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Reliable Moving Services for Furniture and Belongings in Toronto by A-Z Moving

By
SM
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As in any major Canadian city, moving services are in high demand in Toronto; the vast majority of residents planning to move flat, house or office realise that organising a move themselves is not the best idea. It makes much more sense to contact A-Z Moving or other companies offering similar services, so that they can handle all the complexities of organising the move. In this way, A-Z Moving’s customers and clients are offered a convenient alternative to having to deal with a complicated move themselves. There is no need to book a moving van yourself, pack your belongings, load everything onto the van, and so on. Why take such a risk? In the process, as an inexperienced mover, you could damage your belongings, and then the savings you hoped to make by doing everything yourself will certainly not pay off. It is far wiser to turn to professionals straight away, who can guarantee the safe transport of your belongings and ensure that nothing gets damaged or lost during the move.

Why You Should Choose A-Z Moving Services

Of course, A-Z Moving isn’t the only moving company Toronto; there are plenty of other firms that also provide convenient, high-quality moving services in the city. Nevertheless, anyone who frequently finds themselves needing to organise a move – whether it be a personal move, such as moving out of a flat or house, or a business-related move, such as relocating a factory, office or shop – will appreciate this. All these people understand that if they need to use moving services in Toronto frequently, it is worth carefully researching the market for these services and finding the best balance between service quality and price.

At A-Z Moving, this is exactly what you get; by contacting us, you can be sure that you will find the most affordable prices available in Toronto for such services. At the same time, the quality of service—which primarily involves the efficiency of the organisation’s moving services and, of course, a guarantee that all your belongings will be securely packed and delivered without the slightest risk of damage— is all provided by A-Z Moving, so you can be confident that you have chosen one of the best moving companies in Toronto.

Packing your belongings before a move

A major advantage of A-Z Moving is that you choose exactly the services you need. If you wish to pack your belongings yourself – perhaps because you don’t trust the moving team or want to save money – at A-Z Moving you can book precisely the Toronto moving services you require, whilst anything you don’t need and can do yourself you won’t have to pay for them.

You can always buy packing materials here and, if necessary, insure your belongings. This is very convenient, because if you’re moving something that’s extremely fragile and expensive, then in any situation—even if it happens to get damaged through the company’s fault—you’ll be compensated for the full value of those items.

It is precisely the flexibility that A-Z Moving offers its customers that has enabled the company to establish itself as a leader amongst all providers of similar services in Toronto. If you want to organise a move to Toronto quickly and affordably, A-Z Moving is the obvious choice for you if you are looking for the best value for money. Of course, you could try to organise the move yourself, face certain risks and problems along the way, and learn from personal experience that it is far more beneficial to entrust such tasks to professionals.

Data-Driven Betting: How Analytics Improve Your Chances of Winning

By
SM
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The development of sports betting has changed to being based on gut instinct and local allegiance to a more rigorous, mathematical system. The distinction between a casual punter and a profitable one in the modern world of betting may be the capacity to process large amounts of data. Data-driven betting uses historical performance, real-time statistics, and predictive models to determine value where the general market may view just noise. By considering each match a set of data points, but not an emotional experience, bettors are able to reduce risk and exploit mathematical advantages.

Key Statistical Foundations for Successful Wagering

It takes more than following the latest scores to be successful in the modern gambling world. It requires knowledge of the way bookmakers make their lines and how the lines do not represent the statistical reality of an event. Although most fans seek the best betting sites offers in order to leverage the initial bankroll, the viability of the betting plan in the long-term is determined by the quality of data.

Nowadays, modern analytics systems offer availability of anticipated objectives (xG), player efficiency ratings, and sophisticated situational metrics, which previously were considered the prerogative of professional syndicates. By employing these tools, it is possible to determine probability more objectively and ensure that all the bets made are supported by a verifiable trend and not a mere hunch.

Using Predictive Modeling to Find Value

Predictive modeling is the process of making predictions based on past data to determine the future of events. Each of the factors, including home-field advantage, weather conditions, and injury reports, has a weight assigned to it, allowing the bettor to compute his/her own true odds of a game.

You have found value when your model indicates that a particular team has a 60% chance of winning, yet the bookmaker is telling you that it has only a 50% chance.

Essential Mathematical Models for Bettors

  • Poisson Distribution: The Poisson Distribution is commonly applied in sports with low scores, such as soccer, to determine the probability of a particular scoreline given an average scoring rate.
  • Elo Rating: A player/team skill calculation system, which changes dynamically after each match.
  • Regression Analysis: Assists in establishing the power of the correlation between certain variables, e.g., a quarterback passer rating and the chances of a team to cover the spread.

Machine Learning Integration in Sports Markets

Machine learning has emerged as a foundation of high-level sports analytics as computational power becomes more powerful. Contrary to the fixed models, machine learning algorithms have the ability to discover non-linear relationships in data that are complicated and could not be detected by human analysts.

The systems are capable of handling thousands of variables at a time, including travel fatigue and social media sentiment. Through predictive modeling of sports, the bettors will be able to correct their strategy to consider the noise of the data so that the insights they use are statistically significant, rather than mere chance streaks.

Advanced Player Metrics and Impact Analysis

To have a competitive advantage, it is necessary to examine beyond the simple box scores. In basketball, e.g., a more detailed picture of the contribution of a player is presented by “Player Impact Estimate” (PIE) compared to points per game. Expected Points Added (EPA) is a measure in football of the impact of a given play on the probability of a team scoring.

Critical Performance Data for Individual Athletes

  • Usage Rate: Determines the players who have the highest impact on the offense’s possessions of their team’s offense, which is essential in player prop bets.
  • Clutch Performance Data: Examines the performance of teams and individuals during high-pressure situations or during the last few minutes of a game.
  • Defensive Efficiency: Calculates how much a team is efficient in stopping scoring in relation to the number of possessions, which is more informative than total points allowed.

Bankroll Management and Reducing Financial Variance

Even the most advanced data models are not able to take into consideration the randomness of sports. Variance reduction and managing bankroll comes into play here. Kelly Criterion is a mathematical formula that is commonly used by professional bettors to determine how many bets to place and their size.

This will make sure that you will only bet more when the edge is high and less when the edge is thin, so that your capital is not wasted in the cold streaks that are bound to come with any statistical venture. 

Probabilistic betting strategies enable you to view your bankroll as an investment portfolio, focusing on long-term returns instead of short-term payoffs.

Tracking Market Sentiment and Line Movement

It is not just about the sport that data-driven betting is about, but also about the market. Following the “Sharp Action”–in which the most reputable, high-volume gamblers are putting their money–can give some hints as to where the value is. In the event of the line moving against the direction of the heavy betting by the masses (Reverse Line Movement), it is a good sign that the pros are on the other side. Learning these market dynamics constitutes a kind of meta-data analysis that adds to your technical sport-based models.

Understanding the Importance of Closing Lines

Closing Line Value is one of the most important measures that can help determine how successful you are as a data-driven bettor. CLV is calculated as the odds which you bet and the odds which are provided at the end of the run before the run has begun.

When you continually beat the closing line, then it is a sign that you are discovering value before the market can do the same. A positive CLV is the best predictor of long-term profitability, over hundreds of bets, because it demonstrates your model is faster and more precise than the general betting population.

Building Sustainable Frameworks for Future Success

The last step towards parting ways with casual wagering is the creation of a personal database. You can backtest by storing your personal data and comparing the results of your model with the actual conditions. The process will help you fine-tune your variables and make better future predictions. A disciplined structure is associated with incessant trial, abandoning the search of the best betting sites offers as a main objective and, rather, on the systematic extraction of value in the odds.

Using the insights gained through algorithmic wagering, you can no longer play the game of chance but instead engage in a complex risk management and probability game. It is only with this strict use of data that a bettor can hope to keep ahead of the curve in an ever-more-efficient market.

