Pataskala, Ohio (6 February 2025) – Meyer Shank Racing (MSR) is excited to welcome Visit Lauderdale as the team’s Official Tourism Partner ahead of the 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season, kicking off with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on Sunday, March 2nd.
Visit Lauderdale, the official destination marketing organization for Greater Fort Lauderdale (Broward County), promotes the region’s diverse offerings, including its pristine beaches, cultural landmarks, and world-class dining. With a commitment to inclusivity and hospitality, Visit Lauderdale inspires travelers from around the globe to experience the destination’s 31 vibrant communities and year-round sunshine.
Through this collaboration, MSR and Visit Lauderdale will connect IndyCar’s passionate audience with South Florida’s dynamic appeal, encouraging travelers and “Everyone Under the Sun™” to visit Greater Fort Lauderdale.
“I’m thrilled to welcome Visit Lauderdale to the MSR family of partners,” said MSR Co-owner, Mike Shank. “I believe IndyCar, its fans and the various locations we race will be a perfect place to showcase Visit Lauderdale and drive awareness to the beautiful location it advocates for. As a person who has always loved the water and vibrant city of Fort Lauderdale, I’m personally excited to represent this brand on track and on the road with our beautiful beach themed team trailers.”
The partnership with Visit Lauderdale aligns with MSR’s values of excellence, teamwork, and creating unforgettable moments for fans and partners alike. Both organizations share a passion for showcasing the best of what they represent—MSR through its on-track achievements and Visit Lauderdale through its vibrant, welcoming destination.
“Through this innovative collaboration between Visit Lauderdale and Meyer Shank Racing, we’re not just showcasing Greater Fort Lauderdale, we’re accelerating the experience,” said Visit Lauderdale President and CEO Stacy Ritter. “By merging speed, passion, and tourism, we’re connecting our tropical paradise with IndyCar fans in an unmatched setting.”
As part of the partnership, Visit Lauderdale branding will be displayed on MSR’s No. 60 and No. 66 Honda Indy cars, as well as team gear, throughout the 2025 season. Fans can also look forward to special activations and events celebrating the collaboration between Visit Lauderdale and Meyer Shank Racing.
The 2025 IndyCar season kicks off on March 2nd with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. Coverage will air live on FOX, with additional updates available through Meyer Shank Racing’s social media channels and website.
About Visit Lauderdale
Visit Lauderdale is the official destination marketing organization for Greater Fort Lauderdale and serves as the tourism department for Broward County, Florida. Visit Lauderdale promotes the area’s 31 municipalities to a global audience of leisure and business travelers as the ideal place for Everyone Under the Sun in recognition of the area’s diverse and welcoming vibe, and books conventions into the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center and area hotels and resorts. Find more information at visitlauderdale.com and follow @VisitLauderdale on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.
NEW YORK – February 6, 2025 – SiriusXM announced today that seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion driver Jimmie Johnson and veteran journalist and best-selling author Marty Smith are teaming up for a new SiriusXM podcast, “Never Settle.”
The podcast debuts on February 12, during Daytona 500 Week. Johnson, who will be competing part-time in the NASCAR Cup Series this season in the No. 84 Toyota Camry XSE for LEGACY MOTOR CLUB, will attempt to qualify for a spot in the Daytona 500 field that week.
Listeners can hear “Never Settle” every week on all major podcast platforms. New episodes of the podcast will debut every Wednesday and the show will also air Wednesdays (2 pm ET) on the SiriusXM NASCAR Radio channel (ch. 90).
Each week, Johnson and Smith will discuss the headline stories in NASCAR, and will share stories and perspectives gleaned from Jimmie’s many successful years competing on the track. Marty and Jimmie will take the discussion beyond the world of motorsports, too, discussing lifestyle matters, music, and sharing experiences and lessons learned staying true to the motto “never settle” as they navigated through success and challenges in their lives and careers.
“It’s crazy that this podcast has finally come to life,” said Johnson. “Marty and I have known each other for 20 plus years and he is one of the all-time best storytellers out there. He’s also hilarious and the two of us have had a lot of fun together throughout the years. We’re excited to work with SiriusXM and we can’t wait to share some entertaining stories with listeners and have some great guests in their 2.0 version of life on the show with us. It’s going to be wild.”
“Jimmie and I have had so many great conversations through the years about life on the track and off it, and we’re thrilled to team up with SiriusXM to create a podcast that will invite listeners into those conversations with us,” said Smith. “From racing to fatherhood to business and more, we’re excited to get into it all, and hopefully we’ll enlighten and inspire some people along the way.”
Jimmie Johnson is not only one of the greatest racecar drivers of the modern era, he is also one of the most accomplished professional athletes in sports. A seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, Johnson remains the only racecar driver in history to be named The Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year (2009). Johnson was a 2024 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee. Throughout Johnson’s storied career, he and the No. 48 team of Hendrick Motorsports recorded 83 wins in 686 starts. He shares the record of seven championship titles with NASCAR Hall of Fame legends Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt, Sr. After Johnson’s final full-time season in NASCAR, he spent two seasons in the INDYCAR Series competing for 16-time INDYCAR champions, Chip Ganassi Racing.
Johnson and wife Chandra are co-founders of the Jimmie Johnson Foundation (JJF), which focuses on K-12 public education. The JJF has contributed more than $13 million to organizations and schools in need across the U.S., since its inception in 2006.
Marty Smith has been a reporter and host for ESPN since 2006. He has been a mainstay on the network’s NASCAR and college sports coverage and also hosted the interview show “Marty Smith’s America.” Prior to ESPN, Smith covered motorsports and college sports as a journalist at the Roanoke Times, The Washington Post and The News & Advance. He has authored two books – the New York Times bestseller “Never Settle: Sports, Family, and the American Soul” (2019) and “Sideline CEO: Leadership Principles from Championship Coaches” (2023).
About Sirius XM Holdings Inc.: SiriusXM is the leading audio entertainment company in North America with a portfolio of audio businesses including its flagship subscription entertainment service SiriusXM; the ad-supported and premium music streaming services of Pandora; an expansive podcast network; and a suite of business and advertising solutions. Reaching a combined monthly audience of approximately 160 million listeners, SiriusXM offers a broad range of content for listeners everywhere they tune in with a diverse mix of live, on-demand, and curated programming across music, talk, news, and sports. For more about SiriusXM, please go to: www.siriusxm.com.
