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Hendrick Motorsports Media Advance: Circuit of The Americas

By
Official Release
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Circuit of The Americas
Sunday, March 1
2.4-Mile Road Course
3:30 p.m. ET
Location: Austin, Texas
TV: Fox
Event: NASCAR Cup Series race (3 of 36)
RADIO: SiriusXM

5 KYLE LARSON
 Age: 33 (July 31, 1992)
Hometown: Elk Grove, California
Last Week: 32nd (Atlanta)
Crew Chief: Cliff Daniels
Standings: 21st

No. 5 HENDRICKCARS.COM Chevrolet

  • Kyle Larson led eight times for 48 laps at Atlanta Motor Speedway last week, scoring eight stage points before an incident cut his day short.
  • The Elk Grove, California, native has spent 140 laps inside the top five in 2026, ranking fifth among all drivers.
  • The NASCAR Cup Series returns to Circuit of The Americas this week. Larson finished second at COTA in 2021 in the Cup Series, and in 2024 he captured a win at the track in the NASCAR O’Reilly Series.
  • The 33-year-old has finished first or second in 27% of his road course starts in the No. 5 car, earning six wins and two runner-up results.
  • Larson has six career road course wins, ranking him second among active drivers, just one behind Hendrick Motorsports teammate Chase Elliott.

9 CHASE ELLIOTT
Age: 30 (Nov. 28, 1995)
Hometown: Dawsonville, Georgia
Last week: 11th (Atlanta)
Crew Chief: Alan Gustafson
Standings: 3rd

No. 9 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet

  • Chase Elliott remains third in the NASCAR Cup Series standings heading to Circuit of The Americas this weekend.
  • The 30-year-old driver is a previous winner at COTA, emerging victorious in the 2021 rain-shortened event. His average finish of 6.25 at the track is fifth best among his competitors.
  • Elliott’s seven premier series road course wins leads active drivers and ranks third all-time behind Hendrick Motorsports vice chairman Jeff Gordon (nine) and Tony Stewart (eight).
  • The Dawsonville, Georgia, native’s average finish of 9.27 on road courses ranks second among active Cup Series drivers.
  • In the Next Gen era on road courses, Elliott leads all Cup Series drivers with 11 top-five finishes and his 14 top 10s are tied for second most. He ranks third in both laps led (147) and average finish (10.45) on that track type in that span.
  • Elliott is 11 laps away from becoming the seventh driver to reach 500 laps led on serpentine tracks in NASCAR’s premier series. In addition, he is only seven laps away from leading 6,000 total laps in the Cup Series.
  • Last year on road courses, Elliott earned the fourth-most points (193).

24 WILLIAM BYRON
Age: 28 (Nov. 29, 1997)
Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina
Last Week: 28th (Atlanta)
Crew Chief: Rudy Fugle
Standings: T-12th

No. 24 All-Pro Chevrolet

  • William Byron once again ran up front in last Sunday’s race at Atlanta Motor Speedway, scoring 16 stage points along the way. However, he was collected in an incident with four laps to go, resulting in a 28th-place finish.
  • After two NASCAR Cup Series races in 2026, Byron has run the third-most laps in the top five (147) and the fifth-most in the top 10 (257).
  • In his last 13 starts on road courses, the Charlotte, North Carolina, native has one pole award and two runner-up results (second most) to go with a pair of wins, six top-five finishes and nine top 10s, all of which are tied for the second most by a Cup Series driver.
  • During the Next Gen era on road courses, Byron has led the fifth-most laps (138) and has the seventh-best average finish of 13.26 across 23 starts. He also has two wins and seven top-five finishes which are both tied for the fourth most, and 11 top 10s.
  • Byron picked up a Cup Series win at Circuit of The Americas in 2024. He leads all drivers with 71 laps led and has the fourth-best average finish at 6.2. Statistically, COTA is Byron’s second-best track based on average finish.

48 ALEX BOWMAN
Age: 32 (April 25, 1993)
Hometown: Tucson, Arizona
Last Week: 23rd (Atlanta)
Crew Chief: Blake Harris
Standings: 32nd

No. 48 Ally Chevrolet

  • Last week at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Alex Bowman and the No. 48 Ally Chevrolet finished 23rd after being involved in an on-track incident on lap 224.
  • Bowman is one of two drivers that has earned a top-10 finish in all five NASCAR Cup Series events at Circuit of The Americas.
  • In his five starts at the track, the driver of the No. 48 has three top-five finishes and holds an average finish of 5.2, the second-best average finish at COTA among Cup Series drivers.
  • Bowman’s best finish at COTA came in a runner-up showing in 2022 after a dramatic overtime finish.

17 COREY DAY
Age: 20 (November 28, 2005)
Hometown: Clovis, California
Last Finish: 4th (Atlanta)
Crew Chief: Adam Wall
Standings: 8th

  • Corey Day matched a career-best finish with a fourth-place showing in the NASCAR O’Reilly Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway last Saturday.
  • The Clovis, California, native will make his first start at Circuit of The Americas this weekend in the No. 17 HENDRICKCARS.COM Chevrolet.
  • Saturday’s race will mark the third road course start for Day following events at Sonoma Raceway and the Charlotte ROVAL in 2025.
  • Kyle Larson put Hendrick Motorsports in victory lane in a NOAPS race at COTA in 2024.

Hendrick Motorsports

2026All-TimeCOTA
Races21,4195
Wins0320*2*
Poles0259*2*
Top 511,323*10*
Top 1012,261*12*
Laps Led6885,435*83*
Stage Wins01371


 
*Most
**Tied for most

  • In the five NASCAR Cup Series events at COTA, Hendrick Motorsports leads all teams in wins (two), poles (two), top fives (10), top 10s (12) and laps led (83). The team has placed at least one driver in the top three in all five of those races and has never had a car finish off the lead lap.
  • Hendrick Motorsports drivers have combined to win five of the last 13 Cup Series races at road courses with Kyle Larson and William Byron each winning twice and Alex Bowman once.
  • The organization remains the premier series’ standard bearer in wins (320), poles (259), top-five finishes (1,323), top-10 finishes (2,261) and laps led (85,376).

