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Wood Brothers Racing – Race Week Briefing: Darlington Raceway

Event: Goodyear 400
Date/Time: Sunday, March 22, 2026, 3 p.m. ET
Location: Darlington Raceway, Darlington, South Carolina
Layout: 1.366-Mile Oval
TV/Radio: FS1, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

When it comes to iconic car numbers at Darlington Raceway, few carry the history of the No. 21 Ford fielded by Wood Brothers Racing.

The Wood Brothers have recorded eight NASCAR Cup Series victories at the Lady in Black – six with Darlington standout David Pearson and one each with NASCAR Hall of Famers Cale Yarborough and Neil Bonnett. The team’s success at the 1.366-mile oval also includes 12 pole positions, 22 top-five finishes and 34 top-10 results across 106 starts.

Now, Josh Berry looks to add to that legacy as he returns to one of his favorite tracks on the schedule.

Berry, the driver of the No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Mustang Dark Horse, has quickly grown comfortable at Darlington and has shown the ability to contend at the historic South Carolina venue.

“The history the Wood Brothers have there is really cool,” Berry said. “Darlington is a place I’ve learned to really enjoy over the years. It’s one of my favorite tracks, and I’m looking forward to getting back there.

“It’s going to be interesting with the horsepower and downforce changes, but for us it’s about making the right decisions before we get there so we have what we need to compete. No matter what, it’s always fun racing there. It’s such a challenging place, and the history behind it makes it special.”

Adding another Darlington victory to the Wood Brothers’ record is something Berry has circled.

“When you think about places you’d like to put the Wood Brothers back in Victory Lane, Darlington is definitely near the top of that list.”

Berry’s confidence at Darlington took a step forward during the 2024 season, when he finished fourth in both races while driving the No. 4 Ford.

“I had mixed results there early on,” he said. “What really clicked for me was my time in the 4 car – learning from Kevin [Harvick] and Rodney [Childers] and their approach to Darlington. That’s when I felt like I started putting things together there, and the confidence came with it.”

He carried that momentum into last fall, qualifying third at the track in the No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane entry, and continues to embrace the unique challenges Darlington presents.

“It’s just a fun place to race – so many different lines and techniques,” Berry said. “It makes it a lot of fun behind the wheel.”

Practice for the NASCAR Cup Series at Darlington Raceway is scheduled for Saturday at 2:30 p.m. ET, followed by qualifying at 3:40 p.m. ET, with coverage on Prime Video.

Sunday’s Goodyear 400 is set to take the green flag just after 3 p.m. ET on FS1. Stage breaks are scheduled for Lap 90 and Lap 185.

Saturday, March 21

Josh Berry will sign autographs at the Team Penske/Wood Brothers merchandise hauler beginning at 1:00 p.m. local time in the Darlington Raceway fan zone. 100 wristbands will be distributed on a first come, first-served basis.

Josh Berry

Age: 35 (Oct. 22, 1990)

Hometown: Hendersonville, Tennessee

Crew Chief: Miles Stanley

IG: @joshberry88

X: @joshberry

About Motorcraft®
Motorcraft offers a complete line of replacement parts that are recommended by Ford Motor Company. From routine maintenance to under hood repairs, Motorcraft parts offer value with high quality and the right fit at competitive prices. Motorcraft parts are available nationwide at Ford Dealers and Lincoln Retailers, independent distributors and automotive-parts retailers, and are backed by the Service Parts Limited Warranty* of Ford Motor Company. For more information, visit www.motorcraft.com. *See your dealer for limited-warranty details.

About Quick Lane® Tire & Auto Center
Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center offers extraordinary service for routine maintenance, serving all vehicle makes and models. Quick Lane provides a full menu of automotive services, including tires, oil change and maintenance, brakes, batteries, alternator and electrical system, air conditioning system, cooling system, transmission service, suspension and steering, wheel alignment, belts and hoses, lamps and bulbs and wiper blades plus a thorough vehicle checkup report. Service is performed by expert technicians while you wait at any of nearly 800 locations in the U.S., with evening and weekend hours available and no appointment necessary. For more information about Quick Lane, please visit www.quicklane.com. *See your dealer for limited-warranty details.

FUNNY CAR’S CHAD GREEN LOOKS TO CARRY MOMENTUM INTO PHOENIX AT FMP NHRA ARIZONA NATIONALS

PHOENIX (March 18, 2026) – Coming off a win at the season kickoff in Gainesville, Funny Car’s Chad Green is ready to head to the desert for the 41st annual FMP NHRA Arizona Nationals presented by NGK Spark Plugs at Firebird Motorsports Park.

Green wheels the 12,000-horsepower Bond Coat Ford Mustang and secured his third career win two weeks ago at the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway. The win was his second consecutive win at the season opener and Green believes his team will carry that momentum into Phoenix.

He’s determined to make amends for last year’s early exit at the “Duel in the Desert” and keep himself in the mix in the loaded Funny Car category.

“Anytime you win, it always helps with confidence, but what really gets me excited is to see how consistent our car ran all day in Gainesville,” said Green. “Nothing helps a driver’s confidence more than having a consistent race car.