RACING LEGEND TONY STEWART LOOKS TO CONTINUE FOUR-WIDE SUCCESS AT ZMAX DRAGWAY

By
Official Release
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CONCORD, N.C. (April 22, 2026) – Coming off a monumental win in the Top Fuel ranks, Tony Stewart is headed to zMAX Dragway for a race he’s enjoyed immensely in his brief NHRA career, as the racing legend looks to pick up another four-wide win at this weekend’s NHRA 4-Wide Nationals.

Stewart is a self-declared fan of the unique four-wide setup, which provides the ultimate sensory overload with four nitro-burning machines racing at once and nearly 50,000-horsepower at once, delivering the ultimate spectacle in motorsports.

This weekend marks the only four-wide race of the year during NHRA’s 75th anniversary season and Stewart has enjoyed plenty of success in the format, previously advancing to the final quad in Charlotte and winning a four-wide race last year in Las Vegas.

That was his first career Top Fuel win and his third came at the most recent race in Pomona this season, where Stewart handed Pro Stock powerhouse Elite Motorsports its first-ever Top Fuel victory. That was another major moment for Stewart in his NHRA career, but he sees plenty of potential and a bright future with his 12,000-horsepower R&L Carriers dragster, with a chance for back-to-back wins on the season this weekend in Charlotte.

“All the ingredients are here,” Stewart said. “We’ve still got a lot of work to do, but to see these guys and see their progression, it’s awesome. It’s been great to race with them. This is not easy, we definitely know that, but it’s such a unique and great group of people at Elite Motorsports. To get Richard (Freeman, Elite Motorsports team owner) his first win in the nitro class, there’s no words to express how much that means. It’s such a special deal and a cool feeling.”

This year’s visit to Charlotte, which is the fourth of 20 races in 2026, will also continue the season-long celebration of NHRA’s 75th anniversary, where fans can expect multiple highlights at zMAX Dragway, including:

  • An appearance from NHRA’s four-time Funny Car world champion Hagan, as well as NHRA legends Darryl Gwynn and Frank Manzo.
  • On Sunday, a free, limited-edition NHRA schedule magnet will be given to the first 5,000 fans in attendance to take in eliminations.
  • A new-look Nitro Mall, special displays and much more.

For Stewart, competing during this milestone year means a great deal to him. His Tony Stewart Racing team remains as strong as ever, with his wife, Top Fuel standout Leah Pruett, back in the sport and Matt Hagan tied for first in points in the Funny Car ranks.

He’s now helping Elite Motorsports move into the nitro ranks, adding another standout car in the loaded field that also includes points leader and reigning world champ Doug Kalitta, Langdon, Pomona runner-up Justin Ashley, Antron Brown, Josh Hart, who won in Gainesville, Clay Millican and rookie sensation Maddi Gordon.

A year ago, Stewart won twice and earned NHRA’s regular-season championship and now he’s hoping for more big moments during a huge season in NHRA history.

“We’re honored to be part of NHRA’s 75th anniversary. It truly is an honor. The camaraderie here in the pit area, it’s truly a large, large family and we’re grateful to be here,” Stewart said.

Funny Car’s Prock swept the four-wide races last year and the back-to-back world champ will look to get on track against the likes of Hagan, Ron Capps, J.R. Todd, class newcomer Jordan Vandergriff, Alexis DeJoria and Gainesville winner Chad Green.

Dallas Glenn powered his way to his first Pro Stock world title in 2025 and won last season’s NHRA 4-Wide Nationals when he defeated KB Titan Racing teammate and six-time champ Greg Anderson, 2026 Gainesville winner Matt Hartford and Eric Latino.

Pro Stock Motorcycle returns in Charlotte after last racing at the season opener in Gainesville. Six-time world champ Matt Smith won at his home track last season when he defeated reigning world champ Richard Gadson, two-time champ Gaige Herrera and veteran Steve Johnson. Gadson opened 2026 with a win and will face off against the likes of Angie Smith, Jianna Evaristo, John Hall and Chase Van Sant.

The NHRA 4-Wide Nationals will also feature the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, as well as JBS Equipment NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Elite Motorsports and Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown.

The NHRA 4-Wide Nationals will see the debut of the new Right Trailers Outlaw Street Series is an exciting new showcase for 2026 and will feature 10 drivers, with three rounds of qualifying over the course of Friday and Saturday in Charlotte, followed by semifinals and finals on Sunday at zMAX Dragway.

Fans will be invited to the Nitro Alley Stage, which hosts Nitro School, meet and greets, autograph sessions and much more. Race fans in Charlotte can enjoy the special pre-race ceremonies that introduce each driver and includes the fan favorite SealMaster Track Walk. Fans are also invited to congratulate the event winners at the winner’s circle celebration on Sunday.

As always, fans get a pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet. Fans can see their favorite teams in action and servicing their cars, get autographs and more. They can also visit NHRA’s Manufacturers Midway, where sponsors and vendors create an exciting atmosphere.

NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 4:15 and 7 p.m. ET on Friday, April 24 and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, April 25 at 12:30 and 3 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 12 p.m. ET on Sunday, April 26. Television coverage includes qualifying on FS1 at 7 p.m. ET on Friday and 11 a.m. ET on Sunday with eliminations action at 7 p.m. ET to follow.

To purchase tickets to the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals, please visit www.charlottemotorspeedway.com or call 800-455-3267. For more information about NHRA, visit www.NHRA.com.

About Mission Foods

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

About NHRA

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

NASCAR at Talladega Spring 2026 Weekend Schedule

By
Angie Campbell
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NASCAR Cup Series Jack Link's 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 27, 2025 in Talladega, Alabama Photo by Logan Riely/Getty Images

The NASCAR Cup Series and O’Reilly Series head to Talladega Superspeedway this weekend. Grammy winner Zac Brown will serve as grand marshal for the Jack Link’s 500.

The ARCA Menards will join them Saturday afternoon for a full schedule of racing.

The Craftsman Truck Series has the week off but will return to competition at Texas Motor Speedway on May 1.

Cup Series Notes:

2025 Spring Pole Winner: Zane Smith, Front Row Motorsports Ford

2025 Spring Race Winner: Austin Cindric, Team Penske Ford

Kyle Busch leads all active Cup Series drivers with 41 starts at Talladega. He is followed by Denny Hamlin (40), Joey Logano (34), Brad Keselowski (34) and Michael McDowell (30).

Bill Elliott leads the Cup Series in poles at Talladega with eight poles – 1985 sweep, 1986 sweep, 1987 sweep, spring 1990 and fall 1993.

Chase Elliott is the youngest Cup Series pole winner at Talladega – May 1, 2016, at 20 years, 5 months and 3 days.

Hendrick Motorsports leads the Cup Series in team poles – 13 poles among eight drivers at Talladega.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. holds the record for the most consecutive Cup Series victories at Talladega Superspeedway with four straight – 2001 Fall race, 2002 Spring and Fall races and the 2003 Spring race.

O’Reilly Series Notes:

Talladega is the third race in the Dash 4 Cash program.

The Dash 3 Cash drivers include Justin Allgaier, Sheldon Creed, Taylor Gray and Jesse Love.

Allgaier is the only driver in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series who has scored stage points in every stage this season. He leads the series with 151 stage points.

JR Motorsports leads the series in Most Dash 4 Cash wins with 25.

Jeb Burton and Austin Hill have the most wins at Talladega among active drivers in the series, with 2 each.

