.

Larson will join the team’s junior squad and earn financial support of up to $250,000 ($50,000 guaranteed) to further his racing career.

The 18-year-old from Park City, Utah, has an opportunity to gain additional support for his career next week, when he joins PT Autosport’s Max Stallone as team drivers who have been invited to the Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup Shootout.

Larson won the 2025 Spec Miata title and went on to earn a $75,000 Mazda scholarship at the Spec MX-5 Shootout. He contested the VIR round of the Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin, finishing 24th and 16th – gaining 14 positions in the second race.

If Larson is looking for examples of how the Aspiring Driver Shootout can change a young racer’s life, he need look no further than two past winners who were on hand at the Shootout: Luis Beilicke came into last year’s Shootout as a leading sim racer, with no racing experience. Under PT Autosport’s mentorship, he dominated the UK-based Ginetta GT Academy series’ rookie class, capturing a record setting 16 wins in 18 races on his way to the championship title. Inaugural Shootout winner Henry Drury, who handled sim management and data analysis at the Shootout, recently captured the Ginetta Challenge North America championship.

Larson knows that winning the Shootout will change the trajectory of his career, which made his initial reaction completely understandable.

“I was honestly speechless,” said Larson, who is also an instructor at the Allen Berg Racing School at Utah Motorsports Campus. “It was a roller coaster of emotions and I’m not sure it’s even set in yet. This is life-changing for me. I know how much work me and my family and everyone else who supports me has put into this, into believing in me, so there’s also some relief. I couldn’t be more grateful to everyone, from the judges to PT management, everyone who helped me this week.”

Day one of the Shootout held the off-track testing: each candidate made a presentation to the judges about their aspirations and background, and answered questions, then were tested on their sim racing skills. Each finalist then moved on to the fitness test, conducted by Jim Leo, owner of Indianapolis-based PitFit – known globally as one of the leading motorsports and high-performance athlete fitness and training facilities.

Through those three tests, Larson impressed the judges, including Shootout coordinator Alex Sedgwick – one of the founders of PT Autosport, who drove for the team in the Porsche Carrera Cup North America and in GT World Challenge America.

“Lincoln was very good in the sim, in terms of approach – he built up speed carefully and was eager to learn,” said Sedgwick. “We had competitors who were driving the sim in the way that you would in iRacing but that doesn’t apply in any way to the real world. We really didn’t care how fast they were in iRacing: we wanted to know that they could learn, adapt, and take care of a car. Lincoln did a nice job at that.”

Days two and three focused on driving, with each of the eight finalists going out in the team’s Ginetta G56 GTAs with their assigned coach (the coaching team included Cameron Davies, Will Martin and Anton Spires). As each driver progressed, they then took the wheel – though several finalists were eliminated at the end of day two. As day three ended, the choice was clear.

“We had Lincoln first, Vasilios Beletsiotis (from Cologne, Germany) second, and Ellis Spiezia (Hoboken, New Jersey) third,” said Drury. “Lincoln had exactly the kind of approach we’re looking for, undeniable pace, and solid all-round skills. There’s lots we can improve and develop, but he has all of the core traits that make for a future professional racing driver. Vasilios was a well-deserved P2, he developed steadily throughout the week and really surprised us with his improvement from day 1 to day 3, as did Ellis.”

Beletsiotis earned $10,000 to help further his racing career, along with OMP driving shoes and gloves, while Spiezia took home a $5,000 scholarship and a pair of OMP racing gloves. As winner, Larson will receive a full OMP Racing “kit” including a custom race suit and nomex, boots, and gloves for his debut year with PT Autosport.

PT Autosport team principal Jason Myers noted that every year the Aspiring Driver Shootout kicks it up a notch in terms of competition, helping the team choose the best driver for its program.

“Another outstanding Shootout,” said Myers. “I think it was a step up in every aspect of operations and in competition from the candidates. Having Jim Leo from PitFit doing our fitness assessment was a huge benefit to us, he was able to build some good assessments on each candidate for the fitness test, including VO2 max and reaction times.

“Competition in the Ginetta G56s was also great. It was a very tough decision that took us down to the final moments until we ultimately decided on Lincoln. We’re looking forward to having him on the team – and we wish him good luck with the Mazda MX-5 Shootout next week! And of course, we thank all of our partners: OMP, Pirelli, PitFit, Ginetta, Billfold, Flow Society, Solenza, Myers Tactical and of course, Momentum Brewery and Race Brew 0.0%.”

About PT Autosport — Discover Unique Talent. Develop Champions.

PT Autosport provides merit-based motorsport industry opportunities for diverse individuals with high integrity, grit, and coach-ability, achieved through a development program for young aspiring drivers, engineers, mechanics, and other professionals. The first step of this process is applying for the annual Aspiring Driver Shootout, in which aspiring drivers aged 18-23 can compete for a team racing partnership with the team.