“Obviously, our main goal is to win the race. But short of that, we just need to go some rounds and avoid a first-round exit like last year in Phoenix, which can really kill your momentum after winning a race. It’s going to be a hot track this weekend and I think we will fare well under those conditions. My guys know how to navigate a hot track.”

As part of NHRA’s yearlong 75th anniversary celebration, fans can expect multiple highlights at Firebird Motorsports Park, including:

  • An appearance from NHRA legend and four-time world champion Don Prudhomme, as well as Charlie Allen and Jon Lundberg.
  • On Friday, a free, limited-edition rally towel will be given to the first 3,000 fans in attendance to take in two rounds of pro qualifying.
  • A new-look Nitro Mall, special displays and 75th anniversary stage in Nitro Alley.

Last season, Shawn Langdon (Top Fuel), Paul Lee (Funny Car), and Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) each earned wins. This year’s race will be broadcast on FS1, with elimination coverage beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, March 22. It is the second of 20 events and run times were moved to earlier slots with the expected heat.

Friday qualifying will begin at 9:30 a.m. local time on Friday with Pro Stock, followed by Funny Car and Top Fuel. The second session is slated to start at 12 p.m. On Saturday, Top Fuel will open the day at 10 a.m., followed by Funny Car and Pro Stock. The final qualifying session is scheduled to start at 12:30 p.m. with Top Fuel.

Sunday eliminations will be bumped an hour earlier as well, with the first round of eliminations slated for 10 a.m. local time.

Gates will open at 7 a.m. Friday through Sunday, with action in the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series to begin at 7:30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 8 a.m. on Sunday.

With his win in Gainesville, Green has slotted himself into the first Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge of the season. The popular bonus race returns to the NHRA regular season as semifinalists from the previous race will rematch for a chance at a bonus purse and bonus points for the Countdown to the Championship playoffs. Green will take on Funny Car newcomer Jordan Vandergriff, who made his John Force Racing debut in Gainesville, with Alexis DeJoria and J.R. Todd on the other side of the ladder.

“The Mission Challenge is a great opportunity to get even more points,” Green said. “I want to be in it every race. It makes qualifying that much more exciting. I’m sure Jordan will be looking for some revenge from Gainesville. For us, we will be looking to stay undefeated in 2026.”

Other Funny Car stars to watch in Phoenix include back-to-back world champ Austin Prock, who didn’t qualify in Gainesville, four-time champ Matt Hagan and Ron Capps.

Top Fuel’s Shawn Langdon is after more Phoenix success, taking on a field that includes Gainesville winner Josh Hart, reigning world champ Doug Kalitta, rookie Maddi Gordon, Tony Stewart, Antron Brown and Leah Pruett.

Greg Anderson will look to repeat in Pro Stock, but Gainesville winner and area resident Matt Hartford hopes to keep rolling along against reigning world champ Dallas Glenn, Erica Enders and Aaron Stanfield.

The FMP NHRA Arizona Nationals presented by NGK Spark Plugs will also feature thrilling competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series and the NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series.

Race fans at Firebird Motorsports Park can enjoy the special pre-race ceremonies that introduce and celebrate each of the drivers racing for the prestigious Wally on Sunday and includes the fan-favorite SealMaster Track Walk.

As always, fans get an exclusive pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet. This opportunity gives fans a chance to see teams in action and service their hot rods between rounds, get autographs from their favorite NHRA drivers and more. Fans can visit NHRA’s popular Nitro Alley and Manufacturers Midway, where sponsors and vendors create an exciting atmosphere that includes interactive displays, merchandise, and food and fun for the entire family.

Television coverage includes qualifying action on FS1 at 10 p.m. ET. on Friday and 12 p.m. on Sunday, leading into eliminations at 6:30 p.m. ET.

To purchase tickets to the FMP NHRA Arizona Nationals presented by NGK Spark Plugs, fans can visit www.NHRA.com/tickets. For more information on NHRA, please 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 NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series 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.

Front Row Motorsports and FUEL by Franzia Partner for National Campaign

Noah Gragson to Bring Wine-Based RTD Brand to 21+ NASCAR Fans

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (March 18, 2026) – In a bold move to bring full-throttle good times to NASCAR fans, Front Row Motorsports (FRM) and FUEL by Franzia, a new RTD brand with intense flavors & a bold kick, today announced a national partnership led by Noah Gragson.

Gragson will help bring the official wine-based ready-to-drink (RTD) partner of NASCAR to legal drinking age adult fans across the country in a fully integrated mix of social media, in store point-of-sale, at-track appearances, and more.

The partnership will also be highlighted by the debut of the No. 4 FUEL by Franzia Ford Mustang Dark Horse at the Martinsville Speedway on the weekend of March 28 and 29.

“FUEL by Franzia is all about fueling a high-energy, good time with friends,” said Helen Kurtz. ”We wanted to partner with a driver who authentically represents what our brand stands for: making bold moves and living life full throttle. You can’t find a better athlete than Noah.

“He carries the same unapologetic spirit of FUEL by Franzia brand, which has made him one of NASCAR’s most popular and relatable drivers in the sport. We cannot wait to see the car on the track and work with Noah to connect FUEL by Franzia to NASCAR fans.”