Drivers with the most Top 5s at Talladega all-time:

Joe Nemechek: 7
Joey Logano: 7
Justin Allgaier: 6
Ryan Sieg: 5
Elliott Sadler: 5

Friday, April 24

3:30 p.m.: ARCA Practice
5:30 p.m.: O’Reilly Qualifying – CW App

Saturday, April 25

10:30 a.m.: Cup Series Qualifying
Prime/MRN/SiriusXM
Post Qualifying: NASCAR Press Pass

12:30 p.m.: ARCA Alabama Manufactured Housing 200
76 Laps – 202.16 Miles
FS1/MRN/SiriusXM

4 p.m.: O’Reilly Ag-Pro 300
Stages end on Laps 25/50/113 = 300.58 Miles CW/MRN/SiriusXM
Post Race: NASCAR Press Pass

Sunday, April 26

3 p.m.: Cup Series Jack Link’s 500
Stages end on Laps 98/143/188 = 500.08 Miles
FOX/FOX One/HBO Max/MRN/SiriusXM
Post Race: NASCAR Press Pass

*All times are Eastern.

Connor Zilisch Trans Am Rookie Season Interview

By
Briar Starr
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Connor Zilisch at Martinsville Speedway by John Knittel for SpeedwayMedia.com.

This marks the return of Rookie Seasons, in which Speedway Media looks back at a driver’s rookie years in racing.

This past weekend at Kansas Speedway, we chatted with upcoming NASCAR superstar and Trackhouse Racing driver, Connor Zilisch. During this interview, we talked with him about his career and how he got into racing.

We discussed his journey and how he went down the Trans Am racing path with Nitro Motorsports. And eventually, with Silver Hare Racing, to make his first start in 2021 at Virginia International Raceway. We also discussed his first few starts in the Mazda MX-5 Cup class and how close he was to winning the championship in 2022, memories of his first Daytona start that season, and many more.

SM: Obviously, it’s been mentioned that you are a first-generation driver. How did you discover racing and what was it about racing that made you want to go compete instead of doing other sports?

CZ: “I’ve started racing when I was four and a half years old, and been basically (racing) for as long as I can remember,” Zilisch said. “My dad got me into it when he got me a go-kart for Christmas one year and that kind of started it all. I fell in love with it really quickly.”

SM: Clearly, it’s been stated that without Kevin Harvick, you may not be racing in NASCAR at the current moment. If it wasn’t for Kevin, do you think you would not be in NASCAR right now, and if you weren’t, where do you think you would have eventually wound up? Still in Sports Cars, Trans Am, maybe IndyCar?

CZ: “It’s so hard to tell what would’ve happened,” the Trackhouse Racing driver said. “Obviously, Kevin (Harvick) did a lot for me when I was a teenager racing with Keelan (Harvick) in go-karts and obviously, he saw something in me and wanted to help me. It definitely opened the door to myself to get into this sport and get into this industry. It’s hard saying where I would’ve gone without that.”

SM: Going into the Trans AM direction. Your first start came in 2021 in the TA2 class for Nitro Motorsports at VIR at the age of 15. First, were you ready to start your racing career? And, did you think it would lead you to where you are now?

CZ: “No, I definitely didn’t think (racing in Trans Am) would lead to where I am today,” he said. “When I was 15-years-old doing that, I was just trying to make the most of every opportunity I had. And, I didn’t really know what I was going to do the following year. It’s pretty crazy how things have transpired and where I’ve gotten to today. It’s wild to think, looking back, my first start came five years ago.”

SM: Following up on that, discuss what it was like making your debut at that age, and how you got the opportunity to drive for Nitro Motorsports and eventually, Silver Hare Racing? Was it part of the Chevrolet developmental program? And was it a dream come true for you to start racing in motorsports?

CZ: “Nitro (Motorsports) wasn’t a part of the Chevrolet program,” Zilisch said. “The guy who owns it (Nick Tucker), I raced for his go-kart team and he started that Trans Am team. And he used to work for Kevin (Harvick) on his Cup car, and traveled with him. I had a connection there through him and that first start kind of came through that. Then, the relationship with Silver Hare came from when I was making my name known in the Trans Am world after that.”

SM: At age 15, did you feel like you were ready to race in Trans Am at that time when you were young?

CZ: “Yeah, I felt ready for it,” he said. “I’ve never really thought there was anything I’ve done to this point that I felt like I could do or figure out. I was young at the time, but I was able to figure it out.”

SM: Speaking of which, when you first started, would you have preferred a part-time schedule in ’21 and then a full schedule the year after, or did you like having a full-time schedule right away to help get acquainted with learning the car?

CZ: “I enjoyed doing the full-time schedule and more seat time at that age is better,” Zilisch said. “The more racing I could do, the better.”

SM: Coming into Trans Am, what kind of expectations did you put on yourself? Obviously, race wins and championships are on your mind, but realistically, what were those general expectations and did those ever change throughout time?

CZ: “I wanted to get in there and win races,” he said. “I knew if I wasn’t, I knew I wouldn’t make it to the next level. It took me a little bit of time and my team a little bit of time to get where we needed to be, but we eventually got to that place where we were able to win each and every week, and contend for wins at the racetracks.”

SM: As previously mentioned, your first start came at VIR, where you claimed the pole position with a new track record as a rookie driver. If you can remember, what were the weeks like leading up to your debut? Were you anxious, nervous, or were you ready to go after practice and qualifying? Did you feel as though your previous road course experience helped with some of those potential nerves you might’ve had?

CZ: “I had done a little bit of testing (the weeks before), so I’ve felt pretty comfortable in the car,” Zilisch said. “That was kind of one of my first big races that I was doing and I was definitely nervous leading into it. However, once we got to the track and we practiced, we were really fast in practice and it was a sigh of relief.”

SM: Unfortunately, the race didn’t pan out as you would’ve hoped, finishing 22nd due to an injector failure. Despite that, you were able to lead four laps. Looking back, what in your mind do you think you could’ve done differently to have prevented that, and what was it like leading laps for the first time in a Trans Am car? I’m sure it had to be surreal for you.

CZ: “It was really cool to have been able to qualify on the pole and lead the first bit of the race,” the 19-year-old said. “Yeah, unfortunately, it was bad luck and there’s nothing nobody could’ve done.”

SM: VIR would be the only start that year in TA2 before ’22 and ’23. At the same time, you started racing in IMSA, primarily the Mazda MX-5 Cup Series, toward the end of the year at the season-ending race, Road Atlanta. Was that to help you gain more experience and fill out your schedule? How different was it going back and forth with the MX-5 cars and the Trans Am cars, knowing you would be doing that a lot in ’22? Did you think it helped your race craft at all?

CZ: “No, I didn’t,” Zilisch said regarding going back and forth between Trans Am and Mazda MX-5 Cup. “It was what I was used to at that point in my career, driving a bunch of different cars in different series. Just more seat time was valuable for me at that age.”

SM: Based on your performance at VIR, you were able to get invited by the Silver Hare Racing team the following season. Before we talk about that, was VIR your only slated start in Trans Am, and how much of a weight was lifted off your shoulders to get a full-time season in both TA2 and Mazda?

CZ: “It was good to have something I could rely on and be able to race a full-time schedule, at least very close to it with Silver Hare, and they gave me a great opportunity,” he said. “I knew I had to go and make the most of it.”

SM: Having a full-time schedule can definitely change your perspective on your expectations. Did those change in ’22, and did you find it difficult to manage those expectations as you were competing in two different series at the same time?

CZ: Yes, it (expectations changed) did,” Zilisch said. “I felt like we had a great opportunity to go out and race for wins. Everybody at Silver Hare Racing wanted to and was putting in the effort to do so. It definitely motivated me to go out and do it. Obviously, it took us a little bit of time to get where we needed to be.”

SM: Speaking of which, your first overall Daytona start came in that season with the Mazda Series with Hixon Motor Sports. What do you remember about your first Daytona experience? Being in the garage area, on pit road, pace laps before the green, etc., was it all surreal for you?

CZ: “I grew up racing at the go-kart track there, so I had been there a bunch,” he said. “It’s always pretty incredible driving under the tunnel and getting into Daytona, seeing the entire place. It’s definitely one of the more historic tracks we go to on the NASCAR schedule. But being there on the Rolex 24 weekend was really cool. It was kind of one of my first times being at an event that big, participating.”