ABOUT LEGACY MOTOR CLUB: (LEGACY MC) is a premier auto racing organization co-owned by seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and 2024 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee, Jimmie Johnson. Drawing from a rich tradition of success, LEGACY MC is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of motorsport and setting new standards of excellence. The CLUB competes under the Toyota Gazoo Racing banner in the NASCAR Cup Series in with the No. 43 Toyota Camry XSE piloted by Erik Jones and the No. 42 Toyota Camry XSE driven by John Hunter Nemechek. Johnson also races on a limited basis in the No. 84 Toyota Camry XSE. With NASCAR legend and Hall of Famer Richard Petty, “The King”, serving as CLUB Ambassador, LEGACY MC blends timeless racing traditions with a new forward-thinking vision. As an inclusive community for motorsport enthusiasts, LEGACY MC honors both its storied past and the promising future of its members, always striving for victory and championship glory at the pinnacle of NASCAR competition.
Attract and retain top talent by offering a Tesla Model 3 novated lease as an employee benefit, showcasing your commitment to sustainability and innovation.
Reduce your employees’ taxable income and boost their take-home pay through pre-tax salary deductions for the lease and running costs.
Enhance employee satisfaction and promote a healthier work-life balance by providing them with a cutting-edge electric vehicle.
Simplify administrative processes for your company by partnering with a reputable novated lease provider to manage the lease arrangements.
Benefit from the positive brand association with Tesla, a globally recognized and respected leader in sustainable technology.
Introduction
As companies work hard to get and keep the best employees, it is very important to offer good employee benefits. One popular choice in Australia is a Tesla Model 3 novated lease. This option can really improve your employee benefits package. It gives your employees a great electric car and comes with many financial and lifestyle perks.
Promoting Employee Benefits Through Tesla Model 3 Novated Leases
In today’s job market, companies want new ways to attract and keep good workers. Offering a Tesla Model 3 through a novated lease is a smart way to do this. It gives a desirable benefit to employees.
A novated lease lets workers get a Tesla Model 3 while using pre-tax salary deductions. This can lower their taxable income and help them earn more after taxes. Plus, the lease includes all running costs, like insurance, maintenance, and registration. This makes owning a car much easier.
The Attraction of Tesla Model 3 as an Employee Incentive
The Tesla Model 3 has quickly become a popular electric vehicle. It is known for its great performance, modern technology, and sleek design. Many people want this car, making it a strong incentive for employees. It attracts new talent and motivates current workers. One way to make this dream car more accessible is through a Tesla Model 3 novated lease. This option allows employees to drive a Tesla Model 3 while managing their finances more effectively through salary packaging.
Giving a Tesla Model 3 shows that a company cares about being green. Electric vehicles are becoming more common, and by offering a sustainable option, companies can meet their social responsibility goals. This makes them seem smart and caring, which can help them attract environmentally aware employees. With a Tesla Model 3 novated lease, employees can also enjoy the benefits of driving an eco-friendly car while maintaining a manageable budget.
Also, the Tesla brand stands for luxury and new ideas. The chance to drive a Tesla Model 3 can inspire workers. This can raise employee happiness and make the company look like a good, modern employer. Offering a Tesla Model 3 novated lease is an excellent way for companies to show they are ahead of the curve in both sustainability and employee benefits.
Understanding Novated Leases in the Australian Context
A novated lease is a three-party agreement. It involves an employer, employee, and a finance company. In this contract, the employer pays for the employee’s car lease using their pre-tax salary. This gives the employee important tax benefits.
One of the big benefits of a novated lease in Australia is saving on fringe benefits tax (FBT). Right now, electric vehicles like the Tesla Model 3 do not have FBT until they reach the luxury car tax threshold. This can help employees save a lot of money, making the Tesla Model 3 a better choice financially.
Additionally, novated leases provide convenience and flexibility. Employees can combine all their vehicle running costs into one payment taken from their salary. This makes budgeting easier and removes the hassle of dealing with different invoices and payments.
Cost Savings Through Pre-Tax Salary Deductions
For employees, a big benefit of a novated lease is the chance to save money. If you finance a Tesla Model 3 with a novated lease, your lease payments come out of your pre-tax salary. This means you pay lower taxes because your taxable income is lower.
Lower taxable income means you pay less in income tax, which helps you keep more money. These savings can be quite large, especially for those in higher tax brackets, making the Tesla Model 3 easier to afford.
Also, novated lease payments cover all running costs like insurance, maintenance, and registration. This helps employees plan their budgets better for vehicle expenses. This clear approach makes managing finances easier and reduces the risk of surprise costs.
Environmental and Brand Alignment
As the world focuses more on sustainability, companies that offer Tesla Model 3 novated leases can gain a good reputation. These cars support a commitment to being responsible for the environment by encouraging cleaner ways to travel.
Choosing electric vehicles instead of traditional gas cars helps cut down greenhouse gas emissions. When companies motivate employees to use electric transportation, they help create a greener future. This shows that they care about the environment and appeals to customers who feel the same way.
Being committed to sustainability can lead to a better brand image. It attracts talent who want to work for companies that share their values. This connection helps create a positive workplace and supports a company’s social responsibility goals.
Financial Flexibility for Employees
Novated leasing gives workers flexibility with their finances. It helps them get a new vehicle without needing a large sum of money upfront. This is great for those who do not have enough cash for a big purchase right away.
Also, novated leasing can help with potential GST savings. Businesses that pay GST can get back the GST amount included in the price of the vehicle and its running costs. They can pass on these savings to employees, making the lease cheaper.
With novated leasing, employees can manage their money better. They can use the money they used to spend on car expenses for other important things, like saving for a house or investing. This can help improve their financial well-being overall.
Maintenance and Running Costs Included
One major benefit of a novated lease is that it includes all running costs in the lease payments. This makes vehicle ownership easier for employees. They can budget better with known costs.
The costs covered in a novated lease include maintenance, insurance, registration renewals, and tyre replacements. This whole package gives employees peace of mind. They don’t have to worry about surprise expenses.
With all running costs in the lease payments, employees can see the total cost of owning and using a Tesla Model 3. This clear view helps them make smart financial choices and avoids any surprises from unexpected repairs or maintenance costs.
Enhanced Employee Satisfaction and Retention
A good employee benefits package is very important for attracting and keeping skilled workers. Offering a Tesla Model 3 through a novated lease is a great way to provide a sought-after benefit. This also helps improve employee happiness.
Driving a Tesla Model 3 has several benefits. It can lead to lower fuel costs and less harm to the environment. The car also has advanced technology features like Autopilot. All these benefits can enhance an employee’s life, which makes them more satisfied with their job.
Additionally, the Tesla Model 3 has a long driving range and access to Tesla’s wide Supercharger network. This gives employees a convenient and stress-free experience, whether they are commuting to work or going on long journeys.
Promoting Healthier Work-Life Balance
In today’s busy world, it’s very important to have a healthy balance between work and life. This balance helps with how happy and productive employees are. Giving a Tesla Model 3 as a benefit can help improve this balance by making the driving experience better.
Having a comfortable ride can change how an employee feels. It can lower their stress and help them focus better. The Tesla Model 3 offers a quiet and smooth drive. Its special features, like Autopilot, add comfort and help reduce tiredness from driving.
