Home Blog Page 77

LEGACY MOTOR CLUB: COTA RACE PREVIEW

By
Official Release
-

LEGACY MOTOR CLUB:
COTA PRE-RACE ADVANCE
EVENT: Circuit of the America’s Grand Prix

DATE: March 1, 2026
RACE: NASCAR Cup Series 3 of 36
TRACK: Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas | 2.4-Mile, 17-Turn Road Course

CLUB MINUTES:

HISTORY OF COTA: Circuit of the Americas (COTA) opened its gates in October 2012 as the first in the United States to be purpose-built for Formula One (F1). It held its first F1 Grand Prix in 2012 and continued to hold an annual race until 2019. After a short hiatus, COTA not only welcomed back F1 but also ushered in a NASCAR race in 2021. Now run on two different track layouts, the F1 Grand Prix circuit is a 3.426-mile, 20-turn layout whereas the NASCAR layout switch to the 2.4-mile, 17-turn layout. 2026 marks NASCAR’s sixth trip to the track which has seen exciting races throughout the years. COTA has welcomed other motorsports as well throughout the years with MotoGP and INDYCAR.

JJ AT COTA: LEGACY MOTOR CLUB owner and seven-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion Jimmie Johnson has made one start at Circuit of the Americas in the No. 84 car in March 2023. Johnson started 31st but was collected in a multi-car wreck on Lap 1. Despite the team’s best efforts to repair the car, Johnson was unable to continue and retired from the race, finishing 38th.

JJ ON ROAD COURSES: Johnson has a total of 41 Cup Series starts on road courses. Through those he earned one win, one pole, nine top-fives, and 20 top-10s in addition to 161 laps led. He earned his road course victory in his home state of California at Sonoma Raceway in June 2010. Johnson started second, led 55 laps, and bested Robby Gordon by 3.105 seconds.

KENSETH ON ROAD COURSES: LEGACY MOTOR CLUB Competition Advisor and 2003 NASCAR Cup Series Champion Matt Kenseth owns 39 Cup Series starts on road courses in his career. In total he earned two top-fives, nine top-10s, and led a handful of laps. He earned his best finish of second in August 2017 at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International after starting 15th. He finished just .414 of a second behind race winner Martin Truex Jr.

HONORARY CREW CHIEF AT ST. PETE: Before heading to Sunday’s race at COTA, Johnson will head to Grand Prix of St. Petersburg in Florida to support four-time INDYCAR Champion and longtime friend Dario Franchitti, as he enters Saturday’s NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race. Johnson will serve as the “Honorary Crew Chief” alongside Jerame Donley as Franchitti pilots the No. 1 Dollar Tree Toyota Tundra TRD Pro for Tricon Garage. Franchitti was an integral part of Johnson’s two-year INDYCAR stint at Chip Ganassi Racing serving as a mentor and driver coach for the NASCAR Cup champion. This will mark Franchitti’s first time competing since October 2013.

JOHN HUNTER NEMECHEK
NO. 42 PYE-BARKER FIRE & SAFETY TOYOTA CAMRY XSE
JHN AT COTA: Sunday’s race marks John Hunter Nemechek ‘s third NASCAR Cup Series start at COTA, where he’s earned a best finish of 21st in the No. 42 Toyota Camry XSE in March 2024. In the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, Nemechek has made two starts and earned a third-place finish in March 2024. In the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, Nemechek secured a runner-up finish in March 2022.

T-MACK AT COTA: Crew chief Travis Mack’s will make his sixth NASCAR Cup Series start on top of the box at COTA this Sunday. While working with Daniel Suárez, the duo secured strong qualifying results, earning two top-five starting positions—2nd in 2022 and 5th in 2023.

BBQ TASTING: While in Austin, Nemechek and Mack will stop by the iconic Terry Black’s BBQ to get a true taste of Texas. Fans can follow along on social media to watch their experience touring the pits and enjoying a generous spread.

PYE-BARKER IS BACK: Pye-Barker Fire and Safety returns to the No. 42 Toyota Camry XSE for the first of 17 races this season, bringing a bold new look to the track. The car will sport a freshly designed white, green, and blue paint scheme, highlighted by flames that sweep along the side, reflecting the brand’s focus as the nation’s largest fully integrated, full-service provider of fire protection, life safety, and security services.

JOHN HUNTER NEMECHEK QUOTE:
“I’ve been working really hard on my road course skills over the off-season, so I’m looking forward to putting what I’ve learned to the test this weekend at COTA. I’ve had good results in the Truck Series and O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, but the Cup car has been a challenge for me. We’ve put a lot of effort into improving our road course program over the past couple of months, so I’m excited to see these improvements come to life.”

TRAVIS MACK QUOTE:
“We’ve been working really hard the past couple of weeks to capitalize on some changes we made during the off-season to improve our road course program. John Hunter has also been doing a lot of driver training to get ready to go road course racing. With the new points system, it’s going to be really interesting to try to collect stage points and win the race. To collect stage points, you’ll probably sacrifice the race win, so maximizing our points for the day will be really important. It’s going to definitely be a balancing act between collecting points and going for the win.”

ERIK JONES
NO. 43 DOLLAR TREE TOYOTA CAMRY XSE
JONES AT COTA: Sunday’s race at COTA will mark Erik Jones’ sixth NASCAR Cup Series start at the road course. He earned his best finish at the track in March 2022 when he started 30th and finished an impressive ninth, his only top-10 at COTA. Finishing every race on the lead lap, Jones has completed 100% of the attempted laps at COTA in his career.

JONES HISTORY ON ROAD COURSES: In the NASCAR Cup Series, Jones has a total of 37 starts on road courses. These amounted in three top-fives and nine top-10s. His best finish of third came on the Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway Roval in October 2020. Jones owns an additional five starts on road courses in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series where he has a best finish of sixth earned in August 2016 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington. He has two more starts in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series where he won at the Canadian Tire Motorsports Park in August 2015 and finished third the year prior.

DOLLAR TREE VENDOR SPOTLIGHT: Dollar Tree will serve as the primary partner this weekend on the No. 43 Toyota Camry XSE, driven by Erik Jones, at COTA. The bold green and white Dollar Tree scheme will hit the track alongside support from vendor partner Coca-Cola showcasing a strong collaboration for the race weekend across LEGACY MC’s social platforms.

ALEXANDER AT COTA: Crew chief Justin Alexander has been on top of the box for two NASCAR Cup Series races at COTA in May 2021 and March 2022, both with Austin Dillon and the No. 3 team. Alexander and his team finished 12th and 10th respectively at the tricky road course. He’s hoping to carry that success over to the No. 43 team at LEGACY MOTOR CLUB.

ERIK JONES QUOTE
“This weekend’s race at COTA will be a good test to see just where our road course program is at for the start of the 2026 season. It’s something LEGACY MOTOR CLUB as a group has been working on with over the last few years with the NextGen car. We’ve been trying to hit on something to get better. I’m looking forward to getting there and seeing where we stack up with some of the stuff we’ve changed, we’re trying some different options from the past. I think the short course at COTA is a little bit better for the NASCAR Cup Series and how we race. I’m looking forward to going back and seeing where we can end up.”

JUSTIN ALEXANDER QUOTE
“Road courses were definitely a place where LEGACY MOTOR CLUB could improve last year, and COTA was no exception. We’ve been putting a bigger emphasis on our road course program this offseason, spending more time in the sim, really digging into what we need. We’re not going to fix everything overnight, but we want to show improvement this weekend and keep building from there.”

CLUB APPEARANCES:
John Hunter Nemechek will sign autographs at the trackside merch hauler for fans on Sunday, March 1 at 10:00 a.m. local time.

TUNE IN:
Fans can tune in to watch the Circuit of the Americas Grand Prix in Austin, Texas on Sunday, March 1 at 3:30 p.m. EST on FOX, MAX, PRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Channel 90).