QUOTABLE
 
Kyle Larson, driver of the No. 5 Chevrolet, on going to Circuit of The Americas: “It’ll be good to get to COTA (Circuit of The Americas) this weekend and see where our Chevy stacks up on the road courses. We had some solid runs on the road courses last year, just a few circumstances outside of our control that kept us from a solid finish. Racing on COTA’s shorter layout was fun, especially the bypass section. I thought it created more passing opportunities and gave the fans a chance to see even more of the action.”

Chase Elliott, driver of the No. 9 Chevrolet, on racing at Circuit of The Americas: “I think the short course suits our cars better. And I thought it put on a better show last year than what we had had in the past there. I thought that was one of the best races of the year. It probably was the best road course race, just from an entertainment standpoint. So, hopefully that holds to be true again. I thought we had a good weekend at that event. Had an OK shot at it. An outside chance there on a late run that we chose to get tires on. So that was fun. And got back up in there in the top five.”

William Byron, driver of the No. 24 Chevrolet, on heading to a road course after two races at drafting tracks: “The last couple weeks have been promising but not the results we want. It’s also a bit expected when you look at that style of racing. I’m excited though, to get to our first road course of the season. We’ve worked really hard to not only improve that program but to keep getting better at it each year. COTA especially has been a good one for us, so hopefully we can have a better finish and pick up more points.”

Alex Bowman, driver of the No. 48 Chevrolet, on kickstarting the 2026 season at Circuit of The Americas: “Our No. 48 team is ready to get to COTA. We’ve had a tough start to the season with two drafting tracks back-to-back and being in the wrong place at the wrong time. We’ve put together some really solid races at COTA and we’re preparing to do that again to build confidence in our team early in the season.”

Corey Day, driver of the No. 17 Chevrolet, on going to Circuit of The Americas: “I’m excited for COTA. It’ll be the first road course of the season so that will be kind of a good gauge to see where I’m at on my road course ability. It will be fun too, it’s a super fun track. F1 goes there so it’ll be cool to see it all and experience it since I’ve never been before.”

North Wilkesboro Speedway Gains Point Race

By
Logan Allen
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Photo by John Knittel for SpeedwayMedia.com

North Wilkesboro Speedway was a home for short-track racing in NASCAR between 1949 and 1996. Since NASCAR’s inception in 1949, North Wilkesboro was one of the first races in the Cup Series. Bob Flock would end up winning the inaugural race at North Wilkesboro Speedway in the “Wilkes 200.”

Over the course of the 47-year span, NASCAR held 93 Cup Series races. Generally, NASCAR ran a fall and spring race at the historic .625-mile track. The last race was held on September 29th, 1996. With the track coming to a close, a NASCAR icon would end up winning the final race at North Wilkesboro, which was Jeff Gordon. 

Some historic names from North Wilkesboro include Richard Petty with 15 race wins, Darrell Waltrip with 10 wins, Dale Earnhardt with 5 wins, and Cale Yarborough with 5 wins. Richard, Darrell, Dale, and Cale are all members of the NASCAR Hall of Fame. 

In 2023, North Wilkesboro Speedway hosted the NASCAR All-Star Race (won by Kyle Larson), which was followed by NASCAR’s return the following year. Marcus Smith, Dale Earnhardt Jr., and Governor Roy Cooper would help revive North Wilkesboro. 

Speedway Motorsports currently owns the track and has since bought the property in 2007. Marcus Smith, one of the names that helped with the revival, is the CEO of Speedway Motorsports. With the running of the 2023, 2024, and 2025 NASCAR All-Star races, this has shown that there is still interest in keeping North Wilkesboro Speedway running at the Cup Series level.

North Wilkesboro
Photo by John Knittel for SpeedwayMedia.com.

All-Star Race Moved from North Wilkesboro

In 2026, NASCAR moved the All-Star race to Dover Motor Speedway. The All-Star Weekend will take place on May 17th, 2026. As for North Wilkesboro Speedway, the track will be host for the Window World 450 on July 19th, 2026. NASCAR decided that North Wilkesboro was ready to hold a regular-season race. Championship points will be up for grabs this season at North Wilkesboro. This year’s Window World 450 is the longest-running race at North Wilkesboro since the revival. 

The Cup Series will be running the Window World 450 on May 17th, 2026. The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series will be coming to town as well with the Window World 250 on July 18th, 2026. 

Front Row Motorsports: Grand Prix of St. Petersburg NCTS Race Advance (Layne Riggs / Chandler Smith)

By
Official Release
-

Layne Riggs | Chandler Smith
Grand Prix of St. Petersburg NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Race Advance
OnlyBulls Green Flag 150 at St. Petersburg

Date: Saturday, February 28, 2026
Event: Race 3 of 25
Series: NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series
Location: St. Petersburg Street Course (1.8-miles)
#of Laps: 80
Time/TV/Radio: 12:00 PM ET on FOX/SiriusXM channel 90

FRM Points Standings:

Chandler Smith (1st)
Layne Riggs (23rd)

Layne Riggs Notes

Layne Riggs returns to Florida this weekend for the inaugural NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race at the St. Petersburg street course. For Riggs, this will be his first career start on a street course but has experience on road courses such as the Circuit of the Americas, Lime Rock Park, Watkins Glen, and the Charlotte ROVAL. Long John Silver’s will make their 2026 Truck Series debut with Riggs and the No. 34 Ford F-150 in the fan-favorite blue and yellow scheme.