A rigorous evaluation process of applicants determines the final competitors for the driver shootout. The winner earns financial support of up to $250,000 ($50,000 guaranteed) to pursue their racing career. The review process also provides the team the chance to identify unique talent for other roles in motorsport, including race engineers, mechanics, and professionals.

PT Autosport is building a community that fosters the development of young talent to find a place where they can make an impact in the motorsport community as a career.

Instagram: @pt_autosport
X: @PtAutosport
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YouTube: PT Autosport
TikTok: @ptautosport

Jim Dunn Racing – Pomona Advance for the 60th In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals

Jeff Arend

Moon Beer Funny Car Driver for Jim Dunn Racing
60th In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals
Nov. 12-15 | Pomona, California

Event Overview
Friday, Nov. 13 (Nitro Qualifying, streamed live on NHRA.TV)

Nitro qualifying session (Q1): 1 p.m. PDT/4 p.m. EDT
Nitro qualifying session (Q2): 3:30 p.m. PDT/6:30 p.m. EDT

Saturday, Nov. 14 (Nitro Qualifying, streamed live on NHRA.TV)

Nitro qualifying session (Q3): 11:30 a.m. PDT/2:30 p.m. EDT
Nitro qualifying session (Q4): 2 p.m. PDT/5 p.m. EDT

Sunday, Nov. 15 (Nitro Eliminations, streamed live on NHRA.TV)

Round 1: 11 a.m. PDT/2 p.m. EDT
Round 2: 1:15 p.m. PDT/4:15 p.m. EDT
Semifinals: 2:45 p.m. PDT/5:45 p.m. EDT
Finals: 4:10 p.m. PDT/7:10 p.m. EDT

TV coverage on FS1

Sunday, Nov. 15: Qualifying show recapping the action from Friday and Saturday (11 a.m. EDT)
Sunday, Nov. 15: Finals show (5 p.m. EDT)

Notes of Interest

This weekend’s In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip in Pomona, California is the 20th and final race on the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series’ schedule, and the iconic California venue is where the six-race Countdown to the Championship culminates. Jim Dunn Racing brings its one full-time entry in Funny Car for Jeff Arend. A native of Canada, Arend moved to Southern California in 1997.

As the NHRA celebrates its landmark 75th season in 2026, Jim Dunn Racing is celebrating 76 years of success in drag racing. Jim started drag racing when he was 15 years old and at 92 years old, he plans to keep going as long as he can. In 2024, Jim received the NHRA Lifetime Achievement Award. He has won some of the sport’s most significant races and has provided driving opportunities for some of the biggest names in the sport.

Coming into Pomona, Arend is 16th in the Funny Car standings, 2245 points behind leader Matt Hagan.

Moon Beer is the primary partner of Arend this weekend in Pomona. Moon Beer is an easy-drinking American light lager created as a collaboration between Mooneyes and Frogtown Brewery. The beer has a crisp, clean finish. Frogtown’s premium quality hops and horsepower delivers a light-bodied lager that is tuned and dialed to keep you cruising all-day long. Frogtown Brewery is an independent craft brewery and taproom located in northeast Los Angeles along the L.A. River. It was recently named one of the 50 Fastest Growing Breweries in the United States by the Brewers Association.

The NHRA Finals will mark Arend’s 264th career Funny Car appearance, and his 27th overall appearance at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip.

In no other event has Jim Dunn Racing won more often than it has in the In-N-Out Burger Finals. Unfortunately, both wins (Funny Car titles in 1972 and 1981 with Jim Dunn himself the driver of record) came before the event was moved permanently to In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip in 1984. The first win (at Ontario Motor Speedway) was the most significant insomuch as it came with Dunn driving a rear-engine version of his “Fireman’s Quickie” Funny Car. That stands today as the only NHRA Funny Car victory in a car of that configuration. When he won in 1981 (beating California racing legends John Lombardo, Don Prudhomme, Dale Pulde and Gary Burgin), it was in a conventional Funny Car on the track at Orange County Internationals Raceway in Irvine, Calif. Best result since the race was moved to Pomona was Kenji Okazaki’s trip to the semifinals in 1996.

Arend has made 14 starts in the Finals and 26 starts overall at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip. His best result was a runner-up finish to John Force in the 2010 Finals. His overall record at Pomona is 10-26. In his previous affiliation with Jim Dunn Racing, he was the No. 8 qualifier in 2013 and the No. 14 qualifier in 2014.

