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Ryan Blaney Kansas 2 Media Availability

Ford Racing Notes and Quotes
NASCAR Cup Series
Hollywood Casino 400 Media Availability — Kansas Speedway
Friday, September 25, 2026

Ryan Blaney, driver of the No. 12 Menards/Cardell Ford Mustang Dark Horse, stopped by the Kansas Speedway infield media center this afternoon to talk about last weekend’s race at Bristol Motor Speedway. Blaney comes into the weekend sixth in the Chase standings, 52 points behind leader Kyle Larson.

RYAN BLANEY, No. 12 Menards/Cardell Ford Mustang Dark Horse – DOES IT SURPRISE YOU THAT A DRIVER WHO HAS HAD SO MANY RUN-INS WITH OTHER DRIVERS AND DOESN’T SEEM TO HAVE THE RESPECT OF OTHER DRIVERS RESONATES SO MUCH WITH THE FANS? “No. The fans are gonna take a liking to whoever they want and that’s their own opinion. People like who they like. People dislike who they dislike. I can’t tell you why a fan likes a certain person, it’s just that person’s personality that might draw them, or they like their stuff on track, so, no, it doesn’t surprise me. Everybody likes somebody for a reason.

HOW IS YOUR EYE? “It’s fine. I wish it would have healed a little bit quicker than this, but it did not.”

EVERYONE WOULD AGREE IT WAS UNCHARACTERISTIC OF YOU TO BE IN A CONFLICT OF ANY KIND. WAS THAT PURELY BECAUSE OF THE CHAMPIONSHIP STAKES? WAS IT THE TOTALITY OF HOW HE’S RACED EVERYONE? “It was definitely unlike me. I talked on Denny’s show of it’s kind of the opposite of how I normally am. I get fired up quickly, but I calm down really quickly. The other night it just kind of slowly built over the half hour or so, and I think as I look back at what caused me to be so upset to where I would do something like that, so I think it was just a combination of the last month. Darlington went pretty good for us, but we had trouble getting through tech, so that stunk to start that race. Gateway ending the way it did was frustrating after having a really good day and throwing away a lot of points, and then having to start in the back at Bristol from qualifying being rained out after having our issue at Gateway, doing a really good job getting up through there, had a fast car, had our issue on pit road and we fought back from it and then the night ending poorly again, and just realizing how many more points we lost. It just kind of built and things like that. I think there was just a combination of things. In my seat, this Chase hasn’t gone exactly how I thought it was gonna go, just a couple of rough finishes back-to-back and you kind of start realizing like, ‘Man, this is just not going the way I thought it was gonna go.’ And whether it was things that we did. The Gateway thing was kind of just an unfortunate situation. Bristol ending the way it did stunk, and you start realizing like, ‘Man, it’s gonna be really hard to make up those points now, ‘ and this is your season. This is what we’re racing for, so I think all of those just kind of built.”

ARE YOU CONTENT WITH HOW NASCAR IS DECIDING TO POLICE WHAT HAPPENED WITH YOU GUYS? “Oh, yeah. I think they made the correct choice not to do anything. It would be one thing, I would fully understand, of getting slapped with a penalty if I went over and initiated a punch or something like that, but in that situation I kind of initiated a confrontation and Carson defended himself, and I’m happy they didn’t do anything. They just kind of let it simmer, so I think it’s the right call in that situation.”

MOVING FORWARD WITH HOCEVAR ON THE TRACK, DO YOU GO BACK TO RACING HOW YOU WERE BEFORE? “I don’t know yet. These things happen. The thing on track happens really, really fast and you making decisions in a split-second of a moment and sometimes you can be skewed or not skewed of what you think happened or what actually happened, and then reflecting on it for a day, watching the incident and talking back with Timmy and stuff like that was like, yeah, pretty 50-50 I thought, just kind of a racing thing of Bristol of two guys being aggressive with the line they wanted to be in, and, yeah, as far as racing around track, like I said on Denny’s thing, he and I really haven’t had a problem in a year or a year-and-a-half or nothing like that. I feel like we’ve raced each other pretty good, so I don’t think there will be really anything different than racing hard in tough moments per usual, but that’s with anybody in certain moments of the race, so I don’t see a big change.”

WHAT SHOULD BE THE DRIVER CODE WHEN YOU’RE BATTLING FOR A WIN LATE IN THE RACE? “Everyone is different. Everyone has a different code – every single driver in the garage. I feel like in that situation I said before it was pretty 50/50 why the contact was there, but I wouldn’t have been, I think a lot of guys in that spot that if someone wasn’t happy with the block or something like that that was pulled of, just run into me in the middle of the corner and move me up two or three lanes and get the spot back and then we’ll go at it again. I think me kind of getting destroyed was something that kind of fueled me a little bit more, but, like I said, everyone is different. People brought up the Joey and Christopher Bell thing that was kind of similar somewhat and that’s how Joey approached it, so everyone is different of what they think is fair or foul or just how they race. It’s the decisions that were made.”

HOW SURPRISED YOU ARE ONLY 52 OUT AFTER THE LAST TWO WEEKS? “Honestly, I thought I would be further with two DNFs. That’s not good, so it’s not unattainable. It’s just gonna be harder to do, but nothing worth doing is ever gonna be easy, so we’re up for the challenge. We’ve still got seven more weeks of this stuff and my guys understand that we can still get there. There’s still a lot of races left. We just have to really put a lot of work in. That just made the job harder, but I feel like that sometimes motivates you even more. Hopefully, we can put our heads down and get some good finishes here.”

YOU HAVEN’T HAD ANY ENEMIES DURING YOUR CAREER. HAVE YOU DONE THAT CONSCIOUSLY SO WHEN THE TIME COMES TO RACE FOR A TITLE YOU’RE NOT RELYING ON WHETHER OR NOT THAT GUY OWES YOU ONE? “To me, my dad beat this into my head when I was a kid. This is how my dad was raised by his dad and that reflected on my dad raising me as a racer of, ‘Hey, here is how my dad raised me from what I think he thought was right and wrong and fair and foul.’ That’s just kind of what my dad instilled in me and that’s how I’ve always just raced, but, like I said, everyone is different. When I look back on that stuff of what Joey said and things like that, yeah, it can come to bite you for sure, but everyone thinks what they’re doing is best. Every single driver thinks their mindset and the way they go about things, ‘This is the best way that I can do it.’ Everyone, like I keep saying, is different. Everyone has different ideals and things like that and the way they go about things, but I’ve just never wanted to make a ton of enemies because, yes, it could hurt me. If you have a recurring enemy and they’re waiting for their moment to cost you something that really is important to you on the racetrack, that stinks. So, I think it’s a combination of how I was raised by my dad and my dad just getting on me if I did something he thought was foul racing late models or something like that I tried to change it and do what I thought was the best thing to do. But, it definitely can hurt you in situations if you make a lot of enemies.”