“I’m not much of a road course racer, but I’m looking forward to the challenge that St. Pete presents,” said Riggs. “The first two races of the season were a struggle, but a lot of that has to do with how superspeedway races play out. There’s so much that’s out of your control, and you’re at the mercy of the drivers around you. It will be a nice reset heading into races where you have more control over the outcome. We’ve put ourselves in a hole in the points standings, but I’m confident we can climb out of it.”
Road Crew

Driver: Layne Riggs

Crew Chief: Dylan Cappello

Truck Chief: Brandon Selph

Engineer: Jonathan Coates

Mechanic: Clark Houston

Mechanic: Robert Benzenhafer

Interior Specialist: Brian Sliney

Spotter: Josh Williams

Transport Driver: James O’Neal

Pit Crew

Front Tire Changer: Blake Hickman

Rear Tire Changer: Steven Chereek

Tire Carrier: Alvin Wilson

Jackman: Kendall Futrell

Fueler: Patrick Gaddy

Chandler Smith Notes

Chandler Smith faces a new challenge this weekend as the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series returns to Florida for the inaugural Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. Smith is no stranger to street courses, having competed in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Chicago Street Course race in 2023 and 2024, earning an eighth-place finish in 2023 with Kaulig Racing. Following a sixth-place finish at the EchoPark Speedway last Saturday, Smith still sits first in the Truck Series Driver Championship points standings.

The No. 38 Ford F-150 will sport a new scheme on the streets of St. Petersburg, partnering with OnlyBulls for the 80-lap, 144-mile race. OnlyBulls is a free-to-download digital wallet designed to simplify the path to building digital wealth. Through its “Green Flag” marketing campaign, the brand aims to transition fans from spectators to participants in the digital economy.

Fans attending the race weekend can visit the OnlyBulls “Green Flag Garage” activation Unit to learn more about the ecosystem, including askROI—the AI platform that powers OnlyBulls and brings dynamic intelligence to investing—and Bitcoin Max (BMAX), the Swiss-based Bitcoin trust. Attendees who download the app and open a free account during the weekend will be eligible for exclusive promotional offers, including limited-edition racing gear and opportunities to win rides in the IndyCar Experience 2-seater.

“St. Petersburg is going to be a lot of fun,” said Smith. “It’s different from what we normally run, so I think that challenge is going to be something to look forward to. It’s awesome to have OnlyBulls on our Ford F-150. They’re a huge partner of some Indy Car teams that will be on track this weekend as well as the entitlement partner for the truck race. Hopefully, I can get the No. 38 OnlyBulls Ford F-150 in OnlyBulls Victory Lane.”
Road Crew

Driver: Chandler Smith

Crew Chief: Jon Leonard

Truck Chief: Ron Schutte

Engineer: Roland Kummel

Mechanic: Rowan Mason

Mechanic: Mahlon Borkholder

Interior Specialist: Kyle Clark

Spotter: Ryan Blanchard

Transport Driver: Mark Hadley

Pit Crew

Front Tire Changer: Josh Francos

Rear Tire Changer: Curtis Thompson

Tire Carrier: Drew Baum

Jackman: Shane Perry

Fueler: Anthony Bryarly

ABOUT LONG JOHN SILVER’S

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

ABOUT ONLYBULLS

OnlyBulls is a leading digital wallet and mobile app designed to provide a beginner-friendly gateway to digital wealth. By integrating tools like askROI, the AI platform providing dynamic intelligence, and Bitcoin Max for long-term holding, OnlyBulls simplifies the complex world of finance.

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.

Where to Sell a Junk Car in Wisconsin (And What It’s Worth)

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

A junk car has a special talent for becoming invisible until the exact moment you need your driveway, your garage space, or a little extra cash. In Wisconsin, that “someday” vehicle sits through lake-effect snow, spring mud, and humid summers, quietly turning into a project you never asked for. The good news is that selling a damaged or non-running car in Wisconsin is usually simpler than people think, and it can pay better than letting it sink deeper into the yard.

The Fastest Way to Turn a Dead Car Into Cash

If you want the cleanest path from “broken car” to “money in hand,” start with a buyer that specializes in junk and damaged vehicles, not a general marketplace listing. That means fewer back-and-forth messages, fewer no-shows, and no awkward negotiations with strangers who “just want to take a look” and then disappear.

Many Wisconsin sellers choose convenience first because time is a real cost, especially when the car cannot move. It’s often easiest to use ByeCar to sell your junk car in Wisconsin when you want a straightforward offer, pickup options, and a process built for vehicles that are dented, stalled, or simply done.

What Your Junk Car Is Actually Worth in Wisconsin

“Junk car value” is not one number. It’s more like a stack of small factors that add up. Two cars that look equally rough can end up with different offers depending on what’s under the hood, what’s still intact, and how useful the vehicle is for parts or scrap.

In general, expect the value to be influenced by things like:

  • Vehicle weight and metal prices: Heavier vehicles often bring more in scrap value.
  • Catalytic converter and parts demand: Some makes and models have parts buyers want.
  • Condition and completeness: Missing wheels, a stripped interior, or major damage can lower offers.
  • Title status: Having a clear title usually makes the sale smoother and can help with pricing.
  • Location and towing logistics: Rural pickup or difficult access can change what a buyer can pay.

Once you know what affects price, the next step is choosing the right selling route.

Where to Sell: Private Buyers, Scrap Yards, or Junk Car Services

Selling privately sounds tempting because you picture a higher price, but junk cars rarely behave like normal listings. You end up writing long explanations, answering the same questions, and dealing with people who want to “see it first,” even when it won’t start. That usually turns into low offers, no-shows, and strangers coming to your property. If the car needs a trailer, many buyers fade out once they realize what’s involved, and your “quick sale” turns into a waiting game.