Also, there are different Tesla models available. For example, the spacious Tesla Model Y meets the different needs of employees. This flexibility and convenience is great for those who want to spend time with family or need extra space for cargo.
Simplified Administrative Processes for Employers
Implementing a novated lease program for employees can be tough for employers. But, working with a good novated lease provider can make things easier and reduce the amount of work involved.
Novated lease providers take care of everything. They handle the paperwork, finance applications, and even ongoing maintenance and reports. This all-in-one service helps employers give a great benefit to employees without the hassle of running the program themselves.
By passing on these tasks, HR teams can focus on important goals like employee engagement and other key duties. This makes the process smoother and better for both the company and the employees.
Attracting Top Talent
In a tough job market, companies need to stand out to get the best talent. Offering a Tesla Model 3 novated lease as part of employee benefits can give a big advantage.
Today, many workers want more than just good pay. They look for perks that match their values and lifestyle. A Tesla novated lease can attract people who care about the environment and those who like new technology. This helps make the company seem modern and appealing.
By showing a strong focus on sustainability and employee happiness, companies can build a better employer brand. This makes it easier to draw in top talent who want a supportive and rewarding workplace.
Conclusion
In conclusion, using corporate perks like Tesla Model 3 Novated Leases can greatly improve benefits for employees. The appeal of Tesla’s green brand, along with the financial gains from pre-tax deductions, makes this option attractive for both bosses and workers. By promoting these creative benefits, companies can retain employees, draw in top talent, and support a better work-life balance. Easy management processes make this easier to put into action, creating a win-win situation for everyone. Choosing novated leasing supports green goals and shows a dedication to employee health and financial strength.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes Tesla Model 3 a Desirable Option for Novated Leasing?
The Tesla Model 3 is a good choice for novated leasing. It has a sleek design and impressive performance. Plus, there may be discounts for electric cars. Good news! All these reasons, along with a good lease agreement, can make it a cheaper and more attractive option for many people.
How Can Businesses in Australia Implement Novated Leases as Employee Benefits?
To easily use novated leases in your Australian business, work with a trusted novated lease provider in Australia. They will handle the details and explain the potential tax benefits. This support can help you offer a great benefit package for your employees and even novate vehicles they already own.
What are the Financial Benefits of Novated Leasing for Employees?
Novated leasing offers many financial perks for your employees. Just think about it: they can pay for lease payments and running costs using pre-tax salary deductions. This means they will pay less tax, helping them save more on GST.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming a common sight on UK roads, with more than 1.2 million registered EVs in the country—up from just 98,000 in 2019 (The Times). But while EVs are praised for their efficiency and sustainability, charging issues remain a major frustration for many drivers.
If you’ve ever pulled up to a charging station only to find that your EV refuses to charge, you’re not alone. Whether it’s a home charger failing to power up, a public charger that keeps disconnecting, or AC CHARGING running at a snail’s pace, these problems are more common than you might think.
Before you call an electrician or assume your charger is broken, it’s worth checking a few key things. In most cases, the fix is simple—something you can sort out yourself. Here’s what you need to know.
1. Check the Basics: Power, Connections & Cables
It sounds obvious, but the simplest problems are often the ones people overlook. If your EV isn’t charging, start by making sure the basics are all in order:
Is the charger plugged in securely? Sometimes, the cable isn’t fully inserted, or the connection is loose. Make sure everything is properly connected before trying anything else.
Has a fuse tripped? If you’re using a home charger, check your fuse box. EV chargers pull a lot of power, and if your circuit breaker trips, the charger won’t work until you reset it.
Are the cables and ports in good condition? Damaged charging cables, dirty connectors, or worn-out plugs can interrupt charging. Look for any visible wear and tear, and if something looks off, try a different cable before assuming the problem is bigger than it is.
A Manchester driver recently had an issue where his charger kept cutting out. He assumed the worst, thinking the entire unit was faulty. Turns out, it was just a frayed charging cable. A quick replacement, and he was back on the road (Cita EV).
2. Software & Compatibility Glitches
Sometimes, the issue isn’t with your charger at all—it’s with the software running your EV or charging unit. Many modern chargers and electric vehicles rely on firmware updates to fix bugs and improve compatibility. If you haven’t updated yours in a while, that could be the reason your car won’t charge properly.
What you can do:
Check for software updates: Log into your EV manufacturer’s app or check your charger’s settings to see if an update is available. Some chargers automatically update, while others need manual intervention.
Try another charging station: If you’re at a public charger and it’s not working, move to another one. Sometimes, certain chargers just don’t play well with specific EV models.
Restart your EV and charger: A simple reset can clear out minor software glitches that cause charging issues. It’s the classic “turn it off and on again” trick, but it works more often than you’d think.
A Birmingham EV owner found that his car was charging painfully slow at home. He updated the charger’s firmware, and suddenly, everything was back to full speed (Cita EV).
3. Temperature Can Make or Break Charging Speeds
One thing many EV owners don’t realise is that weather can seriously impact charging performance. If your car charges fine most of the time but slows down or cuts out occasionally, temperature could be the issue.
In hot weather:
Overheating chargers shut down automatically to prevent damage. If your home charger is in direct sunlight all day, try moving it to a shaded spot.
Some EVs limit charging speeds when the battery gets too hot. If your charging slows down in the summer, this could be why.
In cold weather:
Batteries charge much slower in freezing conditions. Some EVs even refuse to charge if the battery is too cold.
Pre-conditioning (warming up the battery before plugging in) can speed up charging dramatically in winter. If your EV has this feature, use it before charging in cold temperatures.
A London driver found that his charger kept shutting off mid-session during last summer’s heatwave. After moving it to a cooler, shaded area, the issue disappeared (Cita EV).
When to Call a Professional
If you’ve checked everything above and your EV still won’t charge properly, it might be time to bring in an expert. Here’s when you should call for professional help:
You smell burning or see sparks when plugging in – This could indicate a serious electrical fault. Stop using the charger immediately.
Your charger keeps overheating and shutting down – If this happens often, there may be an issue with your home’s wiring or the charger itself.
Your home’s electrical system isn’t up to scratch – If your wiring is old, it may not be able to handle an EV charger’s power demand. A qualified electrician can check this for you.
Final Thoughts
EV charging issues can be frustrating, but most of the time, the fix is easier than you think. Before you start worrying about expensive repairs or faulty equipment, run through the basics:
Check your power supply, cables, and connections Make sure your EV and charger are up to date Consider how temperature might be affecting charging
If none of that solves the problem, then it’s time to bring in a professional. But in most cases, a quick reset, a firmware update, or even just plugging things in properly is enough to get things working again.