WAS THERE ANY REACTION FROM ROGER OR ANYONE IN THE FRONT OFFICE? “Roger was fine. He was one of the few people I was worried about disappointing. I don’t want to ever disappoint Roger. I don’t ever want to disappoint Walter, Bud, Jonathan Gibson, Mike Nelson, Travis Geisler. I never want to disappoint those guys on that side. I don’t want to disappoint my guys either, but Roger was very supportive. He was one of the first guys to call me on Sunday morning and it was nice to talk to him. He was at the sports car race, but he got a chuckle or two out of me on a rough morning, so that was really nice to hear his voice and his words of encouragement for me after a night like that.”

HOW DO YOU MEASURE RISK VERSUS REWARD AT THIS POINT AND HAS THAT SHIFTED BECAUSE OF THE OPPORTUNITY TO GAIN SO MANY POINTS QUICKLY WITH A WIN? “I think you go into each weekend with a different mindset depending on where you’re at. You talk about risk and reward. Last week was a great topic to bring up. It’s like, ‘Alright, I could just run third here tonight and have a decent points night and things like that,’ but in the moment you’re like, ‘I’ve got a good shot to win this race.’ We’ve seen what winning the race does, the points benefit. When I went back and rewatched the race, when I was leading I was leading the points, so it’s like, ‘Man, if we can win this race, we might be right in the game or single digits out of it.’ So, you’re always having to measure that stuff and sometimes it doesn’t work out for you if you don’t think you take a big risk, but it ends up being a big detriment. Like the other night, I didn’t think the move I made was a big risky move, it just ended with unfortunate circumstances for our car. So, yeah, I think going forward I would say I’m not gonna take more risk than I normally would. I try to be very calculated with how I take risks or bold moves of things like that, so I think it’s just a balance of having a really good day but also you need to get every point available and you’re always just kind of weighing those options no matter where you are in points.”

YOU ONLY HAVE SEVEN TOP FIVE FINISHES WHILE MANY OF THE OTHERS HAVE 12 OR MORE. DID THAT HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE OTHER NIGHT, AND WHERE DO YOU FEEL YOU NEED TO RUN OVER THIS LAST STRETCH TO CUT INTO THE DEFICIT? “No, the first part of your question I don’t think had anything to do with the other night at all, but where I think we need to finish – well, it starts with finishing. That’s the biggest thing. That has been what we have not done the last couple of weeks, but, I don’t know. These mile-and-a-halves, I’m curious and I’m excited to see where we’re at on the mile-and-a-halves right now compared to the Toyotas, who have been really good. I think we’ve done a lot of work and I think we’ve gotten better, but only time will tell when we get on the racetrack, hopefully tomorrow. I don’t want to start in the back again if qualifying gets rained out, but I’m really curious how these next three weeks are gonna go. It’s gonna be a big three weeks on did we make improvements at these mile-and-a-halves? Can we stay in touch with the Toyotas and a couple of the Chevys that have been fast. So, I don’t know. I don’t really have a number in mind, it’s just going and trying to get stage points, trying to finish top five, racking up high forties to low fifty point days. I think that will be really big. You never know, the Chase has been pretty entertaining so far. There have been a lot of ups and downs by a lot of drivers and we get into this mile-and-a-half stretch I think it’s gonna get even more exciting because places are wider, restarts are gonna be more crazy. You saw restarts at Gateway just be absolutely insane. Here, I think is gonna be just like that on steroids for sure, just because everyone knows what’s at stake. We’ll try to stay out of the trouble and hopefully we’re in front of it all. We’ll see.”

YOU MENTIONED THE WEATHER. HOW CHALLENGING HAS IT BEEN TO COME THROUGH THE FIELD? “I got done saying last week, ‘Oh, the metric is what it is.’ And now I’m starting to slowly hate it like you all for what’s been happening to us. I thought we did a great job last week dealing with starting in the back. I think we got to 20th after starting 29th before the comp yellow, and then did a good call to stay out. I thought our car was good enough to establish track position and then play around with it during that second yellow in the first stage to get some stage points and then flip and stay out and we were able to win the second one, so I thought we handled that really, really well. You never know how each week is gonna go. No matter where you qualify you have to adjust to it and then kind of audible as the race goes on and cautions fall, but it is tough. I mean, pit stall selection is also brutal when you don’t get to pick it or you pick towards the end, especially at these places or tracks to where two tires are really big. Getting wedged in between a couple guys that you’re gonna be racing around all day is always tough, but I feel like we’ve done a good job at what we’ve been given.”

ARE THESE MILE-AND-A-HALVES ALL THEIR OWN ANIMAL OR SHOULD WE LOOK AT THE GUYS WHO HAVE THE OVERALL RAW SPEED AS THE GUYS THAT ARE GONNA BE JUST AS FAST IN LAS VEGAS AND CHARLOTTE? “They’re all unique in their own way, but, at the same time, I think the guys who are gonna be fast this weekend is gonna carry over to Vegas and Charlotte, just the certain speed of a racetrack and things like that, so they get progressively rougher, each track, which is kind of fun. Vegas is rougher than here. Charlotte is rougher than Vegas, but I think your guys who are gonna run good here this weekend are probably gonna run up towards the front at Vegas and Charlotte. I could be wrong, I don’t know, but usually that’s kind of a trend. We talk about short, flat tracks and Penske cars are always really good no matter where they’re at. Everywhere is unique, but you always kind of have a good idea and a baseline setup of where to go, so it definitely wouldn’t surprise me. If they’re good here, they’ll probably be good the next two weeks.”

SOME TRACKS ARE D-SHAPED AND SOME HAVE DOGLEGS. DOES THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE? “Here is kind of the D-shape and Vegas is kind of the D-shape too and Charlotte is that little dogleg. It does make a little bit of a difference for your entry into turn one. The dogleg at Charlotte, there’s less banking. Your car isn’t loaded as much. The D-shape, it’s kind of loaded all the way down the frontstretch and how you enter turn one, so that’s really the only spot – that entry phase into turn one for a brief moment. But I would say at this track and Vegas, the apron is in play on the frontstretch, so on restarts kind of taking someone three-wide on the apron at Charlotte, you can’t really do that. We’ve seen guys go through the turf, but it’s not like you’re wanting to be down there. So, yeah, I think a little bit of the handling side in it, but then also just the raceability is a little bit more open at these kind of D-shaped front straightaways that have the big apron on the bottom.”