The No. 4 FUEL by Franzia Ford Mustang Dark Horse will spotlight the Hard Punch flavor on the sides of the car with the team also featuring its other new, unique bold flavors that include Ultra Frost and After Burner across its other branded assets throughout the season.

“FUEL by Franzia, its new flavors, it all screams the new ‘Hell Yeah’ theme of NASCAR,” said Gragson. “The sport is growing with younger legal drinking age adult fans who want to have a great time at the track. That is what makes this partnership so much fun and it’s why I love representing FUEL by Franzia.”

Fans will begin to see Gragson and FUEL by Franzia signs together in-store during the Martinsville race weekend and throughout the remainder of the season. Gragson will race the FUEL by Franzia colors on Sunday, March 29 during the Cook Out 400 at the Martinsville Speedway broadcast on FS1.

ABOUT FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS

Front Row Motorsports (FRM) is a winning organization competing in the NASCAR Cup Series and the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. Founded in 2004 by entrepreneur Bob Jenkins, FRM has earned top honors including a 2021 Daytona 500 victory and the 2022 CRAFTSMAN Truck Series championship. Based in Mooresville, N.C., FRM fields the No. 4, No. 34, and No. 38 entries in the NASCAR Cup Series, along with the No. 34 and No. 38 teams in the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. For more information, visit teamfrm.com and follow Front Row Motorsports on social media — X: @Team_FRM, Instagram: @teamfrm, Tik Tok: @Team_FRM, YouTube: @FrontRowNASCAR, and Facebook: facebook.com/FrontRowMotorsports.

ABOUT FUEL BY FRANZIA

FUEL by Franzia is a wine-based ready-to-drink (RTD) beverage brand known for its bold kick, exciting flavors and full throttle personality. Created to deliver juicy taste and party-ready energy, FUEL by Franzia brings a fresh twist to the wine category with a lineup of fruit-forward, 14% ABV RTDs that will rev up any moment. The brand combines accessibility and bold flavor to meet today’s adult beverage drinkers where they are — whether chilling with friends, tailgating, or enjoying life’s memorable moments together. For more information visit https://www.fuelbyfranzia.com/ and Instagram: @fuelbyfranzia

JR Motorsports — NOAPS Darlington Raceway Preview

JR Motorsports O’Reilly Auto Parts Team Preview
TRACK – Darlington Raceway (1.366-mile oval)
NOAPS RACE – Sport Clips Haircuts VFW Help a Hero 200 (147 laps / 200.8 miles)
TUNE IN – CW, MRN, SiriusXM Channel 90 at 5:30 p.m. (ET)

Carson Kvapil

No. 1 – Champion Irrigation Chevrolet

Kvapil 2026 NOAPS Stats

Starts: 5

Wins: 0

Top 5s: 1

Top 10s: 2

Laps Led: 29

Avg. Finish: 14.4

Points: 5th

Carson Kvapil heads to Darlington Raceway this weekend for his fourth career NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series start at “The Track Too Tough to Tame”.

Overall, in three career starts at “The Lady in Black,” Kvapil has earned a best finish of fifth, coming in this event last season.

Accompanying Kvapil, crew chief Rodney Childers has made 25 NASCAR Cup Series starts atop the box at Darlington. In those starts, Childers has three wins, 12 top-fives and 14 top-10s.

This weekend marks Champion Irrigation’s first primary sponsorship of Carson Kvapil and JR Motorsports in this season.

Carson Kvapil

“Darlington is one of the toughest tracks we race at, but I’m confident Rodney (Childers, crew chief) and this No. 1 team will bring a fast Champion Irrigation Chevrolet to the track this weekend. We’ve had great speed all season, and I expect us to be right there battling for the win when it counts.”

Justin Allgaier

No. 7 Brandt Professional Agriculture Chevrolet

Allgaier 2026 NOAPS Stats

Starts: 5

Wins: 1

Top 5s: 3

Top 10s: 4

Laps Led: 61

Avg. Finish: 9.6

Points: 1st

Justin Allgaier is a three-time winner in the NOAPS at “The Track too Tough to Tame,” having gone to Victory Lane in this event in 2021, 2022 and 2024, respectively.

Overall, in 20 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series starts at Darlington, Allgaier has earned nine top-fives and 16 top-10s to accompany the three wins.

Allgaier’s three victories at Darlington are tied for the most by the Illinois native among all tracks he has competed on in the NOAPS with Phoenix Raceway.

Allgaier heads into this weekend atop the standings for the second consecutive week, 13 points above the field.

Justin Allgaier

“I have always loved going to Darlington. It is such a unique track that has really fit my driving style. JR Motorsports has always had really strong cars here and I know that Andrew (Overstreet, crew chief) will give me another great BRANDT Professional Agriculture Chevrolet again this weekend. Hopefully we can keep this positive momentum going from the last few weeks, keep our car clean and be up front in the end.”

Sammy Smith

No. 8 Pilot Chevrolet

Smith 2026 NOAPS Stats

Starts: 5

Wins: 0

Top 5s: 3

Top 10s: 4

Laps Led: 11

Avg. Finish: 9.8

Points: 6th

Sammy Smith heads to Darlington this Saturday for the sixth time in his NOAPS career.