Jim Dunn Racing still is seeking its first win in a Countdown race although Arend independently won a playoff event in 2009 when, after qualifying 15th, he beat Jack Beckman, John Force, Ashley Force Hood and Tony Pedregon to win at Memphis, Tenn.

Jeff Arend, Driver of the Jim Dunn Racing Moon Beer Funny Car

Looking back on this season with Jim Dunn Racing, how great was it to be reunited with the team again and what are you most proud of accomplishing?

“I can still remember my phone ringing on that Saturday morning of the Winternationals and seeing the name Jon Dunn pop up. Now Jon and I talk all the time, but I was not expecting him to ask ‘Hey Jeff, can you drive our car for Q3 and Q4?’ And that’s how it started. Looking back on the year while we haven’t won any rounds, we also have become a consistent low 4-second racecar and we don’t hurt any parts. The two things I am most proud of are one, at every race but one we have gone down the track with respectable runs between 4.01- 4.15-seconds and other teams are taking us seriously. The best race for me was Indy. It was the largest field in the last 10 plus years and we qualified and didn’t even have to make the last run. Indy is Big Jim’s favorite race and to see the smile on Jim and Diane’s face meant everything to me! The icing on the cake was running 320 miles per hour in the first round. Now we are at the final race, our home track and we know what’s been plaguing us all year. Some round wins and 3-second runs would be a nice way to end the season!”

Need Car Electrical Parts? Explore Replacement Options at TeamVehicle

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

You start the engine using the key, but it fails to start. The headlight fails to function, or the battery continues draining. When you encounter electrical issues with your car, identifying the right replacement parts is the next step. However, all electrical issues do not require the same replacement part.

 The alternator, starter, battery, fuse, and ignition coil are just a few of the electrical components with distinct functions. Understanding the functions of these components may be beneficial when searching for replacement parts. Here are some product categories of car electrical parts from TeamVehicle.

The Electrical Parts Behind Your Vehicle’s Everyday Performance

Your car depends on several electrical parts to start and run properly. The battery supplies the initial power, while the alternator recharges it as the engine runs. The starter turns the engine on. Each component has a different role in keeping your vehicle running. Other automotive parts protect and control the electrical system. 

Fuses help prevent circuit overloads, while relays manage power to different components. Ignition, lighting, and control systems also rely on electrical parts. TeamVehicle offers options such as batteries, alternators, starters, voltage regulators, and other electrical components.

Alternators or Starters: Which Part Does Your Vehicle Need?

Although alternators and starter motors have different roles, problems in either of the two may impact the functioning of the car. Starter motors utilize the energy supplied by the battery in order to get the engine moving at the time of ignition. The alternators produce electrical energy while the engine is running and assist in maintaining the energy levels.

 A car that does not start is not necessarily a starter failure, and frequent issues with batteries cannot be attributed to problems with the alternators. TeamVehicle features alternators, voltage regulators, starters, solenoids, switches, and more.

Fuses, Relays, and Ignition Coils That Keep Systems Working

A defective fuse, relay, or ignition component will have an impact on various features in your car. Fuses ensure that electrical circuits get broken once the current goes beyond the rated value. Relays function as electric switches that enable a single circuit to control the other circuit. 

Ignition coils, on the other hand, are responsible for providing a boost in voltage that is required by spark plugs in gas engines. Specifications vary from one component to another, meaning that you cannot replace one part with another that looks similar.

From Sensors to Headlights: Explore Other Essential Electrical Parts

Electrical replacement requirements go beyond the ignition and charging system. Sensors detect the status of the vehicle and transmit data to the controller system. Switches operate various functions, while the wiring, connectors, and terminals transfer electrical power and signals. The same holds true for lighting parts, which are necessary for visibility and proper functioning of the vehicle. 

The TeamVehicle inventory includes items such as headlamps, interior/exterior lights, lighting modules, switches, and relays. Its wiper inventory consists of motors, arms, blades, refills, and washer pumps. When researching these categories, consider if you require an entire unit or just one component.

What Matters When Choosing the Right Electrical Replacement?

Electrical components may appear identical yet have different specifications, connectivity, and uses. Prior to purchasing the correct replacement part, the following should be considered:

  • Vehicle specification: The year, make, model, and engine, as applicable.
  • Electrical specifications: The stated voltage, current, output, or fuse rating. 
  • Connector specifications: Differences in plug configuration, pin count, terminal positioning, and cable connectivity. 
  • Part numbers: Rely on the existing part’s reference code to aid in determining the needed part.
  • Product description: Determine if the product listing includes an entire assembly or just one component.

Find Alternatives to Electrical Parts at TeamVehicle

If the part that needs replacing is already identified, it becomes easier to browse through the appropriate catalog categories. TeamVehicle categorizes suitable electrical products based on categories such as electrical, wipers/lamps/fuses, and ignition/filters. Depending on the product category, consumers can browse through alternators, batteries, starter assemblies, lighting components, fuses, and wipers. 