DO YOU HAVE GOOD TICKETS FOR STURGILL SIMPSON TOMORROW NIGHT? “I am going. Johnny Blue Skies is his name now. I’m gonna go with some buddies. I haven’t seen him play in a while, and I’ve never seen him as Johnny Blue Skies, his new stage persona, but I’m excited. I haven’t seen him since I was over in Ireland that last time I saw him was like eight years ago, so I’m excited to see him again and it should be a really good show. I’m a big fan of his no matter what name he goes under.”

HAVE YOU AND JONATHAN HASSLER TALKED AT ALL ABOUT WHAT YOU GUYS DO TO GO FROM SIXTH AND BACK INTO THE STRIKING RANGE? “I think just keep doing what we have been doing. We’ve been doing a great job. I feel like our on-track performance the first three weeks of the Chase has been solid. I feel like we’ve had top five speed in every single one, so you don’t want to change those things that you’re doing well. Is there a few things we can clean up? Always. There’s always some things that we can clean up, whether it’s me behind the wheel, pit road, strategy calls. Everything. You can always pick apart stuff, but I feel like we’ve been doing a great job, so it’s just continuing to do what this group does really well and what I feel like this group does insanely well is the position we’re in right now is just kind of keeping your head down and not letting previous weeks bother you and just continue to move forward and believing in each other week in and week out. It’s business as usual. It’s been a rough couple of weeks, but we’ll just try to get back on track here.”

JBS EQUIPMENT NHRA PRO MOD SERIES POWERED BY CULP LUMBER FOR PLAYOFF STOP AT ROCKINGHAM

ROCKINGHAM, N.C. (Sept. 25, 2026) – Racing in a Pro Mod hotbed this weekend at Rockingham Dragway, the JBS Equipment NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Elite Motorsports moves a step closer to crowning a champion as part of this weekend’s NHRA Nationals at The Rock.

It is the ninth of 11 races in the category and Culp Lumber powers this weekend’s event. It’s also the third of five races in Pro Mod’s Road to the Championship, putting a premium on performing well at a track that has a rich history of Pro Mod racing.

But it’s also the first time the NHRA Pro Mod Series has raced at the historic facility, adding even more intrigue and excitement to the weekend.

“We’re extremely proud to support the NHRA Pro Mod Series as NHRA makes history with its first national event at Rockingham Dragway,” said Amy Shelton, Executive at Culp Lumber. “As a third-generation, family-owned North Carolina company with a long-standing passion for motorsports, this is a special opportunity for us to support the sport we love while connecting with our employees, customers, partners, family, and friends. We’re excited to help welcome NHRA to Rockingham and be part of what promises to be a memorable weekend.”

Rockingham Dragway has a storied Pro Mod history and this weekend will only add to it as the NHRA Pro Mod Series nears the finish line during its memorable 2026 campaign.

The championship mix is loaded with contenders, but many will face the challenge of racing at The Rock for the first time.

Justin Bond is the current points leader with three races left, but Michael Stavrinos is just seven behind. Billy Banka is only 10 points back in third, while Derek Menholt, who was the points leader for several races this year, sits fourth at 15 points out of first.

Reigning world champ J.R. Gray made a big move in Indy, jumping to fifth with his first U.S. Nationals victory. Gray now trails Bond by only 40 points, while Stan Shelton is sixth and 89 points behind.

The rest of the loaded Pro Mod lineup in Rockingham includes the likes of champs Rickie Smith, Stevie Jackson and Mike Castellana, Lyle Barnett, former Pro Stock standout Shane Gray, Alex Laughlin and Jason Collins.

The JBS Equipment NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Elite Motorsports features two qualifying rounds at 12:30 and 3 p.m. ET on Friday and the final two rounds of qualifying at 11:15 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. on Saturday. The first round of eliminations is slated for 12:45 p.m. ET on Sunday.

A qualifying session from both Friday and Saturday, and a round of eliminations on Sunday will be broadcast for free on NHRA’s YouTube page. Fans can subscribe to the channel to be notified when the class goes live on NHRA’s YouTube page.

To purchase tickets to the 2026 NHRA Nationals at The Rock, fans can visit www.NHRA.com/tickets. Children 12 and under are free in general admission areas with the purchase of an adult ticket. For more information about the NHRA, visit www.nhra.com.


About Culp Lumber

Culp Lumber Company is a proud, family-owned business that has rooted itself in the heart of New London, North Carolina. Since the 1920s, when Henry Culp Sr. first established our original portable sawmill for local lake expansion, we have remained committed to growth and innovation in wood manufacturing, maintaining a deep connection to our community in the Southeast. Today, we are fortunate to employ over 100 dedicated individuals who share our passion for quality and sustainability. Our primary focus is on transforming southern yellow pine timber into essential building materials, and we take great pride in our ability to produce an impressive average of seven hundred thousand board feet each day. Additionally, we understand the importance of minimizing waste, ensuring that every part of our process contributes to creating products that benefit the public. At Culp Lumber Company, we are not just sawing wood; we are working together towards a sustainable future. For more information, please visit www.culplumber.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.

AFTER ANOTHER WIN TO OPEN COUNTDOWN, JOHN HALL LOOKS TO KEEP ROLLING AT THE ROCK

ROCKINGHAM, N.C. (Sept. 24, 2026) – For the second season in a row, Pro Stock Motorcycle rider John Hall kicked off the Countdown to the Championship playoffs with a win. Now, he’ll look to carry that momentum into this weekend’s inaugural NHRA Nationals at The Rock at Rockingham Dragway.

Hall, rider of the Outlaw Beer Buell for Matt Smith Racing, raced his way to the winner’s circle last weekend at the inaugural NHRA Great Lakes Nationals and currently sits just one point out of first. After winning the first race of the playoffs last season, Hall knows the importance of a strong start to the playoffs and is looking for more success this weekend in Rockingham.

“It’s a great feeling,” said Hall. “You come in strong and get some momentum going. I did it last year and that was a tough race there, and it was a tough race in Michigan.

“I was ready to quit racing after the weekend. I’ve been so down on myself and that’s what drag racing does to you. It’s like if you go from high to a low to a low to a high, within seconds, minutes, hours. You’re on the top of the world, then you’re beating yourself up. I just haven’t been riding like I wanted to. I talked with Richard Gadson, and I actually told him I’m done. I washed up, and I can’t do this anymore. He then reminded me of that in the winner’s circle in Michigan. So, I’m happy that I’m back and I hope I stay back.”