SM: Going back to Trans Am, a little bit, you somewhat had a rough season starting out before you managed to have better finishes toward the end of the year. Was there ever a learning curve or an adjustment with the car and did you ever get comfortable with it by season’s end, especially going back and forth between the two series?

CZ: “I felt pretty comfortable in both of them right away,” Zilisch said. “It was just a matter of getting the car where I needed it to be and go out and contend for (race wins). I feel like I did a pretty good job of getting comfortable, but I had to work on my feedback and making sure I was portraying the right message to my crew chief.”

SM: Despite not having a great season in the TA2 class, you were setting the world on fire in the MX-5 Cup, where you eventually got your first career win at Road America. Looking back, what does that first win still mean to you, and have you ever had a chance to rewatch it?

CZ: “I haven’t watched it (the win) back, but it was definitely a breakthrough day for me,” the Trackhouse Racing driver said. “I ended up winning both races (MX-5 Cup) that weekend. Confidence is a big thing in racing and I felt like that gave me a big confidence boost to go out and prove to myself that I could do it.”

SM: Following up on that question, you seemed to have quickly started out better in the Mazda cars vs the Trans Am cars. Why do you think that was? Was it the cars or the tracks that suited you better?

CZ: “I think it was just the cars,” Zilisch said. “The cars in MX-5 Cup are a lot more similar throughout the field. In Trans Am, there’s a lot more variety and things you could do to the racecars to make them different. It just took us a little bit of time to get where we needed to be and be able to compete for wins.”

SM: Reflecting on your early career, you had three top-fives and five top-10 finishes in TA2, while you had four wins and finished second in the championship in MX-5 Cup. Were you satisfied with what you were able to accomplish in your rookie year, or do you think you could’ve done more, especially since you were close to winning the MX-5 Cup Championship in ’22?

CZ: “Yeah, it was tough losing that championship (MX-5 Cup), it was really close,” he said. “The one position in the last race cost us the championship, and that was definitely upsetting. It was a year of growth for me and learning. I was able to get some in the MX-5 Cup and prove to people that I’m able to do it. We came back the next year and had more success.”

SM: 2023 was a much better season for you in TA2, where you accumulated five victories with your first win coming at Road Atlanta and finishing fourth in the championship. What do you remember about that victory, and what was it about the ’23 season that went so much better for you? Do you think you could’ve won the Trans Am championship that season?

CZ: “We clicked as a team,” Zilisch said. “It took a little bit of time for us to get where we needed to be as a team, but once it clicked, we really started to fire on all cylinders and clicking off those wins. It was cool finally being able to get that chemistry together.”

SM: Do you think winning in Trans AM at Road Atlanta was life-changing?

CZ: “I didn’t think it was life (winning at Road Atlanta) changing,” he said. “I just remember that win a lot and having a great memory of being with that entire team and the excitement from everybody. I wouldn’t say it was life-changing.”

SM: During this time period, you were racing some historic tracks for the first time, like Road America, Mid-Ohio, Road Atlanta, etc. What were your impressions about those tracks as you raced on them for the first time?

CZ: “I always loved going to all those tracks,” Zilisch said. “Road America was probably my favorite, and so was Road Atlanta as well. I loved going to those historic sports car tracks that are all around our country.”

SM: As of this writing, you have seven wins in Trans Am, eight in Mazda MX-5 Cup, two wins in IMSA, four victories in ARCA East, five in ARCA National, 12 in the O’Reilly Series, one in CARS Tour, and many more. What do you think is your favorite victory out of each touring division and which trophy is the one that means the most to you?

CZ: “I would say the Rolex watch that I won at the Daytona 24 hours (2024, LMP2 victory) would be my favorite trophy that I have,” he said. “It’s hard to beat a watch like that. I would say my most memorable win would be my first NASCAR win (O’Reilly Auto Parts Series in 2024 at Watkins Glen), when I won in my debut at the time. That victory meant a lot to me, but the Rolex 24 is my favorite as well.”

SM: Some racers have a memorabilia collection and some don’t. Are you a driver that collects your own merchandise and if so, what do you have in your collection that reminds you of your racing career?

CZ: “I have a lot of suits from my younger days,” Zilisch said. “I had a lot of helmets when I was a kid racing karts and I definitely try to keep all of that stuff, and I’ll sort through it later when I figure out what I want to keep and not keep. I try to keep anything that symbolizes a big moment in my career, a suit I wore in a big race. Those things are pretty valuable to me and something I try to collect.”

SM: What is one memory that you will always remember or a learning lesson that you had and that you will apply many years later in your NASCAR career?

CZ: “I would say a memory I will remember is winning my first race, that was pretty incredible,” he said. “I put in a lot of work to prepare for myself for that race, being ready when we went to Watkins Glen. To win my first race, I was one of only seven people to do it in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. That one was definitely special and will stick with me forever.”

SM: Following up on the Trans Am questions. Do you ever see yourself going back racing in that series in some one-offs, here and there, in the future?

CZ: “It’s so hard right now with me racing in the Cup Series every weekend,” Zilisch said. “I don’t really have time at the moment, but I always try to check in on all my old teams and the people who helped me. It would just be hard to get back out there and do a race, since we race every weekend ourselves.”

SM: Wrapping this interview up – Your first start came five years ago. Fast forward to 10 years from now, in 2036. You will be 30-years-old. What do you hope a 30-year-old Connor Zilisch tells a younger version of himself? Is there anything you would do differently?

CZ: “I wouldn’t change anything. He continued, saying, “I felt like I had to work really hard to get where I am today. I made it to the top quickly and find myself at the Cup Series at a young age. I would think 10 years from now, I would tell myself to enjoy it, have fun, and don’t let the moment become too big. Never let the pressure outweigh the enjoyment of the memories I am making.”

So far in Zilisch’s career, the young 19-year-old has:

5 Five career ARCA Menards Series National wins
4 ARCA East wins
1 ARCA West win
2 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Series Championships class wins in the LMP2 competition
1 CARS Tour Late Model Stock and CARS Tour Pro Late Model win
7 Trans Am wins
8 Mazda MX-5 Cup wins.

Special thanks to Trackhouse Racing’s Jimmy White for coordinating this interview onsite and many thanks to Connor Zilisch for taking the time out of his busy race weekend schedule to conduct the interview.

Beard Motorsports: Casey Mears Jack Links 500 at Talladega Advance

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Official Release
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CASEY MEARS Jack Links 500 at Talladega Superspeedway

No. 62 Gracie Foundation Chevrolet Camaro

Event Overview

● Event: Jack Links 500 (Round 10 of 36)

● Time/Date: 3:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday, April 26

● Location: Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway

● Layout: 2.66 mile oval

● Laps/Miles: 188 laps/500 miles

● State Lengths: Stage 1: 60 laps / Stage 2: 60 laps / Final Stage: 68 laps

● TV/Radio: FOX / MRN / SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Notes of Interest

● Welcome to the Team, Casey Mears. A new face will be behind the wheel of the No. 62 Gracie Foundation Chevrolet for Beard Motorsports for Sunday’s Jack Link’s 500 at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway. NASCAR Cup Series veteran Casey Mears takes to the track for his first of five races with the team this season. Mears and Beard Motorsports will also join forces for the July 26 Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the Aug. 29 Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway, the Oct. 25 YellaWood 500 at Talladega, and the Nov. 8 season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway. The latter event will be Mears’ milestone 500th career Cup Series start.

● The Beard Legacy Continues. Sunday’s 500-mile race around the behemoth 2.66-mile Talladega oval will be the 35th Cup Series start and 16th at Talladega for the family-owned Beard Motorsports team. Since its inception in 2017, all but six of the team’s previous 34 races have come at Talladega and its sister oval at Daytona. The 2026 NASCAR season marks the Mt. Pleasant, Michigan-based team’s 10th competing in the Cup Series. The first eight of the team’s 15 previous Talladega outings came at the hands of veteran driver Brendan Gaughan, best of those resulting in an eighth-place finish in the April 2019 race. Behind the wheel for the team’s last four Talladega outings was Anthony Alfredo, who posted a best finish of sixth in the April 2024 race.