Year, make, and model searching for the car is available in the vehicle selection tool on the website. The site provides information regarding license plate and VIN lookups. For advanced searching, Pro Search includes year, make, model, and engine.

Identify the Electrical Parts Your Car Needs

All electrical problems do not require the same replacement auto part. Electrical problems like starting trouble, malfunctioning lights, or charging trouble may each need a different component. Knowing what each component does allows you to limit your choices. 

Alternators, starters, fuses, ignition coils, and lighting components are all brought together by TeamVehicle in their catalog. Search for the categories that have what you need, review the specifications, and see how well it fits your car before you order. Spend some time finding what is right for you.

CHAMPIONSHIP SCENARIOS BRING PLENTY OF EXCITEMENT TO POMONA FOR IN-N-OUT BURGER NHRA FINALS

POMONA, Calif. (Nov. 9, 2026) – Championship drama is alive and well as the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series closes out its 75th anniversary season with this weekend’s electric In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals at legendary In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip.

Championships will be decided in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle and though each title race comes with varying degrees of drama, the weekend is poised to be something special to close out NHRA’s milestone campaign.

Will we have a winner-take-all finale?

It’s not a guarantee, but there’s at least possibilities in a couple of classes heading into a massive weekend in Pomona.

Let’s take a look at the title chases and the hopefuls who hope to have their championship moments at the historic facility.

TOP FUEL

Drama is at a relative minimum here – at least compared to the other categories. Doug Kalitta’s Las Vegas win gives him a fighting chance against teammate and championship frontrunner Shawn Langdon, but this one is still heavily steered towards Langdon becoming a two-time champ.

Langdon currently holds a 107-point lead against the reigning champ, which means if things stand pat during qualifying, Langdon will only have to win the first round – even with points-and-a-half on the line – to clinch the title after a dominant season.

If Langdon gets 13 or more qualifying points than Kalitta in qualifying, he can clinch it to close out qualifying on Saturday.

FUNNY CAR

This one got a whole lot more interesting following Jordan Vandergriff’s victory in Las Vegas, as he enters the weekend 39 points back of Matt Hagan, who has his eyes on a remarkable fifth Funny Car world title.

Getting it under 30 points in qualifying – which would be difficult, but certainly not impossible – sets up a possibly winner-take-all scenario, but as it stands, Vandergriff needs to go two rounds further to pass Hagan at the finale.

Of course, that happened in Las Vegas, which sets up for a thrilling Pomona. Vandergriff certainly has momentum, but Hagan has been steady all season and has an incredible track record in Pomona, too. He won the spring race – at the 1,000th Funny Car race – and his eight wins at the legendary facility are second to only John Force in the Funny Car ranks.

J.R. Todd isn’t out of the mix, either. He’s 104 points out of first but will likely need a race win and some help to hoist a second world title.

PRO STOCK

Glenn is honing in on a second world title and seems like a runaway freight train heading to Pomona. He’s won the last two events, qualifying No. 1 at both events and making the quickest pass in Pro Stock history, taking an 87-point lead over Matt Hartford and a 99-point advantage over Greg Stanfield into the finale.

Should Glenn continue his torrid qualifying pace and get it to more than 90 points over Hartford going into Sunday, a first-round win would clinch the championship for Glenn.

If he doesn’t, he’ll need a second-round win to pick up a second world title.

An early loss – and Glenn did suffer a rare first-round mishap to open the Countdown to the Championship – would throw things into chaos.

PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE

There’s bonus action in Pro Stock Motorcycle and that extra excitement could set the stage for a thriller on Sunday.

The final round from Las Vegas, featuring teammates Richard Gadson and Gaige Herrera, was postponed to Saturday qualifying in Pomona and there’s plenty riding on the outcome. Should Gadson, the reigning world champ, get the victory, he’ll add 20 points to his lead, which currently stands at 55 points over Herrera.

If the two-time champ Herrera wins and does some damage in qualifying, that deficit could get under 30 points for Sunday, setting up what could be an incredible winner-take-all scenario between the two standouts.

That means a 40-point swing is on the line on Saturday, which could go a long way when it comes to a world title and any Sunday dramatics.

The weekend begins Friday with two rounds of qualifying and the final two rounds follow on Saturday, followed by eliminations on Sunday, where world champions will be crowned at one of motorsports’ most historic venues. This year’s race will be broadcast on FS1, including eliminations coverage starting at 5 p.m. ET on Sunday.