This weekend’s inaugural NHRA Nationals at The Rock marks the 16th of 20 races on the season and will be broadcast on FS1, with elimination coverage beginning at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday, Sept. 27. Hall, along with the other stars of the Pro Stock Motorcycle class, will be on track starting Friday for the first round of qualifying.

Hall’s win in Martin gives him the same energy and confidence from last year’s playoffs. He finished sixth in the overall points and is looking forward to this weekend’s race as the Countdown continues. Going against a field that includes points leader Gadson, teammates Matt and Angie Smith, and Gaige Herrera, Hall knows he’ll have to be at his best the rest of the way.

“You just go and do it the best you can,” said Hall. “I was in this exact same position last year. I came in, we won the first race in the Countdown, and we were number two on points.

“The Countdown is tough. You have to string it all together. Everyone saw Richard do it last year. He had a really good Countdown and you have to have a really good Countdown. We have four really good bikes with MSR and we’re hoping one of them gets in that position to win this championship.”

The Top Fuel ranks have been dominated throughout 2026 by Kalitta Motorsports teammates Shawn Langdon and Doug Kalitta, and that continued at the Countdown opener when Langdon again laid waste to the record book. He moved back into the points lead with a win, while others to watch include Tony Stewart and Antron Brown.

Funny Car newcomer Jordan Vandergriff started the Countdown with a win in Martin, while four-time world champ Matt Hagan remains the points leader. The two will be up against the likes of former champs Ron Capps, Jack Beckman, J.R. Todd and two-time reigning champion Austin Prock.

Matt Hartford moved into the Pro Stock points lead in Martin as part of a wild Countdown opener. He’ll look to stay on top going against Glenn, Anderson, Greg Stanfield and Erica Enders.

The NHRA Nationals at The Rock will also feature the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, as well as the popular JBS Equipment NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Elite Motorsports.

On Sunday, race fans can enjoy the special pre-race ceremonies that introduce each driver and includes the SealMaster Track Walk. They are invited to congratulate the event winners at the winner’s circle celebration on Sunday. Fans also get a pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction. They can see their favorite teams in action and servicing their cars, get autographs and more.

NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 1 and 3:30 p.m. ET on Friday and the final two rounds on Saturday at 12 and 2:30 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 11 a.m. ET on Sunday. Television coverage includes qualifying on FS1 at 11 a.m. ET on Sunday and eliminations at 3 p.m.

To purchase tickets to the 2026 NHRA Nationals at The Rock, fans can visit www.NHRA.com/tickets. Children 12 and under are free in general admission areas with the purchase of an adult ticket. For more information about the NHRA, visit www.nhra.com.


About Mission Foods

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

About NHRA

NHRA is the primary sanctioning body for the sport of drag racing in the United States. NHRA presents 20 national events featuring the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series and NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, as well as the 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.

LEGACY MOTOR CLUB: KANSAS II RACE PREVIEW

LEGACY MOTOR CLUB:
KANSAS II PRE-RACE ADVANCE
EVENT: Hollywood Casino 400
DATE: September 27, 2026
RACE: NASCAR Cup Series 30 of 36
TRACK: Kansas Speedway | 1.5-Mile Oval

JOHN HUNTER NEMECHEK
NO. 42 DOLLAR TREE TOYOTA CAMRY XSE
JHN AT KANSAS: John Hunter Nemechek has seven NASCAR Cup Series starts at Kansas, with his highest finish at the track of 10th in May 2025. In the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, Nemechek has made three starts, where he never finished outside the top-10, including two race wins in October 2018 and September 2023. In the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, he has earned three pole awards and four top-five finishes, including a race win in September 2022.

DOMINATING AT KANSAS: Nemechek has made three starts at Kansas Speedway in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, where he has an average finish of 3.3. He won in two of his three starts (October 2018 and September 2023) and has never finished worse than eighth in his career. In the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, he started on the pole for three of his six races and only finished outside the top-10 once. He took home the checkered flag in September 2022 with a 1.815 margin of victory over Carson Hocevar after starting on the pole and leading 88 of 134 laps.

A ROYAL FIRST PITCH: John Hunter Nemechek will take the mound at Kauffman Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 26 as he throws out the ceremonial first pitch before the Kansas City Royals host the Cleveland Guardians. The game is scheduled for 6:10 p.m. local time.

JOHN HUNTER NEMECHEK QUOTE:
“I’m ready to get back to an intermediate track this weekend, and Kansas has always been a fun one for me. Our mile-and-a-half program has been a strength of ours at LEGACY MOTOR CLUB, so hopefully we can continue that trend and bring home a solid finish this weekend.”

ERIK JONES
NO. 43 ADVENTHEALTH TOYOTA CAMRY XSE
JONES KANSAS STATS: Erik Jones is set to make his 20th NASCAR Cup Series start at Kansas Speedway during Sunday’s Hollywood Casino 400 in the Heartland of America. In his 19 prior Cup Series starts at the track, Jones scored four top-fives and six top-10s. His best finish of third came in both his May 2019 and September 2023 starts at the 1.5-mile oval. Outside of the Cup Series, Jones has three starts at Kansas – two in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Part Series and one in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. His best O’Reilly Auto Parts Series finishes came in October 2016 and 2017 where he started second and finished 15th in both races. Meanwhile, his best Truck Series result was an 11th-place finish from the pole position in May 2015.

BRINGING IN A NEW ERA: In 2023, a new era dawned on LEGACY MOTOR CLUB and Erik Jones as Jimmie Johnson acquired ownership stake in the team. The team began to see improvements, and Jones secured not only the team’s first top-10 and top-five result since that ownership change but also a season high finish of third at Kansas.

3 REASONS TO RACE: On Tuesday, Erik Jones held his annual “Three Reasons to Race” Fundraiser at the Crystal Gardens Event Center in Howell, Michigan. After a one-year hiatus, the event returned in full force to support the fundraising for the Erik Jones Foundation. This signature event brought together great food, exciting racing action, and the foundation’s powerful mission in one place. Founded in 2021, the Erik Jones Foundation supports three pillars of giving that are close to Jones’ heart – literacy, early cancer detection and prevention, and animal welfare.

ERIK JONES QUOTE:
“I think Kansas Speedway is a welcome return for us. We’ve really been wanting to get back to a mile-and-a-half track here to see where we stack up. It’s been a while, but we’ve been trying to make improvements to that package since we’ve had a race with it. This season, we’ve had a pretty good history of running well on intermediates. Hopefully, we can do that at Kansas this weekend and get some momentum rolling.”