No one likes a charging headache, but with a little troubleshooting, you can get back on the road in no time.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (Feb. 5, 2025) – Returning for a third year, the special “Swamp Rat Alley,” featuring historic cars from legendary “Big Daddy” Don Garlits, will again be a featured attraction at the upcoming 56th annual Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals, as the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series opens the 2025 season on March 6-9 at Gainesville Raceway.
The ”Swamp Rat Alley” inside the Hot Rod Junction at the famed Gainesville Raceway has been a popular destination for fans the past two seasons, giving fans a unique chance to check out historic cars driven by Garlits, one of the most iconic drivers in NHRA history. This year, “Swamp Rat Alley” will feature a variety of historic Swamp Rat 1 cars from the 1950s and will be a can’t-miss item during the Gatornationals.
Included in “Swamp Rat Alley” in 2025 will be:
Swamp Rat I Purple Car: This Garlits painted SR-1 purple after watching Mel Heath win the 1956 U.S. Nationals in a purple car. This car went as quick as 10.4-seconds, reaching a top speed of 140 mph.
Swamp Rat 1 – The 176 mph Car: Garlits made a flurry of chassis changes to this car, lowered the front end to make it less wind resistant and also completely modified the fuel delivery system. On the first run in Brookville, Fla, Garlits broke the track record with a run of 165 mph, and then went an incredible 8.79 at 176.40, setting the world record in a pass Garlits called “a shot heard around the world.”
Swamp Rat 1 – First Time Out: This is a recreation of SR-1, as it appeared at the Brooksville, Fla. Airport in 1956, and went 128 mph at 10.3-seconds.
Swamp Rat 1-B: This was built by Garlits in Tampa in 1959. Driven by Art Malone, the car went a record 183.66 on its first run in Sanford, Maine. In 1961, Garlits went 204.54, becoming just the second car in drag racing history to run faster than 200 mph. The car was retired in late 1961 and Garlits and Jim Hunnewell recreated an exact replica in 2004.
The “Swamp Rat Alley” section is one of many incredible items at Gainesville Raceway as part of the 2025 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season kick-off, making this a can’t-miss weekend for any race fan. Leading into the weekend, Garlits and the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame will induct its 2025 class on Thursday, March 6. Among the inductees this year is Charlie Allen, longtime NHRA National Dragster Editor Phil Burgess, Gary Dyer, Jim Head, Jay Howell, Gary Scelzi, Terry Vance, Byron Hines Debbie Bader and Paul Sergi.
The 56th annual Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals promises to be one of the biggest races of the year, delivering 11,000-horsepower, 330-mph racing action, the NHRA’s biggest stars, the Top Fuel All-Star Callout, free parking for fans, pre-race festivities, and a host of events and action on and off the track.
In 2024, Shawn Langdon (Top Fuel), J.R. Todd (Funny Car), Erica Enders (Pro Stock) and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) all won on the hallowed grounds of Gainesville Raceway to open the year. It marked the first double-up victory for Kalitta Motorsports, while six-time world champ Enders won the historic race for the first time. This year’s race will again be broadcast on FS1, including coverage of the Top Fuel All-Star Callout at 9 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 8 and eliminations at 7 p.m. on Sunday.
Brown won the Top Fuel All-Star Callout a year ago, using that momentum to clinch his fourth world title. The standout will look to defend his title in the thrilling one-day bonus race, which adds the unique callout element to the big-money specialty event.
Action in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series will start with two rounds of qualifying on both Friday and Saturday, the Top Fuel All-Star Callout on Saturday and then eliminations on Sunday.
More top names that will be in action in Gainesville include Top Fuel’s Doug Kalitta, Brittany Force, reigning rookie of the year and motorsports legend Tony Stewart, and local native Josh Hart, Funny Car stars Matt Hagan, Ron Capps, Bob Tasca III and Jack Beckman, who will be driving for legendary champion John Force in 2025, Pro Stock’s Aaron Stanfield, Dallas Glenn and Jeg Coughlin Jr., and Pro Stock Motorcycle’s Matt Smith, Jianna Evaristo, Angie Smith, Richard Gadson and Chase Van Sant.
Before the race, fans will again be invited to a special “Gatornationals Kickoff Party and Fanfest” at Josh Hart’s Burnyzz Speedshop in Ocala. In what’s become an exciting pre-event tradition, the event will take place from 6-9 p.m. on Wednesday, March 5. The fun-filled kickoff event will include driver appearances and autographs from 7-8 p.m. at the state-of-the-art facility and much more.
NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series qualifying features two rounds at 2 and 4:30 p.m. ET on Friday, March 7, and the final two qualifying rounds on Saturday, March 8 at 12:30 and 3:10 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. ET on Sunday, March 9.
The first round of the Top Fuel All-Star Callout takes place on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. ET and the semifinals at 3 p.m. The finals are slated for 4:30 p.m.
To purchase tickets to the 2025 Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals, fans can visit www.NHRA.com/tickets. Upgraded experiences in the Gainesville Top Eliminator Club – which features a premium experience and a number of exclusive benefits at one of the biggest races of the season – are also available for purchase. Children 12 and under are free in general admission areas with the purchase of an adult ticket. For more information about the NHRA, visit www.nhra.com.
About Mission Foods
MISSION®, owned by GRUMA, S.A.B. de C.V., is the world’s leading brand for tortillas and wraps. MISSION® is also globally renowned for flatbreads, dips, salsas and Mexican food products. With presence in over 112 countries, MISSION® products are suited to the lifestyles and the local tastes of each country. With innovation and customer needs in mind, MISSION® focuses on the highest quality, authentic flavors, and providing healthy options that families and friends can enjoy together. For more information, please visit https://www.missionfoods.com/
About NHRA
NHRA is the primary sanctioning body for the sport of drag racing in the United States. NHRA presents 20 national events featuring the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series and NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, as well as the Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series, NHRA Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown™, NHRA Holley EFI Factory X and Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage NHRA Mountain Motor Pro Stock 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.
MOORESVILLE, N.C.: Rette Jones Racing confirmed today the signing of second-generation driver Kyle Steckly to a multiyear developmental contract that will keep the Milverton, Ontario, Canada native with the team for the foreseeable future.
Steckly, the son of four-time NASCAR Canada Series champion Scott Steckly, will return to compete in a full season of ASA STARS National Tour competition and a limited ARCA Menards Series schedule.
Last year, Rette Jones Racing added the ASA STARS National Tour to its Motorsports platform, allowing Steckly to shine through the year, including an impressive victory in the RedBud 400 at Anderson (Ind.) Speedway and a runner-up championship finish.
With a year under their belts, the Mooresville, N.C.-based team looks to enhance their on-track performance with multiple victories and a goal of capturing the series championship.
“I am incredibly thankful to Rette Jones Racing,” said Steckly. “Not only have Mark (Rette) and Terry (Jones) allowed me to race in the United States, but they have given me the chance to showcase my ability.