● Another Racing Family Legacy. Mears, who turned 48 earlier this month, comes to the Beard team with racing family history of his own with roots in Bakersfield, California. His dad, Roger, was a fixture in off-road racing for decades, his numerous wins including marquis events like the Baja 1000 and Pikes Peak Hillclimb, and championships in SCORE/HDRA and Mickey Thompson Grand National Trucks competition. Mears’ uncle Rick, meanwhile, was a longtime NTT IndyCar Series competitor and six-time series champion, and is one of only three drivers ever to win the Indianapolis 500 four times. Like his dad, Casey Mears began in off-road racing before a five-year run through the INDY NXT and IndyCar series from 1995 to 2001. He transitioned to stock cars in 2001, and made his Cup Series debut in 2003. He was a fixture in NASCAR’s top touring series for 14 seasons, scoring a win in the 2007 Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway before stepping away from fulltime racing following the 2016 season having made 488 career Cup Series starts. In recent years, Mears returned for select Cup Series starts, and Sunday’s race marks his eighth since returning to the series at the 2019 Daytona 500. Five of those outings since his return came last year for owner Carl Long, including his 18th-place run in the October race at Talladega and 32nd-place result at this year’s Daytona 500. At Daytona 500, Mears raced his way into main event as the top-finishing open car in his Duel qualifying race. Mears has 28 career Cup Series starts at Talladega with five top-10s – sixth in October 2007, seventh in April 2009, eighth in the April and October races in 2004, and 10th in October 2014. His three Talladega starts in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series feature a third-place finish in April 2007 and a fifth-place finish in April 2002. He also has one ARCA Menards Series start at the track, which resulted in a ninth-place finish in October 2001.

● The Passion Lives On. Owned and operated by the Beard family and operating out of Mooresville, North Carolina, Beard Motorsports continues in 2026 under the leadership and guidance of Linda Beard, her daughter Amie Beard-Deja, son Mark Beard Jr., and crew chief Darren Shaw. What started out as a passion project for the late Mark Beard Sr., has remained a tribute to the family’s patriarch since making its Cup Series debut in the 2017 Daytona 500 with Gaughan behind the wheel of its No. 62 Chevrolet. The family has remained committed to the vision laid out by its patriarch and has done so with notable success. Today, the No. 62 NASCAR Cup Series team is just one of its family-owned entities. Beard Oil Distributing is the foundation of the Beard family-owned business portfolio and is recognized as a women-owned certified organization through the Women Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC).

● Driving for a Cause. Supporting Mears 2026 run with Beard Motorsports is a collection of longtime partners featuring the Gracie Foundation. Inspired by the late Gail “Gracie” Germain, the foundation strives to lighten the weight of the emotional journey of battling cancer through the act of a simple gesture. Gracie Gifts, beautifully packaged care boxes filled with comforting, uplifting and pampering items, are sent to women currently undergoing treatment for any type of cancer. Gail Germain is the late wife of former Cup Series car owner Bob Germain, with whom Mears has a longstanding relationship.

● Dependable Power Under the Hood. Since making its debut in the 2017 Daytona 500, the No. 62 Beard Motorsports team has been powered by ECR-built engines, and the team has leveraged the power of those engines to post solid finishes, including Noah Gragson fifth-place finish in the July 2022 race at Daytona, and the team’s seven other top-10s in 34 Cup Series starts.

Casey Mears, Driver of the No. 62 Gracie Foundation Chevrolet

You’re in the No. 62 Beard Motorsports Chevrolet for your first of five races with the team this weekend at Talladega. How did it all come together?

“It’s just a cool deal. We kind of tossed around the idea for about two or three years of trying to make this happen. The conversations sparked a little bit of interest and, thankfully, Bob Germain, who is my old car owner, he really stepped up and wanted to make it happen. So if it wasn’t for him, none of this would be going on right now. We had some conversations with various people over the last year, and I thought, ‘Man, the 62 team could be a really good, viable option for me.’ Obviously, they run part-time, but I knew that they have ties with RCR (Richard Childress Racing), and they’re positioned to go out and be competitive. Their track record at the superspeedways has always shown to have speed, which I thought immediately puts me in a better situation. We’ve had people like Acrisure Protection Group and KARR Security Systems step up that have been partnered with us this last year or so, but Bob’s the main source of funding to, to put this all together. And I’m very thankful for the chance to work with the Beard family. It all has kind of floored me, really.”

You’re the most tenured Cup Series driver to drive for Beard. What do you feel that brings to the team for its next five races?

“I’m excited about it. When Brendan Gaughan was running for the team, that was good for consistency. Since Brendan retired, it’s been utilized more as a kind of RCR (Richard Childress Racing) feeder program, where their young drivers have been running races and getting experience. It will be good to have the consistency of somebody like me in the car for five events. Every race that you run, obviously you learn more about each other. The spotter and the driver get more in sync, the crew chief and the driver get more in sync, the ownership knows what to expect each race. I think it’s exciting. They’re really good at the superspeedways, and there was a period earlier in my career where I had the best average finish at the superspeedways in Cup, so there’s that factor at Talladega and Daytona.”

With your resume, you’re certainly a known entity in the Cup garage. How would you say that bodes for the need to find drivers to partner with in the superspeedway races?

“You know, I didn’t know what to expect when I first started coming back to run some of these races after being away for eight years, but I still have some really good relationships in the garage with some of the current drivers. Obviously, there’s a lot of new guys, but I was surprised to see even some of the newer guys that I hadn’t really known very well being super respectful and open, as well. I felt like guys were willing to work with me, willing to go with me, and I think that will ultimately help throughout the race. And then, obviously, when you get to the end of these superspeedway races, it’s kind of every man for himself. But I don’t see being that guy that gets completely hung out all the time because they’re worried about me not having the experience to make the right decisions or moves. Even through I was gone for all those years, I feel like I’ve earned the respect of at least knowing what I’m doing out there, and I think that’s going to be a good thing, a positive thing for the team and the program. And hopefully that adds to the value of what I can provide out on the racetrack.”

Just how important it is to you to reach the milestone of 500 career Cup Series starts?

“You know, I ask myself that question, as well. It just kind of became a goal when I was a- made aware two or three years ago that I was only 11 races away from 500 starts, I thought, ‘Gosh, that’s just a shame to be that close and not accomplish that milestone.’ When I left the sport, I didn’t really do it on my terms – very few of us get to do that. It wasn’t because I lost the love for the sport or for racing, it was just the timing of things. The good opportunities weren’t there anymore. So I stepped away, but that didn’t mean I lost the love for it. And I think when I started understanding that I was that close to 500, it gave me a glorified excuse to really start trying to legitimately get back and do some racing, and that’s really what it is. Having 500 starts doesn’t put me in the Hall of Fame, it doesn’t change a lot of things within the sport, but personally it’s going to be pretty amazing to know that we accomplished that goal with the people that helped me do it and get there. There’s a lot of love there for that involvement.”

How difficult was it to get back into a Cup car when you came back from your eight-season hiatus last year?

“That was one thing I was curious about because, I think actually in the broadcast booth at Daytona, they mentioned that I was the oldest driver in the field. That kills me. What I was surprised about in my first race back at Martinsville, after worrying about how I was going to adapt, how I was going to feel after all that time away, I was three laps into practice before I was just mad that the car wasn’t working properly. So that didn’t take long. I was surprised how easy it was. I felt very comfortable in the car, I felt comfortable on the track, everything came back really quickly, so I was pleased to feel that way.”

Talk about the Gracie Foundation and the work you’ve done with it over the years.