Scrap yards can be straightforward, but they often leave you with the toughest step: getting the vehicle there. When towing enters the picture, the math can change fast, especially if the car has flat tires or won’t roll. That’s why junk car services tend to be the most practical choice for truly damaged or non-running vehicles. They’re set up for as-is cars, they handle the pickup side of the deal, and they help you move on without pouring more time into a vehicle that’s already made its decision.

How to Get a Better Offer Without Doing a Full Repair

You do not need to “fix it up” to sell it, but a little preparation can protect your payout and save time on the day of pickup. Think of it like cleaning out a closet: you’re not remodeling the house, you’re just making the handoff easier. The goal is to present clear information and avoid surprises.

Before you request an offer, take five minutes to gather the basics: the year, make, model, mileage (estimate is fine), and a short list of major issues. Mention whether it starts, whether the tires hold air, and what obvious damage exists. Remove personal items, plates if required, and anything you want to keep. If you have the title, set it aside so you are not scrambling later. These small steps can prevent last-second renegotiation and keep your sale on track.

The “Why Now” Moment: Space, Safety, and Wisconsin Weather

Wisconsin seasons are hard on vehicles that are already failing. A car that sits can develop leaks, rodent damage, dead batteries, and rust that spreads like it has a schedule. What starts as “I’ll deal with it after winter” can turn into “now it won’t roll, and the tires are flat,” which limits your options. Selling sooner usually means fewer complications.

There’s also the mental relief factor. A junk car is a daily reminder of a task you have not finished. Once it’s gone, your driveway feels bigger, your garage becomes usable again, and you stop paying attention to a vehicle that is never going to magically recover. If your car is damaged, unreliable, or simply not worth another repair bill, selling it can be a practical reset that puts money back in your pocket and closes the loop.

What to Expect on Pickup Day

Most sellers worry about two things: “Will this be a hassle?” and “Will I get paid as promised?” The smoothest transactions are the ones with clear communication and simple documentation. If the buyer schedules pickup, you’ll typically confirm the vehicle’s location, ensure access for a tow truck, and have your paperwork ready.

On the day itself, keep your phone nearby, have the title and ID available if required, and do a quick final check for personal items in the glove box and trunk. If the process is transparent, the handoff should feel routine, not stressful. The best outcome is leaving your driveway with a clean space, a completed sale, and cash you can use for something that actually moves when you turn the key.

NASCAR All-Star Race Format at Dover Motor Speedway Announced

By
Official Release
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  • All drivers will race in the first two segments, with lineups set by qualifying and the top 26 finishers from Segment 1 inverted for Segment 2.
  • The 200-lap final segment will feature 26 cars, with race winners, previous champions automatically locked in: remaining spots filled by results from the first two segments, and the final position awarded through the Fan Vote.
  • The new format puts the focus on on-track performance and fan involvement.

DOVER, Del. (Feb. 25, 2026) — The full format for the 2026 NASCAR All-Star Race at Dover Motor Speedway has been set, featuring a three-segment, 350-lap event that places every driver on track while rewarding race winners, past champions, and performance across the first two segments. The NASCAR All-Star Race will air live on FS1, MRN Radio, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, with coverage beginning at 1:00 p.m. ET on Sunday, May 17.

“We’ve listened to our fans and worked closely with NASCAR to create a format that blends the tradition of a typical race weekend at The Monster Mile with the excitement and unpredictability that make the All-Star Race so special,” said Mike Tatoian, president of Dover Motor Speedway. “This format rewards performance, puts every driver on track on Sunday, and shines the spotlight on what Dover does best with high speeds and high levels of excitement. It’s going to make for an unforgettable All-Star Weekend!”

All-Star Weekend will feature a NASCAR tripleheader, including the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series ECOSAVE 200 on Friday, May 15 at 5 p.m. ET, marking the series’ first race at The Monster Mile since 2020, and the BetRivers 200 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series event on Saturday, May 16 at 4 p.m. ET. It will mark the first time in NASCAR history that all three national series compete during All-Star Weekend.

For the first time in the 42-year history of the event, the battle for the $1 million prize will take place in the Northeast, bringing the race to a new region of race fans. Returning elements include driver eligibility requirements, the NASCAR All-Star Fan Vote, and the Mechanix Wear Pit Crew Challenge.

NASCAR All-Star Race Format

Qualifying and Pit Crew Challenge
All-Star qualifying will once again combine single-car qualifying with the Mechanix Wear Pit Crew Challenge on Saturday, May 16, and will set the starting lineup for the opening segment. Cars will take the green flag at the start-finish line, run one full lap at speed, then enter pit road on the second lap to complete a four-tire pit stop with no fuel before racing back to the checkered flag. Qualifying time will be measured as total elapsed time from green flag to checkered flag, with results setting the lineup for Segment 1.

The Mechanix Wear Pit Crew Challenge will be contested during qualifying, with all entered teams eligible. The pit crew recording the fastest stop with no penalties will earn Pit Crew Challenge honors and select pit stalls for the All-Star Race.

Segment 1 and Segment 2
All drivers entered in the NASCAR All-Star Race will compete in both Segment 1 and Segment 2, starting at 1 p.m. Segment 1 will be lined up based on qualifying results and contested over 75 laps.

Segment 2 will also be 75 laps and will feature an inversion of the top 26 finishers from Segment 1, with the remainder of the field lining up based on their Segment 1 finishing positions. The lowest combined finishing positions from both Segments set the starting lineup for the Final Segment.