“In a very short time, we have built a special relationship while putting together a competitive and winning Late Model team. I am looking forward to the 2025 season and ready to get back to work at New Smyrna Speedway.”
Auto Parts Centres (APC) | Canusa will again be featured on Steckly’s No. 30 Ford Mustang this year in ASA STARS National Tour competition.
APC Auto Parts Centres | Canusa is a family-owned automotive parts business started in 1981 with over 65 branches stretching across Ontario. APC’s target market is purely trade-based, supplying garages, specialty installers, dealerships, and muffler shops throughout the province.
Auto Parts Centres takes full advantage of the marketing power of motorsports by sponsoring numerous race cars and speedways around the province. APC is the proud title sponsor in the APC Pro Late Model Touring Series that has been recognized as one of Canada’s top series.
“We are so glad to keep Kyle under the Rette Jones Racing for years to come,” added Rette Jones Racing co-owner Mark Rette. “Without a doubt, we believe in his ability as a race car driver, but he fits perfectly with the dynamic of our race team.
“He continues to strive both on and off the track to become a better race car driver, and we look forward to a magnificent season in which we believe he will contend for wins and the championship.”
As part of his contract extension with the Mooresville, N.C., Steckly will participate in a limited ARCA Menards Series schedule this season, which includes next weekend’s Chili’s Ride the ‘Dente 200 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway.
Steckly was one of nearly 80 drivers who attended the open practice session at the 2.5-mile superspeedway for the NASCAR-owned touring division last month to earn his superspeedway license.
“There are no words to describe how excited I am about making my ARCA Menards Series debut next weekend at Daytona,” offered Steckly. “I think for any race car driver, their dream is to race at Daytona, and within a very short time, my dream is becoming a reality thanks to Rette Jones Racing and our excellent partners.
“I am looking forward to a busy week of racing, but I think we realistically will have the opportunity to contend to win both the ASA STARS National Tour and ARCA Menards Series races.”
In addition to back-to-back APC United Late Model Series championships (2023 – 2024), Steckly’s accolades include seven APC United Late Model Series wins, the 2023 Grisdale Triple Crown Champion and Gold Rush 123 winner, along with multiple podium finishes in the NASCAR Canada Series.
For more on Kyle Steckly like him on Facebook (Kyle Steckly Racing) and follow him on Instagram (@kyle_steckly) and X | Twitter (@KyleSteckly).
For more on Rette Jones Racing, please visit RetteJonesRacing.com, like them on Facebook (Rette Jones Racing), or follow them on Instagram (@RetteJones30) and X | Twitter (@RetteJones30).
About Auto Parts Centres (APC) | Canusa:
Auto Parts Centres (APC) | Canusa is a family-owned automotive parts business started in 1981 with over 65 branches stretching across Ontario. APC’s target market is purely trade-based, supplying garages, specialty installers, dealerships, and muffler shops throughout the province.
Auto Parts Centres takes full advantage of the marketing power of motorsports by sponsoring numerous race cars and speedways around the province. APC is the proud title sponsor in the APC Pro Late Model Touring Series that has been recognized as one of Canada’s top series.
About Rette Jones Racing:
Headquartered in Mooresville, North Carolina, Rette Jones Racing (RJR) was founded in 2015 with the intent of building a successful racing operation built around the fundamentals of hard work and a never-give-up attitude.
Owned by racers Terry Jones and Mark Rette, RJR plans to field a full-time entry in 2025 in the ASA STARS National Tour Series while also planning to field vehicles in the ARCA Menards Series platform and NASCAR, respectively.
Rette Jones Racing also offers technical and setup intel as part of its technical alliance partnership program.
18 Trans Am Legends from Past and Present Compose 2025 Inductees
CHARLOTTE (February 5, 2025) — On February 21, 2025, the inaugural class of the Trans Am Hall of Fame will be inducted during a celebratory dinner at Sebring International Raceway, where the series made its debut in 1966. 18 legendary drivers and team owners will be among the first inductees into the Trans Am Hall of Fame, which was announced in November to honor the longest-running professional road racing series in North America.
The Trans Am Series, originally named the Trans-American Sedan Championship, debuted on March 25, 1966 with its inaugural race at Sebring, and has excited audiences for nearly 60 years with its combination of powerful American muscle cars and elite GT cars from around the world.
Members of the new Trans Am Hall of Fame will range from the series’ earliest winners and champions to influential figures who have shaped modern motorsports, as well as groundbreaking competitors still competing in the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli.
“I could not be more thrilled about the inaugural class of the Trans Am Hall of Fame,” said Tony Parella, founder of Parella Motorsports Holdings. “On the night of the induction ceremony, the room is going to be filled with so many of the most influential people in the history of the Trans Am Series and motorsports as a whole. It will be my absolute privilege to honor them for their contributions to the series.”
Below is the inaugural class of the Trans Am Hall of Fame, in alphabetical order:
John Clagett
Former President John Clagett acted as a caretaker for the Trans Am Series for nearly 40 years, beginning his tenure with the series when he served as the Vice President of SCCA Pro Racing from 1984-2000. He was named Executive Director of the series from 2003-2006, at a time that was particularly challenging for road racing in North America. In 2009, he fought alongside Hall of Fame inductee Greg Pickett to bring the series back from dormancy, and was named President of Trans Am Race Company, LLC. Since then, the series has experienced exponential growth in competition, entries and fans under his watch. He secured a landmark title partnership with Pirelli, and sponsorship of the wildly successful TA2 class with the CUBE 3 Architecture TA2 Series.
Wally Dallenbach Jr.
Known for his exceptional driving skills and charismatic personality, Wally Dallenbach Jr. made an impression in his debut season, earning the 1984 Rookie of the Year honors. Impressing legendary team owner (and fellow Hall of Fame inductee) Jack Roush and the Ford Motor Company, Dallenbach Jr. was brought into the Roush Mercury stable in 1985, where he captured five victories and the championship, edging teammate Willy T. Ribbs. At 22 years old, he became what was then the youngest-ever Trans Am champion. He followed that up with another title the following season, winning the championship by a huge margin while racing a Chevrolet Camaro. Dallenbach Jr. would go on to excel in the GT categories in IMSA, winning the Daytona 24 Hours in 1985, 1991, 1992 and 1993, and the Sebring 12 Hours in 1985, 1988 and 1989. He continues to race in the Trans Am Series today.
Mark Donahue (Inducted Posthumously)
Mark Donahue was the driver to beat in Trans Am for four seasons, although the record books don’t fully represent Donahue’s greatness as the series only awarded manufacturer championships until 1972. Beginning his career in the series in 1967 driving for fellow inductee Roger Penske, he scored three victories that year. The following season he amassed 10 wins, including a victory in the Trans Am class in the 12 Hours of Sebring alongside Craig Fisher, securing Penske and Chevrolet the 1968 title. Chevrolet took the championship again on the strength of Donohue’s six victories in 1969. Earning three victories in 1970, Donohue brought Penske and new manufacturer AMC the championship in 1971 with seven wins. His record of 29 victories wouldn’t be broken for more than 30 years, and applying the points retrospectively, he would have taken the driver’s championship three times in four seasons.