CLUB NOTES:
SEVEN-TIME AT KANSAS: LEGACY MOTOR CLUB owner and seven-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion Jimmie Johnson has 31 career Cup Series starts at the Kansas Speedway. During his remarkable career, he won three times (September 2008, October 2011, and May 2015) at the 1.5-mile oval in the Heartland of America. In addition to his victories, Johnson has earned nine top-fives and 19 top 10s. Johnson has one additional start at Kansas in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series in September 2001 where he started 38th and drove his way up through the field to finish sixth.

KENSETH KANSAS STATS: LEGACY MOTOR CLUB competition advisor and 2003 NASCAR Cup Series Champion Matt Kenseth has an equally impressive career at Kansas Speedway. Kenseth’s first start at the 1.5-mile speedway came in September 2001. In total, he collected 27 NASCAR Cup Series races. He earned seven top-fives and 13 top-10s, including two back-to-back victories when he won in October 2012 and April 2013. Over his career, Kenseth led a total of 774 laps at Kansas. He has another nine starts at Kansas in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series that led to one win in October 2013, six top-fives, and eight top-10s in addition to 405 laps led.

BIG WHEELS AND #READWITHERIK: Prior to Sunday’s Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway, Erik Jones and John Hunter Nemechek will head to the AdventHealth Shawnee Mission in Merriam for an event with the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Kansas City on Friday, Sept. 25. The AdventHealth-hosted event will feature a #READwithErik session for the kids. Jones will read “Little Blue Truck and Racer Red” by Alice Schertle before releasing the kids to race against Nemechek on Big Wheel Bikes.

DAY WITH THE CLUB: Join LEGACY MOTOR CLUB on Thursday, Oct. 8 at the shop in Statesville, N.C. to help celebrate the 2027 season and prepare for the race weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Stay tuned for more details and a schedule for the day.

SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT:

CLUB APPEARANCES:
John Hunter Nemechek will visit the trackside merchandise trailer on Sunday, Sept. 27 at 9:30 a.m. local time for an autograph session, followed by Q&A session in the NASCAR Kids Zone at 11 a.m. local time.

Erik Jones will visit the AdventHealth display in the fan midway on Sunday, Sept. 27 at 10 a.m. local time for a quick Q&A session.

TUNE IN:
Fans can tune in to watch the Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway on Sunday, Sept. 27 at 3 p.m. EDT on USA Sports, HBO MAX, MRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Channel 90).

ABOUT LEGACY MOTOR CLUB: (LEGACY MC) 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. The No. 84 Toyota Camry XSE driven by Riley Herbst will debut full time in the 2027 season, while Johnson will make his final NASCAR Cup Series start at the 2027 DAYTONA 500 in the No. 48 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.

Pre-Owned Luxury Cars: Features Worth Considering

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Buying a pre-owned luxury vehicle can provide access to premium comfort, advanced technology, refined styling, and strong performance without the price of a brand-new model. For shoppers comparing pre-owned luxury cars Plano TX, it is important to look beyond the badge and asking price. Features, condition, maintenance history, and long-term ownership costs can all influence whether a particular vehicle is a suitable choice.

Premium Interior Materials and Comfort

Interior quality is one of the defining characteristics of many luxury vehicles. Depending on the model and trim, pre-owned cars may offer leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, power seat adjustments, memory settings, premium trim materials, ambient lighting, and dual- or multi-zone climate control.

When inspecting a pre-owned luxury car, examine the seats, dashboard, door panels, carpets, and other interior surfaces. Excessive wear may provide clues about how the vehicle was used and maintained.

Advanced Infotainment Technology

Luxury vehicles often introduce technology features that improve convenience and entertainment. Depending on the model year, these can include touchscreen infotainment systems, smartphone integration, navigation, premium audio systems, wireless connectivity, and digital instrument displays.

Because technology can become expensive to repair or replace, every major system should be tested before purchase. Check the display, audio system, Bluetooth or smartphone connection, climate controls, cameras, and other electronic functions rather than assuming everything works properly.

Driver-Assistance Features

Driver-assistance technology has become increasingly common in premium vehicles. Depending on the manufacturer and model, features may include adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assistance, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, parking sensors, and surround-view cameras.

These systems can add convenience, but they should be checked carefully on a pre-owned vehicle. Sensors, cameras, and electronic modules can require specialized diagnostics when problems occur. Confirm that warning lights are absent and that the equipment functions as intended.

Engine and Performance

Performance is another feature worth considering. Luxury vehicles may offer turbocharged engines, powerful V6 or V8 options, all-wheel drive, responsive transmissions, adaptive suspension, or performance-oriented driving modes.

However, higher performance can sometimes come with higher maintenance requirements. Before purchasing, review the vehicle’s service records and consider whether its performance equipment fits your driving habits. A well-documented maintenance history can provide useful information about how the vehicle was cared for.

Ride Quality and Suspension

A comfortable ride is an important part of the luxury-car experience. Some models use adaptive dampers, air suspension, electronically controlled suspension, or other systems designed to adjust ride characteristics.

During a test drive, pay attention to unusual noises, vibrations, uneven ride quality, or warning messages. Suspension components can be costly, particularly on vehicles equipped with more sophisticated systems. An independent inspection can help identify issues that may not be obvious during a short drive.

Safety and Visibility Features

Safety equipment should receive as much attention as comfort and technology. Look for features such as multiple airbags, stability control, parking cameras, parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and collision-warning systems.

Also check the condition of the tires, brakes, headlights, windshield, and exterior mirrors. Uneven tire wear, damaged wheels, or braking problems can indicate maintenance or alignment concerns.

Vehicle History and Service Records

A detailed history can be one of the most valuable resources when evaluating a pre-owned luxury vehicle. Review available records for reported accidents, title information, mileage, previous ownership, maintenance, and major repairs.

Service documentation is especially useful because it can show whether scheduled maintenance was completed and identify work already performed on major components. A vehicle-history report should support, rather than replace, a physical inspection.

Warranty and Certified Pre-Owned Coverage

Warranty coverage can vary significantly depending on the vehicle’s age, mileage, manufacturer, and seller. Some luxury vehicles may still have remaining factory coverage, while certified pre-owned programs can provide additional inspection and warranty benefits.

Before buying, carefully review what is covered, how long coverage lasts, and whether there are mileage limitations or exclusions. Manufacturer-certified programs can differ considerably, so comparing their specific terms is important.

Maintenance and Ownership Costs

The purchase price is only one part of owning a luxury vehicle. Buyers should also consider insurance, fuel, scheduled maintenance, tires, brakes, batteries, and potential repairs.

Sophisticated features can provide an excellent driving experience but may also require specialized parts or technicians. Creating a realistic ownership budget before purchasing can help prevent unexpected expenses later.