LEGACY MOTOR CLUB is a premier auto racing organization owned by seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and 2024 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee, Jimmie Johnson and Knighthead Capital Management, LLC. Drawing from a rich tradition of success, LEGACY MC is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of motorsport and setting new standards of excellence. The CLUB competes under the Toyota Racing banner in the NASCAR Cup Series with the No. 43 Toyota Camry XSE piloted by Erik Jones and the No. 42 Toyota Camry XSE driven by John Hunter Nemechek. Johnson also races on a limited basis in the No. 84 Toyota Camry XSE. With NASCAR legend and Hall of Famer Richard Petty, “The King”, serving as CLUB Ambassador, LEGACY MC blends timeless racing traditions with a new forward-thinking vision. As an inclusive community for motorsport enthusiasts, LEGACY MC honors both its storied past and the promising future of its members, always striving for victory and championship glory at the pinnacle of NASCAR competition.

DuraMAX Texas Grand Prix Powered by RelaDyne ‘Fast Five’ Storylines: Reddick’s Historic Bid Headlines NASCAR’s Return to COTA

By
Official Release
-
Tyler Reddick of 23XI Racing celebrates with his team and son, Beau, after winning Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at EchoPark Speedway outside of Atlanta, Ga. Photo credit: Sean Gardner/Getty Images.
  • 23XI Racing’s Tyler Reddick aims to become the first driver in NASCAR history to win the opening three Cup Series races of a season.
  • Trackhouse Racing’s Shane van Gisbergen arrives on a five-race winning streak in Cup Series road and street course races.

AUSTIN, Texas (Feb. 24, 2026) – A fresh NASCAR Cup Series season always brings renewed promise and hope for the field, but the visit to Circuit of The Americas for Sunday’s DuraMAX Texas Grand Prix Powered by RelaDyne also brings a few familiar road-racing favorites into focus.

The sixth running of the NASCAR at COTA event – and second on the 17-turn, 2.4-mile National Course layout – will be just the third race of the young season and first road/street course event of 2026. Trackhouse Racing’s Shane van Gisbergen will lead a contingent of road-course talents eager to capitalize early, with the next race of this discipline not arriving until early May.

The Cup Series drivers open their weekend Saturday with practice from 9-10 a.m. CT, immediately followed by qualifying beginning at 10:10 a.m. The weekend culminates with the 95-lap, 228-mile DuraMAX Texas Grand Prix Powered by RelaDyne beginning at 2:30 p.m. (TV: FOX, HBO Max; Radio: PRN, SiriusXM).

Here’s the “Fast Five” storylines leading into the DuraMAX Texas Grand Prix Powered by RelaDyne weekend:

1) Tyler Reddick will be chasing NASCAR history in Sunday’s DuraMAX Texas Grand Prix Powered by RelaDyne and the 23XI Racing driver could not of handpicked a much more ideal venue than Circuit of The Americas.

Reddick followed up a season-opening Daytona 500 victory with a win in Sunday’s Cup Series race at EchoPark Speedway to become the sixth driver in NASCAR history – and first since Matt Kenseth in 2009 – to capture the first two races of the season.

Now Reddick is looking to become the only driver to ever win the first three and those pre-race odds may have increased significantly given his success at COTA. He has finished among the top five in his last four visits, including a 2023 win, and has not finished outside the top 10 in five career starts. His average finish of 4.6 ranks first among all drivers.

Reddick also has been an exceptional qualifier, placing among the top four in all five starts. His first career Cup Series pole came at COTA in 2021 with Richard Childress Racing and added another last year. Reddick’s average starting position of 2.2 also ranks first among drivers. Last season after winning the pole, Reddick led nine laps en route to a third-place finish.

Reddick, the series points leader, would like to etch his name in the NASCAR history books, but not at the expense of a strong points day.

“I mean, am I going to throw away a second place to do that? Probably not,” Reddick said. “But certainly if at any point during this week I’m running out of reasons to be motivated to go win, I’ll keep that in my back pocket, for sure. You know, it’s cool to be able – or have the opportunity to potentially do things like that, but for me, with where this season started and what I need to do as a driver, it’s all about just doing everything I can and showing up every week being as prepared as I can. So, yeah, I’ll try and make that a reality.”

2) NASCAR at COTA was the lone blemish among the six Cup Series road/street races last season where Shane van Gisbergen of Trackhouse Racing did not find himself in Victory Lane. In his second start at COTA and first with Trackhouse, van Gisbergen put in a solid effort, qualifying sixth, leading 23 laps and finishing sixth.

SVG then reeled off five consecutive road/street course victories. He won from the pole at Mexico City, the Chicago Street Race and Sonoma Raceway and followed with victories at Watkins Glen and the Charlotte ROVAL after starting second.

Van Gisbergen has enjoyed incredible success on this track discipline ever since he won at Chicago in 2023 in his first career Cup Series start. In 12 road/street race starts, he owns six wins, seven top-five finishes, 10 top-10 efforts and 342 laps led. His first NASCAR at COTA start came in 2024, when he started 12th and finished 20th driving for Kaulig Racing.

3) Trackhouse Racing strengthened its stout road-course driver lineup with the elevation of 2025 O’Reilly Auto Parts Series championship runner-up Connor Zilisch to the Cup Series.

The 19-year-old North Carolinian recorded 10 wins last season with half of those coming on permanent road courses. His first 2025 win came from the pole at COTA in the Focused Health 250. He followed with road-course wins at Sonoma, Watkins Glen, Portland and the Charlotte ROVAL.

His career winning percentage on permanent road courses in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series is a staggering .857 (six wins in seven starts), dating to 2024 when he won at Watkins Glen. His only miss last season was at Mexico City, where he won the pole, led 17 laps and finished fifth. He also has six poles in those seven starts.

COTA also served as the site of his Cup Series debut last season, where he qualified 14th and finishing 37th after a mid-race accident.

4) The three leading active NASCAR Cup Series drivers in road-course wins – Chase Elliott (7) and Kyle Larson (6) of Hendrick Motorsports, along with van Gisbergen (6) – have combined for just one victory at COTA.

That victory came courtesy of Elliott in the inaugural 2021 race, and he has enjoyed the most success among the trio. He also has a pair of fourth-place finishes (2022, ’25) in his four starts, having missed the 2023 race due to his snowboarding injury. Elliott needs one more road/street course win to tie Tony Stewart for second all-time at eight while Jeff Gordon remains the career leader at nine.

Larson had immediate success at NASCAR at COTA with a runner-up finish in 2021, but has not finished better than 14th in his last four visits. Van Gisbergen’s NASCAR at COTA debut in 2024 resulted in a 20th-place finish, but he rebounded last season as he led 23 laps en route to a sixth-place finish.

5) RFK Racing’s Brad Keselowski, who has not missed a race dating to his first fulltime Cup Series season in 2010, has some uncertainty surrounding his status for the DuraMAX Texas Grand Prix Powered by RelaDyne.

Coming off a broken right femur suffered during a fall on ice during a family vacation in December, Keselowski has competed in the first two races of the season, but the physicality of road-course racing may be a bit too rigorous at this stage of his recovery.

If Keselowski is unable to compete, road-racing specialist Joey Hand is expected to take over the No. 6 Ford. Hand, a two-time winner at both the Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona and 12 Hours of Sebring, has made eight career Cup Series starts. His best performance came last season driving the No. 60 part-time entry for RFK Racing at the Chicago Street Race, where he finished fourth after starting 38th.

Another potential scenario could have Keselowski starting the race and relinquishing the car to Hand. That would allow Keselowski to be credited with all race points earned by the reserve driver’s finish.

Follow Us:
Keep track of all things NASCAR at COTA by following on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@NASCARatCOTA). Keep up with all the latest information on the NASCAR at COTA website and mobile app.

SUBURBAN PROPANE IGNITES ENTITLEMENT FOR BRISTOL MOTOR SPEEDWAY’S SPRING NASCAR O’REILLY AUTO PARTS SERIES RACE

By
Official Release
-

BRISTOL, Tenn. (Feb. 24, 2026) – A powerful new era at Bristol Motor Speedway will be fueled by performance, precision and nearly a century of trusted energy leadership, as Suburban Propane Partners, L.P. (NYSE: SPH), surges into the spotlight as entitlement sponsor for the spring NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race at the iconic Northeast Tennessee short track, it was announced today by speedway officials.