“We have the Gracie Foundation on the car because that’s something near and dear to Bob. It’s something that his wife started before she passed of cancer and I think he’s super excited to have the Gracie Foundation on the car as a primary. I’ve always been front and center on what those guys have been doing and really, at the end of the day, what they do is lift the spirits of women a little bit as they’re going through treatments in their battles with cancer. It’s cool to see and cool to be a part of, and I know it’s something Bob really wants to keep going and build.”

No. 62 Beard Motorsports Team Roster

Primary Team Members

Driver: Casey Mears

Hometown: Bakersfield, California

Crew Chief: Darren Shaw

Hometown: Mooresville, North Carolina

Car Chief: Drew Mickey

Hometown: Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Spotter: Rick Carelli

Hometown: Arvada, Colorado

President: Linda Beard

Hometown: Mt. Pleasant, Michigan

Over-The-Wall Members

Front Tire Changer: Michael Russell

Hometown: North Carolina

Rear Tire Changer: Isaac Byers

Hometown: North Carolina

Tire Carrier: Kenneth Leach

Hometown: Fremont, North Carolina

Jack Man: Da’Quan Hampton

Hometown: Los Angeles, California

Fuel Man: James Kelley

Hometown: Luray, Virginia

Road Crew Members

Mechanic: Jack Gagnon

Hometown: Quebec, Canada

Mechanic: Mark Sanders

Hometown: Springfield, Ohio

Tire Technician: Mike Harrold

Hometown: Mooresville, North Carolina

Engine Tuner: Brian Trevino

Hometown: Statesville, North Carolina

Interior Specialist: Nic Hill

Hometown: Fort Myers, Florida

Engineer: Mack Kanupp

Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina

Transporter Driver: Roger Lankford

Hometown: Lexington, North Carolina

TOYOTA RACING Weekly Preview 04.22.26

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Official Release
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This Week in Motorsports: April 20 – April 26, 2026
NCS/NOAPS/ARCA: Talladega Superspeedway – April 24-26

PLANO, Texas (April 22, 2026) – NASCAR’s Cup and O’Reilly Series head to the heart of Alabama and Talladega Superspeedway for the first of two visits in 2026. The two series will be joined by the ARCA Menards Series for a weekend packed of high-stakes, superspeedway racing.

NASCAR National Series – NCS/NOAPS

Toyota’s incredible run continues … With Tyler Reddick’s triumph at Kansas Speedway last Sunday, Toyota has now captured its seventh win in the first nine Cup Series races in 2026, the best start in as many races for a series manufacturer since 2007. The start is also the best for Toyota in its Cup Series history. For Reddick, he has now won five of the first nine races this season, becoming the first driver to do such since Dale Earnhardt Sr. in 1987. Reddick now owns a 105-point lead in the Cup Series driver standings over his 23XI Racing co-owner, Denny Hamlin.

Reddick eyes another drafting track win … Reddick began his historic 2026 Cup Series season with two consecutive drafting track wins at the Daytona 500 and at EchoPark Speedway (Atlanta) in February. He now heads to Talladega Superspeedway looking for three straight. Reddick has 12 career starts at Talladega, which includes the dramatic win in the 2024 spring race, when he avoided a last-lap tri-oval wreck to claim victory in his No. 45 Toyota Camry XSE.

Briscoe looks for Talladega repeat … After a dramatic win at Talladega last October that put him into the Championship 4, Chase Briscoe returns to the 2.66-mile superspeedway in hopes of a repeat victory this Sunday. The driver of the No. 19 Toyota Camry XSE for Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) also enters the weekend with two consecutive top-five finishes from Bristol Motor Speedway and Kansas, as well as three top-10s in the last five Cup Series races. Sunday will be the 190th career Cup Series start for Briscoe and his 11th at Talladega.

Wallace eager to continue drafting track prowess … Bubba Wallace has established himself as one of the premier drafting track drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series, which recent statistics continue to show. Wallace has finished inside the top-10 in the last three drafting track races dating back to last fall’s Talladega race – a fourth-place finish at Talladega in 2025, 10th at this year’s Daytona 500 and eighth at EchoPark Speedway. Wallace is well-positioned to continue the streak this weekend in Talladega, the site of his first career Cup Series win in 2021.

Gibbs extends top-10 streak … Finishing ninth in last Sunday’s race at Kansas, Ty Gibbs has finished inside the top-10 in seven consecutive races, the best such run of his career to-date. The streak includes his first career victory at Bristol two weeks ago. Gibbs is tied with Reddick for most top-10s in the Cup Series at seven, as he sits fourth in the Cup Series points standings entering this weekend in Talladega.

Gray coming off second career triumph … Last weekend’s victory for Taylor Gray at Kansas Speedway marked the second visit to victory lane in his young O’Reilly Auto Parts Series career. Gray led 48 laps on his way to victory to give Toyota its fourth consecutive O’Reilly Series win at Kansas. The result was also Gray’s third consecutive top-10 finish, as he and the No. 54 Toyota GR Supra team for JGR have found their groove at this point in the season.

Crews continues strong start to O’Reilly career … With his fifth-place finish last weekend in Kansas, Brent Crews has now earned four-top 10s and two top-fives in six career O’Reilly Series starts to date. His last two races – Bristol and Kansas – marked his best two finishes so far, with a third at Bristol and the fifth at Kansas. This weekend, the Toyota Development Driver makes his superspeedway debut at Talladega in hopes of securing another top-10 and even top-five to continue the strong series debut.

NASCAR Regional Series – ARCA Menards Series

Toyota brings strong lineup to Talladega … For this weekend’s ARCA Menards Series race at Talladega Superspeedway, Toyota will field a strong lineup as it looks for its 12th ARCA win at Talladega, its fourth in succession and ninth in the last 10 races. In the JGR No. 18 Toyota Camry, Gio Ruggiero returns after earning a victory in Kansas last weekend, his second ARCA win of the season after he was victorious in the season opener at Daytona International Speedway. For Nitro Motorsports, Jake Bollman, Isabella Robusto and Thomas Annunziata will pilot the No. 20, 55 and 70 Toyota Camrys, respectively. Bollman currently leads the ARCA Menards Series points standings by 12 points entering the weekend, as the now 19-year-old makes his debut at Talladega. Robusto makes her second career start at Talladega this weekend, where she finished third last season – the best finish by a female driver in the series at the famed superspeedway. Annunziata also makes his second career Talladega. Nitro Motorsports’ will also field Toyota Camrys this weekend for Jake Finch in the No. 15 and Gus Dean in the No. 25.

About Toyota

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

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

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

ARCA Menards Series at Talladega Superspeedway: Alabama Manufactured Housing 200 Pre-Race Notes & Stats Update