Smith has tallied one top-five and two top-10s at Darlington with his best finish of fifth coming in the Fall of 2024.

On tracks 1-2 miles in length, Smith has 51 starts, two wins, nine top-fives and 25 top-10s.

According to NASCAR loop detail statistics, Smith is ranked fourth in green-flag speed this season.

Allstate Peterbilt Group comes onboard the No. 8 for itsfirst of two primary races this season.

Sammy Smith

“This No. 8 team has been on it this season, carrying a lot of momentum from week to week so I’m looking forward to continuing that, especially at Darlington. I know this team will bring a solid No. 8 Allstate Peterbilt Group Chevrolet Saturday, I just need to keep my nose clean and I know we’ll be there at the end.”

Ross Chastain

No. 9 Jarrett Chevrolet

Chastain NOAPS Career Stats

Starts: 215

Wins: 2

Top 5s: 27

Top 10s: 59

Laps Led: 1126

Avg. Finish: 16.4

Points: N/A

Ross Chastain makes his return to JRM for the first time this season behind the wheel of the No. 9 Jarrett Chevrolet.

Chastain has 11 starts at “The Lady in Black” with the NOAPS. He has tallied two top-five and four top-10 finishes, with his best of second coming in the Fall of 2020.

Additionally, Chastain has earned three top-fives and four top-10s in 13 career starts in the Cup Series at Darlington.

In five starts for JRM last season, Chastain scored three top-fives and four top-10s, with a best finish of third coming at Iowa Speedway.

Ross Chastain

“I’m looking forward to getting back in a JR Motorsports Chevrolet this weekend. They have had a ton of speed to kick off this year and I know we will be just as strong on Saturday. We had great finishes in the No. 9 last year so I’m ready to jump back in and hopefully get everyone at Jarrett into Victory Lane at the end of the night.”

Kyle Larson

No. 88 HENDRICKCARS.COM Chevrolet

Larson 2026 NOAPS Stats

Starts: 1

Wins: 1

Top 5s: 1

Top 10s: 1

Laps Led: 47

Avg. Finish: 1.0

Points: N/A

Kyle Larson returns to JRM competition this weekend at Darlington behind the wheel of the No. 88 HENDRICKCARS.COM Chevrolet.

Larson enters the weekend fresh off a victory at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, his second consecutive win behind the wheel of the No. 88 for JRM.

The two-time and defending NASCAR Cup Series champion is a three-time winner in three starts for JRM in the NACAR O’Reilly Series, taking the checkered flag at Watkins Glen International in 2022, at Texas Motor Speedway in 2025 and last weekend in Las Vegas.

In seven career NASCAR O’Reilly Series starts at Darlington, Larson has recorded one win, three top-fives and six top-10s.

Kyle Larson

“I wish Alex [Bowman] was able to be in this seat this weekend. We are all pulling for a speedy recovery. Darlington is one of the toughest tracks we go to because it demands so much focus every lap. The place has so much history and character, and you’ve got to be willing to run right up against the wall to be fast. Coming off the win in Las Vegas with this No. 88 team definitely gives us some momentum, and I’m excited to get back with JRM and HENDRICKCARS.COM this weekend. Hopefully we can unload with speed and put ourselves in position to fight for another strong run.”

JRM Team Updates

JR Motorsports at Darlington Raceway: JR Motorsports has competed at Darlington Raceway a combined 82 times in the NOAPS. In those starts at the 1.366-mile oval, the organization has recorded seven wins, 27 top-fives and 52 top-10s. The average finish is 11.7.

Souvenir Rig: JRM drivers Carson Kvapil, Justin Allgaier, Sammy Smith and Rajah Caruth will be signing autographs at the JR Motorsports / HMS WB + AB souvenir rig on Saturday, March 21 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. ET.

Dave Marcis Named Honorary Starter for Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway

Fan favorite will wave green flag for Sunday’s marquee event at the Track Too Tough to Tame

DARLINGTON, S.C. (March 18, 2026) – Darlington Raceway announced today that NASCAR pioneer Dave Marcis will serve as the Honorary Starter for the upcoming Goodyear 400, adding another chapter to his remarkable, five-decade connection with the sport’s most historic venue.

Hailing from Wausau, Wisconsin, Marcis carved out one of the most enduring and respected careers in NASCAR history. His NASCAR Cup Series career spanned from 1968 through 2002 — an extraordinary 35-year run that included 883 starts across five decades. Marcis was widely regarded as one of the sport’s most successful “independent” drivers, fielding and maintaining his own equipment for much of his career.

Marcis earned five NASCAR Cup Series victories, including his final triumph at Richmond in 1982, driving a car he prepared himself. That blue-collar determination defined his career and made him a fan favorite, often seen sporting his trademark Goodyear hat — a nod to his longstanding association with the iconic tire brand that headlines Darlington’s NASCAR Alumni Weekend.

“Dave Marcis represents the very spirit of Darlington Raceway — toughness, perseverance and a deep respect for the history of our sport,” said Darlington Raceway President Josh Harris. “From competing here across five decades to building his own cars and carrying the independent banner with pride, Dave’s legacy is woven into the fabric of NASCAR history. It’s only fitting that a driver so closely associated with Goodyear and the grit of this track will wave the green flag for the Goodyear 400.”