Further elevating one of the sport’s most electrifying weekends, the race will roar to life as the Suburban Propane 300 on Saturday night, April 11, 2026, on Bristol’s famed all-concrete, high-banked half-mile. The green flag drops at 7:30 p.m. ET, with television coverage on The CW and radio coverage provided by PRN Radio and Sirius XM NASCAR Radio.

For nearly a century, Suburban Propane, a nationwide distributor of propane, renewable propane, renewable natural gas, fuel oil and related products and services, as well as a marketer of natural gas and electricity and investor in low carbon fuel alternatives, has fueled communities across America. Now, the company is fueling one of NASCAR’s most electrifying venues.

The commitment is Suburban Propane’s first race entitlement in NASCAR and it builds upon an expanding relationship with the sport. In January 2025, the company was named the Official Propane of Speedway Motorsports and NASCAR in a separate multi-year agreement, providing propane for the propane-powered track dryers across the circuit and supporting operations at Speedway Motorsports facilities.

“For nearly a century, Suburban Propane has fueled communities across America with safe, reliable energy,” said Nandini Sankara, Vice President of Marketing & Brand Strategy and Spokesperson for Suburban Propane. “Our partnership with NASCAR and Speedway Motorsports, and our sponsorship of the Suburban Propane 300, reflects our shared commitment to performance and reliability. We’re proud to power track-drying equipment, support fueling of campgrounds and concession operations to delivering a safe, seamless race-day experience for fans nationwide.”

As the Official Propane of Speedway Motorsports, Suburban Propane supports 10 tracks across the country, including Bristol Motor Speedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Dover Motor Speedway, Echo Park Motor Speedway, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Nashville Superspeedway, New Hampshire Motor Speedway, North Wilkesboro Speedway, Sonoma Raceway and Texas Motor Speedway. The company provides year-round support services to speedway operations staff and campers at each facility during NASCAR event weekends.

The Suburban Propane 300 is expected to feature a star-studded field eager to claim Bristol’s coveted gladiator sword. Among those entered are multi-time Bristol winner Justin Allgaier; veterans Sheldon Creed, Austin Hill and Harrison Burton; rising stars Jesse Love, Carson Kvapil and Taylor Gray; rookie Brent Crews; and last year’s race winner and defending Cup Series champion Kyle Larson in the No. 88 Chevrolet for JR Motorsports.

Adding another layer of intensity to the weekend, the race is part of NASCAR’s lucrative Dash 4 Cash program. Eligible drivers also will compete for a $100,000 bonus awarded to the highest-finishing qualified competitor. The top four finishers from the Suburban Propane 300 will become eligible to claim the bonus at the next O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Dash 4 Cash event at Kansas Speedway.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Suburban Propane as a race entitlement sponsor at Bristol, building on their tremendous partnership across all Speedway Motorsports tracks,” said Jerry Caldwell, President and General Manager of Bristol Motor Speedway. “They play an important role in powering the Bristol experience from start to finish — from supporting our campers and concessions areas to helping keep our track race-ready. Their involvement helps us deliver the high-energy weekend our fans expect at the World’s Fastest Half-Mile.”

The April race weekend also includes the Tennessee Army National Guard 250 Truck Race on April 10 and the tradition-rich Food City 500 NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday, April 12.

Fans can purchase tickets to the Food City 500 weekend of races or any events at Bristol Motor Speedway, please visit the track’s website or call the BMS Ticket Sales Center at (866) 415-4158. You can also purchase tickets at any neighborhood Food City store while supplies lasts.

About Suburban Propane Partners, L.P.
Suburban Propane Partners, L.P. (“Suburban Propane”) is a publicly traded master limited partnership listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Headquartered in Whippany, New Jersey, Suburban Propane has been in the customer service business since 1928 and is a nationwide distributor of propane, renewable propane, renewable natural gas, fuel oil and related products and services, as well as a marketer of natural gas and electricity and producer of and investor in low carbon fuel alternatives, servicing the energy needs of approximately 1 million residential, commercial, governmental, industrial and agricultural customers through approximately 750 locations across 42 states.

Suburban Propane is supported by three core pillars: (1) Suburban Commitment to Excellence – showcasing Suburban Propane’s nearly 100-year legacy, and ongoing commitment to the highest standards for dependability, flexibility, and reliability that underscores Suburban Propane’s commitment to excellence in customer service; (2) SuburbanCares – highlighting continued dedication to giving back to local communities across Suburban Propane’s national footprint; and (3) Go Green with Suburban Propane – promoting propane and renewable propane as versatile, low-carbon energy solutions and investing in the next generation of innovative, renewable energy alternatives.

About Bristol Motor Speedway
Bristol Motor Speedway, known as The Last Great Colosseum, sits in the mountains of Northeast Tennessee near the Virginia state line. The 0.533-mile concrete oval, with 28-degree banking, hosts two major NASCAR Cup Series weekends each year, the tradition-rich Food City 500 weekend in April and the crown jewel Bass Pro Shops Night Race Chase weekend in September. The venue has staged iconic moments such as the 2016 Pilot Flying J Battle at Bristol football game between the University of Tennessee and Virginia Tech (NCAA-record 156,990 fans), the 2025 MLB Speedway Classic between the Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds (MLB regular-season record crowd of 91,032), the 2020 NASCAR All-Star Race, the rebirth of NASCAR Cup Series racing on dirt from 2021–2023 and sold-out concerts for Morgan Wallen and Kenny Chesney. Fans enjoy Colossus TV, the world’s largest outdoor center-hung four-sided screen video board. The adjacent Bristol Dragway is the home to the NHRA Super Grip Thunder Valley Nationals, and the dragway can transform into the Thunder Valley Amphitheatre for music concerts. Opened in 1961 and acquired by Speedway Motorsports in 1996, BMS remains one of America’s most unique and versatile sports and entertainment destinations. For more information, please visit www.bristolmotorspeedway.com.

Chili’s Grill & Bar and Spire Motorsports Ride The ‘Dente Again-Te

By
Official Release
-

The restaurant brand continues to shine a spotlight on its iconic Presidente Margarita® through its standout NASCAR presence

DALLAS (Feb. 24, 2026) – Chili’s® Grill & Bar returns to the track March 1 in Austin, Texas, and it’s bringing Ride the ‘Dente™ along for more high-speed circuits with Spire Motorsports and driver Carson Hocevar.

Chili’s sells more margaritas than any restaurant brand in the U.S., nearly 30 million in 2025 alone, and the iconic Presidente, or ‘Dente, is one of the most popular. A menu staple since 1994, the ‘Dente features reposado tequila, brandy, orange liqueur and is served alongside its famous blue shaker, giving guests the opportunity to pour seemingly endless margaritas.

And the ‘Dente isn’t just a delicious margarita; it’s now become the rallying cry for Hocevar’s fans.

Appearing on Hocevar’s No. 77 Chevrolet ZL1 in 2025, “Ride the ‘Dente” is how Chili’s re-introduced the Presidente to the racing crowd, launching the brand’s first country music video before bringing its mechanical marg shaker ride to the Boulevard in the infield at Talladega Superspeedway. The off-track pieces accompanied one of the season’s fan-favorite car and firesuit designs. The car featured western flourishes and a custom Ride the ‘Dente logo, while the firesuit turned heads with a personalized Texas-sized belt buckle detail, faux denim jeans and a western, button-down motif.

“We love how fans have taken the campaign and made it a rallying cry for hard racing or a way to say they’re headed to Chili’s for margs and Triple Dippers,” said Chili’s Director of Media, Tim Forman. “This year, we’re making a few updates, starting with an intimidating black-and-white design and black suit, to reflect the mentality Carson brings to the track and give fans another reason to yell or post ‘Ride the Dente’.”