Chris Dyson
The son of sports car racer and team owner Rob Dyson, three-time Trans Am TA class champion Chris Dyson has enjoyed more than two decades of success in road course racing. Dyson began his career in the American Le Mans Series in 2001, where he earned two titles. The talented and passionate driver made forays into sprint car racing and NASCAR, but found his home in the Trans Am Series in 2018. Dyson finished top three in the points in his first three seasons of TA competition, and finally earned the coveted championship in 2021. He began a dynasty in the class, winning titles again in both 2022 and 2023. Dyson currently sits fourth on the all-time TA win list with 26 National Championship victories, and continues to race today in pursuit of wins and his fourth championship.
Ron Fellows
A 20-time winner in the Trans Am Series, Ron Fellows is often considered the greatest Trans Am driver to never win a championship. His first victory appropriately came at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park in 1989 while driving for fellow Hall of Famer Jack Roush. With three victories in 1992, Fellows finished second in points, and he was a runner up again in 1994 after four wins. He earned his third-consecutive second-place finish in the points in 1995 with five victories, and fell short of the title again in 1996 despite four wins. Following his Trans Am career, Fellows went on to race in sports cars, earning class wins at Le Mans, Sebring and Daytona, while also capturing an American Le Mans Series championship. The Ontario, Canada native is also beloved for saving the track where he scored his first Trans Am victory, then known as Mosport.
George Follmer
Renowned for his versatility, George Follmer is the only driver in history to win both the Trans Am and Can-Am championships in the same year. Follmer began his career racing for Bud Moore from 1969-1971, earning four victories. In 1972, he took the checkered flag four times, earning the series’ first-ever driver championship in the Over 2.5-Liter class, while scoring AMC its second-consecutive manufacturers’ title. That same season, he filled in for an injured Mark Donohue in Penske Racing’s Can-Am program, scoring five wins and the title. Follmer went on to race in Formula 1, Can-Am and NASCAR before returning to Trans Am, capturing his second championship in 1976.
Ernie Francis Jr.
A prodigious talent, Ernie Francis Jr. won his first Trans Am GT class championship in 2014 at the age of 16, making him the youngest Trans Am champion at the time. He went on to win the GT title two more times and become the winningest driver in the class with 23 victories. In 2017, he moved into the TA class, winning the title four years in a row, and capturing wins in 24 points-paying races. At just 22 years old, Francis Jr.’s name was already in the Trans Am record books, holding the most combined National Championship wins and being the first driver to claim four-consecutive Trans Am TA class titles. Francis Jr. has since gone on to race in INDYNXT. At just 27 years old, Francis Jr. could continue to break records for years to come.
Paul Gentilozzi
Paul Gentilozzi has been a powerful force in the Trans Am Series as both a driver and a team owner. First joining the Trans Am Series in 1987, he earned his first victory in 1988. A constant presence on the racetrack, it wasn’t until 1998 that Gentilozzi really hit his stride, tallying seven wins and his first Trans Am title. He backed it up the following season, winning the championship on the strength of six victories. In 2001, he won the title after piloting to Victory Lane eight times, and repeated the feat again in 2004. His fifth and final title was earned in 2006, and he holds the record of the winningest driver in Trans Am’s TA class with 31 victories. His team, 3GT Racing (formerly Rocketsports Racing), has remained a constant contender for wins and titles since Gentilozzi stepped back as a driver, and most recently captured the TA championship with Paul Menard behind the wheel. His contributions to Trans Am racing extend beyond the track, as he played a pivotal role in promoting and developing the series, ensuring its continued growth and success. Gentilozzi’s legacy in Trans Am is characterized by his dedication, passion, and unwavering pursuit of excellence.
Dan Gurney (Inducted Posthumously)
Dan Gurney was a legendary figure in the world of motorsports, renowned for his versatility and innovation both on and off the track. His illustrious career spanned various racing disciplines, including Formula 1, INDYCAR, NASCAR, sports car racing, and of course, Trans Am. Gurney is perhaps best known for his pioneering efforts in designing and constructing racecars, founding All American Racers and introducing the Gurney flap, an aerodynamic device that revolutionized racing car design. Gurney scored a Trans Am victory driving Bud Moore’s Mercury Cougar at Green Valley Raceway in 1967.
Parnelli Jones (Inducted Posthumously)
1963 Indianapolis 500 winner Parnelli Jones entered the Trans Am Series near the end of his illustrious racing career, which included numerous wins in NASCAR, USAC Stock Cars, ARCA and what is now INDYCAR. Driving in the Trans Am Series from 1967 until 1971, Jones scored seven wins in only 29 races in the series. His best seasons were behind the wheel of Bud Moore Engineering’s Ford Mustang, scoring two victories in 1969, and five wins in 1970, which allowed Ford to capture the manufacturers’ crown.
Tommy Kendall
After winning three-consecutive IMSA GT championships, Tommy Kendall was recruited by Chevrolet to market the Baretta in the Trans Am Series. With six victories in 1990, Kendall scored his first of four titles in the series. His next three championships were scored consecutively in 1995, 1996 and 1997, in the latter of which he scored a stunning 11-consecutive victories. Kendall ended his career with a total of 28 wins, putting him third on the all-time win list for the TA class.
Roger Penske
While the name Roger Penske may make many think of the team owner’s success in NASCAR or INDYCAR, he once found great success in the Trans Am Series with his team, then known as Penske Racing. In 1967, the organization earned its first-ever major race win in the new Chevrolet Camaro with Hall of Famer Mark Donohue behind the wheel at Marlboro Motor Raceway. The team would earn two more victories that season, and followed that up with 10 wins in 1968 to earn Chevrolet the manufacturers’ championship. Chevy earned the title again the following year on the strength of six wins from Donohue and two from Ronnie Bucknum. Penske made the switch to the AMC Javelin in 1970 after being recruited by the manufacturer, and by just the fifth event in the new marque, Donohue was in Victory Lane. In 1971, the title went to AMC, with Donohue racking up seven victories for Roger Penske.
Greg Pickett
Between the Trans Am National Championship and Western Championship, Greg Pickett has won a race in each of the last six decades. Earning his first victory in a Chevrolet Corvette in the 1978 season opener at Sonoma Raceway, Pickett went on to earn three more wins that year, taking the Category II title. He continued to race in the National Championship until 2020, racking up 17 victories in the 1970s, 1980s, 1990s and 2000s. In 2017, he joined the Western Championship and resumed his winning streak, to date capturing 13 victories in the 2010s and 2020s, as well as TA championships in 2017 and 2020. Pickett currently sits third on the all-time race start chart, racing in his 200th event last season.