Take a Thorough Test Drive

A test drive provides an opportunity to evaluate features that specifications cannot fully explain. Test acceleration, braking, steering, transmission behavior, ride comfort, climate control, infotainment, cameras, and driver-assistance systems when conditions allow.

If possible, arrange an independent pre-purchase inspection by a qualified technician. Consumer Reports also recommends having a used vehicle thoroughly inspected by a mechanic before finalizing a purchase.

Conclusion

Pre-owned luxury cars can combine premium design, comfort, technology, and performance in an appealing package. However, the right vehicle should be evaluated as more than a luxury badge. Interior condition, technology, safety features, mechanical performance, service history, warranty coverage, and expected ownership costs all deserve attention. By comparing these factors carefully and arranging an appropriate inspection, buyers can make a more informed decision about which pre-owned luxury vehicle fits their needs.

Steel Coil Securement: Edge Protection, Racks, and Chain Counts

Anyone who has watched a steel coil start to walk on a flatbed knows how fast things go wrong. These loads are heavy, round, and unforgiving. One bad bounce or hard brake and the whole thing wants to roll. That is why the gear has to be right from the start. A lot of drivers and small fleets now grab their truck parts online because the local shops do not always keep the heavier coil-specific stuff in stock.

The federal rules for coils over 5,000 pounds are specific. Eye vertical, eye lengthwise, and eye crosswise, each needs a different setup. The one constant is a solid support that keeps the coil up off the trailer deck so it cannot roll. Timbers, chocks, or purpose-built racks all work as long as they stay locked in place the whole trip.

Edge Protection Is Not Optional

Chains and straps hate sharp edges. Run a Grade 70 chain straight across the outer rim of a coil, and you will cut the chain or dig into the steel, sometimes both. Metal corner protectors, rubber-faced cuffs, or the padded ones made just for coils stop that damage. They also keep the tiedown from abrading itself to death. Rubber mats under the racks help too. They add friction so the whole cradle is less likely to slide when you hit the brakes hard.

Racks and How Many Chains You Actually Need

Steel Coil Securement

Good coil racks do two jobs at once. They cradle the coil so it cannot roll, and they lift it clear of the deck. They have to be rated for the weight and set so the coil sits centered. Once the racks are in, you start counting chains. The aggregate working load limit has to equal at least half the weight of the coil. A 40,000-pound coil needs 20,000 pounds of capacity from the tiedowns. Most guys who haul steel every day throw on one extra chain past the minimum, and with truck parts online it’s easy to keep a spare chain and binder on hand. The extra margin is cheap insurance when the load is that dense.

Placement follows the eye direction. Crosswise coils get one chain through the eye holding forward and one holding rearward. No X – patterns. Other orientations change the angles, but the goal stays the same: stop tipping and rolling in every direction while keeping metal off bare steel edges. Binders get tightened evenly and checked after the first few miles because everything settles.

The Rule That Still Stands

The Federal Register notice renewing a coil-securement exemption in April 2025 restates the standing rule: a rolling-prevention support that holds the coil off the deck, plus at least one tiedown through the eye against forward motion and one against rearward motion, with X-patterns prohibited. The alternative it approves needs a 2,500-pound carrier bolted down with sixteen Grade 8 bolts, which shows how much hardware it takes to replace the ordinary racks and chains that drivers otherwise have to get right. 

That exemption is for one short-haul carrier with a special setup. Everyone else still runs the standard gear. Racks, edge protectors, the right number of Grade 70 chains, and solid binders, all of which you can source through truck parts online. That combination is what keeps the coil where it belongs from the mill to the customer.

What Actually Decides a Good Delivery

Chain condition, how well the protectors fit, and whether the racks are solid are the details that separate a clean drop from a damaged coil or a citation. Replacing worn chains or cracked protectors through truck parts online costs far less than a rejected load. When those pieces are right, the load sits quiet. When they are not, the road finds the weak spot fast.

How to Plan a Comfortable Car Tour in Victoria

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A car tour around Victoria can be a relaxing way to experience coastal scenery, parks, charming communities, and the wider Vancouver Island area. A comfortable trip depends on more than choosing interesting destinations. Route length, vehicle condition, weather, rest stops, luggage, and time between activities can all affect the experience. If you are considering a suitable vehicle for a road trip, dealerships in Victoria can provide an opportunity to compare vehicles based on space, comfort, and driving needs.

Choose a Route That Matches Your Schedule

Start by deciding how much time you want to spend behind the wheel. A short tour can focus on Victoria and nearby coastal roads, while a full-day journey can explore areas farther from the city.

The Pacific Marine Circle Route is one option for a longer adventure. Tourism Victoria describes the loop as approximately 289 kilometres and notes that it connects Victoria with Duncan, Lake Cowichan, Port Renfrew, and Sooke.

For a more relaxed experience, consider choosing fewer destinations and spending more time at each stop. A packed itinerary can turn a scenic drive into a stressful schedule.

Select a Comfortable Vehicle

The vehicle you choose can have a major impact on the journey. For longer drives, look for supportive seats, adequate legroom, useful storage, good visibility, and a smooth ride.

An SUV may be practical for families or groups carrying luggage and outdoor equipment. A smaller car can work well for couples or shorter tours where easy parking and maneuverability are priorities.

Consider the number of passengers and the amount of luggage before choosing a vehicle. Everyone should have enough personal space to remain comfortable throughout the drive.

Check the Vehicle Before Leaving

A pre-trip vehicle check can help reduce avoidable problems. Inspect the tires, lights, windshield, brakes, fluid levels, and battery. If the vehicle is due for scheduled maintenance, completing it before the tour can provide additional peace of mind.

It is also worth checking the air-conditioning or climate-control system, particularly if you expect to spend several hours in the vehicle. A clean cabin and properly adjusted seats can make a noticeable difference during longer drives.

Plan Breaks Into the Journey

Even a comfortable vehicle cannot replace regular breaks. Plan places where passengers can stretch, use restrooms, have refreshments, or simply enjoy the scenery.

Avoid treating every stop as a rushed photo opportunity. Building extra time into the schedule allows everyone to enjoy the journey without constantly checking the clock.

For longer routes, it is also useful to identify fuel stops and towns along the way. Some stretches of Vancouver Island have fewer services, so planning ahead can make the trip more comfortable.

Pack Practical Comfort Essentials

A small travel kit can make a car tour easier. Bring drinking water, snacks, sunglasses, phone chargers, light layers, tissues, and any personal items passengers may need.

Keep frequently used items accessible to passengers rather than placing everything in the trunk. Navigation, music, and charging devices should also be set up before driving so the driver does not need to make adjustments while the vehicle is moving.