This newest ‘Dente car design is a classic black, white and red with the return of the recognizable Ride the ‘Dente logo and the addition of pepper vines crawling across the top and sides, a homage to Chili’s founder Larry Lavine and the fashion sense he displayed in the early days of the 50-year-old restaurant brand.

The Chili’s firesuit gets an outlaw edit to its western-theme with a black faux button-down, jeans, and boot design, pepper vine flourishes, a Spire bolo tie and an updated version of the Texas-sized Ride the ‘Dente belt buckle detail. And as always, Chili’s is honoring the hardworking teams that bring the Chili’s experience to life every day, using the names of the nearly 1,100 general managers at corporate-owned Chili’s restaurants to make up the pepper logos on the doors.

“Chili’s set the bar last year with the Ride the ‘Dente scheme and firesuit,” said Hocevar. “This year they’ve outdone themselves with the full look. I don’t think you’ll find another car or campaign in the garage that is as detailed and unique as this one. Every little thing has been thought out and it’s really cool to be able to represent a brand I love in the sport I love. I hope everyone enjoys seeing the black-and-white Chili’s Ride the ‘Dente Chevy on track, and when we take it to Victory Lane, they can join us at the nearest Chili’s for some margs and Triple Dippers.”

The race weekend at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) kickstarts a multi-year partnership extension for Chili’s to stay on the No. 77 with Hocevar. The Ride the ‘Dente No. 77 Chevy will be on track throughout the COTA race weekend, culminating Sunday, March 1 at 3:30 p.m. ET on FOX with 95 laps on the 17-turn road course.

Race fans in the Austin area have a chance to see Hocevar and the No. 77 Ride the ‘Dente Chevy on track both Saturday and Sunday of race weekend. For Chili’s guests who aren’t in Austin, the opportunity to Ride the ‘Dente always exists on the menu at their local Chili’s.

About Chili’s® Grill & Bar …
Hi, welcome to Chili’s! A proud leader in the casual dining industry and the flagship brand of Dallas-based Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE: EAT), Chili’s was named Ad Age’s 2025 Brand of the Year. Founded in 1975, Chili’s is known for serving Big Mouth Burgers®, Crispy Chicken Crispers®, and sizzling fajitas, while hand-shaking more margaritas than any other restaurant brand in the United States. Chili’s operates 1,600 restaurants in 29 countries and two territories with over 70,000 team members. With a purpose to make everyone feel special, Chiliheads take food, drink and service seriously – but not themselves. Chili’s was a proud winner at the 2025 MenuMasters Awards for Best New Menu Item for Nashville Hot Mozz, the breakout addition to the social media-famous Triple Dipper. For more than 20 years, Chili’s has been a proud supporter of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and has raised more than $120 million for the organization through generous guest and team member donations. Find more information at chilis.com, follow on X or Instagram, like on Facebook, or join Chili’s on TikTok. 

About Spire Motorsports …
Spire Motorsports fields full-time entries in the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series and Interstate Batteries High Limit Racing.

The team, co-owned by longtime NASCAR industry executive Jeff Dickerson and TWG Motorsports CEO Dan Towriss, earned its inaugural NASCAR Cup Series victory in its first full season of competition when Justin Haley took the checkered flag in the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway on July 7, 2019. Less than three years later, William Byron drove Spire Motorsports’ No. 7 Chevrolet Silverado to its inaugural NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series win on April 7, 2022, at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway. The team’s most recent win came on Feb. 21, 2026, when Kyle Busch took the checkered flag in the Fr8 Racing 208 at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

In 2026, Spire Motorsports will campaign the Nos. 7, 71 and 77 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1s in the NASCAR Cup Series and the Nos. 7 and 77 Chevrolet Silverado RSTs in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. The Mooresville, N.C., organization will also field the No. 77 410 sprint car in Interstate Batteries High Limit Racing competition.

What Happens to an Electric Vehicle After a Crash? A Complete Repair Breakdown

By
SM
-
Photo by Kindel Media pexels.com

Harry’s Auto Collision is a family-owned, award-winning auto body repair shop operating in Los Angeles and Thousand Oaks, California, since 1974. They specialize in repairing luxury, exotic, and electric vehicles (including Lucid and Tesla), providing services such as structural repairs, paint refinishing, ADAS calibration, and insurance claim support.

  • Electric vehicle (EV) collision repair differs significantly from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle repair because EVs integrate high-voltage battery systems, aluminum-intensive structures, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) directly into their design.
  • Many EVs use a skateboard platform where the battery pack forms part of the vehicle’s structural foundation. This means even minor collisions can affect not only exterior panels but also battery enclosures, electrical systems, and embedded safety sensors.
  • After a crash, the repair process begins with high-voltage system isolation and comprehensive diagnostic scanning to prevent electrical hazards and identify hidden faults that may not be immediately visible.
  • Technicians must carefully inspect the battery enclosure for punctures, thermal damage, voltage irregularities, or structural compromise. Computerized frame measurements are used to verify alignment against manufacturer specifications.
  • Aluminum structural components require specialized tools and manufacturer-approved bonding or replacement methods to preserve crash integrity and long-term durability.
  • ADAS calibration is typically required after impact. Cameras, radar units, and ultrasonic sensors must be precisely realigned to ensure braking assistance, lane-keeping, and collision warning systems function properly.
  • Battery damage is a major cost driver. Full battery pack replacement can range from $12,000 to $25,000 depending on the vehicle model and capacity. Severe battery compromise may lead insurers to declare a total loss.
  • Certified EV repair facilities help ensure electrical safety, manufacturer compliance, warranty protection, accurate calibration, and long-term vehicle reliability.

Approximately six million police-reported crashes occur each year in the United States, which makes proper repairs essential for safety and reliability. Collision repair quality is becoming increasingly important as vehicles become more technologically complex. This extends to electric vehicles (EVs), which are built differently from internal combustion vehicles. They come with high-voltage battery packs, aluminum structures, and integrated driver-assistance systems. 

After a collision, these components require careful inspection and controlled repair environments. For example, a shop such as Harry’s Auto Collision is a certified Lucid body shop, where technicians follow specialized procedures to restore structural integrity, electrical safety, and system performance for Lucid EVs. This article explores this topic in detail: 

Why EV Collision Repair Is Fundamentally Different

Electric vehicles use a structural layout commonly called a skateboard platform. The high-voltage battery pack sits flat along the floor, forming part of the vehicle’s structure. This design lowers the center of gravity and improves handling, but it also means collision forces can affect the battery enclosure.

Unlike traditional steel-dominant construction, many EVs rely heavily on aluminum. Aluminum behaves differently under stress and heat, and improper repair methods can weaken its structural integrity. Technicians must use specialized tools, bonding methods, and measurement systems designed specifically for aluminum repair.

Safety systems add another layer of complexity. Electric vehicles include high-voltage disconnect mechanisms, battery monitoring systems, and multiple sensors. These systems detect damage, isolate electrical risks, and protect occupants and technicians. 

Even minor collisions can trigger protective shutdowns or hidden faults. Advanced driver-assistance systems, often called ADAS, are also affected by impacts. Cameras, radar modules, and ultrasonic sensors must remain precisely aligned. A small shift in sensor position can affect braking assistance, lane-keeping, and collision warnings.

Manufacturers also publish detailed repair procedures that technicians must follow exactly. These protocols specify inspection steps, repair methods, and calibration requirements. At different repair facilities, technicians are trained to follow brand-specific procedures that address structural materials, battery safety, and software integration unique to vehicles produced by Lucid Motors.

For insurers, repair complexity affects claim decisions and cost estimates. For owners, proper repair ensures safety, performance, and long-term reliability. For technicians, the process requires specialized training and strict adherence to safety standards.