Final Segment
The final segment of the NASCAR All-Star Race will be 200 laps and will feature a 26-car field. Drivers eligible for the final NASCAR All-Star Race segment include those who have won a points event in either 2025 or 2026, drivers who have won a NASCAR All-Star Race and compete full-time, and drivers who have won a NASCAR Cup Series championship and compete full-time. The remaining positions will be filled based on combined results from Segment 1 and Segment 2 until the field reaches 25 drivers. The 26th and final position will be awarded to the NASCAR All-Star Fan Vote winner. All laps will count in all three segments, with standard NASCAR race procedures in effect. During the final segment, a competition break will take place at or around Lap 225.

As of today, the drivers already locked in the All-Star Race include: William Byron, Kyle Larson, Christopher Bell, Denny Hamlin, Chase Elliott, Tyler Reddick, Brad Keselowski, Joey Logano, Austin Cindric, Ryan Blaney, Josh Berry, Austin Dillon, Chase Briscoe, Ross Chastain, Shane Van Gisbergen, Bubba Wallace, and Kyle Busch.

On-track activity for All-Star weekend will begin Friday with practice for all entrants and pit road practice. Saturday will feature All-Star qualifying and the Mechanix Wear Pit Crew Challenge, with Sunday’s schedule dedicated to the NASCAR All-Star Race.

Beyond the on-track action, All-Star Weekend will again feature Dover’s expansive Fan Zone, highlighted by MILES BEACH, presented by Visit Delaware. The beach-inspired experience transforms more than an acre of the Fan Zone with 600 tons of sand, a boardwalk setting and the 25-foot-tall lighthouse, along with live sea lions, shark and stingray exhibits, interactive attractions and family-friendly entertainment throughout the entire weekend. The World’s Largest Rubber Duck will also return to tower over The Monster Mile for the third straight year, adding to one of NASCAR’s most electric Fan Zones. Additional Fan Zone attractions and elements will be shared as race weekend approaches.

For the latest updates, schedules, and additional announcements, fans are encouraged to visit DoverMotorSpeedway.com and follow Dover Motor Speedway on social media.

ABOUT DOVER MOTOR SPEEDWAY
Since 1969, Dover Motor Speedway has earned its reputation as one of NASCAR’s most demanding venues. Known as The Monster Mile and billed as the World’s Fastest One-Mile Oval, the high-banked concrete track features 24 degrees of banking in the turns and nine degrees on the straightaways, creating intense, high-speed competition that has tested the sport’s best for more than five decades.

NASCAR TICKETS
Tickets for NASCAR All-Star Weekend are available at DoverMotorSpeedway.com, including options such as the Monster Bundle and Ultimate Fan Pass. Fans can also purchase tickets for the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series ECOSAVE 200 on Friday, the series’ first race at Dover since 2020, and the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series BetRivers 200 on Saturday, plus camping and parking close to the action.

FOLLOW US:
Follow Dover Motor Speedway on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok (@MonsterMile) for the latest news and announcements.

FOX’s Hinchcliffe, Henneberry Raise Flagfor NTT INDYCAR SERIES Season

By
Official Release
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Flags For Good Named Official Partner of Indianapolis Motor Speedway

INDIANAPOLIS (Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026) – FOX Sports INDYCAR analyst James Hinchcliffe and FOX Sports INDYCAR pit reporter Georgia Henneberry joined INDYCAR and Indianapolis Motor Speedway President J. Douglas Boles to raise an NTT INDYCAR SERIES flag above the Pagoda on Feb. 25 at IMS.

The raised flag was provided by new IMS partner Flags For Good. Through the partnership, Flags For Good will supply all flags displayed on IMS grandstands, gates and the Pagoda as the Official Flag of Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the Indianapolis 500 and Brickyard Weekend.

“Raising the NTT INDYCAR SERIES flag over the Pagoda with a few of our friends from FOX is the perfect kickoff to the season,” Boles said. “Showcasing a partner like Flags For Good during this momentous occasion highlights just how important flags are to us here at IMS.”

“IMS has flags woven into its identity, history and even its logo,” Flags For Good Founder and CEO Michael Green said. “Flags are a critical part of motor racing, so it makes sense that it is the first sport we dive head-first into as a flag company. Flags For Good is honored, and frankly thrilled, to partner with the historic Speedway just down the road from our HQ in the heart of ‘Speed City.’”

Flags For Good is a mission-driven flag company based in Indianapolis. Founded by Green, a TEDx speaker and recognized authority on flags and flag design, the company combines deep expertise in symbolism and cultural significance with a commitment to social impact. Through its “Make Good Waves” model, Flags For Good donates $1 from every flag to good causes around the world. Flags For Good partners with Hemptex to advance sustainable, eco-friendly flag production.

“The flags we produced for IMS are made of cutting edge CiCLO biodegradable polyester,” Green said. “Working with Hemptex, we developed a flag that delivers the strength, durability and color performance of polyester, enhanced with this innovative technology to help reduce the persistence of microplastic fibers shed into the environment. By integrating CiCLO at the fiber level, the polyester is engineered to break down more like natural fibers, such as wool. For the first time, high-performance flags are engineered for durability and responsibility.”

The annual flag raising ceremony marks the start of the 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season and is an important milestone in the countdown to the 110th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on Sunday, May 24 at IMS.

Hinchcliffe, a native of Toronto, joined FOX Sports as a race analyst for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES in 2025, the inaugural season for the series on FOX.

The 2011 NTT INDYCAR Rookie of the Year, Hinchcliffe scored 16 podium finishes and won six races over the course of his career, driving for Andretti Autosport, Newman/Haas Racing and Schmidt Peterson Motorsports. The Canadian racer scored the INDYCAR Fan Favorite Award in 2012 and 2018.