“Dave Marcis is one of Goodyear’s most loyal, lifelong supporters, recognized for his trademark Goodyear hat and unwavering belief in our brand through some of NASCAR’s most competitive years,” said Dan Brackett, Director of Marketing, Goodyear Racing. “We’re proud to honor his legacy by having him serve as both honorary starter and trophy presenter for our entitlement race this weekend at Darlington – a track that represents the competitiveness and heritage at the heart of NASCAR, making it the perfect stage to celebrate Goodyear’s enduring legacy in the sport.”

Few drivers share a history with Darlington Raceway like Marcis. He competed in 58 races at Darlington Raceway from the spring of 1969 through Labor Day weekend in 2000, also spanning five decades at the 1.366-mile oval. In his first Darlington start in 1969, Marcis finished an impressive ninth in the spring race, setting the tone for a career of steady excellence at the track “Too Tough To Tame.”

Over the years, Marcis recorded nine top-five and 15 top-10 finishes at Darlington, with a career-best finish of third place three times — including both 1981 events and again in 1971.

While he never captured a NASCAR Cup Series victory at Darlington, Marcis did earn a memorable win at the track in what is now known as the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. In 1980, Marcis finished second in a thrilling, photo-finish battle with David Pearson in the first race for the series at Darlington. He returned in 1981 and rebounded in definitive fashion, winning the event and adding a Darlington trophy to his storied résumé.

As Honorary Starter, Marcis will wave the green flag to begin the Goodyear 400, a race that celebrates NASCAR’s heritage at one of its most iconic venues. His presence serves as a powerful reminder of the sport’s roots and the competitors who built it — one lap at a time.

NASCAR Alumni Weekend begins Friday, March 20, with the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series’ Buckle Up South Carolina. The NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series takes center stage on Saturday, March 21, with the Sport Clips Haircuts VFW Help a Hero 200.

And then on Sunday, March 22, the stars of the NASCAR Cup Series will compete in the Goodyear 400, which serves as an opportunity for today’s top talent to etch their names into Darlington Raceway’s list of legendary winners.

Throughout the weekend, NASCAR Alumni will participate in special fan engagement opportunities, giving fans an incredible chance to celebrate the legends who helped shape the sport. Tickets are going fast, so fans are encouraged to purchase their tickets now at www.DarlingtonRaceway.com.

About Darlington Raceway

Darlington Raceway, nicknamed The Lady in Black and the Track Too Tough to Tame, annually hosts two NASCAR Cup Series race weekends, along with the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. Opening in 1950, Darlington Raceway is “A NASCAR Tradition” and NASCAR’s original superspeedway with its famed 1.366-mile egg-shaped oval, challenging the sports best in one of the most iconic NASCAR races, the Southern 500®. For more information about Darlington Raceway, visit darlingtonraceway.com. Stay connected to Darlington Raceway on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and the NASCAR Tracks App.

About NASCAR

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) is the sanctioning body for the No. 1 form of motorsports in the United States and owner of 15 of the nation’s major motorsports entertainment facilities. NASCAR sanctions races in three national series (NASCAR Cup Series™, NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series™, and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series™), four international series (NASCAR Brasil Series, NASCAR Canada Series, NASCAR Euro Series, NASCAR Mexico Series), four regional series (ARCA Menards Series, ARCA Menards Series East & West and the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour) and a local grassroots series (NASCAR Local Racing Series Powered by O’Reilly Auto Parts). The International Motor Sports Association™ (IMSA®) governs the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship™, the premier U.S. sports car series. NASCAR also owns Motor Racing Network, Racing Electronics, and ONE DAYTONA. Based in Daytona Beach, Florida, with offices in five cities across North America, NASCAR sanctions more than 1,200 races annually in 11 countries and more than 30 U.S. states.

For more information visit www.NASCAR.com and www.IMSA.com, and follow NASCAR on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, X and Facebook.

Indiana University Head Football Coach Curt Cignetti To Drive Indy 500 Pace Car

Two-Time National Coach of the Year To Lead Field to Green Flag

INDIANAPOLIS (Tuesday, March 17, 2026) – Curt Cignetti, in celebration of Indiana University Football’s epic undefeated National Championship season, has been named honorary Pace Car driver for the 110th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge.

Cignetti will drive the all-new Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X – the most advanced Corvette ever, designed and built right here in the United States – to lead the field of 33 drivers to the start of “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” Exact Pace Car details, including the one-of-a-kind Indianapolis 500 livery, will be unveiled at a later date.

The 2026 Indy 500 is set for Sunday, May 24, with FOX’s live coverage kicking off at 10 a.m. ET.

Cignetti and the Hoosiers have been on a meteoric and inspirational run following his announcement as head coach in December 2023. This includes a nation’s-best 27 victories across two seasons, a pair of College Football Playoff appearances and IU’s first national title (2025-26).

Cignetti is the first-ever Division I head coach to start 8-0 or better in consecutive seasons at different institutions and the third ever to begin consecutive seasons at 10-0. He is also just the third Big Ten head coach to start each of his first two seasons with at least an 8-0 record.