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Official Release
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  • The ARCA Menards Series takes to the ultra high banks of Talladega Superspeedway in Saturday’s Alabama Manufactured Housing 200. It will be the fourth race of the 2026 season, the 1598th race in series history, and the 64th ARCA Menards Series race at Talladega since 1969.
  • The starting lineup for the Alabama Manufactured Housing 200 will be determined by locking in the top 36 teams in the current 2026 ARCA Menards Series owner points that have filed entries by the entry deadline. With no scheduled Sioux Chief PowerPEX Pole Qualifying, the Pole Award will go to the No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing team, which leads the owner’s standings.
  • With 41 teams entered, the final four positions in the lineup will be determined by the fastest speeds in the final group in Friday’s practice session. All teams that are not locked into the starting field will be grouped together and the fastest four will be added to the field.
  • Jake Bollman (No. 20 Nitro Motorsports Toyota) leads the ARCA Menards Series championship standings by 12 points over runner-up Jason Kitzmiller (No. 97 A.L.L. Construction / Carter CAT Chevrolet) heading into the​​Alabama Manufactured Housing 200. Bollman finished second in the season opener at Daytona International Speedway but will be making his first appearance at Talladega; Kitzmiller has six previous Talladega starts dating back to 2020 and finished fifth in 2025.
  • Ryan Vargas (No. 91 Maples Motorsports Chevrolet) is third in the standings 18 points out of the lead.
  • Gio Ruggiero (No. 18 1st Auto Group Toyota) will be looking for his third consecutive ARCA Menards Series win. Ruggiero won the season opener at Daytona and then scored his second win at Kansas Speedway last weekend at Kansas Speedway in his only two starts of the season. Ruggiero’s victory has propelled Joe Gibbs Racing to the top of the ARCA Menards Series owner point standings by 15 points over the Joe Tovo-owned Nitro Motorsports No. 20 team.
  • Jack Wood (No. 28 Pinnacle Racing Group Chevrolet) was on his way to victory when a late-race caution sent last weekend’s race at Kansas Speedway into overtime. Wood was nudged out of the lead into turn one and then more contact was made down the backstretch which resulted in hard contact to the outside wall. Wood, who led a career-high 39 laps, will look to rebound from a disappointing 18th-place finish; Wood finished sixth in the season opener at Daytona.
  • Daniel Dye (No. 24 Champion Container Chevrolet) will make his third start of the season in the Alabama Manufactured Housing 200. Dye finished fourth at Daytona and then was runner-up at Kansas, his best series finish since 2022 at Phoenix Raceway. Dye, who won in his ARCA Menards Series debut at Berlin Raceway in 2021, finished third in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Talladega in 2024; he finished 17th in his only previous ARCA Menards Series start at Talladega in 2022.
  • Taylor Reimer (No. 77 FRE Nicotine Pouches Chevrolet) will make her third start of the season and second with Pinnacle Racing Group. Reimer was running among the top ten when late-race issues brought her down pit road leaving her five laps down in 30th. Reimer finished in the top ten in each of her first six career ARCA Menards Series starts with two top-five finishes, including a career-best third at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in 2024.
  • Andy Jankowiak (No. 71 Hook’d Solutions Chevrolet) returns to Talladega looking to better his fourth-place finish in 2025. Jankowiak led four laps last year, the first laps he’s led in his ARCA Menards Series career.
  • YouTube superstars Garrett Mitchell (No. 30 BaldEagle.com Ford), known better as Cleetus McFarland and his sidekick George Siciliano (No. 0 Heat Wave Visuals Ford), known as Squirrel McNutt, will compete against each other for the second consecutive week but the first in which they can serve as drafting partners. Mitchell finished 20th at Kansas last Saturday after losing an oil line and making a spectacular slide through turns one and two, while Siciliano finished 12th in his first ever race on a track larger than one mile in length.
  • Twenty-one drivers have scored their first career ARCA Menards Series victory at Talladega Superspeedway: Jim Vandiver, Johnny Halford, Bruce Hill, Sandy Satullo, Billie Harvey, Mark Martin, Jim Vaughn, Rick Roland, Davey Allison, Tim Steele, Keith Segars, Paul Menard, Kraig Kinser, Michael Annet, Dakoda Armstrong, Brandon McReynolds, Blake Jones, Gus Dean, Drew Dollar, Jake Finch, and Lawless Alan.
  • There has not been a repeat winner in the last 19 ARCA Menards Series races at Talladega. The last driver to repeat was ten-time series champion Frank Kimmel in 2006 and again in 2013. Previous Talladega winners on the entry list include 2016 winner Gus Dean (No. 25 CAB Installers Toyota) and 2024 winner Jake Finch (No. 15 Phoenix Toyota).
  • Talladega Superspeedway is the site of the series’ closest-ever finish in the electronic timing era. In 2018, Zane Smith defeated Joe Graf, Jr. by inches at the finish line, which recorded 0.000 on the timing system, a statistical dead heat.
  • Each of the last six ARCA Menards Series races at Talladega Superspeedway has been won from a top five starting position, and each of the last three has been won from the front row. Drew Dollar won from second in 2020, Corey Heim and Nick Sanchez won from fourth in 2021 and 2022, Jesse Love and Lawless Alan from second in 2023 and 2025; only Jake Finch won from the pole in 2024.
  • Should the race need to be extended into overtime, there will be one attempt at a one-lap “green and white together” overtime finish. If the caution is displayed before the checkered flag in overtime, the field will be frozen at the time of the caution.
  • The Alabama Manufactured Housing 200 is set for 12:30 pm ET/ 11:30 am CT on Saturday, April 25. The race will be broadcast live on FS1 and can be heard in select affiliates of the MRN Radio network nationwide and on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90. Live timing & scoring data and live race audio will be available on ARCARacing.com; for up-to-the-minute updates please follow @ARCA_Racing on X (formerly known as Twitter).

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

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

Shane van Gisbergen Reunites with Niece Motorsports at Watkins Glen International

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Official Release
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NASCAR Craftsman Truck series Driver, Shane Van Gisbergen takes to the track to practice for the TSport 200 at the Indianapolis Raceway Park in Indianapolis IN.

Salisbury, NC (Apr. 22, 2026) – Multi-time NASCAR race winner Shane van Gisbergen eyes a return to the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series (NCTS) with Niece Motorsports at Watkins Glen International.

The Auckland, New Zealand, native will pilot the No. 4 Chevrolet Silverado backed by Circle B Motorsports Auctions, DQS Solutions & Staffing, and J.F. Electric for the 176-mile event in upstate New York on May 8.

Van Gisbergen joins fellow Trackhouse Racing teammate Ross Chastain as a driver for Niece Motorsports’ NCTS program. In 2023, he made his NCTS debut with the organization at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park – his only series start to date.

“I’m really excited to have the opportunity to race for Niece Motorsports at Watkins Glen,” said van Gisbergen. “I raced the truck once back in 2023 at IRP and it was epic! Happy to be back at one of my favorite tracks. Hopefully we have a good crack at it. Thanks to Niece Motorsports, Circle B Diecast, DQS, J.F. Electric, Chevrolet and Trackhouse for giving me the opportunity. It’s going to be a lot of fun.”

Circle B Diecast will serve as van Gisbergen’s primary sponsor for Watkins Glen. The company will promote its new Motorsports Auctions website, which is the online auction solution for both its North Carolina and Missouri warehouses. Fans can soon pre-order 1:24 and 1:64 scale diecast replicas of van Gisbergen’s No. 4 truck at CircleBDiecast.com.

“All of us at Circle B Diecast are incredibly excited to partner with Shane van Gisbergen and Niece Motorsports at Watkins Glen,” said Brent Powell, Co-Owner of Circle B Diecast. “SVG is an extremely talented driver, and a fan favorite. It’s pretty cool how this whole deal came together, I saw a tweet that a fan sent out asking if Shane was racing in the Truck Series race at Watkins Glen, and once I saw that he was interested, I immediately called Cody Efaw to see if we could put this together. They have a great group over at Niece Motorsports, and I think Shane will do a great job for all of us.”

Niece Motorsports fields its largest driver lineup in more than a decade of competition this season. With the addition of van Gisbergen, Team President and CEO Cody Efaw believes the team will further strengthen its road course capabilities.

“Shane’s ability on road courses made him a clear priority for our organization at Watkins Glen,” said Efaw. “When we learned Shane had interest in running Truck Series races, it felt like a natural fit. Our fab and body shop have put in a tremendous amount of work building new road course trucks, and we’re confident in what we’re bringing to the track. With Shane and Ross – both proven Cup Series road course winners – paired with Andres Perez de Lara, a talented road course racer in his own right, we like the strength of our lineup, and expect to be in contention for the win.”

The NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series heads to Watkins Glen International on Friday, May 8. Live coverage of the Bully Hill Vineyards 176 at the Glen will air on FOX Sports 1, the NASCAR Racing Network, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

About Circle B Diecast: Circle B Diecast, originally known as Plan B Sales, was founded in 2010 and started as a Lionel diecast and Chase Authentics apparel wholesale distributor. The Concord, N.C. based company has grown into the largest independent racing collectibles distributor in the United States. Circle B Diecast offers both retail and wholesale customers a vast array of products through its website, www.circlebdiecast.com.