Henneberry, a native of St. Louis, joined the FOX Sports team in 2025 as a reporter for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES after spending 2024 covering the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and INDY NXT by Firestone for NBC Sports, as well as the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship for The Roku Channel.

In 2019, Henneberry began her journey with INDYCAR where she covered the Month of May for the IMS large-screen video program, designed to engage the crowd and enhance their viewing experience while at the track. From there, the former racer went on the road for the entire 2022-24 NTT INDYCAR SERIES seasons, working as a host and reporter for the series’ video-screen programs before joining the NBC Sports broadcast team in 2024.

The first race of 2026 is the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on Sunday, March 1 on the streets of downtown St. Petersburg, Florida. Live coverage starts at noon ET on FOX, FOX One, FOX Deportes, the FOX Sports app and the INDYCAR Radio Network.

Tickets are on sale at IMS.com for the 110th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge, Sonsio Grand Prix and all Month of May activities.

United Rentals to Sponsor Select NASCAR Cup Series Races with Richard Childress Racing’s Austin Hill in 2026

By
Official Release
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Hill to Drive RCR’s No. 33 United Rentals Chevrolet for Five NASCAR Cup Series Races, beginning with Phoenix Raceway

WELCOME, N.C. (February 25, 2026) – United Rentals, the world’s largest equipment rental company, will partner with Richard Childress Racing to sponsor Austin Hill for select races in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2026. Hill is slated to race the No. 33 United Rentals Chevrolet on a part-time basis, beginning with the Straight Talk Wireless 500 at Phoenix Raceway on Sunday, March 8. The race will be broadcast live on FOX Sports 1 beginning at 3:30 p.m. ET.

“United Rentals continues to be a special part of my career and carrying their colors once again in the Cup Series means a lot,” said Hill. “I’ve represented their company for almost a decade now and it never gets old winning races and having success together. The No. 33 team was able to get our first top-10 last season in Chicago, and I genuinely felt like we had a shot to win the fall race at Talladega. Racing on Sundays full time is the end goal, so expanding the track lineup will be a good challenge to gain experience. Grateful to Richard, every man and woman at RCR, ECR, and CT Spring, and of course United Rentals for the opportunity.”

United Rentals has an integrated network of over 1,600 rental locations in North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. Headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, United Rentals offers general, aerial, and specialty rentals to a customer base that includes construction and industrial companies, utilities, municipalities, and homeowners.

“We value the strong partnership we’ve built with Austin Hill and Richard Childress Racing and are excited to continue that momentum into the 2026 Cup Series season,” said Craig Schmidt, senior vice president of sales – national accounts, United Rentals. “Together, we’re focused on delivering results and showcasing the skill and teamwork that drives NASCAR success. It’s shaping up to be a great year, and we’re proud to be part of it.”

The 2026 campaign marks United Rentals’ fifth year of partnership with RCR, and ninth year with Hill. United Rentals and Hill have found success together both on and off the track, most recently with the Winston, Georgia native winning the United Rentals 300 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race at Daytona International Speedway to kick off the 2026 season.

“Everyone at RCR is proud of our long-standing partnership with United Rentals and looking forward to building on the strong branding, at-track activation and hosting programs we have developed together over the last five years,” said Mike Verlander, president of RCR. “United Rentals has been instrumental in Austin Hill’s continued rise and success, and together we’re looking forward to watching him in the NASCAR Cup Series for select races in 2026.”

Hill, the 2023 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Regular Season Champion, is currently in his fifth full-time season piloting the No. 21 Chevrolet in the NOAPS. He made his Cup Series debut for the Welcome, N.C.-based organization at Michigan International Speedway in 2022 and now has a total of 15 Cup Series starts to his credit, earning a best finish of ninth at the Chicago Street Race in 2025.

For more information and all that is going on at RCR, visit rcrracing.com.

United Rentals, Inc. is the largest equipment rental company in the world. The company has an integrated network of 1,663 rental locations in North America, 41 in Europe, 45 in Australia and 19 in New Zealand. In North America, the company operates in 49 states and every Canadian province. The company’s approximately 28,500 employees serve construction and industrial customers, utilities, municipalities, homeowners and others. The company offers a fleet of equipment for rent with a total original cost of $22.48 billion. United Rentals is a member of the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index, the Barron’s 400 Index and the Russell 3000 Index® and is headquartered in Stamford, Conn. Additional information about United Rentals is available at unitedrentals.com.

Richard Childress Racing is a renowned, performance-driven racing, marketing and manufacturing organization. Incorporated in 1969, RCR has celebrated over 50 years of racing and earned more than 200 victories and 17 championships, including six in the NASCAR Cup Series with the legendary Dale Earnhardt. RCR was the first organization to win championships in the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and NASCAR Truck Series and is a three-time winner of the Daytona 500 (1998, 2007, 2018). Its 2026 NASCAR Cup Series lineup includes two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch (No. 8 Chevrolet) and 2017 Coca-Cola 600 winner and 2018 Daytona 500 champion Austin Dillon (No. 3 Chevrolet). RCR fields a full-time NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series program with defending series champion Jesse Love (No. 2 Chevrolet) and 2023 regular season champion Austin Hill (No. 21 Chevrolet).