He won 14 of the 17 national Coach of the Year awards for which he was eligible in his first two seasons at Indiana. Cignetti is the first FBS coach to win consecutive national Coach of the Year awards from the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA), Associated Press, ESPN Home Depot, The Sporting News and Walter Camp Foundation.

Along with the national accolades, Cignetti is the first coach to win both the Hayes-Schembechler (coaches vote) and Dave McClain (media vote) Big Ten Coach of the Year awards in consecutive seasons in conference history.

“Coach Cignetti will have our field in a special victory lap formation as he leads the stars of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES to the green flag at this year’s Indy 500,” INDYCAR and IMS President J. Douglas Boles said. “His Hoosiers have been nothing short of remarkable, and their National Championship run inspired our entire state. He’s the perfect choice to drive the Chevrolet Pace Car, and I know his introduction on Race Day will bring out a special roar of appreciation from our crowd.”

Previous Indy 500 Pace Car drivers include Michael Strahan, Morgan Freeman, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Robin Roberts, Patrick Dempsey, Ken Griffey Jr., Tyrese Haliburton and more esteemed Race Day guests.

FOX Sports is the exclusive home of all INDYCAR action, with all 18 NTT INDYCAR SERIES races set to broadcast on network television via FOX in 2026. This includes the world-famous Indianapolis 500, annually the largest single-day spectator sporting event on the globe. Coverage of “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” will be extensive for fans across the country, with a six-hour Race Day window on FOX for the second consecutive year.

Tickets for the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on Sunday, May 24 and all other Month of May events are available at IMS.com/Tickets or via the IMS Ticket Office at 317-492-6700.

An absolute transformation with body kits for BMW XM

The BMW XM represents a bold leap into the future of high-performance electrified SUVs, blending raw power with a design language that challenges traditional aesthetics. However, for those who seek to push the boundaries of exclusivity and visual impact even further, the Renegade Design body kit offers a comprehensive transformation that elevates this flagship model to a new level of dominance. This custom aerodynamic package is specifically engineered to accentuate the aggressive proportions of the XM while introducing a sophisticated carbon fiber aesthetic that mirrors the vehicle’s racing heritage and luxurious positioning.

A Philosophy of Cohesion and Muscle

The design philosophy behind this modification package centers on creating a more cohesive and muscular silhouette. At the front, the redesigned hood and massive bumper elements rework the face of the vehicle, making the iconic illuminated kidney grilles appear even more integrated into a singular, imposing front end. The addition of a pronounced front splitter not only enhances the aerodynamic profile but also visually lowers the car, giving it a more planted and purposeful stance on the road. Every curve and intake has been meticulously calculated to ensure that the increased visual weight does not compromise the cooling efficiency required by the powerful hybrid drivetrain.

A Broadened, Athletic Profile

Progression toward the side profile reveals widened wheel arches that provide the BMW XM with a significantly broader footprint. These extensions are seamlessly integrated into the bodywork, flowing into side skirts that bridge the gap between the massive front and rear wheels. This creates a continuous line of carbon fiber that draws the eye along the length of the vehicle, emphasizing its length and athletic build. The craftsmanship involved in these panels ensures that the transition between the factory bodywork and the aftermarket components is virtually indistinguishable in terms of quality and fitment.

Refining the Rear into Performance Art

The rear of the BMW XM is perhaps its most discussed feature, and the Renegade Design kit aims to refine this area into a masterpiece of performance art. A multi-stage diffuser surrounds the unique vertically stacked exhaust tips, framing them in a way that highlights the vehicle’s technical complexity. This is complemented by a sophisticated roof spoiler and a mid-trunk spoiler, which work in tandem to manage airflow and provide a sense of completion to the rear geometry. The use of high-quality carbon fiber patterns allows the light to catch the edges of these components, revealing the intricate texture of the material and reinforcing the premium nature of the build.

A Statement of Individuality

Beyond the mere aesthetics, this body kit serves as a statement of individuality for the modern enthusiast. In a world where luxury SUVs are becoming increasingly common, the ability to tailor a flagship vehicle like the XM to personal specifications is a rare privilege. The Renegade Design approach focuses on harmony, ensuring that the new elements enhance the original design language rather than clashing with it.

Performance Meets Bespoke Design

By utilizing lightweight materials and precision manufacturing, the kit maintains the performance standards expected from an M-badged vehicle while providing a visual presence that is impossible to ignore. This transformation turns a standard production car into a bespoke piece of automotive engineering that stands as a testament to the owner’s taste and the endless possibilities of modern car culture.

The Technology Behind Creating Race Analysis Videos for Social Media

Social media has become the ultimate arena for motorsport fans — and race analysis content is quietly taking over feeds everywhere. If you’ve ever thought about turning your passion for NASCAR into videos that actually get watched, shared, and talked about, you’re in the right place. Here’s everything you need to know about the tech and the craft behind it.

Why is race analysis content exploding right now

These days, motorsport fandom is bigger than ever. Now that streaming has put racing a click away, millions of new viewers are chasing content that explains the action. Highlights grab attention — but they want the context that explains everything. Why did that pit strategy win the race? What made that late-race move genius or stupid?