Below is a structured comparison highlighting how EV collision repair differs from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle repair:

Repair FactorElectric Vehicle (EV)Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) Vehicle
Structural designSkateboard platform with battery integrated into chassisThe engine compartment is separated from the fuel tank
Primary riskHigh-voltage battery damage, thermal eventsFuel leaks, engine damage
MaterialsHeavy aluminum and composite usePrimarily steel
DiagnosticsSoftware scans and battery system dataMechanical inspection and OBD scan
ADAS calibrationAlmost always required after impactRequired mainly in moderate/severe impacts
Typical repair costHigherLower relative cost
Complexity levelHigh (electrical, structural and software integration)Moderate (primarily mechanical and structural)


On average, EV collision repairs can range from $1,500 for minor cosmetic damage to $20,000+ for major structural or battery-related repairs. Battery replacement alone can cost between $12,000 and $25,000, depending on model and capacity, whereas comparable ICE engine replacements typically range between $4,000 and $10,000.

What to Do After a Crash

Here is a checklist of what owners should do immediately after a crash:

  • Move to a safe location and power off the vehicle if possible
  • Avoid touching exposed wiring or damaged battery areas
  • Call emergency services if smoke, sparks, or unusual odors are present
  • Inform the tow provider that the vehicle is electric
  • Request towing to a certified EV repair facility
  • Do not attempt to restart the vehicle if warning lights appear related to the battery or high voltage systems

The repair timeline expectation for this stage is around one to two days, depending on diagnostic complexity 

The EV Repair Process Step by Step

Electric vehicles require a precise, multi-stage repair process after a collision. Here are all the steps required to address unique safety, structural, and electronic systems to restore the vehicle to its full performance.

1. Initial Safety Assessment

The first step after an EV arrives at a repair facility is ensuring electrical safety. Technicians begin by powering down the vehicle and isolating the high-voltage system. This prevents accidental electrical exposure during inspection.

Diagnostic scans are then performed to identify fault codes. These scans reveal battery issues, sensor faults, and system shutdown events triggered by the collision. Battery management systems store detailed data that helps technicians understand potential internal damage.

Visual inspection also takes place during this phase. Technicians look for coolant leaks, structural deformation, and battery enclosure damage. Even small signs can indicate deeper problems.

2. Structural and Battery Inspection

Once safety is confirmed, technicians evaluate the vehicle’s structural condition. Computerized frame measurement systems compare the vehicle’s dimensions to factory specifications. This helps determine whether they can repair the structure or if it requires replacement.

Additionally, the battery enclosure receives special attention. Technicians check for punctures, dents, or thermal damage. Any compromise to the battery casing can affect safety and performance.

Whereas aluminum repair requires precise methods. Unlike steel, aluminum cannot always be reshaped using traditional techniques. In some cases, sections must be replaced rather than repaired to maintain structural strength.

Premium electric vehicles often require repair environments designed specifically for their materials and electronics. Technicians working in these settings follow strict certification standards, use insulated tools, and access manufacturer repair systems. Facilities such as Harry’s Auto Collision  Lucid body shop operate within these requirements to ensure structural accuracy, battery safety, and proper system integration throughout the repair process.

3. Component Repair and Replacement

After structural repairs are complete, technicians focus on restoring vehicle systems. Damaged components such as sensors, cameras, and wiring harnesses are replaced according to manufacturer specifications.

ADAS calibration is a critical step. Cameras and radar units must be aligned using specialized calibration equipment. This ensures safety systems function correctly and respond accurately to driving conditions.

They also inspect thermal management systems. Electric vehicles rely on cooling systems to regulate battery temperature. Technicians check coolant lines, pumps, and heat exchangers for damage or leaks.

Software diagnostics continue throughout this phase. Repairs often require system resets, firmware updates, and configuration procedures. These updates ensure all vehicle systems communicate correctly. Below is the criteria you should consider when deciding between replacing vs repairing the battery:

  • Presence of cell damage or internal short circuits: Replace because damaged cells can cause unpredictable performance, fire risk, and loss of capacity. Repairing individual cells is often unsafe and not manufacturer-approved.
  • Thermal runaway risk indicators: If there are signs of overheating or thermal instability, the battery can catch fire, so it’s best to replace it. Replacement ensures safety; repair is not recommended.
  • Coolant contamination inside battery housing: Coolant can short electrical circuits and corrode cells, so consider replacing it in this case. Repair may not restore full integrity, so replacement prevents long-term failure
  • Structural compromise of battery casing: Replace as dents or cracks weaken protection and increase crash/fire risk. Minor cosmetic dents might be repairable if cells are intact, but casing compromise generally requires full replacement.
  • Manufacturer-mandated replacement thresholds: Follow the manufacturer, as some EV makers require battery replacement if certain damage criteria are met; ignoring this voids warranty and safety certification
  • Cost comparison between enclosure repair and full pack replacement: Repair if safe and cost-effective. Only attempt repair if internal cells are intact, casing damage is minor, and manufacturer guidelines allow it. Otherwise, replace for safety and reliability

If the battery enclosure is dented but cells remain intact, localized repair may be approved. If internal modules show voltage irregularities or thermal damage, full pack replacement is often required.

4. Final Testing and Validation

The final stage involves confirming that the vehicle operates safely and correctly. Technicians perform road tests to evaluate handling, braking, and system performance. Diagnostic scans verify that no fault codes remain. 

ADAS systems undergo validation to confirm proper calibration. They also check battery systems to ensure stable operation and safe performance. Repair facilities also document all procedures performed. This documentation provides a record for owners, insurers, and future service providers.

Common Mistakes 

Common mistakes or repair pitfalls include:

  • Skipping high-voltage isolation procedures
  • Improper aluminum welding techniques weaken the structure
  • Failure to recalibrate ADAS systems after sensor replacement
  • Using non-certified replacement parts
  • Overlooking minor battery casing dents that hide internal damage
  • Incomplete documentation affecting warranty coverage

The repair timeline expectation for this stage is usually five to 14 days, depending on calibration complexity and software integration requirements.

Infrastructure and Workflow Behind EV Collision Repair

Electric vehicle repair facilities must be designed with safety and isolation in mind. High-voltage vehicles are often serviced in designated areas separate from conventional repair bays. These areas reduce electrical risk and prevent cross-contamination during structural repairs.

Technician certification plays a central role in repair quality. Certification programs train technicians to handle battery systems, aluminum structures, and software diagnostics. These programs also teach safe handling procedures for high-voltage components.

Parts sourcing can present challenges. EV components are often brand-specific and may not be widely available. Replacement parts must meet manufacturer specifications to ensure compatibility and safety. 

This can increase repair timelines compared to traditional vehicles. Battery damage can influence insurance decisions. If battery integrity is compromised, insurers may classify the vehicle as a total loss. Battery replacement costs and safety concerns play a significant role in these evaluations.

Digital diagnostics have become essential tools. Technicians connect vehicles to manufacturer systems to retrieve data, perform calibrations, and install updates. Some calibration procedures rely on cloud-based platforms that verify proper system operation.

Coordination between repair facilities, manufacturers, and insurers ensures that repairs meet required standards. This coordination helps maintain vehicle safety and protects long-term reliability.

Repair Timeline 

Typical total repair timelines look like this:

  • Minor cosmetic repair: Seven to 14 days
  • Moderate structural repair: Two to four weeks
  • Major battery or structural replacement: Four to eight weeks (depending on part availability)

Below is a structured breakdown of EV repair stages and cost expectations:

Repair StagePurposeEstimated TimeTypical Cost Range
Initial Safety and DiagnosticsHigh-voltage isolation, system scanOne to two days$200 to $800
Structural and battery InspectionFrame measurement, enclosure evaluationThree to 10 days$1,000 to $5,000
Component replacement and calibrationSensors, wiring, and ADAS alignmentFive to 14 days$2,000 to $8,000
Battery replacement (if required)Full pack removal and installationTwo to four weeks$12,00 to $25,000
Final testing and validationRoad test, system confirmationOne to three days$300 to $1,000

Owner and Shop Practices That Improve Outcomes

Prompt inspection after a collision is important, even if damage appears minor, because electric vehicles can sustain hidden battery or sensor damage that is not immediately visible. Conducting an early assessment helps identify risks before they worsen and ensures any necessary repairs are addressed promptly.