Consider Scenic Routes and Rest Stops

Victoria and the surrounding area offer a variety of driving experiences. The Malahat provides elevated views around Saanich Inlet, while the West Coast Road toward Sooke offers coastal scenery and a slower, more winding drive.

You can also create shorter routes around the city if you prefer a leisurely outing. The key is to choose roads that match your available time and comfort level rather than trying to cover as much ground as possible.

Check Weather and Road Conditions

Weather can influence both driving comfort and travel time. Before leaving, check the forecast and current road conditions for your planned route. Fog, rain, construction, traffic, or other conditions may make a route slower than expected.

Having a backup plan is useful. If weather or road conditions make a longer route unsuitable, you can switch to a shorter local drive instead of forcing the original itinerary.

Keep the Driving Schedule Flexible

One of the simplest ways to make a car tour more comfortable is to avoid overplanning. Leave some time between major stops so unexpected traffic, longer visits, or scenic viewpoints do not disrupt the entire day.

For longer tours, starting earlier can also provide more daylight and more flexibility. If anyone in the vehicle becomes tired, take a break rather than trying to reach the next destination immediately.

Make Safety Part of the Experience

Comfort and safety should work together. Always use seat belts, follow posted speed limits, and stop only in appropriate areas. Scenic viewpoints can be tempting, but do not stop somewhere that creates a hazard for other road users.

The driver should also avoid distractions. Set navigation and other controls before departing, and let passengers handle phones, maps, snacks, or other tasks whenever possible.

Conclusion

Planning a comfortable car tour in Victoria is largely about finding the right balance between driving, sightseeing, and downtime. Choose a vehicle that suits your passengers and luggage, select a realistic route, prepare the car, plan regular breaks, and check weather and road conditions before departure. With a flexible schedule and thoughtful preparation, the journey can be just as enjoyable as the destinations along the way.

10 Things to Do When the Other Driver Disputes Responsibility

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You know the other driver caused the crash. The problem is, they’re telling everyone the opposite. It’s one of the most frustrating situations on the road, and it happens more than you’d think. On McAllen’s busy streets, a disputed accident can quickly turn into a stalemate of two conflicting stories. When that happens, what you do next can decide who the evidence ends up believing.

A denial of fault raises the stakes fast, especially in Texas, where your share of the blame directly reduces what you can recover. That’s why car accident attorneys in McAllen, TX, stress acting quickly and deliberately when the other side points the finger back at you. The good news is that facts tend to win these fights if you protect them. Here are ten things to do when the other driver disputes responsibility.

1. Stay Calm and Don’t Argue

When the other driver starts shifting blame, it’s tempting to argue it out on the spot. Resist that urge. A roadside shouting match settles nothing and can make you look bad later. Stay composed, stick to the facts, and let the evidence do the talking instead.

2. Call the Police

An official report becomes crucial the moment fault is contested. Call the police so an officer can document the scene and record both accounts. In Texas, this is the CR-3 report, and it’s often the first thing insurers weigh. Request a copy once it’s available and check it for errors.

3. Photograph Everything

When stories conflict, images clarify the situation. Take wide shots of the scene and close-ups of the damage on both cars, plus skid marks, road signs, and any traffic signals. The vehicles’ positions and the angle of the damage can quietly reveal who really did what.

4. Get Witness Information

An impartial witness can break a tie that your word never will. Politely ask anyone who saw the crash for their name and phone number before they leave. A neutral account from someone with no stake in the outcome carries real weight when two drivers tell opposite stories.

5. Look for Nearby Cameras

Video can end a dispute in seconds. Check whether a dashcam, a traffic camera, or a nearby business caught it. This kind of footage gets deleted or recorded over quickly, so it’s worth identifying and requesting right away, before the evidence disappears for good.

6. Write Down Your Account

Memory fades fast, especially under stress. As soon as you’re able, write down everything you remember: the sequence of events, the speeds, the lights, and the weather. A detailed account recorded while it’s fresh is far more convincing than one pieced together weeks later from memory.

7. Get Medical Attention

Seeing a doctor protects both your health and your claim. Prompt treatment creates a record tying your injuries to the crash, which matters even more when the other side is disputing what happened. A gap in care gives them one more thing to point to.

8. Never Admit Fault

Be careful with your words at the scene and afterward. Even a polite apology can be twisted into an admission. Don’t speculate about what you could have done differently, either to the other driver or to an insurer. Stick to the facts and let the evidence establish who was responsible.

9. Report to Your Insurer Carefully

Notify your own insurance company promptly, since most policies require it. Give the basic facts and stick to what you know for certain. Avoid guessing or volunteering opinions about fault. When responsibility is disputed, a careless word to your insurer can complicate your claim later.

10. Talk to a Lawyer Before You Settle

When fault is contested, this step protects everything else. Before giving a recorded statement or accepting any offer, get advice. A disputed-fault case often hinges on evidence and strategy most people aren’t equipped to handle alone, and the wrong move early can cost you the whole claim.

Conclusion

When the other driver denies responsibility, the truth doesn’t defend itself; you have to. The steps above come down to one idea: gather and protect the facts before they slip away, and be careful what you say while you do. Handle it well, and a disputed case can still end in your favor.

The Details That May Matter When Fault Is Disputed

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Not every car accident has a clear culprit. Sometimes both drivers walk away certain the other one caused it, and the insurance companies are left to sort out a story with two conflicting endings. These disputed-fault cases are some of the trickiest on the road. In a busy city like San Antonio, where crowded intersections and fast-moving highways can lead to split-second collisions, a wreck can easily come down to your word against theirs. When it does, the small details become everything.

This matters more in Texas than many people realize. The state reduces your compensation by your share of the blame, and if you’re mostly at fault, you recover nothing. That’s why car accident lawyers in San Antonio pay such close attention to the details others overlook. When fault is contested, the right evidence can shift the story and the money in your favor. Here are the details that may determine the outcome of a disputed case.

The Police Report

When officers respond to a crash, they document what they see and often note who they believe was at fault. In Texas, that report is the CR-3, and it usually carries real weight with insurers. It’s not the final word, and reports can contain errors, but it’s frequently the first thing everyone looks at. If the report favors you, it’s a strong starting point. If it doesn’t, correcting mistakes early can matter enormously to a contested case.

Physical Evidence at the Scene

The scene itself tells a story, if you capture it before it disappears. Skid marks show whether someone braked and how hard. Debris and broken glass mark the point of impact. The final resting positions of the vehicles, and the location of the damage on each car, can reveal who hit whom and from what angle. In a disputed case, this physical evidence often speaks louder than either driver’s memory.