Pomona race fans can also enjoy special pre-race ceremonies on Sunday, along with the SealMaster Track Walk. Another can’t-miss experience is Sunday’s winner’s circle celebration, where fans are invited to congratulate the champs and event winners. As always, every ticket is a pit pass to the most powerful motorsports attraction. Fans can see their favorite teams in action, get autographs from their favorite drivers and more. They can also visit the midway for displays, merchandise, food and fun.

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

To purchase tickets to the 61st annual In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals, fans can visit www.NHRA.com/tickets. All children 12 and under will be admitted free in the general admission area with a paid adult. For more information about NHRA, visit www.NHRA.com.


About Mission Foods

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

About NHRA

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

Blake Harris named Shane van Gisbergen’s crew chief for 2027 Cup season

Photo by Logan Allen for SpeedwayMedia.com.

Blake Harris will be joining Trackhouse Racing and work as Shane van Gisbergen’s crew chief for the 2027 NASCAR Cup Series season.

The announcement, which was made by Trackhouse Racing on Monday, November 9, comes as Harris caps off his fourth consecutive season working as a crew chief at Hendrick Motorsports and the No. 48 Chevrolet team piloted by Alex Bowman. 

Bowman, who was absent for four races earlier this season, concluded the 2026 season in 26th place in the standings with four top-five results, eight top-10 results and an average-finishing result of 20.0. Next season will mark Bowman’s final full-time campaign in the Cup Series division as Connor Zilisch will then replace Bowman in the No. 48 entry for the 2028 season.

Harris made his first appearance as a Cup crew chief with Martin Truex Jr. at Texas Motor Speedway in mid-October 2020 before he worked as Michael McDowell’s crew chief in 2022, the latter of which occurred at Front Row Motorsports. Beginning in 2023, Harris worked at Hendrick Motorsports as the No. 48 crew chief and with Bowman. Over four seasons, the duo notched a victory at the Chicago Street Course in 2024 along with 17 top-five results, 31 top-10 results, four poles (including the 2023 Daytona 500 pole) and 313 laps led. They also achieved a Playoff berth in 2024 and finished in ninth place in the final standings. 

Even when the No. 48 entry was piloted for select events by interim competitors Josh Berry, Anthony Alfredo and Justin Allgaier in two seasons, during which Bowman suffered a back injury from a sprint car accident in 2023 and suffered from vertigo in 2026, Harris remained atop the pit box of the No. 48 team.

Through 173 events as a Cup Series crew chief, Harris has achieved a single victory, four poles, 24 top-five results and 62 top-10 results while working with six different competitors. The 2027 season will feature a seventh competitor Harris will be working with, that being van Gisbergen, a three-time Supercars champion and driver of the No. 97 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet entry. Harris replaces Stephen Doran while Doran transitions to Spire Motorsports to work as a Cup crew chief for Michael McDowell.

This past season, van Gisbergen, who competed in his second full-time campaign in NASCAR’s premier series, notched a pair of road course victories (Watkins Glen International in May and Sonoma Raceway in June) along with a pair of poles, six top-five results, 10 top-10 results, 270 laps led and an average-finishing result of 18.9. Despite missing the Chase, he emerged as the highest non-Chase competitor in the final standings in 17th place to cap off the 2026 season. 

Hendrick Motorsports’ decision on a new crew chief for Bowman and the No. 48 Chevrolet team for the 2027 Cup Series season remains to be determined.

The 2027 NASCAR Cup Series season is scheduled to commence with the Wheatley Vodka Clash at Daytona International Speedway on February 13. This event will then be followed with with 69th annual running of the Daytona 500 that will occur on February 21 and air on FOX Sports, MRN Radio, SiriusXM and HBO MAX.  

Drug and Alcohol Testing: What Motorsports Can Learn From Commercial Trucking

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Motorsports and commercial trucking share more than a love of big engines. Both put people in control of heavy, fast machines where a lapse in judgment can hurt others. Both have also built systems to keep impaired drivers out of the seat.

The approaches differ in instructive ways. Trucking’s federal system, in particular, offers lessons about consistency, records, and accountability that any safety-focused organization can learn from.

How Trucking Tests Drivers

Truckers who cross state lines live under federal drug and alcohol testing rules, and their employers usually have to test them:

  • before they start driving for the first time
  • randomly throughout employment
  • after certain crashes
  • when a supervisor has reasonable suspicion
  • before returning to duty after a violation

Every sample goes through the same steps, a certified lab, and a documented chain of custody. A medical review officer checks any positive result before it counts.

When Testing Fails on the Highway

When the system breaks down, the results can be severe. A carrier that skips a required query or ignores a positive test may put an impaired driver on the road.

People injured in those crashes face complex questions about carrier responsibility. In Texas, some turn to the Thiessen Law Firm injury law firm or other counsel to examine testing records, hiring files, and post-crash procedures.