For the shop, transparency during repair builds trust and improves safety. Give detailed documentation so owners can understand what was repaired and why. It also helps future technicians maintain the vehicle correctly.

For owners, choosing certified repair facilities is critical for high-voltage vehicles. Certified technicians have the training and tools required to perform repairs safely. Improper repairs can create safety risks and reduce vehicle performance. Repair quality also affects resale value. Vehicles repaired according to manufacturer standards retain greater value and reliability. 

Buyers can look for evidence of proper repair and maintenance. Battery warranty protection is another consideration. Manufacturers may require certified repair procedures to maintain warranty coverage. Repairs performed outside these standards can affect warranty eligibility.

Lastly, safety culture plays a central role in electric vehicle repair. Prioritizing proper procedures over speed or cost helps ensure long-term vehicle performance and occupant safety.

Endnote

Repairing an electric vehicle after a crash involves far more than restoring its appearance. Technicians must evaluate battery integrity, structural safety, and software functionality while following manufacturer-approved procedures. 

Careful diagnostics, certified repair methods, precise calibration, clear cost expectations, realistic repair timelines, and informed owner decisions ensure the vehicle returns to safe operation. These steps help preserve performance, protect long-term reliability, and maintain the safety systems that define modern electric vehicles.

Ford Racing NASCAR – COTA/St. Petersburg Advance

By
Official Release
-

CIRCUIT OF THE AMERICAS & ST. PETERSBURG

Saturday, Feb. 28 – NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (St. Pete), 12 p.m. ET (FOX)
Saturday, Feb. 28 – NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series (COTA), 2:30 p.m. ET (CW)
Sunday, March 1 – NASCAR Cup Series (COTA), 3 p.m. ET (FOX)

For the third straight week, all three of NASCAR’s top touring series will be in action, but they won’t all be in the same location. That’s because the NASCAR Cup and NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series are competing in Austin, TX, at Circuit of The Americas (COTA) while the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series runs for the first time on the streets of St. Petersburg in Florida.

SMITH STARTING STRONG

Zane Smith has gotten off to a solid start this season. The driver of the No. 38 Front Row Motorsports Ford Mustang Dark Horse is one of only three drivers to post a top-10 finish in the first two races and sits fifth in the point standings going into this weekend’s race at Circuit of The Americas. Smith, who also has a stage win to his credit, has finishes of sixth (Daytona) and seventh (Atlanta), marking the first time in his Cup career he has strung together consecutive top-10 runs. In two previous Cup Series starts at COTA, Smith has finishes of 19th (2024) and 29th (2025).

BUESCHER AT HOME ON THE ROAD

Chris Buescher has turned into one of the most consistent road course drivers on the Ford Racing roster and comes into this weekend’s race looking to extend his streak of top 10 finishes at Circuit of The Americas to four. The Texas native has a pair of eighth-place finishes to go with last year’s seventh-place run in five career starts at the Austin facility. Even more impressive is his streak over the last four seasons that has seen him put together 17 top 10 finishes in the last 23 road/street course events, including a win at Watkins Glen International in 2024. Buescher’s average finish during that stretch is 9.04.

FORD’S ACTIVE ROAD COURSE CUP WINNERS

There are three current drivers who have won a NASCAR Cup Series race on a road course with Ford. The most recent winner was Chris Buescher, who won at Watkins Glen International and extended his streak of at least one victory to three straight seasons. Ryan Blaney got his first road course win in the inaugural event on the Charlotte Roval in 2018 while Joey Logano scored his Cup victory at Watkins Glen International in 2015, which completed a weekend sweep after he won the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race one day earlier.

OTHER FORD ROAD COURSE WINNERS

Besides the drivers mentioned above, Ford has four other active Cup competitors who have won on a road course in either the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts or NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Brad Keselowski (Watkins Glen NOAPS with Ford, 2013); Austin Cindric (NOAPS wins with Ford at Watkins Glen, 2019; Mid-Ohio, 2019; Road America, 2020, Daytona Road Course, 2020; and Indianapolis Road Course, 2021); Todd Gilliland (Circuit of The Americas NCTS with Ford, 2021); and Zane Smith (Circuit of The Americas NCTS with Ford, 2022 and 2023).

FORD ROAD COURSE WINS IN THE MODERN ERA (1972-Present)

Circuit of The Americas is one of nine road courses the NASCAR Cup Series has competed on in the modern era, joining Riverside International Raceway (1958-88), Watkins Glen International (1957-Present), Sonoma Raceway (1989-Present), Charlotte Motor Speedway (2018-Present), Daytona International Speedway (2020-2021), Road America (2021-2022), Indianapolis Motor Speedway (2021-23) and the Chicago Street Race (2023-Present). Ford has produced a total of 20 combined wins at those facilities from 1972-Present. Mark Martin leads the way with four victories, including three straight years at Watkins Glen, while Ricky Rudd, Marcos Ambrose and Geoffrey Bodine have two each.

RYAN PREECE: “I like it. I think it’s gonna be a completely different race from last year just because of the tire and the tire degradation and how you have to position yourself through that. I think there are still quite a few unknowns, but I think it showed last year at the Roval that qualifying matters, but you can still make a good day out of something if you don’t have track position.”

CHRIS BUESCHER: “I’m looking forward to COTA The changes last year took away some passing zones. It took away those max braking dive bomb passing zones, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it did force everything to happen in turn one, which was already kind of a nasty corner with how wide it is on entry and pinpointed at the apex, but the course was better. I think we got more laps. There was probably close to two miles of racetrack on the back side of the course that our fans didn’t get to see. There were no stands. I don’t remember any camping and it was just too far away. I think it was a solid decision to shorten it up and bring us by the stands and by the fans almost twice as much. I think we still have some decent passing zones there. It did kind of change what you put the most emphasis on when we go and it certainly made it a lot easier on brakes.”

GILLILAND WINS DEBUT TRUCK RACE AT COTA

Todd Gilliland became the first NASCAR driver to win a national series event at Circuit of The Americas when he captured what was then known as the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race in 2021. In a weekend that was hampered by rain, Gilliland was able to manage the mixed conditions of dry and wet pavement to win by nearly eight seconds. Gilliland, who registered his second series win that day, continues to look for his first NASCAR Cup Series victory this weekend in his fourth season driving for Front Row Motorsports.

SANCHEZ FITTING RIGHT IN

Nick Sanchez has had two races with Ford and AM Racing, but he’s been impressive to say the least. In both events, Sanchez started 28th and drove through the field to an eighth-place finish in the first stage. Unfortunately, he was collected in a multi-car accident coming to the green-and-white checkered flag and was forced to retire in 36th place. He avoided that outcome last weekend at EchoPark Speedway by staying patient until the end and then charging through the middle lane to finish third. He has one NOAPS start at COTA (24th last year) and two in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (seventh and 18th).

A SERIES FIRST

This weekend will mark the first street course race in NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series history as the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg takes place on Saturday in Florida. The 80-lap feature will be the first new event on the schedule since last season when Lime Rock Park was added. The last time a Ford Racing driver won a series debut race was in 2021 when Todd Gilliland drove to victory at Circuit of The Americas.

SMITH SITS ON TOP OF POINT STANDINGS

Chandler Smith is one of two full-time NCTS drivers who have finished in the top 10 of the first two races, winning the season-opener in Daytona and finishing sixth last week at EchoPark Speedway. As a result, Smith has a 28-point lead on the field and is one of three Ford F-150 drivers currently in the top 10. Ben Rhodes is third after his fourth-place run last weekend while Ty Majeski is fourth.