Photos and Video Footage

Footage can settle an argument in seconds. A dashcam or a nearby business’s security camera may have recorded the whole thing, and so might a city traffic camera. Bystanders’ phone videos can help too. Because this kind of evidence gets deleted or overwritten quickly, tracking it down fast is critical. In a he-said, she-said dispute, a few seconds of clear video is often worth more than pages of conflicting statements, so it’s worth looking for right away.

Independent Witnesses

An impartial witness can break a tie that two drivers never will. Someone with no stake in the outcome, like a pedestrian or a nearby shop owner, carries credibility that the drivers themselves don’t. Their account of who ran the light or who drifted across the line can be decisive. The catch is that witnesses leave quickly, so getting names and numbers at the scene, or soon after, is well worth the effort.

Statements Made at the Scene

What people say in the first rattled minutes after a crash can matter later. An apology or a casual “I didn’t see you” can be used to assign blame later, and so can an admission about speeding. The same works in your favor, too. If the other driver admitted fault at the scene, document it right away. In a contested case, these offhand words sometimes carry more weight than anyone expects.

Traffic Laws and Right of Way

Fault often depends on who broke a rule. Who had the right of way at the intersection, who was speeding, whether a turn was legal, and whether a signal was even used. Matching the physical evidence against Texas traffic law helps show which driver’s actions actually caused the crash. When both sides claim they had the green light, the details that prove who was really following the rules can be the difference between winning and losing the argument.

The Bottom Line

When fault is disputed, a car accident case stops being about what happened and becomes about what you can prove. The police report, the scene, the footage, the witnesses, and the words spoken in the moment all feed into that picture. Any one of them can tip a contested case, which is why acting quickly to gather and preserve them matters. If you’re facing a fight over who was to blame, speaking with an experienced injury attorney early can help you build the strongest version of your side. 

What to Consider When Buying a Chevrolet Car?

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Buying a Chevrolet car involves more than choosing a model that looks appealing. Drivers should consider how they plan to use the vehicle, which features matter most, and how the vehicle fits their budget and lifestyle. Chevrolet offers a broad lineup that includes cars, SUVs, trucks, electric vehicles, and performance models. When comparing options at Elk City OK car dealerships, understanding these differences can make it easier to narrow down the choices.

Determine Your Driving Needs

Start by thinking about how and where you normally drive. A vehicle used primarily for commuting may require different features from one used for family trips, towing, or outdoor activities.

Consider how many passengers you usually carry, how much cargo space you need, and whether you frequently drive on highways, city streets, or rural roads. Chevrolet’s current lineup includes compact SUVs such as the Trax and Trailblazer, larger SUVs such as the Traverse, and pickup trucks including the Colorado and Silverado.

Identifying your priorities first can prevent you from paying for capabilities or features you rarely use.

Compare Vehicle Size and Interior Space

Size can have a major effect on everyday convenience. Smaller SUVs may be easier to park and maneuver, while larger models can provide additional passenger and cargo capacity.

For example, Chevrolet lists the Trax with seating for five and up to 54 cubic feet of cargo volume, while the larger Traverse can accommodate up to eight passengers and offers substantially more cargo capacity.

When comparing vehicles, sit in every seating position you expect to use regularly. Check legroom, headroom, visibility, storage compartments, and how easily passengers can enter and exit.

Consider Performance and Powertrain

Engine and powertrain choices should match your driving habits. Some buyers may prioritize fuel efficiency, while others may need stronger acceleration or towing capability.

If you are considering a Chevrolet truck, compare towing and payload ratings for the exact configuration rather than relying on the model’s maximum rating. The 2026 Colorado, for example, offers up to 7,700 pounds of available towing capacity, while the Silverado provides higher capability in appropriately equipped configurations.

For everyday driving, also consider transmission behavior, steering response, braking, ride quality, and overall comfort.

Look at Fuel and Electric Options

Chevrolet provides conventional gasoline vehicles as well as electric options. Current EV choices include models such as the Equinox EV, Blazer EV, and Silverado EV.

If you are considering an electric Chevrolet, evaluate estimated range, charging availability, charging time, and your normal driving distance. Chevrolet also provides information about home and public charging, battery usage, and EV support.

For gasoline vehicles, compare estimated fuel economy and consider how much you typically drive each month.

Check Technology and Connectivity

Technology can make a vehicle more convenient, particularly for drivers who spend considerable time on the road. Depending on the model and trim, Chevrolet vehicles can offer smartphone connectivity, navigation, wireless charging, connected services, digital displays, and advanced driver-assistance technology.

Chevrolet also offers features such as Super Cruise on compatible vehicles, along with the myChevrolet mobile app and other connected services.

Before purchasing, test the infotainment system yourself. Check whether the screen is easy to read, controls are intuitive, and your phone connects properly.

Review Safety Features

Safety equipment should be an important part of any vehicle comparison. Depending on the model, Chevrolet vehicles can include features designed to assist with collision awareness, lane positioning, parking, and surrounding visibility.

However, available equipment varies by model and trim. Review the exact vehicle’s standard and optional safety features rather than assuming every Chevrolet includes the same technology.

Think About Ownership Costs

The purchase price is only one part of vehicle ownership. Consider fuel or charging costs, insurance, scheduled maintenance, tires, registration, and potential repairs.

For an EV, charging equipment and electricity costs may also affect the overall ownership budget. For a truck, accessories and towing equipment can add to the initial investment.

Comparing these expenses before buying can give you a clearer idea of whether a particular model fits your budget over time.

Check Warranty and Service Support

Before completing a purchase, review the vehicle’s warranty coverage and understand what is included. Chevrolet provides resources for checking warranty information, recalls, maintenance, and service support.

For a used Chevrolet, ask about the vehicle’s history, previous maintenance, mileage, and any available certified pre-owned coverage. These details can help you better understand the vehicle’s condition and potential future expenses.

Take a Thorough Test Drive

A test drive can reveal details that specifications cannot. Pay attention to seating comfort, visibility, steering, braking, acceleration, suspension, cabin noise, and ease of using the controls.

Try the features you expect to use frequently. If you are buying an SUV, check passenger access and cargo flexibility. For a truck, examine the bed, tailgate, towing-related equipment, and seating position.

Conclusion

Choosing a Chevrolet car requires consideration of more than its appearance or purchase price. Driving needs, vehicle size, performance, powertrain, technology, safety features, ownership costs, warranty coverage, and service support can all influence the decision. By comparing models carefully and taking potential choices for a thorough test drive, buyers can identify a Chevrolet vehicle that fits their practical needs and everyday lifestyle.