Scott Pruett
Scott Pruett has found success in a variety of sports car, stock car and open wheel series, winning in some of the world’s most prestigious events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Rolex 24 at Daytona. For the remarkably determined and diversely skilled driver, the Trans Am Series was no exception, recording 22 wins and three championships in three different decades. Pruett won his first title in 1987, piloting a Merkur XR4Ti to seven wins. He earned his second Trans Am title in 1994 with three victories, but it would be nearly a decade later when he would win his third championship in his career-best season while driving Paul Gentilozzi’s Jaguar XKR to eight wins.
Willy T. Ribbs
One of the most versatile and groundbreaking drivers of his era, Willy T. Ribbs started his career in Trans Am with a bang, winning five races and finishing second in the point standings while driving a DeAtley Chevrolet Camaro. In 1984, he joined fellow Hall of Famer Jack Roush’s super team, piloting his Mercury Capri to four wins. His best season came in 1985, when he won seven points-paying races and earned one win in the Pacesetter Challenge at Sonoma Raceway, but fell just short of the title. Ribbs raced part time in the series until 1992, then returned for a final season in the series in 2000. In total, he tallied 17 points-paying victories over the course of his career. Outside of Trans Am, Ribbs is known for being the first African American to test a Formula 1 car and to compete in the Indianapolis 500.
Jack Roush
After forming Jack Roush Performance Engineering and providing parts and engines for dragsters, oval-track racers and Hillclimb cars, Jack Roush answered the call from Ford Motor Company to bring his talents to the Trans Am Series. Ford’s brands went from being winless in 1983 to the Roush Racing Protofab Mercury Capris winning 11 times in 1984 with drivers Tom Gloy and fellow inductees Greg Pickett and Willy T. Ribbs, while also taking the top-three spots in the standings and giving Mercury the manufacturers’ crown. The following season, Hall of Famer Wally Dallenbach Jr. and Ribbs tallied 12 victories, and in 1986, Roush’s Mercury Capri and Merkur XR4Ti won the manufacturers’ title. Fellow inductee Scott Pruett won the driver championship and manufacturers’ title for Roush in 1987, and Dorsey Schroeder won the 1989 championship in a Roush Ford Mustang. Roush sent Ford to the manufacturers’ title in 1994, 1996 and 1997, while Tommy Kendall won the driver championship with Roush in 1995, 1996 and 1997.
Amy Ruman
Amy Ruman is a groundbreaker in the Trans Am Series, becoming the first woman to win a Trans Am race and the first woman to win a Trans Am Championship. The daughter of Trans Am racer Bob Ruman, Ruman broke the glass ceiling with her first victory in the series at Road Atlanta in 2011. Embarking on her first full-time season in 2012, she finished second in points on the strength of two victories. She finished fourth and third in the points the following two years, before experiencing an absolute breakout season in 2015, driving to Victory Lane in eight of 12 races and earning her first TA crown. She did it once again the following year, earning three victories to score back-to-back championships. Ruman continues to race in the Trans Am Series today, and has finished in the top five in points for the last 15 seasons.
Bob Tullius
Quite literally one of the first winners in Trans Am history, Bob Tullius drove to victory in the Trans Am Series’ inaugural event, winning the Over 2-Liter class alongside teammate Tony Adamowicz in a four-hour event at Sebring International Raceway. The same duo won again in a 12 Hour event at Marlboro Motor Raceway, and Tullius then drove to victory in the 1967 season opener at Daytona International Speedway. Tullius is perhaps best remembered as one of America’s finest representatives of British cars. In 1977, he scored six wins in the Jaguar XJ-S to win the TA championship, and went back to back to win the championship in 1978 with seven victories. The following year, he won three events in the Triumph TR9, and the last of his 21 victories came in 1981.
The Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli will kick off the 2025 season with the Sebring SpeedTour at Sebring International Raceway, February 20-23. The series will be joined by Historic Trans Am, which also competes that weekend with iconic and significant vehicles from the series’ history, many of which were driven or owned by members of the inaugural class.
MAYSVILLE, Ga. (Feb. 5, 2025) – Zack Mitchell and Coltman Farms Racing are set to embark upon an ambitious 2025 season that includes a championship pursuit and several marquee events.
Mitchell, who joined Coltman Farms Racing late in the 2024 season, will chase the Hunt the Front Super Dirt Series championship in addition to competing in several regional and national events.
“We’re planning on doing a lot of racing this year,” said Mitchell. “We’re focused on the Hunt the Front championship this year, but we’re going to go the extra mile and compete in as many big events as we can. We’re also going to hit several of the big national events when our schedule allows for it.
“The entire Coltman Farms Racing team is excited to hit the ground running this year. Our goal is to win a championship and as many races as we can.”
Mitchell contested the full Hunt the Front schedule in 2024, winning three times and finishing the year ranked fourth in the standings. Two of his three wins came late in the year after joining Coltman Farms Racing, a sign that bigger things could be in store for 2025.
“Zack exhibits all the characteristics of a what we want in a hero and driver on and off the track,” said Coltman Farms Racing owner Brett Coltman. “Although we are focused on winning the Hunt the Front championship, we are also equally focused on competing in national races and Crown Jewels. I feel Zack and our team can be competitive at any track in the country.”
Mitchell and Coltman Farms Racing will kick off their busy season this week at Georgia’s Screven Motor Speedway during Winter Freeze XV before heading to Florida to join teammate Tanner English to compete in the World of Outlaws Late Model Series events during the DIRTcar Nationals at Florida’s Volusia Speedway Park.
The team also plans to compete in several Southern Nationals Series events and all the major events at Ohio’s Eldora Speedway. The opening race of the Hunt the Front Super Dirt Series season is scheduled for March 8 at Tennessee’s I-75 Raceway.
“I’ve never been part of a team like Coltman Farms Racing,” said Mitchell, who recently became a father for the first time. “Brett Coltman has built his race team like a family. I’m thrilled to drive for him and I’m excited to go chase a championship and score some wins for this team.
“I think the possibilities are endless. We showed a lot of speed at the end of the year and we have worked hard during the off season to make sure we carry the same momentum into 2025.”
About Coltman Farms Racing
Coltman Farms Racing is a dirt Super Late Model team owned by Brett Coltman that operates house cars for drivers Tanner English and Zack Mitchell. He also sponsors several drivers, including Ricky Thornton Jr., Brandon Overton, Max Blair, Carson Ferguson, Payton Freeman, Sam Seawright, Benji Hicks and Donald McIntosh, among others. Coltman Farms Racing is also heavily involved in grassroots racing, serving as the title and presenting sponsor of several regional and national touring series as well as many of motorsports broadcasts.