Missing post-accident tests can also become an important fact. Federal rules set time windows for testing after qualifying crashes, and a carrier that misses them must document why.

The Clearinghouse Closed a Gap

For a long time the system leaked. Fail a test at one carrier, and a driver could sometimes sign on with another one that never heard about it.

The FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse closed that loophole. It logs every commercial driver’s drug and alcohol violations in one national record, and carriers have to search it before hiring and then every year.

A driver with an unresolved violation cannot perform safety-sensitive duties until completing a return-to-duty process with a substance abuse professional.

How Motorsports Handles Testing

Major racing series have their own substance abuse policies. Many include random testing of drivers, crew members, and officials, along with testing for cause.

These policies are set by sanctioning bodies rather than federal law. They vary by series and can change from season to season. Penalties for violations can include suspension, required treatment, and reinstatement conditions, which mirror the return-to-duty idea used in trucking.

Lessons From Trucking

Several features of the trucking system translate well to any safety-sensitive environment:

  • a central record that follows individuals across employers
  • standardized testing procedures that hold up to scrutiny
  • clear return-to-duty steps after a violation
  • mandatory checks before someone takes on safety duties

The core idea is simple, and it does not depend on the size of the organization. Testing works best when its results cannot be ignored or erased by moving to a new organization.

Impairment Beyond Drugs and Alcohol

Testing catches only part of the problem. Fatigue, certain medications, and medical conditions can also impair driving.

Trucking addresses some of these issues through hours-of-service limits and medical certification. Motorsports relies on medical evaluations and team practices. Both benefit from cultures where people feel safe reporting a problem before it causes harm. A crew member who admits a bad night of sleep, or a driver who discloses a new prescription, gives the team a chance to adjust before anything goes wrong.

After an Injury

Whether on a racetrack or a highway, injuries from crashes can have lasting effects. Speedway Media has covered dealing with injuries from an accident, including practical steps for recovery.

Medical care, documentation, and patience during recovery all matter. Symptoms such as headaches, neck pain, or trouble concentrating can appear days after a crash, so a follow-up visit is worth scheduling even when the first exam looks clear.

Building a Culture of Safety

Testing programs are only as strong as the culture behind them. When organizations treat testing as a box to check, gaps appear. When they treat it as part of a broader commitment to safety, it works.

Commercial trucking’s system is not perfect, but its emphasis on records and accountability offers a useful model. Motorsports, with its long tradition of safety innovation, is well placed to keep learning from it.

This article compares testing practices in trucking and racing in general terms. It is not legal advice for any driver or team.

Backs, Bumps, and Long Stints: Spinal Health for Racers and Track-Day Drivers

Racing looks like a sport of hands and feet. Ask anyone who has finished a long stint in a stiff race car, though, and they will mention their back first.

Hours of vibration, hard braking, high lateral loads, and a fixed seating position put real stress on the spine. Weekend track-day drivers feel it too, often without the conditioning and support that professional drivers rely on.

Why Racing Is Hard on the Spine

Several forces work against the spine in a race car. Constant vibration from stiff suspension travels through the seat. Curbs and bumps send sharp jolts upward. Cornering loads push the torso sideways for minutes at a time.

Add a seating position that rarely changes, and the muscles supporting the spine can tire quickly. Over time, that strain can contribute to stiffness, pain, and in some cases more lasting problems.

Understanding Back Pain

Back pain is extremely common, in and out of motorsports. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke explains that most back pain is mechanical, arising from muscles, ligaments, discs, and joints rather than serious disease.

The same source says most episodes ease with time, rest, and simple treatment. Pain that hangs around or gets worse is a different matter and calls for a proper exam.

Treatment Options Drivers Explore

Drivers with ongoing discomfort often look at a range of non-surgical options. Physical therapy, targeted exercise, chiropractic care, and massage are common starting points.

Some drivers dealing with disc-related pain also look into options such as Roach Family Wellness spinal decompression treatment, which uses controlled traction intended to reduce pressure on spinal discs. As with any treatment, a proper evaluation and realistic expectations matter.

Numbness, weakness, trouble controlling the bladder or bowels, or pain after a crash all need a doctor quickly, not a home remedy.

The Seat Matters More Than People Think

A race seat is not just a safety device. It is also the main point of contact between the driver and the car’s forces.

A seat that fits well distributes loads more evenly and holds the body in a stable position. A poorly fitted seat allows movement that the spine and muscles must constantly resist. Custom foam inserts, adjustable lumbar support, and careful harness geometry all help lock the body into a neutral position.

Speedway Media has covered how to choose the right sport seats, which is a good starting point for drivers thinking about fit, support, and comfort.