FORD’S ALL-TIME CUP ROAD COURSE WINNERS

5 – Dan Gurney
4 – Mark Martin
2 – Fireball Roberts, Marvin Panch, Parnelli Jones, Ricky Rudd, Marcos Ambrose
1 – Chuck Stevenson, Eddie Gray, Richard Petty, A.J. Foyt, Bobby Allison, Bill Elliott, Davey Allison, Geoffrey Bodine, Ernie Irvan, Rusty Wallace, Carl Edwards, Joey Logano, Kevin Harvick, Ryan Blaney, Michael McDowell, Chris Buescher

As the spirit of America, the Ford Mustang is the world’s best selling sports car and one of the planet’s most popular race cars. With Mustang-based race cars competing in international sports car competition (GT3 and GT4), NASCAR, NHRA, Formula Drift, in Supercars, at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb and in its own bespoke regional one-make series – Mustang Cup and Mustang Challenge – the platform has an unprecedented global reach. This weekend, 12 Mustang race cars are scheduled to race across all disciplines. Learn more about Mustang at www.FordRacing.com.

Former NFL head coach Jon Gruden named Grand Marshal of the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg

By
Official Release
-

Tampa Bay’s Super Bowl-winning coach will give the command for NTT INDYCAR SERIES drivers to start their engines this Sunday

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (Feb. 24, 2026) – Super Bowl XXXVII champion head coach Jon Gruden for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and current Barstool Sports personality will serve as the grand marshal for the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, the season opening race of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, on Sunday, March 1.

Gruden will participate in pre-race ceremonies, then give the command for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES drivers to start their engines for the 100-lap race around the 1.8-mile, 14-turn downtown St. Petersburg street circuit. He will also take a lap in the parade car ahead of the 25-car starting field just before taking the green flag.

“This will be my first ever Grand Prix in St. Petersburg on Sunday,” said Jon Gruden about the opportunity to be a part of the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. “Can’t wait to see these great drivers in action and make some new friends. Looking forward to an amazing event!”

Jon Gruden won Super Bowl XXXVII as the head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and had also coached the Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders (1998-2001 and 2018-2021) over two stints. At the time of his Super Bowl win, he was the youngest ever head coach to claim an NFL championship. Over his 15-year coaching career, Gruden accumulated 117 wins, won five division titles and made it to three conference championship games. He was also inducted to the Buccaneers Ring of Honor in 2017. From 2009 to 2018, Jon served as a color analyst for ESPN’s Monday Night Football as well as an analyst for the NFL Draft and postseason college football games. In 2024, Jon joined Barstool Sports and is featured on their football programming, The Pro Football Football Show and Gruden’s QB Class.

“We are excited to announce Jon Gruden as the grand marshal of the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg,” said Kim Green, co-owner, chairman and CEO of Green Savoree Racing Promotions, organizers of the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. “Coach Gruden will no doubt give a great command for IndyCar drivers to start their engines for the first time to kick off the 2026 season. He is a revered sports figure in the Tampa Bay community guiding the Buccaneers to its first Super Bowl trophy in 2003. We greatly appreciate him wanting to join us on Sunday.”

The 22nd annual Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg will bring a full-weekend of high-speed action to the picturesque downtown St. Petersburg waterfront. The NTT INDYCAR SERIES headlines the event as the premier open-wheel series in North American opens its season in St. Pete for the 16th time on Sunday, March 1. Joining the race weekend is the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series for their inaugural street race on Saturday, Feb. 28 in the OnlyBulls Green Flag 150 at St. Petersburg. The racing schedule will also feature the sport’s rising stars as INDY NXT by Firestone, and USF2000 Presented by Continental Tire speed through the downtown streets. Additionally, Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin will provide fender-bending sports car competition.

On Thursday, Feb. 26, two community events – INDYCAR Party in the Park and the 5K Run on the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg Track – will kick off the event festivities in downtown St. Petersburg at North Straub Park. Free and open to the public, INDYCAR Party in the Park will feature NTT INDYCAR and other racing series driver appearances, music, giveaways, food trucks and more. Fans will be able to get up-close to race cars from all the series running during the race weekend in the park from 4-7 p.m. ET.

Additionally, runners and walkers have a unique opportunity to “race on track” during the 5K Run on the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg Track set for 5 p.m. ET on Feb. 26. The race starts and ends on Bayshore Drive NE, adjacent to North Straub Park. Participants can register now at gpstpete5k.com while supplies last with all proceeds benefiting the Police Athletic League of St. Petersburg.

Both 3-Day and Single Day Grandstand and General Admission tickets are available starting as low as $30. For complete pricing, schedule and festival information, visit gpstpete.com. Follow the event on social media using @gpstpete and #FirestoneGP for the latest updates. Joining the E-Club also provides insider access to the latest news and offers.

About Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg:

The 22nd annual Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is a race event held during Florida’s spring break season. Traditionally the site of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES’ season-opening race, St. Pete is a destination city hosting this annual motorsports tradition and offering a festival atmosphere with its downtown location. The 2026 Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg airs live on a national broadcast on FOX on March 1. NASCAR will also conduct its very first street race for the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series in its history on the streets of St. Petersburg in 2026. The temporary circuit is a 1.8-mile, 14-turn configuration that uses the streets circling Pioneer Park, the Duke Energy Center for the Arts, The Dali Museum and extending onto the runway at Albert Whitted Airport, and borders the waterfront of Tampa Bay and picturesque St. Petersburg Harbor and Marina. The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is owned and operated by Green Savoree St. Petersburg, LLC. Green Savoree St. Petersburg, LLC is owned by Green Savoree Racing Promotions 2, LLC whose other subsidiaries also promote three additional NTT INDYCAR SERIES races, The Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio Presented by the 2027 CR-V Hybrid (July 3-5, 2026), BITNILE.COM Grand Prix of Portland (Aug. 7-9, 2026) and Ontario Honda Dealers Indy at Markham (Aug. 14-16, 2026).

For more information, visit gpstpete.com, ‘like’ its Facebook page @GPSTPETE or follow the event on X at @GPSTPETE and Instagram at @GPSTPETE using #FirestoneGP.

Tyler Gonzalez To Make NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Debut With Hettinger Racing at COTA

By
Official Release
-

21-Year-Old Racer Brings Successful Sportscar Background to No. 5 Ford Mustang

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (Feb. 24, 2026) – Hettinger Racing is facilitating another NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series debut, tabbing 21-year-old Tyler Gonzalez to drive its No. 5 Victory Custom Trailers Ford Mustang Dark Horse in the Focused Health 250 on Saturday at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas.

In the season-opening O’Reilly Series race at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway, Hettinger Racing debuted Midwestern short-track star Luke Fenhaus. Now with the O’Reilly Series heading to its first road-course race of the season, Hettinger Racing is looking to leverage Gonzalez’s extensive and successful road-racing background on COTA’s 2.4-mile, 20-turn layout.

Gonzalez earned the inaugural Toyota GR Cup title in 2023 and finished second in the 2025 Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup championship. The St. Cloud, Florida, native holds an FIA Silver racing license and currently competes fulltime in SRO Pirelli GT4 America and IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge within its Touring Car class.

“Tyler brings a lot of road-racing experience to our team. He’s won championships, he’s won at COTA and he’s shown that he can handle cars similar to what he’ll be racing this weekend,” said team owner Chris Hettinger. “Our job is to give him a strong No. 5 Victory Custom Trailers Ford Mustang so he can showcase his talent here in the O’Reilly Series.”

Gonzalez is well-suited for COTA, having raced at the purpose-built Formula 1 venue across Mazda MX-5 Cup, Toyota GR Cup and GT4 America. In fact, in Gonzalez’s most recent race at COTA – a three-hour endurance contest last April in GT4 America – he won with co-driver Gresham Wagner.

“I’ve had the chance to race at COTA in a few different series, and winning there in GT4 last year was a big moment for me. But this is a different challenge,” Gonzalez said. “The O’Reilly Series demands a lot. It’s filled with really good drivers on really good teams. There’s a lot of depth. My goal is to learn and execute in practice and in qualifying and all the way through the race. I’m grateful to Chris and everyone at Hettinger Racing and Ford for this opportunity.”