ARCA Menards Series West at Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway: Oil Workers 150

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Official Release
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THE RACE: Oil Workers 150 Presented by West Coast Stock Car Motorsports Hall of Fame
THE PLACE: Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway
THE DATE: Saturday, February 28, 2026
THE TIME: 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT
TV: FloRacing, Live

  • The ARCA Menards Series West opens its 73rd with its first of two 2026 races at Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway. The Oil Workers 150 Presented by West Coast Stock Car Motorsports Hall of Fame will be the 18th series race at the track and the 1041st overall in series history. The series will close its 2026 season at the track, the first time the finale has been held there since 2018.
  • Trevor Huddleston (No. 50 High Point Racing / Racecar Factory Ford) returns to the ARCA Menards Series West to defend his 2025 championship; he won both races at Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway – a track managed by his father Tim – in 2025.
  • Three-time series winner Hailie Deegan (No. 16 NAPA Auto Care Chevrolet) returns to the series full-time, reuniting with Bill McAnally Racing for a run at the series championship. Deegan, who became the series’ first-ever female winner in 2018, will be joined on the BMR squad by Mason Massey (No. 19 Brunt Boots / Mongoose Power Solutions Chevrolet); both will compete for the series title in 2026.
  • Reigning Bounty Rookie of the Year Robbie Kennealy (No. 1 Jan’s Towing Ford) also returns to chase the series championship. Kennealy, who won last year at All American Speedway, recently raced in the General Tire 200 at Daytona International Speedway, coming away with a 15th-place finish in his Jan Qualkenbush-owned Ford. Kennealy will be joined by 15-year-old newcomer Cole Denton (No. 71 Jan’s Towing Ford), who will compete for this year’s Bounty Rookie crown.
  • Two-time series champion Sean Hingorani (No. 13 Central Coast Cabinets / Fidelity Capital Toyota) returns to the series after a one-year absence in 2025. Hingorani, the 2023 and 2024 series champ, has seven career wins in 29 series starts, including two at Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway (April 2023 and October 2024).
  • Nitro Motorsports will field three entries, two for full-timers Mia Lovell (No. 15 Pine Health Toyota) and Julian DeCosta (No. 25 Austin Canvas and Awning Toyota), and one for part-timer Jade Avedisian (No. 70 Mobil 1 Toyota). Avedisian started 2026 on a hot streak, winning a super late model feature and finishing seventh in the ASA STARS National Tour season opener at New Smyrna Speedway during the World Series of Asphalt.
  • Cook Racing Technologies, the 2023 ARCA Menards Series West team owner champions, will field two entries for 15-year-old Taylor Mayhew (No. 17 MMI Toyota) and Jaiden Reyna (No. 42 MMI Chevrolet). Mayhew is the son of seven-time series winner David Mayhew while Reyna, the 2020 INEX Legends Car Young Lions national champion with 24 wins in 31 starts, will also be making his series debut.
  • Jerry Pitts Racing will field two entries, one for 2024 Bounty Rookie of the Year Eric Johnson, Jr. (No. 5 Sherwin-Williams Toyota) and another for Gavin Ray (No. 7 Component West Toyota). Johnson finished fifth in both Kern races in 2025; Ray finished sixth in the 2025 season opener.
  • The Oil Workers 150 Presented by West Coast Stock Car Motorsports Hall of Fame at Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway is set for 8 pm ET / 5 pm PT on Saturday, February 28. The race will be streamed live on FloRacing. Live timing & scoring data and live race audio will be available on ARCARacing.com; for up-to-the-minute updates please follow @ARCA_Racing on X (formerly known as Twitter).

About ARCA 
The Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA), founded in 1953 by John and Mildred Marcum in Toledo, Ohio, and acquired by NASCAR in April 2018, is the leading grassroots stock car sanctioning body in the United States. Bridging the gap between NASCAR’s top three national touring series and weekly and regional tour racing all across the country, the organization sanctions over 100 races per year in the ARCA Menards Series, ARCA Menards Series East, ARCA Menards Series West, ASA STARS National Tour, ASA CRA Super Series, ASA Midwest Tour, ASA Southern Super Series plus weekly racing at Toledo and Flat Rock Speedways. For more information about ARCA visit www.arcaracing.com, or follow ARCA on Facebook (@ARCARacing) and Twitter (@ARCA_Racing). 

About Menards
A family-owned and run company started in 1958, Menards is recognized as the retail home center leader of the Midwest with 236 stores in 15 states.  Menards is truly a one-stop shop for all of your home improvement needs featuring a full-service lumberyard and everything you need to plan a renovation or build a home, garage, cabin, shed, deck, fence or post frame building.  You’ll find a large selection of lumber, roofing, siding, construction blocks, trusses, doors and windows, plus cabinets, appliances, countertops, flooring, lighting, paint, plumbing supplies and more.  To complete the job, Menards has quality hand tools, power tools, fasteners, electrical tools plus storage options and supplies for everyone from the weekend warrior to the pro!
 
Menards has what you need to complete your outdoor projects and keep your yard in tip-top shape including mowers, trimmers, blowers, pressure washers and more, plus a beautiful garden center stocked with plants, shrubs, trees, landscaping tools, grass seed, fertilizer options, outdoor décor and patio furniture.  Menards also has everyday essentials like health & beauty products, housewares, pet and wildlife supplies, automotive items and even groceries.  And at Christmas, an Enchanted Forest display area with impressive trees, lighting, decorations, ornaments, inflatables and more. 
Menards is known for friendly Customer Service and as the place to “Save Big Money” with low prices every day, and sales too!  For more information, please visit Menards.com to learn about our store locations, offerings and services.

TOYOTA RACING Weekly Preview 02.25.26

By
Official Release
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This Week in Motorsports: February 23 – March 1, 2026

NCS/NOAPS: Circuit of the Americas (COTA) – Feb. 28 – March 1
NCTS: Streets of St. Petersburg – Feb. 27 – 28
ARCA WEST: Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway – Feb. 27 – 28

PLANO, Texas (Feb. 25, 2026) – Team Toyota will be busy this weekend with stock car action across three states. The NASCAR Cup Series and O’Reilly Auto Parts Series head to Circuit of the Americas (COTA), just outside of Austin, Texas, for the first road course race of the season, while the Truck Series debuts on the street circuit of St. Petersburg, Florida, for their first road course as well. The ARCA Menards Series West heads to Kevin Harvick’s Kern Speedway in Southern California, for the first race of their season.