About DQS Solutions & Staffing: Guided by a mission to achieve excellence and adaptability, DQS partners with clients to create custom solutions that address unique business challenges. Recognized as Michigan’s fastest-growing company and #22 in the nation on the Inc. 5000 list, DQS drives industry growth while giving back through its nonprofit, Foundation for Pops, and partnerships like the River Rouge School District.

About J.F. Electric: J.F. Electric is an electrical contractor that provides engineering expertise, backed by construction and installation know-how in a diverse range of service offerings, from utilities and commercial projects, to industrial and telecommunications customers. When having a long family history in an industry, a company not only builds on its knowledge and experience, it takes pride in cultivating a solid understanding of client needs, all the while nurturing strong relationships with its employees. Evolving through five generations of the Fowler family, J.F. Electric has matured into a well-managed and thoughtfully diversified electrical contractor which is poised to continue its growth and expansion into the future.

About Niece Motorsports: Niece Motorsports is a professional auto racing team that has competed in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series since 2016. The team is owned by Josh Morris of DQS Solutions and Staffing and the Fowler Family of J.F. Electric and Utilitra, and was founded by United States Marine Corps Veteran Al Niece. At its 80,000 sq. ft. headquarters in Salisbury, NC, Niece Motorsports is a full-service race vehicle build shop as well as a customizable fabrication shop for any manufacturing needs.

Follow the Team: To keep up to date with the latest team news, visit niecemotorsports.com or connect on Facebook and Instagram (@NieceMotorsports) as well as X (@NieceMotorsport).

23XI Racing Set for Nashville Takeover with Chief’s and New Partner Field & Stream

By
Official Release
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Field & Stream Joins 23XI for Select Races with Corey Heim

Huntersville, N.C. (Apr. 22, 2026) – As the much-anticipated NASCAR Cup Series race in Nashville on May 31st approaches, 23XI Racing announced plans today for a fan event at Chief’s on Broadway, in conjunction with new team partner, Field & Stream. One of the most trusted voices of the outdoors, Field & Stream joins the team as an Official Partner on and off the track throughout the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season.

The partnership kicks off on Friday during the Nashville race weekend with a takeover at Chief’s featuring driver appearances, giveaways, and the excitement only a trip to Broadway can bring. Throughout Chief’s, 23XI and select partner branding will be on full display as the thrill of the racetrack comes downtown for visitors to Nashville and fans alike. Field & Stream, which has a regular presence at Chief’s, will also co-host an invite-only party in the Friendly Shadows Dueling Piano Bar, welcoming fellow 23XI partners to Music City.

Always eager to guide people on their adventures, Field & Stream is hosting a sweepstakes that will award one lucky winner a trip for two to Nashville for the race weekend. The winners will receive access to Friday’s exclusive party, VIP tickets to the Nashville race, a gift bag from Field & Stream and 23XI, a one-year Premium membership to Field & Stream’s 1871 Club, and more. To register, visit http://www.fieldandstream.com/23XIsweepstakes.

In addition to enjoying the atmosphere, fans will also have the chance to hear from all 23XI drivers as they take the stage in the Neon Steeple for interviews during SiriusXM’s Music Row Happy Hour, hosted by Buzz Brainard. For more information about the event, follow 23XI on social media.

As part of the Nashville weekend takeover, Heim’s No. 67 car will feature Chief’s branding as the primary partner, with Field & Stream highlighted on the car. Later in the season, Field & Stream will be featured as the primary partner on the No. 67 Toyota Camry at Indianapolis in July, when Heim takes on the Brickyard for the first time, and again in October at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Throughout the remainder of the season, Field & Stream branding will appear on Heim’s firesuits, as well as on the No. 67 team’s uniforms and equipment. Additionally, Heim and Field & Stream will team up off the track to create digital content that inspires people to get outside through unique storytelling featuring the up-and-coming NASCAR driver.

“Field & Stream is proud to partner with 23XI, Corey Heim, and Chief’s for race weekend in Nashville,” said Gregory Gatto, president of Field & Stream. “NASCAR fans share a deep connection to tradition, family, and the outdoors, and this collaboration gives us a natural way to bring our storytelling and values to that audience.”

“We’re honored to welcome a heritage brand like Field & Stream to 23XI,” said Steve Lauletta, 23XI team president. “Through this partnership, fans will have the opportunity to step into the outdoors with Corey, thanks to Field & Stream’s best-in-class outdoor-lifestyle media platform, which will showcase unique stories and locations beyond the racetrack. We look forward to kicking things off in Nashville and collaborating with even more partners there for another great race weekend.”

“As I continue to learn and grow as a NASCAR driver, this opportunity to work with such a well-known and respected brand means a lot to me,” said Heim, driver of the No. 67 Toyota Camry XSE. “I’ve always enjoyed activities like fishing, and I’m excited to expand my outdoor skills and share those adventures. I know that with Field & Stream, we’ll have some fun this season, on and off the track.”

About Field & Stream
For more than a century, Field & Stream has been the most-trusted voice of the outdoors. With origins dating back to 1871, F&S has taught a nation to hunt and fish, to camp and explore, to survive and thrive in the outdoors—all while leading the charge to conserve and fight for wildlife and wild places. The secret to our longevity is simple: Hunters and anglers love a great story—and nobody tells one better than Field & Stream. Acclaimed singer-songwriters Eric Church and Morgan Wallen, along with a group of experienced brand builders, acquired and relaunched Field & Stream in 2024, unifying this legacy brand for the first time in its history. Now embarking on a new chapter, the next generation of Field & Stream includes an outdoor-lifestyle media platform—rooted in storytelling, a return to a premium print publication, a membership community, a wide variety of co-branded and licensed product lines, plus experiential brand extensions such as a modern and affordable lifestyle lodge concept. For more information visit www.fieldandstream.com.

About Chief’s
Chief’s on Broadway is a six-story bar and live music venue celebrating the ever-expanding musical legacy of Eric Church. Located in the heart of downtown Nashville, Chief’s features a ticketed music venue, inspirational interiors, and a distinct focus on original live performances—offering fans an unmatched entertainment experience in Music City. The venue includes a broadcast studio, home to Church’s Outsiders Radio on SiriusXM, with the capability to host programming from a range of media partners. Culinary offerings are in collaboration with James Beard Award–winning pitmaster Rodney Scott, available throughout the space. On the fifth floor, Redemption Bar, a new concept developed with award-winning artist Ashley McBryde, is dedicated to spotlighting original music and emerging talent. Chief’s is located at the corner of 2nd Avenue and Broadway. For more information, please visit www.chiefsonbroadway.com.

About 23XI Racing
23XI Racing – pronounced twenty-three eleven – was founded by NBA legend Michael Jordan and three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin in 2020. With rising NASCAR star Bubba Wallace selected to drive the No. 23 Toyota Camry, the team made its NASCAR Cup Series debut in the 2021 Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Wallace made history on October 4, 2021, when he captured his first career Cup Series win, becoming just the second African American to win in the Cup Series, and earning 23XI its first-ever victory. 23XI expanded to a two-car organization in 2022 with Cup Series Champion and Hall of Famer Kurt Busch driving the No. 45 Toyota Camry. With a win at Kansas Speedway in May of 2022, Busch earned 23XI the team’s first-ever playoff berth. Tyler Reddick joined the team in 2023 to drive the No. 45 car. In 2024, Reddick won the Regular Season Championship and raced to a spot in the Championship 4, a first for both the team and Reddick. In 2026, Reddick made history by winning the first three Cup Series races of the season, including the Daytona 500. 23XI currently features the lineup of Bubba Wallace in the No. 23 Toyota Camry XSE, Tyler Reddick in the No. 45 Toyota Camry XSE and Riley Herbst in the No. 35 Toyota Camry XSE. Corey Heim currently serves as the team’s development driver and races occasionally in the No. 67 Toyota Camry XSE. The team operates out of Airspeed, a state-of-the-art facility in Huntersville, N.C.

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