While Saturday’s Focused Health 250 will be Gonzalez’s first O’Reilly Series outing, his time in Trans Am’s CUBE 3 Architecture TA2 Series provided Gonzalez with the closest taste of how an O’Reilly Series car performs. Gonzalez made four TA2 starts in 2024 and three in 2025, collecting five podiums, two of which were runner-up finishes. He earned his first career TA2 pole last August at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park in Bowmanville, Ontario.

“TA2 cars are probably the closest thing to a stock car, so the time I spent there is going to be really helpful,” Gonzalez said. “The series had big fields and the cars are pretty evenly matched, so it forced you to refine your racecraft in terms of knowing when to be aggressive, when to be patient and how to position yourself in traffic. All of that will come into play this weekend at COTA.”

Gonzalez’s O’Reilly Series debut begins Friday with a 50-minute practice starting at 4 p.m. CST/5 p.m. EST before qualifying at 5:05 p.m. CST/6:05 p.m. EST. The Focused Health 250 goes green on Saturday at 2 p.m. CST/3 p.m. EST with live, flag-to-flag coverage provided by The CW and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

Four Takeaways from the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Race at EchoPark Speedway

By
Briar Starr
-
Photo by John Knittel for SpeedwayMedia.com.

EchoPark Speedway marked the second round of the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly AutoParts Series and provided thrilling and exciting action in the 163 laps that saw a first-time winner.

The 2018 Truck Series champion Sheldon Creed had come up short many times throughout his O’Reilly career. But finally, he got it done early Saturday evening in a last-lap pass. As Creed celebrated his first series win, we’ll see how the other drivers did in the Bennett Transportation and Logistics 250.

Corey Day Claims Top Five Finish After Early Trouble

It was a wild day for the Hendrick Motorsports developmental driver Corey Day. He ultimately wound up in the fourth position at EchoPark Speedway when all was said and done.

One of the early incidents for Day came on Lap 6 when he and Ryan Sieg made contact on the frontstretch, getting others involved as well. Sieg’s brother, Kyle, was also collected and Blaine Perkins got caught up in the damage, too.

Day was able to carry on and tried to maneuver his way back toward the front. But more troubles plagued the young driver in another wreck. During the mid-portion of the race, Day’s car slid up the track in Turns 3 and 4, and clipped the race leader, Carson Kvapil, and Justin Allgaier. Both cars were sent out of the race.

Despite being involved in many incidents, the Clovis, California native was able to rebound to a fourth-place finish. It was Day’s second top-five finish of his young O’Reilly AutoParts Series career.

Parker Retzlaff and Nick Sanchez Nearly Spoil The Party

It’s no wonder that Parker Retzlaff, who is now driving for the No. 99 Viking Motorsports Chevrolet, is a strong contender at superspeedways and drafting tracks. Most of his top five finishes have come at either Daytona or Atlanta, with some top 10 finishes coming at Talladega.

He showed talent again Saturday night at EchoPark Speedway after coming up one spot short, finishing second once again. He bested his original Atlanta drafting track finish from last year, where he finished fifth driving for Jordan Anderson Racing. It’s not a question of if, it’s a question of when Retzlaff will eventually get his elusive career win.

Meanwhile, Nick Sanchez almost nabbed the win. It would have been a career first for AM Racing, who has never won in NASCAR. Sanchez ran as high as second at one point in the waning laps. But ultimately, he wound up in the third podium finish for the former Big Machine Racing driver.

Rajah Caruth Has Strong Showing

In his 24th career start in the O’Reilly Series, Rajah Caruth had a great outing in Atlanta at EchoPark Speedway this past Saturday. He ran up front multiple times, earning his first career stage victory in the series by winning Stage 2. He also finished second in Stage 1. Caruth had a shot at the win by having a fast car, but had to settle for an eighth-place finish.

Graza Olive Oil Joins RFK Racing and Brad Keselowski as Primary Partner at Circuit of The Americas

By
Official Release
-

Partnership Also Includes Full Season Associate with Ryan Preece No. 60

CONCORD, N.C. (February 24, 2026) – Roush Fenway Keselowski (RFK) Racing today announced that Graza, the beloved brand known for its single origin Extra Virgin Olive Oils, will serve as the primary partner on Brad Keselowski’s No. 6 Ford Mustang for the March 1 NASCAR Cup Series race at Circuit of the Americas (COTA). In addition to the primary race partnership, Graza will be a full season associate partner on Ryan Preece’s No. 60 Ford Mustang throughout the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season.

The partnership brings together RFK Racing and Graza around a shared focus on taking a bold approach in everything they do. Graza has built a loyal following by challenging convention in the olive oil category, delivering the highest quality products with a distinctive brand design and authentic personality. That same willingness to stand out and push forward aligns with RFK Racing’s commitment to competing and being aggressive.

“They are authentic, bold, and focused on creating a terrific culinary experience that is steeped in quality,” said RFK Racing President, Chip Bowers. “That commitment to excellence is what has established fans of their product from the very first taste; we’re proud to be aligned with another best in brand company.”

Beyond the marquee appearance with Keselowski at COTA, Graza’s full season associate partnership with Preece ensures a consistent presence across RFK Racing throughout the 2026 campaign. The partnership provides opportunities to connect with fans with an energetic and authentic approach, highlighting performance and lifestyle.

“We’re thrilled to partner with such an outstanding team like Roush Fenway Keselowski (RFK) Racing, and introduce ourselves and our delicious products to their loyal fan base,” said Andrew Benin, Graza co-founder & CEO.

Founded in 2022, Graza quickly established itself as a leader in the olive oil category, offering super fresh olive oil in a fun and easy-to-use squeeze bottle. Built around its “Drizzle” and “Sizzle” Extra Virgin Olive Oils, Graza has continued to expand with innovations including refill cans, glass bottles, and “Frizzle,” a high-heat cooking oil made from 100% olives.

The COTA event marks Graza’s first appearance as a primary partner in NASCAR, aligning the brand with one of the most technically demanding venues on the schedule: The 17-turn road course in Austin, Texas.

About RFK Racing 

RFK Racing, in its 39th season in 2026, features an ownership lineup pairing one of the sport’s most iconic names, Jack Roush, along with NASCAR Champion, Brad Keselowski, and Fenway Sports Group owner John Henry. Roush initially founded the team in 1988 and it has since become one of the most successful racing operations in the world, propelling him to be the first NASCAR owner to amass three hundred wins and capturing eight championships, including back-to-back NASCAR Cup titles in 2003 and 2004. Keselowski, a former owner in the NASCAR Truck Series, is the 2012 NASCAR Cup Series Champion. In 2007, Roush partnered with Henry, who also owns Major League Baseball’s Boston Red Sox, English Premier League’s Liverpool F.C., and the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins, to form Roush Fenway Racing. Off the track, RFK is a leader and proven winner in NASCAR marketing solutions, having produced multiple award-winning social media, digital content and experiential marketing campaigns. Visit https://www.rfkracing.com/ and follow the team on all social platforms @rfkracing. 

About Graza

Founded in 2022 by Andrew Benin and Allen Dushi, Graza was created to help home cooks have more fun in the kitchen with high-quality, crazy fresh olive oil. The brand initially launched with “Drizzle” and “Sizzle”—an extra virgin finishing oil and cooking oil duo packaged in easy-to-use squeeze bottles—and quickly emerged as a category leader, becoming the fifth-largest olive oil brand in the U.S. in under four years. Since its debut, Graza has expanded its product lineup to include glass bottles, nitrogen-sealed refill cans, “Frizzle”, a high-heat cooking oil, and most recently, a line of olive oil mayo, spanning three varieties across two packaging formats. At its core, Graza believes every kitchen deserves great, fresh olive oil that’s affordable enough to use every day, while celebrating all the ways it shows up across every meal. Graza can be found in over 28,000 retail doors throughout the country and is available for purchase online. The brand has also received several industry accolades, including NOSH 2025 Brand of the Year, Inc. Best in Business 2025, DIELINE Best in Packaging 2025, and more. To learn more, visit graza.co or follow @getgraza on Instagram.

1...767778...6,612Page 77 of 6,612