NASCAR National Series – NCS/NOAPS/NCTS

Reddick looks for three-peat to begin 2026 … Tyler Reddick became the sixth driver in Cup Series history to win the first two races of a season, and the first since Matt Kenseth in 2009, after following up his Daytona 500 win with a victory at EchoPark Speedway (Atlanta) on Sunday. Should Reddick claim victory this weekend at COTA, he would be the second driver in the Cup Series’ Next Gen era to win three straight races, joining Christopher Bell who accomplished the feat last season.

23XI Racing holds top-two points spots … After the first two races of the 2026 season, 23XI Racing teammates Reddick (first) and Bubba Wallace (second) lead the Cup Series points standings. Reddick’s two race victories give him a 40-point lead over Wallace, who has two stage wins, along with two top-10 finishes to begin the season. Wallace also leads the Cup Series in laps led through the two races with 86, while Reddick is third with 54 laps led. The teammates are also two of only three drivers to earn top-10 finishes in both races to start the season.

Bell seeks COTA repeat … After a thrilling victory at COTA last year, the first of his four wins in 2025, Christopher Bell returns to the Texas road course in search of a second consecutive triumph this weekend. The Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) driver is also looking for his fourth consecutive top-five finish on a road course, coming off a fifth-place result at Sonoma Raceway, a runner-up at Watkins Glen International and a third-place finish at the Charlotte ROVAL to end the road course stretch last year.

Crews makes O’Reilly debut … Toyota Development Driver Brent Crews will make his debut in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series (NOAPS) this weekend at COTA, piloting the No. 19 Toyota GR Supra for JGR. The 17-year-old North Carolina native has had a highly-successful young career, highlighted by championships in late model and SCCA competition, multiple race wins across the ARCA Menards Series and ARCA Menards Series West, as well as two top-five and three top-10 finishes in 10 Truck Series races last season.

Sawalich returns to favorable road courses … Like Bell in the Cup Series, William Sawalich of JGR seeks to extend a streak of solid finishes on road courses this weekend in COTA. Sawalich ended the 2025 road course slate with a second-place result at Portland International Raceway and a seventh-place finish at the Charlotte ROVAL in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.

Franchitti takes on St. Pete … Three-time Indianapolis 500 winner and four-time INDYCAR champion Dario Franchitti is set to pilot the No. 1 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro for TRICON Garage this weekend at the St. Petersburg, Florida, street course. This will be one of his first professional starts since retiring from full-time racing in 2013. The Scotland native has made one career Truck Series start, coming in 2007 at Martinsville Speedway. He also has 10 career Cup Series starts and 18 NOAPS starts to his credit. Additionally, Jimmie Johnson will crew chief Franchitti this weekend.

NASCAR Regional Series – ARCA Menards Series West/Late Models

Avedisian returns to ARCA … Jade Avedisian will pilot the No. 70 Toyota Camry for Nitro Motorsports in the ARCA Menards Series West race at Kern Raceway this Saturday. The Toyota Development Driver made two starts in the West series last year at The Las Vegas Motor Speedway Bullring and Phoenix Raceway, as well as a start in the national ARCA series at the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds in Illinois. Avedisian has already been victorious in 2026, winning a Super Late Model race at New Smyrna Speedway in Florida earlier this month.

Harvick makes Toyota debut … After announcing a long-term driver development deal with Toyota earlier this week, Keelan Harvick will pilot his No. 62 Toyota Camry for the first time in this week’s CARS TOUR at Southern National Motorsports Park in North Carolina. Harvick will compete in the Pro Late Model class that’ll take the green flag mid-afternoon on Saturday. The 13-year-old has made history in his very short racing career, becoming the youngest winner of the Snowball Derby 125 and winning six overall CARS TOUR races in 2025, as well as winning at Florence Motor Speedway’s Icebreaker earlier this month.

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. for nearly 70 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our nearly 1,500 dealerships.

Toyota directly employs nearly 48,000 people in the U.S. who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of more than 35 million cars and trucks at our 11 manufacturing plants. In 2025, Toyota’s plant in North Carolina began to assemble automotive batteries for electrified vehicles.

For more information about Toyota, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.

Rudy Pankow To Kick Off NTT INDYCAR SERIES Season in Fastest Seat in Sports

By
Official Release
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INDIANAPOLIS (Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026) – Actor Rudy Pankow will ride in the Fastest Seat in Sports at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg this Sunday, March 1.

The race marks the start of the 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season, featuring a global roster of superstar drivers bringing the “Fastest Racing on Earth” to a full schedule of exhilarating and hyper-challenging events.

Pankow will next star in Universal’s upcoming feature film adaptation “Reminders of Him,” in theaters Friday, March 13, and also will soon be seen in Hulu’s “Never Change!” and in the rodeo drama, “Cowboy.” He is most widely known for his portrayal of “JJ” in the hit Netflix series “Outer Banks.”

Pankow joins a long list of celebrated INDYCAR Fastest Seat in Sports passengers as he leads the field to green in a custom INDYCAR SERIES car with a special back passenger seat. This high-speed, high-octane, super-charged thrill ride has been taken by the likes of Tom Brady, Simu Liu, Jon Bon Jovi, Lady Gaga and Channing Tatum.

Coverage of the Firestone Grand Prix of. St. Petersburg begins at noon ET on FOX, FOX One, FOX Deportes, the FOX Sports app and the INDYCAR Radio Network.

The NTT INDYCAR SERIES is North America’s premier open-wheel racing series, with drivers competing at speeds of 200+ mph across a thrilling and demanding set of ovals and road and street circuits. More information is available on INDYCAR.com.

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