About McCallister Precision Marketing
McCallister Precision Marketing (MPM) focuses on assisting up-and-coming race car drivers with career advancement and promotion. McCallister Precision Marketing helps drivers build confidence in front of and behind the camera, giving them the tools they need to advance to the next level. The company also provides companies with a strategic plan for their sales, marketing and promotional needs. We believe in building positive relationships with our clients so that we may provide them with the most professional, yet personal guidance they need, in order to achieve their racing goals. Our clients include race car drivers, race team owners, companies and racing series’. We also work closely with charities and charity events. For more information on McCallister Precision Marketing, visit www.MarketWithMPM.com.
GLYNDON, Minn. (Feb. 5, 2025) – NHRA officials are pleased to announce that Interstate Raceway is back with the NHRA Member Track Network as part of the NHRA’s West Central Division (Division 5).
Located in Glyndon, Minn., just east of Fargo, N.D., the longtime raceway is under new ownership, as the Rolie Racing Team – a group that includes Kyle and Chuck Rolie – have purchased the facility, starting an exciting new chapter in the track’s history, one that spans more than six decades. In a short time, the Rolie family has been hard at work to bring the track back to life and is set for an exciting 2025 season.
The addition of Interstate Raceway also marks the seventh track to join the NHRA Member Track Network this off-season, adding to the more than 100 NHRA member tracks.
“We are pleased to announce the first and oldest drag strip in the state of Minnesota is being officially reopened under the new race management of Rolie Racing,” Interstate Raceway operator Kyle Rolie said. “The NHRA has been a tremendous help in teaching these green horns the rope. We have been absorbing everything there is to know about drag racing and we look forward to taking on this great responsibility and opportunity head on, especially with the incredible support of my newfound team.”
Interstate Raceway will be eligible to offer racers in the area a variety of NHRA-sanctioned racing opportunities in the future, including the NHRA Summit Racing Series, the NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League, NHRA Street Legal, NHRA Jr. Street and more. Additionally, the track will have the chance to host NHRA specialty events like the NHRA Summit King of the Track and more.
The Rolie family, which has a long history in drag racing, is determined on returning Interstate Raceway to a standout facility in the local racing community, partnering with NHRA to grow the grassroots racing community in the area. By rejoining NHRA’s Division 5 also gives racers another track to compete at in the growing West Central Division.
“We are very excited to bring NHRA Drag Racing back to the Fargo area after a two-year hiatus,” NHRA West Central Division Director Nick Duty said. “Interstate Raceway has been a staple of that community for more than 60 years and I think Kyle, Chuck and the entire Rolie Racing Team are going to do a great job taking the reins of the historic facility. I can’t wait to see what they are able to do in 2025 and beyond.”
For more information about Interstate Raceway, please visit https://interstateraceway.com. For more information on NHRA, including the 2025 schedule, visit www.NHRA.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 Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series, NHRA Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown™, NHRA Holley EFI Factory X and Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage NHRA Mountain Motor Pro Stock 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.
25-Year-Old Racer To Drive No. 71 Chevrolet in 125-Lap ‘Icebreaker’ Saturday at Florence Motor Speedway Ahead of Full zMAX CARS Tour Schedule
MOORESVILLE, N.C. (Feb. 5, 2025) – Aaron Donnelly embarks on his most aggressive racing season yet when he climbs behind the wheel of the No. 71 Chevrolet for Hettinger Racing this Saturday at Florence Motor Speedway in Timmonsville, South Carolina.
The 25-year-old from Stafford, Virginia, is getting an early start on a robust year of Late Model racing beginning with The Icebreaker, a 125-lap race around the historic .4-mile Florence oval that will be streamed live on Ultra Broadcasting.
Donnelly will run the full zMAX CARS Tour schedule with Hettinger Racing, and The Icebreaker serves as a tune-up for his season-long run in the CARS Tour Late Model Stock division.
“I’m definitely ready to get back in a racecar and I’m really looking forward to this year with Hettinger Racing,” said Donnelly, a Late Model regular at South Boston (Va.) Speedway. “Our last race together was the Thanksgiving Classic in December at Southern National. We had a decent run, started 16th and finished top-10. We had good communication and I want to build on that this weekend at Florence so we’re where we need to be when the CARS Tour season starts.”
Hettinger Racing is no stranger to the Late Model ranks. It is owned by second-generation racer Chris Hettinger, a longtime and winning Late Model team owner from Dryden, Michigan. Hettinger began his racing career in the driver’s seat, winning in Midgets and Late Models before becoming a fulltime team owner.
Under one roof, Hettinger Racing provides three crucial steps on the racing ladder, and it begins with the CARS Tour. From there, drivers can advance to the ARCA Menards Series and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, all with Hettinger Racing.
“Late Model racing is extremely competitive. Teams come prepared with good equipment, drivers are aggressive, and the fields are deep. The Icebreaker at Florence will give everyone a good taste of that. The CARS Tour opener is in three weeks, so the season is coming up fast. We want to be ready,” Hettinger said.
The 15-race CARS Tour schedule begins March 1 at New River All American Speedway in Jacksonville, North Carolina. It, along with other high-profile Late Model races, specifically the June 28 Thunder Road Harley-Davidson 200 at South Boston Speedway, the July 19 Hampton Heat at Larry King Law’s Langley Speedway in Hampton, Virginia, the Sept. 27 ValleyStar Credit Union 300 at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway, and the Nov. 22 South Carolina 400 at Florence, are all on the docket for Donnelly and Hettinger Racing.
“Aaron has raced with us a couple of times before, but this year marks our first full season together,” Hettinger said. “He’s got a lot of talent and we’re all looking forward to seeing what we can accomplish this year. His feedback in the races we ran with him last year was really good, and to be able to have that all season long will allow us to get better each and every race.”
The CARS Tour is widely considered the nation’s premier Late Model touring series. The experience garnered on the short tracks of the CARS Tour allows drivers to make the next jump to ARCA, where they tackle superspeedways, road courses and dirt tracks in stock cars that once raced in the NASCAR Cup Series. That background serves as preparation for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, which features a stock car chassis with a pickup truck body. It is NASCAR’s third-highest division, behind only the NASCAR Xfinity Series and the NASCAR Cup Series. Every current NASCAR Cup Series driver has matriculated through the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.
“Our goal is to take the success that a driver achieves with us on the CARS Tour and replicate it as they move up to ARCA and Trucks,” Hettinger said. “By having one culture across three series, we provide familiarity and consistency. It helps drivers flatten the learning curve so they can focus on their race craft and, ultimately, win.”
Practice for The Icebreaker begins at 10 a.m. EST on Saturday with qualifying getting underway at 12:30 p.m. Florence’s full slate of feature racing begins at 2:30 p.m., headlined by Late Model Stock class.