Social media video content built on race analysis consistently outperforms scattered clip compilations. People share analysis. They argue about it in the comments. That engagement is exactly what algorithms love.

Step 1: Get your raw footage right

Most aspiring creators don’t think about footage quality before they even touch an editing app. If you’re recording broadcast replays or streaming feeds on a Mac, you need a screen recorder for Mac that keeps up with high frame rates — no lag, no compression artifacts. 

You have plenty of recording options, but anything below 60fps won’t do justice to fast-moving racing footage. Thirty frames per second just can’t keep up: slow pans and high-speed straights look awful when you’re analyzing tire behavior or drafting gaps.

Go big on recording quality, then compress the footage when exporting. You can always go down in quality — you can never go up.

Step 2: Organize like you mean it

Before you touch a timeline, build a folder structure. Label your raw clips by lap number, incident type, and driver. When you’re deep in the edit, hunting for that moment from lap 47, you’ll thank yourself for it.

For a solid NASCAR race breakdown, you’ll typically need: 

  • The incident clip; 
  • A wide shot for context; 
  • Any telemetry or graphic overlays from the broadcast; 
  • Your own talking head or voiceover reference. 

Having these organized saves you an hour minimum per video.

Step 3: Handle the annoying technical stuff first

You’re going to run into footage orientation issues. Clips pulled from mobile streams, foreign broadcasts, or fan-shot content often come in sideways or upside down. Don’t panic — just run them through a video rotator before importing to your main timeline. Most standalone video rotators will let you permanently bake in the rotation so your editing app doesn’t have to compensate frame-by-frame. A wrongly oriented clip inside a complex timeline can introduce subtle sync issues and slow down your render time noticeably.

Step 4: Choose the right editing apps for the job

Plenty of editing apps for social media exist, but not all of them are right for your platform. Some apps are built for speed and vertical formats — perfect for quick turnaround content. Others are designed for complex, multi-track projects where color grading and audio precision actually matter. Know what you’re making before you commit to a workflow.

The mistake people make is treating editing apps like a magic fix. They’re tools. The insight you bring to the footage is what makes a social media video worth watching.

Step 5: Train your eye by analyzing the greatest races

You can’t analyze something you don’t truly understand. To become an expert in race analysis content, you need to watch races obsessively — and then watch them again. Not casually — analytically.

Start with the greatest races in NASCAR history

  • The 1979 Daytona 500 (first live flag-to-flag coverage in TV history); 
  • The 1992 Hooters 500 at Atlanta (Richard Petty’s last race, title decided on the final lap);
  • The 2011 Daytona 500. 

Watch them frame by frame. Look closely at why every decision was made. That insight will shape your commentary, and your audience will see the difference.

Anyone can name NASCAR winners. The real skill is understanding how they won and what made their strategy or driving style different that day. That’s what separates lazy recaps from analysis people trust.

Step 6: Think social media first when structuring your video

This is a big one. A television broadcast assumes you’re sitting on your couch for three hours. A social media video has about four seconds to convince someone not to scroll past it.

Your structure for a solid social media video should look like this: 

  1. Hook (3–5 seconds of the most explosive clip); 
  2. Setup (10–15 seconds of context); 
  3. Breakdown (the actual analysis — keep it tight); 
  4. Payoff (your conclusion or hot take that invites comments).

For how to make a viral video in the motorsport space specifically: controversy helps, but informed controversy helps more. “Here’s why this pit call was actually brilliant” will outperform “crazy crash compilation” almost every time with an engaged audience.

Step 7: Use on-screen graphics intelligently

Static video of cars going around is boring to explain. Use annotations, speed overlays, and highlight circles to direct viewer attention. Most modern editing apps support motion-tracked annotations — callouts, arrows, and highlight circles that follow specific cars through corners rather than sitting static on the frame.

For NASCAR race analysis specifically, a simple graphic showing track position changes lap-by-lap does more explanatory work than two minutes of voiceover. Always think visually first — you’re making social media video content, not a podcast.

Step 8: Stay in the loop with NASCAR updates

Great analysis starts with great information. Keep official NASCAR channels, beat reporters, and team socials on your radar at all times. When NASCAR news breaks — rule changes, penalties, qualifying results — the fastest analysis usually takes the traffic.

Set up Google Alerts for driver names and racing events so news finds you first. If your breakdowns are packed with data, people take your analysis seriously.

Your perspective is the product

At the end of the day, motorsport fandom runs on passion and genuine knowledge. Viewers can tell the difference between someone who watched a race and someone who understood it. 

The technology covered in this guide will get your content looking clean and professional — but your point of view is what keeps people coming back. Develop it. Protect it. And don’t be afraid to be wrong sometimes — the best conversations in the comments usually start there.

NASCAR at Darlington Spring 2026 Weekend Schedule

Denny Hamlin celebrates with a burnout after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway on April 06, 2025 in Darlington, South Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

NASCAR travels to Darlington Raceway this weekend with all three national series competing at “The Track Too Tough to Tame.”
NASCAR Hall of Fame drivers Harry Gant and Kurt Busch will be the Grand Marshals for Sunday’s Goodyear 400 and give the command, “Drivers, start your engines!”