Building a Stronger Foundation

Professional drivers train their bodies as carefully as their skills. A strong core and back help the spine handle repeated loads.

Helpful training areas include:

  • core stability exercises
  • strengthening for the upper back and neck
  • hip mobility and flexibility work
  • cardiovascular conditioning for endurance

Neck strength matters especially for drivers who experience high cornering forces, since the head and helmet add significant load. Many drivers use simple resistance bands or weighted harness exercises to build that strength between events.

Habits Before and After a Session

Small routines can make a difference:

  • warming up before getting in the car
  • staying hydrated throughout the day
  • stretching between sessions
  • getting out of the car and moving during breaks
  • cooling down after the final session

Recovery is part of performance. Sleep, nutrition, and rest days help muscles repair after a demanding weekend. Long drives home from the track add their own strain, so a few stops to walk and stretch are worth the extra time.

When to Stop and Get Checked

Pain is information. Drivers sometimes push through discomfort because they do not want to miss track time, but ignoring persistent symptoms can turn a manageable issue into a serious one.

Any real hit, even at modest speed, is worth a trip to the medical center. Damage to the spine can hide at first, since adrenaline dulls pain for hours and the stiffness may not show up until the next morning.

Protecting the Spine for the Long Run

Racing will always be physically demanding. The goal is not to eliminate stress on the spine but to manage it wisely.

Good seat fit, consistent conditioning, smart recovery habits, and timely care help drivers keep doing what they love for many seasons, whether they race professionally or just chase lap times on weekends.

Nothing here replaces a medical exam. A driver whose back pain keeps coming back should see a doctor or physical therapist before the next session.

Haulers, Fatigue, and the Long Road Between Race Weekends

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Race fans see the cars. They rarely see the haulers. Yet every weekend, those big rigs carry primary cars, backup cars, engines, tools, and spare parts across the country, often leaving the shop on a Wednesday and arriving at the track with little time to spare.

The drivers behind the wheel of those haulers are some of the most important people on any team. They also face one of the most persistent risks in commercial driving: fatigue.

A Schedule Built on Tight Windows

Many teams are based around Charlotte and Mooresville, North Carolina. From there, haulers travel to tracks in Phoenix, Las Vegas, Daytona, and everywhere in between.

That travel is relentless. A long trip west, a race weekend, a quick turnaround, and then the next track. Delays from weather, traffic, or mechanical issues can compress the schedule further. A rainout on Sunday can push a race to Monday and leave the hauler crew racing the calendar to reach the next track.

When Big Trucks Crash

Crashes involving tractor-trailers, whether race haulers or freight trucks, often cause serious injuries. North Carolina’s highways, including Interstates 85, 77, and 40, carry heavy truck traffic every day.

People hurt in those crashes face complex questions about responsibility and insurance, and some contact Farmer & Morris Law North Carolina truck accident attorneys or other counsel to sort through electronic logs, carrier records, and driver schedules.

Crashes in North Carolina carry an extra twist. The state’s contributory negligence rule can shut out an injured driver who shares even a small slice of the blame.

The Hours-of-Service Rules

Anyone driving a big rig across state lines is on a federal clock. The FMCSA hours-of-service rules generally include:

  • 11 hours behind the wheel, at most, once a driver has had 10 straight hours off
  • a hard stop on driving once 14 hours have passed since the shift began
  • a half-hour break once 8 hours of driving have piled up
  • a cap of 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8

Many race teams use team drivers, two people who take turns behind the wheel, to cover long distances while staying within these limits.

Fatigue Does Not Follow the Rules

Staying within legal limits does not guarantee alertness. Poor sleep in a truck cab, irregular schedules, and long weekends at the track all take a toll.

Fatigue slows reaction times and affects judgment. In an 80,000-pound vehicle, those small delays can have severe consequences for everyone on the road. Research on drowsy driving has linked long periods without sleep to impairment comparable to driving with an elevated blood alcohol level.

Safety Lessons From the Track

Motorsports has spent decades improving driver safety. Energy-absorbing barriers, head and neck restraints, and stronger car designs have changed the sport.

Speedway Media has covered NASCAR’s safety innovations for drivers at high speeds, and many of those principles apply on the highway too. Planning for human limits, building in margins, and refusing to accept preventable risks all translate.

How Teams Manage Fatigue

Well-run teams treat hauler safety as part of their overall operation. Common practices include:

  • scheduling team drivers for long trips
  • building rest stops into travel plans
  • monitoring electronic logging device data
  • allowing extra time for weather and traffic

Some teams also use technology such as lane departure warnings and collision mitigation systems. The best crews treat a tired driver pulling over as a smart call, not a failure, and they build that expectation into the culture from the first day of the season.