Mark Martin, also a member of the NASCAR Hall of Fame, will have the role of Honorary Pace Car Driver and lead the field to green for the Goodyear 400. His success at Darlington makes him the perfect candidate with 12 wins across multiple series, highlighted by two Southern 500 victories.

Martin commented on social media, saying, “Some tracks never leave you. Honored to return this Spring as the Honorary Pace Car Driver and lead the field to green at the Lady in Black. See you there.”

Dave Marcis, a NASCAR veteran with 883 career starts, will serve as the honorary starter and also present the Goodyear 400 trophy to the winner in Victory Lane.

Denny Hamlin, fresh off a victory at Las Vegas Motor Speedway last weekend, is the returning race winner.

On Tuesday, Hendrick Motorsports announced that “Alex Bowman will miss at least the next three races as he continues to recover from vertigo. Justin Allgaier will fill in through Bristol. Alex continues to experience symptoms, so we are following the guidance of the medical team and giving him the time he needs to recover.”

The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Triple Truck Challenge returns this year, beginning at Darlington Raceway. Drivers will compete to earn a $50,000 bonus for winning a race. The bonus multiplies if a driver wins more than one of the races. If a driver wins two of the three races, they will receive $150,000. Win all three races in the Triple Truck Challenge and a bonus of $500,000 is awarded. Eligible drivers must have declared to collect Craftsman Truck Series points.

Triple Truck Challenge Schedule:
March 20: Darlington Raceway
April 3: Rockingham Speedway
April 10: Bristol Motor Speedway

Friday, March 20

3:30 p.m.: Craftsman Truck Series Practice – FS2
4:35 p.m.: Craftsman Truck Series Qualifying – FS2
7:10 p.m.: Craftsman Truck Series Driver Intros
7:30 p.m.: Craftsman Truck Series Buckle Up South Carolina 200
Stages 45/90/147 Laps = 200.8 Miles
FS1/SiriusXM
Post-race: NASCAR Press Pass

Saturday, March 21

Noon: O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Practice – CW App
1:05 p.m.: O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Qualifying – CW App

2:30 p.m.: 3:30 p.m.: Cup Series Practice
Prime/MRN/SiriusXM
3:40 – 4:30 p.m.: Cup Series Qualifying (Impound)
Prime/MRN/SiriusXM
Post Cup Series Qualifying: NASCAR Press Pass

5 p.m.: O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Driver Intros
5:30 p.m.: O’Reilly Auto Parts Sport Clips Haircuts VFW Help A Hero 200
Stages 45/90/147 Laps = 200.8 Miles
Post-race: NASCAR Press Pass

Sunday, March 22

2:20 p.m.: NASCAR Cup Series Driver Intros
3 p.m.: Goodyear 400 Stages 90/185/293 Laps = 400.2 Miles
FS1/MRN/SiriusXM
Post-race: NASCAR Press Pass

*All times are Eastern

The Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway Outlook and Picks

Photo by by John Knittel for SpeedwayMedia.com

The NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) heads to Darlington Raceway for the Goodyear 400 on Sunday, March 22, at 3 p.m. ET on FS1. William Byron claimed the pole for the Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway with a 170.904 mph (28.774 secs) lap during qualifying in the spring race in 2025. Denny Hamlin only led 10 laps, but they were the ones that mattered most, and he took the lead in the overtime restart to win the race.

Track & Race Information for the Goodyear 400

Track Length: 1.366 miles
Track Type: Oval
Surface: Asphalt
Banking: Turns 1-2 (25°), Turns 3-4 (23°)

Length and Race Stages for the Goodyear 400

90/185/293 Laps = 400.2 Miles

Darlington Spring 2026 Weekend Schedule

Who and what should you look out for at the Darlington Raceway?

Denny Hamlin leads all active NCS drivers in victories at Darlington Raceway (2010, 2017, 2020, 2021, 2025), and Kyle Busch was the youngest NCS winner at 23 years, 0 months, 8 days on May 10, 2008.

Active Darlington Race Winners (8)WinsSeasons
Denny Hamlin52025, 2021, 2020, 2017, 2010
Chase Briscoe22025, 2024
Brad Keselowski22024, 2018
Erik Jones22022, 2019
William Byron12023
Kyle Larson12023
Joey Logano12022
Kyle Busch12008

The first starting position is the most proficient starting position in the field, producing 21 wins, more than any other starting position at Darlington (16.28%). The most recent was Joey Logano in 2022, and he is also the only active driver to win from the pole.

Starting PositionWinsWinning %
12116.28%
22015.50%
31511.63%
4107.75%
5129.30%

The Driver Picks For Darlington Raceway

  • Denny Hamlin has two poles, five wins, 14 top fives, 20 top 10s, and a series-best average finish of 7.889. Hamlin leads all active NCS drivers in top-five finishes at Darlington with 14 top fives. Hamlin also has 20 top 10s.
  • Kyle Larson has one win, seven top fives, nine top 10s, and an average finish of 12.938.
  • Joey Logano has two poles, one win, six top fives, 11 top 10s, and an average finish of 13.583.
  • Tyler Reddick has one pole, five top fives, seven top 10s, and an average finish of 11.538.
  • Chase Elliott has four top fives, eight top 10s, and an average finish of 15.889.