The Role of Electronic Logs

Most interstate trucks now use electronic logging devices that record driving time automatically. These records help drivers and carriers stay within the rules.

After a crash, the same logs can become key evidence. They show how long a driver had been on the road and whether rest periods were taken. Investigators often compare them with fuel receipts, toll records, and GPS data to confirm the timeline.

The Real Endurance Race

Every race weekend depends on haulers arriving safely. The drivers who make that happen deal with long distances, tight schedules, and the constant challenge of staying alert.

Respecting hours-of-service limits, planning for fatigue, and learning from motorsports safety culture help keep everyone on the road safer, long before the green flag drops.

This piece is general reading on hauler fatigue and highway safety around race weekends. It is not legal advice for any crash.

How Michigan Family Law Attorneys Help Families Navigate Legal Challenges

Legal issues that involve families can be hard on the emotions, especially when they have to do with divorce, child custody, child support, or other personal issues. Knowing your legal rights guides you to protect your family’s interests and make smart choices. Michigan Family Law Lawyers assist people and families dealing with these issues and walk them through the legal process. Getting legal help makes a difference whether you are thinking about getting a divorce, settling a parenting disagreement, or asking for changes to a court order. An experienced lawyer guides you to understand the choices you have in your specific case, explains the laws that apply in Michigan, and prepares the documents you need. 

  1. Understanding the Role of Michigan Family Law Lawyers
  2. Legal Matters a Family Law Attorney Can Handle
  3. Protecting Children’s Best Interests During Custody Disputes
  4. Understanding Property Division and Financial Support
  5. Choosing the Right Michigan Family Law Lawyer

Understanding the Role of Michigan Family Law Lawyers

Family law lawyers in Michigan help people with legal issues that have to do with marriage, kids, money, and family bonds. Some of their jobs are to explain state laws, make legal documents, go to court for clients, and assist family members in coming to an agreement. Also, before clients make big choices that could affect their future, they guide them to understand their rights. Family law cases don’t always need to go to court. Sometimes, disagreements will be settled through mediation or negotiation. 

Family law deals with a wide range of legal issues that affect people and their families. A Michigan family law attorney assists with a variety of cases, depending on the specifics of the family’s situation. Some common issues are:

  • Divorce and separation
  • Child custody
  • Parenting time
  • Child support
  • Spousal support
  • Property division
  • Adoption

Protecting Children’s Best Interests During Custody Disputes

When parents argue about where to live, school, health care, and parenting duties, child custody disputes can get stressful. In Michigan, courts decide who gets custody of a child by looking at what is best for the kid in terms of safety, stability, and well-being. These include how the child feels about each parent, where the child lives and goes to school, and how well each parent cares for the child. Family lawyers in Michigan support parents in gathering important evidence, getting ready for hearings, and coming up with fair parenting plans. 

Understanding Property Division and Financial Support

Making financial choices during a divorce results in effects on both people for a long time after the marriage ends. When Michigan splits up a couple’s property, they use the principle of equitable distribution. This means that the court tries to find a fair solution instead of just giving each item an equal share. The final choice may depend on the specifics of each marriage. An important thing to think about may also be financial support, especially if one spouse needs or makes more money. 

Choosing the Right Michigan Family Law Lawyer

When you have personal legal issues, choosing a family law attorney is a big deal. The right lawyer should know Michigan’s family laws, have experience with cases like yours, and be able to explain your legal choices clearly. Before you hire a lawyer, you might want to set up a meeting to talk about your situation and find out how the lawyer might handle your case. It’s also a good idea to find out how much the lawyer costs, how long the process will take, how they communicate, and what outcomes are possible. 

Conclusion

Family law issues impact relationships, finances, and future duties. Working with a Michigan family law attorney helps people understand their rights and get through the legal processes related to divorce, child custody, parenting time, and child support. An attorney provides you advice, puts together important papers, and looks out for your best interests in court or during negotiations. Since every family situation is different, talking to a lawyer early on may help you understand your options and keep things from getting more complicated than they need to be. Taking the time to find a family law lawyer with a lot of experience assists you in protecting your rights and working toward a fair outcome. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What do Michigan family law lawyers handle?

They deal with divorce, child custody, parenting time, child support, spousal support, property split, adoption, and other issues that have to do with families.

Do I need a lawyer to file for divorce in Michigan?

No, people in Michigan can represent themselves in divorce proceedings. But it might be a good idea to hire a lawyer if there are children involved, property disputes, money issues, or arguments between spouses.

How do Michigan courts determine child custody?

The courts in Michigan look at what is good for the child. They look at things like the child’s emotional relationships, the home setting, the child’s stability, and the child’s safety.